Chapter 7 TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE CEREMONY

DAMILOLA POV

After the formal Traditional Marriage ceremony, which was conducted with great reverence and adherence to Yoruba traditions, it was time for the celebratory part of the event. The vibrant sounds of drums and the rhythmic beats of traditional Yoruba music filled the air, infusing the atmosphere with an infectious energy.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast, with a wide array of traditional Yoruba dishes meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The aroma of jollof rice, pounded yam, egusi soup, and other mouthwatering delicacies wafted through the venue, tantalizing everyone's taste buds.

The room was adorned with colorful decorations and patterns that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. Tastefully designed Aso Oke fabrics, with their intricate weaves and vibrant colors, draped the walls and tables, adding to the visual spectacle.

As the celebration continued, traditional Yoruba dancers took to the stage, their colorful attire and graceful movements captivating the audience. Their skilled footwork and synchronized choreography told stories of the Yoruba culture, invoking a sense of pride and nostalgia among those present.

In the midst of the festivities, I found myself surrounded by family members and well-wishers, all eager to congratulate me and offer their blessings for the journey ahead. Elders from the community shared words of wisdom, reminding me of the importance of embracing my heritage and staying connected to my roots.

Amidst the joyful revelry, a revered elder, dressed in traditional Yoruba attire, approached me with a beaming smile. With eyes filled with wisdom and warmth, he placed his hands on my shoulders and whispered words of encouragement and guidance. His presence and blessings added a profound sense of significance to the ceremony, reinforcing the importance of community and ancestral ties.

The celebration continued late into the night, with music, dance, and laughter echoing throughout the venue. It was a true testament to the spirit of the Yoruba people, who hold their traditions and cultural heritage with utmost reverence and pride.

As the evening drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and fulfillment. This introduction ceremony, steeped in Yoruba traditions, had not only marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life but also reinforced the significance of my cultural identity.

As I retired to my room after the introduction ceremony, a wave of mixed emotions washed over me. While I felt grateful for the support and love shown by my community, there was a lingering sadness deep within my heart. The realization sank in that my dreams and ambitions, which I had nurtured for so long, were now overshadowed by the weight of this arranged marriage.

I sat on the edge of my bed, lost in thought, contemplating the path that lay ahead. It seemed as though my fate had been sealed, and there was little I could do to alter the course that had been set for me. The expectations of family weighed heavily on my shoulders, making it difficult to see a way forward.

As I grappled with these conflicting emotions, I reminded myself that life is a tapestry woven with both joy and sacrifice. While this marriage represented a sacrifice of my personal dreams, it also held the promise of companionship, a chance to build a family, and the opportunity to find happiness in a different way.

As my mind replayed thoughts of my soon-to-be husband, I couldn't help but acknowledge his undeniable charm and striking good looks. He possessed a magnetism that was hard to ignore, and in that moment, I found myself wondering what our lives would have been like if we had met under different circumstances.

A pang of sadness tugged at my heart as I contemplated the idea that our connection may have been restricted solely to the boundaries of this arranged marriage. I couldn't help but wonder if, without the influence of Friendship pact, our paths would have ever crossed and if he would have chosen someone like me, someone from a different background and upbringing.

As I prepared for bed, knowing that tomorrow was our wedding day, a heavy sense of unease settled over me. Unlike the fairy tale wedding I had always dreamed of, this marriage was not one born out of love or connection. It was an arrangement, a decision made by others for reasons that were beyond my understanding.

LEONARDO POV

"Ahah! I feel so exhausted from the ceremony, but as I freshen up, my thoughts wander to my soon-to-be wife. There's no denying that she has an incredibly attractive body that could turn the head of any man. My mind begins to wander as I imagine having her on my bed right now.

I quickly dismiss those thoughts, as I prepared for bed, knowing that tomorrow was our wedding day, a heavy sense of unease settled over me.

The thought of being tied to someone I didn't have a genuine bond with weighed heavily on my heart. I couldn't help but feel trapped, as if my own dreams and desires were being overshadowed by the expectations and wishes of others. Despite the grand gesture from my grandpa, the tickets to Santorini only served as a reminder of the life I was being forced into.