Just a Dream

JUST A DREAM

     Tunji who just stepped outside his father’s house in the early morning of the day was so numbed that he couldn’t recognize his mother who was very busy on the premises of the building let alone tendering a salutation as courtesy requested. The nightmare he had the previous night was, to say the least, the worst of its kind ever since he realized the essence of dreams; his ever loving father was shot dead by one of his male colleagues in his working place.

     “Tunji?” the surprised 51-year-old Madam Ade called as she was occupied with her household chores.

     “Yes, mum.” responded the 15-year-old Tunji who happened to be the lastborn of his parents, walked towards her.

     This time, they were standing about half a metre away from each other. The woman in question tied a single wrapper up to her chest whilst the poor boy put on only boxers.

     “Are you alright?”

     “I think I am.” He replied, scratching his head with his right hand.

     “You think you are?”

     “Yes mum.”

     “What’s the meaning of that?”

     “Mum, I am fine.”

     “Are you sure you are okay?”

      He nodded calmly.

     “So,” she said. “How come you couldn’t remember to greet your mum this morning?”

      He was speechless, head bent.

     “Hmm…,” she sighed. “You can go.” She urged, gesticulating, wasn’t satisfied by the responses though.

      He quickly took his leave, walked straight to his room.

     “No, this boy is not fine.” Madam Ade thought as she watched him depart. “This is not him.”

     No doubt, a mother needn’t be told when her child isn’t sound in all ramifications, and Madam Ade wasn’t exceptional. The encounter kept her wondering what actually could prompt such abrupt countenance. She had known Tunji, from day one, to be a happy and well-cultured chap; in other words, he couldn’t possibly forget to greet his beloved mum at such hour of the day. She stood aloof not unlike a sentry as she wondered.

     “Oh God,” Tunji exclaimed aloud after a few seconds he got to his room having sat on his bed. “Was my dad actually shut dead in that dream?” He said.

     “What dream?” queried Madam Ade, who followed him to the room hesitantly, having slightly overheard his soliloquy.

     He was shocked, never expected his mum’s presence. “What?” He managed to utter.

     She sat very close to him. “Were you not the one who mentioned a dream right now?”

     “Mummy, I have told you,” quoth Tunji. “I am fine.”

     “Shut up,” enjoined Madam Ade. “You are not fine.” She added, paused. “It is written all over you.”

       He kept calm.

     “And if you don’t tell me what is eating you up,” she proceeded. “Your dad will hear about it.”

     “Please mum,” he pleaded. “Don’t tell him.”

      His father Chief R.O. Ade was a no-nonsense man who understood the most accurate way to discipline a child whenever he/she misbehaved or how best to make him/her answerable to, or confide in, his/her parents regardless of the situation.

     “Then, you have to start talking,” she urged. “Besides, are you not going to school today?” She added.

     The time check was 6.50am. Their four children were meant to comprehend the essence of going to school early or on time.

     “Well,” she rode on. “First, tell me what’s bothering you.”

     “I had a dream last night.” He eventually disclosed sluggishly.

     “A dream?’

      He nodded.

     “Last night?”

     Tunji nodded again. “But, it was terrible.” He informed. “Very horrible.”

    “Terrible?”

    “Yes mum.”

    “Tell me about it.”

    “Daddy was shot dead.”

    “What..?” shouted Madam Ade, bemused. “Shot dead?”

       He nodded.

     “Your daddy?”

      He also replied via a nod.

     “By who?”

     “Uncle Alagbo.”

      Mr. Dada Alagbo was the name of his father’s junior colleague who pulled the trigger in the said nightmare.

     “Mr. Alagbo?” Madam Ade said.

     Tunji nodded.

     “Dada Alagbo?” She reiterated.

      She couldn’t fathom the story owing to the fact that the man in question happened to be one of the closest colleagues, if not closest, to her husband – Chief R.O. Ade.

     “Yes, mum.” responded Tunji, head bent.

