ECHOES FROM THE DARK

 CHAPTER 1

"When is the last program coming up?" Kelvin asked his personal assistant and gently tapping on his wrist watch.

"That will be 2:00pm sir." Sandra, the assistant said shortly after he enquired.

He took one last look at his wrist watch and then moved slowly into the office. Lost in his own thoughts, his mind drifted to the pressure his mother has been giving him about finding a partner. It wouldn't be easy finding someone who will be with him out of love. Being one of the youngest CEO's, he has had a brush with ladies who only stuck around because of what he had to offer. Drifting from his mother's pressure, he remembered he had to get ready for his meeting at two. He picked up a few documents, read through and finally put them in one folder.

"This must get me positive response." He muttered to himself.

He picked up his phone and scrolled through the messages. He then called his secretary to meet him up with a few documents.

"Sir, the investors are here for the meeting. The place is also set." Sandra said halfway through the door.

"Okay. I'll be down in a few. Take my documents with you."

"Okay sir"

The meeting went on smoothly with the investors so impressed with the submissions Kelvin had in mind. These days, it's had to come by people who have the dream and the plan to achieve these dreams. That's who Kelvin is. He has answers to every question posed at him. One would wonder why all the ladies who come into his life flee after sometime of being together. The investors gave a standing ovation to him for the presentation. The deal was done as expected. He did not have any fears when it came to that aspect, Kelvin had the biggest investors in his company and it was no doubt that he was already successful.

Alpha Decade is one of the best companies when it comes to the advertising of products and giving out marketing prices for products. Before a product hits the market, people consider how pleasing the advert is before they consider its effectiveness. Working hand in hand with so many product companies, he has been able to gain the trust that every big business needs.

"Sir, you were great out there."

"Thank God. He has always been our mouthpiece."

"It's really awesome how they all buy your idea without having doubts."

"Grace speaks before I do."

"Interesting"

"Sandra, I have to rush home since I have no more schedules. Do take care of the office and don't forget to turn on the security system before you leave."

"I'll do just that sir. Have a nice evening."

"You too"

The Tema Highway was filled with a heavy traffic when Kelvin got there. He had to be at his mother's house by 7:00pm for her birthday party. Normally, he would have given an excuse to avoid his mother's nagging but the old lady's constant persuasion made him give in. The red light flashed and this annoyed him the more. It would take forever for him to get out of this place. He start still fidgeting and grinning from ear to ear like a five year old kid fascinated at how the cars all stood at a standstill.

After about thirty minutes, the green light flashed. That wouldn't have been the problem if there was free movement. Everyone moved at a slow rate to prevent the police men from coming their way. Finally, he got out of the place and took the Madina road which was less busy at that time of the day. Before he could focus on the road, he remembered he had not got his mother a present. Fortunately there was a shop around the corner where he could get his mother the best gift of all. Getting close to the shop, he drove slowly and came out of the car. Kelvin made his way into the shop and started looking from hamper to hamper. His mother was the best aside the fact that she nags almost all the time. He had a lot of time ahead of him and did not want to settle down at the moment. There it was, the right hamper for his mother. It had a touch of everything; non alcoholic wine, chocolates, ladies wrist watch, a purse, jewelry set and some other lay stuff. He smiled at himself, picked it up and marched to the counter. The cashier looked at him in admiration and did the necessary billing procedure.

"Do come again sir"

He nodded and walked straight to his car. He had half an hour to get to his mother's house. Better late than never. Turning on some refreshing music, he drove as fast as he could to where his mother lived. Upon arrival, he could hear the loud music from the garage and the loud chatter of people coming from that direction. Driving into the house, he came out of the car without the gift and walked majestically to his mother. Mother and son had what seemed like a forever hug before finally patting.

"Happy birthday mother!"

"Thank you so much son. What did you bring for your old mother."

"Oh that? It's in the car."

"You know I'm not getting any younger. I would have been glad if you brought me your wife to be."

"Not today mom. Can we just go through this night without facing any problems?"

"Look who is here."

She turned her attention from you to a woman about her age and a beautiful lady who were coming towards you. The two women hugged each other and exchanged pleasantries before Kelvin was told who she was.

