The Village Gardner

Episode 43

I continue my journey back to were i came from from.my home land.were i grew up and started my life.

I searched for my phone.but it wasn’t inside the bag.i didn’t bothered about it.but i later realise that i didn’t have Isabella’s number off skul.i was very sad withing me.i later consoled myself and continue my journey.

I got to the park.and waited for a while luckly for me.i got a taxi that was heading to my side.i got in and waited for other passengers to come in.some minutes later.we zoomed off.as usuall.the journey lasted for some hours and finally.i landed in my village.i paid the taxi driver and left.i got to the village park.and with the small money left with me.i bought some items.provisions and bread for my G.mama…i no won carry last..everything cost 3k.i paid for the things and left.atleast i still have about 5k with me.(i said to myself).i stroll and got a bike at the village park..VILLAGE HERE I COME AGAIN.from grace to grass.which kind life be this self.

The bike man got to my compound as directed by me.i paid him and he left.i took my back and went inside our compound.chinaza was the first to see me.she rushed and greeted me before taking my bag.

Where is mama?i asked her.

CHINAZA: uncle she is in the kitchen cooking.

ME: alright.go and drope my bag inside my room. let me go and see her.

CHINAZA: okay uncle.

she left while i went to the kitchen side to see my mama.i got there and saw her.murmering some local traditional song.

Mama.i called out.

G.MAMA: onye bu ifa(who is that)

ME: mama is me tobechukwu.

Immediately she heard my name.she left what she was cooking and rushed out from the kitchen.she saw me and hugged me.

G.MAMA: tobem.is this you?.(she asked in a suprised tone).

ME: aaah mama is me o.how are you doing and your health?.

G.MAMA: my son.i’m not fine o.since last week .i have been calling your phone.but they said switched off.i became afraid whether something bad have happened to you o.thank God that you are fine o.

ME: eayaa mama.i lost my phone since last week.so that was why it was off.

G.MAMA: okay.so how is your oga.hope he is fine.

ME: eerm mama.i’m hungry.what are you cooking?( she should not ask me about that man again)

G.MAMA: i’m cooking ugu soup.just go inside and remove your clothe.i will serve you your food.you hear?

ME: okay mama.i bought some provision for u too.

G.MAMA: thank you my son.may God bless you my son.

ME: amen o.

I left to my room i removed my clothe and went to the bathroom to freshen up.i came back and my food was ready.i ate the food like an angry lion that havn’t eaten for some days.my G.mama was watching me like a movie.but i no send her.if she knew what i went through eeeh.she will bring the whole pot of soup for me to eat…i finished the first plate of eba and i requested for an extra one.she brought another eba for me. i ate to my satisfaction before i finally gave up.after i was through with the food.my mama finally said.

G.MAMA: what happen?.

ME: (suprised)at were?

G.MAMA: you were eaten as if you havn’t eaten for days.and you look so ill.

ME: aaah!mama.nothing happened.i was just very hungry that is all.

G.MAMA: my son.i know when you are fine and when you are not.since you came back from the city.i have been observing you.and something is telling me that all is not well.tobem what happen?biko don’t lie to me.

This woman self.wetin be her own na.what am i going to tell her now.should i tell her the truth?even though i lie to her.she will later know the truth.so no need to lie to her.

ME: clear throatmama.all is not well as you predicted.

G.MAMA: i said it.so what happen?talk to me my son.

I narrated to her everything that happened.including that of the pregnancy.and my experience in prison. and how chief simon depoted me back to the village..after i was through.my grand mother burst into a loud cry..i tried my best and consoled her.before she finally calm down.she said.

G.MAMA: so my son.that was what you went through.

ME: yes o mama.

G.MAMA: you see what i was telling you.i have begged you to find a girl in this village and marry.but you refused.instead you went and impregnant your oga daughter.now look at your life.where will you start from now.eeeh.tell me.

ME: mama.is not my fault.we love each other but everything happened for a reason.if fate want us to marry in future.fine.if no.fine too.
We concluded our discusion for the day.thank God that she understood me.

THREE DAYS LATER.i was in my room.when chinaza walked in.and said.

CHINAZA: uncle tobe.someone is looking for you.

ME: who is that?.

CHINAZA: one fine anty.came with her bag.she said she is looking for tobechukwu.

ME:suprised how is she?.

CHINAZA: she fine well well.and she is fair too.

ME: okay.tell her that i’m coming:
immediately she left.i started asking questions upon questions to no one in particular.WHO MUST BE THAT.

WHAT DO THE PERSON WANT.

DO I KNOW HER?.hope is not what i ‘m thinking o.