Despair Not

DESPAIR NOT

    “Hello dad!” Dapo exclaimed the moment he picked the phone call as he walked towards the major road.

    “How are you, Dapo?” the 53-year-old Mr. Kunle enquired elatedly.

     Dapo, a 200 Level student of Creative Arts in the famous Lagos State University (LASU), Iyana-Oba, Lagos State, Nigeria was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Kunle Ojo. Since 20 years back he was begotten by the lovely couple barely eleven months after their marriage, another baby had refused to form in his mother’s womb. Rather than remain in perpetual agony, the said couple had chosen to be contented with what they were blessed with; and as God would have it, Dapo was exemplarily brilliant, thus they felt complete.

     As an undergraduate, the chap could boast of anything he needed right from the first day he found himself on the campus. Among all, no day that passed that his dad, Kunle didn’t call him on phone to ascertain how he was faring. This time, he received one of his numerous calls while he was leaving his school lodge for the expressway situated very close to the lodge in question in the company of two of his neighbours, Wale and Kosara who were as well students of the university. They were headed for a viewing centre to watch an incoming match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona for an ongoing European Championship tournament.

     “I am fine, sir.” responded Dapo amid his friends.

     “I am sure you are not lacking anything?” Mr. Ojo said.

     “No sir.”

     “Okay.” He said, paused. “When are your semester exams coming up?”

     “In three weeks time.”

     “I am sure you are reading your books as usual?”

     “Trust me, dad.” He replied, transferred the cell phone to his left hand.

     “That’s my boy!”

     “So dad, how’s mum?” He enquired as they got at the expressway, which they were meant to cross before they could get to their destination.

     This time, he was slightly walking ahead of his companions, Kosara and Wale.

    “Your mum is fine,” Mr. Kunle replied. “She is doing greatly.”

    “Oh, so glad to hear that,” Dapo responded, couldn’t notice a Busscar bus that just overtook another, thereby exceeding its track and was headed toward where he stood ahead of his friends. “My regards to her.” He told his father.

     “Dapoooo…!” Wale and Kosara shouted at the top of their voices as they observed the anomaly. The exclamation came concurrently with his last statement on phone ‘my regards to her’.

     Before Dapo could realize his fate, the bus that was obviously moving with a very high speed hit him roughly and kept moving. Dapo rolled severally on the outskirt of the expressway and gave up the ghost instantly.

     “Dapo! Dapo!!” Mr. Kunle called having sensed the anomaly to no avail.

     Dapo’s handset was lying helplessly on the ground.

     Kosara and Wale rushed to the spot where his body was lying lifelessly. On observing that he was no more, they cried and cried profoundly amidst a crowd, but there was absolutely nothing anyone could do.

     Kosara hurriedly walked to the phone, grabbed it while covered with tears and managed to place it on his left ear. “Dapo is dea…d.” He notified Mr. Kunle who had shouted his son’s name for the umpteenth time in a jittery mood.  

    “Dapo is what?” He verified apprehensively.

    “He is dead…!”

    “What…?” Mr. Ojo who was also a Lagos state resident shouted loudly, dropped the call and quickly headed for LASU to confirm the genuineness of the information.

    Dapo was therein rushed to a nearby hospital where he was actually confirmed dead. According to the physician, he died as a result of haemorrhage.

     When Mr. Ojo arrived at the hospital, he couldn’t believe his eyes. It was like a mere dream. In a nutshell, at that point, a madman was far better than him mentally.

     When the news got to his wife, she fainted and remained in the mood for 72-hours before she came back to life; the 52-year-old Mrs. Timi Ojo felt like one in hell. It was obvious that if given the chance, she could commit suicide because therein she saw life as meaningless. To her, death wasn’t just heartless but evil.

     The big question was: where were they to start from? The only child they had been jealously nurturing for twenty years had left them unannounced without even an indirect notice. The sobs were unquantifiable, to say the least; the shock, immeasurable; and the pains, so extreme. Whom were they to run to, for succour? Who could unravel the mystery?

     The endless condolences they were receiving were causing more harm than good. Conspicuously, what they needed was mainly remedy instead of ‘please take heart’ which was pouring in like rainfall. The ordeal was so unbearable that even a fly that came to sympathize with them was seen as an enemy. Apparently, the poor couple preferred to be left alone.

     The pain was indeed unbearable. A couple that was trying to be contented with only one child was abruptly told that it didn’t even deserve one. The experience was rather imaginable. Even if it was a mere dream, such nightmare would remain indelible in their minds.

