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aprilwise:
It's has been a while. Welcome back.

Thanks.

‘Drive carefully, dear,’ Yeni said. ‘Remember not to over-speed.’

Roli nearly winced. How could she ever over-speed? Since she learnt how to drive, she was always doing so at snail speed.

Audu opened the gate for her. Slowly, she drove out of the house.


* * *

An hour after Roli had gone, Jide came home. He looked tired and not totally unruffled. Yeni was quick to notice his state.

‘The day must have been very tedious, darling, she commented.

‘You can say that again. Everything happened in such a robotic way.’

He changed from his office wears to casuals. Soon, he was taking his dinner of fried rice and fried plantain.

Thereafter, the couple retired to their bedroom. There were many things nagging at his mind and he felt he must unburden them, at least some of them.

‘Biyi didn’t call again?’ he asked.

‘No. Maybe he has called off his sentimental and crazy bluff.’

He shook his head. ‘I don’t think so.’

She turned to stare at him. ‘Why did you say that?’

‘I think that guy is even crazier than we think. I received my own courier mail from him in the office this afternoon. The guy even knows my office address! He sent an express letter in which he thanked me for taking care of his wife all the while; and in which he wanted me to hand off you.’

Yeni was genuinely surprised. ‘He did that?’

‘Yes, dear.’

She felt an involuntary shake. ‘My God, what do we do?’

‘Nothing, for now.’ He held her and soothed her body. ‘But, I need to know some things. I need to know if there’s anything else between the two of you, which you haven’t told me. It might have been an oversight, or whatever. Is there anything else?’

She shook her head miserably. What else could she say now? What kind of additional information did he want? She was confused.

‘Were you ever engaged to him?’ he continued.

‘Were you ever married to him, perhaps in the traditional way?’

‘No, no, no.’ The tears came and she was weeping uncontrollably. Must passion always bring with it dejections and heartaches?

Jide soothed her again. ‘I’m sorry I asked. I felt at this point, I needed to know the absolute truth.’

She nodded without saying a word. It was right of him to grill her with questions now. That was all right. The problem with it was that it brought sad and unwanted memories.

She felt stupid about Biyi; she felt she had largely been behaving like a fool.

There was enough handwriting on the wall to call it quit with him when she had discovered that he was a member of a secret cult in the university.

She should have been bold enough that time to call off the relationship, she reasoned. Rather, she tagged along with him.

Then, he had been rusticated over his utterly unruly behavior. Even then, Yeni still believed him and still thought all was for love.

If Biyi had loved her as he professed, would he have gone to S.A and forgotten her close to four years, would he still have come back only to give nothing but headache and distress?

Bah! She had been silly. Perhaps. It was youthful exuberance. Anyway, all those things had gone now and she had to face the challenges of life ahead. She had to face the future.

‘I’m sorry. Darling,’ she said. ‘It’s so unfair to put you in this mess.’

He smiled wanly and squeezed her in a loving and assuring manner. ‘It’s alright. It’s one of those things. Don’t worry.’

‘You won’t be so mad with as to leave, will you?’ she felt it was the most absurd question to ask and she felt silly.

Jide laughed mirthlessly. ‘I should be the one to ask if you now want to leave me for him. As for me, there can’t be such a thing. Why should I leave you to an unfeeling, selfish guy?’

She hugged him as if her life depended on it. ‘Oh, Jide, I love you so much. I don’t ever – ever – want to lose you.’

‘I’m for you for better or for worse,’ he reassured.

They were still entangled. She felt vulnerable, with things around, but not with Jide. He made the difference.

He would still her love and he would never abandon her. He would love her until the end. Her sleep that night was blissful.


You can download full story at: https://publish.okadabooks.com/book/about/above_the_shadows/29529

millieademi:
Aunty Wura, this is no love or war and this is most definitely unfair. Cutting it short at the juiciest part.

I enjoyed it nonetheless. Can't wait for the next update.

Thanks so much for your interest.

izaray:
The suspense is killing

Thanks for the update

Many hours later, the sitting-room and his bedroom were furnished and decorated. It wasn’t really lavish but it was nice and comfortable. He loved to get things done, and he was getting things done.

That was what really mattered. His next plan was to look for a good eatery around and have a good meal. After that, he would look for a girl. Yes, he needed a girl, before his next move.

* * *

Roli came in to see her good friend, Yeni, around seven o’clock in the evening. They were intimate friends and often confided in each other.

They had been friends since their undergraduate days and they were still friends. Together with Nike, Yeni and Roli made a striking trio. Still, it could be observed that Yeni and Roli were closer.

‘You’ve been avoiding our house,’ Roli said as soon as she settled down. She and Yeni were in the living-room where the latter had been since afternoon lounging and watching the movies channel.

‘You must pardon me,’ Yeni returned. ‘It’s as a result of this and that.’

‘Ah, this and that. I think I understand.’

‘Don’t be mischievous. What will you have? Your usual?’

‘Of course.’

That usual was a bottle of malt. Yeni also asked the maid to bring a bottle of peanuts. As Roli sipped her drinks, the cool, old music of Seal’s A kiss of the Rose was played on the Akai CD sound system.

