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From Ogba Bus Stop, I took a bus to Ikeja. I went to the consultancy firm where I had dropped my credentials, hoping there would be something for me. There was nothing, yet. I worked around as if one of the numerous companies would invite me in for an interview or a job. Still, nothing.

It was a mere fantasy. I walked on till I got to Allen Avenue. At the Obafemi Awolowo Way end, I sauntered on the avenue. Impulsively, I walked into a big store to my right.

As I walked into the big supermarket, the first thing I noticed was the sheer size of the store. The aisles seemed to stretch on forever, filled with all kinds of products and goods. I had never seen so many different items all in one place before.

I wandered through the aisles, taking in all the sights and sounds around me. There were shelves upon shelves of groceries, from fresh fruits and vegetables to packaged snacks and drinks. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making my mouth water and reminding me that I had not eaten that morning.

I stopped at the dairy section and marveled at the variety of milk, cheese, and yogurt available. There were so many different brands and flavors to choose from, it was almost overwhelming. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the sheer abundance of choices in front of me.

As I made my way through the supermarket, I couldn't help but notice the people around me. Women pushing carts filled with groceries, couples debating over whichgoods to buy, and individuals browsing the shelves with intent expressions on their faces.

Joblessness was indeed a bad thing. How could an energetic guy spend Monday morning looking at items in a supermarket, without the intent of even buying one of them? I was now at the clothes section. The apparels were exotic but I knew they were beyond my reach. I could only looked at the neatly hanged clothes.

A security made his way straight towards me.

"Good day, but my boss wants to see you," he said courteously.

I was surprised to hear that. "Me?"

He nodded emphatically. "Yes, you. Just follow me."

My heart raced. Why would his boss want to see me? Thank God, I had committed no crime. I had never shoplifted before. Why was I picked out among the numerous customers?

I nodded grimly. Of course I would have to follow the guy. We went down the aisle to a glass cubicle that serves as a small office.

One time, he planned a surprise picnic in my favorite park, complete with my favorite snacks and a playlist of all the songs He love. It was utterly magical."

Roli's exhilarated smile mirrored Rose's infectious happiness. "It sounds like he really sees you, Rose. To have someone who listens and understands is incredibly special."

Rose nodded, her voice growing softer as she spoke. "Indeed, Roli. But it's not only the grand gestures that make him amazing. Ayo also pays attention to the smallest of details. He remembers every little thing He mention, from my favorite flowers to my preferred morning coffee order."

The conversation between the two friends seemed like a dance of emotions and admiration. Rose's eyes, full of love, sparkled as she painted vivid pictures with her words, illustrating the joy she felt being with Ayo, the laughter they shared, and the deep connection they had built in such a short time.

The hours flew by as Rose eagerly shared every single detail she cherished about Ayo with her friend. From his contagious laugh to the kindness he showed to strangers, every aspect of their relationship unfolded in a vivid tapestry.

As the afternoon stretched into evening, Rose and Roli's conversation gradually reached its end. Both marveled at the wonders of love and the profound effect it had on their lives. Rose couldn't contain her gratitude for having someone like Ayo enriching her days, and her friend Ayo reveled in sharing the joy of her newfound happiness.

With hearts brimming with love and excitement, Rose and Ayo parted ways, promising to meet again soon. Rose's eyes gleamed with unfettered hope and delight as she walked away, her thoughts consumed by the incredible man who had taken her by surprise and filled her world with exhilaration.

To prove his love for Rose, Ayo further took her out for shopping. It was a bright day. As the sun gently began to set on that day, Ayo pulled up to Rose's house in his sleek black car. Rose stepped out and walked towards the car, her eyes lighting up as she caught a glimpse of him waiting patiently. She wore a flowy, floral sundress that perfectly complemented her vibrant personality.

With a radiant smile, Rose hopped into the passenger seat, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. Ayo, with his impeccable taste, had planned a surprise shopping experience for her. As they drove through the city, she noticed his mischievous grin, and her heart skipped a beat.

"Tayo, I'm on my way," T.K, my brother, called out from the sitting room.

It was Monday morning and the time was about five a.m. He always said this Monday to Friday, about the same time. T.K was on his way to work on Lagos Island and he must leave home early. He was a chartered accountant with an audit firm, while I, his junior brother, was still jobless.

I left the bedroom, went to the sitting room, and followed him to the exit door to the apartment.

"Have a nice day at work, brother," I said, wishing him well.

He nodded and smiled. That was one good thing about him. He was always looking jovial.

"Have a nice day too," he said.

I locked the door after he had gone and returned to the bedroom. It was a two-bedroom apartment and I was 'privileged' to be given a room.

I knew sleep would not come again that morning. I would just loiter in bed until I would get up to take my bath.

I intended to go out that morning in search of a job. I did this regularly. At twenty-five and a graduate, I was still searching for work two years after graduation. I had read Economics and I had always believed that in spite of all the obstacles and economic travails bedevilling Nigeria, I would get a befitting job. I never stopped believing that.

By eight o'clock that morning, I was set to leave the apartment. I was dressed in casual jeans and t-shirt. In my hand was a black folder in which I kept photocopies of my credentials.

