SHOCKING U-TURN
Dubem’s
dad in the person of Mr. Ike Ubochi – a Knight of Saint Christopher in the
Anglican Communion – had vowed that his only begotten son would never tie the
connubial knot with his supposed missing rib, Ebere for a reason best known to
him.
Intriguingly, he had earlier welcomed
the 25-year-old maiden only to abruptly change not unlike a chameleon in the
middle of the day. Aside the affected 28-year-old lad coupled with his two
female siblings who were older than him but still single, their lovable mum
Mrs. Nneka Ubochi was equally marvelled over the unannounced metamorphosis of
her husband’s attitude towards the poor spinster.
Ebere who hailed from a neighbouring
state to Dubem’s, was a marriageable lady and conspicuous beauty to behold. The
suitor, on his part, had never found her wanting in any way. Just a few
unserious misunderstandings that intermittently ensued among them remained the
only bad side that had ab initio been experienced by the seeming God-sent relationship.
It suffices to assert that she was exactly what he had dreamt to have as a
lifetime partner.
Three years back when they met on
campus, Dubem was rounding off his degree programme, Engineering precisely
whilst Ebere who was a student of Psychology was in her second year. It all
began like a joke on one fateful day when the chocolate-skinned, 1.63-metre
tall and slim girl entered a commercial cab that would as usual convey her to
her place of residence at the university’s motor park. It was about 5.00pm. The
dude equally boarded the same transit. They resided at the same arena off
campus but were yet to know each other.
“I have something that belongs to you.”
Dubem told Ebere who was seated very close to him.
By this time, the driver had zoomed off
having gotten full load of passengers comprised only students of the
institution.
She wore a blue skirt, grey top, brown
sandals and plaited hairs, and sat by the window side because she hopped into
the vehicle before the chap. On his part, Dubem who was about 1.71-metre tall,
light-skinned and plump, put on blue jeans, black T-shirt spotted with red
flowers, a bluish face-cap and black shoes.
She abruptly looked at him in silent awe.
“What did you say?” she managed to verify.
“I said, I have what belongs to your
majesty.”
She smiled over his sense of humour. “What
could that be?’
He quickly dished his right hand into
his right trousers’ pocket and brought out a pen. “I think this belongs to
you.” He said, stretching out his arm towards her.
That was Ebere’s property. It fell on
the ground when she was struggling to enter into the cab. She never knew she
had lost such material, which was kept in her skirt’s pocket. He thus decided
to surprise her, or perhaps to take advantage of the situation.
“Waoow..” Ebere exclaimed cheerily in a
low tone. “How did you get it?” She enquired as she gladly received the pen.
“Well,” Dubem uttered. “I don’t think
that is necessary.” he replied, paused. “The most important thing is that you
have gotten your lost pen back.”
“If you say so, I surrender.’
“I am happy you surrendered.’
“Well, I didn’t have a choice.”
He disclosed his 32 teeth as he
became more attracted to her person.
Therein, they introduced themselves
as tradition demanded, beginning from him. Consequently, they got to know each
other better while in the transit. Dubem was the first to drop from the vehicle
but before he did, he was able to exchange his contact with hers.
Afterwards, the friendship
metamorphosed into a stronger entity. Before they could realize it, they were
already dating. He thought it wise to engage her immediately after his NYSC
programme when he was almost 27; at that time, she was 24 and in final year.
Prior to their engagement, she was
highly welcomed by his parents, Sir and Lady Ike Ubochi. In fact, she was
adored by the couple; every step she made was acceptable by them. On the other
hand, Dubem was as well cherished by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elu Okoro. She
was the first child of her parents; needless to assert that they wanted the
best for her and they believed the said dude was second to none, thus deserved
the honour.
That was how both homes rolled not
until lately when Mr. Ubochi suddenly made a U-turn for a reason yet to be
disclosed. No one could fathom what necessitated the repugnance.
By this time, the victim in question
Miss Ebere Okoro – who was 25 – was undergoing her National Youth Service
programme in the Northern part of the country. And it seemed as if the distance
created at the moment was the reason behind the unforeseen U-turn. But if it
was connected with the distance, her fiancé would have been more affected by
the situation rather than his 61-year-old father.
Ebere alongside her parents was not unaware of
the latest development; hence, had become really disturbed since its emergence.
Among all, her lovely dad Mr. Okoro who was equally well-to-do was more
troubled over the unbearable circumstance; to him, that was a big slap to his
personality coupled with the family’s name.
“My
daughter,” Mr. Okoro tenderly called as he was seated with Ebere in their
sitting room in the company of his wife.
“Yes dad.” answered Ebere.
“Are you sure you never did anything
bad to Dubem?”
Ebere became thoughtful. “Nothing of such I
can remember.” she hesitantly replied. “We have been in good terms since we
started.”
“Are you sure about this.’ He verified.
“Dad, I don’t think Dubem is the
problem.” she clarified. “His father is the issue here…”
Her mum nodded in comprehension. “But
what could be the problem?” she interrupted.
“I don’t just know.” Ebere responded,
gesticulating.
Mr. Okoro shook his head. “But,” he
said. “Have you tried to find out from Dubem?”
“Of course, dad.’ quoth Ebere in
alacrity. “But it seems Dubem is also confused about the whole thing.”
“Then I suggest we pay him a visit.”
Mrs. Okoro thought aloud.
“Mum, I think you are right.” Ebere
concurred.
“No,” Mr. Okoro disagreed. “I can’t beg
him to marry my daughter.” he said, paused. “Going to his house would appear as
if we are begging him.”
Mrs. Okoro and her daughter looked at each
other in silent awe as they sat in their separate cushions, though they
apparently understood the man’s remark.
To be continued, please.
FDN Nwaozor
Executive
Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri
_________________________________
Twitter: @mediambassador
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