Tamarind (E05)

Welcome back!

FICTION

/ˈfɪkʃ(ə)n/ noun

A story that did not actually happen………yet.

Jamal raised one eyebrow and pulled the phone away from his ear, and looked at the screen as though he wanted to confirm it was really Emefa’s number he had dialed. What did she mean their wedding was off? And then she’d said goodbye and hung up? Emefa could not be serious. Either way, there would be no point in calling her back. He knew she would either ignore the call or reject it. He tossed his phone on his bed and lay down with both hands under his head. If he had felt tired and sleepy earlier, he was very much awake now. He picked up his phone and started to check sports highlights instead, and then eventually, dozed off.

The next morning, Emefa woke up, thinking of the decision she had taken. She was not going to risk it and marry Jamal, not with the little she had seen, no. Yes, she loved Jamal. Yes, she believed he was amazing and just right for her. But was that enough? In one of their counselling sessions, they had been told that their marriage meant their families would be united. She was glad she had had that talk with her sister. It had given her the push she needed to do the right thing. It was the right thing to do, right? But why did she feel like she had a weight on her shoulders instead of feeling relieved?

She got out of bed, brushed her teeth and went downstairs for breakfast. She froze when she got to the bottom of the stairs. Jamal was seated in the hall, talking to her parents. The trio went quiet when they saw her.

“Um, good morning.” Emefa greeted nervously.

“Emefa, you’re up. I was about to ask your mother to come and wake you. Join us.” Her father replied.

“Um… I’m hungry. Wanted to get something to eat first.” Emefa replied, pointing to the kitchen door. She knew Jamal knew how much she hated involving her parents in their business. And yet here he was, sitting with them. Possibly filling them in? Great. She was going to get an earful from them on this issue.

“Oh it won’t take long. Come.” Her mother said, pointing to the couch Jamal was seated in, implying Emefa should sit next to him.

“Ma, I’m coming. Just give me a minute.” Then Emefa left for the kitchen. She looked around, it seemed the only thing available was cereal and then tea. Where was the usual holiday morning waakye for brunch? She did not feel like having a milky breakfast so cereal would not work. She checked the fridge to see what other options were available: some leftover egg stew, two-days-old banku, bottled water, vegetables, sliced cheese, wine. Great. Nothing. She opened the wine bottle, took a gulp, corked it, and placed it back in the compartment on the fridge door. She shut the fridge, and there stood her mother.

“Jesus!”

“What are you calling Him for? Inviting Him to the ‘communion’ you are having for breakfast?” Her mother said sarcastically.

“Ma, you really shouldn’t be creeping up on people like that, especially me. I don’t like it.”

“Madam, you are not ‘people’. You are my daughter. If you want to decide what you like and don’t like, you can do that when you’ve moved out. Speaking of, I have been meaning to ask you: where are you two staying after the wedding?”

But why was her mother still asking about where they will live at this point? Hadn’t Jamal told them the wedding was cancelled? Or was her mother just pretending not to know? Emefa wondered, but played along: “Oh…um…. we’re going to be at Jamal’s apartment.” Emefa moved to sit, pulled the cereal box closer and started nibbling on bits of cornflakes.

“Same one he’s living in now?” Her mother asked.

“Yup.”

“Didn’t you say it was his aunt’s property he was taking care of?”

“Oh no. It belongs to his parents. They rent out the other apartments and he stays in one of the units to keep an eye on the property.”

“I see.”

“Ma, what is it?”

“Oh nothing. At least they do not live next door. I am just hoping you will also not run away from home, and come back to stay here for 7 months under the pretense of getting help with your baby some day.” Just then Maame walked in. Ma Rose quickly changed the topic. “Emefa, Jamal was saying you two want to move the wedding up.”

Emefa was silent. So Jamal had really not told them the wedding was off?

“Why, Emefa, is there something necessitating this?” Maame chipped in. She grabbed a handful of the cornflakes for herself, then moved to lean on the counter. Emefa looked at her sister. Maame had a quizzical look, with her eyes were widened, and her gaze shifting from Emefa’s face to Emefa’s belly, then back to her face. Then Maame added, “Should we be planning a baby shower instead of a bridal shower?”

Emefa spat out the cereal she had been nibbling on. “Huh?”

“She means, why the rush? What’s happening?” Ma asked.

“Oh nothing.” Emefa replied.

“Well, if you say so. Leave the cereal and join us so we can conclude. Your father and I have other things to attend to this morning.”

Emefa hesitated. Really, Jamal, really?! She followed her mother to the hall and reluctantly sat next to Jamal. He reached out and held her hand. She flinched, but did not move away. She did not want her parents to ask questions. She would address him when they were alone.

