NOBUNTU by Ayanda.

N
PROLOGUE

I am woken up from my dreamy sleep by a hard knock at the

door. My eyes shoot open, I look on my left and the sun is
already up, oh no no. I quickly get up from my mattress without
folding the blankets and exit my room. I am so late and I'm sure
my grandmother is worked up wherever she is. I make my way
to the other hut and take the 2 20L buckets, and wheel them
with a wheelbarrow to the village water dispatcher. Living in a
village has its own challenges, for example we have to walk 30
minutes to go and get water and the lines are forever long,
some come with 3 or more buckets. I go back home maybe
after an hour or two, and I still have to clean, make soft
porridge and sew beads, I make a living out of selling these
beads at an affordable price to the villagers of course. That's
my everyday pattern. I've completed my matric right here in
the village 5 years ago, we were learning under a tree even

when it was raining. I had it tough growing up. See, almost 98%
of us here in the village don't know how the city look likes we
all wish to go there one day. Only those 2% know it and of
which 1% are truck drivers and the other 1% city sellers. We
have no electricity the municipality have been making empty
promises, we've even stopped reaching out to them. I stay with
my grandmother, Thakasile my maternal aunt's daughter and
her younger brother Sanele. Thakasile is very spoiled she hardly
does anything in the house, all she knows is to go and visit her
friends Babalwa&Lwandle and only come back late to
eat&sleep. I always do the chores, I am like a helper to them
but Sanele gives me rest sometimes and takes over. Oh, she is 2
years older than me, she dropped out in grade 10. Sanele is 3
years younger than me he never attended school, he keeps
himself busy by doing wire cars, bicycles, fixing villagers roofs,
and all that staff. His hands are his biggest gift just like mine,
and he also makes a living too out of his craft. He is so humble
and very respectful unlike Thakasile. Anyway back to the story. I
fell in the line at the water dispatcher, I think I'm number 35
and the sun is beginning to be Scotching hot. I don't have
friends in the village, except for the people I hold random
conversations with, mostly about general things and how we all
want to go, and explore the city one day. I can't help but
eavesdrop on a conversation that the girls of the village are
having.

“Besewuzile ukuthy i nkosana u Zwelibanzi uyeza”? (Have you

heard that Prince Zwelibazi is coming)Zimbini says.

Well, our village is so small that we all know each other's

names. King Bhekizwe has two sons and one daughter, that's all
I know and I have never seen them ever since I was born. His
house is very big, and they have running tap water

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flushing toilets, electricity and a whole lot more. Let's just say,
they are living life. So the villagers say.
“Hhayi Mnge ngempela?”(No friend, are you for real) Amanda.

Her: “Nqo” (straight)

Buli: “Niyazi kuchaza ukuthini bafazi”? (do you know what

this means ladies)

Zimbini: “Kuchaza ukuthy sekuyisikhathi athathe umakoti” ( It

means it's time for him to take a bride)

Zanda: “Ye hheni” (exclaiming). “Mele silungiseni bafazi” (we

have to prepare ourselves ladies)

Zukiswa: “Nazingani ukuthy uzofuna u mfazi? Mhlambe uze

ngokuzobona umndeni wakhe, phela ningakhohlwa ukuthy
bekahlala e Melika”. (How do you know that he is here to look
for a wife? Maybe he has come to see his family, remember
that he stays in the states)
Buli: “Ufuna ukuthini kahle kahle Zuki”?(What are you
trying saying)

Her: “Uyazi angivani nokuziphinda” ( You know I don't

like repeating myself)

Zanda: “Mina njer ngithy sengimele I Nkosi yenze umcimbi

wokwamukela u Zwelibanzi bese uyasimema” ( I am waiting for

the king to do a welcoming ceremony for u Zwelibanzi and

invite us)

Nomsa: “Kaze usasemuhle njengakuqala or sekayeqisile” ( I

wonder if he is still handsome like before, or he has changed)

Zukiswa: “Sesizabona ngomcimbi” (we will see at

the welcoming ceremony)
Zimbini: “Nobuntu Sisi wathula kangaka sicoca nge nkosana u
Zwelibanzi” (why are so quiet while we busy talking about
prince Zwelibanzi)

Me: “Uxolo indaba angiyazi I nkosana mina” (I'm sorry the

thing is I don't know the prince)

Buli: “Haibo! njani manjer Nobuntu? phela I nkosana u

Zwelibanzi udumile la es'godini. Nabayenza umcimbi usuke
ukephi”?(How? Prince Zwelibanzi is very popular here at the
village. Where are you at when the king was busy making
ceremonies)

Me: “Ngisuke ngi busy”. (I am always busy)

Her: “Ayikho Leyo”. (There's no such)

Me: “Ngiqinisile” (I am telling the truth)

Truly speaking my grandmother forbade me setting my foot at
the royal stable, I am not even allowed to attend any gatherings
taking place in the village, but she allows Thakasile to attend
them. Sanele attends them once in a while. Judging by the way
they talk about the prince, he seems like he is handsome and
possibly the best creature they've ever seen. What if the prince
is married? Or better yet choose someone who is of royalty,
isn't that how they do things? Royalty marrying into royalty. But
then, we all have dreams. Gosh, this will ruin their chances of
being with him. Ai, it is now my turn. I fill up by buckets and
wheel them back home before I can even reach the second
street. I stop on my tracks when I hear car hoots from afar and
people ululating, I turn back, and I can see a line of cars coming
with a white flag in one of the cars in the front. This is prince
Zwelibanzi no one else but him. We all bow our heads down,
and some women of the village ululates until the cars are done

passing, they are just too many. I don't know why are they
even causing unnecessary traffic. After, 3 minutes I can hear
the car hoots fading. I lift my head and continue with my
journey. I get home and my grandmother is going up & down,
I've never seen her this nervous. I take out the buckets from
the wheelbarrow and go, and put them in the hut, that we use
as a kitchen. Thakasile comes in running and fanning her face,
she is happy I can see it all over her face.
“Gogo shesha sekafikile” (Hurry up grandma he has arrived)

“Ngicedile. Sizohamba manjer” ( I'm done. We will leave now)

Gogo comes out looking beautiful with her traditional dress,

Thakasile was also wearing her traditional short dress and
beaded sneakers.

“Ngifuna ukuthola ucedile konke mangibuya. Sisayo wamukela I

nkosana u Zwelibanzi, umyeni ka Thakasile” ( I want to find you
done when we get back. We are going to welcome the prince,
Thakasile's husband)

Me: “Ngizoyenza njalo gogo. Nihambe kahle” (I will do

so grandma. Go well)

They rush out, and I start with sweeping. I wonder how the
welcoming ceremony will be like this coming Saturday, I wish I
can go but I know that wish will never come through. I will just
daydream about it and picture it in my head as if I am there. I
just hope that my grandmother will have a heart, and allow
me to go with them to the ceremony.

1
NOBUNTU

03:45am I am already awake, and I am about to start sewing

the beads. The welcoming ceremony of the prince is in 2 days
time, and I have loads of beads orders to do. Everyone wants to
look beautiful in front of the Prince, especially the young
maidens. I would also love to be part of it just once and see
how it's like being in the presence of all the villagers, drums
playing, girls & boys dancing, and feasting on all kinds & kinds
of food. It sounds fascinating and exciting, argh what am I

saying because I will not even make it, it's a complete waste of
time. I've already made 50 beads and the time now is
05:30am, I yawn since I am sleepy. Sleep is the last thing on my
mind right now, time to go and fetch the water. I stand up, and
go to the water dispatcher, luckily for me I am number 4 this
means that I will arrive home early, and get everything done.
My turn comes and I fill both my buckets and, go back home. I
start by cooking the soft porridge first then I clean my room,
and the kitchen then I go outside and start sweeping the yard,

by 07:00am I am already done. What I like about myself is that

I'm a very fast person even when I work, I finish fast. I think I
was born this way. I take a quick bath then go and sit outside,
my grandmother hates being woken up early. Thakasile can
sleep the whole day, and my grandmother wouldn't mind, she
never scolds nor shout at her but if it is me, hhe all hell will
break loose. I will be punished severely. I am sitting here
thinking about my future. Thinking about how my life would've
turn out if my parents were still alive, I just wonder. I have too
many dreams that I want them to become successful, but with
the way I'm pressed here, I don't think I will make them come
true. They will disappear very soon, and they will be like mist
in a cup of tea. The door to my grandma's hut opens, and she
is shocked to see me sitting here sewing beads, I don't know
what's shocking because I always wake up early, okay maybe

today I woke up very early than other days. She greets me and I
greet back, she stands at her door.
“Awuna msebenzi okufanele Ngabe uyawenza?”(don't you
have any work that you are supposed to be doing)

Is this woman kidding me right now? Can't she see that I am

working? And that I am done with house chores? Good Lord
this old hag.

Me: “Lutho” (nothing)

Her: “Amanzi wona”? (what about water)

Me: “Ngiwakhile” (I've fetched them) gogo and I've already

cleaned the 2 huts and I'm done cooking the soft porridge,
as you can see I've also swept the yard.

She nods as if she understood everything I said, Bleh. She walks

to the hut that we've turned into a kitchen. I continue sewing
my beads, she comes out with her bowl of soft porridge and sits
right next to me without saying anything. I also minded my own
business and humming a song, I have a beautiful voice and
sometimes I want to showcase it but too bad, they never hold
auditions this side when the people from the city are looking
for artists. My grandma likes my voice too secretly, she never
shows it though. I would sometimes catch her dancing with her
head and tapping her feet on the ground, that's how good I am.

ZWELI

I am flagged by 2 big muscular guys. They are my guards that

are appointed by my father for a time being because of my visit
here. I only told my parents that I came back last night but I've
been residing at Jo'burg for the past 11 months ever since I
came back from Chicago. They don't know that and I'm very
much content with that. I get to the dining area and the family
is already seated, they are just waiting for me to join them. I
am the second born, Luthando is the first then after me comes

Nkosentle then the last born Nobuhle. I sit in between

Nkosentle&Nobuhle. Luthando is sitting with his husband
Mqhele he is a Prince in another village. King Nqobani and
Queen Nandi are sitting in the big royal gold chairs facing us,
and some other family members that I don't really like. I greet
everyone and they greet back. King Nqobani says grace, and
we all dish up for ourselves and start eating. In this household
we don't hold conversation while eating, we eat in total silence
only the noise that must be heard is of chewing & cutlery
nothing else. I find all of this totally annoying & useless. I am
used to eating while watching TV, with a remote next to me
and a bottle of Heineken. This is absurd I tell you, but this is the
Chief's house I will have to live by their rules. We are now done
eating, the maids come and start clearing up the table. We all
stand up and go to our different stations, those who are going
to work are leaving and those going to school

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it is only me and the parents now. Others had things to do in

preparing for my welcoming ceremony...
“Everything is fine baby, just the parents annoying me”, I tell
Tasha. She just called me, I am in my room.

“They still on about you getting a wife that side?”, she

asks clearly annoyed.

Me: “Yes”.

Her: “I don't get it. Why would your parents want you to take
a wife from your village, while I'm here”?

Me: “That's because I'm of royalty and I must take a wife who
is also of royalty like me. If not of royalty then I will be forced
to take a commoner in this village”.

Her: “This is ridiculous Zweli. All in all, once you get married to
a Zulu princess/commoner I will come second to you”?

Me: “I know and it's not as if like I have a choice. If I marry a

princess then yes it will be like that. If I marry a commoner, you
will be number and her second since she is none significant,
like a princess is”.

Her: You have a choice Zweli and that is to defy them. Put
your foot down or choose the commoner, I don't want to be
your second best”.

Me: “They will disown me then we lose everything. Your

flashy lifestyle will be gone and you will live in an RDP house
or a shack in someone's backyard and wear rags. Is that what
you want”?

Her: “No babe. I don't see myself downgrading like that.

Whatever you do just don't pick a very beautiful girl, pick an
ugly one” I laugh.

Her: “I'm serious baby. I don't want you falling inlove with
her, and she must be dark in complexion, not light”.

Me: “I won't baby and can you please stop calling me. I'll be
the one doing the calling from now on”.
Her: “Gezus! Fine. I love you and bye”.
Me: “Love you too” I hang up.

Just then a knock comes through at the door, who could that
be now.

“It's open” yelling.

The door opens and it is one of the guards.

“Your parents are summoning you to their chambers” he tells

me then bow down and walk out.

I grunt...
I will never get used to this life, this is torture dad should've
just called me. I get up from my bed and go the King's office.
The guard opens the door for me and I enter, I bow my head
and my father tells me to sit opposite him and his wife.

“Is there anything you want to tell us or do before we

proceed with the ceremony the king ask me.

“There's nothing I want to do dad. You can proceed with the

ceremony”.

Mom: “Spoken like a true Prince” I nod.

Dad: “Are you sure that you are ready to be my assessor”? I

nod.

Am I ready to be one? I think TF not. This is not even my

dream, and I am also not planning of making it a reality, I have
a life of my own to live by.
Him: “Very well then but you do know that one day you will
be a King, right? Once you get married you will have to start
learning the King's duties. You should be present in meetings
with the counsel”.

He starts preaching to me, good Lord this is not on. I can't sit
here and listen to him telling me about how to carry myself as a
Prince, blah blah. When he is done talking I decide to ask him.

“Dad is it really a must for me to get married to someone

who is of royalty”?

He looks at my mother and my mother nods at him.

Dad: “Not really. You can also marry a commoner, but

she should be of this village not any other villages”.

Mom: I for one, would really like you to marry a princess

not some stupid illiterate commoner from this village.
Me: “I hear you dad. I hear you telling me about taking my
duties as a future King once married. I am not ready for such
responsibility, I still have things to do before I devote myself
to such. And mother, I don't want to marry a princess and that
is final”.

Him: “What are those things Zweli? Another thing, you can
choose a commoner but your second wife should be of royalty
and that's final”. I huff.

What? What about Natasha then? It is clear as broad day

light that we will never get married, ever. This is messed up.

Dad: “Son”?

I shake away those thoughts...

Me: “Apologies dad. Things like getting my degree in

information technology and expanding my car parts selling
shop. I need to get my life in order first”.
Him: “You are 33 years old Zweli. You should've been married
by now, but I understand your concerns. We will wait with the
future King training till you are settled, I am giving you few
months”.

Me: “Thank you dad. May I take my leave now”?

Him: “You are excused”.

I stand up, bow down and exit his office. I am so done with this
village nonsense mxm. I miss Jo'burg now, I know that I got
here yesterday but I already miss Jo'burg. Then my father had
to bore me, about starting to learning about my duties as a
future King, yoh. I can't place my life on hold because of a
throne, a mere fucken throne. I also have a life and a woman I
love. Even if I were to introduce Natasha to my parents, my
father would not approve of her. He will tell you straight up
that he doesn't like her. He will tell you that Natasha is
possessed by a demon, he will cause unnecessary drama. That's
how dramatic he is, argh. I can't also leave my business on a
thread that will be my biggest downfall. Now, what to expect
on Saturday? I hope there will be that one ugly girl, well I know
that a lot of them are illiterate. Now imagine the two
combined, hehehe sparks, I tell you. I want a domesticed
woman, who will cook for me and Natasha every day. Natasha
can't cook, it's sad really. Another reason why my dad will not
approve of her, but my mom will sure like her and possibly
befriend her. She is too high class, she works at a salon as a nail
technician. One of her friends is the owner of it. She has lots of

friends, some are my friends girlfriends. Let's just say, we are a

circle of small friends.
2

NOBUNTU

Judging by the voices of the singing maidens outside it's

04:00am in the morning. They are all heading to the river to
have their baths. When there are ceremonies happening
around the village especially at the royal house, every
women/girls go and take bath at the river. For the past 2 days
the villagers were going up & down, and the girls & boys were
practising their dancing & songs. I really wish I could be part of
the ceremony, I don't know why is my grandmother restricting
me from going, it's not like I will cause a scene or something
after all I am a nobody around here. I was going to go there, just
to watch like other villagers. Sometimes I think that she doesn't
love me, she only loves Thakasil&Sanele. I mean I am always the
one doing the house chores and go fetch the water

• woods while Thakasile is always out with her friends. I

complained once to my grandmother and I received a beating
of the century, I couldn't sit with my butt for 3 days. I still did
the house chores despite the pains I were feeling, ever since

that beating I've stopped asking her things, I would just do my

chores, and sit in my room. I never sit with my grandmother
and have a full conversion with her, we have those random
conversations just once in a blue moon as for Thakasile, we
never exchange words. It has been like that for the past 4
years, and I'm fine with it. I lie on my back since I've been
tossing & turning thinking about all my dreams that I wanted to
achieve, it pains me that I can never fulfil them not unless I get
a breakthrough somewhere somehow or someone helps me
randomly, well I can only hope. I hear my grandmother calling
Thakasile's name, as per usual she never wakes up on her own,
and right now she is late, very late.
“Thakasile vuka maarn sezihambile ziye mfuleni izintombi zala
e sgodini” (Wake up the young maidens of the village have left
for the river already)

“Hhayi maarn Thakasile! Ngizowuphula lomnyango” (No

Thakasile. I will break down the door)

I roll my eyes, she is just wasting her time. Her voice is

irritating, it doesn't really help because Thakasile's room is right
next to mine.

“Hhayi maarn umsindo wani ekuseni so” (What's with the

noise so early in the morning)

That would be Ntombi gogo's firstborn, she stays in the city with
her husband & kids. She was one of those lucky women who got
boyfriends in the city, I wonder how it feels like having a
boyfriend. She is here for the welcoming ceremony of the
prince, she never visits, and she is a very humble person. I like
the fact that she calls a spade a spade she doesn't sugar coat it.

“Akusi wu Thakasile”! (Isn't it Thakasile)

Her: “Myekele mama yabona akazi miselanga nhlobo njer

ukuya emfuleni” (Leave her mom, you can see that she is not
prepared to go to the river)

Gogo: “Hha ana Ntombi. Zonke izintombi zala esgodeni

zambile kusele yena yedwa” (all the maidens from the village
are gone, and she is the only one left)

Her: “U Nobuntu yena sekahambile”? (has Nobuntu left

already)

Gogo: “Hhayi uyaphi loyo? Makasale la ekhaya” (Where is she

going? Let her stay here at home)
Her: “Soze kwenzeke loko naye uyi ntombi yala esigodini
kuphoqelekile ukuthi naye aye mcimbini wokwamukelwa kwe
nkosana”. (That will never happen she is also the maiden of
the village. It is prohibited for her to attend the welcoming
ceremony of the Prince)

Gogo: “Elami igama liyama. Akayilapho uNobuntu Ngicedile”!

(My word still stands. She is not going there, I am done)

Her: “Kubi ke loko ngoba mina ngizoyobikela I Nkosi ukuthi

unqande yezinye izintombi ukuthi ingaphumeleli ukuwamekela
isimemo sasebukhosini” (that's bad then because I will go and
tell the chief that you've denied one of the maiden to honour
the royal invitation)

Gogo: “Ngasho ngathi ukhohlakele wena! Ngabola amathumbu

ngawe” (I did say that you are cruel. I was rotten while carrying
you)

Her: “Angeke ngikuvumele umuhlukumeze njengoba wenza u

Ma wakhe, soze mama soze! Ngamane ungibize ngama gama”
(I will not allow you to ill-treat her just like you did with her
mother. Never. Never! You can even call me by names)

Gogo: “Suka phambi kwa mehlo ami Ntombi njenga manje

Ntombi. U Nobuntu akayindawo”! (Get out of my sight
Ntombi right now. Nobuntu is not going anywhere)

Her: ”Ok'salayo ngizo yazisa I Nkosi, thula u bheke! Futhi ke

uzoya lapha emcimbini ngenkani” (I will still tell the King, keep
silence & watch. She will go to the ceremony by force)

Gogo: “Ngizokuqhwaba nge mpama Ntombi”. (I will slap you)

Her: “Ya! Ujwayele vele qhegukazi elithakathayo, sies”. (you

are used to it, you old witch) I chuckle.

Gogo: “Nt...Ntombi ukhuluma nami njalo? Mina lo

owakubeleka”? (you talking to me like that? Me who gave
birth to you)
Her voice is breaking, hau. She also knows how to cry?

Ntombi: “Kuzokusiza ukuthi uvumele uNobuntu aye emcimbini

wokwamukelwa kwe nkosana” ( it will help you to allow
Nobuntu to attend the welcoming ceremony of the Prince)

Her: “Hamba la Ntombi! Hamba maarn”. (leave) I chuckle.

I am so happy to finally have someone who shields me. Ntombi

is the best. I hear some footsteps then my grandma cursing,
she bangs Thakasile's door again. I hear some fiddling then
Thakasile's door opening.

“Shesha njenga manjer uyemfuleni ungangidini”! (Hurry to

the river right now, don't irritate me)she yells at her.
Her: “Kodwa gogo ngi...(but grandma...) She cuts her short.

Gogo: “Usase la? Shesha maarn”! (you still here? Hurry up)
My mind is still stuck on the fact that my grandmother ill-
treated my mother, but then she told me that my mother died
while giving birth to me. I have questions lots and lots of them,
and they need answers. Who will answer them? Definitely not
her! So, she is doing to me what she did with my mother? She is
cruel very cruel! I still want to know what is it that she did to
my mother, I also heard that she ran away, now I don't know
what to believe. If she really died, or she is living her best life
without me, but why did she leave me behind? She knew that
her mother was cruel, she knew that her mother will treat me
like she did with her when I grow up,but she still left me. Was I
a burden to her? Lord

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tears are streaming down at the corners of my eyes. I am alone

in this world I have no one. Maybe my life would've turned out
for better if she was still around. I wipe away my tears and try
sleeping again. As for my father. All I know is that he knocked
mom down and never to be seen nor heard of again.

★»★«
ZWELI

I am so over this day already. We(family members) just came

back from the kraal with the seer to do a ritual, and ask the
ancestors to bless this day. Honestly I don't understand why
would my parents want me to get married to these illiterate
village girls. I was told this morning that I must choose a wife
today, here I was thinking that there will be a ceremony for
such. Today was supposed to be my welcoming ceremony, now
they boycotting it. It's confirmed my parents hate me, and my
reputation is at stake here. My friends are going to have a field
day with me when I get back to Jo'burg. I will be a joke and
knowing them they might even post about it on social media.
You know if only I had a chance to run away, I would've run
away and never look back, but then I would've lost everything. I
wouldn't even know where to start with picking up the pieces.
The door to my room open, and one of the guards tells me that
I have a visitor, I tell him to let the person in. I wonder who it is
because I am not expecting anyone and I don't have friends this
side. Who is that visitor?

“Your royal your majesty” Nkanyiso says as soon as he enters

my room laughing & bowing.

Nkanyiso has been my friend for over 10 years now, we met

during our varsity years, and ever since then we've been
holding it down. He is like a brother to me now. I stand up
laughing, and we fist bump, he throws his bag on the floor. He
sits down on my bed. I am really shocked to see him here, he
did not tell me that he was coming. Otherwise I am glad that
he is here, he will kill my boredom, and hopefully get me
through the day.
“Can't believe that you're getting married man. A whole
you tying the knot, and here I was thinking that it's a small
ceremony to welcome you back home” I sigh.

I narrated everything to him that happened the days I was here.

Me: “I am only doing this to get my dad off my back, you know
I have a girl that I love so much” he whistles.

Him: “How does this work? Do you get to choose a wife

for yourself or your dad is going to choose one for you”?

Me: “Traditionally I am supposed to marry a princess. A

princess that was going to be chosen for me by my parents. I
don't know how but the gear just shifted, I am going to
marry the girl of my choice. A commoner to be precise”.

Him: I see. I don't think I will survive with your life, I am

happy for you man. Are girls from this village hot”?
Me: “I don't know. They just too natural you know, they look
village even if you can take them to the city the village in
them will still be there. On top of it all they are illiterates”!

Him: “All of them?” he raises his eyebrow.

Me: “All including their mothers”.

Him: “Damn that's bad. I thought I was going get me one Zulu
girl”.

I laugh. He is full of jokes...

Him: “But look on the bright side. Girls from the villages are
taught respect, submission, and they are domesticated, they
have all the qualities of a wife material. Imagine coming
home from work to a heartily home cooked meal”?
Me: “Well, I guess I will have myself a new maid, and a
cooker at the same time”.

Him: “That's not right man, and what about MaSabatha”?

Me: “You will have to hire her as your maid”

Him: “What? Dude I am a bachelor for Christ's sake, why

would I want a maid? And you know I always have my fuck
buddies coming to my apartment, no man. I can't traumatize
her like that”. I laugh.

Me: “Almost forgot about that. Don't worry I will think of a

plan”. He nods.

Him: “You are going to wear this cow skin”?

His directing his question to the attire laid on top of my bed.

I nod...

He laughs until tears come out of his eyes. He finds all of

this funny, I will get him.

Me: “This is not funny”.

Him: “Sorry man. So, are you going to choose a beautiful thick
wife”?

Me: “Nope. I've been given instructions to choose an ugly one”.

Him: “Damn. Imagine choosing a hot girl that surpasses

Natasha's's beauty? That would be a nail in the coffin. Anyway
best of luck bro and chose wisely”

Me: “I am planning too. Trust me”.

Him: “Are you ready though”?

Me: “Do I have a choice”?

Him: “I think the fuck not. Let's go and get you your
zulu respecting wife”. I chuckle.

We hear the sound of drums, and some singing taking place

outside. All of a sudden I am nervous, I don't know what to

expect there. I take a deep breath, Nkanyiso pats me on my

shoulder, and we walk out. Thanks, God, he is here. This is it.
The door opens and one of the royal guards bows down, and
lead us to where we are supposed to sit. I give him a nod and
follow behind him. We are eventually outside and the yard is
full, all the villagers and neighbouring villages are here. I am
escorted to my chair right next to the King who is already
seated with his family. I sit down and look at the crowd. My
heart beating out of my chest this is going to be hard and I
foresee a long day, but the scene is beautiful and all these
villagers look beautiful with their different outfits. Each village
have flags, representing which village they come from.
Nkanyiso sits next to Nkosenhle, this guy, and Nobuhle is
blushing. Yhey, she better not think about it Nkanyiso will
really break her little heart. I scan the crowd and the girls are
beautiful. Everyone is happy, exactly how my parents wanted
this ceremony to be.

3
[THE ROYAL HOUSE]

The welcoming ceremony is in full swing. The traditional

dancers from all the other neighbouring villages are also here
to support, they came prepared. It was the biggest ceremony
they've ever had in a long time. The girls are dancing and
singing, Thakasile is looking at the Prince with admiration, I
mean he is handsome and very irresistible after all. Who
wouldn't want him to choose her though? Every maiden wants
a piece of him. Thakasile is already envisioning a future
between them. She is very sure that the Prince will choose her,
after all she is the most beautiful girl than the girls from her
village.
“Ave iyinhle I nkosana zintombi” (The Prince is handsome girls).
Thandazile.

“Kakhulu. Futhi sizofanelana”, (Too much. Plus we will blend

well together)

Thandazile: “Usucalile uyaphupha Thakasile, soze yakhetha

wena I nkosana” (You've started with day dreaming, the
Prince will never choose you)

Thakasile rolls her eyes at Thandazile.

Thakasile: “Unomona vele wena phela mina ngimuhle

ukunindlula nonke la esgodini. Kuphoqhelekile ukuthi ikhethe
mina I nkosana”. (You are very jealous because I'm the most
beautiful girl in this village. It is by force for the Prince to
choose me)
Thandazile laughs, luckily for them no one is listening in on
their conversation, everyone is focused in what is taking
place currently.

Thandazile: “Musa ukuzikhohlisa Thakasile. Awukho muhle

qha ukuthy unebala elimhlophe”. (Stop lying to yourself. You
not beautiful you just light skinned)

Thakasile: “Kuhle ke ngoba uyabona ne nkosana inebala

elimhlope (good then because you can see that the Prince
is also light skinned)

Thandazile: “Soze ikhethe wena I nkosana, Thakasile ngiyafunga

ngiyagomela” (The Prince will never choose you. I swear)

Thakasile: “Hhayi ke sizobona Ntombi, ungasho ukuthy

anginakakutshelanga” (We will see girl don't say I didn't
tell you)

Thandazile laughs and shakes her head.

Thandazile: “Hai cha uyazithemba Sisi” (you trust yourself)
clapping hands.

Azule: “Ngiyayibona inkosanana. Kodwa nambona umngani

wakhe”? (I see the Prince but do you see his friend)

Buhle: “Yena muhle impela ukudlula nenkosana yakhona. Mina

sengizibhekele yena vele” (he is indeed handsome, he
surpasses even the prince. I am scouting for him)

Sino: “Hhayi sisi ewami loya sengufake I stempu” (he is

mine, I've already stamped him)

Lwandle: “Ubukeka ephulana I nhliziyo kodwa. Uyayigoxa lo”.

(He looks like a heart breaker. He can crush your heart)

Senamile: “Impela mnax E. Uyoqiphiza esika nandi

ntsuku zonke.(for real. You are going to cry every day)
Buhle: “Hhayi ke sengamene ngikhale esifubeni sakhe Nkosi
yami” (I might as well cry on his chest)

The girls laugh except for Thakasile whose focus is on the

Prince but the Prince is not noticing her. Bleh.

Zama(Lead dancer) comes to where Thakasile is sitting with

the other maidens panting.

“Haibo Zama kwenzenjani? Ujawha wubani”? (What's

wrong Zama. Who is chasing after you), Bavumile.

“Akusi wu Nonhlanhla”. (Isn't it Nonhlanhla)

Bavumile: Wenzeni? Ukujarhelani”? (What did she do? Why is

she chasing you?)

All the maidens avert their attention to Zama.

Zama: “Akasese I ntombi into futhi ukhulelwe” ( She is no
longer a virgin and she is pregnant)

“Haibo. Ini”? They all exclaimed.

Thandazile: “Hhe! U Nhlanhla umithi? Mihlola ke le. Manjer

ubani ozohlabelela”?( Nhlanhla is pregnant? This is blasphemy.
Now who is going to sing)

Zama: “uThakasile. U mamMbethe ukhethe yena” (Mom

Mbethe chose her)

Thakasile: “Hhayini, niyazi anginalo izwi lokuhlabela njer”. (No

ways. You know I don't have the singing voice)

Bavumile: “Manjer soyenza njani ke”?(What are we going to

do now)
Thandazile: “Angisho ufuna I nkosana ibone wena wedwa?
Leli ithuba lakho ke sisi”. (You want the Prince to notice only
you, right? Now this is your chance sis)

Thakasile: “Kungani ungahlabeli wena Thandazile? I nkosana

izovele ingibone noma nginga hlabeli”. (Why don't you sing
Thandazile? The Prince will still notice me even if I don't
sing)

The maidens erupt in laughter...

Zama: “Thakasile zilungiselele Ndlovukazi yethu”.

(Prepare yourself our Queen)

Thakasile: “Angeke ngikwazi ukuhlabela”.(I can't do it)

Zana: “Manini ukuphi u Nobuntu”? (wait, where is Nobuntu)

All the maidens looked at each other than their eyes stopped
at Thakasile.

Zana: “Thakasile ukuphy u Nobuntu? Kutheni engekho

la”? (where is Nobuntu. Why is she not here)

Thakasile: “Angimazi. Uthe yena akufuni Ukuza la”. (I

don't know. She said she doesn't want to come here)

Buhle: “Kutjeni esho njalo? Mhlawumbi u gogo wakho

umunqabele ukuthi eze la. Bekuyisi fiso sakhe uNobuntu
ukuthi azohlangana nathi”. (Why did she say that? Or maybe
your grandmother refused her to attend? I was Nobuntu's wish
to come and celebrate this day with us)

Thakasile: “Hhayi ukhuluma njani manjer? U gogo

akanqabelanga muntu” (Why are you talking like that now? My
grandmother did not deny anyone coming here)

Buhle: “Angikholwa mina. U gogo wakho ukhohlakele vele”! (I

don't believe it. Your grandmother is evil)
Thakasile shoot her a death stare. In her head she
has concluded that, Nobuntu has been bad-mouthing
her grandmother to the girls of the village.

Zama: “Sekwanele manjer! Makuphuma izintombi zase

mnqabulezweni kulandela thina. Lungisani” (It's enough now!
When the maidens from mnqabulezweni finish dancing, it's our
turn. Be prepared)

Thakasile: “Kodwa Zama...” (But Zama)

Zama: “Elami liyema lapho”(My word stands)

She turns and walk away, leaving Thakasile stressed.

Thandazile: “Siholeke Nkosazana wena ozoba yi ndlovukazi
yethu kungasikudala (Lead us princess, you who will be
our future Queen very soon)

The others laughed, Thakasile just gave them one look. She
knows that she is doomed, and she has no come back and can't
turn back, now she wishes that Nobuntu was here. She sings so
gracefully and melodically. She stands up, and go and look for
her grandmother, she finds her sitting with other old women
from the village, she greets them, and ask to talk to her
grandmother. The woman that was sitting next to her
grandmother, shifts making space for Thakasile to sit.

“Wabukeka ungajabule yini indaba”? (you don't look happy.

What's wrong)

Thakasile: “Ngikhethwe ukuthi ngihole izintombi” (I am chosen

to lead the maidens)

Gogo: “Hau into Enhle Leyo nje”. (That's a beautiful thing)

Thakasile: “Kodwa gogo uyazi anginalo izwi mina”
(But grandmother you know I don't have a voice)

Gogo: “Haibo! Uyohlabelela futhi? Kutheni bengaka khethanga

abanye? Uphi u Nonhlanhla“? (You going to sing again? Why
didn't they choose others? Where is Nonhlanhla?)

Thakasile: uNonhlanhla ukhulelwe” (She is pregnant)

Gogo: “Ini”?

Thakasile: “Injalo gogo” (It's like that)

Gogo: “Manjer soyenzani Nkosi yami? Kutheni u Mabhele

angenza kanjena”?(what are we going to do now Lord? Why
would Mabhele do us like this)
Thakasile: “Angazi soyenza njani gogo. Kube uwumnqabelanga
uNobuntu ukuthi eze lana bheka manjer. Futhi nezintombi zala

esgodini sebacala ukusola ukuthi awumuphathi kahle u

Nobuntu. (I don't know what we are going to do. You shouldn't
have restricted Nobuntu from coming here, look what's
happening now. Another thing, the girls are starting to
speculate that you mistreating Nobuntu)

Gogo: “Ungangitshele ngaloyo mina futhi unganaki ukuthi

abantu bathini. Hamba uyohlabela ke, kuzomele uzame
ntombi”.(Don't tell me about that one and don't mind what
people are saying. Now go out there and sing, you will have
to try)

Thakasile looks at her grandmother and shakes her head. She is

indeed sending her to the lion's den. She stands up and bid her
goodbye to her grandmother, and the women she is sitting
with, then walks to where the maidens are egearly waiting for
her. Their nerves are shooting up. Thakasile better come
through for them, or else the King will deal with them.
♣♣♣♣

Nobuntu just got done bathing, she is wearing her traditional

attire even though she won't be part of the ceremony, but she
can always watch from a distance. She takes a cloth to cover
her face just so people won't recognize her, because she knows
that they will run to her grandmother and tell on her. She takes
a deep breath before leaving her hut, she walks for a while
singing along the way, her voice is beautiful, no lies about that.
The streets are empty, the villagers like things iyoh. She thinks
to herself. She finally gets to the big rock, and sit on top of it,
from here she can see almost everything happening, well
except for the Royal family of course. She sees Nonhlanhla
approaching the rock

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she takes the cloth and cover her face with it. Nonhlanhla
passes her by sniffing a part of her wanted to stop her and ask
her why is she crying but the other part decided otherwise. Is
not a surprise that Nonhlanhla hates her, she too doesn't know
why, but she does or maybe it's because she sings better than
her. She once told her straight in her face when Nobuntu was
still part of their group. They were mocking her about her
physical appearance and skin colour, this went on & on until
she eventually left the group. She couldn't stand the mocking
any more, other girls too soon joined in. She has had enough of
their mocking and name-calling, plus her grandmother did not

like her going to the practice. Yet she allowed Thakasile to go,
she is still attending. She travels her eyes to the Royal stead,
the izintombi zesinqumo are about to go and dance, well that's
her former group. She leapt off the rock and get closer to the
royal stead but then a question is running in her mind, if
Nonhlanhla left then who is going to sing?, Because as far as
she knows Nonhlanhla is the lead singer. She pushed that
thought aside and shakes her head. It's been close to 5 minutes
now, and there is no movement from the izintombi zesinqumo.
All the maidens look at Thakasile, Thakasile is looking down
silently crying and playing with her fingers. She won't do it. She
can't, and the maidens are going to be on her case, she will
never hear the end of it. Her grandmother will be very
disapointed at her. On the other hand the King is getting
impatient while Prince Zwelibanzi is zoning in & out of sleep.
Everyone is looking at the maidens and should they not sing
they know what awaits them. The King is about to stand up
looking as livid as ever, that's when Nobuntu runs to the yard
and pushes herself forward, squeezing herself amongst the
maidens, her face still covered with the cloth. This might work
in her favour because in other groups there are girls who have
cloths around their faces. She takes a deep breath and starts
singing...

“Ngibizeleni uMama ezobona ubuhle bami” she starts singing.

All the maidens turn to look who it is, but they see no one, but
then they know the voice very well. It is never to be missed, she
is the only one with that voice. That soothing voice. Relieve
overcomes them. The king sits back down, and the Prince is
now fully awake, Nkanyiso also stopped being busy with his
phone and focus on the izintombi zonqumo. Their eyes gazing
at the maidens, wanting to see the maiden with a beautiful
singing voice.

“Ngithi mubizeni azobona azobana. Ayaya zisho” she continues

to sing.

Soon the guys start beating the drums and the other maidens
join in singing & dancing. They are singing and dancing, it's a
very interesting sight to witness, as the hosts they have to top
them all. Everyone joins in. Nkanyiso and the Prince are
browsing their eyes amongst the girls to see the lead singer, but
they see no one, they are all dancing and some looking down.
And before they know it the other villagers join in and throw
their shawls towards the Izintombi zesinqumo, declaring them
as winners. Before they can even sit down, since they are now

done. Nobuntu have long jogged home, because she knows

that her grandmother & Thakasile will rush home to check up
on her. Should her grandmother not find her. A whip is will be
whipped on her body. As soon as she gets, home she changed
into her normal clothes and hide her traditional attire, she
takes her beads and go, and sit outside. Thakasile and her
grandmother are shocked to find Nobuntu busy with her beads,
their anger flashed before their faces and looked at each other
shocked, moreover confused.

“Hau gogo naze nafika masinya, usephelile umcimbi) You

are home early, is the ceremony over)

Gogo: “Hhayi bengizofuna o phaca bami. Asambe

Thakasile”. (No. I came to look for my push ins. Let's go
Thakasile)
Nobuntu nods, and they continue heading inside. Thakasile &
gogo keep on looking behind. Gogo shakes her head, she
takes her push ins, and they leave again.

“Cela nisibuyele nokudla sino Sanele” (please come back

with food for me & Sanele)

Her grandmother clicks her tongue ignoring her completely,

and walks away. Nobuntu takes a deep breath, that was close.
Very close. At least they don't know that it was me, who am I
kidding? My voice is very unique & beautiful. They know it
was me but they are not sure. On the contrary, I must say that
I've enjoyed myself. I've been missing out on a lot, it was a
very beautiful ceremony. One of which I will treasure and
never forget, after all. What's life without taking risks?

4
ZWELI

We are gathered around the feasting table after yesterday's

successful ceremony. I really enjoyed myself, it was a different
kind of scene for me. I can't get over the voice of that girl who
was singing, it was the most beautiful voice I've ever heard in a
long time. I mean even my friend Nkanyiso was taken by it. My
father sent out men to call all the maidens of the village, my
father is going to make them sing one by one until we find that
girl with that particular voice, that voice we heard yesterday. If
it happens that she is not of this village then my father will have
no choice but to ask the other villages for their maidens to
come too. I want that maiden found, come high or low waters.
The seer of the royal stead comes in, and greet all of us. We
greet back. He stands in the middle of the dining area, and
wonder his eyes around until his gaze stops at Nkanyiso.
Nkanyiso shifts in his uncomfortable, he looks at him for a long
time, and I can see Nkanyiso swallowing hard, he is nervous but
who wouldn't be? I mean the royal seer is scary, and looks like a
mini witch with his cracked skin, and long finger nails. He is a
short tokoloshi type, if you ask me. His eyes are very dark, and
forever glowing. He moves them from him and walks away,
leaving us all confused. Why would he look at Nkanyiso, and

not say anything? We all get back to eating but Nkanyiso

doesn't touch his food.

“Are you okay, son”?, my dad asks him.

“Not any more baba. Why did the seer look at me like that”?
I can detect fear in his voice.

King: “I wish I knew son, and with the seer you don't ask
questions. If he answers, he answers in riddles he never
gives out a straight answer. Just ignore him” he nods.

Queen: “Maybe he was confirming your real intentions of

being here, and by the look of things, you came with good
intentions. Relax” he smiles. “He doesn't bite, and as my
husband said, ignore him.

He nods still uneasy...

We continue eating. After we are all done eating, we are

summoned outside. The seer is going to perform a small

ceremony for the ancestors to guide us and choose a good

maiden fit to be a future Queen, and will be able to lead the
masses with me side by side. Well, it will be in vain because I
am not about to be a King, that is definitely not part of my
future plans. I hope whoever the ancestors chooses for me, will
have to live with the fact that, I love Tasha with my everything
in my eyes she will always be my Queen. She must know that
before her comes Natasha. He calls all the Zulu clan names and
burn some incense, we are all kneeling down. The king speaks
too and we are done, We all stand up, and go and sit in our
respective chairs the maidens are already here. They are all
eager and so ready to throw themselves at my feet and
possibly yes sir to everything I say, pathetic village girls. I roll
my eyes, dramatic and so gay, I know.

“Ngiyanamukela nonke zintombi zase sgodini. Ngiyazi

niyazubuza ukuthy kungani I Nkosi inicelile. Ngaphandle
kokumosha is'khathi, I nkosana la isuke yathathiwa yilizwi elinye
lapha kini ebeli hlabela Izolo. Yingakho I Nkosi inibizile, loko
kusho ukuthy ngamunye ngamunye mele nihlabele”. (I welcome
you all maidens of the village. I know you are asking yourself
why did the king summon you. Without wasting any more time
the prince here was blown away by the girl amongst

you who was singing yesterday. That is why the King

summon you, he wants each and everyone of here to sing).
I can see them looking at each other and some shaking their
heads, I am so over this day already. In fact over this place. I
just need to get back to Jo'burg, being here is just a waste of
time. Anyway the maidens start singing one by one...2 hours
later they are still at, but some are refusing to sing, and that
makes me angry. They all said they can't sing, sigh. I did not
hear the voice I heard yesterday, I guess my father will have to
extend an invitation to the neighbouring villages. I see my
father shaking his head, he is not impressed and so is my
mother. The maidens are beautiful though no lies there, they
are a breath of fresh air. They are now waiting for my father to
talk. He stands up but the seer stops him, and shake his head.
My father sits back down looking at the seer confused, in fact
we all are. Can't he see that this is all a waste of time?.

“Uxolo Nkosi yami kodwa aziphelelanga izintombi kushoda

yinye njer” (Forgive me my King but the maidens are not
complete, there's only one missing).

“Ubani loyo? Kutheni engekho la, akazi uthi isimemo se Nkosi

Siyazelwa ngokushesha”? (Who is that? Doesn't she know that
the King's request must be honoured very fast). My father
roars.
Him: Akenzanga ngamabomu Nkosi yami uphoxwa yi simo.
Uzoza manjer Nkosi yami”(She did not do it deliberately my
King, situation forces her not to come)

He looks at the maidens, and points at one of them with his

stick. The maiden bows then turns around and jogs away. I
wonder where she is going. I guess she is going to call the other
maiden, I hope she is not good-looking, because all the girls
here are beautiful, and some average. I don't think Tasha's wish
will come, I will just have to choose the less beautiful. Whuuu,
who am I kidding? They are all beautiful.

★»★«

NOBUNTU
I am lying down on my back in my mat since I have nothing to
do. Thakasile went to the king's urgent maidens summoning. I
wonder why the sudden summoning, I guess Prince Zwelibanzi
is going to pick his wife, God I wish I was there just to see who
he picks. He can pick anyone but not Thakasile, uh uh I don't
want him dying young. Gogo went to town to buy grocery, Me

• Sanele contributed some money

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but she told us that she is not going to use her money but ours,
as If we care. I can hear someone calling my name from a
distance. At first, I thought that my ears were deceiving me but
as the voice grows nearer & nearer, now I am sure that
someone is definitely calling my name. I get up from my mat,
and go and wait at the door, I see Lindiwe entering the gate I
wonder what does she want. She finally gets to me. Seems like
she has been running judging by her breathing, she needs to
exercise more. What is she doing here anyway? Isn't she
supposed to be at the royal house?

“Sawubona Nobuntu. I Nkosi iyakucela njengamanje” (hello

Nobuntu. The King is requesting for your presence right now)
I shoot my eyes open, and look at her with shock written all
over my face. Why would the King request my presence? What
did I do? What if it's about yesterday? I am sure as hell that he
is going to banish me or worse kill me, after all I've gate
crushed the ceremony. I don't dare ask any questions, they
might delay us from making it soon to the King's place, and I
heard that he doesn't tolerate late coming. I wear my leather
sandals, and we both rush to the royal stead. My heart is
beating out of my chest, I am sweating, thanks God I don't have
oily skin. I can see all the maidens standing in line, as soon as
we get in we also fall in line. My heart is beating out of my
chest and my palms are sweaty, I don't know what to expect
from here going foward. I do not dare look at the Royal family,
my head is bowed down. I feel myself being pushed forward, I
swallow hard. I am standing before the royalties.

“Siyabonga ngokuza kwakho. I Nkosi u Nqobani usacela

umhlabelelele?” (Thank you for coming. King Nqobani is
asking you to sing for him)

What? I am not doing that. Anyway, why would the King want
me to sing for him? I mean no one saw me yesterday,
so...what did he hear? But then I know better than to defy his
orders, he is said to be a ruthless man, he can even burn you
alive if you defy him. I take a deep breath, and I don't dare lift
my face, I know that Thakasile is breathing fire wherever she is
standing, and she will run her mouth to our grandmother, as
soon as she steps inside the yard. Here goes nothing;

“Ye mama ngabe mina ngithandwa ngubani na. Kutheni

ngilahliwe ngingabonwa? Ngiyashweleza maningi lekelela Bantu
abadala, Izindlela zami zimnyama”, (I wonder who loves me.
Why am I thrown away and not be seen? I plead with you my
elders to please help me. My ways are dark)

It was dead silence, I swear people can hear my heart beating

out of my chest.

“Ingabe yilo le lizwi olivile ndodana”? ( Is that the voice you

heard, son)

”Yebo baba yilona” (yes, dad it is)

King: “Kushuthi yiyona kanye indlovukazi yethu yakusasa yala
esgodini” (It means she is the future Queen of this kingdom)

Thakasile: “Ini? Lento embi kanje”! (What? This ugly thing) she
shouts.

What?! This can't be happening, I am not ready to take up

such a huge responsibility. No no, they made a mistake.

Thandazile: “Ai ke ashabalala amaphupho kanjalo ke

Thakasile” (and your dreams vanished, just like that)

King: “Thulani umsindo! Ayize ngaphambile I nkosazana

yethu” (keep quiet! Let our princess come forward)

I swallow the lump in my throat. I don't want to get married,

and definitely not to royalty, I have plans and marrying into
royalty will hinder me from making them a success. I will be
expected to become a house wife, iyooohh.
Seer: “Ikhulumile I Nkosi nkosazana” (The king has spoken
princess)

I blink away the tears, and make my way forward with my heart
beating out of my chest, I am a nervous wreck. I don't dare look
up. I am just playing with my fingers, I can actually see the
King's shoes, he has ugly toes. The shoes look funny and big.

King: “Bantu bala esgodoni le ntokazi emi ngaphambikweni,

yiyona I Ndlovukazi yenu yakusasa. Indodana yami isikhethile
icedile” (my fellow villagers, the maiden that you see
standing before you. She is your future Queen)

The villagers ululate, and I can feel my tears pushing forward,

they want their presence to be felt but I will not succumb to
their demand. I just have to be strong, till I am out of here. My
mind traces to my grandmother, good Lord I can't even imagine
the punishment that awaits me. Now this will give Thakasile
more reasons to hate me, it's a mess. I can hear the seer talking
but my mind is not listening to whatever is said, I know that it
involves me. I did not dare, not even once lift my head, I just
can't look at all the people gathered here. I also know that
there are maidens who are mad pissed that they chose me and

not them. One of the servants comes and pull me by my hand,

I follow behind her. This is not how I've envisioned my future,
getting married to a Prince. Why did the Prince choose me? I
mean there are lot of beautiful girls here in the village, why did
he not pick Thandazile or Lindiwe? I mean they are beautiful,
why me? I am escorted in to the royal car, they are taking me
home, and they are going to inform my grandmother about me
being chosen to be the prince's wife. Nc nc, this is madness. I
balance my head on the window of the car and look outside,
wiping my tears. I shouldn't have come here yesterday, I
should've just stayed at home, and sewed my beads. None of
this wouldn't have happened, there's no use complaining
because it is happening and from what I picked up, we are
getting married in a week time from now. It's too soon if you
ask me. Why the rush though? Can't they at least give us a
month to get to know each other? I am so not ready to carry
the burden that comes from royalty, ai ngaze ngazilaya.

★Insert 5★
NOBUNTU

After the guests left my grandmother came back with a belt,

looking livid as ever. It's about to go down. Kwanyiwa.

“Bowuyofunani lapha wena? Zanke ngithy hlala la endlini”?

(What were you going to do there. Didn't I tell you to stay
here at home?)

Silence...

“Ngikhuluma nawe Nobuntu or sowuyisi mumu manjer”? (I

am talking to you or are you deaf now)
Me: “Bengiyobona kuthy kwenzakalani”. (I went to see
what's going on)

Her: “Ngobani”? (Why)

Me: “Because I've never attended any royal ceremonies before.

I just wanted to experience it”.

Her: “Ungalinge ungidakele. Khuluma kahle nami ngoba

angizwa nex” (Don't you start with me, talk properly with
me because I do not hear anything)

Me: “Bengobona izintombi ukuthy zigcoke njani”. (I went to

see how the maidens were wearing)

Thakasile: “Unamanga Nobuntu. Bowuye lapha ngoba

bewufuna I nkosana ikukhethe, ukhohlakele wena. Dala
ngibona ukuthy uyinyoka! Ngiyakuzonda Nobuntu ngenhliziyo
yami yonke, ungiphuce umyeni wami”! (You are lying Nobuntu.
You went there because you wanted the Prince to choose you.

You are evil and I always knew that you are a snake, I hate you
with all my heart you've taken my husband away from me)

Me: “He was never yours to begin with. I don't know why you
busy whining”.

Her: “Uyahumsha wazikahle ukuthy angisazi islungu?

Ungibukela phansi kahle kahle”.(You speaking English knowing
very well that I don't know it. You are clearly looking down at
me)I shake my head.

Gogo: “Kutheni unenhliziyo embi? Ngizokufindisa isfundo”.

(Why do you have an evil heart? I will teach you a lesson)

Me: “Kuyafana mus. Asoze ngashada ne nkosana mina angifuni

ukushada nayo, angiyithatha u Thakasile”. (It's all the same. I
will never get married to the prince, I don't want to get married
to him. Thakasile can have him)
Gogo: “Uthini? Usufuna ukungihlambalaza la esgodini manjer?
Uyeyisa kahle kahle” (What did you just say? You now want to

embarrass me in the whole village? You are very disrespectful) I

roll my eyes.

Me: “Kubi ke ngoba angeke ngashada ne nkosana mina. Soze.

Sowungamane ungishaye gogo” (too bad because I won't marry
the Prince. Never, you might as well hit me)

I feel my cheek burning. Oh wow, she slapped me.

Her: “Uziyenzile angisho? Kube uvele wahlala la endlini ngabe

akwenzekanga konke loku. Inkinga awulaleli Nobuntu”! (You
brought this upon yourself right? You should've just stayed at
home, all of this wouldn't have happened. The problem is
that you don't listen)
Me: “Uxolo kuloko mara soze ngashada ne nkosana ngifun...”
(I'm sorry about that but I will not ma...)

I did not even finish my sentence, my cheek stung, and before

I know it, she is beating me, I am crying pleading with her to
stop, but she doesn't hear my plea. Thakasile is enjoying every

minute of it. Pathetic. I cry till I have no more tears to cry, and
my body feels numb, in fact even my brain too. After she
finishes hitting me, she leaves me on the floor I can't even get
up. I do not even want to think about the bruises in my body. I
lie there for almost 5 minutes and lift myself up slowly but
surely, I limp to my room. This old witch really did a number on
me, psshh. As for Thakasile she will never amount to anything,
she will die here in this village with nothing, mxm. I get to my
hut, and slowly force myself to lie down, I can now feel the
pains they are excruciating, and I have no pain killers. I guess I
will just have to sleep them off, I don't know if I will be able to
cook tonight but with my grandmother you will never know. I
will cook whether I like it or not. Maybe it's not a bad idea after
all marrying the Prince, I mean I will be free from slavery and
also be treated like royalty, but what if the Prince doesn't love
me? What if I will be ill-treated? God, I need your intervention.
★»★«

NKANYISO

Zweli suggested that we come here on these hills and see how
beautiful the village is. I won't lie to you guys the Buhlebezulu
village is beautiful with it's farms & river, it's so calming. I can't
help it but think of the way the seer looks at me, his eyes were
saying a lot but I don't know what they were saying, it was
very creepy I won't lie. Then there's Nobuntu. The girl with a
beautiful voice. I did not really see her face but all I can tell you
is that, I fell in love with her from yesterday when she first
opened her mouth to sing. Her voice took me to all kinds of
places. Wait, this is wrong. Why am I even thinking about my
best friend's soon to be wife? It's not right, I need to erase the
thought completely but how when all I hear is her voice? Not
unless I leave, and go back to Jo'burg, maybe just maybe I will
forget about her. I sigh, this is bad. I keep on throwing small
stones on the grass, Zweli is on a phone call with Tasha. I wish I
had a steady girlfriend but unfortunately I am not the
relationship type, I have few fuck buddies. I had to cut ties
with some because they were starting to catch feelings. After I
caught Amanda red-handed with my brother, and later found
out that she was pregnant for him, really tore me into pieces. I
even tried committing suicide but I failed, ever since then I

started resenting girls and froze my heart not to ever love

again but after seeing Nobuntu somehow it melted. Well, I will
just have to stop thinking about her it's not healthy.

“Sawubona bhuti” 2 voices are greeting me. I look up and I see

2 maidens looking at me all smiles.

“Yebo ninjani”

Them: “Siphilile” (we are good)

Girl 1: “Singahlala nawe la xa ukuthy akuna nkinga”? (Can we sit

here if you don't have a problem)
Me: “You are welcome to sit it's no problem”

Girl: “Asikuzwa” (we do not hear you)

Me: “Akuna nkinga ningahlala” I smile.

Them: “Siyabonga”. (Thank you)

Girl_2: “Igama lami ngingu Sbahle bese lo engihamba naye

u Zano” (My name is Sbahle and this is Zano)

Me: Igama ngingu Nkanyiso. Ngiyabonga ukunazi” (my name

is Nkanyiso Lovely knowing you)

Sbahle: “Siyacala ukukubona la esgodini” (It's our first time

seeing you here in our village)
Me: “Ngizovakashela umngani wami” (I am here to visit
my friend)

Zano: “Ubani igama lo mngani wakho mhlambe

ngiyamazi” (What's the name of your friend maybe I know
him)

Sbahle: “Umngani we nkosana” (he is the Prince's friend) I

hear her gasping.

Zano: “Ngempela” (serious) I nod.

Her: “Ukuphi yena manjer”? (Where is he now)

Me: “Nangu uyeza” (here he comes)

Zano: “Masambe Sbahle” (Let us go)

Me: “Niyaphi manjer”? (where are you going now)

Sbahle: “Asivumelekile ukuthi sibe duze ne nkosana njengoba

esekhethe u malokozana wakhe”. (We are not allowed to be
near the Prince since he has already chosen a wife)

Me: “Ohhh...kubi ke loko”. (That's bad)

Zano: “Sowuza sala kahle”. (Stay well)

Me: “Nihambe kahle”. (Go well)

They stand up and walk away but before they can even get far,
Zweli stops them. He talks to them for a few minutes then leave
them, and they walk away, he comes and sits next to me.

“I can't wait for all of this shit to end. I am so over it”

“Only few days left and it will all be over”

Him: “I miss Natasha, I can't be having phone sex when I have

a girl back at the city” I chuckle.

Me: “It's better than fucking anything that wears a skirt, I

like the fact that you respect your relationship” He laughs.

Me: “What were you talking about with those girls”?

Him: “I was asking them their names and where they stay. They
turned me off because they don't know English, remember I
did tell you that they are illiterate”.

Me: “Too bad because you will have to communicate with your
wife in Isizulu not unless you will hire a tutor for her”.

Him: “I will hire her a tutor. I only chose her because she has
a great voice, she will sing for Natasha and her friends”
Me: “Her voice is indeed beautiful but look on the bright
side, you will be deflowering her”

Him: “I know, and we have to do it right after the wedding. The

sheet must have a blood stain to confirm that she is indeed a
virgin, it's too much but then culture is culture I have to do it
whether I like it or not”.

Me: “You sure don't like this girl”.

Him: “With all my being. She is nothing to me other than

being my wife and do her wifely duties, that's it”

I just nod, here he is trash talking the girl without even

knowing her. If only I was the one who was marrying that girl, I
am sure I was going to treat her like a Queen that she is. I
mean she managed to melt my heart in a way but since she is
not mine I will continue freezing it.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

My whole body is in great pain

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and my eyes are swollen. My grandmother really gave me a

hiding of a century, I mean I can't even sit on my butt. I am lying
on my left side right now, trying to calm the pain. A loud bang

comes through my door, I can't even bring myself to stand

up and attend to it.

“Yewena Nobuntu usukhohliwe yini kuthi mele uyotheza

izinkuni? Mhlambe uzibona sowuncono ngoba naku uyogana
ne nkosana”? (Yhey Nobuntu, have you forgotten that you have
to go and fetch the fire wood? Or you think that you better
than us now, seeing that you will be marrying a prince?) Erh
hhayi this old witch!

Me: “Ubuhlungu umzimba wami gogo cela u Thakasile”.

(My body is painful grandma ask Thakasile)

Her: “Ngitshela wena mina. U Thakasile ulele usaphumula.

Uze ung'size ke uvuke lapho uhambe uyotheza bese uyabuya
uzopheka, angifuni ukubuya futhy la”! (I am telling you.
Thakasile is resting she is very tired. Please help me by getting
up and, go to fetch the woods then come back and start
cooking, I don't want to come back here)

The is no use reasoning with her, she will still insult me and
call me all sorts of names, and end up getting beaten again.
She

doesn't even care that I am in pain. God. What did I do to

deserve to live like this? Tell me, what did I do wrong? I am
clearly the problem because even my parents left, and never
looked back. I think I was cursed at birth even my prayers don't
even reach your ears or are you just plain ignoring them? I need
some peace too, you know. I might as well marry the Prince
maybe he is my breakthrough to this life of mine that I am living
currently. These people don't even care about my feelings. No
one asked me how I feel about all of this. My feelings don't
matter to any of them. I force myself to get up, I exit my hut
then go to the kitchen to fetch an axe and start walking, my
legs are wobbly I can't even walk properly, but what choice do I
have? I hate my life. I finally arrive at the forest and sit down
for a little bit, I am kind of tired since my body is in pain. After 5
minutes of resting I eventually stand up and start chopping
woods, the axe is heavy and it is causing me more pain.

“Ithi ngikusize ungaze uzilimaze ntokazi” (Let me help

you before you hurt yourself woman)

His baritone voice sends shivers down my spine, it is so deep

that even with his request to help me sounds like a command of
some sort. I turn to look, and I am met by this tall handsome
man, with the broadest smile and pure set of white teeth. He is

not dark nor light, he is in between. His black/brown eyes are

a complete beauty. His hair slightly cut, he actually cut it in a
style. It suits him perfectly, it's like he has just walked out on a
magazine cover. I am in awe of his handsomeness. I don't
realize that I have been staring him for too long, until he
cleared his throat. With a smile plastered on his face.

“Cela imbazo” (The axe please) I give it to him.

Me: “Ngiyabonga” (thank you)

Him: “Ubukeka usezi nhlungwini, ingabe kunenkinga ekhaya”?

(You look like you are in pains, is there any trouble at home)

Me: “Oh, it's something not to worry yourself about”

Him: “You can speak English”?

Me: “Yes. Why do you seem shocked”?

Him: “It's just that I was chatting to some girls earlier on,
and they told me that they don't know English”.
Me: “That's because not all of us went to school. We were 30
pupils in the class during then, most of the villagers didn't see
the need of education because it won't take them anywhere.
And boy, are they right? They are very much right. I mean for
example, take a look at me. I have completed my grade 12 5
years ago, and I've passed with distinctions but here I am
stuck in this village with no ambition. Being treated like a
slave, unloved, and clearly broken. I am tired of it all, I am
tired of fighting. I am just tired”.

Him: “I am very sorry to hear that, I wish there was something I

can do to help”

I simply nod, and quickly wipe my tears before this man

standing before me could notice that I am crying, I don't want
him pitying me. He finishes chopping the logs, and he gives me
back my axe, he wipes sweat in his forehead.

Me: “Thank you”.

Him: “You welcome. Let me formally introduce myself, my
name is Nkanyiso”

Me: “Nobuntu”.

Him: “You have a beautiful name just like you”. I chuckle

and blush.

Whoa I am not supposed to be blushing, I am going to be

someone's wife for Christ's sake, this is very wrong. I pick up
the woods and immediately leave before I will get tempted. I
up my pace just in case he is following me, I no longer mind the
pain. I felt so foreign standing before him. Jesus. Abomination
Le...as soon as I get home, I start by preparing the fire. I look for
the axe and I don't find it, shit I left it at the forest and going to
get back will be a mission, what if that handsome man is still
there? Hhayi I will go and fetch it after I'm done cooking.
“Bathe ngikunikeze Le mbazo bewushiye lapha ehlathini”
(They said I should give you this axe, you left it at the forest)
“Ngiyabonga Sanele” (Thank you)

Him: “Upheka njani usezinhlungwini”?(How do you cook whilst

in pains!)
Me: “U gogo wakho”. (It's your grandmother)

Him: “Yahlanya logogo yekela ngizopheka mina hambo

phumula wena, ukushayelini nje khona”? (that grandmother
is crazy. Leave it I will cook, go and rest, why did she beat you
anyway?)

Me: “Ngoba I nkosana ikhethe mina kuno Thakasile” (because

the Prince chose instead of Thakasile)

Him: “Kwaze kwa kuhle loko Nobuntu. Ngiyakuthokozela”

(That's good Nobuntu, I am happy for you)

I nod and sit down with him making a small conversation with
me, my body was here but my mind was far away, I find myself
smiling alone. Nkanyiso. I keep on replaying the conversion in
my mind. How does it feel like, when you inlove? Hhayi Satan is
working overtime, skrr skrr.

6
NKANYISO

I followed Nobuntu without her noticing that I am following her. I

left the axe at the gate when I bumped into someone as soon as I
turned to face whoever it was, I was met by a boy who looks
younger than Nobuntu, and I told him why I was there. I gave him
the axe, and he went inside the yard while I walked away. At
least now I know where she lives. She is nothing like the other
girls in the village, she is darker than the bunch, but my heart
only yearns for her. I was smiling all the way to the palace, the
smile plasterd in my face can't be missed, before I can even enter
the yard I first composed myself, and then make my way inside
the yard. My heart is leaping with joy, I spoke to her. I can't
believe that I made a small conversation with her, she is even
more beautiful up close. She is indeed a melanin Queen, but it
doesn't sit well with me that she is being abused, I mean how can
one be cruel and abuse such a loving soul? I wish she at least told
me who abuses her maybe just maybe I would've helped her.
Truly speaking I wouldn't mind killing for her. It broke my heart
when I saw her wiping her tears, she thought that I didn't notice,
but trust me I did. Zweli better treat this girl right if he knows
what's good for him. Why am I even territorial of her already?
Get a grip Nkanyiso! You can do
better than this. I steady myself and get inside the huge yard, I
see the seer approaching me, I swallow hard. This man scares
the shit out of me. I walk slowly enough for him to catch up
with me. He finally catches up with me.

“How was your walk”? He asks walking besides me.

His presence is very heavy.

It still amazes me that he can talk English, unlike the

others here in the Royal household.

“It was okay” I shrug.

Him: “Just okay? So, nothing out of the ordinary happened”?

Me: “Yes”

Him: “I see. Did you by, any chance met any maiden you like
in this village or is there someone you like in particular”?
What is this man talking about? I swallow hard. Does he
perhaps know about the encounter I had with Nobuntu few
minutes ago?

Me: “What are you talking about? And no I have not yet met
the woman I want, maybe I might meet one at the wedding”.

Him: “Let your heart lead you to a right woman, and another
thing you need to let go of the hatred you have in your heart.
The anger will hinder you from a lot of things. She will step into
the your life. You should allow her in, open your heart for her
once she starts penetrating it. She is your sanity, and you are her
sanctuary. Take care young man. I will see you around”.

Me: “I will always remember that. Thank you for the talk”.

Him: “She is not his chosen one. She is paving the way for the
chosen one. She is yours to keep, she is destined for you not
him”.
He says and walks away...

What on Earth is this man on about? A chosen one? Whose

chosen one? Argh. This man is definitely losing it, and he is
talking in riddles. I shake my head, and head inside the house,
the house is rather empty I guess everyone is in their rooms. In
30 minutes time it will be dinner time, oh well, I guess I have to
take that quick shower. I ascend the stairs and go to my room, I
pass by Zweli's room his door is slightly open, and he is still
sleeping with his mouth open, “chuckling” ai this man and
sleeping they are the best of friends. I head to my room and
take a quick shower, I need to get Nobuntu's image out of my
mind. She can't be occupying my mind like this, dammit
woman. What are you doing to me? Stop invading my mind like
this, you are going to be my best friend's wife in few days time.
I let the water hit my skin, this is a mess. I am fucked. I am in
love with my best friend's soon to be wife, and the fact he will
be the one deflowering her makes me angry. On the other hand
the seer said some things in riddles, he confuses the shit out of
me. I shouldn't have come here, this was a bad idea. I only
came to support my best friend I didn't know that things will
turn out this way. I didn't know that, I will fall in love with my
friend's soon to be wife! I get out of the shower as soon as the
water becomes cold. I am wrapping a towel around my waist, a
knock comes through at the door I go, and open it is one of the

servants. She freezes and opens her mouth as soon as she

sees me. I clear my throat and, she snaps out of it.

“Ku...kulungile ukudla” (food is ready) she tells me and walk

away fast.

I chuckle and close the door, I wear my track suit and, go to

the dining area. Zweli is not here, I guess he is still sleeping I
greet everyone and sit down.

“Ukuphi u Zweli? Akazi ukuthi isikhathi sokudla lesi”? (Where is

Zweli, doesn't he know that it's time for dinner)

“Usalele Nkosi yami” (He is still sleeping my king) one of

the guards answers.
King: “Hambo mvusa njengamanje angifuni ukuthukuthela”!
(Go and wake him up right now I don't want to get angry)

One of the guards bows, and rushes to call him. He comes

down looking half asleep, I chuckle and shake my head. He

greets us and takes a sit next to me. The king gives him one
stern look, and he looks down, the King says grace, and we all
start eating. The food is always well cooked and taste
absolutely amazing. The cooker is the best.

★»★«

THAKASILE
I can't help it but be jealous of the brother & sister relationship
that Nobuntu & Sanele are having. They look very much happy,
but Sanele is never like this with me, I am his blood sister for
Christ's sake. We don't sit and talk like siblings. What is it that
Nobuntu have that I don't have? She is not even beautiful or

thick, she is skinny, ugly and dark with her long hair, at least
she takes care of her hair. Why did the Prince even choose her?
He fucken chose this ugly thing over me? geez. What was she
even doing at the welcoming ceremony of the Prince in the first
place? She ruined my chances of me being chosen by the
Prince, she had to ruin all of it. The other maidens actually
laughed at me, they were having their time of their lives with
my sorrow. I mean, I was so sure that the Prince will choose
me, I was certain. I had plans for me & Zweli, and an ugly girl
like Nobuntu took him away from me, thinking of it all makes
me hate her even more. I hate Nobuntu, I don't think I will ever
like her.

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We grew up close all 3 of us, we were very tight until 5 years
back when Nobuntu finished her matric. I was very happy for
her trust me, until my grandma started poisoning my ears
about how bad influence Nobuntu is, and how she is a cursed
child I must not envy her. I was still a dummy then, I didn't
know much. Futhy ke it got worse because she completed her
matric, no matter how bad the situation was she still soldiered
on. She will go to school on an empty stomach, and stays the
whole day without eating. That still didn't bother her, she still
went to school. She never gave up, gogo will wake her up as
early as 02:00am to go and fetch water, that time it is very dark

outside. She will come back only to find the door of her hut
locked. Then the good boy will allow him to sleep in his heart.
We don't even know what happened to her parents, but I know
what happened to mine. They died in a fire. Gogo also told me
that Nobuntu drove her mother away, she has bipolar, and very
much unstable. The worst thing is some of my friends came and
told me how Nobuntu is bad-mouthing me, calling me useless &
dumb because I don't have matric let alone finished school.
That's when I build up this hate I have for her with all the
poison that my grandmother, and my friends fed my ears with. I
will not watch her marry the Prince, I will have to come up with
a mother of all plans for the wedding not to happen. We have
like a week left. I will have to talk to my grandmother first
before I initiate the plan, her input would be very valuable. I
continue looking at them, they look very much happy. I need to
act quick. Should it happen that she gets married to the prince,
I would be left to take over her duties and of which I hate
doing. I hate being ordered around. She may have matric, but
she is still stuck here with us 5 years later, it was all just a waste
of time. She should've dropped out just like me.

★»★«

ZWELI

We are now done eating, and the king has summoned me in his
chambers. I know that he is going to reprimand me of which
it's not necessary because I did nothing wrong, I just overslept
that's it. I follow behind him, we get into his office, and he
gestures me to sit down, I sit. The Queen soon join us, well this
is about the wedding, I suppose, seeing that the Queen is also
present.

“We only have 4 days left Zweli and it seems like you are not
prepared or ready to get married” my mom tells me politely.

“He is ready and very much prepared. He better put his

shit together and do what's right”! My dad roars.

Me: “I am the one who chose my wife dad, that should

be evident enough to you that I'm ready to get married”.

Him: “I know and sorry for coming at you like that. You know
very well that you are hot headed”.

Mom: “We need to prepare for the ceremony of welcoming

our new bride and so far we did nothing. Nothing at all. There
are still gifts to be bought for the bride's family, the elders, we
also have to buy food and hire tents, chairs and pots. We are
running out of time. Not forgetting your traditional attires
along with your groom's men and her bride maids. The decor,
everything. Have the invites to the other villages been sent”?

The king nods...

Her: “Good. Now let's get to work, we have like 4 days to

get everything done”.

Me: “Why don't you hire a wedding planner? I thought we

were doing something small & intimate”.

Her: “I want to do things for myself and besides I have women

who I trust, they will be the ones helping me with everything
and make sure that everything runs smooth. That was the plan,
but you know how the villagers are. They all want to witness
the prince of Buhlebezulu village taking a wife”.
King: “You can't handle everything at once Khethiwe. You need
some help” mom smiles.

Her: “I can. As for you, you better start arranging rooms for the
invited villages chiefs and their elders. See to it that they have
a place to sleep before Friday. Son, I am so proud of you.
Marriage is a huge step”.

King: “Son, do you want to add anything? It's your

wedding after all”

Me: “Nope. I trust the Queen to pull off this wedding, she will
make it a success, and besides it's not an actual wedding, it's
a welcoming ceremony of the bride, right”?

Queen: “And her dowry day of course, not

forgetting exchanging of rings”

Me: “Wait, we are going to exchange vows with each other”?

Her: “Yes. Is there a problem”?

I look at dad and his death stare is not giving me peace, it's
more like a warning. I have no choice but to shake my head. If I
speak my voice will betray me, it's best I keep quiet.

Her: “You better start practising them then”.

King: “What must he practice? He must say them straight

from his heart not some prepared vows”

Queen: “Either way my king. He has to practice them just

to make sure that he doesn't mess up”

Him: “Mess up what? He will be saying his vows coming straight

from his heart, after all he is the one who chose the maiden.
Excuse me I have other commitments to attend too”.

He stands up and walks away his stick making clicking noise on

the floor. Mother shrugs and shortly follow after him. I rub my
face with my hands, I need to get this over and done with, then
go back to the city and start living my life without no one
guarding me. My dad is really making my stay uncomfortable. I
take out my phone from my pocket and call Natasha, she
answers on that 3rd ring.

“Baby”

“Hey Babe. I miss you”

Her: “I miss you too baby. You sound down what's wrong? Are
you having second thoughts about the marriage”?

Me: “A part of me yes, but then again I have no choice I

will have to go ahead with it or else my father will kill me”

Her: “All will be well babe. Just get done there and come back
to me, I miss you, and this house is too big without you”
Me: “I miss you too baby. How I wish that you can come
down this side”

Her: “You know I can't baby. I wouldn't just stand and

watch you saying vows to her, kissing her, and the thought
of you sleeping with her doesn't sit well with me”.

Me: “It's not as if like I will sleep with her. I will just break her
hymn that's it. As long as there will be a blood stain, then it's
good”.

Her: “Is that even allowed”?

Me: “What they don't know won't hurt them”

Her: “If you say so. How far are you with the preparations”?

Me: “Mom is handling everything”

Her: “Oh okay. I've got to go I'm having lunch with my family.
Love you”

Me: “Love you too”.

I hang up and walk out of my dad's office. I bump into

Nkanyiso.

“Man the guys are asking when should they come”?

“Friday early in the morning”

Him: “I will let them know. How are you feeling? Are
you ready”?

Me: “I feel like I'm betraying Tasha man”

Him: “You are not. Remember why you're doing this, now
chin up and pretend to be happy that is going to make all our
lives easy. The sooner we get done with this. The easier for us
to leave, do you want to be stuck here”?

Me: “You're right. Thanks for being here man, I don't think I
would've survived on my own”

Him: “I always knew that you love me and today you've just
proven it”
Me: “Fuck you man«
I punch him on his shoulder, and we both burst out laughing.
Him: “Let's go and practice your wedding step”
Me: “Mxm”

We both walk away with him busy telling me about the girls of
the village. It's all a waste of time because he is not the
committing type, he smash & pass. It's been like that for years,
he just needs to find the one who will tame him. That one who
will unfreeze his heart. Underneath that stoned cold heart of
his, lies lots of love.

7
NOBUNTU
The almost big day that everyone has been talking about is
finally here. I woke up as early as 03:00am before anyone else
and went to the river to bathe with four of the maidens I have
chosen, my bridesmaids. I haven't bothered myself with asking
Thakasile, it was going to be a complete waste of time. I chose
Zuki, Buhle, Nomsa & Zana, they the only ones I am closed too.
I have to do everything by myself but my bridesmaids also
played a very vital role for this to be a success. Zana asked her
mother to sew me a dress, Buhle offered to do my hair and
Zuki offered to do my make-up. All in all I am sorted. My
grandmother hasn't spoken to me ever since that encounter of
beating me. Thakasile have been avoiding me ever since, she
practically hates me. I heard that she wanted the wedding not
to happen, but something strange happened. She woke up 2
days ago not walking, wuhhh hhayi. I can't really believe that
few hours from now I will be officially someone's wife. It feels
surreal. I wish I can run away and never look years, but where
will I go? What I also found funny this week was that I actually
have uncles real uncles. I wonder if I would've known them if it
wasn't for this wedding that will be taking place. I don't blame
them though my grandmother can make one very

uncomfortable. She also talks a lot, she has no filter. I wonder

how are they going to treat me at the royal house. Are they
going to treat me like a maid? Well, they wouldn't though
because they have servants. How will they welcome me? After,
all I am just a commoner. What will I be doing there exactly, in
terms of my duties of course? I don't see myself popping babies
for the prince and be a house wife at the same time. No, I want
to become something in life not just a wife married to a Prince.
Will the Prince love me, well I think he does love me that's why
he chose me right? He chose me because he loves me. It's not
all bad after all. At least I will leave this hellhole called a home,
not literally hell but yeah that. I never ever in my life imagine
that I will be someone's wife at the age of 25, never ever
especially a wife to a prince but here it is happening. One of my
aunt comes into my hut, she is all smiles. It's my first time
seeing her, actually it's my first time seeing all of these people
who are here. Where were they all these years when gogo was
abusing me?

“Unjani Sisi” (how are you)

“Ngiyaphila Ma wena unjani”? (I am good and how are you)

Her: “Ngiyaphila nami. Igama lami ngingu Ncumisa ngingu

mamncane wakho ecaleni laka nyoko” (I am good too. My
name is Ncumisa your Aunt from your mother's side)
Me: “Ngiyabonga ukukukwazi” (it's good to know you)

Her: “Yazi ngithukiwe njani mangizwa bathi uyashada. Phela

thina singumndeni sazi kuthi wahamba no mngani ka mamakho
edolobheni” (I was so shocked when I heard that you are
getting married. We as a family know that you left to town with
your mother's friend)

Me: “Ngempela”? (Really)

Her: “Yebo”

Me: “Kusho ubani”? (who said that)

Her: “Ugogo wakho. Awumazi ukuthi ukhohlakele njani

asimufuni nala ahambe khona. Kaze umukhona njani wena”

(Your grandmother. You don't know how evil she is, we don't
even want her near us. I wonder how you manage with her)
If only you knew. No doubt about that evil part though, she is
beyond evil. What puzzles me is that, why did she hide me from
the family? Why did she lie about my whereabouts? She is
more cruel than I thought, once I am settled at the royal house I
will ask Ncumisa about my mother.

Her: “Asisala siyeka lendaba yalo mthakathi. Uziva njani?

Honestly speaking”. (Let's leave the talk about that witch.
How do you feel)

Me: “I don't know really. A part of me is happy and the other

part of me it's not. I am nervous, I mean, I will be in a new
environment. I will have to adapt to their ways, I have never
been apart with my grandmother, Thakasile and Sanele. It was
always the 4 of us, now going to a big family I really don't
know what to expect”.

Her: “It's very normal to feel like that. I was also like you except
that I am not married to a prince. It was hard at first to adjust
to the changes, they treated me like a slave until my husband put
a stop to it. Ever since then they started treating me with
respect, and acknowledging me. It was not an easy road but look
at me now. All I could tell you is that don't put up with nonsense.
If your husband starts cheating seek counselling or speak to your
elders or a marriage counsellor. If all fails leave or do a complete
make-over. You are a beautiful dark skinned girl Nobuntu, you
need to own your beauty and embrace it. If he raises his hand at
you, pack your things and go, once he starts he will never stop,
your sanity comes first and don't settle for less. You still young
Nobuntu, you better go and further your studies don't allow
them to bully you into being a house wife”.

I chuckle... This woman is raw, I like her already.

Me: “Thank you for the advice. I guess the elders will come
and tell me otherwise, tell me about being submissive to my
husband”.

Her: “Don't mind them they too old school. This is a 21st
century they will have to understand, in order for you to
submit, your husband must treat you with respect and love
you, that way submission will come in easy”.

Me: “I will always remember that. Thank you for lifting up

my mood, I was so down”

Her: “Only a pleasure. Let me go and see how far are they with
preparations”.

Me: “What are they preparing exactly”?

Her: “Food for the uncles and some villagers who can't go to
the palace”

Me: “Where did they get the money from”?

Her: “From the King. I will suggest that you take a nap because
it's going to be a long night”.
Me: “Let me just do that”.
Her: “I will bring you your food”

She stands up and leaves my room. I lie down and take a deep
breath, it's happening. I am about to be someone's wife, if
only it was just dream, but it's reality.

★»★«

ZWELI
The royal yard is full unlike the last time when there was a
welcoming ceremony. I am standing near the window looking
at everything taking place. Everyone looks happy, they are in
the spirit of wedding, and I am not. I am the only one who is
not happy about this union, but for my sake I will have to
pretend to be happy, I don't want to anger the king. He looks

happy. The week have been long, it was the longest week I
have ever had. I hear my niggas voices all the way from the
passage, my mood is back. The door flew open and Sizwe is the
first to get in and the others follows.

“Groom to be”! They shout in unison.

I look at them and roll my eyes. Ben throws his bag on top of
the bed, and comes and stands next to me. Thabo starts
laughing, and they follow him, these friends of mine are no
fun right now.

Ben: “This place is beautiful man

and don't get me started about the girls, they are all flames and
I saw their boobs, they are firm”
Me: That's all you saw Ben? Come on man. You are a
married man”.

Him: “I was window shopping brah. Nothing hectic”

Sizwe: “How are you feeling bruh. Considering the fact that you
are getting hitched to a stranger”?

Me: “I don't know how I feel. I just want to get this over and
done with. I feel like I am betraying Tasha in a way, I was
supposed to marry her first, and now everything took off
south”

Him: “Yah neh. It can't be easy for her, you are going
to exchange vows with a stranger a total stranger”.

Mnqobi: “Is she hot”?

Me: “No. She is average and dark skinned at least Tasha
won't see her as a threat”

Ben: “You chose an ugly duckling? Dude TF? Out of all those hot
girls I saw you settled for a bomb”?

Me: “Yeap”

Sizwe: “If you chose a beautiful girl she was going to be a

threat to Tasha”?

Me: “Exactly”.

Him: “Wow man. If she makes you happy and won't mind
being seen with her in public, I guess its cool” he chuckles.
Me: “Who said I will walk with her in public? Once we get to
the Jo'burg she is going to be a maid in our house. I've decided
to turn the outside storeroom as a room for her”.

Mnqobi: “What? Are you marrying this girl to turn her into
your maid”?

Me: “Yeap”.

Him: “Let me get this straight. You are going to make her your
maid? A whole wife with a ring in her finger your maid”?

Me: “Yes”.

Him: “Wow just wow man”

Me: “My dad wanted a daughter-in-law and I got him one. He is

happy and so is everyone”.
Ben: “I guess this means no school for her”?

Me: “I am not responsible for her education. Her parents are,

and I doubt she even went to school, 98% of the girls here
are illiterate”.

Him: “She is your responsibitly now, you are marrying her. You
must take her to school. All in all 2% attended school”?

Me: “Yes and of which 1% are school dropouts”

Him: “Wow, but at least they are domesticated you will be

well taken care of”.

Me: “She will not be cooking for me. Tasha will still order food
for us. Her job will be cleaning and doing laundry, that's it”.
Mnqobi: “And I'm sure that girl is thinking a bright future with
you, and already have plans for the both of you. You guys
having kids and be one big happy family”.

Me: “If that's the case then dissapointment awaits her”

Sizwe: “We hear you boy. Where is Nkanyiso”?

Me: “He is busy helping outside and it will be best for you guys
to go, and give him a hand”.

Him: “He was doing fine without us. He can carry on working
we will just walk around and view the yard”.
Me: “Did the King or any of the royal family see you”?

Him: “Some boy named Nhlakanipho”.

Me: “You guys better go outside now before my father comes
gun blazing”

Ben: “We are here for the wedding not to slave around”

Me: “Do as I say and I assure you that you will see a lot of
maidens walking around, go and indulge yourself”.

Sizwe: “We must go and work wearing like this? Do you

know how much these clothes cost”?

“There will be no need for you to work looking like that. You
may follow me” that was uncle Vusi. The very strict uncle out of
the bunch. He looks at them and walk away, the guys look at
me and I smile at them.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

According to tradition I was supposed to go to the royal house

in the early hours of the morning, but because my grandmother
wants to get rid of me, she suggested that I leave at 00:00am
midnight I will have to go to the river first. The elders will have
to cleanse me and the royal seer will be there to lead the whole
thing, I decided to take a nap again. My stomach is doing flap
jacks, reality it's kicking in, few hours from now I will be
someone's wife. It all feels surreal.

★»★«

We are on our way to the river with the elders. I have been
covered with a blanket given to me by my Aunt. I was told not
to look back as to not to invite bad luck. Like guys, it was
actually my last time at that place that harboured me since I
was born. A place I used to call home, I can't help it, but shed
some tears. My maids are right next to me. My grandmother
refused to come along with us, Thakasile too but Sanele is
present. He is the only person I am going to miss not the other
two. We finally arrive at the river, and we are told to get in butt
naked, the men looked away while the women were the ones
looking at us. We get inside the river, and the water is cold
yuhhh, I am even shivering. The seer cleanses us and say clan
names of the Zungu's, then we get out of the river. The incense
is burning. We take our blankets and wear them again. The
women start a song, and we leave the river, a horn sound fills
up the entire air. I guess they are announcing our arrival. My
heart is beating out of my chest. I can hear more voices behind
us, it must be the villagers. Couldn't they wait till the morning?
Imagine being disturbed from your sleep just to welcome the
Prince's wife to be? Iyoh, it can never be me. I love my sleep
shame. My uncle's calls out our clan names asking my ancestors
to protect me as I am going into a new family. I hear the gate
creek open, Buhle takes my hand and leads me inside. We walk
around the whole yard first before entering the house. The seer
is the one doing all the talking, and asking the ancestors of the

royal place to recognize me as their own. After walking for few

minutes, we finally make our way inside the house. The women
ululate, and I am led into another room. It is only then that I
breath, the blanket have been removed. I take a look around my
surroundings, we are in this African beautiful painted room.

