Category: C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 29

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

Queen Amara: Now I know why I couldn’t help but do as he says. Please mother try to remove what he put on me, I won’t trouble Cheta or force Adapuruche on Ikenga again. (Bending half way in pain) Please mother, remove what he did to me.

Queen Ziza: Were you deaf when I said I can’t cure what I don’t know? You brought this on yourself after I told you not to interfere but you paid deaf ears to my warnings Amara.

Queen Amara: Please help me now, I am begging you, I am your daughter.

Queen Ziza: I know you are my daughter (She closes her eyes and opens it after a minute has passed.) There is nothing I can do to help you Amara but the only thing I can help you with is for you to come back home and admit your failure to our people. Jidenna is whole again and so is Cheta, return home and save your face. Then I will see what I can do for whatever it is Amadioha may have placed on you.

Queen Amara: (Not knowing what to do nod her head like agama lizard, still breathing heavily.) Thank you mother, I will have to go back to Ofordili Palace and get my things and calabash and come back here.

Queen Ziza: I would have said you should leave that and follow me Amara but you must get the calabash it is very important.

Queen Amara: I know mother I will be back before you know it.

Quee  Ziza: Amara, you better be fast about it because delay is dangerous.

(Queen Amara disappeared leaving her mother in the forest who disappeared afterwards.)

Cheta broke into a run and ran back to their midst.

Cheta: (In great happiness as she stares only on Ikenga.) Ikenga take a good look at my face, my scars are gone. They are gone and no more on my face. I look beautiful for the first time in my life.

Ikenga: (Smiling) Didn’t I tell you that you are beautiful when we met?

 Cheta: Yes you did but I didn’t believe you until you told me of the enchanter. (Her smile widened more) you’ve seen whoever that casted it, right?

Ikenga: (Smiling) Hmmm, probably, but you are not the only one who got healed, turn around and look behind you to see for yourself.

Cheta: (Doing as Ikenga said, she turned around and her eyes met her father shock ones, then moved to Adapuruche bewilderment ones and finally, finally her gaze landed on Jidenna. Her eyes widened in surprise when she regards Jidenna from head to his toes.) Jidenna! Am I dreaming or not? Are you healed?

Jidenna: Cheta Nwanne mu, I am now healed. (Cheta gave a loud shout of joy and ran into Jidenna’s awaiting open arms and embraced her brother.)

Cheta: (When they release the tight hold on each other, Cheta beamed in happiness) Thank the gods you are alright now, which means my mother was innocent of the crime laid on her years back.

Jidenna: She is Cheta.

Igwe Ofordili: How do you mean Queen Amaka is innocent? Didn’t you eat from the food she gave to you?

Jidenna: I did but the one who had turned me into an Imbecile and and made my sister, Cheta ugly is no other than my mother, Queen Amara. (The maids, palace guards and Igwe Ofordili exclaimed loudly in a surprised tone. Everyone was shocked except Adapuruche. Jidenna continues.) She normally comes to my hut and takes some of my blood which I don’t know what she uses it for.(he showed his father the knife marks on his arms and continues.) The last one she did was to come into my hut today and cut off my little toe. (He showed his father his legs that were missing a toe.) With all this evidence I believe mother would be the one to have afflicted Cheta with those ugly scars and made me imbecile.

Igwe Ofordili: This is unbelievable, I can’t believe my own wife would do such a thing to Cheta and to her own son, my son.

Ikenga: Igwe, to be truthfully, it was indeed your wife who had given my beautiful Cheta her ugly face and made your son Jidenna imbecile. To be more Frank with you Igwe, your wife, the Queen of Ogidi village was the one who had summoned the beast that I had killed and brought to you.

(At that moment Queen Amara appeared in her hut.)

Igwe Ofordili: (To Ebuka) Go and call me Amara right now.

Bird Kingdom:

Nganga: Shouldn’t it be the right time for us to make our appearance known to them my daughter?

Queen Amaka: You are so correct mother, let’s pay a visit to Ofordili.

(They both changed into a white eagle and flew away.)
Agwusi: (Who was watching what was happening in the Palace of Igwe Ofordili and turned to look at the man who was standing beside him and watching the whole drama.) Cheta has regain her beauty my friend

Ekwensu: I know Agwusi, you will bring Ikenga and Cheta to me.

Agwusi: You’ve forgotten Amadioha my friend, Ikenga will bring him along when he comes for his marriage.

Ekwensu: Let’s wait till then, I have these strange feelings that something will happen that day.

