Akanni couldn't sleep throughout the night; it was as if he had made one huge investment. He thought of so many things, but he wasn't able to figure out what gift to give her.

"Asking my sister wouldn't be a bad thing," he said to himself, and fortunately for him, his sister entered.

"Ekààrò Egbon (Good morning Big brother), how was your night?" Ajoke asked while entering her brother's room.

"It went as it went jare. Can I ask you something?" Akanni replied.

"Sure, but don't ask me about Aduke again; I know you miss her, but it's time that you let go," Ajoke said with a serious face.

"This is actually a different thing and situation entirely," Akanni replied.

Simply asking his sister did him a lot of good; he was able to get a perfect answer, and he started planning how to go about it. He composed a text directed to Athira...

**Good morning, I hope your night went well. I would like to know when you will be free to meet with me because I don't want to ruin your schedule for the day.**

He dropped his phone and went to take his bath.

**********************************************************

It had been a good day for Athira already; she woke up to her father's usual tradition on breakfast, and she couldn't ask for a better Father. She got to work early after 7:00 am; all her previous contracts and investments had pushed through, and she could enjoy a little freedom. It was exactly 8:30 am when she got the text from Akanni; she wanted to ignore it at first, but she remembered that she already made her decision about it. She then replied to the text...

*** I should be free around 4 pm, call me then***

Just after pressing the send button, Da'sean came in again.

"Wow! You are looking pretty today."

"There he goes again with his lies. When will you stop all this playboy thing?" Athira replied while signing some files on her desk.

"You know it's not true. I might be chased by all, but I love only one, which is you."

"Hahaha, you can make someone feel so loved, but I know you too well. Demi might fall for this, try her."

"Okay, how about we settle this during lunch?" Da'sean offered.

"Not today, I have a meeting this evening, also I have a meeting in 30 minutes time," Athira replied and placed a call to her secretary through the intercom.

Da'sean was disappointed; there was nothing that he could do about it. He knew that once she decided on something, it would be hard to convince her. Athira's secretary came in to drop a file for her...

"I thought I had sent this for approval last week," Athira asked her.

"Yes ma, it was approved, but their instructor said he needs your final approval."

"Okay, wait for it then," Athira instructed.

Meanwhile, Da'sean kept staring at the secretary; he wanted a new prey for his game plan for the day, and she fits right in the void. She is beautiful and very eloquent with her words; he admired her, but no one could compete with Athira in his heart. Athira gave the file back to her after signing, and she was about to leave when Da'sean called out...

"Hello miss, sorry I didn't catch your name."

"Oh, my mistake sir, I do apologize. My name is Shalom," she answered.

"What a nice name you've got," Da'sean commended while staring lustfully.

In his mind, he had made a great impression on her, and it seems she has fallen for his charms. Shalom stepped out; Da'sean gave his goodbyes and left for Shalom. Meanwhile, Athira had been busy with her files; she didn't notice all that Da'sean had done or what he is planning. Da'sean met with Shalom almost halfway to her desk...

"Hey Shalom."

"Hello Mr. Da'sean."

"I hope you don't mind, I want to bother you this evening," Da'sean asked, mesmerizing everything about her body.

"No Sir, what would you want from me?"

"I would like us to keep a table and some seats occupied at the mall; also, I would love it to be drama-free," Da'sean requested.

"No problem sir, but what kind of drama?" Shalom inquired.

"I mean we are mature, and I don't like insecure dates. Other girls might know me there and be trying to feel themselves. I hope it would be alright," Da'sean said and paused as he awaited Shalom's reply.

"Oh! It's alright, My boyfriend actually works there, and he might be all loving. I hope it's cool too," Shalom replied bluntly.

"Oh!kay, I will get back to you," Da'sean muttered.

Feeling like his plans had failed, he decided to call Demi.

**********************************************************

Feeling like everything had been set according to his plan, he can now call her and confirm her coming. Akanni called Athira...

*Phone ringing*

"Hello," Athira answered.

"Hi, how are you doing?" Akanni replied, feeling really nervous.

"I am doing okay."

"That's really good to know. I hope our meeting is still happening."

"Sure, have you chosen a place?" Athira demanded.

"Yes, do you know Chicken Republic?"

"Yes, I do."

"See you in thirty minutes then, be safe," Akanni replied.

"Okay, see you soon," Athira replied and dropped the call.

After waiting for an hour, Akanni grew restless but hopeful; her number isn't going through. Everything he planned was about to go to waste, but the end of everything always becomes the beginning of a new thing. Athira stepped in; looking all elegant, not sooner than she entered, the light was turned off.

To be continued...

What happened?

Why would the light be turned off?

*To the guys - Always learn to appreciate our ladies. They are to be cared for and protected. Because after God, women are the most precious creations in our lives. - Omotayo Victor*

*Don't take a good woman for granted, for someday, someone will come along and appreciate what you didn't. - Unknown*