“What have I done? I shouldn’t have raised my hand to slap Tola! Now, she’s gone… I’ve been searching for her for the past four days with no trace of her whereabouts…

This is a lady I’m deeply in love with and she’s so much in love with me… Oh, Tola what should I do? It’s the devil’s temptation…and the height of madness! If I can’t find her by tomorrow evening I’ll kill myself…” For the past 10 minutes, Deoti had been soliloquising in his living room, with tears streaming down his face.

His two-year-old handsome son was sitting beside him, wondering why his dad was moody and shedding sorrowful tears. The couple had been married for three years, and nothing like a quarrel or misunderstanding had ever taken place. What brought about this ugly situation was the rumour Tola heard that Deoti was dating a lady in the next flat. She called him politely and asked him if it was true. Deoti was shocked that his ‘lovely angel’ (that was what he always called her) could ever imagine him flirting with another woman after pledging love, honesty and faithfulness as the marriage creed stipulates.

For the very first time in his life, he became angry when an argument ensued as he was stating his innocence. Suddenly, he gave his beautiful wife a slap that sent her crashing on the floor. That was it! Tola left home in tears and went away, wandering aimlessly to nowhere in particular. It dawned on Deoti that he had hurt the only love of his life who had been his soul-mate and wonderful companion for the past five years. After searching fruitlessly for her for three consecutive days, he went to the radio and television stations to make a report.

When Tola left home, for the first time in annoyance, she felt really heartbroken; she walked the streets of Lagos, heading toward the Island. Her husband’s action made her feel really bad; and there was a silent, evil foreboding surrounding her movement. People wondered what was the problem with the awesomely beautiful young lady and mother of one. Truly, Tola was beautiful! Her beauty was nonpareil.

Deoti had resigned himself to fate and lost all hope of seeing his sweetheart again. His heart was filled with remorse, disappointment and grief. He believed the sanest thing to do now was to commit suicide and join his wife in the great beyond; thinking she must be dead. Deoti got himself some poisonous drugs and wanted to end his life abruptly. He was about drinking the poisonous drugs when he heard in the news flash, on the television, that a certain lady was about committing suicide by jumping from a tall building – a skyscraper located in the heart of Lagos Island. He was surprised to know that it was his beautiful wife who was attempting suicide. He quickly dropped the poison and headed for Lagos Island. He was sweating profusely and really worried as he drove himself at top speed to the destination.

Tola had been arrested and detained by the police for attempting suicide on a high-rise building. She could have died tragically if not for the intervention of the fire service men that came to her rescue and saved her from a gruesome death.

Tola remained in the police custody but was treated fairly by the police who knew she was heartbroken. She was charged to court accordingly and would soon appear in court. When Deoti sighted his lover that day, he was numbed with shock. Tears streamed down his cheeks; ditto for Tola who couldn’t hide her feelings. She was sobbing like a baby.

“See what you pushed me into Deoti…” she said gently, with tears cascading down her beautiful face.

“I am so sorry dear…I’m deeply sorry…I never knew it would result to this…You know I love you, Tola.” he said, feeling remorseful for his action that triggered off these almost tragic consequences.
To be continued next week Saturday.