The Yomi household had returned to its usual routine after their last guest departed, but with a newfound sense of joy.
Mrs. Yomi couldn't seem to stop talking about Feyi and her remarkable qualities.
Her impeccable manners were a constant topic of conversation, leaving Yaayi to wonder if Mrs. Yomi was blind to anything else.
Feyi's beauty and prestigious background as the daughter of a billionaire businessman were also frequently praised, with Mrs. Yomi expressing how fortunate her son was to have her as a girlfriend.
Surprisingly, Mrs. Yomi had even grown closer to Yaayi, sharing her dreams of a grand wedding for her son.
However, Folu seemed to be noticeably absent from Yaayi's view. She only caught glimpses of him during breakfast, as the rest of his day was spent either in his room or out with Mr. Charles for a drink.
Yaayi couldn't shake the feeling that he was deliberately avoiding her, though she couldn't fathom the reason behind it.
Despite her efforts to suppress her feelings, thoughts of Folu persisted, like relentless waves crashing against her heart.
Recalling how he had defended her and shown care, Yaayi found solace in his actions, even though she knew a relationship between them was improbable.
Yet, she allowed herself to dream.
She knew this ambiance can never be her place. She had no root. But she was ever hoping that God had greater plans for her beyond the confines of her current situation.
She had some place to be. And no matter how long the journey might take, it could not amount to those ones she had ventured.
She reminded herself that she had a purpose to fulfill, even if the journey ahead seemed daunting.
"Just a little more time, Yaayi," she reassured herself. "And No room for wishful thinking!"
...
8:30 pm: White Pot Restaurant
"I never knew you could handle your drink so well, Baba Charles," Folu marveled at the older man seated across from him at a table tucked in a corner of the bustling restaurant.
Mr. Charles strained to hear over the din of the restaurant, wondering why some people found relaxation in such chaotic environments.
He rarely frequented such places, but he had accompanied Folu, sensing that something troubled him and knowing his closeness to Yaayi.
Aware of Folu's feelings for Yaayi, Mr. Charles couldn't help but acknowledge her beauty and the potential attraction she held. He hoped Folu saw beyond her exterior, recognizing her depth beyond her physical appearance.
"I may not be as young as you, but I do enjoy myself occasionally, you know," Mr. Charles winked, responding to Folu's observation.
Folu shifted uncomfortably, preparing to ask a probing question. "Have you known Yaayi for long, sir?"
"Yes, she's a kind girl," Mr. Charles replied.
Folu raised an eyebrow, expecting more insight.
"But she carries her own burdens and ambitions," Mr. Charles added.
"She's been through a lot and deserves the best in life!" Mr. Charles emphasized, gesturing to emphasize his point.
"I believe everyone deserves that," Folu replied.
"She witnessed her brother's death, you know," Mr. Charles continued solemnly. "Held captive by his murderers, she was eventually released by one of their associates who knew her father's reputation in Dansa."
Folu felt a pang in his heart as he listened to Yaayi's harrowing past.
He felt a strong urge to protect her from any further pain.
He realized his feelings for her ran deeper than he had imagined.
He hoped the feelings would fade, fearing they could do more harm than good.
...
Yaayi quietly closed Mrs. Yomi's door and headed towards the kitchen with a tray of used dishes, eager for a long-awaited bath. She was relieved that her boss had a headache and wouldn't need her assistance for the rest of the day.
As she hurried towards the kitchen, she glanced at the wall clock and was taken aback by the late hour. She vowed to complete her tasks earlier the following day, as she had never stayed up so late before.
The weight of exhaustion settled on her shoulders, a burden she carried with weariness. The day's events had left her drained, both physically and emotionally, a heaviness she couldn't easily shake off.
All of a sudden, the tray slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor in a cacophony of shattered porcelain as she turned sharply to open the kitchen door.
Startled, her heart racing with a mix of embarrassment and frustration, a loud shriek escaped her lips.
I'm so sorry!" Folu's voice cut through the sudden silence that followed, his presence unexpected yet oddly comforting.
He knelt to help gather the scattered remnants, his touch gentle amidst the shards of broken crockery.
"I just came for a glass of water," he explained, his eyes meeting hers with a mix of apology and concern.
His unexpected presence felt like a lifeline in the midst of her emotional storm, a fleeting moment of connection in a sea of uncertainty.
"I'm sorry too. I didn't see you there," Yaayi replied, her voice soft with a blend of gratitude and unease. She watched as Folu insisted on helping clean up the mess, his actions a silent gesture of understanding and empathy.
As they worked together to restore order to the kitchen, a fragile bond seemed to form between them, a fragile thread of connection amidst the chaos of their emotions.
Within minutes, they had tidied the kitchen.
As they left the kitchen and Yaayi headed towards her room, Folu stopped her.
Yaayi felt a strong hand envelop hers, holding her in a moment of suspended time. She looked up, meeting Folu's gaze, and saw a tumult of emotions reflected in his eyes.
"Is there a problem?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and apprehension, unsure of what lay ahead.
"Yes. No...I mean..." Folu stammered, looking uncomfortable. "How have you been?"
"I'm well," Yaayi replied, unsure of where this conversation was headed.
"I just wanted to apologize for avoiding you. I know it's childish, but you don't understand!" Folu blurted out, rubbing his face nervously.
"Understand what?" Yaayi asked, pulling her hand away.
"What you make me feel. It's crazy! I shouldn't feel it. You know it's not possible, right? We are worlds apart! Our culture and views about life are different. And I know nothing about you!" Folu's words tumbled out in a rush, a torrent of emotions laid bare in the quiet of the night. His confession hung heavy in the air, a fragile declaration of feelings too long suppressed.
Yaayi stared at him, dazed and speechless. Her heart ached with a mix of confusion and longing, unsure of how to respond to the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
"I don't know what you're talking about,sir! And it's late. Goodnight! " she said, trying to pull away.
Folu gripped her hand more forcefully, but not enough to hurt her. "You know what I'm talking about!" he said, exasperated. "I'm falling in love with you. It's growing every day, and I know you can feel it too!"
I don't feel anything for you! She shrieked. Shaken. You must be imagining things!" And please let go of me! She tugged at her hand again.
"Look at me and say you don't feel anything for me!.
Yaayi looked away, tears welling up in her eyes. "I have feelings for you too, but it's madness!" she admitted in a whisper, her voice shaking.
Folu pulled her into his arms as his lips fell on her warm ones. His lips merged with hers like a man starved and his hands roam over her boby. He couldn't stop them closing over her ripe breast giving it a gentle squeezed.
"Goodness! Tasting her felt like heaven!
She drowned too. As his body evoked feelings clashing like torrent. Her body moved against his sensously, showing how mush she desired to be filled.
Those feelings so foreign to her, jerked her back to reality.
Her dainty hands closed over his roaming ones, "Folu wait"
"I told you what we feel is madness!"
He sighed "Yes. Real madness. Because you don't fit what I want in a woman. I want someone who can complement me socially and economically. I want someone who knows my culture and way of life. Even if I accept you, my mother may not, but we can start somewhere" he suggested, sighing deeply.
Her voice caught painfully, "Start where? By feeding our lust? Then you fooled me to make me want to believe you actually love me!
Yaayi looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "Then there's nothing left to talk about, is there?" she said, pulling away. "I have dreams too, and I never intended to fall in love."
With a heavy heart, she pulled away, retreating to her room with a sense of finality settling over her like a shroud.
In that moment of parting, a world of unspoken words hung heavy in the air, a silent farewell to a love that could never be.
In her room, she collapsed on the bed sobbing uncontrollably.
And she knew it was going to be the longest night of her life.
...