“Aha aha Nobuntu bewukhala yini” (were you crying)- Buhle

I shake my head while wiping my tears.

Her: “Bewukhala. Uzojwayela. Umndeni wakho omusha lona”

(You were crying. You will get used to it. This is your new
family)

Zana: “Kuhle kakhulu ke la phakathi” (It's too beautiful inside)

Nomsa: “Ai cha badla izambane laka pondo. We Nobuntu

ungasikholwa nawe mase wudla laka pondo” (They are
very rich. Nobuntu don't forget us when you also rich)

Me: “Never”.
Zuki: “Nibabonile labo bhuti abala mara? Bahle ma e and
ontanga bethu”_(Have you seen how handsome they guys
are? They are our age mates)

Buhle: “Ubabone njani wena”? (how did you see them)

Her: “Hhayi ke hhayi ke Buhle ngibabone ngamehlo” (I

saw them with my eyes)

We all laugh. Zuki is one crazy girl, I did not make a mistake
choosing them as my bridesmaids. Buhle is my maid of honour.

Me: “Mhlambe nani nizothola umendo khona la” (Maybe

you will also get marriage here)

Buhle: “Ngempela O”? (serious)

We continue talking about random things njer. The door opens
and a woman who happens to be around her 60s comes in.
She is followed by two other woman.

“Sanibona”

“Yebo”

Her: “Ngingu MaZungu mina. Laba engihamba nabo U

MaLanga no MaMajozi size la sizokuyala usazongena
emshadweni wakho”. (We are here to guide you before you
venture into your wedding)

I nod....they join us on the mat, and they start telling me about

how to behave as a Zulu Princess, blah blah. I am even falling
asleep from their talk. They're actually telling me to be
submissive, make babies for my husband and know that my
place is in the kitchen nowhere else. Iyoh, this is too much.
Submission must come naturally, my aunt told me so. After 2
hours of talking they eventually leave. I look at my maids, and
they are all sleeping. I chuckle. I wonder what awaits me hours
from now to my future. Sleep is nowhere to be found, guess I

will stay awake. I stand up, and go and stand near the window
people are still going up & down. They are supposed to be
sleeping, so that they wake up refreshed in the morning. I look
at the far distance, and the tents are being decorated, I
thought that it was going to be something small with just both
families, but I was wrong. This is something huge, the lights
makes the yard look beautiful. God, please guide me.

8
NOBUNTU

By the time the sun rises from the horizon my eyes were
already shoot open, I have even bathed. One of the woman
came to wake me up, and told me to go and take a bath
before anyone else. I look at my maids, and they are still
sleeping. I wake them up and Zano mumbles something in her
sleep. Nomsa wakes up, and Buhle doesn't want to hear any of
it. I just let her be. The door opens and one of the servants
comes in. She bows her head.
“Amanzi okugeza wabakhaphi bakho sekalungile” (The bathing
water for your bridesmaids are ready)

“Ngiyabonga ngokusazisa” (Thank you for letting us know) She

bows her head once more, and leaves the room.

Me: “Nizwile angisho”? (You all heard right)

Nomsa: “Wena ke”? (What about you)

Me: “Dala ngigezile mina” (I've long taken a bath)

Her: “Ulele mara wena”? (Did you sleep)

Me: “I hora nje” (just for an hour)

Her: “Oh, mina bengingeke ngilale i hora ubuthongo bumnandi
kanjer”. (I will never sleep for an hour, I love sleeping) I chuckle.

Me: “Hambo geza isikhathi sahamba Ngizovusa laba abanye”

(go and take a bath, time is not our side I will wake the others
up)

She stands up and steps out of the room, I wake the others up.
They still don't want to wake up, I guess they are not used to
waking up early. The door flies open and MaLanga walks in.
She looks at the girls and shake her head, she goes straight to
the closet and comes back with a belt. I chuckle, she is going to
wake them up with a belt, and they must not blame me

because I tried waking them up. She beats them, and they
jump off from the mat screaming. I laugh at them.

“Nimantombazana anjani avuka sekuphakeme ilanga?!

Banifundise njalo aboma nyoko”? (what kind of girls are you
guys that wake up after the sun has risen? Did your
mothers teach you that?)
They shake their heads. Buhle holds up the blankets.

“Hambani nohlamba njenga manjer”! (Go and bath right

now) They hurry out of the room.

“Bazoziletha manjer izingubo zenu. Ujabulile”? (they will

bring your dresses now. Are you happy)

Am I?

Me: “Yebo ma ngijabulile” (yes I am happy)

Her: “Kuhle ukuzwa loko. Ithi ngikushiye uzilungiselele”

(that's good to hear. Let me leave you to get ready)

She bows her head and leaves, geez this woman. Nomsa
comes back looking all fresh.
“Ubayenzeni lo gogo”? (What did the old woman do to them)

Me: “Ubashayile mebangafuni ukuvuka”.(she has beaten them

they didn't want to wake up)

Her: “Ubalayile” (she did well) laughing.

Our dresses are laid out on top of the bed they look very
beautiful. The door flies open again and Aunt Ncumisa steps
inside with aunt Sesi, a big smile erupts on my lips and I run to
them, I embrace both of them. I am very happy to see them. I
thought that none of my family members will come, but they
proved me wrong. Seeing them here in front of me gives me
joy.

“Thank you for coming”

“You thought we were not going to come? We can never

neglect you like that”, Ncumisa.
Sesi: “And to ease your heart we've managed to invite all our
relatives in neighbouring villages and cities”

Ncumisa: “And trust me people will start asking questions like,

where were we all along? Why are we showing up now? Blah
blah” I chuckle...

Me: “People will always talk whether you do good or bad. I am

just glad to see you guys here and that I have a family of my
own. This means so much to me and I'm glad that there's more
coming, now I can face my fears for the day with a big heart”.

Sesi: “I'm glad that we came through for you baby girl. Your
witch guardian and her deputy granddaughter of a witch
did not come” I laugh.

These women are full of jokes. Why did my grandmother refuse

me knowing them? Geez that old witch is very evil. We are now
done getting dressed, we all look beautiful. We hold hands and
pray, asking God for guidance and to bless this day and the
union of me and my soon to be husband. After we are done
praying the Queen steps in being flanked by her servants, she
looks beautiful up close. We all bow at her presence.

“Everyone please excuse us”

They all leave. I swallow hard she looks at me with a straight

face on. I don't know why, but she is about to spit poison.

“Before we get far do you understand English? Oh wait, why am

I asking the obvious. Almost forgot that you illiterate. Konjer
awungizwa”. (you don't hear me) I nod.

Her: “Lalela la ke ntombazana ungacabangi ukuthy njengoba

ushada nendodana yami uyi mpumelelo yakho for impilo
encono. Ukushada ngoba ekuzwela, alikho isoka elizokuthanda.
ukukhipha ohlazweni. Kuzokusiza ukuthi umuhloniphe and
uwenze isiciniseko sokuthi awukhulelwa ngoba ngizomu bulala

lomntwana wakho mina. Uhlale wazi ke ukuthy mina ngidlala

indima enkulu empilweni yendodana yami”. (listen here girl.
Don't think that just because you are marrying my son he is
your breakthrough to a great life. He is marrying you because
he pities you, no man will ever love you. He is saving you from
embarrassment. It will help you to respect him and make sure
that you don't fall pregnant for him because I will kill that
child of yours. Always know that I play a very important role in
my son's life)

Oh he is a mama's boy, I see. He lives according to his mother's

wishes, Jesus. A grown man taking orders from his mother,
this is ludicrous! And all that she said is not really necessary,
she is wasting her breath.

Her: “Ngiyethemba ungizwile”. (I hope you have heard me)

Me: “Ndlovukazi” (Queen)

I bow my head and roll my eyes mentally. I hear her heels

clicking across the floor leaving, the door opens & closes again. I
lift my head and let out a huge sigh. This woman hates me but
it's okay I won't be in her way just to keep the peace between
all of us. My bridesmaids and my aunt enter again, and we do
our final touch ups. Let's do this. Now, who is going to walk
me down the aisle? Just then the door flies open and steps in
my uncle, uncle Bhekani. The one who was handling the
Lobola negotiations.

“Are you ready”? I nod.

He takes my hand and links it with his. I am really getting

married, wow. Another thing that I'm looking forward to is
seeing how the Prince looks like. I never saw him close-up.

★»★«

ZWELI
We are all in our traditional clothes. The guys are really happy,
I did not even sleep a wink last night. I was hoping that
something was going to happen, like the bride running away

from home or something. Okay I can't really put that past her
I am the one who chose her after all.

“Let's go and get you wedded boy” Sizwe.

“Yeah man plus I saw this other girl this morning she is very
beautiful. I think that she is one of your wife's bridesmaids. I
must get her numbers before we leave” Ben says.

Me: “Dude, girls from this village don't know anything about
cellphones or any gadgets. All they know is being domesticated
and they are illiterate. Don't waste your time, they are what
you call. “Beauty with no brains”.

Nkanyiso: “It's time gents. Let's go”

I take a deep breath, and we walk to the main tent. Seems like
everyone from all the villages are here. Half of these people
weren't even at my welcoming ceremony last weekend. Where
the hell does all of these people come from all of a sudden?
And I thought that it was going to be a small ceremony but

now, huh uh. This is written my mom all over it. The pastor is
already at the altar, there are maidens singing & dancing while
the boys are beating the drums. I look at my parents, and they
look very happy, my dad is one proud man now. The seer is
standing right next to my father, he never smiles this one.
Ululations erupt and people stand up as my soon to be wife
appears

I roll my eyes mentally. The old women erupt in a chorus. I

don't even dare look at her. She stands before me looking
down with a bouquet in her hands. Her face is covered with a
veil. She has short nails, she also doesn't know about manicure?
Geez this rural girl there's a lot that Natasha must teach her.

“Siyanamukela nonke kulo mcimbi wokuhlanganisa laba ababili

ngohlukana nokuhlana kwenu ngezizwe ne zizwe. Ngithande
futhi ukuthatha lethuba ngicele enkosini nasezinyanyeni zakwa
Zulu basibusisele lelisuku elikhethekile” (We welcome you all
to this ceremony of binding these 2 together in accordance to
difference villages. I would also like to take this time and ask
the God and the ancestors of the Zulu family to bless this
chosen day)

The pastor goes on and on and on, I am actually bored, and he

comes to the part where I am not comfortable with. Exchanging
of vows, yasis. I am about to lie to everyone present here
today, but they won't know that I am lying. I take a deep breath
and take her hands into mine. She looks at me and her eyes are
glistering, she doesn't look happy or maybe it's just me, I don't
know but hhayi she doesn't look happy. I can see it right
through the veil. I am glad that she at least feels the same way
about this as me. If it's like that then this is going to be simple,
we are just going to play along. Someone taps me on my
shoulder, I look back and it is Nkanyiso he gives me the ring. I
bought her a cheap ring that fades colour the plan is for her to
wear it when my parents comes to visit us. I take it and nod at
him, I look at my wife to be and smile she just gives me a plain
look. Okay.

“Mina Zwelizabanzi Zulu ngiyakuthatha wena Nobuntu Zungu

ukuba inkosikazi yami ngokusemthethweni naphambi kubo
bonke abantu abakhona la ngaphakathi kwethu. Ngizohlala
nawe ebubini nasebumnandini” (I Zwelibanzi Zulu take you
Nobuntu to be my lawfully wedded wife in front of these
people who are here within us. I will stay with you in good
times and in bad times)

I take the ring and slide it in her finger.

She said the same vows to me, slid the ring in my finger and it
was done. The pastor pronounced us as husband & wife.
Women ululated and the men whistling, she did not even want
me to kiss her, but I did give her a peck. We are ushered to
where the reception will be held. We settle in our seats and
smile to the people, her smile is the fakest of them all. She has
a PHD in fake smiling. Both families say their speeches and so
do our friends, community members and so forth. Food is
being served, we all eat and exchanging of gifts comes. My
family gives Nobuntu's family gifts and so do they. I had no idea
that Nobuntu has such a vast family, it's shocking to tell you the
truth. The festivities go on until the evening. Nobuntu starts
complaining about her legs being tired. I just look at her in
disgust, why is she telling me this? I see maLanga approaching
us. I so don't like her and I don't know why.
“Ubukeka ukhathele makoti” (You look tired daughter-in-law)
Nobuntu nods, and gives her a faint smile.

“Asambe uyocambalala kancane nakusasa kusase ilanga”

(Let's go so that you can take a nap, tomorrow it's still a day)

“Awunakinga Zweli”? Nobuntu ask me.

“Ungahamba akunankinga” (you can go there's no problem)

She bows her head and walks away. It is only then I take a
deep breath and relax. My niggas are having fun with the other
maidens except for Nkanyiso who looks to be far away with
thoughts, I guess fatigue finally got to him. Now that I am free
this gives me a chance to call Natasha, everyone seems to be
busy.

★»★«
NKANYISO

Ever since the arrival of Nobuntu during midnight I was no

longer in a good mood. Actually I wish that I left yesterday
afternoon just to avoid the wedding, but I couldn't drop Zweli in
the last minutes. I had to support him even though it was a
bitter pill to swallow. Ben is busy flirting with one of Nobuntu's

bridesmaid, I wonder where did Nobuntu disappear to. Mnqobi

approaches me since I am standing alone near the main gate,
he finally gets to me he hands me a beer, I thank him.

“You don't look good man. Your mind was not at the ceremony
that took place hours ago, you were out of it. What's eating
you”?

“Nothing man”

Him: “Talk to me man. You may be Zweli's best friend but

I know you better than he does”.
I chuckle...he is right.

Me: “Just promise that you won't judge me after telling

you this”

Him: “I swear to God”

Me: “I think I am in love with someone”

Him: “You are in love? A stone cold-heart man in love? I guess

these village girls managed to melt your frozen heart. A
whole fuck boy in love? Unbelievable. Who is the lucky girl”?

Me: “Urhm...it's. Dude are you sure that I can trust you with
what I'm about to tell you”?
He keeps quiet and looks at me confused then proceed to
being shocked, he just realized what I mean. What bomb I am
about to drop to him.

Him: “Dude you mean... No way? But how? Man you better
unlove the girl and crush your feelings into shreds. This is
messed up”.

Me: “How do I unlove her man? What the hell does “unlove”
mean? She is the only thing I think of everyday. This is
messed up man, fucken messed up”.

Him: “I will not judge you, after all inhliziyo ifuna ukudla kwako.
There's something I don't get though, You fell in love with her
during their wedding ceremony or”?

Me: “When I first heard her sing in Zweli's welcoming

ceremony. I first fell in love with her voice. Then I saw her
fetching woods from the forest, she looked badly beaten. We
had a small conversation and I completely fell in love with
her fully. I had no control of it man, it just happened so fast, I
couldn't control my feelings”.
Him: “Damn man this is a mess. The sad thing about it is that
Zweli doesn't love her, and he is planning not too for as long as
he is married to her. To him this marriage is just a front, it's
sad man”.

Me: “I know bruh I know. Hearing him belittling her makes my

blood boil but I had to keep it together and not act on it. Now
all I have to do is to freeze my heart again. Forget about her”.

Him: “This is going to put your brotherhood in jeopardy. I think

you will have to limit your visit to his house just to avoid seeing

Nobuntu. Every time you see her all the feelings will come back,
you are going to freeze your heart as you say but once you see
her your heart will melt at her sight again. You should've
kidnapped her and ran away with her”. I laugh.

Me: “You are one crazy fucker. First thing tomorrow morning I
am leaving, I will not be spending one more day here. It was
hard for me to act cool at the wedding, I was pissed but I had
to pretend for peace”.

Him: “Do you think she loves you too”?

I think back about the time we were at the forest. I saw no sign
of love there or maybe there was, maybe she was hiding it
with her pain.

Me: “I don't know man. There is that little hope though”.

Him: “Between you & me I don't think this marriage will work
out the bride was so cold, no matter how much she faked it.
She even asked to be excused, apparently she is tired”.

Me: “Do you think I stand a chance”?

“A chance in what”? Ben asks approaching behind us.

Me: “Hitting it raw with your wife”

Him: “You wouldn't dare boi, I will skin you alive. Now that 3
out of 5 are married. When are you guys getting married”?

Me & Mnqobi look at each other then Ben.

Mnqobi: “Not any time soon. Marriage it's a trap I'm

telling you”

Him: “How do you know because you are not married”?

Mnqobi: “I see it through you. You become a prisoner

sometimes. Mika has you by the balls, you are a “yes madam”

man to her” We laugh, and he clicks his tongue giving Mnqobi a

deadly look.
Him: “Mxm. Let's go and celebrate maybe you guys can find
wives for yourselves. Have you seen how thick these girls are?
Well except for the bride. She is a beautiful dark skinned girl,
but she is skinny definitely not my type”.

Mnqobi: “I bet she didn't even look your way. You are not
her type anyway”.

Him: “Nxa”!

I shake my head, and we walk back to the yard with Ben

throwing his lame jokes here & there. I see the seer standing
far looking at us his eyes are glowing. This man scares me,
yuhhh...

9
NOBUNTU

I was the first one to see the sun rise up. I didn't sleep last
night, I was still recovering from the shock of Nkanyiso being
friends with Zweli. The wedding felt so wrong, I feel like I have
betrayed him somehow, I saw the pain in his eyes. I will just
have to live with it and ignore him at all cost. I saw the look on
his face, he wasn't pleased about any of this at all. I'm dragged
out of my thoughts by Zweli who is busy snoring on the bed.
Yeap, he made me sleep on the floor last night after breaking
my hymn. He just thrust 2x and that was it. He told me straight
up that all they want is to see “blood” on the sheets, to confirm
that I was still a virgin. I won't lie, it was painful because he
pushed himself in without warning me. I always hoped that my
first would be special with someone I love, you know, but boo
hoo, shit ain't no Cinderella story. This is reality. This marriage
is a recipe for disaster, I tell you. Then his mother's words
keeps on ringing through my mind, argh. This is going to be
worse than my grandmother's place. I get up from the floor and
fold my blankets that he has given me and I go and take a quick
bath. I get to the kitchen and I find no one, I guess they are all
tired from last night's events, they partied almost all night.
Anyway, I don't know what they like to eat. So, I take out

almost everything from the fridge and prepare an enormous

breakfast since I don't know how many people are here, I also
cooked some soft porridge for others, Thanks God, I know my
way around the kitchen. Imagine if I was a lazy Makoti, arhhh.
The stove gave me hassles at first, but I eventually got it right. I
set the long table and put the food nicely, just then MaLanga
and the queen walk in. The queen looks at me with disgust
while MaLanga smiles at me.

“Ndlovukazi. MaLanga”, I say bowing my head.

“Ai cha ukhethile u Zweli la. Awuvilaphi makoti ngisho

uvukele ne Ndlovukazi kuqala, hhayi ungu makoti oqhotho”
MaLanga. (Zweli chose very well. You are not lazy, you even
woke up before the Queen. You are a true bride)

I smile but my smile vanishes as soon as I see the Queen's look,

she gave me the ugliest look ever. I swallow hard, and try not
to mind her. This woman right here, will be monster in-law, she
hates me she doesn't even have to tell me.

Me: “Umsebenzi wami MaLanga” (It's my duty)

They both sit down and soon everyone comes down, they are
like 20 of them Zweli & Nkanyiso are not amongst them. Zweli
is still sleeping and Nkanyiso left last night, I heard Zweli talking
to him. They get settled and look pleased by the breakfast
shame, their smiles said it all. I go and fetch the big bowl filled
with warm water and hang a dish cloth on my shoulder. I walk
back to the dining area and walk straight to the King, he washes
his hands and wipes them with the cloth. His smile is never to
be missed. I then walk to the Queen, and she also does the
same too, the looks are still there though. Let me rather ignore
her. I round it around the table and walk back to the kitchen. I
dispose the water in the sink and rinse it. I walk back to the
dining area.

MaLanga: “Hlala phansi makoti udle” (sit down and eat)

Me: “Uxolo bakithi bengisaqela ukuyovusa u Myeni wami ngeke

ngidle angakadli yena” (Forgive me my in-laws. I need to go and
wake my husband up, I can't eat without him eating)

King: “Ave alala lomfana. Ulala ngathi umithisile. Khululeka

makoti hambo mvusa” (This boy sleeps a lot. He sleeps as if
he has impregnated someone. Be free, go and wake him up)
I bow my head and excuse myself going to Zweli's bedroom, I
step in without knocking, and he seems like he is on the phone.
Judging by his smile, he is talking to a woman. As soon as his
eyes lands on me, the smiles vanishes.

“Look I will have to call you back babe. Something just

entered my room”. He hangs up and looks and he looks at me
with disgust. I don't even smell!

Him: “Ngingakunceda Sisi” (can I help you) I roll my eyes

mentally.

Me: “Ukudla kulungile” (food is ready)

Him: “Ngiyeza”. (I am coming)

Me: “I Nkosi ithe ngibuye nawe” (The king said I must

come back with you)

Nxa! He clicks his tongue, serves him right.

Him: “Ngilinde la ngiyeza” (wait here I am coming) village
girls, sies.

I feel like punching his face, rubbish. He is about to enter the

bathroom when I mumble the word “trash”.

Him: “Uthini”? (What are you saying)

Me: “Trap”

I give him a big smile. He shakes his head and proceed to the
bathroom. My mind drifts off to Nkanyiso, haibo we Sathane
wenzani ungilinga. Zweli comes out after few minutes, I'm
sure the others have finished eating. Mxm. We walk out hand
in hand, and go to the lounge and as I predicted, yes they are
done eating. The table has been cleared, but at least they

dished up for us and there is no one on sight. He yanks his

hand off mine.
Him: “Baphi abantu”? (Where is everyone)

Me: “Ubuza ubani”? (Who are you asking)

Him: “Mxm”

We both sit down, we sit opposite each other. I first pray as

soon I say Amen, Zweli is halfway through eating. I shake my
head and eat my food. We eat in complete silence. What am I
going to do after here? Must I go back to Zweli's bedroom or
what? I mean everyone is doing something. What about me?
Then there's monster in-law! Arh, I will die here angeke. After
we are done eating, I tidy up the table as Zweli leaves. I sigh. I
take the dishes to the kitchen, I bump into one of the helpers,
and she takes the dishes from me and proceed to the kitchen.
Why not familiarise myself with the royal house and the yard.
As I am busy debating with myself, someone nudges me. I turn
to look and it is one of the servants.
“Igama lami ngingu Boniwe ngingu msizi wakho” (my name
is Boniwe, and I am your personal helper)

Me: “Msizi wami”? (My helper)

Her: “Yebo. Utshela mina konke okudingayo bese mina

ngiyakwenza” (yes. You tell me everything you need and I will
do it)

Me: “Oh”.

I don't need a personal servant, I am fine on my own. I can't be

walking around with someone next to me, guarding my every
move and asking someone to do things for me. I am used to
doing things for myself, but I can not defy the royals now, can I?

Me: “Can you please take me on a tour around this place”.

Shit, what if she doesn't understand English?

Her: “At your service your Majesty. Please follow me”. A huge
smile spreads across my face. Finally
someone I can talk too in English.

Me: “I... I didn't know that there are people here in the royal
house who know English. I thought it was only the King,
Queen and their kids”. She chuckles.

We are walking around the garden, it is beautiful shame.

Here: “There's actually a lot of us but as you know the

royalties think that we are all dumb, especially the Queen. She
is evil, and she treats us like trash. To tell you a secret; she was
not happy with the wedding. I'm sure she prayed all week for
it not to happen, but she knew that it had to happen or else
the King would've killed her” I chuckle.

Me: “She threatened me. The nerve”.

Her: “Don't mind her. Just stay out of her way, she is
dertemined to make your stay here a living hell”!

Me: “Thank you for warning me”.

Her: “You welcome”.

Me: “What will be my duties here”?

Her: “Nothing. They have chefs, cleaners they basically have

everything”

Me: “And to think I woke up and made breakfast for

everyone, I'm sure the chefs felt somehow”.

Her: “Not at all. They were glad that you've given them a day
off and just so you know, the breakfast tasted very good. Better
than the chefs even”. I chuckle.
Me: “You lie. Stop it”.

Her: “I am serious girl. At least we ate something different for

a change, the chefs will now have to up their game in the
kitchen before you take over”.

Me: “Arh girl, I don't want to make myself enemies. If you don't
mind me asking, how did you end being a servant here”?

Her: “My mom was working here. It happened that she got sick
and I had to take over her duties, I had to put food on the table.
That's how I ended up here. I've been working here for close to
10 years now. I had dreams, big dreams, but they never came
true. It seems like I am stuck here for the rest of my life”.

Me: “Wow. How old are you”?

Her: “32 years old. See? I am too old. My life is here”.

Me: “Not at all girl. You can still make it in life, age is just a
number. You can even get your degree at the age of 40 it's still
cool. No one is too old for education. You need a way to get out

of here and pursue your dreams. Why don't you try and talk to
the king? That's if you have not yet”.

Her: “Iyoh. I am scared of the King, wuuuhhh” laughing.

Me: “I'm sure somewhere deep inside him, there's a soft side.
Try and talk to him”.

Her: “I will do so. You, what are you going to do”?

Me: “About what”?

Her: “Your dreams. Are you going to further your studies”?

Me: “Of course I will”

Her: “That's good. I'm sure once you get to Jo'burg you will”
I stop on my tracks and look at her confused.
Me: “Jo'burg”?

Her: “Yeap. Zweli doesn't stay here, I'm sure you guys will
be leaving for Jo'burg very soon”

A smile creeps out of my face. At least I won't be staying

here. My dreams of going to the city will come true, I can't
wait to further my studies.

Me: “Why don't you come with us, since you are my personal
servant”?

Her: “The Queen won't allow me”.

Me: “Talk to the King and hear what he says”.

Her: “I will do so”

Me: “Do you have a boyfriend”?

Her: “Nope, I broke with my ex when I started working here.

Oh, look who's here” I look at her direction and I see Nobuhle &
Zano they are with Sanele approaching us. They get to us and
bow.

“Your royal your Majesty” they say in unison. Chuckling.

Me: “I welcome you my people” We all laugh and Boniwe leads

us to the benches.

Her: “I will go and get you guys some refreshments”

Me: “Thank you”.

Nobuhle: “Uthini”? (What is she saying)

Me: “Uthi usayositholela okokuphuza”

Sanele: “Lunjani usuku lakho lokuqala la emendweni”? (How

is your first day here in your in-laws)

Me: “Ku kahle” (it's fine)

We proceed talking about random things.

★»★«
ZWELI

I am on a group chat with the guys on WhatsApp.

★Sizwe: “Dude your wedding ceremony was the best bruh.

Everything was beautiful but as for your wife, iyoh I won't

say anything”.

Thabo: “Lmao, Bruh, that's the ugliest chick ever. Her

bridesmaids were more beautiful than her”.

Mnqobi: “That's not funny majita. Enhlek let's lay it down”.

Me: “It is the truth though man”

Him: “You chose her because you want to make fun of her or
what”?
Me: “I chose her because I wanted to get my father off my
back”

Ben: “But still. Weren't the other girls that you could've
chose? I'm sure the bridesmaids were also present in your
welcoming ceremony. You should've chosen one of them”.

Me: “I couldn't choose a girl more beautiful than Natasha.

Never. Besides, she has a very beautiful voice, she will sing
us to sleep”.

Nkanyiso: “So, you chose her because you did not

want Natasha to doubt her beauty”?

Me: “Yeah man”

Him: “Why would she be threatened by someone's beauty
though? She has a low self-esteem”.

Mnqobi: “She does for sure”

Thabo: “This topic is boring now. Man, when are you coming
back”?

Me: “I'll be there tomorrow evening. I've already spoken

with my parents, and they agreed”.

Ben: “You are bringing your ugly wife with a beautiful voice
along”?
Me: “Lol...yeah man, I am”.

Him: “I wish I can be there to see Natasha's face when she sees
your wife”.
Sizwe: “She will just laugh. Tell me man, did you taste
the cookie”?

Me: “Not really”.

Them: “What”?

Me: “I just broke her hymn, and she bled and there were stains
of blood in the sheet, that's all the evidence they needed that
she was indeed a virgin”.

Ben: “Fuck man! I'm sure she was tight down there”

Me: “She was, I forced my myself in, and she screamed iyoh, I
pulled out erh. It's not as if like I was going to make love to her
anyway, and I am not even planning too”.

Sizwe: “Dude what? Pass her to me then. I wouldn't mind doing

the work for you”.
Ben: “Lol...take her man. If I wasn't married, I was going to
hit it”

Mnqobi: “You guys are talking shit, yeses! I am out”

Nkanyiso: “See you tomorrow man. I am also out”

Ben: “Later gents, and tomorrow we are, having a welcome

back party for you at your house. Your new wife will cook for
us and you will buy beers”.

Mnqobi: “I wish she can poison the food, arg”

Me: “She is very much capable. These village girls are not to be
trusted”

Sizwe: “Lmao...yet you married one? Right. Your girlfriends will

cook, it's settled. Nkanyiso bring a date man”.
Him: “Sure”

-We bid each other goodbye★

I lie on my back and close my eyes. I am trying to take a nap

and Nhlelo ruins it by jumping on the bed, argh. One never
have peaceful naps in here. I groan and sit on my butt and look
at her, Nhlelo is MaLanga's daughter.

“Wake up Mr hitched. Who knew that one day you will tie the
knot”?

Me: “Argh. What do you want Nhlelo”?

Her: “I just came to check up on you, and I am sorry that

I couldn't attend your wedding”.

Me: “It's fine”.

Her: “I hear that the bride looks like a Godzilla. A whole Godzilla
Zweli? Wow, I'm sure your parents were ashamed” I laugh.

Me: “They were not. You should've seen them, they were
so happy”.

Her: “Oh wow. So, she is indeed ugly”?

Me: “Yeap, let me show you”.

I show her the wedding pictures, and she can't stop laughing.

Her: “She looks like vomit. Why did you choose her again”?
Me: “Her voice. She has a beautiful voice”

Her: “That's it? Because of a voice? Wow”!

Me: “Yeah and I didn't want to choose a girl more beautiful
than Natasha”.

Her: “Speaking of her, how did she take the news”?

Me: “She was mad at first, but she came around I've even sent
her the wedding pictures. She is very much happy about
Langelihle”.

Her: “Her name is Langelihle”?

Me: “It's the name given to her by MaZungu. Her real name is
Nobuntu”.

Her: “I hope she has Ubuntu like her name. I mean, she can't be
ugly & rude at the same time”.
Me: “I don't care even if she has Ubuntu or not”.

Her: “Did Nkanyiso ask about me”?

Me: “Not at all Nhlelo. Not even once”.

Her: “Wow. I thought he loved me”.

Me: “Nkanyiso doesn't do love. He shags & leaves. He doesn't

do relationships, I'm sorry that you became one of his tossed
toys. Next time close your legs, even when he greets you”.

Her: “Argh! His loss. I was going to make him happy”.

Me: “He needs pussy not happiness”.

She clicks her tongue and walks out of my room mad. “I

chuckle”, she thought that Nkanyiso was going to be in a
relationship with her? She is out of her damn mind. Nkanyiso
doesn't do love. Once you attach feelings, it's game over. If he
sleeps with you once and calls you again, know that your
pussy was fire. Arhhhhh. I can't wait to leave this house, I miss
my bed and I miss Natasha too.

10
NKANYISO

Today Zweli is coming back, and I am supposed to go and fetch

him at the airport. I am not up for it, I don't want to see
Nobuntu. I want to try my level best and ignore her at all cost. I
need to ask Ben to fetch him, I will give him an excuse that I am
caught up on work. I work as a pharmacist and I sometimes
drive taxis, my father has a fleet of taxis. I have 4 brothers with
me being the 3rd born and there's only one girl. Since she is the
last born, she is our princess. My mother is married to another
man and, my father is more focused in his taxi business. He
doesn't have time for relationships, his words though not mine.
I am actually loading off my last load and then I go to my
brother's place, Ziyanda he is the 2nd born. I hope his wife is
not at home, she is too controlling and rude. My phone rings
and it's Amber, one of my fuck buddies I am not in the mood
for her. I let it ring until she hangs up. I arrive at my brother's
house and luckily for me, his wife is driving out. I'm sure she is
going to buy food for Zweli's welcome back party, after all she
and Natasha are friends. I make my way in and I find him in the
kitchen marinating meat, I go straight to his fridge, and take out
a bottle of Heineken. I sit in one of his high chairs, he stops
marinating the meat and looks at me.

“What's eating you little bro”?

“You are only a year older than me. Stop being cocky” He
chuckles.

Him: “Out with it”.

Me: “Is it wrong for me to come and visit my brother Just to see
how he is holding up”?
Him: “Nkanyiso Mfana wami, khuluma nami
ndoda ngizindlebe”. (My boy talk to me, I am all
ears)

Me: “Akunalutho ndoda endala” (There's nothing wrong

big brother)

Him: “Hmm, asazi. How was The wedding”?

Me: “It was okay”.

Him: “Kuhle ukuzwa loko” (good to hear that)

Me: “What are you cooking”?

Him: “I am just marinating the meat. Philile will come back

and cook the pap. You want to join us”?
Me: “Nah, I'm good and you know that I can't stand
your woman”.

Him: “I know that very well. I hear that there's going to

be some celebration at Zweli's house tomorrow evening”.

Me: “I know”.

Him: “You don't seem eluted by it, why? Did you guys have
a fall out or something”?

Me: “What? No. Not at all. We are good, nothing hectic”.

Him: “Mbuyazi”.

Once he starts calling me by our clan name, he is about to

punch the truth out of me. I shake my head. I look at him
uncomfortably, I hope he will understand what I tell him.
Him: “Khuluma nami”. (Talk to me) why don't you want to go to
the party”?

Me: “I...”

I am saved by his doorbell ringing. I take a deep breath as he

attends to it. He comes back with Mxolisi, one of our father's
driver. Well, he is his friend. He brought along some few beers,
eeh. Are they having a mini braai or what? I hear them talking
and my mind drifts to Nobuntu, blocking their conversation out.
I see her beautiful smile, and her pretty face, she looks
beautiful. She is pregnant with my child, and she is singing a

lullaby for him, her voice so calming. She has this big diamond
ring in her finger, we are one big happy family. I think she looks
happy with me, than she is will be with Lwazi.

I snap out of my thoughts when I hear something breaking.

I find Mxolisi & Ziyanda gazing at me, with questioning eyes.
Mxo: “Mbuyazi omncane ujule kuphi ngomcabango
baba”? (Junior Mbuyazi. What are you thinking about)

Me: “Huh”?

Ziyanda: “Kuthiwa ujule kuphi ngomcabango, phendula obuzwe

kona”.(Answer the question asked)

Me: “Lutho (nothing) Let me love & leave you guys”.

Mandla: “Awusazami nokuthi uhlale kancane ziyeza ezinye

inkabi”. (You don't even try sticking around, the other guys
are coming)

Me: “I do not want Philile to find me here. She will kill me” They
laugh.
Ziyanda: “You sexed her little sister and ignored her after, she
is bound to be angry”.

Me: “I strictly told that girl that no strings attached, she agreed
so, I don't know what wrong did I do there”.

Mandla: “Nc nc Mbuyazi omncane. Stop this thing of yours of

sleeping with girls and toss them aside, it will get you killed
one day”.

Me: “I will once I find the one my heart wants. She is there, but
she is not mine, that means I will never stop”.

Ziyanda: “Then take what's yours, don't be a coward Nkanyiso.

Get your woman. You need some serious stability in your life”.
Me: “You think this is easy? You gents don't know anything”.
Mandla: “Tshela mina ngizohlanganisa izinkabi zami
siyempini”. (Tell me and I will organize the gents, and we will
go to war)

Me: “That won't be necessary She is married”.

Ziyanda: “Shiya phansi ndoda” (let it go)

Me: “I am trying”.

My phone rings and I'm sure it's Zweli reminding to come

and fetch them. I take it out of my pocket and as I have
predicted, it's him. Sigh.

“Zweli”

“You haven't forgotten about fetching us at the airport right”?

Me: “Yeah man. What time must I fetch you”?
Him: “I will text you once we are approaching. We are about to
border now, see you man’.

I hang up and hang my head low. This is bad, not unless I fetch
them today and not attend the welcoming party tomorrow.
Yes, that would work, I will give out the biggest excuse of all
time. The door opens and more taxi drivers walk in, it's a full
house. I guess I will stick around until Zweli calls me.

★»★«

NOBUNTU
I am so happy that I am going to Jo'burg. At least I won't be in
the presence of the rude Queen. I will be far away from her.
Finally, my dream of going to the city has come true, I am so

happy. I wonder what awaits me that side, it's going to be a

whole new experience for me. Plus I heard that life that side is
very fast. I pray that once I get there, I don't change. What's
more awesome about all of this is that the King has agreed for
Boniwe to come with me. The Queen was not happy, but who
cares, I mean the King's word is final and Boniwe is my personal
servant. Wherever I go, she comes with. Me & her left the royal
house few hours ago, we are doing shopping, we are with the
guards of course. The King gave Boniwe his bank card. It's
unlimited. We hop from shop to shop and bought clothes, lots

• lots of them. We also bought goodies for the road. Once we

are done we pass by the garage and buy “burgers” at steers, I
have never seen how a burger looks like let alone taste it, but
from my observations it tastes very good. My stomach will be
in shock today, hehehe. I will eat it along the way, anyway the
husband called the guards and told them to wait for him at the
garage since we are running out of time, he is coming along
with our bags. It's fine by me as long as I don't get to see the
Queen's sour face. He shows up after 30 minutes with his
personal driver. We load our shopping bags in his car, Boniwe
gives one of the guards the King's black card back. The driver
drives us to Ushaka international airport. My heart is beating
out of my chest, it will be my first time in a plane. Imagine a
whole Nobuntu Zungu in a plane, this is like a dream come true.
Finally, my dreams are becoming alive, look at God y'all.

Marrying the prince is indeed my breakthrough. Boniwe

squeeze my hand, I look at her, and she is more nervous
than me.

“I feel dizzy. I am about to puke Langelihle”

“Take a deep breath and look at me”

Her: “How is that going to help me”?

Me: “My ugly face will surely make you relax and the
breathing will calm you down” laughing.

Me: “That's more like it. Tell you what; block everything
out and relax”
Her: “I can't believe that I am going to Jo'burg and it's all
thanks to you. You should've seen the other servants faces,
jealousy was written all over their faces”.

Me: “And the sour grape

how did she take the news”? She chuckles.

Her: “Who is that now"? I laugh.

Me: “The Queen, duh”. We both laugh.

Her: “Not very well Buntu. She was breathing fire, but the King
put her in place. He told her where to get off” Laughing. “As for
sour grape, you've just made my day”.

“Yhey phakamisani izinyawo nina zidomu” (hurry up you

dummies)
Me: “This one is disrespecting us, yasis. One of these days I
will tell him where to get off”.

Her: “He clearly doesn't know us this one. We will show him
flames once we get to Jo'burg”.

Me: “No. We need to be the way we are until we settle in.

We will have to talk Isizulu when we get there, pretend as if
we don't know English. I'm pretty sure that they will gossip
about us”.

We both chuckle. The airport is beautiful and there are a lot of

people here, yeerr. They make me dizzy. We step into the plane,
and we follow Zweli to our seats. We sit down, I am in the
middle and Zweli is seating near the window then Boniwe on
the other seat we buckle up, well Jo'burg here we come. I
wonder what awaits me that side, I am hoping for good things.

★»★«
After hours on the plane we finally land in O.R Tambo
international airport, Jo'burg the city of gold. It's just after
18:00, the lights look beautiful. Zweli calls someone, I think it's
the person that will be fetching us.

“Lalelani la ke. Especially wena Langelihle. Ngine ntombi mina

la egoli engiyithanda kakhulu, wena mele wazi ukuthi uza
ekugcineni kuye. Ngikushade ngoba bengifuna ukususa

ubabami emva kwami, hhayi ngoba ngikuthanda. Bese wena

Boniwe ngizokufunela indawo yokuhlala eduze nala ngihlala
khona, ngizokumikisa eskoleni njengoba ubaba eshilo, futhi
uchube izimfundo zakho niyangizwa”. (Listen here, especially
you Langelihle. I have a girlfriend that I love so much here in
Jo'burg, you must know that you come last after her. I married
you because I wanted to get my father off my back, not that I
love you. You Boniwe, I will look for a nearby place for you to
stay and I will take you to school to further your studies as my
father instructed. Am I making myself clear?)

God of Jesus, Abraham & Isaac what is this man saying to me? I
mean, he married me to make his father back off? So he
doesn't love me? Wow, why am I even surprised. No one loves
me, I will just have to make peace with it. Now, what exactly is
my role in all of this shandis? How did his girlfriend take the
news? This man right here is fucken insane. The plan was for
me and Boniwe to stay together, not this nonsense he is telling
us now. I give him a plain look. Everything was all a lie, maybe
the sour grape was right about her son marrying me because he
pities me. It was not because he loves me. Well, at least I'm in
Jo'burg, I'm sure something will come up. Why did he not talk
about taking me to school too? Won't he get tired of speaking
Zulu with me? Arh, this guy. He is evil, but what I can tell you is

that I will better my life, on my own. I am dragged out of my

thoughts by Boniwe pulling me by my hand, we walk towards
this other taxi, Zweli is done loading our bags in the taxi with
the help of the driver. We get to the taxi and greet the driver,
he nods, and we all get inside the taxi. The driver looks familiar,
well his lips & nose looks familiar. He has covered his eyes with
the cap he is wearing, but still the body structure looks familiar
like I've seen him somewhere, just don't remember where until
Zweli called his name! Yasis, my stomach started doing flap
jacks and my heart beating real fast. At the mention of his
name njer my heart leapt with joy, I did say that he looks
familiar. By the look of things he is avoiding me, that stings a
little but I don't blame him. I am a married woman after all, this
is a trap, hha angeke. We park outside this big house. We are
at Midrand, oh wow nice. We step out of the taxi and a door
opens, a woman who I assume is the girlfriend comes running,
and she throws herself in Zweli's arms. She is very beautiful,
she looks like a doll of some sort. She greets Nkanyiso then give
us nasty looks.

“Langelihle the ugly duckling and the biggest duck. At least you
are beautiful, unlike her”.

“Be nice Tasha and stop with the name-calling it's not cute”.

Her: “Nkanyiso please stay out of it. It's not as if like they
understand what I'm saying”.

Zweli: “They have no idea of what you are saying baby, don't
mind them” If only they knew.
Boniwe: “Uxolo ukuniphazamisa besisacela ukuyophumula
sihambe ibanga elide”.(Sorry to disturb, can we please go
and rest, we've been on the road for a long time)

Tasha: “Yoh nolalaphi mara I did not prepare your rooms, I

only prepared one”.

Me: “Cha kulungile, sizolala sobabili akuna nkinga sizaze

sibhubhe sisalele” (It's okay. We will sleep together, we will
end up dying in our sleep)

They all turn to look at me, well at least Nkanyiso & Boniwe
know that I know English as for these two, ha.haha. They look
confused. I think I just threw a sarcastic punch right there.

Boniwe: “Besisa cela bandla hhayi kabi”.(can we please rest

not in a bad way)

Nkanyiso: “Let me love and leave you guys. Have a goodnight”.

Zweli: “See you tomorrow dawg and don't forget to bring
a date”

Him: “Sure man. Makhosazana busuku obuhle nakini”

(ladies goodnight to you too) He walks away.

I watch him leave until he is out of the yard. Zweli & Tasha are
already inside the house. Boniwe & I pick up our shopping
bags and make our way inside the house. The kitchen looks
beautiful, everything is silver with a touch of red. Here we are
waiting to be given orders in this kitchen, looking like lost
puppies.

Boniwe: “Hhayi ke sijwayeleka kabi la” (we are being taken

for granted)

Me: “Tell me about it. The girl has a stinking attitude for days”
Her: “Just like the Queen. They can make a mean team,
sour grapes” I chuckle.

Her: “Seems fun in here. Your room is ready and please take a
bath before getting into my sheets and wear socks. I don't want
your feet tearing up my sheets, move it”.

Me: “Askies”?

Her: “Igumbi lenu lokulala lilungile” (your room is ready)

Us: “Siyabonga Sisi” (Thank you)

Her: “I am not your sister. I am not relatives with ugly beings,

geez. Langelihle, you are ugly very ugly. On the pictures you
looked less ugly but now that I am seeing you close, you too
ugly and no amount of make-up can save you. Ugly duckling”.
Me: “Sicela usikhombe igumbi lethu lokulala sisi omuhle
ukusindlula” (can you please show us our room)

Her: “Ngilandeleni” (follow me)

“Bitch” I mumble as we follow behind her. We are actually

heading outside she is swaying her none existence arse, mine is
bigger than hers. We giggle. We step inside this other room, it
is not big just average. My hut was bigger than it. We put our
bags on top of the double bed and Tasha walks out. We burst
out laughing after that.

Boniwe: “I hate her already”

Me: “Hate is a big word Boniwe”.

Her: “But it's true. Did you hear all the things she said
about you”?
Me: “Yes, I did, and I am not bothered by it. I've been called
ugly all my life and I've long accepted that”.

Her: “You are beautiful Nobuntu. Don't let them tell

you otherwise”

Me: “I know love, I am beautiful in my own way, after all

God created us differently”.

Her: “That's the spirit. Let's go and bath, but I am going in first”

Me: “Yes big sis and I'll follow after you”.

This room is so dull just like my hut back in the village. At least
my hut had few of my artworks, making it look beautiful. This
one has a bed only and the wall is plain white. Pshhh....

11
ZWELI
I wake up the following morning tired. Tasha really overworked
me last night, I am not complaining though. It was one of the
best sessions I've ever had in a while. I look on my side, and she
is snoring, how I missed her beautiful face. I removed her leg
slowly on top of me and climb out bed and go to wash my face.
I walk to the kitchen to drink water, I hear voices outside. I
wonder who it is because this house is very much secured, you
don't just come in. I hear giggling, oh right. I've even forgotten
about them. Why are they up so early anyway? I unlock the
door and I find them standing against the wall laughing. They
do not even notice me, whatever they were talking about was
sure as hell funny. I clear my throat, and they jump scared, now
it's my turn to laugh.

“Siyaxolisa Nkosana azanke sikubone” (we are sorry my Prince

we did not see you) Boniwe.

“Ngibize ngo Zweli. Nivukeleni ekuseni kangaka”? (Call

me Zweli. Why did you wake up so early in the morning)
Her: “Besidinga ukucala ngomsebenzi wethu woku cleaner,
futhi u Nobuntu mele akwenzele ukudla kwa sekuseni”. (We
need to start with our cleaning duties, and Nobuntu here
must prepare your breakfast)

Me: “Ekuseni so”? (So early in the morning)

Nobuntu: “U 10:10 manje Zweli, solo sivuke ngo 04;30

sageza saceda. Sifike la emyango wakho ngo 06:00 sa
nqonqoza kodwa azanke nivule, salinda la emnyango ke
ukuze nivule. Nivuka ngalezi khathi la emadolobheni vele?
Bese nidla skhathibani ukudla kwa sekuseni”? (It's 10:10 ten
right now, we've been awake since from 04:30, we bathed
and finished. We got here at your door at 06:00 and waited
for you guys to open. Do you sleep till this time here in the
cities? Then what time do you guys eat breakfast)

Him: “Khuluma Sisi yini inkinga yakho”?(Talk sis, what's

your problem)

Her: “Kahle kahle umsebenzi wami yini kulo muzi”? (What are
my duties exactly in this house)
Me: “House chores”

Her: “Angivanga” (I did not hear that)

Me: “Wuuhhh hhayi yenza ukudla bese uyabuthabutha

la endlini” (Make food first then clean around the house)

Her: “Manje mele ngiye nasegumbuni lakho loku lala mina?

Futhi ungishadele ukuthi ngibe isisebenzi sakho”? (Must I also
clean your bedroom? Did you also marry me to be your house
helper)

Me: “Yebo Sisi. Unenkinga ngaloko? Nakube unayo

ngingakumikisa emuva le emakhaya uhlaze umndeni wakho.
Uyazi ke uthuthi inkosi izokubulala kanye no mndeni wakho,
isinqumo esakho”. (do you have a problem with that? If you
do, I can always take you back to the village and embarrass
your
family. You know that the King will kill you along with your
family, the choice is yours)

I see her widening her eyes, she did not expect such a bomb
to be dropped. She looks at Boniwe who also look shock as
hell, they look at each other for a few minutes then bring their
eyes to me.

Her: “Haike sengamane ungiphindisele baba ngamane sife”.

(You can always take me back. We rather die)

Boniwe: “Kahle ngamawala Langelihle. Bese ewami

wona umsebenzi yini”? (What are my duties)

Me: “Ukulekelela u Langelihle ngayonke into” (is to

help Langelihle with everything)

Her: “Habe”!
Nobuntu: “Ai ke akunankinga Zweli”.(There's no problem then)

I step aside and they make their way in. I chuckle and make
myself a cup of coffee.

“Let them not burn down my kitchen. Do they even know how
to use an electrical stove”? Langelihle scoffs.

She kisses my cheek and I see Langelihle rolling her eyes and
Boniwe holding in laughter, as if they heard what she said.

Me: “Boniwe knows how to use one. She was a servant at the
palace”.

Her: “So, why is she here? I thought you were only coming
with this ugly thing you call a wife”.

Me: “She is her personal servant”

Her: “What? Not in this house. Here they are both maids.
Izisebenzi, finish & klaar”.

Me: “They know babe no need to rub it in their faces”.

Her: “They should've already started preparing breakfast”!

Boniwe: “Haike ngathi sizo nyelwa la”. Langelihle chuckles.

Her: “Uhlekani wena nobubi”? (What are you laughing at you

ugly thing)

Nobuntu: “Haike Sisi omuhle ukuthi ngihlekani akufuni wena

loko”. (What I'm laughing at its none of your concern)
Boniwe: “Ngisayenza ukudla, ningeva niyogeza” (I am preparing
food, you can go and take a bath so long)

Tasha: “Lalela ke wena farm Julia. Angeke ngizwe ngawe

ukuthi ngenzeni kwami, siyevana”? (Listen here. I will not be
told by you what to do in my house, are we clear)

Her: “Uxolo sisi kodwa awunuki kamnandi”. (Sorry sis, you

don't smell nice) Langelihle laughed.

Tasha: “What did you just say? This is not the farms, I will
slap you so hard that you regret being here. I am your boss,
better learn some respect”!

Me: “Xolisa Boniwe njengamanje. Usithathaphi isibindi

sokukhuluma ne ntombi yami kanjalo”? (Apologize to her right
now. Where do you get the audacity to talk to my girlfriend like
that)

Her: “Ngiyaxolisa madam”

Tasha: “That's more like it I want full English breakfast and no
grease”.

Her: “Cacisa sisi” (be clear)

Tasha: “Yoh Zweli, these illiterate of yours will be the death of

me! Jesus, my mouth is even painful from talking Isizulu. It's

draining really. Talk to them or better yet enrol them at college

or something”!

Me: “Ukudla kwakhe kungabi namafutha”.

Her: “Ohhh. Ithi ngicalele ngenze ukudla ke” (let me

start preparing the food)

Nobuntu: “Bese izinto zoku cleaner zitholakala kuphi”?

(Where must I find cleaning material)
Me: “Tasha uzokukhomba”. (She will show you)

Tasha: “Ngifuna ku clean la endlini yami, ngizelwa izivakashi

ezibalulekile and anikamemangwa”. (I want the house clean, I
am hosting very important guests. You are not invited)

Nobuntu: “Angihlangene lapho mina sisi, cela ungikhombise

bese ngiyacala uku cleaner. Sengiladelwe futhi. Okunye ke
asithandi izinto thina usibheke kahle”. (I don't care about
that. Please show me where to get the cleaning material, I am

already late, and another thing we don't like things take a

good look at us)

Her: “Uyadelela wena nobubi nxa” (you are so disrespectful you

ugly thing)

She walks away and Langelihle follows after her. I foresee a big
cat fight amongst these three women. I chuckle and walk
outside for a smoke.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

I am finally done cleaning the house, it was not that dirty but
there was dust here & there. The couples have locked
themselves in their room after I cleaned it and washed the
stained sheets, thanks God there were no used condoms it

wouldn't be a good sight, it will seem like disrespect to me,

after all I am the one he is married to. Whoa, kana I am just a
maid with a faded ring in all of this! I head to our room and I
find Boniwe eating, my plate is next to her. I sit down on the
bed and let out a big sigh, she laughs.
“Ai ke the first wife is showing us flames. Akadeleli akadeleli
uyanya maarn”!

“Yoh, tell me about it”!

Her: “I've already made us a greasy breakfast phela we are not

nursing our figures and maintaining a small body” I chuckle.

Me: “Thank you for the greasy breakfast, it is what I needed”

Her: “You welcome love”.

Me: “How did you make her not so greasy breakfast”?

Her: “I've put everything in the microwave, no oil”

Me: “I'm sure it tastes dry” She laughs.

Her: “She is dry herself, she looks like a biltong” We both laugh.

I take my food and eat silently, my mind is still stuck on what

Zweli said. So he only married me just to be his and his
girlfriend's maid, how cruel is that? I understand that he loves
his girlfriend, but for him to turn me into a maid it's not on. I
thought that I came here to better my life but it seems like I
am back at my grandmother's house, the only difference is that
there's electricity here and I sleep on the bed. I guess I was
destined to slave around for people for as long as I breath. On
the other hand I can't stand Zweli's girlfriend's insults, she is
just too much. She thinks that she's the next best thing after a
fried chicken, mxm. He shouldn't have married if this was part
of his plan

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he shouldn't have! I need to keep myself busy, mostly definitely

to further my studies.

Boniwe: “I wonder who are those important guests that

are coming over, I'm sure they are rich just like them and
the women have painted faces”.
Me: “I'm sure it is their friends”

Her: “Does that mean we are not going to eat today”?

Me: “Seems like it. You should've cooked enough to last us the
whole day, I do not want you dying of hunger. As for me I am
used to not eating all day and I don't mind”.

Her: “Don't worry I will make a plan before the guests arrive”.

Me: “We need a TV and cellphones, we need to upgrade”.

Her: “True. We will ask Zweli to take us to town tomorrow”.

Me: “Will that manyala of a husband even agree”?

Her: “I don't know but, we are going to try to pray that
he agrees” I nod and lie on the bed, Boniwe joins in.

Her: “Lihle...”

Me: “Please call me Nobuntu I don't like the Langelihle name,

I don't even know what was beautiful on that day”.

Her: “You were” I chuckle.

Me: “Thank you for the vote of confidence”

Her: “You are welcome. Can I ask you something”?

Me: “Shoot”.

Her: “Argh it's nothing forget about it”

Me: “Boniwe just ask away”.

Her: “Okay. What would you do if a guy asks you out, let's
say one of Zweli's friends ask you out on a date”?

Me: “I would turn down the offer obviously. I can't date in the
same circle, I will be seen somehow, a loose girl maybe”.

Her: “Lets say this one guy in particular, a handsome one”

Me: “Boniwe. What are you on about? I am trying to make

sense of what you are saying, but I am not grasping anything”.

Her: “I think he likes you and I saw how he was stealing glances
at you through the rearview mirror”.

Me: “Who are you talking about”?

Her: “The taxi driver that fetched us. He couldn't take off
his eyes off you. You've charmed him” I chuckle.

Me: “Okay. Time to nap, we are bored”.

Her: “So, you are trying to tell me that you did not see
anything”?

Me: “Nope, I was too tired to notice anything”.

Her: “He loves you. I saw it in his eyes”.

Me: “Have you decided which cellphone you want to buy”?

Her: “I will decide tomorrow, but I still say pay attention to him.
I have a feeling that he is the one for you not this nonsense of
your husband Zweli”.
Me: “He has a girlfriend, you heard Zweli telling him to bring
a date”.
Her: “You can be in a polygamous relationship” I laugh.

She is out of her fucking damn mind. I nod and drift off to the
land of thoughts, there land of happy thoughts, where the
are no tears and sadness, just happiness galore.

★»★«

ZWELI

Natasha, Sbahle and Crecentia are busy making salads. Ben &
Mandla are busy marinating the meat, Thabo is making fire. The
others haven't arrived yet, I am done setting up music all I need
to do now is to refresh, and get ready for the welcome home
party. My friends are the best I tell you. I go and take a quick
bath then wear my shorts & vest with sneakers, I am not going
near the fire. I check on the alcohol and it is coming along just
fine, Thabo did stock up on a lot. Only a few of my friends are
invited along with their girlfriends and side chicks of others

obviously. In no time the house is full and people are dancing

away. Mnqobi & Nkanyiso are the last ones to arrive with
their dates, I am not even surprised that they are late. We are
used to them arriving late. We all greet each other and the
girls join the others in the lounge.

“I haven't seen your ugly wife around. Where is she”? Ben.

“I'm sure she is sleeping by now. Tasha told them not to come
to the welcoming party, she said ‘mportant guests’ are
coming, as if you all are” laughing.

Thabo: “Them ”?
Me: “And her personal servant”

Him: “She came with her servant? Is she hot”?

Me: “She is way out of your league Thabo and yes she is”.
Voice: “She is what”?

Ai its Crecentia, she is Thabo's girlfriend. She is one boring

human being, I don't even know what Thabo saw in her
honestly. She is not that beautiful, she is a yellow bone
version of Nobuntu, but far better.

Thabo: “She is very ugly”.

Her: “Who? Zweli's wife”?

Him: “Yes her”.

Her: “Where is she anyway? I want to see her”.

Ben: “Her ugliness you meant”

Her: “That too, I heard that she is very ugly so, I wanted to be
the judge of that”

Me: “Sleeping”.

Her: “Isn't she supposed to be helping us with cooking? She

is the wife after all”.

Me: “Your best friend told them that they are not invited”.

Her: “Them? Her & who”?

Me: “Her and her personal servant”.

Her: “She has a servant?! Someone who makes her food, wash
her clothes and everything else”?

Me: “Yes, but not in this house of mine. Here she is a

maid together with Langa”.

Her: “Whoa, whoa. You're making your wife a maid in your

house? That's crazy Zweli. Is your mind functioning well”?

Me: “Yes it is, thank you very much”.

Her: “It doesn't. You are cruel wena. You shouldn't have
married her if that was the case then, I am so disgusted by
you. Sies. And Natasha is fine with all of this”?

Me: “It was her idea after all”.

Her: “Wow! Unbelievable! Both of you are dumb, yerrrrr. Let
me guess, she is also the reason why they are not here right”?

Me: “Why are you questioning me? Go and ask your best
friend”.

Her: “With absolute pleasure. Imagine someone who have been

introduced to your ancestors as a maid, I'm sure they are
turning in their graves. Natasha is not recognized by your

ancestors let alone known by your parents in case

you've forgotten”. She clicks her tongue and walks away.

Mnqobi: “I will go and check on the meat”

Nkanyiso: “And Athile needs my attention”.

Ben: “I have a wife to attend to”

Now, it is only me, Thabo and Sizwe.

Me: “And you guys? Don't you have anything to do or women

to attend to”?

Thabo: “We are fine here”

Me: “Next time reprimand your woman. She can't talk to

me anyhow she wants. I am not you”!
Him: “Damn right you aren't, because you wouldn't handle her.
Excuse me” He clicks his tongue and walk away.

Now, I am left with Mandla & Sizwe who are not planning
of shifting, mxm.

★»★«
NATASHA

Crecentia pulls me by arm and leads me to the balcony, she

closes the sliding door.

“What the hell Crecentia maarn”!

“What nonsense is this that I hear? How could you make Zweli's
wife a maid? Are you out of your mind”?

Me: “How is that any of your business? Who gave you the right
to meddle in my affairs”?

Her: “Zweli the minute he told me that his ‘wife’ is a maid and it
was your idea”. Me: “Yeah it was, so”?
Her: “How can you make a woman that have been introduced
to Zweli's ancestors a maid? Aren't you scared that they might
punish you? They don't know you, you are like a mere
stranger to them”.

Me: “Fuck the ancestors, I am Zweli's soul mate and I

don't even know why I am explaining myself to you. Stay
the hell away from my relationship Crecentia”.

Her: “Soul mate my foot, and you should be aware of ancestors.

They might rain terror on you, rhaa”!

She clicks her tongue and walk back inside the house. Who
does she think she is? Crencetia can be too much at times. I fix
myself and take a deep breath then walk back inside, the mood
is already sombre. Crecentia is nowhere to be seen, I guess she
left. Good riddance to rubbish.

12

NOBUNTU
I am woken up by someone banging the door, argh. Who could
that be? I hope it's not Natasha. I look at Boniwe, and she stirs
a little then pull the blanket over her head, I chuckle. The
person knocking is very persistent. I get off bed and walk to the
door, I turn the key and open the door a little. I see a girl
standing there with a big smile plastered on her face, she is
very beautiful. I open the door enough for her to get in then
close the door after her.

“Hi I'm Makhosazana”.

“Nobuntu”

Her: “Great meeting you Nobuntu. I am sorry to just barge in

your room like this, I just wanted to come and see you” I stare
at her blankly.

Her: “Actually, I came to meet you”.

Me: “Angikuzwa sisi” (I don't understand)

Her: “Ngiyaxolisa. Ngithe Ngize ngizokubona” (I am sorry.
I came to see you)

Me: “Ufuna ukubona ububi bami”? (You want to see my

ugliness) she laughs.

Her: “Cha Sisi. Ngizele nje ukuzokubona futhi awukho mubi,

bayahlanya laba” (No sis. I just came to see you and you are not
ugly. These people are crazy) I chuckle.

Me: “Usudlala ngami ke manjer. Kodwa ngiyabonga nawe

umuhle” (You are playing with me now but thank you. You
are also beautiful)

Her: “Ngiyabonga. Kuhle ukukubona ngizophinda ngibuye

nokudla kwenu ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi lo sathane ngeke
aniphakele” (Thank you. It is nice seeing you. I will come back
again with your food, because I know that that devil won't dish
up for you) I laugh.
Me: “Haibo, kahle ngamagama” (Stop with the names)

Her: “Uxolo. Indaba uyangibhora” (She bores me)

Me: “Nakakubhora manjer uzoyenzani la”?(If she bores you

then what are you doing here)

Her: “Ngiphoxwe ubhuti wami ukuthi ngize la” (My brother

forced me to come here)

Me: “Askies” (sorry)

Her: “Kulungile yazi. Ithi ngihambe phambi kokuba ubhuti wami

angizingele” (It's okay. Let me go before my brother comes
looking for me)

Me: “Hawu, akazi ukuthi u la”? (He doesn't know that you here)
Her: “Yebo. Ithi ngiphuthume, ngiyabuya. Ungalali” (Let me
hurry, I am coming back and don't sleep)

Me: “Ngizoyenza njalo” (I will do that)

Her: “Unayo I phone”? (Do you have a phone)

Me: “Cha”

Her: “Weeehhhh makoti. Sizoyenza icebo”.(we will make a

plan)

Me: “Bese u bhuti wakho uyavuma” (and your brother

will agree)

Her: “Muyeke loyo, ngiyakwazi uku dealer ngaye” (Leave that

one to me, I know how to deal with him)
Me: “Nawusho sisters” (if you say so)

Her: “Uvuse no Sisi lo olele” (also wake the woman sleeping)

Me: “Ngizoyenza njalo” (I will do that) She stands up and walk

out.

I go and lock the door and head back to bed, I think I have just
found myself a friend, she is a nice person. I look outside
through the slightly open curtain and there are a lot of cars, at
least the music is not so loud. The perks of living in the suburbs.
There he is looking handsome as ever with his black outfit, he is
on the phone with someone. I can't tell what are his
expressions because he has his back on me but I know that's
him. He is perfect, if only I was beautiful and a model of some
sort. I think those are his types, not the farm Julia's.

“Like what you see”?

Arh, I did not even hear her waking up.

“Go back to sleep”

Her: “He is handsome Buntu. He is every girl's dreams”.

Me: “Iyoh. Anyway I had a visitor while you were sleeping”.

Her: “A visitor? Who was it? Was it a man”?

Me: “It was a girl, her name is Makhosazana. You love men
too much wena B”.

Her: “Haibo, this shows that I am not a lesbian. What did she
want”?

Me: “To see me”.

Her: “Just to see you? Did that biltong send her”? I chuckle.

Me: “No. Actually, no one knows that she was here. She
sneaked out, and she said she will bring us food”.

Her: “A minor from heaven Madoda. She is for keeps”.

Me: “Ai wena, Ng'lambile” (I'm hungry)

Her: “Eat me hun plus I'm edible”.

Me: “Sies wena. You look like you taste sour”.

Her: “Want to try me honey”?

Me: “Voetsek” We both burst out with laughter.

Her: “We need a TV here”

Me: “You do, I have never watched TV in my whole entire

life, that would be something new to me”.

Her: “Don't worry wena babes. You will be within, stick with
me and I will take you places”.

Me: “Yes wena farm julia. Show me flames, nyis me” We look
at each other and laugh again.

Me: “You are so stupid”

Her: “That's why I was placed to be your servant because

you are more stupid than me” laughing.

Me: “You are such a bore”

Her: “And he is looking straight here. He is looking at
us, actually looking at you”.

I turn to look at the window and yes the boyfriend is

looking straight into our window!

Me: “He doesn't see us right”?

Her: “How would I know? Maybe he heard us laughing”.

Me: “And it's all your fault”

We look again, and he is not there, thanks God. I look at Boniwe,

and she is busy batting her lashes, she is crazy this one.

★»★«
NKANYISO

I swear I heard voices of people laughing in the outside room

or maybe it was just my mind playing tricks with me. I can't
believe that Zweli is actually doing this, treating his wife like a
maid, it's shocking. I am not even enjoying this party. As I enter
inside the house I find Makhosazana dishing up, you can't
separate my sister with food shem, but why is she dishing up
for 2 people because as far as I know, her boyfriend is not here
or maybe she is dishing up for one of the girls. I go and stand
behind her.

“It's for you and who Makhosi”? She jumps.

Her: “Hhayi wena you scared me. Don't you ever do that
again, and I am dishing up for my friends”.

Me: “Friends? You have friends here? Why don't I know them”?
Her: “Because I don't want you knowing them. You love skirt
too much” I chuckle.

Me: “I am a man after all Makhosi, I am bound to love skirts”.

Her: “You will get sick and die. Why don't you just settle
down Bhuti? You are 32 years old for Christ's sake”.

Me: “I just haven't met the one yet. Wait, there is someone
that I met but she is married”.

Her: “That's bad, I guess you will have to find someone else
to like”.

Me: “I don't want someone else I want her. I thought that it

was just a heat rash but it turned out that it's more than that.
It hurts that I yearn for someone I will never have”.
Her: “Haibo, a whole you hurting? Wena Nkanyiso? Who
would've thought that one day you will finally admit that
you love someone, hhe God loves us all for real”.

Me: “Uyaphapha maarn and don't you dare mention this to any
of our brothers or else, hhe”.

Her: “Haike, your secret is safe with me big brother. Do I maybe

know this person”?

Me: “Nope you don't know her and so is everyone else”.

Her: “Mhhhhm, a misery woman she is. I will find out who it is
anyway, you know my digging game is on point and I always
come up with treasures” I laugh.

Me: “Good luck on your digging quest little one, hope it

bears lots & lots of treasures”
Her: “Want to bet on it”?

Me: “How much”?

Her: “R1000”

Me: “Let's shake on it kideo”

Her: “Give me a week”

Me: “I'll be glad too. Let me go and check out on the boys”

Her: “But you never checked up on Athile ever since you guys
got here”.

Me: “She is having fun with the girls, she doesn't need me”.
Her: “I like her though”.

Me: “Good for you”.

Her: “She can make a good wife yazi”.

Me: “To who? If to me then forget about it. I have my eyes set
on someone, I am just waiting for this loser to make one
wrong move and I step in” She laughs.

Her: “Hhe Mr Knight in shining Armour, step up brother step

up wena staircase”.

Me: “Argh maarn, uyaphapha wena”.

Her: “Mbulazi”.
I chuckle while shaking my head, this child is too much for her
age.

Her: “Bhuti when are we leaving”?

Me: “Around 20:00. Why do you ask”?

Her: “I want to head somewhere quick fast bhuti”.

Me: “Head where”?

Her: “Somewhere bhuti and I will be back before you know it.
The ladies here are not even conversing with me, I am bored”.

Me: “Fine but be back before half 7. You have like an hour
and couple of minutes left”.

Her: “Yes, sir” She takes out another plate and start dishing
up again.
Me: “Who exactly are you dishing up for”?

Her: “Me, Me & Me. Leave bhuti your girlfriend will dish up
for you”.

Me: “Where exactly are you taking these plates”?

Her: “Awume(wait) Mr private investigator”. I shake my head

and pretend to walk away...

I see her taking out a tray and placing the food then picks it up
and walk out. I follow her, and she knocks at the door of the
same room that I heard laughter from earlier on. She gets in
and the door closes, by the look of things the curtain is closed.
I smile alone, at least she did not go outside the yard. I won't
even ask her anything because she will blatantly lie. I walk back
inside the house and I find Natasha, Londiwe & Athile dishing
up.
Athile: “There you are. I've been looking for you all over
the house”.

Me: “I went outside for some air”

Her: “So, me and the girls we were talking

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and we decided that later on we are hitting the club, are

you fine with me going”?

Me: “Of course I am. You can go”.

Her: “Thank you babe” she smiles.

Natasha: “And you guys will join us later”

Me: “I will not make it. I already have plans”

Athile: “Plans? What plans babe because I don't remember you
mentioning them to me”

Me: “That's because you are not my girlfriend. What I do, with
whom, when or why doesn't concern you. Stay in your lane if
you still value what we have going on or else kuzoshabalala
njengaphupho You get me”?

She nods with tears threatening to come out of her eyes. She
has already caught feelings and she knows the deal. Her time
is up. Damn, I hate when it comes to this part. I walk to the
gents and I find them chatting & laughing, all I want to do. Is to
just go home and relax. I am not feeling this party at all.

Mnqobi: “I take it you did not see her judging by how sour your
face looks” He says standing next to me. He hands me of can of
Heineken.

Me: “Thanks man”.

Him: “You did not? I'm sure she is sleeping”

Me: “She's not sleeping, I heard them laughing earlier on and
not so long ago I saw Makhosazana entering their room, she
had food with her. She actually told me that she is dashing
somewhere fast fast. I thought that she was going to sneak out
to her boyfriend, boom she went straight to that room”.

Him: “Some light at least. Now, smile and pretend to be happy.

The gents are noticing that you are not yourself, and they are
starting to ask questions”.

Me: “I don't give a fuck about them. They have the same thing
I have in between their legs, just that mine is bigger than
theirs” We both burst out with laughter.

We sit down and the ladies start serving us food. Athile

practically throws me the plate, food particles land on my
pants, wawu. The others look at me and I just shake my
head and chuckle. I place the plate on the grass and
continue drinking my beer.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

The food tastes so amazing who ever cooked, sure knows how
to stir them pots. Makhosazana is such a bubbly soul, I like her.
Right now we are listening to her telling us about her
boyfriend. Judging by the way she talks about him, he sure
does make her happy. She is 27 years old and works at Sport
scene she is a store manager. Nkanyiso aka boyfriend is her
brother, she comes after him. She has three more brothers
namely, Nkosikhona, Mbuso & Ziyanda. Nkosikhona & Ziyanda
are the ones married, so she says.

“Njengoba uMbuso engagananga njer, ngingazithathela yena

phela nami angiganile” (since it seems like Mbuso is not
married, can I take him seeing that I am also not married)
Me: “Weeehhh, sewufuna ngokuzidlisa ngabafana base goli”
(You want to get chowed by Jo'burg boys) Makhosazana
laughs.

Her: “Haike uMbuso uyazihlonipha akamani a soma some

njer noma sesiphi I skirt, akafani neze no Nkanyiso”. (Mbuso
respects himself, he doesn't go around and court any woman,
he is nothing like Nkanyiso) I see Boniwe eyeing me with a
smirk plastered on her face.

Boniwe: “Kusho ukuthi u Nkanyiso udinga intokazi

ezomufaka endleleni neh”? (It means he needs a woman
who will straighten him)

Her: “Njer. Kodwa ayikho intomhi ezomufaka endleleni, zonke

lezi ntombi azitholayo akazithandi” (there is no woman who will
straighten him, he doesn't love all the girls he finds)

Boniwe: “Kwakubi loko”. (That's bad)

Her: “Kodwa uthi ukhona lo amthandayo inkinga wukuthi lo sisi
loyo uthethwe. Angazi wagcina nini ukusho ukhuthi
kunomuntu am'thandayo, phela yena udla andlule. Kodwa
nakakhuluma ngale ntokazi engaziwa amehlo wakhe
akhombisa uThando” (but there is girl that he likes, the
problem is that the girl is married. I don't know when was the
last time he said, there's someone he loves. But when he talks
about this particular girl, his eyes show love)

Boniwe: “Ncoooah, ave ine nhlanhla leyo ntokazi. Cabanga njer

bakuthande ngendlala ongayo, kusho ukuthi unalo uthando
ned ufuna ukulinika lo elimfanele. Ezinye izintombi
ziyathandwa la ngaphandle, uyabona mara Nobuntu”? (That
woman is very lucky. Just imagine being loved the way you are,
this means that he has love, but he wants to give it to that
special woman. Some women are loved out there, are you
aware Nobuntu)

Me: “Yakuzwa Sisi omdala. Awusho ke Zana. Uthini

uMbuso akana hhe or unentombi”? (I hear you big sis. Tell
me here Zana, Mbuso doesn't have a girlfriend)
Her: “Unayo kodwa ise melika, angisaboni nokuthi
basathandana. Uyamfuna yini”? (He has one but she is in
America, I don't think they are still dating. Do you want him)
I chuckle.

Me: “Lutho sisi bengibuza njer” (I was just asking)

Boniwe: “Ufunwa yimi” (he is wanted by me)

Makhosazana: “Futhi nizofanelana, ithi ngikukhombe ama

pictures wakhe” (plus you will make a cute couple, let me show
you his pictures)

Her: “Ngikhombe bonke abo bhuti bakho mhlambe no Nobuntu

angathola” (show me the pictures of all your brothers, maybe
Nobuntu can get 1)
Makhosazana: “Bengizomunika uNkanyiso ned manjer ushadile
u Nobuntu, bebazoyenza izithandani ezihle nabo” (I was going

to give her Nkanyiso, but she is married, they would've

also made a beautiful couple)

Boniwe: “Ngempela” (True) She looks at me and sticks out

her tongue, I give her a stare, and she chuckles.

Boniwe: “Hhai ke sengikhethile Mina. uMbuso ngowami, baba

sekhaya” (I've already chosen. Mbuso is mine, the head of the
house)

Makhosazana: “Wuuuh ngizomazisa” (I will let him know)

Me: “Ucinisile anjalo ke” (she is being honest) laughing.

They continue looking at the pictures, hhayi shame

Makhosazana's brothers are handsome, jealous down, and
then Zana does the unthinkable, she called Mbuso.
Boniwe: “Awe ma bengidlala Mina” (I was joking)
Makhosazana: “Bhuti”

Him: “Thunjana lasekhaya” (Last born)

Her: “Ukahle”?

Him: “Akunankinga sisi” (There's no problem)

Her: “Konumuntu ofuna uku khuluma nawe athi umchazile”

(there's someone here who wants to talk to you, she likes you)

Him: “Mameshana. Uthini kimi Makho”?(What are you saying

to me)

Me: “Njengoba ngisho bhuti” (exactly)

Him: “Awu suka madoda ngibonwa yini na, awudlali ngami njer
wena”? (You not toying with me)
Her: “Lutho” (not at all)

Him: “Awung'zwise izwi ke” (let me hear her voice)

Boniwe is busy fanning herself, hau Becky Lynch is nervous,

hebanna! Zana gives her the phone, she is shaking her head.
I chuckle, the wheel turns.

Her: “Sa...sawubona Mbulazi”

Him: “Yebo nkosazana kunjani? Ave unelizwi elimnandi

kodwa” (you have a beautiful voice) She squirms and hangs up
then fan her face again, and Zana is in stitches.
Her: “Izwi lakhe ma.E izwi lakhe” (his voice guys)
Me: “Eyakho ke Le ndoda” (Now that's your man)
Her: “Hhayini” We laugh. Oh, well, the day is going well than
I thought.

Lol...yazi there's this particular reader who knows my

posting routine, thank you for paying attention.
13
NOBUNTU

{A MONTH LATER}

To say things are better I would be lying. Things have gone from
bad to worse, I am now a full time maid for my husband and his
girlfriend. I am practically reliving my village life, just that with
this one it's too modern, plus I don't get a beating or being
scolded at. Sometimes I get day off's, well not really though,
argh. Boniwe moved out few days ago, I am so happy for her.
Finally, some breakthrough for her. I was very heart broken
when I watched her border the taxi, goodbyes are never good
and I'm too bad when it comes to them. Makhosazana got her a
job as cleaner in one of her father's company and, guess who is
the manager? Hehehe none other than Mr Mbuso himself. She
started yesterday, can't wait for her to take me out for lunch
once she gets her first pay. She called me earlier, and she

sounded nervous over the phone. She said she almost peed on
herself when she saw Mbuso. Luckily for her, Mbuso doesn't
know her. That was a big relief for her, I don't think it will be
for long though because Makhosazana is trying to hook them
up. I'm sure she showed Mbuso her pictures, we took tons of
them the last time she was here. Speaking of Makhosazana,
she has become a best friend to me and a little sister to
Boniwe. We share this very strong bond, in them I found family
that I never had. Anyway, Zweli brought us smartphones few
weeks back and, he also brought me a TV, and installed DSTV
since I am not allowed to watch TV in the house, the only time I
step into the house is when I do my house chores that's it. I
don't wine & dine with them, not by a long shot. Anyway, today
the couples are going to one of their friends braai. They host
braais every month, more like a couples outing. I am so bored, I
have nothing to do. I wish I brought my beads along, they
would've kept me busy. I can't even go out, I am stuck in this
room, but I am used to it. My phone rings and it's
Makhosazana, I have like 4 numbers on my phone. Boniwe',
Zana, Aunt Ncumisa, and manyala husband who hardly calls.

“Zana”

“Hey Buntu. What are you doing?”

Well, she is the only person who knows that me & Boniwe
actually know how to speak English. Boniwe gave that away this
other time and, we were forced to come clean. That's why she
decided to ask his father to hire her.

Me: “Nothing, why”?

Her: “Good. I am taking you out for lunch” I look at the time
and it's just after 12:00am.

Me: “Where are we going”?

Her: “Stop asking questions woman. Get ready I will be there
in 30 minutes”

Me: “What must I wear”?

Her: “Anything and, you need to do something about your

hair” I chuckle.

Me: “What can I possibly do to my hair? I'm forever on my

doek. Who am I doing my hair for? I sigh. “No one will
notice me anyway”

Her: “Leave that to me, and someone will definetely

notice you”

Me: “Will Boniwe join us?”

Her: “Yes. It's almost her lunchtime. See you then” she
hangs up.

I laugh and rampage my closet. Oh, my room now looks like a

real room. I have a TV, sound system, single couch, wall
wadrope, a 2 in 1 stove. A mini fridge, to name a few house
essentials. I settle for a floral jumpsuit. I chuckle, I look so
funny wearing it. Hahaha, guys even Sdumo looked better in it.
I mean, I am skinny after all, a biltong that I am. Argh, enough
about my body. I go and take a quick bath, there's a bathroom
outside with installed geyser. I was so shocked when I saw hot
water coming out from the tap. Boniwe came running to my

aid, when she heard me screaming so loud, after all I am used

to cold water coming out from the tap. Anyway, Boniwe
explained everything to me that was after she laughed at me. I
am so grateful for her, she has taught me a lot in terms of using
electrical appliances. I am done bathing. Okay, okay, this will be
my first time officially going out. Ever since I got here, I only
went to town 2x when we went to buy the house essentials. I
comb my afro, I think it does need some straightening, actuality
it will be my first time doing my hair properly. Benny&Betty
have been riding with me ever since like forever. I wonder
where Makhosazana is taking us. The couple went to work, they
will only be back after 18:00pm and, I should be done cooking
by then. They change menus every week, their meals must
always include green salads. Phela she is watching her weight.

★»★«

THAKASILE

Ever since Nobuntu left things have never been the same again
here at home. Sanele is more of a loner now, he comes back
from work, takes a bath then sleep. He sometimes sleeps
without eating, Nobuntu's departure really took a toll on him. I
am now doing Nobuntu's chores, they are not easy at all and
gogo is forever on my case. She is taking out her stress on me,
she pretends like she doesn't miss Nobuntu, but she does big
time. Most of all her cooking & cleaning. Cooking is not my best
trait, she never taught me how to cook. Her teaching me as old
as I am, is really not working out. It's a disaster, I guess she
thought that Nobuntu was going to stay here for the rest of her
life. That's why she did not see the need to teach me how to
cook, cleaning is easy. Yhey, I can't even kill a chicken let alone
perk out its feathers, it's bad. She is the one who does cooking
most of the time

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sometimes Sanele cooks. Life is not the same. Going to the to

forest to look for woods it's also a mission for me. I always come
back with sticks not logs. I remember the first time I came back
with them, yhey I got beaten up so bad. Ever since then I started
chopping big logs, Nobuntu have been going through the most at
the hands of my grandmother. Now she is living the best life. She
is now a princess, and she sleeps in money, I'm

sure she's even a slay Queen now. Heard that they moved to
Jo'burg, that could've been me yet life argh. She robbed me
that chance, but I am not giving up on the Prince. He will be
mine one way or the other.

“Yewena Thakasile zizowasha lezitsha yini? Awusheshe mele

upheke futhi. Ukhohliwe ukuthi sizelwa yizivakashi? Shesha
maarn” (hey Thakasile, will the dishes wash themselves?
Hurry up and you also have to cook. Have you forgotten that
we are going to have visitors? Hurry maarn)

By visitors, she means her Ben 10. Ewuuu, this grandmother

of mine she is just nasty.

“Yebo gogo” huffing.

I go to the kitchen and start packing the dishes, once I'm done I
open the buckets to get water, and they are empty. Great just
great. Now I have to go to the water dispatcher to get water, I'm
sure there's a long line. By the time I get back the guests would
have long arrived. Let me rather start with cooking, I will see the
dishes later. Arh and, I also have to make fire. Gzus. I

have never imagined myself doing this, it always looked so

easy when Nobuntu did it. Here I am now doing the exact same
thing and, it's not easy at all. I wish Sanele was back already.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

We are at mall of Africa, this place is so huge. We are going to

have brunch with Makhosazana and her cousin Zothile, then we
go window shopping. We will find her cousin at Rocco mama's,
since she is there already. Boniwe is busy with her phone and
smiling, I wonder what's making her smile, or rather who? We
arrive at Rocco mama's and her cousin spot us, she waves her
hand we walk to her table. We exchange greetings and sit
down. This Zothile is looking at me rather somehow, I don't
know if she is looking at me because I look familiar, or she too

is looking at my ugly self, as per usual. She is making me

uncomfortable. There are forms on the table that we are
supposed to fill, why are we filling them? I mean we are not at
school, we are here to eat.
“I can help you with filling up the form, I don't mind” she says
with a fake smile.

“Ngi right” I take the pen and start filling the form.

Her: “Do you even understand what you are filling there or
you just want to confirm your stupidity?” I look at her, and
shake my head.

Zana: “Zothile behave. We are here to eat and catch up, not
what you're doing”

Her: “If you expect me to apologise to her, then I'm sorry I

won't”

Zana: “Just stop being rude. That's all I'm asking” she hisses.
Her: “Fine. Whatever” she rolls her eyes.

Boniwe is still focused on her phone, she is not here with us.

Zana: “Boniwe”

Boniwe startles and looks at us confused. I chuckle and she

gives me a stare.

Her: “Urhm...what are you guys talking about? Sorry, my

phone is keeping me occupied”

Zana: “Who is keeping you occupied?” She furrows her brow.

Her: “What? Oh, it's just one of my colleague” she looks guilty.
Me: “You have friends already? You sure are damn fast”.
Zothile: “Where is she working?” She asks with an attitude.

This girl has serious issues with us. Or maybe she plainly
doesn't like us, after all first impression last as the saying goes.

Zana: “She works at my father's company”

Her: “So, she is the new cleaner?”

Zana: “Yes she is”.

Her: “Oh, I see. What does she do?” She says pointing at me.

Zana: “Nothing”.

Her: “Nothing as is nothing at all?”

Boniwe: “Excuse me girl. What did they say your name was
again? Argh, never mind. Do you maybe have a problem with
us?”

Her: “Problem with you? Girl, why would I have problem with
you? I mean. You are not worth my time” she rolls her eyes.

Boniwe: “We are clearly worth your time because for the past 5
minutes, you were on our case. Listen here love and listen to
me very carefully” she gives Boniwe an attitude.

Boniwe: “We did not come here because we are bored or

what” well, I only came here because I was bored, maybe not
her. “We came to have lunch then go window shopping and do
our hairs then go our separate ways. We did not come here to
entertain your moody and derogatory remarks flat arse. It's
either you have decent brunch with us or you leave, better yet
why don't you go to foschini, and ask them to help you with
finding the right foundation for your face. Nxa, nonsense!”
Me & Zana look at each other. Zothile just turns into a tomato,
she is angry the pecks of being a yellow bone. Iyoh.