‘Can you please increase the volume of the music. I very much like the track,’ Roli said.

Yeni nodded and increased the volume through the remote control.

‘So, how is your husband and the family?’

Yeni asked. ‘How’s little Sharon?’

Sharon was the only child that Roli had, so far.

‘They are all fine, we thank God. And how’s Jide?’

Yeni smiled. ‘He’s fine. Everything would have been very fine, except for this little problem.’

Roli put the bottle of the drinks on the stool. ‘Problem? What problem is that?’

Yeni allowed a meaningful pause. ‘Do you remember Biyi?’

Roli made a scowl. ‘Biyi, your former lover? Who would forget him?’

‘Well, he has come back.’

‘Come back from where?’

‘He has returned from his trip to South Africa. He’s now making the queer request that I marry him.’

‘What!’ Roli could not mask her astonishment. ‘Well, didn’t you tell him? Didn’t you tell him that you’re married?’

Yeni sighed. ‘I told him. I let him know that I’m now happily married, but he remains adamant. He said he has come to take me away as his lovingly wedded wife and I should divorce Jide.’

‘He must be crazy. So, after making you wait for him for years, and after the disappointment, he has the gut to come around now and still claim that he wants to marry you. Can’t he realize that it’s too late for that?’

‘I wonder o. His case tires me.’

Roli took more from her drinks. ‘So, what are you going to do now? By the way, has Jide known about all this?’

Yeni nodded meaningfully. ‘Yes, he knows. I had to tell him everything. As for what I will do, what else will I do other than tell Biyi to go to hell.’

It was Roli’s turn to nod. ‘You’re right. You have done the right thing. If I were in your position, I would not only tell him to go to hell, I would give him a dirty slap for daring to make me wait and for keeping me in the lurch. That’s what a guy like him deserves.’

Yeni chuckled. It was comical to hear Roli say what she had just said. She knew Roli very well.

Roli once had a break up with Alfred, her love. She was so miffed about his behavior that she vowed never to take him back.

Alfred only made a phone call to apologize for the misdemeanor, and Roli warmly welcomed him back. But maybe that was a different case.

The two friends remained together for another thirty minutes before Roli stood up to go.

‘Thanks for coming, Roli. It’s always a pleasure to have you around. This weekend, Jide and I will likely pay you a visit.’

‘It’s okay, o. You people are always welcome, anytime, any day.’

Yeni accompanied her to her car parked in the lot. Roli slid behind the wheel of the Toyota Corolla car and kicked the engine to life.

‘Drive carefully, dear,’ Yeni said. ‘Remember not to over-speed.’

Roli nearly winced. How could she ever over-speed? Since she learnt how to drive, she was always doing so at snail speed.

Audu opened the gate for her. Slowly, she drove out of the house.


* * *

An hour after Roli had gone, Jide came home. He looked tired and not totally unruffled. Yeni was quick to notice his state.

‘The day must have been very tedious, darling, she commented.

‘You can say that again. Everything happened in such a robotic way.’

He changed from his office wears to casuals. Soon, he was taking his dinner of fried rice and fried plantain. Thereafter, the couple retired to their bedroom. There were many things nagging at his mind and he felt he must unburden them, at least some of them.

‘Biyi didn’t call again?’ he asked

‘No. Maybe he has called off his sentimental and crazy bluff.’

He shook his head. ‘I don’t think so.’

She turned to stare at him. ‘Why did you say that?’

‘I think that guy is even crazier than we think. I received my own courier mail from him in the office this afternoon. The guy even knows my office address! He sent an express letter in which he thanked me for taking care of his wife all the while; and in which he wanted me to hand off you.’

Yeni was genuinely surprised. ‘He did that?’

"Yes, dear.’

She felt an involuntary shake. ‘My God, what do we do?’

‘Nothing, for now.’ He held her and soothed her body. ‘But, I need to know some things. I need to know if there’s anything else between the two of you, which you haven’t told me. It might have been an oversight, or whatever. Is there anything else?’

She shook her head miserably. What else could she say now? What kind of additional information did he want? She was confused.

‘Were you ever engaged to him?’ he continued. ‘Were you ever married to him, perhaps in the traditional way?’


You can get full download from: https://publish.okadabooks.com/book/about/above_the_shadows/29529

Ann2012:
Well done OP

Thanks for your interest

millieademi:
I knew this Biyi guy was bad news.

Aunty Wura, this is not fair o. Such a short update.

Loved it nonetheless. I hope Jide doesn't push Yeni into the hands of the chupacabra.

Ann2012:
Well done OP

Thanks for your interest. God bless .

She nodded agreement and wished she could totally believe him. If Biyi was his old self, it would not be easy. She however kept these lurid thoughts to herself and allowed herself to believe what her husband was saying.

‘Just ignore him. Cut him off completely and don’t do anything as silly as seeing him again. I think very soon, he’ll come to his senses.’

Again she nodded. ‘Yes,’ she muttered.
‘Well, I just called to know if everything is well. Stay cool and don’t be unnecessarily disturbed.’

She mumbled her thanks and the line was disengaged. Thereafter, she occupied herself by reading and trying to shut Biyi out of her mind, at least for now.


