Story Naija

No Nollywood movie tops Brotherhood for now, but ANIKULAPO holds its head high among the best of 2022 so far.

There is a lot to be impressed about, especially if I am to consider the richness of culture displayed in the story, soundtrack, costumes and the set.

Even beyond that, the movie left me thinking about how flawed we all are, and how we are quick to judge other people for their flaws without considering how we (and the society) may have contributed to those flaws.

My point is fully expressed in the characters of Saro and Arolake.

Saro may be judged for his actions in the movie, but remember that he is a broken man sold into slavery very early in life as repayment of debt owed by his parents. That suggests that he lacked any proper upbringing or mentoring that could have shaped his character to exemplary levels.

He however tried to gather his life together by moving into a new town but he somehow found himself in the arms of a sugar mummy who further messed up with his feelings with bu**um and money. 😂

If you also consider how his romance with Arolake started, you may not be surprised that he ended up treating her that way.

This young man was on his way home when he was ambushed by a woman who pushed him to the floor and had s*x with him. Flip that scene around, and there would be mayhem unleashed by a particular gender. 🙄🙄🙄

But then, Saro enjoyed the whirlwind romance until they were caught and he died his first death. After that, he continued with Arolake (out of gratitude) until his Yoruba Demon DNA became fully activated by “yansh”. 😂

His ultimate undoing was his foolishness sha.

No man in his right mind should turn on a woman who has been there for him after he lost everything. But Saro lost his mind after getting too comfortable.

That’s a lesson for the rest of us.

Arolake might also be blamed for leaving the palace in Oyo to run away with Saro, but we should not forget that she was also forcefully married off as a child against her will. She had no choice and no love for the King.

Furthermore, she was thrown in the midst of two other palace wives who hated her, tried to kill her once and would keep trying.

If na you dey her postion, you sef go run follow fine man! 😂

Laslas, na the Akala bird I blame for everything sha.

Why was it so careless to have left such a power behind for two broken people? Dem nack am small oraimo cord for head, e run leave him power behind. Shior!

We suppose find that bird, kill am take do barbecue or peppersoup for Beau-harri. 🙄

♠️

Review Credit: Olumide Glowville

IN THE DARK
SEASON 1
Episode 13

Continues..
I did not know where to go but i was certain i had to leave my street on time. I knew my uncle will arrive in no time and a search team might be sent after me, (i have to act fast) i thought as I struggled with the heavy boxes.

Carrying the boxes made me exhusted quickly since i had used my strength to deal with nike, a action I was now regretting (I was possessed for few minutes I gusse). I stopped to struggle with the boxes and i sat on one of it, I brought my phone out and I was still confussed on what to do.

Time checked 8:30pm, everywhere was dark already. I no longer have Jordan as a helper, neither Nelly, nor kelvin. The only people I have as family was aunty oyinkan and khole. Calling them to inform them of my present situation will make them worried. I decided to go to them instead of calling aunty oyinkan or khole.

The streets was empty already, but somehow, I was not scared of the dark. I placed one of my boxes on my head and i held the other one with my hand.
I got to the main road and i had to wait to get a cab. Ilorin was a peaceful place, but I was still praying not to be kidnapped.

5 minutes later, I saw a cab coming my way, I signalled for it to stop and it stopped in front of me. The driver was an elderly man who seemed ready to retire for the day. I told him where I was heading and he charged me three thousand naira. Without hesitating, I got into the cab with my luggage and I was of mixed feelings when i finally left my street. I was sad I was leaving my home, my inheritance and happy I was leaving my days of struggle behind me.

The cab driver dropped me in front of aunty oyinkan’s gate at exactly 10:30pm and he helped me to offload my luggages. I paid him extra because of his kindness.
It took the gateman five minutes to question me before he opened the gate. He apologised when i got in saying he had to be sure of who the person was before opening the gate because of the frequent robbery in the area. I left my luggage outside for him to bring in. I was in front of the main building already before calling aunty oyinkan, her line was switched off and so was khole’s, I had to resolve into knocking on the closed door.

