CHAPTER TWO - FATE'S PLAY
It was a little late in the morning when I casually stepped down the stairs, yawning and tying my hair onto a knot, thinking of asking auntie Malka to make me some pancakes. I yawned and it took me a moment to realise Mama was right there in front of me, disapproval etched in the flare of her nostrils.
"So, the princess decided to wake up? Look at the time! It's 11am already!" It was 10:15 - Mama loved to exaggerate.
"And what is this state? Why did you come down in your pyjamas? In case you've forgotten, today's an important day. We're having special guests over. Go take shower, wear something decent, and then come downstairs and help."
"But.. Mama, breakfast…"
"Forget breakfast. Do as you're bid, then you can have something to eat." She ordered and stomped away.
Dejectedly, I headed back upstairs. I was almost into my room, when I saw Ibrahim coming out of his. I instantly went to him.
"Ibrahim, do you know which guests we are having over? Please don't tell me Mama is serious about what she said yesterday."
"What? Oh. Let me see. I'll go talk to her."
"But what shall I do now? She's asked me to go get dressed, I'm getting really worried," I flailed my hands around.
He scratched his forehead. "Wait. Don't panic. Let me talk and we'll figure something out. I have an idea - why don't you go somewhere today? Mama will be incensed, but so be it. At least she won't have you engaged today. Dad and I will get a chance to talk sense into her."
My previously bleak-looking future brightened with this spark of hope. "Really? Can you do that? Thank you Ibo, you're the best," I hugged him tight.
He squeezed me back, " don't get so happy right now. At least not before things are sorted. You know Mama's temperament. Nothing's obvious with her."
"Mhmm. But I know you guys can convince her, at least to postpone this whole joke until my degree is complete."
"Perhaps. Now you off you go, and don't let Mama see you."
"Okay."
Back in my room, I quickly changed into a chic top and pants, gathered my stuff and some money in a handbag and called Tanzeela, a very good friend of mine, who owned a cafe. It was a soothing place, and would be a huge respite from this tension.
That done, I called Raqim Bhai, one of our drivers. He was the only one I went anywhere with, mostly because we had a deal between us. I'd pay him, and he'd keep my whereabouts and favorite haunts a secret. Having called him outside the gate, I quietly sneaked out, after checking with Ibo to make sure he was covering for me. There was no need, as Mama was in the kitchen directing the chefs like an army general shouting commands.
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I stepped out of the car outside Hemingway, a cosy book cafe. I looked through the glass doors into the dimly lit interior - there were only a handful of people present at this hour. I pulled the door, and went in, greeted with warm aromas of bread and coffee. Tanzeela, my tall and petite friend from college, was at the counter, head bent, tendrils of silky brown hair framing her face. Upon hearing the door open, she looked up and a smile dawned on her face. "Ayla," she came over and embraced me in a warm hug.
"Oh my God, it's been so long! How are you? Where have you been?"
"I'm fine. You know the usual stuff, studies etc." I tried to dismiss the question.
YOU ARE READING
FATE'S PLAY
RomanceAyla Akram is a the only daughter of a rich, political family. She is fed up with life under her mother, dictating her every move, when she realizes that her mother has decided to do away with her entirely. A promise of betrothal made in infancy is...
