A dawn of hope or the dusk of dreams?

The atmosphere at the Roy's was like the silence before a bang by their grandfather also known for his strict personality with discipline and principles.

Abraham was already sent by his daughter to check the temperature in the lounge.

"Ahhhh...This Grandma had to go today itself..."Saying this she hurried up in pulling up her jean and a the while hoodie . Which she had robbed from Stephen's wardrobe.

Within , then the room door opened with her father closing back the door as slow as possible not making noise.

"Is he done with meditation?"Was the first question of a scared Raphael from her Grandfather.

"Daddy ...Answer me.."Abraham smiled at his daughter and straightly went onto his work to braid Raphael's long hair.

"No..But you need to hurry up Rapunzel." Hearing this Raphael took her right thumb in her mouth with worry and tension evident on her forehead. Abraham hit her hand silently telling her not too. Raphael had these weird habit since childhood. Wherever she is sleeping , overthinking and tensed.

Shaking his head, Abraham started to brush her and gave Raphael another brush to brush her ends of hair.

"Daddy..Will we make it?"She said because everyone knew that Mr.Senior Roy was really very strict man in his times and is continued till date. "Even this dumb bones Stephen broke our brocode leaving me to sleep ."She complaint to her father as he was listening to her while started to braid her long hair.

Raphael had really long hair without touched by any scissors for years but had trimmed like just one inch every year but that didn't stop her from having a long thick hair like Rapunzel and that's how her father named her .

"He is still asleep and your aunt is trying to wake him up from past half an hour." Abraham said and looked for a band .

"Here" Raphael passed three rubber bands to her father . Taking the bands he tried to secure the hair but in those three bands two broke.

"That's the reason I want to trim my hair."Raphael said irritably trying to look for a new pack which she had brought two days back and gave the entire pack to her father.

"Don't you dare."Said his father with little strictness in his voice. Raphael looked at her father through mirror and made a sorry puppy face. She knew that her father had an attachment with her long hair . Which he says that her mother had similar long hair with the same smell in it.

"Daddy.."After Abraham was done he stood up but Raphael held his hand when he didn't turn.

"Before you say "

"I won't utter nor cut my hair"Raphael said before her father would complete and hugged him with he eventually ended up with a smile on his face. Raphael always remained him of his lost wife but he needs to hide the existence of Raphael from the world as well as the particular ones that she was their daughter.

"Now hurry up and wake Stephen till then , I'll see if your Grandpa is done."Saying so he patted his daughter's back and she rushed like a fastest train to carry another passenger who was her cousin elder brother but was more like her own blood brother. Basically, Brother from another mother.

Raphael entered Stephen's room like there was alert in the whole country. Without caring about her shoes she jumped on his bed and seeing that now Raphael is here to wake her owl like son ,Hanna left the room by closing the door behind her because she knew how big time owls these both were in laziness . Also, She doesn't want to take any changes in breaking Grandfather , Zack's meditation.

"wakkkkeeeeee Uppppp.."Raphael jumped on his bed and sat on top of Stephen and began to shake him from shoulders. But, even like a earth couldn't wake the lazy panda up. Then she tried to wake him from high music sound tracks played from her phone. But there was no movement nor a slight line of difference in his dreamy sleep.

"Oh! God..Please help your this little child."while keeping her right thumb in her mouth she murmured looking up.

"Steph...Wake up...The military general is on the way to dining table..."She shouted into his hear and hearing this Stephen woke up with a jerk making Raphael who was sitting on his stomach. The weight of her didn't wake him up but hearing about their Grandfather woke his every senses.

"You thief.."He said looking at his sister Raphael, who was wearing his white hoodie and tried to hold the sleeve but before he could hold her she jumped out of the bed and ran near the door shouting that they will get into trouble if they don't reach the table in three minutes. As she ran her long braid was also moving along . Stephen hearing his sister jumped from not caring about his blanky and bed's neatness.

On exact thirty seconds he reached the table and saw a seat safed by his sister beside her and sat beside her having a eye contact of relief.

A tall man with high held shoulder wrapped in shawl on his grey safari suit , few hair colored grey telling that he was a aged man but the shoulders and the way he carried himself showcased that he was no less than any youngster, Zack Roy.

Entered and sat on head of the family chair with just entered their Grandmother and his wife , Caitlynn. A beautiful heart and soul lady, happy going and a mother figure to Raphael, except Caitlynn and Hanna who is Stephen's mother are no other ladies in Raphael's live whom she considers.

