To My Loyal Followers,
This is your own girl 
MY BUS CONDUCTOR LOVER
Oshodi would lose its name and notoriety if it became less rough like it usually is every normal day. Its no different when I struggled to board a bus going to iyana ipaja from under bridge this Saturday. Breathing hard like someone who had just ran the Olympics, I sat victoriously on the tight seat I managed to outbeat two people on. I smiled and acknowledged myself for being a "sharp Lagos girl". Its no easy feat to achieve. I smiled again.
As I was smiling, I wasn't alone. The conductor was looking at me and smiling like he was mimicking me. My smile froze and I put on an irritated look murmuring to myself, "Illiterates would always remain silly". He edged closer and whispered "Aunty ya fine o" in his tainted vernacular. I wish I could throw him a punch there and then but people were looking. I forced a "thank you" and rolled my eyes to warn him off unnecessary familiarity.
I had alighted and even boarded a bike to where I was heading when I noticed I must have dropped my purse unknowingly in the bus I just dropped off. I was beyond frustration as I had so many important documents in the purse. In it was my Driver's license, International passport, School I.d card, PHCN payment receipt, bunch of keys, and the sum of #12,500 which isn't even important compared to other relevant docs. Maybe I'd have to check the car park later in the day or do an internet broadcast(thank God for the fast internet mode of transmitting news these days).
I was tired by the time I finished what I went to do and headed home straight. On getting home, I learnt someone has been waiting for me sometimes now. I was shocked when I saw the conductor sitting in our living room. "Yes, can I help you? I said slightly irritated. "You forget your purse ni aunty, I con say make I bring am come your house" he slurred. "How did u know my house address then?" I queried again. "Them write am for your ID cards them na" he said. "Oh, thanks for your noble act then. You are a good man. Take this #5000 and transport yourself back" I said. He refused my token and demanded a bigger favor instead.....
"Why would a conductor want a favor from me?? What is this guy even feeling like?" I asked myself. I put on a poker face and ask him to make his request known. What he asked shook me to my feet! "Aunty, if you fit allow make I con dey greet you once in a while, I no mind" he fired. "How dare he? Are we in the same class for him to ask to see me anytime he wished? Oh God!" I was thinking of pouring the juice served him on his head and gorge out his ugly eyes that's he's staring me with but another voice whispered "Calm down Aderonke, after all, he deserves something in return after what he's done today". With this, I finally looked up at him and replied "of course you can drop by once in a while to say hi". We said our goodbyes....
On a fine wednesday afternoon, I was trying to make myself lunch when the conductor was ushered in by my youngest brother. He sat uncomfortably in our living room couch. Of course be shouldn't be comfortable, not like he belonged here anyway! I faked a smile and came from the kitchen to exchange pleasantries. "Why are you here this afternoon? You didn't go to work today??" I asked him. "_ Aunty, I no too well, so my Oga say make I siddon for house. Na here i think come straight. Hope say u no mind?_" He replied. "No, I don't mind. Also, my name is not Aunty, simply call me Aderonke. Feel at home, I would bring you a fruit juice soon" I replied. I was about returning to the kitchen when he said "My name sef na Gbenga. Make we be friends". A hot coal wouldn't have been redder than me in that period! I didn't reply, I just walked off angry! He left after every every that day!
I watched a Korean series all Friday night as I would have nothing to do on Saturday being weekends but sleep. I was enjoying my Saturday calm when the intruder you are all to familiar with came again!!!! "Gbenga please what is it this time around?! You want to marry me this time? Or when would you understand that we don't fit in the same class? Why don't you read the lines in between the clock to know you are a nuisance to my life and family?? Yes, you got me my purse, does it mean I should sacrifice my life in exchange for that??? Moreover, I can't be friends with a conductor! Can't you get the simple logic??" I fired immediately I saw him at my door.
He looked at me for a while and shook his head. The words that came out from his mouth took me by surprise.
