I smiled to myself as I went through my Instagram bio, very single struck a chord with my parents and they always complained why their only daughter chose to be at this crucial time in her life. It wasn't always like this, I remember how carefree and happy I was about a decade ago, I believed in people, I trusted easily, I was in love and I lost my right arm in the process. Oh so sorry, I didn't mention I'm special. I had my arm amputated seven years ago. I've a prosthetic arm in place now so you'd hardly notice in my pictures.

Wole was my parents ward so he lived with us ever since we were kids, his family lived in Ilorin but he was attending King's college here in Lagos. I grew up having three big brothers around. They were very protective, my real siblings were much older and left for the States to study the year before I entered secondary school. Few years after, Wole gained admission into University of Lagos to study Medicine, my father was proud. His parents came to visit and we all had a lovely weekend.

Bidemi.

Now this story is not about Wole but his friend Bidemi. We met at his graduation party. They were colleagues in and Wole graduated at the top of his class. Bidemi was second best and their families threw a party to celebrate their sons achievement. Bidemi was the life of the party, everybody was trying to get his attention but he kept stealing subtle glances at me.

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I had met him once while he was holidaying with Wole in Ilorin. I was schooling there at the time. We went to church with Wole and saw a movie afterwards. I didn't really pay him attention as I had my thoughts on my final exams coming up the next week. Both of them tried to put me at ease but I wasn't having it.

Mum's reassurance.

Fast forward to the present day. Mommy walks into my bedroom unannounced, I've complained severally about this habit of hers but she won't budge.

"Anikemi, why the long face?" She asked.

"I'm fine Mom, just thinking about something." I replied.

"What's on your mind darling? Is it work related?"

"No"

"Kilode?"

"Mommy I'm just reminiscing about everything that happened these past years, I'm sorry I let you and Daddy down."

She sighs and holds my left hand in hers. "We're not offended by anything that transpired between you and that young man, we've accepted fate. Our prayer is for you to find peace within yourself and be able to fall in love again..."

With tears in my eyes, "Thank you Ma, I wonder what I'll do without you. I'm not just sure if the latter can ever be possible, I just don't see myself doing it all over again with someone new. I can't bear it."

"Of course you can Nikki, you just have to give it a chance. Don't try too hard, it'll come.  I'm almost certain you will find it sooner than you think."

"It's been seven years Mom, how long can it be?" I asked .

"As long as you are willing to let it".

With that she stood and left the room, closing the door quietly...

Bidemi and I.

Bidemi finally summoned courage to walk up to me that night, we talked all through and I finally overcame my initial shyness, we exchanged numbers and that was it. Our love story was second to none, I had just completed my youth service in Lagos and was looking out for a placement. He was posted to UCH Ibadan for his house job and NYSC. We were almost inseparable, I was in Ibadan every other weekend and vice versa. Our parents approved of the relationship and gave us their blessings.

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Wole was in Abuja for his house job too and my older brothers were since married to two amazing black American women. I got admission to do my Masters degree in the UK and I left the country few months to Bidemi's Passing out parade. It was a tough time for our relationship, because I was always swarmed with course work and academic activities. We began to slowly drift and the calls became less, I knew I was not giving enough but Bidemi too never tried to call me to order. I assumed he had someone else taking his time and I decided to let it be.

Reunited

By then it was almost four years we had been together, he was working in Ilorin and running a course at my Alma mater. After about two years in South Wales, I decided to come back to spend time with my family and also see my beloved. I flew in unannounced and went straight to the local airport, I landed in Ilorin safely and went straight to Bidemi's apartment. Wole had told me where to find him and it wasn't difficult locating his house. He was  very surprised to see me and couldn't conceal his feelings.

We made up that night and made love till daybreak. It felt so good being in his arms, we promised to not let distance come in between us ever again. I stayed in Ilorin for almost a month before heading back to Lagos, Bidemi decided to propose the night before I travelled and I said yes of course. We both agreed to cancel my flight and go by road because we had to stop over at Ibadan to see his family. On our way, just before getting to Ibadan, we were still basking in the beauty of being engaged and Bidemi couldn't get his eyes off me.

Tragedy

He didn't see the oncoming trailer on time and there was a crash. Bidemi died instantly and I was in coma for several weeks. My right arm was crushed and the doctors said amputation was my only option. It was still in shock at the hospital when the doctor told me I was 12 weeks pregnant...

I had Morohunmubo 5 months later, she looks just like him. I still can't believe Bidemi died in that accident. Moreé as she's fondly called is a bundle of energy just like her father. I wish I could just see him once again. There was a time I was actually suicidal. Moreé is what keeps me going... She's my good luck charm.

PRESENT DAY - Oluwafiropo

A few tears dropped as I laid flowers on Bamidele Abidemi Bamisaye's grave, it's been so long. "I won't be here for a while Bam Bam" I said fondly. Remembering all the best times we had all over again.

I made to leave when I sighted a man dropping daisies on a grave. He looked up and waved.

"Hi Miss."

"Hello." I replied.

He walked over to where I stood and read the epitaph.

"Your husband I suppose?" He asked.

"No, not yet. Al-mmmost." I stuttered.

"So sad, I lost her - my wife at childbirth. She had lupus." His voice became so hoarse.

We were both quiet as we were overwhelmed with grief, without exchanging words we knew it was time to let go. It was time to let our beloved rest. They'd want us to be happy.

"How long?" I asked.

"It would be seven years in June, my son would have been seven next month." He replied.

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"I've a daughter who is turning seven next week..." I trailed off.

Suddenly I realized the coincidence of our situation, remembering mother's words few months back and staring back at him like I just saw an apparition.

Maybe it was Providence playing a prank on us or maybe it's just coincidence. I think I have been alone long enough, it's high time to Iet love find me...

"I'm Anike, pleased to meet you." I stretched out my prosthetic hand.

He chuckled softly and accepted it.

"I'm Oluwafiropo, the pleasure is mine." He flashed his amazing set of white teeth.

"By the way you've got lovely fingers I must say."

"Thank you." I blushed

He didn't let go of my hand, as we made our way out of the cemetery. Our future in God's hands, we couldn't stop smiling as the joke was on us.

Written by Bello Adekunbi.

Bello Adekunbi "Kunbella" is an effervescent soul, bookish and loves watching classical movies. If she's not writing, taking long strolls on the beach or dancing, her head will definitely be buried in a book. Catch her on Instagram @kunbi_bello, Twitter @adekunbi_bello or Google #kunbellawrites.