Finally, the day of their meeting arrived. Arthit spent extra time getting ready, choosing a crisp blue shirt and a navy blazer that struck the right balance between formal and approachable. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. Arthit had everything planned to smallest details. Nothing could go wrong. 

He had already visited the restaurant yesterday and dined there, he even shortlisted their best dishes. 

Soft lighting, elegant décor gave it warm, romantic ambience and the tantalizing aroma of Italian cuisine filling the air made it every food enthusiast's dream place.  Food was every bit delicious like the reviews raved and the staff were cordial too. Overall, he was proud of his choice. And he was sure they would be having a blast together.

................

Kong looked at himself in the mirror- white shirt ironed to crisp, a neat fitted black pant with black belt and black leather strapped watch- he felt like going for an interview.

 It didn't feel like he was just going to meet a person- a member of a family that has long been friends with them. Then again, it was actually an interview- they both will be interviewer and interviewee- judging, analyzing and ranking the other man for the post of husband...wasn't it?

 “ First impressions are important, you can't talk however you want, a certain sense of reservation is to be maintained.” His elder brother has instructed. “ And if he tries anything funny- give him a right hook. I will be around, I will reach there within 5 minutes “ 

“ Bhai, you don't need to be —” 

“ My brother is going to meet a suitor for the first time. What kind of big brother will I be if I don't pull out my big guns ?” 

“ Bhaii….” Kong whined. 

“ Okay…I will be 10 minutes afar…”

“ Bhai! I am not a kid. “ 

“ 30 minutes. “ 

“ Bhai, it's Arthit Rojanapat. We have known Rojanapats since childhood. “ Kong reasoned. 

“ Doesn't mean I trust my kiddo in his hands. “ His brother retorted. “ How about I pick you up after your meeting ? “ 

“  I am twenty six bhai ! “ 

“ I still have ten years on you. Fine, I will not pick you ,but You will stay at my place for the weekend. “ 

“ I already planned to bhai. “ 

…

To maintain that sense of informalcy and to not get stuck in traffic, Kong chose his bike over their family car as his commute. Compared to cars, he felt one needs to be more present mentally while riding a bike- it will give him less time to ruminate over the upcoming meeting. Also, the winds on his body will calm him down, ground him.

.................................

The day had started out cloudy, but out of nowhere, the skies opened up, drenching him completely. When he arrived at the restaurant, his clothes were clinging to him, and his hair was plastered to his forehead, his shoes squelched making an obnoxious noise due to wet socks.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow at Kongpob's bedraggled state, offering him a place to change . He instantly offered Kong assistance arranging a new pair of clothes and shoes for him, showing him a website of a boutique that will Instantly deliver clothes within fifteen minutes. 

Kongpob skimmed a gaze over astronomical prices and  declined, saying he always kept an extra outfit handy. Turns out, the change of outfit he had on him right now was not his office clothes that he expected, but a plaid shirt and black jeans, which felt wildly out of place in the sophisticated setting of the restaurant. It was better than sitting - drenched ass and waiting for the hotel staff to arrange a new outfit for him. So, he changed into his dry clothes and visited the receptionist again.

Now that Kong was no more shivering, he noticed that the entrance was framed by tall, pristine columns, and through the large, gleaming windows, he could see the soft glow of chandeliers casting a warm, inviting light over the impeccably set tables. The place had a nice vibe.

Kong walked in, his sneakers squeaking slightly against the polished marble floor. He adjusted his plaid shirt, feeling distinctly out of place amidst the diners in their tailored suits and elegant dresses. He approached the reception desk, where the man in a crisp black suit eyed him curiously. Kong frowned to himself, why was he insecure and guilty all of a sudden? It's not like he was roaming naked. He was more responsible than most and carried his own extra set rather than waiting for someone else to arrange dry clothes for him. It is Just that he is wearing more casual and comfortable clothes than everyone else. He raised his head proudly and greeted the receptionist.

"You are all set sir! How may I help you?" the receptionist asked, his gaze scanned Kong from tip of his hairs to toe. His tone remained polite but with a hint of amusement and skepticism.

