"Chijioke is at the site, I just spoke to him "

Onyedikachi and Obanma with her mother had journeyed through Enugu down to Imo state before Obanma decided to speak to his brother. Before that day, Onyedikachi had called Chijioke and had told him that he needed to speak to him about the results.

He was genuinely pleased when Ngozi remembered him from her past and was even more thrilled to hear revelations about his father that had troubled his family for years.

Though the woman seemed aloof he could also tell she was relieved by his intentions to do right by her daughter.

Obanma barely spoke after her announcement but kept staring at the vehicles that whizzed past theirs on the road.

Onyedikachi reached out and held her hand while he skillfully maneuvered the wheel of the vehicle with the other.

"O gini? Are you alright?"

Obanma closed her fingers around his and gave a small smile nodding to the question he asked.

"You've been quiet. Does it have to do with my mother?"

"No ...not her. I can't say that I'm not worried about her reception but it's not that. "

"What is it then?"

"I think I need to talk to Mr. Obidike again and fix things with him "

"I thought you met him the other day, you never did tell me how it went"

"Onyi I wasn't very understanding, I let anger get the best of me and now I can't help this guilt tearing me by bits "

"I'll take you to see him once we're done in the village"

Onyedikachi turned to see Ngozi snoring behind and simply smiled

"She remembered me" He had declared to Obanma as their meeting replayed in his head.

"She's remembers everything now " Obanma declared softly

" You don't seem too happy about that, isn't that supposed to be a good thing?"

"It is, it's just that it has changed so many things"

"It hasn't changed my love for you " Onyedikachi grinned like a young schoolboy speaking to his crush and Obanma couldn't help but smile.

"We seem to be doing well for people who are about to step into a battlefield" Onyedikachi taunted as they continued their journey.

"We were never at war, our families...I just feel we were all hurt deeply and chose not to forgive. I think we are going to make things right after today " Obanma replied staring at her mother who seemed to be sleeping peacefully.

"Indeed we are"

Obanma's gaze wandered to the bush paths as they arrived at Umuikpo. She couldn't help but remember her childhood when she would ply the roads she now viewed as an adult naked.

Onyedikachi held her hand, his thoughts quite similar to the ones she had.

"I love you so so much" He had declared with a smile

"I love you too"

They drove to the site where Chijioke had begun building his gas plant with Ngozi now awake studying the place even as they drove.

Her life had been miserable in that village but something about that road seemed too familiar. She couldn't help but feel that she had somehow had an important encounter on that same road.

Onyedikachi parked his vehicle carefully and rushed to help Obanma's mother out of the vehicle. She stepped out with her gaze still fixated on the roads while Obanma and onyedikachi led the way after they called Chijioke to confirm his presence.

"Mummy are you okay?" Obanma called out to her mother who had zoned out staring into space.

"Oh... yes I am, I just feel strange about this place."

" I do too, it was where dee Chijioke was stabbed"

Ngozi shook her head as goosebumps enveloped her skin while her daughter reached out and held her hand.

Chijioke led by some of the men in his employ stepped out to lead his guests into his domain. He seemed much in his element Obanma quickly noticed as he led them away. Onyedikachi's presence didn't make things as awkward as she expected. Ngozi on the other hand couldn't help but stare around noting how impressive her son's work had become.

"I usually sit under the shade beside the building, saves me from the scorching heat of the sun but gives me enough view of the workers"

He led them to the seats which had been carved out of molded blocks and planks. The surface seemed quite dusty owing to the dust which was haphazardly distributed on the surface by the wind...

"O dikwa mma? Is everything alright? I was quite surprised when you contacted me the other day and today you're here with my mother."

The question was directed to Onyedikachi who seemed eager to let the cat out of the bag because he knew Chijioke had not been exposed to the truth which they had discovered.

"Nna m we will be needing some privacy for what we intend to discuss as it concerns your sister and me" Ngozi had pleaded as the men who watched Chijioke stood quite a proximity to them and she feared them overhearing.

Chijioke waved at his men and signaled them to withdraw which they did immediately and he turned to his mother failing to conceal the concern written all over his features.

