Astray in love ep 1-4
Episode 1
It was a day i have been waiting for, the final list is yet to be announced as we all gathered at the Medical Reception Center inside the barracks awaiting the arrival Commander in charge of the screening exercise to come out with the list of the successful applicants that will be going to Depot Nigeria Army in Zaria, Kaduna State. The tension was high at that moment as everybody was praying seriously, i couldn’t help myself that very moment because i have suffered a lot to get to the last stage of the screening exercise. I kept on hoping in God for a better result, the tension was still very very high when the Brigadier General came out of the office with the list in is hand. My heart was beating faster as if it’s going to pound out, everywhere was silent like a grave yard as we all listen to the General. After commending our effort, He handed over the list to the physical training officer and he started calling out the names!
Lagos, Ondo and Ogun state were the three states that took part in the exercise, Lagos state list came first, followed by Ondo state and then my state Ogun state. My name was number 8th on the list, out of 95 selected applicant from each state. I was very happy and at the same time unhappy. I was happy because in the next 6 months, my dream of becoming a soldier will come true but i was unhappy because out of 7 of us staying in a room during the exercise, i was the only shortlisted applicant. How do i celebrate my victory among the rest of my friends when they did not make the final list. The General addressed all successful applicants again and congratulated us, he further exclaimed that it is not our effort that brought us to the last stage as there are lot of people out there that are still better than us but God has choosen us and we should give all thanks to God. He ordered the officer to give each of us the list of requirements we are to come along with next tomorrow. We will all assembly at the same spot and move to Kaduna state for the full training. He then dismissed us and we all went to our various ways after the collection of the requirements list. I called my mum to inform her of the successful completion of the screening and that i have been shortlisted among the applicants. She was happy and i told her that i will be in Sango in some minutes time, Abeokuta to Sango is just about 45 minutes drive. I left the barracks immediately in order for me to b able to prepare against next tomorrow because i still need to put somethings in place and at the same time hustle for money so that i can buy the required items.
Lagos, Ondo and Ogun state were the three states that took part in the exercise, Lagos state list came first, followed by Ondo state and then my state Ogun state. My name was number 8th on the list, out of 95 selected applicant from each state. I was very happy and at the same time unhappy. I was happy because in the next 6 months, my dream of becoming a soldier will come true but i was unhappy because out of 7 of us staying in a room during the exercise, i was the only shortlisted applicant. How do i celebrate my victory among the rest of my friends when they did not make the final list. The General addressed all successful applicants again and congratulated us, he further exclaimed that it is not our effort that brought us to the last stage as there are lot of people out there that are still better than us but God has choosen us and we should give all thanks to God. He ordered the officer to give each of us the list of requirements we are to come along with next tomorrow. We will all assembly at the same spot and move to Kaduna state for the full training. He then dismissed us and we all went to our various ways after the collection of the requirements list. I called my mum to inform her of the successful completion of the screening and that i have been shortlisted among the applicants. She was happy and i told her that i will be in Sango in some minutes time, Abeokuta to Sango is just about 45 minutes drive. I left the barracks immediately in order for me to b able to prepare against next tomorrow because i still need to put somethings in place and at the same time hustle for money so that i can buy the required items.
TO BE CONTINUED….
Episode 2
When i got home my mum welcomed me, she asked me if i have informed my twin brother and i said yes. I am Taiwo while my twin brother is Kenny. We not too identical and that’s why i don’t normally do things together despite the fact that we came to this world with the same placenta. My dad on the other hand wasn’t on my side, he wasn’t even the one that signed my form when i purchased it. All these things happened because he choose not to value is own children, i persuaded my elder brother to do the signing aspect for me. When i told my dad about my plans, he did not alter a single word, he just look at me and continue watching is television. I left him with the determination that i will go and come back and he will be surprise by my progress.
That night i place a call to one of my friend, is name is bode, we went to the same secondary school, bode did not have the intension of going to high institution right from our secondary just because he knew he is not that good academically. He has made up is mind to go and learn bricklayer as soon as he finishes with his final examination (WAEC). While the phone is still ringing the thought of getting a positive answer ran through my mind.
