Chapter 36 The Long-Expected Reunion

Michael smiled as his daughter carefully lifted the small, round tea pot.

It was a lovely warm day; just right for a tea party with his little princess. They were outside under the shade of the white gazebo overlooking the lower gardens and fountain.

The Helmsley Princess tipped the pot and Michael saw it coming but decided not to react. It was only iced tea; not the hot liquid.

"Oh," Kelista's face fell. "Sorry Papa,"

"It's okay, angel." Michael said as he helped her dab the spilled liquid with a serviette. High tea was overrated in his opinion.

"Hey, Kels!"

Michael and Kelista looked up to see Seth running through the pergola towards them, followed by a chortling Priya.

Upon seeing the future Shield affiliate, Michael's smile widened instantly.

"Hey, Uncle Mike!" Seth raced up the gazebo steps and threw his arms around the HelmsleyCorp president.

Michael laughed heartily as he returned the child's hug. "Hello, Seth."

Feeling like a tug-of-war rope, Michael doubted Seth would want to play tea party, preferring strategic war games. Or perhaps he'd want to fish, as today the little one had a small rod in his hand.

"Uncle Mike, can I take Kels to the stream?" Seth asked, before turning to the Helmsley Princess. "I could teach you how to fish,"

Unexpectedly, Michael felt a blow of disappointment and ... rejection. Sure, Seth adored Kels, but he always came by to spend time with Michael.

"Papa, may I go with Seth, please?" Kelista asked, standing up.

Michael looked up at his daughter, surprised. "Sure, sweetie,"

Michael stood up as he watched his daughter leave with Seth, trying to push away the ill feeling that one day Kels would consider tea parties as 'childish' and prefer romantic dinner dates.

Priya smiled at the children as she walked up the steps of the gazebo Michael. She hugged her husband's arm and sighed contently, resting her head on his huge shoulder.

"I wish I had known you since the age of five," she said softly. "Then we'd have been childhood sweethearts,"

Michael swallowed hard. Of course that would have been preferable, if the alternate is being kidnapped and forced into a marriage. And, if that wasn't bad enough - to also be held down by culture to respect and worship the same husband.

As the children disappeared into the forest (under the watchful eye of Capt. Rizer) Priya turned so that she was facing her husband. "I love you, Michael,"

Michael could only stare at her for a few moments, taking in her beautiful features...and the symbols she wore that made her his. She always put on a red dot on the middle of her forehead with the sindoor just above it, colouring a little of her hair. Years before she had explained to him that, together with the mungala sutra around her neck, it gave her the special status as a married woman in her culture. That meant she belonged to him...forever.

"I love you, Priya," Michael replied holding her in his strong arms, never wanting to let go. It was wrong that he kidnapped her, but she was genuinely happy with him ...wasn't she?

~oOo~

Kelista looped her arm through her father's, almost bouncing on their way to the lifts, where she noticed a young mother with a toddler. The mother clearly adored her daughter. For a moment Kelista saw her mother hugging the child.

The Helmsley Princess hardly felt the tears, but very much the soreness in her heart and the all too familiar feeling of longing. She thought that remembering her mother would help her feel better...clearly it wasn't.

"Kels?" her father questioned gently.

Kelista blinked back the tears and pushed those negative emotions aside. She looked up and smiled at him; remembering she still had her papa.

Once in the elevator, Kelista chatted cheerfully about her adventures during the past few days - with Alison, with Aryan, with the WWE and ...with Seth. Michael's heart twisted at the mention of the Shield's affiliate's name. But he managed to keep his emotions in check for his daughter's sake, all the while to the hotel rooftop.

As the lift doors opened, Kelista's eyes lit up in surprise. The hotel rooftop was beautifully tiled and decorated with plants and various flowers and astroturf; recreating the scene from the tea parties years before at the Helmsley estate gardens.

They sat down at a circular table with a clear view of the horizon; Kelista's seat was adjacent from her father's, so she could be closer to him.

Michael watched as she delicately poured them both tea, just like she had done so many years before. His daughter was very graceful, but Michael wished she had spilled at least a drop, just like his little princess had done often. But Kelista was elegant like a new bride.

He had a sinking feeling this may be his last tea party with her. "Thank you, sweetie,"

Kelista considered her father. She moved her hand across the table like she was getting a biscuit and knocked over her tea cup.

"Oops, sorry, Papa,"

"That's okay, angel," Michael couldn't help smiling.

"Papa?" Kelista said softly.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

Kelista took a deep breath. "I need to ask you something. And I really need you to answer it this time. Please?"

Michael went still for a moment. Perhaps she would want to ask why he was ignoring Seth, considering how close the Shield affiliate was to the Helmsley family. But Michael had an answer ready for her – it was to keep her safe.

However, truth be told, there was no excuse for Michael himself to keep away from Seth. If there was one thing Michael feared, besides his daughter's safety, was facing Seth. He didn't know how to; seeing the hurt in Seth's eyes earlier tore Michael to pieces. But once again, he was forced to put those emotions and thoughts on hold as he gave Kelista his undivided attention.

