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Yesterday Lives – Chapter 4

Kevwe asked Ayo to drop her off a few metres away from her house but he refused. He told her he wanted to be sure she got back home safely. Kevwe told him Madam would be upset that a man was dropping her off but Ayo was adamant. If Madam decided to get upset, then so be it. He did not want her in the business any longer; so she could as well start planning her exit.

When Kevwe noticed that Ayo was not going to heed to her pleas, she took out the tee-shirt she had put in her bag when she was leaving home. She unhooked her seat belt and began to remove the transparent blouse she was wearing. Ayo was too shocked to speak. He stopped, parked the car off the road but left the engine running. Kevwe was unfazed by his look. She held on to the tee-shirt and refused to put it on. The underwear she was wearing barely covered her bust. She locked eyes with Ayo and held his gaze. She stretched her left hand and placed it on his laps. She noticed how his body responded instantly to her touch and she glided her hand to and fro his laps teasing his senses.

Ayo shivered as he struggled to control his body. He held Kevwe’s hand to stop her but his body had taken a mind of its own. ‘Kevwe.’ He called; almost in a whisper. He closed his eyes as his mind fought against his body; the excitement it felt increasing as Kevwe continued to tease him. Kevwe unzipped his trousers and her hand on his bare skin made him shiver again. ‘Ke…..’ He tried to call her name again but it came out as a moan. Kevwe knew it was time. She stretched her hand over him, pulled the lever of the driver’s seat and dragged it backward. Before Ayo could understand what was going on, she had swung her legs over him. Her bare skin on his caused him to take a deep breath as he realized she was not wearing any underwear. Kevwe took control of his body and mind as she gripped him and locked her legs around him. Ayo’s excitement reached a crescendo and he gave himself wholly to her. Kevwe took over showing her dexterity in what she was paid to do daily.

When they both stilled from their throes of passion, Kevwe lifted the driver’s seat which she had laid down during the heat of the moment. She swung her legs skillfully and sat back in the passenger’s seat. She wore the tee-shirt she had abandoned earlier and looked at Ayo.

He had a look of confusion on his face.

‘Wetin?’ She asked him nonchalantly.

Ayo shook his head. ‘Do you sleep with your clients without using protection?’

Kevwe shrugged. ‘No. If person no get rubber, na no show be dat.’

‘So why did you….’ Ayo was asking before Kevwe raised her left hand to stop him.

‘You like to dey ask queshon oh. My house no far from hia. If you wan see me enter my house, come waka with me, no carry moto, abeg.’ She said as she opened the passenger door to let herself out.

Madam was already asleep by the time Kevwe walked into the house and she thanked her stars. She only hoped she would not be queried on what time she got in. As she lay on her bed that night, she reminisced on her encounter with Ayo. She had longed for this and his initial rejection had upset her. She was therefore bent on having her way when she had a second opportunity. She smiled as she remembered the look on Ayo’s face when she removed her blouse. He had been captivated by what he saw and she knew then that that was the opportunity she had been waiting for. He had moaned and shivered under her touch and held her tightly like someone who had been starved. She knew she was supposed to have used protection but she had made up her mind long before now that her relationship with Ayo was not a business transaction. She wanted to have him for keeps. She thought about the possibility of getting pregnant for him and shrugged it off immediately. E no fit happen.

Ayo drove home entranced. He thought he had been able to keep his guards up when Kevwe was in his apartment. He did not understand how he had fallen so cheaply. And more confusing was the fact that Kevwe had not asked him or used any form of protection. He sighed as he thought about her. What exactly was he doing with her? He wasn’t sure he had an idea but one thing he knew was that he liked her a lot. Keeping her was still a long shot for him.

******

Ayo and Kevwe became more attached to each other as the days went by. No day or night passed without them talking to each other. They shared text messages when calls were impossible to be placed. Ayo opened a bank account for Kevwe and began to put in a monthly stipend for her. He told her it was for her upkeep and that he trusted her judgment not to spend the money recklessly. Kevwe smiled as Ayo gave her the ATM card attached to the account. ‘Ayo, why you dey do all these things for me?’ She asked.

Ayo sighed. He loved her but he was scared of telling her. She had told him a number of times that she was not worthy of his love and attention. He wasn’t even sure what he wanted from her. He just knew that his heart skipped a beat anytime he heard her voice or saw her.

‘Ayo?’ Kevwe called him again.

‘Hmmm.’ He said coming out of his reverie.

‘I dey ask wetin you want.’

Ayo smiled. ‘I don’t want anything Kevwe.’

‘E no possible nau. You go dey credit my phone every time. You dey give me money anytime we see. Now, you open bank account for me and you dey tell me you no want anything?’

‘Kevwe, it is possible to do all these for you without wanting anything. Why do you believe every man wants something for money spent?’

‘You neva hear Shina Peters song?’ Kevwe sneered.

Ayo laughed. ‘Which song is that and what has he got to do with this?’

‘He sing money for hand, back for ground.’ Kevwe sang as she demonstrated with her fingers.

‘I know the song Kevwe but I don’t believe this relationship is based on that.’ Ayo said getting serious.

‘I hear you oh.’ She shrugged as she put the ATM card into an old wallet in her bag.

Ayo had decided to take her to the cinema again to watch a movie. It was becoming a norm for him to take her out on her off days. As he was about to drop her at the end of her street, he switched off the ignition and looked at her.

‘When are you going to drop this business?’

‘Ayo, na every time we go out you go dey ask me this queshon? You no dey tire?’

‘I care about you, Kevwe. Don’t you understand?’ Ayo asked, breathing hard.

‘I don hear. I go dey think about it.’

‘Thank you.’ Ayo said as he leaned in to give her a peck on her cheek.

Kevwe anticipating his action turned her face to him and kissed him fully on his lips as she held on to him.

When Ayo eased away from her, Kevwe smiled.

‘You should go home now. It’s getting late.’ He said as he looked at the time on the dashboard. It read 10.30pm.

Kevwe nodded as she eased out of the car. She waved goodbye and started walking towards her house, while Ayo drove away.

A few metres away from the house, Kevwe was startled by someone who walked out of the dark corner beside the house.

‘Tutu, wetin be dis nau?’ She shouted as she placed her hand on her chest trying to still her heartbeat.

‘Who be dat bobo wey you dey go meet every time?’ Tutu, her housemate asked.

Kevwe hissed. ‘How that one take consine you?’

‘How e no go consine me? Madam don dey ask where you dey go anytime you dey off. She say you no dey siddon for house.’ Tutu lied.

Kevwe’s eyes grew big. ‘Ehen, she don dey ask?’

‘Yes nau. She dey ask me last week and I don see you with that bobo before but I just no wan tell Madam the truth.’

‘Abeg, no tell Madam anything. Na my boyfriend.’

‘Hmm.’ Tutu wrinkled her nose. ‘You no say Madam say we no fit get boyfriend.’

‘I know. Abeg, Tutu, no tell Madam anything, abeg.’ Kevwe pleaded.

‘Ehn, no wahala. I no go talk but you suppose drop something for me every week when you dey see your bobo. You no nau, so that if Madam ask again, I fit look for lie tell her.’ Tutu shrugged.

‘So you wan dey collect money from me every week be dat?’

Tutu looked at her in fake astonishment. ‘No be you wan make I keep quiet. Na for free you wan make I no talk?’

Kevwe sighed. She dipped her hand into her bag and handed Tutu a five hundred naira note.

‘Ehen, na now you dey talk. He no give you something chop too? Wey my own?’

Kevwe hissed as she ignored her and walked into the house.

******

Three weeks later, Madam received a call from an old friend that girls were needed for a party. She picked about five of her girls and prepared them for the party. She gave them a stern warning to make sure they gave returns of everything they were given. She threatened them that they knew she had friends in high places and whoever lied about her returns would spend three nights in the police station.

Tutu was amongst the girls chosen and she told Kevwe excitedly. ‘Me, I dey look for opportunity to comot this business.’ She whispered to Kevwe. ‘If I see one fine sugar daddy, I go give am well well and psyche am make im comot me from dis house. If I get luck sef, e fit make me second or third wife. This work don tire me. Na Madam just dey chop all the money. Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.’

Kevwe was quiet. She also wished she was amongst the girls chosen. She was also tired of the job but she had no real source of income. She couldn’t afford an apartment of her own. Even if she did, she had no form of education and could not get a job.

‘Wetin you dey think?’ Tutu tapped her. ‘You don get bobo nau.’ She said loudly.

Kevwe hushed her as she looked around. ‘Why you dey do like dis? You wan make other girls hear?’

Tutu faked a shiver. ‘Ah, no vex abeg.’ She replied in a whisper.

******

The party was organized by one of the top government officials in the country. It was held in Kings City Hotel in Banana Island. Drinks, food and music flowed freely. A chaperone received Madam’s girls and assigned them immediately. The girls went ahead and straight away attached themselves to the pot-bellied men who held on to them indecently. The night wore on and soon some men began to make room reservations. The man Tutu was assigned asked to be excused in order to receive a business call. He asked her to hang around while he attended to the call. Tutu waited for the man to finish his call as she watched others. Her colleagues had already gone to the rooms with their men and she was beginning to get bored. She noticed the man had walked into another hall as the conversation on the phone became serious. She decided to go outside to get some fresh air. She stood outside looking around when unexpectedly, she saw Ayo sit up in a black Toyota Land cruiser. She looked closely to be sure he was the one.

Tutu looked back to confirm she wasn’t being watched before walking towards the Land cruiser. She quickly opened her purse, took out a pack of chewing gum and popped one into her mouth. As she got to the car, she smiled. ‘Hey Handsome.’

‘Hi.’ Ayo replied as he gave her a quizzical look.

‘I noticed you were sitting all alone and I decided to come keep you company.’ She said as she rested her arms on the door. The dress she was wearing had a deep cut and her bust became exposed as she bent down slightly.

Ayo looked at her bust and looked away. ‘How may I help you? I am fine and I don’t need company.’

‘Oh c’mon. A handsome young man always needs company.’ Tutu said as she glided her right hand on Ayo’s face.

Ayo looked at her as he removed her hand gently. ‘No, thank you.’ He replied as he made an attempt to open the door of the car.

‘You don’t have to get out of the car because of me.’ Tutu said as she tried to stop him from getting out.

‘I need some air.’ Ayo stepped out of the car and started walking towards the hotel lobby.

