by Sara Greene
Riza went straight to his bedroom where he knew Mumtaz was waiting to know what happened at the meeting.
“Well what happened?” she asked no sooner he entered the bedroom. “I informed the elders and at first they were wary of all this and my plans, but then they came around. There is no way they could recall their decision to change the constitution. It has been gazetted in court and is now official,” said Riza. Mumtaz nodded.
“I wonder what father would say.”
“Do you want to return to Azizrl or do you want to go away with Rafeek? What is the guarantee that your father will adhere to your terms once you return to your country?” asked Riza. Mumtaz contemplated what Riza said. “I know what you mean. Father will never ever hear of my marrying Rafeek even when he reads the medical certificate issued by Dr. Ismail,” said Mumtaz unhappily.
“What if you leave for another country?” asked Riza. “But where will Rafeek and I go?” she asked sadly. “I know Rafeek is a fine administrator and would do well at International Consortiums Construction’s London branch,” said Riza smiling. “Oh Riza you really mean it? Will you send us to London?” asked Mumtaz her eyes shining in anticipation.
“We could work something out. At the moment I need someone trustworthy to manage my London office, as I don’t intend to shuttle back and forth, once Vanessa is made queen and Prince Azam is accepted at the heir to the Crown of Zemaba,” said Riza.
“That is a wonderful idea Riza and I am sure Rafeek would be thrilled when he hears about it,” said Mumtaz.
“Very well, how can I meet Rafeek or will I have to talk to him on the phone?” asked Riza. “You could get Rafeek to come over here, but then father will be suspicious and once he finds that I have left for London, he will know that you have been instrumental in sending us there,” said Mumtaz. “In any case your father will know when he finds out that Rafeek is managing my office in London,” said Riza. “But then everything would have happened and father will have no way to recall Rafeek,” said Mumtaz. Riza nodded. “Let me have Rafeek’s mobile number.”
Mumtaz dialed Rafeek’s mobile from Riza’ mobile and when the call connected she gave the phone to Riza.
“Rafeek it’s me Riza. Mumtaz and I have been discussing her departure from the palace,” said Riza.
Rafeek was surprised to receive a call from Riza. “I understand Your Highness,” he said. “Come on Rafeek do away with the formalities. It’s Riza,” said Riza smiling.
“Is there any way you could get out of Azizrl? I mean for good,” said Riza. “I don’t understand Riza,” said Rafeek.
“What I mean is that even if Mumtaz goes back to Azizrl, her father will not hear of the two of your getting married, which means both of you will be back to square one. What I suggested to Mumtaz is that the two of you fly to London and you take up the management of my London office. How does that sound?” asked Riza.
Rafeek’s eyes lit up just as Mumtaz’s had. “Riza it would be wonderful. I could manage your London office with ease having a degree in business administration up my sleeve and we could easily find an apartment,” said Rafeek. “There will be no need to look for accommodation, as Mumtaz and you could occupy my apartment at the Corinthia. It is fully furnished and would be ideal for the two of you,” said Riza.
Mumtaz listened to Riza and thought what a nice person he was. He deserved to have Vanessa and Azam at his side all the time. She knew how much he loved the two of them.
“My lawyers will file the divorce papers and once those are through Mumtaz and you can leave for London. In the meantime it would look as if Mumtaz is going back to Azizrl,” said Riza.
“Thank you so much Riza. You don’t know how happy I am that at last Mumi and I will be together. It has been terrible for us living apart,” he said.
“Rafeek I know we will not be able to meet to discuss our plans and everything you have to do will be told to you over the phone. You will fly to London directly from Azizrl and await Mumtaz’s arrival there,” said Riza. Mumtaz stared in wonder at how Riza efficiently handled the situation.
Once Riza hung up he turned to Mumtaz. “We have to be very discreet Mumi in what we do,” he said and Mumtaz nodded.
Chapter 9
That evening Mumtaz paid Vanessa a visit. She found the other girl seated at the window looking furlong and sad. Vanessa turned when she heard the door open and was happy to see that it was Mumtaz.
“I just came back after nursing Azam. He is quite a handful now and has Adilah and Shanaz at his beck and call,” said Vanessa smiling.
“I know they were telling me too. Adilah adores him as she says that it takes her back to the days when Riza and Reffai were babies,” said Mumtaz. “Talking of Reffai, I met him and your sister on the corridor and they both looked at me as I was something the cat had brought in,” said Vanessa. “Oh don’t mind them Van, they have always been looking down their noses at others. But very soon they will have to eat humble pie, then you are crowned Queen,” said Mumtaz smiling at the surprise in Vanessa’s. Shock rippled through her like a wave.
Vanessa almost choked. “What did you say? Run that by me again,” she said. “You will ascend the throne of Zemaba as its Queen very soon Van,” said Mumtaz. “I don’t understand. How can that happen, when you are Queen?” asked Vanessa in astonishment.
“Well Van in a week’s time I will no longer be Queen of Zemaba, but will be on my way with the love of my life heading for London and the offices of International Consortium Constructions,” said Mumtaz. “You will what?” asked Vanessa. “You heard me.”
