FARIDA Episode 33 by Oge’s Stories
Iya Farida was invited for an aptitude test and interview. She passed both. She was asked to fill some forms and submit some other documents which she did. It was then she and others who came for the same test were taken round the school. It was a school for the rich. There were six classes for each stream. From primary to secondary. There were also eight hostels which had two floors. Two of the hostels had sixty rooms and each room had four beds. The other six had forty rooms with four bed spaces. The rooms had two wooden bunk beds, a toilet and bathroom attached to the room, wardrobes at each side of the room and lockers for each occupant. There was a common room on each floor of the hostels and a tuck shop. The hostels were very beautiful and comfortable. The rest of the buildings were the same.
Iya Farida was asked to go for medicals after which she came to collect her offer letter and allocation of apartment. She was made the head of the school matron in charge of all the hostels. She was to be paid separately for that. Also, she was to be the stream/form teacher for primary 6. She had done exceptionally and they were impressed. Her duties were given to her to understudy.
School would be in session in three weeks so they had to move in immediately. They were shown the staff quarters. The quarters had two sections; block of flats and bungalows. She could see people had started moving into the block of flats and some of the bungalows. She was told bungalows were reserved for senior management staff. The bungalows were large and the compounds looked spacious. Iya Farida was taken to one of the bungalows on a corner piece. The bungalow was painted light brown and coffee brown. It had three big bedrooms all ensuite, a large sitting room and dining, visitor’s toilet, a big kitchen and store attached, and a small study. Iya Farida could only stare when she was told the bungalow was assigned to her. She was overwhelmed with joy. The salary was very good and she was being paid in two places. She was determined to put in her best in her roles.
She prepared to move in immediately but she was told she had to hold on until the furniture arrived. The place was made available to them on a Friday. Very early on Saturday morning, they arrived their new home with their personal effects. Maami chose her room. Farida took the smallest room as she would be staying alone while her brothers shared the other room. The bungalow was fully furnitured. Everything was there. Joy unspeakable filled their hearts.
Farida called Wale to share the goods news with him she was obviously excited which gladdened his heart. “We saw other people moving in with their furniture, why were we given new furniture?”
“Because you are Farida and you are my friend. I will never be happy if anyone disrespects you or looks down on you. Most of the staff working there are comfortable. You have to blend in. Carrying any furniture from your old house would have been a disaster. I arranged for everything as my way of saying thank you for being a sincere friend all these years. My father supported with the electronics. He said your mother was the best during the aptitude test and the interview. I told him I didn’t expect less. He is very impressed with her”
Farida was grateful for everything. This was a huge opportunity for maami. Now they lived in real comfort. Wale made this possible and he did it diplomatically. She was beginning to like Wale’s style.
—————————————————————————-
Farida was told she had a visitor in the office. When she went to check, she found Sam waiting for her. She became tensed. Ever since Monica travelled he had not contacted her which she saw as a sign he had moved on but here he was. The disappointment at seeing him was evident on Farida’s face.
“I just got back; I was on tour. How have you been?” Sam asked.
“Fine”
“I can see you are not pleased to see me. We had a deal which I expected you to stick to. But then I would be lying if I say I am surprised you didn’t. Can I take you to dinner tonight? We can talk about the situation over a good meal”
“I can’t go on a date with you today. I have to get home in good time as there is work tomorrow”
“I will take you out on Saturday then. I will send a driver to bring you to our spot and I will take you home”
“I think you should pick me up from the office on Friday instead. I will not be able to explain the date to my mother”
“That’s fine. I will meet you here on Friday. I look forward to it”
Her encounter with Sam messed up her entire day. She couldn’t wait until evening to tell Wale about it. Wale was also upset he came back into the picture. He told her to call his bluff. She knew the implication; it was either he would stalk her or he would tell Monica she was the informant. She didn’t want that. She decided to go on the date with him and make him understand she was not interested. Wale was unhappy about her decision. He felt Sam would be too overwhelming for a naïve Farida. Sam was very smart and knew how to go after a prey. He wished he was in Lagos to help Farida through this but his hands were tied; all he could do was pray.
