Mesmerized[Part-2]

Reb's P.O.V.

"Oh my, Reb is that you?" Aunt Rachel shrieked. She rushed to me and hugged me tight as if I would have slipped away had she not held me tight. Upon releasing me from the hug, she looks me up and down moving me right and left as if not believing her eyes if it was really me. She was totally flabbergasted. Her expression showed astonishment with loads of appreciation for what she was witnessing now. After she was done scrutinizing me, she smiled big and wide and her eyes sparkled which meant she approved my new look and was truly happy with this change.

"Darling, you are a sight to behold. I am speechless, I don't have words to describe just how amazing you look right now. I knew you would have looked perfect back then if you would have carried yourself like a pretty lady that you are and not like a nerd but now you look just like an angel, my angel. This version of you is beyond my imagination. I thought I liked the old Reb very much but I am in love with this new Reb." She said joyfully kissing my forehead. She meant every word, I could see that in her eyes.

"Thanks, Auntie, much obliged for your heartwarming compliments but praise my mom for selecting my dress for tonight." I accepted the compliment graciously. My mom believes she still needs to help me in selecting my dress and dressing up while I am capable enough to do that on my own now but I guess I like her pampering me like I'm still a small child. You can't be sure of most things in this world, but you can always be sure of the love that lies within the heart of your mother and you realize this the moment you look into her eyes.

"Rosh, look at our beautiful girl, doesn't she look like an angel, a sweet and charming angel?" uncle Rosh nodded, he was surprised to even move from his spot. Aunt held his hand and brought him closer to her. Uncle Rosh too kissed my forehead and hugged me. "How is my favorite girl doing?" He asked me. "I am doing awesome and amazingly well, how about you uncle Rosh?" I was smiling from ear to ear. I was so happy to meet both of them. These three years didn't change a thing in them, they are still the same affectionate and lovely uncle and aunt I remember them as.

"I was feeling fine when I came here but now after seeing you, I feel so good and so proud. Our little girl has grown into such a beautiful young lady." Uncle Rosh said ruffling my hair in the same manner as he used to do every time we met. "Believe me when Mark told us we will be stunned after seeing her, we never thought the change will be this delightful." Uncle Rosh was facing my mom and dad this time.

"I know, we are very proud of her." Dad starts walking towards the dining table. "C'mon, let's start eating or the food will get cold." He signaled the maids to serve the food while everybody settled down. Dad sat at the head of the table with mom at his left and uncle Rosh at his right. Aunt Rachel sat next to mom and urged me to sit next to her. Mark, on the other side, sat deliberately in front of me.

Maids served the dinner and everybody start eating while talking to each other. Dad and uncle were discussing business while mom and aunt were busy discussing the events of aunt's foundation. I kept all my attention on my plate for I knew the devil in front of me was shamelessly staring right at me. I could feel his eyes on me all the time. Doesn't he have a girlfriend to handle? I wonder why he didn't bring her along with him. I was counting on her to keep him busy so he would stay away from me. But here goes my luck. Thank god, he is not trying to initiate a conversation with me in front of everyone.

"So, how's the food?" Mom waited expectantly for their answer. "The food is amazing especially this lasagna is so delicious. I can't have enough of it. I wonder if you've hired a new chef." Aunt Rachel commented. "Lasagna is my favorite dish. Trust me I've tried all sorts of lasagna but this one is different. I love it, I'll definitely have more." Mark was all praises about the dish. God, how could I forget that lasagna was his favorite dish. How stupid of me. "This is exquisite. My taste buds are exploding. I want the recipe so that I can try it in my free time. Call the chef, I want to treat him for this dish." "Well, the chef is here. It is none other than our little angel." Mom said and the three of them exchanged looks.

"Can't believe your ears? Well yes, you heard it right. Reb made it." Mom announced proudly and dad nodded his head with a big smile on his face. "How did you learn to be such an amazing cook? What else do we not know about you, Reb?" Aunt Rachel was surprised beyond words. "Aunt Debbie taught me. She is an amazing cook. She used to give me cooking lessons while I used to work part-time in her bakery shop." I answered in all honesty. "I must say we are in for a treat. We were so delighted to see after such long years but learning about your new qualities is just the icing on the cake." Uncle Rosh acclaimed. "That was very flattering uncle Rosh." I deflected his compliment cleverly even though I knew he was genuine with his words. But I am not much of a compliment person. Gone are the days when compliments affected me, I have realized that they don't stick with you anyways. "I still need the recipe, Reb." Uncle added. "Sure, Uncle Rosh." I replied politely.

"Who would have thought that the once foodie Reb would grow up to be such an excellent cook" It was a simple statement but coming from Mark it sounded like it had some hidden meaning to it. I need a quick comeback or he'll think I've accepted his compliment of being an excellent cook.