CHAPTER - 23 Grownup Tina

The day when Tina was abducted, just like any normal day, she woke up in her bedroom. Her mom's message was left on sticky notes next to the nightstand as usual.

'I am going to attend an important meeting with a client. Make sure you go to today's conference without fail. Also, send me the report of the details discussed in the conference by the end of the day. Do not let your father attend this conference, unlike, last time. If you have any other plans then move them to some other dates. If I come to know that you are trying to skip this meeting, then I will be very much upset and disappointed in you. I know you won't like to make me annoyed.'

On another sticky note, Grace wrote,

'Even though my previous note may sound a little strict but you do understand the complications we will be in if the decision is not made in our favor. Other than you, I don't trust anyone, not even your dad. Tina, you are my best daughter and my only daughter. I have high expectations set for your present and future. I hope that you will not cause mom, any heartbreaks.'

When Tina pulled the second sticky note, she found one more under it.

'Mommy wants the best for you. I know you know that. I have handpicked everything for you, today like any other usual day, even though mom was busy with an important job. I have already selected what you have to wear today and kept it separately in your wardrobe. I have given special instructions to everyone on what your menu for the day would be. They will follow my guidelines properly. All you have to do is enjoy your day by following the route I choose for you. I also know you will be happy with my choices. - Love, Mom.'

"Love you too, mom!" She said out aloud and got down from the bed.

She noticed that it’s her mother’s last note. This was their way of communicating from the time she started learning how to read. Even though technology had improved a lot, still her mother believed that these notes build more bonds between them rather than sending messages through phones.

"Mom, I cannot believe how lucky I am to have such a mother. You know everything that I like and dislike. You always gave me the best. I just want to be like you. I am proud to have a mother like you and will show the whole world one day that I am the best daughter you always portray me to be. Anyway, I did not have any plans to miss today's conference meeting." Tina talked to those notes and hugged them.

She looked at the time and noticed that she had enough time for a morning jog. She stretched her body a little bit before walking to the attached bathroom. She picked a towel from the closet and within ten minutes came out of the bathroom. She wore the tracksuit that her mother had already chosen for her before she left for the meeting.

She climbed down the stairs elegantly. When she saw her father sitting on the front porch looking at the sky, a tiny smile crossed her lips. The newspaper was kept on the side table and his coffee had gone cold long back.

"Good morning, Dad. Should I ask the kitchen to send you one more cup of hot coffee?" Tina asked gracefully.

She then hugged him from behind and kissed his cheek. Mason rubbed her daughter’s hair and returned the hug.

"Good morning, Sweetie. No thanks, I am good. Do you want me to attend today's conference?" Mason asked, looking at his darling daughter with sparkling eyes.

"No! I am going for sure this time. Mom strictly left me a note saying that I must attend it no matter what. I really cannot skip it. Anyway, I want to go regardless of whatever may happen. I am ready to face the real world, dad. So, do not try to stop me this time. Please, I beg you," Tina hurriedly said.

Tina already knew that her father would try to talk her out. So, she hastily informed him about her decision to attend the meeting. Mason became speechless. He could not understand why would a normal young woman who grew up in so much wealth be so obedient to her mother? He was not saying that it's anything bad but he wanted her daughter to enjoy her life as well.

"But, isn't it fun to let go of the stress and enjoy once in a while? You do not have to build so much pressure for yourself so much. You are a fine young lady and this is your prime years. Once you are my age, you will be restricted from doing several things. Moreover, your body needs rest too. This is the perfect time to try dating a few men or even women whoever you prefer. I will always support whatever decision you make. Also, go to a few parties and enjoy the nightlife too..." Mason tried to make Tina understand the importance of youth life instead of that boring meeting.

"Dad, I am perfectly fine with how I am now. I don't like all those parties. Anyway, last time, because you forced me to go, I attended Julie's birthday party. I did not even like it over there at all. All they did was drink and smoke. Somewhere even taking drugs. How could they do that to their body, when they are going to be future doctors? What advice would they give to their patients when they won't even follow them?" Tina argued and crunched her face in disdain.

"How can you say you are perfectly fine? You hardly have enough time to sleep. You are busy with your post-graduation studies and handling work at the same time. Isn't it too hectic for you? As a future doctor, you need to care for your health too. Ok, if you don't like their parties. Even I feel that they need to grow up a little. But what about my previous suggestion? You can try dating someone." Mason suggested.

"Dad, stop it! I am really fine. You do know that. I get enough rest. For a normal human, we only need seven hours of sleep. And I am getting that much sleep. If you did not stop me from going to the conference that day, Mom would have not been so upset. I want to become just like mom. Obviously, when I see a handsome hunk just like you, I would jump on him and make him mine. Just like what mother did when she saw you!" She announced as it was her goal to follow her mother's steps blindly.

Thankfully, it is prohibited to talk about her twin sister who is no more in this world. Or else he could not imagine what he would be facing now. Would Tina turn out to be just as stubborn as her mother? Would she agree with her mother that abandoning a newborn at the hospital is normal because her sister was stillborn?

Mason understood that he could really not win the arguments with his wife or his daughter. When he finally decided to accept his defeat, he saw someone coming towards them with hurried steps.

"Forget about that devil. How many times do I have to tell you that you can take things in a little relaxed way? You don't have to work so hard to earn money. We already have enough wealth, so stop thinking that if you do not follow your mother's every step then the whole world will crush on your head." Millie uttered while entering the house.

"Good morning, Granny. How are you today? Is your BP under control? Did you take your medicines on time? How about I do a health check for your once before I go for my morning jog?" Tina asked with a plain smile that did not reach her eyes.

"No need. If your mother stops troubling you with work and studies, then automatically my BP will come under control. You carry on with your morning run! I came here to discuss something important with your father." Millie said and signaled Mason to come inside the house.

"Ok. Bye dad, Bye Granny. I will be back in thirty minutes." Tina nodded her head and left.

Millie and Mason waved their hands at her. She started to run on the beach sand. The sun had just started to rise from the sky and its bright orange color rays reflected on the ocean below.

That was the last time Millie saw Tina. She could not believe that Tina would go missing on the same day when Adrain brought her marriage alliance to Grace. And her stupid daughter accepted the proposal without considering the feelings of anyone. Grace did not even think once to ask Tina's permission.

Once Mason entered the living room, Millie immediately inquired, "Where did your wife go so early in the morning?"