     “Hmm…” Madam Ade oozed out a huge air. “This is serious.” She thought aloud.

     “I am confused too.” quoth the poor teen.

     “Your father must hear this.”

     “Mum, don’t tell him,” Tunji suggested. “After all, it’s just a dream.” He thought it wise.

     Madam Ade tenderly looked at him. “I think you are right.” She said, nodding. “Please, go and get ready for school.” She urged after some seconds, stood up and took her leave.

    “Okay mum.” He replied, hurriedly left the room for the bathroom.

* * * * * *

     “Where is the money?” One of the three masked robbers, who just invaded Chief Ade’s house, queried the chief as he lied in his matrimonial bed alongside his wife, Madam Ade.

     The couple couldn’t believe their eyes; it was just like a mere dream.

     This was happening at about 12.06am exactly at the moment Madam Ade was still recollecting the ugly story her son, Tunji shared with her in the early morning of the previous day.

     “I said, where is the money?” the baron repeated as Chief Ade coupled with his wife was left speechless.

     “There’s no money in the house.” Chief Ade answered, staggering.

     “Oh,” the other robber said. “You think we are here for child’s play, right?”

     “The money, or …” the third robber who appeared like the gang’s leader added succinctly, pointing his gun at Chief Ade.

     “Please, don’t kill my husband.” Madam Ade stammered.

     “Shut up, woman!” the first speaker ordered.

       Before he could finish, the apparent leader who could best be described as an Iroko tree quickly released the trigger thrice, and the gun’s bullets landed on Chief Ade’s chest.

     He passed away instantly.

     Madam Ade widely opened her eyes and mouth in awe, couldn’t fathom the scene.

     The robbers took their leave in a jiffy.

     The moment they left, Madam Ade screamed and screamed, but pathetically the evil had already been unleashed.

     Therein, her two children including Tunji who were living with the parents rushed out only to meet their father lying helplessly on the bed in cold blood. It seemed, all along, they never knew what was transpiring until their mother’s scream came up.

     They all collectively sobbed uncontrollably right in the room. The other children of Chief Ade - now late, who were in the university, despite their absence, were ostensibly touched by the gravity of the endless gasping, choking sobs coming from their siblings and poor mother.

     What took place thereafter ought to be a story for another day. Or, what do you think? Think about it!

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Fearsome Melodrama (II)

FEARSOME MELODRAMA (II)

    “Young man,” Mr. Ama Madu interrupted. “What a hell are you talking about?” He said as he approached where the intruder stood.

    The crowd was still in silence awe. Everyone seemed like an electrocuted being.

    “Maybe you should ask your wife,” Mr. Kedu unfriendly suggested. “I think that would save us from a big stress.” He added, looking firmly at the face of Mr. Ama who stood about a metre away from him.

    “My wife…?” Mr. Ama said, shocked.

    “You heard me clearly.” responded Mr. Kedu.

      Mr. Ama looked at Chizoba who appeared so devastated as she held her son, Chibuzo firmly. She attempted to face elsewhere the moment her hubby turned back to take a look at her but she was emotionally trapped, thus she stood still, fearfully facing Mr. Ama. “What a hell is going on here?” he asked her. “Can someone talk to me?” He reiterated, looking around.

     Chizoba left the arena immediately and ran into her matrimonial home, carrying her cute baby in her hands.

     Mr. Kedu smiled at her reaction. “I guess she cannot withstand the shame.” He thought aloud.

     “This drama is turning into something else.” Mr. Ama observed in a loud tone, also left the crowded arena to meet with his departed wife.

     Okechukwu who had been watching dumbfoundedly, followed his father into the house.

     At this point, everyone in the gathering was left with no option than to take their leave for their respective residents. Mr. Kedu joined them, though followed a different path in order not to mix with any member of the exited crowd.

     While the guests were leaving in various groups, they were filled with several thoughts, insinuations, mixed feelings, and what have you. They couldn’t believe such a thing transpired at an occasion they were specially invited to attend.

