Bushbaby. Press and hold, then opn
Saturday, 6 June 2020
Bushbaby, the complete novel
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-AeB9IXHe-_5ibhBVUXtk3DHpqJSNjZy/view?usp=drivesdk
Bushbaby. Press and hold, then opn
Bushbaby. Press and hold, then opn
Wednesday, 12 February 2020
GHOST IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER THREE
There was great jubilation when the baby began to cry. Nneka had been in labour for hours and her mother and husband who were waiting at the lobby had run out of patience. Her mother particularly had been worried. She prayed her rosary while pacing up and down. She was well aware of the possible complications of labour. There had been many cases of maternal and neonatal deaths lately. The health sector had suffered many years of neglect and the hospitals had hence become death traps. One could therefore imagine their joy when the cry of the newborn baby wafted into the waiting area. Their happiness doubled when they were led into the ward to see mother and son. As Sam went straight to the cot where his son was kept, Nneka’s mother went into her daughter’s waiting arms and both women had a prolonged hug.
“Congratulations, dear,” she smiled at her daughter.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“How are you?” the older woman asked.
“I am fine, Mom,” Nneka looked disturbed and her mother wondered why.
“Are you sure you are okay? Did you bleed much? Are you in pains?” her mother couldn’t hide her fear as she scrutinized her.
Nneka tried a smile but ended up with a frown. “I am fine,” she insisted.
“If you say so,” her mother said as she joined Sam at the cot. She froze the moment she set eyes on her grandson. The baby in the cot looked every inch like Chike. Nneka’s heart stood still when her mother turned and gave her an accusing look. She could see so many questions on her mother’s face. She could also see accusation and confusion. The look on her mother’s face had confirmed her fears. She had seen the similarities between her son and late fiancé but hoped it was just a figment of her imagination. Maybe her psyche is playing a prank on her but the look on her mother’s face said otherwise.
She shuddered as the events of that night flashed through her mind. It was her wedding night. She had just arrived at the hotel in her husband’s company, when his phone rang. It was Mr. Ado, her husband’s friend and business associate from Ghana who was supposed to attend their wedding but couldn’t make it on time because of delayed flight. Sam had promised to go and pick him up at the airport and he had called to announce his arrival the moment they got to the hotel. They had barely moved in their luggage into their suite when Sam left for the airport but came back almost immediately and made love to her before eventually going to the airport to pick up his friend. The light in the room was out and all she could see was a silhouetted figure as the only source of light was the one radiating from the adjoining bathroom whose door was ajar. But she had no doubt that the man that made love to her that night was her husband. She knew his voice too well and could smell him from afar.
She was therefore shocked to get a call later that night from a private number. The caller claimed that he was Chike, her former fiancé and that he was the one that just made love to her. He had gone ahead to prove to her that he was alive; that he wasn’t killed in jail; and finally referred her to Mr. JJ for further clarifications. Nneka had tried to meet Mr. JJ but her effort yielded no result as the former prison comptroller was out of the country. Since her efforts to confirm the caller’s claim yielded no result, she decided not to discuss the incident with her husband or anyone.
Though she had loved Chike dearly and missed him when he had gone away, she had moved on. She had just married a wonderful man and wouldn’t want anybody to put asunder, not even Chike. She had prayed that he should go back to wherever he had been and let her be.
As if he heard her prayer, he never showed up again but nine months down the line, she gave birth to his replica. There was no doubt that he fathered her son. Soon people would start asking questions and tongues would start wagging. Her mother had already started asking. She hadn’t voiced it out yet but the expression on her face had said it all. What if Sam became suspicious and decided to probe. What if he arrived at the truth? That would certainly break his heart and of course, their marriage as well.
“Congratulations, darling!” Sam said cheerfully, cutting into her thought. He had left the cot and was standing close to her.
“Thanks and congratulations to you, too,” She looked up at him and smiled.
“What’s the matter?” Sam asked when he noticed the tears in Nneka’s eyes. He sat beside her on the bed and put his arm round her shoulders. “Are you okay?” he asked as he dried her eyes.
“I am fine. They are tears of joy. I don’t know how to thank God for this bundle of joy he has blessed us with,” she lied and her mother nodded sarcastically. The look on her face was that of dismay. She was highly disappointed in her daughter. How could she be so irresponsible? She knew she was already married to Sam yet agreed to have sex with Chike. That was adultery, infidelity of the highest magnitude. Now her stupidity had come to live with her and would be staring her in the face on daily basis. Her mother was sure that Chike was her grandson’s father. She had bumped into a man that looked exactly like him sometime in the past but concluded then that people could look alike but now, she knew better.
“He has indeed done great things and it’s marvelous in our eyes.” Sam affirmed. “Our son doesn’t look like either of us. He doesn’t take after our parents either.” Sam stated and Nneka’s heart skipped a beat. The moment she dreaded most was upon her already. Sam was already suspicious and the look on her mother’s face wasn’t helping matters at all. She kept looking at her with resentment.
“I am sure he takes after my grandfather or great grandfather. I didn’t meet them, so I don’t know what they looked like but I am sure that Ikem looks like one of them,” Sam said with confidence and that gave Nneka a level of relief. She knew it was a sort of postponing the evil day but better then than now.
Her mother for her part decided to let the sleeping dog lie. She could smell a rat but could not substantiate whatever suspicious she nursed. Chike was dead or so it seemed and therefore couldn’t have fathered her daughter’s son. But the resemblances were so significant that it would be difficult to gloss over it. Besides, she once saw a man that looked exactly like Chike. Maybe he wasn’t killed after all. Maybe some people played some trick on them. But nothing was hidden under the sun. The truth would come out one day. She decided to keep calm and watched events. She would talk at the right time and to the right persons.
As the days went by, Ikem grew to become every bit like Chike and of course tongues began to wag but since none of the rumourmongers could substantiate the allegation, the rumour remained with them.
Their daughter came two years after Ikem was born. She was a very beautiful creature. She took after her mother but certainly more beautiful. She was christened Princess and she was really a Princess.
Life was good as long as Nneka was concerned. There was no word from Chike anymore and it was obvious that the wagging tongues had become fatigued. Her family was filled with love, peace and joy. Their businesses were doing very well and theirs was a perfect family. Sam was the best husband and father in the whole world. Nneka couldn’t ask for more. She was certainly not an ingrate. She was equally a good wife and mother. Sam had on many occasions, openly expressed his gratitude to God for giving her to him.
Princess had just turned one and an elaborate birthday party had been organized in her honour. Friends, family members and business associates turned out in their numbers to grace the occasion. Sam and Nneka didn’t disappoint. They were ready for their guests. Everyone ate and drank to their full and some even took food and drinks away.
Later that night, Nneka lay in bed counting her blessings and naming them one by one. She had a very caring and loving husband. Her children were very healthy and growing well. They were turning into beautiful and smart children. She was surrounded with caring relatives and friends. Their businesses were doing very well. God had been so faithful that she felt she couldn’t thank Him enough.
Sam for his own part was so disturbed. He had received an anonymous phone call requesting him to come to De Mangrove restaurant for an important message. He had excused himself from the party and honoured the invitation. He had met with a man who later introduced himself as Frank. Frank had gone ahead to reveal some secrets to Sam, convincing him that he wasn’t Ikem’s biological father. He had told Sam about Chike and the possibility that he was responsible for Nneka’s first pregnancy. He had claimed to know Nneka and most of her secrets too well, having been engaged to marry her in the past. Frank had ended by showing Sam pictures of Chike and pointing out the similarities between him and Ikem.
Frank was so convincing that Sam had no doubt that he had said the truth. Now that he knew the truth, he had two options, either confront Nneka or let her be but look for Chike.
He decided to take the second option. He reasoned that Chike was to blame. How could he take advantage of the love Nneka had for him and have sex with her even when he knew that she was married? Why did he establish contact when he knew that seeing him would bring back old memories and definitely lead her into temptation? Chike was solely to blame and Sam was ready to find him and pay him in his own coin. He must find him and send him back to the grave where he was supposed to be. After all, he was already dead to the society. Nobody will raise an eyebrow when a dead man dies again, he said to himself
He visited some guys at the church the next day and the manhunt started.
Meanwhile, Sam maintained a cordial relationship with Nneka. He continued to carry out his duties as a good husband both at home and workplace. There was no sign that he bore an enormous burden in his heart, a burden that only Chike’s death would lift and the sooner he died the better.
For Nneka, it was business as usual but little did she know that she now had regular companies. The assassins followed her around because they believed that she was the only one that would lead them to their target. Frank had informed Sam that Chike was still in contact with Nneka and Sam wanted the target to be spotted around his wife, either with her or stalking her, before killing him. That way, he would be able to justify his action.
As the hunt for the target continued, Sam took off to Ghana. His insurance company was an affiliate of the topmost insurance company in Ghana and as a tradition, the company’s annual general meetings held in Accra. It was Nneka that dropped him at the airport that morning. She stayed with him at the airport while he waited to board.
“I wish you would come with me,” Sam sobered up suddenly. Nneka had promised to attend that particular AGM with him but had to cancel at the last minute because of a dinner party she must attend.
