STORY: WHAT WENT WRONG (Episode 7)

Our enemies are people we dine, walk, drink, eat and laugh with. Sometimes we just don't know what we are up against.
How come Chanda seem not to be happy with the news of my marriage. This is my best friend. She should be in the fore front. Why giving me a blind eye? She too got married, God knows I was truly happy for her. Maybe she is stressed? Could it be that her new hubby did something to her. That explains her late coming to her parents house. Chibuye thought something bad might have happened to her friend. She ran after Chanda. Upon entering the yard Chanda's mum saw her.
"Good evening ma."
"What is good about this evening you witch."
"Sorry ma I'm looking for Chanda."
"Looking for Chanda this time? Ain't you suppose to be mumafunde?"
"I have been allowed to come outside for fresh air."
"So fresh air calls for you to come to my house to brush it on my daughter's face that you are getting married?"
"Ma why talking like that? Chanda is my best friend I saw her coming here, I got concerned. Ain't she suppose to be at husband's?"
"Now I understand what they mean [ichikupempula echikulya]."
"If my coming here to see Chanda offended you, I'm sorry I will take my leave."
"Why won't it offend me? My daughter is a laughing stock then you come here to sympathize with me pretending to be concerned. Let's see where that marriage will take you, we shall see if it will yield anything fruitful! "
"What wrong have I done for you to say such hurtful words?"
"Tell your mother to revisit her prophet? What is coming her way is something stronger than this."
"If you have issues with my mum, sort it out with her, don't drag me and Chanda in your misunderstandings."
"Go back to your parents before another man sees you."
"B. u. t. Chanda."
"What about Chanda! Get out of my compound this instant. What more do you want to cause my daughter?"
Chibuye never saw that one coming. Why was Chanda's mum so angry at Chibuye? Chanda is a coward, why didn't she come out to see me?
Chibuye walked back to her house, she called her mum.
(Mediapronounce ng)
They sneaked behind the house to talk.
"Mother did you have any altercations with Chanda's mum?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Nothing I haven't seen her come around to help out with the preparations."
"No my child I have no issues with her, she is probably busy with her things. You will feel the pressure when you go to your husband's house."
"I see."
"Don't worry I'm sure she will come around."
Mum seems to be in good books with bana Chanda but why was she rude to me? Could my mum be lying to me? Whatever it is they will sort it out in one way or another. These are my happy moments, I should not stain them with worries.
×××××××
Mum I overheard everything, you didn't have to be rude to her, she hasn't done anything wrong. From the word go she showed that man love. It's not her fault that he chose her. Personally speaking if I knew that man was that stranger, I wouldn't have agreed to marry him. The mistake I made was stealing that necklace from Chibuye. Had I not done that we would not be in this mess.
Shut up you clown what do you know about life? You are too young to understand a thing. You lost an opportunity of a lifetime because of your stupidity. How could you not see that the beggar was the chief's son?
Mum you have always been against me associating with poor men. How the hell was I to know the dirty beggar was not actually a beggar. He appeared dirty, old and was smelly.
Foolish girl you could not use your five senses. Look at your friend Chibuye she knew all along the boy had potential. Look at what your dullness has caused us.
That's her luck, Let me not dwindle myself in it.
Traditionally you are that boy's wife.
Wife? Mother listen to yourself.
I'm your mother I know what's good for you. We can't let such an opportunity slide us. We will fight to the end.
What are you talking about? That boy made it clear he doesn't want to see my face ever again. Do you wish to add more fire?
Do you trust your mother? Nothing is impossible my daughter. If plan A fails, there is plan B. If both plans don't work out, you try C. My enemies are at war with me, they don't want to see me succeed. I will strike my thunder, the entire village will bowl down on their knees.
You are speaking in parables. I hope it's not what I'm thinking.
When are they taking Chibuye to her husband?
In two days I guess.
We still have enough time just get yourself ready.
Ready for what?
You are asking too many questions. For once keep quiet. Let mummy be the captain to this sheep.
If you say so.
Chanda's father found them talking. He warned them both to humble themselves to avoid further embarrassment.
××××××××
The night before the traditional wedding. Chibuye's mum asked for permission from the women to talk to her daughter.
"My little one I will miss you, you surely make a good wife. That man is more than lucky to have chosen you."
"Thank you mum I take after you."