Kongpob offered a small smile. "I have a reservation under the name Arthit Rojanapat and Kongpob Suthiluck. 6;30 PM"

"Indeed "The man's eyebrows lifted slightly, and his smile became tight. "May I see your ID, sir?"

Kongpob noticed that other patrons who mentioned their reservations were being led directly to their tables.

He handed over his ID, feeling the weight of the receptionist's judgment. After a brief, scrutinizing glance, the man informed him that he would need to deposit his ID and could collect it after dinner.

"For what reason do I need to deposit my ID? Other patrons were not asked for the same."

"They are our regular patrons sir. It is our restaurant policy, security reasons. Just doing my job sir. "

Kongpob nodded, understanding what was happening.

He saw another first timer couple being led only after getting their IDs checked, not deposited for so called security purpose.

"Quiet customer friendly policy you have" Kong remarked " Will I be shown my seat now or you want my ATM card for deposit too?"

"You are misunderstanding sir. " The receptionist tried. " I am only following the policy of the restaurant."

Kong smiled as fake as the receptionist "Sure. My apologies. "

The receptionist summoned a waitress and instructed her to show Kong to his table. As she led him through the restaurant, Kongpob couldn't help but notice the opulent decor: rich mahogany woodwork, plush velvet seating, and tables adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. The aroma of fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic filled the air, tantalizing his senses. But nothing at the moment was seeming to be welcoming. 

..................................

Arthit's day wasn't going well..... He is almost an hour late. He was already ten minutes late due to an emergency meeting at the company. And when he was just five minutes away from his destination, a major accident had happened at the road and all the traffic was blocked. After the culprit was arrested and the victim sent under medical care, traffic police were trying their best to diverge the traffic and clear the roads. 

Arthit sat in his car, fingers drumming anxiously punching the leather seat as he watched the minutes tick by on the dashboard clock. He had called Kong three times saying that he would be reaching in five minutes. And twenty minutes have passed since his last promise. He was literally five minutes away from the restaurant. He could even reach the venue within ten minutes by walking. The idea struck his brain. 

"I have reserved a table for you too" Arthit instructed his driver " Don't forget dinner." Instructing Jeet, one of his family drivers, Arthit climbed down the car and maneuvered his way through the web of cars to the sidewalk.

Sprint- walking, he reached the gates of the restaurant in under seven minutes. Taking out his handkerchief, he wiped the sweat down his face, ran a finger through his hair and checked himself in the camera of his phone. He was looking presentable, although a bit short- breathed.

........................................

Seated at a corner table, Kongpob felt the eyes of the waitstaff and other patrons on him.  Kongpob curled his toes under his shoes, he was feeling like a crow in the mob of swans. He just wanted to get it over with this dinner . The waitress asked if he would like something to drink and he ordered a glass of water although he wanted something warm like a glass of hot chocolate to warm up his frozen bones.

Arthit had called, informing him he was stuck in traffic due to an accident that took place a few meters ahead. Kong cursed internally but told Arthit that it was okay and he had reached here.

 The minutes dragged on, the hands of the clock moved at snail's pace and the waitress returned every fifteen minutes to check if he needed anything else. And Kong ordered one more glass of water and drank it too. The third time the waiter came, He ordered the first wine he saw on the menu and also instructed him that he will himself call the waiter should he need anything. The wine glass sat at the table untouched and the wait staff kept observing Kong. He could feel the pity, suspicion, and curiosity in their glances. 

Just as he was beginning to lose hope , Arthit finally walked in , looking like he had stepped out of a fashion magazine, dressed in a pinstriped navy blue suit that highlighted his sharp features. Kongpob's relief was palpable.

"I'm really sorry, Kongpob," Arthit said, his voice filled with genuine regret. "I couldn't have made a worse impression than this."

Kongpob managed a smile, the tension easing slightly. "It's alright. It's not as if you could have stopped the accident from happening."

