George began to express his ideas, emphasizing the importance of a healthy routine, "I have some advice to share. Taking care of your daily routine is important. It's a good habit to set specific times for sleeping, eating, and relaxing. This will help you feel more energized and focused at school. Your teachers want the best for you, so it's worth considering their feedback. There's no need to feel bad about it – just see it as an opportunity to improve. And Jasmine, as the older sister, you can set a great example for Juli."
"Yes, Father, I will never repeat this and help Juli to improve. Sorry, father," she touched her ears.
"I am also sorry, father. I will not do this again," Juli imitated her sister holding her ears.
The rumbling of the clouds brought her back to the present moment. As she looked out the window, she observed the birds, animals, children, trees, plants, and flowers, feeling a sense of tranquility. Despite her melancholy, the serene scene provided a momentary escape from her worries. The lively children eventually went back to their homes as the sun set, gradually enveloping the Earth in darkness.
Juli was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. As she made her way to open it, she reluctantly left behind the beautiful scene outside the window to answer the doorbell which started ringing rigorously. As she cautiously inserted the key into the lock and turned it, the door emitted a haunting creak as it swung open, revealing a mysterious figure standing in the poorly illuminated hallway. Her heart raced as she strained to discern the identity of the tall, slender silhouette, and to her astonishment, she realized it was Jude. Before she could even contemplate her next move, Jude reached out and firmly grasped her wrist, preventing her from shutting the door.
Juli tightly shut her eyes, her heart racing with impatience as she struggled to release herself from his unyielding grip. Each attempt to free herself failed, leaving her feeling increasingly repulsed.
He proceeded to enter the house and said, "Juli, please don't display your anger. I need to meet your parents. Please allow me to come inside."
Juli was not able to decide on her next attempt. She gestured for him to release his wrist, which turned red. Jude freed her instantly. She motioned him towards the drawing room, asking him to take his position on the sofa. She rushed inside to inform her parents. Both her parents were enjoying their evening cup of tea on the balcony in the pleasant weather. Juli was hesitant as the announcement might spoil their mood, but she had to act wisely.
She whispered in her mother's ear, "Mom, Jude has come to see you and father. I have made him sit in the drawing room. If you say, I will ask him to leave immediately."
Stella threw a cursory glance at her. She continued sipping her tea in pretense.
George prompted, keeping his cup on the table, "What happened Juli, what's the matter, daughter, you sound nervous. Who is there at the door?"
"Nothing, Father. Jude has come to talk to both of you. He is sitting in the drawing room," she managed to utter.
Stella retorted, "Tell him to return. I am not in the mood to listen to him. This man has snatched the peace of our house."
"Oh! Stella, don't be so rude. Let's hear what he has to say. Presently he is our guest. It would be a dishonor to return him from the door. Try to pacify yourself and make peace," George exhibited his concern.
He proceeded to the drawing room. No sooner did Jude's eye fall on him, than he stood up to greet him, "Good evening Uncle. I am Jude, Juli's friend."
"Hello! Good evening. Please be seated," George spoke while shaking his hand with him. A pool of anxiety crept over his face as he sat next to him.
Meanwhile, Stella entered the hall. Jude stood up to greet her, "Good evening aunt. Myself Jude. I am a school friend of Juli's."
"I know, I know," she exclaimed.
Stella gestured towards the chair, inviting him to take a seat. As he settled in, she studied him intently from head to toe before joining her husband on the nearby seat.
"Actually, I'm feeling a bit unsure about how to address you. Should I refer to you as Mom and Dad, or should I simply use Uncle and Aunt? I'm here to present a proposal on behalf of my parents," Jude confidently expressed.
Stell interrupted, expressing her discomfort, "Why should you come to do the honor? Why are you all alone?"
Jude remained silent. He wanted to utter something, but his eyes became teary, and his tongue refused to say anything. Juli's parents were waiting anxiously to hear him speak.
"Uncle, I have come to confess all about my misdeeds. I don't require them, neither do they require me," he uttered with tears rolling down his eyes.
As guardians, George and Stella's hearts melted seeing him crying, but they were not sure whether he was shedding crocodile tears or was sad.
George patted his back, "Don't say it like that. They are your parents. You need to listen to them first."
Jude became a little comfortable to speak, "Uncle, my parents are not bothered about my future. I have lived a neglected childhood. They have no time for me. I have everything to lead a luxurious life. Money, riches, wealth, basic amenities. I am blessed with everything, but I lack relationships. We are strangers living under the same roof. Money has the power to destroy a family. I am unlucky in other respects. I want to enjoy life and have someone around who will love me and care for me."
Stella shouted, "Juli... Juli... please bring a glass of water for Jude."
Juli hurried with a glass full of water and produced it before Jude. She was flabbergasted to see him weeping. It was hard to believe him at the moment, but she was aware of her parent's shrewdness. She stared at her parents and started to leave the room.
George asked, "Daughter, sit here. It is very important to hear him."
Juli sat on the front sofa hesitantly. She cast aside a glance at Jude. When their eyes met, she turned her glance at the floor.
Stella was unable to control her curiosity. As soon as he gulped the glass of water, she exclaimed, "You are not alone. Every parent wants the best for their child. Their way of expressing love may be different, but that doesn't mean they don't love you. You are the only child. They might have seen various dreams. You have to understand them."
"Yes Aunt, I was an attention-seeker. Their cold behavior towards me turned me into an introvert. I must say Juli taught me the real meaning of love. We are good friends. I want to spend my entire life with her. For that, your permission is necessary. If you refuse, I will instantly leave your house," Jude emitted in one breath, releasing the burden he had carried on his head.
George probed, "What is your source of income? How will my daughter spend her entire life with you?"
Jude responded, "I have started going to my father's office for the past month. I am no longer a spendthrift. I look after the finances of our company."
George wanted to have more of him, so he queried, "What if your father doesn't include you in the share of his property?"
"My grandfather had signed a will, conferring all his property on me before dying. I became an heir to the company from thenceforth," Jude replied.
"But I have heard that your father renewed the company after a heavy loss," George asked further.
"That's another matter. I am not going to lose my company at any cost to my father, who is a father who is a gambler," Jude replied with a sarcastic smile on his face. He felt better as he was regaining their trust.