Tutu, seeing that Ayo’s attention had been drawn away from her, picked up the phone which was lying on the passenger seat. She punched her number on it and dialed it in a jiffy. Just then, a man walked out of the hotel. He was a short man with a slight pot-belly. He was wearing a white buba and sokoto and was about placing his mobile phone to his ears when he saw Ayo.

‘Let’s go Ayo. I was about to call you. I need to go home and rest.’

‘Okay sir.’ Ayo replied.

Tutu quickly threw the phone into the car as Ayo turned towards the car. Tutu stood a few metres away from the car as she saw Ayo get into the driver’s seat while the man walked towards the back seat. ‘Good evening sir.’ She smiled at him.

‘Good evening.’ The man replied as he kept a straight face.

Ayo started the car and was about driving away when the man Tutu had been assigned to walked out of the hotel lobby. ‘Oh, I have been looking for you.’ He said as he looked at Tutu.

Tutu smiled at him. ‘I decided to get some fresh air since you were on the phone.’

‘Ah Chief, you are leaving so soon?’ The man asked when he noticed Ayo driving away.

‘Yes, I need some rest.’

‘But that’s why the ladies are here.’ The man laughed as he tapped and squeezed Tutu’s bum.

Tutu giggled.

Ayo had stopped driving and he looked back at Tutu with a blank stare.

‘Thanks Ugo. I would rather go home to rest.’ Chief said as he looked at Tutu and Ugo who was touching her indecently. ‘Let’s go Ayo.’ Chief continued.

Ayo shook his head and he began to drive.

‘Why are you shaking your head, Ayo?’ Chief asked.

‘Chief, you won’t believe that this same lady came here to meet me and was trying to seduce me just now.’

‘Just now?’ Chief asked.

‘Yes, before you came. That’s why you met me outside. I had to come out of the car when she was touching me.’

‘Ehen? Do you know her?’

‘Know her ke? For where?’

‘You too for do quick one with her nau.’ Chief laughed.

‘Ahn ahn, Chief. You know I am not like that nau. Besides, not when I am on duty.’

‘So what if I give you the night off?’

Ayo looked at Chief in the rear-view mirror and smiled.

‘Is that smile a yes?’ Chief asked as he smiled back.

‘It is a No. I am not interested in her.’

‘Hmmm, but that smile means you are interested in someone else?’

Ayo grinned. ‘Yes Chief.’

‘Ayo, Ayo, so you don dey cut show behind my back and you no tell me?’

‘Chief, it is not what you think oh. I have not cut any shows. I am still trying to get her out of her business but she keeps resisting.’

‘Her business? What does she do?’

Ayo sighed.

‘This one wey you dey breathe like person wey run. She be thief abi she be runs girl?’

Ayo looked at Chief in the rear-view mirror again and looked away.

‘Ayo?’

‘Yes sir.’

‘Is she a prostitute?’

‘Chief, I…I…I don’t know….’ Ayo stammered.

‘It is okay, Ayo. You know the ultimate decision is yours. Just be careful; you are a graduate and I know you did not go to school for nothing. That’s all I can say.’ Chief said as he picked up the Ipad beside him.

Ayo took a deep breath. ‘Yes sir.’

——

The story continues…

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Yesterday Lives – Chapter 3

Ayo had staggered into the compound at about 2:45pm. He was exhausted and starving. Ayotunde was playing a game of Suwe with her friends when she saw her father. She ran towards him and he carried her up and hugged her. Even though he was exhausted, Ayotunde always desired a hug from him. As he dropped his daughter, she held his hand. ‘Papa, Madam Nice…..’ She was saying when Ayorinde interrupted her.

‘Welcome Papa. How was work?’ He said as he looked at his father. ‘Ayotunde, go and play.’ He said to his sister. She obeyed immediately and went back to join her friends in the game.

‘Work was fine.’ Ayo said as he looked at his son. ‘What happened to Madam Something Nice?’

‘Don’t mind Ayotunde. I think she wanted to tell you that Madam Something Nice passed by here last night.’

‘Hmm…..’ Ayo said as he shook his head. ‘God will deliver that woman. I must never see her near my family.’

‘Yes Papa.’ Ayorinde replied as he walked into the room with his father.

As Ayo sat on the mattress to take off his boots, Kevwe walked in. She looked at the face of her son trying to decipher information from his face but Ayorinde’s face was blank like a plain sheet of paper.

‘My husband, welcome back.’ She said faking a smile as she looked at Ayo.

‘Thank you.’ Ayo replied unsmiling.

‘I don make pounded yam and egusi soup. Make I go bring am.’ She said as she touched her husband’s shoulders gingerly. ‘Ayorinde, get up. Make you come help me serve your papa.’

Ayorinde obeyed his mother and trudged behind her to the common kitchen shared by all the neighbours. When they were out of earshot, Kevwe pulled her son’s ears. ‘If you tell your papa anything, make you just know say you don die.’

Ayorinde looked at his mum, eyes unblinking.

‘You hear me?’ Kevwe asked.

‘I hear you.’ Ayorinde replied and turned to serve his father’s food into the bowl his mother had placed beside their stove.

Kevwe looked at her son’s back as he served the food. ‘You don dey grow wing, abi? Ehen? I go help you cut that your wing, you hear?’ She said as she scooped the pounded yam from the mortar into another bowl.

Years later, Kevwe still remained a troublesome woman and a source of concern to Ayo and his children. She complained about everything and anything. Her father had been a drunk while her mother was a prostitute. Her mother sold her to a client at the age of fifteen when she couldn’t pay up the debt she owed. Her father never bothered about her and her absence in the house was never mentioned.

At the age of fifteen, she became a prostitute as her madam was a pimp who traded girls for sex. She was sent to the houses of men who slept with her and paid directly to Madam for services rendered. She got an accommodation, clothes and food in return from Madam. She therefore had no reason to look back at the life she previously lived with her parents who never showed her love. As long as Madam took care of her needs, she was fine.

*****

She met Ayo one morning when she was coming back from a client’s house. She had been waiting to flag down a taxi when Ayo drove past in a grey Hyundai accent. He reversed the car and rolled down the window.

‘Hello beautiful, where are you going this morning?’

‘Obalende.’ She said as she used her hand to flick her weaves backward.

‘Come in. I am going that way as well.’

Kevwe opened the passenger door and eased herself into the car. She was wearing a low cut V-neck black mini gown which barely covered her bust and her thighs.

‘Thank you.’ She said as she smiled at Ayo.

‘So do you live in Obalende?’ Ayo asked as he looked at her thighs.

‘Yes.’ Kevwe replied as she threw her head back to expose her bust.

‘Hmm…..’ Ayo grunted as he looked towards the direction of her bust.

‘What about you?’ She asked as she glided her hands on her thighs.

Ayo noticed her hand movement and looked away. ‘I don’t stay in Obalende. I am actually going to the mechanic.’

‘Oh.’ Kevwe giggled. “I fit keep you company at the mechanic’s workshop nau. Abi, wetin you think?’

Ayo shrugged. ‘Okay. If it is fine by you.’

‘Of course.’ Kevwe giggled again.

In a few minutes, they were at the mechanic’s workshop. Ayo dropped the car and asked the mechanic to call him once he was done. There was a bar close by and Ayo decided to take Kevwe there while he awaited the mechanic’s call. They ordered a bottle of beer each and Kevwe gulped hers down in a hurry. Ayo teased her asking if she could handle another bottle and she asked him if he wanted to bet on it.

Ayo ordered another bottle for her and in a few minutes, she was done with the second bottle while Ayo was still on the first. After about forty minutes, the mechanic called Ayo to inform him that the car was ready. Kevwe asked Ayo if he would not mind giving her his number. He obliged as he reeled out his number to her. He drove off later while she went back to Madam’s house.

The encounter between them signaled a series of phone flashing from Kevwe. Ayo would always call back anytime she did; sometimes talking for long hours on the phone. However, Ayo never called her back during the day. He always made sure his calls to her were at night. Whenever Kevwe asked why he never called her back during the day, his response was that he was usually busy during the day. Kevwe however, would have preferred their discussions during the day as she was usually busy at night whenever Madam sent her to her clients. She was only free on the nights that she had no clients to attend to.

One night, during one their long calls, Kevwe told Ayo that she would like to visit him during the weekend. Ayo declined stating that he was travelling that weekend.

‘Okay, what about next weekend? Abi, you neva come back by that time?’

‘I will be back but I won’t be able to see you that weekend too. I have a family event to attend.’

‘You no wan invite me?’

Ayo breathed deeply. ‘It’s not that. You will visit me when the time is right, don’t worry.’

‘Okay oh. I don hear. This one wey you dey refuse make I come your house, I hope say no be say you don marry and you no wan tell me.’

Ayo guffawed. ‘Marry ke? Kevwe, abeg no make me laugh.’

‘Wetin dey funny dia? Your mates neva marry?’ Kevwe asked as she snorted.

‘I’m not married, Kevwe.’

Ayo decided to change the topic and Kevwe laughed heartily as they discussed into the night.

Four weeks later, Ayo called Kevwe one night that he was at the mechanic’s place at Obalende. He asked her if she could meet him there. Kevwe thought about where she would tell Madam she was going to. Today was her free day and she did not want to miss out on being with Ayo. She told him to give her about thirty minutes. She immediately put on a black round neck Tee-shirt on a red mini skirt and wore black ballet flats. She picked up a small handbag and ran down the stairs.

Madam was sitting in the living room watching the 7.00pm news. Kevwe coughed to catch her attention.

Madam looked up at Kevwe. ‘Where are you going? Is today not your free day?’

‘Yes ma.’ Kevwe curtsied. ‘I just wan see my friend. She wan give me something, I no go tey.’

Madam wrinkled her nose. ‘Hmm…mm, your friend.’

‘Yes ma.’

‘What time is light out?’

‘Twelve midnight ma.’ Kevwe said as she looked at her feet.

‘Make sure you are back before then.’ Madam said as she flicked her hand to dismiss her.

‘Yes ma. Thank you ma.’ Kevwe said as she curtsied again and walked out of the house.

Immediately she was out of the house, she turned into a dark corner around the building. She opened her handbag and took out a black transparent lacy blouse. She removed the Tee-shirt she was wearing quickly and put on the blouse. It hugged her bosom revealing her chest. She put the tee-shirt into her handbag and half-ran to the bus-stop to catch a bus to Obalende. As she boarded the bus, she put a call to Ayo to inform him that she was on her way.

Ayo was seated in the beer parlour opposite the mechanic’s workshop with a bottle of Gulder when Kevwe arrived there. He asked her if she would like to have a beer and she accepted. The waiter served Kevwe a bottle of cold Gulder and she took her time to drink it. Ayo smiled as he looked at her.

