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Health & Wellbeing => Relationship Board => Super Stories => Topic started by: Miss Ifeoluwa on May 28, 2018, 04:01:06 AM
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 1
Nnamdi: My people I greet you all
Elders chorused: we greet you too.
Nnamdi: ‘you all know the reason for this meeting and I want to make it clear that on no account will I be accepting a woman who cheated on me not once, twice and neither is it thrice. I want you people, my elders to help me ask this woman’ pointing to his wife ‘who the father of the abominable children is and why did she hide it from me all these years. Why did she make me father three children that are not from my loins? Thank you’ he said and sat down close to his mother who patted him on his back.
First Elder: ‘Hmmm..Alu! Alu! What an abomination. Ifeoma our wife’ he said looking at her, you have heard all that your husband has said, now is the time to answer his questions before we the elders of Udi community. You do know that what you did is a grave offence in our land, don’t you?
Ifeoma: I do my elders.
First Elder: Then why did you do it? Why did you commit such an abomination?
Ifeoma kept mute.
Mama Nnamdi: is it not you the elders are asking questions or are you deaf that you cannot hear again?
Nnamdi: so you don’t want to answer the elders of our land abi?
Elders, you people should ask her ooo. look at me now, when I am supposed to be enjoying the fruit of my labor,I was going to take them on a surprise trip to the US when I found out that my children are actually not mine for a DNA was conducted on all three of my precious children. I am shattered my people.
Mama Nnamdi: I blame you, I blame you Nnamdi. When I told you to take a second wife you wouldn’t listen, now look at you and the situation this witch has put you through. Tell us oooo, tell us you witch! Tell us who the man you committed such an abomination with’ she said to Ifeoma.
Second Elder: Errmm Mama Nnamdi, take it easy on her, she will speak up. Turning to ifeoma who was standing in their middle said ‘My daughter, please speak up and tell us what we need to know. After everything, you will walk naked round the village three times, you will also have your bath in Udi river so that you can be cleansed of all your sins for that is the custom of our land. Please kindly speak up you hear?
Ifeoma still kept mute.
Nnamdi: you don’t want to talk abi? When you were busy committing the act I am very sure you were enjoying it without thinking that your secrets will finally come out. Don’t you know nothing stays hidden under the sun forever?
Third Elder: ifeoma my daughter, this is the third time we are calling you to spill out what you have done. If you do not say anything, we will go nowhere today and that place you are standing is where you will keep standing until you tell us all what we need to know.
Mama Nnamdi: how will she? when she is trying to protect her man, the man who committed such sins with her. You have heard all that our elders have said, me I have your time today and water or food will not be served to you until you spill out what we want to hear.
Nnamdi: ‘After you have finished confessing and doing all the cleansing, I want you to go and pack everything you have in that house including those kids of yours. I want you all out of my house and out of my life for good. My only saving grace is that I have a son from another woman. Atleast I am grateful for that and immediately all this is over Mama,I am going to Ijeoma’s people to ask for her hand in marriage. She is way more better than this thing standing right in front of me’ he said pointing at her.
Mama Nnamdi: I am happy that your secret is finally out and soon, fowl yansh don open. I knew there was something about you right from day one but I couldn’t place it. No wonder my spirit never agreed with you. Tell us who the father of those bastard children of yours and be fast with it else you will stay here till God knows when.
First Elders: My people, since ifeoma has refused to open her mouth to say who the father of her children are, I think we should give her some time to put herself together.
Mama Nnamdi: Isi gini, give who sometime? Mbanu, it will not work.
Haven’t we given her all the time she needs? We gave her time to go to her people and put herself together, what more time does she needs? My elders, we will have to force the words out of her mouth today ooo because we cannot keep coming back because of a woman who is not worthy. She must tell us everything today.
Second Elder: I agree too, I mean we have other things to do. Take a look at me now, I supposed to be in the farm but because of Ifeoma I am here. The last time the same thing too and I keep losing money because of it. I won’t be coming back here again because of Ifeoma. If she refuses to still say anything then let us take her to the shrine and let her swear by the gods of our land. If she is innocent, the gods won’t strike her but if she is not, she will die within three days since she doesn’t want to tell us anything abi?
Mama Nnamdi: I agree with you oooo. let us go to the shrine and let her swear with her life.
First Elder: Ifeoma my daughter, did you just hear what they said? She nodded her head ‘Good’. Do you want to go to the shrine because if you do not speak up, that is where we are headed to and when we hand you over to the chief priest, the matter is no longer in our hands.
If what they say about you is true, you will swear by the Gods of our land and death is inevitable. Is that what you want?
Ifeoma: No my elders.
Mama Nnamdi: Oh! So you finally said a word to us since you came here today? Ah! Oga oooo. I thought you were finally dumb.
Nnamdi: Who did you commit this atrocity with Ifeoma, who?
First Elder: Please Nnamdi, calm down. She will talk.
Nnamdi: Then let her talk. I don’t want to breathe the same air with this prostitute I call a wife. Witch!
Second Elder: Nnamdi, calm down and Ifeoma, are you ready to talk now?
Ifeoma: Yes my Elders, I will talk.
Mama Nnamdi: Talk na, what is keeping you?
Ifeoma: Errmm my elders, before anything else, I want to start from the onset.
Mama Nnamdi: You want to start what from which onset?
Ifeoma: if you really want to know who the father of my child is and what prompted me to do it, I will have to tell you my story from the beginning.
Nnamdi: What nonsense story are you talking about? All we want is for you to tell us who you did it with. Is that too heavy for you to spill out?
Mama Nnamdi: We don’t have all the time in the world and you better just spill out….
First Elder: ‘Mama Nnamdi’ he interrupted her ‘I want you please let her speak. If she wants to tell us her story, we have all the time and it is important for us to know the reason why she did what she did. If after she tells us everything and her action is not justified, she will do what needs to be done’.
Second Elder: I agree, let her tell us everything right from the beginning.
Nnamdi: Me, I am not interested in knowing anything oooo. all I want is who did she do it with?
Third Elder: Then be patient with her, let her tell us what she wants us to know.
Mama Nnamdi: Okay oooo. but it will not exceed today because me I will not want to come here because of her again. I want my son’s life to go back to normal.
First Elder: My daughter, you have all our attention. Go ahead ,tell us what you want us to know.
Ifeoma: Thank you my elders. Looking at her husband and mother in-law she shook her head and with tears in her eyes she said ‘you all know that I have been married to Nnamdi, your son. But what you really do not know was how miserable my life was when I couldn’t give birth to a child five years after my marriage.
I went from one hospital to another and after conducting series of test, I was certified okay by the doctors. Each time my husband and I become intimate, nothing happens and one day, I decided to go to another hospital for a proper check - up and the same story was told. That I am okay and there is nothing wrong with me, I should try and bring my husband along so that the same test can be conducted on him but all effort in trying to convince him to come along proved abortive.
Nnamdi: Yes! Because I am a man. Before I married you, I know how many women with whom I had an affair with had abortions for me.
What makes you think that I am not man enough to pregnant a woman?
Third Elder: Nnamdi calm down and let her finish her story please.
My daughter please continue.
Ifeoma: ‘Thank you’ she continued ‘I tried all I could to convince him to go for medical check -up but he wouldn’t listen and it was during this time that my mother in-law was threatening me, saying that a woman would soon come to my house, I will leave my matrimonial home for her.
I couldn’t and didn’t want it to happen but what can I do when the child my family needed wasn’t forth coming, I went to the doctor and explained my predicament to him but all he told me was that I should look for a way to get my husband’s sperm and when that is done, they will carry on with the test but on no account should I tell anyone what is happening, for it is not right to carry on a test without the consent of the person involved. I told him I will do it for that was the only way I could ascertain if we were really alright.
Mama Nnamdi: Ehen, what happened next?
Ifeoma: I was desperate and I bought a condom meant for women.
One morning after my husband and I made love, I took the condom to my doctor where a test was conducted and the result of the test shattered my life.
To be continued...
Source: Ade-Love
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 2
Mama Nnamdi: Ehen, what was the result of the test?
Nnamdi: What do you mean shattered your life because you know I already have a son outside marriage.
Ifeoma: Yes I know Nnamdi, I know that because that was what you wanted to believe.
Nnamdi: What do you mean?
Ifeoma: While I remained married and faithful to you, you called me a barren wife. While I looked for solution to our problems, you went ahead to sleep with anything and anyone on skirt. You betrayed the trust I had in you. You and your mother made a fool of me by wanting to bring another woman into my home and when she couldn’t succeed, that was when your mistress decided to carry your child, how unbelievable.
Nnamdi: But atleast, she was and still faithful for I am the only man in her life and she has my son.
Ifeoma: ‘Oh! Poor you Nnamdi’ she smiled ‘I have no regrets having an affair with another man because by doing so, I have three wonderful kids and I am ready to leave this marriage without looking back.
Nnamdi: ‘And that is what and how it will be. I do not want to ever see your face again’ he spat at her ‘I should have married her long long ago, I should have listened to my mother’ he screamed.
Ifeoma: will you really want to marry her after you find out the truth?
Mama Nnamdi: What truth? What truth you this witch?
Ifeoma: you really want to know Mama, you want to know the truth about your son?
Nnamdi: What are you talking about?
Ifeoma: ‘the day my whole life shattered was the day the test result came out that your loving son Mama’ she said looking straight into her eyes ‘cannot father a child’.
Nnamdi: You’re lying, you’re a big liar. I have a son?
Ifeoma: Well then, take that child to the hospital and conduct a test.
If the result is positive, good for you and if it is negative, I wish you all the best in this life but know one thing, I and my children are leaving you for good either way.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Hey! Chineke! My enemies are at it oooo, my enemies have finally succeeded in ruining my life and family ooooo.
Chineke mo! What do I do now oooo’ she wailed and cried.
Nnamdi: it’s a lie Mama, don’t believe anything this woman has said, she is evil and wicked and she will do anything to bring anyone down with her. Don’t listen to her.
Mama Nnamdi: I am finished oooo. Nnamdi what if what she says is true oooo.
Nnamdi: ‘Mama it is not true, I have had affairs with countless women and they have had abortions for me. I cannot be impotent’ he insisted.
First Elder: Mama Nnamdi, calm down and let us think of a way forward. Turning to Ifeoma he said ‘My daughter are you sure of this recent allegations you just made’?
Ifeoma: ‘My elders’ she bow her head ‘until a test is carried out on the said matter, I will not say anything anymore’.
Second Elder: What is the point doing a test when we can just go to our village spiritualist and get everything over and done with.
Nnamdi: My elders, please I would like to find out if these allegations are true and will require that this meeting be adjourned immediately.
Second Elder: ‘hmmm! Wonders will never end!’ He sighed and shook his head
First Elder: What and how do you want to find out the truth?
Nnamdi: I will have to go for a medical checkup and also do a DNA test on my son Osita.
Second Elder: you mean the child you had with your mistress?
Nnamdi: Yes!
First Elder: ‘if that is the case, then this meeting will continue in three weeks. Until all allegations has been verified and proven, there is nothing anyone or anybody will do or say. If the situation gets out of hand, we will have to invite Igwe to the matter’. The Elders came to an agreement and left the premises where the meeting is being held while Ifeoma left Nnamdi and Mama to her place.
Nnamdi: ‘Mama get up’ he said to his mother who was still crying ‘get up and let us go home’ for the meeting was been held in the village town hall.
Mama Nnamdi: Hey! Nnamdi, what is happening to us?
Nnamdi: Mama don’t worry yourself about it, I know Ifeoma is lying and not to worry, I will bring good news to you when next the meeting is held. She will be put to shame. Don’t worry yourself about anything.
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Mama Ifeoma: ‘Ifeoma my daughter, what was the pronouncement on you? What did they say they will do to you eh?’ She asked her daughter when she came into the house.
Ifeoma: Pronouncement has not been made or anything till three weeks. Where is everybody in the house?
Mama Ifeoma: who else is in the house if not your aunt who went out. Why was pronouncement not made, what really happened?
