Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Saturday, February 20th, 2027
8:15 pm
Kalisha's POV
It's the big day for me, the moment when I get to marry the man of my dreams. Njau is the ideal man I've always wanted; he is strong, attractive, hardworking, smart, kind, supportive, helpful, puts others first before himself, dedicated, loyal, good in bed, and makes me feel special. Even though our relationship was a rough journey, I don't regret any moment of being with him. I'm never letting him go. Tonight, we're making it official.
To be honest, planning and arranging for this marriage was difficult. Usually, for Yoruba weddings, both the bride and groom have to meet their families. We get to discuss, eat, and plan everything that's going to happen at the wedding. But the issue is that Njau's parents have been dead for a long time. Also, he and I didn't know where the rest of his family lives. So we had to use the internet to search for anyone who is related to Njau and is still alive.
After a full month of searching, we did locate Njau's information and his family members. His full name is Njau Michael Jalloh. He was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. His parents were Amina Sesay and Maliki Jalloh. We found that the rest of his family still lives in Njala at the Moyamba District, 200 km from Freetown.
At the beginning of February, after we got settled in my hometown in Lagos, we took a trip to his family. It was an emotional and heartwarming experience that everyone involved in will never forget. Njau was the most emotional as he learned so much about his parents, childhood, culture, ancestry, why they moved to Virginia, the aftermath of his parents' death, and everything that went on in Sierra Leone. It was beautiful seeing him learn about his past, and I even attained some knowledge about his tribe.
After all that, we provided transportation for his family to come to Victoria Island to meet my family. I have many family members besides my mom, Shani, Aunty Chipo, and Grandma Nomusa. I got a bunch of aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, and bodyguards. I even know a few Nigerian celebrities like Joeboy, Davido, Simi, Temi Otedola, Bovi, and many more. After the whole Virginia riot, Njau, myself, and all the vampires involved are celebrities and inspirations to all Africans and vampires.
His family and I discussed when the wedding date will be, where it will take place, how much money to spend, and many more. We decided to get married on the same day Njau's parents got married to honor their lives. We chose to have our wedding at Admiralty Conference Centre, which is near my hometown.
For the color code, Njau's family wanted their colors to be green, white, and blue to honor Sierra Leone's flag. My family went for green, white, and green to represent our Nigerian culture.
After that, we had to choose what the invitation card would look like—adding important information such as the date of the wedding, the venue, the name of the bride and groom, RSVP information, and the color code of the day.
Njau's family wanted to serve their traditional food for the wedding. Our family added the signature meals we eat. Combining both of our cultures in the marriage.
We had to hire an event planner. She had to interpret the colors chosen by using decorations to complement the joyful union. The decorations consist of floral arrangements, colored balloons, tapestries of color schemes, white tablecloths, and chairs covered in lace and ceremonial colors. The planner decorated the high table for dignitaries and placed two chairs in front of the crowd for Njau and me. There are a bunch of flowers and flags of our countries. We invited over 250 guests to be at our wedding. She had to arrange seating and cutlery.
We hired professional caterers for the food and drinks. My mom and some of Njau's family members did help with the cooking. But we made sure that all of the family members relax and enjoy the day.
A Yoruba wedding ceremony would not be complete without elegant young girls to usher the guests to their tables. I hired my friends in Nigeria to fill that role.
I had to find my own, and the best Alaga ijoko had to offer in Lagos. She is a contracted professional who translates and is the master of the ceremony. She must adequately officiate and coordinate the proceedings so that each provision of tradition strictly adheres to. There are different stages she coordinates. Each step might involve collecting cash which the Alaga keeps. The groom and his friends are formally introduced to the bride's family. This consists of bowing to the family and officially requesting their daughter's hand in marriage.
Njau had to hire his own Alaga iduro, who follows him and his family to beg for the hand of their daughter. He made sure that she can speak Temne so that his family and Sierra Leonean guests may understand.
Right now, I'm at my house preparing for the wedding which is going to start in two hours. Shani and Ebele are doing my makeup, giving me a traditional bridal look. I already did my hair yesterday. I got my gele, buba, and iro in the closet. Njau is at a hotel putting on his outfit and getting ready.
"Can't believe this is happening. It feels so surreal to me." I said, feeling speechless.
"Naso ooo," Shani telling me it's hard to believe.
"Weddings are so beautiful. I'm happy that you are getting married because you deserve it." Ebele said.
"Aww, thank you. I feel happy and worried at the same time. I'm glad I'm about to marry the love of my life, but anything bad can happen." I said, feeling nervous.
