FLAMES OF VENGEANCE (Episode Five)

When I got home,  I didn't see Mama, Najma or Baba, so I headed straight to my room, it was very much the same as I had left it, only that the furnitures were covered with  clothes, Ladi got to cleaning right away, that’s the thing about Ladi  she always knows what to do, and she never asked questions nor made any suggestions, she would just do what she was expected to do. At times I find her boring but most times she’s more than useful.

I woke up to the smell of Gharoud, Baba’s signature perfume it was mixed with Mama’s AL Farakhti oud, I was wandering where I was then I remembered going home. The smell mixed together was not pleasant and I ran to the toilet and started puking. When I came out of the toilet, I met Baba’s stern face and Mama’s cultured expression.

‘You left your husband’s house without his permission.’ Baba bellowed.

‘Baa ba.’ I stuttered, I was surprise to see him, when I didn’t see him the night before I anticipated he was at Nana’s place since he alternated days, Mama usually got more days. Baba was angry, I needed to do something fast, Gharoud smell hit again and I ran to the toilet, this time I retched loudly so they would hear, I opened the tap as I examined my face in the mirror, the black eye Asad gave me was fading, but it’ll still do.

I went out and deliberately fell on the floor and shut my eyes. Baba ran to my side and tried lifting me up but he couldn’t. ‘Help me,’ he screamed at Mama. Together they struggled to put me on the bed, Baba dialed the doctor’s number and he came in no time. All the while I kept my eyes shut and my body limp.

He examined me,I  still kept up the pretense.

‘I’ll have to inject her with…..,,’ I couldn’t catch what he said next.

What was I hearing, I hated injections, oh my, I needed to stop pretending immediately. So I coughed and opened my eyes gradually.

‘She has come back.’Baba said relieved. I saw him looking at my black eye crucially.

‘The first trimester is very critical, so try to avoid accidents.’ Dr Abu said, as he picked up his stuff to leave.

Baba went to see Dr Abu off, obviously to ask the meaning of first trimester, I could see his blank expression when Dr Abu said that. Soon he was back.

‘How are you feeling?’

‘Better Baba.’ I said faintly.

‘Why did you leave, without permission?’ It was just his version of saying why did you run away, he had said that to Halima and Noora before.

I burst into tears, ‘Asad was beating me, I was afraid he’d kill me, I did not want to loose my baby.’ I sobbed. When I didn’t even know I was pregnant until Dr Abu told me.  My father got up and left, Mama left too. I was alone till Ladi came with breakfast.

I was looking outside the window when I saw Asad’s silver Cadillac making its way into our estate like compound, it was followed by a Lincoln navigator jeep, and I knew Asad had come with his father to resolve the issue, something they’d rather not do because of the negative publicity and above all it’ll crash Asad’s ego,  that he couldn’t rein in his wife. Baba too would be hurt that he didn’t train his daughter well else come what may, she would stay at her husband’s house.

I peeped into the key hole and watched the drama, Asad’s Father was inaudible but I heard Baba and Asad clearly, he was really bashed for beating up his pregnant wife though he tried to defend himself, his head hung low. Even his father was against him, it was just farce, for I could remember the countless times Baba beat mama mercilessly most times she would end up in the hospital. Asad’s father was not innocent either, his youngest wife had a scar on her forehead which is rumoured to have been given by him, how could they now reprimand another person for doing same thing.  Immediately after they Left Baba called me and mama to the study.

‘Raliyah didn’t you teach her the norms?’ He barked. Mama was silent, her face betraying no emotion.

‘Dont ever run away from your husband’s house again, and if you decide to , don’t you dare step foot in my house, unless with your husband. If you do so you and your mother will leave this house forever.’ He said furiously.

I was shell shocked, where is the love, or is it that his reputation was much more important, Mama was silent as usual, no words, no emotions to hint what she could be feeling inside. That evening Asad came to get me, we drove home in silence each buried in our own thoughts. But he changed drastically after that incident, he grew ruthless.

Time passed, I had my baby, a son whom Asad named after himself as Asad junior, we were happy, then some years on I had a set of twins two lovely girls, Shazia and Nazia then another son, Amir.

Asad’s perfect image was tainted by his temper which rose up fiercely like the ocean in storm, its waves hitting the rocks mercilessly and  sometimes he’d cool down and be so calm like clear skies, and the love in his eyes for me diminished gradually like an ember loosing its life and gradually turning to ash.

Our lives became what you would call “complicated”, many a times we’d be happy especially if I was expecting a baby, but more times I had to see Asad’s dark side for menial issues, like leaving the room in mess, or messing with Asad’s things. He could fire a worker because of dust, he was overly obsessed about cleanliness.

He grew very authoritative, his demands was that I obeyed him always, at first I refused to be subdued, but as time passed and Asad battery was becoming too much and I had nowhere to turn to I had no option but to bend to his will.

My only source of solace came from foreign trips, shopping and cruising in expensive cars, even at that there are times I’d feel something was missing, something I couldn’t place my hand on.

My friend Tanveer was throwing herself a birthday bash. Tanveer is one person you cant make a mistake around, she’d broadcast you, even CNN is not as fast as she was, whenever she was not there people referred to her as AL Jazeera. Also do not offend Tanveer else you would have to pay in ten folds what you did, no one escalates a matter in the way Tanveer does, and don’t ever dress lightly to a party organized by Tanveer, you just have to look your best. She is Al Jazeera after all.

Well I was dressing for Tanveer’s party, I wore a rose colored dress with a crazy slit, we’d dress any how to our parties, it was usually just us ladies. After dressing I realized my ruby ear ring was missing, I had no other option but that one, besides my ruby never goes missing it’s in the wardrobe, so I surfed through my things, I got careless and I must have strewn my clothes around the room. In my haste to make a grand entrance at Tanveer’s party with ears and necks shimmering with Ruby I forgot to tell Ladi to clean up the mess I did.

I came back home at around 12:30 am in the morning, I met Asad in our living room with a stern face, And I just knew something must go wrong tonight, timidly I walked inside, I had grown to fear Asad.

‘Stop there, what time is it.’ He asked cooly.

’12:30 am.’ I said glancing at my Chris aire watch.

‘Is it the time for a married woman to come back home, Is that what you were thought by your parents.’

‘Asad please you don’t have to bring my parents into this.’

‘Really, why shouldn’t I, tell me.’ He said getting up and advancing towards me, I moved back but soon I was backed up against the wall. He dragged me by my hand to the room, lo and behold my mess.

‘You know I cant tolerate such things, yet you still do it, is it to torture me he snarled.’ By then I was shaking with fear.

With force he hurled me down and I fell in the pile of my own clothes, I cursed him, he bent over and gave me a dirty slap, the force of the slap rammed my body against a stool or something, when I recovered from the shock, I got up and slapped him back, well that did it for I woke up in Nia the following day with Ladi by my side watching Africa magic.

I was in the OBGYN ward, I had a miscarriage. That was my first but not the last, as I have woken twice more to the same environment and the same story.

