FLAGGED

BROKEN PLATES

"What sort of rubbish food is this?" Odinaka thundered.

Fear gripped Ngozi as she muttered silent prayers under her breath for tonight not to turn sour for her.

"Fried rice and chicken." She replied.

"Did I tell you that I wanted to eat fried rice, why didn't you tell me before cooking it?" He thundered again.

"But……" she sighed. "Never worry, I will make another food for you if you don't like what I already made." Ngozi replied calmly.

Instead of agreeing to what she said, he turned around and gave her a hot slap, pushed her from the chair, and threw the food on her. He looked at her with so much contempt and spat on her.

Ngozi gently stood up, with one hand on her cheek which had turned red, and tears dripping from her eyes, she picked the nearby dustpan and broom to sweep the debris and cleaned up the mess her husband created.

All these happened while their four-year-old daughter watched. The little girl had grown accustomed to the constant humiliations her mother went through. She had also grown to be afraid of her father that even his voice made her tremble.

Odinaka, although hard on his wife, had a soft spot for his daughter, even though he didn't understand the reason why she felt uneasy with him.

While Ngozi was in the kitchen, she began to sob quietly, and flashed back to when life was all love and rosy. She didn't understand how her husband had changed overnight, her once cherished man had become a monster she was afraid to face. She sat on the bare floor and thought about when it all started.

BEFORE THE STORM

Six years ago, Ngozi had lost all hope of getting married. Ngoo as she was fondly called by her family and peers was a tall dark-skinned beautiful lady, men had approached her and asked for her hand in marriage. She thought that she was too young for marriage and she hadn't finished enjoying her life, therefore, needed more time before thinking of settling down. As time went on, years passed by and before one could know it, she was already in her late twenties and the men?? They weren't coming any longer.

Being the only daughter of her parents among 3 boys, her brothers were all married and living with their wives, the house felt boring to her. Her friends were almost all married, both her agemates and those she was older than. She became depressed and vowed to do anything to get married.

She started going from one church to the other, attending marriage seminars, being active on social media. When all these seemed like water being poured on a stone, she finally decided to go out even more — she chose the park, she went to weddings uninvited, until one day, she got noticed in one of the weddings she gatecrashed.

Odinaka was a charming, handsome rich man. He was the kind of man ladies would die for. Immediately he entered the wedding reception hall, he noticed Ngozi where she sat all alone. He went and sat beside her. At first, he pretended like she wasn't there but before the event would end, they were already laughing and talking like they knew each other from somewhere.

When the wedding ended, they stood outside his car and talked a little more, he exchanged numbers with her and offered to give her a ride home. In those few hours, he had already shown her his parents' pictures — told her his address, talked about his favourite food and what he did for a living.

After dropping her off and bidding her goodnight, Ngozi stood outside for a while reminiscing on the events of the whole day. While lying on her bed, she thought of how he had spoken, his eyes, and the aura he possessed. Her parents were surprised that their once moody daughter was smiling at everyone.

That night as she closed her eyes to sleep, she dreamt of marrying Odinaka.

THE MAN WHO CAME

Odinaka's arrival in her life felt like a life-changing opportunity, a day did not pass without them hearing from each other. Gradually, Ngozi was coming out of her shell, she blossomed like a harmattan flower finally getting touched by rain. Her mother couldn't help noticing her liveliness, one day she decided to know what exactly was making her happy.

"These days, I noticed you smile more…what is the secret?" her mother asked.

Ngozi giggled a little.

"Well…you know I have been wanting to tell you about it…about the man whom God has finally decided to bless me with." she giggled again.

Her mother looked at her and shook her head.

"Who is he and where is he from?" she asked.

"Odinaka…that's his name, he's from the Eastern part of the country." she replied.

She went ahead to narrate to her how she met Odinaka, their first day, how he was caring, humble and attentive.

"Mummy, I'm convinced he's the one for me." Ngozi said.

"It's not a matter of being the one for you, Ngoo. Is he really showing you his true character, or pretending to love you in order for you to accept him?" Her mother paused.

Ngozi thought about it for a while.

"I don't think Odinaka is like that, he loves me and I know it deep in my heart." She replied with a shrug.