“I wish I could, too. In fact, I desire to be in Ghana more than anyone else but I need to be in that dinner. My absence would negatively affect our business relations with Chief Rufus,” she explained again. The first time she did was the night before. It wasn’t like Sam didn’t understand but he had already told his business partners in Ghana that he was coming with his wife and they were all waiting to meet her. They would certainly be disappointed but Nneka had a cogent reason to cancel the trip and trying to coax her would be irrational.
“It’s okay,” he smiled and she smiled back.
“What are you thinking about?” Nneka asked when she noticed that Sam was absentminded. They were sitting side by side, so he turned to look at her.
“I was just wondering when the dinner would end, must be very late in the night. I hope it would be safe to go home at that time.” He paused for a while. “I think it would be safer to have a company,” he concluded.
Nneka smiled and kissed him briefly. “I will be fine. Nothing will happen to me but that doesn’t mean that your idea of having a company isn’t good. I will look for a company,” she smiled and kissed him again.
At that point, it was announced that all the passengers going to Accra should proceed for boarding. The passengers had earlier checked in and were waiting to board. The couple stood immediately and hugged each other.
“What will you buy for me?” Nneka asked her husband.
“Whatever you want. Just mention it,” Sam said, holding her hand.
“Surprise me, darling,” Nneka said after a brief thought.
“Deal!” Sam said and kissed her on the forehead. “I love you,” he added as he began toward the boarding section.
“I love you, too,” she called and wave as he looked at her over his shoulder.
When Sam arrived in Ghana, Mr. Ado was at the airport to meet him. They hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries.
“Where is your wife?” Mr. Ado asked, a bit disappointed.
“She couldn’t make it,” Sam answered. “She has a business dinner to attend tonight. The dinner is very crucial to her business.” he explained.
“My wife will be so disappointed,” Mr. Ado said as he picked up one of Sam’s bags from the ground. “She has completed preparations to host her.”
“Oh damn!” Sam cried. “I am sorry that we couldn’t tell you earlier than now. The invitation to the dinner came last night. I am so sorry.” Sam apologized.
“It is okay,” Mr. Ado smiled and led the way. A chauffeur was waiting at the lots to take them to the hotel which would serve as the abode for the participants as well as venue for the AGM. Mr. Ado would also lodge in the hotel. He showed Sam to his room and left after a short while. They had a meeting the next day and needed time to prepare for the meeting. They would have time for social discussions after the meeting. After all, Sam would spend a week in Ghana.
Back in Nigeria, the target waited in his car, parked outside Sam’s gate as Nneka prepared for the dinner. She wasn’t aware that someone was waiting for her. It was supposed to be a surprise.
Suddenly, the assassins, four of them, stormed, tied the target up, put him in his car boot and drove him to a bush where a grave had been dug. Without much ado, they killed him and buried him in the waiting grave.
When Nneka arrived at the dinner venue around 8 pm, Chinwe was already there. Nneka had heeded her husband’s advice of having a company and the only person that came to mind was her cousin, Chinwe. Chinwe had relocated to Lagos and was therefore at Nneka’s beck and call. They met on the court and walked into the venue together. The dinner afforded the cousins great opportunity to have fun. The last time they got together and gossiped was over three months earlier. There were many things to talk about but top on the list was Chinwe’s relationship. The son of a business tycoon started dating her about three months back and there was every indication that the lovebirds would soon walk down the aisle.
It all started when Chinwe gatecrashed a wedding reception. She was supposed to accompany a female colleague to a wedding reception on that fateful day. She neither knew the bride nor the groom. When she arrived at the venue, she discovered that her colleague hadn’t arrived yet. She selected a seat and waited for her friend. A cursory look at her showed a lady that was tensed up. She couldn’t relax as she knew nobody.
Bill had noticed her and decided to make her relax. “Hi!” he had said while showing a perfect dentition.
Chinwe had looked up and smiled apprehensively. Maybe the guy had come to find out if she was duly invited as the wedding reception was grand and attendance was most likely to be strictly on invitation. Bill was one of the groom’s men and just like him, all the groom’s men were sons of the movers and shakers of the society.
“Hello!” She had replied and then waited for the embarrassing moment. But Bill’s next comment made her heave a sigh of relief.
“You look harassed. I can deduce that you haven’t seen the person that invited you.” Bill guessed right. He was a very observant and smart guy but most importantly, he was very handsome, every woman’s dream.
“You are very correct,” Chinwe conceded.
“So, can I sit and keep you company as you wait for him to arrive,” Bill suggested.
“Her actually,” Chinwe corrected and the expression on Bill’s face showed that he liked the fact that Chinwe’s company was a lady.
“Okay! So can I sit?”
“I will appreciate it.”
The duo had chatted and laughed like old friends. Bill was full of life and Chinwe was his match. They were so engrossed in their discussion that Chinwe didn’t notice that her colleague had arrived at the venue and had been calling to know where she was. It was even Bill that noticed that her phone was beeping and pointed it out.
It was when she took the call that she discovered that she was in a wrong wedding. There were other halls in the hotel and Chinwe didn’t know that.
Time to say goodbye.
They said goodbye but not without exchanging their phone numbers. Bill had called later that night, and ever since, their relationship had been growing from strength to strength. This happened about three months back and Nneka hadn’t seen Chinwe since then. They only talked about it on the phone on few occasions. So now that they were seeing one on one, it was a good opportunity for Nneka to get the full gist of the past, the present and even the future. And Chinwe was as excited as her cousin was. She couldn’t wait to give her every detail.
They were at it until a guy chose to distract them.
“Hello ladies,” the intruder was grinning from ear to ear. Nneka looked at him and wondered what gave him the guts to disturb the beautiful story her cousin was telling her. He probably mistook them as single ladies and came to try his luck. He had definitely met the wrong ladies. She had concluded and decided to ignore him. She hoped that her cousin would do the same but on the contrary, Chinwe screamed with joy, jumped to her feet and threw herself at the intruder. She hugged him tightly and kissed him passionately. Nneka was totally lost and the expression on her face said it all.
Chinwe saw the confusion on Nneka’s face and chuckled. “This is Bill, the topic of our discussion,” she said as she stood hand in hand with her heartthrob.
“Talk of the devil,” Nneka said, standing to greet her in-law to be. “At last, I meet the guy that swept my cousin off her feet,” she said, holding out her hand for a handshake. Bill laughed as he took her hand. She quickly studied the young man standing before her and saw Chinwe’s wisdom in falling for him. He was a prince charming from a rich and classy home. “It’s my pleasure meeting you.”
“My pleasure, too,” he smiled at Nneka and turned to Chinwe.
“She’s my big cousin. Nnneka is her name. She is the CEO of Dikeson constructions LTD and mother of two. I am sure you couldn’t have guessed that she is married let alone have children,” Chinwe introduced her cousin.
“Wow! Mother of two? You are very correct, darling. I couldn’t have guessed right by just looking at her. She looks like a sweet sixteen,” Bill complimented.
“That’s pure flattery,” Nnneka said even though she knew that he was correct. People rarely believed that she had had children. Her figure was that of a beauty queen and she relished it a lot.
“Well, it’s not for you to say. It is for us who see you in three dimensions to say and we have told you,” Bill insisted as he pulled a seat for Chinwe. He waited for the ladies to sit before taking his own seat. “So tell me, what were you gossiping about me?” he asked with a laugh.
The ladies laughed instead of answering his question. He didn’t insist on an answer either. It was only a rhetorical question.
“You are supposed to be in Abuja,” Chinwe reminded Bill.
“Yes, but I came back this evening. My dad had insisted that I come for this dinner, so I had to cut short my trip,” Bill explained.
“And you didn’t bother to tell me?”Chinwe was calm but the disapproval in her voice was evident.
“Check your phone,” Bill instructed and Chinwe started fumbling in her bag in search of her phone. She found it, checked and noticed that she missed twenty-one calls. All the calls were from Bill. She looked up and started gaping at him.
“I started calling you the moment I confirmed my flight and I called over twenty times. I wanted to tell you about the change in plan and also to find out if you would attend this dinner with me but little did I know that you would be here before me.” There was no sign of anger in Bill’s voice and that made Nneka nurse no doubt about his capability of being a good husband. Patience and benefit of the doubt were key ingredients in a marriage.
“I am so sorry, dear. My phone has been on silence,” Chinwe apologized sincerely.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. Divine providence has accomplished my reason for calling you. So let’s forget the past and be merry.”
Bill was a chatterbox. He held Chinwe and her cousin spellbound with gist. He was so humorous and seemed to have a lot of gist to share. He could compete with Okey Bakassi and Basket mouth. He was so lively that Nneka lost track of the time. By the time she realized herself, it was few minutes to midnight. She jumped to her feet and announced her intention to leave immediately. She was tempted to stay till the end which would be at 2 am but she had promised her husband to leave before 11 pm. She had failed to keep her promise and was feeling guilty. Chinwe rose to her feet as well and kissed Bill goodnight. She must go with Nneka. After all, her sole reason for being at the dinner was to be Nneka’s companion during the dinner and while going home. She didn’t want to shirk that responsibility even though she was tempted to.
It was only when Nneka got home that she realized that Sam had called her severally. Her phone was on silence all through the time she spent at the dinner, so she didn’t know it was ringing. She had already dialed back before it occurred to her that it was too late. It was some minutes to 1 am. Sam must be fast asleep. She shouldn’t disturb his sleep considering that he must have had a tough day and needed to rest. She must stop the call immediately but her decision came a bit late as Sam answered the call before she could stop it.
