FARIDA
Oge’s Story
Episode 37
Farida went to the airport that Sunday afternoon. Wale was returning that afternoon and he had specifically asked her to pick him up. She was glad to and even made food for him to eat when he arrives.
Immediately Wale walked out of the arrivals, he looked out for Farida. The lady he saw wasn’t whom he was expecting. She was different. She was still tall and beautiful but this lady was very classy and sophisticated. It was her smile that gave her away. She caught the attention of everyone. When he hugged her, she smelt divine and expensive. Wale looked at her closely; she had makeup on. Full blown makeup. Farida didn’t need makeup; she was innocently and naturally beautiful. Why would she want to plaster her face with layers of chemical? Well, he reserved his observation until later.
They went to his house together. His mother was on ground to receive him. She was so happy that she sang songs of praise. Farida could not get over her ‘h’ factor. The fact that she felt superior even with it was even more hilarious. She too could not believe it was the same Farida until she genuflected to greet her.
“You ave sange. You so fine. Wat appen to yaw?”
“Nothing happened ma”
“Oko mi. What will eat?” she asked Wale.
“Farida made food for me so I will eat it”
“So, you hare soosing er food hover my hown? Hok o”
Farida was genuinely happy to see Wale. She made his favourite food: amala, ewedu ati gbegiri. Wale couldn’t believe how thoughtful she was in preparing this meal for him. She must have known he missed eating Nigeria foods especially this Yoruba delicacy. He had a bath and settled down to eat. They caught up while eating. Farida could see Wale hadn’t changed much. He was quite relaxed in her presence and like always made her feel special. After the meal, he brought out the gifts he got for her and her family members. He got her expensive perfumes, designer shoes and hand bag, an ipod and a timex wristwatch,
“This wasn’t necessary” Farida said to him.
“Why? You are my best friend and maami is also like my mother. Your brothers are my pals. What is wrong in giving them gifts? I am going home with you so I can give them myself and catch up with them. I need maami to know I got only good reports about her. All she needed was an opportunity and she has excelled”
“We need to discuss something before we leave”.
“What is it? We can talk on the way”.
Farida didn’t know how to bring it up. On their way to Farida’s house, he insisted Farida needed to have her Masters’ degree from the institution he went for his.
“It is for hot brains like yours. I met so many intelligent students who were top of their class. Many students failed and left after the first semester. That was why I didn’t come back at all. The school workload was much. You are far more intelligent than I am and will be the best graduating student of your set”.
It sounded so tempting until she asked for the fees and living expenses. She knew she couldn’t afford it anytime soon. So, she would have to wait until she makes much more money to attend. It was a challenge she would have loved. Then it struck her, she was getting married. How would she leave her home and go for Masters? She just listened to Wale’s ideas which were just farfetched dreams.
When they got to the house, maami was happy to see Wale. She blessed him continuously when she received her bag of goodies. They talked about the school and the tremendous work she was doing there. Maami told him some people came to see her offering her almost three times her salary to leave the school and work in theirs but she refused. She said she was loyal to the person who gave her an opportunity when she needed it the most. Wale took note of that.
Akram and Ahmad also received their goodies. They were excited and grateful. They sat with Wale listening to him share his experience. Farida sat down and watched in wonder how Wale adapted to their environment and talked to her family members so freely without airs. She could see they all liked Wale. She also liked him. She needed a private time with him to share the good news with her best friend but her family was engaging him too much. Eventually, maami asked, “Have you told him?”
“If you all will allow me have a private time with him then I will tell him” Farida responded.
“Tell me what?” Wale asked.
“Come with me” she took him into her room and shut the door. He was quite impressed with what she had done with the room. It was painted a chic light pink, had beautiful flowery curtails covering the window she had a dressing table on a side of the room with all her cosmetics on them. He saw the wooden shoe rack and the assortment of shoes. Farida who was quite tall still wore high heels. She also had a rack for her handbags which were all in string bags to protect them. It also showed the quality of the bags. How was she able to afford the shoes and the bags on her salary? Her wardrobe was closed so he couldn’t see anything inside. She had a 6 by 4-inch bed properly laid with duvet and throw pillows. It completed the look. The room was brightly lit. He spied a book on the side stool of her bed which also housed a bed lamp. She was quite organized and he loved it.