‘Wetin dey make you smile?’ Kewve asked.

Ayo shrugged. ‘The last time we were here, you rushed two bottles of beer. I’m wondering how come you are sipping this.’

Kevwe laughed heartily. ‘I no want make e finish on time.’

‘Well, you have to finish this on time if we are going out together.’

Kevwe’s eyes lit up. ‘You wan take me out. To where?’

‘Just finish your drink and let’s go.’ Ayo replied.

Kevwe gulped down her drink in one swig and Ayo had to laugh. He paid the waiter and they both walked out of the parlour. As Kevwe eased into his hyundai accent car, she looked at Ayo and asked again.

‘Tell me where we dey go nau.’

‘Be patient.’ Ayo replied as he switched on the engine.

‘I no be Patience.’

One thing Ayo loved about her was her sense of humour. ‘Okay, since you insist. I am going to watch a movie and I decided to take you with me.’ He smiled as he took his eyes off the road for a few seconds and looked at her.

‘Movie? For cinema?’ Kevwe asked.

‘Yes, at the cinema.’

Kevwe began to dance to an imaginary tune and Ayo laughed.

‘Why are you dancing?’ He asked as a smile played on his lips.

‘Because you dey take me go cinema nau. Nobody don take me go cinema before.’

‘Hmmm….’ Ayo hummed.

‘Yes oh. Who wan take me?’ She asked as she raised her palms up.

‘Well, we are here now.’ Ayo said as he parked his car in front of the Movieroll Cinemas. They both eased out of the car and Ayo held Kevwe by the hand when he noticed she looked a bit apprehensive. They walked to the ticket booth, paid for their tickets and got popcorn and a drink each. Ayo still held on to Kevwe’s hand as their tickets were scanned by the security. They walked into the hall and Ayo found a seat for two at the far end of the hall.

An hour and forty-five minutes later, they both walked out of the hall. Kevwe was all smiles as she eased back into Ayo’s car. Ayo noticed and laughed.

‘I can see you had fun.’ He said.

‘Ha, yes oh. I no no say na like dis inside cinema be sef.’

‘I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.’

‘Thank you Ayo.’

‘You are welcome.’ Ayo smiled as he kicked the ignition and started driving. Ten minutes later, Ayo honked in front of a enormous gate.

‘Which place be dis?’ Kevwe asked.

‘Well, you had been asking to know where I live.’ Ayo smiled as he looked at her.

‘Na your house be dis?’ Kevwe asked as her eyes grew big.

Ayo chuckled. No, this is not my house. We would get to my house soon.’

A security guard opened the gate and Ayo drove into an expansive estate. The estate had mostly duplexes and some bungalows. Some were in varied stages of construction while those that were completed were imposing structures.

Kevwe had her mouth agape as she looked around her. All the streets were well-lit and the environment had a peaceful ambience. Ayo parked his car in front of a white massive duplex. He killed the ignition and looked at Kevwe who was still looking around like a lost child.

‘Are you ready to go in?’ He asked her.

Kevwe turned to look at Ayo. ‘This na your house?’

‘No, Kevwe. It is not mine. It is my Uncle’s house but I also live here. So will you quit the questions and come inside with me?’

Ayo opened his door and stepped out of the car. Kevwe did same and walked towards him.

‘My Uncle lives in the big house. He gave me the boys’ quarters; so I stay at the back. He travelled with his family for vacation; so the house is currently empty.’ Ayo said as he retrieved a bunch of keys from his pocket. He opened the small side gate and led the way into the huge compound. Walking towards the back of the expansive building revealed another building; a bungalow also painted white.

Ayo inserted another key into the keyhole and opened the door of the bungalow. He asked Kevwe to go in while he followed behind. He touched the light button on the wall and Kevwe gasped when she saw the room interior.

‘This one na boy’s quarters?’ She asked as she walked further into the room and touched the white leather couch. It was a seven-seat settee. Kevwe looked round and was amazed. The room had grey wallpapers on the wall and there was a music system at the far end of the room. On the left, there was an en-suite room which was simply furnished. A small kitchen lay on the far right of the living room. Kevwe could not hide her astonishment as she kept looking from one room to the other while Ayo followed closely.

‘Your uncle dey very rich oh.’ She said when she eventually found her tongue.

‘Well….’ Ayo said as he walked towards the settee, picked up a remote control from the centre table and put on the TV. ‘Come over here.’ He said sitting down and patting the seat beside him.

Kevwe; still stunned kept looking around.

‘C’mon, come sit with me. I am sure you have seen bigger houses, so why are you surprised?’

Kevwe grunted. ‘Bigger houses? Guy, house get levels. If your BQ dey like this, how the main house go come dey?’

‘I’m sure you are exaggerating.’ Ayo stood up and pulled Kevwe to sit by him. ‘I want us to talk.’ He continued.

‘Okay.’ Kevwe said as she sat down and faced him.

‘I won’t pretend not to know what you do; and sincerely, I am in no position to tell you what to do and what not to do. I don’t know what pushed you into it but I just want to let you know that I don’t like it and I would be happy if you stopped.’

Kevwe took a deep breath. ‘Ayo, I know wetin you dey talk about but I no get person.’

‘You have me.’

‘You? You wey never see wetin dey under my dress.’

‘I don’t have to see it yet. The time will come; besides, is that the only way you would know that I will always be there for you?’

‘Hmmm.’ Kevwe grunted. ‘I no no wetin to talk. You know how many men don talk to me but all of them na my body dem want. After that, I no dey see them again.’

‘I’m sorry about that. I can only speak for myself.’

‘So wetin you want?’

‘I want you to stop this business you are into.’

Kevwe burst out into laughter. ‘Ayo, you no no anything oh. Business wey dey give me food chop, dey buy me cloth, give me house and everything wey I need.’

‘Is that all?’ Ayo asked her.

‘Wetin remain wey I dey find?’

Ayo sighed. ‘If I give you money monthly for your upkeep, will that be fine? Will it make you stop?’

Kevwe smiled. ‘Ayo, e no fit make me stop. The money you wan give me na to chop. Wetin I wan tell Madam wey give me house if she say make I go work?’

Ayo looked confused. ‘Madam?’

Kevwe hissed. ‘Ayo, make we leave this mata, abeg. You no go understand.’

‘But I want to. Please explain it to me. Who is Madam? You never mentioned you were staying with someone.’

‘How I go tell you?’ Kevwe queried.

‘Please tell me all about it.’ Ayo said as he took her hands in his and looked into her eyes.

Kevwe unable to hold his gaze dropped her head and sighed heavily. Over the past eight weeks, she had grown fond of Ayo and her day wasn’t complete if she had not spoken to him. He looked, dressed and talked decently and he was someone she would like to spend the rest of her life with. But she knew that wish was impossible. She knew this whirlwind romance between them would end one day as he would look for someone in his class and not a low-life like her. It hurt but she had learned to accept her fate. In times past, she wished she was not born into the family she was, but pondering over that only made her depressed. She had therefore decided to be happy and make the best use of every opportunity she had or came by.

‘I’m listening.’ Ayo said as he lifted up her chin.

Kevwe started her story right from when she was young. Her drunk father, her prostitute mother and the lack of care. She told him about how she was sold to Madam because her mother could not pay up the debt she owed. She told him about how Madam had been her sole source of help as she gave her food, clothes and accommodation. Madam told her for every help she rendered, she needed to payback by being her service girl. She had had no choice and her journey to prostitution began.

Tears spilled down Kevwe’s cheeks as she spoke. It wasn’t the kind of life she wanted but she had no choice in the situation. If she wasn’t wanted by her parents, who would want her? She was not ready to go looking for either her mum or dad’s family. As far as she was concerned, her parents and their families were all dead to her.

Ayo’s heart broke as he listened to her. What a life. He immediately felt sorry that he had judged her in his heart. He knew she had a story but he never imagined it was this bad. Kevwe tried to continue her story but she sobbed so much that she began to gasp as she spoke. Ayo pulled her closer and hugged her.

‘It is okay, darling. Please stop talking about it.’ He said as he caressed her hair. ‘I’m sorry you had to go through all this. I am here now.’

‘I….I….’ Kevwe was saying but she was hushed by Ayo.

‘Sshhh. It is okay.’ Ayo whispered and wiped her tears with his thumb. ‘I’m glad I know all this now.’ He said as he lifted her chin and kissed her lips tenderly.

Kevwe kissed him back and held on to him tightly. She caressed him as she did and Ayo’s body began to come alive. He tried to push her back but Kevwe refused to let him go as she continued to kiss him. She began to unbutton his shirt in a hurry. Ayo knowing what she wanted, stopped her as he held her back.

‘I’m not ready for this.’ He said; holding on to her hands.

‘Why?’ Kevwe asked astonished and breathing hard.

‘The time is not right.’

‘Wetin you dey talk for mouth, Ayo? Why you come bring me to your house?’

‘Kevwe, I wanted us to talk. That is why I brought you here.’

Kevwe was dumbfounded. ‘I no understand. You bring me come your house because you wan talk. Why you no talk for cinema? Why you dey ask me all these questions?’

Ayo breathed hard as he looked at Kevwe and took her face in his hands.

Kevwe slapped his hands away and stood up abruptly. ‘Come carry me go house. I no fit sleep outside if I no dey work. Madam go don dey look time for me.’

Ayo looked at his wrist watch. It was a quarter to 11p.m. ‘Don’t you think you should sleep here? It is late already.’

Kevwe burst into laughter and Ayo was confused.

She sneered. ‘Me, Kevwe? Sleep for your house? You wey dey speak English now as I touch you. You wan make I sleep for your house. You no serious. Abeg, come carry me go my house, jare. If you no fit carry me go, give me money make I go charter taxi.’

Ayo sighed and stood up. ‘If that is what you want, I will take you home.’

In a few minutes, they both eased into Ayo’s car. Kevwe was quiet all through the journey while Ayo was confused. He really liked Kevwe but he was not ready to sleep with her yet. Uppermost on his mind at the moment was getting her out of prostitution.

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Yesterday Lives – Chapter 2

Ayorinde and Ayotunde ran towards the dark alley just opposite the bridge. When they got to their regular spot, Ayotunde handed over the mobile phone to Ayorinde before throwing out all the contents of the bag on the ground. She picked out the wallet and opened it. It was filled with one thousand naira notes and she whistled. Ayorinde was already taking out the sim card from the phone and fixing the back cover of the phone into its place. Ayotunde started counting the notes. She counted six notes. She nudged her brother and smiled. It was going to be a good day for them. She handed over the notes to Ayorinde who put them in the back pocket of the jeans he was wearing. He dropped his shirt which looked two sizes bigger and made sure his back pocket was well covered.