     Though the mourning period seemed unending, six months after, they thought it wise to console themselves having taken solace in their creator. Thus, life continued although the injury incurred failed to heal. Their greatest motivator was the undiluted love they shared as a couple ever since they tied the connubial knots.

     As the Holy book would always conscientize us to despair not, seven months down the line, the 52-year-old Mrs. Timi conceived again after almost twenty-one years of her last pregnancy. She alongside her loving and faithful husband couldn’t believe what the family was witnessing, likewise their respective parents who got the news in a jiffy. The rare miracle, which was like the case of Sarah in the Bible, wasn’t in any way seen coming.

     When the pregnancy became obvious, people around were mistaking it for a mere big tummy owing to scepticism. To them, she couldn’t in any way conceive at that point after countless years of wait, unknowingly to them that God has His own way of doing things in such a manner that it couldn’t be comprehended by anyone. As weeks unfold, she became heavily pregnant to the utmost amazement of the teeming skeptics.

      Nine months after, she successfully gave birth to triplets – two boys and a girl. The glorious moment threw everyone into a celebration mood.

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Smart Cheat

SMART CHEAT

    “Seun, my son.” Mrs. Funmi called.

    “Yes mum.”

    “I must say,” quoth the 52-year-old Funmi. “I am really proud of you.”

    “Thank you, mum.” appreciated the 18-year-old Seun.

     Seun was the only child of Mrs. Funmi Akande who was a widow. Since her beloved husband kicked the bucket untimely nine years back, she had vowed not to remarry; hence, she had been trying unrelentingly to make it up to her only pride (Seun) who she regarded as her pet, with the help of the trading business she was into. Seun wasn’t just loved but adored by his industrious mother who could best be described as a virtuous woman, owing to his ostensibly brilliant idiosyncrasy; he was no doubt trying his very best to do well academically, particularly in order to please his poor mother who he saw as his messiah.

     Having concluded his secondary education previous year in a grand style and thereafter successfully secured admission in the university of his choice to study his dream discipline, Business Management, precisely few weeks back, in the aforementioned gathering which was taking place in their parlour at about 7:35am, his loving and lovely mother – ‘Madam Funmi’ as she was fondly called by her friends and foes was painstakingly taking her precious time to administer the required and consequential counsel.

     “I am glad you have been coming out with flying colours in all your exams.” Funmi rode on as she was seated in the parlour.

     Seun who was seated directly adjacent to her, smiled. “Thank you, mum.” He said.

     “Even in the grave,” quoth Funmi. “Your father would be very proud of you.” She enthused, paused. “He wanted the best for you.”

      Seun was calm.

     “I pray you will continue like this throughout your university period.”

      Seun adjusted himself, remained calm and speechless.

    “Please my son,” she proceeded. “Always try your best to make me a happy woman.” She asked, paused. “You know you are the only one I have.” She added.

    “I want to assure you one thing, mum…” Seun interrupted.

     Funmi was quiet and attentive.

    “I will never disappoint you,” he landed. “I mean, always.”

    “That’s my boy.” Mrs. Funmi elatedly applauded. “Please, come and sit here.” She urged, tapping the space on her seat.

     Seun left his seat for hers immediately, leaned on it and folded his hands.

     Funmi looked into his eyes. “My son,” she called passionately. “As you are about leaving for your school…”

     Seun appeared more attentive.

    “When you get there,” she continued. “Never forget where you are coming from.” She enjoined soberly, wept.

     “Mum, why are you crying?”

      She quickly wiped her tears, gasped for air. “Never mind.” She trivialized.

     “Mummy is okay,” he urged. “Don’t worry, everything would be alright, okay?”

     Funmi nodded emphatically. “Thank you.” She told him.

     The discussion lasted till 8.40am before they left for their respective daily household chores.

     The following week, Seun departed home for the university where he got admission. His first day on the campus wasn’t just indelible but a moment he wished he would live to celebrate all through his lifetime.

     As a fresher, he had on him all the needed materials cum cash that would cater for him throughout the first semester. This was due to the fact that his mother never wanted him to be distracted or lack anything whatsoever because the institution in question was a no-nonsense one that believed in excellence through hard work; to say the least, any student caught indulging in any form of examination malpractice outrightly faced expulsion and such legacy spoke volumes whenever the university name was mentioned anywhere across the country.

     To Seun’s mum, her only child was equal to the task when it called for hard work or devotion, thus she was strongly of the view that the chap would leave no stone unturned towards ensuring that he came out with flying colours after each semester exams. As a result of this notion, she was so determined to shower him with every needed love regarding finances like never before, in order to spur him to put in his very best in all matters concerning his academics which were his primary aim of going to the university. On his part, toward making it up to his mother, Seun was equally prepared to metamorphose into a better being.

