5 Chapter 4

 After the awkward interaction at the door, Alex came in with Daru inviting her to sit on the couch. Having cleared the suspicion, now, with the awkward situation behind them, Daru called her in. Past the awkward interaction at the door, both Alex and Daru settled on the couch. Daru took a single sofa, while Alex settled on the love seat.

 Daru relaxed his back and looked towards Alex; she still was blushing. With what happened at the door, she didn't know how to start the conversation. Daru realised it was up to him to break the ice with the gorgeous girl. Looking at the books in her hand, he asked, "So you are studying..."

 Though he doesn't remember much, he knows that she was portrayed as very smart and nerdy in the show. "Yes, I go to Harmony Institute of Science and Technology; this is the last year of my major."

 "Oh, and what do you study?" As if a switch had been flipped, she began discussing her major and her passion for the field.

 As she continued to talk about her major and her passion for her field, he knew some stuff about the whole Modern Family characters, but he doesn't really remember much, and he's not sure if the timelines or events match or are totally different. After all, this is no longer a show but real life for him.

 And seeing how her eyes sparkle as she talks about her passion, Daru leaned in, genuinely interested in learning more about her.

 Then abruptly, she stops, realising that she has been talking on and on.

 She bows her head down, looking at her hands as they nervously ball into fists.

 Her nervousness is not unfounded; often, people respond when listening to her passion by either calling her bragging or saying that it is boring them.

 Eventually, she came to terms with not being understood and held her tongue about her passions. But she didn't realise when she started speaking about it with Daru.

 Curling into herself ever so slowly, she says, "I am sorry; I must be boring you."

 "Hey, it's not like that. It's actually refreshing to see how you have your life all sorted out.

 "I can tell you this from experience; the thought of drifting in life seems romantic and all, but at some point, you come to a stark

 realisation that you have accomplished almost nothing. But you are smart; you know what you want and are working towards it."

 Looking up at him in his brown eyes, and his light smile, Alex blushes.

 Under his gaze, she feels a fluttering sensation in her chest. His genuine good looks, coupled with his compliments, send butterflies dancing within her.

 Listening to him talk about his past, she wanted to know more.

 Just as she was about to ask him, a distinct sound of click-clack announced Gloria descending the stairs. 

 Now, with her makeup impeccably done, she looked gorgeous, as she always did. He understood what girls desire.

 "Hey, Alex. How are you?"

 "Fine."

 Then, looking at the books in her hand, Gloria asked, "Ahh, your exams are near, aren't they?"

 "Yeah, it's the last year, so..." She waved her book as she said that.

 Gloria then turned towards Daru and said, "Let me introduce you to Daru; he is my younger brother."

 "Oh..." Just after registering that, Alex had a confused expression. "You never said you had a brother."

 Looking at Daru from the corner of her eye, Gloria said, "Well, it was a bit complicated."

 Daru avoided eye contact with both and looked around.

 Daru glanced around the house, avoiding eye contact with both Alex and Gloria.

 Looking at the awkward atmosphere, Gloria, the ever-social conductor, diverted the topic.

 "So, how are you so early? I thought no one would be coming until evening at least."

 Then turning towards Daru, Gloria continued, "Oh, Mom and Dad were arguing with Haley, and I couldn't concentrate on my studies. So, I thought I would come early and study here."

 "Is everything alright?"

 "Yeah, everything is fine. It's just that Haley slept with someone at work and got fired for it."

 The way she said that while looking at Daru felt like she was trying to put Haley down.

 'She really might be doing that,' thought Daru.

 Daru didn't know how right he was...

 Thinking about how Hailey has a habit of taking whatever she wants, and how her recent boyfriend was her ex, and he became her ex cause haley pursued him…

 Yeah it doesn't sit right with her…

 So, it was not so bad to cast her in a negative light as early as possible. After all, now that he is said to be Gloria's brother, he will be around more. Reducing Hailey's chances in any way possible is the best thing to do.

 Now, with the awkward silence, Gloria again stepped in.

 "Well, let me show Daru the guest room so he could freshen up for dinner..."

 "He is staying," Alex said in a voice more eager than she had intended.

 "Of course." Now giving Daru a pointed look, she said with a voice that dares him to refute.

 With a wry smile, Daru just raised his hands.

 Well he hardly had any options.

 "It's good that today we are having dinner with all the family members; I will be able to introduce you to everyone today," Daru nods at her.

 While Daru and Gloria go away, Alex is a little pale now, knowing that he will be meeting Hailey today itself.

 Gritting her teeth and balling her fists, Alex muttered to herself,

 'I will not let Hailey take him away...'

AN: 

 I have finished outlining the entire novel. I will upload maybe seven chapters today, and then you can expect one chapter every two days consistently.