Today is the day Ada will be choosing the man she will be spending the rest of her life with, this day is her wedding day however she has two good suitors who wants to marry her but she has to choose one and marry him on the spot.
Drum beats and gossip sweeps round Amokoko village as the harmattan dust fills the air. Ada was already gorgeously dressed and adored with beautiful beads but she is so nervous and indecisive on who to marry. Today is her traditional wedding and it is supposed to be her happiest day but the melodious music for the musicians outside was not even dancing to her heart at all.
Let me introduce the two eligible grooms to you. At the opposite side of the crowd are two men who awaits Ada's decision, one of them is Obinna, he is a wealthy business man and Ada's family is attracted to him because of his wealth. He had entered in a convoy of motor cars, spraying money around with his agbada shining like the sun. He had promised Ada's parents that he would spoil Ada with money, buy them a new house and they would not be poor anymore.
However, on the other side is Emeka, he is a poor school teacher, he had loved Ada since she was little but he is not financially stable. He stood there with his simple kaftan and all he has to offer is his heart. When Ada spoke to her parents about him before the ceremony and how much she loves him, they laughed at her, her mother even told her "Love will not pay bills, Obinna will secure your future in wealth, don’t be foolish”
The time is finally here for Ada to choose her husband before the entire village. Her uncle who is the elder of the village, addressed everyone and said "The time has finally come for our daughter Ada to choose her husband according to our custom. Now, Ada who will be your husband?”. The crowd was silent, waiting for her response, her mother shouted from a distance "Choose Obinna, take into consideration the school expenses of your siblings" but on the other side of the square Emeka was looking at her quietly with love pleading eyes, no words was exchanged, it was just a subconscious recollection of all the evenings when they walked holding hands along the river and how they had fantasized how their life would be founded on love not money.
Ada's mind was disturbed, one part of her is whispering “Choose love, a marriage without love is a cage and you know Emeka will stand by you through storms", while another strong voice said “Choose wealth, poverty is a heavier cage, remember your family needs Obinna’s money and you know love will not cook soup”. Ada was indecisive on what to do because her family is really poor.
Then Obinna stood up first, showing off his wealth and he said "You will never lack Ada, take a look at the cars, the presents and the money showing everywhere, your family will rise from poverty, choose wisely my dear” .The men of the village shouted at the sight of his wealth, then Emeka appeared humbly, with an appealing voice, he said "I have little Ada but I love you so much. Although I may not guarantee you riches but I know I can guarantee respect you, peace and I promise that I will never beat you, the choice is yours my love” then everyone went silent waiting for Ada to make her choice.
Ada’s legs trembled, she was able to see the furious gaze of her father, the panicked look of her mother and the gluttonous faces of her siblings. Then she looked round to behold Emeka, with her eyes fixed on him, she raised her hand and started speaking “I choose Emeka”.
A loud uproar from the crowd responded to her, her mother screamed “Ada! Are you mad?”. Obinna became ashamed, his ego was defeated before the whole village so he left immediately, some people appreciated her courage to choose love while others cursed her stupidity. The marriage between Ada and Emeka was done that day but her family weren't happy about her decision, her parents did not bless the union and they even disowned her.
Let me know in the comment section if you love Ada's decision. Thank you for staying with me this far, I hope you had a good read, see you next time 😁