Love conquers
"So, today before sunset,you'll be a married woman" Ikenna said stroking Nma's hair pain noticeable in his voice.
"This is not my fault. I'm just helpless. Of all men, Chief Obi. I don't even like him talkless of love. Just take a look at his kola stained teeth. That ugly old cow" Nma replied starting to sob.
"Don't cry dear. On your marriage night, I'll give you pliers to remove his rotten teeth after you must have drugged him" he said making both laugh.
"You've been avoiding this question Nma. What becomes of us when you get married" asked Ikenna gently raising her head off his laps so, she could sit upright and face him.
"I've not been avoiding it obim I'm just scared to think of it"
"But, it's reality we have to face it" Ikenna replied exhaling deeply.
"Why would one be married off to someone else at a tender age without even thinking of the child's future plans? This village makes me sick. I'm ashamed of my father. Trading me at chilhood to his agemate for yams" Nma said sorrowfully.
And, yes that was obviously the truth. Of recent, her father had suddenly taken interest in his fallen barn and had hired men to help him rebuild it while he keenly watched them making sure they toiled the worth of the daily wage they had bargained with him. Even if it meant sitting under the hot sun and pretending to read an old newspaper, he didn't mind as far as he wasn't in any Kobo cheated. Mr Anya always carried that newspaper everywhere he went and didn't waste time to speak the English he learnt during his days of serving a white man he goes as far as manufacturing words either to impress or, intimidate his listeners.
"Nmaaaa" Ikenna called her slightly shaking her and wiping her eyes.
"Yes?" She replied a bit startled.
"You zoned out" he replied drawing her head to his chest, kissed her forehead and resumed stroking her hair. "You don't have to make any decisions now. We'll take it one day at a time. No matter what, I'll be there for you my princess" he reassured her hugging her tightly trying so hard to withhold his tears as Nma sobbed away her body convulsing against his. They stayed in that position for God knows how long. Each in his thoughts.
"I have to leave now" Nma finally said rising to her feet and wiping her runny nose with the back of her palm.
"I see" Ikenna replied holding her free hand and rising too. After sharing a brief kiss and a hug, Nma went for the door just before Ikenna drew her back.
"I love you so much Nma and, I'll be waiting for you even though I know I'll be waiting in vain, I'll still be waiting my love" he said looking into her eyes and doing nothing about the tears that had escaped his eyes straight from his heart temporarily blocking his vision.
"I wish I could do something about it. But, I have no wealth compared to Chief Obi. It hurts that I don't stand a chance before your father" To this, Nma only nodded with a sad smile and, left.
"You salogratic animal where are you coming from?" Mr Anya shot at Nma the minute she stepped into the compound making her freeze.
"Nowhere sir" she replied looking down.
"I see. So, instead of getting ready for your marriage to the umbesic chief, you're suraging all over the village?. Ebe ka isi my friend?" He barked taking steps towards her.
"Let the girl be Nna...she must have showing off to her friends". Her mother said coming to her rescue.
"Let that better be true else, you'll be squalitized" he said stopping in his tracks and angrily shaking a finger in her direction then,turned to return to his cane chair. Nma heaved a sigh of relief just before he turned sharply towards her again. "If I lose any one of the number of yams I'm supposed to get because of your stupidity??, roasted shall you be".
Nma felt so bad. Her father chose yams over her feelings. On impulse, she looked towards the barn. The men had done an excellent job it was larger than the previous. Few women had already come to help with the cooking. Very soon, her father's compound will be busy with many activities in preparation for her marriage.. "MARRIAGE" those words now sounded heavy to her. Marriage to a man with three wives and children both far older than her and, her agemates. Bile started rising her throat as she fought the tears that stung her eyes.
" You don't have to make your father angry my dear" her mother said immediately she entered into the room they both shared. "Better go and have your bath so, I'll help dress you up because, I'll need to help the women cook. Nma move darkness is fast approaching and, we don't have all day" she said throwing a wrapper at her and slightly pushing her outside to bath.
Nma was beyond angry when she saw her mum happily conversing with Chief Obi when she was done bathing. Her presence stopped his loud unpleasant laughter which was replaced with a wide smile.
