FARIDA Episode 36 – 38 by Oge’s Stories

FARIDA Episode 36 by Oge’s Stories

Sam came to see Iya Farida to ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage. He was quite impressed with the way their house looked. The sitting room was decently furnished. The walls were painted cream colour and they were still very neat. They had a six seater couch, a centre table with four side stools all having glass tops. There was a modern television set of about 42” and also an impressive home theatre. The floor had a beautiful brown rug on it to cover the original floor. It was simple but exhumed a feel of simple elegance and warmth.

Iya Farida understood immediately why Farida fell for this guy. He was quite handsome and had an air around him. He looked sophisticated and also distinguished. Why would someone like this become a local government chairman? He looked far above it. He looked like he should be a Governor or Minister or even President. He was too clean. He was also rich. Wasn’t he richer than the entire local government?

Sam talked with maami about Farida. He claimed to have loved her from the moment he set his eyes on her and now he was willing to make it official. He hadn’t told Farida he was coming to see maami. He chose a day he was sure she wouldn’t be home until much later.

Maami shared her fears with him. Will his family accept a girl with her background? He said they had accepted.

“Has Monica accepted too?” Iya Farida asked.

“I haven’t told her yet”

“I think she should know. It should come from you. To salvage the situation, you should ask your sister to convince her friend to marry you. This should precede your asking Farida to marry you”

“She doesn’t have a say in our relationship”

“But she does. I knew you through her and I would start my investigation from her. We both know she wouldn’t give a good report about you”

Sam was silent. He hadn’t spoken to Monica since she left the country. He was not interested in talking to her about the marriage proposal but what Farida’s mom was saying, she needed her buy in to give her consent. This was getting more annoying than usual.

“Ma, I didn’t tell Farida I will be coming here. I have not proposed to her yet. Let me talk to my sister and get back to you. Can this remain between us?”

“Sure. Also know there are other suitors you have to contend with”

“I will be back soon”

Sam did not like the reception he received from Iya Farida. She behaved as though she didn’t trust him. How can he come to see her and she was carrying on as though she was lord and master? He could see where Farida got her beauty from but he didn’t appreciate the superior air that emitted from her when she spoke to him. Even though Farida had a good job, she could never measure up to him. Her family could never measure up to his. Why would the woman act like she was at par with them? If not that he loved Farida and she was very smart, he wouldn’t have considered her at all.

He had to travel to Germany to talk to Monica about Farida. Monica was trying to give him attitude but he was prepared for it. She couldn’t stop the inevitable but he didn’t want any stumbling blocks on his quest for greatness.

“She’s dating someone. She told me herself. Why then do you want to disrupt a good relationship?”

“Did she tell whom it was? Did she ever mention his name?”

“So it was you she was talking about. I turn my back and both of you decide to do as you like. I don’t think you are a good fit for Farida. You are very controlling and love women just like father; it will stifle her and her capabilities. But, for you to be ready to marry her then I believe you must be into her”

“I am into her as much as she is into me. She is smart and will take me to greater heights. She was the one who suggested I start from the grassroot. This LG Chairman I attained was her idea. I have gained so much popularity in this position that the Governor ask my opinion on state matters. He said he would like to make me a commissioner in his second term. This is all because of Farida”

“Now I understand why you want to be with her. You claim to love her because she’s smart and can help you get to places and not because you genuinely can’t live without her. I hope she knows what she’s getting into”

“She is with a man that will make her a woman to be envied. Our partnership will take to us to enviable heights. I know what I am doing. I just need you to convince her mother of my genuine intentions”

“Have you guys had sex yet?”

“No! Why do you ask?”

“Farida is naïve o. She is not as experienced as most of the girls you carry. She has never had sex before. Are you willing to continue with someone who you have to teach how to pleasure you?”

“That’s one of the reasons I am not playing with her. I want to be with a woman with no experience so I will be the first and the last she would have”

“The control thing I was talking about. Farida doesn’t know what she is getting herself into. I will watch from a distance and see the outcome. Farida is in love with the superficial which is unlike her but then, when her panties get wet her sense flies away”

“Meaning what?”