“Riza has already asked his lawyers to file the divorce papers and I am sure the divorce will come through with ease when the judge finds out that I am baron. After that Rafeek will fly to London direct from Azizrl, while I allegedly leave for Azizrl, but in truth I would be flying to London in Riza’s jet,” said Mumtaz. “I can’t believe what I am hearing Mumi,” said Vanessa. “Aren’t you sad to give up all this?” “No way Van, my happiness lies with Rafeek and I always waited for the day when he and I would be united in marriage,” said Mumtaz.
“But how can I be Queen? That is impossible,” said Vanessa.
“It is not an impossible thing now that the constitution has been changed and approved by the courts.”
“Oh I don’t know. But Riza will have to marry me, isn’t it?” she asked.
“Of course he will. This is not a western country where you can live together,” laughed Mumtaz.
“Oh I don’t know, I will never get used to living in a palace,” repeated Vanessa shaking her head.
“You will get used to it Van, believe me.”
They spoke for some time and then Mumtaz went back to her bedroom, while Vanessa sat at the window as she watched the sun sink below the horizon.. She was deep in thought that she did not hear the door open.
Vanessa jumped when a hand touched her shoulder. She looked up and her eyes clashed with Riza’s.
She then sighed and walked to the sofa at the far end of her room. “I think you are making a grave mistake Riza,” she said as she turned to face him.
“A mistake?” he asked tilting his head and looking at her with those dark piercing eyes. Vanessa always shuddered when she looked into his eyes.
“I understand that Mumtaz has briefed you about what will take place once she leaves for London,” said Riza. Vanessa nodded. “But I still think you are making a mistake you will regret one day,” she said. Riza sighed. “Van let’s cross that ocean when we get to it,” he said as he prepared to leave.
At the door he turned to looked at her. “Also before I forget, Madam Azeeza will be here tomorrow morning to take your measurements for the various dresses and abhayas she will sew for you. You will have to have a ceremonial abhaya which she will sew for you,” he said before leaving the room and heading for his office. He had decided to work late into the night preparing his speech and then meeting with his lawyers, who were asked to call over at eleven in the night.
The following day was a hive of activity at the palace, as Riza prepared to release his speech through the palace media branch. Mumtaz was very nervous and paced her bedroom wondering how the people would react to Riza’s speech when they saw it in the press. He had decided that he was not going to speak to the people, but do it through the media.
“Are you alright Mumi?” asked Riza as he entered the room and saw her pacing up and down. “Oh yes I am Riza, but understandably I am nervous.” “Of course you must be,” he said smiling.
“We need to speak to Rafeek today and let him know your plans. He will have to leave Azizrl on Saturday morning and you leave Zemaba for London on Saturday afternoon. Is that alright?’ he asked. “Of course it is, but Riza remember that only your pilot and Hamiza should know that we are flying to London and not Azizrl and that too only after I board the flight.”
“Of course, I will board the flight with you and then talk to Abdul and Hamiza, that way they will not have the time to relay the information to anyone here. Not that they would, but you may never know,” he said.,
The whole country of Zemaba was shocked as the news reached them of their Queen being baron and that King Riza Al Ahamed was divorcing her. In Azizrl as well, the news was received with shock as Mumtaz’s parents tried to come to terms with what they had heard. Mumtaz would be arriving in Azizrl on Saturday.
“I cannot understand all this,” said her father shaking his head, while her mother cried bitterly.
Back at the palace of Zemaba, Reffai and Mumtaz’s sister Nazreena were shocked as well as they went in search of Mumtaz and found her in her room packing. “Are you leaving so soon?” asked Nazreena. Mumtaz nodded. “What’s the point in remaining here now that the people know I am baron and cannot produce an heir to the throne of Zemaba.” Nazreena began to cry as she hugged her sister. “I am so sad for you Mumi,” she said. “Don’t be Naz. You have to go on as usual and I beg of you that when Vanessa becomes Queen that all of you will support her abundantly so that she does not feel lost or alone. The two of us know how to manage being royal, but not Vanessa. She needs to be nurtured into royalty and I am confident that you would be a great help to her,” said Mumtaz. Nazreena looked in surprise at her sister. “What are you saying Mumi? Don’t tell me that you are in agreement with Vanessa becoming Queen?” asked Nazreena in shock. Mumtaz nodded. “That is how it has to be Naz,” she said.
Saturday dawned with a pall of gloom hanging over the palace and the whole of Zemaba. Everyone knew that Mumtaz was leaving Zemaba for Azizrl and they were sad as she had been a good Queen to them. She had always had time to listen to the citizens when they came to the palace on Open Day and invariably found solutions to their problems as they left the palace in smiles.
A limo was waiting for Mumtaz as she kissed and hugged her sister and brother-in-law. Vanessa stood with Azam in her arms. Mumtaz turned and smiled at her. “Van I must be leaving. Thank you for being such a good friend to me,” she said as tears stung her eyes. Vanessa was crying openly as she hugged Mumtaz. “Do take care of yourself and keep in touch Mumi,” she whispered as Mumtaz took Azam in her arms and hugged him tight. There was not a dry eye around as people watched this touching scene. She then handed Azam back to Vanessa and walked down the flight of steps not turning round even once. Her life at the palace was over and she was now going to start her life all over again with the man she loved and adored. Riza followed her and once they were in the limo, he looked at her. “Thank you Mumi,” was all he said as tears filled his eyes.
