Chapter 3: The God's Dilemma
Oranmiyan stood at the edge of his palace, gazing out at the vast expanse of the mortal realm. As the god of wisdom and prosperity, he had watched over countless villages and cities, guiding their growth and development. But despite his many responsibilities, Oranmiyan felt a growing sense of discontent.
For years, he had sought to have a child, an heir to carry on his legacy. But despite his many wives, none had been able to conceive. Oranmiyan's frustration and disappointment had grown with each passing year.
His three wives, Fadekemi, Mojoyin, and Atinuke, were all beautiful and intelligent women, chosen for their strength and character. But despite their many qualities, they had failed to provide Oranmiyan with the one thing he desired most - a child.
The dynamics in Oranmiyan's home were complex and often tense. Fadekemi, the eldest wife, was a proud and ambitious woman who had always assumed that she would be the first to bear Oranmiyan's child. But as the years passed and she failed to conceive, Fadekemi grew increasingly bitter and resentful.
Mojoyin, the middle wife, was a gentle and compassionate woman who had always been kind and supportive. But as Fadekemi's resentment grew, Mojoyin found herself caught in the middle, struggling to maintain peace and harmony in the household.
Atinuke, the youngest wife, was a fiery and passionate woman who had always been determined to prove herself. She was fiercely competitive and often clashed with Fadekemi, who saw her as a threat.
Despite their differences, all three wives shared one thing in common - their desire to bear Oranmiyan's child. They had tried every remedy and ritual, every prayer and sacrifice, but still, they remained childless.
Oranmiyan's frustration and disappointment had grown with each passing year. He had sought the advice of the gods, but none seemed to have an answer. He had tried every solution, every remedy, but still, he remained childless.
And then, one day, he saw her - Alake, a beautiful young woman whose aura and innocence captivated him. He saw her in the market, laughing and smiling as she haggled with a vendor. Oranmiyan was struck by her beauty and her radiance, and he knew, in that moment, that he had found the one.
For days, Oranmiyan watched Alake from afar, learning more about her and her life. He saw her kindness and compassion, her strength and resilience. And he knew, without a doubt, that she was the one he had been searching for.
Oranmiyan learned that Alake lived with her uncle and his wife, who treated her poorly. He saw how she worked tirelessly, from dawn till dusk, to support her uncle and his wife. And he knew that she deserved better, that she deserved to be loved and cherished.
Finally, the day came when Oranmiyan decided to approach Alake. He saw her walking through the market, her basket slung over her arm, and he knew it was time. He reached out and tapped her shoulder, his voice low and urgent.
"Alake, may i have a word with you?" he asked, his eyes locked on hers.
Alake's eyes widened in surprise, but she did not hesitate. She nodded and followed him, leaving the market and the village behind.
As they walked, Oranmiyan felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within him. He knew that he had found the one, the woman who would help him achieve his heart's desire.
But as they walked, Oranmiyan also felt a growing sense of unease. He knew that his decision to take Alake would have far-reaching consequences, consequences that he could hardly begin to imagine.
What would his wives say? Would they accept Alake as one of their own, or would they see her as a threat? And what about Alake herself? Would she be willing to leave her old life behind and start anew?
Oranmiyan pushed aside his doubts and focused on the present moment. He had found the one, and he was determined to make her his.
As they walked, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Oranmiyan felt a sense of peace wash over him, a sense of knowing that he had made the right decision.
He glanced over at Alake, who was walking beside him, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. He saw the beauty and the strength in her, and he knew that he would do anything to make her happy.
As they walked, the silence between them grew thicker, until finally, Alake spoke.
"How can I be of help to you?", Alake had asked him when they got to a quieter place. Looking around, he noticed there were fewer people in that area, and he could spot a group of children playing with leaves nearby.
Looking at Alake's face, he could sense that she was curious to know why he had asked her to follow him. Known for his inability to coat words, he spelt out his intentions towards her.
Alake's eyes widened in surprise as Oranmiyan took her hand.
"Will you be my wife?", he asked calmly.
Taken aback, Alake's mind reeled as she stared at Oranmiyan. Marriage? Already? She had only just met him, and yet... and yet, she couldn't deny the connection between them. She had fallen for him, hard and fast, but marriage? It seemed too sudden, too overwhelming. He knew he probably scared her by asking that question.
"Alake, from the moment I saw you, I knew that you were special. You have a light within you, a spark that cannot be dimmed. I want to be the one to nurture that spark, to help it grow into a flame. I am ready to meet every demand stated by your family. Please, just give me a chance. "
"I...I don't know," Alake stuttered, trying to process her thoughts.
Oranmiyan's face fell, but he didn't pressure her. Instead, he smiled and took her hand again.
"I know it's sudden," he said. "But I know what I feel, and I know what I want. I want to be with you, Alake. I want to build a life with you."
Alake looked up at him, her heart racing. She saw the sincerity in his eyes, the genuine desire to be with her.
"Can I think about it?" she asked, stalling for time.
Oranmiyan nodded, his smile still in place.
"Take all the time you need," he said. "But know this, Alake: I will be waiting for you, always."
Alake's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Oranmiyan. She knew that she had a decision to make, one that would change her life forever. Was it worth giving a try?