Even if I can’t remember all the discussions I had over the weekend leading to the New Year, I began to think about why people get married. Why did my mother get married to my father? Why had my elder brothers gotten married to their wives? Even Joke, my best friend, had married a guy whose educational status wasn’t even up to hers or his fiancée’s, not to mention his looks, so why? What were their reasons?
I had thought about it all day long and decided to use it for my show tomorrow at the station, tagged “Sessions with Sewa”. My show ran every Friday by 12pm. I began to plan my day before I finally slept off.
I got to the station by 8 am sharp the next morning. After struggling to park and getting down, it felt as though I had thrown a thorn amidst lilies; my very prized possession, my little Camry, seemed so little amidst the fleet of Mercedes Benz, the jeeps and the convertibles. I shrugged and walked into the office.
Seeing Mohammed first as he signed his name on the attendance roster, looking so dapper in his long white kaftan and his embroidered cap etched on the left side. To think I had turned this guy down. Sensing my presence, he turned back and smiled at me as he began to speak.
“Hello, beautiful lady, a wonderful morning to you.”
“Good morning, Mohammed,” I replied as I took the pen and filled out my name. “You look rather astonishing today.”
“I must say you look exquisite as well,” then he spun around before shutting the elevator. “I look forward to showing as well.” Then, ‘ding’, and both the elevator and Mohammed were gone.
I walked to my office, just some steps away from the reception. I was quite lucky to be a junior staff member with a show. I guess my skills are undeniable, I smiled to myself.
Finally, it was twelve. My favourite part of Friday was after meeting with sponsors, running through advert placement and the executive board. It was now time for my show.
I was so happy as I placed the mighty headphones across my head and went on air. I couldn’t wait to be done.
I was particularly excited. Why? I had a date. With Mohammed.
“What’s happening this afternoon in Abuja?” I started my show, “Hope it is not too hot? If you are just tuning in, this is Diamond FM. And on, right now, is your lovely girl, FOLASEWA and welcome to another segment of Sessions. With. Sewa.” I said in a high-pitched but subtle voice, pausing where necessary for the perfect effect.
“On today’s show”, I continued, “We’d be talking about why people get married”.
“So, over time, I have wondered why people get married. I am single myself, and the pressure from family and friends and even those not concerned to get married is beginning to hit me. Now, I wonder, do I need a reason to be married?”
“Should I get married because I need to leave my father’s house or just to change my name? Am I to get married to avoid being lonely or to say I am in love? Or better still, to meet up to society standards or satisfy a cultural norm? Or to feel it’s an achievement? To have children or fulfil a purpose? Do I get married because all my friends and age mates are married? “Why exactly?”
“I guess I am in pain, but let me hear your comments via mail or text. Join the discussion on social media. Let’s now listen to some incredible sounds.”
NEXT PART: I’M SMILING EVEN IF I CAN’T REMEMBER Part – 6
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