“Don’t worry; you will find out. Since both of you desire to get married, I give my consent. Many hearts will be broken but hey, who am I in this tangle?”

“Please do not mention this to Farida as I have not proposed yet”

“She didn’t tell me, why should I tell her?”

Sam persuaded Monica to talk to Iya Farida on his behalf. Monica talked to her and expressed her genuine thoughts but still gave her consent.

Iya Farida had another hurdle to cross. Farida had a father. Iya Farida had not been in contact with him or her family since the incident many years ago. Her sister whom she used to communicate with got married and she never heard from her again. She as a woman could not give Farida away in marriage. Since the talk about marriage, she had been trying to contact family members to mend the bridge but it was proving very difficult. The only other option was to travel down to Ilorin to see her ex-husband.

Travelling to Ilorin made her reminisce on her journey out of bondage to freedom. She wondered what her life would have been if she had stayed back. Looking back, she knew she made the best decision. Progress had come her way. She had learnt that hard work pays. She had also learnt that if you put in your best in whatever you do, you will be noticed and rewarded for it. She had been appreciated by students, parents and school management for her exceptional performance in the hostels. She made sure her team was well supervised and also played a very active role in ensuring peace and order in the hostels. For two consecutive years; her pupils in primary six had passed their entrance exams into secondary school in flying colours.

When she got to Ilorin, she went to her father’s house first. It had been so long and development had taken place. She eventually found it. When she stepped into the house, she saw a frail looking woman sitting on a mat placed on the floor. When she looked properly, she realized it was her mother. The woman recognized her instantly and started eulogizing her with her orike(praise names). She was so happy to see her long lost daughter and gave thanks to Allah for her safe return. Iya Farida knelt down to greet her while the woman stretched forth her hands and pulled her to herself.

“Where is Baba?” Iya Farida asked her mother.

“My daughter, your father passed away four years ago” her mother responded in their local language. Iya Farida wept over the loss of her father. Her mother had a boy and two girls. Her brother died when he was twelve years old. It was just left with Iya Farida and her sister. She asked after her sister and that was when the mother began to weep. Iya Farida wanted to know what happened but her mother wept the more. Every attempt to get her to talk was futile. She had to leave the house in search of a response.

Her father married three wives but lived with just her mother as the other two either died or divorced him. Only her mother lived with him while the children from the other women had their accommodation in the same compound. They all regarded her mother as their mother. She scouted the compound in search of anyone who could tell her what happened. She saw her stepbrother’s wife with her children. Iya Farida introduced herself and asked her if she knew where her sister was. The lady asked her to wait, went home to drop her children and then followed her to her mother’s house.

“Iya Farida, your sister was married off after your father came back from Lagos in search of you because of her rebellious attitude. The man and his family she was married into treated her badly. She ran away from him back home but Baba insisted she went back. This continued until she became very sick. The family dumped her with us. Baba and maami took care of her until she fully recovered. She vowed not to go back to them. Instead, she went back to school sponsored by Baba. She graduated from the university and got a job. Her husband and his family believed she had died so they were shocked to discover she was well and even working. They came back for her. Baba refused. He said he had lost one child to an abusive marriage and disowned her; he wasn’t willing to do same with her. They promised to take care of her. They used alfas and imams to convince him. He was forced to accept since they were not divorced. She begged not to go back but their hands were tied. After some months they didn’t hear from her anymore. They went to the family house to check on her and they were told they had relocated to Abuja. Their daughter didn’t call tell them. They suspected something was fishy. Maami was worried and she expressed it. Baba started investigating to find out where they were in Abuja. They were not in Abuja. She was in their house. Baba used Police to search their house very early one morning. They found her. She was unconscious lying in her faeces and urine. It was a sight that Baba could not live with. When they got to the hospital, they told them she was brain dead. It was caused by constant beating she experienced and a blow to her head. Baba Farida suffered a heart attack which led to a stroke. Your sister was in that state for years. Maami was taking care of both of them for many years. The day your sister died was the day Baba died too. Maami has not gotten over the loss. I am happy you have come back; she talks about you every day. She said you would have been dead like your sister if you didn’t run away and refuse to return. She regrets a lot of her actions”

Iya Farida was beside herself when she heard this terrible news. How could she have lost her only sibling so brutally? Why didn’t they contact her? She would have brought her sister with her to Lagos. They didn’t do well.

