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*****
Mr. Bankole
sat beside his wife and put his right hand around her shoulders.
Mrs. Banks was
looking fragile and her skin had turned a bit pale. She sighed and stared into
her husband’s eyes, the man she had always loved and cherished. She could never
forget the day he proposed and professed his undying love for her. On their
wedding day was one of the happiest days of her life. Nothing could change. He showered her with
love and care and promised never to abandon her.
“Will you
ever leave me?” She asked him.
“I didn’t
leave you when you said you will never forgive me for making your son runaway.
Why should I do it now? I love you very much. You are still the woman I married
thirty-four years ago. I still love you.”
She smiled
weakly and shut her eyes. Tears flowed when she opened them. He looked at her
shocked, removed his arm and held her hands.
“What is the
matter?” He asked in a disturbed tone.
More tears
gushed out. “I am very sick!”
He wrapped
his arms around her body and rubbed her back. “Everything will be fine.”
“No, it will
not be fine.” She wiped her face, released herself from his grip and collected
the doctor’s report on the sofa. She gave it to her husband to read. He read it
and looked at her perplexed.
“Oh my God!
Has it gotten up to this?”
“Yes!” Her
eyes exploded more tears.
He hugged
her tightly. “Nothing bad will happen to you. I can’t understand why this is
happening to you. I will have to cancel my preparations to travel.”
“Please go.
I can take good care of myself and it’s not as if I will die tomorrow. My
illness should not stop you from doing what you want.”
“But you
need me.”
“I know and
whenever I want you beside me, I will definitely let you know. Don’t cancel
your travelling plans. It is important.”
“Are you
going to tell Tiwatope about it?”
She shook
her head miserably. “No way. Our daughter must not know about it. I want her to
concentrate on the case instead of her to run back here, look after me and
worry.”
He heaved a
sigh. “I will make sure you receive all the necessary treatment. You will be
alright by the special grace of God.”
“I am so
scared.”
“Don’t be my
love. I will always be by your side.” Deep down, he was scared too.
*****
On their way
home, Adebiyi notified his driver to take them back to Mrs. Aisha’s house. Tiwa
widened her eyes and looked at him shocked.
“That woman
won’t be pleased to see you again.” She asked. “By the way, why are we going
back there?”
“I want the
address of her daughter.” He replied without glancing at her face. “I want to
speak with the maid.”
“What does
Mariam Yusuf’s maid got to do with this?”
“I want to
ask her if her late boss ever told her someone might have been watching her.”
“And you
think Mrs. Aisha will be willing to talk you?”
Adebiyi rotated
his head to look at her. The way his eyes glittered, made her uncomfortable. She
quickly gazed away. She never thought the man she loved to hate would be
sitting beside her in his car and spending time together talking and even
eating on the same table. What a strange world we live in, she thought.
“I won’t go
in and speak with her. You will do that for me.”
Tiwa chose
not to say anything to avoid eye contact. She wasn’t interested to hear his
voice anymore. She stared at the sky, thinking about her brother. She had missed
him so much. Adebiyi told the driver to turn on the radio. Coincidentally it
was Temidayo’s song playing. She sniffed her nose, closed her eyes and recalled
her memorable childhood with her only sibling.
She always
knew he lied about his sexuality because he wanted their father off his back.
The night he ran away, Temidayo went to Tiwa’s room after dinner to wish
her all the best in her career. He told her he was proud and happy to have a
strong and vibrant sister. She didn’t understand why he uttered those kind
words and was curious to know the reasons for his sudden behavior. When she
asked, he told her, he was going to be all right. The next morning she saw her
mother running to meet their father with a piece of paper in her right hand.
She was in tears and her body was shaking. Tiwa stared at her parents without
feeling gloomy or apprehensive. She knew wherever Temidayo left to he was safe.
“Tiwa…Tiwa….Tiwa!”
Adebiyi had to call her name thrice before she answered. She was lost in
thought and apologized to him. “I hope you are okay?”
“Ye… yes.”
She looked around the surrounding area. “Are we there?”
“Yes.”
Tiwa bounced
out of the vehicle and walked through the entrance gate.
She saw a young woman
holding the hand of a girl about entering the main house. “Excuse me.”
The lady
turned her back to face her. “Yes, can I help you?”
She looked
closely at her face and noticed her eyes were weary and sad. “Are you Mariam
Yusuf’s maid?”
“Yes and who
are you?”