“Have a sit”.
“Lovely room”.
“Thank you. I have something to tell you”.
“I know that already. Can we cut through the chase and get down to it”.
“I am getting married”.
Wale was stunned, “You are joking right?”
“I am not kidding. I am getting married soon” Farida showed off her engagement ring.
Wale’s countenance changed. You could hear the anger and disappointment in his tone. “When did this happen? We spoke often on phone and you never told me you were seeing anyone. So how did this happen?”
“We fell in love. It just happened”.
“Fine. Who is the lucky fellow? Is it someone I know?”
“Yes he is. I know you would be upset I didn’t tell you earlier but we decided to see if it would work so we kept it a secret for a while ……”
Wale interrupted her, “I hope it is not Sam. I swear if it is Sam I will be utterly disappointed”.
“Why?”
“It is Sam? Farida, I thought you had better sense than this. Immediately you started explaining I suspected he was the one. Why? Why did you succumb to his advances? Are you pregnant? Is that why you are marrying him? If that’s the case then you don’t have to marry him because of that. I will take responsibility for both you and the child”
Farida was very upset with Wale’s suggestion. “Wale what do you take me for? I was trying to tell you how everything played out and you stand here calling me a slut. I know I owe you an explanation but you should cut me some slack; I am not as dumb as you think when it comes to things of the heart. I didn’t give my body to him; he is willing to wait”
“Is Monica aware of this? Is she aware you defied her instruction not to date her brother?”
“I wanted you to be the first to know. I will tell her tonight”
“If I say I am not disappointed then I would be lying. If I say I am not hurt then you should know I am being dishonest. This isn’t good news to me because of the person involved; I expected better”.
“I know. You expected to come back and marry me. I understand but Wale my feelings for you is different. I love you like I love Akram and Ahmad but much more. I see you as my best friend and guide. When you are settled, I will share with you how it all happened. You will understand where this is coming from”
Wale was silent. She had stated it once more, she had no romantic feelings towards him. Meanwhile, his coming back was centred around being with her. He couldn’t wait to be with her again. All the hard work so she could be proud of him was for nought. How did Sam succeed with her? The guy was not right for her. He suspected there was more to this. He left Farida heartbroken.
Back at home, Wale went straight to bed. His father came to welcome him in his apartment. He had to enter his room to speak with him. He was in the company of his mother.
“Omo mi, wat is wrong with you?” his mother asked.
“I’m just tired”
“Are you sure? Or did the food dat girl brougt worry your belle?”
“I am jetlagged mum. Dad can you ask her to leave?”
His father dismissed his mother. He knew something was bothering his son and he wanted to talk to his father man to man.
“What is it son? Tell me what upset you”
Wale broke down to the utmost surprise of his father. His father held him in his arms and waited for him to settle down. This was heartache, he knew it was about Farida.
“Are you ready to talk now?”
“Farida is engaged to be married”.
“Is that why you were crying?”
“Dad, I am losing her”.
“She’s not married yet and even if she was she will still be yours for keeps. God knows what he is doing”.
“She doesn’t love me. She repeated again today that she doesn’t love me in a romantic way. But I love her. Why can’t she love me the way I love her?”
“She is like a bird. Set her free. If she is yours, which I believe she is, she will come back to you. You are her best friend. Play that role well and honestly state your views about their relationship. Don’t impose and make her feel you are happy for her. A girl in love doesn’t listen to reason. She will learn her lesson and be wiser by the time she comes to you”.
“Dad, she is an undefiled flower. Sam doesn’t deserve to be her first. It can be any other person but Sam”.
“Did you want to be her first? You wouldn’t have enjoyed it or her. I have had many firsts and they were not much fun after the initial gragra. Allow her explore and come back to you experienced and mature. I know what I am saying”.
“Anyone but Sam” Wale said outrightly.
“It can happen. Get some rest and think less. She still wants to remain friends with you. She values your friendship; don’t down play that”.
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