Now its time to change the script.

FLAMES OF VENGEANCE (Episode Four)

One evening, Asad and I went for dinner with his friends, I was pleased to see their startled expression when they saw me, my face had that effect on people, the men looked at me lustily and the women with great envy. I was used to it, getting all the attention. They talked on frivolous issues, whenever I felt what they were saying was out of place, I made them know perhaps not too subtlety because many hearts were broken, a girl named Sasha was all over my hair and face, I could see tension lines on Asad’s face as I tried avoiding her.

‘What’s the secret, you must tell me.’ She said over and over again.

‘There’s no secret.’ I said.

‘ there must be.’ She insisted.

‘Well its genetic.’ I said trying to put her off.

‘There must be some cream or enhancing vitamins.’ She said, waving her hands.

‘Why don’t you visit a drug store then.’ I said.

‘May be I might.’ She added dismissively, but I was not the person you dismissed, I always have the last word.

‘You know, no matter the amount of polish, a sow’s skin can never be turned to silk.’ I said with a sly smile.

‘What’s a sow?’ She asked, with a confused look.

‘A female pig.’

Her face turned to stone, I felt Asad’s grip tightened on my arm and when I looked at him his handsome face was contorted, and had about 36 shades of red. He excused us and we left.

While driving me home in his silver Cadillac, silence engulfed us, he concentrated so much on the steering wheel his knuckles were showing. When he got into the driveway, he turned off the ignition and looked at me.

‘Did you have to compare her to a pig.’ He asked.

‘Excuse me!.’I said truly surprised because I was not used to being questioned.

‘Did you have to be so rude to them.’

I was stunned beyond words that Asad was talking to me like that, I just stared.

‘Well they had it coming.’ I finally said, turning away from his piercing gaze.

‘And the lady, she asked for it and what I told her was the truth.’

Asad sighed got out of the car walked over around and opened the door for me, he accompanied me the door said good night and left like everything was alright.

Since Asad and I began dating, he’d send me a good morning text and a prayer reminder then later he’d call around 12pm when I was fully awake. But since the the day of the incident, he had neither called nor texted, and I was getting anxious, I’d gaze at my phone expectantly, but he never called.

After 2 days my phone rang, it was him but of course I didn’t pick until after a hundred missed calls, he gave up and sent a text instead, still I didn’t reply, he sent many more asking what he did. Later that night he came over, with artificial flowers and an apology note.

After some days our wedding was fixed, Mama traveled to Germany, UK and US to shop for herself for my wedding.

Sarah and Nadia my friend accompanied me to Dubai, UK, France and South Africa to shop.

Soon the day arrived and I had already done my body cleansing, waxing and every possible treatment,  my mother invited “Dillaliya” a lady that was to teach me many ways to please a man that he would make him lose his mind. Indeed it was like a private tutoring, she said and demonstrated such obscene things I was terrified. she gave me substances and instructions on how to use them. I wondered why I had to use it, I was beautiful, educated and very sensual. My gaze alone can send any man into reverie.

After the makeover my hands and feet were decorated with henna. My things and the things I bought were moved from Baba’s 30 Bedroom, 3 storey mansion in Maitama to Asad’s 10 bedroom duplex in Jabi. Mama complained that it was too small, it was ironical as Mama herself must have lived in cramped flat before getting married to Baba.

‘Only ten rooms, where will the workers stay, we are sending her with 10 servants.’ She said to Asad when she went for inspection together with me.

‘There is a servant’s quarters downstairs.’ He answered.

What about when you have kids.’ She asked again.

‘We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.’ Asad said icily. She kept on criticizing everything from the kitchen cabinet to the Jacuzzi even the window panes.

Soon the day arrived and Asad and I got married gallantly in the city of Abuja, it was an extravagant and lavish wedding, Asad paid a dowry of 2 million cash on my head and gold and diamond worth over 5 million was also given. Baba cried when I was leaving, it was so emotional I had to cry too, I received many hugs as I entered the limousine that conveyed me, my train and lots of my Family members to Nnamdi Azikiwe airport, where a chartered plane took us to kano Asad’s hometown. There more festivities followed. We were splashed on the cover of every magazine and featured on many news and entertainment channels.

Nadia was my maid of honor, am rest assured she made a fortune as weeks later she bought a car.

After the wedding Asad and I left for our honeymoon, I took ladi with me, we visited 5 countries UK, US, India, Japan I read a book on Kyoto in Japan so I added it to our list. And finally we ended up in Dubai, Baba had booked a 2 night stay in Burj al Arab the only seven star hotel in the world on its own man made island.On this trip I fell in love with Asad all over again.

After 6 six weeks we returned back to Nigeria, Asad resumed work immediately and I was left alone in the house, the servants stayed their quaters. for the first time I noticed how big the house was in contrast to what Mama said.  I walked into As ad’s walking closet, it was a marvelous sight, it was color and design sensitive, shirts with strips were on a roll different from plain ones, colors started from dull to bright, his shoes were aranged in a manner I was left guessing. I checked out his book shelf, it was marvelous, I was stunned to see it in DDS only, I have that only in libraries. later Asad added my books and a rack for my magazine collections. I roamed around the house  and noticed a left wing, we hadn’t explored that area with mama. I called one of the maids I met there and she told me no ever uses there.

My life comprised of attending parties or throwing them, dressing up and following dillaliya’s advice both day and night, I avoided the substances though but her tricks worked magic even with a newbie like me.

Most times I left the room scattered and Asad would arrange it, he’d warn me severally to stop messing things up, but I took no correction, I always relied on ladi for my personal chores.

Asad was super romantic despite my shortcomings, he brought home artificial flowers, perfumes, sexy lingerie and occasionally jewelry, but it never occurred to me to give a return gift. Once Asad bought me a set of emerald jewelry. The emeralds were so small compared to the one Baba gifted me. So I said.

‘The design is beautiful.’ He smiled and came to help me fasten it on my neck.
‘But the stones are so tiny you’ve to squint your eyes to see them.’
His hands paused, then continued to fasten. He gave no compliments that day.

My love for Asad grew more every time I saw him, he was just so handsome, courteous and loving, what ever I wanted Asad gave. I never knew he had violence in him until I had a tiff with his sister.

Sanam is Asad’s step sister, but he adored her very much and the feeling was mutual. When she returned from Cepu from studying medicine as a full fledged doctor her beloved brother was the one she wanted to share her happiness with, that resulted in her coming to stay at our place, I didn’t have a problem with that, I actually felt lonely most times.
As far as Sanam stayed in her room and didn’t come to me everything will be alright, but she kept troubling me, I didn’t know how to tolerate insolence.

Sanam worked, that was a bit strange to me as no lady in my family worked, we were all educated but never worked, the men in our family worked.
I was going to attend my friend Aliyah’s welcome party, I saw Sanam taking pictures posing on my Ferrari, I could not believe what my eyes were seeing.
‘What are you doing?’ I asked furiously.
‘Taking pictures.’ She said honestly.
‘Do you want to scratch my car.’

