Chapter 50: Talking with Family (Part 5)
Mom and I were in the kitchen, cooking dinner together for Dad and my sister. Three hours passed by as we laughed, shared stories, and prepared everything with care.
Just as we finished, we heard the front door open and familiar voices call out, "Honey! Mom! We're home!"
Mom gave me a quick look, and I hid in the hallway, out of sight. As Dad and my sister entered the living room, Mom crossed her arms and gave them a playful glare. "Go freshen up first, then come back for dinner."
My dad paused, looking around curiously. "Is Raghav home? I saw his car outside." He glanced over at my sister, whose expression turned tense the moment she heard my name.
Mom chuckled, watching their reactions. "Well," she began, "his engagement with that second-rate Tang family was called off recently. His childhood friends came to visit him, and he's been spending time with them. He even told me over the phone that he has a surprise for us tonight."
Dad nodded, his face breaking into a grin. "Really? That's good to hear. I was never fond of that engagement anyway. She was always a bit too arrogant for her own good. I can't wait to see what surprise Raghav has for us. What about you, dear?" he asked my sister. "Aren't you happy your brother is back?"
She only snorted in response and went to her room with a cold expression.
Mom sighed, watching her walk away. "Ever since that incident ten years ago, she's distanced herself from Raghav. He hasn't told me much about it either."
Dad shook his head. "It's been a decade. Neither of them has cleared up the misunderstanding, and they still won't talk about it with us."
I was upstairs listening to their conversation. Once they were settled, I changed into comfortable clothes, then headed down the stairs. As I descended, I was met by a pair of beautiful green eyes—my sister's. She looked at me silently as our gazes locked, her green eyes meeting my red ones.
"Hi, sis," I said, attempting a warm smile. "How've you been?"
She said nothing in response, and we walked downstairs together.
When we reached the living room, Mom and Dad were seated at the table, waiting. Dad stood up when he saw me, his face lighting up. "Come here, boy! How have you been?"
"I'm doing fine, old man," I replied with a grin. "What about you?"
Dad feigned a look of disappointment. "Old man? I thought you always said I looked young and handsome! Your mom still has to chase away women who try to get close to me!"
I laughed. "Oh, please, Dad. Those are old women, and Mom only pities you because they're nowhere near her level."
Mom and my sister burst into laughter, and even Dad couldn't help but crack a smile, though he put on a mock pout.
We all sat down together, enjoying the warmth of being a family again. As we started eating, Mom turned to me and said…