Deadline

by Zaheera Walker

  “Don’t you become lonely at times? What happens over Christmas, your birthday or other special celebrations?”

  “Oh, you get used to it. I’m very happy being single. My girlfriends fill my life with all the joy I need. I guess marriage works for some and not others.” Her lips sealed shut. It was not her intention to plant any seeds of doubt in his mind.

  “I used to be very happy leading a single life. Then the time came when I realised I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I guess when you find the one who makes you feel complete then everything just falls into place.”

  Charmaine’s eyes sparkled and she blushed pink. Could it be that she was hiding sorrow deep within, behind that smile?

  ***

  Peals of fear drummed inside Feriyal’s head. It ran down and consumed her body. She tried to suppress it by covering her head with the pillow, but it was still too loud. “Why is this happening? Today is my big day and I’ve waited so long. Now this? What have I forgotten?”

  She sneaked off to the guest room and curled up in the corner. Are these the wedding jitters everyone talks about? The fine hairs on her arms were standing on end. Perspiration ran down her face and she struggled to breathe.

  It’s time to pray, Feri. Now is the time to ask Allah to guide you. Call on Him to make you a good wife and mother.

  She raised her head and scanned the darkness. “Who is it? Come out so I can see you. There’s only one person who called me Feri. She’s not with me anymore.”

  I’ll always be with you, my child. You’ll never be alone.

  “Ma! I can hear you, but I can’t see you. Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. If only I could hold you one more time. I miss you so much.” Her confusion gave way to hot streams of tears splashing onto her lap. It was a happy and sad day all packaged into one. “I’m making your wish come true. Today, I’m getting married, but you’re not here to witness this moment with me.”

  Don’t punish yourself like this. I am happy where I am now. You must go make your own life. It’s time to let me go. Be a mother to your children.

  Then it was gone. Silence filled the space.

  “I love Shane, so there’s no reason for me to be afraid. Ma is right. I have to put myself together and prepare for the day ahead.” She rose and headed for the bathroom. It was time to freshen up before she raised her hands to ask for guidance.

  ***

  Rose-scented incense sticks perfumed the room. A blue velvet prayer mat was rolled out on the tiles. Feriyal planted her feet on one end facing the holy Ka’aba; the final resting place of the last prophet of Islam.

  “Oh Allah, I offer you prayers and ask you to bless me on this day.”

  She raised her hands in respect before folding them on her chest. Her gaze dropped and she praised the Almighty. She sent salutations to the last prophet of Islam and hummed intonations before sitting down toconclude her acts of worship.

  Her nimble fingers counted tiny beads on a string as she recited the words ‘Subhanallah’, ‘Alhamdulillah’ and ‘Astagh firullah’. She kissed the beads and cupped them in her raised hands.

  “I seek your forgiveness, oh Allah. I kneel before you today to beg for mercy and guidance. I pray for those who have passed on and those who are about to take their last breath. Grant them a place in paradise.

  Today, I complete my faith through the act of marriage. I seek guidance and divine blessings as I get ready to marry the one you chose for me. Help me to honour and respect him. Show me the way as I make a home for us. Bless me with children and keep us together as man and wife. Amen.”

  ***

  “Simply stunning. You look beautiful, Feriyal.” Charmaine and Anne were blotting away tears when they saw her emerge from the bedroom. Nerves and the thrill of the moment were growing inside her. She held her breath and did a little pirouette. “Here goes. Does everything look fine? It has to be perfect. I want to remember this moment for all the days of my life.”

  “Everything is perfect. Now let’s get you ready before we mess up our faces with streams of black!” Charmaine set the netted gold veil on her head and secured it with a crown of pearls. “You look like an angel.”

  Feriyal understood. Her hair stood on end. The fine bumps she had felt earlier while praying were back. “I can feel my mother’s presence in this room. Just one more time, I wish I could embrace her. But there’s no time for sadness. She wouldn’t want that for me.”