"We came to tell you that Onyedikachi and I would love your blessings as we would be getting married soon"

Obanma began with the rush of bewilderment spreading over Chijioke's face. He couldn't hide the disgust as he turned to his mother without even letting his sister finish her statement.

"Please tell me that you do not endorse this madness too mother?"

His mother reached out and held him while he threw murderous gazes at Onyedikachi who felt it wasn't his place to curb the brewing temper. He did anticipate Chijioke's response when the whole truth would be uncovered to him.

"Obanma don't you see that your union would be sacrilegious? I understand that you love him but this madness has got to stop biko!"

"Dee Chijioke sometimes all you need to do is just listen." Obanma opined with a smile as she found her brother's outburst amusing

"We are not related, we have confirmed it" Onyedikachi finally spoke while Chijioke shook his head in disbelief, his mouth hung open.

"Were you not there when the doctor told us the results of that test?"

"Yes I was there and I never did dispute that test result from my statement, I only said we are not related. The doctor specifically told us that your father is not Obanma's father, he never did imply that we were related anyway. The two of us only assumed because of the issues surrounding my father's relationship with your mother. I had spoken with the doctor yesterday and to my surprise, I was told that a test was also carried out for me with samples which you collected without my consent"

Chijioke seemed beaten and remained speechless while his sister also listened in disbelief. "Dede, did you know the truth then?'

Chijioke shook his head while Onyedikachi continued narrating his investigation. " We didn't bother to hear the contents of the second test because I had believed it to be your mother's while the first result was just too overbearing for us. "

Chijioke nodded affirming to all that Onyedikachi had explained. " Your mother has finally remembered everything and I think it's best she explains to you what we've come to tell you"

Chijioke seemed confused at first then willing to hear his mother even though it hurt his ego to know that he had been foolish. He couldn't help but think about what the so-called truth truly implied. Did it mean his mother had never been promiscuous?

Obanma and Onyedikachi withdrew from the pair as they gave Chijioke and Ngozi time to discuss what they had been trying to explain to him.

Obanma was enveloped by different emotions as she watched Chijioke's demeanor change constantly while their mother spoke to him.

"It must be hard for her telling us things from her past" She blurted out fearing a judgemental repose from her husband to be.

Onyedikachi only held her hand which he lifted to his lips and kissed. "Mma we have all sinned in different ways, some of us just have better means to cover our secret sins. No one ever paints themselves black, it's the way our unjust world was built. So when you truly analyze our messed up lives where we all sin differently but parade a cloak of righteousness, you would understand that we all are just hypocrites ."

"My father's actions may seem justified when this gets to the hearing of the villagers. Those who called her a whore would do so more confidently"

"If you're talking about my mother then you do not have any need to be worried. She is about to discover her husband was innocent after all. Mma doesn't get me wrong but I saw your mother the day you were born. The image of her sadness is still engraved in my mind. It was haunting and now I can only imagine what she truly went through in the hands of your father. It doesn't justify her actions but who is to say we would have done better in her shoes?"

"Well, society does condone a man cheating but never a woman. My father had a fair share of concubines as well. Onyi how does one deliberately hurt the people they love? Commitment and fidelity shouldn't be subjected to choice neither should they be overpowered by revenge. Two wrongs never do make a right?"

"Sometimes people can't help being humans. We are all wired differently you know, some of us just have a stronger reign on the urge to make mistakes. That is why ours will be a different story Mma. We have plenty of mistakes of our parents to learn from"

Obanma managed a smile as she pulled Onyedikachi in for a kiss " How did I ever get so lucky?"

"You were a beautiful seductress even as a baby, let's say you caught me young" Onyedikachi muttered on her lips.

Chijioke looked away from his mother to see Onyedikachi kissing Obanma passionately. He shook his head still disappointed by the tale his mother carefully wove. "He has not married her yet and he wants to swallow her in front of me" Chijioke muttered

"Isi gini?"

"Does Adaugo know about this?" Chijioke asked rubbing his temple to avoid repeating what he had muttered.