I was crazy, ‘don’t ever do that again, is that what you were taught in your in your med school, to sit on Ferrari’s you don’t own take pictures.’I hissed got into my car, and drove off.
That night Asad asked why I insulted his sister because of a car,
‘It’s not just a car, its a Ferrari.’ I said.
‘why are you so uptight, why are you so arrogant?’ He asked looking at me with disgust.
‘And why are you a freakish fag, always cleaning, are you gay?’ I said back looking back at him with contempt.

He slapped me hard, his fingers made a mark on my face, he tried leaving the room to sleep elsewhere.

But I grabbed at him an called him names for slapping me, he got angry and gave me a good bashing.

That night when he left the room, I called Ladi to pack my things and i left for my fathers house.

Thanks for Reading... Episode Five coming soon

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FLAMES OF VENGEANCE (Episode Three)

September 2000
Masi came to my room holding a package.

‘Hajiya said you should wear this and come to Baba’s study.’ She said.

‘What is it?’

‘I don’t know aunty.’

‘Go.’ I said.

I opened the package, it contained a black Habaya with swarovski crystals encrusted on it, I wondered why I was being summoned, I wore it and went.

On getting there Mama was there, already dressed in a similar attire, she asked her hair stylist to arrange the veil on my head so that bangs will show.

A seasoned photographer arranged us on stools and sofas and we took pictures, I was the only one called for the shoot from all of Baba’s kids.

I later learnt we were shooting for a magazine that named Baba as the richest man in the north, me and my mother were the only ones my father chose to be featured along with him.

Abhas my brother returned from the UK almost a week later, Noora must have informed him about the selective photo shoot because he acted somehow towards me and was very affectionate towards Noora, he came back with news to get married but the news was not taken lightly, his wife was not from a rich background, that bothered Baba much because he was lover of class and beautiful things, Abhas was adamant, being a man he got his way. We all thought his wife must be beautiful, we were wrong she turned out to be ugly as well as poor, that was a blow to my father’s image.

Baba was stinking rich, his businesses varied from small scale to big scale, modern as well as local.  He had factories, filling stations, residential estates, hotels, shops, malls as well as farms and herds of cattle which a fulani man looked after.

His father was moderately rich, after his demise his properties was distributed among his children, my father worked hard to multiply his share to build an empire.

His success made him accepted in the high class society, the Emir offered him one of his daughters to marry thus he was accepted into royalty after his marriage to Nana, she gave him 3 sons and 2 daughters.

While attending a friend’s wedding he met this ravishing beauty by the name Raliyah, though she was already betrothed to another Baba’s money helped him get her as his wife. That ravishing beauty is my mother, she conceived 13 times had 8 children and lost one.

Abhas is Mama’s firstborn child, then she miscarried twice,  had Halima, Sarah another miscarriage, then came Noorah myself, Aliyu, Adnan and Nazma she had 2 more miscarriages she  then decided to tie her tubes.

My siblings except for Adnan were all fair like mama, Adnan was dark as well as very handsome, of all my sisters Sarah was the most beautiful, followed by Halima then Najma Noora was the last.

Mama is shuwa, a tribe of beautiful women in northern Nigeria, she had a nose that looked like an over enthusiastic plastic surgeon worked on it, her skin was very white and flawless, her natural hair was very long, she had almond shaped eyes and naturally pouting lips which seemed to be pink in nature. In short she was very beautiful and I looked exactly like her, just that I was 17 years younger.

Our outstanding beauty made us Baba’s favorite, that was why only us were featured in the magazine article with him, he had a portrait of Mama and I in his bed chambers as well as the hall and the palour where he received his guests. I was always the one Baba called to introduce to his guests, the one who followed him out, I was named after his mother, though he gave me a fancy name “Shehnaz” meaning a musical note, I was often called Ladidi as his mother was called.

The attention I got from Baba made my siblings jealous of me especially Noora, she never hide her disdain towards me. When Abhas wanted to marry an ugly girl by the Nafisa to taint Baba’s image only her supported him, though Sarah did too but was not as open as Noora, Najma was young else she would have supported wholeheartedly.

We didn’t know Nana’s children, we lived separately and attended different schools we only met at occasions, We had our primary education in Nigeria then secondary and tertiary either in America or Europe, as a result we all had foreign accents, Sarah, Abhas and Adnan attended schools only in the US, Noora, Najma and  Aliyu attended schools only in Uk the rest of us alternated.

Marriages excluding Abhas and Nazma’s were all arranged and conducted by Baba, Halima married at age of 18 before the completion of her tertiary education to a serving senator, her marriage was not successful, her husband had two other wives, he was very violent and that resulted to many hospital visits, he was very powerful, therefore no one dared to raise a voice not even when Halima complained bitterly, she died from childbirth complications, her death was a blow, we all broke down.

Sarah was next, she married a serving minister at 20 after graduating from Stanford with a degree in economics, she was very practical and could not be easily intimidated, she met 2 other wives, who her husband sent packing at short intervals after sarah’s arrival.

Noorah married a powerful general, he had only one wife before, she and Noora never saw eye to eye, she also graduated before marriage with a degree in Home sciences from Cambridge.

I had my high shool in Cambell Harris in london then university in Harvad, I graduated with firts class honors in computer engineering, networking and cyber security.

Baba was proud of me, his best child was not just beautiful but intelligent as well, I topped in my class, a party was organized for my success. And Baba gifted a red ferrari 575M Maranello.

Aliyu and Adnan were both studying medicine in Uk nd US respectively.

June 2003

That was when Baba chose my husband, but it was the best thing he ever did, his business partner’s ambitious son, Asad.

Almost six feet tall, fair, muscular he was every girl’s dream man, physically Asad was perfect, he had MBA from Yale he ran his father’s company which made it rival Baba’s own, but Baba was still richer. The alliance was fixed without me or Asad’s consent but since we were of the new generation  Asad expressed his thought of meeting me.

Mama came to my room herself to tell me get ready the following day as Asad would be taking me out. My jaws dropped later I called sarah to tell her.

‘Mhhh we never had such treatment, any way you are Baba’s princess.’ we talked some more and I hung up. Next I called my friend Nadia she was happy for me.

The following day both Nadia and Sarah came to help me, I had over a hundred dresses I have’nt worn yet but still I didn’t know which one to wear, Mama’s make up artist came to my rescue, after what seemed like a battle I emerged in a beautiful red and black maxi gown, the red color blended into the black at the end.

With my silver head scarf and black bolero I looked very modest, yet stunningly sexy, the dress flattered my figure so much I looked like an hour glass. My reflection in the mirror pleased me so much I was rest assured this Asad am about to meet will definitely fall in love with me as soon as he set his eyes upon me.

True to my thoughts Asad lost his heart as soon as he set his eyes upon me, He was drinking from a wine glass when I entered, my powerful perfume must have drawn his attention which made him look straight at me, he gazed so hard his wine glass fell off his hand, that gave me so much pleasure. I walked up to him, but he greeted me first, I answered but did not lower my gaze as a good girl should. I called Masi to come clean up the mess, he seemed really happy about that.

