Mayaba, a 28-year-old woman from Mufilira, found herself in a predicament that many young women in Lusaka could relate to. Her family, driven by financial security and societal expectations, was pushing her to marry an older man, a divorcee, who had the means to support them.
The man, a successful businessman, had been married twice before, but the reasons for the collapse of his previous marriages remained a mystery. Mayaba had been seeing him for months, trying to find love and affection in a relationship that seemed to lack genuine passion.
Their intimate encounters were far from satisfying. The man's erectile dysfunction left Mayaba feeling unfulfilled and frustrated. At times, he would climax upon entry, leaving her sexually starved and emotionally drained.
In her desperation for intimacy and affection, Mayaba secretly sought solace in the arms of her ex-boyfriend. The passionate encounters with her ex-lover allowed her to feel like a woman again, but the guilt and fear of being caught weighed heavily on her conscience.
As the wedding day approached, Mayaba found herself torn between her family's expectations and her own desires. She knew that marrying this man would be a mistake, but the pressure from her family was immense.
One evening, as Mayaba sat alone in her room, she decided to confide in her best friend, Chilufya. Chilufya listened intently as Mayaba poured her heart out, offering her unwavering support and understanding.
'Mayaba, you cannot marry a man you do not love, and who cannot satisfy you in bed,' Chilufya said, her voice filled with concern. 'You deserve better. You deserve a man who will love you, cherish you, and make you feel like a queen.'
Mayaba's eyes welled up with tears as she realized the truth in her friend's words. She knew that she could not go through with the marriage, but the thought of disappointing her family was overwhelming.
Determined to find a solution, Mayaba decided to confront her family. She gathered her courage and sat down with her parents, explaining her concerns and her desire for a more fulfilling relationship.
Her parents listened intently, their faces etched with concern. They had always wanted the best for their daughter, but they had been blinded by the man's financial stability and social status.
After a long and emotional discussion, Mayaba's parents finally understood her perspective. They realized that their daughter's happiness was more important than any material gain.
With the support of her family and her best friend, Mayaba broke off the engagement and began the search for a man who would truly love and cherish her. She knew that the journey would be difficult, but she was determined to find a partner who would satisfy her not only in bed but also in her heart.
As the months passed, Mayaba found solace in her newfound independence and the knowledge that she had made the right decision. She continued to work hard, pursuing her dreams and building a life that was truly her own.
And though the road ahead was uncertain, Mayaba knew that she had the strength and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead. For she had learned that true happiness comes not from external expectations but from within, from the unyielding heart that beats with the passion and desire for a life well-lived.
