The Serenade Of Love

[solin]

Chapter 15 : Time to say goodbye

Paris hasn’t changed at all since the last time, and this cemetery is the same as the one of her child memories. Under the rain, in a long black dress, Sririta is standing near her grand-father just in front of the coffin in which laid the peaceful corpse of her mother dressed in her favorite dress which was offered by her husband a long time ago. Khun Nuttapong is surprised by the number of people who has come, her daughter were probably a great person to have so many friends coming, and some of them have even come from oversea. Seeing the pain and the tears on Sririta ’s face, he slowly puts his left hand round her shoulders to comfort her.
After the priest finished, everyone follow him leaving Sririta and khun Nuttapong behind. Then, she asks him to let her alone for some moments, he gives her the umbrella he was holding but she refuses : so he joins Alexander in the car parked at the enter of the cemetery. Standing finally alone with her mother, the rain hiding her tears, she kneels down on the grown « Mother…I know you didn’t want to leave me alone but the sky has planed to separate us. I want to apologizes you for my behavior when you were with me : I haven’t always been a loving daughter but I swear you have been the person I loved the most in this world. Now, I have to let you join father, but you don’t have to worry about me ‘cause I will be strong in order to realize what you have worked so hard…I love you and don’t forget to kiss father for me…I think it’s time to tell you my last goodbye : Maman, je t’aime et adieux »

The ceremony lasted all the afternoon, in the old house of the Jensen, the one they used to live before Mr. Jensen passed away, and a file of persons came to comfort Sririta : they really loved her and were sincerely sad for her. After thanking the last person, khun Nuttapong joins Sririta in her bedroom leaving Alexander alone in the immense living room. The room hasn’t changed : the blue walls reminding the sky, the green little bed with all the mountain of cuddly toys and dolls on it, the pictures of her and her parents taken during her young childhood, and even her old piano scores with which she has learned to play. He goes to sit near her on the bed while she cries her last tears holding an old picture of her parent ’s wedding. He takes her his arms and they stay like that for a moment until she fall asleep.

At the moment she enters in the dinning room, Alexander greets her and then goes outside for some business. She sits next to her grand-father where her break-fast has been already prepared, but she isn’t hungry this morning.

Khun Nuttapong : You should eat something my child.

Sririta : …I know but my stomach really can’t receive something for the moment.

Khun Nuttapong : You will be ill if you persist to continue like this…

Sririta :…don’t get worry : I will live for sure !

Khun Nuttapong : I know you won’t leave this world before you success in your plans…but you can’t forbid me to take care of you. I feel already so in fault…

Sririta :…I have never blamed you something.

Khun Nuttapong : I know it…but your mother will agree with me if not she didn’t ask Alexander to inform me if something happened to he. She doesn’t want you to stay alone in this world…and so do I.

Sririta : What do you want me to do exactly ?

Khun Nuttapong : Come with me to Thailand !

Sririta : You perfectly know I can’t leave Europe…I can’t abandon my goal.

Khun Nuttapong : I don’t ask you to do…I just want you to live with us in order to be able to take care of you as I have promised to you, your mother and also myself. I just can’t let you here alone and in the same time I have to return home.

Sririta :…I don’t want to be a burden to you…

Khun Nuttapong : …you aren’t and won’t never be one…because you are my grand-daughter. My role is to take care of you and to protect you like your parent used to do before they passed away. I know It won’t be easy for you to custom another environment but I will always be here for you…I promise.

Sririta : …and the international piano competition ?

Khun Nuttapong : It left 3 months and you can practice at home…I mean in Thailand. You have to trust me…I know how important this contest represents for you and Natharika, and I will do everything to help you to win it.

Sririta : I am afraid. I know nobody there…

Khun Nuttapong :…you know me and It is the most important thing.

Sririta : Do you really swear it to me ?

Khun Nuttapong : Yes.

Sririta : So…I will try to trust you.

-------------------------------------​

Some days has passed since this morning, both grand-daughter and grand-father are in the international airport of Saint-Petersburg. Sririta wanted to come-back in this city to come saying goodbye to her dear and old friend Joe, and her piano professor Elise. This one can’t yet go with her to her in Thailand but she will join her as soon as she finishes to put order in her business here : that means not before one or even two months. She promises to help Sririta to win the piano contest and is also very sad to have to left her ’cause during all this years, she has learned to love her like her own daughter. Joe is crying because It will be the first time he will be separated from her littler lady : for him and his wife, since she has entered in their life by being born, they have always considered her like their daughter. She also loves them all very much and doesn’t really want to go but there is no other choice yet. Alexander is also here, he is also touched by the scene and deep in him, he also doesn’t want her to leave because hiding in his heart, there is this secret love he has always try to kill without success : yes, he loves her since he saw her the first time, but because of her age (she was sixteen at this time), and also because of his statute of the family lawyer, he couldn’t declare his true feelings to her. Moreover, she has never shown any interest in him during all this years passed together. Just being able to see her was enough for him.

 

[imaginarygur]

it's so sad that sirita will leave her birth place but at least now her grandfather will take good care of her...