Ifeoma: Nothing happened Mama, I simply told everyone the truth.
Mama Ifeoma: Truth about the man you had an affair with? Who is the man in question?
Ifeoma: Mama, i will tell you everything when the time comes but now is not the time.
Mama Ifeoma: Why is that so Ifeoma, am I not your mother? why won’t you tell me what and who the stupid man you had an affair with is ?
Ifeoma: Mama, I will tell you but not now.
Mama Ifeoma: Okay oooo. I can see you have made up your mind but also know that when this is over, I want you and your children to go back to who you started all this thing with.
Ifeoma: Mama, you do not need to worry. Once all this is over, I am going back to Lagos to continue my life with my children. I am simply waiting for the verdict of my kinsmen.
Mama Ifeoma: it seems you are not regretting your actions?
Ifeoma: Mama I have regretted enough. I cannot keep crying and wishing for death when I have my children to cater for. The only regret I have at the moment is that I should never have married Nnamdi in the first place. He has ridiculed, humiliated me in ways I cannot imagine and neither can I forgive and I am everly ready for this marriage to pack up.
Mama Ifeoma: So because he has not been an honest and faithful man, is that the reason why you will bring such shame to him and yourself? Do you know what people are saying about you?
Ifeoma: They can say what they want to say Mama, I don’t care anymore. The only good thing that came out of this marriage is my children and for them I am grateful for all the trails and tribulation.
Agreed, what I did was wrong but is anyone ever looking at the man and what he did? He defiled my marriage bed Mama, he went ahead to sleep with anything and anyone on skirt and had the guts to tell me to my face how many women has committed abortions for him. He called me barren and humiliated me so much that I became a shadow of myself.
Mama Ifeoma: Even at that….
Ifeoma: ‘Mama’ she interrupted ‘I am ready for the consequences of my actions.
Mama Ifeoma: When is the next meeting?
Ifeoma: In three weeks Mama
Mama Ifeoma: Why is that so?
Ifeoma: Because I told them Nnamdi cannot father a child.
Mama Ifeoma: What?
**
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi, I think you should call your brother who is out of the country to come home immediately.
Nnamdi: Mama, is that really necessary, I don’t want him to just fly into Nigeria when I know that soon all these will come to an end.
Mama Nnamdi: it is better he comes and sees what is happening instead of him hearing it from someone else. You both are all I have and I do not want anything to happen to you people.
Nnamdi: if you say so Mama, I will call him and inform him of everything. Let him decide if he wants to come home himself.
Mama Nnamdi: Your brother Obi is the only sibling you have in this world. I do not want to hear that both of you drifted apart even while I am gone.
Nnamdi: Mama, I don’t like the way you are sounding, you sound like you are dying the next minute. Just don’t start this your sermon of preaching about death. I know you are worried about the result of the test and you shouldn’t be. It will work in our favor you will see it. I can boldly say that I am a father to Osita.
Mama Nnamdi: What if the result is negative?
Nnamdi: it won’t be.
To be continued...
Source: Ade-Love
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 3
Three (3) weeks Later
First Elder: Ehen my people, now that we are gathered here based on the event of last three weeks, Nnamdi is here to finally tell us what the result of the allegation is, if it is true or false.
Nnamdi: ‘Ermm after all the findings it was confirmed that what Ifeoma, my wife said is true’ he said with his head bent.
Second Elder: Chei! Alu! Alu! So you mean all this while, the son you thought you had was never yours?
Nnamdi: Yes.
Third Elder: What about the allegation that you can never father a child, how true is that?
Nnamdi: Shamelessly he said ‘also true’.
Mama Nnamdi: Chei! Nwam mo! My enemies have succeeded in making mockery of me oooo. Chei! What sins have I and my family committed?
First Elder: So now that the findings have been made, knowing that you cannot father a child or anything, do you still want your three children from Ifeoma?
Nnamdi: I still have to know who their father is.
First Elder: Ifeoma, since you are here, will you please tell us who the father of the children you have is?
Ifeoma: I will tell you the father of my Children my elders but I still need to conclude my story.
Second Elder: ‘Look here Ifeoma or whatever your name is’ he said angrily ‘what more do you have to say that we don’t already know, just tell us who the father of your children is and let us get this thing over and done with.
Ifeoma: I haven’t finished my story, until I get there, will I reveal who the father of my children is.
First Elder: if the young woman wants us to know everything about her personal life, then let her go on.
Mama Ifeoma: My people nde wo nuooo!
Altogether: Nde wo!
Mama Ifeoma: ‘If my daughter here wants to tell us everything about her personal life, there must be a reason and as such, we should give her a listening ear’ she said for she was angry at Nnamdi and what he has put her daughter through after her daughter told her all she has been endured in his house and decided to support her by been present in the meeting today.
Mama Nnamdi: What more secrets does she want to reveal to us, what more stories does she want to say to us? Haven’t she put my family to shame?
Mama Ifeoma: my daughter has already been through so much pain and humiliation from your family. Just because she revealed the truth about your son doesn’t mean she is a bad person. Let us all just listen to all she has to say.
Third Elder: if that is what Ifeoma wants, go ahead biko.
Ifeoma: ‘Thank you my Elders’ she bow her head and continued ‘When I found out the test result, I was devastated that the problem wasn’t actually mine but his.
I tried to sit him down and talk to him about our not having children but he wouldn’t listen and prior to that time, Mama and Nnamdi were already planning on how to chase me from my matrimonial home by getting him married to another woman.
It was during, it was confirmed that she was pregnant for his child for wedding preparation was already on the way. I decided to do the unthinkable; I decided to have an affair with another man to know if really I am the one with the problem or my husband. I decided to have an affair and within two weeks of that affair, I was confirmed pregnant.
I went to the doctor if he was sure that the test conducted on my husband is positive and he assured me that it is. What better way do I have than to say he is the one responsible for my pregnancy?
Nnamdi: and you decided to give me another man’s child?
Ifeoma: Yes Nnamdi. You would never have believed me if I told you the truth and to keep my home, I had to do it.
I had to sleep with another man. If she could lie to you that the child she is carrying is yours why won’t I do the same. I laugh at you when you say you are going to see your first son because whether you liked it or not, that child was never yours right from the beginning. All these years I kept quiet because I know what I did was shameful but on the other hand, when I did what I did, I wanted to protect my home and my family.
I wasn’t going to allow another woman come reap all the fruit of my labor. I was the happiest woman on earth when I told you that I am pregnant because from that moment, you became the husband and father I wanted. You became the man I said I do in the altar.
Mama Ifeoma: It still does not justify your actions.
Ifeoma: Yes it doesn’t, but it does to me. Mama you were the one pushing him to go marry another woman, you were the one who turned my husband against me and you were the one who introduced him to the woman whom you taught bore him a son. If you had succeeded with your plans, what would have become of me?
Mama Nnamdi: and all these while, you knew he has been fathering another woman’s child but kept quiet?
Ifeoma: Yes I did Mama.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Why’ she asked with tears in her eyes.
Ifeoma: because I wanted it that way. Because It was what you brought upon yourselves, so carry your cross and on the other man,it will prevent my secrets from revealing.
Mama Nnamdi: Ifeoma you are a wicked woman, a very wicked woman.
Ifeoma: No Mama, you and your son made me what I am today and I have no regrets or whatsoever.
First Elder: Ermm Ifeoma, who is the father of your children?
Ifeoma: the father of my children is…..
Mama Nnamdi: she interrupted ‘Oh! Obi my son is back oooo!’ She ran and hugged him with tears in her eyes ‘Welcome my son and why did you leave London without telling us you were coming’.
Elders: Obi Nno!
Obi: ‘Good day my elders’ he bow before them.
First Elder: You are welcome my son and please have a seat.
Nnamdi: Why did you come Obi?
Obi: I came as soon as you told me what is happening about our family, I have every right to be here, It’s about time.
Nnamdi: About time for what?
Obi: ‘We will know soon’ he said smiling
Third Elder: Welcome my son. How was your trip?
Obi: it was good and we thank God.
Third Elder: I am sure that your family members have given you a heads up on what is happening that is why you are here abi?
Obi: Yes sir,that is why I am here.
Third Elder: Good. Now can we continue because Ifeoma was about to tell us who the father of her children is.
Obi: Really.
First Elder: Yes my son. Ifeoma, can you please tell us who the father of your children is?
Ifeoma: Yes sir I will but before that, I want to say that what I did with the father of my child is my sin and my sin alone. I do not want anything or anyone to harm him in any way.
First Elder: is one man responsible for the three kids?
Ifeoma: Yes sir.
First Elder: Who is he and what is his name?
Ifeoma: His name is…..
Obi: interrupting her, stood up ‘My elders, I am’.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 4
Elders Chorused together: Alu Eme! Alu!Abomination.
Mama Nnamdi: My People, there must be a mix up somewhere. Bia, Obi nwam, we are asking Ifeoma who the father of her three children is.
Obi: ‘and I said I am the one’ he said boldly.
Nnamdi: ‘so you mean that you have been the one sleeping with my wife in my Absence’ he rushed to Obi and punched him on his face while the three elders ran to him and held on tight to him in other for him not to fight his brother.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘What have I done oooo’ she shouted ‘what have I done to warrant all this? Chi mo! Chimo! I am finished. Why Obi, why?
Your own brother’s wife.
Nnamdi: you did idiot whom I clothe, feed and made you who you are, how could you do this to me by sleeping with my wife, how could you?
First Elder: Nnamdi calm down.
Nnamdi: ‘No my elders, leave me let me go to him and give him the beating of his life, how could he sleep with my own wife’ he struggled out of their hold while Ifeoma and her mother stood looking at the chaos around them, Confused at what to do.
Mama Nnamdi: Obi why? Why?
Third Elder : Nnamdi please put yourself together please, you know we are too old to be holding you down and if you push us roughly, we will fall and only God knows what will happen.
Second Elder: ‘won’t you talk to your son to calm down instead of wailing and crying over what has already happened and let us trash this issue amicably’ he said still trying to prevent Nnamdi from going to Obi.
Ifeoma quickly left them,she went to call three hefty men to come and hold down Nnamdi while the meeting continued.
Nnamdi: Idiot, you didn’t know who to sleep with but my wife, no wonder you haven’t married till this moment. So it was my wife you were looking at and admiring. My own wife?
Mama Nnamdi: Chei! I have suffered. Ifeoma, how could you sleep with your brother in-law, how?
First Elder: after catching his breath said ‘Obi my son, are you sure you are the father of those three children?
Obi: Still standing in his old position said ‘Yes’.
Second Elder: but why your brother’s wife when he is still alive?
Obi: I am sorry and I am willing to accept any punishment for my actions.
Nnamdi: the punishment you deserve is death, you need to die. How could you Obi, how could you?
Third Elder: this is quite a sensitive case here and we must be careful in dealing with it. Ifeoma he said turning to her ‘you are married to one and had an affair with another knowing fully well that your husband cannot father a child right?
Ifeoma: Yes sir.
Third Elder: turning to Nnamdi said ‘now that you know who the father of your child is, he is your brother, are you still willing to let them go since you can’t father any child? Remember that as long as she gave birth while married to you, they are still your children. Though not by blood but by the custom and tradition of our land. What do you want with your wife and children Nnamdi?
Nnamdi: ‘Ermm since I cannot father a child, it will be a wise decision to let my children stay but this woman is the woman I do not want to ever set my eyes on, ever again’ he said pointing to her.
First Elder: even though you know that this children are your brother’s flesh and blood?
Nnamdi: I do not care, they are my children and I will not have Obi take them away from me.
Second Elder: Ifeoma, what do you have to say?
Ifeoma: I do not also want to remain married to Nnamdi and I also do not want my children to remain with him.
Third Elder: But why do you say so, remember that you gave birth to them while married to him?
Ifeoma: I know that my elders and I also know the tradition of the land but if my children remains with him, I am not so sure of their safety.
Nnamdi: What safety are you talking about, you think I will destroy them the way you destroyed me?
Ifeoma: Knowing fully well that those children are not from your lions, I am not sure you will raise them with the love and affection you have been raising them, not while you just found out the truth.
