LOVE IN ROYAL DISGUISE
Episode 1
The sun rose brightly over Umuoma, a bustling town surrounded by green hills. Traders were already setting up their stalls in the market square, their voices filling the air with greetings, haggling, and laughter.
Among them was a young man named Uchenna. He walked quietly into the market, dressed in simple clothes: a faded white shirt, a pair of brown trousers, and sandals that had seen better days. He carried a small woven bag slung over his shoulder.
Uchenna’s appearance was ordinary, yet there was something about him that caught the eye. His posture was straight, his movements graceful, and his face carried a calm confidence. But to the busy market women and men, he was just another stranger looking to buy or sell.
He approached a fruit seller, Mama Nkechi, who was arranging her oranges. “Good morning, ma,” he greeted with a warm smile.
Mama Nkechi glanced at him briefly and nodded. “Morning, my son. What do you want?”
“I’ll take five oranges, please,” Uchenna replied, reaching into his bag to bring out a small pouch of coins. He handed her the money and waited patiently as she selected the fruits.
“Here,” Mama Nkechi said, handing him the oranges. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
“No, ma. I just arrived yesterday,” Uchenna said. “I’m a trader. I travel from town to town.”
Mama Nkechi raised an eyebrow. “A trader, eh? Well, welcome to Umuoma. Just know that our ladies here don’t have time for broke men.” She chuckled, and a few other women nearby laughed along.
Uchenna smiled politely and thanked her. He walked away, eating one of the oranges as he observed the lively market.
Scene: Meeting Ego – The Proud Seamstress
In one corner of the market, a young woman named Ego was busy sewing with her hand-operated sewing machine. She was known for her beauty and sharp tongue. Her stall was always full of colorful fabrics, and her skill as a seamstress made her popular.
Uchenna approached her stall and greeted, “Good morning, madam.”
Ego barely looked up from her sewing. “What do you want?” she asked, her tone indifferent.
“I admire your work,” Uchenna said, pointing to a beautifully made dress hanging on the side. “You must be very talented.”
Ego finally looked up, her eyes scanning him from head to toe. She noticed his worn clothes and sandals and smirked. “Thank you. But this is not a place for window shopping. If you’re not buying, please move along.”
Uchenna chuckled softly. “I was only appreciating your work. But I’ll leave you to it. Have a nice day.”
As he walked away, Ego shook her head and muttered, “These broke men sef. No shame.”
Word spread quickly about the new trader in town. Some of the young women whispered among themselves, wondering who he was and why he seemed so confident despite his simple appearance.
“He’s handsome, but what’s the use if he has no money?” one of them said.
“I heard he’s just another struggling trader,” another added. “Who has time for that?”
Meanwhile, Uchenna continued to explore the town, greeting people warmly and helping where he could. He seemed unbothered by the whispers and side comments, focusing instead on observing the people and their attitudes.
That evening, Uchenna sat under a mango tree on the outskirts of the town. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. He pulled out a small journal and began to write.
“So far, the people here are friendly but quick to judge,” he wrote. “I have met many, but none have seen past my appearance. Tomorrow, I will visit the market again and see if there is anyone different.”
He closed the journal, leaned back against the tree, and looked up at the sky. “Father was right,” he murmured to himself. “It’s not easy to find someone genuine.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
Stay active for the next episode…
