Chapter 1 Brainwashed

Mamle and Dome were a lovely couple to watch. Mamle was tall, dark, slender and beautiful. Dome on the other hand was slightly shorter than his girlfriend was and commanded much more respect from friends and foes alike. They had a beautiful friendship everyone admired. Bound by the cords of love, and with one mind, there was no problem they could not solve together, no task too daunting, no barrier too intimidating, no race too tough and no mountain too high to climb. By just looking at them, the world seemed like a better place to live in. It was a joy to see them walking hand in hand, laughing together, smiling, picking up the pieces after an argument and just being there for each other. It seemed nothing could tear them apart. Every day at the table, they would sing on about how they were soon going to get married in an eye-catching ceremony. They planned to bless their union at the altar since everything seemed to be going in their favour. Dome was good to a fault, very courteous and helpful; the talk of the town. Unfortunately, however, all things not being equal, the tides suddenly turned against them and everyone was mad at them for no reason. Anytime people saw them together just like before, they made unkind comments openly about them that could provoke the meekest of a human being. No matter how any of the two lovebirds tried to make sense of events which were unfolding, it figured there was no tangible explanation. It was heart breaking to see many friends suddenly turn their backs on them for no apparent reason. Although concerned, Dome consoled Mamle with the fact that he was never going to leave her side nor abandon her. These words of consolation lifted her spirits and made her happy once again, glad to be dear to his heart, loved and adored. Some spoke so ill of him that she necessarily dissociated herself from them. One of such her noticeable acts moved her friend Afua to ask her:

"Are you avoiding us because of what we said about Dome?" a little guilty for all she had been doing to make her feel miserable. Dome stole her friend's heart and all the attention she used to receive. Perhaps, she was not to blame for her reaction.

"What else do you want me to do?" asked Mamle. "Take sides? You know I can't choose you over him?"

"Really? Where was he when we kept you company, cried tears, laughed and played together? Be grateful and don't pretend we were never there." Afua said with disdain written all over her face.

"I never said you were never there for me. There are times when you meet people and enjoy their company better than others. It's no crime, is it?" she replied. "I'll prefer to be dumb than to listen to your jealous protests. I'm getting tired of all that" Disappointed, Afua and her other friend left her side, spreading false rumours that even broke their hearts when they heard them being retold. Afua was a childhood friend who knew Dome so well and was on the list of girls to be selected as bridesmaids. Being the brain behind Dome and Mamle's union in the first place, one could not fathom the reason why her emotions betrayed her so. Dome stole Mamle's heart from her perhaps, as a bestie, yet, she should have understood that it happens all the time. Afua missed Mamle's friendship so much that it was hard to share her with anyone. Dome overdid everything so much that it would be difficult for anyone to stay around them.

"You must be wary of your friends from now on, Mamle," said Dome. "See how much they have dragged our names in the mud as if we owe them everything!"

"Remember I have been with them since childhood," she said. "It would be difficult to let go."

"Then choose between myself and your friends," he replied. So, from then on, Mamle chose Dome over her friends. As if to add insult to injury, Dome's friends joined the train of jealous people and complained bitterly about Mamle every time they met. I have been complaining about Mamle's friends. Now, here I am with the same situation on my hands. I guess it has been very difficult for her.

"Mamle is good to a fault," he said to them.

"Wait till you see who she really is," they replied. Why is everyone against us when I see nothing wrong? If I'm really convinced about my feelings for her, I must not waver in my thoughts only because of what my friends say.