"Yes she does but Nna m I need to ask for your forgiveness, It was my fault..everything that happened"

Chijioke nodded and quickly stood up "He knew they weren't at the right place and he tried his best to keep his anger in check. " We'll talk more about everything later inu?". He looked at his sister laughing with abandon as Onyedikachi held her and couldn't help the grin that fought through his frown. His sister was happy with the toad and he could tell Onyedikachi loved her. A sudden pang of guilt poked his heart and he thought of how lonely he was, he didn't have what his little sister had. He suddenly realized that he had been unfair in his judgment of what Onyedikachi wanted with Obanma.

Obanma and Onyedikachi approached with a smile still plastered on their faces while their mother wiped the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes.

Chijioke held his mother and turned to the smiling couple when they came to the shade. " I just have one thing to say concerning your request. Onyedikachi if you ever hurt my sister or make her miserable in any way, I'll put a bullet through your balls"

Obanma's mouth hung open while Onyedikachi chuckled. He could see the semblance Chijioke bore with Arinze when it came to decision-making. Chijioke withdrew his hand from his pocket and offered a handshake.

Onyedikachi reached out and shook the hand still wearing a smile on his face. " We have your blessings then?" Onyedikachi taunted knowing exactly what he had implied the first time.

"Dede?" Obanma urged on as her brother was hesitant to answer

"Well like I said before I'll kill him if he hurts you and as long as he is okay with that, I have no issues with your marriage"

"Can't you put your answer in a less threatening manner?" Obanma pleaded with a smile

"That's the only pleasant way, the other answers in my head might scare your fiance' off and we all know that he is a fickle toad" Chijioke replied with a taunting smirk

Onyedikachi couldn't help but chuckle and even though Chijioke fought his, a grin forced its way to his face and stayed there.

"Thank you very much Chijioke" Onyedikachi declared happily as he stood to his feet. There was no doubt that a new alliance would be forged with their families because of the coming union. Obanma ran into her brother's arms as they stood to leave and he patted her back. "Thank you dede" She muttered into his ears before walking away.

"Oga make we dey come?" Chijioke had heard after he had stood there motionless even after they had left with his mother.

"When did Obanma grow up?" He muttered to himself as the worker approached

The drive to Arinze's was short and smooth, Onyedikachi had never felt as excited as he was as he drove them. He had discovered the answers that plagued his family for long and had restored every faith he lost in his father.
He often reached out to pat Obanma who was distracted by the revelation Kelechi was taunting her with. Obanma suspected she wanted to reveal the identity of her lover.

Ngozi seemed too quiet and Onyedikachi had to throw in conversations that involved both mother and daughter to get Ngozi distracted.

Onyedikachi sounded the horn in front of the gate and he realized that Olivia had told him that Arinze was not around. The talk of getting a gatekeeper had lingered so much that he had forfeited reminding them of it...

He had been preparing to step out of the vehicle when the gates came apart. He drove in quite surprised to see a fellow drawing the iron gates apart till he remembered his mentioning guards ever since he was stabbed.

Obanma smiled at him as he turned the ignition off and withdrew his key. He could tell she was quite nervous but he knew she also wanted the same as he did.

Adannaya raced out of the building and kept hopping excitedly until he came out of the vehicle and she flew into his arms.

Onyedikachi whirled his niece around and she quaked with laughter.

"Uncle Onyi mummy said I shouldn't let boys carry me" She managed to blurt out breathlessly and Onyedikachi couldn't help but laugh.

He placed her legs on the ground and drew her cheek playfully.

"Well your uncle is exempted, I am a man "

Onyedikachi turned to see both Ngozi and Obanma smiling behind him courtesy of the banter with his little niece.

"Where is your mother?"

"Oh, she is upstairs! Mummy said she doesn't have the strength to come downstairs. Did she tell you that baby is about to come home?"

Onyedikachi nodded with a smile recalling what Olivia had told him.

Adannaya took notice of the women behind Onyedikachi and greeted both with a smile.

She gestured for her uncle to stoop her height which she did and she whispered into his ears.

"Your girlfriend is very beautiful. Mummy has said it so many times"

Onyedikachi never knew he could blush from hearing compliments until he heard his niece's words. He stared at Obanma who looked curious as she watched him.

"I don't even know how I got so lucky".

Obanma came up to Onyedikachi's side and enquired about what Adannaya said about her which he promised to reveal later.

