MARIAM THE GOOD GIRL.

EPISODE 15

Hmm. I sighed. Roman looked at me, then replied: “Okay, boss—I’ll start the journey.” His boss said: “Okay—the rest of the details I’ll write in the email.” Baby said: “Okay.” He hung up and said: “My wife—this marriage is very important to me—but you heard the boss speaking pure Swahili so you could understand, I think. You know this company is everything to me—I work freely—no one supervises me—but I supervise people because I’m the big boss of their companies here in Tanzania. Please let me go, my wife—I’ll contact those at the registration office so they can move it forward. But for now, I’ll call parents and the venue people, baby—to inform them. Please don’t think—you’re my wife—and I will marry you, okay?” I said: “Okay, baby.” So he called the people he mentioned—including parents—that same night, and they understood.

I had to wake up and start packing clothes for him while he was busy with flight arrangements online. I packed for him—we finished—then slept. Morning came—he left early for work because he got a flight to leave at night—I stayed behind and called my friend Mary to tell her. Mary said: “Hmm—why like bad luck, my friend? Meaning that boss couldn’t even wait for the marriage to be closed—then reception afterward when he returns?” I said: “He said it’s very important.” She said: “Hmm—my friend—pray a lot. Marriages aren’t postponed like that unless you find the first wife is struggling there.” I said: “Let her struggle—but she should know perfectly I fear God—and soon I’ll give birth to his child—nothing bad will happen to me. I know marriage is just papers—me and Roman have lived longer than government time—so I’m his wife whether she likes it or not.” We laughed—I hung up. Baby returned—we said goodbye with deep love—he left me one of his bank cards so I can withdraw money when I need—because he didn’t know how long his trip would take. Evening—he was picked by office driver—taken to airport—while leaving the driver instructions to continue supervising me while I drive myself to get used to it. I stayed with the house girl (Manka) at home—so I wasn’t too lonely—even though postponing the marriage hurt me a lot.

With my many trips around town—sometimes to my friend—sometimes shopping in markets or shops—as long as I drive myself—with baby’s driver now and my pregnancy. One month passed—baby hadn’t returned—but we talked on video call every day. He told me there are items they’re tracking to bring to Dar—and he showed me what they got. He told me to choose a gift—he’ll bring it. So I didn’t hold back—I chose a phone, I don’t know—macheni (maybe makeup), clothes, shoes, and hair—because those are things I loved so much. Second month passed—baby called saying he’s coming—so I went to the airport myself to pick him up—because that time I drive streets alone without driver—I had gotten used to and knew. Baby was very happy to see me—and he had lots of luggage—we loaded into the car—then returned home. I was brought so many gifts—even some I took to my friend Mary—and others to Manka—now those old ones—I continued enjoying life. I was shining so much—gained weight—with my pregnancy—I glowed—dressed very well—drive nice car—and Dar heat—so my skin was perfect—because even cosmetics I apply expensive ones—and expensive oils—so if you see me—you can’t say I came from village. My pregnancy reached six months—started troubling—sometimes dizziness—sometimes pain—I went to hospital—while attending prayers a lot. Marriage issue—we decided to wait until I give birth—so I can enjoy well—there—no business room in Kariakoo—and me I wanted Kariakoo only—because that’s where you’re seen to have money if you have a shop there—so I continued searching little by little. Pregnancy at eight months—one day while at home—Mary called me—it was around 4 AM morning. I picked—she said: “Boss—where are you?” I said: “I’m home, boss—what’s up?” She said: “Leave whatever you’re doing, boss—run here to salon—very urgent.” I said: “Hmm—what’s wrong—why scare me?” She said: “Just come—why questions? Come fast.” I said okay—I prepared—dressed nicely—because I’ve become city girl—I don’t go out shabby—hehehe—I started the car—journey to Mary.

