A Heart In Flames

CHAPTER FOUR

The following morning, while the weather was still cold and many people were still indoors, Oma woke up and went to the house of the town crier and told him to announce the date of his marriage to Mansa.

“I will charge you three pieces of gold for my service,” the town crier said to Oma.

“I will give you two pieces of gold. Know that I am young and I don’t have much money,” Oma pleaded.

“Alright! Let me dress up and start right away. It is better I do it now before the village becomes noisy,” the town crier said, and accepted Oma's plea.

Oma gave two pieces of fine gold to the town crier, and went back home.

The next moment, the town crier's bell started to ring on the streets of the village.

“Oyez, oyez, oyez!” the town crier shouted, “people of Subasu, listen to this very important announcement. Oma, the most handsome young man and Mansa, the most beautiful young woman in our village are getting married seven days from today. The ceremony will take place at the village square. Come one, come all. Come and cheer them up. Come and make merry with them, and make their day a memorable one.”

People of Subasu became very excited when they heard the announcement. They were happy that the two lovers had stayed true to each other and they were eventually going to get married. A handsome young man and a beautiful young woman will give birth to the most beautiful children on earth, the people gossipped.

Throughout the day, many of the villagers were heard talking about the marriage of Oma and Mansa. Men, women, the old and the young—everyone in the village was happy for Oma and Mansa.

In the evening of that day, the oldest man in the village visited the home of Oma and his wife to be. He was the one who presided over every ceremony in the village. He was someone everyone in the village respected. The people of the village called him the Great Savant because of his deep knowledge and wisdom.

“My grandchildren, I heard your announcement, and I am happy that you are going to get married. But, have you prepared adequately to live together as husband and wife?” the Great Savant asked.

“Yes, very much prepared,” Mansa replied. “We have our late parents' property, some amount of gold and other things to help us in life.”

“That is good, my grand daughter,” the Great Savant said, and cleared his throat. It is good to have some material things before getting married.

“What do you also say, my grandson?” he asked Oma. Oma smiled and with great enthusiasm, he spoke: “Yes, we have solidly prepared to marry. We have been friends for a long time, we love ourselves so much, and we wrong and forgive each other everyday. I love her so deeply just as she loves me. I am ever ready to protect and defend her.”

The Great Savant smiled cheerfully when Oma finished speaking. “That is great, my grandson. You need such qualities to forever stay in marriage.

“Now, my grandson, listen to me carefully. When Mansa spoke, I knew it is nature that was speaking. Her response indicates that she wants to be comfortable in life all the time. Every woman, no matter how deep their love is, crave for some material things. It is hard for many women to stay in hardship, and that’s why they almost always expect their husbands to provide for them. My grandson, remember that, it is your duty to provide for your family.

“And to you, my grand daughter, the reply Oma gave indicates that, he will always expect you to remain faithful to him even if he wrongs you. He wants his home to be peaceful and loving. He will always expect you to welcome him with love after toiling to provide for you and the children you two are going to have.

“That is how nature made us. If any of you fail in your respective duties, your marriage will not last. Keep this little advice of mine, and you will be happy forever.

“I will declare you husband and wife next seven days after you swear publicly, to the people of Subasu that you will forever live as husband and wife.”

Oma and Mansa thanked the Great Savant for his advice before he left to his home.

Throughout the week, the lovers prepared towards their marriage ceremony. They engaged chefs to cook, tailors and seamstresses to sew, musicians to sing, and people who would serve at the ceremony. It was a busy week for the lovers.

The days passed quickly and soon, the day for the ceremony arrived. Women and girls dressed beautifully, and men and boys dressed handsomely and went to the village square. Everyone in the village wanted to witness the marriage ceremony of the most handsome young man and the most beautiful young woman in the village. The village square was filled with multitudes of people.

Musicians were hitting the drums, playing the harps and other musical instruments, and singing love songs when Oma and Mansa arrived on a horse at the village square. They were splendidly dressed; Mansa looked more beautiful, and Oma looked more handsome. The crowd cheered loudly.

The Great Savant welcomed them when they got down from the horse. And a while after, he addressed the people who had come to witness the ceremony. He talked about how Oma and Mansa so deeply loved themselves, and how they had prepared to be together till eternity.

The crowd cheered when Oma and Mansa exchanged vows, and the Great Savant declared them husband and wife.

Then, the musicians sung and the people danced. The people dinned and made merry. Oma and Mansa danced too. And as they did, people cheered them on. They looked glorious, and deserving of each other.

The glorious ceremony ended at dusk. Oma and Mansa were accompanied home on their horse by young men and young women in the village. The ceremony then came to an end. The people dispersed.

The marriage ceremony of Oma and Mansa was one that was unique in the history of Subasu. It came to be known as the most glorious ever to have taken place in Subasu. It was talked about for many years.