THE HUSBAND IS MINE (Part Two) The forty days mourning period ended. The elders of the clan began mounting pressure on Chelule on the issue of inheritance. Despite the widespread Christianity in the area, the concept of wife inheritance is still rife and cherished among the Konde people. According to the customs, Mishi the sister who follows the late Mize is the rightful person to inherit from her. But the self- acclaimed spinster would not budge to the pressure from the clan to inherit her late sister. She did not have to worry since according to this norm, one was not supposed to be forced into it. “My elders let me not deceive you that I can step into my late sister’s shoes. I am not marriage material that is all,” she said adamantly. When the elders gave up on Mishi, they contemplated on the next move. The only candidate who could inherit the late Mize was the youngest sister Kadogo. Kadogo was only twenty years old, who had finished high school and was waiting to join The Polytechnic for a course in Accounting. She was charming. On the domestic front she was meticulous. When the elders sought Kadogo’s consent to inheri her late sister, the timid Kadogo gracefully welcomed the idea. It was a sunny afternoon, the clan women gathered in a small hut each wearing the traditional regalia. This was known as the occasion of the ‘porridge party’ where millet porridge mixed with sour milk was prepared and put in big calabashes. It was time to groom Kadogo for the role that awaited her. The idea of Kadogo inheriting her late sister did not augur well with Chiku. The clan women needed her to participate in the sending off of her younger sister, but little were the women aware of Chiku’s hidden agenda. Chiku mirrored Mize’s death from a different angle – it was the most opportunistic time for her. Customary norms not withstanding, Chiku was ready to walk out on her husband and their seven children. ‘At least I can also have a taste of Chelule’s wealth. I had always envied my late sister,’ she contemplated seriously. As the clan women were rejoicing in the small hut having their porridge, Chiku entered and spoke adamantly: “You all do not understand. Kadogo is a mere youngster, too naïve to recognize the needs of a man who has just lost a wife. The husband is mine.” Chiku’s attitude puzzled the clan women. One evening, Charo, Chelule’s housekeeper was ironing clothes. Suddenly he heard a knock at the gate. It was Mize, carrying a host of luggage. When he opened for her, she rushed in quickly. Charo could not comprehend the unfolding event. “Madam, may I know your mission? Charo asked. “My mission is one, to stay and take care of my late sister’s children,” she said with a bold tone as she headed for Chelule’s bedroom. She quickly went to the bathroom and took a warm shower. She later searched through her luggage and found a “see-through” night dress which she had bought second hand from the market. The way she lay on Chelule’s bed waiting for him to come, created a seductive air in the bedroom. Mize was nothing but an opportunist! Deadly tired, Chelule arrived home late at around 10 p.m. He complained to Charo of a delayed consignment of materials which he was expecting from the city of Kabanas. At this point Charo announced to him that there was a “visitor” in his bedroom. “Sir, aunt Chiku came this evening and insisted on staying until you come back,” Charo said nervously. Surprised? Yes, he was. As he entered his bedroom, Chiku came and knelt before him. “If you only could let me step into my late sister’s shoes, I beg you,” she said pleadingly. Chelule did not utter a word. He quickly went to the bathroom to shower, at least to be fresh after a hard day’s work. He came out of the bathroom to find Chiku lying on the bed; her sumptuous body, made Chelule’s heart race. They spent the night together. To be continued... Dont forget to Like and Leave a comment.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:08:54 +0000
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