Ayotunde bent down and started rummaging through the items she had thrown on the ground. A make-up bag, some chocolates in a Ziploc bag and a hand sanitizer. She opened the wallet again and found two ATM cards. She took them out and dropped them on the ground. She was about putting the wallet back into the bag when Ayorinde stopped her.

‘Drop the wallet. You can’t take it.’

‘But why? It’s a beautiful wallet.’ Ayotunde asked.

‘It may put us in trouble. Leave it and take any other thing you want in there. I will get you a wallet if you want one.’

‘Thank you.’ Ayotunde smiled as she put back the items she had initially thrown on the ground into the bag except the wallet and the ATM cards.

She trusted her brother’s judgment and would dare not go against whatever he said.

Ayorinde turned the phone to the right and to the left. The silver lining on the phone glistered in the dark. ‘Let’s go home and eat first. We would sort this out tomorrow morning.’ He said to his sister.

She nodded her response.

He stretched out his hand and she took it as they passed through the dark alley and crossed over to the shanties behind.

As they edged closer to their abode, they heard a woman screaming. ‘You go kill me today oh. You go kill me.’

Ayorinde and Ayotunde looked at each other. Tears gathered in Ayotunde’s eyes but Ayorinde signaled a no with a wave of his fore finger and head.

She nodded as she looked at her brother with admiration. He always knew how to handle any situation.

Ayorinde took a detour and avoided the entrance of their house. He went towards the back of the house and led his sister in.

The voice of the screaming woman rose above the night breaking the peace and quiet of the environment.

Ayotunde put her hands on her ears trying to block the vulgar words spewing out of the woman’s mouth from filtering into her ears. Ayorinde noticed and hugged his sister. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. ‘I have told you not to cry. It will soon be over.’ He reassured her.

Ayotunde sniffed as she wiped the tears that were now spilling onto her cheeks. Even though she was just twelve, she understood everything that was going on around her. Her brother, who was five years older than her, was her only source of comfort in the crazy world that she lived in.

At the age of seven, she was about to be sold into prostitution but for the timely intervention of her brother, Ayorinde. He had overheard the conversation between his mother and the prospective buyer; Madam Something Nice. Everyone knew Madam Something Nice bought girls from their parents and flew them out of the country to prostitute but their mother had been indifferent. She had always told Ayotunde that she was her cheque out of poverty. She always sang it into her daughter’s ears that she was the one to take her out of the valley of wretchedness which their father had thrown them into. Ayotunde never really understood but she always nodded and smiled anytime her mother said so. At a very young age, she believed she would get her family out of poverty.

The night she was to be sold, Madam Something Nice had come knocking on the door of their room in the decrepit face to face apartment where they lived. Their father was out on night shift where he worked. Kevwe had jumped up immediately she heard the taps on the door. She had instructed Madam Something Nice to tap three times so as not to wake her children up. Kevwe opened the door quietly and stepped outside. She spoke in a whisper to Madam Something Nice asking her if she came with her bodyguard as agreed. His job was to carry her daughter while she slept. Madam Something Nice had confirmed in the affirmative. Kevwe asked for her initial deposit and Madam Something Nice had told her she needed to see her daughter first before she could make any payment.

The whispers from outside the door had roused Ayorinde from sleep and he had listened intently to the conversation. When he realized what his mother was about to do, he had woken Ayotunde up. She was still groggy and he told her she needed to go pee. She had only nodded as her brother half-carried her. As Kevwe opened the door to reveal her daughter to Madam Something Nice, she was shocked to see Ayorinde fully awake with his sister half-asleep. Ayorinde’s arms were wrapped around his sister as he dragged her up. Kevwe asked where he was taking his sister to and Ayorinde said Ayotunde woke him up saying she wanted to pee. Kevwe had no reason to doubt her son and she told him to make it quick.

Five minutes later, when Ayorinde and Ayotunde refused to emerge from the bathroom down the hall, Madam Something Nice became impatient. Kevwe pleaded with her to hold on as she would go check on them. Kevwe got to the stalls down the hall and knocked on the stall that was occupied. She called her son’s name and he answered her. She asked what was taking them so long. Ayorinde responded that his sister had decided to poo. Kevwe became edgy and asked him to get his sister to hurry with her toilet business. She walked back to Madam Something Nice to apologize to her but Madam Something Nice would have none of that. She told her she had other places to go to and if she was truly ready, she would have to bring her daughter herself. Kevwe knew this was near impossible as Madam Something Nice was hardly in the country. She only travelled home when she needed more girls.

Ayorinde came out of the stall a few minutes later to confirm if his sister’s abductors had gone. When he noticed the coast was clear, he called Ayotunde out of the stall and warned her never to go anywhere with their mother alone. He told her that going forward, they had to stick together.

Kevwe had been furious with Ayorinde when he came back from the bathroom with his sister. She slapped her son and asked him why it took him so long to make his sister use the bathroom. Out of anger, Ayorinde had spoken up. He asked his mother what Madam Something Nice was doing in front of their door at that time of the night. He asked his mother what business she had with Madam Something Nice as everyone knew her reputation. Kevwe had been shocked as Madam Something Nice had hidden in the dark and she did not realize that her son knew she had a visitor. She had been lost for words and unable to gather her thoughts together after the accusation.

She had not envisaged that she would be caught in her act. She had everything planned out or so she thought. Their father, Ayo would leave home for work where he worked as a security guard attached to a service company. He would go for the night shift at 6:00pm as usual. The kids would have dinner at 7:00pm and by 8:30pm, they would be in bed. By 11:00pm, they would be fast asleep and Madam Something Nice would come with her bodyguard, carry Ayotunde to their car while she slept and be gone before anyone noticed.

Ayo would be back at 1:00pm the next day and would ask about his daughter. She would respond that her cousin, Ejiro had arrived very early from Ghana that morning and taken Ayotunde with her so she could enroll her in school and also take care of her. Her husband would have believed her and would have been happy because even though he longed for his children to be educated, he couldn’t afford to send them to school right now.

Everything would have worked out as premeditated but all her plans had been thrown into disarray by Ayorinde. She looked at her son with anger blazing in her eyes. Ayotunde crouched behind her elder brother as he stood chin-up to his mother daring her to answer his question. When she refused to give him an answer, he took his sister’s hand and led her back into the room. He lay on the bed and hugged his sister just in case his mother tried to play a fast one on him while they were asleep.

Kewve refused to go back into the room immediately. She stood outside the door as she deliberated on the night’s event. What if Ayorinde related what had transpired to his father? No, he won’t. She thought. He wouldn’t dare. He knew what she was capable of doing. But what if he did? She sighed. It would be his words against hers. She would never own up to wanting to sell her daughter. She opened the door quietly and lay on her side of the bed. She looked at Ayorinde who was already asleep but had his arms wrapped around his sister. She turned towards the wall as she bit her lips. She wasn’t a bad mother, she just wanted the best for herself and her family; she thought as she drifted off to sleep.

———-
The story continues…

Posted on

Yesterday Lives – Chapter 1

The traffic light turned red. The grey Peugeot 405 inched slowly towards the white line and waited. The time on the dashboard read 7:45pm. Aderemi tapped her feet and the steering wheel impatiently. Her father had warned her not to stay out late but she had been so engrossed in her gist with Folake that she lost track of time.

Folake was leaving for Canada in two days and her parents had decided to throw her a farewell party. They had recently graduated from the secondary school and Folake had gotten admission into a University in Canada. Even though, Aderemi was happy for her friend, she was also sad that she was leaving. She had pleaded with her father a number of times to allow her study in the United States but he had insisted that she was going to study in Nigeria. She had just been offered admission into a private university.

As she bid Folake farewell, her eyes filled with tears. She held on tightly to her friend as she hugged her. She knew her father was going to be upset with her as she had stayed beyond the agreed time but they had not even realized that time was far spent. Her father had asked Mr. Solomon, the driver to take her but Aderemi had stamped her feet as she told her father she was no longer a baby. ‘Besides, Daddy, I don’t need a chaperone. Do you want my friends to laugh at me that instead of a boyfriend, I brought a body guard?’ She had asked as she pouted her mouth. Her father had reluctantly allowed her to go alone but with a promise to leave early. ‘Well, leaving at 7:00pm was early.’ She said to herself as she considered her other friends who were still at the party. She was engrossed in her thoughts as her mind unconsciously counted down the seconds on the traffic light and waited for it to go amber.

Suddenly, she was shaken from her reverie with a bang on her wound-up window. Terrified, she turned to see a gun pointed at her face through the glass. She started shaking as she looked at the face and dropped her eyes to the gloved hand holding the gun. A finger signaled to her to look in the other direction and she saw another person standing at the passenger window with a hand movement telling her to roll down her windows. She fumbled with the power button beside her in trepidation and a gloved hand dipped its hands into her car and retrieved her handbag and her mobile phone which were lying carelessly on the passenger seat.

Just like it had happened, she was left alone and she saw the traffic light turn green before her. For a few seconds, she sat in shock with her leg still on the brake pedal. The honk from a car behind her jolted her and she sped away. What had just happened? She kept on thinking over and over.

In ten minutes, she was at the entrance of her house. She honked continuously until the gateman rolled open the gates to let her in. She parked the car, switched off the ignition and jumped out as she broke into a run towards the house.

‘I’m sorry Daddy.’ She said as she ran smack into the father who was fuming at the door.

‘Aderemi!’ Mr. Johnson called out to his daughter who was running towards her room. ‘Will you get back here?’ He shouted but he got the slam of her bedroom door as a response. ‘What is wrong with her?’ He soliloquized as he stormed towards her bedroom in anger.

Aderemi rolled into a fetal position, covered up herself with her duvet and burst into tears. She replayed the events of a few minutes ago over and over in her head. She should have listened to her father and taken Mr. Solomon with her. She should have left earlier as she had promised her father. She should have been more observant of her surroundings; her father had told her that times without number. Her father opened her bedroom door and she jumped.

‘Aderemi, what is….’ Mr. Johnson was saying and stopped short when he saw his daughter’s face. His countenance changed immediately and he walked towards her bed. He stretched out his hands and Aderemi sat up and fell into her father’s embrace. ‘Aderemi my love, my princess, the joy of my world.’ He said as he lifted up his daughter’s chin and wiped her tears with his thumb. ‘What is wrong?’

