Made for me

Chasing the cloud

After the traditional rights were done and dusted, the day of the joining together was finally here and the atmosphere was chock-full of feelings of celebration. It was as usual protocol. Saturday for the traditional and Sunday for the church wedding. It has been weeks since the preparation started. The two families are together now mingling, getting to know each other, and tolerating themselves. Soon these two families will be related because the two love birds will soon be joined together as one. It's been a long time since they started nesting for their home and the ripe day has come. Even the hungry neighbors are glad because today everyone will be full of wine and bread. There is an important meeting in the living room. The bride and the groom's parents are cross-checking the list containing all the traditional protocols. A list where items are listed according to the community's demands and, indeed, the listing is quite demanding. Items are listed from one to twenty-five. It's tradition and the groom is capable of complying with all the demands. Some people who don't believe in these traditions might call it a cooperative robbery. From a hundred tubers of yam to sixteen bags of rice, followed by numerous items also, is a big bill asked by the family of the bride. It's not a big deal around here. As I said, tradition demands. The diary has been handed to the bride's family and they go further to exchange prayers and blessings. You could hear the bubbling laughter of the elders. The laughter comes mostly when there are a lot of wines on the table, a variety of them with cola nuts on the side. The aroma of a fortified Jellof Rice and Fried Chicken paraded the air and the information is clear and simple. A balanced diet and more. A meal to remember. The hunger in everyone's stomach is humble enough to wait for the feast ahead. Everyone was dressed in traditional attire and it was a colorful afternoon. A variety of dresses everywhere like it is a competition. Some looked glamorous and others went too far and looked like a masquerade, but they were all welcomed with smiles and greetings. Ruth was the most beautiful flower in the garden, which was her best friend, of course. The makeup section has started and the Makeup Artist is adding glamour to the naturally beautiful face. It was three hours since they locked themselves in the room but the wait was worth it. She had to be the fairest of them all. That's all women desire on their day of marriage. The five-tower cake has already been placed under the canopy. The musicians have been charging the environment with matrimonial music and everyone awaits the queen and king of the hour. There was a series of dancers waiting and warming up one hand. There was a lot to feed the eyes. The ceremony promised a show and was loaded with a bunch. The groom and his friends were already waiting in the sitting room. Soon the wait was over. Ruth emerged like a mermaid from the sea, looking like a goddess of beauty. The young man took a sigh of relief as the groom beheld his future wife. The women around started singing and chanting in their local tongue. Then it is time for marriage rights. The two couples exchange their vows before everyone and after the vows, they all pray for them, starting with the bride's father. Then they give them the orientation of what is forbidden, which is not to be exhibited at their new home. After that, it was now time for the marriage proper. The dancing and the music were already pumping the atmosphere and the stage was waiting to be graced by the couples. They walk out with joy as they lead the way to the groove. They came in pairs. First the celebrant, then the best man and the bride's maid. The party started with slow and romantic music and a few Vip personalities were with the celebrant on stage. Dancing gently while they spay bundles of new naira notes as if they came in a bullion van. It was expected. Rose was not left out. She also joined in spraying a few bundles. The occasion was hosted by people with influence, power, and high rank in society. The public was also allowed to attend. There was a lot to eat and drink but you could easily differentiate the invitee's canopy from the others. It was well-loaded with drinks of a high class. It was Hennessey and champagne class, while the others were soft drinks. After the various dancing together, there was room to allow the cultural dancers to come onto the stage. You can not compare the dance moves of the dancers to any. It was followed by clapping innovation and cheers all around. It was a major highlight of the event. I mean, why won't it? This is what they do for a living and they nailed it with some swagger. Their waists twisted as if they were fishes. After hours of music and dancing, it was time for refreshment. The meal looked tasty and it lived up to its promise. You could hear some people arguing at the back of some canopies. No one wants to be left out. They fight for the meal as if it is their birthright. There is enough to go around but they weren't taking that chance. I would say it's part of their adapter behavior. That insecurity and lack of trust let their hearts be violent. Everything was going as planned. Ms. Pearl's planning was superb and everything was put together to achieve a five-star wedding. After all is said and done, the sun started retreating its light, and the canopies started becoming scanty. The Saturday celebration feeling had gone down, and now everyone had to start heading home. People that come from far are more in haste. The traffic is not a respecter of anybody.

