Resuscitated Hope - Episode 1

 

©Obinna Tony-Francis Ochem

I'm writing from 70's perspective till date..

Emeka left his hometown under the apprenticeship of his wealthy relative.
He worked so hard, day in and out, afternoon and night.
He was the only servant his Uncle, as he fondly addressed him, though they were not related, had.
Emeka was honest in his dealings, until he was settled six years after and he became his own boss.
Before that, his boss liked him for his honesty. He threw a big party on his send forth as people jollied; he prayed for him endlessly that he will prosper in his endeavours . He couldn't stop using him to cite example for other servants.

Years later, his business started flourishing but he was a womaniser. He was a flirt and had his way with words coupled with being wealthy. Ladies were at his arms length and ready to fall for him.
His friends nicknamed him, 'smooth talker".
He couldn't help than lure different girls to sleep with, for monetary exchange. He didn't have a problem with money and was ready to spend it.
The girls were all in different shapes, sizes and colours.

Monday morning,
Emeka came to his shop as usual to continue his normal business routines. He had a servant who helped in getting the shop arranged, whilst he stayed around to monitor him.
Just then, Yewande entered with frown registered on her face.

Read " The Odds Are Against Me " by the same author ( Obinna Tony )

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/resuscitated-hope

. Her eyes were swollen like someone that had spent days crying.
She was beautiful, average height and fair in complexion and was the one Emeka liked most.
Her mother sold locally made foods under a stand built with woods and raffia palm fronds as a shelter, down the street and Emeka knew her from going there to eat.
Her food was delicious and she was nicknamed, "Iya Ojuelegba oni delicacies". She had a friendly customer care service. They were in Ojuelegba vicinity where different kind of businesses plied.
Yewande was beautiful and could pass for a beauty queen of her time.
"Hey, bebi, in his obvious Igbo intonation, how are you na"?
Before she could curt in ...
He chirped again, "wetin happen nau, you are making me uncomfortable, baby mu". He never finished word without adding an Igbo word "mu" which can be translated to mean, "my".
Yewande could feel his displeasure.
Trying to wipe out tears from her face, Emeka removed her hand and wiped it softly.
She sneezed and one could feel the mucus that had accumulated in her nostril.

"Err', I'm pregnant..... Before she could finish, Emeka jumped up in jubilation.
He yelled, "Nna Mehn, was that why you were crying bikonu? I am wealthy and can take care of anything or everything you need".
He was so ecstatic.
Meanwhile, they were in the inner shop to prevent onlooker's from plying on their business.
Mama Efe that sold food next to Emeka shop never liked him as he doesn't patronise her. She had low patronage because of the tastelessness of her food. She never cared to improve or she couldn't improve.
To worsen it all, Yewande visits Emeka who never looked at her daughter twice even with his flirting skills.
She craved for her daughter to marry Emeka or any other business man around, so she would be financially secured. She never smiles and it is enough to dissuade customers.
Yewande and Emeka having their conversations outside could attract her nosiness and assumptions.

"That is not a problem", Yewande stood up and tapped him by his shoulder after he referenced his affluence.
At least she was free in her inner mind.
He didn't deny the responsibility of the child.
She took a quick breath and retorted, "My parents sent me away from home that I brought shame to them". They said I must marry the man that impregnated me in a traditional way or I would be disowned.
"It is not a problem", Emeka hugged her.
He told her how he had wanted to settle down but his ways had been restricting.
He assured this would tame him and promised to marry her.
She stayed in the shop with him till evening before he led her to her house to meet her parents.

********************
They entered the compound and Yewande stayed behind, outside the compound waiting. Emeka entered the house, and Iya ojuelegba was busy serving her husband with food.
It was 9:00pm.
He knocked and was ushered in.
Iya Ojuelegba had a nice parlour from what could be obtained in the seventies.
The black and white television standing neatly on the shelves with hanging antenna.
"Good evening, Sir", he blurted out.
"Ehh, my pikin how are you doing?", Iya Ojuelegba replied and her husband responded with a nod and wave as he swallowed the heavy Amala and Gbegiri.
He pretended like he never saw Yewande and asked for her whereabouts..
"That girl had brought shame to us", they chorused.
"Eh, this is my number one customer in my buka-- a colloquial for restaurant", she said facing her husband in attempt to avert the discussion.
"Wow!, what a handsome young man. Why have you visited us?".
He excused them, and came back with Yewande.
Iya Ojuelegba was boiling in rage, "you know the abominable act this girl had committed.
"I know", Emeka chorused.

Yewande's father took a deep breath.
"I'm a respected Ijebu man and this girl brought a shame to me".
"With my status, I thought she would bring a wealthy man as a husband, but here" he said lowering his head.
He had lost appetite for his remaining food..
Yewande pinched Emeka softly to say a word and he winced a bit.
"Daddy, mummy, I'm responsible and I want to ask for her hand in marriage" Emeka said abruptly.
They were both shocked.
"Omo Igbo", they said in a unison voice.

First phase passed and they reached an agreement.
Second phase, begun and it's a journey to the east of Nigeria for Emeka's family and relatives.

Meanwhile, there is seemingly virtuous Adaku in the village being prepared for Emeka to marry whenever he comes home.
She had been workaholic for Emeka's mother as she anticipated her Lagos husband.
Someone she had bragged with, while with her friends and they all listened in jealousy.