FARIDA
PART 49
Wale stood his ground against opposition from his family. His mother begged him to marry Tomiwa for her sake but he wouldn’t budge. His siblings got involved and tried to convince him not to have children outside wedlock. If she was good enough to have unprotected s*x with then she was good enough for marriage. When he explained to them how she got pregnant, all of them kept mute. They agreed she was a conniving deceitful girl who didn’t deserve him. When they made their position known to the elders, Tomiwa fate was sealed.
Tomiwa wept when she heard the final verdict. She turned to Wale’s mother and said,
“It was you and auntie Bose that led me into this. Why did I listen to you? I am pregnant now and the father has rejected the pregnancy. How will I have this child who is not loved by the father and his family? I hate the child already. I don’t want to have the child anymore. I was deceived into this. I would rather take my life than live in this shame”
It was a very charged atmosphere at that point. Even Wale could hear the genuine pain in Tomiwa’s voice. He didn’t want to deceive her by making her believe he would marry her and then dump her later. His mother being part of the plot broke his heart. Why was she so desperate for him to settle down? It will not be beyond putting up a show. He was not interested. He wanted to live a very quiet life just like he was doing. When he gets married, he wanted to live just like that. Tomiwa was just like his mother. She loved to dress up and attend parties. Farida was just like him. She was only interested in making better situations around her and the world in general. That was what he wanted in a woman. He really didn’t care if she had children or not but they would have each other.
“Wale. Wale, they are talking to you. What do you want to do now?” his brother roused him from his thoughts.
He didn’t know when he said, “I will take the baby. I will accept the child and free you to continue your life like nothing happened”
“You will accept the child?”
“I will. I am partly to blame; I lost my self-control. We both have to pay the price for our indiscretion. I will not marry you but I will take the child. My mother will take care of him or her for the first three years then I will take over. If you agree to this then we are good”
“Can I visit the child?”
“When he is with my mother. You can’t visit him when he is with me; I don’t want to fall for you antics again”
“I think this is fair. Tomiwa, you will have the baby and be relieved of the burden of responsibility of training it. Other details will be discussed later”
This pregnancy drama had been on for months now. He needed a break. He needed to be with someone who understood him and can relate with all he has been through. He booked a flight to UK without informing Farida. He was leaving in a week’s time. He planned to be gone for a month.
Sam was satisfied with all the advice given to him thus far. He was sad and disappointed at the same time. Spending time with his new catch didn’t change how he felt about Farida’s betrayal. What hurt him the most was the way Monica rubbed it in. Why would she be against him? She was his sister; how can a sister turn against her brother? She was just an ungrateful person.
He was in Lagos going to see Farida’s mother. He had called her and told her what he experienced in London but she seemed to be surprised about the whole story and promised to get to the bottom of it. He had come to hear from her what was going on and who was responsible for Farida’s pregnancy.
When he got to her house, he was surprised to meet Iya Farida and her mother. Then he talked to her about the situation. Unfortunately, what he heard wasn’t what he wanted to hear.
“I called her and asked if what I was hearing was true. She said she had nothing to say for now until later. I asked who was responsible for the pregnancy and she told me she knows you were the one pestering me to find out so she won’t say until after the court case she is filing against you. That was all she said”
“So, you cannot get your daughter to tell you who is responsible for her pregnancy? She is a whore sleeping around like a dog and had the effrontery to get pregnant by the b@stard?”
“The person who impregnated her is a bastard?”
“Yes, he is. He is a low life, good for nothing and hungry nobody. I took care of Farida and this is how she pays me back”
“She also mentioned that you are married with two daughters and a third child on the way. Is this true? Did you get married and have children while still married to Farida?”
“Yes. I had to have children and I did. That’s not the bone of contention”
‘Did you tell Farida you were getting married and having kids with another woman?”
‘Like I said, that’s not what we are talking about now. We are talking about Farida. Let’s stick to that”
“Well, she said since you tried outside and the lady conceived, she had to try her luck to and she conceived immediately. So, what’s the problem?”
“Is that what you are saying? I was told that Yorubas were wayward but I didn’t believe them. Your comment today has proved the saying right”
“I told Farida not to marry you because you were pompous, disrespectful and manipulative but she was blindly in love. She can see clearly now. Farida is having a child. Go back to your wife and children. Farida will never come back to you. She is happy and contented. Move on. Her ship has sailed a long time ago”
Sam was shocked at the manner Farida’s mother spoke to him. Was she also in support of Farida leaving him? Why would she turn against him like this? She sounded genuinely concerned when he first told her but now, she was being hostile to him. He stood up and left.
