It was a hot and whole package. Jane could not have asked for a better birthday celebration. Jeff spoilt her with luxury. It was indeed her first birthday with him.
It thrilled her that someone could run around to make her comfortable and happy without necessarily observing obligations and orders.
She was born into a luxurious family and she had every comfort life could offer. At the tap of her fingers, her needs were fixed but such a life was ambiguous and meaningless to her. She was free spirited and effervescent, she wanted to explore the world on her own tenets.
When she had had enough, she left it all behind to face reality and to find herself. Luckily for her, she wasn’t held back. Her father supported her every decision but her mother wasn’t supportive. She refused to talk to her ever since she had left home.
Unlike the programmed life Jane had left behind, this was natural. She could feel Jeff’s heartbeats. All his actions were intentional, intentional to make her happy. He was not like her maids who were just like human- robots trying to satisfy her by observing orders.
*****
The fire at Evans Mechanics burned with fury. The firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the fire. It was a great inferno.
Subsequent blasts were heard at intervals. There were inflammables in the workshop. Jars containing volatile gasses, petrol and other ongoing constructions were all in there.
The fire control system built within the workshop prevented the fire from spreading out but as the fire lingered, the control system could be overpowered.
Lisa ran like a mad woman into the crowd. She asked whomever for her husband’s whereabouts but it was chaotic, no one gave her a second look.
‘How could this have happened? He left home just now,’ Lisa yelled and clutched at her chest. Her panic attack was drawing near again. She has a weak heart.
Luck shone on her, she sighted Benny Bells; her husband’s PA. He was just alighting from his car, his expression was grim and cautious. She ran up to him and almost fell at his feet.
“Take it easy ma’am,” Benny said and pulled her up gently. He held her by the shoulders and shouted loud enough to be heard above the noise, “Boss was rescued alongside other wounded members. He has been transferred to a specialist hospital for privacy and security.”
“Which of the hospitals? Where is my husband?” Lisa asked and shook off the PA’s arm. “l am sorry, boss instructed that we shouldn’t disclose details about his condition to you.” “What! Did you hear yourself?” Lisa screamed.
“He blabbered something about your happiness. I am afraid I can’t disclose more,” Benny said. He bowed and walked away.
“What?! Can you hear yourself? Alex! How will keeping me in the dark make me happy when I know you are dying?” Lisa screamed. She cried her eyes out and watched on in horror as fire devoured her husband’s years of labour.
******
“You dumbass! You went too far. If you burned down his company and got him killed, what would be my gain? How will he serve me?!” Marie blasted into her phone. “Not really my fault, how would I have known that the workshop has inflammables,” Like; Marie’s errand man replied from the other end.
“That’s not an excuse, next time do a thorough and perfect job! Get the fuck off my phone!” Marie fired and hung up angrily.
“This went too far, Alex please be safe. I will be right here waiting for you,” she muttered.
******
Jane clicked the door to her house open. She walked hand in hand with Jeff. Her eyes were laughing, they could not hide her happiness.
“l am happy you liked it.” Jeff commented. “Why won’t I? You made my day. Thanks for coming around,” Jane said and pecked him on the cheek.
They were filled as they had eaten outdoors. Jane served some juice and they sipped it down while gazing at each other. Jeff cleared his throat noisily and broke the silence.
“I am sorry I kept postponing our union . I have a little constraint. I had thought I could get it fixed without alerting you.. My father has an arranged bride for me. She is the daughter of one of his associates. He had mentioned it sparingly before… I thought he wasn’t serious about it but when I told him about you, he raised an alarm. l am still on it… the old man seems adamant.”
“Why don’t you go for her instead?” Jane blurted angrily. “Common! ls that how you truly feel?” Jeff asked passionately.
“I don’t know… I just…,” Jane stammered. “The whole idea is making me insane. I did not see it coming… I have refused to see her.. I don’t know if parents still do that these days…” “So, what do we do?” Jane interrupted.
Jeff left his seat and sat on the table right in front of Jane. He collected her juice cup and held her hands tenderly in his. He gazed longingly and tenderly into her eyes and said, “Janet Clinton, I love you with the whole of my heart… wait for me. Just a little more and it will be over.” Jane broke the gaze. She removed her hands slowly from his hold and paced the room quietly.
“Alright, I will trust you, I will wait,” she suddenly responded.
Jeff was elated he walked up to her and smiled seductively. He pulled her into his arms and laid her head on his chest. Jane moaned as she savoured his strength. She felt secured and wanted. She lifted up her head and Jeff pressed short kisses on her cheeks and forehead.
Jane clamped her eyes until she felt wetness on her lips. When she opened her eyes , Jeff’s lips were on hers.
She wanted to pull out but her body was excited, she was still drunk in the day’s euphoria.
Jeff slid his tongue into her mouth and her lips melted in his. “She is sweet,” Jeff thought as he continued. Jane moaned deeper and longer.
Just then, one of their phones beeped. It was Jane’s. She knew it was Lisa right away as she had designated a ringing tone for her.
“Oh my goodness!” She yelled and broke away from the kiss. She pulled out of Jeff’s hold and went for her phone.
“Jane! You have got to come over! Alex is dying!” Lisa shouted.
“What?! How do you m…?” Jane asked. “Evans is on fire! It is all burning down! Alex was burnt, Marie.. it was.. Jane! I should have believed Alex earlier..” Lisa’s tear filled screams echoed through Jane’s phone’s loudspeaker.
Jane could not make anything out of her friend’s words but she was scared to the bones. Whatever made Lisa react that way must be big. She panicked and walked in circles.
She forgot all about Jeff. She picked her car keys and rushed out. She rushed back in when she suddenly remembered she had a guest.
“Hmm.. Jeff, I am sorry, I need to go, my friend needs me, we’d talk later. I might be late. Lock the doors when you are leaving. I have spare keys,” Jane blabbered and rushed out.
Jeff was dazed, he couldn’t believe he was just left to himself. “Jane, wait! Let me drop you!” Jeff called out but Jane barely heard him, she had already pulled out. Jeff sighed in frustration.