TITLE: THREE GENERATIONS
WRITTEN BY: OGECHI ALABI
CHAPTER 74
The New Year celeBr@tion happened in Anozie’s compound. Nwadiuto and Josh were there, Nwanneka and Paul were also present. Josh wanted to stay in a hotel in town but Nwakaego stopped him and offered him a room in Onyedika’s house. Paul stayed with Nwanneka; she didn’t want him out of her sight. The boys stayed with Nwakaego. Nwadiuto had her room.
Paul and Josh were officially introduced. Paul recognized the face and when Josh told him where they had met before he shook his finger in front of him and said, “Bad boy!”
The next day, Josh met with Nwakaego and Nwanneka to ask for Nwadiuto’s hand in marriage. Nwakaego wasn’t happy about it. She had plans for her granddaughter which didn’t include marrying an older non-Igbo man. She knew Josh and liked him but wasn’t aware a relationship had begun. This came to her as a shock. She was disappointed in Nwanneka for not stopping the relationship when it started.
“What should I have done? You know Nwadiuto has a mind of her own; she wouldn’t listen to me. I share the same fears but from what I have seen they are very much in love. Nwadiuto will not back down”
“But the man is older and also a Bini man. After Isabella, I don’t trust Bini people. I supported you marrying Paul because you already have two Igbo sons and Paul is half Igbo. And to be honest, it will be an injustice not to allow him to marry you. I know how much he loves you. But Josh…”
Onyedika had entered their mist quietly and interjected saying, “He helped her find her father. He is very much aware Nwadiuto is a child of incest. He has been her friend longer than they have had a relationship and you still feel he hasn’t proved his loyalty to her? I like the young man. He might be from Bini but he isn’t tribalistic and has proved he is a man who knows what he wants and goes for it. Does he love Nwadiuto? I believe he does. Why don’t you get to know him first before saying anything negative about him?”
“Then he shouldn’t be in a hurry. Why is he rushing? Nwadiuto is still very young, she can change her mind after she gets married. Why not allow her mature a bit”?
“How old were you when your husband married you? What was the age difference? Why didn’t you remarry after his death? Nwadiuto is like you Nwakaego and also like Nwanneka but then she is more modern and outspoken compared to both of you. She can’t stay away from Josh. Where is she right now? They’ve gone out. Do you know they slept together last night? Calm down, I didn’t tell you so you will fight her. They slept together in the sitting room. He held her in his arms while they slept. Go and tell Uloma you are against this marriage and see what will happen. The guy is a nice guy. Get to know him and give your daughter your blessings. That’s all she nee-ds”
“I am willing to get to know him. It might take a whole year to un-derstand him. Do you know what? He should give us time to know him”
“The young man is afraid Nwadiuto will be deceived in Abuja so he wants to tie the knot quickly. I do agree you should get to know him. I will approve for three months. But mama Nwanneka, keep an open mind and do not introduce anyone to Nwadiuto during this process. I know what you are capable of”
“Why would you say that, Onyedika? Have I ever done that?”
“Who manipulated nda Obi and I into taking back our wives? Don’t play that game here; anyway, I trust Nwadiuto to put you in your place fast”
The only proposal that was accepted was Paul’s proposal. Josh was asked to give Nwadiuto’s family some time to get to know him and decide if they would want to have a Bini in-law as they had always desi-red an Igbo man for their daughter. Nwadiuto had told him what to expect. He knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park.
Nwanneka wanted a small wedding since both of them had been previously married. Paul agreed to it. It was to be simple and straightforward. Nwanneka opted for a sitting room traditional wedding and a court wedding. The blessing of the marriage would be on Sunday alongside thanksgiving.
Paul’s family came for the introduction the weekend following the New Year celeBr@tion while those that mattered were still in the village. They requested for the list and date to be set aside for the traditional marriage.
