₦airaland Forum

UNDERNEATH THE VEIL
By UZEZI ADESITE
© UZEZI ADESITE

Prologue
He showed the perfect dentition, along with a beautiful smile that adorned his face to convey his congratulations. His hand was outstretched.
Before the display of the perfect fine dentition, before the smile came, before the hand stretched out in front of him, she had been petrified.
Maybe he didn’t notice her wide eyes. Maybe he didn’t notice her troubled expression because the hand was still waiting to be taken.

Lowering her brow in a bid to hide her troubled countenance, she forced herself despite the circumstances to produce a wan smile. Then she took his hand in her weak one and she felt – more than saw – his other hand cover her lone one. Eventually, he let go and she sighed in relief, but he thought she sighed due to the fact that she was exhausted.

“Rest more,” he advised carefully.
She nodded as her feet felt for her three inches heel slippers around the foot of the armchair.
“Call me soon,” he told her. He was still standing. His hands were now in his pockets. “For now, I should see you at least once a month, okay?”

She nodded. She still hasn’t said anything since the bomb dropped. She got on her feet, praying he wouldn’t say more. Oh Tobo, I’m sorry.
“Take it easy,” he said as his eyes were taking in all her movements carefully.
He’s already treating her like one. She thought angrily as she made for the door. Her knees felt heavy. She desperately needed the safety of her BMW. What would she tell Tobo?
“Elo.”
She stopped and faced him.
He hesitated in his thoughts, then he smiled. “Congratulations again.”
Elo smiled. She opened the door and thanked God the moment it closed behind her to separate them. But such thanks weren’t enough. There is nothing to be thankful about. She is in big trouble and she knows it. Tobo.

**** **** **** **** ****
Elo drove through the black gates to confront the monstrous white building. How she loathes the place. How she felt so imprisoned in the almighty ambience.
As she alighted, she forced her eyes not to fall on the gift items that were opposite her at the other side of the white wall. But she failed. Her eyes fell on them and she felt something drop in her heart. It felt like a drop of blood. What has she done?
The doors slid open before she climbed the first stairs to get on the front porch. Surprisingly enough nobody stepped out. Elo thought it odd. Who opened the door then?
She stepped into the visitor’s sitting room and shut the door. Elo saw no one and she thought nothing of it. Her earlier dilemma has returned. She walked into the hall and then into the family sitting room.
“Congratulations!”
The noise was deafening. But that wasn’t why she jumped. For one, her attention was elsewhere. For another, Elo didn’t expect the crowd. Composing herself, she scrutinized the room and its content. The whole family. Good Lord! She couldn’t even smile. Ewoma and her kids had already arrived.
“Aunty Elo,” Ewoma’s five years old daughter, Sidney, came forward in coquetting footsteps. “How’re you doing?”
Elo found a smile for her little niece. “I’m fine. And the American girl?”
Sidney chuckled. “Bubbling. Have you met Tony?”
“Have you forgotten I was in New Jersey when Tony was born?” Elo asked
Sidney frowned. “That was when he was born. He’s nine months old now.” She took Elo’s hand. “Come and meet Tony now that he can recognize people.”
Elo followed her niece to where Ewoma sat. Tony was on her laps, his eyes fixed on Elo, wondering. Elo felt her parents were watching her. Involuntarily, she shivered.
“Hello Tony.” Elo picked him up and received a kick from him. “Awh,” Elo set him down.
“He doesn’t know you,” Sidney said gently. “Give him time.”
Elo smiled at the little girl. “I can see your mouth is still exercising.” She smiled and faced her sister. “I thought you were coming in tomorrow.”
Ewoma looked at her younger sister tenderly. “Couldn’t bear to miss the bride to be one minute longer. And our little bride here was yelling for her aunt. So we had to fly home.” Then she smiled. “A good thing I came in today. I wouldn’t want to miss congratulating you for anything.”
Elo’s brows closed together. “And what was that congratulations for anyway?”
“Immediately you left, Dr. Timi called to give us the good news,” Mary Aghogho told her youngest daughter.
“Good news?” Elo asked.
“You’re going to have a baby. That’s good news Elo,” Joseph Aghogho said. “Now if you weren’t getting married in three days’ time, I would’ve gotten mad at you.” He smiled.
Elo gazed at them. They don’t know and she grieves because she won’t tell them. “I’m a little tired. I’ll just go upstairs and lie down. Ewoma welcome. Sidney forgive me. I’ll give you a grand welcome tomorrow, okay?” She patted the girl’s shoulder.
“Okay,” Sidney shrugged.