 

[tastesweetlove]

aww she's leaving with her grandfather....gasp alexander has feelings for rita...so sweet....

 

[solin]

Chapter 16 : A New Life has Begun


Today, the weather is very hot in Bangkok, and khun Pimada is still waiting for some news from her husband. Almost two weeks has passed since the last time she heard him on the phone, when he announced her the death of their elder child, but nothing since. She really need him by her side and would probably not survive if Ann and nanny weren’t here. Today is the funeral for her Natharika : It’s maybe just a simple symbol but It is very important for her because she also need to say goodbye to her baby. For the occasion, all her friends and relatives have come to comfort her in this difficult moment. Aff and her parents are here to help Ann for the preparations. The Terradeth and the Atichart are also invited. To not disturbed the funerals, Ken and Aff have decided to avoid each other for today because she doesn’t want his parents to argue with their son in this kind of moment. Aum has accompanied his parents, and since he met her, It is the first time he sees a calm Ann mostly due to the fact she has more important other things in mind. In fact, Ayani Atichart and Pimada Tongprasum are old friends since high-school, and Nathan Terradeth is a closed friend of Nuttapong Tongprasum since their studies in Oxford University (that is why he want Ken to marry Ann) and he came today to replace his friend.
Time passed and guests slowly go away one by one until It only left the Terradeth and the Atichart, and the maids have begun to mess up everything. Khun Pimada has almost not said a word during all the funerals, even with all the comforts of her relative around her, she has mostly sited staring at her daughter picture. Ann has just thanked the last guests, when she goes to sit near the elders, Ken and Aum stay a little behind without talking to each other : they are all waiting a little longer before taking Ann and her mother to their house.

Everything was so quiet and the sun began to slowly fall down in the sky, when the sound of a car approaching is suddenly heard. Few minutes later, the Tongprasum car appear ; Toe (the driver) gets out of it and goes to open the behind passenger door. Khun Pimada stands up, she couldn’t believe what she is seeing : her husband gets out of the car and comes toward her, and takes her in his warm arms saying « I am very sorry to have left you alone like that…forgive me please » When she realizes It isn’t a dream but the reality, she burst into tears. Then, Ann approaches her father, and he hugs her strongly thanking her for being her mother support during his absence. Everyone is touched by the scene, but Ken suddenly notices that another person is getting out from the car. She is so strange and sad that he can’t stop staring at her : a beautiful young and tall woman in a long black dress with big eyes, a perfect nose and pink lips on a white face which contrasting with her long curly dark hair ; She is looking at khun Nuttapong and his family with sadness. Then, khun Pimada noticed her presence, she looks at her with brilliant eyes and goes toward her, but at the moment she wants to hug her, Sririta stands back of a step creating the trouble in khun Pimada ’s mind. « It seems that khun Pimada knows who this person is » says Aum to Ken, and Ken agrees.

-----------------------------------------​

It is already night when they all arrive at the Tongprasum house, khun Nuttapong asks Nanny to drive Sririta to Natharika old room for a rest before the dinner, then they all go to living room. He invites everyone to dinner with his family because It’s already quite late and that is how some minutes later, everyone are sitting around the big table of the dinning room. They are all waiting to serve the dinner when Nanny comes to tell khun Nuttapong that young lady will not come because she wants to sleep.
Khun Nuttapong : First of all, I want to thank everyone for taking care of my wife and Ann while I was abroad, and for helping them for the funerals.

Khun Nathan : You know It is absolutely nothing : friends are here for that.

Khun Nuttapong : Nathan, since you are an adept of classical music, I want to asks you if you know a good piano professor and also a place to buy a great quality piano.

Khun Nathan : Of course.

Khun Perfect : Perfect because I really need to find all these the sooner possible, before next week will be amazing.

Khun Nathan : I can do it for you if you want.

Khun Nuttapong : Really ! It will be very nice from you.

Khun Nathan : You know you can rely on me if you need some help…but can I ask you why this urgency ?…but if It is personal…

Aum : Is it related too this person ?

Khun Anan : Aum…you shouldn’t ask this kind of question…sorry for my son.

Khun Nuttapong : It is nothing Dr. Anan, and yes It is related to her.

Ken : And if It isn’t impolite could we know who she is exactly.

Khun Nuttapong : …She is my grand-daughter, Natharika ’s daughter. We just found out her existence when I was abroad. I decided to bring her back with me in Thailand because what she needs the most at this moment is to be around her family.

Khun Nathan : …Is she a pianist or something like that ? I think I have already seen her somewhere.

Khun Nuttapong : Maybe…her name is Sririta.

Khun Nathan :….Don’t tell me she is Sririta Jensen !

Khun Pailin : Darling, do you know her ?

Khun Nathan : Of course…as Nuttapong said I am a big adept of classical music…how can’t I know her : she is one of the actual most promising young pianist…a real genius who has won the « child pianist » prize at the age of ten. I didn’t know her mother was Natharika…I think I didn’t even know she was half Thai.