Friday evening, Sam came to pick up Farida. He could see she didn’t make any effort in looking like someone going on date. He didn’t complain. They went to Eko Hotels and Suites for a buffet dinner. Farida ate sparingly which irked Sam. She was behaving as though she was being forced to be with him. After the meal Sam tried talking to Farida about general things but she wasn’t there. He knew it was a gimmick. He paid for dinner and they went to the car together.
A young guy rushed to Farida and said, “A man inside asked me to give you this card”.
Before Farida could reply, Sam did. “Go back to those who sent you and tell them this lady is not someone you just pick on the street. She should be treated with utmost respect. He should have walked to her to give her the card and ask for what he wanted instead of this”.
“I am sorry sir. He thought you were together”.
“That is the main reason why. I didn’t know he knew she came with someone. Why send his card to a lady that came with another man? This is the height of disrespect”.
“I am sorry sir”.
Sam opened the door for Farida to sit inside the car. He drove her while she directed him to her house. There was silence in the car as they drove. Out of the blues Sam asked a question, “Am I that irritating to you that you don’t want to see me? You can’t even talk to me? What have I done to deserve this treatment?”
“It isn’t you but me. I don’t know how to be alone with a guy. I am uncomfortable doing that without company”
“Farida we have come a long way. We both know we don’t need company to interact. We had a great time doing that when we were in the village. What changed? Is it just that kiss that made you dislike me?”
“Monica did not and still doesn’t want us to have a relationship……”
“It is because of past experiences; Farida, I am a changed person. Why don’t you get to know me and see for yourself? Let your mind not bear grudges and give this a chance. Do you know what? I cancel our agreement; I was never going to follow it anyway. Farida, come into my world and tell me you won’t love it”.
Farida didn’t have a reply. She could hear sincerity in Sam’s voice but she was still scared. She was worried about Monica and how dating her brother can affect their relationship. Sam listened to her voice some of her fears and he said, “Can we do this secretly for now. Don’t tell a soul and I won’t too. If it doesn’t work out then we can go our separate ways but if it does then we can announce our relationship”
“I think this will be better. I will give it a chance as long as no one knows about it”
They came to an agreement, Farida decided not carry Wale along because he will discourage her and it will be mainly because of his feelings for her which wasn’t reciprocal. She liked him but not in a romantic way. But Sam still made her jump at the sound of his voice.
That night, she pondered about the whole scenario. It would be wrong to betray Wale but she also considered not telling him until she was sure of what she wanted. A few dates won’t hurt anyone.
From the first real date, Farida knew she had found what she was looking for. Sam dropped his airs and they had such a nice time. He made the date all about her. The next date was even better. He made it so romantic that she was scared she would allow him kiss her like she allowed Wale. He didn’t make any attempt. He took her to the beach and they spent the whole time sitting by the shore and getting soaked by the waves. They never ran of resources to talk about and most times it was about their course of study. She was passionate about working for the government in a certain capacity. Sam told her he would rather get an appointment with the government and make meaningful contributions and impact lives. She was seeing a different Sam. He seemed passionate about the country. They seemed to share the same ideologies and passion. The more they talked the closer they became. Farida preferred to talk to Sam than Wale or Monica. Since their friendship was a secret she had to blame her absence on being busy.
Sam laid out his plan of action for Farida to see. He was interested in improving the lives of his people so they would no longer be looked down on or used for maids or drivers. He planned on running for House of Representative in the future and being there for eight years before he becomes governor.
“So, who are the people at the grassroot you will use to achieve this dream?”
“Grassroot? My father has connections so I intend to work with those connections”
‘You can’t make it unless you have the grassroot in your palm. Run now for Local Government Chairman. Leave an indelible mark and then proceed from there. It looks like you are starting from lowest cadre but that’s really where the grassroot is. Try it”
What Farida said gave Sam sleepless nights. LG Chairman was beneath him but how does he connect with the poor masses if not by being one of them. Farida was smart. People will praise him for this move. In the six months they have been dating, she had had a positive impact on his life. He wasn’t surprised; it was one of the reasons he chose her. Apart from the fact that people turned to look at them when he enters with her into a room, she also commanded a lot of respect which he liked. Also, she wasn’t greedy or self centred. She never made demands or had expectations. She was still using the phone Shehu bought for her while she was in camp meanwhile, newer and more sleek phones had been released but she never asked for anything. He did things for her because she deserved them. Some she rejected outrightly, some she received halfheartedly. He wondered what kind of female specie she was.
