A month ago, my Dad and I embarked on a journey to visit my aunt who, although lives in the same state as us, lives in a far away small village. The journey was tedious as the bus was crowded and moved at an unstable pace due to the numerous potholes making the bus rock back and forth. The bus reeked of sweat and I just couldn't wait for the journey to be over.
I heaved a sigh of relief when we got to the motor park, alighting from the bus, I stretched my arm and stiffled a yawn, savoring the cold breeze that hit my face. This moment of mindfulness was cut short by a shrill voice who kept screaming "Dan banza!" "Dan banza!". I turned around to see my dad bringing out something from the bus booth and saw the man who's been screaming that phrase approaching him with a smiling face. I was surprised when my dad faced melted into a smile too at the repeat of the phrase" Dan banza!" from the man. " Dan banza" is a phrase in the hausa language which can be translated as many things, although some of which are banterful, none of which have a very nice meaning. "Dan banza" can also mean "old bastard" or simply, bastard.
My dad and this elderly man spent some time having a talk, I didn't care listening what they were talking about but from their gestures, I thought they were reminiscing old times. I was awe-struck at how someone could call my father that and make him smile. Dad, who has always been a strict, conservative disciplinarian.
My dad soon called me and introduced me to this elderly man. He asked my name, and where I schooled. He had this big smile on his face and gave off "super cool uncle" vibes.
Later on the way, my Dad told me that him and that man went to the same university an were even in the same class. What the man called him earlier was what they nicknamed my dad in those days haha. Looks like my dad had one hell of University days. I mean I have known that all along. His photo albums from his university days says alot. He had a haircut which was popular among the "super-cool" guys of his days. You get my drift? He lived his youthful days to the fullest 馃槀.
There's something special about those kind of relationships. Relationships similar to that my dad had with that man during his school days. That banterish, boyish , annoying relationship laced with brotherly love and care. It's definitely something worth studying and well appreciated. I have that kind of relationship with some of my mates here. You feel like you hate them, but you miss them the most when you're apart.
Thanks for reading.
