Meant To Be
BY Olunfulola Adeola
Episode 44
It’s been two days after Ayo s£nt her resignation in and she’s been home since then. This Tuesday evening, she was busy in the kitchen. She had felt like taking Pounded yam and melon mixed with vegetable soup so she had gone to the market earlier to buy some of the stuffs she didn’t have at home and now she was cooking. Itunu was helping her to blend the pepper to be used when the door bell rang. Itunu st©pped the machine to go answer but Ayo st©pped him saying,
“Carry on. I will see who’s there.” Then she went to open the door. Kore was at the door, his tie loos£ned and his suit gone.
“Welcome. You are looking so tired.” Ayo said as he walked in and sat down,
He said, “I feel tired. And hungry too.”
She said, “I’m almost done. Why don’t you go take a bath and change into something casual and by the time you will be done, I will be throu-gh, eh?”
“Fine.” He agreed and stood up to go to his ap@rtment at the back.
Some minutes later, he c@m£ back in using his key and went straight to the kitchen,
“Hey Tunz, how are you feeling?”
“Dad! You are back! I am feeling better.”
“So, you can not prostrate àbí?”
“Leave him jọ.”
“Be spoiling him, shey you hear?”
“Let me spoil him.”
“Oya Mister, go and set the table.”
“Okay Mummy.”
“What should I help you with Mummy?”
“Who’s your mummy?”
“You na. You are our mummy. Shey you don’t know that one’s husband is one’s first child?”
“Eh hen! Who proved that?”
“It does not nee-d proof.”
“Okay. Oya, see those white dishes, take it to the table.”
“Okay Ma’am.”
Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ
After they had eaten, Kore did the dishes and joined Itunu and Ayo in the sitting room. As he was about suiting, the door bell rang, he went to see who it was and let Deeman. He sat down and said,
“Good evening everyone.”
“Dee, how are you na?”
“I am fine ma. Sir, the package is here.”
“Eh hen, did you…?”
“At least, let him go and eat and rest na. Sebi, this is where you are going to sleep?”
“Yes.”
“Eh hen. Your food is in the Kitchen. Itunu help him take out his food then after eating, you people can discuss business.”
“We are sorry ma.” Kore said and they all smiled.
“Boss, this is the key.”
“Okay.”Kore said and he collected the key from Deeman who went to meet Itunu in the kitchen. Then Kore turned to Ayo and said,
“Babe.” She looked up at him and he tossed the key at her. She caught it, looked at it and shook her head like she didn’t un-derstand,
“It’s yours. Go, test run it outside.”
“Kore! I don’t nee-d a car.”
“Yes you do. I can’t have my woman hailing cab or bike down the road when I have enough cars. Come on, let’s go and check it out, consider it an early birthday pres£nt.”
“Okay.” Ayo agreed smiling and went outside to check the car only to see a black Mercedes, glistening in the sun. She turned back and swatted him across the che-st saying,
“OhMyGod! You are such a tricky fellow! So, this was the reason why you were teasing me about me driving your Benz that year.”
“I knew you liked that Benz and it used to get to your head when you drive it so why not get you your own in your own name?”
“Oh! I love you.” Ayo said and hvgged him then walked ra-pidly to the car to drive it around and have a feel of it.
“I love you too!” He replied grinning and stood back as her excitement lit up his heart. She opened the door and looked to her left only to see a black box. It meant only one thing. A ring. Was he asking her to marry him again or what? She picked up the box, opened it and was greeted by the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, this was a thousand times better than the previous ring. This must have costed a fortune she thought and she took it and turned to get down only for her to see Kore by the door. He went on one knee and said,
“I know I hurt you so much and I am grateful you’ve forgiven me. I do not take your love for granted and I am happy with you always. There is nothing more I can wish for right now than for you to agree to be my wife again. plea-se. Will you marry me?”
“Yes. Yes and Yes. I agree again to be your wife.” She said and he took the ring from the case on her l@p and slide it on the right f!nger before k!ss!ngit.
“I love you.”
“And I love you.” She said and they k!$$£d.
Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ
“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you baby (Mummy). Happy birthday to you!”
“Jesus. Are your vocal cords connected a trumpet or something?”
“Yes they are.”
“Happy birthday anniversary Mummy. Here is my personal gift.”
“Hmmm. Personal gift. Thank you my darling. Come here.” Ayo said and Itunu went closer to her so she could k!sshis cheeks.
“How would you like to spend your birthday?”
“I don’t know. I am not really freaked about it. I am glad to have you both here with me. That’s what counts.”
“Group selfie!” Itunu skrie-ked, holding her iPhone to take the picture. Ayo smiled but still managed to grumble about how Lara had influenced Itunu with her selfie spirit. Then they all started sharing gists and happy memories and then they took turns to pray before sleep finally captivated them.
***
Meant To Be
By Olunfulola Adeola
Episode 45
A call from Kore’s phone woke them all around past 9. He picked up the phone and answered the call.
“Yes?… Oh! That’s true…. I hope you have everything re-ady?… I will be there in 30…Okay.”
