Ed and Lara came back after fishing and followed the guidance from the note and pressed their buzzer.They caught 15 fishes as well.“8 for you, 7 for me?” Lara divided “I will give you one extra since you are taller than me.”Ed chuckled ‘Her reasoning was … different.’She separated them and gave Ed’s to him “Here”.She picked hers and started to walk.“Where are you going?” Ed was confused.“Freeload.”“Huh?”“I am going to find Dana. I think people are camping along this bank. I saw someone there.” She pointed to her right. “If she is not there, I will walk back the other way. Anyway, you should eat up and rest.”She took two steps and realized Ed had picked up his fish and was following.“Where are you going? I am going to my friend’s place to freeload.” Lara smiled “She makes killer fish fries.”“I am coming too.”“Don’t be shameless.”“I am going to my friends place.” Ed retorted shamelessly although he was sure Ben would kick him out in a heartbeat. He was counting on Dana’s g
Frank got up early, went for run and came back. He looked dotingly at his lazy wife and smiled.He decided to let her sleep for a little longer and waited outside.A delivery boy came on the cycle.“Lucky number 1” He whistled. He had delivered to 21 tents, and no one was at the front. But then again, it was only 5 in the morning. Who would be crazy to wake at this hour? The boy got his answer as he reached Frank’s tent. He handed the breakfast box and a note as he cycled away.Frank read the note and went into the tent.Got a book and went out to sit and read till it was a decent time to wake Sarah. He knew she wanted to win. So, he woke her up at 7 and prepared the breakfast table while she cleaned up.“Morning honey” Sarah smiled sweetly as she snuggled in Frank’s embrace looking at the table spread with breakfast. There was everything- croissants, buns, eggs, hash brown, sausages, bacon, toasted mushrooms and tomatoes, a jug of juice, 2 bowls of cereals, a jug of milk, a sachet wi
The next clue was a little hard to find.“There” Dana pointed at a patch of missing grass. This formed the shape of ‘B’. Dana and Ben dug up a box with a note “1 wheelchair.” Dana pressed their buzzers.They trotted for a while before spotting the next clue. It was a clever one, a climber with tiny yellow green flowers was arranged in a B shape. Ben and Dana dismounted and walked towards the climber.“Stay there. These shrubs are thorny.” Ben extended his hand to stop Dana coming closer to him.Dana frowned but listened.Ben walked closer and noted that the treasure box was placed at the foot of the climber, but it was closely surrounded by small thorny shrubs. He looked around.“What are you looking for?”“Something long and strong.”Dana could move more freely as she wasn’t standing in the thorny area. She looked around and picked a branch “Will this do?”It was thick and sturdy. Ben nodded and walked towards her.“Stay there.” Dana ran forward and extended it to him.Ben stuck the
BOOM!Sarah jittered and opened her eyes. Frank looked with annoyance towards the exploded letterbox.The second box had exploded with a shower of confetti and a large satchel cover that looked about 50 cms in length and width.Sarah sat up in a hurry as she came to her senses “Hurry…. That’s the next task.”Frank bought the satchel and gave it to her. Sarah opened the satchel curiously.There were two large, laminated photos, 2 fridge magnets, a pager and a note.“Ha…ha….ha…” Sarah started laughing as she saw the photos and warned Frank “You are not allowed to show this to the kids”In the first picture, a frightened Sarah was clinging on to Frank who had a big smile on his face as he carried his wife.The second one, Frank and Sarah were sitting under the tree with their heads touching and enjoying snacks.The note read-I can be hot, I can be cold, I can run and I can be still, I can be hard and I can be soft. What am I?Once you’ve figured who I am, type in the pager and wait for
Two seconds later, a message came. It read-“Search on banks of the river, the length should not exceed 1 m to left and 1m to the right of your tent’s outer width. Find an undamaged conch and cross the river from that point. Your path is lined by your team alphabet.Your first task for this segment is to collect 5 treasures that are hidden along the path. Press the buzzer every time you collect one. Your alphabet will guide you.Your second task is to hunt for lunch and press the buzzer when you have completed. Type what you caught in the pager for next instructions.”“Hurry up! Let’s go.” Lara rushed Ed. She was very competitive, she wanted to win. Dana was probably the only person she didn’t mind losing to!Lady luck was smiling at Lara. As soon as she reached the bank, she spotted a conch; She dismounted and ran to pick it up. It was an undamaged, complete, pure white conch.“Got it” Lara jumped up and down, holding the conch excitedly.Ed lazily trotted towards her pulling her hor
Ed pursed his lips “Ben isn’t as bad as you think.”Lara hooked her eyebrows as if to ask, ‘What does it have to do with me?’“He is very sincere to her. I have never seen his like this. You should have seen him those two weeks he promised you…. Zombies are better company!” Ed decided to brainwash Lara.“I know he is sincere. I have seen it. But…” Lara paused, shook her head and shrugged “It will depend on how he can convince her.”“True.” Ed couldn’t agree more.“I will not interfere. I respect whatever choice she makes; however unreasonable it is.” Lara made her stand.“Yes, as friends that’s all we can do.” Ed slouched back.“Actually, you’re not too bad.” Lara smiled.“You’re alright too…” Ed smiled “I had fun today. I rarely do this sort of thing. You’re not daft and might have already figured it out, but if it was not for Ben dragging me here; I wouldn’t come.”Lara shrugged as she swung in the hammock.An hour passed with the two contemplating amiably about Ben and Dana’s fate.