‘What happened to the man and his family?”

“He is in jail. He is serving a life sentence. Nobody will accept that being done to his child”

Why didn’t they seek her out? Why didn’t they contact her? Why didn’t her sister reach out to her for help? There so many questions with no answers. She stayed longer than she intended to care for her mother. Even though she was still young, she looked much older because of all she went through. She knew she had to take her mother with her to Lagos but she had to reconcile with her father’s siblings and family. They have to accept her back as their child before she can take her mother away to be better taken care of.

Her next visit was to her ex-husband’s house. She went there in a chartered vehicle so she could leave in case they become hostile. What she met was different. Most of the other three wives didn’t recognize her immediately but when they did, they welcomed her very well. She was taken to Alhaji’s house. Nothing much had changed since she left. The compound and even the living room was still the same. She sat on the mat of the floor while they went to get him.

An old man was supported to come out. She looked at him. Was she married to this elderly man? Is this man the father of her three children? He didn’t look all powerful in her eyes anymore. She watched him being guided to sit down. He asked in Yoruba who came to see him and he was told. He asked who she saw. That was when Iya Farida knew he must be sick. The first wife told him whom she was but he still couldn’t remember.

It was later she was told that he was pushed down from the balcony of his bedroom on the first floor when he tried to molest a new bride the same way he molested her. The girl overpowered him and pushed him down. He was never the same again. The new bride ran away since then. I looked at this old man and his three wives that have been loyal to him even with the way he treated them. Now he knew no one. His brother had to be invited to the meeting. He agreed they would have the engagement ceremony in Ilorin with the Nikkai. She explained to him that the man her daughter was marrying was a Christian so they would have a court wedding. He agreed and promised to stand in for his brother.

Iya Farida that dreaded this visit went back humbled. The wicked had really been punished. Who could have believed that Alhaji would be brought to his knees by a sixteen year old girl? His continuous quest for young blood led him to his current state. She didn’t pity him at all. She looked at his drooling mouth with irritation.

She couldn’t believe this being fathered her children. Her heart ached at the loss of her loved one. Tradition and religion had deprived her sister of a quality life. She died in misery. Iya Farida was glad she escaped.

It was Farida’s birthday. Sam had sent her the clothes she would wear even to her jewelry, shoes and hand bag. She was drop dead gorgeous when she stepped out. When she got to the office, she met a cake waiting for her. She thought it was from Sam but it was from Wale. He called to wish her a happy birthday which she appreciated. Towards break time, a saxophonist was heard playing towards her office. Everyone wondered where it was coming from until he entered her office. As he played, a cake was dropped for her on her table. She knew this was Sam. There were trays of food being placed on a table nearby. Then, a bouquet of flowers was placed in her hands while she smiled. A tray of chocolate was placed on her table too. Farida was consumed by joy. She smiled so much but her misty eyes gave her away. Sam did all this for her? She picked up her phone and called him. He said to her, “I am right behind you”. When she turned around, she saw him on his knees with a ring in his hand.

“Farida, I love you. I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without. I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up to you every morning. I want you to be the mother of my children. I want to be your partner for life. Will you make this desire come true by being my wife?”

The office erupted in cheers and applause. Farida had a lot of ‘buts’ in her mind but at the moment all she wanted to do was be with Sam. She said yes. Sam inserted the ring on her finger, held her in his arms before kissing her on the lips. She was shy and pulled away. This was the best birthday/proposal display the office had ever witnessed. It was the talk of the office for a very long time.

FARIDA Episode 37 by Oge’s Stories

Farida went to the airport that Sunday afternoon. Wale was returning that afternoon and he had specifically asked her to pick him up. She was glad to and even made food for him to eat when he arrives.

