Crushed and Created- Tangled series (Overprotective famous brothers)

World Adoption Day

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Malaika went on the stage and cameras flashed, “What you just saw was real footage. No actors, no script, nothing. I can see many people here touched, and remember what you feel right now. Because in reality, it’s a hundred times better than what you could see on the film.”

I didn’t know if it was her figure hugging Herve Leger dress that made the people to shut up or not, but if it was the reason, it worked well. Everyone in the room was paying attention right now, and Malaika was pleased.

“So, we are all here to celebrate a beautiful, spectacular thing. Adoption. It’s the ultimate gift you can give to any child, many a times healing your own wounds. Without going on and on, I’m gonna open for questions. Some come from the media, some from emails we received.”

We knew what was next, so I, Salman and Malaika other people we coaxed to give answers went to the stage. It was strictly adoption related, but we figured we’d let some easy questions in to allow publicity of the event. I never got the logic, but they knew what they were doing and didn’t argue back.

“Salman, why did you go to Atlantic City and New York?” asked a reporter. We knew it was coming and had a well cooked answer for it already.

“And old friend, who also wants to venture into movies called up a meeting. My entire family was with me to meet him, since once he was close to us.” No wonder he was considered one of the best actors around the globe. You couldn’t know that he was lying if you didn’t know the truth.

“Who is he?” asked the same bald reported.

“Sorry, that I can’t reveal. He’s one of those who are afraid of you guys. And why not I say?” he smirked and some people cracked a laugh. Salman was good at amusing people and changing the topic with his wits and sense of humor. He could handle a stressful situation fine but just lighting the atmosphere around.

“Alisha, are you back to competitive gymnastics?” asked a women, and I nodded once.

“Yes, I am. I’m training and hoping to get into the national team again.” I explained, leaving the details aside. They’d know soon enough, and it hardly mattered right now. She seemed satisfied with the answer and sat down, just as another person got up.

“Have you ever faced bias due to you being adopted?” he asked on my face and I was stunned. I expected the harder questions later, but here he was.

“Yes, all the time. I face it every day, but I don’t know why. Is it only being adopted, being adopted by famous personalities or both? I have no idea.” I shrugged and the reported gave me a weird look. What, I seriously hadn’t figured it out. I mean, not all celebrity kids were treated as I was, not all adopted people were either. So what was it?

“Maybe it’s being smoking hot!” a reported stated from behind and even before Salman said anything, the security showed him out. I blushed as the reporters asked for our reaction towards that man. Reaction? They were lucky Salman’s fist wasn’t down that jerk’s throat already. Getting the situation under control, we started again.

“Bebo, would you adopt a child?” one of the reports asked even though she wasn’t on stage.

“Maybe, when it’s time I think I want kids.” She answered from her seat and shot the man a smile. Every guest here was requested to answer one or two questions, so no reporter would have any complains. But they could opt out anytime.

“Salman, do you think the new law about single men not being able to adopt a girl child is justified?” a reporter asked and he shook his head in disagreement. Yeah, I knew about that one. Apparently our insanely hypocritical government thought it wasn’t fine for single guys or couples in live-in relationship to adopt.