One Eighty: Part 2

Utopia

It has been a thousand years since the Great War

A thousand years of perfect peace and harmony

A thousand years since the only world we know was physically separated from the ‘outside’

The outside never recovered from the Great War

Thousands of smaller wars have erupted since then

They say a lot of things, the scholars, historians, keepers of the past,

They say we, Utopians, have been fortunate

That it’s not humanly possible for so many different looking and thinking people, black, white, red, to live so peacefully together in an enclosed world

They say our world is too good to be true

They say our world is not real

They come from the outside and they distort everything we know, we believe

They say a war is coming

Either from the outside or within ourselves

They say human nature would corrupt Utopia just as it has corrupted the rest of the world

I don’t know if they are right and I don’t want to think about it, about discord

But it was all Chance could think about

He needed to do something about it

If Utopia had to be involved in the war then he would play his part

Last week, Chance volunteered to serve in the Utopian Peacekeepers Delegation

A division conceived by the council to keep the crisis out of Utopia

He received his conscription almost immediately

Yesterday, he followed his fellow recruits and new superiors aboard a frightfully large jet

I think at that moment he had never looked happier

It was impossible for him to hide his teeth as he moved excitedly with palpable energy

Completely oblivious to my pain

He seemed so happy to leave me

I had never felt heavier seeing him completely overcome with glee

He would be gone six months

One eighty days

I was alone when I met Chance

My parents were alive and I had five siblings

But I was so alone

I was working in a departmental store when I first saw him

He was beautiful and kind looking but I decided to ignore

Five minutes later, an entire heap of canned fish was falling from underneath me and a pair of hands were pulling me out of the line of fire

I dread to imagine all those cans landing on my feet

I felt heavy breathing at the back of my neck and realized I was still held prisoner by two solid arms

I moved out of the shield of flesh so quickly that I fell to my hands and feet

Someone pulled me up again and I felt my embarrassment grow with each breath I took

I heard his voice for the first time from behind me as I moved quickly towards the storeroom

He was calling for me to hold on, to slow down

I couldn’t get out of the room quicker

God alone knew why I was behaving like a fish out of water

But for some reason I was nervous

Ok, well, I was a klutz any given day and it was completely expected for me to tip over a pile of produce

I wondered why I was weirdly shaken by that encounter

By the next week, I had forgotten about the little incident

I was sitting on a bench in the only park in the city

The only place that you could get some peace and quiet, just

It was the only one hour in the day I had to myself after office work and before house work

I was facing the clear glassy duck pond but I had my eyes on the amazingly colorful sunset

This one was special and I had to capture it on paper

The purple, yellow, blue, white and grey colors that all flowed into each other in harmony, ushering away the burnt orange sun

And then the way it all reflected in the tiny pond beneath it

Bending forward over my work, some of my thick brown hair over my face, with the quacking of ducks for background music,

I was awed by the fast strokes of my paint brush as I hurried to capture the scene perfectly

For most artists it was a slow and painstaking process

But for me it was a spiritual happening

Something took over me when I got the inspiration

At one moment, a shadow fell over my easel

I trembled slightly to see the dark silhouette on my paper

I bit my lower lip a little too hard

But I couldn’t stop painting, I couldn’t break transmission

The human outline did not shift, even slightly, it waited patiently till the end

My brush fell to the ground at the last stroke

And as I looked at the picture, I knew nothing needed to be added, it was perfect!

The sky view was in my paper.

And still the shadow hadn’t moved

And then I heard his voice

He told me what I already knew

That the painting was a miracle

I looked at him and registered the same awe I knew was written on my face too

I smiled at him

He walked me home that night because he wouldn’t hear of me walking back alone in the dark

That feels like a lifetime ago

Chance wanted to help people, to save people, to protect them

He wanted his life to have some deep meaning

He dreamed of it

At heart, he was a fighter, a defender

He loved the take-care-of role

With the talk of coming chaos in Utopia taking flight, it didn’t take long for his protect-the-people instinct to kick in

To him, he had to have an active part in the cause

That was the only way he could truly help,

Join the army

The entire idea, logic, theory made no sense to me

All of this “peacekeeping” would not bring peace!