tbc

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 17

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

The Bird Kingdom:
Nganga: Impossible, my granddaughter can’t fall in love with Ikenga not after what he did to me in the past.
Amadioha: You shouldn’t allow the past to interfere with the present Nganga. You didn’t know that Ikenga and your granddaughter would fall in love with each other likewise Ikenga. I will say you should let bygones be bygones and allow them.
Nganga: That is none of my business Amadioha, I won’t allow my granddaughter to fall in love with your brother, mbanu (no).
Amadioha: You should know that no mountain in the world can stop the river from flowing, what is written can’t be changed Nganga.
Nganga: You have forgotten Amadioha that even a thousand branches cannot stop the wind from blowing. She won’t end up with Ikenga and that’s my final say.
Amadioha: You shouldn’t start what you can’t finish Nganga. He has the backing of all his brothers, you should remember that always.
Nganga: (Smiling) Oh I always start what I know I will finish. Ohia woro gi nku, sere gi onu – The forest that denies you firewood has massaged your neck.
Amadioha: (Smiling back at her) Si kele onye nti chiri; enu anughi, ala anu- Salute the deaf; if the heavens don’t hear, the earth will hear. I shall take my leave now Nganga.
Nganga: Agwo emeghi nke o jiri buru agwo, umuaka achiri ya hie nku- If a snake fails to show its venom, little kids will use it in tying firewood, deliver my message to Ikenga. I refuse him.
Amadioha: Ugo chara acha adi(ghi) echu echu- A mature eagle feather will ever remain pure. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. (He disappeared together with his chair.)
Cheta: (A distance away from the old hunter hut) Did you see his face when he came back?
Ikenga: Yes, he was surprised that we could actually finished the yam in few minutes. Something about that old man is fishy, I doubt if he is even a Hunter.
Cheta: What if he knows about you, you know being a god?
Ikenga: I don’t think so but if he knows why then is he pretending? I will have to find out, ever since last night when he magically entered my hut I have been suspicious of him and also when I personally know there was no yam in that compound.
Cheta: Anyway let’s forget about the old man, you wanted to tell me about my mother before the old man came.
Ikenga: (Smiling) Yes, your mother isn’t a mortal like everyone had thought.
Cheta: (Shocked) What are you trying to say?
Ikenga: That bird you told me came and took your mother away years ago was actually her people. She is from the bird Kingdom where eagle rule.
Cheta: (Surprised) How did you know this?
Ikenga: I know your grandmother but never thought she has a daughter who left her kingdom to dwell in the land of the mortals. But thank the gods she did because you wouldn’t have been born and you wouldn’t have met me to set me free if she hasn’t come to dwell with the mortals. So I owe your mother a lot.
Cheta: I have a grandmother and my mother is a bird?
Ikenga: Not just any bird but an eagle Cheta. Your grandmother and I don’t follow one path, we have bad history together, very bad.
Cheta: And why Is that?
Ikenga: (By now they were almost reaching the palace) it’s a long story my maiden.
Cheta: And I am all ears my love.
Ikenga: Some years ago- (he stopped when the strike of thunder was seen across the bright sky.)
Cheta: (Staring at the sky and at Ikenga.) What is the problem? Is it going to rain?
Ikenga: (Staring at the thunder and lightning across the sky) No it’s not going to rain, I am being summoned by my brother, I think it’s an emergency. I will see you tomorrow morning my maiden.
Cheta: Okay, I will be expecting you my love. (Ikenga looked at the sky and return his gaze at Cheta. He quickly pull Cheta to his body and crush his lips on hers, kissing her like his life depends on it. Another stroke of thunder sounded and that separated them.)
Ikenga: (Seeing Cheta’s shock expression he smiled and peck her cheeks lovely.) Sorry for that Cheta but I couldn’t hold myself anymore. I will see you tomorrow morning, and I love you. (He left her and ran back until he was out of her sight, he disappeared once he was sure he was alone. Cheta was speechless and touched her lips. Did Ikenga just kissed and peck her? Didn’t he feel disgusted? A beautiful smile suddenly emerged and spread across her lips. Like her brother Jidenna usually tell her, she is not ugly.)
Cheta: (Touching her whole face and finally her lips, she started her walk towards the Palace) Oh yes, I am not Ugly.
Ikenga appearing before his brother Amadioha and noticed he was alone.
Ikenga: You summon me brother, I hope all is well?
Amadioha: All is not well Ikenga, I visited Nganga to tell her of your relationship you have with her granddaughter.
Ikenga: (Anxiously) And what did Nganga say?
Amadioha: (He closed the distance between them and touched Ikenga’s shoulder with his right hand) She doesn’t want to see you with her granddaughter, she rejected my proposal of you being with your maiden.
Ikenga: Then I will visit her myself and have a talk with her, she will probably see reason.
Amadioha: She want you to apologize to her.
Ikenga: (Getting angry) But she was the first offender and not me. I only challenge her because of what she did.
Amadioha: For you to get your maiden Ikenga, you have to do as she has said, apologize to her and have your Cheta.
Ikenga: I have heard you brother, I will go back and think about it. Thank you for your help. (He disappeared.)
By midnight the big egg appeared once again and cracked open. The hideous scary beast emerged from it and started walking like a zombie towards another path where it leads to various huts.
Ikenga was asleep when he felt the presence of the old man with another person in his hut.
He felt a hand hovering around his face and caught hold of it surprising the intruders.
Opening his eyes as he adjusted to the darkness in his hut, he thought he had the oil lamp running.
Ikenga: (Seeing the old hunter didn’t shock him but the person standing next to the old hunter.) Agwusi is that really you or am I dreaming?
Seeing the quick glance Agwusi shared with the old hunter before turning back to look at him.
Agwusi: Yes it’s me brother.
Ikenga: (Sitting upright and getting out of the bamboo bed, he hugged Agwusi) I am so happy to see you, my other brothers won’t believe it when I tell them you came here. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.
Agwusi: (Forcing himself to return the hug as he came up with another plan) Yes Ikenga. I have missed you and the rest of my brothers.
Ikenga: (Dispatch himself from the hug) So what brings you here?
Agwusi: I came here to tell you that Amadioha wants your maiden.
Ikenga: (Surprised) Amadioha wants my maiden? You lie
Agwusi: Do you think I will appear to you just to tell you a lie Ikenga? You know me too well.
Ikenga: I don’t believe this one a bit.
Agwusi: (Raising one of his eyebrows) But will you believe this (He waved his hands in the air and Amadioha and Nganga was magically seen discussing.
Amadioha: I need Ikenga maiden at all cost. I love her and will do anything to have her.
Nganga: She is yours already Amadioha, just get Ikenga out of the way.
They faded into thin air.
Ikenga: But what he told me is entirely different from what you are showing me. Amadioha can’t like my maiden.
Agwusi: Now you believe what I am telling you anyway, I have a plan to get Amadioha from killing you and taking away your maiden
Ikenga: ( With knee interest) Tell me your plan, Amadioha shall curse the day he plan to double cross me.
tbc

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 15

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

Amadioha: Go, I sense him too, be careful Ikenga at times not everyone who smile at you are your friends, some are foes in disguise.

Ikenga disappeared from their presence.

Continuation from the last episode:

Ikenga opened his eyes and saw the old man standing very close to his bamboo bed. Quickly sitting upright on his bamboo bed as the old man shift a little backwards to put some space between them. The oil lamp that was burning lighten up the room a bit.

Ikenga: (Surprised) Papa, what are you doing in my hut?

Old Hunter: I heard voices in your hut so I came in to check on you. Where you talking to someone? Where did the person hide?

Ikenga: No Papa no one is here and as you can see I was sleeping when I have this feeling that someone is in. I’m a light sleeper Papa.

Old Hunter: (Nodding his head) Oh I see, anyway since there is no one here but yourself, I will leave your hut right now.

Ikenga: Okay Papa, there was no one here, probably you were imagining the voices.

Old Hunter: Perhaps you are right. Sleep tight my son and may ChukwuOkike protect you.

Ikenga: He is always protecting me Papa, good night.

Old Hunter: Good night my son. (He left Ikenga’s hut)

Ikenga: (In thoughts and spoke aloud) What did my brother mean by his last statement? Who are my foes? Does he know something and hides it away from me?

Without getting any answers to his questions, he lay down on his bamboo bed and slept off.

****

The next morning met Igwe Ofordili and his elders seated inside the throne room.

All Elders: Greetings Igwe (Igwe Ofordili answered their greetings.

Elder Udo: Igwe something terrible happened late last night.

Igwe Ofordili: (Surprised) What happened?

Elder Okoro: Igwe, the family of Mmachi and the family of Uzodinma were all killed yesterday night.

Igwe Ofordili: (Shocked) What!!? Killed? By who?

Onowu: That is what we don’t know Igwe, some families who were living not too far away from their huts said they heard scary growls and were afraid to see what it is.

Elder Okeke: In fact when I arrived at the two huts, I only saw their remains which would mean a human eating beast visited this village last night.

Igwe Ofordili: This is not happening not in my reign. Tonight our warriors will keep vigilant to see where the beast comes out from and where it goes. We need to know our enemies.

Onowu: You have spoken well your Highness, but my worry is that the great chief priest hasn’t been seen for a while now. Doesn’t he knows the danger we and the whole villagers are now facing? What would be holding him from appearing to us to tell us the solution?

Elder Udo: You are absolutely right onowu, let’s assume we know where the great chief priest lives we would have gone by now to seek for solutions, but we don’t know where he lives. We don’t even know where he comes from.

Igwe Ofordili: I myself have been wondering if we have offended the great chief priest unknowingly, if we had then he should tell us so that we can apologize for our wrongdoings, but he’s nowhere to be found.

Elder Okoro: So what are we going to do to the remains of the dead ones?

Igwe Ofordili: They will be buried, Onowu you and the elders will be there until they are buried.

Onowu: Okay your Highness.

I hey left the palace a few minutes later and Igwe Ofordili got up from his chair and went straight to his hut.

____

Adapuruche entered her mother’s hut without knocking and met Queen Amara seated with her eyes closed and smiling at nothing.

Adapuruche: (Tapping her shoulders) Mother.

Queen Amara: (Opening her eyes) Adapuruche, sit down and tell me what brings you here.

Adapuruche: (sitting next to her mother on the bamboo bed) I ate the apple but nothing happened, I thought I would have powers by now mother.

Queen Amara: You will have your Powers once it is up to 24 hours. Then our work will begin. You won’t go out until tomorrow.

