Whatever It Takes - Season 1 - Episode 30

4 years ago

Whatever It Takes - Season 1 - Episode 30

Dinner with the Queen was fantastic. I never imagined her to adore the simplicity of things. She
was friendly and chatted with us like we had known each other for a long time. Something that I
didn’t expect nor was ever in my wildest of dreams. We spoke mostly about our expectations
outside university and how to ensure that we become pioneers for other less privileged girls by
being the change that we want to see. She said it was better to do even a little something than
nothing at all about any situation.

I had never had such a lavish feast in my life and I was pleased to know just how many doors can
open up to someone with the right action. Not that these doors are readily open, but with a good
heart, determination and perseverance anyone can discover bigger doors behind a small door.

She handed us more gifts and wished us the very best.

A week later, I said goodbye to the united Kingdom while Ife stayed behind. We had both been
offered jobs being outstanding performers but I declined while ife went for it. Unlike Ife whose
closest family was only her mother, I on the other hand had a big family that needed me closer to
them.

A family that was counting on me and valued my input greatly.

As I sat in the plane reading a book that was highly recommended to me, I couldn’t stop asking myself questions about what my surprise from Harry really was. I felt like a kid who was promised
something nice and eagerly awaited the gift. any way I later managed to focus back on the book which basically highlighted how to cope with reverse culture shock after studying abroad.

I laughed silently thinking it was hilarious that someone would go through such. I mean what could possibly shock you in your own country? But little did I anticipate what was to befell me shortly after my return.

I was so frazzled that I just wanted to reach home in the shortest possible time so I connected flights from Lusaka to Mansa via Ndola international airport.

The small plane touched down Mansa airstrip just before dusk and I slowly disembarked.
Clearance wasn’t as complicated as the London airport at all three airports in Zambia but I noted a huge difference in terms of infrastructure.

The city airports seemed to be in such bad shape in comparison with where I was coming from. I guess reverse culture shock made sense in that
instance we were indeed living in the third world.

I was waiting for my luggage when I felt someone whisk me from behind. I felt scared at first but
then I realised that only one person was crazy enough to pull such a stunt.

” Harry?” I asked softly
He then placed me in his strong arms gently and such that our eyes met.

” Oh my babe I’m so glad you are back.

I missed you loads my love.” He said as he lightly kissed
me on the lips. I adored his mannerisms as he wasn’t one to push boundaries with acts of love especially in public. We did little things like holding hands, hugging and he loved kissing my nose and that was mostly about it.

” Aren’t you going to put me down?” I asked after I felt uncomfortable as well as pitied him .

” You my love are jet lagged and should not walk on your own till you’ve had enough rest.” He
answered a big smile plastered on his face
” And what about my bags?”
” Already taken care of my love. Look you were only about four of you in that plane I hope you
didn’t expect to take forever to get your bags.”

” Oh I missed you honey. Are you alone?” I sq££zed him tight
He then clicked his fingers and immediately my whole family stood before me
” Surprise!” They screamed. They were holding a big sign with a warm welcome written across it
and holding colourful balloons as they showered me and Harry with confetti.

” Oh I’m so glad to see you all. I want to hug you all but look at this crazy man.

” Well your family has the rest of the day to greet you but for now you are my prisoner till you get
home.” Said Harry

They all laughed like they were in on the stunt. He carried me to the car and my parents came with
us while Biemba drove with the rest. We drove home and I was pleased with all the renovations
that had been done to the house. It was much bigger and we now had electricity. As promised
Harry carried me from the car and dropped me only on the new furniture in the livingroom.

Afterwards a mini welcome party was thrown and Harry left promising to see me early next day.

*********

A week passed and there was no mention of my surprise from Harry and the excuse he gave was
that surprise will only be unveiled on our wedding day which was two months later.For some
reason people around me were acting peculiar from my family to total strangers such that with my
family I wondered what it was they were keeping from me. people in the neighbourhood greeted
me more than ever before, fingers were pointed in my direction and they called me by the place
where I had studied. I found everything overstretched. I was still the same girl from the hood, I
wanted to remain humble and promote education in my community but they rather celebrated me
quite too soon It was crazy. I felt idolised which wasn’t right to me. I barely moved without people
whom I didn’t even know calling me by London’s name and greeting me. Some went as far as
calling me and introducing me to others especially the elderly. I guess that’s why some people
come back with fake accents and think they are no longer on the same level as the locals, in that
instance, I understood reverse culture shock and how it embeds in some people almost without
notice because the people back home treat them like gods of some sort.

Anyway I decided to
brush them off mostly because I remembered that it was all part of my reverse culture shock and it
would go away if I didn’t entertain it.

I decided to visit Sally’s place to see if she was within town and to perhaps get a means of communication.

We had lost touch after about a year of my being abroad but I missed her and
needed her so much.

Well my trip didn’t go too well as I was met with very cold reception and was
simply told that she no longer stayed with her parents. I left without asking much.

” What happened to Sally and where could she be ?” I asked myself as I walked back home.

I had so many questions such that I vowed to try and find her…….