by Chuks Gerry
He felt a cold sensation as he slowly opened his eyes; his body writhed at the agony it felt. The room was dark and all he could hear was his own quivering heartbeat. The door open and Rabiu was dragged inside, his hand and feet bound, dripping wet.
See what you’ve caused,’he began after a brief silence. You want to ruin all we’ve worked for just because of a woman ehn.
I never requested for your help, it was your choice not to render it.
I did because you are my friend and that is what friends do even if it results to their own detriment. You’re pigheaded and stubborn, attributes which can get you killed lightening quick,’he said hoarsely.
You won’t be sounding like this if it were Hadiza being hounded by those two goons,’Aliyu grunted.
What did you say? He queried angrily.
Aliyu reiterated what he’d said. Rabiu made to dart at him but rolled on the floor helplessly.
My oh my, such fury—jus——-at the mention of her name only,’he smirked jeeringlyat him. So fiery is the love bound within your heart which means if this situation were to be reversed your action would have been worse and I, a true friend will be by your side rendering my unflinching support, not for a second judgemental because I understand.
Go to hell,’Rabiu barked
Am there already and you’re sharing it with me,’he retorted caustically.
Rabiu hissed and looked away. Silence befell the room, both men engaged with his thought. As evening dawn, Aliyu wondered what will be the outcome of his latest refractory behaviour. In his quiescent, a voice called out to him, it was his mother. He searched wandering, peering into the foggy atmosphere as more voices kept calling his name. At last there they were his mother, Aisha his fiancee and family members beckoning on him to hasten up. He looked around, everywhere was littered with dead bodies something depicting a war zone. They urge him to get onboard the last boat which was about departing the shore. He geared up, increasing his pace but just before reaching the shores, someone else called out to him for help. He paused on his track and looked back despite pleas from his folks. Behind he could make out the silhouette of a female and that voice, sonorously reaching out to him was just too alluring. He retraced his steps and went back. The lady was kneeling on the floor with a veil covering her face pleading, clutching her injure ankle. Nneka he whispered as he came onto her. He lifted her veil to reveal an ominous looking Sanni, grinning menacingly at the ghastly expression on his face. He looked up stunned to see people appearing from the fog brandishing all sort of clubs and weapon coming at him. He tried to move away but Sanni club him with the butt of his gun, using his knee to pin him to the ground.
You belong with us,’he kept screaming vociferiously at him.There is no escaping us. As he was on the floor being tied up smeared in dirt, he looked and caught a glimpse of the boat in the distance as it faded away. There was a loud ruffling sound and some shuffling which awoke him with a start but was restrained by the rope.
What is the matter with you, that must be quite a nightmare,’Rabiu rumble coarsely. Frankly I’m surprised how you even manage to sleep tied up in this dump.
Aliyu couldn’t respond audibly as he was still grappling for breath. There were voices outside and the door flung open. Rasaq gave orders to the gaurds to untie them. Together they went back to the main camp, bypassing the square to the senior officers’ quarter. This section of the camp Aliyu rarely treads because of it’s somewhat exclusivity with heavily armed gaurds round the clock. Coming here is strictly by invitation as you never can tell who you may encounter-—some top politician, elder statemen or VIP’s of the society who secretly fund the cause. Unwarranted encounter with some of these dignitaries may cost that person his life, he recalled Mariam’s warning. They waltz through a retinue of gaurds with Rasaq acknowledging with a nod for right of passage, this tacit gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Aliyu who pondered over the purpose of their coming here and which officer gave his accquiscence. They came to a halt at the first bungalow they came across, Rasaq asked them to wait while he went in. Turning around the other gaurds with them had dispersed though they knew they weren’t far away and were being watched. This bungalow like the others in this precinct was modern with all the required facilities much unlike the thatched roof ones they lived in.Thirty minutes later Husseni came out with Rasaq, both engaged in serious talks only pausing when they got closer.
Salam halaikum my young mujahideen,’he greeted. I have decided not to punished but admonish and advice both of you in respect of what transpired earlier and cautioned it dosen’t repeat itself. Such height of obstreperousness exhibited by you both is capabale of breeding a subversive trait among others which therefore can be regarded as an act of treason. The authority don’t spare traitors but for you both, today is your lucky day and perhaps your last. Come with me,’he ordered leading them inside a small passage.
Your commanding officer appealed on your behalf so I’ve decided to temper justice with mercy,’he continued as he led them on. You two are part of history in the making, I will advice not to ruin it with trivialities,’he said opening a door gesturing them into a very large tastefully furnished airconditioned space. The room served dual purposes as there was also a very large bed separated by a thinly veiled silk cotton. There were two men in native attire sitted on the leather plush sipping cocktails chatting about the match ongoing in the large LED television. They acknowledge them momentarily as they were led on to a bathroom and told to shower. Aliyu breathed heavily intermitently, his heart was racing rapidly as he felt the elixir of the cool water refreshing and reliving every frail nerves boosting them with verve. He let out one gust after another relishing every moment, recalling how much he missed his home and modern amenities.
