FARIDA
PART 43
Wale phone rang repeated. He was having a nap and didn’t want to be disturbed. He ignored the call but it was persistent. When he picked his phone to peek at who was calling, he had to clean his eyes to be sure he wasn’t seeing things. He picked the call immediately.
“I’m sorry to disturb you Wale. Please can you pick me up at the airport. I’ve boarded my flight and I will be taking off soon”
“I will be there” Wale responded excitedly. He stood up, took a shower and quickly tidied up his bedroom.
He got to the airport in time as they were just landing. He stared at her as she walked out of arrivals. She was still stunning with her poise which always made people stare. She had on sunglasses. When she saw him, she wore a weak smile on her face. He went to meet her. He didn’t know what to do, he wanted to hug her but became unsure since she was a married woman now. He took her luggage from her and they walked to his car after exchanging pleasantries. He asked where she was going to lodge and she said she was going home with him as she didn’t want to be alone right now. That was the first sign that something was wrong. Then he asked if she was hungry as there was no food in the house. She said she wasn’t; all he wanted to do was sleep.
Wale brought her to his new abode, a three bedroom terrace house owned by the company. It was left over land from the Mega filling station located at Maitama. He constructed twenty-one units of three-bedroom terrace houses on the leftover portion of the property which became an estate. The twenty first unit was his and it was on a corner piece. Farida liked the estate but she was too distraught to say anything.
They arrived the house and Wale brought in Farida luggage. He took them into the room next to his. He had questions but he could see she wasn’t ready to talk. She asked for the toilet and he directed her to her room. She came out without her sunglasses. She must have washed her face because it looked damp. What was shocking were her eyes; they were red and puffy. Sam had done something wrong.
“Thank you for bringing me here. I just want to be left alone for now. I know you have questions but allow me get myself before we talk. I came here because my family is not around and I regard you as family. Please bear with me”
“That’s fine. I will get you pain killers and water”
“Thank you”
She went back into the room while Sam got her the pain killers and bottles of water. He left her alone and sat down in the sitting room upstairs to watch a football match.
He heard her initially. It was quiet. Then it became louder. Wale was worried. He went closer to her door. She was crying profusely. It broke his heart. He sat on the floor by the door and listened to her heart wrenching cry. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he spoke.
“Are you ok in there? Can I come in and be with you?”
The cry stopped. She was quiet for a while. Then she responded in a shaky voice, “I am fine. I am ok. I just want to be on my own”
“I know. I am right here if you need a shoulder to cry on. You can cry all you want on my shoulder and I won’t ask you any questions. I promise. Being alone won’t help”
At that moment her phone rang. She didn’t pick it up. It rang two more times and still she didn’t pick up. Then Wale’s phone rang. He saw it was Monica.
“It’s Monica”
“Don’t tell her I am here”
“Ok”
Wale left the floor and moved to the sitting room where the match was playing on the television. He picked up the call.
“Hello baby girl. What’s up?”
“You haven’t seen or heard from Farida have you?”
“No, I haven’t. What’s the problem?”
“It’s her shitty husband. Don’t have the full details yet”
“Hold on. What happened to Farida and her husband?”
“Nothing happened to Sam. Farida came home today unexpected and left without telling anyone. That’s all I can say for now”
“Did they have a fight? Was he with a woman?”
“I think so” she then added loudly. “I warned her to avoid this guy but she said she’s in love. Well, he had done his worst. Father has asked him to find her and bring her home”
“It must have been messy”
“I will talk to you later. Let me find her”
He ended the call. He heard from behind him, “What did she say?”
“They are looking for you”
“Whatelse?”
He told her everything.
“Thank you for accommodating me. I just need to cool my head”
“Go back inside and sleep. You’ve cried enough for one day. You will think better when you wake up”
“Thank you” Farida said as she walked back like a zombie into her room.
Wale couldn’t afford to sleep in his bed. Farida was too broken to be left alone. He took some cushions to make a bed and used a blanket to cover himself as he laid down by her door. He finally fell asleep while listening to hear if she was still crying. The silence made him fall asleep.
The next morning, Farida opened her door and saw Wale at the door. He had slept there. She was moved to tears that he could do that for her. Her sobs woke him up. He stood up quickly and took her in his arms. He then asked what was wrong.
“I’m fine. Thank you. Thank you for being here for me”
‘Anytime Farida. I told you anytime”
“Are you going to work today?”
‘I am not resuming until January”
‘Why didn’t you travel home?”
“I was waiting for a consignment which finally came. And it would be boring at home. My mother would bring different girls to visit me in a bid to find me a wife”
Farida smiled for the first time.
“Come, Farida. Come let’s sit down and talk. How do you feel today?”
‘I feel better. My mind was congested yesterday. I have disposed of some of the things”
“But Farida we have talked about the issue of men cheating. Most men cheat. It is not enough for your to be so upset. You were in a terrible state yesterday. Do not allow a man’s cheating affect you like this. Haba, it could affect your health. You are not acting like the Farida I used to know”
‘Wale, I have no children”
“I know that. God will give you in his time”
“Sam has children”
“What?”
