by Chuks Gerry
They walked the remaining distance to the bus-stop in silence; Nneka threw several surreptitious glances at him observing his countenance. His face worn a forlorn look, and she could notice the thick facial lines gathering at his temple which is a reflection of his worries. It however did very little to smolder his charming good looks. She had always admired his pointed nose which she attributed is his best facial features. A surprisingly good athlete with slim tall, dark features he got from his folks who were both from Hausa Fulani descent.
Aliyu,’she reached out to him softly,’ I pray God gives you the enablement to surpass this predicament.Lastly I want you to know that i—my family will always be here for you should you require anything.
Seeing and talking to you as often as possible is the greatest requirement my heart desires.
Meaning?
Meaning your words don’t only encourage me but also lifted my soul. I feel you’re an angel made flesh to bring hope to humanity especially me,’ he said tongue in cheek.
What? She burst out in laughter. Oh dear you’re truly a man of many words and a very naughty one at that.
Well you can say that again, but on a serious note if only you knew how strongly I feel for you. Laugh away as much as you want to, it won’t change the way my heartbeats whenever I’m around you.You’re special to me Nneka.
But you know it’s impossible to act on those feelings
Give me reasons why?
Okay, firstly you have a fiancée whom happens to be a friend. I can’t withstand the backlash of such a betrayal. Secondly, religious and ethnic disparity and lastly on a personal basis we’ve known each other for like enternity, it just doesn’t feel right.
Your excuses are either irrelevant or trivial to say the least as far as I’m concern. What matters most is the feeling, if it’s mutual. Nneka I know this feeling isn’t just ordinary but rare. I felt its peak when we kissed earlier; I’ve never felt that way before with anyone else. Tell me, didn’t you feel it too? His eyes pierced through hers as if wanting to reach out to her soul for the answer.
She couldn’t hold onto his gaze for long before unlooking.Her thoughts were in turmoil, Aliyu was a good guy alright who has always been there for her and she has taken solace in him severally especially during the sudden split from her then boyfriend after he departed for his education abroad. She went down under for several months and he made it a duty to always come around almost every other day to visit Val, just to check up on her oblivious to her brother the true intent of his regular visits. He comes around with her favorite goodies which were always mouth watering, yes indeed he was quite fond of her, making several jokes about marrying her someday and yes again she do have strong feelings for him.
Offcourse I do, but————-
Shush no but, nothing else matters now. I love you
She stood motionless befuddle of what to reply, skeptical about being ready for any kind of commitment right now so she just kept silence making the situation look even more awkward. Feeling the anticipating intensity of his gaze on her, she did all she could to resist making eye contact rather engaging herself with the happenings in the bus-stop. With the sudden flurry of activities, it was now apparent the time was far past noon. Somewhere in the corner, a lady was roasting plantain while her two little children were on the floor playing. Ironically despite the intense sunlight shining brilliantly in the sky above, the humidity was high and the coolness of the breeze on their skin suggested it might likely rain afterwards. Two young men who had been standing on opposite side of the road crossed over to the other side were the lady roasting plantain was. A cab pulled over and started yelling at the top of his voice different locations he was heading to. Passengers slowly got into it one after the other, she looked at her wristwatched and sigh,
I’m sorry Aliyu but we can just be friends nothing more. Upon hearing those words his countenance fell though he made sure it didn’t reflect outward.
It’s alright babe, but I still believe we are meant for each other and when the time is right no one will question fate, and I will be waiting to welcome you with outstreach hands,’ he gestured giving her a wide grin exposing a perfect set of dentition.
I like your faith,’ she said wagging a finger at him, if it is meant to be then so be it. I’ve to be on my way, chat me up later okay?
Okay.
She patted his shoulder and hopped into the cab. On his way home, he stopped by a phone booth to buy recharge card for his cell phone. After recharging, he went ahead to make several calls. As he spoke on his handset he kept noticing two dudes talking and throwing glances at him. He paid for his purchases and went on his way.After walking for several yards he turned and saw the same guys several feet behind, this time he was pretty damn sure they were on his trail. So he quickened his step, meandering through several shortcuts in an attempt to evade his presumed stalkers. Finally as he got to the T-junction close to his compound a familiar voice called his name. He paused and turned, Sanni was walking briskly towards him in the company of the same guys he was fleeing from.