Ten minutes later a voice from inside asked who it was and I replied, immediately the door was opened. The house help welcomed me into the living room and she went upstairs to call my aunty oyinkan. I stood up and rushed my aunty, immediately I saw her. I could tell she was sleeping already. She took me into her arms and asked what happened?. I could not reply her, I only held her tight and started to cry. Aunty oyinkan stopped to question me and she led me to her room upstairs.

She sat me down on the bed and said “Nancy, I do not know what is wrong with you but you need to open up to me my dear, what happened?” She asked again but I could not bring myself to tell her about what I did to aunty nike and how I ran out of my father house at that moment. I burst into fresh tears and she took me into her arms again and said “Its ok dear, you are safe here.” aunty oyinkan’s words relieved me a bit and i felt loved again.

Few minutes later aunty oyinkan left me in her room and return with a night wear I guess it was khole’s. She asked if i wanted to eat and I replied no, she then gave me the night wear to change into. After changing, I laid in bed with aunty oyinkan while she pat me on the back till i slept off.

I woke up fresh the following morning and met aunty oyinkan beside me. She was reading from her bible so I also went on my kneels and prayed. After praying i greeted aunty oyinkan, she respond and hugged me, she then said breakfast was waiting for us. We had a breakfast of yam and egg sauce and I ate to my satisfaction with peace of mind, I realised there is nothing more important than peace of mind. After the meal, aunty oyinkan called me to her room, she sat me down and held my hands then she asked me what happened again. I told aunty oyinkan all that happened without skipping any part and after narrating the whole event to her she took me into her arms and said nothing.

It was after aunty oyinkan released me from the hug that I realised she was furious. She stood up from the bed and said “Dress up, we are going to meet nike, I want to see that devil in human clothing”
I was scared aunty nike might return me to uncle mike so i rushed to hug her and pleaded with her not to take me back to hell. Aunty oyinkan held me to herself and said “Dont worry baby, am taking custody of you from now on. I just want to make them realise they cannot treat you like a slave and go free” I felt relived when aunty oyinkan ended her speech. My hopes was restored and I found myself looking forward to a better future filled with love again.

Aunty oyinkan called khole and informed her that I was with her. I could hear her scream out of suprise over the phone, aunty gave the phone to me and khole kept asking me if everything was okay over the phone. I told khole I was alright and she promised to come over to confirm things for herself.

After the phone call with khole, I returned aunty oyinkan’s phone and said “Aunty i am really greatful for what you have done for me. You promised to be there for me and you fulfilled your promise. I have felt love and I have felt betrayal and now I know the worth of love. May you reap your good work aunty”.

Aunty oyinkan pulled me to herself. I did not know where the emotions came from but I found myself crying in aunty oyinkan’s arm just the way I do with my late mom. Aunty oyinkan released me from her grip and wiped my tears, she sat me on her bed. “Your father was my only brother and your mom was a sister and the only sister i ever had nancy. Whatever I do for you now, I seek no appreciation from you. My dear i want you to see me as your mom and dad if you can, I promise to take care of you more your parent did. Just make me proud and aim high” aunty oyinkan said and she embraced me again.

She released me from the embrace and told me to get dressed. I asked her where we were going to and she said “Mike and his wife are yet to see the last of me. Lets me set things right and make sure they release you to me themselves” I asked aunty what will happen if they do not, she smilled and said ” Baby, do not worry about that, you should worry about getting use to calling me mom instead. Your things are in the room next to khole’s. You now have a room here, welcome home once again”
I gave aunty oyinkan a quick peck and rushed to my room.
The room was a shocker when i opened the door, it was beautiful decorated in colour red. I do not know when aunty oyinkan pulled this off but she took my breathe away. After my mom, she is the next woman that takes my breathe away. I hurriedly took my bath and got ready to go to my father house for the last time..

We got to our compound and I could tell that my uncle was home, probably nursing his wife’s wound. At first I was scared of what my uncle's reaction might be if he should see me. I took a step backward and aunty oyinkan held my hand and smilled at me. My safety was reassured again with her simple smille and I followed aunty oyinkan into the house.

Aunty nike was laying down on a sofa in the living room when we entered, immediately we got in, she jumped up and started to shout her husband’s name. I could see my finger print all over her face and for ones I felt pity for her.