Adannaya helped take the items Onyedikachi had gotten on the way as he led his guests up to Arinze's house.
Olivia was in the living room when they arrived and she ushered her guests in with a smile.

She smiled so radiantly at Obanma that she felt suddenly shy. Olivia commented so many times on her beauty and even complimented Ngozi so well.

Obanma felt at peace and wondered how Arinze who she felt was shallow found such a woman. Somehow she could feel the ingenuity in her expressions.

She had even gotten Ngozi to laugh when she taunted herself for being so heavy with pregnancy that she feared her baby kicking the people she hugs.

Onyedikachi couldn't stop grinning as he watched with pleasure how Olivia's bubbly aura had diffused the awkwardness that began to brew before he drove in.

"Where is my mum?" Onyedikachi had asked as he noticed her absence but was told she had gone to fetch Arinze from the shop.

Onyedikachi seemed perturbed but quickly dashed into the room to dial his mother's line over the phone.

"I was preparing food before Adannaya told me you had arrived. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to finish it quickly be before Onyi decides to invade my kitchen and boast of his culinary skills"

Ngozi smiled and Obanma chuckled knowing how handy Onyedikachi was in the kitchen.

"I'd love to help " Obanma opined getting to her feet with her mother's sign of approval from a nod.

"You know what, I won't even pretend about anything right now, it would be very uncourteous of me to allow my guest into my kitchen the first time she stepped into my house but nne biko I'd love to have you in there with me"

Obanma chuckled lightly and followed suit as Olivia led the way. Obanma returned almost immediately to serve her mother juice as instructed by Olivia.

Onyedikachi spoke briefly with his mother, telling her of his arrival. He had made sure to hide information about Obanma and Ngozi from her even though he suspected Arinze might have mentioned it.

He couldn't help but overhear the giggling as he approached the living room and was quite pleased to hear that Mma had gone to help Olivia.

Onyedikachi found his way to the kitchen but stood at the door smiling, his presence oblivious to the two ladies who chatted and laughed as they prepared the meal in the kitchen. Obanma had been dicing the vegetables which were to be used in preparing vegetable salad.

"You probably know this but Onyedikachi played a huge role in my marriage. He made me understand that well I just had to put in the effort to get the kind of marriage I desired and it worked. I am truly happy that he's found someone who will love and take care of him too"

Obanma smiled feel proud of her fiancé. " He's always been that way, he goes out of his way to make people happy. It's one of the things that I love about him"

"Well, you're one lucky girl! I just wish everyone else sees what you two see. Onyedikachi deserves to be happy too"

" it's not that easy for them you know. They did lose someone very special" Obanma retorted before she caught wind of Onyedikachi smiling at the door.

"Onyi please take yourself to the living room and entertain our guest." Olivia reprimanded when she saw him.

"I'll only leave if Mma tells me to leave, you have no power over me again Olivia, I have a woman now"

Olivia cackled excitedly enjoying the way Onyedikachi rubbed Obanma in her face.

"Onyi we don't need you here and you're forgetting Olivia has a knife in her hand now, she's got more power over me"

Onyedikachi couldn't help but laugh as he walked towards Olivia to place a kiss on her forehead. He turned to Obanma and taunted her with a smirk. "The more powerful woman always gets the kiss"

She shook her head slightly, stared in amusement as Olivia wacked Onyedikachi's head slightly with her wooden spoon.

"I don't know why I am surrounded by aggressive women. It seems Adannaya is the true love of my life"

"Give it time Onyi she'll soon find a true lover"

Onyedikachi placed a chaste kiss on Obanma's lips as he turned to leave.

"I still believe myself to be a better cook than you are Olivia"

Onyedikachi was already out of the kitchen before Olivia could give him her comeback.

"He always does this " Olivia retorted with a laugh.

Onyedikachi waltzed happily into the living room to meet Adannaya throwing questions at Ngozi who seemed pleased indulging the little girl.

A knock sounded at the door and he was certain it was his mother and his brother. Onyedikachi opened the door and ushered them in with a smile. He hugged his mother who was happy to see him, while Arinze only shook his hands.