"Ehen Nma your husband couldn't wait till the marriage. He wants to talk to you" Her mother said to her quickly tying some pieces of money in the hem of her wrapper. She tapped the spot of the bed she had just stood up from indicating Nma should sit there. Nma grudgingly complied then, her mother walked out not before giving her a 'be-nice' eye. Nma felt betrayed.
"Excuse me Sir I want to start getting dressed".
"I'm not holding you my dear Nma" replied a smiling Chief Obi breaking a piece of kola from his pocket and throwing it into his mouth, he started chewing loudly. "Or, is my baby shy?" He asked flirtatiously and winked at her edging closely to cover the space between them. That alarmed Nma as she held her wrapper tightly to herself. He caught her by the arm when she attempted to stand "Stop resisting darling you'll soon be my wife" he replied laughing softly baring his eyesore of a dentition. "Better stay quiet and, be a nice girl" he said still wearing his silly grin when she started struggling to free her arm. Ignoring her still struggling arm and almost tearful eyes, He pinned her to the bed with his large frame and, started suffocating her in an attempt of kissing her. Bits of kola entering her mouth in the bid. When his hands started fondling her body, She mustered strength she didn't know she had and pushed him with all her might away from her body. Taking that opportunity to quickly stand and resecure her wrapper which had started coming loose. "Ah, I can see you are so strong" he said still smiling and ogling her body. He made to come close to her again. "I will scream" she threatened. Her words not only stopped him but, immediately wiped his foolish smile. She started backing away from him and no longer able to resist the the tears, started crying. That was when she noticed the bits of kolanut in her mouth and out of both hatred and disgust without thinking, spat at him. That infuriated him more. "I'll teach you a lesson this night when you're rightfully my possession. Trust me when I say you'll pay you little idiot. I hope you are no longer seeing that brat after all my warnings. Infact,You had better be worth my hard earned money if not, both you,your father and that useless boy will be in my trouble.. Fools" with that, he angrily snatched his red feathered cap which was lying on a stool beside the bed and stormed out banging the door. Nma slumped on the bed placing her head on her laps, she wept. To think of the fact that this was the demon she was getting married to in less than six hours killed the tiniest hope she had of a happy marriage. If it was him that would father the children she had been dreaming about only this time around, they'll have Chief Obi's resemblance and not Ikenna's then she's doomed. These sad thoughts and more consumed her as she sought her new best friend these few weeks starting from the day the news of the marriage was broken to her. Tears.
Her family had once been happy. Her father had once been loving, Her mother had once had a say in her father's decisions and, they had once been wealthy. But, that was before Ikemefuna her late elder brother died. He had followed his father to go fishing. When they arrived the river, his father had left him with an instruction to stay clear of the water while he briefly went to set his traps in the bush. Shortly after he had left for the bush,a heavy unexpected rain began to fall. Before Mr Anya could successfully make his way to the river bank under the heavy downpour, Ikemefuna was long gone. Thinking he had somehow wandered off to the bush in search of him when the rain started,a search party was organised to find him. The bushes were thoroughly combed with no sight of him. Everyone was dismayed when his bloated body was found floating on the other side of the riverbank. Her father blames himself for his son's death till date. His conscience, free spirit and tolerance died with his son. He resorted to drinking recklessly and spending his last card on women. He neglected his farmlands and did nothing about them when people started to falsely claim them. He left the roof of his house unattended and watched the rains almost destroy his belongings when they fell. He made a habit of beating his wife because she as he said "wasn't able to give him another son". He started ignoring and avoiding Nma like a plague that the eight year old girl knew that although her father didn't say it, he wished she was the dead one. His life was paused that way for about two years. During this period, they lived off her mother's cocoyam business and, the money he frequently borrowed from his bosom cunny friend Chief Obi. When he couldn't pay off his huge debt, Chief Obi offered to marry his now 10 year old daughter when she turns eighteen as well as train her in the village's school. A plan he had nurtured right from when he started lending him money. The offer was inviting. Despite his wife's pleas, How could he refuse??. This agreement wasn't to be known to Nma till eight years later which was just three weeks ago.