I reached—found her with her clients—and she was braiding a very beautiful girl—fat. I greeted—asked: “I’ve come—my boss—you rushed me half—break my leg.” She said: “It’s life—better even if you broke your leg—than miss it—I know you ran with that belly—don’t get photo.” We laughed—I sat—she said: “Ehee—tell me.” She said: “This girl I’m braiding wants to redeem you—she has big shop in Kariakoo—for adults’ clothes and children’s too—beauty too—now her husband. He’s been transferred upcountry—and doesn’t want his wife to stay here—so he decided to privatize it to someone—dear—your work.” Uwi—I was happy—said: “My dear—I take—tell me how much you want?” That girl said: “We need to go together to the shop—you value goods—then we talk price—because everything I’ll sell you at wholesale price—and rest I’ll give you—my things—I take Turkey and China.” I said okay. She told me price of room—because she paid yearly rent—and she stayed only two months of the year she paid—I said okay. Mary said: “You see now, boss? There—call two bosses—get it—because it came by luck, my friend—without broker or anything—you’re very lucky.” I said: “Truly—thank you, my friend.” I went outside—to car—called husband now—gave him full story. He said: “Good luck—no other work—so when she finishes braiding—we pass by boss—post—then go with her—she see shop—then we finish with her there.” I said: “Thanks so much, my husband.” He said: “Don’t worry—mother of my child—this is your dowry—I saved for you.” I said: “Thanks.” I returned inside—said: “Everything is okay—when you finish braiding—we go—and we pay today—if satisfied.” She said okay—very nice big shop—I made improvements—matches you completely—beautiful—even if you don’t like—you’ll change—but it’s nice—and shop in good place—and I have many customers too. I said okay, dear. Mary said: “Don’t worry—we’ll take it. And you, Neema—know your husband loves you so much? I don’t know what you gave him—he loves you—whatever you want. If you do nonsense to him—you won’t get another.” I said: “How do I do nonsense—and you?” She said: “I know perfectly his importance.” She said: “Okay—just remind me later—there’s something I want to ask—when we’re alone.” I said okay. She finished braiding shop girl—asked me and Mary to go together as witness—she said okay. We left—passed by baby—then went to Kariakoo now. Hmm—seeing the shop—I was shocked—very big nice shop—from color to arrangement—and everything modern. I looked at Mary—she winked—you see? So we talked—calculated everything—agreed—baby went to bank—came with money—gave her—and she gave me all important documents—meaning stock is enough—and more in store—I just start work. I was very happy. I took her number—so I can ask her things I don’t understand in business—because only business I did was selling cassava in village. We greeted—and shop had her girl who was selling for her—she said she’s good and honest—her name is Jennifer—so I decided to continue with her. I was introduced to area leadership and neighbors too. That day we stayed with Mary—after baby left—till evening—because I was advised to be there a lot—know how business goes. That day customers came—and it was approaching holidays. I was very happy. We closed evening—I bought extra padlocks—we locked. Baby called—said meet us at hotel—me and Mary—we eat there—I said okay—so we left shop—went to hotel. When we arrived—sat—ordered food—then I reminded Mary—she said remind me when we’re alone. Mary said: “If I want to ask you this, dear—why I’ve never heard you say you love Shem—you just thank him for giving you life.” I laughed—looked at her—said: “Dear—let me be truthful to you—this man took me very far—and he’s my first man—but in heart—I don’t know why—I don’t see him like that—even though I’m used to him—and I can’t betray him ever.” Mary said: “Hmm—find those feelings, dear—you got a man.” I said okay. Baby arrived—and food ready—we ate—he said: “Purpose of asking us to come out—is to thank Mary so much—for being good friend—who cares about friend’s issues—even connecting us to get business.” Mary said: “Don’t worry, Shem—you’ve become like siblings—so me and your wife—we help each other a lot.” Baby said: “Lots of women’s friendship is foolish—but you, Mary—since you’ve been with my wife—she hasn’t changed—please continue like that—advise each other well—build each other—and also—please advise her—she’ll start staying at her shop—know there are many things in town—many temptations—and people will appear to advise her bad things—even fraudsters too—please my wife—don’t be deceived—and also try to be thoughtful in everything—don’t hide anything from me, baby—avoid borrowing—and entering unclear chama or games—okay?” I said okay, baby—I can’t do that. He said: “Mary—I ask you to advise her.” Mary said: “Okay, Shem—don’t worry—we’re together—and those won’t happen.” Baby said: “I love my wife so much—I don’t know—if I know you’re betraying—what I’ll do to you, baby. Please stay calm, my wife—I’m finding very good life for you and our children—please don’t be deceived by those lip-lickers.” Mmmh—I startled—why did he say that? Does he know about Ronan? Baby said: “You heard me—eeh—why no reply?” I said: “I heard, baby—I can’t do that.” Life continued—I officially started avoiding Ronan—one month passed—I didn’t see him—I’m busy with my shop. There in town—we had system of helping each other in problems and big celebrations—so one brother—business friend—was getting married—so asked us to be in preparation committee—I agreed—and I was attending meetings—but last meeting I didn’t attend—because my son dislocated his hand—I was called by Manka—so I had to return home—take child to hospital—while last meeting—which is for sharing duties—was going on. When meeting finished—called—said I’m in drinks committee—and two brothers. I said okay. Wedding day arrived—me knowing I’m going with baby—but baby said he has work trip—so said go with Manka. I said okay. I found nice clothes for Manka—and me found my nice gown—I knew many people—and I love praise—so I wore very nice gown—Mary did head nicely—so I’m shining dangerously. Because I’m in committee—we had to arrive early—so early—me and Manka arrived at venue. Found one brother—who is with me in drinks committee—we arranged drinks until time—guests entering—relatives and newlyweds—we finished. I asked that young man: “I was told we’re three in this committee—why only us two?” He said: “Our friend is following transport issues—they were complicated.” I said okay.

We shared drinks to everyone.

Brother said: “I don’t know if drinks will be enough—because there they stored few—maybe you check and value.” I said okay. I stood—went to store. Opened door—suddenly pulled—I startled—wanted to scream—but he beat me—sucked my lips—hmm—it was Ronan. I didn’t resist much—I calmed—being sucked. He sucked me—while walking me until I reached wall—Ronan said: “I want you so much, Ney—I want to make love with you like no tomorrow.” Me—I looked at him—shook—Ronan lifted gown—put hand to my flower—started rubbing—I closed eyes—he returned lips to mine—I felt desire increase—I hugged him—said: “Ronan—f**k me.” Ronan opened his trouser zip—took out his thing—uwi—I desired it—held it—started playing with it—Ronan turned me—facing wall—moved my panty aside—and me set—but before entering—store door opened suddenly—I trembled...