Chapter 1: Chapter 1

At the break of dawn, the sun hatched out of the nebulous clouds at the horizon. The birds were leaving their nests, flapping away across the splendid mixture of dark-shaded sky, announcing the birth of a new dawn.

The neighbourhood was calm and yet to assume the hustle and bustle characterized with each new day. It was the same with the Nzeribe’s household. The compound was deserted, except for the gatekeeper, Monday, who was dosing on his seat at his duty post. He smacked his body at intervals, wading away the vicious mosquitoes feasting on him.

The man of the house, Theophilus Nzeribe, was in his bedroom, arranging his belongings into a bag. His look was far from pleasant, and he could conjure no smiles. He was trouble stricken; a trouble only a solace away from home could mend.

He picked up Nkiru’s picture frame. They'd been married for over five years and had quarrelled last night.

Gazing at the picture, he said, “Nkiru, I have to do this for peace to reign. I buy the word of not being man enough.”

He shoved the picture into his bag. Having dressed up for a trip, he looked at the apartment one last time. The house held memories of five miserable years of marriage. He hung his bag on his shoulder and walked to the living room. He thought of staying and fighting back as the man of the house, but his ego had been battered by his wife. He had to leave to save face. After all, it was often said that ‘two captains cannot be on a ship. One has to leave for the other.’ He sighed, baring his defeat and frustration.

Still dozing, Monday did not notice his boss walk past him. He came to his senses at the click of the shut gate. He stared drowsily at the gate and hopped to his feet to find out who had left the compound. He stuck his head out of the open gate and caught a glimpse of his boss walking away.

It was unusual of Theo leaving the house without a notice. He hardly went out without his car, except for a walk within the neighbourhood for the purpose of exercising.

“Where oga dey go this morning?” the gatekeeper asked himself, wondering what his boss was doing with a travelling bag. “E be like say something don go wrong.”

On a second thought, he gave up his mind probe about his boss. Theo had been provocative with virtually everybody in the house. The gatekeeper did not want to incur his boss’ wrath, thus he chose to stay silent and not question his boss’ movement. If his boss had wished to pass any message across, he would have called his attention in the first place.

Theophilus boarded a bus and embarked on his journey. The bus was caught in the rain, and flashes of lightning electrified the misty sky at intervals. The splendour of light reflected on the windshield of the cruising bus, to the thrill of the passengers. All classes of people were on board the Luxury bus which had departed early from the Lagos Park. Those on board were mainly business men whose mobile phones did not stop buzzing with calls as transactions went on while on the trip. A couple of foreigners—noticeably Chinese—were among the passengers. They had been on an increase in the country and the African continent, engaging in trade and commerce.

There were those like Theophilus who were not on a business trip, but were embarking on visitations and leisure vacations. Seated next to him was a clergy, and on the left hand side of the passenger seat sat a military personnel in his neatly ironed outfit, and a nursing mother with her infant on her lap. An elderly woman sat in front of them with a young man beside her who presumably was her son, judging by their close affinity. A lady and a young man right behind Theo had not stopped talking since they boarded the bus at the park. They spoke as if they'd known each other before, and their subjects centred on relationships, marriage and children. The woman in question was pregnant. When Theo had first seen her at the park, her protruding stomach had reminded him of the missing link in his marriage.

The shades of attires of the passengers indeed demonstrated the diversity of the country’s culture. The cooling system was put off at the request of passengers due to the havoc the frosty external environment had already caused. The central audio system on the bus played a serene tune, caressing the ears of passengers with soothing vibes. They had left the park with a bright and promising weather, only to encounter a dramatic change in weather after less than a hundred kilometres covered.

Theophilus had been looking through the window since he boarded the bus. He could hardly tell who was seated next to him; whether it was a male or a female, fair or dark. His present disposition was no different from the one he'd left home with. He was already rooted in his retrospection

Theophilus was seated in the living room, holding a magazine to his face. Nkiru walked into the room unnoticed, and stood behind him. She stood for a few seconds, watching her husband.

She broke the silence. “You called me?”

“Yes, I did,” Theo said. “Please, come have a seat.”

Nkiru, at the beckon of her husband, sat beside him on the sofa. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Nkiru spoke again.

“You called me. Why?”

“Yes.” Theo sighed. “I have something to discuss with you. There are things I need to know

”

He paused again like one trying to find courage to speak. “What is wrong with you?”

“What is wrong with me?" Nkiru asked, puzzled. "How do you mean?”

“I mean we have been married for the past one year, but there is nothing to show for it.”

“Please, Theo, come out straight.”

“I am talking about us not having a child. You don’t seem to be concerned about it.”

Nkiru was spurred into provocation at her husband's words.

“How dare you say that to me? How dare you?” She broke into a sob. “I have never denied you sex. Or have you caught me with pills?”

Theophilus could not say anything else at the moment. He felt he had indeed troubled the water.