Immediately Wale walked out of the arrivals, he looked out for Farida. The lady he saw wasn’t whom he was expecting. She was different. She was still tall and beautiful but this lady was very classy and sophisticated. It was her smile that gave her away. She caught the attention of everyone. When he hugged her, she smelt divine and expensive. Wale looked at her closely; she had makeup on. Full blown makeup. Farida didn’t need makeup; she was innocently and naturally beautiful. Why would she want to plaster her face with layers of chemical? Well, he reserved his observation until later.

They went to his house together. His mother was on ground to receive him. She was so happy that she sang songs of praise. Farida could not get over her ‘h’ factor. The fact that she felt superior even with it was even more hilarious. She too could not believe it was the same Farida until she genuflected to greet her.

“You ave sange. You so fine. Wat appen to yaw?”

“Nothing happened ma”

“Oko mi. Wat will eat?” she asked Wale.

“Farida made food for me so I will eat it”

“So, you hare soosing er food hover my hown? Hok o”

Farida was genuinely happy to see Wale. She made his favourite food: amala, ewedu ati gbegiri. Wale couldn’t believe how thoughtful she was in preparing this meal for him. She must have known he missed eating Nigeria foods especially this Yoruba delicacy. He had a bath and settled down to eat. They caught up while eating. Farida could see Wale hadn’t changed much. He was quite relaxed in her presence and like always made her feel special. After the meal, he brought out the gifts he got for her and her family members. He got her expensive perfumes, designer shoes and hand bag. an ipod and a timex wristwatch,

“This wasn’t necessary” Farida said to him.

“Why? You are my best friend and maami is also like my mother. Your brothers are my pals. What is wrong in giving them gifts? I am going home with you so I can give them myself and catch up with them. I need maami to know I got only good reports about her. All she needed was an opportunity and she has excelled”

“We need to discuss something before we leave”

“What is it? We can talk on the way”

Farida didn’t know how to bring it up. On their way to Farida’s house, he insisted Farida needed to have her Masters’ degree from the institution he went for his.

“It is for hot brains like yours. I met so many intelligent students who were top of their class. Many students failed and left after the first semester. That was why I didn’t come back at all. The school workload was much. You are far more intelligent than I am will be the best graduating student of your set”

It sounded so tempting until she asked for the fees and living expenses. She knew she couldn’t afford it anytime soon. So, she would have to wait until she makes much more money to attend. It was a challenge she would have loved. Then it struck her, she was getting married. How would she leave her home and go for Masters? She just listened to Wale’s ideas which were just farfetched dreams.

When they got to the house, maami was happy to see Wale. She blessed him continuous when she received her bag of goodies. They talked about the school and the tremendous work she was doing there. Maami told him some people came to see her offering her almost three times her salary to leave the school and work in theirs but she refused. She said she was loyal to the person who gave her an opportunity when she needed it the most. Wale took note of that.

Akram and Ahmad also received their goodies. They were excited and grateful. They sat with Wale listening to him share his experience. Farida sat down and watched in wonder how Wale adapted to their environment and talked to her family members so freely without airs. She could see they all liked Wale. She also liked him. She needed a private time with him to share the good news with her best friend but her family was engaging him too much. Eventually, maami asked, “Have you told him?”

“If you all will allow me have a private time with him then I will tell him” Farida responded.

“Tell me what?” Wale asked.

“Come with me” she took him into her room and shut the door. He was quite impressed with what she had done with the room. It was painted a chic light pink, had beautiful flowery curtails covering the window she had a dressing table on a side of the room with all her cosmetics on them. He saw the wooden shoe rack and the assortment of shoes. Farida who was quite tall still wore high heels. She also had a rack for her handbags which were all in string bags to protect them. It also showed the quality of the bags. How was she able to afford the shoes and the bags on her salary? Her wardrobe was closed so he couldn’t see anything inside. She had a 6 by 4-inch bed properly laid with duvet and throw pillows. It completed the look. The room was brightly lit. He spied on book on the side stool of her bed which also house a bed lamp. She was quite organized and he loved it.

