Akwaugo – Episode 66

PART 66

 

The way everything was falling into place was unbelievable. When I called

 

Samuel, he was excited. He hadn’t received a mail yet but he knew it would come soon. I resigned from my job giving them two months’ notice which was sufficient.

 

Uju believed I was mad relocating to Nigeria because of marriage when I had such a good job. I didn’t want to tell her about Canada until Samuel had gotten his visa too. I was worried but he wasn’t. I was ready to wait in Nigeria until he gets his. I knew there would be questions, many would wonder why I came back. They didn’t know about Canada and I wanted to tell the family only when we were sure and close to the date of departure. We planned for it to be our honeymoon destination.

 

Samuel had gotten a job in Canada. He had taken a French course immediately we started talking about relocating; I wasn’t aware. He had finished the course and wrote additional tests in French which he passed. He was a good hire for French-speaking students who were in English speaking provinces. He researched well. He landed a good-paying job as a teacher. The hastened his immigration process and he got a mail almost a month after mine.

 

Meanwhile, the wedding was in top gear. I went shopping with Uju for a wedding dress. I told her what I wanted, simple and elegant. I didn’t want all the dramatic ball gowns and frills. I wanted something that will make a statement without much effort. Uju knew the right place to go.

 

We went to a vintage shop Uju knew; she was friends with the owner. She told her what I had in mind and she seemed to have found something perfect for me. Looking at the exterior of the shop, I wasn’t impressed. Inside the shop was interesting, they had a lot of old things. Some were very old. I didn’t think anything good could come from this visit.

 

 

“Is she the bride” the English lady, Amelia, asked Uju and she greeted me with a hug. “Seeing you, I know it would suit you perfectly. Just last week, the son of my elderly neighbour brought some boxes to me. The items had been hoarded for years and they just wanted to get rid of everything and get some space in the house as their father is gravely ill and they had to move in with him. I took the boxes and while going through them, I saw a very beautiful wedding gown. Uju, you called that same day looking for what I had dropped on my couch. I decided to show it to you to see if it matches the personality of the owner and I think it does”

 

Uju asked excitedly, “Can we see it?”

 

She went to the back and brought back this long drape of lace. What first caught my attention was the colour, it was ivory. I loved it. Then I took a closer look at the lace, the design was unique and elegant. I took a further look at the dress, it had long transparent sleeves. All I could see apart from that was just the lace.

 

“Try it on. I can assure you, you will love it” Amelia said.

 

Uju urged me to try it on. I went into the back room to change. When I wore the dress, it felt so light although it looked heavy because of the design. It was a V neck dress with the lace well patterned along the neck. The dress hugged me in the right places and flowed to the ground even with a small tail. It had a beautifully embroidered belt with I tied under my bust.

 

I stepped out into the shop and I could see the expression on their faces. They were surprised, impressed, excited all at the same time.

 

Uju had tears in her eyes when she said to me, “look at yourself in the mirror”

 

I went to look at myself in the vintage mirror in the store. I was shocked. I was stunned by my look. I knew I would turn heads on that day, I looked exquisite and glamorous. It was what I wanted, simple and elegant.

 

“You look so beautiful in this dress. It came with a hairpiece and a small veil, a pair of court shoes and a beautiful fan” she brought them out as she described them. I loved everything except the court shoes. I had a very expensive pair of shoes I had never worn. I was ready to wear them now.

 

 

“How much will all this cost?” I asked holding my breath.

 

“I can give you everything for £100. It was given to me. I found some other pieces you would like. I will bring them to the shop and let you know when to come” I paid for the dress instantly. She packed it into the box it came in. I took the shoes but knew I would not wear them. Uju and I were very excited about our purchase.

 

I asked Samuel about his suit for the wedding and he told me it was already taken care of. I didn’t want a chief bride’s maid but Samuel wanted a best man. His friend in Abuja was glamouring for it. I decided on Scholastica being my chief bride’s maid. I asked for her dress size and shoe size to get her dress. When I told her what it was for, she broke down in tears.

 

Jewellery for the white wedding was my only concern as auntie Nneoma and mother had taken care of my traditional outfits with my input. I took a picture of my wedding dress and went in search of jewellery. I went to the jewellery store. I showed the lady a picture of the dress and she went,

 

“Vintage, nice. I have the perfect jewellery for this dress. She brought a beautiful pearl drop earrings. “These have been in the store for ages but I think it would look lovely on you in that dress” I almost cried there because it was true.

