She then turned and walked towards where Kelechi and Chika were seated with Chioma following behind her.
"See my two most favourite niece and nephew." She said as she gently bent down and gave each child a small hug.
"Auntie you look amazing." Chika said smiling brightly.
"Auntie you look beautiful." Kelechi said as well equally smiling.
"Thank you dears." Chisimdiri said patting both their heads softly.
The joyful chatter continued.
The wedding ceremony went amazingly well.
The procession went smoothly with everyone seated quietly. Chioma had come back at some point and sat close to her husband.
The bride walked calmly down the aisle to the altar where her groom was waiting as well as her father who waited a few steps ahead.
Okechukwu, Chisimdiri's father,a tall broad shouldered man with a stern face looked at his daughter with complex emotions as she finally reached his side before extending an arm which she took and walking her the rest of the way.
The bride's face was covered so no one saw her expression properly. Okechukwu walked solemnly with her before finally stopping in front of her husband and looked at the young man before him,he said something that no one but the three heard before handing his daughter over with complex emotions on his face before giving them both a small smile and then walking back to seat next to his wife who squeezed his arm gently.
The priest presiding over the entire ceremony was an elderly fair man with lean frame and average stature.
He said the greetings and opening prayers in a solemn yet calming manner.
The Scripture readings were next followed by the homily -sermons on the spiritual meaning of Christian marriage.
The man's voice carried through the mic that was held close to his mouth,solemn yet strong.
Then came the ring bearers who were Cika and Kelechi who walked calmly side by side each holding a small pillow that held a wedding band.
Chioma covered her mouth gently with a palm voice choking slightly as her eyes glistened.
Chikodi simply smiled and placed a hand on her back patting her gently and coaxing her with a small voice.
The wedding vows soon followed along with the blessing of the rings before they were then exchanged.
The Nuptial and final blessings were soon done followed by the kiss of the newlyweds after they were declared husband and wife.
Everyone stood up cheering and clapping.
After that was done everyone left to the center were the reception was taking place.
It was mid afternoon when they arrived at the center which was booked for the reception. It was a spacious place with arranged round tables with four to five chairs round them.
Adults were seated at the tables with a separate one at the center of the room for the newlyweds and their parents as well as some very special guests.
Many people were also at the buffet area picking from a variety of food on which they preferred to eat while the staff which comprised of women of varying ages wearing checkered uniforms scooped up the food for them into round plates or bowls.
Kelechi as well as Chika were both placed with other children at the children corner where they were served jollof or fried rice and chicken-the part with no bone- to eat.
It was during early evening when it happened.
A commotion started from a corner that quickly escalated drawing everyone's attention.
Kelechi didn't know what happened exactly only that his mother quickly came to the children's corner to look for him,her face was tense with signs of anger and after seeing him she quickly took his hand and said in a calm voice that they were leaving.
Some minutes earlier when the reception was in full swing and some men had already started drinking. Clinton, Chioma's younger brother and a notorious member of the family staggered to the table where Chioma and Chikodi sat with a few friends/relatives obviously drunk.
At first they tried brushing him off gently but he kept on pushing his luck and presisting, trying to make small talk while drunk.
He was trying to convince either Chikodi or his elder sister to invest on a 'great plan' of his.
After continuous refusals by the two in form of laughter and family problems he began getting aggressive in is actions and words.
Clinton is a dark-skinned tall and lean man with a once handsome face now weathered and hardened by no other than himself. He always used the care and love of his parents and siblings to collect money for 'investments' only to blow it all away on nothing but women,drinks and gambling.
He continued to do this until no one agreed to lend him anything again.
Chioma seeing his steadily aggressive attitude cautioned him but got insulted instead and that was the breaking point for Chikodi.
Chikodi immediately stood up, looming over Clinton's comparably small frame and warned him in a very low and dangerous tone that if he spoke to his wife in such manner again he'll personally help him learn the consequences of a loose mouth.
Clinton imboldened by alcohol sneered and said another insult or at least tried to before Chikodi moved like lightning and sent him flying.
Clinton got up unsteadily and swung at him only to be sidestepped and what followed was a one sided beating which the male relatives and friends rushed in and finally separated the two.
By that time Chioma had already gone and taken Kelechi.
The couple with there son in tow walked to the now approaching newlyweds and apologized sincerely saying that they will compensate them.
Both newlyweds already got the gist of what happened so they refused but Chioma insisted saying that it was the right thing to do before bidding them farewell and with that the family of three left.
Back in the reception Clinton sat alone on near an empty table face covered in bruises but a cold vengeance deep in his heart.
He was a coward and didn't plan on fighting again after the first experience but the humiliation of what happened burned into his mind.
He sat watching their fading figures and promised revenge.