"I was ten minutes late to begin with.. an emergency meeting came up and it stretched late... i should have freed my schedulrle from afternoon itself to aboid it. "

"Ten minutes late doesn't even count as being late by Indian standard time." Kong assured him. " Besides there is no use thinking too much over things that have already happened. Let's just enjoy the evening na."

Trying to ease the tension, Arthit picked up the wine list and handed it to Kongpob. "Would you like to choose the wine?"

Kongpob shook his head. "I don't drink."

Arthit stared at the glass of wine in front of Kong. Kong clenched his teeth for a few seconds and a look of frustration and embarrassment clouded his face "To match the vibe of restaurant " Kong informed with a fake smile and careless shrug that wasn't careless at all.

"If you don't like their selection, we can go somewhere else.."

"You have already paid the reservation fee-"

"Experience is more important than money-"

"Tell that to people scouring trash cans for food" Kong retorted and instantly bit his tongue " I am sorry." He heaved a sigh " I am just ... you are not the only person for whom today everything is going in the opposite direction."

"If you don't mind sharing, I would like to know ... what all happened" Arthit asked. "And let's talk freely. I have noticed you say something like you normally would and then you feel the need to apologize."

"The people with whom I talk like that, Know me for more than a decade. I don't talk like I did to you, to people I just met. I don't know why I get a loose tongue around you."

"Isn't that good that you subconsciously feel comfortable enough to act like you normally would?"

"I guess so.." Kong said unsure.

"Let's make a pact. Let's talk without holding anything back and without caring about impressions. We are to spend life with each other, I would like to know the real you- with all that dry sense of humor and biting retorts"

"It can be too much for a new person"

"Let me be judge of that" Arthit smiled " You will find I am not like you were told"  

“ Tall, handsome and thoughtful ? I found out you are all of that . “ 

“ not those attributes… behavioural ones. “

"Is that good or bad?" Kong teased.

"I will let you be the judge of that " Arthit smiled and it brought a smile to Kongpob's face.

"I am told, I am a very strict judge, " Kong teased.

"It's a good thing you are " Arthit flirted back.” I am told that I thrive under pressure” 

Kongpob's smile flattened " I am not here for only marriage sake."

Arthit nodded, " I know. Even for us to be friends like my dad and your dad are, we need to be real and unfiltered. We need to experience and understand each other's worlds . "

"Okay then...beware I am a chatterbox"

Arthit smiled "I am a good listener. So tell me what happened on your way to the restaurant ? I am all ears" 

So Kongpob narrated the whole ordeal , how he had dressed all formal despite his apathy towards formal clothes. How he had checked weather forecast and their was zero chances of rain and  trusting the stupid forecast he chose motorcycle as his commute . Then god decided to play a prank on him- the sky opened up, drenching Kong- leaving him no other option than sitting in this posh place in plaid shirt and jeans, looking like an idiot. He omitted the fact that the receptionist took only his ID card for keepsake because he thought Kong would mistake it as bread and eat it with soup. Notice the sarcasm.

 Arthit frowned " Why would you feel like that ? They have no policy of only formal clothing entry...we can wear whatever we want."

"I am sure...that is why he kept my ID. '' Kong blurted and instantly bit his lip. Why does he keep  blurting out whatever was cooking in his mind in front of Arthit?

"He kept your ID ?"

"Let it be Arthit, he will return it after dinner. I am a first time customer..so it is their restaurant policy . Security reasons."

" I came here yesterday, to ensure I chose right and I wasn't asked to deposit my ID." Arthit said, frustrated. 

Kong sighed " You must be wearing a version of this ..." Kong waved his hand to Arthit's suit. 

"I was..." Arthit frowned " What is the problem with a plaid shirt and jeans ?"

"Can you please let it go ?" Kong pleaded.

"Sure " Arthit smiled sweetly " I can let it go all over their review "

Kong chuckled "You are petty " 

Arthit's eyes blazed as he vowed "If people cross my family and friends, I am pettiest and most scorned bastard on earth. No one messes with my people"

Arthit considered Kong as one of his people. It warmed his heart - little butterflies ready to take a flight. 

