"Grandpa this is Kizy. I wanted to take her back home for introducing her, but she is a little shy. Also due to some accident, her mother is hospitalized at the moment. I wanted to completely investigate the incident before bringing her along with her mom" Markus replied in a careless voice.
"Just making excuses. Just because nobody is scolding you does not means you don't have to fear them." He said angrily before turning towards Kizy. But suddenly all his anger disappeared the moment he gazed at her. His face broke out into a doting smile.
One had to say that Grandpa had maintained himself well over years. Even when he was almost seventy years old now, he walked with ramrod back without help of walking stick. Though years of hardships were visible from his wrinkles, but his facial features as well as expressions were sharp. One could see that he was blessed with his looks and many women would be fawning over him in past..
"Kid you look very kind by nature. I am happy to see that this brat has finally married someone sensible. But you don't have to be afraid of us. In fact my wife wanted to tag along with me to meet you, but i wanted to scold this useless child. And it is impossible to discipline him in front of her. But you should relax, and visit us whenever you have sometime. Our family has been waiting for you since the day you married him" He said gently, as if afraid that even his voice would scare his grand-daughter-in-law away.
Kizy suddenly didn't knew how to react. She was used to living with only her mom for past few years. Thus she didn't knew how it felt like to have an elder always caring and nagging behind you.
"I will definitely try to meet up with you all as soon as possible" Kizy said while lowering her head.
"Good. Good. What an obedient child" Grandpa said with a smile.
Kizy thought for a moment before removing her hand from Markus's grip and walking towards grandpa. She held his hand while supporting him from the back with other hand.
"Grandpa i heard that you haven't eaten anything yet. Lets have dinner and then we can talk" she said politely.
Behind her Markus was stumped for words. He somehow expected that his grandpa would like Kizy. In fact he was sure that grandpa would have liked anyone he married, unless the person wasn't a male. But what was wrong with Kizy. Did she hit her head somewhere?
But nobody could blame him for this. Markus and Kizy had always grown up fighting each other to death. Not to mention a few polite words, he had never heard her talk normally. So all this sweet childish behaviour she was showing in front of his grandpa was completely unexpected.
"Grandpa will definitely listen to you. You need to eat more. Look at how thin you are" Grandpa nagged before leaving the room, while Kizy supported him. Both of them ignored the person who was the first reason why they were able to meet each other.
Markus stood motionlessly on his place watching the back of his 'beloved' wife and 'loving' grandpa who even forget that someone was standing together with them. He sullenly shook his head before following behind them.
The dinner was very joyful. Kizy had immediately developed liking for this newly found grandpa. For the entire time, grandpa was asking different questions, trying to know her preferences and dislikes. While Kizy was busy piling food on his plate. He even asked about how Markus treated her, but she simply replied that they were good. Afterall although she would love to complain about certain devil, she wasn't ready for the punishment accompaning that.
After dinner, Kizy took a walk with grandpa in the garden behind there house. Markus was quietly following both of them, though internally he just wanted to leave this pair of uncaring people and go back to his work.
Grandpa was enjoying his time as well. After sometime he came to the main point.
"Actually it will be your grandmother's birthday three weeks from now. But i wanted to ask you regarding the planning. Initially i wanted to celebrate this birthday in a grand way by welcoming all our acquintances. But suddenly both of you married without any prior notification. And we don't know the culprit behind your mother's accident yet. We don't know what they want. Also if you were to appear at the celebration with Markus, we would have to reveal your identity which might attract his enemy's attention on you. Therefore i wanted to ask if you are comfortable with a inviting guests for the celebration or should we hold a small celebration within our family members. Afterall we don't want to risk your safety." he finished. Though he had asked about this to both of them, he was waiting for Markus's reply.
"If i can not even protect my wife, i wouldn't have married her in the first place. Her safety is my responsibility. You can carry on with your initial arrangements. I will take care of how to reveal her identity and protect her" Markus said in a firm voice.
"What about you Kizy. Your opinion matters as well. We have a small family, thus we care about what all of us feel about every decision we have to make as a family" But this time grandpa's voice was softer.
"Grandpa i will follow the arrangements Markus has made for me. And i would definitely like to meet the other family members as well" Kizy replied.
Though she knew the amount of hatred she had for Markus, she was a person with her principles. Whatever hatred she had for Markus was limited to him. She had never met his family, and hence she won't judge them based on Markus's character. And so far her decision was correct as grandpa seemed to be a very thoughtful and caring person, different from the devil she had to live with.
"Alright then, make sure you don't plan anything at that time. Lets meet at the celebration then" Grandpa then turned towards Kizy.
"Although Markus isn't a bad person, but we have spoiled him endlessly. If this brat ever troubles you, just tell the butler to notify me. I will take care of him" With that grandpa rubbed her head and glanced at Markus before leaving.
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Have a nice day.
- Kizy