"You are late."Said a strong voice turning to his right with just his eye corners. As his wife served him the breakfast and bring all the dishes Hanna too sat beside Abraham.

Zack grandpa was sitting on the head chair while his wife on his right and left chair was left empty as his elder son Samuel had gone out of town due to some work related and next to that seat was Hanna sitting and Abraham . Raphael was sitting beside her grandma and her brother, Stephen beside her.So, these were their daily sitting arrangements.

"What would I do when Mrs. John stopped me."And looked at Raphael with slight angry and again diverted her gaze. While serving herself and her brother, Raphael noticed this cold behavior of their grandmother towards them especially towards her and they both looked at each other saying , 'what did they do?' and shrugged their shoulders beginning with their breakfast.

"Why aren't you having your breakfast, Grandma?"Raphael asked trying to break the ice which her grandma was showing through her cold shoulder.

While Caitlynn just looked at her with narrowing her eyes at Raphael which said, ' don't you know'.

"Dear, Had been to a wedding this morning and had her meal there."Said Hanna serving fresh juice to her son.

Hearing this Raphael stopped eating and looked at her Grandma who was now throwing daggers at her Granddaughter.

Actually, Caitlynn and Raphael both had to go together in this wedding function .Which this 'traitor' according to Caitlynn to her granddaughter left her alone to go.

"How was the food?"More than her grandmother attending the function alone ,Raphael was concerned about the food there.

That was it for Caitlynn she shot a glare at her Granddaughter which said ' Shut uppppp'.

Leaving her alone with that Mrs.John is alone a punishment for her hearing . That lady has no stop button to her mouth as well as famous dialogue after every gossip ' Who are we to judge' and then shaking her head like bobble head.

And the main reason was that Caitlynn and Mrs. John weren't in good terms, which always lead to a silly fights among them. The wedding which she attended was Mrs. John's granddaughter and Mrs. John's late husband was Mr. Zack's friend but as early morning function would ruin his schedule he asked Caitlynn to attend instead of him and unwanted she had to agree but pulled her partner in crime to stay with who apparently betrayed her, Her Grandmother. The coolest grandmother anyone could ever have.

"What's up with Grandma?"Stephen nudged Raphael observing his Grandmother's glare at his sister.

"She is thinking that I'm betraying her "Raphael said while shrugging her shoulders and taking another bite of

morsel. While hearing this Caitlynn kicked Raphael's foot under table which said, ' She is betraying her,Traitor!'

While Stephen palmed his mouth at this action of his grandmother. The table was silent but these three were into their whole world of blaming. Caitlynn was blaming Raphael, Raphael was blaming her sweet and beautiful sleep and Stephen was thinking that from when does his Grandmother started with under table work. Which basically is a crime. Stephen's mind would always think which isn't even a thought or even possible.

"Grandma!!!"He said which came as a loud voice on the silent table. Everyone looked at him along with Caitlynn with confusion on her face.

"What's wrong? , Stephen Roy." Grandpa, Zack had a habit of calling people with their full name.

"Grandpa"He said with a shock on his face looking his Grandmother and then his Grandfather.

"Grandma ,Started her under table work."He said with a shock on his face while the others who were looking at Stephen where shocked to their lives and looked at Caitlynn with wide eyes and open mouth. Caitlynn for that matter was shocked herself on this statement.

"What are you saying.."His sister , Raphael said . Trying to cover up her brother's silliness and faked laughed stuffing her mouth with large morsel.

"What is he saying.."In a hard tone Zack asked his wife who herself was shocked in at her Grandson's statement and shrugged her shoulder as even she doesn't know about what he was saying.

'She under...the ..table....' and then giving a thought she realised what he assumed and looked at him as Raphael stuffed her mouth as well as Stephen so that he nor she could speak any further again leaving her alone with her rigid husband. Turning to her husband and facing him she just smiled showing her teeth.

"It was just that I by mistakenly touched Raph's leg and this boy of our thought another way around." She explained to her husband . While he just shook his head knowing the bond between the Grandmother and Granddaughter.

"And when are you leaving that job of yours."Zack asked Raphael while she stuffing Stephen's mouth with another large morsel from his won plate. Roy family were a big time foodie.

Raphael stopped on her tracks on the question of her grandfather.

