19/04/2024
Omoshalewa - Episode 18 (Semi-Final)
"What?!" Did you just say you had a baby for me? I mean, wait! Shalewa, you mean to tell me that you bore my baby in your womb, gave birth to him and nurtured him alone without deeming it fit to inform me?
Haba Shalewa, this is too much! This is so unfair. So, if I didn't bump into you today, when exactly will I get to know that I had a child by you? J-e-s-u-s!" He exclaimed slowly in great surprise.
"No wonder, no wonder," he repeated as he looked admiringly at Junior who was now fast asleep. "Blood is indeed thicker than water.
I was strongly attracted to him the very minute I saw him yesterday. It was quite strange and I wondered why. Oh my boy! I am proud of you, I am so glad.
Shalewa, God has indeed proved to me again that He is involved in our relationship. Do you know that I initially planned to send one of my staff to this school for the business deal?
But somehow, for no reason in particular, I felt inclined to come here myself. After I met Junior yesterday, I had the urge to see him again today, so I brought the gift along, not knowing is my son. Oh my God!"
"I am so sorry Stephen, I didn't want to destroy your new home. I went through a lot.
The stress of the pregnancy, the shame of getting pregnant out of wedlock and the pains of labour. It wasn't easy at all Stephen, but I thank God today," I replied, tears trickling down my face as I recollected all that I went through.
"Oh God, Shalewa, you should have informed me. I feel so bad right now that you bore everything alone. I should have been there all the way with you to encourage and comfort you."
He drew me into his arms and gave me a warm embrace.
"I am so sorry about all you have been through for the sake of our child. But I am so happy right now. I thank God for bringing us together again. This time around, Shalewa you are going nowhere, I am marrying you right away!" He announced.
I pulled myself off his embrace and looked at his eyes. "Marry me? What are you talking about?" I asked
"Yes, my dear. You heard me right. I am not married yet. You avoided me so that I could go ahead and marry Juliet, the lady I got engaged to back then, but you have forgotten that except the Lord buildeth the house, they that buildeth laboureth in vain. Hmmmmmm, Shalewa mi, it's a very long story but I will try to be brief.
After we parted and I returned to Port Harcourt, I was really heart broken because of what happened between us that very night. I went to God in prayer and fasting, asking him for forgiveness.
I also asked God to shed more light about the relationship I was in at that time. I wanted to be convinced about Juliet, whether she's to be my wife or not. I prayed that God should give me physical confirmations.
After I concluded the seven days fasting and prayer, I decided to visit Juliet one day. I made up my mind not to end the relationship just like that, I didn't want to break her heart, so I decided to allow God to have his way, and allow events to unfold in accordance to God's will.
I set out for her place that Saturday morning. She wasn't aware I would be coming because her line has been unreachable since the previous night, so I couldn't tell her about my coming but I was sure she would be at home...
I was about to knock on the door of her apartment when I started hearing voices from within. It was like an heated argument between two people. I could hear Juliet's voice and that of another man. I was curious about what was going on so I placed my ear on the door to eavesdrop into their conversation.
To cut the whole story short, Juliet was not who I thought she was after all. According to their argument, the man was laying claims on the two daughters that Juliet had for her. He said he was back to pay her bride price so he could have access to his children. The girls were staying with Juliet's mum at the village... I was shocked beyond expression.
"So, Juliet already had children for another man?" I thought. "I was about to knock on the door when it flew open. The man stormed out furiously with Juliet shouting after him that he should go to hell because she wasn't going to release her children to him.
Immediately the man sighted me, he said, 'Oh very good, thank God you are here. You better stop that wedding plan and leave my wife alone. She has two girls for me already, so forget about her or face the wrath of God,' he warned and left angrily.
Juliet was shocked to see me. I looked at her and demanded an explanation. She only murmured that the man was lying. She couldn't eveb look at my face.
I told her how I heard everything they both argued on since I arrived. The fact that she already have children wasn't the issue but for her to hide such a big secret from me, definitely shows that she couldn't be trusted. I told her right there that I couldn't go ahead with the wedding plans anymore.
