Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Nkiru did not stop to receive calls, after Theo’s last visit. The first person that called was Nkiru’s mother. Nkiru was rocking baby to sleep, at the time Mama’s call came through.

“What am I hearing Nkiru,” was Mama’s next comment, after her salutation.

“Mama, what did you hear?” Nkiru was not sure exactly what Mama was driving at.

“Theo told me you served him a divorce paper,” Mama divulged.

“Yes I did,” Nkiru said rather with a sigh.

“How can you take such a unilateral decision,” Mama asked.

“Mama, I’m old enough to decide what is best for me,” Nkiru retorted.

“But not without the consent of your father and I,” Mama argued.

“Of what essence will that be when I already know the side you and Papa will take in the matter,” Nkiru retorted.

“Well, Theo had asked me to plead on his behalf. He said he doesn’t want a divorce, and that he still loves you.”

“Here you go again Mama, Theo’s advocate,” Nkiru cut in.

“No... I’m an advocate of Peace,” Mama corrected the impression. “You should hear how I took Theo to the cleaners, during our conversation. I lambasted him. I’ve never been in support of Theo for one day. But we all are human. Your mother-in-law also called to plead on behalf of Theo. She admitted her interference contributed to Theo’s irrational action, all in desperation for a grandchild.”

“That’s the problem I have with Theo, he’s never firm as the man of the house as to defend his own wife in the face of humiliation. I don’t want to return to that kind of life,” Nkiru again, poured out her mind.

“Nkiru, I want you to drop the divorce petition.”

“No. Mama, I’m going to see this through to its logical end.”

“Nkiru, are you going to disrespect me on this?”

Nkiru had never failed to honour her mother’s word, but this issue with Theo had brought out a rare character in her.

Mama hinted on a workable reconciliatory meeting, but Nkiru saw it as another form of distraction. The conversation was inconclusive as Nkiru discontinued the call.

Mr. Akintola was the next person that called, about an hour later. He asked after Nkiru’s welfare and how the baby was faring. He also hinted on the issue of the divorce and counselled her.

Sophia also called telling Nkiru about the happenings in the office and the changes that had taken place since her absence. She also touched on the issue of Nkiru’s divorce petition.

Pastor Pela was the last person that called her phone that day. They hadn’t heard from each other for quite a while. He was glad to know Nkiru and the baby were fine. He counselled her on the issue of her planned divorce with Theo. He prayed for her and her marriage. He said he would be having a Minister’s Summit in Abuja in a couple of days, and would check on her at his spare time.

Vero, back from work later in the evening, met Nkiru alone sobbing. The baby was fast asleep. Nkiru tried bottling up her emotion as Vero walked in, but it was obvious for Vero to see she was not in the best of moods. The fact that everyone that called took the same stand as mama, on her planned divorce, hurt her feelings.

“What’s the matter, Nkiru,” Vero probed gracing her shoulder. But Nkiru wasn’t forthcoming with a response. Vero was famished; she walked ahead to the kitchen to steam a couple of noodles. She garnished it with chopped carrots, cabbage and eggs. It’s a quick cook. She dished for Nkiru and herself. She walked back to Nkiru and set the meal before her and urged her to eat.

“Nkiru eat,” Vero urged, noticing her friend’s emotional drift. Nkiru managed to eat. She had not eaten anything herself, even though she was at home all day, owned to her emotional trauma. She felt Theo wasn’t getting the kind of punishment he deserved.

“Tell me, what is happening to you,” Vero persuaded one more time.

“My mum called today,” Nkiru revealed.

“Is that? How is she,” Vero did not stop to stuff noodles into her mouth as she conversed with Nkiru. She’s such a voracious eater when famished.

“She’s fine,” Nkiru said, “Mama is not in support of my planned divorce.”

“I know that’s what will happen,” Vero cut in.

“I had to cut the call, because she doesn’t think Theo deserved to be punished for her action,” Nkiru said.

“This is Africa, where family is involved in the issue of divorce of a married couple on like in the western world. In my own opinion, I think you should give Theo a second chance. You had him say to you the last time, Nkiru, I am begging you, don’t go. Please don’t walk out of my life...

“For what reason should I forgive Theo?” Nkiru asked.

“If not for any reason, but for the sake of the baby,” Vero said.

Nkiru said nothing further. She looked on thoughtfully, until Vero urged her to eat.

Theo came out of coma and realized he had been hospitalized. The last event he could remember was when he was being mobbed by the street miscreants. He could still feel pains all over his body; his jaw tender and swollen. His ribcage was on fire and his injured arm treated and dressed with plaster. He needed to undergo an x-ray to know if there were broken bones. No one knew his whereabouts. His phone had been stolen. The phone contact of Pastor Pela was found on him at the time the medical personnel had to double check to see if they could find useful thing on him. He was being rescued by a Police patrol team. Pastor Pela had to wire an advance to the account of the hospital before they could go ahead with Theo’s treatment. He’s being administered drip. He cast his feeble eyes on the suspended plastic tube and observed as the liquid inside dripped like forever.

