The Godmother – batch 5

EPISODE 25

For the next six days, Tope was able to maintain his
abstinence, though with great difficulty. He had cut off his
links with his regular gals, including Lagos-based Linda. His
greatest challenger was his wife.
‘It’s a week now that you have been keeping to yourself,’
she said. ‘Maybe you’re tired of me and you want me to go.’
‘No, no, Rita. I can’t be tired of you, dear. Don’t talk like
that.’
‘So, why’re you treating me like an abandoned rag? Why?’
‘You’re not a rag, and you’ll never be. This thing is just for
a little while. It will soon be over.’
‘It’s only a week out of three months. It’s still a long way to
go.’
His mind was swirling with ideas. ‘Can I suggest
something?’
She looked at him suspiciously. ‘What?’
‘You can get yourself intimacy gadgets. Get yourself the
best of them. I’ll give you the money for that.’
‘I’m married, for God’s sake! Why should I seek desire from
toys, when my husband should be there for me?’
‘But, it’s just for a while.’
‘No, I won’t take that. I don’t want it!’
He became exasperated. Just then his phone rang. It was
Iye on the line.
‘Good evening, sister,’ he greeted. That was the normal way
he addressed Iye any time she called and his wife was
around.
‘Good evening. I can see that you’ve kept to my words in
the last one week.’
He nodded. ‘Yes, sister.’
‘I can also see that your wife is seriously becoming
uncomfortable with your abstinence.’
‘That is very true. That is very true.’
‘Let me sound this warning to you: never in your life must
you sleep with any other woman than your wife again.’
He nodded. ‘That is taken, sister.’
‘I’m very serious, mind you.’
‘Of course, I know.’
‘Remember to treat your wife with utmost respect.’
‘Yes, I will. No problem with that.’
‘Alright. For her sake, your abstinence is hereby lifted.’
‘Ah, that is wonderful. Thank you, my great sister.’
Rita had been studying him in puzzlement. She could see
how his mood transformed from soberness to that of
excitement.
‘And who was that you were speaking with?’ she asked as
soon as he dropped his phone.
‘Oh, it’s my sister, now,’ he said, beaming in smile.
‘Which of your sisters?’
‘Ah, forget it. You don’t know her. She’s based in Yobe
state.’
‘How come I don’t know her as she has never visited us?’
He shrugged. ‘Don’t worry, very soon, she’ll pay us a visit.’
She still looked at him critically. ‘Then, your mood has
changed. What’s happening?’
He came to her and lifted her. ‘Why is my darling Rita full
of questions today?’
‘Because your darling Rita is concerned about you.’
‘Thanks for your concern.’
He surprised her by k-ssing her. This was the same man
that had virtually been avoiding close contacts with her in
the last few days.
‘Has your “sister” lifted your abstinence?’ she asked.
He was surprised by her question. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Before you received the call, you were very sober. In the
last few days, you did not touch me. All of a sudden, after
receiving the call, you
came alive and hugged me. Is it not obvious that she was
the one that changed your mood?’
‘I’m happy because she gives me good news’
Rita smiled. ‘What good news?’
‘Oh come on, Rita. Enough of your questioning. Let that one
go.’
‘Is she the one you called the prophet?’
For many seconds, there was silence. Her questions were
so striking and he wondered why.
‘Alright,’ he finally said. ‘She is the one.’
She nodded. ‘Who is she to you? Don’t tell me that “sister
stuff” because it’s not true.’
He sighed and went to sit on the sofa. Just how much could
he reveal to her? He thought fast. He must be very wise.
‘Well, all I can say is that she’s like a prophetess, and she’s
more like my spiritual consultant.’
His wife came to sit by his side, finding the wh0le scenario
interesting.
‘She told me to observe abstinence for some days for
spiritual strength. She guides me a lot on spiritual
matters.’ He looked at her. ‘It’s okay
Rita, there’s nothing bad in seeking protection.’

