Chapter 2

“We are sorry to announce that as difficult as it is, for our safety, all and sundry must remain at home until further notice,” said the announcer from the truck slowly roaming the streets of Kokrobite. “There will be no public gatherings, children will not be going to school, and no office work for the time being.” To buttress their point, there was breaking news on the television so that everyone would be reached indeed. The news was on the radio too. Why at this time? Why couldn’t this wait? Who put this burning desire in him and crushed it at the same time? If only he could get hold of that person, his life would be as miserable as he has made his. Thinking retrospectively, however, perhaps, this situation could have a silver lining attached to it. ‘Save your breath, Gyebi. There’s a whole life ahead of you. It’s not yet time. That desire can wait!’

Perhaps, now was the time to consider his parents’ advice that he should expect little from life. Blessed with good looks, intelligence and a buoyant personality, it seemed it was time to resign himself to fate. What more did he want in life? It figures now, that all pursuits to achieve self-fulfilment were all in vain; but no! There was more! His heart yearned to reach out for the skies; nothing more, nothing less. It could be the perfect panacea for escaping from his loneliness. That tenacity, that extra effort to catch the right woman’s eye. That was just what he needed at all costs! If that was it, then this desire was unstoppable and would continue incessantly until fulfilled.

The turmoil continued, as pronounced as ever, on long, cold, and sleepless nights where Gyebi would toss and turn on his hard, cold bed. It was highly impossible to stay asleep. Should he change his bed? Of course, it was not the problem.

Was there something called ‘the right moment’ so that waiting would be less excruciating? That thought propelled him to the mall. Perhaps fate was calling. Gyebi stepped out of his house to purchase a few essential items. Halfway through his journey, however, he stopped to take some respite. Then, thoughts of securing all that was needed for the time allotted for the lockdown came flashing in front of his eyes. Nobody would be allowed to roam the streets the whole time. Only for food and essential items could they go out, but what about other non-essentials like the furniture he was just thinking about? Suddenly, somebody slumped into the seat near him. At first, none of them seemed to be bothered. Howbeit, by a dint of instinct, both of them suddenly ogled at each other. Their eyes suddenly met as she reached out into her purse for her handkerchief. They gawked at each other as the lady sweated profusely as if they had met before and then back to focus on something else.

“Have we met before?” she said suddenly, looking up and scrutinizing his face. Mum’s the word!

“Well, you look very familiar. Sorry to have asked.” Before he could find his words, she was already gone. Gyebi, as it was, bemoaning a current tragedy, now catapulted into another realm of encounter with destiny! Which one was worthy of embracing? Which one was worth focusing on? Which of them would bring him much more joy? New things brought with them their uncertainties. This instantaneous occurrence however was unique. What a twist of fate! Why had she sat by him at a time when he was thinking hard about life? Could she help in any way? If that was the case, this look should bring much more pleasure, much more satisfaction. It should leave an impression on him forever and it should be the same for her too. How she turned her eyes and her face as her hair dropped wet with sweat, so beautifully dripping down her face and oooo! that smile, that demeanour with which she asked him the question all made a quick and lasting impression, propelling him to move heaven and earth to gawk harder. He would do anything to keep this memory.

Asabea suddenly rose from the seat as if struck by lightning and stood for a while, then reached out for her facemask. They were too close for comfort. Oh! My Goodness! Was she this meticulous? Gyebi had no facemask and therefore seemed like a virus ready to pounce on a rare opportunity. Gyebi bowed his head, the good feeling that arose from the stare, waning. Would this pandemic ruin everything now? Even friendly relations and good neighbourliness? Asabea began to trek as if her bus was late. Gyebi watched her from the corner of his eyes and noted the path she took. It led to the mall of course. It was a little far away from the place where they sat. Why did she stop to sit beside him? Was she tired too? Ooooh…the government had banned sitting in any form of public transport! That explains it. Perhaps their law had brought them together. Fortunately, her job was intact. Judging from her desperation, she had no car of her own but he could be wrong. Gyebi stood up from the seat, revived by the pleasure of seeing someone so beautiful, walked a few metres behind her so she would not notice him and then suddenly realised they were going to the same place. Gyebi waited for her to enter the lift and entered a few seconds afterwards so they would not be stuck in the same place. She came down and went to her counter, put her bag down, had herself checked by security and was soon busy with her customers, smiling. Gyebi went to the second floor of the building to check on his new bed but later changed his mind. Wouldn’t it be good to find out if she still remembered him?

“Hello!” he said from behind the queue. At first, she did not notice him until someone ahead of him drew her attention.

“Hello, sir! Can I help you?”

“Sure, I would like to check for a few prices of some items on sale.”

“Could you please ask the salespersons behind the wares, please?” Gyebi went back to the items and found no one, but changed his mind. He would come back at a more appropriate time.

Asabea trekked every day from her house to the store and back as Gyebi watched closely, looking for an opportune time to chance on her. There would surely be a perfect time to be acquainted. In the meantime, it would be good to watch out for that fateful moment, that blissful hour when he would take her by surprise and have another meaningful chat with her. The first one left him longing for more. They could have talked more but for the fact that she suddenly became aware of herself. Perhaps, they could walk together one day, chatting for miles and miles and would not feel tired except for the rules of the pandemic, which would stand in their way. Several days passed and hope was eluding Gyebi so fast he feared he might get desperate and do something unacceptable like disgracing himself. It seems Gyebi had run out of ideas. This is my last chance. If I don’t make it this time, I’ll close the chapter, mourn for a while and move on.