Happy Valentine’s Day, people! And happy birthday, KKN.
Have fun reading this Valentine episode. Unfortunately, I would be absent for a while. Guest posts will continue.
So enjoy and please, share this across social media. It’s just once click and it’s done. and yes, talk to me about it in the comment section.
Make love and not war!
Thanks.
Read Previous Episodes and Episode Eight
Bankole was beginning to hate his boss, Mr. Duro. The man was a taskmaster and particularly had it in for him. He often loaded him with work that wasnβt under his area of specification and didnβt understand the use of an email to pass messages. He would either call him or ask to see him to get information or results over projects in person. This particular afternoon, he wanted to see photo concepts for their March magazine issue which he ordered Bankole to work on just three days before. The assignment had kept Bankole awake all night. He prayed the man approved it.
βOga is inside,β Mr. Duroβs secretary informed Bankole as he got to the manβs office. The girl looked annoyed, like she would rather be elsewhere.
Bankole knocked and entered. Mr. Duro raised his eyes from his laptop and looked at him.
βHello, Banky.β
βGood afternoon, sir.β
βYou got what I want?β
Bankole walked to him and handed a folder which he dumped aside.
βIβll go through it later. You may leave.β
Bankole made a turn for the door.
βSo how are you spending Valentineβs?β
Bankole stopped. The question was odd, coming from him.
βIβm ehmβ¦ going for that Smush party.β
βOh. Everyone in Lagos seems to be going. Youβll be with your girlfriend?β
βYes, sir.β
βYou kids should have fun.β
Bankole faced the door again. When he touched the handle, he heard the manβs voice one more time.
βI hope my wife didnβt strip naked at her last photoshoot with you?β
Bankole almost choked on air. He stopped, breathed in and steered his feet to face the man.
βYour wife?β he asked.
βYes, my wife. Angela.β
βSheβsβ¦your wife?β
Mr. Duro made a sound like a scoff. βLike you didnβt know.β
βNoβ¦β Bankole choked. βNo, sir.β
βSheβs my wife.β
Bankole, at this point, just wanted to dissolve into the air.
βLeave.β
He hurried out, perspiring. He didnβt wait a second in the area. He left the floor and the entire building as if chased by the wind. He only caught his breath when he got to the parking garage. As he was about getting into his car, he heard a familiar female voice speaking to someone in agitation. Training his ears, he discovered it was Ruky. She sounded on the verge of tears. He turned around and saw her standing beside her car; she was on the phone. He got into his car and turned on the engine. He was about putting the car into gear when he saw her head resting over the hood of the car and her body shuddering.
He became torn between whether to drive off or find out what was wrong with her. He could have easily taken the former option but she had seen him already. He didnβt want to come off as ungentlemanly.
He killed his engine, got out of his car and walked to her.
βRukayat?β
She made no answer.
βRuky?β His hand touched her shoulder and she looked up.
βBanky?β
She was crying as he had suspected.
βWhatβs wrong?β
She gave a shake of her head but turned and sought comfort on his shoulder. Bankole patted her back to calm her, then opened her door and helped her into the driverβs seat.
βGuy problems?β he asked.
She reached for some tissue from a Kleenex box behind the car and blew her nose.
βOn fucking Valentineβs Day! Geez! You men are so heartless!β
βHe cheated?β
βNo. That would have been better, at least I would have known it was another woman.β
βOkay. So whatβs worse than a cheating man?β
βA shallow man! A mommyβs boy!β
βYou want to talk about it?β
She hesitated.
βItβs okay if you donβt want toβ¦.β
βIβm not from a rich family,β she revealed. βAnd right now, Iβm struggling, Banky. I wonβt lie. Iβm the breadwinner in my family. Everyone relies on me. Okay, so my guy came into my life like six months ago and kindβa helped my financial situation a bit. But the problem is that his family hates me because Iβm not up to their level. Shey you get?β
Bankole nodded. He felt like he was walking down memory lane.
βThis car you see me always pose with is not my own. It belongs to him. In short, Iβm not the girl you think I am.β
Bankole liked her brutally-honest persona. One would never know she had this side to her. Being the companyβs stylist, she was always on top of her game with her appearance. No one ever looked beyond that to see this side she was revealing.
βBut thatβs not the issue. This guy just woke up this morning of all the days in the world and decided that we should break up. Today! On Valentineβs Day! Haba! Who does that to somebody?β She pursed her lips together but they shook in a despondent sob. Bankole took her hand to console her.
βAnd heβs even asking for the car back. Imagine. He has three cars o!β
Bankole didnβt know what to tell her, so he held her hand until she calmed down considerably.