"We understand how you feel. You want everything in this marriage to be perfect and magical. But no need to stress or vex; this marriage will be something you will remember for eternity. Thunder will fire on anyone who tries to ruin your day." Shani said, and we all chuckled. Then, my phone went off, showing a random number.
"Ehn, who is trying to disturb me right now?" I ask. I decide to answer the call, "Hello, who is this?"
"This is Dadi," he reveals, and I am shocked right now.
"DAVID?!" I yelled out, freaking out.
"What? Is David on the phone? Why is that fool calling? Put him on the speaker; he chose the wrong day to call." Shani said with rage and hisses. Ebele continues doing my makeup while listening in. I put the phone on speaker and sigh before talking to him again.
"What do you want, David? How did you get my number?" I ask, feeling frustrated.
"I want to talk to you since it's been a long time we have discussed with each other. Plus, I found your number online, and I'm calling inside the asylum. Also, don't call me David. Refer to me as Dadi." He said, and I rolled my eyes.
"No, I'm not going to refer to you as that rubbish name. Your birth name is David, and you better get used to it. All I want to know is why are you calling and disturbing me?" I ask.
"I am calling to tell you that I lov..." He gets interrupted.
"Don't you dare say you love Kalisha!" Shani shrieks.
"What the fuck?! Shani is listening to our conversation. What's going on?" He asks, sounding aghast.
"Today, I'm getting married to Njau or N as you remember," I explained to him.
"Why are you marrying him? What makes him husband material better than me? He is way too nice and soft. Don't you feel overwhelmed by how overly-nice he is? I bet he doesn't leave you satisfied in bed as I do. I bet you miss having my penis inside of you because I miss pounding that sweet pussy of yours." He said, chuckling and trying to sound sexy.
"Ew!" Ebele comments.
"You know what? I had enough of your bullshit! You are not going to ruin my special night. You need to learn how to move on because I don't love you anymore. I used to have strong feelings for you, but you ruined it by cheating on me and constantly trying to destroy my life. This will not go on for any longer." I lash out.
"Plus, you never apologized for cheating on me or hurting other women. You never apologized to Jymia when you broke her heart. You never apologized to Ahti when you betrayed him. You didn't call me to see if I or anyone else was okay when the riots happened. Heck, you didn't call when we had the funerals for Jymia and Ahti."
"Not only you hurt them and me; you brought a lot of pain to Njau. It was obvious that you were jealous of him since he was my new boyfriend. You thought that he was an enemy and was not the best option for me. But you failed to realize that Njau was going through a lot in his life and had mental issues. All you did was belittle him, tried to harm and kill him, and ruin his life. Adding more pain and suffering to his life."
"Knowing that you called me trying to win back my heart or seduce me, lets me know that you still only care about yourself. If you truly cared about me, you wouldn't have called and moved on. But nope, you showed your ugly face into my life again. Lucky for me is that I don't need you anymore since I'm marrying Njau. He may be overly nice, and it can get overwhelming, but at least he is a better man than you will ever be. I don't even remember the last time when you were nice to me. Never talk bad about my husband ever again. He is a beautiful man who is supportive and caring. He treats me and everyone with respect. So that you know, he leaves me satisfied every time we have sex. His dick and sex game is way better than yours."
"But Kalisha..." He gets interrupted again.
"No more nonsense from you. Kalisha doesn't love you anymore, and that's final. I swear on my life that if you ever call and go near Kalisha, Njau, or any one of us again, I will kill you myself. I won't even slap you; I will beat nonsense comot from your body. Better yet, I will kill you if you ever utter the name Kalisha again." Shani snaps at him.
"One last thing, I'm going to change my number and phone after I get married. This is the very last time you will hear from me or any of us again. You're staying at that asylum for a long ass time. The only time you're going to see me is in your dreams. I pity any woman that ends up falling in love, having sex, or marry you. I hope you change yourself for the better. Learn how to treat women well because we're more than just sex slaves. I got to go now. Have a better life, and always remember that I love Njau and not you. Bye!" I end the call and let out a sigh of relief.
"You guys were right; David is a horrible excuse of a man. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that." Ebele said, feeling sympathetic.
"No need to apologize. You don't have to worry about him anymore. Let's just focus on the wedding. We should get ready and leave real soon. I can already tell that traffic is going to be crazy." I said.
"Nitootọ, inu mi dun pe o duro fun ara e." Shani is telling me how proud she is that I stood up for myself.
"E no easy, but I'm glad that I'm done with him. Shani, did you call Mitch and Kelsy to see if my mom's mansion, my house, and your salons are all safe and protected?" I ask.