"My dear marriage has it's own sadness and happiness. This man came all the way here to look for a bride, its not that there are no women in his village. Whatever he yearned in a woman he saw it in you. Be the light in your husband's darkest moment. Be the pillar of strength, you are to guide him to the right path. Your job is to make him happy. His family is your family, you will come across mad ones, talkative ones, the quiet, the greedy, the jealousy, some of whom will be selfish. Just as you have accepted this young man you have accepted everything about him. Treat all his family members with dignity most importantly give respect to your father and mother in law. They are the ones who hold your blessings. Problems may arise, do not rush to react. The problems between you and your husband should be a secret between you two. Don't admire what your friend has, work to make the best of what you have. Don't say I didn't tell you."
(Mediapronounce ng)
"Thank you mother you are the best there ever was, I promise not to fail you and dad. I will continue to carry myself with dignity and respect."
Time for Chibuye to leave her house came. She spent her life staying with her family. How was she going to adapt to a new people and new environment. She imagined how Muma was going to be treating her, so far so good he has been everything she wanted in a man. She said a short prayer to thank God for a new path in her life. She asked God for strength, protection and guidance."
The next day was busy, Chibuye was given some time to say goodbye to her friends, they came to her house. They were all happy to see her, they talked giggled, laughed and gossiped. Until her best friend showed up her happiness was complete. Chanda gave Chibuye some cocotion.
"Hmm the bride to be is looking gorgeous."
"Thank you my friend"
"Did you think I would miss such an occasion. This is my day too."
"Thank you so much this means a lot to me."
"Here have some of this traditional juice."
"Some mukuyo?"
"Sssshhhhhiiiii its a drink specially made for you to help you."
"Help me with what?"
"Silly you! Just drink it, it's some women staff to keep you warm for your hubby."
"Ahhhhhhhhhh walitumpa why didn't you just say? Do you have to beat around the bush."
(Mediapronounce ng)
"Trust me he will enjoy you."
"Kikikikiki nakulamocha ka?"
When the dark cloud gathered for a storm. The wind cleared the cloud. Chibuye and Chanda enjoyed their last time together.
"I'm sad that you are leaving me."
"We all saw this coming, we are now women. We both married now. Let's strive to make our husbands happy."
"Exactly."
"By the way you didn't tell me who your hubby is."
"My hubby?"
Someone interrupted the girls. Visiting time is over. Thank you all of you for coming. Ohhh no! This is not fair, I still wanna be with my girls. # Bana Muma you have other things to do, you should say your goodbyes to your father. You are not to return here till you conceive.#
Why that?
# Traditional demands a woman to only visit her father's home upon being confirmed of becoming a mother.#
Take me to my face at once.
Chibuye's face was covered. She was taken to her father. He said the same words her mum told her. She sobbed, as much as she wanted to be with Muma she wasn't ready to leave her parents care. She wished it was the other way, Muma would have been the one to join her.
Night fell people gathered to watch the bride as she left to be with her husband. The drummers beat the drums, the entire village heard them. Chibuye was dressed in a tradition attire with a chitenge to wrap her from head to toe. Her mother cried seeing her girl go.
At Muma's household the young man was impatient.
"Dad why are they taking long? Maybe something happened, let's follow them up."
"Patience my son. Patience pays."
"Tata shikwete patience. This is my bride."
"Calm down take a deep breath your bride will be here soon."
××××××
This is it! The day I have waited for all my life has been born. Chibuye muttered to herself.
Past midnight they took Chibuye. Muma awaited Chibuye's arrival on the junction leading to his house. His heart beat increased, he did what was required of him, he put money to thank the people who brought his bride. . . . . .. When everyone was busy singing and dancing, he peeped to see if the woman brought to him was Chibuye.
"What are you doing?"
"Ichongo I wanted to see you weh."
"It's bad luck to see the bride before the marriage initiation ceremony."
"I missed you. You look beautiful."
The two love birds were married. They slept separately, they were both anxious for the next step.
In the early morning they were put in one room, a white cloth was spread. They made love, Chibuye proved to everyone that she was indeed a virgin. Muma was the most happiest man.
The nganga who is said to be a voice of the gods visited them shortly after their final marital celebrations.
"I'm sorry to come at a time like this. Congratulations to the new couple however Muma you are to allow your first wife to come live with you and your second wife.
"First wife! What first wife? Which first wife?"
"Are you forgetting that you married another woman?"
"What's wrong with you? That's a mistake that was corrected before it escalated further," shouted Muma's father.
"All the marriage rites were performed. Traditionally he is married to her."
"This is absolute nonsense, I married one woman and this is her. I know no one other than her."
"It's too late the other woman is here. She shall stay here, she is entitled to everything as well."
Chibuye froze in tears . . .. . . ... . . . .. What went wrong? Who was this other woman Muma married?