Khun Nuttapong : How could you know since you have never seen Natharika after her studies in France…or her husband.

Khun Nathan : I will help you…I heard she wanted to participate to the International piano competition of this year…Is it the reason ?

Khun Nuttapong : Yes…she doesn’t only want to participate but also to win…for her mother. I just have convinced her to practice here until the contest…but in fact, I just want her to not stay alone and closing herself to others more.

Khun Nathan : I understand now.

Ann : But dad, why did she stand back when mother went to hug her.

Khun Pimada : I think It may just be too sudden for her.

Khun Nuttapong : Her entire world changed in one day…she just need time to be custom with all that. Darling don’t be upset…she has never called my « grand-father » until know you know and It toke me several days before she accept me.

Khun Pimada : I didn’t blame her…how could I blame her…

 

[imaginarygur]

looks like ken starts to have some feelings for sirita if i'm not mistaken.. hahah.. or intrigue by her beauty... hehe

at least now the whole family is together... but it costs the mother's life... so sad....

 

[tastesweetlove]

rita has arrived....and already she's big news..i wonder what's going to happen next

 

[solin]

Chapter 17 :

Starring through the window at the round moon, Sririta sits on the balcony of her bedroom like she used to do in Saint Petersburg. She feels so lonely in this strange place around unknown persons, and only the moon which is the same everywhere on the earth can comfort her a little. « Who are all these persons ? Why are they here ? And is this old woman really my grand-mother ? » all these questions make her have a headache, plus she is very tired because of the flight. She closes her eyes, feeling the small breeze on her face, and slowly falls asleep.

After the dinner, Ken and Aum are outside in the garden while their parents are talking in the living room ; Anne who was very tired from this long day went to her bedroom just after greeting everyone. The two friends feel very sad for what happened to the Tongprasum, even if they haven’t completely understood the whole story : all they know is that Natharika was the elder daughter but she went to live abroad after some problems with her family about her husband, and that she had a daughter who seems to be a famous young pianist since Ken’s father knows her name. Suddenly, Ken founds this story sounds quite similar to his own love story : two lovers who are not blessed by the parents, but Aum comforts him saying that It can’t happened to him and Aff because Natharika ’s story was very different with worst conditions, plus he shouldn’t think about bad things so soon after his fiancé ceremony, and Ken agrees.
Then, Ken excuses towards Aum but he needs to go to the bathroom and enters into the house. Waiting for Ken, Aum raises his head towards the sky to stare at the stars shinning brightly in the dark, but suddenly he sees on the balcony of a room, the famous young pianist, the girl from earlier, Natharika daughter, sitting on a rocking chair who seems to sleep. He can’t take his eyes from her and can’t stop thinking about how cold her behavior earlier toward her grand-mother was. Then, he feels a hand on his shoulder accompanied by a so familiar voice «What are you looking at ?» asks Ken, so Ken raises his head in direction of Aum ‘s look.
They are brutally interrupted by Noy who comes to call them because their parents have decided to come-back home.

--------------------------------------------------------​

Wake up by the sings of the birds outside, Sririta sees sleeping on the grown near the bed, the old Nanny who helped her to install last night. Trying to don’t wake up her, Sririta quietly does to the bathroom to take a cold shower. Then, she search something to wear adapted to the hot weather of Thailand : they were so in rush to come-back, that she had forgotten to buy some summer clothes since It’s winter in Europe. She chooses a light black dress and then goes downstairs. In the house, everything is still quiet, seem that everybody is still deep sleeping tired by yesterday. She goes to the garden : a very beautiful garden with so many colored flowers and green which reminds her the Summer Garden in summer. She thinks about her mother and try to imagine her mother ’s childhood in this environment which is so different from what she has knows until now. Suddenly, she is interrupted by a voice : « Young Lady…pardon to interrupt you like that…but do you want to eat something ? I could prepare your breakfast if you want. » She turns toward her interlocutor and sees the old Nanny. For answers she just nodes a « no » but adds that she wants to talk with her if It doesn’t annoy her.
They are now sitting around the white table near the small river behind the house in the garden. Sririta stares at the old Nanny before speaking :

Sririta : How long have you worked here ?

Nanny : Since I was still a young woman, lady.

Sririta : You don’t need to call me lady…just my name is enough.
Nanny : I can’t…your are khun Nuttapong grand-daughter…you are young lady in this house now…plus, I want to do it…please let me call you like that.

Sririta :…So, do what you will.

Nanny : Thank you young lady.

Sririta : No need…Since you have worked here for such a long time…so you must have known my mother.

Nanny : Of course ! I doesn’t just only her…I have raised her with my own hands.

Sririta :…You were also her Nanny….How was she ?

Nanny : She was the prettiest and nicest child I could have known.

Sririta : Could I know why did she leave for Europe ?

Nanny : I think lady should ask khun Nuttapong…

Sririta :…Is it because of my father ?

Nanny : Somehow.

Sririta : They didn’t approve my father…Is it that ?

Nanny : Yes.