  “Now it’s my turn.” Anne painted some crimson on her lips. The cheekbones were brushed with a touch of pink. She pumped the mascara wand in the tube and leant in when Feriyal raised her hand. “What’s wrong?”

  “I want to look and feel natural. This should be enough for today.” She glanced into the mirror to assess the women’s work of art. She gasped. “Is this really me? Everything is just right. Thank you both for being with me today. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “We wouldn’t want it any other way. Isn’t that right, Anne?”

  “My young reporter, Feriyal. I watched you step into the newsroom with such confidence. Remember that first article you wrote and thefight you put up to have it on front page?”

  “Oh yes and please don’t remind me about that again.” It was a little filler about a car crash. She had sulked for days when it was pushed to the back.

  “You were determined to reach the top. It reminded me of myself when I was younger. Now look at you. Beautiful, sweet and established. You are right where you should be.”

  “That is exactly what I told Aneel. He came to the hospital to see how I was doing. Well, that’s what he led me to believe.”

  “Serves that bugger right. How did it go?”

  “It wasn’t too bad. There was no anger or sadness when he walked in. He showed remorse about letting me go and I believed him. Then he had the cheek to ask me for an exclusive interview after the sentencing.”

  “I cannot believe it. That is so deceptive. Nothing surprises me where he is concerned. I hope you threw him out.”

  She felt heat rising in her and turned away to hide the sly twinkle in her eyes. “Let’s not get into that for now. I’ll tell you about it someday.”

  Charmaine was a wreck. She went over the checklist and scanned her cell phone. The stress building up in her was too much, but she didn’t let it show. “I never thought Mr Black would settle down. Always working. Sometimes late in the night. Boarding airplanes; meeting clients. Then you came around and all that changed.”

  “Let’s stop there for now. I don’t want to cry just yet.” Feriyal stepped into her ballroom slippers and felt herself grow a few centimetres taller. That made her spirits rise. “Now I know what Cinderella felt when the prince found her.”

  Clap, clap. “Well, we’d better get going or you’ll be late like all the other brides. Peter will drive you. I warned him not to cry when he sees you. You’re like a daughter to him.” She cleared her throat and realised the clock was ticking. “Charmaine and I will travel together and we’ll be right behind you guys.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  Word about the wedding reached the prison. It created an atmosphere of triumph and hope. Prisoners traded their daily ration of cigarettes for a copy of the newspaper. Everyone wanted to see her. The one who had managed to escape from the Phoenix serial killer. Chains rattled behind the large steel door. He peeked through the tiny opening on the door to see what the fuss was about. Who was getting married?

  “Did you get an invitation to her wedding?” the warden teased Vishen as he went around inspecting the cells.

  “I don’t understand what you mean. Who is getting married?” He wiped the sleep from his eyes.

  “Oh dear. Maybe you weren’t that special, after all. The woman you held over three days. What’s her name? Feriyal Adam? She’s getting married as we speak.” He stuck the newspaper through the steel bars.

  “Take a look. There she is with the man she is marrying today. Just one thing. How did someone as tiny as her beat th
e living daylights out of you?” The warden ran his baton on the bars and left to inspect the other cells.

  Vishen grabbed the newspaper and searched for the truth. Was she really marrying lover boy? He had tried not to fall for her. Women were whores and he hated them, but she was different. She had allowed him to roam her body. It was soft and beautiful. Warm and different. His index finger caressed her face in the picture. He couldn’t bear the weight of his heavy heart and sank to the ground.

  LOVE BLOSSOMS:

  Morning Chimes reporter Feriyal Adam who fled from the grips of an alleged serial killer will marry media magnate Shane Black today.

  Just a few weeks after fleeing from a rundown cottage on the North Coast, Adam said she was going to be in prime spirits when she exchanged vows with Black at Virginia Beach.

  In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Black said, “I knew I was ready to surrender my bachelor title when I first laid eyes on her at a media conference. She was every bit of my ideal woman and more.”

