Lagos – Page 4 – 21stcenturybelle

The Dice#11

Moses smoothened his sky blue bold check Charles Tyrwhitt shirt over his black jeans. Picking up his wallet and car keys, he stepped out of his house and about to get into his car when he heard the blare of a horn at his gate. A frown creased his handsome face as he wondered who could be visiting without first giving a call. He hoped he could disperse whoever it was quickly. He could not afford to be late for his appointment.

Moses was meeting up with Becca Williams, the new interior designer, he hoped to add to the team they currently used on their projects.

He chuckled at how riled Dunni was with the idea he was considering a relationship with Becca. However,

Moses found it an irony that Dunni could be worried about him getting heartbroken. On the contrary, she was daily breaking his heart with her constant rejection by not taking him seriously.

Moses stood swinging his keys while waiting for Audu, the gateman to open the gate. His eyebrows arched with surprise when he saw Dunni’s black Honda CRV 2013 model drive-in. He still remembered how he and Ola spent a day convincing Dunni to go for a range rover similar to theirs only for her to opt for the same Honda CRV they had tried convincing her to stay away from.

Dunni was like that, once her mind was made up on something. It took a lot to sway her. She was never hasty in making decisions, but when she did, you could be sure she had all the angles covered, nothing and no one could and would stop her. He smiled, always happy to see her, even though she never considered him more than a partner and friend.

Moses walked over to where she parked, but Dunni was already out of the car. Moses let out a low whistle. The girl will not be the death of him. He thought her skirt was rather short and the top too fitting sculpturing her body and showing all her curves. He swallowed hard, reigning his thoughts to order.

“Dunni, what brings you here?” She stopped in front of him a little surprise to see him all dressed and unsure as to why she came here in the first place. It was easy to talk to Moses about anything.

“What’s going on? You look upset” Moses had not seen this look on her face ever since she broke off her relationship with Benji when they were still at the University.

Dunni opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out only a torrential fall of tears pouring down her eyes.

“Did someone die?” he asked alarmed. Kemi was back at home to the best of his knowledge and doing fine too.

She shook her head vehemently, tears flowing down her face like the release of water from Kainji dam.

Something was definitely off. Moses glanced at his watch, discreetly. He had to leave now if he intends to make his appointment. He had no intention of standing up Becca. Taking Dunni by the hands, he led her inside while she followed docilely. Something was definitely wrong. The Dunni he knew would have snatched her hands from his grip and match into the house with words worse than a whip. He was becoming more worried.

“Please talk to me, you are getting me scared. Should I call Emma?”

The tears increased, but she shook her head.

“Is it about Emma?” she nodded.

“Is she okay?” Dunni nodded again

Moses was getting a little exasperated. He did not have the time to pull every syllable out of her as he was running late for his appointment, yet he did not want to leave her alone in this state.

“Can you tell me what Emma did or did not do or should I call her and ask why you are so upset?” He prodded as one will do to a child.

Sitting on the high stool in his kitchen, he offered her a cup of cold water.

Dunni took the glass cup not without taking in his dressed look.

“Going somewhere?” she croaked her voice still laden with tears.

“Yes, got to meet Becca at the Expo 2013.

“Oh, she murmured, but that drew a reaction he saw in her eyes for a fleeting moment and then it was gone. He wondered if she was beginning to feel something for him. It was selfish of him to think of his feelings when she appeared to be in one of the lowest moments of her life.

“I had better be going. I should not keep you. Dunni struggled to come down from the high stool leaving the glass of water untouched.

“Not sure I am comfortable with you driving in the state that you are. You can stay here, and I will drive you when I am back. Putting his both hands over her shoulders, I don’t know what happened today, but I know you will be fine. Whatever it is may not be as bad as you think. A problem shared is half solved.” He teased, trying to elucidate a smile from here.

“You have to go, or you will be late for your date.”

“It is not a date, he retorted a little miffed angry that she wanted to discharge him so quickly.

“She may be the one who will take you off my hands,” Dunni teased.

“You should have told me long ago you were tired of me and can’t wait to get me out of your hair. And here I am waiting for you to make an honest man out of me.”

He was rewarded with a small smile that tugged her lips.

“Moses, off you go. Your date is waiting. One of us should at least get married soon, and since it does not look like it is going to be me, we should at least give yours a try.”

He mumbled some words, not worth repeating out loud before giving her a hug. He loved the feel of her and how she fitted into him perfectly. Her head directly under his chin, the smell of coconut in her hair intoxicating his senses. He kissed her hair.

Dunni felt things in her heart by his show of affection, but she reprimanded herself not to give any meaning to such a gesture. Moses will never see her beyond a friend and partner. They joked about their marital state. It was just that endless teasing that started from the use of his dice.

Moses hesitated at the door, “Are you sure you’ll be okay? I can cancel the appointment.”

