CHAPTER 6

When I saw Tayo's countenance the next day, I knew there was nothing I could do about his decision and Umama seemed to get it when I told her. "He has always been a tough cookie. Don't worry about it", she had said after I told her the outcome of the persuasion.

I noticed Tayo and Christy going up and down in the house but none of them was talking to me.

"Christy is everything fine? You have been going up and down since morning", I asked solemnly

"Just keep calm, everything is fine. Trust me", she smiled.

I was left with Gogo in the sitting room watching South African series. "Crazy things happen right. Youths of nowadays are too wayward. I cried when Melokuhle got pregnant, I never wanted that for my daughter. Premarital sex is wrong. Not all women are lucky, you don't buy a cow when you can get the milk free", Gogo said calmly as her eyes stay glued to the TV screen.

"Have you with my grandson?"

"Yes ma", I replied without looking into her eyes.

"Stop it from now on till you marry. I don't trust my own grandson and I don't want you to cry", she smiled.

"You are better than that my angel", she added as she brushed my cheek.

"Thank you Gogo"

"Don't let anyone make decisions for you and Tayo. Make your own decisions and don't let others influence your decision not even Melokuhle"

"Honestly I am confused Gogo. I don't know what to do."

"Do what your heart tells you to do my dear. I can just imagine the amount of pressure you are going through right now but trust me you will be fine".

I placed my head on Gogo's shoulder, "Thank you Gogo. Those are the words I need right now"

I was in the room when Kelita entered with some fabrics. To my greatest surprise her facial expression was different towards me. She had the same smile as Christy but her own was even prettier.

"Hi", she whispered.

"Hi", I replied uncomfortably.

"Umama told me to give you these for tonight's event"

"Okay. Tayo never mentioned anything about an event"

"Must have skipped his mind ", she laughed.

"Some relatives are coming over and as a Siyabonga to be, you need to look best", she added with a smile.

"You must be scared at the sudden change of attitude?", she asked.

"Yes I am because I don't know what this is"

"I am just desperate to have my brother around me", she said as she placed her hand on mine.

"Are you sure when you said you can stay here in South Africa?", she asked excitedly.

"Yes, I don't have a problem staying here but Tayo and I have not been in good terms lately because of it".

"Don't worry about that Patricia. Since you are okay with this place, Tayo is small task", she waved her hand.

What she did make me to remember what Gogo said, "Do not let others make decisions for you"

The Siyabonga's family came together to the house in the evening. To be sincere, I was wowed at their elegance. The outfits and their charisma was second to none.

"Wawu", a woman gasped as she approached me.

"Perfect masterpiece. You look charming", she added.

"You do not look bad yourself ma'am", I complimented her.

"Gracias my darling. You look gracious in that attire. Keep it up", she smiled as she made her way to the living room.

When everyone was seated, Tayo rose up to introduce me to the family and they all welcomed me warmly. It was that same night that I knew Melokuhle was Gogo's only daughter admidst five brothers and all of them were not interested in the family's business except Melokuhle and her sisters in-law.

"So what do you do Patricia?" a woman seated beside me asked dauntlessly.

"I am a fashion designer," I replied with a smile.

"Immaculate! So you work for what brand?", she asked impressively.

"I run my own personal brand in Lagos".

"Fashion is life dear, what can we do without fashion? Believe me you are in the right house".

"That I am not sure because you don't know whether she is really what she called herself." Another woman said immediately.

"Fikile!" Her husband exclaimed.

"What! You all are so naive".

"She doesn't have anything to prove to you Fikile, she doesn't need your sentimental judgement. Please keep them to yourself", Kelita lashed out at her.

"Coming from a girl who doesn't have anything to offer the family".

"One word from you again Fikihle and I will show you what becomes of whoever insult my children", Melokuhle said.

"Is that a threat?"

"No, it is a warning"

"This should be a beautiful dinner not a battleground please", Gogo cut in.

The dinner was awesome but Fikile was an ass. I heard she was also into fashion designing after the drama she performed on the dining table.

"She is a local seamstress calling herself a designer. Don't mind her, she is an empty threat". Kelita had whispered.

That day was also an happy day for me, one of the happiest day of my life. Tayo asked the big question I couldn't ignore in the presence of his whole family.

"Patricia Chiamaka Benson. Meeting you is the sweetest thing that has ever happened to me. Despite all the hurdles you stood right by me. My sweet palm wine as your father loves to call you. You brought a new flavor and taste into my life, the one I could not resist. The beautiful memories you brought into my life are worthwhile and I don't want it to end now. Patricia please do me the honor of being my wife", he went on a knee and brought out a ring.

Seriously watching Nollywood movies has always been funny to me, when a man proposes and the lady starts crying. I thought it was just for the movies not until the day Tayo did the same to me. I couldn't hold back my tears. It was such a beautiful moment for me as his family members where also smiling back at me especially Kelita and Christy. They've got the prettiest smile I couldn't resist.

"Yes, I will Omotayo", I had said after putting myself together.

The family photographer was on standby capturing all the moment and as a Siyabonga in South Africa, the news was all over the gossip mills and Nigeria too wasn't left out when Chief Akerejogbon's son, one of the richest oil magnet has proposed.

It was a dream come true for me. I have always gushed over the exquisite and celebrity weddings and I have always wanted one for myself too.

"Similoluwa! Guess what?"

"What is it, you know I am not good at guessing"

"Tayo proposed, we are getting married"

"This is good news baby girl. I am going to be a maid of honor at last", she said excitedly.

"I can't just express how happy I am Similoluwa"

"I am happy for you baby girl and I hope you are happy for me too. Fred and I are back together, he begged me and he promised not to hurt me in anyway again".

"Tell me you are kidding me Similoluwa. Are you normal?"

"I am very fine, I am normal"

"No, Similoluwa you are not okay. You need help, this guy doesn't deserve you. You are better than this"

"Patricia, I am absolutely fine. Everyone deserves a second chance".

"This is not the first time he has been begging for another chance Simi".

"And I will continue to forgive him. I want to marry too".

"I don't want to see you hurt again Similoluwa".