Shades of Marriage π₯°πππ₯Ίπ Part 4.
“I mean no harm honestly. I am Austin by the way”. He said while offering me his hand for a handshake.
“I don’t care and I don’t want to know about who you are. I have been going through a lot and I don’t want to add to it. Please let me be”. I said and walked out on him.
“Please don’t leave me like that… I came all the way from the village just to look for you”. Austin said as he continued Walking behind me.
I paid no attention to him and continued to wander around.
After trekking for a long time, my legs began to shake. I wanted to enter a bike but noticed Austin was still following me around. I decided to give him ears.
“What do you really want from me?”. I asked Austin.
“Let’s at least look for a decent place to talk”. Austin suggested.
Luckily, there was a restaurant close by. I suggested we make do with the restaurant and he obliged.
We got into the restaurant and had our seats.
Austin beckoned on one of the waiters who came almost immediately.
“Give her whatever she’d love to eat”.
The waiter turned to me and gave me an askance stare.
“I am fine with just water”. I quickly placed the order.
“no no… you need to eat something. please eat something”. Austin pleaded.
“Please I am fine. I don’t think I have the ability to chew anything right now… I am fine with just water”. I repeated.
Austin didn’t push further. He ordered for water as well.
When the waiter had brought the water, I took a glass of it and believe me, I needed it. I felt rejuvenated and refreshed. Austin watched me with keen interest. I just sat down wondering who he was and what he wants from me.
“So what do you want from me”. I demanded from Austin.
“No long talk, I want you! I mean all of you “. Austin said assertively and firmly.
I was wowed by his boldness and lost my ability to speak for a while. He continued;
“I met you first on the day you arrived at the village. I was just passing by and got captured by your beauty. I loved the way you greeted your mother in-law with so much grace and respect. At first, I thought she was your mother and I decided to always pass by to see if I would be able to get your attention. I never knew you were married. Whenever I pass by that compound, I always see you work your a*s off and always felt pity for you. I came to the conclusion that you can’t be their daughter and that maybe you were adopted. I only got to know you were married to their son on the day they did that to you ( He was referring to the day I got kicked out of the house by my in-laws). Since then, I haven’t been at rest. I made inquiries about you and followed you down to PH. I got directed to your shop by one of your neighbors who told me what your husband did to you. On my way to your shop, I told God that if were destined to be together, I will meet you there and I did although I met you in an awkward moment. long story short.. I want to marry you “.
I was just crying listening to him. Hearing my story from a stranger made realized I went through hell in that marriage.
to be continued
Judith Onyoyibo