“Have a sit”

“Lovely room”

“Thank you. I have something to tell you”

“I know that already. Can we cut through the chase and get down to it”

“I am getting married”

Wale was stunned, “You are joking right?”

“I am not kidding. I am getting married soon” Farida showed off her engagement ring.

Wale’s countenance changed. You could hear the anger and disappointment in his tone. “When did this happen? We spoke often on phone and you never told me you were seeing anyone. So how did this happen?”

“We fell in love. It just happened”

“Fine. Who is the lucky fellow? Is it someone I know?”

“Yes he is. I know you would be upset I didn’t tell you earlier but we decided to see if it would work so we kept it a secret for a while ……”

Wale interrupted her, “I hope it is not Sam. I swear if it is Sam I will be utterly disappointed”

“Why?”

“It is Sam? Farida, I thought you had better sense than this. Immediately you started explaining I suspected he was the one. Why? Why did you succumb to his advances? Are you pregnant? Is that why you are marrying? If that’s the case then you don’t have to marry him because of that. I will take responsibility for both you and the child”

Farida was very upset with Wale’s suggestion. “Wale what do you take me for? I was trying to tell you how everything played out and you stand here calling me a slut. I know I owe you an explanation but you should cut me some slack; I am not as dumb as you think when it comes to things of the heart. I didn’t give my body to him; he is willing to wait”

“Is Monica aware of this? Is she aware you defied her instruction not to date her brother?”

“I wanted you to be the first to know. I will tell her tonight”

“If I say I am not disappointed then I would be lying. If I say I am not hurt then you should know I am being dishonest. This isn’t good news to me because of the person involved; I expected better”

“I know. You expected to come back and marry me. I understand but Wale my feelings for you is different. I love you like I love Akram and Ahmad but much more. I see you as my best friend and guide. When you are settled, I will share with you how it all happened. You will understand where this is coming from”

Wale was silent. She had stated it once more, she had no romantic feelings towards him. Meanwhile, his coming back was centred around being with her. He couldn’t wait to be with her again. All the hard work so she could be proud of him was for nought. How did Sam succeed with her? The guy was not right for her. He suspected there was more to this. He left Farida heartbroken.

Back at home, Wale went straight to bed. His father came to welcome him in his apartment. He had to enter his room to speak with him. He was in the company of his mother.

“Omo mi, wat is wrong with you?” his mother asked.

“I’m just tired”

:Are you sure? Or did the food dat girl brougt worry your belle?”

“I am jetlagged mum. Dad can you ask her to leave”

His father dismissed the mother. He knew something was bothering his son and he wanted to talk to his father man to man.

“What is it son? Tell me what upset you”

Wale broke down to the utmost surprise of his father. His father held him in his arms and waited for him to settle down. This was heartache, he knew it was about Farida.

“Are you ready to talk now?”

“Farida is engaged to be married”

“Is that why you were crying?”

“Dad, I am losing her”

“She’s not married yet and even if she was she will still be yours for keeps. God knows what he is doing”

“She doesn’t love me. She repeated again today that she doesn’t love me in a romantic way. But I love her. Why can’t she love me the way I love her”

“She is like a bird. Set her free. If she is yours, which I believe she is, she will come back to you. You are her best friend. Play that role well and honestly state your views about their relationship. Don’t impose and make her feel you are happy for her. A girl in love doesn’t listen to reason. She will learn her lesson and be wiser by the time she comes to you”

“Dad, she is an undefiled flower. Sam doesn’t deserve to be her first. It can be any other person but Sam”

“Did you want to be her first? You wouldn’t have enjoyed it or her. I have had many firsts and they were not much fun after the intial gragra. Allow her explore and come back to you experiences and mature. I know what I am saying”

“Anyone but Sam” Wale said outrightly.

