when strength meets love

chapter 24: ikoka village

A Week to the Wedding

The days leading up to Eki and Oduwa’s wedding were filled with excitement, but for Eki, joy was clouded by worry. Her mother, Isoken, had fallen gravely ill just a week before the wedding. The waist pain she had endured for years had worsened, leaving her bedridden.

Eki sat beside her mother one evening, wiping her forehead with a damp cloth. “Mama, you need to get better,” she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.

Isoken smiled faintly, her hand reaching for Eki’s. “My daughter, don’t let this stop your happiness. Your wedding is a blessing, and I will not let my condition ruin it.”

“But Mama—”

“No buts,” Isoken interrupted softly. “I have lived my life, Eki. Now it is your time. Promise me you won’t let this hold you back.”

Eki nodded reluctantly, the tears she had been holding back finally spilling over. She leaned forward, pressing her forehead against her mother’s hand, silently begging the gods for her recovery.

The Wedding Day

The sun rose on the wedding day, casting a warm glow over the village. Eki’s house had been transformed into a festive space, adorned with vibrant fabrics and flowers. Women bustled about, ensuring everything was perfect, while the men gathered outside to drink palm wine and share jokes.

Eki sat in her room, dressed in the traditional Benin bridal attire. The ekuku beads framed her face, coral necklaces adorned her neck, and her red wrapper hugged her chest elegantly. Yet, despite her radiant beauty, her heart felt heavy as she thought of her mother resting in the next room.

A knock on the door startled her. It was Oduwa. He peered in, his face lighting up at the sight of her. “Eki, you look breathtaking,” he said softly.

Eki smiled faintly. “Thank you, my love.”

“Are you ready?” he asked.

She nodded, taking a deep breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

---

The Ceremony

The wedding began with a traditional blessing from the elders. They chanted prayers, calling upon the gods to bless the union. The crowd cheered as Eki stepped out of the house, her beauty captivating everyone present.

Oduwa stood waiting for her, his heart pounding as she approached. The elders pronounced their blessings over the couple, and the villagers erupted in joyous celebration.

But just as the final prayers were being recited, a loud cry came from inside the house.

“Eki!” someone shouted.

The crowd fell silent, and Eki’s heart stopped. She lifted her dress and ran inside, Oduwa following closely behind.  

Inside, Isoken was sitting upright on the bed, her breathing labored. The healer stood by her side, speaking softly, but her expression was grim.

“Mama!” Eki cried, kneeling beside her.

Isoken’s eyes lit up when she saw her daughter. “Eki,” she whispered, her voice weak but clear. “You look... so beautiful.”

Eki shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Mama, don’t say that. You’ll get better. Please.”

Isoken placed a trembling hand on Eki’s cheek. “My daughter, today I am at peace. You have found love, and you are starting a new life. Promise me you will live it fully, without regrets.”

“I promise, Mama,” Eki sobbed.

Oduwa knelt beside them, taking Isoken’s hand. “Mama, I swear to you, I will protect her with everything I have.”

Isoken nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. “You are a good man, Oduwa. Take care of her. And, Eki, remember that I will always be with you, even if you cannot see me.”

Eki cried harder, clutching her mother’s hand. “Mama, please don’t leave me. I need you.”

Isoken smiled faintly. “You have all you need, my daughter. You are strong. You always have been.”

With those words, she closed her eyes, her breathing slowing until it stopped.
Eki’s wails filled the house as she clung to her mother’s still form. Oduwa held her tightly, tears streaming down his own face as he whispered words of comfort.

The villagers, hearing the cries, gathered around the house, their festive spirits replaced with sorrow. The elders, recognizing the delicate situation, quickly concluded the marriage rites to honor Isoken’s last wishes.

Eki, though devastated, allowed the ceremony to proceed. As the elders pronounced them husband and wife, Oduwa whispered to her, “We will get through this together, my love.”

Eki nodded, her face streaked with tears. She clung to Oduwa, finding strength in his embrace. Though her heart was shattered, she knew her mother’s spirit would always guide her.

The rest of the day was somber, the joyous celebration giving way to quiet mourning. But amid the pain, Eki felt a small flicker of hope. Her mother’s blessing had given her the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.