C5 A Wild Cat Crossed My Path...

Everyone was stunned by what they heard.

Asher: "__" (cough**"cough)

Finn: "__" (I wish he had a bone in his tongue)

Calin: "__" (nobody can beat father)

( thank god!!! Other kids are not here)

Butler: "__" ( why do I always forget to carry my earbuds?)

Asher was stunned after hearing this even though he was used to this kind of conversation between his father and grandfather. He looked at these blatant personalities from his family.

He knew what was going to come next, so he said with a straight face and a sharp voice, "It wasn’t me. A wild cat crossed my path."

He then continued, "And I don’t have such weird habits. I am perfect in everything I do." As if he was not affected by his father and grandfather’s bold words.

Then he turns to move upstairs to his room, suddenly stopped in between, turned back and with no expression on his face he said, "Don’t worry grandpa. I won’t disappoint you with your dream." Then he turn back and left, leaving everyone shocked.

After hearing this last line, everyone was stunned and stood frozen in their places staring at Asher’s back until he disappeared from their sight.

This is the first time Asher said something like this. Everyone knew he never dated anyone or showed interest in any girl as if he was aloof to such kinds of human relationships.

He was too young only 24 yrs old. It was an age when boys usually roam around with girls and enjoy their life but he never did that. What happened suddenly?? He mentioned about grandfather’s dream and indirectly confirmed that he is going to fulfil it. There must be only one reason, he must have taken a liking to someone. Now everyone was curious.

Asher entered the room oom, remoroom his jacket, tossed it on the bed and entered the bathroom. When he was standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom he touched the stains on his shirt and said, "It seems like grandpa is going to jump with happiness soon." There was a pleasant smile on his face.

After getting fresh, Asher headed downstairs. Everyone was waiting for him at the breakfast table eagerly, because of what he had said before.

It was a big wooden dining table, able to accommodate the whole Smith family. Elder Smith was sitting on the chair at one end of the table, which was meant for the head of the family.

Asher was wearing a white shirt and blue pants with his suit jacket in one hand. He was looking fresh after taking shower with his hair still quite damp but had no expressions on his face. Everyone was staring at him without blinking an eye, like never seen him before, remembering what he said back then. Nobody dared to ask anything but stare at him.

Asher walked towards the dining table ignoring their gazes. He put his jacket on the back of the chair which was exactly opposite Grandfather, at the other end of the dining table and sat down with a banana m and a composed expression.

The atmosphere was silent as everyone was busy making their assumptions. There was only the sound of servants doing their work.

The table was filled with delicious dishes like chicken steamed buns with soup, tofu pudding, rice noodles with meat, peanut butter chocolate smoothie with banana and flax, pancakes with eggs, wontons, tea and some fruits.

The servants served the dishes then everyone started to eat. As Asher was having a bite he sensed the gazes coming in his direction. He stopped and looked up in the direction of these curious sights.

Everyone was still looking at him observing his actions. As Asher looked up everyone got alarmed by their actions and started to look here and there as if a thief got caught while doing a deed.

Asher frowned and put his chopsticks on the table which made the sound "thud". He then leaned back in the chair, crossed his hands in front of his chest and passed his gaze across the table. Then he asked with a serious tone "Is there anything wrong?? Everyone shooked their heads in sync as if they have practised it.

Grandma, "No!! Not at all, dear. It’s.....it’s just that you are looking very handsome today and we are happy for you."

Everyone nodded in an agreement.

Calin: "Yes!! Yes!! Grandma is right, Asher" and smiled awkwardly as hiding something.

"Handsome!!!, Asher paused and said, "yes!! I am!! since my birth."

Everyone: "___" (flattery doesn’t work on him)

He continued and asked, "Then what are you people happy about?" He knew why everyone was behaving like that. So he just mocked their reasoning.

"Haha!! That’s true. You are very handsome. After all, you are my grandson", Grandfather said with pride and tried to make him forget his question.

Others: ".....," (Never forgets to blow his whistle) and looked at grandfather.

Grandfather then continued, "But you are looking quite weak to me. You should take care of your health to increase your stamina."

"Stamina??" As usual, Everyone knew, where this conversation was heading now, so everyone just kept quiet.

Grandpa then called the butler and said, " From now on you will make all the nutritious food for Asher that will improve his health and stamina."

Butler was quite embarrassed, took a glance at Asher and nodded saying, " Yes Master". Butler was working for the Smith family since he was very young. He looked similar in age to Calin. He saw Asher growing up in front of his eyes but still felt embarrassed.