Sririta : And now they feel guilty and that is why he wants to take care of me…

Nanny :…Lady shouldn’t think that her grand-father just brings her in Thailand in order to relieving himself toward your mother. After lady Natharika ‘s departure, he felt very sad and even wanted to find her and bring her back but he couldn’t find your parents anywhere. He had even go to Europe and hire a specialist but no news, because your mother got married and changed her name.

Sririta : I’m just here for some months…And can I also call you Nanny like my mother used to call you…please ?

Nanny (taking Sririta is her arms) : Of course young lady…It will be an honor to become your Nanny…you can come to see me for whatever !…But please…try to accept your grand-parents and more precisely your grand-mother : she was so affected by your mother’s departure and is even more hurt now by her death.

Sririta : I will try…but I can’t promise you…actually, I just miss mother so much.

Nanny : I can perfectly understand your feelings…my young lady.

 

[tastesweetlove]

yeah i'm sensing that ken has some feelings for rita...maybe it's being the same, kind of going through the same things....i hope ken doesn't break aff's heart though......i feel so bad for rita, in a different environment..at least she has Nanny to take care of her

 

[imaginarygur]

yea... at least now she have a nanny to be with her... hope she will accept her family soon...

 

[solin]

Chapter 18 :

In his office room, Ken wonders what Aff could do at this moment, even if they were both at the funerals, they didn’t even talk to each other because of the presence of his parents. He takes his cell-phone to call her but no answers ; She must has forgotten her phone again : such a dumb girl sometimes. Then, someone opens the door : It is khun Nathan. He comes to thank his son for respecting him yesterday by not going to talk with this girl. Ken gets mad and replies that It was her decision and no him : if It would only depend on him, he would probably don’t care about them, plus this girl has a name : Aff. Khun Nathan looks at his son’s face for a moment before leaving the room. Ken is now very angry ; he can’t stand anymore the behavior of his parent toward the girl he loves, plus now even more since she became officially her fiancée. But actually, he can’t do anything except to wait for their weeding to come and then, he could move away and live with Aff in the house he is building for them.

-----------------------------------------------​

Ann enters into the dinning room where the breakfast is already prepared, but nobody is here. She takes a chair and has just begun to eat when her father enters and comes to sit at his usual place. Few minutes later, they are joined by khun Pimada who takes the place next to her husband in front of Ann. Khun Nuttapong asks Noy if she has seen Sririta and she answers negatively saying that she is probably still sleeping in her room because since the morning, Miss Ann was the first person she has seen. Then, khun Nuttapong turns his head toward his daughter, and asks her if she has to work today because if she can free herself for a day It would be great ’cause he has a service to ask her. She answers that today she must go to work because It has already been a week since she hasn’t gone to her office but she can get out of work earlier in the afternoon if It is not in rush. Khun Nuttapong replies that if he hasn’t to go to the office, he would do it himself. At this moment, khun Pimada proposes herself but khun Nuttapong refuses because she is still too fragile to go out yet. At this moment, he has an idea and tells to Noy to go calling Nanny.
Noy hasn’t seen Nanny since yesterday, when she wakes up, the house was very quiet and the breakfast wasn’t prepared contrary to everyday. Seeing the time, she decided to make the breakfast herself, and that is why she didn’t have time to looking for Nanny. She searches around the house but no trace of Nanny, so she decides to go in the garden to looking for around the river by hazard. When she arrives near the river, she sees two people near the white table hanging each other, and then realizes that It is Nanny and the young lady from yesterday night. She approaches them and calls quietly Nanny who jumps of surprised. Then after knowing the order of khun Nuttapong, she stands up from her chair, and rushes to go after apologizing Sririta for letting her here alone for a while. When Nanny disappears, Noy comes to sit on the ground next to Sririta and asks her if she wants to take her breakfast here, if yes she can go to prepare it. Sririta thanks her nicely but refuses saying that she isn’t hungry yet. So, Noy replies that khun Nuttapong was just looking for her and that she should return into the house because the weather is really hot today and she is afraid that young lady isn’t adapted to this warmth and get ill.

-----------------------------------------------​

Time passed, and It is now almost noon : the lunch pause. He decides to go taking Aff to a restaurant, but once in his car, he suddenly changes his mind and drives in direction of the hospital Aum is working. He enters in the office of Dr. Atichart and sits on the chair before the desk, waiting for Aum to come. Few minutes later, Aum opens the door and seeing his friend, he asks him what does he do here, in his office, and Ken answers that he wants to take lunch with his old buddy. But Aum apologizes because he can’t go with him since he has to prepare an important consultation for this afternoon, and will mostly take lunch in his office. Ken looks at him, but in front of the firmness of his friend, he abandons and goes away after greeting him. Now, in his car, he has no other choice than eating alone and drives in direction of the Siam Paragon where there is an excellent restaurant he likes a lot.
When he arrives at the restaurant, the waiter who immediately recognizes him since he is a loyal customer, takes him to his habitual table near the window. Few minutes later, he comes with the menu and also a glass of fresh water like every time, and waits until Ken makes his order.
Today is really a sunny and hot day, but in the same time so beautiful. He looks through the window to a young newspaper seller and pities him for having to work by this weather instead of going to school. Poverty is still everywhere in the country and It makes him feel sad.
He was eating when a face he knows enters in the restaurant. He calls Ann, and after seeing him, she comes to take the sit in front of him. He asks her what she is doing here and she answers that she works in the neighborhood and has decided to take lunch here today because all her friends at the office recommended this place to her. Then she begins to look around when Ken interrupts her saying that if she is looking for Aff, she isn’t with him. Seeing her astonishment, he tells her all happened to him since the morning. After what, he asks her if she would to eat with him because he hates eating alone in public, and she agrees.