βYou love him?β
βI donβt know jor. Weβve been together only six months. But itβs all good. A girlβs gotta move on.β
βYeah. You have to.β
βWhat is paining me now is all the guys I turned down that would have shown me a good time today.β She hissed. βMy Val will just be rubbish!β She hissed again. βIβll just go to that Smush party, get drunk and have a one night stand with any guy that asks.β
βFara bale.β
βKini? Take what easy? In short, now-now-now. Iβll take this car to his house and smash the windscreen in front of him. After he has kpansh me finish, he wants to clean mouth and not pay his dues. He hasnβt seen anything!β
βAh. You women sefβ¦β
βBanky, just forget that thing.β
Bankole let go of her hand.
βThanks, hon and umβ¦you have some lipstick on your shirt. Sorry.β
βHa, this babe. You want to put me in trouble.β
βIf madam fights you just come over to mine,β Ruky teased. Bankole smiled.
She started her car and he walked back to his. They both drove out of the parking and waved goodbye to each other as their cars took opposite routes. Bankole headed straight for home. He was famished when he got in and was glad that lunch was ready and waiting. Not quite used to eating at a dining table, he chose the bedroom and had lunch with Beatrice there. It was a meal of peppered yam porridge with smoked fish.
βThatβs how you didnβt tell me happy valentines,β Beatrice accused as they began eating.
βToday is Valentineβs Day?β he held a pokerface.
She eyed him.
βI didnβt know o.β
Her countenance changed and remained sour for the rest of the meal. He acted as though he didnβt notice until he was done and his empty dish put away. He waited for her to be through as well but she left her meal halfway.
βHappy Valentineβs baby,β he smiled and took her hand.
βLeave me, abeg.β
βCome nau.β He pulled her close and had her sit on his laps.
βSo you thought I forgot.β
βDidnβt you?β she crossed her arms.
βClose your eyes.β
βFor what?β
βJust close your eyes jor.β
And just like that, the frown on her face lost its bearing. Her crossed arms also dropped to her sides as her eyes went shut. He put his hand beneath the bed and pulled out a small gift box.
βNow, open your eyes.β
She lifted her eyelids and grinned at the first sight of the box in his hand.
βYou got me something?β
βOpen it.β
With the excitement of a little kid, she unwrapped the box to reveal a gold jewelry set that brought instant tears to her eyes. Her hand went to her mouth to curtail her emotion.
βItβs so beautiful.β
βYou like it?β
She answered him with a warm squeeze.
βRemember I used to tell you that when I eventually make it Iβll spoil you silly?β
βYes.β
βWell, Iβve just started.β
βThank you, Banky mi.β
Taking her hand, he laid her on the bed and leaned over her.
βIβm sorry I didnβt get you anything,β she said. βIβm mad broke.β
βI wasnβt expecting anything from you, Bea. Just allow me spoil you.β
He kissed her hand. βSo what did we miss this week?β
It was an invitation to make love to her but Beatrice didnβt seem quite in the mood. She sat up instantly as she recalled something.
βI have good news!β she said in a squeak and reached for her phone somewhere on the bed while he laid his back to rest.
βAn email I was expecting came in this afternoon. See!β
She passed her phone to him. On the screen was an opened email and it was a job offer to her.
βYou got another job?β
βYes!β
βWhere?β
βHere, in Lagos. At Muri Okunola. Itβs a small consultancy firm.β
βReally?β His tone didnβt match hers. βHow and when did all this happen?β
Tucking stray strands of her weave behind her ears, she replied, βA colleague from my old job referred me to one guy at the firm. I went to see him on Wednesday and I got the job.β
βI didnβt know you went out on Wednesday.β
βI was going to tell you when the guy called and asked me to come but I forgot. I went there and was given the job there and then but I was waiting for this email to come in so that itβll be a surprise to you. So, ta-da!β
Bankole propped himself up on both elbows. βWait, you went to see the guy and he offered you the job just like that.β
βYep.β
βJust like that. You didnβt write an application orβ¦β
βNo, he was impressed with my CV and we spoke for just few minutes and he said, βhiredβ.β
βOkay.β
βBoo-boo, whatβs wrong? Why these questions?β
βNobody offers a beautiful girl like you a job just like that in this town.β
βWhat are you saying?β
βItβs either you gave him something or heβll get it later from you.β
βG-gave him something? What are you saying, Banky? That I gave himβ¦ what exactly?β
βI donβt know. I just know that youβre not taking the job. Does he know youβre pregnant?β
βNo. He doesnβt have to know.β
Bankole sat up fully. βHe doesnβt have to know. You hear yourself?β
βI need this job. Iβm tired of staying at home already.β
βYou are not taking the job. Period.β
He scrambled out of the bed as she stared at him through moistened eyes.
