On Sunday morning, Ara  sat with her mom and dad in the church while on the other side of the sanctuary, a small crowd gathered around Samuel her  music director who had just returned from a two-week leave from work and had traveled out of Lagos to visit his parents.

Through out service that morning, she found that whenever she raised her head towards the choir, she caught Samuel staring at her.

After the service, Ara went forward to say hello to him.

'Ibadan must be really great, I'm sure you have added at least 10 pounds.' Ara said as she sat beside on a chair opposite him.

'Ara has started o, 10 pounds ke. Although I won't be surprised if I did, my mom literally 'killed' me with meals.' Samuel said smiling as he remembered the delicious meals his mother fed him with.

'I'm sure you have at least two coolers at home courtesy of your mom.'

Samuel clapped for her 'Your 'network' is definitely high this morning, she gave me two coolers of soup and even made me promise her that I will always eat home made dinners and not some meals in the restaurant.'

Ara couldn't help but ask. 'And how long will you keep your promise?

'We have a deal for one month' Samuel said as he caught Ara staring at her wrist watch.

'I think that means time up right? Samuel asked.

'Yea, I told my  parents I will be gone for fifteen minutes, and if I don't keep to my words, I wouldn't want to trek home' Ara said as she got up from the chair.

'Thanks for coming to say Hi to me, I really appreciate it'. Samuel said as he got up to.

'And this is what I bought for you' Samuel said as he brought a wrapped gift out of his bag.

'I appreciate this. Thank you' Ara said as they were approaching her parent's car.

After lunch, Ara unwrapped the gift Samuel had bought for her. Ara was surprised to see a gold wist watch and kulikuli.

She decided to call Samuel

'Hiya' Samuel said as he picked on the first ring.

'Hi yourself to. I just saw the gift now, thank you.'

'It's my pleasure. It's time to upgrade your garri deal' He said in a bid to taunt her as he knew  her displeasure for drinking garri.

'Na you sabi, anyways, thank you Sir'

'You are welcome ma' Samuel was able to say before Ara ended the call.

Ara couldn't help but smile as she remembered the first time she had met with Samuel in her church. She had just returned from her obligatory one-year service in Kano and had been a little skeptical about how she would fit into church again after having gone for a year.

That Sunday morning after her family had done thanksgiving for a successful service year, amidst her friends who had come to great her, a man had accompanied them whom she later learned had joined her church while she was away and is now  the music director and bears the name Samuel.

They had exchanged numbers the second time they met in church, and he had been a strong pillar when three months after service she was still unemployeds unemployeds. And little wonder when her appointment letter came, next to her parents, siblings and Bimpe her best friend, he had been the one she called.

It's been three years since then and they been stable friends.

Next episode comes up on Saturday.

'Sesi, the main reason I came here is concerning the lady I told you about' Mofe said

Immediately Sesi switched from his playful mood and gets all serious

'And what about it? Sesi questioned

'We have been steady friends for a while now, and I can say I want to pursue something  more stable with her'

'Hmmmmmm...  Let me give you my own two cent.  Pray to God about it, move a little closer to the lady to see if you share the same faith and if your values align too. Also make sure your heart is opened to God to let him lead you. If there is anything I am confident about, it is that God is not an author of confusion' Sesi counselled his friend.

'You know, this thing is so funny, before it gets to your turn, you give out counsel but when you are involved, all you know suddenly disappears' Mofe voiced out.

'That's true, it sure happens to the best of us too. If indeed God is the one leading you to her, the path will keep getting brighter and brighter, I really don't believe in any friendship or relationship where there is no peace of mind' Sesi said

'Thanks friend, you just helped a brother, I will put all you have said in mind Mr married man' Mofe wink at his friend.

After talking for some minutes.

'I sincerely have to get going, I still have other places to go' Mofe said getting up

'Thanks for insisting that you will not eat in my house, don't even dare persuade me to do otherwise in your house when I come visiting' Sesi said as he escorted Mofe to his car.

'I

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

Ara sat on her bed after dinner that night thinking over the events of the week when her phone suddenly vibrated

'Hello Ara' The caller said

'Hiya Mofe'

'How have you been?.

'Fine Fine, and you?

'I'm doing much better than you' Mofe said laughing

'Make sure you don't bet on that' Ara replied back

'Okay o. I want to invite you to a restaurant I just found out. It's called Ibile, and knowing your love for Amala, you might want to consider it' Mofe said

'Hmmmmmm... If it is about my love for Amala, I can always take myself out to eat'.

