Whatever It Takes - Season 1 - Episode 34

Episode 4 years ago

Whatever It Takes - Season 1 - Episode 34

☆☆☆
Finale:
I woke up very early and went to the study to perform a ritual that had become synonymous with
that particular day. It had been exactly three years since that fateful day. My wedding day. I pulled
a chair and unlocked the drawer in which I kept all my most prized possessions.

I took out an envelope and opened it gently like I always did. I had read the letter and many others
over and over again but I still felt the need to read them more on that day.

‘Dear Kasuba,
If you are reading this letter then I am no more. I’m sorry that I had to keep my deteriorated health
a secret from you. This is because I never wanted you to worry.

The rest of the family knows
already and that’s why your wedding date was set in such a short time. I hope I make it to your
wedding day or atleast see how you will look on your special day. Please note that should
anything happen to me before or during your wedding that you must go through with the rest of the
wedding because I only want you to be happy. wishing you the very best in marriage and I pray
you will be very happy.’

” Well you made it through our vows.” I spoke to noone in particular wiping the tears from the corner of my eyes. It was hard to lose a sister. Especially a sister like Mweshi. We were a powerful
duo the two of us. Almost like my parents knew just how much the sun and Moon needed and
completed each other when they were naming us. I even thought my parents were the smartest.



I drifted back in time to the day of my wedding and recalled a shrieking sound that disrupted my
wedding. As I opened my eyes I saw panic from my bridal party and the guests who were trying to
understand what had happened. The whole ceremony was marred with confusion. Apparently Joy
was the one that had screamed. She had reached out her hand to touch Mweshi only to discover
she was stone cold and she slumped off the bench. Luckily someone caught her before she could
reach the floor and that’s when I had passed out.
My sister had passed on peacefully in church In a sitting position.
One wonders why there was such a dramatic turn of events at one particular time. Lucky for me
we had already said our vows and declared husband and wife so the wedding was practically over
and done with. The wedding reception though was cancelled and a day that was promising to be
full of celebrations became sombre instead.
Four days later, I wept hysterically as we put her to rest in the presence of all our family and
friends as well as other sympathisers but one thing her death had created was such an
unbearable pain in my heart.
Biemba was literally shattered I had not seen a man cry quite that much for someone and it broke my heart further. Theirs was a love beautiful, so full of wonders and so pure I really wished they
could have forever.For months I was in a cranky and sour mood because I just couldn’t accept her
demise.
” Oh there you are!” Harry brought me back to the present “if you keep reading that letter we may
be late.” He walked to my chair and hugged me from behind planting a kiss onto the nape of my
neck as he did so. If there was anyone I was so grateful to was my husband, he was so loving and
patient with me.


” Sorry honey. Good morning and happy third anniversary to us.” I said for the first time since the
ordeal
” Happy anniversary honey. Oh you don’t know how happy it feels to hear you say that… finally”

I stood up and turned to face him. I then pulled him for a passionate kiss. He really deserved
nothing less. It was time I granted Mweshi’s wish. When someone dies those of us that live must
learn to live without them. No matter how painful it is. The most important thing to know is death is
our final destiny .
Accepting Mweshi’s fate apparently made my heart feel much lighter… like a huge load had just
been lifted off me.

” Mummy.” Our boy called. Oh yes I was a mother by then to a cute baby boy who took after both
his father and grandfather though complexion wise he took after his grandfather.
” I’m coming my honey bunny .” I shouted back

” A mini you is calling.” I perked my husband as uncoiled from his hold and dashed to the boy’s
room. He was a year and a half and we had decided to name him after his grandfather. He was
already quite a handful in an amazing way though.



” Hey sonny ” I greeted him as he jumped on me for a bear hug.

” Morning mummy.” He lisped then switched into the gibberish mode while I paid particular
attention to him to make sense of what he was saying.
” Father said you are carrying me with you today .” He lisped again excitedly
” Yes honey today is a very special day.” As I said that I remembered that I had gained more than
I had lost and I ought to be grateful. I discovered that my parents had regained sight and had
already sealed my marriage.Talking of regaining sight mum confessed that she had the hardest
time hiding the truth from me as all she wanted to do was scream in delight upon laying her eyes
on her children for the first time, Seeing the man that had loved her unconditionally and all the bursts of colour was dizzying for her. She was all the more grateful that she had a chance of
seeing Mweshi before her demise. And the hero in all that was no Other than my husband. Of
course people attributed the wedding scenario to bad luck but I was made to believe that such
things are merely myths that manifest when one believes them.