"By the way, why does Odinaka need to hide things from me, we both are not getting any younger." Ngozi said while laughing and nudging her mother.

Two weeks after they met each other, Odinaka asked Ngozi to be his girlfriend, she accepted immediately because to her, she was already dating him in her heart. Their love grew so fast that both their families came to know each other. Before Ngozi would know it, she was already going to Odinaka's family house on weekends to help his mom. Odinaka on the other hand was always bringing one gift or the other to Ngozi's mom.

It wasn't long before he proposed to her and she said yes.

SHE SAID YES

It wasn't long after Ngozi accepted Odinaka's proposal before wedding plans began. Ngozi felt on top of the world because she couldn't believe that a few years ago, she had lost all hope of becoming a 'Mrs', until Odinaka.

Both families were actively preparing for the traditional and white wedding of their children. Odinaka was hastening things along, people thought he couldn't live without Ngozi.

The wedding day came, and Ngozi couldn't contain her joy. She radiated beauty in her white wedding gown. There was enough to eat and drink. The traditional marriage and white wedding were held the same day. It was this memory that Ngozi would hold on to.

When the wedding was over, Ngozi became officially married, and she followed her husband to his home. She glowed with love. Odinaka pampered her, gave her everything she wanted, made sure she lacked nothing, she settled into her new home with ease. Although occasionally, she would call her mom to hear from her.

Ngozi thought she had won in life because she prayed for a man that would love and care for her, and she got a double of it. Little did she know that Odinaka was a green snake in green grass.

Odinaka got married to Ngozi because of the pressure from family members. He was already in his late 40s. The only way to escape pressures from his family members was to get married, and Ngozi happened to be the one who fell into his trap. He actively concealed his real character. He made sure that Ngozi became too comfortable and let her guard down. He made sure that she did not figure out any bad things about him.

But behind Odinaka's warm smile was a story Ngozi did not know.

How long does one pretend? How long does one live in shadows? How long does it take before the true character of a person surfaces?

AFTER THE BABY

One year after, Ngozi became pregnant. She was well taken care of, Odinaka made sure she did nothing by herself. He employed household staff to help her.

Nine months later, Ngozi gave birth to a baby girl. Odinaka was full of joy, even though he was expecting a male child. When Ngozi came back from the hospital, she realised something was wrong.

"Baby, what happened? Why are the workers not here to welcome me?" she questioned her husband.

"Oh! That…ermm…I sent them home, you know since you have already given birth, you are strong now to do things on your own. So we won't be needing their services." Odinaka replied with a smile.

Ngozi was surprised. She couldn't believe it.

"But I just gave birth and I am still in pain, how do I take care of myself and the child?" She lamented.

Odinaka's face was already turning red with anger.

"My mother had no one to help her but she gave birth to seven of us all alone. Is she not a woman like you? If she did it, you can too!" He turned to leave.

Ngozi could no longer hold it, she raised her voice.

"How on earth do you think that you can compare me to your mom? I'm not strong, I can't do it, bring my mom over or the staff!" she yelled.

Gbwaaam! Gbwaaam!

Two slaps landed on her cheeks in quick succession, she didn't even have enough time to understand what was happening before she was pushed down.

"Listen!" Odinaka thundered.

"This is my house and my rules. You will do what I ask you without questioning. You are going to cook for me, take care of the child and nobody is coming here to help you!" He ended and left her on the floor crying.

Ngozi couldn't believe that her perfect husband would one day yell at her, let alone slap her. That was the beginning of her misery.

HER NEW NORMAL

"Mummy."

A tiny voice called, Ngozi was jolted back to reality, she realised she had been sitting on the bare floor, thinking of what her life had become.

She looked up to her daughter, drew her close and wiped her face with the hem of her clothes.

"I'm fine." she muttered.

She stood up to dispose the broken plates and rice particles in the dustpan into the waste bin. Her cheek still throbbing. The memory of who Odinaka once was felt like it belonged to another woman's life.

This was her life now.

She thought the first slap was a mistake but then it was accompanied by beatings. The only peace she had was when Odinaka was not home, otherwise she walked on eggshells in her own marriage.