**** **** **** **** ****
It’s the last dinner they’ll have together before the wedding. The fact that Tobo had been out of town made it more difficult for Elo. He flew in from Cape Town in the afternoon, called her, and fixed a dinner date.
As Elo put a final touch to her makeup, she wondered if Tobo would notice any difference. She turned towards the door as it opened.
Sidney walked in majestically. Elo had given her a treat yesterday on the Island. “He’s arrived.”
“I’ll be down in a minute,” Elo said. “Is your mum back?”
“Nope.” Sidney slipped out.
Exhaling heavily, Elo got up. She knew what must be done and it has to be now.
“Hey honey,” Tobo was all smiles as Elo walked in. He got up with outstretched arms, inviting her into a warm embrace. “I missed you.”
The next instant, he was kissing her.
He pulled back and looked at her vaguely. “Tell me it’s my imagination, but I think you’re acting cold.”
Eyes averted, she shook her head. “Tobo, we’ve got to talk.”
“I know,” he said gently dropping his arms to his side. “We’ll do that over dinner. Let’s go.”
Sighing deeply, Elo followed him out of the house.
They were stuck in traffic. Tobo was drumming lightly on the steering. His face was blank and his mind was full. He was obviously troubled, but Elo was unaware.

The instant she had walked into the sitting room, Tobo had known something was amidst and he definitely couldn’t fathom why. He had felt her tension when they embraced. Then she had said they needed to talk. Tobo doesn’t want to talk because he was scared of what she will have to say. He was scared Elo was having second thoughts. He was sacred she would request for the wedding to be called off. The traditional marriage took place two months earlier in the absence of the bride and groom. Only both families had assembled.
Elo had been in London writing her final exams, while Tobo had been in Cape Town strengthening out his Advertising Agency and making more money in one month, than his father would make in three years.

He had tried calling her on the night of the traditional, but his calls kept going to voice mail. Even then, he had been scared she didn’t want the marriage. Tobo wanted her by all means. Since the night of the traditional till date, they never contacted each other because he made sure of it. The wedding is by noon tomorrow. Their family had fixed it. It’s always the family.

Tobo turned to look at her. She’s so beautiful. She has everything he needs in a woman and he loves her very much. “Hey sweetheart.”
Elo met his gaze lazily and smiled.
“I really did miss you,” he said.
Gradually, the smile faded. “Why the silence, Tobo? I can’t remember the last time I saw you or spoke with you.” Her voice was smooth and the tone gentle, but her words carried a deeper meaning.
“Exactly three months ago in my bedroom,” Tobo said and smiled. “Remember how you had to rush into your clothes, and how you left my apartment before I could even find my boxers? You gave me a fright girl. I was scared you would get lost in Cape Town.”
That’s one day Elo doesn’t want to remember. The day she met Ben again inside the British Airways and the story continued. “Maybe we should skip dinner.”
Tobo didn’t want that. “Why?”
“We need to talk,” Elo said.
His heart was racing. “My place?”
“Hell!” Her irritation spoke. His place was crowded with family members who were waiting for tomorrow’s wedding.
“Your place?”
Elo’s mouth tightened. “Not the best of places, but preferably better than your place.”
Tobo said nothing. He had a plan.