They will not really protect the people

Utopia has never experienced war and I don’t know what it will be like but I know it would destroy everything

Sometimes, in the dead of the night, when all is silent, loud explosions could only just be heard and gentle vibrations felt from whatever ominous thing was occurring on the outside

And sometimes, I could just make out human screams

or maybe I just imagined them

I think about how life is out there, how people live there,

Why they couldn’t join us and live here where it is safe and peaceful

But now we join them in dispute and discord

Every single citizen of Utopia would be dragged into this dreadful event, consciously or unconsciously

I can feel our lives changing irrevocably

We would never know this peace again, I know

And I am afraid

Soldiers die

They are always the first to go

They fought and sacrificed their lives for the “greater good”,

For the country

For the vague nation of Utopia which somehow never really included the singular people

And after war, there is never peace, there is just destruction

I think I am a pacifist

I do not NO cannot understand why the world hasn’t learnt from the patterns of the past

And now everything I know and love has been plunged into this meaningless protracted war that might never end

Nobody remembers why it started.

As I watched the enormous craft lift into the sky, I couldn’t help feeling sick to my stomach

I could have stopped him

I knew I had the power to

I could have asked him, told him how I felt about him leaving

About the whole idea of the peace keeping mission

How all my “excitement” was fake

I could have told him

He would have changed his mind

But how could I have?

He thinks this is his destiny!

I love him and I don’t want him having regrets because of me

How could I ask him not to do this if he believed this was his life's mission?!

He might have agreed to stay because of me

But he would have grown bitter hanging around in the country when the idea of fighting for the safety of the people had already stoked a fire in him

I would be quenching that fire

And he would never thank me for it

He would eventually blame me for keeping him from what could have been

I can't handle him hating me

And he would

Not at first

It would be a slow and painful process

And I would never be able to live with myself

Still, now he's gone and I cannot imagine how I will live with myself

Last night, I couldn't sleep

The night before that, I couldn't sleep

But at least the bed was soft and warm

And our quaint, square, wood logged room was not quiet

Chance couldn't sleep too

But for a completely different reason from mine

He was bubbling with uninhibited mirth

He was sitting up on the bed, his back resting on the headboard

Outlining the itinerary for the six months he will spend with the delegation

It occurred to me that Utopia has never had an army, how can they know what they are doing?

I had not noticed that tears had started streaming unchecked down my cheeks until he asked me why I was crying

I looked at him, he was truly confused

That was my first show of anything besides happiness and approval

I didn't wipe the tears from my face, no

I let them fall freely

Because what I wanted so desperately to say, I couldn't

I stared at him and his gentle, kind eyes filled with concern for me, called out to me

I leaned up to pull his face to mine

His lips to mine

The gentle kiss was reassuring

I felt like I could absorb his strength and make it mine

We didn't talk more that night but we said everything we needed to say to each other

And the next morning I escorted him to his fate

Watch out for Part 3 next Sunday.

The Big Spenders – Island Division

If there’s one place to find clubbing Nirvana, it’s in the Lagos’ Island area. Home to some of the biggest, most notorious and iconic party scenes in Nigeria – some say Africa – here’s a tour of some amazing nights on the tiles, discover the very best late night bars, cocktail hangouts and DJ clubs in Lagos.

The Island division might be the commercial headquarters of Lagos, but it truly comes to life when the sun goes down. We explore popular nightlife areas, hit live music spots, and dance until dawn. With everything from trendy low-lit lounges and open-air roof-top bars, to high-end, designer-decorated spaces, every area in this region has bars and lounges that stand out in their own right.

Don’t look too hard to find a nice place for a happy hour or late night cocktail. From the many grand hotels with trendy watering holes right in the lobby, everyone has recommendations on places to try, regardless of preferences—live music, haute-mixology or simply a sports bar to watch the game.

Club Quilox

873 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos

Let’s begin right with the Prima Donna, shall we? Victoria Island is the island in most Lagos resident’s books, and it caters to an international crowd ready to mix and mingle all day (and night) long. Wander into the Art Deco boutique hotels and swanky luxury high rises where stunning hotel bars run the gamut from historic glitz to poolside loungers, you will find an array of options.

Visit Club Quilox, one of the most popular places to see-and-be-seen throughout Lagos. This relatively new club found on the legendary Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, has a great bar and restaurant, and has maintained very high standards with its impeccable interior of red, gold, and black, exquisite VIP and VVIP lounges. The club can house more than 300 people, and it truly shines with the mix of a hyped crowd and good music as supplied by DJ Consequence and DJ Redwoods.