Nwanneka’s family informed them that Nwanneka is a widow and the family would like to carry her late husband’s family along in accepting Paul and the traditional marriage. They requested that the family gives them some time to sort themselves and then give them feedback which they accepted.
Paul went with Nwanneka to formally inform Chike’s family about the development. She officially introduced Chike as her fiancé. Chike’s mother almost had a heart attack when she discovered who Paul was. She was so upset that she said nasty things to Nwanneka and Paul.
“You brou-ght your lover to your late husband’s house. What kind of human being are you? You desecrated your husband’s house. How many years have you been a widow that you already have a lover and you are rushing to get married? You cannot even hold yourself? See, let me tell you, you cannot remarry.” She said to Nwanneka.
“Says who?” Nwanneka asked her boldly.
“Did I hear well? Did you just ask me that stupid question?”
“I want to know where it is said that a widow should not remarry. I don’t nee-d your permission to remarry, I just came to inform you out of courtesy. My relationship with Chike ended the moment he died. I have mourned him long enough and I have an opportunity to be loved appropriately again. I will not be like other widows who jump from man to man just to have a feel of being loved neither will I keep a secret lover. I want to do the right thing by marrying him. Papa, Okey, I will like to formally invite you to grace the occasion of our wedding. Traditional wedding will hold in my village in a sitting room affair. The court wedding is where I want you, papa, to give me away. I am your youngest daughter so it is just right”
Papa Chike couldn’t hide his emotions anymore. Tears flowed from his eyes as he stood up to hu-g his daughter-in-law while Okey said with full confidence, “I will be there to support you. Only death will make it impossible”
Two weeks later Paul and Nwanneka were married in a quiet traditional wedding where the dowry was paid. And then a court wedding where Chike’s father gave her away in marriage. Her family members were excited about it. Chidindu gave a heartfelt toast at the reception.
He said “Since my new father came into my mother’s life, I have never seen her so happy. She smiles and has come alive. I promised my new daddy that he will marry my mother and here we are here. My mother has been an amazing parent. Paul is a good man; my best friend. With a combination of both of them, my brother, sister and I will be happy forever. My new dad told me, “there will be difficult days and wonderful days. I wouldn’t fold my hands and watch your grade drop or allow you to misbehave. Some decisions will be in your best interest. If you believe your mother and I love you, you will trust our judgment. Even if it was wrong, it was from a place of love.” These and many more I can’t disclose are some of the conversations I have with him. Mum, do not be afraid; I will never forget the man who birthed me. He was a good father too. But, allow me to enjoy the man who is stepping in. I love both of them equally. And so do Kasiemobi and auntie Nwadiuto. Thank you, dad, for loving us. To the bride and groom”
Everyone felt the love between Paul and Chidindu as Paul came to meet him and hu-gged him while Nwanneka shed tears as she saw them together.
Paul and Nwanneka rented a house off Allen Ikeja. The entire family moved in there. Nwanneka wanted to buy outrightly but Paul didn’t have the entire amount to buy the house. Nwanneka had agreed to contribute at least half, but Paul didn’t want to touch her money. He was willing to work and foot the major bills. He got the property from a friend and he rented directly from the landlord who was also interested in selling. It was a big family house.
Paul moved from Port-Harcourt to Lagos. He linked up with some Oil companies and provided them with some services which he had been doing in Port-Harcourt. Nwanneka asked him to also look into her business which had been struggling since Ada left. It was based on the relationship some of their clients remained.
Paul took over. He combined it with his business while Nwanneka worked. Within three months, the company was resurrected; Paul had the magic touch. He advised Nwadiuto to sell the building they used and buy another one he had seen from a recovery agent. Nwadiuto was initially sceptical but eventually gave in. The new building they bought was a three-sto-rey building. It was renovated and the company moved in occu-pying the first floor. The other two floors were rented out to other businesses. The renovation and aesthetics of the new office gave the business a new look and impression that there were new investors in it. It worked.
