GABA DA GABANTA

The scene unfolded with an elderly man, aged at least fifty, seated on a bench, clutching a small radio as he listened intently.

Suddenly, a hybrid car of the Annoconda model roared into the scene, driven by a young woman named Fadila. The car’s speed was such that it stirred a small storm in its wake.

As the car reached the entrance gate of a house, it came to a sudden stop, and a distinct horn sounded.

The elderly man, taken aback by the unexpected arrival, left the radio on the bench and hurried towards the gate, attempting to open it.

With some effort, he managed to open the gate, but the car’s momentum pushed it into another part of the house.

Out of the car emerged Fadila, a young woman who appeared to be in poor health. Despite her thin figure and worn clothes, her skin bore the telltale signs of a privileged upbringing. She wore a long material dress and a hat on her head, with a pair of shoes completing her ensemble.

Approaching the elderly man, who was still struggling to close the gate, she halted and addressed him with a mix of annoyance and disdain. “You, servant of God, what kind of person are you? You appear lifeless, as if you neither eat nor have any use for the food you consume. What’s the point of having you guard this house? From today onward, leave me outside; I have no need for your services.”

The elderly man remained silent, bowing his head as he felt the humiliation from the young woman, who was barely older than his own daughter.

Fadila took out her purse, withdrew three thousand naira, and threw it on the ground. “Take this money and buy me some Irish potatoes. I want them cooked for me, but the store has run out,” she instructed.

The elderly man accepted the money respectfully and replied, “You’ve been away for quite some time, but I’m not entirely clear on what you want me to buy.”

Fadila regarded him with scorn and clarified, “You’re so out of touch! I mean potatoes. May God save us from village life and ignorance.”

Without uttering another word, the elderly man turned and walked away, while Fadila headed towards the entrance of the house.

Inside the house, she entered a room and called out, “Mummy, Mummy.”

Her mother responded, “Are you back already?”

“Yes, I’m back. Where are the servants?”

“Which servants?”

“The maids we have here.”

“They are attending to their tasks.”

“Alright, I gave this old man money to buy me Irish potatoes. Our son is too exhausted to prepare anything. I want him to make me some boiled eggs for lunch.”

Her mother cautioned, “Fadila, don’t be deceived, God forbid.”

“By God, I intend to let go of my food supply and release this man. He’s been eating our food for years, but Daddy insists on keeping him as a guard, God help us.”

Her mother sighed and said, “You, Fadila, you’ve kept this from me. I’ve been sitting here, unaware of anything.”

Fadila pouted and retorted, “In any case, I’ll go to my room. I’m exhausted. When he brings the potatoes, give them to me, and make sure they’re very spicy. Boil three eggs and place them on my head.”

Her mother inquired, “I hope you informed the servants yourself?”

Fadila responded, “It would be too troublesome for me to go to the kitchen. I’d better inform them.” With that, she turned and left the room.

As Fadila made her way to her own room, she casually tossed her shoes in one direction and her hat in another. She removed her hat, placing it on the floor, and crossed the middle of her bed before yawning, settling in for some rest.