Anyway back to the present,we had the entire day planned out and we readied ourselves in order
to roll out what we had been working on the past three years.
*
” Sometimes life throws thorns in your path that p---k and hurt you. Some are so deep they leave
you scarred for life while others dimininish with time. What my sister went through scarred her for
life but she was surrounded by people who made her believe in herself more. People who gave
her hope, who inspired her to become the voice for the voiceless. This was her haven a place
where she found love. And that love made her live again. She battled death just to have that love
and she in turn gave you more love. My sister taught me not to retaliate our pains but to radiate
love. And now today we are here to keep my sister’s memory alive. This is your go to place.


Whatever you go through be rest assured you will find solace in this place, you will find your voice
in this place and most importantly know that all members of this place will not only be part of the
community but a family to each one of us. Therefore today I would like to declare ‘Damsels In
Distress ‘ in honour of my late sister officially open.” I read my speech in front of the officials and
guests
The two father’s, Biemba and grandson later cut the ribbon and there was an explosion of
applause.


I found new meaning to life the time we decided to do something that was to preserve Mweshi’s
memories. A place that was to continue preaching her message of safety awareness, positive
living as well as abuse.

” That went well.” Harry informed me on our way home
” Yes and the fact that father offered to teach brail to the blind was very thoughtful .” The good
thing about father was that he knew how to read before he went blind unlike mum who we had
organised classes for in order to help her with colours, numbers and letters alike.

” I’m sure your sister is so proud of you up there.” He pointed to the sky
” I’m glad we took the initiative. It’s what she would have wanted us to do.”
” Honey I have one more surprise for you.
” But Honey you know I don’t like surprises. They freak me out.” It’s true I had developed a strong
phobia for surprises from that day onwards .
” Just trust me please.”
” If you say so.” I said looking away from him
He drove us to the convent and gave me an elegantly wrapped parcel. “Please see Sr Grace she
knows everything. I’m going to be at the parish. When you are ready Sr Grace knows what to do.”
He instructed after parking the car as he slowly walked to the church premises.
Thankfully my family had whisked away Eric Dawson Junior in what seemed like a rush and had
evaporated into thin air immediately after the official opening of Damsels in Distress. I was even
beginning to smell something because my husband was one helluva romantic man.
” Hi honey, I believe we are ready to give our marriage a fresh start.” The note that accompanied
the parcel read and I couldn’t believe what was in the parcel. I was at the convent and the sisters
assisted me to get dressed. They later drove me back to the church and asked me to step out just
at the entrance. I was a bride once more. Though it all had a bittersweet feel as old memories
surged through. I stood frozen for a while just before the bridal chorus echoed through the church
and father came out to hold my hand. Memories were still flooding my head and I just couldn’t
move an inch.

” Let’s go my child.” Father said ” it’ll all be alright.” He assured me
” But is this even possible father?”
” Yes you are renewing your vows and being blessed so you can have a fresh start.” I obliged
hesitantly
Moments later we stood on the altar with the priest who was ready to officiate. I caught a glimpse
of my son and loosened up. We renewed our vows in front of our family, friends and colleagues .

Oh yes I had been working with Barclay’s for over two years then. From there we had our
reception at Mansa hotel where management had offered to host us for free considering the last
turn of events.

Mauritius was our honeymoon destiny and the place was not only refreshing but magical too.
**

If I say life is easy I will be lying as not everyone easily have their doors unlocked. The negative if
stroked through becomes positive. Though each one’s circumstances differ from the other, all you have to do is give it whatever it takes and you will have more reasons to smile about. because
nothing tastes sweeter than the fruits of hard labour. I was once just a girl who went wearing
oversized worn out flip-flops in search of alms with so little to take us through the day. somethings
start with a dream and turn it into reality. of course dreams won’t ever locate you sitting down, do
something for yourself, rise up and stop feeling sorry for yourself. Whatever happens be resolute,
dream larger than life and position yourself for greatness because in the end you are what you
believe in. I believed in education as the key and it surely unlocked the way. The question is what
is it that you believe in and are willing to do whatever it takes to soar to new heights and keep
soaring?


*The end