"What will you get for me this valentine" was the question Uloma asked me as we spoke on the phone at about 3pm, my answer was simple, "I go surprise you, no worry my dear, just don't forget our date at El Shandra by 8pm". We talked on for some few minutes and I soon found myself asleep, I must have slept like an hibernated bear only to be woken up by a call from my dearest Uloma, it was already 7:18pm, she must have been getting ready as it has been quite a while we saw each other, about three weeks or so I went for a special training at Abuja and I had just returned in the morning, scarcely had I finished putting my house in order did I fall asleep. Her voice was filled with excitement, I was her source of comfort, joy and happiness as she is mine, I missed her so much that even in my tired state at the sound of her angelic voice I felt strength surging in me. As I answered the phone she asked why I was still in bed, I paused for a moment and then I asked "How did you know?" she told me she had this feeling of dizziness, she had not stressed herself out that day but she just felt dizzy and so her mind came to me and she decided to call to know watz up. I have always thought it strange as to how we were so connected, that our minds work together, but I have never had an answer to that question, on many occasions I have sent a text to her and as surprisingly as it may seem the text is always a perfect timing and changes everything, our love has been strangely a unique one.
I quickly fixed myself up and in 35 minutes time I was at El Shandra, I need not wait up to a minutes for my dear Uloma arrived just as I was about to sit down and as she called my name "Ebitimikonde" it sounded so divine, I was as weak as Samson without his hair that for full 10 seconds I was speechless, I must have seemed foolish in the eyes of others but not in her eyes for I was much more than gold to her and so I finally found strength returning in me and in a split second I moved with great celerity, grabbed her into my arms and I whispered her name softly. I held her in there like forever, feeling her warmth, her every pulse, every breath she drew we drew together, our heartbeats unionized, fast at first like rushing waters but soon it slowed down, calm, beautiful, like a full moon and she leaned back a little as to look at me once again, a face she had not seen for a long while and as I looked into her eyes, her deep beautiful eyes still enchants me even today. I wasted no time in kissing her, her tender lips, soft like the clouds, red as rose and she pressed on me even tighter, our passions were shooting like wild fire but we knew where we were and so we controlled ourselves and sat down to a beautiful dinner. We had gaily moments as we ate and talked about all that has happened in the span of three weeks when we were somewhat separated. The nights entertainment was stupendous and added to the beautifix of our dinner, there were other couples there but we felt alone and as the night went deeper the longing for home crept in, we didn't talk much in the car as I drove but the silence spoke a lot and it didn't take long before we got to my house, and soon the love of my life was laying by my side. I would give up anything just to have her by my side every day.
Every other night had always seemed to be tasking, long and unbearable, but this night was different, it was surprisingly pleasant, lovely but transient. I wished it would be longer but unfortunately it wasn't. The ugly face of dawn broke but this time it was feminine and glamorous. I woke quite early but I just laid there for what seems to be an eternity staring at her beautiful physic, I stared at the wondrous work of the mightiest artist the "best that ever was, is and will ever be". I am not used to bragging but on this matter perhaps I may brag, for it is the truth I speak. I stared at those wondrous curves that formed her enchanting and angelic face, even as she slept with her eyes shut her face was nimble, more entrancing than any other that exists in this or any other world. Her face was even smoother than a baby's, her lips, perfectly curved, red as rose, sweeter than the best of wine and her nose was moderately pointed and flawlessly placed. When she opened her eyes and found me staring, her smile warmed my heart, I could bask in her smile for perpetuity and then she kissed me with deep passion and as I placed my hand upon that mesmeric face, as I caressed her my blood became hot, I felt like a baby, ready to unwrap his birthday gift but I was drawn back to reality as I remembered the promise I made, it took all my energy to break free from such heightened bloodlust, my blood slowly began to cool, it wasn't easy but it was for the best.
Our day began almost like every other day but this time we had each other and as we ate breakfast we discussed plans for the day, we both had certain assignments to do, one of utmost priority to me was a meeting with potential investors in my enterprise which was relatively gaining more grounds, as for Uloma, she tidied the home as she had called her workers informing them she won't be coming to work for a few days. I didn't want her day to be completely uninteresting and so I asked her to plan an outing for us and send me the details later so I could pick her up and we would go spend time together.
