Baraka.

Chapter 6.

" I think we should go home now." Malika informs me.

"Do you realize that we are not going to see each other for the next three months? Besides, Rehema had stolen you away from me instead of spending time with me."
Rehema, who is standing next to us rolls her eyes. Imran is holding her hands.

" I know but I got curphew. I am expected before 1:00 a.m. Take me home now."

"As you wish mademoiselle. Bye Neema. Imran see you in school, hopefully."

" Happy new year guys. Bye Imran. I am going to miss you Rehema."Malika says

"Hey what about me?" Imran laments.

" Of course I will miss you to bro." Malika tells him as he hits him playfully.

" I will miss you to Malika. Better stay in touch when you get back from your first term break "

" I sure will. See you in three months."

I pull Malika away before this good riddance continues for the next hour. I hold her hands as we walk away from the hall and pass through the streets heading in the direction of her home. The streets still got people roaming around. Some are drunk and making noise while other pass by. We could hear music from the
old bars and clubs in town.

" Baraka."

"Talk to me my nubian princess."

"What are your new year resolutions?"

Wow! I do not have any. I stopped writing down resolutions a few years back after realizing I do not act on them.

"I do not have any Malika."

"You do not? Why not?"

" I do not know why. I think it is because in the past years I do not follow up the resolutions and goals I make."

"Huh! I see."

"Tell me. What are your new year's resolutions Malika?"

"I intend on really studying heard so I can pass my K.C.S.E and join a good university to pursue medicine."

"Good for you doctor Malika." She pauses with a smile then continues.

"I also want to get away from home and live on my own as soon as I am done with highschool. I want to be independent. Hopefully, I would get a job by then."

" I  am so proud of you Malika. You have really got it all figured out, haven't you?"

"Yes sir. I do not want to live just aimlessly without planning ahead."

"Shots fired Malika. Are you taking a jab at me?"

"Why? Did I say anything about you. I did not say you have no goals." She starts to chuckle.

"Well if you must know of my intentions, I really do not care about K.C.S.E. if I am being honest with you. As soon as I am done with school, I intend on seeking employment as a writer at the local dailies company. I also want to move to the city to pursue my acting dreams."

"Hahaha! Are you serious Baraka?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Baraka please snap out of it. That is not a sustainable career. You need to opt for the sciences. Who do you know in Nairobi that you are planning to go to the city?"

"I do not know anyone. I will cross the bridge when I reach there."

"We know your father is never going to allow it."

"How do you know?"

"We are talking about the chief of the great people of Tumaini Baraka. His words are literally the law around here leave alone the Constitution."