At Quilox, there is always something to do: Monday to Wednesdays are tagged ‘Night Shift,’ Thursday Night is ‘Workman’s Compensation,’ Friday Night is ‘Starry Night,’ Saturday Night is ‘Thriller Night,’ and Sunday Night is ‘Sunday Nitro.’ Furthermore, every last Sunday of each month, the DJ spins tunes from lunchtime (around 2 pm) till dawn! Quilox is essentially the perfect confluence of Lagos debonair party lovers and the booming bass.

1089 Club and Lounge

1089 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Or, try the all-new ultra-modern 1089 Club and Lounge, speculated as the newest and hottest club on the Lagos nightlife scene with two international resident DJs – purveyors of House music, Naija Afro pop, and Old School music. Remodeled from the renowned Auto Lounge, 1089, a prestigious club, caters to an exclusive clientele, attracting a sophisticated VIP crowd. The 1089th lot on Adeola Odeku, just above Casper & Gambini Restaurant, it covets an unforgettable address. Be prepared to dance under the stars in this mesmerizing club with multi-colored fiber-optic lights shining down from high ceilings.

The extensive bar is the centerpiece of the main floor, with strategically placed stools perched, overlooking the counter, offering patrons the best overhead view of skilled mixologists displaying their art from a menu of 30 signature cocktails. Oversized, colorful armchairs and seating areas give the otherwise dark club a dash of color. The entrée menu is great for an after-work stop but also curbs late night hunger pangs. Opening its doors from 5 pm, this snazzy spot is ideal for a happy hour drink, the perfect time to venture upstairs to the rooftop terrace – a great transition spot. Patrons can begin there with an evening drink to ease the mood for a night of dancing. With the champagne flowing, the music pumping, the crowd can do nothing but be hyped all night long.

Privé Lounge

5b Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

And, on that note, a rooftop terrace which comes complete with cabanas and an exclusive bar is never a bad idea, which is why Privé Lounge makes this brilliant review. A luxurious restaurant, lounge, and bar, Privé certainly embodies its name as a private spot for the Lagos elite and nouveau riche alike. Highlights of this sophisticated wonderland includes the Privé Seafood Pasta – which can stand on its own as a major reason to visit Privé – a luxuriously furnished cigar room; the high-end interior design; and inventive DJs.

Club Pravada

89B Agoro Odiyan Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

For an all-party nightlife spot that leaves little room for anything else, there is Club Pravada, a zippy hangout. With ample dance-floor space, the true mission of this club is no secret. A VIP section and a number of private rooms provide class, an executive setting with unique ambience. The Club offers complimentary champagne cocktails and a myriad of side attractions. Happy Hour starts from 5 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, Thursdays are ‘Ladies and Cocktails,’ and Friday nights are what Friday nights need to be, turned up with high-profile DJs spinning exciting mixes of hyped local and foreign music. Fun fact: Club Pravada has played host for the 2017 Hennessy Social Media Week after-party among other exclusive events.

COVA Lounge

Mega Plaza Rooftop. 14, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

What’s dreamier than a beautifully decorated rooftop with white flowing curtains, high ceilings and a spacious terrace? Nothing! Combine that package with awesome music and you’ve accurately described COVA Lounge. Formerly known as Kudeta Lounge, this big-hitter has rebranded into a standout spot for scintillating sound and lights. With a restaurant below which complements the package, patrons can transit from dinner to drinks to dance with ease. And, things are kicked up a notch with live band performances every Sunday, whilst the karaoke stage is open all day every day. A weekly Grill event is more than a casual icing on the cake as nothing is more glorious than the avenue to grease out on succulently barbequed gruel. Yes, we know. Heaven…

Lekki: The peninsula

Lagos’ new first-class city. Over two decades ago, Lekki was a quiet, little-known slum. Now, it is a modern world, still under construction, yet home to some of Lagos’ most valuable real estate. Still, it is the vivid murals, entertainment hubs and growing roster of nighttime hangouts we focus on.

For DJs and dancing until the early hours of the morning, Elysium Night club is the place to be. Grab your mates, a good drink at the bar, and dance away your troubles at this foremost Lekki night scene. Or go for E-BAR, the venue that brings forth an ethereal nightlife of live pop music and professional individuals on the discs. At De Place by Papas, the night philosophy is a simple one: state-of-the-art sound systems, one big dance floor, and one hot DJ on the beat all night – in other words, a great dance scene. Besides good music, De Place is popular for the scenery and the dress-to-kill attitude of every new patron who walks through the doors.

