Kong had insisted on climbing down the car at once as soon as they entered the gates of the Villa. As they drove through the long driveway to the house, Arthit noticed Kongpob's brother standing before the door of the house, with his hands folded infront of his chest.

Despite Arthit's reluctance Kong was stubborn that Arthit should let Kong handle his own brother. Seeing no way to win this argument, Arthit let Kong do as he pleased.
Arthit halted the car to let Kong out before he turned it to park the car in parking area.

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

Taking deep breaths to calm himself down, Kong faced his Anna staring down at him.

" You are late, Thambi ( younger brother) " Varun announced with pursed lips, hands still folded infront of his chest.

Thambi, not Kutti (little one) as his brother generally calls him, Kong thought.

He was late by whole two hours and didn't even think to let his Anna know. With Arthit, he lost the track of time .

" It was raining and there was an accident on the road that led to traffic jam Anna. We reached the venue late. The dinner was late and then I wanted to have ice cream on the way, since I was not having a very good day." Kong said gently " I will tell you more, later."

" Okay...Where's your bike ? Why has that alpha dropped you in his car ?And why are you wearing his jacket ? " Varun fired questions one after another.

" Are you going to investigate everything at the gate itself ? " Maya frowned at her husband " Kutti (little one), come on in. It's cold outside today. You already don't have any warm clothing on you... "

" Anni...Alpha Arthit is here too.."

" Oh..he is " Maya smiled encouragingly while Varun frowned " What for ? "

" Be nice " Maya hissed. " He can be your brother in law."

" Very slim chance " Varun murmured stubbornly.

" be that as it may, don't forget he is son of Pran uncle " Mata reminded as Arthit, confidently marched towards them.

" Good evening, Mr. Suthiluck. I'm Arthit Rojanapat," Arthit said with a warm smile, extending his hand.

Varun stared at the offered hand for a second then folded his hands in namaskaram ( same as Wai in Thai culture 🙏 ) " I've met your father a few times. Thank you for dropping Kongpob home"
Though almost two hours late than what was actually agreed upon. He wanted to say but seeing Kongpob's pleading eyes and Maya's glare, he swallowed his words.

Arthit instantly copied Varun amd folded his hand in namaskara. "I just wanted to see Kongpob safe home, Anna. Papa talk a lot about you. .."

Anna. Varun raised a brow. Chameleon.

" Come , let's have tea " Varun offered. Tea at ten PM. Absurd. But culture. What could he do..

It was all a formality, anyway. He was already having doubts about this match. This man was an English person in Desi body (Indian body), his Kong was someone firmly attached to roots. How will they ever conquer that gap?

" Thank you, but I must decline. It's getting late," Arthit smiled " and I don't want to impose."

Fine by me. Varun thought. Just get going.

Varun's wife, Maya, took the reins of conversation in her hands. "Are you sure? We'd love to have you join us for some tea," she insisted warmly. " It's first time you have come home, how can we let you go without even a glass of water? "

Arthit smiled apologetically. "I appreciate the offer, but perhaps another time , Akka (Sister) . Thank you for your hospitality."

Maya nodded, understanding. "Safe journey, then. It was a pleasure meeting you."

Arthit nodded, stealing a glance at Kongpob. Suddenly remembering their meeting tomorrow, Arthit turned to Kongpob's brother " Anna, Can I have a word with you ? "

Varun nodded stiffly. Kong took a step forward.

" Alone" Arthit said and Kong glared at the stupid alpha.

He has good guess what Arthit wanted to talk about - Permission to spend the time with him tomorrow. And he thinks, he will get it just because he asked ? That his Anna will gush over his good manners? What country does he think , he is in? America?
Varun had beaten alphas for thing as small as looking at Kong in wrong way. Only Kong knows how much pleading it took to convince Varun not to go after
' Alpha Paras' - his ex. Although his parents doesn't know, there are no secrets between Varun amd Kong.

" Anna, Arthit wanted to apologize about turning up late to dinner. But what could he do? He was struck in traffic na" Kong interjected " Not his fault , no need to apologize, right? "

" Today's traffic on G.B.Road was especially excruciating " Varun agreed to Kongpob's observation.

" See " Kong narrowed his eyes at Arthit " Nothing to worry alpha Arthit, it's so late. Ypu should go. You have two hour drive back. Don't you? "

" Yeah.. " Arthit nodded " But, I do not mind. I just have a small thing to talk with Anna. You go inside, you were soaked in the rain today, you shouldn't stay outside in this weather for long. Change in to something warm before you catch cold. "

Varun raised a brow at Arthit's warm yet absolute tone with Kongpob, as if he has the right- as if he is already married to Kongpob. That irked him to no end. Has his family liked this controlling jerk for Kongpob?