'Okay, let me confess, it's been a while since I saw your face, the Amala deal is just a side attraction' Mofe said owning up

Ara laughed 'And now that you are sincere, where and when? Ara asked

'Friday after the close of work, I will pick you up from work' Mofe said

'Alright then no problem' Ara replied.

Few minutes to Six on Friday, Ara almost beat herself when Mofe called that he was within the premises of her company and she still had a lot of files to work on.

'I still have some more files to work on, can you give me thirty minutes? Ara asked although wishing she didn't have to ask.

'No problem, I know it's beyond you. Do take your time' Mofe said

Twenty  minutes later, Ara quickly went to the restroom to relieve and refresh herself before finally leaving the office.

'Oh! I'm so sorry I'm late' Ara apologized as she was about to use her seat belt.

'There is no problem, and I was not expecting anything less from someone who works in an organization like yours' Mofe said as he drove out of the car out of the compound.

About thirty minutes later, they were already sitted in the restaurant with Ara andvMofe  sorting themself out with a plate of Amala.

'Mofe couldn't take his eyes off Ara wondering how a plate of Amala could make a lady look this happy, or is it different from what I am eating'  Mofe thought.

As though Ara could read his mind Ara looked up and said with a grateful look 'Lord, thank you for the gift of Amala'

Mofe burst out laughing

'This your love for Amala ehn, I hope they don't kidnap you with a wrap of Amala.

'How did your parent come about your name? Mofe asked initiating a conversation.

'Wow,  what you are asking is actually an information I just got to know about  three years back' Ara said as she dried her hand on the napkin.

'Let me take you down memory lane, my parents from the early years of their marriage decided to give birth to only three children, and within the first five years they had given birth to Oluwanifemi and Oluwadarasimi who are both married but couldn't seem to have their last born.'

Ara stopped and drank some water

'After ten years of waiting, my mom realized she was feeling dizzy and went for check up at the hospital where she works as the matron only for her to discover she was eight weeks pregnant.

The news was received with mixed feelings, the family was happy because a new child was on the way, and sad because  of the complications that might be involved because she was around  fourty years then'

'According to what I was told, the pregnancy was hitch free, but the delivery day was ....' Ara couldn't get the right words to describe it.

'On that fateful day, my dad  came back from work unusually early and my siblings were spending the weekend with our maternal grandmother, they were eating a nice meal of pounded yam which my mother had pounded when she came back from work, they were almost through with the meal when my mother noticed some movement in her stomach. My father quickly went out to inform the neighbor who had a car because they didn't have a car by then' Ara stopped when a fat woman entered, she couldn't take her eyes off the woman until she ordered her meal and sat down.

She continued 'when they got to the hospital where she works, she was quickly rushed into the labour room to be attended to, but after five hours, they had no choice but to transfer her to another hospital where they were told that she would have to go under the knife'.

'Immediately they were told, my father started crying, and mind you, CS is not what it is now, asides the huge sum of  money involved, it was not guaranteed that both mother and child will survive. My dad agreed to sign the papers with tears running down his eyes, after then he was given a list of what to go and buy, but as God would have it before he came back, I had decided to come out'.

'It was not a surprise when on the day I was to be named, 'Oluwashindara' was called as one of my names which means 'God still does wonders. That is the end of my story' Ara said smiling.

'It's indeed a story' Mofe replied

They talked some more before they decided to call it a day. Mofe took her to a place where she could easily get a cab to her house. She called back as she was about entering her apartment that she got home well and also appreciates him for the wonderful meal.

Next episode comes up next week Thursday...

Ara woke up feeling refreshed, she looked at her surroundings wondering where she is, and all of a sudden she remembered all yesterday's event that she is in her sister's house.

 She woke up late due to the fact that she couldn't drop the book she was reading until she was through. She  did her devotion in her room because she was sure her sister's family would have done theirs.

She decided to have her bath before going downstairs, after about 20 minutes she took her phone in hand and opened the door of her room, while on the staircase, she remembered that Mofe said he was going to chat her up, she switched on her data but there was no message from him.

 'Ara, is this the time you still wake up at home? Dara questioned her sister.

'Of course not, I slept very late and you know I need to rest after yesterday's journey. Anyways, Sis I am hungry, what did you cook' Ara said as she sat down on a two-seater's chair.

'Cook? We are waiting for aunty Ara to wake up and cook for us' Dara sDara said with all seriousness.

'I know you are only joking' Ara said getting up from the chair and going into the kitchen herself.