After talking for a while, he took Mama’s permission to take me out, she readily agreed, for the first time one her daughters would be someone’s first wife.

Am an avid lover of cars, I was very impressed when we walked over to his silver Cadillac XLR, I looked with admiration as he opened the door for me.

‘Nice car.’ I said, I could clearly see the pride on his face, as we drove off.

‘So you like sport cars’ he said, thought ladies only liked big cars.

‘Not all ladies.’ I replied. We talked about cars for the rest of the evening, we were both happy to have something in common. He was very romantic and attentive during our outing.

When I got home, Nadia and Sarah were ready to bombard me with questions of how it went. I didnt hold back I told them every little detail.

We went on many more dates, he didn’t have to take permission any more, one day I decided it was time to show him, what was better than his Cadillac XLR so I asked if I could drive us in my car.

Asad’s jaw dropped at the sight of my red ferrari 575M Maranello

‘This is a ferrari’ he said slowly.

‘Yep 575M Maranello’ I said proudly.

‘Didn’t know they were on the road in Nigeria.’

‘They aren’t, just this one, daddy bought and got it shipped to me as a gift for topping my class in Harvard’. I said as a matter of fact.

‘Well nice ride you’ve got here.’

I caressed the streamlining of the car as I told him about it.

‘ Its assembled in maranello, designed by Lorenzo Ramciotti, it has FR layout and a 5.7L tippo F133E V12 engine also with a 6-speed ‘F1’ electro hydraulic transmission.

When I was done I saw a shadow in his eyes, the kind that interpreted defeat, he had been over the moon for is ordinary cadillac XLR, well Cadillac XLR isn’t so ordinary, it’s an extremely expensive car, just that my ferrari 575M Maranello was much more expensive.

‘Wanna drive.’ I asked waving the key (a remote censored key) at him. Normally no man would like to miss the opportunity to drive such a car, but Asad’s pride denied him.

‘No,’ he said, ‘why don’t you do me the honors.’ He said, and off we went with me speeding beyond limit, I love driving especially sport cars.

Coming back I persuaded Asad to drive, which he did, he couldn’t stop praising the chasis of the car and I couldn’t help contributing, after all it was my car. How do you know so much about cars, never seen a northern girl crazed about sports cars, its rather jewelry or designer clothing.’ Asad had said

‘I love those too, but nothing compares to my passion for cars.’

by the end of the day, I could see the look on Asad’s face, the downward look people had after spending time with me, I always let them know who the boss was,who was in control and who would call the shots, it gave me satisfaction to thwart people that way, letting them believe they were on top and making their ego crash down like a house of cards.

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FLAMES OF VENGEANCE (Episode Two)

I looked around, I was in Nia hospital, the closest to my house also one of the best in Abuja with exclusive IVF facilities and renowned gynecologists, I have been here before, perhaps not this room but they were identical. Ladi my maid was sitting on the sofa watching the movie that was showing, I tried saying something but my voice was weak, Ladi heard me all the same, she quickly came to my side.

‘What happened?’ I asked in hausa the only language Ladi seemed to understand.

‘We’re in the hospital’. She said fiddling with her fingers, I could tell she was nervous.

‘I know where we are, I am asking why am here.’ I said.

Just then the door clicked and saved Ladi, Nafisa my sister in law came in, she was not so good looking, I often wondered how my brother fell for her, in fact I was rest assured she used love potion, I never let her forget how ugly she was or how she didn’t deserve my brother. she sat by my bedside and she smiled.

‘How are you feeling?’ She asked.

‘Horrible, what happened?’ I asked again.

‘You fell’

I fell, when? I thought, then the events of that night came back, I was filled with rage but could express my anger, I was weak.

‘Nafisa did I?,  I was afraid to finish the sentence.

‘Yes’ she said caressing my hair. ‘But dont worry doctor says you’ll be alright soon.’

Tears came to my eyes, not again I thought why!, why!, why! did this always have to happen.’ I wailed, my head was now resting on Nafisa’s lap, her wrapper was soaking my tears as they fell. The door clicked again, I heard heels click on the marble floor and I knew my family had come to offer their fake condolences.

‘Sannu Hajiya.’ Both Nafisa and Ladi said together, Nafisa was already getting up, I knew my mother was around, I could smell her signature perfume, she sat where Nafisa had sat and hugged me, I knew she felt my pain, she has gone through it before, five good times, she knows that the pain deviates from the pain of loosing to hatred towards people we had to live with, the ones who inflicted the pain on us.

‘It’s ok, don’t cry anymore, it’ll be alright.’ She said patting my back, at such times I could feel her love for me.

Sarah my eldest sister came to my side she offered her condolences, patted my thighs and went to sit, Noora My immediate elder sister was  present but said nothing, Najma the youngest of all of us was also present, she sat at my feet, she said nothing but pressed my feet and gave me a warm smile. They stayed for sometime then  Noora said she had to pick her son from school, it was a blatant lie, because she has never visited their school before.

They all left, even though only Noora had to pick her son from school, the clicking of their designer heels making a rhythmic sound that made me sick to the pit of my stomach.

Asad came in next, he looked dashing as ever, but I all I wanted was to shove shit on his face, he asked after my health stayed for a while, made a lame excuse and left, I was then left with Nafisa and Ladi.

I had lost yet another pregnancy, this was my third miscarriage, I didn’t want to be like Mama and Sarah who had miscarriages 5 times, it was always caused by our husbands when they got angry.

I looked at Nafisa, she was ugly also from a poor family yet her husband adored her, he has never laid a finger on her, she had the most perfect marriage, and I wondered how she did it, here I was beautiful, rich, gave birth to sons, yet my husband treated as a punching bag.

My life was a mess, I didn’t understand my family, my husband was a like stranger and we got distant from each other by day.

The cat was out of the bag, it was no longer a speculation, Asad was having an affair, I will soon be the new laughing stock. ‘Upon all her beauty, her husband is running after another girl, it serves her right.’ My enemies will say.

Asad has to pay, yes he must pay for ruining my life, polygamy was accepted in our religion but I was not ready to accept it. I thought of many ways to make Asad pay for his deeds, I was burning with the flames of vengeance, then it came to my mind just what to do to make Asad pay.

******

Dr zaks walked in casually, he happens to be the very successful owner, and CEO of Nia hospital, a Rolex was glimmering on his wrist, I could tell the shirt under his lab caot was a Pierre Cardin from the logo.

‘How are we today Hajiya Shehnaz?’ He asked.

‘Not fine, but fine enough to leave this place.’ I said jokingly, we happen to be friends, he was our family doctor.

‘Hope we haven’t offended you.’ He said flashing a smile.

‘Not at all.’

He checked on my pulse, blood pressure and other things and asked questions but I was not prepared for the last question that hit me.

‘Hajiya , how did you obtain this fall?’ He asked with concern on his face.