Adapuruche: (Smiling) I can’t wait to see the powers I will have in fact I will be staying in your hut all through the day mother.

____

It was mid-day and Cheta was returning from where she went to pick firewood from. She met Ikenga along the way.

Cheta:  (Stopping to greet ikenga who has a huge smile embedded on his handsome face) Greetings my love.

Ikenga: Greetings to my beautiful maiden, let me help with the firewood. (He collected the firewood before Cheta would protest and carried it on one of his hands as if it weighs nothing.) How are you faring today my lovely one.

Cheta: Great and you?

Ikenga: Great also.

Cheta: I waited for you to come early today like you promised to see my brother but I did not see you.

Ikenga: Oh, so sorry my love, it escaped my mind but I am here now we are going to the palace together. (They continue their walk, ikenga leaving his hunting and followed Cheta to the Palace)

Cheta: Didn’t you heard of a strange beast that killed two families last night?

Ikenga: No, just hearing it from you.

Cheta: I just hope it won’t repeat this night. (They got to the Palace and luckily Igwe Ofordili wasn’t in his throne room. They didn’t see anyone saved for the palace guards) Thank goodness no one is here (breathing a sigh of relief and collected her firewood from Ikenga) wait for me here. (She quickly went to drop it in the kitchen and went back to meet ikenga who haven’t moved an inch. Grabbing his hand she took him to Jidenna’s hut and they entered inside. Pointing at her brother) that is my elder brother laying there, can you heal him?

Ikenga: (Went closer to Jidenna and touched his forehead, he withdraw his hand from his forehead and stare at Cheta.) It seems whoever made your beautiful face like this is also behind this. The enchantment looks the same, from the same enchanter.

Cheta: (Anxiously) So can you heal him?

Ikenga: No I cannot heal him but I know of someone who can. I will have to ask one of brothers.

Cheta: Thank you so much my love. Let’s leave before my step mother or sister sees us coming out of Jidenna’s hut. I will be in hot soup if they find you with me. (They came out of the hut and they walked out of the palace) Let’s head to your place.

Ikenga: (He remembered something) That reminds me, whatever the old hunter gives to you to eat once we arrive please do not eat it.

Cheta: (Confused) Why?

Ikenga: Last night he came to my hut then I was with my brothers and sense him right away. I have to leave an important discussion and saw the old man inside the hut.

Cheta: And what did he tell you?

Ikenga: He said he heard voices coming out of my hut and decided to check, though it is true, one of my brothers came to inform me that I am needed. But the old hunter wasn’t so clever with his lies.

Cheta: How did you mean?

Ikenga: I locked my hut door before I slept off.

Cheta: if your hut is locked then how did he get in?

Ikenga: That is what I am going to find out.
tbc

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 14

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

Adapuruche: (Very shocked to her bones) Mother are you saying you made cheta Ugly?

Queen Amara: Yes I did.

Adapuruche: And you also made Jidenna imbecile because he ignored your warnings?

Queen Amara: (Without any feelings of remorse) Yes I did.

Adapuruche: But Jidenna is my brother, your son, the heir apparent to the throne.

Queen Amara: That is none of my business Adapuruche, we Giants do not take things lightly if one decides to flaunt our orders away.

Adapuruche: So do I have powers like you do since I am half Giant?

Queen Amara: No you don’t, half Giants doesn’t have powers. Your human side is the cause why you were powerless Adapuruche.

Adapuruche: But I have a question to ask mother.

Queen Amara: Okay, what question?

Adapuruche: How did father managed to kill a giant not just one but two Giants? I thought he was a human how is it possible?

Queen Amara: Ofordili was a great hunter who was involved in many charms, I think he learnt some things from his father who was also a great chief priest before his demise and use that to be able to kill my husband and my brother.

Adapuruche: Well if you are married before and choose to marry father for revenge, why then did you give birth to us?

Queen Amara: Their traditions demands that I give birth since I was the second wife. I had to make Amaka barren for Ofordili to take another wife.

Adapuruche: Did you use magic on him to make him marry you?

Queen Amara: No, my beauty draws him to me.

Adapuruche: What about Cheta’s mother, did you charmed him into wanting to kill her after making her go naked all round the village for a crime she did not commit?

Queen Amara: No, it was his choice, he did that with his clear eyes. I am only here to cause him pain and since I am married to him, he won’t suspect me. I won’t be exposed until the day I decided to leave and come back home.

Adapuruche: I still can’t believe you made Cheta so ugly mother. What if the gods are watching and counting your days?

Queen Amara: Nothing will happen, you don’t know where I am from or know the kind of mother I have.

Adapuruche: But why did you make Cheta Ugly mother?

Queen Amara: To make her mother and father hate her. Ofordili doesn’t like the sight of Cheta but her mother, she surprised me a lot when instead of hating and neglecting her daughter, she showed her love.

Adapuruche: For once mother I am glad you made Cheta Ugly if not, she will probably be as beautiful as I am. Only her skin shows how beautiful she would have been if her face wasn’t charred and for that I am saying a big thank you to you.

Queen Amara: (Nods her head and smile) You are welcome my daughter. Now that you know of my true nature and my mission, it is now left for you to choose either joining me or keep all these to yourself to avoid my wrath.

Adapuruche: Before you have finished your words mother, I have made up my mind to join you. As long as the young handsome man is mine and Cheta doesn’t have him, I am willing to do whatever it takes. In other words, I choose to follow your path mother.

Queen Amara: (Clapping her hands) You have chosen well Adapuruche. (She hit the ground with her bare foot once and bend down to touch the forest ground and use the same hand to touch Adapuruche eyes. The princess eyes were opened spiritually and became scared when Adapuruche saw she was facing a big ugly Giant who was seated and facing her.) That is my mother, do not be scared of her.

Adapuruche: G-greetings (The Giant queen tilts her head to one side as if she was expecting something from Adapuruche) Grandmother. (The Giant Queen turn her gaze to Adapuruche and smiled showing her dirty coloured teeth.)

The Giant Queen: That is what I wanted to hear you say. Do not be afraid of me, I’m your grandmother.

Adapuruche: Okay.

Queen Amara: Mother I have told Adapuruche everything and she promised never to reveal my identity to anyone.

The Giant Queen: (Facing her daughter) I heard it all Amara, there was no need of telling me. (Turned her gaze to look at Adapuruche directly in her eyes) Are you ready to take back what was supposed to be yours from your sister?

Adapuruche: Yes grandmother, I am fully ready to take back what belongs to me.

The Giant Queen: That is all I need to hear (She place her two huge hands on her stomach and tore it open in the presence of Adapuruche. There was nothing in the stomach except darkness.) What do you see my granddaughter?

Adapuruche: (Clutching her eyes to look deeper into stomach filled with darkness.) I see a black apple grandmother.

The Giant Queen: Take it and eat it once you are awake, eat all of it, no single drop should remain. Once you’ve eaten it, powers will be bestowed on you. Use it and grab what you want from Cheta.

Adapuruche: Yes grandmother (Adapuruche put her hand inside the stomach and collect the black apple).

The Giant Queen: One more thing, the young man you wish to have isn’t a mortal, he is a strong god, be very cautious when you are around him.

Adapuruche: I will grandmother, thank you.

The Giant Queen: This discussion is over, return to your body for I have something important to discuss with your mother. (The Giant Queen closes her stomach as Queen Amara made a wave with one of her hands and Adapuruche disappeared.) Now, have you start your work Amara?

Queen Amara: Yes mother, by morning I will be expecting news.