A little part of her wanted him to stay, but she could not tell him so instead, she commanded him to go convincing him she would be fine and waiting for him.

“Don’t go driving about in this your state. Lagos is full of mad drivers, and you need to be more than alert when driving on Lagos road.”

“Oh,” Dunni groaned. “Not again. I am not a baby.”

“I am a grown woman,” Moses finished the sentence and rushed out of the door narrowly missing being hit by Dunni’s sandals.

Dunni heaved deeply as she sank into the posh black leather sofa. She picked up the remote control and to put on the TV switching between stations and not finding any exciting program. She finally decided to watch CNN .

Fear to Fall

Parts of this work first appeared on this blog under the title, Omowashe Omorishe.

Fear to Fall is set in the sights and sounds of the boisterous city of Lagos chronicling the life of a career-driven Nigerian lady in the banking sector.

The twist and turns of life’s curveballs are thrown unexpectedly; the intertwining of romance, friendship, loyalty and family drama leaves you captivated and wanting more. To what length would you go for the one you love? This is a book to tuck away and lose yourself in the wonder of contemporary Nigerian romance told in a first-person narrative. You would love, laugh and cry with the characters.

Available only in ebook format on #okadabooks #applebooks #amazon#rakutenkobobooks #tolino #vivlio #barnes&noble #scribd #baker&taylor #overdrive #24symbols #bibliotheca

The Dice#10

Some friends are worse than enemies. If you find a good one, keep them close, for they are diamonds.

The weekend came faster than she expected. Good thing she had a date with Emma. Dunni did not know how much she had missed their time together until Emma showed up with their favourite wine, Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato. Dunni had ordered the ice cream and masa, and some grilled spiced meat popularly called suya.

Wearing a mini jeans skirt and a yellow fitted tee-shirt, Dunni slotted the USB drive into the Samsung TV and settled to watch the Matrix.

It was an intense two and a half hours film. Anyone seeing them would have thought they had exams to write after the movie.

“Gosh! That was so my movie!” exclaimed Emma. There should be a sequel.

“Yours truly is a Nigerian. If the film does not have part 2 or 3, then it is not complete. The film is okay as a standalone.” Dunni argued.

“Well, I still feel there should be more.”

“You could write to the producers,” Dunni teased.

“I just might,” Emma replied, seriously thinking of it.

“Wow! Now I have to face the not so nice part of driving home when all I want to do is go straight to bed. “You could sleepover but don’t know how many husbands will let their wives do that.”

“Definitely not Greg.”

“I am surprised that he has not called you all this time.

Emma laughed. I warned him not to monitor my time out. He had the kids to himself and will see me when he sees me.

“Hmm, is that the boss lady speaking or Emma, the docile wife,” Dunni teased.

“Boss lady, sometimes we mothers and wives need the time to let down our hairs and be girls again. We get too bogged down with our roles as wives and mothers and forget who we are, what our dreams were and who we wanted to be. Then the kids are out, hubby has made a good career. In contrast, we have either gotten stuck in a flexible career or remain sit-at-home mums feeling defeated, and that the world is our enemy.”

Dunni looks on thoughtfully.

“Aww, should not have said that,” Emma apologised.

“None of what you said is wrong. It makes a whole lot of sense and useful information for the future when I fulfil my mother’s wish of taking on the MRS title,” replied Dunni.

Emma looked at Dunni with remorse. “I have to ask you for forgiveness before I share this with you and I don’t want you to be offended. The last time you called me, I was a little bit off because I had allowed someone to mess with my head. Don’t ask me who but I was told to be careful of you being a single lady and all…. The possibility that you may have something to do with my husband. An affair or a love child whatever. I was stupid to let that get to me,” she grimaced.

Dunni sat stunned at Emma. “You believed that crap about me?” asked Dunni, disappointment was written all over her face.

“I am sorry, Dunni. She had shared the story of two friends we knew who used to be really close, and the other friend had her children for the friend’s husband. Every time her friend asked her who the father was, she never said, and they were tight friends. All the while, the two women had kids for the same man only that one was married and the other was outside. They were tighter friends than we are. I don’t think it was the intention of the friend to go after her friend’s husband. Just that stuff happens, and I shudder to think such should happen to us.”

“It is depressing that you could think that of me. I would protect what we have with my blood, Emma if it means me going out of your life for good I will do it before such evil befalls us. How can you even think about it? That I will go after your husband. This is crazy. You have messed up with my head too. Gosh, good for you to share but bad for us to still be close friends.”

“What do you mean?” Emma stuttered, seeing the angry look on her friends face.

“I mean, our friendship is over. I can’t come near you or your husband without me thinking that somewhere you may have thought I could cause a rift in your home. I am not that friend and trust has been broken the moment you believed I could betray you.”

“You are joking, right?” Emma asked, shocked at Dunni’s reaction.

