Baraka.

Chapter 5.

"How are you parents?" I greet them as they get out of the car.

"Hey son."

"Please help me carry the bags in the backseat."
My mom tells me to which I oblige. Shopping. Oh thank God she remembered to bring the avocados I asked for.

"Where had you people gone to?"

"People!" My father gives me that look.

"I meant my adorable parents."

"Aren't you quite nosey. If you must know, your father had taken me out on a date."

I cannot help myself but chuckle. The old man has not lost his romantic side, acting all  tough and bossing me around. Deep down he is a fluffy teddy bear.

" Will you get those bags inside before I beat you up. What are you laughing?"

"Okay Romeo."
I ran inside the house almost tripping as he raises his hand ready to smack me. My mom bursts into fits of laughter.

"Come on Mtemi, he is just messing with you."

"That is unacceptable. It is a taboo to make fun of your elders. "

"Loosen up, Will you."
My mom tells him as they enter the house. They take a seat at the living room.

"Have you done your shopping."

"Yes father. That reminds me. Mom, why did you not tell me Mama Malika came to the store and she had a cast on."

"Oh son, I must have forgotten. She seemed pretty hurt. She told me she fell on the staircase while in Kwale." That is strange. Malika told me she fell on the staircase at their house. There is something she is hiding from me.

"That is so sad."
My father remarks as he takes the remote and changes to the news channel.

"I will be going to the social hall at 10.00 if that is fine with you."
My mom looks at my dad and he nods.

"I was really hoping we will all stay here and cross over to the new year together. It is fine though. Your peers will be there."

"Thanks for understanding mom."

"I will go help Dhahabu prepare dinner."
My mother excuses herself.
My dad and I remain watching the news.

"The rate of corruption in this country is really sickening me. Another government official has just been arrested by the Anti corruption commission for allegedly stealing billions of shillings."
My dad laments as the reporter gives details of the scandal.

"Politicians have become really greedy in our country dad. What do you expect when we elect people on tribal, sycophancy and popularity basis?"

" I cannot believe I was pro current government during the electioneering period."

" Do not beat yourself up dad. We would still have the same narrative had the other side won, just different characters."

"Sad. You the youths need to take actions against this leaders. I am sorry to say this but my generation is ruining your future."

"Actually dad, some friends of mine in school are creating awareness to fellow students on integrity and holding the leaders accountable. We have organised stage plays, performed poetry and put up posters to educate our peers."

My father goes mumb after mentioning of acting and poetry. I do not know why he does not want to see how art can bring positive change in our society. One can make a living through it as well.

After a short period of arkward silence, my father changes the subject. We banter back and forth and occasionally sharing laughs. My mom joins us a couple of time enquiring what we are talking about. Dinner is ready. We head to the dining.
Fries, bhajias, beef and greens. I am literally drooling and cannot wait to dig in. Whenever I see food I think I lose my senses.