 

Everyone wanted to chip in and help Samuel with the list but he refused. My family had given him an outrageous list saying he was marrying a Medical doctor. I wondered what any of them contributed. Uncle Chukwuma tried his best to reduce the list to an extent but it was still crazy. Samuel said he was aware of how expensive Igbos girls were when he fell in love. He had a committee of friends who helped with the planning of the wedding. They sent out emails and I was always in the copy. The wedding planner was ready came highly recommended and she seemed to know the job.

 

I talked to Samuel about the wedding rings. I told him I would pass through Dubai to buy rings before coming back.

 

“You don’t need to. One of my friends is in Italy as we speak and has promised to get them for me. He will send designs to us to choose”

 

 

“What can I do to help now?”

 

“Nothing. Just relax and look pretty for our day”

 

“It’s my wedding. Bride run around for their wedding”

 

“Not when they have a husband like me and a family-like ours”

 

“You are right”

 

“Are you counting down?”

 

“I am. I am excited. I can’t wait to see you”

 

“Me neither. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you”

 

“Same here”

 

Over the next few days, I had laundered my wedding dress and had it well packed for my trip. I spent money buying things for my loved ones. I didn’t have much in the UK so packing to leave was easy. I came back to Nigeria for a few days to my wedding with Uju.

 

Auntie Nneoma picked us up from the airport. We had a quick stop at the tailor’s just to try on my traditional wedding outfits. I realized I had lost some weight; the clothes had to be adjusted and we left with them.

 

We arrived at Umuoji late in the afternoon. Uju met my family and had lunch with us. She had to ask if Samuel made the food because she could tell what he cooked by now. He sent the soup that morning in preparation for my return. Later in the evening, auntie Nneoma’s driver took Uju to her parents’ house.

 

I came back home quietly. No one knew I had returned. Auntie Nneoma had turned to a prayer warrior over her family’s behaviour. She attended a family meeting with everyone in attendance and confronted them. She said to them, “If what you have done and what you are doing to my niece is right, may God bless you. But if

 

 

you know you are being vindictive to Mike’s daughter; your daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters will suffer a worse fate than Akwaugo. There was chaos. Her cousins accused her of laying curses on them. She accused them of being vindictive. Uncle Chukwuma struggled to calm everyone down. He was the richest in the compound, came back from abroad with dollars and could call the shots. He used his privileged position wisely.

 

“If anyone here says they have not benefitted from Nda Mike, that person is a liar. Sadly, Mike is gone and he has been forgotten. The love Mike showed to you and the love you had for him cant it be extended to his children? I spoke with Akwaugo. She is the brightest girl from this community. She is a medical doctor in the UK. Many of you were surprised to hear that but that is what it is. She doesn’t need you to get married in the UK. She will just go to a marriage license office, apply to get married and then get married legally. You can’t say she is not married. This our Omenala is phasing out gradually. Mike refused to collect the bride price for his daughter. He didn’t allow the boy to give him anything he was entitled to on the list. He said often, he wasn’t selling his daughter. The marriage ended and she has a good relationship with her former in-laws and her ex-husband. Those of you that called him to inform him his ex-wife was remarrying what did he tell you? He said he aware and was coming for the wedding. You can see clearly, the young man held no grudge against his ex-wife’s family. Akwaugo is not a child; have that in mind. Some of you claimed she was desperate by going to Calabar. Have you met the young man? He is obviously in love with her. What else would we want for our daughter we raised well? Akwaugo is a role model in this community. She has never had any scandal. Even when her ex-husband’s family accused her, she was later vindicated. She has had a clean track record. We witnessed her having the highest number of suitors. Even with her wanting to get married to this man, I can’t count how many men have called me or came to me asking me to help get an audience with her. I tell them she is taken. She has made her choice and a Calabar man is whom she wants to be with. It’s her choice which Mike approved before he died by saying she should be allowed to marry who she wants to. So when Obinna is being strong-headed, he is carrying out his father’s wish. He is also an impressive young man. No one here can say he has insulted you outrightly but he is assertive while stating his opinion. While Nda Mike was gentle and patient, Obinna is more like his aunt in delivery. The young man has made me proud. Let bygones be bygones. We are expecting our in-laws from Calabar in a few days. Let us show them who we are. Let us co-operate and let them experience the

 

 

hospitality Umuoji is known for. Let’s put away our swords and work together as a family”

 

Peace was restored. The family agreed on how the wedding will be conducted. I had wanted the traditional wedding and white wedding on the same day but my relatives didn’t want it that way. It was agreed that the omenala would be done a day before. On the morning of the wedding, she would show the family her groom. After that, the white wedding will take. The reception was in Abakaliki. It was a brilliant idea. I agreed with it and they all went to work.

