thirty two
Many who so loved Mr. Zack gave vent to the emotions as he publicly teased and held his wife. See the bride, then the groom stretched out in gracious welcome to his new wife, his bone, and the appointed bride who made many come. After exchanging rings and kisses briefly at the reception hall for the second time, they waltzed round the hall to the excitement of all. The two coupled gazed down the floor lovingly and looked into each other's face. The secret truth which they carry as they sat was that these pretty faces would soon leave them behind to the own world in few hours from now. The one and only queen for the day, loveliest and most happy bride that gladdened husband's eyes and eyes. Zach fixed his eyes on her intently, determined not to miss, the blinks, the slightest movement of her face. It was love.
Relatives press forward to congratulate him and his radiant bride. Some had mistaken it only to be a night engagement since the occasion saw the darkness of that day. It was darkness from the outside, but inside, the place was full of light and color, warmth, and laughter, seeming to remain un-end that night in the presence of thousands of invitees the groom's family presented to the in-laws the bride price of their daughter. The crowd of guests clapped and shouted congratulations, and the moment was airy, gay, different, a pure moment of love and calmness of the heart.
Then the dancing which was a common thing in every marriage came up. This time it was really for the young couple and despite that, the hall was continuously crowded, the live music sang to the happiness of all. The many African voices like Zulizopend Rumba classic, Fela the first and others came and sang and cheered. They stood and sang every heart to submission. Finally, the long awaited song star skipped unto the stage and sang about love and kisses, heart and soul, yesterday and tomorrow. He sang in the air to the amazement of all as though her were Lionel Riche.
The ceremony, which lasted for two busy days, encompassing both traditional marriage rites and church wedding, were a sight to behold. It was contained in all the news and media reports even after many days, a solemn affair with most of the business leaders in attendance. An audience of Muslims watched the wedding on TV. Workers hurried home on time, some shops were closed down and most busy roads were almost empty. Everyone made a quick run home to watch everything live as long advertised. Live pictures of the ceremony were beamed around the world. These men flooded and walked past the red carpet for hours as they were called. The crowd that throngs the venues of the events was simply intimidating, while the decorations and other esthetics embellishment were breath taking. The venue where the ceremony held for the two days were a Mecca of some sorts. No sector of the society, was missing – Government functionaries, business moguls and industrialist, the clergies, the academics, lawmakers, the legislators and the public.
On the second day, it would end. It was though evening and almost all guests had gone. Those who were not in attendance the previous day strove hard to come and kept the whole day alive. It was evening, but there was still plenty of daylight in the naked sky. So, coming and going continued. Everything was folding to nothing. Then the sun vanished and the fateful day was gone and gone forever.