MVP Lounge

Plot 16, Block 46, Bisola Durosinmi Etti Drive, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos

An illuminated glass, architectural masterpiece conceived by famous comedian, Ayo ‘AY’ Makun, MVP Lounge truly redefines night life in Lagos. Sitting over 5000 sq. foot (6000 sq.m) and equipped with the finest sound and lighting system, the scene perpetually raises the bar for clubbing experience in Lagos. A modern facility, the building is grand and distinct. Its acronym – Most Valuable Player – portends ‘premium luxury,’ and this is captured in the general set up, design and intricate decoration infused from top to bottom. The adventure begins with the all-round glass façade which reveals to the outside world the wonderland within what seems to surpass the conventional Lagos nightlife.

With the gold or marble (depending on the room) laid flooring, and intricate, polished accents, the MVP atmosphere appears to have a psychological element conceptualized to challenge the patron’s grasp of what is really the ‘outside world,’ of what is real life. Party lovers can expect slip easily into this alternate universe and loose themselves to the DJ’s skilled tempo, with a modern LED version of the 90s disco ball suspended overhead like a big glob of sparkles and glitters.

The self-proclaimed largest lounge in Nigeria, its sheer size makes it easy to accept this claim. It is however the first no-smoking club of its kind. MVP also boasts some unique add-ons: A restaurant, Game Room, VIP gold room, and the VVIP Diamond Room – which comes complete with personal access passes and exclusive attendants. MVP offers exclusive restaurant membership as well as Gold and Diamond membership areas for moguls, celebrities, and anyone who can afford this prestige.

The Bank

10 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos

Not a river bank nor a money saving bank, but an upscale bar and night club called ‘the Bank.’ Racking up quite the reputation as one of the fastest rising clubs in Lagos, it features comedy Mondays, ‘Touch me Tease me’ Tuesdays, Karaoke/ Ladies Night on Wednesdays, ‘Unusual’ Friday Parties, Afro Night Saturdays, Special Salsa nights, and hot, loud music, every night! At this particular club, music, drinks, and partying, are the most important elements. With the post-modern furniture, décor, ambience, the Bank’s solid reputation is widely known among the local and expatriate community.

Uptown Stream Bush Bar

20 Langbasa Road, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Ajah, Lagos

A relaxation spot with a unique ambience, Uptown Stream Bush Bar offers quite a thrill, with cool music, mouth-watering dishes, and a variety of drinks. This beautiful nightclub is on the upstairs floor of a story building, and it is a place to party all night with a widely popular in-house DJ whose track list is nothing short of legendary. This equal parts bar and club poses a nice array of assorted drinks and a menu of the classic Naija chop options. Don’t forget to get a taste of the unique Uptown fruit cocktail. Relax, mingle, and sip delicious cocktails at Sea Lounge, while enjoying the calm sea breeze and tasty canapés that cater to a variety of palates and preferences. Take a short sea cruise and enjoy dinner 20 miles away from the coast.

Lounges on Admiralty Road

Another Lekki architectural gem is the reputable Xovar Lounge, with its bespoke outdoor terrace and indoor layout, offering patrons entertainment and the scenery. Sailor’s Lounge is also a lavish venue that unveils a pleasant nightlife experience. A perfect location for a relaxed evening after a hectic work day, the music is only loud enough to be exhilarating, complemented by the breathtaking view of the Lagos Lagoon. The sheer, unadulterated ambience is unique, and a great breather from the loud boom of a typical dance club. Jazz connoisseurs will enjoy the live jazz shows at Bay Lounge. Right beside Sailor’s Lounge, tucked within the swanky Admiralty road, Bay Lounge shares the same panoramic view of the beautiful lagoon. And, there are so many activities to engage in: Al fresco dining, movie nights, and DJ-playlist-induced dancing.

Ikoyi: No Qualifiers Needed

The city that has birthed the definition of Lagos luxury and nobility, Ikoyi is reputably the most amazing place to live in Lagos. This precinct is essentially an island, a prestigious one which embraces simple style, class, and comfort, with a general aura of order and conformity – a universe away from the rest of Lagos. Ikoyi offers upscale living with quality houses and good security. Its top class restaurants, malls, bars, and a rich offering of outdoor activities, have made it a prime location for celebrities, upper-class citizens and a long list of prominent personalities.

