CHAPTER 3
The weekend's encounter
On this faithful Saturday morning in Lagos, it carries a very different rhythm, lively, slower and softer without the rush of weekdays' footsteps and horrible horns on the streets.
Likewise, everything was perfect with Olu for the weekend. He wasn't expecting his path to cross with Ajoke that day. Yet, fate made it happen.
He drives down to Lekki to attend a charity health outreach organised and sponsored by his company.
The small event took place in a small community centre, filled with children, volunteers and the organisers. Where the faint aroma of smoky-jollof rice is being served.
Ajoke happened to be one of the volunteers. She stood near one of the stalls, trying to help a group of women distribute a pack of food. Her hair was packed and tied neatly, with very little make-up.
For a long moment, he simply stood and watched her from afar. Unnoticed, caught between admiration and something deeper.
When she finally turned and saw the MD. She was so surprised to see him, followed by a very tiny smile on her face.
"Sir, I didn't know you would attend this outreach," she said softly.
He walked towards her majestically, "You dropped the 'sir' today. Ajoke, it's Saturday."
She laughed, a sound that felt like a beautiful bird singing.
"Alright then, Olu."
It's her first time calling him by his first name without formality, and something in him stirred as it sounded.
They worked side by side throughout the program. Handling supplies, talking, gisting, laughing between tasks. Seems that the wall that once separated them finally dissolved in that open place.
Everything changed so quickly,
Later, as the day goes by, the program comes to an end. Olu offered to walk her to her parking lot.
They strolled quietly through the open space of the event, still talking and laughing.
"You always show up for people, " Olu said softly. "Even when no one is watching.
She smiled, "My mother says kindness is never wasted." Looking down.
He nodded, "She raised you well."
Ajoke turned slightly towards him and said, "You have changed, Olu."
He blinked. "Changed?"
They stopped very close to the gate of the venue, and for a moment, they did not speak. There was only the hum of distant traffic and the sounds of the two hearts that suddenly felt too close.
"You said I have changed?" Said the MD....
"Yes, Olu," replied Ajoke softly.
"You are always composed and distant. While at work. But here, you're..."
She hesitated, You were very free and seemed close."
Something warm unfolded between them there..... unspoken but real and intense.
He looked at her and simply felt so drawn to her. "You are right, I'm drawn to you, unlike before."
Her hands brushed against his accidentally, but neither pulled away.
That small contact spoke volumes. The restraint, the longing, the unspoken truth that had been building for weeks between them.
Finally, she whispered gently, " We should go. It's getting late already."
He nodded slowly, his gaze lingered on her face.... on the curve of her lips. He drew her closer..... kissed her, and she responded...
That changes everything...
She quickly drifted apart and said, " Yes, we should leave now."
But, as they turned to leave, something inside both of them had shifted... quietly and permanently.
That night, long after he got back home, Olu sat by his elevated window, watching the city's lights....
He thought of her, the softness and originality of her laughter, the way her hands felt against his, and finally, the subtle kiss.....
He said to himself, "It was only a moment. A moment is all it takes sometimes for love to take root.
And once again, beneath the Lagos sky, two hearts found themselves thinking of the same thing at the same time.