The Debate
The Debate was between mother and daughter conscience took the mind of the daughter and she became depressed;
Efy
“Mother it is not right remember what Tunde has done for this family how can we treat him with ungratefulness? Nemesis would surely come when the Law of Khmer strikes I cannot do it.”
Mama Aiye
“This is the era of money we did not call Ted God sends him to us to wipe out our tears he has money and can lift our social status if you relocate to South Africa I’ll be flying in aeroplane to come and ‘bambane’ my grand-children will wear ‘garnila’ and deck in gold and other precious stones and will be call ‘Diriyanke’ (pace setter). I missed my chance when I was at your age blind folded by ‘stupid love’ and look at me now; let me go deeper let me tell you my story.
My Story
I was a beautiful sexy maiden with many rich suitors following my trail my parents encouraged me to date them but I refused because of my so called love for your dad who was an ordinary civil servant working as a clerk in the Colonial office and he continued in the service after Independence with poor salary and no security when he retired we relocated to the village where his family benefitted from large portion of land where we built this solid structure and also have our farm lands where we till and survive on.
I never have the jewelry I wanted, the clothes and other lady items I hide from my former rich suitors and became complex to them especially when I see their luxurious life they enjoy with their partners. I don’t want you to suffer like that I want you to live your life in luxury but your father is infected with poverty for so long that he cannot differentiate what is right or wrong Tunde was in the past Ted is money and he is in the present I learn from my experience and my ideology change let’s milk Ted and change our social status my daughter I mean well for you listen to your mother.”
Efy
“But dad is not poor he caters for his family to the best of his ability and we never lack food in the house.”
Mama Aiye
“Think great does your dad has a car not to talk about posh car? Is our house well furnished with state of the earth equipment? Can he pay for your tertiary education? He cannot that’ why that pauper of a man assisted in your education but you too has paid him in kind he has enjoyed your youth which should have been preserved for your husband that is his luck he should let you be for a deserving man to continue the enjoyment.”
Efy
She protested;
“How can a decent mother say such obscene words to her daughter?”
Mama Aiye
“Am I telling lies? Are you still pure and innocent?”
Efy
“I’ll not answer such stupid questions.”
Mama Aiye
“Tunde is a poor mechanic not comparable to Ted where is his house? He built a simple solid structure at his dad’ not his own compound, where are his compounds, cars? Luxury homes? What can he boast of one old rickety old fashioned car where you have to push to light it on? Give me a break these two men cannot be compared if you choose progress and prosperity.”
Efy was not strong in her resolve so it was easy for Mama to poison her mind and make her take a wrong decision.
Efy with her Father
He called his daughter for discussion about her future;
Papa Eku
“My daughter a father cannot see his daughter plunging into deep fire and keep quiet as our people say an elder who sees and advice before any calamity is better than the one who sees and keep quiet only to say later I know that would happen then it is your fault you know and you did not say whatever spoils is you. Reflect back to history about your relationship with Tunde.”
Mama Aiye
She deliberately came and intervene to disrupt Papa trend of thought;
“Ted’ people are coming to pay the bride price according to our custom and tradition and you are required to attend as Efy’ father.”
“I am not interested and cannot represent my daughter go elsewhere.” Then he turned to Efy and continued their discussion;
“Have you checked on Ted’ character before plunging into any relationship with him?”
Efy
“Am I complaining Papa? I love him like that and don’t want to talk about it.”
Papa Eku
“So you don’t want to talk about it? Okay when you want to discuss it later I’ll not be available and shall remind you of your utterance.”
Mama Aiye
She visited Uncle Alasan Hamadi younger brother to Uncle Eku;
“A rich suitor Ted the Don came to ask Efy’ hand in marriage but your brother rejected and showed him attitude he is prone to poverty but I for one will struggle to regain my dignity I’ve come to you to tell you that you should act in his stead and absolve the family.”
Uncle Alasan Hamadi
“What is wrong with my elder brother? How can he reject his daughter’ first rich suitor? I am available and will act perfectly well am I not Efisiny’ uncle?”
Mama Aiye
“Why not? I’ve come to you because you fit the occasion and Ted the Don will be calling you ‘In law’ and you’ll not be regretting it.” She gave her a fat brown envelope he took and gave a broad smile.
Bimbo
As soon as her aunty left she showed up and eyed her father who became guilty and defensive;
“What is it? Why are you staring me with bad eye? Go and prepare my lunch I am starving.”
Bimbo
“Papa what is in the brown envelope? Why is Mama Aiye here?”
To be Cont.