**** **** **** **** ****
“Do you want anything to drink?” Elo asked immediately they entered.
Tobo shook his head. “I’ve got to run.”
Elo’s eyes narrowed. “We just got here.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow in church,” he said and took her in his arms before she protested. He kissed her. Tobo knew what to do to make her stop talking. He ran his hands through her back and down onto her hips to move her closer, so she could feel him.
“Believe me Elo, I love you.” He stepped back and looked at her.
“Tobo,” she called gently.
He shook his head. “No Elo, please don’t tell me anything. Please.”
She hesitated looking at him. “Maybe you should hear me out.”
“No.” Tobo shook his head. “I love you.”
“What about me loving you?” She inquired and shook her head. “We cannot get married.”
“We are already married,” he reminded her of their traditional marriage.
“Bull. We didn’t sign anything. Our families did,” Elo let out.
Tobo looked at her painfully. “Why did you accept my proposal?” He asked gently, his eyes falling on the ring he had slipped onto her finger four months earlier.
Elo’s eyes fell on the ring. “Because…” she shook her head.
“Because you love me,” Tobo said. “I know you’ve never said those words to me, but I know what we have.”
Elo stepped forward and kissed him lightly. “See you tomorrow then.”
He could have smiled, happy that this was what he wanted but he didn’t. Tobo said nothing. He left.
Elo didn’t know if she made the right decision. Tomorrow, they’ll be married.

**** **** **** **** **** ****
Before seven on the morning of the day of the wedding, the Aghoghos had visitors.
They were in Joseph’s library talking in hush voices.
About an hour later, Ewoma, Elo’s elder sister, was sent up to Elo’s bedroom. Ewoma saw the maid approaching Elo’s room.
“Is Elo still sleeping?” Ewoma asked.
“I don’t know,” the maid answered. “I want to check. The woman dressing her is downstairs.”
Ewoma stopped the maid from knocking. “Go to the library and tell mummy the woman is here.”
Ewoma waited until the maid was out of sight, before opening the door. Elo wasn’t there. The sound of splashing water from the bathroom filtered to Ewoma’s ears.
Seconds later, Elo walked into the room. “Hi sis,” she smiled at Ewoma.
No need showing her jitters. Ewoma would question her. “How come I didn’t see you throughout yesterday?” Elo asked and began drying her wet hair.
A surprised Ewoma hesitated. It was odd. Elo was supposed to be getting married today. Elo didn’t wash her hair yesterday and here she was, hair wet and dripping. “Look at your hair!”
Elo paused, “The church service is at noon, why fret?”
Everything just wasn’t making sense at all. The visitors downstairs.
“Where were you yesterday?” Elo queried.
“Trying to make sure things are in order for today. Your cake for example.”
Elo looked at her. “Why are you raising your voice at me?”
“The least you could have done was to wash your hair yesterday.”
“Excuse me, it’s my wedding, hello!” Elo let out. “And why the hell do you have to go around making sure things are okay? Just what are we paying those dumbs for?”
“Your wedding, Elo. No matter how many people are preparing God knows what, you should be concerned.”
“If I weren’t concerned, I would still be sleeping.” Elo sat before her dressing table.
Ewoma went to stand behind her. She looked at Elo through the mirror. “Is your stylist even coming to pack your hair?”
Elo rolled her eyes. “I will dry it myself, pack it and put some hair pins.”
Ewoma couldn’t believe her sister. “Do you know I had to transfer a very important case to my partner juts because of this wedding?”
Elo sighed. “I appreciate your help Ewoma. Don’t think I’m being ungrateful. You should know me.”
Ewoma’s hands flew up. “I should know you, but I don’t!” She shook her head. “Before I came into your room, I was wondering how to go about this whole thing, but seeing you, I wonder.”
Elo met her sister’s gaze. “What were you going to tell me?”
“Oh please, don’t insult me!” Ewoma spat. “You know.” She turned around. “My poor client. I should have stayed home.”
“Ewoma,” Elo was confused. “I do want you here for my wedding. Christ! You’re my only sister.”
Ewoma faced her. “What wedding?” she asked. “I know you’re pissed. I know because I felt same when I was in this demoralizing house. Mum and dad are the worse parents alive. How did I get back at them? Despite their resolve, I remained inflexible that I wasn’t joining the family business. I chose to marry whom I wanted despite all they said about my husband and his background. I settled in the states just to be away from them. You could do the same Elo, but you didn’t. First, you had a traditional marriage that excluded your attendance with your hard-to-believe-you’re-in-love-with-him boyfriend. Now this! Imagine the scandal. Take this.” Ewoma posed. “Top headlines, ‘The wedding of the rivals, assassinated: The Imonis disgrace the Aghoghos: Tobo Imoni dumps Elo Aghogho: The wedding of the rivals…’”
“Stop!” Elo yelled. “What is this?”
Ewoma regarded her. “His parents are downstairs. He has called off the wedding.”
Elo’s mouth felt dry as she stared at her sister’s reflection.
Ewoma patted her shoulders. “Why are you acting surprised? After all you didn’t love him. I always knew.” Ewoma twisted her mouth. “Although. I’m surprised you got pregnant.”
“It’s not his!” Elo let out before she could stop herself.
Ewoma was definitely alarmed. “Oh God!” She covered her mouth. “Anymore surprises?”
Elo became impossibly quiet. She couldn’t look at her sister.
Ewoma’s mind was racing. Her sister’s silence was ominous. Much more than the news that Tobo wasn’t responsible for her pregnancy.
“Ben,” Elo whispered as her eyes filled.
“Oh Lord,” Ewoma whispered too calmly as her head hit her palm without a word. She left Elo’s room.