Sarah decided to show their pictures to dispel the awkward atmosphere. Lara and Dana gathered around Sarah. Ed passed the ones in his hand to Ben and Frank.“AAAwwwhhhh” Dana and Lara sighed in unison.“You two are so lovey-dovey” Lara giggled.“We haven’t done something like today since the kids came around.” Sarah smiled blissfully.“Kids??” Lara shrieked.Sarah put 3 fingers up proudly “One in university, one finishing high school and the other one was with you guys the other day.”Lara repeated 3 kids and looked at the pictures again…. she hugged Dana and mumbled “Why are some people so lucky?”Dana and Sarah giggled.Sarah spotted the ring on Dana’s promise finger. She held her hand with wide open eyes and stared at Dana “When???? Treat???”Dana pulled her hand in embarrassment and mumbled “I can’t even take it off.”“I can’t either.” Sarah smiled meaningfully as she raised her hand and showed her wedding ring.“I will tell you the story of this unremovable ring some other day” S
“Are you sure you don’t want your share of the prize?” Dana checked with Ben again.Ben shook his head.“Then come with me. Let’s give it to Dr Ericson. Coincidently he is also here.”Ben nodded and followed. He was happy even to go to Hades with her, let alone Dr Ericson.“Wait.” Lara stopped Dana seeing that she was about to go.“Major General” Lara called out to Ed.Ed looked uncomfortable; He preferred it when she didn’t know him and rebuked him as the drug lord. At least she called him by his name!“Can you give me your account number?”“What?” Ed knew this woman’s brain wasn’t connected properly but why did she…“I want to go with Dana to handover the prize money. I will transfer your share to you.” Lara explained politely before Ed’s thoughts could fly.“No need. I don’t need it.”“Then…. Shall I give your share as well?” Lara asked hesitantly.Ed nodded “Also, please call me Ed. Any friend of Dana’s is also a friend of mine.”“Alright.” Lara agreed straightforwardly. She wasn’
“That is not up to you.” Marken, one of the high counsellors disdained. Adalases was not Ben’s to stake at will; There were other Adalases who could refute this stake.Sherman knew Marken’s ambition was no less than Herten, but he also knew that unlike Herten, Marken would never betray his country and was in a good mood for watching a show although he knew what decision he would ultimately make.“That is a fair point.” Sherman nodded thoughtfully before saying “If the entire Adalase can be staked on this man, then I agree.” Sherman chuckled “With resources greater than the reserve bank, it won’t be hard to rebuild our facilities even if we are compromised.”No one could refute this point.“The Weldons won’t shy away from responsibility either.” Frank didn’t know why the commander had changed his colors, but he stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother.Shadow didn’t have anything to offer, but he stood beside Ben. His expression unwavering.Tyrell slowly got up from his chair and wal
Lara delivered a baby girl as her heart’s desire. She only saw her bundle of joy for a minute before her vision blurred. She also saw the joy in her man’s eyes. These were the two things she remembered before she fainted. She didn’t know if she would wake up again or whether this was eternal sleep, but she was gratified.The Evans and Burton elders had just returned when Amy came out holding the bundle of joy. They didn’t have time to process everything before they were handed the little bundle.“She is so sweet.” Megan smiled as looked over Marjorie shoulders.“My daughter-in-law is indeed pretty.” Dana laughed. She knew the minds of the elders were not calm. She was trying to lighten their moods.No one knew when Ben, Frank and Shadow appeared behind their women.“How can it be so easy to snatch my granddaughter?” Marjorie retorted proudly.“Yes…. yes…yes...” Abigail laughed happily as she let the little one hold her finger tightly. Dana’s retort had pulled the elders mind back to th
Ben and Dana’s days were filled with love and tranquility. Ben felt like he was in a dream; his life was everything he dreamed of; his beloved woman was his wife; she would cook and wait for him; his house was filled with the laughter of the precious treasures his wife had given him. He was truly grateful to the heavens.Ed’s days were getting hectic. Between the challenges of his official duty and a pregnant wife, he was almost ready to retire. He wanted to spend more time with his wife and child. Seeing Ben’s cute little babies, he couldn’t wait to have his own little treasure.Frank and Sarah didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; their little Lu would run almost every day to see his little wife, especially now that she was becoming prettier. The babies were becoming chubbier with fair skin and rosy cheeks. Their features were becoming more prominent and dashing, melting the hearts of everyone around them.Dan and Don were like a mother hen defending their younger siblings from everyo