“No, I am not, I can’t be friends with someone who finds it so easy to think the worst of me. If you don’t mind, I think I need to be somewhere now.”

“I am sorry, Dunni.”

“Apology accepted. We can be acquaintances, but we can no longer be close friends.”

Emma felt Dunni was taking this out of proportion, but nothing she could say or do at this moment will change her mind, so she grabbed her bag and car key and left.

Dunni did the same as soon as Emma was out. She drove around aimlessly until she found herself in front of Moses house. What was wrong with all her friends? Her mother stopped mounting pressure on her while her friends had picked the baton even her gate man appeared not to be left out!

The Dice#9

Dunni stood up from the sofa to get to her desk when she caught sight of a gorgeous caramel skinned lady dressed in a knee-length navy blue suit. She was about 5 feet, 8 inches tall with long box braids cascading down all the way to her waist.

The fact that the lady was with Moses piqued her interest. She wondered if there something beyond work as she watched their interaction. The way Moses’s eyes lighted up and the grin across his face like he was practically eating from her hands increased her curiosity. Suddenly she remembered an idea to run by Ola.

Moses stopped holding the mystery lady by her arms as he introduced her.

“Becca Williams meet Dunni Adesida, one of the principal partners. Dunni, Becca Williams, MD La Forte Designs. She is the interior designer who handled the Lekki Horizons Estate. I met her yesterday at Akin and Anu’s function. I think it would be nice if she handled the Awoyaya Gardens Project.”

Dunni stretched out her hand to shake Becca warmly and smiled at Moses neither agreeing nor disagreeing with his proposal. She excused herself to Ola’s office, leaving Moses with his guest. There was no way Becca or whatever she was called would handle her project. She already had a reliable designer. Moses could use her for his project but not hers. She fumed still in that state when she got to Ola’s office.

Ola looked up and could not hide his smile when Dunni walked in. He had wondered how long it would take her to barge into his office complaining of the new designer Moses had just recommended.

“I did not know we were shopping for new designers. I thought we were happy with the works of Exquisite Interiors and Bubbles Interior designs.”

“You will have to ask Moses. I don’t think there is any harm in introducing one more designer considering the number of projects we have to execute. He was introduced to her and requested she bring her portfolio. Who knows we may need her soon.”

“She won’t handle any of my projects,” Dunni announced Ola to disagree.

Moses strolled in whistling the song baby, now that I’ve found you by Alison Kraus. She knew the song as it was one of the soundtracks in the list of songs in his car.

Dunni rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Moses be serious. What have you found, a good designer for our projects or what?”

“She is the one,” Moses replied dreamily clasping his hands together.

Both Ola and Dunni turned to look at Moses like he had grown a horn or something.

“What do you mean she is the one,” Dunni tried to keep her voice regular, she could barely breathe as she waited for Moses to say something.

“I have finally found her. The one I have been looking for,” Moses answered.

Dunni busted out with a peal of forced laughter that sounded strange even to her ears. “See you when you get back from La la land.” She turned to Ola, “talk to him. I will not be there when it all falls like a pack of cards.”

Moses kept whistling with this look on his face Dunni had not seen since he dated Sophie Adams in his third year at university. That was the only serious relationship Moses had been in. She was not privy to why they broke up. His other relationships have been less intense. Moses breaking up with Sophie had led to her break up with Benji. She was spending more time with Moses knowing he was shaken from the break-up and wanted to help.

It was one of the worst moments of his life since they had become friends. Her heart ached for him in that period, and she felt she owed it as a friend to be with him. Benji, for some reason, had always seen Moses as a threat even when he knew Moses was involved with Sophie. She had to keep telling him then that Moses was only a friend and nothing more. Dunni called off the relationship when she could no longer take the badgering. Benji has trust issues, and Dunni could not deal with it. He was one of the few guys that got on with Moses and Ola, but somewhere along the line, he had let jealousy ruin what they had.

Moses and Dunni got closer during that season of their lives. She had not had any relationship after Benji, she still felt stung by his betrayal. It was barely a month after Dunni broke off with Benji he started dating another girl in her dorm. There has been no one after Benji. She just could not find anyone she connected with.

For a weird reason, she found herself comparing all the men that came to Moses. None of them measured to him. She wanted someone who understood her like Moses.

Dunni sat behind her desk, lost in thoughts. She was not sure how she got there. She worried that Moses may get hurt with this new relationship. At a time, she had to reprimand herself not to take Panadol for someone else’s headache as was commonly said. Who knows it may not work out like all his other relationships? Moses was a grown man she could not be worrying for him like she was his mother.

Searching for a drawing pen, she got busy on her project with a little frown on her face. Not sure why she was bothering her head over Moses relationship.

The Dice#8

Dunni walked into the office mid-afternoon on Monday still tired from acting as a chauffeur to her mum and aunt over the weekend.

