Beyond The Untold Betrothal

'Mr Aremu nods with a smile and says, 'Yes, I heard about it. And I heard you have been doing beautifully well at the interview so far. I like the fact that you are hardworking.' I urge the need to roll my eyes at my dad as I maintain the bogus smile on my lips. I am sure he was the one that told Mr Aremu about my Job interview. But why would he?'Thank you, sir.' I replied to Mr. Aremu, He faces my father and says,'I think it’s high time we get these kids married. They have become of age and they are already doing well on their own.'I don’t mind Mr Aremu because I don’t understand what he just said and I am sure the kid he is talking about is definitely not me. He is probably joking. He was known to be a comedian from teenage.I face my phone to continue what I am doing but I look up again when I hear my father’s voice.'Yes. I think so too. I was even thinking of discussing it with you when it remains the two of us.' My father replies Mr Aremu and I look around at everybody’s faces. They also have the same surprise look as me except my mum who looks indifferent. And the two old men look so serious too. They don’t sound like they are joking.'Why should we discuss it in private? They are mature enough now so it is normal we discussed it in their presents. I will discuss it with my son when he comes back from a business trip. I want us to hasten the preparation and get them married as soon as possible.' Mr Aremu says. My eyes dart to my father who is nodding in agreement and my curiosity arises.Why is he nodding? Is this matter really not a joke? The man said ’his son’ so I am sure my dad’s part is a girl. Of course, since we are all girls. We are all girls but who? Not me definitely. Maybe my junior sister Ronke. They are definitely discussing Ronke. I face Ronke, looking at her pitifully as she spreads her hand in a shrug, asking me why I am looking at her like that.Poor her. I think to myself as I fix my eyes on her pitifully.'Daddy Toke, what are you two talking about or is this one of your jokes?' Mrs Aremu asks her husband as she probably can’t believe what she is hearing too. And it seems she just heard about it for the first time.'It’s not a joke. Uthman and I have had it in mind since they were very young.' Mr Aremu answers his wife like it is not a serious matter and she frowns.'So it’s not a joke and it’s even been a long time since the two of you decided about it and I am just hearing about it for the first time? Why? Why didn’t you mention it to me at all? All this while?' Mrs Aremu asks in a loud voice. She is obviously getting angry. But Mr Aremu does not answer or mind her. He faces my dad to say something to him but his wife talks again,'Who among the kids are you talking about? You will answer that at least, right?' 'Bola and your son of course. Who else has grown to the age of marriage if not them.' Mr Aremu says and I choke on my saliva, coughing. My mother and sister run to me, saying,'Are you okay?'Who? Did he just mention my name or didn’t I hear him correctly? My ear is definitely faulty. It can’t be my name.'I am fine. Mum, what is he talking about?' My voice is low.'Don’t worry about it. We will discuss it when we get home.'What? Is she serious right now? Did the man really mention my name and not Ronke’s? Is my mother aware? All this thought runs through my mind within a jiffy.There is no way I am accepting to be betrothed to anyone whosoever. I have a boyfriend and I love him.