Part - 11
Yaya got a big fruit basket from the market on their way home in spite on Nadech insisting that the small one was more than enough. It was 6.30pm and finally they had reached her place. Yaya quickly ran in prepared a cup of coffee and gave it Nadech, seeing that he had been running around all day. She then went in and freshened up. She wore a cute knee length casual dress and came out and showed it to him.
Yaya: (wondering) How about this.
Nadech: (smiling)Perfect. You look beautiful.
Yaya: Are you sure? Maybe …. I think I will another one just in case it’s better.
She quickly ran in, changed and came out.
Yaya: What about this one?
Nadech: This is also good.
Yaya: No. It feels to short. I’ll change.
This continued for a while. She tries on her 9th dress.
Yaya: How about this? It feels great. Cute, simple, not too short, not too long, casual and decent.
Nadech: (rolling his eyes at her) This is the first dress that you tried on.
Yaya: (wondering) Is it? Shall I change?
Nadech: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo . (He goes to her and holds her waist) Trust me, the dress is perfect. You look perfect. I know you’re nervous but you’re seriously making a big deal out of it.
Yaya: (mocking) You’re lucky that I don’t have any parents that you need to please or make an impression. Then you would know what I’m going through.
Nadech: (placing his right hand on her cheek) You don’t need to make an impression, just be yourself baby.
He always knew what to say.
Yaya: Awe you’re like my 'relief person'. You always know what to say and when to say it. Ok now let me go so I can get dressed.
Nadech: (smiling) Ok alright.
Yaya goes in and comes back for a sec, pecks his cheek and runs back in. She puts on cute jacket over the dress. She had straight hairs so she just made a small braid, collecting a little hair in the front and pins it back and leaves the rest of the hair open. She put a light eye makeup and lip balm and patted a little powder on her face and she was good to go.
They somehow managed to arrive on time to Nadech’s house. It was 8. Since the fruit basket was heavy Nadech carried it. Nadech rang the doorbell.
Nadech: (turned and whispered to Yaya) You look great. Just smile.
Yaya smiled at him but her heart was pounding inside of her. Mae Keaw herself opened the door.
Mae Keaw: (smiling wide) Welcome dear, welcome. Please come in.
They both stepped in. Yaya kneeled to the ground and bowed and got up “Swadee kha aunt”. The minute Yaya bowed down, Mae Keaw hinted to Nadech that she is absolutely perfect. Nadech felt happy.
Mae Keaw: (hugging her) It’s so great to finally meet you dear. You can call me “mum” or “Mae Keaw” like Nadech. (Kissing her forehead) Happy birthday Yaya. May god bless you and give you all the happiness in the world.
Yaya had never expected this. The warm embrace from his mother made her feel much at home. Her heart calmed down. She had never thought she would receive so much love.
Yaya: (smiling, grateful) Thank you so much mum. By the way I'm so sorry, I dint know what to get so I got this fruit basket.
She took it from Nadech's hand but since it was too heavy she struggled a bit, so Nadech took it back and placed it on a table.
Mae Keaw: Yaya it wasn’t necessary. (Turning to Nadech) Nadech dint you tell her.
Nadech: I did tell her but she never listened to me. (Turning to Yaya) See because of you my mum is scolding me? If you both didn't forget it’s my birthday too.
Both ladies just laughed out. Nadech joined them.
Yaya: (holding Mae Keaw's hand) It’s the least I could do mum. Thank you so much. At first I was too nervous about coming here, but now I feel much better.
Mae Keaw: Oh don’t worry about a thing sweetheart; this is your home too. (Turning to Nadech) Nadech dint I ask you to call me if she was nervous. You so irresponsible.
Nadech: (whining) I did …. But…… Yaya …..a a
They ladies looked at each other and then at him and started giggling.
Nadech: (whining) You both are too much. Do whatever you guys want. I’m going upstairs to freshen up.
They dint respond so he just rolled his eyes, turned his face and went top.
Mae Keaw: (whispering to Yaya) Sometimes he is such a drama queen.
Yaya: (laughing and whispering) Sometimes.
Nadech: (yelling from top) I can still hear you guys.
Nadech had never been happier. Everything was going as he had thought.
Mae Keaw: Yaya, Nadech’s dad has gone out for some work. He will be back any minute so why don’t you be seated, I will just finish my work in the kitchen and be back.
Yaya: If you don’t mind can I join you and help you mum.
Mae Keaw: But you here for the first time dear and it’s your birthday. It’s all being made for you and Nadech. How can I let you help me.
Yaya: You think of me as your daughter so I’m helping you mum, that’s it.
Mae Keaw: Alright dear, come with me to the kitchen.
Yaya followed her into the kitchen. They both start cooking and helping each other out. For some strange reason both of them seemed to have instantly formed a bond between them.
Mae Keaw: (emotional) Yaya I’m really happy that your part of our lives. Nadech has the been the happiest from the time he has met you.
Yaya: Honestly mum P’Nadech is the reason I even smile. I have been the happiest since I have met him.
Mae Keaw: (stirring soup) He has told me everything about you Yaya, I’m really sorry you had to go through all of that.
Yaya: (deeply thinking) Me too mum, but I guess even god felt bad that he took my parents and Mae Pla away from me, so in return he gave me P’Nadech , you, and dad.
Mae Keaw: (touched) Yaya I hope you come into our family soon.
Yaya shyly nodded.
Mae Keaw: (feeding a spoon of soup) Yaya try this soup. Tell me how it is?
Yaya: Aroy mak. It’s so tasty.
While this was happening, Nadech was secretly watching all of this from the kitchen entrance. The view of them talking and his mum feeding her soup, everything just looked perfect.
Mae Keaw: By what I have heard from Nadech you must cook really well.
Yaya: (smiling) He tells the same thing about you mum.
Mae Keaw: (warning) Don’t fall for his words Yaya. The boy just likes to eat all the time. He will appreciate anyone who gives him food, no matter how its tastes.
Yaya and Mae Keaw started laughing.
Nadech loudly cleared his throat . Both of them instantly straightened themselves.
Mae Keaw: (trying to act all innocent) Was the salt less in the soup Yaya.
Yaya: (trying to act all innocent) No mum it is perfect.
Nadech: Don’t try to fool me I heard everything. (boasting) As a matter of fact I am the best cook out of all of us.
Both ladies looked at each other and were silently giggling.
Mae Keaw: Yes baby you are.
Yaya: Yes baby you definitely are.
They both burst out laughing. Nadech simple went and hugged both of them together.
Mae Keaw: Nadech can you go ask the maid to set the table?
Yaya: Mum if you don’t mind, can I set the table today?
Mae Keaw: Sure Yaya.
Yaya just looks at Nadech, smiles at him and walks out of kitchen.
Nadech: So what do you think mum?
Mae Keaw: She is beautiful, kind, caring, respecting, decent, and such a good hearted person, just like you. What more could a mum want for her son?
Nadech: She is isn’t she? Mum are you happy?
Mae Keaw: Very happy. You two are perfect together.
Nadech: (happy) Thank you mum. (pausing) So did you tell dad? By the way where is he?
Mae Keaw: I don’t know Nadech. When you left, I took a nap and when I got up he was not there. I dint get a chance to talk to him.The maid said he got some phone call so he left. He might come home any minute.
Nadech: Ok, so mum do you need any help?
Mae Keaw: (smiling) Don’t act so smart. It's ok, you can go help her, I’ll survive.
Nadech: Thank you. (Pecked her cheek) I love you.