The Rich Life

17

I was surprised when Sara called me back. She took the job. So the first task I sent her to do was to send out the invites to the engagement party.

It was completely orchestrated by Halima. Every tiniest detail, from the shade of royal blue of the balloons to our outfits, had to go through an inspection by her. We were allowed 20 guests of our own choosing, out of the 250 that were attending. I was glad not to have any responsibility for any of this because I thought of the entire process as, well...stupid. And so did Adam. But we let her do whatever she wanted for this on the basis that she wouldn't interfere with our wedding and reception plans. So we gritted our teeth and allowed ourselves to be drowned in canapes, satin and bowties.

All of this also brought back the feeling of some negative nostalgia. I remember my engagement party with Saif. Was that all just a year ago? How did my entire life go from that to this? I wore a muted pink dress that was so heavy with jewels, I could barely walk. I remembered the bright lights that shone on to the stage where I sat, in quiet fear, next to Saif. His hands slipping the ring on to my finger whilst everyone danced and sang Bollywood songs of love. How ironic that they promoted stories of love and soulmates yet still believed in arranged marriages. It was my first time seeing him in real life. He was so utterly handsome to so many. I was immune to his charms though. He was way too arrogant and in return, he was immune to my coquettish manner.

I sank back to reality. I had invited my school friends for my allotted 20. They had been at the back of my mind for the past year and I thought this could be a redemption I guess for completely airing them. They all accepted. So the dazzling night came. The "it" season of the year. This time I wore a floor-length dress of copper with golden jewellery. My hair curled and draped over one shoulder. Simple but elegant.

I stood by the window, gazing at the Manhattan skyline. Until I saw the reflection of Adam. He didn't breathe as he took in the image of me.

"Wow," He exhaled, "You're stunning,"

I smiled as I walked towards him. The house was dark, a golden glow of lights illuminating us.

"Can you zip me up?" I asked, showing my back to him

"Do you even have to ask me?" He replied. His finger traced down the line of my back. I shivered at his touch. I was in euphoria. Nothing can destroy my happiness tonight.

"Thank you," He fastened the ribbon at the top and gave me a kiss on my neck.

"No problem,"

"That's not what I mean. I mean thank you. For everything. You're changing. And listening. I love you," He had stopped being so secretive and more open. He finally showed me affection in public. He was kinder and sweeter. I stared at his eyes which softened when I said those words.

"You don't have to say thank you for that, darling. I love you too," He stared back at me and I knew that he meant every word, "Now stop looking at me like that or we won't get out of this apartment,"

I giggled, kissing him right next to his lips, tiptoeing. My hands traced down to the buttons on his shirt, opening the top one and going down to his pants.

"You're being so naughty, Mrs Dervishi," He grabbed my wrists and held them together, "Stop teasing me,"

"Or what," I bit my lip. Then dropped my purse so I could expose my cleavage to him. I stood up to hug him round his neck, pressing, my body against his, whispering in his ear "Halima won't mind if we're half an hour late. Fashionably late,"

"Fuck," He looked at the clock, "We can make time, as long as you keep whispering,"

🗲

We arrived at Halima's an hour late. The balloons exploded in a shower of silver glitter on us, whilst everyone cheered. Halima looked disapprovingly at us, her finger subtly at a cherry red lipstick stain on his neck. Adam raised his eyebrow at her and laughed. The event was perfect until everything came tumbling apart.