Final

My name is Ayesha. My world revolved around my small yet beautiful family, which consisted of my precious 6-year-old son, Shahrukh, and my loving husband, Tariq. We were part of a hardworking, lower-middle-class household where Tariq diligently toiled as an accountant in a modest company.

At 28, my emerald green eyes sparkled with an inquisitive gleam, complementing my radiant fair complexion that proudly reflected my Gujarati heritage. My wavy, jet-black hair flowed gracefully down my back, extending past my waist, serving as my source of pride and joy. I meticulously cared for it, crafting various styles that showcased its natural lustre, enhancing my overall allure. My facial features boasted a prominent jawline, finely chiselled cheekbones, a delicate nose, and naturally plump lips. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, my figure gracefully curved into an hourglass shape with measurements of 36-28-38, completing the portrait of my beauty. In contrast, Tariq, a simple and down-to-earth man, stood at 5 feet 6 inches with a typical brown complexion.

People often remarked that I bore a striking resemblance to Deepika Padukone, albeit with the distinction of having long hair and enchanting green eyes. Tariq, my life partner, was two years my senior. He held me in high regard and often called me his trophy wife. However, his traditional values prevented me from seeking employment.

Our story began in college, where Tariq was my senior. He didn't waste any time professing his love and proposing to me. After two years of courtship, we exchanged our vows and began our journey as a married couple.

Today marked a significant day in our lives, our anniversary. As a lower-middle-class family, we decided to celebrate by visiting Sivrajpur Beach, where I now sat alone, gazing wistfully at nearby cars. Tariq and Shahruk were joyfully immersed in the calm waters. Still, my thoughts wandered to the day we might own a vehicle, leaving behind the rickshaws and public transport that had become integral to our daily lives.

Lost in these daydreams, I felt a sudden tug at my tightly braided, flowing hair, a distinguishing feature of mine due to its length.

"Tariq, what are you doing?"

"Having fun with my spouse," he chuckled.

Tariq usually enjoys playing with my lengthy hair. Despite the slight discomfort from his tugging, which loosens my long braid and causes my hair to scatter, I find it endearing. Swiftly, I gather my hair and create a loose bun, mindful of the challenge of having long hair, especially when keeping it away from food. With my hair secured, I remove the sandwiches and offer them for everyone to enjoy in the meantime.

I said, "This evening, we'll eat outside."

He answered, "Why, from the outside, we have already spent a lot."

I said, "Don't be a miser; I'll manage."

In a conversation that evening, he began with a sigh, saying, "Ayesha, we don't have room in our budget for this. This month is going to be really tight."

Frustration grew as I responded, "Your every month is tight. I don't understand. I've repeatedly told you to let me work, but you insist on this frugal existence and involve me in it."

He looked at me earnestly and said, "Ayesha, you don't understand how cruel the world can be. Your beauty makes me fear that someone might take you away from me. The world is full of monsters, and you have no idea. You are my most precious possession, and Rupanzal (a nickname you sometimes use due to your long hair) is part of you. I can't bear the thought of losing you."

After a heartfelt conversation, he finally agreed to take us to a restaurant. On our way back, I asked him to stop the rickshaw in front of a jewelry store. We entered the shop, and I directed his attention to a necklace.

"Remember the Necklace I mentioned? It's beautiful, isn't it?" I said.

He inquired about the price, to which I responded, "I didn't ask the price initially. I came in with Neha, and then I saw it."

The shopkeeper then informed us, "It's priced at 200,000."

"It's undeniably beautiful, but it's also quite expensive, and we don't have enough money," my husband lamented.

With determination in my eyes, I replied, "One day, I will buy this Necklace. I've already managed to save 90,000 towards it."

From there, we departed and arrived home. We're celebrating our anniversary today, so I asked Tariq to do something fun and novel. He went to bed because, as usual, he was tired. I feel bad for him because he works so hard and gets tired. I need more children, and sex is fun. Still, Tariq always says we should prioritize financial stability before considering having a child. Shahrukh reached school age but is not attending school because of our financial situation.

