While Janet was thinking about her relationship with Emma, her sister, Helen too was ruminating over her past relationship with Richard. Helen had already started dreaming of settling down with him. Richard was a consultant in pediatrics. He had looked so promising, but an automobile accident had put an end to any further dream of him.
There was a gentle rap at the door and Helen was brought back from her reverie.
'Yes, who is it?' She sat up and looked towards the door.
'It's me, Zizi.' Zizi was the fat and lively housemaid.
'Come in.'
The latter gently opened the door and stepped inside.
Zizi grinned at her. 'Sorry to disturb you, but that your friend, sister Abi is around to see you.'
'Where's she right now?'
'She's in the sitting room downstairs, ma'am.'
'Please tell her to come up.'
Abi was Helen's good friend. They were the same age, but Abi had successfully settled down. About four months ago, Abi was joined in wedlock in a very lavish ceremony. Helen had been her best lady and had promised that her own wedding would be grander than Abi's own.
Abi knocked at the door and without waiting for an answer came in.
'I should have been here since yesterday.' There was apology over Abi's face. 'I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I'm so sorry to hear the news. What did you say happen to him?'
Helen told her.
Abi shook her head in sympathy. 'My condolence. Please, take heart.'
'Thank you.'
She sat next to her friend on the bed and sighed. 'I've been thinking about the incident since yesterday. Helen, don't you think this thing is not ordinary?'
Helen appeared to think over it. 'I don't understand what you mean.'
Abi moved closer to her friend.
'Listen carefully. This is your second fiancé to die within a period of two years. If I could recollect, you would've done your wedding before mine. Your first fiancé fell ill and died before the engagement could come up. Now, this has happened again. Don't you think something is wrong somewhere?'
Helen had a far-away look. 'So, what d'you think is wrong?'
'I think it has to do with something spiritual. This kind of thing doesn't happen ordinarily. There's something mysterious about the whole thing.'
Helen appeared thoughtful. 'What can I do now?'
Abi's voice dropped to the level of a whisper. 'There's a baba I know. He is very powerful. Once you agree and I take you there, the mystery will be unraveled.'
Helen looked defiant. 'But, I don't believe in such things. I've never gone to such people before.'
'O.k. I didn't know you prefer that this mysterious occurrence should continue. No problem. Have your way as you wish.'
Helen could sense the impending indifference. 'No, Abi, don't talk like that. I know you're trying to help. But this thing you're suggesting sounds ...it sounds strange and... and...'
'Strange or not strange, this man I'm talking about will unravel the whole thing.'
Helen was in thoughts for some moments again. 'Alright.' She shrugged. 'Let me think over it. In a few days’ time, I'll let you know my decision.'
"I'll suggest that you act fast. The longer you delay, the more the problem deals with you. Remember that delay is dangerous.'
Helen nodded. 'I agree that indeed delay is dangerous. Thank you, my friend for the timely advice.'
Laji flipped from one channel to another. He loved music and entertainment and would spend hours watching one station or the other. It was a summer afternoon, his best weather since he came to live in the U.S.
His flat in Indianapolis was a moderate but cozy one. Laji, alias L.A, liked it like that. Laji was the first and only son of Leke LaVos, the business mogul from Nigeria. His siblings were Helen and Janet LaVos.
At thirty-two, he had no plans about marrying and settling down. Some months back when his mother called him from Nigeria, she had asked him how far were his plans about having a better half. Laji had laughed it off as if it was the funniest question on earth.
He had come to the States since he was nineteen. That meant he had spent about thirteen years there. Over those years, he had acquired a Masters degree in Biotic Engineering from the State university. He worked for a computer firm and was quite doing well.
L.A was a young man of the world. He was a sociable man that loved clubbing and engaging in many social activities. He had many friends and followers on the social media. This early evening, the only reason why he was still at home was because Monica, his Latino girlfriend had called that she was on her way to his flat.
The door bell rang. Swiftly, Laji moved to it. Monica, the black-haired lady he was expecting was at the door.
'Hello, sweetheart.' There was complete delight in him to see her.
'Hello, honey.' She seemed very delighted too to be there.
They kissed passionately like lovers who had not seen each other for a long time.
'I'm so tired.' She yawned to show that she meant what she said.
'Don't worry. I'll help you.'
With that, he lifted her and took her straight to the bedroom.
'We didn't finish yesterday's game.' There was a lustful grin on his face as he flopped her on the bed.
'I know. Why the hurry? I'm gonna be here all night long.'
'The earlier the game starts the better.' The lustful grin was still on his face.
Before she could reply, his cell phone rang. It was a distant call from Nigeria.
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