‘I was robbed Daddy.’ Aderemi said as the tears streamed down her cheeks.

‘Robbed? Where?’

‘At the traffic light at Kingsway junction.’

Mr. Johnson sighed.

‘I’m sorry I came home late Daddy. I should have listened to you and allowed Mr. Solomon to take me. I’m sorry.’ Aderemi said sobbing.

Mr. Johnson pulled his daughter closer and hugged her. ‘It is okay, my love. It is okay. I’m glad you are home and safe.’

When Aderemi ceased from her tears, her father asked her to take a hot bath and go to bed. She nodded quietly as she obeyed her father.

 

Two hours later, when Adeleke Johnson was sure his daughter was asleep, he retired to his bedroom. As he lay in bed, his mind travelled to when Aderemi was just six years old and expecting a baby sister from her mother, Grace. She had been excited as she saw her mother’s tummy grow into a big ball; as she called it. Each day, she put her head on her mother’s tummy as she talked to her baby sister. She was already in love with the unborn child and she showed it daily by kissing the big tummy. She was a precocious child and everyone including her mother marveled at her wisdom.

Grace’s labour had come in her thirty-eight week and everything had seemed normal. She put to bed a healthy baby girl and Adeleke had been filled with joy. His joy was however short-lived when Grace and the baby developed complications the next day. The doctors battled to save the life of both mother and child. Adeleke was confused. What could have happened between when he left them the night before and the next morning when he came to see them? Doctors ran from one room to the other as they struggled with each patient. After about two hours of frenzied activities, the medical director called Adeleke into his office. He had both good news and bad news.

Adeleke asked for the bad news first. They had lost Grace. The good news was his daughter had survived the ordeal and was hale and hearty; even though she was still under observation. Adeleke had bowed his head as tears streamed down his cheeks. His daughter was discharged two days later and he named his daughter after her mother.

He tossed and turned on the bed as he thought about Grace sleeping in the room next to his; separated by an interconnecting door and Aderemi in the room opposite his. After the death of their mother, Aderemi became a recluse and struggled with nightmares. Even at the tender age of six, she understood that her mother was no more. It had taken him years of constant love, care and trust to get her out of where she had hidden her emotions. He refused to send her to a boarding house for her secondary education as he wanted to be a part of her everyday life. His job as an automobile engineer allowed him time to take care of Grace and still do school runs with Aderemi every day. Over the years, the three of them formed an unbreakable bond. He steered clear of relationships as he did not want to risk breaking the bond he shared with his girls.

As he began to doze off, he prayed in his heart that the event of this night would not herald another set of nightmares for his daughter. He also prayed that she would not go back into the deep where he had had to get her out from years ago.

 

The story continues…….

Posted on

Life happens

Hi,

I planned I was going to give you stories here week after week but life happens and it pulls you here and there.

They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, shey? I did not only make lemonades, I planted the seeds and threw the rinds back at life 😁

A new series starts today. 💃💃

I started writing this series in 2018 and for many reasons I could not continue with it. At a point, I even had writer’s block and got stuck 😔

Then Uncle Covid and Aunty Rona decided to visit Earth. They sneezed in Earth’s house and he got sick. Earth had to stay at home and be locked down.

The lock down has helped in tearing down the walls and clearing the cobwebs in my mind and boom! I kept writing/typing and did not stop.

So please come back here at 7.00pm.

If you are yet to subscribe to my blog; please do, so you don’t miss out as the series would be posted every Tuesday at 7.00pm.

See you at 7 🤗

……..

Photo Credit: https://www.tryvibrantchurch.com

 

Posted on

Omoshalewa – Episode 9

Funke walked into her daughter’s room and saw her lying on the bed. Her eyes were red and puffy and she sniffed loudly. Funke immediately sat on the bed as she pulled her daughter into a hug. She rocked her daughter back and forth like a baby. When Shalewa’s sobs subsided, Funke placed her hands on her daughter’s cheeks and looked straight into her eyes. “You love Akin?”

Shalewa dropped her gaze.

Funke smiled. “You always did. I remember when you came crying to me not to allow his parents send him abroad.”

Shalewa smiled despite her tears.

“I realized you were in love and it is obvious he loves you too.”

Shalewa looked at her mum, tears filling her eyes again. “Then why does daddy want me to get married to Tunde at all cost?”

“He asked me to find out from you what Akin’s intentions are.”

Shalewa looked at her mum confused. “I don’t understand. His intentions?”

“Yes. Both of you are in love with each other. What are his plans?”

Shalewa’s face lighted up immediately. “He is waiting for me to make a decision.”

“I think you should.” Funke said as she stood up from the bed.

As Funke walked towards the door, Shalewa called her. “Mum?”

Her mother looked back at her.

“Thank you.” Shalewa said.

“You are welcome darling.”

********

The next day, Shalewa walked into Tunde’s office at a few minutes to 1.00pm. The office was tastefully furnished and it was obvious that Tunde had a good eye for aesthetics. A lady was seated behind a glass table typing away on her laptop. She looked up as the sliding doors opened. Shalewa had not called to book an appointment but Tunde’s personal assistant recognized her immediately.

“Good afternoon ma.” The lady said as she stood up from her seat.

Shalewa smiled. “Good afternoon. I will like to see Tunde. I don’t have an appointment.”

The lady returned the smile. “I will let him know you are here. Please seat down ma.” She said as she walked out of the main office.

Shalewa picked up a finance magazine from the centre table and flipped through the pages. “Please come in, ma.” The lady said walking back into the main office a few minutes later. She led Shalewa in and tapped on a door. The name plate on the door read; “Tunde Richards – Barristers and Solicitors.” Shalewa smiled as she looked at the plate.

Tunde stood up from his desk as Shalewa walked in. He took her in his arms and planted a kiss on her lips. “You did not tell me you were coming.” He said with a curious look.

Shalewa shrugged. “I just decided to come here at the last minute. I initially thought about meeting you at home but I wasn’t sure what time you would get home.” Shalewa looked round his office. “You have a nice place here.” She said admiring the expansive office. A floor to ceiling bookshelf lay on the right while a comfortable sitting area with leather sofas lay to the left of the office.

“Thank you.” Tunde said. “Please feel free.” He pointed towards the refrigerator beside the sitting area in his office.

“I’m fine.” Shalewa said. “I just had an early lunch.”

“So to what do I owe this visit?” He asked as he led her towards the sitting area. He sat down while Shalewa took the cue.

“I came so we could have a heart-to-heart talk.” Shalewa said; her tone serious.

“Okay. What is this about?” Tunde asked; sitting up.

“It’s about the wedding.”

“Our wedding?”

“Yes. I am calling it off.”

“You are what?” Tunde shouted.

“You are raising your voice, Tunde.” Shalewa said calmly.

Tunde took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “Why Shalewa?”

Shalewa was quiet as she looked at Tunde. Even though his eyes were closed, she could see he was hurting. She reckoned it would not be easy but there was no way to make it less painful.

Tunde opened his eyes and looked at Shalewa straight in the face. “Are you calling it quits because of Akin?”

There was no point lying; Shalewa nodded her head.

“You never loved me?” Tunde asked.

Shalewa blew air out of her mouth. “I said it so many times that I got tired of saying it. I’m sorry Tunde. I wish we did not have to go this far.”

Tunde looked at her and smiled sadly. “I wish I did not have to be so in love.”

Shalewa stood and walked to where he was seated. She sat beside him and removed the engagement ring from her finger, placing it in his palm. “Someone else would need this. Someone who would relish in your love and return it wholeheartedly.”

Tunde caressed her face with his thumb. “Shalewa!” He said as he stressed her name. “How can I ever forget you?”

“Please don’t make this more difficult.” Shalewa said as she looked away.

Tunde turned her face towards him and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. Shalewa stood up abruptly. “I would take my leave now.”

Tunde looked up at her and nodded.

“Thank you, Tunde.”

Even though he is heartbroken, he still managed to smile back a response.

Shalewa picked up her handbag from the couch where she was seated initially and walked out of Tunde’s office.

Tunde watched Shalewa till she walked out of his office. As the door closed behind her, he took a deep breath, laid his head on the couch and used his hands to cover his face. The pain he felt was unbearable.

“Oh Shalewa!” He soliloquized. “God knows I love you so much.”

********

As Shalewa eased into her car, she took a tissue out of the box on the passenger seat to dab her eyes. She reckoned Tunde loved her but there was no point getting married to him out of pity. Her heart belonged to Akin and she did not want to regret marrying Tunde later on.

She dropped the car visor in front of her and took a look at herself in the mirror before driving out of the car park. She was almost in her office when her phone rang. She took a look at her music screen on her dashboard and saw that it was Akin calling. She smiled as she tapped a button on the screen to receive the call.

“Shally babe.” Akin said; his voice filling her air-conditioned car.

“Hey baby.” Shalewa replied.

“Can I pick you up for lunch today?”

“Nah, not today. I had an early lunch.”

“Without me?” Akin asked.

“I’m sorry darling. I had some personal errands to run so I decided to do an early one.”

Akin was quiet.

“Hey, we can do dinner.” Shalewa said.

“That means you would get home a little late. Are you sure your parents won’t begin to complain about it soon?

Shalewa laughed heartily. “They have already.”

“Wow. They did?” Akin asked.

“Yeah, yesterday. But let’s do dinner, pleaseeee.”

“Dinner it is then.”

Four hours later, Akin and Shalewa were seated at a corner in their favourite restaurant. Their order for finger foods was taken and they continued to chat away while they awaited their order. Akin was talking about his day with a troublesome client and Shalewa was laughing hard as Akin gesticulated.

Suddenly Akin stopped talking; his face serious. Shalewa was still laughing and did not notice. She was about to raise her left hand to her face when Akin stopped her hand mid-air. “What happened?” Akin asked.

Shalewa looked at him still smiling. “Happened? You are killing me with laughter here, Akin.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Akin said.

Shalewa looked at him confused.

“Your engagement ring?”

“I gave it back to the owner.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I did some hours ago. That was the personal stuff I needed to attend to earlier on.”

“So? Are you free now?” Akin asked; giving her a curious look.

“Free?”

“Yes, free to date again.”

Shalewa laughed. “Definitely.”

Akin smiled as he stretched out his hand to her. “Hi, I am Akin Savage. Do you remember me?”

Shalewa took his hand as she continued laughing. “Yes, I remember you.”