"Bẹẹni, gbogbo nkan dara. Awọn oluṣọ ara wa ti n daabo bo ile kọọkan." She is telling me that the bodyguards protected all the buildings.
"Good. Let's get everything done and leave. Before we go, I need to say that I love and appreciate you both. You help out so much with my makeup, hair, feminine products, and great beings to talk to. If you need anything, I'm here to help." I tell them, showing my appreciation.
"Don't mention it. Today is your day, and it's time for you to live it up." Ebele said, and Shani nods her head in agreement. We all form a group hug.
*******
I arrived at the Admiralty Conference Centre with Shani, Ebele, and my bridesmaids. I can't go inside yet, because the husband has to enter first. But I can hear "Joy all the way" by Slyvia blasting from the building, and there's a ton of people inside already. It's 10:00 pm, which is late for any Yoruba wedding or Owambe to start. Usually, these events happen around the afternoon or evening, but since vampires exist, the start time is adjusted for the night. Now I'm waiting patiently for when it's time to go in.
As I wait, I appreciate how beautiful I look and feel right now. Shani and Ebele did a fantastic job with the bridal makeup look. I wanted my makeup to honor Jymia since she couldn't be here to witness my marriage. The smoky eyeshadow and my lips are purple since that was her favorite color. My cheeks and nose are glowing from the highlighter they used. My face is not too caked up. I love the long lashes on me, which I'm glad that the glue is not blinding my eyes. The eyebrows are perfectly aligned and well done. I adore what they did to my makeup. I'm glad that I could honor Jymia; I wish she were alive to be here. But I know she's happy for me right now.
The color theme of my dress matches the Nigerian flag. The Ìro, the buba, and the gele are green. The iborun is white to fit the color theme. Lastly, I have on a green veil with diamonds on it covering my face. Shani, Ebele, and the bridesmaids have the same outfits and makeup on. It was difficult trying to figure out how Ebele should dress since they stopped referring to themselves as female or identify as male. I didn't want to force Ebele to dress the same as me. But they told me it was fine and wore a dress. I respect that decision.
Also, I have green and white beads around my neck. Diamond earrings, green bangles, gold high heels, silver purse, and a white feather hand fan to finish the look.
I wish I could go inside and see Njau already. I could only imagine how good he looks in his outfit. The anticipation is killing me, feeling like I'm going to explode in any minute. Then, I hear my driver talking to someone and hangs up.
"Kalisha, they're ready for you." He tells me. I hold hands with Shani and Ebele, feeling the excitement that is about to happen. The door opens, I get out first, and the rest follows.
Inside, the building is beautiful and exhilarating. The lights are dimmed so that it won't affect mine or any other vampire's skin. The decorations are a sight to see. There are flowers everywhere with mixtures of daisies, roses, bluebells, sunflowers, poppy, violet, tulips, and daffodils. Green, white, and blue balloons are floating in the ceiling and others on the ground. Tables with white tablecloths; the chairs and plates have ceremonial colors. On the right side has the Nigerian theme with the country's flag on the wall. The left side has the Sierra Leone theme with its flag. A ton of gifts and a cake on their tables.
Everyone, including myself, starts to dance as I enter through. "Lonely" by Joeboy is blasting through the speakers. Paparazzi and the guests are taking a bunch of photos. There are some guests shoving money into my outfit or throwing money with their hands, or using a cash gun machine. There's some people putting the money in a basket.
As I continue to dance and move forward, I notice my mom, Grandma Nomusa, Aunty Chipo, my other aunties, and uncles sitting at their table on the right side of the building. On the left side are some of Njau's family members, such as his grandparents, uncles, and aunties. These sitting are meant for the elders of both the bride and groom's family. Everyone looks so magical in their outfits. Also, I noticed my Alaga ijoko with Njau's Alaga iduro holding microphones and looking great. There's also the DJ and a band holding instruments.
Then, I noticed Njau. He is sitting on a lengthy golden couch on the podium. Behind him are his groomsmen standing up. He is wearing a green Agbada with a blue cap and white shoes matching his ceremonial colors. Also, he has blue beads around his neck and wrists. He's holding a golden walking cane. My heart is melting at the sight of him; he looks like a true king. I'm so glad to see him happy, especially all the torment he has been through. He deserves nothing but the best. I can't wait to marry him.
The music stops, and the Alaga ijoko starts speaking. I take off my veil and give it to her; she hands it off to someone.
"Iro ohun, wo bawo ni alayeye ti iyawo jẹ. Njau, o ni orire oriire lati fe obinrin bi re." She said.
"Wow, look how gorgeous the bride is. Njau, you are a lucky man to be marrying a woman like her." Njau's Alaga iduro translated to everyone else who doesn't understand Yoruba. Even she translated in Temne for his family and the Sierra Leonean guests.
