The phone call

 

Hello? Hajiya?

Not sure if you remember me, we met at the wedding. It's me Duniya. 

She could have kicked herself, that was so corny. 

I remember you, that unforgettable voice responded amused. How very Western of you.

 Why would I forget you? "Yaya gida,  komai lafiya?". 

The protocol of long greetings where we ask about the well being of every being in the household continued. 

Duniya wanted to just get to the reason she was calling. When would she be able to see her again. 

But she played along, sometimes the culture returned to her like it was yesterday and she was a demure well raised maiden.  She had never been a demure anything. But she had tried.

She had flashes of herself as young person, trying to catch up to her cousin's. Trying to be witty without cutting. To take the teasings without showing it hurt. 

Trying to fit in but making it worse it seemed to her. 

She felt choked. All amorous thoughts dissipating. 

Yes, everyone is fine and well. I wanted to ask about the "kunnu". 

The "kunnu"? 

Kyakyawa's perplexed response came over the phone. 

Yes.

Duniya said hurriedly, yes, I really enjoyed it and wanted to know if you knew where I could get some. It is so hard to find one so finely made with the rice and the groundnut consistency. It was delicious and made me nostalgic.

Oh.

Kyakyawa's response was not particularly engaging. Well I don't really know where you can get some. 

Duniya felt her stomach lurch. She was blowing this chance big time. 

She didn't ask herself what chance? There was no need to be disingenuous with herself.

Is it a good time to talk she asked? 

Catching herself. Remembering her manners or at least grasping for a reason why the phone call wasn't going as she had planned. 

A good time to talk? Kyakyawa laughed. You are so Western. Yes, yes it is a good time. 

How are you? 

Duniya breathed out slowly. Here she was. She was she. 

Her person. 

I am fine. How are you?

She could hear Kyakyawa smile over the phone. I am fine as well. 

So you want "kunnu"? 

A vision of her bosom flashed in Duniya's mind. When did wanting  "kunnu" sound so suggestive. 

Yes, I do.  I can only find "ogi" and it is not the same. 

No, Kyakyawa was quiet over the phone for a bit then she said. 

It is not the same. I don't know where you can buy it Duniya. 

But can you make it for me, Duniya asked feeling braver. 

Again the phone was silent, I am not sure I have the ingredients she replied. 

I can wait. 

Can you?

Well let me get back to you. 

The phone call was going to end if Duniya didn't think of something else to say. She wanted to keep her on the line for longer. 

Where are you, Duniya asked? Are you still in Kano? 

Kyakyawa was quiet over the phone. She seemed to be quiet a lot. It was hard for Duniya to tell what she was feeling or if she was feeling anything. 

Yes, she said quietly. I am still in Kano. When I come to Abuja I will make some "kunnu" for you. 

That was all she was going to get from this call. She had to step back and let Kyakyawa make the next move as painful as it was to her. 

The whole thing was a mess. A dangerous mess.