"Alright, I will," Michael nodded.

Kelista swallowed. "I-I heard a lot of things here in Iowa. Did you...did you force mum into marrying you?" she blurted.

Michael felt a blow to his stomach. How did Kelista find out about that?

Silence fell as she patiently waited (for him to say anything but yes).

"Yes...yes I did." he finally admitted. He wanted to say more, but what possible excuse could her give his daughter?

Kelista swallowed hard as she leaned back on her chair, away from him. Tears formed in her eyes. "How could you?" her voice was barely above whisper.

"I'm so sorry, honey," Michael said softly. "I never told you because I didn't want to hurt you; neither did I want to hurt your mother. I did the best I could to make her happy, I promise."

"I understand..." The Helmsley Princess nodded, trying to find comfort in his words. She just had to let the past be just that. She smiled at her Papa; at least he didn't lie to her.

Kelista's thoughts were interrupted when her phone rang. Her eyes lit up at the caller ID. "It's Aryan,"

Michael comically pointed to himself and then nudged his head to the elevator, as if to give her some privacy.

She rolled her eyes and giggled before answering the call. "Namaste,"

Inwardly, Michael gave a huge sigh of relief. He didn't think he could handle both Seth and Kelista being angry/hurt/disappointed in him.

The Helmsley Princess happily spoke in Sanskrit, which Michael barely understood. Years back, he had learned Hindi for Priya but he hardly knew the ancient language.

"Aryan's on a very important business trip to India." She informed her father after she hung up.

"When the engagement is on Saturday, and you're still recovering?"

"I'm fine, Papa, and I'm sure he'll be back in time." Kelista shrugged.

Michael tried to keep his tone light. "I would like to think he cares more about my daughter than some business deal."

"Of course he does," the Helmsley Princess assured him.

"Oh, sweetie, I've always prayed that you'd marry a man that loves you even more than I do,"

Kelista got up and hugged her father. "I don't think any such man exists in the entire world, Papa."

~oOo~

Seth Rollins' eyebrows furrowed as he felt a soft hand on his shoulder. Curious, the Architect turned around.

The sounds of the outer hall were drowned out and the atmosphere went completely still as he stared at her. He didn't make the same mistake as Roman; not for a second did he think she was Kelista. She had a sindoor on her hairline and red dot on her forehead but no mungala sutra around her neck. And In her hands was a bunch of wildflowers...not unlike the ones he loved picking for Kelista's mother.

But she also had that same bearing and air around her of home. Love. Not even Seth's mother exuded such familiarity. A feeling of belonging, no matter who you are or where you may be at.

Seth's eyes flickered to the mercenary by the doorway. Rizer's mouth tipped into a small smile and nodded as if to say: Yes, Seth. It's her.

Priya's eyes were already filled with tears. She lowered them, thinking she made a mistake. "I'm sorry, I-I was looking for my son-in-law,"

Seth's heart plummeted. She was looking for Aryan. This was even worse than when Michael entered and barely glanced at the Architect.

He swallowed. "A-Aunty Priya, Aryan's-"

"Seth," she said softly. Slowly she raised her hands and cupped his face tenderly, as if the Architect was still a child. "Tum, it's you,"

Seth could hardly do anything but soak up all the affection. He hugged her, and kissed the top of her forehead, just like she had always greeted and blessed him.

"You have grown up so handsome and strong," she gushed. "Just like Michael."

Still grinning, Seth couldn't help feeling elated at her praise.

"And...your hair-?" Priya's hand drifted over the blonde part, stunned.

"Oh, yeah...um, do you hate it?"

"Of course not, dear." She replied. "It's...unique."

Roman roared with laughter. "That's one way to put it." Priya wasn't really thrilled about it – but she didn't mind either. She was merely overjoyed to see Seth - that much was obvious.

Seth grinned at his brother. "Oh, this is-"

"Roman," Priya smiled as she kissed his cheek.

The Powerhouse was surprised to be treated like a child by a woman that was around Stephanie's age.

"Was that Dean I passed earlier?" Priya gestured at the doorway.

Roman nodded. "Yup – that's our Deano,"

Seth was still amazed at her being here. "But-but- you're alive,"

"Yes, and I'm so sorry, Seth."

Rizer quickly explained the situation with the village and Priya's amnesia.

"You're Kelista's mother?!" Roman was taken aback. "You look more like her sister,"

Priya just smiled pleasantly and Seth didn't feel like explaining either. She was married at the age of seventeen and had Kelista at the age of twenty.

"Hey, Seth. I have to go, bro." The Powerhouse said before turning to Priya. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Helmsley, er- Aunty Priya,"

"You as well," she replied. "I hope to meet Sierra and the children soon."

Roman nodded and smiled bemusedly at her before hurrying out of the ballroom. He hoped little Sarah hadn't left yet.

