Bela grinned. “Well, that’s because you haven’t got to know everything about us yet. We have our fair share of skeletons in our closets.”
“And I’m looking forward to finding out all about them,” Daniel teased back.
Bela, Daniel and Lida had discussed the best way to break the news to Mama. They had decided that it would be better coming from Bela, rather than Daniel phoning up out of the blue. Then, while Bela had been considering whether she should fly home or get Mama to fly up to Moscow again, Madina had announced that her wedding would be in the spring. Everyone agreed that it would be best for Bela to break the news after the wedding, once things had calmed down, and that would give Mama some time to think about whether she wanted to meet Daniel again, and if so when.
Well, at least there was the wedding to look forward to first. Bela, Michael and Angelina exited through the large airport doors and found Mama and the others waiting eagerly for them. Mama caught sight of her and soon they were giving each other a fierce hug.
“Mama, it’s so good to see you!”
“I’ve missed you so much, lapochka. But you look well.”
“I am well, Mama.” Bela grinned.
“Oh?”
“No, no, it’s nothing like that.”
Mama’s smile dropped a little bit. She’d obviously been hoping Bela was going to tell her she was pregnant again. At least they’d got that awkward conversation out of the way early on.
“Papa’s sorry he couldn’t be here, but he’ll be home as early as he can tonight. And Madina’s had to finish things off at work,” said Mama, as she wrapped her arms around Angelina, picking her up off the floor in an enthusiastic embrace. “You’ve grown so much since October.” Angelina grinned. It was true, she’d had a bit of a growth spurt and Bela had had to replace most of her clothes in the last month or two. She couldn’t believe her daughter was nearly thirteen.
Michael hugged everyone too and then wheeled both suitcases down towards where Azamat had parked the car. They all squeezed in, with Angelina perched on Bela’s lap. Bela couldn’t tear her eyes away from the window as the car sped past all the familiar streets and houses. As the car left Shekala on its way to the village of Awush, the buildings thinned out and Bela could at last see the snow-capped, jagged peaks of the mountains in the distance, just beyond the rolling, green foothills. She felt her shoulders relax and her breath deepen.
Yes, it was good to be home.
APRIL WEATHER COULD be so unpredictable, but the sky outside was blue with just a few white clouds decorating the horizon when Bela pulled back the curtains on the day of the wedding. She rushed into Madina’s room, but her sister was already up.
“Can you believe it? For a second time in my life I’m about to leave my childhood home and get married!” said Madina, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“I think it’s going to be different this time, though,” said Bela, squeezing her sister’s hand. “The Madina from eighteen years ago was a little young and naïve, if I remember, rushing into a marriage straight out of school.”
“I know. I think I hoped it would bring meaning and security to my life. Ha! What a joke. I would do anything to turn back time and give my younger self a good talking to. What a waste all those years were. Well, apart from Alyona of course. Being Alyona’s mother has been the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“But now you’ve been given a second chance. How many people are that lucky?”
“I know. I’m so happy, Bela, I think I’m going to burst!”
“Are you awake, Mama?” Alyona’s voice called through the door.
“Yes, of course, sweetie, come in.”
Alyona entered, a towel wrapped around her head and another one around her body. “You need to get going, both of you, come on. The bathroom’s free.”
“You go first,” said Bela to Madina. “You’ve got a lot more to get ready than I have.”
Madina grabbed her bath robe and gave her daughter a hug as she passed her at the door. Bela smiled at Alyona as she hurried back to her own room to prepare for the day ahead. How wonderful that Alyona was almost as excited about this wedding as her mother was herself. Madina had told her how she and Alyona had been meeting up regularly with Oleg over the months since the competition in Moscow, and how a special bond had already been growing between her daughter and her future husband. Just as well, since they’d all be living under one roof from next week onwards, after a short honeymoon period. Bela was so happy for them.
A couple of hours later, Bela, Madina, Alyona, Mama and Angelina were all having their hair and nails done at the local salon, along with Milana, who would be the other matron of honour. Bela was enjoying every moment of this pampering, and the others were all giggling happily too.
“You look happy, Alyona. I’m so glad,” Madina said to her daughter.
“Of course, Mama. I’m happy for you, really I am.”
“You’re not disappointed that your father and I didn’t work things out?”
“No. Not at all. You weren’t really happy with Papa. I could see that. But when Oleg walks into the room you light up like the New Year tree in the main square on the thirty-first of December!”
Madina laughed. “I’ve grown to care so much for him over the past few months. He’s a special man.”
“And lucky to be marrying a wonderful woman like you.” Alyona flashed her one of her famous smiles. “And even luckier to be getting such an amazing stepdaughter as myself, of course!”
“He won’t know what’s hit him!” Bela chimed in, and they all laughed.
THE REST OF THE DAY went by in a blur, of course. The wedding was a small, private affair. Just a simple ceremony at the registry office, followed by a feast and dancing at Oleg’s house on the outskirts of Shekala. Oleg’s family had been very generous, and the long trestle tables were brimming with all sorts of dishes and delicacies. A local group were playing traditional Circassian music, with hand drums and accordions, and the guests were enjoying taking turns showing off their dancing skills inside the circle of onlookers. Everyone was clapping in time to the music and smiling. Bela was really enjoying herself. She couldn’t think when she’d last had such a good time.