βWhatβs your problem? First, itβs that I gave him something and now, Iβm not supposed to work? Why are you doing like this, Banky?β
βBea, itβs simple. You are pregnant, so you canβt work. My money is enough for both of us.β
βI donβt have friends in Lagos o! And me, I canβt stay at home!β she screamed at him.
βFriends?β a sarcastic laugh escaped his lips. βWeβll make friends together as a couple but if you want to occupy yourself, register at the gym down the street, stay at home and watch cable. Itβs full bouquet.β
He made for the door and walked out.
************
The Smush party was exactly how Urena had described it would be. A classy crowd enlivened with the presence of celebrities filled the venue. It was held at a fancy but massive residential building that had featured in a couple of music videos. The place had an expansive exterior that was covered with partiers entertaining themselves with music, an unending flow of drinks and barbecued chicken from suya stands scattered about the place. Inside the building was another party enjoyed by a more conservative crowd. It was there Guru chose to sit himself. Urena had dragged him out of his house with his motherβs approval, kicking and screaming. He hated the loud music, the partiers and the environment entirely. As he sat in a corner as a mere observer, Monet came to him.
βHaving fun?β
She was wearing a piece he designed five years ago and he thought she looked absolutely gorgeous in it, even though she seemed over-dressed for the occasion. She was holding two glasses of champagne and offered him one but he declined. He didnβt drink at social events.
She sat beside him and was quiet for a second, both of them watching the people around them who had now become animated characters of children at a playground. There were mascots of famous superheroes and clowns that entertained them. Candy floss and ice-cream were in surplus; the kids were having fun.
βHope had a blast today at the mall,β Monet said. βYou should take her out more often. Youβre like an elder brother to her now. She absolutely adores you.β
Guru narrowed his eyes on a little boy just ahead of them who was tugging at a girlβs hair unmercifully.
βSo when are you going to get laid, Roy?β
Guru looked at Monet.
βYeah, Iβm asking you,β she said in her cockney accent. βYouβre twenty-eight, boy. Look around you, so many beautiful girls. Just pick one this night and pop that cherry,β she said, poking him with her finger.
He looked away.
βYou know you can use a condom, right? And even if you wanted to go bare, you couldnβt pass the disease to anyone. Your viral load is almost non-existent.β
A girlβs excited scream drew his eyes farther away from Monet.
βJust do it. Trust me, itβs better than wanking to porn videos of Asian women.β Monet snickered.
He wished her away and she got up.
βBe careful of Madu.β She blew a kiss and began to walk away. The train of her gown dragged across the sand as she went. The glasses of champagne fell to the ground at different points and he watched their contents spill and sip down to the shimmery beach sand beneath.
βHey, Roy!β
He blinked and came back to the real world. Urena was standing before him.
βCome, letβs go and eat chicken outside and dance.β
She took his hand. He wanted to protest but she made a frown. He let her drag him outside. They stepped out to louder music and the smell of barbecue in the air.
Not far from them, Bankole and Beatrice were sipping on drinks, sitting on bar stools at a makeshift bar table. Bankole was having a cocktail while Beatrice enjoyed chilled juice. They were not speaking to each other, following their fight earlier in the day. There had been another minor quarrel just before they came for the party which was about what Beatrice had chosen to wear. Bankole had held that it was too tight and short, and ordered her to wear something more decent. They argued over it and in the end, she settled for a pair of leggings and a top. He still didnβt approve of the top because of the way it pushed out her cleavage but he couldnβt get her to change her mind about it. That spat distanced them the more. Now, they shared that awkward silence where they were both too proud to apologize. Fortunately for Beatrice, someone she knew from way back recognized her and came over. After hugs and delightful girly-screams, Beatrice introduced the stranger to Bankole and asked permission to accompany her to say hi to Don Jazzy who had just made an appearance.
Bankole nodded and both girls disappeared into the crowd. He turned his attention elsewhere. There was a girl dancing alone in a corner. She had declined dancing with anyone and it was a shame because she was sexy and danced pretty well. He was going to entertain himself with her but a familiar voice called out to him.
βHey, Banky!β Ruky came by and gave him a hug that ended with a kiss on his cheek.
βHey, you!β
He admired her. She was stunning out of office clothes, wearing a red, mini gown that revealed much of her back and curved her bum perfectly. Her hair was worn down stylishly and cascaded over a pair of moderately-sized breasts that were not aided by a bra. He could see her nipples straining through the delicate material of the gown.
βEnjoying the party?β she asked.
βYeah. Can I get you a drink?β
βSure.β
Bankole demanded the attention of the barman and ordered her a cocktail.
βI hope Iβm not encouraging you on your mission to get drunk and laid tonight.β
Ruky laughed and he noticed she was already tipsy.