Zana: “Okay. Let's get this over and done with we've already
wasted time”

Zothile: “I think I will just leave” she stands up and grabs her
bag along. “I will see you around Zano”.

Boniwe: “Thanks God. Now we can have our lunch in peace”

she smiles at her.

Zana: “I will call you” she nods and walks away. She then
turns to Boniwe. “And you? What was that all about?”

Her: “If you did not see anything wrong with what
transpired, then I don't know”.
Zana: “I am sorry about her behaviour. She is usually not
like this”.

Her: “It's okay. You don't have to justify her actions”.

Me: “Now tell us. Who was keeping you occupied on

your phone?” Zana focuses on her.

Her: “It's one of my colleague. I told you guys”

Me: “We keep secrets from each other now?”

Zana: “Yeah, what happened to ‘no secrets’ between the 3 of

us?”

Her: “Eish girls. I just don't want to jump the boat so soon, I
don't want it to sink before I know where it's heading”
Me: “What are you saying?”

Her: “I think I might've met someone”

Us: “What?” She looks around.

Her: “Keep it down would you”

Zana: “Sorry. It's just that is so sudden, don't you think?”

Her: “We are friends for now” she blushes.

Me: “Whoa and he is making you blush. Do we maybe know

him?” She nods.

Me & Zana look at each other. Zana breaks into a smile,

we know exactly who she is talking about.
Zana: “Don't tell me that it is who I think it is” Boniwe shakes
her head and chuckle.

Me: “Oh wow. Who would've thought, you finally got him. I
am so happy for you.”

Her: “It's nothing serious guys we just friends, and he is my

manager”

Zana: “So, what if he is the manager?”

Her: “Work terms & conditions. No dating at work”

Me: “If you do then you are fired?” She nods.

Zana: “That can be fixed. When are you guys making

things official?”
Her: “When I am sure that he is the one for me. I don't want to
be heart broken again, my ex-boyfriend broke my heart. I don't
want to suffer the same fate with him”

Me: “He is not your ex-boyfriend though. He is him”

Her: “Either way. I am guarding my heart, the thing is when

I love, I give my all. I invest my time and energy in the
relationship.”

Zana: “Eish yah neh. As, much as he is my brother I can't

guarantee you that he won't hurt you. Take your time in
knowing him, don't rush anything” Boniwe smiles.

Her: “Thank you girls. I needed this talk, you guys are the best.”

Zana: “Always a pleasure big sister” we laugh.

Her: “Hhayi wena. You should say 'sister-in-law” Zana laughs.

Me: "Hawu, we're talking marriage already?”

Her: “Shut up”

Zana: “We're thinking ahead” we all erupt in laughter.

★»★«

NKANYISO
Mbuso is busy checking his phone. We are at the rank, it's
his lunchtime, so he came to chill with us. When he got here,
he was smiling his best smile. The only woman who brings
out such smile, is none other than Siyasanga. His girlfriend.

“Nkabi nini ubuka uma khalekhukhwini, ulinde ucingo

oluhalulekile”? (Hitman you are busy checking your phone,
are you waiting for an important call)

“Lutho nkabi yami”(nothing my hitman)

Me: “Then why do you keep on checking it?”

Him: “I'm checking time”

Me: “Since when do you check time on your phone?”

Him: “Mamelake mfana wami, angiphenduli kuwe”(Listen

my boy I do not answer to you) I nod.
Me: “I hear you brother. Uyam'thanda loyo
wes'mame?”(Do you love that woman?)

Him: “Ngeke u zwisise mfana wami. Usase mncane

kabi”(You wouldn't understand, you are too young)

Mandla: “Nkabi ubani igama lalo sisi?”(what's the name of

that woman?)

Him: “Hhayi nkabi akusi u daba olugalelwe wena lelo”(It's not

your business)

Mandla: “Kodwa inkabi yona isemathandweni”(but you are

in love) I laugh.

Him: “Ngizokusakaza ikhanda Mandla”(I will bash your head)

Mandla: “Kodwa nkabi ulaka olungaka ngenca yothando
pho”(too much anger because of love) the gents erupt
in laughter.

I shift my focus on them and keep busy on my phone. A

WhatsApp text comes through from Makhosazana.

★We are passing by your taxi aisle with someone, look on your

right★

I avert my eyes and I see them, arh she looks beautiful. She has
braids now, bringing out her melanin face out.

“Awu nawe nkabi encane usesibalweni? Naze nancuma

bo”(you too Junior hitman?)
Ewwww Mandla yinkinga madoda...
14
ZWELI

As soon as I knock off I went and picked up Natasha at the

salon. My day was hectic today, I just need a hot bath then hit
the bed but with Natasha around, I might as well forget about
it. I find her already waiting for me with her best friend Gina.
“Hii Zweli” she smiles.

“Hello Gina. Are you good?”

Her: “I am well, thank you for asking”

Tasha: “Urhm babe, can we drop her off seeing that Ziyanda is
not here yet and, it's not safe for her to wait alone”

Me: “No problem” She gets in the car.

Her: “Thank you guys. I wonder why is Ziyanda late, this is

so unlike him”.

Tasha: “Maybe he is still at work”

Her: “I guess you're right” she shrugs. “So, Zweli how is the
wife?” I huff.

Him: “My wife is right next to me. Which one are you talking
about?”

Her: “The first wife. The one that you married”.

Me: “She is not my wife. She is my maid there's a difference

between the two” she shakes her head.

Her: “I see. How is she taking being a maid? I mean, girl has a
ring on her finger and you guys exchanged vows in front of
the pastor and your fa...” Tasha cuts her short.

Tasha: “Shut up Gina if you don't have anything good to

say. We are doing you a favour by giving you a lift and, you
here asking Zweli shit?”
Her: “I'm sorry if I offended you anyhow. I was just trying
to make a conversation”.

Tasha: “There are a lot of things to converse about. Mind the

business that pays you and, leave ours alone” she clicks her
tongue.

Her: “Sorry” Tasha rolls her eyes. “You can drop me off
here Zweli, it's fine. I don't want to piss your woman off”.

Me: “No. I will drop you off at your house. I can't leave you
here, as Tasha said it's not safe' relax” Tasha gives me the WTF
look. “Please don't start with me Tasha, I am not in the mood”

Gina: “Thank you Zweli” I drop her off and hoot as I drive off.

Tasha: “What was that all about? Why did you defend her?”
Me: “I am not doing this with you. I had a long day” she
huffs and folds her arms.

Women. All of you are too complicated, I will never understand

you. I'm sure you don't even understand yourselves too.

Tasha: “Are we still eating out?” she asks as soon as we

step inside the house.

Me: “Yes. We just need to freshen up”.

Her: “Let's just order in. I can see that you are tired”.

Me: “First let's see if Langelihle haven't cooked” I open

the warmer and our plates are there. “Well, she did cook”

Her: “Hit it up. I hate to admit it, but she is the best cooker
ever, she cooks like a chef”.
Me: “Couldn't agree with you more there. You should ask
her to teach you” she laughs.

Her: “Even if she teaches me. Her food will still taste better
than mine” now it's my turn to laugh.

Me: “But I will enjoy it. Trust me” I see her blushing.

Her: “So charming. Why don't we just hire her to cook for us
when it's our chance to host our friends over?”

Me: “That's not a bad idea, but we will have to pay her”

Her: “What? It's her job to cook. Why must we pay her?”

Me: “No it's not her job to cook for our friends. Her job is to
cook for us not anyone else but us. Her cooking on our
hosting months, she will be going beyond her given house
chores”.
Her: “It makes sense if you put it like that”

Me: “Now for that shower. Let's save water and

shower together” she smirks.

Her: “I like the sound of that. Catch me if you can” she is

already ascending the stairs.

I chuckle and run after her. She is already in the shower when I
finally get into our room. I strip off my clothes and join her. She
hands me the shower gel with a smirk in her face. I squeeze it
in my hands and I start washing her back. She moans, arh this
woman I already have a boner. I move to her boobs and
massage them. She is a size 36c, She turns around and looks at
me...

She looks at me straight in the eyes, then take my member into

her hand, and start massaging it, giving it a hand job, groaning.
I move my hands on her back until they reach her ass, I work
my finger in the line that separate her buttocks. I move it up
and down, she moans and nibble on my ear. She goes down on
me leaving trail of kisses on my skin. I balance my body on the
shower glass as her lips take in my dick. “Fuck” I curse, she
gives me a blow job of a lifetime. I push her head in, now I can

feel my dick inside her, she loves to deep throat. When she
gags, she turns me more on. I can feel my dick grows in her
mouth, I am about to ejaculate. Then she plays with my balls.
“Fuck it... I am cumming babe” I shoot my load of cum in her
mouth. I retract my dick, and she swallows some, while some
dripped to her boobs. She licks my dick clean. I help her stand
up. I turn her around, she balances her hands on the glass. She
doesn't like being muffed and, when I ask her why she doesn't
being muffed, she never gives me a straight answer, I decided
to let her be. I enter her from my behind, she pushes her arse
towards my dick. I go in slowly, I play with her boobs as I
increase my pace, she moans & screams my name. I slam in
harder and nibble in her ear, she loves it when I do that. I fuck
her faster as she continue screaming my name. I can feel her
body tense up, I know that she is about to reach her climax, I
hit her g-spot, she loses it. Wuuhhh woman and drama. I thrust
in a few times and I can feel my dick growing again inside her
pussy. “I...am cumming” she says in a low town, more like a
whisper. “Wait for me I'm right behind you” I whisper in her
ear. Her moans and my groan blend together and before I know
it, she came first and I followed after her with three thrust. I
stayed buried in her pussy, kissing her back.

Her: “Food is getting cold”

Me: “Party popper” I retract my dick from her pussy, and

we take a quick shower, removing the stench of sex, argh.

Her: “We have all night together, stop being grumpy” I chuckle.

Me: “I am not grumpy woman”

Her: “Who are you trying to convince?”

Me: “Mxm” we step out of the shower and lotion our

bodies then wear our robes.
We take our food from the warmer, and we start eating. I
turn on the TV and channel O is on.

★»★»

NOBUNTU

I am busy creating social media accounts. Boniwe helped me

with installing WhatsApp, now I need to install Facebook,
Instagram, twitter, Telegram & Snapchat. Zana suggested that I
also download Tik Tok & likee to keep myself entertained with
the videos. In no time I am done installing everything. I really
don't know why am I creating them because I don't have any
contacts. I only have Boniwe, Zana, manyala of a husband and
aunt Ncumisa's numbers. Its all just a waste of time, well at
least I will beat the boredom. My phone rings and it is Zana.

“Zana”.
“Have you managed installing all the apps I told you to install?”

Me: “Yes I have”.

Her: “Good. I will add you on Facebook and follow you on

Twitter & Instagram. You can follow me on Likee & TikTok”

Me: “Is it really necessary for me to have all these apps?”

Her: “Very necessary. Let me go

my man is here and I'm about to get myself whipped” I chuckle.

Me: “Don't do something I wouldn't do” she laughs.

Her: “Sis. You need to get laid, bye” she hangs up. I laugh, mxm
yah ne.
Zana is something else, iyoh. Since I have Airtime let me
just call Aunt Ncumisa, I hope she is not sleeping. I am
about to hang up when she answers.

“And you are?” is this how she answers her phone? Wow, it
sounds rude or maybe, it's just my imagination.

“Hello aunt Ncumisa”

Her: “Buntu? Is that you sisi?”

Me: “Yes it's me auntie”

Her: “My God. I am so sorry for how I answered you, that's

how I answer numbers I don't know” I chuckle.

Me: “Fair enough”

Her: “How are you? How is marriage treating you?” I sigh.

Me: “I am okay and marriage is just that. How are you?”

Her: “You do know that you can tell me anything right? If

you are not happy then come back, my door is always open
for you”.

I really do want to tell her about my marital problems, but I

have dreams to fulfil here in Jo'burg. Furthering my studies is
on top of the list, maybe once I've settled I will tell her. I need

this to equip my life, so that when I leave Zweli I will

have something to back me up.

Me: “I will let you know once I'm unhappy ncane, you will
be the first one to know. I was just checking up on you”.
Her: “Thank you for calling Sisi. I will save your numbers as
soon as you hang up”

Me: “Aunti, can I ask you for a favour?”

Her: “Talk sisi”.

Me: “Can you please go to the village and go to Bab'Mhlaba.

Ask him to give you his land line number, I want to call
Sanele via it.”

Her: “That won't be necessary Sisi. I will buy him a phone, then
go and give it to him”.

Me: “I would really appreciate that. Thank you very

much ncane”

Her: “You miss him?” I smile.

Me: “A lot ncane. I'm sure he thinks that I've forgotten about
him”

Her: “I doubt. He will understand that you were settling in”

Me: “Okay Ncane. I love you”

Her: “I love you too sunshine, and don't forget about school.
Goodnight”.

Me: “Goodnight to you too Ncane” she hangs up.

I log into Facebook and I already have a friend request from

Zana & Boniwe. I accept their invites. Boniwe suggested that I
also read Facebook stories, they keep you busy and

entertained. She mentioned a few, I search them, and they

pop up. First story I'm reading is Half A man, the title seems
interesting. I get into the blankets and indulge in reading.
★»★«

BONIWE

I am woken up by my phone vibrating under the pillow. I

move my hand under the pillow and I answer. Did not even
check who is calling me.

“Hello”

“Nkosazana” I blush.

This is actually his first time calling me. We chat on WhatsApp

most of the time.

Him: “Ngikuvusile?” (did I wake you up?) I nod, as if he can see

me.
Me: “Yebo”

Him: “Uxolo. Ungakwazi ukuphuma ngila ngaphandle”

(sorry. Can you please come outside)

What? This guy can't be serious. How did he know where I live?
Argh, Makhosazana! I will kill this girl I swear.

Me: “Uyadlala angisho?” (you playing right?)

Him: “Cha phuma phela nkosazana or mhlambe ufuna ngingene?

Angina nkinga naloko ngingakwenza” (get out princess or do you
want me to come in? I don't mind) I chuckle.

Me: “Bengifisile ukuphuma kodwa angikho endlini, ngiku

Nobuntu” (it was my wish to come out, unfortunately I'm not
at home. I'm at Nobuntu's)
I have to play hard to get. I don't want him to think that I am
yes sir woman, and I don't want to always avail myself to him. A
part of wants to go out and see him, and also here what he has
to say. I just want to look at him, and focus on him you know
that's all I want, but the other part is not keen. It is defying that.

Him: “Eww kwazwe kwakubi loko. Sowuzolala kahle

Mashiyamahle, ungiphuphe phela” (that's too bad. You will
sleep well, don't forget to dream about me) I chuckle.

Me: “Okay. Bye” I hang up.

People I think I am in love, oh my, but then I heard that man

from Jo'burg are players. Zweli is a proof that rumour anyway.
Argh, men. Hektik and very stressful bunch. The doggies. Let
me call Nobuntu she must know about this.

“Ngilele ufunani”? (I am sleeping, what do you want?) I laugh.

Me: “Wake up wena. Your uncle was here”

Her: “My uncle? Which uncle”? I laugh. You can tell by her voice
that she is confused, wuhhh this farm Julia!

Me: “I forget that you can be slow sometimes. I mean, Mbuso

was here”

Her: “What? When? What did he want?”

Me: “He wanted to see me”

Her: “I hope you said No” I laugh.

Me: “Of course. How are you taking me? I want to make him
sweat a bit, he has to work to win my heart. I don't want him to
think that I am loose, hha.ah no”. She chuckles.
Her: “Few weeks in Jo'burg and you already know how to
make a man sweat? I yes you girl, strategise. You must also
give me tips” I laugh.

Me: “Phela we have to keep up with the trends. You also need
to let loose, this is a city of gold, and yes I will definitely teach
you. I hope you don't want to make manyala sweat.” She laughs
then I hear her sigh. “What's wrong”?

Her: “The in-laws are coming tomorrow afternoon.”

Me: “What? Why didn't you tell me”?

Her: “I was going to call you, but then I remembered that you
are working now I didn't want to bother you. Besides, you just
got the job, and now this. Talk about bad timing.”

Me: “You were supposed to let me know the minute you knew
Buntu. Remember that only the king knows that I'm at college
of which it's not true, not the Queen. I will think of an excuse
to skip work. You need me there.”

Her: “Thank you Boniwe.”

Me: “I am just playing my role. What did the biltong say about
that? I'm sure she was very angry thinking about the fact that
you're going to share a bed with her man. I'm sure she will
come back, and burn the sheets, and that's if you didn't tear
them with your cracked heels” She laughs.

Her: “I don't know how she took it or how commented about

the issue babe because Zweli told me over the phone few
minutes ago.”

Me: “What? His audacity!”

Her: “I wonder how are we going to survive this. The fact that I
will have to share a bed with him makes me cringe, and I'm
sure he too is breathing fire wherever he is. Ai, biltong will be
strong”.
Me: “That's going to be hard, but it will be fine. You will just
have to tolerate each other until his parents leaves”.

Her: “I guess you're right. I will see you tomorrow Mrs Dube”
I laugh.

Me: “Voetsek you charcoal” she laughs.

Her: “Love you too Jojo tank” I laugh and hang up.

A message comes through on my phone, and it is none other

than Mbuso. I don't even bother opening it, because I know it's
the same message every night. I switch off the light, and get
into bed. This room is bigger than Nobuntu's, I'm just 30
minutes drive away from her. Actually I am staying with Khaya,
Nobuntu's personal driver. Zweli is trying by all means that
Nobuntu doesn't taste the royal feel, but from tomorrow until
the royals leave things will change. It's going to be a long day
tomorrow, with the Queen around, and the endless ordering
around. Hhe I foresee a lot of drama taking place tomorrow, I
hope they won't be visiting for long. 3 days will do them good,
we have lives to live now, and dreams to fulfil.

15
NOBUNTU

I am woken up someone banging the door, I wonder who it is

so early in the morning. I climb out of bed, and attend the
door, I open, I find Boniwe standing there with a big smile
plastered on her face. I let her in, and I go back to bed. She
pulls the covers off me.

“Haibo wake up its 08:00. Since when do you sleep till this
time”? She is opening my curtain allowing the sun in my
room, arhhh. I feel like screaming at her!

“I slept late. I've been busy reading Facebook stories as you've

suggested, hhayi these writers are talented shame. If it's not a
too much for you, can you kindly please make yourself scarce or
keep quiet or do something because I want to continue with
perfecting my beauty sleep”. She laughs.
Her: “Stop lying. I called you around 22:00 and you sounded as
if you've just woken up from sleep. As for beauty sleep? Babe
you don't need it. You need dick”. I narrow my brow, this girl.

Me: “You right. I ran out of sleep just after talking to you,
and no I don't need dick I need food”.

Her: “Your loss. You missing out”. I chuckle.

Me: “When last did you get laid”? Laughing.

Her: “I wish I can let you perfect your beauty sleep, but you
can't. We must go to town and buy certain foods for the
Queen. She doesn't eat anything, and her food must have
brand names” I roll my eyes, and laugh.
Me: “It seems like you also need some dick girl”! She rolls her
eyes, and I laugh. “Food is food njer, hhayi your Queen its such
a drag. Anyway, what excuse did you give your boss at work”?

Her: “I resigned” she shrugs.

Me: “You did what? Why”?

Her: “She doesn't understand that I have other

commitments. She doesn't understand that before my job, I
am a royal servant” she is insane. “So I resigned”

Me: “You didn't have to resign. You should've just told her that
you are not feeling well. You have a terrible stomach bug” she
chuckles.

Her: “Go and take a Bath. Yapping won't take us to town” I huff.

Me: “But we don't have money to buy those 'certain foods”

Her: “Oh, don't worry about that. One of the drivers will
meet us in town, apparently he has your black card with him.
They gave him weeks ago”.

Me: “That so-called driver has been having my card all along?
When did he leave the Bundu's, I mean the drive to here is
rather long”.

Her: “He doesn't stay far from here”.

Me: “I don't understand. Is he of here or”?

Her: “Nah. He arrived the same day as us, but your husband
rented a room for him and told him to stay there. We won't be
needing his services Instead he hired him as a security in his
company”. Wow!

Me: “Rha usijwayela kabi u Zweli. He brought us here just for

fun”? She chuckles.
Her: “There's more. Wena just go and take a bath time is not on
our side, and don't forget your fake ring” laughing.

Mxm. I throw her with a pillow, and go and take a bath leaving
her making my bed. I wonder how did Natasha take the news,
I'm sure she is losing her mind wherever she is. Now, the main
question is “what's going to happen to her? Will she continue
staying here, and take my place as a maid or is she going to
stay with a friend”? Argh, this set up is just messed up. I hope

Zweli's parents won't be staying the whole week, I can't be in

the same room with sour grape. She gives me chills, and she
hates me. I will really not survive with her around. Sigh. I step
out of the bathroom, it doesn't even help that the bathroom is
outside. What if I bump into someone? But who will I bump
into, because there's only 3 of us who lives and the walls are
high. I can even model naked, wuuhh I'm kidding. I am very
insecure about my body, I mean I have bruises, especially on
my back, I also have a long scar underneath my left breast. That
is where Thakasile stabbed me with a beer bottle, she was
fighting me for a dress that was given to me by my neighbour. It
was one messy fight, they ganged up on me with her friends. I
couldn't even fight back, and as usual I'm the one who was
wrong. It was embarrassing, the villagers were just watching,
and not helping, mxm. I get into my room and I find clothes
already laid out for me in bed. Boniwe is nowhere on sight, I
wonder where is she. I am busy lotioning my body when door
flies open, I turn to look who it is, and its Natasha. I ignore her
presence and continue lotioning my body.

“Yewena nobubi. Don't think that since the royal family is

coming, you're going to warm your ugly arse in my man's bed”!

“Cacisa sisi”. (Be clear)

Her: “Ngithi mina ungacabangi ukuthi njengoba kuza basebu

khosini, uzolala nendoda yami”.

Me: “Awusho ke sisi ngo lalaphi”?

Her: “Kwelinye igumbi” I chuckle.

Me: “Ngokwazi kwami unama gumbi amathathu wokulala.
Elakho no Zweli, amabili wezivakashi”. (According to my
knowledge, there are 3 bedrooms. The main one, which is
yours & Zweli. Then 2 for the guests)

Her: “Uyaphi ngalendaba? Ngoba abazali baka Zweli bazolala

kwelinye igumbi” (where are you going with this? Because
Zweli's parents will sleep in one of the rooms) I laugh.

Me: “Ave uyis'dhladhla wena ntombazana. Abazali baka Zweli

beza naba ncedi babo okumele balale emagumbini wabo” (you
are one stupid girl. Zweli's parents are coming with their
servants, who are supposed to sleep in their rooms) laughing.

Her: “Umbhedo ke lowo! Bese mina ke? Kwenzakalani ngami”?

(That's rubbish. What about me? What's happening to me)

Me: “Hambo buza I soka lakho sisi, angihlangene lapho

mina” (go & ask your man. I am not involved)
Her: “Ungalokothi upotapote indoda yami siyevana? Uwenze
isiqiniseko sokuthi ulala kude kunaye” (don't you dare touch my
husband, are we clear? Make sure you sleep far away from
him) I chuckle.

Me: “Ng'yakuzwa sisi usungang'phumela ke manjer” (I

hear you. You can leave now)

She looks at me from head to toe, clicks her tongue and walk
away. Ey, this girl. If only she knew that I am not keen in
sleeping in the same bed with Zweli. She wouldn't be fuming
like this, oh well. Boniwe steps into the room all smiles...

“Are you ready to go? The driver is here” I nod.

We step out of the room, and walk to the black Mercedes, I

chuckle. This means that the only time I will be driven around,
and actually treated like royalty, will be the time only when
the royal family come? This is crazy. I just want my black card.
We step inside the car, and we drive off.

★»★«

NATASHA

This is so not happening. I didn't sign up for this shit! But then,
what was I thinking? I mean, I am the one who allowed Zweli
to take a wife from the village. I did that because I love him,
and I don't want to lose him. I regret agreeing to it, we
should've just got married in court as he once suggested. He
has given me 2 options regarding this visit of his parents.
1; “I become a house helper” basically he means, switching
roles with that ugly wife of his.

2; “I go away for a few days until his parents leave” I don't

even know for how long his parents are going to stay, argh.

I can be a house helper, and monitor mubizana's moves, but

that will scream desperation. I'm sure his parents are strict, I
guess leaving for a few days will do. Thinking about the fact
that Zweli will be sharing a bed with that ugly thing makes me
mad. I will have to change the bedding once I come back, her
village scent must be untraceable in my bedroom. I hope that
Zweli's parents won't be staying for more than a week, I only
hope. I get done packing, and text an uber, I need to learn how
to drive, this is not on honestly. I pick up my luggage and exit
the house. Am going to crash with Londiwe, until the in-laws
leave. I can't go home without a valid explanation as to why I'm
there. My mom will literally flip, gosh.

★»★«
ZWELI

My parents visiting doesn't sit well with me. They know I like
my own private space, why the sudden visit? But then I can
never deny them coming here. I will be severely punished. My
father will summon me back in the Bundu's very fast. Yazi it is
too soon for them to come and visit. Natasha is not happy
about this, but then there's nothing we can do. I've given her 2
options, I hope she takes the one of being a helper just to be
close to her. I don't want to share my bed with Langa, she will
sleep on the floor. At least we I have enough blankets. I look
at the time, and it is just after 13:00pm. My parents are set to
arrive at 17:00pm, at least I have some time left. My phone
rings and its Natasha.

“Babe”

“Love. I just wanted to tell you that I've already left. Londiwe
agreed for me to come and crash with her”
Me: “Alright babe. I thought you were going to choose
wanting to stay, but I respect your decision. I will make sure
that I cut their visit short”.

Her: “Why would you want to do such a thing

babe”? Chuckling.

Me: “I don't imagine myself spending time with Langelihle.

She is going to suffocate me, argh”. She laughs.

Her: “You chose her. Deal with it. I love you babe, got to go my
ride is here”.

Me: “I love you too”.

Her: “Don't do something I wouldn't do. I've recently changed

the bedding”.
Me: “Ewww
I don't want to kill myself. I'm still young, you know” she laughs.

Her: “There are condoms underneath the pillow, they will

come in handy”

Me: “I won't be needing them. I'd rather go to a brothel,

and buy vitamin P”. She laughs.

Her: “Someone's daughter is going to be sex starved,

shame poor wife” laughing. “Later babe”.

After talking to Natasha, I pack up my stuff, and exit my office.

I need a bottle or 2, I need to face my parents, as much as they
annoy me, but they are still my parents. I text the guys to meet
me there. I need to unwind.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

We are finally done with shopping, we are now having lunch at

Nando's. My feet are killing me, these heels are not making
things any easier for me, I ended up buying slippers. I am not
used to heels. I've been wearing flat shoes all my life, even on
my wedding day I was wearing namba skhambe. This heel thing
is so foreign to me. Boniwe practically bought the whole mall,
mostly lingerie for herself. You should've seen my expression
when she picked it up, especially what she calls “thongs”.
Dude, you are naked when wearing that, as for me I did not
even bother myself buying them. Why would I wear something
so revealing in my bruised body, especially with the belt/whip
marks on my butt. It was definitely a No for me, I ended up
choosing bikinis, they don't look comfortable but then, who am
I to complain? I need to explore a little. Ever since we got here
Boniwe has been glued on her phone smiling & blushing. This
Mbuso guy is driving her insane, I hope she doesn't loose
herself in all of this. The waiter comes, and takes our orders. I
didn't even know that Nando's have waiters, haike. I order their
peri-peri quarter chicken, and Boniwe orders boutjie bowl I
don't think she even knows what that is. Wuuhhh, who cares?
We are experimenting.

“Can you kindly please put your phone down & focus on me. I
am pleading with you”. She chuckles. I don't think she heard
what I said, ai I guess 2 can play this game.

I also take out my phone, and log into Facebook. I am surprised

to find so many friend requests, I mean I don't even know all of
these people. Hmmm, let me accept them. I accept all 103 of
them, as I am busy browsing through the feeds I receive a
message from a woman named Crecentia. The first thing I do is
to go through her profile, damn sis is beautiful guys. Her skin is
flawless, and her weave looks expensive. There are pictures of
her and her boyfriend, her boyfriend looks familiar. I've seen
him somewhere. Oh, yes, he was at the wedding, he was one
of the grooms men. I respond to her message...

★»★«
“Hey girl”

“Hello. How are you”?

Her: “Good, thanks and how are you”?

Me: “Good too”.

Her: “I'm Cresentia”.

Me: “I can see your name. Can I help you”?

Her: “No, not really. I was just greeting” now, this is weird.

Me: “Oh, okay”.

Her: “Want to do lunch sometime”?

Me: “But I don't even know you. Why would I want to do

lunch with a stranger”?

Her: “Lol, I know that I am a stranger, and you don't know me,
but I promise you that I don't bite. I want to be your friend, can
you at least try to think about it”? .

Me: “I will get back to you shortly”.

I log out. I wonder why that girl would want to befriend

someone like me I am way out of her league. What if she is best
of friends with Natasha, and Natasha is the one who sent her? I
don't want to associate myself with anyone that is close to
Natasha, it's enough that I share a man with her already.
Boniwe still haven't touched her food, I shake my head, and
finish up my food... I stand up grabbing my bag along, Boniwe
will find me in the car once she is done flirting with Mbuso. I am
tired, all I need is to take a nap before the royals come.

★»★«
BONIWE

Mbuso is such a flirt, and I think I am falling for him. I like the
fact that he knows how to keep a conversation going, one
never gets bored while chatting with him. He even made me
forget that I came with Nobuntu. I put my phone down, and I
am shocked not seeing Nobuntu. Her bag is gone too, maybe
she went to the ladies room, let me eat while waiting for her to
come back. My phone beeps indicating that I received a
message, it's from Nobuntu. I view it, and read it.

★Finish flirting there, the husband just called. The in-laws are

on their way, and we haven't even started with cooking. I've

been waiting for over 30 minutes for you★

Lord, I feel so bad right now for neglecting Nobuntu, I mean,
I'm the one who dragged her here. I must apologize to her,

then there's that royal family visit thinking about it pisses me

off. Walking to the car is much faster now, I hop in and I find
Nobuntu busy with her phone. I clear my throat, I really need to
apologize.

“Urh...m, Buntu”. She looks at me. “I am so sorry for ignoring

you, please forgive me I just got carried away chatting with
Mbuso”.

“You owe me no apology, and you don't have to explain

yourself to me. Khaya you can drive”. She responds to me
while busy with her phone, Wow.

Khaya roars the engine to life, and he drives us home. The drive
is so awkward, Nobuntu is not talking to me she is busy with
her phone. Khaya hardly utters 2 words, and my phone battery
is low. Disaster. We arrive at Zweli's, we offload the shopping
bags in the car, and take them inside the house.
“We are going to cook mince & spaghetti, something quick
& easy. I am too tired to stand before the stove, not unless
you have something else in mind”.

“I don't. Mince & spaghetti will do, I will also add

mashed potatoes, and green salad”.

Her: “We are sorted then. Let's go, and freshen up. I think you
should do the same too” she walks away. Let me start
cooking then I will go and freshen up.

30 minutes later I am done cooking, the food is ready. Time for

me to go and freshen up. The door flies open, and Zweli is the
first to get in then followed by the King & Queen, their
children, last but not least the seer. This man scares me, I won't
lie to you.

“Basebukhosini niwamulekile” Welcome royal family. I bow my

head...

“Siyabonga” the King responds with a smile. The Queen's eyes

are darting around the house.

“Ukuphi u Langelihle”? (Where is Langelihle) that's the first

thing that comes out of her rusty mouth.
Me: “Uzoba nathi manjer. Ninganena phakathi”. (She will be
with us shortly, you can come one in) I lead the to the lounge.
It's going to be a long night...
16
ZWELI

We are having dinner in the lounge, my parents must know

that I don't have a dining area. The TV is switched off, silent
befalls us. The seer is sitting on the floor right besides
Nobuntu's feet. He has been giving Nobuntu stares ever is
since he got here, making her uncomfortable. The very same
stares he once gave Nkanyiso. I wonder what is he doing here,
he better not start trouble.

“The food was lovely. Thank you Boniwe” my

father complements the food.

“It's only a pleasure your Majesty” my mother claps hands and

laughs. I am shocked too, so Boniwe knows how to speak
English. All along she has been making me a fool? I wouldn't
be surprised if Nobuntu knows English too, but she is too rural
to know it.

Her: “Only a month in Jo'burg, and all of a sudden you can

speak English? I guess is true when they say Jo'burg changes

people, I got to witness that first-hand tonight. Thank you

for the great food by the way”.

Boniwe: “Thank you my Queen. Dessert?”

Buhle: “Not for me, thank you. I am watching my figure”.

Nhlaka: “You know I can never say no to sweet treats, I have a

sweet tooth after all” Boniwe laughs.

Her: “No wonder you so skinny” they both laugh.

Mom: “The dessert won't bring itself from the kitchen to here
now, or can it”?

Her: “Apologies my lady let me get right on it” she bows

her head and walks away.

Dad: “Was that necessary Khethiwe”?

Her: “Please Don't start with me Nqobani”.

Dad: “Is everything okay princess”? He asks Nobuntu whose

mind is far away. I nudge her.

Me: “My father was asking if you're okay”. She gives me a blank
look, oh shit. I clear my throat. “Ubaba ubuza ukuthy u kahle
na”?

Her: “Oh, yebo baba ukukhathala nje kuphela” (yes, just tired)
Dad: “Zweli, why is Langelihle still talking vernacular? Didn't I
tell you to take her to school”? I look down. “I am asking you a
question Zweli, answer me dammit”! He roars.

Mom: “Why must she go to school? It's not like she will do
anything with her life once she's done with school. I mean, she
will get everything she wants. She is going to be a housewife
just like me”.

Buhle: “A educated housewife mom that's what you are, and

you know that everyone in the family is educated. How is she
going to lead the masses when she doesn't know English? How
is she going to lead her nation in future”?

Her: “She will do just fine. What she needs to do now is to focus
on giving us an heir, she has to prove that she is woman enough
to bear us a son”. The seer Sneer's upon hearing what my
mother is saying, and the room becomes cold instantly.
We all look at him, and his eyes are too dark than how they
normally are, this is weird. He looks at me, it's like his
searching for something in my eyes. He shakes his head.

Dad: “Is everything okay seer”? He nods.

Buhle: “I don't think he approves what mother is requesting in

terms of Langa giving us an heir. Langa is still young, she has a
life to live until her time comes to rule her nation. I for one,
don't want an uneducated sister-in-law. I need someone to talk
too, Zweli please consider enrolling her in college even if its
night school”.

Dad: “I agree with Buhle. Zweli you will have to register

Langelihle at school, I've given you an order and you failed
to do it. Take Langa to school or I cut off your allowance end
of discussion”.

Mom: “Mxm. Where is Boniwe with that dessert? I am about to

lose my appetite”.
Me: “Let me go and check up on her”

“No need for that I am here now”.

Mom: “What took you so long miss English”?

Her: “I was busy perfecting the dessert, making it the way you
like it”.

Her: “Hehehe, wonders shall never end” she laughs and

claps her hands. “I am watching a movie straight”.

Nobuntu is in a foul mood, I wonder what changed because she

was fine all along.

Mom: “Awushoke Langelihle, what is your long life plan”?

Nobuntu just looks at her blankly.
Her: “Uthini Khethiwe”? (What are you saying) We all avert
our attention to her. Did she just call my mother by her name?
I mean, I've never called my mother by her name all my life!

Mom: “Ungibiza ngegama? Ubiza mina iNdlovukazi nge gama?

Uyeyisa wena makoti ndini”! (You calling me by my name? You
call me a Queen by name? You are very disrespectful) Nobuntu
tilts her head looking at her.

Her: “Akusi igama lakho lelo Ndlovukazi? Ngokukhulu ukuzi

thoba bengisacela ungibuza lombuzo bowung'buze wona futhi
nge Sizulu”. (Isn't that your name my Queen? With all due
respect, can you kindly please ask me the question again in
Isizulu)

Mom: “Yerrre ungidinile Yeva! Yekela futhi, Rha”!

Her: “Manje uthukutheliswa yini Ndlovukazi? Bengisho nje

ukuthi ngicela ungibuze lombuzo ngesizulu. Phela angifundile
mina” (why are you angry now? I was just telling you to ask
me the question you asked me in Isizulu. I am not educated)

Me: “Langelihle Sekwanele manjer. Angeke ngikuvumele

ukhulume no Ma kanjalo, akusi iphutha lakhe ukuthi
awufundile”. (It's enough now. I will not allow you to talk to
my mother like that, it's not her fault that you are not
educated) she laughs.

Mom: “Awuna mfazi la, unedodi izihlelele, sies. Akahloniphi

nokihlonipha, yerr”! (You don't have a wife here, its
rubbish only. She doesn't even have respect) Nobuntu
chuckles.

Her: “Ngokukhulu ukuzithoba Ndlovukazi. Inhlinipho nginayo

inkinga kukuthi ak'si wonke umuntu afanele ayithole. Kuthiwa
hlonipha omncane ukuze naye akuhloniphe, kodwa wena
awukwenzi neze loko” she sighs. (With all due respect my

Queen. I do have respect, but the problem is that not everyone

is meant to get it. There's a saying that says; respect a young
person in order for them to respect you, but you are not doing
that) she looks at all of us, and shakes her head.

Her: “Ngiyaxolisa baba makung'kuthi kubukeka sengathi

ngiyeyisa, angizenzi ngiphocwa isimo. Bengasacela Uxolo
phambi kokuthi ngikhulume amazwi angahlalikahle
emuntwini”. (I'm sorry dad if this is deemed as disrespect,
situation is forcing me too. Can I please be excused before I
say something I might regret) I am stunned! This farm girl is
disrespectful, yerrrr, maybe I made a mistake by choosing her.

Dad: “Ungakhululeka ndodakazi kucacile vele ukuthi

awusimnandi emoyeni” (you can go my daughter it is
evident that you are not emotionally well) Nobuntu smiles.

Her: “Ngiyabonga baba. Senizolala kahle”. She stands up,

and walks away. I look at my mother, she is angry.

Mom: “What did that girl feed you Nqobani? Didn't you hear
how she disrespected me, and you kept quiet”?
Dad: “I will not do this with you Khethiwe”. Mom scoffs
and looks at dad, hhe...

Boniwe: “Let me go and check up on her”.

Mom: “No. I will go”. She is already on her feet.

Buhle: “You want to anger her more”?

Her: “I'm going to fix this, its all my fault”.

Dad: “I am so proud of you for being the bigger person”. Mom

smiles, and walks away. This is not good, something is going on
between those two.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

Soon as I get into Zweli's room I lock the door, and sit on top of
the bed taking a deep breath. The Queen is working on my last
nerve, I know that she doesn't like me, but for her to act like a
harlot was not on. It was disgusting, gosh. She needs to
understand that she's in my territory now, I will not allow her to
talk to me anyhow she feels like. A knock comes through at the
door, I wonder who it is. I stand up, and attend to it. The Queen
pushes me inside as soon as I yank it open.

“Yini lento bewuyenza wena? Why ungihlambalaza? Ngiyabona

ukuthi liyakuhlakaniphisa igoli, sewukwazi nokuphendula.
Humble makoti my foot! Ngiyabona nokuthi sowukhululekile
empilweni yomfana wami. Lalela ngikutshele la ntombazana
ndini, lenjabo yakho le eyesikhashana. Izokuphelela maduze
njer”. (What is that you were doing? Why are you embarrassing
me? I can see that Jo'burg is making you clever, you can even
answer back now. I can see that you've wormed yourself in my
son's life. Listen here girl, this happiness of yours is short-lived.
It will end soon) I laugh.
Me: “Haike Ndlovukazi ikami phela la. Ngizoyenza noma yini
engiyifunayo. Ngikhulume ngendlela engifuna ngayo, njengoba

wenza kakho. La, kukhala esami isichathulo. Nakung'kuthi

ucedile ukukhuluma bona oze ngayo”. (This is my house. I can
do anything I want. Talk how I want, just like you do in your
house. Here, we live by my rules. If you are done saying what
you wanted to say, you can see yourself out) she laughs and
claps her hands.

Her: “I've never been this disrespected by a young girl before!

Ey, uyadelela ntombazana ndini! Ngiyacala nqa ukudelelwa
ngalendlela, wehhh baba ke”! (You are so disrespectful! This is
my first time a young girl disrespects me like this)

Me: “Yonke into inesisacalo sayo Ndlovukazi, sacela

ungiphumele ngidinga ukuphumula”. (There's always a first
time for everything. Please leave my room I want to rest)

I feel my cheek burning

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damn this woman slapped me.

Her: “I will not tolerate you disrespecting me like I am your

mate you trash”! She slaps me again, her slaps are painful yoh.
Tears threaten my eyes.

Me: “Phuma la! Ngithe phuma la”! I yell at her. She spits on
my dress, and slaps me again. Tears are already running down
my cheeks.

Her: “You piece of trash. Ugly bastard”!

Me: “Ngithe phuma mthakathi ndini”! I push her outside the

room, as soon as she is out. I close the door and lean against it.
Tears freely stream down my cheeks, when will I ever find
peace?

“Okay, Okay Buntu. You are stronger than this baby girl. Stop
crying, and wipe your tears. Chin up, and wear your crown, don't
let that sour grape get to you. Kill her with a smile” I keep on
mouthing these words trying to ignore the pain that I am feeling
deep inside me. I walk to the bathroom, his bedroom is
connected with his bathroom. I wash my face, and look at myself
in the mirror. All I see is a broken girl with visible and

unseen scars. A girl who never experienced what happiness

feels like, a girl that life is rejecting. That girl is me. I wipe away
my tears, and wash my face again. I wear my pyjamas and get
into bed, this is a bad idea, I wonder how will Zweli feel
sleeping next to me. My heart is so heavy, sigh. I wanted to
sleep on the floor, but there are no free blankets I will ask to
borrow me one as soon as he gets here.

★»★«

I guess I drifted off to sleep because Zweli is waking me up with

light slaps. I slowly open my eyes then sit on my butt, and rub
my eyes.
“Ufunani la phezu kombhede wami wena hlazo
lentombazana”? (What are you doing in my bed you disgrace
of a girl)

Me: “Ngiyalala” (I'm sleeping)

Him: “Embhedeni wami? Yehla njengamanjer angikufuni duze

nami”! (In my bed? Get off my bed right now, I don't want to
sleep next to you)

Me: “Ngiyolalaphi ke”? (Where am I going to sleep)

Him: “Phansi, ujwayele angisho”? (On the floor, you're used to

it right)

Me: “Ngeke ngikwazi”. (I can't) chuckling.

Him: “Ngizokusiza ke mina”. (I will help you then) he comes to

my side, and remove the blankets off me, he takes my leg,
and yank it making me to fall butt flat on the floor. “Thatha
ingubo eyi one, and sort yourself out”. I take the duvet, and
lie on the carpet, it is so thick. I think I like it.

Me: “Eles'lima alaziwa. Liyeza elakho ilanga” (your day is

coming)

Him: “Mxm”.

This is harder than I thought, how can I seek help from God,
when he is busy ignoring my cries? Argh, I've even stopped
praying, it's all useless. This is my life, I will just have to
accept it. I cover myself with the duvet muffling my sniffs, he
might snap at me for that.

★»★«

BONIWE
Things became awkward at the table after Buntu left. I don't
know what her story is with the Queen, but I sense some bad
blood between them. She did tell me that the Queen
threatened her once, but I did not know that it was that deep
for her to even talk to her like that. No one and I mean no one
ever spoke to a Queen like that, she feels very disrespected. She
deserves it though, rha. Finally, she stood up for herself. The
King is not happy about what transpired, he will be strong.

“Your room it's so beautiful Boniwe”.

“Thank you Buhle”.

Yah, I am sharing this room with Buhle until they leave.

Her: “Yazi I don't like how my mom addressed Langa earlier on.
I mean the poor girl did nothing. It's a good thing that Langa
stood up for herself, she had to put that old hag in line” I laugh.
Me: “Haibo. She is your mother Buhle”.

Her: “I know that. I just don't like how she treated Langelihle,
what she did was wrong. Now she wants the poor girl to pop
babies for my brother instead of bettering her life or going to
school, she is sick in that head of hers” sighs. “Tell me here,
what will happen to Langelihle once Zweli takes a second
wife, of which happens to be of royalty? All royalty
descendants are educated. Do you think they will take
Langelihle serious? No. She will always be seen as the
‘illiterate wife’. They will make fun of her”.

She is telling the truth yazi, but Nobuntu is educated. I saw her
grade 12 certificate, she did well. Pretty well, she is not dumb.

Her: “Anyway how does she feel being married off at a

young age? This royalty thing is bullshit”.

Me: “How do you think she feels? I mean, she was not asked if
she was okay with marrying the Prince. She was sidelined from
the wedding preparations, they actually made decisions on her
behalf. She was not involved in any of this, no one cared about
her feelings in all of this, but why would they care? She is an
illiterate girl from the village. I guess that answers your
question” she sighs.

Her: “H for Hektik. I doubt she is even happy in this marriage,

she needs to continue doing her bead work, and go to town
to sell them. I have no doubt that people will support her, her
hand work is beautiful”.

Me: “All she needs is to further her studies, that's all she
desires”.
Her: “Further her studies? Did she attend school before”?

Me: “Yes. She even completed her grade 12 she has a

certificate. I am telling you this because I can see that you have
her best interests at heart”.

Her: “Are you trying to tell me that she is not illiterate, that
she actually completed school? If that's the case then why is
she pretending as if she never went to school”?
Me: “She is giving them what they want. The impression
they want, she is just waiting for the right time to burst their
bubble”.

Her: “You know what, we are going to register her for

distance/online learning. Do you know what she wants
to study”?

Me: “I don't know”.

Her: “What was her subject stream in high school”?

Me: “Sciences” she smiles.

Her: “Perfect. I will register her tomorrow, but we must go to

town, and buy her a laptop. We are bringing the school to her.
Don't you want to register too”?
Me: “I am considering it since I resigned from work”.

Her: “You did what? Why”?

Me: “My manager didn't understand that I have

other responsibilities, so I resigned” shrugs.

Her: “You still want to work”?

Me: “Yes”.

Her: “Good. Before we leave, I would've sorted a few things

here. I also have to look into my project of building a school in
the village, it's time we give back to the community. The
Queen is not happy about it, but dad gave me a go ahead. I am
so excited about it yazi, finally something that will benefit the
villagers in terms of work, yabona”. Argh, I am so impressed
ngo Buhle. She is nothing like her mother.
Me: “That will be a very good thing for the community, it's a
start of something great”.

Her: “I am so excited. I am ready to make a change in our

community, Nhlakanipho will also help where he can, plus he is
having talks with the municipality to install electricity and water
in the village”. She smiles.

I pray that everything goes well with their projects, the sour
grape is very evil. She needs a cleansing ceremony. She
needs to be cleansed with cows, chicken, goat, rhinos Enhlek
everything. Ishuuu... She is evil.

17
NOBUNTU

I am the first one up as usual. I couldn't sleep a wink last night,

I've been turning and tossing the whole night. What Zweli did
last night was very cruel of him. He is treating me like I am not
his wife, he doesn't love me yes, but that doesn't give him the
right to treat me like trash. He has no right at all. The sour
grape is much more worse. This life thing is like game of
throne's, I don't know how but it definitely is one. I am standing
in the kitchen with a cup of coffee in my hand, lost in my own
thoughts when all of a sudden I feel a heavy presence. That can
only be the seer, his presence is always felt. What is he doing
here? I thought I was the only one awake, guess there's only
one way to find out.

“Nobuntu” he calls my name. I turn around, and look at him.

“All will be well. Everything will come to pass you just have to
be strong, and soldier on. The thorns are going to prickle
your feet, but you must go on, never stop moving. He will
find you, he is close yet far”. I look at him for some time.

Me: “Tell me here; why is everything bad happening to me?

Why don't I know the feeling of being happy and care free?
Was I born to suffer, and cry for as long as I live? Will God ever
allow me to test how happiness feels like, will he? What did I do
to go through this”? I can feel tears threatening to make their
presence felt.

Him: “It's all because of your ancestors. They punishing you for
your mother's sins” I look at him wanting him to tell me more.
“In order for you to be happy she must come back, and make
things right. She, too, is suffering wherever she is, but she is too
stubborn. She doesn't want to listen to the ancestors, and do
right, until then you will not be happy”.

Me: “My mother is alive? Where is she? What must she

make right? Why are the ancestors punishing me and not
her? I mean, I did not wrong anyone”!

Him: “Your mother is alive, but I don't know where she is. The
ancestors haven't shown me her whereabouts as yet. They are
punishing the both of you, but mostly you. You have a pure
heart Nobuntu while your mother is the opposite of you. She is
one evil woman, she takes after your grandmother”.

Me: “Can you please tell me all that you know about my life?
Do you know who my father is”?

Him: “All in good time Nobuntu. Perseverance is the key,

kuzolunga sisi hold on” this man is just unbelievable, RHA! Why
can't he just give me a straight answer? “It will never work out
between the 2 of you. You will forever be cat and mouse, it is
not binded by the ancestors. They don't recognize it, look deep
within you and you will find it. You have the key, dig deep. The
wounded one will be healed by your heart. Your tears will soon
be tears of joy. Look closely, and be careful of the snake it is
just waiting to strike”. I look at him in awe. This man is just not
making sense right now.

Me: “So, I am stuck in this lifeless marriage until my so

called-mother makes things, right? Vele vele, I will not know
happiness? I don't even love Zweli. I'm in love with someone
else, this marriage is restricting me from being with him”!
Huffs.

Him: “I know that. One day everything will be clear, that day
will be when your mother comes, and makes things right. Oh,

and the feeling is mutual. You will give him what he always
wanted, but never had. He is not an easy person, you the only
one who can tame his anger. Perseverance. The Queen's day is
coming, I know what she did. The ancestors are aware of
everything” He hit his stick on the floor twice, and walks
outside.

I am shocked! What just happened? Enhlek what was he

talking about? This man and speaking in riddles. Who is the
snake now? It must be the Queen, she is the only one who spits
poison. Okay, I found out that my mother is alive. That's
actually a good start, but shit is so damn stressing. I have lots
of questions, my mind is in a marathon. I need answers, seems
like there's a lot to be unravelled. That woman called my
mother better come back to her senses, and make things right.
It frustrates me that she is the one who is blocking my
happiness, she is evil. I am suffering because of her, she is
selfish. And again, who is the wounded one? What must I dig
deep, argh! I throw the cup in the sink.

“Hhey what did the cup do to you”? Boniwe asks me laughing.

“It did nothing. I am just not in a good mood honestly”. She

laughs.
Her: “It's 07:00 in the morning, and you already not in a good
mood? Is it that manyala of a husband”?

Me: “And a lot more. Why are you up early anyway”?

Her: “Breakfast”.

Me: “No. They must go, and eat out. I can't stand sour grape”
she chuckles.

Her: “You are funny. Unfortunately the royals don't eat out,
not unless it's their anniversary. So, you are stuck with them”. I
sigh.

Me: “When are they leaving”? She shrugs. “Not any time soon I
guess. You better start with that breakfast”.
Her: “Right on it”.
Me: “Sis, I saw a bottle of wine. Have you tasted
alcohol before”?

Her: “Nope”.

Me: “How about we taste the wine? We will replace it”.

Her: “If we won't get caught, why not? Bring it on”.

Me: “Open that cabinet next to you, I will bring glasses”

Her: “Why is it so dark”?

Me: “Let's just drink, you can ask questions later”. She
chuckles, and pours the wine for the both of us. I take a sip, and
wow it tastes bitter!

Her: “Yerrr, what is this nonsense? It is so bitter” I laugh.

Me: “Robertson's dry red”

Her: “It is not nice, ewuuu”!

Me: “You are damn right. Let's put it back where it was”.

Her: “Lets just pour it down the sink”.

Me: “It ain't ours. It's biltong's” laughing.

Her: “No wonder she is skinny”.

Me: “Let me help you with making breakfast before everyone

wakes up”.

Her: “Thank you”.

The family soon join us, but it looks like they are going out.
Good.

Boniwe: “Good morning everyone, breakfast will be

served soon”.

King: “Oh no. We are going to eat out, Zweli is taking us out
for breakfast. I thought he told you”.

Her: “It must've slipped his mind”.

Queen: “Can we go now”? I am feeling suffocated” she looks at

me.

Buhle: “But we are waiting for Zweli ma”

Her: “We have drivers. Zweli will follow us”.

Nhlaka: “You don't even know where we are going. Let's just
wait for Zweli, what's the rush”?.

Her: “Where the hell is he anyway? Even as a married man he

is still not punctual with time”?

King: “What's your problem so early in the morning Khethiwe?

Why all this drama”? She scoffs.

Her: “You know how I hate being late”!

Buhle: “Boniwe & Langa, are you not joining us”?

Boniwe shakes her head. “Wena Langa”?

Me: “Ngikhishwa yisisu, ngeke ngikhone ukuhamba”. (I have a

stomach bug I can't come along)
Her: “Ube right yezwa”! I nod smiling. Buhle seems like a
humble person, she is friendly though I don't know her that
well. Nhlaka hardly smiles, he is so cold
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but he has a good heart. The Queen rolls her eyes.

King: “Uphole makoti, sizokubuyela nekhambi edolobheni” (get

well, we will come back with medication for you from town)

Me: “Ngiyabonga baba” bowing my head.

Queen: “Zweli!” she is making noise, grrr...

“I am here mom no need to shout. Ready to go”?

Her: “Nxa! Let's go, another minute here I will surely die”!
She looks at me from head to toe then walks away. I chuckle.
Me: “Enjoy”. They all look at me “I heard it on TV” shrugging.
Buhle laughs, and shakes her head.

Her: “We sure will” they all walk out.

Boniwe: “Phew some fresh air finally” I chuckle.

“Don't prepare lunch, we will be out the whole day” Zweli

tells us appearing behind us.

Boniwe: “Okay”. He nods, and walks away.

Me: “They will be gone for whole day, right”? She nods. “Why
don't we go out too, I mean my driver is available right”?

Her: “Where do you want to go? I thought you have a running

tummy”. I roll my eyes.
Me: “You will see. Let's get prepared, but let's eat
breakfast first”.

Her: “What's your plan”?

Me: “We are going to gamble” she widened her eyes.

“Kidding maarn, you will see”.
Her: “Whatever happens we must not get caught”.

Me: “I swear”. Chuckling.

★»★«
ZWELI

I am dedicating this day to my family, I am trying my outmost

best to avoid Langelihle. I can't stand her, I tried but I failed.
Sharing a room with her was the last straw, I chose her yes, but
I regret it now. She is very disrespectful, she pretended to be
this shy girl kanty she is a snake. The way she talked to my
mother yesterday and calling her by her name was purely
disrespect. Who does she think she is calling my mother by her
name? I don't remember me calling her by her name, not even

Buhle & Nhlakanipho. A commoner like her did, such

disrespect what annoys me more was the fact that my father
did not reprimand her. She was out of line.

“Where are we going exactly”?

“We are going to Z&B restaurant for breakfast dad then we

will go to Carnival city”.
Nhlaka: “I still say that we should've just eaten breakfast at
home then go to that carnival city. You just like wasting
money”.

Me: “I am not wasting money Nhlaka, I am spoiling you”.

Mom: “So wena Nhalaka, you rather want us dying from

that breakfast”?

Buhle: “What could possibly kill you? You're just being

dramatic as usual”!

Her: “Is that a way to talk to me like that? Did Langa rub
her rudeness on you”?

Dad: “That's enough! I am tired of this dog & cat game of yours.
You guys are behaving like school kids”!
Buhle: “Even school kids are better. Blame your wife, she is the
one with an attitude”.

Him: “I don't care who did what. Let us all be civil towards each
other for Christ's sake, last night dinner was too awkward let's
not repeat what happened last night”.

Me: “We won't, dad”.

Mom: “It was awkward because Langelihle was present”.

Nhlaka: “Why are you bringing up her name? You started her.
What did that girl ever do to you to hate her this much”?

Her: “I don't hate her”.

Buhle: “You do, and I am so disappointed in you Zweli. You
couldn't even defend your wife last night, is that how dad
raised you”?

Mom: “Don't you dare involve my husband in all this. Zweli

was taught not to defend women who are disrespectful”!
Buhle chuckles.

Dad: “Why don't we just turn back and go home because I can't
stand this bickering! Khethiwe you are behaving like a
teenager, and Buhle stop back chatting your mother”.

Her: “I'm sorry dad. After today, I am going back home I have
had enough drama to last me a lifetime”!

Nhlaka: “I am with you there sis. Spending another day here

will bring me stress of which I don't want. I am exhausted

because of this bickering, it's not even 2 days her but

there's drama already. This is not healthy”.
Me: “You guys can't leave. I thought you were going to
spend the whole week here”.

Buhle: “That was the plan, but I don't want to be in the

presence of toxic people” she rolls her eyes. “How far are
we from this Z&B restaurant of yours”?

Me: “3 minutes”.

This place is fully packed, and it's still 08:00 but the place is
already full. The driver parks the car, and we all step out of the
car and walk towards the door. There are waiters standing by
the door, one of them greets us. Doesn't she know that you
have to bow when greeting the royalties? Dad and the others
agree, I just look at her and click my tongue. She walks us to our
table, we get settled.

“My name is Snikelelo, and I am your waitress for the morning.

Would you like to order anything while you go through the
menu”? She looks pretty young to be a waitress, not young as
in young, but you can see that she is the same age as Langa &
Buhle.

Dad: “The best coffee you have in the house, 3 sugars and no
powder milk”. She writes that down.

Mom: “Same as my husband, but 2 sugars”.

Buhle: “I will have a milkshake”

Nipho: “Cappuccino” now is my turn.

Me: “Do you know who we are”?

Her: “I am very much aware of who you are. Why are you
asking”?
Me: “Your behaviour doesn't say so though”.
Her: “Are you going to order or? I really don't want to keep
the King and the Queen waiting your Majesty” she smiles.

Me: “I demand to see your boss right now”! Yelling.

Everyone looks at our table.

Dad: “What are you doing Zweli? Why are you embarrassing us
like this”?

Mom: “He ain't doing anything, he is just exercising his

customers rights. Call your manager right now girly” She
chuckles.

Her: “And you madam better come clean about what you did
before your skeletons crawls out of the closest. Sir, I will get
you the manager. The rest of you your orders are coming” she
bows her head, and walks away. She is very rude.
Dad: “What is it that you must come clean with Khethiwe”?

Her: “I don't know what she is talking about she is crazy, I

mean she doesn't even know me”. That was weird...

“Good morning my name is Zubenathi, the owner of Z&B

restaurant. How can I be of assistance”? I look at her, and she
looks very familiar. All I can tell you is that she is the most
beautiful women I have ever seen, Natasha doesn't come
close to her. Her presence is felt. She oozes lots of confidence,
I feel intimidate with her presence. Arh, she is the girl who had
a sex tape, I remember now.

Me: “I have a complaint about one of your waitress”.

Her: “What's the complain about”?

Me: “She disrespected us”.

Her: “Elaborate further, I have a meeting to attend to”.

Me: “Do you even know who we are? Is that meeting

important than us”?

Her: “I don't know who you are and I don't care, and yes the
meeting is more important than you. Now, be a good boy and
state your complaint so that we get this over, and done with”.

Dad: “It's nothing really ma'am. Apologies for wasting your

time”.

Her: “Apology accepted your Highness” I look at her.

Me: “So, you know who we are? Why did you act like you don't
know us”?

Her: “Boy, you have some growing up to do. Your mind is full of
wire cars, when you are man enough you can come back and
lay your complaint. Also drop that attitude, it will be your
biggest downfall. Breakfast is on the house, your Majesty I
would like to take my leave now”.

Dad: “Thank you for the wonderful gesture Zubenathi, you may
leave”. She nods, and walks away. Her heels clicking across the
entire floor, she walks with pride.

Nhlaka: “Dad, are you sure that Zweli will be able to lead his
nation with this attitude of his? He loves embarrassing us,
all that was unnecessary”.

Dad: “I am so disappointed in him honestly, I did not raise

him like this”.

Buhle: “Mom did say that the city changes people, look, it has
even changed her favourite son. It's a good thing that someone
finally told you to grow up”.

Mom: “You are ganging up on my son now? He did

nothing wrong, that girl was plain rude”.

Buhle: “You better start telling us about your skeletons

ma, than to defend your precious son here”

This is a disaster, I thought that we came here to have a

peaceful breakfast with the family, but here we are fighting.
I can't help it but wonder, what are my mother's skeletons
or that girl was just crazy.

18
BONIWE

I am surprised when the car pulls up in my workplace. I look

at Nobuntu.

“What are we doing here”? She giggles.

“We are here to get your job back”.

Me: “I don't really want the job, and besides I'm the one who
resigned I was not fired” she tilts her head.

Her: “Was it in writing”?

Me: “No, telephonically, I called her on her phone”.

Her: “Then that was no resignation. I've researched about the
process of resignation. You can resign via E-mail or hand deliver

your letter, I'm sure your bosses don't even know that
you've resigned”.

Me: “They will believe her since I called her”

Her: “But there's no proof that you actually told her that you've
resigned, not unless she was recording your call of which I
don't think she even did”. I smile.

Me: “You might be on to something. Since when did you

become this clever”?

Her: “Technology sis. Let's go and get you your job back”.
Laughing.
Me: “If I do get my job back, when will I start, I mean with the
Queen in that house it won't be easy going out”.

Her: “This thing is simple, you will tell them that you are going
to school they will believe you since the King told Zweli to take

you to school, and that manyala won't even dispute that”.

She bats her lashes, I laugh.

Me: “Beauty with brains” she rolls her eyes. “Let's get this
done, and over with then go home before sour grape comes
back” laughing. We step out of the car, we are with 2
guards and Khaya the driver.

The security here did not give us any hassles, but why would
they when I'm with a future Quenn royal guards with their blue
uniform? Plus they saw the royal cars sticker. I am so nervous
about this, I don't know what the outcome will be, but I'm
hoping for the best. We find Sihle at the reception, and greet
her. Sihle has attitude for days, she looks like a clown with her
make-up, she is drinking her morning coffee with a lot of sugar.
“Good morning Sihle” she rolls her eyes at me, told you
that she has attitude. “I said good morning Sihle” she huffs.

“What do you want Boniwe? And why are you not in

your cleaning uniform”?
Me: “Is Mazana around”?

Her: “She is in her office, and who are these people that you
are with”? She scans all three of them, I can see her being
shocked. “Oh my, Oh my God. I am so sorry your Majesty, I
didn't realize that it was you” she steadies herself.

Nobuntu: “I've noticed, but if you keep up with this attitude

you will not go far. You will be stuck as a receptionist all your
life, if you may excuse us”.

Her: “Apologies your Majesty. You may proceed, and I promise

to be more friendly” she says smiling. Mxm, snake. Nobuntu
nods at her, and we walk straight to Mazana's office, greeting
fellow workers here & there. I knock, and she yells for us to
come in. I slowly open the door, and we walk in, by the look of
things she was ready for us. It's obvious that Sihle called her.

“Good morning Boniwe. Princess. Welcome to W.M.S

company, how can I be of assistance”? She looks nervous, and
her voice is breaking.

“You discuss matters with your clients while standing”?

Nobuntu asks her so much to her annoyance.

Her: “I am so sorry, it's just that we've never had a royal

member coming here before. Please sit down. Anything
to drink”?

Nobuntu: “Nothing for me thank you. I am here because of

Boniwe's job”.

Her: “Oh, no, she can take all the time she needs. Her job will
still be available, after all before this job comes you. Her job is
very much secured there's nothing to worry about” she is
smiling, and she just secured my job. I guess Nobuntu's
presence threatened her, I mean she did not even do much.

Her: “Oh, okay. That was unexpected, can we get this in

writing as an agreement, we don't want any misunderstanding
when she comes back to work”.

Her: “With absolute pleasure” she fiddles with her table

drawer, and she comes out with stack of papers. She takes one
and writes something then pushes it towards Nobuntu.
Nobuntu takes it, and browse it.

Her: “Can I please have a pen to seal this, it looks genuine.

Should you not keep the end of your deal we will sue this
company millions, have I made myself clear”? She nods and
hands Nobuntu a pen. Nobuntu signs the papers then stands
up. “It was nice doing business with you, have a good day”.

Her: “Likewise, and have a good day too. Boniwe see you
when you come back”, all I can tell you is that she is pissed,
but scared to act on it. I am just happy that my job is secured.
We bid her goodbye, and exit her office. Haike their lunch
will be me today, pshhh. As we are walking I see Mbuso
approaching, he is with Maletsatsi his assistant. I guess he
doesn't see me because he walks straight into his office, well,
that's okay.

Nobuntu: “Well, that was easier than I thought. I thought you

said that she is very rude, and have attitude for days”. I chuckle.

Me: “She does. It's just that your presence made her reserved,
she was intimidated by you”. She laughs.

Her: “Who gets intimidated by me though”?

Me: “Clearly Sihle & Mazana. It was my first time seeing them
uncomfortable in someone's presence, phela they are used to
speaking their mind”. She nods.

Her: “Where to now”?

Me: “Let's go to mall of Africa ”. She laughs.

Her: “You're going to buy shoes again”? I laugh.

Me: “No. I am going to buy something good, then we will

pass by adult shop and get something”.

Her: “Sies maarn Boniwe. You will go alone at adult shop, I need
to research courses”. I laugh. Nobuntu is so innocent yazi, Zweli
doesn't deserve her. I will set her up on a blind date, Hehehe
it's going to fun, I text Makhosazana to meet up with us.

★»★»
NKANYISO

I decided to pop by my father's company to see Mbuso. Mbuso

is one person who never visits, let alone call just to check up
on how you holding up. He is one selfish bastard, but he I still
fuck with him he is my brother after all. This company is known
for office morning gossip, but today there's too much gossiping
going on, it's like something vast happened. I knock into my
brother's office, he takes time to answer I wonder what is he

busy with. He opens after 5 minutes fixing himself, his assistant

walks out quickly fixing her wig without even greeting me. To
think that I also tapped that, agh. I chuckle while shaking my
head

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I go straight and open the window. Strawberry smell fills

the entire office...

“Really Mbuso? You never learn do you”? He sits down.

“Ufunani la”? (What are you doing here)

Me: “I am here to see my brother it's been a long time”.

Him: “And there's a reason for that. What can I do for you”?

Me: “As I said before, I am here to see you”.

Him: “I am good as you can see. You can take your leave now”.
I chuckle.

Me: “I am not going anywhere, I am chilling with you today. You

can't avoid us forever Mbuso we are family”.

Him: “Bullshit! We are only family when you guys want

something from me, blood suckers”!
Me: “Have I ever asked you for anything”? He spins his chair
around, and gives me his back. I can hear him sighing in
defeat.

Him: “No, you've never asked me for anything, but your family
are blood suckers”.

Me: “I am not here to talk about the family, I'm here to catch
up with you. I want to know what's new in your life, and what
is today office gossips because I know that something big
happened. Who came by? The president maybe”? He chuckles
spinning his chair around.

Him: “What would the president be doing here? He has far

more things to do than come here wasting his time”.

Me: “Tell me more”.

Him: “Tea or coffee”?

Me: “Tea with your blueberry muffins”. He nods, making

a phone call.

“Good morning Lerato, can you please bring us blueberry

muffins with 1 cappuccino and tea” he hangs up.

Me: “Office gossip”. He laughs.

Him: “A royal wife stopped by for a visit”.

Me: “Whose royal wife, and who was she visiting”?

Him: “I don't know, but she was with Boniwe one of my

workers, and Royal guards. They were visiting Mazana” the only
royal bride I know who is close with Boniwe is Nobuntu. What
were they doing here? So, I missed them just by few minutes?
Damn.

Me: “What were they doing here”?

Him: “I think it had something to do with Boniwe's job. I mean,

I did not even know that she is a royal servant. I am shocked to
say the least”.

Me: “Wow. I guess this should be one of the office's best

highlight” Laughing. “So, did you see the future Queen”?

Him: “From a distance yes, and she looked really beautiful.

A melanin Queen” a smile escapes my lips. “Whoa, and that
smile? Do you perhaps know her”? I chuckle.

Me: “Yeah, he is Zweli's wife”.

Him: “What? As in Zweli your best friend ”? I nod. “Don't tell
me that you like the girl Nkanyiso, and Zweli doesn't deserve
her”!

Me: “I did not say anything Mbuso”.

Him: “Your eyes are saying another thing. I don't blame you
though, she is one of a kind. It's amazing that the is
someone out there who managed to penetrate your hard
heart, someone who actually melted it”.

Me: “I don't know what you are talking about. Where is Lerato
with those muffins? I am starving”. He laughs.

Him: “You're reverting from the topic at hand, I see through

you Nkanyiso. Don't worry, we will get you your woman young
one before you impregnate your fuck buddies. Even if it
means going to a traditional healer we will”. I laugh.
Me: “That's extreme. I don't want something that will
backfire in the future, erhh”.

Him: “Such a coward! Wiser man will snatch her away

from you, and you will not do anything about it”.

Me: “I will cross that bridge once we get there”. He nods. Truly
speaking I will go on a killing spree for Nobuntu, too bad I can't
kill Zweli. That seer will see right through me plus he is creepy.

Him: “The bridge will fall apart before you even reach it, don't
be slow. Get that girl, and knock her down. That way she will be
binded to you forever”.

Me: “You are stupid wena! Even your workers don't take
you serious, we've been waiting for muffins since forever”.

Him: “Maybe she saw you coming in, now she is scared to bring
that coffee. You've hurt her Mfana, you should've told her on
the word go that it's just fucking not catching feelings contest.
This girl had plans for the both of you”. I scoff.

Me: “You think I don't tell them that? I do, and they end up
catching feelings. I don't think they understand the word ‘fun”.
He laughs.

Him: “Do you blame them? I hate admit it, but you are one
handsome bastard. These girls see a boyfriend material in you if
not husband, shame poor souls. I wonder why haven't they
used Muti on you”.

Me: “That's because I am not weak like the rest of you, that's
why I'm a handsome bastard. Lerato better move on, I am so
over her”. We both laugh. Mbuso can be stupid, futhi ke Him &
I are no different, he too uses girls and toss them aside. We
are cut from the same cloth.

Him: “And this royal bride”?

Me: “Ey, that one is off limits bafo. That is one woman I will
wife her without thinking twice. She brings out my smile
effortlessly”. He chuckles.

Him: “Damn Nyiso. You are really whipped, I mean you

now know how to smile. Phela you were forever cold”.

Me: “Mxm. Fuck you. Call Lerato and tell her to bring
our blueberries”. He laughs.

Him: “Let me try calling her again”.

Me: “If she is not here in 5 minutes she must consider

herself fired”. He chuckles and call her.

Him: “We are still waiting for our tea Lerato”.

------
Him: “Don't give excuses. If you are not here within 5 minutes
consider yourself fired”! He hangs then looks at me. “Lerato
is one of my best, I will not fire her”.

Me: “Of course you won't. I just want her to bring the muffins,
I'm sure you also sleep with her”.

Him: “She is not my kind of whiskey, I don't do slim woman”. I

chuckle.

Me: “But your assistant is slim”

Him: “I like her because of her mouth game” nc nc nc.

The door flies open and steps in the clumsy Lerato, argh,
this girl. Why is she clumsy?

“He... Here is your tea and muffin” she places the tray on top of
the table, and stands there looking everywhere but me.
Mbuso: “Thank you Lerato. You may leave” I take one
of muffins and look at it then shake my head.

Me: “On second thoughts I will just drink the tea, you can
leave”.

Her: “Why are you treating me like this Nkanyiso? What did I
do for you to hate me this much”?

Me: “Who said I hate you? You & I don't have anything that
links us together, so I have no reason to hate you”.

Her: “Wow! You are unbelievable Nkanyiso! You are one cold
hearted-bastard, I hate you”! I chuckle.

Me: “Thank you for voicing out whatever was in your heart.
You know the door, right”? She looks at me with tears in her
eyes. “Is your boyfriend not doing you like me? Anyway sisi,
what we had has been long over. Get that into that R2000
weave of yours. We are done, stop acting like I owe you
something. Leave”! I bang the table. She jumps in shock, and
leaves the office crying banging the door behind her.

Mbuso: “That was hectic! Stop giving these girls good, rather
go and a buy a prostitute. Leave innocent girls alone. It seems
like they can't keep the end of their deal”.

Me: “I will just lay low with fucking these girls, they catch easy.
Ai”. He chuckles. I lean on the seat, I need to fix my life if I want
Nobuntu to be mine. I will have to do it for myself also.

★»★«

NATASHA
Zweli is not keeping his promise of calling me after 2 hours,
the last time I spoke to him was in the morning. It frustrates
me more that I can't call him I don't even want to think of the
worst right now. He will never do me like that, I refuse to

believe that. Londiwe is back from her gym session, I don't even
know why she goes to the gym because her body is perfect.

“Still nothing”? I nod.

Her: “Maybe he is still bonding with his family, I mean he

did say that he will be taking them out. Don't worry, he will
call once he is free”.

Me: “I just can't help it but feel like he is with Mubizana playing
all lovey dovey, it's just a feeling I can't shake. If that girl thinks
she will take my man away from me then she has another thing
coming. I will not let her win”.
Her: “Isn't the anything else we can talk about except Zweli's
wife? I am sick and tired of you whining the same thing every
second, I'm sure that girl doesn't even give a fuck about you.
Geez, your obsession with that girl is no longer cute, it's
sickening”. I laugh. Wow, even Londiwe is turning against
me? Hhe wonders shall never end, chai.

Her: “I am going to bath we are having lunch with the girls”.

Me: “I know. I am even done bathing”.

Her: “And please do us all a favour, don't mention Mubizana,

just don't. We are tired of you. If I didn't know any better, I
would say that you are threatened by her presence”. She
ascends the stairs. Wow! Is all I can say, what just happened?

19
NOBUNTU

We are home finally. I am dead tired, and thanks God that the
family is not back yet this gives me time to breathe some more.
Boniwe went straight to my room, at least she did not buy
clothes this time, but she bought sex toys. She bought 4
different vibrators, there's one that looks scary. That one is for
those who like it rough because it looks like it has pricks. Sigh, I
pre-heat the morning breakfast I hope we are not going to cook
today. I take out my phone, and take some few pictures then
upload them on Facebook. The conversation I had in the
morning with the seer is still ringing in my head, he said a lot of
things that don't make sense. What's so hard for him to tell me
the truth? And again if my mother is really suffering wherever
she is, why doesn't she just do the right thing? Or maybe she is
scared that something will happen, secrets will be brought to
light? She is one selfish mother fucker right now including the
so-called ancestors. They are all just a bunch of selfish fuckers,
mxm. Well, at least in the end I will get my happily ever after
with Nkanyiso, phela the seer said the “feeling is mutual” hhayi
guys this means we are meant to be, that were there only
fruitful words the seer uttered, but there's still a long way to go
before we are officially together. Not unless my mother comes,

and do right, unless I go back to the village and ask that witch
about my mother. Wait, I can always call aunt Ncumisa maybe
she might shed some light for me, after all she is from my
mother's side. I am so suffocated in this none existence,
loveless, sex less marriage, actually I am fed up with
everything. It's time I tell Zweli & Natasha where to get off. I
am sick & tired, really. My life should be my first priority right
now, they've been making me a door mat and it will stop
shame. I take out the food from the warmer and walk to the
lounge, hhe I brought wine, Namaqua. This one taste better
than biltong's one. I switch on the TV. Boniwe comes in, and
her eyes are red it's like she's been crying, she sits next to and
takes one sausage.

“What's wrong”? She sniffs.

“Nothing”.

Me: “It can't be nothing Boniwe, it's evident that you were
crying. Is it Mbuso”? She nods tears streaming down her
chubby cheeks. “What did he do”? Wiping her tears with
the sleeve of my dress.

She hands me her phone, what I see is not good for her eyes,
it's baaad! It's a picture of Mbuso in bed naked with some
girl, they look too cosy. There's a caption underneath it.
★Stop sending my fiancé your nudes they're not appetising. I

am enough for him, don't embarrass yourself any further★.

I read it over & over again. Nudes? Why would Boniwe send
Mbuso nudes? This is absurd! Hhayi, I go through her chats, and
wow she just did not send her nudes to Mbuso only, but to two
other men. There's one profile picture that catches my eye, I
take a closer look and wow! I am unable to breath, so not
believing what I'm seeing, hhe Boniwe. Someone please pinch
me, and tell me that I am dreaming, this can't be real I refuse.
Sis is basically exchanging nudes with the King! A whole King
nina, my father-in-law. Sour grape's husband, I don't even know
how I will look at him after this, gross. Who the hell are you
Boniwe? I hope they never sexed, but then again, you don't just
send nudes to someone you've never slept with, right? Sies
maarn! Hhey, she better not get hold of Nkanyiso's number.
She is gevaar when it comes to man.

Me: “Nudes Boniwe? You send men nudes”! Handing her back
her cellphone. “Why would you degrade yourself like that”?
Her: “I don't know what came over me Nobuntu, I really don't
know. I thought that he loved me, I mean he never showed
any signs that he has a fiancé. A whole fiancé Nobuntu. I am
such a fool, you know”.

Me: “I hate to say this, but you are too forward lately. You've
changed so much within a short space of a month, all because
of this Mbuso of yours. You better block & delete him, and
stay away from him. He is not good for you”. She nods. “Do it
now Boniwe”. I am so tempted to ask about her and the King,
but then that will make me a noisy person, I snooped around
her phone without her permission for Christ's sake. What will
happen should the sour grape find out about this? Ishhuuuu, I
don't even want to think about it.

Her: “It hurts Buntu. My heart is so broken, I don't even

know what to do” she is crying.

Me: “Were you guys dating for real? As in a serious couple”?

She shakes her head. “Now, why would you send Mbuso
nudes if you guys aren't dating”?
Her: “Stop questioning me Nobuntu! I told you why. So, why
are you annoying me with the same question”? I chuckle.

Me: “Girl, have some wine this one tastes better than biltong's
one. You really need it, it will numb whatever you're going
through. This should be a lesson to you to stop sending men
nudes, well not unless you guys are married. Indaba usuke
waphapha kakhulu wena. This is Jo'burg baby girl, don't lose
yourself any further than you already have, wise up”. I give
her the bottle. She takes a big swig, I look at her and laugh.

Ey Boniwe was really going with a speed of 280, she was too
forward. Look at the results of her forwardness, maybe she is
also having an affair with the King hence the King agrees to
anything she says. Weehhh, No. Hha.ah this girl ishhuuuu,
she is a bunch of skelms and men what what. I can't deal
shame with her, she is a disaster.

★«★»
ZWELI

The day turned out better than how it was in the morning, we
had fun, no lies about that. The drive home was lively this is
what I wanted. The seer have been sitting in the car all day, I
don't think he likes Jo'burg that much. If it was up to him he
would've left for the villages already, I'm just happy that he
did not start any trouble. Stepping inside the house there was
no sign of Langelihle or Boniwe, it is dead quiet. I place the
food take always on top of the table counter.

“Some quietness, now I can come back to this every day” mom
says stepping inside the house, and heading straight to her
room.

Dad remained in the car with the seer, I wonder what the seer
wants to talk about with him since he requested that he stays
the seer. I go to my room, I better not find that girl sleeping in
my room or else, hhe... I am welcomed by an empty bedroom,
well this is good. At least I don't have to worry about seeing
her, flip Natasha I've completely forgotten about calling her
every 2 hours. Ai, she must understand that I am with family,
and I am trying my utmost best to make them feel at home. Let
me just call her, I know she is angry with me.

“Oh, finally, he remembered that he has a girlfriend”.

“How are you”?

Her: “How am I? Are you really asking me that”?

Me: “I had a long day, I am not keen on your tantrums right

now. You can hang up if you don't want to talk to me
then”.

Her: “You are with her right? How is she? Is she good? Does she
scream like I do? Tell me how is she Dammit”! She is angry, and
for no apparent reason.
Me: “Call me when you've calmed down” I hang up, Natasha
is being insecure right now. Let me take a bath then go, and
join the family. I hope dad is done talking with the seer.

★»★«

BONIWE

I wake up from my pass out with a mother of all headaches

from the wine I've been drinking. I swear I drank it more than
Nobuntu. Honestly, I am so heartbroken by those pictures.
Mbuso never mentioned anything about having a fiancé nor did
I suspect that he had one. I mean, he was giving me all the
attention, this is just not happening, to think that I was ready
to give him a chance. It hurts more that I found out via pictures
that he has a fiancé. What was I thinking sending him nudes?
This is all Makhosazana's fault

she's the one who advised me to send Mbuso nudes to make

him crave me, and be the only thing he thinks about. Why
would she advise me to send nudes to her brother knowing
very that he has a fiancé? I am such a fool, I pray that they
don't put them on the internet. I will not survive the
embarrassment, you know how such things go viral on social
media. Nobuntu is sleeping peacefully next to me, something
or let me rather say someone at the couch catches my
attention. I look closely, and it's Buhle she has her back at us,
she is busy with her phone. When did they come back, and why
didn't Buhle wake us up? Oh, shit! We are in trouble. I wake
Nobuntu up shaking her roughly, she ain't barging.

“Langa wake up”! My voice grabbed Buhle's attention because

she is now facing our direction. “Hey Buhle. When did you guys
come back, and why didn't you wake us up”? She smiles.
Her: “Hello Boniwe. You guys were sleeping peacefully, and
I didn't want to wake you up. We've been back for almost
30 minutes now”.

Me: “Yoh! Nobuntu wake up maarn the royal family is back,

vuka” she stirs in her sleep, and Buhle chuckles.

Her: “Just let her rest, the parents know that she is not
feeling well, and if you are worried about cooking don't be.
Zweli bought takeaways”.

Me: “Well, that's a relief. Did you manage to buy the Laptop”?

Her: “Yes, I did and I bought her few course books, she will
choose whatever course she likes. I am also willing to pay for
her registration fee, then we will go and get you your job back”.
She smiles.

Me: “She would be so happy about this, finally her dream of

furthering her studies had come true. You don't have to worry
about my job, there was a misunderstanding now it has been
fixed, my job is secured”.

Her: “That's good”.

Me: “Now, who was keeping you busy on WhatsApp”? She

chuckles.

Her: “No one”.

Me: ”Hmmm, yet you were smiling like a retard”. She laughs.

Her: “I was not chatting to anyone I was stalking my crush”.

She blushes.

Me: “What? You have a crush? Who is he? Maybe I know him”.
Her: “I don't know if you do, but his name is Nkanyiso he is
Zweli's best friend”. I widen my eyes, she can't possibly be

crushing on Nobuntu's future husband wiibo! I have to

do damage control.

Me: “Nkayiso? Girl, that boy is a man-whore. He uses girls, I've

seen him changing girls like underwear. Girl, he is bad news. His
sister even told us about his shenanigans, he is bad news. You
don't deserve a guy like him, you deserve much better than
him. He will use you, and throw you away like a used condom.
Be wise, stop stalking him, let go of him he is bad news.
Imagine him using a royal Princess? I also heard that he has a
tendency of doing sex videos with girls, and post them on the
internet. He is basically exposing you, the journalist will fry you
my girl, imagine your parents seeing your face in newspapers
with bold demeaning words? Thread carefully, he is bad just
like his big brother. Do you want a guy like that to be your
boyfriend”? She shakes her head. “Then stop stalking him. Just
let him be, wena uyi diamond yena u Zero”. She chuckles.

Her: “Thank you Boniwe for opening my eyes. I heard that

Jo'burg guys are bad I thought it were only rumours. I will
stop stalking him, and focus on my projects, I will find the one
who loves me, right”?

Me: “Of course. He will make you his centre of attention. Now,
block that fuck boy he is not good for your health. She nods.

Her: “My brother did warn me about him I thought that he was
lying, but now that you confirming it. I will have to let him go,
actually let me just block him now” you guys should see the
smile on my face right now. “All done”.

Me: “I am proud of you. Let's go and see the family now. I

want to hear all about your day”.

Her: “It was a disaster, Zweli was acting like a child. I liked
how that owner from the restaurant told him off, you
should've seen her Boniwe. She didn't even flinch in our
presence, and she didn't seem bothered by it. Yazini, she is
my role model from now. That woman doesn't take nonsense
from anyone, I'm sure she is not even dating”. I chuckle.
Me: “She sounds hectic”.

Her: “She is, and she is very intimidating, I loved how

she carried herself”.

Me: “Okay, Mrs confidence let's go”. We laugh as we leave

the room. I am trying so hard not to think about Mbuso, I will
have to use the same advice I gave Buhle, I need it too.

★»★«

NOBUNTU
I make my way inside the house after waking up from my nap.
When I woke up Boniwe was not in bed, I'm sure the royal
family is back. Argh, another night with the sour grape. I find
everyone sitting in the lounge, I greet everyone, and they greet
back except the sour grape of course. Buhle & Nhlakanipho are

not amongst them, I wonder where are they. I sit down next to
Zweli, this pretending is starting to annoy me.

“And the woman of the house is finally awake, it must be

nice being you”. Argh, this sour grape. Let me just ignore her.

Me: “Nihambe njani baba”? (How was the trip)

Him: “Sihambe kahle kakhulu Langa. Wena unjani manjer”?

(It was fruitful. How are you now)

Me: “Angikabikho right”.

Him: “Uthi awukhulelwanga mara”? (Ain't you pregnant)
I chuckle.