FARIDA Episode 34 by Oge’s Stories
Sam contested and won the Local Government Chairmanship.
His father initially didn’t buy into the idea but when he went through the entire plan, he agreed to support him but told him it was only for one term as he would be going into the House of Rep.
Sam relocated to the village for months leading to the election and interacted with the people. He went for his campaign himself and talked to the people in his language. He was so glad he could speak his local dialect as his father had made it mandatory for him to visit the village every Christmas and made him learn the language. Now it paid off. The villagers came out enmass chanting his name while casting their votes. He won with a landslide.
Sam invited Farida before the election to join him since it was her idea. She refused to come but when he insisted and threatened to come to her house in Lagos to bundle her, she got on the flight to Akwa Ibom. He was at the airport to meet her.
“We are really doing this”, he said to her.
“Yes, it’s the beginning of great things”.
“Let’s make history together”.
Sam wanted Farida to stay in Monica’s room but she declined and insisted on staying in a hotel nearby. Farida didn’t want his father or stepmother to know she was around. He suggested he smuggles her upstairs. Farida didn’t like it at all and mentioned it to him. In his defence he told her he needed her support more than anyone’s. Once she was with him there; he was sure to win. She stayed in the hotel and he won.
The celebration was never ending in the compound. People trooped in to congratulate the young man who was bent on making a difference in his community. His cousins who returned to support him were also there to jubilate with him. All that was on Sam’s mind was Farida. He sent her series of messages asking her to be patient with him as he would join her soon.
Finally, he went to meet her. She was already asleep when he came in. He knocked on her door and she opened up for him. In his excitement he hugged her and said, “I couldn’t have done this without you. You are the best thing to happen to me. Without lobbying or bribing anyone, I won the election. You are so smart, Farida”
“
Congratulations. I am happy for you” Farida replied while wriggling out of the embrace.
“What’s the next thing I need to do?”
“Be the best Chairman the community has ever had or seen. Make remarkable impact. Win the hearts of the people even more by your good deeds. It looks like a low position but watch and see how you would use that position to perform wonders. Once you have the heart of the people; you have the heart of God”.
Sam was quiet. She had a point. The people were all he needed. Farida was a strategist and he needed her in his team especially in the future. How would he achieve that?
Farida refused the relationship advancing which he found strange. Most ladies would have fallen at three weeks maximum but she was still very cautious with him and digressed when he brings up the relationship. If she was not sure of what she wanted, he was. He wanted her. She was a wife material and he would do anything to have her. Imagine being beautiful, intelligent and smart at the same time. He decided he would discuss it with her that night whether she liked it or not.
“Farida, we have been dating for some time now. I have enjoyed the times I have spent with you thus far. I have also gotten to know you and I must confess, I admire the real you. That said, Farida, I will like to make our relationship official. I want to tell my father about our relationship. I am not proposing yet but I want you to know my genuine intentions. I want you to be mine and mine alone”
Farida looked at Sam as though he was mad. How would he tell his family he was in a relationship with her? Monica will definitely find out and she didn’t want that. She refused for now until they knew where it was headed.
Farida liked Sam. There was something about him that attracted her to him. She suspected it was his confidence. He was so confident that it showed in all he did. Also, he was a handsome guy with class. Anywhere they went, the ladies stared at him. He was also a go getter. Once she gives him an idea, he expands on it and starts work immediately. He listens to everything she says to him. He compliments her every minute. The compliments made her feel wonderful and appreciated. Whenever he talked to her, he was happy and she was glad. She never saw him with another lady whenever they were together. He never spoke strangely on the phone. He was just focused on her, work and his campaign. She was beginning to nurse the idea of a future together.
Sam spent the night in the hotel room with her. He fell asleep as they talked. He slept of on the bed while she took the couch. She didn’t sleep until the next morning, she didn’t want to be caught unawares. She didn’t need to worry as Sam was completely fagged out. She had dozed off at a point and woke up at that time.She woke up and had her bath at about 6am. She packed her things and set them for the airport.