“Are you going out?”
“Yeah. I totally forgot I had a meeting.”
“But you said we were going to stay together today.”
“I am sorry . I have to leave.”
“Hmm.”
“I love you, okay? And happy birthday to you.”
“Okay.” She said and he k!$$£d herl-ips before leaving the be-d and the room altogether.
Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ
Around 11, the doorbell rang and she went to get it, it was Lara. She was carrying a shopping bag and then she hvgged Ayo,
“Happy birthday Girlfriend.”
“Thank you, ma. Why the excitement?”
“Well, you and I are going out.”
“Out? What about Itunu?”
“He is tagging along too.”
“ItunuOluwa!”
“Aunty Lara!”
“How are you my love?”
“I am fine. What about you?”
“Never been better
. I brou-ght something for you. Here, go change into it, we are going out.”
“Oh! Okay.” Itunu said and he collected the blue bag she held out to him and disappeared into his room.
“This your outing must make s-en-se o.” Ayo said smiling.
“It definitely is. We are treating you to a spa and then a salon and then a d@t£ with Mr hubby.”
“I see. I knew this mischief won’t be far from his name.”
“Wait. Just wait. Is that what I am seeing?” Lara asked, dropping the bag and closing in on Ayo to take her ringed f!nger as she shouted,
“Oh my God! This is so beautiful.”
Lara asked, “When did it happen?”
“Yesterday. He gave me a car and this was sitting in it.”
“I swear you are so lucky. This man loves you so much.”
“I know right.”
“Oh! So, you are the owner of that Mercedes outside?”
“Yes baby.”
“I am just happy things are finally right for you.”
“Thank you, Lara. It means a lot to me and I hope you find your happiness soon.”
“I definitely will. Oya, go and dress up. Before we go to the spa, you must first wash it for me.”
Ayo laughed. “See this woman o. Who told you I am boxed up?”
“That one no concern me. Sha, do fast make we go. You will change into this dress at the salon and makeover shop. For now, do you.” Lara said and Ayo went upstairs to dress up, gr-ab the Mercedes key and called Itunu out. He could use one hour just to get re-ady and he is just a boy.
Soon enough, they were on their way. They all had sunglas-ses on because of any media issue that might crop up and then Ayo st©pped the car at Domino’s, Lara’s favorite. Ayo bought three ice cream and took it to their booth which was at a shaded side of the restaurant then they liked and talked and made fun of the people pas-sing the road or around.
An hour later, Lara was giving directions while Ayo was driving to the spa. They spent an hour there too, their bodies thor0ûghly worked on before Lara drove them to the salon/makeover shop. They met some customers there but then after some minutes, Ayo was attended to. An hour and a half later, she was looking so beautiful. Lara gave her the bag to change her dress and foot wear which she did then she drove them to a hall. As they were getting down, Kore showed up from nowhere and was at Ayo’s car seat side,
“You cleaned up too.”
“I would do anything I can for you baby.”
“So, what’s all these about?”
“It’s your birthday. Whatever you see in there, enjoy it.” Kore said and k!$$£d herl-ips. Ayo stepped back a little and used a f!nger to dab hisl-ips,
“Gosh! You are going to get makeup all over your face.”
“I don’t care, so far, it’s your make up.”
“St©p jo.”
“Okay lovebirds, can the p@rty start alre-ady?” Lara asked, as she proceeded inside.
“p@rty?” Ayo asked as she and Kore laced f!ngersand went inside.
As soon as she walked in, a crowd of 20 plus stood up and started singing,
“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you Ayo. Happy birthday to you.”
Then someb©dy, Kore’s mum, Olori led as they joined her,
“May the good Lord bless you. May the good Lord bless you. May the good Lord bless you Ayo. May the good Lord bless you.”
Then the highlight of it all, Kore’s dad, Kabiesi led,
“We wish you many happy returns of the day. Long life and prosperity. h!p! h!p!! h!p!!!”
“Hurray!”
“h!p! h!p!! h!p!!!”
“Hurray.”
“Okay. Thank you for the birthday song. Now the celebr@nt must cut her cake. Mama, plea-se come and help us out here.”
Ayo was close to tears as she saw her grandmother step out towards the cake which was rolled down to, she and Kore’s front some seconds before.
“Hey! No crying, okay?” Kore said and she nodded. He gave her his handkerchief and then Mama was given the microphone and stood beside them as she talked,
“We are going to cut the cake for my granddaughter. So, her name is what we will use. Ayo. Are we re-ady?”
“Yes.” They chorus while Ayo held the knife on the cake and Kore covered her hand with his and then Itunu joined in,
“Let’s go. A! Y! O!” They chorused and she cut the cake then Kore took the microphone, his left hand holding it, his right hand around her w@!st.
“So, while we are all in the mood of celebr@tion, I would like to make a toast.” He paused as the servers quic-kly supplied everyone a glas-s and he had to hold his too.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone here today. It means so much to me. To her. To us. We are really grateful you made out time on a work day to come celebr@te with us. God bless you.”
“Amen.”