  A source close to the family said the bride will wear a mermaid-style wedding gown that will blend in with the beach theme. The ceremony will be attended by close family and friends. The couple leave on their honeymoon to a secret destination later today.

  There must be a mistake. She was with me just a few days ago. Promised to stand beside me. I know she cared about me.

  He tore out the article and read it again. This has to be a misunderstanding. The voice was back in his head. He refused to listen and closed his eyes to banish it. It was no use. If you killed her like I told you, things would have been different. We’ve been together for long and I never misguided you. We were the Bonnie and Clyde of today. Now everything changes. She played you for a fool. Misled you with her lies and you fell for it. Now you sit here trapped while she is free. You thought she loved you. How could she love someone stupid like you?

  His hands flew up and hammered at the voice in his head. “Stop it. Just leave me. I don’t want to hear anymore.” He slammed his head against the plastered wall, then ripped the foam mattress on his bed and toppled the iron frame. The energy was draining from his body.

  The padlock clicked and the door screeched open. “What’s going on here? You’d better clean up this mess or I am going to report this behaviour. Things don’t look good for you as it stands. Continue in this manner and it will be worse.” The prison guard left the tray on the washbasin and trudged to the door. “Finish up your breakfast and I’ll be back later.”

  “Please wait. I don’t know your name? Can we chat a bit? I’m going crazy in here.”

  “I’ve seen your kind before. Try to win my trust and then overpower me. Not going to happen with you.”

  “That’s not why I asked. I’m just confused and need to talk to someone. Is the sun out today? I can’t remember what day it is.”

  “It’s against the rules to become friendly with prisoners. You don’t need to know my name. We’re never going to be friends. I’ll see if someone can come in to counsel you, but that’s not a promise.”

  ***

  Feriyal stepped out of the car and three men were waiting to greet her. She raised her right hand to shield sunlight from her eyes.

  He kept his promise. A garden stretching into the sea.

  Charmaine fluffed out the gown as she stepped onto the built-up aisle. “We knew how much you wanted to respect and honour your mother. Shane wanted the same for his parents. I spoke to my priest and he came up with the idea of combining the two. A Christian ceremony and a nikah.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” She turned away to blink out the tears.

  “This is a blessing. Where is Shane? I want to thank him.”

  “Not so quick. This is my priest, Father William Clarence, and Imaam Saeed Daniels is from the mosque in Riverside. Kevin Hunt is part of our congregation and is here as a witness.”

  The men greeted Feriyal, but decided not to shake hands. Dressed in a flowing white kurtah, the Imaam said a prayer and asked for guidance. This was not a traditional Islamic wedding. “We have to ask you a few questions three times. This is according to our sunnah. Then we can proceed. Do you accept the marriage to Shane Black? Has anyone forced you to marry him? Are you doing this of your own free will?”

  “Yes, I accept the marriage to Shane Black. I am not forced to do this and yes, it’s of my own free will.”

  “I understand the two of you discussed the mehr – dowry – and it was agreed that he will give you ten Kruger coins. Do you accept this?”

  “Yes, I do. He has given me the coins already.”

  “We’re almost done. Please wait here and we’ll tell him that you accepted and the nikah will be complete.” The men made their way towards the sea to deliver the good news.

  The birds chirped and darted at the breaking waves.

  Ships anchored in the distance garnished the beauty of the day. Everything was serene.

  “Why is this taking so long? I want to give Feriyal away and warn him if he ever hurts her he will answer to me.” Peter was overcome by emotion.

  “Oh now, Peter. Don’t get all violent now. Shane is a wonderful man and he’s going to love her forever. In fact, if you were not around, I would have married him myself!”

  “Stop talking nonsense, woman.” He clicked his tongue and straightened out his trousers. Feriyal choked on her surprise. I don’t blame her. He’s a wonderful man and he’s all mine.