“It can happen. Get some rest and think less. She still wants to remain friends with you, She values your friendship; don’t down play that”

FARIDA Episode 38 by Oge’s Stories

It took a lot for Wale to see Farida again. She excitedly shared the story of how the relationship started. It was obvious to him Sam had seen a smart girl he could use. He didn’t believe he genuinely loved her. When he asked her if Monica was aware Farida decided to call her immediately.

“Farida how are you? To what do I owe this call?”

“Monica, why would you ask that?”

“When was the last time you called me?”

“I know. I’ve been busy. Anyway I wanted to share some news with you”

“Go ahead”

“I am getting married!”

“O, he finally proposed”

“Who?”

“Sam. He came to ask my permission”

“He did? He didn’t tell me and you didn’t mention it”

‘Did you tell me both of you were dating? Why should I tell you when he came to see me”

“I am sorry about that”

“I am sure Wale will be heartbroken by this news. You betrayed both of us”

“Wale is fine. He is here with me. Would you want to say hi?”

She handed the phone over to Wale. Wale and Monica chatted for some time. Monica called out a number for him which he typed on his phone. He handed the phone back to Farida.

“Has a date been fixed?” Monica asked.

“We are waiting for a response from your people on the date. We have to be sure it is convenient for everyone”

“So, are we going to Kwara?”

“No, I am getting married in Lagos. No engagement; just registry”

“Why? Your parents are alive. Why are you getting married like one who doesn’t have anyone?”

That was a statement she wasn’t expecting. What was wrong with wanting a simple wedding. What was important was her being one with Sam. She had to talk to maami about it. Sam was just interested in getting a date and that was all. They never discussed the wedding they would be doing. They should have. Her worried look caught Wale’s attention.

“What’s the matter?”

“It’s the wedding. Where will it hold?”

“Haven’t both of you discussed it yet?”

“Not in details. He proposed just two weeks ago”

“Let’s discuss with maami what she wants”

They went to maami to discuss the wedding. Maami informed Farida that she thinks the engagement should be done in Ilorin as her father is very sick. The court and reception should be in Lagos.

“I am not travelling to Ilorin for any wedding. He disowned us remember? Why then do I need his blessings? Does he know how we got to the stage we are in now? Did he help in any way? I am having my wedding here in Lagos. Engagement and registry on the same day. I will leave for the honeymoon immediately. You can invite them but you are the only one going to give me away”

“I am honoured my dear daughter but know that I am a woman and I can’t give you away”

“Says who? You will give me away. No one else will” Farida said with finality.

“I have to agree with her. You deserve to give her away. It was your determination that has brought her to this stage. They can come but they will ask you for her hand in marriage” Wale added.

Maami was silent. She knew it was wrong traditionally. Her worse fear was Sam accepting. She could see he was egoistic but Farida was blinded by love to see it too. She knew he would kick against it. That would be their first major obstacle. She wanted to know what Farida would do. Hopefully, it will break them up.

Sam came to Lagos to pay a surprise visit to Farida and discuss some things with his father. He went to their house without her knowledge. As he entered, Maami, Akram and Ahmad were in the sitting room. There was another guy also seated close to maami. Farida was not there. Instantly Sam disliked Wale. He asked after Farida and he was told she was in the room. Akram went to call her.

“What are you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were coming around”

“I wanted to surprise you”

“Have you met Wale? You guys met during our graduation. He is my best friend. The one who went to the UK for Masters. Remember him?”

“I don’t think so”

“Wale meet Sam, Sam meet Wale”

“Nice to meet you,” Wale said while offering Sam his hand which he reluctantly accepted mumbling a reply.

“Let’s go out. I have a few things to discuss with you” Sam suggested.

“Wale came to see me. I can’t just leave him and go out” Farida explained.

“Don’t worry. I am fine with maami and the guys. Go and have fun. I will still be here when you get back” Wale replied.

Those words ticked Sam off. What the heck was he doing in her house and was bold to say he will wait for her until she gets back. What effrontery? He had to tackle this with Farida.