βWhereβs your girlfriend?β she leaned towards his ear. They both had to raise their voices to be heard above the din of the party.
βSomewhere around with a friend.β
βIβd have loved to see her o.β
βSheβll be back soon. So how did it go with your boyfie?β
Ruky hissed, pursing out luscious lips. βI went to return the car and you canβt believe that he was asking for shags, telling me one for the road. The way I designed the body of that car with the car key ehn.β
βWindscreen nko?β
βI didnβt see stone in the compound.β
Bankole laughed loudly.
Just then the music died. There was a general murmuring of complain from the crowd but Maduβs voice came up on the PA system and silenced them. Bankole stretched out his neck and saw him standing at the poolside. A small stage of some sort had been erected there.
βI hate this Madu ehn,β Ruky muttered.
βYou and a million others. And yet, see the mob that gathered.β
βHeβs so full of himself and heβs a complete agbaya. We went to the same school.β
βFor real?β
βYeah. He wasnβt popular then sef. Just one of those rich kids nobody sent.β
Madu was making an announcement neither Bankole nor Ruky were interested in.
βHereβs your drink, ma.β The barman pushed a cocktail glass towards Ruky. She pouted when she stared at it.
βYou didnβt put that tiny umbrella for me,β she carped.
βSorry, ma. We just ran out of them.β
βAwww.β
βTake mine,β Bankole offered, placing his umbrella into her glass.
βThanks, darling.β
Maduβs voice came on louder. βSo in case youβve been wondering who Guru is, wonder no more! I specially invited him here. Heβs a very private person so, itβs quite a privilege to have him around! You know, big boy tins!β
βHmm?β Bankole held a perplexed face at Maduβs utterances.
βLadies and gentlemen, introducing the guy behind the designsβ¦ Guru!β
The partiers looked around, mumbling to themselves. Somewhere in their midst, Urena had dragged Guru to the poolside and left him under bright lights and the attention of everyone.
βDude, show face nau!β Madu called him forward and Guru made a brief appearance with a short wave. He pushed his hands back into his pockets and disappeared instantly.
βNo mind am!β Madu joked. βNa shy guy! Ladies, feel free to engage!β
βInteresting,β Bankole muttered.
βWhat is?β Ruky asked.
βNothing. Just thinking out loud.β
βWeβre back!β Beatrice and her friend returned. βHey baby,β Beatrice added the moment she spotted Ruky.
βHad fun?β Bankole asked.
βOh my God! Don Jazzy is bae! He was with Ebuka too!β she squealed silently. βI took a photo!β
Bankole shook his head. βYouβre going to meet more of them, Bea. Na you go tire.β
She linked her hands with his. βBoo-boo, you didnβt introduce me.β
βOh, sorry.β Bankole apologized. βBea, this is Ruky, my colleague. Ruky, meet my girlfriend, Beatrice.β
βHi.β Both girls waved at each other and Beatrice turned to Bankole. βSo, I wanted to get us some chicken. You mind?β
βNo. Please, go and bring.β
βOkay.β
Beatrice went off with her friend again.
βAwww, sheβs so cute,β Ruky complimented.
βThanks.β
βYou like big girls?β
He raised and dropped his brows in answer.
βBad boy. But what were you doing with that chick in that picture I saw in your phone? That one was lepa nau.β
βWho told you that was me?β Bankole asked. βYou only saw her face and what she was holdingβ¦β
βWhich was impressive and beautiful. Are you saying itβs not yours?β
Bankole let out a small cough. βLetβs change the topic, Ruky.β
βThatβs an admission right there.β
He made to reply her but stopped in a laugh. βSeriously, letβs gist something else.β
Luckily for him, Ruky had a ton of office gossip at the tip of her lips. As she drank away, she opened the closets of their colleagues and let skeletons out.
Inside the building, Guru was alone again, although he now got stares from people who had previously ignored him. One of them came to him.
βHi Guru.β She grinned.
βHi.β
βCan I take a selfie with you?β
βUmβ¦okay.β
βI am a mad fan! Can you see what Iβm wearing?β
He looked at her from top to bottom. She had one of his designs on.
βYes. Thanks.β
βIβve always wondered who you were. Iβm so glad to finally meet you. Sorry about Monet. Weβll all miss her.β
βYeah.β
The girl sat beside him, struck a pose and took a picture with her phone.
βThank you!β
βSure thing.β
Grinning like a shark, she ran off just as Urena returned.
βI want to go home,β Guru told her.
βJust when the party started banging. Haba, Roy.β
βGuru, my man!β someone passing by, hailed. Guru gave a half-nod at the guy. He didnβt know him.