Her dad started, “Jamal was just telling us his family has finalised the date for the knocking; next week. He also says you two are considering moving the wedding date up to next month instead. It’s not a problem if that’s what you want. It’s just that, we need to inform those who will be representing us that day, so they can plan and prepare.”

“Oh okay. “ Emefa could not believe her ears.

“Anyway, excuse us. We need to start making some calls.” Her father said. Then both he and Emefa’s mother left.

Once alone with Jamal, Emefa turned and looked at him angrily, “What exactly do you think you are doing?

Jamal looked at the glass of juice he had in his hand. “Drinking juice in my in-laws’ house.”

“Oh don’t play with me, you know exactly what I mean. Why are you lying to my parents!” Emefa retorted.

“I’m not lying. I’m simply moving our wedding closer so we can be over and done with it, as a way to help you deal with the cold feet.”

“What?!”

Jamal smiled. “Why else would you say the things you said to me last night if you were not panicking? I know you Emefa. You tend to run away from situations you’d rather not face.” Then he checked the time. “We need to head out soon if we want to make it in time for the prewedding shoot.”

“Ah. Wait, wait. Jamal. Meaning what? I’m not going anywhere. I told you that already.”

“Babes, please go and get ready, let’s go for our photoshoot. You know I don’t like taking pictures. I’m only doing this for you.”

“Jamal, it’s like you are not taking me seriously.” Emefa said, sounding exasperated

“I’m actually taking you very seriously, and that’s why I’m here.” He leaned in close and looked in her eyes, then he leaned in closer to her ear, his cheek touching hers seriously, and whispered: “Babes, I’m not letting you go. What will I do without you in my life? I can’t do life with anyone else but you. Our wedding…..it’s happening.”

Emefa hated the effect Jamal had on her. He knew very well she loved it when he whispered directly in her ear. She had said the wedding was off yet with just a whisper, coupled with the warmth of his breath on her neck, Jamal was making her rethink her decision. No, she will not fall for it this time. She would tell him again that breaking up is best. Then she would ask him to leave and never contact her again. She parted her lips, to say, ‘I’m sorry but you need to leave.’, but instead, Emefa found herself saying: “Give me 5 minutes, Ji. I’ll be right back.” She sprang out of her seat and ran upstairs.

A few minutes later, Emefa returned, holding a bag with her change of clothes for the photoshoot. Jamal smiled as they walked to the car. He opened the door for her to get in, then moved round to the other side and got in too. Jamal started the engine, turned on some music and headed for their photoshoot. Jamal took Emefa’s hand and kissed it gently. ‘Ohhhh this guy!’ Emefa thought. He really knows just which buttons to press.

They arrived a few minutes late for the photoshoot. Jamal apologised on their behalf and they changed and got started. After taking a few pictures, the photographer stopped, walked up to them and showed them a few of the shots he had taken.

“Oh they’re nice.” Emefa commented

“They’re nice but you’re not smiling.” The photographer replied.

“I am. Can’t you even see my teeth here?”

“Er….Hmmmm…. you may be smiling in the pictures but only with your lips. The rest of your face is not smiling. Your eyes look blank.” The photographer explained.

“I- I guess I’m just feeling a bit tired. I don’t think I’m prepared. Maybe if we could reschedule it…” Emefa started.

“If you’re tired, we can reschedule but there’s a 30% surcharge for doing that since we already made it here today. Could you please try for us?” The photographer asked.

Jamal looked at Emefa. “Don’t worry. Let’s do it again. Babes, just relax and follow my lead.”

Jamal placed his right hand on Emefa’s waist, looked deeply into her eyes and mouthed: “I love you, Babe.” Then he leaned in and whispered “I could never stop loving you, Babe.” Emefa closed her eyes and smiled.

“Great. Whatever you’re doing to our bride, it’s working. Keep going.” The photographer said to Jamal.

Jamal span Emefa round so she was facing the camera, with her back was against him. He placed both hands on her waist and leaned close. Then he whispered again, “I can’t wait to make you mine, Babes.” Emefa opened her eyes.

“The smile is in the eyes now.” The photographer called out from behind the camera. Then gave them a thumbs-up.

Jamal continued, “God had me in mind when He made you, Babe.” “I do not want loving you to stop ever, Babe.”

Emefa tried not to get carried away by the things Jamal was saying to her. Since when did her fiancé become so romantic? Was he just trying to get her to loosen up for the pictures or he actually meant to say these things? Emefa’s heart was pounding. Her mind was racing. She lifted her left hand and reached behind her. Without turning to look back, she wrapped it around Jamal’s neck. In response, Jamal kissed her softly on her neck and then said: It’s us against the world, Babes.” Just what Emefa needed to hear. More like us against Aunty Menaye and her drama, Emefa thought. Now more than ever, she could not wait to officially become Jamal’s wife.

[Tamarind Episode 6 loading…]

• Instagram