He led them into the living room quite nervous about how his mother would react to Ngozi being there.

Arinze was the first person who caught sight of the elderly woman with his daughter and his displeasure was written all over his face even though he managed to mutter a greeting.

Chidiogo followed suit with shock and anger radiating from her features. She barely acknowledged Ngozi's presence as she beckoned on her son.

Obanma and Olivia appeared instantly bearing news of their lunch is ready and served. She greeted Chidiogo and Arinze but quickly went to her mother's side because she could feel the tension that arose in the room.

The thickening silence lasted for minutes as the two elderly women acquainted themselves with gazes. Onyedikachi's voice tore through the awkward scenario as he urged everyone into the dining room.

Arinze stayed back to scold his daughter but Olivia seemed displeased by the act.

Obanma had expected the sort of reception Chidiogo and Arinze gave but her ray of sunshine was Olivia who tried so much to diffuse the awkwardness.

Obanma was seated beside her mother and Olivia. While Onyedikachi was seated opposite her with his mother by his side and Arinze with his daughter at the head and rear end of the table respectfully.

Onyedikachi muttered words of assurance to Obanma with a smile while his mother watched with grave displeasure.

Ngozi never made any attempt to speak as she quietly ate her food even though her daughter often patted her leg. She knew it was Obanma's way of reassuring her too.

Arinze could also see the frown that had begun to appear on his wife's face even though she tried as much as possible to be a good host. Olivia had suggested that he was being rude but Onyedikachi seemed to be happy despite the situation.

"I think I have lost my appetite" Chidiogo declared as she stood moving away from the table.

"So have I Chidiogo" Ngozi retorted as she stood. "It's quite difficult enjoying this delicious meal when it feels like your host is stabbing you with her eyes"

"I never invited you here, my son did" Chidiogo spat with venom

The children only stared at the two women as they spoke both expressive about their discomfort with their faces.

"Ogo you have changed, I never knew you to be discourteous" Ngozi shot back at Chidiogo who seemed taken aback by the name she heard. Ngozi had always called her Ogo in the past.

"Well nobody is ever courteous to whores"

Obanma completely offended by Chidiogo's words stood in defense of her mother but Ngozi urged her to take her seat.

Onyedikachi grew irritated by the minute as he listened to his mother's demeaning tone.

"You've become so bitter, but that's not why we're here. I think it's best if two of us speak alone"

Ngozi stepped back into the living room but Ngozi didn't follow suit. Arinze managed to keep himself distracted by his daughter while Onyedikachi was forced to speak to his mother. They went into the bedroom where he pleaded with her to speak to Ngozi.

"You can't deny that you still do love my father and you blame them for his death. But this isn't right and you know it"

"Do I? Then I wonder why you've brought that woman to taunt me. She was the last person who was with my husband before that awful incident. Do you know how painful it is for me to see the sole reason why my husband is dead seated across the table? You don't understand Onyedikachi, I am repulsed by her and her daughter and I want them out of the house. If you decide to marry that girl then so be it! It's your choice and I don't have to put up with any nonsense"

"She's not just here because of Mma, she's here because of the truth "

"What truth?" Chidiogo enquired

"The truth about everything, maybe all you need to do is put your hatred aside and just hear her out ...please  ". Onyedikachi hugged his mother and led her into the living room where Ngozi sat.

Chidiogo approached the woman clearing her throat occasionally to hold back the tears that fought to come.

"What is the truth that you've come to tell?"

"That you're right, I am a whore "

"So you slept with Dozie is that what this is about?"

"No it's not but maybe you shouldn't have such little faith in your husband"

"Listen Ngozi I don't have time to banter words with you..."

"Chidozie never cheated on you and never did I put him in that position"

Chidiogo's breath hitched in her throat as tears began to form in her eyes. Her throat clogged with emotions that she had to clear her throat to be able to speak.

"Iheanyi claimed he..he saw you ..."

"Iheanyi saw what someone evil wanted him to see. Chidiogo it was all a setup and Iheanyi fell completely for it "

"What do you mean? What about his clothes? "

"The lunatic took them away after he threatened us with a gun. He even hit Dozie on his head. I know I made a mistake by not coming to you also when I wanted to leave Iheanyi. But I was hoping Dozie told you about everything." Ngozi narrated everything that happened that day to Chidiogo

Chidiogo swallowed hard biting her lips to keep the tears at bay.