" But-" Kong tried his best to mediate but he was silenced by Varun
" Go inside, Kutti (little one) "

Kong nodded, already walking towards the door but he kept glancing back at them, expecting Varun exploding from rage anytime soon. Varun rejoiced internally as Kong didn't listened to alpha but listened to him as soon as the words were out of his mouth.

Varun turned to Arthit " What is it, you wanted to talk about? "

Arthit led Varun to stroll on the path he just drove " I want your permission to meet Kongpob tomorrow. To spend a day with him, Anna . "

" Whole day ? "

Arthit nodded.

" No. " Varun said resolute " One meeting was decided and it has already happened. There will be no unchaperoned second meeting. If you so much want to meet Kongpob, come tomorrow for breakfast, or lunch or dinner. Or stay here whole day. Kong is not getting out with you."

" Anna, I understand your concern. I understand it is not customary or socially acceptable."

" Yet, you are demanding - "

" I am not demanding, I am requesting you Anna. Today didn't go like Kongpob deserves. I just want to make one good memory before we marry, if Kongpob will have me. "

" So you already agree with this match ?"

" I do. " Arthit said .

" Then, why do you want second meeting?"

" Second meeting isn't because I am second guessing Anna. I just want to make a memory at the same time, give Kongpob time to know me more. "

" First let Kong approve of this match too, marry and then make all the memories you want. " Varun grumbled.

"It is also Kongpob's wish, Anna, I have his consent. But I don't think he will tell you this. Please..." Arthit begged " Give us your blessing for second meeting na."

"So You mean to say, Kong won't tell us, with whom Kongpob has spent whole life anything, but he will tell you - a practical stranger- about his heart's desires ?"

" Isn't the risk of him disappointing you much greater than than him disappointing me , Anna ? "

" You may think us narrow minded and conservative household Mr. Rojanapat; but we aren't so. Kongpob tells me everything since he was in kindergarten. " Varun said stubbornly " Be assured, if my Thambi (younger brother ) wishes to meet you unchaperoned, he will tell me so himself."

" Even when he already knows his brother disagrees with it? " Arthit asked " You know Kongpob like I could never Anna. But, I realised one thing from what I have seen here, your approval is paramount to Kongpob. Kongpob doesn't want you to get disappointed with him. Even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. I have met him for few hours, Anna, and he held himself back in order to not disappoint me— a stranger . It makes me wonder, what could he do for his family member?"

" No." Varun announced " And that is my final answer. Today, was already a risk. Kongpob isn't a city chap like you. " Varun said " Villages have a close knit society. And that society has its own customs and traditions which we already have bent as much as we could. If anyone sees Kongpob out with you, my brother's reputation will take a hit and I will not have that. "

" How about you and Akka join us too? " Arthit asked.

" I can't give an answer to you without talking to my Thambi (younger brother). " Varun said. " Although, I appreciate you taking a step to ask permission rather than letting Kong fight for it, on his own."

" In my opinion, Kong doesn't need to ask for it at all, Anna. Especially for things that make him happy. Things he wants for himself. He is twenty six- capable of taking his own decision without an alpha hovering over him like he is a toddler, in danger of falling flat on his face any time soon."

" Aren't they? " Varun mused " What outside world have they seen? "

" Isn't it us alpha's fault that they could not experience joys of this world tp its fullest?" Arthit asked " We did not allow them and for what? To keep them safe from likes of our own brethern. Aren't us alphas at fault for robbing them of many joys, Anna ?"

Varun nodded. Secretly impressed. Kong may finally get a life like he wanted with this alpha. His Kutti had a rebellious streak as a child and he asked questions- tons of them whenever he felt he was being discriminated as an omega. The only reason Kongpob hadn't acted on his rebellious streaks many a time, because he didn't want his family suffer from barbs from his community.

This alpha will treat him equal. He will treat him to new experiences. Just like Kongpob wanted.
Now, Varun was coming to see why his father had vouched for Arthit and even bypassed Varun's decision to not let Kong go unchaperoned.

" While I appreciate your thoughts, this society doesn't run itself on ideals. " Varun said " It would have been a different matter if Kong chose you on your own, and even then when the relationship would have been made public; you wouldn't be able to be with him unchaperoned.
You may think of all these rules as restricting and old age but they do serve a function. India isn't individualistic like west. We have family as foundational unit of society not an individual. And therefore when an individual of a family takes an action, consequences are borne by  whole family , whether it is good or bad consequence. So keep an open mind alpha. When you are in rome— do as Romans do. Similarly, when you have landed yourself in arranged match— follow the customs , try to find a way to bend them not break them."