     Notable personalities in their midst felt so disappointed and depressed; according to them, Mr. Ama had been designed with an uncalled indelible mark that could usher any man into his unsolicited early grave. They weren’t really sad that they were embarrassed; rather, they felt for their highly respected fellow kinsman (Mr. Ama) who just witnessed an unspeakable ordeal.

     The moment Mr. Ama met Chizoba in their matrimonial room, she began to cry profoundly. By this time, Chibuzo was lying in his cot. “Tell me it’s not true?” He told her.

     Okechukwu arrived at the room in a jiffy.

     “It is true…” She hinted aloud while seated on the bed, choked by sobs.

      Mr. Ama alongside his son was so shocked over the hint.

     “What is true?” Mr. Ama shouted.

     “The child is his,” she eventually confessed. “I am so sorry…”

       Mr. Ama was speechless; Okechukwu astonishly left the room for his. “So you have been deceiving me all these while?” Mr. Ama managed to utter while standing closely to where she was seated.

    “Honey, is not what you think.” She replied.

    “Honey what?” Mr. Ama enquired. “Who’s your honey?” He reiterated, paused. “Before I turn my back, you have packed out of this house.” He urged furiously, dashed out of the room for an unknown destination.

    She fell on the floor, continued sobbing.

    When Mr. Ama returned to the room from the few seconds self-exile, she was still crying helplessly on the floor. “So you are still here, woman?” He said, went for her luggage coupled with her other belongings and threw it outside the house.

     She went to grab him while he was carrying out the mission but he forcefully pushed her away; that was when the reality dawned on her, thus she needed not to be told by a seer that that was fire on the mountain. In view of this, she sluggishly left the house with her baby as well as luggage.

    Mr. Ama Madu who was at this point seated on the bed felt like strangulating himself, couldn’t believe it was a reality. Within a few minutes, Okechukwu joined him in the room, sat closely with him and began to console him while crossed his right arm on his (Mr. Ama’s) waist. “It’s okay, dad.” he enjoined. “All will be fine, okay?”

     Mr. Ama looked at him, felt relieved and nodded. “Thank you, son.” He appreciated hesitantly.

     At least, with Okechukwu he still had something to console himself with. Hence, he thought it wise to summon courage and forge ahead with his miserable life, though the injury incurred some minutes back at that event was something that might not heal throughout his lifetime.

     When Chizoba got to her paternal home with the baby, her father Mr. Amadi whom was also present at the shameful ceremony alongside his wife felt like disowning her. “You have brought an untold disgrace to this family.” He ranted as she walked into the compound in a tattered mood. “You have turned yourself into a forbidden child.” The old man added fiercely.      

     His wife Mrs. Amadi felt for Chizoba. “Is okay naow…” She urged her husband. “After all, she’s still your daughter.”

     “My daughter?” Mr. Amadi said, marveled. “Is that all you could say?” He added, paused. “Is this a conspiracy or what?”

     “Conspiracy..?” His wife quarreled. “How do you mean?”

     “How can you call such a girl my daughter?” quoth Mr. Amadi. “Weren’t you at that occasion, or you didn’t see what happened?”

      Mrs. Amadi sighed heavily, turned to Chizoba. “My dear, come.” She urged her.

     Chizoba walked to her leaving her luggage behind, still carrying her baby.

     Her mother cuddled her and took the baby from her.

     Mr. Amadi angrily left them at the balcony and walked to his room.

     Since she was the one who encouraged her to get married to Mr. Ama despite the fact that she was pregnant for Mr. Kedu, she (Mrs. Amadi) was left with no choice than to embrace her daughter whose plan had crashed unexpectedly.

     The following day, Mr. Kedu came to meet with Chizoba to reconcile with her. He was still very much interested to walk her down the aisle regardless of the inconvenience she had cost him. And he was at that moment ready to settle down having become a bit financially stable unlike when she left him for another man.

