“Shika! Are you done yet?”
“Yeah, yeah, I am! I’ll be out in a minute!”
The night had finally arrived. It was time for the Mills-Odoi couple’s 30th anniversary party, and everyone was glamming up for the event. Remaliah and Drusilla had left quite early, so the young folks were preparing.
Standing in front of the mirror, Akushika put on her earrings and smiled at her reflection.
“You look incredible, Shika!” she said to herself. “The most beautiful pregnant girl in the world right now.”
Indeed, it had been a while since she had dressed up like this. Clad in a sea blue off-shoulder maternity evening dress, she looked absolutely spectacular, and she knew the compliments would be flying once she stepped out that door into the living room where Adoley, Dromo, Jonny, Bukky and Raymond were waiting.
As she smirked in anticipation of what they would say, memories of certain compliments raced through her brain…
“Hot damn, girl! You look soooo sexy!”
“Babe, you are such a hottie!”
“Give us, sexy Shika!”
Akushika shook her head. It felt like light years since that fateful night at Beast’s Bistro. The compliments from the girls as they took pictures of her. The feeling of euphoria as she posed and felt on top of the world…
Hmm. So much has happened since then, she thought to herself as she put on her left earring. Bad decisions, terrible reactions… my life hasn’t been the same since. But at this point, no use carrying those regrets anymore. I’m moving ahead and doing what I must do. And at least I get to slay again!
Grinning at that last thought, she stepped back, placed her hand under her baby bump and blew a kiss at herself. “Go out there and be fabulous, Miss Acolatse!” she whispered.
***
“Well, dayuuuum guuurrllll!”
“Whooosh! Shika, you look stunning!”
Making her way through the living room, Akushika smiled as she posed for everyone around. As expected, they all loved her look.
“Eiiiisshhh! Sweet momee nie!” Jonny cheered.
“Baddest mummy!” Bukky added. “See fine fine babe!”
She giggled. “Thank you all, thank you all!” she thanked them. “I’m honoured. And you all look amazing too!”
Indeed, everyone was dressed to kill. Adoley and Dromo were slaying in their own sassy off-shoulder dresses, while Bukky’s aseobi look was eye-glittering, to say the least. Jonny too was killing it in his black and gold kaftan and matching trousers.
As they continued to admire her, Raymond, who had been outside, entered. He stopped short upon seeing Akushika in her glowing resplendence. Shaking his head, he breathed, “Well hot damn, girl! You look fantastic! This look right here, it’s giving! Giving everything it’s supposed to give and more!”
“That’s the term, RayRay! It’s givingggggg!” Dromo agreed enthusiastically.
Adoley, who had whipped out her phone just then, answered what appeared to be a call from her father. “Yes Paapa… okay, okay, we’re moving.” She put the phone down and nodded to the rest of the squad. “The officer says it’s time to move.”
“Okayyy, let’s get moving, then! When he gives his short, short orders like that, no time to play!” Jonny joked.
Raymond held the door as the ladies and Jonny exited the room. Akushika was the last to walk out the door. As Raymond took the key from her and locked the door, he turned to see her smiling at him, with her hand stretched out.
“Shall we?” she asked.
Raymond smiled, then took her hand. “Of course, my lovely lady. Let us proceed.”
He then looked ahead, and sighed. “The old man is there.”
She looked. Sure enough, that old man was seated in his usual spot, the regular grumpy look on his face.
She shook her head. “We’re not letting him rain on our parade, though, are we?”
“Ha! Not at all, my gorgeous lady. Let us proceed to the car.”
***
The Garden Events Centre was buzzing with activity as they arrived there, with many guests already seated, and many others pouring in. It was about 6:30 pm when the squad entered the centre. The celebratory couple were standing near the entrance, welcoming everyone who came in. Obviously, they were delighted to see their daughters and ‘flat children’ walk in, and the next few minutes were spent with compliments aplenty, from swooning over how beautiful Adoley and Dromo looked, to how Jonny and Bukky were glowing together.
Then it got to Akushika’s turn.
“Wowwww, Shika! You look stunning!” Drusilla gasped as she embraced her. “My dear, with this your look diɛɛ, let’s just postpone our anniversary and celebrate you, eh.”
Akushika laughed out loud. “Oh, Maa Dru! How can I do that? Please, you and Sir Remmy are the real stars for today. I’m just here to be a witness…”
“Well, hello there!” Remaliah’s voice boomed from behind them. One arm around his wife, he placed the other around Akushika. “You’re looking dashing tonight, sweet little mummy-to-be. Shall we put our anniversary on hold and celebrate the glorious, strong young girl that you are?”
Aksushika continued to laugh. “Please ooo! I’m just a guest. You are the MVPs. I can’t steal your shine.”
The couple laughed before landing kisses on her cheek and telling her to enjoy herself. She then joined Raymond, who stood nearby, and made their way to their assigned table.
