Chapter 27

Selena

The next morning, I woke up with a call from my mom… asking me to rush over to our home asap. I tried to ask her what was the matter but she didn't tell me anything.

When I came out of the bathroom after my shower, Tia was already sitting on my bed all dressed up in an Indian traditional suit.

'What's the occasion? Is it Rakhi today? But isn't it next month?' I shoot questions at her.

'Aunty called and asked me to come along and dress up nicely… she sent the clothes for us. Here's yours, Tia said handing me over a pretty-looking bag. It has a store name written on it. So, Mommy picked up our clothes from her store.

My mom owns a store that deals with all kinds of Indian clothing, Sarees, Suits, Lehngas, Indian Men wear… you name it, you get it!

She started the store 3 years after Dad left and it was a huge success within a year, she never looked back since that day.

It is one of the most famous stores in New York.

It is called 'The Ethnic Palace' and believe me... the store does look like a palace from the inside.

Time skip...…

When I and Tia reached our home, I saw the servants running here and there doing preparations, my eyes searched for my mother but then I heard her panicking over something in the kitchen. I rushed over and found poor Meghan, (our cook) looking a little scared when my mom found out that she has burnt the Halwa (An Indian dessert).

God Mumma… you scared her! I tell her… 'It is okay... I'll do it.' I tell Meghan and give her an assuring hug. She smiles and mumbled a Thank you. I smile back.

I hug Mumma, take over the spatula from her, and start making the Halwa again.

Mumma steps aside and looks at me admiringly.

'So, who is the guest of honor today?' I ask her.

'You'll find out soon.' She says and goes to Tia who was busy trying all the dishes being made in the kitchen.

The doorbell rang and I saw Mumma rushing out of Kitchen. I believe he/she must be someone really important... seeing the happiness and excitement on my mother's face.

Five minutes later, the kitchen staff is rambling in and out of the kitchen leaving me alone in the kitchen. By the time, I finished making Halwa, I saw my phone screen lighting up. I grabbed my phone and answered the call.

"We are in the same home, Tia.'

''I don't prefer walking in six inches heels in this big mansion you call home.' Tia spoke.

'First, you can walk barefoot, second... Mom loves this mansion that I bought her.'

'All right but you need to come here and see for yourself, who is our guest of honor for today.' Tia said.

'Who is it?' I ask her.

'It's better if you come out now. I'm hanging up.' She said and hung up.

Curiosity takes over me and I head toward the living room. I saw my mom all smiling and happily chatting with our guests. There are four people, three men, and a woman... looks like a family of four. So, I'm assuming the elderly couple to be the parents of the other two men who have their backs facing me. The parents look at me and their eyes light up with happiness.

'Do I know them? Are they, my fans?' I wonder.

'Hello, I say with a subtle smile that I use when I meet new people who know me, but I don't know them.

'Selena you're finally here... I was about to call you. Come sit here you both.' My mom says to me and Tia.

We both nod and goes to sit next to Mumma. She introduces us to the couple formally and we both say hello again. Mr. and Mrs. Park, she says and turns to her other side and gives me the shocking surprise!!!