Arthit nodded, seeing these rules and regulations in whole new light.

" Good night" Varun said, stoic, leaving no room for another word.

Arthit's shoulders slumped. " Good night Anna."

Arthit bid him 'good night' and drove back to his home. His mood soured but then he remembered Kongpob's smiling face- his bright eyes. And a ray of hope dawned in his chest. Varun Anna has not completely rejected his request yet.
.........

As Varun returned from his stroll with Arthit, he found Kongpob at the gate, fidgeting while Maya was fussing over him, wrapping him in shawls and urging him in the house. But, Kongpob was having none of it. " Five minutes na Anni. Arthit has lived mostly in foreign, his thinking pattern is very different from us. We have to make sure he doesnt say something Anna will find offensive. They shouldn't get in misunderstanding ...or fight."

" Worried for your husband or mine Kutti ? " His sister in law teased.

" Anni..." Kong blushed " He is not my husband."

"Do you want him to be ? " Maya teased.

" Anni.." Kong whined, wrapping the shawl more tightly around him.

Kong saw his brother returning " Anna looks angry, Anni" Kong said worried.

His sister in law shrugged " That's your Anna's default setting. Besides, he is seeing Arthit as someone who will take you away from him- so give him time to adjust to that feeling."

" It isn't even finalised Anni " Kong said amused.

" Tell your Anna that " Maya chuckled. " He has been sulking since Appa agreed for you to meet alpha Arthit. "

" Kutti, why are you still outside ? " Varun chided, " Come" Wrapping an arm around his brother's shoulder, he took him in.

Kong halted at the shoe stand before main entrance of inner sanctum of living section. " Let me take off my shoes Anna "

" Hmm.." Varun grumbled, taking off his own slippers.

Kongpob took off his own shoes and thermal socks. Varun raised a brow at Kongpob's feet wrapped in handkerchief.

" I...ugh.. my allergy to cold started acting up " Kong explained " Arthit wrapped my feet in it as temporary measure until his driver fetched thermal socks." Kong explained, beet red.

" Hmm..." Varun grumbled again while Maya giggled " How romantic. You have scored a gold Kutti."

" Or he should have remembered to pack a pair of thermal socks" Varun frowned. " Who knows Arthit must have wiped his nose with it."

" Anna!...gross! " Kong frowned.

" Hush ..you. " Maya chided her husband " Stop teasing. And its good Kong didnt pack his thermal socks. If he did, how would we know Arthit is such a caring person."

" It's bare minimum . It makes him decent peraon , not the epitome of affectionate behaviour." Varun retorted. " Kong shouldn't have his bar set so low that a minimal act of humanity seems a glowing testament of caring attitude. "

" And should you be so jealous that he has your brother's attention? " Maya asked.

" He does not. Does he Kongpob ? " Varun asked .

Kongpob shook his head.

" Do you want a second meeting with him tomorrow ? " Varun asked.

Kongpob shook his head again.

" So that alpha was lying in telling me he had your consent for second unchaperoned meeting? For the whole day on top of that? " Varun cocked a brow. " That liar! "

Kongpob's eyes widened " No..Anna. I did...consent I mean....I didnt saw a problem in it then..." Kong swallowed " But, I do see the error in my judgement now. I am sorry, Anna, for acting without thinking."

" And why is that, Kongpob? "

" It's not appropriate. " Kong replied.

" Says whom ? "

" Society? " Kong answered unsure.

" Are they more important than your happiness ? " Varun asked.

Kong fell mumb.

" Kong" Varun called his brother's attention " Look at me. " Kong did. " Do you want to spend a day tomorrow with that alpha? "

Kong nodded.

" Alone? "

" Only if you and Appa approve, Anna."

" I do not approve Kongpob, " Varun said "I will never approve my brother alone with an alpha. But, if it makes you happy, I can make peace with it."

" Appa won't approve."

" Leave that to me." Varun said " Just promise me it is what you desire from your heart. That, it's not something you felt compelled to do to impress that foreign returned alpha ? Or perhaps you wanted to prove to him that you have modern thinking and open mind like him ?  "

" No...Anna."   Kong shook his head.  ."thats's absurd"

" Okay. "

Varun called his father. He simply informed him that he was going to one day trip with Maya and Kong and if it would be good to take Arthit along so he could know Arthit and see if he was right match for their Kutti ( little one) .

