STOLEN PARADISE

CHAPTER THIRTY - NINE

"Today marks a full week of the First Year Anniversary of the wedding between the children of the two Business Moguls; Chief Collins Babalola and Chief Niyi Olanrewaju. Unfortunately, it all ended in tragedy as a criminal Barrister Antonio Babalola sent to jail seven years ago attacked the couple at their home on the eve of their anniversary. Till date, the couple are still admitted at Lifeline Private Hospital receiving treatment and it has come to our attention that they are both now out of coma." Reporter Kimberly Jeremiah changed her stance and gave attention to the Commissioner of Lagos Police Command beside her.

"Sir, since the incident happened a week ago, we are yet to receive an official report from the police. Can you kindly tell all Nigerians what really happened that fateful night?"

A tall slim and brown skinned man with a surprisingly friendly face given his profession and the stereotypes surrounding it, gave a warm smile.

"The suspect has been identified and confirmed to be Mr. Clement Johnson, the rapist that Barrister Babalola helped the State to send to prison several years ago. It is to our knowledge that he is guilty of this crime. He was found with a semi-automatic pistol, fully loaded. He surely came to their home with the intention to kill the couple."

"This is really shocking as our legal practitioners are in danger for carrying out their work of putting unruly and wicked characters in society behind bars. Commissioner Dauda, thank you for informing the nation about what happened. Sir, it has also come to our attention that he demanded for money from the couple."

Commissioner Dauda remembered very well the visit from Chief Babalola which was to warn and plead with him not to release anything about his son's affair or any evidence they could have found leading to it.

"He wanted to rape the wife and demanded some hug amount that is yet to be ascertained. We thank God he did not succeed but as a result of not getting what he wanted, he descended upon the Barrister and his wife and did them grievous bodily harm."

Antonio could not listen anymore to the report, so he switched the Tv in his private room off. His body ached from his head to his toes. He was worried about Funmi and wondered what damage was done to her by the stool.

His mother was seated next to him.

"Will she be alright Mum?"

Mrs. Babalola wiped her tears and replied, "We are yet to find out the extent of the damage. We should know before this day ends."

****

Dr. Benedict who was in charge of Funmi left after carrying out his examinations and observations. He prepared himself to break the bad news to the family. Her husband was badly beaten up and sustained a broken left arm, terrible cuts and bruises. The wife on the other hand was another story altogether.

Chief and Mrs. Olanrewaju, Chief and Mrs. Babalola were sated in the Doctor Benedict's office with Funmi's older brother Dele, waiting for his diagnosis.

"So, what can you tell us about our children?" Chief Olanrewaju asked calmly asked.

"We have been conducting a series of test since they woke up and as should be expected, the prognosis are not good."

Mrs. Olanrewaju grabbed her best friend's hands for support and the latter held it firmly, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Antonio sustained an injury on his left arm so it was broken during the attack and it will be in a cast for some time. He also had some cuts and bruises but he is well stitched up but otherwise, he is on the road to recovery. He should be discharged in a week or so time. The cast will be removed roughly after two months."

"Thank you Jesus. What about our daughter?" Mrs. Babalola asked.

The Doctor gave them a warm smile.

"Mrs. Babalola Junior unfortunately sustained a back injury."

Bimbo Olanrewaju removed her hands from her friend's and moved her chair closer.

"She sustained a flexion compression fracture as a result of the impact of the stool she was hit with."

"What does that mean? What do you mean?" Her mother asked frantically.

"Her lumbar spine was affected by the pressure it was subjected to so that means she will be in a lot of pain on her back and legs. The good news is that she does not need to undergo any surgery. We will give her some medications and a brace that will help to support the back and prevent it from bending forward, and therefore remove pressure from the fractured vertebrae."

"So, how long will she be using this body brace?" Chief. Olanrewaju asked.

"For 11 to 12 weeks tops. She also need to modify her daily activities to speed up the healing process and prevent further or new injury to her back."

"I'm done for! Hey! She is my only daughter o! Will she be able to walk again Doctor?" Mrs. Olanrewaju screamed.

"Madam, your daughter is in good hands. She needs a lot of bed rest plus we will send in a physiotherapist as time goes on."

"Funmi is a hyperactive and busy person Doctor. How will she cope?" Chief Olanrewaju asked.

"Let her use this time as an opportunity to rest. The same goes for our celebrity lawyer. They need each other and family at this crucial period of their lives." The Doctor replied.

The two women hugged each other as they wept in each other's arms. The men sighed and stood up to leave.

They were grateful for their children's lives but the two men had some other plans up their sleeves.

"This should help them to grow closer to each other Niyi." Chief Babalola said with confidence.

"I know my daughter, she will not take this easy. She will blame Antonio for causing her this problem. Let us not forget that she laid down herself as the sacrifice, else, your son could have lost his life, God forbid!"

"Niyi, we watch them. We forced them to get married so now we must watch them grow closer together through this challenge."

The two men joined their wives and gave them reassurance that all would be well.

Mrs. Olanrewaju wondered what would happen when Funmi finds out she would be immobile for three months. She was not looking forward to it at all.