* * *

The only truth about what Biyi said was that he was in the Republic of South Africa. There was no truth whatsoever in his claim that he had been a student and that he had undergone a tough time in combining being a student with doing shift jobs.

When he claimed he was in Johannesburg, he was actually in Soweto. The fact was he had done some jobs including cab driving.

Life had been quite tough and he was beginning to have some disillusionment about coming to R.S.A. like several other foreigners who found themselves in similar situation, he tried to make the best out of the odds and oddity.

He wasn’t making much headway, or so it appeared. The discontentment led to one thing and the other, and before he knew it, he was enmeshed in big time fraud.

He became a member of a syndicate that specialized in credit and internet fraud. It was a bit-time fraud for them and it brought massive lucre. For about three years now, he had been living large and having the fun of his life.

He however knew that he must be very cautious. The long hands of the law were always to be wary of.

Some weeks ago, things had become really hot for him. Apart from the looming fears of xenophobia, his syndicate had really come under the klieg light, so he had to be on the move.

He had come to Nigeria to ‘cool off his feet.’ He remembered his old love, Yeni, made some discreet findings and had contacted her.

Crazy as hell was how some of his associates used to describe him. The situation, really, wasn’t getting any better.

Years of flirting with diabolism were certainly bringing the worst out of him as a virtuous – a deadly one with sickened mind.
For the past one week, he had arrived Lagos and had been putting up in a suite at the Accordia Hotel.

None of his relatives actually knew that he was around, and apart from making contacts with some reliable old friends, he had largely kept to himself. This was apart from the ladies he had been keeping for the nights.

Tonight, he had another plan to pick up a girl. He had picked the last one at Maryland, and that one had proved to be damned good in bed. He wasn’t exactly lustful today. He had some other plans for the lady he would pick up later in the day.


You can get the full download at: https://publish.okadabooks.com/book/about/above_the_shadows/29529

Around ten o’clock the following morning, after Jide had long gone to work with more assurance about taking care of her and warding off any miscreant, Yeni received a package brought by an express courier firm. She took it to the bedroom, wondering where the package had come from.

Gingerly, she unwrapped it. There was a box with another attractive colorful wrapping papers. When she finally opened the box, it contained two smaller ones that bore the name, Cartier, on them.

There was a ring and a twelve-carat gold wristwatch. There was also a very short not handwritten: With Love from Biyi.

Yeni was perplexed. For some seconds, her mind was blank as she didn’t know what to make of what she had just received. She left everything on the center rug in the bedroom and went downstairs to the dinning-room.

A kettle of hot water and a pack of coffee were waiting for her. She took the coffee with little milk and no sugar, allowing the hot drink to clear her thinking. It was only after some minutes that her mind returned to Biyi and his crazy pranks.

She was convinced that he was crazy to be doing all these. This was a case of obsession, wasn’t it? She had only read about such a thing in novels and magazines, and watched them in movies.

Now, it appeared that fantasy was translating into reality – some odious reality for her.

After taking her coffee, she returned to the bedroom, picked up the unwanted gifts and examined them one after the other. The box that bore them contained no address as the sender’s own.

The products were genuine and exotic and they must have caused the buyer some fortune. Did he really expect her to accept these – gifts that were, in her opinion, worse than Greek gifts? Must Biyi taunt her this way?

She was suddenly afraid that he might be up to some terrible mischief if he carried on with his desire of possessing her.

She cringed at the thought of the word, possess. She wasn’t a property and nobody was going to stampede her into any passionate submission, old lover or not.

She put the ring and the wristwatch back inside the box and dropped the box on the bedside table.

Just for some seconds, she allowed her mind to think up agreeing with him. That meant divorcing and leaving Jide to face an uncertain future in South Africa. Intuitively, she scoffed at the absurdity.

Four years ago, going with Biyi would have been the most sensible thing to do. Then, it would have been perceived as an exhilarating experience to travel with him and play the role of glamorous and alluring Princess.

Three years ago, it would have been such a pleasant relief that he had come for her.
But now, things had totally changed and rather than being an attractive desire, it was repelling.

She had started another course of life for about two years now and nobody was going to deviate her from the course she was charting. Her telephone started to ring.

She allowed it to do so. But, maybe she should check the caller first. It was her husband.

‘Hello, darling,’ he greeted. ‘Hope no problem. How’s everything?’

‘There’s no problem,’ she replied. ‘How’s everything over there?’

‘Well, all is well. There’s no problem at all.’

‘Oh, good to hear that.’

‘Has that guy called you again?’

‘No, but there’s another development.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Just some moments ago, I received a parcel through a courier service. It contained a precious gold wristwatch and a ring. It was a gift from him. He put his name there but no address.’

There was silence from the end of the line.
‘Hello?’ Yeni prompted.

‘Wow. You mean he sent that to you? The guy is really a nut case.’

‘Sure, you’re right.’

‘And he’s daring. He not only has your number; he also knows your residence address.’

‘Yes, it’s serious.’

There was another pause. ‘Well, I still think there’s nothing to worry about,’ he said.

