NYSC LOVE; A short story
Written by: I am Ola_Olowo
Email: [email protected]
Part 1
It was on a wet Sunday afternoon sitting at my favorite angle in the sweet sensation restaurant which was facing the Sango Bridge. Ella and I had agreed to meet at this spot last night to catch up with the good old times. Have you read “My Nysc Diary and the 21 days in camp? If you have, then you should remember Ella. If you don’t, go online to read it. Ella and I have been in constant touch with each other even after our post NYSC programme. She has really been a friend indeed and I managed to find solace in her. We had always been there for each other in terms of helping each other out with advices, views and also different talks about our life in our different primary place of assignment. She hadhers in the beautiful city of Port-harcourt while mine was in the best city in the world, IBADAN. Have you read “Life as acorp member in Ibadan and the primary place of assignment written by I am OlaOlowo? If you haven’t, you won’t get to know the full gist. Go online and read.
After sitting for close to fifteen minutes, Ella finally arrived putting on an Ankara which matched her small body perfectly. With a pack of chilled Nutri milk in our system and a plate of chicken, we started gisting about how life had dealt with us both after NYSC then we gradually started gisting about the friends we met during our service year.
Have you heard from Bibie, our good friend? I asked Ella.
At the mention of that name, her countenance changed. She really doesn’t like Bibie. Bibie was such acrazy lover girl, drooling and going as far as weeping over a guy in her platoon then named Ola.
How is she and Ola, her NYSC boyfriend? I asked her even before she answered my first question.
Ola ke! Their relationship never lasted! Just like china product, sheeeeeww! She hissed.
I smiled and took a sip from the drink. I was still thinking about the last time I met Bibie at shoprite, Dugbe last year when she asked the unthinkable.
How is Janelle now? The girl giving you headache and heartaches in camp? She laughed and took a sip again.
I almost vomited the drink I had in my mouth when she mentioned that name! Oh Janelle!
Mr. Gab, one of my fan who loved my write up still calls me every week to ask about her and also ask when I will be getting married to her. Janelle should be fine wherever she is. I replied with a broad smile on my face. It was really stupid thing to think you are in love with someone you met just within the space of 21 days. I saw crazy things happen to people. I always thought infatuation is part of love, I thought they complement each other until I experienced both and discovered that they can’t co-exist. There are too many people who are convinced that they’re in love with someone just because they are amazing and they can’t stop thinking about them, but the truth is most of the time the intensity that comes with really liking someone is not love. Its infatuation.
To be continued…
Part 2
Lots of things that happened back to most us during service year were mere infatuation. I can count some of the people I knew who dated while we were in camp. Some were fortunate to be posted to the same area while they continue swimming together in their boat of love while others, their love ended immediately they left the camp ground. Could that be love?
For the young minds out there who can’t decipher the difference between them, check this out;
Infatuation happens instantly, love is a slow process
Infatuation craves physical affection, love craves a deeper connection
Infatuation makes you act irrationally or crazy. Love calms you down
Infatuation is intense but short lived. Love is comfortable but last longer
Infatuation is reckless with our emotions. Love is more considerate
Infatuation has ulterior motives. Love has genuine intentions.
Infatuation brings out obsession and jealousy. Love brings out understanding and trust
Infatuation is shallow. Love is deep
Infatuation makes a big deal out of small things. Love let them go.
Infatuation is being in love with the idea of someone. Love is being in love with who the person really is.
Infatuation hold grudges. Love forgives.
Infatuation keeps you guessing. Love answers your questions
Infatuation is rocky, Love is solid
Infatuation follows a timeline. Love is timeless
Infatuation is childish, Love is mature
Infatuation grows with desire, love grows with friendship
Infatuation is never content with one person. Love is monogamous
Infatuation is loud, love is quiet
Infatuation thinks love should be perfect, love knows it’s not but it doesn’t matter
Infatuation can leave unannounced. Love provides explanations
“Infatuations can leave unannounced’’ Not all the people who dated while we were in camp can boast they are still keeping hold of that “so called love”. Bibie’s relationship was a mess, Godiya, the girl is my platoon should be married with that macho guy by now. My OBS people! The crazy love between Dafe and Presh never lasted for 3 months after camping. Black Alfa, my guy in Room 10 got married during service year too. Ugo’s child now calls me Uncle Olowo. The only relationship I felt is still on track is that of Ekevic and Christy and I won’tbe surprised if I get to see a wedding invitation soon.
Lesson to learn
To everyone out there, beware of NYSC love. 20% out of 100 relationship during service leads to the alter. Don’t get carried away about the fantasies. All the sweet words, free food at the mamee market will all end. My advice? Stay away from fornication, focus on your dream and remain holy. Above all, pray very well before choosing a life partner. Never get carried away.
To Dare, my fellow advocate in Vision 2020, its just some moths away.
To my future wife, who might have the opportunity of reading this, please don’t keep hold of that your feeling for me. Say them before it’s late.
Ola_olowo coming back stronger!