Chapter 16

Chapter 16 : Reassurances and Resolutions

As the discussion about their journey to Korea concluded, the Sharma and Kim families began to make their way to the dining room.

 Mrs. Kim emerged from the kitchen, announcing that lunch was ready, and they all gathered around the table. 

Mrs. Sharma eagerly explained the dishes, introducing the unfamiliar Indian cuisine to their guests.

 With gentle guidance, she demonstrated how to enjoy each dish, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange. As they savored the meal, Mr. Kim expressed his delight, praising Mrs. Sharma's cooking skills.

With a warm smile, Mrs. Kim encouraged them to eat more, offering additional dishes for them to try. 

The exchange of compliments flowed effortlessly between the two families, bridging any lingering gaps of unfamiliarity.

After the satisfying meal, as they prepared to leave, Riya hesitated, stopping them at the door. "One minute," she requested, her voice betraying her nervousness.

In the quiet of the room on the ground floor, Riya gathered her courage and spoke up.

 "If you don't mind, can you give me something in writing? Something that assures me that after I become an adult, I can come back to India if I want to?"

Her request surprised the Kims, but they exchanged understanding glances before nodding in agreement.

 "Of course, we'll provide you with a legal document about this. You don't need to worry," Mr. Kim assured her with a reassuring smile.

Relief washed over Riya as she expressed her gratitude with a sincere smile. 

"Thank you," she said softly before turning to leave, her heart lighter knowing that she had secured a promise for her future.

As she prepared to leave her steps stops by the voice .

"Riya," Mrs. Kim called out, her voice laced with concern as Riya turned around to face them.

"Do you not feel anything about your home or your family members?" Mrs. Kim's voice quivered slightly, betraying the emotion behind her words.

Riya's response was swift and firm. "You are in my house, and these are my family members," she stated, her tone resolute as she turned to leave.

Witnessing Riya's departure, Mr. Kim reached out and gently held Mrs. Kim's hand, offering silent reassurance.

 "Give her some time. This must be hard for her," he urged, his voice filled with understanding.

"I know her whole life has changed since we entered her life. We must work hard to earn her love," Mr. Kim continued, his determination unwavering.

Mrs. Kim nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the doorway through which Riya had just left. 

"Don't worry. When she goes home, we will do our best to win her heart," she affirmed, her voice tinged with determination.

"Surely, with the support of those two," Mr. Kim added, gesturing towards the Sharma family, "we will find a way for Riya to accept us."

Mrs. Kim nodded once more, a flicker of hope shining in her eyes as they contemplated the journey ahead, determined to bridge the gap between themselves and the daughter they had only just found.