So, This is Love? Episode 18 – Judith Onyoyibo
The introduction was massive and colourful.
Stephen actually outdid himself.
The way his friends and family turned out that day was spectacular. His aunt who is a Chef came with variety of delicacies. His best friend Chidi came with a cooling van filled with drinks.
An introduction that was supposed to be a small gathering between both families turned into a carnival.
There was enough to eat and drink even enough for for people to take home.
Stephen earned so much respect from my family. From their facial expressions and actions, it was obvious that they weren’t expecting my man to be that wonderful but were taken by a pleasant surprise.
“Odogwu!”. I hailed Stephen after the whole celebration.
He laughed out loud. “I didn’t do anything o”.
“So, by this time next month, we’d be married”.
A smile broke over his face. “I can’t wait Obim”. He said joyfully.
I stayed back in Warri for over a week putting one or two together before I travelled back to Lagos.
The whole preparation thing was so tiring. I never thought planning a wedding wasn’t that easy.
I barely slept everyday. I didn’t want to make use of an event planner because I wanted to plan it myself.
“Oshey! Baddest planner”. By the time I fell sick, I regretted not making use of an event planner in the first place.
Thank God Favour was right beside me helping me out. Although I avoided her when I newly got converted, she still showed up when she heard I was getting married.
On the eve of my traditional marriage, my mother sat me down and gave me a thorough lecture about marriage.
“I have been married for over forty years. Listen to me when I say marriage is what you make of it. The Bible said women should be submissive to their husbands, I don’t expect you to do otherwise. You have to be patient and understanding. You have to understand that it will not always be rosy. You will not always be smiling and grinning. Some days you will laugh and other days you will cry. In all these, never stop believing in each other. Never let the bad moments cover up the good moments. Always remember why you said yes to your husband in the first and never forget it”.
I was already teary.
“Don’t cry my child. I know you will enjoy your marriage because you are getting married to a good man”.
I nodded in affirmative whilst wiping the tears from my eyes.
“Never stop praying. The day you stop praying, that’s the day you will open a crack for the devil to penetrate through. A praying wife is a powerful wife”.
“I won’t stop praying mama”. I promised.
“Bring your hands”. My mother held my both hands.
“Father King of glory. You are the founding Father of the institution called marriage. May my daughter not manage in marriage”.
“Amen!”. I shouted.
May the heart of her husband always be stirred towards her. On his sad days, may she bring him peace”.
“Amen”.
“When he is confused, may he find answers through her”.
“Amen”.
“This union is placed under your care for whatever is kept in your care is secured forever”.
“Amen!”. I screamed.
“May this union birth Godly and responsible children”.
“Amen and Amen”.
Thank you Jesus for I know you’ve answered our prayers”.
My mother gave me other dos and don’ts about marriage.
On the day of my traditional marriage, after the elders had reached an agreement, I was called upon.
Some women sang and eulogized me as I walked into my father’s sitting room where the marriage rite was been carried out.
“Eseoghene, this young man over there said he wants to marry you. Do you know him?”. One of the elders asked me.
I smiled sheepishly.
“Yes”. I shyly responded.
“Do you love him enough to marry him?”. He asked again.
I placed my head down and was blushing really hard.
“Yes I love him enough to marry him”. I said.
Stephen couldn’t stop blushing.
“Did anyone force you to marry him or it was your free will to do so?”. I was asked.
“I wasn’t forced nor pressured”.
“My fellow elders, we have no other choice than to give our blessings”. The Elder said to the rest Elders and they all nodded in agreement.
My Bride’s price was paid in full. No negotiations from Stephen and his family.
Afterwards, I was given a cup of local gin to give to the young man I think they were referring to.
I carried the cup and went to where Stephen was seated.
He was smiling so hard that I feared for his cheeks.
I knelt before him and drank out of the gin before passing it over to him. He drank the remaining gin and placed some money in the empty cup.
He carried me up and we both went and knelt in front of my father.
My father said some prayers and gave us his blessings.
We were pronounced husband and wife which was followed by a wild buzz and a round of applause.
I sat on my husband’s legs (My husband 💃💃💃) and he started spraying money on me.
Drinks were exchanged between both families and the marriage rite was concluded.
We danced outside to greet our guests who were sitted under the canopy.
I sighted Lisa from afar and I almost screamed in excitement.
We were asked to go round the canopy three times whilst greeting our guests. It was customary to do so.
After which we went to sit on the tent which was prepared for us.
People came to spray us money and present gifts to us.
I was astonished by the different types of expensive gifts we were given. Ranging from fridge, generator to blender.
Lisa came and hugged me.
I screamed this time around.
“I am so happy for you”. She said.
“Me real love”. I said.
My husband gave me death stare 😂.
“I mean my second real love”. I quickly corrected myself and we all started laughing.
“Thank you for honoring my invitation. You took me by surprise”. I said.
“I wouldn’t miss this for anything”. She said.
She handed me a microwave as a gift.
My husband and I danced and danced.
I couldn’t stop laughing. My husband can’t dance to save his life.
“My husband!”. I can’t believe I finally have someone to call my own husband 💃💃.
To be continued.
