The Farmers Daughter Sitting By The Road Meets A Stranger Not KnowingHe's Back To Find A Wife NG

The narrative opens with a tense domestic scene. A young woman, seemingly about to leave the house, is confronted by an older woman, presumably her mother or an elder, who disapproves of her attire and lack of contribution to household chores, specifically fetching water. The elder woman, referred to as "Mama," is aggressive and uses harsh language, threatening to physically assault the younger woman if she doesn't comply. This immediate conflict establishes a pattern of familial discord and a struggle for respect and authority. Shortly after, the younger woman, Ifa, encounters a man named Dubem at the stream. He offers to help her fetch water, but she declines, stating she's waiting for a friend. Their brief interaction is interrupted by the arrival of Mama, who again confronts Ifa, accusing her of sleeping with old men, a derogatory remark that deeply offends Ifa. A physical altercation almost ensues, with Mama threatening Ifa and Dubem attempting to intervene. This incident highlights the deep-seated animosity Mama harbors towards Ifa. The scene then shifts to a conversation between Mama and her other son, Auma, who has recently returned from the city after a business failure. Auma's container capsized in the Red Sea (later corrected to Mediterranean Sea), causing him to lose all his goods and incur significant debt. He explains he borrowed money, and now his creditors are pressing him. Mama expresses her unwavering support for Auma, contrasting it with her treatment of Ifa and Dubem. She promises Auma that her "golden son" will return with money and a baker, implying a future of wealth and power, and that she will then "put Dubem in his place." Dubem's return from the city is met with less enthusiasm by Mama. He is hungry and tired, but Mama offers him only "cabbage biscuits" as a snack, while preparing a sumptuous meal for Auma. Dubem expresses frustration over the lack of water, which Auma apparently used up, further highlighting the preferential treatment Auma receives. The family discusses selling their last remaining piece of land to help Auma restart his business. Dubem vehemently opposes this, reminding Mama that they had already sold land once before for Auma's previous venture, which also failed. He argues that selling the last land would leave them with nothing and that Auma should remain in the village and work hard. Mama, however, is determined to sell the land for Auma, dismissing Dubem's concerns and even suggesting selling Dubem himself to raise money. This further cements the favoritism towards Auma and the deep rift between Mama and Dubem. A friend, Juna, advises Dubem to stand his ground and not let them sell the land. She reminds him that he is the first son and should assert his authority. Dubem, however, preaches peace and non-violence, stating that "two wrongs can never make a right." This reveals Dubem's gentle and forgiving nature, which others, including Juna, perceive as weakness. Mama, meanwhile, is determined to sell the land, claiming it belongs to her late husband and not to Dubem. She plans to use the money to send Auma back to the city. The narrative then focuses on Ifa and Juna's friendship. Juna is a supportive and caring friend to Ifa, offering comfort and a listening ear. She reassures Ifa that she will always be there for her, emphasizing their bond despite not being blood sisters. Later, Mama informs Dubem that she is traveling for three days and asks him to tell Auma if he wakes up. Her dismissive tone and sarcastic remarks about Auma's "traveling" for work, implying he's merely a "911 conductor," further highlight her disrespect for Dubem. Dubem encounters Ifa again, and he expresses his admiration for her beauty. Juna, who is with Ifa, observes their interaction and teases Ifa about Dubem's apparent interest. The land sale proceeds. Mama, Auma, and a potential buyer inspect the land. The buyer is hesitant due to a previous bad experience with land purchases and demands assurance that the land is genuine. Mama and Auma try to convince him, offering a price of 3 million naira, which the buyer negotiates down to 2.8 million. Dubem learns about the land sale from Juna, who frantically calls him to inform him of the situation. Dubem is away and expresses reluctance to engage in conflict, reiterating his desire for peace. Juna, however, is frustrated by his passive approach and urges him to fight for their inheritance. Papa, an elder figure, acknowledges Dubem's gentle nature but warns against mistaking it for cowardice. He expresses regret that his brother (Dubem's father) took a second wife, implying that this is the root of the family's problems. He advises Dubem to be strong and promises to talk to Mama. Auma prepares to return to the city with the money from the land sale. Mama gives him a stern warning to use the money wisely and not to return with another tale of loss. She prays for his success. Dubem visits Papa, bringing him gifts from his travels. Papa blesses