Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
They both stopped talking for awhile as they turned their attention to the light refreshments served by the hostess. Imara was amazed by their politeness and attitude unlike the ones they encountered when they flew to Cape Coast with Queen. “A dollar for your thoughts”, Abude said cutting into her thoughts. “Oh nothing serious”, Imara replied calmly. I was just comparing the hostesses here and the ones I met the last time I went to Cape Coast. “So you are willing to share your observations?” Still smiling at his curiosity, Imara pointed out the differences between the air hostesses to Abude. “I agree with your observation concerning the hostesses”, he intoned. “By the way I hope your assistant will be alright, but why didn’t you bring her with us? “My dear, it’s good a thing I left her in Brass City”, she said. “Don’t worry; Klara can take good care of herself till I return”. Suddenly the captains’ voice sounded on the loud speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen ,this is captain-Bassi in a short while we shall be landing .please fasten your seat belts and switch off all handsets thank you for patronizing aviation development company, have a wonderful weekend”.
‘We re almost there “, Abude said as if continuing from where captain Bassi had stopped “Awesome, I was wondering if we were going to remain in the air forever,” Imara remarked. They lapsed into silence as the Turbo plane touched down finally on the air strip and taxied to stop in front of the ranch’s arrival hall. “My God, this is paradise on earth”, Imara said as she came down the ramp of the plane.
Abude laughed as he took their bags and led through a gate with a notice that read “WELCOME TO RANCH HOTEL” “you will see more than this, “Abude promised her. The entire ranch was situated high on the hill top thus giving it a wonderful and breath taking view of the town below.
Imara observed that the entire ranch was well planned, in terms of design and land scarping the ranch just had it all beautiful golf courses and beautiful springs. She had the pleasure of watching the evening sun disappear. “Oh this is very lovely” she cried out in delight “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life” Abude watched the display of emotion in total amazement. “Tomorrow we shall take a guided tour of this wonderful paradise”, Abude promised. Inwardly pleased that he had brought her to a place like this and to crown it, all she loved the place too. They had a warm bath together, then stepped out in the night while Imara wore a topless gown and with well laid make up the men couldn’t help turning their heads to catch a glimpse of this black Mona Lisa holding on to the arm of a Lebanese. This is life, Imara said within her. Not that nonsense and boring life she led in Brass City all in an attempt to earn a living. Thank God she came, in fact she would quit and move off with Abude. “So what‘re you eating” Abude “Same as you”, Imara replied. Their meals were served promptly and efficiently too. They began to eat, Abude in a ravenous manner. “So what do you think of this place? Abude asked in between mouthfuls. Imara took her time in answering the question. “It’s a great place”, she began. If this part of Itharkar is like this I wonder how Maffia Islands will be”. “What about my proposals have you thought over it again” Abude asked.
“Yes, I did”, Imara answered smiling sweetly. “I’m going with you. I’m tired of Brass City besides there is nothing to hold me down inform of an investment”. “Bravo”, Abude said pouring wine into their glasses.” This is to a wonderful time in Maffia Islands”. They clinked glasses and drank to a new beginning. They spent some more time savouring the sights and sound of the ranch at night. For Imara it was like being on honeymoon, she couldn’t help wishing the moments would last forever. But it was not going to be so but at least I’ll enjoy this moment while it lasts she vowed silently. On their second day at the ranch, this was also a Saturday. They both woke early to watch the Sun rise behind the trees. “Oh this is so wonderful”, Imara exclaimed. “I shall cherish this moments forever”. She said capturing the sight on her iphone 10 camera. After a hearty breakfast, they all gathered for a guided tour of the hills. They were also warned on the dangers of straying as the ills were infested with wild animals and fiery reptiles. “Why don’t they build a zoo up here? Imara wondered. “It’s not necessary, they want everything to remain in its natural state”, Abude replied. “Caging the animals will kill them quickly; allowing them to roam on their own is the best way out”. That evening Imara and other guests were treated to meth watering delicacies coupled with excellent music from one of the bands in town. Of course it was all paid for by the respective guests. In a situation where single guests paid as much as three hundred dollars for a whole day, you would then understand why the guests were treated in that way. Furthermore the ranch hotel was managed by a business concern from overseas with the state government holding forty-three percent equity. However the difference was very clear because the workers first were not employed based on their godfather or longlegs as was the case in many government agencies. Rather workers were recruited on merit, experience and ability to deliver when it mattered most. “Well, my darling we’re going home tomorrow”, Abude said panting after a wonderful session with Imara. “Ah, so soon? Imara asked as she traced an imaginary line from Abude’s navel down to his leg. “Yes love”, he answered. “I intend flying back to the Islands three days from now. I’ve been away for too long”.“Alright I get your message”, she said. “Responding to the call of business, isn’t it?” “Yes my love”, Abude said. Studying her. “Well I had a wonderful time here. It’s a shame it had to end so soon”. “Never mind there will better times”, Abude consoled as he began packing.
