Chapter 6: The messenger is conceived

Marriage to Onochie was the best thing that had ever happened in Anine's life. She hadn't thought anything could feel more serious and permanent than when she moved into Onochie's hut. 

Their first night together was an experience both never had. Although Anine felt a little nervous because it was her first time being with a man. Onochie was secretly intimidated by making love to his virgin wife. He was not confident about how to have a great time with her. He wanted their first night together to be a benchmark in her life. 

Onochie guided her gently, while they give each other ecstasy of passion. Little did they know that they were rewriting the history of the great Ohanta Kingdom. 

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Anine asked shyly when she opened her eyes and caught Onochie looking steadily at her. 

"The passion is overwhelming," Onochie whispered in her ear and they chuckled. 

Anine felt cold suddenly. She and her father had never slept apart since she was born. She felt like rushing off to her father's house to check upon him. Onochie noticed the sudden change and was quick to detect what the problem might probably be.

"Don't worry we'll get your father a new wife. Both of you have been together for more than nineteen seasons, and I know things will be difficult for him as it is for you right now." 

"My father would not take a new wife, I have tried but he blatantly refused." 

"Let's try again, I believe now that you are no longer living with him, he will see the need."

Anine stood up from the  bed and Onochie held her hand to stop her from leaving the hut

"Where are you off to?"

"You don't expect me to stay in bed all day, do you?" 

"I'm enjoying your company, I have been sleeping alone in this room, now that you are here, can you stay with me for a while?" Onochie asked gently. 

"Okay"

"Onochie! Onochie!! His father screamed as if the whole house was about to be burnt down. 

" Hei oh god, Father! 

Onochie quickly put on his cloth.

"Wait for me I'm coming," he said before leaving the room. He headed straight in the direction of the voice he heard outside.

Anine waited for some minutes before going outside to greet her father-in-law. The men gave her a surprised and pathetic look. 

"What is happening?" Anine asked 

Onochie forced smiles on his face to assure her that all was well, however, his eyes could not verify his words as he burst into tears. 

"Your father is dead!" He announced. 

Anine ran out of the compound, Onochie and his father followed her immediately. 

"Anine, your father cried throughout yesterday when you left with your husband. He said he felt empty and could not live without you." One of their kinsmen walked up to her when he saw her entering her father's compound. 

"What happened? " Anine asked with teary eyes. 

"I came this morning to keep him company and I found him lying unresponsively on his bed. He also left his door widely open, so I had to alert the villagers." 

Anine began to scream, her husband held her tightly to his chest. He was too emotional to speak.

The support Onochie offered his wife in her lowest moments helped her and boosted her confidence to another level of life. The presence of Onochie made her believe that everything was alright. Onochie was everything to her. 

He was always around to make sure laughter never departed from her pretty face. He helped her in the kitchen occasionally. Onochie's parents were very proud of them. 

Soon the result of their first night together began to have a noticeable effect on Anine. Her mother-in-law was quick to notice that she was pregnant. She had one on one discussion with her and confirmed her suspicions. 

"You are pregnant!" Uzo announced. 

"Haaaa!" Anine covered her mouth with her palm. 

"Yes, soon you will be a mother. Do not worry, I'm here for you. I will make sure you get all the necessary assistance you need okay." Uzo assured.  

"It is going to be a boy and I will name him Ugwuanyi," Anine said with a sad voice. "I wish he is here to see his grandson. Seeing his grandchildren was one of the things he so much desired."

"It's been a full moon since your father passed away, I think it's high time you moved on. You have a husband who loves you more than his parents, you have parents that love you so much, or are we not your parents? Do you not see us as one?" 

"Mother, you, Father, and Onochie are all I have in this world, of course, I see you as not just my parents but as my second god. 

Uzo drew Anine closer and gave her a warm hug. 

"Cheer up my daughter, I'm here for you. There are things you need to avoid. First, stay away from your husband, stop sleeping with him. Stop entering the kitchen, Onochie and I will always cook for you.

"Now, go and share the good news with your husband. Anine left and walked straight to the small hut she shared with her husband. He found him lying on their bamboo bed. Anine broke the news of her pregnancy to her husband immediately after she entered the hut. Onochie jumped from the bed, he hugged her warmly and spoke to her softly. 

"She is going to be a great woman, Ajonwa will never set his wicked eyes on her!"

Anine pulled herself out of his embrace. 

"I want a son!" Anine said jokingly. 

"I know what I deposited inside you. It is a girl and not a boy." Onochie whispered into her ears. The couple busted into laughter. Onochie pulled her back and gently laid her down on the bed, while his free hand stroked her neck softly. Anine pushed him aside and stood up from the bed. 

"What, why are you so scared?" Onochie asked surprisingly. 

"Mother said I should not sleep with you again. Get a bed maker to fix another bed for you there!" Anine said loudly before stepping out of the hut.

"For how long?" Onochie got no answer as she had already left the cottage.