Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Theo arrived at Abuja late in the evening, and checked into a hotel in a secluded part of the federal capital territory. He settled at the bar and bought a bottle of drink. His disposition had improved. He decided to pass the night at the lodge so he could have time to perfect his other plans. He had conceived an idea of a changed identity, which he urgently needed to effect. He believed it wouldn’t be long before his family began looking for him. If that happened, his purpose of leaving home would be an effort in futility.

Theo passed the time in company of a lad who had come to catch some fun at the bar.

The lad offered Theo a handshake. “I am Osaze, but you can call me Osas. It makes no difference.”

Theo took his hand. “I am Theophilus. You can call me Theo if you like.”

“Nice meeting you.”

“Nice meeting you too.”

“You reside here in FCT?”

“I came on a vacation.”

“On a vacation,” Osas exclaimed. “I never knew people still found time for relaxation in this country, with all the hustle and bustle.”

“I do that once in a blue moon,” Theo said, chuckling.

“I think it’s good for the body. Keep it up.”

The two men sat at a table with their ordered drinks. Theo was not quick at talking, thus he allowed Osas to lead the discussion while he did the listening. Osas talked about his exploits abroad, and Theo was impressed by the little profile.

“It was visa that brought me to this place,” Osas said.

“How come with all your travels abroad,” Theo queried.

“The white men make things difficult for us blacks, all in the name of racial discrimination.”

“Aside that, they think every black man is fraudulent, no thanks to the few bad eggs that have dented the image of us blacks.”

“I do genuine business and deserve a pass by the embassy.”

Theo had heard Osas talk about his business, but he hadn’t disclosed what he did for a living.

Theo seized the opportunity to ask. “What exactly do you do?”

“I am a make-up artist.”

The men paused for a second or two to focus on their drinks and listen to the music playing at the background. Theo thought about how Osas could possibly help him with his new look. He knew very little about cosmetic surgery. He didn’t know if Osas could have an idea being a make-up artist. A damsel walked on scene and caught Osas’ orgy attention. Theo pretended not to have noticed.

“Check out that opeke,” Osas said.

“Which opeke,” Theo asked. He knew opeke to mean 'a young lady' in the local slang. He took the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the young lady.

“What do you think about her,” Osas asked.

Theo had never contributed to such a discussion after he got married to Nkiru. He did not look at the lady for too long because she was a bundle of temptation with her dressing. Chasing after women was never his priority. He had never cheated on Nkiru, despite their childlessness.

“This kind is easy catch," Osas said. "Just throw some money at her face and she will be at your beck and call like a moron.”

The men forced out laughter at the dirty talk.

“You seem to know much about ladies,” Theo said with interest, after he had drunk from his glass.

“This kind, after sleeping here and there with different men, they abort pregnancies at will. When it is time to settle into married life, they find it difficult having conception.”

Could it be responsible for Nkiru’s childless condition? Theo reasoned. But the doctor could have said it. Or could it be a punishment from God for a past atrocity?

He chose not to dwell much on the problem he'd left behind. How he would change his identity was uppermost in his mind at the moment.

“Osas, you said you are a make-up artist,” he said.

“Yes, I am.”

“I need a change of identity. How can you be of help?”

“How do you mean?”

“I want a facial change. I want to look different.”

“It’s ridiculous.” Chuckling, Osas set his drink aside. He could not comprehend the motive behind Theo’s request. “Men, are you serious?”

“I am damn serious.”

Osas could see seriousness written all over Theo's face. “What do you need that for?”

“You won’t understand how badly I need it.”

“Why? You are too handsome to allow your face go under the surgeon’s knife. Are the law enforcement agents after you?” Osas chuckled at his rather sharp remarks.

“Do I look like a criminal?”

“But men, you look good the way you are. What is the motive for this?”

“Please, it’s something personal. How I wish I could disclose it to you now. But I assure you it has nothing to do with crime.”

Osas was convinced Theo would not bulge his secret, but he was ready to stick his neck for him all the same. “How are you going about it?”

“I need you to help me. Will you?”

“It’s not my specialization, but Alex can help.”

“Who is Alex?”

“Alex is a friend. He’s a cosmetic dermatologist.”

“How soon can he get it done?”

“A couple of hours, but it will cost you a fortune.”

“I will pay. Does he reside in the country?”

“No. I guess you are lucky. He is presently in Lagos. He could take the next available flight down if you really need his service."

“I wouldn’t be this serious if I didn’t need it.”

“I should call him right away?”

“Please, go ahead.”

Osas picked his cell phone and dialled Alex's number. Theo paid attention while Osas spoke to his friend.

“Hello, Alex. I am presently in Abuja. I am processing the visa I told you about.”

Osas’ eye caught Theo’s attentive look. He picked up his glass and drank from it. “The reason I called is to inform you about a deal I have brought you

the client is with me. Would you love to speak with him? Okay

"

Passing his cell phone to Theo, he said, "He wants to speak with you.”

