Two weeks later, the humid air of the airport did little to dampen Humaira's spirit as she stepped out of the terminal. She was a striking woman in her early thirties with chestnut hair and piercing eyes. As the daughter of Safeera's close friend, she was a frequent visitor, though her motives were often her own.
"Finally!" she exhaled, dialing a number on her phone. "I return back here again. I wonder what Aunty is up to?" When the call connected, her voice sharpened. "Yes, it's me, Humaira. Tell the driver to be quick. I'm tired of waiting."
Back at the Bello mansion, Safeera was busy directing the staff. "Yes, place that over there," she instructed. "Have you guys cleaned the guest room? Make it snappy, she'll be on her way soon." She turned to her butler. "What about Alex?"
"It's like he's in his room," Charles replied.
"Please tell him to come downstairs. I'll be expecting a guest soon and I would love to introduce him to her," Safeera said. As she watched Patty dust a flower vase, a sharp knock sounded at the door. "She's here!"
Safeera opened the door and pulled Humaira into a warm hug. "Humaira, how are you? How was your journey?"
Humaira wordlessly passed her luggage to Patty. "Better not break anything inside," she warned. She slumped onto the sofa with a sigh. "My journey was fine. And hot, also."
"Martha, please get us some cold drinks," Safeera called out. "How's Mumbai? How's work there?"
Humaira ignored the small talk. "I heard you adopt a child, yes? Where is he?"
"Oh, you mean Alex? Charles, where is Alex?"
Charles bowed slightly. "Madam, forgive me, but I couldn't find the young master in his bedroom. I think he—"
"How rude of him," Humaira interrupted, her voice dripping with disdain. "Send him to my room once he gets back. For now, I'll go get some rest. You—" she pointed at a maid named Maria standing in the corner, "—show me my room."
As they exited, Safeera sighed to Charles. "She may be a bit of a handful sometimes. I just pray she gets along with Alex. For now, please just bear with her silly tantrums."