The Giant Queen: Good, but you should know, the young man doesn’t belong to Adapuruche. I am doing this to make him an ally.

Queen Amara: I know that mother. I will do all my possible best to make him fall in love with Adapuruche. Mortals and gods will always have a weakness, I will find the weakness of that young man.

The Giant Queen: I have done my part.kow.it is left for you and Adapuruche to do yours.

Queen Amara: We won’t fail you mother.

The Giant Queen: I am counting on your words my daughter.

Queen Amara: I will summon you when I am in need of something. (She disappeared)
Adapuruche woke up from her sudden sleep. She stared at her left hand and saw the black apple she took from her grandmother. The oil lamp lit her room a little. She quickly ate the black apple, everything per instructed by her grandmother.

Once ate everything, she stood up from her bamboo bed and stared around her body to see if something strange would happen, but nothing happened.

Adapuruche: (Sitting on her bamboo bed) I thought once I ate the apple, my body will feel somehow, but none of that is happening. I will wait until the morning comes. (She lay back to sleep, hearing strange growl that filled the quiet night.)
Ikenga lay down on his bamboo bed immediately Onwa disappeared and slept off.

Opening his eyes, he saw himself in the presence of Amadioha, Anyanwu, Onwa and Njoku Ji all stopped what they were discussing as they noticed Ikenga’s presence.

Just like Ikenga and Onwa they all have dada (dreadlocks) and Amadioha dada was the longest and he smirked at Ikenga.

Amadioha: You didn’t mention you will be following Onwa immediately.

Ikenga: Shouldn’t I follow him? After all he said you wanted to see me.

Anyanwu: Yes, we all wanted to see you.

Ikenga: So good to see you brothers and I hope you are no more angry for what I did to you years back Amadioha?

Amadioha: No, it’s now bygone. I wouldn’t have sent for you if I still bear grudges Ikenga. Anyways, it’s good you are here.

Ikenga: I couldn’t wait anymore to know why you were calling me so here I am, what is it?

Amadioha: Do you know who your choose maiden mother is?

Ikenga: No, she once told me how they wanted to kill her mother and how a strange bird came to save her. Who is her mother?

Amadioha: Do you remember the biggest white eagle you once challenged years back?

Ikenga: (Trying to recall the past and his eyes widened in shock) Don’t tell me she is the granddaughter of Nganga?

Amadioha: She really is Ikenga.

Ikenga: Well I won’t allow the past to ruin the present. (Crossing his arms in his chest) I will still maintain my stand that she is at fault (Then remembered Cheta) But what about my maiden, Nganga won’t approve of our relationship.

Amadioha: Don’t worry yourself Ikenga, instead worry about the challenge you are about to face. Leave Nganga to me, I will go and talk to her.

Ikenga: Thank you Amadioha, I can’t afford to lose Cheta, but does she know who her mother is?

Amadioha: I’m afraid no, you will have to tell her yourself.

Ikenga: I will…(He stopped when he sense the presence of someone closer to his body.)

Amadioha: Go, I sense him too, be careful Ikenga at times not everyone who smile at you are your friends, some are foes in disguise.

Ikenga disappeared from their presence
tbc

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 13

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

Adapuruche: I will be expecting you mother. Thank you for wanting to help me.

Queen Amara: You are welcome my daughter. (She caress Adapuruche cheek lovely then turn to go out of the hut when she stops and faces her daughter) Do not tell anyone about what we’ve discussed even your father. Whatever I am going to tell you stays between us because if you dare say a word to another soul, instant death awaits you, do I make myself clear?

Adapuruche: I won’t mother, I promise, you can trust me with your secret after all you are helping me and you are my mother you can’t mislead me.

Queen Amara pleased with the words left the hut without uttering another word.

Adapuruche: (Smiling to no one) In the end, the handsome man will become mine and Cheta will lose

Ikenga brought a stool for cheta which she sat. He brought another one and sat on that one.

Cheta: So tell me more about yourself since I have been telling you all my woes when you are in your statue form, now it’s your turn.

Ikenga laughed and started talking about himself and his brothers. He paused when he saw the old hunter carrying a full plate of roasted meats towards them which he gave to Cheta.

Old Hunter: This is for you my daughter. Eat to your fill. (He left them and return with a cup filled with clean water for cheta. He gave them some privacy going back to the kitchen. Cheta shared the meat with Ikenga)

Cheta: So you don’t have sisters?

Ikenga: No I don’t my love.

Cheta: Your brothers will they like me?

Ikenga: Who won’t like you?

Cheta: So when can I see them?

Ikenga: Soon Cheta, very soon.

By now they have finished eating the meat.

Cheta: I have to start going now, my father’s anger would have subsided by now.

Ikenga: Okay, let me inform Papa first. (He stood up and went to the kitchen to inform the old man. He emerged with the old man hot on his heels.)

Cheta: (Getting up from her seat, she knelt down and thanked the old man.) Thank you Papa for the meats and for welcoming me with open arms.

Old Hunter: You don’t have to kneel down to thank me Cheta, instead thank the gods and not me. Ikenga told me you want to leave.

Cheta: Yes Papa, I will be coming to visit you often.

Old Hunter: That’s no problem my daughter, like I said before, take this place like your second home my princess. Ikenga will see you off.

Ikenga: I will soon be back Papa (He escorted Cheta until they have almost reached the palace when he stop.) This is where I will stop.

Cheta: Thank you for everything Ikenga.

Ikenga: When will you stop calling me Ikenga and start calling me ‘My love’?

Cheta: (Smiling) Okay my love I will see you soon.

Ikenga: That’s better my beautiful one, remember the old hunter house is open for you to come anytime of the day.

Cheta: I will bear that in mind. Don’t forget about my brother.

Ikenga: I won’t, I will be coming tomorrow to see him my love.

Cheta: Bye my love.

Ikenga: Bye is meant for the dead, rather you say I will see you soon.

Cheta: My mistake, I will see you soon.

Ikenga: Better, will talk to you later, take care of yourself beautiful and be very careful.

Cheta left him and cover the distance between the palace and where they stood. Ikenga watches on until Cheta entered the palace, he waited a little more to see if he could hear any sound of beating but when none seem to be coming, he turned and went back home. He couldn’t wait for tomorrow to come so that he could see Cheta.

Cheta was happy when she saw the throne room empty except for the guards. Her father wasn’t seen which means he had gone to take his afternoon nap. She didn’t see her stepmother which would also mean she has gone to take her afternoon rest.

She tiptoed to her hut and was about opening her hut door when Adapuruche voice stopped her.

Adapuruche: And where did you run off too Cheta?

Cheta: (Breathing a sigh of relief when she heard who spoke she turned to face her sister) I ran into the forest Adapuruche, the one that is not too far from here.

Adapuruche: First of all, it is Princess Adapuruche to you now and not Adapuruche, do I make myself clear?

Cheta: Yes princess Adapuruche.

Adapuruche: So where did you meet that young man that came to the palace today in search of you?

Cheta: My sister I don’t know him before, he said he knows me.

Adapuruche: Oh you’ve even spoken to him.

Cheta: Yes my princess, he met me In the forest I went too.

