Holding her hands were three beautiful children. Two little boys in matching white kaftans and a girl in a white dress. They were about three years old, identical in their features, clearly triplets.
Gasps rippled through the crowd like waves.
“Is that not Uju?”
“Chuka’s barren ex-wife?”
“Wait, are those her children?”
The whispers spread like wildfire. People stood up from their seats to get a better look.
Chuka was standing near the canopy talking to some guests when he heard the commotion. He turned around and froze completely.
His mouth fell open. His eyes went wide.
“Barren Uju? With triplets? How? When?” he muttered, unable to process what he was seeing.
His mind raced. This could not be real. This had to be a dream.
The woman he threw out, the woman he mocked, the woman he blamed for seven years, was standing in his compound with three children.
Nkechi, his new wife, was sitting under the canopy holding their baby. When she saw Uju, her face went pale.
Uju walked gracefully. Her children held her hands tightly, looking around with innocent curiosity. Finally, she reached where Chuka was standing.
He was still frozen, still unable to speak properly.
Trying to gather himself and save face in front of his guests, he forced a smile onto his face.
“Uju, you came. I am surprised to see you. And these… these children?”
“Yes, Chuka. I came as you invited me. These are my children, my triplets. This is Chiamanda, Chiaka, and Chinedu.”
The children greeted him politely, just as their mother had taught them.
Chuka’s mind was spinning. He did not know what to say. He wanted to ask questions, but could not find the words.
Finally, trying to maintain his pride, he said, “Well, congratulations to you. I hope you can finally see what you could not give me. God has blessed me too, as you can see.”
The crowd had gone quiet now, sensing the tension. This was no longer just a naming ceremony. This was a confrontation.
Uju smiled calmly.
“Congratulations to you too, Chuka. Your baby is beautiful. But before you boast too much, I have to ask you one question. Are you absolutely sure the child is yours?”
The compound went dead silent.
You could hear a pin drop.
Every guest turned to look at Chuka. His smile vanished instantly. His face turned red.
“What nonsense are you talking about, Uju? What kind of question is that?”
Uju’s voice remained calm but firm.