She watched as Oleg tenderly kissed his new bride on her forehead after they’d finished their dance in the middle of the circle. Yes, finally, Madina had found the happiness she’d been seeking for so long.
Azamat had been the next to dance, and Bela and Angelina had clapped loudly in time to the music. He was such a good dancer, what a shame he hadn’t continued with the dance troupe he’d been a part of when he was younger. After the dance had finished, she watched him jog over to Milana and Alikhan and say a few words, before coming towards them.
“I’m off to get a drink, can I get you ladies anything?” he asked.
“Can I come with you, Uncle Azamat?” asked Angelina. “I’m thirsty.”
“Of course, pumpkin.”
“Can you get me a glass of water?” Bela asked.
“Of course,” said Angelina, skipping off after Azamat. She seemed to be having a wonderful time too.
Bela noticed Alyona standing just a short distance away. She waved, and Alyona came over.
“Hi, Auntie Bela. Are you enjoying the party?”
“Yes, it’s wonderful. I’m so happy for your mother. How does it feel to have a stepfather?” Bela asked.
“It feels good, actually. I like Oleg, he’s a lot of fun.”
Bela had been half wondering if Musa might turn up in a drunken state and crash the wedding, but so far there had been no sign of him. Hopefully he’d accepted Madina’s choice and would leave her alone now.
“Alikhan’s dancing skills are drawing much appreciation from the crowd,” Bela observed, pointing with her chin towards the circle where it was now Alikhan’s turn to shine. The boy had recently been introduced to his paternal grandparents, Aslan and Radima, and she herself had been able to get to know him a little th
e day before, when she’d helped Azamat go and find a wedding gift. Alikhan had come along with them, and Bela had taken to him immediately. He was a polite and well-mannered young man.
“Yes, he’s an amazing dancer. I’m glad he and Uncle Azamat have been getting on well,” said Alyona.
Angelina returned with a glass of water for Bela. It wasn’t long before Alikhan’s dance was finished, and he came over to join them.
“Alikhan, this is my cousin Angelina,” said Alyona, introducing them. Bela noticed Angelina’s cheeks reddening a little.
“I suppose then that we’re cousins too,” he said.
“Yes, but you’re not related to this one,” said Alyona, grinning. Poor Angelina’s cheeks turned even redder.
“What’s going on between Uncle Azamat and your mother?” Alyona was looking over towards the main house, and Alikhan and Bela both followed her gaze to the table where Azamat and Milana were chatting over a couple of drinks.
“Nothing. They’re just friends.”
“They look more than friends to me,” said Alyona
“No, Azamat promised me. They won’t get together unless I’m totally cool with it,” replied Alikhan a little defensively.
“And are you?”
“What?”
“Cool with it? With the idea of them getting back together.”
Alikhan thought for a moment. “I don’t know. I need to think about it.”
“Well, don’t think about it too long. You want your mother to be happy, don’t you? I think my uncle makes her happy,” said Alyona.
“Alyona!” Bela warned. Sometimes her niece could be a little bit too direct.
Just at that moment, Alikhan’s mother threw her head back and laughed at something Azamat had said.
“Well, someone’s got to do the matchmaking around here. No time like the present!” Before he could object, Alyona had grabbed Alikhan’s hand and was marching him off in the direction of his two biological parents. Bela sighed and watched them to see what would happen. She took a sip of the water and was glad to have a chair. She wasn’t feeling quite herself today. All this travelling and excitement had been a bit much.
Chapter 33
Milana
Milana watched as Oleg kissed his new bride on the forehead after they’d finished their dance in the middle of the circle. It had been such a lovely wedding. As much as she genuinely wanted to be happy for her friend, she couldn’t help but feel a stab of pain in her own heart. Would she ever move on like Madina had? Would she have another chance of happiness too?
Azamat was dancing now, and Milana couldn’t take her eyes off him. She hadn’t seen him dance since they were in that dance troupe together, years ago. Old memories came flooding back and her heart raced. He still had such an effect on her. Eventually the dance came to an end and Azamat directed his chosen partner back to the ring of onlookers and exited the dancing circle to give another man a chance to step up and choose a partner. He jogged over to where she and Alikhan were sitting, on the edge of one of the trestle tables. He panted a little, waiting to regain his breath.
“You should be proud of that performance, well done,” said Milana, hoping he couldn’t hear the quiver in her voice.
“I still have it, then!” said Azamat, with a laugh. “I forgot how much I enjoy dancing. It’s been a while since I’ve been at a wedding celebration, and I’m certainly having a great time at this one.”
“Me too,” said Milana, and she genuinely meant it.
“I’m off to get another drink,” said Azamat. “Would you like anything?”
“Yes, some more wine would be lovely,” said Milana, handing him her glass with a grateful smile.
“Alikhan?” asked Azamat. It was sweet of him to ask. He’d been trying so hard to get on well with Alikhan the past few months, and it finally looked as if Alikhan was warming up to him.
