Merged To The Right Man

CHAPTER 3

Calming the search down a bit was the knock heard on the door. Who might be there and for what purpose? In a rush,a maid got the door. Hearing the gate man's cheerful compliments, she opened the door. Behold,it's Mr Akindele's mother. The welcoming greetings seems dull,as if not yet expected. Ignorant of the current issue, she jokingly suggested her leave.

"No mama. Is your daughter ..." The explanations began.

Why will her coming be in vain? She looked at them with an expression disregarding their says.

"Don't you think my daughter is awaiting my arrival? Watch it, when she hear my voice, she will be out."

Mama happily galivated to the first room beside the sitting room. The couple tiredly kept an eye on mama as if expecting her magic.

Opening the door, the first scene her sight fell on is Precious' act; kneeling down beside the wardrobe,pleading for her silence. Mama's sudden response considered not her plea as she joyfully spoke out.

"And here she is. I told you,didn't I? Come here my girl, you've done a nice work."

Precious moved not. Too enthused, mama moved in her direction.Quickly, all search received an happy ending as all came to see her. Still not moving, with tears hardly coming out of her eyes, Precious begged for everyone's forgiveness. The workers had been nice and friendly to her, and she couldn't trus any with this matter,she also pleaded for pardon,promising a change in attitude.

Mama felt unhappy, thinking her pains resulted from over maltreatment.

"Pause the pleas my dear. It's not an offense to give birth."

Turning to the couple;

"Haven't she done a great job giving me the children you two refused to give me? Why bully her this much?"

"Not a single word escaped our lips." Her son replied.

"But you beat her?" Mama said angrily.

"Not for once." He replied again.

Feeling defeated, mama watched Precious carefully. She's frail. Her eyes are not just red but has taken it's own shape; her nose watery and lips enlarged. She needs help and love, even if for once again.

"Worry not my dear,I'll mop your body today,cook good delicacies you will desire. See,here are ingredients that make food unrejectable. Don't bother,if they won't friend you,I'll be available."

As all tension disappeared, the family moved into the ash jeep and the driver drove them off.

The day continued with both stress and joy; visitors arrival and departure, Precious' smiles, happy moments and lots.

The joy may be full in many people's mind, the same is not the reality in Precious' mind. If to be taken into consideration, what can be the challenge again? Her silent father? None seems to be consigned. No visitor mentioned it. Or possible will it be to continue this way? Or,has the decision be taken? If true,which decision?

Just for the favour of her thoughts, the inner balcony was free, only her father sits there. Without any sounds of steps,Precious approached her father.

"Daddy,I've lost hope for your pardon,but,I will beg for it again. I am sorry."

Awaiting a reply,an urgent knock was heard on the door. The yet to be known visitor seems to be in a rush,as the knock was so alarming and continuous.

"Get the door." Akindele ordered his daughter.

Immediately, she sped fast to the door. Opening was another surprise. Behold, it was Olawale.

Too shocking to believe, Precious intended throwing silent questions. Before her intentions could be achieved, a voice was heard.

"Allow him,I sent for him."

Mr Akindele sat on his choiced chair awaiting the two. Precious couldn't block the way anymore, she had to allow him step in.

"Daddy hasn't said a word. Is this part of his decision?" Precious thought as she unwillingly close the door.

Looking back,her sight fell on grandma also taking a seat beside the door. Her attention must be highly required. Due to this,she shamefully sat,facing down.

"Olawale, you are welcome. "

"Thank you sir."

Olawale became confused. If not for the presence of his girlfriend, his thoughts should have centered on some social vices. Even though confused, his facial expression speaks of "what can be his says?" Maybe he had been informed of the relationship between him and his precious seed. He knows not what to prepare for,though, his ears opened wide.

"This lady (pointing to Precious), do you know her?"

"Of course."

"Okay."

"She's my lady."

Mr Akindele put up a feign smile,a bit glad he passed the first test.

"I hope you are aware you planted some seeds in her?"

Pregnant?! The word rang a mixed-feeling bell to his hearing. If his memory really serves him right, it should be remembered that the last time they met should have been up to seven months, when Precious kept complaining of been sick. After this,Precious quit picking his calls. Gratefully, two months ago,the feelings became mutual again. Why was he not informed? His gaze suddenly fell on Precious, who in turn was watching him. His gaze once more directed away,he envisioned amind,how frightened Precious appeared to be.

"Pardon me sir,I was not told."

Mr Akindele felt disappointed again. Sighting his daughter he said amind; "what must have been your hidden plans?" Facing Olawale, he continued.

"Good. Yesternight, I thank God she was safely delivered of five,"

Five!!! Wow! What a bad luck! What's his financial capability to care for five? Even,unprepared for.

Looking suprised,even restive on seat,h thought of what his next says should be.

"Olawale, I don't know how may feel. I my own view, I considered you unprepared for this great responsibility."

Earnestly, Olawale was almost answering yes in himself.

"I am not sure if you will be grateful if I render you a little help."

"Your assistance will be my pleasure sir."

"If I may ask, are you in need of your children or you want to marry my daughter?"

The two lovers' eyes met. Olawale agreed to take Precious as his wife,sounding his praise like never before. Precious mood saddened. How will his father take such decision without asking for her opinion first?

"I suggest you should first work and earn a crust before taking off your family..."

"Good sir."

"I will offer you a cheque of five million naira now for you to expand your business. "

Enthused,Olawale averagely prostrated. After the deed,he was implored to see his kids.

"The boys took after you."

The joyful sayings went on amidst the two. Shortly after, Olawale left the kids,promising to come checking frequently.

"My spirit seems not to go in line with this man. He's uncultured, neither mannered. I see him not as a good man worthy of my daughter. My son,think twice."

Smiling as it's nothing, Akindele assured his mother of wise decision.

"Great my son. Put to mind no mistake. "

"Okay mama."

Saddened with the expectation of settling for a life not planned for,Precious walked briskly to her mother,who also heard it all. Looking up to her with a calming smile,Mrs Akindele drew Precious closer.

"My precious daughter. "

"Mum," the word almost escaped her lips almost with an heart break.

"How bad can it be to live with him." Precious questioned curiously.

"It may not be if mutual love can settle it all. But expect the difference in background, culture and...."

"Culture like what?"

"It's possible there will be no maid. Wake up early to care for your family."

"Whaat?!!"

"Learn to greet down to greet..."

"Who?! Jesus!"

"Can't I have another option? Or a solution to all that?"

Imagining her foolishness, Mrs Akindele replied;

"If your father consider it necessary."