‘There’s no need you fret yourself over nothing. He’s only playing some practical jokes. I’m sure he’ll only harass you a bit and give up the pranks.’

She nodded agreement and wished she could totally believe him. If Biyi was his old self, it would not be easy.

She however kept these lurid thoughts to herself and allowed herself to believe what her husband was saying.

‘Just ignore him. Cut him off completely and don’t do anything as silly as seeing him again. I think very soon, he’ll come to his senses.’

Again she nodded. ‘Yes,’ she muttered.


You can download full story from:
https://publish.okadabooks.com/book/about/above_the_shadows/29529

millieademi:
Aunty Yeni, please just return the box to the sender and get a restraining order. If he wants to be mad, show him that madness does not run in his family alone.

Don't open your eyes and let one South Africa returned exlover to pour sand inside your garri.

As for brother Jide, may the Almighty God grant you sense and contentment. I don't know if they are doing you or you are doing yourself.


Takes a deep breath and puts on a Bree Van de Kamp smile.


Well done, Wura Serano. I'm enjoying this work. I would have loved to purchase your work but mama is on holiday and cash flow has ceased. I guess I just have to wait for the small small appetizers you're giving us.


Lovely job, b.

Many thanks, dear, for your interest. Your comments go a long way to encourage. �

It was several minutes past nine when he got home. Yeni was listening to the local news on the television when he stepped inside the sitting-room. He was later than his normal late normal late time, she pointed out as soon as he had given her the customary kiss.

Jide already had a lie ready. He ran into an old friend who had just come England and who had invited him for a drink at a post hotel, he said glibly.

He went on to change his clothes and to take a shower.

‘I’ve something very important to tell you,’ she began, once he returned to the sitting-room.

‘I hope it’s not so serious.’

‘I really don’t know.’ She shrugged. ‘The fact is I’m confused.’

Jide became confused too. He knew her to be strong and looking ruffled as she did, meant something was indeed wrong somewhere. She was always a cool one who seldom let the vagaries of life bother her, at least on the surface. If she looked ruffled, then it meant she was really ruffled.

‘Tell me.’ He pulled her close to him on the sofa.

‘Well, it’s ….’ The words faded off. She was angry with herself. Why was she finding it so difficult to say? Was it a crime to have an ex-lover?

She told him everything, from when she first met Biyi at the university to the time when he left the country for South Africa with his crazy, passionate vow.

Now, he had made a sudden, dramatic return and he was asking for something, which was ridiculous to say the least. He had been pestering her with phone calls, she said, and she was becoming seriously harassed by his actions.

Jide was rapt in attention as he listened. He allowed her to finish the story before he ventured asking anything.

‘How come you’ve never mentioned him before now? How come you’ve even for once talked about him?’ he demanded.

Yeni was full of apologies. ‘I never thought I would be bothered by him again. I had thought he had gone for good and had found love in another lady.’

‘And how did he get your number?’

‘Only God knows,’ she answered honestly.

There was a moment of silence.

‘Did he tell you where he’s staying right now? Do you know?’

‘I don’t know. The hotel where I met him this morning was Accordia Hotel at Ikeja, but I can’t be sure that he lodges there.’

‘I will need to have the number which he used to call you.’

She nodded. ‘That will be no problem.’

He was thoughtful for a while.

‘Next time he calls, try to find out where he stays. I’ll see what I can do about him, but you be very careful.’

Biyi must be out of his mind, she thought later as she tried to sleep over Jide’s assurances. She felt confidence over her hubby’s words. After all, what are husbands for, if not to stand by spouse when the need arises?

She mustn’t be bothered, Jide had said.

Tomorrow, he had said he would do something about it. She chose to believe him. That night, she had a not so good dream about a vindictive lover.


* * *


Around ten o’clock the following morning, after Jide had long gone to work with more assurance about taking care of her and warding off any miscreant, Yeni received a package brought by an express courier firm. She took it to the bedroom, wondering where the package had come from.

Gingerly, she unwrapped it. There was a box with another attractive colorful wrapping papers. When she finally opened the box, it contained two smaller ones that bore the name, Cartier, on them.

There was a ring and a twelve-carat gold wristwatch. There was also a very short not handwritten: With Love from Biyi.

Yeni was perplexed. For some seconds, her mind was blank as she didn’t know what to make of what she had just received. She left everything on the center rug in the bedroom and went downstairs to the dinning-room.

A kettle of hot water and a pack of coffee were waiting for her. She took the coffee with little milk and no sugar, allowing the hot drink to clear her thinking. It was only after some minutes that her mind returned to Biyi and his crazy pranks.


You can get full download: https://publish.okadabooks.com/book/about/above_the_shadows/29529

Mapelblacq:
Now look who we have here, our 'ocean of secret' genius(i dnt know if dat word has a feminine name). I share the same view with u, i do have my dictionary with me when reading this. Kudos OP anyway.

manito20:
Nice story. So interesting.

I am grateful for your comments. Thanks a lot.

millieademi:
I want more, I want more I want more. Please.

Thanks so much for your interest

airminem:
I am a reader of your works. Please mention me!

Oh thanks so much. You have made my day.

airminem:
I am a reader of your works. Please mention me!