-----------------------------------------------​

The taxi stops in front of the gates of the Siam Paragon, letting Nanny and Sririta get out of the car before going away. This morning, khun Nuttapong asks Nanny to take Sririta to shopping because she needs new clothes adapted to the hot weather of Thailand, since she has only bring her winter clothes from Europe. At first, Nanny wanted to bring her to Patrunam where she ordinary buy her clothes, when by seeing Sririta ’s beautiful and refined dress, she realizes that young lady probably only wears luxury clothes from big marks, that is why she decided to come to Siam Paragon.
When they enter in the big mall, Nanny just realizes the hour and tell Sririta that is the time to take lunch. Once again, Sririta refuses to eat something, replying that she isn’t hungry yet, but if Nanny is hungry, they can go into a restaurant before. Nanny gets mad « It’s not for me…but you ! You haven’t eaten something since yesterday and if you continue like this, you will be ill. You have to eat something. Please do it for me »
In front of the insistence of Nanny, Sririta accepts to take lunch. Usually, Nanny is not used to this king of place, so she lets Sririta choose the restaurant. They enter in a small but very decorated one, and after reading the menu, Sririta orders a small papaya salad before letting Nanny order. In fact, this one really wants to order a more consisting meal for Sririta, but she understands that if she forces her, young lady won’t eat : It is already good that she accepted to eat something.

 

[tastesweetlove]

gasp spotted...ken and ann eating lunch alone...but it's only casual.....sad that sririta doesn't eat a lot...

thanks for the update ^^

 

[solin]

Chapter 19 :

The meals tasted really good and both Ken and Ann enjoyed their lunch together, but It’s time for Ann to return at her office. She wanted to call the waiter for checking her bill but Ken stops her saying he will do it for her for thanking her for helping Aff and him in their love. She smiles to him and just answers that is quite normal as a friend, then she leaves him.
Ken is one more time alone but contrary to earlier, he feels good and confident. During their meal, they talked a lot about Aff and he now understand that if he wants to be a good husband, he shouldn’t be so overprotected or to worry all the time : Aff is the best and nicest person in this world but she also loves her freedom. Even if she loves him, if he continues like that she may one day get tired of him.
Ken looks at his watch : It’s almost 1.30 pm but he don’t want to go back to his office today and decided to call her secretary to inform her that he will take his afternoon today since he has nothing important planed. He will profit to make a walk around in order to find a present for Aff since she has been so patient and kind toward his parent until now and most of all during the funeral.

------------------------------------------------​

After taking their lunch in this beautiful restaurant, Nanny and Sririta are now looking for some new clothes more comfortable for Thailand. Nanny brings Sririta in one of Ann favorite boutique in which were selling beautiful clothes from big brands. The owner who recognized Nanny, comes to greed her and ask some news about Ann that is how she learns her return from America. She was quite upset that Ann haven’t come here to meet her since but Nanny explains the reasons. The owner stares at Rita with kindness and tells her about her daughter death two years ago and how she have been able to over her lost ; Rita thanks the owner but she is actually fine.
Suddenly, the phone of Sririta rings and she picks up, then she passes it to Nanny : « Now…but I can’t…I am with young Lady at Siam Paragon…what ? Really !…OK. I will try but I can’t promise ». By seeing her eyes, Sririta understand that something important had happened. Nanny confirms her : Noy calls for informing her that her mother is really ill and is actually at the hospital. Sririta tells her to go joining her mother because she perfectly knows how hard is to not be able to stay by the side of people we love when they need it. At first, Nanny refuses to let Sririta alone and propose her to come with her, but she answers that she really need new clothes, so the owner promises Nanny to take care of young Lady the better possible and that she doesn’t need to get worry. Sririta adds that she is old enough to take a taxi for home. After some moments of hesitation, Nanny resigns herself and after giving some recommendations, she leaves the boutique.

------------------------------------------------​

It has been more than an hour since Ken left the restaurant, but he hasn’t find anything enough special to show Aff how much he loves her. Aff is not the kind of person who is impressed by money and buying jewelry or expansive things won’t make her be so happy : he has to find something unique ! He passes in front of a clothes boutique window in which there is a very beautiful blue dress which makes him try to imagine Aff in it and how pretty she could be : he loves to see her dressed like that. He was standing in front of this beautiful dress when someone puts a hand on his shoulder which makes him jump of surprise. He turns his head toward that person and recognizes the old owner of the boutique. He knows her well because she is one of her mother’s childhood friend and that he has often bring her mother to her boutique for buying clothes.