“We fell in love fifteen years ago. Can we continue from where we stopped?”

As Shalewa laughed heartily, Akin closed the space between them and kissed her passionately. Shalewa returned his kiss holding on to him.

“Hey, get a room!” Someone shouted from a corner of the restaurant.

Akin looked in the direction of the voice and shouted back. “We ain’t getting a room. We are getting married.”

Shalewa looked at Akin and slapped him on his arm. “Not without a proposal.”

They both burst out into laughter as Akin planted another kiss on her lips.

——–

THE END

********
I hope you enjoyed this series. Please drop your comments and don’t forget to click the share button below.

Thank you.
——–

Photo Credit: https://www.wikihow.com

Posted on

Omoshalewa – Episode 6

The next day, one of the major soft-sell magazines in the country had the blazing headlines; “Billionaire Samuel’s daughter rejects engagement proposal from business magnate.” Bayo was furious when he saw the magazine. He brought the magazine home and dumped it in front of Funke. “What is the meaning of this?”

Funke looked at him wondering what had gotten him so upset. She picked up the magazine and saw the caption. “Oh my goodness!” She lamented.

“She can’t continue doing this. This has to stop. Let her know that I give her 3 months to make up her mind or else…..” Bayo said in anger as he allowed his sentence to trail off.

Funke asked her husband to sit down in a bid to calm him down. “Please seat down, Olowo ori mi (my crown).”

Bayo sat down still upset. Funke scooted close to him and took his hands in hers. “I know you love Shalewa so much and you want the best for her but don’t you think, we should give her a chance to decide who she wants to get married to.”

Bayo looked at his wife, shock written all over his face. “Funke, you did not just say that, did you?”

Funke gesticulated as she tried to explain. “She says she is not in love with Tunde and that we are forcing her to get married to him against her will.”

“Okay? So tell me. Who is she in love with?” Bayo said as he stood up and put his hands on his waist. “I want to know.”

Funke was quiet and unable to look at her husband’s face.

“I thought as much.” He said. “She is only in love with herself.”

“But you know that is not true.” She said looking up. “She has had relationships in the past but they were all after wealth.”

“And Tunde?” Bayo asked as he searched his wife’s face for an answer.

Funke stood up with a deep sigh.

“Go and talk to her.” Bayo said with finality as he pointed towards the bedrooms.

******

Funke tapped the door to her daughter’s bedroom once and let herself in. Shalewa was already in her night wear and about to get into bed. She smiled as her mum walked in. “Hello mum.”

“Omoshalewa, why are you doing this to me?”

Shalewa looked at her mum with a confused look. “I don’t understand what you are saying.”

“I am tired of this back and forth between you and your dad. Did you see the headlines of that wretched soft-sell magazine?”

Shalewa sighed. “Yes mum, I did. I wonder who is feeding those lousy reporters with tales about me.”

“That is not the point right now, Shalewa.”

“I have heard you mum. I will do what you and dad want. I will accept Tunde’s proposal.”

Funke was shocked. “You will?”

“Isn’t that what both of you want?”

“It is not about what we want. It is about your happiness. That is what your father and I are after.”

“I know mum. I know.”

Funke hugged her daughter. “I know you will be happy with Tunde and make us proud grandparents.”

Shalewa rolled her eyes behind her mum’s back as she left her hands hanging by her side.

Funke stood up from her daughter’s bed excited. “Your father will be happy to hear this.” She said as she kissed her daughter on the forehead.

 

Preparations began in earnest for an introduction of the two families. Two weeks later, Tunde’s grandmother and a few of his family members were welcomed in the home of the Samuel’s. A date was fixed for the engagement four weeks away. The engagement ceremony was done with pomp and pageantry. The pictures of the couple and their families were splayed in newspapers and soft-sell magazines for weeks; each one in a bid to outdo the other with details of the ceremony. It became the most talked about engagement party of the year and no expense was spared.

Shalewa, even though looking beautiful and expensively adorned; knew that she was getting married to fulfill her parents desire. Friends and family congratulated her and told her she was very lucky to have a handsome young man. She smiled back a response to each one refusing to utter words.

Bayo Samuel informed his family that the wedding ceremony of his only daughter would be a destination wedding. He asked Shalewa to pick a destination of her choice and began to make preparations towards it. It was agreed that the wedding would hold six weeks after the engagement.

*******

Three weeks to the wedding, Shalewa went to her neighbourhood shopping mall one evening to get some groceries. As she walked down the aisle of the departmental store, she noticed someone staring at her. She was used to stares especially from admirers by now and with her recent highly publicized engagement, she knew her popularity had been moved one notch up.

“Hi, you are Shalewa Samuel, right?” She heard someone behind her ask. Of course, I am. Who does not know me in town? She looked up to give a nasty answer and suddenly gasped; her hand flying to her mouth.

“Akin Savage?” She asked; not believing her eyes. He nodded and they both embraced each other in a tight hug refusing to let go.

“Where have you been? I waited for your letters but got none.” Shalewa asked.

Akin took a step back, held Shalewa at arm’s length as he admired her.

I did not know what to think. I assumed you forgot about me.” Shalewa said pouting her lips in mock anger.

“How could I forget about you, Shalewa? I thought about you day and night.” Akin said.

“I asked my parents if they could reach you but they were also at a loss and could not give me an answer. I was heartbroken, Akin.”

Akin held Shalewa’s hand and kissed it. “I know, my love. I was too. Let us go to a café so we can talk.”

Akin walked out of the departmental store with Shalewa’s hands in his. There was a café in the shopping mall and they took a table for two in a private corner. A waiter took their orders and returned shortly with two glasses of chapman.

Akin smiled as he looked at Shalewa. “You are still as beautiful as you were fifteen years ago.”

Shalewa blushed as she hit Akin on his arms playfully. “C’mon, you have not changed. Still teasing me like you used to then.”

Akin sighed as he held her hands on the table. “Shally babe, I never forgot about you.”

Shalewa smiled as she remembered the name Akin called her when they were younger. No one had called her that in the last fifteen years.

Akin continued. “How could I? You were my first love.” He caressed her hands with his fingers as he looked into her eyes. “I wrote maybe a thousand letters but they were never delivered. Do you remember that my parents and I left for the U.S together?”

Shalewa nodded as she listened intently.

“They wanted to help me settle down before returning to Nigeria. According to my mum, on their return six months after, your family had moved out of the neighbourhood and left no forwarding address. I asked my mum to do everything she could to help me find you but all her efforts were futile. Two years after, my parents relocated to the U.S.  I only come to Nigeria on visits. So what have you been doing with yourself the last fifteen years?” Akin asked.

Shalewa shrugged. “We moved out of the neighbourhood. My dad’s businesses started doing very well and he made sure he sent me to a good university. I concluded my postgraduate program a few months back.” She said smiling.

“Wow, congratulations! You definitely did well for yourself. So, you married now?” Akin asked looking at her fingers.

Shalewa’s smile faded immediately. “Engaged. The wedding is in a few weeks.”

“You don’t sound excited.”

“I’m not.”

“Why? You love him, don’t you?”

Shalewa took a deep breath. “No, I don’t.”

Akin was surprised. “So why are you getting married to him?”

“Because I have been unlucky with men. Every guy in my past has been after dad’s wealth. Tunde has proved not to be one of such and dad feels he should marry me off before I lose him.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“What about you?” Shalewa asked. “Are you married now?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say I have been unlucky. I have had my fair share of ladies but none has been able to strike the right chord in my heart.”

“Why? Have you been so hard on yourself?”

“I don’t think so. I just haven’t been able to get you out of my mind even after fifteen years.”

Shalewa blushed as she looked away. “Akin, it is complicated.” She said sighing.

“I don’t understand. What is complicated?”

Shalewa looked at him. “You know, I never forgot about you as well. I kept on hoping this day would come. I even went as far as searching for you on Facebook but the search was always fruitless.”

Akin caressed Shalewa’s face with his fingers. “I’m sorry you went through all that. I don’t do social media. Never been a fan of any of the platforms. So, you getting married to him?” Akin looked at her curiously.

“I don’t love him. I never had but no one seems to understand. They all say I would grow in love for him but I haven’t been able to. Akin, you were my first love. We were young but I loved you and sincerely, I think I still do.”

“You think? That means you aren’t sure.” Akin teased.

“Oh, come off it, Akin.” Shalewa hit him playfully.

“I love you Shalewa. I have always done and will do forever”.

“So what do we do?”

Akin answered getting serious. “I think we should just take this one day at a time. First, I would like to see your parents again. I have missed them.” He said smiling. “Just maybe, we would be able to tell them about the future we discussed together many years ago.”

Shalewa raised her eyebrows. “No, not today.”

Akin burst out into laughter as he pointed in her direction. “I got you there.”

“Oh Akin, will you ever be serious for once?”

“Nope, remember that was one of the reasons you fell in love with me fifteen years ago?”

Akin signaled to the waiter, paid the bill and dropped a generous tip. Shalewa stood up as Akin put his hand on the small of her back. They walked out of the café together smiling.

——-

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Omoshalewa – Episode 5

Two days later, Tunde decided to call Shalewa. She picked up on the second ring. “Hi dear.”

“Hi Tunde. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. And you?”

“I’m doing well.”

“I wanted to apologize about the other day. Introducing you to my grandma when you were not ready was not the right thing to do. I don’t want you to feel rushed. Please, I’m sorry.”

Does he really understand that it wasn’t about the introduction? I am never going to be ready. “It’s fine Tunde.” She said as she exhaled. “I’m glad I met her. She is still very strong and agile at her age.”

Tunde relaxed letting out a hearty laugh. “Yes, you are right. Do you know she arranges and rearranges her home by herself? She says she does it to keep her busy.”

Shalewa smiled. “I hope you call her from time to time. I’m sure she would love to talk to you every day if she could.”

“I try my bit. I know I don’t call her as often as I should.” Tunde was quiet for a few seconds. “Is my apology accepted?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks Shalewa. I appreciate this.”

“You are welcome.”

They talked about other random issues before putting an end to their call thirty minutes later.

********

The next four weeks went by smoothly; with Shalewa and Tunde visiting each other’s homes and having private dinners.

One night, Tunde decided to hang out with his friends in a night club. They took a table of four and threw banters at each other.

“Guy, wetin dey happen with your chic nau?” Segun said facing Tunde. He was sipping from a champagne flute and it was obvious he was beginning to get tipsy.

