PERFECT MERGE

There is a lot in his life that Martin was grateful for. He had his dream job, he was finally living as independently and not in the clutches of his parents anymore, and most of all, he had just bought his dream house. A fancy bachelor pad in Westlands, one of the suburbs in the city of Nairobi. Of course, compared to his family's house, it was pretty small, but he had no family of his own and was pretty keen on it staying that way at least for a while longer. He wanted to concentrate on his work, and get himself ready enough for an early retirement. As he drove his Jaguar down the streets of Nairobi, on his way to meet a friend at one of the local pubs, he reflected on the path his life had taken. Born into a rich family, he had pretty much had everything he wanted in life growing up. He had a room full of toys, with just one sibling to share it all with who came to be way down the line. He had his first car at 14, 4 years before he was legally allowed to drive. He had visited over fifty cities for holidays and had shaken hands with a couple of world celebrities. Having had the opportunity to go to some of the best schools in the country, he had done well in his exams and even traveled overseas for his college degree. It was while there studying Computer Engineering that he realized it was not exactly what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He liked writing, he had been writing ever since he could remember. Art, his father had always found it helpful to say, was for the weak hearted. But while overseas he met Michael, a fellow writer who encouraged him to send one of his novels to various publishers. He had done that, not expecting much, but receiving more than he asked for. And so finally, after four years, he had returned home with a degree in Computer Engineering, three published books, a year's publishing contract with hopes of renewing it come the next year and most importantly, one of his book was to be turned into a film. He was happy. Actually, he was very thrilled. He had not expected his parents to be happy for him. Especially not his father. He had his set ways that he wanted everything to work and move at, and Martin had completely diverted from that. His mother, of course always living in her husbands shadow, didn't say much to support him either. He was not disappointed, he was old enough not to want their approval, but there was a part of him that sometimes longed for their support. His sister had been thrilled, at least one family member was happy for him, he reasoned as he pulled up at Crooked Q, He had been back in town for three months now, still the parents were angry with him and rarely talked to him. He had decided to move out and far away as possible to get on with his life. He was happy, that was all that mattered, and he was going to stay that way. As he got out of his car and walked towards the pub, he couldn't help but admit, he had everything he wanted, he wanted nothing else!

-My shift ended two hours ago Diane, you really have to stop doing this- the plump lady with large eyes blurted out as she walked from behind the counter to deliver drinks to some customers. She had caught Martin's attention since she came to their table to get their orders about an hour ago. For the next hour, he had divided his attention between his drink, his friend, and the beautiful waitress. She had a beautiful smile, and he had been lucky enough to hear her laugh a while back. What a melodious sound it was. He was smitten, as some of his books would say! He just couldn't believe it. After writing novels all this time, writing about the experience and the feeling one gets after seeing the one person that may just be the right one for you, he was finally in the same situation.

-why don't you call her over and buy her a drink- Michael said as he caught Martin's gaze chase after the girl for the hundredth time that night. He was tempted to, he thought. But a lot of things held him back. Picking up waitresses wasn’t at the top of his list. And he wasn't up for anything serious in his life, not now. And he didn't think he wanted to embark on the journey of getting to know this girl anyway. Relationships were too complicated; he knew that from lots of experiences. He had a lot of deadlines he was working on; he didn't have time for fun and play. He was just horny, he thought. He needed to get laid, get his mind to focus on the more important thing in his life at the time. He watched as the girl talked to the Diane lady as she removed her apron and gave it to her. For some reason, he couldn't fight the feeling that it was not about sex with her, it was way more than that! And that was scary. He watched as she walked past them towards the exit. Her handbag clasped tightly to her side and a book in hand. He watched till she was swallowed by the darkness outside. That was it, momentary lust, she was gone and he hoped that with that the weird feelings he felt would disappear too. Turning to his friend, he raised his glass in salute;

-A toast! DEMONIC LOVE just broke my record of book sales yesterday. To success!-

Sitting in Club Sounds a month later, listening to the various creative writings being read out, he can’t help but be impressed by the level of talent that walks along the streets of Nairobi. Every month at least one day is set aside for writers and poets to come and recite their writings to the experienced and armature writers alike. He had started attending the meetings when he was 18, and had always tried to attend it whenever he was in the country. Sometimes, he got good ideas and story lines he could build on from some of the poems recited and stories read out. And it was also good to rub shoulders with other writers. He is not well known here, he rarely stands up to recite anything. And he is always writing under a pseudonym. The mystery surrounding him had always made him feel more welcomed in this crowd.