The Sunday morning was full of excitement. The fragrance of intimacy was in the air and the divine moment had come. The wedding bells rang and everyone was dressed for the occasion. Dressed in gowns and suits, they all matched in the church. Ayo the man of the hour, was all swagged in a double-breasted white suit, and his best man in a classic fit black suit. Ruth was looking angelic in her long-sleeved mermaid country bride bridal wedding dress. When they were exchanging vows, the church was quiet and the beauty of marriage sparked in everyone's eyes as they beheld the beauty of it. After vows, there were a series of prayers from the pastor and the church. Rose had tears gathered in her eyes and sighs of gladness all around. After kissing the bride, it was time for Ruth to throw her wedding flower. Rose was the lucky one and, of course, she pushed the others out of the way to get it. They were no match for this iron lady and her urge to win turns her savage sometimes. After grace, then it was time for the reception and they held to the location.

The reception was a feast like that of a king. There was a variety of foods, drinks, and also sweet music. Ruth's favorite gospel artist and her band came to perform. Who said dreams don't come through? I mean seeing Doboral Ebube performing on stage has been her dream since sixteen. Alex was at the reception too. At a corner, admiring Rose. "Hey sweetheart," said Alex as he walked to Rose with a sorry face. "Who is your sweetheart?" she responded. "I was a fool. I did you wrong and am so sorry for that". "So where is your girlfriend", she inquired." Since you left I have had nothing to do with any woman. I realized that you are the best thing that has happened to me in a long time". At this point, Rose was skeptical about what to say. She had missed him and her anger was melted by his convincing speech and eyes of sincerity. "I Don't Know what to believe anymore". She said and looked away. Alex then went to his knees to plead with her. " Stand up, please" she begged of him because he was creating a sense. "I love you, Babe". " I forgive you, stand up, please". Alex then got up and they hugged. The witnesses all around gave a clapping innovation to the beautiful experience. After the reconciliation, they both held hands and smiled at each other. Everything was going well and it was indeed proving to be a day to remember. All of a sudden, Alex was on his knees again with a ring in his hand. Rose didn't need to be briefed on what was going on. Her shock had made her short of words. "Rosemary Olumide, will you marry me?" The shock almost took her off balance. She thought she might have been hallucinating. All she heard was people screaming "Say yes, say yes". She saw Ruth smiling and she knew it was real. " Yes, I will, Alex. Alex was relieved and his smile was full and they hugged. Afterward, he wore her the ring and it was as expected. Classic Alex, classic ring. Rose was sure the ring had been bought at a ridiculous price. The fancy diamond on it says it all and she wore it with pride. At this point, the party was at its peak, and entertainment was booming. The MC of the occasion had paired everyone. One man to one woman, couple or not, he paired them in twos. The stage was open and the challenge began. It was difficult to pick the best couple because they all brought it big on stage. No shying off at all. Everyone was dancing. Even Alex and Rose had a few moves to show as well. It was an atmosphere of happiness. You could confirm it from the smiling faces all around the place. After the dancing was over, they went to take pictures and the two families took a series of pictures fit for a popular magazine cover. The great day was finally over and everyone went home delighted.

Harry, on the other hand, was unaware of all that went down at the wedding. He was chilling with his friend at a bar and having a couple of drinks. He decided to share his feelings with him. "Man, I messed up big time." He said while he took off his cap. "What's going on man, you can always share. That's why I am here for you". "I had a chance to ask Rose out but I blew it". "What do you mean you blew it". "I was afraid she wouldn't say yes, so I froze. I guess I was not ready". "hahaha you must be joking", he then took off his glasses to get a better visual of Harry's face. "When did the Lion start eating corn?" he said and he looked shocked. This was the same Harry that was giving him tutorials on how to ask a woman out and now he needed his advice. "The Harry I know can get any lady he wants, so what difference is Rose? he asked curiously. "Bro, I am in love with her." Elvis, his friend had no choice but to burst into laughter. The words coming out of his mouth were strange to him. "You must be joking, Harry, I know you don't fall for any woman". "You are wrong Bro, I have fallen a long time ago". "She must be in love with you too". "I don't know for sure, am still skeptical about it". "You must joking man. So you are telling me that a woman with such a status chooses to hang out with you instead of work and you still doubt it? Come on man, she is in love with you". At this point, Harry was enlightened and his heart raced. "Thanks man". He thanked Elvis for the advice and took off to find Rose.

