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Set Apart - Literature (3) - Nairaland

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Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 3:11pm On Jan 12, 2021
VincenzoZhuxu:
Always capture me unaware sis...... More grease to your pen.......kudos

*winks*
Re: Set Apart by Adeola25(f): 4:20pm On Jan 12, 2021
Nice story, thanks for the update ma'am
Re: Set Apart by Ann2012(f): 9:20pm On Jan 12, 2021
I pray nothing bad happens to Eru

Thanks for the update ma’am
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 10:43pm On Jan 12, 2021
Adeola25:
Nice story, thanks for the update ma'am

You're welcome
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 10:44pm On Jan 12, 2021
Ann2012:
I pray nothing bad happens to Eru
Thanks for the update ma’am
*winks*
Re: Set Apart by PrudySara(f): 3:24pm On Jan 13, 2021
I pray this dream of hers doesn't come to pass... Thanks for the update SheWrites
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 5:46pm On Jan 13, 2021
PrudySara:
I pray this dream of hers doesn't come to pass... Thanks for the update SheWrites

*winks*

1 Like

Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 12:24pm On Jan 16, 2021
Hello everyone!
Hope your weekend started out great.
The story continues this weekend.
Get your popcorn and drinks ready *winks*

1 Like

Re: Set Apart by gstelly: 2:45pm On Jan 17, 2021
Still waiting for update cry
Re: Set Apart by Kaycee9242(m): 5:05pm On Jan 17, 2021
Nice one Shewrites dis story is really captivating
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 6:01pm On Jan 17, 2021
gstelly:
Still waiting for update cry
Will upload before midnight. Being a little under the weather.
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 6:01pm On Jan 17, 2021
Kaycee9242:
Nice one Shewrites dis story is really captivating

*winks*
Re: Set Apart by gstelly: 11:41pm On Jan 17, 2021
SheWrites:


Will upload before midnight. Being a little under the weather.
ok, almost mid night sad
Re: Set Apart by gstelly: 6:11pm On Jan 20, 2021
Well, it's another midweek
Re: Set Apart by VincenzoZhuxu: 11:06am On Jan 21, 2021
.......
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 7:31pm On Jan 21, 2021
Good evening everyone.
Just recovering from Malaria.
Will update this weekend.
Pls accept my sincere apologies.
*hugs*

2 Likes

Re: Set Apart by classicladyk(f): 7:53pm On Jan 21, 2021
I've been a silent reader of your works but I must confess, this is terrific. Please feed us more.
Re: Set Apart by Rasmodox101(m): 8:04pm On Jan 21, 2021
Three words " you are wonderful"...
Following Mrs. Shewrites
breathtaking piece as always.
You rock!!
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 9:32pm On Jan 21, 2021
classicladyk:
I've been a silent reader of your works but I must confess, this is terrific. Please feed us more.

Thank you. More coming this weekend...
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 9:33pm On Jan 21, 2021
Rasmodox101:
Three words " you are wonderful"...
Following Mrs. Shewrites
breathtaking piece as always.
You rock!!
Awwww... I appreciate you *hugs*
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 12:16pm On Jan 22, 2021
CHAPTER 5

Rukevwe stood in the hallway leading to the sitting room. She watched as Adaeze put on the blouse and skirt her mother sew for her introduction ceremony. The fair lady looked beautiful in the stunning outfit.

“I am almost done with the one you are going to wear on your traditional ceremony day,” Itoro made the girl to turn in circles, so she could see the beauty of the attire.

“Thanks, mumsie. I am sure it will be finer than this one,” Adaeze grinned from ear to ear.

“Yes o. By the time Eru sees you, he will ask us to pay your bride price two times,” Itoro teased.

Adaeze and Ejiro started to laugh.

Rukevwe backed away from the entrance and walked back to the room she shared with her sister. Her heart ached because she didn’t know how to stop the impending doom. She sat on the large bed and prayed for wisdom and strength. She didn’t want her brother to die or anyone else.

Unexpectedly, Adaeze came into the room. She looked up at the fair lady in surprise.

“You don’t like me,” her hazel eyes shone with pain.

The younger girl began to shake her head.

“You don’t want your brother to get married to me,” a teardrop rolled down her soft smooth round face.

“No… no, that’s not true,” Rukevwe got up slowly.

“I want to know why you are against us!” Adaeze’s voice filled the room.

She opened her mouth but nothing came out.

“Tell me, tell me why dammit!”

She swallowed spittle. “Ada… I like you…”

The lady hissed and looked her up and down.

“I… I truly do. And… and I am indeed happy that you and my brother are getting married.”

Adaeze folded her arms against her chest. Her look seemed to say ‘I don’t believe you’.

“You see…” Rukevwe licked her dry lips. She wasn’t sure how much Eru had told his fiancée. “I was thinking, why don’t you postpone your wedding date? Why marry now?”