What do you think they want with us? Inquired a puzzled Rabiu adamantly refusing to neither take off his clothes nor shower.
And how am I supposed to know zilch when I’m as comfounded as you’re. He took one of the towels laid out for them and wrap round his waist.
I’m through, your turn.
I won’t be pressurize to do anything against my belief, that’s all I’m saying,’Rabiu said with a frown
Dude it’s your call, hurry up.
When they return back to the main suite wearing only the white towel round their waist, the setting has changed. The television set and all lightings turn off leaving only a neon light that gave it an aura of serenity that was both arousing and inviting. Husseni and his guests who were obviously highly placed individuals were sitted quietly in the corner, perusing their bodies and nodding in approval.
Alright young men,’Husseni began clearing his throat,’your purpose of being here is to pleasure these gentlemen.
Pleasure them, how? Rabiu asked bewildered.
You’ll see,’Husseni responded with a smirk, he clapped his hands, a door opened and Mariam stepped in accompany by Nneka and Amina on her trail wearing only towels wrapped across their bosom looking just as puzzled.
You may now leave,’ he said dismissively to Mariam. Back to your question young man, each of you is to pick one of these ladies and make passionate love to her; I don’t care if you have to be rough. By so doing you’ve pleased our esteemed guests who enjoy the act of voyeurism thereby saving your necks, simple.
God forbid, over my dead body will I allow anyone lay their filthy hands on me yet alone satisfy their perversion,’charge Nneka.
This isn’t up for discussion because you know what awaits should you disobey,’he spoke between grithed teeth.
I don’t care, go to h—————-—Aliyu dart forward cutting her short with a kiss before she talks herself into something worst. She went stiff then relaxed a little taking in the moment, realizing herself she broke free from his grip landing him a resounding slap.That didn’t deter him either as he went after her tearing off the towel, increasing his grip on her. She made to kick his balls but missed instead her legs got stuck between his, pinning her to a spot.
Wow, you’ve got yourself a feisty one,’remarked Husseni from the dimly lit corner.
So what are you two waiting for, go on,’his voice beckoned,’force her if you have to. Rabiu took slow strides to Amina who was sobbing heavily. He put his hands across her shoulders giving her a reassuring embrace.
I’d never thought of loosing my virginity this way,’she quivered under his gentle caress, taking in his warm musky aura.
This is hard for me too. But our surviver depends on it, I promise to go easy on you,’he assured, lifting her to one side of the kingsize mattress were he gently took her. Fifteen minutes later it was over. The guest seems to have enjoyed it thoroughly as it can be felt from their gestures and profuse appreciations. After getting dressed in separate rooms, Husseni led both of them out through the small passage where he discharges them with a wave of the hand.
The next morning Aliyu woke up with a bang inside his head, his vision blurry and hands sweaty. He sigh lying still until he felt the surge again, he ran outside to let it out. Gasping and disconcerted after throwing up, he went to seat on a bench nearby. Slowly his headache subsided and he began taking into cognizance his surrounding realising he hadn’t slept in his room. He blinked severally as everything came back to him in a blur, the orgy from last night, his getting high on weed and booze thereafter to douse his guilt and his passing out in the process. He rose to his feet taking wobbly steps, the blinding rays of the sun piercing through his iris; he staggered off struggling with images of the previous night flashes to his memory. Taking hold of a tree trunk for support he rested again gasping, feeling like fainting.
Young man, are you alright? Someone yelled at him.
Feeling feverish with a sour throat he made his way to the warehouse to see if he can get any form of medication. As he passed through the arena, it was a beyhive of activities. Preparation was in earnest for the evenings’ event and from what he observed it was definitely going to be grandier than the previous. From where he pause observing their activities he saw Mariam in front of the warehouse afar going about her business. Quickly he hastened his steps to meet up with her before she disappears from sight. She was engaged in talks with two ladies but upon sighting him approach, rounded up quickly to attend to him.
Gosh you look like shit. What have you been up to?
Alot, took a lot of crazy stuff with the guys and woke up feeling crass,’he replied incoherently, struggling to maintain his posture. She took a closer look at him and shook her head.
You’re obviously strung out, go to your room I’ll send Hassan over with a package.
Nneka how’s she, will she be alright?
I can’t say but if she was the reason for your inebriation then I overestimated you. A truck loaded with various items for the event sped past them spewing a trail load of dust in their faces. They both covered their nostril, struggling with their breath and vision.
What do you mean by that remark? He asked fanning the dust with both hands.
