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| Fadeke (Barbhie) |
story by Dymphna
All her life, all Fadeke wanted was a good man, lovely children and a happy home; lovely children most especially. From childhood, baby sitting was the only thing she did without being asked to and the joy she radiated while at it was indescribable. In the mornings, after helping Mama sweep round the house and wash the plates from the previous night's dinner, she would bathe all the little children in the compound then gather them together to read stories or teach them songs. They all loved Sister Fadeke.
All her life, all Fadeke wanted was a good man, lovely children and a happy home; lovely children most especially. From childhood, baby sitting was the only thing she did without being asked to and the joy she radiated while at it was indescribable. In the mornings, after helping Mama sweep round the house and wash the plates from the previous night's dinner, she would bathe all the little children in the compound then gather them together to read stories or teach them songs. They all loved Sister Fadeke.
It wasn't a surprise when Bolaji, the son of the very wealthy Akande family, indicated interest in marrying Fadeke. Everyone knew she was a good girl and Bolaji was humble, respectful. Everyone in the village loved the prospect of their marriage, that is. everyone except Mama Bolaji.
Mama Bolaji was Bolaji's mother and as a little girl, she grew up in the big city. She was partly educated as she stopped schooling in Standard 4 when her father's business collapsed. It was well known in the village that Mr. Akande only married her as settlement for the debt her father owed but she was proud nonetheless and disregarded everyone in the village.
The day of the wedding came, decorations had been put up; Fadeke's compound was adorned with bright purple and gold drapes. The women in the compound had built fires and set pots upon them to prepare the delicacies for the day. Fadeke herself and the other girls in her age grade were in the house, dressing, teasing and giggling, the atmosphere was cheerful. The groom and members of his family were expected to arrive soon.
Then it happened.
Some of the young men of the village rushed into the compound demanding to see Fadeke. "We need to see her, we have news that she must hear," they said. "No oh, it's a taboo for the bride to be seen by guests before the ceremony" Mama replied. "There won't be any ceremony today", they told Mama. Then they began to explain how they had seen Bolaji and his mother leaving the village at night.
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