“Also, I would like to use this opportunity to officially announce our engagement (Ayo raised her left hand so they could see her ring and the crowd went oooh and aaah). You see, love is more than words. It is more than the feelings and r0m@nç£it comes with. Love is mainly about sacrifice. This woman has sacrificed so much for me. She has made me un-derstand what love truly is and she is the best thing that has ever happened to me and for this, I am eternally grateful to her and in front of you all today, I make a toast to my wife-to-be, the mother of my kids and the love of my life. Ayodunmomi.” He said, raising his glas-s and then the clinking began and he asked Ayo,
“Any words?”
She said, “I just want to say thank you so much to you all for ma-king it down here. You really surprised me. God bless you all.”
They applauded and then the meet and greet started. Ayo went to her grandmother first.
“Mama, how did you get here?”
“It’s Kore o. He called me and told me he wanted to throw a p@rty for you and he will be so glad if I can join the royal family to come. And what am I doing? I said yes kiakia.”
“I am so glad you are here.”
“And I am happy you are happy.”
“Let me say thank you to his parents, Mama. I will be with you soon.”
“Okay, it is very necessary. Go!” Mama said and she went to where Kabiesi and Olori were sitting and knelt down,
“Good evening sir, ma.”
Kabiesi answered, “My daughter. How are you?”
Ayo replied, “I am fine sir.”
Olori said, “When Adekorede told us he was throwing you a p@rty, I could not believe my ears, I had to come down here to be sure, he actually won you over again. Thank you for forgetting the last my dear.”
Ayo replied, “It is nothing ma.”
Kabiesi said, “She has to forget the past na or is it not our forefathers that said, ti a o ba gbagbe oro ana, a o ni ri eni ba sere. I know it was not easy for you but thank you for forgiving him. You make my son happy and he is a good boy. He will treat you right.”
Ayo appreciated, “Thank you Kabiesi.”
Kayode, Kore’s younger sister shouted, “Iyawo mi oooo.”
Olori scolded, “Adekayode!”
Kayode apologized and dragged Ayo away from her parents as she talked, “Oh! Sorry. When Kore told me, you had finally forgiven him, I was so ecstatic. I wanted to come sees you and I.T but he said no that he had some plans and till it worked, he didn’t want anyone near you.”
Ayo said, “Don’t mind him.”
She said, “I am glad you guys are back together. I missed you and that your efo elegusi.”
Kolade, Kore’s elder brother, said, “Foodie. For food only.”
Ayo greeted, “Good evening sir.”
Kolade asked, “Sweetheart, hope this girl is not boring you?”
“Hahan.” Kayode said and walked away.
“At all sir. How are you? I haven’t seen your wife.” Ayo said,
“Oh! She should be anywhere there is food, she is pregnant again so she can eat the whole house as it is.” Kolade said,
“Were you talking about me, Kolade?” Kolade’s wife appeared, asking,
He narrowed his eyes before asking, “You? Talking about you? Why would I? Come, let’s go over there so you can sit.” He led her towards a couple of cozy chairs arranged at the left side. Ayo looked to her right to see Kayode alre-ady moved to the serving table. Then she turned only to see Wale walking towards her with two glas-ses of wine. She looked round the room frantically for Kore and saw him at the far end talking to his friends. If he saw her with Wale or saw him here at all, there could be a problem.
“How did you get here?”
“Lara told me about the p@rty and I decided to come. Congratulations.” Wale said, handing her a glas-s.
She collected it, saying, “Umm, thank you.”
“I am sorry. I should have called or texted after that day. I never knew something happened to Itunu. I was too pissed to think right.”
“It’s fine. I should be apologizing. Knowing my heart is with someone and leading you on.”
“You are a good woman, Ayo. All I want for you is simply happiness. Are you happy?”
Ayo stared at the ring on her f!nger for a long minute before answering, “Yes.
. Yes. I am happy.”
“That’s all that matters. So, I can see this p@rty is for only VVIP, so, how many of the babes here is single? It’s been a while I had a woman to tease.”
Ayo laughed, “Something is wrong with your br@in.”
“I am serious jo. I can see your friend is taken.” He said and Ayo followed his gaze to where Lara was smiling at Deeman while he talked. She knew it! Lara was attra-cted to the guy.
“How about that one at the table over there? She fits my physique requirements for a woman. Tall and bold.”
Kore said appearing behind Ayo, “Don’t even think about going near my sister.”
Wale said drily nodding, “Kore.”
Kore said, “Wale. Can I have my lady plea-se?”
“With all plea-sure.” Wale said lifting his glas-s up a little before retreating.
Kore held Ayo for some minutes in silence before she asked,
“Are you mad?”
“No.”
“I might have been eavesdropping on your conversation. I am glad you are happy. With me.”
“I am glad you make me happy.”
“Can we go home alre-ady? I want to ravish you till sunrise.”
“Like you can. When you are not a machine.”
“Okay, there will be breaks in between but I want to make sure you are not able to walk properly tomorrow.”
“I dare you.”
“Shall we then, Miss Bankole.”
“After you Mr. Adetiloye.”
***
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