Chapter 4: Chapter 4

It all started when Muriel Rehema was in the university, then a Civil Engineering undergraduate, that was when his love for politics was developed, right from his first year on campus; he held one office or the other both in the Student Union Government and Departmental Union.

The first time he noticed Reena was when he went to see his fellowship President at the secretariat, he was planning to contest the Student Union Presidency and was holding consultations with all forms of associations on campus. The fellowship president, Gabriel who happened to be his course mate had introduced him to his cousin, “Muriel, meet my cousin; Reena, she is a student of Biochemistry and also she is the choir coordinator of the fellowship.” He turned to his cousin and did the introductions. “Reena, this is Muriel, I’m sure you know him? He is a popular guy on campus.”

“Reena, how do you do?” He asked as he shook her hands. He knew her from afar because he was somebody who hardly settles down anywhere.

“How do you do?” She replied and turned to her cousin. “Yes, I know him, the current Student Union Public Relation Officer now vying for the presidency.”

“What do you think about my candidacy?” He asked as they sat down but before she could respond, Gabriel asked, “Where are your supporters? I thought they follow you everywhere you go for the campaign?”

“No, Gabriel, this isn’t campaign, this is the house of God, I came to see you because this is my fellowship, apart from that, as the fellowship President; I hold you in high esteem forget about the fact that you are my course mate. I need your prayers and support because if I win the Student Union Presidency, it will not only be a victory for the fellowship but the department so we can be sure of justice and fair play.”

“Let me excuse you so that you can discuss in private.” Reena who has been quiet all along said and stood up to leave.

“No, you can stay, after all, you are a student, and your vote definitely will count.” Muriel insisted. “You are welcome to join us.”

“Before Gabriel speaks, let me answer your earlier question,” She said with a smile, “I think you are going to make a good student union president. The students believed in you, that is why they are rallying around you.”

“Thank you very much for that encouragement, Reena. I’m honoured.”

“It is the plain truth,” Reena affirmed with all sincerity.

“I think Reena has said it all, mind you, Muriel, my cousin doesn’t flatter, she says it the way it is!”

“So, I’m assured of the fellowship’s support?”

“Yes, but we are going to be diplomatic about it so that it won’t degenerate into political anarchy in the fellowship,” Gabriel said, one eyebrow tilted upward as he contemplated. “God will teach us what to do.” He said with a note of seriousness.

Meanwhile, Reena excused herself and went to the adjacent office. She came back a few seconds later with drinks which she served them.

ΩΩ

Some days later, he was going to class to read in the night, the time was nine-thirty, the first class he entered had only one student reading, he preferred being alone in the class, so he made up his mind to go to the technical drawing-room when he heard a student called out to him. “Hello, Muriel?” he looked closely and discovered it was Reena. She looked different because of the pullover she had on which was a contrast to the polo and long skirt she wore the first time he saw her at the secretariat. “Hi, Reena, I thought you always read at the secretariat?” He asked as he came closer.

“Yes, I always do but I don’t want to go too far from my hostel tonight.” She answered, “You were about to turn back?” He sat down near her and placed his books on the long desk. “Yes, because I prefer to be alone in the class but now that I know it’s you, I won’t turn back again.”

“How is the campaign going?”

“With the level of support I’m getting, I believe I will win.”

“I believe so too.” She murmured and made to continue reading but his next statement made her heart start beating faster. “Reena, there is something about you that attracts me to you.” His voice had suddenly become musical, “I don’t know if you feel what I’m feeling but I felt as if we are meant to be together.”

“Muriel, I’m sorry but I feel this isn’t the right time and place to discuss this issue,” She argued feebly and tried to avoid looking at him in the eye.

“There is no better time than now because I believe opportunity once lost can never be regained.” He argued,

“Is this how you coerce girls around the campus?” she asked, “I’m a child of God and not interested in this kind of sinful relationship!” she said with a note of finality and made to stand up, but he held her hand.

“I’m not in the habit of coercing girls into a relationship; go and check out my profile. I have thought about it and made up my mind that it is you that I want. I don’t want a sinful relationship, but a serious relationship built on the solid foundation of God.”

She lifted her clear pretty eyes to his pleading face, trying to read his intentions.

“I have fallen in love with you, Reena, please give me a chance?” He declared solemnly.

“This is too sudden.” She said and jumped up from the bench. “I’m done here!” She packed her books while he watched helplessly.

“I’m sorry if I offended you but…” she hastily cut him short with a curtly, “Goodnight!” She turned on her heel and headed for the door into the night. He never believed she had such a strong character, for a month she avoided him like a plague, what made her changed her mind and reconsider was a discussion she had with her cousin. “Why are you always frowning anytime Muriel is around?”