Ah Sanni, Salam malaikum,’he greeted stretching forth his hand for a handshake.
Malaikum salam,’Sanni responded taking his hand. I guessed you’ve probably seen this faces before. This is Jafar and to my right is Rasaq. Guys may I present to you my bosom friend and hopefully my new protégé Aliyu.
Yeah we saw him talking to some girl at the bustop several minutes ago, right Jafar? Rasaq noted shaking hands with Aliyu who winched in pain at the brazen pressure he exerted on his wrist. Intitutively Aliyu knew it was intentional based on his evil smirk and mannerism.
That’s right dude was talking to a fair pretty lady.Totally love smitten by her aura,’Jafar reponded ignoring Aliyu’s handshake chosing instead to walk round him, assessing him from head to toe and sniffing him in the process like a dog sniffs a drug suspect. As much as he hated the first guy, this second fellow has an ominous personality which creeped the hell out of him.
Sanni what’s all this about, why are your friends acting weird like this meeting is some kind of secret cult bullshit or something? I’ve never met you guys neither do you people know me but here you’re making me feel intimidated,’Aliyu reacted.
Intimidated? Sanni said cooly, ‘please don’t be.
Then tell him to better stop the————
You’ve got the complete package here, good height and body structure -—a fighter. Agility, strength and perhaps excellent cognitive abilities.You’re staring at a warrior,’ Jafar spoke outloud from behind Aliyu at Sanni as he continued his assessment unperturbed. Infact I think you’ve got the best package from the trio of us. Do something, ‘he whispered into Sanni’s ear as he came around to stand beside him.
Haba Sanni, who are these two hoodlums flagging you? Aliyu asked waving his hands at both of them. Since when do you now move with such boorish uncultured folks?
Sanni remained quiet starring at him, his mind a thousand places.
I have to be on my way since you’ve clearly lost your mind as well,’Aliyu said curtly.
Aliyu wait please don’t go,’he said quietly,’could you give me several minutes of your time, there’s something important I want to discuss with you.
Oh really, what is it?
Not here, can we get something from that store over there. I’m very thirsty and in need of a smoke.
Honestly I don’t think i can go anywhere with you. I’ve got issues waiting for me to take care of at home,’he said alert with suspicion.
Please or don’t you trust me?
What about your friends?
Do not worry about them,’he replied placatingly. After a momentarily hesistation he acquiesced and together they walked backed down the road until they arrived at the shop he’d bought recharge cards earlier. Sanni ordered for bottled water and a packet of cigar.
How many sachet water should I bring the,’seller inquired. .
Erm, Aliyu do you care for any? He looked inquir
ingly at Aliyu who seems to be engrossed in a little puzzle of his own. He was surprised that Rasaq and Jafar who were a few feet behind them were suddenly no where in sight. He was still engrossed trying to figure out the mystery of their whereabouts when he felt something chilled tugging on his skin.He flinched and came around.
Take man,’Sanni said handing him the water,’and why do you keep looking back?
I was wondering where your friends went.
I dismissed them. They are gone so you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Gone, I believe they’re not from this community?
Nope, they aren’t from the state either.
But since when did you start associating with such lowlifes, I mean those guys don’t look responsible especially that short loutish fellow, I’ve forgotten what you called him.
Oh you mean Jafar,’Sanni sighed deeply.Please come off your high horse those guys aren’t as bad as you think once you get to know them better.
Not interested,’he shook his head saying. Sanni laughed heartily for several seconds.
Most importantly how’re you faring, what is the latest development on your father’s? He asked changing the topic.
What can I say but give thanks to Almighty Allah for everything. I’ve decided not to despair in a time such as this. My entire folks are doing great, the police are working tirelessly on the case as they put it and lastly we have set aside tomorrow to hold special prayers for him which I’m personally requesting your presence.
