Chapter 16 – A new Friend
A few nights later, Aliya was woken up by cries. Reassembling her strengths to try to recognize the voices, she realized with fear that they belonged to Sevati and Ganesh. Understanding what was happening, she trembled. The young girl came at morning. She seemed to have trouble to walk correctly. When she met her eyes, the teen lowered her head.
-You…you heard, didn't you?
-How can he do such a thing to you?!
-I…I'm used to it…
-I don't believe you…Sevati…
-I beg you, don't talk about it! Don't…
The young girl fell on her knees and burst into tears. Aliya could only watch her cry as she couldn't join her. When Sevati calmed and raised her head, Aliya displayed a weak smile but felt dizzy and fell. The teen ran toward her.
-Miss, I beg you, eat something!
-I don't want to…I lost everything…
-Don't say that…
-I lost everything: Jay, Eli, Sati…Pagan…I will be married to a man I will hate for the rest of my life...watching Kyrat fall onto a devil's hands…
-…Wasn't Pagan Min a devil too?
-At the beginning, yes but…I got to know him and…he…
-Was he the man of your life?
Aliya turned her head to look at the young girl. She shed a tear.
-Yes. Yet, I never thought about I could fall in love with that kind of man…but we helped one another to get better, and…the link we created was so strong that…even I was surprised of it.
-What you've just said is so pretty…I wish I could feel the same thing for somebody one day…
-Why couldn't you?
-Because I'm trapped here…
-…What about help me to escape from here? I could get you out of here.
-I can't do this! They would kill me!
-Not if I stop them.
-But you are so weak…please recover first!
-And then?
-I…I'll think about it…but first, please eat something, I beg you.
After a few seconds of reflection, Aliya finally found something to eat.
-Bring me some Aloe-Vera branches.
-Aloe-Vera? That's all? But why?
-Bring them to me…I will explain later.
Sevati executed. Aliya began to extract the products of the plant, explaining their virtues. The young girl listened to her with all her attention, and then displayed a large smile.
-It was so fascinating!
-Happy to see I taught you something.
-But are you sure you will survive only with that plant?
-It will be okay.
-Hm…
Sevati stay skeptical for a moment and took a branch in her hands.
-You know a lot of things.
-I had a great professor…unfortunately he is no longer able to teach me anything now…he was a really good mercenary but also a great doctor.
-Doctor? I always wanted to become one.
-Really?
-Yeah. I wanted to cure the children who work here.
-Oh my god, children really work here?!
-Yeah…they are at east of this complex and they build up weapons for soldiers…
-I see…if you want…I can teach you what my mentor taught me.
-You would do such a thing for me?
-Of course.
-Why? I am nothing…just a little wench…
-Everybody has the right to learn things; don't belittle you like that.
-But I…
The young girl stayed thoughtful a moment, then looked at the prisoner, embarrassed.
-I can't…my parents sold me to Ganesh…I can only do what he asks me to.
-…He is not supposed to know what you do between those walls.
Aliya could notice her wish to accept in the teen's eyes. She smiled repeating she will be here in case she wants to learn more. Sevati nodded and left to let the prisoner rest.
-During the night, she heard cries again. Then she had a tilt: she may have lost important people, but there still was Kyrat…the country which welcomed and appreciates her…she decided to pull herself together for it. To let Kyrat in the hand of the Golden Path – In Ganesh's hands – would be a huge mistake.
The day after, Sevati came, tears in her eyes. The teen ran and huddled against her, almost falling and yelling she couldn't take it anymore. To see the child in that state put the young woman in a rage.
-Sevati…
-Yes?
-Help me to escape.
-I…
-Give me two days to recover enough strength. Then you will unchain me and I…I will save you.
She felt the teen's head moving, confirming her agreement. Then she left to bring her some food. Sevati confessed her she knew where her belongings were so the young woman asked her to try to take it back, what the teen accepted to do.
Aliya gorged herself with plants. Eli already told her not to abuse of mixes, but the young women took the risk as she must recover as faster as possible. Two days later, she felt a bit better, but knowing she was still fragile, she prayed everything will be okay…