Unexpected Love: The Arranged Marriage

Chapter 1: His Arrival

Samuel Mshindi stepped out of the airplane onto the tarmac of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.

The warm, humid air hit him as he breathed in deeply, savoring the scent of his homeland. He closed his eyes for a moment and let his mind drift back to the day he left for South Africa, eight years ago.

At the time, he had been excited, eager to explore new opportunities and experiences. But now, as he returned to his home country, he felt a sense of nostalgia, a longing for the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of his childhood.

As he made his way through the airport terminal, he dialed his parents' number on his cell phone.

His mother answered on the second ring, her voice filled with excitement and warmth.

"Samuel, my son! Welcome home! We have missed you so much," she said, her voice almost trembling with emotion.

"I missed you too, Mom," Samuel replied, trying to keep his own emotions in check.

As he listened to his parents talk, his mind drifted back to the real reason for his return. His parents had arranged a marriage for him with a woman named Samantha Taji.

Samuel had met her briefly as a child, but he hardly remembered her. He had been living in South Africa for so long that he had almost forgotten about the arrangement, until his parents had called him a few weeks ago to tell him the news.

Now, as he thought about it, he wasn't sure if he was ready for this. He had built a life for himself in South Africa, with a successful business and a comfortable lifestyle. He wasn't sure if he wanted to give that up to marry a woman he barely knew, even if it was his parents' wish.

"I hope you're excited to meet Samantha, my son," his father said, interrupting his thoughts. "She's such a wonderful girl, and we know you will be happy together."

Samuel hesitated before replying, "Of course, Dad. I'm looking forward to meeting her."

But deep down, he wasn't so sure.

He had always been a bit of a rebel, always questioning authority and tradition. The idea of an arranged marriage felt outdated and stifling to him. He wondered if he could convince his parents to cancel the arrangement, or at least delay it until he had more time to get to know Samantha.

As he stepped outside into the bright sunlight, Samuel couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty and doubt. He knew that he had a lot to think about in the days and weeks ahead.