By: Sulayman Lecturer Darboe
(sulaymandarboe010@gmail.com, Jingdibali.bogspot.com, whatsapp(+2203867564)
Episode 5
the arrival of Kekuta
The day was a fulfilled one for Kekuta and the Nasso family. It was a joyous day for the admirers in the village but an invidious day for the evil wishers who always frown at the great hunter’s success. On a blissful Sunday, the villagers had already begun gazing at the road side hoping to witness and welcome Kekuta on his return from a hunting trip. Seated in the compound of Kekuta were the elders of the village for their usual ‘share taking’. On the streets were ambitious young men who wished to become Kekuta someday. Sadly, hidden near the roadside and other out of sight places were grudged and evil wishers whose everyday aspiration was for bad luck to sentence Kekuta.
As the beautiful early morning sun began to smile, Kekuta had already entered Tendala. He knew vividly that his village young men would surely come to welcome him. Thus, he reduced his swiftness as he was no longer in the bush and was feeling so worn-out. The load on him was too heavy even though he endured to accommodate the pains associated with it. Intermittently, Kekuta gazed through the roadside but on several of the stares, no one was seen. He patiently struggled with valor until he met some young men who came to welcome him. Upon meeting, the determined young men insisted on assisting Kekuta to carry the ‘harvest of the day’. The great hunter got relieved from the strenuous load and walked fast toward his compound.
The eastern part of the road to Kekuta’s compound was slightly curved. As a result, people approaching could not be easily seen at a glance especially when they are apart. Kekuta hurriedly came closer to his compound which was occupied by his family members and some villagers. By this time, he left his ‘harvests (catches)’ with the young men who were celebrating while coming. Everyone in the compound had their eyes concentrated at the curved road side anticipating Kekuta’s face. Finally, Kekuta appeared and swiftly, everyone jumped into celebration. The joyous celebration went for a while until one elderly man shouted ‘ Kekuta has not come home with a catch’. Everyone stopped and gazed at the hunter amazingly. On the contrary to their emotions and views, Kekuta was not bothered at all as he was anticipating his ‘catches’.
Kekuta became thoughtful about the sudden change of mood. His wife, whom many described as a pretentious woman, looked at Kekuta in his eyes unwelcomingly. Her gaze towards Kekuta was so frosty. It depicted the mood of sadness and anger.
Sadly, in his hunting attire yet undressed, Kekuta talked to himself: ‘I am just a hunter whose effort is aided by the nobility of my lineage through the prayers accepted by God. Even though with a catch, though yet to arrive, the mood of my people suddenly change. What will be the reaction of my people should there be any day that I am unlucky? Are they going to abandon or still accept everything as destiny me? Kekuta was jailed in such thoughts when all of a sudden; everyone heard voices of people approaching with charming songs chanting the name of Kekuta. Kekuta knew that the young men were the ones roaring. He kept his eyes down until the young men finally arrived. Interestingly for Kekuta, by the time he raised his head, everyone was celebrating. His wife jumped at him and asked him of what he wanted for the night.” I will do anything that can make my husband happy today. Tell me what you want dear husband”. Kekuta unhappily asked her to call his grandfather- Faaduta and they entered their small bungalow. Faaduta later asked some elders to prepare the catches. Together, it was shared and everyone present had their share. After everyone departed and the place was calm, Faaduta told Kekuta that the people of ‘Dobalu’ came for him as his service was needed there.
Episode 6
Kekuta's conversation with Faduta( his grandfather)
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