Adapuruche: I see, anyway it’s none of my business, I have to go to my hut now. (She turned and left Cheta. Cheta quickly entered her hut and went to sleep.)
It was night and all the inhabitants of Ogidi village has gone to sleep.
An egg emerged from the ground at the centre of the village. The egg cracked into two and a creature of the night begins to form and take the shape of a hideous scary beast. Once the transformation was completed, the beast started moving like a zombie walking towards a hut.
Adapuruche who hasn’t slept a wink was awake and was wondering when her mother would come when a strange breeze from nowhere came into her hut and blow around her putting her to sleep immediately.
She has a dream…..
In the dream she saw herself in a strange forest and heard someone calling her name. She turned around and saw her mother who beckon her to come. She went to meet her mother. Grabbing Adapuruche hand, she started walking further into the forest with Adapuruche.
Adapuruche: Mother where are we going?
Queen Amara: (She stopped and release her daughter’s hand and then turned to face her daughter) We are home.
Adapuruche: (Looking around her) In a forest?
Queen Amara: Yes, this is where my people live. (She made a snap with her fingers and a stool appeared) Sit. (Adapuruche seats) Now I will tell you who I really am.
Adapuruche: I’m listening mother.
Queen Amara: Remember do not tell anyone what I am about telling you or else I will kill you.
Adapuruche: I promise mother.
Quen Amara: I came here to kill Ofordili and kill his people and make them suffer.
Adapuruche: I don’t understand you mother, are you trying to say your mission is to kill father?
Queen Amara: Yes.
Adapuruche: Why mother?
Queen Amara: He killed two Giants, one which the villagers didn’t know and the other one which the villagers know and which made him the king of this village. My brother left home to hunt for food only to be killed by Ofordili. My beloved husband who set out to look for my brother was also killed by Ofordili. I am here to get revenge for their deaths.
Adapuruche: Are you trying to say you are also a giant?
Queen Amara: Yes Adapuruche. You, Jidenna are half Giants. I came to take my own pound of flesh. And now Cheta is now in the picture.
Adapuruche: And how are all these related to Cheta.
Queen Amara: That’s because I was the one who made Cheta Ugly and wanted your father to behead Cheta’s mother. I was also the one who put your brother in his condition when I warned him to stay away from Cheta. I am not evil but if you fail to obey my words I will then show you that wickedness has two sides.
 Ikenga who was in his hut resting and dreaming of Cheta opened his eyes when the Strange Man that had appeared to Queen Amara twice appeared in his hut.
Ikenga sits upright on his bamboo bed and stared at the Strange Man in his hut which back was facing him. The Strange Man then turned around to face Ikenga, like Ikenga he has dreadlocks and his eyes were purely white. On his forehead was drawn a moon.
Ikenga: To what do I own this august visit of yours Onwa.
onwa: Is that how you welcome your brother whom you haven’t seen for a long time, Ikenga?
Ikenga: Sorry, forgive my manners, you are very welcome Onwa, now why are you really here?
Onwa: You’ve been released by the maiden of the gods.
Ikenga: Isn’t that obvious, you all thought I would stay like a statue forever, didn’t you?
Onwa: (Smiled and ignored his question) And you’ve come to love her.
Ikenga: (Blinked his eyes multiple times) Is that why you are here?
Onwa: Amadioha sent me here. He want to you to come, he has things to discuss with you.
Ikenga: (Clapped his hands once and shake his head) I know you won’t come here without a reason. Why does he need my presence?
Onwa: Ask him that question when you see him. I have delivered my message to you.
Ikenga: Well you can tell Amadioha that I won’t come, if he really wants to talk to me he knows the way here.
Onwa: You haven’t changed one bit Ikenga, I will deliver your message to him but you should know it concerns your chosen maiden.
Ikenga: Don’t tell me he has his eyes on her.
Onwa: None of us are interested in your maiden Ikenga including Amadioha but all the same I will pass your message to him. See you soon brother.
Ikenga: Wait, tell Amadioha I will come.
Onwa: (Smiling) You never cease to amaze me Ikenga but I will tell him.
He disappeared.
To Be Continued…

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 7

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

Cheta manage to sneak into her hut without her step mother knowledge. Her father and his elders were still doing their meeting when she entered the palace.

Once she was inside the hut, she made sure the door of her hut was locked before proceeding to her bamboo bed to rest her tired bones.

Her step mother had once entered her hut when she was resting one night and pour her cold water that sent her flying from bed immediately and collected the beatings of her life from her. She had gone to bed earlier enough after doing her house chores and had forgotten to lock the door.

Queen Amara: (Holding and pinching Cheta’s ear very hard ignoring the cries from the young girl) Next time you have the guts to sleep before I or the Royal household, you will have yourself to blame. In fact you will regret why you never left with your witch of a mother. Do I make myself clear?

Cheta: (Still crying) Yes my Queen.

Queen Amara left Cheta ears and gave her a hard knock on her head before leaving the hut.

That incident has never left her mind ever since that day. So she doesn’t want to take chances with her step mother.

Cheta slept off and she has a terrible dream.

She saw herself drowning in an unknown river and saw her step mother on her right side laughing at her. Queen Amara was standing on the river without drowning.

Cheta: (Trying to swim but the heavy current of the water didn’t help matters instead she was going down) Help me mother, please.

Queen Amara: (Laughed for two minutes then stop) I told you I will end your life, didn’t I? I warned you but you wouldn’t listen now you will die and leave this world you came out to stay. No one will save you.

Cheta: Mother, please I don’t want to die now, help me, save me. (Turning to her left she saw Adapuruche walking on top of the river towards her) Ada please help me, I am drowning.

Adapuruche: (Stretching forth her hands to her) Quickly grab hold of my hands let me pull you out of the river. (Cheta did as told and grab hold of Adapuruche hands. Adapuruche started pulling Cheta out of the river with all her strength and when Cheta was almost out of the river, Adapuruche jerk off her hands from Cheta’s grip and she fell back right inside the river.) And who do you think wants to help you? Me? You must be dreaming. This is just a payback for taking what’s not yours. (She went to stand beside her mother and they both stared at Cheta scornfully as she started to sink.)

Cheta woke up at that moment staring around her in fear and when she realised where she was, she breathed a sigh of relief and her mind came back to that dream.

Cheta: (Talking aloud to herself) What kind of strange dream is that? Why will mama and Adapuruche wants to kill me? What did I do to Adapuruche and what does she mean I took what was hers, what did I take from her? ChukwuOkike I don’t understand this strange fearful dream. Tufiakwa may the gods forbid I drown.

Cheta stayed indoors all through the day until the day has darkened and only came out to wash the used plates and ate the leftovers.

****

The Strange man left the forest and came out in the opening and started walking without knowing a destination in his mind. Everywhere looks strange to him.

So engrossed he was that he didn’t notice the old hunter on time before he ran smack into the old man.

Quickly getting up to his feet and helping the old man up to his feet. Picking the dead grasshopper which has fallen and gave it to the Hunter.

Strange Man: I’m sorry old man, I wasn’t watching where I was going. Hope you are not offended?

Old Hunter: (Staring at the man from his head to toes, he looks were different and his clothes seem ancient) Offended? I am not offended my son. I too wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. Where are you headed?

Strange Man: (Smiling with ease now that he knows he didn’t offend the old man) Nowhere in particular. I am just looking for a maiden whose voice set me free.

Old Hunter: A maiden you say? What’s the name of the maiden, I can help you to trace her.

Strange Man: I don’t even know the name of the maiden, but if I can hear her voice, I will know her.

Old Hunter: It will be hard for you my son. But I wish you all the best in finding your maiden.

Strange Man: Thank you. Ehm, please where is this place? The name of this village?

Old Hunter: You are in the biggest and strongest village called Ogidi by the way, who are your parents? I will love to meet them to sing praises to them for having a son as handsome as you.