Although they had shared a bed, not once had he touched her, but the bond that they had developed was strong and he felt as if a sister of his was leaving the palace and that was what made him sad.
They drove to the airport in silence as Mumtaz looked out of the limo. She would never come back to Zemaba, but she was not sad as she knew that her life was going to be much better than that of being Queen. She was Rafeek’s Queen and he was her King – that was all she understood and knew and she could not wait to join him in London.
The limo stopped at the foot of the gangway. Riza helped Mumtaz out of the car and then they headed up the gangway. As they stepped into the plane, Hamiza was on hand to welcome them. She smiled sadly when she saw Mumtaz.
“Abdul and Hamiza we would like to speak with you in private,” said Riza. Abdul looked in surprise at Riza, but nodded as they trooped into the cockpit. Hamiza did not know what the private discussion was going to be and she looked inquiringly at Mumtaz, who only smiled and nodded.
Once they were inside the cockpit and away from the others, Riza cleared his throat. “Abdul, I believe you had been told that you would be flying to Azizrl.” Abdul nodded. “Well you will not be flying to Azizrl, but to London. You will land at Heathrow and then once Mumtaz leaves the plane you will leave immediately for Zemaba. You are to talk to no one. I place my trust in both of you as you have been very loyal to me all these years,” said Riza. Abdul and Hamiza exchanged glances and nodded. They dared no ask why the route had been changed.
“Well you may leave now,” said Riza as he turned to leave the cockpit. Mumtaz stood watching him as he adjusted his robe and looked nervous. “Riza thank you for everything you have done for me. I shall never forget your kindness as long as I live,” she said as she moved forward and hugged him tightly. Riza’s hands went around her and he hugged her tight as the tears flowed freely. This was the first time that he had placed a hand on her and it was going to be the last. “I am going to miss you Mumi. Take care and call me no sooner you land in London,” he said as he kissed her gently on the forehead and in one sweep he was leaving the plane. He got back into the limo and ordered Naufad his driver to leave immediately.
He returned to the palace and went straight to his office. Riza sat for a long time just staring out of the window. He knew he had made the right decision, but now he wondered whether Vanessa would live up to his expectations and not cause turmoil in the palace once she was married to him and crowned Queen.
Three Hours Later
Reffai came rushing to Riza’s office. “Riza, I just had a call from Nazreena father. Mumtaz has not arrived in Azizrl as yet and it is over three hours since she left Zemaba. The control tower says that the plane had taken the route to London. What is going on?” asked Reffai. Riza looked at his brother and smiled. “The control tower in correct. Mumtaz is on her way to London and will not arrive in Azizrl. You had better inform your father-in-law of it. Tell him that Mumtaz will not be returning to Azizrl and that by the time he contacts her she would be married to Rafeek,” said Riza lazily.
Reffai looked shocked and then it dawned on him that Riza and Mumtaz had planned it all. “You both are in this aren’t you?” he asked through clenched teeth. “There is no need to get het up brother. She is not your wife, but was mine and I united her with Rafeek as that is the man she should be married to and not me,” said Riza sounding so casual that Reffai had the urge to sock him in the eye, but he dared not do it. But Reffai could not contain himself. “You sent her away so that you could marry that whore who brought forth your child, isn’t it?” asked Reffai and in seconds he felt as if his eardrum had ruptured as he reeled from the slap that Riza dealt him. “Mind how you speak to the future Queen of Zemaba,” was all Riza said as he turned and left his office.
He stopped by the nursery and found Vanessa nursing Azam. The little boy was content and happy that he got his daily fill of his mother’s milk. Riza watched Vanessa and Azam. What a beautiful scene,” he thought to himself as he quietly let himself into the nursery signaling for Adilah and Shanaz leave. After they left Riza walked quietly toward Vanessa and sat on the chair opposite her. She looked wide-eyed at him and then smiled.
“Did you hear from Mumtaz?” she asked. “Not y
et, but the whole of Azizrl is in a frenzy,” he said. “Oh did her father call you?” asked Vanessa. Riza shook his head. “He did not call me but apparently he had called Reffai when even after three hours Mumtaz had not arrived in Azizrl.”
“Oh I sincerely hope that this will not cause any problems between the two royal families,” she said shaking her head as she placed a sleeping Azam in his crib.
“I don’t think so, once they know that Mumtaz is with Rafeek. Of course initially it will cause havoc, but later on they will just have to accept it and carry on with their lives without interfering.”
“I really don’t know whether the two of you made a correct decision,” said Vanessa sighing as she sat opposite Riza. “You know people in Zamaba will look at me as if I was a witch,” she said.
“Listen Van, it was not your fault that Mumtaz left. She was unhappy here at the palace and I knew that she pined for Rafeek. No one could have forced her remain Queen of Zemaba.”