“Abeg leave Tunde with im chic oh. Billionaire daughter. I can imagine the headlines when they marry. Tunde, the business magnate gets married to billionaire Samuel’s daughter.” Chibuzor said as he raised up his right hand to dramatize.

“C’mon guys. But you know I love Shalewa. This is not about her father’s money.” Tunde said.

“Oh yeah! You really do?” Momoh said as he burst out in laughter.

“You guys should get serious for once.” Tunde said scolding his friends.

Chibuzor looked at the faces of his friends before bursting into laughter. “Serious? You think we are unserious?”

“That’s not what I mean. I need your support, that’s all I am asking for. I want to propose to her soon.”

“Hey congrats man. You caught a big fish.” Segun said as she stretched out his hand to shake Tunde.

Tunde shook his head. “Segun, I think you should slow down on the drinks. You have never been good with alcohol.”

“Who says?” Segun asked; his words beginning to get slurred.

“Anyway, let’s toast to Tunde’s proposal to billionaire daughter.” Chibuzor said as the other two raised their glasses.

Tunde refused to raise his glass but Momoh nudged him. “C’mon it’s your day. Let’s celebrate.”

********

It was a Saturday and Tunde’s thirty-fifth birthday. He had planned a small birthday party for himself; intending to celebrate the day with a few friends. His grandmother had woken him up with heartfelt prayers as she had gone on and on with blessings for his life, his fiancée and his business.

He stepped out of bed after her prayers and took a look at himself in the bedside mirror. At thirty-five, he had not done badly. His business was doing well, he lived in his own house and his relationship with Shalewa had been smooth the past few weeks. He took a quick shower before going downstairs to monitor the caterers who had started trooping in. They had been allowed in by his house-keeper and his dining table already looked busy with various chafing dishes. He smiled as he sauntered towards his music system and slotted in a jazz CD putting it on auto-repeat.

His friends arrived at about 1.00p.m and immediately made themselves comfortable with drinks. He warned them that there would be no alcohol as he did not want anyone to ruin his day. Even though, they kicked against the idea, they realized they had no choice and decided to make do with the mocktails served by the waiters.

Shalewa arrived 30 minutes later with her driver carrying a massive cake behind her. Tunde’s friends became green with envy as Shalewa gave Tunde a birthday kiss on his cheeks. Tunde had invited about two of Shalewa’s close friends and they also arrived a few minutes later.

With all guests present, the party got lively and everyone chatted, laughed, ate and drank. After about two hours into the party, Tunde strolled towards the music system and decided to change the CD playing to another. KC and Jojo’s “All my life” began to play, filling the house with their sonorous voices. He walked towards Shalewa where she sat chatting with her friends and asked for a dance. Shalewa was caught unawares and wondered what was going on but her friends urged her.

Tunde held Shalewa by the waist as he sang along to the music playing. As the music drew to a close, Tunde went down on one knee and brought out a small box from his jeans pocket. Shalewa was shocked and began to shake her head. Tunde opened the box to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. “Please marry me, Shalewa.” He said.

Shalewa was stunned as she looked at Tunde who was grinning from ear to ear; still on his knees awaiting her answer. Her friends cheered her on while Tunde’s friends were whistling. Shalewa closed the box in Tunde’s hands and his smile faded off immediately.

“Can we talk about this in your room?” Shalewa asked.

Everyone was shocked at the drama that has just happened. Tunde got up and he led Shalewa by the hand up the stairs to his room. He looked at his friends and signaled to them to continue the party.

 

Tunde shut the door to his room and rested his head on it. “What have I done to deserve this, Shalewa?”

Shalewa paced round the room unable to utter a word.

“Shalewa?” Tunde called; his voice more like a guttural sound.

She stopped pacing and stood before him. “I wasn’t expecting it. At least, not in front of everyone downstairs.”

Tunde raised his head to look at her. “They are my closest friends and two of your friends. There are no strangers down there.”

“You don’t get it, do you? I’m not ready for this.” Shalewa said in frustration.

“Shalewa, when would you be ready? When? I have never loved any woman the way I love you and I have never been hurt so much by any woman except you.”

“I’m sorry, Tunde. Please understand.” Shalewa said as she moved closer to Tunde.

Tunde shook his head in pity as he walked towards the massive bed in his room. “I am out of ideas of how to make you fall in love with me. We have been on this for about six months now and there has been no headway.”

Shalewa walked to the bed and knelt before Tunde. “I know my dad is behind the rush for our wedding. Why don’t we give it some time? Would you prefer I get married to you without loving you?”

Tunde took a deep breath as he held Shalewa’s hand. He cradled her face lovingly with his right hand and traced her lips with his fingers. Shalewa closed her eyes savouring the feel of his fingers on her lips. Tunde moved closer as he took her lips in his kissing her slowly but passionately. He pulled her up from her kneeling position as he continued to kiss her; the fire of passion steadily burning in him. Shalewa suddenly put her hands on his chest and pushed him back gently.

“I think I should leave now.” She said as she stood up and adjusted her dress.

Tunde closed his eyes and nodded his head. “I think so too. You can leave.”

“Are you sure you will be okay?” Shalewa asked.

“I’m fine.” Tunde answered; his eyes still closed.

Shalewa stretched her hand to touch him but changed her mind and dropped it immediately. She looked at herself in the mirror in his room, straightened out her hair and walked out.

 

As she walked down the stairs, her friends were smiling and winking at her. She sauntered towards them and informed them that she needed to leave. They were surprised but she lied that something came up in the office that needed her attention urgently.

After Shalewa’s unceremonious exit, Tunde’s friends waited expecting to see him return downstairs. After about ten minutes, his friends urged Momoh to go check on him in his room. Tunde was still seated at the same spot he was when Shalewa left the room. He had his head in his hands and did not hear Momoh walk in.

“Guy, it’s your birthday. What are you doing here alone?”

Tunde looked up at his friend and sighed. “I don’t know what to do to get her to love me.”

“Abeg leave mata for Martha. Don’t let that dampen your spirit.” “Who knows you may meet someone else tomorrow who will fall hopelessly in love with you?” Momoh said shrugging.

Tunde gave his friend a confused look.

“C’mon, you should not keep your guests waiting. Let’s get back to the party.” Momoh said as he pulled up his friend from the bed and patted his back.

********

As Shalewa eased into the back seat of her car, she asked the driver to take her straight to the office. She had nothing to do in the office but she needed to be alone. She threw her head backwards and closed her eyes. She hadn’t expected the kiss from Tunde but she had also not stopped him. He was good looking, caring and enterprising. He had proved to be better than all her previous boyfriends. Maybe she was being too hard on him. Maybe she could learn to love him.

As different thoughts filtered through her mind, she made a conscious decision to give him a chance.

——–

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Omoshalewa – Episode 4

Tunde became a constant feature in the home of the Samuels’ walking in and out of their residence at will. Bayo Samuel took his daughter to his office and introduced her to the staff as the new Executive Director. The news made headlines the next day. “Shalewa Samuel becomes Executive Director at Samuel Group of Companies.”

With a business deal sealed between Tunde and Bayo Samuel, the prospects of Tunde getting married to Shalewa were raised. Business meetings in the Samuel Group of Companies became a regular feature in Tunde’s calendar. Bayo Samuel began to relate with him as he would a son-in-law.

One afternoon after a business meeting together, Bayo called Tunde aside. “What’s happening between you and Shalewa? When would I see an engagement ring on her finger?”

Tunde laughed. “Very soon sir. I don’t want her to feel rushed.”

Bayo looked at him with surprise. “Rushed? Her mother and I have accepted you as family already. You should get it done as soon as possible.”

“I will, sir.” Tunde answered.

Bayo looked around as if watching out for eavesdroppers, moved closer to Tunde before whispering in his ears. “You know she isn’t getting any younger. The earlier, the better. Hmm…you get my drift.” He said as he winked at Tunde.

“Yes sir.”

******

 

“Hey darling. How was your day?” Tunde asked later that evening, as Shalewa picked up on the second ring.

“It was okay.”

“Can I pick you up for dinner tonight? Maybe 7.00p.m.”

“Okay. I would still be in the office, though.”

“Works perfectly for me. Just tell the driver to take your car home. I would drop you off after dinner.”

“Okay then.”

 

Three hours later, Tunde and Shalewa were seated in a classy restaurant making small talk over dinner. As they were served dessert, Tunde held Shalewa’s hands on the table and looked lovingly into her eyes.

“Shalewa, I love you with the whole of my heart.”

Shalewa looked away without uttering a word.

“My grandma is eager to meet you. She raised me after I lost my mum and with my dad also gone, she is one person I would love you to meet.”

Shalewa took a deep breath.

“Tunde, I have no issues meeting with your grandma. I would also love to meet the woman who raised a fine young man; but how else do you want me to explain to you that I don’t love you the way you love me. I love our relationship the way it is but I don’t think I am meant for you.”

Tunde smiled as he looked at Shalewa. “I know you love me, maybe not like I do. With time, you would get there.”

“Time? Tunde, we have been seeing each other for some months now and I am yet to fall in love with you. I doubt time will sort this out.”

“Let’s not spoil the evening, okay. We can talk about this some other time.” Tunde concluded.

******

 

Two weeks later, Tunde took Shalewa to see his grandmother. She was delighted to see Shalewa as she began to sing and dance, rejoicing that her eyes had seen her beautiful wife.

Even though Shalewa was happy to see the elderly woman, she was not comfortable with the innuendos from her. She wished she could stop the woman but she felt she would be rude to tamper with the woman’s joy.

 

On the drive back, Shalewa was very quiet as she looked out of the window by her side. Tunde noticed and placed his right hand on hers. “What is the problem, Shalewa?”

“Nothing.”

“You weren’t so quiet when we were going to my grandma’s place.”

“That’s because I had no idea what you had told your grandmother.”

Tunde stopped the car and engaged the gear in park.

“Shalewa, I love you. Don’t you understand?”

“And I don’t.” Shalewa said in exasperation.

“What would you have me do?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I just want to be left alone.”

Tunde began to drive again without saying a word. He could not understand why Shalewa was blind to the love he had for her. He loved her with the whole of his heart and he looked forward to living the rest of his life with her. He sighed as he slotted a CD into the music player to fill in the silence between himself and Shalewa.

Some minutes later, Tunde drove into the Samuel’s residence. Shalewa said a quiet “thank you” and walked into her house without looking back to say “good bye.”

******

 

The next day, Bayo Samuel was about retiring to bed when he called his wife for a heart to heart discussion. “Funke, I think you need to talk to your daughter. Do you know that she was upset that Tunde took her to see his grandma?”