After some minutes, the door creaked open bringing Nma to her feet in a defensive manner thinking it was the Chief again but, relaxed when she saw it was her mother. She apeared taken back by Nma's pitiable sight. "Did he.... did he...touch you before the marriage?" She stuttered avoiding her eyes.
"Does it matter? Is this not what you wanted? Why are you now playing concerned?" Nma replied slightly raising her tear laden voice.
"Come let's get you dressed" she changed the topic and started rummaging the special little box containing her bridal costumes with her face buried in it.
She dropped the box with a bang and sat on the floor revealing her tearful face. She faced Nma
"Ada m I really want you to know I dont have a hand in this. Your father owed and still owes him very large sums of money so huge that even if they sell us, half won't be retrieved. Your father loves you he just had no choice" She said amidst sobs.
"So, I became the sacrifial lamb to clear the debt right? Why didn't you do anything to protect my interest?" Nma asked her accussingly.
"Don't talk like that my child. I tried Nma I really tried and got thoroughly beaten each time for my troubles. I even considered running away with you at a time but, it would have been wicked of me. He was at his lowest and needed his family. Nne you know he wasn't always like this" she continued sobbing. Nma went over and hugged her mother crying. "I'll survive ma..." she wispered.if not for anyone, but for Ikenna's safety from Chief Obi's snare.
Suddenly, the door burst open making them raise their heads to see the intruder.
" What's this rambigunt nonsense?" Mr Anya barked. "Is this a tear party or what? It's not like she's going to the next two villages. She'll be here with you and you're wailing like a widow" he said concern temporarily showing in his eyes. "Better prepare both of you. Nma do and transquit I can't wait to get a second wife who will bear me sons" with that, he left.
He had been saying that since Ikemefuna's death but, wasn't taken serious until now. Obviously, he has planned to use Nma's bride price to get another wife.
" Aha!! look at how beautiful you look" Mrs Anya praised Nma turning her to face the mirror. And truly, she looked so beautiful. She was a beautiful bride but, for the wrong man. She had always dreamt of her marriage day with high hopes and expectations. All had just crashed before her very eyes. Now, she felt nothing but pain. Truly, death could have taken her and left Ikemefuna maybe, everyone would be happier.
"This is not time to think about that boy"
"Eh?! Which Boy?" Replied a suprised Nma.
"See this one o" Her mum started laughing holding her hips and throwing her head back. "You think love wasn't in existence in the days of your father and I?"..."Or, you think I'm blind?"
"How did you know?" Nma shyly asked smiling and playing with her fingers.
"All these while you say you are going to the stream you think I don't notice you no longer tie your old wrappers there and, the kind of time you spend away? And even why you that don't like fetching water has taken it as a hobby? You csn deceive your father but, not me. You are still seeing that orphan boy"
"But, mama you didn't say anything"
"I didn't want to ruin your happiness knowing fully well it was going to be short lived"
This made Nma's face fall abit.
"I hope you know you would always be faithful to your husband Nma it's just the best decision in this cirmstance" she placed a hand on Nma's shoulder when she began to sniff back tears in a reassuring way.
"But, Mama I'll be living in hell"
"Ehn?! Hell gini don't talk like that biko the evil chi is always awake. See you will be his youngest wife which automatically makes you his favourite. As long as you always obey, give him your body whenever he needs it and bear him male children, you will be alright". She tried to console Nma as she wiped her teary face.
"Mama Nma! Mama Nma ooo. Ebe ka o nodi?" A loud voice belonging to a female broke into their emotional moment. That voice belongs to Ogadi the women's leader. It was quite shrill but, authoritative. Every member of the community could identify that voice even while asleep.
"Ka m bia. Ogadi is calling me. You better brighten up I don't want my daughter to look gloomy on her own wedding day. Mbanu bikokwa" she said slightly drawing her two cheeks before walking out to attend to Ogadi.