Sam finally woke up at 9am. His phone persistently ringing woke him up. When he picked up, it was his father. They conversed in his language before he stood up.
“Good morning. I can see you are set for the airport. Have breakfast and I will join in the next hour. I’ve told my father my girlfriend is around and I can only meet people by 12 noon. So, I will freshen up, have breakfast with my father and then take you to the airport. Is that ok?”
“It’s fine”.
Sam was back by 11am to take her to the airport. At the airport, he gave her a hug and allowed her leave. Immediately she landed Lagos, he was the first to call her. A car was waiting to take her home. When she protested about the car, he told her, “You are my good luck charm and my treasure. I will always take care of you” This brought a smile to Farida’s face.
Eight months into his tenure as the Chairman of the Local Government, there was a visible difference in the community. He was familiar with the Governor and fought for his LG’s allocation. All the projects slated to be done by the government were followed up and contractors were forced to walk according to his standard. Sam was well known. He got his family members to help raise funds to improve the standard of the schools and hospitals in the LG. He built platforms at the waterfront to make it safer for fishermen and their customers.
He was an eligible bachelor so mothers both far and near brought their daughters to be considered as a wife for Sam. Sam thought it was a joke until it was becoming embarrassing. He was not interested in any of them. His father began to pester him to choose a wife quickly so he will be better respected.
Sam discussed his predicament with Farida. They hadn’t seen that often due to their jobs but they spoke at least five times in a day. Sam didn’t want anyone around Farida. He knew he wanted her for keeps but he was worried about some issues.
1. She is from Kwara state
2. She is Muslim
3. Her parents are divorced like his
4. She didn’t belong to their class
5. Monica would be against the union
The pressure from his family and community was getting too much. He had to confide in his father that he had someone but she wasn’t from his place.
“It would have been better you take someone from your community. But if I can meet the girl and check if she aligns with our plans. It will be difficult but bring her”
Sam came to Lagos. He picked Farida up as though they were going on a date. Then he brought her to the office. Farida wondered what was going on but he said his father had been asking after her so he promised to bring her to meet him.
His father was very happy to see Farida. It had been a while he saw her.
“Your friend accused me of not wanting her happiness and she left for Germany to work with her stepfather. I offered her a job in this company but she declined. She has refused to speak with me since then. I know her mother might be behind her decision to leave. One day she will realise her mistake and come back. I will be waiting”
They talked some more and when they were ready to leave, Sam took Farida to the secretary’s office and then went back to his father’s office.
“What do you think about Farida?”
“She is a nice girl”
‘She is the one dad”
“The one what?”
‘The one I want to marry”
His father sat back on his chair. He was speechless. How would he handle this? On one hand Farida would make a perfect daughter-in-law but on the other hand there were a lot of issues that would be raised. Why did Sam have to fall in love with her?
‘Dad, please say something”.
“It will be a hard sell. A Yoruba girl who is a Muslim? A very hard sell. Why not someone else?”
“The idea of starting from the grassroot to do politics was her idea. The plan I have put in place is also hers. She is smart dad and I love her”.
“How long has this been going on?”
“We just started dating. She is still very scared of Monica’s reaction so we decided to keep it quiet”.
‘So, she is behind your transformation?”
“Yes dad. She will be a positive addition to my life and family if I marry her”.
“You are right but it will still be difficult. Let me think about it”.
Farida’s conscience was pricking her. She had hidden something so important from her mother in a bid to ensure she was doing the right thing. Sam became a regular in Lagos and wanted to spend more time with her. He begged her to come to Akwa Ibom on weekends when no one was around but she was scared. She didn’t want to be left alone with him. She didn’t trust him enough to let her guard down even though she liked him a lot.
He had demanded for a kiss which he didn’t give her the chance to accept or decline. Unlike the kiss she shared with Wale, Sam kiss always left her breathless and asking for more. His hands had started probing her body when they kissed which Farida pointed out to him, she didn’t like but he wouldn’t stop.
“I have no other girlfriend and I am not having sex with any other babe. If it is just kisses you would allow, then let me enjoy them. I won’t go beyond the boundaries you have set”
Farida found herself longing for the kisses and his touch. She had discovered her panties got very wet whenever they kissed and he touched her. She had to research on why she felt that way but she wasn’t getting the responses she needed. She asked Monica.