That night i place a call to one of my friend, is name is bode, we went to the same secondary school, bode did not have the intension of going to high institution right from our secondary just because he knew he is not that good academically. He has made up is mind to go and learn bricklayer as soon as he finishes with his final examination (WAEC). While the phone is still ringing the thought of getting a positive answer ran through my mind.
Me: Phone still Ringing
Bode: Hello
Me: Guy how far now
Bode: Bobo I’m fine ooo
Me: How is your side
Bode: Not too bad.. We’re pushing it little by little
Me: Let just keep thanking God for the gift of life
Bode: Yeah! This one that you call by this time of the day, hope there is no problem?
Me: Guy i just need a little help from you
Bode: Haba! u be my padi now, just name it i will give u if i have it
Me: U know i told u about my plan joining the Army
Bode: Yeap! Sure!! Sure!!! The tin don work?
Me: Yes! Am shortlisted among the successful applicant
Bode: Guy congratulation ooo… At least if u come back i will be looking for troubles especially those omo onile (Area Boys) that use to disturb us at site.
Me: Leave me alone! That’s not my problem
Bode: Then what’s your problem, u suppose to be happy by now.
Me: We are asked to report back to Abeokuta next tomorrow with some required items and we will be leaving for Kaduna that same day. But my main problem is that i did not have enough money to get all those things we were asked to bring.
Bode: That’s a big problem ooo
Me: Am telling u
Bode: So what’s the next thing now
Me: I don’t know if i can follow you to site tomorrow so that i will work as a labourer, at least i will use the money to buy some of those items
Bode: That’s a good idea brother! I will tell my boss about it as soon as we dropped now. I’m very sure he would allow you
Me: Thanks so much ( In a soft voice)
Bode: You welcome! So how did u intend getting the rest of the money
Me: I have called my elder brother and my elder sister but no positive response. My mum said she will also look for means by tomorrow morning
Bode: Ok! I will come along with the 4,000 Naira am having too. I will give it to you tomorrow at site
Me: Thanks so much, am very very grateful
Bode: That’s why we are friends
Me: Thanks so much
Bode: No problem brother Good night!
Me: Good night, see you tomorrow
Bode: Alright…. Hang Up….
Bode: Hello
Me: Guy how far now
Bode: Bobo I’m fine ooo
Me: How is your side
Bode: Not too bad.. We’re pushing it little by little
Me: Let just keep thanking God for the gift of life
Bode: Yeah! This one that you call by this time of the day, hope there is no problem?
Me: Guy i just need a little help from you
Bode: Haba! u be my padi now, just name it i will give u if i have it
Me: U know i told u about my plan joining the Army
Bode: Yeap! Sure!! Sure!!! The tin don work?
Me: Yes! Am shortlisted among the successful applicant
Bode: Guy congratulation ooo… At least if u come back i will be looking for troubles especially those omo onile (Area Boys) that use to disturb us at site.
Me: Leave me alone! That’s not my problem
Bode: Then what’s your problem, u suppose to be happy by now.
Me: We are asked to report back to Abeokuta next tomorrow with some required items and we will be leaving for Kaduna that same day. But my main problem is that i did not have enough money to get all those things we were asked to bring.
Bode: That’s a big problem ooo
Me: Am telling u
Bode: So what’s the next thing now
Me: I don’t know if i can follow you to site tomorrow so that i will work as a labourer, at least i will use the money to buy some of those items
Bode: That’s a good idea brother! I will tell my boss about it as soon as we dropped now. I’m very sure he would allow you
Me: Thanks so much ( In a soft voice)
Bode: You welcome! So how did u intend getting the rest of the money
Me: I have called my elder brother and my elder sister but no positive response. My mum said she will also look for means by tomorrow morning
Bode: Ok! I will come along with the 4,000 Naira am having too. I will give it to you tomorrow at site
Me: Thanks so much, am very very grateful
Bode: That’s why we are friends
Me: Thanks so much
Bode: No problem brother Good night!