**********

The following morning, my best friend Neha paid us a visit. She extended a heartfelt invitation to her brother's upcoming wedding ceremony, empathizing with Tariq, who was grappling with our mid-month financial constraints. We deliberated on our economic situation, and I confided in her about the Necklace that had captured my heart, revealing that I was still 110K short to make it mine.

Neha, married to a wealthy man, saw this amount as a mere trifle. So, we decided to embark on a mission to buy the coveted Necklace. After the purchase, we headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch. As we dined, a striking presence caught my eye. A powerful, mature gentleman in his late 40s with a clean-shaven head and a solid salt-and-pepper beard, radiating an aura of exceptional physical prowess. Towering at a commanding 7 feet, his sculpted facial features, expressive eyes, and prominent cheekbones mirrored Djimon Hounsou's distinctive allure. His unwavering gaze seemed fixated on me, sending discomfort through the room and making me feel conspicuously vulnerable.

Suddenly, he rose from his seat and approached our table, a move that sent shivers down my spine, fearing he might attempt to harm or abduct me.

"OMG, what a pleasant surprise!" exclaimed Neha as she embraced the imposing figure.

"I was just passing by and thought I'd grab a coffee. How are you?" he asked.

Neha introduced us, saying, "This is my friend Ayesha and Leon Mabika. He is Aryan's (Neha's husband) boss."

I greeted him nervously, feeling overwhelmed by his dominating presence. He liked Shahruk and remarked, "I can't believe your friend is married. Why do all beautiful girls get married? I hope you don't mind."

Neha interjected, asking, "Are you coming to my brother's wedding?"

As he continued scrutinizing me, he replied, "Of course, Aryan is not just a colleague; he's a friend. I'll be there for the mehndi ceremony and might even dance."

The surprising juxtaposition of his commanding presence and courteous, soft-spoken disposition left me contemplating his enigmatic character. He cast one more fleeting glance in our direction and bid us farewell. Turning to Neha, I couldn't help but remark, 'He's incredibly fit for his age, isn't he?' Neha replied, 'What do you think his age is?' 'I'd say late forties.' 'No, dear, he's actually in his late fifties. Impressive, right?' 'I can hardly believe it; how does he stay in such great shape?' 'He used to be a bodybuilder and has maintained it well.' I couldn't help but be thoroughly impressed by this remarkable individual."

Neha added, "He's a billionaire but doesn't display any arrogance. He treats us like his own. Surprisingly, despite his vast wealth, he's far from content.

I inquired about his unhappiness, and Neha revealed, "It's because of his wife. They're practically separated, and she's trying to claim all his hard-earned money and properties. She's a real piece of work, and now she's moved back to her hometown in Madras. She doesn't trust him at all, and if she were here right now and saw him with us, she'd be furious. Last month, she slapped his previous secretary and fired her because she travelled with Leon to Hong Kong. She's always keeping tabs on him. She'd be livid if she were here now and saw him with us."

Curious, I asked, "But why did the secretary go with Leon in the first place?"

Neha explained, "It's not a big deal. Secretaries often accompany their bosses on business trips."

I mused, "You're right; Leon's wife should be content. Her husband is wealthy and loyal. Is he loyal?"

Neha clarified, "How can he be loyal? His wife has been living in Madras for months. He shows loyalty during that time, but she has a share in all three of Leon's companies, so he puts up with her."

As I glanced in his direction, he watched me from across the room, engrossed in conversation with his secretary. Sometimes, we perceive people as hard and challenging, but underneath, they harbour a softer side. I smiled at him, and in return, his deep, captivating eyes conveyed a mix of love and desire.

Upon returning home, I disclosed the necklace purchase to Tariq and showed him the exquisite piece. He was distraught and scolded me for taking a loan to acquire it, leading to a heated argument. Our fights became routine as my desire for a better life clashed with our financial limitations.