    When he arrived at her place, she couldn’t welcome him; she was of the view that he had already cost her enormous pains, thus she wasn’t willing to incur more. But Mr. Kedu let her see reason he took that very step; according to him, that was the only way he could reclaim her.

     After every altercation, having understood that she really erred coupled with her mother’s advice, she agreed to marry the rejected Mr. Kedu after tendering unalloyed apology to him for her stupidity.

    Three months on, they tied the ostensibly inevitable nuptial knots. Indeed, the fearsome melodrama had turned into a glorious moment, though Mr. Ama Madu was still wallowing in an untold grief.

      Fascinatingly, that Chizoba’s childhood pal in the person of Miss Dalu who disclosed to Mr. Kedu that she (Chizoba) was pregnant for him, happened to be the chief bridesmaid of the wedding ceremony.

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Fearsome Melodrama

FEARSOME MELODRAMA

    “Okey,” Mr. Madu called.

    “Yes dad.”

    “I called you here to discuss something very important with you.”

     The brilliant 16-year-old Okechukwu who was fondly called ‘Okey’ by his teeming friends and relatives was the only child of his late mother who died two years back at 44 after a brief illness. Since his mother’s eternal demise, his 51-year-old father, Mr. Ama Madu had vowed not to tie the knot with another woman, but the unending persuasions he had so far received from his kinsmen including his aged parents had made him to think otherwise, thus had decided to add a lady to the house’s population.

     This was what necessitated the above meeting which was taking place right in their sitting room at about 5:20pm the moment Okechukwu who was preparing for his forthcoming Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) arrived home. He had however earlier informed him when he was leaving for his school in the morning that he had a very crucial issue to iron out with him when he returned. Okechukwu, having hurriedly taken his lunch as well as undressed himself as soon as he arrived as instructed by his beloved father, joined him in the parlour where he was patiently awaiting him. Both were seated closely in the same cushion.

    Okechukwu listened attentively, stayed calm.

    “It’s true that the vacuum your late mum created in our hearts cannot be filled so easily.” Mr. Ama Madu rode on.

    Okechukwu looked at him sorrowfully.

    “But, we can’t continue to remain in a mourning mood.” quoth Mr. Madu. “Therefore, we must move on.”

    Okechukwu took a sigh of relieve, adjusted himself a bit.

    “Okey my son,” he called. “You need a woman that would take good care of you as a mother.”

     The listener remained calm.

     “You can’t continue like this,” he said, looking into his eyes. “Neither me.” He added.

     Okechukwu bent his head, became sober.

     “The burden is becoming so unbearable,” Mr. Madu confessed. “Oh, Adaku!” He bitterly recalled his late wife, shook his head.

     “Dad, it’s okay.” Okechukwu enjoined. “God knows everything.”

      Mr. Madu glanced at him, was deeply encouraged over his courage.

     “I think you are right,” Okechukwu proceeded. “We can’t continue to mourn.”

     “I am impressed you are sounding this way.” Mr. Madu complimented. “Well, it’s time to tell you why I called you here.”

     Okechukwu became more attentive.

     “I want to remarry,” he informed hesitantly. “I want to marry another wife.”

      The chap was moody, though wasn’t shocked by the notice.

     “I want to bring in a woman that would take care of us,” he landed. “Particularly, you.” He said, gesticulating.

     “There’s no problem, dad.” concurred Okechukwu in a jiffy. “I know you have always wanted the best for me.”

     Mr Madu was calm, overwhelmingly amazed to hear his son speak courageously and wisely.

     “So, when am I meeting her?”

      Mr. Madu smiled. “You will meet her soon, okay?”

      Okechukwu nodded. “Alright dad,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet with her.”

     The discussion ended at exactly 6:15pm prior to the discussants’ departure for their respective bedrooms.