All hell broke loose when they found out that Kemi was in the hospital and had undergone a surgery. An emergency family meeting was called where the family decided Kemi was moving out of her matrimonial home until there was a change in her husband. Otherwise, the family was ready to support her to file a divorce.

Dunni sat through the meeting, wishing she was anywhere but there. The arguments got heated, and some elders were almost at the point of brawling. Insults were hurled from one end of the room to the other like a tennis ball across the tennis table.

Unfortunately, she was unable to accompany Moses to his party. She had to work on Saturday and Sunday night to meet up with her deadline. Her mother and aunt were still in Lagos.

Dunni dropped her mum off at her elder brother’s place on the mainland before heading to work. Her mother still found time to complain about how quiet Dunni’s house was and what a difference it would make with the presence of a husband and children.

It was on her lips to retort that at least it was better than the boxing ring of a house her married cousin had found herself.

******

Dunni was glad to be in her office. She made her way straight to the fridge at the right corner of her office.

Taking out a bottle of cold water, she turned the cap open and guzzled the water in one go in a bid to quench her thirst. The heat outside was unbearable, and the slow traffic did not help.

Dunni gazed through the glass window overlooking the prestigious offices of some of the Nigerian banks on the busy Idowu Taylor Street. She never got tired of appreciating the edifices, the structures were intricate work of art. Dunni was glad to be inside though, the scorching sun outside could make a perfect toast. Taking off her jacket as she felt the cooling effect of not only the water but the Air conditioner now blowing cold air over her face. She basked in the luxury of the cooling relief.

Stepping out of her four inches Louboutin shoes, she retrieved her flats from under her table, settling for comfort rather than a luxury. The shrill noise from her phone had her scrambling to pick the call but not without hitting her head, wincing as she rubbed her head in a bid to rub the pain away. When did her ring tone change to such a miserable sound. If not the closeness of the noise, she would have no idea it was her phone. She checked the caller wondering why Emma was calling her at this time. The last time they had a conversation, something she could not place was amiss, but she had been too busy to follow up on any of Emma’s drama.

“Oh, Emma,” she sighed into the phone.

“Were you expecting someone else?” Emma queried with a giggle, Dunni could hear over the phone line.

“Not really.”

“I have not heard from you in a while and decided to give you a call.”

Dunni rolled her eyes with a weak yes. She still remembered their last conversation and how off Emma had sounded. Still, it appeared that whatever was bothering her at the time must have gone away.

“I am fine, just being busy.”

“Yeah, Moses said so. We met yesterday at Anu’s baby’s dedication. I thought he would come with you.”

“He mentioned it, but I could not go as I had other things to attend to.”

Wishing Emma to hurry and end the call. She had a busy day ahead of her and starting late was not helping matters. Another girl chit chat call during office would set her back by days if she wasn’t careful.

“Yeah,” Dunni answered drily.

Emma usually caught up with her monosyllable answers except for this time she appeared oblivious to Dunni’s reluctance in engaging in a conversation.

“It would have been so good to catch up. I have missed you.”

“I have missed you too.” Dunni smiled as she walked around to sit on the sofa’s she used for her clients.

“What about this weekend, your place or mine?” Dunni asked. She could hear the hesitance in Emma’s voice before she responded.

“Your place, I guess.”

“Geeez!” Dunni, let out a laugh. “What is up, Emma? I feel you’ve got something up your sleeve and you have to come out with it.”

“Not on the phone, see you over the weekend. Ice cream from the Chocolat Royal!”

“See you then babe, got to go back to work or this weekend may not happen.”

Dunni stared into space with a smile on her face. That’s what happens when your girlfriend knows your weakness. You can’t stay mad for long. She tapped the keys on her phone, entering the details for Friday date night to her calendar, adding a reminder to pick up Suya and Masa on her way home.

The Dice#6

Dunni woke up with a start, reluctant to leave the source of her warmth. The cleaning lady was at work at the far end of the reception, working her way towards them. The smell of antiseptics making her feel sick.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty.”

Dunni sat up, abruptly wide eyes. How did she get into Moses’ arms? The event of the night before all coming back.

She covered her face too shy to look at Moses and groaned, “Did I just turn you to my bed?”

“And Pillow but not complaining. You were as light as a featherweight. Looked like you have not added a single kilogram since we left school, and that was how many years now.”

“Go away,” she playfully slapped his arms.

“It’s not like adding weight will get me a diamond or transform into money. I am happy the way I am,” she defended.

Moses turned her face so he could see her eyes, “you are beautiful the way you are and more beautiful each day”.

Dunni could feel the sincerity of the words. Even though she was plain without makeup and waking up from sleep, she looked everywhere, but Moses, wondering why the words were having such an effect on her. This was Moses for crying at loud.