Ara soon came out with a tray containing a plate of moimoi and a cup of garri alongside a bottle of water.

'I knew you were only teasing me. Sis, this food is delicious o, I don't have to wonder why uncle dayo is getting fat'.

'I will tell him you said that'

'Where is everyone? Ara asked noticing the silence in the house.

'Today is the day the children are supposed to have a date with their dad. He does not want anyone luring them with the things he couldn't give them in the future, so he is giving them all the love and attention now. He comes back home late most nights, so that's his way of making up.

'At least two Saturdays a month, they go out for their date, and I really love that arrangement because it gives me enough time to arrange the house and also relax.

'I love that o' Ara said as she continued with her food.

Oluwasindara' Dara called her sister

'Wow, it's been a while anyone called my name  in full. Ma'

'How about marriage, aren't you planing on settling down? Dara asked with concern all over her face.

'I want to Sis, it's just that from those who have come, I didn't see light in their path'

'Are you praying at all' Dara wanted to know

'Yes I am, there are times when I get worried too, but I have decided not to get on the fast track, so that I would not outrun God' Ara responded before drinking the water on the tray

'Do take your time dear, don't let anyone rush you into it, I would not tell you to forget the fact that people seems to be tying the knots every weekend, but what I will tell you is, don't get desperate and don't let anyone pressurize you. It's for life o, and although mum means well, don't let her rush you into it, remember she won't go there with you' Dara advised her sister.

'Mo ti gbo, I will put all you have said in mind' Ara said as she got up with her plates in hand to the kitchen.


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

Mofe got down from  his car on his way to visit his friend Sesi and decoded to buy something for his wife. His friend got married early in the year and were already expecting their first child. On his way out of the mall,  Mofe decided to call his friend that he would soon be at his place.

Sesi picked his call on the second ring.

'Hello Mr man, I will soon be at your place, please inform your gateman'

'Okay, I will do that, and don't forget to bring what you will eat' Sesi said jokingly.

'Don't worry about that, if you don't have food in your house, there are restaurants around, and I remember there is one called 'Ibile' where all kinds of traditional food are sold. I even trust your wife, she wouldn't allow her husband's bestman starve in her house' Mofe said as he dropped the gifts on the passengers seat.

Sesi laughed hard where he was 'Okay uncle bestman, drive carefully'

'Like you care' Mofe wouldn't let his friend have the final word.

30 minutes after the call, Mofe drove into Sesi's compound as the gateman saluted him. As he was about knocking on his friend's door, Sesi opens the door, they exchange peasantries and get into the flat.

'Mr husband, how are you doing? Mofe asked his friend as they shook hands with each other.

'I'm doing fine o' Sesi said smiling

'I don't need to be told, it's obvious from your appearance and smile'

Just then Stella, Sesi's wife who was about five months pregnant came out of the bedroom, she greeted Mofe warmly and was about going out when Mofe quickly went to his car to bring the gift he bought for her.

'This is not fair, where is mine? Sesi said

'No gift for you sir' was Mofe's response

Stella soon left the two men alone as she left the house. After her depature, Mofe got into the business of what he had come to tell his friend...


Next episode comes up on Saturday.

It was time for lunch, Ara decided to go out to shop for some gift items for her sister's children Sumbo and Daniel within the half hour break.

As she was trekking to the closest market to her office, she suddenly saw a car park beside her, on a closer look, she recognize him as the man who had been to her office  some weeks back.

'Good afternoon Sir' Ara greeted the man as he came out of his car.

'Good afternoon ma, I hope you remember my face' Mofe said as they shook hands.

'Yes' Ara replied smiling, her good mood must be robbing off on the man as he smiled back.

'I am going towards (he mentioned the route), are you heading in that direction too? Mofe asked

'I am going to the market on that road'

'Okay, please get in, let me give you a ride' Mofe said opening the door for her.

'I appreciate the gesture, but I wouldn't want to bother you, thanks but no thanks'

'Oh please, it wouldn't be a bother. I insist'.

'Okay, thank you' Ara said as she steeped into the car.

Minutes later, they were sitted already talking about her work and how stressful and demanding it is.

'My name is Mofe, what's yours? The man looked at her.

'I am Ara'

'And why are you going to the market this afternoon' Mofe asked because he couldn't place why a person who works in that organization would be looking for in the market under the sun.

'I am visiting my elder sister's family I need to get some things for her children' Ara said as she pointed at the junction where she would alight.

She appreciated Mofe for the ride as she was stepping out.

'Oh! I won't forgive myself if I make this mistake, can I have your number? Mofe asked smiling.

