15/05/2026
They Married Her Off To A Beggar To Shame Her…(Part3)
A few minutes later, Uncle Chukwuemeka came out too, tying a wrapper over his singlet. He walked straight to the table under the mango tree and sat with a deep sigh. Then he called loudly, Adaeze, Nneka, come out. Let's have a meeting. The two girls ran out quickly, fixing their wrappers and rubbing sleep from their eyes.
Chidinma didn't stop washing, but she listened. She didn't need to be part of the meeting to know it was about her.
I met with the man again, Uncle said, his voice low but firm. He's ready. You mean the beggar? Adaeze asked, her face twisted in disgust. Yes, Aunt Ngozi replied sharply. And that's the best news I've heard this year. That useless girl will finally leave this house. Nneka hissed. I still don't understand. Why didn't we just throw her out? Must we marry her off like a bride? Throw her out and let one foolish man come back for her later? Aunt Ngozi replied. No, this way she will enter shame fully. By the time people hear she married a crippled beggar, nobody will ask of her again.
Uncle Chukwuemeka nodded. That's right. And no man will say we treated her unfairly. Let the village think we gave her a husband out of pity.
Chidinma's hands paused inside the water. They were selling her off like an old pot. She looked up quietly, but nobody was watching her. They were too busy smiling, planning her pain.
That evening, the beggar came again. This time he walked into the compound slowly, limping the way he always did, with his hat pulled down. But he greeted everyone politely. Good evening, sir, he said to Uncle Chukwuemeka. Good evening, Ma. You've come again. Aunt Ngozi asked, pretending to smile. Yes, I came to discuss the arrangements. Chidinma stood at the far end of the house, her eyes fixed on the visitor. Her hands held a broom, but she wasn't sweeping. Have you brought what we discussed? Uncle asked quietly, looking around as if he didn't want the neighbors to hear. The man nodded. Yes, it's not much, but I brought the token. He opened a small nylon bag and gave Uncle a worn envelope. Uncle opened it fast and counted the cash with his fingers. His eyes brightened. This is okay, he whispered. The wedding will be next week Saturday.
Chidinma felt her stomach twist. They had agreed like traders in the market and she was the item.
Later that night, Chidinma sat alone behind the house. The moon was half full, and the stars above looked like quiet eyes watching her. She hugged her knees to her chest and didn't speak. She just listened to the frogs, to the wind, and to the distant voices of Adaeze and Nneka laughing inside.
Suddenly, a shadow appeared beside her. You're not sleeping, the voice said gently. She turned quickly. It was him, the beggar. She stood up immediately, shocked and confused. Why? Why are you here? I was passing by, he said. I saw you sitting alone. She stared at him. You shouldn't be here. If my uncle sees you. I know, he said. I'll go soon. I just wanted to talk. About what? she asked. He stepped closer but still kept a little distance. About us. About the wedding? Chidinma looked down. What about it? I know this isn't what you wanted, he said softly. I know you're not happy. She didn't reply. But I want you to know, he continued. I won't force you into anything. If you want to leave after the wedding, I will let you go.
Chidinma raised her head slowly. Why would you say that? Because I'm not here to punish you, he said. I just wanted someone who could look beyond my face, someone who would treat me like a human being, not an object of pity. She blinked. From the first day I saw you, he said, you didn't laugh when the children mocked me. You didn't turn away when I asked for water. You greeted me with respect. She swallowed hard. That's what I was taught. He nodded. And that's why you're different. She stepped back, her voice breaking. But I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask to be married off like a burden. I know, he whispered. And I'm sorry.
To be continued
StoryTeller90