He turned her to face him again. “Never forget that.” The moment was broken, he had gone big brother on her. She always hated it when they treated her like their little sister.

“And you never forget you are one hell of a guy. Can’t wait for the girl to come and take you off me,” She laughed nervously.

“You would not be the death of me. One minute you get me thinking I am the only girl in the universe. It is bad enough you keep using me to practice. I know the girl is out there waiting for you. You do not have to prove your dice is right.”

Moses sighed. How was he ever going to convince Dunni that his feelings had nothing to do with his dice and he had always loved her? There could never be any other woman for him. It just happened that his dice that was never wrong should never have been cast that night.

Dunni kissed him on his forehead and walked over to the Nurses reception, to find out about the surgery ashamed that she had slept off.

Eyes opened wide. Moses whistled. “Should my hopes be up?”

“Silly, that’s what you get when you go big brother on me,” she stopped halfway and turned back to face Moses arms akimbo.

“What should I do to get out from the brother zone to the boyfriend zone?”

“To get out of the brother zone, stop treating me like your little sister. You know I always hate it when you and Ola did that, and I still do. I am one of the three senior partners at the firm.

And the boyfriend zone? He asked masking the hope in his voice with humour.

“Never!”

“Oh, he clutched his heart like someone who has been shot.

Dunni rolled her eyes and walked away, laughing. Muttering how incorrigible a grown man like Moses could be but secretly loving the playful side of him. While she was profoundly serious, Ola and Moses were too playful to a fault, but they could work to the bones. She loved what she had with them and would protect it fiercely. Even it if it meant never giving her heart to Moses.

Meena’s Diary#27

I played with my phone while I waited for JK to finish his call but was distracted by the aroma of fresh stew coming from the kitchen. My stomach growled in defiance, and I struggled with concentrating on the email that just came in.

It was from Meena! I gazed at JK, he was still busy with his phone. I scanned the email, and the news brightened my day in two ways, money and a step towards my goal. She insisted I get paid for my service as her lawyer to start her divorce proceedings. She wanted me to draft the divorce papers, email her to sign and deliver to JK.

“Is that good news?” I almost passed out. Wasn’t he on a call any longer?

“Just an email from a client,” That was not a lie, it just wasn’t the absolute truth. I needed to get in touch with Meena if this was what she really wanted. The moment the lines were signed. I will have my chance as the next Mrs JK.”

A rumble from my stomach reminded me I had not eaten this morning. That aroma coming from the kitchen was doing its number on me. Cooking was not my thing. I left that to Meena and Sa’a. I was not leaving here without a bowl of what the witch mother or mother- devil was cooking. I would kneel at her feet if that was what it will take.

“The Private Investigator got caught in traffic and has turned back. He wanted to find out if you had had any form of contact from Meena; call, email, watsapp, liked or commented on any of your post on social media posting.”

“Are those the questions he is asking?” I asked in disbelief.

“When he should have been out there gleaning every information, he can lay his hands on. If need be, hack into phones, systems, databases etc. I began to doubt his capabilities the moment you said he was waiting on the airline authorities for the airlines’ manifesto. Where did you get such an incompetent fellow from?” I fumed and to be fair to the guy he had asked a valid question no matter how irrelevant it sounded but I was not going to tell JK about this recent email yet. I still needed to read the email properly and strategise my next line of action.

“He was recommended to me as the best in his field.”

“This is someone who has not been able to give you a clue in three months of Meena disappearance? I am not sure what field he is playing in,” I shook my head appalled at JK’ s slowness to relieve the guy of his duties if he was not delivering on the job.

“I can recommend one or two of the guys we use in my law firm,” I offered. Holding my breath if he would take up my offer. I knew just the right guy he would work for both of us and only release the information I wanted him to and when. The universe must have my back on this mission as everything I needed appeared to fall within my reach with ease.

“Send the best out of the two to my office tomorrow. I don’t have the luxury of time for interviews and a selection.”

“Not a problem, I would do that as soon as possible.”

“Hauwau,” JK called my name and paused. He appeared to be struggling with what to say. My heart lost a bit as I paused, wondering if he had finally seen the light -to see me for who I am. The woman who has been forever in love with him. My hopes are high, and the two or three seconds were like eternity.

“I know you women don’t like me now. You think I have let your friend down. I love her from the first day I set my eyes and will love her till I die. There can never be anyone for me except Meena.”

I could strangle JK right now. How blind and dumb can men be? He is professing his love for Meena who will serve him divorce papers, and here I am ready to jump at any affection he throws my way. Yet, he treats me like a piece of furniture.

“I have to be going,” I announced abruptly, ready to leave when the whiff of the aroma from the kitchen hit my nostrils.

“Can you help with a bowl of your mum’s stew, please?”

