JUST ONE DAY

Chapter two

As we finally settled on our outfits, Sima's phone pierced the air, its alarm shrill and insistent.

"Time for me to go," she said, tucking the phone into her bag. "I'll meet you at the bazaar as soon as I'm done."

"Are you sure you'll make it?" I asked, a hint of skepticism creeping into my voice. "You're visiting Sister Zara after your paper, aren't you? And you know how she can be."

Sima's eyes sparkled with amusement as she raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I'd miss the Istanbul Bazaar? It's the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. Everyone's been raving about it, and I must see it for myself."

"I'll be in and out of Sister Zara's house in 10 minutes flat," she promised, her voice dripping with conviction. "See you soon, bye!" With that, she swept out of the room.

I took my time getting ready, lost in thought as I slipped into my white rose flare wrap gown. Farid's call interrupted my reverie, announcing his arrival.

As we met, our conversation flowed effortlessly, carrying us on a tide of laughter and anticipation until we arrived at the bazaar.

The Istanbul Bazaar was a sensory revelation – ornate decorations, aromatic scents, and lilting Arabian melodies transporting us to an exotic realm. Our host escorted us to the VIP section, where plush Turkish carpets and comfortable throw pillows enveloped us in luxury.

Farid had been right; it was an intimate gathering, with fewer than 30 guests. The warmth and hospitality of our hosts put me at ease, despite being our first meeting.

As we sipped tea and savored small bites, a majestic platter of sliced cow ribs arrived, borne by three attendants. I captured the moment on camera, sending it to Sima.

Her response was ecstatic, promising arrival soon. But then, her message took a heartbreaking turn:

"Mira, I won't make it. Sister Zara insists we visit our aunt, who's just gave birth. This is devastating. Please, smuggle some ribs and small chops for me."

Farid arranged for takeaways, his thoughtfulness a balm to my disappointment. As the evening drew to a close, I bid farewell, my eyes growing heavy as I waited for Farid in the lobby.

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I opened my eyes to darkness, my vision blurry. The world around me slowly materialized, like a painting taking shape. I blinked twice, and clarity returned.

The first image I saw left me breathless. I was in a dingy, windowless room. The air reeked of stagnation.

I struggled to sit up, my body protesting with a dull ache. The cold, bare floor beneath me seemed to suck the warmth from my bones. My feet were bare, my shoes nowhere in sight.

Fear crept in, its icy tendrils wrapping around my heart. I scanned the room, taking in the figures scattered across the floor. The partygoers I'd laughed with just hours before now lay motionless.

Panic set in, my heart racing like a wild animal. Were they dead? Alive? I pushed the woman beside me, praying for a response.

She stirred, her gentle breathing a lifeline in the darkness. They were all asleep, thank God.

But where was I? How did I get here?

The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, refusing to yield answers.

Footsteps echoed outside, growing louder. Keys jingled, and the lock creaked open.

I snapped my eyes shut, feigning sleep. My body trembled, sweat beading on my forehead.

Two men entered, their laughter and conversation slicing through the tension.

"wow, this one heavy !" one exclaimed.

"The heavier, the better. Carry her well now," the other replied, their words dripping with sinister intent.

"I don't know why we have to wait six hours before we're done with all of them. We have 14 girls left."

"As long as we get what we want, it's worth it."

"Guy, I can't wait to for this to work!"

The door closed, and the lock clicked into place.

I sprang up, my eyes scanning the room frantically. Fear had become a living thing inside me, clawing at my sanity.

My heart threatened to burst, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

Dizziness washed over me, dark thoughts swirling like a vortex.

Never had I felt such terror.

But in that moment, I knew I had to act.