Adaeze started to laugh and cry at the same time. “We’ve been dating for the past seven months. We want to marry on or before February. We can’t wait. What are you even saying?”

She sighed heavily. “Can’t you shift the date? Why don’t you marry at Easter or Summer?”

“Easter gini, Summer kwa?” Adaeze shook her head. “Your brother cannot hold himself any longer. Do you want him to tear me apart?”

A smile spread on her face, “I… I understand. But…”

“See, my sister. Your brother and I are going to get married in February. And nothing in this whole world, except a volcanic eruption or earthquake, is going to stop it. The sooner you come to terms with this, the better for us all.”

“Ada…”

“Can’t you be happy for your brother?” her hazel eyes turned red.

Rukevwe pressed her lips together.

“I am going to be your sister-in-law and you are already antagonizing me,” her glare sized up the younger girl.

“I am not…”

“Please, please…” she raised a hand, silencing the girl. “Save your pathetic excuses.”

“Ada, things are not black and white…”

She hissed. “Eru told me about your dream. You can go to all the mountains in the east, west and northern part of this country for all I care. You cannot stop this wedding. I am well prepared for battle!” she turned on her heels and left the room.

Rukevwe fell back on the bed and held her head in her palms.

“Have you heard from your roommate?” Ejiro stepped into the room.

She lifted up her head and stared at her sister who was standing at the doorway. She wiped her wet face with the back of her hand and shook her head.

“I will call Gbemisola later today.”

“Senami has sent her own money to my account.”

Rukevwe cleared her throat. “Don’t worry, Gbemisola won’t change her mind. She is interested in living with us outside the campus.”

“The landlord of the building has threatened to give out the apartment if we don’t come up with the full amount by next week.”

The younger girl looked up at the ceiling and slumped on the bed. “I know, I know.”

“That is the cheapest apartment so far. Even if it is the same size with the rooms in our hostels, at least, we have our own bathroom and kitchen. We won’t be sharing with dozens and dozens of other students.”

Rukevwe dragged a pillow to her side and covered her head with it.

“Don’t you like the place?” Ejiro came to sit beside her.

“I do…” came the muffled sound.

She lay on her back beside the younger girl. “I am done with my project.”

“Thank God,” Rukevwe threw away the pillow.

“Come Summer, I will be a graduate!”

Her excitement was infectious. Rukevwe smiled a bit. “I am happy for you.”

She turned on her side. “You don’t look happy.”

Rukevwe breathed out loudly. “Eru hates me. Now, Adaeze does to.”

“What did you expect?”

She met her sister’s stare.

“You declared their sudden deaths on their wedding day for that matter.”

She placed the pillow on her head again.

“Dad and mum have started fasting.”

She groaned. “I don’t know if that will help.”

“It better, or else…”

She threw away the pillow again. “Why me? Why me of all people?”

Ejiro shrugged and lay on her back. “Go and ask God.”

They both fell silent.

“Josephine the dreamer.”

“You are not well.”

Ejiro giggled. “Rukevwe the seer.”

“Stop it, biko.”

“Oh, I have a better one, ‘Rukevwe the Dibia of the Etadafe family’.”

“Now, I know you have gone completely mad.”
Both girls burst into laughter.

***

Rukevwe, Ejiro, Senami and Gbemisola were seated outside their off-campus apartment, watching people as they come and go. Noise coming from multiple generators rented the air.

“If we save, maybe we can also buy a small generator,” Senami suggested.

Gbemisola looked at her, smiled and remained quiet. She doubted if they would be able to raise such amount of money needed to buy a generator.

Ejiro slapped the mosquitoes perching on her laps. “Maybe…”

“How much is the smallest generator?” Rukevwe asked no one in particular.

One of the security guards opened the gate, allowing a car to pass through. The vehicle was a flashy one, a red Benz that glittered in the night light. In the next second, three girls came running to meet the driver. They were scantily dressed in clinging sleeveless tops and bum shorts, with colourful hair extensions that reached their hips. The driver got down from the car, kissed one of the girls and ushered them into the car.

“I know those girls…” Senami folded her arms across her chest. “They will be back by dawn or noon tomorrow.”

“Their life, their business,” Ejiro yawned loudly. She glanced at her sister and noticed that the girl was dozing. “Rukevwe…” she tapped her on the shoulder.

The girl opened her eyes and stretched out her arms. “Hmmm…”

“Go inside and sleep.”

“Why?”

Ejiro hissed and eyed her. “Do you want to sleep out here?”

Rukevwe yawned and got to her feet. She staggered a bit and went in.

“They are leaving,” Senami pointed at the red Benz.

Ejiro hissed. “Who cares,” she slapped some mosquitoes hovering above her head.