She
introduced herself and explained she was the agent investigating the death of
her late employee.
The maid
wanted to smile but she glanced at the little girl and burst into tears. She
wiped her face and stared back at Tiwa. “Please catch who killed my madam.”
“I will try
my best.” She said and felt pleased to see someone grieving, and she must have really
cared about Mariam. She must have taken good care of her employee too before death
took her away. Instead of her to take her to Adebiyi for questioning, she
decided to question her. “Did Mariam Yusuf ever complain to you that she felt
someone was watching her?”
She thought
and shook her head. “She never discussed something like that with me but there
was a particular day, few days before she disappeared, she was conscious of the
doors and windows. She kept asking me if I had locked them and when I told her
I did, she still checked them more than four times before we went to bed.”
“Did you ask
her what the matter was?”
“I did but
she told me not to worry. That everything was fine.”
“Can you
tell me what day was it?”
“It was on a
Saturday evening. Her daughter and I were at home throughout that day. Miss.
Mariam went out and returned in the afternoon.”
“Did she
tell you where she went to?”
“No but I
knew she went to search for a modeling job. My madam was a good woman. She
always talked about how she messed up her life and wanted to change to be a
good mother. There was no day she missed picking her daughter from school. She
wanted to spend time with her because she knew she would be busy when the
modeling job comes her way.”
She touched
her lightly on the shoulder. “Thank you for telling me this.”
“You are
welcome ma.”
Tiwa rubbed
the little girl’s chin and bid her goodbye. She took a walk, thought of Mrs.
Aisha Yusuf and hesitated. She gazed at the maid. “Please, take good care of
this girl. Her mother would forever be grateful.”
“I know. She
is my responsibility now.”
She went
away, opened the car door and entered. She narrated the conversation to him.
“What is the
matter with you?” He asked.
Her eyebrows
lifted upwards. They looked at each other straight in the eyes. “What?”
“I was
supposed to ask her the questions. It was my idea and I didn’t order you to do
that for me.”
“Order me?”
She asked and pointed at herself. “Why didn’t you solve the case without asking
for my help?”
“I didn’t
ask. I paid you! You sound like a greedy person!”
“Me? A
greedy person?”
“I didn’t
say you were, but you have just called yourself one.”
Her mouth
was widely opened. She couldn’t believe what he was saying to her. If he could
utter such in her presence, then he must have said worse things behind her
back. “I never wanted to come. My parents had to beg me to come here.”
“Oh please cut
the crap! The amount of money I offered made you to say yes! You don’t really
care about these women but yourself! You want your name in front of newspapers,
magazines… that’s who you are. You are a self-centered woman!”
Her head
wanted to explode and she was tempted to give him a blow on his mouth to
silence him from speaking further. She wasn’t an aggressive person but he
wanted to turn her into one. She penetrated a finger at him. “What do you take
me for? You should have investigated the case without calling for my help.”
“I am no
longer a detective!”
“It was your
choice to leave!”
“Leave the
car Kelvin.” Adebiyi said.
“No!” Tiwa
shouted. “You have already insulted me in front of your driver. He should
remain here.”
“I said
leave!”
Kelvin
rushed out. He obeyed and wanted to avoid the wrath of his boss.
“I didn’t
insult you,” he said. “I simply told you the truth!”
“You don’t
know me!”
“You also
don’t know me! Do not ever disrespect me again. Do as I say and both of us will
live in peace.”
“I never
wanted to live with you!”
The tension
between them was high. Being there alone in the car with Adebiyi made her body
temperature high. She felt as if he was overpowering her mind. Just a day spent
with him was too much and she had no idea when the investigation would be over.
His
heartbeat ran so fast, he thought he would have a heart attack. This woman
beside him was getting into his head. The women he dated would never talk back
at him the way she did. He regretted telling the driver to leave. He should
have stayed with them. She was close to him yet had a kind of hold on him and
alone together made his body warm. He didn’t want her to see him flare in fury.
She would hate him more. He quickly unlocked his door, came out and sighed. He
felt a bit relaxed away from her.
Tiwa
remained silent. She was relieved he left the car for her. What he said
penetrated into her thick skull. She wasn’t self-absorbed. She really cared
about those women and if he knew she refused the money, he would feel imprudent.
She was not here to impress anyone and telling him the truth won’t change the
way they felt about each other.
After few
minutes of neglecting one another, Tiwa lowered her window glass and said to
the driver. “Can you take me home?”