EPISODE 26

His wife came to sit by his side, finding the wh0le scenario
interesting.
‘She told me to observe abstinence for some days for
spiritual strength. She guides me a lot on spiritual
matters.’ He looked at her. ‘It’s okay
Rita, there’s nothing bad in seeking protection.’
She nodded, but somehow, she still felt something was
wrong somewhere.
The next day in the office, Helen could sense that
happiness was in the air as her boss now seemed to be
relaxed and friendly. But she noticed that he would still not
physically touch her. Based on Iye’s warning that he must
never be unfaithful to his wife again, he had decided to
‘adore fidelity.’ That meant it was final bye-bye to all his
call girls. Minutes after noon, Zaynab gave him a call.
‘There’s something I want to tell you,’ she said. ‘Can we
meet in the guest house where we used to meet?’
‘Hope no problem?’ he asked.
‘No. it’s something that will interest you.’
‘Okay. What time?’
‘Let’s meet by six o’clock.’
‘Okay. I’ll be there.’
He stayed in the office till five, so that the driver would
take him to the guest house. Zay was already there, but
instead of meeting in the lobby, she asked that he should
come to her room.
She opened the door for him and he was surprised to see
her clad only in a t-shirt and a bum short.
‘I thought we were having a meeting,’ he said curiously.
‘Of course, this is a meeting.’ She pointed a seat for him.
He sat down expectantly.
‘What drinks do I serve you?’
He shook his head. ‘I don’t need any drinks right now.’
‘Alright, since you want me to go straight to the point, I’ll
do so. I want to start by mentioning a regret I have.’
‘Regret? What regret is that?’
‘I regret marrying the senator.’
His brows went up. ‘Why the regret?’
‘Good question.’ She warmed up to her story. ‘I realized
that the man is very weak in bed. He is a two-minute man.
He is so drab and un-
inspiring. Even at that, sometimes, for two weeks, this man
will not even look at my side. Honestly, I’m getting fed up.’
He looked blank. What did she want him to do about these
very personal problems?
‘Wait a minute, is that what you wanted to discuss with
me?’
‘Yes. I want us to reason and find a solution to it.’
He opened his mouth in shock. ‘Your posturing is
confounding, Madam Zaynab. How can I be of help in a
situation like this?’
‘Very good question.’ She moved closer to him. ‘I remember
you as a great lover who took me to a greater height in
passionate satisfaction.
Her hand went to his jacket. ‘I want us to be back together,
Tope. You’re such a great lover.’
He stood up and moved away from her. ‘You must be
kidding. What we did was before you married. Now, you’re
a married woman. We can’t do that again.’
‘It doesn’t matter. Once we’re discreet about it, it doesn’t
matter at all.’
He shook his head. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t. I can’t do such a thing
anymore.’
She was surprised to hear that. ‘Hey Tope, this is your
Zaynab. Your Zay.’
‘Things have changed,’ he said. ‘I don’t do that kind of thing
again. If there’s nothing else to discuss, I’ll like to take my
leave now. Thanks for
remembering me, but no thanks.’
With that, he left the room and the guest house, to her
shock. Was this not Tope Davies, the one who jumped at
her offer with so much zeal?
On his way home, Iye called him.
‘Promotion will soon come your way,’ she said.
‘Thank you, Iye. Thank you very much. May you live long.’
‘Keep up your devotion.’
‘Thank you.’
Just as she said, a week later, the Sectary to the Central
Government (SCG) informed his that his name would soon
be announced and
forwarded to the national assembly as Minister of State to
replace a resigned holder.
Rita was overjoyed to hear the announcement. She hugged
him lovingly.
‘My darling, the Honorable Minister,’ she said, laughing.
‘That’s me.’
He was indeed amazed by the growing influence, power and
authority that he had. In the last two and half years, he had
risen from a Program Officer in the NGO run by the First
Lady to become Senior Special Assistant and now he would
become a junior Minister! Everything had been so meteoric!
It was an amazing phenomenon of life. His mind went to
Iye. She was his pillar and his strength. In fact, she meant
everything to him. He must strive never to do anything that
would hurt her again.