     The following three days being Saturday February 9, 2008, the awaited bride, Chizoba by name, arrived. She was in her mid-thirties, looked virtuous and meek. Okechukwu was conspicuously pleased by what he saw in her externally, and was eagerly looking forward to seeing a woman that had a pure heart just like that of his late mother, Adaku.

     The first few months of Chizoba’s stay at her matrimonial home were splendid. Owing to this attribute, rather than seeing her as a step-mother, Okechukwu was of the view that his late mother’s spirit had eventually returned; she was, to say the least, the deceased’s replica, thus he vowed to remain loyal to her regardless of the circumstance. By this time, she was already five-month pregnant; apparently she conceived the moment she packed into the home.

     There was nothing Okechukwu asked or sought for that wasn’t given to him on a platter of gold, that, at a point he became so astonished over the innumerable kind gesture. When he was sitting for his SSCE, Chizoba who was a professional fashion designer ensured that he made the best out of it by providing him with all he needed, though with the assistance of her husband. In fact, she could best be described as an ‘angel’ whenever her name was being discussed in the family. As a result of this, Mr. Madu kept appreciating God that he never made a mistake bringing in another woman in respect to his first wife’s exit. Notwithstanding, only God knows what one’s fate would entail in the future.

     Four months later, the heavily pregnant Mrs. Chizoba Madu successfully put to bed a bouncing baby boy. It was ostensibly a moment of divine mercy. Above every remarkable thing attached to the euphoric moment, at least Okechukwu could then boast of a more intimate everlasting companion. At this point, Mr. Madu’s joy knew no bounds, hence he organized a revelry. The newborn baby was therein named Chibuzo.

     “You have made me more complete now.” Mr. Ama Madu elatedly told his wife amidst the gathering while standing.

     The revelry comprised every dignitary the community was proud of. The host, Mr. Madu was a notable man in the locality, thus he was able to reach out to ‘all-that-matters’ in the ancient clan.

     Chizoba smiled as she cuddled the little Chibuzo who was well wrapped in a charming multi-coloured wrapper.

     “Honestly,” the celebrant continued, stood still. “I don’t know how best to appreciate you.”

     The crowd instantly gave a very cheerful look at the outpouring compliments.

     “Since you came into this family,” Mr. Madu said. “A lot has really changed…”

     Before he could finish the last statement, one able-bodied man who seemed to be in his late thirties, though looked poor, just jumped out from the gathering. “Hold it there!” he urged Mr. Madu with alacrity.

     The crowd including the celebrant marveled at the scene. On her part, going by Chizoba’s body language, it appeared she knew the man who seemed totally strange to the entire members of the gathering; she instantly stood up from her seat, looked apprehensive.

     “For your information,” the intruder told Mr. Madu amid the crowd. “This baby is mine.” He informed, pointing one of his right fingers at Chibuzo who was tightly held by his pale-looking mother.

     The fearsome melodrama was occasioned by the fact that the seemingly strange being named Kedu who hailed from a neighbouring clan was the person who truly impregnated Chizoba, thus was the biological father of Chibuzo. They were dating prior to her abrupt marriage to Mr. Madu. She was even pregnant of the baby before she tied the knot, unknowingly to the groom (Mr. Madu) because the pregnancy wasn’t yet obvious.

     Mr. Kedu couldn’t settle down with her due to his financial incapacity, and she wasn’t willing to wait either. When Mr. Madu sought her hand in marriage, having disclosed the proposal to the former, he pleaded with her to wait for him but she refused. Apart from her personal wish, her mother whom was aware of every bit of the situation persuaded her to abandon the former for the latter.

     Although Kedu wasn’t aware of the pregnancy, Chizoba’s trusted ally - Dalu whom was the only person she confided in aside her mother regarding the origin of the pregnancy, disclosed it to him (Kedu) without Chizoba’s knowledge; hence, Mr. Kedu waited till she delivered the baby before he could claim it.

    What happened thereafter is a story for another day. But, if you were in Mr. Madu’s shoes, what would you do at the gathering? Think about it! 

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