Adebiyi heard
and gave Kelvin a nod. “I will take a taxi home.”
“Yes sir.”
Tiwa stayed mute
on her way home. When Mimi and Donald saw her at the door leading to the living
room, they could see the huge frown on her face. She didn’t respond when they
greeted her. Mr. Popoola saw what happened, followed her and stopped Tiwa from
entering inside her room.
“What
happened to you Miss. Tiwa?”
“Nothing!”
“I didn’t
upset you so I don’t deserve such tone from you.”
She sighed.
“I’m sorry.”
“Adebiyi
Gold didn’t come home with you. Did both of you fight?”
She looked
at him with surprised eyes. “How did you know?”
He smiled.
“He is my best friend. I know him.”
“I wonder
how you cope with him. I can’t believe I actually said yes to live with such a
man.”
“He is a
good person.”
“Stop
supporting him because he is your friend.”
He smiled
again and begged her to follow him back to the living room. She accepted. It
was just the two of them. The chef had returned from the market to prepare
dinner. The housekeepers left to their rooms.
“Let me tell
you something you don’t know about the man you are working with.” Popoola said.
“Before telling you, do you know he is an orphan?”
Tiwa thought
what it must have felt like if she didn’t have her parents. She would be
devastated. She shrugged. “No.”
“They died
when he was in his second year in the university. Before they died, his dad was
doing financially okay until he lost his job. His mother opened a business with
her savings and became successful and that was the beginning of their trouble.”
“What
happened?”
“His mother
treated his father like a slave, like shit. Women are not the only victims in
an abusive relationship or marriage; some men also go through domestic
violence. She would curse and hit him whenever she liked. She treated him like
a piece of trash. Adebiyi would come to school helpless. Money changed his
mother.”
“So Adebiyi
feels successful women are ill-mannered, hypocrites and untrustworthy.”
“Exactly,”
Mr. Popoola said. “He is careful not to get very close to a woman so his heart
won’t be broken. He is afraid of commitment. He has that idea that all women on
planet earth is like his mother. I have tried to change that misconception but
I have been unable to do that.”
She stared
at him with a concerned expression. “How did his parents die?”
“He must not
know I told you. One day, his father informed his mother he wanted surprise
her, to take her out on her birthday. Ade wanted to join them in the vehicle
but he refused and said it was between him and his wife. They left, few minutes
later, someone called my friend that an accident had occurred and his parents
didn’t survive. Adebiyi knew what his father had done. It was not really an
accident.”
“Oh my God!!”
“I have seen
him cry twice. The first time, he came to school and talked about how his mom
was maltreating his father and the second time was at the burial. If you had
seen him that day, tears would flow from your eyes. I don’t think I will ever
see him in tears again. He is not in a committed relationship or has a close
family member to worry about.”
She was
tempted to ask how he became wealthy but pitied Adebiyi and wondered how he grieved
during the loss of his parents. “The story is tragic.”
They heard
the horn of a car, Donald rushed down and went to open the gate.
“I wonder
why Adebiyi Gold didn’t employ a gateman.” Tiwa said to Popoola.
He laughed.
“I have asked him to employ one but he refused. He does not trust anyone to
look after the gate. He said he was capable of doing it by himself.”
The two of
them saw Donald carrying a small travelling bag. A light skinned and beautiful
woman walked into the sitting room. Popoola recognized her and rose to meet
her.
“It’s been a
while Esther. How are you?”
“So good to
see you,” she said and glimpsed at Tiwa. “I travelled and I came back
yesterday.”
“Adebiyi is
not around.”
“I know. I
called him and he said I should come here and wait for him.”
“You can do
that in the other living room.”
She looked
at Tiwa again and back at him. “I prefer to stay in his room.”
“He has the key.”
He lied. Esther left them.
“Who is
she?” Tiwa asked him.
“One of
Adebiyi’s girlfriend. I thought they broke up two months ago. She believes she
is the only woman in his life.”
“I know he
went through a lot but that should not give him the right to play with women's
emotions. I can’t believe he invited her when he is supposed to focus on the
case.”
“He must
have invited her because of you.”
“Because of
me?”
“I think he
is not over the fight you had with him. He wants you to get angrier and think
he is no longer serious about the case anymore. My advice to you, ignore him.
In fact, show him how happy you are and try to get close to Esther.”
Tiwa smiled.
“I love your advice.”