Kongpob squirmed " I didn't mean to tell you that actually but my brain to mouth filter seems to be failing around you. Can you just forget that I told you about ID ?"

" I am glad you told me, Kongpob, I want you to chuck away that brain to mouth filter . We don't need it"

Kong gave Arthit a mock salute "aye captain. Only if you do that too"

Arthit smiled, pretending to throw away the imaginary filter " Done. So no wine ?"

"Nope"

"Not even on special occasions?"

"Not at all ...sorry, I am a teetotaler"

"oh...okay. nothing to apologize for. Personal preferences I guess." Arthit nodded, feeling slightly off balance. His plan of wining and dining has now become only dining. Arthit prayed at least dining to go smoothly.

"Alright," he said, signaling for the waiter to bring water instead. He then handed Kongpob the menu. "Please, choose something you like."

Kongpob glanced at the menu briefly before pushing it back. More than half of the name felt like tongue twisters. And they were definitely not pronounced how his brain was telling him to. For years, he was saying jalapeno, instead of halapeno as it should be pronounced. He definitely did not want to make an ass of himself here. 

"I am not familiar with most of these dishes. You can order. "

"Any preferences?"

"Nope. Just flavorful and spicy."

"Okay...how about Prosciutto e Melone for starters ? or calamari fritti ?" 

"ummm..."Kong smiled uneasily, " what is that ?"

" Calamari fritti is a squid based dish. In culinary terms, squid is called calamari.  We will be served Fried calamari rings with a side of marinara sauce. "

"And the first one?"

"It is ham based dish...thin ham slices with melon–"

"Umm..." Kong clenched and unclenched his fingers, gathering courage he  spoke up " I am sure they are delicious but...I am vegetarian,  Arthit."  he noticed Kongpob's expression growing increasingly uncomfortable.

"Complete vegetarian...not even egg?"

Kong shook his head .” No.”

Arthit paused, a frown creasing his brow. "Why didn't you inform me earlier?"

Kongpob's eyes flashed with frustration. "We're in India. More than half the country is vegetarian. I assumed it would be obvious."

 " It wasn't. But, it is my fault I should have checked with you before-"

"No, it's mine “ Kong interjected “I should have explicitly mentioned ." Kong interrupted  " Assumption has landed us in this pickle. "

"Funny , how yesternight I chided my brother about assuming you would like ice cream at the end of meal just because you are omega"

"But, I do like to have ice cream at the end of the meal."

" You do ? What flavor"

"Chocolate flavor is my favorite but I am open to other flavors. I also like to try new combos…the weirdest — the better"

"Great. I just know the right place around here." Arthit chuckled nervously " Looks like  all is not ruined...there is still hope for me huh! -" 

"May be " Kong said haughtily and laughed , unabashed- amusing and mesmerizing Arthit who could not hold back his own laughter.

"So, let's go to a vegetarian restaurant then ?Should I "

"There  will be a long wait. How about a paneer dish?" Kong asked. 

Arthit sighed, his frustration rising again. "This place doesn't serve Indian food. So no paneer…sorry."

"A place in India isn't serving Indian food...It's... well, it feels like discrimination."

Arthit blinked, caught off guard by the intensity of Kongpob's words. "Discrimination? It's an Italian restaurant. It's just a different type of cuisine."

"It's more than that," Kongpob argued, leaning forward. "It's about catering to a certain class and ignoring the dietary habits of a significant portion of the population. It's like trying to be an English babu in our own country. And don't forget they discriminated against me, I have a right to bad mouth them. "

Arthit struggled to maintain his composure, feeling the evening spiraling out of control. Kongpob's joke about bad mouthing fell flat 

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Arthit said, trying to steer the conversation back to a more neutral ground. "Let's just get something you can eat. Would you like me to run the menu by you again ?"

Kongpob shook his head "let's just start with something simple.  There must be a veg salad. There is, right ?"

