when strength meets love

chapter 5: ikoka village

Eki woke up to a beautiful morning, the sunlight peeking through her window and casting a warm glow on her room. With a soft smile, she stretched and greeted the new day. Mama Esohe had already informed her about the farm work that awaited her, and she had been given the task of helping with the cultivation.

She quickly got ready, kissed her mother goodbye, and waved as she set off for the farm. As she walked through the village, her thoughts were on the day ahead—until something—or rather, someone—stopped her in her tracks.

Oduwa.

She froze for a moment, her heart doing an unfamiliar flip in her chest. She hadn’t expected to see him today. She tried to ignore the flutter in her stomach, the way his presence seemed to draw her in like a magnet. Without a word, she tried to walk past him, her pace quickening.

But Oduwa, determined as ever, stepped into her path, blocking her way.

“The most beautiful girl in Ikoka,” he greeted, his voice smooth as honey, “Good morning to you, Eki. My day is already blessed as I behold your beauty.”

Eki's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked it with annoyance. “Please, Oduwa,” she snapped, trying to push past him, “I have no time for this. Just let me go.”

Oduwa smiled, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “Eki, the road is so wide, yet here I am, standing right in your way. Tell me, why do you think I’m blocking you?”

Eki tried to keep her anger in check, but the truth was, being this close to him was doing something strange to her heart. “I don’t have time for your games, Oduwa,” she replied, voice strained but still soft in a way she didn’t want to admit. “Just move aside.”

But Oduwa wasn’t moving. He looked at her with a smile that made her heart race. “I’m not playing any games, Eki. I just want to talk to you. To see you… even if it’s only for a moment.”

Eki’s resolve wavered, but she hardened her heart again, her voice low. “I’m not interested, Oduwa. You should know that by now.”

Oduwa’s smile faded slightly, but there was a softness in his gaze that made Eki’s breath hitch. “Maybe not today,” he said quietly. “But I’ll wait. I’ll always wait for you.”

For a split second, their eyes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to stop. Then, with a sigh, Eki finally stepped around him, brushing past him with the faintest of glances.

“Goodbye, Oduwa,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Oduwa watched her walk away, his heart racing. I’ll wait, Eki. No matter how long it takes…

Eki worked tirelessly under the sun, her hands moving skillfully as she cultivated the crops. By the time Mama Esohe arrived at the farm, the work was already done, and the fields looked well tended.

Mama Esohe paused for a moment, taking in the sight of the perfectly arranged crops. She walked over to Eki, her eyes filled with admiration.

"Well done, Eki," Mama Esohe said, her voice filled with approval. "You’ve done more than we agreed on. The farm looks better than I expected."

Eki wiped the sweat from her brow, her exhaustion showing but her pride evident. "It’s nothing, Mama Esohe. I just want everything to grow well."

Mama Esohe smiled and nodded, reaching into her pouch. "I can see that you’ve put in more effort than I asked for. Here," she said, handing Eki extra money. "This is for the extra work you’ve done. You’ve earned it."

Eki was surprised but grateful, nodding her thanks. "Thank you, Mama Esohe. I’m glad you’re pleased with it."

Mama Esohe gave her a proud look. "You always go above and beyond, Eki. That’s why I trust you with my farm."