"Mama, mama…" shouted little Chala amid tears.
"Come here my boy," said Chala's mother with outstretched arms ready to receive him.
"Mama it is Obi." He said while his mother was picking him up.
"What has he done to you dear?"
"He has beaten me…" Chala was crying now.
"Obi," his mother called out loud.
"Yes, mama" Obi came running.
"Why have you beaten your brother?"
"He was playing with dirty water."
"Chala, I will beat your brother okay, do not cry. I will buy you sweets." His mother's words made Chala happy. He forgot all that happened and smiled.
"Obi, as the firstborn you should know that all your siblings are your responsibility, okay?" said his mother.
"Yes mama, I will always keep that in mind," replied Obi respectfully.
"I am glad you know that, you are their leader, they should get a good example from you all the time."
"Thank you for your advice mother, I will do as you have said," Obi taking his mother's words left to play football.
Chala laughed a bit from remembrance of what had transpired many years back. It seemed as if it was yesterday. He was just a kid then free from all cares. How he missed his parents very much. His brother Obi was gone too soon. Death is heartless. It attacked his loved ones with its sharp claws. The mystery behind it was deep and dark that no one could ever figure out. He imagined death was black with blood stained teeth. It hid behind a mask that no one could ever see through. How painful and merciless it really was.
Chala was deep in his thoughts when someone leaned on his shoulder.
"Papa, I am hungry is there tea?" Emmanuel's little voice brought him back to reality.
"You are home already, my boy let us go buy something to eat," he told his son.
They left for the market. Chala remembered he had to buy not only what to prepare for his son but also food for supper. They entered the ever busy market as Emmanuel held his father firmly. They pushed their way through the crowd. Some people were gathered to watch some artists perform magic. They walked to the session of fruits and vegetables. The market was full of rubbish. Rotten tomatoes, rotten oranges, heaps of empty cans and sacks. A woman selling cabbages was shouting at the top of her voice for people to buy her vegetables. The cabbages beckoned to Chala to buy some. He picked two pieces then paid for them. The rows of red ripe tomatoes were endless as each seller tried to outdo the other. They bought fruits, cereals, vegetables and even some clothes. After a tiresome afternoon of walking around the market, they went back home.
Chala prepared some rice and tea for his son. He then helped him finish his assignment. They laughed and played the father son game. He chased his son around the house. It was evening when Mary and Leah arrived home. They gave their father a hug. He smiled at them, they were his beautiful angels. After finishing their assignments, Mary prepared ugali, cabbage and fried eggs for their supper. Chala told a nice bed story after supper. They all slept soundly by nine at night.
At exactly nine thirty, Chala received a text: door number 27, Victory building.
He wore blue jeans, gray shirt and a black jacket. He tiptoed to the door and closed it slowly. He quickened his pace as he approached the bus station. It was a cold night and he hoped he could arrive in town as fast as possible. A bus came by and he boarded it to town. At exactly ten he had arrived at Victory building. He knocked on door number 27 and was welcomed by a tall, dark skinned muscular man.
He wore a serious look on his face as he ushered Chala in. He found two other men in the room.
"We have been waiting for you, welcome to the group," said another slim man. Chala noticed he looked like the leader as he was strict and precise.
They introduced themselves as Chala looked at them curiously. He did not dare utter a single word. He did not want to create a bad impression. They explained to him the whole plan. It was to be executed at exactly midnight. He had to master everything within the short time that was remaining. He felt a bit anxious as it was the first time he had involved himself in such deals. He had no choice other than accepting this new life after all, the end justifies the means.
The clock hit midnight, it was finally time to execute the plan. They left the premise swiftly. A black new four wheel drive was waiting for them. Within minutes they had arrived at the designated place. Chala took action quickly but cautiously knocked the black gigantic gate. The security personnel whom was in the deal opened the gate. He welcomed Chala just like any other guest. Once he was inside the building he made his way to the backdoor and let one of his colleagues inside. They made their way to the master bedroom.
Slowly and accurately his colleague let go of the silencer gun. The deed was done and just as they had entered they left. Chala was dropped off at his house at two in the morning. He was fully into the business there was no turning back. He tried to sleep but he did not even manage to close his eyes for five seconds. His mind was not at peace but he had to give a cold heart. Nothing was stopping him now.
Early the next morning as he was preparing his children for school as predicted, the breaking news hit the headlines "A fallen hero. One of the candidates who had been vying for the presidential seat was murdered in cold blood."
His heart skipped a beat. He brushed the thoughts off and took his children to school. He was on his way back when he received a text.
"We have a meeting today at our usual place, usual time."
Chala sat on his wooden chair deep in thoughts. His life has just begun to change for the better. He then remembered how it all begun.
His life and that of his wife begun as a beautiful love story. They had met one evening when Chala and his brothers had gone fishing. His brothers had left him behind when he decided to watch the sunset as he sat on one of the rocks. He recalled everything from childhood. This was his favorite spot. He always comes here whenever he wants to clear his mind. All his memories are here. How he grew up with his brothers. The words of advice his father gave him daily. He smiled, a bitter but yet happy smile. His father left him a lot of memories and lessons he will never forget.