"Lisa, meet my son and only child Kelvin. And Kelvin this is my friend Lisa and her daughter Rosa."

"Nice meeting you two."

"Why don't you two get to know each other? The last time I checked you were both single."

The two old women high fived and laughed like there was something funny about what my mother said. Kelvin had no choice but to obey his mother just to have a smooth evening but that was not all. He could not help but admire the damsel right in front of him. He would call her a goddess.

"I guess we have each other until the night is over. I'm Kelvin"

"I thought as much. I am Rosa."

She took the hand that was offered and revealed a white set of well arranged, two dip dimples and a beautiful smile. There was something about that smile; it captivates you into a web that makes you stay focused on the bearer of that smile. He couldn't help but stare and hold on to her hand. Collecting himself from his lost world, he mumbles a little sorry. Rosa laughed it off.

"Since both of us are single and have each other tonight, what do we do?"

"I don't know, talk?'

"That would do.'

"Why don't you tell me about yourself and why a damsel like you will be single at this age?"

"Good question for a start. I am Rosa Opoku, the only child of my parents and I am a medical doctor. Do you now understand why I am single?"

"Nope. Would you go further for my curious ears?"

"It seems I do not have a choice. I've always focused on my academics without distractions."

"So you mean men are distractions?'

"In a way it's a yes. If I get myself involved in a relationship, I wouldn't have the ample time I needed for my studies. And now that I am at where I wanted to be, no one wants to come forward."

"I see."

"Now it's your turn. Why are you still a commodity on the market?"

"I guess it's similar to yours. Been busy trying to build up my own business empire. I am an only child also and the CEO of Alpha Decade."

"You've got to be kidding me right?"

"Why would I? I own it."

"This is interesting. So why is a hot cake like you single? I bet many women will be drooling over you."

"I wish. I've had a couple of them in my arms but they all came in for the money. They flee the moment I tell them I've gone bankrupt."

"Which is a lie?"

"Yeah. Intriguing?"

"I would say."

The two chatted away while time passed by quickly but in a slow pace. By the time they realized, the music from the party had died down and people had started leaving.

"I had a really nice time Rosa. I wish can do this again some other time."

"same here. It was nice meeting you."

"Before you go can I have your digits?"

"Sure, why not?"

Rosa took the phone and punched her number before turning to go to her mother's side. She flashed him the last side of her smile for the night. Driving back to his residence, all he could think of was Rosa; her captivating smile, the dimples and nice set of white teeth, her dark skin color and her curves. He knew deep within him that he wanted her. She was the one he has been looking for all this while. He had to play his cards well.

 CHAPTER 2

Rosa and Kelvin have been going out for almost five months and he could no longer wait to make her his own. They did not have any problems with their families because of how their mothers related. It was all joy when Kelvin finally told his mother his intentions. She did not waste time at all, she quickly informed Kelvin's uncles who went through the necessary procedure to get their son his damsel.

The wedding day was like a fairytale. He made sure Rosa had her dream wedding filled with anything that she requested for. It was not one of the small and common weddings. A strictly by invite one with the guests living with almost every luxury. Not like the average Ghanaian wedding where everyone comes and goes without being scanned and checked thoroughly for illegal weapons and materials.

Our people say that it isn't the wedding that matters but the marriage does. A month after the wedding, Rosa had come home from work very late and was expecting to have a cold shower before she returns to bed. Upon arrival, she met her husband in the living room of their six bedroom plush apartment. Before she could even open her mouth to greet, he spoke in an angry tone.

"And where do you think you are coming from by this time of the night?"

'Honey, there was an emergency at the hospital but I did save…"

"Will you just shut up? How does it concern me if you saved someone?"

"I thought you would be glad to hear …"

He inched closer to her and she could smell alcohol from his breath. This is not the man she married. Kelvin never drank all the time the spent together. He was principled. What happened? Before she could go on with ten million questions, a hot slap landed her on the carefully made tiles.

"How dare you talk when I'm talking? Because of your stupid work, you leave me here to starve. What were you expecting me to eat?"

Rosa did not speak, she laid on the floor sobbing hopping he would have mercy on her for the time being. They could talk this out. Why was he choosing violence? His voice came through again.

"I'm talking to you and you're mute! Do I sound stupid to you?"