Mama Nnamdi: who are you to say such to my son after what you did? Who are you?
Ifeoma: Mama Please, it’s for my children’s own good.
Mama Nnamdi: Will you shut up, you’re not even ashamed of the disgrace you brought to yourself and my family? You married one and slept with the other, how shameless you are. You still want to talk about who the children should be with and who the children shouldn’t be with? You are a disgrace to womanhood.
Obi: Disgrace to woman hood you say?
Mama Nnamdi: Yes disgrace to womanhood. How could you stoop so low as to sleep with your brother’s wife Obi, how could you? Did you ever think of the shame and disgrace you will bring?
Nnamdi: you are a disgrace to our family Obi, a big disgrace and I wish I am not your brother else what I would have done with you, you won’t believe it. So all these while, I have been raising your kids for you while you are there acting like a saint.
Obi: I am sorry Nnamdi, I am sorry I slept with your wife.
Nnamdi: you should not only be sorry but you should also be ashamed of yourself. So you didn’t see any woman or lady but my wife. What is it in her that you saw sef? I wished you were never my brother.
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi, please my son, it is okay oooo. Stop the quarrel with your brother, please my son, please!
Nnamdi: Mama how can i? When the one I took as my flash and blood is sleeping with my wife and has three children for him, how can I? What he did is unforgivable.
Mama Nnamdi: Please my son, he is the only sibling you have and please find a place in your heart to forgive him.
Nnamdi: Forgive him Mama, Forgive him you say?
Mama Nnamdi: Please my son, forgive him oooo, if not for anything but for my sake.
Nnamdi: I won’t, never! He said while the three hefty men still held on tight to him
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Hey! Obi what have you done to us, what have you done to us? Why did you choose to disgrace us like this’ she cried
‘How could you bring this kind of shame to me and our family, how could you?
Obi: Mama, please stop already, I am sorry it has to be with Ifeoma, my brother’s wife. Believe me, I am deeply sorry.
Mama Nnamdi: will you shut up your mouth there, so of all the women in the world, it has to be this shameless woman? This nothing good of a thing. What do the both of you even see in her? How could you Obi, how could you?
Obi: Mama Please…
Mama Nnamdi: how could you? Your brother’s wife. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?
Obi: Mama Please.
Mama Nnamdi: Shut up Obi, I say Shut up. Ifeoma, you have finished ruining my family abi? Hope you are satisfied and my God will definitely reward you for all this sins you have committed.
Obi: Maybe it’s even God that is rewarding you for your own sins.
Mama Nnamdi: What did you just say?
Obi: I said Maybe its God that is paying you back for your bad deeds.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘how dare you talk to me like that? ‘Tua tua’ goes two slaps across his face ‘how dare you?
Obi: Because you Mama, are just like everyone of us here, won’t you do the same if you were in her shoes?
Mama Nnamdi: if I were in her shoes, I rather walk away than bringing shame to myself.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 4
Elders Chorused together: Alu Eme! Alu!Abomination.
Mama Nnamdi: My People, there must be a mix up somewhere. Bia, Obi nwam, we are asking Ifeoma who the father of her three children is.
Obi: ‘and I said I am the one’ he said boldly.
Nnamdi: ‘so you mean that you have been the one sleeping with my wife in my Absence’ he rushed to Obi and punched him on his face while the three elders ran to him and held on tight to him in other for him not to fight his brother.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘What have I done oooo’ she shouted ‘what have I done to warrant all this? Chi mo! Chimo! I am finished. Why Obi, why?
Your own brother’s wife.
Nnamdi: you did idiot whom I clothe, feed and made you who you are, how could you do this to me by sleeping with my wife, how could you?
First Elder: Nnamdi calm down.
Nnamdi: ‘No my elders, leave me let me go to him and give him the beating of his life, how could he sleep with my own wife’ he struggled out of their hold while Ifeoma and her mother stood looking at the chaos around them, Confused at what to do.
Mama Nnamdi: Obi why? Why?
Third Elder : Nnamdi please put yourself together please, you know we are too old to be holding you down and if you push us roughly, we will fall and only God knows what will happen.
Second Elder: ‘won’t you talk to your son to calm down instead of wailing and crying over what has already happened and let us trash this issue amicably’ he said still trying to prevent Nnamdi from going to Obi.
Ifeoma quickly left them,she went to call three hefty men to come and hold down Nnamdi while the meeting continued.
Nnamdi: Idiot, you didn’t know who to sleep with but my wife, no wonder you haven’t married till this moment. So it was my wife you were looking at and admiring. My own wife?
Mama Nnamdi: Chei! I have suffered. Ifeoma, how could you sleep with your brother in-law, how?
First Elder: after catching his breath said ‘Obi my son, are you sure you are the father of those three children?
Obi: Still standing in his old position said ‘Yes’.
Second Elder: but why your brother’s wife when he is still alive?
Obi: I am sorry and I am willing to accept any punishment for my actions.
Nnamdi: the punishment you deserve is death, you need to die. How could you Obi, how could you?
Third Elder: this is quite a sensitive case here and we must be careful in dealing with it. Ifeoma he said turning to her ‘you are married to one and had an affair with another knowing fully well that your husband cannot father a child right?
Ifeoma: Yes sir.
Third Elder: turning to Nnamdi said ‘now that you know who the father of your child is, he is your brother, are you still willing to let them go since you can’t father any child? Remember that as long as she gave birth while married to you, they are still your children. Though not by blood but by the custom and tradition of our land. What do you want with your wife and children Nnamdi?
Nnamdi: ‘Ermm since I cannot father a child, it will be a wise decision to let my children stay but this woman is the woman I do not want to ever set my eyes on, ever again’ he said pointing to her.
First Elder: even though you know that this children are your brother’s flesh and blood?
Nnamdi: I do not care, they are my children and I will not have Obi take them away from me.
Second Elder: Ifeoma, what do you have to say?
Ifeoma: I do not also want to remain married to Nnamdi and I also do not want my children to remain with him.
Third Elder: But why do you say so, remember that you gave birth to them while married to him?
Ifeoma: I know that my elders and I also know the tradition of the land but if my children remains with him, I am not so sure of their safety.
Nnamdi: What safety are you talking about, you think I will destroy them the way you destroyed me?
Ifeoma: Knowing fully well that those children are not from your lions, I am not sure you will raise them with the love and affection you have been raising them, not while you just found out the truth.
Mama Nnamdi: who are you to say such to my son after what you did? Who are you?
Ifeoma: Mama Please, it’s for my children’s own good.
Mama Nnamdi: Will you shut up, you’re not even ashamed of the disgrace you brought to yourself and my family? You married one and slept with the other, how shameless you are. You still want to talk about who the children should be with and who the children shouldn’t be with? You are a disgrace to womanhood.
Obi: Disgrace to woman hood you say?
Mama Nnamdi: Yes disgrace to womanhood. How could you stoop so low as to sleep with your brother’s wife Obi, how could you? Did you ever think of the shame and disgrace you will bring?
Nnamdi: you are a disgrace to our family Obi, a big disgrace and I wish I am not your brother else what I would have done with you, you won’t believe it. So all these while, I have been raising your kids for you while you are there acting like a saint.
Obi: I am sorry Nnamdi, I am sorry I slept with your wife.
Nnamdi: you should not only be sorry but you should also be ashamed of yourself. So you didn’t see any woman or lady but my wife. What is it in her that you saw sef? I wished you were never my brother.
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi, please my son, it is okay oooo. Stop the quarrel with your brother, please my son, please!
Nnamdi: Mama how can i? When the one I took as my flash and blood is sleeping with my wife and has three children for him, how can I? What he did is unforgivable.
Mama Nnamdi: Please my son, he is the only sibling you have and please find a place in your heart to forgive him.
Nnamdi: Forgive him Mama, Forgive him you say?
Mama Nnamdi: Please my son, forgive him oooo, if not for anything but for my sake.
Nnamdi: I won’t, never! He said while the three hefty men still held on tight to him
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Hey! Obi what have you done to us, what have you done to us? Why did you choose to disgrace us like this’ she cried
‘How could you bring this kind of shame to me and our family, how could you?
Obi: Mama, please stop already, I am sorry it has to be with Ifeoma, my brother’s wife. Believe me, I am deeply sorry.
Mama Nnamdi: will you shut up your mouth there, so of all the women in the world, it has to be this shameless woman? This nothing good of a thing. What do the both of you even see in her? How could you Obi, how could you?
Obi: Mama Please…
Mama Nnamdi: how could you? Your brother’s wife. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?
Obi: Mama Please.
Mama Nnamdi: Shut up Obi, I say Shut up. Ifeoma, you have finished ruining my family abi? Hope you are satisfied and my God will definitely reward you for all this sins you have committed.
Obi: Maybe it’s even God that is rewarding you for your own sins.
Mama Nnamdi: What did you just say?
Obi: I said Maybe its God that is paying you back for your bad deeds.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘how dare you talk to me like that? ‘Tua tua’ goes two slaps across his face ‘how dare you?
Obi: Because you Mama, are just like everyone of us here, won’t you do the same if you were in her shoes?
Mama Nnamdi: if I were in her shoes, I rather walk away than bringing shame to myself.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 5
Obi: Are you sure Mama, are you sure that you will walk away than bring shame? Are you sure of what you are saying?
Mama Nnamdi: Yes I am sure Obi, I rather die than let this kind of shame be known to the world.
Obi: Oh Mama Please, stop calling kettle black because you are no different from her.
Nnamdi: Obi, mind how you talk to our mother, watch your mouth before I do something drastic to you here.
Obi: Turning to Nnamdi ‘I am sorry that I had an affair with your wife but as the truth is out of its hiding place, I want to have custody of my kids. I don’t want them to be with you anymore Nnamdi.
Nnamdi: What? Are you out of your mind? After committing such a horrible offence, you boldly tell me to my face that you want my children? You must be insane I can see.
Obi: My Elders, please I am ready to do anything as the customs demand to take my children away from my brother. I want my children with me because they are my flesh and blood.
Third Elder: ‘Impossible, Impossible’ he screamed again ‘those three children rightly belongs to Nnamdi except Nnamdi says otherwise because Nnamdi paid her bride price fully and you are in no position to take custody of the children.
Second Elder: I am afraid that is the custom and tradition of our land Obi my son. All you have to do is get married and have your own children with your wife for you cannot claim your brothers children.
First Elder: Obi my son, how do you think that the children will be yours? Even though they came from your lions but as long as you didn’t pay her bride price, they will never be yours. Only and except Nnamdi refuses to accept them as his children.
Mama Nnamdi: Obi, why are you doing this, what kind of devil has come over you? Why do you still want to claim the children?
Obi: Because I was there when my own brother was not been faithful to his wife. I saw how you hated her for not having your children. It is true that what we did is despicable but I still want my children to be mine, now that the truth is out.
Mama Nnamdi: you are a stupid boy Obi, a very stupid boy. If not that I am the one that gave birth to you, I would have cursed the day you were born.
Ifeoma: ‘Errm my elders’ she said interrupting them for they have forgotten that the main reason they are all here is because of her ‘I want my case to continue so that I can move on with my life.
Mama Nnamdi: Which life, are you not the one that is bringing division to my family, are you not the one making brothers to fight against each other?
First Elder : it’s okay Mama Nnamdi and as for you ifeoma, since Nnamdi has decided that you will no longer be his wife, you should still make sure you go to Udi river and have a bath there so that you will be cleansed.
There is no point doing all other rituals since you are no longer going to be remain married to the man you offended by sleeping with his brother. As for your children, they belong to Nnamdi but you as their mother can be visiting them from time to time and as for you Obi, what you did is very shameful, we only pray that your brother find it in his heart to forgive you.
Nnamdi: Never, Never will I forgive any man even if he is my blood for sleeping with my wife.
First Elder: Ermm Nnamdi, he is the only blood and the only brother you have, you must find it in your heart to forgive him.