βPhyno is performing outside,β Urena informed. βLetβs go and watch.β
βDo I look like I understand a word in Igbo?β
βOkay, ehmβ¦ Want to drink?β her hand was extended to him. She had a plastic cup in it.
βYou know I donβt drink at parties.β
βFor fuckβs sakes, Roy! Just make my night.β
Urena didnβt swear often. Whenever she did, she was on nerves. Guru felt bad that he had upset her. To make nice, he took the drink offered.
βThanks.β
She still looked upset. He apologized. βIβm sorry, Ure. You know me and parties. And the loud music just gets to me.β
βMaybe we can go upstairs. The VIP rooms are there and thereβs no music.β
He only wanted to go home but fearing that he would hurt her feelings further, he obliged and followed her out to a lobby that led up a flight of stairs. A bouncer stopped them halfway.
βGuru.β Urena pointed a finger at Guru and they were let through.
βJust like that?β he asked.
βI think sometimes you underestimate the status of your name. Start getting used to it.β
They came to the second floor but continued to the third via another flight of stairs. There, a second bouncer was waiting.
βAgain?β Guru mumbled.
βVVIP.β
βOh.β
βGuru.β Urena pointed again and just as before, they got a pass.
βWait, how come you know this place already?β
βYou think Iβm like you, sitting downstairs and boring myself to death? And just in case you didnβt know, you are like the guest of honor or something like that. Madu hardly ever introduces anyone.β
βMadu hates my guts.β
Urena said nothing. They were on the third floor and true to her words the sound of music was subdued there. A door opened and Patoranking emerged from it with a couple of friends. They walked past them.
βLetβs take their room. I heard thereβs food and enough shacks in every VVIP lounge. And that you can ring the kitchen and order anything.β
βWait, where does Madu get the money for these parties?β Guru asked as he followed Urena on.
βSponsors,β she replied.
They got to the door Patoranking had materialized from and opened it. They walked into a bedroom turned private lounge. The place was unoccupied. A table laden with champagne, chocolate and finger foods invited them over and Urena dragged Guru in.
βIsnβt this way better than downstairs?β
βNow youβre talking,β Guru answered.
************
Ruky had long abandoned Bankole, whisked away by some guy who came by and claimed her waist possessively and planted a steaming kiss on her lips. Bankole remained in his position and ignored a girl who had come up to the bar and was seeking his attention via subtle means.
Beatrice came back with the promised chicken. She was alone this time.
βWhereβs your colleague?β she questioned.
βGone.β
She tugged him towards her. βBanky miβ¦ Iβm sorry about our fight earlier today.β
βItβs okay, Bea. Me sef Iβve forgotten the whole thing. So, letβs go home andβ¦β he whispered something into her ear that got her giggling.
βOkay. But can I go and say hi to Banky W?β
Bankole lost his smile. βYou want to famz all the celebs in this party? Just now I saw you hugging Patoranking.β
βBoo-boo, itβs Mr. Capable fa. How can I see him face to face and not say hi?β
Banky W was her favorite artist. She had mad love for his music.
βI told you youβll see more of them, Bea. My line of job gives me access to them. Just on Monday I was in KCeeβs house for a private photoshoot. Iβm now a celebrity photographer and I donβt think my girlfriend should be a groupie. Itβs embarrassing.β
Beatrice let out a sad face that touched him.
βOkay, just go.β
βNoβ¦β
βSeriously, go.β
βYouβre sure?β
He nodded and she kissed him on the lips before dashing off. And as if cued, Ruky came back.
βWhat did I miss, handsome?β
βNothing.β
βAre you okay? You seem bored? Whereβs our sugar spice?β
βOff with Mr. Capable.β
βEhya, pele. He always steals the ladies.β
βChicken?β Bankole offered the paper plate of chicken Beatrice had come with. Ruky took one.
βWant to dance?β she asked.
βNo.β
βWell, I do.β
Woju by Kiss Daniel was playing and she began to move her body to it. Bankole could tell she was high but felt it wasnβt his business. So far, she was behaving herself. He didnβt even complain when she moved in front of him and positioned herself before his bar stool to shake her backside provocatively at him. She was just a friend. He had never entertained fantasies of them being romantically involved.
βSo who was the guy that took you away earlier?β Bankole asked. She didnβt hear. She drew backwards until their bodies touched.
βWhat did you say?β
βThe guy that took you away earlier.β
βOh. Some guy I met last week at the mall. Heβs married o. Imagine.β
Bankole held his tongue. It wasnβt his business.
Ruky continued dancing. The only problem now was that he could feel her body rubbing against his crotch. He did nothing to stop her, just merely leaned back and focused on the party. It was then he saw Beatrice looking their way. She was walking towards them but stopped and took another direction.