"My son, follow your heart in all circumstances. Your heart will guide you. Think twice before making any step lest you hurt your feet in the process. Success starts from your mind. Once you believe that you are successful then you will be. If you follow this dear one, you will never lack."
He was in the middle of his thoughts smiling widely when he heard the most pleasant voice ever.
"Good evening sir, why are you here all alone this evening"
Chala turned to see who was talking when he saw the most beautiful smile ever. He could not keep his eyes off her. He walked slowly towards her observing her whole body. She had plump lips and the cutest nose ever. Her dark eyes were already driving him to another world. Her chocolate brown skin that looked like the softest silk ever. She had an hour glass figure and a tiny waist that was adorned with colorful beads.
Chala opened his mouth wide, was she an angel that had come to save him from all his problems? This must be an angel, he thought out loud. She was the epitome of beauty. He had never seen anyone like her. He ran out of words. He could not talk back to her. Was this love at first sight? He asked himself or was his eyes just playing games on him.
"Are you okay sir, you look shocked," she spoke to him again.
Chala opened his mouth but no words could come out. He felt like time had stopped. He was already deep in love but this was just in a few seconds. He moved closer to her. He still wanted to confirm if he was not dreaming. He touched her hand. He felt hypnotized already.
"You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen," he managed to say.
"Thank you," she said blushing.
"What is your name beautiful one?" He asked.
"Amala," she replied looking deep into his eyes.
"I am Chala, I would like to get to know you better. Would you allow me?"
"Yes of course," she smiled.
They started walking down the road from the river. Amala had come to fetch some water and Chala helped her carry the pot all the way back home. The sun was already setting. It was a little dark.
Amala told him about her family. Her father had a lot of cows back home. He had married four wives and he had many daughters whom he had sent off to marriage except Amala. She was the father's precious stone. Her father would always call her the mirror of beauty. He protected her with everything he had. He never wanted her daughter to lack in any way. Many people were afraid of his father and none had sought for her hand in marriage. They were close to Amala's house when Chala had to bid her goodbye. He went back home the happiest man ever.
Amala's mother scolded her for coming back home late. Her father then came from the house and patted Amala on the back.
"You are a very good daughter dear, leave your mama alone. She cannot appreciate that today you brought her water. Come with me daughter I have a story to tell you, " he said walking to the house as Amala followed him.
Her mother shook her head, Amala's dad is spoiling her beloved daughter. She took the water and made supper for the family to eat. Her three sons had already married and were living a short distance from home. They ate supper while Amala's father continued telling her interesting stories. They all laughed loud as her father made jokes. That night Amala had a wide smile as she slept. Her evening was the best of all.
The next morning Chala could not stop thinking about Amala. He had to see her soon. He did not know how to communicate with her. He then decided to wait for her on the pathway leading to her home. He was so eager to see her again. He wanted to be close to her before he could confess how he felt. He waited for hours but there was no sign of Amala. He knew his brothers would start looking for him soon. He had to return home before evening. He started walking towards home feeling so disappointed that is when he heard Amala's voice calling him.
He wanted to jump of joy. He enveloped her in a tight hug.
"I thought I would not see you today Amala."
"I am glad I found you still patiently waiting," she smiled again. The smile that captivated Chala.
They then talked for some time and agreed the place they will be meeting every evening. Chala then went home feeling so happy. He was already in love with this girl. He wanted the whole world to know. He knew he had to take things slowly so that Amala would not doubt his intentions. He wanted to surprise her the next evening. He could not even sleep that night. He was so in love with Amala that he even wanted to ask her to be his wife already.
The next evening, Chala decided to find some nice flowers and take to his beautiful Amala. He went in search for some nice red flowers. He plucked few flowers from a nearby farm and went to wait for his Amala. He did not wait for long. Amala came wearing a long dress that was showing her figure.
"I like your dress Amala, you look so beautiful," Chala said.
"Thank you," she said.
"I have a gift for you," he said handing her the red flowers.
Amala was so happy that she went to hug him. She had started falling for Chala but he waited for him to confess first. They made stories and laughed for a while. They started meeting daily. Their bond grew stronger and stronger. Chala wanted to confess his feelings to her.
That evening, he was about to leave home as usual but his father had already noticed that his last born son was changing. He called him and tried to talk to him. Chala said everything was okay. His father knew he would not tell him the truth and he decided to give him some work for the evening. He begged his father to give him a few minutes then he will be back but he refused. Chala knew he will disappoint Amala. He had to do the work quickly then go see his beloved.
Amala waited for Chala meanwhile. She stood there for an hour but he did not show up. She decided to go back home feeling very sad. She thought maybe Chala did not even love her. She went home with lots of questions in her mind. She decided she will not look for him unless he looks for her. The next evening Chala waited but she did not show up. He waited every evening for four days but there was no sign of her.