To be continued

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occupies d first seat, following...........I like d way u write nellyme, come o, come and read this Sweet story

occupies d first seat, following...........I like d way u write nellyme, come o, come and read this Sweet story

occupies d first seat, following...........I like d way u write nellyme, come o, come and read this Sweet story.....keeping space for you

mzzkismet:
occupies d first seat, following...........I like d way u write
nellyme, come o, come and read this Sweet story.....keeping space for you

Thanks plenty plenty.

mzzkismet:
occupies d first seat, following...........I like d way u write
nellyme, come o, come and read this Sweet story.....keeping space for you

Oya make I rush read am...tnx for d seat dearie...u r d best!

nellyme:
Oya make I rush read am...tnx for d seat dearie...u r d best!

taking my seat beside her oya zayzee come and kontinu

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zayzee:
Thanks plenty plenty.

I am humbled ma, thanks for the updates

nellyme:
Oya make I rush read am...tnx for d seat dearie...u r d best!

welcome on board dear

Zayzee, all I can say is wow...great story you got here. I think Elo is confused...Tobi hmmm, what a hasty decision. I dnt blame him shaaa. waiting for more updates
*
Definitely following!!!

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Hi. You are doing a great job. #following all the way

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Thankz for the update. #still following

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SofiaAmrozia:
Thankz for the update. #still following

Thanks for following. Thanks for reading. If you are interested, I have two eBooks coming out in the first week of July. One is a collection of short stories, the other is a novel.

nellyme:
Zayzee, all I can say is wow...great story you got here. I think Elo is confused...Tobi hmmm, what a hasty decision. I dnt blame him shaaa. waiting for more updates
*
Definitely following!!!

Thanks for following. Thanks for reading. If you are interested, I have two eBooks coming out in the first week of July. One is a collection of short stories, the other is a novel.

blackmarya:
taking my seat beside her oya zayzee come and kontinu

Thanks for following. Thanks for reading. If you are interested, I have two eBooks coming out in the first week of July. One is a collection of short stories, the other is a novel.

mzzkismet:
occupies d first seat, following...........I like d way u write
nellyme, come o, come and read this Sweet story

Thanks for following. Thanks for reading. If you are interested, I have two eBooks coming out in the first week of July. One is a collection of short stories, the other is a novel.

Wow!,this is realy good,i love it.More ink 2 ur pen.

Wow! Ma'am, you are good. Really good.
A read like this comes once in a blue moon. I would be very much interestes in the E-books.

thronekid:
Wow! Ma'am, you are good. Really good.
A read like this comes once in a blue moon. I would be very much interestes in the E-books.

Thanks. Let me have your email add and I will forward the free Ebook to you now.

Lovely story. Kudos to you

u r a genius.....lovely piece...tnx for sharing

eniade26:
Lovely story. Kudos to you

Thanks eniade26. Have you read my free eBook, Entangled Affair? You can download a free copy through www.blog.zayzeewrites.com

chade:
u r a genius.....lovely piece...tnx for sharing

Thanks for the kind words. Have you read my free eBook, Entangled Affair? You can download a free copy through www.blog.zayzeewrites.com