Several hours later, Rukevwe woke up in cold sweats. She blinked several times, quivered a bit and pushed herself to a sitting position. She narrowed her gaze and tried to adjust to the slightly lit room. The cool breeze flowing in from the opened window made her shiver again. She looked around her. Her sister was fast asleep, so was Senami and Gbemisola.

She placed a hand on her pillow and frowned when she realized that it was soaked and the bed sheet was also damp. She wondered when electricity would return. She climbed down from the bed, tiptoed into the kitchenette and sat down on the stool beside the kerosene stove. She sighed heavily and rested her head against the wall.

‘God please save my brother.’ She breathed a prayer.

She bit at her lower lip. The church wedding was that weekend. If she could stop the wedding, she might be able to save her brother and the rest of her family. The last time she dreamt about the wedding, she saw every member of her family among the pile of dead bodies. She didn’t want to lose anyone, but how was she going to stop something that was bound to happen?

Tears streamed down from her face. She was at a loss on how to go about rescuing them all. If God could show her what would happen on her brother’s wedding day, then there was definitely a way out. All she needed to do was to think deeply and keep praying.

***

Eru and Ochuko checked out their reflections in the mirror. Eru’s friends, Edet and Charles, who were also his groomsmen came to stand beside them. They were all looking really good.

“What time are we supposed to be in church?” one of Eru’s friends asked.

“The service is starting at exactly 10am. I think we should be there before the bride arrives,” Ochuko glanced at his silver-plated Police wrist-watch.

Eru’s friend adjusted his tie. “Thank God the church is about a ten-minute drive.”

“Seriously man, I am completely exhausted,” Eru stepped away from the mirror.

“Exhausted ke? See this man,” Edet eyed him.

“What happens after the reception? Won’t you sleep with your wife?” Charles placed both hands on his hips.

“Don’t mind him, the sight of Adaeze will fire up his libido,” Ochuko patted his brother on his shoulder.

They all started to laugh. Someone knocked and opened the door.

“Eru…”

He turned and frowned when he saw Rukevwe. “What is it?” He eyed his younger sister.

She scratched a spot on her arm. “Mum said you should help her get something in the shop.”

He blinked several times. “Can’t she send someone else?”

She winked at him. “It is for Adaeze’s eyes only.”

He brightened. “Ehn-ehn…okay, let’s go.”

Eru followed his sister out of the house and waited for her to unlocked the shop before stepping in.

“Where is it?” he looked around the disorganized the space.

Rukevwe cleared her throat. “She said it is inside one red bag.”

He hissed when he saw ten red bags scattered left and right. “Can’t she give it to her after the wedding?”

She started to back away. “I love you very much, that is why I am doing this,” she dashed out and locked the door behind her.

He opened his mouth in shock. What was going on? Fear gripped him when he realized that his sister lured him into the shop in order to stop him from attending his own wedding.

“Rukevwe!” he charged at the door, but it remained unmovable.

She leaned against the door. “Switch on the light and the fan. You are going to be here for a while.”

“You are crazy! This is my wedding day for heaven’s sake. Open the damn door!”

“Save your energy. I need my brother alive,” she said and walked away.

“Rukevwe! Rukevwe!” his eyes turned red.

She returned to the house and met her father at the door. “Where is the groom?”

“Emm… emm…” her eyes darted left, then right. “He said he wants to buy a present for Adaeze, at the supermarket down the street.”

“At this time?” He frowned. “We need to leave for the wedding now!”

“Leave him, he is in love,” her mother came to stand beside her husband.

Rukevwe left them and went into her room. She met Ejiro and her friends taking selfies and group pictures. She sat by the window and watched them.

“Hello pretty ladies,” Ochuko came in.

“Hi,” they chorused and giggled.

“Rukevwe, where is Eru?”

She cleared her throat. “He… he… he went to the supermarket.”

Ochuko raised an eyebrow. “Is it that big one down the street?”

“Ehn, yes... yes,” she nodded.

“I will catch up with him. We need to leave for church now,” he winked at the girls and hurried out.

“Your brother is soooo cute,” Senami turned to Ejiro.

“Don’t mind him,” she hissed. “He is always forming ‘Fine boy’.”

Rukevwe looked out of the window and saw her parents and relatives, standing by the vehicle that was taking them to the church. The groomsmen were also waiting by the sport car they were going to drive to church.

“Is everyone ready to leave?” Ejiro joined her by the window.

“I think so…”

Ejiro clapped her hands. “Girls, let’s go, everyone is outside.”

“Superb!” Senami cheered.

Ejiro and her friends hurried out of the room in a frenzy. Rukevwe remained where she was. She looked heavenward and said a quick prayer. She pulled herself away from the window and left the room. When she got outside, she saw Ochuko walking into the compound.

“I can’t find Eru,” he turned to their father.

“Oh-ooh! What sort of nonsense is this? Where is Rukevwe?” Oghenekaro looked around and saw her standing by the door. He beckoned at her. “Come… come.”