EPISODE 27

Just as she said, a week later, the Sectary to the Central
Government (SCG) informed his that his name would soon
be announced and forwarded to the national assembly as
Minister of State to replace a resigned holder.
Rita was overjoyed to hear the announcement. She hugged
him lovingly.
‘My darling, the Honorable Minister,’ she said, laughing.
‘That’s me.’
He was indeed amazed by the growing influence, power and
authority that he had. In the last two and half years, he had
risen from a Program Officer in the NGO run by the First
Lady to become Senior Special Assistant and now he would
become a junior Minister! Everything had been so meteoric!
It was an amazing phenomenon of life. His mind went to
Iye. She was his pillar and his strength. In fact, she meant
everything to him. He must strive never to do anything that
would hurt her again.
‘Let’s go and do thanksgiving in the church,’ Rita told her
husband.
‘I don’t think there would be need for that,’ he answered.
That was another thing she found odd about him. He never
agreed to such a suggestion. Most times, he would not
follow her to the church.
‘Even if a woman is helping you spiritually, you can still go
to the church and give God the glory. He is king of all
kings,’ she argued.
‘I already thank God. Must I enter a church before I thank
God?’
He was screened and cleared by security agencies and the
national assembly. Without any ado, he became the
Minister of State for Mass Media.
He received congratulatory messages from far and wide.
Success has many friends. His former colleagues in the
media, his publisher, friends and associates all felicitated
with him. Even Linda, his erstwhile Lagos babe, called to
congratulate him.
He had become a public figure. And he was a model to
other young people. At thirty-eight, it was no mean feat to
be a Minister, even a Minister of State. The Ministry he was
over-seeing was the one dealing directly with the publics –
the media houses, media hounds and the general public. He
tried to carry out his duties to the best of his ability and
not try to overshadow the senior Minister who had given
him more roles to play.
He also had direct access to the President now. He realized
that power was sweet and desirable. He could understand
why many were jostling for power and why some would see
it as do-or-die affair. Being on the seat of power especially
in a country like Nigeria gave you access to state power,
apparatuses and resources. He tried to be as diligent as
possible.
Zaynab came around to pay him a visit.
‘Congrats, Mr. Tope Davies on your appointment,’ she said
in smiles.
‘Thank you, Madam Zaynab.’
She sat in his office. ‘You must be very lucky. You’ve moved
up the political ladder so fast.’
‘Yes, I’m indeed luck. I must thank providence.’
‘Ah, we thank God.’
There was a brief silence.
‘And now that you’ve moved up here, you want to forget
your Zaynab.’
He shook his head. ‘That’s not true. You know I can never
forget you. It was wonderful working with you and other
people at the NGO.’
She made a face. ‘Is that all you can remember me for? Is
that all that Zay meant to you?’
He shook his head. ‘Oh, come on, madam, I can’t forget the
fact that you were also a good friend.’
That appeared to please her a bit. ‘I’m divorcing the
senator,’ she blurted out.
He was surprised. ‘Why would you do that?’
‘It’s a listless relationsh¡p. Once again, I made mistake of
jumping to marriage. At forty-three, I should be wiser.
Well,’ – she shrugged – ‘it’s
not too late. There’s no point in continuing an unhappy
affair. I’ve told him I’m opting out. I want the exuberant
and happy Zaynab back.’
He appeared briefly thoughtful and then shrugged. ‘Well, I
wish you the best of luck.’
He knew she was trying to rekindle his interest, but sorry,
he would no tread on that path again. He was cool in his
responses. After that day, Zay was back in his office three
months later.
‘You keep on snubbing me,’ she said.
‘That’s not true. I won’t do that. It’s just that I’ve been very
busy.’
‘So busy you cannot even spare few minutes to call an old
friend?’
He smiled. ‘You’re quite right. I’m sorry about that.’ He
studied he well and it looked like she had done a face lift.
She looked a bit prettier and younger now.
‘Can’t I have some private moments with you just to chat?’
she said in a very soft tone. He appeared to think over it. If
he was very careful, maybe it was not a bad thing.
‘If it’s just to chat, that shouldn’t be a problem.’
Her smile became very warm. ‘I’ve left the senator’s house.
I can come around on Friday by four. Then I’ll take you to
my new residence. What about that?’
He smiled too. ‘That should not be a problem.’
‘Good. On Friday, I’ll be round. I’ll take you to my new
residence and we can just talk privately.’
He nodded. ‘That should be alright.’
That Friday, Zay was around as she had said. He dismissed
his retinue of security men, leaving only an official car, a
driver and his police
orderly. His car followed Zay’s car as she led him to her
house at Wuse District. It was a white duplex that looked
exquisite. He followed her in,side to the sitting-room while
the driver and the orderly waited outside.
‘This is my new place,’ she announced proudly.
‘You rented this wh0le place?’ he asked.
‘No. I bought it.’
He nodded to himself. Surely, Zaynab too was highly
connected.
He sat in her expansive sitting-room while she excused
herself. He took the time to look around the sitting-room
and it was easy to see that Zaynab would not stop being an
aesthete. Some few minutes later, she was back, wearing a
camisole on bum short.
‘Your children,’ he said, ‘are they around?’
‘No, they’ve gone back to school. They’re boarders.’
He nodded. ‘A nice place you have here.’
She smiled. ‘Thank you.’
She went to the in-built bar and brought a bottle of red
wine and two glasses. She poured the drinks in glasses and
handed him one. Then, she sat close to him and crossed her
legs. He wanted to avoid looking at those luscious legs, but
he could not.
‘I’m honored to have you in my house,’ she said.
‘The honor is mine.’
They sipped their drinks. ‘There’re certain things I’ve
learnt,’ she went on.
‘Like what?’
‘Like the fact that love is not always as simple as we want
it to be.’
He nodded. ‘Hmn.’
‘I’ve also learn that you should do what you like, not what
you think others expect you to do.’
He nodded without saying a word.
‘There’s also a discovery I’ve made.’
His brows went up. ‘What discovery?’