  “It’s time, everyone. Shane signed the nikah papers and we are good to go. Everyone’s waiting.”

  “Are you ready, my girl? I am so proud of you. Just remember you are marrying your husband today, but our hearts will always be open to you. Always.” He fidgeted in his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief.

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t going to cry, but I can’t seem to help it.” He stood to her right and she hooked his arm into his.

  Waiters served chilled grape juice and champagne to the guests. Women fanned the humid feeling from their faces. Men studied the design of the set-up and turned to give Shane the thumbs up. Then it all fell silent. The bride had arrived.

  A blond flautist played the tune of On the Wings of Love as she stepped closer to her destiny. Guests turned to marvel at her beauty and poise. Cameras flashed away. Everyone wanted to capture the moment.

  Peter whispered in Shane’s ear, “You should remember I am a man of my word. Today, I am giving you an angel’s hand. Take it and keep it safe. If you ever hurt her, I’ll come after you.” He caught his gaze in warning and then melted into a smile. “Congratulations. You’re a lucky man.” He turned to kiss Feriyal and then settled among the guests.

  Shane adjusted his position to study his bride. “You are beautiful. I am going to capture this sight in my heart forever.” They knelt before the priest and waited for his address.

  “Dearly beloved. We have gathered here today to witness the holy matrimony of Shane Black and Feriyal Adam. I never met the couple before, but in a few days I discovered quite a bit. They are the perfect example of opposites. It is those very differences that brought them together.

  I have never conducted a ceremony like this before. Christian and Muslim vows combined. Even the setting.” He stretched his hand out and across to direct everyone’s gaze to the beauty of sea and garden.

  “He makes rational decisions and she is impulsive. Oh, and before I forget, he is a Scorpio and she is Leo.” Hearty laughter rang out and the couple was pleased.

  “Don’t keep them waiting, Father!” shouted someone from the crowd.

  “Yes. Yes. Moving on.” He opened his Bible and looked for a verse that spoke to lovers’ hearts. “I want to read you a passage I came across this morning.”

  “Father, Feriyal and I have our own vows.”

  “If that is not an all-encompassing love, then I don’t know what is.”

  He gave them the platform and stepped aside.

  “My sweet Feriyal. I am not a man of many words, but today I want to share
a few with you. Words from the heart. God answered my prayers when He made our paths cross that day in the mountains. We went our separate ways, but destiny brought us back again. I thank God every day for you. When you are close, it feels like the earth moves beneath my feet. You make me feel brand new. With you, I am not afraid to dream. You encourage me to take a blind leap of faith. I might not be perfect, but I promise to love and honour you from this day on. I will strive to make you happy and share all that I have with you. I give you my world and my heart. I pray you give yours to me. I will stand by you through all hardships. We will celebrate our successes and build an album of memories. I love you, Feriyal, and today you make me proud to call you my wife.”

  Her tears came and she battled to read the words on her scrunched paper. It shook in her hands and she struggled to compose herself.

  “Shane Black, you complete my joy and I love you with every part of me. My mother always said nothing lasts forever, but I can assure you I want to be with you forever. We have been through so much, but that never drove a wedge between us. I see that as a sign that some powerful force wants us to be together ’til the very end. I value your friendship. I love your voice, your kind heart, your sincerity and your constant love.

  You make me feel alive and you give me hope. Every experience with you is a gift I will cherish. Thank you for accepting me as your wife. I feel so proud to call you my husband. Thank you for coming into my life. For giving me a glimpse of your world. I will love you for all the days of my life.”

  Shane grabbed her sobbing frame and held her tightly against his chest. His tears soaked her veil, but nothing mattered. They broke the embrace and acknowledged the audience, with happy tears falling fromred, tear-stained eyes.

  “I am not moved easily, but something happened today.” The priest dabbed his forehead with a napkin. “Does anyone have any objections to this union? Speak now or forever hold your peace.” He scanned the rows of people and felt satisfied. “With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”