Days passed, and the time for Neha's brother's wedding arrived. I adorned myself in a resplendent red saree with a floral half-updo hairstyle. The event was a magnificent spectacle, with guest tables reminiscent of five-star dining and a bridal stage that looked straight out of a Disney fantasy. Observing the opulence around me, I couldn't help but marvel at how some people seemed to live in a fairy tale. At the same time, we struggled to save money and took loans for a modest necklace.

We arrived at the event in a rickshaw, and I couldn't help but notice Leon stepping out of his luxurious black Mercedes. Dressed in an impeccable black suit, he exuded an aura of affluence. His eyes locked onto me, and he approached, extending his hand for a shake. His grip was firm and his hand rough, contrasting his soft-spoken demeanour.

"Hello, beautiful. Is this your husband?" he inquired, and I nodded. Tariq introduced himself, and we settled at a table near the dance floor. Tariq asked about Leon, and I explained that he was Aryan's boss. My husband inquired about how he knew me, and I revealed that we'd met while shopping for the Necklace with Neha. Leon commented that beautiful girls like me were remembered.

Leon sat next to our table, and I noticed Neha approaching him, likely to persuade him to join the dance. However, he decided to have a drink first, and then he joined the dance floor with Neha. Amid the group dance, his imposing figure stood out, like a giant among dwarfs. As I watched the performances, Sharukh needed to use the restroom, and Tariq took him. I found myself alone at the table, watching the dances.

Suddenly, Leon hurried over to me and asked, "Can I have a dance with you? Your husband might not like it, but I really want to."

I hesitated and replied, "I'm sorry, but I can't."

He smiled and said, "Trust me, I mean no harm."

I explained that my husband would disapprove, and he gave me an irritated look before returning to the dance floor. I implored, "Please, don't be upset." He responded, "A broken heart has every reason to be upset."

In that instant, I found myself immobilized, captivated by the enchantment of his words. It was as if an irresistible force compelled me to follow him. He gently grasped my hand, leading me away like a beauty drawn towards a formidable beast. His massive hands settled upon my waist while his intense gaze fixed on me. Leon's presence was overpowering, and I felt diminutive in his towering shadow, with my forehead barely reaching his chest. Even one of his hands possessed the capacity to engulf both of my hips.

He inquired, "How long have you been married?" I responded, "Seven years." He continued his questions, asking, "What does he do?" I replied, "Tariq works for the government as an accountant."

As we conversed, I became aware of his hand gently toying with the curls at the bottom of my hair, which were styled as part of my Floral Half Updo. Skillfully, he traced his fingers along my locks, and I felt as fragile as a leaf in his presence.

He then asked, "Was it a love marriage?" I nodded in affirmation. His next question was, "Then why are you not happy? I went through a similar phase at the beginning of my love marriage with my wife. Initially, I felt like I had found my true love and didn't need anything else. But within a year, I realized I had lost everything to my wife.

But I am content," I responded, and he promptly chimed in, "If someone were to inquire, I'd say the same--that I have no regrets and am genuinely happy with my wife. People often say that couples are divinely paired, but I don't believe God makes errors and places them in the divine ledger."

Suddenly, he took my hand and twirled me around, and in his firm, capable hands, I felt as light as a feather, dancing to his command. We shared smiles and relished the moment, but our joyful interlude was interrupted when Tariq arrived, clearly displeased. He cited poor health as his excuse and urged everyone, including me, to leave. I felt embarrassed, as I had begun to enjoy the dance, and my jealous husband had ruined the moment.

Upon returning home, we had a heated argument. Tariq disapproved of me dancing with Leon while I argued that he wasn't providing the life I desired and, at the very least, should allow me some enjoyment. I reminded him that Leon was not my boyfriend and there was no need for his jealousy.

The other day, we found ourselves on the second day of the marriage event. To my astonishment, a surprising friendship began to blossom between Leon and Tariq. It was difficult to pinpoint the exact reason behind this newfound camaraderie. Perhaps my husband was slightly intimidated by Leon's wealth and imposing physique, or Leon's inherently charming personality could have drawn them together. In any case, their growing friendship was palpable.