She has reached on what she is now by much struggle and hard work completed her graduation in computer science to become a Software Developer which was her dream and also came true by the help of her daddy the great and her Grandmother's continues support and encouragement. After her result Zack wanted Raphael to get into medicine like her father and help in the family like a responsible member but Raphael had another plans , while Mr. Zack himself had gone to a med school for her admission taking his elder son, Samuel along. He returned home with a smile on his face and hearing that even his daughter would serve people for a good cause being a doctor like him ,Abraham was flying in air.

But, when Raphael reveled that she has no interest in medicine but in computer and it's softwares on the dinning table that night. Along , with Zack other members were in hope of having another doctor in their family but hearing Raphael there was a pin drop silence. Abraham who had dreams and was flying in air replaced his disappointment with a smile and encouraged his daughter on her every step.

Even during her learning she received many offers regrading job from various MNC's (Multi National Company) of software companies. Hearing this Grandpa Zack was happy and silently supported her and was most happiest on her graduation were he didn't stop clapping along with Abraham and Caitlynn in tears while clapping .To add onto that Caitlynn and Stephen were hooting her name which she served her graduation certificate.

In no time Raphael got her first job as a junior learning from the best and in no time she was appointed her own term to handle.

Her development as a employee was commendable but the hours of her working was bothering both her grandparents as well as her father. She would go to work in evening and return back morning as she was working for an MNC . Also, the distance from her workplace to her home was a worry. Even if Abraham had his night duty in the hospital he would call continuously till his daughter would reach her workplace safely.

Seeing the current circumstances of the public and also thinking about peoples' words Zack asked Raphael to drop her that job and look after another where she could work in mornings.

Raphael didn't comment on her Grandfather's old mentally thinking he was correct in his point of view and got into another job. Which was slightly far from her house but filled all other requirements of her Grandfather especially .

Her only dream was to work into a MNC which was fulfilled and help into the family financially which she was paid in this firm called "WILL AND SON'S INFO TECH PRIVATE LIMITED". It's headquarters was in New York, USA.

Now, having that in mind . The company sometimes call her for night duty .But considering those few times her Grandfather was behind her asking her to quit even that job. But, this time her was too attached with that company and her colleagues were she met her college friend. Who apparently was lost in this small world and he didn't get that easily by Raphael herself. Finding a friend where you work makes it even more homey and pleasant.

"But..Grandpa..."the morsel itself swallowed living a bitter taste in her mouth.

"No..arguments Raphael Roy."He said in a stern voice. While Raphael made a puppy face looking at her father asking him to help.

"Dad , She only has--"As Abraham was trying to say be his father ,Zack showed him his hand asking him to stop.

"This is my final decision."Saying this he wiped his mouth and got up from the table leaving everyone with silence . Everyone knew that Raphael loved her job and also were knowing that Raphael and her best friend Jacob's friendship and all over her job also was good .

"Grandma.."Raphael turned to her Grandmother for help as her father went behind his father to convince him.

"If I get night duty then even Jacob also does his night duty , right Grandma?"She said with hiccups.

"Shuu...My child "Caitlynn can never see her Granddaughter whom she had grown by her own hands after Raphael's birth like her own child. She took Raphael in her arms.

" Please say something to Grandpa...Maa....."She said sobbing.While Hanna was looking as she can't do anything which could comfort her little girl. Though she didn't give her birth but feed Raphael her own breast milk and that bond didn't break. Hanna even knew the hatred of Raphael towards women. She tried her best with the help of Abraham and Caitlynn but it didn't work out instead grew as the time past. Even the little girl wasn't at fault at this seeing what her mother, Sarah had done.

"Raph..My child come on you didn't finish your breakfast darling. Look I've made french toast ."Hanna tried to change her mind with food as Raphael along with her son was a great time foodie and looked at her son who was looking pity at his crying sister while munching his toast. She nudged him and gestured to do something. He looked on to his mother for awhile and then understood what she was trying to say and shook his head and turned Raphael.

"Grandma, Look my sister looks so pretty in my hoodie and even spoilt it with her amazing lip gloss. So, beautifully."He exaggerated and was rewarded by slaps of ladies. At his dramatic way comforting his sister.

" There is no value of a goodness and good people in this world."He said ever so dramatically while rubbing his arm.

"If the person like you is set out fir goodness , this what happens."Raphael said coming out of her grandma's arms. While the other two ladies agreed nodding their heads in agreement.