There was sharp pain in her abdomen resulting from his kick right into her stomach. What kind of monster has her husband turned into? Kelvin left her and marched into the bedroom without helping her up. She lay on the floor for what seemed like eternity before she gathered a little strength to go to one of the guest rooms. She could not bring herself to face the husband who was a knight in shiny armor the night before.

Getting into the guest room, all she could do was cry and ask herself questions she did not have answers to. She could not turn to anyone also, everyone envied her marriage. She finally consoled herself with the idea that he had a bad day or lost out on a big deal and had to vent his anger on her. She stared at the ceiling for the rest of the night until sleep finally enveloped her.

Rosa woke up when she felt someone leaning over her, the image was scary at first because she thought she was in another danger. She opened her eyes slowly and saw her husband, a rose flower in hand and a remorse look pasted on his face.

"Good morning sweetheart. I'm so sorry about what happened last night. I did not treat you the way you deserve to be treated. Please forgive me."

Rosa smiled, her assertions seemed right. He did not intentionally decide to hurt her. Something might have been wrong somewhere. She gave him that smile that always melts his heart.

"I forgive you darling. I understand everything."

He hugged her briefly and gave her a kiss on the forehead. He made a slight move revealing the breakfast he had prepared for peace. Husband and wife fed each other and chatted heartily like nothing ever happened.

Earlier that day, Kelvin's mother passed by the house with some foodstuff she was given by a friend. She noticed how her daughter in-law was not her usual self and feared the worse had happened. She tried engaging her to get something from her but nothing of that sort came out of her mouth. She did not give any hint of what had transpired the night before. Not getting the information she wanted, she backed off and went to her house a bit worried.

"Sweetheart when will you be coming downstairs? We're almost late."

"Just some minutes darling. A lady must take her time."

"You said thirty minutes ago."

"Do you want me to look all shabby beside you?"

"Not even a chance."

"Now, how do I look?"

He turned his head and looked at his beautiful wife descending the stairs. She is a goddess in all her glory. Where was she all his life?

" Ravishing! A goddess in all her glory."

Rosa laughed out loud and descended the rest of the stairs more carefully. He took her hand at the last stair and pulled her into a passionate kiss. She managed to say something.

"Are we not running late again?"

"I could just bail out on this party and spend time with my damsel."

"You are the boss, you must be there."

"Alright your majesty."

The trip to Kempinski was not a short one but when two love birds embark on journey, they hardly feel the pressure on the roads. All they do is talk and laugh throughout the journey.

The Alpha Decade workers were already there in their numbers. Majority of them with their dates for the dinner. The company had signed a very huge contract which calls for a celebration in addition to its partnership with a brother company. Two companies met for this dinner and Rosa was introduced to a lot of people.

As the part was ongoing, Kelvin moved on to talk to other people while his wife also stayed behind chatting with those that came to congratulate her on her marriage to the big boss. Time flew by really fast and in no time they were on the road back to their house.

Kelvin was not the same when they were heading home. He looked angry and did not say anything to Rosa when she tried to bring up something. She could feel the heat burning but did not know what she had done or what made her husband this angry. She thanked God when he pulled up at their home.

Before she could get out of the car, he yanked her out causing her to fall. She tried to stand up but he kicked her very hard in the legs causing her to stumble over.

"Why would you be smiling at every guy that comes your way? Are you a prostitute? Is this who I married?'

"But I was supposed to be nice to your friends. I did not have any negative intention."

"Do I have to tell you that your smile mesmerizes people? You don't have an idea number of men who kept talking about how beautiful your smile is. That smile is mine and mine alone. I do not want to see you smiling again. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes."

She answered in a shaky voice. She felt a hand yank her up onto her feet. Kelvin lifted her up into the room and pacified her with his sweet talks. That's what he has always been good at. he is able to corner everyone with his talks and get them to do what he expects to be done without anyone thinking he is manipulative. As he continued caressing her on the bed, Rosa felt the urge to throw up and rose up quickly to go do so. Kelvin followed her into the bathroom wondering why she had to make that quick rush.

"Are you okay babe?"