“Irresistible?” he winked at me, and my heart dropped to my feet. I was drowning in this my one-sided love affair but convincing with time, he would fall in love with me eventually. I shrugged unashamed – stew I must have o! if I can’t have the man today.

He laughed, the first I had heard since this whole Meena’s disappearance saga started. Giving a glimpse to the guy I fell in love with many years ago. I loved this part of JK and wished he could return to his old playful self. These days, he was always looking stressed and worried. Not even clinching the multi-billion telecom deal in the country, the first week Meena left could make him loosen up. He shut to prominence the week Meena left. Sadly, she was not by his side to celebrate this milestone.

JK went into the kitchen and came out with a bowl of stew, leaving my mouth opened to a perfect O. I looked behind him half expecting to see witch mother behind him with some choice words I deserved for stealing her fresh fish stew. Technically she hadn’t given me.

“How did you get Mama to release her stew? I would have gone myself; it was that easy.”

“I’ll take this away,” JK held the bowl, leaving my outstretched arms dangling. “You can go and get yours from her.”

“Not so fast, JK, I was only joking. You need to hear her words to Sa’a and myself earlier today. I swear she hates us.”

“She does not. She is only hurting like every one of us is right now, but we all have different ways of handling situations. She’s like a porcupine lashing out at others with her pines while trying to protect herself. The girls were her world.”

I am dumbfounded. It appears we were talking about two different people but hey who cares, I got my stew, and that’s cool for me. I still need her far away from her son, though.

“I have a gala night in my honour by the State Governor next weekend, you want to come? I could really help with a known face for the night,” he asked. The confident suave JK was looking so unsure.

I did not want to sound so eager, so I asked if I could think about. My dreams are all coming true.

I need to start work and speed up Meena’s divorce proceedings. But first, I must make a call to her mum. I doubt the call she mentioned to JK was Meena’s first call. I am almost sure she knew where her daughter was and had been sworn to secrecy. The attorney-client privilege afforded me the right to know all the details of my client, and mummy dearest had better start talking.

The Dice#3

Oladele Peters, Moses Akale and Dunni Adesida were all classmates at the prestigious Federal University of Technology, Minna, where they studied Architecture. They met as pre-degree students, Ola and Moses were 18 years at the time while Dunni was 16, all fresh from college but with one thing in common; a passion for designing houses.

Ola was the only one who knew from day one that he wanted to study Architecture, Dunni was more of Interior design, but since they did not have the course at the university, she felt the closest to it was Architecture. Moses had no clue.

They had met during their first year on campus and bonded fast although from different parts of the country but from the same western region.

On this fateful day, while they were filling their forms for their course of study after the pre-degree program, Moses brought out a dice from his pocket – one for Estate Management, three for Quantity Survey, and five for Architecture. Those were some of the courses in the School of Environmental Studies. Two, four and six will point me to the School of Science, two for Computer Science, four for Geology and six for he was scratching his head and Ola shouted, “back to your village!”

“Nah,” Dunni joined in cheekily. “We’ll send him to biochemistry or microbiology. He could help with research in the cure for cancer. His gambling dice could help him there.” Dunni brought out a coin and started tossing it up and trying to catch while laughing hysterically.

Dunni and Ola never thought Moses was that serious, until the dice fell on five, and he settled to fill his form. They both were looking at him like he had grown horns out of his ears.
“You serious about this dice thing man?” Ola asked shielding his eyes from the hot scorching sun while trying to look at Moses with disbelief.
“I have used it for every major decision, and it is yet to fail me,” He explained shrugging his shoulders.

“For my senior school leaving certificate, I asked how many A’s. I threw the dice and gave me five. I got five when the result came out.”

“It gave you five for architecture now, maybe the dice just falls on five every time and you know it that’s why you put architecture on five,” Dunni argued.

She challenged him to change the numbers and throw again. He put architecture on one this time, and the dice fell on one.

“Unbelievable!” Exclaimed Ola.
“We should be using this dice more often,” Dunni joked.
“Who would you marry? How many children will you have,” Dunni chanted one of the folklore songs she used to sing as a child while pretending to skip with an imaginary rope.

“Wouldn’t life be so easy if all decisions I made were from the toss of a dice?”
“Should I eat or not?” Dunni laughed so hard she failed to see the look of anger on Moses’ face.
“That’s enough Dunni,” Ola called out nodding at Moses.
“I am out of here,” Moses hissed. You know where to find me when you are all done making fun.”
Dunni ran off to pull him back which did nothing to his 6.2 inches lanky frame.
“I am sorry,” she apologised, stifling the laughter threatening to erupt out of her as she replaced it with a smile that inflicted pains to her cheek muscles.
“You can use your dice for all you want just ignore us when we joke about it,”
Ola nodded at him when he came back. A nod that said it all.
Dunni looked at them both and shook her head.
“I wonder why I am still hanging out with you guys when you start all this your secret code languages.”
“You are better off with us that all the other hungry sharks out there wishing to devour you. We are here to protect you,” Moses boasted, a little smile tugging at his mouth with crinkles around his eyes.

