Chapter 16: A Spark at the Market
1446words
Feeling very tired and emotionally spent after the Board meeting, Eki started walking through the lively bustle around her. Usually, she is very sharp in focus but now it has changed to a heavy feeling of frustration. Competing with Yemi inside their own company felt like a betrayal; it was an unfortunate change that ruined what should have been happiness for a potential investor.
She stops in front of a stall with many colourful fabrics, the bright designs like a kaleidoscope fighting against her sad feelings. A tune, different from the usual noise, grabbed her attention. She looked around to see where it came from and saw a man playing a traditional instrument she had never seen before. It was a guitar song with much feeling, full of sad beauty that moved her very deeply.
Following the melody, Eki walked into a small clear area. A young man was standing with his back turned to her, his fingers moving very fast over the strings of an old guitar. He was tall and thin, his head with dreadlocks that had lots of colourful beads. The music from him came so naturally, making a magic feeling that kept Eki very fascinated.
When the final note was gone, Eki moved forward slowly, her voice very quiet. "That was... beautiful."
The man turned around, and a big smile appeared on his face. His dark eyes seemed warm and friendly when they met hers.
"Hey there," he said, his voice a rich baritone. "Thanks, glad you liked it."
Eki felt her face become warm with a blush. "I am Eki," she said softly, surprised that she was suddenly so nervous now.
"Kunle," he replied and stretched his hand that had old leather bracelets. When they shook hands, it felt strong and warm to her, making her feel a sudden electric sensation inside.
They stayed there for some time, quietly feeling good between them. Noisy market sounds seemed to disappear, replaced by the final notes of guitar and the intense look they exchanged.
"That piece," Eki began, trying to break the spell, "it sounded… familiar."
Kunle laughed gently, a sweet sound that gave her little tingles everywhere. "Maybe you have heard me play sometime before." I tend to move around a lot."
"No," Eki said firmly, a curious confidence pulling at her recollections. "It's something else." It just… felt like…"
She stopped talking, feeling sad because she couldn't describe the special connection she felt with Kunle and his music.
Suddenly, a voice erupted from behind them, shattering the moment.
"Eki? What are you doing here?"
Eki turned fast and noticed Ayo. His face showed he was surprised when he looked at Kunle.
"Ayo," Eki said, relief washing over her momentarily. "This is… Kunle."
"Kunle?" Ayo repeated, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief.
Kunle lowered his guitar, a shadow of confusion crossing his face. "Yo, Ayo, man! Long time no see. Didn't expect to run into you here."
Eki watched them talking, feeling more and more confused. It was not the first time someone acted strange near Kunle. Was there some history between them that she wasn't aware of?
"Yeah, well," Ayo stammered, avoiding eye contact with Kunle, "small world, huh?"
They felt a tense silence drop over them. The market, which was so lively and easy to forget just moments ago, now seemed heavy and uncomfortable.
"So," Kunle finally said, breaking the silence, "are you two catching up or something?"
Eki gazed at Ayo, waiting for him to say something. Normally sure of himself, Ayo now appeared to have a hard time; his expression showed both nervousness and concern, which was unusual for him.
"Actually," Ayo blurted out, "Eki has a meeting to get to. Right, Eki?"
Eki wanted to speak against it, but Ayo gave her a look asking for understanding. Even if she believed it was not the best idea, she chose to agree.
"Okay, yes," she said quietly, not wanting to leave Kunle. "Nice to meet you, Kunle." Your music is…"
She paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. "Hauntingly beautiful," she finally said, her eyes meeting him for a short time before following where Ayo was going.
As they walked away, Eki could not help but look back over her shoulder. Kunle was standing alone in the middle of many people, with his guitar hanging on his shoulder. His eyes met hers, a silent question hanging in the air.
But before Eki could understand, Ayo took her away, and the busy market swallowed them completely. Meeting Kunle left Eki very confused with many unanswered questions and a constant sense of worry. Ayo stayed very silent, deep in his thinking while they moved through the confusing maze of shops.
Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Eki broke the silence.
"Who was that, Ayo?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. "And why did you seem so… tense around him?"
Ayo sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Kunle," he started, "we used to be friends. Back in the day."
Eki waited for him to elaborate, but he remained tight-lipped.
"What exactly happened?" she pressed, frustration building. "There's something you're not telling me."
Ayo paused for a moment, then breathed out heavily as if giving up. "Listen, Eki," he began in a gentle voice, "the situation with Kunle... it got tough." There was a falling out, and it's not something I like to talk about."
Eki had many ideas racing through his mind. What sort of argument could cause Ayo to respond so intensely? Was it something to do with her?
"Is it because of me?" she said suddenly, her face showing a bit of concern.
Ayo whipped his head towards her, eyes wide with surprise. "No! No, not," he stammered. "This has nothing to do with you, Eki. Believe me."
His vehemence only fueled Eki's suspicions. "Then why are you so secretive?" She answered. "If it is not important to me, why can you not just tell me what happened?"
Ayo wished to speak, but no words came out. Eki felt frustrated and confused, deciding it was best to stop the conversation for now.
They walked without talking for a while, and the air felt even hotter because of the stress. When they reached a quieter place in the market, Eki stopped walking.
"Look," she said, turning her eyes to Ayo. "I thank you for trying to keep me safe, but I am not a small child." If I have something about Kunle or my past which may be affecting me, it is important that I know."
Ayo looked at her; his eyes carefully studied hers. For a moment, something looks like respect shows in his gaze.
"Okay," he said with a big sigh. "But first, you must promise me one thing before I tell you anything."
Eki raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"Please, I ask you," Ayo said with a serious voice, "to be careful when you are around Kunle. There are many things about him that you do not know, and these things could bring danger to you."
Eki's heart skipped a beat. Danger? What did Ayo know that he wasn't telling her?
"What kind of danger?" she demanded, a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach.
Ayo stopped and looked very worried. Just when he was about to speak, a loud sound came from a nearby stall. A group of men were arguing with the vendor, their voices rising in anger.
Ayo heard the noise and turned to look, concern clear on his face. "We must go now," he said, grabbing her arm and leading her towards a narrow street.
As they walked quickly, Eki found it difficult to keep pace. Her mind was crowded with questions. Meeting Kunle and Ayo along with their mysterious warnings—everything seemed connected, like parts of one huge puzzle she was very eager to solve.
But before she could solve the mystery, another important problem worried her. What secret was Ayo hiding? And what kind of danger could Kunle possibly pose?
The in-house contest and the Moonlight Glow project quickly became less important when strange and unsettling things occurred at the Lagos market. Eki's questions, along with her safety, now relied on Ayo and his concealed secret. The question was, would he ever reveal it?