Oh thanks so much. You have made my day.

‘Why’re you so unreasonable? Can’t you understand a simple fact?’

‘To hell with that fact. You’re mine, and that’s the fact.’

He must be sick, she thought. Biyi must be crazy.

‘I’m sorry, I don’t want your proposition again. I don’t want you again. Find yourself another woman. There are many beautiful – even more beautiful – ladies out there. Don’t ever call my line again. Goodbye.’

She disconnected the line, brimming with anger. She switched off the phone. If he persisted in his disturbance, then she would have to stop using that very sim card for now. It seemed it was a particular line he had been calling. That line would have to be suspended for now.

But how would she explain that to her husband? That line was the one she used most. Well, no problem. It was time she told Jide everything about Biyi.


* * *


Jide had been busy all morning. He had been attending one boardroom meeting or the other. Apart from the cups of coffee and some snacks he had taken, he had not eaten decent meal since morning.

By twelve noon, there was a respite. He returned to his office to take sandwich. As soon as he had finished the meal, Amanda came to give him some messages.

‘You look tired,’ she commented, sizing him all over, a warm smile on her face. Her boss tried a wan smile and whistled softly to himself as if that was him own way of assuring himself that all was well.

He rested for some minutes before going to another session of meeting. This time, it was with the ebullient Corporate Affairs Manager of the company.

It took a whole hour before it was all over and Jide was glad when he finally stumbled out of the office of the well-built and over bearing manager.

Amanda welcomed him back with another smile.

‘You always look so pathetically tired at the end of meetings,’ she said.

‘It’s such a pain in the ass,’ he dismissed. ‘It would have been okay but sometimes you have to drag over an issue for such a long time you’ll start thinking your whole life depends on it. That’s when it becomes a pain in the ass.’

‘Don’t look at it that way. I think it’s fun.’

‘It’s alright for you to say that, after all, you’re not the one who is really involved in the grilling, tedious hours.’

‘Yes, sir,’ she answered sarcastically.

For the remaining part of the day, he had an easy day. At six p.m., he was ready to leave the office.
‘What’s the plan for today?’

‘It depends on the plans you have.’ She threw the challenge back at him.

‘I have some good plans,’ he spluttered and drew her to himself in a very suggestive way.

She giggled. ‘Well, we’re still in the office.’

‘The hell with the office.’ He threw decorum to the wind as he grabbed her and planted kisses on her waiting lips. Her responses showed she was expectant about that move all along.

‘What about some drinks in the joint?’ he asked, still short of breath.

‘I’ll love that.’

‘So, what’re we here waiting for?’

He grabbed his jacket while Amanda helped with his briefcase. Today again, he preferred going home in his own car rather than the official one.

It was the normal route except, this time around, he descended the Third Mainland Bridge to get to Yaba. Their destination was a popular and cozy pepper soup joint off Herbert Macaulay Way.

The place wasn’t brimming with customers yet, but would soon be. Jide ordered for plates of cow meat pepper soup and a bottle of beer for himself. Amanda would settle for the pepper soup and drinks of malt. She wasn’t the alcoholic type, she had insisted, when told to check out a small bottle of Guinness.

They chatted idly while they savored their delicacy and drinks. Their conversation was warm, personal and revealing. The formality of office had long been discarded and anybody who saw them would be quick to come to the conclusion that they were lovers of some passionate repute.

Some few minutes to eight p.m., they left the place in contentment. Jide drove from Herbert Macaulay Way to join Ikorodu Road. He drifted with the traffic until they got to Maryland. They had another elaborate plan for each other and nobody was going to stop them.

Jide drove straight to the building that housed her mini flat.

‘This is the kind of relaxation I mean when I told you to take things easy; to take time off the stress of working.’

He laughed easily. ‘You have a good point, dear. I only hope I won’t break my back in this kind of relaxation.’

She smiled. ‘You don’t worry. Don’t worry, you just relax. You’ll see that you’ll feel refreshed thereafter.’

There was no need to engage in idle chats again. Like a couple craving for the act, they had each other until he got tired.

‘You’re a great lover,’ she commented later.

‘Thanks for the compliment. You’re good too.’
‘Really?’ Her smile was coquettish, but he had had enough for a day. He smiled too and put on his cloths.

‘You’re not going right away, are you?’ she dared.

‘I thought you’ve lost out of steam.’

‘Talk about self-defense. Aren’t you the one fleeing?’

He started lacing his shoes. ‘I’m not fleeing.’

‘Oh, but you’re in a hurry to leave.’

‘I’m not.’ His tone wasn’t convincing, but conviction or not, he realized his going had been stalled. She held him, still naked, and bared those body organs he could not resist.

They went on another trip of fantasy-like. The second time he was putting on his clothes, there was enough satisfaction not to stop his going.
It was several minutes past nine when he got home.

Yeni was listening to the local news on the television when he stepped inside the sitting-room. He was later than his normal late normal late time, she pointed out as soon as he had given her the customary kiss.

Jide already had a lie ready. He ran into an old friend who had just come England and who had invited him for a drink at a post hotel, he said glibly.

He went on to change his clothes and to take a shower.