Sam refused to talk to Farida from the moment they left the house until they got to the restaurant. She asked him a number of times what the problem was but he refused to reply. She then let him be which annoyed him the more. Sam was used to girls being uncomfortable when he ignores them but Farida was different. She would leave you alone until you were ready to talk to her which he didn’t like. She did it again and he was offended.

“What is that guy doing in your house?”

“Which guy?”

“The guy you introduced me to. Didn’t your mother teach you how to behave as a soon to be married woman?”

“What’s going on here? Did you wake up from the wrong side of your bed? I can take anything but if you insult my mother you have insulted my God so pleases desist from that”

“I asked what the guy was doing there”

“He is my friend and he is free to visit me. What is wrong with that?”

‘That guy I saw there is not your friend but a potential lover. I don’t want him in your house again otherwise I will create a scene”

“Create a scene because my best friend came to my house? Anyway, it won’t be necessary as he is going to his base in Abuja this week. He will play a major role in my wedding. Himself and Monica are my closest pallies”

“I don’t want him around you”

“Are you choosing my friends for me? I don’t choose your friends for you. Let us respect our boundaries. The lady I met in your house the last time I came to your village whom you claimed was a childhood friend looked like a potential lover. I never asked you never to let her come to the house again. But if you want us to play that card, I can play it. I will surprise you more often than you can imagine”

Sam calmed down. He had forgotten how smart Farida was. He remembered the guy. Farida liked him; he was a potential threat. For Farida to defend him like this, then he had to be careful. He also didn’t need Farida sneaking in on him. His hands weren’t clean. Did Farida really expect him to be celibate until after marriage? Not with the girls in his state. He never knew how sweet they were until he relocated there. There was one in particular that he liked. Her hips were like they were moulded on her body and boy could they do wonders. She was dark and also tall but not as tall as Farida. He employed her to work with him, under and on top of him. She became his regular. He has tried to be discreet with the affair. So far so good.

Sam noticed after he went back that Farida wasn’t talking to him as often as before. He was worried she would change her mind with Wale around. He decided to hasten the wedding ceremony so she would be all his. He came to maami to pick up the list which she gave him. Then he asked for a date for the introduction. Maami asked if he has spoken to Farida about it which he replied he hadn’t. She asked him to.

“My mother will be giving me away so the introduction will take place in our house”

“What do you mean? Do you intend to embarrass me? In our culture, a woman never gives away her child”

“I agree but I have told you my story. My father disowned me and I was raised by my mother. Who would give me away?”

“Your father is still alive, he will. We won’t accept anyone else”

“Ok. I am not talking to my father and he is not giving me away. End of discussion”

Sam was mad. Farida could be very stubborn but he had plans to clip her wings. What was this? He called her mother on the phone and asked her to talk to her daughter. Maami tried to appeal to Farida but she wouldn’t listen.

Sam discussed the issue with his father. His father said he understood where she was coming. When a father abandons his children, he should expect this from a strongwilled child. If Sam actually loved her like he claimed he did, he should go with her desire.

‘But dad, there is a natural order of things. I can never support this. She has a father. Please talk to her and convince her to allow us to have the introduction and engagement in Ilorin and then the court in Lagos and the reception in the village house”

“Is that what you want? Is that what will make you happy?”

“Yes father”

“Have you thought of how it will affect Farida? Do you love her enough to make a sacrifice for her?”

“I love her but I also don’t want to be made a mockery of too. She will be alright”

“I will talk to her”

Sam’s father spoke at length with Farida. He tried to make her see reason but she was adamant. He hoped Sam knew what he was getting himself into. He then begged her to do it for his honour and the love and respect she had for him. He promised to give her a brand new car as a wedding gift if she agrees. She rejected the car but agreed to the proposal with a slight adjustment; she wanted her reception in Lagos. She could have another in the village. Sam’s father agreed. He also told her he was taking care of all the bills; they were not to spend a dime. He was sending a wedding planner to her for preparations to be on the way. The introduction was to come up a week before the engagement and the wedding will hold a week after. They had three months to prepare.

