Chapter 24: A Forbidden Melody
1303words
It came from Kunle. These last five years were a conscious effort to forget, to hide the memories of his intense look and how his saxophone played tunes that only her soul could understand. Now, he was like a song coming back from an old dream she forgot, making strong feelings rise inside her.
A bitter smile appeared on her lips. In the past, music was her way to escape, a place where she combined dreams of being an architect with Kunle playing soulful tunes on his saxophone. But her parents, who are very strict about traditions, thought music was not serious and just a distraction from the "respectable" job they wanted for her. Their strong disapproval became like a barrier, creating distance between her and Kunle.
Eki moved her finger along the phone screen, feeling a ghostly imitation of the calluses Kunle's saxophone had left on his fingers. Memories rushed back – crowded jazz clubs filled with smoke, the steady beat of the bass, and their eyes connecting as they played music together, creating a dialogue beyond spoken language.
But the past also had pain from their sudden split. Eki, giving in to family wishes, went to architecture school. Kunle, feeling very sad but not wanting to keep her from going forward, decided to choose music. Eventually, he left Lagos so he could follow his dreams on the world stage.
Now, things are different. The disapproval from her parents is just an old memory now, replaced by a strong desire to become known as an architect. Yet, the yearning for music, long suppressed, flickered awake at Kunle's invitation.
The Blue Note. Just hearing the name makes you imagine dark corners, air filled with smoke and excitement, and quiet talking mixed with deep sounds from musical instruments. Eki could nearly sense the sharp scent of spilt bourbon and catch the slow tune of a piano floating softly through the atmosphere.
A part of her wished to go back into that world, to find happiness again by playing with Kunle. But another part, the careful and practical Eki, warned against doing it. Her calendar was already full with the needs of the Omoremi Cultural Center project. Getting involved with Kunle might be a distraction, taking her away from her carefully planned road.
The phone buzzed again. This time, a single word: "Thinking?"
Eki typed quickly with a lot of energy, but then she erased the message before sending it. What could she possibly write? "Yes, but…"? "No, but…"? Neither option captured the turmoil within her.
Suddenly, she remembered Dapo's smug face. The memory of him taking credit for their design was still new in her mind. A feeling of defiance started to grow inside her. Why must she let anyone or even her past control what she decides? Tonight, she will choose herself and the happiness that comes from music, if only for this one night.
With a deep breath, she typed a message: "On my way."
The Blue Note was a special place for people who loved the night in the city. The air always smelled like old beer and cigarette smoke, creating an atmosphere for the deep sounds of bass and high notes of trumpet music. Eki, with her heart beating very fast against her chest, quietly moved through the door and let her eyes get used to the low light.
The stage covered in warm light showed the band – experienced musicians with a relaxed feel of people who knew jazz very well. But Eki's eyes were looking for someone, pulled like a moth to bright light.
And then she sees him. Kunle, taller and bigger than she remembers, stands at the microphone with his fingers ready on the saxophone. His eyes saw hers from across the room, a moment of surprise turning into a slow smile that made her feel something strong inside.
Eki felt a wave of warm feeling come over her, for a moment making the five years apart disappear. He motioned for her to come nearer, his eyes showing promise of melodies not yet finished.
She began moving to the stage, feeling both excited and a bit nervous inside. This was like going back in time for her memories, but she wondered if it would be a happy meeting or something that did not fit well in her life's song.
Suddenly, someone came out from the shadows and stood in her way. It was Ayo; his face showed a mix of anger and sadness.
"Eki," he said, his voice low and strained. "What are you doing here?"
The music slowly became quiet as Eki looked at Ayo, feeling stuck between the old songs of yesterday and the unsure beats of now.
"Ayo," Eki said with hesitation, her voice showing the chaos inside. "It's… it's not how it seems."
Ayo's eyes moved quickly from Eki to Kunle, who had come down from the stage with his saxophone hanging around his neck.
"Isn't it?" Ayo countered, his voice tight. "You go missing for many hours, and then I see you about to play music with your ex in a smoky jazz club? What is happening here?"
Eki felt a wave of frustration rise within her. "It's not that simple, Ayo. Kunle just... he reached out. And the music..." She stopped talking, finding it hard to express how she felt drawn to the saxophone and that known stage.
Kunle approached them, a concerned frown creasing his forehead. "Eki, everything okay?"
"This Ayo," Eki said quietly, her face red with both anger and embarrassment.
Ayo and Kunle looked into each other's eyes, a quiet challenge in their looks. Slowly, Kunle's expression became gentler, then he reached out his hand to Ayo. "Ayo, good to meet you. I'm Kunle."
Ayo stayed still for a moment, then slowly reached out to shake Kunle's hand. The feeling in the room was so tense it felt like you could cut it with a knife.
"Look," Eki interjected, desperate to break the ice. "This isn't about causing problems. It's just…"
Just then, the club owner came over. He is a big man with a handlebar mustache. "Hey, Eki, are you ready to make this place crazy?" he says.
Eki looked at the stage, then back to Ayo and Kunle. The band was getting ready with their instruments, and you could feel excitement in the air. Here was her opportunity to find happiness in music again, an opportunity she may not have had another time.
But seeing Ayo's sad face, she felt this was more than only missing a night together. Ayo had his secret, something that created distance between them both.
"I can't stay," Eki said at last, her voice mixed with sad and strong feelings. "But Ayo," she adds, looking at him, "we must talk." About everything."
Ayo just nodded, his eyes showing many different feelings. Before she could speak again, Eki turned around and left the Blue Note behind. She walked away from the smoky charm of the jazz bar and the men who were part of both her past and unknown future.
The rain finished, and now the city shines under a sky full of stars. Eki breathes deeply, feeling the cool night air sting in her chest. She had picked the truth and talked with Ayo, yet the sound of Kunle's saxophone stayed in her mind, a sad reminder of another road she didn't walk. While walking away, she kept thinking: is this the end to a nice tune or just a break before music plays again?
