Chapter 03

As the evening sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Jane stood near the window, savoring each sip of her warm coffee. Memories of the past month in New York flooded her mind, filling her heart with contentment. She couldn't have asked for a better place to stay than with her Uncle Ross's family.

Uncle Ross, Aunt Mary, and little Liam welcomed her with open arms. It had been so long since she last met them. They always made her feel like a cherished part of their family. She always felt their love and care enveloped her, making her feel at ease in their presence.

 To ensure her comfort, they even arranged a cozy one-bedroom apartment on the floor above theirs. It became her comfort zone within this short period. Her own home, where she could just be herself.

As the gentle breeze caressed her face, Jane couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and hospitality she had experienced since arriving in the city.

As she leaned against the window railing, her thoughts wandered to her main purpose for coming to this city. Her dream of becoming a doctor. The recent enrollment in a prestigious MCAT coaching center filled her with determination and love for the challenges that lay ahead. 

Jane always wanted the superpower to heal. That excited her like nothing else.

Her mind suddenly drifted back to Isabella, her newly found friend. Who was at the same institution as her.

Jane's skepticism and prejudice towards big cities had been swiftly dispelled by that sassy girl. 

Isabella's friendship had become a source of comfort and support for Jane in this unfamiliar city.

" Oh, God!"

Lost in her thoughts, Jane was suddenly jolted back to reality as she remembered her aunt calling her for dinner a while ago. 

Putting the mug down in the sink she hurriedly went towards the elevator. 

Arriving on the floor below, Jane entered the dining room with a smile on her face, ready to savor the delicious meal that awaited her.

But her joy was momentarily replaced by a sense of alertness as her gaze fell upon an elegant lady, likely in her 50s, gracefully seated in the room. There was an undeniable air of sophistication and positivity that surrounded her, instantly capturing Jane's attention. 

She couldn't help but feel a tad intimidated by the presence of this distinguished woman.

Sensing Jane's apprehension, Aunt Mary quickly came to her rescue.

"Jane, come come! Meet my dear friend, Kathrine.You must have seen the grand mansion across from our apartment. This is hers. So she is my neighbor as well."  

Mary gave a brief introduction of the lady who was smiling warmly at her. 

"Oh! That's beautiful." Jane replied shortly, not knowing what exactly she was supposed to say.

"And Kathy, this is my sweet Jane, our family friend's daughter. I told you about her, remember?  She is like a daughter to me."

 Mary continued with the introductions.

"Hello Mrs. Kathrine, It's nice to meet you," Jane said politely.

"Oh, come on dear! Don't call me Mrs.Katherine. It sounds too formal.  You can call me Kathy," Kathrine said to Jane with a warm smile.

Jane paused for a moment, feeling a mixture of uncertainty and politeness.

"Sorry, I can't address you by your name only. I'll call you Aunt Kathy. How about that?" Jane asked, a little hesitant.

Kathy's eyes twinkled with amusement as she nodded in agreement.

"Of course, my dear. Aunt Kathy, it is. Such a sweet girl she is, Mary." Kathy replied, her voice brimming with warmth.

Jane blushed, embarrassed by the compliment.

As the night unfolded, the initial intimidation that Jane had felt melted away, replaced by a sense of comfort and ease in Kathy's presence. 

The conversation began to flow effortlessly, and Jane found herself increasingly drawn to Kathy's engaging personality. Jane's fondness for Kathy grew deeper in no time.

…………

After almost two hours Jane was back in her room. She immediately went to the balcony for some fresh air. Stars weren't visible there in the night sky. The City lights were trying to make it up for them. But still, it was peaceful.

She had an amazing evening.

 Tomorrow would be a new day, something new would happen in life. And Jane was totally looking forward to that.

 Suddenly a loud horn invaded the peace of the night.

" Mom ! I am home"... 

Somebody shouted from not a very far distance. Jane cringed at the high pitch. Looking at the source of the sound all she could figure out was a man. A really tall one. Jane had figured out that much from the way he tilted his upper part of the body outside the window, shouting and honking the horn. 

 Even though it's not inside her complex, but close. Jane felt a tad irritated at the disturbance. 

" Why doesn't he just get out of the car?" Jane made a face. 

" Great Jane! You are annoyed by someone you don't even know! " Her subconscious mind spoke. 

"Hey shut up. It's not my fault though. "  She tried to defend herself. 

As a  loud yawn escaped her lips, she decided it was time to call the night. Locking the balcony door she went back to sleep.

…………..

Since the morning, Adrian couldn't help but feel restless. His Dad and brother kept asking what happened but he didn't even know by himself! 

 Then what was he going to tell them?

After office time the restlessness was still there. It was like something would happen!

At last, he decided to pay a visit to his family. But coming here he saw the gate was locked.

" Where the hell were the gatekeepers?" Adi rubbed his temple impatiently.

" Huh ! Didn't I tell any of them that I am coming?" Adrian frowned.

"No fool, you didn't."  His subconscious mind mocked him.

" Whatever!" Rolling his eyes he kept honking the car instead of calling them or ringing the bell. 

Well, he is who he is!