Ara looked at him and felt there was no harm giving him her digits.

'0 8 0 2 . . .' She dictated to him.

Ara soon got busy going from one shop to the other looking for the perfect gift. She settled for a Black shoe for Dayo her sister's husband, a  blue gown for her sister, and a wristwatch each for her sister's children.

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

Mofe got back to his office, and got busy with the different files the secretary has placed on his desk. After working for some hours, he thought about calling the lady whose contact he had collected during the day but soon thought against it since the lady may be busy at work. He made a mental note to call her later in the night.

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

'Ara, this is so delicious, you have seriously improved on your culinary skills o' Dara said to her sister after dinner.

'She sure deserves a round of applause for that wonderful meal' Dayo said supporting his wife

'Both of you should keep teasing me' Ara answered them as she was coming out of the kitchen.

'Bo omo eni ba da ka wi' Dara said in her mother's tongue loosely translated as if one's child is good, then let's speak out.

She sat down with them and soon they started talking. They had talked for about twenty-five minutes when Dara suddenly realized that her children were not in the sitting room.

'Where are the children, it seems they just disappeared immediately
after dinner' Ara said to no one in particular.

'I was just thinking about that. They should be in their room playing' Dara replied.

'Playing.... Then my phone may be  what is being played with' Ara said as she got up from the chair

'I'm coming, let me quickly collect my phone from them. I might have missed some calls'.

On getting to the children's room, Ara discovered that she had missed three calls from a number that was not on her phone. Her only guess was the man she had given her number.

'Sumbo, why didn't you bring my phone when it was ringing?"She asked the little girl with a frown on her face.

       "We are sorry aunty,its just that the game is so interesting" sumbo had an innocent look on her face.

        Ara couldn't stay angry for too long,she had to smile to assure the children that all is okay.she sent a message to the number that she was now in custody  of her phone.she went back downstairs to inform her sister and her husband that she wanted to retreat for the night.

       "Okay,come let's pray before you go to your room". Dara said.

         Then she called out to her children to come down for prayers. After the night prayers, Ara said goodnight to her family and went to her room.

      When she was through with unpacking her luggage ,she went to the bathroom to refresh herself, she came out and checked her phone but didn't miss any call except a text from her music director whom she had informed about her travelling .he wanted to know  about her journey and total welling, she sent a text thanking him for his concern and also asked about his wellbeing.

    She knelt beside her bed and said her prayer ,thank God for his mercies. When she was through ,she picked her phone again but there was no calls.She picked a book she had been reading for the past five days written by Serita Ann Jakes:The Princess within and soon got busy devouring the pages.

She had read about three pages of the book when her phone rang, she checked the caller ID and saw that it was an unregistered number.

  "Hello,good evening, Ara on the line, who is this?

   'Hmmmm,this is the person you give your number to earlier today,"

    "Oh,I remember, this is the man who collected my number but hasn't told me anything about him' Ara said smiling.
 
"Oh! That's true......hmmm,this is Eyimofe Oluwole ,the only child of Mr&mrs Oluwole,I work for EGOC,I attend Royal chapel and by his Grace,I head the youth ministry there ,I have a first degree in Economics,and I have done some other courses too,I am dark in complexion,I have 32 sparkling White teeth with an open tooth,....is the introduction okay or should I continue?Mofe asked with all seriousness.

    " Not at all,I feel like I know all about you in less than two minutes, I guess that introduction will do for now",Ara said in between laughter.

   "So glad I could make you laugh... How you doing?'

  "I am doing good, like I told you earlier in the day, I'm presently at my sister's place to spend the weekend with her family'.

"And where is that?  Mofe asked

 She told him the location

"I think I have been there once,a friend of mine lives not too far from there" Mofe said.

   "I called to hear your voice and to be sure you arrived at your sister's place safely".

    "That is so thoughtful of you. I appreciate that" Ara said as she turned over on the bed.
   'I have to go'

    "Do have a lovely night rest miss Ara'"

  "And do the same Mr Mofe".
 
As Mofe was about ending the call,he remembered something
   " miss Ara,are you still there "
    "Yes I'm here"
     "Permission to chat you up
      " Granted sir
       "Thanks and good night " Mofe said and ended the call.

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

Mofe couldn't help smiling when he ended the call with Ara, she  was indeed a lovely lady, he wouldn't mind being friends with some one like her, he only hoped that he would still be able to keep  his past in the past while he moves ahead with his life.

