Eki and Oduwa stepped off the crowded bus, the city air buzzing with life and energy. The towering buildings and bustling streets were a stark contrast to the quiet village they left behind. Eki clutched Oduwa's hand tightly, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
“This is it,” Oduwa said with a reassuring smile. “Our new beginning.”
The couple had come to the city with dreams in their hearts and determination in their souls. Life was not immediately kind to them. They rented a small room in a crowded neighborhood, and Oduwa began working long hours as an apprentice in a carpentry shop, while Eki started selling fruits at a roadside market.
Though the work was tough, their bond remained unbreakable. Eki would wake up early each morning to pack Oduwa’s lunch, slipping little notes of encouragement into his bag. Oduwa, in turn, would surprise her with small treats—a piece of jewelry from a street vendor or her favorite snacks—whenever he had extra money.
One evening, as they sat on the floor of their modest home sharing a meal, Oduwa looked at Eki with a grin.
“I have good news,” he said.
Eki raised her eyebrows, her heart skipping a beat. “What is it?”
“My boss wants to promote me to supervisor,” he said, his excitement barely contained. “He said I’ve shown skill and dedication.”
Eki leapt up, throwing her arms around him. “I knew you could do it! I’m so proud of you!”
“Thank you, my love,” Oduwa said, holding her close. “But this is just the beginning. One day, we’ll have our own home, our own business. And you, my Eki, will have the life you deserve.”
Tears welled up in Eki’s eyes as she looked at him. Despite the challenges they faced, she felt safe and cherished by Oduwa’s unwavering love.
In the months that followed, their lives began to improve. They moved into a slightly larger apartment, and Eki started attending evening classes to learn sewing, hoping to open a tailoring shop someday.
As they sat on their balcony one night, watching the city lights twinkle like stars, Eki rested her head on Oduwa’s shoulder.
“Do you ever think about home?” she asked softly.
“Every day,” Oduwa replied, his voice filled with nostalgia. “But I know we’re here for a reason. One day, we’ll go back and make a difference.”
Eki nodded, her heart filled with hope. She didn’t know what the future held, but she was ready to face it with Oduwa by her side. Together, they were building a life that was not only theirs but one they could one day share with others.
And so, as they closed their eyes that night, they dreamed of a brighter tomorrow—not just for themselves, but for the village they had left behind.
YOU ARE READING
when strength meets love
RomanceEki is a strong, hardworking young woman who has sworn off men after being hurt too many times, including by her own father. Raised in the small, cursed village of Ikoka, she's vowed never to marry and believes that the world would be better without...