Nnamdi: ‘Never my people, Never. You see this my brother here’ he said pointing to Obi ‘he can kill. If he can sleep with my woman it means he can also kill me. Why should I forgive him, why?
Mama Ifeoma: but you can also cheat on your wife countless times and still expect her to forgive you don’t you?
Mama Nnamdi: Mama Ifeoma please do not justify your daughters action, please don’t.
Mama Ifeoma: I am not justifying anyone’s actions but if he can’t forgive his own blood brother for what he did, how then do you think my daughter has been coping with him when he was busy gallivanting around and sleeping with anything on skirt?
Mama Nnamdi: This is between two brothers and not an outsider.
Mama Ifeoma: ‘Of course it is. Now you know how my daughter felt when you were been unfaithful to her’ he said to Nnamdi.
Mama Nnamdi: Ifeoma! Ifeoma! Ifeoma! My god will punish you for all you have done to my family, you have brought shame and humiliation to us all and it is only my god that will give you back a dose of your own medicine.
The gods of our land, I hope you are seeing what an innocent woman like me is passing through all because of a daughter in-law my son got married to, fight my battle for me my Chi, fight my battle for me oooo.
Mama Ifeoma: it is not only my daughter that committed the sin
Mama Nnamdi. If you want to lay any curse on anybody, your two sons should be involved because their eyes were wide open when they all committed it. Lay a curse on all of them and if you are not going to do that, nothing will happen to my own daughter.
Mama Nnamdi: but she was the one that started all these.
Mama Ifeoma: if you really want to go by who started all these, then you should be pointing an accusing finger on your son. Or because he is a man that is why all he did is right abi?
Mama Nnamdi: Ignoring Mama Ifeoma she looked at Ifeoma and said ‘it will never be well with you Ifeoma. For all you have done and all you have brought to my sons and myself, it will never be well with you.
Obi: Mama Enough please, what she did is wrong and we are all to blame for it not her alone.
Mama Nnamdi: you are still talking abi? Obi shame on you that after all this woman has put our family through; you still want to be on her side.
Obi: Mama this is not the matter of taking any body’s side, we all did this and we all should be reprimanded not only Ifeoma.
Nnamdi: And why shouldn’t she be the only one been reprimanded when she committed such a crime to me and my family?
Obi: Because you were the one that started it in the first place. If you had listened to your wife, I am sure she wouldn’t have looked elsewhere.
Mama Nnamdi: Shame on you Obi, shame on you. You decided to make yourself available when she came to you abi? Is that how it is?
First Elder: My people please enough of laying accusing fingers on one another, let us look for a way forward and move on.
Mama Nnamdi: How can we possibly think of moving on when Obi himself is still not agreeing that what they did is wrong?
Obi: I have said we are sorry and we are going to clean ourselves as custom demands but what I am against is you blaming only Ifeoma, it is not right.
Mama Nnamdi: You are still defending her abi, you are still defending her.
Obi: she is still the mother of my children.
Nnamdi: Which children? My children you call your children?
Obi: They are my children biologically. I may not have a right towards them now but when they are of age, they will come looking for me.
Nnamdi: May Thunder fire you there Obi, May thunder fire you.
Mama Nnamdi: Obi you are a disgrace to me.
Obi: Mama, I have been a disgrace to you for a long time. That is why you never liked me or my father.
Nnamdi: Our father you mean Obi, our father.
Obi: No, I don’t mean our father, I mean my father.
Nnamdi: ‘Our father Obi’ he shouted ‘he is not only your father’.
Obi: I said and I repeat, My father.
Nnamdi: ‘What do you mean’ he asked with eyes wide opened.
Obi: Why do you think you are the apple of our mother’s eyes? Why do you think she can go through hell for you?
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 6
Nnamdi: because I am her son and she loves me.
Obi: of course you are her son and she loves you but that is not all there is to it.
Mama Nnamdi: What are you trying to say Obi, spill whatever you are trying to say.
Obi: You see Mama, you have really gone out of your way to paint Ifeoma as a bad person whearas you are worse than her.
Nnamdi: Watch what you say about our mother else you will hear it from me this evening.
Obi: Of course she is our mother but has she really told you her deepest secrets?
Mama Nnamdi: What secrets do you think I have, I am not like Ifeoma that is devilish.
Obi: Actually Mama, you are more devilish than she is.
Nnamdi: ‘Obi watch your tongue’ he screamed.
Third Elder: What is going on here and Obi, what are you trying to say?
Obi: My mother has gone ahead in claiming that Ifeoma is the devil, maybe it’s time she let us know her deepest secrets also.
Mama Nnamdi: I do not have any secrets as shameful as that of Ifeoma’s own, I do not have any secrets.
Nnamdi: If you have anything against my mother, why don’t you go ahead and spill it out instead of just saying rubbish.
Obi: Mama, you better let out your secrets because if you can go out of your way to castigate Ifeoma for all she has done, then its time you let us all know what you have been hiding for more than 20 years.
First Elder: Obi my son, remember you are talking about your mother, it is unwise to accuse your mother of false accusations. You know that don’t you?
Obi: My elders, I know that very much but I think it is time she let out the truth she thought she kept hidden for so long.
Nnamdi: What secrets are you talking about?
Obi: Why don’t you ask your wonderful and ever loving mother?
Nnamdi: Mama, what is it you have been hiding away from us?
Mama Nnamdi: I can’t believe you could actually believe what your brother is saying; he just wants to deviate the true reason why we are here.
Obi: You think so Mama, that I want us to move away from the reason we are here? Unbelievable.
Nnamdi: If she doesn’t want to let us know anything, why don’t you spill it out Obi?
Obi: Because she who knows the truth is here, there is no need spilling anything out.
Mama Nnamdi: I don’t have secrets and I do not know what Obi is talking about.
Obi: if you say so Mama, why do you think Papa died of heart attack?
Mama Nnamdi: What are you implying Obi, that I killed your father?
Obi: I should be asking you that question Mama.
Nnamdi: What is going on here Obi, what do you know that I don’t know?
Obi: You should ask our mother Nnamdi.
Nnamdi: Mama, what is Obi trying to say?
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi my son, I have no idea, I swear, I have no idea.
Nnamdi: Did you kill our father?
Mama Nnamdi: I have never and will never kill anybody.
Nnamdi: Did you in anyway have a hand in our father’s death?
Mama Nnamdi: I do not have a hand in anything.
Nnamdi: Then Obi, what are you trying to say?
Second Elder: I don’t understand what is going on here, are we here for Ifeoma’s case or are we here for another?
Third Elder: I do not understand anything anymore. Bia Obi, what is it you are trying to say?
First Elder: Please my son’s we are old men here and our time have far been spent, if there is any issue you want to resolve, I believe youvcan resolve it within yourselves. The only reason we are here is because Nnamdi told us what transpired in his home, hence this meeting. If there is any other issues, I am sure you can resolve it in your inner chambers and let us deal with that of Ifeoma and Nnamdi.
Obi: I am sorry my elders for keeping you up till this moment but you see, the reason why I am bringing up this issue is because, Mama has to tell us the truth she has been hiding for years.
Mama Nnamdi: I have not been hiding any truth. what is the meaning of all this Obi, what do you think that I have been hiding from you and your brother all these years?
Obi: You tell me.
Nnamdi: Obi, you do know that the reason we are here is because of my wife and her infidelity, if you do not have anything more to say, I guess we should go ahead to the main reason why we are here rather than exchanging words with you.
First Elder: if your mothers says she is not hiding anything, why don’t you tell us what you think she is hiding and isn’t it a family issue?
Obi: No my elders, it is no longer a family issue since we all came here to Put Ifeoma to shame, I guess it’s time we put her to shame too.
Nnamdi: Watch your tongue Obi, watch your tongue I am warning you oooo.
Obi: I have watched the way Mama favors you more than she favors me, I have watched the way she treats you more than the way she treats me. Do you think I don’t know that Mama loves you more than anything in the world?
Third Elder: isn’t it normal that a mother will always love a particular child more than the other?
Obi: Not in my own case. Isn’t it Mama?
Mama Nnamdi: Fearing that the secrets she has kept hidden all these years is about to be revealed. Oh, how she taught she was going to die with this particular secret that will not only destroy her, but destroy her son’s trust and love towards her, How did Obi my son knows and since when? I taught I have hidden everything well all this time?
Obi: ‘Mama’ he called out to her again.
Mama Nnamdi: coming back to her senses replied ‘I do not know what you are talking about Obi’ she said with her head bent for she knew that if she looks at any of her children, they will see the fear in her eyes.
Nnamdi: Mama are you sure of what you are saying?
Mama Nnamdi: Believe me my son, I don’t know what Obi is talking about.
First Elder: if your mother keeps saying she doesn’t know what you are talking about Obi, why don’t you tell us what it is you want us to know?
Second Elder: Errmm instead of telling us, why don’t you people solve your family issues within the confines of your own home?
Obi: No because what Mama has done is also what the elders needs to know so that she will go for cleansing together with her daughter in-law.
Third Elder: if that is the case, please state what is it she has been hiding.
Obi: Mama, say what it is you have been hiding please.
Mama Nnamdi: I am not hiding anything my people.
Obi: if that is the case then, who is Nnamdi’s real father?
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 7
Nnamdi: is this a joke or what Obi, what kind of question are you asking Mama?
Obi: ‘No it is no joke’ he said to Nnamdi ‘we may share the same mother but we definitely do not share the same father’ he said boldly.
Nnamdi: Mama, tell me what Obi is saying is a lie, prove him wrong please.
Mama Nnamdi: I am finished oooo. what did I do to deserve all this?
Nnamdi: Mama will you speak up biko, is what Obi saying true?
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Nnamdi my son, where do I start from’ she lamented.
Nnamdi: ‘Mama Speak up please, is what Obi saying true and who is my real father’ he shouted.
Mama Nnamdi: I thought I will go to my grave with this secret oooo.
How will I explain it to you for you to understand biko nu!
Nnamdi: So what Nnamdi is saying is true?
Chei! I am dead. First it was my wife and now, it is my own mother. My own mother! the woman whom I could give myself for. Who is my father and you better start talking because nobody is going anywhere today oooo until you explain who my real father is and the reason why you never made it known to me.
Third Elder: Hia! What kind of family is this, from one secret to another. Mama Nnamdi, what have you got to say to us?
Mama Nnamdi: ‘I am finished oooo’ she rolled on the ground ‘I am finished oooo ‘she wailed and cried while her two sons watched her in awe.
Nnamdi: Mama will you speak up, who is my father?
Mama Nnamdi: ‘your father is Mr. Chikwedum. He is your real father’ she finally let out the secret she has kept hidden for more than 20years.
Nnamdi: Mr. Chikwedum? Papa’s bestfriend?
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Yes oooo my son’ she wailed ‘ yes oooo, he is your real father’.
First Elder: Wonder will never end. So You mean to tell each and every one of us here that Mr. Chikwedum is Nnamdi’s Father? How come?
Nnamdi: ‘No no no! I don’t believe it. Tell me it is not true Mama, tell me it is a lie Mama, Please tell me’ he said soberly.
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi I am sorry, I never wanted you to find out the truth. Please forgive me.
Nnamdi: Forgive you ? first it was my wife, then my brother and now, you Mother?
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi, it is not what you think, it is not what you think oooo.
Nnamdi: ‘What do you want me to think Mama, what do you want me to think’ he shouted. Mr. Chiwedum my father when all this while I thought my father was actually the man you married but instead it’s his best friend? Oh! How Papa will be crying in his grave right now for what you just confirmed.
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi it is not what you think oooo, it is not what you think ooooo she cried.
Nnamdi: I do not have to think of anything because you betrayed him. You betrayed him and everyone.
First Elder: Nnamdi calm down.
Nnamdi: Calm down you say? How can I calm down when my wife gave me three wonderful kids that are not mine, my brother happens to be their father and now, I just found out that my own mother, my own mother has lied to me all my life. The man whom I looked up to, who made me what I am today and whom I called father is actually not my real father, how do you think I feel right now?
Second Elder: Nnamdi, it is a bitter pill to swallow even me sef, I am short of words but you need to calm down and let us think things through.
