Brother's Mess

Rose

Rose was busying herself with household

work when her older brother, Malok, roared

from under a tree in the compound. He was

wearing a blue blanket across his body such that

it acted as a dress. This was their way of

dressing _the cattle keepers. The marks on his

forehead were widely visible in the shimmering

sunshine. He had just returned from a cattle

camp where he was keeping a family head ofcattle. Rose got out of the mud hut which severs

as the kitchen and they were both surprised at

seeing each other.

‘Ayen, when did you come?’ Malok asked,

after the greeting. Rose was so happy that she

ran with her arms open but she only received a

handshake. No wonder why many people said

cattle-keepers’ lifestyle was weird.

‘I’ve spent just a few days here,’ she said.

She gave him a chair and went to fetch a glass

of water. Malok gazed at her like a plumber

examining the area of water leakage. She went

to the house where Mimi was and couldn’t help

breaking the news.

‘Hey darling, tell you what,’ she drew closer

to Mimi. ‘Malok is here.’

‘What!? Wait?’ Mimi jumped as if she had

stepped on fire. ‘Why are you petrified?’ Rose

asked, after the calmness.

Mimi sat on the bed, with her hands

supporting her head and eyes set in the space.

‘Life is going to be a living hell, now that he

is here. And what did he say about this trousers

you are wearing?’ ‘nothing. But why?’ She was

filled with confusion ‘We haven’t started, madam. Let me tell

you, once he is here, he will be commanding

instead of requesting. No more visiting friends,

or hanging around with a male even though he

is a relative or close friend…’

‘Stop it, please. Stop this joke, I can’t live

such life.’ She felt helpless.

‘There is no peace until he leaves.’

They were interrupted by the voice of

Malok. He told them there was a girl outside

that needed help. it was Eliza, the two sisters’

close friend.

‘Oh my! Eliza! So great to see you again.’

Rose struggled to speak the words as she was

drowned in tears. She ran with her arms wide

open and embraced Eliza like they had spent a

century without meeting. They hugged each

other for a long moment and Mimi was

excitedly enjoying the scene. Meanwhile,

Malok left the house.

‘My sweet Rose, how do you do?’ Eliza

picked up the courage to ask.

‘I’m fine. I am peaceful, only that I have

missed that smile of yours.’ Rose replied.

Don’t even think about it. I am about to get

a shock now. You know what; I am going to

fetch some stuff for aunty. She’s set to go, only

waiting for me to return. So I thought I should

pass by. The point is, there is a festival at the

Freedom Square later by five o’clock. Would

you like to attend?’

‘A hell yeah. I bet you wouldn’t want to

attend that alone, or you have transformed

over the years?’ Said Rose. ‘Stupid girl.’ They

all laughe