“Let’s fill these forms and get on with our registration,” commanded Dunni. She hated it when they went big brother on her. She had had enough of being babied at home. She was a big girl away from home in the university and on her own, making all the decisions and able to protect herself. No one will boss her out here.

Thirteen years after, they have remained not only close friends but Partners in Architex Designs. A company they formed and ran together. It was a scary venture for them but after working in other Architecture firms and kept feeling there was something more they could offer. They decided to put money together and set up the firm.

In the early days, they face rejection after rejection that they contemplated shutting down the company. Suddenly, things turned around for them after they designed a house for one of the city’s top Bank Managing Director in Victoria Garden City.

They had only gotten the job because Moses uncle decided to take a chance on them. He gave them the job after much pestering from Moses. He got more than he bargained for as his house became a cynosure on the Island. His friends wanted him to connect them to his Architects.

He was so pleased with their work that he asked them to design the Commercial Bank’s new head office in Victoria Island. From that moment, they have received more contracts than they could handle having to expand from a team of three Architects to twenty, all in the space of two years.

Five years after they started the business, running a small architectural firm raking in billions of dollars across the country and continent. They recently got a bid to be the exclusive architect for a project in London handled by one of the world’s top construction company with head office in Beijing.

Moses despised dice back at college was still being used by him much to their chagrin. However, they had come to accept the place of the dice as the fourth partner in the company but not without Dunni and Ola’s objection.

Meena’s Diary #2

Half of my Kingdom

I have been invited to a women’s forum program. Not sure if I wanted to go. We, women, are lovely creatures and fun beings but too many of us together can be disastrous. Hence my hesitation. However, when I met the convener of the program at church this morning, I was too ashamed not to give my usual reply, not this Sunday as I had done for a whole year.

I convinced hubby that I had no choice to go than to support my fellow sister. Searched my wardrobe for a dress that will bring Lagos to standstill – remember o! I was going to an all women program, but truthfully I think we women are the ones that look and size each other up.

My headgear rivalled Madam Kofo in Second chance, a sitcom of the 80’s. Make up in place. The scent of J’ardore, evoking a unique and harmonious floral fragrance.

“Babe, are you sure it’s a woman’s program? Because I think this is pure harassment,” teased hubby.
“na you sabi, No one is looking at me. I am looking at myself,” I retorted.
I grabbed my car keys before hubby decides his agenda for me.
On second thought I ask, “Sweetheart can I use your car?”
“Anything you want to the half of my kingdom,” replied my gallant knight in shining armour.

Now his kingdom is our lovely house and kids and some Naira in the bank account that belongs to all who need it.
I take his keys and mine so my car which was behind could be moved which should have been the cue only to go with mine rather than face the hassle of driving cars

I drove out in his Honda Accord 2011. Nothing is wrong with my car. But mine is Honda 2007 a brand new car when I was given still in good condition. But longer throat no gree me.
So I put in the ignition, place the gear in reverse, and drive off till I heard “gboa!”

Ye! All my shakara flew out of the window.
I have entered one chance today.
Shaking all over because half of my kingdom does not entail his car o!
I rush back to the house.
“Sweetheart” all forgotten.

“JK – I am in trouble!”
He is staring at me like I am from another planet.
Of course, he has no idea what has happened to his real babe.

“Your car, your car,” my vocabulary reduce to that of a toddler while my queens English took the backseat.
“What about my car?” he asked too casually. If only he knew.
The guy was not making it easy for me and my women’s weapon for ready tears today had taken a trip to China.

“I bashed it. I am sorry,” all coming out so fast coupled with the speed at which my 5 feet 6 inches frame got to the ground in the traditional way.
Something I have never done since our traditional engagement ceremony over a decade ago.
Unfortunately, hubby remained unperturbed.
He rushed out to see his baby and a torrent flow of the “what, why, where, how, and when questions started.
As hubby was not slowing down and none of my actions was working
I went to our room and changed.
I was upset with myself and hubby for not easily forgiving me.

“What is in a car? Am I not worth more than a car?”
I am puffing and talking using the last weapon I have – my mouth
“Haba car na car o! No be living thing,” I exclaimed.

Omowashe Omorishe#23

Like a dying flower

a-dying-flower Lana

I drove around in and out of traffic for hours losing track of time. Thoughts were racing through my head till my mind was going numb. I had no plan where to go. After hours of driving with no destination, I turned into a lounge, still in the traditional buba and iro, attire I had worn for my failed introduction. I used the extra piece tied around my waist to wrap my head, covering my ears and removing all the pieces of jewellery I wore.

It was precarious to be here alone, no need to make the situation worse by drawing any attention to myself.