Nnamdi: Looking at his mother walked away from them telling the elders present that he needs to think and the meeting should be scheduled some other time.
First Elder: I thought today will be the last day of this meeting but since a new discovery has been made, I am afraid that this meeting will hold but in three weeks.
Second Elder: Ermmm but I want to ask a question oooo.
Third Elder: Go ahead, what is it you want to ask?
Second Elder: Obi my son, why did you do it? Why did you have to disgrace your mother in this horrible manner?
Obi: My elders, it is true that she is my mother but where she has also disgraced another woman who is also a mother and her son happens to help her in doing so, isn’t it best that since she could do it this way, same thing should also apply to her?
First Elder: is that the reason why you should go ahead and open her secrets for us all?
Obi: No it isn’t but that is part of it.
Third Elder: then what really made you do this?
Obi: because I overheard her saying nothing in this world will make anyone know her secret. She said she is willing to do anything to make this secret remain hidden and ever since then, I have been afraid of my mother because if she knew that I am aware of this, I am afraid she may kill me but now that it is in the open, I am more safer.
First Elder: Are you saying or rather, are you telling us that if your mother knew you are aware of her secrets, she is likely to harm you in a way?
Obi: Hmmm, I am afraid so.
Second Elder: Your own mother?
Obi: ‘My mother’ he nodded his head.
First Elder: Why this accusation?
Obi: Because it was one of the reason why my father died of his ailment.
Third Elder: Are you saying your father knew?
Obi: Yes, he was the one that told me about it. At first, I didn’t believe him but after his death, I put two and two together and confirmed that all he said was really true.
Second Elder: and your mother never knew that he is aware of this secret?
Obi: No she doesn’t.
First Elder: if that is the case, then this case will continue in three weeks and in the meantime, Ifeoma, you are to be here because you are still family until your bride price has been returned and you too Obi, you will be there for we have a lot of unanswered question which you and your family members will have to answer to.
Mama Ifeoma: My elders, what about my grandchildren, who will be taking care of them and who should they be with at this time?
Second Elder: Where are they at the moment?
Ifeoma: Who is in shock after hearing the confession of her mother in-law answered ‘they are with a friend of mine.
First Elder: then let them continue remaining there till this issue is resolved.
Third Elder: ‘In that case, let us have a nice day’ he said as they all stood up to take their leave. Each and every one of them left in their own thought.
**
The few days that followed was the worst for Mama Nnamdi, her two son’s made sure they kept away from each other and none of them said a word to her even though Nnamdi has so many questions to ask but couldn’t bring himself to do so for he was still surprised at the discovery.
One evening while Mama was waiting for Nnamdi to come home for it was late and she was worried, Nnamdi walked in drunk.
Mama Nnamdi: My son, where have you been to? Where are you coming from this time of the night?
Nnamdi: ‘Don’t ask me stupid questions Mama’ he stammered and staggered towards his room.
Mama Nnamdi: Trying to hold him so that he won’t fall called out to him ‘Nnamdi, this is not you; you are not a drunkard, what happened to you.
Nnamdi: Don’t touch me filthy woman he moved away from her ‘you and my wife are filthy.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 8
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi please give me a chance to explain what really happened.
Nnamdi: Explained? What is there to explain Mama, what is there to explain?
Mama Nnamdi: Atleast here my own side of the story then you will know the reason why I did what I did.
Nnamdi: I really want to hear you tell me all of it but I will be wait till the next meeting so that you will tell your shameful act to the whole world.
Mama Nnamdi: If that is what you want but atleast give me the chance to tell it to you first.
Nnamdi: Why should I Mama? Why should I?
Mama Nnamdi: Because I am your mother and I will never lie to you.
Nnamdi: did you just say you will never lie to me?
Mama Nnamdi: Yes I just did. Listen Nnamdi, I may have done so many terrible things but no matter what I do, I love you will all my heart and…
Nnamdi: Spare me all the love talk Mama, you lied to me about who I really am and what makes you think I will want to listen to all you have to say.
Mama Nnamdi: because you have the chance to and it is your right.
Nnamdi: Why Mama, why he asked soberly ‘why did you hide this from me all my life’?
Mama Nnamdi: I never wanted you to know the truth because I am afraid of this.
Nnamdi: Of what?
Mama Nnamdi: of you hating me and the truth shattering you.
Nnamdi: but I still have every right to know no matter what. All this while you have hidden what is most important to me and my life. Why Mama, why?
Mama Nnamdi: I do not have any reason to have hidden it from you but the reason I did was so that you could have and live a normal life.
Nnamdi: Whatever Mama, whatever. What you did is so wrong. You have shattered me and my existence.
Mama Nnamdi: I am sorry my son, I really am.
Nnamdi: Does Papa know that I was never his real son, that Obi was and will forever be his real son?
Mama Nnamdi: Not to my knowledge. I do not even know how your brother knew.
Nnamdi: Because Papa told him and he said it was one of the reasons Papa died the way he did.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘I am sorry Nnamdi, I am so sorry. I never knew.
Please Forgive me’ she cried.
Nnamdi: Does my real father know that I am his child?
Mama Nnamdi: Wiping the tears in her eyes said ‘yes he knows’.
Nnamdi: ‘You disgust me Mama, you really disgust me’ he said and staggered to his room.
**
The following day,Obi got dressed and went to pay a visit to Ifeoma who was staying with her mother pending when her case will be over.
Ifeoma: ‘Obi, what are you doing here’ she asked when she asked ushered him into their house while Mama Ifeoma was in the room still sleeping.
Obi: I came to see you and how you are faring.
Ifeoma: We are doing fine but you shouldn’t be here before tongues start wagging, I don’t want more trouble oooo.
Obi: Relax Ifoema, I didn’t come here for anything other than to know how you and everyone including my kids are doing.
Ifeoma: We are doing fine, please sit.
Obi: sat down and looked at how Untidy Ifeoma has been ‘you are not looking too good yourself’.
Ifeoma: I have been through a lot but I will survive.
Obi: I am sorry for all that you are going through because of me.
Ifeoma: it’s not really your fault; I am also to be blamed.
Obi: How are my children and when can I really see them?
Ifeoma: They are in Lagos with a friend of mine. I just want all this to be over and done with.
Obi: it will soon be and don’t worry, your lives will come back together again.
I feoma : I hope so oooo.
Obi: Errmm, where is Mama?
Ifeoma: She is still sleeping in her room.
Obi: ‘Alright’ he said and kept quiet.
Ifeoma: Can I ask you a question?
Obi: What is it?
Ifeoma: Did you really have to disgrace your mother like that?
Obi: Did the both of them also have to disgrace you like that?
Ifeoma: I can handle it but I am not sure your mother can. Why did you have to let out her secret?
Obi: I did it so that Nnamdi my brother will know the truth and to be sincere, it was high time the truth be told.
Ifeoma: For how long have you know?
Obi: for a very long time. My dad was actually the person who told me and it made him miserable. I really do not know why he never confronted her.
Ifeoma: Would it have made any difference if he had?
Obi: Yes it would have. My father knew right from the beginning that Nnamdi was never his child but why he kept it secret is a thing I never knew even till this moment and I hope that my mother will at least know.
Ifeoma: Have you asked her?
Obi: I haven’t been able to face any of them since I came home. My mother hates me for revealing her secrets and my brother on the other hand also hates me for sleeping with his wife. I am sort of the bad person here.
Ifeoma: I am sorry for your misfortune.
Obi: its okay, I can handle it.
Ifeoma: I hope you sort out issues with them for they are your family.
Obi: I will but it will take time and you are also my family too.
Ifeoma : you should do and get married oooo.
Obi: I don’t think I want another woman.
Ifeoma: What do you mean? Do you have one already?
Obi: of course I have a woman in my life.
Ifeoma: Really?
Obi: Yes.
Ifeoma: who is she and where is she from?
Obi: with time, you will know her. How are you going to cope when everything is over?
Ifeoma: I really don’t know but first thing first, I will make sure that my kids are okay wherever they are and I will put myself together and start life all over again.
Obi: in that case, when all this is over, I will let you know who my woman is.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 9
Few days to the day the meeting will be held, Mama Nnamdi tried talking to her son again for he has kept to himself and not wanting to have anything to do with her.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘we need to talk Nnamdi’ she said to her son who was in the sitting room all alone and lost in thought.
Nnamdi: Mama please do not say anything to me until the day we have the meeting. Its a few days from now.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘is that the reason why you have refused to have anything to do with me? You have refused to eat my food and talk to me, please Nnamdi’ she begged.
Nnamdi: if you so need company Mama, I am not your only son.
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi please!
Nnamdi: I have said my own, I do not want to talk with you, talk more of even eating your food or saying anything to you.
Mama Nnamdi: do you hate me that much?
Nnamdi: hmmm…are you asking me that question?
Mama Nnamdi: do you hate me that much as to want to have nothing to do with me?
Nnamdi: for all the lies? Yes Mama, I hate you that much. You must be wondering why I don’t want to go back to Lagos and stay till the next meeting abi?
Mama Nnamdi: this is your home Nnamdi, it is yours and your brother.
Nnamdi: I don’t think so anymore Mama. This is Obi’s home.
Mama Nnamdi: I may have done terrible things, but my late husband your father still loved you as his son till death.
Nnamdi: ‘Did he Mama’ he asked ‘anyway, we will never know because he is nomore. And besides, when all this is done, I am going far away from here. This is not my home’ he said and left the sitting room.
Mama Nnamdi: Devastated on her failure to talk to Nnamdi, she went to Obi’s room ‘can we talk’ she said as she got into his room.
Obi: ‘Good day Mama and what do you want us to talk about’ he asked as he sat up on his bed.
Mama Nnamdi: Nnamdi is behaving badly towards me and even you.
Why don’t you want to eat any of the food I laid out to you on the dining?
Obi: Nothing Mama, I am not just hungry.
Mama Nnamdi: Obi you are my son, I know that we don’t use to get along, especially when your father died. I may not have been the best mother but that doesn’t mean I love you less.
Obi: Mother, you have not shown me the Love you shown Nnamdi even before father died. I guess this is my life and I have been dealing with it my own way.
Mama Nnamdi: is that the reason why you had to tell my story to the whole world, why didn’t you confront me in person?
Obi: because I was scared that you may do something terrible to me.
Mama Nnamdi: is that what you think of me, that I am capable of harming my own son?
Obi: Yes Mama, else why didn’t Papa confront you about this when he found out?
Mama Nnamdi: When did he reveal this secret to you and how did he find out?
Obi: I do not know how he found out but he told me few days before his death. I didn’t want to believe him but few months after his death when I came home, I overhead you talking with Chiwedum and I heard you say over your dead body will you reveal your deepest secrets to anyone and if anyone tires it, you are incapable of stopping yourself from what you will do to that person. With that said, I kept everything to myself for I was afraid of my life and what you will do to me.
Mama Nnamdi: so all these years, you have carried this secrets and why now, did you have to reveal it?
Obi: because I felt it’s now time we all know the truth and what better way than the way I did it?
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Very well then’ what do you mean that I love Nnamdi more than I love you?
Obi: because you have always shown Nnamdi affection and care and I have never seen you shown that to me.
Mama Nnamdi: it doesn’t mean that I love you less Obi.
Obi: but it does mean that he is your first fruit and the fruit of your first love isn’t it?
Mama Nnamdi: Yes it is.
On the day of the meeting, everyone was present including Ifeoma’s mother, Obi, Nnamdi and Mama Nnamdi for the meeting is usually held in the village town hall.
First Elder: Ermmm since we are all here, can we go straight to the reason why we came here. Mama Nnamdi what your son Obi said about you is it true?
Mama Nnamdi: Yes it is true.
Second Elder: who do you say the father is again, let us be cleared.
Mama Nnamdi: Chiwedum.
Third Elder: can you please tell us how come?
Mama Nnamdi: long before I married my late husband who passed away a few years ago, I was inlove with Chiwedum and we were dating secretly. I was already in-love with him before Obi’s father came to ask for my hand in marriage.