‘I really cant’ cant remember.’ I stammered.

‘Well you have to be careful, because you also had a rib fracture, that’s why you’ve stayed this long, I will be discharging you tomorrow.’ He said smilingly, ‘please try to stay safe.’ This time his face serious.

As he was leaving the room, my hatred for Asad was multiplying, he was responsible for this.

I closed my eyes and I went to a time, a time before I met Asad, a time when the world revolved around me and me alone.

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FLAMES OF VENGEANCE (Episode One)

Flames of Vengeance

I woke up with a start, as light filled the room  and hurt my eyes, the television was on but I could not make what it was showing or saying, I wasn’t sure where I was, but I started gaining my senses back, I was in our large living room, I had slept off watching Zee TV, the channel that has caught my fancy lately.  ‘What are you doing here, cant you watch this thing in your room?’ Asad’s voice brought me out of my half sleep state, I looked up, and glanced at the ornate wall clock, it was 1 am in the morning.  ‘Change it to Al Jazeera.’ Asad commanded. I fumbled around on our plush sofa looking for the remote control, I found it under the seat, I was cautious while lifting it to retrieve it as I could feel Asad’s eyes on my every move, I changed it, a young woman in fancy red suit was talking. 

I didn’t want to watch Al Jazeera, in fact I didn’t want to watch anything, I wanted to sleep, but I shared the same room with Asad, I was not in a mood to stay in the the same room with him, he would irritate the life out of me, so I would wait for him to be done before going to bed, if only I was already asleep, I wouldn’t have to witness his disgusting drama.  Asad headed for the bed room, he had asked me to change the channel, and he wasn’t even going to watch, I hissed under my breath. I watched him take measured steps towards the room, he was a very meticulous human being, he did everything perfectly and expected so from others, not a pin should be out of place. 

I waited until I was sure he was out of sight, and changed the channel back to Zee tv, they were repeating the shows, I just switched off the TV.  I walked over to our magazine rack, which was beside the bookshelf which had so many books from different class. Asad is very passionate about business and that reflected in his choice of books, I am a versatile reader, that resulted in books from many fields including medicine on the shelf, Asad had them all arranged in Dewey decimal classification. The shelf had another use,for display for our guests. 

I pulled out an Indian magazine from the rack, it had Katrina Kaif on it’s cover looking anorexic, I could swear they shrunk her to size zero. I flipped through it. After a while I could not grab anything, I was feeling very sleepy, I glanced at the clock, it was 1:30 am, so I anticipated Asad might have finished his sickness in the room, I switched off the light and headed to the room.  Asad was still arranging things, I said nothing to him neither did he to me, I climbed carefully on our extremely large ornamental bed with a metre high head board and shorter post at each border, with intricate arabian design studded with stones. I tried not to ruffle Asad’s side. 

He was still putting things in their place, Asad is the neatest person I have met in my entire life, he kept his shoes aligned when he pulled them from his feet, everything was aligned. I sank to the comfort and richness of the pure satin bedsheets imported from Spain. I watched as Asad carried and placed things, it was annoying, I could not believe I was once madly in love with this man, my whole life till date I had always been the center of attention. I could not believe he didn’t notice my scandalously cut silk nightie, or the very expensive arabian midnight oud perfume I wore which filled the air. It was as if I had gone extinct, he didnt talk to me nor look at me anymore. 

I felt vibration near my feet, I sat up to check, it was Asad’s phone, it was locked with a password, if I wanted I could hack it, but Asad didn’t know that. The problem with smart phones was being too smart for their own good, the message displayed across the screen, it read “missing you already”with a stupid heart by the side, it was sent by a “Leila”.  

Just then I saw Asad looking at me holding his phone from the mirror, he is the most vain man I have ever seen, always looking himself over in the mirror, even before coming to bed with a wife that knew him intimately, and cared less whether he came to bed or not.  ‘Who is Leila?’ I asked.  ‘Give me the phone Ladidi.’ Asad said facing me.  ‘Who is Leila?’ I repeated, waving the phone, I got up ruffling the bed in the process, at that moment I didn’t care. If Asad was ignoring me and my needs for some bitch, I needed to know who the filth she was, I threw his blackberry Porsche with all my strength at the mirror and it broke to a thousand pieces.  

Asad turned and looked at the broken mirror then me, without warning he landed me resounding slap that gave rise to long humming sound in my ears, I held my cheecks, he slapped me not because I destroyed things but because I dirtied the room, I knew because I have been married to him for ten long years.  He tried walking over the glass to find another haven to sleep, but I wasn’t done, I jumped at him and held his shirt.  ‘How dare you raise your filthy hands on.’ 

I said pulling him, I saw a look of horror on his face, it was not for me calling him filthy but for pulling at his pyjamas that he spent time smoothening on his body infront of the mirror, he shoved me so hard, I landed against one of the pillars of the bed, I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen, I screamed as hot fluid came between my legs and black.  

I woke up to a familiar yet distant surrounding, biege walls, water dispenser I could swear I’ve seen before. My gaze fell on the medium size LCD TV, it was on africa magic.


Thanks for reading Flames of Vengeance Episode One

Author - Amina Idris 

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TWICE BITTEN (Episode Nine) Last Episode

I was still deep in thought when I felt a hand on my knee. I had almost forgotten I was in Daniel’s office. I opened my eyes and found him staring at me intently. I swallowed a sigh. The poor guy deserves an explanation after this little drama that just unfolded here. And if I am intent on refusing him, it’s only fair he knows why.

“Are you okay?” he squeezed my knee. I could see the concern in his eyes.

“How much of that did you catch?”

He smiled. “Not much.”

“I guess it’s time you hear the whole story.” I said, ready to spill my guts. I’m not sure what I want out of this, but I don’t want to think of it too much, so my hopes will not be dashed. I’d rather curb my expectations than be disappointed when those expectations are not met.

“I’m listening.” He said, and my heart skipped a beat.

“Would you like something? A drink perhaps?” Daniel asked before I could start my lengthy story.

“Yes, please.” My throat had gone dry, probably from tension.

He stood up beside me and went to the fridge tucked into the corner of the room. “What would you like? There is Coke, Fanta, and Maltina. And water too.”

“Water is fine, thank you.”

I watched him as he retrieved a bottle of water and two glasses from the tray on the fridge. He came back to where I was seated, poured the water into the glasses and offered me one.

“Thank you.” I said solemnly, my mind on how polite and courteous he was.

“My pleasure.” He smiled, took a sip of his water, and settled back in his chair, watching me closely.

“Oh my! I forgot you have to be somewhere.” I suddenly remembered the mini celebration party he organized for his staff.

He just smiled and waved it away. “I’ll catch them later.”

Well, I guess I wasn’t going to get off that easy. “Okay then.” I sat back too, nervous now that he was watching me with absolute concentration on his face. I wringed my hands together on my laps. “I don’t know where to start from.” I said, not daring to look in his eyes.