I had never been to a lounge. It was not my style of winding down, but tonight there was no home to go. I had sent myself on a self-exile. No friend to crash with – I did not want to add my burden to Peju’s difficult pregnancy.

Bode was not an option either. I needed to get used to having him out of my life as a fiancée. Although, he would always be in my life as a relation. Isn’t this crazy? I must have said that for the umpteenth time to myself, but there was no better word to describe what I was going through. Yeah, crazy!crappy!!creepy!!!!!

Standing at the entrance of the bar, I took a quick scan around while allowing my eyes time to adjust to the dim light. The place looked sane enough for me.
I slid into the nearest table I could find, fished for a book out of my handbag and put it on the chair, giving the appearance of having a partner. I settled to enjoy the jazz music provided by a life band.

An attendant came to take my order. I paid for a glass of Chapman making sure there was no form of alcohol in my drink. I knew from experience what a little alcohol could do to me.

I lost count of the hours that must have gone. The life band have stopped playing. I could feel the curious glances at my table, but I did not care.

Just when I was about to relax, a man staggered to my table, tried to seat and noticed the book.

“ I do not think your partner is coming tonight,” he slurred the words as he removed the book to place it on the table and dropped into the vacant seat He was drunk.

Terror gripped me. I knew I should be afraid yet I was indifferent. I was scared and not scared simultaneously. Scared, he might try to hurt me. Detached that whatever pain inflicted, would be a far cry to my bruised, broken and bleeding heart.

There were people around, but most were either half or dead drunk. I knew I should not have come here but this was the only opened place I could fit in at that time of the night, and I was not thinking.

Someone tapped the guy.
“Excuse me, gentleman, I am with the lady.”
I almost leapt and threw myself at Andrew.
The drunk was gentleman enough to stand up

“Sorry man,” he slurred and staggered away.
I looked curiously at Andrew. “What are you doing here?”

“I think that should be my cue, not yours.
I am shocked to see you here, and you came alone, he said as he scanned the place like an FBI agent.

“Bode?” I asked, and answered.

“He is not here, through no fault of his,” I said defensively.

“I am here alone, and that is a long story,” I concluded.

“We have the whole night,” he answered tightly.
I could see he was trying to calm his anger.

“Are you here to get hurt? Why would you come to a place like this alone and at night?”
I was not going on any guilt trip or allow someone send me there either.
I gestured to him to stop.

“Maybe I want to get hurt,” I muttered.
Andrew stared at me neither stunned nor upset at my words which heightened my suspicion.

“How did you know I was here?”

“Your uncle sent me,” he answered in his personal integrity.

“Uncle Segun, he knew I was here?” I whispered.

“Is my uncle in the Mafia or something or do I have a bodyguard I am not aware exists?”

I was getting furious. I needed space to process the development in my life and not interference.

“Do you want to talk?” Andrew asked.

“I do not know what I want,” I replied truthfully.
My head was beginning to hurt badly.

“Let me take you home,” Andrew offered.

“I am not going home,” I answered stubbornly.
Home was the last place I wanted to be now.

“You can’t stay here all night,” he said exasperatedly.
“What about Bode?”

“No,” I replied vehemently.

Whatever Uncle Segun had told Andrew, he did not seem to have the whole story.

“Peju?” He asked.

“She would have been my first call, but I suspect she has a difficult pregnancy. I don’t want to add to her burden.”

“You might be if I have to leave you here alone, Andrew said his jaws were tightening as I saw the lines harden around his mouth.

“I am not the one who asked you to come.
I can take care of myself, you know. I was not asking for help when you came.I could have handled that man on my own,” I argued.

“I could see that,” said Andrew nodding his head reminding me of the many fables of the agama lizard I heard as a child.

Standing up, he took the book on the table and my handbag,
“Let’s go,” he commanded in a voice I had never heard him use before, that did not welcome any argument.

We were barely outside when a part of the building came crashing down. There were rubble and dust everywhere. Screams and groans from men trapped inside the building
I was shaking all over to think that I could have been in that building had Andrew not taken me out. To think that I would have also gotten him killed.

How do you feel you do not want to live but when death comes calling you are not willing to answer and an escape puts your life in a perspective you have failed to notice.

I could hear the sirens from afar as the place became agog with lights and activity.People from neighbourhood were rushing out to the scene some to render help while others out of curiosity and a story to tell. The young men took over searching for people to help while we waited for more help from the government.
Andrew left me to join the rescue mission after making sure I was okay. And not before calling Bode to alert him what had happened.

Bode must have either flown or telepathed himself because it could not have been roughly fifteen minutes he showed up.
“Are you okay,” he asked, looking at me and then the rubble?
I knew what he was thinking.
How my foolishness would have caused pain to my family, my birth parents and friends.

“I am sorry,” was the only intelligible word I could utter while trying not to cry and be strong.