CHAPTER 2
THE PROPOSAL:
knock ! Knock ! Who's there, Lima answered from inside , it's me your mother, Liam's mother answered.
Honey Mama is here, Mama good evening how are you doing have been expecting you, my daughter how are you doing, Lima collect her bag as the exchange greetings,
Good evening my Mama Emmanuel greeted prostating , my son stood up. How are you doing, fine mama . How was your journey ma , it was good.
After dinner they sat in the sitting room to discuss, my son, mama started, am sure your wife must have told you all I said pertaining to the child bearing and going to visit a traditional man in the village, Baba Olofin is a healer and he has helped a lot of people across the world.
Emmanuel listened attentively as she explained the healer's reputation and the success stories of other couples who had sought his help.
"I know you're concerned about your faith, Emmanuel," Lima's mother said. "But I assure you, this man is not about witchcraft or demonic worship. He's a spiritual leader who uses traditional methods to help people with fertility issues. And he's very powerful."
Emmanuel nodded, still skeptical. "I understand. But what exactly does he do? What kind of treatments or rituals would we be involved in?"
Lima's mother smiled. "He would perform some rituals and give you both some herbal remedies to take. He would also pray for you and your wife. But I must warn you, Emmanuel, he can be quite...unconventional in his methods. Are you prepared to follow his instructions?"
Emmanuel hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of him wanted to dismiss the whole idea as superstition, but another part of him was desperate for a solution to their fertility problems. And Lima's mother seemed so convinced that this healer could help them.
"Okay," Emmanuel said finally. "We'll try it. But we need to be clear about one thing: we're not abandoning our faith or our values. We're just exploring another option."
Lima's mother nodded, a triumphant smile on her face. "I understand. I'll arrange a meeting with the healer. And don't worry, everything will be fine."
The following morning As Lima's mother left, Emmanuel couldn't shake off the feeling that they were taking a risk. But he was willing to try anything to make Lima happy and to give them a chance at having a child. Little did he know, their lives were about to take a dramatic turn.
The days passed, and Lima's mother made arrangements for them to visit the traditional healer, Baba Olofin. Emmanuel was still skeptical, but he was willing to give it a try for Lima's sake. They set out early in the morning, driving through the village roads until they reached a small, unassuming hut.
Baba Olofin greeted them warmly, his eyes twinkling with a knowing glint. "Ah, my children," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I have been expecting you. Please, come in."
Emmanuel and Lima exchanged a nervous glance, but they followed Baba Olofin into the hut. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and incense, and Emmanuel felt a shiver run down his spine.
Baba Olofin began to chant and dance, his movements wild and unpredictable. Emmanuel felt a surge of unease, but Lima seemed entranced, her eyes fixed on the healer.
As the ritual progressed, Emmanuel felt a strange energy building in the air. It was as if the hut was filled with an otherworldly power, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
When the ritual finally ended, Baba Olofin smiled at them. "You will conceive," he said, his voice full of conviction. "But it will not be easy. You must be prepared to face challenges and make sacrifices."
Emmanuel felt a surge of hope, but also a sense of trepidation. What kind of challenges would they face? And what sacrifices would they have to make?
As they left the hut, Lima turned to him with a radiant smile. "Did you feel it, Emmanuel?" she asked, her eyes shining with excitement. "I think this is going to work."
Emmanuel smiled back, feeling a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, this traditional healer was the answer to their prayers. But as they walked back to their car, he couldn't shake off the feeling that their lives were about to change in ways they couldn't even imagine.
As they drove back home, Lima couldn't stop talking about the ritual and Baba Olofin's words. "Did you see the way he moved, Emmanuel? It was like he was possessed by a spirit. And the way he spoke, it was like he was speaking directly to our souls."
Emmanuel smiled, feeling a sense of wonder. "I know, it was intense. But what did you think about what he said? About us conceiving, I mean."
Lima's face lit up with hope. "I believe him, Emmanuel. I really do. I feel like this is the answer to our prayers."
Emmanuel nodded, feeling a sense of optimism. "Me too, my love. Me too."
When they got home, Lima's mother was waiting for them, eager to hear about their experience. "So, how was it?" she asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Lima launched into a detailed account of the ritual and Baba Olofin's words, and her mother's face grew more and more serious. "He's a powerful man, that one," she said when Lima finished. "If he says you'll conceive, then you will conceive. But remember, my children, the journey ahead will not be easy. You must be prepared to face challenges and make sacrifices."
Emmanuel felt a shiver run down his spine as he looked at Lima. They were really doing this. They were putting their faith in a traditional healer and his rituals. But as he looked into Lima's eyes, he knew that he would do anything to make her happy.
The next day they get dressed and head towards Baba Olofin’s house, ready to start the rituals,
On getting there Baba Olofin usher them in
Come in my children , we will be going to the inner chamber to ask the IFA what your rituals will be , alright Baba they replied and followed him to the chamber,
My daughter give me your left hand, Lima extended her left hand and Baba said some incantations.Baba Olofin's expression was grave as he looked at Lima and Emmanuel. "Call your mother," he repeated, his voice firm.
Lima quickly pulled out her phone and dialed her mother's number. "Mama, it's Baba Olofin. He needs to speak with you," she said, handing the phone to the traditional healer.
Baba Olofin took the phone and spoke in a low, serious tone. "Yes, I know. I've seen it. We need to discuss this further. Come here immediately."
As Baba Olofin handed the phone back to Lima, Emmanuel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What had Baba Olofin seen? And why did he need Lima's mother to come over right away?
Lima's mother arrived shortly after, looking worried. "What's going on, Baba?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Where did you go before you conceive your daughter, Baba said facing Liam's mother, say the truth we are in the presence of IFA ….