This is easily one of the most opulent districts in Lagos, within its confines, you will find secure and luxurious apartments, stunning mansions, and dazzling architectural works that spread across the neighborhood. Recording the highest amount of rainfall in Lagos, even the daily weather is cool and breezy, a contrast to the usual Lagos harsh heat. Hence, if your ideal nightlife entails evening walks, Ikoyi is the place to be. If not, there are a string of nightclubs, restaurants and hangout spots that draw people from all walks of life, these will certainly measure up to your every archetype…

Club 57

57 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

Packed full, upbeat music, equals great experiences, and Club 57 fits the bill. Formerly Bacchus, and located on the central Awolowo Road, this exclusive club boasts continental cuisine and exotic cocktails, with a consistently electric atmosphere. The three-floor upscale nightclub can offer patrons a convenient, spacious environment underneath luminous lights, with VIP tables, and quality service…not to mention, great vibes courtesy DJ Prince.

Avalon Lounge

5 Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi, Lagos

Conversely, Avalon Lounge is appreciated for its warm, laid-back patron service. The interior façade is simplistic and refined, with faux-brick details and bright orange chairs designed to keep spirits high. Relax, unwind, enjoy flavorful meals prepared by the best of Chefs in the industry, and enjoy quality music from the house DJs and guest live shows, as you sip and dine at Avalon Lounge.

Ember Creek Water Front Lounge

32 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

5B Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos

A lively setting for nocturnals and day lovers alike, here is a unique outdoor location on Lagos’ lagoon. Ember Creek; a bar, a restaurant, and a fashion café on the waterfront of McGregor Creek, Ikoyi. The Creek is set like a resort in the middle of the city, and attracts elite patrons per its location. The beautiful and serene environment is complimentary with the exotic services provided: a bar overlooking a scenic pool, one of the best bars in Lagos, guaranteeing a night to remember. International style cooking, beautiful sound system, fantastic ambience, and full jetty access, are just some of its perks. Engage in a wide option of activities: Thursday Salsa nights, Cocktail nights, a dip in the pool, a trip to the dance floor, fine wining and dining, take the opportunity to network and meet people…all in all, have a wonderful night in this cushy destination hub.

Posh Café

21 Cameron Road, Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos

Aptly branded Posh café is simply posh, a refined backdrop for nighttime leisure and relaxation. Enjoy great barbeque during the weekends, or chill out by the pool any time. Stay inside and have some refreshing fresh fruit cocktail, or smoothie, or your regular vodka shots. Whatever the choice, it will be a memorable one, a memorably breezy night out on Cameron Road. In Ikoyi, it’s easy to have a good time at one of the many clubs and lounges around the city.

Which of these venues have you visited? Is our review of them accurate? Correct us if we're wrong. Tell us more if you can down below. Also, let us know which clubs or lounges we missed out.

Next Sunday, we'll talk about Mixology in Lagos!

The outline of this series was curated by Favour Umanah

Bichara's Heart: Chapter 2

Isha was Bichara’s nanny, but her husband liked to refer to her as her secretary. She was a multilingual nurse with special administrative skills—rich people and their strange needs. She was one of those rich people now, she had to remind herself. Although, it was all Rahman’s money. Rahman and his formidable family.

“I’m so tired, and my legs…” She leaned against a tall polished stool with a large china urn on top, in the back lobby of her home. The plain-faced woman, about a decade older than her, walked straight toward Bichara, and tugged her forward with her hand were John’s was, toward the main hall. A maid passed by and the secretary ordered a basin of warm water as she led her madam to a private sitting room. “I think I should go to bed,” Bichara said in protest. Isha was great at French too. Part of her job was to teach her her husband's languages.

“You need to sit first, Mrs. Bello,” Isha said, leading her to one large armchair, and helping her onto it. “In an hour, you can lay down, and then you sleep.” She couldn’t argue with that order.

Constant exhaustion was just one of the symptoms she’d been suffering since the beginning of her second trimester. Her morning sickness never stopped, it seemed to be getting worse. She was bloating, and self-conscious about being naked in front of her husband. Worse still, the life in her tummy was extra active, and at all times of the day. It never slept. Was this a preview of what was to be expected when it came into the world? It was going to be a big baby, that much was obvious.

She didn’t know when she slept off after Isha carried the basin of tepid water back to the kitchen following a long soak, but as she opened her eyes, she knew she’d been sleeping for a long time.

She sensed a presence behind her and turned.

“Kun farka. Did you sleep well?” Rahman was standing at the arched doorway, his voice quiet. She tried to stifle a yawn but didn’t succeed. “I told them not to wake you.” She stretched out a bit, glancing away from him, surprised he was home. His work schedule was very irregular, and when he was home, she wasn’t sure what mood he was in.