As if that wasn't enough, Odinaka proceeded to collect her phone from her — cutting off all communication with her family. The only time she got to speak with her parents was through her husband's phone and in his presence. She did not have the chance to ask them for help. He stopped her from the work she was doing and forced her to become a full-time housewife and financially dependent on him.

She was expected to cook fresh food every day, whether she was fit or not. In less than four years, the once beautiful Ngoo became a shadow of herself, finding solace in house chores and taking care of her daughter.

Then came the accusations — whenever Odinaka saw her associating with the neighbours, he accused her of gossiping with them and looking for ways to kill him. He even went as far as accusing her of sleeping with their male neighbour. All these made Ngozi distance herself from the neighbours and always stay indoors.

The neighbours couldn't help because they didn't know anything about her aside from the fact that she was married to Odinaka. They all minded their business as Odinaka would fight anyone who dared question him on how he treated his wife.

Ngozi wished each day that she had never met Odinaka, she longed for the good old days in her father's house where peace once lived.

WHAT THE CHILD SEES

No child deserves to go through the pain of seeing her mother pass through terror in the hands of her father.

Emelda had grown accustomed to her father's constant shouting and aggressive attitude towards her mother, although he was gentle towards her and carried her preciously, she couldn't understand the reason why her mother was not treated the same way.

Every evening when her father came back from work, she found herself instantly clinging to her mother, she would stay wherever her mother was, she walked quietly through the house and had learned to read her father's mood even before he spoke.

One fateful night, she was running a high temperature, her mother was running around to soothe her. Her father came to carry her but she glanced at him and recoiled.

"Ada'm what's wrong? Allow me to carry you na…" Odinaka begged softly.

"I want mummy." Emelda replied.

"Why? I'm your father and I won't hurt you…okay." he tried to convince her into letting him hold her. But the little girl wouldn't budge.

He turned to his wife with a murderous look.

"What have you been telling her?" he yelled.

Ngozi stepped back.

"You evil thing, tell her that I'm her father and I won't harm her!" He kept shouting.

He didn't know that the more he kept yelling at his wife, the more distant his daughter became.

"I don't think I can. Emelda is already afraid of you…if you noticed, she is more quiet whenever you are around and I don't tell her bad things about you. I can't do that." Ngozi replied with a trembling voice.

He took a few steps towards her, grabbed her arm and shook her violently while throwing cuss words at her. Emelda cried out painfully, and Odinaka immediately released Ngozi from his grip. He moved over to the child and she quickly pulled the duvet over herself.

Odinaka stood helplessly over her.

One week later, a new neighbour moved into their compound. Emelda stood at the window and looked on, while her mother watched from the kitchen door. The new neighbour saw her and waved, but she did not wave back.

CHIMAMANDA

The new neighbour was a very social and lively person who loved to carry everyone along. Within one week of her arrival, she had gone round and introduced herself to the other neighbours. Chimamanda, 25 years old, short with endowed features, carried this kind of courage and aura with her; within a short period of time, she became popular in the compound. But only one person remained distant towards her — Ngozi. Not because she chose to, but because she was afraid of her husband.

Deep down, Ngozi longed to join the female neighbours in their evening chatter. Their laughter always made Ngozi remember her mom and what her life had been before meeting Odinaka.

Sometimes she sat by the kitchen door to listen to them and would laugh at their jokes. Slowly, she started developing a liking for Chimamanda because she always had the most interesting stories and seemed to have more experience for someone her age.

It didn't take long before Chimamanda noticed that something was deeply wrong with Ngozi. She decided to ask questions.

"Mummy," she fondly called all the older neighbours that. "please, the woman on the other side of the compound, do you know anything about her?" she asked the woman.

"Ahh, that one…that one has seen shege and more to come if she doesn't leave that Devil of a husband." the woman replied.

"Ma, can you please explain." Chimamanda pleaded, she looked around for a chair to sit on.

The woman cleared her throat. "Her name is Ngozi and she has a child, they moved into the compound when the child was still a baby. The day they came, her husband beat her at the gate because she was slow in bringing their bags inside." She paused.

Chimamanda was shocked, she turned and looked towards Ngozi's door which was always closed.

"What about her family members? Is nobody coming to rescue her?" She sounded concerned.

"As much as I know, nobody had ever come to look for either of them, so I think she's an orphan." she said.