Me: “Cha baba. Futhi angoboni ukuthy ngizokhulelwa maduze

nje, ey simatasatasa njani”. (No dad, and I don't think I will
fall pregnant any time soon. We are very busy)

Queen: “Wuhhh, my son better think of babies. I want cute

grandkids, not mini gorillas”. She looks at me smiling. I roll
my eyes.

Me: “Hawu Zweli, awufakazi ngani”? (Why are not putting

in your input)

Him: “Njengoba usushizo nkosikazi, simatasatasa” (As you've

said my wife, we are very busy) I chuckle. The king have
been looking at me not even blinking. “Kunenkinga yini
baba”? (Is there a problem)

Him: “Bengisacela sokhuluma eceleni sobabili” (can we please

go, and chat just the two of us)
Queen: “Kutheni ningakhulumeli la? Nifihlani? Sonke sifuna
ukuzwa ukuthy nikhuluma nithini”. (Why don't you talk talk
here? What are you hiding? We all want to hear what you
guys are saying)

Him: “Lendaba ifuna mina no Langelihle”.

Her: “Ngeke kwenzeke loko”. (That will not happen) I chuckle.

Me: “Ithi ngogeza, ngiyabuya baba sizokhuluma”. (Let me go,

and take a bath I will come back, we will talk) I am already on
my feet making my way to Zweli's bedroom. I sit on the bed,
and play with my phone. The door opens, and it's Zweli he looks
angry.

“Yewena Langalelihle! Yini lento bewuyiyenza”? (What is it that

you were doing)
Me: “Ukhuluma ngani”? (What are you talking about)

Him: “Lento oyenzile! Uyadelela wena farm girl”! I

laugh. “Uhlekani”?

Me: “Ey, not tonight Zweli. I am not doing this with you, I am
not in the mood to entertain your nonsense. Move out of the
way, nxa”! I push him to the side, and grab my comforter on
top of his laundry basket. He is shocked, moreover confused

about me knowing English. I couldn't care less about him, I

am tired of Zweli, and how he treats me.

Him: “You... You know how to speak English? But how? I

mean, I was convinced that you don't know English”. I chuckle.

Me: “Not all ‘village girls’ are illiterate as you've assumed,

some of us did go to school, and completed our matric. I am
not dumb as you and that girlfriend of yours think I am, you
guys are such a drag. Anyway, when she comes back we are
going to change the rules. I am sick & tired at the both of you,
plus your mother treating me like I am rubbish”!
Him: “You've played Me! You fucken made me believe that
you are illiterate, do you think I am a fool”?

Me: “I did not play you. You assumed that I don't know English,
and you believed it. So yes, you are a fool”. Chuckling. “You
should've got to know me before making your own
assumption, pshhh”. He looks at me not even blinking. He
better phantom this shit, it will be better for everyone.

Me: “Tell your dad that I will talk to him tomorrow I am not
feeling well. Goodnight”. I make myself comfortable on the
floor, and cover myself with the comforter. Now, that felt
good. I've finally found my voice.

20
BONIWE

Love is wicked by Brick 'n lace, that's my alarm waking me up at

04:00am just how I set it. I wake Nqobani up, shaking him. He
mumbles something in his sleep, he looks cute when sleeping.
He may be old, even older than my father, but he knows how
to work a girl out I don't even know how he does it. It all
started when I walked in his bedroom finding him naked
masturbating with a magazine in his hand, porn magazine to be
precise. He was facing up, knees up and playing with his shaft. I
froze, I couldn't even move an inch. I liked how he played with
himself, wuhhh the Queen was not at home that day. Of which
makes me wonder where was she, and that was 2 years ago.
Hearing him groan made me wet, I ended up playing with
myself. Fantasizing about the King, and how he would make
feel should it happen that he makes love to me by mistake. My
concentration was on him, he me gave that urge taking me
places I've never been too. His groan was now louder
compared to his previous ones, it was no rocket science that he
will ejaculate soon. My finger was really failing me that cold
morning, but I had to fantasize about the King to make myself
cum. Well, I did not even reach my climax when I heard him
touching my boobs standing before me stark naked. A smile

crept out of his face. Gosh, he raked my body from head to toe
and pulled me towards him. He squeezed my butt making me
feel somehow. I quickly freed myself from his hands, and left
his sight and ran to one of the toilets, locking myself in. I leaned
against the door as a huge sigh of relief escaped my mouth, I
closed my eyes, and replayed every scene that happened few
moments ago. His pictures were so vivid & large, his hands
caressing my butt. Every time I masturbate I would think of him
making love to me. I don't know why or how, but I started
disliking the Queen. The King pretended that nothing happened
for few weeks, he was actually his normal self. While I on the
other hand was a complete mess. I wanted to feel him, ai.
Seeing him and the Queen playing all lovey dovey, and showing
each other affection sickened me, until 1 night whereby I
decided to drug both of them. Well, I drugged the Queen
mostly. I knew that the drug will wear off quickly on the King,
since I did not overdose it.

“Dammit Boniwe! Why didn't you wake me up”? That was him
half shouting bringing me back to life. I just look at him.

Me: “I tried, but you were not waking up so I just let you be”.
Shrugging.

Him: “You should've tried harder or do you want us to get

caught? Do you know the consequences of what will happen
should we get caught”? I nod. “Now why are you acting like
a highschool girl”? He is done wearing his clothes.

Me: “I'm sorry”.

Him: “Are you still on the pill”? I nod. “Good. I don't want any
mistakes, you know what will happen should you try to
double cross me or fall pregnant. I will deposit your money
when we get to the village”.

Me: “When are you leaving”?

Him: “2 hours from now”. He kisses my forehead. “Be a

good girl, and don't run after these young Jo'burg boys”. I
nod, watching him going out through the door. Arhhhhh,
this is frustrating.

I lie back on the bed, and sigh. Why can't he love me like he
loves Khethiwe? I deserve him, not Khethiwe, I will have to find
a way to make him to take me as a second wife. Oh, as I was
saying before the King disturbed me. I sneaked inside their
room after maybe 3 hours everyone was in their respective
rooms, I stripped the King naked, as for me I had a tiny robe in
my body. I was not wearing any underwei, easy entry. I played
with his shaft, and this old man reacted to my touch. Just
where I want him. His eyes flew open, and was about to speak
when I shut him up with a kiss. He couldn't resist me, that night
we made love, raw love. The Queen did not hear anything she
was too deep in sleep, she was clueless. And that's how our
relationship or should a say sexship started ladies &
Gentlemen. He would come to my room 4x a week, and we
would make love all night long, but in order for him to come to
me he had to drug the Queen. Few months down the line the
Queen started complaining that the King is no longer the same
man he was, he has changed. He even stopped touching her,
argh. She was just a cry baby. After weeks they've finally
managed to fix their issues, jealousy crept in once more. I
would lash at everyone for no apparent reason, until I slept
with one of the drivers. He was not the best, but he was good
in his own way. That was when I stopped lashing out on people,
but the jealousy was still there. Sighs, that's just life guys. I am
one messd up being, just unlucky in love.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

I don't know if I was dreaming, sleep walking or it was real. I

saw the King coming out of my room outside fixing his belt,
I've just finished drinking milk. I woke up thirsty, when he
entered the house I hid under the table until I was sure that he
was out of sight. Wow, so it's true. Boniwe is indeed sleeping
with the King, unbelievable. I wonder for how long have they
been sleeping together futhi they send each other nudes ai.

Waking up to an empty bedroom is one good feeling. Zweli was

not in bed, his bed was neatly made. I get up from the floor,
and fold my comforter putting it on top of his laundry basket. I
wash my face, and exit his bedroom. The house is dead quiet, I

wonder where is everyone. I was hoping to find the King, I

guess he is still sleeping. I'm sure he had a hectic night with
Boniwe, no wonder she brought all of those sex toys. I
switch on the kettle, I need a cup of coffee.

“Morning”
Me: “Morning”.

Him: “So you really know how to talk English? I thought that
it was that wine you've been drinking”.

Me: “Where are your parents”? Taking out a cup from the
cupboard.

Him: “Left”

Me: “Left? Left to where”?

Him: “To the village”.

Me: “K”. He chuckles.

Him: “What rules are we going to change because as far as
I know, we did not set any rules together”.

Me: ”Let's wait for your girlfriend first. Coffee”?

Him: “You want to bewitch me? Woman, please. I don't want to

die”. I laugh.

Me: “If I wanted to bewitch you I would've done that a

long time ago, after all I am the maid”.

Him: “You want to make me fall in love with you by force? That
will never happen! You couldn't bewitch me then because you
never offered me anything to drink, but because we were
ordering you too”. I chuckle.

Me: “Did I hear you say make you fall in love with me? A
whole me fall in love with an arrogant bastsard like you? I
mean, I've never even dreamt of you, so why would I want to
torture myself by being in love with you? You think way too
highly of yourself” rolling my eyes.

“Honey I'm home. You have no idea of how much I've missed
you”! Hehehe... He couldn't wait telling her to come back
home the parents have left, I mean it's 07:30 after all. Zweli
walks to her, and they share a kiss.

Her: “Mubizana ngibuyile sisi, bekunjani ukulala

nendoda yami”? (Ugly I am back, how was it like sleeping
with my husband)

Me: “Hello Natasha. Welcome back, and it was not

appetising your husband sucks in bed”. She stares at me for
some time, blinking then she drops her bags on the floor.

Her: “Bu... But how”?

Me: “That doesn't matter. Now that you are here we

have things to change around here”. She laughs.
Her: “Wow! This is unbelievable! First you talk English, now you
want to change things in my house? Are you crazy”?

Me: “You tell me. Since you guys made me a helper against my
will, you will have to start paying me for my services” Natasha
laughs. “And you think this is a joke”?

Zweli: “Pay you for doing what you're supposed to do as

my wife”? I chuckle.

Me: “That's the problem. I am your wife, not your house helper
nor your girlfriend's. I should be looking after you, not the two of
you. I am pretty sure the King will be very thrilled to know that
you actually live with another woman, and happily in love

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while I am slaving for the both of you. What do you think he will
do should he find that out”? Smirks.

Him: “You wouldn't dare tell him Langelihle. You know why”? I
shrug. “Because you're scared of him”/ I laugh.
Me: “No. You're the one who is scared of him not me. Let
me show you that I am not scared of him, boy”. I take out
my phone and punch in his numbers putting the phone on
loud speaker.

“Langelihle” I see Zweli widening his eyes, he just did

not believe that I will actually call his father”.

Me: “Unjani baba”? (How are you)

Him: “Ngiyaphila, ingabe kunenkinga”? (I am good. Is there a

problem) I look at Zweli, and he shakes his head.

Me: “Cha baba. Bengithi nihambe kahle”. (Not at all. I was

wishing you a safe journey)
Him: “Siyabonga Makoti sizakuthinta nasifikele, bye”.
(Thank you, we will let you know when we've arrived)

Me: “Kulungile baba bye” I hang up, and look at them. “So”?

Him: “You are one sick twisted bitch! When did you become so
cruel”?

Natasha: “I've always known that this ugly thing was trouble.
She pretended to be a good little girl from the village, little
devil. Bloody blackmailer”!

Me: “Are you going to pay me for my services or should I stop

doing my duties”?

Him: “You are demoted from your duties. I will bring my old
house helper back. Is that all”?
Me: “No. I also want allowance, I am the wife after all not some
random barbie doll girlfriend. As I will be going back to school I
want an advanced smartphone maybe a samsung galaxy A20 or
A90, plus a laptop, and I need Brazilian weave. Then we will
stay out of each others way, and go about with our lives”.

Him: “What? You must be out of your damn mind woman”!

Natasha: “Zweli doesn't have money to waste on someone like

you”.

Me: “Are you my husband? Did you maybe marry me? If not
then shush, because I am talking to my husband not you.
So, husband, do we have a deal”?

Him: “Once I give you all that you've asked for, are you going to
stay out of my way, and not show your ugly face every chance
you get”? I nod. “I will draft up a contract”.
Me: “That's music to my ears”. My smile right now
is noticeable!

Natasha: “Are you really giving in on her demands Zweli? Can't

you see that she is crazy”?

Me: “So, you want to chow my husband's money alone? Girl,

you need some namaqua. Zweli, I will be waiting for the
contract. Now, everyone will be happy about the rules changing
let me go, and wake Boniwe up”. I smile at them, and walk out.

Before I can even turn the handle, I stop midway when I hear
Boniwe moaning, haibo. I peep through the key hole, and she
is masturbating screaming the King's name. What the actual
fuck! This woman is not normal, I no longer know her. Well, is
not as if like I did know her. Erh... Now, I am debating with
myself whether to knock or just wait for her to finish
masturbating. I have no other option but to call her.

“Nobuntu” she is breathing heavily.

Me: “I am... Urhm, are you sick because it's unusual for you
to sleep till this late”.

Her: “I am not feeling well, and I did not have a goodnight

sleep last night. I was awake most the time”.

Me: “Oh, get better. I will go, and look for painkillers for you” I
chuckle, and hang up. She thinks that I did not see anything,
shame amamenemene. Walking back inside the house, the
couple is not in the kitchen. I'm sure they are gossiping about
me in their room, argh, at least tonight I will be sleeping in my
room. How I missed my bed, I wonder what is it that the King
wanted to talk to me about it sounded important. My phone
rings, and it's Zana.

“Zana”.

“Hey Buntu. Is Boniwe near you”?

Me: “She is sleeping. She is not feeling well”.

Her: “Oh, it's just that I've been trying to call her but my calls
aren't going through”. Her calls ain't going through? How
though, because I just spoke to Boniwe few minutes ago.

Me: “Try calling her again, maybe it's network. You know how
Telkom network tend to get”.

Her: “Okay. Let me try her, thank you” she hangs up.

Why would Boniwe not take Zana's calls? Oh, wait, Zana is
Mbuso's sister I guess she is mad at her too. But why didn't
Zana tell Boniwe that Mbuso has a fiancé? Hhayi maarn, this
doesn't make sense at all. Zana wouldn't send Boniwe
straight into the lion's den deliberately, right? Oh well, guess
we will never know. Let me just drink my wine, and mind my
own businesses. No man, I suspect foul here.

“Who the hell do you think you are demanding things from my
boyfriend”?
Me: “I am the wife. The one whom his parents know, and you
are”? She just stares at me. “Nobody. Let's just stay out of each
others paths if we want to get along just fine, and co-stay in this
house. So, how much will you charge me for manicure &
pedicure”? Batting my lashes.

Her: “Since you've found your voice, you think you are all
that, and shit”!

Me: “I'm a dark chocolate dipped in honey with strawberry

toppings, and a dash of red wine. Want to add something”?
She clicks her tongue, and walks away. I laugh. Oh well, cheers
to me.

★»★«
ZWELI

Natasha step inside the room fuming with anger, I thought she
was going to prepare food for me. Here she is empty ended.

“I will kill that bitch Zweli! Do you hear me”!

Me: “What bitch now”?

Her: “That thing you call a wife”.

Me: “What did she do”?

Her: “She insulted me calling me all sorts of names, she went

as far saying that I've bewitched you” sniffing.
Me: “She said all that? What did you do to her”?

Her: “I did not do anything. I found her in the kitchen stealing

my wine I reprimanded her, and that's when she started
insulting me”.

Me: “Her nerve! I must have a talk with her” I get off bed,
and go to the lounge. I find her drinking Natasha's wine, with
legs on top of the coffee table, TV volume on full blast. The
disrespect! I take the remote, and turn off the TV.

Her: “I know that this your house, but don't disrespect me

like this. You could've asked me nicely to turn down the TV
volume”.

Me: “You are so full of it. Why did you insult Natasha, and
accused her of bewitching me” she laughs. “You think this
is funny”?
Her: “Imagine me insulting Natasha, what a waste. I only told
her to stay out of my way, and I will do the same, so that we
can all get along. Haike, and she runs to her saviour. Anyway, I
want to study pharmacy” she sips her wine.

Me: “What the actual fuck”?

Her: “It's your duty to help me further my studies, I'm sure you
don't want your dad to cut off your allowance. See to it that you
enroll me somewhere where they offer pharmacy, and tell your
girlfriend to choose her fight wisely. Now, be a good boy and
switch on the TV”. One of these days I will kill this woman, Yerrr
she needs to move out. In fact she must never step inside

this house, I will get her everything she want. She better fucken
stay out of my way.

Her: “The Tv”. I click my tongue, and throw her with the
remote. I walk back to my room, and Natasha stands up when
she sees me.
“How did it go”?

Me: “I've brought in a devil herself in my life, Yerrr this woman

will be the death of me! Yohhh, hhayi Natasha we must get her
everything for her room. I no longer want her in this house,
yohhh. She is one stressful being”!

Her: “Told you she is one rude bastard. Find out what's
missing in her room, and we will go to town and buy
everything she needs”.

Me: “Let me cool down first or else I will kill her” I sit on the
bed, and take my hands in head. What did I get myself into?

★Insert 21★
NOBUNTU

My phone rings, and it's the King calling I guess he wants to let
me know that they've arrived safe.

“Baba”

“Unjani sisi”?

Me: “Good thanks, and you”?

Him: “Hau. You now know how to speak English? Since

when? Or maybe you always knew it you were just
pretending”? I chuckle.

Me: “Google Translate it's helping me a lot”.

Him: “Keep it up. I was letting you know that we've
arrived safe”.

Me: “That's good to hear. Urhm... You left without us talking.

What did you wanted us to talk about? It sounded very
important”.

Him: “It doesn't matter any more. I want you and Zweli to come
down here in 2 months time, we have few issues to iron out”.

Me: “Between me and Zweli”?

Him: “Everyone. This will be one important family meeting,

you guys have to come. All I want to say is that be prepared for
whatever you are going to hear, see, and find out”.

Me: “Are you my father”? He laughs.

Him: “No Langa I am not your father” I sigh.

Me: “Phew that's better, but I wouldn't mind even if you were
my father”.

Him: “That's good to hear, I also wouldn't mind having you as a

daughter. You are a good child Langa, don't you ever change no
matter the circumstances”.

Me: “You are scaring me now. What is really going on”?

Him: “Very soon you will know”.

“Baba the elders are here” that's Nhlaka in the background.

Him: “I've got to go Langa, talk soon, and take care”.

Me: “Will do baba. You, too, take care, and pass my greetings
to everyone” I hang up. I wonder what's going on. Whatever it
is, It is big, and the way the King said it I am pretty much
convinced that something big is brewing, and it involves me
somehow. But what? I hope they are not going to tell me that I
am the King's daughter, iyoh, that would really... Argh, I don't
even know what say. But then if he was really my father he
wouldn't have allowed me & Zweli to get married, right? I
mean, it is so wrong I'm sure even the ancestors would've
punished us. That means we would be half siblings. Ewww,
incest. It's gross, thinking about it makes my skin crawl. I only
hope that I am not his daughter, imagine if me & Zweli were in
love then boom. The family breaks such news to us, I wouldn't
even think twice about killing myself.

“I am leaving. You can have your room back”. Boniwe says with
her suitcase in her hand, standing at the passage.

“Feeling better now”?

Her: “Yes, thanks for the pain killers they really helped me
a lot”.
Me: “You welcome. If I may ask, why are you in a hurry
to leave”?

Her: “I have to prepare for tomorrow I am going back to work,

so I need to wash & Iron my uniform”.

Me: “Oh, are you leaving with Khaya”?

Her: “Yes, let me go you know how impatient he is” I nod.

Me: “Before you leave, did you change my bedding”?

Her: “Why would I change your bedding? It's not as if like I

was doing something illegal”.
Me: “But you were masturbating, and you”... Sighs. I had to
stop myself from saying that he also slept with the King, my
mouth was ready to spew such words. “You are expecting me

to sleep where you were masturbating? How do you take me

mara Boniwe”? She shies away from my gaze.

Her: “I am sorry, but how did you know that I was

masturbating”?

Me: “Your moans were so loud, now go and change my

bedding, and you must take it with you, I no longer need it”.

Her: “I will get right on it. I am sorry once more”.

Me: “I know. You don't look okay, what's wrong? Still,

heartbroken about the picture you saw of Mbuso”? She nods
tears streaming down her cheeks. “Do you love him”? She
nods. Wiyibo.
She loves Mbuso, yet he sleeps with the King. What if she
loves the King too? If she can send both of them nudes, what
can stop her from loving both of them equally”?

Me: “It will get better with time babe, but I suspect a foul
play here” she sits down next to me.

Her: “What is it”?

Me: “Makhosazana wouldn't give you a go ahead of hitting it

of with her brother if she knew that his brother has a fiancé.
She doesn't look like the type that can send you into a lion's
den with the hopes of you getting hurt. I think some random
girl, probably his ex or fuck buddy sent you that picture. You
might be even surprised to find that it's an old picture, and
Mbuso doesn't even know that someone sent a picture of him
in bed with someone. Whoever sent it wanted to hurt you, and
of which she succeeded in doing. Are you understanding what I
am saying mara”? She nods. “I am not saying forgive him or
something, but confront him. Ask him about the picture he
might clarify it for you. And please call Zana she is worried sick
about you”.
Her: “You mean that I must hear his side of the story”? I nod.
“I'm sure he has been trying to contact me, poor guy doesn't
even know anything. Thank you Buntu”.

Me: “Is there anything you want to tell me? Something you
regret doing maybe”? She narrows her brows.

Her: “There's nothing that I want to tell you, and there's also
nothing that I regret I did. Well, I only regret sending Mbuso
nudes that's it. Everything else I don't regret doing... Let me go,
and change your bedding then I leave”.

Me: “I am coming with to keep you company”.

Her: “No. Stay. I will be fine” she smiles at me, erh. Why doesn't
she want me to come with? What is she hiding?

Me: “I insist. I am coming with you, why don't you want me to

accompany you to my room, have you hidden something”?
Her: “What? Oh, no”. Chuckling. “I am not hiding
something from you”.

Me: “Who are you trying to fool? I am not dumb Boniwe, It's
either you're hiding something or you want to leave without

changing my bedding that smells like sex, of which will

make me question your hygiene”.

Her: “Geez, Buntu. What's with you? What can I possibly hide
in your room”?

Me: “You tell me” folding my arms standing before her.

Her: “Fine. Let's go”. She rolls her eyes, and wheels her
suitcase. I follow behind her. I watch her take off the bedding
slowly, it's like she doesn't want me to see something. Too bad
for her I am not shifting my gaze away from her. A thought
crosses my mind, what if she is hiding the King's underwear,
she wants to masturbate with it or better yet bewitch him to
love her more than the Queen? Not that she is capable of
witchcraft, well, that's if she is not after all I don't know her
that well. I chuckle at those thoughts, ei Boniwe is a layer of
cabbage leaves bahlali.

Her: “What are you laughing at”?

Me: “Something that just crossed my mind. How hard is it

for you to remove the bedding”?

Her: “You're making me uncomfortable Buntu” I laugh!

This woman.

Me: “Askies”?

Her: “Exactly what I said”.

Me: “You are crazy! Since when are you not comfortable
around me? I mean, I've seen you naked many times. Now,
what's uncomfortable in changing the bedding? Boniwe, in
all honesty, what's going on”?

Her: “No... Nothing is going on. Almost forgot Buhle has bought
you a laptop and courses books. She said you will choose any
course you want”.

Me: “Argh, she is such a Darling. I will have to call her, and
thank her she has helped me a lot. Now, back to you. What is

exactly going on? What are you hiding? And please don't tell
me about Mbuso”.

Her: “How many times must I tell you that I am not hiding
anything! What more do you want from me”?

Me: “Change the bedding then if you're not hiding

anything Boniwe. You're behaving like someone who is up
to something”.
Her: “I can't with you staring at me”. I chuckle. She is being
hot headed, and she is frustrating me.

Me: “Are you sleeping with the King”? She chokes on nothing
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then chuckles.

Her: “Wh... What? How do you take me Buntu? Can't believe

that you're asking me such nonsense. I am not sleeping with
the King”!

Me: “Then why did he spend the night here, and sneaked in to
the house @ 04:10”? She freezes, yes, gotcha bitch.

★»★«
BONIWE

My heart is beating out my chest, my lips become perched. I

am unable to breath. How did she find out? I was pretty sure
that no one will notice anything, guess I was wrong. What was
she doing at that time anyway? My secret is out. Now that she
knows, what is she going to do about it?

“His vest is right next to you. Mara Boniwe, how could you”?
She brings me back to life. I swallow nothing, my mouth is dry.

Her: “Talk to me Boniwe. This is me Buntu. I won't judge you

or anything, I just want to know why”. I sigh.

Me: “I... I love him. He knows how to satisfy my needs, and

knows how to treat a woman. He is my dream man”.
Her: “What about Mbuso”?

Me: “I love him too. He listens to me, and advices me unlike

the King. I love them both they are different in their own way”.

Her: “Hha. You are playing with fire Boniwe. Stop whatever
you're having with the King, and focus on bettering your life.
Also stop stringing Mbuso along knowing very well that you
see no future with him. This might backfire in the long run, and
secrets have a way of coming out. I don't think you love both
these men you're just using them for your own selfish benefit”.
I chuckle.

Me: “What do you know about love? You don't know anything
about love because you've never experienced love, especially
a man's love. I mean, even your own family didn't love you. No
one actually loves you”.

Her: “And I give no shit about them. They are all a nonentity to
me, their existence don't mean shit including yours too. I may
not know how being loved feels like, but I'm sure as hell it
doesn't feel like opening legs in order for men to love you.
Love is not about sex. You have issues wena, and stop justifying
your bitching ways, nxa”. Oh, wow. Did she just talk me like
that? Hhe. “What are you going to do with the King's vest”?

Me: “None of your business. Now that you know about me and
the King, what are you going to do about it”?

Her: “None of your business. Finish with the bedding since

you've found what you were looking for. I don't like what you
did Boniwe. Having sex on my bed with the King really?
That's disrespect on another level”. I sigh.

Me: “I know that I am wrong. I am sorry, I promise you it will

never happen again. Should I bring back the bedding once I
am done washing them”?

Her: “What? Ewww, no, keep it. I'm sure it will be memorable
to you. On the real though Boniwe. Get your priorities
straight, fix your life. You're too old to be fooling around”.
Me: “When did you grow up so fast? Not so long ago you were
this quiet girl, what changed”?

Her: “Life. I had to find my voice, I know that it was long

overdue, but I finally did. It was worth it though no one
will walk over me anymore, that includes you too”. I laugh.

Me: “Argh, you're such a cutie yazi. Let me get going baby
love, I will call you when I arrive” she scoffs.

Her: “Don't sleep with Khaya. If you feel an itch, you have toys
use them”. she laughs. This child.
Me: “I will try not too. Bye, love you”.

Her: “I am walking you out. Why are bidding your goodbye? I

want to warn Khaya about you, tell him how dangerous you're
when it comes to his kind”. I laugh.
Me: “Uyaphapha wena. Let's go”.

Her: “I was going to help you carry your bag, but it smells
like, argh, let's just go”. We both laugh walking out of her
room. I love this new Buntu.

★»★«

NKANYISO

“You must really love this girl. You've even made her your
wallpaper. Why don't you just ask her out? Who knows? Maybe
you guys might end up dating, actually she would be cheating
with you”. I laugh.

“Where will I start with asking her out? Do you honestly think
that she will want to go out with her husband's best friend”? He
chuckles.

Him: “You will never know until you try. You might even find
out that she likes you too, after all you guys have
‘chemistry’ you said it yourself”.

Me: “You're one crazy fucker Mnqobi. Your mind works over
time. What are we doing here anyway”?

Him: “Your best friend called me, he said we should meet him
here. The wife is showing him flames”. Chuckling. We are
at Banathi hang out joint.
Me: “I wonder what is she doing to him”.
Him: “I want her to drive him crazy, and give Natasha a
hard time until she gets off her high horse, nxa” laughing.

“I need a cold beer. Langelihle will send me straight to my early

grave” he says sitting down. “Gents”.

Mnqobi: “What did she do? You look like a mess”/

Him: “I brought in devil herself in my life, I fetched her from

the village. She is nothing like what she was 2 months ago
when we first met her. She is a nightmare in broad daylight”!
Nkanyiso, I want MaSabatha back”/ Mnqobi chuckles.

Me: “Why do you want her back? Langa refusing to do her maid
duties”?

Him: “She wants us to pay her for doing her duties, and she is
very disrespectful. You should've seen how she disrespected
my mother this other night. Yoh, last night I found out that she
actually knows English, and she is perfect in speaking it. Just
this morning she told Natasha off, she practically made
Natasha cry. She also called me ‘boy’ majita”! I laugh.

Me: “That doesn't sound like Langa at all”.

Him: “I know, but she has changed. She even talks back now
she wants a lot of things, I swear to you next thing she will ask
me to buy her an apartment in the north or Fourways or a
Maserati”. We burst out with laughter. His phone rings, “Its
Natasha, I'm sure she is done shopping” he stands up and walks
away answering his phone.

“Good afternoon gentlemen. I am sorry to disturb you, please

take my hand” she says to Mnqobi. Mnqobi looks at me, and I
shrug. He takes her hand, clasping it.

Mnqobi: “If I may ask, why am I having your hand”?

Her: “You need to find your sister. She is suffering wherever
she is, and happiness is far away from her. She needs a sense of

belonging. Find her, and lead her to yoeir mother. Your mother
is angering the ancestors, and they are making your sister's life
unbearable, find her so that she can find peace, and get to be
with her soul mate. Find her before 5 months approaches, she
is much closer now it won't be hard for you to find her. In your
circle there are people who are close to her, get through them
to find her” she retracts her hand and looks at me. “Don't go to
that date that you were planning to go to tonight, nothing
good will come out of it”.

“Kelo, come, we are leaving”. A voice calls her. “I am coming”.

She responds.

Her: “Find your sister, she has been crying all her life. Your
mother must do right or else the bad dreams won't stop” she
smiles, and walks away.

Me & Mnqobi look at each other confused. What the hell just
happened? Who the hell was that, and how did she know
about my date with Athile? I will have to cancel it now. I look at
Mnqobi, and he is miles away. Who wouldn't though? I mean,
dude have just been told that he has a sister. A whole sister!

Zweli: “You guys look like you've just seen a ghost”.

Me: “We might've seen one”.

Mnqobi: “I have a sister? Who is she? If she is close how close is

she? Now, this explains the bad dreams my mother is always
having. I need to find my sister, my mother have some
questions to answer”! He stands up, and walks away.

Zweli: “What happened”?

Me: “A prophet happened. We were prophesized”.

Him: “Thanks God I wasn't here”!

Athile, what are you planning?
22
MNQOBI

Arriving home I head straight to my mother in the garden,

that's where she usually sits basking at the sun. I find her
drinking her green tea, apparently it calms her down. She is
with her friend Thembi. I greet them, and sit down.

“What is it son. You don't look okay”?

“Where is my sister”?

Her: “Your sister? You know very well that she is at work”.

Me: “I am not asking about Crecentia, I'm asking about the

one I presume you left somewhere after giving birth to just
like you did with us”/
Her: “What? I don't have any other child besides you &
Crecentia”.

Me: “I was told to find her and you must make things right.
Your ancestors are punishing her because of you mama.
Where the hell is she”!

Her: “You don't get to shout at me Mnqobi. I am still your

mother Mnqobi, and I don't have any idea what you're
talking about. Who have you been talking to that fed your
ears with such nonsense”?

Me: “A girl came out of nowhere and told me to find my sister.

You also need to do right”. She chuckles.

Her: “You believe strangers now? Don't take everything you

hear personal, people always talk, and I'm sure this
stranger was taking chances”.
Me: “If that's the case, care to explain how does she know
about your bad dreams, huh”? She chokes on her tea. “Oh, and
mother. Your dreams won't stop unless you make things right, I
don't know about what, but make things right. See to it that
you find my sister or at least remember where you left her. I

will see to it that I try my utmost best to find her. The

ancestors are angry at you, maybe that's why your
relationships don't last. They are the reason”.

Her: “How dare you Mnqobi”!

Me: “Find her mama! She is suffering wherever she is, and it is
said that she has never experienced happiness all because of
you! If you don't do it for you, then do it for us, do it for her.
We've been given 5 months to find her. She, too, needs her
mother's love, excuse me”. I stand up and walk straight to my
room, leaving her staring into space. I pray that she finds her or
give me a lead of where to start looking for her or something.
It is said that, there are people who know her in my circle. It
can't be Nobuntu because she is much younger than us, and it
can't be her servant either because she is almost the same age
as Crecentia if not my age. Who is she? I take out my phone,
and call Natasha.

“Bro bro, sup”

“The sky”. She laughs.

Her: “I am serious Mnqobi. Your mother called me few

moments ago, and she said that you were accusing her of
something she doesn't know about. What were you
accusing her off”? I chuckle.

Me: “I wasn't accusing her of anything. I wanted her to tell

me the truth about our sister”. She laughs.

Her: “Whoa, whoa. What sister are you talking about? I

am your only sister, duh”.
Me: “I am talking about our younger sister if not older. Mom
has another child, a girl child that is. It is said that she is
suffering because of our dear mother. Now, your mother is
refusing to tell me about her then makes whatever she is
supposed to make right. Only then, her bad dreams will
disappear, and our sister will stop suffering wherever she is”.
I hear her sigh.

Her: “How sure are you about this bro? Whoever told you
must've lied. They wanted to get a reaction from you, and

you've given them. Mom would've told us if she had another

child outside”.

Me: “Maybe she did to her what she did to us”.

Her: “Now you're starting. She had valid reasons as to why

she left us with our grandmother”.

Me: “That woman was not even her real mother. Why don't
you ask yourself why she never talks about her real mother?
Actually, do you even know your mother's real family, not these
family friends of hers she introduced us to? Coming to think of
it, we don't know much about her. Your mother has lots of
secrets in the closet, hence the ancestors are punishing her. It is
up to us to find our sister and bring her home”.

Her: “Wow! This is too much Mnqobi. What are we going to do

now? How are we going to find her? I think we should ask
mother again, if that's true then she must tell us the truth. That
sister of ours can't suffer when she has a family, I hope she is
not being abused wherever she is. That's if she is out there”...

Me: “I hope with you around she will be able to tell us the
truth, you are her favourite child. Oh, apparently this sister of
ours is known by people in our circle. We find those people,
we find her. I don't even know who knows her in our circle”.

Her: “This is confusing, but we will find her. That I can assure
you”/

Me: “I know. Let me not keep you I'm sure you have
customers”. She laughs.
Her: “Yeah, I will see you later then”. I hang up, and log into
Facebook and search for someone with the same surname as
mine, maybe I might see someone who resemblances us, if not
Crecentia or my mom.

My mother has a tendency of dumping her kids in other

people's family, all in the name of she is hustling for them to
have a better life. If she really loved us, she was going to suffer
with us. We were abused in the hands of our guardian growing
up, it was my duty to shield Crecentia from bullies because she
couldn't fight for herself. I even went as far, as wanting to kill

our so-called guardian, she was basically abusing Crecentia.

Made her do house chores while her daughters were princess.
Crecentia slaved for them from the age of 8 years to 22 years.
She is now 29 years old, and I am 35 years old. Now, this
means our sister is younger than us. We moved out of that
house when I turned 25, that's when my mother showed up in
our lives, We fixed whatever relationship we had. We don't
even know our father, all we know is that he ran away after
knocking mom down with Crecentia. Funny enough, he left
mom after she knocked her down with me, somehow this so-
called father of ours always finds his way back into my
mother's life, knocking her down, and disappear. This is a mess.
Where do I begin with looking for my sister? Does she even
know that she has siblings?

★»★«

ZWELI

We got everything Langelihle requested us to get her. We

practically bought her a whole new furniture, and MaSabatha
will be coming in tomorrow. She was so happy when I called
her, at least she will not demand things like Langa. I still can't
get over the fact that Mnqobi has a sister who is not known,
erh. Things are happening. I wonder who is his sister, and
where is she.

“Now, that we got everything for her. What now”?

“I will have to register her at MEDUNSA. I will go there

tomorrow morning. Don't you want to go to varsity too
to further your studies”? She chuckles.

Her: “Further my studies? I don't want to go to varsity, I am fine

not studying. Education is just a waste of time”.

Me: “What was the last grade you attended”?

Her: “Grade 10. I dropped out, school was not going to fund
my lifestyle”. I nod.

Me: “I see. So
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what are your future plans Natasha? It's time we discussed
things like this”.

Her: “Getting married to you obviously, and having my own

beauty salon”.

Me: “How are you going to own a beauty salon without

any certificate or have proper documents”?

Her: “I will manage just fine. Gina is doing just fine, and she
doesn't have any certificates. Why would I want one? Besides
doing hair & manicure doesn't need a certificate. It requires
hands, nothing more”. I nod.

Me: “I see. I want you to do something for me. Go and think

about what you want in life. Something that is very tangible,

and will not leave you in the long run. You can even try beauty
courses to have something to fall back on. Also ask Gina how
she did it”.
Her: “You are trying to turn me into your wife now Zweli? I
don't want to do any courses! Arhhhhhhh! Why would I want
to study anything, when you provide me with everything I
need? I am fine just the way I am”.

Me: “But everyone in my family is educated. You need to be

educated too or at least get a drivers licence”.

Her: “I don't even know how to drive, why would I want a

licence”?

“That's his way of telling you to go and enrol yourself at a

driving school, but you're too slow to comprehend that. Good
day the IT couple. How did the shopping go”? My mood
switched off instantly. From 100 to Zero.

Me: “We got you everything you wanted I'm sure you've seen it
outside and I will register you at MEDUNSA tomorrow you will
have to give me your particulars”.
Me: “Arh, finally stepping up to your duties that's good. Since
you guys were talking about driving licence I also want one,
plus most jobs nowdays requires driving licence. You also need
one sister wife”.

Natasha: “Who invited you here? I thought we had a deal that

once we get you everything you wanted, you will stay out of
our way”.

Her: “I know that. I came here to check if you've got everything

I've asked you correct. Oh, and nice weave”.

Me: “We've got everything you've asked for, Nkanyiso &

Mnqobi will be coming to help us with taking them inside
your room”. I am not even sure if Mnqobi will come, maybe
he is busy looking for his long lost sister.

Her: “Good. Can I at least prepare myself a quick meal while we

are waiting for your buddies to come and rearrange my room”?
Natasha: “No. Go and prepare it in your own room. You are no
longer welcome to step inside this house”. Langa chuckles
looking at the table.

Her: “I guess I will have this” she takes the steers paper bag.
“Who ever the owner is will have to forgive me because I am
damn hungry. She/he will cook a quick meal not unless you've
bought extra. Toddles”. She whistles, and walks out. I chuckle.

Natasha: “She has to move out! She is failing to follow one

simple rule, staying away from us”.

Me: “It's only the first day, and her room is not changed to how
she wants it yet. I guess we will share your burger” laughing.

Her: “Argh, whatever babes. I guess I will have to cook since

your friends are coming”.

Me: “You should've allowed Langa to cook for us for the

last time” I laugh.
Her: “Well, it's too late to ask her now. Let me go, and
freshen up”.

Me: “I will start unpacking the grocery so long”. She nods

and disappears out of sight.

★»★«

BONIWE
I am done fixing my work uniform, and cooking. I decided to
unblock Mbuso & Makhosazana maybe one of them will call
me. Sleeping is the only option for me now, I can't help but

keep on reminiscing about the conversation I had with

Nobuntu. 2 years of doing whatever we do with the King
someone finally caught us. I don't even know what she is going
to do with the information, I do know that she won't tell on me,
but I can't be definite about it. She also said things that made
sense, actually she is the first person to talk sense to me.
Unfortunately for her, I will not stop what I am having with the
King. I have to keep him around, and she might be right about
me stringing Mbuso along. Sigh, with Mbuso I like the fact that
he gives me attention something I've always wanted. I guess it's
all just a lust, but why am I hurt about the picture that was
sent? It doesn't make sense. Nobuntu might also be right that
maybe someone sent the picture deliberately. My phone rings
and it's Makhosazana I'm sure she has been trying to call me.

“Hello”

“Finally, I've been trying to get hold of you. Do you know

how worried sick I was not reaching you”? I chuckle.
Me: “I am fine babes. I was going through some stuff, but I
am fine now”.

Her: “Thanks God. Mbuso is going crazy, apparently

you blocked him. Why did you”?

Me: “Why didn't you tell me that he has a fiancé? You made me
send him nudes only for me to receive a reply of a half naked
picture of his with another woman in bed, and a very disturbing
message underneath it. Do you have any idea of how broken I
was”?

Her: “Whoa, whoa. Mbuso has a fiancé? What fiancé”?

Me: “The woman who sent me the picture using Mbuso's

WhatsApp”.

Her: “This doesn't make any sense. When did all of

this happen”?
Me: “Days ago”.

Her: “I will call you back now now. I need to check something”
she hangs up. Seems like she too doesn't know anything about

this fiancé. Now, I am convinced that there's a foul play indeed.

My phone rings, and it's Mbuso. Arhhh, Makhosazana had to
tell him? Ishuu...

Me: “Hello”

Him: “What fiancé”? Geez, this guy, straight to the point.

No greeting.

Me: “You tell me”.

Him: “There's nothing to tell because I have no fiancé. Do you
think I would be giving you attention knowing very well that I
have a fiancé? Are you dumb or stupid”?

Me: “Then explain the picture of you and a woman half

naked in bed”!

Him: “What? What on earth are you talking about Boniwe”?

Me: “I will send you the picture via WhatsApp”.

Him: “How did the picture end up being sent to you”?

Me: “I will tell you everything on WhatsApp”.

Him: “How, because you've blocked me”?

Me: “I've unblocked you”. I hang up, then go straight to
WhatsApp and send him the picture”. Well, he is going to
clarify it for me I hope it won't backfire.

★»★«

NOBUNTU

My room looks so beautiful right now. The black & red interior
design is to die for. My TV is now mounted on the wall, and I
have a computer table with a bookshelf just near my couch. My
room, I love everything about it. They are doing touch ups now.
I am sitting outside chatting with Crecentia on WhatsApp while
the guys are busy cleaning it. stealing glances at Nkanyiso every
now & then has become my every second story ever since he
got here. Argh, how cute. A man in a uniform is one sexy fucker,
hhe. My phone rings, and it's a number I don't recognize I
wonder who is it.

“Nobuntu Hello”.

“Hey Nobuntu, it's Crecentia” kana once I gave her my

numbers.

Me: “Oh, hey Crecentia. How are you”?

Her: “Not good, and you”?

Me: “I am good. Why are you not good”?

Her: “I've recently found out that I might have a

sister somewhere out there”.
Me: “Isn't that a good thing”?

Her: “It was going to be if we knew where to find her or start

looking. My brother is very determined to find her, but
clueless on where to start”.

Me: “I pray that God helps you guys locate her. What did your
mother say about this”? She chuckles.

Her: “I don't think she cares. She is too ignorant, and deny
knowing anything about a child she left behind. She is very
adamant that she did not leave any child out there”.

Me: “Sounds hectic. Or maybe she is telling the truth.

She doesn't really have a child out there”.

Her: “She knows, trust me on this one. We won't stop

looking for our sister though, hopefully my mother will come
around, and tell us where she left her”.
Me: “Ishuuu. No wonder Mnqobi is in a foul mood, I will
pray for you guys to find her”/

Her: “Thank you babe. Now, about that lunch date” I chuckle.

Me: “Let's do it tomorrow, that's if you will be free though”.

Her: “It's a date then. I will text you time and place”

Me: “You do know that I am not familiar with this place,

right”? She laughs.

Her: “Don't worry I will uber for you, let me go. See you
tomorrow”.
Me: “Bye” hanging up.

“Your room is ready Langa. You are good to go”.

Me: “Thank you Mnqobi. Let me see it” I stand up, and walk
inside. Wow, and it's perfect for me. Who knew that one day I
would be having my own room with a TV and all? God, works
in mysterious ways Indeed, and his timing is always perfect.

Mnqobi: “You like it”?

Me: “Are you kidding me? I love it. Thank you so much. You did
an amazing job”.

Him: “I'm glad you like it. Let me go, and join the others in the
house”. I nod, he walks out of my room. I walk around admiring
it, I am in love with it. A piece of paper on top of my study table
catches my attention. I pick it up, and a smile is plastered on
my lips reading it.

★You look beautiful today. I had to take few stolen snaps. N★

I chuckle, and shake my head. This guy...

23
NOBUNTU
I am all set and ready to go to the lunch date with Crecentia. I
don't even know what we are going to talk about, but whatever
conversation we will be having must be fruitful. Ai we will see.
What I like about Monday's is the fact that the malls are half
empty since most people are at work. Zweli is living up to his
promise of registering me to MEDUNSA, he drove to Pretoria
early in morning. This basically means that I will be travelling
every day, once I get settled at MEDUNSA I will have to talk to
Zweli about relocating to Pretoria. That will save us a lot of
things. My phone beeps indicating that there's a message, that
must be my Uber. I take my bag, step out of my room locking
the door in the process. I pass Natasha leaning by the kitchen
door drinking wine, she is still in her pyjamas, and it's just after
12:00pm in the afternoon. That's just being lazy...

“You now know how to go out alone? Where are you going”?

“Hello. And how is that any of your business”?

Her: “It's my business because you're going out. Does

Zweli know that you're going out”?
Me: “Must I report to him? Girl, please get a life and find
something to do with your life other than guarding me. Stop
doing jobs that don't pay you, have a good give. I walk away.

“Zweli will know about this”! Shouting.

Me: “And you think I give a fuck whether he knows about this
or not”? Shouting back while walking away. Natasha needs to
get a life and leave me the hell alone. I greet the uber driver
and he drives off.

I arrive at Bella's restaurant, and text Crecentia that I am

outside. She sends me back a text telling me to get inside. Truly
speaking, I don't like too many people or crowded places. I take
a deep breath, and walk inside, it is not that full, but there are
too many white people. Crecentia waves her hand upon seeing
me, I walk to her table, she stands up, and we share a hug then
sit down.

“Thank you for coming. You look beautiful by the way”.

Me: “Thank you, and you look beautiful too”.

Her: “With this old outfit? Girl, please don't play with
me” chuckling.

Me: “I wish I was, but unfortunately for you, I am not”.

Her: “Let me call the waiter, so that we can order. I hope

you eat oysters & prawns”. I look at her confused.

Me: Oysters & prawns? What on earth is that? I am a meat girl,

proper cooked meat that is”. She laughs.

Her: “You're missing out girl, but don't worry you will absolutely
love seafood”. I shake my head.

Me: “I will pass thank you”. The waiter approaches our table, I
can't help but notice that he is looking at me straight in the
eyes, creepy. Nah, maybe I'm imagining it.
“Good day. My name is Sandile. I am at your service”. He
gives us menus. “When you're ready to order, you can ring
this bell right next to you”. I was not imagining it, it was real
even now he is staring at me.

Crecentia: “We will call you when we're ready to order you
may excuse us”. He stands still looking at me not even blinking,
he is really making me uncomfortable. I dart my eyes
everywhere but him. “I said we will call for you should we want
to order, now leave or else I will report you” she half shouts.

Him: “Apologies ma'am. Excuse me” he walks away.

Her: “Was it me or that guy was taken by you? I mean, he

couldn't take his eyes off you” giggling.

Me: “I find it creepy, he really made me uncomfortable. I am no

longer in the mood to eat here, can't we go somewhere else”?

Her: “I was really looking forward to eating here, but if you're

not comfortable we can go. The last thing I want is for us to
have awkward lunch before getting to know each other better”.
I chuckle.

Me: “I know what you mean. Can't we maybe ask the

manager to give us another waiter, I am not really
comfortable with this one”?

Her: “That's also a good idea. Let me go and look for her I'll
be back” She stands up and walks away.

I take out my phone and browse it. I can't help it, but feel like
someone is staring at me, lifting my head I see this weird waiter
staring at me from a distance. Hmmm, I guess 2 can play the
game. Let me return the stare, and see who will hold the gaze
much longer between the 2 of us. I fold my arms, and look at
him not even smiling... I can see him getting uncomfortable,
good. Serves him right. He breaks the eye contact, and attend

another table. That's when I breathe. Ai, Crecentia have been

gone ever since, what's taking her so long?
“This fucken manager is not around, let's go”.

Me: “Then what took you so long”? I am already on my

feet ready to go.

Her: “The supervisor is one rude woman with her sticks legs”. I
chuckle. “I am never setting my foot here ever again”! She
yells for everyone to hear. I pull her by hand, and we walk out
laughing.

Me: “You & drama. Was that necessary”? She chuckles.

Her: “Drama is my middle name little one”. I chuckle. “So,

where to from here”?

Me: “Anywhere where they sell burgers and meat if possible”.

Her: “I know just a spot let's go”. We walk to her car, she
drives a polo Tsi.

★»★«

ZWELI

Natasha throws herself in my arms as soon as I step inside the

house. Her eyes are red & puffy, she has been crying. I take her
in, and she sobs on my chest she is still in her pyjamas.

“What's wrong? Why are you crying”?

“Your wife. Your wife insulted me again, and slapped me”.

Me: “What did you do this time? I'm sure you've provoked
her since you like calling her names”. She chuckles, and
release herself from my embrace.

Her: “Me? Provoked her? Why would I even do that Zweli”?

Me: “Because you hate her that's why”.

Her: “Hate her? Why would I hate someone as ugly as her?

She is not even worth my time, and definitely not worthy to be
hated by me. She is nothing to me”!

Me: “But her name is forever on your lips. Just let the girl be, I
am really exhausted Natasha. Driving the whole day is no
child's play”. She laughs and claps her hands.
Her: “You are defending her Zweli? Really? You should be on
my side not hers! Or are you suddenly falling in love with
her”? I chuckle.

Me: “No, I am not falling in love with her, and I never will. What
you need to know is that there's always two sides to the story, I
need to hear her side of her story too then I will make a
decision. Excuse me, I need to freshen up”. I kiss her forehead,
and walk away leaving her shouting my name. Truly speaking
I'm tired of Natasha, and her tantrums. A day never goes by
without her mentioning Langa that's all she wants us to talk
about, Langa this Langa that. She has a tendency of making up
stories about Langa of which it's boring. We hardly talk about
ourselves, our relationship is no longer fun. Ai...

Langa will start attending her classes next week, I don't know
how she is going to handle the travelling everyday. But I trust
that she will survive, it's not even 2 hours drive. That means
Khaya will have to drive her every day. I'm just glad that I will
not get to see her almost every day

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maybe my relationship with Natasha will go back to how it

used to before since we will be seeing less of her.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

We ended up at Banathi hang out joint. This place is out of this

world, they have everything. From a car wash to braai area, fast
food, and a mini bottle store. Let's just say it's an all-in-one
stop. I hear also heard that there's a BnB few houses away from
here, whoever the owner is. She/he is making a lot of money.
This is the second burger & chips I am having ever since we got
here 2 hours ago. So, Crecentia's upbringing is like mine we
both suffered in the hands of our guardians. Actually, we have
a lot in common. She, too, used to be bullied growing up, and
she never had friends until 5 years back when she started
dating Thabo. That's how she ended up being friends with
Natasha, and the other girls, after all they are all dating in the
same squad.
“So, what's the story about your mother”? She asks taking a
chunk of meat in her mouth.

“I don't know anything about her. All I know is that she is said
to be dead, she died in a car accident. On the other hand, my
aunt from my mother's side told me that my mother is alive,
but she doesn't even know where she is”.

Her: “Now, between the 2 stories, which one do you think is

real? I mean, these people told you two different versions.
Have you tried asking your aunt about your mother's
whereabouts”?

Me: “I will. I never get the chance to call her, been very
busy lately”.

Her: “Now, where were they when you were being abused”?

Me: “They were told that I left with my mother's friend to the
city. They were actually shocked to hear that I'm getting
married, kahle kahle, they were never told about my existence.
If it wasn't for the wedding I would've never known them. I'd
probably be still slaving in that house”.

Her: “Wow. Your grandmother is evil Buntu. Why would she

hide your existence to your family”? I shrug. “What about
your father”? I chuckle.

Me: “All I know is that he disappeared after knocking

mom down”. She laughs.

Her: “That sounds like my father. I also don't know him, but he
always found himself in my mother's life after disappearing
for years without keeping in contact”. I laugh.

Me: “We might be sharing a father unknowingly who knows,

but then again men are used to hit & runs”.

Her: “Hahaha, funny”.

“Crecentia” the girl pulls out a chair and sits down
without greeting me. Oh, okay.
Her: “Athile”.

Athile: “What brings you here? Aren't you supposed to be

at work”?

Her: “Food brings me here, and no I am not supposed to be at

work. What brings you here”?

Athile: “I'm here to buy my man food. He will be working

overtime, so why not buy him food, and take it to him? And you
know what they say; a way to a man's heart is through his
stomach”.

Her: “Your man? You have a man Athile? Since when”?

Athile: “We've been dating for 2 months now, and things are
promising”. She smiles showing off her gold tooth.

Her: “I am so happy for you. Do I know him”?

Athile: “Of course it's Nkanyiso” I look at her and

Crecentia burst out laughing. “What's funny”?

Her: “Wena Athile. Dating Nkanyiso? Stop joking baby girl,

Nkanyiso doesn't do love sweets. He fucks you, and dumps you
like a used chappies once done with you”.

Athile: “You are just jealous. He will change now that he is

with me”. Crecentia laughs.

Her: “You can never change Nkanyiso Athile. They all tried but
failed, it's been 5 years already and no woman can change
him. Stop telling people that you're dating Nkanyiso, they will
laugh at you Darling. The joke will be you, a whole LMAO”. I
chuckle and shake my head.
Athile: “And you ugly duckling, what's funny”? She points at
me giving me a nasty stare.

“As if you're beautiful. How dare you call another girl ugly? She
is far better looking than you with your painted face out here

looking like a clown. She is beautiful the way she is, she is
natural. I'm sure if we were to wipe your face with wipes right
now we will clearly see a man hiding behind make-up”. This
beautiful woman standing before us tells Athile, guys she is so
beautiful. Power is embedded in her, her confidence is on
another level. She is smiling, but not smiling. Argh, what am I
even saying? All I can say is that she is beautiful with her short
hair. Her look commands respect, I'm sure she doesn't even go
to the toilet. Athile stands up, and takes off.

Her: “Piece of shit. Hello My name is Zubenathi. I am so sorry

for disturbing your brunch. It's just that I was taken by your
beauty especially you”/ (she points at me) I mean you girls
almost look the same/alike. I don't know if you will be
interested, but I want you girls to be my hostesses in another of
our restaurant launch that we will be opening in 2 weeks time”.
Crecentia: “Wait, you are Zubenathi? Thee Zubenathi married to
a business mogul Bayanda”? She nods with a slight smile. “Oh
my God. I am so humbled to be in your presence, I always
wanted to see you. I am a big fan of you, and I've read about
your journey in your book ‘I am not my past’ I can't believe that
you've gone through all of that, you don't look like your past or

what you went through at all. You are one strong woman,
a power to be reckoned with”. She chuckles.

Her: “Thank you so much Love. We all have a story to tell, after
all we all go through different trials & tribulations. It is up to
you on how you pick up the pieces after going through them,
you're a scriptwriter of your own life. Now, about that favour”?
I think I have just found my role model in this woman.
Crecentia must plug me in with her book.

Me: “We would like to be part of your hostesses. It will mean so

much to us, and I'm sure we will learn a lot from you”. smiling.
Her: “Are you for real”? Crecentia & I nod. “Perfect. You
will have to give me your numbers so that we can discuss a
way forward”.

Crecentia: “Can I please have your autograph”?

Her: “Sure, why not, do you have a pen”?

Crecentia: “I think I have it let me check before your husband

reaches us”/she laughs.
Her: “My husband doesn't bite. Oh, and lunch is on the house”.
Me: “But we've already paid”!

Her: “They will refund you”. The husband reaches us, and
stands next to his wife, wow! They are just perfect together.
He greets us, and we greet back. The guy looks smitten by
Zubenathi, does this kind of love still exist?

Natasha: “Found it. Oh, hey Bayanda. Now that you're here, can
I also get your autograph and pictures”? I chuckle.
Him: “Yeah sure”.

Nathi: “Should I call my kids too seeing that you want an

autograph for my whole family”? We all laugh. I've even
forgotten about Athile, but not what Crecentia said about
Nkanyiso. She said a mouthful about him, was it all true or
she was just saying it to piss Athile off? Oh, well, guess we will
never know.

24
BONIWE

“I hope this works hey. I don't want to lose Mbuso”. I tell

Makhosazana as we walk out of the traditional healer's yard,
we've been here for 4 hours. There was a long a line of
females, no males here.

“It will work, trust me. I've been here before, and I always come
here after 6 months to get the dose. Why don't you ask yourself
as to why my relationship with Noah is strong? It's because of
this man we just visited. He is good in things like these”.

Me: “But why must we come back here after every 6 months”?
Her: “So that the love portion doesn't wear off. Once it does,
Mbuso will hate you, and every time he looks at you, he will see
an animal”. Whoa, this is not right. What did I get myself into?

Me: “What? That doesn't sound right Makhosazana. I think this

was a bad idea to begin with”.

Her: “If you don't want to be the only woman in his life then
don't do it once Thabile lands in 3 days time you will be
history. Mbuso won't even look your way, it will be like you
never existed in his life, Thabile loves Mbuso so much that she
can even lay down her life for him. The choice is yours”. I
inhale & exhale. This is harder than I thought.

I don't want to lose Mbuso. I am starting to like him, well I

started liking him after we slept together. Now, that I tasted
him I don't want to lose him. His long term girlfriend is coming
back from the States in 3 days time. He is very much excited
about her coming, he didn't even bother telling me. He has
been acting strange for the past week of which made me
suspicious he didn't want to touch any more, sometimes a day
will actually end without him calling me. When I call him, my
calls doesn't go through, but when I call him using another
number they go through it was obvious that he has blocked my
numbers. That's when I suspected that something big is going
on. I did not confront him I asked Makhosazana to fish out
information for me. She came to my aid, and that's when she
told me that Thabile Mbuso's girlfriend is coming back after a
year of being out of the country. Yoh, my heart almost stopped
beating upon hearing that plus we've just been intimate a night

before. I felt used really, I cried to Makhosazana, and she told

me about this powerful traditional healer that she goes to
about how good he is in keeping relationships and eliminating
what poses a threat to it. I know that is evil of me to even go
the love forcing way of using witchcraft, but a girl got to do
what a girl got to do to save her relationship.

“We are here. Let's go, and I know just a perfect spot”. We step
out of the car, and walk deeper into the forest. It is so quiet not
even a slight noise, this is creepy, after maybe 10 minutes of
walking we finally reach our destination. Makhosazana knows
this place like a back of her hand. Well, it's also a forest but this
one is surrounded by a fence. There are a lot of women here,
some are naked wiping themselves with their husbands under
wears, and clothes. Wow, can't believe that there are so many
women who use muti on their husbands. Everyone is going on
about their things, no one is looking at another. I'm sure some
are even side chicks because some women have female clothes
with them. They are dipping them in this mini river with black
water. We stop at this other big tree.

Makhosazana: “This is where I've buried Noah's underwear.

You can dig a whole right next to mine, and bury Mbuso's
underwear”. I look around. “Don't worry about them they are

also saving their marriages & relationships, while the others

want to eliminate another woman in another man so that she
will be the only woman remaining in his life just like you”. I nod.

I take out the mini shovel, and start digging a hole, once it is
deep enough I put Mbuso's underwear in it then I kneel down.
Oh, I've already wiped my private part with it while at that
traditional healer's hut. He has also given me some herbs to
use when bathing.

“Mbuso you are mine. Mine & mine alone. You belong to me, I
am the one to occupy your heart. Thabile is not the one for you,
I want you to hate her, when you look at her you must see
something disgusting, hate her. Hate her. Mbuso you're mine
and we are binded together. I am the only woman that must
occupy your mind & mind, be the first thing you think of when
you wake up in the morning, and before you sleep ar night.
You're mine Mbuso mine”

I stand up and lift my skirt then take off my underwear

putting it in, and pee in the hole... I stand up, and sprinkle the
black powder that was given to me then I close the hole
again.

Makhosazana: ”A job well down. We now wait for results, 5

days is enough it should start working by then. You should've
also cursed Thabile to bleed every time she gets intimate with
a man. Noah thinks twice before cheating on me”.

Me: “Now that would be pushing it. I believe that it will work”.
The plan was to bewitch the King, but I had a very disturbing
dream involving him, and I saw myself being burned alive by
the villagers, it was clear as broad daylight that it was a
warning that I mustn't dare the King. So, why not Mbuso? After
all, I like him now. I need a belonging of a man.
Her: “So, how do you feel”?

Me: “I feel good to tell you the truth”. My phone rings, and it's
Nobuntu. She has been too busy with her varsity work lately,
not having time to hang out with us. I am really happy for her,
and I want her to focus on her studies nothing else I don't want
to introduce her to this kind of lifestyle that I'm currently
living. She must strive to be a better person than me. I will call
her back when I get home, I was given instruction not to talk to
anyone else today except Makhosazana. Oh, and Natasha also
attends the same traditional healer. No wonder Zweli loves her

this much the inyanga is doing the most. It's none of my

business after all, but she must keep that manyala boyfriend of
hers, and make sure that he doesn't advances Nobuntu.

★«★»
NOBUNTU

Oh, sweet Saturday you beautiful and sunny day. Today is the
day of Nathi's restaurant launch, I am so excited about it, and
that means taking a break from my books I've been drowning in
them for the past 2 weeks. In this 2 weeks I only saw Zweli &
Natasha once, of which is good for me & my health. My
friendship with Crecentia is doing so well, the bond we share is
indescribable. It's like I've known her ever since we were young,
we have lot in common even with Boniwe & Makhosazana it's
not this deep. Speaking of those two have become too close

lately, I don't blame them though. They are sister in-laws after
all. Boniwe decided to give her relationship with Mbuso a
chance, in all of this I'm just glad that she stopped whatever she
was trying to pursue with the King. It was never going to work
out between the 2 of them. I decide call aunt Ncumisa since
Zana & Boniwe are ignoring my calls, I wonder what they are
busy with. Oh, and Crecentia did plug me in with Zubenathi's
book. I was intrigued by it, I mean sis has been through a lot,
but you can't tell.

She lost her fiancé on her wedding day after her sister (Katlego)
cursed her by saying that she will live to tell the tale that she
almost got married. Her fiancé's mother refused her to bury
her fiancé, but she went there with the police escorting her.
She befriended alcohol for 5 years, and her best friend was
with her through it all

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but she passed on due to her husband's abuse. Actually,

Sindiswa (best friend) killed her husband, and killed herself too
after finding out that her husband is sleeping with sister. Nathi
found love in business partner Bayanda, they were happy until
Bayanda's stepmother did some things to make their life
miserable. The girl (Ntando) she helped betrayed her along
with her sister & cousin (Nhlamulo). She was drugged, and

woke up only to find herself naked in a stranger's bed the

following afternoon. The boyfriend (Siviwe) of the girl she
helped raped her, and they framed Bayanda's older brother
(Lwazi) that he is the one who raped Nathi since the cousin
went, and got the same tattoo as Lwazi. She had no idea what
was going on or how she ended up in a strangers bed. That was
her biggest downfall, and there was a sex video of her
circulating around. Things went bad between her & her
husband, their relationship was bruised, but they eventually
kissed & made up. They have 4 kids together now, and stronger
than before, their love story is very beautiful I tell you. The
people who did her wrong are paying for their sins in jail now.
I've cried & laughed while reading her book, it carried too
many emotions she indeed doesn't look anything like her past.
Yazini, she is my role model.

“Nobuntu”.

“Hello ncane. How are you”?

Her: “I am fine my love, and you”?

Me: “I'm good too, just that varsity is keeping me busy”.

She squirms in excitement.
Her: “What? I am so happy for you Nobuntu. What are
you studying & where”?

Me: “Pharmacy at MEDUNSA”.

Her: “Make us proud baby girl. Don't disappoint us”. I chuckle.

Me: “I won't ncane. There's another reason why I called”.

Her: “What is it”?

Me: “What do you know about my mother's whereabouts?

Does she have other kids besides me”? She sighs.

Her: “Truly speaking we don't know where your mother is. The
last time we saw her was when she was pregnant with you, and
she had a son the last time we checked. We've never even met
that son, I'm sure he doesn't even know about our
existence. Rumours were flying in the air that she dumped
the son in some woman's door step because her boyfriend
didn't want any child. Your mother was one evil woman
Buntu, she only cared about making your father happy, and
no one else”.

Me: “Wow. That's just pure evil”.

Her: “Tell me about it. We as a family wish that she can come
back home with her children if she has more. The children are
supposed to know their roots, and the ancestors are very angry
at your mother Nobuntu. I pray that she remembers her way
back home before the ancestors trouble the children, and
make their lives miserable”. I chuckle.

Me: “Those same ancestors are punishing me for your sister's

sins. My happiness lies in her making things right, until she
comes forth I will not know any taste of happiness”.
Her: “Haibo Buntu. Don't worry sisi, I will talk with the elders.
They will have to find her before the ancestors does more

damage than they already doing. Your ancestors are very

stubborn, we also need to do a ceremony for you”.

Me: “Yeah, you should”...

After almost an hour of talking I hang up, I lie on the bed, and
reminisce about my life, I still have a few moments to spare
before we go to Nathi's restaurant launch. I can't help it, but
remember the conversation I had with Crecentia the time we
were at Banathi's about our upbringing. We have so much in
common, just not sure about us looking alike though. What if?
Argh, it's impossible, and besides they look older than me. Sigh.

★»★«
MNQOBI

Today I am the one hosting the gang, honestly I am not looking

foward to it. I have a lot in my mind like finding my unknown
sister, my mother is still denying having any daughter that she
left it's frustrating.

“Babe, are you sure that you're okay? We can always cancel
the hosting”. Londiwe my fiancé asks me. I sigh.

Me: “I am okay babe, and there's no need to cancel the hosting.

I don't want to look like a bad person”/

Her: “Still cracking your mind about finding your sister”? I nod.
“Why don't you ask Makhosazana to help you look for her? You
know how good she is in finding things”.
Me: “Why did I not think of her? I will ask her when she
comes tonight”.

Her: “Now, give me that smile that always makes me weak” I

chuckle. “There we go. When is Crecentia coming? She is
supposed to help with me the cooking”.

Me: “I don't think she will come. She is going to an event,

they've asked them to be hostesses for the night”.

Her: “Oh, she did say in passing. Who is she going with”?

Me: “Nobuntu”. She laughs.

Her: “She is now besties with that ugly girl? Wonders shall
never end. Why would she even befriend someone like
her? She is letting the squad down”.
Me: “Since when have you become this petty? How dare you call
another girl ugly? You have some nerves! If you don't have
anything good to say I will suggest that you keep quiet. Stop
uttering nonsense, it doesn't suit you, sometimes you need to
taste your words in your tounge before you spew rubbish, nxa”.
She gasps. “I'll be outside if you need me, even this tea has a

bitter taste suddenly”. I put the mug in the sink, and walk
out leaving her stunned. I am tired of these girls calling
Nobuntu ugly, they need to get a life.

“Hey big brother. What's stressing you on your hosting day?

Don't feel like noise today”? I chuckle.

Me: “No, it's not that. What are you doing here, aren't you
supposed to be at the restaurant”? She sits down.

Her: “I am on my way there, but right now I have something

more important to tell you”.
Me: “If it's something that will lift up my mood then tell me”.

Her: “I think I might've found our sister”. I focus on her. “Our

upbringing is almost the same, and she too was left in the
hands of a grandmother who used to abuse her. She doesn't
know her father, and I've been looking at the pictures we took
together all week, and I see some resemblance between us. She

looks like me if you take your time and look at her. She also
has your nose”.

Me: “Where is she right now? Do I know her”? She nods.

“Who is it”?

Her: “I don't think you will believe me, but it's Nobuntu”.
I laugh.

Me: “Haha, nice joke. That's not funny Crecentia”. She shakes
her head.
Her: “Take a look at this picture. Take your time looking at it,
don't rush”. She hands me a picture, it's her & Nobuntu at
Banathi's. “I will leave it with you. Let me run before I run late.
Study the picture, and please keep it. Bye” she stands up, and
walks away leaving me with the picture. I take a look at it, and
they look alike indeed, but is she really our unknown sister that
I was told to find?

“Awwww, my future wife madoda, look at how beautiful she

is”. I chuckle.

Me: “Ai, Nkanyiso”.

Him: “And what's with the sour face? You look really ugly
right about now”.

Me: “It's nothing man. What are you doing here so early
anyway”? He chuckles.
Him: WTF? Dude you texted me to come, I did not come
here willingly”.

Me: “Eish, sorry man. It's just that I stumbled upon something
interesting. Something that will change our lives for a better
if not forever”.

Him: “Want to talk about it”?

Me: “Not yet, I just want to be sure about it. We might

become a family very soon, you will never know. This life thing
is unpredictable”.

Him: “Dude, are you sure that you're okay? We are a

family already”.

Me: “A real real family” he laughs.

Him: “Let me go, and get myself a beer hope you've stocked up
enough”.
Me: “The whole brewery”. He laughs, and walks away. I take
out my phone, and send Crescentia a message.

★Get me anything of hers to take to the lab for DNA testing. If

she is indeed our sister then we will to discuss a way forward★

I look at the picture again, she is indeed one of us. How will she
feel once she finds this revelation? Pheww...
25
NOBUNTU

L.M.S.S cuisine is out of this world. They used their children first
letters of their names. This restaurant is so beautiful shame,
and it's like all rich people came here. Why wouldn't they
because this place is situated in a very high class suburb area.
Everyone is wearing according to the theme Black & gold. There
are 8 of us who are serving the guests, 6 girls & 2 boys. This
other girl have been looking at me ever since I got here. I guess
people just love staring at me for the sake of staring,
everywhere I go I get stares even at varsity they give me stares
that will last me a lifetime I'm sure they all see a celebrity. She
is not a normal girl like us, she is different, she has this
anointing thing going on. You know mus, the deep Christian
type of a girl who preaches until you admit that Jesus is Lord,
but she is beautiful. Crecentia is all over the place, apparently
she is doing network what what she is recruiting people to
come to her salon, especially women. I am so dead tired,
standing on my feet almost the whole day ain't no child's play.
The launch is going very well I must say, we are placed in
different stations. Yazi this standing all day is not for me, I take
the nearest chair and sit down, I did say that heels are my worst
nightmare don't think I will ever get used to them.

“Hello Nobuntu. My name is Snikelelo Mbatha, I am a

prophetess and God's vessel”. She introduces herself sitting
down. “I know that you have lots of questions, and
unfortunately you have no one to answer them for you. You've
been suffering all your life, and you're wondering as to why God
have forsaken you in this cruel world that we live in. Why is God
not answering any of your prayers, you had a hope that once
you've moved out from your grandmother's house you will
finally find peace & happiness where you were going, but only to
be met by more abuse and being hated for no reason. God is
telling me to tell you that, the Storm that you're facing right now
will soon be over. He has had your cry, he is asking you to just be
patient with him, after all he is the God of your ancestors, God
of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. Your joy is so close, he is a God of
miracles. It's not a mistake that you are going what you are
going through right now, he has a purpose about your life. In all
of these trials & tribulations you're facing he has made it
possible for you to find your siblings, you married your husband
with a reason. He was paving a way for you to meet your
siblings, finding your siblings means finding your mother. Upon
finding your mother, your mother must apologize to her
ancestors and your father's ancestors, but first she will have to
pray to God to show her the light, and ask for forgiveness. God
loves you Nobuntu. He is not deaf to your pleas nor blind your

tears. He knew you before you were born. You are living your
life according to his will. Do you see that girl over there”? She
points at Crecentia. I nod,

I am still trying to wrap my head around what she is saying to

me right now. She is saying a lot, but I am honestly not
understanding her.
Her: “What do you see when you're looking at her”?

Me: “I see nothing” she chuckles.

Her: “That girl you are looking at right now it's your sister. Your
brother asked him to get anything of you so that they can go and
do a DNA test, but God was like. That's not necessary because
the connection you both share goes way deep. He said ‘I the
Lord will make it happen’, and he made your paths to cross. Both
your upbringing is similar, put 2 & 2 together, and you will come
out with a perfect solution. You see that God loves you because
he has made it possible for you to meet your sister sooner than
expected, look at her. It's okay, she is your blood. Her & Mnqobi
loves you. They always defended you at

all times when their friends made fun of you or called you
names. Just this evening, your brother's girlfriend made fun of
you, but your brother defended you. That's how much they love
you. They loved you before they can even know you”. Ey, ey,
this prophetess is driving me insane. I don't remember the seer
mentioning me having siblings, what is this girl say kanty?
Her: “The ancestors won't reveal everything to the seer, and
God won't reveal everything to me. What they reveal to me is
not what they will also reveal to the seer, we are both
important in our own unique ways, and there is a time when
we get the same revelation, but in different forms. He is of
ancestors, and I am off God, but we both do the same work of
reaching out to those who need our help. Call unto God for
help, talk to him when in pain or broken he will clearly hear
you, and heal you. Another thing is becareful of those around
you, just because you smile with them that doesn't mean that
they have good intentions for you. You're surrounded by
snakes, pray to God to reveal them to you. I know that it's a lot
to take in, take all the time you need to process all of this. God
loves you always keep that in mind. Oh, and until your mother
makes things right you will not know happiness even if you've
found your siblings. Pray that God softens her heart, and she
will find the courage to do the right thing. I know I said a

mouthful, but please let it sink in your mind. Take care”. She
stands up, and walks away leaving me star struck... Ey, this girl,
Jesus my God. What on earth was all that about! I take a look
at Crecentia, and now that the prophetess mentioned we do
look alike just that she is a yellow bone, and I'm dark. If Mnqobi
wants anything of mine to be taken to the lab for testing, this
means that he knew about the possibility of me being his sister,
but how & when did he find out? Aunt Ncumisa did say that my
mother had a son. This woman evil! Who leaves their kids in
another woman's door step? Neglecting your children for a
mere dick? A mere dick Bahlali? No, maybe that's the reason
why my grandmother hates me because she was chasing dick.
This is just... Wuhhh, I Kant!

★»★«

NKANYISO

6 hours later, and Mnqobi is still not in a good mood I wonder

what's wrong. It seems like I'm the only one noticing because
everyone is going on about their lives. I walk up to him since he
is standing near the braai area deep in thoughts with his hand
deep in his pocket, and his other hand holding a can of hot
Heineken.

“Bruh, what's really stressing you? And don't tell me that it's
nothing because I can see that you're not fine. Talk to me, you
can't die inside”.

“Aren't you supposed to be having fun with the others”?

Me: “Why would I when the host is drowning in stress? Did

you and Londiwe had a fight because she too doesn't look
good, or maybe you did not want us to come? You should've
texted us, clearly we are boring you guys”/ he chuckles.

Him: “No, we did not have a fight just a little misunderstanding

about what she did that I didn't like. I am not drowning in stress,
and seems like everyone is enjoying themselves. Dude,

you the only person who notices that I am not myself. Are you
sure that you are not gay”? I laugh.
Me: “Have you ever seen a handsome gay like me? Nigga
please”. He chuckles. “Then what's going on? Because
whatever it is it seems like a heavy issue”. He sighs.

Him: “I might've find my sister that I was told to look for”. I

widen my eyes.

Me: “Say what? That's a good thing man. Where did you
find her”?

Him: “I am not sure yet if it's her we are just waiting for DNA
tests then we will take it from there, but from how Crecentia
describes her, and the pi... I think she might be our sister,
but then again you know that people look the same”.

Me: “Hmmm

why do a DNA test if you are not sure that she is your sister? By
you wanting to do a DNA test shows that you know deep down
that she is your blood sister, you just want assurance”. He sighs.
“Tell me if I'm wrong”. He shakes his head.

Him: “You are very much correct. I just want proof that she is
indeed our sister, I know that she is. The resemblance is there,
plus she has my nose”. I laugh.

Me: “Then she must be ugly, phela wena umubi”. He laughs,

and shakes his head.

Him: “You are the last person to talk. If I were you I was
going to do myself a favour, and continue drinking until I've
had enough”. He laughs. “You're so not ready for the reveal”.

Me: “Argh, whatever. Since it was said that she is close to some
people here in our clique, do I maybe know her”? He chuckles.

Him: “No, you don't. You love skirts too much”.

Me: “Dude, I've changed. I have my eyes in one woman now,
no more wandering around. It's time I grow up, and focus more

on my life I am trying to change. That's why I am trying to

limit my drinking”.

Him: “Hmmmm, you must really love this girl for you to
even want to change to be a better man, hhayi ndoda you're
whipped”. I laugh.

Me: “You don't like it that I am changing to be a better man? I

understand that is hard my friend, but you will be fine. You
still have some drinking buddies, fish tanks that is”. He laughs.

Him: “God is indeed alive. A whole you changing? A fuck

boy? God must be celebrating in heaven”! Chuckling. “You
are missing one thing though”.

Me: “And that is”?

Him: “I hear you talking about change, and having eyes for one
woman, but you still tag Athile to all our hostings”?

Me: “WTF? I didn't come with her, one of the girls

must've invited her. Why would I invite someone who I've
blocked everywhere? That girl is obsessed”.

Him: “And obsessed girls are very dangerous. She might ruin a
good thing for you, and this girl that you changing for”.

Me: “That is when she will know what I'm made off. She
will know me, and will regret ever crossing paths with me.
Yhey, she will see her underground gang naked running on
the streets”. He laughs.

Him: “Yazi, you love that too much forgetting that she
is married”.

Me: “Yes, she is married, and definitely not inlove. So, I decided
that I will propose love to her”. He gasps.
Him: “WTF man? How are you going to do that? Do you
think she will agree to dating you”? I chuckle.

Me: “She will have no choice, but to agree to be mine. I will

treat her better than Zweli, in fact I will knock her down”. He
laughs.

Him: “Whoa, whoa, we are talking pregnancy already? Boy, if

you still value your life you will not dare knock her down”. I
chuckle. “On the real though, have you thought about
Zweli's feelings in all of this”?

Me: “Why would I think about another man's feelings? I am

not gay, and no I don't care about his feelings. Is not like he will
care anyway because he made it very clear from the word go
that he doesn't love her, so I'll be sparing her the mystery”.

Him: “And your friendship”?

Me: “It will survive”.

Him: “Hmmm, I see. Now, what will happen once she relocates
to Pretoria”? I chuckle.

Me: “Dude, I relocate too. I will ask for transfer at work. Plus, I
heard that she is studying pharmacy. You know what, I will
ask Zweli to allow me to tutor her since I am familiar with
pharmacy. Hau, we even doing the same thing” he laughs.

Him: “That's also an Idea, but don't make babies while tutoring
her, She must complete her degree. Pregnancy is a no, no for
now”. I chuckle.

Me: “Yeah right. I'm sure you're feeling better now, I mean
you're even smiling this shows that I made a good job. I
made you laugh. So, when am I getting paid”?

Him: “Never. You the one who owes me not the other
way around, hha”.
Me: “TF? Erhh, I don't owe you shit! I've been meaning to
ask, where is Cresentia? I haven't seen her since I got here”.

Him: “She went to a new restaurant launch”.

Me: “Who did she go with because Thabo is here bored

as hell”?

Him: “With Nobuntu, and no they didn't tell me which

restaurant because I know that's the following question that
will come out of your mouth. She will meet us at the club later
on”" I laugh. Mnqobi is useless, yoh.

“Guys the food is ready”. Londiwe.

Mnqobi: “We are coming shortly, we still busy talking

important matters here. You can cover our food”. She nods,
and walks away.
Me: “But I am hungry”.

Him: “Go & eat, I am not in the mood”.

Me: “I don't mind feeding you”. Laughing.

Him: “Hhayi fok. You're one dumb fucker I've befriended,

let's go”.

We walk away laughing...

★»★«

NOBUNTU

Whoever is knocking is not giving up! I check the time, and it's
just after 01:00am, TF! Who can that be because we dropped
off Crecentia at some club. It can't be criminals either because
the house has guards, and a very tight security. It better be
not Zweli or else, Ishuu, God, help me.

“Who is it”?

“It's me Nkanyiso”/ Haibo! What is Nkanyiso doing here so

late?... I get up from the couch, and attend the door allowing
him in. He comes in, he is drunk, and he reeks of alcohol mixed
with a smell of weed.

Me: “What are you doing here so late”? He looks at me for

sometime then cups my face, his hands are cold. He looks me in

the eyes, and he brings his face closer, our lips brush against
each and he kisses me. I am standing here frozen, guys he just
kissed me! He parted my lips apart, and I find myself kissing him
back. Lord, I just sinned please forgive me, but temptation
bahlali, I had to give in the devil is a liar. He breaks the kiss, and
looks at me.

“I can't do this anymore. Nobuntu I love you. And it hurts that

I can't have you because you're married, it hurts knowing that
Zweli doesn't love you, but he is keeping you as a prisoner. I
want to tell you one thing though, I will fight for you. Be it that
my friendship with Zweli ends then let it be, because I can't
change the way I feel about you”. He kisses my forehead, and
places my face on his chest embracing me.
“I love you too” it comes out as a whisper. I didn't mean to say
it out loud, but he heard me.

Him: “I know”. Checkmate. Now, where to from here?

26
NOBUNTU

Waking up to an empty bed is not what I was expecting, I was

expecting that by the time I open my eyes Nkanyiso will be the
first thing I see, pshhhh, I was just fooling myself. Maybe I read
too much into this, I swear it was the alcohol in him declaring
his love for me. Gosh, I am such a fool to even tell him that I
love him too. I take my phone hoping that he sent me
something, but nothing. Mxm ayikho lento. My phone rings and
it's Crecentia I still can't get over what Snikelelo said about us
being siblings. If it's true that she is my sister I will be very
happy because I will finally have a sense of belonging, a real
sister who I can vent to without holding back anything. I take a
deep breathe, and answer her.

“Centia”

“Hey, Buntu. How are you”?

Me: “Sad, but I will be fine. How are you”?

Her: “I am good too. Why are you sad”?

Me: “I had dream of my crush declaring his love for me only

to find that I was dreaming, a bad dream that is”. She laughs.

Her: “You're so extra. Any plans for today”?

Me: “Burying myself with books”.

Her: “Can you please come and join us for Sunday lunch,
if that's okay with you”.

Me: “You & who and where”?

Her: “Me, Thabo, Mnqobi and Londiwe Mnqobi's fiancé”

I chuckle.

Me: “So, I am going to wine & dine with happy couples? I

know that I an single, but there's no need to make it obvious”.
She laughs.

Her: “You're a married woman in case you've forgotten, and

you won't even notice that we are a couple. We are more
like siblings together”.

Me: “Single married that is. What time must I come & where”?
Her: “I will send you the location. Should I also send an uber for
you or Khaya will bring you here”?

Me: “I'll ask Khaya to bring me. Should I bring something”?

Her: “No. Just bring your sexy self here with an

empty stomach”.

Me: “Not even wine”? She laughs.

Her: “We have a cabinet full of wine here don't worry”.

Me: “Okay, I will be waiting for the details”.

Her: “I can't wait to see you, and you won't regret coming”.
I laugh.
Me: “I better not”.

Her: “I promise. Love you, and see you later”. She hangs up. I
know that they want to take any print of me, and take it to the
lab for testing. Hehehe, I will also pretend as if like I don't know
anything. Now, should it happen that we are siblings, how are
we going to work this out? Will my mother accept me as her
daughter? I know that she has been denying my existence, but
I have this tiny hope that she will remember me once she sees
me. In all of this I also wish to find my father, I don't hate them,
really I've long forgiven them. I climb out of bed, slip my feet
into my slippers, I take my toiletries and go and take a bath.

★»★«

ZWELI
Natasha & I have decided to go on a vacation just to clear our
minds, and relax. Now that we hardly see Langa things
between us have gone back to normal she no longer talks
about Langa of which it's a good thing. We will be on vacation
for 2 weeks, we are going to Zanzibar.

“Are you packing your whole closet”? She laughs.

“Not really babe, but a girl got to have many clothes

especially with the weather constant changing that side”.

Me: “I guess we are not going to buy clothes that side then”.
She squirms

Her: “What? I need new clothes these clothes are so old, and so
out of fashion I need to keep up with the trends”.

Me: “But you just said you're packing for constant weather
changing that side, now why must we buy clothes? It's either
you take these out of fashion clothes, and throw them away or
give them to charity or burn them. We can't keep out of
trends clothes, I mean some still have their tags on them”.

Her: “Okay, okay, I will only pack few clothes. Then I will give
the rest to your fake wife I'm sure she will appreciate them”.

Me: “Get done packing we are leaving in 2 hours from now, I

will go and check on my Emails so long”.

Her: “What about the clothes”?

Me: “Do whatever you want with them”. I tell her, and walk
away. I get to the lounge, and I see a big black snake rolled
itself comfortable on top of my couch, I am terrified of snakes.
God knows how much I loathe them. I scream and run back to
my room I throw myself in, and close the door locking it,
breathing heavily.

“Hey hey, who is rushing you”? I shake my head I am unable to

talk. “What is it Zweli? What happened”?
Me: “A snake... A huge snake on the lounge on top of the
couch. There's a snake in the lounge”.

Her: “What the hell? Where on earth did the snake come
from, I mean we are staying in the suburbs for Christ's sake!
Are you sure that you saw a snake”?

Me: “You think I'm crazy? I saw a fucken huge black snake
in the lounge, go and see for yourself then come back, and
tell me”.

Her: “Are you crazy? You want it to bite me and possibly kill
me? I think we should call the snake handler because I am
not ready to die just yet”.