βRuky.β Bankole held Rukyβs waist and stood up. βGive me a minute.β
βYouβre leaving?β
βNo, Iβ¦β
βThere you are!β Rukyβs married friend appeared. βWhy did you run away?β
Before Ruky could give an answer to the guy, Bankole dashed off. He followed the direction Beatrice took, pushing through people as he went. He noticed she was leaving the venue. He caught up with her outside the gate.
βWhere are you going?β
βHome.β
βWhy?β
βYouβre asking me? Werenβt you the one rubbing your dick on your colleague?β
βRubbing myβ¦ whoa!β he laughed. βIs that what you saw?β
βYou were dirty-dancing with her.β
βI was not.β
βYou were!β
βNo, I wasnβt.β
Bankole noticed the bouncers at the gate watching them.
βYouβre just not a nice person. You were mean to me throughout today only to come here and be monitoring me like a child and allowing Miss. Bootylicious to be giving you nyash!β
Bankole let out his hands in innocence, although he wasnβt surprised at Beatriceβs outburst. She had the emotions of a teenager.
βI wasnβt dirty-dancing or even dancing with her. She is drunk and not thinking clearly.β A distracted glance towards his left revealed Ruky approaching with her man friend. She was laughing and staggering while the guyβs hand made itself at home on her bum.
βSee?β Bankole pointed. Ruky walked by without noticing them. The man led her down a tight street where cars were parked, that got darker as it stretched.
βCan we go back and enjoy the party or go home now?β Bankole suggested.
Beatriceβs anger seemed to have simmered down at this point. βTheyβre handing out gift bags inside. I want to collect my own.β
βOkay. Go ahead.β
Beatrice turned back towards the gate but Bankole didnβt. His eyes had followed Ruky and her companion and he noticed the man was being indecent with her in the open, having pushed her over a car and was ravaging her body with his hands. At this juncture, Bankole knew it was his business to ensure that nothing nasty happened to her.
βBea, please go back in. Iβll come meet you.β
βWhere are you going?β Beatrice followed his eyes. βWhat do you want to do?β
βGo back in.β
Bankole made straight for the assault scene and he arrived there just as the man had opened the backdoor of his car and pushed Ruky in against her will. Bankole dove in-between them and dragged Ruky out. The man jabbed him with an elbow but Bankole held his feet and pulled Ruky away. She was more inebriated than he thought and had little cognizance of her environment.
βRuky?β he called gently as he led her away. He only got a mumble that came with tears down the sides of her face. She had no phone or purse with her and he knew it was useless asking. He crossed her over to the other side of his street were his car was parked and literally dragged her to it. He opened the backdoor and laid her in. She passed out straightaway. He shut the door, locked her in and went back in search of Beatrice whom he found stopping a cab.
βBea?β
She gave him one angry look and entered the vehicle.
βBeatrice!β he called.
The cab sped away.
*************
Upstairs at the VVIP, Guru was having his own Ruky moment as his eyes began to dim for reasons he couldnβt explain. When he tried to think about it, his brain gave him a mishmash of images. Sweet sleep called to him and he couldnβt fight it. Urena was speaking in her usual manner with her mouth full but to him she sounded like she was warbling.
By careful means, he lowered himself down to the lounger he was seated on and shut his eyes in deep sleep.
Urena immediately stopped speaking and tapped him.
βRoy? Roy?β
There was no response. She got off the chair and looked about her as if she was expecting something else to happen. Subsequently, she hurried out of the lounge and made a phone call. In no time, Madu and a hunky guy appeared.
βHeβs out,β she said.
Madu opened the door and peeped. βGreat job, Urena.β
Urena didnβt smile. She looked like she was about to cry.
βI have something for you.β Madu bobbed his head at the guy who retrieved a brand new iPad from a sling bag he was carrying. He handed it to Urena.
βI donβt want it.β
βYou have earned it, darling,β Madu took the Ipad. βTake it. I know you want it.β
βWhat do you want to do with Guru?β
βNothing he canβt handle. Come on, have this.β
Urena took the iPad from him.
βNow, off you go.β
βPlease, donβt hurt him.β
βWeβll be good to him. Get out of here.β
Urena turned around and faced the corridor but her heart was with Guru. If anything bad happened to him, she would never forgive herself.
Thanks sally for the birthday wish. you’re a darl.
Lemme go and read!
π
Nice…but it just had to stop here???
was it short? this was like the longest episode i have written in months o
Urena y dint u say somting now,mayb tell Guru,he wunt forgiv u for this u know.
do you think she really had a choice?