‘I’ve something very important to tell you,’ she began, once he returned to the sitting-room.


You can get the full story: https://publish.okadabooks.com/book/about/above_the_shadows/29529

‘You didn’t fulfill it,’ she interrupted heatedly.

‘Barely five months after you had gone, there wasn’t any communication from you. All my attempts at making a contact met with brick wall. Even the e-mails I sent to you were never replied. I neither had your telephone contact nor have any other means of contacting you. I didn’t know how to contact you, but you certainly knew how you could get in touch. You failed to make any contact. I asked your friends and relatives, but their answers were blank.

‘I waited for years. Solid years of apprehension and anxiety. It was like living the life of a nun. Well, all that is now history. Forget your pet dream about me. I’m now happily married.’

She showed him the wedding ring on her finger to drive home her point. He ought to have seen it, but in case he had not, here it was. His eyes only flickered to it and he shook his head. She didn’t know what that gesture meant.

‘Yeni, I’ve come to fulfil my promises.’

‘Too late.’ She was cold and rather brusque. ‘It’s too late. I’m happily married.’

Biyi looked like he could not really understand the import of what she was saying. ‘Divorce him,’ he blurted out. ‘Divorce him. Tell him your real husband – your real love – has come to take you away.’

‘Are you serious?’ Again, she felt like laughing. He made it sound so simple as if he was instructing her to listen to R & B music. No way. ‘Biyi, you have to be realistic. I’ve been married for about two years now and I must confess that my husband and I love each other. So, you need to be realistic.’

‘It can’t be,’ he spluttered. ‘You can’t be in love with him, or any man, for god’s sake.’ His tone was caustic.

Now, she was getting exasperated. ‘That’s one fact you have to live with.’

‘Princess, I promised you love and unaffected affection. I promised to love you forever. I still stand by my promises and I’m here to manifest them. You always professed your love for me, too, and I believed you. I still do, so I don’t believe you’re in love with any other man.’

Now, he sounded like a desperate lover.

‘Listen, Biyi, why’re you complicating issues? I was in love with you, but it didn’t work out. Let’s leave this love thing behind us. It’s gone and we have to face the new reality. That reality is the fact that I’m married. Go ahead and find yourself a new babe. I understand South African ladies are very beautiful.’

‘No one can replace the love I have for you,’ he stated. His voice rose slightly ‘I love you and I’m not going to lose you.’

‘Lower your voice,’ she chided him.

A couple by a table not far from theirs had paused in their conversation and was staring at them.

Biyi glared around and continued, but this time in a controlled voice. ‘Yeni, I’m sorry for the long loss of communication. Why can’t you forgive me?’

‘I have forgiven you. What is gone is gone, that’s the fact. You must also face the fact that I’m the wife of someone else, now.’

‘You mean you don’t want me again?’

She became impatient and annoyed. ‘What’s gone over you, for God’s sake? Can’t you face a very simple fact?’

He became silent, brooding. Yeni was thoughtful too. Her mind went over his asinine suggestion: divorce him. What a crazy thing to contemplate! He must be crazy to think that she would now jump to her feet, hug him and be so overly joyful over his proposal.

‘So, how are things in South Africa?’ she asked, just for the sake of saying something. The silence had become unnerving.

He grinned. ‘The place is cool. You need to see our little home in S.A. You’ll love it.’

‘When are you going back?’

‘You mean when are we going back? It all depends on you. A couple of weeks should be enough to arrange everything and be ready. What d’you think?’

She felt dizzy. Something struck her mind and she stood up. ‘I wish you the best of luck during your stay.’

He hurriedly stood up too. ‘Where’re you going, Princess?’

‘Home.’ Her answer was tart. ‘Goodbye, Biyi.’

‘Hey, not so fast. We’re still talking.’

She was now totally repulsed by his presence and the only thing she needed now was to get away.

She snatched her hand from his and hurried out of the bar. She didn’t look back to see that he remained on the same spot, mouth ajar, looking stunned by her behavior and the abruptness. She didn’t want to see him again.

Still flustered, she swiftly opened the door of her car and gunned it out of the premises. She checked the rear mirror to see if she was being followed. She had read a lot about being followed, trailed or stalked.

Now, it was ironic that she found herself in a situation where one of these was happening to her. Life was whimsical, wasn’t it?

In her amateurish mind, she decided that no suspicious motorist or vehicle was trailing her. Was she very harsh on him? Was she very unfeeling, or had she acted the right way by being frank with him?

Her mind weighed his words and her responses. She justified her actions. She was right in treating him the way she had done.

For God’s sake, he was as crazy as his proposition. He must be batty to think that he would jump at his offer. She didn’t drive home straight.

She had some shopping to do. Besides, her very good friend, Nike would be celebrating her birthday the following week and Yeni would like to buy a little, nice and befitting present for her.

It didn’t take her long to complete her shopping and she soon driving home. She hoped she had got rid of Biyi for good. But she was wrong. Her phone rang and he was the one on the line.

‘Why did you walk out on me?’ he demanded, sounding angry.

‘What is it you want?’ she parried, matching his tone.

‘That was silly of you,’ he pointed out. ‘Very silly. A man has come all the way from S.A to look for you and all you do is treat the guy as if he’s nothing but shit?’