"Are conductors not humans? Is it conductors faults that they are in a country where they can't get a decent job to do? One has to hold on to something in order not to steal and in fact, we conductors need be rewarded for braving all odds to at least get a honest means of survival. Aderonke, you are worse than the government for regarding us in that manner!" He completed!!! OMG! He just spoke pure English and not some vernacular like he usually does! His words touched me, so does the fact that he can speak so well and fluent! Is there more to this young man than met the eyes?? He was set to leave without properly completing his purpose of visit like he was hurt, when I grabbed his arm and looked into his eyes.... "Who are you? Tell me more" I inquired
I held Gbenga's hand and pleading with my eyes, asking him to tell me more about him. I guess it is fun to unravel mysteries. He sat down dejectedly and I quickly offered to make him breakfast which he agreed to. I walked to the kitchen thinking why he had been pretending to be an illiterate all the while and got interested in what his motive in life might be. But why would I be interested in this conductor's story? "Its only normal to feel remorseful towards him after hearing him voice out painfully and hurt". I vindicated my thoughts with that. I made a breakfast of toasted bread, scrambled eggs and tea, served the both of us and sat to hear the pathetic story of this conductor. I think everyone deserves a listening ear and an attentive heart......
"I am a graduate of the prestigious University of Ibadan, studied Petroleum Engineering and finished about 3 years ago. You know quite alright the order of things in Nigeria. Only those with connections gets the best things of life. I finished with a first class at that! I roamed the streets of Lagos and Port-Harcourt for a full year with my CV but jobs were not forthcoming. I had a responsibility waiting at home. My mum was a widow with 7 of us children to cater for. I had the unfortunate luck of being the first child which leaves me automatically, the bread winner! I was frustrated and was about to commit suicide by throwing myself in the sea when a guy rescued me and said there was more to life than just death. He own a bus and needed a conductor for it. I applied for that. So that explains how we met" he concluded cleaning his tear-filled face.
"Wow, I must admit, every conductor would have a story to tell" I chipped in.
"Asides having stories to tell, if people who are conductors didn't think of being one, would you conduct yourself in a bus? So I believe to every profession, there is an importance added to the society. Even a cobbler, farmer, mechanic and every menial jobs is equally as important like a doctor, lawyer, accountant would in a social setting. Every one needs everyone for a smooth running communal living. So it is wrong to condemn anyhow based on what they choose or situation made them do, like you did today" he corrected. I must admit, I was beaten! I felt so bad once again for undermining abilities. I decided there and then to help his cause by talking to my dad about him.
My dad talked to a friend of his who manages a petroleum corporation and his Curriculum Vitae was reviewed. He qualified for the position he was required to fill. I think he started as a field supervisor. I was surprised to see him transformed on the first day he resumed work. I never knew he was this handsome and refined! His smile was even pretty! "Hehehe! Ordinary conductor" I quickly slapped myself to stop the thought. Ever since then, he was like a member of my family because my parents accepted him like he was their son. I sometimes avoid him because I'm afraid I might not be able to hide the fact that I've fallen in love with whom this young man has turned out to be. I got a call from him on a particular Saturday and he asked if we can fix a date for dinner. I had nothing doing so I agreed. I dressed simple but chic and went to see him in the classy restaurant he chose.
I was surprised to see everywhere empty except for him. I later got to know he rented the whole place for the evening. I was feeling so special and was smiling as I was eating my dinner when he spoke up. "I remembered you were smiling beautifully like this 2 years ago when I was still a conductor at Oshodi. That was when I knew, I needed you in my life even though I didn't know how or why. You turned out to be my destiny helper and I imagine you to be so much more for me. Thank you for everything you have done so far in my life. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to live out my dreams". I was about protesting how fine it was and that I have done nothing to deserve such thanks when I saw him knelt down. "OMG!!! I hope it is what I'm thinking" I gasped. It was what I was thinking because he brought out a ring and said "For all you have been in my life, I wanna be more for you. You complete me and fill me with such love that I've never imagined. Aderonke please be my bride!"
What?!!!!!!!!!
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