"Dozie never mentioned anything"

"Ogo your husband loved you and I would have never done that you"

A bitter laugh escaped Chidiogo's lips and she began to quake with tears.

"How am I supposed to know you're telling the truth? Why did you call yourself a whore?"

"I am not exactly innocent and maybe I do deserve everything that happened to me. "

"Dozie didn't deserve any of it! My husband was killed because of you. He was supposed to stay here with me while I prepared for the new year and I sent him to your house bearing gifts. I sent my husband to his death! Do you know how that feels? Being responsible for the death of someone you love dearly?" Chidiogo declared angrily as tears streamed down her face.

"Maybe I know Ogo, maybe I know what it means to blame yourself for the death of someone you love. I lost my baby boy and that is why I need your help. Maybe you can help me remember who exactly caused the death of my son and your husband because I intend to make him pay  for it"

Chidiogo feeling even more disappointed in herself that she had doubted her husband simply eyed Ngozi warily declared.

"It won't bring Dozie back to me " Chidiogo uttered in anger

"And you never know it may be one of your lovers " She continued in a derogatory tone.

Obanma and Onyedikachi who had been pacing around the corridor came running in through the door as they heard Chidiogo's voice.

They were surprised to see Ngozi getting to her feet while Chidiogo quickly wiped her tears.

"Obanma I think it's time for us to go"
Ngozi informed Obanma as she stood up wiping her eyes swiftly.

Obanma led her mother away while Onyedikachi approached his mother.

They briefly stopped by to bid Olivia and Arinze farewell. Olivia walked her guests to the door and even offered to follow them downstairs but Obanma declined. She hugged Obanma and whispered words of encouragement into her ears.

"It is never easy but everything will be fine"

Onyedikachi met Obanma and Ngozi downstairs after his mother had sent him away. He could see how hurt she was from the tears that dripped down her face.

She urged her son to leave because she wanted to be alone and he complied after he practically forced her into a hug.

"I'm so sorry" Onyedikachi had declared before he left his mother who seemed speechless.

"I thought things would have ended better today" Onyedikachi whispered into Obanma's ears as he hugged her. They had been waiting downstairs when he approached them and apologized on behalf of his family.

"It didn't go as badly as I expected all thanks to Olivia and beautiful Adannaya" Obanma replied with a smile

Onyedikachi also tendered an apology to Ngozi who accepted with a nod of her head. Onyedikachi felt so bad about the embarrassing remarks his mother had made but it seemed both Obanma and her mother were quite easy to overlook the behavior.

"I'll take you both to a hotel tonight...I have to speak to my family"

"Onyedikachi, do tell your mother to forgive herself, It's hard but she needs to so that she can begin to heal. This bitterness and hatred is just a facade for guilt" Ngozi had declared as she made her way into the vehicle, leaving Onyedikachi quite troubled.

They were almost out of the compound when they saw Arinze waving at them. Obanma who was thoroughly displeased by the attitude he had put up stepped out hesitantly from the car even Onyedikachi had pleaded.

"It would be very wrong if you two left this way. I know there has been bad blood between our families over the years and frankly, it is not quite easy forgetting these things. My mother just told me about the revelation you made to her and I must apologize for our reception today. I would have loved for you to come back to the living room for us to discuss why Onyedikachi came with the two of you today, but I can see how unsettled my mother is and I think it would be better if we scheduled it for another day."

Everyone else nodded to Arinze's proposal except his brother who was too surprised to speak. "I ga-eri " He began earning a smile from Obanma who found it amusing that he still used the nickname.

"My brother has loved you ever since he was a little boy, even before he knew what love was, and often I would think he had been bewitched by you..... but having a wife and a daughter makes me understand better. It would be unfair to deny my brother his happiness when he rightfully helped me gain mine. Onyedikachi, Obanma......The two of you have my blessings "

Hello Everyone!

how are we doing? I know this chapter is lengthy but I guess it was long overdue.

I feel so proud of Arinze and Chijioke .