 

Since I came back, I hadn’t heard from Samuel. We only spoke when I landed in Nigeria. I was expecting to meet with him at the airport but he explained he couldn’t make it. He hardly spoke with me and still sent messages explaining his absence as a lot on his hands right now. Amanze and family came around for the wedding. I knew Amanze and Samuel were close so I tried to find out what he was doing that kept him so busy.

 

“He is cooking up a storm for you. You are such a lucky girl. This guy would do anything for you. He would go to the ends of the world for you. He adores you. He can’t stop talking about you to his peers and interestingly, they love you too. This is a marriage made in heaven. Both of you will excel beyond your imagination. Don’t allow anyone to make you feel bad you are marrying someone younger. You are marrying your husband; he was tailored made for you. Take it from me. I can never this good a husband to Chiamaka as Samuel will be to you”

 

Tears flowed from my eyes as he spoke. Amanze had from the onset liked Samuel and I knew he was helping him be a better person for me. I appreciated everything he did for him although both men never came out to tell me. Amanze had been an amazing elder brother to us and I knew it was the love my parents showed him that he had transcended down to us.

 

Scholastica arrived the next day ready for her Chief Bride’s maid duties. She was excited I chose her and couldn’t hide it. When she tried on her dress, she broke down in tears at how beautiful it was. I bought her additional clothes, shoes and other items. I had to appreciate her for her support. It had nothing to do with what she gained from me but her love for me. She made me cry remembering what I

 

 

went through in the past and her always being there for me. She ha to be a part of this special day.

 

The evening before the wedding, my in-laws arrived for the omenala. I peeped through my window as women were not allowed to be there when they crosscheck what was brought. I couldn’t even catch a glimpse of him. They were entertained but I couldn’t come out until the next day. I watched them leave. He came with an entourage of well-dressed men and women in their traditional clothes.

 

I failed to mention Obinna and Ikenna had worked on the house while I was away. The gave the house a befitting facelift. My father would have been proud of the aesthetics the house wore. The furnishing and interior design of the sitting room were also very impressive. They even redid my bedroom for my adult age. I was proud of them.

 

After our guests had left, we all sat in the sitting room to celebrate a hitch-free successful omenala. We listened to what transpired.

 

“Nda Ubochi is funny. The man has forgotten fast how his daughter was living with a white man in Port-Harcourt without him marrying her for many years. Until he abandoned her. Who did she marry? Could the boy afford to do the omenala? Wasn’t it father that asked everyone to remove their eyes from the list and think of the girl’s future? He was the one scrutinizing the list for what was brought and what was missing. To their shame, nothing was missing. Samuel came prepared. He provided everything on the list, he didn’t drop any cash for anything. They were shocked. Uncle Chukwuma was just beaming; he tapped Samuel on the back and said, “I am proud of you. Your father is proud of you wherever he is”. Samuel was excited. He worked very hard to fulfil all their needs. Now he will be respected; he owes nothing”

 

“Ubochi is a hungry ungrateful man. Imagine him scrutinizing the list. This is someone my brother had to give money to the wife when she was pregnant and he ran away. How did he marry her? Should I remind him? He is an ungrateful person” auntie Nneoma added.

 

“Shh. You don’t say such things in front of children. Hapu Ubochi and let us talk about the event today. The number of people that showed up here might just be a

 

 

fraction of those that would attend. I hope we are prepared” my mother seemed worried.

