162 Finally landed (2/2)

”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.