Theo and Alex engaged in a conversation. The two finalized the deal and how to meet; Alex would arrive in two days’ time. Theo was pleased with the arrangement.

Everything is working according to plan, he pondered, ending the call.

Osas had finally gone to meet the damsel who had caught his attention. Theo sat back, watching the outcome as he had his drink.

“Excuse me, I don’t know you.” The damsel stared warily at Osas as he advanced toward her.

“Excuse me," Osas said. "I am not going to hurt you. Or do I look like a criminal?”

“Okay, what do you want from me?”

“Now you are talking, babe. First and foremost, I must commend you are beautiful.”

“Thank you. Is that all?”

“That’s not all. I admire you.”

“So you want us to be boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“You are right.”

“You know it won’t just work like that.”

Osas knew the hurdle he had to surmount, even though he knew quite well she would budge. No woman gives in cheaply; persistence on the part of the guy is the very key to success.

The music oozing out of the sound system at the background was mindboggling. The screaming voices of dancers sought to compete with the blaring music. Osas nodded involuntarily to the beat, and his carefree attitude got the damsel’s adrenaline pumping.

“So how do we begin?” he asked.

“You know," the damsel said, "you are a stranger, and I don’t know you from anywhere.”

“Why don’t we sit at a table and chat over a drink? What do you suggest?”

“It’s okay by me.”

He led her toward the table where Theo sat. “My name is Osas. I am a make-up artist.”

“A make-up artist?”

“Does it amaze you?”

“It’s a woman's job.”

“You're mistaken. Back in Milan where I work, most males handle make-ups for the models. Do you mind I try out a make-up on you tonight?”

The damsel chuckled.

“You haven’t told me your name,” he said.

“Justina. I am a student of the University of Abuja.”

“What is a student doing here?”

“What everyone came here to do—have fun.”

“You are right.” Osas broke into a chuckle.

Theo held his glass to his lips and cast his eyes on Osas and Justina making their way toward him. Justina's presence raised a question mark to his moral standing. Her eye-popping cleavage-revealing top and thighs-revealing mini dress made him develop a lustful feeling for her. His gaze followed her as she joined them at the table.

Osas was true to his words, Theo marvelled to himself. The girl is here.

.

Nkiru, after having dinner, took a rest in the bedroom. She reflected on all that had transpired in the day. Her thoughts orbited around the conversation she'd had with Sophia concerning the feud she'd had with Theo...

“Theo and I had a fight last night,” she said.

“What again is the matter between you two?” Sophia looked deeply concerned.

“That man won’t stop accusing me as if it is in my own power to produce a child.”

“I hope it’s something you can resolve pretty soon.”

Nkiru exploded with fury. “I don’t care about that anymore. I told him my mind. And I could perceive he was deeply hurt.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him he was not man enough to father a child!" she boasted. "I told him to give me permission to prove my point by sleeping with other men if he was in doubt.”

“But how could you say that to your husband? He could be hurt by those words.”

“Sophia, I was hurt too. It hurts when you get blamed for something you have no absolute control over.”

“How did he react when you told him that?”

“He walked away dejectedly. We did not set eye on each other all night.”

“I think you have to initiate reconciliation. It would be difficult for him to come by it. You know as a man his ego has been battered by comparing him with other men as impotent. He could even be forced to sleep with other women outside. There are a lot of possibilities this could trigger. Remember the doctor gave the both of you the clean bill of health. It’s just a matter of time.”

Nkiru, after listening to her friend, was ready to bury the hatchet and apologise as soon as Theo came back, but it was late in the night and he was yet to come back home. She walked to the living room and gazed at the time; it was 8:00p.m. She became apprehensive as to her husband’s whereabouts.

“Caro!” she called. “Caro!”

The housemaid hastened out of the kitchen where she had been tidying up things. “Yes, madam.”

“Is my husband back?”

“No, ma,” she said. “I never see oga today.”

“It means you people are not vigilant in this house. Call Monday, please.”

“Okay ma,” Caro hastened away.

Nkiru heaved a sigh and sat down. Seconds later, Caro walked back into the living room in the company of Monday.

“Madam," Monday drew Nkiru's attention. "Caro say you dey call me.”

“Yes," Nkiru said. "I wanted to ask; did you see my husband today?”

“Yes, madam,” after a momentary silence, he added, “Oga leave house this morning. He carry him bag.”

“Where did he say he was going?”

“He no talk to me at all, madam.” He clapped his hands in self-exoneration.

“Thank you.” Nkiru walked away, leaving her two domestic staff staring curiously at each other.

“Wetin dey happen?” Caro spoke out.

“I no sabi anything,” Monday said.

“This oga and madam problem self, na only God go solve am.”