“Mike come out o! She is here again, she want to finish me now, somebody help me!” aunty nike shouted while holding her head. My new mom was trying to calm her down but she refused to be calm. Minutes later uncle mike and lizzy rushed out of the house. Immediately uncle mike saw me he rushed toward me with his hand raised at me. I closed my eyes expecting a slap but I did not get any. I opened my eyes and saw aunty oyinkan holding uncle mike’s raised hand. I could tell uncle mike was furious, aunty oyinkan released his hand and he said ” sister oyinkan, you wont believe what this good for nothing girl did to my wife. Can you believe she has the guts to beat my wife up?” Aunty oyinkan fold her arms and said “And so what? What did your wife do to her before getting what she got? Mike you and i know what is at stake if you loose this girl and you still have the guts to treat her like a slave. After all her parents did for you when your parent died.

They treated you like their son when you were left with nothing. They made you successful after your numerous failure mike. I am disappointed in you and your wife. You should know you won't go free because you know what she is worth and you still treated her like a slave.” aunty oyinkan ended her speech in a angry tone. I did not know why aunty oyinkan layed more emphasy on my worth, does that mean there is probably a will or the chance of me been the legal owner of my parent’s wealth after all? I asked myself. “I dont care about the worth, if it pleases you take her with you and never come back. I will definitely work for my money before that time. You can't threaten me with that poo” uncle mike thundered.

Aunty oyinkan held my hand and said “Mike dont say I did not tell you. Expect your downfall” and she dragged me out.
while aunty oyinkan was dragging me out I noticed lizzy was running after us, i released myself from aunty oyinkan’s grip and ran at lizzy. We hugged for some minutes before she released me and said “I will miss you Nancy”. Before i could respond aunty oyinkan dragged me out of the compound and we left in her car. I wished she could come with me, she was the only one that cared for me.

**********************

The ride home was a silent one. Aunty oyinkan was unusually quiet while I was full of thoughts as well. It was of mixed feelings toward aunty oyinkan. I was angry with her for dragging me away without allowing me to bid lizzy goodbye but i was happy she protected me from my uncle and took me away from hell.Throughout the ride home, aunty oyinkan’s repetition of my worth back at my uncle’s place got me troubled. No doubt, she was keeping something from me. Aunty oyinkan was nice to me and I do not have any reason to doubt her, but I was sure she was hidding something important known to herself and my uncle.

We got to aunty oyinkan’s residence and I took her bag from her. Khole rushed at me immediately we entered the living room. I was so happy to see her and she continued to turn me around to see if something was wrong with me. When she got no sign of me been injured whatsoever, she breathe a sight of relief. Khole hugged her mom and aunty oyinkan asked us to come with her to her room. We got to her room and sat on her bed while she undressed.

Aunty oyinkan sat on a couch, cleared her throat and said “Khole from now on Nancy will stay with us, I know the two of you are close but I want you to be closer now. Mike and his wife has made her suffer, I want her to know peace and love here. Do you understand?” Khole noded and said “Ok mom” before taking my hands into hers. Aunty oyinkan continued and said “Nancy I called my husband and informed him of the present situation. He has agreed with you staying here and he has promised to sponsor your education. You do not have to worry about a thing my dear.

Just leave mike and his wife to God” I noded and was about to say ‘thank you’ when aunty oyinkan said ” You don't have to thank me, I am doing all this for my child. Talking about education, I want you to gain admission and start school this session. Have you checked your jamb result?

The question about my jamb result came as a shock and I did not know how to tell this woman who has promised to stand by me if I make her proud that I failed woefully. I bit my lower lips and aunty oyinkan asked about my jamb result again. I could not lie to my aunty and khole, so I summoned the courage to tell them i3 failed and I said “Aunty…ehm… Sorry……….. Mommy….ehm…. Mom i failed jamb, that was my reason for me leaving home which led to my accident.”