Their father agreed without a question, Kongpob just watched his brother, amazed.

" Should I let them spend some time together? I will be close .. "

" The more they get to know each other the better" his father said.

" You are set for your meeting tomorrow." Varun smiled. " When are you leaving ? "

" Anna...but Appa, hasn't agreed to sending me unchaperoned. "

" And you are not going unchaperoned. " Varun informed " We will just be chaperoning you two from more distance than normally done"

Maya squeezed Kongpob's shoulder, smiling " Now, smile Thambi."

" I don't understand." Kongpob's brows furrowed.

" You will in five minutes " Varun winked " call Arthit "

" Anna..."

" Ennada ? ( what is it ? ) call .." Varun urged. " and Put on speaker."

Resigned, Kong hit dial to Arthit's number.

" Hello..." Arthit's worried voice filled the room " Are you okay, Kongpob? " Arthit asked " Are ypu amgry with me? I understamd if you are. Did you get an earful because of me?
Was Anna angry with you ? I know you wanted to handle it alone but I didn't want you to face your family alone. I thought, if I ask for permission, worst that can happen is they won't agree and then they can direct their ireat me. But I ended up saying, you wanted it too. Anna didn't seem too happy with even the idea of it.
I am sorry for putting you in awkward position. I really thought, asking permission will help the matters na . " Arthit blurted all in one breath " I am really sorry. I don't even know how to make it up to you "

" Arthit ,it's me, Kongpob's Anna ..Varun " Varun said, rejoicing in Arthit's fumbling as soon as he heard his voice.

" Oh .Anna... I am sorry, I thought it was Kongpob. " Arthit fumbled for words. " I didn't mean to say you are a difficult person or anything. Just, you didn't seem much enthused at even the idea of the meeting "

This vast lifestyle difference between Kong and him has made him unsure if his usual way of handling things will ever work for Kongpob.

" Would you be enthused at the prospect of your younger omega brother spending time alone with an alpha you don't know very well? " Varun asked pointedly.

" No...not at all. " Arthit agreed " I wouldn't be much amenable to it. In fact, even the idea would be ridiculous to me.  I would staunchly oppose it "

" Yeah..but I am not like those narrow minded brothers you see" Varun still teased in serious tone " I know how to make my brother happy while keeping him safe. So, You may have you meeting tomorrow...but we will be joining you two... we will follow you ,on an hour distance . "

" That's great. Thank you Anna. " Arthit was cut off

" Don't thank me yet." Varun put forth his conditions " Kongpob will be sharing his live location at all the time and we can all him at anytime . If I sense any kind of hotch potch, I will be taking my brother back right that moment.

" Ofcourse Anna." Arthit nodded. "Thank you."

" Hmm..." Varun grunted.

" Now...let him talk to Kongpob " Maya snatched the phone from his husband's hand " I see. You are having too much fun at their expense."

" Here, Kutti..." She handed the phone to Kongpob.

" Hello" Kongpob said.

"Phew..." Arthot heaved a breath " That was intense. I think , I am more scared of your brother than I am of my father, Kongpob" Arthit said.

Maya giggled, Varun smirked and Kong felt second hand embarrasment for Arthit. " Speaker is still on Arthit " Kong informed.

" Oh...Oh! " Arthit didn't know how to react " No offense to you Anna..."

" Oh...I am taking all the offense Arthit " Varun said in threatening tone.

" Good night, Kongpob. I should stop talking before you Anna retracts his permission "

Arthit cut the call and Maya burst out laughing. " He is adorable."

" Anna " Kongpob chided his brother.
" You are scaring him"

" Aww..." Varun teased " Is my Thambi fighting with his brother for this stranger alpha? "

" No Anna. " Kong shook his head, hugging his brother " But he has been away so long, he is almost stranger to our culture"

Varun smirked " Isn't fear great motivator for learning ? "

Kong chuckled " You are impossible , Anna" he tightened his hug " Thank you. Appa would have never agreed if not for you. "

" My Kutti wants something and he doesn't get it ? Never happening on my watch."

" You are the best " Kong rested his head on his brother's shoulder " I don't know what I will do without you.. even hundred thank yous aren't enough."

" Anything for you, Kutti (little one) " Varun ruffled his brother's hairs " Just learn to speak up for yourself. I would have much preferred you telling me, you wanted this meeting rather than getting to know from that alpha."

Kong nodded.

Being inside the house for sometime now, Kong has warmed uo enough and now the shawl made him feel hot, so he took off from his shoulder and started folding it.

Varun looked at the coat on Kongpob two size too big.

