Chapter 17 - family

The stone grey-blue eyes looked so familiar to her. She had a feeling that she has seen him before but she's couldn't put her hands where.

His straight nose and full pink lips did justice to his face.

His jawline looked so sharp that Alora thought it could cut her.

His visibly brown hair was fluffy and soft-looking.

Unknowingly, Alora became self-conscious.

The man before her looked too good to be true. He was probably the most handsome guy Alora has laid her eyes on but one thing missing from his face was any sort of emotion.

Normally people would show an angry or irritated look if someone bumps into them but his face had zero emotion.

Not even a frown.

"I didn't mean to bump into you. I apologize, sir," Alora politely apologized and in her heart, she hoped to get a few words out of his mouth but none.

He nodded his head and left from there without showing any other sign.

"Are you ok, Alora? Did he scold you for bumping into him?" Sarah asked with a worried look.

"No, I am fine. He didn't scold me. He didn't even look irritated or angry. It felt like I was talking to a stone," Alora said absentmindedly.

"By the way, isn't it strange that he was walking in a park with a proper suit? It's too early," Sarah said shaking Alora's body.

"Maybe he had his reasons," Alora said playing with her fingers.

"Wait, Did you just develop a crush on him? He's sinfully handsome. Not being attracted to him feels like a sin but I am loyal to my crush," Sarah said dramatically.

"Maybe I have but he's probably in a relationship. It's not like I am going to meet him again or anything."

"Who knows what's written in your destiny? Maybe you will meet him again."

"Anyways, it's already late. I should get going. See you later," Alora said looking at her watch.

"Maya will be going to meet our parents today. She has decided to finally break the news to her parents," Maya looked worried somehow.

"I know. She told us this together. I forgot to say best of luck to her. Had I not had work to do, I would have gone with her."

"Wait, she's calling."

"Hello? What? You won't tell them today? Your wish."

"What happened?"

"She said that she is nervous and won't break the news to her parents today. Maybe later. And asked me to join her after half an hour."

"Oh, I would be going now."

"Ok, bye," saying this Sarah started running to the other side.

Alora went to the cafe and saw Mrs. Snow who was working alone on her food, just like Hasan.

An idea popped into her mind.

"Mrs. Snow, you always said that you want to take your cafe near a riverside, right?"

"Yes, I did but it's a lot of work. An old woman like me won't be able to do all of this work alone. The other employees also resigned yesterday before leaving. Now, I have to look for a new employee," Mrs. Snow signed.

"I have an idea. I want to take you to meet someone this evening. Let's finish all the work before it," Alora said getting down to work.

"Don't you have school today?"

"Nah, School is off for winter vacation."

They started working.

On the other side, Maya arrived at her parent's house.

"Maya, you said that you want to announce something on the phone. What's it?" Maya's mother said looking worried.

"Mo--m, I--" Maya started hesitating.

"Don't hesitate, dear, tell us what's it?" Sarah's mother said patting Maya's head.

"Promise me that you guys won't get mad," Maya looked like her anxiety was about to come out of her body.

"It depends on what you did. We can't promise anything," Maya's father said in a strict tone.

"I--I am pregnant," While saying this Maya looked at her fingers.

Maya held her own hands in a strong grip, trying to comfort herself but at this moment nothing could comfort her, other than her parent's words.

She knew that her parents loved her a lot but deep inside, she was scared of their reaction.

Silence filled up the whole room. Nobody seemed to utter a single word.

Maya squeezed her eyes shut.

"Who's the father? Is he still with you?" Maya's father said looking a little shocked.

"He isn't with me now and I don't want to talk about him. I know that I have disappointed you guys. You guys probably had a lot of dreams regarding me but it seems like I ruined everything for you both," tears left Maya's eyes.

A familiar warm hand patted her head. Another hand wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her in a hug.

"Don't cry. Seeing you cry makes us sad. We aren't disappointed in you. It's your life and now as an adult, you can take decisions on your own. If you are worried that we will wed you against your wish or make you have an abortion then you have failed to understand your parents, my love," Maya's father patted her head, lovingly.

"We are always with you, No matter what. I want to dance now. I am going to be a grandma. A little fragile hand will hold my hand and call out for me saying,' grandma, grandma'. I can't wait for your baby to come out," Maya's mother laughed.

"We will love this baby as much as we love you, if not more," Sarah's mother said hugging Maya.

Maya cried out after holding in for too long. But this time, they were tears of happiness. Tears of relief.

"By the way, Don't you guys think that I am too young to be a grandma? I am only thirty-eight," Maya's mother dramatically said.

"US moment there," Maya's father joined.

"Count us in. We are the same age as you guys," Sarah's parents joined.

Just then Sarah entered.

Sarah looked at her happy family with adoration in her eyes, only her other sister was missing. She didn't bother thinking about why everyone was hugging Maya with teary eyes.

She cleared her throat and everyone noticed her.

They hugged her as well.

"In all of these, the most important thing left my mind. Where's my other daughter? Where's my Alora?" Maya's mother said looking here and there.

"She's in the cafe. Let's surprise her by going there," Sarah started jumping like a rabbit, as usual.

"Of course, let's go," the whole family shouted together.