Fragments of the Past

Chapter 1 The Determination At twenty-four, Ruth was determined and confident to become a successful entrepreneur. She was a brilliant student, having graduated from school with a first degree in entrepreneurial skills. She was into fashion designing and baking. She already set up a skill acquisition centre for herself. This drive had made her not to succumb easily to any internal or external pressure. Ruth was a beautiful and shy young woman who became an independent and confident young woman while facing troubles in her matrimonial home. She was determined to set her record straight among her contemporaries in the world of fashion. Despite her independent and modern way of thinking, her parents were traditional. They held in high esteem the importance of cultural and family values. Ruth was aware of this but not expecting these values to be forced on her very soon. Her parents were very proud of her and for this reason, they had been secretly planning an arranged marriage for her. Little did Ruth know that her choice to live her life the way she wanted would be challenged. One morning, as she was preparing to go for work, she heard a knock on the door of her room. It was her stepmother Okoro who entered. “Ruth, I know that you are an independent child. We love you. We do not want you to suffer and that is why your father and I have deemed it fit to marry you off to a billionaire who is a business tycoon,” she said. “Mom, that is not a cogent reason for you to marry me off to a billionaire. Have you forgotten that I have my own choice to make and nobody can dictate for me?” Ruth countered. Ruth knew that her stepmother would come to this level because the billionaire had been asking her hand in marriage from her parents without her consent. “My daughter, do not be stubborn to the importance the family placed on cultural and family values. We are here for you to protect your future,” Mrs Okoro reminded her. As she was heading towards the exit, her father met her on the way, gently reminding her of their love for her to accept their wish for her. “I know that it is not going to be easy. We are only trying to protect your future. You have to accept our offer despite being against your wish,” her father said soothingly. Ruth sighed without saying a word and left for her workplace. —----------------------- Ruth arrived at her workplace at exactly 10a.m. All her apprentices were already present before 8a.m expecting her to arrive soon but to no avail. She had to tell them that something came up at home which made her not arrive at the usual time. Immediately, they swung to action baking different models of cakes and sewing different styles of clothing materials at the command and guidance of their boss. Ruth was happy to see how creative and professional her work was. Many clients had requested for one thing or the other from her to be delivered to them. But her happiness was cut short when the thought of the arranged marriage flickered through her mind. She was angry about the conservatism and tradition of her parents. “I am mature enough to choose for myself. Why should my parents poke nose into my private life all in the name of protecting my future? Have they forgotten that this is about my own life and not theirs? Why all this interference? I vow not to bow to their offer,” she said assuringly and silently. Later in the evening, her mother called her to remind her about some special guests coming to their house tonight. “Hello Ruth, don't forget about our meeting with the special guests tonight,” he mother said and hung up. Ruth groaned. She already knew what the special guests meant. People from another family are coming to ask her hand in marriage for their son under a marriage arranged by her parents. “This is ridiculous. How can you arrange a marriage for me without my consent?” She said. After they were through with the work for the day, Ruth despatched the items to the clients through despatch riders. —------------- By the time Ruth got home, the guests were already seated with her mother serving some drinks to the guests while her father deeply thought about her. “You came late tonight, Ruth,” her father said. “Yes daddy! It's work,” she replied. “Please, quickly go to your room and change your dress. We have important guests on the seats,” her mother directed. The guests - a middle-aged couple with their son were dissatisfied with the way Ruth felt. As the exchange of greetings began, Ruth sat quietly, with her hands folded in her lap. “She’s very creative,” her stepmother said, smiling nervously. “But of course, once she’s married, she’ll have less time for these hobbies.” Straight away, Ruth jerked her head up. “It’s not a hobby, Ma. It’s my career. Her mother gave her an eye signal, but it was too late. “Well, that is admirable, but don’t you think a more stable profession would be better for the future?” The young man's father said. This time, Ruth's stomach was boiling with anger but was forced to put on a smile and nod politely. —------------- Immediately after the visitation, Ruth retired to her room angry and exhausted. She was pondering on what to do to escape her parents’ trap, that the door of her room was opened and his father entered.. “I know how you feel, Ruth. I know that it's not going to be easy. We want the best for you. Life is not as easy the way you see it,” her father said. “Dad, I like hard work. This is my career. I have talent and vision. I am determined to breakthrough however difficult,” she intoned. Mr Okoro had always wanted to respect her daughter's choice but the importance of culture and family they attached to their beliefs had blinded them. After many weeks, Ruth did the unthinkable, making her believe that she had escaped her parents’ trap.