Offcourse I’ll be there afterall he was the only man I call father.
As they walk on, a lady who was a family friend to the Danbaba’s was about getting into her car with her kids saw Aliyu and came over to say hello. Sanni took the opportunity move several feet ahead before taking a turn to the left where there was an uncompleted structure by the corner. He went inside the building, arranged a couple of blocks together, sat and lit a cigarette. Moments later he saw Aliyu approaching wondering where he went. He arose and whistled beckoning him over. Aliyu entered the building took a stick of cigarette lit it and rested his back on the wall opposite Sanni. He dragged on it deeply before letting out a balloon of white silky smoke into the air.
This thing kills but I don’t know why I still indulge,’he muttered pulling again at the stick.Now what’s it you want to talk about?
Sanni was quiet, observing his friend countenance; trying to discern what his reaction will be should he divulge his reason for bringing him here. If it goes wrongly he will be in deep shit but should he change his mind and not fulfil this part of the deal, his own life will be on the line too. The stakes are high at this point and there is no going back.
I’m a confirmed blood brother of the Al-sahad sect,’he blurted ripping the band aid off.
Brother of what? Dude you must be kidding me,’Aliyu paused scrutinizing his face to be clear he was joking.
I’m serious,’he stood up walking towards him, lifting up his jalabiya to reveal an emblem in Arabic engraved exactly on his collar bone. This logo is a symbol of our power and might.You can read the inscription under the bullhorn and clench fist, it says Allah’s choosen which simply means we’re the choosen one to lead nations. He pulled back his jalabiya as he went back to his sit.
So you’re a proud member of a crap fraternity, ‘he spat out sarcastically. Gosh you’ve never ceased to amaze me with your shenanigans. But then I used to think that the Al-sahad bullshit was a propangaded created by our greedy politicians to scare their rivals and us the spinless masses. I didn’t know it was actually a thing.
Oh yes it does exist, for about five years counting. Offcourse we do have people in high places who share our vision and are willing to make huge sacrifice to make it a reality.We are expanding rapidly,growing in power and might,soon we’ll take over. Aliyu you’re like a brother to me, I need you by myside to help bring these dreams to reality.
Thanks, but no thanks. Honestly what do I have to offer,’he shook his head,’please forget about me because joining any cult especially a nefarious as such is the last thing on my mind. I’ve got a lot going for me which I’m not willing to mess up even if my life depended on it.
Hmmm, you’re right. Your family is wealthy; you’re an undergraduate from a reputable university with a pretty fiancé and also a beautiful girl on the side who goes by the name Nneka for a mistress.
Shut up Sanni, I forbid you refer her as such,’he yelled at his cynicism
Relax, I was just saying but don’t forget she’s the sister of our good friend. Imaging his reaction when he finds out you might be banging his sister
Now I know you’re insane, I better take my leave.
No wait, listen. Your life has been perfectly fine except for the recent hitch but what about others. What about the homeless children on the street with no shelter, clothes or food.What about the teamimg populace with no means of livelihood.What about our young girls that have compromise their bodies for sustenance.What about our religion, culture and values that have been trampled upon.What about the future, is there still one or hasn’t it been mortgaged on our behalf by our fraudulent leaders just to mention a few. Look Aliyu Al-sahad is about the future, we’re going to establish a caliphate were Islam will be practiced in all purity under the spiritual guidance of our leader hadith Talib-aziz. We are going back to the old ways, an egalitarian system free from disparity, marginalization and corruption. A one state religion where Islam reign supreme.
Great speech my friend, Bravo,’Aliyu clapped jeeringly,’but tell me how will Al-sahad under the leadership of whatever you said his name was is going to achieve its aim of establishing a sovereign caliphate within the federal republic.
He has declared a jihad.