“I’m sure it’s not that bad, Ella. Start from wherever you’re comfortable with.”

That was the wrong thing to say. His words did not calm me like he intended, they only made me tenser. Of course, it was very bad. Better to just start. This night can only end one way anyway, no need to window dress anything.

“I have been married twice.” I started.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the hand lying casually on his thigh clench. I ignored it, and plunged ahead. I couldn’t look at his face. If I do, I won’t be able to continue.

“Both marriages did not work out. The first time, I married very young. We knew each other quite well, but both of us were not prepared for marriage. We didn’t know what we were doing, much less how to go about it. When the situation became so bad, we had to part ways.

“Few years later, I met another man. We worked together and one thing led to another. We dated for a few years, I was reluctant to commit to anyone at this point, but he hammered at my defenses until I agreed to marry him. We were okay for a while, until I got a job somewhere else, then the insecurities, jealousies, physical and emotional battery started.

“He hit me at the slightest provocations. I developed a repertoire of lies which I tell my friends and family. It became quite embarrassing for me. The last time he beat me to a pulp and I was hospitalized for many weeks, which was when I decided to quit the relationship. I was not ready to die because of any man’s emotional imbalance.”

I did not realize Daniel held my hand, and I did not realize I was crying until he offered me a handkerchief. I took it and dabbed at my tears. “Thank you.” I murmured.

“After I made that decision, I spoke to my family about it.” I continued my story. “My family was not very sympathetic. My father expressly forbade it, and mother told me to deal with it, as marriage comes with different challenges. My sister understood, but she advised going for counseling instead of quitting totally. I didn’t listen to any of them, perhaps I should have, but at that point I was barely healed from his last battery, and I simply couldn’t take it anymore. I filed for divorce.

“All through the process, my family didn’t speak with me. When the divorce was final, I decided to have a change of environment; there was nothing there for me anymore. So, I came to Lagos, and I am attempting to put my life back together, and then you come along, threatening to topple the wall I carefully built around my heart. I don’t think I am ready to risk it all again.”

He released my hand and sat back as before, staring off into space. What I would give to be able to read his mind at that moment. The annoying part of it all is I don’t know how I want him to react. My feelings are all jumbled up, and my heart is so scared and confused.

He remained like that for a few moments more, before he finally turned to me and I was shocked by the anger in his eyes. His eyes blazed with intense emotions, and I was momentarily trapped in them.

He took my hand again and squeezed it so hard, I almost yelped. “That was a very sad story, Ella. I’m sorry you had to go through all that. The first one was understandable, you were both young and wanted different things out of life, but the second……” his lips tightened and he released my hands abruptly, stood up, and started pacing.

He looked at me again. “I’m sorry, I just find it hard to control my anger when I hear of a man hitting a woman. In my opinion, it is the lowest, vilest of men that will raise his hands on a woman, no matter the provocation.”

I just kept staring at him, speechless. He finally walked off the anger and then came back to sit beside me. He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and sighed deeply. Suddenly, he sat up and gripped my hands in his. He looked into my eyes, and I knew this was a profound moment for him.

“Ella, I’m going to treat you so right, you will forget that any man ever hurt you. That I promise.” He said fiercely, and pulled me into a hug.

God help me, I believed him. I totally believed him.

I removed myself from his arms to give some distance between us and stared into his face. “That remains to be seen, Daniel. Remember, I’ve been through this before and it is easy to make promises, but it’s not so easy to keep them.”

Although, I believed him in my heart, my head still needed a lot of convincing. The saying ‘once bitten, twice shy’ is very apt. I’ve been bitten by the love bug twice, and both times, it didn’t turn out so well, I needed more than just words to make a commitment to this man.

He sat back and studied me. I could see different emotions play over his face. There was anger, there was hurt, and finally I thought I saw understanding. I couldn’t just take his passionate promises at face value, could I? After all, guys will promise almost anything when they want a woman.

He stared at me for several minutes until I averted my gaze. I stood up and walked to the balcony he just vacated, leaned on the railing and stared at the bustling city of Lagos. Thousands of people went about their daily businesses, living and loving, that is the whole meaning of life after all. Here I am, trying to live and love too; and the cycle just continues.

I felt Daniel beside me before I saw him. I didn’t turn to him though. I couldn’t look in his face, I know looking at him would only weaken my resolve, and then where would I be?

“This is some view you have here.”

“Yes, it is, and I worked so hard for it.” He touched my arm and turned me to face him. “Ella, I’m very tenacious and I always go for what I want. I want you in my life, and I can tell you I’ve never worked this hard to get a woman. But that’s the issue with you, isn’t it? You’re not just any woman. From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one for me, despite your tardiness and snippy attitude.” He smiled at that.

“I can only promise you I’ll work hard to make this relationship work, but then you have to be willing to work for it too. I’m not going to allow you bail on me when the going gets tough.”

That got my back up. “I don’t bail for the sake of bailing, Daniel.” I snapped.

He just kept looking at me. Finally, he smiled. “I’m sure you came to that conclusion a long time ago.”

“Oh, you’re right.” I threw my hands up in surrender. “I know I tend to run when the going gets tough, but I’ve grown a lot recently, and I’ve been able to work on my shortcomings.”

“Ella, I’m not looking for a perfect woman, far from it. I know you’re not perfect and neither am I. This will only work if we both decide to give our very best and work hard to keep us together. I’m ready to go ahead if you are.”

I shrugged. “I’m still scared.”

“That is the risk you have to take, babe. I’m taking a risk here too. I will never know if you’ll wake up tomorrow, decide I’m too much to handle and leave me high and dry with a broken heart; but darling, I love you enough to try.” He hooked a hand at the back of my neck and used it to draw me closer to him. Then, he planted a soft kiss on my lips.

I sighed. “You dived into my heart so suddenly, Daniel. I wish I saw it coming, I would have guided my heart against you.”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m a bulldozer.”

I laughed. He could always make me laugh. “Yeah, right. It was Boyd that really convinced me. That sexy car is a real deal binder.”

“We aim to please, ma’am.” He gave a mock bow, straightened and opened his arms to me.

I walked into his arms eagerly, knowing it was way more than just hugging, that was me trusting him with my heart, hoping he would keep it safe, and that was me willing to take his heart, praying I will hold it dear, and it was also both of us trusting each other with our priciest possession, willing to explore happiness together.

“I love you.” He whispered in my ears.

“I love you.” I whispered back, closed my eyes and said a silent prayer, praying that this time, it would work.

THE END

Thanks for reading "TWICE BITTEN" Hope you enjoyed it, 

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TWICE BITTEN (Episode Eight)

The ‘wall of fame’ I suggested to Daniel during my pitch was the first thing up. I got a carpenter to build a beautiful wall hanging which we could decorate with pictures and artworks depicting the company’s efforts over the years. The victories and awards were put up, the many buildings that have passed through the company, and every other milestone they reached which was worthwhile.

