*EPISODE 7*
((CHANGE OF RULES))
The bond and friendship between Oye and Bayo grew stronger as they grew closer.
After some time, Bayo decided to take Oye to an Ophthalmologist (An eye doctor who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including diagnosing and treating eye conditions and diseases).
Hearing this, Oye’s grandmother was so excited that she couldn’t stop thanking Bayo for being an answer to her long-standing prayers.
She broke down in tears and wished Oye’s parents were there to see the wonderful man who has come into their daughter’s life.
When Bayo and Oye arrived at the hospital, the ophthalmologist performed an eye exam on Oye. After that he said,
“Well, based on my examinations and the results of the test, she needs to have an eye surgery called cataract surgery,” the doctor said.
“Yeah. I was told the same thing some years back. But unfortunately, I couldn’t raise the money for the surgery.” Oye said.
“It’s not too late to do it now. And I assure you that after the operation you will be free of your night blindness.” The doctor said.
“Please Doctor. Forgive my ignorance. Because I’m not familiar with all these medical terms. Can you please explain to me what cataract surgery is all about?” Bayo asked with curiosity written all over his face.
“Okay, cataract surgery is surgery done to replace the cloudy lens in the eye with an artificial one. This surgery has a high success rate in improving one’s vision.” The doctor said.
“So, doctor, is this cataract surgery painful? Will she feel pain during the procedure?” Bayo asked curiously.
“A cataract operation is not painful. Even though patients are awake during the operation, they experience little or no discomfort. Because a mild sedative is administered before the surgery to calm the nerves, and eye drops are used to numb the eye,” the doctor said.
“Are there any complications? And how long does it take to recover from the surgery?” Bayo asked.
“Well, some immediate complications which include, discomfort, bruising, and swelling of the eyelid can occur as a result of having a surgical procedure. But these complications are monitored over time after the operation. And as for how long it will take her to recover I will say, her eyes will feel normal again 24 hours after the surgery. However, her sensitivity to light may persist for a few days. And it will take four to six weeks for her eyes to fully heal.” The doctor said.
“All right then. We will pay for the operation. And we are hoping that you will do a perfect job on her eyes.” Bayo said.
“Of course. I have handled several cases like this. And the end results were nothing but testimonies.” The doctor said.
And with that certainty, Bayo made the payment, and the next day, Oye underwent cataract surgery. And just like the doctor said, Oye’s eyes felt normal again 24 hours after the surgery. And it took her four weeks to fully heal from the surgery.
And during her healing period, Bayo was by her side. He made sure she lacked nothing. And he made sure to keep her company whenever he got he had free time.
He also restocked drugs in her pharmacy store as Oye was to stay at home until she is fully recovered. He wanted to make sure she didn’t lack anything.
For all the care and maximum attention Oye received from Bayo, she didn’t need a seer to convince her that he was the right man for her. Though he hasn’t officially asked her to be his girlfriend or wife, she was willing to say yes whenever he asked that question.
Meanwhile, Chief Afolabi had begun to notice Bayo’s change in attitude. How Bayo had become happier every day. And how he closes from work very early, as if he has family somewhere waiting for his return.
To satisfy his curiosity, Chief Afolabi conducted a private investigation on Bayo. To know what he’s been up to those few days. And his private investigator returned with pictures of Bayo spending time with Oye and her grandmother.
In Chief Afolabi’s mansion.
That evening, Chief Afolabi was standing on the balcony of his building, with a glass of alcoholic wine in his hand, when his private investigator approached him with a brown envelope containing pictures of Bayo, Oye, and her grandmother.
“Your suspicions were correct, Chief. Bayo has actually been spotted on several occasions spending time with a nurse named Oye and her grandmother.” The investigator said as he handed the brown envelope to Chief Afolabi.
“Oye?” Chief Afolabi asked taking the brown envelope from him.
“Yes, sir. In fact, he has been spending money on the said lady and her grandmother for some time. I found out he once had a fight with some loan sharks over the same lady. And he sponsored her eye surgery because she was once night blind. And he also replenished her old pharmacy with lots of drugs. And he spent most of his free time with them.” He said.
