As he walked away, she didn’t think much of it. Just another customer. But Emeka came back the next day.
And the day after that. And the next. Sometimes he ordered two plates, sometimes just one.
But each time he came, he made a small joke or shared a short story. He never stayed too long, never forced a long conversation. But Ngozi noticed he always made her smile.
One afternoon, he stayed a little longer. The street was quieter, and no one else was waiting in line. Madam Ngozi, he said, reading her name from the small sign on the stand.
Do you rest at all? You’ve been here since morning. Ngozi wiped her hands on her apron. I rest when I get home.
Emeka frowned. You shouldn’t work this hard alone. Do you have any help? No, she replied.
But I’m used to it. There was silence for a moment. Then he spoke again.
If I’m being too forward, forgive me. But are you married? Ngozi’s heart skipped. She looked away.
I was, she said quietly. Emeka nodded slowly. Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up anything painful.
Ngozi sighed. It’s not your fault. He stood quietly for a few seconds, then cleared his throat.
Well, just know, you seem like someone with a good heart. Strong too. I admire that.
Then he smiled, waved, and walked off. That night, Emaka noticed something. Who’s the man that always comes to buy food? She asked, her eyes full of mischief.
Ngozi shook her head. He’s just a customer. Are you sure? Emaka smiled.
Because the way he looks at you… Ngozi rolled her eyes. Don’t start. But Emaka wasn’t wrong.
Over the next few weeks, Emaka didn’t just come for rice. He brought gifts, plantain, onions, sometimes bottled water. He said it was to support the business.
And slowly, Ngozi started to talk more. She told him about her food journey. About how she learned to cook from her mother.
About how she used to dream of opening a restaurant. One afternoon, Emaka sat on a plastic chair beside her stall. Ngozi, he said.
Forgive me again if I’m overstepping, but I see something special in you. Ngozi looked down, unsure of what to say. I was married too, Emaka said.
Years ago. My wife died in a car crash. I haven’t tried to love anyone since.
Until recently. Ngozi’s eyes widened. You remind me what peace looks like, he continued.
Not the loud, flashy kind. But the quiet one that sits in your chest and makes you feel at home. I don’t want to rush you.
I just wanted you to know. Ngozi didn’t reply for a long time. She looked at her hands.
Then at the pot of rice. Then at him. I’m scared, she whispered.
I know, Emaka said gently. But I’m not chyke. I won’t break your heart.
It took months. But eventually, Ngozi said yes to coffee. Then to dinner…
Then to long walks on Sunday evenings. And one day, as they sat under a tree near the park, she looked at him and asked. Why me? You could have chosen anyone.
Emaka smiled. Because you are the most real person I’ve met. You carry pain, but you still smile.
You were broken, but you didn’t stay down. That’s the kind of woman I want beside me. Ngozi’s eyes filled with tears.
She reached for his hand and held it tightly. Then I want to try too, she said. They got married six months later.
A small, quiet ceremony. No big cake. No music.
Just a few close friends and family. Emaka was the loudest one there, dancing like she had just won the lottery. I told you, she shouted.
I told you good things will still come. Their new life was peaceful. Emaka was soft with her.
He made her laugh. He listened to her stories. He helped her expand her food business into a proper shop.
Every morning before work, he kissed her forehead and said, I love you, my queen. For the first time in years, Ngozi felt safe. And then, the unexpected happened.
One morning, she woke up feeling strange. Her body was weak. She couldn’t stand for too long.
The smell of stew made her sick. She brushed it off. Maybe it was malaria.
But when it continued for two weeks, Emaka said, let’s go to the hospital. At the clinic, they ran tests. She waited on the bench, biting her nails.
The nurse returned with a wide smile. Congratulations, madam, she said. You’re pregnant.
Ngozi froze. Pregnant? Yes, the nurse nodded. Three weeks.
Ngozi covered her mouth, tears pouring from her eyes. Emaka jumped to his feet. Pregnant? Are you serious? The nurse laughed.
Very serious. He turned to Ngozi, pulled her up and hugged her tightly. You’re going to be a mother, he whispered.
We’re going to be parents. Ngozi couldn’t stop crying. The joy was too much.
She held his shirt and cried like a baby. The months that followed were full of excitement. But the biggest surprise came during her scan.
As the doctor moved the probe over her belly, his eyes widened. Madam, there are three heartbeats. Ngozi sat up.
Three. Yes, the doctor said. You’re carrying triplets.
She screamed. The whole hospital probably heard her. When they got home, Emaka knelt and cried.
God, you’ve done too much. Three children at once. This is more than I asked for.