“Hello, love!” his voice was loud and clear. It was obvious that he was yet to near his bed let alone sleep. As a matter of fact, he was at the bar chatting over a drink with Mr. Ado. Their insurance company had been a huge success and they had to celebrate. It was also an opportunity to catch up socially. Sam had already told his friend and business partner about Chike, his affair with his wife and how he dealt with the situation. They were making jest of the topic when Nneka’s call came.
“Hi honey, you aren’t sleeping yet?” Nneka was surprised. Sam never joked with his sleep especially after a stressful day.
“Nope,” Sam answered simply.
“I thought your day was stressful,” Nneka wondered.
“It was but Mr. Ado and I have a lot of catching up to do.”
“I see but you have a whole week,” Nneka reasoned.
“I am not sure a week will suffice,” Sam joked and laughed.
Nneka laughed as well. She knew a joke when she heard one. She asked how the annual general meeting went.
“Wonderful! I won the manager of the year award,” Sam informed her.
“As usual,” Nneka enthused. “Congratulations! I am so proud of you.”
Sam had won that award for three consecutive years that he now saw it as his birthright. But he desired it. He had revolutionized the insurance business in Nigeria and Ghana. Mr. Ado never regretted partnering with him.
“Thanks!” Sam said. “How did the dinner go? Don’t tell me you just got home.”
“I am sorry,” Nneka apologized. “I went with Chinwe and we ran into her boyfriend at the dinner. He came with his father who happened to be one of the VIPs at the occasion. Chinwe had said so much about him, so I was excited to meet him. In the course of getting to know him and probing to know if he was the right man for my cousin. I lost track of time. I am really sorry.”
“It’s okay, Sam said calmly. “I hope she walks down the aisle this time.”
Chinwe had had her fair share of disappointments with regard to relationships. The last man that dated her later got married to one of her friends. After that incident, she swore never to have anything to do with men. Nneka tried on many occasions to convince her that she had been meeting the wrong guys; that some men were good but her advice fell on deaf ears. Even Sam couldn’t make any headway when Nneka recruited him to try. She had made up her mind and that was final. There was no going back.
It was therefore gratifying that Chinwe was in another relationship which from all indication would lead to the altar. Only time would tell if that would happen.
There was great jubilation when the baby began to cry. Nneka had been in labour for hours and her mother and husband who were waiting at the lobby had run out of patience. Her mother particularly had been worried. She prayed her rosary while pacing up and down. She was well aware of the possible complications of labour. There had been many cases of maternal and neonatal deaths lately. The health sector had suffered many years of neglect and the hospitals had hence become death traps. One could therefore imagine their joy when the cry of the newborn baby wafted into the waiting area. Their happiness doubled when they were led into the ward to see mother and son. As Sam went straight to the cot where his son was kept, Nneka’s mother went into her daughter’s waiting arms and both women had a prolonged hug.
“Congratulations, dear,” she smiled at her daughter.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“How are you?” the older woman asked.
“I am fine, Mom,” Nneka looked disturbed and her mother wondered why.
“Are you sure you are okay? Did you bleed much? Are you in pains?” her mother couldn’t hide her fear as she scrutinized her.
Nneka tried a smile but ended up with a frown. “I am fine,” she insisted.
“If you say so,” her mother said as she joined Sam at the cot. She froze the moment she set eyes on her grandson. The baby in the cot looked every inch like Chike. Nneka’s heart stood still when her mother turned and gave her an accusing look. She could see so many questions on her mother’s face. She could also see accusation and confusion. The look on her mother’s face had confirmed her fears. She had seen the similarities between her son and late fiancé but hoped it was just a figment of her imagination. Maybe her psyche is playing a prank on her but the look on her mother’s face said otherwise.
She shuddered as the events of that night flashed through her mind. It was her wedding night. She had just arrived at the hotel in her husband’s company, when his phone rang. It was Mr. Ado, her husband’s friend and business associate from Ghana who was supposed to attend their wedding but couldn’t make it on time because of delayed flight. Sam had promised to go and pick him up at the airport and he had called to announce his arrival the moment they got to the hotel. They had barely moved in their luggage into their suite when Sam left for the airport but came back almost immediately and made love to her before eventually going to the airport to pick up his friend. The light in the room was out and all she could see was a silhouetted figure as the only source of light was the one radiating from the adjoining bathroom whose door was ajar. But she had no doubt that the man that made love to her that night was her husband. She knew his voice too well and could smell him from afar.
She was therefore shocked to get a call later that night from a private number. The caller claimed that he was Chike, her former fiancé and that he was the one that just made love to her. He had gone ahead to prove to her that he was alive; that he wasn’t killed in jail; and finally referred her to Mr. JJ for further clarifications. Nneka had tried to meet Mr. JJ but her effort yielded no result as the former prison comptroller was out of the country. Since her efforts to confirm the caller’s claim yielded no result, she decided not to discuss the incident with her husband or anyone.
Though she had loved Chike dearly and missed him when he had gone away, she had moved on. She had just married a wonderful man and wouldn’t want anybody to put asunder, not even Chike. She had prayed that he should go back to wherever he had been and let her be.
As if he heard her prayer, he never showed up again but nine months down the line, she gave birth to his replica. There was no doubt that he fathered her son. Soon people would start asking questions and tongues would start wagging. Her mother had already started asking. She hadn’t voiced it out yet but the expression on her face had said it all. What if Sam became suspicious and decided to probe. What if he arrived at the truth? That would certainly break his heart and of course, their marriage as well.
“Congratulations, darling!” Sam said cheerfully, cutting into her thought. He had left the cot and was standing close to her.
“Thanks and congratulations to you, too,” She looked up at him and smiled.
“What’s the matter?” Sam asked when he noticed the tears in Nneka’s eyes. He sat beside her on the bed and put his arm round her shoulders. “Are you okay?” he asked as he dried her eyes.
“I am fine. They are tears of joy. I don’t know how to thank God for this bundle of joy he has blessed us with,” she lied and her mother nodded sarcastically. The look on her face was that of dismay. She was highly disappointed in her daughter. How could she be so irresponsible? She knew she was already married to Sam yet agreed to have sex with Chike. That was adultery, infidelity of the highest magnitude. Now her stupidity had come to live with her and would be staring her in the face on daily basis. Her mother was sure that Chike was her grandson’s father. She had bumped into a man that looked exactly like him sometime in the past but concluded then that people could look alike but now, she knew better.
“He has indeed done great things and it’s marvelous in our eyes.” Sam affirmed. “Our son doesn’t look like either of us. He doesn’t take after our parents either.” Sam stated and Nneka’s heart skipped a beat. The moment she dreaded most was upon her already. Sam was already suspicious and the look on her mother’s face wasn’t helping matters at all. She kept looking at her with resentment.
“I am sure he takes after my grandfather or great grandfather. I didn’t meet them, so I don’t know what they looked like but I am sure that Ikem looks like one of them,” Sam said with confidence and that gave Nneka a level of relief. She knew it was a sort of postponing the evil day but better then than now.
Her mother for her part decided to let the sleeping dog lie. She could smell a rat but could not substantiate whatever suspicious she nursed. Chike was dead or so it seemed and therefore couldn’t have fathered her daughter’s son. But the resemblances were so significant that it would be difficult to gloss over it. Besides, she once saw a man that looked exactly like Chike. Maybe he wasn’t killed after all. Maybe some people played some trick on them. But nothing was hidden under the sun. The truth would come out one day. She decided to keep calm and watched events. She would talk at the right time and to the right persons.
As the days went by, Ikem grew to become every bit like Chike and of course tongues began to wag but since none of the rumourmongers could substantiate the allegation, the rumour remained with them.
Their daughter came two years after Ikem was born. She was a very beautiful creature. She took after her mother but certainly more beautiful. She was christened Princess and she was really a Princess.
Life was good as long as Nneka was concerned. There was no word from Chike anymore and it was obvious that the wagging tongues had become fatigued. Her family was filled with love, peace and joy. Their businesses were doing very well and theirs was a perfect family. Sam was the best husband and father in the whole world. Nneka couldn’t ask for more. She was certainly not an ingrate. She was equally a good wife and mother. Sam had on many occasions, openly expressed his gratitude to God for giving her to him.
Princess had just turned one and an elaborate birthday party had been organized in her honour. Friends, family members and business associates turned out in their numbers to grace the occasion. Sam and Nneka didn’t disappoint. They were ready for their guests. Everyone ate and drank to their full and some even took food and drinks away.
Later that night, Nneka lay in bed counting her blessings and naming them one by one. She had a very caring and loving husband. Her children were very healthy and growing well. They were turning into beautiful and smart children. She was surrounded with caring relatives and friends. Their businesses were doing very well. God had been so faithful that she felt she couldn’t thank Him enough.
Sam for his own part was so disturbed. He had received an anonymous phone call requesting him to come to De Mangrove restaurant for an important message. He had excused himself from the party and honoured the invitation. He had met with a man who later introduced himself as Frank. Frank had gone ahead to reveal some secrets to Sam, convincing him that he wasn’t Ikem’s biological father. He had told Sam about Chike and the possibility that he was responsible for Nneka’s first pregnancy. He had claimed to know Nneka and most of her secrets too well, having been engaged to marry her in the past. Frank had ended by showing Sam pictures of Chike and pointing out the similarities between him and Ikem.