“Hmmm…” Chief Afolabi sighed deeply and tapped his fingers on his glass cup. “Your job is done, investigator. I’ll send you your remaining balance later tonight. You can go now.” Chief Afolabi said, staring steadily at nothing in particular.
His private investigator bowed and left.
“Oye….hmm…” Chief Afolabi said with a mischievous grin.
Meanwhile, Abeni overheard their conversation.
The next day at work.
As soon as Bayo came to work excitedly, Chief Afolabi’s secretary came up to him and told him that his boss demands his presence in his office.
Bayo, unsuspecting, told her to go on and that he would come. On his way to Chief Afolabi’s office, Abeni who knew there would be trouble, saw him heading to her father’s office and decided to go after him.
In Chief Afolabi’s office.
Bayo knocked and went in to meet Chief Afolabi, who was facing his office window, with his hands clasped behind his back.
“Good morning Boss.” Bayo greeted and wondered what was going on.
Chief Afolabi did not respond to his greeting. Instead, he sighed deeply and turned around, frowning.
Bayo looked him in the face and realized something was wrong somewhere. But alas, he had no idea what it was. He was still trying to rack his brain when Chief Afolabi threw some pictures at him.
“Would you like to explain to me what exactly is going on between you two?” Chief Afolabi asked, pointing angrily at the pictures which were already scattered on the floor.
Bayo, still curious, bent down and took one of the pictures. And the moment he saw himself and oye, his curiosity was replaced by fear and uneasiness. He felt an unexpected fear run through his veins as his hands began to tremble about what might happen to Oye and her grandmother if the chief ever finds out about his relationship and his feelings for Oye.
He was still trying to find the right words when Abeni entered.
“Good morning father.” She immediately greeted as she walked in and closed the door behind her.
“And what are you doing here?.” Chief Afolabi asked with anger in his voice.
“I came to tell you everything you need to know about Bayo and Oye’s relationship,” Abeni said, staring at Bayo, who quickly turned and stared at her, curious and surprised.
“Abeni, what are you doing?” Bayo asked, motioning for her to go away.
But she shook her head and said in her heart.
“I’m sorry Bayo. I won’t watch you go down the drain because of your stupid love for Oye. I will do everything to make sure you don’t die in my father’s hands. That’s how much I love you.” She said, staring at Bayo.
“What do you know about their relationship?” Chief Afolabi asked calling back her attention.
“Father, Bayo only got close to Oye because you asked him to. He has told me countless times how he intends to win her heart just as you told him to. Which makes me wonder why you’re suddenly overreacting to his accomplishment of the task you gave him.” Abeni said.
“Bayo, is that so?. Are you telling me that there is nothing unusual going on between you and this girl named Oye?” Chief Afolabi asked.
Bayo turned and looked at Abeni, who nodded her head, urging him to say yes.
“Yes, boss. That’s just the truth.” Bayo reluctantly said, clenching his fist.
“So what have you found out so far?” Chief Afolabi asked and finally sat down on his chair.
“Nothing out of the ordinary, sir,” Bayo replied.
“All right, take your time. But make sure you are telling the truth. Cause you won’t want to know what I will do when I find out that everything you just said are lies.” Chief Afolabi said pointing at Bayo.
As they left the office, Bayo pulled Abeni’s hand and forcibly dragged her into his office.
In Bayo’s office.
Bayo pulled Abeni inside and closed the door behind him.
“What was the meaning of what you just did back there?” He fumed.
“That’s so rude of someone I just saved from trouble,” Abeni said, adjusting her dress.
“Abeni, I never asked you for help. This is my life and my happiness, why don’t you stay out of it?” Bayo raged.
“No bayo. I’m sorry. I’m not going to sit back and watch you get killed for your stupid blind love for this girl. You’ve only known my father for 18 years, but I’ve known him for 25 years of my life. And as such, I know the things he’s capable of. If you really love Oye then you should end what is going on between the two of you. If possible, stay away from her in the meantime. Because only then will they both of you be safe.” Abeni said, after which she walked out on Bayo, who was so angry that he scattered everything that was on his table.
As Abeni left Bayo’s office, she pulled out her phone and called her father’s private investigator.
“Hello please sir, can I get Oye’s home address from you?” she asked walking away.