A familiar face catches his attention on the other end of the room. She sits there, the waitress, a book in hand and an eager face thoroughly concentrating on what is being recited. It is a poem called Lost love. It is being read out for the second time as most of the listeners have asked for it. Without hesitation, he walks over to her and sits on the empty seat to her right. She doesn’t turn to look at him till the poem ends, then clapping loudly she turns to him, a smile on her face.

-It's beautiful, isn't it-

-Very- He replies genuinely. -It may get the classic this evening-

A smile still in place, she nods some more. Taken back by her smile again, he finds he has to clear his throat before he can introduce himself. Just as he is about to, his eye catches the title of the book on her lap.

-You've read that?-he asks as he points to the book.

-Giving it a second go-she says as she pats it lovingly -l love it!-it is followed by a short laugh.

-Yeah, at least my friends and teachers would tell you that-she says directing another smile at him-Am Magi by the way-she adds extending her hand.

-Martin-he says, taking her small soft hands into his and the feeling of belonging overwhelms him again. He looks up and their eyes meet and hold and his mind goes blank. Just when he is about to say something when one of the performers walks over to them and hands a piece of paper to her.

-Nice reception-he says as he gives her a hug.-You should definitely come more often.-She gives him her polite bright smile and shakes her head negatively

-I have to work. Getting here today was a nightmare. But thanks Johny, that meant a lot-with that and another hug, he has her full attention again.

-Umm, am just heading home. It was nice to meet you Martin-she says as she picks her bag and extends her hand again.

-Well, I was heading out too-he hears himself say-want to grab a cup of coffee or something?-He sees the hesitation in her eyes and posture but she quickly gives in and accepts. This is his chance, he thinks, to figure out exactly what the whole package in this woman was.

They have been sitting at the corner table of the coffee shop for over an hour. Conversation has been flowing smoothly and they have realized they have a lot in common. The ease with which the coffee date turns into a dinner date is classic. She excuses herself to use the ladies and Martin is left on the table alone. As he sits there he plays back the whole conversation, wanting to know it all by heart for the futures sake. Suddenly, a thought strikes him. He looks up in awe as he sees her walk towards him. She gets to their table, the smile still in place.

-What, I have something on my tooth?-she asks as she sobers up a bit while taking her seat.

-Lost Love, that was your piece, right?-he asks and she smiles

-I thought you had figured it out by now-

-That was brilliant piece-he says as he looks at her with a new sense of admiration

-Well, romance; good or bad, is always my inspiration-he nods as their eyes meet and hold again-I have to go-she says after sometime-I had a great time, thanks for everything-She adds as they stand up and head for the door after paying the bill.

-Well, glad you enjoyed yourself. Umm, maybe I can give you a ride home?-he is not sure he wants to say goodbye to her and not knowing if he would see her again.

-Thanks. It’s still early, I can get a bus-they are now standing beside the road.-well, goodnight Martin, and good luck with your writing.-she says extending her hand again. He shakes it and reluctantly lets it go.

-So, can I see you again?- he asks as she is about to walk away

-Well, make it to the club and the first drink will be on me- with that and a wink she walks off and crosses the road. Martin seems confused for a while, and then he smiles. She recognized him. She remembered him from the day at the club. He turns and walks towards his car, his increased confidence visible in his every stride.

…..by the power invested in me, I now pronounce Magi and Martin; husband and wife. You may kiss the bride…..

In the midst of the cheering and jubilation, the marriage was sealed by the long kiss.

And at the reception dinner that evening, just before the couple headed out for their honeymoon, their collective book, Devilish Equilibrium-a romantic fantasy- was launched.