“Theo, I can’t sit here and watch you blame me for something I have no hand in.” She got on her feet and walked out on her husband

Theophilus’ mind wandered back to reality. He still gazed at the receding wet enclave outside. It was not long before he returned to his wandering state of mind

It was late in the evening. Theophilus stood alone in the bedroom, watching the rain through the window. Thunder growled; lightning flashed.

“This issue of childbearing is beginning to tear the family apart," he pondered. "And Nkiru is not helping matters. She's always acting stubborn when I bring up the issue of our childlessness. I am tired. I am tired of waiting.”

He and Nkiru had just had an argument.

“Theo, if you think I am going to steal a baby somewhere to please you forget it.” Nkiru’s voice came from behind, as if she had read his mind.

He looked in the direction of her voice and found her standing at the door. Her heart-rending statements shattered him

The rain had ceased, but the dark clouds evident in the sky were an assurance it would fall again. Theo looked in the direction of the person seated beside him for the first time. The gentleman, well dressed in suit, gestured a friendly smile at him. Theo found it hard to return the man's smile. He found no reason to be happy. He returned his gaze to the window, at the landscape receding almost at the speed of light. He was back again to his burden

Theo and Nkiru sat in wait at the doctor's office, while the doctor sorted out their test results from the files in the cabinet. The man returned to his seat with the document.

He flipped through the papers. “Mr. and Mrs. Nzeribe, your test results came out a few hours ago.”

“Let’s hear the outcome, doctor,” Theo said.

The couple looked apprehensive. They stole gazes at each other in expectation; an expectation that would vindicate or vanquish either of them.

“Yes," the doctor said. "The test results show that both of you are in perfect condition to bear a child.”

“But doctor," Theo complained, "we have been trying to have a child for the past one and a half years.”

The doctor smiled. “I understand your worries, but I am pretty sure nothing is wrong with the two of you. You should be a little patient.”

The rain had resumed, and the bus cruised past the countryside in the rain. The bus had just driven past the Ibadan axis. Majority of the passengers had found sleep. Theo caught the gentleman beside him sleeping as well. But he could not find sleep. A little slumber would have done him good.

“A troubled heart knows no sleep,” he resolved to himself. It was far easier dwelling in his retrospection than sleeping

Theo drove into Akintola's compound. He was received by Lola, Akintola's wife, as he hopped out of his car. The woman ushered him into the living room. Akin was busy playing with Bukola and Bidemi, his two youngsters. Theo’s presence put an end to the fun.

“Children, you can go to your room," Lola said. "Okay?”

The kids obeyed their mother.

“Hello, Theo,” Akintola greeted, trying to catch his breath.

The two friends had a handshake.

“I can see you are having fun with the kids,” Theo said, smiling.

“Oh yes. Having them around you is the greatest thing that can happen to a man. Please, have your seat.”

“Thank you.”

The two friends sat down. Lola also sat in company of the men.

“How is Nkiru doing?” Akin asked.

“She is there with all her troubles.”

“Don’t tell me you have started your quarrel again.”

“Don’t worry; we are still at peace at least.”

“What can I offer you?”

Theo was not quick at giving his word, but Akin seized the initiative, knowing Theo’s choice.

He called his wife’s attention. “Please, get wine for my friend.”

'How I wish my home was as lively,' Theo pondered as Lola went to fetch the drink. 'Come to think of it, Akin and I got married around the same time. Four years have gone by now and my story has not changed. Akin and Lola had their first child, Bukola, at exactly the ninth month of their marriage. They had Bidemi barely two years later. It is indeed a case of different strokes for different folks.'

It was still raining. Theo came out of his wandering mind and caught a glimpse of the gentleman by his side. The man was awake. Theo had long noticed the man’s eagerness to have a word with him.

“Excuse me," the gentleman opened up. "Sorry to disturb you. Permit me a little of your time to share the word of God with you.”

“Sorry, I am not interested,” Theo retorted.

“Don’t be offended, sir.”

The man kept to himself, but with a little concern for Theo who kept staring outside through the window. The man knew he was passing through some difficulty. He wished he could help. But Theo did not think he needed any preaching at the time.

The bus pulled over in a town at countryside, somewhere close to Lokoja, where a little commercial activity went on. It was already past mid-day and the passengers were eager to buy lunch. The scorching sun in the town was a sharp contrast to what they had experienced in the long hours of their journey; it sapped the pores of their skins of sweat. The natives and some hawkers besieged them, displaying their wares before them.

While other passengers bought snacks and drinks to serve as lunch, Theo only picked a newspaper. The bus set back on the journey after everyone had refreshed themselves.

Nkiru returned home in the evening after a hard day's job and a hectic traffic. She had left home earlier than Theo. They'd both slept in separate rooms as an aftermath of the quarrel they'd had the previous night. She had gotten over the ugly incident after confiding in her age long friend, Sophia. She'd indeed had a bad day at the office; it was one mistake or the other, because she could hardly concentrate on her task, even to the notice of her boss and to the embarrassment of all. All her bitterness and anger were directed at Theo and the unending marital feud she had to face every now and then.

