Bunker 77

3. Celebration

The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
- Oscar Wilde

***

"Amna! Amna!"

I jumped at the voice, stopping in my tracks in the empty hallway. Searching for the voice, I turned around and saw Teratai rushing towards where I stood.

Putting my hand on my heart, I heaved a sigh of relief. I thought it was the head of Sector Two, scolding me for being late. The image of Mrs Sue's infamous scowl, that seemed to make her age ten years older, sent shivers down my spine.

"Oh, it's you, Teratai. What's wrong?"

Teratai glanced at the trolley I was holding after she reached my side. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to the storeroom and sending the boxes. These are the new stocks for Division One," I said, patting the boxes.

Nodding, Teratai then slipped her hand in her pocket and took out a piece of paper. "Actually, I'm here to give you this. An invitation for tomorrow night's event."

I took the paper from her to read the contents. There's a feast in the dining hall tomorrow night to celebrate an achievement, but the note didn't specify what.

"The general gave a generous amount of ingredients to us a few days ago. I think they are celebrating a win, but we won't know until tomorrow. I hope you can make it tomorrow. Tell your parents to come too," said Teratai, grinning.

Now I know why the upper class has been fussy about the clothes for the past few days. They're preparing for the event. It's obvious that Sector D was the last group of people to know about the event, especially if the event was not announced by reporters.

"So, I guess everyone will be there? even Division One?"

Teratai nodded. "There's a lot of good food too. I hope you can make it tomorrow night. We might never get to eat the same food again," she joked, but we both know there's a truth in the sentence.

"I will be there. Thank you for the note, Teratai," I smiled at her, keeping the note in my pocket.

Teratai turned to leave but then, she turned to me again. "Oh, before I forgot, have you read the book?"

I slapped my forehead lightly, as the image of Teratai's book flashed in my mind. The book was currently occupying my bedside drawer, the state it was in since I got it two days ago.

She lended me the book when I told her about Fikree's offer, saying that the book could 'prepare' me about the life outside of the bunker. Although the book was set before the war came into the picture.

"I'm sorry, Teratai. But I haven't had time to read. I promised I'll return fhe book as soon as I finish it."

She shook her head, her smile unwavering. "Don't worry about it. I just want to remind you to pass it down to another person after you have read it. It's the will of the writer."

I nodded, remembering her explanation as she gave the book. She got the book from her friend, who got it from her friend. Actually, the book had been passed down for many times and years, no one even know who was the real owner anymore.

"Alright, then I will see you tomorrow," Teratai said, and after a pat on my shoulder, she left my side.

As Teratai left the hallway, I pushed the trolley with all my might and went to the storeroom. It's a large room for storing clothes, blankets, and fabrics before they're distributed to the respective sectors. And just like the bunker was divided into four sections, the room was also divided that way. The most prosperous section was, of course, Sector A, where I headed.