Kismet | ENGLOT

Chapter 17

The final scene reached a fever pitch, and when Engfa's and Charlotte's characters leaned in, sharing an unplanned yet electric kiss, the entire theatre seemed to hold its breath. The spotlight washed over them, casting a warm, intimate glow that suspended the two of them in a moment that felt all too real. As the curtains closed, the audience sat in stunned silence, unsure if what they'd just witnessed was merely a part of the play or something much deeper.

In the front row, Nessa sat frozen, her mouth agape, her hands covering her face in shock. Then, almost as if she couldn't hold back any longer, she burst into applause, leaping to her feet. "Yes, P'Fa!" she called out, her voice breaking the silence and stirring the rest of the audience into action. Soon, applause and cheers filled the theatre, as friends, family, and classmates stood, clapping, cheering, and even whistling, the energy building with each passing second.

Amidst the chaotic swell of voices and standing ovations, Charlotte's father sat unmoving, his expression stricken as he stared at the stage where his daughter had just kissed Engfa Waraha. His hands went to his mouth, as though trying to contain his own shock. It wasn't the kiss itself that affected him—he'd always assured himself he'd accept his daughter no matter whom she chose to love. But *Engfa*? The infamous Engfa, known for her bold personality and whirlwind reputation? He couldn't ignore the unsettled feeling twisting in his chest. This wasn't just a theatrical kiss; it felt like an unguarded glimpse into a part of his daughter's life he hadn't fully comprehended before.

Around him, the crowd cheered louder, people exchanging excited glances and murmurs about the unexpected twist. Charlotte's father, however, sat quietly amidst the applause, clapping slowly and uncertainly. He felt himself drifting into uncharted territory with her, as if this performance had peeled back a layer between them, hinting at things unspoken. The revelation filled him with a mix of pride and fear, as he grappled with the fact that his daughter was stepping boldly into a world that held both applause and risks—especially with Engfa by her side.

The theatre buzzed with excitement as families and friends poured in to congratulate the cast and crew. Amidst the sea of familiar faces, Engfa spotted her mother making her way through the crowd with an expression of unmistakable pride. As soon as she reached her, her mom's eyes glistened with tears of joy, her smile wide and warm. She pulled Engfa into a tight embrace, her voice breaking with emotion.

"Oh, honey, you were *phenomenal!* I can't believe how deeply you embodied your character. I was in tears—you were that good!" Her mother's voice trembled with pride and awe, and she held Engfa close as if to fully convey the depth of her admiration.

Engfa wrapped her arms around her mom, feeling both relief and gratitude wash over her. "Thanks, Mom. I wasn't sure I could pull it off," she admitted, her voice a mix of modesty and lingering doubt.

Her mom pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, her own gaze unwavering. "Are you kidding? With a performance like that, I wouldn't hesitate for a second if you told me you wanted to pursue acting full-time. *You're a natural,* honey. I felt every word, every look—you were magnetic up there." Her voice was filled with conviction, erasing any lingering doubts in Engfa's mind.

A smile broke across Engfa's face, the weight of her mother's pride filling her with a newfound confidence.

As Engfa stood with her mom, taking in the pride and warmth of her words, a movement across the room caught her eye. Through the crowd, she saw Charlotte, who was gracefully making her way over to Mrs Warren. It was as if the noise and bustle around her faded, replaced by an intense pull toward the girl who had been on her mind all night.

Turning back to her mom with a gentle smile, she said, "Mom, I'm going to go congratulate the rest of the cast and crew. I'll see you at home, alright?"