Aborted Romeos — Two

[ThatYorùbáGuy]

Aborted Romeos–Two

Jabari

The nightly colours of the Orient Hotel illuminated the building itself. Perhaps the Lebanese owners had thought it well to place the hotel right in the suburbs of Ikeja while making sure it is a short stop for those coming from the international airport. Like all reputable hotels, it plays host to different kinds of activities. While it is a welcome for cheating wives and husbands, it is also renowned for its more presentable customers; businesspeople, travellers and such like that. The lounge area is its main hub. The disco lights in the Orient Lounge, as it is popularly called, a simple yet genius invention, cut the overhead lights into rainbow colours which only enhance the aura of pleasure hanging in the air. With the right amount of money, the lounge can be rented out for private parties year-round, and it was here Uncle Wemimo was having his bachelor party. People were already swaying to the jams from the DJ by the time I walked in.

"Look who we have here, our nephew," someone said. It was Rotimi.

"Hey broo". I replied, visibly pleased.

Uncle Wem would be neck-deep in one of his pleasurable indulgences and might not think to check if I had come as promised until later, so I was glad to have found one of his friends, his closest perhaps.

" I feel like I haven't seen you in ages man." He said lightheartedly, gesturing for us to go in.

"Yeah, man."

Amidst the bubbling party noise, we found a spot to sit, close to the bar. My eyes took a swift sweep across the lively room and noticed a beautiful lady. I could not stop staring, if for a split second, and when she caught my eyes and smiled, I moved my eyes away quickly, nervously.

"Hey man, there's plenty of food, and you can get a drink at the bar. Your call."
"Yeah, sure. but why is this place filled with people, it was supposed to be a private bachelor's party naw?" I queried.

" You know your uncle. He likes throwing elaborate parties," He said absentmindedly, "and we all brought our babes and some acquaintances."

"We?"

"Yeah. Those two big heads are also here. Lets go meet them".

By that, I know he meant Aliyu and Chukwuma. They were four brothers bound by the cord of friendship; Uncle Wems, Chuks, Rotimi and Aliyu. In a civilized world where brothers are not only those related by blood, this quartet are a classic example. I was most familiar with Rotimi. On several occasions, usually weekends, my uncle Wems would bring his friends to our house at Isolo and my mother (big mummy, as they called her), always ready to display her culinary prowess, would make Rice and chicken soup or Beans and plantain, but she was most famous for her Efo elegusi (vegetable & melon soup). and then they'll talk about women or the Nigerian footballer making waves in Europe or some other random topic. Sometimes mother would tease them about their bachelorhood (Chuks being the only married one among them).

"It is not our fault that God created so many beautiful women." Aliyu would say mischievously.

"Abi?" my uncle would chip in, grinning.

So when he announced he was getting married, everyone was rather shocked. He was what you called a playboy, but one without the negative undertone, and despite his long string of ex-girlfriends, his decent rule was "never to do two at once". While everyone had hopelessly thought Uncle Wems would be the last to get married —or never— and that Rotimi was next in line to get married, we were glad Uncle Wems beat him to it and was going to finally start a family.

By now we had moved to the far end of the lounge, where most people were clustered, including the lady I saw earlier. There were Chuks and Aliyu.

"Look who we have here." Chuks said, beckoning myself and Rotimi to the plush sofa.

"Hey, English boy," Aliyu said as our hands locked in a rather enthusiastic handshake.

As if waiting for a cue, Uncle Wem came to me, grinning with sparkling eyes. He must have been drinking, but he always carefully avoided getting himself drunk.

"You came."

"I said I would."

"Ladies and gentlemen, meet my nephew, who is giving Soyinka and the likes a run for their money." He said exaggeratedly while they all laughed and gave me a pat on my shoulder. And then he introduced me to a couple of others. There was a lady beside Aliyu I had never met. She must be his new girlfriend, or at least since she was Uni curling around him like some jellyfish.

"Sister mi nko?"

"She's fine sir."

"Enjoy yourself. As you can see, there's a lot of fun going on. Some of the ladies here are single. Feel free." He winked.

An orderly walked into the lounge, came straight to him and whispered something in his ear.

"Guys, guys," he beckoned to the others in an urgent tone. Whatever it was, they understood quickly.

"I'd be right back", he muttered.

I knew I would feel bad later on if I didn't muster the nerve to talk to the lady I've since been staring at and in one of those adrenalin-fueled moments, I stood and walked briskly towards her.

" Hi".

"Hello," she replied warmly.

"You look stunning."

"Oh, thank you."

"What" 's your name?"

" Zara."

"Lovely name."

"Thank you."

"So, are you a friend of my uncle's?"

"Your uncle who's having his bachelor's party tonight? Nah. I came with Anika. She's Aliyu's girlfriend. Why do you ask?"

"I know most of the people here, but I've never seen you before."

"I could say the same for you."

"Really?"

"I mean, you've been staring at me since."

"Oh my. I didn't know that was obvious". I felt a bit embarrassed, but it was good.

"Hmm."

This bachelor's party would have passed for a mini wedding party but without the bride. It was fun, and meeting Zara made it even more interesting.

When I saw Rotimi walk back in, I thought the others would follow suit, but then he came straight to me.

"There's been a situation," he said "Wemimo needs to see you outside now."

"Is he okay?"

"Yes of course. It's not something serious."

I hate to ruin the tranquillity of this moment with Zara, but it can wait.

"Hey Zara, I'll be right back."

"Alright. No problem"

Rotimi was already moving towards the door.

"You didn't tell me your name." Zara called out.

"Jabari. My name is Jabari."