Today must be very good for me by the power of almighty God, I said in my heart. I indeed believed something good would happen that that as I stepped out of the house.

"Oh, Roli, you won't believe it! I've met someone who has completely swept me off my feet!" Her voice was filled with a mix of disbelief and awe.

Ayo leaned in, wearing an eager smile, eyes sparkling with anticipation. She knew there was something special brewing just by observing Rose's radiant glow. "Tell me every little thing, Rose! He can't wait to hear all about this Ayo."

Rose couldn't help but giggle in pure delight as she began to spill the details. "Well, Roli, it all started a few weeks ago when our paths serendipitously crossed at a mutual friend's birthday party. Ayo had this captivating aura around him, an irresistible charm that immediately caught my attention."

She waved her hand to emphasize her words, her voice sparkling with enthusiasm. "From the very first conversation, Roli, we just clicked! It felt like we had known each other for years. We laughed, we shared stories, and we discovered how similar our interests and passions were."

Roli's eyes widened, drinking in every word that escaped Rose's lips. "That's incredible, Rose! It sounds like an instant connection."

"It truly was," Rose replied, her voice filled with excitement. "We spent hours lost in conversation, completely oblivious to the world around us. Ayo has this way of making you feel like the most important person in the room."

As Rose continued her tale, she delved into the countless adventures and shared experiences she had with Ayo. From romantic dinners at cozy restaurants to spontaneous road trips along winding country roads, their whirlwind romance led them on countless exhilarating journeys.

"He is incredibly thoughtful, Roli," Rose gushed.

"Ayo surprises me with the most thoughtful gestures, ones that show how well he understands who I am. One time, he planned a surprise picnic in my favorite park, complete with my favorite snacks and a playlist of all the songs he loves. It was utterly magical."

One cool afternoon in the office, when the bustling hours of the club was yet to start, Rita was in Ayo's office.

"There's something I've been meaning to show you," she said.

He looked up from his desk. "And what could that be?"

Rita smiled coquettishly at him. Her hands went to her blouse and she started unbottoning it. It was reminiscent of the day he had asked her to remove her top. She removed the blouse, baring her bust.

"I just bought this bra," she said. "Does it fit me?"

She has her hands at akimbo now. Ayo stared intently at her. The white bra she was wearing certainly looked new. It looked well designed and fitted her bust perfectly. There was no doubt that it was attractive and sexy.

He smiled at her. "You are alluring, He must say."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning you are very sexy. Damn it, come over baby. He can't wait to get my hands and my lips on your boobs."

At that moment, Ayo totally forgot about Rose, or any other lady. There was something urgent that he must satisfy.


* *. *.



In Rose's apartment, her good friend, Ayo was around. Rose and Ayo had been good friends.

The sun spilled warm rays through the window, casting an amber glow on the two women sitting in the cozy cafe. Rose's face beamed with joy as she leaned forward, eagerly starting her narration.

"Oh, Roli, you won't believe it! I've met someone who has completely swept me off my feet!"

Her voice was filled with a mix of disbelief and awe.

It was during one of their appointments that he decided to take a leap of faith.

Over the time, they exchanged messages and phone calls, their conversations ranging from medical discussions to their favorite books and movies. It became an anticipated part of his day, talking to Dr. Ogah and sharing snippets of his life with her.

On the day of their first lunch, he arrived at the restaurant slightly early, his heart pounding with excitement and nerves. When Dr. Ogah walked through the doors, her radiant smile reached her eyes, and any jitters he had instantly disappeared. They greeted each other with a warm hug, basking in the joy of finally being in each other's presence outside the confines of the hospital.

"I'm glad that you are here," he said.

She smiled and winked at him. Over a delicious meal and the clinking of glasses, their conversation flowed effortlessly. They discovered shared interests, laughed at each other's jokes, and there was an undeniable chemistry between us. It felt like the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble.

As their lunch came to an end, they both felt a reluctance to part ways. It was as if something magical had transpired between them, and they didn't want it to end. They made plans to see each other again, eager to deepen their connection beyond the hospital walls.

And so, their relationship continued to develop from that fateful lunch. They explored new restaurants, went on long walks in the park, and shared intimate moments that brought them closer together. It was a love that grew organically, built on a foundation of friendship and a genuine understanding of one another.

As they allowed their bond to flourish, they navigated the complexities of intertwining their personal and professional lives. They were always mindful of the boundaries necessary in a doctor-patient relationship, but also recognized the importance of nurturing their connection outside of that realm.

Dr. Rose Ogah and he created a beautiful relationship that surpassed their initial expectations. Each day, he seemed to relish the leap of faith he took in asking for her friendship and the coming together that sparked their love story. Together, they write a tale of love, understanding, and unwavering support, cherishing every moment they shared.

But someone was not happy with the relationship between Ayo and Rose. That was Rita, his PA. Rita was filled with resentment. How could Ayo easily fall for her? Was it because she was a doctor?

Mentally, Rita has compared herself to Rose. She felt she was more beautiful and attractive than the later. What then did Ayo want in her? Could Rose be giving him something that she, Rita, was not giving him?