And that was how the relationship ended. She pleaded and made several attempts to come back to me but to no avail. She even went as far as reporting me to my parents in the village. They were really angry with my decision but when I told them the truth of the matter, they supported me too.
So, Juliet's case was like that of the person who is meant to be burnt with fire and still went ahead to rub fuel on her body, it made the work faster. That was the end of my relationship with Juliet.
I was really grateful to God for hearing my prayers and revealing the secret else I would have entered a false marriage.
After I parted ways with Juliet, I came looking for you when your number was not getting through. When I couldn't find you, I was more confused and heart broken. I went into a state of emotional depression. I prayed that God should help me find you, I tried all my best to no avail.
After I relocated to Lagos, I made several attempts to find you. I even went to Aunty Mope's shop, she was no longer running the supermarket, I was told she now stayed abroad, no one had her phone number.
I asked God if I should give up on you, but God was silent. I tried about two relationships among the sisters in my church, but none of them worked.
Besides, no one is like you Omoshalewa, I couldn't just get another woman to replace you in my heart. I really give glory to God for a day like this. I won't let you disappear again this time. I have been through a lot because of you...
Shalewa mi, my first love, you are God's choice for me, will you marry me?
"Stephen, this is destiny! Of course I will marry you my love, the father of my child I will marry you!" I replied excitedly. I was so happy that Stephen wasn't married after all.
We were both excited. At last my sorrows and loneliness was over, joy has finally come. I shed tears of joy. It was such a great reunion.
We started preparing for our wedding. We did the introduction ceremony first, it was a small one. The wedding day was fixed for four months from the day of Introduction, and all preparations started in earnest.
I seemed to be the happiest woman in the world. I thank God I followed doctor Alex's godly counsel about not getting rid of the baby. Jesus is so good to me, He has rewarded me for my obedience.
Two weeks to our wedding, Stephen told me he wanted us to go somewhere together. When we got there, I received the greatest surprise I have ever received in the whole of my life time...
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Omoshalewa - Episode 19 (Final Episode)
Stephen drove to one of the finest areas in Lagos, then pulled up at the front of a building painted in cream and brown. We both got down from the car while I was still wondering what he was up to
It was a two storey building. I looked at the top of the building, "OMOSHALEWA GROUP OF SCHOOLS" was written in bold letters.
I turned sharply to Stephen immediately I saw the name. I was trying to process the information, wondering if what I was thinking was the truth.
He nodded with a smile as if he read clearly my thoughts.
"Yes, Shalewa. This is your school. You remember I used to say it when we were still young that when God blesses me, I will build a school of your own for you.
Here is my promise of many years Shalewa, you deserve even more than this. I actually bought this property two months ago but I delayed informing you about it because I wanted to ensure I paint it in your favourite colour and put the finishing touches, so here we are."
It was such a huge surprise for me. I felt as if my heart was about to explode
I jumped at Stephen excitedly. I was overwhelmed with unspeakable joy. A school of my own? I never envisaged such a huge accomplishment even in the next five years. I opened my eyes wide again to be sure that I wasn't dreaming.
Stephen led me into the big compound, I really loved the structure. Behind the building were two other small bungalows for crèche and nursery classes, then two other offices. He had even furnished the classrooms with chairs, tables and other educational/ instructional materials. The play ground was also equipped with different toys.
"Are you surprised at what you are seeing?" He asked
"Of course Stephen, surprise is an understatement, how did you come about the materials and equipment?"
"I engaged the service of one of my friends who is a Principal in one of the schools here in Lagos, he helped me to furnish the classrooms with the essential items appropriate for a good and conducive learning environment."
"Wow! You are a darling! Thanks so much my love. I am short of words right now." I cried.
The joy was just too much. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I entered the classrooms one after the other. I bless the very day I met Stephen Martins. He is such a wonderful person. I really thanked God for this great and sudden blessing, a dream come true it is.
"Shalewa, you have done so much for me in the past. You were there for me during the hard periods of my life. You really made an impact during that short relationship we had, such that can never be forgotten. How will I ever forget the days you provided for my dire needs? Except if I am an ingrate. You deserve to be happy Shalewa, you are an Angel!"