The owner : Ken ! How are you ? It’s been a while since I saw you the last time…and what are you doing here…staring at this dress ?

Ken : Khun Pat…Sawatdi Khrap…I…I was thinking about my fiancée…

The owner :….AH ! AH ! AH !…young men from nowadays !…but your mother didn’t tell me that you have a fiancée.

Ken : It’s because….

The owner :…I think I have understood. So…what do you think about this dress ?…I can make a price for you !

Ken : I don’t know…It’s sure a pretty dress but I don’t know if It will really make her be happy…she is not fond of this kind of gift.

The owner : Oh…I see.

Ken : I thing I will leave now….

At this moment, the door of the boutique opens and Sririta appears.

The owner : Have you all done ?

Sririta : Yes…thank you a lot for helping me !

The owner : It’s absolutely nothing my child….Can you wait me for a moment…I just need to tell the sellers to take care of the boutique and I will be able to bring you to take a taxi…

Sririta : …there is no need…I know you have promised it to Nanny but you have to work and I don’t want to take your time. Really…I can do it alone.

The owner : Are you sure ?

Sririta : Yes…you don’t have to get worry about.

Ken is really surprised to see the grand-daughter of khun Nuttapong here

Ken : Sorry to interrupt you like this…but I can bring you to home if you want.

Sririta looks at him strangely, she tries to remind who this stranger could be and if she even has seen him before.

Sririta : Who are you ?

The owner : Ken…do you know her ?….Oh yes ! I have forgotten that your father is one of khun Nuttapong best friend…

Ken : I don’t know if you remember me…but we have meet each other few days ago during the funerals of your mother and then at your house.

Sririta : Sorry…but I don’t…and really I can take a taxi alone.

She greets the owner of the boutique and Ken, then goes away.
At his turn, Ken says goodbye and promise to pass the hello to her mother from her. He rushes his steps, trying to rattrap Sririta but she has already disappeared. He decides to go outside : maybe she hasn’t yet get in a taxi.

 

[tastesweetlove]

first lunch with ann, then a meeting with rita..but i sense that ken is faithful to aff ^^ maybe ken just wants to help sririta out....thanks for the update

 

[solin]

Chapter 20 :

When Ken arrives, Sririta is still here waiting for a taxi to come and he joins her.

Ken : Why don’t you want me to take you home ? Don’t you trust me or something like that ?
Because if It’s so I can promise you that I am this kind of person !

Sririta : Will you follow a stranger ?

Ken : No…but It’s not…

Sririta : Well…you have my reason.

Ken : Yes…I agree you have a good reason but I am really a relatives of your grand-father…didn’t you hear the owner ?
Moreover I am a good friend of your aunt !

Sririta : And even so what do you want me to do ?

Ken :…ok ! I understand !…You know what ? I will call you grand-father yet and we will do like he decides…are you agree ?

Without letting her the time to react, he picks his cell-phone and call khun Nuttapong « Hello khun Nuttapong, It’s Ken Terradeth…It’s nothing, I just meet your grand-daughter alone at Siam Paragon and proposed her to bring her back home but I think she doesn’t really trust me…that is why I call you… » then he pass his phone to Sririta. After a moment, she hangs off the phone and returns it to Ken.

Ken : So what must we do ?

Sririta : You win…I have to go with you.

----------------------------------------------​

In the car, the last album of ken’s favorite singer is playing making Sririta a little uncomfortable because she is really not used to this kind of song : if fact it is the first time she heard Thai music. Ken notices her reaction :

Ken : I love this singer ! I suppose you have never heard about him before…is it true ? Yesterday during the dinner I have learnt you are a pianist…and apparently a famous one since even my father knows you and seems to admire you ! I learnt playing piano when I was young because my father is an adept of classical music and especially of this instrument, but stop it since a while…I am not really good at it ! How long do you play piano ?

Sririta : Why do you want to know ?

Ken :…Well…I am just a curious person !…and also because I don’t like the silence !

Sririta : I don’t know…

Ken : How can you don’t know ?

Sririta : As long as I remember…I have always played piano.

Ken : Weird…and how did you learn to play ?

Sririta : My father I suppose….and I also have a private professor.

Ken : You must be really good…makes me want to hear you playing one day !

Sririta : I am not the best…

Ken : …but a genius…

Sririta : Why must people say this kind of thing ?

Ken : Maybe because It is the truth.

Suddenly, the phone of Ken rings up « Hi !….Where are you now ?….I come » After what he tells to Sririta that they have to go taking someone before going to her home but that it won’t take long. She wants to refuse and to take a taxi but he doesn’t listen to her and changes his way.