My meeting was a successful one and my potential investors found my presentation eloquent and precise, after an hour or thereabout I was completely done with the business of the day, I entrusted all other activities to my confidential HR manager and momentarily I was home to pick up my princess Uloma. As I approached I noticed she was bathing and in an interval of 45 minutes she was ready and off we were. We went to the spa for some warm massage in the couples only section and we talked in low tunes as we enjoyed the exceptional massage, it was an experience to be repeated soon. With prodigious feelings we went to the cinemas and had another thrilling experience, the movie was very interesting, we both loved it and though time was not on our side we had one more thing to do; shopping. I treated her like a princess and I became her chieftain, we had much fun shopping, watching her come out in different attires was breathtaking, I wished we never had to leave. Coming home today wasn't quite quiet as yesterday, our heads were literarily filled with new memories and we spoke so much about them that even when we got home we were still talking, it was like the best day of our lives and yes we were very exhausted, we couldn't eat anything other than share a cup of tea together. This night as we both fell asleep I heard her say "I don't need a valentine's gift, thank you for today, I love you die" but I couldn't reply her for my mind was already drifting into the world of dreams where she was the author of every dream.
I awoke the following morning only to find my princess gone, I turned on my phone as I listened to know if she was in the bathroom but I couldn't tell, I was almost entering a frantic state when my phone rang, it was a message and it read "you, me, together, forever. Happy Val my love" and just as I finished reading the message she walked into the house, "hope you were not looking for me?" was the question she asked, It was until later I learnt she had gone out to purchase some veggies for the morning meal. Breakfast wasn't anything very fancy, just garnished noodles, salad and a cup of coffee. Uloma went to take her bath, I seized the opportunity to compose a wonderful valentine's message for her, this was the message I wrote:
"Every day without you have been gloomy for
me but with you it has been an eternity.
If I know what Love is, then it is because of you.
I will gladly give up the whole world just to be
with you, I Love you plentifully!!!!
Happy Valentines' Day"
By the time she finished bathing and saw the message she searched for me and I pretended I was working on something on the laptop, she valiantly walked to my back and hugged me from behind and whispered "thank you my love, you're the best", all I did was smile and kiss her hand. Few hours later we were at the antechamber, seated, discussing over a glass of fruit juice; she enjoyed my jokes and laughed profusely as was her custom and as the day went on I'm sure she must have still expected a present which was seemingly not coming, though she must have said she needed nothing more but I was intentionally building suspense in her, this time we were watching "THE INTERN" and as we came to the end of the movie she bashfully asked "what else are we going to do today?" "no worry, just relax" was the answer I gave and she seemed comfortable with it. We hard scarcely gone full 15 minutes into the next movie when I heard a honk at the gate, "Are you expecting anyone?" was the question that accompanied her whimsical look, I shook my head in agreement and told her to accompany me outside to see my friend, willingly she walked by my side, playing with my fingers and as we got outside, I opened the gate and a beautiful red car drove in and as the driver came down we exchanged pleasantries and as quickly as he came he left, as we walked in she asked me what's up with the car and when I said it was hers she exclaimed "it's a lie!" I insisted it was her valentines' gift but she was so flushed with emotions that all she could do was sob and laugh at the same time, I took her into my arms and she buried her angelic face unto my chest, quietly she sobbed, wetting my shirt with her happy tears, all I could do was smile and stoke her hair, pat her back and tell her it's okay, we must have stood there for five minutes and when she was done with the happy sobs she spoke up, why don't we go for a drive? She sometimes drove my car when I wasn't going anywhere or when she was not going far. I didn't resist her idea, so I said "why not?" we left the house in her new car and drove off, where we were going I had no idea but I trusted her and that was all I need do. We drove for quite a while and finally we were at an unusual eatery, it wasn't the finest but something kept telling me to keep my cool and so I did, we had ice-cream, and other goodies and when the time was about 7pm we were entertained by one of the best dancers I had ever come across, the music seemed bewitching and before I knew it we were all dancing with the dancers, the whole place which seemed quiet before had lighted up, everyone came alive, danced almost uncontrollable and I had so much fun that evening and I'm sure everyone else had as much fun also. Our stomach was empty as we drove home and so we stopped at a familiar joint bought suya and beverages then we set off for home. We sat on the couch in the living room that night, as we ate we talked about life's challenges while growing up, we talked about the things we loved doing when we were kids. I realized that night Uloma had little passion for singing and so I didn't hesitate to ask her to sing and as she sang "JOHN LEGENDS' ALL OF ME" I joined her, my voice was not so beautiful but it was pleasant enough and from one song we drifted onto another, I remember "ADELES' ROLLING IN THE DEEP" as the last song we sang before we drifted into the land of dreams. I woke after some few hours and though I was dizzy I managed to take her into the room and then the dreaming continued.
As our love grew the yearning of becoming one became irresistible, every moment we spent together fighting, laughing, talking, planning pointed us in the direction of tying the knot, I thought of the best way to propose to her but none came to me, I knew she was eagerly longing for it. Funny thing though, I used to give ideas on this matter but today I needed help. I wasted no time in seeking for the needed help from my friends, they offered great and wonderful ideas, I found myself in love with one of the idea and that's the one I used to propose to her. The idea had the element of surprise, music and lots of fireworks in it, maybe these elements are what made me love the idea.