“He doesn’t know I am aware. I saw him get into his car with the mother and the children. He sneaked them out of our house. He fucked her on my matrimonial bed. He has kids and I have none. He stopped me from doing IVF saying he didn’t want kids not knowing he had gotten kids”
Wale was speechless and in shock. This was height of betrayal. When he recovered, he asked her, “How did you find out?”
Farida told him everything as tears flowed from her eyes. Wale was shocked at the level of betrayal. Sam should have just told her he wanted to have kids with another woman. What was the big deal? Farida could have tried IVF again or allowed him. But there would have been some understanding. Wale didn’t say anything; he allowed her cry. After some time, he excused himself and went into his room. He came out after about twenty minutes. He was dressed.
“Let’s go to the market to get stuff we would cook and eat together. I hear it is therapeutic. We would also get chocolate and ice cream to improve our mood while we watch a comedy or r0mance movie together. Whatever you girls do?”
Farida giggled. He made light the whole scenario. She put on her sandals and they went to the market together. They purchased items for soups, stews and other food; his store was empty. He stopped by at a big supermarket and bought bars of chocolate and ice cream. Farida looked lean. He hoped by the time she leaves she would look much better than when she came.
They spent most of the day in the kitchen. Farida insisted on cooking the soups and stews in a day. He had to go and buy plastic bowl to store them in the freezer. They cooked for close to five hours before they finished. Farida served the food. They both sat down to eat. Wale enjoyed his meal and even had a second helping. Sam was enjoying; he had an intelligent, s*xy, innocent wife who is also a good cook and he was willing to give that up? He didn’t care if she didn’t have kids as long as she remained with him. If IVF wasn’t working, he will adopt for her. Sam was selfish. Farida was blinded by love. Farida ate very little. Wale knew it wouldnot go away in one day. There was also chocolate and ice cream.
They cleaned up after their meal. The ice cream chocolates were on the centre table. Wale put the movie, Wedding Crashers for them to watch. They sat together and watched the movie. Farida had a good laugh while watching. Wale gave her the ice cream with a spoon. She took it from him. He watched her as she unconsciously licked the ice cream. When she was through, he gave her chocolate. They watched three movies that night. Farida fell asleep on the couch. Wale helped her lie comfortably and then he slept of the floor. The next morning, they had breakfast together, watched some more movies, strolled out in the evening and came back home. He could see she felt better. It was also the New Year’s eve. Wale booked her flight back to Uyo for the next morning. He booked business class so she won’t be bothered much. He didn’t tell her. As they settled down for their night treat of ice cream and suya they bought while they strolled, Wale spoke to Farida.
“Farida, you are a strong girl. If you want something bad enough you will get it. What changed? You were more interested in building up Sam than yourself. Farida times have changed. What happened to the Law degree? What happened to your Masters’ degree? You must start the Masters’ this new year. So what you don’t have a child? He betrayed you and should be the one in hiding not you. You have done nothing wrong but to love Sam. You trusted him and he broke that trust. He should have told he wanted to have children with another woman. He is the one at fault. You said you saw two girls; you will have the son for Sam. Nothing will stop it. Take a break. Tell Sam you are travelling for your Masters’. Let it be payback for betraying you; he won’t object. Go to the UK and forget everything about them. Stop giving him advice that will advance him so he would feel the effect of the betrayal. He needs to make it up to you. Farida, what he did is not a new thing. There is nothing new under the sun. Men desperate for children do. Is he aware you know?”
“I don’t think so. I saw them through the window”
“You can pretend not to know or you can let him know you are aware but never allow him see that it’s bothering you. That’s why you should apply for your Masters’ degree. You will be too busy to notice what they are doing”
“He asked for the property we had in my brothers’ names be changed to his mother’s name and given to him. I don’t want to do that. We worked hard for them. I have a right to them too”
“Farida, give him everything. You will acquire far more than all he has acquired by the time you come back from your Masters’. Is it not you again? Many oil companies which want you and will pay you very well. I will commence the registration for you. Don’t tell him your plans until everything is set. I will pay for the Masters’ as a gift to you”
“You don’t have to. Sam will pay for it or his father will take care of it. They want me out of the way and I will leave. If they don’t pay, then I will pay. I have some money saved”
“It is very expensive but worth it. I will do LSE for you. I will send you the current financial cost so you will be prepared. I’ve booked your flight; you are leaving tomorrow morning”
“Wale, you are my best friend ever”
“You know I love and I will always have your back. I never want you to be hurt again. I know you still love Sam even with the betrayal, but I also think you are doing the right thing”
Farida moved closer to him and rested her head on his chest and said, “I love you too”
Wale smiled. He knew her heart was not fully with him. She still needed to go and explore. London would give her that opportunity. Sam has lost her but he didn’t know. For her to pack and leave without wanting to talk to him showed he had lost his hold on her. Wale prayed she wouldn’t let him know she knew about his betrayal. He knew what she could do in the school. She would be hot cake. She will be well sought after and more popular than Sam which he will hate. If only Farida knew her worth.
