when strength meets love

chapter 19: ikoka village

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Eki and Oduwa’s love had blossomed into something so radiant and undeniable that it became the talk of the entire village. While some villagers were genuinely happy for the couple, others couldn’t hide their envy. Yet, Eki and Oduwa, lost in their own world, paid no attention to the whispers and stares. They only cared about each other.

One sunny afternoon, Oduwa sat with Eki under the shade of a large mango tree. The gentle rustling of leaves framed their intimate conversation. Eki rested her head lightly on Oduwa's shoulder, the comfort of his presence warming her heart.

“Eki,” Oduwa started, his voice serious but tender. “What’s your plan?”

Eki lifted her head, meeting his intense gaze. She knew exactly what he meant, and her chest tightened. She had dreaded this conversation.

Oduwa sighed deeply, taking her hand into his. “You know how much I hate this village,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration. “The only reason I came back was for you. But Eki... I can’t stay here. I want a life beyond this place, for us.” His voice softened as he added, “I’m not leaving without you.”

Eki pulled her hand away gently, looking down at the ground as she struggled with her thoughts. Her voice was low, almost a whisper. “Oduwa... I hate this village as much as you do. You know I do. But I can’t leave my mother behind. She’s my everything. Without me, she’ll suffer. Her waist pain has worsened, and you know my father is too lazy to care for her. Leaving her with him would... it would kill her.”

Oduwa reached out, lifting her chin so she’d look at him. “Then we’ll take her with us,” he said, his tone firm and full of resolve.

Eki’s eyes widened at his words. The idea was so simple, yet so perfect. It lit a spark of hope in her heart. “You mean we could take her along?” she asked, her voice trembling with both surprise and excitement.

“Of course,” Oduwa replied. “We’ll figure everything out together. I won’t leave you, and I won’t let you leave her behind. She’s your family, and that makes her my family too.”

Eki smiled, a wide, genuine smile that seemed to light up her face. It was as though a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders. “I’ll talk to her,” she said, her voice filled with determination.

Oduwa returned her smile, pulling her into a warm embrace. “That’s my Eki. Always strong, always thinking about everyone else.”

As they continued to talk, their conversation shifted to lighter topics, filled with laughter and playful teasing. But deep in Eki’s heart, a new worry settled. Would her mother agree? Would she be willing to leave everything behind and start anew?

Eki’s mind drifted as Oduwa spoke, and he noticed her silence. “Eki,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Don’t worry too much. We’ll make this work. Together.”

Eki nodded, leaning into him. For now, she would hold on to the hope he’d given her and trust in the love that had grown so strongly between them.