“I know in Maffia Island”, Imara said getting up from the bed to pack her belongings. Abude grunted in agreement while concentrating on putting his belonging into his suitcase. “I’ve been away for quite awhile, and my staff could begin to have funny ideas”, he said and the hotel in Maffia island generates a princely sum into my bank account!”
“It must not be toyed with”, Imara finished for him. By midday they were ready to depart the ranch for their destination first they checked out of their room, then moved to the departure hall where flight tickets were procured. From the aviation development company staff, they learnt that the aircraft would be landing shortly. “Let’s go into the bar for some drinks’ Abude suggested “its okay” she said in agreement .Abude ordered for drinks as soon as they were seated. Sipping their drinks .they engaged in idle chatter which was interrupted by the sound of an aircraft. “The plane has come “Imara said finishing her drink. “Let go’ Abude replied standing up and downing his beer in one gulp. The double engine turbo plane took off by half past one on the dot and as usual Imara and other passengers were welcome aboard by the pilot who introduced himself as Captain James Samour. “It’s a different pilot this time”. Imara observed, as the plane gained altitude.
“It’s rare for the same pilot to fly you twice” Abude said gently..Unlike the flight from Brass City to the ranch which had been peaceful. Their return trip was rather bumpy as they flew into rain clouds which eventfully gave way to a very serious rain fall accompanied with lighting and thunder. The aircraft vibrated as it bumped into the storm .Abude held Imara’s hand tight a bid to calm her, while the pilot maintained his course .shortly after the aircraft broke out from the rain storm into sunshine and the entire passenger heaved sighs of relief. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Samour in five minutes we shall be landing at the Brass City international airport please fasten your seat belt, and thank you for patronizing the Aviation Development Company”. At half past two in the afternoon the aircraft landed at the Brass City international airport and taxied to a halt directly in front of the arrival lounge. Imara and Abude disembarked, and immediately chartered a taxi to take them home. “Thank God we landed safely” Imara said learning back on her seat. “But we just had to land no matter what” Abude replied smiling.” the fact that we faced some stormy moments didn’t mean we would not land”.
“At least from what we agreed, you’re joining me over’ Abude said.” so two days from now, I’m flying back then when you and your assistant are ready, you meet me out the island?”
“Are you sure we’ll know our way?” Imara asked. “Oh that will be no problem” Abude said.” before l leave I shall take you to Tony my travel agent, so that when you’re ready you can then go to him for flight booking”
The taxi dropped Imara in front of their flat and sped off. Abude having already made apologies over his inability to stop by for a couple of drinks. Klara met her just as she was about to climb the stairs “welcome back from your trip” she said beaming with smiles. “Thank you very much” Imara replied.
“ I know you had a nice time up there? By the way did you bring any photographs with you? and what else”, Klara fired on.
“Klara how many questions will I answer at once?” Imara queried her assistant. Klara would not be denied in the end Imara gave in and narrated her experience at the ranch to Klara.
“In a few days from now, we shall be leaving Itharkar for good”. Imara informed her.
“To where? She asked, dazed by the news
“We’re going to Maffia islands Zomaliland, I’m sure you‘ve heard of Zomaliland haven’t you? “ Imara asked. Klara replied that she knew of such a country .Two days later Imara swung into action, through the assistance of an estate agent the house was put up for sale Klara was amazed.
“My goodness Imara! You can’t be serious that you’re selling the house and its content?”. “Please keep shut”, Imara ordered. “I don’t need the things in this house anymore so I might as well sell them to enable us travel in comfort!”
“But, Imara”, Klara wailed, “I thought we were only going to come back later?”
“So if you sell this house you won’t be able to get another house in Brass City” Klara warned.
“I don’t want any house in Brass City. I’m not coming back again”, Imara announced firmly. “That means you’re turning your back on all your customers?” Klara asked totally perplexed. “Mind your own business and carry out orders given to you!” Imara said shaking Klara’s hands violently. “Get it into your skull, for the last time, I’m quitting this I don’t want to end up an aids patient and come to think of it you can stay back and be servicing these customers for me”
“You know that’s a very horrible suggestion”, Klara said dejectedly.
“Alright then keep quiet and get ready to move,” Imara ordered.