Paul with the help of Josh was able to get more clients to patronize them. They bonded very well as both of them were in Apapa together. They had lunch at least once a week. Josh was frustrated with the delay in the approval of his marriage proposal. He had shared this with Paul who advised him to be patient.
“What did Nwadiuto tell you?” Paul asked.
“She said her mother and grandmother will give their consent when she is ready. She isn’t ready yet and she has refused to tell me why she is not”
“Maybe you should ask her. Have you seen her grandmother?”
“I have seen her five times. She is pleasant to me but we don’t discuss Nwadiuto or the marriage proposal”
“She will. What of Nikky?”
“She said she will go with whatever her mother decides as her mother has as much right over Nwadiuto as she does”
“Really? She didn’t say anything more?”
“No. Did she say anything to you?”
“No. You know what? Talk to Nwadiuto. Nwadiuto can help them decide quickly if she wants to. Something is holding her back”
“What can that thing be?”
“I don’t know but that’s all I can tell you”
Josh’s conversation with Paul caused him to think de-eply. He decided not to ask Nwadiuto on the phone but rather visit her that weekend and they talk about it.
He arrived Abuja very late that evening. As he came out of the arrivals and was walking towards the car park to pick a taxi, he heard his name. He turned to see who was calling him, he saw it was Malik. The exchanged pleasantries and then Malik offered to drop him off at his destination. Josh initially refused but with some persuasion, he agreed to join Malik and gave him Nwadiuto’s address.
“So who did you come to see?” Malik asked.
“My fiancé”
“Wow! Congrats man. At last, you are settling down”
“Yeah. How about you? When are you settling down?”
“I like my life. I just came back from an international trip sponsored by a woman. I was dropping off another when you saw me. I can’t be committed to one woman”
“I know my man. That’s what I told Naomi and Nwadiuto; you are only interested in money not relationship”
“Talking of Nwadiuto, I had a thing with her many months back. I didn’t know the bitc-h was so silly. She stopped me along the way after making her legs tremble and her lungs dry. She was so childish, I gave up. But she has a very s-×y body, goddamn! Maybe I should hook up with her again and complete what we started”
“You wouldn’t mind being with her again?”
“I wouldn’t. We are supposed to have fun at the penthouse of the Hilton. It’s still very possible. Her body is fresh and succulent. Thinking about it now is turning me on”
Josh didn’t respond to him. He believed Nwadiuto was more mature now and wouldn’t be caught dead with Malik. The lousy way Malik spoke would discourage her or would it? He decided to take his chances. He had discussed with Nwadiuto about their s-× life and had appealed to her to tell him if she wasn’t satisfied or was losing interest. She had never complained and they explored together. He remembered the things she said Malik did to her; he intended to replicate them after their discussion that night.
“A penny for your thoughts. I asked you a question. Where is Nwadiuto now?”
“Serving”
“I could have sworn both of you were dating in secret”
“When she was interested in you? Never”
“Both of you were too close”
“She is a good girl”
“She’s a bad bitc-h. You nee-ded to have heard her …”
“Thanks for the info; I don’t nee-d it. I thought you don’t ki-ss and tell”
“She is a kid I am playing with. The others are my clients and they deserve confidentiality.”
“And she doesn’t? I hope she will be happy to hear this from you”
“You won’t tell, would you?”
Josh let that slide. Malik stopped in front of Nwadiuto’s house. He quickly joined Josh so he could be introduced to his fiancé. When Josh rang the bell, it was Nwadiuto that answered. Malik was shocked when he saw her. Nwadiuto was also surprised to see both of them as Josh didn’t tell her he was coming. She hu-gged and ki-ssed Josh while mouthing her greetings to a stunned Malik.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming and also with Malik”
“We met at the airport; I wanted to surprise you” Josh replied.
“It is a pleasant surprise. I missed you. Luckily I just made rice and fish, Malik, would you like to join us?”
“Yes. But what’s going on here?” Malik asked.