While alone, all Nma could think of was Ikenna. She tried not to think of him but, found herself comparing him with Chief Obi. "Tufiakwa big difference. That old fool" She spat. The drummers have already started drumming and, he is one of them. If for anything, she always loved to watch him play. She decided to briefly watch him play. The bride wasn't supposed to be seen until her first appearance when the ceremony has properly started but, she won't allow anything stop her from watching him even just for a tiny second. The drums became louder. She opened the door slightly and noticed night was falling fast. Nobody was paying the door any mind as, the crowd was busy with one thing or, the other. She looked over to the drummers stand briefly scanning their faces only to discover Ikenna was absent. She felt terrible. Infact, how could she have expected him to come to drum on her marriage ceremony with another man.
"Where is Udoka oo". She muttered. Atleast she would have sent Udoka her bestfriend who happened to be Ikenna's cousin and, the only one aware of her still ongoing relationship with Ikenna even after she pretended to call it off when the Chief noticed and reported. Or, so she thought until her mother suggested otherwise. Udoka usually acted as a go between them in sticky situations like this.
She decided to go check up on him promising herself to be back in a minute before anyone could notice her absence. She rushed back into her room and quickly changed back into her normal clothes to avoid being easily detected. Ignoring the reprimanding voice in her head, she scurried away to her lover's house.
Nma let herself into Ikenna's house only to see drowning himself with palm wine and local gin. He looked suprised but, happy to see her as he rushed forward tightly pressing her to himself. Only when he released her did she notice his bloodshot eyes.
"Nma why are you here? You are taking so much risk"
"I came to check up on you because you weren't with the drummers and, I'm glad I came. Just look at you" she admonished kicking away the keg of palm wine and gin thereby messing up the floor.
"I should have been throwing a feast right? Or, I would have been hitting the stupid drums in honour of the marriage of my heart to another man right? " he thundered kicking at the wall. "Right? No answer me Olanma!"
"I'm sorry but, you don't drink. Since when did you start drinking?" She soberly asked.
"Since today Nma. Since you went home to prepare for your marriage" he held her face unable to make out her facial features as darkness had partially set in. He used his fingers to trace her lips and like his life depended on it, he kissed her with all his being.
"I should get going now. Mama might have started looking for me but then, I don't want to Obim". She started sobbing anew as she sat on the floor.
"Neither do I want you to" he sat next to her and rested his head on her shoulders.
"Nma I just wish all these could just go away"
Like someone sitting on hot coals, she sprang up.
"But, we can get away from all these"
"How?" He asked rising too.
"By running away" she wispered but, loud enough for him.
"What of your parents Nma how would they feel?"
"Nobody thought about my feelings before arranging this nonsense. This is our only chance are you in or, not?" She asked expectantly.
"I'm so in. Where can we run to?" His voice was laden with excitement.
"We could go villages far from here or, we could even find our way to the city "I've saved a little money and, we shall need it" with the aid of the little light seeping in through the window from the moon, he lit a hurricane lantern and handed it to her. Nma followed him behind as he rolled his raffia mat aside and, began digging the particular spot he rests his head.
"This is where you hide your money?" She chuckled behind him.
"Shh! Nma I heard something" he stopped digging as they listened then, the voice came again urgently this time closer and more audible.
"Nmachiiiii oo" That was Udoka.
"Should we tell her?" He whispered.
"It's of no use burdening her with such secret. It might land her into trouble"
"How do we...?" She began
"The window fast. No or, never" he replied grabbing her hand and in the process, knocking over the lantern. The window was a low one and, she had climbed down it several times. In a speed of light, they were down and running through the bushes behind his house. They only turned back when they heard loud crackling sound. Turned out Ikenna's house was burning down.
"It must be that lantern you knocked off my hand either it fell on the mat or, came in contact with the gin. I'm sorry about your hut but now, my parents would think we were burnt in the fire and I don't feel safe in these bushes". She sounded distraught.
"No it must be the gods working in our favour Nma"
"How?"
"Now, no search party would come for us. Everyone would be interested in quenching the fire and we could always come back when everything has died down. Besides, you know I'm a hunter and I know these bushes like the back of my hand. Bear in mind I would lose a thousand houses, every and anything to protect and keep you from harm now I have the chance my princess"
"Finally" she threw her hands in the air in jubilee.
"Yes! Finally obim. Finally"
Unsure of their future but with hearts full of hopes, they trekked on. The bright full moon being their source of light and the chirping crickets their company. They had each other and that was most important.