He saw her tired face and knew there was something wrong. He hoped it was not from the beating he have her. He loved her, very much, but the monster in him would not give him the chance to be the kind of man he wanted to be. He helped his wife get into the bed and made sure she was asleep before he moved to his side. He couldn't help but panic. What if something weird happened to her in her sleep? What if she died? He couldn't help it. His thoughts drifted to his previous girlfriends and how they left after seeing the other side of him. This side of him made him stay single, he hated himself most of the time for the pain he caused his wife but he could not control his anger, his jealousy and ego. He wanted everything to be as he expected and that's why he got his own business. He was afraid of losing his job and license to work again should in case he messed up. He turned to look at his beautiful wife; she was almost flawless. She loved him unconditionally, a working class woman who understood him from every angle. She did not does not do anything to hurt him so why can't he just be good to her like she is? She deserved better, and he was going to do his best to let her get the right treatment. He will not mess up is marriage because of something he can try hard to control.

 CHAPTER 3

"Whenever I say you are a silly woman you think I'm being too harsh on you. Just take a look at yourself now and how you sound for telling me to help you get a class of water. Am I the one to serve you?'

"But honey you were at the kitchen and I thought I could use your help."

"You thought you could use my help? How stupid of you! Do I look like your maid?"

He moved closer to her and punched her in the face. He started beating her from every angle. Not giving her the least chance to escape. It felt like he wanted to kill her at that very moment.

Little Kelvin looked at his mother in pity but could not do anything to help her. The last time he tried, his father gave his young cheek a dirty slap without considering his age. He rushed from the scene to his bedroom where he cried his eyes out. His mother still received the beatings downstairs with no hopes of coming out of this particular one alive. Next thing was the blaring of police sirens then the police men in the room ordering Kelvin's father to surrender. He had no choice, he was dragged to court for domestic and sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labor. Where is he now? He passed away after serving five years in prison.

Kelvin's mother shrugged.

'What if this is what my son has been doing to Rosa? That girl is too good to endure what I went through. Kelvin saw everything that happened in our home and if he took after his father then I must find a way of saving the poor girl. I will not let him kill someone's child. But Kelvin is decent man, he rescued me when his father almost killed me that night. He would not do that to the woman he love so much. Lord please guide my children."

Rosa looked at the test result in her hand very pleased with herself. Soon she was going to be called a mother. She and the love of her life were about to start a family that she has always dreamt of. She did not hesitate to Call Kelvin who was so happy upon hearing the news. He was going to be a father. He had to be the best father for his kids to emulate him and also yearn for a man like him or even be like him if they were boys.

On his way home after work, he bought his wife's favorite meal and some flowers to congratulate and thank her for accepting to be the mother of his children. A thought crossed his mind about getting a maid for his wife she was now pregnant. That would help him not to get angry and there would be peace.

While he was having a good time with his wife, he brought up the maid issue and she appreciated him for thinking about her welfare and that of the baby. She did not approve of getting the maid but he as usual, persuaded her into giving her consent. Looking at the bright side, she would have a little time to talk to her baby in the womb and also have someone to keep her company when Kelvin is not around.

"But babe don't you think the workload will be too much at the hospital?"

"That is what I am paid for darling. I have to save lives."

"I was thinking if you could take a break from your job and not stress yourself with any hard work."

"I appreciate you dear but I can work."

" I know but I want to give you the best treatment that you deserve."

"I see soon to be daddy cannot wait to hold his baby. I'll take a break from my job then."

"Thank you so much baby. I promise you the best."

"I know that."

Living in the house with a new maid and not having to do anything affected Rosa in a way she did not like. She was the workaholic type who was always on the move. All she had to do now is wake up, eat, bath and sleep. She could also not voice out her displeasure because she feared her husband would get pissed and beat her as he usually does. As time went on, she became used to it even though she wished she was still working.

Five months into the pregnancy, Kelvin came home one evening and found out his wife had been sleeping all day without exercising. When he asked why all she said was that she felt too tired to do something for herself. This angered him since he did not know why she would be so lazy at this point in time. This is the time that she had to be exercising more to get safe delivery yet laziness did not let her do as was expected of her.

The maid had gone to get foodstuffs and this was the perfect time for him to revenge on his wife. He pulled out is belt and gave her the beating of her life. Thankfully, she was able to flee from the house to her mother in-law's house where she spent the night. The old woman knew, right when she saw her that her fears had been confirmed.

