— The Adeleke Family
Ben Adeleke, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Adeleke, who migrated five years before Kehinde’s parents to New York, had been on the lookout for a responsible family to get a bride.
These people who had things in common with Baba Ibeji chose to do things differently because they were absolutely different from regular people.
Getting a good wife for their son was their responsibility and theirs alone, they thought. The thought changed when they got to meet Temitope.
The young lady charmed the family with her grace and admirable character. Ben, who met Temitope through Kehinde, fell in love with her the moment he saw her.
Though he never said a word or expressed his feelings in any way, it was not until the day Temidun arrived that he finally had the opportunity to stare at her for that long.
He used the opportunity of Temidun’s presence to express his intention to Temitope, and ever since they have had regular conversations and dates.
Also Read CHAPTER ELEVEN Little Beginnings
Ben paid a surprise visit to the school with Kehinde’s full knowledge. Both girls had actually walked up to the cafeteria when Temitope sighted Ben. Amazed at his presence, she called out to him, ‘’Ben!”’
Moving a bit closer, she asked, ‘’What are you doing here? Have you come to see Kehinde?’’ Ben took some bold steps toward her while smiling. ‘’I’ve come to see you, dear.’’ He answered her. ‘’I have got something important that I want to talk about.’’ Relaxing a bit, he continued, ‘’When Kehinde told me she had someone she wanted me to meet, I thought I was going to meet just an ordinary girl. Temi, you are an extraordinary girl with unique features. You are everything my parents wished for and prayed for. Importantly, you are my desire.’’
With eyes blinking and hearts racing, he continued, ‘’I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.’’
Almost forgetting Kehinde’s presence, she hugged Ben and hurriedly went back to hug Kehinde, who had brought Ben into her life. Kehinde had been a wonderful friend and sister to her, and all she could say at that moment was ‘thank you’ to her friend and sister.
Ben fixed a date for her to meet her parents formally. Though the parents knew she was the one, there was still a need to formalize the relationship.
Who would have thought that Temitope, the daughter of Adebimpe and Oladele, would ever get this far in life? Well, none would have thought so, for it wasn’t theirs to think. We are not designed for people’s perspectives of us. It is not the responsibility of anyone to determine how far others can go in life.
The little girl from Okesuna, the daughter of a petty trader, turned out to be a woman to be reckoned with. It is indeed true to never despise little beginnings.
Temitope arrived at Ben’s place to meet Mr and Mrs Adeleke in her beautiful native attire. She wore the gown her aunt bought from Nigeria. The ankara gown reflected her African beauty.
Mr. and Mrs. Adeleke welcomed Temitope into their home with bright smiles, which Temitope saw for the first time. Kehinde was also received warmly. Seeing Ben’s parents smile for the first time gladdened Temitope’s heart and made her feel welcomed.
Though she understood what it was like to get a bride for an only child, not with Ben’s parents, she felt theirs was extreme and unnecessary. Ben, along with his parents, made her visit a warm one.
After dining with the parents, the trio excused themselves from the table. This was after the lengthy discussion Ben’s parents had with Temitope. The parents were interested in knowing Temitope’s plan after college. Even though they appreciated education, they still saw the need for a woman who, in the midst of her academic excellence, cares for her children and respects her husband.
There was a need for Temitope to understand how much they value a true African lady. This was important because marrying a man means marrying his family as well. It is necessary for a woman to acquaint herself with the man’s culture and beliefs.
Her visit to Ben’s house reminded her of a story told by her mother to her children sometime ago. A woman who married a man from another tribe had a bitter experience after her husband’s death. She was compelled to marry her husband’s younger brother; otherwise, she loses her life or something worse happens to her.
She was left with no other choice than to marry this man, who eventually maltreated her all through their stay together.
Women blinded by their zeal for marrying a man without getting the necessary information about the man’s culture end up regretting it in their later years. This is why it is very important to know as much as you can before entering a marriage with anyone.