Arthit nodded . "There are some salads and few vegetarian dishes. But, I did not taste them yesterday. I don't know if they will be up to par."

“ That will not be a problem, “ Kong shrugged. “I'm really hungry. I missed lunch, anything will taste delicious, I am sure”

“ Oh ! “ Arthit was horrified “ Why didn't you tell me earlier ? Give me a moment . Caprese salad , pasta arrabiata , Okay ?” 

Kong nodded. Arthit requested the waiter to make quick work of their order. 

Arthit sat, anxious, with a thousand emotions flitting on his face. Kongpob had missed lunch ! And he doesn't  even know if the dishes he just ordered would be delush or it will just ruin Kong's appetite

"It's good, isn't it?"Kong asked. 

"How? "

" You were saying you only tasted non-veg dishes yesterday. Now, we both will be having these dishes for the first time together."

Arthit gave a small smile, nodding his head. His own appetite and excitement had vanished. He just wanted to atleast get Kongpob his favorite ice-cream- without any mishap. 

 They ordered a salad to share, the silence between them thick with unresolved frustration. Kongpob, attempting to be considerate, urged Arthit to order his favorite dish. 

"Although I am strictly vegetarian, I don't have a problem with people eating Non-Veg in front of me. Why don't you order your favorites...you are clearly biased to meat."

Arthit, feeling defeated and out of his element, refused cleverly. "We decided it would be the first meal we try together, so veg it is."

Kong nodded. The salad arrived.

As they picked at the salad, Arthit's mind raced with thoughts on how the evening had gone so wrong. He prided himself on meticulous planning, yet nothing had prepared him for this disastrous meeting. The perfectly orchestrated setting, meant to impress and create a comfortable atmosphere, had instead highlighted their differences and created a chasm between them. And this damned caprese salad didn't taste quite right. He had had it in Italy and compared to that the dish served to them wasn't even half good in taste.

 Arthit silently vowed to make it up to Kongpob, determined to start afresh and prove himself worthy of this potential partnership.

Kongpob observed Arthit, with every bite of salad, Arthit's eyes turned cold, a nerve ticked at his jaw.

"Arthit " Kong called his attention " Something bothering you?"

"No..."Arthit shook his head and gave Kong a small smile.

KOng narrowed his eyes "You said no filters, no lies"

"Look, I am really sorry. " Arthit began, setting his fork down and looking directly at Kongpob, "I know this hasn't gone well. I promise I will make it up to you-"

Kongpob's brows creased in confusion. Indeed, he wasn't much interested in foreign cuisines and his experience ended on veg momos and chow mein but the salad served to them right now wasn't half bad. " Sorry to interrupt you Arthit but I genuinely don't see the problem. Can you walk me through what seems wrong to you?" 

"First of all I overlooked the fact that you could be a pure vegetarian-"

"We have been over that and right now even you are having veg food with me because you are more thoughtful than you should be. Next?"

"He discriminated against you--"

"Not your fault. You went as far as selecting a restaurant for our dining experience and dining here one day before to ensure I would have a smooth experience. That's a hundred times more effort I would ever have put into an arranged meeting."

" This salad isn't as it should be, " Arthit said, frustrated.

" I don't understand. Did they miss an ingredient or something? Although I am tasting it first time, it tastes delicious to me-"

" This caprese Salad isn't as caprese salad should authentically taste like. I had carefully short listed our food options after tasting out atleast twenty dishes. ANd then it all went wrong and this simple dish they served turned out to be disaster..."

"You didn't like the taste ? Then why don't you order one of the dishes you liked yesterday."

"No...I ..." Arthit closed his eyes, he couldn't explain to Kong how he felt. After all this careful planning, it shouldn't have gone awry. " If our first day together turns out like this…how could you trust that I would be there for you when you need it ? Just give me another chance to make it up to you."

Kong wanted to interrupt but then he chose against it. Arthit didn't look like someone who easily gets agitated or is open to sharing what is on his mind to strangers. If he interrupts Arthit will close himself again. 