Farida travelled to France with her mother to buy her wedding gown and accessories for her fairytale wedding. It was her mother’s first time travelling abroad and it was gladly sponsored by Sam’s father. They wanted her to look as amazing and gorgeous as ever. Sam is the first son of his father and the heir of his dynasty. His father refused to leave any stone unturned concerning this wedding. It was a taste of his capability. He knew Sam was marrying smartness and intelligence which was a good alliance compared to marrying into wealth. He also loved Farida like a daughter. Even his wife was excited when she heard Sam wanted to marry Farida; she gave her consent immediately. Farida had had a positive influence on her. She had learned how to cook and also she was running a successful events management business. He was proud of her.

On their first night in France, maami asked Farida again if she was sure of what she was doing.

“I have never been surer of anything”

“I don’t trust Sam”

“I know. You don’t like him but maami I’ve got this. I can handle him”

“Farida, never accept to be beaten in your life no matter what. If he beats you, leave immediately; I will take you back. Sam is manipulative and he seems to have control over you. Use your head more than your heart. If you insist on going on, remember what I told you today”

“I will remember maami”

“Does he know about —– you know?”

“What is that?”

“Never tell him about it please. Never. He will use it against you. Do you hear me? It never happened”

There was silence between them. Emotions were passed in silence; no need for words. There was an understanding; it was never discussed again even when they came back to Nigeria.

Maami travelled to Ilorin to officially inform Farida’s father’s family on the date for the introduction and engagement ceremony. They insisted on paying part of the cost which was impressive. Her father wasn’t a pauper after all. They asked maami to get the hall and cost of everything they need, they will pay. The information was passed to the wedding planner. She gave them the cost. They complained it was too high. They suggested a smaller hall which was still prestigious. Maami agreed with them and the venue was changed. They said they would cook their own food while the caterers hired for the wedding can attend to other guests. They gave the wedding planner some money to cover part of the cost.

The family chose a light blue lace aso ebi with gold aso oke. Farida shopped for her mother without telling her. Sam’s father credited her account with an obscene amount of money and told her never to tell anyone he did. She bought three quality laces for her mother with, jewelry, the designer shoes and bags. She also bought for her brothers.

Monica came back for the wedding. Farida went to pick her up. She insisted on staying with Farida while in Nigeria. Farida was glad to accommodate. When Farida saw her, she became very worried. Monica was fatter than when she left Nigeria. She was still pretty but she didn’t look healthy to Farida. She was going to be in Nigeria for a month before the wedding. Farida was bent on having her lose some weight before she goes back.

“Do you know my mother thought you were an opportunist? She didn’t have nice things to say about you until I turned the tables against Sam. I told her it was the other way around. Sam isn’t half as smart or intelligent as you are so you were the one doing him a favour by marrying him. I told her to ask Sam who is now so popular who gave him the ideas he worked. I told her Sam doesn’t deserve you; apart from handed down wealth, what more did he have to offer. She was angry and never brought it up again”

“Why would you fight your mother over me? I really am not bothered what anyone thinks. I am following my heart. Sam loves me and I love him in return”

“I hope so. I don’t trust Sam. You have been celibate; that I can vouch for but I bet you he has been with other ladies”

“I know”

“You know and you said nothing?”

“I don’t have a right to fight him when I am not legally his wife yet. And also, we are not having sex. For a man who is used to having it often staying celibate for over a year is like mission impossible. As long as he does it with respect for me then I don’t mind. It will become a problem when we get married and he continues”

“My father never stopped. He is still doing it. Sam is like him. But if you believe he will change then go ahead. Nothing I say will change your mind. Wale is heartbroken and he has to attend this wedding. Not fair at all”

“We were never romantically involved. We shared a moment and that was it. He didn’t bring it up again and I didn’t too. Why is it so difficult for me to be happy with my choice of a husband?”

“Well, people are calling you a gold digger. I just thought I should let you know. That’s what the tabloids are saying about you”

“Am I a gold digger?”

“I wasn’t the one that said so”

“I am asking you if you feel so”

“I don’t”

‘Does Wale think so?”

“No way”

“That’s all that matters”

#OpraDre FARIDA 36

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