By the time we were done with that, we moved on to the wall hangings. I got a beautiful chandelier to show off the beauty of the reception, and some lovely fabric I can drape on the wall. When the chandelier was up, the paintings and artworks hung, and the fabrics draped artfully, the final picture came out really beautiful.

Close of the day came sooner than I expected. Being hard at work, I didn’t know the time was so far spent. I packed up my stuff, paid my workers their daily wage, and prepared to go home for a well-deserved rest.

As I stepped out of the front entrance, I heard someone call my name. It was Udi, Daniel’s secretary.

“Ella, wait.”

“What’s up, Udi?”

“Daniel said I should send you up on my way out. Thank God I caught you before you left.”

“He said I should come up? What for?”

“I don’t know.” she shrugged. “I’m headed out to the karaoke bar. I’ll see you there, right?”

I looked at her bright eyes. It’s obvious she’s excited about the outing. “I don’t think so. I’m so tired, I just want to get home and crash.”

“Okay. You’ve been working very hard all day. Lovely job at the reception.”

“Thanks. Let me see what Daniel wants.”

“Okay. Catch you later.”

I went back into the building once more and traced my way back to the elevator. I pressed the number of his office floor, and got into the car. It moved up smoothly and I was in front of his office few seconds later. I knocked and entered.

He was seated on the settee, watching me as I came into the room. His eyes on me as I walked towards him.

“You sent for me?” he was too relaxed for my peace of mind.

“Yes, Ella. Please have a seat.”

I sat and looked at him, waiting for him to tell me why he needed to see me.

“You were going to sneak away?”

“Sneak away? Why would I do that?”

“You forgot our deal?”

I looked at him, trying to figure out what he was talking about. I was so tired, I couldn’t think straight. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Daniel.” I frowned.

“You’ve been working too hard.” He stared at me closely.

I shrugged. “I just need a few hours of rest.”

He nodded. “Would you like to take something? A drink?”

“No, I’m fine. I just want to go home. What were you talking about just now?”

“Our plans to celebrate this beautiful office at the karaoke bar?”

“Oh, that.”

“Yes, that.” He laughed. “I can see you’re not up for it though. You look too worn out for a party.”

“I actually thought you were talking of something else. Udi told me she was headed there when I saw her outside.”

“Yeah. I’ll catch up with them later.”

“I’m sorry I can’t go with you all. I’m not fit company for anyone tonight.”

“No, you’re not.” He laughed. “It’s okay though, there’s always a next time.”

I smiled. “Sure.”

“Can I drop you off?”

“No, I came with my car.”

He looked at me, nodded, and shifted forward in his seat. He took both my hands between his before I knew what he wanted to do. He squeezed my hands.

“Ella, I’m trying so hard to respect your decision here but there’s only so much you can ask of me. I want you in my life, and I don’t know why you’re being reluctant. I know you like me as much as I like you. We spent one day together and it was one of the best days of my life. Why are you holding yourself back?”

I didn’t know what to say. I am not in the proper frame of mind to deal with this now and I think he knows it, that’s why he ambushed me this way. I stared at our joined hands, looked up to his face, and the intensity I read there scared me. I really need to come clean to this guy.

“Daniel, you don’t know anything about me. If you hear my story, I’m sure you’ll think twice about giving your heart to me.”

“Then tell me and let me make that decision. Don’t make the decision for me.”

“It’s not a pretty one, Daniel. I’ve not even told Adelaide any of this, that’s how reluctant I am to share it.”

“It can’t be that bad, Ella.”

I smiled. “You don’t know the half of it.”

He squeezed my hands. “Tell me.”

I made my decision then. Better to face the rejection now before feelings got too tangled to unknot. I forgot that I was tired, I forgot that I needed to rest more than anything. All my energy, my focus was on Daniel at that point.

“I will.” I replied.

I removed my hands from his, I needed a clear head for this and his palm rubbing my knuckles would not suffice. I leaned back, prepared to tell it all. As I opened my mouth to speak, my phone rang. I looked at the screen to check the caller and my heart stuttered to a stop. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

Daniel must have been alarmed by the look on my face because he leaned towards me and grabbed my hands again. “What is it? What is the matter, Ella? Who is calling you?” he asked alarmingly.

I looked at his face dazedly, I could hardly draw a full breath. “My mother.” I whispered.

I could see the confusion as it spread all over his face. He is probably wondering why a call from my mum should make me speechless. He didn’t know the story, he didn’t know that I have not spoken with my mum for almost a year now. He did not know the bitter words we spoke to each other the last time we had a conversation, he didn’t know the hurt I feel in my heart that my mum rejected me during my lowest time. He does not know what it means to see her number flash on my screen.

I shut my eyes, opened them again and pressed the green button to receive the call. “Hello, mother.”

Daniel stood up and went out to the balcony overlooking the street. He probably did so to give me some privacy. I was grateful to him for that small concession.

I can’t believe my mum is calling after almost a year of not speaking. What does she want now?

“Ella, where are you?” she asked non too graciously.

“I’m in Lagos, mother.” I can’t remember the last time I called her, ‘mum’. It’s been ‘mother’ for as long as I can remember.

“Lagos, ehn? So you cannot call your mother all this while, ehn? You have no respect for me at all.”

“Mother, we didn’t exactly part on amicable terms. The last time we spoke, you said you never wanted to see my face again.”

“And I still don’t want to see your face.” she snapped. “Not when you insist on prostituting yourself to every man in this world. That’s why you refused to stay in your marriage with that fine Tony. Bayo, I could understand, I never trusted him anyway; you can never trust Yoruba boys but Tony was different, he was the epitome of a great husband.”

“Mother, Tony was knocking me around.”

“So what? Your father knocked me around a time or two too. Did you see me pack my bags? Marriage is about sacrifices.”

“Not when I was covered with bruises every day.” I sighed. It’s the same old story with my mother. Nothing ever changes.

“You are just a child. You don’t understand what marriage is about at all. You are just playing at it.” She continued in a tone oozing with self-righteousness.

I was tired of her usual tirade. I wish she will just get to the point of her call. Or maybe this was it. We had not spoken for almost a year, and the first time she calls me, she badgers me with hurtful words. I stared at Daniel’s back as he leaned on the balcony railing.

“Mother,” I cut in as she went on. “Why did you call me?”

She sniffed. “I called to ask you why you have not spoken to anyone in your family for almost a year.”

“Because my family doesn’t inspire such devotion in me, mother. I don’t see why I should keep in touch with people who don’t understand me, or even help me when I was in trouble.”

She was silent for some moments. I’ve never known my mother to not have a ready come-back at any time. Her short silence threw me. Did I finally get through to her?

“Mother? Are you there?”

“Yes o. So you think we are not there for you, abi?”

“Mother, you just finished giving me the riot act now. After I have explained to you many times why I had to leave Tony, I believe if you really care, you’ll at least see the situation from my own perspective.”

“Hmm, just get your act together because me I want grandchildren o.”

And, that is the crux of the matter.

“Okay, mother.”

“And make sure you call your father and sister too.”