"Raph , Sweetheart come on let me drop you."Her father came from inside carrying his as well as his daughter's handbag in one hand and doctor's coat with stethoscope in another. Raphael stood up with hopefull eyes thinking her father had convinced her Grandfather. But, seeing the hope in his daughter's eye Abraham hated it but had to do after his conversation with Zack inside. Which he agreed at his point and shook his head in negative.

Raphael didn't say any other word and strode outside . While Caitlynn and others to stood up from their chairs with disappointment.

Abraham silently went on his work and Stephen had currently put his mother on a duty to search his bike key which were missing from it's original place . It's him who keeps in one place and searches in another.

After like Half an hour his mother found the keys in his yesterday's worn pants.

"Oh! Mom you are truly a detective "He said and made her wear his black shades and kissed her cheek and waved her goodbye and saying 'he will get a detective book for her in evening ' . While Hanna was smiling waving back at her son. She was a reader of detective books especially and loved reading . That's the reason she worked at one of the nearby library and Stephen was a learning pediatrician in same hospital in which Abraham was a senior Cardiologist. Samuel, the elder son of Roy , husband to Hanna and father of Stephen and uncle to Raphael was a fruit trader . He carried the side business of the family which Mr. Zack was doing along with being a Charted Accountant in a small firm.

In car, As the drive was silent and our Raphael can't just keep silent all this time. Started tapping her foot with taking her thumb in her mouth with worry on her forehead.

"Daddy , why didn't you try convincing Grandpa?" Abraham knew that his daughter can't sit quiet even for a second and then seeing her worst habit of taking her thumb in her mouth . He snapped at her hand while driving and again concentrated on his driving as Raphael asked.

"Don't you think I haven't done that."He said while taking a right turn towards Raphael's workplace.

"But , Daddy, I'm safely home after my few night duties also."She exaggerated 'FEW'. "Also, everyone knows Jacob and his driving. Don't we?" Raphael at any ways wanted to convince her father and not quit her job. Though this job she had learnt much more with great experienced developers and had hope of going foreign which was the actual reason of her. She just wants to travel outside her bubble she was in. If at all she goes to any out of the country tour from her job then she would get exposure to outside world which isn't possible in here and they would carry all her expenses . What can be more pleasurable then this for a girl and to add the food is must which she always looks forward too.

Also, the punishment of Jacob for being invisible after the college and one day forgetting to pick her up was to get her amazing food with a sweet dish for forgetting to pick her up and till date he was doing it with a smiling face. They both were really close friends during their graduation days and even then Raphael would snatch his lunch box which came from his home and give him , her own but eating that too half.

She wasn't big in size nor even thin for that matter. But, in a beautifully shape woman.

With that she reached her work place which after few would turn into ex- workplace. She doesn't understand this behavior of her grandfather. This was slightly far from her home which was also in his requirement list.

As she stepped out waving goodbye to her father as he again reminded her of quitting her job by today.

She saw Jacob waiting for her as usual and waved at them and came forward to greet Abraham.

"That wave wasn't for you but for uncle. "He said while greeting smiling Abraham at their friendship.

"I'm good, Jacob and also running late for my duty."He replied to his greet while looking at his wristwatch.

"doctor's duty at first ,Uncle."Jacob said and waved as Abraham reversed his car behind and drove off their sight.

"What happened to you this beautiful morning."Jacob had to run to match Raphael's speed as she started walking in just before her father pressed the pedal of accelerator.

"This morning seems to be good for you . "She turned to him with a jerk and her long hair hit his face as she turned"But, not for me."She said and pressed her thumb under security check and pushed the door towards the software department.

Jacob was rubbing his cheek where Raphael's long thick hair had hit him more like a slap. Seeing her again walking fast . Even he pressed his thumb on the security check and matched her speed asking what made his best friend's morning this worst that she didn't even ask 'what he had brought for lunch and sweet dish? '

Raphael had prepared a sarcastic reply for this but before she could even say a lady came forward to her who was they're department's receptionist. She didn't say any word and just handed over a letter in Raphael's hand and happily greeted morning to Jacob which he turned and went away. Every lady , in the office had a bad vibe from Raphael as she never interacts with any female co-employees but does few interactions with male employees. Unless , Jacob said that to cover her up by saying that in her house they aren't many women so Raphael just feeling kind of awkward and nothing more. While some believed and others ignored and badmouthed about her. But, even Raphael didn't care about them nor about what those females say.

Now, Raphael was just looking at the letter which she had in her hand with a logo of the company which said it is from the company and related to work. Today, she was going to quit her job halfheartedly and now this letter was just not setting well with her.