Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Lieutenant General Nasir Akeebilahi’s mind was in turmoil throughout the Executive Council Meeting to the extent that President Muriel Rehema noticed, “What is the problem, Nasir? Your mind seemed to be troubled about something? Is it about your ministry?”
“Your Excellency, I have not been feeling fine since last night.” He answered as all eyes presence became focused on him in the executive chambers. Some of the ministers seated beside him murmured words of sorry to him.
“You are excused,” President Muriel said, “The major issues have been discussed so you can go for medication.”
“Thank you, your Excellency, I can manage.” He replied, making efforts to look bright.
Later that night, he was at the prestigious Everest Hotels and Towers where a reception was being held for some Ambassadors from some of the Arabian countries. He knew Dr. Badmus Shaphat would be there, having gone for a two-year course in one of the countries. He wouldn’t like to miss a reunion. The Everest Hotels and Towers banquet hall was aglow with festivity this night, as the ‘crème de la crème’ of the society gathered. The President made a brief appearance, gave a speech, and excused himself.
Lt. Gen Nasir picked his way self-consciously through the crowded tables while smartly dressed waiters were moving backward and forwards like robots, carrying trays held high. His orderly whom he had instructed to look for Dr. Badmus returned and informed him that he had seen the doctor. He stopped intermittently to share pleasantries with familiar faces before he got to Dr. Badmus’ table where he was chatting with a group of surgeons. The noise of incessant happy chatter struggled with the blare of the musical band. He whispered to Dr. Badmus that he needed to discuss an important issue outside and the doctor obliged him; security operatives sprang to attention as Lt Gen Nasir walked smoothly past them. They walked towards the exit into the cool night breeze; the environment was indeed captivating and soothing. They stood beside a lovely playing fountain which cascade of water kept changing colours and Lt Gen Nasir in his characteristic military manner quickly scanned his surroundings. Not too far from where they stood was the car park where a lot of government motorcades were parked with their drivers and security personnel; some smoking and some discussed in hushed tones.
Lt. Gen Nasir cleared his throat and tried to study the doctor before he began to speak. “Doctor, I need your help very urgently.”
“Come out with it, General, I’m at your service.” Dr. Badmus said, with genuine concern. “We have been friends for a long time, doctor, so I can’t hide anything from you.” Lt. Gen. Nasir began carefully. “A lady mistakenly got pregnant for me so I need your help to evacuate the unwanted pregnancy and I will pay you very handsomely.” He tried to choose his words carefully.
It took some time for the Doctor to respond as it appeared to be pondering over it but in fact, he was indeed intrigued by the General’s request. “This was part of the corruption in high places; if not something of common practice, how could the General feel so comfortable to approach him with such a request, knowing full well it was illegal?” Dr. Badmus nevertheless smiled with understanding, and he placed a loving hand on the general’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, General, if it is about this, I can’t do it.” He responded slowly with a stern expression. “You know me very well, apart from the fact that I don’t practice what is not legal, it is murder. The pregnancy isn’t threatening her life. Is it?” he asked but the General didn’t respond so he continued. “You have the means to take care of the baby, why do you want to deny it of its right to life?”
“Doctor Badmus, we are not discussing morals here! Are we?” Lt. Gen Nasir asked, bitterly; his face showing his disgust. “I know what is good for me and not what you think is good for me. Are you doing it or not?”
“I can’t do it, my religion forbids it, my conscience forbids it, and my profession forbids it.”
“Have you forgotten how much I contributed when you were building that private hospital of yours? Have you forgotten I influenced the President into appointing you, his physician? I even spoke with him a few days ago about making you the Minister of Health?” Lt Gen Nasir retorted spitefully.
“General, I think I’m done here!” Dr. Badmus snapped and whirling on his heel, he stomped into the hotel while Lt. Gen Nasir watched him, a wicked grin on his face, “My instinct was right; it was a mistake to think he would play along. You are indeed a bloody civilian and I will deal with you, Badmus!” He resolved and walked towards his car. His orderly who had been waiting patiently saluted smartly and opened the car door for him. “This is a real betrayal of trust.” He pondered thoughtfully “How will the President feel if he heard his bosom friend impregnated his daughter, my foster child?” Emotion choked him as he pondered on how devoted the president was to his daughter especially after the death of the first lady during childbirth, the first lady never knew Aliena because she died after Aliena was born.
