The Silk Scarf, Ahmed Essop

Setting
Time: During colonial rule, toward sovereignty
Place: Oriental Plaza shopping centre in Johannesburg, South Africa

Plot summary:

Mrs Nebo wife of Clive Nebo soon to be, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new government.The Nebo's, considered as elites in their country.One could tell this by the type of cars they drove, Mrs Nebo had a Mercedes Benz at her disposal.Another indicator was the number of people who worked for them and their duties,namely drivers and body guards. One day Ms Nebo accompanied by her friend Magret went to Oriental plaza for shopping of course accompanied by her body guards and a chauffeur. They went from shop to shop, they were fond of shopping together. They bought shoes, swimming costumes and jewellery amongst others. An Indian dress caught Mrs Nebo's eye and she opted to buy it. She now wanted a silk scarf to match her dress but she could not find any in that shop so she looked in the other shops. When she finally found it she did not have enough cash on her and decided to write the shopkeeper a cheque,which he rejected. She insulted after she noticed the notice that had been put stipulating that no cheques would be accepted there in that shop. Another shopkeeper walked into the store and in fear of having her cause a scene the shopkeeper offered to buy the scarf as a gift from the traders of Oriental Plaza. After having thanked this shopkeeper she smiled and after giving the initial shopkeeper some cursing remarks she left.

Characters:

Mrs Nebo is the main character and protagonist in the story. She is the wife of important official Clive Nebo. She was of medium height,with heavy loins and smooth complexion. She and her husband were rich. They have luxurious cars and their home was in an  expensive location. Exaggerated sense of self importance, rude and bossy.

Mr Sukur is a shopkeeper with customer care, law abiding and not easily intimidated. Mr Sadder is another shopkeeper, who is a coward easily intimidated as he bought the scarf unplanned because he fears  the body guards of the insisting lady.