Frank was so convincing that Sam had no doubt that he had said the truth. Now that he knew the truth, he had two options, either confront Nneka or let her be but look for Chike.
He decided to take the second option. He reasoned that Chike was to blame. How could he take advantage of the love Nneka had for him and have sex with her even when he knew that she was married? Why did he establish contact when he knew that seeing him would bring back old memories and definitely lead her into temptation? Chike was solely to blame and Sam was ready to find him and pay him in his own coin. He must find him and send him back to the grave where he was supposed to be. After all, he was already dead to the society. Nobody will raise an eyebrow when a dead man dies again, he said to himself
He visited some guys at the church the next day and the manhunt started.
Meanwhile, Sam maintained a cordial relationship with Nneka. He continued to carry out his duties as a good husband both at home and workplace. There was no sign that he bore an enormous burden in his heart, a burden that only Chike’s death would lift and the sooner he died the better.
For Nneka, it was business as usual but little did she know that she now had regular companies. The assassins followed her around because they believed that she was the only one that would lead them to their target. Frank had informed Sam that Chike was still in contact with Nneka and Sam wanted the target to be spotted around his wife, either with her or stalking her, before killing him. That way, he would be able to justify his action.
As the hunt for the target continued, Sam took off to Ghana. His insurance company was an affiliate of the topmost insurance company in Ghana and as a tradition, the company’s annual general meetings held in Accra. It was Nneka that dropped him at the airport that morning. She stayed with him at the airport while he waited to board.
“I wish you would come with me,” Sam sobered up suddenly. Nneka had promised to attend that particular AGM with him but had to cancel at the last minute because of a dinner party she must attend.
“I wish I could, too. In fact, I desire to be in Ghana more than anyone else but I need to be in that dinner. My absence would negatively affect our business relations with Chief Rufus,” she explained again. The first time she did was the night before. It wasn’t like Sam didn’t understand but he had already told his business partners in Ghana that he was coming with his wife and they were all waiting to meet her. They would certainly be disappointed but Nneka had a cogent reason to cancel the trip and trying to coax her would be irrational.
“It’s okay,” he smiled and she smiled back.
“What are you thinking about?” Nneka asked when she noticed that Sam was absentminded. They were sitting side by side, so he turned to look at her.
“I was just wondering when the dinner would end, must be very late in the night. I hope it would be safe to go home at that time.” He paused for a while. “I think it would be safer to have a company,” he concluded.
Nneka smiled and kissed him briefly. “I will be fine. Nothing will happen to me but that doesn’t mean that your idea of having a company isn’t good. I will look for a company,” she smiled and kissed him again.
At that point, it was announced that all the passengers going to Accra should proceed for boarding. The passengers had earlier checked in and were waiting to board. The couple stood immediately and hugged each other.
“What will you buy for me?” Nneka asked her husband.
“Whatever you want. Just mention it,” Sam said, holding her hand.
“Surprise me, darling,” Nneka said after a brief thought.
“Deal!” Sam said and kissed her on the forehead. “I love you,” he added as he began toward the boarding section.
“I love you, too,” she called and wave as he looked at her over his shoulder.
When Sam arrived in Ghana, Mr. Ado was at the airport to meet him. They hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries.
“Where is your wife?” Mr. Ado asked, a bit disappointed.
“She couldn’t make it,” Sam answered. “She has a business dinner to attend tonight. The dinner is very crucial to her business.” he explained.
“My wife will be so disappointed,” Mr. Ado said as he picked up one of Sam’s bags from the ground. “She has completed preparations to host her.”
“Oh damn!” Sam cried. “I am sorry that we couldn’t tell you earlier than now. The invitation to the dinner came last night. I am so sorry.” Sam apologized.
“It is okay,” Mr. Ado smiled and led the way. A chauffeur was waiting at the lots to take them to the hotel which would serve as the abode for the participants as well as venue for the AGM. Mr. Ado would also lodge in the hotel. He showed Sam to his room and left after a short while. They had a meeting the next day and needed time to prepare for the meeting. They would have time for social discussions after the meeting. After all, Sam would spend a week in Ghana.
Back in Nigeria, the target waited in his car, parked outside Sam’s gate as Nneka prepared for the dinner. She wasn’t aware that someone was waiting for her. It was supposed to be a surprise.
Suddenly, the assassins, four of them, stormed, tied the target up, put him in his car boot and drove him to a bush where a grave had been dug. Without much ado, they killed him and buried him in the waiting grave.
When Nneka arrived at the dinner venue around 8 pm, Chinwe was already there. Nneka had heeded her husband’s advice of having a company and the only person that came to mind was her cousin, Chinwe. Chinwe had relocated to Lagos and was therefore at Nneka’s beck and call. They met on the court and walked into the venue together. The dinner afforded the cousins great opportunity to have fun. The last time they got together and gossiped was over three months earlier. There were many things to talk about but top on the list was Chinwe’s relationship. The son of a business tycoon started dating her about three months back and there was every indication that the lovebirds would soon walk down the aisle.
It all started when Chinwe gatecrashed a wedding reception. She was supposed to accompany a female colleague to a wedding reception on that fateful day. She neither knew the bride nor the groom. When she arrived at the venue, she discovered that her colleague hadn’t arrived yet. She selected a seat and waited for her friend. A cursory look at her showed a lady that was tensed up. She couldn’t relax as she knew nobody.
Bill had noticed her and decided to make her relax. “Hi!” he had said while showing a perfect dentition.
Chinwe had looked up and smiled apprehensively. Maybe the guy had come to find out if she was duly invited as the wedding reception was grand and attendance was most likely to be strictly on invitation. Bill was one of the groom’s men and just like him, all the groom’s men were sons of the movers and shakers of the society.
“Hello!” She had replied and then waited for the embarrassing moment. But Bill’s next comment made her heave a sigh of relief.
“You look harassed. I can deduce that you haven’t seen the person that invited you.” Bill guessed right. He was a very observant and smart guy but most importantly, he was very handsome, every woman’s dream.
“You are very correct,” Chinwe conceded.
“So, can I sit and keep you company as you wait for him to arrive,” Bill suggested.
“Her actually,” Chinwe corrected and the expression on Bill’s face showed that he liked the fact that Chinwe’s company was a lady.
“Okay! So can I sit?”
“I will appreciate it.”
The duo had chatted and laughed like old friends. Bill was full of life and Chinwe was his match. They were so engrossed in their discussion that Chinwe didn’t notice that her colleague had arrived at the venue and had been calling to know where she was. It was even Bill that noticed that her phone was beeping and pointed it out.
It was when she took the call that she discovered that she was in a wrong wedding. There were other halls in the hotel and Chinwe didn’t know that.
Time to say goodbye.
They said goodbye but not without exchanging their phone numbers. Bill had called later that night, and ever since, their relationship had been growing from strength to strength. This happened about three months back and Nneka hadn’t seen Chinwe since then. They only talked about it on the phone on few occasions. So now that they were seeing one on one, it was a good opportunity for Nneka to get the full gist of the past, the present and even the future. And Chinwe was as excited as her cousin was. She couldn’t wait to give her every detail.
They were at it until a guy chose to distract them.
“Hello ladies,” the intruder was grinning from ear to ear. Nneka looked at him and wondered what gave him the guts to disturb the beautiful story her cousin was telling her. He probably mistook them as single ladies and came to try his luck. He had definitely met the wrong ladies. She had concluded and decided to ignore him. She hoped that her cousin would do the same but on the contrary, Chinwe screamed with joy, jumped to her feet and threw herself at the intruder. She hugged him tightly and kissed him passionately. Nneka was totally lost and the expression on her face said it all.
Chinwe saw the confusion on Nneka’s face and chuckled. “This is Bill, the topic of our discussion,” she said as she stood hand in hand with her heartthrob.
“Talk of the devil,” Nneka said, standing to greet her in-law to be. “At last, I meet the guy that swept my cousin off her feet,” she said, holding out her hand for a handshake. Bill laughed as he took her hand. She quickly studied the young man standing before her and saw Chinwe’s wisdom in falling for him. He was a prince charming from a rich and classy home. “It’s my pleasure meeting you.”
“My pleasure, too,” he smiled at Nneka and turned to Chinwe.
“She’s my big cousin. Nnneka is her name. She is the CEO of Dikeson constructions LTD and mother of two. I am sure you couldn’t have guessed that she is married let alone have children,” Chinwe introduced her cousin.
“Wow! Mother of two? You are very correct, darling. I couldn’t have guessed right by just looking at her. She looks like a sweet sixteen,” Bill complimented.
“That’s pure flattery,” Nnneka said even though she knew that he was correct. People rarely believed that she had had children. Her figure was that of a beauty queen and she relished it a lot.
“Well, it’s not for you to say. It is for us who see you in three dimensions to say and we have told you,” Bill insisted as he pulled a seat for Chinwe. He waited for the ladies to sit before taking his own seat. “So tell me, what were you gossiping about me?” he asked with a laugh.
The ladies laughed instead of answering his question. He didn’t insist on an answer either. It was only a rhetorical question.
