'Anna's genes'

They saw Anna placing healthy dishes in Dyna's plate; while speaking something in a very low voice to her. But seeing her genuine intentions and behavior, they started eating as well. When they almost finished lunch, they noticed Anna has a clean plate. That meant she didn't consider eating at all, their mood plummeted further down.

Jack and Dyna had already noticed it but said nothing. After everyone finished, Anna got up with a glass of water and while drinking it she went inside the kitchen.

Jack face turned black and he went to his room stomping his foot. Other family members tip-toed and went to the kitchen only to see Anna cooking some dishes for herself. The servants around her were anxious, all alerted if she get burned or something.

"Miss, how about letting me do it instead?"

"Miss, there is hot here and your dress may get spoiled as well." They are trying to come up with every excuse possible but no avail.

Anna looked up to them and shook her head and asked for some ingredients instead. They obeyed her. What they don't know is Anna is a very good cook herself, after living alone for so long she has learnt every essential work for comfort living. And learning to cook by herself gave her the best advantage so far.

The people watching at the kitchen entrance have tears in their eyes. The Anna they knew would have never lifted a knife in case her fingers get injured; now she is cooking like a professional. Everyone can see the struggle she went through and change in Anna.

Anna finished cooking, she ate inside the kitchen and washed the utensils and went back to living room. Dyna asked Anna. "Dishes are not up to your liking?" with a frown on her face.

Anna held her hand affectionately and said in a low tine, "Because I don't know how to cook, I went to school empty stomach and ate instant noodles and fast foods on streets and once fainted due to stomach ache." Everybody in the room got a shock and they felt their heart hurting; they were further stunned when Anna continued. "A passerby helped to the hospital, when I woke up; they diagnosed me as suffering from 'Gastritis', so I can eat spicy food only once in a while. I ate with my friend in the morning, I can't have spicy meal twice in a day.

Everyone knows how much Anna loved spicy food, now watching her like this made their heart filled with guilt and regret. Jack was standing on the stairs while listening Anna's confession about her health. There were some emotions in his eyes that went without anyone noticing.

Dyna never knew about this fact as well, so she was shocked. She has hurt visible in her eyes but she didn't try to comfort Anna instead changed the topic.

"If I'm not wrong tomorrow is your friends birthday, what about it?" Dyna inquired.

Talking about her friends a broad smile itself came on her face, taking everyone by surprise. She answered. "He is sulking right now, Grammy. He said Robinson family hate him the most because, on his birthday night; they made me attend parties." Anna thought about Mark's sulking face and chuckled, and continued while shaking her head. "We friends have decided to go on a road trip for two days, camping, barbecue and our precious Jeeps; but I got a call from here and all the plans got cancelled." Anna sighed.

Daniel watched her sister concerning about her friend's happiness so much and jealousy seeped inside his heart burning it. Daniel came in front and suggested, "How about coming with me for a trip abroad, I'm going there for some work. We can have fun later." He was anticipating Anna's answer.

Anna looked at him for the first time today, he became conscious. Anna replied in an indifferent manner. "No thanks, you do your work; I have patients to attend in the hospital. Also, my friends already arranged a party in the hotel, we're going for banquet. So, after that I will be leaving for Mark's birthday." She politely refused every invite for her.

Daniel heard her felt that he was not sincere enough, her friends can change the location for party just for her; but here he wants her to accommodate him with schedule. He thought about it and his spirits plummeted.

Jack huffed and announced his presence, he looked at towards Anna in a disapproving manner and said. "Are you the only doctor in the hospital, and those friends of yours; do they have taught you to be this rebellious?"

Anna's anger flared up when her friends got dragged in but she calmed herself. "I got this stubbornness in my genes myself, don't blame them for it; as for in particular from whom I got it, I don't think anyone here have any confusion about it." Anna's replied was laced with sarcasm.

Everyone was listening carefully, so when Anna pointed the fact; nobody was able to control their chuckles. Dyna and Daniel was laughing their hearts out, while Thomas was trying to cover his grin with his hand; Rose's face turned red and she turned around. Her visibly shaking shoulder says it all.

Jack face turned black he pointed his stick at Anna. "You. You." But nothing came out in the end. His speechlessness brought another round of chuckles in the living room. Atmosphere was visibly light, but Anna suddenly stood up and walked outside leaving everyone puzzled.

...........

In the evening

Evan and Jeffrey, both were discussing some business-related work. When sound of heels nearing to the office, disturbed the peaceful atmosphere.

They looked at the door only to see, Mrs. Tina Wright (Evan & Ethan's mother) standing with bags in her hands and a broad smile on her face.

Evan felt that he can't escape this 'special' dinner banquet anymore.