EPISODE 28

He nodded without saying a word.
‘There’s also a discovery I’ve made.’
His brows went up. ‘What discovery?’
She took her time before she answered him. ‘I’ve
discovered that I feel relaxed and at ease whenever I chat
with you.’
He smiled briefly. ‘Is that so?’
‘Yes.’ She stared into his eyes. ‘I miss you, Tope. I miss you
the way I’ve never missed a man before.’
He sighed and was thoughtful. This could be dangerous.
‘Zay, I think there are numerous other men who are better,
more politically connected
and richer than me. Let’s remove sentiments.’
‘I’m not talking about wealth or power here. I’m talking
about feelings. I’m talking about friendsh¡p and
companionsh¡p.’
‘Tope is married. He should be devoted to his wife,’ he
pointed out.
‘Yes, yet I have feelings too and I have the right to express
myself.’
She moved closer to him and placed her right hand on his
lap. He did not remove it nor move away from her. He only
pretended he didn’t see what she did.
‘Let’s be good friends. Very good friends,’ she offered.
He wanted her. By Jove, he did. But what about Iye’s
warning?
She rubbed the hands on his th-gh. Maybe, he should be
discreet. Maybe, he would plead with Iye to overlook his
lasciviousness. It was funny
he was not really thinking of trying not to cheat on Rita.
Rather, he was concerned about how Iye would feel and
react.
‘The short time we were together was the sweetest of my
life,’ she said. ‘Of what use is this big house if I own it but I
live in unhappiness?’
Slowly, her hand crawled on his th-gh to where the zip of
his trousers was. It then lingered there.
Be a man, his mind said. Be a man.
‘What makes you think I can give you the happiness you
crave for?’
She smiled. ‘Because you have done so before, although
briefly. I cherished the moments we used to have together,
Tope.’
He studied her face and features more. Apart from the fact
that the face was prettier and younger, she had shed
weight a bit. Then he could see that her b-obs appeared
firm although she was braless. She must have done some
b—-t-firming uplift job there.
‘I know what you’re thinking about,’ she said, smiling.
‘What’s that?’
‘You were wondering about my b-obs. Yes, I did some
uplift work on them. I did them for you.’
He shook his head. ‘That can’t be true.’
She held his left hand. ‘It’s true. When I went to do the
work, I was thinking about you.’
He stared at her chest again. The b-obs seemed very firm.
Whoever did the work did a very good one.
‘Why don’t you feel them?’ she told him.
‘Hmn?’
She smiled again. ‘Go ahead and feel them. They’re for you.’
He hesitated briefly. There was no way he would touch
those things and the action would not lead to something
else. What about Iye’s warning?
What about what Iye had said about fidelity?
It was funny that he was not even thinking about not
hurting Rita his wife. Rita was certainly playing a minor role
as what he was concerned about was not offending Iye. But
what about if he was discreet about it? Even if Iye got to
know, he could always plead with her that he was pushed
into it. Zay was looking at him in that daring way. The ball
was in his court.
His right hand went up to the b-obs. He rubbed them very
gently, as if he was handling something so fragile. Zay
closed her eyes. After a couple of minutes, he stopped.
With a knowing smile on her face, she stood up and held his
left hand.
‘Let’s go to where you can do it very well,’ she muttered.
He followed her to the stair case and to her big bedroom.
She closed the door behind them. His hands went to the
b-obs again. He removed the camisole and stared at the
b—–s. It was amazing. They looked jaunty now. He ran his