Chala decided to go look for her at their home. He was afraid of her parents' reactions towards him. They had a lot of wealth but his family was struggling. He gathered courage and went into the compound. He saw lots of houses and even got confused. He just stood in the middle afraid of what was to come. He was about to give up and go when luckily Amala saw him standing in the middle of their houses. He grabbed his hand quickly and they left the home.
They walked for a distance and Chala knelt down. He had to confess now.
"Amala, I love you. I have loved you from the first day I saw you at the river. Will you be my wife?"
Amala was shocked.
"I love you too Chala," she replied, "but…"
"But?"
"I am not sure if my parents will agree with the idea of me getting married to you."
"We will do this together Amala, we will fight for our love"
"Will we manage to defy our parents?" She asked.
"It is us against the world," he said, "Will you fight with me?"
"I am not sure Chala, will we make it?"
"I promise you on my life Amala, I will never leave you."
"Thank you, we will fight for our love," Amala said as she hugged Chala.
Chala felt like this was the happiest day of his life. He knew he had finally managed to convince Amala to be with him. The only hindrance was her parents. They both fell deeply in love with each other. Days turned into weeks and into months. Chala was the only one who remained home with his parents, all his brothers had either married or moved out of the village to seek greener pastures.
One evening Chala's father started coughing continuously. He was in great pain. Chala happened to be at home and he immediately went to help his father. His father gestured that he had pain in his chest. Chala immediately called her mother who rushed to assist. She then sent him to call his eldest brother Obi who was not living far at that time.
Obi came with a taxi and they rushed their father to the hospital. He had to be admitted for several days. Chala's mother took care of him as his brothers looked for some money for medication. Chala shared what had occurred with Amala.
"I am so sorry Chala, I hope your father will recover soon."
"Thank you Amala."
"There is just one more problem," she said.
"Yes please tell me."
"My father wants to marry me off to an old rich man, he said that I have been home for a while now and I need someone to take care of me."
Chala panicked, "That will not happen Amala. I am going to look for some money and finally come to pay your dowry."
"I will be waiting then," she smiled.
Her smile was enough to give Chala the courage he needed. He was determined to get the money and take his bride home. He went to visit his father at the hospital. He had to help his family too. The next morning Chala rose up very early to look for a job. He walked the whole morning but did not find a vacant place. He then opted to go into homes and ask for any vacancies.
He went into a well-built house. The owner was a wealthy man who had several houses in his compound. He asked for any job available just so he could start saving some money. He got a job as a gardener. He could come to work early in the morning and by noon he would be through. He also continued with his earlier work at the farm. He worked very hard but he would always get time in the evening to visit his beloved.
Several days later, his father was discharged from hospital. Everyone was happy about their father's recovery. A week passed by and Amala came to visit Chala in tears. Her father had already found a suitor and was on his way to pay for dowry. Chala could not allow his beautiful Amala to be taken away from him.
They both hurriedly went to Amala's home. He was ready to sacrifice everything he had.
"Good evening Mr.Ola," Chala started on arrival.
"Yes and how may I help you," Amala's father said looking at Chala from head to toe.
"I am here to ask for Amala's hand in marriage. I will come with my family tomorrow to pay the bride price."
Mr.Ola laughed out loud and said, "You have the audacity to come here and waste my time. You cannot even afford to maintain my daughter or even take care of her, just look at your tattered clothes," he continued laughing.
"I know I do not look trustworthy now but please I beg of you to wait till tomorrow, she cannot get married to the old man who does not even love her," Chala defended himself.
"Who do you think you are to tell me what to do and what not to do. I want my daughter to be married to a rich man and not a poor church mouse like you. Wealth is all that matters and not that stupidity you call love. Get out of my sight kid!" Mr.Ola roared.
Chala was hesitant he could not let things end this way. He stood there like a statue trying to think of a way to convince Amala's father. He was about to talk when a slap landed on his cheeks.
"I said leave my compound and never come back!" Mr.Ola shouted at him.
Amala could not believe what her father had just done.
"I love him dad, he is the one I want to get married to and not that old man!" Amala shouted back at her father. She was very angry. She felt like nobody understood her in her family. All they wanted was to get richer by marrying her off to a rich old man.
"Amala, go and wait for your future husband in the house, now!" Her father was now very angry at both of them.
She refused and instead, she stood next to Chala.
"I will only leave here with him. I do not care whatever comes later as long as we love each other."
She started leaving with Chala while they were holding hands.
"If you go with that poor boy, never return to this house. I disown you from now on," her father threatened.
She did not even look back. The two of them walked together towards Chala's house.
"I will never let you down, Amala and that is my promise."
"Thank you, she replied."
They walked towards Chala's home only to hear people wailing. Chala's heart skipped a beat. He prayed silently that it was not his father who had gone. Obi broke the news to him even before he could understand what had just occurred.
"Our father is gone!"
Chala could not believe what had just happened. Tears started flowing down his cheeks. He was very close to his father. He thought he was dreaming and had to slap himself only to feel some pain. Amala held his hand, she could see he was in a state of shock.