Knowing me, Knowing Love - Chapter 3 It had been more than a week since Sendoh Akira’s visit. Rukawa had moved from his house he once shared with Nuriko into a small bungalow by the beach. One of the reasons was to satisfy his mother who advised him to ‘forget the sad past and move on in life’. The other reason was to avoid him. HIM! Why did he come back? Why? The card he left on his table lay abandoned in his old home. Rukawa did not want to complicate his life, just like four years ago. It was four years ago when he first met Sendoh. It was Yukito, his brother who brought Sendoh into his life. He was twenty-two then, and he was already engaged to a young lady called Toko Nuriko. Nuriko was what every young man would desire. She had beauty, charm, good name and she was from a wealthy and prominent family. Both their families supported and encourage their relationship for they were considered an even match. They had gotten engaged when Nuriko was only eighteen years old. Kaede always enjoyed riding his motorcycle around the hills behind his house although his parents objected. He loved the fell of the wind against his face, running through his hair, beating against his body. It gave him a sense of freedom. He remembered taking Nuriko on a ride once. At the end of it, Nuriko’s face was ghastly pale and she threw up once they stopped. He never took her for a ride again, or anyone else for the matter. No ever enjoyed riding with him for he was like a speed demon on the road. That Christmas, Yukito informed them that he will be bringing a friend back with him from university. This friend did not have a family, thus Yukito invited him to spend Christmas with his family. Chigusa agreed, feeling sorry for the young man and that no one should celebrate Christmas alone. But things did not turn out well for Yukito’s ‘friend’ was later considered to be an ‘unsuitable’ companion to have. She was totally unprepared for Sendoh to appear for Christmas jeans and a torn shirt. When Yukito introduced Sendoh to the family, Rukawa did not even shook his hand when he offered him. “This is my oh so cool brother, Rukawa Kaede. But then again, he is a good man and a good husband he will be.” Yukito laughed at his not so funny joked. Kaede was irritated. “And this is my brother’s future wife, Nuriko,” Yukito continued. “You’re a lucky lady, Miss Nuriko,” Sendoh said, surprising some people. Nuriko blushed at his words. On Christmas morning, they slept in. They were all exhausted having celebrated in church till the wee hours in the morning. Kaede overheard Yukito telling Sendoh he did not need to attend if he did not wish too. Nevertheless, Sendoh went with them in his jeans and torn shirt. Chigusa was most displeased by his outfit but did not say anything. Every one got their presents including Sendoh, which was said was from the family. But he did not return any gifts to them. He opened his gift and in the box were a pair of socks and raw silk tie.Secretly, Kaede wondered will he ever wear them. But Sendoh thanked them all graciously by saying, ‘Thank you, Mrs. Rukawa. You are all too kind.’ It was almost dinnertime when Chigusa said pointedly, “Yukito, you better change now. Surely you are not planning to wear those jeans to the dinner table? Won’t a suit be more proper?” “That’s outdated, mom. Anyway, it’s too hot for a suit,” replied Yukito lazily. “At least put on a shirt and a tie.” Yukito flushed up. Sendoh stood up and said, “I think Yukito is just trying to spare my feelings here, for all I have are denims and bush shirts. Maybe he will be so kind to lend me a shirt to go with the tie you all have given me, so that I may not disgrace your table?” Chigusa smiled tightly, “I did not mean to embarrass you.” “I’m not,” Sendoh replied easily and Rukawa realised he truly wasn’t embarrassed at all. He also saw that his mother was disconcerted and looked quite flushed up from anger. Sendoh had politely rebuked her for her discourtesy and she knew it. To be Continued... **Previous ** Next**