Welcome, new auntie.

(Cartoon Stock Website)

At a family gathering, Collins is serving his meal when Asha comes to the line.

“Why halo there auntie. Welcome to the family.”

“I am not your auntie.”

“What do you mean?”

“I may be married to your uncle, but that does not mean I am your auntie.”

“You have lost me. My uncle and I are related by blood. By default you are my auntie, including his 5 other wives.”

“Listen, I cannot be your aunt. Calling me your aunt when we are almost age mates does not make sense. Isn’t it a bit weird, even for you to call me your aunt?”

“OK. It does. However, I don’t understand your logic. You know what, it doesn’t matter. Today is a family day. Welcome to the family.”

“I have not joined your family either.”

“Eh…what? Why is that? You guys are married?”

“It is what my co-wives keep telling me. They isolate and insult me. They think I am here to steal your uncle away.”

“Well, look at it this way, he is three times your age and has a lot of money. To them you want to destroy their bonds so that you can keep the money to yourself. It is not only your co-wives, but also their children.”

“I am going to tell you I am not here for that. I genuinely love your uncle.”

“I am not saying you don’t. If you really love him I wish all the best for you.”

Asha starts crying.

“What’s wrong Asha?”

"I have never suffered this much in my life. My husband is abusive, because I cannot cook. His children hate me and blame me for stealing their dad. My co-wives spite me and are always working together to have me kicked out. My family has disowned me. I have no place to call home. All of them just think I married for money. I am all alone.”

Collins pulls her closer and hugs her.

“Listen Asha, it is tough. Life is and will never be easy. This is a choice you made. If you are truly in love with my uncle it does not matter what other people say. The only wife who can complain is the first one. The other four came when my uncle ‘made it’. I would encourage you to be a good wife, do your duties and love my uncle to your fullest. In time, everyone will see that you are serious about your relationship. Work hard and you will earn your place in my family.”

Collins stops hugging her as his uncle approaches.

“I hope you are not stressing your aunt.”

“No uncle. I was just getting to know her and welcome her to the family.”