tongue over the n—–s. She must be starving for it, for
she unbuttoned his shirt in a haste-like manner. It was like
a prompt. He quickly removed his trousers and other wears
The b-obs were his center of attraction, as if he had never
touched them before. She allowed him some minutes to
s-ck them, but she wanted more than that. She lay on the
bed and he collapsed on her. His d–k was fully er-ct, and so
was her honey pot. She spread her legs wide for him and
the penetration was easy. Zay wiggled her butty and wa-ist
to respond to his stimuli. In the next two hours, they had
three passionate rounds. He was exhausted by the time it
was over.
In Rita’s shop, the sales girl was rounding off her sales
records for the day. It was just few minutes to six o ‘clock.
It had been a prosperous day as sales boomed. Surely, her
madam would be impressed with the day’s proceeds. She
counted the wh0le money and handed it to her with the
ledger book. In the small space she had a desk and a swivel
chair, and which served as her office, Rita was glad about
the sales. She counted the money to be sure it was correct.
‘Alright, Amina. Good night.
‘Good night, ma’am.’ Amina left the shop. Rita would have
been very happy but a matter had been nagging at her
mind since morning. It
concerned her husband although she had not discussed it
with him. She had a dream last night, a terrible dream. In it,
her husband was put in a coffin and was about to be buried.
It was a very bad dream and she intended to tell him
tonight unfailingly.
She hærdly took cognizance of her dream. But this one
looked different. Apart from the fact that it foretold evil,
the way she had been thinking about it since morning
meant there was more to it. No, this one was not just like
the other dream that she would discard. This one was
ominous.
She put the proceeds in her Gucci handbag and decided to
go home too. She drove the car herself as she had told him
she would not need a driver. Close to their residence was
the day care center where she normally put her daughter.
She drove to the place to pick her and they were soon at
home.
Later that night, after she and her husband retired to bed,
she discussed the big issue.
‘Honey, there’s the issue I wanted us to discuss,’ she
started.
He was already in his pajamas and lying on the bed. The
‘exercises’ he had done with Zaynab had drained him and he
only wished he could have a good sleep.
‘What matter is that?’
‘Hmn, it was a most terrible dream. Even relaying it is a
burden.’
‘What dream?’ he asked.
‘Eh, I dreamt that I saw your enemy in a wooden box that
looked like a coffin.’
‘My enemy? Well, that’s a good dream. You should be glad
about that.’
She was confounded. ‘Oh, dear, when I said your enemy,
don’t you think I was actually referring to you?’
‘But you said my enemy, now.’
‘I mean you.’
He shook his head. ‘Is that why you looked bothered? Don’t
worry, nothing bad will happen to me.’ He turned on his
side and closed his eyes.
‘Is that all you will say to it? Aren’t you going to do
something about it?’
‘Something like what?’
‘Don’t you know that your enemies will be up in arms
against you? Look at your ever-rising profile. This is
enemies at work and they must be fought spiritually.’
‘Alright. I agree with you. Tomorrow morning, I’ll tell my
spiritual guardian about it.’
With that, he closed his eyes and soon slept off. Rita
remained confounded. Why was he so nonchalant about it?
This was a very serious issue, but look at the way he had
responded! Anyway, he said he would see his spiritual
guardian. Good. On her part, Rita too decided she would
make moves.