     Ceteris paribus, three months down the line, the university exams, as usual, were around the corner. To this end, all the undergraduates including Seun, were variously doing the required finishing touching to ensure that the awaited test of ability became an absolute success. Seun was really nervous as regards the fast approaching exams that were expected to commence the following week; he needn’t any iota of excuse that would make his person not to boast of a distinction in virtually all his courses that were eleven in number if the results eventually came out, just as the case was during his primary as well as secondary school time.      

     There and behold, the long awaited D-day being the next Monday, finally arrived, to the glory of God. On that fateful day, Seun was meant to sit for ‘Introduction to Commerce’ which was a general subject for every first year (100 Level) undergraduate of the Management faculty.

     “Hey boy,” one of the exam invigilators called Seun as he sighted him in the distance displaying some antics amid the exam. “Stand up!” He urged him.

     “You mean me?” Seun enquired while still seated, his exam papers facing him.

     “Yes you,” the invigilator, Mr. Funsho clarified, gesticulating. “Stand up!!” He reiterated.

     The exam hall, which comprised about thirty candidates, was marveled over the invigilator’s mode of approach. As freshers, coupled with the fact that they had been duly briefed in regard to the university’s intolerant modus operandi, each of them became jitterier.

     Seun hesitantly stood up as instructed.

      Mr. Funsho majestically walked closer to him. “What’s your name?” he inquired, glanced at his answer script.

     “Akande Seun.”

      Mr. Funsho nodded unfriendly. “What were you doing awhile ago?” He said.

     “Doing what, sir?” Seun confronted. “I was writing my exam, of course.” He added with alacrity.

     “So you weren’t guilty, right?” Mr. Funsho insisted.

     “Guilty of what, sir?”

     “I can see you are stubborn.” Mr. Funsho frayed, quickly dipped his right hand into one of Seun’s trousers’ pockets and brought out a manuscript.

     He had earlier caught Seun making use of the manuscript but the culprit was claiming to be clever.

     Everyone stared at the scene in utmost awe.

     Seun who stood still was totally embarrassed, didn’t know what next to do.

     The fact was that, Seun was so talented when it called for cheating in the exam hall right from his childhood; that was how he scaled through all his examinations in the past without his mother’s knowledge. Mrs. Funmi presumed she had a brilliant child unknowingly to her that the chap in question was nothing but a smart cheat. Now, luck had run out of him.

     Therein, Seun Akande was dragged out of the exam hall by Mr. Funsho alongside his co-invigilators, and was taken to the university’s Senate building. Consequently, few days on, he was expelled from the university.

     His poor mother, Mrs. Funmi Akande instantly slumped and passed away on hearing the sad news.

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Striking Revelation

STRIKING REVELATION

     “Dad,” Dabere called.

     “Yes son.”

     “Mum,” he reiterated, facing his mother.

     “Yes Dab.” responded the mum.

     “I have come to inform you about my latest plan.” He hinted, stylishly shook his car keys.

     The three were seated in the family’s sitting room. Dabere Uzor, the last child of the couple – Mr. and Mrs. Uzor who could boast of three children, had left his place of residence that fateful day being Wednesday to meet with them on an appointment. The 35-year-old bachelor was resident in the same city with the parents but he rented his personal apartment somewhere away from theirs; he only came around when necessary to check on them or whenever he had something very tangible to discuss with them just as this very one. His elder siblings – a female and a male respectively, were both happily married; needless to say that his parents were living alone, although in the company of a house-help.

     The couple were seated together in the parlour cushion whilst the young man clad in red native attire was separately seated directly adjacent to them.

     “What is it about?” Mr. Uzor inquired, while his wife listened attentively.

      Dabere smiled. “I want to settle down.” He disclosed hesitantly.

     “Are you serious?” quoth Mr. Uzor excitedly.

     “Yes dad.”

      Mrs. Uzor dished out a dazzling smile. “With who, my son?” She anxiously inquired.

     “Chinyere, of course.”

     Chinyere who happened to be of the same age with him was the lady he introduced to them few months back. Interestingly, her birthday coincided with his, which was one of the main reasons that made him see her as his ‘missing rib’. And his parents approved of her having met her thrice.

     “Oh, that’s lovely!” Mrs. Uzor exclaimed.

      Mr. Uzor was elated. “You are indeed a true son of your father.” He teased.

     “You can say that again, dad.”

     “This is good news,” quoth Mrs. Uzor. “Let me get something for you to eat.” She informed, stood up and walked into her kitchen.

     Some minutes later, she returned to the parlour with a tray containing a delicacy – wheat and vegetable soup. “But son,” she called as she served the salivating meal.