#LoveConquers
#QueenLikeNono
"This is not my fault. I'm just helpless. Of all men, Chief Obi. I don't even like him talkless of love. Just take a look at his kola stained teeth. That ugly old cow" Nma replied starting to sob.
"Don't cry dear. On your marriage night, I'll give you pliers to remove his rotten teeth after you must have drugged him" he said making both laugh.
"You've been avoiding this question Nma. What becomes of us when you get married" asked Ikenna gently raising her head off his laps so, she could sit upright and face him.
"I've not been avoiding it obim I'm just scared to think of it"
"But, it's reality we have to face it" Ikenna replied exhaling deeply.
"Why would one be married off to someone else at a tender age without even thinking of the child's future plans? This village makes me sick. I'm ashamed of my father. Trading me at chilhood to his agemate for yams" Nma said sorrowfully.
And, yes that was obviously the truth. Of recent, her father had suddenly taken interest in his fallen barn and had hired men to help him rebuild it while he keenly watched them making sure they toiled the worth of the daily wage they had bargained with him. Even if it meant sitting under the hot sun and pretending to read an old newspaper, he didn't mind as far as he wasn't in any Kobo cheated. Mr Anya always carried that newspaper everywhere he went and didn't waste time to speak the English he learnt during his days of serving a white man he goes as far as manufacturing words either to impress or, intimidate his listeners.
"Nmaaaa" Ikenna called her slightly shaking her and wiping her eyes.
"Yes?" She replied a bit startled.
"You zoned out" he replied drawing her head to his chest, kissed her forehead and resumed stroking her hair. "You don't have to make any decisions now. We'll take it one day at a time. No matter what, I'll be there for you my princess" he reassured her hugging her tightly trying so hard to withhold his tears as Nma sobbed away her body convulsing against his. They stayed in that position for God knows how long. Each in his thoughts.
"I have to leave now" Nma finally said rising to her feet and wiping her runny nose with the back of her palm.
"I see" Ikenna replied holding her free hand and rising too. After sharing a brief kiss and a hug, Nma went for the door just before Ikenna drew her back.
"I love you so much Nma and, I'll be waiting for you even though I know I'll be waiting in vain, I'll still be waiting my love" he said looking into her eyes and doing nothing about the tears that had escaped his eyes straight from his heart temporarily blocking his vision.
"I wish I could do something about it. But, I have no wealth compared to Chief Obi. It hurts that I don't stand a chance before your father" To this, Nma only nodded with a sad smile and, left.
"You salogratic animal where are you coming from?" Mr Anya shot at Nma the minute she stepped into the compound making her freeze.
"Nowhere sir" she replied looking down.
"I see. So, instead of getting ready for your marriage to the umbesic chief, you're suraging all over the village?. Ebe ka isi my friend?" He barked taking steps towards her.
"Let the girl be Nna...she must have showing off to her friends". Her mother said coming to her rescue.
"Let that better be true else, you'll be squalitized" he said stopping in his tracks and angrily shaking a finger in her direction then,turned to return to his cane chair. Nma heaved a sigh of relief just before he turned sharply towards her again. "If I lose any one of the number of yams I'm supposed to get because of your stupidity??, roasted shall you be".
Nma felt so bad. Her father chose yams over her feelings. On impulse, she looked towards the barn. The men had done an excellent job it was larger than the previous. Few women had already come to help with the cooking. Very soon, her father's compound will be busy with many activities in preparation for her marriage.. "MARRIAGE" those words now sounded heavy to her. Marriage to a man with three wives and children both far older than her and, her agemates. Bile started rising her throat as she fought the tears that stung her eyes.
" You don't have to make your father angry my dear" her mother said immediately she entered into the room they both shared. "Better go and have your bath so, I'll help dress you up because, I'll need to help the women cook. Nma move darkness is fast approaching and, we don't have all day" she said throwing a wrapper at her and slightly pushing her outside to bath.
Nma was beyond angry when she saw her mum happily conversing with Chief Obi when she was done bathing. Her presence stopped his loud unpleasant laughter which was replaced with a wide smile.