About twenty minutes later, they arrive at a small road where Aum was standing near his broken car. When he sees his friend ‘s car he goes to open the passenger door and is surprised to see khun Nuttapong grand daughter. « I have forgotten to tell you that I have another passenger. Can you sit behind ? » says Ken but Sririta interrupts him « No need ! I will take it ! » Without letting the guys the time to add something she gets out of the car and goes to open the door of the sit behind the passenger place. Then, Aum closes her door and takes the place next to Ken.
During all the road, Sririta was staring through the window without saying a word, Aum was strangely quiet and the only one who speaks was Ken. He has also noticed that Aum was more occupied to spy Sririta who seems to be in another world.

When they arrive at the Tongprasum house, Noy comes to receive them and everyone follow her into the living room where khun Nuttapong and khun Pimada were waiting. Sririta greets her grand-parent and then leave for her room followed by Noy who is carrying the bags. Aum and Ken come to sit on the sofa.

--------------------------------------------------​

Khun Nuttapong : Thank a lot for bringing my grand-daughter at home…I think I will call your father later for that.

Ken : It is absolutely nothing. You don’t have to thank me.

Khun Nuttapong : …In fact, I also want to know if he has found the piano.

Ken : I understand.

Khun Pimada : Why don’t you both stay for the dinner since It is almost done.

Aum : We don’t want to bother you…and I don’t want to worry my mother.

Ken :…So do I.

Khun Nuttapong : We can call them to advise them of your absence.

Ken : No really…but I need to join my fiancé this evening.

Khun Pimada : I understand…and you…Aum…don’t tell me you also have to meet a girl or something like that !

Aum : No…but my car is broken and I came with Ken.

Khun Nuttapong : We can drive you home !

Aum :…so I have no other reasons to refuse.

 

[tastesweetlove]

ken is a curious person....aum is going to have dinner with them...heehee..

 

[solin]

Chapter 21

Sitting next to Sririta, Aum just notices that Ann isn’t here so he asks khun Nuttapong if she would come to dinner with them, that is how he learns she isn’t at home but went with her colleagues to celebrate their victory for a difficult case and will probably come back home quite late. On the table, several meals are posed and all look so delicious, then Noy serves the rice.
Aum is talking about his work at the hospital which seem to interest a lot khun Nuttapong and her wife, while Sririta doesn’t show any sign of curiosity in what Aum is saying. Noticing that, Aum feels a little uncomfortable as if he were a bothering stranger. He tries to spy her several time during the dinner and each time he crosses her eyes he can’t do anything else except to turn his look from. In some way, his tentative to avoid her look makes her smiles because he so looks like an innocent guy by acting like that. Khun Nuttapong notices it and asks her the reason which makes her smile like that but she only answers that there is absolutely nothing in particular. It is the first time khun Pimada sees her grand-daughter ‘s smile and so does Aum, he realizes that she is even prettier when she smiles.

After the dinner, Aum refuses the invitation of khun Nuttapong to stay a little longer because he doesn’t want to go home too late. While he is driving, he has in his mind the image of Sririta smiling because of his stupid behavior which makes him laugh alone to himself. And each time he remembers her face he couldn’t stop thinking how beautiful this girl is : in his whole life, he has never seen such beauty before this day.

Alone in her room, staring at the sky, Sririta couldn’t retain her laugh because of the image of Aum during the dinner. It was so funny to see his face when she caught him spying her : he looked like a child who was caught to steal.
From the less she heard during the dinner conversation, she knows Aum is a cardiologist and the son of one of her grand-mother best friends. It also appears that he is the friend of the man who drove her home : Ken or something like that.
In fact, even if she doesn’t realize it yet, she finds something interesting in Aum which makes her be very curious about this person. Standing near the window and staring outside, she wonders what kind of person Aum could be : is it someone like Alexander ? At this moment, she becomes sad because Alexander name reminds her Saint Petersburg and everything which go with : her mother, Joe and his wife, her house…and most of all the piano and the contest. She realizes she hasn’t touch a piano in two day which isn’t really good because if she wants to win she has to practice everyday. She already know her grand-father asked a friend to find a good piano for her but she wonders how long it will take.
Now that it is mentioned, she remembers Ken saying in the car that his father is a fan of classical music : it is possible that the friend in question is in fact no one else that the father of this man.
It comes to her mind that she doesn’t yet choose the piece of piano she will play for the competition. What could she play ? She thinks about it for a long moment when she remembers the song played in the car during the car accident : the Serenade of Schubert. It is her favorite song since she were a child, but it is also the first song offered by her father and each time she hears this song it is like hearing her father ‘s voice. Plus, if she chooses this one it will also like a memory for her mother.

 

[tastesweetlove]

lol it's so cute at dinner....aum is funny...YAY rita smiles....awwww she's going to a play the song that reminds her of her parents...

 

[solin]

Chapter 22

The morning comes and Ann is taking her break fast in the dinning room. Even if she returned home late yesterday night, she has to work this morning. She is joined by her father who come to sit next to her. He asks her about her party of yesterday and makes her details everything to him. She loves sharing moments like that with her father and that is also why they are really closed. When her mother enters in the room, Ann finishes her break fast and has to leave. She give a kiss to her mother to apologize for not being able to stay any longer before leaving.
At her office, someone is waiting for her. She wonders who could dare to search her so earlier but she ii so happy to see that it is just her best friend Aff. Noticing Ann ’s surprise, Aff decides to explain her presence here. She comes to invite her to watch something outside the town before returning to home. Ann accepts and they give an appointment at 5.00 PM at their restaurant, then Aff leaves for work.

