Binary Hearts

28| Sunday Surprises 🏞️

Tunde woke up early on Sunday morning, determined to make it special for Adaora. The sun had just started to rise, casting a soft, golden glow through the curtains of their bedroom. He carefully slipped out of bed, not wanting to disturb her, and made his way to the kitchen. Today was going to be about showing Adaora just how much he cherished her, starting with a homemade meal.

Tunde decided to cook a rich concoction rice, a dish that held fond memories for him. He tied on an apron, feeling a bit out of his element but excited nonetheless. He began by washing the meats—beef, chicken, and goat meat—thoroughly. The water splashed against the stainless steel sink as he worked with precision, making sure everything was clean and ready.

Once the meats were clean, he placed them into a large pot, carefully layering them before sprinkling Maggi cubes, curry powder, thyme, and a few other secret spices. He added enough water to cover the meat and then set the pot on the gas to boil. The aroma of the simmering meat filled the kitchen, already hinting at the deliciousness to come.

While the meat was boiling, Tunde moved on to the rice. He took another pot, filled it with water and a splash of vegetable oil, then added the rice, sprinkling in some salt. As the rice started to cook, he kept an eye on both pots, occasionally stirring the meat to ensure it cooked evenly.

After a while, the meat was tender and perfectly cooked. Tunde turned off the gas and removed the pot from the heat, letting the meat rest. He took out a frying pan, poured in some oil, and waited for it to heat up. The kitchen was warm now, the early morning chill chased away by the rising heat from the gas.

When the oil was hot, he added locust beans, allowing them to sizzle and release their earthy aroma. Next, he added grounded crayfish, stirring it into the mix before seasoning with more Maggi, thyme, and a pinch of salt. The fragrant mixture was coming together beautifully. He reached for the blender and quickly blended some fresh pepper, which he then poured into the pan, the vibrant red color brightening the dish. The spiced oil hissed and popped as he stirred, the kitchen now filled with the rich, spicy scent of the sauce.

Tunde added the boiled meat to the pan, letting it soak up the flavors of the sauce. He also threw in some stockfish and a handful of fresh snails, their chewy texture a perfect contrast to the tender meat. As everything came together, the rice finished cooking. He carefully drained the water, then poured the rice into the pan with the sauce and meat, mixing it all together with care. Finally, he added some freshly sliced efo tete, stirring it in until the greens wilted slightly, adding a burst of color to the dish.

As Tunde cooked, he put on his headset, scrolling through his playlist until he found the perfect song to match his mood. "Feel" by Davido started playing, the upbeat rhythm lifting his spirits as he danced around the kitchen, singing along softly:

"Dem go feel it
Dem go run it down
Dem go hold it
Dem go...
Na me dem go talk about
Na me dem go break them down
Dem go..."

The music flowed through him as he stirred the pot, lost in the rhythm of both the song and his cooking.

In the bedroom, the tantalizing aroma drifted under the door, pulling Adaora from her sleep. She reached out, expecting to feel Tunde beside her, but the bed was empty. Curious and drawn by the delicious smell, she got out of bed and followed the scent down the hallway to the kitchen.

She paused at the door, smiling as she saw Tunde in his apron, moving to the music as he expertly prepared their breakfast. The sight of him, so happy and carefree, melted her heart. Quietly, she stepped behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his back.

Tunde stilled for a moment, then relaxed into her embrace. "Good morning, my love," he greeted warmly, his voice filled with affection.

"Morning, sweetheart," Adaora replied, her voice still soft with sleep.

They stood there for a moment, enjoying the simple intimacy of the moment before Tunde turned his attention back to the food. He dished out the concoction rice onto two plates, the vibrant colors of the dish making it look as good as it smelled.

They carried their plates to the living room, settling down on the couch as they started watching "She Must Be Obeyed" on TV. Adaora couldn't help but smile as they ate, the flavors bursting in her mouth. The rich, spicy concoction rice was perfect, and she marveled at Tunde's culinary skills.

The morning passed in a blissful haze, the two of them enjoying each other's company. When they finished eating, Tunde got up to change into his work clothes. He chose a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, looking every bit the successful businessman as he smoothed down his tie.

He leaned down and kissed Adaora's forehead gently. "I have to head to the mainland for a meeting at the office," he said softly.

Adaora nodded, though she wished he could stay. "Can I come with you?" she asked, not wanting to be apart from him. "I can come back before evening."

Tunde smiled, pleased by her suggestion. "Of course," he agreed.

They grabbed their things and headed out to the driveway, where Tunde's brand-new Toyota SUV 2024 waited. The sleek, black vehicle gleamed in the morning sun, and Tunde couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as he got behind the wheel. The ride to the mainland was smooth, the soft leather seats and responsive steering making it a pleasure to drive.

When they arrived at Spark Technologies LLC in Ojo, Adaora was surprised by how much the company had grown. The employees greeted her with respect, recognizing her as the boss lady. Tunde immediately called for a meeting, and Adaora followed him into the conference room, curious to see what he had planned.

As they sat around the table, Tunde introduced a new project: a payment system that would allow transactions to be made without the use of data. The room buzzed with excitement as the team began to discuss the possibilities.

One of the employees, Paul, raised a concern. "But sir, there's already Paystack and other payment systems. How will this be different?"

Tunde nodded, acknowledging the point. "This is different," he explained confidently. "With this system, users can make transfers even if they don't have data. It's more accessible, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity."

The idea quickly gained traction, and the team started brainstorming ways to make it a reality. Adaora watched Tunde with admiration, impressed by his creativity and leadership. His vision for the company was inspiring, and she felt a deep sense of pride knowing she was by his side.

As the meeting wrapped up, Adaora couldn't help but feel even more charmed by Tunde. His passion and determination were contagious, and she knew that together, they could achieve anything. The future was bright, and she was ready to face it, hand in hand with the man she loved.