One cool afternoon in the office, when the bustling hours of the club was yet to start, Rita was in Ayo's office.

"There's something I've been meaning to show you," she said.

She didn't say anything to that. They both felt the spark growing between them, but they were hesitant to cross any professional boundaries. They knew that pursuing a romance would be a delicate matter that required careful consideration.

After leaving the hospital, Ayo kept Rose on his mind. One evening, as they stood in the hallway outside his hospital room, the air filled with a palpable tension. Dr. Ogah leaned in closer, her eyes locked with his, and she softly confessed her own feelings towards him.

His heart raced, and his mind swirled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. They both understood the risks involved, but sometimes, matters of the heart cannot be ignored.

From that moment, their relationship blossomed into something beautiful. They navigated the complexities of balancing their personal and professional lives, always mindful of the boundaries they needed to maintain in the hospital setting. Their love grew stronger with each passing day, fueled by genuine care, respect, and shared experiences.

Within a couple of months, on, Dr. Ogah and he built a life together filled with love, adventure, and a deep understanding of one another. Their journey, rooted in a hospital room, had brought them to a place of healing, not just physically but emotionally as well.

Looking back on that fateful day at the hospital, he was grateful for the illness that brought them together. Dr. Rose Ogah, his confidante, his partner, and now the love of his life, had reminded him of the unexpected beauty that can emerge from life's most challenging moments.

Their interactions had evolved from purely medical check-ups to heartfelt conversations, and he couldn't deny the growing connection between us. It was during one of their appointments that he decided to take a leap of faith.

Their support and love had been vital in getting him through this ordeal.

As the light of a new day began to filter in through the thin curtains, he was filled with a sense of gratitude and determination. He knew that he had been given a second chance, a reminder to never take life for granted. And with that, he vowed to treasure every moment, to live fully and embrace each new day as a gift, never forgetting the fragility and the resilience within them all.

The doctor that attended to him and really did a professional job was by the name Rose Ogah. Now that he was getting back to himself, he could appreciate what she had done all along.

As he lay on the hospital bed, feeling weak and helpless, she walked into the room with an air of confidence and a warm smile that instantly put him at ease.

Dr. Rose Ogah was a brilliant woman, known for her expertise and dedication to her patients. Her presence commanded respect, and her gentle demeanor made it easy to trust her. As she approached his bedside, her eyes met his, and he couldn't help but notice the genuine concern etched on her face.

Over the course of his treatment, Dr. Ogah became a constant presence in his life. She made sure he was comfortable, explained each step of the process with patience, and took the time to answer all of his questions. Her professionalism was admirable, but there was something more that drew him to her - an undeniable chemistry that seemed to exist between us.

As he recovered, they began to have more conversations outside of the usual doctor-patient interactions. They discovered shared interests, laughed at each other's jokes, and slowly revealed pieces of their lives beyond the hospital walls. Their conversations became a respite from the harsh reality of illness and a source of comfort in each other's company.

It was in the course of these conversations when he realized that the feelings he had for Dr. Ogah ran deeper than just admiration for her medical expertise. Her kindness, intelligence, and compassionate nature had captured his heart. He found himself eagerly looking forward to his appointments, hoping for just a few precious moments in her presence.

Inevitably, their conversations began to include hints of flirtation and playful banter.

"You seem to combine beauty with brains," he teased her.

"You think so?"

He chuckled. "I not only think so, I believe so."

She didn't say anything to that. They both felt the spark growing between them, but they were hesitant to cross any professional boundaries. They knew that pursuing a romance would be a delicate matter that required careful consideration.

A Thorn in the Flesh



(c) 2024



O. Toyin




Ayo is a jolly good fellow. Handsome and rich, he has a lot to indulge in. One of them is his lust for the flesh, which is a thorn in his flesh.






What brought Ayo to the hospital started as a minor stomach ache, before it degenerated into a critical case. Nurses and some auxiliary nurses on duty at the wee hour of the night rushed to his side, their concerned eyes scanning his pale, sweat-drenched face. They guided him to a nearby examination room, where he collapsed onto a bed, feeling a mix of relief and fear wash over him.

Well, it was good that he looked like someone who could afford whatever bill they presented to him. The medical staff worked diligently, conducting tests and asking him questions, trying to piece together the puzzle of what had transpired. Time seemed to stretch into an agonizing eternity as they monitored his vital signs and administered the necessary treatment.

As the medication began to take effect, the dizziness slowly started to subside. A sense of gratitude washed over him as he realized that he had made it in time, that he had sought help before things could take a turn for the worse. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of acting swiftly in moments of crisis.

As he lay there, recovering in that sterile hospital room, he couldn't help but reflect on the events of the night. Just hours ago, he was celebrating, surrounded by friends and bathed in the joy of success. And now, he found himself locked in a battle for his own well-being.

It was a humbling experience, a stark reminder that life is unpredictable and that they must cherish every moment, for it can change in an instant. As he closed his eyes, gratitude and a renewed sense of appreciation for his friends and loved ones filled his heart. Their support and love had been vital in getting him through this ordeal.



(to be continued)