Me: Good night, see you tomorrow
Bode: Alright…. Hang Up….
I was very happy at that moment. Bode is indeed a good friend, i thought to myself.
TO BE CONTINUED….
Episode 3
I came back from site around 4pm, i met my mum at home and i ask her if she was able to raise anything. She gave me the sum of 6,000 Naira, i added it to this 4,000 Naira Bode gave to me at the site including the 1,500 that was given to me by bode boss for the work i did. I went straight to the market and purchased all that i needed. The next morning, i dressed up and i was about leaving when my mum started crying, i asked her why she was crying and she said she heard that people use to die or got their legs broken in Depot Nigeria Army. I smile, patted her shoulder and told her that all i needed is her prayer, she then pray for me for about 5 minutes and i cut her short. I told her i have to leave now in order for me not to be late. Kenny help me to the park with my bags and i left for Abeokuta.
We were properly checked before entering the luxurious bus, it was my first time entering it as i have not embark on a long distance journey before. We go to kaduna after about 16 hours drive, we all form one single line as we moved into the training premises with out bags on our head.
Inside there was a different world entirely as we are going to spend our 6 months of training without stepping out till we finish. The first training we received was the removal of our civilian mentality and replacing it with Military mentality, that day wasn’t funny at all, it was that same day i realized why soldiers are always wicked and the reason why they don’t take nonsense from any bloody civilian. We were been addressed as recruit, that’s the general title giving to everybody in training and not until you pass out before that title will be lifted and replaced with your rank.
Two months gone and it still looks like i have just spent 2 years and i will still have to spend another 4 years, it was hell but i kept on enduring because i have to make a lot of people proud, making my mum proud remains my number 1 priority. I kept on following the adage that says to be a man is not a day job and that nothing good comes easy. These words keep moving me and pushing me beyond my limit even wen i felt i can’t meet up with one or two task given to me. One day i said to myself, truly! WHO NO COME NO GO KNOW!
Five months gone and i started seeing my self as a soldier because we are been treated like a soldier. No more beating, we dress well to class, we now putting on Camouflage, everyday Rehearsal on our passing out parade (POP). I can’t just imagine myself becoming a soldier in one month time, it’s a dream to come true.
At last! I’m a soldier! I can’t believed what my eyes are seeing, If u have ever gone through what i went through then u would know what i meant. Victory is from God alone, I said to myself while i change to civil wears. I wanted to go and explore the town for the past 6 months. The next day, those of us that were posted to the corps of Artillery were ordered to pack our belongings as our vehicles are ready and we will be moving to Kachia LGA there in Kaduna State. We got to the barracks and were welcomed to the corps school. The Admin Officer told us that where we are now is the Corps of Artillery school and here is where we will be attending all our courses throughout our carrier as an artillery soldier. He further explained that we will be here for the duration of 3 months and all we will learn is the basic things about the corps. From the way am seeing things, it all getting interesting as i am now expose into new life entirely.
We were properly checked before entering the luxurious bus, it was my first time entering it as i have not embark on a long distance journey before. We go to kaduna after about 16 hours drive, we all form one single line as we moved into the training premises with out bags on our head.
Inside there was a different world entirely as we are going to spend our 6 months of training without stepping out till we finish. The first training we received was the removal of our civilian mentality and replacing it with Military mentality, that day wasn’t funny at all, it was that same day i realized why soldiers are always wicked and the reason why they don’t take nonsense from any bloody civilian. We were been addressed as recruit, that’s the general title giving to everybody in training and not until you pass out before that title will be lifted and replaced with your rank.
Two months gone and it still looks like i have just spent 2 years and i will still have to spend another 4 years, it was hell but i kept on enduring because i have to make a lot of people proud, making my mum proud remains my number 1 priority. I kept on following the adage that says to be a man is not a day job and that nothing good comes easy. These words keep moving me and pushing me beyond my limit even wen i felt i can’t meet up with one or two task given to me. One day i said to myself, truly! WHO NO COME NO GO KNOW!
