“REDEEMED HEARTS”
Episode 6
Paul’s decision to introduce Hana to his family marked a significant turning point in their relationship. It represented a step toward transparency, a sign of acknowledging the genuineness of their love. However, as the day of the meeting drew near, Arinze’s nerves swelled like an unrelenting storm.
Tife, too, grappled with mixed emotions. She prepared herself for the possibility of rejection from Arinze’s family, fully aware that her past held enough ammunition to fuel scepticism. Her prior relationships and the choices she had made were skeletons she had hoped to leave behind.
Finally, the day arrived—a Sunday afternoon when Arinze had invited Tife to his family home. As they walked hand in hand toward the door, the weight of their histories and uncertainties hung in the air like a palpable cloud. Arinze’s heart raced with anxiety, and Tife’s pulse quickened with nervousness.
The door swung open to reveal Arinze’s parents, Mr and Mrs Ejiofor, his siblings, and a sense of anticipation that could be cut with a knife. As he ushered her into their midst, they were both stunned to find Adanna among the gathering.
“Why are you here, Adanna?” Arinze inquired.
“Since you refuse to listen to reason, I had to come to your parents with the truth before you make the biggest mistake of your life.”
“You had no right to interfere in my life, Adanna,” Arinze responded.
“That’s enough, Arinze,” his father interjected. “I can’t believe you would bring this kind of woman to introduce as your future wife. Don’t you care about our family’s reputation? What if word gets out about her past?”
“She’s a different person now, and we love each other deeply.”
“We don’t doubt that she has changed,” his mother added, “but she is not the right person for you, think about your father’s political ambition. There’s a lot at stake here son.”
“Please, Mom, you don’t even know her. She didn’t choose that life.” Arinze said.
“I believe you but you can’t drag us into her mess.” Mrs Ejiofor retorts.
“Mum!” Arinze exclaimed “How could you talk like this; she could be your daughter.”
“Just so you understand, son, no daughter of mine will be a prostitute” his father insisted, “there’s no way we will give our blessing for you to marry someone with that kind of past.”
“Dad, please don’t call her that,” Arinze pleaded. But before he could finish speaking, Tife had turned on her heel and fled from the house. Arinze chased after her.
“Arinze, Arinze,” his mother and brother called out, but he left with Tife.
Arinze caught up with Tife a short distance from his family’s home, his heart still heavy with the emotional turmoil of the encounter. He gently touched Tife’s arm, urging her to turn and face him. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she let out a shuddering breath.
“I’m so sorry, Tife,” Arinze whispered, his voice full of remorse. “I didn’t expect things to go this way. My family’s reaction… it was harsh, unfair.”
Tife wiped away a tear and looked into Arinze’s eyes, her own filled with a mixture of hurt and understanding. “Arinze, I appreciate that you defended me, but it’s clear that your family’s perception of me is tainted by my past. I can’t blame them; they’re protective of you. But I can’t bear the weight of their judgment, especially that word your father used.”
Arinze nodded, his grip on her arm softening. “I know, Tife. It hurt me to hear that word too. But I want you to know that I love you, and I don’t care about your past. I see the person you’ve become, and that’s the woman I want to be with.”
Tife’s emotions rose as she gazed into Arinze’s eyes, searching for sincerity. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, her voice trembling. “Arinze, I love you too, and I believe in us. But I can’t ignore the fact that your family’s approval is important. I can’t bear to be the cause of strife between you and your parents.”
Arinze understood the gravity of the situation. “I won’t ask you to bear that burden alone, Tife. I’ll talk to my family, try to make them understand. And if they don’t, I’ll have to make a difficult decision. But just know that I’m committed to you.”
Tife nodded, her heart heavy but hopeful. “Thank you, Arinze. I need some time to think, to process everything that happened today.”
Arinze leaned in and gently kissed her forehead. “Take all the time you need, Tife. We’ll get through this together.”
Back at his family’s home, Arinze faced a tense and emotional confrontation with his parents and Adanna. The discussion was heated, with emotions running high. His parents were unyielding in their stance, and Adanna remained unwavering in her opposition to his relationship with Tife.
Despite the turmoil, Arinze remained resolute in his commitment to Tife. He knew that their love was worth fighting for, even if it meant challenging his family’s expectations.
Their journey was far from over, but it was a testament to the power of love and the strength of their commitment to each other.
Thanks for reading,
To be continued