“Sir, where are we going?” The driver broke into his train of thought with a question.
“Where will I want to go this night if not home?” Lt. Gen Nasir barked. “Don’t disturb me again!”
“Sorry, sir!” He apologized and kicked the ignition to life. He switched on the siren at full blast.
Lt. Gen. Nasir’s face was bloated and ugly with anger as he pondered on what to do to get out of his present predicament.
ΩΩ
President Muriel Rehema took a sanitary tissue from the dining table and wiped his mouth daintily. His enthusiasm for the meal had disappeared. “Your Excellency, I knocked at Miss Aliena’s door but there was no response.” A maid who just entered the dining room reported with a bow.
“It is okay, Judy.” President Rehema replied with an uplifted hand followed by a swift gesture of dismissal. He stood up and went out of the dining room towards Aliena’s room, since he returned from the Everest Hotels and Towers, he hadn’t set eyes on her, in fact since morning because it had been one government function or the other. He knocked gently on her door and opened it immediately. Aliena who was tucked inside a big blanket on her magnificent bed did not stir when her father entered. He stood for some seconds watching her as she breathed softly in her sleep. She reminded him of her mother, his wife who died after giving birth to her. He went and sat on the edge of the bed as tears he had forsworn stung the back of his eyes. There was a stir from the bed and Aliena’s sleepy voice asked. “Dad, is that you?” She asked and stretched luxuriously as she switched on the bedside lamp to confirm.
“Aliena what is the matter with you?” He asked with concern, having gained control over his emotions. “You have become so withdrawn and secretive these past few days?”
She sat up, punched up her pillows, and listened to her father.
“The reports I heard about you from the security agents attached to you weren’t edifying at all. You would just trick her and disappeared on your own. Isn’t it?”
“Dad, I have told you I don’t buy the idea of a security agent following me up and down as if I’m the one holding a political office.” She complained, “I don’t like it at all.”
President Rehema was quiet for some seconds listening to the stillness of the night which was only being punctuated by the humming of the air conditioner. “Aliena, have you gone back to your old ways?”
She looked at her father with alarm in her eyes. “No, Dad, why would I do that?” She replied sharply.
“Do you want history to repeat itself?” Her father asked. He was observing her as if trying to read her mind.
“No!” she replied with a shaky voice, unable to hold back her tears any longer, she dropped her forehead into her pillow and gave vent to her pent-up emotions. “I’m sorry, dad,” She cried. She wished she could open to him and shared her darkest secrets with him, but she knew what would be uppermost in his mind was his political career. She didn’t want to disappoint him.
“It is okay, dear,” President Rehema said quietly and placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. “I don’t want you to make a grievous mistake in life; that is the essence of all these.”
“I won’t disobey you again, dad,” She promised solemnly.
“Now you will follow me to the dining table for your dinner, okay?”
She nodded affirmatively and stood up from the bed. As they walked out together, she suddenly felt like throwing up and she ran towards the toilet while her father stood behind observing her closely while she vomited. “I will send for Dr. Shaphat immediately.” He said with all levels of seriousness and made for the telephone which was by her bedside.
“No, dad, don’t do that!” She protested vehemently. “It was the junk that I ate in the morning that is disturbing me.”
“Are you sure it was the junks which you ate? Why don’t you want to see a doctor? Look at your eyes, Aliena, you are looking pale!” he said with concern.
“I promise I will go to the hospital first thing in the morning if there is no relapse; let me just observe myself for tonight.” She said and tried to brighten up.
“I don’t want to take chances…” he said but she courteously interrupted him.
“I will be fine, dad.” She assured and gave him the smile she knows he loves so well. As they walked to the dining room, her mobile phone which was on the bed rang and she ran back to pick it. It was Lt. Gen. Nasir. “Sorry, I’m busy right now!” She said into the mouthpiece and hastily switched off while she followed her father out.