Strange Man: (Aghast by his words) You want to meet my parents?

Old Hunter: Yes my son.

Strange Man: (Look at the sky and down at the old man and said in a low voice) I’m not welcome yet, I still have my maiden to find before I go back.

Old Hunter: (Not understanding him) What was that son?

Strange Man: I mean to say, I don’t have any parents, I am an orphan. I don’t even have any place to go or where to lay my head on. The only person I have is my unknown maiden who talks to me.

Old Hunter: She might come back to look for you.

Strange Man: I don’t think so. (He couldn’t tell the man he was a statue that was set free by her.)

Old Hunter: You can stay with me then, my two daughters are married and live in their husbands villages, they do visit me once in a year, but do not worry about them. I will explain to them when next they come visiting.

Strange Man: Really? I should stay with you? Won’t I be a bundle to you in your own home?

Old Hunter: Not at all my son, you can never be a bundle to me and besides my hut is too big for me to stay alone.

Strange Man: Thank you, I hope you won’t feel offended if I call you papa?

Old Hunter: I won’t my son. But what’s your name?

Strange Man: (Smiled) My name? I am Ikenga papa.

Old Hunter: Ikenga, hmm you have the same name with the warrior god.

Ikenga: (The strange man now known as Ikenga nodded his head.) That’s because I am the on- (he started coughing all of a sudden and stopped after a while) sorry, my parents love the name so they named me Ikenga.

Old Hunter: Probably Ikenga blessed your parents and when your mother had you, they decided to give you one of the gods name.

Ikenga: Yes papa.

Old Hunter: (Smiling) No wonder you look different from the young men I have been seeing around.

Ikenga: Let me hold the grasshopper for you (Collecting the dead grasshopper from the hunter hands).

Old Hunter: Let’s go. My house isn’t that far from here.

With that the old Hunter lead the way to his hut and Ikenga followed observing everything around them.

They arrived at the old hunter home and he collected the grasshopper from Ikenga and went to keep it at his kitchen. He offered Ikenga to sit on a stool while he went to clean one of the huts in his compound. Soon he was through and went to sit with Ikenga bringing his own stool with him.

Old Hunter: Your hut is ready my son.

Ikenga: Thank you Papa, but why are you helping me, why are you kind to me, a stranger?

Old Hunter: I was helped by someone when I was much younger and ever since then I do help anyone who is stranded or who is in need of help with the little I have. You need somewhere to lay your head, and I have an empty hut, so why won’t I help you my son?

Ikenga: Thank you Papa, I am assuring you, you won’t regret bringing into your home. I will go to my hut now Papa.

He stood up and entered his hut, this is his new home for now and where he will stay to search for the maiden who had set him free.

****

Queen Amara was in her hut sleeping when she has a dream.

She saw herself in the forest where she had made her request to her mother for Queen Amaka child to be born Ugly.

The ground started shaking and the Giant Queen emerged from the forest and stopped once she reaches Amara.

The Giant Queen: Amara, for almost 30 years you have been living and dining with our enemy, it is time for you to do what you came there to do.

Queen Amara: Mother I know, you don’t have to remind me. I haven’t forgotten the reason why I came to live in the Palace.

The Giant Queen: Then what is delaying you?

Queen Amara: Cheta, I want her dead, I despise her with passion mother. I hate the very air she breathes, everyday I wish she is dead or gone just like her mother.

The Giant Queen: Then kill her, you have your powers use it on her but do what you had promised to do. We don’t have much time.

Queen Amara: We will always have time mother, no one dares to stand in our way.

The Giant Queen: That’s where you are wrong Amara. Like what the strange man had told you long ago, the gods are watching us and that’s why they had sent him.

Queen Amara: Send who?

The Giant Queen: The one who will ruin our plans. Be fast Amara for he is coming.

Amara woke up from sleep.

Please Like and Share and Comment, Thank you.

To Be Continued.

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 3

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

After the unknown man disappeared, Amara came down from the bamboo bed and brought out the calabash once again. Saying some incantations the giant Queen face was seen few seconds later.

The Giant Queen: (Looked surprised) You summon me Amara twice in one day which is unlike you, what is it my child. Tell me, for I’m your mother and will do anything for you.

Queen Amara: Mama, something just happened right now. A man appeared in my hut few minutes ago.

The Giant Queen: A man you say? Did you by any chance happens to see his face?

Queen Amara: I did not see his face mama, his back was facing me.

The Giant Queen: Okay, what did this unknown man told you.

Queen Amara: He threatened me mama, he warned that the gods are watching me. That is why I summoned you to tell me who he is and who gave him the impetus to come and stand before me to utter nonsense.

The Giant Queen: (Laughed) The gods indeed. I told you that the battle has just begun. Do not be afraid Amara, no one messes with my daughter and go scot free be it the gods or any mortal.

Queen Amara: (Feeling confident) Thank you nne, I need to rest my tired body. (The Calabash cleared and Amara put the calabash back under the bamboo bed.

The Next Day

Queen Amaka came to the hut of her co wife to greet her and her new born baby. She was carrying Cheta in her arms.

Knocked twice on the door and the door opened and Amara stepped out of her hut pushing Amaka away from her.

Queen Amaka: (Ignoring the push she got from Amara, she smiled kindly at her) Amara, congrats. I heard you gave birth to a beautiful girl.

Queen Amara: Yes, you heard right Amaka. (Saying with pride) Adapuruche as my husband calls her is a very beautiful baby unlike you who gave birth to an ugly beast that looks like a child.

Queen Amaka: (The smile on her face faded into a sad one) please Amara, do not insult my child again, and please she is not ugly she might be ugly in your eyes but not in my eyes.

Queen Amara: You are very right Amaka, in your eyes your daughter is not ugly but in the eyes of others she is ugly. You should have remained barren all your life instead of giving birth to such ugly thing you called your child.

Queen Amaka: (Smiled) only the gods knows why I was given this child. I only came here to greet you and your baby not for you to insult me. I will leave for my hut Amara. (She turn to go and at the same time the door to Amara’s hut opened and a 8 year old Jidenna came out, he greeted his mother and Queen Amaka going to hug her legs.)

Queen Amaka: (touching his head tenderly) How are you my son?

Jidenna: (With a happy smile) I’m fine mama, please can I see my baby sister?

Queen Amaka: (elated and showed him Cheta’s) is she not beautiful Enna?

Jidenna: (He saw her ugliness but doesn’t want to upset her he nodded his head to the absmay of his mother) Yes Mama she looks beautiful like you, What’s her name?

Queen Amaka: (Smiled, at least one person didn’t find her daughter ugly) Her name is Cheta.

Queen Amara: (interrupting her son when he opened his mouth to say a word) That’s enough Jidenna, and you Amaka I thought you were leaving before or you want to inflict my son with your daughter ugliness?

Jidenna: (Surprised by his mother outburst) Nne, you shouldn’t call someone child ugly what if it returns back to you.

Queen Amara: Did you just talk back at me, your own mother Jidenna? Your father must hear it.

Queen Amaka: Is okay Amara, he is just a child and children will always speak their mind regardless of their age.

Queen Amara: When do you have a child to know they always speak their mind? Mind your ugly child and allow me to mind my own children.

(Queen Amaka left and entered her hut, Amara gave Jidenna a heavy knock on his head and draw him closer to her with his left ear using her hand)

Have I not warn you never to be nice to her? The next time you will try that, the next time you disobeyed me, what I will do to you eh, you won’t believe it. Just dare me then I will show you that a Lion can beat a crocodile.

