IN THE SHADOW OF LOVERS

IN THE SHADOW OF LOVERS

Whoever said "Someones wife is a no go zone",called his ally who went ahead and asked "Hapa ni wapi?" Thanks to Sauti sol,there is no other way to introduce this.

Fast forward, I'm from town.I find the the doors of our humble abode open.Cold chills run through my veins.No one is safe in this side of the city.My roommate,Ochi,had left for the city of Champions (Eldoret) and was supposed to stay there for a week.He said he had met this pretty damsel whom he saw a future with.This was the 5th girl Ochi was seeing a future with.Words are left, people are villagers.

It was a surprise when I found Ochi seated on the only plastic chair in our mansion.From the look of things,he was disturbed.

"Ni nini buana?That was fast!" I asked as I dropped my paraphernalia.

It happened that after meeting this damsel in town,Ochi went ahead and asked for her contacts.He even offered to foot the bills.What a gentleman!

Days came and went.His launched missile attacks and he is called for a match,an away match in Eldoret.A house he doesn't pay rent folks.But we are not here to judge on behalf of God,are we?

He insists that he has to go and even offers to do shopping and buy drinks for the night.Life is for planners.

They communicate regularly.Sometimes there are kids on the background,but who is Ochi?He is not bothered because any weapon formed against him must not be allowed to prosper.

Pause.At this time,Ochi is in tears.Ooh boy.You  can do anything through Christ who strengthens you but don't make a man, especially my homie,cry.Comforting a dude is an extreme sport,but a man can try.If I die,I die."We must plan a proper comeback my guy.Trust me"I assure Ochi.He is not speaking.

 I take his phone and decide to confront the girl coz 'hudazthat?'.How khuju?Who raised her?Does she know Ochi's father?

I call her.She picks.She is calm guys.The devil comes in many forms,this one was polite.Just what you would like in your girlfriend.

Her side of the story:Lets call her 'Our friend'

Our friend calls Ochi and asks him to come on Friday evening.Boychild is happy "Wacha ntapitia Quickmatt nishughulikie supper,drinks na fruits za kublend.Ama unataka yourghut?" Ochi asks.

She says anything will do.Don't joke with Ochi when it comes to small small romantic gestures.

Fast foward, Friday is here.Boy child is anxious.He keeps calling the whole day just to be sure."Nilikuwa tu nakusalimia mamaa."As a man,you must make sure she doesn't change her mind.Away matches can be risky.

7:30 pap!Boychild asks for directions.His words "Nakuja Na wasili mamaa.Siezi manage kubeba hizi zote."

He arrives safe and sound.Our friend opens the gate for Ochi.She is with her house manager who collects the shopping.This must be a rich Neighborhood.Remember boychild amebeba hadi dania.The gate is locked,so is the door behind him.

"She must be really prepared."A voice in Ochi's mind tells him.He finds a spot next to the TV after being told to feel at home.Ochi is admiring the house.This damsel is hardworking.Ochi is winning a jackpot here.

The kids are busy watching Nickelodeon.Ochi calls the eldest,he is probably 6 years."baba Shika sweets."

Its now 9pm.Boychild asks if he can shower but he is told to take supper first.Time for news."Baba weka news tuone".The kids obey the guest and do exactly that.Nanny serves food.Its ugali and fish.The guest smiles and asks "Ulijuaje napenda samaki?"

Kids are moved to their table.Our friend goes to prepare the kids to eat before she prepares to surprise Ochi.

Boom!Boom!The guest has just started peeling flesh from his fish,the nanny asks if he'd like to have some "pilipili". Whatever he wants,he gets.

Before Ochi uses his firifiri,our friend tells her son "Ebu ita Daddy akuje akule."The young lad runs to the bedroom and shouts "Daddy kuja ukule,leo tunakula fish"

Daddy walks to the living room with his white short and navy blue t-shirt courtesy of ALL-PRINTS 254(shop with us-0799120230).

The guest is shocked and coughs badly because of the chilli effect and the person infront of him who stretches his hand to say hi.

"Two bulls can co-exist in one shade.Dont listen to elders"Ochi tells himself.

Our friend is busy pulling a table for daddy to eat.She turns to Ochi and says" Bado chakula iko kwa wingi" Ochi tells her"Niko sawa".Luckily,he had eaten and is half full at this time.

Ochi pushes the plates away and sits with his dirty hands because he can't afford to ask for water to clean his hands,leave alone a glass for drinking to fight the taste of chilli in his mouth.Poor son of Adonijah.

Its time to sleep.The kids are sent to sleep by their nanny.Three adults remain in the room.Tension before introduction."Daddy huyu anaitwa Ochi.He is a good friend of mine.We met in Nairobi ,so amekuwa akitaka kutusalimia na ata alitaka kulala nikaona nimlete.What are friends for?So ndio amefika?"Daddy says" Ooh,Karibu sana Rafiki" And to Ochi she says "Huyu anaitwa baba Robbi.He is my husband and I'm sure he is glad to have you here."

Our friend asks daddy to take Ochi to his bedroom as she switches off the screens in the living room.Ochi hasn't washed his hands He follows daddy who shows him everything and offers him pyjamas.What a kind host.Ochi realises he left his phone on the couch and he can't go get them.Its him against the pillows.He catches no sleep.Count-down to dawn.Ochi can't stop cursing.

Morning is here.Nanny prepares breakfast.Everyone is leaving for work.Ochi is lucky to wash his hands.

Daddy asks if Ochi can still stay." Hapana.Nataka kuenda Resop kuona mahindi."He is told,"Ukipata nafasi ukuje ututembelee tena."

Daddy offers to drop Ochi in town and gives him 500bob for fare to Resop.Ochi refuses.Daddy says "Goodbye and say hi to people in Resop."

Ochi can breath at last.He gathers courage and calls our friend "Madam mbona ukanitendea hivo?" He gets "Ulitaka kulala Kwangu,si ulilala poa ama?"

The nerve!The cheek!The audacity! The gumption!

I had to find a Therapist for Ochi.If you don't learn from this cabrons,then you were not meant for learning!

@AnotherKenyan