The Wishing Lake
Chapter 9
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*I don't feel like doing the disclaimer."
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Stupid logic, stupid brain, stupid me.
Ash was continuously cursing himself. He was there in the hospital, for his usual work but was unable to concentrate. The promise he had made to his mother and the fact that he had to answer Serena was sending chills down his spine.
"How do I tell Mom about Dawn, how will she react?" He said absent mindedly, while going through Dawn's report.
Dawn was recovering pretty fast, in her medical file, no particular reason for malnutrition was given. Dr. Bhatt said she would be fine from now on, so was discharged. He was glad as he would not have to face Serena or for that matter, Dawn again.
Closing the report and gathering all his belonging, he got up, ready to go home.
May had called him up and told Drew will be picking her up today. He was lonely, needed to sort out his feelings. Sighing once again, he entered his car and drove home. He was grateful as he was alone in the dilemma.
For a moment he thought of driving to saffron city to tell everyone what he needed but decided against it, it was only going to make the things worse.
He had hardly driven for a minute when he found Harrison, Dawn's teacher waiting on the pavement. He stopped where Harrison was. Getting down from the car, he went to Harrison.
"What are you doing here Sir?" He asked gently. Harrison was trying to recognize who he was. Then suddenly remembering him, he exclaimed,"Oh! You're the doctor that treated Dawn, my child."
Ash nodded and requested him to enter his car. Although Harrison kept on denying, Ash's constant request made him enter.
"Drop me at Victorian restaurant, I have to meet some clients there."
"Sir, do you live in Saffron?" Ash asked while looking and concentrating on the road ahead. Harrison let out a sigh and said,"Kind of, I live on the outskirts."
They stayed silent for a minute. Harrison added,"I don't understand a thing my son." Ash raised an eyebrow and asked,"Can I help with that?"
Harrison bluntly added,"Dawn was expecting you to stay through the entire song." Ash's hold on the steering wheel stiffened. He said,"I had some other work to do."
"She was hurt my child,"Harrison added. For a moment Ash was not sure about what to say.
Sensing his doubt Harrison replied,"I lost my wife and one years old daughter due to an accident. Reports say my wife is dead but they were unable to track the whereabouts of my daughter," a tear escaped his eyes,"Dawn reminds me of my lost daughter. The same age, the same complexion and the same intensity of her stare."
"I have brought her up with the same love I would have given my own daughter. I know when she is hurt."
Ash was listening quietly to Harrison. Harrison suddenly told him to stop the car. Ash agreed.
"We reached Victorian restaurant Ash, thanks for the lift," Harrison thanked him and got out. Ash shouted after him,"Why was Dawn sad?" Harrison turned and gave him a sympathetic look,"You have to discover that yourself son."
He left, leaving a confused Ash behind.
Ash quietly started his car and drove home, the recent conversation playing in his head.
He reached home but found only their maid working in the kitchen.
"Where are the others?" He asked the maid.
The maid gave him a knowing sly smile and teased,"They have gone to Saffron, to bring our new Bride."
Already? Man they sure are fast. He thought and sat on the sofa. Seconds later Drew entered, hands intertwined with May.
"The house seems awfully quiet today," May said as soon as she entered. Drew and she sat next to where Ash was. Ash informed,"Saffron."
Drew added rather quickly,"Your Mom seems eager to get you married Ash."
Ash looked away but not before adding,"It is just for her."
..
"Please have a seat," Dawn warmly welcomed the guests. Delia recognized Serena as soon as she saw her and was more than happy to find her sister so welcoming too. She believed Serena would be the same.
Troy and Samantha sat down where as Delia was still waiting for Serena to show up with her parents. Dawn excused herself and brought some freshly made lemonade.
"You must be Dawn," Gary smiled while taking a glass. She nodded. Gary smirked and told,"Lucky Ashy-boy, he gets one beautiful sister-in-law aka half-wife free with one." Dawn was not sure whether to blush at his compliment or run because of the implied truth.
Delia warned him to stay quiet and Troy just shook his head out of annoyance.
"Sorry, we were just a little busy," Johanna apologized as soon as she entered. Daniel sat near her where as Serena stood close to Dawn.
"You both are lucky, both your daughters are so pretty and well mannered,"Samantha praised.
Daniel couldn't help but proudly look at Dawn and then Serena.
"We sure are,"Johanna added.
"We won't beat around the bush," Troy added. He took a deep breath and smiled, his face showing signs of nervousness but determination,"We want to get your eldest daughter, Serena's hand for marriage. We want her to become Ash's bride and life partner."
Dawn felt that the ground beneath her feet shook. She felt weak but held on. Her breath stopped momentarily. On the other hand, Serena could hardly believe what she was hearing. She felt like doing a somersault and laugh and hug everyone. She could hardly control her squeal and excitement.
"We..I.. Daniel.. No, I think, it depends on Serena,"Johanna said ecstatically. Daniel, however was looking at Dawn intensely. Her expression made it clear that she was unhappy with it but physically she made no indications.
"What do you want Serena?" Gary asked. Delia told him to shut up and asked,"My son really likes you dear. Think and answer."
Daniel got up and placed a hand in Dawn's shoulder and another on Serena's shoulder. "Think and answer, so many lives will get linked with your decision Serena."
"Yes, I am ready for this marriage,"Serena said without wasting a second, almost ignoring her father's wish. Dawn's heart nearly stopped beating. After a moment she swallowed her lump in the throat and blinked away her tears. She hugged Serena and said in the most cheerful voice,"I am so happy for you."
"Then I guess we all are relatives now,"Delia said hugging Johanna. Samantha did the same. Gary on the other hand shook hands with Serena and gave Dawn a smile which meant we-will-meet-again.
In the middle of the chaos, Dawn wss trying her best to smile and laugh.
But only Daniel was able to see through her pain.
..
"And she said yes," Delia told Ash as soon as she and others returned.
The fact that he knew she would stay yes kept him uneasy but on knowing she actually said yes was making him feel even worse. How would he give her the love she deserved? Did she really deserve to be in a marriage where her husband was not at all interested in her? He was feeling guilty because he knew this was a result of his carelessness.
"So? When is the big day?" May asked jumping with excitement. Leaf had come over too.
"We need to go shopping and to the parlour, we are going to be so busy!" Leaf squealed with happiness. Gary groaned along with Drew. The girls go shopping and the man pays the bill. One of the side effects of dating.
"Control kiddos,"Troy added. Samantha caressed Ash's cheek and said,"Engagement is a week later." "And the marriage the next month,"Delia said happily.
...
The next chapter will be about their engagement! Yeah, there will be a time skip. A skip of one week. So, by far only Serena's wish came true, Ash said yes for the marriage!
And pearlshippers, I know you all are going to love the next chapter,( no sarcasm intented). Also, this story will have some songs. If you want Dawn to sing a song, either single or some duets with Ash, tell me positively!