What, you guys wanna pick a fight with the federal government, this is hilarious,’he quipped now pique. But I find it ironic that you’re speaking about a better future when Al-sahad has claimed responsibility for many genocidal attacks on different towns and villages. It is even rumoured my father incident was as a result of one of such dastardly act and if proven, you and your fellow cult members will hear from me.
Easy bro, whatever actions carried out by us is for tomorrow’s betterment. We are only getting rid of the opposition which includes but not limited to the following, infidels, apostates, unbelievers, haters and what have you. They are the reason for the current degradation and aren’t needed in our new government. Look at the big picture man
Now I know you are mad.You’ve been hypnotise by those folks.Stay away from me because we are no longer friends,’he said with a tone of finality.I’ll take my leave and lastly I rescind your invitation to my house.You’re no longer welcome to my family, until you seek medical help.He crushed the butt of his cigarette on the wall moving briskly towards the exit.
Aliyu, hear me when will come for you, you don’t have much of a choice other than to accept our request, failure to heed is to your detriment.
Hey mister you people shouldn’t dare me because if you do, I will bite and it will be crushing,‘ he warned. Stay away from me and my family,’ he reiterated increasing his pace.
One last thing though we’ll be expecting you by one a.m on the dot the day after tomorrow at the five junction,’he yelled after him. Wait at the tipper garage, be punctual.
Those words infuriated the hell out of Aliyu because he turned suddenly moving menacingly towards Sanni. Inches away from him, he raises his hands as if to strike but restrained himself after a second thought.
You’ve been brainwashed,’he squealed,’if not for old time sake I could have strangle you with my bare hands,’his fist clench.
Now that is the spirit we want, a fighter
Urrrggg! Bullshit,’ he uttered walking away, not turning back. Sanni watched him as he went, noting how clearly distraught his movement were. From the shadows emerged Rasaq and Jafar.
This one is a little toughie, strongheaded and canterkerous,’Rasaq pointed out
So true,’ Jafar concurred,’he is fu
ll of pride and knowledge. He exudes superiority because he has got western education.
He will come around,’ exhaled Sanni solemnly.
You think so? Inquired Jafar lighting a cigarette, watching him disappear in the distance.
I know so, he doesn’t have a choice neither do i.
CHAPTER THREE
When the quiz was over Nneka and one of her besties Amina, deciding to catch a break proceeded to the cafeteria at the student union government block which was adjacent to their lecture hall. Taking seats on a vantage spot where they can observe any ongoing activities, because of Mr Abiodun their English lecturer.He always fix his lectures last and made sure attendance is mandatory. He’s both a shrewd and capricious fellow, one whose reputation preceeds him and students have been cautioned to be wary off and obliged.They ordered for their usual after settling in. Her friend was looking really dazzling from the way giggled which from experience Nneka knew there was something more thrilling underneath which she couldn’t just wait to burst open.Their request was brought and Nneka swiftly paid, dismissing the attendant in a jiffy. Just when the alone time they’d both been inching for has arrived with no alien interference they saw Ibrahim perusing the cafeteria looking for them. Nneka waved beckoning him over. Elated he struted to where they were, his moves as swift and stylish as he looks. His presence completes them, the trinity as they were fondly called.
Ibrahim, effete, charming and efferverscent nature made him very popular in the department but it was his intelligence that endeared him to the heart of many especially the ladies much to the dispproval and envy of some of the guys. As a result of his fraternizing with the ladies,a group of guys lead by a fellow named Eugene took it upon themselves to bully the hell out of him by calling him all sort of names ranging from queer, fag, homosexual, woman wrapper to making both online and mobile threats even atimes physical harassment. It used to be a crushing period for him but through it all he still manages to look gracious.When question of his mannerism arises, he confided in his pals attributing it to being the last and only son of seven children.He’d lost both parents at an early age and was left under the guardianship of his elder sisters who took turn taking care of him, though he spent most of his time in Accra where his eldest sister lived, only returning to Nigeria for his tertiary education. His aspiration was to do his masters abroad which was why he studied hard, putting in a hundred percent as a result making him the best student not only in his department but the entire faculty which will automatically qualify him for a scholarship.