 

Amanze responded to her confidently, “Everything is under control. Let’s do this wedding in a grand way. Let’s show the village folks how weddings are done. Samuel looked so good today. I was so glad he was coming into this family. The guy is fine”

 

Obinna cut in, “And short. Akwaugo is taller than him. But what he lacks in height he compensates in character. I like the dude. He visited here every fortnight with food. He spent time talking to mother. She looked forward to his visits. He spoilt her with attention. I was worried he was wooing her and not Akwaugo again”

 

Everyone laughed at the joke including mother. I smiled at my corner with Scholastica sitting beside me. She had transformed in just a few days. I had her hair done and had a spa treatment which she enjoyed thoroughly. She enjoyed being with my family. My sisters-in-law loved me and won’t let me do any work in the house. I spoilt them with gifts at every opportunity I had to send things home. I wanted them to always be happy and they were.

 

We gathered together for night prayers led by Obinna. We appreciated God for a successful first outing and the way he took total control. We prayed that the next day will be even more successful and my journey into marriage will be blissful.

 

We committed our lives into God’s hands and asked for his divine protection over all those that will attend the ceremonies. We prayed for journey mercies to and fro. We asked for a peaceful night’s rest and the grace to wake up hale and hearty the face the day’s activity.

 

When we retired for the night, Scholastica called my name while I laid down. She said to me. “Who am I that you would love me like this and put me in a place of honour? You don’t know what you have done for me. You don’t know how you have blessed me. Akwaugo, my God will never leave your side. He will always put you in a place of honour”

 

I laughed as I said Amen to her prayers. But I was confused. She had done more for me than I can ever repay so what did she mean?

 

 

“I had a dream. I have been trusting God for a change in my life. I am no more comfortable where I am. My spirit was disturbed. I told prophetess and she asked me to say a prayer and sleep. I never take her words lightly. I did the prayer and slept. That night, I saw myself at a wedding reception standing behind someone holding the person’s flowers. Then I saw myself as the bride. What was most shocking to me was seeing Abuja all over the place in my dream. I don’t know the meaning. Only for you to call me to be your chief bride’s maid. Then you gave me a dress that looks exactly like the dress in the dream. Akwaugo, the prophetess told me you were my source. With been connected I don’t need to struggle. People will see me looking so lovely tomorrow and I owe it all to you. See your family, see how much they adore you. They would do anything for you. You are really a precious egg. I am happy for you. Everything will be successful in the morning. Let us pray together”

 

I had learnt not to underestimate what Scholastic says. I joined her in the prayers and we both went to bed happy. I was excited about the next day. I hadn’t been with my phone since we were together as a family. I picked it up to check what was up. Samuel had sent several messages. I felt bad and replied.

 

“Are you getting back at me by ignoring me”

 

“Getting back at you for what?”

 

“For not communicating very often these days”

 

“I understand. You were here today; that’s all that matters”

 

“And I will be there tomorrow to take you home”

 

“I am so looking forward to it”

 

“I love you Ediye. I might not say it often but know that I love you dearly”

 

“I know. And I love you too”

 

“Go to bed. We have a long day and night ahead of us tomorrow. I might just be shy though”

 

“Shy about what?”

 

“Being with you”

 

“We have always been together alone. It’s not new. The difference is I will be your wife; you can do with me whatever thou wills”

 

“I miss you”

 

“We will be together tomorrow. How far with the ….”

 

“Any other thing can wait until you are mine tomorrow”

 

“Ok. Good night Etete. May we look back at tomorrow and be joyful”

 

“Amen Ediye, Amen”

 

The next morning, I woke up to a glorious day. I was happy I was getting married the way I wanted to and with the right person. I took a walk to my father’s grave. I sat on it and talked with him. I missed him and his unique teachings and advice. I wished he was present to give me away but it wasn’t possible. Obinna was to walk me down the aisle. While I was busy in my thoughts, auntie Nneoma tapped me back to the present.

 

“Nne, it is chilly this morning, come inside. Uju is here for the makeup. I asked Scholastica to have a bath also your mother and sister-in-law so we can all have our makeup done. She refused to take money for your makeup but I made her take a token for the rest of us. She came with two girls”

 

I came into the bedroom. Uju had set up a studio right in my bedroom. Scholastic had bathed and was ready for the makeup to be applied. Uju was shocked to see Scholastica as my chief bride’s maid. She was even more impressed with her look. She started her makeup while I took a bath and came in to get ready. Immediately I was ready, Uju took over my makeup. We were just rounding up when we heard people coming into the compound. Later we realized it was family members. By 8 am on the dot, Samuel and his family arrived. They were given a seat in the

 

 

compound under a tent that had been provided for. Refreshment began to flow even before the ceremony began.