“You are supposed to be in Abuja,” Chinwe reminded Bill.
“Yes, but I came back this evening. My dad had insisted that I come for this dinner, so I had to cut short my trip,” Bill explained.
“And you didn’t bother to tell me?”Chinwe was calm but the disapproval in her voice was evident.
“Check your phone,” Bill instructed and Chinwe started fumbling in her bag in search of her phone. She found it, checked and noticed that she missed twenty-one calls. All the calls were from Bill. She looked up and started gaping at him.
“I started calling you the moment I confirmed my flight and I called over twenty times. I wanted to tell you about the change in plan and also to find out if you would attend this dinner with me but little did I know that you would be here before me.” There was no sign of anger in Bill’s voice and that made Nneka nurse no doubt about his capability of being a good husband. Patience and benefit of the doubt were key ingredients in a marriage.
“I am so sorry, dear. My phone has been on silence,” Chinwe apologized sincerely.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. Divine providence has accomplished my reason for calling you. So let’s forget the past and be merry.”
Bill was a chatterbox. He held Chinwe and her cousin spellbound with gist. He was so humorous and seemed to have a lot of gist to share. He could compete with Okey Bakassi and Basket mouth. He was so lively that Nneka lost track of the time. By the time she realized herself, it was few minutes to midnight. She jumped to her feet and announced her intention to leave immediately. She was tempted to stay till the end which would be at 2 am but she had promised her husband to leave before 11 pm. She had failed to keep her promise and was feeling guilty. Chinwe rose to her feet as well and kissed Bill goodnight. She must go with Nneka. After all, her sole reason for being at the dinner was to be Nneka’s companion during the dinner and while going home. She didn’t want to shirk that responsibility even though she was tempted to.
It was only when Nneka got home that she realized that Sam had called her severally. Her phone was on silence all through the time she spent at the dinner, so she didn’t know it was ringing. She had already dialed back before it occurred to her that it was too late. It was some minutes to 1 am. Sam must be fast asleep. She shouldn’t disturb his sleep considering that he must have had a tough day and needed to rest. She must stop the call immediately but her decision came a bit late as Sam answered the call before she could stop it.
“Hello, love!” his voice was loud and clear. It was obvious that he was yet to near his bed let alone sleep. As a matter of fact, he was at the bar chatting over a drink with Mr. Ado. Their insurance company had been a huge success and they had to celebrate. It was also an opportunity to catch up socially. Sam had already told his friend and business partner about Chike, his affair with his wife and how he dealt with the situation. They were making jest of the topic when Nneka’s call came.
“Hi honey, you aren’t sleeping yet?” Nneka was surprised. Sam never joked with his sleep especially after a stressful day.
“Nope,” Sam answered simply.
“I thought your day was stressful,” Nneka wondered.
“It was but Mr. Ado and I have a lot of catching up to do.”
“I see but you have a whole week,” Nneka reasoned.
“I am not sure a week will suffice,” Sam joked and laughed.
Nneka laughed as well. She knew a joke when she heard one. She asked how the annual general meeting went.
“Wonderful! I won the manager of the year award,” Sam informed her.
“As usual,” Nneka enthused. “Congratulations! I am so proud of you.”
Sam had won that award for three consecutive years that he now saw it as his birthright. But he desired it. He had revolutionized the insurance business in Nigeria and Ghana. Mr. Ado never regretted partnering with him.
“Thanks!” Sam said. “How did the dinner go? Don’t tell me you just got home.”
“I am sorry,” Nneka apologized. “I went with Chinwe and we ran into her boyfriend at the dinner. He came with his father who happened to be one of the VIPs at the occasion. Chinwe had said so much about him, so I was excited to meet him. In the course of getting to know him and probing to know if he was the right man for my cousin. I lost track of time. I am really sorry.”
“It’s okay, Sam said calmly. “I hope she walks down the aisle this time.”
Chinwe had had her fair share of disappointments with regard to relationships. The last man that dated her later got married to one of her friends. After that incident, she swore never to have anything to do with men. Nneka tried on many occasions to convince her that she had been meeting the wrong guys; that some men were good but her advice fell on deaf ears. Even Sam couldn’t make any headway when Nneka recruited him to try. She had made up her mind and that was final. There was no going back.
It was therefore gratifying that Chinwe was in another relationship which from all indication would lead to the altar. Only time would tell if that would happen.
Saturday, 11 January 2020
Chapter two of Ghost in the Neighbourhood
CHAPTER TWO
There was a great cheer when the plane was spotted. The arrival time was 2 pm but as early as 11 am, a mammoth crowd had gathered at the airport. Story had leaked out that Chike was coming back to Nigeria from Ghana after over three years in exile. Initially people considered the news as fake. How could Chike be alive? He was killed as he attempted to escape from the prison. His death was in the news both locally and internationally. But over time it became obvious that Chike was still alive and well, and indeed coming back to Nigeria.
Friends and people that wished Chike well therefore trooped to the airport to welcome him. Even his parents came all the way from the village. Everybody was anxiously waiting for a great reunion. It was therefore not surprising that they became wild with joy when eventually the plane touched the ground. The cheers heightened as Chike emerged from the terminal and started towards them.
Nneka broke away from the crowd and ran to meet him. On sighting her, Chike dropped his luggage and ran to her as well. He had been looking forward to this reunion and was grateful to God for making it possible.
As they got close to each other, he spread his arms to hug her but the first bullet, which cut through his chest stopped him in his track. The second bullet shattered his head and he fell in a heap.
Nneka let out a loud cry and opened her eyes. She sat up in bed and heaved a deep sigh. She got out of bed and went into the bathroom. It was already 7 am. She must hasten up as she was supposed to be at the cemetery by 8:30 am. The mass usually started at 9 am and she had never been late. The date was November second, a day set aside by the catholic faithful as the feast of All Souls. The nightmare about chike’s death had become a kind of alarm clock in her head that reminded her to join other mourners who gathered at the cemetery on that day every year to pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
She showered quickly, dressed up and set out for Saint Michael’s cemetery located in Yaba. It was 8:35 am when she arrived at her destination. She discovered that only few people had gathered. She chose her usual seat and waited. The cemetery would soon be filled and the mass started. The priest was always on time, so was the congregation.
As always the mass started at 9 am and was over two hours later. Most of the mourners dispersed immediately after the mass but Nneka and few others stayed back to say additional prayers and meditate.
She barely concluded her prayers when he spoke to her.
“Hello!”
Nneka looked up and saw a total stranger staring at her. She was sure that she had never seen him before. He was tall, dark skinned, athletically built and very handsome. Just like Nneka and other mourners, he was in black attire. Nneka noticed the camera in his hand and wondered why he came with that instead of a bible or a prayer book. It was supposed to be a sober event, not a picnic. Perhaps, he was a photographer. Most Nigerian photographers attended events uninvited, snapped guests without their permission and of course expected them to pay and collect the pictures.
The stranger was definitely one of them. And the last thing Nneka wanted was to take pictures. She only came to pray for the repose of the soul of a loved one; nothing more, nothing less.
“May I sit?” the stranger asked, cutting into Nneka’s thought. She answered with a shrug, implying that he should go ahead if he wanted. After all, the seat wasn’t hers.
He smiled and sat down. They were sitting side by side and not facing each other. Nneka’s gaze was on the ground as she waited for the stranger to make his mission known.
“Is it your husband?” the stranger asked casually as he gazed into space. Nneka looked at him and wondered why he wanted to know. He had kept the camera beside him and was now holding a pen.
“Are you a detective or a journalist? Am I being investigated?” Nneka was not in the mood for questions and answers and she made it clear.
The stranger smiled and shook his head. “I am neither a detective nor a journalist and you are not being investigated,” he said and paused. He heaved a sigh after a while and continued. “I lost my brother over three years ago. He was assassinated.”
Nneka turned to face him. She wanted to sympathize with him but hesitated. It was possible that the stranger wanted to use the assassination story to win her attention. She had to be wary.
“Ever since he died, I have always come here on this day yearly to pray for the repose of his soul. I was very mournful the first time I came and I noticed that most of the people were, as well. When I got home that night, I had a dream. In my dream, my brother appeared to me. He told me that the best prayer I could say for him was to be happy, insisting that it was only happy people that could make others happy. I never believed in dreams, but that particular dream made so much sense to me and I resolved to spread the good news. So, I come here every year not just to pray for my brother but also to cheer mourners up …, to give them the message from my brother. Funny?” he laughed briefly. “See, my dear, the bible says that we should not mourn like the gentiles but like believers. Death is not the ultimate end but only a transformation to everlasting bliss. This is our faith, so instead of grieving without end, we should happily wait for a great reunion which is sure to happen on the last day.”
The stranger was right and Nneka couldn’t agree more.
“You are a pastor, right?” Nneka asked. She earlier mistook him for a photographer, later tagged him a detective or journalist but right now, she was sure that he was a pastor. Only a pastor could speak in the manner the stranger spoke to her. He was very articulate and knew his bible verses very well.
The stranger smiled at Nneka’s assertion that he was a pastor. He smiled a lot. Nneka could attest to that.
“I am not a pastor. I am an insurer,” he told her. “I run an insurance company.”
“Really?” Nneka said. “In that case, we should meet someday and discuss business.”