He had to visit Farida again in the UK otherwise he would have no peace. Who could have been responsible for her pregnancy? How did she get pregnant so easily after they pathed ways?
He got a message in his mail. It was the restraining order. He couldnot be anywhere as close as a 400 metres from her. He couldn’t talk to her or harass her otherwise he will be picked up. His wife placed a restraining order against him and sent a copy to him. Farida had changed completely. He couldn’t believe how much she changed in such a short time. He would stay away for a while before visiting again. She was making life difficult for him. He couldn’t concentrate on work. The primaries for House of Rep was coming up soon. He needed Farida to analyze his opponents and tell him how to go about his campaign. She absconded when he needed her the most.
Wale arrived Farida’s apartment in the evening. As he knocked on the door, his heart was beating fast. He didn’t know how to tell Farida about Tomiwa’s pregnancy and he felt he owed her that. He wanted to tell her in person. He had missed her so much. He was happy they would be reunited. Farida had started the process of filing for a divorce. He got her the lawyer she was using and the feedback he got was that they had filed the initial request. The lawyer told him Farida wanted it done urgently. That was a good sign for him.
Farida was closer to the door when she heard the knock.
“Monica did you order anything?” she asked.
“No, I didn’t. It must be the building maintenance” Monica answered.
Farida opened the door. She was transfixed in that position when she saw who it was. Just a couple of days ago, Monica asked her to inform Wale of her condition because she suspected he would pay her a surprise visit and here in was in the flesh.
Wale walked straight it her, held her head and gave her a peck on her forehead. Tears flowed from Farida’s eyes. She couldn’t believe she was with Wale at this instance.
“Baby why are you crying?” Wale asked.
“She is happy to see you. Please come in” Monica answered.
Wale came in and settled down. Farida laid down on the bed curled into a ball with her a pillow covering her stomach.
Monica attended to Wale who kept spying at Farida and smiling. Farida was the luckiest girl ever. She had two girls desiring her. If not for her condition, she would have had more guys after her in school. While she Monica didn’t have anyone. One of their neighbours who was also a student at LSE had asked her to dinner but she had declined because of Farida. Not really because of Farida but rather because of he was white. She wasn’t interested in a white guy. They remained friends anyways.
After Wale had eaten and they had caught up, Monica knew she had to excuse them to discuss in private. She sent a message to Hugh asking if he was still open for a dinner date and he replied yes immediately. She told them stepping out for a bit. She dressed up for the dinner date and left.
Wale came to Farida and asked her, “What’s wrong with you?”
“I’m sorry Wale”
‘Sorry about what?”
“I have been looking for how to tell you”
“Tell me what”
“Tell you about this”
‘About what?” Wale asked pretty confused.
She stood up and removed her sweater to real her baby bump. Wale was speechless. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The excitement came over him.
“You are not barren! You are pregnant Farida”
“Yes I am”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was ashamed”
“Ashamed of what? Does Sam know?”
“He saw it and accused me of sleeping with another. Wait a minute, why are you excited?”
“You tried to be pregnant for seven years. Sam had kids with another because you couldn’t and now you are pregnant. The shame is on him”
“Yes, it is. I can’t believe I was so scared to tell you. I’m so happy you understand”
“I also have something to tell you”
“Go ahead”
Wale told Farida about his encounter with Tomiwa and his decision. Farida was shocked at her desperation. Such a young girl trying to get married by every means to the extent of plotting and getting pregnant for a man.
“It is our Yoruba culture which puts young girls under pressure to get married in early. It’s more annoying that she is from an enlightened family and they encouraged her to do something like this. My mother was in on it”
“Really? Why would she do that?”
“She wants me to get married”
“O, I see. But she should know that forcing a marriage on you won’t work. You too marry so you won’t have a string of children from your family’s plotting to get you settled”
“I’m waiting for you”
“Waiting for me?”
“Yes”
“Even with this pregnancy?”
“Tomiwa is pregnant too. We will have three kids together”
“Wale, how can you still want to be with me? I having another man’s child. How can you still want to be with me?”
“I will be with you all the way. I will be there when you go into labour and birth this two. As long as they are yours, they are mine. That’s how much I love you Farida”
Farida looked at Wale as tears swelled in her eyes. Did she deserve someone like Wale who was loyal and consistent from the very beginning. He made it sound easy but she knew to be with him; there would be battles to win. Farida didn’t think Wale’s mother liked her at all. Her behavior towards her each time they met suggested it. Wale was so confident. She wished she could share in it but she was cautious.