And here I was thinking Urena was a friend. Bankole should make up his mind already instead of pushing Bea. No khalid today? *pouting why na… Nob sorry Guruuuuu hmmm
Did you read episode 8? Khalid featured there o. check it out if you haven’t
Oh no, Madu is just a bad guy. I hope nothing bad happens to Guru o. Thanks Sally and happy val.
Thanks, Toyenlon!
I hope they re not going to man rape guru ooooo? Beatrice is overdoing some things sef after all her misbehaving. Thanls sal & happy val.
Ha, she shouldn’t overdo? when she get fine boyfie like that?
thanks, Chibaby
Madu wants to set guru up as gay, Urena is a goat, Bankole still has to take a course on womanology 101. Sally is the best.
Haha! Banky sure needs to be schooled.
Thanks a lot, Kemi, for always being here
Thanks for making my val. I missed Khadlid. This Madu no b beta pikin ooo. Can’t wait for d next read.
Hope you sha read episode 8. It was posted on Friday. Khalid featured there.
Thank you for dropping a line!
I wish you all the best in your project, Sally! Please, don’t take too long before you come back. I’ll miss you π
I thought Urena was Guru’s true friend. And Guru was trying not to hurt her o. Chai! Na wa for Madu sef.
Bea and Banky still have trust issues between them which they really need to sort out if they want to make their relationship work.
Good job as usual. Well done!
Thanks, Fola
I’ll try not to stay long
Have a fab week ahead!
Madu is jst arghhhhh!!!! Gud wrk sally. Kip it flowing. I will miss u during d brk, success in ur endeavour nd project.
Amen, Temidayo
Urena, you just dared d God’s and dug your grave….
*horror music playing in the background*
Haah Guru ooh, photos of him & diff gurlz scandal. This Bea nah waoh, well this their r/ship is just for a short time bcuz no trust anymur. Madu is just a big fool as usual….making fun out of people.
Sally Lurv Happy Valz, enjoy ur trip & have fun ok.
HAPPY VALZ 2 EVERYONE.
Thanks sweetheart!
This is what happens when trust is betrayed, Bankole is going to keep a suspicious leash on Bea for a very long time eventually she will get tossed considering she has tendencies to be infantile. I foresee Bankole and Ruky riding the bus to sin city.
Hmmm Madu! The guy has evil tattooed on his forehead… But I think he will be the character that brings the most twists to this story.
Kudos Sal.
Thanks Uche. Always looking through different eyes.
God bless!
dat madu z just pure evil. feeling for guru already, poor him. Banky z just Banky. Bea shld chill for him. . . Looking forward to episode 10. Well done sally.
Awww, Jumes epi 10 will take a while before it comes. But it will
Thanks!
Well, whatever Madu intends doing…all that is in my mind is that Guru has HIV. Urena…smh
Lol! I hope it doesn’t get to that level of ‘doing’ o!
Monet warned Guru abt Madu but he ignored it, what more reason did Madu made him the guest of honour than that he has something bad install for him, I hope nothing happen to Guru. Thanks Sally and Happy Valentine to you too!
I don’t think Guru could have escaped this trap being that someone he trusted was used. Its unfortunate.
Thank you for reading Sarah
OMG! What does Madu want from Guru? I knew Bankole and Bea would have lots of trust issues. Oh Sally, please don’t take too long. I miss you already.
Happy Valentine’s day everyone!
Thank you, Olaamide.
Cheers!
Like i said yestrday the men are all wired together with women and cash,the women are lame and weak,Onsachi is desperate,Uju sharp bad girl,Ruky seem lose,Urena is so lame,Beatrice is just plain selfish and Mrs Angela is a Jezebel,in all they all made the story what it is.
Happy valentine all
Happy valentine Sally and thanks for such a lovely story,God bless you
Thanks a lot, Ustyn
Always appreciate
Madu the. Schemer, Urena the back-stabber, bea the drama queen; Banky the confused; Ruky the drunk and Guru the victim. Didn’t really miss Khal. Thanks for this beautiful valentine gift Sally. Cheers. Xx
Thanks, Luv!
Nice tagging of the xters
Look at this BEATRICKS O!Drama queen make Banky come dey beg you,okwa ya?
Choi! Why Guru?
What’s wrong with Madu? As his name implies,he is truly ‘Madu ka anaya’.
Lol! You got that right!
Sigh… A bro decides to bend his rules so a supposed “FRIEND” doesn’t feel offended and look what happens. This life na pot of beans sha! Now its safe to assume Guru’s chance meeting with Urena was staged; yeah Madu seems that devious jare sote even imaginary Monet warned against him. Lemme wait n see what dirt he manufactures on Guru.
