THE STONE OF DESTINY

A Traditional Love Story: The Precious Stone 

Part 1

In the mystical world of dreams, there exists a tradition where a girl is bestowed with a precious stone. It’s a symbol of her heart, her future, her love. The stone is to be given to the man she desires, the one she wishes to marry. The stone, once given, binds two souls, promising unity and partnership.

On this particular day that I turned 25, amidst the wise elders, I was the chosen one to receive the coveted gem, a symbol of my love's commitment. I was given not one, but two stones, a rarity that signified an abundance of love and fortune. But before I could choose the man I longed for, an old man, known for his cunning ways, snatched one of the stones from my hand and swiftly presented it to the elders. He claimed that I had chosen him as my life partner, insisting that the stone was his proof.

The elders believed him without question. A small gathering was held, and it was announced to the community that I had found my life partner. In one month’s time, I would be married to this old man, the one who had wrongfully taken my precious stone. As per tradition, a man is given a month to prove his worthiness. He must keep the stone safe and demonstrate his dedication. If he fails, he is denounced as the husband-to-be.

After the announcement, I went to the elders, my heart heavy with sorrow and confusion. I told them the truth. That I had never chosen the old man. He had stolen the stone from me before I could offer it to the one I truly loved, the man whose mere presence brought light to my soul and joy to my heart. But the elders declined to believe me. They said no wise man would snatch such a precious stone from a woman, and the old man himself stood firm in his lies, claiming that I had willingly given it to him.

I felt helpless, trapped in a decision that wasn’t mine. I was despondent, my spirit crushed under the weight of the elders’ judgment and the false claims of the old man. But fate, it seems, was on my side. Later that day, as I wandered through the village, lost in thought, I came upon something unexpected. The stone the old man had taken from me.

He had lost it.

_Gladwill Maiyo_