162 Finally landed

The plane finally landed in Tunis, capital of Tunisia after the twenty hour long journey. Though the women's presence had made it bearable, the cramped seating hadn't been kind to her. The pain killer's effect had worn off, leaving Jia Li aching and mildly feverish.

She collected her luggage and looked for a cab to take her to the hotel where she had stayed the last time round. The temperature was cold but not as bad as what she had left behind. She exchanged some currency at the airport, enough to at least afford her accommodation for the night. She only knew a few words of Darija, the local language there but it was enough for to communicate her destination to the cab driver.

First thing, she needed was an internet connection and a new phone. She didn't know where had she dropped it and all her contact details were stored in there. The last time she had been here in Tunis, it had been officially on behalf of her country's embassy which had various cultural tie-ups with Tunisia. Her few months stay had earned her a couple of warm acquaintances and she was hoping that she could impose upon them for some help.

Ying Hui acknowledged the bearded man who was waving at him enthusiastically at the airport's lounge.

"How was your journey, Mr. Ying? We have booked everything as per your instructions. We are trying to locate a translator for you as we speak. This time you didn't give us enough notice, hence…" the man's voice trailed off when he sensed an impatient glare being sent his way.

"Mr. Aziz, I re-hired you because of your last time's efficient performance. But if you can't deliver what has been asked out of you, please feel free to recommend another agency to me. I don't have time to waste in waiting for resources," Hui said coldly and clinically.

Aziz's face blanched at the thought of letting a client like him slip away.

"Pl…please don't worry. You shall have your translator ready and reporting to you tomorrow morning," he hastened to assure him.

"Remember, I need him to be proficient in local language and English, both", Hui reminded him.

Aziz bobbed his head enough number to times to go dizzy with it. The experience with Mr. Ying from the previous two times had taught him that he was an exacting but fair employer. More importantly, he was a generous paymaster. He was going to do whatever it took to make him happy.

"Oh thank god, I finally found you, Karim," relief was evident in Jia Li's voice.

"Jia Li…is that you? How is it that you are calling from a local number?" Karim exclaimed into the phone.

Keeping it light, she said, "well, let's say that I am here to call you out on your promise which you made to me on the previous visit."

She could sense his confusion and spoke with a smile in her voice, "you promised to help me with anything I needed next time that I was in Tunis. Don't tell me you have forgotten that already."

"Oh…sure, absolutely. Anything for you, my savior. I would have lost my job that time at the embassy, had it not been for your intervention on my behalf. Tell me, how can I help you? Wait, are you here on an official trip?" he asked.

"No, actually, I quit my job some time ago. Uh, can we meet somewhere and talk?" she said, hoping that he would agree despite that she wasn't a part of an official delegation here.

At his confirmation of the same, she released the breath which she hadn't been aware that she had been holding.

They promised to meet for dinner. In the meanwhile, Jia Li kept herself busy with other basic things to-do. Every time, the recent past threatened to invade her thoughts, she started adding to her already long list of pending tasks. She knew that they would consume her nights but she was determined to not let them conquer her waking hours as well.

"You look pale and weak, Jia Li. Have you not been well?" Karim asked in concern.

They met at a local diner, close to the mosque. Since Jia Li enjoyed spicy food, Karim had gone ahead and ordered a variety of meat and fish preparations with generous dose of harissa on them. The famous traditional salad containing tomato, onion, cucumber, beans, potatoes, olives, tuna and egg was placed at their small table almost instantly, along with olive oil and lemon on top.

Jia Li took her time serving the dish to him and herself before replying.

"I have separated from my husband and am looking for a fresh start. I don't know why but the thought of Tunis appealed to me and I landed here, hoping for a brief reprieve," she said quietly.