"Ehen Nma your husband couldn't wait till the marriage. He wants to talk to you" Her mother said to her quickly tying some pieces of money in the hem of her wrapper. She tapped the spot of the bed she had just stood up from indicating Nma should sit there. Nma grudgingly complied then, her mother walked out not before giving her a 'be-nice' eye. Nma felt betrayed.
"Excuse me Sir I want to start getting dressed".
"I'm not holding you my dear Nma" replied a smiling Chief Obi breaking a piece of kola from his pocket and throwing it into his mouth, he started chewing loudly. "Or, is my baby shy?" He asked flirtatiously and winked at her edging closely to cover the space between them. That alarmed Nma as she held her wrapper tightly to herself. He caught her by the arm when she attempted to stand "Stop resisting darling you'll soon be my wife" he replied laughing softly baring his eyesore of a dentition. "Better stay quiet and, be a nice girl" he said still wearing his silly grin when she started struggling to free her arm. Ignoring her still struggling arm and almost tearful eyes, He pinned her to the bed with his large frame and, started suffocating her in an attempt of kissing her. Bits of kola entering her mouth in the bid. When his hands started fondling her body, She mustered strength she didn't know she had and pushed him with all her might away from her body. Taking that opportunity to quickly stand and resecure her wrapper which had started coming loose. "Ah, I can see you are so strong" he said still smiling and ogling her body. He made to come close to her again. "I will scream" she threatened. Her words not only stopped him but, immediately wiped his foolish smile. She started backing away from him and no longer able to resist the the tears, started crying. That was when she noticed the bits of kolanut in her mouth and out of both hatred and disgust without thinking, spat at him. That infuriated him more. "I'll teach you a lesson this night when you're rightfully my possession. Trust me when I say you'll pay you little idiot. I hope you are no longer seeing that brat after all my warnings. Infact,You had better be worth my hard earned money if not, both you,your father and that useless boy will be in my trouble.. Fools" with that, he angrily snatched his red feathered cap which was lying on a stool beside the bed and stormed out banging the door. Nma slumped on the bed placing her head on her laps, she wept. To think of the fact that this was the demon she was getting married to in less than six hours killed the tiniest hope she had of a happy marriage. If it was him that would father the children she had been dreaming about only this time around, they'll have Chief Obi's resemblance and not Ikenna's then she's doomed. These sad thoughts and more consumed her as she sought her new best friend these few weeks starting from the day the news of the marriage was broken to her. Tears.
Her family had once been happy. Her father had once been loving, Her mother had once had a say in her father's decisions and, they had once been wealthy. But, that was before Ikemefuna her late elder brother died. He had followed his father to go fishing. When they arrived the river, his father had left him with an instruction to stay clear of the water while he briefly went to set his traps in the bush. Shortly after he had left for the bush,a heavy unexpected rain began to fall. Before Mr Anya could successfully make his way to the river bank under the heavy downpour, Ikemefuna was long gone. Thinking he had somehow wandered off to the bush in search of him when the rain started,a search party was organised to find him. The bushes were thoroughly combed with no sight of him. Everyone was dismayed when his bloated body was found floating on the other side of the riverbank. Her father blames himself for his son's death till date. His conscience, free spirit and tolerance died with his son. He resorted to drinking recklessly and spending his last card on women. He neglected his farmlands and did nothing about them when people started to falsely claim them. He left the roof of his house unattended and watched the rains almost destroy his belongings when they fell. He made a habit of beating his wife because she as he said "wasn't able to give him another son". He started ignoring and avoiding Nma like a plague that the eight year old girl knew that although her father didn't say it, he wished she was the dead one. His life was paused that way for about two years. During this period, they lived off her mother's cocoyam business and, the money he frequently borrowed from his bosom cunny friend Chief Obi. When he couldn't pay off his huge debt, Chief Obi offered to marry his now 10 year old daughter when she turns eighteen as well as train her in the village's school. A plan he had nurtured right from when he started lending him money. The offer was inviting. Despite his wife's pleas, How could he refuse??. This agreement wasn't to be known to Nma till eight years later which was just three weeks ago.