The reunion between Rose and Alex was intense and they were glued to each other like gum. Rose was spending quality time at Alex's place when the doorbell rang. Her curiosity made her hurry to the door, only to find out that it was Harry with a bunch of flowers. She was stunned and ran out of words. "I have let my ego and pride blind my eyes and I lied the last time. What I mean to say is, I love you. I love you in a way that I get goosebumps when you smile. Please Rose, will you be my lover?" Rose couldn't say anything. She just raised her finger and Harry got the message. "Hey babe", Alex said as he went to check what might have been keeping Rose. "Who is this Babe", he asked. "seem, an old friend of mine just came to drop some flowers. Harry, meet Alex". "I should be on my way now". He said and vacated their presence. Alex was trying to process what just happened and he was lost but he didn't even try to ask Rose. Nothing should spoil this moment they are having, so they both ignore it. Rose's heart was divided at this point. Her feelings seesawed rapidly. she was confused but the smile on her face fooled Alex. After hours of feeling swings, she decided to call the heart fire extinguisher and it extinguished the rising flames of feeling for Harry. She was not getting younger and Alex was the one that her life needed at that point. A stable man, who is ready to take her up the alley. Even if she was insanely in love with Harry, she couldn't let it take away the moment. " Harry is too reckless and she was fed up with his risky adventures. "What are the plans for our marriage", she inquired Alex. She needed something to distract her from thinking about Harry and it worked.

Work the next day was fantastic. The joy reflected in and out of her. Her employees have never seen her in that light before and it was weird. They had started the gossip to unravel the misery behind the strange behavior. They were a little uncomfortable with it. They have never seen her cracking jokes or being playful. A few knew what was going on and they were happy for her. "This mood might make her promote someone" they whispered among themselves. They all put on their best behavior as a setup to ask her for a favor. It was an unusual sighting at the office. Rose had been chatting with Timi in a corner of the office for half an hour now. They whispered for some time and then burst into laughter. The rest of the employees are curious. They parade around trying to pick out of the conversation but they can't get close enough and they are stuck in their imagination. A beautiful day at work, Rose was now in her office, going through files when she received a video call from Harry. "Hey, sweetheart, Daniel, and Sofia are crying. They missed you and we are waiting for you in the pack". "I will be there in an hour". Daniel and Sofia were the children. They painted their faces in the pack together and she had promised to come to see them soon. She knew the game Harry was playing, and she was falling for it. The meeting was important to both as she intended to tell Harry that he should stop all his attempts to get her because she had already engaged. Getting to the pack, the two kids came to hug her. Harry was sitting on a chair. Waiting to receive her on the next chair. " Please sit dear," Harry invited her. "Am here now, so what can I do for you?". "Am in love with you Rose". " How do you know that," she asked. "I know because you complete me in. When I am around you, I am drawn to you and my soul wants to hear you speak. You make me a better person. I love you when you are mad at me. I have never seen any woman that works as hard as you do. I love you because the image of you smiling back at me is always on display in my heart. This and many other reasons I can't express. "Well, I am engaged now so you want me to break up this beautiful thing that happened to me lately?". "If that is the deal, then I will put a ring on it too. The persuasion was intense and Rose was becoming uncomfortable. " I think I should take my leave now," she said as she ran away from the conversation. Harry was left devastated. All he had now was the two faces of the little kids to encourage him. When Harry got home, he picked himself up again, thanks to his high self-esteem. Winning Rose's heart was now the new goal he aimed to achieve. He is a goal-getter, of course, but he needed more than a regular plan to pull this off. Tuesday was a beautiful day and the atmosphere was poised with promises. The boss lady is cruising on her Lexus 350 Rx while enjoying her favorite radio station. "Hello pals, am your host Abigail, and today we are going to read out some love confession, and you know how it's going my people". "Yes oo" replied Rose. She is a fan of the program and derives a lot of pleasure from it. Hearing a love confession brightens up her day. "Today's first love confession was from a guy called Harry to a certain lady called Rose. She was so locked in that she didn't recognize the names. It says, " When you put on a dress, you make the dress feel lucky. You are like salt. You add taste to everything you touch. There is enough flavor to go around. You are ambitious and you hang all your trophies on your neck. How then can you be brain watched? You are like a coconut, hard outside and sweet inside. I love you because I get lost in a maze when I think of you. Every turn is an adventure. From the pack to the trip to Dubai or to the middle of the ocean. I don't care as long as I am stuck with you". At this point, Rose was stunned and her heart got what it was craving for. It was a confession of true love. "Can we make history together again? Would there be hope on the cliff? I love you, that's all I know, and if it's a journey without returning, then I will risk it chasing the clouds". After hearing the confession, it was like her breath was taken and her soul leaped in search of the man who took her breath away. She then pulled over. She wondered where Harry could be. She didn't want to call. Her hunches led her to search for him. "Where could Mr arrogant be?" she asked herself. She then decided to tour the few places that she felt he might be. Her intuition was right as she drove quietly to Harry's place. She found a pair of female shoes at the foot of the door. Cold and warm impulses travel rapidly through her spine. She appreciated the words encrypted in her heart. She was not letting Harry's carelessness take it away from her. She just stepped back carefully and went back to the car. She didn't even know why she did it. While sitting in her car processing all that happened, she sent a message to him on w******p saying, "Those are the sweetest words I have ever heard in my life. I will give you your credit, but I feel that the sweetness might give me a running stomach. In all my life, no one sees me the way you do. It's supposed to be a good thing, but that's why I am scared. I do have feelings for you, no doubt about that, but I am too sensitive to put all my eggs in one basket when the driver to my destination is a reckless one".

