Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 8

The Arranged Marriage Episode 8

Finally, the wedding day arrived. Ikenna and Temidayo have been waiting anxiously for their big day. It was a day they have always dreamed of.

"I never knew this day would come. This is so sweet." Temidayo said.

The sun rose on that bright Saturday morning. The whole street was decorated with colourful banners and ribbons. Cars lined the road. Music was playing from loudspeakers and guests were already arriving. It was the traditional wedding of Ikenna and Temidayo. The compound was full of people. Big men in suits, women in expensive lace, and traditional rulers in their royal attires all came. It was a society wedding. Everyone wanted to witness the union of the handsome young man and the humble, beautiful woman who had captured his heart. Ikenna smiled as he stood beside Temidayo in his traditional outfit.

"My heart is finally at rest. I'm getting married to the woman I love. This is the day the Lord has made and I will be glad and rejoice in it." Ikenna said with a shaky voice filled with emotions.

Temidayo looked like a queen. Her coral beads sat proudly on her neck, and her wrapper sparkled under the sun. She danced gracefully beside Ikenna as the talking drum praised their names. Ikenna's mother was overwhelmed with joy. She greeted every guest with pride.

"This is the wife I prayed for. She said to one of her friends. Ikenna's father stood by the elders, laughing and sipping palm wine. The ceremony went smoothly. Food and drinks were everywhere. People sprayed money on the couple as they danced. The atmosphere was bright and full of happiness.

After the traditional rites, the reception started. A large white canopy had been set up with chairs and tables. Guests sat and ate jollof rice, pounded yam, nkwobi, and drank soft drinks and beer. A master of ceremony stood with a microphone, cracking jokes and calling out names of important guests.

"Please, a big round of applause for the newest couple in town!" The MC said, and the crowd clapped. Ikenna and Temidayo danced into the reception ground again, this time holding hands. The DJ played their favourite love song which is "Ada Ada" by Flavour. Guests stood up, cheered, and some joined them on the dance floor. But no one knew that trouble was coming. Nnena was also coming to the wedding for her revenge.

From a distance, a taxi stopped quietly beside a tree not far from the venue. The door opened slowly. Nnenna stepped out, wearing a dark gown and a cap. Her face was hard and angry. Her steps were slow but sure. One of her arms was still wrapped in a bandage, but she didn't care. In her small bag was a black pistol. Her eyes were focused, filled with pain and anger. She crossed the road, walked past some guests, and entered the compound. Nobody noticed her at first.

"I'm here to turn their happiness into sorrow. They will never be happy so far as I'm alive. I will finish them off today." She said to herself.

As the dancing continued, Nnenna moved closer to the centre of the gathering. She opened her bag and brought out the gun. Some guests dancing near her saw it first and ran off. But before anyone could ask questions, she raised the gun in the air and fired one loud shot. "Kpowaaaa!" The music stopped. Screams filled the air. Plates of food fell to the ground. Chairs were kicked aside. It was a chaotic scene.

"Jesus! She has a gun!" Someone shouted. The whole place scattered. People ran in different directions, pushing and shouting. Nnenna stood in the middle of the chaos, breathing heavily like a soldier.

"I warned you all! I warned you! I told you I was coming for you." She shouted. Her voice was loud and angry. The people who had the courage to stay turned to look. Ikenna's parents froze in shock. The MC dropped the microphone and ran away. Temidayo stood behind Ikenna. She shaking. Ikenna stepped forward slowly.

"Nnenna, please put the gun down. Ikenna said in a calm voice.

"Don't call my name!" Nnenna screamed.

"After everything I went through, you all want to dump me like trash? You want to celebrate happiness while I'm still alive? You all think I'll just sit and watch?" Nnenna's voice echoed. Her body shook with rage as she held the gun.

"You think you've won?" she shouted at Temidayo. Temidayo was so afraid. No one has ever pointed a gun at her before.

"You think you can take my place? You think I'll allow this wedding to end in joy? No! Not today!" Nnenna shouted. Temidayo was already crying.

"Please, don't do this. I didn't take him from you. He came to me. I never planned this." Temidayo said. Nnenna laughed.

"Shut up! You think I care? Ikenna, you betrayed me. You let them throw me away. And now, you want to marry another woman while I'm still your wife?" Nnenna said. Ikenna tried to move closer, but she pointed the gun at him again.

"Don't move!" She warned.

People hid behind cars, some peeped from windows nearby. Phones were recording. The crowd had reduced. Only a few brave ones stood at a distance, watching. Ikenna looked into Nnenna's eyes. He saw pain, heartbreak, and anger.

"Please, you don't have to do this. It's not too late to amend things." Ikenna said. Nnenna shook her head slowly.

"It's too late. I've already made up my mind. If I can't have peace, nobody will be alive." Before anyone could say another word, Nnenna raised the gun and pointed it straight at Ikenna. Without hesitation, she pulled the trigger. "Kpwaaai"

The bullet hit Ikenna on the chest. Screams filled the air again. Before Temidayo could move, Nnenna turned the gun on her and fired again. "Kwaaai!" Temidayo fell beside Ikenna. Both of them lay on the ground. Nnenna stood there, breathing fast, the gun still in her hand. Guests who had gathered earlier were now running for safety. Some jumped over fences. Ikenna's mother fainted. His father called the police. It was meant to be a joyful day, but it ended in chaos.

Watch out for episode 9