" But the guest list would be approved and organised by my girlfriend." Zydus slowly dropped the bomb.
"What?"
"What?"
"What?"
So many whats suddenly erupted in the hall. Other than grandpa, grandaunt and uncle leon, every people present there had displeasure on their faces. Specially Maya, she shocked that Zydus was giving her this much importance. Most importantly the word girlfriend was horrifying to hear for her.
The most shocked one was Lalith as she didn't want to get involved neither in conversation nor in the matter.
"I don't want to." Lalith suddenly shouted while getting up in an urgent tone that then came a glare from Zydus.
Zydus hands felt empty when startled Lalith stood up urgently and the force made theirs hands separated. Irritation written in his eyes.
"Say that again." Zydus warned in low voice but with dangerous glare. "Remember…. WHAT…I….TOLD …..YOU." He mouthed only to let her understand.
Squinting her eyes she saw what he said; 'what you told me? You told me to follow your lead but now you are making me prey of these people. Look clearly into their eyes, they look like they will kill me in seconds if leave alone.' She thought and shook her head at Zydus.
"Sit darling." Zydus gestured her with his eyes to let her sit again; "Pardon me for not introducing before grandpa."
Zydus continued after again holding Lalith's hand; " She is the one. MY GIRLFRIEND." He gave pressure on the word my girlfriend while giving everyone a glare. As if saying, touch her and you will be doomed.
"Ha ha ha, this is the first time you brought a girl , of course she should be the one." Grandpa tried to lighten the atmosphere; " Lalith girl, then the guest list should be your responsibility, that's final."
"But Grandpa, she…." Maya tried to argue but a glare from her mother made her stop.
Liya stopped Maya because she saw the strange anger in Zydus eyes when Maya looked at Lalith before started to argue.
The anger that will kill Maya and every other present if she said another word. Liya controled her fear and stood up with Maya;
"Father, we will take our leave now, as the matter almost settled . We wouldn't be eating dinner, Maya's father returned from business trip today and coming to have dinner with us."
Liya said in shaking voice and turned to leave with Maya without waiting for reply or looking at Zydus or Lalith.
Everyone looked at departing figures of both mather and daughter then turned to look at Grandpa Lambert. While Grandpa Lambert was looking at Zydus silently.
"I'm okay" Zydus looked up to see the worried eyes of Lalith staring straight at him questionably.
"You are strange. I got goosebumps just now." Lalith finally relaxed when Zydus's eyes showed sign of a rare gentleness towards her then said hushed in his ear.
Grandpa Lambert also showed a sigh of relief when Zydus calmed down under Lalith's care. And looked at Lalith as if looking at a Goddess.
"Father, we will also be taking our leave." Liam and Lucas also stood up to leave. " Our family should be waiting for dinner too."
"Fine, But come with your families next time. I'm living alone here, you both should visit me with your children to let me have a look." Grandpa Lambert gazed at them then gestured them to leave by waving his hand.
Turning to leave they gave a last gaze at the people nodding at them.
"Leon, come with me to the study." Grandpa Lambert stood up ; "Suya, take care of both of them specially of Lalith's." Grandpa Lambert then took his crane and ascended the stairs from the left of the hall with Leon following.
" You can call me Grand aunt, Lalith." Suya's voice interrupted Lalith, who was looking at back of both father and son. Not knowing that Zydus and Suya's eyes were looking at her.
"Hello, Grand aunt" Lalith sat up straight and smiled at Suya.
" Although this meeting with us was not very pleasant, but I'm sure you wouldn't be meeting with them many times to feel awkward." Suya said looking at Zydus lovingly. Yes an emotion she only showed now that no one was watching.
Lalith was stunned at her gorgeous smile that she was hiding till now. A little confused she looked sideways at Zydus only to find out that he was much more relaxed now.
"It's good that you found her Zydus. I'm happy for you." Suya continued;
" and Lalith remember, here you can't show your weakness to anyone. Your closest one could be your biggest enemy in seconds."
Lalith who was suddenly given a strange advice wanted to ask something;
"Lalith, father asked you to go meet him in study." Leon who was descending from stairs called her from upstairs.