“What do you want?”

“Bring out your money, your phone and everything you have on you; do that fast-fast!”

“I’m sorry, I don’t get it,”

Those images of the incident played back in his mind. Those lads would not have succeeded in their evil act, if he was in his right frame of mind, he had imagined. He had no idea who brought him down to the hospital or whether Pastor Pela paid his medical bill. The clergy man was still in Lagos. The door to the hospital ward he was admitted creaked opened and a nurse walked inside. She’s a brown skinned girl, probably in her teens. “Good morning Mr. Theophilus. Thank God you’ve regained consciousness.” She was with a small tray containing syringes and needles, drugs and tools to check his pulse and blood pressure.

Theo had wondered how the nurse knew his name. The Business card he wrote Pastor Pela’s phone contact was his company’s. He said, “Good morning,” but with much pain, “Nurse, which hospital is this?”

“Salvation Memorial Hospital, Jabi,” the nurse said. She checked his pulse and blood pressure even as she engaged him in conversation.

“How did I get here?” he asked further.

“Some patrol officers brought you in their van,” She explained. Theo watched her pass the injection through the tube of the drip. She was done and was about to go, but Theo drew the nurse attention.

“Please nurse what is your name?”

“Chioma,” she said.

“Thank you Chioma.”

“You’re welcome,” she said with a smile, before she walked away. He enjoyed her company, even for the short while.

Theo took an x-ray on his third day on admission. Dr. Alban, the resident doctor came in the next morning with Nurse Chioma.

“Good morning Mr Theophilus,” Doctor Alban greeted. Nurse Chioma greeted as well.

“Good Morning doctor,” Theo returned both Dr. Alban and Nurse Chioma’s gestures.

“How are you doing this morning,” the doctor examining his patient at this time asked.

“I’m better,” Theo replied cheerfully. He sat up as the doctor examined one of his legs battered with a clumsy stick. It had made it difficult for him to stand on his feet.

The doctor done with the examination, turned to Chioma for the x-ray in her possession. He brought out the films in a bid to explain the x-ray report to Theo. “The x-ray confirms there is no broken bone.” It’s good news for Theo. The doctor left the x-ray with Theo and walked away. Chioma stayed back in the ward with Theo. She had just resumed duty and part of her assignment was to take Theo for a walk.

“Have you taken breakfast sir,” Chioma asked.

“Oh I have. Thank you,” He said. “I hope you’ve heard yours as well?”

“Yes sir. I have,” Chioma liked Theo’s amiable nature. “So, we are good to go for a walk now,” she pre-empted.

“Oh sure, I’m ready right now.” He picked up his crutches by his bed in readiness.

Chioma led him out of the ward. He stamped his feet slow and steady. Chioma would wait patiently for him to catch up with her as they walked out of the ward. They continued in that manner, until they walked out of the hospital premises to the street.

Chioma had wanted to ask Theo certain questions that had bothered her and she felt the time was perfect for her to do so. “Sir, can I ask you some personal question,” she said, after much contemplation.

“Oh sure you can, provided it’s a question I can answer,” he chuckled at his own sense of humour.

“One thing I really want to know is if you have a family. Do you have a family?”

“Yes I do have,” Theo replied.

“How come none has come to check on you,” she probed thoughtfully.

“You are right, the reason being that none of them knows my whereabouts. I was attacked by hoodlums and my belongings were taken off me, including my phone,” he narrated. Chioma was touched by Theo’s story.

“You can use my phone to call your family,” She brought out her phone and offered him.

“Thank you Chioma, but I have lost all my contacts and can’t remember any of them,” he disclosed.

“You are not married,” Chioma posed another serious question.

“But sir, you should be able to remember your wife’s phone contact, even if you can’t remember others.” Theo knew Chioma made a valid point there. Chioma noticed Theo was not forthcoming with a reply. “Or is she late?”

“No. She is alive.” He had Nkiru’s phone contact committed to heart, but for their marital issues, he didn’t call her. “You’re right. We had an issue that’s threatening our marriage at present. Nkiru had filed a divorce. It’s a reason I can’t call her.”

“Now I understand, sorry, I have to go this deep into your personal life,” She noticed his mood. She was cowed by the sad development.

“Don’t mention,” Theo said with smile. “All will be well.”

Chioma decided they returned back to the hospital, after they had walked a reasonable distance. Chioma didn’t raise any question, until they got back to the ward.

“Thank you for the walk,” Theo said one last time as Chioma was about leaving.

“You’re welcome. I will check on you soon.” Chioma hastened away after that last comment.