Taduno's Song by Odafe Atogun Read Free Book Online Page B

his desk which read ‘Mr Player’.
    â€˜What happened?’
    â€˜TK got into trouble with the government,’ Mr Player said. ‘His biggest star was making trouble with government, so government came down hard on him. He was on the verge of losing everything. I saved him by buying the studio.’
    â€˜You saved him by buying the most precious thing in his life?’
    â€˜What can be more precious in life than life itself?’ Mr Player asked with an ironic grin.
    â€˜Who’s this star that got TK into trouble?’ Taduno’s voice was pained, knowing the answer that would follow.
    â€˜Nobody knows him now. In the beginning everyone knew him. Then he became a stupid radical who fought the government with his music. Can you imagine anyone fighting government with music?’ Mr Player gave a small laugh. ‘Well, government destroyed him completely, beyond recognition. Now no one knows him, not even the government.’
    â€˜And TK, what happened to him?’
    â€˜He became an alcoholic when the government came down on him. He lost his biggest star. His other artists deserted him. He could no longer cope. He began to spend his money on alcohol. He was going to lose the studio, so I bought it from him.’
    â€˜Where can we find him?’ Aroli asked.
    â€˜I cannot help you with that. I learned that he lost his house and became homeless. If you will take your leave now, I have important business to attend to.’
    Taduno could not hide his dismay. He stammered words even he could not understand.
    Aroli thought fast. ‘You may be interested to know that my friend here is the biggest-selling star of all time,’ he spoke in a rush, hoping they could salvage something from their visit.
    â€˜I don’t know him,’ Mr Player said, without interest.
    â€˜His name is Taduno.’
    â€˜I don’t know him.’
    â€˜That’s because he died and came back to life.’
    Mr Player sat up behind his desk. ‘Died and came back to life?’ His eyes grew round with fear.
    Taduno was too stunned to utter a word.
    â€˜Yes,’ Aroli said, a serious expression on his face. ‘Maybe if he plays his guitar you’ll remember him.’
    Mr Player hesitated, not sure if he wanted to hear the music of a man back from the dead.
    Aroli capitalised on his hesitation. He nudged Taduno. ‘Go ahead, play your guitar!’
    But Taduno was too deflated to comply. He turned and walked out of the room. Aroli hurried after him. ‘Think of Lela!’ he pleaded. ‘We must explore every opportunity that comes our way, for her sake.’
    Out in the street, Taduno paused to catch his breath, his eyes moist with tears.
    â€˜The studio was the most precious thing in his life; that man took it away from him.’
    â€˜You heard his explanation. TK was going to lose it.’
    â€˜He took it away and gave him money for more booze, to complete his destruction.’
    Aroli was lost for words.
    â€˜And I was the one who brought ruin upon him. I was the star who made trouble with the government.’
    *
    On the taxi ride back home they were silent, deflated. Taduno wondered if there was any hope for him, Lela orTK. Aroli wondered if he and his neighbours would ever remember all they had forgotten. He was certain now that they, not Taduno, were the ones who forgot. A shiver ran through him.
    Back at Taduno’s place, they sat in the living room, each nursing a bottle of beer.
    â€˜I have to find him.’ Taduno spoke suddenly.
    â€˜Find who?’ Aroli’s face creased into a frown.
    â€˜TK. Somehow, I believe he would remember me.’
    â€˜Why do you think he would remember you?’
    â€˜Because we have both suffered and lost so much. You don’t forget when you have suffered and lost so much.’
    â€˜Even if he remembers you how will that secure Lela’s release?’
    â€˜We need each other. If I find him