And Beatricks better chill abeg. So she’s allowed to famz Mr. Capable and Don Jazzy; she seems to have a thing for celebs with BIG Heads sha, and Banky isn’t allowed to be a gentleman? like she has forgotten she’s still on probation sha, she’s not allowed to feel jealous for any reason o.
so i just noticed episode 8 now, someone needs to put Madu in his place abeg.
Your comment is so hilarious. She really likes big heads, I guess
Thanks for reading, Anthony π
Bea is feeling that way coz of her betrayal of Banky. Everybody should just wise up abeg. Nice job Sally. Cheers!
Thanks, Haleemah
Have a great week ahead!
I’m enjoying this Sally. Dunno why the comments are few sha. Abi people are not reading?
And u said ur going away? Pls don’t stay long. Please!!!
Thanks, Rida, for enjoying my work. I promise I won’t stay long. Just have a a lot to do and blogging has to take aa break for me to put food on my table. Lol.
As for the comments, worry not yourself dear. I am not breaking my head over them. People are reading and that’s what’s important. As a writer, I concentrate more on my work. If I write solely because people comment or not, it means I’ve lost focus. I write because I love to. Soon, my efforts will be rewarded; that’s what I’m working towards. All the same, I appreciate people like you who take time to drop a line. It means a lot!
This Madu na goat. I just hope Guru will be okay.
i hope so too
Ahhhhhhh!Sally pls b4 u go,just one last episode!!!!!!!!This Banky will fall in love with Ruky.I’m so sorry 4 my darling Guru.Sally u r d bomb!!!!!!!
i’ll give one more episode if you write us another sweet story?
for how long nau π
Happy val.Guru and madu lets watch and c
take front row seat….
Bea is still given that long rope to pull just as long as that baby belongs to Banky! Madu biko am begging for ya life o, hmmmn bc Guru’s revenge will be worse o!
Thank you for reading!
Eewo, dis girl has played devil’s advocate,hope Guru won’t be hurt!
i do hope so too
Waoh finally updated my self from episode 1 to here now…this story is sth else…still trying to figure out my fave chatacter…thanks Sally…very good writer you are
Thank you, Sally. Glad to have you on this train.
Hmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!! This MAdu is wicked sha. Bea and Bankole be acting drama up and down. I still have a feeling that Bankole is not the father of the child. I might be wrong.
Goodwork Sally. Cant wait to have you back
Thanks, dear Cleo
this is d worst form of betrayal,urena dey mad and i just got one more reason to hate madu
Yeah, friends betray worse than others
This urena abi na urine is a backstabber.no disrespect to those who bear the name.just pissed at the character ni.haba she could av atleat talked to guru about the blackmail.I really feel for guru tho.madu is a pig.good job sally
Lizzie, thanks. Have a lovely week!
Banky and ruky sitting on a tree, k.i.s…. That Madu is a bastard ooo, but I have a feeling he’ll get a taste of his own medicine too, if not soon. He reminds me of Bashorun from Novocaine knights. Fantastic job ma’am. Please don’t leave us hanging for too long.
I will be back this weekend, Znb. By God’s grace
P.S I read your post about ghost readers, I promise to move out of that league. So help me God.
lol! okay, Znb
Madu, devious Madu. Blackmails and arm twists Ure just to get some dirt on Guru. How far he’ll go and what he’ll do is the major concern now.
Banky and Bea, hmmmmmm. Maybe I’ll just watch and see how things pan out. I just think Banky is a young man whose persona is simple. Loves easily and doesn’t want people around him hurt.
I’m stuck on this, like I am on any Sally story. Good work mami π
You’re right about Banky. i hope it doesn’t hurt him in the end, Thanks, Seye
Okay wait a minute what is Beatrice feeling like? Some star or what I don’t just get it.
And urena is a Bitch, how could she have done that to guru?
i wonder for the babe o. She has a boyfie who has her time, that’s why
Been patiently waiting gor the next episode.. Seems its not coming soon. I will amuse my self by reading the episodes all over again but first bring back my namesake and make sure nothing happens to him…You er such a darling sally. Thank you for this.
halpy val in arrears…..
i’ll do ask you ask, Roy.
Thanks a lot!
Lol beatrice needs to chill. Urena is a fucking bitch. This is why Niggas should never trust people too much. Madu will definitely get his. Guru is a man of action, so whatever Madu is planning will blow up in his ugly face.
And am I the only one who noticed Guru talked to Monet? Isn’t she dead? Lol
Monet might be dead but not to Guru, if you noticed in previous episodes. his head is somehow.
Hmmm I read the whole episodes this week. This is amazing sally! Weldone do n come come back dear. Bea n Banky my best characters lol!
Glad you caught up. thank you for reading, dear
Smh@ Urena! Betraying ur fren Guru is rily low and dirty!