“Josh, didn’t you tell him?” Nwadiuto asked.
“She is my fiancé.”
“Yes, I am” Nwadiuto said flaunting her engagement ring. “Let me get the food” and she left for the kitchen.
“You should have told me. I said some not so nice things about her. You didn’t take offence. I wouldn’t have if I knew”
“I knew about it; she told me everything that happened that night with you. She tells me everything. Thanks to you, we were able to express our feelings to each other and the rest is history.”
“I didn’t nee-d to know that”
“That’s how I didn’t nee-d to know what happened between the two of you from you. I believed you would never ki-ss and tell. If I say I am disappointed I would be lying, I am more than disappointed”
“I am sorry bro. I agree, that was disrespectful. I can’t believe you two are together now”
“Yeah. We are getting married very soon. I will appreciate it if you keep your distance from her. And those thoughts you have about her; die them. Let’s respect boundaries”
“They are dead. You and Nwadiuto? I never thought you could settle for someone like her; she didn’t just look your type”
“I know, right? I didn’t know I would fall for her but I did. She’s a sweet girl”
Later that night when they were together, Josh asked Nwadiuto to call her mother and grandmother and tell them she wanted to marry him. He asked her to do it in his presence. She gave excuses why she couldn’t interfere and agree to their suggestions. Immediately, he realized what Paul had told him. Something was wrong that was why she wasn’t pushing ha-rd enough.
“Nwadiuto, if you are very certain of this marriage, we could wait until you are.”
“That’s not a bad idea”
“You should have just told me you were not ready to get married than deceive me the way you did”
“How did I deceive you?”
“You have been tagging me along. Your uncle said I should give your grandmother time to get to know me. She’s not making such an attempt. I have complained to you and you didn’t make any move to address that. Now, you can’t call your family to order and you are willing to wait until you are certain. Why have you changed your mind? I feel there is more. Do you fancy another?”
“I don’t un-derstand what you are talking about. I can’t for-ce my grandmother to accept just like that; you have to put in the effort to make her like you. The same with my mother. They will come around with time”
“This is not my Nwadiuto. My Nwadiuto ignored every warning and went in search of her father without telling her family. The Nwadiuto told her mother and grandmother boldly that she had found her father. The girl that everyone knows to be bold and strong-willed is telling me to wait until her mother and grandmother come around. It is either of these two, either you have changed your mind about spending the rest of your life with me with the excuses your family gave or you have committed an offence by falling for another man”
“It is none of the above. I just feel we should watch the relationship evolve naturally into what we want especially with my family”
“Do you nee-d space? Do you nee-d more time? Because I have no business with family; my business is with you”
“That’s the problem, family is important. Your family and my family are important. We nee-d to get everyone in our families to accept the union before we can move forward”
“You didn’t say all this before I went to your family to ask for your hand. If I had an inclination that you had doubts, I wouldn’t have proposed or even gone to your family. I asked you if you were ready. That’s the hazard of dealing with young people; they can change their minds at any time without notice.”
“I would rather you didn’t say that; it is rather insulting. If I didn’t want to be with you, I would have told you when you proposed. If I had a change of heart, then I would have told you. I wouldn’t lead you on like. I just said the family is important”
“You are speaking in parables. This is a serious discussion so speak out in clear terms let me un-derstand. Why do you keep emphasizing family? We don’t quarrel; we discuss. Tell me how you feel about my family and I will tell you about yours which I have done many times”
Nwadiuto had avoided having this discussion with Josh but she could no longer hide the secret. She knew the row that it would cause. She had kept this to herself for so long and now Josh was sounding hurt, she felt it was time to tell him.
“When we were at your parents during the Christmas holiday, your mother asked me for my phone number, my village address and description, my family name and all that. She told me it was a test and I wasn’t to tell anyone especially you. It didn’t look harmful so I gave her”
“Ok?”