" Why are you still wearing his coat Kongpob ? " His brother asked and Kong looked surprised at the garment mentioned. Since the moment he had worn it, it didn't feel stranger.

" I reached the restaurant soaked Anna, I was shivering despite changing into dry clothes so Arthit lent me his jacket . "

Varun nodded and turned to Maya " Can you see that it is dry cleaned and sent back to the hotel Rojanapat is staying at ? "

" Okay..." Maya nodded.

" Now tell me, why didn't you tell Rojanapats that youare vegetarian? I heard he took you to Italian Restaurant "

"What is this? Now stop with all these enquiries. Kongpob must be tired." Chiding Varun, Maya turned to Kongpob " Let's go to your room Kutti, you have an early morning tomorrow. "

" Good night, Kutti " His brother patted his head while sister in law led him to his room. He already knew he was going to get grilled in a way his brother could never manage.

And what was surprising was that, he will willingly give away every information she asked. Such was the ways of sister in law.

As soon as they reached to his room, Maya immediately turned her attention to Kongpob, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, how was your first meeting with Mr. I am too handsome to be real ?"

Kongpob sighed "It was a complete disaster Anni. I reached drenched. He reached the venue late and menu was Italian. "

Maya chuckled " And you aren't much fond of foreign food. Are you hungry? Give me five minutes ...I will fix you something quick..."

" No. ...no Anni." Kong grabbed her hand, urging her to sit. " I am full. Although we didn't eat much in the restaurant. We had ice cream later. We tried so many different combos. I think I have already put up one or two kilos. "

" Ice cream...do tell. "

" We just ordered little bit of everything and mixed up most weird combos. "

" And Arthit was up for it? " Maya wondered " Seems like a fun guy."

" He is " Kong agreed " He is a foodie ..."

"He is a foodie. You like to cook.  Match made in heaven huh! " she teased.

" More like God is having fun at my expense. " Kong frowned " I don't touch meat and he can have all three meals- meat based. I don't know where to find common ground on that. Today, we ate veg. But, we can't do that every time, it isnt fair to Arthit na Anni. "

" Aww...so caring about your hubby already." Maya ruffled his hairs " How about you both eat what you like? I remember you don't have a problem with people eating non-veg infront of you . "

Kong shook his head. He didn't.

" These things will sort themselves out, Kutti. Tell me, how did you find Arthit as a man ? Can you see yourself with him? "

" I observed his behaviour with wait staff as you told me to." Kong informed " he was polite. And he has no problem apologizing too. He wasn't annoyed with me when my allergy acted up. Over all he was nice."

Maya raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Just nice? I asked you ten marker question you are giving me answer in one line. Come on, Thambi, spill the beans. How come his handkerchief ended on your feet ? "

" Because I was shivering like a wet chicken, Anni " Kongpob frowned, covering his face in embarrasment " It was so embarrassing, I can't even tell you. I am still getting second hand embarrasment from it. "

" Bet you, Arthit thinks different " Maya smirked. " he thinks it's cute. Tell me more. Is he as awkward and shy as he was with your Anna ?"

" Not at all, Anni. He was confident. He is very pasionate about his stand on any topic, he has particular opinions and he makes a point to share them but he didnt invalidate mine. It was more of a ' let's agree to diagree' whenever we came at an impasse.
And he is petty. Petty like none other thirty year old I have seen. "Kongpob chuckled, shaking his head.

" Petty? That's new " Maya mused.

"The receptionist kept my ID , stating it was for security purpose but he hasn't taken other's. Arthit was livid. And when I stopped him from going and confronting the guy, as I already have done it. He was plotting against the whole restaurant. You should have heard him- this guy can give the soap opera antagonists a run for their money. Because no one could even punish him for his genius plans, instead they would find it adorable and genius."

" What kind of plans ? "

" He hasn't decided yet, but he has two plans. Since the restaurant cares so much about Customer's dressing sense, Arthit plans to turn it into themed party destination.
His first plan is throwing a 'weirdest apparel wins' competition amongst his employee , at La Bella Italia. Second is same for the kids of his employees. I can bet , third and fourth was already half cooked in his brain , I asked him of it, but he didn't tell me."

" Interesting. He doesn't tolerate wrong huh? Seems like you two had lot of fun. "

"There were some awkward moments, but overall, it was good." Kong agreed, smiling.

Maya nudged him playfully. "Good.  That's a start. So, do you think he's the one?"

Kongpob pondered for a moment, then looked at Maya. "How did you know Anna was the right one for you? I heard you people talked ten minutes only and both came out with a resolute yes."