Klara looked down for a moment as if she might burst into tears but she didn’t .she just sat on the foot of the bed looking sad and crestfallen. “What’re you doing?” Imara fired at her. “Don’t just sit there, get up and start packing!” Slowly Klara got up and did as she was told she had learnt her lessons, very well, and thus did not need any further prompting to do what was needed of her. “I don’t know why you should be so bothered that I’m quitting for a better life”, Imara queried. “You should be grateful that you’re retiring to a nice rest outside the country to another part of the world. Away from the incessant power failure and other problems”. Imara spent the rest of the day packing her clothes and other accessories into suitcases. The items she had used while in the trade, she destroyed them. “I don’t need you anymore”, she would say as she threw them into the dustbin. “I am quitting to start another phase of my life, a new life is what we all need”, she declared to Klara.
With the task of packing all the necessary items accomplished, and the house disposed and paid for Imara was ready to leave the country for good. She had accomplished a lot and made good money as well as secure a relationship with very bright prospects. At last she was leaving Itharkar for good and she had no regrets at all, indeed she was determined to begin a new life in Maffia Island managing Abude’s hotel, to Imara’s amazement, Klara began showing excitement at the prospect of leaving with her to another environment.
“But come to think of it, there’s war in Zomaliland” Klara said.
“The fighting has stopped and besides Maffia Island is on its own” Imara replied.
“Ah thank God for that because I don’t want to die before my time”. Imara went into fits of laughter, “look at you do you think I want to die too? She asked. “But how do we cope with the Maffia people on the island considering their violent way of life?” Klara asked sheepishly. Imara laughed again, “I’d thought so too but Abude explained things to take away my fears, don’t worry it’s a very peaceful island and you’ll love it!” she assured her. “Really? Oh that would be lovely then” Klara said with enthusiasm. “I’m sure you’ve had a nice time staying with me so far?”
“More than a nice time” Klara began. “in fact I’m now living life”
“ waoooooo, excited to hear that,” Klara said.
“Hopefully, this move will usher us into an even better life where everything works”
“ So when do we leave this dirty and violent city? “Klara asked.
“Two hours from now” Imara replied. “And hurry up with what you are doing, we’ve got to be at the airport within the hour.” Imara and her assistant followed the traveling plans outlined by Abude’s traveling agent. From Brass City they flew to Harcourt County using one of the local airlines. It was like a dream to Klara.
“So I’ve entered an aero plane at last? “She said clapping in excitement. Imara merely smiled “just wait you ain’t seen anything yet” shortly after landing at Harcourt county airport, they made enquires and they discovered that they would be flying out at nine o’clock on board the Air Afrique Flight that would be leaving Harcourt county in two hours time at that time on a three legged journey that would terminate at Mogadishou. When Imara had completed her findings she rejoined Klara at the check in counter. “What did they say?” she asked! “By nine we fly out on board air Afrique” Imara replied. At eight, checking in of luggage began and half past eight the third and final call to board was made. And at quarter to nine air Afrique flight 008 taxied on the runway before taking off on its three legged journey. The flight was an experience the two ladies would cherish for a long time. The interior of the aircraft was great, while the food and the in-flight entertainment was out of this world. “Wait, is this really me, enjoying such wonderful delight? Klara asked. “No I must be dreaming”. “Listen, you’re not dreaming, Imara said smiling. “Didn’t I tell you that we’d have a swell time”. Klara smiled with eyes closed and nodded her head in agreement to what Imara just said. Imara too was in her own world, now this is what I call life she said. The aircraft, the food and all the people on board the plane. Many of them were foreigners and here she was sharing the same plane with these mighty men and women. Thanks to the fact that she met Abude Fawazz, just then Thounder flashed past. Imara felt guilty but then there was nothing she could do, Thounder was still in jail for attempted murder. Life just had to go on, she reasoned.
The voice of the air hostess interrupted her thoughts. Flight 008 was about to land; quickly she fastened her seat belt and gently nudged Klara who was fast asleep. “Wake up we’re about to land”. It was seven o’clock in the morning when they landed at Mogadishou which also was the third and final destination for flight 008. “Now that we’ve landed what next, why’s Abude not here?” Klara wondered. “That’s because the journey’s not over yet. Come on let’s go and get our baggage”. Together they breezed through customs and immigration. From an immigration officer at the airport Imara and Klara boarded a Fokker 29 aircraft that was heading for the port city of Jifar with stopovers at the Maffia Island. “I wonder when all this flying will come to an end”, Klara complained.“Be patient you can see we’re already in the air”, Imara chided. “How people change a short while ago you were excited on board the air Afrique flight okay I see it’s because there’s no refreshment”. “I’m hungry”, Klara murmured “Don’t worry; Mogadishou to Maffia Island is not far we shall be landing soon. Would you have preferred we went by sea?”.“God forbids that I should ever undertake such a dangerous trip”. Klara said as she strained her neck to catch a glimpse of some beautiful islands linked together by the ocean. Imara smiled.