"I know. She is my beautiful and sexy Yoruba queen." Njau said, and the crowd erupted with amusement. I start blushing at his kind words.
"Ayaba Yoruba looto. O dara julọ tọju rẹ ni gbogbo ọjọ bi ayaba, nitori o jẹ ọkan ninu iru kan." She said that I am a queen, and he better treat me like one every day because I'm one of a kind. He nods his head in agreement after hearing the translations.
"Ni bayi, Mo fẹ ki o lọ si ọdọ awọn alagba rẹ ki o jẹ ki wọn fun ọ ni awọn ifẹ ati fun ọ ni awọn ọrọ iwuri." She tells me that I should go to my elders, letting them grant me wishes and give me words of encouragement.
I get on my knees next to my mother. Usually, at Yoruba weddings, the bride has to be next to the father and mother. But since my dad got killed, I just go to my mother. It must have been tough for Njau since both of his parents got killed as well. It's sad losing a parent and not having them to see you get married. But at least, his other family members are there to support him. I got my mom and other members to be there for me.
My mom and the rest of the elders grant me wishes and give me words of encouragement. Typically, there are prayers, but since vampires don't believe in a higher power, we just wish each other the best and send positivity. My mother wishes me nothing but strength, unity, love, loyalty, honor, happiness, and longevity in our marriage. She hopes that our future children will have a fruitful life. I feel like crying right now after hearing that, but I don't want to ruin my makeup. She stops, and I get up from the floor.
"Akoko fun ọ lati ya awọn aworan pẹlu iya rẹ ati iyoku awọn agba." She tells me that it's time to take pictures with my mom and the elders. One of the elders get up, and the rest adjusted to sit next to my mom. The paparazzi and guests take photos of us. I did the same when I am next to the elders. I get off after all the pictures were taken. Then, my Alaga ijoko gives me the microphone to speak to my mom.
"I'm so glad that you are alive to see me married. I know life hasn't been easy, especially when dad got murdered in the same country. Which made all of us want to leave and never come back. But I'm happy that you're doing well and looking beautiful. I'm thrilled that you have treated Njau like he's one of our own. I appreciate how much you care for him and the support you gave us for our relationship." I tell her. I start to tear up, and thankfully, someone gives me a cloth to wipe it away.
"Now, I'm about to marry the man of my dreams. I'm staying at my own permanent home with my husband. My life will be with him and our future children. You will forever be my mother, and I will be there for you like you did for my life. But I need to live my life with Njau. Thank you for everything, and I will always love you." I said, hugging her. Everyone cheers and applaud.
"Iyẹn lẹwa. Mo fẹ ki ọmọbinrin mi sọ iru nkan kan fun mi nigbati o ba ṣe igbeyawo ni ọjọ kan." She said that the words to my mother were beautiful. She wants her daughter to say something similar when she gets married eventually.
Then, I do the same thing to the groom's family. Getting on my knees next to them. Then, Njau's grandfather puts the veil on me and unveils my face. After that, they give me money and blessings. Lastly, I take pictures with them. It was so lovely getting to be next to Njau's family. They are so kind and supportive like he is.
"O ti duro pẹ to, bayi o to fun ọ lati sunmo ọkọ rẹ." She tells me that it's time to be close to my husband. I couldn't be happier, because I've been waiting all day to be with him. As I walk to the podium, he takes off his cap and gives me a hug.
"You look breathtaking," He whispers to me.
"Thank you. You look like a king. I know, I look like a queen; you don't have to tell me." I whispered, he chuckles.
"I'm still going to tell you that you are a queen. Not just any queen, but my queen. I will be the best king for you." He said and kissed me. The audience reacts, and there's a lot of photos taken.
"Dara, fa fifalẹ bayi. Igbeyawo kan bere. Kalisha, ṣe o le fi fila si ori rẹ?" She tells us to stop kissing because the wedding just started. She asks me to put the cap on his head. He hands me the cap. I put it on his head and adjust the flaps. Then, my bridesmaids come up and stand in front of the groomsmen.
She tells Njau to pick me up. He carries me and holds me in a bridal style. She guides him to put me sitting on his grandmother's lap. She and I made small talk and laughed while people take pictures.
Someone gives her the marriage proposal letter, and it is put in a gold frame. This proposal letter has a lot of value and worth in Nigeria. She tells me to pick one gift from the table full of gifts. Then, she tells Njau to grab the wedding ring and puts it on my finger. I show it off to my friends and family. The ring is so beautiful and shiny. I'm thankful for President Jones helping my husband get this mesmerizing ring.