“His grandma?”

“Yes, I have given him a go-ahead to propose to Shalewa. So, he took her to see his grandma and he mentioned it to me yesterday after our business meeting that she got upset.”

“Ah ah….what is wrong with her nau? Doesn’t she realize that she is no longer a child and needs to get married?”

“Well, I thought the same. You better talk some sense into her. Tunde is a good man, well brought up and enterprising. What else is she looking for?”

Funke exhaled. “I will talk to her.”

 

Shalewa was seated at her mini-library in her room going through some documents she had brought from the office when her mum knocked on the door. Before she could answer, her mum opened the door and peeped in. “Busy?” She asked.

Shalewa looked at her mum and smiled. “Not too busy to talk to my mum.”

Funke walked in and sat on her daughter’s bed. “I hope you are not overworking yourself. You need to take it easy.”

“I know mum. I am not overworking myself. Besides, there was no time to go through all these documents in the office, that is why I decided to bring them home.”

Shalewa turned to face her mum. “So what’s up? Any gist for me?”

Funke sighed.

“Mum? Is there a problem?” Shalewa asked as she stood up from the chair and sat beside her mum on the bed.

“Yes, Omoshalewa mi.”

Shalewa knew what was coming next. Her mum only called her full name when she had something very important to discuss and of recent, the only important issue had been her marital status.

“He told dad, right?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Why would he? What exactly is his problem?” Shalewa asked getting upset.

“Omoshalewa mi, you have no reason to be upset. Tunde loves you and he has proved it over and over again. Do you intend to remain single the rest of your life?”

“No mum. I will get married when I find the right person.”

“The right person? Who else could be more right than Tunde? All your relationships in the past have been based on your father’s wealth. Now, you find someone who loves you for you and you are still looking for the right person. Omoshalewa mi, open your eyes. I am your mother and I will not push you into a pit. God forbid!” Funke lamented as she snapped her fingers over her head.

Shalewa looked away.

“Accept his proposal please and make me and your father happy.”

“He hasn’t proposed, mum.”

“He is about to. Your dad has given him a go-ahead.”

Shalewa stood up in annoyance. “Why is dad interfering with my love-life?”

Funke stood up and held her daughter’s hands. “Because he loves you and he wants the best for you. Tunde is a good man.”

“Okay mum. I have heard you. Can I go back to work now?”

Funke shrugged. “Àbò òrò ni à sö fún ömölúàbí, tó bá dé inú è, á di odindin.” (A word is enough for the wise).

 

After Funke left the room, Shalewa went back to her mini-library but was unable to concentrate. She was upset and angry. Upset at her father’s interference in her love-life and angry that Tunde had suddenly become gold in the eyes of her parents. They were refusing to understand that she wasn’t in love with him. What mattered to them was that he loved her.

She slammed the documents on her table in annoyance. It was no use. The will to go through the documents she had brought home had left her. She decided to go to bed. She laid down and in a few minutes, she drifted off to sleep in anger.

———

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Omoshalewa – Episode 3

Shalewa opened the door and standing before her was a handsome young man who was probably in his mid-thirties. He held a bouquet of red roses and a bottle of wine in his hands. “Hi Shalewa, it’s a pleasure meeting you again after a long while. You still look as pretty as you did years ago.”

“Thanks for the compliment.” Shalewa said.

“This is for you.” Tunde said as he stretched out his hands to handover the bouquet of flowers.

“Thank you. Please come in.” Shalewa said as she stepped aside to usher him in.

“Oh….Tunde, welcome. You were right on time. I love that.” Bayo Samuel said walking into the living room and stretching out his hands to shake the young man. Tunde shook Bayo’s hands with a little bow of the head and also greeted Funke as well.

“Hmm….still very cultured, I must say. Please sit down.” Bayo noted, obviously impressed.

While the women left to the kitchen to organize lunch on the dining table, the men took their time to talk about issues.

“So, do you recognize him?” Funke whispered to her daughter in the kitchen.

“The face does look familiar but no, I still can’t place it.” Shalewa answered, peering into the living room. “He’s handsome, though.”

“So, you like him?” Funke smiled looking at her daughter’s face.

Shalewa gave her mum a puzzled look. “Mum? I never said that. I just said he’s handsome. Please can we go set up the table before the men start to wonder what happened to lunch?” She said stepping out of the kitchen before her mum could utter another word.

 

One hour later

“Thanks for the lunch, ma. It was nice.” Tunde said as they all stood up from the dining table and moved to the living room.

“You are welcome, my dear and I hope you visit more often.” Funke answered smiling.

“On Shalewa’s request, I would.”

“You do not have to wait for Shalewa’s consent to come over.” Bayo Samuel said matter-of-factly.  “This is like your second home. Remember, your late dad and I were buddies way back in the university. You are free to visit anytime.”

Tunde nodded his head.

“Shalewa, your mum and I would be in the study so you can have some time to catch up on old gists with Tunde.” Bayo smiled as he led his wife out of the living room.

“Okay daddy.” Shalewa answered, not appreciating the gesture. What gist did she have to catch up with Tunde? There was no history between them, so what was there to talk about?

They both sat down on opposite ends of the room watching the television. Since there was no history between them and they had nothing to talk about, they discussed about the issues on the television. Shalewa tried to be a good host but wondered if her parents knew that she wasn’t enthusiastic about their match making efforts.

 

Over the next six weeks, Tunde tried as much as possible to impress Shalewa. He would buy her gifts, send her roses and cards and take her out on dinner dates. She liked him, no doubt; but she did not love him. She told him anytime she had the opportunity to but he was adamant that she would grow to love him. “It’s only a matter of time.” He would say.

******

One evening, Shalewa and her mum were seated in the living room watching a late night sitcom on the television. When the commercials began to run, Funke looked at her daughter. “How is your relationship with Tunde going?”

“Relationship?” Shalewa asked, looking at her mum with a confused look on her face.

“Yes, your relationship.”

“Mum, we are just friends. Nothing more.” Shalewa said as she turned back to face the television.

“Tunde does not take you as a friend. It is obvious he loves you very much with the way he dotes over you.”

“Oh mum!!!” Shalewa protested. The commercials were through and she was not ready to have this discussion.

Funke picked up the remote control and switched off the television.

Shalewa groaned, looking at her mother. “What is it, mum?”

“Do I have your full attention now?” Her mother asked.

Shalewa sighed. “Yes mum.”

“Why don’t you give Tunde a chance?”

“I have tried but it’s just not working.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s a very nice and caring guy but I don’t see him beyond being a friend. I have no feelings for him.”

“Don’t worry darling. You would grow to love him.”

Shalewa’s jaw dropped as she looked at her mum with shock. “You also believe that?”

“Of course. Just give it some time.”

“It is almost two months since we met and I still can’t bring myself to love him. Don’t you think maybe, we are just destined to be friends and nothing more?”

“Your father would be disappointed, Omoshalewa. He’s already making plans for both of you to be together forever.”

“Together forever? Dad is making plans for us to get married without my consent?” Shalewa asked with shock.

“But you haven’t had any relationship that was even close to the altar. Now that you have one, your dad is not letting it slip off your hands and in case you want to know, I’m in total support of it. All the men you previously dated were after your father’s wealth. Tunde is a fine young man who is established and building a good name for himself.”

“So, am I supposed to take it that I do not have a choice?”

Funke sighed as she took her daughter’s hands in hers. “Omoshalewa mi, you are no longer a child. You do have choices but life has given you a golden opportunity to be happy for the rest of your life. What else do you want?”

Episode 3

“I need to love him to get married to him, mum? Is that so difficult for everyone to understand?” Shalewa asked in frustration. “He says I would grow to love him. I am yet to find the root of the love and you want to send me on eternal misery living with a man I do not love?”

“I would leave you to think about it.” Funke said resigning. She stood up as she switched the television on and left her daughter alone in the living room.

*****

Tunde parked his grey Toyota Landcruiser in front of an apartment. He pulled down the visor in front of him and took a look at himself in the mirror. Picking out a small comb from the glove box, he brushed his hair. When he is satisfied with his look, he stepped out of the car, opened the back door and took out a plastic bag. He touched the lock button on the car remote as he walked towards the apartment. The close is quiet as usual.

He tapped the door gently and waited a few seconds before tapping it again. The door is opened to reveal an elderly woman. She is wearing a flowing boubou and her face and hands are wrinkled. She smiled as she hugged Tunde who was already going downwards to prostrate. “Ömö mi, káàbò.” (My son, welcome).

The elderly woman allowed Tunde in as he took a look round the apartment. She never ceased to amaze him with the way she organized things. She had a habit of arranging and rearranging things to keep herself busy. He placed the plastic bag on the dining table which is sparkling as if it had just been polished.

“Öjó wo lo dé láti South Africa?” (When did you come back from South Africa?) She asked as she sat down on a single leather couch.

“Ó ti se díè mà.” (A little while ago, ma).

“Ah….ah, o wá n sèsè n bò wá kí mi.” (And you are just coming to see me?)

“Ë má bínú mà. Bí mo se dé ni isé ti bèrè.” (Please don’t be angry, ma. As soon as I came in, work started).

“Hmm. So how is your business faring?” She asked.

“Adúpé l’ówö Ölórun.” (We thank God).

Tunde moved closer and knelt before her. “You are the only one I have left and I have something very important to tell you.”

She smiled without saying a word.

“I have found a wife.”

“Olúwa o sé o.” (Thank you God). She said as she lifted up her hands to the heavens. “So when are you bringing her here?”

“Very soon, very soon.” Tunde said. “I wanted to inform you first before bringing her.”

“Ìyén náà da.” (That is good).

“Hmm…..” She exhaled. “If only your parents were here, if only Aduke did not have to die at child birth…..” Tears began to make their way down her cheeks.

“Màámi, ë má se báyìí.” (My mother, don’t do this). Tunde pleaded. “Sèbí èyin lë tó mi dàgbà?” (Were you not the one who took care of me?). I never felt motherless because of you.

“Ah, kíni ì bá se?” (What would I have done?) Nígbàtí Àdùké fi é sílè tó lö s’órun (When Aduke left you and departed to the heavens). I had no choice my son.

“Grandma, please it is enough. Today is supposed to be a joyful day not a day of mourning.”

She took a deep breath and touched Tunde gingerly on the cheeks. “Yes, my son. Today is not a day of mourning.”

Tunde walked out of his grandmother’s apartment two hours later after she ensured he had had a meal of amala and ewedu.

——-

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