Right from the common room, Anu started to yell, "Righteous! Bestie mi, Ore mi oh!(My friend) Sister Righteous!!! Good, Good, News for you."
The excitement was so much that she couldn't control herself. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, straight to her bestie. She needed to hear this, she kept on saying in her heart, that she is free from the jailer. The man is alive!
Righteous heard her name being yelled from afar, and she jumped up for fright. She felt the worst had happened. They have come for her.
Anu opened the door abruptly and raised her hands up to heaven singing in adoration.
"Who is like into you.
O Lord, who is like into you
O Lord, amongst the gods, who is like you.
Glorious in Holiness, fearful in Praises.
Doing wonders, Hallelujah!"
She kept on singing with closed eyes, at a time, she knelt before God, and worshipped.
Meanwhile, Righteous became impatient, because she kept on asking, "What occurred over there? Why were you shouting my name?"
When Anu was done giving God the Praise. She raised her head up, got up and hugged the surprised friend.
"I hate suspense. Please tell me the problem."
"There is no problem, rather the gist of your unknown man."
"So, what about him?" She demanded in submission. Her body had become weary.
"The guy is alive!"
"It's a lie!"
"No, the devil is the stinking liar."
"What is the proof?"
"I saw him on the television."
Anu related the whole scenario to her. She couldn't rejoice, rather tears welled up in her eyes. Tears of relief. Her body, soul and spirit was deeply wounded. It will take the grace of God to be free from the torment of sorrow.
The man knew her past and decided to use it against her. But she knew that someone sent him on a mission.Who is the man who hated her so much that could do this to her? That remains a mystery to be unravelled.
Righteous went to the fellowship that day accompanied by Anu. She poured out her heart to God in prayers. She reconciled to God and became relieved.
Everything was moving on fine with their studies but something had changed with Righteous. She became a little bit distant, keeping more to herself than usual.
There was a time Femi Badmus called Anu and asked for her welfare. Righteous kept mute throughout their talk. Unlike before, she could have interjected.
One other time, Anu remembered, Doctor Samuel, and Righteous could not say a word.
"Righteous, I hope I'm not missing something. You have become cold and distant. You hardly interfere in my relationship."
"Hmmm, I now understand better. I used to be quick in judging people. Always harsh and preaching, not in love, but with this attitude of holier than you. Now, the situation has taught me the lesson of life. I'm more lenient with others. It's good for me. Are you missing that part of me? Please don't. I'm loving the more mature me."
"Wow, this is progress indeed. Thank you for making me see that Love is the root of perfection. Love is kind, gentle, understanding.."
Anu rose up to give her friend a good hug. She clung to her firmly until they were feeling better.
Just as Anu disengaged from her bestie, call came through from Femi Badmus.
"Hi sweetie!"
"Please, Femi, I am not your sweet. Look elsewhere, will you?" She answered harshly, not in the mood for romance. She has had enough from Bayo.
"Oh, so you mean all these things you've been saying? My brother and I have been at loggerheads here because of you. And now you want nothing to do with me. You gold digger . Do you prefer him because of his money? Shame on you."
"Enough of your rantings, you cannot blackmail me at all. Even if I prefer your brother, it's my choice. I'm of age. Grow up, Femi Badmus! Please try and grow up."
"Don't think I have given up on you. I know it's that Righteous friend of yours, confusing you. She never liked me from day one. Warn her to mind her business and stay clear of us." Femi yelled.
"Righteous is quite innocent please. Wait a minute! Are you the one that sent a rapist to defile her, in a most gruesome manner?" She asked.
"What did you just say? Can you imagine this lady accusing me of what I do not know? Oh my God! I respected you so much that I wouldn't touch you at all. Is it now that I would do such evil?"
"People do change. It's difficult to trust anyone these days. Moreover, you first accused my bestie. Anyway, I am sorry for doubting your integrity."
"Apology accepted, what I want is for you to accept to be mine forever, and I will make you become one of the happiest women on earth."
"I'm sorry, but I am not ready for any relationship with anyone now. I've been through so many troubles and I am here to study. Like barrister Babajide will always say, "Are you here to play around?"
I'm here to focus on my studies and become a medical doctor by His grace."
"Hmmm, so you are hellbent on keeping to yourself? Anyway, I will allow you to study but I have not given up."
Just as he was talking, another call broke through. Guess who the caller was?
Thank you for reading.