The Wish of a Broken Heart

Hayati

Unhetáse 14th
Taníyn’Nëlalaō
16:00

Tavirian

People dressed in their finest have been waiting half an hour for our family and the akika to be ready. For some reason, Miwt wants us to greet every person individually. The 32 are standing with us as well. Maybe it’s her way of ensuring our hayati are or are not here.

Ten minutes in, I see a dehin’s eyes focus on one of the twenty-two. His breath rate increases, and I need to intercept. I hope he understands and doesn’t blow it. I have a feeling I’ll need to do this a lot tonight.

“Majesties, it is an honor to be here tonight. I am Revëtu Ezereah of Aai Citurí. I w…”

“Ezereah! I appreciate you coming. I have been eager to meet you and show you how much I appreciate you coming with us on my Ak’hajj. The Gudalá changed our plans, I should warn you. These thirty-two akika will be coming with, unless they meet their hayati this weekend. I hope you don’t mind the extra travel companions.” Please, let him pick up on it. The akika he was focused on nods to him. He clasps my shoulder and laughs.

“My Inkosi, it is no imposition. It is a delightful turn of events. I am sure at least one can raise a beautiful voice in song.”

“Indeed, many can. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility. There are others who are supposed to be going with us who will be here tonight. I plan to move everyone in our company into a guest wing so we can get to know each other and discuss…”

“My Inkosi! I’ve heard and am here.” Another dehin comes up behind us. “I can’t say I’m disappointed either. Teneo Davios at your service.” He swoops a bow before shaking my hand. I see his stare is focused on Mali, and she is trying her best not to. It takes everything within me to control my happiness for her.

“Davios, I can’t tell you how impressed I have been with your skill and artistry in all your crafts. I look forward to seeing your skills at work.”

“You will, Majesty. I will give it my all.” Most of our greetings were short, and we could meet people in small groups of family and friends. It took six hours. I repeat. Six. Hours.

Five more dehin had to be intercepted. Only one was a little thick in the head and took a few moments to understand. All the dehin are hayati to one of the twenty-two, leaving seven of them still akika. I’m more than a little suspicious. The ten had no advances. Half of them are acting differently and not trying to advance on me or any other.

The ballroom looks amazing. Miwt really put her heart into it. Tiny glowing tiesh in vases with tropical flowers decorate tables that fit two to a dozen people on the sides of the ballroom. Smaller tables that fit up to four people decorate the upper balcony walks overlooking the floor.

Precious metal colors, white, and sarit decorate the rooms. The dining hall has food and drinks loaded on tables. People are amazed that we are serving treats with kawa. The music can be felt deep within. Watching people dance in a variety of colors is hypnotic.

Hayati can be seen meeting quickly. Some greetings are gentle and reserved while others are enthusiastic. I laugh, watching a vanit’a run across the floor, jump into her hayati’s arms, and he swings her around. The thirty-two vanit’a and the fifteen dehin that form my company’s new hayati sigh and aww watching them.

Miwt set a second ballroom up just for new hayati. The more I see leave this room and into the next, the happier I am. By the end of the night, only 56 akika and 723 akoka have not found their hayati. Seventeen were rejected. Something has to be done.

“Attention. Attention, Please!” I hear TáRu address the room. I wonder what she is up to. “Many of us here tonight have not found our hayati. If you have not felt your hayati come into this world, please, I would like you to stand here.” She gestures to the right of the stage. 173 akoka and 14 akika move over. That leaves 550 akoka and 42 akika.