After some minutes, the door creaked open bringing Nma to her feet in a defensive manner thinking it was the Chief again but, relaxed when she saw it was her mother. She apeared taken back by Nma's pitiable sight. "Did he.... did he...touch you before the marriage?" She stuttered avoiding her eyes.
"Does it matter? Is this not what you wanted? Why are you now playing concerned?" Nma replied slightly raising her tear laden voice.
"Come let's get you dressed" she changed the topic and started rummaging the special little box containing her bridal costumes with her face buried in it.
She dropped the box with a bang and sat on the floor revealing her tearful face. She faced Nma
"Ada m I really want you to know I dont have a hand in this. Your father owed and still owes him very large sums of money so huge that even if they sell us, half won't be retrieved. Your father loves you he just had no choice" She said amidst sobs.
"So, I became the sacrifial lamb to clear the debt right? Why didn't you do anything to protect my interest?" Nma asked her accussingly.
"Don't talk like that my child. I tried Nma I really tried and got thoroughly beaten each time for my troubles. I even considered running away with you at a time but, it would have been wicked of me. He was at his lowest and needed his family. Nne you know he wasn't always like this" she continued sobbing. Nma went over and hugged her mother crying. "I'll survive ma..." she wispered.if not for anyone, but for Ikenna's safety from Chief Obi's snare.
Suddenly, the door burst open making them raise their heads to see the intruder.
" What's this rambigunt nonsense?" Mr Anya barked. "Is this a tear party or what? It's not like she's going to the next two villages. She'll be here with you and you're wailing like a widow" he said concern temporarily showing in his eyes. "Better prepare both of you. Nma do and transquit I can't wait to get a second wife who will bear me sons" with that, he left.
He had been saying that since Ikemefuna's death but, wasn't taken serious until now. Obviously, he has planned to use Nma's bride price to get another wife.
" Aha!! look at how beautiful you look" Mrs Anya praised Nma turning her to face the mirror. And truly, she looked so beautiful. She was a beautiful bride but, for the wrong man. She had always dreamt of her marriage day with high hopes and expectations. All had just crashed before her very eyes. Now, she felt nothing but pain. Truly, death could have taken her and left Ikemefuna maybe, everyone would be happier.
"This is not time to think about that boy"
"Eh?! Which Boy?" Replied a suprised Nma.
"See this one o" Her mum started laughing holding her hips and throwing her head back. "You think love wasn't in existence in the days of your father and I?"..."Or, you think I'm blind?"
"How did you know?" Nma shyly asked smiling and playing with her fingers.
"All these while you say you are going to the stream you think I don't notice you no longer tie your old wrappers there and, the kind of time you spend away? And even why you that don't like fetching water has taken it as a hobby? You csn deceive your father but, not me. You are still seeing that orphan boy"
"But, mama you didn't say anything"
"I didn't want to ruin your happiness knowing fully well it was going to be short lived"
This made Nma's face fall abit.
"I hope you know you would always be faithful to your husband Nma it's just the best decision in this cirmstance" she placed a hand on Nma's shoulder when she began to sniff back tears in a reassuring way.
"But, Mama I'll be living in hell"
"Ehn?! Hell gini don't talk like that biko the evil chi is always awake. See you will be his youngest wife which automatically makes you his favourite. As long as you always obey, give him your body whenever he needs it and bear him male children, you will be alright". She tried to console Nma as she wiped her teary face.
"Mama Nma! Mama Nma ooo. Ebe ka o nodi?" A loud voice belonging to a female broke into their emotional moment. That voice belongs to Ogadi the women's leader. It was quite shrill but, authoritative. Every member of the community could identify that voice even while asleep.
"Ka m bia. Ogadi is calling me. You better brighten up I don't want my daughter to look gloomy on her own wedding day. Mbanu bikokwa" she said slightly drawing her two cheeks before walking out to attend to Ogadi.
While alone, all Nma could think of was Ikenna. She tried not to think of him but, found herself comparing him with Chief Obi. "Tufiakwa big difference. That old fool" She spat. The drummers have already started drumming and, he is one of them. If for anything, she always loved to watch him play. She decided to briefly watch him play. The bride wasn't supposed to be seen until her first appearance when the ceremony has properly started but, she won't allow anything stop her from watching him even just for a tiny second. The drums became louder. She opened the door slightly and noticed night was falling fast. Nobody was paying the door any mind as, the crowd was busy with one thing or, the other. She looked over to the drummers stand briefly scanning their faces only to discover Ikenna was absent. She felt terrible. Infact, how could she have expected him to come to drum on her marriage ceremony with another man.