Me: “Please call them”. How on earth did a snake get inside the
house? I mean, the doors are always locked, and the windows
too. How did the fuck did it find itself in my lounge? Not just a
snake, but a huge fucken Python, a black one for that matter. It
is known that black represents evil, I have no doubt that
someone is bewitching me... What if Langa is the one who
came with it, and hid it somewhere? No, maarn its impossible
because we came together. I think it's someone in our clique
who is jealous, now they using black magic on me. They won't
succeed.

“The snake handler is on his way. I guess we will stay here in

this room until he arrives, I still don't understand how a snake
finds itself into the lounge”.

Me: “I suspect witchcraft. Someone is using black magic”.

Her: “It can only be La...”/ I cut her short.

Me: “Don't even start, she has nothing to do with this. I suspect
that it's someone amongst our clique”.
Her: “Haibo Zweli. How can you even think such about our
friends? We've known these people for years they can't
possibly bewitch us”.

Me: “I think I should let my father know maybe he might know

something or ask the seer to come, and check out the house”.
She quickly stands up.

Her: “No. That won't be necessary, you can't tell your father
about this. They might tell you to cancel the vacation, do you
want that ”? I shake my head. “Should it happen that it
comes again, that is when we will take action, okay”? I nod.

Me: “Where on earth is this fucken snake handler”!

Natasha's phone beeps. That must be him.

Her: “He's at the gate”.

Me: “Go, and buzz him in then”.

Her: “What? You go and buzz him in. You're the man of the
house after all”.

Me: “I am not going back out there, do you hear me? Or else
we are going to lock ourselves in this room until the snake
issue is sorted, I don't even know how it will be sorted because
the snake handler will get tired of waiting, and eventually leave
then we will be stuck with that fucken Python”!

Her: “You're such a coward Zweli! And we can't lock

ourselves in this room, we have a plane to catch”!

Me: “Then come up with a plan”!

Her: “Stop shouting at me Zweli I am not a kid”!

Me: “And I am one seeing that you're busy shouting at me”?

Her: “Look, I am sorry for shouting at you babe. I'm just
frustrated that there's nothing we can do regarding the snake
situation. If the snake handler leaves, then we will be stuck
with that Python. What are we going to do”?

Me: “I know that you won't like what I am about to suggest, but
why don't we call Langa, and tell her to buzz the snake handler
in that's if his still outside”.

Her: “As much as I don't like that witch

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but then as you've said we have no choice. Call her, and should
it happen that the snake handler is gone she must come in
here, and let us know”.

Me: “What? Come inside the house with that Python in the
lounge? What if it eats her”?

Her: “I don't care. As long as the snake will leave us the fuck
alone”. I nod. I take out my phone, and call her. She answers on
the 3rd ring.
“Are you bored”? Is this how she usually answers her phone or
kunyelwa mina?

Me: “Can you go, and buzz the snake handler in”.

Her: “Are you telling me or asking”?

Me: “I am telling you”.

Her: “No. I don't want to, and don't ever ask me for
something if you can't utter a simple ‘please’ you lack
manners”. I sigh. This girl really knows how to test me.

Me: “Okay. Can you please go, and buzz the snake handler in”?

Her: “That's better. But why don't you buzz him in yourself”?
Me: “There's a black Python sitting comfortable on my couch”.

Her: “Seems like you're not very fond of surprise visits. Let me
go, and buzz him in”. She hangs up. What did she mean about
“surprise visit” or could it be possible that was one of my
ancestors visiting me? Impossible, never heard of ancestors
that turn into snakes. This is all witchcraft, nothing else.
Natasha is busy painting her nails. My phone rings, and it's
Langa.

“There is no snake handler here”.

Me: “He left already? That was quick, can you please do me
another favour”?

Her: “I hope it doesn't require me calling the snake handler”.

Me: “No. Can you please come inside the house just to check
if the coast is clear”/ she laughs.

Her: “You want me to die? The last time I checked I was not
allowed in that house”.

Me: “I know, but we are really desperate. I will get you anything
you want”. Natasha stops painting her nails, and gives me a
disapproving look.

Her: “I want a wine cabinet, and a mini bar freezer”.

Me: “I will get you them just do me this favour”/ she hangs up.

Natasha: “You will get her everything she wants? Really Zweli”?

Me: “Yes, I will”.

“It's clear. There's no uninvited guest you can come
down”! Langa shouts from the lounge.

Me: “How sure are you”! I shout back.

Her: “Me letting you know should be evident enough that

there's no snake, I need to get going. I am running late”.

Me: “Thank you. You heard her. the coast is clear you can go,
and check”.

Her: “What”?

Me: “Time is running out we might as well cancel the vacation”.

Her: “You wouldn't dare. I will go, and check”. She tips toe out
of the room, I chuckle. If the snake is no longer there, then
where did it dissapear to? This house should be fumigated, just
in case.

Her: “It's all clear, but where did it go”?

Me: “That's the question I'm asking myself”.

★»★«

MNQOBI

Pacing up & down is not helping me. I am nervous about the

lunch, I don't know how the lunch will go, and I haven't told my
mother about Nobuntu yet.
“Stop pacing up & down you're making me dizzy”.

“I wish it was that easy Crecentia, I am so nervous. Do you

think she will come”?

Her: “Don't be, and yes she will come. Relax she doesn't bite”.
Laughing.

Me: “I am trying to relax, trust me. Are you done setting the
table? I mean, is food cooked thoroughly”? She laughs.

Her: “Everything is perfect, let's go, and sit down while waiting
for her to arrive”.

Me: “Aren't we supposed to welcome her”? She laughs.

Her: “You will be making it obvious. Let's go, and sit down, and
please behave like a normal person”. She pulls me by my hand,
and we walk to the garden that's where we will be having
lunch. Londiwe is drinking her wine having a conversation with
Thabo and this other guy that came with him. Apparently
Crecentia wants to hook him up with Nobuntu. If only she knew
that Nkanyiso will eliminate anything that threatens him in
being with Nobuntu, except for Zweli of course. Londiwe
doesn't know that Nobuntu might be a sister, she has a big
mouth. All she knows is that Nobuntu is coming to join us for
lunch as Crecentia's friend.

Londiwe: “Can't we just start eating already, I am hungry”.

Me: “You can eat it's fine. The rest of us will wait for Nobuntu”.

Her: “Pshhh, is she a Queen of London or something”? She rolls

her eyes.

Me: “No, but she is Crecentia's friend, and we will wait for her
no one is stopping you from eating”.
“So sorry I'm late I had things to do”. Athile. What is she doing
here”?

Londiwe: “You are right on time friend the Queen of London

hasn't arrived yet. I hope you guys don't mind Athile, I
invited her since everyone is inviting their friends”. I chuckle,
and shake my head, I take my phone, and text Nkanyiso.

Crecentia: “Oh, it's fine. The more the merrier, but where
is your date”?

Her: “Nkanyiso is having lunch with his family, so he couldn't

come”.

Crecentia: “Then why are you not with them? I mean, you are
the girlfriend right”?

Her: “Oh, I didn't want to intrude”.

Crecentia: “That doesn't make sense”.

Londiwe: “Can we dish up now”?

Crecentia: “Mnqobi said eat, no one is stopping you”.

Her: “Fine. Friend you can dish up for yourself because the
Queen of London is not arriving anytime soon”.

“I guess I'm that Queen. Greetings everyone, and I'm so sorry

for arriving this late, my driver got lost”. she smiles,
Crecentia stands up, and hugs her. Londiwe chuckles...

Her: “Welcome babe. You can take a seat next to Luphindo”.

Nobuntu: “Thank you Crecentia”.

Her: “Let me introduce you to everyone. This is Mnqobi my
brother, you know him so I don't even why am I introducing
him”. Laughter. “This is Londiwe his fiancé, and that is Thabo
my boyfriend, and Luphindo. Last but not least Athile. Everyone
this is Nobuntu”.

Nobuntu: “Great to meet all of you”.

Londiwe: “Do you use make-up”?

Her: “No. Why”?

Londiwe: “I was going to be shocked at the fact that even

make-up can't hide your ugliness” she chuckles, then looks at
Athile.

Her: “Care to share your experience of name calling me with

her”?
Athile: “Never mind her. Let's eat”.

Luphindo: So, Nobuntu. After here, dessert at my place”?

She chuckles.

Her: “I will pass, thank you”.

Him: “Why are you playing hard to get? You are hard to want
anyway”/

Her: “Then why are you busy entertaining me”?

Londiwe: “Because you look like an attention seeker. First we

had to wait for you as if you're someone important, now you
are trying to act fresh on us”?

Crecentia: “Do something Mnqobi. Reprimand them

or something” I chuckle.
Me: “Don't worry”.

Luphindo: “So, dessert in my house”?

Her: “No! And can you please stop touching me you are making
me uncomfortable”.

Athile: “Stop acting fresh, allow the guy to entertain you,

you won't die”.

Her: “No. I don't want him to entertain me, and please

stop touching me in appropriately, you are making me
uncomfortable”.

Liphindo: “Don't be uptight. It's just a touch”.

“You heard the lady. Stop touching her, and move out of that
chair I will take it from here. I don't want to repeat myself,
move”. Luphindo looks at him, and quickly stands up. He
goes, and sit next to Athile. Nkanyiso sits down next to
Nobuntu, everyone looks at them confused.

Me: “Welcome man”.

Him: “Thanks My G”.

Athile: “I thought...”. He cut her short.

Him: “I am not here for you, I am here for Mnaobi. We can

start eating”.
27
[NARRATED]
After Nkanyiso arrival the table became awkward for Athile,
Crecentia, Londiwe and Thabo. Mnqobi is very much
pleased with his presence since he's the one called him.

Thabo: “Hau dude, I thought that you were having lunch

with the family”.

Nkanyiso: “I was, but my presence was needed here so I had

to leave in the middle of lunch”.

Athile: “But, I've asked you to come with me, and you refused”.

Nkanyiso: “That's because we are not dating, and I wasn't in the

mood to see your face. You Mr over there, why were you busy

touching Nobuntu in an appropriate manner even when she

told you not too”?

Londiwe: “Why do you care whether he touches her or not?

What's in it for you”?
Nkanyiso: “I wasn't talking to you Londiwe. You should really
learn to mind your business, you're old. Start acting your age,
and stop meddling in other people's discussion”. She gasps
upon hearing Nkanyiso telling her that.

Athile: “That's not nice Nkanyiso. She was asking, why do you
care so much for the girl for you to even leave in the middle of
the family lunch just for her or are you fucking her”? Nobuntu
stops playing with her food, and everyone divert their attention
to Nkanyiso. He chuckles, and looks at them.

Nkanyiso: “Even if I was fucking her, is there a problem”? He

asks his hand caressing Nobuntu's thigh. Londiwe laughs, and
gives a very jealous Athile a look.

Londiwe: “Of course there is! She is married to your best

friend Nkanyiso, how heartless can you be”!
Crecentia: “Yet you were ready to give her to Luphindo on a
silver platter knowing very well that she's married? Now, how
heartless is that”?

Athile: “But this is different Nkanyiso. He is a stranger while you

are his best friend, there's a big gap there”.

Nkanyiso: “Different my foot. Why are you defending him? Are

you also fucking him”?

Nobuntu: “This is unnecessary guys, can we please enjoy the

meal without quarrelling”.

Londiwe: “And who are you tell us what to do? This is my

fiancé's house, not your house”. Nobuntu chuckles.

Athile: “Yes, tell her. She thinks she's all that, as if we enjoy
seeing her ugly face”!
Mnqobi: “Th...”. Nobuntu cuts him short.

“Allow me. This is between me & your fiancé, and

Nkanyiso's want to be girlfriend”. Londiwe laughs.

Londiwe: “Between us? Girl you're not in our league, we

can never have a ‘between us. Know your types”.

Nobuntu: “Yet you're shaken by my mere presence, in fact at the

mention of my name you all get worked up, and resort to calling
me names. I mean, don't you ladies ever get tired of saying the
same thing every day? ‘You are ugly? It's boring, and getting
pretty old. If you want to take me on, come to me with your
qualifications, hold a deep and sensible conversation with me.
You're right about one thing though; me not being on your
league because our level of thinking it's not the same. I can't be
talking make-up, weaves & new fashion trends everyday. Once in
a while we have to talk about currency, the happenings that are
happening around the world, challenge each others intelligence,
you know. Tell me here, if we were to sit down over brunch just
the 3 of us, will any of you be able to hold a decent meaningful
conversation with me”? They all look at her,
and none of the girls say anything. “Thought as much. Next
time choose your battles wisely, you may call me names, but
I'm still far better than the both of you combine. Mnqobi, I
don't want to lie to you. I don't like your fiancé, she is rude
and very disrespectful. Should it happen that you marry her,
do me a favour and don't invite me because I won't come”.

Londiwe: “Leave”! Nobuntu laughs.

Nobuntu: “Look at you. You can't even utter few sentences to

me. You're are clearly not in my league, and no. I will not leave,
and another thing. What I do with Nkanyiso, it's none of your
business. You girls should mind your own, can we eat now? I'm
really hungry”.

Crecentia: “In your face bitches”.

Nkanyiso: “I am proud of you, and you look beautiful by the

way”. They look at each other, and smile.
Nobuntu: “Thank you, and you not looking bad yourself. You
tried” they both laugh.

Athile just looks at them with jealousy written all over her face.
She is not going to allow a mere village girl like Nobuntu to take
Nkanyiso away from her. She will not let that happen, Nkanyiso
is what he needs in a man, and she will make sure that she gets
him. It's time she talks to Makhosazana to introduce her to that
powerful healer that she always told her about, she will also
have to eliminate Nobuntu. She looks at Londiwe, they're
communicating with their eyes.

Luphindo: “This is absurd! Why did you even invite me here,

huh? I mean, even this Nobuntu girl is behaving like a whore,
who jumps from one dick to another”. Nkanyiso's face
changes, and he squeezes Nobuntu's thigh. Nobuntu puts her
hand on top of his, and squeezes it. He turns to look at her, and
she shakes her head for Nkanyiso not to react.

Mnqobi: “How dare you! I've had enough of you disrespecting

Nobuntu”! He is already throwing in punches at Luphindo. The
girls are asking him to stop, while Thabo is trying to break
them apart.

“Nkanyiso do something! He is killing him”! Athile calls out for

Nkanyiso, who doesn't even seem bothered by any of it. Athile
looks at them, and sees how Nkanyiso looks at Nobuntu. He
never looks at her like that, not once. He never even smiled at
her, yes they are fuck buddies, but she has fallen in love with
him. She will have to act fast on her plan. Nobuntu catches her
looking at her, and she smiles at her and whispers in
Nkanyiso's ear.

“Go and break them apart before Mnqobi kills him, and we
have to talk”. Nkanyiso chuckles, and nods at her. Nkanyiso
stands up, and in just one pull he yanks Mnqobi up. Luphindo is
on the floor all bloodied, and coughing blood. Athile &
Crecentia run to Luphindo's aid, who looks badly beaten.
Nobuntu stands up, and takes Mnqobi inside the house to clean
him up.

Nkanyiso: “Leave at this instant before I do more damage to

you, and I don't ever want to see your face. If you still value
what's left of your life, you will get up from that grass, and
leave”. Luphindo stands up, and stuggers while walking away,
Londiwe just stands there, and looks at everything taking place.

Thabo & Crecentia are dumbfounded by what's going on

between Nobuntu & Nkanyiso, they looked so cozy. Of which
raises questions to them as individuals. What was supposed to
be a peaceful lunch turned out to be something else just
because two women couldn't keep it to themselves...

★»★«

MNQOBI
“You sure as hell gave him a beating he will never forget”. They
both laugh, Nobuntu busy nursing my hands.

“He pushed me. I'm sorry that you had to witness that”.

Nobuntu: “It's okay really. You don't have to apologize, you did
what you did best defending your... I mean, a woman”. I look at
her, is it possible that she knows about us being siblings? If yes

then how did she know? This is going to be easier than I've
thought, I will just hold a conversation with her, and ask her a
few questions about her upbringing, now more than ever I have
no doubt that this girl right here is my sister.

Mnqobi: “And the lunch turned into a big disaster, I'm sorry.
We will make it up to you”.

Her: “Stop apologizing, it doesn't suit you. Phela you look like
those guys who takes no nonsense from anyone”. He laughs.
Mnqobi: “Stop joking. Now, what's going on between you &
Nkanyiso”? Nobuntu looks down smiling.

Her: “It's all just a bad dream that I wish I can wake up from”.
She sighs.

Me: “How so? I mean, you guys look happy together”.

Her: “I know. He truly does make me happy, but I am a

married woman”.

Me: “You call what you have with Zweli marriage? That's no
marriage, that's a joke. I doubt he even makes you happy
like Nkanyiso does”. She chuckles. “Or am I wrong”? He
raises his brow.

Her: “Are you trying to hook me up with your friend”? She

stops bandaging my hands, and looks at me straight in the eyes.
Me: “Will that be a bad thing? I'm sure that you also love him
the same way he loves you. I mean my friend is head over
heels in love with you”.

Her: “I know, but we can never be together”/

Me: “What will stop you? And don't tell me about that married
woman bullshit, because we both know that's not an excuse”.

Her: “Well, I heard some rumours of how much of a player he

is, and he changes girls like under wear, and there's this
Athile chick who seems to be to obsessed with him”.

Me: “That girl is just forcing things. Nkanyiso is trying to change

for you, he wants to be a better man in order to be with you.
You should hear how he talks about you, the thousands of
stolen pictures on his phone, I mean you are even his
wallpaper. Guy loves you”.
Her: “Enough about me. So, you are really going to
marry Londiwe”? I chuckle.

Me: “Not anymore. She has shown me that she is very

disrespectful, and I don't like how she calls you with names as
if she's perfect. Today was the last straw, I am calling off the
engagement”. She chuckles.

Her: “I don't want to sound heartless, but good riddance to bad

rubbish. I really don't like her for you, you deserve better”.

Me: “Hau. You don't even know her, she is not that bad. It's
just that she has a choice in choosing wrong friends”.

Her: “That doesn't justify her actions. She acts like a hooligan,
and she's too old for her behaviour. No brother of mine is going
to marry a disrespectful woman like Londiwe, you rather st...”
she stops talking midway, and looks down. I guess she realizes
what she just said, I mean she called me his brother, this is so
awesome.
Me: “Hey, look at me”. She shakes her head. “You don't have to
be embarrassed about the fact that you called me ‘brother’
because it's the truth. I am your brother, your big brother that
is”. She chuckles.

Her: “Is that why you invited me for lunch? You wanted to take
any print of me and take it to the lab for DNA testing”? I
scratch my head, and nod. She laughs. “You should've just
asked me, you know”.

Me: “It was not that easy. I did not want to come out as weird,
after Crecentia told me that you might be our sister I was

shocked because it never crossed my mind that we can be

siblings”. She chuckles. “But then your upbringing and
Crecentia are very similar, and when she showed me a picture
of you I noticed some resemblance, and you have my pointy
nose. It was no doubt that you were my sister”.

Her: “Then why did you wanted a DNA test if you sure that I'm
your sister or you wanted some kind of assurance”?
Me: “Maybe” laughing.

Her: “Let's say you did the test, and the results came out
positive. How would you have approached me with the
revelation”? I laugh, honestly I don't know how I
would've approached the revelation really. “So, you had
no plan”? I shake my head, and she laughs.

Me: “None whatsoever, and I'm sure Crecentia wouldn't know

too”. She laughs.

Her: “Well, I've just saved your ass, and I heard that you were
defending me even way before you knew that we are siblings”
I chuckle.

Me: “I guess it was a distant bond. How did you find out that
we are siblings”?

Her: “A prophetess told me”.

Me: “I take it it's the same prophetess who told to me to find
you”.

“Snikelelo” we say same time, and we laugh.

Her: “Let's go to the others before your fiancé comes here

blazing fire”.

Me: “No. Let them be. We are still bonding, I want to know
everything about you, and what was Nkanyiso doing in your
room last night after telling us that he is going to the toilet” she

laughs. “He even left his car, making us believe that he

is coming back”. She laughs, okay, she likes laughing.

Her: “And I thought that I was dreaming, because when I

woke up in the morning he wasn't next to me”. She covers her
eyes, and shakes her head.
Me: “You were not dreaming. It was real, but I had to wake
him up before your manyala husband arrived”. She laughs.

Her: “You know, I also call him Manyala of a husband, and

I stored him as Manyala vele”. We both laugh.

Me: “He is Manyala indeed. So, about you and Nkanyiso”.

She chuckles, and stands up from the couch.

Her: “Nothing, nothing at all”.

“Why didn't you tell us that you took the fun to the
bedroom? We are busy waiting for you outside”. Crecentia
tells us stepping inside the bedroom.

Nobuntu: “Hha.ah sister we were catching up as brother &

sister, and you had to ruin that by coming unannounced”.
Her face lits up.
Her: “Oh my God, does this mean that...”? She points at herself
then at Nobuntu. I nod, and she goes and attacks Nobuntu
with hugs. “This is so great, but how? I mean, when”?

Me: “It doesn't matter. What matters most is that we've

found each other, and we are all the we have. We need to be
each others support system”.

Nobuntu: “We are not all that we have, we have a big family
from our mother's side. A very big family that is, iyoh. They can
fill up a bus”.

Me: “You know our mother's family? God, this is great. I can't
believe that we actually have a family”.

Crecentia: “We will have to make a day, and talk as

siblings then find a way forward”.

Nobuntu: “And how you're going to break such a bomb to your

mother, I hope that she accepts me, and do what's right”.
Me: “She will have too. I will talk to her”.

Crecentia: “I can't believe this. No wonder I loved you so

much, and the bond was too real. I've finally find myself a
shopping buddy”. Nobuntu laughs...

Me: “There's one last thing I want to do, let's go outside”.

Crecentia: “What's that”?

Me: “I am about to break someone's heart”.

Her: “Wow. Okay, let's go”. We all walk out of my room

laughing. Getting outside we find Nkanyiso is sittig with Thabo

they are busy playing with their phones, Athile & Londiwe are
having a very intense conversation.
Me: “I'm sure he is busy looking at your pictures, that's what
he does everyday”. Nobuntu chuckles. I clear my throat, and
they look at us.

“I wonder what you were doing with that whore”. Athile says.

Londiwe: “I'm sure she was opening legs for him”. I chuckle.

Me: “Londiwe”. She looks at me, and roll her eyes.

Her: “Yes”?

Me: “I am calling off the engagement, and I want you out my

house with immediate effect. Pack all your shit, you can have
the ring”. She stands up, tears are prickling her eyes.

Her: “You are joking right babe”?

Me: “Unfortunately no. You are not worthy to be a
wife, especially to me”.

Her: “Baby please. I'm sorry, I promise not to disrespect you or

call Nobuntu by names anymore”. She kneels before me, and
hugs my knees.

Me: “No. You've emotionally abused my sister, and that ends

today”.

Thabo: Wait, your sister? How did she emotionally

abuse Crecentia”?

Me: “I am not talking about Crecentia. I'm talking

about Nobuntu”.

Them: “What”?
28
BONIWE

It's been close to a week now without seeing any results.

Thabile came back 4 days ago, and Mbuso really did block me. I
am beginning to think that the Inyanga is fake, and
Makhosazana has really taken me to a con man. This Thabile
woman is beautiful, and thick too I think Mbuso loves his
women thick. Makhosazana showed me a picture of her, she
also came twice to bring Mbuso lunch. Trying to avoid Mbuso is
not easy seeing that I see him everyday, but yena he knows
how to plainly ignore me. It's my lunchtime now, I decide to
call Nobuntu so that we can catch up, it's been long since I last
spoke to her. I've been really neglecting her, I am about to dial
her number when a message comes through and it's from
Makhosazana.

★The results are showing. The rain is pouring inside the house

★
I end up not calling Nobuntu, I decide to call her, she
answers after few minutes.

“Girl, the muti is working. Thabile came here at home

complaining that Mbuso is mistreating her, and he has suddenly
changed overnight”

“You don't say girl, and here I was thinking that you took me to
a fake sangoma”.

Her: “Hhayi wena. I will never mislead you. You will finally be
with your man, got to go I will see you later”. She hangs up. I
lean back on the chair, and smile. Well, everything is coming
alright just fine it's only a matter of time before he runs to my
arms, and I will gladly welcome him. I finish eating my lunch,
and pack up when I see him going towards his office, I smile
alone. He doesn't look too happy, my phone rings, and it's the
office number. I look at it, and not answer it he will have to
wait, after all he was the one ignoring me. My phone rings
again, and it's him I look at it, and play candy crush.
“I've been calling you, and you are busy playing candy
crush, are you making me a fool”?
“What do you want Mbuso? Tired of your girlfriend already”?

Him: “You are my girlfriend, and I demand to see you in my

office in 2 minutes, should you not come I will drag you by
myself. You have 2 minutes to come to my office”. He clicks his
tongue, and walk away. Okay, Makhosazan a didn't warn me
that the muti will turn him in to a bully. I mean, he just bullied
me into going to his office, I stand up, and walk to his office,
from a distance I see Thabile approaching his office. Let me up
my pace, I need to know what they are talking about, as soon
as she closes the door I am already listening in...

“Mbuso, please tell me what I did and I will make it right”.

Him: “Leave my sight Thabile you disgust me”!

Her: “At least tell me what is it that I did, and I promise

to leave. We were fine just this morning, what changed”?
Him: “What changed is that I no longer love you. I fell out of
love with you Thabile, leave I am in love with someone else”.

Her: “But we've been through a lot together Mbuso. I will give
you the baby you always wanted just give us one more
chance, just one”. I roll my eyes.

Him: “No Thabile! Stand up, and leave my office right now,
Out”! I knock twice, and the door yanks open. Thabile is
blocking the door looking at me straight in the eyes, her
ears are puffy. You can see gore she was crying.

Her: “Is it you? Is it you who took my man away from me”? I
look at her, and she grabs me by my t-shirt pulling me inside
the office/ “Is this her Mbuso? How is she better than me?
Tell me how dammit”!
Him: “Yes it's her, and she is better than you in so many ways.
Now leave my office, and never come back. While at it pack
everything of yours, and leave my house”.

Her: “You're doing this to me Mbuso? Please Mbuso you cab

date the both of us, just don't break up with me”.

Me: “Sisi, you had you chance with him. It's time to let go of
me, and allow us to date in peace”.

Her: “Have you have no heart”?

Me: “A heart for what? The only heart I have is to love Mbuso,
so please see yourself out and leave us the hell alone. Stop
acting desperate, Mbuso doesn't want you. Leave while you
have some dignity left, a begging woman it's unattractive”.

Mbuso: “You heard my woman. Leave while you still have some
dignity, I do not want to drag you out of my office, and
embarrass you to my workers”. I turn Mbuso's face to me and
kiss him, his hands find themselves resting in my arse caressing
them, while my other hand find itself at the front of his bulge, I
unzip his zip, and takes out his shaft. I can hear Thabile's sobs
behind us, why is she still here again? Sigh. I break the kiss and
turn to look at her.

Me: “What are you still doing here? Thought you've left
Advertisement

or maybe you can't seem to open the door”? Mbuso pushes me

towards the table, and lifts up my skirt. We are about to have a
quickie before his ex girlfriend presence. He parts my legs
apart, shifts my panty to the side with his free hand since the
other one is caressing my boob. I can feel his shaft in the
entrance, in just one push he is in. I bite my lower lip as he
fucks me slowly... “Leave. Your time with him is up, he is mine
now”. I mouth to her, and smile. She shakes her head while
crying, and rush out of the office. I giggle as Mbuso continues
pleasuring me, this is confirmation enough that he is mine, and
mine alone...
★»★«

KHETHIWE [Queen]

There's nothing that annoys me than to constantly on check

who is following me when I come to my witch. Madlala is
situated in a very secluded area, where cars pass one a
month. She is a very powerful traditional healer, she
disappears problems for me. This time I want to make
Nobuntu to dissapear, and never to be heard of again. She is
one problem that I don't like. I take of my shoes, and step
inside the scary looking hut.

“Welcome my child”.

“Thank you Ma”.

Her: “Unfortunately I can't help you with what you came to do
today. They've finally reunited, there is no way you can get to
her instead you will be the one disappearing”.

Me: “What? How is that even possible? The plan was for them
to never cross paths, what happened”!

Her: “Fate played it's role. It even surpassed our black

magic there's nothing I can do from here”.

Me: “Dammit. The truth can't come out now, we will have to
make the King sick just to derail the set meeting since we
can't kill him”.

Her: “That can be arranged, but there's another problem”.

Me: “What is it”?

Her: “Someone from the past have paid your son a visit”. No,
no, this is impossible.

Me: “What? But how? Why is everything coming out so fast?

Isn't there anything we can do to stop him from visiting him”?

Her: “You're demanding a lot. For us to make it stop

visiting there must be a sacrifice”.
Me: “Sacrifice? What sacrifice”?

Her: “You will know soon”.

Me: “But why is everything coming out so fast? A lot of my

skeletons are crawling out from out of nowhere”. Then I
remembered that girl from the restaurant warning me about
them, what if she is the one behind them coming out? Phela
once the secretes come out, a lot of people will be hurt, and I
will die.
Her: “The old one have finally opened the gate. Their reunion
made the old one to open the gates, but we need to hold the
last gate once they meet the final puzzle”.

Me: “What is it”?

Her: “We need to double chain the mother, so that the newly
found sibling doesn't get through her. Her heart must be
hardened at her sight, she must something else when looking at
her.”/

Me: “Do whatever it takes to save my marriage, and my

reputation. Make sure that all my secrets stay buried”.

Her: “I will do so my child, but I must warn you. There is a

big war coming, you may go”.

Me: “War? What war”?

Her: “A war of a century. A war which you yourself won't
win”. She dissapears, who is bringing the war? This is bad very
bad, the King must be poisoned with something that will make
him bedridden. I stand up, and walk back to my car. Upon
opening my car I find a huge black snake filling my entire car, I
drop my keys, and scream. There gates are indeed open, the
witch better come through for me.

★»★«

NKANYISO

Since Zweli is on a vacation with Natasha I've asked Nobuntu

to come, and stay with me, apparently she is scared of staying
alone. Her being around it's a totally a lot of fun, I still can't
believe that she's Mnqobi's sister to think that she always
defended her, I guess they have a deep bond. Athile, has been
coming to my house announced, and luckily for me she always
comes when Nobuntu is not around. I've even changed the
locks, I also told the security not to let her in. Cooking, have
also become part of my daily routine... My phone rings, and it's
Ziyanda.

“Brother”.
“Dad called a meeting, do you have any idea what is it about”?
Me: “No clue man. He sounded very angry over the phone”.
Him: “I guess we will know at the meeting”.

Me: “Cool, see you then” he hangs. I wonder why my dad wants
a meeting, once he requests for a meeting someone did some

shit, but who? Ai. I turn off the stove, and go and check up on
Nobuntu she has been taking a bath for almost an hour now,
of which is unusual. Stepping inside my room I find her stark
naked looking at her bruised body on the mirror. At least some
bruises are fading away, but except for some scars. Tears are
running down her cheeks, she has s beautiful body that I won't
lie, as much as I am turned on sex is the last thing that should
be on my mind right now. I walk up to her, and touch her
shoulders. She jumps, and tries to pick the robe that's on the
floor I stop her, and make her to face the mirror.

Me: “You do not have to be ashamed or hide your bruises in my

presence. These are marks that shows that you've been
through a lot but you survived. These should remind you of the
pains you've endured, you have to embrace them and accept
that they are part of your life. Be comfortable in them. They are
your scars, they are your tattoos. Love them just the way I love
you, you are strong wena my love. From now on I want you to
believe in yourself, and start loving your body unconditional.
Loving yourself first is very important, I love you just the way
you are. I love you with your flaws & shit, you my girl, and I will
ride & die with you”. I turn her to face me, and I kiss her tears
then pull her into my embrace. She couldn't help it, but weep
on my chest. This woman right here, is what I will live for.

29
NOBUNTU

Nkanyiso left to his father's house his father called a family

meeting. I don't know if I should say I'm lucky or what, but
Nkanyiso has really showed me the other side of love that I
never knew existed. With each day passing by I find myself
falling deeper and deeper in love with him. Who knew that my
life will turn out for a better after all the abuse I went through,
and the pain that I've endured? God, is amazing I don't want to
lie to you. He made it possible for me to meet up with my
siblings, and giving me a man who loves me with my flaws, and
all. Someone who is not ashamed to claim me as his, I don''t
know what is it that we are doing, but no man it feels right.
Another thing I hope Zweli agrees to me being in a relationship
with Nkayiso, I will have to talk to him when he comes back
from his vacation. Since I did not come with my clothes I settle
for Nkanyiso's track pants & T-shirt, I look funny in them not
forgetting his size 11 shoes. Me & Humpty Dumpty same
WhatsApp group, I take my laptop, and walk out of his bedroom.
His lives in a 6 roomed house, and he has outside rooms that are
occupied by tenants. Oh, and there house is full of surveillance I
don't even know why he needs one. My phone

rings, and it's Crecentia she is video calling me, lately she
prefers video calling than talk with me over the phone.

“You look so damn sexy in his T-shirt. I thought that I was going
to find you in his chest, what a dissapoiment”. I laugh.

“You called too late”.

Her: “Whatever. So, today Mnqobi is going to tell our mother
about you”.

Me: “God, I hope that she will want to meet with me because I
am looking forward to building a mother-daughter
relationship with her”.

Her: “She will want to meet you just to make sure that you're
really her daughter, and we've got the results that proves that
you are her daughter. So, she will be left with no choice, but
to accept you and do what's right by you”.

Me: “That's my only wish. Where is Thabo”?

Her: “He is at work, I've been meaning to ask when last did you
talk to Makhosazana”?
Me: “It's been long. Every time I try to call her or Boniwe its
either they are busy or their phones are always off. Why
are you asking”?

Her: “I am asking because I once saw her with what used to be

your servant, they were going to some traditional healer, that
man is said to be powerful”.

Me: “I wonder what they were doing there because Boniwe

knows that if she doesn't feel well, she must call the seer back
home he will know what to do. Maybe she was accompanying
Makhosazana, who knows”.

Her: “Maybe you're right, but I have this bad vibe about them
yazi. They make my skin crawl, especially Makhosazana”.

Me: “Hau, yet here I was thinking that you are all friends, wasn't
she making your skin crawl back then”? She shakes her head. “I
can't really say much about her, but she seems like a good
person, and she also welcomed me with warm hands. She never
made fun of me like some of your girls from your clique”.
Her: “Maybe I am reading too much into this. Anyway, let me
get back to work I have customers who are looking at me like
they want to kill me”.

Me: “When are you doing my hair”?

Her: “Any time you are free, you can always pop in, and I swear
to God, I will attend you first” laughing.

Me: “Awwww, the perks of having connections with salon

owners. I will stop by soon, and please tell Mnqobi to call me
once he has finished talking to your mother”.

Her: “She's also your mother you better normalize calling her
that, bye”. She ends the video call. I pray that Mnqobi gets

through our mother, I really need her, maybe she might even
tell us about our father. All of a sudden I get this urge of
wanting to pray, I mean this has never happened before, and
praying no longer excites me hence I've stopped praying.
“Listen to the voice. Don't brush it away. Kneel down now, and
don't doubt the power of prayer”. I swear I can hear Snikelelo
telling me, this is scary, but let me satisfy the urge. What am I
going to say though? I mean, I always prayed to God to give me
a better life, and save me from the abuse of my grandmother.
Now, that he has helped me what must I say? Sighs, well, there
goes nothing. I kneel down...

★Heavenly father. Here I am kneeling before you asking for your

guidance & protection from any harm that is threatening to

come my way. From these snakes that are waiting to strike me,

may their plans not succecced. I would also like to thank you for

the gift of life, and everything I have currently. May you soften

my mother's heart, so that she will accept me as her daughter. I

plead with you God, to please lead me through a right path, I am

a sinner, yes I know, but God I am a human & I make mistakes. I

give everything to you, every battle that is threatening my life I

leave it in your hands, I call upon the blood of Jesus to cover me.

In whatever you do in my life, may you

also do it to Nkanyiso. Protect him from any harm, not

forgetting my siblings. In Jesus name, I believe that it is

done. Amen★

I get up from the floor. Well, that's the least I can do in terms of
praying, and I hope he has heard my prayer. Let me go, and
make myself something to eat then bury myself with
assignments.

★»★«
NKANYISO

It is only now that my father decides to grace us with his

presence. He looks good in his 3 piece suit, he looks like a real
business man. He greets us, and sit down on the single couch, it

is only my brothers & I. I guess one of us fucked up, and

it's definetely not me, dad is about to reprimand us.

“Thank you for coming sons. We have a delegate issue to

discuss about one of you boys. One of you is behaving like a
bitch, a whore for that matter”. Eh.eh, who is that bitch now?
“He better show himself before I point him out, and deal with
him”. We all look at each other.

Ziyanda: “Bitch, please spare us your father's wrath and

show yourself”.
Mbuso: “Why doesn't he just point out the bitch, and get
this over and done with I have a woman to go & entertain,
she needs my attention”.

Nkosikhona: “I have no doubt that the bitch is Nkanyiso. He is

a womanizer after all, we all know that. Dad, now that we
know who the bitch is, can you tell us what he did, I mean we
don't have all day some of us have lives”. The others laugh,
mxm.

Me: “Stop right there Nkosi. I am a changed man now, I am no

longer the fuck boy you know. Maybe its you since you date
married women, enhlek one of these days we will bury you”.

Mbuso: “Point out the bitch already Mveli, or you called us here
to listen to these 2 yapping like teenage girls”?

Him: “Mbuso. I am your father, mind how you talk to me or

I will smack your head”!
Mbuso: “You wouldn't dare Mveli, I am not that young boy
anymore I will stand my ground this time”. Dad chuckles.

Him: “You've grown some balls young man, I see. Is that why
you had sex with one of our workers in front of Thabile”? We all
look at Mbuso.

Mbuso: “So, she ran to you? How childish of her. I told her
straight up that me & her are done, I see that she doesn't
take being dumped very well. She is still a young girl”.

Ziyanda: “When did you start seeing that she is still a young girl
because you were happy few days ago”?

Him: “I saw that a long time, but I did not have the courage to
end things with her. Now that I have found a woman I love, I
saw no need to keep her in my life anymore”.

Dad: “When did you realize that you love this girl”?
Him: “We've been dating for a while now”.

Nkosikhona: “So, you are just going to forget about Thabile

after everything you've been through together for this new girl?
Thabile stood by you when you had nothing, she helped you to
become the man that you are today. All the sacrifices she made
for you”?

Him: “I've never asked her to do all those things for me. She
did them willingly”/ I chuckle.

Me: “Basically she was building you for another woman who
doesn't know your struggles? Who wasn't there for you when
you had your episodes? A complete stranger who doesn't
know you? You are throwing all that away? I hope the new
pussy is worth it big brother”.

Him: “It is. Because I want to send the uncles to her family, and
yes, her pussy is better than Thabile's. I mean, she couldn't
even give me a baby for the 11 years that we were together.
She is useless
and not woman enough”. I laugh.

Ziyanda: “What the actual fuck! You've been with this girl for
what? 2 minutes, and you already want to pay Lobola for her?
What happened to take time to know her first? And you know
the reason why Thabile couldn't give you a baby”.

Him: “I know enough about her to know that I want to make

her my wife. The reason is that Thabile doesn't bear any
children, there is no such as sacred womb. She is a barren finish
& klaar”.

Nkosikhona: “But you couldn't send the uncles to

Thabile's house to pay Lobola on your behalf”?

Him: “I will not keep on telling you guys the same thing
every now & then. It's tiring, honestly. I guess the meeting is
adjourned. Can we leave now”? Dad chuckles, and shakes his
head.
Dad: “Listen here boy, and listen to me very carefully.
You're going to fix things with Thabile, and make sure that
you end things with this so-called girlfriend of yours or I will
strangle that love portion out of your system boy. Do you
hear me”. Mbuso laughs.

Him: “I will not fix things with her, she needs to go and take
a bath because I couldn't stand her small too. Oh, and for
your information I was not fed love portion”.

Nkosikhona: “Udlisiwe wena nja! And, I for one won't accept

this new girlfriend of yours”.

Him: “I don't give a fuck whether you accept her or not, but
one way or the other she is going to be my wife. Dad, you
better tell the uncles to prepare themselves”.

Dad: “No one is going to pay Lobola for that girl, and she is not
welcomed in this family, and she will never be welcomed. Since,
you are a man enough I am going to strip you off everything
you have. This girl of yours better be with you till the end
seeing that you're going to start afresh. I will be freezing your
accounts with immediate effect, let's see how you are going to
survive this, and I hope that girl will stand your episodes since
you don't take being broke very well. Just don't kill her in the
process. Meeting adjourned”. He stands up, and walks away.

Ziyanda: “You've just lost your family for a new pussy. I don't
support this new sudden relationship, I hope by the time you
realized what you've lost it won't be too late”. He stands up,
and walks away too.

Nkosikhona: “All I can say to you is uyinja, bloody Satan. Yerrr,

may your dick never erect... You annoy me, and I'm glad that I
never followed in your footsteps, bloody msoon. RHA, you
irritate me maarn, mxm”. He looks at him, and shakes his head.

“You are a dissapoiment to manhood, and that girlfriend of

yours better not come here or else, hhe”. He clicks his tongue
and walk away. Nkosikhona is not one to get pissed easily, but
Mbuso pushed his last button. She really loved Thabile, well, we
all did. She was the sweetest of them all, and very respectful.
I'm sure the girl is Boniwe, but why didn't Nobuntu tell me that
they are dating?
“Fuck this family, fuck Thabile, fuck the riches, and fuck you
too Nkanyiso. Futhy don't ever come to my office”/ I laugh.

Me: “Office? What office? You have nothing on your name

man, you are just a man with nothing. Oh, and fuck you too”.

Him: “Tsek rubbish”. I laugh.

Me: “Whatever mdeed”. I stand up, and walk away. What did
this Boniwe girl do to Mbuso? This is not the Mbuso I know
that girl must've done something to him.

★»★«

BONIWE
My phone rings, and it's a number I don't know. The plan is
to ignore it, but let me answer it since Makhosazana is busy
making us something to eat...

“Boniwe speaking, how can I help you”? Theres a person

sniffing on the other side. “Talk or just hang up dammit”!

“Hi. It's Thabile, Mbuso's girlfriend”.

Me: “Correction. You're his ex so please stop referring

yourself as his girlfriend. How can I help you”?

Her: “Can you please be considerate, and end things with

Mbuso”. I laugh. “He is the only man I've been with all my
life, he is my first everything, and I cannot live without him”.

Me: “But, you did live without him the time you were in
America. He is not yours, get that into your head. Better yet,
say it repeatedly until you let it sink in. Have some dignity, and
stop begging for a dick”/ I hang up.

“That was intense. Who was it”? She asks me placing the food
on top of the table.

Me: “It's your ex Skwiza. She was telling me to end things

with Mbuso, apparently he is her first” she laughs.

Her: “She needs to get a life, and accept that Mbuso doesn't
want her any more. The sooner she accepts that, the better for
everyone. I can't wait for him to introduce you to the family, it's
going to be so cool”.

Me: “I am also excited you know, but don't you think it will
be too soon seeing that he just ended things with Thabile”?

Her: “Not at all. She is history, and you're the in thing”.

We both laugh. Her doorbell rings. “I wonder who it is”.
Me: “Go, and check”.

Her: “No. Whoever she is must leave. People know that if

you come to my house you make an appointment, you just
don't come unexpected”.

Me: “You might as well attend to whoever since they are at

the door”. She rolls her eyes, and go and attend to the door.
She comes back with some girl who looks like a mess, she has
been crying this one.

Her: “Urh...m, Boniwe this is Athile, and Athile this is Boniwe”.

This Athile nods at me, okay. I don't like her at all, she seems
like trouble. “What can I do for you Athile”?

Athile: “I need your help, I am so desperate”.

Her: “How can I help you”?

Athile: “I need you to take me to that traditional healer of
yours”.

Her: “Oh, why”?

Athile: “I am losing Nkanyiso to some dark bitch. I need him to

notice me Makhosazana, please help me. You know how much I
love him, and you promised to help me, remember”?
Makhosazana looks at me, shame written all over her face”.

Her: “I'm sorry I cannot help you Athile. You've rejected my

help months ago so, I'm sorry, but I won't help you”.

Athile: “Please Makhosazana. I really need your help now or do

you want me to lose your brother to that dark bitch”.

Me: “Listen here baby girl. First of all, you have no right or
whatsoever to call Nobuntu names while you look like shit
yourself. Secondly, leave Nkanyiso the hell alone if you know
what's good for you. You dare try to ruin her relationship with
Nkanyiso I will kill you, you don't know how heartless I can get.
You dare get between them, and you will tell your story six
feet under. And you, Makhosazana don't even think of going
behind my back, or else I will kill you with my bare hands. I
don't want anything with Nobuntu, she has been through a
lot”. She looks at me stunned.

Her: “And who are you fat bitch”? I chuckle, and look at her.

Me: “You really want to know me? I will show you”. I stand up,
and walk to her. “I am Boniwe, and I don't mind killing you
right now”. My hand is already on her neck. “Just one squeeze,
and you're dead. Do you hear me”? She nods with tears
streaming down her cheeks. “Good girl, now leave”. She looks
at Makhosazana.

Makhosazana: “Please leave, and don't ever come back here.

Nkanyiso is happy where he is, he doesn't need any
destruction. You should know that, once things between

Nkanyiso & Nobuntu doesn't go well, you will be the first

suspect. Now, leave”. She stands up, and hurries out. I turn to
look at Makhosazana. “I will never destroy Nobuntu's happiness
like that, she deserves all the happiness she can get. But, what I
can tell you is that Athile will not stop until she gets Nkanyiso,
funny enough she's not the only one I told about the Inyanga. I
told almost all of the girls, some of them I'm sure they've slept
with Nkanyiso. It's going to be a long road”.

Me: “You did what”?

Her: “Back then I didn't know that Nkanyiso will finally

find love, and now I regret it”.

Me: “This means Nobuntu will never find peace should the
other girls take the same route, it's a mess. All we have to do is
to pray that they don't go that route, I will go to the ends of
the world for Nobuntu”.

Her: “You really are fond of this Nobuntu, hmmm”.

30
ZWELI
The vacation was not really enjoyable with the constant visit
from the snake, and my dick not erecting every time we try to
be intimate. Now more than ever I am sure that someone is
bewitching me. Natasha & I fight a lot, today we decided to go
back to South Africa, what's the use of being on a vacation
wherelse you don't enjoy it? The first time Natasha saw the
black snake, and trust me when I say it wasn't pleased because
it rolled itself in such a way that the ground shook, she fainted,
and woke up not remembering seeing any snake of which was
strange considering the fact that I remembered. The first thing I
must do when I get to South Africa I must call my father and let
him know about this snake. Plus, I've been having weird dreams
of me getting married to some woman, we look so happy
together just that I don't get to see her face. I wonder what the
dreams mean, but it is said when you dream of a wedding
someone will die. If it's true, then who is going to die? I pray it's
not my parents, I don't think I will survive without them.

“All done babes. I am ready to fly out of this hell place, I swear
to God this is a place of ghosts. I mean, what other explanation

is there about how much of a flop our vacation was? It was a

disaster”.
“A whole disaster that is. I mean, we didn't even get to be
intimate, and I am sure that you were going to get pregnant
since these were your most fertile days”.

Her: “But the ghost of this hotel had to be jealous, and

ruin everything for us. Next time we must go to Mauritius
or somewhere, because this is not on”.

Me: “Mostly definitely. I can't wait to go back to South Africa,

I miss my friends”.

Her: “I miss mine too. Oh, almost forgot. Have you heard that
Londiwe & Mnqobi have separated”?

Me: “What? But those two were happy together, what

happened”?
Her: “It has something to do about Mnqobi long lost sister
who resurfaced from out of nowhere and ruined things for
Mnqobi & Londiwe”.

Me: “Wow. That's hectic, and how did Mnqobi find his
sister? All in all, I am happy that he found her”.

Her: “You knew about Mnqobi having a sister somewhere out

there”? I nod. “And why didn't you tell me”?

Me: “I did not think it was that important, and I couldn't

tell you anything until I was sure that he really has a sister”.

Her: “So, this long lost sister appeared, and saw it fit to ruin
Londiwe & Mnqobi's engagement? She is evil. I know that
Londiwe won't take this lightly, she is going to destroy her”.
Me: “How I pity the poor sister. There must be another
reason why Mnqobi broke off their engagement, Londiwe
must've done something”.

Her: “You are starting”.

Me: “Stop defending her, you know, she has no filter just like
you. Both of you likes talking nonsense, let's go”. I pick up our
luggage and walk out of the hotel's room. I wonder why did
Mnqobi broke off the engagement between him & Londiwe.
Those two were the perfect couple out of our clique. Oh, and
I've also noticed that Nkanyiso is in love lately, his Facebook
posts and WhatsApp statuses confirms that. I wonder who is
the girl that managed to penetrate his stone cold heart, I need
to buy her a burger. After 5 years of being a fuck boy, he finally
opened up his heart to love. I am very happy for him.

“Couldn't you just wait for me”?

Me: “That could've led us to a fight hence I decided to walk

away. We've been fighting ever since we got here, let's just get
home, and have a peace of mind”.
Her: “Hmmm...”. We load our bags in the cab. She is angry,
argh, she will survive.

★»★«

BONIWE

Things between me & Mbuso are going great, but I am scared

that he is starting to become obsessed, and always wants to
know of my whereabouts. This was not the plan, the plan was
for him to love me not to control. Since he has lost his job, well
he said he resigned because it was boring him, he needed
something challenging, but rumours are out saying that he was
fired. I don't even know what to believe, even his brother
Nkosikhona did not tell us anything. By the look of things, it
looks like he hates me, he just can't stand my presence. Why
would he hate me? I mean, he doesn't even know me. Anyway
Mbuso became someone else, he even moved in with me and
accused me of dating Khaya, ai. I think going to that Inyanga
was a bad idea, Makhosazana didn't say anything about him
becoming obsessed & controlling. He also wants a baby with

me, he doesn't understand that it's too soon, hhayi yena he

wants a baby something of which I am not ready to give him
hence I use an injection. Mbuso wouldn't mind calling me now,
and ask me to send him pictures of where I'm at and with who
that's how sick he is lately, but the heart loves him like that. I
am meeting up with Nobuntu here at Tasha's, it's been long
since I last saw her. She really thought that I've neglected, and,
Oh, Makhosazana is behaving strange lately, in fact she is
becoming distant I don't know why. I will have to ask her.

“And she remembered that she has another sister. I was hoping
to find you with Makhosazana”. She says sitting down. I laugh...

“She is very busy lately. Look at you all glowing and happy. Oh,
not forgetting some weight gain”. She laughs.
Her: “Do you blame me? I mean, I am happy, plus I have a
man who loves me, and you're so beautiful”.

Me: “I am so happy for you, and thank you”.

Her: “Thank you. So, how have you been”?

Me: “Been good babe I can't complain”.

Her: “But you don't look okay. Is everything all right”?

Me: “Everything is fine, just work stress”.

Her: “You need to take a break before fatigue gets you. I mean,
your work is even refusing you off days, what type of a job is
that”? If only she knew why am I like this, she wouldn't be
talking like this.
Me: “A cleaning job, but it pays the bills”.

Her: “How are things between you & Mbuso ”?

Me: “Very great. We are so happy together, and he wants

to introduce me to his family”. She squirms in excitement.

Her: “Oh my word, this is cool Boniwe. I guess he truly loves

you, like hello; he wants to introduce you to his family. You're
one lucky girl, congratulations. I have no absolute doubt that
the family is going to love you, I mean you are one easy person
to love. Very soon he will want to pay Lobola for you”.

Me: “I know right. So, apart from being Nkanyiso's

girlfriend. What's new in your life”?

Her: “What's new in my life is that I have found my siblings, and

today I am meeting with our mother. If you were answering
your phone you would've known”.
Me: “What? You have siblings? But how, I mean how did
you guys meet”?

Her: “A prophetess told me about them, and my sister Crecentia

suspected that we were sisters when we were at Banathi hang
out joint. Then they invited me over for lunch, the aim was for
them to get my print then take it to the lab for DNA testing, well
a huge fight broke out. I was having a conversation

with my brother while bandaging his hands, and I kind of gave

it away, as the saying goes; the rest is history. Just right about
it, I guess it was part of God's plan for us to meet each other
that way”.

Me: “Argh, I am so happy for you babe. You finally have a

family, and as for me I don't want to bump into that
prophetess. I will run as far as my feet can carry me”. She
laughs.

Her: “Unfortunately for you. She comes to you unexpected, you

don't bump into her”.
Me: “Say what? Which spots doesn't she frequent? I really
don't want to find myself in her presence”. She laughs.

Her: “Why would you want to avoid God's messenger? Phela if

she comes to you, that will mean that God has a message for
you. It's not that bad, you know. I like the fact that she tells
you exactly your story, maybe she might also shed some light
about your life”.

Me: “No”. Banging the table. Everyone looks at our table, they
just like things. Nobuntu just stares at me with mouth agape,
honestly I don't know why I lost it. Okay, maybe I am scared of
this prophetess, she will expose my bad deeds. I have a very
dirty past, I'm sure she will also catch that in her prophesying
episode. It's just scary.

Her: “Whoa, I didn't mean to get you worked up about the

prophetess
I'm sorry”.
Me: “Oh, No. I should be the one who must be apologizing for
going off at you like that, I'm truly sorry. Plus the work stress is
not having any mercy on me”.

Her: “I told you to take a break from work. Talk to Mbuso to

give you a day off I'm sure he wouldn't mind, besides you've
been slaving for them. You must talk to him, I don't want you
to be hospitalized because of fatigue, or I can talk to him on
your behalf if that's okay with you”.

Me: “I appreciate the gesture babe, but I will tell him myself.
I'm sure he wouldn't mind giving me few days off”.

Her: “Perfect. Because we must really make time just the two
of us, wait and Makhosazana too plus Crecentia. A mini pyjama
party of just 4 girls talking all night with lots of junk on the side,
that would be great don't you think? Phela I miss us”.

Me: “It would be great, and I miss us too. Just then my phone
rings, and it's Mbuso. Can't he just go a day without calling
me, in fact 2 hours. I take a deep breathe, and answer it.
“Baby”.

“Hey love, how is the lunch going”?

Me: “It's going fine my love, I am with Nobuntu here”.

Him: “Is it? Give her the phone”. I remove it from my ear, and
give it to Nobuntu. He wants to make sure if it's really her.

Her: “Hello Mbuso”.

------

Her: “Oh, yes we are behaving”.

------
Her: “Okay then. Take care”.

-----

She gives me back my phone.

Him: “You have 30 minutes to get home, and please

bring something from the mall”.

Me: “I will do so. I love you”.

Him: “I love you too”. I hang up.

Nobuntu: “Love is in the air. That's good babe, I will pray for the
both of you”.
Me: “We really need it. So, regarding the issue of you
& Nkanyiso, how are you going to hide it from Zweli”?

Her: “We won't be hiding anything. I will talk to Zweli to allow

me to date Nkanyiso. I'm sure he wouldn't mind seeing that he
doesn't give a care about me or love me, so why not allow me
to date the man I love, and who loves me back? We can still
remain married, and not be in a relationship. Engani yena he is
happy with Natasha? I too deserve to be happy”.

Me: “Hhmmm. I see. Let's hope he will agree, I also pray that
he agrees, you deserve better than him. Just don't get
pregnant, you need to finish Varsity. Remember why you came
here, and don't lose yourself like I did to the things of the
world. Use double prevention if you have too, or better yet
abstain. I want to see you on a graduation gown”.

Her: “Oh, wow. Urh...m, you will see me in that gown, and we
haven't started being intimate yet, so, no babies anytime soon.
How did you lose yourself? I mean, you're working a well
paying job, and you have a man who loves you. I don't see how
you've lost yourself there, care to let me in on what you're
talking about”?

Me: “I was just saying my love. You have a bright future ahead”.

Her: “Are you sure that you are okay”? I chuckle, it's fake, but
who can tell? No one.

Me: “100% sure my love”.

Her: “When you need to talk I am here for you or you can talk
to God. It doesn't have to be everyday, maybe once in a
week. Just talk to him that's what I'm doing lately”.

Me: “Thank you babe. I needed such talk”. The last time I
prayed was 20 years back, I don't even know how praying
feels like or what one say. Ai, prayer can miss me.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

I am on my way to Crecentia's home to meet with my mother. I

am so nervous, not nervous as I was about my wedding day,
but I am too nervous in such a way that my legs are shaking. I
wonder how is she going to welcome me. Will she hug me and
give me kisses all over my face or will she just plain ignore me?
Well, I don't wish for her to ignore me, I wish for her to hug me,
and tell me that she loves me. That's all I want. Lunch with
Boniwe went well, but something is just not right about her.
She didn't look like someone who is happy, but I didn't want to

poke her she will tell me once she is ready. My phone

beeps indicating a message, and it's from Nkanyiso.
★I hope everything goes well, and your mother accepts you

with warm hands. I love you★

I smile, at least the message managed to lift up my mood.

Crecentia has given me the address to their mother's house,
and they promised to be present to make the situation less
awkward between me and their mother. Things are moving to
fast, and I am not complaining I am happy! Yazi I will have to
inform aunt Ncumisa that I've found her sister. Khaya stops at
this other house, I am so scared to step out of the car.

“Take a deep breathe, and go in. I'm sure she is also very
excited to meet you, and also have nerves just like you. The
day you have been waiting for is here. Go”. Khaya tells me. I
nod, and step out of the car. The streets are lively, actually
there's too many people roaming the streets. Soweto it is. I
make my way inside the yard, and take a deep breathe before
knocking. The Butler is closed, but the door is opened. I knock
twice, and Crecentia is the one who attends the door, she pulls
me into a tight hug.
“Welcome lil sis”/ she pulls me by my hand leading me to the
lounge. I find a woman sitting on the one seater couch drinking
tea, Mnqobi is not here I wonder where is he. I greet her, and
Crecentia tells me to sit down, I do as told, and look at this
woman who is rather disgusted by my presence this is not the
welcome I was expecting.

Crecentia: “Mama, this is Nobuntu the girl we have been telling

you about”/ she nods.

Her: “Please excuse us Crecentia, I want to talk to my daughter

in private”. Crecentia squeezes my hands, and walks away. The
smile that was plastered on her face few seconds it has
vanished. “What are you doing here”? Oh, wow, right.

Me: “I came because you've asked to meet me”. She laughs.

Her: “Meet you? Why would I want to meet you? I don't meet
hookers. Listen, and listen to me very carefully. Stop feeding my
children with this nonsense of you being their sister, you're are
not their sister, you are a curse. A young witch for that matter, I

will ask you nicely to please leave my house, and don't ever
come back or else I will kill you”. Erh, this woman. Tears are
already prickling my eyes, how can she say such to me? I
am her daughter for crying out loud, why is she doing this?

Me: “Ma...” she cuts me short.

Her: “I am not your mother. Go & look for your mother, and
stay the hell away from my kids. Now, leave my house”. I just
sit there, and look at her tears streaming down freely. Isn't this
the same woman who was said that she was very excited to
meet me? What is this now? Or maybe they did not tell her
about me, they just wanted to surprise her? Why is she
rejecting me? I don't know when she stood up, but I find myself
being dragged to the floor, this person called my mother is
actually dragging me by my afro, and it's so painful since it's
coarse.
“Uyang'limaza cela ungiyeke”! (You are hurting me, please leave
me alone) I am pleading with her to stop pulling me by my Afro
but she doesn't care. She tosses me outside, and bangs the door
close locking it in the process. I just sit there, and cry. Is this even
my mother? I don't think so, and Crecentia &

Mnqobi are not my siblings they've played me. I can hear

Crecentia and her mother exchanging words. My own
mother doing this to me? Lord, what have I done to deserve
this? What's the right prayer to pray, so that it can reach you
sooner? Yah, neh, life. I shake my head...

“You are still here? I said leave you witch”! She pours me with
cold water, and throws me my handbag, then shut the door
close. I stand up, and walk away. The pain I am feeling right
now, wow. Someone really did Pierce my heart with a spear.
Who have I wronged?

31
NOBUNTU

Crying until you get a headache has to be one of the most

painful thing ever. I still can't believe that the woman who is
my mother can do such to me, who in their right mind treat
their kids like this? She called me a curse and a witch. How am I
cursed and who cursed me? Wait, who did I bewitch? Mxm,
this woman. I know that she was denying my existence, but I
did not think that if was this deep I mean, she did not even try
to get to know me. But then, Ncumile did say that my mother is
evil, now I believe it. Crecentia & Mnqobi have been calling me,
but I am avoiding them, and I switched off my phone. I think
this was their plan for their mother to insult me and call me all
sorts of names so that they can gossip about me to their friends
knowing very well that they all hate me, argh. Who was I
fooling thinking that they are genuine, that they are really fond
of me wherelese everyone plays with me and hates me? Maybe
I am a curse indeed I just don't know it. I mean like, I've prayed
for this day to go well but God decided to ignore my prayer,
and led me straight into a lion's den. This praying thing is a
scam I tell you. God is so selective when it comes to prayers he
chooses his favourites, I am definitely not his favourite person.
What's the use of praying then? It's all useless & vile. That

woman's face was full of hatred towards me, from the very first
moment I stepped into her lounge, Yerrr. I gulp down the last
remaining glass of Namaqua, I drank it thinking that it will
numb the pain, but I was fooling myself it did nothing, I still
have a mother of all headaches, and my heart is in ruins. A
knock comes through at my door, I asked Khaya to bring me
back here I left my laptop and other things at Nkanyiso's.
Whoever it is will knock until Jesus comes back, that's if he will
because I ain't opening for anyone. I get in bed fully clothed,
and cover my head with the blanket I am not in the mood to
talk or see anyone, I just need to be alone with my thoughts. I
also wish I can sleep and never wake up, this is too much for
one person I can't help it but think, what if Nkanyiso is also
playing with my feelings and doesn't really love me? Sigh, my
life is a movie ke bioskop straight.

★»★«

ZWELI

I've been knocking in Langelihle's room for a while now, and

she is not responding. I know that she is inside because I heard
some shuffling, even last night I tried knocking wanting to tell
her that we are back since her phone was off, and she did not
respond but her lights were on. I hope nothing happened to her
I will never forgive myself should anything happen to her. My
father will literally kill me without thinking twice. I shake my
head and go back inside the house. This is so unlike her, but
then I wouldn't know because I've never actually been into her
room ever since the renovations. I find Natasha unpacking our
clothes, she has been moody ever since we came back last
night I don't even know why. I take my briefcase, and step out
of the house I am running late, and I have back to back
meetings, I've missed out on a lot even though it was for a
week. My phone rings, and it's Mnqobi I connect it to the
Bluetooth, akere multitasking while driving is forbidden.

“Dude”.

“Man. Did you maybe by any chance see or spoke to Nobuntu

between yesterday and this morning”?

Me: “No man. Tried knocking at her door since last night, but
she didn't want to open the door. Why are you asking me
about her and you sound worried”?
Him: “Things are a mess man, and by the look of things I think
she will never ever talk to us. It's bad man”.

Me: “What's going on Mnqobi? Why would she never talk to

you guys again? You & who actually”?

Him: “Man, your wife is my sister. The one I've been told to
look for”. My car comes into a reckless halt upon hearing
him telling me this.

Me: “What? Don't joke like this man I am driving”.

Him: “I am dead serious man. She met our mother yesterday,

but things did not go as expected. My mom practically dragged

her out of the house, and called her all sorts of names. She
embarrassed her luckily no one took pictures or a video”.
Me: “What the actual fuck? How did you guys found out about
you being siblings, and why would her own mother treat her
that way? That's just insane”.

Him: “Yeah, I seriously need to talk her bruh. You were my last
hope, but since she is not entertaining you too then I don't
know. Crecentia have been crying ever since. Plus mom told
Nobuntu to never ever talk to us, how sick is that”?

Me: “Whoa, H for Hektic. Why don't you call her servant,
maybe she might be able to get to her? I am running late,
you will give me a feedback”.

Him: “Sure man, and drive safe”. He hangs up. Who would've
thought that Mnqobi is Langa's brother? Life will amaze you,
and we live in a small world indeed. I am just happy that
they've found each other, but I am also not very happy. I have a
fear that Langa will tell Mnqobi how we've been treating her,
and knowing Mnqobi with his short temper he will do a real

number on us. He doesn't play when it comes to his loved ones,

I just pray she doesn't tell him. I guess I'm deep in my thoughts
when I didn't even see a woman standing in the middle of the
road, if it wasn't for the cars hooting I would've hit her. My
tyres screech as I stop my car, and she doesn't even bother
moving, she looks like a mess. Her hair messy, she looks like a
hobo but an advance hobo that is. I step out of my car, and
walk to her. She sits down on the floor, and let out a painful
wail she looks so broken. I pick her up and put her on the
pavement, at least she is safe, I walk away leaving her crying,
rocking herself back & forth. I wonder what happened to her, if
I wasn't late I was going to talk to her, but time is not really on
my side I am very late.

★»★«

MNQOBI
What my mother did was out of line! She shouldn't have done
what she did, now Nobuntu will think that we've set her up so
that our mother can insult her. If she can only answer my calls,
and allow me to explain. I just don't understand why did my
mother wanted to meet her only for her to humiliate her, I
wish I was there to protect her. But when duty calls one must
respond. Crecentia doesn't want to see anyone too, she &
Nobuntu are just behaving the same. Zweli managed to send
me Nobuntu's servant numbers, I hope she comes through for
me and get through Nobuntu. Her phone rings for a couple of
seconds before she answers.

“I am in a sex session. Who the hell are you & what do you
want”? Talk about being rude. Who answers their while
having sex? This woman is insane. “I'm on a verge of cumming,
talk”. I chuckle...

“This is Mnqobi, Nobuntu's brother”.

Her: “Get straight to the point”.

Me: “What's with the... ” she hangs up before I can even finish
my talking. Who the hell is this rude prick? I try calling her again
and this time her phone puts me though voicemail. There goes
my lead. Wait, I can also call Nkanyiso I know that he will come
through for me, I don't even know how he is going to get
through, but he will. He will make a plan. Speak of the devil...

“Brother in-law”.

“Brother in-law my foot. Where is Nobuntu”?

Me: “She is where she stays”.

Him: “Why is her phone off? I've been trying to call her since
last night, but nothing. She even left her school things in my
house”.

Me: “Well, shit happened yesterday”. I narrate everything

to him...
Him: “I better find her alive & unharmed or else you will be
burying your mother next weekend”. I chuckle, see this
fucker really loves Nobuntu.

Me: “As long as you find her intact, I don't care what you do to
my mother. Just make sure that my sister is okay”.

Him: “I'm on my way to her room, I don't care whether

Zweli finds me there or what”. He hangs up. I laugh
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told you he will come through for me, he is begging for a good
brotherhood. Kidding... A knock comes through at the door, I
wonder who could that be. I yank the door open, and I find
Londiwe standing at the door, looking good. I fold my arms and
wait for her to talk, I can see she still has the ring in her finger.

“Aren't you going to let me in”?

“Say your piece & leave I'm very busy”.

Her: “Oh, okay. Urh...m, I came here to ask for forgiveness. I
am sorry for what I did, and for calling Nobuntu by names. It
was peer pressure, you know since almost all the girls in the
clique don't like her I decided to also not like her. Natasha feels
threatened by her, and we had to be on her side since she's our
friend. I am truly sorry Mnqobi, I can even apologize to
Nobuntu to show you how truly sorry I am. My life is
meaningless without you, I have nothing to live for. I pray that
you will find it in your heart to forgive me. I am truly sorry & I
love you. When you've calmed down, and settled you know
where to find me”. She smiles, and walks away. Fake apology
speech she just gave, ai. I make myself another cup of tea, I
need to sip on something and alcohol is not an option. A knock
again, what now! I check who is it since I didn't close the door
after Londiwe left. I find my mother standing there, she is with
Sthembile her friend's daughter. She is busy blushing and
smiling, I don't dare return the smile.

“What can I do for you”?

Her: “Is that how you talk to your mother? And are you going to
let us stand outside”?
Me: “I asked. What can I do for you, phecelezi ufunani”?
Her: “Do I need a reason to visit my son”?

Me: “Since when do you visit me”?

Her: “Stop asking us questions and just let me in”.

Me: “So, you come here pretending as if everything is

okay after how you treated Nobuntu yesterday”?

Her: “What's with you and this Nobuntu? Is she perhaps Jesus
sister? I hate girls who think they are all that, and besides if
she is really my daughter as you claim, why is she dark
skinned”? I chuckle...

Me: “Maybe she took our father's complexion don't you think,
seeing that we don't know him”?
Her: “How dare you Mnqobi. How many times must I tell you
that your father is dead Mnqobi”!

Me: “That's what you want us to believe. My father is out there

alive probably thinking about us. At least tell me where is your
real family? Your real family not these fake families you always
introduce us too”. She sneers, and looks at Sthembile.

Her: “Please excuse us, as you can see this is a family matter”.

Me: “No, stand right where you are. Dear mother, where is
your real family? Or you don't want Sthembile to know
who you really are”?

Her: “That so-called family chased me away while I was

pregnant with you. They were jealous because I was
impregnated by a..., urh...m. Just know that that family is
dead to me”.
Me: “Until you are ready to tell me the truth, don't ever come
back here. This is where our relationship ends, I want you to

feel the pain Nobuntu felt when you rejected her. You've just
lost a son, I'm sure you are about to lose a daughter too.
Leave”. She looks at me with tears prickling her eyes, and lips
quivering.

Her: “H... How can you say such... Hurtful word...s to me”?

Me: “That's how Nobuntu felt when you insulted her. You are
lucky that I am not dragging you out of here, leave my house in
peace”.

Her: “Oh, I see, that witch has finally turned you against me?
You are turning your back on a woman who gave birth to you?
I am going to deal with that witch once and for all”.

Me: “And you just had to show your true colours. Oh, and
you've just implicated yourself. Should anything happen to
Nobuntu you will be the first suspect, Sthembile here is
my witness”.

Her: “Yerrrr! Let's go Sthembile before I lose it, and I will

never accept that girl as my daughter, ever”!

Me: “And you are no longer my mother. Goodbye”. I shut the

door in her face, her nerve. I don't know this woman who was
just here few minutes ago, that was definitely not my sweet
mother. That was another woman... Her nerve, nc nc nc.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

I don't understand why can't people just get the message

and leave me alone! What's so hard in doing that? I've been
ignoring this knock, but whoever it is ain't giving up.

“Open this damn door Nobu! I know you are in there. I will
count to 3, If you don't open by then I will kick down this door”!
Oh, it's the boyfriend. Chuckling, how sweet of him, but I am
not opening for him. I cover my head with the blanket, I can
hear him counting. He is bkuffing “1...2...3...”. I can hear some
shuffling, oh, it's Natasha.

“Why the hell would you want to kick down my door”!

Him: “I will fix it, don't worry”.

Her: “I know you're very much capable of kicking it down, but

don't”. Did she just say, he is very much capable? Iyoh, I leapt
out of bed and go and open for him. Lol... I think he was about
to kick the door because he comes in, and flies across the
room falling on the floor. I chuckle, and look at him. He stands
up, and fixes himself.

Him: “Were you trying to kill me”? I shake my head. “Then what
were you trying to do”? I shrug.

Natasha: “Hold up. What's going on between the 2 of you”?

Him: “Please leave us”.

Her: “I ain't going anywhere”. She steps inside my room and

covers her nose, I don't blame her. My room reeks of alcohol...
“What is that smell? Nobuntu, how do you stay in this filth”?
Argh, she must leave me alone this one my room is too clean
compared to hers anyway, it's just that right now I'm going
through some rough patch, and I'm too lazy to clean let me
just ignore her.
Me: “What are you doing here Nkanyiso”? I ask him going back
to bed.

Him: “Mnqobi sent to come and check up on you since you are
unreachable. And what the hell are you doing in that bed”?

Natasha: “Whoa. Why would Mnqobi ask you to check up on

Langa”?

Me: “Leave my room you are not welcome just like as I am not
welcomed inside your house”. She clicks her tongue and walks
out. “You can tell Mnqobi that I am breathing as you can see.
You can see your way out”.

Him: “Don't bullshit me. Go and bath I'll tidy up here so long,
you have a class in 3 hours time. I will drive you”. I just look
at him. Is he for real right now? “You should be half way done
bathing but you still here. Go, or do you want me to fuck the
pain out of you”? I chuckle, this guy is insane I take my vanity
bag, and walk out of my room. The plan was not to go to
school, but then Nkanyiso happened and by the look of
things he means business. I walk back the room.
“Nkanyiso”. He stops making my bed and looks at me. “I love
you”. I walk out before he can say anything, I guess all is not
lost I will have to call Mnqobi, and tell him that I am fine. I can't
blame them for their mother's evilness, I mean they loved
before they can even know about me... I can't allow their
mother to break us apart.

★»★«

LONDIWE
“Are you sure about this”? I nod at the Inyanga. “Give me
picture” I take out Nobuntu's picture and give it to him.
“What do you want me to do again”?

“Make her bleed every time she tries being intimate with a man.
Make people to hate her, and she must drop out of varsity. I
want her to go crazy and everyone around her to see her as a
monkey. She must smell horribly that people run away from her,
and my everything she touches become rubble.

When she goes and consult may they not see anything, also her
newly found siblings to turn their back on her. She must be
lonely until she decides to end her life”. He nods.

Him: “You must sacrifice that baby you carrying in your

tummy”. I look at him shocked. He can't be serious...

Me: “Pardon”?

Him: “That baby it's your sacrifice. Once it's born he will die,
and you will also lose your womb. That's what the gods want”.
I shake my head...
Me: “No. Not with my son please. Anything but my son please,
he is the only thing that will make me and his father to be
together again”.

Him: “There's no other way. The baby and your womb or walk
out of here and never come back”. I touch my tummy, this
baby was my only chance of getting back with Mnqobi, but
then Nobuntu must suffer. Her presence shook my life, she
ruined my life it's time I return the favour and in a very cruel
way. No one must be happy, No one!

32
[SHORT]

ZWELI
I can't help it but think of the Girl I saw in the morning. She was
really in distress, I wonder where did she end up, but I hope she
ended up in a safe place and nothing bad happened to her.
Today was really hectic for me with these backs to backs
meetings all I need is to take a bath then sleep. Natasha better
not irritate me, I step inside the house and I find her waiting
for me in the kitchen or not because she keeps on checking
Nobuntu's room via the window.

“Natasha”. She jumps in shock and give me a fake smile,

she shifts from the window.
“Hey babe, welcome back”.

“Thanks. What were you looking at”?

Her: “Who? Me? Oh, no, I was not looking at anything let me
get your briefcase for you”. She takes the briefcase from my
hand and walks away. I shake my head and follow after her.

“Babe, I need to tell you something I don't know how you

are going to take it, but I am sure that it will ruin your
brotherhood”. Is the first she says as I step into them, she
always has news.

Me: “What is it”?

Her: “Urhm, Nkanyiso is sleeping with your wife behind your

back”. I chuckle, she is full of jokes.

Me: “Now, that's funny. Nkanyiso will never go for a girl like
Langa, she is way below her league. Stop making up stories,
umdala”.

Her: “I have proof. Take a look at this”. She gives me her phone
it's a picture of Nkanyiso getting inside Nobuntu's room. WTF? I
give her her phone back and walk out. She follows behind me.

Me: “This girl will know me tonight. She has crossed the line”!

Her: “She must leave baby, kick her out”. I knock hard at her
door I feel like kicking it down, and strangle her right there. She
can date any guy she likes just not in my clique, we don't date
other people's exes. Well, not that she is one though. The door
opens, and I let myself in without even greeting, she turns
Natasha away without saying anything and slam the door shut
on her face.

“Zweli baby please let me in”.

Nobuntu: “This is my room. I decide who I allow in, and as

I've told her earlier she is not welcome here. What can I do
for you”? I look at her, she doesn't look okay maarn I wonder
what's wrong. “Since you are not going to tell me what you
want here, I was about to make some tea. Want some”?

Me: “Urhm, yes, thank you”. She nods and goes and switch on
the kettle. I study her again this she looks a little happy since
she's busy with her phone, I guess she's chatting to Nkanyiso.
Honestly I won't really blame her even if she dates Nkayiso. She
too deserve to be loved and be happy, I can't keep her
prisoner. I mean, I am happy with Natasha while married to
her, why must I not allow her to be happy with Nkanyiso while
married to me? Let me not be selfish, I will give them my
blessings if they are dating. Thinking of it this will make our
fake marriage bearable, because we will both be happy with
the people that we love while pretending to be happy to our
families. “How was varsity today”?

Her: “Argh, it was like any other day nothing interesting

happened. So, how was the vacation”? She asks me giving
me my cup of tea.

Me: “Thank you. It was a disaster, yoh, It was as if like someone

was with us trying to ruin it, what am I saying? It was ruined by
that big Python that appeared from out of nowhere. I didn't
even know what to do when it appears, but it ends up
disappearing on its own”.

Her: “That's sad of maybe it's one of your ancestors trying to

communicate with you, possibly sending you a message. I
will suggest that you call your father and tell him I'm sure he
will enlighten you or let the seer know”.

Me: “I don't believe in ancestors, they are dead spirits”.

Her: “So, there ones in the bible aren't they dead spirits”? I
scratch my head... “Thought as much. Now that we broke
the ice, what are you doing here”?

Me: “I want you to be honest with me”. She looks at me and

nods. “Are you in a relationship with Nkanyiso”? She chokes on
her tea and spills some on her couch.

Her: “Wh... What? Who told you”?

Me: “Just answer the question Langelihle”.

Her: No, we are not in a relationship”.

Me: “But do you love him? Please be honest”.

Her: “Even if I love him I can't be with him because I am
married to you. His best friend and I don't want to cause a
rift between the two of you”.

Me: “The question was, do you love him”?

Her: “Yes. I do love him. Now that you've got your answer, what
then”?

Me: “Nothing. I am giving you guys my blessings. I don't

remember when last Nkanyiso was this happy dude is in love
and you are the reason for his happiness, why not give you guys
my blessings”. She looks at me and tilt her head to the right
side not believing what I am telling her. “You, too, deserve to
be loved and be happy of which I am not giving you both of
those things. You are not binded to me, so you can date
Nkanyiso in peace. He is my best friend and if his happiness lies
with you, who am I to dispute that”? She places her cup on her
coffee table.
Her: “Whoa, whoa. Are you being for real or you are just pulling
my leg”?

Me: “I am being honest Langelihle. When Nkanyiso is this happy

is easy for him to buy us alcohol without begging him, and he
will finally agree to host us this time around. I don't even
remember when was the last he organized a boys' hangout,
now that you are in his life I am sure that he will change. Heard
that he has already started changing because he wants to be a
better man for you. Plus he also studied pharmacy I have no
doubts that he will help you

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girl that's your man. You two have a lot in common”. She
leapt from her couch and attack me with hugs, never saw her
this happy I guess she really loves Nkanyiso.

Her: “Thank you. Thank you so much for your blessings Zweli.
You have no idea what they mean to me, thank you. I think you
should also talk to him. Here I was thinking that you are going
to be angry and all that”.

Me: “I am happy if my home boy is happy. So, have you guys...

You know”? She laughs.

Her: “No. Not yet”.

Me: “If it comes to that then use a condom, I want you to

finish varsity, wear that graduation gown and make us proud”.

Her: “Thank you so much for this Zweli, may God bless you”.

Me: “You welcome”.

Her: “Can I ask you something”?

Me: “I know what you want to ask me. I don't know why I
married you, but maybe it was a way for God to reunite you
with your siblings. You had to meet them through me, I still
can't believe that you are Crecentia and Mnqobi's little
sister. No wonder they always defended you in your
absence, they were feeling it in their blood that you are one
of them. Heard what your mother did, she is heartless”.

Her: “I don't want to talk about it. I just want to forget about
everything and focus on my life, I was doing fine without her I
will continue doing so”.

Me: “I see. I would also like to apologize for how I've been
treating you, it was uncalled-for I'm truly sorry Langa. I know
that my apology can't erase the damage I've caused you
emotionally, but I'm sorry”.

Her: “You giving my relationship with Nkanyiso a blessing

it's enough for me, and I promise not to tell Mnqobi about
your bad treatment”.

Me: “Thank you. That was what I was fearing, phela he has a
short temper. Thanks for sparing me his wrath”. She laughs.
We continue chatting about random things, she is actually a
cool person I've judged her before getting to know her.
★»★«

BONIWE

I am done cooking and now I am waiting for Mbuso to come

back from his hustle. His hustle means him stealing other
people's things and sell them for a bottle. I don't know how he
got to this stage, it's bad honestly. Now he wants me to quit my
job, apparently I can't work for an enemy. He calls his own
father an enemy I don't even know why, my life is a mess I
don't know, I really don't. I came here to better my life, but
hhayi I think I am ruining it even further. I'm dragged out of my
thoughts by Mbuso who just banged the door.

“Jesus. You've scared me”.

“Who is he”? I look at him confused.

Me: “What are you talking about Mbuso”?

Him: “The man you are thinking of”.

Me: “I am not thinking about any man”. Oh, he is also insecure

he searches my phone everyday.

Him: “When are you quitting that job”?

Me: “I am not going to quit. If I quit how are we going

to survive? One of us has to pay the bills”.
Him: “I will go and look for a job. Just quit that damn job! Or
you don't want to quit because you've found a new boyfriend,
huh? Is that why”?

Me: “I am not doing this with you Mbuso. Sit down, so I can
dish up for you”.

Him: “I don't want food. Tomorrow you are not going back to
work, my word is final” I laugh.

Me: “You are out of your damn mind you don't get to tell me
what to do”! He slaps me, I touch my cheek in disbelief. Did he
just slap me? I attempt to walk away, but he slaps me again. I
return the slap, and he starts punching me hehehe I am not
backing down, we will fight until one of us gives up. I don't
know if he is naturally abusive or the muti is making him to
become one. I am losing this fight, his kicks are so painful. He
continues hitting me, I just let him be... Is this how my life will
be from now on? I need to reverse whatever shit I did to him,
this is not what I've signed up for. But Makhosazana assured me
that the muti will make him to love me not abusive and
controlling. What if she played me? Nc nc nc, I am dangerous
just like she is, I am walking with too many dead spirits in my
life, she better pray that she doesn't become one of them. I've
seen a lot of funerals to last me a lifetime. My eyes are half

closed, my body is in excruciating pain, but Mbuso is still at it. I

guess his aim is to kill me...

“Mbuso wenzani! Let her go”! That's Makhosazana's voice.

“Uzombulala myekele”! (Leave her, you will kill her) arh, she is
talking to a deaf person.

“Mbuso”! Okay, this is another man's voice I've never heard it

before. Mbuso stops beating me and quickly stand up. I think he
is scared of this person I can't even see him clearly because of
my eyes. I can hear Mbuso groan, he punched him. “Is that how
we've raised you? I thought your dad said you got help for your
temper, what triggered it? Makhosazana go and attend that girl.
Mbuso let's go I want to have a serious talk with you”.

Him: “I am not coming with you! You leave, I did not ask you to
come here take Makhosazana along with you”!
Man: “Mind how you talk to me Mbuso, I am still your uncle”.

Him: “I don't care just leave my house no one invited you

here, take this bastard girl with you”. Makhosazana is trying to
help me to sit up while Mbuso is busy exchanging words with
his uncle. I whisper in Makhosazana's ears.

Me: “I don't know what voodo shit you did, you lied to me. You
sold me false dreams. I will be coming for your life and you
won't see me coming, your life lies in my hands. Fix this mess”. I
can't see her expression but her heart tells me that she's
scared, her heartbeat is beating abnormal. I vowed to never go
back to my past life, I made a Promise but by the look of things I
think I might go back to my past dark life, people are really
stirring my hidden demons. Should they resurface no one is
going to survive my wrath not even the Queen, I know what evil
the Queen did. These people should stop stirring my demons, I
vowed to protect Nobuntu but how would I, if my demons are
threatening to cause chaos? I will have to try by all means to
suppress them... This is all a big mess.

33
MAKHOSAZANA
It's been 3 days ever since the encounter I had with Boniwe.
Her words are still ringing in my mind, I can't even sleep very
well at night especially when she said my life lies in her hands.
Those words alone made me cringe. I wonder what is she
capable of, I will have to go to the inyanga and ask him to
reverse the love spell. Yes, the spell was meant for Mbuso to be
abusive & controlling towards Boniwe not fall in love with her,
the aim is for Mbuso to kill her, but that looks like it won't
happen, ever. This will backfire very bad, and I might also die in
the process. Boniwe is clearly not like these other girls, she is
different and the inyanga did say that she is very powerful, he
too doesn't know how, but she is very powerful. The time we
were there he tried stealing the unknown powers of Boniwe,
but he was failing dismissal, powerful as he is he couldn't get
Boniwe's powers. My mind is racing with many thoughts, I can't
help but feel like my evil deeds will eventually catch up with
me. Sighs, all the evil I do to my stepbrothers I do them because
their mother used witchcraft to bewitch my mother. You see,
My mom was very much in love with our father actually they
loved each other dearly, but the boys mother didn't approve of
their relationship. She wanted to be the only woman in Mveli's
life... So, my mother decided to end things with Mveli. It was a
messy break up. She then met a new loving boyfriend but it was
already too late because the boys mother was already done
with her. Her boyfriend started being abusive & controlling
towards her, she became his punching bag and was hospitalized
for months. Her life improved for the better after she went into
hiding. We went to consult, and the inyanga did tell us that the
boys mother bewitched my mother. The aim was to kill her, but
she survived. The boyfriend is now in jail, he is going to spend
his whole life in there he really did love my mom, but the boys
mother made him become a monster that's when I vowed that I
will revenge on behalf of my mother, and the boys are the ones
feeling my revenge. Their girlfriends too must go through what
my mother went through, but I think I made a mistake. I know
my reasons may seem bleh to some of you but to me it's all
about revenge, nothing else. Oh, and by the way the inyanga
(Gwebenga) is my mother's new boyfriend of which makes him
my stepfather, no one knows that though. There's another
thing though, this one is not very ideal... Argh, they will cross
the bridge once they get there, but right now I have to reverse
the curse. I make my way inside the hut and I find him crushing
his herbs.