“Not for me. I feel inspired to take my turn in the ring,” said Alikhan. He pushed his way through the crowd and was soon waiting for his chance to shine.
“I think you’ve set the bar quite high, and he wants to prove what he can do,” joked Milana.
“I’ve no doubt he’s a much better dancer than I ever was,” said Azamat, a wistful look in his eye. “Right, I’ll be back soon with your wine.”
Azamat left her and went over to where Bela and Angelina were standing. Soon he and Angelina were heading into the main house. She noticed them returning a few minutes later. Angelina took a glass of water over to her mother, and Azamat brought a couple of wine glasses over to the table where she was still sitting.
“Did I miss Alikhan’s dance?” asked Azamat, sitting down across from her, but with his body facing the dancers.
“No, look, he’s about to start,” she said. They both watched as her son strutted proudly around the circle, twisting and turning at just the right moments, his head held high and his arms rigid in the correct positions, one bent towards his chest, the other extended, fists clenched. She didn’t recognise the lady he was dancing with, but she turned and glided around him before he finally guided her back towards the edge of the circle.
“Isn’t he great?” said Milana, proudly. She wanted to add that Murat would have been so proud but swallowed her words before they came out. She didn’t miss him so much anymore, but it was at moments like this when she felt sad that Murat would never get to watch his son grow up.
“He is,” Azamat agreed. “And so much better than I ever was. Do you remember that time we were rehearsing for some big show? I was supposed to be spinning on my knees across the floor, and I lost control and spun right into the row of girls at the edge of the stage. I think I must have knocked over at least three of them.”
Milana threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, my goodness, I’d forgotten about that. That was so funny. I nearly died laughing afterwards.”
They carried on reminiscing about the past. It was fun to remember all the good times they’d shared growing up.
Just then, Alikhan approached with Alyona. Or rather, it looked like Alyona was dragging a rather reluctant Alikhan towards them.
“Alikhan has something he’d like to say,” announced Alyona. Without offering an explanation, she gave Alikhan a wink and disappeared back into the crowd.
“What is it, sweetie?” Milana asked. “Is everything okay?”
“Um...”
“Alikhan?” What was going on now?
“I, um. I just wanted to say that... That if you two ever decide to get back together, then I’m cool with that.”
There was a stunned silence.
Azamat coughed and cleared his throat. “Um, thank you. We appreciate that. That’s, um, good to hear.”
Alikhan looked pointedly at Milana and she felt her cheeks grow hot.
“I’ll, um. I’ll get back to the dancers,” he muttered, and fled back to the safety of the crowd.
Milana’s gaze followed her son back towards the dancers and musicians, her mouth opening and closing as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t for the life of her think how to respond to what Alikhan had just said. It was cool if she and Azamat got back together? Where on earth had that come from?
“Are you okay?” Azamat’s voice pulled her attention back to the conversation they’d just been having before Alikhan and Alyona burst in. What was it they were discussing? She couldn’t remember now, but Azamat had made her laugh about something.
“Um... I... What was that about?”
“I think we’ve just been given Alikhan’s blessing to become an item. If you want to of course?”
“I didn’t know we were waiting for his blessing.”
There was a pause. Milana frowned, feeling like she’d missed out on an important conversation somewhere along the line. “Do you want to fill me in?”
Azamat cleared his throat and brushed his hand through his hair. Then he looked deep into her eyes with that wonderful intensity of his that had captivated her when they’d first met. “You k
now that I never really stopped loving you, Milana. Not even after all those years. You were the only girl for me, you always will be.”
Milana looked down at the glass in her hands, aware that her cheeks were burning. Azamat had loved her all this time? After what she did to him, taking his baby away and telling him not to see her again?
“I’ve behaved so badly towards you, I’m so sorry. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I know now that it wasn’t fair to you. Can you forgive me?”
Azamat took her hand gently and kissed it. “Of course. Always.”
“And you want to get back together?”
“Only if you’re ready. I’ll wait as long as I have to. I’m used to waiting!” He laughed, but behind the laugh there were years of pain. Milana was beginning to see that now.
“What did you say to Alikhan?”
“He was the one who brought it up. About four months ago. He told me he wasn’t ready for us to get back together again. It was difficult enough trying to work out where I fitted in his life. I told him nothing would happen unless he was ready. I don’t want to take the place of Murat. I know how much he meant to Alikhan. I didn’t want him to think I was just taking advantage, you know? My relationship with Alikhan is so important to me, I didn’t want to blow it.”
“Oh, and do I get a say in any of this?” Milana laughed.
“Well, now’s your time.” Azamat laughed too. “What do you think? Are you ready to move on yet? Are you ready to move on with me?”
He suddenly looked terrified, like a rabbit caught in the glare of headlights, frozen, not knowing what was coming next. Milana had an overwhelming urge to give him a big hug and tell him everything was going to be okay, but then she glanced around at the wedding celebration. It wouldn’t be appropriate, and this was an ideal place to start tongues wagging, which she was keen to avoid.
“I can’t say I haven’t thought about it,” she admitted, her voice soft and low. “I guess... I don’t know... It surprised me how much I missed Murat, once he was gone. But now...”
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