“How are you Usman”,? I said in Hausa
to the man selling fruits. “I’m fine”, he replied in the same language. I was
about to pick an orange when a little sweet voice interrupted. “Aboki, how much
for apple”? The voice said in a slow soft tone. I turned around to see the reason
why i was so calm; i was stunned to see the creature standing behind me. A
young lady of about 22, she wore a blue gown that matches her charming moccasin
shoes. Without been told, you know she doesn’t plan on staying long outside. I
was about to make a comment, but I stopped not knowing why. “There is something
about this girl” I told myself. “When did I suddenly become dumb”, I
asked. “Maybe I am just over reacting” I
resolved. The girl was a rare breed; she had glittering eyes that stimulates
charm and charisma. She had an Aura of mystery which took my soul on a journey
of uncertainty. With a hairstyle that matches her skin colour and height, she
was an image and symbol of true African beauty.
As an on-looker I was eager to change the
present state of things. Luckily, the fruit seller was having problem
communicating with her. I jumped on the opportunity to declare my presence. “He
said the green apples are for N80 while the red ones are for N150 each”, I
chipped in. A sign of relief was visible
on her radiant face. “Please tell him I need only two red apples, will he sell both
for N250”, she said. I told the fruit seller and he agreed, but I was
determined to associate with this lady and as a typical Nigerian guy who wants
to get acquainted to a lady with such exuberance. I told her the man refuse, but she shouldn’t
worry because I have taken care of it. She objected at first, but after so much
persuasion she agreed. I selected good ones from the fruits and put them into a
nylon bag. Volunteering to walk her home, I held the bag as we started a journey
into the world of our individual personalities.
I have never been so anxious like this
moment. My thoughts were at war on what to say, and as we journeyed my
heartbeat doubled. Although I was trembling inside, I maintained calmness and was
unruffled physically. As we chatted, I was composed and we continued exploring
each other’s history and genealogy and genetics. I discovered that she was
quiet a talker. I think behind every lady’s wall is woman full with energy,
grace and love. The only problem is the door rarely opens. Anyway, Maryam as I
came to know her by name was one of a kind. It felt as if we’ve known each
other since childhood. I still wonder why she talked to me the way she did on
our first day of acquaintance. We
reached her house and stopped at the entrance to continue our discussion. We treated
a lot of topics like education, literature and technology. We also ventured
into politics and government, and Dollar and the state of economy. I began to
see a future with Maryam, fantasizing how we are going to build our
relationship. Daydreaming about a life with this fine young woman. I was so
excited and thanked God for meeting a lady with such excellent character and
superb appearance. “It was my lucky day”, I told myself.
We exchanged phone numbers and just as
we were about to part ways, she dropped it. It was like a nuclear bomb on my
heart. I was dumbfounded when she said it. “By the way, I am honored to invite
you to my engagement ceremony tomorrow by noon. Not many people will attend but
I think a new friend like you will add to my day”. These words shook me like an
earthquake of the highest magnitude. I
was both stunned and startled and could not reply, I nodded while trying to
fake a smile. She gave me a look that seems to say “I know how feel but I can’t
help you, I’m sorry” . She smiled and thanked me for accepting while waving me
goodbye, she went into her house. I turned around to leave, but my thoughts and
emotions were in conflict. My legs
couldn’t carry me and I was struggling to concentrate. I turned again and I saw
her standing by the gate of her house. She smiled and waved to me. I looked
away started walking towards my house.
Maryam; I thought I had found a jewel.
Alas, but she made my day and also ruined it. All this time I thought I have
found my light, but I was wrong. I suspended all activities for the day and
tried to console myself by going to bed early. The next day was like a breath
of fresh air, as all the emotions I had the previous day was gone. I sat on my
bed reminiscing about the encounter, and I was happy to realize that it was
just a moment of ecstasy.
WRITER: ANONYMOUS
WRITER: ANONYMOUS
Post a Comment