CHA 10: Found
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Mira's POV
Finally, it's here and I still can't believe it.
The day I've dreaded for so long.
I don't know what I'm feeling. Some mixture of dread and anxiety. I'm happy I'll finally be out of this oppressive house, away from Tania, mother and father but then I still don't know who my groom is.
"Aunt Amyra, have you given Mira some food ? The bride has to eat."
I look up to see mother wearing a plastic smile,her steps graceful as she walk towards me.
The perfect bride's mother. She sure knows how to act.
I still can't get over how she reacted when she heard a jar of milk was broken just outside the Rajs.
I didn't tell her. Neither did Nandiri but I do have a knack for picking enemies. And situations. Guess they don't call me the cursed one for nothing.
Yup! Selene did.
I don't even want to reflect on the events that happened two days ago. Mother starved me for a full day, not minding the fact that I gave her money worth more than the milk. I spent that day working my guts out on an empty stomach.
So much for being the bride to be.
" Yes, she had some food few moments ago." Aunt Amyra replies glancing swiftly at me. I lower my gaze with a soft smile.
Aunt Amyra is a godsent. I can't tell how grateful I am to her. I had told her what had happened before hand and her advice really helped.
I'm in the bridal room and more women are coming to give me their blessings.
Yes, it is fake. Just like mother.
They are mom's friends, aunts and cousins who never even liked me. The beautifying team comes in and mother breaks into perfect acting.
" Oh, the beautifiers are here to beautify my child. Shush now, all of you, go outside. The bride and her crew need some space."
The women all flock out with mother, leaving only I and aunt Amyra in the room with the team. The leader who had put some henna designs on me a day ago walks to me with a smile.
" We're about to start prepping you up. Have you cleaned up?"
" Yes I have."
"You can proceed, the bride is set." Aunt Amyra chimes in.
My heart is pounding so rapidly it might collapse. I'm feeling a little like a Queen today but I'm still nervous.
What if something goes wrong?
* * * *
Aeon
There's a hussy in my room today. I just took the risk. It's been days since I came here and I'm always all alone. If Rahid should find out he'll kill me but I'm sure he won't and the girl is totally harmless.
I gave her coke yesterday. Lots of it. I watched as the white substance shot through her veins and damn was I feeling hard already.
Last night was escasty.
Aeon…. What are you thinking? The last time you kept a girl, it cost you a precious life.
Stupid. This silly head of mine had to spoil my mood. Ivin.
The girl stirs beside me and I watch her rub her eyes open. She's a beauty. Such a shame what I have to do to her.
" Welcome back hussy, you did well yesterday. Now grab your dress and that bundle of money on the table. Get out of my house before I get back."
Nude, I walk into the bathroom ignoring the look that itch gave me. The cool water is refreshing. It sure feels good to be alive even though I'm in hiding.
I wonder how much time I've got until they find me.
Now, I'm in my room. The girl is gone and I'm putting on my shorts when the door bursts open.
" What the fuck_ Rahid?"
He's looking so harried, rushed and his eyes tell me there's big trouble.
" We have to get going Deaon. Now."
" To where? Are they here?"
" Like hell they're here! Did you even have any plans?"
" I was in hiding at a safe sanctuary."
" Dude don't tell me you had no plans for emergency situations. Now get into the bathroom."
" Why?"
" Move you moron, don't ask questions."
Swiftly, I pick my stash bag and get into the bathroom. Rahid is in front of me. He truns on the shower then he places a thumb in a small opening I didn't even notice was there.
Crazy.
The wall is opening up and Rahid leans a shoulder to it. It opens wider, allowing us both to get through. I don't even know where we're going. And it's so dark in this place. Rahid hits a red glowing button and the wall closes noiselessly behind us.
" What about the water running in the bathroom?"
"Shit Deaon, focus. We've got more problems to worry about."
" What about it?" I insist and Rahid clenches his jaw.
" It went off when that passage closed. Follow me. Quietly.
This passage is narrow and the steps never seem to end. We're moving deeper underground and it is lit up by Rahid's mobile torch. I think I left mine behind in a rush but I should have another in my stash bag.
" How close were they? How did you find out?"
" They were 10 minutes away and I've got spies bastard."
" You fool, where's your butler?"
" I should be asking you that."
We come to a stop at a dead end and Rahid hits another glowing red button. The wall opens up to let us through and closes once we go through.
We're in the open and I can sight the house's roof blocks away. I look around. It's another house which looks nothing like the beautiful card villas a rich scion should own. There is a car parked right outside the gates. Rahid's car.
"Come on."
We rush into the car and Rahid speeds off in a lane I've never explored.
" Now tell me your plan Deaon."
" I didn't think of any."
" You're a useless son of a hound. So you intend to keep running and hiding? He'll eventually get you and then what? You go on your knees and ask to be let off?"
"Maybe."
" Christ! Don't be stupid Deaon, we.."
" Rahid do you go to church?"
" Why? My wife is of the faith."
" You're married? How come you never let me meet her?"
" There's no way in hell you're ever meeting my wife."
" Alright, alright. So where are we going to?"
" You tell me."
" Rahid!" I call out but he turns up loud music and accelerates the car. He obviously still has a temper.
After all these years.
"Rahid, listen you scumbag. You just have to help me escape first then maybe I can think of a plan. But right now, they'll catch up if I try to leave immediately. Can you help me loose them?" I yell above the music.
Damn! This guy can be so difficult.
Rahid is quiet and I can't even read his expression. He stays so for a long time.
" Maybe I'll find a way."