Basmati for who?

 Alvina had always been the curious, 

free-spirited type. 

She loved meeting new people, getting out of her comfort zone, and exploring what Nairobi had to offer. So when her neighbor, Selene, invited her out for a fun night of bowling and drinks with some of her friends, Alvina didn’t think twice.

It was a Friday evening, and the atmosphere at the bowling alley was lively, with music thumping through the speakers and people laughing and enjoying their games. Alvina was welcomed with warm smiles and a round of drinks. Selene, always the gracious host, led her to a group of friends sitting at a nearby table.

“Alvina, meet the crew,” 

Selene introduced her to the group, as they all exchanged greetings. There was Kendi, the quiet one with a contagious laugh, and Naomi, who had an easy, confident energy about her. But then there was Mercy—Selene’s close friend—whose smile never quite reached her eyes.

As the night unfolded, Alvina noticed a pattern. Every time she spoke to one of Selene’s friends, Mercy would lean in, interrupting, always eager to add her own opinion. It felt like she was trying too hard to steal the spotlight. But what really bothered Alvina was Selene herself—her eyes. 

They were sharp, observant, and yet... full of envy. Every time Alvina laughed or exchanged a joke with her friends, Selene would roll her eyes, quickly looking away as if trying to hide the feeling. Alvina brushed it off, thinking maybe she was just overthinking things. 

The drinks flowed, and the night was meant to be carefree. But something felt off. At some point, she couldn’t even recall when exactly, but the vibe shifted. One moment she was laughing with Naomi about a silly game of bowling, and the next, she could feel her vision blurring. Before she could respond, her body felt heavy, and everything went dark. 

Alvina woke up with a pounding headache. The air was damp and unfamiliar, and for a moment, she thought she was asleep still dreaming. The moment she tried to sit up, the sharpness of reality hit her. 

Her eyes adjusted to the dim light of a small, dusty room. Her limbs felt numb, and her mouth was dry. Confused, Alvina scanned the room. It was a stark contrast to the lively night she remembered—a low mattress on the floor, dull paint peeling on the walls, and an old fan spinning lazily above her head. 

The apartment smelled of stale air and something… wrong. She tried to stand, but her legs wobbled.