I was fortunate in the sense that her birthday was coming up in a week and two days' time, she had told me about it only once and had hoped I would forget but I wasn't going to forget something as important as her birthday. I planned the proposal alongside her birthday, I was very meticulous even to the least detail as I wanted everything to be perfect. The day finally came and as she woke that morning she must have been surprised at the number of messages I left her just to say happy birthday, I composed and sent as many messages as her new age. She screamed at the top of her mesmeric voice jumping up and down like a lottery winner, I was much more than a lottery jackpot and as she read each message a new wave of emotions flushed her, each wave of emotion stronger than the last and in the end beautiful soft but salient sobs and tears expressed how she felt, she loved me with her totality and nothing was going to change it. We went birthday shopping later in the afternoon, it dragged into the evening as I had planned, we got home, freshened up and then I told her to come with me. I took her to an expensive diner, we were at the roof top, the most exclusive part of it and as we sat down for our special cuisine we were treated with the finest music from one of the best live bands. It was all part of my plan but my baby was unaware, we finished eating as the song came to an end, the next song was a familiar one done by our very own "SIMI –SMILE FOR ME", I sang along gesticulating to my love, she indeed smiled for me and she laughed quite fancifully. She must have enjoyed the show but she never would have guessed what next I had in mind. The singers enthralled us to "ED SHEERANS' -PERFECT", as the song began I got up and led the singing, she laughed at first but soon she stood and sang along –dancing divinely, before she knew what was happening I had knelt before her, I opened a beautiful pack revealing a glamorous ring in my hand, I looked into her eyes and spoke
"Ever since I met you my life has not remained the same,
I have been searching for the one who will fill the void in
Me, today I believe I will search no more for I have found
The one who makes me complete. I want to sleep & wake
With you by my side every day, I want to love and protect
you for the rest of my life, will you marry me Uloma?"
She was flushed with joy that she was jumping, smiling, laughing and nodding for approval with an outstretched left arm, as I held her hand to place the engagement ring a vast display of fireworks flooded the sky and most of our friends hiding behind came forth clapping, even as the music gave us a warm background she hugged and kissed me. As our friends came closer she went around hugging and thanking them as did I for the wonderful surprise, it was really a gaily moment not just for the two of us but everyone.
As days went by we began talking more about seeing her parents, planning the wedding and a host of other things, as we progressed in plans we finally picked a date for the wedding, it was indeed a perfect date, we both loved the date and decided to work tirelessly to make it an astounding day to remember for the rest of our life. Making plans for marriage seems easy to the one who is single and is not yet ready for marriage but when you are ready to get married it takes a lot from you. Having the needed fund makes things a bit easy but there are those things you just have to do yourself. It didn't take long for me to go with my father to see her parents, we requested to get the list to know the requirements for marrying their daughter, the meeting was fruitful as expected and we were told to come back in two weeks' time. Uloma was very happy as the process of making us one was starting, every day was a happy day for her, I myself was happy. To make our wedding more dazzling we decided to delight the audience to a special dance and for that we had to attend dance classes, these were not the very regular Nigerian dance rather it was the classical dance, it seemed easy when watched on TV but in reality it was quite challenging, as we continued we began to get the heck of it and soon we felt like not stopping. Some days we danced like Beauty and the Beast other times like Shrek and Fiona yet even some other days we were like the Prince and Cinderella.
Days went by, weeks went by, even months went by and the great day drew nearer by every passing second, we reviewed the list and began putting things in order, close friends and allies offered vast amount of help, taking care of many areas of the wedding, the venue was not a problem, a friend of mine supported us with his Event Centre which was perfect, the wedding gown and the maid of honors gown were coming handy from one of Uloma's close friend who ran a fashion institution, my best-man covered my suit and that of himself, he himself was a fashionist, we agreed to pull fund together so her catering institute would use it to cover everything cooking and baking, everything was just falling directly into place and we thanked God for everyone he was inspiring to support us. As the time was drawing nearer it was as if every day became shorter, we began distributing the wedding cards, a printing house was getting the wedding programme booklet ready, everybody was excited but not as we, to finally be made Husband and Wife was something we could no longer wait for.
It was now five days to our wedding, we were excited as ever, everything by now was set, all that was remaining was picking up the wedding ring that day. A friend of ours had a great function that day, it was one we could not miss and so we attended with the intention of picking up the ring as we returned from the function. We had gone to pick up the wedding rings at the end of the function and was now heading home, we must have been the happiest lads on the planet, everything seemed perfect as we drove home that afternoon; we talked happily of how the function had gone as she drove us home, and on getting home we got another wonderful news, Uloma's uncle "Mr. Tuminus" who based overseas was inviting us over to spend our Honeymoon there, he had already worked out the modalities and a day after our wedding we would travel over there, he was to take care of our every expense over there, it was really a great news and Uloma was especially looking forward to it, even I was expectant also. The remaining five days passed like five seconds and we saw ourselves standing at the altar getting married, it was the best day of our lives and just as we had planned, we entreated the audience to our special dance, the ceremony was graciously glorious and as we got home, tired as we were we managed to eat and sleep.