EPISODE 29

With that, he closed his eyes and soon slept off. Rita
remained confounded. Why was he so nonchalant about it?
This was a very serious issue, but look at the way he had
responded! Anyway, he said he would see his spiritual
guardian. Good. On her part, Rita too decided she would
make moves.
The following morning was a Saturday. Rita dressed herself
and her daughter up and they left the house. She had
decided to see the pastor of the Pentecostal church she
attended was just a building behind the parish, and all were
in the neighborhood. Holding the hand of her daughter, he
pressed the bell of the house. The house maid soon came
out to meet her.
‘I’ll like to see the pastor. Please.’
The gate was promptly opened. She was ushered into the
sitting-room where she waited. The man of God soon came
down. Rita was a prominent member of the church and
must not be kept waiting.
They exchanged greetings and she told him the reason why
she had come. The pastor rose to his feet.
‘There is nothing prayers cannot do,’ he said. ‘I believe that
with prayers, mountains can be overcome. Let us pray.’
Rita knelt down while the pastor prayed. After the short
prayer session, he sat down again.
‘Hmn, madam,’ he said. ‘You really need to pray to avert
some kind of evil that is lurking around. You will need to
fast and pray for him. Is there a way I can see him? Can he
come to the church?’
Rita took in a deep breath. ‘That is the problem. He doesn’t
attend church service. But I’ll tell him. I’ll tell him the
pastor will like to see him.’
‘Good. That will be fine. God will be your strength and He
will protect your family.’
‘Amen. Thank you, pastor.’ She rose to her feet and brought
out a white envelope from her handbag. She had already
packed a lump sum of
money there.
‘This is a token of appreciation for you, sir. May the Lord
continue to renew your strength.’
‘Thank you, sister. God be with you.’
Tope continued to laze on the bed, since it was Saturday
morning. He was partially asleep and partially awake. His
mind briefly went to what his wife said about a dream. He
instantly dismissed it as a worthless dream. He was still
lazing on the bed when Zay called his number.
‘Hello, love. How’s your weekend?’
‘I’m just waking up. Good morning.’
‘Sorry, I hope I didn’t wake you up.’
‘No. How’re you?’
‘Fine. I miss you.’
‘It was just yesterday we were together,’ he pointed out.
‘I know, but I’m missing you already.’
He laughed shortly. ‘We’ll arrange for more meetings,’ he
said.
‘Yes o. I can’t wait to be in your arms again.’
‘Don’t worry. I’ll think of something by Monday morning.’
‘You mean I have to wait till Monday? Gosh, that is quite
far away.’
‘Well, except later this afternoon. That means I will shelve
my going to the club.’
‘Of course, do so. Am I not more important than your
club?’
‘Alright. Where do we meet?’
‘My home is a good place. I’ll be expecting you by three
o’clock.’
‘Okay. See you then.’
‘I’ll be expecting you, honey.’
He grinned to himself as the conversation ended. So Zay
really enjoyed the act! Indeed, it was a terrific experience.
She had performed beyond
his expectation and he certainly looked forward to more of
such exhilarating experience.
When it was two o’clock, he wore a brand new designer t-
shirt and jeans trousers. He complimented the dressing
with designers’ watch, shoes and perfume. As a man of high
taste, all his wears are now designers’ makes. He had
dismissed the driver for tat day. On a day like this, he
would drive himself while his police orderly would sit on
the front seat by his side.
He drove to Zay’s residence. as usual, the orderly would
wait outside in the car. He would however ensure that he
was served some refreshments. Zay was expecting him. She
smiled as she gave him a short k-ss. She was in a skimpy
top and a bum short. He felt she looked attractive.
‘Let’s have lunch,’ she invited. He followed her to the
dining room, where the table was already set. The local and
intercontinental dishes were sumptuous. Standing by was
Ceecee, the domestic help.
Are you expecting other guests?’ he exclaimed when he
saw the array of food.
‘You alone are more than other guests,’ she said, smiling.
‘Wow, this is exotic.’
They sat at the table while Ceecee waited on them. They
ate like lovers who cherished the best of food and wine.
Indeed, he enjoyed the meal.
They took wine after that.