“I beg, I dey go. I no fit put mouth for wetin pass my power.”

Monday walked out of the living room, while Caro returned to her chores in the kitchen.

It rained cats and dogs in the night. The rain came with a strong wind, tossing with ease all that stood in its way. Monday had to abandon his duty post to the main building due to the menace the rain had caused.

Nkiru was disturbed by the rain because Theophilus was yet to return home. She could not risk going out to look for him in such a harsh weather, and it was 10:00p.m.

Theo’s cell phone was not connecting. She'd tried and tried to ring him until she became fed up. She attributed the lack of access to the weather.

“My God, its 11:15!” she exclaimed, unable to believe how soon time had fled. “I think I should call Akintola.”

Akintola could most likely know her husband’s whereabouts. But she was disappointed yet again. Her calls failed to connect. She threw her phone in one corner out of frustration. But she picked it up again, this time to inform her parents and her father-in-law of the new development. Again the calls failed. She decided to go into the rain, but she could not dare enter the rain. She calculated how she would reach her parked car in the garage. The wind was too strong for her, and she was drenched to the bones the moment she stepped out of the house. The umbrella she'd used to shield herself was damaged by the wind.

She grew frustrated and retreated into the house. Caro prepared a hot tea for her to keep warm. Soon, she fell asleep on the sofa while waiting for her husband.

It was the break of dawn, and the rain had long ceased. Only the relics of the flooding here and there were the reminders of the rain. The sun was slow to break forth from the silver-greyish sky. The birds were flapping away after a wet and tasking night.

Nkiru woke up in the living room where she had passed the night on a sofa. She yawned and stretched her limbs as she got on her feet. She stole a glimpse at the time; 7:15a.m.

She could hear Caro's disturbing activity in the kitchen.

“Caro,” she called, “Caro!”

The housemaid hastened to the living room to attend to her madam. “Good morning, madam.”

“Good morning,” Nkiru replied, “Are you aware I slept on the sofa all night?”

“Yes, madam.”

“You mean you saw me? And you didn’t bother to call me to my bedroom?”

“I am sorry.” She gestured an apology.

“That aside, did my husband return last night?”

“Madam, I no see oga enter house last night.”

Nkiru heaved a sigh. “Thank you. Go make me a cup of tea. I am cold.”

“Okay, madam.” Caro left for the kitchen to do her madam’s bidding.

Nkiru retried all the phone calls she'd made last night. None went through; Theo’s phone was switched off, to her disappointment. She left for her room to freshen up, after which she walked to the dining where she sat at the dining table and had bread and tea for breakfast.

She wiped her lips with the provided serviette. “Caro, come clear the table.”

The housemaid walked in, and while she cleared the table, Nkiru rose to her feet, and picked up her handbag which had stayed overnight on the sofa. She was set for an outing.

“Caro, I am going to Mr Akintola’s place," she said. "If by chance my husband calls, tell me when I get back.”

“Okay, madam.”

Nkiru exited the house and hopped into her car. Once Monday threw open the gate, she drove out of the premises.

Driving along the busy streets of Lagos, Nkiru fed her eyes on the side attraction on the way and probed her mind as to her husband’s sudden disappearance. She pondered over the conversation she'd had with her gatekeeper the previous night.

“Madam, Caro say you dey call me.”

“Yes. I want to ask; did you see my husband today?”

“Yes madam. Oga leave house this morning. He carry him bag.”

“Where did he say he was going?”

“He no talk to me at all, madam...”

She feared her husband had made good his threat of leaving the house.

“Theo.” A steel smile lined her worried face. “I don’t understand Theo. This man pisses me off sometimes. I don’t understand why he has become so irrational. When I talk, it is tagged as being disrespectful.”

Nkiru withheld her wondering disposition as she arrived at her destination. She pulled over at Mr Akintola compound, hopped out of her car and walked to the door. She knocked, and waited. She took the time to observe the compound. This was the second time she was visiting Mr Akintola household.

The door creaked open and Lola stuck her head out.

Nkiru smiled warmly. “Good morning.”

Lola smiled back. “Good morning.”

“Is your husband in?”

“Oh, yes. Come on inside.” Lola swung the door open for her guest to walk inside. Akintola was not in the living room at the time. “Please, have a seat while I call my husband.”

“Thank you.” Nkiru took her seat while Lola walked away to the inner room.

In no time, Akintola walked into the living room. He was excited to see Nkiru. Smiling, he said, “Who am I seeing? Who is this August visitor?”

He knew it was rare of her visiting. Nkiru was a busy woman; only a serious matter could force her out of her busy schedule.

Nkiru could not hide her smile at Akin’s apparent exaggeration. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Akin said, sitting opposite her. “I guess you must be off duty today, seeing you in my house at this time.”

“No, I am not. I took permission from the office.”

“What can I offer you?”

