EPISODE 16: LOST LOVE FOUND

Olamide was hurrying out of the house when Rita, carrying gifts in her hands, was rushing inside. In their haste, they collided and Rita was about to fall when Olamide caught her.

Both stood frozen, lost in each other’s eyes. It had been four years since they last met.

But their sweet moment was interrupted by Tunde, who quipped, “Let her go now, brother. How long do you plan on holding her like that?”

Startled by Tunde’s comment, Olamide quickly let go of Rita, causing her to fall straight to the ground since she wasn’t fully steady yet.

Seeing this, Bukola burst out laughing and ran over to help Rita up, while Tunde facepalmed at Olamide’s antics.

Aisha and Kunle spoke in unison, “Are you hurt, dear?”

As Rita stood up, she hit Olamide on the shoulder and scolded him, “Why did you let go like that? Are you crazy? I could have broken my hands and legs!”

“But you didn’t, right? It was a mistake.” Olamide muttered, looking around awkwardly.

“Oh sure, you let someone fall and then call it a mistake. But do you ever think about how much pain the other person might be in?” she said while tears welling up in her eyes.

Hearing this, Olamide looked into Rita’s eyes and realized how hurt she was. He understood that she was talking about more than just this incident.

Tunde too grasped the underlying meaning but decided to shift the conversation to something else.

“When did you return from London, Rita? You didn’t even tell us!”

Aisha added, “Yes sister-in-law, even you didn’t tell us and why didn’t you bring her along with you?”

Mr. Chibunna responded, “She came just three days ago. That’s what we were coming to tell you all when she decided to come here herself.”

Rita said, “Yes Auntie, I was getting ready so I told Dad to go ahead, and I’d follow. After all, our house isn’t far from here.”

Kunle smiled, “Good decision. Now come, let’s all have breakfast together.”

Rita’s eyes suddenly fell on Gold, who was smiling at everyone.

“Uncle, who is she?” she asked, looking at Gold.

Aisha exclaimed, “Oh, in all this conversation, we forgot to tell you the most important news!”

Kunle walked over to Gold and brought her forward. “She is the pride of our family, our daughter-in-law and Tunde’s wife—Gold.”

Gold stepped forward. In the traditional Yoruba manner, she knelt down gracefully before Mr. and Mrs. Chibunna, bowed her head, and greeted them warmly: “E ku aro, Baba. E ku aro, Mama.” Then she rose and gave a polite nod to Rita.

Mr. and Mrs. Chibunna beamed and blessed her. “You are very sweet. Always stay happy.”

Rita hugged Gold and said, “Tunde, you were right. Your wife truly is the most beautiful girl in the world.”

Everyone smiled at Rita’s compliment, but suddenly she remembered something. “Wait a minute… What’s her name again? Gold? But in your message, you said…”

Realizing what Rita was about to say, Tunde quickly interrupted her and signaled her to stop. “Hey, what’s with all the questions? Let everyone sit down first. Mom, Dad, you all have breakfast. We’ll go sit in the garden.”

Kunle nodded and Tunde, Rita, Gold, Bukola and Olamide went to the garden.

Once there, Rita asked Tunde, “Why did you stop me from talking inside?”

Tunde explained everything to Rita from the beginning. Hearing it all, Rita was shocked.

“So much happened here, and my best friend didn’t think it was important to tell me?”

“And you didn’t think it was important to come to your best friend’s wedding?” Tunde retorted angrily.

“I wanted to come, but I had exams on the same day. That’s why I couldn’t,” Rita said apologetically.

Tunde forgave her. “Alright, alright. But don’t tell your parents about Gold and me. I don’t want everyone to know about my marriage,” Tunde said and walked away.

Rita didn’t understand Tunde’s behavior and looked at Bukola for answers.

Bukola explained how Tunde was upset and didn’t like Gold. Hearing this, Rita went to Gold.

“I can understand you. But trust me, Tunde is a good person. Once he understands everything, he’ll treat you like a queen. Just wait and see.”

“I know. I’ve seen how much he cares for everyone. He’s a good person, and I believe one day he’ll accept this marriage too,” Gold said with a smile.

Just then, Aisha called Bukola inside, and she took Gold along. “Rita Di, you talk to Olamide brother. We’ll be back.”

“Wait, I…” Rita tried to stop them, but Bukola didn’t listen and left.

Now, Olamide and Rita were alone in the garden. Summoning his courage, Olamide asked, “How are you?”

After a moment’s silence, Rita composed herself and replied softly, “I’m fine. And you?”

“I’m fine too…”

Olamide was about to say something else when Rita abruptly said, “I’ll be right back,” and walked inside.

Watching her leave, Olamide thought to himself, “Is she ignoring me? Seriously?”