 

My family members came outside to be with them. Later on, I was called to come and show them, my husband. Amanze had described where he was sitting to Scholastica who informed me. I took the lead and found him. I knelt in front of him. I looked into his smiling as I served him the palm wine of which he gave me to taste first before drinking it. When he stood up, I was perplexed. Samuel had lost a lot of weight. How did he do it? He never mentioned it. He was asking in the euphoria of this huge surprise as he walked with me for our parents’ blessings.

 

After the prayers, I was ushered into my bedroom to get dressed. Scholastica was ready and was waiting for me. Samuel got ready and left with his entourage for the church while I put finishing touches to my makeup. I asked everyone in my room to excuse me while I dressed up for my church wedding. I brought out the dress, Uju, Chiamaka and Scholastica helped me get dressed. Scholastica was blown away when she saw me dressed. She almost cried but Uju threatened her. I wore the shoes, the Louboutin Emeka bought me for Uju’s wedding. Chiamaka couldn’t believe I had these shoes all these years and never wore them. I was fully dressed and looked glamorous, elegant and exquisite.

 

When I stepped out into the sitting room, everyone was speechless. My mother came to hold me and said, “Michael, come and see your beautiful daughter doing exactly what you wanted her to do and she is doing it with class. They will not stop talking about this wedding for a long time”

 

Auntie Nneoma’s eyes were misty. I could see how proud she was of me. I felt good. They would believe this beautiful vintage dress cost a fortune but my earrings cost far more than the dress.

 

An SUV was waiting outside to pick me. Scholastica and Uju. Chiamaka was to come with her husband and children in their car. Untie Nneoma and my mother wore the same outfits as mothers of the day from the bride’s side. Everybody looked beautiful.

 

We got to the church and record time and remained in the car. It was the parish priest who helped me during my difficult times that officiated the wedding and I

 

 

was happy. As I walked into the church, I saw Samuel looking so trim and cute. He looked much younger than before with most of the weight gone. She wore a very broad smile on his face which was so infectious that I caught it. We maintained eye contact and there wasn’t any other person in the room except us.

 

The church service went smoothly. The church was filled to the brim. The priest had to confess that the church had never had this capacity for a wedding. He was happy to serve in a full church. He joined us together in holy matrimony. In the presence of God and our families, Samuel and I kissed for the first time. It was the best kiss I had ever had. It was sensual. I could feel the passion.

 

After the church service, we took tons of pictures. After that, I joined him in his own SUV and left for the reception venue. I officially introduced Scholastica to Samuel. He didn’t know her. I knew I would have to tell him the story one day. His best man, Alex, was in the car with us as we drove to the reception. Scholastica was all over me. She paid so much attention to me than anyone else.

 

When we got to the venue, we stayed in the waiting room for people to arrive. Samuel asked everyone to excuse us we wanted to be alone. They all left without taking offence. Samuel dragged me to a standing position and kissed me again. He then hugged me holding me tightly to his body. Then he said to me, “My wife”. It sounded strange the way he said it but that was whom I was; his wife.

 

We sat down together and I quizzed him about the weight loss. He had been going to the gym, working out. He discovered intermittent fasting and stuck to it. He dropped the weight faster than he could imagine. I could see it. He had built a tiny bit of muscles too. I liked the way he looked.

 

The reception was slated for only two hours. We were invited in, we cut the cake, had our couples’ dance and not long after we said the closing prayers. It was short and straight to the point. I didn’t who handled anything at the reception, Samuel and my family handled every damn thing.

 

Samuel and his friends decided to come back with us to Umuoji for the after-party. I didn’t know there was one. We got there and there were DJ, suya and asun stands were in the compound. Another set of people were grilling fish at the corner. I looked at Samuel and he looked back at me smiling. “Let’s go into your room,” he

 

 

said to me. We came down from the car. He took a bag with him and he came into the sitting room with me. I saw his mother and auntie in the sitting room with my mother.

 

His mother prayed for me again. She was so happy with the way the event went. “You looked beautiful my son’s heart. Thank you for coming into our family. Our God will bless you will children. You both will long life. Enjoy very sound health and prosper. My wife, you have made me happy today. God bless and keep you”

 

 

 

 

 

AKWAUGO