"I wanted today to be special, you know. I wanted to make this experience memorable for you. Food is one common point between us, I wanted to experience good food with you. I wanted us to have an adventure.  I ended up being late, being assuming, being-"

Kong covered Arthit's hand with his own and pressed , shocking Arthit and stopping his panic-trembling. "Trust me it is a memorable day for me. No one has ever put so much efforts for me. You efforts alone make this day special."

"Looks like you have met only idiots till now..." Arthit said automatically, realizing what he said, he deflated immediately " I ...I didn't mean that"

Kong pursed his lips, pretending to be sad " Oh...I thought you meant it."

"I do." Arthit said more confidently " I just don't mean to say you have bad choice in people or something "

Kong smiled "No filter...only truth"

" Okay " Arthit sighed , " I am pretty sure you have met only idiots till now if the minimal effort I put in looks extravagant to you."

" This is minimal ? " Kong asked surprised " What's maximum effort then ? "

" You will have to agree to meet me again to know that "

" Smooth ! " Kong said impressed " I am sure you wouldn't need a PR (public relation ) manager. "

" Since we are judging my interpersonal skills here...what score would you give to my relationship building? "

"4.785 ? "

" Out of ? "

" 5"

Arthit smiled , pleased. " I will give my best for that remaining 0.215 "

" Oh...we have a straight A scorer here? "

Arthit smirked " Guilty as charged. Were you more in to extra curiculars ? "

Kong took a moment to think. " I don't know ...I did a bit of everything I guess. Now that I look back, I was just an awkward child - confused half the time and lost in story books for rest of time. My parents were happy with my grades, my art teacher saw non-existent talent in me , my sport teacher hated me because despite having perfect physique and talent for some games, I preferred spending my time either reading or painting. And  my friends were surprised how I was even not failing subjects , least of all getting good scores. That pretty much sums up my academic journey. What about you? I think you were one if those teacher's pet peeve kid ? "

" For some teachers— I was. For the rest of them— I was satan reincarnate. I was either teacher's favourite kid or most hated. There was no in between for me. "

" Why would a teacher hate a meritorious kid ? "

" They didn't hate my brains, they hated my mouth " Arthit chuckled " I was in either grade — there was a new English teacher who had just joined – he was boasting about being a strict examiner. Also Saif, no one gets A + in his subject. Guess who got straight A+ ? "

Kong chuckled " You are a little boastful..bit that's no reason to hate. "

" He may have loaded over me saying he gave me such high marks. I may have told him — if it wasn't my answers but his generosity that fetched me marks. Why isn't marksheets of my fellow classmates isn't reflecting same ?"

" You did ? " Kong's eyes widened.

" Yes and he may have told me to watch out in next exam and I may have said the same to him."

" God! " Kongpob exclaimed. " If I would have done the same thing , both the teacher's and my parents would have tanned my hide."

" I definitely got an earful from both my father and the principal. And I tried to curb it, but some teachers were just waiting to hate on me. What about you?  "

"You must be a cool friend to have around huh ? I do not have such interesting tales. I have awkward, embarrassing and some funny tales but let me warn you they are not even close to your level..  "

Arthit nodded and Kong continued "You know, I was a very clumsy child. Always forgetting things, falling and scraping my elbows and knees and breaking things. When I was in sixth grade, my English teacher was of the opinion that a fountain pen causes better handwriting and made it compulsory  in his period. So, we had to carry an ink pot too.

One day my fountain pen wasn't working well, the ink wasn't coming out and if I tried to press too hard, it was tearing in to the paper. So I tried to open its ink refill with my teeth and ended up with a lot of ink in my mouth. I ran to the water tank and it was empty. So I ate paper"

"What ?" Arthit asked, shocked.

"Yeah, one of my friends suggested I should put balls of paper in my mouth and it will absorb all the ink and then I can rinse my mouth with little water that I had in my water bottle. It sounded like an excellent idea at that time, so I tore out the blank pages and stuffed them in my mouth and waited for it to absorb the ink. At the exact moment that I walked to the trash can to spit it out, the teacher came. He asked me why I was standing near the trash can, I couldn't reply because I had my mouth stuffed.