Time pass and It is past 4.00 PM, Ann needs to go now if she doesn’t want to be late at her appointment. She rushes in a car and drive in the direction of their favorite restaurant. It is a kind of restaurant for normal student : not a luxury one but meals taste great. When she enters in the big room, she sees Aff sitting at their old table. She comes to join her and sits in front of her. After a small cup of coffee, they leave the restaurant an get in the car of Ann.
An hour later, they come in a beautiful park with a crystal lake : the place where Aff and Ken met each other for the first time. Ann is amazed by the landscape but is in the same time quite surprised because she doesn’t understand the reason for what Aff has bring her here. Seeing Ann ’s reaction, Aff decides to take her near the lake.

Aff : How do you find this place ?

Ann : It is really beautiful.

Aff : I know you must be surprised but I want to show you my future house.

Ann : What ?…What ? Are you saying right now ?

Aff : Yes you have heard well…MY FUTURE HOUSE ! Isn’t it amazing ?

Ann : Oh ! I am so happy for you and where is the jewel ?

Aff (showing a house in construction a little farer at their right) : Here. Ken has constructed it secretly and only told me the day he proposed me. We will get marry as soon as this house is finished.

Ann : From what we can see now…I think It is for pretty soon !

Aff : So do I.

---------------------------------------​

Then they drive back home. When they arrive at Aff ‘s house, she invites Ann to come in because her parent and her little sister will be so happy to see her. After a small hesitation, and due to the insistence of her friend, Ann accepts. In the living room, at their surprise, they see Ken sitting on the sofa and talking to khun Gun and khun Noon. Ken comes to take Aff ‘s hand but she seems to be embarrassed for this kind of gesture in front of the elders. Then they begin to talk. Ann tells what they have done and express her small jealousy toward Aff for having a such perfect man which makes everyone laugh. Khun Gun and khun Noon were surprised by the existence of this house : their daughter haven’t never said anything about it. Aff apologies to her parents but she wanted to keep it secret because she was a little to shy to talk about it. Suddenly someone enter in the room and Arissa comes to hug Ann. « P’ Ann  ! I miss you so much and was waiting for you since a while ! » Ann apologies for not having come earlier but she had too many things to do and to be forgiven she has to dinner with her today. Ken also decides to stay for the dinner.

During the dinner, Ann describes her life in America and Ken who had also studied there (but in California) shares his own experience to complete her tell.

Arissa : Wouah ! America must be very be a big country for having natural condition which are so different. While P’ Ken lived with a climate almost similar to us, P’ Ann live had the chance to see the snow during winter.

Ann : You know it was not really a chance ! Snow is sometime really dangerous.

Arissa : But I have never seen the snow…It must be so beautiful !

Ken : One day if you want I will bring you to see it.

Arissa : Oh ! Really ?

Ken : I promise you.

Aff : Ken don’t promise this kind of thing to her if you doesn’t want to be bothering by her in the future.

Ken : Don’t worry darling.

Arissa : I love you so much P’ Ken !

Khun Gun : You are to nice with her Ken. Arissa you have to be a kind girl if you don’t want P’ Ken to be deceived.

Arissa : I swear daddy.

Ken (to Ann) : Talking about snow I met your niece yesterday.

Aff : Niece ?

Ann : Are you talking about Sririta ?

Ken : I met her at Siam Paragon when I was talking to a friend of my mother. She was doing some shopping in her boutique…and I also drove her back home.

Ann : Really ?

Ken : I tried to talk with her in the car but she didn’t seem to like me a lot. Each time I asked her something she answered me like I was bothering her.

Ann : You could consider yourself as a lucky man since she talked to you. I haven’t talked to her until now.

Ken : No way ?

Ann : Well…I just didn’t have the occasion to do it yet. But from what I have heard from my father she has always been a quiet person who are not really talkative. It is maybe due to her education.

Ken : What do you mean by that ?

Ann : I just know a little…but It seems that since my brother-in-law died, my sister decided to make her become a famous pianist in memory of her lost husband. She slowly isolated her daughter from the rest of the world by removing her from school and making her study piano all day long.

Ken : And I suppose with her mother ’s death and the fact to come live in another country has made her been even more withdrawn.

Khun Noon : It sounds so sad…I really pity her. And where did she live before.

Ann : Saint Petersburg.

Ken : Russia ? It is so different from Thailand.

Arissa : How is it different P‘ Ken ?

Ken : I have never gone there but I have watched some documentaries about this city. It is an old and beautiful city but also really cold….with lot of snow.

Arissa : So we could go there to see the snow later on.

Ken : Yeah ! It isn’t a bad idea but I think we can also find snow without going so far. Aff : So she must feel like a stranger in Thailand.

 

[tastesweetlove]

ken asked for aff's hand...awww....sad that rita is in a different place and climate...