“Yes…when did you…?” They always spoke French when it was just the two of them.

“About an hour ago,” he said, shoving his hands into his pants' pockets. He walked out of the airy room without further comment, and she rested back into the chair, letting out a deep calming breath, closing her eyes.

She felt the baby move and remembered a time when she was excited to feel its kick. Now, she was just tired and desperate for a restful sleep at night. She stood to her feet wondering if Rahman would want to feel their baby’s movement. She walked through the same path he’d just taken, up to their rooms. She found him sitting on the bed, his trusty smart phone in hand. He’d already taken off most of his clothes, left with his briefs on.

“The baby just kicked,” she mumbled just loud enough to carry to his side of the room, as she walked in through the archway.

“Good,” he grunted out in English, not shifting his attention even for a second from his phone. “That's good,” he muttered in Hausa, absentminded. He looked strained as he pressed away on his mobile’s touch screen, all but ignoring her.

She sighed, walked in fully, making a bee line for their bathroom.

She would ask about his work, if the company was doing well, but she’d been rebuffed on so many occasions for her to get the message—things were rocky on that front, and he was touchy about it. He was so obsessed with maintaining his father’s legacy, even building a greater one for himself, and for some reason, he’d been receiving a lot more opposition to his success than he’d anticipated. Even she was surprised at how much fire he was under from all sides. She didn’t know enough about the business world, but she was sure there was some kind of vendetta against him, a backlash of some dealings his father was involved in before he died. She didn’t know for sure because Rahman never talked about it to her. She’d had to get most of her information off the internet, it was embarrassing.

She returned after a long warm bath, to find him in the same position she left him several minutes ago. This time, on a call—a loud conversation in sharp Hausa. She couldn’t understand anything he was saying, more because he was talking so fast she found it hard to pick the words out than anything else. He was always so tense and involved, she wished she knew some way of relieving his stress when he was here at least. He didn’t give her any opportunities…and frankly, she was scared of him when he was that way. She didn’t know him as much as she wished she did.

Rahman Bello, at thirty-eight, was at the helm of affairs of the RuBel Conglomerate created by his cattle herder grandfather, and expanded by his industrialist father whose unexpected death two years ago left Rahman in control of his 61% of the company. Now, he struggled to manage a strange friction with the Rufai family—the second half of the partnership—headed by his father’s childhood friend. Aliu Bello had called Muhammed Rufai into the business when he needed extra resources to expand beyond West Africa. Muhammed's son, Ahmad, bore a deep personal grudge with Rahman and had decided to take it out on the company at its peak, and Rahman had a feeling Muhammed was more involved in his son’s actions than he let on.

Rahman's struggles were beyond that though; the stocks were responding negatively to the uncertainty of a shift in company leadership to an inheritor rather than the next in corporate hierarchy. Investors were dancing to the tune of the stocks of course, and everything seemed to be on standstill. Except for the bills. Those were running into hundreds of millions of naira by the day, cutting deep into company coffers.

Running a company was hard work, running a multinational was a whole different matter. He knew that, everyone knew that. But not his family. His step mother took her monthly allowances, and then some, caring less how it was coming in, her children were no better. RuBel was not in trouble, far from it, but he had to get these first few years right if he was to keep it that way. The market, investors, shareholders, had to be convinced he knew what he was doing. He had to make the right commercial decisions at every turn, he couldn’t make any mistakes. They had to respect him, fear him, and he was going to make that happen. His father had taught him that.

He sat there now, on his bed, talking with his men at the field, the men in charge of the shipping ports in Lagos, discussing last quarter’s figures which had dropped since the quarter before, marginally, but even so, he wanted to know why. He wanted to discuss cargo details now, so he could have his assistant rearrange his agenda for tomorrow so he could have a video conference with the financial directors.

He almost forgot his wife was there in their room with him until he felt the bed move under him, felt her struggle to get under the covers, his beautiful, pliant, foreign wife. He turned around to find her back to him and the comforter covering her entire body, and sighed. She was always tired these days. If only he had the luxury to sleep whenever he wanted. He went back to his phone, sending emails.

Minutes later, he stood to call for his dinner to be brought up, and stepped into the bathroom for a long, deserved shower.

So you've met Rahman. How intimidating is he, or is Bichara overreacting? What do you think of their relationship? Is Rahman being unnecessarily distant considering all he has to deal with? Should Bichara be more vocal? Tell us in the comments below. We'd love to talk about it.

Chapter 3 will be posted next Saturday...