She is on a break from her marriage and work, sourcing bras from factories while putting together some of her own creations from some resort in Kingston, Jamaica, I suspect.
She sends me her latest bra designs: the lace collection, Guipure, Brussels lace, eyelash lace and hand-drawn embroidery. Alia is working on outspoken, vibrant shades. The one she calls ‘Rouge Noir’ takes my breath away. It is made of eyelash lace, and it plunges. Another called ‘Chartreuse’ has a floral motif and is without lining.
Me:Rouge Noir & Chartreusemoi.
Alia:34C, right?
Me:B with silk satin.
I’m too bored to type, so I send Alia a voice note telling her that I’m loving the colours and that it will look great on Indian skin tones. Besides COFFEE Before Books & Bras, Alia also had a sizeable clientele that included Hollywood stars.
Alia:I want to be bold this time.
Me:Tired of predictable shades.
Alia:This collection has no blacks.
Me:Call it ‘No Blacks’ or ‘Bright and Beautiful’.
Alia:I like the second one. It sums up the collection.
I wonder if Alia’s choice of colours reflects her mood. We had a video call earlier in the day when she showed me some of the lace she is considering. She looks as good as the lace.
Me:How are you, Akka?
Alia is engaged with needle and thread. I can tell by the timing of her responses.
Alia:How is the prince?
Me:He’s alright, I guess!
I haven’t told Alia about the Pros & Cons list because of the kiss, obviously!
I don’t want to talk or think of Vedveer right now. He and this wedding are all I seem to be thinking about lately. These brassieres are Alia’s escape, getting them and making them. For now, I’m going to use it as my distraction, too.
Alia:Are you at TFHC?
Me:Yes
Alia:Bar snacks?
Me:Yes.
Alia:Eat the nuts.
Me:Eating it slowly.
I haven’t yet started eating them, but that is exactly how I’m going to do it when I start.
Alia:That’s the way to do it. Be aware that you are eating.
Me:Trying to.
I zoom in on the Rouge Noir. It is fabulous workmanship. I want to wear it immediately.
I take my eyes off my phone momentarily and pop a singlenut into my mouth. I feel the texture, taste the tang. I could do this, I think, not for the first time.
I start to feel the room around me, sounds of chatter and laughter, along with the music.