In an unexpected turn of events, Leon invited us both to visit his home for dinner, marking the beginning of a fascinating chapter in our lives.

BODY RENEWAL PART 5

The changes to the academy and Gil and Kinny's house were astonishing.

The house was the most changed for us.

The Master bedroom was made into a nursery. Walls painted blue with farm animals, and cars intermixed with trucks. Looking at the baby clothes they were all blue from all over the world from their families.

There were enough folded baby beds for up to six babies at once, but our babies lived full-time at the academe to keep up our secrets.

In the second largest became our bedroom, a huge dresser with seven-foot wide drawers, with six stacked drawers was delivered and installed. The bathroom was enlarged to hold all the beauty needs of my wives.

The large walk-in closet was divided into six sections were the changes to our bedroom.

The third bedroom was made into a normal suite upgraded with a full walk-in shower bathroom.

In the garage were plastic storage containers loaded with the distinctive ingredients needed to cook each of the lady's special meals and could be rolled into the kitchen.

With the forty-two-day cycles for six women, it seemed like it would be six different series running at the same time on different days. But somehow it wasn't.

Each woman lived with me for seven days; their sweet spot was about three days in.

We moved into loving relationships easily without jealousy. We all thought that there might be major outside influences helping us, but Fred said no.

Three months later I had five excited pregnant women until Doro brought Kaia in grinning and talking excitedly. Doro said Kaia's tests were wrong, because of her unusual body chemistry.

Gil, you gave all of us our most cherished dreams and those of our people. We'll FaceTime all of our families later today.

BTW you still have to treat us like the wives we are. We still want our time with you from now on too. And everyone knew all the babies would be boys because there was a change made to ensure that fact.

Within ten months our little family increased by seventeen babies, the one who only had twins said "Watch what I'll do next time."

With the money we had left over from the sale plus presents from the families, we bought a Lear Jet, to stop the unwanted attention about the women and our babies, so they could fly to their original homes, and families and to show them the growing babies, which would save their races. With thirty-five days between their time with me, they had time for combined visits.

When the last of our first babies was born we took two years from actively trying for the next set. Over the twenty years, each of the women had four more sets of babies. We had ninety-seven healthy kids growing bigger and happier daily when it was time to quit. Tutsi's babies were mixed watusi and pygmy, she could carry four babies without trouble to everyone's delight.

After the last birth and they had grown for three months, I was told we were going on a worldwide trip to meet all of our family members.

I was fitted with a patch behind my left ear, so I could understand whoever was talking to me and so I could speak back to them in their languages. I knew all the parents of my wives, but they spoke English, not their native language.

I was told that I was the first one off the plane every time. When we landed in each country our sons were waiting for us. They shouted "Dad! Thank you for visiting us. That brought tears to my eyes because I had never had children before this.

In the first country, Ireland, out of the crowd walked, hand in hand, a little boy and girl tugged on my jeans to get my attention. When I bent down they asked me "Are you our grandfather?" Looking up I saw lots of smiles and nods yes. Looked at them and said "Yes! Proudly I am! What are your names" They quickly answered, "We are Caitlin and Finn." Caitlin hollered" Everyone come and see Grandfather."

We were surrounded by a bevy of mixed-aged children all trying to get my attention. I tried to hide my tears but couldn't, but they were told it was I was sooo happy to finally meet them. I never had children, so no grandchildren.

For the next five days, I was in the middle of a changing mass of children, and after they went to bed I visited with the adults. It was a good time for everyone. I was told that after our sons had so many children they started having girls too

Finally, I was told to leave by my wives, but we could come back soon. The next five visits were a repeat.

We continued to spend half a year visiting our families, plus I spent time alone with each of my wives.

I thanked God every day for my Body Renewal for the next seventy years.

Richard Thompson

Jan. 9th, 2024

Rpault14@yaoo.com

Word count: 821