My friend explained the situation. The teacher stared at me as if I was an alien from another planet. my classmates laughed at me. I spat the paper ball out and asked the teacher permission to go out of the class to wash my mouth. Seeing my ink stained blue teeth, the whole class laughed. Teacher did little to suppress the laughter as he was laughing too. I was mortified. I went out, rinsed my mouth as best as I could. And came back to the class- my classmates started laughing again since my teeth were still somewhat stained with ink. I cried a lot that day. Next day I did not want to go to school. The whole month was an ordeal. There was lot of good natured teasing but it was only making me cry.

Do you know what happened after that?"

Arthit leaned forward curiously.

"Another student ended up with ink in his mouth- the ball pen's ink. He tried to rinse it with water and it only spread the more he washed . The teacher himself suggested that he use plain white paper to blot out the ink and then wash his mouth properly. It became an unsaid ritual of our class and suddenly I was the cool guy.

Whenever I remember that day now, I laugh . It's a good memory now. Same is today, Arthit. Isn't it funny I tried to get all dressed up for first impression's sake although I am not a big fan of formal clothing. And then God made it his agenda to present me dressed in clothes that I would usually wear. Isn't it funny that despite all efforts of making this meeting minutely planned- it turned out to be all unpredictable and adventurous ? It's a good memory to recall , a few years down the memory lane."

Arthit nodded, finally a small but genuine smile gracing his lips.

“I guess. I have an idea to make it more memorable.” Arthit smirked, mischievous glint in his eyes instantly making him look years younger. Butterflies were doing somersaults in Kongpob’s stomach. 

“What?”

“I am thinking of pre-booking half of this place and then turning up in Dhoti- Kurta with all my employees in traditional apparel of their region. “ Arthit paused to think “I have an even better idea. I will announce that one who dressed craziest will get a week long paid vacation and then keep that party here. Trust me my employees can be pretty creative for a paid vacation. You can see from a witch to bloody mary. It will teach that discriminating piece of work.”Arthit's eyes widened as another idea struck him " If I keep doing that for a month straight , people would think this restaurant is top pick for weird theme based party venue! "

Kong laughed “ Just how petty can you be?”

Arthit grinned “You have no idea Kongpob. I am being merciful or I would have kept the same party- for kids of my employees. I get to become the coolest, kindest boss on the earth and he gets gray hairs early. Seems fair”

“Would you ever let that go?”

“If he apologizes for pulling that shit on you..then right this instant.”

Kongpob sighed in defeat “You are a stubborn ass” Instantly his eyes widened in realization. “I didn’t mean that”

Arthit shook his head, smiling “Oh…You definitely did, Kongpob”

Kongpob’s shoulders dropped “Okay. I did. Happy now? “ 

Arthit leaned forward staring in Kongpob's eyes “ Very ! “ 

“ Good.Now, leave that poor guy alone. I confronted him and he said it was his restaurant policy. What if his owner had instructed him? He is just a salaried employee, what if his owner fires him if we push it too much? ”

Arthit nodded, deep in thought “You are right. “

“It's not even the first time you know. You can read such discrimination in newspapers every few days. At Least, I was let in. Some people were denied entry in to clubs and malls for wearing Sari and Dhoti”

Arthit nodded “You are right. It needs to be addressed.”

Kong narrowed his eyes “I can already see cogs of your mind turning. What is cooking in your mind now?”

“What flavor should we begin our ice-cream adventure with ?”

“Liar,” Kong chided.

Arthit grinned “To the ice-cream land then?”

“To the ice-cream land “ Kong nodded “ and you didn’t reply me. What is cooing in that devilish mind of yours?”

Arthit grinned, “ I will show you the cooked dish. Would you like that ?”

“ If it's vegetarian…definitely “ Kong teased back. 

“ Oh…but I am a meat lover, “ Arthit retorted, smug. 

Kong blushed every shade of red there was...

…….

A / N : Happy Birthday Singto !