Nislivari 2, 2677 | Tsitelibneli Sakhli Palace, Ktsatskuri, Unitary State of Mktvartvelo“Well, it feels we did not arrive too late”, Gulisa Paliashvili said.
“I guess so!”, Vardo replied. “It’s still one hour before the inauguration, according to the brochure after all”.
“You may be right”, Gulisa said. “I need a drink. Let’s move to the main hall so I can introduce you to some people”.
“Alright, cousin”, Vardo replied with a smile.
They advanced through the corridor until reaching a large hall.
“Thanks”, Gulisa said as they were offered a tray with wine and champagne glasses.
“Aren’t you going to drink anything?”, Gulisa asked, as the waiter left as Vardo simply moved negatively her head with a smile. For a few seconds, Vardo had noticed the banner at the entry.
Akhali Shansi Foundation - Giving A Chance To The Most Vulnerable
Schedule
- 16:30-17:30 - Reception at Tsitelibneli Sakhli Palace, Ktsatskuri
- 17:30 Inauguration – Address by Ketevan Chakhava, President of Honour of Akhali Shansi Foundation and Lasha Nioradze, Chairman of Akhali Shansi Foundation
- 18:00-19:00 - Free appetizers at the Third Hall, produced by associates of our foundation
- 18:30-19:30 - Dance event at the Second Hall, including performances from several Mktvartvelian artists
- 19:30 - Welcoming at the Main Hall
- 19:45 - Intervention by Prime Minister Gela Berdzenishvili
- 20:00-21:00 - Dinner at the Main Hall
- 20:40-22:00 - Performances at the Palace Gardens
- 22:00 - Intervention by Ketevan Chakhava and Her Ladyship Manana Ananiashvili, founder of Akhali Shansi Foundation
The cost of the menu is $2,500 per adult and $800 per children (special guests not included). All the soirée earnings will be destined to projects by Akhali Shansi Foundation and our associated organizations (read our brochure for more information).
“Not now…”, Vardo answered a few seconds later. “After all, Vazha and I are expected a baby”.
“Really?”, Gulisa exclaimed. “Congratulations! You have kept it secret…”.
“Not really”, Vardo replied, slighly embarrassed as she realized that several people had hear them and they were curiously looking at them. “It’s just I haven’t told mom yet...we were waiting Erovnuli dghe, as we’re planning returning home that week for a few days”.
“Anyway”, Vardo continued, “will we see anyone important today?”.
“Oh, certainly”, Gulisa replied. “it is confirmed that the Prime Minister and several members of the government will be here. Although I read on the newspaper that the Brzdmtsveli will not come”.
“Is it serious?”, Vardo inquiried.
“Oh”, Gulisa answered, “I don’t think so. I believe he was ordered to rest a bit for his back pain”.
“Ah, yes”, Vardo replied. “I believe that Vazha told me so. I hope it’s not something serious”.
“I don’t think so”, Gulisa replied. “Anyway, what did you ask?”, she continued, “...ah yes! For example, now that you mentioned it, that woman lady wearing a black dress is Ketevan Chakhava. She organized this event and she is a very important here, it could be a good chance for your husband if you could get close to her...I dislike the Tbagaqinuli, seriously, but it may be convenient to make an exception with her".
"Why that animosity?", Vardo asked.
"Oh, it's a long history", Gulisa answered. "It's not the place to discuss it...let's move on".
"Look", Gulisa continued, "that's Okropir Djorbenadze, the CEO of Msubuk, who seems talking to...yeah, that's magistrate Tariel Tavadze, who happens to be the senior Ampartavani. I wonder what those two are plotting".
"Oh, look who is here!", a female voice was heard from behind them. "How are you doing, Mrs. Paliashvili?".
"Ah, Nino!", Gulisa exclaimed. "I'm doing fine. I introduce you to my cousin Vardo. She has just come from Dasavleteba. Have you just come?".
"Not really", Nino answered, "I have been talking for a while until I decided to go around for a walk...I was curious about the gardens. I must say that the decorations are being lovely. Then, of course, I found Her Highness...Do you know her, right, High Priestess Eter?".
"Oh", Gulisa replied, "not personally I'm afraid".
"Nice to meet you", Eter replied. "Mrs. Shalikashvili already told me about you, as soon as she saw you entering the room", she explained with a smile.
"It's a honour", Vardo added, bowing lightly her head.
"If you excuse", Eter said, "I need something to ask to Mrs. Chakhava".
"Yes, of course, Your Highness", Nino replied.
"It was a pleasure to meet you", Gulisa added, as Eter was already leaving the group.
"Will the Sinatdedopali come as well, if I'm not wrong...?" Vardo timidly asked.
"Indeed!", Nino replied. "Her Supreme Highness will simply arrive a bit later, I was told, as she was visiting one of the foundation hospitality centers established in the capital along Mrs. Ananiashvili, if I'm not wrong".
"Oh, it's her...", Gulisa declared, as she realized about a very old woman, helped by two assistants, slowly and clumsily entering the room. "It's a long time since I saw her in person...".
"Yes, Gulisa", Nino said with a timid but gleeful entonation, "excuse me these words, but if our beloved mummy has arrived, I feel that our majesty must be having a more than uncomfortable convalescence lately".
"Oh, dear!", Gulisa said with a rather ambiguous smile. "It is not something serious, right?".
"I don't think so", Nino answered. "I was told that the doctors recommended him a long break after his last hip surgery...I believe that was three months ago? Sadly, that is depriving him of his social duties. But I guess it's natural".
"Excuse me cousin...", Vardo asked, almost muttering on Gulisa's ear, "but who's that old lady?".
"Oh!", Gulisa replied, "she is the
Maghalikhavani, Vardo, the Brzdmtsveli's mother".
"Ah, I see", Vardo replied.
"Good afternoon", another voice was heard from the right. Vardo could see a smiling woman wearing an elegant black dress, standing along High Priestess Eter. "It's been a long time since I see you, Gulisa", the woman continued. "Is it everything alright here as well, I hope?", she asked.
"Oh! Sure...!", a slightly uncomfortable Gulisa replied. "It's always a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Chakhava. The event looks very promising!".
"Glad to hear that", the woman replied. "But we have known already for years...you can call me Ketevan, of course".
"Of course", Gulisa replied. "Excuse me, I must introduce my cousin, she barely known Ktsatskuri. Her husband has joined the Ministry of Defense recently".
"Interesting!", Ketevan replied, although her interests did not seem too sincere. "Nice to meet you".
"Thanks, me too...", Vardo said. "It's a honour to be here, for such magnificent cause, of course!".
"The honours is ours", Ketevan replied. "If you excuse me, there is something important I need to attend. But if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask the staff, of course!".
"I'll come back soon, Your Highess", she added looking back to Eter, "it will be a honour to continue our conversation".
They saw her leaving with a calm but fast pace. On the background, they noticed as well more guests entering into the hall.