‘Listen, Biyi. If all this is a kind of joke, stop it.’

‘Who the hell is joking?’ the anger was still in his tone. You darned think I’ll travel covering thousands of kilometers to crack some silly jokes? Hell, you’ve got another thinking coming.’

‘Why’re you so unreasonable? Can’t you understand a simple fact?’

‘To hell with that fact. You’re mine, and that’s the fact.’

He must be sick, she thought. Biyi must be crazy.

‘I’m sorry, I don’t want your proposition again. I don’t want you again. Find yourself another woman. There are many beautiful – even more beautiful – ladies out there. Don’t ever call my line again. Goodbye.’

She disconnected the line, brimming with anger. She switched off the phone. If he persisted in his disturbance, then she would have to stop using that very sim card for now.

It seemed it was a particular line he had been calling. That line would have to be suspended for now.

But how would she explain that to her husband? That line was the one she used most. Well, no problem. It was time she told Jide everything about Biyi.


You can download full story from: https://publish.okadabooks.com/book/about/above_the_shadows/29529

millieademi:
Interesting work, baby g. You've got me hooked.

I only have one issue with this work . I'm sorry but I feel there's a lot of big vocabulary. I feel you should use synonyms we are conversant with in some instances. Sometimes, grammar gets boring. There was I time I skipped a paragraph or so in a post. Please, kindly tone it down a bit.


I apologise if you find this offensive. I'm sorry. I am only stating an opinion.


But it's a great story nonetheless.

Keep it up.

Thanks for your interests and comments. The points are noted and will be appropriately addressed.

Her fears were confirmed when she only heard from him twice. The first was when he had landed in Jo’burg and the second was some months later when he called to tell her that he was combining schooling with some jobs.

He never disclosed the nature of job he was involved in. Since then, there had been no further communication. Until now.

She had tried as much as she could to hear or read from him, but it appeared the communication chain had been broken. As for the social media, he was elusive. That was six years ago.

She had waited, still believing that he hadn’t forgotten her; that in a matter of time, he would contact her again or perhaps make a sudden return.

Two years after being in the limbo, she was beginning to believe in the futility of his words. He had failed her terribly, she realized.

Then, she had met Jide at a friend’s party. He was the charming, young lawyer who diffused magnificent aura. He wasn’t slow in showing serious interest in her, and she wasn’t lethargic in embracing his gesture. Hadn’t she played the fool for over two years, waiting for a fugitive lover?

Must she continue to hope against hope?
Jide had been given the chance of proving his passionate mettle. He succeeded, without doubts, and she was swept off her feet.

Now, Biyi had made a sudden and dramatic return and wanted to see her.

Some minutes to the appointed time, she was dressed up and ready to meet him. Her Honda Civic car, a gift from her hubby, was shining in the morning sun. she seldom used it and obviously, it still looked new. As a full house wife, Jide had restricted her movement, so to say.

You could work later, but not now, he had stated. Yeni could not understand his misgivings about a working wife. After a hot argument on the propriety of what he desired, she had let him have his way.

He would open a supermarket for her, he had promised. Or a beauty saloon. Or a …. Jide was never short of making promises. She didn’t really doubt him, but his promises were too many.

He was the sort that could promise a paradise right here on earth.

Some minutes after eleven, she parked the Honda Civic on the parking space of Accordia Hotel at Ikeja. The three-star hotel was quite conspicuous and she didn’t have much problem in locating the place.

Biyi was already waiting for her at the lobby. He stood up and smiled as she approached. He had changed a great deal, she could observe. He was now beefy and his chest seemed broader. Could he be doing body-building?

There was no single hair on his head while his right ear adorned a tiny gold ring.

‘My baby,’ he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Your babe? She asked in her mind. That was ancient history.

They exchanged short greetings and he invited her to the bar for drinks. She refused his offer of drinks, then he set the ball rolling.

‘Things have not been exactly easy over there as some guys want us believe over her,’ he said. ‘I mean there are hassles and you really have to work up your ass to live comfortably.

Combining that with schooling is one of the hardest things in the world. Your schedules are tight, and you’re busy from morning till night. All those factors plus others which I cannot dwell on here are what are responsible for the long silence from me.’

Yeni nodded, but said nothing. It wasn’t time to talk yet.

‘Four years ago,’ he continued after another sip from his beer, ‘I made a solemn promise. A vow, really. I’ve come home now to fulfil my promise.’

She felt like bursting into laughter, but instead kept a straight face. He must be out of his mind, she thought, to think that she would still be waiting for him and some goddamned promises.

He expected her to say something. When she did not, he continued: ‘I’m here in Nigeria because of you, and I’ve brought the good news that after settling down comfortably over there. You can now come and join me.’

She chuckled. ‘So, in your little mind, you still expect me to be waiting for you, right?’
‘I made a promise and – ‘

‘You didn’t fulfill it,’ she interrupted heatedly. ‘Barely five months after you had gone, there wasn’t any communication from you. All my attempts at making a contact met with brick wall. Even the e-mails I sent to you were never replied. I neither had your telephone contact nor have any other means of contacting you. I didn’t know how to contact you, but you certainly knew how you could get in touch. You failed to make any contact. I asked your friends and relatives, but their answers were blank.