Jidenna: Sorry Nne, I won’t be so nice to mama.

Queen Amara: She is not your mother, I am your mother. Do not ever in your life try to call her mother, inugo (you hear)?

Jidenna: Yes Nne.

Queen Amara: Good, so where are you heading too?

Jidenna: To go to father’s hut and greet him.

Queen Amara: you can go.

___

Queen Amaka who overheard the conversation started crying.

Only the gods knows why they decided to give her Cheta. Her beautiful Cheta, no harm will befall on you my daughter.

She prayed to the gods.

Ten Years Later…..

Cheta and Adapuruche has grown.

Adapuruche at her tender age was the most beautiful maiden in the entire Village. People who heard of her beauty came from far and wide just to take a glimpse of her. She was worshipped wherever she goes like a goddess and at times she was often refer as the sun goddess. All the whole maidens wants to be friends with her. Every father and mother wish to have her as their own daughter. Many Royal homes waited until she was of age to get her married to their sons.

Adapuruche wasn’t allowed to do anything at all. Everything was done by her maids. At the age of 10, she has up to 10 maids who served only her in the palace. She was well loved and pampered by her father and mother.

Igwe Ofordili was always feeling proud whenever Adapuruche was mentioned as the most beautiful girl.

But her sister, Cheta.

She was despised by everyone, including her father, no one wants to be her friend or associate with her, they have been warned by their mothers to avoid Cheta if not they will be ugly as her. Cheta doesn’t have friends.

Even though she was ugly and flies normal perch on her face, Cheta was hardworking. Before any of the maids in her father’s palace would wake up she has done all the house chores.

She thought they would love her but she got the opposite. Even at that, she didn’t stop doing her good.

The only people who doesn’t despised her is her mother and step siblings. She normally doesn’t see Adapuruche always but the little time got to see her, Adapuruche would only sent a smile to her direction and that’s it.

It was better than those who frown at her.

Jidenna has always been there for her and had always fight for her. One day he met her crying at the front of her mother’s hut.)

Jidenna: (going to meet her and sat down next to her on the bare floor? Ada, what’s it, who made you cry?

Cheta: (Stiffing her tears) The friends of Adapuruche called me ugly.

Jidenna: I will talk to Adapuruche to warn her friends. But I and mama have always told you never to let their insults get to you. What did I tell you to say whenever you are called ugly?

Cheta: I should tell them back that I am not ugly.

Jidenna: Yes Ada, you are not ugly, always remember that.

Unknown to Jidenna, his mother overheard his discussion and that night she summoned her mother.

Since her children were now older they stayed in different huts built by their father. Cheta still lives with her mother.

The Giant Queen: You remembered me after ten years which means there is trouble, what is it?

Queen Amara: I need you to do something to Jidenna for me mama. I have warned him to stay away from the ugly girl but he wouldn’t listen. Adapuruche listen to me but he never does.

The Giant Queen: Okay Amara, I will turn him into an insane person.

tbc

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 3

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

After the unknown man disappeared, Amara came down from the bamboo bed and brought out the calabash once again. Saying some incantations the giant Queen face was seen few seconds later.

The Giant Queen: (Looked surprised) You summon me Amara twice in one day which is unlike you, what is it my child. Tell me, for I’m your mother and will do anything for you.

Queen Amara: Mama, something just happened right now. A man appeared in my hut few minutes ago.

The Giant Queen: A man you say? Did you by any chance happens to see his face?

Queen Amara: I did not see his face mama, his back was facing me.

The Giant Queen: Okay, what did this unknown man told you.

Queen Amara: He threatened me mama, he warned that the gods are watching me. That is why I summoned you to tell me who he is and who gave him the impetus to come and stand before me to utter nonsense.

The Giant Queen: (Laughed) The gods indeed. I told you that the battle has just begun. Do not be afraid Amara, no one messes with my daughter and go scot free be it the gods or any mortal.

Queen Amara: (Feeling confident) Thank you nne, I need to rest my tired body. (The Calabash cleared and Amara put the calabash back under the bamboo bed.

The Next Day

Queen Amaka came to the hut of her co wife to greet her and her new born baby. She was carrying Cheta in her arms.

Knocked twice on the door and the door opened and Amara stepped out of her hut pushing Amaka away from her.

Queen Amaka: (Ignoring the push she got from Amara, she smiled kindly at her) Amara, congrats. I heard you gave birth to a beautiful girl.

Queen Amara: Yes, you heard right Amaka. (Saying with pride) Adapuruche as my husband calls her is a very beautiful baby unlike you who gave birth to an ugly beast that looks like a child.

Queen Amaka: (The smile on her face faded into a sad one) please Amara, do not insult my child again, and please she is not ugly she might be ugly in your eyes but not in my eyes.

Queen Amara: You are very right Amaka, in your eyes your daughter is not ugly but in the eyes of others she is ugly. You should have remained barren all your life instead of giving birth to such ugly thing you called your child.

Queen Amaka: (Smiled) only the gods knows why I was given this child. I only came here to greet you and your baby not for you to insult me. I will leave for my hut Amara. (She turn to go and at the same time the door to Amara’s hut opened and a 8 year old Jidenna came out, he greeted his mother and Queen Amaka going to hug her legs.)

Queen Amaka: (touching his head tenderly) How are you my son?

Jidenna: (With a happy smile) I’m fine mama, please can I see my baby sister?

Queen Amaka: (elated and showed him Cheta’s) is she not beautiful Enna?

Jidenna: (He saw her ugliness but doesn’t want to upset her he nodded his head to the absmay of his mother) Yes Mama she looks beautiful like you, What’s her name?

Queen Amaka: (Smiled, at least one person didn’t find her daughter ugly) Her name is Cheta.

Queen Amara: (interrupting her son when he opened his mouth to say a word) That’s enough Jidenna, and you Amaka I thought you were leaving before or you want to inflict my son with your daughter ugliness?

Jidenna: (Surprised by his mother outburst) Nne, you shouldn’t call someone child ugly what if it returns back to you.

Queen Amara: Did you just talk back at me, your own mother Jidenna? Your father must hear it.

Queen Amaka: Is okay Amara, he is just a child and children will always speak their mind regardless of their age.

Queen Amara: When do you have a child to know they always speak their mind? Mind your ugly child and allow me to mind my own children.

(Queen Amaka left and entered her hut, Amara gave Jidenna a heavy knock on his head and draw him closer to her with his left ear using her hand)

Have I not warn you never to be nice to her? The next time you will try that, the next time you disobeyed me, what I will do to you eh, you won’t believe it. Just dare me then I will show you that a Lion can beat a crocodile.

Jidenna: Sorry Nne, I won’t be so nice to mama.

Queen Amara: She is not your mother, I am your mother. Do not ever in your life try to call her mother, inugo (you hear)?

Jidenna: Yes Nne.

Queen Amara: Good, so where are you heading too?

Jidenna: To go to father’s hut and greet him.

Queen Amara: you can go.

___

Queen Amaka who overheard the conversation started crying.

Only the gods knows why they decided to give her Cheta. Her beautiful Cheta, no harm will befall on you my daughter.

She prayed to the gods.

Ten Years Later…..

Cheta and Adapuruche has grown.

Adapuruche at her tender age was the most beautiful maiden in the entire Village. People who heard of her beauty came from far and wide just to take a glimpse of her. She was worshipped wherever she goes like a goddess and at times she was often refer as the sun goddess. All the whole maidens wants to be friends with her. Every father and mother wish to have her as their own daughter. Many Royal homes waited until she was of age to get her married to their sons.