"Or maybe her husband restricted them from coming…who knows." Chimamanda replied, almost to herself.

"We don't know for sure, but I will advise you to mind your business. The husband beats her almost every day and she's a housewife. If we try to intervene, he fights us." she said and stood to enter her house.

Chimamanda sat there thinking, she glanced at the door again and this time caught Ngozi staring. She smiled at her but she withdrew immediately.

There and then, she made up her mind to rescue her, whatever the outcome.

THE CALL

"Knock knock."

"Who's there?" Ngozi's cracked voice came from within. She sounded as if she had been crying.

"It's me, Chimamanda."

Ngozi quietly stood up and came to open the door. She stared down, trying to avoid Chimamanda's eyes.

"I hope all is well? You look stressed." Chimamanda said.

"I'm fine, how may I help you?" Ngozi said, frantically looking around.

"I came to collect salt, I don't know if you can lend me some. Mine just finished." Chimamanda said.

Ngozi finally looked up. Chimamanda could see her swollen eyes. It seemed as if she had been crying for ages. She looked behind and saw her daughter standing quietly behind her, clutching her mother's clothing.

"I guess I came at the wrong time." Chimamanda said. She turned to go but Ngozi found herself grabbing her arm.

"Don't go, please. I have salt, I will give you." she said, almost pleading.

That gesture told Chimamanda all she needed to know. She hadn't come for the salt in the first place. She used it as an excuse to get Ngozi to open her door.

"I'm dying. I need help." Ngozi whispered.

"That's why I'm here." Chimamanda replied.

"Are you an orphan?" she asked Ngozi.

Ngozi was shocked to hear that. She burst into fresh tears. Emelda, seeing her mother crying, joined her as well. Chimamanda immediately hugged her, took her inside the house and consoled her.

When she finally found her voice and had stopped crying uncontrollably, Ngozi began to narrate how everything started — from her single days, when she met Odinaka, to her giving birth and the beginning of her suffering. Chimamanda was shocked at the level of wickedness a man could mete out to the person he claims to love.

Ngozi told Chimamanda about her family. She went ahead to give her her eldest brother's number because she had it memorised. Immediately, Chimamanda placed a call to him.

Ngozi's brother was dumbfounded to hear her voice. He confessed they all thought she had forgotten about them. She gave the address of their house. Her brother arranged with Chimamanda to come the next day to take her and her child away.

Just as they were done making the call, Odinaka came in.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" He questioned Chimamanda with bloodshot eyes.

Chimamanda turned to Ngozi. "I will be on my way, since you don't have salt, I will go look elsewhere." She left immediately without looking at Odinaka. She was already filled with contempt for him.

Odinaka pounced on Ngozi and gave her the beatings of her life. Emelda immediately ran into the next room, seeking cover under the duvet.

THE DAY IT ENDED

The next day, Ngozi's brothers and her parents arrived at the house with policemen. Chimamanda on the other hand had already contacted a friend of hers who was a domestic violence activist. He also came with his aides.

Chimamanda, who was already waiting outside for them, showed them to Ngozi's block. Odinaka was dumbfounded when he saw Ngozi's family members. Immediately Ngozi heard her mother's voice, she ran out with her daughter and threw herself into her mother's arms.

Ngozi's face was more swollen than before due to the beatings of the previous day. Her mother cried seeing her, her father could only shake his head in pity. It took two policemen and some neighbours to restrain her brothers from manhandling Odinaka.

Odinaka couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing. All he could say was "How come?"

He was arrested by the police and handcuffed. He requested they take Ngozi and leave Emelda behind. For the first time in four years, Emelda spoke on her own without being probed. She told them that she did not want her father. She held Ngozi's brother tightly and wouldn't let go.

The little girl watched as her father was being pushed into the police van and driven away.

Ngozi thanked Chimamanda profusely and promised to keep in touch with her. Her family took her home to freedom.

When they got home, her mother first prepared a hot water bath for her before a nurse was called to attend to her bruises. Her father kept asking her "why."

"He made me believe that was the way marriage was." Ngozi said.

Her brothers made plans to set her up financially when she was stable enough.

Odinaka was charged with domestic violence. He was found guilty and sentenced to pwriting your story here...