"Oh, thank you darling! Thanks so much. This is just too much!" I repeated over and over again...
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OMOSHALEWA weds STEPHEN !!!
Two weeks later, I got married to Stephen, the love of my life. It was the second happiest day of my entire life. A lot of friends, families, colleagues and neighbours were there to celebrate with us.
Even Aunty Mopelola arrived Nigeria two days to my wedding to grace the occasion. We went to the registry early in the morning, then proceeded to my aunt's house for the engagement. I wept so much when the farewell prayers for the bride were offered, my mum would have been happy to witness a day like this but she was no more...
The reception/entertainment of guests took place immediately after the engagement at one of the very big events all in the same community.
There were lots to eat and to drink. I looked so beautiful in my wedding gown and Stephen was sparkling handsome in his smart black suit. At last I was married to the love of my life, I had the marriage of my dreams.
We travelled to Abuja for our honeymoon. We spent two weeks there. We left Junior with his god mother, Aunty Mope.
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A MONTH LATER
I was seated in my office at Omoshalewa School, going through the files of some applicants. We were trying to recruit the first set of both academic and non academic staff that will work in the school.
Resumption is in three weeks. A lot of parents have started coming to enrol their children. Applicants too have started submitting their credentials.
I opened a particular applicant's file, the name is so familiar. I checked the name again and the institution attended. Yes, I was sure she was the one. Stella, Ngozi's friend, Oyinkansola's room mate at school. I called her number and told her to come for an interview the following day.
She entered my office the next day, expecting to be interviewed by the Proprietress of the school. She was shocked to see me.
"Shalewa, are you Mrs Martins, the Proprietress?"
"Yes Stella, by God's grace. I am happy to meet you again. I saw your name on one of the C.Vs, so I intentionally called you yesterday, so we could meet..."
We hugged each other joyfully.
"Wow! Shalewa, you have made it oh! I can't believe this"
"Well, let's just give all the glory to God. What's up with you?"
"Nothing much oh my sister. When I searched for job and I got tired, I decided to apply for teaching, at least to keep body and soul together."
"Hmmmmmm, it is well. How about Oyin and Ngozi? Do you still hear from them?"
"Ha! Shalewa, you have just asked for a long story oh. Oyinkansola is married to Desmond."
"Which Desmond?"
"The same Desmond of Rainbow bank back then. You see, after you left Desmond, Oyinkan forced her way into his life. They started a relationship like play like play. To cut the long story short, she got pregnant for Desmond during her service year. Desmond was forced by his parents to marry her but their marriage was nothing to write home about.
She beat Oyinkansola almost everyday despite the fact that she was pregnant. She gave birth to a premature baby that couldn't survive at the end of the day. I later heard that Desmond lost his job after the wedding which turned him into a worse and bitter husband.
My dear, what Oyinkansola did enh? I am very sure she is regretting it now. I am not even certain that they are still together. I have lost her contact. Ngozi on the other hand is living and working in Abuja. She is still single too."
I sighed on hearing her story. "So, Oyinkansola could be that desperate?" I thought.
"Stella, such is life." I replied. "As for me, my own testimony is that the stone which the builders rejected later became the chief corner stone. The same Stephen that we thought will not achieve much in life is the one I am married to now. He is the brain behind the school you are looking at today."
"Really? Shalewa, same Stephen?"
"Yes, my dear."
"Ha! I have learnt a lesson oh," she replied shaking her head solemnly.
I employed Stella but I gave her as salary almost double of what other members of staff were receiving...
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So, that is life for you my brothers and sisters, one knows tomorrow except God. Those who have no God in their lives are undertaking serious risks.
Oyinkansola got what she wanted. Her desperation to hook up with a rich handsome banker led her to a miserable life.
None of the other ladies were married yet. The same Stephen they thought wouldn't make it has not only made it but his blessings are like that of Abraham. His real estate business is flourishing day by day.
There was never a day I regretted getting married to Stephen. He is such a wonderful husband and father, above all godly and responsible. I had peace a
THE END
I appreciate you all for following this story to the end.