     “Yes mum.”

     “I suggest you see our family pastor by the weekend,” Mrs. Uzor thought aloud. “And tell him about your intention.”

     “I think your mum is right.” Mr. Uzor concurred.

     “Okay, I will do that,” Dabere assented. “Probably, on Saturday.”

     “That’s my boy!” His mum applauded cheerfully.

      The meeting lasted for almost three hours. He left there for his apartment, which was about fifteen kilometers away, at 6:15pm.

                           * * * * *

     “Good day, pastor.” Dabere greeted the moment he stepped into the pastor’s office.

     “Oh, welcome Dab!” Pastor Nduka replied. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”

     Pastor Nduka was the family’s cleric he was asked to see. He had earlier called to inform him of his coming.

     “Thank you, pastor.” Dabere appreciated as he assumed his seat.

     “Dab, why are you having an affair with your sister?” Pastor Nduka said as soon as the guest sat down, appeared like someone in the spiritual realm.

     “How?” Dabere enquired. “How do you mean, pastor?”

     “I can see you dating your blood sister.”

     “Dating my blood sister?”

     “Yes,” responded the cleric. “You are even engaged to her.” He visualized.

     “I don’t understand, pastor,” quoth Dabere. “You are making me so confused.”

     “Calm down.” Pastor Nduka enjoined. “There’s a lady in your life, right?”

     “Yes, Chinyere.” Dabere replied. “That’s the lady I want to marry.” He added, paused. “That’s the reason I am here.”

      The cleric smiled unfriendly. “No, you won’t marry her.”

     “What’s wrong, pastor?”

     “That very lady is your sister,’ the cleric revealed hesitantly. “In fact, she’s your twin sister.”

     “Twin sister..?”

     “Yes.” Pastor Nduka insisted, nodding frantically.

     “How?”

     “I think your parents would tell you better,” quoth the cleric. “I suggest you go and see them.”

     The striking revelation had to do with the unknown fact that Dabere and Chinyere were twins. Thirty-five years back when Mrs. Uzor gave birth to them, she was told by the nurses in the maternity that one of the twins couldn’t make it, unknowingly to her that the female twin was sold out by the health workers. The abductor who was a single mother later named the kid ‘Chinyere’.

     On her part, Chinyere’s fake mum – Adaego never even told her that she was adopted let alone disclosing that she was an abducted child. Rather, she lied to her that she was her biological daughter, though begotten out of wedlock; all efforts made by Chinyere to meet with whosoever that was her biological father proved abortive. When Adaego abducted her 35 years back in the maternity, she never knew anything about her parental background neither was she told that the kid in question was a twin, thus she (Adaego) never in any way suspected where Dabere was coming from even when she learnt he was born on the same day with her acclaimed daughter.

     On hearing that his parents would be in a better position to tell him more, Dabere hurriedly left the church for his parental home in his car. If not God’s intervention, he would have been involved in a fatal auto-crash while on his way.

     “Dab, is everything alright?” Mr. Uzor said the moment Dabere walked into the sitting room where he was unwinding with his wife.      
     “Dab, what is it?” Mrs. Uzor reiterated.

      Dabere furiously sat down. “I am just coming from Pastor Nduka’s office.” He managed to utter.

     “So?” Mr. Uzor said curiously, while his wife was attentive.

     “He said I am engaged to my blood sister.”

      “Engaged to your what?” Mr. Uzor enquired, astonished.

      “My blood sister.”

      “That you are engaged to your blood sister..?”

      “Yes.”

      “How?” His mum chipped in.

      “He said Chinyere is my twin sister.”

      “Chinyere, your twin sister..?” Mr. Uzor ranted.

      “Yes,” responded Dabere. “He further told me that you both would be in a good position to explain.”

      “Oh, my God.” Mrs. Uzor screamed. “We are finished.”

       Dabere had earlier been notified by his parents that he was born a twin but his twin sister died immediately after birth, as they reportedly learnt. So the disclosure made by the cleric didn’t totally sound weird to him.

      Every finding thereafter confirmed that Chinyere was indeed Dabere’s twin sister. The hospital in question was shut down indefinitely by the relevant law enforcement agency having captured the medical director, and Adaego – Chinyere’s abductor was as well arrested by the police. Chinyere was reunited with her original family after placing her alongside her twin brother on a rigorous deliverance.

     However, few days later, Dabere who couldn’t mentally withstand the memories of the incest was overtaken by dementia; he consequently took to the street. The unannounced repercussion, which was self-inflicted, threw the entire Uzor family in a disastrous mood. 

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