Chapter 25 - The Dinner

Mr. Arman's little family has gathered in the dining room. Mr. Arman, Mrs. Sonya, Crish, Sean and Latha, they all sat around the dining table.

Several waiters, began to arrive with lots of dishes they cooked. Sean was sitting opposite Lathia who was sitting next to Crish. Sean was upset inside, when he realized that he was the only one who didn't have a partner.

"Papa, why don't we invite the rest of our family? It's warmer if we eat with our other families," Sean said breaking the silence.

All eyes were on Sean, including Mr. Arman. "Sean, your uncle is busy. Papa doesn't want to bother them. They also have work to attend to. Do you just not understand?" Pak Arman explained while giving advice.

"Besides, this is a special family dinner to celebrate Crish's first job at Papa's company. And, after eating, Papa and Crish will talk something to all of you," continued Pak Arman, which succeeded in making Sean, Sonya and Lathia quite surprised.

"What's that?" Sonya was curious. The old woman's hand had taken the vegetable spoon to pour a few spoonfuls of vegetables into the plate.

"Later. Now, we're having dinner. Crish needs a lot of energy after he's been busy all day in his office," said Pak Arman. The man then took the plate that his wife, Sonya, had laid out.

Sean thought a little. Pak Arman seems to really care about Crish, he even seems to prioritize his eldest son. As far as Sean knows, so far he has never been prioritized by Pak Arman like when Pak Arman prioritized Crish.

Not wanting to get lost in his inner conversation, Sean then took a plate and put the rice down, the man was about to take side dishes and was immediately petrified when he realized that the menu for his family's dinner this time was seafood.

"What's the matter, Sean?" asked Mrs Sonya when she saw Sean's silence.

Sean glanced at his mother, gave Sonya a serious look. "I haven't eaten sea food for a long time, because when I was a child the doctor told me to avoid this food, he said I was allergic," Sean replied. The man then looked back at the menu on the dining table. "I'm confused. What if the allergy flares up?" Sean looked at Mr. Arman and Mrs. Sonya alternately.

"Oh, I see? Sorry, Sean. You can order new side dishes. Mama called Bi Alma to cook, okay?" offered Mrs. Sarah.

"That's right, Sean. I'm sorry, if the menu this time tends to my favorite food. As Mama said, you should order a new one," Crish suggested smiling.

"No need," said Mr. Arman quickly.

All eyes immediately fell on the old man. "Sean, your allergies have been going on for a very long time, haven't you? And you've only had allergies once. So it's better if you just eat this menu, it won't have any effect. His body's immune strength should have increased a lot since you were little," continued Pak Arman explaining , looked at Sean right into the man's bead.

Crish was about to intervene, but Sean didn't budge, Sean seemed to sigh and smiled a little. "Okay," said Sean. The man then took the seafood menu half-heartedly, he smiled bitterly.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Sonya couldn't do much, because Mr. Arman didn't seem to want to destroy the dinner specially made to celebrate Crish's first day of work. Likewise with Crish, meanwhile Lathia watched Sean, who clearly looked a little gloomy. Lathia also let out a small sigh, she had understood Sean's feelings since living here.

The man often looks gloomy when dealing with his father. Lathia realized that Sean was not treated as special as Crish, whom Mr. Arman loved very much, and seeing Sean like that made Lathia's mind secretly feel pity.

"And what's with your face, Sean? Why does your face hurt like that? Did you fight?" asked Mr. Arman again, making everyone turn to Sean, for the second time.

Sean didn't look at his father. "I fell," Sean answered casually while shoving a mouthful of rice into his mouth.

"Don't get hurt because of a fight. Papa doesn't want all your education to be in vain if it's only used for fighting," the man advised.

"Hmm." Sean just mumbled.

Dinner went well. The menu that the waiters make is very delicious. In fact, Crish repeatedly added. This made Pak Arman really happy, because his efforts were successful in appreciating Crish's hard work.

Some of the waiters also started to bring in the used of eating such as dirty plates and leftovers. While the next menu was changed to fruit pudding as a mouth wash, really refreshing.

"Okay. Since dinner is over, Papa wants to talk seriously, about Crish," said Mr. Arman starting the topic. Everyone looked at Mr. Arman seriously. Crish was no exception, who already knew what his father was going to talk about.

"Crish plans to hold an engagement with Lathia," said the man to the point. Pak Arman doesn't want to beat around the bush about this.

"What?" Mrs. Sonya was quite surprised. Likewise with Lathia, but a smile immediately engraved on her lips.

Meanwhile, Sean, who was drinking juice, immediately choked. The man looked at Mr. Arman in disbelief. "Engagement?" he asked in a low voice.

"Right. Maybe there is a reason why Crish wants to get engaged soon. Crish is also an adult and has a mature age," explained Pak Arman. He then glanced at Crish to explain.

Before that, Crish glanced at Lathia and turned to hold the girl's hand. "I've known Lathia for a long time. And I think making her the woman who will grow old with me is a good decision." Crish tried to explain even though he actually had a lot of doubts in his heart. "Yeah, it's just a plan. I'm still thinking about the right time to roll it out." Cris smiled. "If Papa and Mama agree, maybe I'll carry out the engagement soon."

Mrs. Sonya was silent. "Look, Crish. Aren't you still starting work? If you get married, you must have savings. Besides, you can't inherit the family company yet, don't be in a hurry to decide," said Mrs. Sonya giving advice, it made Lathia open up mouth, quite surprised by Mrs. Sarah's suggestion.

"I think your mother is right. Lathia is also 18 years old. Even though she has graduated from college, it does not guarantee that Lathia is physically and mentally ready. Papa recommends that you marry her at the age of twenty and above. And Crish, you can prepare yourself from now on, "said Mr. Arman seriously.

Crish did not answer and was only stunned while considering the advice of his parents. He glanced at Lathia briefly. Yes, Crish seems to have to tell this to Lathia.

"Okay. Papa and Mama can consider my engagement first. And if you agree that Lathia and I will get engaged at the right time, then I won't delay it anymore," Crish concluded.

***

~To be continued~