“Daddy”.
“Princess. What brings you here”?

Me: “I want you to reverse the love spell that Boniwe had done
to Mbuso, can you reverse it”? He sighs, and shakes his head.

Him: “It can never be reversed”.

Me: “What? Dad, you will have to reverse it Boniwe is

threatening my life if I don't reverse the curse I will be
doomed”.

Him: “There's no way to reverse it until the 6 months period

ends, and she doesn't come to renew it, only then the muti will
not work”.
Me: “We have 5 months left baba! You can only imagine what
is going to happen in these coming months if this continues? I
might be the one dying”!

Him: “I know, and quite frankly it was a bad idea for you to
bring her here. That girl has a dark Aura surrounding her, evil
hovers over her. Her soul is dark, all I can tell you is that start
praying. Pray for Mbuso to not lose it, if he looses it whatever
Boniwe have buried deep inside her will unleash, and we will
feel her wrath, me included. I don't even know what it is. Even
the mirror is not showing me anything, praying is our only
option now. Darkness & Light don't mix, those are two
different things”. This is so not happening, not! I sigh in defeat,
We've been doing this for 10 years, 10 full years, and we never
came across such. This is a disaster, a whole mess. I think I will
to have to go and consult to other izinyangas, hopefully they
will help me. I am not ready to die, even my stepfather here is
shaken by Boniwe. I am just glad that Athile did not go through
with bewitching Nkanyiso, I'm sure Boniwe's demons would've
been brought to life considering the fact that she loves
Nobuntu like her own little sister. She is too protective of her,
that's scary if you ask me.
Me: “Vele vele there's nothing we can do”? He shakes his
head, this is a mess. Yazi I wonder what will happen if Boniwe's
demons make their presence felt? Hhe kuzonyiwa... My phone
rings, and its Natasha I wonder what does she want, I excuse
myself and go outside to answer her call.

“Natasha”.

“Mfazi, I need your help”.

Me: “What is it”?

Her: “I don't know what's going on but I think Zweli is losing

interest in me”?

Me: “What? But how because you always renew the

love portion Natasha”?
Her: Oh shit! I completely forgot about it I was so obsessed
about the vacation, it completely slipped my mind. If I go
and see the inyanga will he help mara”?

Me: “When were you supposed to come and renew”?

Her: “2 weeks ago”.

Me: “What? Unfortunately for you there is nothing more you

can do, you've passed 14 days. He won't help you, I'm sorry
but there's nothing you can do”.

Her: “No no! Makhosazana he will have to help me, and besides
this was my first time not coming to renew”.

Me: “You were supposed to come it doesn't matter if it was

your first time or what. The damage has been done, the muti is
wearing off. I suggest that you go to another inyanga,
hopefully he will help you, good luck”.
Her: “Don't tell me about another inyanga! I want the inyanga
that you've introduced me too, I've paid him a lot of money”.

Me: “And he has helped you. You've brought this upon yourself,
now deal with it and stop calling me I don't owe you anything”.
Hanging up, who does she think she is yena? She made the bed,
so she must lie on it, pshhhh...

★»★«
NOBUNTU

I never thought that me & Zweli can be best of friends,

actually we are like siblings. I talk to him with everything, and
so does he. Apparently he is in love with a woman who he only
saw once, this mystery woman is occupying his mind, and he
has been driving out early in the morning in hopes of seeing
her again, talk about determination. Things between him &
Natasha are bad, peyiye relationship shame. You all know mus

biltong blames for everything, according to her I've bewitched

Zweli and made him turn his back on her, of which is not true.
Whatever he fed or did to Zweli is wearing off, thanks God for
that. Yazi ladies using muti in a man to love you never ends up
well, what happens when the muti start wearing off? Iyoh, you
guys go through a lot, but I am not judging. We all have rights.
Lately I haven't been feeling very well, my body is itching every
night especially after 00:30, I am up most of the time scratching
my body and the more I scratch allergy like thick rush would
appear. Sometimes I wake up with a swollen face as if like I was
fighting in my dreams. A lot of things are starting to annoy, I've
been praying about it but it's still the same. The doctors don't
even see anything

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Nkanyiso even took me to a prophet, and she too didn't see a

thing. I mean, I am not allergic to anything hopefully its
something that will end on it's own. Varsity is really draining
me, I swear this lectures hate me the way they treat me ai. I'm
sitting alone at the far end of the lecture hall, where I don't
even bother concentrating my mind drifts on & off any time it
feels like, and the teachers don't care. The bell rings indicating
that it's lunchtime, I pack my things and step out of the class
going to buy food at the canteen, the line is pretty long of

which is annoying me, but what choice do I have because I

am hungry?

“It's happening. You need to pray harder and believe that God
will help you, the dark forces are upon you. Pray Nobuntu, no
matter how hard the road may be, never cease praying. You are
about to experience the worst experience of your life, everyone
will distance themselves from you but whatever happens never
stop praying. Pray even in hard times, God will come through
for you. Remember to always pray, pray for your mother to, the
road is going to be hard”.

I look around me and I don't see anyone, everyone is busy

going on about their things. I swear to God I am now crazy,
why am I the only who heard the voice? Or maybe my mind
was playing tricks with me, it was all in my head, but it felt so
real. Argh, I buy whatever I came to buy and go back to class.
Stepping into the lecture hall flies fill up the hall, green flies this
is strange, and I am the only one, I don't know if I'm the reason
or what. I shake my head and step out of the class and go and
sit by the veranda. My phone rings and it's Nkanyiso, you guys
should've seen how happy he was when Zweli gave us his
blessings, Ishuuu...

“Babe”.

“My love. How are you”?

Me: “I am okay babe and you”?

Him: “I am worried about you. Anything unusual
happened today”?

Me: “Nothing babe. Well, when I step into the class few
minutes ago green flies filled up the whole lecture hall babe,
luckily for me I was alone. Now, I am sitting outside I'm even
scared to go back to class what if they appear again”?

Him: “Babe, this is not right. I don't know if you believe in

traditional healers or what, but I will have to take you there this
afternoon. I will come and fetch you, this is no longer healthy”.
My body starts itching, when itching it means that I must
scratch it, by scratching it means that I will have to be naked,
and this is not the right place to scratch myself.

Me: “Urh...m babe. I will have to call you back the itching is
starting”.
Him: “That's it! Go to the ladies' restroom I am coming to fetch
you”. I nod and hang up. I stand up leaving my food there and
run straight to the ladies rest room, I don't care about these
students who are looking at me as if I'm crazy. Looking at my
reflection in the mirror my face looks scary, I have this thick
pimples. What's going on with me? Tears prickle my eyes, this
is not right I lift my T-shirt and my body has crocodile like skin,
no no, something is not right. The itching is not giving me any
peace, I strip off my clothes and start scratching my body. My
feet are swollen, okay. Someone is definitely bewitching me,
but who?

★»★«
NKANYISO

Driving like a maniac to fetch Nobuntu at varsity I call my

father, he will know what to do in situations like these. He
answers on the 3rd ring.

“Sphakamiso”. I don't know why dad likes calling me with

this name knowing very well that I don't like it.

“Baba, I need your help”.

Him: “Talk to me”.

Me: “Please get me Dabulizizwe and tell her that I have a

situation, my girlfriend is experiencing strange things baba.
I think someone has cast a spell on her”.
Him: “Dabulizizwe is out of the country son, and she will be
back in 8 months time, I wanted her to help Mbuso too with
his situation. Why you never told me that you have a girlfriend
Sphakamiso”?

Me: “8 months? It will be too late then, and I was waiting for
the right time to introduce her to you”.

Him: “When was the right time”?

Me: “Dad please. Don't start, find me anyone who is as good

as Dabulazizwe, as in now”.

Him: “I know someone. I will text you his name and where
to find him. He specifically deals with women not men”.

Me: “You trying to tell me that he won't allow me in the hut

with Nobuntu? Then he better think again. Get him for me, and
he must expect us in 3 hours from now, bye”. Hanging up. This
man better come through for Nobuntu, Dabulizizwe is one
powerful traditional healer. She can heal any sickness and can
make you throw up any sejeso. I trust her, not sure about this
man my father is suggesting. Why is he even specifically dealing
with women and not men? Hhayi, maarn. I'm sure he deals with
women who feed their husbands love portion. But if he will
help Nobuntu then who am I to judge? In no time I am in
MEDUNSA, I call Nobuntu and her phone rings unanswered.
Erh, I step out of the car and run towards the entrance, I pass
the guards and go straight to the head office. I see 2 nurses
making their way inside the head office they are running in, I
follow after them... I find Nobuntu sitting on the floor her body
full of allergy rush and I can spot tiny blood in her skin, she is
scratching herself and her hair is a mess. I push everyone aside
and pick her up, I run out with the others are calling for me to
stop but they don't understand that my girlfriend needs urgent
help. I put her inside the car and text Mnqobi to meet with me
in 3 hours, I look at Nobuntu and she is now sleeping I guess the
nurses gave her painkillers and some injection. Who is doing
this to my Nobuntu mara? Seeing her like this really breaks my
heart. I wipe away my tears and drive off... I am going to get
her the help she needs.
★»★«

MNQOBI

Nkanyiso's message is not making any sense, who is dying? I

try calling him but his phone rings unanswered, I also try
Nobuntu and her phone is off. Dammit! I grab my car keys
from the coffee table and drive to the place that Nkanyiso sent
me the address for. After few hours of driving my car comes
into a halt since I see Nkayiso's car... I run inside the yard full of
women and go straight to the hut, I let myself in and I find the
inyanga busy with smearing Nobuntu with some herbs. Her
body looks bad, she suddenly developed an acne, a horrible
one for that matter.

“What's going on? Why is her skin like this”! Nkanyiso is

not even paying attention to me, I look at the inyanga.
“The bones did not show me anything they were just blank”.

Me: “You are a traditional healer right? I'm sure you know what
caused this suddenly bad acne, am I correct”?

Him: “I can think of a few things but her acne is associated with
witchcraft of which I, unfortunately can not heal. I will give her
some herbs to bath with and some ointment to smear before
she goes to bed. Should she get worse, I don't know. I was
going to refer her to someone who is good at healing things
like these, but she is out of the country. The herbs will not fully
heal her, but they will ease the itching, and give her some rest”.

Me: “So, when these herbs of yours finishes it will be back to

square one for her”? He nods. “Why don't you just give us
more until this person comes back from wherever she is”?

Him: “As I've said I don't work with things like these, I am just
doing what I can for now”.
Me: “Bullshit! Make sure that you heal my damn sister, do you
hear me? You better heal her of else I will burn this indumba
down into ashes”! He looks at me and shakes his head. I would
find whoever did this to my sister and I will deal with them!
Why would someone want to bewitch Nobuntu with Ischitho
nogal? Some people are brave.

Inyanga: “All done. The herbs will last for a month, there's
nothing more I can do from here”. I look at Nkanyiso, he looks
in distraught, tears falling freely down his cheeks. I've never
seen him cry this is a first, I hate seeing him this helpless. Well,
at least the inyanga gave us something that will heal her for a
month, but that doesn't mean we have to sit down and fold
our arms. We have to do all we can to get her the help she
needs and find whoever did this evil thing to her, and when I
do. May God have mercy...

34
[Short short]
NOBUNTU

My eyes are too heavy I can't seem to open them it feels like I've
been sleeping for ages. I rake my hand on the duvet cover hoping
that there's someone close by seeing that I can't open my eyes,
and there is no movement. I try opening my lips, but they are to
pursed, I can't even bring myself to part them this is a disaster.
What happened? Where am I? I'm sure this ain't heaven because
the smell is very familiar, I've been smelling it the very same
moment I fell in love... I continue raking my hand as I try to open
my eyes, I press them together and try opening them again,
slowly but surely they are finally opened. Blurry as my vision is I
can spot a figure sitting at the edge of the bed, it can only be
Nkanyiso. I pray that my voice doesn't fail me...

“Nka...Nkanyiso”. My voice comes out as a whisper. He quickly

turns to look at me then stands up and rushes towards me, it
looks like he have been crying judging by his gleamy eyes.
“Thanks God you are awake babe. You've been out of it for 72
hours, how are you feeling? Are you thirsty”? I nod. What does
he mean by I've been out of it for 72 hours? What exactly
happened to me? “Let me help you drink, sit up”. I do as told,
and he helps me drink with a straw.

Me: “I feel so tired. My body is aching. What happened”?

Him: “You don't remember anything”? I shake my head. He

nods and come and lies next to me... “Well, the usual of your
itching happened but this time it was so bad that you ended
up fainting”.

Me: “What? This doesn't make sense. So, my body hasn't been
itching for the past 72 hours”? He nods. “Well, that's a good
thing, right? I mean my life will be back to being normal
again”.

Him: “Urh...m, not completely”.

Me: “What do you mean”? He scratches his head. “What is it
baby”?

Him: “Your body my love. It's not in a very good

state, especially your skin”.

Me: “What's wrong with my skin”? I attempt to remove the

duvet, but he stops me and shake his head. “What is wrong
with my body Nkanyiso? I want to see what is wrong with
my body”! He looks at me his eyes are full of tears.

Him: “I don't want you freaking out I know how much you
insecure about your body this is much bigger than your
bruises”.

Me: “Can I just see myself and only I, can decided whether it
make me more insecure or what”! He sighs.
Him: “If you say so, I want you to know that I still love you no
matter what. You can take a look”. I look at him, and he darts
his eyes everywhere but to me. What could be so bad about
my body that he doesn't want me to see? I'm sure it's not that
bad, I first look at my arms, and they are fine. Sighs, I remove
the duvet slowly I am wearing a thick robe, iyoh. I untie it, my
skin crawls and my blood rushes all over my body tears prickle
my eyes, my skin looks so bad. I have blisters they already have
pus coming out, it looks like rotten sores there only difference
is that they are not smelling. What on earth actually happened
to my body? I should've just listened to Nkanyiso, but it was
going to be a waste of time because one way or the other I
would've seen them. Tears are already making their presence
felt, lately all I do is cry, tears have actually become my best
friend. Who did I wrong? Why is all of this happening to me? I
only came here to better my life, but it seems like I made a bad
decision. Nothing is working out, well, except for crossing paths
with Nkanyiso and finding my siblings. I wonder how long will
Nkanyiso stick around, I mean, my skin is disgusting I am even
ashamed of it. My life will never be the same again. Nkanyiso
pulls me into a tight embrace, my heart is so shattered I am 25
years for Christ's sake! How long am I going to suffer? Death
seems much better than all of this, maybe then I will have
peace and be free from the heartache caused by this cruel
world, even God himself doesn't care about me. What's the use
of praying? Argh... I wonder where is Mnqobi & Crecentia.

Me: “Who did this to me? Kanty mina ngone bani kulomhlaba”?
Sniffing.

Him: “I don't know who did this to you babe, but Mnqobi is
working on it. We will find whoever is doing this to you and
we will deal with them”.

Me: “Kubuhlungu Nkanyiso. My heart is ripping apart, tell

me here; will this be part of my life for the rest as I live”?

Him: “Not at all my love. All you have to do is to pray, God

will surely answer you”. I chuckle.

Me: “Pray? Isn't that what I've been doing all my life? How do
you pray with a heavy heart, huh? How do you pray while
complaining every day about life? Isn't it said that, you have to
pray with an open heart and never doubt him? Tell me how am
I supposed to pray when I'm suffering and questioning
his existence? How Nkanyiso, tell me”!

Him: “God will never leave nor forsake you babe. I know that
you are going through a rough path, but this is how God is
paving your way my love. You might think that he doesn't hear
you, but he does. You just don't believe in him, believe in him. If
you can't utter words let your tears to speak for you on your
behalf. Just give God a chance and I promise you, he will do
wonders for you”. I chuckle

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he is right. But how many times am I going to give God a

chance? I always do, but he never comes through for me...

Me: “Please promise me that you will never leave me”.

Him: “I promise you. I will be with you every step of the way,
no matter what happens or if people distance themselves for
you, but I promise you that I will stick with you, and I'll be your
prayer buddy”. I chuckle. “And remember that I will always love
you no matter what happens”.

Me: “Thank you. I love you too. What do you mean by

people distancing themselves for me”?

Him: “What you're going through is not easy to heal and the
people I took you to, they all did not see anything. The last
inyanga gave us some herbs and oils to use for your body, but
he told us that hey will last you for a month after then it's back
to square one”. He sighs and I chuckle.

Me: “Once more my happiness is short lived! Can I just die and
be at peace? Where there will be no sorrows or tears to cry. I
mean, look at my body, it's sickening Nkanyiso”!

Him: “And I love you that way. Be glad that the horrible acne
that was in your face is gone”.

Me: “What”?
Him: “Exactly. The ointment really helped, what I'm praying for
is that we get you more help before the month ends”. I didn't

know that men like Nkanyiso exist in this world, I guess they are
a rare species.

Me: “I love you”.

Him: “I love you too. Now, let me help you with bathing and
nurse your body, it's only day 3 babe, you will be fine. With
me by your side of course”. I chuckle.

Me: “I'm hungry”.

Him: “You will eat after bathing and I will personally feed you”.

Me: “I have hands you know”.

Him: “Yes, I know. But I am offering to help you no arguments”.

Me: “Such a bully”. Rolling eyes.

Him: “With your health state you leave me with no choice

but to strict with you”.

Me: “Yes sir. Seeing that I've missed classes, did you alert
them at the head office”?

Him: “Yes, they've been sending me your assignments and I've

already submitted them for you. You will go back to varsity
once healed, and you will be learning some modules via live
videos. You are sorted and you will surely pass all of them”.

Me: “What did I do to deserve a man like you”?

Him: “Let me see, Hmmm, you did nothing. God gave me you,
that's the only explanation. Hop on my back and stop asking
questions”.
Me: “Doesn't these blisters of mine disgust you”?

Him: “Nah, they don't”. Okay, this man is just unreal, but I am
not complaining. I hop on his back, and he walks me to the

bathroom, I am one lucky girl now. But, how long is he going

to stick around if I don't get help in time? What's worse that's
going to happen to me than this? Will I ever tale a story about
my painful journey?

★»★«
ZWELI

Langa haven't been sleeping at home for the past couple of

nights, honestly it is better that way. I can't stand her currently,
I don't even know why because she did nothing to me, but her
face disgusted me and the blisters in her body are a definite
no. I wonder how Nkanyiso handles her, her body looks rotten,
argh. My phone rings and it's my father I don't know when was
the last time I spoke to him, and the Python have stopped
visiting me of which is a good thing.

“Dad”.

“Son. How are you”?

Me: “Good dad and you”?

Him: “Good too. Where is Langa”?

Me: “She is sleeping”.

Him: “Oh, I've called to remind you about the meeting that
I've spoken to you about”.

Me: “We haven't forgotten dad we will be there in a week

time”.

Him: “Okay. Take care son and pass my greetings to Langa.

See you soon”.

Me: “Will do dad and thanks for the call, pass my greetings to
the family”. Hanging up. I've even forgotten about the
meeting, now how am I go to enjoy being in a same car with
Langa? Disgusting as she is, I will have to tolerate her, I have no
choice. If her only sister suddenly hates her too, then who am I
to like her?

“I guess this is it”. Oh, yes, I've ended things with Natasha it
wasn't just working out. We've become too disconnected, I
don't know how we've reached that point considering the fact
that we were very much in love and happy. I really have no idea
where we went wrong, she did not even fight me it's like she
knew that I have lot going on, like Langa getting better before a
week so that she can be bearable, at least she doesn't smell.
Well, the last time I checked I don't know about now.

“This is it. It was fun while it lasted”.

Her: “Indeed. Take care Zweli. You were so good to me and I

will forever remember that about you, take care”. She kisses
my cheek and wheels out her suitcase. I don't know what is but
I have a bad feeling, something is just off. Now, operation look
for the mystery woman, she is that missing puzzle in my life.
Where to start looking?
35
MNQOBI

Everything is not coming right in terms of getting Nobuntu all the

help she needs, no one seems to know how to help her. We've
gone from traditional healers to prophets but no one could help
her, it's all just a lost cause. She is no longer attending varsity and
her skin is getting worse day by day, the blisters are starting to
smell the smell is unbearable trust me. I can't help but think that
the inyanga we went to did something to her or the herbs and
ointment he gave us made her worse, and today I am going to
confront him. Nkanyiso is the best thing that has ever happened
to Nobuntu, I mean dude even took unpaid leave because he
wants to nurse Nobuntu, may God bless him not every man can
do what he does. I, too, is not that brave. I can't bring myself to
go and see her, but we do talk over the phone and video call each
other. Everyone has turned their backs on Nobuntu, Crecentia
too, her blood sister. She hates her all of a sudden and blames
her for the fallout of our crew, when she speaks about her all you
can see is hatred on her face. It is no doubt that who ever
bewitched her made sure that people who are close to Nobuntu
must turn their backs on her and hate her, unfortunately for
them they couldn't get me & Nkanyiso to turn our back on her
instead we are seeking help

for her. Seeing Nobuntu in pain really breaks my heart, I can't

stand her tears. I've even lost weight due to being stressed and
don't know where to go way forward, it's stressing honestly.
Lost in my thoughts and cooking a plan of how I am going to get
Nobuntu all the help she needs my phone rings, the numbers I
don't recognize them but I answer anyway...

“Mnqobi hello”.

“Hello Mnqobi. Urh...m you speaking to Boniwe Nobuntu's

servant”. Argh, it's that rude woman, what does she want?

Me: “How can I be of assistance”?

Her: “Firstly I would like to...”. I cut her short.

Me: “Cut it with the apologies and tell me why did you call me,
I have things to do and you are wasting my time”.

Her: “Oh, wow. Okay. I am looking for Nobuntu I've been trying
to call her but her phone rings unanswered, do you perhaps

have any idea where she could be because I also went to

where she stays and Zweli told me that she hasn't been coming
home for almost two weeks, he too have no idea where she is”.
I chuckle, how petty of him to even lie about Nobuntu's
whereabouts, argh.

Me: “She is at her boyfriend's place, and she is not in

good health”. I can hear sigh.

Her: “Not in good health? What happened to her? Is she

maybe sick”?

Me: “It's more than that. I can give you the address if you don't
mind and you are brave enough”.
Her: “Brave enough? What are you talking about? Is she maybe
in a bad state”?

Me: “I'll send you the address maybe I am exaggerating”. I

hang up and send her an SMS of Nkanyiso's address I grab my
car keys and walk out of the house I am going to confront that

Inyanga, he will tell me exactly what he did to Nobuntu. On my

way out I see Crecentia's car pulling up right next to mine, I
roll down my window.

“Where are you going”?

“Somewhere”.

Her: “Are you going to visit that witch again”?

Me: “She is not a witch. She is your sister Crecentia and no I

am not going to her even if I was it's none of your business”.
Her: “Can't you see that she only came here to tear the clique
apart and of which she succeeded in doing so. Too bad her evil
ways are catching up to her, I wish that she suffocates in her
sleep and dies. She ruined a good thing for the clique, she is
bad news. The sooner you accept that she is a witch and a
manipulating dark skinned bastard, the sooner everything will
go back to normal. I regret calling her my sister, she is a
curse”! I chuckle.

Me: “I hope you won't regret what you are doing to

Nobuntu. She is not herself and so are you, I hope that by the
time this blows over Nobuntu will be able to forgive you. You
are neglecting her where she needs you the most”.

Her: “And you think I give a fuck whether she forgives me or

not? I don't give a fuck about that whore who jumps from one
dick to another, in all honesty who dates best friends? She is a
whore a whore. Anyway, is Nkanyiso coming to the hosting?
He better come alone and not with that nonsense. Oh, almost
forgot that she's bedridden”. I chuckle and shake my head. My
heart is aching, hearing her saying all of these things about
Nobuntu stirs my anger, but I can't do anything to her since she
is my sister.

Me: “No. He is not coming and so am I. Have a good day

and happy hosting”. She laughs and claps her hands.

Her: “You & Nkanyiso are clearly bewitched by that farm Julia.
You guys are weak and pathetic, but then by not coming you
would've saved us from contacting that witch's evil heart
seeing that she finally won you over, mxm. Pathetic boys”.

Me: “This is not you talking, but then whatever suits your boat is
fine by me. Bye”. I roll up my window and drive off. Crecentia
really has some nerve, as much she is not herself but her saying
all of those things to Nobuntu is a low blow, imagine if she said
such words in Nobuntu's presence. How would've these words
make her feel? She has been through a lot, she deserves a break
too. That Inyanga is going to give me the answers I need or else I
will burn down his indumba down to ashes as promised. Plus, I
have a petrol and a lighter. Nonsense...

BONIWE
After calling Nobuntu's brother I decided to go to the address
he has sent me. I wonder what's going on with her, gosh me
and disappearing on her, but then work keeps me busy and so
is Mbuso always nagging me, but he stopped being controlling
and beating me. Let's just say he is a good man now, he is
behaving. Oh, and now he works as a packer at pNp, it's not
much but it helps a lot. I ring the intercom and the gates slid
open after telling whoever I was talking too my name, I make
my way in and I find Nkanyiso waiting for me by the door. He
looks so pale and lost so much weight, his hair looks untidy he
looks like he is going through a lot of things if you ask me.

“Hi”.

“Hello. Come on in”. He steps inside his house and I follow after
him, his kitchen looks lovely and simple. He gestures for me to
sit in one of the high chairs, I do so while playing with my
fingers. “Anything to drink”?
Me: “Juice will do good thank you”. He nods. “Is Nobuntu
around”? He nods. “I came to see her”.

Him: “She is sleeping, but she will wake up within 5 minutes

even though she just slept, you can wait for her”.

Me: “What's really going on with Nobuntu because Mnqobi told

me that she is not in a good health, and if I'm brave enough I
can see her”.

Him: “Some witchcraft happen. And Mnqobi is right about

you being brave, she doesn't look good. She is in a bad state”.
Me: “How bad is it and who bewitched her”?

Him: “Extremely bad in such a way that I had to move one of

my tenants here inside the house and Nobuntu to the tenant's
room. And we have no idea who bewitched her and why”.

Me: “Did you seek help for her”?

Him: “Yes, and Mnqobi is still seeking but none of the
sangoma's and prophets we went see anything. We are busy
wasting money and now she is getting worse day by day, at
night it becomes worse because she hallucinates she sees
things that aren't there. I never sleep, I have to be on guard
24/7”. He is saying all of this with tears filling his eyes. “But
what choice do I have? She is my responsibility, no one wants
to be near her. They just can't stand her and some have turned
their backs on her. It is only me & Mnqobi who seem to care
about her, but Mnqobi is scared to come near her”.

Me: “Oh, but why wasn't I informed”?

Him: “It must've slipped our minds. We are going through a

lot, it's too much”.

Me: “I understand”. Nkanyiso's phone beeps and he looks

at me.
Him: “She's awake, let's go. You are going to need this”. He
gives me a mask, oh

okay. Is she smelling that bad in such a way that we must use
masks? Hmmmm, let me go and find out. We walk out and go
to this other room, the windows are open. “I hope you won't
vomit”. He opens the door and the smell is just too strong even
this dust mask is not helping and there are flies all over this
room, it's sickening honestly. How does Nkanyiso survive in
this? This is one unbearable smell, sies! She parts a curtain with
his hand and moves to the side giving me the whole view. My
stomach turns I want to puke, this is disgusting. I, I can't hold it
any longer. I rush outside and throw up everything, I don't think
I am going back inside the door let me just leave, I can't stand
that horrible smell I will come back I don't know when. I am
already outside Nkanyiso's yard waiting for my uber to arrive.
What on earth was that? That's not the Nobuntu I know, hhe...
That's a witch in a form of Nobuntu, never and never again will

they see me here. Maybe this is the reason why they didn't
inform me, they knew that I wasn't going to stand whatever I
just saw. How does nkanyiso do it? He is brave and have some
liver. My uber arrives, I get inside in and off we go I don't think
I will sleep tonight.

NKANYISO
I am not surprised by Boniwe's actions, I'm used to them. I
mean, even some healers turned us away I've been praying
every day asking God to heal her, I know it's a slow progress,
but I know that he will answer me one of these good days.
Hmmm, It's hard trust me, but I am all that she's got, if I turn
my back on her, who would look after her. Everyone has turned
their backs on me including my own family, basically Me &
Nobuntu have each other that's just about it. Things have gone
from bad to worse. I had to cut her afro since it had ants and
worms coming out of it. Her blisters are now huge and oozing
blood, worms are having a field on her body, her face is scary
that horrible acne came back 3x than how it was before. Her
speech is impaired I hardly understand what she's trying to say
most of the time, her skin from her hands is peeling off, and she
has lost too much weight, her collarbone is too pointy now. In
fact, she is a skeleton but alive and breathing, oh and I also
change the bedding twice a day, I go and stand before her. She

looks at me her eyes full of tears if I didn't know any better I

would say that she is dying, but nah she is alive. I take her
hand, and she squeezes my hand, I can't help but shed a tear.
Yazi if it was up to her she'd rather die but it's not happening,
instead she is suffering. I don't think I will ever be whole again
should it happen that God remembers her, I pray that he heals
her instead so that her enemies will be in dismay. They are
celebrating wherever they are, but it won't be long because the
God I serve will not forsake me. They might rejoice in our
sorrows, but we will be the last one to laugh. My phone rings, I
take it out of my pocket and it's my mother I wonder what does
she want because she made it very clear not to bother her with
my business. Now, what does she want?

“Thembi”.

“Where are you because you are not in your house”?

Me: “What do you want”?

Her: “I'm here to give you a helping hand regarding

the situation you told me about”. I chuckle.

Me: “You're too late. The damage has been done, no one
wants anything to do with us what makes you think that you
can handle us, now”?
Her: “Give me the chance Nkanyiso. Allow me to help you I
am your mother”. I sigh.

Me: “Do you have a mask with you because you will need one”.

Her: “I don't have any. Why”?

Me: “Because you will need it”.

Her: “Just tell me where you are Sphakamiso”!

Me: “The last room starting from your right”. She hangs up.
I look at Nobuntu who looks like she is in excruciating pain...

“What on earth is this horrible smell Sphakamiso. Did you bury

a dog in here? But then dead dog doesn't even smell this
horrible”! She slits the curtain apart, she looks at me then at
Nobuntu. She has covered herself with her shawl.
Her: “And then. Who is she and why does she look so rotten”?

Me: “Nobuntu. My girlfriend”.

Her: “She is your what? Is she even alive and what's with the
flies and worms all over here? Yini? Did you dig her up from
the grave? Weren't there better bodies in that graveyard”? I
chuckle.

Me: “Please leave. My woman had been through a lot she

doesn't need your spiteful words right now, she is in pain too
and you think that she doesn't hear you? She hears everything
you are saying and you've hurt her with your words. Please see
yourself out before you upset her any further, thank you for
coming”. She gasps and looks at me... “You are still here”?

Her: “Look son. I am so sorry for all the things I've said, It was
wrong me of me I admit. I am so sorry, please forgive me. You
need to understand that this is not what I thought I was going to
come across it's just that I am taken aback by this”. I chuckle.
Me: “So that gives you the right to slur such words to
my girlfriend”?

Her: “It doesn't justify anything but I am sorry. Allow me to

help you I can see that you are taking a strain and your eyes are
tired, you've also lost some weight. This shows that you are
taking a strain in all of this, let me help you carry your burden
with you and show you that I really care about you. I mean, if
she is going to be my daughter- in-law, why not play my part?
I'm sure she will take care of me too once I'm old and fragile”. A
smile plasters on her face. “Let me help you. If you can stand
the horrible smell, why can't I? You are my son Sphakamiso, I
don't want you drowning into depression and end up losing
you. Now, take me through your everyday routine on how you
take care of her. I will take care of her in the afternoon while
you sleep and you will take care of her at night while I'm
sleeping, that way we both get to play our part”. Am I hearing
right or my mother is playing with my mind? “This is the first
time seeing you cry Sphakamiso. You look ugly, wipe those

tears wena women don't like weak men, in fact come here”.
She pulls me into her embrace, I can't help it but cry. God,
finally brought me a saviour this is only the beginning, God
is coming through for me.

Me: “Thank you mama. Thank you for everything”.

Her: “Anything for you my son. Oh, and I've negotiated with
Dabulizizwe to cut her stay short we need her here, she said
she will think about it. I will also ask her to help your woman
after helping Mbuso, that brother of yours will be the death of
me, yoh. Whatever possessed him is hectic. Anyway let me go
and make you guys something to eat, you both need to eat”.
She looks at Nobuntu. “You are going to be fine darling, you
just need some food to gain your strength back. The rest we
will give to God, we will bear the smell. Son, let me go and
prepare the meal”. She pats me on my shoulder and walks
out, God is amazing. This is only the beginning of good things
to come, I hope that Dabulizizwe will come sooner than
expected...

36
NOBUNTU
It hurts not being able to talk or move. I am as good as dead,
seeing Nkanyiso this broken and losing weight because of me
it's really heartbreaking. I wish I could just die and save him all
the misery I'm putting him through, his life is stuck all because
of me, but then again I am so grateful to him if it wasn't for him
I would've probably given up. He is risking his job for me of
which he might lose, if that's not love then I don't know what
is. I need to get better for him but how can I when I'm getting
worse day by day instead of getting better? Do you know the
pain of feeling something kicking in your stomach as if there's a
baby inside you? The kicks are painful when it starts kicking it
makes sure that it hurts me to an extent of getting short
breath. I can't even scream out for help all I do is just cry
silently, it becomes worse once it starts moving in my tummy I
don't even know what it is. This is torture, death is the only
option and for the fact that I can't even see how my body looks
like, but I do know that it has worms since I've been seeing
some on my face. I did not expect Boniwe to behave the way
she did, but then who can stand me apart from Nkanyiso?
Mnqobi do call now and then of which I am thankful for, what
about Crecentia? Not once did she try to call me or text me, but

it's all cool. Yazi, I applaud whoever did this shit to me, she/he
knew what she was doing. She made everyone to turn their
backs on me but ke having Nkanyiso next to me is the only
thing that matters. Wait. What if it's the ancestors still
punishing me for sins of a woman who don't want to
acknowledge me as hers? A woman who have no hopes of
making things right? Argh, clearly this will end up with me dying
because of that selfish woman, sighs. Life is just somehow. Oh,
then Nkanyiso's mother hhe, that woman said some hurtful
words to me. I don't know why but I just don't trust her and she
is my least favourite, I have this bad feeling about her or maybe
I'm just reading too much into it. But no man, she has this weird
vibes with her I pray to God to protect me from the unknown
forces that are out to get me, what if she is here to finish me
off? Damn, she will really kill me this one. Whilst in my
thoughts I feel the bed getting wet, I am used to it because I
release everything here, but this? This is some kind of a heavy
flow of some sort. It's like someone opened a tap of water,
then I hear dripping on the floor. Okay, this is unusual. Yes, my
body is weak but now with whatever is flowing is getting
weaker, I can feel myself being sucked, like there's something
sucking the life out of me. Today I am definitely dying, there's
no doubt plus Nkanyiso is with his mother of which is rather
strange because he checks up on me every 5 minutes. It's been
more than 30 minutes since he has left, guess I will die without

saying my goodbye to him. I will be a very terrible ancestor I

will make everyone's life a living hell, especially those who were
mistreating me, mxm. I close my eyes and listen to the pains,
they've become part of me mus... The dripping continues.
★»★«

BONIWE

Ever since I arrived here in my house my heart is not at ease,

my blood is hotter than how it normally is. No, no, this can't be
happening, it can't be happening. I need to breathe and calm
down. Arizona can't come out now she has to stay where she is,
there is no way I am helping to find who bewitched Nobuntu,
Nkanyiso must look for someone who will help her just not me.
I am not the one who told her to date a man who his psycho
girlfriend or no strings attached is obsessed with him, and
resorting to go witchcraft on him. No, we are different I had
valid reasons just don't know about Athile. I guess, I might
prepare an outfit for Nobuntu's funeral, phela she is as good as
dead. Healing is not an option not unless her mother do right
by here, but then this is witchcraft and not ancestors wrath.
They will have to seek help in their own, I am not getting
involved. Yes, I've vowed to protect her, but that was then. This
is now and things change, so I am not involving myself I also
have my issues to deal with. I take a deep breath and drink
water, if I stress too much Arizona will feed on my stress and
that will bring her to life. Mbuso is not back at work yet and
tomorrow I am meeting with his family, I wonder how are they
going to welcome me. Geez, since Makhosazana disappeared I
will just have to face them alone, I hope they are good people
and will welcome me with warm hands like they did with
Thabile. Let me rest a bit before Mbuso comes back from work,
my phone rings. I look at the screen and it's a number I don't
recognize, whoever it is will have to call me back right now I
need to nap, but I sense some deep sleep overcoming me. I
hope it doesn't have anything to do with Nobuntu, andizi on
her aid.

★»★«

MNQOBI
I am mad pissed. That traditional healer ran away, when I got
there his Indumba was empty, it was like he was never there.
I will hunt him down and I will find him then burn him alive, I

should've sensed that he was bad news the very first time he
said that there is nothing he can do to help her, mxm. There
were also women there who were in tears looking for their
money, but I think it was more than that. No sane person can
stress like that, Uhhh... Which makes me wonder why was he
specifically dealing with women, not unless he was helping
them with feeding their husbands with love portion. Nc nc nc,
I pity those man. My phone rings and it's Zweli I wonder why is
he calling me.

“Zweli”.

“Sure man. When are you coming? We are waiting for you”.

Me: “Didn't Crecentia tell me that I am coming I have things to

do”? He laughs.
Him: “Things like seeking help for that ugly farm girl? How do
you seek help for a witch though? She must help herself, wena
just get here the set up is boring without you. I'm sure
Nkanyiso is busy licking Nobuntu's wounds since I heard that
worms have found a new home in her body”. I chuckle.

Me: “You don't deserve my sister man. No, I am not coming and
thank you for words, they mean a lot. Enjoy”. I hang up. The
day I will get Zweli ne, will be the day he regrets ever meeting
me. He is full of shit, yenake we can't blame witchcraft he has
always hated Nobuntu, it's nothing new but that will end. I find
myself parked at a certain church, I know it's Saturday but I
think I need to talk to God and have a serious conversation with
him. There are no many cars parked here

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only 3. I take a deep breathe and step out of the car and make
my way inside the church I don't know why I am here or what
lured me here, but here I am stepping inside the church and
there are few people who are busy reading the bible. Everyone
turns to look at me, they all look happy to see me of which is
rather strange funny enough I am not even ashamed. I feel like I
am home in a way, a man wearing a long white coat with a
black collar approaches me.
“Welcome. We've been waiting for you son”. He clasps my
hands and leads me to a seat. Waiting for me? How did he
know that I was coming? I see Snikelelo standing up walking

towards me, she looks different from how she looked like when I
first saw her at Banathi joint. She looks like a pastor's wife.

“Good day Mnqobi. Thank you for coming even though you
came late, come let's start we don't have much time.
Unfortunately for you we are going to be here the whole night
if it needs to be, there are too many evil forces hovering
around your sister. Powerful ones and one is in her mist
currently. We need to pray for her, she is too weak and doesn't
believe in God but through us she will see that he is able. You
do know that she won't heal overnight, but we are praying for
the dark one not to reach her. She must be burnt by the fire of
God, come. Chain prayer”. Who is the evil one that is present in
Nobuntu's life? What is his/her deal with Nobuntu? Will she
ever get a break? “We have to pray until her saviour comes
forth”. Erhh, this is one hectic... Why would they hate Nobuntu
so much mara? Hhe.
★»★«

ZWELI

Without the complete squad this hosting seems so dull, there is

no longer that vibe that there was before. Londiwe & Athile are
here I guess they were hoping to find Nkanyiso & Mnqobi of
which in their dismay they are not around, too bad for them.
Ben is bored since he has no one to pick on, it's boring yazi.
Londiwe comes and stands next to me, she doesn't look good if
you ask me and she looks skinny than how she was.

“Hey Zweli”.

“Londiwe”.

Her: “Long time and I heard about you and Natasha, I am

sorry”.
Me: “Argh, it's not the end of the world. We were bound
to break up soon anyway”.

Her: “So, you don't regret ending things with her”?

Me: “Nope. It feels like a heavy burden have been lifted off my
shoulders, she was like a bad omen. Good riddance to rubbish”.

Her: “Wow. Yet you've claimed to love her or was it all just
a pretence”?

Me: “How is that any of your business”?

Her: “Whoa, stop being rude Zweli. Salt already stuck on your
brain? It's barely a month since you broke up with Natasha
and salt is already showing you flames”?

Me: “No. I am a man I get sex whenever I want it. What

about you”?
Her: “Mxm. Anyway, where is Nkanyiso & Mnqobi? I
haven't seen them anywhere”.

Me: “I'm sure Nkanyiso is busy licking Nobuntu's rotten

smelly wounds and Mnqobi is seeking help for his dying sister,
of which happens to be Nkanyiso's girlfriend”.

Her: “What? I thought that you guys have all turned your
backs on Nobuntu”.

Me: “Us, yes. Not them. Mnqobi is going out of his way to seek
Nobuntu all the help she needs in the world, and Nkanyiso
doesn't want to shift out of Nobuntu's side. I mean, that fool
even took unpaid leave to take care of Nobuntu, can you
believe it”?

Her: “But how? This doesn't make any sense. She is supposed
to be smelling and have no one to care for her, how did this
happen? Why didn't they turn their back on her, clearly her
muti is strong. At least you and the others aren't weak”.
Me: “Yeah, I don't even know how they succumbed to her muti.
But wena why do you look disappointed by all of this”?

Her: “I am just disappointed at Mnqobi & Nkanyiso for being

weak, yet they always preserve themselves as strong”.

Me: “And truly speaking. Mnqobi didn't deserve a strong

woman like you, he is a weak man. You deserve someone who
is strong and can handle you”. She gives me a fake smile,
wuhhh this woman has issues. My phone rings and it's my
mother, how I missed her.

“Mom”.

“Hello son. How are you”? She sounds down.

Me: “I am good. You don't sound fine, what's wrong”?

Her: “It's your father son. He is sick, very very sick even the seer
can't seem to know what seems to be the problem”.

Me: “What? I am coming down there mama. How come can't

the seer see anything? Isn't he supposed to see or why is
father sick all of a sudden”?

Her: “I think the seer has been blinded to not see anything.
Don't come son, I will keep you updated about his health and

the meeting is canceled until further notice. Please don't stress

yourself and don't tell Langelihle, we do not want to worry her
since she is very fond of your father and just started varsity. Put
him in your prayers”/

Me: “I want to come and see my father mom. First, how bad
is he”?

Her: “He is not that bad son, but I will let you know once he
gets worse, take care and stop worrying. I will call you later,
love you”. She hangs up. What on earth is going on? First it
was Langa now my father? Whose next? This is bad and for the
fact that the seer can't see anything it's evident enough that
this has something to to with black magic. Who can be after
my father? I am no longer in the mood for anything I just need
to go home and rest.

Londiwe: “Are you okay”?

Me: “Not anymore. I need to go home”.

Her: “Oh, go well”. I nod and leave her standing there. Well,
him being sick is a blessing in disguise because I wouldn't
know how to explain not coming with Langa.

★»★«

NKANYISO
I've been out of it I don't know for how long because my head
feels heavy. The last thing I remember was my mother giving
me soup and her promising to look after Nobuntu. I am so
happy to have her here, she is really a great help I wonder
where is she. I wash my face and step out of my room, she is
not around maybe she's with Nobuntu. The sun is out to play,
clearly the heavens are happy let me go and check up on
Nobuntu. I am met by a trail of blood coming underneath the
door of the room where Nobuntu is in, no no no. Opening the
door, the floor is full of blood. I run towards her bed and
blood is dripping from her bed and she is sleeping. No! She
can't be dead, I refuse. I shake her waking her up and she
doesn't respond.

“Mama mama”! I call out to her. “Baby please wake up, don't
do this to me. Nobuntu wake up baby, you can't leave me I
need you. I swear to God I am going to kill myself, wake up
Nobuntu please I promise you if you wake up I will marry you”. I
look at the blood and remove the blanket off her and her robe
is bloody, the blood is still dripping. What caused her bleeding
and where is my mother? Fuck! I get into bed with Nobuntu
and brings her head to my chest. “Wake up baby. Wake up
sthandwasam' I need you, you've come to far to give up. Please
wake up or at least say something to assure me that you are
fine, I can see that you breathing but your breathing is shallow.
Hold on for me baby love, yoh wena Nobuntu wake up we have
a lot to achieve together”. I can't control my tears, I don't even
care about the worms that are warming themselves in my
clothes.

“Sphakamiso”!

“In here ma”.

Her: “I can't son. I can't come in I'm sorry, it's too hot in that
room. The fire is unbearable”. Fire? What fire is she talking
about because there's a fan here and the windows are open.

Me: “There's no fire ma. Maybe you've reached

your menopause”.

Her: “Arhhhh, I'm burning Sphakamiso. Ngiyasha”! I look at

Nobuntu then think of my mother, what could possibly burn
her mara? I lay Nobuntu on the bed and go and check on my
mother. She is running around the yard claiming that she is
burning, I don't even know what's burning her because
there's no fire.

Me: “Mama, what's burning you and why are you

running around my yard like a naked woman”?

Her: “Okay, Okay, I will confess. Ahhhh”.

Me: “Mom. Confess what? What's going on”? My mom is

wasting my time, I need to go and talk to Nobuntu she needs to
wake up maarn.

“Ngiphakamisela amehlo ami kuwe msindisi

Nguwe ithemba lami ekuhambeni kwami

Wena walizwa izwi lomkhuleko wami

Ngikhala kuwe msindisi

Weluli isandla sakho wangiphakamisa

Ngizolibonga, emagumbuni amane kulomhlaba

Ngizolibonga elakho igama”

I listen to where the voice is coming from and it's coming from
the room where Nobuntu is. I leave my mother running around
like a mad woman and walk in slowly in the room, I hope my
ears are not deceiving me. Slitting the curtain apart I find
Nobuntu on her knees singing, tears streaming down her
cheeks. It's a miracle, God is alive. I rush and kneel besides her
and hug her for dear life, God I thank you. His promises are yes

• amen. He has heard my prayers and for that I shall continue

serving him. I look at Nobuntu, she still looks the same but for
the fact she us on her knees and singing is evident enough for
me that God is the God of possibilities, only if you trust in him.
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37
NOBUNTU

God is good. God is a God of impossibilities. He is the Alpha and

the Omega, our redeemer. He is Jehovah Raphael... Well, that's
what the boyfriend told me. I know that I don't believe in God
and that I hardly pray with belief, but God sent me messengers
to heal me by praying for me. This shows that some of us are
alive because of other people's prayers, let's normalize praying
for each other we are going through a lot, let's be each others
prayer buddies. You know while I was sleeping listening to the
pains a song came into my mind, I listened to it, something in
me was moved. I started singing it from the heart, and my hand
twitched I thought that maybe I was imagining things. I moved
my leg and it permitted, I did the same with the other one and
it permitted too, I moved every part of my body and flicked my
eyes open my vision was very clear, I could actually see
everything. God is good people. Anyway, I found myself on the
floor and started singing the exact same song I heard in my
mind. It was talking to me in a way. Yes, my body is still the
same with the sores and the worms, but for the fact that I can
move and talk it's what I'm grateful for. This means that I will
be able to feed and bath myself, giving Nkanyiso the chance to
relax. Oh, speaking of Nkanyiso his mother ran out of this yard

like a crazy woman, as I am telling you now Nkanyiso is out

there looking for her. I heard her shouting that she wants to
confess I wonder what did she want to confess about, it
frustrates me that she left us hanging. That fire didn't do much
in terms of burning her, argh. But I hope that Nkanyiso will find
her so that she will confess. I am done taking a bathing and I
look clean, but I know that it won't be long and the bleeding
will start and the worms will make their presence felt. Yazi
having a man like Nkanyiso it's a blessing, if tables were turned
I would've done the same for him. I change the bedding then
mop the floor before the worms starts appearing, my wish is for
them not to appear and the blisters not to bleed. Looking at my
face in the mirror it's not looking good, the acne is just bad. The
room looks and smells nice, I take my phone on the bedside
stand and Mnqobi still haven't called and that's strange
considering the fact he always leaves a missed call just to show
that he has called. I punch in his numbers and dial them, he
answers after it ringing for a while...

“Nkanyiso”.

“So, does Nkanyiso talk like me”?

Him: “Whoa whoa, wait. Nobuntu is that you”?

Me: “Who else could it be? Oh, almost forgot. It could be my

boyfriend too, so, yes, it is me”.

Him: “Oh my God! But how? I thought that yo... I thought that
you were bedridden and can't do anything”.
Me: “It was like that, but I guess God and my ancestors came
through for me. I can even walk by myself now and do things on
my own without Nkanyiso's help”.

Him: “Say what? God is great Nobuntu. I hope our prayers also
helped, man I am so happy little one”.

Me: “Prayers? What prayers and you were praying with who”?

Him: “Prayers from church with prayer warriors”. It never

occurred to me that Mnqobi is a churchman, but hey I guess I
made my assumption to quick. “Tell me here, was there
someone else there apart from Nkanyiso”?

Me: “Yes. His mother was here. Why are you asking”?

Him: “Hmmm, I see. You know, she, too, was sent to come and
finish you off but we don't know by who”.
Me: “What? But she doesn't know me. Why would she want to
finish me off”?

Him: “Maybe he wanted to hurt Nkanyiso by killing you. What

else could it be? Not unless you possess special powers that
we don't know of”. I laugh.

Me: “Special powers? Oh please. If I had those special powers I

wouldn't be suffering like this”.

Him: “Maybe they are making you suffer because they don't
want you to fulfill your destiny”.

Me: “Yeah right. So, when are you coming to see me

seeing that I am no longer that rotten girl”?

Him: “I will come later today and the worms? How are they”?
Me: “Haven't seen them since I've finished bathing and no
bleeding”.

Him: “That's good and I want you to continue praying. This is

far from over Nobuntu, you must pray until your saviour comes
forth. We don't even know who that saviour is, but make
prayer your habit Nobuntu. This is only the beginning”.

Me: “The beginning? The beginning of what? I'm sure it's the
beginning of great things. I've had enough suffering to last me a
life time, so I will pass this beginning of yours, hhayi Mnqobi I
need a break. Like, I need to enjoy my relationship with
Nkanyiso and possibly make babies along the way”.

Him: “Unganya Nobuntu. A baby must be the last thing in your

mind right now, you need to heal and go back to university. I

also hope for the beginning of great things for you. Look, I
will have to call you back my pots are burning”.
Me: “Cool. When you come bring me something to eat and pass
by the shops and get me new clothes, possibly 11-12 dresses. I
am too skinny, my clothes look like blankets”. He laughs.

Him: “You are full of jokes wena and I will bring you your
food and clothes, bye”. He hangs up...

“Baby I'm hom...” he stops talking as he steps inside the room.

I watch him as he he roams his eyes around the room.

“Welcome back my love”. I tell him with a biggest smile

plastered on my face.

Him: “Whoa, I mean wow. The room looks clean my love,

does this mean that you've fully healed seeing that I see no
blood oozing from your blisters and worms moving all over
your body”.

Me: “Clearly, but then they can always surprise us. I feel like
a normal person after the rough phase I've just passed
through. Oh, and Mnqobi was praying for me too. Did you
find your mother”?

Him: “No. I've searched for her everywhere but she was no
where to be found, I still wonder what is that she wanted to
confess. Hhe babe, wonders shall never end but as long as
you are healing well my love, that's all that matters”.

Me: “Indeed. But Mnqobi said this is only the beginning, I don't
know the beginning of what and by the looks of things until my
saviour comes forth I will still suffer, ai. This is draining
honestly”.

Him: “We will be alright my love. Let's just enjoy ourselves

and forget about a lot of things, futhy I'll be with you every
step of the way”.

Me: “I know my love. So

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plans”?
Him: “How about we start making a baby”? I laugh.

Me: “Mnqobi will kill the both of us without thinking twice.

He has warned me phela”. He laughs.

Him: “He warned me before I even pursued you. He told me

straight up that he will kill me and I believe that he will”.
We both laugh...

Me: “How about you go and cook and I'll watch you, hopefully
the worms will not come”.

Him: “Why not? Let's go”. He gives me his hand and I take it,
ey I think I am going to make eat 7x a day so that you get your
weight back”. Chuckling.

Me: “And my hair”?

Him: “I will buy you weaves”. I laugh. Weaves? Me? This guy
is crazy nina! We walk to the main house hand in hand...

★«★»
LONDIWE

To say that I'm mad would be an understatement. I am

breathing fire, that stupid Inyanga did half a job and I paid him
a lot of money, how come Nkanyiso & Mnqobi are still hanging
around her? The aim was for everyone to hate her, everyone!
Approaching the Inyanga's indumba I am shocked to see that it
has been burned down to ashes. Who could've done such a
thing? Anyway, that doesn't matter. What matters is that he
played me, now where am I going to find him? Oh, wait.
Makhosazana might know where he is seeing that she was the
one who introduced us to him. I try calling and all I get ‘the
number you have dial does not exist. Please check the number
and dial again’. What the actual fuck? I go on WhatsApp and
she isn't appearing, she even deactivated all of her social media
accounts. How could she?! My God this is not happening, grrrr!
All of a sudden I see dust rising up from the ground, a black
dust I don't even know where it came from because there sun
is too hot. It comes straight to my car and covers it, I caugh as
some of it gets inside my mouth.
“Why did you do it? What did she do to you”? The voice is
scary and hoarse, I am shaking I even pee on myself, that's how
scared I am. “Why did you do it”! Roars. I can feel the dust
thickening in my mouth it's chocking me somehow because I

am unable to breathe. My throats gets clogged and I can feel my

skin peeling off, not knowing what's going on or who is behind
this really frustrates me! I can't even utter any words, I swear I
am going to die today. The pains I'm feeling right now are
unbearable, tears are not even coming out but I am crying. This is
worse than every pain I've experienced in my whole entire
existence of 34 years and for the fact that I don't know what it is-
is really making me more scared. “What you did to her is nothing
compared to what I will do to you. You are going to beg me to let
you go and worms will be coming out of your mouth. People will
hate you and flies will follow you everywhere you go. I am
coming for you and your friends you will all feel my wrath!
You've picked the wrong one, this is not over it's just your
beginning by the time I am done with you. Death will be the only
option. Leave Nobuntu alone”! It roars and my windows shutter
causing my ears to go deaf, within a blink of an eye the dust
dissapears. I look around me and everything seems normal, well
except for my windows of course but I will get them fixed. Now,
what on earth was that? Or was it all just in my mind? Hmmm, I
feel some excruciating pains in my legs, I look down and my skin
has been peeled off and blood is gushing out. It wasn't in my
mind it happened for real, I try to scream but my voice is not
coming out. I try again but still... What's happening to me? Does
this mean that worms will soon come out of my mouth? Ishuuu,
what did I do?

★»★«
MNQOBI

I am so happy that Nobuntu is healing very well clearly prayer

works. I am now driving to Nkanyiso's house with the food
that I've cooked. Oh, I am now officially a church goer. My
phone rings and it's Crecentia, what does she want now?

“Hi”.

“You need to come to my house urgently. Londiwe is dying”.

Me: “May her soul rest in peace”.

Her: “What? When did you become this heartless Mnqobi? We
are talking about your girlfriend here Mnqobi”!

Me: “Ex girlfriend you meant to say, she is no longer my

responsibility, so let whatever happens to her happens. I don't
care, and next time call me when you have something
importan to tell me”.

Her: “How dare you Mnqobi”!

Me: “I'm still your older brother, bear that in mind. Goodbye”. I
hang up. I'm sure this is one of their plans to make me fix things
with Londiwe, I am not going there, mxm. Nkanyiso buzz me in,
and Nobuntu is the first one to run and attack me with a hug,
she looks so much better health wise but her body, as usual.

“Little one”/ she chuckles and let's go of me.

“Big bear. Long time no see”/ I laugh.

Me: “You know I'm a sissy deep inside my heart”. She laughs as
we make our way inside the house, I find Nkanyiso busy
cooking on the stove, I chuckle and greet him.

Me: “Hhe. You cooking Ntwana”.

Him: “I have a woman to feed man, yoh look at her”.

Me: “I thought that she was your little sister when she came
running to me. In my head I was thinking, why didn't I bring
sweet with”. We all laugh.

Her: “You are no fun right now. Why are you ganging up on
me”? She pouts.

Me: “We are not ganging up on you little one. You just look
like a 11 years old school girl”.
Her: “A pregnant 11 year old that got impregnated by a 31
years old man”. My smile turns into a frown...

Me: “What? You wouldn't dare! Nkanyiso tell me that she is

lying”! Nkanyiso looks down. “Dammit Nkanyiso maarn I've
warned you”! I charge towards him and Nobuntu bursts out
with laughter and so does Nkanyiso. I look at them and shake
my head laughing.

Her: “Yoh. You should've seen your face blah, now I know how
much you love me, and I love you too”.

Me: “You almost made me panel beat this rubbish”.

Him: “Says trash”. Nobuntu laughs.

Her: “What's the difference? You guys belong in the trash can.
Anyway, I see that the Bro's before hoes rule doesn't apply to
you guys of which is a good thing, but then I am not a hoe”.
Nkanyiso: “You will never be one my love, but I will
definitely kill your brother”.

Me: “Not before I kill you first”.

Her: “Not before I poison the both of you. Anyway, there are
no beers here Mnqobi did you maybe come with a carry pack
or a bottle”?

Me: “And why isn't the no alcohol here? Nkanyiso you

always have bottles with you mus”.

Him: “The lady of the house poured them down the drain, all
of them there's nothing. Only water and juice”. I am shocked
to say the least!

Nobuntu: “He is lying. The bottles are underneath his bed,

mxm. Let me excuse myself and leave you gentlemen to it.
Mnqobi I am going to feast on what you've brought me, thank
you”.

Me: “I'm sure you will finish the food and nice cut by the
way”. She gives me a stare and walks away... “Dude. She ain't
pregnant right”? Nkanyiso laughs.

Him: “Dude, stop stressing. I use withdrawal method she is

safe, for now”.

Me: “What? You sex her raw? You go in without a condom?

Dude, hha.ah no. She needs to start preventing”. He
laughs.

Him: “Talking of pregnancy, I've been meaning to ask. Why

were all the girls in the clique never got pregnant? I mean, not
even one or maybe gotten pregnant and miscarried”. Now
that he is mentioning it, I wonder why. None of them ever fell
pregnant, I've been dating Londiwe for years and I never heard
her telling me that she's pregnant, not unless they were
aborting. But no man. This doesn't make sense, at all.
Me: “Dude, what are you implying? Maybe they were
preventing”. He shakes his head.

Him: “Something is amiss here, but ke what do I know I've

never tried getting anyone pregnant. Let me go and search for
those bottles while you ponder about this”. He taps his
kitchen counter and walks away leaving me with trail of
thoughts.

38
[SHORT]
ZWELI

I received a call from my mother telling me that my father is

getting better, he can now talk by himself. I am so happy that
he has finally healed, but I am not allowed to talk to him I will
have to go to the village and go and see him. Work is boring
today, since there's nothing much to do why don't I just go to
the mall to unwind a little bit. My life has never been this
peaceful, ending things with Natasha and not seeing Nobuntu

has to be one of the greatest things ever. I am stressed free, I

take my car keys and step out of my office. On my way out I
bump into Mnqobi, iyoh. What is he doing here? We fist bump.

“Sure. Heading somewhere”?

“Yeah man. I was going to the mall, want to tag along”.

Him: “Sure”. We step out of the building. “We are going to use
my car”.

Me: “Fine by me”. We both step inside his car, he roars the
engine to life and drives off. “Long time man, where have you
been”?

Him: “Busy with work and spending time with Nobuntu and
Nkanyiso if not at the gym”.

Me: “So, Nkanyiso really chose Langa over us? Talk about being
possessed by a vagina with bleeding blisters and moving
worms, how does he do it? He is brave, sies”! I see him

clenching his hands on the steering wheel. Don't tell me that

he is angry, he can't be serious. “Don't tell me that you're angry
about what I said, it's not as of like I am lying it's the truth”. His
car comes into a stop abruptly making me to hit my head on
the dashboard. He pulls me towards him by my shirt.
Him: “I will not sit here and listen to you calling my little sister
all kinds of names. It's not back then where I will keep quiet and
not say anything, I will kill you mina Zweli. You will meet your
maker faster than you've anticipated, fuck the fact that you are
royalty. Ngizokuganda mina Zweli ungazong'jwayela amasimba.
This better be the last time I hear you calling her names, enhlek
Voetsek off my car. Out”! He doesn't have to tell me twice,
knowing him he will clearly do me bad. He let go of my shirt
and I step out of his car banging his door along. He roars his
engine to life and speeds off. I fix my shirt and send Ben a text
going back to my workplace it's not an option right now. I go
and stand near the pole, I can't believe that Zweli almost beat
me up because of Nobuntu. Such a jerk... Ben arrives few
minutes later I guess he was around the neighborhood. I step
inside his car and he drives off.

“Where is your car dude”?

“Left it work bra”.

Him: “Then how did you get here? Did you perhaps flew”. I
chuckle.
Me: “No man. Is that weak boy Mnqobi, can you believe it”?

Him: “Believe what? What did he do? I mean, I've even

forgotten about him”.

Me: “He came to fetch me from my workplace, well not entirely

to fetch me but I was on my way out going to the mall when he
arrived, we were using his car and I said a few honest words to
him about his sister. Iyoh, nigga completely lost it bruh”. He
laughs...

Him: “I'm sure that witch did something to him. Nxa, imagine
turning on your own clique because of a stranger? A girl who
just rocked up from out of nowhere, and a ugly one for that
matter? Yerrr, this niggas ain't loyal. I'm sure Nkanyiso is busy

licking Langelihle's bleeding sores, Yerrr that nonsense is a

fool. How do you let go of a hot chick like Athile and go for a
random”?
Me: “That one has been fed korobela. I don't even know why
we are even talking about them. They are as good as dead and
the clique is adjusting just fine without them, we don't need
people like them in our lives. They are dead and if we allow
them back in our lives we will be cursed like them too”.

Him: “It took only 1 girl to crumble the clique down, clearly
the foundation wasn't that strong”.

Me: “It can only be witchcraft”.

Him: “How come she didn't get to you using her muti”?

Me: “That's because I'm strong and I have a royal blood running
through my veins, so it was not easy for her to bewitch me. Yazi
bruh, it's not easy to bewitch someone who is of royalty”.

Him: “Thanks God I never got close to her, I'm sure I would
be also be part of the bloody sores licking squad”. We burst
out with laughter.
Me: “Me, you and Thabo really survived that witch's plans”. He
chuckles.

Him: “And I'm glad for that”. I see the woman who I saw the
last time crossing the streets, she looks decent today I
guess she is not really a hobo as I've assumed.

Me: “Dude, stop the car I need to get to that woman”.

Him: “The one that just crossed the road”?

Me: “Did you see any other woman crossing the streets apart
from her”? He chuckles and shake his head bringing the car to
a stop. I leapt out of his car and jog to the woman she is
walking fast as if like someone is chasing her, I finally reach her.

“Hey”. She startles and half screams.

“Leave me alone”! She yells at me and takes off leaving me
standing there with questions running through my mind. Who
abuses such a loving woman? It looks like she lives around I
will have to find out information about her even if it means
hiring a P.I. to invistigate her I shake my head and walk back to
the car in defeat.

“How did it go”?

Me: “She ran away from me bruh. It looks like she is

being abused I will have to help her man”.

Him: “Help her? What if she enjoys being abused? And besides,
don't you think that she would've went to the police if she
needed help? Just stay out of things that don't concern you”. I
nod. If he thinks that I will stop fishing information about the
girl, he better think again. What he doesn't know won't hurt
him.
Me: “Yeah man”.

Him: “Good”. We take off, but my mind is still stuck on

that woman.

★»★«
NKANYISO

Things have been progressing very well for the past three
months. I'm back at work, Nobuntu's body is still the same but
the bleeding has stopped and the worms comes out of her body
when it's too hot, oh

and her body still itches but not like before. She has gained her
weight back, let's just say God has been good to us. I know that
it will not be an easy journey but we will get there with
perseverance and prayer. She still studies via live videos, Zoom
helps her a lot and she has moved back to the house. My
mother? It is said that she is somewhere in Zimbabwe going
crazy and stuff, I still wish to know what is it that he wanted to
confess about. That fire must burn her again. Anyway, I am in
the office bored out of my mind when Mnqobi throws himself
in looking livid as ever I wonder what made him this angry. He
goes straight to my mini fridge and takes out a can of Heineken,
he twists the bottle lid and gulp it down without stopping and I
just let him be, he will tell me what's eating him, well not
unless he chockes on his beer. I chuckle thinking about it, man I
can be stupid at times.
“I will kill that son of a hobo Nkanyiso! One of these days I will
kill him”! He paces up & down causing me unnecessary
headache.

“What did he do now”? I sigh, Mnqobi will kill himself if he

still gets worked up by what Zweli says about Nobuntu.

Him: “ The usual. Man, I know that you said that I must ignore
him but it's hard not too when he insults my sister, the things
he says about you & her. It's not on bruh, that boy is
disrespectful”.

Me: “Where did this quarrel take place”?

Him: “In my car”. I look at him waiting for him to tell me more,
I'm sure he doesn't expect him to ask him how it happened.
“Well, I went to see him since I last saw him decades ago. I
found him on his way out to of his office he was on his way to
the mall, he asked to tag along, but I suggested that I use my car
and that's when he started saying some nasty shit. Mxm, I told
him where to get off and chased him out of my car. Man I
was so pissed I'm just glad that my hands didn't come in
contact with his swollen face”. I chuckle and shake my head...

Me: “Get us more beers there. I told you to stay away from
Zweli, wena just focus on getting that girl from your church
you have a crush on. You need to bust some nut”. He chuckles.

Him: “Man, that's one girl who intimidates me. I have never
intimidated by a girl before, but her? She does it effortlessly”.
I laugh.

Me: Never thought I will witness the day where you actually
get intimidated by someone, well, except before you met me of
course”.

Him: “You were worse and you were too egoistical plus full of
shit”.

Me: “Not forgetting handsome”. He laughs.

Him: “Boy, you are stupid but thanks for the laugh I really
needed it”.

Me: “That means you will not charge me much for Lobola”.

Him: “Now you pushing it. Let me get us those beers and I want
you to tell me what are you plans with my sister”.

Me: “Giving her babies it's on top of the priority list”.

Him: “I see you are tired of living”. I laugh... “Admit it that I'm
going to be the best brother in-law you've ever had”. I click
my tongue and he laughs...

★»★«
NOBUNTU

University, Nkanyiso and Mnqobi are the only important

things that matters in my life right now. They've been with me
through it all and I am proud to tell you that my blisters are no
longer oozing blood, but I've been getting periods none stop
and it's a heavy flow. I am always in black clothes, thanks God
my weight have picked up, cipla acting really did boost me
shame. I now look like the old Nobuntu, Nkanyiso did buy me
wigs I don't even know why because we never go out, I am
forever indoors. My phone rings and it's a number I don't
recognize I wonder who is it...

“Nobuntu hello”.
“Sawubona Nobuntu”.

Me: “Sanele, is that you”?

Him: “Uthini sisi”. (What are you saying) oh wow, I've forgotten
that he doesn't know English. Damn you Jo'burg, how could
you!

Me: “Uxololo. Unjani fana”. (I'm sorry. How are you boy)

Him: “Ngiyaphila sisi, ave ngikukhumbulile”. (I am well. I miss

you)

Me: “Ngikukhumbulile nami. Kutheni ungifonela emva

kwesikhathi esingaka”? (I miss you too. Why are you calling me
after so long)
Him: “Bengimatasa, okunye ke isimo asimile kahle la ekhaya
futhi u gogo uyangicosha, uthi ngihlalephi mina”? ( I was busy,
and another thing grandma is chasing me out of the house.
Where am I supposed to stay)

Me: “Ini? Futhi yini inkinga”? (What? What is she saying

the problem is)

Him: “Ufuna ukuhlala nesoka lakhe”. (He wants to stay with her
boyfriend) huh? Gogo has a boyfriend? Since when? Erh...

Me: “Isoka? Elakuphi lelo”? (A boyfriend? Where is he from)

Him: “Khona khona la and insizwa encane njani”. (From around

here and it's young man) I laugh.

Me: “Imihlolo. Yazi paka konke okungukwakho ngizofounela u

Aunt Ncumisa azokulanda”. (Wonders. Pack all your stuff I
will call Aunt Ncumisa to come and fetch you)
Him: “Ngizoyenza njalo”. (I will do just that) I am disturbed by
the knock at the door. “Ngizobuya ngikufounele”. ( I will call
you back) I stand up from the couch and go and attend to
whoever is at the door who knocks like he/she owns this place.
Just as I turned the key the door pushes open and a beautiful
woman with a model body pushes the door opening it wide. I
look at the two suitcases next to her.

“Who the hell are you”?

“No. Who the hell are you”?

Her: “I am Nkanyiso's fiancé and who the hell are you? Or has
this house turned into a mortuary out here looking like all
kinds of shit mixture”? I chuckle. “Or are you the maid?
Anyway, please bring me my luggage and get me something
strong to drink. This house has changed a lot. You still here?
Keep it moving sis”. She claps her hands. I look at her then at
her luggages, I click my tongue and walk away leaving her at
the door. I get to Nkanyiso's room and call him, he answers on
the first ring.

“Baby”.
“I am too young to go to jail, please come and sort out your
mess or else you will bail me out of jail, come home now”! I
hang up and throw my phone on top of the bed, what kind of
a test is this now? Haike!

39
NOBUNTU

This Amanda person is such a nag. We've been in this room for
almost 6 hours now, and she is busy disturbing us every chance
she gets reminding us that she is still around. I look at the
peacefully sleeping Nkanyiso who is snoring like a tow truck,
well, not really peaceful. He looks like an angel when sleeping,
but once he wakes up hhe kwanyiwa squad. I remove his hand
from me slowly and get off bed. This is the 13th time within six
hours changing sanitary pad, the bleeding is just excessive and
it is really killing my vibe to tell you the truth, even though I am
always wearing black clothes but I still get uncomfortable. I
wear my robe and step out of Nkanyiso's bedroom I am hungry,
I pass by the lounge not realizing that Amanda is sitting
because she pops up behind me.

“You honestly think that Nkanyiso loves you? Like, he loves you
for real”? I just ignore her and go straight to the fridge and take
out gizzards & necks, it's what I'm craving for, so why not feed
my cravings? “I'm the only girl that Nkanyiso loves. I am the only
one who holds his heart. He doesn't love you, I mean, have you
seen yourself? Have you seen how ugly you look with that
horrible acne of yours? I doubt that you were even beautiful
when he first met you. Wait, did you give him love portion to
love him? Yes, you did. This explains why he fell for you, but let

me tell you something baby girl. I will make sure that he throws
up whatever you fed him. My son needs his father in his life, he
needs both his parents to show him love”. I chuckle, I'm done
defrosting the gizzards, I pour everything in the pot and bring to
boil. Yazi I really don't have time for Amanda

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I will just let her be. She seems like she enjoys talking alone,
I guess it's therapeutic for her. My phone rings and Mnqobi
is video calling me...
“Big bear”
“Little bear. Is everything okay”?
Me: “Yes. Why”?

Him: “I'm asking because Nkanyiso left me in his office saying

that you don't sound fine”.
Me: “Oh, that. His fiancé is here”. He furrows his brows.
Him: “Fiancé? What fiancé Nobuntu and who the hell is she”?

Me: “It's Amanda. The girl who slept with his brother and fell
pregnant for him”. I look at her and she gasps in shock. Guess
she thought that Nkanyiso didn't tell me anything, pathetic.

Him: “What is that bitch doing there”?

Me: “She came to ask for a love back and apparently her son
needs his father, he needs both love of parents”. He laughs.

Him: “What a funny. What a comedy. That girl is out of her

damn mind, when did she realize that her son needs both
parents love? And why didn't she tell Nkanyiso on the word go
that she is pregnant with his child? What was she doing all
these years and who was she giving the love of both parents
that the child needs with? Who was his son's father all these
years? What if it's Mbuso's son”?

Me: “You are asking a wrong person. All I want is for her to
leave this house in peace I have a lot on my plate, devil's agent
is one thing I do not need in my life”.
Him: “Why isn't Nkanyiso chasing her away”?
Me: “He is sleeping. We've been at it ever since he got back”.
Lies...
Him: “Nobuntu”. I laugh.
Me: “I am telling you the truth, be glad that I did not go into
details”.

Him: “You wouldn't have dared me. What are you

doing there”?
Me: “I am cooking. You”?

Him: “Me too. Are you going to dish up for that Satan's agent”?
I laugh. I look at her and she is very livid right now even her
nose is flaring.

Me: “Nah, she has eaten the food she cooked for her and
Nkanyiso”. He chuckles.

Him: “Sis, sleep with an okapi under your pillow for safety's
sake”. I laugh....?
Me: “I will do just that. Don't you want to say hi to her”?

Him: “No, thanks. I am not ready for nightmares, look I

will have to call you back my pots are burning”.

Me: “I know that you will only call me back tomorrow and learn
to multitask just like me. I love you”.

Him: “Love you too little bear, bye”. He hangs up. I chuckle
and shake my head, Mnqobi is one crazy man.
“How dare you and your bear talk about me like I am not here?
What you need to keep in mind is that I'm the one who
Nkanyiso has a child with, and there is nothing that you and
this so-called bear can do”. I smirk.

Me: “And I am the main woman in his life right now. What are
you trying to achieve”?

Her: “Enjoy it while it last because he will soon be sleeping

in my chest”. I chuckle.

Me: “Until then. I am the one who is still occupying his chest in
case you haven't noticed”.

Her: “You clearly don't know me. Nkanyiso will be mine again
watch the space, or you want to bet on it”?

Me: “I don't bet on something that is rightfully mine. Do what

you know best and allow me to enjoy Nkanyiso while I still
‘can’ as you've told me, Miss ‘he will be mine again’, nonsense
of a human being. Wait, what are you still doing in this house
anyway”?

Her: “I am not going anywhere. You will be the one leaving this
house and that's a promise”. Jesus is Lord, ey this is going to be
a baby mama from hell I am already tired...

40
NOBUNTU
I am woken up by Amanda screaming like someone is trying to
kill her. I leapt out of bed grabbing my robe in the process, I
wonder why is she screaming because there are no wild
animals here, wait. What if are thugs trying to break in? What
am I saying? If it's them they are already inside the house.
Nkanyiso also left for work and calling Mnqobi would be too
late, ish. Think Nobuntu think fast, but nothing comes to mind
then I remembered that I slept with a scissor last night. I take it
out underneath the pillow, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death death I will fear no evil. I sneak out,
getting to the kitchen my heart eases when I see Mnqobi, he is
throwing Amanda with her luggage who is fighting to step
inside the house.

“Go back to where you come from! Yazi I am so disappointed

at Nkanyiso's for allowing you to spend the night here after
everything you've put him througu. Yerrr, Yerrr, you have some
nerves coming here trying to get Nkanyiso back, how desperate
can you be? Hamba”! Mnqobi yells at her.

“I am not going anywhere Mnqobi! Only Nkanyiso has the

right to kick me out of this house, not you”! She yells back.
Him: “Then he will find you outside once he comes back from
work”! He throws her slippers at her and locks the door, I'm
sure you do know by now that banging the door is definetly
Amanda's favourite hobby, she is good at it. “Hey. I didn't
see you there and sorry for waking you up”.

Me: “I've noticed and good morning. Oh, and thank you for the
morning drama I needed something energizing to kick off the
day. When did you get here”?

Him: “As soon as Nkanyiso told me that he is at work and has

left Amanda here in the house. I just don't understand how
could he allow his ex girlfriend to spend the night here, he was
supposed to chase her away the minute he got here after you
called her, but no. He just allowed her to stay knowing very well
that this pains you, that's just pure disrespect to you. He is such
a dissapoiment”.

Me: “Maybe he has his reasons as to why he has allowed her

to sleep over. I mean, I did not even get proper sleep with
Amanda's shuffling”. Sighs.
Him: “You see? Now this is making you to over think things,
and what I can tell you is that Nkanyiso loves you for real. Yes,
this was a low blow from him but he loves you and never ever
doubt his love for you. I will make sure that Amanda doesn't
come here again, that's a promise”. I shrug, I do know that
Nkanyiso loves me no doubts about that, but what if Nkanyiso
is the real father of Amanda's child? This will mean that
Amanda will be part of our lives, she is going to be nuisance. I
just pray that he never changes towards me, well, that's if he is
the father.

Me: “I know that he loves me. A lot actually, but what will
happen if Nkanyiso is really the father of Amanda's son”?

Him: “Nothing will happen. He will just play his role as a father
nothing else, you don't have anything to worry about”. I nod, I
just feel a bit off by all of this, let's just hope this won't
threaten my relationship with Nkanyiso. Let me not think too
much about it I will cross the bridge once I get there.
Me: “I guess you're right. Coffee”?

Him: “Full English breakfast little bear”. I chuckle.

Me: “Didn't you eat at your house”?

Him: “I had no time I was in a hurry to come here and kick that
woman out of here, hau”.

Me: “Thank you so much for this Mnqobi. You've just saved me
a long day I was going to have. Thank you big bear”.

Him: “You are my little sister and it is my duty as your big

brother to protect you, and make sure that you are safe”. I
smile at him. Thanks God for giving me a brother like him. His
phone, rings. “Look who's calling? It's Nkanyiso, I'm sure that
hone wrecker called him”. She is not a home wrecker, I am
not married to Nkanyiso, but in Mnqobi's eyes she is one.

“Sho”. The phone is on loud speaker.

“Why did you kick out Amanda out of the house”?

Him: “I did what you failed to do yesterday the minute

you found her here”.

Nkanyiso: “It was not your place Mnqobi to kick her out
Mnqobi, I had things under control”. He chuckles.

Him: “So, you were expecting my sister to spend her whole day
with Amanda in this house? Is that how you got things under
control, huh”?

Nkanyiso: “They were not going to get in each others way

man, I had a talk with Amanda in the morning and told her not
to bother Nobuntu”. Oh, wow, okay.
Him: “Does my sister know that you had a ‘talk’ with
Amanda before you left for work? Did you also tell her not to
bother Amanda”? He looks at me.

Nkanyiso: “No. She doesn't know and no I did not tell her. But
man look, there might be a possibility that Amanda's son can be
mine”.

Him: “You didn't see it fit to tell my sister to stay out of

Amanda's path, but you managed to told Amanda. Yet you
claim to love her? Is this love? You know what, don't answer
that okay? sharp”. He hangs up and looks at me. He is about to
say something but I stop him, I heard it all clearly Nkanyiso
didn't consider me in all of this. It's fine, I will not stop him. He
is making his own choice. But what I know is that I will never be
in the same room with Amanda, never. I mean, he is even
convinced that the son is his, guess I will have to wait for him to
tell me that he suspects that Amanda's son is his. Mnqobi's
phone rings and he just looks at it. I won't lie my heart is
aching...
Me: “Breakfast is served”. I place his plate before him. “Enjoy”.
I take mine and join him, I don't think it will go down well. I look
at Mnqobi and he too is playing with his food lost in thoughts.

Him: “Hey, let's have a conversation with God maybe we might

get strength to eat”. I smile at him.

Me: “Why not”?

Him: “Pour your heart out to God and don't leave anything out,
I will do the same too”. I nod at him and we both kneel down...

“Dear God...”. Tears just stream down my cheeks.

NKANYISO

After the conversation I had with Mnqobi my mood changed. It

went from 100 to 0 real quick, sighs. I know that he is very
mad at me but I don't blame him because I'm the one who is
wrong, I was supposed to chase Natasha out the very moment
I found her. But I just couldn't bring myself to do it I don't even
know why. I saw how it affected Nobuntu, but I turned a blind
eye to it she was tossing & turning all night. On the other hand
my phone kept on beeping they were messages from Natasha I
didn't view them I just deleted them. When Natasha told me

that I am Sambulo's (her son) father I couldn't believe it

because I know that she is good at manipulating people, but
when she showed me his pictures I had no doubt that he was
indeed my son. He is my replica, he is 5 years old and 6 years
ago in November I ended things with her. She told me that she
gave birth in June the following year which means that by the
time I broke up with her she was already pregnant. In my mind
I was so sure that it was Mbuso's son since I caught them in bed
that year where I ended things with her, it was one messy
break up. A part of is happy that there's a possibility that I
might be the father but the other part is not because this
means that Amanda will be part of our lives, and I don't even
know how Nobuntu is going to take all of this I don't want to
lose her. This is a mess and I also can't abandoned Sambulo he
will need his father's love, I know that I wasn't there for 5 years
but I am willing to make it up to him. I am disturbed by
someone opening the door without even knocking, I look up
only to find Amanda standing at the door wearing the shortest
dress ever
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and my man down there misbehaves. Dammit, plus it's been

long since I last got laid, but I can never hurt Nobuntu like
this I'll handle the blue balls.

“What are you doing here”?

“I've brought lunch since your girlfriend or whatever you call

her didn't make you one in the morning”.

Me: “You didn't have to bother yourself, I always eat out.

Now, see yourself out”.

Her: “How about we have some little fun then? I mean, I

am not even wearing a panty”. She strides towards me. I
shift uncomfortably in my seat.

Me: “Don't come close to me Amanda. What we had is

no more”.
Her: “Let's prove it with a round or two, I know that you
craving for me and I still have that effect on you Nkanyiso”. She
moves her hands over my shoulders and nibbles my ear. “Or
are you scared of hurting that nonsense that you call a
girlfriend”? This is shit I don't like. I get hold of her hand and
twist it, she wince in pain.

Me: “I can tolerate anything but not you name-calling my

woman. Her name is Nobuntu and should I hear you referring
to her as nonsense or any other names I will kill you, am I
making myself clear”? She nods with tears filling up her eyes. I
let go of her hand. “Oh, and I want a DNA to prove that
Sambulo is really my son. You will see yourself out. She just
stares at me, “You want to say something”? She wipes her tears
and sits down before me.

Her: “I... I mean, we. Me & Sambulo needs a place to stay”.

Me: “Askies”?
Her: “They've kicked us out where we were staying because I
couldn't afford to pay rent anymore, we've been sleeping in
hotels and now all the money is finished. We have nowhere to
go”. She sniffs.

Me: “You have a family. Why don't you go and stay

with them”?

Her: “They don't want anything to do with me it's a long story”.

Me: “You have friends right? Why don't you go to them”?

Her: “They've all switched up on because I am no longer

working. I have no one to ask help too, you were my last
option and Sambulo's crèche's fee is 3 months behind the
principal is threatening to chase him out of if I don't pay, I have
been taking loans to give Sambulo a good life, now I am
overdue in paying them and very soon I will be blacklisted
everything it's just a mess. Being a single parent is not easy I
thought that I was going to raise him alone but now situation
forces me to do the otherwise. Sambulo needs the love of both
parents, he needs to grow up in a healthy environment in a
home fu...”. I cut her short.

Me: “Hold it right there. I don't care about your downfall, just
grant the permission to do a DNA test of Sambulo if he is really
mine I will take up my responsibility as a father, until then don't
contact me”.

Her: “Why would you want a DNA test? Don't you trust me”?

Me: “For all we know Sambulo can be Mbuso's son let's

not argue about this”.

Her: “I see. Okay, I will grant you the DNA test but we need a
place to stay we are desperate, even now I left Sambulo with
my landlord. She called me earlier on to come and fetch him
she is being problematic, please help us with a place to stay
until I am back on my feet. I wouldn't have come here if I was
not desperate, please think about this”. I lean back on the chair.
She sounds sincere. A part of me wants to help her but another
part is disputing that, I can't really watch my son to suffer... I
will think of something, but I will have to talk to Nobuntu first
and hear what she has to say.

Me: “I will have to talk with Nobuntu first and hear what she
has to say, I will need her input”. She chuckles.

Her: “Since when do you need someone's input? Besides, we

are talking about your blood here Nkanyiso not some random
stranger”.

Me: “My woman's input matters. Whether by blood or not but

her input matters, now I will give you feedback once I've
spoken to her”.

Her: “What did this girl feed you? You are no longer the old
Nkanyiso that I know”.

Me: “Why is it when a man genuinely loves a woman you

people automatically assume that he has been fed something? I
guess you've never experienced true love, you were busy with
piece jobs relationships”. She chuckles.

Her: “No sane man will love a girl that looks like that? Not
unless he has been fed something”. I shake my head.

Me: “You don't know half of the things we've been through
together, you don't know anything. So, I would really suggest
that you keep quiet and mind the business that pays you.
When are doing the DNA test”?

Her: “What's with the rush”?