“Okay, mother.” My sister, Sidi, and I were close at one time. Not so much now.

“And call me from time to time if you don’t want me to come to that Lagos and drag you home by your ears.”

I almost smiled. I know she would do exactly as she threatened. “Yes, mother.”

“Okay o, bye.” She hung up before I could reply.

I sighed and laid my head on the back of the chair. Talking with my mother always drained me. I thought back to the last time I spoke with Sidi. I had been so angry I almost spit in her face. I don’t remember when our relationship deteriorated to that extent but I remember it started changing when I decided to leave Bayo. She felt I should have told her we were having problems. She thought if I had talked about it, it would have made it better. Naturally, I disagreed.

TWICE BITTEN (Episode Seven)

Monday morning, I woke up early, ready to face the new week. I had not fully recovered from the assault on my senses all through the weekend.

True to his word, Daniel called me yesterday afternoon just as I got back from church. It was like he timed my entrance perfectly. I had barely dropped my bag when his call came in. We chatted for a few minutes about inconsequential things until he dumped another bomb on me.

“Ella, I had such a great time yesterday, and I would love a repeat.” He said. “In fact, I’ll like you to be mine exclusively.” He spoke quietly into the phone.

My head emptied of all thoughts. I was so not ready for that admission. Oh no, I should have told him about my past before it got this far. What do I do now?

“Say something, Ella.”

“Daniel, there’s a lot you still don’t know about me. Don’t you think we are moving too fast?”

“I believe we can talk about whatever it is.”

“I’m scared to do that. I think we should give ourselves some space, at least until I’m done with the job you hired me for.”

“Ella, one has nothing to do with the other.”

“I know. I’ll prefer it that way though.”

“Okay, Ella. I will do as you wish for now but I’m not going to allow you push me away.”

“I’m not trying to.”

“Oh yes, you are. What are you so scared of? Your feelings?”

“Nothing.” I mumbled into the phone. If only he knew.

“Okay then. I’ll see you at the office for the big reveal tomorrow.”

“Okay, Daniel.”

I could tell he was miffed but there was nothing I could do about that. It is better this way, isn’t it? That conversation played over and over in my head all day yesterday and I just woke up to it again. I wish it could be easier.

Today though, is the day I reveal Daniel’s new office to him. All the hard work, anxiety and dedication of the past two weeks is about to be revealed. Judgement day is here.

I took about twenty minutes to pray and commit the day into God’s hands, then I routinely dressed up, all the while wondering what will happen in the next hour. I chose a very simple and deceptively elegant look. I paired a sky blue silk top with pleated wine trousers, attached long, dangling earrings to my earlobes, wore a tiny gold chain under the top, and completed the look with wine suede three-inch heeled shoes. I want to look elegant, and very well put together today.

I stared critically at myself in the mirror and decided to do something else with my weave other than leaving it to cascade down my shoulders. I tied it up into a top-knot, then I put a wine elastic band on it. Satisfied with my look, I grabbed my every day satchel and car keys, and headed out the door. I want to take another critical look at the office before everyone gets there.

Thirty minutes later, I found a parking spot in the building’s parking space (pecks of coming early), parked my car, and strolled unhurriedly into the office complex.

Folu, the receptionist was already at her spot. “Good morning, Folu.” I called as I walked by.

“Good morning, Ella. Today is the D-day right?”

I stopped at the elevators and looked back at her. “Yes o. today na today.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll love it.”

“Thanks, dear.” Folu and I became friendly after the debacle with my hair last week. “Wish me luck.” I said as I strolled into the elevator.

I got into the office with the extra key Daniel entrusted to me. I walked round the office eyeing the various furniture pieces and how they came together beautifully. This is a beautiful office, if I must say so myself. Seeing the pictures in my head come together like this gives me immense satisfaction.

I traced the beautiful oak table with my finger. I replaced his monstrous desk with it and it looks very good with the earth toned colors I incorporated into the design. The desk is quite lovely and very smooth to the touch.

I moved to the window to finger the vertical blinds installed. I shifted the blinds aside and peeked out the window. Wow, what a view! I thought.

“Wow, Ella! Is this what you’ve been hiding from me?” I whirled around at the sound of Daniel’s voice.

He was dressed in a white shirt and blue-grey tie with black trousers. His jacket was slung over his shoulder as he stood by the door, taking his office in. Standing there like that, he exuded power and authority. I found myself swallowing hard to dislodge the lump in my throat.

“Good morning, Daniel.” I walked towards the center of the room.

“Yes, it is a very good morning. I can’t believe this. I just can’t believe this.” He brushed the supple leather chairs with his palm, all the while swiveling his head round and round the room.

“This is beautiful work, Ella. I don’t even recognize this space as my office, it’s so changed!”

“Thank you. I told you it’s going to turn out great. What do you think of your table?” I smiled.

His eyes moved to the spot where the oak table stood. He eyed it speculatively and slowly moved to check it out properly. He rubbed it with his palm like I just did. “Oh, this is good wood. Really smooth to the touch.” He raised his eyes to mine and our eyes met for the first time that morning. “I love it, Ella. Now I see why you so much detested the former table.” He winked.

I laughed. “Thank God it finally penetrated.”

Udi, his secretary, came in then and stopped abruptly at the threshold. Her jaw dropped. “Wow!” She whispered reverently as she scanned the room. “Ella, this is beautiful.” She clapped her hands together for emphasis, and came in the rest of the way.

I watched her warily as she circled round and round, until she finally ended up before Daniel and I. She clasped my hands enthusiastically. “Well done, Ella!” she exclaimed.

“Thank you, Udi.” I replied happily. I was delighted to see their reactions, to know that my work could elicit such responses from people; it validates to me that I am in the right business.

“So, can I move into my office and begin to enjoy all these?” Daniel swept his hands to encompass the room.

“Of course. My work here is done.”

“Good. We must celebrate this.” Daniel announced.

“Oh, Daniel. There is no reason for celebration yet. At least allow me finish all the work I have to do in the building, and when you’re satisfied with everything, then we can celebrate.”

“I say when we celebrate or not, and I say we celebrate tonight. Udi, inform the staff that we’re going singing tonight.”

“Singing, sir?” Udi raised her brows.

“Yes, singing. We’re going to a karaoke bar.” He winked.

Udi looked from me to him and I could feel the wheels in her head turning. Oh, Daniel is going to put me in a tenuous position with this.

“Really, Daniel.” I protested.

“Udi, go ahead and send the memo, so the guys will be prepared.”

He turned to me as she left the room. “Ella, I’m going to find ways to spend time with you whether you like it or not. This is just one of many.”

I raised my brows. “I’ll simply not show.”

“You have to. You’re still in my employ.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re such a bully.”

He just laughed. “Be there, Ella.” He said and walked out.

I was so busy throughout the day, I didn’t even think of the ultimatum Daniel gave me about the party. The foyer was the next stop, and for this part, I had to get outside help. I needed those that can climb ladders to hang decorations, and I also needed extra hands to help with the many details.

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