People said they were inseparable, but
they were very different. Apart from their Nicknames where Dipo was called D1,
and Diya was known as D2, D1 was a very brilliant guy while D2 was average.
That aside, D1 was a Christian based on his family religion, but D2 was an
atheist- a love he found while in the University, yet, they went on fine. D1’s
extravagant lifestyle didn’t deter D2 for once, neither was his early promotion
which made D2 some sort of a junior officer to D1. They were fine, until….
One day, while, at their usual local
pepper soup joint, Dipo told Diya about a plan to be actualized that will make
them super rich- a fraud! Diya declined to be a part, and it dragged on for
weeks.
“This is funny, you’re not even a
Christian”, D1 said one day after work. He was sitting by the edge of D2’s
table. “I have been trying to convince you just because you are my friend, and
the other wouldn’t take part since you are the only one out. They thought you
might rat out on them”.
“D1, you know me”, Diya began, “I won’t
do this, and it is not in my style to go rat you out. You guys do whatever you
want to do, and have a good rest of mind. You’re safe with me. No one will
know”.
“You have always said that, but that
wasn’t the problem here. We agreed on just one thing, and…”
“I told you I won’t do that, okay?”
Diya reaffirmed. “How do you guys expect me to put in my signature into what I
don’t want to be part of?”
“Then collect the money!” D1 insisted.
“At least, that means…”
“It means I am part of it; but no, I am
not interested”. D2 maintained, and there was a heavy fog of silence that spoke
too loud between them. It lingered on from that moment and a long time to come.
D2 tried talking to D1 many times, but he will only hum, grunt or grumble as a
reply. Dipo believed Diya was nothing but a hypocrite because he believed as an
atheist he shouldn’t be talking about morals.
Just six months later, Dipo was sacked
after the fraud was traced back to his office. Everyone whose signature was
found on the list was also shown the door. Diya was made the Head of Department
where Dipo once held. This made Dipo convinced himself that it was a plan
actuated by Diya. Diya has betrayed him, he thought to himself every day and
every night until he got lonely, depressed, obsessed and dejected. These brewed
hatred within him, and he hated Diya with all his heart. He refused to pick
D2’s call or listen to his pleas through many text messages to hear him out.
Then one day, Dipo resolved to a fetish
way to destroy his friend’s life and he did his. So, he picked a day to visit
the witch doctor. But as fate will have it, the night prior to his day of
visit, there was a preacher on the TV who talked about people who betrayed
themselves but blamed it on others, or God to be easier. And somehow, this made
sense to Dipo. He thought about how Diya had stood his ground and shunned evil
while he betrayed himself by embracing it. He felt ashamed of himself and
accepted his fault in this matter. He said to himself,
“Even if D2 sold me out, then I was the
one who gave him what to sell. I betrayed myself”.
Just about time, Diya called again, and
Dipo picked. He apologized before Diya could say ‘hello’. Diya was confused at
first, but believed his friend’s intention was clear. He went to the point,
“Dipo, I’m glad that you finally heard
me out, and I am glad that you realized I didn’t do this, but there is an issue
that requires your urgency. Our boss has been sacked; he was sacked based on
fraud. The headquarters wants me to find a consultant to act as a proxy in his
place; one that could make the decisions for a long time. The CEO said he
doesn’t care which company handles it, he just want it done. You still have the
company you registered a few years back?”
“Yes, I do”. Dipo replied in
anticipation, in whispers.
“Then mail a proposal to my desk asking
to get the job of the consulting company. You got the job already, okay? I
couldn’t think of a more brilliant guy to make the decision. You know, if you
haven’t done the fraud, you would be made the boss by now. I wasn’t made the
Boss because I had little experience in this office. The job has been on for
months, I held it down for you; I knew you will come around. Nevertheless, my
friend, I am glad you are back!”
Did Dipo cry?
He sure did and was really ashamed of
himself.
You might not get a second chance as
Dipo did, so, live a good life. It doesn’t hurt. Learn how not to betray
yourself.
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