“Who is doing you, Farida?” she asked jokingly.
“Doing me? How?”
“Who are you making out with?”
“I just asked a question and you are asking Jamb questions in return”.
“Wale won’t be happy o. He is waiting to be your first”.
“First what?”
“Your first now. The first guy that will break the hymen. I thought you enjoyed the kiss between both of you. The guy is in love, don’t break his heart”.
“I told you I like Wale but I don’t see him as a lover but more like a brother. I reacted to the kiss because I have never been kissed like that before. But this kiss is different. It is deep, demanding, very erotic and sensual. My private part gets wet just thinking about it. I am trying to find out what is wrong with me but I still don’t know. How can another human’s touch turn me to jelly?”
“I think you have found true love as I found in Francis. Why are you hiding the guy from me? Or is he someone I know?”
“Let’s not talk about him. What’s up with you? How is work?”
“Work is fine. I am writing my ACA examinations now. Papi is treating me very well”
“Any guy?”
“You know Germans don’t like fat women”
“You haven’t lost weight?”
“No. Francis likes me this way. I don’t want to look different when he comes. I have learnt how to carry my fat well”
“What of your health? Aren’t you worried about that?”
“When I see Francis that’s when we will decide what is to be done about it”
“Monica! Why should you love a guy more than yourself?”
“The guy messing with your body, don’t you love him? Farida, you pretend a lot. You have allowed a guy have access to your body and you are telling me that ordinary kiss is getting you wet. Am I a child?”
Farida was shocked at her response. “Monica, I could have sworn you knew me very well. Give a guy access to my body? We’ve only kissed. He hasn’t touched any sensitive part of my body. You know me and all I stand for”
‘I don’t know again o. I am trying to understand the fact that you have changed so much as to allow a guy kiss you. What happened to waiting until you get married? Anyway, as long as it is not Francis then it’s fine by me. Farida has a mystery lover. Ok o!”
“It is not Francis and you will know in due time”
FARIDA Episode 35 by Oge’s Stories
Wale announced he would be returning soon. It was supposed to be a happy moment for Farida, but of course she was distracted by Sam and all the attention he showered on her. Wale noticed she didn’t sound excited about it but he felt it was stress that caused it. When he asked her if she would be at the airport to pick him, she replied, “It depends on when”. He became worried. For the first time he could feel the distance between them. She never spoke about any man so what was the problem? He knew he had to investigate. Something was definitely wrong.
Maami had been busy. Teaching and handling the hostel issues was quite tasking. She had major issues with the boys’ hostel. The boys were involved in every type of vices that can only be imagined. She thanked God her sons didn’t give her such headache. She was also doing a very good job. She dropped in unannounced at odd times which made them nickname her Madam BB meaning Busy body. She didn’t mind the nickname, in fact, she ensured she earned it.
Maami observed Farida had been distant for some time. She came home very late some days and most times she was alone in her room. She hardly interacted with them. When she asked her, she claimed she was tired but maami knew better. She was hiding something and being an adult, maami felt she should have her privacy.
One evening, maami went on a stroll. She noticed a car parked at a little distance from the house as she was returning from the walk. She observed the driver lean over to the passenger and after about a few minutes, the door opened and the passenger came down. When she turned, she realized it was her Farida. How can Farida do something like that in public? Why would a man drop her off on the street like she is a whore? Why didn’t she bring her date to the house? What were they doing in the car? She allowed Farida walk to the house while she followed a safe distance behind. She observed Farida had changed. Her dressing and sense of Fashion had changed. She noticed she had a new phone and wore expensive jewelry. She never had any problems with her because she contributed her quota to the family without blinking an eyelid but she shouldn’t be found behaving like a wayward girl. Maami’s heart was broken. Farida, the girl she bragged about has made her a laughing stock. How many other staff members have seen her get down from a man’s car a distance from her home? Even the guy was not responsible.
When she got home, Farida had gone to her room as usual. She knocked on her door and entered. She was undressing when her mother came in so she wore her outfit back and greeted her.
“Where are you coming from?”
“Work maami”
“How did you come back?”