She took a deep breath and sauntered towards her father.

“Hey! Adaeze’s father is calling me,” he looked at his phone and shook his head.

Itoro adjusted her head-gear. “Have they gotten to the church?”

He raised a hand and picked the call. “Hello,” he listened for a while and shook his head. “Okay, don’t worry. I said you shouldn’t worry. We will be there in a jiffy.”

Rukevwe folded her arms across her chest and from the corner of her eyes, she looked towards her mother’s shop.

“Adaeze and her family are already in church,” he ended the call.

“God! What sort of embarrassment is this?” Itoro looked around.

Ochuko tapped her on the shoulder. “Where did he tell you that he was going?”

“The… the supermarket…”

Ejiro approached her parents. “What’s going on?"

“We can’t find your brother,” Itoro leaned against the van.

“Ah-han…where is he? We are late already,” she looked around and noticed that some of their relatives were already grumbling.

Oghenekaro looked at his youngest daughter intently. “Are you sure that he went to the supermarket or elsewhere?”

Rukevwe refused to meet her father’s stare. She wasn’t ready to tell anyone where Eru was.

Suddenly, they heard gunshots. Everyone ran!

“Get inside! Everyone get inside!” Oghenekaro shouted.

Many of their relatives fled. While his wife, children and their friends dashed into the house. The gunshots continued for the next fifteen minutes, until they didn’t hear it anymore.

Oghenekaro peeped out of the window and saw people in the neighbourhood. Many of them were gathered around and they were pointing in the direction of the church. He hurried out of the flat and approached them.

“It is the police. The police officers came with their trucks…” a danfo driver narrated his ordeal to the gathering crowd.

Oghenekaro moved closer so he could hear what the man was saying.

“They were chasing some robbers that stole a jeep from a man down the road. They gunned the man down and collected his vehicle…” the danfo driver continued.

Oghenekaro listened with rapt attention. He was aware of the way some set of robbers had been harassing people in the area.

“The police trucks cornered the jeep outside that church at the junction. Ah! You need to see how they design the jeep with bullets o! Ah! But, it is so unfortunate, stray bullets also hit several people on the road and in the church. Ah! Come and see dead bodies like sand oooo!” the driver lamented.

Oghenekaro returned to the house panting.

“What is it? What is going on?” His wife came out of her hiding place. “Where was the gunshots coming from?”

He ignored her and started dialing some numbers on his phone. No one responded to the calls. He placed his hand on his head and gnashed his teeth.

“My husband talk to me, now,” Itoro became worried.

“Ochuko!” Oghenekaro ran a hand over his bald head.

“Sir…” he approached his father.

“We need to go to the wedding venue now. There is trouble…”

The younger man began to shiver and sweat at the same time.

“Oghenekaro!”

“Itoro!” he eyed his wife. “Locked the doors. We are coming.”

Ochuko followed his father out of the apartment.

“What is the meaning of all this now?” Itoro rushed to the window.

Ejiro, Senami, Gbemisola and the groomsmen joined her at the window.

Rukevwe remained where she was, in the room she shared with her sister. She knew exactly what was going on.

12 Likes

Re: Set Apart by aprilwise(m): 4:36pm On Jan 22, 2021
The family were lucky . thanks for the update and I appreciate
Re: Set Apart by oyinella(f): 5:00pm On Jan 22, 2021
Thank God! maybe henceforth, they will take Rukevwe seriously
Re: Set Apart by YoungBruzzy(m): 5:37pm On Jan 22, 2021
You are doing well SheWrites..
What a fantabulous story you've got here.. cheesycheesy
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 6:38pm On Jan 22, 2021
aprilwise:
The family were lucky . thanks for the update and I appreciate

*winks*
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 6:39pm On Jan 22, 2021
YoungBruzzy:
You are doing well SheWrites.. What a fantabulous story you've got here.. cheesycheesy
Thank you.
Re: Set Apart by crislyn(f): 8:07pm On Jan 22, 2021
SheWrites is back!! Happy new year dear.
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 9:55pm On Jan 22, 2021
crislyn:
SheWrites is back!! Happy new year dear.

Happy New Year my Darling *hugs*

1 Like

Re: Set Apart by Ann2012(f): 4:59am On Jan 23, 2021
Rukevwe saves the day again

Thanks for the update ma’am
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 4:03pm On Jan 23, 2021
Ann2012:
Rukevwe saves the day again
Thanks for the update ma’am
*winks*
Re: Set Apart by Adeola25(f): 10:10pm On Jan 23, 2021
Thanks to Rukevwe. Well-done ma'am.
Re: Set Apart by SheWrites(f): 7:49am On Jan 24, 2021
Adeola25:
Thanks to Rukevwe. Well-done ma'am.

Thanks

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