Adapuruche wasn’t allowed to do anything at all. Everything was done by her maids. At the age of 10, she has up to 10 maids who served only her in the palace. She was well loved and pampered by her father and mother.

Igwe Ofordili was always feeling proud whenever Adapuruche was mentioned as the most beautiful girl.

But her sister, Cheta.

She was despised by everyone, including her father, no one wants to be her friend or associate with her, they have been warned by their mothers to avoid Cheta if not they will be ugly as her. Cheta doesn’t have friends.

Even though she was ugly and flies normal perch on her face, Cheta was hardworking. Before any of the maids in her father’s palace would wake up she has done all the house chores.

She thought they would love her but she got the opposite. Even at that, she didn’t stop doing her good.

The only people who doesn’t despised her is her mother and step siblings. She normally doesn’t see Adapuruche always but the little time got to see her, Adapuruche would only sent a smile to her direction and that’s it.

It was better than those who frown at her.

Jidenna has always been there for her and had always fight for her. One day he met her crying at the front of her mother’s hut.)

Jidenna: (going to meet her and sat down next to her on the bare floor? Ada, what’s it, who made you cry?

Cheta: (Stiffing her tears) The friends of Adapuruche called me ugly.

Jidenna: I will talk to Adapuruche to warn her friends. But I and mama have always told you never to let their insults get to you. What did I tell you to say whenever you are called ugly?

Cheta: I should tell them back that I am not ugly.

Jidenna: Yes Ada, you are not ugly, always remember that.

Unknown to Jidenna, his mother overheard his discussion and that night she summoned her mother.

Since her children were now older they stayed in different huts built by their father. Cheta still lives with her mother.

The Giant Queen: You remembered me after ten years which means there is trouble, what is it?

Queen Amara: I need you to do something to Jidenna for me mama. I have warned him to stay away from the ugly girl but he wouldn’t listen. Adapuruche listen to me but he never does.

The Giant Queen: Okay Amara, I will turn him into an insane person.

tbc

C.H.E.T.A( (I Am Ugly)

C.h.e.t.a Episode 2

®️Ifeoma Isabella Okeke

Igwe Ofordili: (Facing the Midwife who helped Queen Amaka to deliver) don’t leave this hut okay.

Midwife 2: Yes your highness.
The elders of Ogidi Village trooped into the Palace and went to sit in their chairs as they await the presence of their King.

None of them wasted any time once the palace guard had come to inform them that their presence were urgently needed in the palace.

Igwe Ofordili came to meet them and went to sit on his throne chair.

Elders: Igwe e ga di ooo (you will live oo)

Igwe Ofordili: (Raised his ofor to quiet them) Thank you my elders for your quick response.

Onowu: Igwe may you live long for us. I have to hurry because with the way your guard sounded seem like there is fire on the mountain.

Elders: (nodding their heads to what Onowu said) Exactly your highness (They said in unison)

Igwe Ofordili: My two wives has just given birth early this morning.

Elder Okeke: Wow that is good news your highness. May the gods be praised.

Igwe Ofordili: (Smiled) My second wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl (then frown) but my first wife whom I thought the gods has remembered gave birth to a baby girl but the girl is ugly very ugly. If I didn’t know Amaka very well I would have said a mad man impregnates her. That is why i called you all to know what might be the cause. I mean how can the gods finally remember my wife and give her an ugly child? They could have left her just the way she is.

Elder Udo: Igwe may you reign. How can you say your child is ugly? Probably you didn’t see the child well.

Igwe Ofordili: (Though not offended) I, Ofordili whose eyes is as sharp as a lion did not see the ugly child well? Ebuka (he called one of his palace guards with him) Go and tell the midwife in Queen Amaka’s hut to bring that child here immediately, tell her to come with you. (The guard went to do as ordered soon he returned with the midwife carrying a little bundle in her arms, her face was squeeze in a disgusting way a little)

Midwife 2: Greetings your Royal Highness, Greetings the elders of Ogidi. (Igwe Ofordili and his elders acknowledge her greetings)

Igwe Ofordili: Let me not beat around the bush, Nwaga, show all my elders around here that child with you. I want them to see the child with their own eyes. (The midwife went round showing them the child. Each elders once they saw the face of the child, their face will change into a disgusted look some were saying ‘Tufiakwa’. Once she was through) thank you, you can go and give my wife the child back. (The midwife left his presence)

Elder Okoro: Igwe, I am confused, how can your wife give birth to such an ugly baby when you are a good-looking man and she is a beautiful woman?

Elder Okeke: Don’t be confused Okoro, I think the fault comes from the queen side, maybe one of her ancestors was this ugly before he or she dies and now it has come to the child.

Onowu: You may be right or wrong Okeke, but all I know is that the child is so ugly. Igwe, you know that every village look up to you. Having an ugly child will make them look down on you.

Igwe Ofordili: So what do you want me to do about the child?

Onowu: I suggest we either kill her or throw her into the evil Forest to die of hunger.

The great chief priest appeared right in their midst.

Chief priest: You will do no such thing Ofordili, unless, you want the wrath of the gods upon your entire household and village.

Igwe Ofordili and his elders were surprised to see the chief priest. They greeted him and he refused to acknowledge their greetings.

Igwe Ofordili: Wise one you haven’t seen the ugly child yet that is why you….

Chief priest: (Interrupting Ofordili) I don’t need to see her but know this Ofordili, that child mustn’t be harm, she must live. That is the message from the gods. Remember Ofordili, the gods of our ancestors sees and knows everything and when the time comes, the evil ones will get their punishment (He disappeared as quickly as he came)

Onowu: We can not question the gods, since we are out of options, what do we do?

Igwe Ofordili: (heaved out a sigh) like the chief priest said the child must not be harmed so I am leaving everything in the hands of the gods but they should know, I will not take any responsibility that comes with that child.

Elder Udo: A good idea Igwe, a very good idea.

****

The sun has gone to rest, the moon takes his place as the darkness begins to surround every Villages.

Queen Amaka has just gone to bed, she had used her hand to bath her daughter since everyone in the palace was avoiding the child. They didn’t want to contact her ugliness.

In Queen Amara’s hut, she made sure her son, Jidenna, was fast asleep and her newborn daughter was asleep before she brought out the calabash hidden beneath her bamboo bed and opened it. It was empty and old that one would see it as nothing.

Whispering some words, the face of the giant Queen was in the calabash.

Queen Amara: (Smiling) Mother, you never cease to surprise me.

The Giant Queen: Has she given birth?

Queen Amara: Yes she has, and like you said, her daughter is ugly. Everyone in the palace was talking about it. Thank you mother for keeping to your words.

The Giant Queen: (Her head magically turned around in circle before stopping to face her daughter once more) The battle has just started, be very careful and make sure you show no pity to her daughter.

Queen Amara: (Smiling widely) You can always count on me mother.

The calabash cleared and she put it right back under her bamboo bed.

The suffering of Amaka daughter has just started…..

As she was about to lie down a man appeared in the hut, he was dressed in all white and his back was facing her.

Queen Amara quickly became alert to the unknown presence in her hut.

Queen Amara: (With a strong voice) Who are you and what are you doing in my hut?

Unknown Man: Don’t gloat over your victories yet Amara, they are watching you.

Queen Amara: You better leave to wherever it is you come from or I will be forced to send you to the River of Dead Souls.

Unknown Man: Remember Amara, the gods are watching. (He disappeared and Amara gave out a long loud hiss)

To Be Continued