"Where is Udoka oo". She muttered. Atleast she would have sent Udoka her bestfriend who happened to be Ikenna's cousin and, the only one aware of her still ongoing relationship with Ikenna even after she pretended to call it off when the Chief noticed and reported. Or, so she thought until her mother suggested otherwise. Udoka usually acted as a go between them in sticky situations like this.
She decided to go check up on him promising herself to be back in a minute before anyone could notice her absence. She rushed back into her room and quickly changed back into her normal clothes to avoid being easily detected. Ignoring the reprimanding voice in her head, she scurried away to her lover's house.
Nma let herself into Ikenna's house only to see drowning himself with palm wine and local gin. He looked suprised but, happy to see her as he rushed forward tightly pressing her to himself. Only when he released her did she notice his bloodshot eyes.
"Nma why are you here? You are taking so much risk"
"I came to check up on you because you weren't with the drummers and, I'm glad I came. Just look at you" she admonished kicking away the keg of palm wine and gin thereby messing up the floor.
"I should have been throwing a feast right? Or, I would have been hitting the stupid drums in honour of the marriage of my heart to another man right? " he thundered kicking at the wall. "Right? No answer me Olanma!"
"I'm sorry but, you don't drink. Since when did you start drinking?" She soberly asked.
"Since today Nma. Since you went home to prepare for your marriage" he held her face unable to make out her facial features as darkness had partially set in. He used his fingers to trace her lips and like his life depended on it, he kissed her with all his being.
"I should get going now. Mama might have started looking for me but then, I don't want to Obim". She started sobbing anew as she sat on the floor.
"Neither do I want you to" he sat next to her and rested his head on her shoulders.
"Nma I just wish all these could just go away"
Like someone sitting on hot coals, she sprang up.
"But, we can get away from all these"
"How?" He asked rising too.
"By running away" she wispered but, loud enough for him.
"What of your parents Nma how would they feel?"
"Nobody thought about my feelings before arranging this nonsense. This is our only chance are you in or, not?" She asked expectantly.
"I'm so in. Where can we run to?" His voice was laden with excitement.
"We could go villages far from here or, we could even find our way to the city "I've saved a little money and, we shall need it" with the aid of the little light seeping in through the window from the moon, he lit a hurricane lantern and handed it to her. Nma followed him behind as he rolled his raffia mat aside and, began digging the particular spot he rests his head.
"This is where you hide your money?" She chuckled behind him.
"Shh! Nma I heard something" he stopped digging as they listened then, the voice came again urgently this time closer and more audible.
"Nmachiiiii oo" That was Udoka.
"Should we tell her?" He whispered.
"It's of no use burdening her with such secret. It might land her into trouble"
"How do we...?" She began
"The window fast. No or, never" he replied grabbing her hand and in the process, knocking over the lantern. The window was a low one and, she had climbed down it several times. In a speed of light, they were down and running through the bushes behind his house. They only turned back when they heard loud crackling sound. Turned out Ikenna's house was burning down.
"It must be that lantern you knocked off my hand either it fell on the mat or, came in contact with the gin. I'm sorry about your hut but now, my parents would think we were burnt in the fire and I don't feel safe in these bushes". She sounded distraught.
"No it must be the gods working in our favour Nma"
"How?"
"Now, no search party would come for us. Everyone would be interested in quenching the fire and we could always come back when everything has died down. Besides, you know I'm a hunter and I know these bushes like the back of my hand. Bear in mind I would lose a thousand houses, every and anything to protect and keep you from harm now I have the chance my princess"
"Finally" she threw her hands in the air in jubilee.
"Yes! Finally obim. Finally"
Unsure of their future but with hearts full of hopes, they trekked on. The bright full moon being their source of light and the chirping crickets their company. They had each other and that was most important.
#LoveConquers
#QueenLikeNono
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