Jimmy finally stood up and walked up to Temi at the stage where she stood expectantly for him. She obviously sang the song for him because her eyes were on him all through the rendition, it was their song and both of them knew it. He approached and held her two hands, with their gazes locked, he smiled at her and she smiled back. They stood there and time stood still for them.
The hall was already empty except for Jimmy and Temi when he finally spoke,
"That voice and song are really familiar, I've heard them before!"
"From your dreams?" She teased.
"From somewhere I can't place! Where did those lyrics come from, Temi?" He asked, still holding on to her hands.
"My Fantasy!" She smiled again.
"You love it?"
"I'm blown away!"
"It's for you!"
"Thank you! Can I hug you?"
"Yes!"
As Jimmy embraced Temi, a surge of emotions washed over and enveloping them both, in a moment of pure connection and intimacy.
For Jimmy, the warmth of Temi's embrace felt like coming home after a long journey, a sense of comfort and belonging flooding his senses. Her presence was a balm to his soul, soothing away any lingering doubts or fears, and filling him with a deep sense of gratitude and affection.
Temi, too, was overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, her heart overflowing with joy and contentment. In Jimmy's arms, she felt safe and cherished, as if nothing else in the world mattered except for this fleeting moment of togetherness.
Their hug spoke volumes, conveying feelings that words alone could never capture. It was a silent exchange of love and gratitude, a testament to the bond that they shared and the beauty of their connection.
As they held each other close, time ceased to exist, allowing them to savour the sweetness of the moment for just a little while longer before returning to the bustling world outside. And in that embrace, they found solace and strength, knowing that no matter what challenges may lie ahead, they would always have each other to lean on.
Days that followed the Bright Stars University Arts Exhibition had talks of the event everywhere and going viral on the internet. Colourful posts of the art exhibitions, students, special guests and all activities dominated all the social media platforms. Temi with her deep blue eyes, light caramel skin and golden curly hair and in her simple plain dresses, was a spotlight, and with careful observation, Jimmy was always by her side. Her masterpiece painting of 'Onyema' was over highlighted. Her grand finale's enchanting epic song was the hallmark of the whole event, transforming her from a nobody to a celebrity. Her intimate hug with Jimmy after the mind blowing rendition was also captured life.
"Who is that girl?" Liliana asked James over the phone. "Jimmy hasn't been taking my calls nor replying to my texts. What's going on?"
"I…I can't really tell you! Ji…. Jimmy may….not like it!" James stuttered nervously.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Liliana snapped! "Are you guys hiding things from me now? Are you keeping secrets from me James?"
"Ah no way Lily!"
"Who's that girl always with Jimmy at the art exhibition James? Is Jimmy cheating on me?"
She yelled on the phone.
"What? No! Wait, what do you mean, cheating on you?"
James retorted in confusion.
"Is Jimmy dating that girl?" She asked calmly!
"I think so!" James answered calmly and Liliana hung up.
Jimmy and Temi settled down back into serious studies as the semester exams were in view. Both were A students in their respective departments so studying would not be compromised but they created short periods to hang out at their favourite botanical garden.
"Can I ask you something?"
Jimmy asked Temi one evening, under the evening hues of the towering green trees above them.
"Yes please!"
"Do you ever see me in your dreams?"
"I hardly dream, Jimmy!"
Jimmy frowned.
"Why?" She asked.
"Temi, I'm still in awe of seeing your painting of 'Onyema' in those epic regalia, it's like looking into a dream I've had where I was dressed the same and talking to you. I have seen us in my dreams several times even before I met you. I've heard the song you sang for me from a distant memory, it's so familiar but so faded.
"Hmm, I can't say that I have dreamt of you Jimmy. But the way you describe it, it sounds like there's a deeper connection between us."
"Yeah, it's uncanny. I've always felt like I've known you, right from day one, like we have known ourselves intimately from another time and place.
"It's possible! The painting I did of you was from my imagination or perhaps a day dream. There's something about you that feels familiar to me too, like we're drawn together by more than just chance."
"Exactly! It's like our souls have been intertwined across time and space, searching for each other." He hesitated before he asked, "Do you believe in reincarnation Temi?"
"No I don't!" She answered outrightly and gigled. "An after-life is an abstract concept I have never bothered to look into but I believe in fate. If your dream and my imaginations are anything to go by, it seems like we're meant to be together, Jimmy."
"I like the sound of that, Temi, I have had dreams from my childhood and these dreams I couldn't recollect. I started recalling my dreams on the same day I saw you cheering me on as I fought. I strongly believe there's more to our meeting and that we shared a deep love, bond and history even before our births. I want to explore the possibility of us having existed in another life and I need you to work with me!"
Temi stared into space for a while before she spoke, "Jimmy I'm not comfortable in exploring the concept of a before and afterlife but I believe if we embrace this deep connection that we feel, it will definitely lead us to a good place!"
Jimmy didn't want to push! "Fine, I agree with you!" But he was determined to delve deeper into the root of their connection. He needed to know more.
In Jimmy's dream that night, he found himself standing on the edge of a vast expanse of rolling hills, the landscape stretching out before him as far as the eye can see. The air was crisp and clear, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and the distant sound of birdsong. As he looked around, he realised that he was dressed in the ancient regalia of Onyema, the same attire he saw in Temi's painting.
Suddenly, a figure appeared on the horizon, moving gracefully towards him. It was Temi, dressed in a two piece garment reminiscent of a bygone era, her hair adorned with intricate braids and beads. Her presence filled him with a sense of awe and wonder, as if she held the key to unlocking the secrets of his past.
Without a word, Temi began to sing, her voice echoing through the hills with a haunting melody that seemed to stir something deep within Jimmy's soul. The same song she sang at the art exhibition finale, weaving a tale of love and longing that transcends time and space.
As Temi's voice filled the air, Jimmy felt a sense of déjà vu wash over him, as if he had heard this song before in another lifetime. Memories flooded his mind, images of ancient rituals and forgotten landscapes blending with the present moment in a surreal tapestry of dreams and reality.
When the song finally came to an end, Jimmy was overcome with emotion. He steped forward to thank Temi, his voice filled with gratitude and reverence. And in that moment, he addressed her by a name that seemed to resonate with the ancient echoes of their shared past.
"Mgbeodi," he says softly, the word rolling off his tongue like a prayer, "thank you for sharing your song with me. It's like a glimpse into a world that exists beyond the confines of time and space, a world where our souls are bound together in eternal harmony."
Temi smiled at him, her eyes shining with understanding and acceptance. And as they stood together in the golden light of the dream world, they both knew that their connection was something special, something that transcended the boundaries of ordinary existence.