“That will be nice,” the stranger was happy to hear that. “So tell me; who are you mourning for?” he asked again.
“My fiancé,” Nneka answered simply.
“What a pity!” the stranger said sympathetically. “What happened to him?”
“He died.” Nneka’s tone indicated that she didn’t want to discuss Chike’s death. No need bringing back bad memories.
There was a short silence. “You must have loved him so much to be coming here every year to pray for him” the stranger said as he tried to take a picture of a kit of pigeons flying about the cemetery.
Nneka wanted to ignore the stranger’s comment but she didn’t want to embarrass him. He seemed genuinely concerned and didn’t deserve any malicious treatment. “I loved him more than words could explain,” Nneka’s voice cracked as she spoke. “And he loved me too. He was a very good man…, a gentleman par excellence, an embodiment of Mr. Right. We shared many memorable moments together. It is very difficult to forget such a man,” Nneka glowed as she talked about her relationship with her late fiancé and the stranger figured that the man was still very much alive in her heart.
After over two hours of chatting and laughing, they said goodbye. The stranger gave her his business card and she promised to call.
“I am sure we will do business together,” she said as she glanced through the business card.
“I will appreciate that,” he said, shook hands with her and walked away.
That night Nneka kept a vigil, reminiscing on her encounter with the stranger.
'…only happy people could make others happy.'
The stranger was very correct. Her heart had been filled with anger and frustration. It just occurred to her that she had been complaining to God instead of praying for the repose of Chike’s soul. The stranger had really inspired her but beyond that, he had also swept her off her feet. She liked him. But which lady wouldn’t like such a handsome man with a very sound mind. He seemed to be godly as well.
She picked up the business card she had collected from him, looked at it and smiled. She had promised to call for a business meeting but she knew that she wanted much more than business. She wanted friendship and if possible, a relationship. She smiled again when she remembered that she was the one that initiated the only blissful relationship she ever had.
Chike had been the lead detective that investigated the case of embezzlement which took place in her father’s company. She had met Chike in her father’s office and it was love at first sight. Chike wasn’t just handsome, but equally bold and smart. Nneka wasn’t surprised that he solved the crime within the shortest possible time. She would have been disappointed if he didn’t. He was too smart not to have solved that case.
She had invited him for a drink to celebrate a job well done and that birthed a very wonderful relationship; a relationship that would have led to marriage but for Chike’s death.
She looked at the business card once again and that was when she saw the stranger’s name. She laughed when it occurred to her that there was no introduction between them and here she was crushing over him.
Samson was his name and she hoped to be the Delilah in his life. Not the Delilah that would bring him misery but the one that would bring him happiness and peace. She decided that she would call him the next morning but never did. She couldn’t muster enough courage. She dreaded rejection and embarrassment. It took over a month to make up her mind and when she finally called, it was the most awkward telephone conversation she ever had. She had to explain herself over and over again, yet Sam seemed not to have any iota of idea of who she was. She was so embarrassed and angry that for a fleeting moment she wished she could become the real Delilah in this Samson’s life just like in the days of old. She wished she could make him feel the kind of pain she felt at the moment.
She went through the conversation once again in her head and felt like crying:
“Hi! This is Nneka,” she had said into the mouthpiece with so much excitement.
“The only Nneka I know is a prostitute. Is it the same Nneka?” Sam had responded scornfully.
Nneka had been taken aback but she felt better when she remembered that he didn’t know her name. He didn’t ask her at their last meeting and she didn’t volunteer but that shouldn’t justify his reply. He was rude but nevertheless, she tried to explain herself.
“I am the lady you met at the cemetery about a month ago.”
“Are you a ghost, too,” Sam said with a laugh, “because the only people that live in the cemetery are ghosts?”
At that point, Nneka heard a female voice in the background, asking who was on the phone. “It is either a prostitute or a ghost or both. I am not sure yet.” Sam had said in response to the voice.
As Nneka angrily cut him off, she wondered whether the arrogant and rude folk she just spoke with on the phone, was the same handsome man with a very sound mind that inspired her a lot at the cemetery. She had already saved the number on her phone before making the call and the only option she had right now was to delete it and of course tear up the business card and trash it. She was close to doing that when an idea occurred to her. She could actually retain the number and pretend that nothing happened and wait patiently for revenge, for she was certain that Sam would call one day either by mistake or intentionally. Most brutes would do that. Some might even apologize, raise your hope and dash it one more time. Savagery was their stock-in-trade.
She retained the number but edited the name from Sam to Bastard.
Nneka’s prayer wasn’t answered as Sam neither called back nor texted. She was once tempted to go to his office and confront him but she later advised herself. She might be assaulted physically this time. Time was the ultimate healer. With time, Nneka healed and moved on. She still remembered Sam once in a while but she had become indifferent about him.
It was a Friday afternoon and as usual, Nneka had to close at 1 pm instead of the official closing hour of 4 pm. She was gathering her things to leave when her secretary announced that there was a man waiting to see her.
“Not now,” Nneka cried. She had already scheduled to see her hair stylist at 2 pm and she had a dinner party at 8 pm. “Who is he and what does he want?” she asked impatiently.
“I didn’t find out. I needed to be sure you could see him, bearing your schedules in mind,” the secretary said as she made to leave the office, probably to go and find out the visitor’s name and reason for coming.
“Just let him in,” Nneka said, feeling that protocols would waste more time. She reluctantly sat back and waited.
“Come in,” she said when someone knocked gently on the door. The frustration in her voice was unequivocal.
The visitor slowly opened the door and stepped in. On sighting him, Nneka instantly sprang to her feet. “You!” she screamed, pointing menacingly at the visitor. The confused visitor stopped in his track and looked back. He was sure that his hostess wasn’t addressing him. Someone else must have entered the office right after he entered. But there was none else. It was just the two of them.
“Are you talking to me?” he asked, pointing to himself.
“Is there any other person in this office?” Nneka said as she circled her desk to approach him. “I can’t see any other person except you. Oh, why am I so forgetful,” she said, hitting her forehead with her left palm. “How could I forget that you see ghosts? And how could I also forget that you patronize ghost prostitutes?” She laughed and sobered up suddenly, “But this is not a cemetery. Please go to the cemetery and meet your customers. They are not here.”
“What are you talking about?” the visitor honestly didn’t understand.
“You don’t understand?” Nneka smirked, as she circled him slowly. “I will refresh your memory then. I am sure you are familiar with these sentences; ‘the only Nneka I know is a prostitute; … you must be a ghost because it is only ghosts that live in the cemetery’. You even had the guts to tell someone in the background that I was either a prostitute or a ghost or both.” she halted in front of him and began to look him eyeball to eyeball as though it was a contest.
“How could I have said all these to you when you didn’t call me as you promised?” Sam had never felt so embarrassed in his life. He only came for marketing. He didn’t even know that the office he came to belonged to the lady he met at the cemetery and fell in love with. He had waited for her call day and night to no avail and one could image his happiness when he walked into the office and saw her. But she had succeeded in turning his happiness to sorrow by accusing him wrongly.
“I waited for your call. I truly did but it never came. I pined for you. I really did but you never called, probably because our meeting didn’t mean anything to you. The feeling I had was obviously not mutual.” He paused briefly. “I couldn’t call you because I didn’t have your phone number. I didn’t come looking for you because I didn’t have your address. So I resigned to fate. Then coincidentally, fate brought us back together but instead of a happy reunion, you are busy accusing me of something I know nothing about.”
"Does it mean I called the wrong number?" Nneka thought aloud and fell silent for a while. “But I copied the number from your business card,” she said to him. She sounded subdued. Even though she felt he could be lying, she had to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Can I have your phone number?” Sam said as he pulled out his phone from his trousers’ pocket.
“What?” Nneka asked, wondering why he was asking for her phone number.
“Just give me your number,” he repeated. Nneka obliged him and he dialed the number. “Your phone is ringing,” he said, pointing at the phone lying on her desk. “I don’t know if you saved the number you called earlier. If you did check if it’s the same number that is calling now.”
Nneka reluctantly did as she was bidden and that was when she saw it. In her anxiety, she had replaced 6 in Sam’s phone number with 9 and of course ended up speaking to some tout, probably living in a certain ghetto. The mere thought that she had spoken with a criminal sent shudders down her spine. She heaved a noisy sigh. “Look, I am very sorry. I thought you were the one I spoke with.”
“It is ok.” Sam smiled.
“Thank you so much for understanding.” Nneka said with relief and hugged him briefly. “Come,” she said as she dragged him to a seat. “Please, sit and make yourself comfortable, and tell me what I will offer you.”
“I am here for business not for pleasure,” Sam reminded her as he sat down and crossed his legs.
“I know but we will discuss business later. I have a dinner party this evening at 8 pm, we will discuss business then.”
“But I won’t be at the party,” Sam also reminded her.
“Why not?”
“Because I am not invited.”
“I am inviting you, then.”
They attended that party together and four months later, they announced their engagement. Both of them agreed on a quiet wedding. Only family members and few friends were invited. Sam had earlier met and adopted Chike’s parents as his since his own biological parents were dead.
The wedding reception held at Nneka’s parents’ house. Her parents had wanted a fanfare but Nneka insisted on a quiet reception. She had passed through a lot in the past few years and just wanted to get married to her former fiancé reincarnated into Sam. The only difference between Sam and Chike was their faces. Other features and attributes were exactly the same. She couldn’t thank God enough for gifting her with Sam. He was just a perfect replacement.