Wale laid down on the bed and pulled Farida to lie beside him. He cuddled her from behind and rocked her gently. Before long, Farida was asleep and Wale followed suit still holding unto her.
Monica’s date was interesting after all. They watched a movie together and then had dinner. He took her to the pub for some drinks before they walked hand in hand to her apartment. At the door Hugh pulled Monica close and said,
“I had a good time tonight”
“I also did. It was fun”
“Can we do this again tomorrow”
“You bet”
Hugh was not bad at all. The time she spent with him opened her eyes to a different side of him. He was fun when he wanted to be. Spontaneously, he planted a k!ss on Monica’s lips and bade her good night.
Smiling to herself, Monica entered the apartment. She didn’t see Wale or Farida on the couch. She moved further to the bed and there they were. Cuddled up together and fast asleep. They looked so sweet together that Monica could not resist taking a picture of both of them. She took her position on the couch. If only they could be together. She doubted it. Everything was complicated. She knew Sam would never agree to give Farida a divorce especially if he finds out she was having his kids.
Wale stayed with them for a full month. It was an enjoyable time for them. He went on walks with Farida daily to make sure she exercises. He went through her course work with her. He helped her with her research and analysis. He stock up on everything they needed. Monica knew this was how a relationship was supposed to be; looking out and supporting each other.
Farida compelled to communicate with Tomiwa. He made it clear to her it was for the sake of the child and not a reunion ploy. When she found out he was in London, she questioned where he was and he told her he was with his best friends. Tomiwa wasn’t happy. Even though she appreciated the calls, she was upset he went running to Farida. Miss goody two shoes could have made him behave himself by communicating with her. She knew what to do.
Being with Wale a very different experience from being with any other person. He showed love and affection in unimaginable ways. Like he would make her have milk no matter how much she hated it for the benefit of the children. He was ready to feed if she was too tired to eat. Then he massaged her feet every night before she slept. It was the most amazing feeling Farida had ever had. Effortlessly, he showed he cared. He was never s*xual with her even though she still had that effect on him but he knew she would feel awkward and never did. The highest he did was peck her on her forward which she loved.
He could see Farida had lost herself because of the pregnancy. She wore baggy and uncomplimentary clothes. Wale went shopping for her. He got her nice and comfortable gowns she could wear. Maternity trousers and tops which were also trendy. He got comfortable shoes and sandals to go with the clothes. Farida loved all of them. The next morning, she dressed in the neon green shift dress and black sandals; one of the clothes Wale bought. She packed her books in a trolley bag Monica had got her which she never used. The big difference was that she combed and packed her hair in a bun and then wore a face powder and light pink lip gloss. She looked very cute in the outfit.
She stepped out for Wale to see the transformation he started. Both Wale and Monica were perplexed and impressed. Monica and Wale took pictures of her. Wale walked her to school. He told her as they left the apartment. “You are the sexiest pregnant woman I have ever met” Farida chuckled. Wale had a positive influence on her.
Everyday, Farida transformed even more. She became more vibrant, and full of life. She had gotten her groove back. She was greatly admired for her new look and her baby bump was very cute. She was not ashamed to show it. She had a glow which made her look adorable and sweet.
Monica told Farida she owed her new self to Wale. He had a way of taking control while not looking controlling. It was something he learnt when he met Farida and began to woo her many years ago. She changed his mindset about relationship and love. He used to be a playboy but Farida made he want to be a better man. He realized he wanted to be a better man for her.
Monica left the bed for both of them. They slept together most nights. Farida was a different person now. As her heart accepted Wale, she had no cares anymore. Monica had to ask Wale if anything was going on under the duvet.
“No, I just want her to be comfortable while she sleeps”
“And you are not aroused?”
“Says who? Man has learnt how to control his urge. I know Farida, she will bolt if I attempt anything”
“I am happy for both of you. I wish we could be together like this forever”
‘We would have to include Hugh into the equation”
“Hugh is a nice guy. I like him. He wants me to move in with him with him. He believes you are Farida’s husband. I told him you will be going back soon and I have to be with Farida”
“Would your parents approve of a white guy?”
“They have no say over my love life. They made a mess of Sam’s so they can’t advise me on mine. I like Hugh, he seems genuine but I have to still watch him”
Wale was glad Monica was getting her act together after Francis. She hung out with Hugh a lot so she could give them space. What she didn’t realise was that they spent that time working or reading or sleeping. She was happy and so he played along.
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