“Nothing...”

“Let Lola make you a cup of tea.”

“No, thanks.” She smiled politely. “I had mine before coming.”

“How’s your husband?” he asked, but Nkiru gave no reply. He fixated a disturbed gaze at her. “I hope all is well at home?”

“Theo left the house yesterday and has not returned.”

“Has he called?”

“No. I have tried to reach him but his phone is switched off.”

“I don’t think Theo can disappear like that. Something must be wrong somewhere. Or could it be he has left for the trip?”

“What trip?”

“He told me he would be going on a vacation. Didn’t he tell you about it?”

“He did not tell me anything.”

An image of Akin's previous meeting with Theo played in his head

Akin called at Theo’s office, and the two had a conversation. Akin sat down at Theo's desk while Theo perched on the desk.

Theo sighed. "Akin, I am going on a vacation.”

“A vacation will do you and Nkiru good.”

“It’s for me alone. I want to run away from the stress of life.”

“I'll advice you to go with Nkiru. Who knows, the much awaited child could come from it.”

“I would have considered her, but this woman loves her job more than her marriage.”

“I still insist you convince her to go with you.”

“I will try my best.”

“So

where are you planning to have your vacation?”

“I have not made up my mind yet. Maybe Obudu Ranch, Yankari. I don’t mind going to the end of the world, provided I get the maximum rest that I deserve.”

The two friends broke into laughter at Theo’s sense of humour.

Nkiru sobbed vehemently as Akintola wrapped up the story. Her fear had been confirmed. “So Theo could do this to me? He went on a vacation without my consent. Is that how a responsible man should behave with his wife?”

Akin was disturbed at the drama unfolding before his eyes. “I am sorry. I have no idea what has happened. I find it hard to believe Theo did not tell you anything about his trip.”

“He can go to hell!" Nkiru said, "I don’t care. But I will not leave his house until he files for a divorce.”

“Please, I will try and reach him and we shall settle the matter amicably.”

She took a moment to calm herself; she knew she had to take it slow. “I am leaving. Thank you for your advice.”

“Believe he will come back home.”

“I believe you.”

Lola walked into the living room after Nkiru had left the house. She was curious to know what had happened. “Is she having a fight with her husband?”

“Theo went on a vacation without her consent.”

Lola could not utter a word. She was dampened by the news.

A car honked persistently at the gate of Theo’s compound. Monday emerged from the corner of the main building. He had abandoned his duty post to gossip with Caro by the kitchen window. He peeped through the small opening on the gate and discovered it was Theo’s parents. He quickly opened the gate for them to enter the compound. He gestured a greeting at the old couple.

Nkiru was seated on the sofa in the living room when someone knocked at the door. “Caro, what are you doing? Please, go open the door.”

Caro hastened into the living room and went ahead to open the door. She greeted the elderly couple as they stepped into the house.

Nkiru stood up as she caught sight of her father and mother in-law.

“Good evening, mama,” she greeted cheerfully. "Good evening, papa."

“Good evening, my daughter,” papa said.

Nkiru’s greeting did not go down well with mama; she did not give a reply. She frowned at her instead. Nkiru did not bother; she was used mama's long face and her unbecoming attitude. She offered the aged parents a seat and asked Caro to get them water to drink. Caro hastened to get the water while the couple took their seats.

“How are you, my daughter?” papa asked.

“Papa, I am fine,” Nkiru replied with a smile, and sat back on the sofa.

Caro returned with a glass of water. She tried to serve mama, but she refused. She then poured some water for papa. The man took the water from her and drank a little.

“Thank you,” he said to Caro, and she walked away with the bottle of water and the glass cup.

“What is this I am hearing about Theo’s disappearance?” papa asked.

Nkiru had known it would come to that. She took a deep breath before she could answer papa’s question. "Theo left the house yesterday and has not returned.”

“Did you reach him on phone to find out where he is?”

“Theo has gone on a vacation,” she said.” I had no idea of his travel; I only got to know from his friend. He has refused to talk with him. He has locked his cell phone.”

“I blame you, Nkiru, for all these happenings,” mama said aggressively.

Nkiru was apprehensive at mama’s accusation. "How do you mean, mama?”

“You caused it,” mama rephrased. "Why won’t he run away when all you do is lazy around feeding fat with my son’s money, and nothing to show for your marriage; not a single child.”

Mama had indeed set a tone for tension in the house with her series of accusations at Nkiru.

“Look, mama, I can’t sit here and take all these insults from you.” Nkiru walked away to her room in anger.

“You should not only walk away," mama yelled after her. "You should pack as well!”

Papa was disappointed with his wife. “Woman, why can’t you act like a mother for once?”

“I can’t sit here and watch the life of my son being destroyed. Never will I allow pepper into my eyes; not when I am still alive!”

She left her husband on the seat and went to get herself a glass of water.