Cûrsed
Episode 8️⃣
What do you mean we lost him? This guy lying down here wasn’t sick. He only slept last night and couldn’t wake up and you confirmed him alive when We brought him here. Why are you telling us we lost him? Ndudi quarries the Doctor as he holds his shirt.
Odinaka’s wife who couldn’t shout or cry was resting her head on Odinaka’s chest kneeling.
Odî Nwannem (Odi my brother) wake up! The money you called me for yesterday I have it here oh. Odi, stand up let’s go to my shop I know the doctor is lying about your death just stand up and shut him up Odî. Ndudi kept talking and crying to know if Odinaka will wake up but all to no avail.
A few minutes later Odinaka’s body was deposited in the morgue. Ndudi called his wife Oluchi and informed her what happened and asked her to come and stay with Odinaka’s wife while he quickly go to his shop and lock it for the day. Odinaka’s wife Ebele phoned the village, his siblings, and their town meeting executives in the city they live and informed them of what has happened.
Was Odinaka sick? Ndudi asked Ebele.
He wasn’t sick oh. Just last night we argued about Moi-moi’s missing money. I told him he should stop selling and he also agreed he won’t be selling again. Only to wake up this morning and found Odi not moving his body oooh! Ebele explains.
I asked because we both spoke on the phone yesterday. He has not been coming to my shop for like two weeks now because of the market he had been going with you. I was surprised when you called me only for you to say Odi wasn’t breathing. Hey! Onwu emému alu ooh ( death has done me a terrible thing) Ndudi cries.
Later in the night Ndudi and his wife went home. Ndudi is still finding it difficult to believe his friend is gone. He keeps calling his name every minute.
So, like this Odinaka is lying cold in the morgue? Ndudi’s wife asked.
It’s so hard for me to believe right now. Ndudi said leaning on the sofa with his face up to the ceiling.
I hope he told his wife everything the prophetess had told him before he died. Oluchi asked.
Yeah, I believe he must have told her because the last time he came to my shop I advised him to tell his wife everything and he agreed. Ndudi said.
That one? Are you sure he told his wife? That Odinaka can be so stubborn to the core. He has a good heart but what spoiled him is arrogance and not regarding his wife. Oluchi said.
Don’t speak of him like that. He was not any of that you mentioned he was only stubborn. Ndudi said.
It’s well. May his soul rest in peace. Baby, come let’s eat. Oluchi told her husband.
I’m not hungry. Ndudi said.
Since today you have not eaten anything and you are telling me you are not hungry. Biko come let’s eat. Oluchi complains.
Babe, if you are hungry just eat okay. Don’t worry about me I will be fine. Ndudi calming said to his wife.
It wasn’t up to two weeks after Odinaka died Ndudi’s business started flourishing. He always makes sure he shares with Odinaka’s family but Ebele wasn’t comfortable with his overnight wealth just two weeks after his husband’s death. She summoned courage and went to his shop to know what is happening.
Hmmm, you have a full shop now. It’s been a long time since I visited. you have an apprentice now. That’s lovely. Odinaka’s wife said.
It’s God’s doing my dear. What will I offer you? Let me send this boy to go and get you something. Ndudi said.
No, don’t worry yourself I ate before coming. I came to discuss something with you. Ebele told Ndudi.
I hope all is well. Ndudi asked.
By the special grace of God, all is well. Ndudi something brought me to your shop and this thing has been giving me sleepless nights. You know that day my husband died in the hospital, you were telling him something about money as you cry. I didn’t pay attention it was later it started ringing a bell in my ear. What money were you telling him you came with? Did you and my husband go somewhere for money? Ebele asked.
If you heard me talking about money then it will be the money Odi, asked me to give him about the new house he wanted to rent. Ndudi explains.
The new house he wanted to rent for who? Ebele surprisingly asked.
You people of course. Ndudi said.
Please, clear me I don’t understand. My husband came home one day on a Sunday afternoon with an envelope that contains money. I don’t know how much was inside but it was more than a hundred thousand. He gave Okwy one hundred and twenty thousand for his wàéc fee and kept the remaining ones. I was surprised and asked him where he got all the money from because it’s been years since I saw such an amount from him but the only answer he gave me was God did it. Please, Ndudi don’t lie to me. I know you must have known where that money came from. Tell me where he got the money from. Ebele pleaded with Ndudi.
Wait, are you saying Odinaka did not discuss or tell you anything before he died? Ndudi asked.
Things like what? Asked Ebele.
Maybe things like going to church, meeting a woman of God, and prophesies. Ndudi said.
No, he didn’t tell me anything like that. Ebele said.
This is serious. But in that case, I will tell you everything… Ndudi took time and told Ebele everything.
Jesus Christ! Did your wife Oluchi know about this? Ebele asked.
I will not lie to you I told her everything. Ndudi confessed.
So, Oluchi knows about all this and she kept it from me yet she called me her friend. Ndudi even you! You could have told me this earlier on since you know how stubborn your friend can be. At least you could have saved me from being a widow. You could have saved him from dying. Now he is lying lifelessly in the mortuary. Ebele said crying.
Don’t blame me too much. How did I suppose to go behind my friend to be telling you all this when he was in the best position to do so? I never knew it will get to this. I was surprised to hear he didn’t mention this to you. Odinaka was my brother. There’s no way I will see what would have taken his life and fold my hand and let him go just like that. just that this one took us unawares. No signs at all it came and took Odi overnight. Ndudi said weeping bitterly.
Ndu, please I beg you can you direct me to the woman of God? Ebele pleaded.
I will not direct you I will love to go with you I owe Odinaka that. Though I’ve not gone there. But he mentioned the place is located at Hilltop. Ndudi said.
On top of the mountain? Ebele asked.
Yes, that’s where he said is located and I’m sure is there. Ndudi said.
Please, when are we going cause there is no time? Ebele asked.
Today is Friday, right? Let’s go tomorrow morning.
To be continued…
Written by Amaka Ember.