“What do you mean, Gabriel?”

“I noticed you detest this guy’s presence, has he offended you?”

“I’m just being careful not to be among all those ladies that frolicked around him; you know how these unionists behave, taking advantage of ladies.”

“Muriel isn’t like that; I can vouch for his fidelity. He doesn’t flirt around, that is why I agreed to help him in his quest to clinch the Student Union Presidency. Mind you, we are course mates and I have known him since our year one; I know him to be decent.”

“You can vouch that he doesn’t womanize, smoke nor drink?”

“Yes, to a certain extent.” He answered.

That was enough conviction for Reena to soften down so when next he accosted her, she soft-pedalled and accepted his proposal. It was a blessing in disguise for him because a few days later he won the Student Union Presidency. They became endeared to the extent that Gabriel couldn’t help calling him one day. “Muriel, I want you to tread softly with my cousin, I don’t want her to be hurt.”

“What do you mean?”

“Reena is a child of God. I don’t want you to hurt her.”

Muriel couldn’t help smiling, “I’m a child of the devil, right?”

“That isn’t what I meant.” Gabriel answered, “I respect you, Muriel, but Reena is getting too emotionally involved with you and I fear she might be hurt even though I know you to be decent but as flesh and blood we can be unpredictable.”

“I want you to know that I love Reena and I promise you I won’t disappoint her. She has strong characters which I admire her greatly for it so please do not exercise any iota of fear.”

“Thank you, Muriel, and one other thing I want you to be fellowshipping with God daily because you need him more now that you are the Student Union President.”

“I will be doing that…” he had promised.

ΩΩ

After he graduated from the university, he got a job with a construction company, and convinced of his love for Reena, he proposed marriage to her which she gladly and wholeheartedly accepted. It was when he went to visit her parents that he discovered who she was.

“My father was a former governor of Bathab State; she informed him when they got to their palatial mansion.”

“Yes, I have never really noticed it, the surname says it all! Chief Emenuwe!!” he exclaimed, “I’m not happy with you for keeping it a secret from me.”

“It is not my family you are in love with, is it?” She replied, smiling mischievously as they were ushered into the living room by a guard.

“Muriel Rehema, you are welcome into my home.” Chief Emenuwe hailed.

“Sir, it is an honour to meet with a great man like you.”

“I have seen potentials in you, Muriel, because I have followed your records as a unionist on campus.”

“Sir, I don’t understand?” He turned to Reena for an explanation.

“I knew all about your relationship with my daughter; you don’t think I will leave my only daughter alone on campus to be devoured. Do you?” He chuckled. “As a successful politician, I have enemies who might want to get at me through any loophole, my family-inclusive so I made it a point of responsibility to protect all members of my family. My daughter has always been under surveillance.” He explained, “Her going to the fellowship secretariat to read all the time is for her good.”

Muriel was speechless, “It was a nice arrangement, sir.” He mumbled,

“Thank you,” the Chief answered, “Now, to the main object of our discussion. You have a clean bill, Muriel; you can carry on with my daughter.”

“Thank you very much, sir, I’m highly honoured and I promise never to let you down!” Reena couldn’t help it, she let the tears of joy flowed freely, “Oh, Dad! You are the best!” she hugged her mother who had been quiet all along. “Mum, I’m so happy.”

“Thank you, ma, for the honour,” Muriel said to her mother.

“You are welcome, Muriel.” She replied. “I want you to know that my husband hardly trusts people, but you are exceptionally favoured. You must reciprocate the confidence reposed in you by taking care of her. Don’t abuse the confidence.”

“I won’t do that, ma'am,” Muriel promised.

After the family introductions, they went to the dining table for lunch. A few months later, they were married at a high society wedding which was graced by the powerful and mighty in the society. They travelled to Paris for their honeymoon and after they returned, Muriel was named as one of the Commissioners for the state government based on the recommendations of his in-law. Two years into their marriage, Reena didn’t conceive which made her worried and depressed, but Muriel allayed her fears. He stood by her through thick and thin. After serving as a commissioner for eight years, he contested as a member of the Federal House of Representatives to represent his constituency. He held the post for four years. After serving his term as honourable, he vied for the governorship seat and won gallantly at the same time, Reena became pregnant, but she died during childbirth. It was a devastating blow for Muriel; it was as if the sunshine of his life had been taken away because when she was in labour, he was attending a state function. He never forgave himself. “Your Excellency, we should thank God for making the child alive; please take heart and be consoled that she left a precious part of herself behind.” His Deputy Governor who led the State Executive Council members to commiserate with him consoled. He vowed to give his daughter the best of everything in life and named the child Aliena Rehema.