Me: “The sooner we get this over and done with, the sooner
our lives will go back to normal. You know what, I'll book an
appointment with Dr Pastel for tomorrow, end of discussion.
Please leave”. She looks at me for some time then stands up
and walks out of my office. I foresee drama looming in, Amanda
is just argh, but I hope that this issue won't strain my
relationship with Nobuntu, I hope we will survive this too just
like we did with everything else.
★»★«
ZWELI

A long stressful day it was today at work. I look at the time

and it's just after 18:30, my phone rings and it's
Nhlakakanipho.

“Nipho”. I throw my car keys on top of the table and make

myself comfortable on the couch”.

“When are you & Langelihle coming to see father”?

Me: “We were supposed to come weeks ago but your mother
called and told me that he was sick so we mustn't come. I was

planning to come down there in a week since mom said dad is

getting better”. He chuckles.
Him: “Getting better where? Your mother lied to you. Dad
has been sick ever since and the seer can't even tell what's
wrong with him. The elders of the village asked for
intervention of other seers from neighbouring villages, pops
is getting worse day by day”.

Me: “How is mother taking it”?

Him: “She is one strong woman hey. I don't even know how
she does it, she lives life like it's normal, or maybe she cries
herself to sleep every night”.

Me: “We will be there in a day or 2 I just need to wrap up

some deals this side”.

Him: “Cool and greet Langa for me”. I hang up. Why would my
mother lie about dad's health? Or was she trying not to worry

me? Now, how will I go with Langa seeing that I can't stand
her? This is a mess, but we will have to go...
★»★«
NOBUNTU

I am done dishing up when the door flies open, and steps in

Nkanyiso followed by Amanda. Oh, wow. Here I was thinking
that she left since her car was not around the whole day.
Amanda gives me a nasty look and walks to the her bedroom.

“Hey babe” he kisses my cheek. “Can we please talk”? I look

at him and fold my arms.

“Talk”.

Him: “Urh...m. I don't know how to tell you this but Amanda
and Sambulo will be staying with us until she is up on her feet”.
Oh, wow. He did even ask me how I feel about this? He did not
talk to me, clearly my input don't matter here even now he is
telling me not asking.
Me: “This is your house Nkanyiso do whatever you want. I
mean, you've already made a decision without consulting me.
It's fine. This is your house”.

Him: “Baby please. I don't mean it that way, it is just until she
gets back on her feet she had no place to stay babe”. I chuckle.

Me: “She doesn't have a place to stay? Why doesn't she sell
her car? I'm sure the money for it can buy her a house and
start her a new life? Why don't you book a flat for her to stay
at then if you care that much about her? He scratches his head.
“You know what, let me just make things simple for you. I'll be
the one leaving I can't stay in the same house with your baby
mama, I'm sure you guys need to bond as a family and make up
for the lost time clearly I am not respected in this house”.

Him: “Baby please. Okay, okay, she will leave just don't go
please. I will ask her to leave immediately, okay”? I look at him
and retract my hands from his.

Me: “I'll go and start packing and call Mnqobi to come and
fetch me”. I attempt to walk away but he stops me.
Him: “Wait. Wait here, I am coming”. He rushes to the
room where Amanda is, I chuckle and sit down.

“Why are you kicking me out Nkanyiso? Where am I supposed

to go now”!

Him: “I don't care where you go just leave my house! Leave”!

Her: “I am your son's mother Nkanyiso”!

Him: “So? Anyway, we will meet at Dr pastel's tomorrow for

DNA tests. Leave”. He pushes her out and locks the door. “I'm
sorry I was just hyped up about the fact that I have a son,
come here”. He pulls me into his embrace. “I'm so sorry baby
and I will never hurt you intentionally, I love you Nobuntu,
never ever doubt my love for you”.

Me: “I know and I love you too”.

Him: “Am I forgiven”?

Me: “No, you owe me and I will tell you what. Hungry”?

Him: “You don't have to ask me twice, let me go and freshen

up”. Oh, well, this man is mine...
41
ZWELI

Today I am driving down to the village I don't know how Langa

will get there, but what's important is that we are supposed to
arrive together and in one car, this is a mess. If I go there alone
the elders won't be happy about it, and I'm not really up for
being interrogated by them. I guess I will have to suck it up and
endure Langa's presence until we get to the village, it's going
to be a long drive I tell you not unless, argh, never mind. She
must also do something about her sudden bad skin, I have no
idea how she is going to cover her horrible rotten looking acne,
but then again she is a woman, she will definitely come up with
a plan. I will drive the after work plus my luggage is already
packed and already in my boot. My mother doesn't know that
we are coming, actually no one knows they are going to be
surprised njer. Anyway, I can't find my mystery woman I think
she decided to go into hiding since the last encounter she had
with me, I might've scared her, but it was not intentionally. My
phone rings and it's Nkanyiso I wonder what does he want
considering the fact that we haven't spoken in a long time...

“Sho”.

“Sho. Nobuntu tells me that you are going to the village today”.

Me: “Yeah, and”?

Him: “Are you going to come and fetch her or must I

bring her”? I sigh.

Me: “I don't know man. Man, the truth is I can't stand your
girlfriend she disgusts me, but I must go with her. What choice
do I have? I will just suck it up endure the 7 hours torture trip
with her”.
Him: “Oh, she is disgusting you? How sweet. I will spare you
the none disgusting journey with her and end up throwing up
while driving, I will drive her to the village”.

Me: “Are you for real man? You've just saved me a lot of vomit, I
will tell you what time we are leaving. I want us to arrive there
late, that way only a few people can see your horror looking
girlfriend”. He sneers, I'm sure his veins from his forehead are

popping and possibly gritting his teeth in the process.

That's what he does when angry...

Him: “You will text me the time then”. He hangs up. I wonder
if Langa alerted Boniswa about us leaving, let me call her and
check, she answers after few rings...

“Njandini”. I chuckle. She is very disrespectful this one, yasis...

“Did Langa tell you that we are leaving for the village this
evening”?

Her: “I am not going”.

Me: “What? You must come with, you are her servant Boniwe”.

Her: “I am not going, and they will assign her another servant.
Tell everyone that I'm now a married woman I no longer slave
for people, especially royalty, no, your family to be specific”.

Me: “But you've never slaved for Langa, and my family

have their own servants”.

Her: “I know. But I slaved for your family still, they assigned
another servants because I no longer stay there. Your family is a
bunch of ungrateful pricks, tsek. Have a safe trip you little
demo.”. She hangs up, WTF bahlali? Erhh, it seems as if like
Boniwe have forgotten about the royal rules. She has forgotten
about their brutal punishment if you defy them, sighs, she
better come to her senses before evening befalls us.
★»★«

NOBUNTU
I am sitting outside basking in the sun reading Becoming by
Michelle Obama, Mnqobi brought me lot of books, he said they
are to keep myself sane if assignments are are draining. He said
I need to unwind every now & then and reading helps a lot, but
right now, I am bored out of my mind. My mind is unsettled, lot
of things are occupying it, plus today Nkanyiso is going to Dr
pastel to do the DNA test, I am not okay. Should it happen that
Sambulo is indeed his son, he will have to rent or buy a house
for Amanda & Sambulo nearby just so he can be closer to
Sambulo since Amanda claims that they are homeless. It baffles
me that Nkanyiso can't read in between the lines that Amanda
is taking him for a ride, or maybe he is too excited at the
thought of him being a father and that is blinding him. I mean,
dude is talking boys days out already and teaching Sambulo
soccer, his look says it all, and when his eyes sparkle when he
talks about him. Life, I fear that Amanda will use this as an

opportunity to win Nkanyiso back using Sambulo, he will jump

every time Amanda mentions Sambulo's name. I don't think I
am ready to be a step mother, what if Sambulo won't like me?
Plus with all this curse going on in my life currently anything is
possible, well, I will cross the bridge once I get there for now let
me just relax and a take a breather. Wuuuh, almost forgot that
we are going to the village to see how the king is holding up. I
was surprised to learn that the king is sick, and it's been close
to a month now, I feel so bad that we couldn't go there sooner,
but then I was also sick in my own way. I hope he is not grave
ill. Now, I will have to think of a plan to minimize the acne in my
face, I have to be presentable in the presence of my in-laws. I
mean, even make-up is not even helping it's a disaster, sighs.
Life ke potato I strue. I am dragged out of my operation think of
a plan for my horrible face by people talking. I look at the
direction of where there voices are coming from and it's
Amanda with a young boy, he is cute no lies about that, guess
he is Sambulo. Well, there is a little resemblance between him

• Nkayiso. Whoa, what are they actually doing here? Didn't

Nkanyiso tell Amanda that they are going to meet at Dr
Pastel's? Sigh. This woman is very determined to get Nkanyiso
back, and I'm sure she is planning to make my life a living hell,
as if it was never hell. They eventually reach me and looking at
them they don't look like desperate people who are homeless
as Amanda claimed.

“Mommy who is this ugly woman and what happened to her

face”? That's the first thing that comes out of his mouth, no
greeting no nothing. He covers his nose and looks at me
with disgust, I chuckle. Yah neh...
“That's the scary animal I told you about that took your real
father from me Sambulo. She is the reason why your father
neglected you and never supported you, it's all her fault”.
What the hell? What is Amanda teaching this child and why is
she feeding him lies about me? Haike, there goes being a good
step mother, I no longer qualify. Amanda is brewing hate
between me and his son, and of which I am not even going to
entertain.

Him: “She is cruel. No wonder she looks ugly. She has evil
sores, she is a witch mommy and my teacher said God hates
witches. God hates you”. A 5 year old saying this? Is he even 5?
And what kind of a day care does this child attend with
teachers who are teaching him rubbish? Hha, ha.ah. He doesn't
have any respect.

Her: “I know right, and she said that she will never accept you
as your father's son. She said she will poison your food and kill

you if you come and visit your father, she is so cruel my boy”.
She smirks and folds her arms.
Him: “I hate her already, she has a evil heart. I will tell dad to
chase her out of this house, she is very evil”. I shake my
head and continue reading my never ending book...

Her: “Maybe your father will listen to you because he doesn't

take me serios when I talk to him about it”. What kind of
parenting is this? This is not normal I tell you. “Are you excited
about meeting your father? I mean, he is excited to meet you,
he has been calling me ever since. And you look exactly just
like him

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you are your father's photocopy”. He giggles.

Him: “I am very excited mom. I hope he is cool like daddy

Jerome and he will buy me lots and lots of toys, and
decorate my room here like daddy Jerome did back at
home”. I look at Amanda, she gives me a nervous smile and
brushes her son's hair”, I chuckle and shake my head. Wawu!
So, she lied to Nkanyiso and he fell for her lies, typical.
Her: “We have to get going now son, your daddy is waiting
for us”.

Him: “But I thou...”. She cuts him short. Her: “No! Stop thinking
and let's get going your father don't like people who can't be on
place in time, he is very strict with time keeping. We've already
wasted too much time by coming here”. I chukle, “And then?

What's amusing you- you scary looking creature”? Sambulo

laughs. Nc nc nc is nyiwing with this child, Nkanyiso is in for a
biggest surprise of his life.

Me: “I am laughing because in this case your son will fight my

battles with you on my behalf, he has a sharp tongue this one. I
hope he won't tell Nkanyiso what ‘daddy’ Jerome do for him,
and how cool his room is. Oh, and best of luck with the DNA
testing”. I smile at her. She looks at me from head to toe and
walks away pulling Sambulo's hand, she is mad pissed. Who
cares because she will be the one burning herself in a fire? I
will just sit back and relax, and watch how the fire is going to
consume her, it is going to be so fun. I still wonder, what did
she came to do here or maybe she wanted to show me her
disrespectful and unruly son? It's official people, her son hates
me, after all she has been feeding his ears poison about me.
Oh, well, such is life though. The journey of baby mama will be
in full swing, we will be woken up ka 03:00 am being told that
Sambulo is dreaming, he misses his father, he needs new
clothes to watch TV, ai women are full of drama shame arh
arh. Arrival of Amanda and her son made my mood more damp
than it already was, let me just go and take a nap. I have a long
journey, and I wonder how am I going to get there seeing that
Zweli can't stand me. Boniwe blocked me everywhere, Jo'burg
really changed her. But I believe that something will come up.
★»★«

NKANYISO

We are already in Dr Pastel's practice and we are 10 minutes

late because Amanda says she got a tyre punch. I don't really
care, ever since they got here I can't take off my eyes at
Sambulo, he really resemblance me. Now more than ever I am
so sure that he is really my son not Mbuso's.
“Good afternoon Nkhanyiso and miss”. She greets us
stepping inside her office.

“Afternoon Dr”.

Her: “You guys are very late, now I had to cut my lunch short
because of you”.

Me: “I am very sorry Dr. Amanda got a puncture, apologies”.

She looks at Sambulo for some time.

Her: “Why would you want to do a DNA test when this young
man here is your replica? He looks like you”.

Me: “I don't pay you to ask me questions”.

Amanda: “It was just an honest question”.

Me: “Was I talking to you”? She shakes her head. “Dr please do
what you must do I have a long day ahead”.

Her: “Apologies. Open your mouth I will need a sample of your

saliva”.

Me: “Why don't you just take a string of both our hairs? That's
simple if you ask me”.

Her: “You are not a Dr Nkhanyiso. Just open your mouth and
let's get this over and done with”. I do as told and she inserts a
small swab, then do the same to Sambulo. “You will come back
in 2 weeks time for the results”.

Me: “2 weeks? Can't you fastened the process? 2 weeks is too

much”.

Her: “Unfortunately no the lab is full, you will have to wait just
like others”. This is madness, 2 weeks it's too much, but
Sambulo do look like me, no doubt. But I still need to be sure,
phela he might look like me only to find that he is Mbuso's.

Me: “Will that be all”? She nods. “Good, I am leaving. Let's go”.

Amanda: “You can go with Sambulo I need to talk to Dr pastel, I

am right behind you guys”.
Me: “Talk to her about what? Is she your Dr? Come let's go”.
She stands up fixing her dress and we leave Dr Pastel's office”.

Her: “Was that really necessary Nkanyiso? You've just

caused unnecessary drama. I wanted to talk to her about
something important”.

Me: “You wanted to tell her to temper with the results”?

She gasps.

Her: “What? Why would I do that Nkanyiso? I mean, even Dr

Pastel saw that Sambulo looks like you. So, why would I
bother myself by asking her to temper with the something so
obvious”?

Me: “Don't forget that I know you Amanda, and I know what
you are capable of”.

Her: “Mxm, whatever”.

Sambulo: “Mommy I'm hungry and I'm craving for a burger

and braai meat”. He removes the headsets he had on ever
since he got here.

Her: “Tell your father. You know that I don't have money”.
I look at her and shake my head, she is unbelievable!

Him: “Daddy I'm hungry”. I take out my wallet and give Amanda
some cash.

Me: “Go and buy Sambulo something to eat”.

Her: “Hau Nkanyiso. Aren't we going to eat together? Don't
you want to bond with your son”?

Me: “Do I look like I want to play happy family with you? Until I
am sure that Sambulo is really mine don't expect me to play
happy family with you. Wait, even if he is I will not. We will
just co-parent and I will do right by him. Bye”.

Sambulo: “Are you leaving”? I nod. “Are you going to that

horrible wo...”. Amanda cuts him short.

Her: “Let's go and buy something to eat. Daddy has to be

somewhere urgent, he will make time for you”.

Him: “Why is he not like d...”. Again she cuts her short,
I wonder what did he want to say.

Her: “Let's go and buy you your favourite Burger meal. Bye
Nkanyiso”. She doesn't wait for me to respond, she is already
pulling him by his hand and hurrily leave, something is not right
and I will get to the bottom of this. Why did she keep on cutting
the son short when he wanted to say something? Another
thing, they do not look like people who are desperate and don't
have any place to stay judging by their outfits, and they look
fresh like people who relax in a bathtub. I walk to my car, I will
have to pass by clicks and buy Nobuntu some sanitary pads, if it
was possible I would buy all of them. This bleeding of hers is
too much, Dabulizizwe must just come back already, no one
can help her. It's enough.

★»★«
ZWELI

9 hours later we are already at the village, at least it's dark so

people won't see us and I'm sure some are already sleeping.
Nkanyiso unloads Langa's things with the help of Mnqobi, yes
he decided to come too, but they won't be sleeping here.
They've booked at a guest house, Nkanyiso says that he wants
to be close to Langa. I don't know how is she even going to get
time, and I don't know how we are going to behave as husband

• wife. It was going to be better if we were still close, now we

are more like strangers. But whatever we do we must be
professional, we must not make people to be suspicious. Langa
bids Nkanyiso & Mnqobi goodbyes and we make our way
inside the yard. Langa has a hoodie covering her face, the gate
guards come and take our bags, but they look disgusted by
Langa, the very same feeling I have. Guess it's not just me
there's a whole lot too... Stepping inside the house we find
Nhlakanipho and Mandisa (his girlfriend) watching a movie. We
greet them and only Nhlakanipho responds.

“What is she doing here”? He asks me covering his nose and

there goes that disgusted face again. Him & Nombeko look at
Langa who is looking down with disgust.

Me: “She is my wife”.

Mandisa: “Sies, she is so disgusting”.

Him: “Go to your room and come back alone, and she mustn't
come to join us for breakfast tomorrow morning we don't want
to vomit, we really don't”.
“And he remembers that he has a family”. Buhle says emerging
behind me. “Welcome home brother”. She pretends as if she
doesn't see Langa.

Me: “Thanks sis. Let me go and freshen up then I come back,

we have some catching up to do”.

Mandisa: “I will go and make popcorn so long”.

Nhlaka: “Come alone we don't want to throw up everything we

ate, even now my tummy is starting to get upset. Leave before
I throw up right in front of you”. I chuckle and ascend the stairs
with Langa following on my tale, the room looks clean. Langa
will have to sleep in the closet or behind the couch just not in

bed with me or anywhere near me. She sits down on top of the
couch, iyho, if few people are disgusted by her presence, how
is tomorrow going to be like? No. She will have to lock herself
here in this room and not go out, I don't want her to embarrass
me.
Me: “You can start looking for a space to sleep in here, just not
in my bed or anywhere near me. My room is very vast, so, a 5
m distance will do just fine... Let me go and freshen up I have a
movie date with the family, you can play with your acne when
bored. And I hope by the time we are done with the movies
you would be long sleeping by then, I don't want you to be the
last thing I see before I sleep. I am not a fan of nightmares, I
leave her on the couch playing with her phone. “Don't even
think of killing yourself because we will go and throw in a
cabbage hole”! I shout while in the bathroom.

42

★Insert 42★
NOBUNTU

I can hear the door slowly opening then some footsteps, and
someone shaking me waking me up. I open one eye and I see
the most beautiful woman in the whole entire world, she looks
like a goddess standing before me with the biggest welcoming
smile plastered on her face. This is my first time seeing her, I
know all the servants of this place, but this is my first time
seeing her. Maybe they hired her after we left she is replacing
Boniwe. I open my eyes full and sit up right.

“Nobuntu”. Her voice is so calming.

“Hello. And you are”?

Her: “I am Nombeko”.

Me: “Oh, are you new here because it's my first time seeing
you”?
Her: “No. I am a visitor, I am passing by. Oh, poor child, for
how long are you going to suffer? You've never experienced
happiness in your life, it's sorrow after sorrow”. Why is she
telling me something that is not new?

Me: “It's just how my life is. It has been destined to be like this,
I am tired of people pitying me. Instead of coming with
solutions on how to help me, you pity me. Yabo, if I was
getting R200 for every ‘pities’ I've got I'll probably be a
millionaire now”. Rolling my eyes...

Her: “The only solution is for your mother to do right. Why are
you no longer praying”?

Me: “Haike! We might as well forget about my life becoming

normal, and live happy just like any other person because of
that selfish woman who calls herself my mother. I doubt that
she is even my real mother, like honestly”.

Her: “She is your mother. She is just being hard headed that's it,
and she harbors hatred within her. You need to be patient with
her, everything will fall into place. All in good time”.
Me: “I swear this ‘all in good time’ line is Jesus himself because
we have been waiting for him to come back since ancient days.
And for your information, I do pray”.

Her: “You just pray for the sake of praying not because you are
praying to God to guide you & give you strength. Even after he
came through for you- you still doubt his powers”.

Me: “You will never understand, after all you've never

experienced half of what I've been through for 25 years of
living. Just when I think that things are going good, I am in a
right path. Haike, afike u ghabadiya we life and turn it
upside down”.

Her: “You will be fine Nobuntu just hold on a little bit longer”.

Me: “Hold on to what? Tell me here, how am I going enjoy my

stay here when everyone is disgusted by me? They are not
even trying to pretend or filter their disgust towards me, they
mock me and call me all sorts of names openly. You know, I've
even gotten used to this name- calling. But then I don't really
give a damn about them, I am here to see the King. Honestly, I
am tired of everything. I'm exhausted, even your presence
exhaust me”. I lie back in bed, and cover my head with the
duvet cover, she removes it and looks at me for some time
then shakes her head. “What”?

Her: “Nothing. Let me leave you to sleep”.

Me: “Finally, thank you”! I cover myself again...

“Nobuntu. There is another way”. I slowly remove the

duvet and look at her again...

Me: “Another way? Another way to do what”?

Her: “To fulfill your destiny and claim your happiness back. You
don't really need your mother, but in order for you to do that
you must find your father, the rightful King of Buhlebezulu
village. He is suffering in this cruel world, and he is all alone”. I
look at her confused as ever than I ever was in my whole
entire life, what is she saying?

Me: “I don't follow. What exactly are you saying? Are you
saying that the current King is not the rightful King”?

Her: “Exactly”.

Me: “But how? How did he become a King if he is not the

rightful one? Doesn't the seer know about this? I mean, he
is the royal seer after all”.

Her: “The seer too, is not the rightful seer of this place”.

Me: “Huh? What exactly happened? How did everything get so

twisted? Didn't the current King know that he is not the
rightful King of this village? The elders didn't know too”? She
shakes her head.
Her: “He doesn't, and so are the elders. He was made to believe
that he was the rightful king by using witchcraft, he is just a
commoner like every other being. They made the King, your
father crazy. He was declared unfit to be one and he was
deported along with the rightful seer, black magic is real
Nobuntu whether people believe in it or not, it's real”.

Me: “Oh, wow. This is just, I don't even know what to say.
Who is the mastermind behind all of this”?

Her: “All in good time. Finding your father, will lead you to
finding the real seer. Your brother is the royal Prince, not
Zweli. He doesn't have Royal blood in him, find your father real
fast. He is your saviour, pray Nobuntu. Pray like your life
depend on

it, don't only pray when you're going through a rough

rollercoaster in your life. Pray even if everything is sailing
smoothly, thank him for the gift of life. Some people have died
because of black magic, rejoice in his presence that you are still
breathing”/ I nod... “I will take my leave now”.
Me: “Wait. Before you leave, will the current King live”?

Her: “Yes. His ancestors are protecting him and they are
refusing him to wake up. Once he wakes up he dies”.

Me: “What? Why can't the seer help him”?

Her: “As I've told you before. The seer is not the royal seer,
Nqobani's ancestors are protecting him from the harm that is
planned to come his way should he wake up. Your father must
come forth, only then his ancestors will wake him up. I will be
on my way out now. Take care and don't forget to pray, there's
a light at the end of the tunnel. You are so blessed to have
your boyfriend & your brother as your support system, cherish
them”.

Me: “Wow. I really need to process this, I mean, it's lot to take
in. To tell you the truth I am still confused. Oh, and by the way.
What if Nkanyiso & Mnqobi turn their backs on me too”?
Her: “They won't turn their backs on you. They are not easily
shaken by black magic, especially your brother, and their hearts
are not pure. Don't worry your protector is protecting you from
anyone who will want to do black magic on you again”.

Me: “A protector? As in a guardian angel”?

Her: “More like a demon angel. It's very rare for demons to
protect the pure. Goodbye Nobuntu”. She walks towards the
door and smiles at me one last time then walks out.

★»★«

I wake up my heart beating out of my chest. I am drenched in

sweat, I look around and there is no one I am still sleeping on
the couch. The dream, it felt so real. I wonder what does it
mean, I sit up right. Who was that woman? The King? My

father? The seer? Ishuuu, it was definitely a bad dream. I check

the time and it's just after 03:00am, I look on the bed and Zweli
is sleeping he is snoring. Did that woman say that he is not the
rightful Prince? So, none of these people here are off royalty?

Ai, but then it was just a dream, Hmm... I get off the couch and
go and rinse my face, there goes my sleep!

★»★«
MNQOBI

Sleep is so foreign to me this night. My heart is beating out of

my chest, I am nervous, but I don't know what got me nervous
of which I find rather strange. I wonder how Nobuntu is holding
up, I hope that they did not welcome her in a horrible way.

Nkanyiso is sleeping peacefully on the floor he did not want to

share the bed with me, apparently he doesn't trust me. I don't
even know since when because we've been sharing beds
everywhere we went, he is just one funny character. I look at
the time and it's 03:05, sigh. This means praying. I kneel down
before the bed and close my eyes.

“Yow, dude. What are you doing”? Nkanyiso woke up on a bad

timing yazi...
“I was about to pray”.
Him: “Oh, I've disturbed you pastor M? Sorry man, but I
am missing my woman”.

Me: “Iyoh, Nkanyiso. Only few hours left before the sun comes
up, it's tomorrow already”.

Him: “No. It's not. It's midnight”.

Me: “Ai, whatever ke. Come join me in prayer then”?

Him: “What? Dude no. I've prayed before sleeping, I will

pray again in the morning when I wake up”. I chuckle.

Me: “But, dude, you are already awake. Let's pray”.

Him: “You know what? You pray while I go and heat us up

some food, I am hungry”. I laugh.
Me: “Go man. I will pray by myself and don't disturb me”.

Him: “Ask God to hola you with a real woman too, not these
slay Queens” I laugh.

Me: “Just go man”. He laughs and dissapears to the

kitchen... Nkanyiso is one crazy guy
Advertisement

sigh, I am just happy that he truly loves my sister. I pray that

their relationship survives everything that will try to threaten it,
not everyone is happy with their Union. But then, God will
protect them. I, too, wish to find a girl that I will love the way
Nkanyiso loves Nobuntu. It's a different rare kind of love.

“You are done praying pastor M”. I chuckle.

Me: “No man. How can I, when you are here”?

Him: “Hhe pastor M. So, what are we doing today? Are we
going sight seeing”? I laugh.

Me: “What? And please stop calling me pastor M. How about

we go to the mall”?

Him: “That's not a bad idea. Or we can always go and visit

your family from your mother's side”.

Me: “I don't know where they stay man, and I can't just go to
their house without telling them that I'm coming”.

Him: “Ask Nobuntu to give you her aunt's number or let her
call her and inform her to expect visitors today”.

Me: “That's not a bad idea, I will call her in the morning”.

Him: “Which morning because it's morning now”?

Me: “Dude, she is still sleeping. Have you forgotten how much
she loves her sleep”? We both laugh... Just then his phone
rings.

Him: “Guess she can't sleep too, she misses me. Babe”. He puts
the phone on loud speaker.

Her: “Hey. I was taking my chances I thought that you are

sleeping seeing that it's still the early hours of the morning”.

Him: “Oh, not at all babe. We are wide awake eating”.

Her: “Big bear is awake too”?

Me: “Yeah, little bear I am awake. I couldn't sleep”.

Nkanyiso: “Why don't I have a pet name? Yini? Or am I not part

of your family”? She chuckles.
Her: “You are part of the family babe I just don't have the
perfect name for you just yet. I am working on it”.

Me: “He doesn't deserve any pet names. He is old”.

Him: “But you are older than me. So, you don't deserve to
have a pet name too”. Nobuntu laughs.

Me: “Why are you awake”?

Her: “I had a very confusing and strange dream big bear. It felt
so real you know, but I was dreaming, I couldn't sleep after it”.

Me: “Want to talk about it”?

Her: “I will after I've processed it since it's confusing me”.

Me: “Hmmm, I wonder what it was about”.

Her: “You wouldn't believe me if I told you”.

Nkanyiso: “Baby”?

Her: “Love”.

Him: “Can you call your aunt on behalf of us and tell her that
we are coming to visit, I mean, since we are closer to them
why not ugly bear meet them”?

Her: “That's actually a good idea. I will call her as soon as the
sun rises and let her know”.

Him: “That would be lovely. How is it there”? She sighs.

Her: “I think I've wasted my time coming here. Yoh, whatever

vodoo shit they did to me is strong, even people here have
turned on me. They are so disgusted by my presence, last night I
was ordered to stay in the bedroom, and never come out until
we leave. It's so bad yoh, I will not even get to see the King or

have breakfast, lunch and supper not unless Zweli brings me

food”.

Him: “That's it. I will come and fetch you in the afternoon,
we are leaving”.

Me: “Don't make hasty decisions Nkanyiso. We have to

come with a strategy”.

Him: “Strategy se kak! Get your bags ready, I will be coming

to fetch you, and they better not dare try and stop me”.

Her: “My clothes are still packed. And I've already made a
decision that I should've made a long time ago. Big bear, I
will inform aunt Ncumisa about you wanting to visit”.

Me: “What decision Nobuntu”?

Her: “You will know soon enough it's for my own sanity. Talk
to you guys in a few, and I love you”. She hangs up. Me &
Nkanyiso look at each other. What decision is she talking

about? I hope it's not something H for Hektik or extreme, my

mind is running wild right now.

★»★«
[NARRATED]

Seeing his father in this bed not doing anything really tears
Zweli apart. His father looks so peaceful and he is too skinny
than the last time he saw him. He wonder how is his father still
alive considering the fact that he has been out of it for close to
a month now, he also doesn't understand how the seer is failing
to see what's wrong with his father, it just doesn't make any
sense considering the fact that he protects royalty. If it's black
magic, why didn't he see it coming? It just doesn't make any
sense, not unless he too has been blinded, but how? He is
asking himself all the questions, unfortunately for him there is
no one to answer him.

“Get better dad. I know that you can hear me. You are strong, I
know that you can fight for your life back, I love you”. He looks
at him one last time, and leaves his bedroom at once, and go
and join the others in the dining area for breakfast.
“Hau Zweli. Why did you come down alone, where's
Langelihle”? MaZungu asks him as he settles on his chair.

“Do you want us to lose appetite for the whole day now”?
Buhle answers her.

MaZungu: “I was asking Zweli not you, or has your name

changed to Zweli now”? Buhle shakes her head and looks
down. “Where is she”? MaZungu continues asking Zweli.

Zweli: “I left her in the bedroom”. He answers so much to

his annoyance.

MaZungu: “Why? She is supposed to come and join us

for breakfast”.

Zweli “It's best if she doesn't come and join us, trust me”.
Nhlaka: “You better take his word he is telling the truth”. He
says covering his nose thinking about what transpired
yesterday evening.

MaZungu: “You are all talking nonsense and are not making any
sense. Ask one of the servants to call Langa for us”.

Amanda: “That's my cue to leave”. She is already on her

feet ready to leave.

MaZungu: “Sit down Amanda at this instance”! She bangs the

table, and that drags Zweli's mother from her thought. She's
not even entertaining them, and she looks stress free. She looks
like she doesn't have a dying husband lying in that bed in their
bedroom. “Have anyone went and call Langelihle to come and
join us”?

“Yes, ma'am. But I don't think it's a good idea for her to come
down especially while you guys are in the middle of eating, you
are going to throw up everything you've eaten and possibly
cease eating for the next coming days upon seeing her. Oh, and
I will suggest that you look for something, a thick cloth will do
to cover your noses with. Because wow!”. Says one of the
servant who went to call Langelihle, she didn't even reach the
bedroom door due to the excessive smell that was coming from
the bedroom. She shouted for her.

MaZungu: “Why would we throw up at the sight of

Langelihle”? She looks at everyone seating down, especially the
young adults who look very much ready to throw up once
Langelihle descends the stairs.

★»★»

Nobuntu just finished taking a bath and she is in a long dress.

She ties her doek and covers her shoulders with a mini blanket,
she doesn't know how today's reception is going to be like. She
understands that they don't like her currently, but they must
at least try too just for peace sake, and for the fact that they've
called her to join them for breakfast it's really annoying her.
She is more surprised at the fact that the servant called her
from outside her room, she did not even bother knocking. She
sends her aunt a message about Mnqobi's visit since she is not
taking her calls. She looks at herself in the mirror and she looks
very much the same, this acne is bruising her self esteem, she
walks out passing few servants who are going on about their
duties. They cover their noses as she passes and flies are
following her, she stops on her tracks and smells herself.

“But, I am not even smelling, why is everyone covering their

nose? I was going to say that it is because of my acne, but they
are covering their noses not eyes. What could be the problem”?
She thinks to herself, and there flies are beginning to be too
many. She sighs and countiues walking, before she can even
reach the dining area everyone scurries across the dining area
going separate ways.

“Yerr! What's that smell? I mean, I smelled that smell from

the staircase, yerrr”. The Queen comments covering her nose,
Nobuntu appears and Buhle throws up right there & then. She
looks at everyone, now she is more convinced than ever that
she smells, but why can't she smell herself?

MaZungu: “Yerrr, did you take a bath after having sex last night
Langelihle? You smell like a rotten fish, yasis! Go & take a bath.
Oh my God! And what happened to your face”? She covers her
nose with a dishcloth.
Buhle: “Thanks to you MaZungu for ruining our day! Sies
Langelihle maarn, go and bath. My brother chose a wrong a
wife, sies maarn. Get out of our faces you look horrible and
you are disgusting”. Nobuntu just stands there defeated tears

streaming down her cheeks, she thought that she was strong
and don't care about them mocking her. But now, here, right in
front of her it's a different story because they are ganging up on
her.

“Guards! Take this filthy thing out of my house, and call

Sebenzile's cleaning company to come and spring clean Zweli's
room of this creatures stench smell, out now”! The Queen
orders the guards who comes rushing, they get hold of
Nobuntu and they drag her across the floor, to outside and
eventually out of the yard. Buhle & the others are laughing. The
guards did not even care about her screaming & pleading them
to let go of her, they shut the metal doors locking her outside.
She brings her knees into her stomach, and weeps, right now
she doesn't care about the villagers who are passing by. She
makes a decision right there & then, she wants out of this
marriage and they will grant her- her wishes whether they like
it or not. The gates open again and Buhle throws her luggage on
top of her, and spits on her then laughs and go back inside the
yard. All this while the seer was watching everything, he did not
even try meddling...

43
MNQOBI

We are parked outside this big house. Ncumisa is the one who
directed us here, she was resisting me to come and meet them,
but me being me being I did not back down. She eventually
agreed for me to come, now here we are parked outside.
Someone approaches the car, I roll down the window for her.

“Hello”. She greets us with a big smile plastered on her face, we

greet her back. “My mother is requesting for you guys to come
inside the house”. She tells us this looking at Nkanyiso, she
better not waste her time and think that Nkanyiso will entertain
her.

Me: “Thank you”. I guess she didn't hear me because she is

still starring at Nkanyiso, I chuckle & shake my head.
Him: “Ey sisi, don't look at me like that I have a girlfriend who
I love very much, wena just do me that favour and not look at
me. I don't want you, so please respect yourself”.

Her: “You are not that handsome anyway, I know handsome

men. Men who look handsome without trying”.

Him: “Good for you and them”. He opens the door and steps
out, the girl clicks her tongue and walks inside the yard leaving
us behind.

Me: “Dude, that was not cool”.

Him: “Why did she look at me in the first place? She is too
forward for my liking”. This woman standing here at the door is
the replica of my mother, she doesn't look pleased to see us
though. We greet her and she steps aside allowing us inside
the house.
“Thembelihle please bring our guests some refreshments.
You can follow me”. We get to the lounge and we sit down...

“What can I do for you”?

Me: “My name is Mnqobi and this is Nkanyiso”.

Her: I've asked; what can I do for you”? I clear my throat.

Me: “Before we go any further, do you know a woman

named Thembi”?

Her: “There are too many Thembi's out there? Thembi who?
be specific and stop wasting my time”. Geez, so rude.

Me: “Let me show you her pictures”. I take out my phone from
my pocket and go to gallery, and give her the phone. She looks
at them not believing it, she widens her eyes and looks at me.
Her: “Th... This is my older sister, her name is Noncedo
not Thembi. How do you know her”?

Me: “She's my mother”.

Her: “What? Are you being for real”? I nod. “Is she still alive?
Where is she”?

Me: “Yes, and very much healthy. She resides in Jo'burg”.

Her: “Thanks God. We've finally found her, do you know for
how many years we've been looking for her? We even thought
that she died and gave up searching for her”.

Me: “She is alive. It's a pity that she never told us about our
real family, and where we come from”.
Her: “What? Why didn't she tell you about us? I can tell that
she is still the lying old Noncedo she was before she
disappeared. Now, how did you find us? Who lead you here”?

Me: “Nobuntu. My sister”. I see her face changing within a

second, she looks like she wants to vomit. Hau, I thought
that they were in good terms, what changed?

Her: “Don't you dare mention that witch's name in my

house, not now, not ever”.

Nkanyiso: “You'll find me in the car I am not in the mood to

entertain unnecessary shit”. He tells me this already on his feet.

Her: “Did I maybe say anything wrong? I mean, I just said do...”.
I cut her short.

Me: “Please don't, he is pissed off already, just don't piss

him off any further”.
Thembelihle: “Why is he pissed off? Are they perhaps having a
thing because the last time I checked Nobuntu is married to
the Prince the most handsome me I know”? Nkanyiso looks at
her and so do I.

Ncumisa: “Oh no. Don't tell me that she jumped from one dick
to another in just a short period of 5 months, how loose can
she be”? Nkanyiso chuckles and walks out.

Me: “I'll be on my way too. I will come some other time”.

Her: “We still haven't come to a conclusion of sorting this

issue of your mother, why are you leaving? Or are you also
upset about what I said? But it's true”.

Me: “These are my numbers. You can call me and we will

discuss a way forward, it was lovely meeting you even though it
was for few minutes”. I give her my numbers, Thembelihle
snatches them.
Her: “Oh, I will to talk with the elders and let them know about
you and that Noncedo is still alive and forgotten about us”.

Lihle: “Why don't you join us for breakfast”?

Me: “I am full, but thanks for offering I will be on my way out

now. Bye”.

Ncumisa: “Go well son and I will keep in touch”.

Lihle: “Let me walk you out”. I just look at her and walk out, she
follows behind me. “So, when are we seeing you again”?

Me: “I don't know but not anytime soon”.

Her: “That's a bummer. Well, at least I will get to see you more
since we are related. So, your friend”. We finally reach my car.
Me: “What about him”?

Her: “Can you at least hook me up with him and I will hook
you up with one of my friends”? I chuckle.

Me: “Unfortunately for you, he is taken and very much happy.

And as for me? I am not looking, stay well”. I step into my car
and hoot then bring the engine to life. “Well, that went well”.

Him: “Clearly. Now, where to from here”? The clouds start to

gather of which I find strange because I did check the
weather and it showed no rain I guess geologist's can lie too.

Me: “To the mall then we go and fetch Nobuntu”.

Him: “Then we are leaving”?

Me: “Obvious”. He nods, we embark with our journey I hope

the weather won't disturb us.
★»★«

NOBUNTU
It is only now that I catch my breath after being chased by dogs.
I was walking thinking of how stupid I am, and how what took
place at the Royal house was embarrassing. Sighs. I am just glad
that the villagers don't have smart phones or else I was going to
be all over social media trending. Me being me I decided to go
to my old “home” to see how they are holding up, especially
Sanele. I had covered my face with the doek I was wearing
hiding my hideous face. Haike, I did not even take a step inside
the yard when Sanele and some boys from the village started
throwing stones at me, and insulting me, erh. I was taken aback
by Sanele's sudden behaviour, his eyes were not welcoming,
not even a bit. It's like he grew this sudden hatred for me, I was
shocked to tell you the truth. While I was puzzled about Sanele
& his friends doings, my grandma poured me with cold water

and called me a witch, Thakasile blew a whistle, and before I

know it the villagers who live nearby came out of their houses
and started chanting “Umthakathi. Makashiswe”! Marching
towards me. Amongst them I also saw Zana & Buhle, my
supposingly bridesmaids. The way things are happening I have
no doubt that someone is behind this, and it can be the royal
people. Bloody rubbishes, yasis. That was when one of the most
respected man in this village unleashed his dogs to chase after
me, iyoh. I've never ran like that in my whole life entire life, I
was Caster Semenya for a minute I've even dropped my luggage
when I heard the voices of the young men behind me talking
amongst each other. I kept on wiping my endless tears and
praying for these young men not to catch me, I was on a verge
of giving up when all of a sudden dust rose up from the ground,
it was not your normal dust. This particular one was just too
thick, black and too fast it was more like a snake but in a dust
form, ai, ke boloi I strue. I ran as fast as I could when I was saw
it coming towards me in full swing, but to my surprised it
passed me I did not even dare look back. The clouds started
gathering and became too dark, clearly it's going to rain and I
had nowhere to hide my head.

I look behind me and I no longer see the young men

following me

phew. That's a relief. I take out my phone from my breasts I am

just happy that amidst of all this shandis I still have it, I punch in
Nkanyiso's numbers when rain droplets hit my bald head. Arh,
even the doek got missing along the way... Another drop hits
my bald head, and before I know it- it starts raining. I run to the
standing alone vacant hut for saftey, half of it's roof is no more
I can see it all the way from here. Well, at least it will shelter me
until the rain dies down. 5 minutes later I am inside it, the floor
is in good condition, but what surprises me is that it is not wet,
it is dry and looks very well polished. The rain doesn't even get
inside, now this is creepy. I slid down and think of my life
currently, it's a mess. There is no network connection here,
dammit now I am left to stare at this dull looking wall. Sitting
here right now thinking about my life it's depressing me, I need
to pray and connect with God. I know that the sun will shine
down on me one day just not yet, phela I am not patient when
it comes to such. The thing is I want God to answer me
immediately, forgetting that there are a lot of people praying to
him too. Sighs, I keep on torturing myself unnecessary with
things that are not worth my time. I need to focus on things
that matter in my life, divorcing Zweli will be the first step. My
burdens are just too many they are also contributing to my
weak faith in God, but that stops today. I am putting my
happiness first now, everything else will come behind me. Then

there's that dream issue, ai that one really puzzles me, yazini.
I kneel down...

“Heavenly father. It is me again, Nobuntu. I'm sure that you're

probably annoyed me because I always remember you when
I'm going through a rough phase, but you need to understand
that anything ‘good’ doesn't really last in my life. Hence I forget
to pray thanking you, ae God, anyway, I ask you to please bear
with me and understand that I am not perfect. I have flaws, but
then I plead with you to give me all the strength that I need I
have lot of task to complete. Please, ease some of the burdens
for me and let them rest in your hands, hhe God, life is rough
out here. Thank you so much for the protection, and please
continue guiding me in the right path. Hopefully one of these
good days I will testify about how you came through for me.
People will see you through me, please make me whole again
and may I never go astray, amen”.

A very terrible thunder rumble outside, it's one scary thunder.

It started raining with stones, but still this hut is so dry, I stand
up and go and stand at the door watching the rain. The stones
are big I must say, what if I'm dreaming again? Hhayi, phela
anything is possible with everything happening currently. Ke
film this one...
★»★«

ZWELI

After the show we witness few hours ago when Nobuntu was
being thrown out like an animal that she is, and how the
villagers acted towards her. We all started having our meal in
the garden since Sebenzile's were busy spring cleaning the
house. We were throwing jokes about her & there when there
weather started changed, we were forced to get back inside
the house. The seer was very tense when all of that was
happening. Immediately as we stepped inside the house,
thunder rumbled in way that made all our windows to shatter, I
swear I heard my father gasping since I was in the same room
with him. But when I turned to look he was still the same,I
guess it was my mind playing games with me. Now that it has
stopped raining the after effects are bad. The roof of house
suddenly have holes, one of the trees that was known to be the
strongest is down it fell on top of one of the servants
chambers, but everyone is unharmed, but they are still in
shock. This has never happened before, heavy rains did come &
Go, but this has never happened, ever. My mother is having a
very intense conversation with the seer. MaZungu is passed out
on the couch...

“That was one scary moment. Zweli, did you see the aftermath
the rain has caused”? Nhlakanipho asks me. I nod at him. “Do
you know what this means”?

Me: “No. What does it mean”?

Him: “If the rain did this much damage in this house that was
said to withstand any storms, of which was a lie after what
happened few moments ago. Imagine what it did to the
villagers huts”?

Me: “Don't mention it man. I'm sure a lot of their things are
damage, my heart goes out them”.

Him: “And they will come here to lay their grievances, dad
is sick he can't attend to their needs. Are you catching on-
on where I am going with this issue”?

Me: “I don't know. You tell me”. He chuckles and shakes his
head. “What's funny”?

Him: “You can be so slow at times. This means that you must
step in his place with immediate effect”. I laugh.
Me: “That's a good one little brother. A joke of the century”.
Him: “I am not joking Zweli. You were supposed to come here
the very same day dad got sick, but your mother made
excuses for you. The elders tried reasoning with her, but she
did not want to hear it. Now that you are here, you must take
dad's position with immediate effect since you are next in line
after all”.

Me: “What? Man, I don't know anything about chieftaincy,

nothing at all man. Where will I even begin? Mother will handle
this since she knows how things are done”. He shakes his head.

Him: “You are here now and the elders won't take her excuses.
You can do this, or ask mother to go through the process with
you until you get it right. Good luck”. He pats me on my
shoulder and walks away... This can't be happening, I am not
ready I don't know anything, this is a mess. I rub my face with
my hands when the door to my room opens, and my mother
steps in not looking good. Her eyes are red, it's evident that she
has been crying. She looks at me and fresh tears makes their
way down her cheeks and to the floor, I hope she is going to tell
me that my father has passed on, I pray.
Me: “Mom”? She shakes her head and sniffs. “It's dad okay”?
She just looks at me and continues crying. “Mom! Is dad okay”?

“Your father is still the same. It's time for you to step into your
father's position with immediate effect. Where is your wife”?
My uncle Mzwandile tells me. I look at him slowly not
believing what he is saying to me...

Me: “Pardon”?

Him: “You have 5 minutes to avail yourself to the throne room.

The council is waiting for you”. I give him a blank look.

Me: “Can't you give me time to prepare myself? I mean, I don't

know anything about chieftaincy. Uncle please, I ask you to give
me more time”.
Him: “Your mother shouldn't have made excuses for you. You
are left with 3 minutes”. He tells me and walk out. I sit down in
defeat...

Me: “Mom, please plead with them. Ask them to give me more
time”.

Her: “I... I... Tr... Tried so..n. I rea..lly did, I'm s..orry”. She
walks up to me and embraces me. I am defeated, I will just
have to run away tonight, I will not take my father's position.

Apologies for any errors...

44
NOBUNTU

We are back home after the horrible weekend I had back at the
village. I even got to see who is me who exactly who, this
weekend showed me who was the realest with me. I guess is
true when they say, “when days are dark. Friends are few” I've
got to experience that first hand. The heavy rain did some
extreme damage back there, yoh. 98% of the huts are
damaged beyond repair it will take months if not years for the
villagers to get their village back to what it used to be. I mean,
even their vegetable gardens are ruined, shame. Everyone in
the village were at the royal house to lay their grievances, life
is good. I don't want Sanele or anyone for that matter calling
me asking me to help them, not anyone. My phone has been
ringing none stop it was Zweli calling me and some of the royal
family members, I ended up blocking them. They thought that I
was going to jump the minute I see their calls, after how they
treated me? They better think again because they don't really
mean anything to me anymore I am done with them, what I
need to do is to find a good lawyer to handle the divorce. I am
just happy that we did not marry in community of property, we
just married for the sake of being married, and Zweli keeping
his inheritance. Another weird thing happened though

Nkanyiso & Mnqobi didn't detect the smell that everyone

claimed I had, at some point I even thought that they were
lying. Then the dream. It still doesn't give me any peace, I need
to talk to Mnqobi about it maybe he might know what it
means. I also can't believe that aunt Ncumisa hated me too, no
wonder why she was ignoring my calls, haike. Wonders shall
never end. Well, at least Mnqobi's visit to her was fruitful, it is
now between them to fix things because I am done with them.
I am jogged out of my thoughts by a knock at the door.
Nkanyiso is at Mnqobi's it's a soccer night for them. I attend to
it only to find Athile standing with her coat open, she is wearing
a lingerie and heels, and having a bottle of wine in her hand.
Upon seeing me she quickly ties the coat and gives me a fake
smile, I chuckle and shake my head.

“Wh... What are you doing here”?

“I live here. What are you doing here”?

Her: “Yo... You live here? You are doing vat & sit with him? How
desperate can you be? Do you honestly think that Nkanyiso
loves you? He is just pitying you”!

Me: “Says someone half naked who came here wanting to

seduce my man. How desperate is that of you? It just shows
that you are cheap, and you think that seducing Nkanyiso will
make him fall in love with you”?
Her: “Nxa. Whatever! Nkanyiso doesn't love you”.

Me: “Good for him. Now, what do you want here? Oh, wait.
You came here to seduce him. And to your dissapoiment you
did not find him, how hurting is that? I can feel your pain don't
worry”.

Her: “I... I wanted to discuss something with Nkanyiso”.

Me: “Why didn't you call him”?

Her: “He has blocked all my calls”.

Me: “That should tell you that he doesn't want to talk to

you. Can't you read between the lines”?

Her: “Is he home”?

Me: “Nope, he is not”.

Her: “Where is he? So, he can't stand your presence”? I

chuckle.

Me: “Clearly”.

Her: “When will he back”?

Me: “Am I his time keeper? If you don't want to tell me what
you want I suggest that you leave”!

Her: “I am not leaving until I talk to Nkanyiso”!

Me: “Okay. Wait for him there I'm sure he is on his way back”. I
attempt to close the door...
Her: “Wait. I can't wait for him outside here”.

Me: “Why not”?

Her: “I don't want to hurt your feelings, and I don't want to

be the reason you & Nkanyiso break up”. I chuckle.

Me: “What could hurt me? Or are you pregnant”? She looks
down, and plays with her fingers. She nods. I laugh and
shake my head. “Another baby mama drama just when think
I was going to deal with one, now I have to deal with 2?
Great just great”!

Her: “W... What? 2? Who else”?

Me: “Another one of your kind who doesn't know when to

let go. I don't want to be like any of you when the time
comes if me & Nkanyiso don't work out. I will let him know
that he is going to be a dad again, congratulations”.
Her: “Aren't you hurting”?

Me: “Not at all. Nkanyiso & I have been through a lot, and you
being pregnant for him doesn't change the way I feel about him.
I still love him regardless because I know that he will never
choose you over me, Athile. I hope that you are going to raise
the child, to be a better person than you. How far are you”?

Her: “I don't answer to you”.

Me: “Okay, Bye”. I close the door and continue making myself
something to eat. What did Nkanyiso give these women
because wawini, sisters here want more of whatever he has
given them. I mean, they even fall pregnant for him. Way to
go girls. I pray that I don't become like them, and know when
to let go when it needs to be.

★»★«
NKANYISO

Soccer night with Mnqobi was fun, but now it's time for me to
go home. I am taken aback when I see Athile's car parked right
at the entrance blocking me to drive in. What is she doing here
anyway? Sighs. I step out of the car and go, and knock on her
window, but I get no response I guess she is inside. Oh, shit.
What if she is giving Nobuntu a hard time? She doesn't need
anymore drama. I use the small gate to get inside my yard, and

I find her sitting at the bench just outside the kitchen playing
with her phone.
“What are you doing here”? She stands up, and walks
towards me, I just look at her.

“Hey Nkanyiso”.

Me: “Ufunani”?

Her: “You should teach your girlfriend some manners and tell
her how to treat guests”.

Me: “You still haven't answered my question”.

Her: “I heard that there's a possibility that you might be

a father”?

Me: “It seems as if like you don't know why you've come here,
you know your way out”.
Her: “Well, I come bearing good news of which you will
find thrilling”.

Me: “Talk”.

Her: “I'm pregnant”. She low jumps and claps her hands.

Me: “Oh, congratulations”.

Her: “Aren't you excited? I mean, you are going to be a father

Nkanyiso. This is exciting news we should be celebrating”.

Me: “Yeah, they are, and there's nothing to celebrate it's just
pregnancy. How far are you”?
Her: “5 months”. I move my eyes to her tummy, and it's flat, I
chuckle. She realizes that I'm looking at it and she giggles.
“Oh, no. I take after my mother. She shows when she is 7
months, and when it does it pops”.

Me: “Oh. I see. We are going to do a DNA test once the baby
is born”.

Her: “What? Nkanyiso, do you think that I will lie about you
being the father of this baby”?

Me: “Yes, because we've always used condoms, and if I

remember correctly the only time we did not use a condom
was at Mnqobi's, and I also remember giving you money to buy
morning afters. So, you trying to tell me that you did not buy
them”? She sighs.

Her: “It must've slipped my mind, but I am sure that this is your
baby Nkanyiso, I would never lie”!
Me: “Or you must've did it deliberately. Anyway, we will do the
DNA once the baby is born if he is mine I will take full
responsibility. We will talk again once the baby is born, you can
see yourself out”. I stand up and walk away leaving her calling
my name I get inside the house... I find Nobuntu praying let me
not disturb her, sighs. Will I ever get a break? Will we ever be in

a happy & healthey relationship with Nobuntu, because every

time when we take a step forward something pops up, and take
us 10 steps back wards. Now look, my past reckless behaviour
is slowly but surely coming back to life. Imagine Nobuntu being
a step mother to two of my children? What If I've fathered
more babies out there and sooner or later the mothers will
soon show up on my door stop, iyoh. I don't think Nobuntu will
get fed I strue. It's true when they say “every action has a
consequence” these are my consequences. I lie my head back
on the couch, how much more can Nobuntu take? I am jogged
out of my thoughts by Nobuntu kissing my cheek, she sits next
to me. I smile at her...

“Hey
You done praying”?
“Yes, I am. I've been calling your name for the past 3
minutes. Are you okay”?

Me: “Yeah. Let me go and take a bath”.

Her: “Before you go tell me what's troubling you”? I sigh.

Me: “Will we ever have a happy & healthy relationship”?

Her: “Yes, why”?

Me: “With everything going on and my past catching up on me

we are in for a rough ride”.

Her: “I know. But what we need to do is to stick with each

other one of these days God will come through for us. This is
like a test, a test to test us how much we love each other, and
how much storms we can withstand. Kahle kahle this is a trial,
it is preparing us for marriage”. I laugh. “I am serious babe, we
will do just fine as long as we pray, and believe in him. After all,
a couple that prays together. Stays together, right”?

Me: “I guess you are right. I am lucky to have a woman like you
in my life, thank you for being part of it”. She smiles and puts
her hand around my neck.

Her: “I am glad to have you as a boyfriend too. Not every man

could've done what you did for me, you a rare breed and a
God's blessings to me. I mean, I am even practising how to be
a step mother”. Laughing.

Me: “Speaking about that there's something I want to tell you”.

Her: “You want to tell me about your second baby mama to

be”? I furrow my eyes at her. “She came here to tell you the
good news I mean, she was wearing a very sexy lingerie she
clearly wanted to break down the news to you in a very
seductive way, and possibly have celebratory love making”. She
laughs.

Me: “She did what? Anyway, I told her to give birth first and
we will go and do DNA tests. Even if she found me alone, she
wouldn't have stepped inside this house”.

Her: “Really? Do you how sensitive ladies can be if you ask

them to do DNA? They think that you are automatically
saying that she sleeps around. She feels disrespected”.

Me: “I just want to make sure that if she was really carrying my
baby”.

Her: “Is she really pregnant”?

Me: “I don't think so because her tummy is flat, and when I

asked her she told me that she takes after her mother. She will
show once she is 7 months, and when she does it will pop”. She
laughs.
Her: “Kanty how far long is she”?

Me: “She said she is 5 months”. She chuckles & shakes

her head.

Her: “Wawu. I will say this again, you sure know how to pick
them. What exactly are you giving these girls”?

Me: “Hmmm... Let me see, well, something of which you've

never tasted before, I swear once you do. You will be just like
them, and don't want to let go”. She snorts.

Her: “Oh please. Stop bluffing, I'm sure you not that good”. I
give her a serious stare. She laughs and rolls her eyes. “For all
we know I can be telling the truth. Go and take a bath. I will
dish up for you so long”.

Me: “Am I smelling”? She chuckles.

Her: “No. You are just exhausted, and we are done talking
about what was troubling you”. I look at her and smile.

Me: “Yes ma'am. I love you”. She smiles at me. I stand up and
walk to the bathroom...

★»★«
ZWELI

Things got really heated up back at village, the villagers

grievances were too much in a way that I ended having a
headache, plus I did not have any answers or solutions to their
grievances. The pressure that the elders was putting on me
was too much, they also demanded Langelihle's presence of
which we had to lie about her not being there. They were not
convinced about the excuse, but they did not push any further.
Now, Langelihle is not taking any of my calls, she has ceased

any form of contact with me. One of the elders even said that
maybe the rain was caused by Langa's ancestors, they were
very angry about how we were treating Langa. Maybe he was
telling the truth... It will cost millions for the village to go back
to it's old state, It's too much. Anyway, I ran away from the
village this early in the morning, now I stay in a flat, I am
keeping a low profile, I've even changed numbers, so that no
one can contact me. I will avail myself once my mother and
the uncles have fixed almost everything in the village, I am not
ready to take the throne, not just yet. Can my dad just get
better? I mean, how did he do it? I am not ready. How did I get
here?
★»★«

LONDIWE

I don't know how, but I've managed to get my hearing back. I

don't know if it was done deliberately or what because what
my family says about me is tearing my heart apart. Yazi, it's like
I am burden to them, and they are even scared to come near
me let alone look my way. I don't blame though, I mean, I am a
mess, I smell and more over a paralyzed corpse. It hurts me
more not remembering how did I end being like this I always
channel my inner thoughts trying to dig deep, but nothing
comes up. Not even a single thing, and I don't remember half
of my life, all I remember is my childhood life of which is not
really fun to remember.
“No. We need to take her to the hospice, she is not getting any
better and as for me I am tired of cleaning her up after every 3
minutes. It's draining me honestly”. That's my little sister
Pheladi saying.

“I couldn't agree with you more. I've called them, and they
will be here in few minutes time, hhayi Londiwe really
surprised us with this sudden incurable sickness of hers”. She
claps her hands.

Pheladi: “About time. My life needs to go back to normal”. They

can't send me away. They are my family, they are supposed to
support me and be with me through it all. They can't turn their
backs on me when I need them the most. I don't even think I
have tears to cry anymore, in fact it's like I have no ounce of
water in my body I don't even pee.

Philanii: “Whoa, thanks God they are here. That was fast,
are her bags ready”? My second sister asks.
Mom: “All packed, and ready to go”. They all walk back inside the
house leaving me outside. I look at the health workers as they
approach me, all of a sudden I taste something slimy in my
mouth, and another before I know it they feel up my mouth, I
can't even open it. My mother steps out of the house with my
bags in her hand, and a huge smile not to missed plastered on
her face, guess they really want me gone. I am finally leaving
their house, giving them space and easing their burdens. I want
to plead with them not to let me go, but my mouth is sealed.
“These are her bags hopefully she will be better when taken care
by your hands because we've failed her”.

Woman: “We will do our outmost best, and make sure that we
nurse her back to health, plus we have the best doctors”. She
takes my bags, and gives it to them. My mouth manages to
open, and worms spew out of my mouth landing on the woman
and my mother. The woman drops my bags and takes off, my
mother attempts to run, but the worms are already going up
her body. She is screaming, and my hearing switches off.
Pheladi & Philani comes running out of the house only to find
my mother rolling on the floor covered with worms. I just stare
at her...

45
MNQOBI

Nobuntu called me earlier on asking me to come over she has a

delicate matter to discuss with me. I wonder what is it because
she sounded so serious over the phone. On my way out I bump
into Cresencia she doesn't look too good, I stop on my tracks
and look at her as she plays with her fingers looking down I
can't really hold a grudge against her, she is still my sister.

“Crecentia”.

“Hey. I see that you are on your way out, I thought that I
should come and visit you just like old times, but if you are on
your out it's fine. I will come back some other time”. She says
all of this looking down.

Me: “I have a few minutes to spare, please come in”. I unlock

the door and we make our way inside the house, “I will
prepare you something to drink, and the last time I checked I
had some cookies, so make yourself comfortable”.
Her: “I'll be in the lounge. Oh, how I missed this place”. She
walks straight to the lounge. I take out my phone and call
Nobuntu, she answers after a couple of rings

“Big bear”.

“Little bear. I just wanted to inform you that I will come a

little later Crecentia is here”.

Her: “Okay, cool”.

Me: “Aren't you mad”? She laughs.

Her: “Mad at what? Oh, no. She is your sister mus I really
don't mind. I'm sure she misses how close you guys were
before everything else started taking South. I will see you
when you get here”.
Me: “I love you”.

Her: “You seriously need to get yourself a girlfriend this is no

longer cute”. I laugh.

Me: “Ohoo, once I do, you will never hear me telling you that I
love you”. She laughs.

Her: “I recieve enough ‘I love you’ to last me a life time, bye”.

She hangs up, and I find myself laughing alone.

“I've been waiting for my drink for over 5 minutes now. What's
taking you so long”? Crecentia shouts from the lounge. Oh,
wow. I've forgotten about her.

Me: “In a few, I was searching for the cookies”. I pour the juice
and put the cookies in a saucer then take it to her, trays are for
strangers.
Her: “Thank you. Where's yours”?

Me: “I'm fine don't worry”. Then silence befalls us, this is
so awkward. “So, how have you been”?

Her: “I've been living life the best way I know how. How
have you been”?

Me: “I've been good hey. I can't complain, I've even rekindled
my relationship with God”. She laughs.

Her: “You? I thought you wanted nothing to do with church

you hated it ever since we were young. What changed or who
dragged you to church”?

Me: “Let's just say God remembered me, and was like ‘yey
Conquer I've been watching you going astray, now go back to
church you silly thing’, and baam there's me being led to a
church. I church for real now, and besides that church
helped me you know”.

Her: “Wow. I am happy for you”.

Me: “I know. How is your mother”? She sighs.

Her: “She is not good. You bringing Nobuntu into her life
was such a bad idea, mom is now sick because of your
recklessness”.

Me: “She will be fine. In fact she should be fine because I

brought Nobuntu months ago in her life, and she rejected her
and humiliated her. Now, how is she sick”?

Her: “Wow. Even now you choose that girl over us? You don't
care about our mother's health Mnqobi. You do know that
we all that she has, right? Just the two of us and no one else”.
Me: “That's where you are wrong Crecentia. Mother has as
family, and it's very much alive”.

Her: “What? What family? How do you know & when did
you meet them”?

Me: “Nobuntu told me about them, and when we were at the

village few weeks ago, I went to her sister. She was so shocked
when I showed her our mother's picture, apparently your
mother is very slick she is also a lie. Anyway, Ncumisa said that
he will let the elders know. So, she doesn't have us only. Plus
her family is vast I saw them at Nobuntu & Zweli's wedding. She
just needs to swallow her pride and do what's right”.

Her: “You did what? You went behind her back and searched
for her family? You did not even ask her how she feels about
this. How could you Mnqobi”!

Me: “I was looking for my family. My family Cresencia, I need to

have a sense of belonging, I was doing this for myself and not
for anyone else. If she doesn't want her family, I do. And by the
look of things I don't think you yourself is ready to meet them.
So, I don't really care what you & your mother say”.

Her: “You have changed Mnqobi. A lot for that matter. Why
would you want a family that chased out our mother as if she
was nothing? Why”?

Me: “Until I get to hear both sides of the stories then I don't
care about what your mother says. She might be lying for all we
know”.

Her: “Wow. You have really changed”!

Me: “I know, and thank you for noticing”.

Her: “Let me just leave, and good luck with forming a new
relationship with your new family. I wish you all the best”.
She is already on her feet.
Me: “I will. Thank you for stopping by, and greet mother
for me. Oh, and don't forget to pray- prayer works”.

Her: “Don't contact us when things are going bad for you.
You will remember us”.

Me: “No. God loves us all. You & your mother will be the one
reaching out to me, I hope when the time comes it won't be too

late”. She clicks her tongue, and walks out banging my door. I
shake my head, may God remember them...
★»★«

KHETHIWE (QUEEN)

Things are a mess, the Royal house is in chaos everyone is in

carhoots with one another, the once peaceful Royal house has
turned into a circus. The villagers are always camping outside
our yard looking for solutions, some are trying so hard to fix
their huts and renewing their yards back to what they were
before. While some have nothing at all, those who have
nothing we've allowed them to stay at the village hall until
things go back to what they used to be before. Food is being
supplied to them. Most people lost their livestock due to the
heavy rain, the municipality is also taking it's damn time to fix
things around here, and I know that it will cost us millions.
Zweli ran away, and so did the seer I don't even know where
did they disappear too. And they are both unreachable. I hope
the seer did not convinced Zweli to leave with him since he is
his father, hhayi, but he ain't that stupid to tell Zweli such,
knowing Zweli he would've confronted me. Sighs, this is just
argh. I look at my husband, and he looks the same I don't even
how he is alive for 2 months without eating or drinking any
liquids it just doesn't make any sense. He would've known
what to do in times like these. I blink away the tears, and leave
his room I need to pay the witch a visit again she has answers
to my questions...

I get there, and step inside the hut. It is too quiet than how
it usually is, and I ain't seeing her kids (tikoloshis/short man).

“Mother”? I call out, and no answer. Her traditional stuff &

herbs are still here though. That's a relief, maybe she has went
to fetch woods let me sit down and wait for her. While sitting
here I see a huge mirror before me, I've never seen it before
and Madlamuka never consults using it, or maybe she has
upgraded. While surprised by it a slide show of my pictures
since I was baby up to now comes to live. Erh, while shocked by
it a video of me pops up. I am now shaking because I am
watching every evil thing I did to people, every single thing,
and people I've killed. No! No! I attempt to stand up, but I am
glued on the floor I can't stand up something holds my head

and makes me watch everything I did. I am crying, but my cry is

muffled... After watching my evil deeds that I did words written
in bold pop up.

★Confess what you did. Confess your evil deeds before I

cripple you for life, confess Khethiwe. Remember no bad deeds

goes unpunished, confess before it's too late★

I read it over & over again then it dissapears. Who is behind

this? What's going on? I hear evil laughter echoing throughout
the hut. My whole body is shaking, and my palms are sweating I
feel like I am about to lose my breathe. I hear some groaning,
the deem room is now bright I can see Madlamuka sitting in the
corner covered in scorpions, yoh her cheeks have been sucked
by something with sharp fangs. I try to scream, but nothing.
Her tikoloshes are being amputated by unseen forces. This is
horror, no doubt about that. I don't think I will sleep, in fact be
the same again. Madlamuka let's out a painful loud shriek when
the scorpions enters her ears & nose causing her hut to shake
vigorously. I attempt to stand up, and my feet permits me too,
her things start falling.

★You are next!★

Is the last thing I remember seeing. Opening my eyes,

Madlamuka's hut is in ruins. Everything is no more, I run to my
car when dust rises from the ground in a bolt speed. I fiddle
with my bag looking for my car keys my hands are shaking, I get
hold of them I open my car, get in, and bring the engine to life. I
speed off leaving trail of dust after me, never in my life have I
been this scared. Once in the road I take a deep breath, but I
am still shit scared I keep on looking at the side mirror and

there's no dust this is a nightmare in broad daylight.

I'm traumatized, I can't confess!
★»★ «
NOBUNTU

“There will be mountains

That I will have to climb

And there will be battles

That I will have to fight

But victory or defeat

It's up to me to decide

But how can I expect to win

If I never try?

I just can't give up now,

I've come too far from where

I started from

Nobody told me

The road would be easy

And I don't believe He's brought me this far

To leave me
Never said there wouldn't be trials

Never said I wouldn't fall

Never said that everything would go

The way I want it to go

But when my back is against the wall

And I feel all hope is gone

I'll just lift my head up to the sky

And say help me to be strong, oh

I just can't give up now”

I hear someone clapping their hands, I turn to look and I
find Mnqobi leaning against the door frame. I laugh & pause
the music.

“I sometimes forget that you have a beautiful voice little bear

no wonder Nkanyiso fell in love with your voice before you”.
He gets inside the house, and I laugh.

“Mxm uyaphapha. I wasn't expecting you so early”.

Hugging him.

Him: “Yeah. Crecentia didn't stay for long”.

Me: “How is she”?

Him: “She is okay. But she blames me for my mother's health”.

Me: “Coffee”? I nod. “How so”?
Him: “By bringing you into our lives”. I laugh.

Me: “But your mother rejected me, and ever since then I've
never tried to reach out to them. They are just bored.
Anyway, I've asked you to come here because I want to talk
you about something serious, let's go to the lounge”.

Him: “I guess it's really serious if it needs us to go and sit in the

lounge”. I roll my eyes & chuckle. We sit down.

Me: “I've been having disturbing dreams lately”. I narrate them

to him, and I also tell him about what I've experienced the day
the heavy rain befell the village, he scratches his head...

Him: “I have no idea what they mean, I think we need to look

into them or find someone to clarify them for you. How is it
possible that we are Royal descendants? Mother never told us
that”.
Me: “We don't need clarity. We need to find our father, he is
all alone out there feeling cold and have no one”.

Him: “Where do we start looking? And that mysterious hut?

What's the story behind it? I think we will have to go to the
village again, and hopefully we will find answers”.

Me: “Find them from who? Anyway, I think a person who can
answer us is this old man in a different traditional royal attire I
always see when praying, I think that must be the seer”.

Him: “Wow. He is the same man I see too when praying, he is in

the bushes”.

Me: “I think we are seeing the same man, but what baffles me
is that he never says anything. He just looks at me”.

Him: “Exactly like my mine, but he has a crown in his hand. I

thought that I was going crazy, now that you are also
experiencing it I guess I am not crazy. I think I will have to
ask Ncumisa about our father maybe she knows him, and
might give some lead on where to find him”.

Me: “No buts. I see the crown in his hand too. Do you think that
Crecentia also see him”?

Him: “I really don't know, hey. But if she was I'm sure she
was going to tell me”.

Me: “Maybe, I think we need to pray more about this

hopefully something will be revealed. Prayer works hey, to
think that I have been doubting his powers, but since I started
praying somethings are very clear to see. Your coffee is cold”.

Him: “God is indeed good. We must pray, we need to make a

day where we are going to fast and pray together, never
mind the coffee”.

Me: “That's not a bad idea, I love it. You will tell me the day
then”.
Him: “You look much better, and it looks as if like your
blisters are disappearing slowly but surely”.

Me: “They are indeed, I am so happy maarn, just need the

bleeding to stop then I'm all good”.

Him: “Soon enough you would be back to the normal you,

and live happy with Nkanyiso”. I laugh.

Me: “With his baby mamas hovering around I don't think so”.

Him: “How many are they kanty? I only know Amanda who is
the second one”?

Me: “Athile. But that one I think she is not pregnant, she
just wanted a way to get Nkanyiso back”.
Him: “Her nerve”. His phone beeps indicating a message, a
smile creeps out in his lips. He reads it, and puts it back on
the couch. He meets my gaze, and he laughs. “It's just my
prayer warriors reminding me about today's bible study”. I
laugh, he thinks that I'm stupid this one huh.

Me: “I did not say anything”.

Him: “But your eyes are disputing that”.

Me: “Yes wena, Mr optometrist”. He laughs. One of these days

you will have to me take me to your church I want to meet your
prayer warriors that makes you smile like this. Let me go & refill
your coffee then you will leave Mr prayer warrior”.

Him: “Uyaphapha wena, but worry not because the baby

mamas will deal with you on my behalf”. I laugh.
Me: “You better get me a good darn lawyer then, I'm sure
there's one amongst your prayer warriors”. I run out of
the lounge before he says something spiteful...

★»★«

NKANYISO

The test are 99.9% accurate that's what Dr Pastel told us after
she gave us the results. She looked happy more than me, yes I
am happy, but not like how Dr Pastel & Amanda were when we
got the results. Amanda did not come with Sambulo, apparently
he is attending a friend's party.

“So, now that you know that Sambulo is yours what's the
way forward”?

Me: “Nothing changes I will support him, and we need to set up

a schedule on when will I have him over”.

Her: “What?! Nkanyiso you know very well that we don't have
a place to stay, and the hotel bill is too steep. I told you that we
must stay with you”.

Me: “Oh, staying with me won't be happening, but I've brought

you guys a house just 45 minutes drive away from mine. You
don't have to worry about paying bond and all, it is under
Sambulo's name. The only thing that connects us is Sambulo,
nothing else, and I would really appreciate it if you can respect
my relationship with Nobuntu. Call me only when it's urgent,
and it has do with Sambulo nothing else. Bye.” I leave her
standing there with mouth agape, I am done playing games...
★Insert 46★

[SHORT]

NATASHA

I am in a restaurant with my mother today I decided to go back

and claim Zweli back. I will not sit back & watch Nobuntu have
her way, and be happy with my boyfriend, never. This break
made me think things through, and I am not letting Zweli go
that easy. My mother took me to another Inyanga since the one
I used to go to did a number on me, this is one is powerful a lot
of women vouch for him.

“Are you ready to fight for your man”?

“Are you kidding me? I wouldn't have gone to your plug if

I wasn't serious. Zweli is mine mama”.

Her: “I know my baby. I mean, ever since he married this girl he

hasn't come to visit us, this girl really is a bad influence to
Zweli”.

Me: “Tell me about it mama, but all of that is coming to an end

very soon. I will kick her out of my house like a dog that she is.
You, to tell you the truth sis has been making me to breathe
through the wound”.

Her: “How was she doing that? Weren't you the one who said
she was ugly”?
Me: “I might've lied about that. She is not ugly, she is a very
beautiful dark skinned girl. I was saying all those nasty remarks
to break down the little that was left of her already bruised
self-esteem, and mom did I not break it? I shred it into pieces. I

plugged in my friends too, and before I know it I had a

Savage crew who called her names every chance they got”.

Her: “That was cruel of you Natasha. I never taught you to

make fun of other people, worst of it all is that she is the exact
opposite of how you've described her to me”.

Me: “I know as I told you I was threatened by her, but she

never cared about me yazi”.

Her: “Clearly you were not that important in her life.

Anyway, the muti will work just fine, and very soon Zweli will
be yours again, that young boy is your soulmate”. I laugh.

Me: “No doubt about that”.

Her: “Have you thought of giving him a baby? I swear
falling pregnant for him will make him fall in love with you”.

Me: “Yoh mama. We have been trying for a baby with no

positive results, it's all just a waste of time, or maybe it's

because we were too desperate for a baby. This time around I

just want to let things be, God will bless us when the time is
right”. She laughs.

Her: “You have some nerve to call God's name while you busy
using muti be careful of that man above, he will show you
flames”.

Me: “God helps who helps themselves. So, I, too, am trying

to save my relationship”.

Her: “If you say so. Oh, your driver is already here”.
Me: “He is rather early”.

Her: “I asked him to arrive early phela remember that you

have a lot to do, and wear that lingerie while preparing the
food. Make him realize what he has been sleeping on girl, go
make your mama proud I'll be waiting for positive results”.

Me: “I won't disappoint you mama. Let me get going I have a

lot do when I get to my house”. We both stand up, and she
walks me to Peter's car... She helps me load my bags in the
car. “I will miss you Ma”.

Her: “I will miss you too princess. Take care”. We hug, and I
get into the car...

In no time I have arrived at my destination I unload my bags,

the security guards are supposed to be here, but they aren't of
which is strange. Or maybe Zweli gave them a day off, I get
inside the yard. The first thing I do, I go and check Nobuntu's
room I stand near the window, and I hear no movements I
guess she went to school. I step inside the house, and it is too
quiet for my liking. The dust is also too much it's like the house
has been last cleaned a month ago, kanty what does Nobuntu
do around here? Oh snap, almost forgot that she is now dating
Nkanyiso, such a hoe she is. The bedroom is also messy I need
to tidy up here before I start preparing food, I change into more
comfortable clothes. First stop it's the kitchen, as soon as I get
to the kitchen I am surprised to find the kitchen full of dust, but
how, because when I came in here there was no dust. Now,
where on earth does it come from? I mean, even the windows
are closed. I shake my head... I look for a broom where I always

put it, but I don't find it while busy looking for it I hear things
falling, and glasses breaking I jump, and look around but I see
no one. Okay, now this is scary. I run to my room to get my
phone, and I find the door locked I run to the next room, and I
am inside it I take a deep breath and lean against the door,
there's no key here. Something bangs the door I close my eyes,
and press my lips together trying not to scream... The banging
on goes for a couple of minutes then it stops. I slid down the
door, and bring my knees to my chest this is, I don't even know
what to say...
★»★«

NKANYISO

I need to go and talk to my father about doing imbeleko for

Sambulo. He needs to be introduced to my ancestors, I hope by
then Mbuso would've come back from the states, heard that he
went that side to re evaluate his life. Nobuntu

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did not really have a problem when I told her about the
paternity she is willing to accept Sambulo as her own son, I
hope Sambulo will not give her a hard time. I am disturbed
by my office phone ringing I wonder who's calling.

“Nkanyiso Dube hello”.

“Too formal”. I chuckle.

Me: “Fuck you Ziyanda maarn. Why are you calling me from
my office phone”?

Him: “Because I am at work too. Why didn't you tell that you
have a son? A whole son Nkanyiso”!

Me: “I was going to tell you guys when I've bonded with him
enough”.

Him: “Is he really yours”?

Me: “He is really mine, man. I did DNA tests and they came
out 99.9% man”.

Him: “I am so happy for you man. When are you letting

dad know about this”?
Me: “I will let him know today, I also want to talk to him about
doing imbeleko for Sambulo”.

Him: “That's good man. At least Tyler will have someone to

play with my son really needed a friend”.

Me: “How did you know that I have a son because I did not tell
anyone except for Nobuntu? And I don't remember you
having her numbers”?

Him: “Oh, Gina showed me a picture of you holding his hand,

it seems like you guys were at some candy shop”.

Me: “A picture? Where did she get the picture”?

Him: “I think Amanda put it as a whatsApp status, and the

caption was cute man. Are you guys in the process of
rekindling what you had back then”?
Me: “What? Man, I can't drop out on my last year in university,
and go back to highschool. Dude, I ain't doing throw backs,
forward is where I'm heading bro”. He laughs.

Him: “I hope you telling the truth man, and put Amanda in line
I also told Gina to stop communicating with her she is bad
news”.

Me: “With a capital letter B”.

Him: “How does Nobuntu feel about this”?

Me: “She said she's fine man, but I don't trust her”.

Him: “Why? Why don't you trust her? Do you think that
she might harm Sambulo”?
Me: “No man. She ain't heartless, I meant her being fine about
all of this”.

Him: “Did she maybe say something offish”?

Me: “No, not at all”.

Him: “So, you are assuming on her behalf”? I sigh. “Just give her
the benefit of a doubt, she might be telling the truth you
know”.

Me: “I guess you're right man. Look, I will call you back after
I've spoken to your father”.

Him: “Be ready for interview”. I laugh.

Me: “That's why I will go, and see him after drinking two”.
He laughs.
Him: “You should face him sober man he will feel like you're
disrespecting him”.

Me: “He won't even notice that I'm drunk maarn wena”.

Him: “I trust you man, talk to you later”. He hangs up. My

father is really going to put me in an interview, wuhhh hhayi.
He is such a drama King, but I hope he won't give me a hard
time.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

I am standing before the mirror examining my body, and it is

healing just fine. I am going back to what I used to be these
past months. There sores are disappearing slowly, but surely. I

am disturbed by a hard knock at the door that could only be

Amanda. When Nkanyiso told me about the paternity results, I
was really happy for him, but not entirely I am just not ready
for baby drama. What's more important now is to find my
father, that's it. I slip on my dress, and go and attend to it...
Just as I've predicted she has an overnight bag with her, I hope
she is not going to spend the night here.

“What are you doing here”?

“Hello to you too Nobuntu, I hope you are doing well. And
what gives you the right to ask my son what is he doing in his
father's house”?

Me: “Nkanyiso didn't tell me that you will be bringing Sambulo

over”.

Her: “So now, he must run everything with you? This is his
blood, so next time don't you ever question him coming here”.

Me: “Blood or not I am still his girlfriend. You can't come here
any day you feel like, and start throwing the words ‘his blood’
around, sooner or later it will be fruitless, it wouldn't even
taste nice in your mouth. Does he even know that Sambulo is
coming”?
Her: “Just let my son in and stop being dramatic”!

Me: “I am not being dramatic. You need to know where to

draw the line”. She laughs.

Her: “So, a whole you doesn't want Nkanyiso's son to come any
time he feels like it? You are telling me Sambulo's mother
where to draw the line? You must be out of your damn mind”!
I look at her and chuckle. I open the Butler for them.

Me: “Please do come in”.

Her: “Let me go and show you where to put your bags, and
don't mind this woman”.
Him: “I don't like her”.

Her: “No one likes her don't mind her”. They walk away.... I
laugh, and switch on the kettle I need a strong cup of tea.
“Go, and watch anything you want while I prepare you
something to eat”. She tells Sambulo walking in the kitchen.
“You will see more of me. I promise you Nobuntu, I will
make your life a living”. I laugh.

Me: “Did you ever had any scar in your body”? She scoffs.

Her: “Never. Don't you see how smooth my skin is”?

Me: “I see, it is very smooth. What do you use”?

Her: “I am not your friend Nobuntu, stop asking me questions”.

Me: “Does your son have any allergies”?

Her: “Why do you want to know”?

Me: “So that we know what to feed him & what not to
feed him”?

Her: “I will be making food for my son myself”.

Me: “You too is sleeping over”?

Her: “What do you think”?

Me: “Didn't Nkanyiso tell you never to come here”?
Her: “He did”.
Me: “So, you decided to ignore what he told you”?

Her: “Do you honestly think that he will kick me out once he
finds me here? He failed the first time, what makes you think
that he will succeed now”? I laugh.
Me: “Right. You do know that I am not Nkanyiso, right”?
Her: “Pshhh, too obvious duh”.
Me: “And I will not fail to chase you out, want to try me”?
Her: “You won't do anything to me”.
Me: “Do you watch how to get away with murder”?

Her: “What the actual fuck”! I walk towards the utensils holder,
and take out a butter Knife. I look at it then at her, and chuckle.
She opens her eyes in horror. “Every information is in his bag”.
She runs out of the house, leaving me dead with laughter.

Damn, what a coward. I open the fridge and take out a polony, I
don't know why she ran away because I was going to use this
knife to slice the polony.

“Sambulo, do you eat polony”?

“Yes”! I continue laughing, ey yah neh, baby mama drama. Who

does she think she is taking chances? Aike, life yi film straight.

47
[3 MONTHS LATER]
NOBUNTU

It's been a blissful & blessed 3 months for me. I have fully
healed and my skin is back to normal, sis is gaining weight, and
happy as ever. Wait, sis is still bleeding, but not like before the
bleeding is moderate now more like getting your menstrual
cycle, so today I am going back to university my class starts at
11:00am. I am very grateful to the lectures for not giving up on
me, and for sending me assignments, the online learning really
helped too and I wouldn't have done it without Nkanyiso he has
been an awesome support system if there were medals given, I
was going to give him for being the awesome & GOAT human

being ever! Oh, yes, Amanda? Amanda never came here after
that little incident of polony we had. Yoh, she told Nkanyiso
that I wanted to kill her, drama! And Nkanyiso being Nkanyiso
laughed about it, and told her that next time I will really kill her
should she behave like a harlot in my presence again. When she
brings Sambulo over she leaves him at the gate, but lately she
has stopped bringing him apparently I am a psycho she doesn't
trust me near her son. But Sambulo is such a good kid maarn,
minus the poison his mother feed his ears with about me being
all sorts of things that she says I am. He is really fond of me,
maybe that's the reason why she stopped him from coming
here she couldn't bear me being close, and playing a good
stepmother to Sambulo. Nkanyiso meets with him in public
places, well, Mnqobi must always be present Nkanyiso's orders.
The search for my father is just not coming right, we have no
leads about his whereabouts none whatsoever. We went to the
village one time to look for the hut, and the strange thing is
that it wasn't there all we found was waste, sighs. Maybe it was
all in my mind because wawini ku confusion ku tricky. In my
prayers I still see the same old man, but with a twist this time
around. I see him standing near the river and beyond that river
there are houses I don't even know where the river is, it's
draining really. But me & Mnqobi are not giving up until we find
him. Speaking of Mnqobi, he is very busy lately with his prayer
warriors I can't help it but think that he is seeing someone from

his church, as long as she makes him happy I am very much

happy. He, too, deserves some love, real love that is, and I'm
sure whoever the prayer warrior is, God tailored her for
Mnqobi. Now that I'm better I will have to go to their church I
might even be lucky and catch him in action. Anyway, I am
done bathing now I am just waiting for Khaya, my driver to
drive me to school. I will pay him monthly I still have my card
with me, and there is still no sign of Boniwe even Khaya last
saw her 5 months back, and from what he witnessed she did
not look good, I wonder what was wrong with her. And now
that she is unreachable I'm kind of worried about her, I hope
she is fine wherever she is.

“Babe. I don't like that dress you are wearing it is too short”.
I chuckle.

“It's not that short babe”. Rolling my eyes.

Him: “I don't want to argue with you Nobuntu. Have you

forgotten that we are going to have dinner with my brother
and his wife”?

Me: “Yoh, I've completely forgotten about it. Thank you for
reminding me babe. Do you think your brother will approve me
and won't his wife have a problem with me”? This will be my
first time meeting with his brother, actually his real family
member, not the woman I did not get to see or Makhosazana
who just vanished.

