EPISODE 2

LYDIA

By the morning of her lunch date with Rumi, Lydia had developed cold feet. She was not sure anymore, if she was ready to undergo such a rigorous journey of learning, unlearning and re-learning. She doubted in her ability to articulate her thoughts, and most especially, why she was always angry. She called her friend with the hope that she would cancel.

“Hello Rumi”

“Hey, voice of women!” Rumi teased sounding too energetic for Lydia’s liking; she was already losing this battle.

“Are we still up for 2pm” she asked soberly

“Definitely! picking what to wear as we speak” Rumi said.

“Alright dear, see you then” a defeated Lydia responded.

Lydia met with Rumi at the nearby bistro, their usual chill-spot. They served the best healthy and balanced meals and played soft jazz from seven in the evening. Rumi had chosen the serene, green coloured rooftop to avoid interruptions and facilitate a smooth thinking process. The owner took into detailed consideration, the aesthetics of things. The natural green colour creating a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant makes the customers calm and encourages them to stay just a while longer.

“So, first things first babe, what exactly are we doing” Lydia asked

“I believe we’re on a journey, a road to discovery, to identify who exactly the ideal woman is and how you and I can become that woman” Rumi said. It must be the ambience; her thoughts are suddenly more organised. She went on. “We have been sold different narratives; the ideal woman as a full-time housewife versus the independent boss lady who needs nobody, how we’re sitting ducks for an evil patriarchal society. What is the origin of our insecurities, why we are perceived as angry and complicated, and what are the true intentions of feminists? That is what we need to uncover”.

“I understand you babe. Truth is, I kinda ask these questions myself, but I am always torn between what my feelings are and what the facts are. We need to be able to see clearly without any bias, lest we fall into the traps some others have fallen into. In the end, women need help, and no one is going to help us but us” said Lydia.

“Yes, yes, I totally agree! We also must do away with every form of anger, however just or valid, and toss the mentality of us as victims”. Rumi added. “It’s safe to say we are on this quest to help the woman discover and understand herself fully. What her roles are, what she should aspire to be at every level, and how she should live up to her fullest potential”.

“Wow, just wow. That is incredibly beautiful to hear out loud and very scary as well. Do we even know what to do and how to go about anything at all?” Lydia said.

“Well, we can’t know if we don’t try”. Rumi said with a smile, already excited by the challenge.

Lydia took a sip from her cocktail and observed Rumi quietly. She is such a beautiful creature, God definitely used a special kind of clay to mould her. A fast-rising fashion model, who has graced a few runways and posed for some high profile names. She was always ready to turn heads. Daring but reserved, savvy and yet still naïve. She has had her fair share of boys and heartbreaks, nursed trust issues and insecurities, doubted her abilities and stumbled a bit along the way but she’s been opportune to meet the right mentors at the right time and is now gaining clarity. They had clicked from the get-go and she was glad to have her as a friend and mentor almost.

“Where do we start from, Rumi?

“There’s someone I’ll like you to meet, and don’t give me that look! SHE is amazing.  How is everything man with you this girl?” She said amidst laughter. “You will absolutely love her.

“Who is she?” Lydia asked

“Drum roll!!!!” Rumi made a weird beat with her mouth “It is no other than my beautiful superwoman, heroine and mentor, wait forrit, Imani!!!!

“Oh no!!” Lydia groaned and facepalmed almost immediately. “not again”. Rumi since she stumbled upon Imani on Instagram will not shut up about her newfound obsession. It was Imani this, Imani that.

Rumi feigned hurt and made to leave but Lydia rose quickly to block her exit “Ahan, okay okay, I’m sorry boo, I’m listening. Tell me about your wonder woman. Again.”

“Don’t worry darling, you’ll meet her yourself soon. She is organising a meet and greet soon so I can get access for two. You need to listen to her. She is an embodiment of wisdom and I’m sure she’ll lead us in the right direction” Rumi said.

“I can’t wait then” Lydia beamed. “Although I wished it were a fine boy instead, you know the ones – tall, light skinned…”

“Meet me at home mama, you can daydream all day if you want” Rumi said on her way out while Lydia chased after her.