Aunty oyinkan came closer to me and sat on the bed. I was made to sit in the middle of herself and khole. Aunty oyinkan placed her hand on my laps and said “it is not a problem if you failed, I just need to know your score for me to know the necessary buttons to press”. I was relived by aunty oyinkan’s words, so i told her I scored ‘176’. Aunty oyinkan then smilled at me and said “That’s not really a bad score, just pray you pass all your subjects excellently in WAEC.

If you do it won't be difficult to get you admitted into the university to study the course of your choice but if you do not, you might not be able to get the course of your choice. Any which way, you will resume school this session, I promise” aunty oyinkan ended her speech and I felt so happy. I hugged her and kept on thanking her. Khole also joined in the hug and it became a group hug.

Aunty oyinkan released herself from the hug and teased myself and khole of acting like a child.
My mom (aunty oyinkan) told us she would love to take a nap and I left her room with khole. When we got to khole’s room, she hugged me again and asked why I did not tell her what i was going through. I told her I did not want to disturb her in school and she hit me playfully on my back. We sat on khole’s bed and I narrated everything that has happened to her. I was surprised i did not cry while narrating my ordeal with uncle mike and his wife to khole. I only felt happy having someone to share my story with. I also told khole how much I have missed kelvin and that he was yet to call.

Khole promised to be there for me and we hugged each other again. Khole ended the hug and said “dont worry buddy, I'm here now. Best pal forever” khole stretched out her hand and I took them. That was our way of renewing our promise.

Myself and khole had lunch, after which she told me to come with her over to Josh’s place. Oh I was happy I will be seeing Josh again! Life is good only if there is love. I found love with family.
I rushed to the bathroom to get ready for the outing with Josh. Before taking my bath I brought out my chain lock and checked the family picture in it. I found a new family now i thought. I looked at the picture again and I said “Mom…………. Dad………..I know you are irreplaceable and theres no family without you two, but i know you too are happy I found happiness with my new family, I miss you guys so much and I wish to make you and my new family proud.” I wiped my tears and took my bath. It was not the time to cry but the time to be strong and be happy.

To be continued
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IN THE DARK
SEASON 1
Episode 12

Continues..
**********************
The journey home with uncle mike was quiet. He would look at me briefly and face the road again. I did not know his reason for that but the thought of how i pushed him before escaping from the house made me scared. Probably he was still nursing his a-s and the pain I caused him was the reason for his wicked glance. A part of me was saying him and his wife had turn a new leaf but i laughed the thought off.

We got to my compound and i alighted immediately uncle mike parked the car. I brought out my provision and went to my room. Uncle mike turned the car around and left immediately he dropped me off, aunty Nike was absent from home as well. I was happy to be free from all the monitoring eyes. I went to Lizzy’s room and she jumped at me immediately she saw me. She told me how worried she was and asked how i ended up at the hospital. I took a deep breathe and narrated all the event that took place before my accident to lizzy. She came closer to me and held me tightly. I was still in lizzy’s arms when i remembered Kelvin, i knew he would be worried about me.

‘Before the accident, he calls me everyday and its been more than a week now, definately he will be worried’ I thought in lizzy arm.

I released myself from lizzy’s grip and told her i needed to get my phone before leaving her room. I could remember keeping my phone in the bag i took to church that sunday, so i went for the bag immediately. I searched the whole bag and could not find my phone. I searched the whole room and still the phone was yet to be found.

I started to sweat, i was not scared of loosing the phone, but i was scared of loosing kelvin’s contact if i could not get my phone. That was the only place i saved his contact and i did not even know where he lives.

Even if i do know where he lives, he was out of town. I was so confused after searching my entire room over and over again without finding the phone.

I went to ask lizzy if she took the phone but she said no and followed me to my room to search again. She also searched everywhere without any luck. We were stil searching when lizzy acted like she just remembered something and she said “Nancy, wait, i think my mom took the phone.

I caught her searching your room the day you left. You should probably ask her when she gets back.” I did not know what to say when Lizzy ended her speech. ‘If aunty nike has the phone, she definitely will not give it back for anything.

She can only give it back if she has genuinely turn a new leaf but the chance of that happening is very slim. I will be loosing kelvin if i do not get the phone back’ i thought.

The thought of loosing kelvin almost gave me a heart attack. How will i survive without kelvin?