The event was low-key only in terms of the number of guests but grand in terms of other components. Everything was provided in excess; food, drinks and souvenirs. Famous musicians and comedians were on the ground to entertain the guests. The high point of the reception was the settlement of the new couple by Nneka’s parents. The couple got two brand new choice cars, a house, fifty percent of the equity of Nneka’s father’s conglomerate and of course a voucher for honeymoon in any part of the world. The initial plan was for the new couple to travel to Dubai but because of issues at work that needed Nneka’s presence, they decided to stay around.
They were therefore driven straight to Golden Tulip from the reception venue. They were to spend a month in the hotel before moving into their brand new mansion.
There was a great cheer when the plane was spotted. The arrival time was 2 pm but as early as 11 am, a mammoth crowd had gathered at the airport. Story had leaked out that Chike was coming back to Nigeria from Ghana after over three years in exile. Initially people considered the news as fake. How could Chike be alive? He was killed as he attempted to escape from the prison. His death was in the news both locally and internationally. But over time it became obvious that Chike was still alive and well, and indeed coming back to Nigeria.
Friends and people that wished Chike well therefore trooped to the airport to welcome him. Even his parents came all the way from the village. Everybody was anxiously waiting for a great reunion. It was therefore not surprising that they became wild with joy when eventually the plane touched the ground. The cheers heightened as Chike emerged from the terminal and started towards them.
Nneka broke away from the crowd and ran to meet him. On sighting her, Chike dropped his luggage and ran to her as well. He had been looking forward to this reunion and was grateful to God for making it possible.
As they got close to each other, he spread his arms to hug her but the first bullet, which cut through his chest stopped him in his track. The second bullet shattered his head and he fell in a heap.
Nneka let out a loud cry and opened her eyes. She sat up in bed and heaved a deep sigh. She got out of bed and went into the bathroom. It was already 7 am. She must hasten up as she was supposed to be at the cemetery by 8:30 am. The mass usually started at 9 am and she had never been late. The date was November second, a day set aside by the catholic faithful as the feast of All Souls. The nightmare about chike’s death had become a kind of alarm clock in her head that reminded her to join other mourners who gathered at the cemetery on that day every year to pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
She showered quickly, dressed up and set out for Saint Michael’s cemetery located in Yaba. It was 8:35 am when she arrived at her destination. She discovered that only few people had gathered. She chose her usual seat and waited. The cemetery would soon be filled and the mass started. The priest was always on time, so was the congregation.
As always the mass started at 9 am and was over two hours later. Most of the mourners dispersed immediately after the mass but Nneka and few others stayed back to say additional prayers and meditate.
She barely concluded her prayers when he spoke to her.
“Hello!”
Nneka looked up and saw a total stranger staring at her. She was sure that she had never seen him before. He was tall, dark skinned, athletically built and very handsome. Just like Nneka and other mourners, he was in black attire. Nneka noticed the camera in his hand and wondered why he came with that instead of a bible or a prayer book. It was supposed to be a sober event, not a picnic. Perhaps, he was a photographer. Most Nigerian photographers attended events uninvited, snapped guests without their permission and of course expected them to pay and collect the pictures.
The stranger was definitely one of them. And the last thing Nneka wanted was to take pictures. She only came to pray for the repose of the soul of a loved one; nothing more, nothing less.
“May I sit?” the stranger asked, cutting into Nneka’s thought. She answered with a shrug, implying that he should go ahead if he wanted. After all, the seat wasn’t hers.
He smiled and sat down. They were sitting side by side and not facing each other. Nneka’s gaze was on the ground as she waited for the stranger to make his mission known.
“Is it your husband?” the stranger asked casually as he gazed into space. Nneka looked at him and wondered why he wanted to know. He had kept the camera beside him and was now holding a pen.
“Are you a detective or a journalist? Am I being investigated?” Nneka was not in the mood for questions and answers and she made it clear.
The stranger smiled and shook his head. “I am neither a detective nor a journalist and you are not being investigated,” he said and paused. He heaved a sigh after a while and continued. “I lost my brother over three years ago. He was assassinated.”
Nneka turned to face him. She wanted to sympathize with him but hesitated. It was possible that the stranger wanted to use the assassination story to win her attention. She had to be wary.
“Ever since he died, I have always come here on this day yearly to pray for the repose of his soul. I was very mournful the first time I came and I noticed that most of the people were, as well. When I got home that night, I had a dream. In my dream, my brother appeared to me. He told me that the best prayer I could say for him was to be happy, insisting that it was only happy people that could make others happy. I never believed in dreams, but that particular dream made so much sense to me and I resolved to spread the good news. So, I come here every year not just to pray for my brother but also to cheer mourners up …, to give them the message from my brother. Funny?” he laughed briefly. “See, my dear, the bible says that we should not mourn like the gentiles but like believers. Death is not the ultimate end but only a transformation to everlasting bliss. This is our faith, so instead of grieving without end, we should happily wait for a great reunion which is sure to happen on the last day.”
The stranger was right and Nneka couldn’t agree more.
“You are a pastor, right?” Nneka asked. She earlier mistook him for a photographer, later tagged him a detective or journalist but right now, she was sure that he was a pastor. Only a pastor could speak in the manner the stranger spoke to her. He was very articulate and knew his bible verses very well.
The stranger smiled at Nneka’s assertion that he was a pastor. He smiled a lot. Nneka could attest to that.
“I am not a pastor. I am an insurer,” he told her. “I run an insurance company.”
“Really?” Nneka said. “In that case, we should meet someday and discuss business.”
“That will be nice,” the stranger was happy to hear that. “So tell me; who are you mourning for?” he asked again.
“My fiancé,” Nneka answered simply.
“What a pity!” the stranger said sympathetically. “What happened to him?”
“He died.” Nneka’s tone indicated that she didn’t want to discuss Chike’s death. No need bringing back bad memories.
There was a short silence. “You must have loved him so much to be coming here every year to pray for him” the stranger said as he tried to take a picture of a kit of pigeons flying about the cemetery.
Nneka wanted to ignore the stranger’s comment but she didn’t want to embarrass him. He seemed genuinely concerned and didn’t deserve any malicious treatment. “I loved him more than words could explain,” Nneka’s voice cracked as she spoke. “And he loved me too. He was a very good man…, a gentleman par excellence, an embodiment of Mr. Right. We shared many memorable moments together. It is very difficult to forget such a man,” Nneka glowed as she talked about her relationship with her late fiancé and the stranger figured that the man was still very much alive in her heart.
After over two hours of chatting and laughing, they said goodbye. The stranger gave her his business card and she promised to call.
“I am sure we will do business together,” she said as she glanced through the business card.
“I will appreciate that,” he said, shook hands with her and walked away.
That night Nneka kept a vigil, reminiscing on her encounter with the stranger.
'…only happy people could make others happy.'
The stranger was very correct. Her heart had been filled with anger and frustration. It just occurred to her that she had been complaining to God instead of praying for the repose of Chike’s soul. The stranger had really inspired her but beyond that, he had also swept her off her feet. She liked him. But which lady wouldn’t like such a handsome man with a very sound mind. He seemed to be godly as well.
She picked up the business card she had collected from him, looked at it and smiled. She had promised to call for a business meeting but she knew that she wanted much more than business. She wanted friendship and if possible, a relationship. She smiled again when she remembered that she was the one that initiated the only blissful relationship she ever had.
Chike had been the lead detective that investigated the case of embezzlement which took place in her father’s company. She had met Chike in her father’s office and it was love at first sight. Chike wasn’t just handsome, but equally bold and smart. Nneka wasn’t surprised that he solved the crime within the shortest possible time. She would have been disappointed if he didn’t. He was too smart not to have solved that case.
She had invited him for a drink to celebrate a job well done and that birthed a very wonderful relationship; a relationship that would have led to marriage but for Chike’s death.
She looked at the business card once again and that was when she saw the stranger’s name. She laughed when it occurred to her that there was no introduction between them and here she was crushing over him.
Samson was his name and she hoped to be the Delilah in his life. Not the Delilah that would bring him misery but the one that would bring him happiness and peace. She decided that she would call him the next morning but never did. She couldn’t muster enough courage. She dreaded rejection and embarrassment. It took over a month to make up her mind and when she finally called, it was the most awkward telephone conversation she ever had. She had to explain herself over and over again, yet Sam seemed not to have any iota of idea of who she was. She was so embarrassed and angry that for a fleeting moment she wished she could become the real Delilah in this Samson’s life just like in the days of old. She wished she could make him feel the kind of pain she felt at the moment.
She went through the conversation once again in her head and felt like crying:
“Hi! This is Nneka,” she had said into the mouthpiece with so much excitement.
“The only Nneka I know is a prostitute. Is it the same Nneka?” Sam had responded scornfully.
Nneka had been taken aback but she felt better when she remembered that he didn’t know her name. He didn’t ask her at their last meeting and she didn’t volunteer but that shouldn’t justify his reply. He was rude but nevertheless, she tried to explain herself.
“I am the lady you met at the cemetery about a month ago.”
“Are you a ghost, too,” Sam said with a laugh, “because the only people that live in the cemetery are ghosts?”