By morning we were refreshed and all to ourselves. We had a quick breakfast and then we started packing for our trip, after packing and putting so many things together, the house was finally in order but we were exhausted, the time was about 1pm and my dear Uloma was bathing when I finished what I was doing and I joined her in the bathroom, as we finished bathing she was carefully rubbing her lotion and she asked me to help her with her back, as I rubbed the lotion on her back she enjoyed it as I did and I moved my hands forward and caressed her, I kissed her neck passionately and soon she turned facing me kissing me, our passion grew like wild fire, we were all over each other, our hands crossed boundaries because today there was no boundary, I moved my hand to her behind and even forward; at that moment I was like a little boy with his birthday present wrapped before him but this time I had every right to unwrap my present and so I did, I loosed her towel and as it dropped the actions that followed I entrust to both our memories alone. After everything had happened, I realized she was truly worth waiting for, she was beyond perfect and I didn't need anyone else besides her, we ate and stayed in bed all day, fondling with each other, we talked about our journey through the skies tomorrow and we were happy that our dreams of becoming one had come to pass.
We were at the airport by 8:35am as our flight was to depart by 9:00am, we wished both parents' farewell as we boarded the plane, we sat together holding hands together and as the time reached 9:00am the plane took off. We talked quietly and almost endlessly until we became sleepy, we slept for a long while and I when I woke I inquired of the airhostess when we would arrive, she smiled pleasantly and said in two hours' time or less, I was pleased with the answer so I started watching a two hours movie on my tablet, I had barely gone ten minutes into the movie and my princess awoke, I told her we would be arriving in about two hours' time and she simply joined me in the movie, we requested for some snacks and beverage to go as we watched the movie together, as we were drawing to the last twenty minutes of the movie we heard from the background to stop movement, be seated and the seatbelt be fasted properly, we were to land in the next seven minutes. Soon we were on the ground, we had picked up our little luggage and as we headed for the exit door we came into a lobby-like area and we found someone waiting for us, he drove us to a rented apartment and afterwards he drove us to meet with Uloma's uncle. He was a very nice man, he welcomed us warmly as did his wife and two children, we sat at the table for a nutritious meal as we chatted and after about two hours in his home he bade us adieu, allowing us to go and rest even more for tomorrow was the beginning of a tour around the city. Every day we stayed there was very interesting, some days we went out in the morning for a tour, other days we enjoyed the nightlife of the city, we took pictures and short video clips, Uloma flooded our social media with the pictures, there were many comments from family and friends, it was really an awe-inspiring time there, the memories would last forever, it was something worth doing again, soon.
It was 13 days already and the next day we would be coming back home, we went shopping with her uncle and family, we bought some simple yet exquisite gift items to bring home. That last day seemed the shortest and so we decided to live it to the fullest, by 4:00am we go to the house, set our alarm for 6:30am and soon we cuddled up each and slept. We had rarely slept when the alarm went off, we struggled to our feet, showered, and headed for Uloma's uncles home, we thanked him and soon we were at the airport, if only we knew what was waiting for us, but we didn't and so we simply boarded our plane and as soon as the plane took off we started sleeping, after three hours into the journey, Uloma woke me up saying she wants to use the rest room, one of the airhostess directed her and so I was waiting for her to return before going to sleep, as she came out of the rest room she called my name and I looked back at her, she had scarcely walked three steps and all of a sudden there was this mighty blast, the plane must have hit a mighty turbulent and this knocked off one of its wings which rapidly crashed into the side of the plane and all of a sudden we were crashing, the pilot was struggling to save us as best as he could but inside the plane was already troubled as the open side was sucking everything out, my eyes was on my princess as she struggled to hold on to the back of a seat fighting the mighty suction wind trying to pull her out, we were rapidly diving nose down and with a great blast and destructive shake the other engine flung away, I saw my princess sucked out, her head must have hit the edge of the broken plane as she was dragged out by the wind, I watched the whole thing happen like a bad dream but it wasn't a bad dream, the pilot tried and raised the nose of the plane just before we hit close to the mouth of a mighty river, I had already loosed my seatbelt trying to save my princess and as we hit the water the force shot me up that my legs hit the seat in front of me and was broken, I hit the top of the plane with my head and was unconscious. Many people died, some were badly injured as was I, my right arm bled from shoulder down as the window glass shattered on me, I must have had a concussion, how I survived is still a mystery but even in that brief moment all my thought was on my princess even as I drifted into oblivion