“Staff bus”
“Are you sure about that? Because I followed a girl, who I thought I had raised right, who alighted from a man’s car parked close to the supermarket and walked home from there. I am with her right now”
Farida was shamefully silent. She had thought she would not be found out and now her mother had seen her. She had told Sam repeatedly not to drop her off near her house because of this but he would ask her if she was going anywhere else that she didn’t want to be dropped close to home. She wanted to avoid any misunderstanding that was why she agreed. Now, he has caused a rift between her and her mother. How would she explain it to her mother?
“When did you start lying Farida? You couldn’t even speak the truth to me. I believed the reason for your sudden change was due to work and the fact your friends were far away but now I have discovered it is because of a man. Is it an illicit relationship? Is that why you are hiding it?”
“No maami. I just wanted to get to know him well before bringing him home. I am sorry I lied”
“How long has this been going on?”
“Over a year”
“What? Who is this guy?”
“I would rather not say maami. I am not sure where the relationship is leading yet and I don’t want to raise your hopes or even mine”
“You are not sure where the relationship is going but both of you are kissing in the full glare of everyone. Are you having sex with him? Once you have sex with a man it becomes difficult for him to commit because he is getting everything for free. I taught you that and you are doing something else”
“We are not having sex maami. We are in a relationship. I like him and I wish it could lead to something serious but I am also skeptical it might not. I am not keeping my hopes up. It’s just that I like him very much that is why I am still there”
“And he sees you every time without committing? What do you both now talk about?”
“He is not in Lagos for now. He comes to see me at least twice a month. Maami, I want this to work but because of some people involved I am worried. I just don’t want to lose friendships but my heart longs for him”
“Who is this person Farida? Who are you talking about?”
“Sam maami, Monica’s brother”
“Monica’s brother? What are talking about? Didn’t Monica warn you against him?”
“She did maami but let me confess all that happened so you would understand”. Farida told her mother everything from the Christmas holiday till that moment. Her mother was shocked at the story as it unfolded. How could Farida have hidden all this from her? This did not seem like the Farida she knew. She shouldn’t have allowed the intense friendship with Monica because it changed her. Now her brother was frolicking with Farida without committing. Would Sam’s father allow him marry a Muslim Yoruba girl? There should be another option should that fail.
“Farida, what of Wale?”
“He is coming back soon”.
“What is he saying?”
“Saying? I don’t understand”.
“Isn’t he interested in you?”
“I am not interested in him as a lover maami. I only like him as a friend. That’s all”.
“I prefer Wale to this Sam guy. You have forgotten so soon all Wale did for us without making it look like a hand out. This boy you are following, he is also from a broken home; I doubt if they will accept you. Broken home, Muslim, Yoruba, the family won’t agree. No matter how much they like you, when it comes to marriage, they are interested in alliances”.
“We have not spoken about marriage yet o. We are still just getting to know each other. When we get to that bridge we will cross it”
“And you have started kissing; what else is left. Tell him to come to the house if he wants to drop you off. If I see you the way I did today, I won’t forgive you. Only untrained children do what you did today”
“I’m sorry maami”.
Farida had every cause to love Sam. Sam spoilt her rotten. He buys her the latest gadgets. When he travels, she gets jewelry, designer apparels and its accessories. He had an eye for fashion and ensured Farida looked exceptional each time they met. He chooses what she wore and told her how to combine the clothes with shoes, handbags and so on. She was one of the best dressed ladies in the office. Her competitors were on management level but even with that, her clothes suited her figure.
When Farida told him about her encounter with her mother, he knew he needed to quickly engage Farida before another man does. He was aware of Farida’s friendship with Wale and also knew Wale had interest in her. Farida’s mother being Yoruba would want a Yoruba man for her daughter. Wale had proved himself worthy and Sam wanted to do same but he needed his father’s blessings to do that.
Sam followed up with his father about his choice for marriage. His father had discussed with other family and community members about it. Many were not happy but they couldn’t force their will on Sam. They gave a condition to them accepting. He must marry an Ibibio woman later on as second wife. Sam didn’t like the idea but it was a condition put in place for him to marry Farida. He accepted but asked his father to keep it a secret which he agreed.
To be continued
#OpraDre FARIDA 33
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