Marriage

Nnanna always came with gifts for Ego, ranging from his big catches to little things like her favourite flowers; Ego was always looking forth to what her lover was going to get her as he never failed to surprise her. Though their meeting wasn't like those you see in traditional movies when the lovers have to sing and dance with each other; they were really happy in each other's company. They even gave each other pet names. Nnanna called her "Ego Bekee" and she called him "Obim".

Days turned to weeks and weeks to months and their love waxed stronger, with them discovering that their feelings were mutual and love genuine. She has fallen head over heels for him and him in return. She even shared with him a similar story like the one he had about her that night they met for the first time.

It was on one of such nights when they met to watch the stars that Nnanna told Ego that he would like it very much if she would agree to be his wife and the mother of his children. On hearing this, Ego quickly raised her head from her lover's laps so she could see his face acting like she didn't hear him at first said. "Obim I did not hear what you just said oh…" she said softly so he could repeat it for her to be sure. You can't blame her. Every woman would want to hear that twice from her lover.

"I said, Ego bekee would you make me the happiest man alive by accepting to be my wife and the mother of my children?" Nnanna said lacking diffidence.

"Obim, there is nothing I want more than to do just that," she said smiling prettily.

They hugged each other, went back to their position and began discussing with excitement what their married life would be like, the dos and don'ts, the number of children they will have, their names and how they are going to make sure they bring them up according to the traditions of the land. That night Nnanna promised Ego saying

"As long as there is a blue sky above and the gods remain in it, I swear to always be with you, love you, and make you happy by giving you everything that you want".

With smiles, she replied, "All I want is a big and happy family with a lot of children; mostly girls".

Early morning of the next day, he told his parents that he has found the woman he was going to get married to. The mother was so happy that finally, her son has found someone to spend the rest of his life with and of course produce grandchildren that will help and keep her company.

When asked by his father who the girl was; he told them it was Ego, the daughter of Mazi Ojika. He was happy knowing she is a beauty with good manners, but they were curious as to how Ego chose him from all the men asking her for marriage. That is a question only the gods responsible for the act could answer.

Ego beautifully attired in fineries and colourful materials; new wrappers, beads around her waist, hair beautifully woven with threads and beads, and bangles on ankles and wrists. Beautiful patterns and lines were drawn with Uli on her face, chest, and legs.

Looking dazzling and beautiful like never before; she walked majestically, taking her place beside her father as custom demands. He presented her with a cup of palm wine, instructing her before the guests to show them who her husband is as he was not familiar with whom he was. She took the cup from him and went in search for Nnanna among the audience.

It took about five to seven minutes before she located him seated among his friends behind. She knelt before him, took a sip of the wine before handing it over to him, he drank the rest, stood up in the company of his bride and both went to the specially prepared cane-weaved seat made just for them. This was accompanied by a lot of cheers and applauds from their guests and families.

Gradually the cheers faded away as she subconsciously had a feeling of someone looking down at her and two hot puffs of air hitting her face. Slowly she opened her eyes to find her husband with his hand supporting his head as he lay beside her, admiring her with a smile on his lips.

"Good morning my husband" she greeted returning the smile.

"Morning Nwanyi Oma" he responded, gently caressing her left hand he asked

"So what were you dreaming of?"

"I was dreaming about our marriage. When I was handing over the palm wine to you"

"Oh! After you drank almost everything in the cup, eeh?" Nnanna asked jokingly.

"That's not true! I was ensuring nothing was inside before presenting it to my love" she cajoled him.

"So why do I have this handsome man watching over me?"

"He is admiring the most beautiful woman in Umudibia and wondering how he of all people ended up with her?" he said, gently drawing strange patterns with his index finger on her left hand.

"Someone is being sweet this morning," she said obstructing the artist by gently removing his hand.

"I wanted to remind her how gorgeous and ravishing she looks," he said with his hands back on her body.

Grinning she acknowledged "I know where you are driving to with all these sweet words".

"So you do? Then let's go to the place already" he said.

"No! Not this morning" she said and jumped out of the bed.

"We went there yester-night; I'm even still exhausted from the long journey" she continued.

Nnanna went after her in circles around the bed with Ego laughing as hard and loud as she could. Nnanna promised heaven and earth if only they would revisit the place. Ego continued playing but succumbed when he promised to return from the hunt with the biggest antelope in the forest.