“She called me just after my mum’s wedding and told me to back off from you. She claimed all the women in my lineage lose their husbands young and then the women become very successful. She added the fact I was born outside wedlock and my father is unknown. She called me a bastard; no one has ever called me that. She asked me to leave you alone. She said I had se-duced you with my seducing spirit and you don’t know what you are doing anymore”
“Who said all this?”
“Your mother”
“And you didn’t tell me? Truly, you are not ready for marriage. How can she tell you all these and you kept quiet? You should have told me immediately and I would have addressed it. She said those things to scare you off and they worked. But why didn’t you call off the relationship? Why continue to be with me?”
“I love you, Josh; it will be difficult to leave you. With both families flexing their muscles, I just decided we should chill until after my service year then I know I have sorted out everything. Remember the IT training I want to do in India, my plan was to have a secret wedding, get pregnant, travel and come back with a baby”
“Why? Because some older women believe they have a right to determine how we will live? If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t have spoken with you ever again. See Bini people are strong people especially their women. My mother would want to dominate and intimidate you if you allow her. If she says you are a bastard, what am I? You can’t run away from a problem but face it head-on. I won’t talk to her about this, I will allow you to deal with it the best way you see fit but, I want you to talk to your mother and grandmother about what you want. If you tell them you want this relationship, then just tell them and let me take it from there. I have told my mother a million and one times that it is either you or no one”
Nwadiuto didn’t want to treat Josh’s mother like she had planned as a young girl to deal with a wicked mother-in-law. Her love for Josh wouldn’t allow her to handle his mother the way she had planned it in her childhood. She nee-ded Josh to handle his mother for her in a better way. She had an idea; she was going to mess with this woman’s head.
She had seen continuously how mama Chike treated her mother even after her husband’s death and years after. She was unkind to her. Mama Chike didn’t attend the wedding which Nwanneka was happy about. Nwadiuto didn’t want that. While her mother was patient and taking all the insults because of tradition, she couldn’t do the same. She wasn’t her mother. She knew she would have insulted the woman and walked away from the relationship but then Josh was her closest friend. What then happens to the friendship? That was her dilemma.
After his stay, Josh gave Nwadiuto permission to handle the situation without being outright insulting. She agreed. They also decided to spend the Easter holiday with his family; that was when her plan would come into action.
A few days after Josh went back, Nwadiuto heard a knock on her door which was strange. She peeped throu-ghthe keyhole and saw Malik. He was standing outside her door. She went in to wear a decent top before answering. She didn’t let him into her apartment, she came outside to talk to him.
“It is nice to see you again. What brings you to my house?”
“I was in the neighbourhood and I decided to check on you. How are you doing?”
“I am fine. And you?”
“I am good. Shouldn’t we go inside? I wanted to discuss something with you”
“I sprayed insecticide inside before I answered the door. Let me ask my malam to bring us two chairs so we can sit out here, it is quite airy here”
“What’s up between you and Josh? I didn’t believe what he told me. Both of you are together?”
“Yes.”
“But we have unfinished business”
“Such as?”
“The Hilton. You remember?”
“Yeah, but I have grown past that now”
“What do you mean? Your reaction and the trembling of your legs when I went down on you replayed in my head when I saw you again. It ignited the fire in me. I will take you to Hilton and we will have an amazing time”
“I thought you hated scandals. Why would you hit on me knowing I am engaged to Josh?”
“Josh is a ju-man. I don’t believe your engagement. And even if he is with you, he can never get the reaction I got from you, I am a pro”
“True. Give me the date and time”
“Why not today?”
“I am on; I should finish before the weekend. We can meet on Saturday night at the Hilton”
Malik gave Nwadiuto a hu-g when he was leaving and he sque-ezed her bu-tt playfully before he left”
Nwadiuto was highly disappointed in Malik. How would he ever think of sleeping with his friend’s fiancé? She believed the boy code didn’t permit that. She decided to handle his misbehaviour, herself without involving Josh.
Tbc