She provided a shoulder for her to lean on and comforted her like a mother would her daughter. In no time, she was snoring loudly. Kelvin's mother watched her sleep like a baby and wished her son could just be a better man for this lovely lay.

The next, mother and daughter in-law sat in the living room conversing. She felt Rosa had to know his son behaved that way. That would not be fair on her part if she kept the young lady in the dark. She opened up to her. starting from how she met Kelvin's father, his loving and caring nature before they got married and how he suddenly became a monster after their marriage. For her, her beating started a week after her wedding when she woke up late in the morning. This angered him so much he beat her mercilessly but when the day ended, he came over to apologize in grand style. It did not stop. H kept beating her when she was carrying Kelvin and even when she gave birth. When Kelvin was about eight years old, he had seen all the ill treatments his mother went through and called the police one night when his father was doing the usual. He apologized on behalf of his son and assured her that everything was going to be alright. She was supporting Rosa throughout her tough time and also asked her not to inform her mother about her. Heeding to her mother in-law, she agreed not to say a word to her mother.

While they were still conversing, Kelvin barged into the house with tears in his eyes. He knelt down before his wife and asked his mother to help him beg her. He brought out almost all the promises in the world making sure that his wife believed. Out of love, Rosa forgave him and agreed to go back to the house with him. His apology was genuine that even his mother believed that his son had changed. What would make a mother happier than to see her son and his wife happily married. She blessed them once more and prayed for peaceful home for them.

On their way home. Kelvin was quite as usual, he did not talk, and neither did his wife. The two rode in silence all through the journey. When they got home, he opened up the car's door for her to step down and walked hand in hand with her. Feeling pampered by her husband, she rested her head on her shoulder while they walked slowly inside. There was food on the table and everything felt like when they were just freshly in love.

"Baby where is the maid?"

"Oh that! I sent her packing. I have decided to take care of my wife."

Rosa's heart missed a beat. Was this a death trap? Even when he was not home he came back trying to kill her how much more he staying here all day. What if she annoys him and he beats her in return. She would not have anyone to help nor turn to.

"Is there a problem?" he asked quizzically with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh nothing'

"Please eat your food. I made it all for you."

"Thank you."

Se munched into the food right before her though she had a lot on her mind. She knew he would most definitely beat her if something went wrong. All she had to do is to obey every instruction that he gives without a mistake. If she missed anything, she would be putting her life and that of her baby at risk. Silently, she prayed for God to intervene. From the stories she has heard since childhood, she knew God could not the impossible and make her man change but she did not have the courage and the strength to do so without attracting her husband's attention. What would she be praying for? God changing her man to a better one. What did that mean? Her man was not good enough. She would have spelt doom for her own life and probably name herself after that word for praying that prayer.

 CHAPTER 4

A few weeks passed after her run away incidence in peace. She and her husband had not quarreled about anything and she was grateful. He kept showering her with gifts and praises every now and then. He was such a darling. He would occasionally put her head on his lap, give her a head and feet massage, rub hi palm on the baby bump and talk like the baby could actually hear and respond to him. It was so fun and an amazing sight to behold.

In all of these weeks, he was a perfect man until one day he was not.

"Babe, have you thought of a name for our baby?"

"Yes I have. It is my duty."

"What names are you thinking; I hope they are nice names."

"If it's a boy I go for John and if it's a girl we go for Diana"

"C'mon babe! In this century you want to be giving out such a name."

"But what is wrong with these names?"

" I wouldn't say much but John is your father's name right?"

" Yes and?"

"I wouldn't want my child to be named after your father."

"That's mine to decide."

"No, it isn't yours to decide"

"The last time I checked, I am the man."

"You are the man and I am the mother. I wouldn't watch you name my child over that monster of a father."

Rosa regretted it the moment the words came out of her mouth. The world stopped rotating, clocks stopped ticking, and everything was just at a standstill after she barked out those words."

" What did you just call my father?" Kelvin barked angrily.

"I'm sorry babe, I did not.."

