The Untouchable

Chapter 82

August slipped by unnoticed, giving way to a rainy, harvest-rich autumn. There were numerous weddings, and Baba Songolik was frequently invited. Sometimes, she accepted the invitations, donning an old-fashioned chiffon dress, hiding her white hair under a black wig, applying a thick layer of foundation, running a burgundy lipstick over her lips and cheekbones, and rubbing her cheeks into rosy apples. She adorned herself with two strings of faux pearls and sat regally in the car that came to pick her up. She would return the next day, slightly tipsy and visibly tired.

This time, she insisted that Daniel accompany her. Daniel agreed, albeit reluctantly, realizing it was time to face the future and get back in touch with Sennoy and Maxim. In their remote village, technology was scarce; even the mobile network barely worked, let alone the Internet. The lavish celebration they were attending was held at a resort complex in Slyudyanka, complete with all modern conveniences. Baba Songolik packed a change of clothes and shoes for Daniel and made him try on her grandson's white shirt and black pants. The sleeves and legs were a bit short, and the waist was loose - her grandson was probably thick boned just like her - and they didn't match his sneakers. Daniel felt like a clown in the outfit but didn't argue; it was the price for kindness and shelter. If she wanted him as her escort for the evening, so be it.

As they arrived, Daniel felt a sudden apprehension.

"How will you introduce me?" he asked, looking at Baba Songolik's stern face.

"As my grandson," she replied firmly, shaking the sharp wing of her raven wig as she stepped out of the car.

"Huh?" Daniel followed her, thinking he had misheard. "What?"

"As her grandson," echoed the smiling driver, a distant relative of the groom. "Come on, grandson, get out."

The term "baba" took on a new meaning. Daniel looked surprised at his newfound "grandmother," who ignored his questioning look. It seemed like a strange joke. Baba Songolik smiled gracefully, bowed her head with an air of dignity, and surprisingly appeared quite regal in her fake wig and outdated peacock-colored dress. Daniel had to bite his lip to suppress a chuckle - they looked like a bizarre version of a Stokes painting of a queen and her page. But in this case, the queen was elderly, and the page, lacking any romantic inclinations, resembled more of a jester with frizzy hair and a scruffy beard, dressed in too-short pants that exposed skinny ankles and dirty sneakers. No one from his Moscow life would recognize him now.

At the party, they were seated at different tables – Baba Songolik at a place of honor, and Daniel among the commoners. The number of guests was astonishing: at least four hundred people filled the hall, and with children and teenagers in a smaller hall, the total could reach five hundred. Speeches and congratulations were delivered in strict order of seniority, mostly in Buryat, making them hard to follow. The food was plentiful, with tables groaning under the weight of the feast.

Daniel eagerly indulged in the salted and smoked fish, tasted the Buryat sausage made from tripe, washed down the rich flavors with meat broth, and ate a buuza according to tradition: holding it by hand, taking a bite, drinking the hot juice, and then enjoying the meat filling. He waited for Baba Songolik to give her congratulations, after which he could go for a walk. People looked at him curiously, uncertain of whose side he was on, and he himself wasn't sure how to respond if asked. Baba Songolik surprised him again - she emerged from behind the table after the speeches of the close relatives, beckoning him to join her, and he hurriedly approached, adjusting his ridiculous shirt. She spoke in Russian, but in the local, elaborate manner - Daniel lost the thread of her speech early on and unabashedly stared at the young couple. They were both exceptionally attractive, with a striking mix of ethnicities that often produces the most vibrant individuals. The bride, in particular, was stunning: slender, graceful, with large almond-shaped eyes, a delicately outlined mouth, a gentle oval face, and lush brown hair styled in an elegant updo. The groom looked at her with adoration, holding her delicate hand, seemingly unable to believe his luck. Daniel perked up when he heard the ending.