EPISODE 30

They sat at the table while Ceecee waited on them. They
ate like lovers who cherished the best of food and wine.
Indeed, he enjoyed the meal.
They took wine after that.
‘I’m glad you’re here,’ she said. ‘If I didn’t appreciate any
other thing, I appreciate your company. It makes me come
alive.’
He nodded. ‘I must say that I greatly enjoy your company
too.’
Today, she did not lead him upstairs to her bedroom. They
sat together in the sitting-room, holding hands like lovers
who were trying to catch
some moments of missed affection. He was with her till few
minutes to eight. She would want him to stay longer; to
have supper there, but he
insisted it was better he ate in his house, as Rita would not
like him missing her food.
Rita was in the kitchen when he got back home. Despite the
presence of the cook, Rita always preferred that she cook
for her family, while the cook would be there only to assist.
‘Daddy,’ Oyin exclaimed as she ran up to him. He lifted his
daughter up.
‘My baby, how are you?’
‘Fine, daddy.’
He sat her down by his side on the sofa while he flicked the
television from one channel to another.
‘You’re back, honey,’ Rita said as soon as she entered the
sitting-room.
‘Yes. How d’you do, dear.’
‘Fine.’ She pecked him. ‘Dinner will soon be ready,’ she
announced.
He nodded. There was no need comparing Zay’s food with
his wife’s own. Zay’s cook might be great, but Rita was a
great cook too; a d–n
great cook. And so, Tope continued to enjoy two worlds –
the warm world of Rita his wife, and the sultry world of
Zaynab Terver, his mistress.
Iye did not mention anything about his infidelity. He
assumed that since he had been careful not to ar-use the
suspicion of his wife, and since
he had been spoiling her with so much gifts, it could not be
said that he had hurt her or that he had transgressed. He
therefore saw the silence from Iye as consent to his act.
One good thing about Tope Davies was he tried to do his
job to the best of his ability. Just as he pledged to his
country, he strove to be faithful, loyal and honest; and to
serve Nigeria with all his might. But his marital life was far
from being a model. His sizzling affairs with Zay continued
for another six months when Iye finally confronted him.
‘Why is it that you can’t keep to spousal faithfulness?’ she
asked him.
‘I don’t understand,’ he answered.
‘Of course, you do. Why do you keep desecrating the
sanctity of your marital bed?’
‘Iye, please stop speaking in riddles.’
‘Alright.’ Her voice became cold. ‘What are you doing with
Zaynab?’
He was hit by her factual ass**tion he did not know what to
say.
‘You’ll be punished severely for this, my dear. You’ll be
punished, but I won’t tell you the punishment yet.’
She cut the line. For some moments, his mind moved
frantically. But wait, a minute, he told himself, how could
this lady be threatening him like
that? It was as if she was his mother and he was just a
mere school boy. No, this had to stop. He was an adult and
he should be respected. He was even older than Iye, but
with the way she treated him, one would think she was his
mother. Godmother or not, he decided he had to put an end
to living under the whims of Iye. He must do something to
stop her totalitarian grip on his life.
Later that day, he and Zay met in their usual rendezvous –
her home. She was quick to note that he looked a bit down
and withdrawn.
‘Darling, what is the problem? You’re not looking bright
like your normal self.’
He tried to smile it off.
‘Let’s share it. We’ve been sharing good moments. Now
that things look quite bleak, your dear Zaynab is ready to
share in whatever is the
challenge.’
He felt encouraged by that, but how would he say it? He
must not reveal too much about Iye, just as he had done to
Rita. He told Zay about his
‘spiritual mother’ and how she had warned him to desist
from extra marital affairs.
‘I couldn’t resist you. With you, I’ve been having the extra
marital affairs, and now she’s threatening to deal seriously
with me,’ he concluded.
To his utmost surprise, Zaynab looked at him amusedly and
burst out laughing.

TBC

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