Nnamdi: before he came to ask for your hand in marriage, didn’t he know that you were going out with his best friend?
Mama Nnamdi: No he never knew because we were having a secret affair and Obi’s father lived in Lagos city while Chiwedum was in the village with me.
Nnamdi : so why didn’t you marry Chiwedum my father instead of Obi’s father?
Mama Nnamdi: because as at that time, Obi’s father was more educated and self -established. I was a young girl who was blinded by wealth and so when Obi’s father came to ask for my hand in marriage, I agreed to it.
Nnamdi: if you agreed to marry Obi’s father, how come Nnamdi is Chiwedum’s child?
Mama Nnamdi: before the marriage proper, I found out that I was already with a Child and that Child is Nnamdi.
Obi: who has been quiet spoke up ‘if you were in love with Nnamdi’s real father and carrying his child, why did you go ahead with the marriage?
Mama Nnamdi: because I saw a future with Obi’s father
Nnamdi: so my real father wasn’t good enough?
First Elder: Where is Chiwedum, isn’t he supposed to be here.
Second Elder: My elders, you know that according to our custom and tradition, it is not right for Chiwedum to stand here with us.
Third Elder: we cannot allow him to be here for that is the tradition.
First Elder: of course we all know that but where it concerns him, he has to be here.
Second Elder: and we will be going against the custom of our land.
First Elder: it is just to confirm if the allegation melted on him is true and nothing else.
Second Elder: and if the allegation is true, what else?
Third Elder: I am afraid that everything about Nnamdi and his heritage will not be what it should be.
Nnamdi: My elders, what do you mean? I don’t understand the turn this event is taking. What is it?
The three elders shook their heads.
First Elder: ‘you mean you didn’t tell him’ he asked Mama Nnamdi.
Mama Nnamdi: I haven’t had the chance to do that, he doesn’t want to listen to what I have to say or want anything to do with me.
Nnamdi: Mama, what is it you haven’t told me?
Mama Nnamdi: bending her head in shame said ‘Your real father Chiwedum is an Outcast’.
Nnamdi: What do you mean an outcast?
First Elder: Osu! He said it loud and clear for everyone to hear ‘you are an Osu and Osu do not mingle with the likes of us’.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 10
Nnamdi: No, this cannot be true, are you saying that my father is an outcast Mama?
Mama Nnamdi: Yes he is. And we all know that outcast do not marry anyone else from the same community except there kind. I have been wanting to keep this secret away from you so that you won’t be labeled an outcast but now it is out, you now know where you belong.
Nnamdi: is that the real reason why you didn’t marry him?
Mama Nnamdi: That was the real reason Nnamdi. Even if I had allowed it, my people would have cut all ties with me and Obi’s father became my best option.
Obi: But Mother, I thought you said you married him because he had a bright future?
Mama Nnamdi: ‘that was part of it but the real reason was because I couldn’t marry Chiwedum for he is an outcast while your father’ he said to Obi ‘was not’. He was also loved by my people and he loved me in return.
Mama Ifeoma: Chei! She screamed ‘Alu! Abomination. So you mean to tell me Mama Nnamdi that my own daughter married an outcast and has Children for him? You are a wicked woman and may God almighty punish you. If you had a daughter, would you have allowed her married an outcast whereby you know the traditions of our land, would you?
First Elder: Ermm Mama Ifeoma please take it easy and let us solve this problem amicably.
Mama Ifeoma: Solve what problem, the fact that this woman here lied to every one of us? My elders, you know the tradition and the tradition states that an Osu cannot marry someone who is not an Osu if they are from the same village else they all will be called Osu. which means that my Daughter is an Osu, including her Children. Abomination!
Third Elder: ‘Wait first Mama Ifeoma, Mama Nnamdi got married to Obi’s late father who is not an Osu, which means Nnamdi is not an Osu for when the bride Price was paid on Mama Nnamdi’s head, she became his. Am I speaking your mind my elders’ he asked.
Second Elder: ‘No! You are not speaking our mind’ he said ‘Tradition is tradition. This tradition has been on, long before our ancestors before us. An Osu is an Osu whether by marriage or by blood.
Mama Ifeoma: Exactly. Whether by blood or by marriage, an Osu is an Osu. If Nnamdi is Mr. Chiwedum’s son, he is automatically an Osu.
Nnamdi: Does that mean even my children too are Osu?
Mama Ifeoma: No! Mba nu! My grand -children cannot be an Osu. For if they are, we will have nothing to do with them. We do not and cannot accept Osu into our family.
Mama Nnamdi: But they are married and traditionally they belong to Nnamdi.
Mama Ifeoma: ‘Do you think I would have allowed my daughter get married to Nnamdi if the truth had been revealed earlier’ she shouted ‘Do you think I would have come close to your family’?
Nnamdi: Chei! I am finished ‘my elders, what next, will I still be able to claim my children’.
Third Elder: as it stands now, the situation is more complicated than it should be. First it was Ifeoma, then Obi and now your mother. I think this family issue is bombarding my head that I cannot think straight.
First Elder: before anything is said again, we will need to confirm from Chiwedum if he is the father of Nnamdi.
Nnamdi: Mama is he aware that I am his son?
Mama Nnamdi: he is, he has known right from day one.
Nnamdi: I just want to know if I can still claim my children my elders.
First Elder: to be sincere with you, if what your mother says is true, I doubt if you can.
Nnamdi: What and why is that so?
Second Elder: because according to tradition, you are our slave and we cannot allow our slave to take our daughter and our children from us. Especially when the truth just revealed itself.
Nnamdi: No, you can’t do this my people, you can’t do this. I didn’t choose to be a slave. I never asked for it.
Third Elder: relax Nnamdi, we cannot say anything now until we have come to a conclusion and until that is done, Mama Ifeoma, please inform Chiwedum to be here in the next meeting.
Obi: Ermm my elders, there is a question I want to ask my mother, can I go ahead.
Third Elder: go ahead our true son.
Obi: if you were pregnant before you married my father, how come no one ever suspected anything?
Mama Nnamdi: because I was two months gone when your father married me and seven months later, I gave birth to Nnamdi. Our people taught it was a premature birth but I was due when I gave birth to him.
Obi: ‘and nobody suspected anything’ he said out loud for everyone to hear.
Mama Ifeoma: and you had the guts and effrontery to disgrace my daughter and humiliate her while yours is even worse than hers.
First Elder: Errm Ifeoma my daughter, I am sorry for all the humiliation you had to go true. We didn’t know that Nnamdi here is an Osu else we would have treated your case differently.
Nnamdi: ‘What do you mean by that’ he barked.
Second Elder: it means that those who are Osu, are not supposed to be here and they are not supposed to marry our daughter. Do you even know the traditions of our land sef?
Nnamdi: but the truth just came out and how was I supposed to know that I am the product of an outcast?
Third Elder: we are not blaming you and we are not holding you responsible for the sins of your parents but all we are saying is that, in this case, our daughter has a right over you,Including your brother.
Nnamdi: I don’t understand, what do you mean?
Second Elder: it means that if Ifeoma wants to have her Children, we the elders can say the children should go to the family and not you.
We can say that Ifeoma should have claims over the children for we do not want to have anything to do with you and your people.
Nnamdi: No! You can’t do that. I am my father’s son.
Second Elder: which of the fathers are you talking about here, your real father or your foster father?
Nnamdi: Whichever one. I want my children afterall, I paid her bride price.
Thrid Elder: that is the only way you can have full custody of the children.
Nnamdi: What way?
First Elder: If Ifeoma agrees to remain married to you.
Nmandi: why won’t she agree to remain married to me, I haven’t returned her bride price yet.
Seocond Elder: but I thought you wanted the marriage to be done and over with?
Nnamdi: I changed my mind.
Ifeoma: What for? Why did you change your mind?
Nnamdi: Because I am a man and I am still married to you.
Ifeoma: in that case, my elders I want the marriage done with as soon as possible.
Nnamdi: Sweetheart, we can talk about this Please.
Mama Ifeoma: Ehen! She clapped her hands ‘so you can finally use sweet words on her? What about the witch you use to call her’?
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 11
Nnamdi: ignoring her mother in-law said ‘Ifeoma, we can talk about this in the privacy of our own home. don’t let what happen to us affect our children and I promise to be a better man and a husband to you and our kids.’
Ifeoma: I am sorry Nnamdi, if I had known you were the product of an outcast; I wouldn’t have had anything to do with you. Now that the situation is all glaring, I want my children and I to have nothing to do with you from now on.
Nnamdi: ‘Ifeoma Please’ he pleaded.
Ifeoma: I cannot remain married to you and it is my final decision my elders.
First Elder: in that case, you all will hear the final judgment of all issues in our next meeting which will be in the igwe’s palace with the chief priest of our land.
Second Elder: Ha! Has it come to that?
First Elder: Yes it has because the matter is not only for elders to decide upon anymore since there are so many untold stories and a lot of atrocities have been committed.
Mama Nnamdi: My Elders, please do not involve our village chief priest, we as a family can solve it on our own please.
Mama Ifeoma: Oh! so now you want to make it a family meeting because your secrets is now for the world abi? When my daughter pleaded with your husband not to take the matter to the elders weren’t you against it?
Mama Nnamdi: ignoring her said ‘Please my elders, let us settle this thing amicably.
Mama Ifeoma: and I refused. Since my daughter’s case has become public affairs, all other case should also be public affairs.
Third Elder: Mama Nnamdi, even if we say we should settle the case amicably, within us. We cannot still let what you did slide. Nnamdi is an outcast, married to the daughter of the soil without anyone knowledge. If we knew all these before time, maybe, just maybe things would have been different.
Mama Ifeoma: Please my elders, I cannot cope with the shame.
First Elder: I am sorry, there is nothing anyone or anybody can do about it. The igwe will have to be informed and the chief priest will have to be invited.
They all stood and left while Mama Nnamdi wailed and cried leaving Nnamdi and Obi to console her. Ifeoma and her mother also left them there to deal with their problems.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Nmandi I am sorry, I didn’t mean for any of these. I didn’t mean to let this shame befall our family’ she said to him as she held unto him crying.
Nnamdi: ‘Mama just stop crying before your blood pressure goes up please’ he said wiping away her tears.
Obi: Mama stop with the tears already.
Mama Nnamdi: No, until my son forgives me for hiding the truth, I need him to forgive me ooooo.
Nnamdi: ‘Mama all this is just too much for me to comprehend now, I need to think’ he said as he walked away leaving his mother and Obi.
Obi: who was speechless and didn’t know what to do or how to console his mother said ‘Mama stop crying, I will talk to Nnamdi on your behalf. I know he loves you and he will listen to me. Please just stop crying.
Mama Nnamdi: Do you think he will ever forgive me, for lying about his true identity?
Obi: He will Mama, just give him more time please.
Mama Nnamdi: I hope so Obi, I hope so.
***
After they came back from the meeting, Mama Ifeoma and Ifeoma went talking about what happened.
Mama Ifeoma: Wonders will never end oooo. So Nnamdi is the son of Chiwedum? Hia! If your father was here by now, I am sure he will go return the bride price immediately. No child of mine will have anything to do with an Osu.
Ifeoma: Mama the deed has been done, there is nothing anyone or anybody can do. I never knew Uncle Chiwedum is Nnamdi real father?
Mama Ifeoma: and they Osu. You cannot have anything to do with them.
Ifeoma: What about my children?
Mama Ifeoma: hmmm. My daughter, I do not know for now ooo. The elders will have to decide.
Ifeoma: but my children still belong to Nnamdi because he paid my bride price.
Mama Ifeoma: my dear, I cannot think clearly. Let the elders decide what is best for all of us.
***
Nnamdi: I have come to see Uncle Chiwedum for that is the way he is usually called by them.
Nneka: ‘he is sleeping’ said the little girl who opened the door to him when he knocked
Nnamdi: go wake him up and tell him it is urgent.
Nneka: ‘but he doesn’t like anyone disturbing him when he is sleeping’ she insisted.