Before she could finish her statement, the sharp whip from the belt her husband was holding penetrated right into heart. It felt like someone had used a dagger to rip her open. It did not end there. The whips came one after the other until he grew tired and sued his hands instead. He beat her without stopping to catch his breath. Blood started oozing out her lower part and she knew at that moment that she had lost the baby. The blood did not stop him, he kept beating her till she had no strength on her. not willing to lose this battle, she managed to get up and picked the flower vase beside the bed, she hit her husband very hard in the head that he sustained and injury and collapsed. The next minute she blacked out.

The smell of antiseptic and medicine was so strong in her nose making her wonder where she was. It was hard trying to open her eyes. In the other world, she and her husband were living the best of life with their three kids. Why would she be filled with this disgusting smell when her family was with her. Her eyes flushed opened and all she could see was a blurry white ceiling and a fan up there. She could still not adjust her eyes to her environment. She moved her fingers which sent her mother rushing to her with a smile on her face.

"Thank God you are awake."

"What am I doing here?"

"You need to rest Rosa, we will talk about this when you have the strength."

Images of what happened in her matrimonial home flashed through her mind and she touched her tummy, feeling it, she knew something was missing. She could not gather the courage to confirm from her mother. Fresh hot tears gushed out of her eyelids as she cried very hard. Her mother held her hand and squeezed it. Watching how devastated her daughter was, she broke into uncontrollable tears. For what seemed like everlasting, mother and daughter cried holding on to each other. The doctor in charge came inside the room and knew what exactly he had to do. He gave Rosa an injection and she slept right afterwards. Her mother sat by her till she was fine and discharged from the hospital.

Mourning her child was the new job she had taken up. She would cry all day and throw tantrums in the house like it could bring back the child to life. She wanted a good family, one she could always look at and smile within her with fulfillment. In her quest, she met a man, a man too good to be true. Her knight in shiny armor, the man who gave her her dream wedding. But the marriage did yield the response she wanted. She was abused by this man she love so much and lost her baby in the process. 

Kelvin's mother came to the house two days after she was discharged to see how she was faring and to also break news to her. Kelvin had passed away. He was in coma for days and suffered severe head injuries. For a split second, she thought she would not be bothered about anything that concerned her husband but no, she lied to herself. She let herself slide from the sofa to ground where she wept bitterly. She had lost her baby, not her husband was also gone. Ho was she going to tell her story? How was she going to survive? How could she have such a beautiful beginning yet an ugly end. That is not the life they both planned. They planned to have three kids who would take over his company someday. They panned on having a beautiful family that will held together by love and peace. Why would he now leave when they are still in the middle of the road? They have solved their problems, they could have worked it out. She could have made him the kind of man that she wanted but he gave up too early. Is he not fighter? Is he not someone he keeps his promise? He said for better or for worse and now he decided to let death do them apart. He had broken the vow. How was she ever going to forgive him for leaving her all alone in this wicked world. Life did not make sense.

Retiring to her room after crying her eyes out, she couldn't get it out of her mind that she killed him. She was a murderer. She hit him with the vase and he collapsed. She was too harsh on him with the hitting. She killed her own handsome. She said she loved him yet she killed him. She claimed she couldn't live without him she murdered him in cold blood.

As these thoughts kept running though her mind, she lost it, her mind, her control, her sanity. She screamed out loud causing her mother and Kelvin's mother to rush into her room. They picked her from the floor, comforted her and tired to keep her calm.

She refused to be comforted. All she did was cry the more and accuse herself of being a murderer. She would describe how it happened and then scream out loud. She would recount how the two met and how he used to stare at her and let out a loud painful scream.

She would weigh the possibilities that could have happened if she did not kill him. Through it all, they tried hard to comfort her.

After sometime, he started talking to an unseen Kelvin. She talked about their love, their baby and how they are calling her to come. She apologized over an over again to her mother that she had no choice but to leave her and go meet the love of her life. At this point, she was so weak and could not fight for her own life again. She yearned to be with Kelvin and her child. She excused herself and made her way to the bathroom. The two women thought it was a safe place so she could go and come back. They sat for about 15 minutes, she never showed up. When they finally marched to the washroom, there she was lying unconscious on the floor. She had no pulse, her heart was not beating. She was gone already.

Gone to meet her husband whom she loved dearly.