The next day, the Williamses landed and rushed to the hospital. Dana had rested well and regained most of her vigor.Ben was changing nappies while Dana was sleeping peacefully when they arrived.“She can still sleep?” Dana’s younger sister asked in surprise as Ben gestured for them to lower their volume. He handed one baby each to the stunned Mr and Mrs Williams and led all of them to the adjacent room.“Sorry… Dana has just rested.” Ben apologized sincerely for his rudeness.Mrs Williams shook head, her eyes were misty. She was truly grateful to the heavens for her daughter’s fortune to have met such a man. Even though he was rich and powerful, he loved and doted on her without bounds…. This was truly her fortune. It would be a lie to say that they were not worried. On the way back after the wedding they had met a lady who was crying pitifully. Mrs Williams didn’t feel comfortable and lend her a shoulder to lean on; She didn’t know who they were and told them that she was fleeing fro
Ben sat next to Dana urging her to wake up. He was scared out of his wits as he had seen the amount of blood that she lost during the delivery… he feared that she wouldn’t wake up and all his happiness would disappear in the blink of an eye even though Steve repeatedly reassured him that she was fine and just sleeping from exhaustion. He sat next to her telling her how much he missed her.He told her how he felt that a portion of him was missing without her by his side; He told her how much he loved her…. He begged her to wake up… He sat by her side never taking his eyes of her pale face… holding her hand … and begging her to wake up….He started to tell her their story from his perspective. He told her how she disturbed him from their first encounter. How he thought that she had approached him with a purpose, He told her how he shamelessly wanted to see her even if he knew that she had approached him with a purpose.He told her how he used to follow her like a shadow just to feel her
Ben was on edge now that Dana was full term. He kept following her nervously like a shadow. One evening just as they finished dinner and were heading upstairs to retire, Dana stood still on the stairs and called weakly “Ben….”“What is it?” Ben looked affectionately at his wife who had stopped walking and became stiff.“I…. my …. I think my water broke.” Dana barely managed to mumble as she held on tightly to Ben.“You…. you….” Ben froze.Alexa was the first to react. She ran downstairs to alert Shadow and Mrs Bentley before running back upstairs to get the baby bag that Dana had prepared beforehand.“CEO” Alexa called out helplessly as she saw a frozen Ben.“Huh?” Ben looked at the panic-stricken Dana and came to his senses. He carried her and ran downstairs carefully. Alexa informed him that Shadow was waiting downstairs with the car. Shadow had informed Steve as soon as Alexa came running downstairs. Everything at the hospital would be set by Steve.Shadow sped towards the hospital;
Shadow had been getting along fabulously with Ruth and decided that he wanted to get married watching Ben’s bliss. He had decided on Ruth, then what was the point in delaying… but the problem was he had no idea how to…. he was also worried if Ruth didn’t have the same intention… then wouldn’t he be making a fool of himself?Shadow walked around with a constipated expression. He would have asked Dana’s help if his boss wasn’t so petty…. But what could he do… his boss was!“What’s wrong?” Dana finally asked as she couldn’t bear to watch his miserable face.“I …” Shadow suddenly felt tongue tied. He was waiting for Dana to ask…. But when she did, he didn’t know how to vocalize his problem. He lowered his head with a frown on his lips.“He wants to propose to Ruth but doesn’t know how to.” Ben didn’t give Shadow any face when he mercilessly pierced through his wall.“Oh….” Dana nodded perceptively “You are worried that she doesn’t have that intention and she will reject?”Shadow nodded alt
The ladies went shopping happily without realizing that none of their actions were missed by their men.Dana wanted to see how Ruth was going so she decided to stop by her shop. However, she changed her mind when she got to Ruth’s shop and pulled the others and ran. Granger was at the store pestering Ruth. It was most certainly a crime to stop someone’s fortune and she didn’t want her husband to have another enemy…..hehe…hehe… she was quite clever!“What are you laughing like a fool for?” Lara asked looking at Dana’s silly smile.Dana shrugged keeping her silly smile but didn’t enlighten the two.“Sister-in-law...” A sweet sound called from behind as the ladies were immersed in their world of freedom.The three turned in unison but Dana’s face darkened as she saw Lizzie walking towards her smiling like a flower. She had almost forgotten her promise to Bertie.“When did I become your sister-in-law?” Dana folded her hands looking arrogantly at Lizzie.“Soon… soon we will be family.” Lizz
In a condemned cell in B country, Pigle read the news of embezzlement of 10 million in public funds from Pigle enterprises. He begged the prison guards to let him see his son one last time.Jefferson indulged him considering he had inadvertently helped Ben get closure to the mystery that was haunting him for more than 15 years.Pigle junior arrived promptly to see his father once he was granted visitation rights.“Son, this is all Mr Adalase’s doing. You have to become strong and hit him hard.” Charles eyes were red with anger.“Dad, I know all about the cause and effect of this incident.” Pigle junior lowered his head in shame. His father was his pride. He looked up to his father but now…. looking at all the shameful things his father had done, he didn’t want any part in it. He wanted to take his mother and run far from all this shame.“Son…” Charles called; his eyes widened as he lifted in eyebrows.Pigle junior showed the video that was sent to him soon after the incident broke out.