Nnamdi: ‘tell him it is urgent or I will go in there and wake him up myself’ he shouted at the little girl.
Nneka: Okay! She went and woke him up.
Chiwedum: ‘this one you are here to see me, hope no problem’ he said as he sat close to Nnamdi who was in the sitting room, sitting and fidgeting.
Nnamdi: Are you my father?
Chiwedum: What!
Nnamdi: are you my father Uncle?
Chiwedum: Who told you that?
Nnamdi: Does it matter, just answer the question.
Chiwedum: but I thought your mother said she will never reveal anything to you?
Nnamdi: Answer the question Uncle.
Chiwedum: Errmm. You see my son, it is not what you think.
Nnamdi: you shouldn’t bother about what I think and answer me Uncle, are you my father?
Chiwedum: Yes I am and I am sorry that you are finding out the truth now. Your mother actually said she will never reveal the truth to anyone because it will change everything.
Nnamdi: so all these years, you knew that I am your son and you never said anything to me?
Chiwedum: I am sorry, my hands were tied.
Nnamdi: ‘your hands were tied’ he shouted ‘you and my mother hid the truth from me all my whole life and all you could tell me is your hands were tied?’
Chiwedum: if the truth had been revealed it wouldn’t be of good to you.
Nnamdi: why? Because you are an Osu and I am your son?
Chiwedum: you already know everything.
Nnamdi: Yes I do Uncle and in the most brutal way.
Chiwedum: I am sorry that you are finding out this now, I am really sorry.
Nnamdi: you are sorry, after you lied to me and my father?
Chiwedum: I am your real father.
Nnamdi: No you are not, my real father, the man who nurtured me and made me what I am today is dead and you will never take his place.
Chiwedum: I know this is too much for you to bear but I believe that with time, you will learn to forgive and call me your father.
Nnamdi: Don’t you dare say that to me, don’t you dare say that.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 12
Chiwedum: then why are you here if you really do not want to hear all of this?
Nnamdi: I came here because I wanted to know the truth. I wanted it not to be true.
Chiwedum: am afraid it is the truth.
Nnamdi: if that is the case, you are summoned by the village elders in two weeks. We will meet there then.
Chiwedum: for what? Why the igwe?
Nnamdi: because we need to find out if my kids will be mine or if they will belong to another.
Chiwedum: what do you mean another?
Nnamdi: ‘it’s obvious that you aren’t even aware of all that is going on, I guess you should call the woman you cheated on my father with for her to explain better to you’ he said and walked away.
**
For days, Nnamdi kept to himself away from his mother and his brother. He hardly stays in the family house except when he is drunk and sober that he comes home late at night shouting and crying saying all the people he loves betrayed him, the one person he taught he could call family and give his all to. This makes his mother so mad at herself that she became a shadow of herself and more withdrawn.
Obi seeing how the family has become ever since his mother told the truth felt pity for his mother and mostly his brother, decided to have a talk with him.
Obi: one morning he stood up, went over to his brother room and woke him up ‘wake up, I need us to talk please’.
Nnamdi: What do you want us to talk about or is there more secret that I need to know?
Obi: No, it’s nothing like that. I just need us to talk about something.
Nnamdi: ‘what is it’ he asked as he sat up on his bed.
Obi: sitting down close to him said ‘I am sorry for all that has happened’.
Nnamdi: for sleeping with my wife behind my back for years?
Obi: ‘yes, for having an affair with your wife for years’ he said with head bent.
Nnamdi: ‘how did you even do it’ he asked shaking his head ‘how did you do it with my wife, weren’t you feeling guilty’.
Obi: believe me I was at a time but that is not the reason why I want to talk to you.
Nnamdi: then why do you want to talk to me, to claim my children too?
Obi: no, that is not it.
Nnamdi: ‘then what is it’ he snapped.
Obi: it’s about Mama, I think you should find a place to forgive her and talk to her. She is becoming a shadow of herself and I am afraid of what it will do to her health.
Nnamdi: I don’t care whatever happens to her, she deserves it, she deserves worse.
Obi: Nnamdi I know that you are very angry at Mama but please consider forgiving her.
Nnmadi: why should I forgive her or any of you, after all what you all did to me behind my back?
Obi: I can understand it if you can’t forgive me but not your own mother.
Nnamdi: you all lied to me about my existence and everything.
Obi: we all know what we did and didn’t do but you have to try and forgive us no matter what, remember we are family.
Nnamdi: Family you say? I am not family because if I am family to you guys, you wouldn’t treat me and hurt me this way.
Obi: I am here because of Mama, she is your mother.
Nnamdi: and I said I am not forgiving her.
Obi: you know, I think I understand why she did what she did.
Nnamdi: what do you mean?
Obi: if she hasn’t done what she did, I don’t think you would have gotten the kind of life you had. She did what she did because she wanted the best for you and all of us.
Nnamdi: by marrying our father while she was still with a child?
Obi: Yes Nnamdi. As at the time when Mama decided to Marry Papa,Uncle Chiwedum was barely a farmer. Think about it and take a good look at your step brothers and sisters, how has life been with them.
Nnamdi: it is true that I was more opportune because of the decision she made, I went to the best school and it made me possible for me to work in a reputable organization plus I am also well-established but that doesn’t still justify her actions.
Obi: Yes it doesn’t but she did it because she loves you.
Nnamdi: or because she couldn’t marry an Osu.
Obi: that is also part of it.
Nnamdi: but she kept it hidden, she should have told me when I was old enough.
Obi: and you would have still felt miserable about it which she was trying to avoid.
Nnamdi: what she did was wrong.
Obi: I know but she is still our mother and deserves a second chance.
Nnamdi: ‘Hmmm’ he said looking at him ‘are you inlove with my wife?’
Obi: why are you asking?
Nnamdi: because if you are, I am never going to share her with you ever again.
Obi: I do not have a problem with that.
Nnamdi: do you still want my children?
Obi: they are my kids Nnamdi. I may not be able to claim them according to tradition or anything but they will forever remain my kids.
Nnamdi: I am their father and it will remain that way forever.
Obi: I am not here to fight with you concerning that, I just want you to forgive Mama and let by gone be by gone.
Nnamdi: I will think about it but just because she is my mother doesn’t mean things will ever remain the same again.
Obi: Understood.
Nnamdi: same goes to you too.
Obi: ‘Understood’ he said and left his room.
***
Few days later, Nnamdi went to Ifeoma’s house to pay her a visit.
Mama Ifeoma: ‘Yes, what can I do for you’ she asked as she opened her door to him.
Nnamdi: Mama Good day.
Mama Ifeoma: Good day to you too, what are you doing here?
Nnamdi: I came to see my wife.
Mama Ifeoma: which wife?
Nnamdi: Mama I came to see Ifeoma my wife.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 13
Mama Ifeoma: Tukiafwa! My daughter cannot remain married to you oooo, God forbid.
Nnamdi: look Mama, I am very sorry for all that has happened to your daughter but I am here to make amends, just give me one more chance and I promise to make everything right.
Mama Ifeoma: Are you deaf, didn’t you hear what I said ‘she shouted’.
Nnamdi: Mama it’s me oooo, your son in-law. We can resolve any issues we have.
Mama Ifeoma: which son in-law, which son in-law? She shouted
Nnamdi: Mama Please, it is Nnamdi begging you he said still standing
by the door side.
Mama Ifeoma: Nnamdi or whatever you call yourself, My daughter is no longer interested in this marriage.
Nnamdi: Mama Please.
Mama Nnamdi: Don’t please me my friend, don’t you know you are an Osu and you are a slave. People like my daughter do not and will never have anything to do with you.
Nnamdi: But we are married Mama.
Mama Nnamdi: A marriage that was based on lies?
Nnamdi: she is still my wife.
Mama Ifeoma: as far as I am concerned, that marriage has ended.
Nnmadi: Mama Please.
Mama Ifeoma: Don’t you know the tradition Nnamdi, don’t you.
Nnmadi: That is just a stupid tradition and it will not hold.
Mama Ifeoma: Oh! So it is just a stupid tradition yet you brought your wife to the village for her to be disgraced ? For her to follow the tradition and custom of our land abi? Now that it is the other way round, it has become a stupid tradition. Anyway, it is that same stupid tradition you made my wife answer to, you will have to answer to too.
Nnamdi: I am sorry, I did what I did in moment of anger.
Mama Ifeoma: I am also sorry Nnamdi for what you did because it finally revealed the truth of who you really are. You wanted to disgrace my daughter but ended up disgracing you and your whole family. You can’t impregnate a woman, you mother had an affair and you are the product of that an affair with an Osu. Chei! You see yourself?
Nnamdi: Mama please let me see my wife, I am sure we can resolve anything.
Mama Ifeoma: you must be insane to think that she can come back to you. After the elders have finalized their decision, my people are coming to return back the bride price. We no do again.
Nnamdi: seeing that his mother in-law is bent on him not seeing his wife, called out to her ‘Ifeoma! Ifeoma! Ifeoma’!
Ifeoma: who was in the bedroom, let what she was dong to see Nnamdi ‘ Mama please let me talk to Nnamdi’ she pleaded.
Mama Ifeoma: ‘the better you let him know where he stands in your life, the better for all of us’ she said as she went back inside the house while she stepped out with Nnamdi.
Ifeoma: what do you want?
Nnamdi: I came to see you and to know how you are faring.
Ifeoma: I am doing okay and thank you, you should never have come here.
Nnamdi: I came to see my wife and I wanted to really know if you are okay.
Ifeoma: now that you can see I am okay, can you start going to your place now, you are not welcomed here.
Nnamdi: Yea, I can see that.
Ifeoma: Sorry, not my fault.
Nnamdi: I know. I am really sorry for all that I have done and brought to our family.
Ifeoma: is okay, I have forgiven you a long time ago. You have a lot on your plate right now.
Nnamdi: Yea I really do. You say you have forgiven me?
Ifeoma: yes I have for my own peace of mind and you should also forgive me also for not telling you the truth about our children.
Nnamdi: it’s a bitter pill to swallow but I believe that with time, I will learn to let it go.
Ifeoma: Alright and thanks.
Nnamdi: Actually Ifeoma, I know that things are rough with us but can we still be a couple again, after all this?
Ifeoma: I am sorry but I accepted the fact that things are never going to be the same with us.
Nnamdi: we can try, we can make it work.
Ifeoma: I don’t want to try or make anything work, I just want to have my life back and move on.
Nnamdi: Please Ifeoma, give me a chance to be the husband you desire.
Ifeoma: Why Nnamdi, why?
Nnamdi: because I believe in second chance.
Ifeoma: is that the real reason why you want us to be a family again?
Nnamdi: Yes.
Ifeoma: even when you know the real father of your children?
Nnamdi: Yes and I believe we can move pass that.
Ifeoma: really.
Nnamdi: yes.
Ifeoma: I am sorry, I can’t do it.
Nnamdi: you don’t want our family to be whole again?
Ifeoma: of course I really want our family to be whole again but what I do not want is to remain married to a selfish man like you.
Nnamdi: what do you mean?
Ifeoma: you think I do not know what you are trying to do Nnamdi? So because you found out that you can’t father a child and you are an Osu, you want me to come back to you?
Nnamdi: it is not that.
Ifeoma: don’t lie to me Nnamdi, don’t lie to me. If you are really sincere I may have taught about us having a second chance and moving on with our lives but when I put two and two together, I found out that you will never change. You are the most selfish man I have ever met and I am done with this marriage.
Nnamdi: Please Ifeoma, it is not what you think.
Ifeoma: Really, you are here because the judgment may not walk in your favor and you are infertile. Isn’t it?
Nnamdi: Ifeoma please, let’s work things out.
Ifeoma: like my mother said, the bride price will be returned after judgment has been passed. I am no longer interested in this marriage.
Nnamdi: we can work things out; I will be a better husband.
Ifeoma: ‘I have made up my mind and there is nothing anyone can do about it’ she said and was about walking away, Nnamdi asked.
Nnamdi: are you in love with my brother?
Ifeoma: she turned back and said ‘I think I have had enough already with your family’.