“You really are looking incredible, Shika,” Raymond complimented her as he pulled out her chair for her to take her seat. “Definitely the most beautiful expectant mother in the world right now.”
Akushika, taking her seat, smiled at him, feeling a blush cover her face. “Thank you, RayRay.”
As he took his seat, she looked around the table. Jonny and Bukky were chatting excitedly, and the Mills-Odoi sisters were taking pictures of each other. Akushika smirked at Dromo’s poses as her older sister did her the honours. She’s definitely gonna send them to her boyfriend, with that sexy pout of hers. Hehe, I bet her boyfriend’s head over heels in love with her…
“Okay, I think this band needs some help,” Jonny remarked, rising to his feet. “Chale, Ray, I dey go make them give we some Ganyobi flavour. What be your mind?”
“Of course, chale! Ibi very necessary!” Raymond agreed.
The ladies laughed as the guys immediately walked over to the band and spoke to the guys there. After a few minutes of conversation, Jonny picked up a microphone and announced himself.
“Hello! Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Jonny Darko, and it’s time to inject some life into this place. I’ll be your music man for the next couple of minutes, and I hope you enjoy the show.”
The next thing that followed was the sounds of ‘Ojorley’ by Cina Soul.
Jonny’s voice, and Raymond’s moves on the dance floor while singing along, caught the attention of almost everyone. Heads nodded, and people sang along. The choice of music was spot on, considering majority of the people present were Gas.
It was the next song, however, that got people out of their seats. The timeless classic, Maria by Armah Pino. Dromo sprang out of her seat and joined Raymond on the dance floor first, before the couple of the night, and many others, joined in, singing their hearts out.
Akushika watched on, swaying to the song as she and Bukky, the only ones in their seats, watched the unfolding enjoyment on the dance floor.
Indeed, this was going to be a great night. An unforgettable one.
***
“Paapa, Mamaa, as your daughters, we consider ourselves so blessed and so fortunate to have witnessed the magic of your love story unfolding day by day, and it has been nothing short of inspiring and beautiful,” Adoley read out.
“Together, you have taught us the true meaning of partnership. You’ve shown us time after time that a successful marriage is not just about the grand gestures, but the many small moments of kindness, understanding, and compromise that you show each other. Your commitment to each other has weathered the many storms of life, those we’ve seen and those we haven’t, and it is clear that your love for each other has only deepened with time,” Dromo added.
Akushika smiled. After that spectacular musical interlude by Jonny, which lasted for about twenty minutes, the program kicked off, with tributes to the couple ready by the priest who officiated their wedding and a few other relatives and close friends. Now it was the turn of the sisters to pay tribute to their parents with a heartfelt speech they were taking turns to read. She had listened to them rehearse that speech a couple of times in the bedroom, and she was delighted they were pulling it off so well. The little memories of all their parents had done for them brought smiles, laughs, and awws to everyone present.
“And so, Paapa, Mamaa, on this special day, this monumental day, Dromo and I simply want to express our deepest gratitude to you two for being the amazing parents that you are. Your love has been a foundation of strength for our family, and it has served as the inspiration for our search for love in this world. If there’s one thing we know, we deserve nothing less than a man who loves us like you, Paapa, loves Mamaa,” Adoley declared.
“Happy, happy 30th anniversary!” Dromo triumphantly concluded. “Here’s to the love that knows no bounds and the journey that is far from over. Cheers to many more years of happiness, laughter, and, most importantly, love. We love you both so much, more than words can express.”
“Muah!” the two sisters blew a kiss in the direction of their parents before walking back to their seats.
As everyone applauded, Akushika couldn’t help but giggle along with Raymond. Whilst the girls read out their lovely tribute to their parents, they had noticed a few guys eyeing both sisters and were still watching their expressions, and they seemed pretty enamoured with Remaliah and Drusilla’s girls.
“Chale, the guy with the plenty rings on his finger, it looks like he’ll try and get Adoley’s number later on,” Raymond snickered.
Akushika stifled her laughter. “At least he is lucky. Na the guy I’m spotting who is watching Dromo, he looks ready to empty his account for her! If only he knew she’s unavailable.”
“Ei, saa? Then he probably hates me ooo, the way she and I were dancing…”
***
“Drusilla, my love, as I look back on our journey, I’m reminded of the countless moments that have defined us—our laughter echoing through the halls of our home, the shared tears during times of real difficulty, and the quiet strength we’ve found in each other’s arms. We’ve weathered so many storms and reveled in the sunshine that followed, and through it all, your love has been the steady heartbeat that has kept me going.
“You, my dear Drusilla Naa Odoley Mills-Odoi, are not just my wife; you are the very embodiment of love, grace, and resilience. Your dedication to our family and the love you have showered upon our two beautiful daughters and everyone else around us have created a legacy that will endure for generations. You are not just the love of my life; you are my life.”