Nevermind I should be going. I can’t be seen talking to you for long, you should know that. Just take care of yourself and let me worry about your lady and her friend, okay,’ she replied turning to take her leave but felt his grip on her wrist.
Thanks,’he muttered weakly.
Don’t start thanking me yet. I and you have a lot to accomplish.
True to her word Hassan was waiting for him when he got back from showering. He handed him a package but didnt ran off as usual. Rummaging through the contents were some medecines, a flask of food, fruits, snacks and an awesome set of knifes. He drew one out, marveling at its crafting and double sharp edges.
Do you like it? He directed at Hassan who nodded affimatively. Hassan who still doesn’t say much have grown to be very fond of Aliyu and cherish being around him, learning from his vast experience. Aliyu put the knives aside, took out the flask and delve into its content.
So which is your favorite?
All of them,’he replied oddly.
The baddest,’Aliyu hailed him.
Master,’ a title he prefers calling Aliyu,’ where’s your gun? He inquired eagerly.
Apparently I’m not entitled for one yet, perharps till after tonight’s ceremony,’he muttered through stuffed mouth.
But why do you asked?
I like guns a lot master. You’re very lucky sir after tonight you’d get to kill for Allah and receive eternal reward for your obedience.
What’re you talking about, there’s no gain in taking someone’s life,’he cautioned swallowing hard the first portion of capsules.
Besides who has been feeding you with such gibberish? He squeezes out a ball of orange in his mouth. Taking medication was painstakingly not his forte.
That is what was told in class everyday and I’ve decided to join the next squad after yours.
His revelation hit him like a thunderbolt almost choking him midway to his next dosage. Stuned he gave the kid a steely glare which he returned with an equally defiant one of his own which reflecting a mind made up.
Take these away,’he said handing back the flask, deciding not to engage him any further. Right now what he needed more than anything else is rest, by midday they are expected to converge for final briefing.
Your collar seems to be healing nicely, going at this rate you’d soon be able to move your left hand at ease with less pains,’the physiotherapist lauded after thorough observation. You will undergo the routine massage therapy thereafter a strap on will be attached as usual to guard against careless movement of the hand. Don’t worry very soon you’ll be able to get things done by yourself
I’m not worried sir,’responded Ibrahim solemnly, atleast not about me, my mind is somewhere else.
You’ve to cheer up son, thinking won’t serve any purpose rather it can be detrimental to your health this critical time. Leave everything to Allah,’he opined with a smile. Thirty minutes later he was thoroughly massaged and greased up with oilment ready to take his leave.
Give me a minute let me get your prescription ready alright,’he said scribbling on a piece of paper before walking out of the office. He was soon back and Ibrahim could hear voices in the hallway upon his enterance.
This is it son, I think there are some visitors waiting for you outside.
I know sir, a couple of my friends. Thanks I truly appreciate.
You’re welcome. Though I would still have preferred you remained here with us for the entire treatment.
I wish so too but by my sisters won’t hear of it. They want me out of the city this instant.
Alright but they needed not bother their pretty heads because the city is quite safe now with the police at every turn. Such stratum of attacks is very unlikely to occur again but offcourse I understand the reasons for their consternation.
I know, hopefully I’ll be back when am fully recovered. A clinic assistant came to wheel him out the office into the waiting room. His friends Eugene and Val were engrossed in a heated football argument oblivious of his presence until he called out to them. Eugene acknowledge him with a boisterious tap on his lap,
So what do you think of the forthcoming Real Madrid match against Chelsea? He inquired eagerly.
Hey you know I know zilch about football. All I know is Messi is a great player and Ronaldo is cute,’he smiled coyly.
Forget this guy, how’re you feeling today,’Val rejoinded
Better than ever. I have been discharge; my people should be here any minute.
So nice to hear bro, it’s good seeing you get better and stronger everyday.
Yes and please do send my regards to Sarah, she sent me the sweetest text message this morning. Tell her I’m deeply sorry for not making it to your place before leaving.
Really, she and my mother had been all out preparing a feast for your visitation. They’d even hoped you stay the night before leaving. Surely they will be disappointed.
Aww I wish there was something I could do. It is almost two pm already and my sister won’t hear of it. She
thinks of this town as plagued which makes me doubt if I’m ever coming back.
C’mon that’s not true; she shouldn’t think like that. The town is safer than a bank vault atleast for now with this level of policing around the clock.
But she remains adamant, anyway forget about me. What’s the latest on your sister and Amina?
Nothing new, the police are treating the case classified divulging very minimal pieces of information other than they are on it,’he shrugged. We’ve contacted so many people, been in and out of different offices. Mom is devastated alright but doing the best she could to survive the situation,’he shook his head in despair.
But the lastest rumor on ground is they’ve located a suspected camp site several kilometers off the state border,’Eugene contributed finally detaching himself from the football fan group. How true is what we don’t know.