Nairobi buzzed with an unseen energy, mirroring the nervous excitement fluttering in Shiko’s stomach. Today, the man who’d stolen her heart with a brand new Beko oven as a birthday gift was finally arriving – Otieno. The memory of his surprise phone call, promising a visit soon after the grand oven reveal, still sent shivers down her spine.
Otieno, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of barely contained anticipation. Sure, his days were spent managing county projects as a clerk of works, but tonight he was a man on a mission – a mission fueled by love. The thought of Shiko, waiting for him in Nairobi, made the miles from Homabay melt away.
Homabay Hustle
Otieno thrived in the bustling town of Homabay, his days filled with the energy of his job as a clerk of works for the county government. While the title might sound unassuming, it places him at the heart of the action, overseeing various projects that keep Homabay humming. Think endless mounds of freshly cleared brush and sparkling clean streets – a testament to the tireless efforts (both real and… well, let’s just say creatively accounted for) of the county workforce. With the colossal new stadium construction in full swing, Otieno found himself managing a veritable army of workers. Life is good, and as the saying goes in Homabay, Otieno is living quite comfortably – his pockets comfortably lined, that is. His main job is to manage the Government’s Ghost workers Schedule. This means that he has to supervise projects where Ghost workers’ wages are allocated. County governments allocate Ghost workers where they can be easily disguised, in highly labour intensive tasks such as clearing of bushes and sweeping of roads. For every real worker, there would be 3 who do not exist. At the moment he is supervising the construction of the new stadium, which has thousands of workers. Life is good. Otieno as, they say in Homabay is therefore quite Liquid, despite his humble job title.
Kisumu Capers
While a quick hop from the Homabay airstrip might’ve been practical, there was no way Otieno would skip the chance to show off his prized Mercedes to his cousin Otis. Theirs was a bond forged in the streets of Kondele, where they’d grown up and terrorized the neighbourhood with their childhood antics. A reunion like this deserved a proper entrance.
Pulling into Otis’ driveway, a wide grin split Otieno’s face. There, leaning casually against the porch, stood his cousin. The years had etched a few laugh lines around Otis’ eyes, but the glint of mischief in them remained unchanged. Their greetings were a flurry of backslaps, playful jabs, and reminiscing about their school days. Tonight, catching up would have to wait. Nairobi beckoned, and Shiko awaited.
A sleek Kings Collection travel bag, meticulously packed by his wife, awaited him. Inside, a crisp change of clothes and his favorite toiletries – everything a man on a romantic mission could need. Otieno’s fingers drummed a restless rhythm on the steering wheel as he navigated the bustling streets of Kisumu. A quick call to Shiko confirmed his flight was on time. He stole a glance at his Samsung Fold 2 phone, the screen displaying a photo Shiko had just sent – a mischievous glint in her eyes and a teasing smile that promised a love-filled weekend.
Meanwhile, Otienos wife had placed a call to Otis’ wife, informing her about the “forgotten” travel bag. The ease with which the women coordinated spoke volumes about the supportive network Shiko and Otieno had built around them.
Fast-Paced Romance
The flight from Kisumu was mercifully uneventful. Otieno spent the time lost in a world of Ohangla music, fueled by his Anchor Soundcore headphones, and the intoxicating anticipation of seeing Shiko. Every chime of his phone sent a jolt through him, only to be a work email or another teasing selfie from Shiko.
Landing at JKIA, Nairobi, Otieno practically sprinted through security, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm. Luggage claim was a blur – he’d traveled light, just the essentials for a stolen weekend of love. And then, there she was.
Shiko, a vision in a bright white mini skirt and heels, her smile as radiant as the Nairobi sun. The airport bustled around them, oblivious to the private world they created in that single, electrifying moment. Their embrace was a reunion of whispered promises and stolen kisses, a silent language that spoke of a love story blossoming into something more.
A Culinary Courtship
Settled into the back of a taxi, cruising towards Kinoo via the Expressway, Otieno couldn’t take his eyes off Shiko. They talked in hushed tones, catching up on stolen moments and weaving dreams for the future. A quick stop at the Carefour supermarket was a necessary pitstop. Here, amidst the aisles of groceries, they fell back into a playful banter, their laughter echoing through the store.
Back at the apartment, the air crackled with anticipation. Shiko, her eyes sparkling with love, disappeared into the kitchen, the sleek lines of the Beko oven a constant reminder of Otieno’s grand gesture. The aroma of sizzling chicken, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, soon filled the air.
Earlier, at the supermarket, Otieno had insisted on spoiling Shiko. He’d swiped his VISA card for a selection of gourmet groceries, but it was the way their hands brushed, the lingering glances exchanged, that truly spoke volumes. The dinner table, a beautiful mahogany piece from Anko Retail, gleamed under the soft lighting. Shiko had set it with the Tramontina’s golden cutlery and the elegant Danny home dinner set, creating an ambiance as warm and inviting as their love.
A Culinary Love Letter: Shiko Sets the Stage for Romance
The prior episode saw Otieno speed through a whirlwind journey from Homabay to Nairobi, fueled by the promise of reuniting with Shiko. Now, the scene shifts to Shiko’s cozy one bedroom in Kinoo, transformed into a haven of love.
Imagine an intimate dinner setting bathed in warm light. The centerpiece is a beautifully crafted table from Anko Retail, its mahogany surface gleaming with a soft sheen. Each plate sits expectantly, waiting to be adorned with a succulent masterpiece – a perfectly cooked beef steak sourced from Kakuzi farms, renowned for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The Tramontina cutlery adds a touch of rustic elegance, with its simple wooden handles providing a delightful contrast to the hearty meal to come. It’s a perfect marriage of sophistication and warmth, mirroring the emotions simmering between Shiko and Otieno.
And then there’s the wine. Each Pasabahce Enotica glass stands proudly, ready to be filled with the vibrant and robust Mucho Mas. This meticulously chosen pairing promises to tantalize the taste buds and create a symphony of flavors alongside the steak.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration. A celebration of their love, their reunion, and the promise of a future filled with shared moments. With every bite, every sip, Shiko’s love song for Otieno unfolds, a testament to the deep connection that binds them.
Read previous Episodes of the Luo Lover Series
Luo Lover series Episode 1: Shikos Birthday Gift: Black Forest Cake, Roasted Fish, and Culinary Romance with Beko Cooker, From Barack
Anko Retail 