The spacious living room is furnished with slippery and glittery deep grey marbles the thick milk color of all spread wide across the center of the room is big enough to play Fives on various modern and antique ornaments placed at different parts of the room give it the trappings of the very rich at a far corner seated together on a milk colored leather settee the two brothers listen to the update of an Uprising in the north, the younger of the brothers and overweight but cheerful gentleman waited patiently.
Not that he was being interested in what he was wearing on the white screen TV but the knowledge that his elder brother doctor Li man Musty rarely entertain anyone during news hours or does he tolerate distractions while watching news, he keeps to himself he had been there sitting for the past forty minutes but could not get the man's attention who was busy turning from one channel to the other. exactly ten minutes later the man snapped at the TV with a gesture of disappointment, just as he hated interruptions while listening to news so does he while discussing matters of importance especially with the brother he happened to be this close to.
Some of these leaders can be funny for God sake the man has been there for over thirty years and his people said he is no longer needed but the man is not willing to let go …’
‘That is why I kept saying most social political problems in Africa are better dealt with as psychiatric cases because they are beyond historians, political scientists, economists, sociologists and ..’
‘Oh Li man burst out laughing, ‘ don't be ridiculous my brother, are you insinuating that our leaders are that bad and why are we Africans?’
‘That’s as fair as it can get’, Ahmad said quickly. I can only speak of what I know, I’m only concerned with my own heritage and I don’t care what happens to the rest of the world, he finished with my own heritage and I don’t care what happens to the rest of the world , he finished with that sort of matter-of-fat shrug. Li man liked his brother for always being frank and fair with him and he knows what La mil is talking about. At least being an actor in the field , a holder of doctorate degree in political science and a persuasive listener of news, Li man knows better how to analyse the problems that seem to hold the wheel of progress in most African countries, his own country, in particular.
Minutes later Li man's business mind asserted itself and instantly he became the statute administrator whose sheer proficiency, administrative acumen and technical know-how in decision making and corporate leadership saw to the level of head of Nigeria’s civil service and later, secretary to the government of the federation.
Taking hints La mil got for whatever was coming. Dr Li man cleared his tarot, I called you so we can discuss the issue of rectification of my various lands in Abuja. I believe you are aware of the verification exercise being conducted by the federal capital territory administration.’
‘Certainly’
‘We then, it’s about time we do something before it gets out of hand.’
‘You are right, so what do you have in mind?’ Ahmad looked earnestly at his brother.
‘Nothing really, it all depends on when you think is appropriate, but I have all the relevant documents ready and I may suggest the earlier the better.’
‘I will start the process within the week by God’s grace .’
Ahmad said thoughtfully, and then an uncertain expression crossed his eyes . This too did not escape the eyes of his shrewd brother who knew right away that La-mil had something in mind which he was not sure how to express, so he helped him out.
‘Is something bothering you? You seemed to have something on your mind’. He said
La mil did not hesitate, ‘yes’ he answered, ‘it’s about Khalid’
Dr Li man shifted in his seat, sitting sideways, so that he was facing his brother, ‘what about Khalid?’ he asked, his brows drawn, ‘I hope nothing is wrong?’
‘No, not at all, I just feel it’s about time that boy settles down. You have done everything a good father should to his child and in the process of doing so you’ve even gone an extra mile to see his comfort.’ he stopped to take a breath before continuing, ‘but I think about the only thing remaining is for us to see that he finds himself a good wife.’
Li man smiled relieved that La mil cared for Khalid, ‘of cause that you can see to, as well, or are you disowning him as a son?
‘No, but I feel much as I have a right to say in the issue, I still feel your decision supersedes’.
‘Alright, I understand, but do you have anyone in mind ?’
‘It’s alright then, I think you’re right, and I will see to it immediate. I actually have been so engrossed in other things that I did not give it a thought, Li man said thoughtfully.’
‘well , I will be on my way now, if you could get me those papers please.’
‘Do let me please,’ Li man lifted himself as his daughter, Anita, entered the room, ‘peace be unto you all’, she said their traditional greeting in her fast tongue. She went straight to her uncle and knelt by his side.
‘ Peace to you too,’ they answered in unison.’ She greeted her uncle warmly and he responded alike. ‘Hajiya says she will soon be downstairs to say hello.’
No sooner had she closed her mouth then her mother appeared. Li man had already disappeared behind the thick, milky, Arabian drapes. Shortly he returned with a fat envelope, meeting the two in deep conversation which probably made them merry, for they were both laughing their heads off.
Later , when his younger brother let Dr. Li man inquired from his wife the whereabouts of Khalid, explaining to his wife the conversation he had with Ahmad.
‘If I may suggest let’s leave him out of it, at least for the time being, I think we ought to discuss the issue first.’ She added that sometimes ago Khalid seemed interested in Ambassador Hassan’s daughter but could not conclude whether or not he had pursued the matter. finally , very happy with the news Dr. Li man suggested that she dig deep so that whatever needed to be done would be done and in good time.
