Chapter Thirty Five
JOURNEY TO HELL 7
At the Federal Capital Territory.
Despite all arrangements to send him outside the country for surgery or invite a team of Surgeons over. Mazi Iluno Okonkwo finally gave up on the fourth day. Though the damage on his nerves were much, he might have survived if his body constitution was healthy. Before he came over, he was already unwell. Alcohol and lack of proper feeding had caused a lot of damage to his system. His body could not contain such attack. Besides, his age too was another factor. According to medical prediction. Spiritually speaking, the medical predictions may be wrong.
Ken bent his head over, not sure of how he felt.
Was the death of Mazi really painful to him, or was he worried that it all took place in his house? Could he have avoided it by acting that faithful day and send him away.
Sending him away would have just given him a bad name because he hurt his father-in-law, but it would have saved the situation? It would have saved him a lot of trouble, too. Besides, what does he gain if he has a good name before him?
(Hiss)
"Your food is ready."
His wife interrupted his thoughts. Nobody seems to be mourning except him or rather regretting.
Mama had been calm since the doctor pronounced him dead. She wished it had never happened through her. Her life had been a life of hardship.
Ken was still sitting there when Mama called his attention.
"Your food will get cold. Eat so you will not break down. It is our cross, allow us to carry it. I will go to the village tomorrow to inform Mazi Onubuogu Okonkwo. He will know what to do."
"God knows that we have tried our best to save his life by attempting to send him abroad for treatment. What will be must be."
Dora chipped in.
"That will be all right, I think he is in the right position to organize a befitting burial for his brother"
Said Ken who was already walking to the dining table.
"What do you mean by a befitting burial? You will tell us his befitting achievements in this world that would earn him a befitting burial. Show us his property in Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt or even in the village that we would sell to give him a befitting burial. Don't allow Ada and Uju to hear that from you."
Dora blurted in anger.
Ken and Mama laughed despite their sad state of mind.
"Do you know whether he has property in Victoria Garden City, Lagos?"
Ken teased.
"Yes, oh! Even in Maitama."
Mama added.
They all laughed. The atmosphere in the house was beginning to change. The moodiness Mazi's death had brought was easing away.
"I do not think he is worth more than that bag he came with. I'm sure everything he had in this world was in that bag"
Dora pointed out.
"Ehen! That reminds me. Dora, get that bag, let us see what could be inside."
Mama instructed.
"Not now, please. Let my husband eat. What will be inside if not rags? The type he wore when he came. I will do that later, please."
Ken had his meal and subsequently, they retired to their various rooms to rest that afternoon, forgetting the issue of Mazi's bag. Mama remained in the children's room even though the guest room had been cleared. Ada and Uju have all returned to their husbands' homes. After the news of papa's death, their husbands called Mama to assure her that they were solidly behind her. Whether Mazi's family members wish to make trouble, they were capable of handling them.
"Mother in-law, don't be too hard on yourself. If he was meant to live, he would have held on until the surgeons arrive."
"Thank you, my son."
"You are welcome, Mama."
"If I may ask, when are you going to the village?"
"I planned traveling tomorrow."
"Who are you traveling with? Don't tell me you planned to face them in the village alone."
"Mhhhh"
She heaved a heavy sigh. She had not given it a thought. She thought it was as easy as a walk in the park.
"It's when a mad man dies that he will have relations. Don't worry. We will meet at the Enugu airport tomorrow, so we can travel to the village afterwards. I will give Ken a call now and instruct him on what to do."
That was Ada's husband Mr. Chuka Ezeife, the Head of Mazi Iluno Okonkwo in-laws. He should be the person to be in charge of the burial by organizing all the in-laws.
Their rest was interrupted by Jeff's knock on the door.
"What is the problem, Jeff?"
Ken Israel asked.
"Uncle Onubuogu Okonkwo is at the door."
Announced Jeff.
"At the door? Why didn't you let him in?"
Asked the father from the bedroom as he was already dressing up to join him.
Mazi Onubuogu Okonkwo's visit was the best thing that happened to them this time. How did he hear what happened? He wondered.
"Welcome Mazi"
Greeted Ken as he opened the door and ushered him in.
"Thank you, my in-law. Hope all of you are fine?"
Replied Mazi.
Now, Mama and Dora had joined them.
"Nna anyi – our father, you are welcome. How is my 'nwunye di' (my mate) and everyone at home?"
Greeted Mama.
She bent a bit low before Mazi Onubuogu Okonkwo tapped her on the back, an indication that her greetings were accepted and should stand straight.
"They are all fine. I can see you are all doing fine."
He responded.
Dora did the same thing and took her seat while they waited for his next action. The news of his brother's death must have made him come. They thought. How will he feel if he discovers that it was Mama's action that led to his death?
Having met the family in good health, he was reluctant to break the news of his brother's disappearance so that he do not spoil their moods, but he had no choice.
He cleared his throat and began.