Haunted by the past

t notice her absenteeism. She stealthily wa

sure that her intentions wouldn

y, I will die, or go crazy

she grimaces in pain. She groans and whirls at the corner and peeks around suspiciou

ve!" She muttered to herself and smiled slig

was convenient because it stood in the middle of the two other huts in her husband's compound; the bigger ones in the rear belonged to Kaija, her husband and another, to Shooca, Kaija's second wife. It was easy to identify everyone in or around the compound. She gropes out of the hut and pretends not

ina. You won't escape my anger. It

third wife. Mauda wouldn’t wish this to happen. What if his new wife was able to bear him male children? Was this not what he had always wished for? Was it not the same reason that he had married Shooca, his second wife hoping that she would give him an heir? At the thought of this, Mauda’s mind was unsettled. She didn’t want to lose her stance in the

be a laughing stock amongst other women. If Tina got pregnant before marriage, she would be a pariah, because it was taboo. She had to do s

iate neighbours. It would be easy to notice all that happened around from both ends if not

unced visit from his in-laws' side. Tony, after hearing about her siste

y. I am sorry if I bumped into your compound unexpectedly.

wo whole years of ceaseless prayers and sacrifices! At la

he corner of his mouth and t

asy," Mahuge said and seemed

whom every member of his family bestowed maximum respect. One whom the society held with much esteem because he had borne many sons and had many wives. All these distinguished

rries, but the latter pays no attention. He instead pouts and peeks through the compound impatiently. The compound was destitute of any m

her towards Amelia's hut a

ld I come and

. The sound of Mahuge’s sharp v

will goad me with his tough questions. What wo

I hope Rabu hasn't broken his promise. He said he would keep inside his hut and wait for me, oh Rabu! I wish you could open my heart and see how I, Tina, h

e made her tremble. He was boiling with fury. The furrows on his forehead deepened and the daze in

hest. Tony stood dumbfounded. His in-law's temperament was alarming. Wh

ecause I have to wait until my in-law permits me is devastating. What kind of traditi

long? You know I d

s and cowered her whole

, I am deep

a hit on Amelia's shoulder when he heard Tony cough from behind. M

Kanai. He wanted to

*