him and expresses his appreciation. Mama, however, continues her hostile behavior, refusing to carry the gifts inside and demanding Dubem do it himself, despite him being tired from his journey. Juna and Ifa have a heart-to-heart conversation. Juna expresses concern that Mama and Auma might have squandered all the money from the land sale and urges Ifa to inquire about her share. Ifa, being pregnant, is somewhat passive. Ifa confronts Mama about not receiving any money from the land sale. Mama dismisses her concerns, stating that Ifa is not her son and therefore not entitled to anything. This deeply hurts Ifa, who feels unloved and undervalued by Mama. Dubem, overcome with emotion, confesses his love for Ifa, expressing that he has never felt this way about any woman. Ifa, despite her initial reservations, also admits to having feelings for him. Juna, observing their budding romance, encourages Ifa to pursue it. The family conflicts escalate. Mama chastises Dubem for not sweeping the compound and insults him, calling him "useless." Dubem's stepmother, a strong-willed woman, defends Dubem against Mama's verbal abuse, reminding Mama that Dubem is her brother's son and should be treated with respect. She also accuses Mama of having a plan to prevent Dubem from marrying. Dubem, still committed to peace, decides to bail Auma out of jail after Auma is arrested for involvement in an illegal business (contraband). Juna is furious, arguing that Auma deserves to suffer for his actions and that Dubem should not sacrifice his savings for someone who has repeatedly caused them trouble. Papa, however, supports Dubem's decision, reiterating that "two wrongs can never make a right" and that family ties should prevail. Auma returns from jail, unremorseful and ungrateful. He insults Dubem, accusing him of using the bail money as leverage to disturb his peace. He dismisses Dubem's efforts and even suggests Dubem should have his own "911" (a metaphor for a successful business) if he were truly smart. Papa arranges for Dubem to marry a girl named Ujunwa, who is Ifa's friend. Mama supports this plan, seeing it as a way for Dubem to have a first son and assert his dominance over Auma. She manipulates Dubem into believing that marrying before Auma will break the "jinx" of his second son status. Dubem, despite not having a girlfriend, agrees to the arranged marriage. Ifa learns about Dubem's arranged marriage to Juna and is deeply hurt and confused by her friend's betrayal. She confronts Juna, who acts cold and distant. Ifa realizes that Mama is likely behind this plan. The conflict between Ifa and Mama intensifies. Mama refuses to cook for Ifa, leaving her hungry. When Ifa questions this, Mama insults her and threatens to physically assault her. Dubem intervenes, defending Ifa and warning Mama not to touch his wife. The situation culminates in a physical altercation between Ifa and Mama over hanging clothes. Mama tries to assert her authority as the "first wife" in the compound, but Ifa refuses to back down. The fight is witnessed by others, who lament the growing hatred within the family. Dubem, finally pushed to his limit, confronts Mama and Auma, threatening Auma with a cutlass for attacking Ifa. He promises Ifa that he will bring Auma's head. However, Auma manages to escape. Dubem returns to Ifa, unable to fulfill his promise of bringing Auma's head. He is frustrated and disappointed. Ifa, however, urges him to "man up" and fight for their rights, criticizing his passive approach and his constant talk of "peace." Ifa discovers she is five weeks pregnant. This news brings immense joy to Dubem, who is thrilled to become a father. Ifa's friend offers her a place to stay for her safety, fearing further conflict with Mama. Dubem is reported to have died in an accident. The news devastates Ifa and the family. Mama, however, is more concerned with the money for the burial, expressing frustration that Dubem died without leaving any money. Mama continues to torment the pregnant Ifa, demanding she sweep the compound despite her condition. She compares Ifa's pregnancy to her own past pregnancies, during which she claims to have performed strenuous tasks. Mama accuses Ifa of stealing 200 naira and demands its return, creating another scene. Ifa denies the accusation, but Mama is relentless, threatening to involve the entire village. Mama confronts Ifa about her pregnancy, accusing her of carrying another man's child and ordering her to leave the house. This is a cruel and baseless accusation, further highlighting Mama's deep-seated hatred for Ifa. In a surprising turn of events, Dubem returns alive. He explains that he was involved in an accident and pronounced dead but was miraculously revived at the morgue. He was in a coma for two weeks and received treatment, and a good Samaritan paid his hospital bills and gave him 20 million naira. This miraculous return brings immense joy and relief to Ifa, who had believed him dead. The story ends with Dubem's triumphant return, bringing hope and a sense of justice to the long-suffering Ifa.