Then, she announces that both of the family members should get close to the bride and groom.
"O jẹ iyalẹnu nini awọn idile iyawo ati ọkọ iyawo nibi. Mo mọ pe gbogbo yin padanu eeyan pataki ninu ẹbi. Mo nireti pe wọn n sinmi daradara. Ṣugbọn inu wa dun pe gbogbo yin fihan lati wo Kalisha ati Njau ti wọn ṣe igbeyawo. Mo mọ pe o nira lati jẹ ki ọmọbinrin tabi ọmọkunrin lọ. Ṣugbọn wọn ni awọn igbesi aye tiwọn lati gbe. Gẹgẹbi awọn ẹbi ẹbi, o ni lati tọju wọn bi tirẹ. Ko si ye lati ja tabi ṣe ipalara fun ara wa. Awọn igbesoke ati isalẹ yoo wa, ṣugbọn ṣiṣẹ nikan nipasẹ rẹ. Gbogbo wa le jẹ ikan-dogba kan." She said.
"It's phenomenal having the bride and groom's families here. I know that all of you lost important beings in the family. I hope they are resting well. But we're glad that you all showed up to see Kalisha and Njau get married. I know it's hard letting go of a daughter or son. But they have their own lives to live. As family members, you have to treat them as your own. No need to fight or hurt each other. There will be ups and downs but just work through it. We all can be one equal unit." The other lady translated.
My Alaga ijoko wanted my mom to give blessings to Njau and accept him as my husband.
"Njau, you made a strong impact on Kalisha and the entire family. When we first met, you were so interested in learning more about my life and culture. It's so grateful to have you marrying my daughter. You no longer have to go through the pain you've experienced your whole life. Even though your parents are gone, you have all of us as a family. You are never alone. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask. Thank you for marrying my daughter, and I welcome you to the family." My mother said and hugged him. I almost cried again seeing my mom and Njau spreading so much love to each other. I'm happy he's officially a part of the family.
"Bayi o to akoko lati ge akara oyinbo naa!" She said it's time to cut the cake.
Grabbing the knife and then slicing the cake. I put a piece of it on a plate. She tells me to feed my husband. So I take a tiny amount and put it in his mouth. He does the same to me. After that, the wedding ceremony is over. So Njau and I leave.
A few minutes later, Njau and I do another entrance. But this time, we are together, and we change from our wedding outfits. I'm wearing a gorgeous green dress with diamonds and gold making it shine. I get to show off my hair, which I dyed green. I'm wearing a golden crown to let everyone know that I'm a queen. I have on a diamond necklace.
Njau is wearing a similar outfit as his wedding clothes, but this time, most of it is blue. He has on a Rolex watch and silver sunglasses.
We're both dancing and strutting our stuff. "The Love Song" by Gbemigo plays as we stunt on everyone and showing the power that we have. Many people are dancing around us, taking pictures, throwing money, and showing us appreciation.
We get to the middle of the floor, and a bunch of individuals crowds around us. Today is our day, so we can get freaky as I grind up on him, and he grabs my waist. We have our slow dance as everyone else eats food and communicates with each other.
"Kalisha, you don't know how happy I am that you're my wife. My whole life was filled with pain, loss, hatred, revenge, anger, regret, and sadness. I'm sorry that you had to see the ugly side of my life. I never meant to cause so much damage to you and your family." He tells me as we sway side to side.
"No need to apologize. I understood what you were going through. You didn't bring any shame or damage to my friends and family. You are the most caring and helpful guy I've ever met. You put other people first more than yourself. I love that about you. Don't let your past control your life. You are with me now, and I will make sure the rest of your life will be amazing." I said, trying to keep him at ease.
"I don't know what I would do without you. You are my favorite person ever. No other woman compares to the beauty you have internally and externally. You carry yourself as a queen every day. I love how easy-going you are with others, and you're not afraid to express yourself. I appreciate it when you let me know whenever I do too much or I cross the line. You make me become a better man. I will never hurt or leave you. I love you so much, and I will be the best husband ever." He tells me, and my heart is beating so fast. I can't stop blushing.
"You blow my mind every day. I never met a man who treated me with so much respect and honor. Even in our darkest times, you always make me feel important. If I believed in blessings, you are one of them. I don't want to lose you for any reason. We will work out any demons, issues, and arguments that comes our way. We are a unit, and we'll forever stick together. I love you so much, and I'm glad to be your wife." I tell him.
We kiss, and the only thing that can stop our magical moment is the sunlight. This is the wedding I've ever dreamt of since I was a little girl. I'm glad that I am married to the perfect man.