At that point, Nneka heard a female voice in the background, asking who was on the phone. “It is either a prostitute or a ghost or both. I am not sure yet.” Sam had said in response to the voice.
As Nneka angrily cut him off, she wondered whether the arrogant and rude folk she just spoke with on the phone, was the same handsome man with a very sound mind that inspired her a lot at the cemetery. She had already saved the number on her phone before making the call and the only option she had right now was to delete it and of course tear up the business card and trash it. She was close to doing that when an idea occurred to her. She could actually retain the number and pretend that nothing happened and wait patiently for revenge, for she was certain that Sam would call one day either by mistake or intentionally. Most brutes would do that. Some might even apologize, raise your hope and dash it one more time. Savagery was their stock-in-trade.
She retained the number but edited the name from Sam to Bastard.
Nneka’s prayer wasn’t answered as Sam neither called back nor texted. She was once tempted to go to his office and confront him but she later advised herself. She might be assaulted physically this time. Time was the ultimate healer. With time, Nneka healed and moved on. She still remembered Sam once in a while but she had become indifferent about him.
It was a Friday afternoon and as usual, Nneka had to close at 1 pm instead of the official closing hour of 4 pm. She was gathering her things to leave when her secretary announced that there was a man waiting to see her.
“Not now,” Nneka cried. She had already scheduled to see her hair stylist at 2 pm and she had a dinner party at 8 pm. “Who is he and what does he want?” she asked impatiently.
“I didn’t find out. I needed to be sure you could see him, bearing your schedules in mind,” the secretary said as she made to leave the office, probably to go and find out the visitor’s name and reason for coming.
“Just let him in,” Nneka said, feeling that protocols would waste more time. She reluctantly sat back and waited.
“Come in,” she said when someone knocked gently on the door. The frustration in her voice was unequivocal.
The visitor slowly opened the door and stepped in. On sighting him, Nneka instantly sprang to her feet. “You!” she screamed, pointing menacingly at the visitor. The confused visitor stopped in his track and looked back. He was sure that his hostess wasn’t addressing him. Someone else must have entered the office right after he entered. But there was none else. It was just the two of them.
“Are you talking to me?” he asked, pointing to himself.
“Is there any other person in this office?” Nneka said as she circled her desk to approach him. “I can’t see any other person except you. Oh, why am I so forgetful,” she said, hitting her forehead with her left palm. “How could I forget that you see ghosts? And how could I also forget that you patronize ghost prostitutes?” She laughed and sobered up suddenly, “But this is not a cemetery. Please go to the cemetery and meet your customers. They are not here.”
“What are you talking about?” the visitor honestly didn’t understand.
“You don’t understand?” Nneka smirked, as she circled him slowly. “I will refresh your memory then. I am sure you are familiar with these sentences; ‘the only Nneka I know is a prostitute; … you must be a ghost because it is only ghosts that live in the cemetery’. You even had the guts to tell someone in the background that I was either a prostitute or a ghost or both.” she halted in front of him and began to look him eyeball to eyeball as though it was a contest.
“How could I have said all these to you when you didn’t call me as you promised?” Sam had never felt so embarrassed in his life. He only came for marketing. He didn’t even know that the office he came to belonged to the lady he met at the cemetery and fell in love with. He had waited for her call day and night to no avail and one could image his happiness when he walked into the office and saw her. But she had succeeded in turning his happiness to sorrow by accusing him wrongly.
“I waited for your call. I truly did but it never came. I pined for you. I really did but you never called, probably because our meeting didn’t mean anything to you. The feeling I had was obviously not mutual.” He paused briefly. “I couldn’t call you because I didn’t have your phone number. I didn’t come looking for you because I didn’t have your address. So I resigned to fate. Then coincidentally, fate brought us back together but instead of a happy reunion, you are busy accusing me of something I know nothing about.”
"Does it mean I called the wrong number?" Nneka thought aloud and fell silent for a while. “But I copied the number from your business card,” she said to him. She sounded subdued. Even though she felt he could be lying, she had to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Can I have your phone number?” Sam said as he pulled out his phone from his trousers’ pocket.
“What?” Nneka asked, wondering why he was asking for her phone number.
“Just give me your number,” he repeated. Nneka obliged him and he dialed the number. “Your phone is ringing,” he said, pointing at the phone lying on her desk. “I don’t know if you saved the number you called earlier. If you did check if it’s the same number that is calling now.”
Nneka reluctantly did as she was bidden and that was when she saw it. In her anxiety, she had replaced 6 in Sam’s phone number with 9 and of course ended up speaking to some tout, probably living in a certain ghetto. The mere thought that she had spoken with a criminal sent shudders down her spine. She heaved a noisy sigh. “Look, I am very sorry. I thought you were the one I spoke with.”
“It is ok.” Sam smiled.
“Thank you so much for understanding.” Nneka said with relief and hugged him briefly. “Come,” she said as she dragged him to a seat. “Please, sit and make yourself comfortable, and tell me what I will offer you.”
“I am here for business not for pleasure,” Sam reminded her as he sat down and crossed his legs.
“I know but we will discuss business later. I have a dinner party this evening at 8 pm, we will discuss business then.”
“But I won’t be at the party,” Sam also reminded her.
“Why not?”
“Because I am not invited.”
“I am inviting you, then.”
They attended that party together and four months later, they announced their engagement. Both of them agreed on a quiet wedding. Only family members and few friends were invited. Sam had earlier met and adopted Chike’s parents as his since his own biological parents were dead.
The wedding reception held at Nneka’s parents’ house. Her parents had wanted a fanfare but Nneka insisted on a quiet reception. She had passed through a lot in the past few years and just wanted to get married to her former fiancé reincarnated into Sam. The only difference between Sam and Chike was their faces. Other features and attributes were exactly the same. She couldn’t thank God enough for gifting her with Sam. He was just a perfect replacement.
The event was low-key only in terms of the number of guests but grand in terms of other components. Everything was provided in excess; food, drinks and souvenirs. Famous musicians and comedians were on the ground to entertain the guests. The high point of the reception was the settlement of the new couple by Nneka’s parents. The couple got two brand new choice cars, a house, fifty percent of the equity of Nneka’s father’s conglomerate and of course a voucher for honeymoon in any part of the world. The initial plan was for the new couple to travel to Dubai but because of issues at work that needed Nneka’s presence, they decided to stay around.
They were therefore driven straight to Golden Tulip from the reception venue. They were to spend a month in the hotel before moving into their brand new mansion.
Wednesday, 8 January 2020
My Rose Flower
You are like a rose flower adorning the face of the earth.
Oh..., how dazzling your color...,
And tantalising the aroma that oozeth forth from thy nectar.
Little wonder honeybees swarm...,
And buzz around to get a glimpse of thy beauty...,
And of course savor the perfume of thy nectar.
Some are stupid enough to think they can tap the nectar...
And pluck some flowers.
How foolish they are!
How narrow-minded they are!
Leave them...!
Shoo not them away...!
It isn't your fight but that of he who owns and waters the flower.
You are my rose flower...,
And sweet valentine.
I love you!
Monday, 6 January 2020
The Chicken (poem)
The chicken.
Season and out of season, human beings eat me without ceasing...
They kill me for every occasion and even when there's no occasion...
I was happy when recession arrived as I looked forward to a measure of respite...
But despite the recession my case remained the same...
I blamed it on MMM and so I was very happy when MMM recessed...
Still yet my case remains the same if not worse...
As I speak right now my brothers and sisters are being cooked, fried and roasted...
Others are in fridges and freezers waiting to be cooked...
Many are in prisons waiting to be executed and of course cooked and eaten...
What have I done to man to deserve this kind of treatment...?
I know I have done nothing, man only slays and eats me because he is more powerful...
No problem but I have resolved that in my next life I will be a termite...
I am not wicked so I won't slay man in revenge but I will patiently wait for him to die...
And he will surely die and he will be buried...
Then I will eat him raw because anger won't let me cook him before feasting on him...
I will eat him in season and out of season without ceasing...
At that moment I will have the last laugh...
Happy new year from Dr ezeokeke book club. Please support us as we try to revive the reading culture amongst Nigerians by establishing book clubs in our secondary schools. God bless you.
Season and out of season, human beings eat me without ceasing...
They kill me for every occasion and even when there's no occasion...
I was happy when recession arrived as I looked forward to a measure of respite...
But despite the recession my case remained the same...
I blamed it on MMM and so I was very happy when MMM recessed...
Still yet my case remains the same if not worse...
As I speak right now my brothers and sisters are being cooked, fried and roasted...
Others are in fridges and freezers waiting to be cooked...
Many are in prisons waiting to be executed and of course cooked and eaten...
What have I done to man to deserve this kind of treatment...?
I know I have done nothing, man only slays and eats me because he is more powerful...
No problem but I have resolved that in my next life I will be a termite...
I am not wicked so I won't slay man in revenge but I will patiently wait for him to die...
And he will surely die and he will be buried...
Then I will eat him raw because anger won't let me cook him before feasting on him...
I will eat him in season and out of season without ceasing...
At that moment I will have the last laugh...
Happy new year from Dr ezeokeke book club. Please support us as we try to revive the reading culture amongst Nigerians by establishing book clubs in our secondary schools. God bless you.
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