She arrived Ibeno on the morning of the new year. She didn’t speak to anyone, she walked straight to their apartment, dropped her luggage in the sitting room and went to the guest room to sleep as she didn’t sleep all through the night thinking about the situation and what she should do. She woken up by Sam when he found her in the room.
“Come to our room” he said to her.
“Come to where please? I can’t stay in a room your concubine occupied. How can I share the bed you have shared with other women with you”?
“The bed and mattress will be changed tomorrow. I am sorry, please forgive me. It will never happen again. I have been so worried. Come and make breakfast so we eat together. I got you your favourite fish and shrimps. You can cook fisherman soup for lunch or dinner”
“I am too tired to make anything. Call Gift to resume. I don’t have strength to cook”
“Today is New year, how can Gift cook what I will eat? I have apologized so please snap out of it”
“Why not call the person that was cooking for you when I travelled. She should come and cook let’s all eat”
‘Why are you dragging this issue? Why are you making a fuss? I said I am sorry. I messed up I agree but don’t rub it in”
“Sam, please leave me alone. I know you don’t love me; you never did. I was fooling myself. There is no problem. I have learnt my lesson the hard way. If you are hungry, I cooked and packed inside the freezer before I travelled. You can microwave some of it and eat if not starve” she turned way from him and closed her eyes.
Sam wasn’t finding her attitude funny at all. He thought it would be easy to make up with her since she didn’t see Idara and the children but she was being adamant and difficult. His joy was that she was still not in the know.
Monica came to her a few hours later. She tried to talk to Farida but she wasn’t giving her any audience. Monica was getting frustrated and so she said out loud, “Didn’t I warn you not marry Sam? Didn’t I warn you against him? What did you expect will happen? He is a cheat; he has always been and will always be. He needs you that is why he was looking for you. My advice to you is leave. He is not worth the heartache he will cause you. Luckily, you have no children together and so you can marry another man. You are still young”
“Will you shut up your mouth Monica. You are advising Farida to leave me. What rubbish is that? You are a terrible person. After all I have done for you. I covered your shame when Francis was using you and your drug infested body. He made videos of them. Look at you, sold yourself cheaply to a boy who was on a revenge spree against our family and used you as the bait. Are you thinking right? With all the drugs he pumped into you, can you reason? Look at how fat and shapeless you are. Francis turned you to this hag and you claim to be in love. Stupid you. I don’t want to ever see you in my apartment again. Advising Farida to leave when you cannot advise yourself”
Monica was speechless. What was he talking about? She looked between him and Farida. “I don’t understand what you are saying. You knew about Francis? It was you who took him away from me?”
“Took who away. I offered him good money to disappear and he did. I am aware he is still deceiving you. He promised to come back for you. It will never happen. Monica, he will never come back”
“You are lying. Francis will never do that to me”
“Let me prove it to you. Do not say a word. Listen to what he will say. Yes, I have his number. It is time you snap out of this dream world” Sam called.
“Hello my brother how now? To what do I owe this call” Francis said on the phone which was speaker.
‘I am mad at you. I was informed you have been talking to my sister. That was not the deal. Why are you still talking to her?”
“It is only the call you said I should make to her I made. I haven’t spoken to her since then”
‘But you assured her you were coming back for her. That was not our agreement. Since you are in love with her, I am bringing you back to Nigeria and collecting my money back”
“Who said so? I didn’t. I swear, I will never contact her again. I don’t need her; I am dating an oyibo girl here; hopefully she will marry me and I will get my papers. Please forgive me; I will never contact her again”
“If you contact again, the deal is off. Anyway, I wanted to be sure of what I heard”
“Forget it. Your sister was never my type; I was just using her then. I don’t have interest again. Please trust me”
Monica was speechless. It was certain that was Francis’ voice. He left her for money? So, it was Sam after all. She looked at her brother and wondered what kind of person he was. How could he do this to her all these years? How did he know about Francis? She looked at Farida who looked uninterested. She stood up and left the room.
“Don’t listen the trash people say about our relationship. It is unique and many are jealous of it. Let’s join dad and family downstairs since you don’t want to cook. Come let’s go”
Farida looked at Sam from head to toe, hissed and laid down on the bed. She had never seen such an insensitive person ever. The way he told Monica she being deceived was unfair. Monica could harm herself because of this. She wanted to go after her but she held back. Monica betrayed her. She preferred to be alone.
Sam left Farida and went downstairs. Much later in the evening, Sam’s stepmother came to check on her. She brought food. She also talked to Farida about patience. She said marriage was not a bed of roses. She advised that Farida should look beyond the situation now and focus on having her own kids.
“Ma, why would you allow Sam bring in his girlfriend to the house? She ate and dined with the entire family. What you brought for me can kill me as I know you have no good intentions for me. I am not eating”
“Can I stop Sam? He is a grown man and should know his responsibility towards you. I know nothing about his escapades. Please do not involve me in the fight” She left the food on the table and left.
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