He kept rolling on the bed as sleep eluded him, he picked up his wweak body to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee for himself, thinking that would help him relax.

At about 3:30am, he woke up from his sleep sweating and panting like one who had been involved in a marathon race, what happened 7 years back looked so real. How could he even think of pursuing a relationship with any lady while Elizabeth is where she is because of his self-centeredness.

He was so disturbed that he had no choice than to pull himself up from the bed and went into the sitting room knowing fully well that he wouldn't be able to get any sleep till the dawn of the day.

He wish there was someone he could explain himself to, he couldn't probably tell his pastor,and he couldn't explain himself to his friend Sesi, he hope he will be able to go out to church in the evening to do his duties as a helping hand in the organizing band; a band which organizes the church in preparation for sunday service.

He is not felling hungry, and the only thing he can do is to tell God about his
Problem the one who knows all about him and has forgiven him, the one who had been his only succor ever since that unforgettable night.

He bent his knees to pray and he knew deep down in his heart that it will be a long time before he stood up from there.

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

The next episode comes up next week Thursday.

'Ara, you have to calm down, the man we are talking about is your boss and you need God's wisdom in handling this issue. I wish I was there in Nigeria with you, but we both know I still have four months to stay in this place' Bimpe said to calm her friend.

'Girlfriend, I really wish you were here too, I will take things easy like you advised' Ara said and yawned.

'Oh! I was supposed to ask you how the training went today, and here I am boring you with my issues'. Ara said with smile in her voice.

'You know you couldn't bore me even if you tried, anyways, training was good and I am seriously enjoying myself' Bimpe said laughing.

'Alright, sister America, but keep in mind that we are missing you here o' Ara said as she got water from the water dispenser in her office.

They talked for about 10 minutes before ending the call.

Ara sat back in her office thinking back on how she had met Bimpe, they had both been fresh students in the university when their path had crossed in the school cafeteria when their path had crossed, they had clicked almost immediately and they have remained best of friends even after their university degree.


Although Ara had thought that Bimpe engagement to Kunle would have made their friendship go into oblivion, but her fears were calmed when after one year of Bimpe's engagement, they were still best of friends.

A knock on the door brought her out of her thought

'Yes, come in' Ara said as she tidied her desk.

'Good afternoon ma, I was directed to come to you by one of the attendants. I came here to buy some items last week and I used the POS, only for me to receive a debit alert that was more than what I purchased. I went to my bank and I was told to come here' The man said in one breath.

'Oh! We apologize sir' Ara said as she got busy with the laptop on her desk, she checked for the goods he bought from the store and how much was deducted.

After punching on more keys, she was able to reverse the transaction.

'I just rectified the problem now, you will get an alert soon. We sincerely apologize for any inconvince ' Ara said smiling

'Thank you ma, I really appreciate this. To be factual, I was not expecting it to be this fast, once again, thank you ma' The man said as he stood up from the chair.

'It's my pleasure sir, and once again, we apologize for any inconvince' Ara said as they shook hands.

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

'Ara, are you still going to Dara's place for the weekend' Mrs Adepoju asked her daughter as she packed the plates used for dinner to the kitchen.

'Yes mum, I told you earlier this week that I will be going, the deal still stands' Ara replied as she came out of the kitchen.

'I was only asking so that I would know how to plan my weekend' Her mom replied.

'Just tell me you are missing me already' She wrapped her hands around her mother.

Mrs Adepoju shook her head 'not at all, I'm only happy I will have my husband to myself' Her mom replied smiling as she looked at her husband with the corner of her eyes.

'I know daddy will miss me' Ara said leaving her mother's side to join her father who was sitting on the opposite chair.

'Of course I will miss you my precious daughter, ensure you take good care of yourself for us' Ara lied on her father's leg smiling but not before giving  her mom a look that says 'at least someone will miss me.

The next day at work, Ara was full of smiles as she interacted with other members of the staff.

She couldn't believe she was this excited about going to her sister's house, a lady with whom she was always at logger heads with because to Ara, her sister didn't want her to enjoy life and have fun.

One event stands out among other events, she had just gained admission into the university then and her elder brother Nifemi was about getting married.

Their parents had gone out leaving her and her sister who arrived early from work that day. Ara had started throwing tantrums when she came back home without meeting food.

Her sister had tried pacifying her, and at some point, her sister lost her temper, locked her in the room they both shared and had given her the beating of her life.

 The memory of that day alone was enough to silence any other spirit she had. Looking back, she was grateful for all her sister had done.

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

Next episode comes up on Saturday