She drove to the gate of her compound and honked for Monday to open the gate. Caro, the housemaid, came to open the gate instead, and Nkiru drove into the compound.

“Welcome, Madam,” Caro greeted as Nkiru stepped out of the car.

“Why is Monday not at his post?” Nkiru asked.

“Madam, e go message.”

Nkiru was dazed to find Theo’s car in the compound. “Is my husband at home?”

“No, madam.”

“Why is his car parked in the compound?”

The housemaid could not give a cogent explanation, “E commot for morning."

They both walked into the duplex. Nkiru was tired and needed to have a shower to cool off. Caro went to the kitchen to prepare her madam a meal.

Theo’s journey was still on course. The bus meandered through the puzzling hills-and-valleys roads of the countryside. Theo sat in his seat, holding his newspaper, but his mind was not on the paper. His mind had drifted back to his past ordeals...

Theo visited his parents' at their residence. His mother had called him to the living room for a word.

“Theo, what are you waiting for?" she asked. "Or can’t you read the handwriting on the wall?”

"Mama—” Theo said.

“Time is flying and Nkiru is not getting any younger.”

“Okay, what do you suggest I do?”

“The same suggestion I have always given you: kick Nkiru out and marry another wife. If you can’t do it, I will do it for you.”

Theo got on his feet. “But mama—”

"Nkiru is barren," his mother cut in, "and I, your mother, am not getting younger.”

“Please, mama let’s be patient.”

“Five years is enough time, my son. Don’t give me the impression you have been manipulated by Nkiru’s charm.” Theo was confused at the moment, not knowing what to do anymore

The fact that Theo had been married for the past five years without a child—coupled with the doctor’s test report which certified Nkiru and himself okay for childbearing—cut like a knife in his heart.

Something must be wrong somewhere, he thought.

The gentleman beside him brought out a bunch of banana he'd bought.

“Please, share with me,” he offered Theo.

“I am okay, thanks.”

An event that had taken place when Theo’s mother and siblings visited him in a bid to chase Nkiru out of the house crossed his mind

Mama started a quarrel with Nkiru in the living room. Theo sat at a corner; he was helpless about the situation. Mama ordered his siblings—Udoka and Mary—to throw out Nkiru’s property, but Nkiru put up a resistance.

“Barren woman!" mama shouted. "I say pack your property and go!”

“I am sorry, mama," Nkiru said, "But I want it to come from my husband.”

“I know you have succeeded in charming my son, but mind you, I am determined to send you packing!”

“Mama, it’s a practical joke!”

“Practical joke you say! Udoka, Mary, go into that room and bring out all her belongings.”

Udoka and Mary went ahead to Nkiru’s room to carry out Mama’s instruction. But Nkiru followed behind.

“You people dare not touch my things!” Nkiru held to her bags, and began tussling with Udoka and Mary.

“Take them out!” mama instructed her children.

“I said leave my belongings.” Nkiru put up a great fight, but was disappointed at Theo’s indecision. “Theo! You are witnessing all these, and you are not saying anything.”

Theo could not say a word; instead he buried his head in shame in his seated position

A child cried on the bus. The cry drew the attention of everyone as it became persistent and disturbing. All efforts by the child’s mother to calm him proved abortive. Suggestions on how to calm the disturbing baby filtered from different corners. The suggestion on breastfeeding by an elderly woman calmed the baby for the time being.

The activity of the mother and child caught Theo’s attention. He observed the affection with which the mother fed the child; the bond between the nipple and the suckling lip. The thought about Nkiru soon dominated his previous indulgence

“Nkiru,” Theo called, “I have told you if you continue to act stubborn towards me, I am going to leave this house for you.”

Nkiru faced Theo. “Oh yeah.”

“Yeah! And I mean it.”

“I think you should file for a divorce instead.”

Theo walked away from her so he could change his clothes. “I think you heard the doctor say I was okay. How do I get the blame for you not conceiving?”

“And I was the one the doctor said had a problem?” She sat before her makeup desk to tidy up for the night.

“Nkiru, I have done my part. Why are you refusing to conceive?”

“Sorry, you have not done enough. You are not man enough to father a child.” Her statement pounded Theo’s head like a sledge hammer.

“Nkiru, what did you say?”

“If you want us to prove it, just let me go out and sleep with other men, and you will see me back with pregnancy.”

Theo felt a second pang from Nkiru in a split-second. “Nkiru, maybe you are right there; I am not man enough to father a child.”

Nkiru watched Theo walk out of the room dejectedly. She cared less if she had hurt him or not, after all it was warfare, someone had to suffer injury. And besides, she was hurt too

Theo dosed off for the first time in the course of the journey. It was already late evening. It wouldn’t be long before they arrived at their destination. The breeze was cold at Okene. The bus disappeared out of sight through the interlocking hills and the dark enclave pierced by the headlamps of moving vehicles.