Tears glistened in Akushika’s eyes as she beheld the absolute beauty going on before her.
Remaliah and Drusilla were now in the middle of the room, reading their renewal vows to each other, and her heartstrings were being tugged at with a passion. Remaliah spoke each word with a deep passion, making it clear he meant every word. And having stayed with them for a few months, she knew he truly meant them.
“My amazing husband, from the very beginning, you swept me off my feet with your strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion. As a soldier, you’ve faced plenty of challenges that many cannot fathom, yet you faced them head on with courage, honour, and a fiery dedication that still leaves me in awe as I speak. Honey, your commitment to service and the sacrifices you made for our family are a testament to your character, and I couldn’t be more proud to have stood by your side through it all.
“Remmy, you are my confidant, my partner in crime, and my greatest love. Thank you for the laughter, the tears, and the countless moments, extraordinary and mundane, that make up the tapestry of our shared life. Here’s to us, to our 30 years of love, and to the countless adventures that await us in the years to come. Happy anniversary, my love.”
By the time Drusilla was done, so many guests were wiping tears from their eyes; the weight of the beauty of this love was heavy. Even as the MC called Jonny and Bukky to perform their song for the couple, the latter was visibly teary-eyed, still trying to put herself together after that pure showing of love.
“Sorry, people, but those words just made me super emotional,” Bukky murmured as she took the microphone, wiping her eyes while Jonny took his seat at the keyboard. “Okay, I think I’m okay now. So, hi everybody, my name is Bukola, and this is Jonny, my boyfriend, and before we start our song, I just want to say this… every young couple needs an older one to look up to. A couple whose love has stood the test of time and continues to go strong. In these times where people really dey chop breakfast…”
That attracted laughs, especially from the younger ones who understood what she meant.
“… it’s always a great source of encouragement to see two people holding on, still loving each other through all the past years, making that decision to stay together no matter what. Sir Remmy, Maa Dru, there couldn’t have been a more perfect example of true love to me and Jonny than you two. And as we sing this song for you, we just want you to know we’ll always be inspired by you, and we love you.”
Sir Remmy, holding his wife close to him as they waited for the song to begin, nodded and mouthed ‘thank you’ to them as Drusilla followed his lead. They then gazed into each other’s eyes and smiled.
Jonny nodded, stretched quickly, and got his fingers busy on the keyboard, as he began to play the song they had requested: ‘Always’ by Atlantis Starr.
“Girl, you are to me, all that a woman should be/ And I dedicate my life to you always,” he crooned.
“A love like yours is rare/ It must have been sent from up above/ And I know you’ll stay this way, for always,” Bukky gently sang out.
The anniversary celebrants held each other tight as they swayed to the enchanting music, reveling in the lyrics which they had cherished for years.
***
Just when she thought it couldn’t get any more glorious, the scene before her had Akushika wiping her tears.
The sight of Sir Remmy and Maa Dru slow dancing. The sight of Jonny and Bukky singing their hearts out.
She couldn’t have felt more blessed to be there at that moment.
It had been about six months since she had arrived at the flats with Remaliah. A traumatized, confused and downtrodden young girl with a baby in her belly and no idea what she was going to do next with her life. After being abandoned and rejected by all around her, she had doubted if she’d find anyone that would accept and embrace her in spite of her mistake.
Clearly, there wasn’t just someone; there was a family. The Flat Fam was that family, and she couldn’t be more grateful to have encountered them.
Her heart swelled as she watched the Mills-Odoi couple gently rock to the ballad. There was no doubt about it, she absolutely loved them. Her parents might have rejected her, but this couple that didn’t know her from Adam had taken her in and treated her like a daughter. She couldn’t be more grateful, and watching them celebrate their love filled her with joy.
Then she switched her sights to the younger couple.
How unforgettable they had made her stay in the flat! No judgment whatsoever, just acceptance and support. She had seen them in their low moments, and how they had risen above their disagreements and made it clear they had no other plan but to go all the way. They were certainly the siblings she never had, and she was proud to know them, and couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them.
Then she turned to look at the one sitting next to her.
Raymond.
He was also transfixed on the couple dancing, obviously drawn in by the magical aura that had filled the room once the song began.
She smiled as she stared at him.
To think that they got off on the wrong foot the first time they met! He was not what her rage-filled self at that moment thought he was, not at all. He was a good, caring and sweet guy. And his comic ways certainly brought a smile to her face.
And… maybe it was just her emotions on overdrive, but it felt like there was the potential for something more than a friendship. And if it did ever pop up… she’d probably consider it.
She reached out and touched his hand, which lay on the table.
He turned and looked at her.
She simply gave him one of her sweet smiles, to which he returned the smile and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
No need for words. They turned back to the anniversary couple, her hand in his as they went back to watching their beloved ‘flat parents’ affirm to each other that they would continue to love each other.
For always.
Such a beautiful event. Love is a beautiful thing…