While she was in her car, she got a notification from i********:, as she was tagged on a post by Alex with a caption that says, "She said yes"and also posted pictures of both of them together. Rose was not pleased with his actions. She felt that he should have told her before bringing their private life to the general public. She then drove straight to Alex's office. Getting there, everyone received and welcomed her like the owner of the place. In an awkward way, they greeted her and called her Madam. The different social medias were on fire with different headlines. A popular social media troll reposted their picture with a caption saying, "A double rainbow at the rising of a glorious morning. When she got to Alex's office she had put back on her beautiful smile. "Hey sweetheart", "Yes darling, what do I owe this visit my dearest? "Came to see my lover that's setting the internet on fire". "Was there a need to still keep it a secret? I love you and I want to tell it to the world". He then dragged her closer and gave her a cute kiss. At that point, she realized that he had become more romantic. He might not be as romantic as Harry, but he has got a little magic under his sleeve too. He is a better man on paper. He is the apple of his parent's eyes, socked in the stream of his parent's wealth. Rose had started to imagine how glorious their marriage would be. It was the final trophy left in her life for her to achieve. After she left Alex's office, she then drove to Baba Tunde's house. He was at his regular spot. Sitting under a tree in his compound with his radio, the day's paper and his glasses. The old man had started singing with joy as he saw her entering his compound. They were good friends and their diverse ages was not a problem. Rose was his queen bee and he was a soldier in this sweet honey comb. "Have a sit my daughter,"he said, with a big smile. "How is the family?". "We are all fine. Baba, I am here again to see you and ask a few questions. Your daughter speaks counsel from your wise mind". "Go on, what's the issue? I am in love with two men and I don't know which one to be with. One has already proposed marriage to me". "The last time you came here, you didn't have a lover and now, you have options and you don't know who to choose, right?". "Yes baba". He then took off his eyeglasses and dropped his papers for a more serious conversation. "You see, my dear, what keeps a marriage strong is trust built on understanding. I would advise you to marry a man that understands you well enough to the extent it feels like both of your hearts communicate. Don't let your feelings rule over you by ignoring those little important things that matter a lot". "Thank you very much sir, but I have to go now". "Greet your people for me". He said as he watched Rose leave.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning. Rose took a day off from work. Alex had come to chill at Rose's place. The two love birds were reminiscing and, in a cute way, they had become playful, chasing themselves around the living room and playing hide and seek like kids. They had become adventurous over night and the house had now become their fantasy island. From a pillow fight to rock, paper and scisles and other fun games they engage themselves in, but the knock at the door interrupted them. Who could that be, they wondered. Rose went to check, while Alex stood by. "It's my mummy, she screamed as she received her. "Lewa Omobinrin" (My beautiful daughter) I am happy to see you". "Me too Iyami. Your future son-inlaw is inside". "Really let me meet him". She then helped her mum with her bags. "You are welcome mama". "God bless you my handsome son-inlaw, to be". Her mum then asked Alex a few obvious questions in a polite way and all smiles. She is a stress-free woman. Unlike Rose's Dad. He will definitely interrogate Alex when they meet. Her mum is the sweetest person. Her joyful gestures had given her a nickname in the environment. Many call her Mama J. Another sweet thing about her, is her food. If cooking was a gift, then Mama J had double it at her fingertips. She is in the kitchen now, preparing Eguisi and fufu while the birds are watching Netflix. The doorbell rang and she went to check who was at the door with a sigh because the day didn't seem to stop giving surprises. She was shocked when she saw it was Harry at the door with a bunch of flowers. When Alex went and saw that it was the same man, he remembered the last time he was pissed. "One more ride is all I ask of you, Rose." He then went on his knees and took out a ring from his back pocket. "Will you Marry me" At this time Alex was furious. He took the ring from him and flung it away. He then grabbed Harry by his neck. "See this Ajebo oo" (speaking in pidgin). "If you don't let go now, I will give you a smackdown." Rose's mum had come out due to the noise from the two men. "What is going on? Mama inquired. "I think you should leave now, Harry. I am engaged. You should let me be. A moment of silence from everyone after her statement. "I wish you good luck", he said, and took his leave. After everything went down, the Saturday feeling was alive again. The love birds are back to their romantic moment. "Rose, promise me you will be the mother of my kids" she then chuckled and touched his beard. "I will make you a happy man". Then they kissed.