~oOo~

Lobby

Sarah patiently stood with Mrs. Harro by the statue of the Lincoln bust, trying hard not to cry. She felt miserable wearing this nice dress. Perhaps Mrs. Harro should have given it to Jessica or Amelia; they would have surely looked pretty in it.

"Hi, Sarah,"

The little one's heart leaped at the sound of the Shield affiliate's voice.

Roman smiled as he approached her. Just like his Raquel, she looked like a lovely little princess; and not just because of the pretty peach dress that Sierra had bought and sent for her. He bent down so that he was at eye level with the eight year old. "Sierra and Raquel are at the park. Would you like to come join us?"

Both Roman and Sierra knew Koda wouldn't have any problems fitting into a new family; but Sarah, having being rejected and hurt before would need to be showered with love and attention and with hope. So the Reigns' planned to take her out today just to spend time with her.

Sarah looked up at Mrs. Harro.

"This whole day is for you, sweetie." She whispered with a kind smile. She informed Sarah what the Reigns' planned for her.

Sarah turned back to the Powerhouse, and Roman was awestruck by the sparkling blue orbs that were once dull and withdrawn. There was fire and life in this little one that would one day take the world by storm. All she needed was a chance combined with love and care.

She nodded eagerly and Roman no longer felt compelled by Koda to adopt her. Nor did he feel pity for her anymore. Sarah had tugged at his heart just like Raquel had on the day she was born.

~oOo~

Hotel Rooftop

"Oh, and Aryan wants to get married soon." Kelista informed her father. "Perhaps next month-"

"Kels, you don't have to get married if you don't want to," Michael cut in quickly. "I mean, we don't have to rush the wedding,"

"But I do," she insisted.

Michael's eyes held a lot of pain briefly but he shook it off. "Alright," he agreed, kissing her forehead. "I'll tell the Pariwars I've agreed and I will also welcome the first class, seated behind the desk-"

Kelista chuckled and lightly smacked her father's arm. "Papa! Don't make fun of Aryan because you feel his company owning hotels is boring."

"I'm sorry." Michael said sincerely. "You know I like Aryan well enough. And his job keeps you safe." he swallowed. "Unlike-unlike mine."

Once again, Kelista got up and hugged her father from behind. "If I said, 'you're the best Papa in the world', would you let me off Dr. Gaillard's care?"

"No,"

Kelista pouted. "Papa!"

Michael grinned. "Are you sure you want to get married, sweetie? You seem perfectly okay acting like a child."

Kelista kissed his cheek. "I'll still be your child, so I must act like it!"

Michael laughed along with her. "Kels, I missed you and your nonsense," he said affectionately.

Kelista giggled.

"And I'm very proud of you...I'm sorry I wasn't supportive of your new job."

"It's okay, Papa," she said, returning to her seat.

Michael slowly nodded, remembering Priya was waiting to see their daughter. He had to tell her now.

"Sweetie, how'd you...get your mother's mungala sutra?"

Kelista looked confused. "In London, I woke up that first morning and found mum's bridal sari and jewellery spread out on my window seat. I thought you left it there, because now I'm old enough to get married." She chuckled.

"Sweetie," Michael began. "I have something important to tell you,"

Kelista nodded. "Okay,"

Michael took a deep breath and started explaining about the secret Native American village first.

"So…they were hidden, even from you?" she found that very hard to believe, considering the advanced technology at HelmsleyCorp and the fact the village was basically in the Helmsley's backyard.

"So on the day of the fire...your mother…" Michael gently took Kelista's hand in both of his. "They saved her."

He felt his daughter's hand go stiff.

The Helmsley Princess' mind started to whirl. She had quickly figured out what her father was trying to say. But she kept her eyes trained on him, waiting for her Papa to actually speak those words.

"Unfortunately, she had no memory of us…"

Hot tears sprang in Kelista's eyes. After all these years…

"Oh, sweetie…Your mother's alive," Michael smiled. "She's waiting right outside to see you,"

He had barely finished when his daughter jumped up and leaped towards the lifts. Michael made a short call to Rizer.

Kelista stopped just a few feet away from the elevator. Amidst the wonderful thoughts and feelings, came a downpour of fear and anguish.

What if she doesn't like me? What if she can't remember me? What if-?

She felt her Papa's arms around her as he kissed the top of her head.

"It's okay, little one." He said softly. "I'm right here."

Kelista swallowed hard, barely feeling the hard thuds of her heart against her ribs. She stood rigid as the elevator doors open to reveal the Architect and –

Like Seth, not once did Kelista think she was looking into a mirror. The tears cascaded down her red cheeks as she came face to face with Priya, her dear long lost mother.

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To reviewer: lunaticprincess7085: If the (former) Shield were there to catch you, could I leave you hanging then? ;) #Shield Reformation – I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for reviewing :)

To guest reviewer Kaidence: I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reviewing :)

Thanks to everyone who read, followed and favorite! It keeps me encouraged! :D :D :D