Chapter 94: A Reunion and a Shared Vision
1428words
Her apartment seemed as if it belonged to another person, quite unlike the home in Nok Valley that greeted us with much warmth. But this place is where she wanted to see Dapo again and mend their relationship, trying once more to build their partnership.
As she put down her bags, her phone rang. It was Dapo.
"I'm on my way," he said, his voice filled with a familiar warmth.
Eki felt a strong excitement inside. This meeting was not just ordinary; it symbolized two souls who took different journeys but finally arrived at the same destination.
When Dapo came, they hugged each other. After this, there was a silent moment, but it did not feel awkward—it felt more like something known and cosy. They had changed, becoming new people as their journeys shaped them into fresh characters.
"You look different," Dapo said, his eyes scanning Eki's face.
Eki smiled. "So do you."
In the evening, they share stories of their experiences. Eki talks about Nok Valley and how it made her feel creative again by waking up old spirits. Meanwhile, Dapo says Kano is a city with many colours and is very lively.
During the talk, one topic that often surfaced was how they found inspiration in Nigeria's essence - its traditions and past. The routes they took seemed to lead toward a shared aim.
The next few days were very busy. They stayed many hours in their studio, hands moving fast. Eki's sculptures, which were connected to Yoruba mythology symbols earlier, now also show her experiences in Nok Valley. The Dapo art from Kano was famous for its bright colours and detailed patterns; this too changed over time.
As they worked side by side, a kind of teamwork began. The different styles that were separate before now blended in such a way that Eki's sculptures became the base for Dapo's bright colours and detailed patterns; also, her paintings added more depth and dimension to his creations.
"Wow," Dapo said with much excitement as they looked at what they created together. "We are making something very important."
Eki nodded her head, feeling complete in her heart. They were not just partners; they created things together.
Their shared dream celebrated Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. It combined elements from both ancient and modern times, merging traditional customs with contemporary creativity. They were telling a story - the tale of a country that was changing, still looking for its own identity.
As they went on, it was clear to them that their goal wasn't just making beautiful art. They wanted to use this chance to give help and lift the communities which had inspired them. So, they decided to plan an exhibition where the money collected would help support art education in rural areas.
While they were preparing for the exhibition, an unexpected visitor arrived at their door. Eki and Dapo felt much surprise when they saw it was the same woman who had given them a warning some months before. They felt fear because it seemed like what they did in the past might come back to cause problems for them.
Eki was feeling her heart beating very fast, looking at the woman who came to our door. She tried hard to remember everything that happened on that night when strangers entered our home. Dapo stood alongside Eki, showing a blend of puzzlement and concern on his face.
'What do you want?" Dapo demanded, his voice low and menacing.
The woman's face became a big smile, and she showed her perfect white teeth. "Long time no see," she playfully said to him.
Eki begins to feel cold fear climb up her spine. She recognizes that voice, it is the same one that has been bothering her in dreams.
'What do you want from us?" Eki managed to ask, her voice trembling.
The lady giggles softly. "Oh, many things," she says, her eyes looking around the apartment with curiosity. "But right now, I just want to have a bite of the action."
Dapo, with muscles firm, came closer to Eki. "You don't belong here," he said in a harsh tone.
The woman laughed, and the noise felt odd, causing Eki's skin to shiver. "Oh, but I am," she replied. "And I suggest you calm yourself because I'm not going anywhere."
Eki and Dapo looked at each other with eyes full of fear, knowing that they were trapped in their own house while this frightening woman had all the power.
'What do you want?" Dapo asked again, his voice steady despite the fear.
The lady entered the apartment with a lot of confidence. She sat on the sofa and crossed her legs. "I want a partnership," she said.
Eki and Dapo exchanged confused looks. A partnership? With her?
'A partnership?" Dapo echoed, his voice filled with disbelief.
The woman nodded. 'We have a common goal, don't we? To make money."
Eki and Dapo glanced at each other, realizing that her words were indeed true. The upcoming event would be significant, offering many opportunities to earn money. But partnering with her was like making a deal with the devil.
'How can we trust you?" Eki asked, her voice barely a whisper.
The woman's smile was crafty. "You don't have other choices," she said. "You have to choose: work with me, or your clever plan stays hidden forever. I give you my word on this."
Eki and Dapo faced a very difficult decision. They had to choose whether to take the risk of trusting the woman who appeared quite dangerous, but there was also the possibility they could lose all their hard work if she turned out not to be truthful with them.
In a scene where the lady is sitting and thinking about what happened, she stands from her chair and walks to the window. She looks at the city view with some sharpness in her eyes.
"This city, it is mine," she said, her voice echoing in the quietness of this place. "And very soon, it will also be yours."
Eki and Dapo exchanged glances, their eyes filled with fear. They did not understand what she wanted, but one thing was clear to them: the situation was becoming bad for them.
"Tell me, what is the meaning of 'a share in the action'?" Dapo asked with a calm voice. Even though he felt his insides twist with fear, his tone remained steady.
The lady gave a smile, her eyes shining with a playful glint. "It's easy," she said while stepping closer. "I desire to possess some of the money that your show will earn."
Eki felt unease in her stomach. This woman had no fear and aimed to take away part of their hard work and dreams.
"And if we say no?" Dapo asked, his voice rising.
The lady stood up, and her attitude changed quickly. She was not the calm businesswoman anymore; she became like a hunter. "Then, I will make sure your exhibition does not ever happen," she said in a low and threatening tone.
Eki's heart was beating very fast inside her chest; she could not allow this to happen. They had worked very hard for it.
"How can we trust you?" Dapo asked, trying to buy some time.
Her laugh sounded cold, like when someone solves math problems. "Trust is not important," she said, "what matters most is staying alive."
When tension in the room reached its peak, a knock came on the door. Eki and Dapo looked at each other, fear obvious in their eyes. Who could come at this late hour?
The woman smirked. "Looks like someone's coming to the rescue," she said.
Eki and Dapo exchanged one last glance, feeling hope deep within. Perhaps this was their moment to escape.
Her hands were shaking as she walked towards the door. She peered through the peephole but could not see anyone outside. With uncertainty, she turned the handle to open it.
On the other side, someone dressed all in black entered the flat. The face of this person was hidden in darkness.
Eki and Dapo stared at each other, fear showing in their eyes. They had no idea who this person was, but it was clear that the night would soon get a lot harder for them.