Five months gone and i started seeing my self as a soldier because we are been treated like a soldier. No more beating, we dress well to class, we now putting on Camouflage, everyday Rehearsal on our passing out parade (POP). I can’t just imagine myself becoming a soldier in one month time, it’s a dream to come true.
At last! I’m a soldier! I can’t believed what my eyes are seeing, If u have ever gone through what i went through then u would know what i meant. Victory is from God alone, I said to myself while i change to civil wears. I wanted to go and explore the town for the past 6 months. The next day, those of us that were posted to the corps of Artillery were ordered to pack our belongings as our vehicles are ready and we will be moving to Kachia LGA there in Kaduna State. We got to the barracks and were welcomed to the corps school. The Admin Officer told us that where we are now is the Corps of Artillery school and here is where we will be attending all our courses throughout our carrier as an artillery soldier. He further explained that we will be here for the duration of 3 months and all we will learn is the basic things about the corps. From the way am seeing things, it all getting interesting as i am now expose into new life entirely.
TO BE CONTINUED….
Episode 4
Lecture and training begins with immediate effect but this time around, not as a recruit but as soldier. Learning continues day by day, always putting in my best in everything as the best student will be determined at the end of the course. All this while, i called my mum only when am less busy and when i felt like talking to her including my twin brother. I did not permit anyone to call me at his or her own time because i might be in class or probably be engaged in one or two things. I continue like this for one month and two weeks. In the third week of the second month, it was announced that we are going to have a course break. Having course break simply means we will be given passes to travled to our destination of choice for a period of 7 days. By the time we come back, we will round up with the remaining one month and pass out. When the issue of pass came up i was very happy because it an opportunity for me to see my family after about 8 months that i have left them. I decide to make it a surprise to them as I’m not going to inform anybody about my coming home. It was on Tuesday, the week we will be given passes, they brought forms for everyone to fill with a column indicating our place traveled intended. Here comes Friday, our passes are ready, i left Kaduna that very day and arrived at lagos the next day. I proceeded to sango that morning and everybody was surprise to see me, to them it looks like a king has just arrived. My mum was very happy on seeing me, i hugged her and she started crying, my twin brother was a little bit afraid of me, we all laughed while we moved into the sitting room where they all welcomed me. Did my dad just laugh and welcomed me? i greeted him but it wasn’t coming from my mind. I was still angry about the fact that he did not contributed anything as a father to my success. After i spent two days at home i wasn’t happy and comfortable with my dad as i always feel like giving him frog jump or forward roll anytime i set my eyes on him. My mum kept persuading me that i should forgive and forget but i told her i will only forgive but i will never forget. He wasn’t even ashamed of himself, he boasted up and down that he has a child that he’s a soldier. He wanted me to visit some of his friends and his boss but i turned him down, making him to realized his worst mistake ever of not been caring and not taking is due responsibilities as a father on me and the rest of his children. The next day i pay a surprise visit to bode, he was very happy to the extent that he called all his friend ask them to touch him if they will not die within a tinkle of an eye, we all laugh together. I asked him to dressed up so that we can at least have go out and have fun. All this while, i was putting on my camouflage up and down as i was proud of who i had becomed. We entered a relaxing cool spot where pepper soup and beer are been sold, i ordered plates of pepper soup and beers for all of them, bode was surprise and at the same time afraid of who is going to pay the bill, i told him to calm down that the bill is on me. We then enjoyed ourself, it was all fun when all my friends are drinking beer but a soldier is drinking Coke. I paid the bill and we all left the place for our various home. On going home, i gave bode the sum of 15,000 Naira just to compensate the effort and help he rendered when i needed him back then before i left for training. He was so happy, he was thanking me and i told him if not for God and for him, i wouldn’t have been where i am today. We departed along the road when he got to the junction to his house and i also left for my house.
TO BE CONTINUED….
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