MERCHANT SERIES

The Void

Cia's POV

Am i dead,if so i don't want to be,cause dying hurts like hell.At first there was silence,it was so peaceful in the dark.Then a light appeared and with it came soo much pain.I tried to avoid the light and my void was peaceful one more.Yet each time the light came back it had grown bigger and the pain was stronger.Iam trying to avoid the light but it's now taking over the void.I miss the silence.The light brings to much noise with it.

I feel am on a very soft bed.Urg it hurts,even my toes hurt.I can't move or open my eyes or use my voice.How do I know,cause really tried too.The only logical explanation for this is that am conscious but not yet conscious you get what am trying to say.My brain is active but my body is not quite there yet.For the past few days i have been getting a hang of what's happening around me.At first was the pain,then i gained back my sense of feeling.Today i was able to taste and boy was it good.I have no sense of time so i don't know what today really is.

After what feels like a long time i gained back my sense of smell.Right know the scent of the disinfectant has been killing my noise and all i want to do is sneeze.Its become so bad that even i am shocked when i do manage to sneeze out "Aaachoooo"! And hold on to the hand that is currently in mine.It feels soo warm.

Ayan's POV

Cia has not woken up in over 3weeks.During that time Appa somehow convinced Cia's mother and father to agree to our marriage despite the circumstances.Today's the day we finalise everything.The first lady madam kay tampa offered to remain by Cia's side as everyone made preparations for the dowry.

In the Zambian customs the dowry is paid by the man after which a series of events take place before getting a marriage licence and a white wedding.My Appa,Joon,You-lin's husband and my god father who is also my traditional marriage Councillor are with me as we present our case to marry Cia.After a series of formalities,Cia's father tells us the dowry amount(originally it is customary to negotiate over the price but I believe her family deserves so much more,its why we(everyone that has excorted me)had previously agreed to pay any amount).

From then on,according to Cia's tribal roots ,it is also customary for me as the groom to buy or provide the money equivalent for her father's suit,shoes and a traditional walking stick.As for her mother,I am to buy or provide the money equivalent for a 6metre chitenge and shoes.We decide to pay the money equivalent.

From the house we then head to the hospital to finalise the marriage.As I am saying the vows someone sneezes."Aaachooo"!.It takes me awhile to realise that it was Cia that sneezed.Everyone erupts others cry,others call for the doctor,while i just stare at my hand that she's holding on to tightly.

We put the procedure on hold as we all wait in the waiting room for my brother to give us answers.After 30minutes he comes out and smiles at everyone.

"From the test's run,Cia seems to be waking up."joon say.

There's so much rejoicing that am left wondering if Appa knew that Cia had begun waking up so i ask the question that's now bugging me.

"How long ago did she start gaining her senses?."

"According to the scans,it's about 2 weeks"joon says.

I look towards my father and his looking right back at me.Thats exactly around the time he presented the marriage documents.The stare down is broken when Priya asks why we were not informed of this.

"We usually wait till atleast 3 senses are achieved because sometimes a person my gain just 1 or 2 senses but never improves.3 senses means she's waking up"Joon says

"What senses has she gained?"asked Cia's mother.

"She can feel,taste and smell.Soon she will be able to hear and the finally wake up."Joon replys.