"Why are you loitering here? I explicitly instructed you to find alternative lodging for the night. Why occupy my son's threshold? I've long suspected you to be a harbinger of ill omens. Are you monitoring my son and his recent bride? What sinister intentions are you harboring? Have you ensnared them with your charms? Get up this instant!" Titi's mother-in-law's voice reverberated with accusation. Titi had unwittingly dozed off while seated outside her matrimonial chamber the prior evening. The sting of rejection compounded her inability to remain in the new room she'd readied for herself.
"What were you thinking? Who advised you to spend the night here? Are you now my son's guardian? Did you believe that by lingering here, Madu would return to you? Your folly knows no bounds. Read the signs and vacate this premises before I take matters into my own hands. You'll soon realize your insignificance to my son and our family," the matriarch continued her tirade. Titi remained silent, too humiliated to respond. Defending herself seemed futile against the relentless onslaught of accusations.
"I exercised restraint. Any other woman in my place would have created a scene last night, but I managed to contain my emotions. All I did was weep silently. After all, you cannot chastise a child and forbid their tears," Titi murmured to herself, her spirit battered by the onslaught of verbal abuse.
"I'm too astute to engage in a war of words with her. Arguing is futile when her mind is made up against me. The wisest course of action is to depart this compound and find solace elsewhere," Titi resolved silently as she rose to leave. Gathering her belongings, she entered the living area. By then, Madu and his new wife had emerged from their chamber, immersed in domestic bliss akin to newlyweds embarking on their honeymoon.
"Where do you think you're off to, Titi? Have you prepared breakfast? You can't leave without attending to my morning meal. Please, whip up something for us," the new wife requested, her head nestled against Madu's chest as they lounged together on the sofa.
"My departure is none of your concern. If you're hungry, fend for yourself. I'm not your servant," Titi retorted.
"And where do you think you're going?" Madu interjected, intercepting Titi as she reached for the door handle. He barred her path, his expression stern.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm leaving this house. It's abundantly clear that I'm unwelcome here. I refuse to subject myself to further torment. Please, step aside," Titi's tone was resolute. But Madu remained rooted, thwarting her exit.
"You're going nowhere. Legally, you're still my wife until we're divorced or your bride price is returned. You require my permission to leave this compound. Who do you think you are? You'll soon learn your place," Madu asserted firmly.
"Darling, please, don't let her leave. I'm incapable of managing household chores. I need her assistance. Her presence brings me joy," the new wife chimed in, her smile veiling a devious agenda.
"She stays. You, into the kitchen. Prepare breakfast for all," Madu commanded, his voice brooking no dissent.
"You're the one being addressed. Act swiftly and comply," the mother-in-law joined the chorus, aligning herself against Titi. Alone against the trio's onslaught, Titi felt powerless. Surrendering to the inevitable, she retreated to the kitchen.
As she begrudgingly prepared breakfast, a steely resolve ignited within her. Retrieving a sachet of rat poison hidden in a cupboard, she contemplated her next move.
"I refuse to endure this humiliation in my own home. I contributed to building this house from scratch. If they want a fight, they'll get one. No one shall reap the fruits of my labor," Titi muttered as she brandished a pair of scissors, poised to unleash her retaliation.