Nnamdi: I am still your husband and I will not accept the return of the bride price.
Ifeoma: ‘see you in few days for us to know what next Nnamdi’ she said and walked away.
Nnamdi: became very furious and said ‘I am still your husband Ifeoma and our Kids will remain mine no matter what you hear me, no matter what. I do not care what the final judgment will be’ he shouted.
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 14
Two days to the meeting, Chiwedum paid a visit to Mama Nnamdi to inquire about the news spreading round the village and the meeting to
be held.
Chiwedum: ‘How are you doing and why are you looking so unkempt?’
He asked as she ushered him in ‘Are you okay?’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘I am doing okay, just been a little down but I will be fine’ She said as they both sat opposite each other.
Chiwedum: ‘Nnamdi came to me a few days ago to inquire about his real identity, how did he know and what are all these rumors going
around?’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘I am afraid the rumors are true and I am sorry that he came to you before I did. I haven’t been myself lately.’
Chiwedum: ‘This must have been hard on you and it is my fault, I shouldn’t have allowed you marry him while you were carrying my child. I don’t know how I am going to tell this news to my family but I do hope they understand and accept him when the time comes.’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘You will do okay, with time they will get used to it.’
Chiwedum: ‘I hope so, how did they get to find out?’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘My son Obi was the one who made me tell the truth.
Chiwedum: ‘How did he know?’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘My late husband told him.’
Chiwedum: ‘What!! When?! How?’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Before he died, he made it known to him.’
Chiwedum: ‘ I’m sure he must have been disappointed in me. Which means he knew all along and he said nothing to me or anyone except his son.’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘I must have made him miserable in the last days of his life. He knew all this yet he never acted cold towards me, he loved me for me despite all I have done to him.’
Chiwedum: ‘I wish there is a way I could make amends.’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘It’s something we will live with for the rest of our lives, I’m afraid.’
Chiwedum: ‘Hmmm yes it is. Where is Obi and Nnmadi by the way?’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘I don’t know where Nnamdi has been to but Obi just left to visit a friend few minutes ago.’
Chiwedum: ‘I wish I could have a talk with them, to explain everything and tell them how sorry I am that their Uncle messed up their lives.’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘If you can wait till late in the evening, I am sure that they will be back, hopefully.’
Chiwedum: ‘I have all the time in the world because time for the meeting is around at the corner.’
Later in the evening when Nnamdi and Obi returned, Uncle Chiwedum called them and told them he had a few things to say to them.
Chiwedum: ‘Errm….. Obi and Nnamdi, I called you both here because I want to talk to you both and you both should please listen attentively to me.’
Obi: ‘Yes Uncle’ He said while Nnamdi kept mute.
Chiwedum: ‘When your mother and I met, she wasn’t married to your father who was a noble man before he died. When your father came
asking for her hand in marriage, she was already pregnant with you, Nnamdi.’
Nnamdi: ‘That is not enough reason to justify both your actions!’
Chiwedum: ‘Nnamdi, you may not understand but I really do understand why she did what she did even though at that time, I couldn’t understand at first why she chose my best friend instead of me but she did what she thought was good for her and her unborn
child at that moment.’
Nnamdi: ‘Is that your excuse?’
Chiwedum: ‘Do you know what it means to be an Outcast in your own village and community? Do you know the trauma we have been
through? There was just no way your mother and I could be together even though that was what we wanted. Do you know that her family
members could have disowned her if she went away with me? We are slaves in our own land and we cannot marry any other person aside
those who are also slaves or we go to other state and get married.
That was and still is the situation even till this moment.’
Obi: ‘But my mother said she married my father because he was more established.’
Mama Ifeoma: ‘Yes, your father was more established but it was an excuse I could give at the moment.’
Nnamdi: ‘Why?’
Mama Ifeoma: ‘……..Because I couldn’t tell you to your face that your father is an Osu.’
Chiwedum: ‘Please Nnamdi and Obi, find a place in your heart to forgive your mother and I for I know you are so disappointed in us
both.’
Obi: ‘Uncle, I don’t think I am the one you should be apologizing to, it’s your son Nnamdi that you should be pleading with, not me.’
Chiwedum: Nodding his head, he said ‘Nnamdi, I am asking for forgiveness even though I know you may never forgive me but your mother and i are very sorry for hiding the truth from you for so long.’
Mama Ifeoma: ‘Nnamdi my son, Please forgive me, I never meant to hurt you. Please my son.’
Nnamdi: ‘I don’t know if I will ever get to forgive you both but please Mama, give me some time to think and put myself together. What I really need now is to take custody of my three children. I don’t want them to be taken away from me. Uncle, do you think I will have my
children considering the fact, my real identity is just made known?’
Chiwedum: ‘To be sincere with you, I am not sure. I don’t know what the outcome of the judgment will be especially when your wife doesn’t want to have anything to do with you, it makes the situation more difficult. Did you talk to her?’
Nnamdi: ‘I did and her mind is already made up.’
Mama Ifeoma: ‘Do you really want her back?’
Nnamdi: ‘Mama, that is the only way I can have my kids and I was thinking we could put our past behind us and continue but that is not
the case. She is done and done with me.’
Obi: ‘So you want her because of the kids?’
Nnamdi: ‘Yes and she is still my wife you know.’
Obi: ‘Do you really love her?’
Mama Nnamdi: Seeing that they could quarrel over Ifeoma, quickly said ‘Obi, please respect your brother for God’s sake, it’s his wife he is
talking about here.’
Obi: ‘I am sorry Mama.’
Mama Nnamdi: ‘If she doesn’t want to have anything to do with you again, we have to wait till the meeting for us to find out where you
stand.’
Nnamdi: ‘Yes Mama.’
Obi: ‘Ermm Nnamdi, I am very sorry for what I did to you. I know that you probably may never forgive but I am still sorry from my heart of
hearts.’
Nnamdi: ‘Whatever Obi, I don’t just want you to claim my kids. I don’t want you to take them away from me ever!’
Obi: ‘But they are my kids too.’
Nnamdi: ‘They are my kids and not yours’ he shouted.
Mama Nnamdi: ‘Obi, they are your brothers children even though you are their biological father. That is the custom.’
Obi: ‘I know Mama but they are still mine.’
Nnamdi: ‘The only way I will ever forgive you is if you never say they are your kids.’
Obi: ‘Are you serious?’
Nnamdi: ‘Does it look like I am joking?’
To be continued...
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Deep Sea of Secrets Episode 15 [Final Episode]
On the day of the meeting, they all gathered at the Igwe’s palace, the Chief Priest was in attendance too.
First Elder: “Igwe, like we discussed earlier about the problem on ground, we are all here to proclaim the verdict on what should be done.”
Igwe: Nodding his head and turning to Chiwedum “Since you have not been in attendance and you are here today, are you the real father of Nnamdi?”
Chiwedum: “Yes Igwe, he is my son.”
Igwe: “In that case, Chief Priest what do you have to say about Ifeoma’s case?”
Chief Priest: “Abomination is what you committed, Ifeoma and in other to appease the gods and cleanse yourself and household, you will have to walk naked from your house to the village market on the market day three times.”
Mama Ifeoma: “She has to do all these even when she is no longer interested in the marriage?”
Chief Priest: “I have not finished my verdict woman!”
Mama Ifeoma: “Sorry, please continue.”
Chief Priest: “All these will have to be done; you will have to make provisions for 2 black goats and 3 white cocks which will be presented to the gods of our land for the cleansing.”
Igwe: “Is that all she will present if she is going for the cleansing?”
Chief Priest: “Yes my Igwe.”He said with head bowed “….except…”
Igwe: “Except what?”
Chief Priest: “Except if she is no longer interested in remaining married to Nnamdi, the bride price should be returned immediately and
there will be no need for cleansing.”
Igwe: “Ifeoma!”
Ifeoma: “Yes, my Igwe?”
Igwe: “Do you want to remain married to Nnamdi?”
Ifeoma: “No, my Igwe.”
Igwe: “Are you sure?”
Ifeoma: “Yes my Igwe.”
Igwe: “Nnamdi, what do you have to say?”
Nnamdi: “My Igwe, I would love to have my wife back but since she has made up her mind, then I have nothing else to say or do….”
Igwe: “In that case, two people have to agree and since both of you don’t agree and have decided to go your separate ways, the marriage will have to be dissolved. In two weeks Ifeoma, make sure your people return the bride price.”
Ifeoma: “Yes my Igwe.”
Igwe: “Now, Mr. Chiwedum, since you are the father of Nnamdi, what do you have to say about it Chief Priest.
Chief Priest: “The tradition will have to stand.”
Igwe: “Do you know what the tradition says Nnamdi?”
Chiwedum : “I am a slave,I don’t get to decide my fate.”
Igwe: “Exactly but the difference in this case is that your mother was not married to one so it leaves us to decide who you really are.”
Mama Nnamdi: “Please Igwe, what is the final judgment in this case?”
Igwe: “Chiwedum is an Osu and according to the tradition of our land, he is not supposed to marry anyone in our village except she is an
Osu.”
Nnamdi: “But my mother got married to my father who is not an Osu.”
Igwe: “Yes we know that, it leaves you to decide whether you are one or not.”
Nnamdi: “Am I one?”
Igwe: “The decision is not mine to decide but yours. However, if you decide to acknowledge the fact that you are an Osu by recognizing with them, then your children will no longer be yours.”
Nnamdi: “What do you mean Igwe?”
Igwe: “By tradition, you are not an Osu because Obi’s father also known as your father before his death, paid your mother’s bride price and that signifies that you are not an Osu for you are his son.”
Nnamdi: “Does that mean my children are not Osu too?”
Igwe: “Yes your children are not Osu too.”
Nnamdi: “Even when I am no longer married to their mother?”
Igwe: “Yes of course.”
Nnamdi: “Does that mean that they are my children?”
Igwe: “They are your children by the laws of our land.”
Nnamdi: “I will continue to be their father, I am not an Osu.”
Igwe: “In that case, all problems have been settled.”
Nnamdi: “I may have lost everything including my wife but I will always have my children. I am not an Osu” He said out loud for everyone to hear.
Third Elder: “What about the atrocity committed by Mama Nnamdi, my Igwe?”
Igwe: “Her husband is dead already, the sin she committed was done before she married him. Let her go in peace because already, she will live with the consequences of her action. Have I spoken like the true son of the soil my high priest?”
High Priest: “You have spoken the words of our gods.”
Second Elder: “What about Obi that slept with his brother’s wife while his brother is still alive?”
High Priest: “Only the gods know why they allow such things to happen for we cannot question the gods and they are all free to go.”
Mama Ifeoma: “Maybe the sins of the parents are visiting their children.”
High Priest: The gods knoweth and only them answereth.”
After the meeting, everyone having gone to their various homes, Obi stayed behind to have a talk with Ifeoma who was still waiting for the mother to finish having her discussion with the Igwe.
Obi: “I guess this is it” He said to Ifeoma.
Ifeoma: “Yes, this is it. When will you be leaving to the states?”
Obi: “In three days.”
Ifeoma: “Have a safe trip then.”
Obi: “Thank you.”
Ifeoma: “When will you be coming back to Nigeria again?”
Obi: “I don’t know but not anytime soon as there is nothing bringing me back home except of course if it is urgent.”
Ifeoma: “Hmmm. I am sorry that things turned out this way.”
Obi: “It’s not your fault….” He said, smiling “…..remember I told you that I will tell you who the woman I am in love with is when all this
come to an end?”
Ifeoma: “Yes you did….. Who is she?”
Obi: “A woman I know I can never have and that woman is you.”
Ifeoma: “ Oh,Obi”
Obi: He interrupted “I know, you don’t have to say anything and I can understand everything well. I know what your decision will be. I just
want you to have a good life and take care of our children. If you need anything, let me know and I will be ever ready to be there to help.
Don’t hesitate, I repeat, never hesitate.”
Ifeoma: “I won’t, I promise.”
Obi: “Goodbye Ifeoma.”
Ifeoma: “Good bye Obi.”
The end.
Credit: Ade Love