He was always there to encourage and advice me, his words of encouragement gave me the hope of having a future. No I cant let go just like that, I will do anything to get the phone back.

Just for kelvin’s sake, i can be a slave for another year. I said to myself. Lizzy tap on my shoulder brought me out of my thought, she asked if i was worried because of the phone and promised to get me a new phone. I told her it was not about the phone but kelvin’s contact.

Lizzy did not really understand the importance of the contact but she concluded that i should wait for aunty nike.

Aunty nike arrived late in the evening and i rushed downstairs. I got the sight that she was still her wicked self from the way she looked at me but i was still hoping she would release the phone.

I greeted aunty nike and made to help her with her hand bag, she hesitated before giving the bag to me but she eventually did. I took the bag to her room while she followed closely from behind. After dropping the bag on the bed, i turned to her and said “Aunty, please i have been unable to find my phone did you by any chance find it?” she looked at me and said No coldly.

I knew she was lying but i was determined to get the phone from her, i went on my kneels and begged her. I was still on my kneels begging when she shouted “Are you stupid? Am i your phone keeper? Dont let me loose my temper on you, your presence is irritating enough. I wonder what you have been doing with that phone and i took it, so what?

You can go to hell for all I care because, the phone has been neatly destroyed along with the sim card. Now get out of my room, you idiot!” That was it! My phone was gone along with kelvin’s contact.

I moved out of her room with tears and i thought about the number of people I have lost already. Dad died, mom died, Jordan choose to betray me along with nelly and now i can't reach kelvin, the only person that as been my comforter.

“Kelvin wherever you are, please come back to me, you are the only friend i have left. You promised to stay forever, please get through to me soon in anyway you can” I said. I was talking to the walls of my room as if kelvin was present, I was so lost thinking what to do or who to talk to. At that moment all I wanted was KELVIN (MY TRUE FRIEND)

**********************

After loosing my phone to aunty nike, I was unable to contact kelvin and not having someone to talk to made me withdraw myself back into my shell.

On a Saturday afternoon, of the third week of been discharged. Lizzy took permission from her mom and asked me to see her off to somewhere. We got to fonemart and suprisingly she got a new phone for me after which we retrieved my damaged sim card.

Lizzy told me not to worry and she promised to be there for me, she also assured me that kelvin would call soon. I believed in lizzy’s word and i became lively again, hoping kelvin would call soon just like lizzy said.

I thanked lizzy repeatedly and she hugged me tightly before we went back home.

The rest of the weekend went uneventful but a life changing event occurred on the first day of the new week, it was an unforgettable incident.

Aunty Nike woke me up early in the morning on that very monday, she said her goods would be arriving on that day and she needed to be there on time. Without having breakfast, we left the house for the supermarket.

Immediately we got to the supermarket, aunty nike ordered me to clean the entire store after which I walked to get her food from a resturant far away from the supermarket.

On my arrival from getting the food, the goods aunty nike was expecting arrived and she asked me to join in off loading the goods immediately, with my empty stomach, I obeyed her.

After off loading the goods, I went to inform aunty nike that I was hungry but she shouted at me and called me useless before saying I should arrange all of the goods alone in the store.

I arranged the goods with the last energy in me, hoping I would eat after arranging the goods but aunty nike said I should clean the whole goods and put a price tag on each of them. I could not take it any longer, even though I promised to abide by her rules, I had to disobey her or i might die of hunger.

I left the shop against aunty nike’s order and went to eat in a nearby canteen. I arrived twenty minutes later and met a furious aunty nike. I knelt down to greet her but she responded with a double slap on the both of my cheek. My eyes turned red and i staggered. I was yet to gain my balance when aunty nike shouted at me, saying ” You this idiot, I told you to arrange my goods, do you know how much they worth? They worth more than your yet to come generation and you have the guts to abandon my goods to satisfy for hungry stomach.

I will not deal with you here, you will meet your death at home. Now get up and do what I asked you to do!” aunty nike ended her ranting and I was so scared of what awaits me at home, that day. I rushed to the store room and with tears, I arranged the goods.

I left shop with aunty nike by 6:30pm with mixed feelings, I was hoping aunty nike would forget her threat if I should do the house chores on time.