******
Two hours
later, Adebiyi stepped out from the taxi and paid the driver. He went inside
his building, was leaving to his room, when Popoola blocked his way.
“What do you
think you are doing?” He asked Adebiyi. “How can you bring a woman during this
period? Don’t you have conscience anymore?”
“Whatever I
do is none of your business. Stay away from me.”
“We ate
dinner without you.”
“Better. I
don’t want to see Tiwa tonight. Where is Esther?”
“She’s in
your living room.”
“You didn’t
open my room for her?”
“No.”
“Why?” He
asked in an annoyed tone.
“I was not
in the mood for that. Respect yourself and allow her to sleep in the visitor’s
room. And it’s not as if you want to be with her. I thought both of you were no
longer lovers.”
“I changed
my mind when she called to inform me she was in town.”
Popoola
shook his head and gave way for him to pass. “Do whatever pleases you.”
Adebiyi
sauntered to meet Esther and what he saw sent shock-wave into his body.
Tiwa and Esther were drinking champagne
and laughing like two lost friends.
Esther saw
him. “Oh honey you are back.” She stood, went to meet him and moved to kiss him
on the lips. He gave her his cheek instead. It surprised her but didn’t say
anything and sat down. “Your cousin is so funny. I am really enjoying her
company!”
Tiwa gave a
side smile and peered at Adebiyi. “Welcome bro. Your girlfriend has been
waiting for you.”
“She is not
my girlfriend!” He yelled. He was furious to see two of them together.
“What did
you just say?” Esther asked in a dazed tone. She was very shocked.
“I will
advise you to leave,” he said. “My driver will drive you home or you will spend
the night in the visitor’s room. Choose one.”
“My love,
did I do anything wrong?”
“Choose
one!”
Tiwa dropped
her glass cup on the table, rose on her feet and faced Adebiyi. “You don’t have
to do this.”
“Mind your
damn business!!”
“Please help
me beg your cousin.” Esther said to Tiwa.
Those words
infuriated him. “Who told you she is my cousin?”
Tiwa widened
her eyes and blinked her eyes repeatedly to stop him from saying the truth.
Esther
looked at them dumbfounded. “What is he talking about?” She asked her and
looked at Adebiyi again. “Is she not your cousin?”
He moved
closer to Esther. “No. She is my new girlfriend.”
“What!! How
could you lie to me?”
“That’s a
lie!” Tiwa said in a stunned voice. “He is saying this because he wants you to
leave.”
“I thought we
could be friends. How could you lie to me?”
“I am not
his cousin and I am also not his girlfriend.”
“I can’t
believe this!” she said, carried her bag and walked out on them.
“Do you
still need my driver to take you home?” Adebiyi asked her.
“Go to hell.
I can drive by myself!!”They heard the door bang loudly.
“How could
you?” Tiwa asked him.
He didn’t
say a word, went to take the bottle and gulped the remaining wine. She hissed
and hiked to her room. He smiled broadly and whispered. “I won tonight.”
“But you
won’t win tomorrow.” Popoola said.
He turned to
face him. “Whatever. Tiwa wanted war; I simply gave it to her.”
******
To be
continued.
carina some mongolons pick my purse containing my atm card,my school ids,my passport,my voter's card,my Siwes program id card,my phone- new nokia torch handkerchief and some little change just this evening around 20 minutes to six, in front of onireke police station outside ojo barracks o. you can imagine
ReplyDelete#sad
oh my God! I'm so sorry!! I am just seeing this now. Don't even know what to say. I don't have your phone number again. I am very SORRY for what happened!
DeleteThis Adebiyi Gold sef. Getting more interesting and funny.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your things that were stolen@Vivian
Drama, drama and more drama I dare say.
ReplyDeleteLol!
This story be giving me great joy.
@Vivian sorry for your loss, God will replenish a thousand folds what you lost.
am still grateful for life.
ReplyDeletethank you carina.
Thank you dragon queen. Thank you pearly Tree.
I have successfully blocked my Atm card.
Although the criminal made three attempts to manufacture pin number.
I have pleaded with him to return my id cards but
he is still not responding to my calls or messages.
So sorry you were robbed. I hope he has a change of heart to return what belongs to you. If only he can be caught.
DeleteWaiting for the next episode. pls post early
ReplyDeleteWhere is the next episode o?
ReplyDeleteWaoooh I can smell some love in the air.
ReplyDeleteWelldone ckj