‘I waited for years. Solid years of apprehension and anxiety. It was like living the life of a nun. Well, all that is now history. Forget your pet dream about me. I’m now happily married.’

She showed him the wedding ring on her finger to drive home her point. He ought to have seen it, but in case he had not, here it was. His eyes only flickered to it and he shook his head. She didn’t know what that gesture meant.



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Yeni became unsettled again. If it were him, that meant he was up to some terrible mischief. She knew the kind of person he was and was not very pleased about some past deeds and misdeeds.

But she continued to wonder how Biyi got her number in the first place. Perhaps a mutual friend had given the returnee.

Her mind hovered on telling her husband about the call, but – again – she quickly dismissed the idea. She would handle it all alone, she thought. Indeed, it seemed unfair to bring him in. she had involved herself in a mess, which – she believed – she must get herself out of, all by herself.

Jide forgot the unanswered call and made passionate love to his wife. He was always good in that. Unlike him, she was only pretending to be enjoying the act. Her thinking was distant and troubled.


* * *


It wasn’t until ten o’clock the following morning when Biyi called again. Jide had left for office about four hours ago and Yeni was alone in the house apart from the maidservant. Jide’s brother had also gone out.

When her phone rang, she could see that it was an unknown number which turned out to be Biyi’s own.

‘Were you the one that called last night?’ she asked tersely, uptight.

There was a short laugh. ‘Yeah. I just wanted to hear your voice.’

‘Why are you doing this to me?’

He became all serious again. ‘That’s why we’ve got to talk.’ He allowed a brief silence. ‘Do you know the Accordia Hotel?’

She had heard of the name, but she couldn’t place where it was. ‘I think I do.’

He gave her the address. ‘Let’s meet there in the lobby at 11.00 this morning.’

‘What kind of mischief are you up to?’

‘There’s no mischief. We’ll only talk, okay? That’s the rendezvous.’

She thought briefly. ‘Okay.’

The line was disconnected. She felt a little bit feverish. An hour to go, she thought, musing over the person she was to meet.

Something told her she should not go on with it, but – on a second thought – she shrugged it off. No harm, she thought. If ever he was preposterous in what he was going to say, she could easily tell him to go to hell.

Biyi was her first love, her heartthrob during her under-graduate days. They were in the same department, doing the same course and striving to excel in the study of linguistics.

Yeni could not avoid being enamored to his handsome and vivacious mien. Besides, he had an easy smile and laugh that were infectious. She liked his idea of romanticism.

He had given her the name, Princess. Effusive as ever, he had described that she was greater than Cleopatra and Mona Lisa combined. In his words, Yeni was like Venus who diffused aura of love, affection and passion.

So, he called her Princess of the universe. Not that she minded, though.

Trouble had started in the third year. She had been hearing that he was fraternizing with one secret cult or the other on the campus, but there was no way those fleeting words could be affirmed.

Then, one day, she had challenged him about it, demanding for nothing but the absolute truth. He confirmed her worst fears, but promised that in a matter of short time, he would renounce the damnable thing.

He never did. Rather, he went ahead to become ‘the capo.’ All the while, he didn’t stop effusing words about his endless love for her. She was in a serious quandary but her mind urged her to play along.

The hammer finally fell on him when he was rusticated from the university.

It was a bitter aftermath of a bloody clash some belligerent factions of the group had been causing.

The school had been forced to close down and after some inquiry had been made into the cause of the hullabaloo, the authority had taken some drastic steps.

Biyi and some crazy hard-nuts had been thrown out of the university system. Some of them had made threats of vengeance and reprisals, but they had to go.

Biyi had dismissed the whole episode as farcical, while Yeni was terribly let down. Nothing to worry about, he had told her.

Despite all his assurances, she remained perturbed. What would he do? Would he start his university education all over again, or what?

Worse still, he didn’t seem to be perturbed. Unknown to her, he had been making a grand plan about travelling abroad. He had made connections and had decided to execute his plans.

Therefore, when he told her of his imminent departure from Nigeria to South Africa, she had expressed surprise. He would go to S.A, he had said and would settle there.

Then, after some time, he would send for her, or come and ‘pick’ her. Yeni had been amazed. She wanted to know if he was making a kind of joke or whatever, but he had said he was dead serious.

He went on to swear that his love for her would remain as fresh as the lily of the valley forever. Yeni felt like laughing. He had sworn more. He would love her forever, he asserted. He would travel but would definitely come or send for her.

She nodded as if she understood and believed him perfectly.

Tears were in her eyes when she saw him go. She had seen him off at the Murtala Muhammed International airport, Ikeja, and was so sorry about his exit, in addition to the feeling of helplessness.

She wasn’t really consoled with his promises. Hadn’t some men made such promises before without fulfilling them?
Her fears were confirmed when she only heard from him twice.

The first was when he had landed in Jo’burg and the second was some months later when he called to tell her that he was combining schooling with some jobs. He never disclosed the nature of job he was involved in. Since then, there had been no further communication. Until now.


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