Immediately i got down from the car, i went to the kitchen and washed the dishes, though i was hungry, I did not eat before doing all the work. As if aunty nike was watching me, she called me immediately i got to my room after working for more than one hour.

I got to aunty nike’s room and she was laying on her bed. She asked me to go on my kneels and i did, then she said ” you think i have forgotten right? You disobey me in public and I am going to deal with you indoor.

I have two punishment for you. It is either you allow me to cut any part of you body and i will apply pepper on it or i will use hot iron on any part of your body” aunty nike ended her speech but it was hard for me to believe she was serious, how could she be so mean? I asked myself. “Young lady I do not have the whole day! Make a pick or i will administer anyone on you!” aunty Nike’s voice brought me back to reality.

Accepting other brutal treatment was something i could handle but when it comes to messing with my body, that is something I can never take. I started crying, I was alone with aunty nike without help. I wished mom was here or kelvin or even lizzy or aunty oyinkan, but nobody was there, i was left with a difficult decision to take.

I had to think about the least painful of the two punishment but i found no answer. Aunty nike was about to abuse my body and i had no other choice than to accept, or do I? I asked myself and finally i decided to accept one of it.
I was about accepting the iron deal when the fighter in me aroused. No! I cannot take this anymore I screamed! Aunty nike stood up with shook written all over her face. She asked me to repeat what i said and i did. She made to slap me and i showed her the DEVIL in me.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Aunty nike made to slap me but I held her hand, I stood up to my full length and i was taller than her. I looked down on her and fixed my gaze on her before releasing my grip on her hand. Aunty nike raised her hand to slap me again and this time around, I held her hand half way and landed a hot slap on her left cheek.

Aunty nike staggered and fell on the table. I fold my hands and waited for her next action. Immediately she regained her balance, she rushed at me, I pushed her to the bed and sat on her. I started punching her all over her body after sitting on her.

While I was giving her the beating of her life, I was also screaming on top my voice ” Nike how can you be so wicked? Tell me! You want to iron my body? In my father’s house! All this is suppose to be mine! The house! The car you are ridding! The supermarket! The hotel your husband is spending from! All the jewelry mama left behind! All the wealth and properties are all mine! My parent worked for it, for me to have it all but you took everything away. All the good things i ever had, you took them all! My mom! My hapiness! Even kelvin! Its all your fault and now! Now you want to abuse my body! How can you be so mean? So wicked? I want you to die and rot in hell! Die nike!” i said as i continued to punch her.

I could hear her scream for help but the merciful me was gone. This was the seed she planted in me, it germinated and she had to reap the fruit.

I stood up from on top her and rushed to her wardrobe. I saw all my mom’s clothes and expensive jewelry she claimed she burned. I packed my mom’s personal belonging and rushed to my room. I took my traveling bag and filled it with my clothes and all the important things i have.

The bag was full so i had to pack my mom’s belongings into the bag Josh got for me. I looked around my room and i was satisfied with all I had packed. I dragged the bags to the living and made to leave. ‘This devil in human clothing is making me to leave my father house, I must deal with her before I finally leave’ I said to myself. I dropped the bags and rushed upstairs. I met aunty nike sitting on the bare floor, with her present condition the formal me would have pitied her but pity died in me a long time ago. I pulled her with her hair and landed two hot slap on her cheek before I rushed to the kitchen to get a rope.

She started to plead immediately i returned with the rope but my ears were deaf to her plea. I dragged her to the bed and started to tie her while she shouted for help. I was stil tieing her when i heard someone shout “Nancy” behind me. I turned and I saw lizzy. I became ashamed of myself, even though aunty nike was wicked toward me, lizzy was there for me and beating her mom and tieing her down was no way to reciprocate her kindness.

The rope fell from my hands and I ran out of the room in tears. I could not leave without apologizing to lizzy, so i went back to her and said “I am sorry lizzy. Goodbye” lizzy was in tears and she could not give a response. I ran out of the room and got my bags.

I dragged the bags outside the house and i took a last look at our mansion. The house I once called a home. With tears i left my father’s house.

To be continued..
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