Him: “He has long approved of you, now he wants to

officially meet you, and don't worry yourself about Gina. I,
too, don't really like her, but I am tolerating her”.

Me: “I guess this is the beginning of great things right”?

Him: “Of course they are babe, now change onto

more appropriate clothes”.

Me: “Why did you buy me this dress if you are going to restrict
me from wearing it”?

Him: “I did not think that it was this short. I thought it was
below the knees, so please you can wear it when indoors
with me”. I laugh. Right!
Me: “At least let me take few pictures and I will change into
more appropriate clothes, my social media accounts need to be
updated it's been long”.

Him: “Fine then”.

Me: “Thank you bunny”.

Him: “Do I look like a rabbit to you”?

Me: “No. You look more like a King Kong hence I opted to
give you a better pet name than calling you a gorilla”.

Him: “A handsome King Kong right”?

Me: “Oh please don't flatter yourself. Umubi wena shame”.

Him: “Uzonya yazi Nobuntu”. I laugh.

Me: “Have you ever seen me holding a butcher knife”?

He laughs.

Him: “You wouldn't do that my loving, besides you love me too

much to even attempt to threaten me”.

Me: “Mxm. Let's go and take pictures before I run late”.

Him: “Yes ma'am”. I walk first, and he shouts my name, I

look back, and he mouths “I love you”. I chuckle...

Me: “I love you too”. God, I am grateful.

★»★«

NATASHA

I am a prisoner in my own house, wait a haunted one that is I

am living in a horror house with creepy sounds at night, and
being sexed all night I don't even remember when was the last
time I had a goodnight sleep. I've never stepped out of the
house for the past 3 months I am always indoors, but never in
my bedroom, and I've lost too much weight. I am not even
keeping in contact with anyone, I am as good as a Zombie.
Whatever evil thing is haunting this house really torments me, I
don't even know how real food taste like any more all I eat is
rotten meat and drink water filled with dust if I don't eat I get
scratches in my body, and the pain would be unbearable. But
now, I am even used to eating the rotten food after countless
times of vomiting, the pains have become a part of my life I am
even numb to them. To me, this seems like I am normalizing
living this creepy current life of mine. My hair is messy and I
have eye bags I've been crying ever since. Things are better in
the afternoon, but once night-time comes it's a scary movie I
think death is better than this. I shouldn't have come here I
should've just stayed at home, and did not come here, or
possibly reclaimed my life, and forgot about Zweli, but no. My
heart decided for me, I followed it I forced things I regret
coming back here. I look at the time, and it's just after 15:00pm
a long day it is, and staring at this colourful weirdly written
signs decorated wall ain't making things any easier for me

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it depresses me even more. I don't know how many times I've

tried committing suicide, but here I am still alive... Mxm, I stand
up and walk to the kitchen, hehehe I'm walking in the beach
because wawu the sand in here, unbelievable! I try opening the
door and it is still locked, sighs. This is just not on, I look around
me, and the furniture looks ancient nothing like how it was
before, haikhona it belongs in the musuem. I sit down in this
damn sand I need a miracle, should I come out of this hell house
alive I swear the first thing I will do is to go to church and praise
God. But then I just need to know what or who caused this and
why make me suffer for things I don't know about? It just doesn't
make any sense honestly... Praying for that small breakthrough is
the only option left for me now. While sitting here the sand
arises and covers my whole body, I am trying to stand up, but my
legs are failing me. It covers me until the neck only my face is
uncovered, I can't even scream all I do is to just sit here, and wait
for whatever fate this sand holds for me.

“Hello Natasha”. I shoot my eyes open in horror when I see

Boniwe standing before me. Her body is in a dust form, but her
face is normal with red eyes. Co...could it be that she was the
one who was tormenting me for the past 3 months? But how?
What exactly is she? “Surprised to see me”? I just stare at her,

and not say anything. “R.I.P is the order of the day for you. Any
last words”?
“W...what do you want from me”? My voice comes out as a
whisper.

Her: “What do I want from you? Well, let's just say. I want
your soul. Satisfied with the answer”?

Me: “No. Why do you want my soul? What did I ever do to

you”? She laughs, and shakes her head. This is me trying to
be strong, but deep down I am scared as hell.

Her: “You must have a chicken memory you forget to quick. Let
me remind you sis”. Well, what is she going to show or tell me?
“On second thoughts, I'd rather not. But R.I.P”. In quick motion
the sand have covered every part of my body restricting me
from breathing...
★»★«

ZWELI

It's been months since I've been here in this hotel, I never went
out, and I am about to exhaust all my savings. Today I decided
to go back to my house it's been long overdue, and I'm pretty
sure that things are better at the village. I also hope I will still
find my job secured, phela I'm the best that company has ever
had... The uber arrives I get in, and off we leave. The uber will
drop me off at the train station from there I take a train to my
house I'm sure it's in a bad state especially dust, but it's not
that much since no one stays there and all the windows are
closed so is the door.

Hours later I am on my way to my house. The uber drops me

off, and I am surprised to find the gate open because I
remember locking it when I left, argh it can only be Natasha.
What is she doing here? We broke up mus, I walk inside the
yard I am going to kick her out of my house. I take out my keys
and try opening the door, but the door is not budging. What
could be the problem now? The keys are fitting perfectly fine,
but the door it's not opening it seems as if like something from
the inside has blocked it from opening. I try knocking maybe
Natasha has put something behind the door I walk around the
yard, and I peep through the windows, nothing, sighs. What
now?

“Natasha”! That can only be Natasha's mom. What is she

doing here? Oh, wait. Maybe she has come to visit her
daughter or maybe she is just passing by, I'm sure Natasha
didn't tell her that we broke up.
“Neliswa. What a pleasant surprise seeing you here”.

“Where is my daughter Zweli”? I look at her

Me: “I just came back from my vacation I don't know where she
is. Didn't she tell you that we broke up”?

Her: “What? You guys broke up? When”?

Me: “It's been months now”.

Her: “You said you've been gone for how long”?

Me: “I did not say, but it's been 3 months now”.

Her: “What? But she told me that she was coming to you 3
months back and that was the last time I heard from her. I've
been trying to reach her to no avail, and you were also not
reachable, so I decided to come and see if you guys are okay”.

Me: “I really don't know where she is, it's been 4 if not
5 months ever since we separated”.

Her: “Where on earth could she be then if not here? This child
is going to make me age so young, Jesus”! I look at her and
shake my head, I don't know what young she is talking about
because she is very old, her skin is wrinkled too and the make-
up makes her look way older than her actual age. “Anyway,
why are you standing outside instead of getting inside the
house”? I scratch my head.

Me: “The door is refusing to open. I think Natasha is here”.

Her: “Then kick it do...” she doesn't finish her sentence when
the door creeks open. She jumps up, and holds her chest, and
all of a sudden I feel cold, a cold breeze emerges from inside
the house. “Jesus! Why is your house so damn cold Zweli”?
Me: “How am I supposed to know? Since you are there one
who is looking for your daughter, why don't you go in first”?

Her: “Are you crazy? You go in first this is your house

not mine”.

Me: “No. You go in first because if I do go in first, and find

your daughter I will kill her”. She laughs.

Her: “Kill whose daughter? And you think that I will just
stand by and watch you kill my daughter? You better think
again Zweli”.

Me: “Clearly”.

Her: “I guess we are both no... Wait, this is my daughter I will

just go in imagine a grown man like you scared of getting
inside his house, sies. You are fucken weak maarn”. She clicks
her tongue and steps inside the house. I hear her scream I rush
inside the house only to find Natasha's body covered in worms,
no foul smell or anything. The house is still the same as I left it,
but the coldness is still here, what exactly happened here? This
house is extremely cold. I run out of the house, and go and
throw up in the drain. Yasis! Natasha's mother's wailing is not

making things any easier for me. Why on earth would Natasha
opt to die in my house? Argh maarn, this is not ayoba. I am not
even moved by her passing to me it's more like a stranger who
has passed on her mother will have to deal with the funeral
arrangement because I am not getting myself involved she was
no longer my responsibility. But her family must come and
cleanse my house to do away with the bad luck. I will go and
spend the night at Thabo's house possibly spend few days
there until everything is settled, Yerrr. Day ruined...
★»★«

NKANYISO

I've been waiting for Nobuntu for over 5 minutes now, and
she is nowhere to be seen I wonder where she is. I mean even
her phone is off I hope nothing bad happened to her. My
phone rings and it's Ziyanda, I sigh and answer.
“Ziyanda”.

“Are you guys still coming or what”?

Me: “We are still coming I am just waiting for Nobuntu give us
5 minutes”.

Him: “Alright. See you in a few. Grab more beers on your

way here, and possibly wine for the ladies”.

Me: “Sure thing”. He hangs up. I try calling Nobuntu again and
her phone puts me through voicemail, dammit Nobuntu where
the hell are you! I pace up & down it was going to be better if I
had her driver's numbers, maybe he was going to tell me how
far are they, or maybe the car broke down? Sighs. This is not
good, at all. I look on both sides and still no sign of Khaya's car,
I shake my head and walk back to my car I am about to step
inside it when Nobuntu calls my name from a distance, her high
squirmy voice never misses me. I turn and look back, and she is
running towards me with only one shoe, and her shirt torn. She
finally reaches me, and before I can ask her what happened she
collapses I catch her before she can drop on the floor, dammit.
I pick her up and put her in my car I grab the bottle of water
from the seat and sprinkle some on her, she ain't responding.
Shit! I analyize her body and she doesn't look hurt, but her
lower lip is slightly cut I can't take any chances let me take her
to a doctor. Why was she running or who is she running away
from? Where is Khaya? What happened to her? Fuck! I will
have to let Mnqobi know as soon as I arrive at the doctor...

48
MNQOBI

“Thoughts will try to convince you that you’re not strong

enough; you need more faith. Don’t believe those lies. Jesus, in
His human body, felt weak. He felt discouraged; He didn’t know
if He could go on. God sees you being your best: raising the
children, fighting that addiction, facing that illness. When you
run out of strength, don’t worry, angels are coming. Help is on
the way. You’re going to feel strength that you don’t have, joy
when you could be discouraged, hope when you should be
depressed. You’re going to have the power to endure, the favor
to overcome, the determination to outlast”. Prayer warriors
claps hands, and he proceed to say..

“There should be something you’re believing for where you are

relentless. You aren’t moved by how impossible it looks, you’re
not discouraged by how long it’s taking, you don’t give up
because people told you no. Your attitude is, “If I have to believe
my whole life, I’m going keep believing. I’m not going to

take no for an answer. I’m not going to settle for less than. I’m
going to keep pursuing what God put in my heart.”

Pastor Benjamin tells us as we nearing towards the end of the

evening service and my phone have been ringing none stop I
wonder who it is. I take it out of my pocket and I have 17
missed calls and 4 messages all from Nkanyiso whatever he was
calling me for must've been very important, I view the first
message, and the first words I see are “Nobuntu. Medicol”.
Medicol? What is she doing there? I get up from my seat, and
walk out without telling anyone anything I don't mind the
stares I am getting finding out what's going on with my sister is
my priority now.

“Hey. The service is not over yet, where are you going”?
Modiegi ask me as I am about to step inside my car.

“My sister needs me I think she has been admitted”.

Her: “Oh my God. May she recover quickly, and I will pray
for her. Will she ever catch a break”? I sigh.

Me: “I don't know. I really don't hey, the next minute she is
fine, then the next minute is back to square one it's draining
honestly”.

Her: “Never cease praying and I promise you God will definitely
come through for her, be still and know that he is God”. I shake
my head. “What is it”?
Me: “She doesn't really need any prayer she just needs
my mother to do what's right to her since my father has
gone AWOL. Let me get going”.

Her: “Your father? You don't know your father”? I nod. “You
better get going then, and please do update me about her
progress. Her light is near but far”. With that said she walks
back inside the church much faster than how she came to me.
Her light is near but far? What does that even mean? I snap
out of my thoughts and step inside my car

The drive to Medicol is rather short in no time I am inside the

hospital before I could even talk to the receptionist I see
Nkanyiso pacing up & down, I rush to him.

“What happened man? How is she”? We bro hug.

“I'm still waiting for Dr Pastel to tell me what's wrong with her.
She collapsed before she can even tell me what happened to
her. Her shirt was torn and her lower lip slightly cut”. I sigh, and
sit down.
Me: “Could she have be... No man, let me not think of the
worst. Where is Khaya”?

Him: “I don't know man I wish I knew. What is taking Dr

Pastel so long? She has been busy with her for the past 30
minutes”! He kicks the chair in frustration.

Me: “Calm down man. I'm sure she is still busy with her, she will
let us know once she figures out what's wrong with her”.

Him: “What's the to figure for the whole fucken 30 something

minutes? She is a professional man she should know what the
fuck is wrong with her”!

Me: “Sit down Nkanyiso, and keep it together for Christ's sake.
Get hold of yourself man. Nobuntu is fine she will pull through
this is nothing to her, don't worry man”. He sits down, his
knees are shaking. I say a silent prayer in my heart asking God
to intervene I think it's time I have a chat with my mother again
Nobuntu can't suffer just because of her selfishness.

“Smiso bro. Mnqobi”. We fist bump, and goes straight to

Nkanyiso and crouches before him. “What's going on bruh?
Talk to me Smiso”. Nkanyiso doesn't respond to him. “Mnqobi
wempi, what happened”?

Me: “We are waiting for Dr Pastel to give us a feedback”.

Him: “This is my first time witnessing my brother like this man,

I hope she pulls through from whatever she's going through”.
He gets up, and stands next to Nkanyiso.

Me: “We can only hope for the best”.

Him: “Gina will be bringing us food just in case we stay a little

bit longer I am dang hungry as it is”.
Me: “Such a lifesaver. Wuhhh, speaking of the devil here she
comes, and she has company with her”. Seeing Amanda my
10% remaining mood switches off to 0% instantly. “What is she
doing here”?

Him: “Amanda? Oh, she was going to join us for dinner

apparently Gina invited her. I, too, don't even know why she
did that I bumped into her as I was stepping out of the house.

Me: “Your wife is very spiteful. How can she invite Nkanyiso
baby mama to come and dine with you? Isn't that being
spiteful? What was she exactly hoping to achieve by doing
that”?

Him: “Ask her because I have no flippen idea”. They get to us,
and the first Amanda does walks straight to Nkanyiso, and puts
her hand on his shoulder. Nkanyiso yanks it off his shoulder,
and stands up while clicking his tongue.

“I've brought dinner to you guys since it didn't happen, and I

couldn't really let the food go to waste”.
Me: “I'm glad that the dinner didn't happen. I'm sure you've
even poisoned the food seeing that you were very spiteful to
enough to invite your best friend Amanda to a couples
dinner, I'm just glad that my sister didn't have to see how
spiteful you can be. Enhlek, keep your food I don't think I can
stomach any of it”. She gasps.

Her: “I... I meant no harm, I swear I didn't know that Amanda

will be coming I was surprised to see her on my doorstop, and
I couldn't really turn her away that would've been very rude of
me”. I chuckle.

Me: “Tell that to someone who cares because I don't give a

care about your lame excuse”.

Nkanyiso: “That's it I'm going in”. He walks away. I stand up,

and go after him so does Ziyanda who told the ladies to
remain behind. He pushes the door of Nobuntu's door open,
and we find a very traumatized Dr Pastel with knees on her
chest, and
hugging her legs she is shaking. Me & Ziyanda look at each
other while Nkanyiso walks straight to Nobuntu's bed. Dr
Pastel stands up, and takes off. Her glasses are full of dust, but
funny enough the room ain't even dusty.

Ziyanda: “What the hell just happened? Why was she

so traumatised”?

Me: “You are asking the wrong person bruh, I mean I just came
in with you”. He laughs.

Him: “I am indeed asking a wrong person”. We both walk

towards Nobuntu's bed, and she is peacefully sleeping. I look at
Nkanyiso and his eyes are full tears he takes Nobuntu's hand to
his, and drops his head down. The door opens, and a Dr step
in.

“My name is Lwazi I'm taking over for Dr Pastel. I don't know
what went wrong, but she is not okay. Can you please
excuse me I need to asses her, and find out what's wrong
with her”. We nod
Advertisement

and walk out leaving Nkanyiso behind. I hope Lwazi finds out
exactly what's wrong with her...

★»★«

ZWELI
I am still in utter shock by what took place it was very scary,
and very much unbelievable something to see. Natasha woke
up from the dead as soon as the mortuary people got here she
gasped for air, and the worms were gone. It was like a scary
movie, when she woke up she just stood up, and ran out of the

house like a mad woman her mother was in shock in a way that
she froze, and sitting in one position until one of Natasha's
uncle came to fetch her. No one will actually believe us if we
told them such. I, too, couldn't remain in that house after what
I've witnessed infact I am going to sell it because wow. Thanks
God Thabo allowed me to come and crash with him for few
days until I find a buyer for that house. I don't think I will
recover from this any time soon.

“The coffee is failing to go down your throat”? He laughs after

saying this. I click my tongue, and pour the coffee in the sink
then rinse my cup.

“You are not funny man. I am traumatised this is not a

laughing matter”.
“Need some counselling”? He laughs again.

Me: “Shut the hell up Thabo”!

Him: “It's just that I find it hard to believe that Natasha became
Jesus for a day! Are you sure you weren't dreaming? I mean,
sometimes we dream while wide awake”.

Me: “Mxm. I knew that you were not going to believe me you
should ask Natasha's mother and Natasha herself, it was so
scary man”.

Him: “Yeah right. Let's go and watch soccer just to keep

you your mind occupied before you finish my coffee”.

Me: “I'll be right behind you man. Is Ben still coming”?

Him: “Yes, he is. Wanted him to bring you something”?

Me: “Vodka please. I need something that will knock me out
to sleep possibly for a couple of days”.

Him: “Hau, you're tired of living? Mini Jesus asked you to

commit suicide”?

Me: “Thabo. This is not a laughing matter man”.

Him: “Hade man, let's get going the match is about to start”. I
nod, and follow behind him as we go to his lounge. I hope Ben
comes with something strong I really need to forget about what
took place earlier on it's not fun, at all. What baffles me more is
that, we don't even know where the worms disappeared too.
★»★»

NOBUNTU

“Let me go”!

“Awuhlaliseke wena sikhokhelwe imali ebhaya for wena”!

(Behave, we've been paid so much money for you)

Me: “Ngiyekeleni ngiyaxolisa”. (Leave me alone, I am sorry)

Him: “Voetsek wena! Vala lamanyala odla ngawo”! (Shut your

mouth)

Him 2: “Ey kuzosinika inkinga loku asizidedele once”. (She

will give us problem let's rape her) I was shaking in fear my
heart beating out of my chest.
Him: “Sicede ngaye bese samcisha”. (Let's just finish with her
then we kill her) They picked me up, and put me inside a car.
From a distance I saw Khaya being dragged by some of these
men dragging him to the nearest bushveld, and by the look of
things they've been paid to do whatever they wanted with me.

They've hijacked us as soon as Khaya stepped on the

accelerator, I guess they've been following me, or
maybe keeping tabs on us for a while now if not forever.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I will fear no evil.

For you are with me

You rod and your stuff they comfort me.

Lord, I ask you to please protect me from whatever harm
that comes our way

Hide me & Khaya under the shadow of your wings

May what the devil planned for us not prosper

Send us your soldiers to intervene on our behalf

I ask all this

In the name of the Son. The father, and the holy spirit.

Amen”!

They banged the door closed causing me to jump, and one

brings the engine to life while waiting for their accomplancies
to do whatever they wanted to do with Khaya. And that's when
dust rose up from the quite streets of the surbubs in bolt
speed, for some reason I think that this dust is my protector
from my ancestors, or possibly one of God's Angel's you will
never know. Whatever the case may be I was just greatful for it
for coming to my rescue in times of my aid. Anyway, I don't
know how, but the dust took all the men including Khaya I
don't even know why it took Khaya because him too was a
victim like me.

“Khaya”! I called out his name, but it fell on deaf ears.

“He is part of all this too. Don't worry I will be dealing with
them one by one, I am always protecting you always
Nobuntu. Once all this is over, you will experience happiness
like never before”.

Me: “Who. Who are you”?

Voice: “I am Arizona. Your protector. When you are in distress

worry not because I am always with you”.
Me: “Can I just see you? I know I'm supposed to be scared
and all, but funny enough I'm not”.

Arizona: “Because I am not one to be feared by you but those

who are after you. I will reveal myself in a human form, but
first close your eyes”. I nodded, nd closed my eyes as if the dust
could see me, yeah right. That was me just being crazy. “You
can open them now”. I widen my eyes as I saw Boniwe standing
before me, her lower body was still in it's dust form, but her
upper body was her in a flesh.

Me: “Bu...” words couldn't come out of my mouth I was

tongue tied not believing my eyes.

Her: “I know, I have always been protecting you. Come now”. I

blinked still not believing it, I think I made a mistake by blinking
because I found myself running towards Nkanyiso's car.

★»★«
My head feels so heavy, and my body is tired it's like I have
been running or something. Before opening my eyes, I can hear
people talking from a distance, then beeping sounds of
machines it is no science that I'm at the hospital. I don't even
know why Nkanyiso brought me here, or maybe he panicked
I'm sure his brother is disappointed about us not coming, and
to think that I was eager to meet him, and that nonsense
happened mxm. Otherwise there's always a next time. I still
can't believe that Khaya was also part of it too, that time I even
prayed for him. But the big question is who paid them & why?
Can't I just catch a break bathong, this is too much.

Hmmm, now how am I going to explain to Nkanyiso, Mnqobi

and the Dr about what really happened to me? I mean, they
won't believe me. If I don't tell them the truth, then this means
that I will have to tell them a believable story, there's one
problem though I just don't know how to lie, ai. Disaster with a
capital D! I slowly open my eyes, and I see Nkanyiso, Mnqobi
and some guy talking fancy seeing them here. Whatever they
are talking about must be important because the don't even
notice that I'm awake. Oh, well let me just let them be. I sit
upright, and Mnqobi is the first one to see me. He rushes
towards me, and the others follow too. Nkanyiso kisses me all
over my face...
Him: “Thanks God you are awake babe. What happened
to you”? I chuckle.

Me: “It's a long unbelievable story. I guess this is Ziyanda since

he looks like you”.
Him: “What? I don't look like this monkey”.
Ziyanda: “Says an ape”.
Mnqobi: “Still you guys belong in the monkeys family”.
Them: “Shut up”! We all laugh... Hmmmm, my life.
49
KHETHIWE

Things here at the village are progressing slowly but surely. No,
wait. Who am I kidding? It's a disaster, a whole flippen disaster
months later with no hope of making it to what it used to look
like before. The streams are running out of water, it never rains.
The crops of the villagers are drying up, their live stocks are
dying, the trees are no longer green. The once beautiful
Buhlebezulu village has turned into something else, something
even tourist wouldn't dare like to take a tour around it. The
mobile clinics comes once in a while, the old people are getting
sicker day by day I don't know how many of them we've buried.
Then there are women who keep on getting pregnant in this
current state. Why bring a child in porverty while you yourself is
still struggling? It just doesn't make sense.,Nothing is actually
going right here, lucky are those who are working in the city.
Well, they are not that lucky though because transports prices
suddenly went high everyone is trying to make ends means, and I
can see that some of them things are just not working out no
matter how hard they try. I've even lost some serious weight
with all the problems the villagers always brings me, if its not
someone stealing someone's live stock is these neighbours who
complain every now & then about each others activities. The

other neighbouring villagers are growing weary of lending a

helping hand to us, our village is the most populated one
compared to the other villages. Looking at the state of this
village very soon we will be forced to go, and seek refugee in
other villages, and that would really be very embarrassing to
me. Imagine a noble being treated like a commoner, like hello.
I, too, am of royalty I am a Queen. Nhlakanipho & Buhle left for
Venda few days later after the disappearing of Zweli and the
seer I don't blame them this place is unbearable. Things started
getting worse after the treatment we gave to Langelihle the
last time she was here, I can't help it, but feel like this is our
punishment from the ancestors. My husband is still out of it,
but he is still breathing I still don't understand how he is alive,
and there is nothing I can do since Madlamuka passed away
she was the only person who could've reversed the curse. Now,
more than ever I need him. Everything is weighing heavy on my
shoulders I can't take it any more, even the elders are not
having faith in me some have stopped even attending the
meetings I always summon. I have no one I am all alone, for the
first time I don't know in how many years I break down, I need
to catch a break.

Once upon a time my life was perfect. I had a loving husband,

and supportive children. We lacked nothing, and we were very

respected in this village people were bowing at our presence,

but now? Now? They treat me like I'm one of their kind, well I
am one judging by my current situation, never in a thousand
years have I thought that one day I will be this helpless, and
have no one in my corner! It's shocking to say the least. I look
at my husband, why did I do what I did to him? I was protecting
him Because of secrets that were going to creep out of my
closet? The lies? The cheating? The betrayal? I was doing it for
what exactly? Because here he is lying here in this very same
bed with no care in the world, while I, on the other side is the
one suffering? Life is not fair. A knock comes through at my
door I'm sure is one of the guards he has come to tell me that
someone wants to see me.

“I'll be there in a few”. I wipe my tears and reapply my make-up

I fix myself, and step out of my room walking to the throne
room to see who ever came to see me. People just never stop
coming here even though I tell them that there's nothing I can
do to help my hands are tied. I am surprised to see Langelihle's
grandmother waiting for me looking rather mad at something
or someone, this woman never comes here, ever. Why now all
of a sudden?

“MaZungu. Ungahlala phansi”. I tell her as I sit down, she does

too. “Ngingakwenzelani”? (What can I do for you)

“Ngifuna imali”. (I want money) I sigh.

Me: “Imali? Imali yani MaZungu”? (What money)

Her: “Yamalobolo ka Nobuntu futhy ke ukhumbule ukuthy

azanke nimuhlawule ngizofuna naleyo mali ikati lilele eziko
sebhekene ngabomvu le endlini”. (Her dowry money, plus you
did not pay a fine for her I also came for that money. We are
very angry, we are looking at each other back at home) I laugh.

Me: “Awungihloleli wena? Sakhokha zonke izomfanelo zaka

Langelihle”! (Are you not taking me for a ride? We paid
everything for Langelihle)

Her: “Ngiyakuzwa lapho. Awusho ke. Le yokumnakekela asase

yingane kufikela mhla waba u malokozana wenu yona
ngikhokhwela nini? Phela ngimukhulise kubuhlungu u Nobuntu
kungekho muntu ongilekelela ngaye, angisho nonyoko

wangiphonsa ngaye ebona ukuthy uzoba yinhlupho. (I hear

you there. Now, tell me. The money that I used to take care of
Nobuntu with until she became you'd bride, when am I getting
it? I've raised Nobuntu all alone without the help of any one,
even her mother dumped her with me because she saw that
she will be trouble) I chuckle, and clap my hands. This old
wrinkled face woman is unbelievable right now. Raising
Langelihle was her duty as her grandmother I don't owe them
anything, and besides Langelihle is not my responsibility she
better go, and milk somebody else money because I am not
going to give her anything. Speaking of money, I am running
very low too of which I had to cut the guards & maids salaries.
Some left, and those with no families whatsoever remained
behind, and proceeded with working, and they never complain
shame. I look at Langelihle's grandmother once more, and
laugh. This old hag is taking me for a ride, I take a deep breath.
“Bengisacela ungiphumele ngesicabha ngoba ayisekho into
engingayi khuluma nawe. Okunye ke naku, u Langelihle akusi
inkinga yami sekayi nkinga ka Zweli nangabe unesikhalo semali
tshela u Zweli. Manake, usungam'tshela no Langelihle ukuthy
ufuna imali yakho le owamkhulisa ngayo uphila kamnandi le
egoli udla laka pondo”. (Can you please leave my house
because there's nothing more to talk about with you. Another
thing Langelihle is not my problem, but Zweli's. If you have
money problems talk to Zweli. Wait a minute, you can also tell

Langelihle that you want your money that you raised her with
she is living a good life there in Jo'burg) if me telling her this will
make her leave my house then I'm good, she annoys me. She
laughs

Her: “Hehehe uzonginikeza imali yami Khethiwe o kanye

ngozowazisa bonke abantu ngokuthy wenzani ungangilokothi
Khethiwe”! (You will give me my money or else I will tell
everyone what you did, don't test me) this old woman is stupid.

Me: “Khululeka ubatshele. Kuhle ngoba nawe uyabandenyeka

phakathi kwaloludaba, hambake uyobatshela phela
njengamanje”. (Be free to tell them. It's a good thing that you
are also involved, go and tell them now). She looks at me for
sometime then clicks her tongue, and shakes her head.

Me: “Usase la”? (You are still here)

Her: “Ayikapheli Khethiwe eyami imali uzoyikhokha uthanda

ungathandi. Ngiphe izi number zaka Zweli ngizotshela u Sanele
abashayele ucingo”. (It is not over. You will give me my whether

you like it or not. Give me Zweli's numbers I will tell Sanele

to call him)

Me: “Angazi ukuthi ziyasebenza yini ngoba ukugcina kwami

bezingangeni, cela ungasabuyi la kwami”. (I don't know if
they are still working because the last time I called it didn't go
through, and please don't ever come back here)

Her: “Ngisazobuya Khethiwe”. (I will come back). I give her the

numbers. “Ngisazobuya Khethiwe”. With that said she stands
up, and walks out of the throne room. Phew, this woman is a
drag. She knows a lot about me, a lot. I lean back on the chair
and take it all in...

★»★«

NKANYISO

I woke up very early today to make breakfast for Nobuntu since

today is her birthday, and she is not going to university since
they will be writing exams soon, I've also asked for a day off at
work I want to spend this whole day with Nobuntu. Well, it will
not really be the whole day because later on Mnqobi will be
doing a braai for her she doesn't know about it though, he has
invited maybe 6 people, that's how big our circle is. And we are
cool with that... After that incident that she was involved in few
days ago I've asked one of my father's drivers to drive her to &
from university everyday. I still don't believe the part where the
men who wanted to rape, and possibly kill her were “taken in
by dust” a mere dust? It's highly impossible, or can it be? I
guess not, but then she might've told me the truth seeing that
Khaya is no where to be found, it's a good thing that the dust
took them because I would've landed in jail. My phone rings
while making breakfast for Nobuntu, and Sambulo is the one
video calling me he is too clever for a 5 year old I wonder why is
he video calling me because he never does, oh well, let me just
answer...

“Young man”.

“Sure dad. Is Buntu with you”?

Me: “No. She is still sleeping, why are you asking”?

Him: “I've been video calling her, but she ain't answering go
and wake her up”.

Me: “Okay. Call again in a minute”.

Him: “No. I don't mind holding”. I laugh, and walk to my

bedroom to wake Nobuntu up, she is sleeping do peacefully
I point the camera towards her

and Sambulo starts singing for him, no wait, nigga is screaming.

Nobuntu slowly opens her eyes, and smiles as she sees Sambulo
on the screen singing for her, I just don't understand people who
wake up, and smile or be active. How do you guys do it, because
wawu I am always grumpy in the morning when I wake up. I give
Nobuntu the phone, and go back to the kitchen to finish what I
started before she gets off bed Sambulo will

have to entertain her until I am done, I love their relationship

truly speaking.

Few minutes later I walk back to the bedroom, and I find her
sleeping again, women and sleeping you can never separate
them. I put the tray on the bed side cabinet, and wake her up
by screaming happy birthday in her ear. Her eyes flips open,
and she laughs then covers her face with her hands.

“I feel so ugly right now, and thank you for the birthday
wish even though Sambulo beat you to it by being the first
one to wish me”.

“That little rascal, of which makes me wonder what time did he

wake up”.

Her: “Maybe the time he called you he must've just woken up”.

Me: “Maybe. So, baby ding ding I made you breakfast today
is all about you you, and you. I love you”.

Her: “I love you too babe. Oh, how I wish that everyday was my
birthday so that I can be served breakfast in bed”.
Me: “Even if it was you would probably be getting it once a
month, nakhona when I'm in the mood”.

Her: “Mxm, whatever. Let me go, and brush my teeth”.

Me: “Just eat you will brush them after eating”.

Her: “Are you joining me or should I eat alone”?

Me: “Would you honestly eat all of this alone”?

Her: “Why are you answering a question with a question baby

love”?

Me: “But you are also answering a question with a question”.

She rolls eyes.

Her: “Let me just eat, and just let you be”.

Me: “I am not letting you to eat this alone I am joining in”.

Her: “I am not surprised. You love food”. We both laugh, and

dig in... My phone rings, and it's my father.

“Baba”.

“Did I disturb you”?

Me: “I'm in the middle of breakfast”.

Him: “Let me not keep you then I just wanted to inform you
that Dabulizizwe is coming back in 2 weeks time, I told her
about Sambulo she is willing to do the cleansing and imbeleko
ceremony as soon as she lands so that we can get everything
she will need to use. She sounded really concerned about
something”.
Me: “Thank you dad for letting me know I will let Amanda
know too so that she gets prepared too”.

Him: “No worries. When are we meeting your girlfriend? It's

been long overdue waiting for the right time to come so that
you can introduce her to us, or are you dating another man”? I
laugh.

Me: “What? Dad no. You will meet her soon”.

Him: “How soon is soon Nkanyiso? Or do you want the girl to

think that you don't have a family? Hhayi maarn Smiso
akwenziwa njalo”.

Me: “I will introduce her after Sambulo's ceremony dad. I've got
to go now”.
Him: “Okay. Bye. Know that if you don't introduce her a week
after Sambulo's ceremony I will find her myself, and introduce
her to the family. Do what's right Smiso.” he hangs up.

Me: “That was my father. He was telling me that Dabulizizwe

is coming back in 2 weeks time to do a welcoming ceremony
for Sambulo”.

Her: “That's good news baby love I'm sure your family will love
him, after all he is one lovable child”.

Me: “Yeah. You will be tagging along with right? I don't want to
get bored”. She chuckles.

Her: “An entire you getting bored? Wuuhhh please, stop it.
You will be with your family I'm sure they are not boring”.

Me: “Come on sugar love. Please come along with me we can

even ask Mnqobi to come along with us, so that it will be less
awkward for you. I need your support as my girlfriend”.
Her: “Let me think about it, and I will let you know if I will
be coming with or what I don't really want to intrude”.

Me: “They won't even notice that you are there, do it

for Sambulo ke if not me”. She scoffs.

Her: “Fine, but you owe me big time”.

Me: “I always owe you it's nothing new wena sugar love”.
She laughs. “Any plans for today”?

Her: “Same thing that I do every day, but I hope that something
will come up I'm sure if I had friends we were going to go to
the mall for some brunch, then to a spa for some pampering,
and getting my nails done, but well friends dololo I only have
you & Mnqobi”.
Me: “Hmmm. You don't even have friends in university”? She
nods. “I see. How about I make one of what you mentioned a
reality”?

Her: “A spa treatment baby love will do just fine I really need to
relax my body”.
Me: “Spa treatment it is then”.

Her: “What are exactly is your plan seeing that you've skipped
work”?

Me: “I have some few errands to run”.

Her: “Oh, okay. I love you yezwa”?

Me: “I love you too muntu wami”. We continued eating while

conversating about anything njer.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

After having breakfast Nkanyiso gave me some money to go,

and spoil myself. I don't even know what I am going to do, but I
do need the spa treatment luckily for me the spa is opposite
the mall which means that I can have lunch afterwards, and buy
some few items, if only Sambulo was with me. This is a first for
someone to do something for me on my birthday, the first
birthday where more than 100+ people wishing me a happy
birthday, oh that would be my social media friends. Back in the
village Sanele was the only one who used to wish me a happy
birthday, but this time is different. I mean, hello I even woke up
to breakfast in bed, and Sambulo singing for me so early in the
morning. This to me feels like Christmas nina, like wawini. Now,
here I am about to spoil myself. God, I am greatful thank you. I
am about to get inside Exclusive spa treatment when someone
calls my name from behind I turn to look, and it's Snikelelo she
is with some girl. I wait for her until she reaches me, we hug.

“Fancy seeing you here. How are you”?

“It's a once off thing since it's my birthday. I am good thanks,

and how are you”?

Her: “Breathing. Happy birthday sweet cake. Are you

meeting someone or you just came to spoil yourself”?

Me: “I just came to spoil myself, alone for that matter. What
brings you here”?
Her: “Oh, this is my sister's Spa I just came to do a routine
check. Don't you want some company? I mean, I, too, am
bored I can do with some company”.

Me: “I don't mind really, but what about the girl you
were with”?

Her: “One of God's children who needed some assurance that

God, is the way, the truth, and the life”.
Me: “Is it the only way”?

Her: “Not entirely. So”?

Me: “Sure you can join me”.

Her: “And you've just scored yourself a free spa treatment take
it as my birthday gift to you”.
Me: “Thank you so much Snikelelo”.

Her: “You most welcome”. We make our way inside her sister's
spa, and goes to the reception. I roam my eyes around this
spacious place some people are living big outchea. So, spa's
also have nail technicians? I thought that they only dealt with
body massages. Oh, well. The perks of not knowing much
about things like these. “Full body massages plus waxing is
officially underway let's go”. She tells already pulling my hand.

Me: “Waxing”? She laughs.

Her: “Of course baby love. Trust me after it, your vagina will
be hairless”.
Me: “Askies, angizwa kahle”?
Her: “It will be fun maarn, I do it almost after every 3 months”.
Me: “Why”?

Her: “For the fun of it, and besides my boyfriend loves it”. I look
at her, this is weird having such talks with a prophetess, I mean,
wawini guys it just feels so wrong, but what can I say. “Before a
prophetess, I am also a normal human being, and I have feelings
too just like everyone else. Right now look at me as a friend, not
as a prophetess or as a God's messenger, okay”?

Me: “Yeah, sorry”/

Her: “It's fine maarn, we have a lot to talk about, and please
feel free to talk to me about anything. Outside church I am
Snikelelo a girl from the township”. I chuckle, and follow behind
her... We get into this other big room, and she shows me where
to go and change. This place is beautiful, wait. I think I didn't
tell you guys that I am only spotting now, and well... Hhayi, cut
cut...

50
MNQOBI

Preparations are underway in regards to Nobuntu's surprise

party/braai. The truth is I didn't know that today is Nobuntu's
birthday Nkanyiso told me 3 days ago, in fact he asked me if I
know when is Nobuntu's birthday, ey. I told him straight up
that don't know, and shame he was kind enough to tell me
that's why I decided to throw this surprise party for her.
Modiegi is the one doing all the cooking, Gina offered to help
her, but I refused I still don't trust her. And don't think I ever
will. It is very evident that she doesn't like Nobuntu of which
makes me wonder why because Nobuntu is a good person, she
never provokes anyone, or maybe they just hate her because
she is just Nobuntu, or maybe they are just not happy that she
is involved with Nkanyiso? Anyway, whatever the case may be
they better stay away from her. I couldn't invite Ziyanda and
not her, she, too, needs to be near her man. I just pray that she
didn't invite Amanda since they are friends, right now she is
busy drinking wine sitting in one of the chairs watching Modiegi
cooking you can see that she is bored, if it was up to her she
wouldn't even be here. Nkanyiso went to buy meat and some
alcohol I did not invite too many people, I only invited
Nkanyiso, Ziyanda, Modiegi, Gina, and Thabo said he will see,

Crecentia did not even entertain me, but I doubt that Thabo
will come if Crecentia is not here. She just blue ticked me... My
phone rings, and it's my mother, oh, she finally unblocked me.
How thoughtful of her.

“Mama”.

“When are you coming to see me”?

Me: “Coming to see you after how you chased me out of your
yard? Wait, you actually locked me outside and insulted me
calling me all sorts of names with the help of your daughter
embarrassing me in front of your neighbours, now you want
me to come and see you”?

Her: “Please Mnqobi. I need to talk you about a serious

matter, can you stop by before the end of the day”?

Me: “Unfortunately I can't. I'm throwing Nobuntu a

surprise party I can only come tomorrow morning”.

Her: “You go around wasting money on useless things? When

last did you give me money to buy grocery, and pay the
house bills”? I laugh.

Me: “I don't remember me giving you money to buy grocery,

and the last time I checked you are working mama. What
exactly is your beef with Nobuntu? Did you even know that
today is her birthday”?
Her: “I don't have any beef with her I just don't like her, and
why would I want to know about her birthday? She is not
important to me. What time must I expect you tomorrow”?

Me: “You want me come to your house? That's one thing I

would not do. We can meet somewhere for breakfast, and we
can talk about whatever you want to talk about”.

Her: “Oh, okay”. I can detect the dissapointment in her voice.

“Happy birthday to that nonsense of a girl, and no don't pass
the message to her. I will see you tomorrow morning. Actually,
you know what? Let's just cancel this so called meet up because

it's pretty much clear that this nonsense of girl is more

important than the woman who gave birth to you”.

Me: “May the grace of the God locate you mama, and
remember he loves us all equally”. She laughs.
Her: “Oh please. Don't start with that God bullshit of yours, and
stop trying to bring my family back in my life. Stop it”! She
hangs up before I can answer her back, okay that took a
complete twist I did not expect it at all. My mother needs some
serious deliverance, God better intervene before it's too late. I
put my phone back in my pocket, and continue with marinating
the meat Ziyanda is the one making fire.

“Urh...m. Can I please talk to you if you are not busy”. I stop
marinating the meat, and look at Modiegi. Before we go far she
is my friend not my girlfriend, soon to get married to a deacon
at church. She is one of the strongest prayer warriors amongst
all of us, but lately she hasn't been attending evening services,
but the deacon will be the only one attending.

“What is it Modiegi”?

Her: “I've invited some of the prayer warriors to come, and join
us I hope you don't mind”.
Me: “I don't mind I just did not think of inviting them I didn't
think they will come, but as they say the more the merrier. I
should text Nkanyiso to bring more cold drinks for the
prayer warriors”.

Her: “That would be wonderful, thank you”. I nod at her,

and cover the meat with a foil. “Mnqobi”. I thought she left.

Me: “Yes Modiegi”.

Her: “Do you know the Zithobele river”? I give her a blank look.

Me: “Zithobele river? No, I don't. Why are you asking”?

Her: “Besides it resides broken & poor people. Besides it

resides the wounded ones, there's no hope for them, but by

the grace of the God they are still alive, and never complain
about anything. They are content with what they have even if
they go to bed hungry they still praise God, but there's this
particular man that has been crying for the past 27 years for
only one thing, just one thing. And that one thing is to reunite
with his kids, he yearns to know his kids, and take back what's
rightfully his. They've stripped him of everything, his wife's
sister couldn't bear to witness her sister being a Queen. So, she
stirred one of her best friend to shake the kingdom a bit. I guess
the foundation was not strong enough. The walls crumbled, and
eventually the building collapsed. All the good was removed,
and only the evil remained”. I don't know when was the last
time I was this confused. What is she exactly saying? Why is she
telling me this story? Ai, maarn.

Me: “Urh...m. What are you talking about Modiegi? Why are
you telling me all of this? I mean, I don't even understand who
you are talking about”. She is about to answer me when her
phone rings, she excuses herself, and go and answer it leaving
me confused. Was she telling a true life story or what? Let me
not crack my brain about things I don't know anything about. I
take out my phone from my pocket, and text Nkanyiso to buy
more cold drinks, I take the meat outside.
★»★«

NOBUNTU

My day is turning out to be better than how I've imagined it to

be. Snikelelo is a ball of diamonds & feathers she is one cool
person, and very humorous character I've been laughing ever
since. We are now settling in at Nando's after our massages, and
all the lingerie she has made me to buy, not forgetting heels, and
some few soft music discs. Apparently they are for when we are
going to do the deed, she is so sure that today I am going to pop
the Cherry since it's my birthday, and Nkanyiso
sent me to a spa treatment because he wants to set the mood
for tonight. Gosh, she is too much honestly, but I would never
trade her for anything it's like I've known her for years. Yes, I
did tell her that I am still a virgin, but not virgin virgin since the
hymn was broken by manyala called Zweli even mentioning
his name leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, yuck.

“Thank you for today Snikelelo. Honestly you made my day, the
time I left home I did not think that my day will turn out to be
this fun. Like yazini, I thank God for bumping into you”.

“You are most welcome, in fact I should be the one

thanking you. You know the last time I was out with
someone was 10 years back, nakhona with a church mate”.

Me: “On my side it has been months ago with my big sister,
ever since then I've been going through trials &
tribulations, yoh”.
Her: “God, is still in progress with your life Nobuntu. Ngithy
minah yhey, what he is preparing for you is unmatched to
any pain that you've gone through”.

Me: “I believe. God has been so good to me honestly, I have

seen him at work with my brother's life”.

Her: “That is one man who will make a great preacher one
day”.

Me: “Speaking of him. Is he maybe seeing someone at church,

or have a lady friend that keeps him busy, or maybe attend
Bible study together”? She laughs, like seriously laughing guys
guys...

Her: “I don't know if he is seeing someone yet, and yes he has

a lady friend they are pretty close”.

Me: “I knew it! I knew that he is busy with someone hence

he attendeds weekday services every day”.
Her: “They are not dating wena maarn. Modiegi is getting
married to one of the deacons at church, they've been dating
for a while now, and they love each other dearly”.

Me: “What a bummer. I honestly love this Modiegi woman

for him, I really do”. She laughs.

Her: “You don't even know her Nobuntu”.

Me: “I know. But I really do like him for Mnqobi not this deacon
of yours, mxm”. She laughs.

Her: “Shame man. I'm sure your brother will find a

good woman when the time is right”.

Me: “And that woman must be Modiegi”. She snorts... My

phone flashes indicating that I have a message I pick it up
Advertisement
and view the message and it's Mnqobi.

★Come to mg house now Nobuntu something big happened,

hurry★

What? I waste no time I start picking up my things.

“And now? Where are you going”?

Me: “We have to go Snikelelo my brother needs me asambe

njengamanje”. She stands up, and picks the other shopping
bags and we walk to her car. Yes, baby girl drives. She loads
the shopping bags in the car while I settle on the passengers
seat, she steps inside and roars the engine to life she is driving
like a maniac, I am just praying that we arrive safe a Mnqobi's
house safe because wawu, sis here is Michael Schumacher.
15 minutes later we park outside Mnqobi's yard, we both
leapt out of the car, and rush towards the house. The door is
slightly open, I push it open, and people appear from the
lounge shouting...

“Happy birthday Nobuntu”!

I cover my face with my hands, and cry. I am crying tears of joy I

did not expect this at all, Snikelelo pulls me into a tight
embrace.

“Haibo. That's my woman sisi give her back”. He pulls me

into his chest I chuckle in between the tears.

“Hhayi wena”.

Him: “Happy birthday sugar pie”. I retract my head from his

chest, and face everyone I don't see Mnqobi amongst them. I
don't even know half of these people here, but I am thankful
to them for stopping by. They all wish me happy birthday, and
give me hugs except for this one particular woman, well,
unfortunately for her I don't care about her. Ziyanda & Mnqobi
show up few moments later Mnqobi has a cake with him, and
Ziyanda cup cakes I chuckle.

Mnqobi: “Happy birthday Little one”. He puts the cake on

the kitchen counter top, and come and hug me.

Ziyanda: “Happy birthday Makoti”. He hugs me too. I am so

overwhelmed I can't utter any word, all I do is nod. I can't
believe that they did all of this me, a whole me.

Nkanyiso: “Let's go, and get you settled sugar pie”. I scoff, I
really don't like this pet truth be told.

Snikelelo: “I guess I am automatically invited to this party since I

am here, I mean, you can't really turn me back now that I am
here right? That would just be plain rude, you know mus, and
Nobuntu here is my best friend I will have to say a speech about
her”.

Him: “You've only known her for like 2 minutes”.

Her: “Wuuhhh shame you don't know anything,
uyaphapha njee wena”. We all laugh.

Mnqobi: “It's rude to keep the guests wait, and we don't really
like eating cold food”.
Nkanyiso: “Wait, I have one final surprise for you sugar pie”.

Snikelelo: “That surprise will find us eating I am hungry guys,

let's go and settle down”.

Him: “Mxm. Uyaphapha wena prophetess, go and eat”.

Her: “Thanks God he has invited me to join the party.

Hallelujah”! She walks away laughing.

Him: “I think I like her for you to be friends with each other
she seems like a good person, and very humorous”.
Me: “She is a ball of varieties maarn. I like her too. Now,
what's the surprise”?

Him: “Close your eyes you will definitely love it”. I nod, and
close my eyes. Few moments later I feel tiny hands covering my
eyes, I chuckle.

“Guess who is it”?

“It's my all time favourite boyza aka Sambulo”. He retracts

his tiny hands from my eyes.

Him: “How did I know that it was me? Did Nyiso tell you”? I
laugh, and look at Nkanyiso.

Me: “No. He did not tell me, I know you phela”.

Him: “Oh, okay. Happy birthday Buntu”. He pinches my cheeks,
and kiss me. I laugh, and pull him into a embrace.

Me: “Ncoahhh, thank you so much my boy”.

Him: “I love you, and look at what I've brought for you Nyiso
chose it for you, but it's from me”. I laugh, and pick him up
he lies his head on my shoulder. It's a big Teddy bear.

Me: “Thank you so much, this means so much to me baby.

I love you too. I lie place my head on his head, and
Nkanyiso pulls us both into an embrace.

Him: “And I love the both of you with all my heart”.

Us: “We love you too”.

“Okay, happy family we are almost done eating”. Mnqobi tells

us. We laugh, and go and join everyone in the garden. Snikelelo
is already eating while the others were waiting for us.
Me: “Apologies for keeping you guys waiting even though some
of us are not very patient”. They all look at Snikelelo, and laugh.
I would to thank all of you for coming, like people I did not
expect this, and my boyfriend didn't even give out anything
that today will be different beautiful day for me. Thank you to
everyone who has contributed towards making this surprise
party a success, may God richly bless you. Oh, and thank you to
my boyfriend he is the best boyfriend, he boyfriends very well
maarn. People this man right here I have been given by God
himself in a silver platter, wuhhh guys he is one in a million. I

love you baby love. To my brother bathong, the big bear before
me. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me,
yazi you are the best, also thank you for teaching me how to
pray if it wasn't for you I don't know where I would be. I love
you biggy. Hmmm, I turn to look at Sambulo, and he is all
smiles next to me, I pick him up. And also thank you to this little
champ for loving me like I am his mother, thank you for the gift
also. I love you bunny. He giggles, and hugs wraps his hands
around my neck. Again, thank you everyone for being here to
make my day extra special”. They all clap hands, and some
ululates.
Snikelelo: “Why are you not thanking me for completing
your day”? Everyone laughs.

Me: “Thank you for making my day Snikelelo, thank you for
being my Michael Schumacher for the day, wena miss fast &
furious”. Everyone one laughs. “We may proceed with eating.

Mnqobi: “Thanks God”! Everyone dishes up, and this woman

is in a contest stare with me. Who is she again, and how is she
relevant? Geez, she is a bore. Everyone seems to be enjoying
themselves, God, thank you.

★»★«
LONDIWE

I am now staying all alone, after that incident my family left

calling me a witch, and unfortunately my mother lost her sight
after telling people that she was covered with worms. Everyone
in the neighborhood hates me they all can't stand me, I can
also feel that I will soon depart, but I need to depart in peace.
Confessing my evil deeds will be the first step. I am tired of
leaving like this, this life is not the best life at all I am ready to
confess, but where do I even begin? I can't do anything by
myself, but funny enough I am always cleaned up especially
when I just release my stuff. I have this very bad smell, the one

that made everyone here in the hood wear masks kids no

longer play outside. Even, I, too, I can't stand the smell the sad
thing is that I can't even vomit. Flies hardly fly around not even
the big green ones, I am still surprised that the community
haven't burned me yet...
“Dear God.

I know that I am a sinner, a biggest one for that matter

I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness

But please give the strength to confess mg evil deeds.

I am enough with the punishment.

If I die, let me die with a clear conscious

Let me rest in peace.

It is said that evil never defeats the good,

I am a witnessing. I confess with my tongue that you are God.

Nothing surpasses you, and you deserve all the honour

Give that chance to confess my evil doings.
The wicked never sleep, they are forever busy

But, it is said in your word that you are the way, the truth
and the life.
I am ready to confess. I am willing to repent.
Amen”.

I look up the sky, and the weather is just beautiful. They will
hate me for doing what I did, but my conscious will be clear
in the grave.

51

★Insert 51★
[SHORT]

NOBUNTU

The surprise went well truly speaking, and I've been showered
with lots of gifts something I did not expect, this is one of the
days I will cherish forever it was amazing. Others have already
left since they are working tomorrow, bo Mnqobi banezimanga

throwing surprise parties during the week, but what can I say?
It has been done with love, nothing but pure love I am happy.
Snikelelo left too, her sister called her I am now left with
Mnqobi, Nkanyiso, Ziyanda, and his wife Gina the one who was
giving me nasty stares, and 3 of Mnqobi's prayer partners. I also
got to meet Modiegi, let me just say she will make a perfect
wife for Mnqobi they are almost the same age after all.
Amanda came to fetch Sambulo few hours ago who didn't want
to leave, but Amanda managed to bribe him I don't know with
what though. Everyone is sitting in the lounge conversating
about everything & anything, and I am here in the kitchen
cleaning I know that I am supposed to relax since it's my
birthday, and all, but I can't, I just need to keep myself busy...

Anyway, I have my earphones on minding my own. Blaq

diamond x Ngaqonywa is one of my few favourite song in my
music bucket it never bores me I can even play it 50 times a
day, and still enjoy it likes it's my first time hearing it.

“Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith, wee

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith (ongaqonywa mama)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith (ongaqonywa mama)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith, wee

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith (ongaqonywa mama)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith wee

(Ongaqonywa mama)

Mina ngiyocaca nayee ay ay mina ngiyoshada

nayee (awuthonono wam)
Mina ngiyocaca nayee ay ay mina ngiyoshada nayee

Mina ngiyocaca naye ay ay

Mina ngiyoshada nayee (ntombie yam leeh)

Mina ngiyoshada nayee (awuthonono wam)

Mina ngiyocaca naye (ntombie yam leeh)

Ay ay mina ngiyoshada nayee

(Awuthonono wam)
Sengize ngaqonywa ngakithh

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith wee

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith (ongaqonywa mama)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith (ongaqonywa mamaa)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith (ongaqonywa mama)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith wee

Ongaqonywa mamaa)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith (ongaqonywa mama)

Sengize ngaqonywa ngakith wee

(Ongaqonywa mama)

Isiphelile (isiphelile) iminyaka(iminyaka wen)

Bengibuza (bengibuza)emakhaya (bengibuza ngawe, bengibuza

ngawe) bathi simubona nini(simubonanini umakotiii)

Awukhulekani bazali

Awukhulekani bo mama

Usendleleni umama

Usendleleni umfazi yhee

Uzowuvusu umuzi
Uzowuvusa umuzi ka baba

Aya ya”

Someone taps me on my shoulder I turn to look, and it's Gina.

What does she want? I remove the earphones she is folding
her arms.

“What are you playing at”?

“Uhr...m”?

Her: “I mean, why are you with Nkanyiso”?

Me: “Why are you with Ziyanda”?

Her: “Because he is my husband, what about you, huh? What
are you to Nkanyiso, and what did he even see in you”?

Me: “Why don't you ask him yourself? Should I call him for
you so that you can ask him what he saw in me because he is
the only person who can answer that question for you, not
me”? She laughs.

Her: “You want to call him to fight your battles for you? Why
do you cower? Can't you defend yourself like a grown woman
that you are? Oh, wait. You are still a little girl who jumps from
dick to dick”. I sigh, and shrug.

Me: “How is me saying that I want Nkanyiso to answer your

question regarding what he saw in me is deemed as me being
a coward? I mean, he is the only one who knows what he saw
in me, right? So, he is the one you must ask. Anyway, why am I
even explaining myself to you”?
Her: “Nkanyiso doesn't love you sweetheart. His heart is with
Amanda not you, after he is done with you, he will go back to
where he rightfully belongs, in Amanda's hands”. I laugh.

Me: “Now I see. Amanda sent you on her behalf. She practically
asked you to fight on her behalf, isn't that being a coward?
Listen here Gina, whatever Amanda is planning on doing to
cause a rift between me & Nkanyiso doesn't shake me even
one little bit I even sleep peacefully at night in his chest.
Nkanyiso, and I have been through a lot, and if you think that I
will let Amanda destroy that then the both of you don't know

anything. Did she tell you that I watch how to get away with
murder? Did she? I think the fuck not because if he did you
wouldn't be here right now talking nonsense, I can kill you right
now, and make your death look like an accident, don't get
familiar with me I am not your friend. You city girls just know
how to unleash the ghetto in us that we didn't even know
existed. Now, be a good girl, and go back to the lounge and
entertain your husband or something”. She just stares at me
dumbfounded then giggles.
Her: “Wow! I knew that you are a psycho, but this? Hahaha,
you take a cup woman. Just so you know whatever portion you
fed Nkanyiso will soon vanish”/ I laugh.

Me: “Arhh, there's that killer statement that your clique used
to like. If I didn't know any better I would say that you guys use
muti to make your partners love you, I mean, the ‘love portion’
word is forever at the tip of your tongues. What I can tell you
though is that, a relationship based on forced love never ends
well, it always ends in death be careful Miss Gina. You look like
a good woman yazi, but then what do I know? Maybe you've
been bitter since you were born. Okay, Amanda's messenger
go, and tell Amanda that; angeke aze amuthole u Nkanyiso.
Mtshele ukuthy angeke amunuke, uyezwa. Tell her that she will

never get him, he is mine”. I look at her from head to toe, put
back my earphones and continue with tiding up.

Yoh, these girls are just a drag honestly, fighting someone's

battle is just a complete waste of time honestly. These girls
should just do something to better their lives, if I didn't know
any better I would say that they admire me of which is a good
thing. I'm sure they don't even sleep at night, their minds are
occupied by my name, wawini girls the amantombazana, they
are their own enemies. Instead of fixing each other's crowns
they drag each other down. They don't know unity, but then
again such is life. Maybe one day in the future we will have
such women. Women who build each other up... So, today I
want to pop the cherry, but fear is creeping in. What if he
rejects me? What if... Ai, cut cut. I think I should just give it to
him tonight, we've been dating for almost a year now, and he
has never, I mean, ever pressure me into it. He has been
patient with me, well. Not unless he was getting it somewhere
else except from his hands, actually let me not think of the
negative right now I need to be positive, and I am also
comfortable being naked around him it won't be that awkward
right? Perfect, let me uber home, and go and prepare for my
first ever samanyobinyobi samabhebhana... Tonight is the
night.
★»★«

ZWELI

Life is really not kind to me currently nginywa everywhere, I've

been replaced at work. Ben, my best friend replaced me he
took my position, and he did not even seem bothered by it. But
then I can't really blame him he was the second best, I am one
to be blamed really because I gambled with my job telling
myself that I'm the best they ever had, and I was still going to
get my job back, but I was wrong. Look now I am job less, and

I've never done job hunting my whole life my dad was the one
who pulled strings for me, now that he is bed sick, well the
last time I checked he was, I don't know about now, but if he
has passed on I'm sure the media would've covered it. I guess I
will have to start job hunting. Where does one even start?
Well, online applications will do, and I'm positive that I will get
any job I want with me being a Prince. Oh, yes. And I already
have buyers for the house I just need to go through some
paper work. The doorbell rings I attend to it, and it's a sheriff.

“Good evening I am looking for Zwelibanzi Zulu”.

“That would be me. What can I do for you”?

Him: “Can you please sign here for me”. He hands me a

clipboard and a pen, I take them and sign then give it back to
him. He gives me an envelope then walks away I close the
door after him, and walk to the lounge. I open it, and I am met
with divorce papers, I laugh, and shake my head. Langelihle is
divorcing me? A whole Prince? Who would've thought... I
browse through the papers, and well she wants nothing from
me she wants a clean divorce. I throw the papers on top of the
table, and laugh not believing this it's just unbelievable, I did
not expect any of this it was the last thing on my mind. Wow,
Nkanyiso must've advised her to divorce me. Oh well, they
deserve each other piece of shits! Hmmmm, I don't know
whether I should sign the papers, or just tear them apart just to
spite her, but that would be bitter of me, in fact let me just sign
them and get this over, and done with. I don't want anything
connecting me to her anyway... Oh, I also need to call my
mother just to find out how she is holding up. I know that she
is worried sick about me, but then I'm quite sure that the seer
told her that I am fine she doesn't need to worry herself about
me, after all I am a grown ass man. Tomorrow I will have to
start with job hunting in big companies online applications
won't do for me, while debating about which company I'm
going to go to first I feel something slimy passing by feet since I
am barefooted I look down on my feet, and it's the black
Python that used to terrorize me it has been long since I last
saw it, I attempt to jump, but it rolls itself on my legs
preventing me to stand up.

“Let go of me you stupid snake”! Yelling, trying to wriggle my

legs out of its squeeze, but they ain't budging. “Jesus Christ!
What do you want from me”! Tears are on a verge of coming out
since it is crushing my feet, it is said that men don't cry, but this
is me now crying due to the unbearable pains I am feeling
on my feet. Tears stream down as I am getting weaker by a
minute, my eyes shut down as I feel some deep sleep
overcoming me I have no choice but to sleep, maybe the pains
will end, or maybe I am just hallucinating when I wake up it
will be all over.

★»★«
NKANYISO

Nobuntu left few hours ago she didn't even tell us that she is
leaving. I guess she was too tired, or better yet wanted some
time alone to digest everything that happened today, seeing
her that happy really made my heart leapt with joy her
happiness matters shame.

“All done”/ Mnqobi tells me as he loads the last gift in the

boot. Nobuntu received lots of gifts from complete strangers,
people who she has never met they made her day to be more
special if that's not love, then I don't know what is.

“Thank you man. I better get going now I will see you around”.

Him: “Pleasure all mine bruh. Witnessing Nobuntu that happy,

and free was the biggest highlight of the day”.
Me: “No doubt about that. Oh

and please thank your fellow prayer warriors for us we

really appreciate”.
Him: “I think you should thank them yourselves”.

Me: “Give me their numbers then, and I will thank them”. He

shakes his head. “Why are you shaking your head”?

Him: “You need to stop by the church sometime, and thank

them personally they will really appreciate it I swear you won't
die”/ I laugh.

Me: “I will see man. Let me get going”.

Him: “Drive safe”. We bro hug, and I step inside my car, and
bring the engine to life, and I hoot while driving out of Mnqobi's
yard. Blaq diamond x Ngaqonywa is keeping me company I
never liked this song, let's just say Nobuntu made me fall in
love with it, and the other one by them named “Uthando njer
mina ang'salazi”. Basically I was dating imikokotelo all my life
before I met her, this song is truly telling my love life story
currently.

In no time I am parked on the driveway the lights are all off it's
just after 20:00, and Nobuntu sleeps around 22:00. Maybe she
was just tired, I will unload the gifts tomorrow right now I need
a bath, and some action movie I don't want to wake Nobuntu
up. I step inside the house, and the light in my room is on I can
see it underneath the door, guess she is still awake. Oh, well. I
walk into the room, and I am welcomed by Beyonce x dance
for you, and Nobuntu leaning against the wall in a sexy lingerie,
and a glass of wine in her hand. The smile plastered in her face
is not to be missed, I am in utter shock not believing my eyes.
She strides towards me, at least the heels are making her to
level up with me since I'm taller than her. Her hands find
themselves unbuttoning my shirt, mnumzane has already
reacted at her sight.

“Tonight is the night where I give all myself to you. You deserve
some me”. She whispers in my ear, and nibble on it then push
me to the bed, and gets on top of me snaking her fingers in my
body looking straight in to my eyes. Wuuhhh Morena waka, my
underground gang finally paved a way for me...

****

NOBUNTU

Never in my wildest dream did I ever think that I would be the

first one to initiate sex, blame it all on Snikelelo. She's the one
who mentored me, such a little freak. Well, even the wine gave
me that boost. Looking at Nkanyiso straight in the eyes came
from a very well thoroughly practice... He brings my head to his,
and presses his lips against mine. His lips are gentle, tender as he
explores mine, his tongue teases my lips until they part
involuntarily, granting him access to my mouth. He kisses me
slowly, leisurely, as though he has all the time in the world. His
tongue strokes against mine, and lightly sucks my lower lip,
sending a liquid of surge straight to my pussy. His hands eases of
my cheeks, and cradles the back of my neck instead, I find my
hands on to his shoulders as he flips me over with him being on
top of me as twirls my tongue with his, I am in another
dimension. His kiss feels so good, yazi we always kiss for a
second, but now that I am fully kissing him is one great feeling
ever. He pulls out, and looks down on me, and a smile breaks out
of his lips. His lips are wet & shiny, a little swollen from our

kiss. Mine probably are too. He kisses my neck, lightly nibbling

on the sensitive spot where my neck & shoulder join, and I
shiver from the pleasurable sensation. I close my eyes as a soft
moan escapes my lips, his hands are caressing my thighs, he
brings them to him, and I wrap my legs around his firm thighs.
One of his hands is now on my buttocks, kneading the soft
flesh. His other hand is travelling up my belly, my rib cage. He
reaches my breast and cups the left one in his palm, squeezing
it lightly. My nipples are already hard, and his touch feels good
almost soothing. He kisses my collarbone, my neck, my
stomach. He leaves a most trail in my skin, bathong he is really
taking his time. Then he closes his lips around my right nipple,
and sucks on it as a soft moan escapes my lips, my hands buried
in his bare back. My body arches, and I feel a tension low in my
body. He repeats the action with my other nipple, and the
tension grows. He senses it because his hand ventures between
my thighs, and feels the moisture there.
“I can tell that you are ready for me”. He murmurs, stroking my
folds. I wimper as his lips travel down my body, okay, I think he
is about to travel down my pussy, and suck it. Yhey, my minds
blanks out when he reaches his destination... He pulls my legs
apart. He pats me gently, then pull apart my pussy lips. And he
kisses me there sending something foreign to my body. His

mouth licks and nibbles around my clitoris until I'm moaning,

and then he closes his lips around it, and slightly sucks in it. The
pleasurable is so strong, so startling that my eyes flip open I
don't understand what's happening to me, but it feels so good.
I'm throbbing between my legs. My heart is beating so fast I
can't catch my breathe, and I find myself panting. He laughs
softly. I can feel the puffs of air from his breathe on my
sensitive flesh. He easily holds me down and continues what
his doing, yhey I was missing out nina. The tension inside me is
becoming unbearable I'm squirming against his tongue, and my
motions seems to be bringing me closer to some elusive edge.
Then I go over with a soft scream. My entire body tightens, and
I'm swamped by a wave of pleasure so intense that my toes
curl, and try lifting myself up but he is holding me down. I can
feel my inner muscles, and I go into another dimension, and
something being released in my body. I squeeze my eyes shut
trying to take it all in, but it seems like nigga ain't done with me
yet. He crawls up again, and tries kissing me, but I turn my face
to the left. He chuckles.

“Hhayi wena, taste yourself hau”. I am embarrassed to test

myself since I've been spotting and shit, but it's not that bad
right? I mean, he went down on me without giving a care in the
world, so why not I just taste myself? He makes me look at him,

his eyes are small bathong. He kisses me, his kiss

tastes different now it tastes salty, but I like it.

His kiss is a little rougher than before. His tounge penetrate

my mouth, and his hips settle heavily between my legs. One of
his hands is holding the back of my head, while the other one
is between my thighs, lightly rubbing and stimulating me
again. I can feel the heat and his erection pushing against my
inner thighs.

“I want you to relax, and free your legs I promise to be gentle”/

I nod while fear creeps in. He shifts his hips a little, and uses his
hand to guide his dick towards my opening. I gasps as he begins
to push inside, and my legs starts shaking, he steadies them I
hope he is not big bathong, wuhh. Okay, he feels big as the
head of his dick slowly enters my body. It begins to hurt, to
burn, and I cry out pushing his shoulders he stops and looks at
me.

“Should I stop? Am I hurting you”? I shake my head. “Then relax

it won't hurt that much, okay”? I nod. He continues to press, and
my flesh slowly gives away, and allows him past my vaginal
barrier, tearing through with one firm thrust. He doesn't stop

until his full legnth is buried inside me. The pain I am feeling
right now, yohhh, tears are slowly approaching. I can feel his
hardness lodging deep inside me, I whimper. He starts moving
slowly, leaving trail of kisses on my neck and cupping my
breasts, his movements inside is making things worse, but I
love it. And then he reaches our bodies with one hand, and
uses one finger to press against my clit, keeping the pressure
light & steady. His thrusts move my hips, causing me to rub
against his finger in a rhythmic way. To my surprise, I feel the
tension gathering me inside again. The pain is still there, but so
is the pleasure. His thrusts get harder, deeper, and I'm
screaming from the unbearable intensity. The pain and the
pleasure mix until they become one- until I exist in the world of
pure overwhelming sensation. And then I explode, as I feel the
feeling I felt earlier exploding through my entire body as my
nails dig digger in his skin. Suddenly, I can hear him groaning
against my ear and feel him getting even thicker, and longer
inside me. His cock is pulsing & jerking deep within me, it is no
rocket science that he has find his release as well. In the
aftermath, he rolls off me, and gathers me to him. Holding me
close, I bury my head is his chest.

“That was good, next time I won't be this gentle. I will fuck
you, not making love to you”. I giggle, and he kisses my
forehead. “I love you phakade lami”.

“I love you too baby love”.

Him: “Another one”? I laugh.

Me: “Why not”? Guys, I was missing out on sex nina yoh... I
check the sheet, and there is no blood. Wawu;
52
NKANYISO
My alarm rings waking me up, that was fast because I only slept
for an hour, sighs. I switch it off, and roll over to look at
Nobuntu who is sleeping on her stomach peacefully next to
me, she looks worn out, but I don't blame her after the mind
blowing sex we had last night. Manini, I think it's the 03:00am
round that worn her out I still can't believe that she made me
to make love to her, she gave herself to me, it was a great
surprise maarn I am not complaining, but the pain that my back
received because of her digging her nails in my flesh, yoh, let
me not talk about it. I kiss her cheek, and slowly get off bed
removing her leg on top of mine, and walk to the bathroom to
take a bath, also I will have to buy her soothing salt, and all that
stuff. Oh, and get her a morning after pill Mnqobi's warnings
about knocking up his sister are still ringing in my head,
hehehe, pregnancy is the last thing she needs honestly. Her
education is more important... I am done with everything, and
she is still sleeping. I pick up my brief case, and kiss her lips as I
walk out of the room, I really wish that I can take another day
off, but knowing my boss he will chop my head off, as I drive
out of the yard Amanda's park parks right near the gate
restricting me from driving out. I get out my car, and walk

towards hers I knock at her window and she rolls it down

she looks like a mess, her hair is out of place, and she is
wearing sunglasses. She smells like a brewery.
“Move out of the way I need to get to work”. She sniffs, and
remains seated in her seat, and take a swig of whatever she is
drinking ignoring me. “Amanda, move out of the way I need to
get to work dammit”! She turns to look at me then take off her
sunglasses her eyes are puffy.

“What is it that she has that I don't? What do you see in

her”? Both her questions comes out as a whisper.

Me: “She has all the qualities I need in a woman, and in her I
saw a woman who I would want to build a family with, and
possibly have a business together. Be a power couple like
Zubenathi & Bayanda, do you know them? No, you don't
because they love each other genuinely they've been through a
lot. And you not half of a woman that she is. Are you
answered”? She giggles.

Her: “You never saw a future with me? A woman that you
would want to start a family with, and build an empire with”?
Me: “Yes. I never did. Now that I've answered your questions,
can you move out of the way”?

Her: “So, you were using me”? I laugh.

Me: “Using you? Tell me here; what did you think was going to
happen when you slept with my brother not once, but many
times behind my back before I caught you red handed?
Weren't you using me back then, huh”?

Her: “I told you countless times that it was a mistake Nkanyiso!

I've begged you to forgive me, but you didn't. You just left me,
and you were disgusted by me. I waited thinking that you will
come back as you always did every time we fought, but you
never did I suffered depression all because of you Nkanyiso”!

Me: “You want a pity party from me? Well then baby girl I am
not going to give it to you, actually I should be thanking you. If

you didn't sleep with my brother, and me taking a break,

freezing my heart for love for 5 good years I wouldn't have met
Nobuntu. Thank you for making me to cross paths with my
soulmate”. She breaks down in tears if only she knew that I am
not going to flinch upon seeing her tears.

Her: “Wow! Just wow Nkanyiso. Anyway, I think you will have
to choose”.

Me: “Choose? Choose between what”? She sighs.

Her: “Between your son and Nobuntu”.

Me: “I choose both of them, and you have no fucken right to

ask me to choose between my girlfriend, and my son”.

Her: “I just did”/ I laugh.

Me: “Well Amanda. Let's do imbeleko, and maybe just maybe I

can choose between my girlfriend and my son”.
Her: “A no will do. And oh, your family will not be doing any
imbeleko for my son, do you hear me”?

Me: “It's tradition. His imbeleko must be done if you don't

want the imbeleko to be done then there's a possibility that he
is not my son. Who is his real father”? She gasps, and chuckles.

Her: “You are fucken unbelievable Nkanyiso! My family are

christians they don't entertain traditional ceremonies, you just
want to practice witchcraft with my son, I honestly don't know
what more you want from me. You've asked me for a DNA test,
and I gave it to you without fighting you. The results came back
99.9% that Sambulo is indeed your son, what more do you
want from me kahle kahle”?

Me: “Just let me do imbeleko for him if he is really mine that's

all I ask, and your family don't have to be present, and
practising culture is not witchcraft stop insulting our
tradition”. She giggles.
Her: “You are fucken unbelievable wena. I hope your girlfriend is
worth it because you have just lost a son. You even made my son
get to attached to this girlfriend of yours a day never goes by
without him mentioning her name, congratulations Nkanyiso
you've just lost your son because of some village pussy”!

Me: “I was doing fine before you introduced him to me, I will do
just fine without him again. And stop using my son to fight for
your battles, it's sickening. Now, move I want to go to work. Tell
him that I love him, and hopefully once he's grown he will look
for me. Oh, and that village pussy is much nicer compared to
yours, and stop insulting my girlfriend she is a more of a woman
than you will ever be. Your time has expired Amanda”. I click
my tongue, and walk back to my car leaving her with her mouth
hanging not believing that I just said that. How dare she tries to
blackmail me? Worst of it she is using my son to blackmail me.
But then something is amiss here, why is she refusing the
imbeleko ceremony to take place? I think I will have to redo the
partenity tests again, but secretly this time around, and use a
different doctor I am starting to have doubts about Sambulo's
real paternity tests. What if she payed Dr Pastel to jynx the
results to their favour? I mean, this will explain as to why Dr
Pastel was happy tye day she told us the results. I will have to
move fast, and find out the truth before it's too late. If would
really be heartbroken if he is not mine I mean, I've built a
strong bond with him. Then imagine how all of this will make
him feel? He is still young Imagine getting attached to
something then someone decides to take it away from you- I
don't even want to think about how will Nobuntu feel. She
drives off leaving trail smoking after her. I shake my head, and
drive to work I am going to be 30 minutes late... What a
complete waste of time bickering with a useless person, nxa.

★»★«

NOBUNTU
I am woken up by my phone ringing, my body is in pains.
Nkanyiso really sexed me last time I was missing out on
amanyobinyobi, it is nice y'all, but the pain was too much my
vagina is even painful I am not regretting anything it was worth
it, and he was so gentle bathong hmm. Hopefully next time I
will explore more with him, and give him in all corners,
aeroplane style, chicken style, Lol... I'm kidding. My phone rings
again, and it's Snikelelo she is video calling me I'm sure I look
like a hot mess, and I am not going to answer her video call she
better call me directly I let it ring until she hangs up, I will call
her back after I am done cleaning myself up. I attempt to get off
bed, but the pain in between my thighs is just, yazini... I fill up
the bathtub with water once I am satisfied with the amount of
water, I drop down the gown, and get inside the bathtub. The
soothing sensation is just what I needed I lean my head back,
and enjoy the water.

30 minutes later I am out of the bathtub I walk to my room,

and dress up before I change the bedding I need to wash it. Oh,
and that exploding I was feeling it was getting an organism, ey
residents my people it felt good. No lies. My phone rings, and
Snikelelo is now calling me

exactly what I wanted her to do before I cleaned myself up.

“Mam'mfundisi”.

“Why weren't you answering my video calls wena”? I laugh.

Me: “I was sleeping”.

Her: “So, you did it”? I nod as if she can see me.

Me: “Yes, I did”/ she screams in my ear I retract the phone

from my ears until she stops screaming.

Her: “Welcome to womanhood baby girl, I hope you've used

protection though”. I freeze. Oh shit! We did not use it, oh oh...
And I am not ready to have a baby I still have a lot to achieve
nina. What am going to do? Plus, Mnqobi warned me yazi I am
dragged out of my thoughts by Snikelelo who is busy calling my
name.
Me: “Urh...m. Well, we... We didn't”.

Her: “Holy mother of Jesus. Did Nkanyiso at least buy you

morning after pills”?

Me: “No, he didn't”.

Her: “Wehhh. Send me your address I will send someone

to bring them for you”.

Me: “Why don't you bring them yourself”?

Her: “I am going Mpumalanga to visit my brother”.

Me: “For how long will you be visiting him”?

Her: “2 weeks if not 3, it's been long since I last him”.

Me: “Oh, okay babe I understand”.

Her: “Are you able to walk properly though”? I chuckle.

Me: “No”/ she laughs.

Her: “Well, unfortunately for you- you've missed out on getting

a free massage”.

Me: “Put it on hold until you are back. I don't want to

go alone”.

Her: “If you say so. Have you opened the gifts yet”?

Me: “No. I will check them out later, thank you to your prayer
warriors for all that they've done for me. I mean, they went all
their way out whereas they've never saw me, or met me. Thank
you shame, may God grant them what their heart desires, and
thank you to you too”.
Her: “Oh my, you are making me emotional ruining my
mascara”. I laugh. “I'm kidding. You are most welcome babe,
let's just say this is the beginning of good things. Look, I've got

to go I will call you once I get to Mpumalanga, hopefully

the network will favour me this time around. I love you”.

Me: “Okay sweets, and I love you”. She hangs up, leaving me
with a smile on my face. I send him my location via whatsApp.
My stomach growls, and I am really hungry shame I last ate
yesterday afternoon. I switch on the kettle, and walk to the
fridge to look for something to eat, well I am craving pap,
chicken livers, and mashed potatoes. I take out all the
ingredients that I will need, then make myself a sandwich. The
doorbell rings as I am about to walk to the lounge to satisfy my
hunger I yank it open, and it's a courier guy.

“Are you miss phakadelakhe”? I look at him dumbfounded,

he got a wrong address.
“No. My name is Nobuntu I don't know any miss
phakadelakhe”. He laughs, and shakes his head.

Him: “You are the person I am looking for can you please sigh
here for me”? He hands me a pen & clipboard to sign then give
it to him. “Thank you”. He hands me a bunch of roses, and a

basket full of goodies. “Some woman are lucky maarn, enjoy

phakadelakhe”. I chuckle as he walks away whistling, I close
the door then laugh. How can I miss this? This has Nkanyiso
written over it, weehhh this man nina he is every woman's
dream, including you. I take them to the lounge with a big
smile plastered on my face. If this is what he does after
samanyobinyobi samabhebabhana, he can nyoba me every day
I will have to call him, and thank him, after I am done eating of
course. Oh, I will also have to thank Mnqobi, but then God's
timing is always the best. The joy you will have after you've
passed those trials & tribulations will be forever just never stop
praying, he is alive. And don't forget to thank your ancestors
too...

Who would've thought that one day I would be where I am

today? I mean, I couldn't even pray to God. The abuse I've
endured at the hands of my grandmother, the slurs people
have been hurling my way, the mockery. All the hope was gone,
but that one faithful day at the forest going to fetch firewoods
changed my life completely, I knew right there & then that God,
and my ancestors will pave a way for me. I had my doubts at
first, doubts are what derail us from getting what we pray for to
God. What I've gone through was God moulding me to be a
better version of me, and be strong. I now know how to pray,

one day your time will come just trust in his word. Yhey, look at
preaching. But do you blame me? I am testifying here. One day
I will go to that church, and give out a testimony of what he has
done for me. If you feel like all hope is gone, kneel down and
have a conversation with him yell at him if it needs to... My
phone beeps indicating a message I view it, it's from Nkanyiso.
A smile breaks out on my lips while reading it...

★I hope you are getting all the rest you need, and I hope you

got the things I've sent you, I love you phakedelami★

It's official, my pet name is phakadelami residents. Dark
skinned girls don't blush, they blusssshhhhh! Yes, that's me
right now. I put the phone over my chest, thinking about
him. Ncahh, such a darling.

★»★«

MNQOBI
I know that my mother said that she doesn't want to meet with
me, but since she said it's important I had no choice, but to drive
here. I am parked outside her yard, and I call her I don't want her
to chase me again she answers after few moments.

“Ufunani”? She ask rather annoyed her voice is saying it all.

“You said you wanted to talk, I am here to talk”.

Her: “I thought I told you that we are cancelling the meeting, or

was I dreaming”?
Me: “No, you weren't dreaming you did say it”.

Her: “Then why are you stubborn? Why did you bring your
big head here”? I chuckle.

Me: “I was taking my chances, but I will leave”.

Her: “That's the best thing you said since this call, bye. Next
time learn to take orders, and don't be hot headed since you
now see yourself as a God”/ she hangs up before I can answer
her. I look at my screen taken aback by what just happened,
wawu this woman called my mother is really losing it she is
getting worse day by day. Sighs, this is not my mother, this is
not the woman who gave birth to me she is something I don't
even recognize. I am about to drive off when I see Crecentia
rushing towards my car she doesn't look good, at all.
Something is really bothering her I can tell she is my sister after
all. I roll down the window...

“Hi. What brings you here”.

“Hello. I've come to see your mother, but she had to be

otherwise. What's going on with you? You don't look healthy”/

Her: “Me? Oh no. I am fine”. She gives me a faint smile, and

avoids looking at me in the eyes as I search through them.
Me: “Crecentia. What's going on with you? I know that I'm not
your favorite person currently, but you are still my sister. Talk
to me”. She breaks down, I step out of my car, and pulls her to
my embrace allowing her to cry on my chest she is hiccuping.

“I'm pregnant, and Thabo is denying that the baby is his”/ I

lossen my grips, and get hold of shoulders, and make her to
look at me. Why would Thabo deny the pregnancy? I mean,
these people loved each other very much. Thabo sacrificed a lot
for Crecentia this doesn't make any sense, something just
doesn't add up.

Me: “How far are you? And why would Thabo deny
the pregnancy”?

Her: “Because he is not the father”. Okay, now this is confusing.

Me: “You've completely lost me now. Thabo is not the father,

but he denies the pregnancy. What's really going on”?

Her: “It was a mistake Mnqobi, a mistake that caused me my

relationship with Thabo to end. You should've seen him he
was furious. It's all a mess, I've messed up Mnqobi. Big time”.
She continues to cry.

Me: “If Thabo is not the father, then who is the father”? Her
head drops. “Talk to me dammit”!

Her: “Ben. Ben is the father”/ I swear my mind blanks out for a
couple of seconds, and I lose all the abilities to can. Haibo.

Me: “What”! She shakes her head, and jogs away. I rake my
right hand over my hair, and kick my car tyres. Damn it! How
did this happen? It's all so complicated, I will have to call
Thabo maybe he might explain to me better. Yerrr... The clique
has sure perished, nc nc nc. But the question still stands; how
did Crecentia & Ben ended up sleeping together? And where?

53
ZWELI

Thabo has locked himself in his room ever since he came back
few hours ago breathing fire, anger very much evident in his
face, and smelling like brewery. When he left in the morning he
was fine I don't know what happened as the day proceeded I
just decided to let him be he will tell me what happened once
he has calmed down. Forcing things is just not a good thing.
The snake incident almost left me paralyzed. My legs are
swollen making it hard for me to move around the house freely
I am forced to walk step by step like eldery people, mxm. I've
even moved here to the lounge since the passage leading to my
borrowed bedroom it's quite long suddenly, and it will take me
20 minutes to get there whereas it always took me a minute
before. It's only been a day, and couple of hours but I am
already drained this is witchcraft I tell you. People just don't
want to see me working they are intimidated by my success
they know very well that I level up when it comes to working. I
am just not sure about who did me this bad though people are
just jealous of me honestly. Just as I've settled down on the
couch covering my legs with a blanket a knock comes through
at the door I wonder who is it...

“Come on in it's open”! Yelling. I hear the door open then

footsteps, and before me stands Mnqobi. I don't know when
was the last time I saw him I wonder what is he doing here.
We had a tight brotherhood before everything took left he has
even gained some weight, and looks really dapping, no homo.

“Sure”.

Me: “Sure”.
Him: “Is Thabo around”?

Me: “He is in his room. Why are you looking for him? Tired of
playing brother in-law with Nkanyiso already”? He looks at me,
and shakes his head.

Him: “I need to talk to him regarding a serious matter please

get him for me”. I look at my legs, and scratch my head.

Me: “Why don't you go and check him in his room? You know
it right”? I don't want him to see me in this state. Who knows?

Maybe is him who did this, now he is here to see if his

witchcraft really worked, I will not give him that satisfaction
he wants to see.

Him: “I will go, and check him out”.

“There's no need for that I'm here. What are you doing her
Mnqobi”? He says to Mnqobi with hands in his pocket.

Him: “Crecentia tells me that you guys are having a fallout. Why
is that”? He chuckles.

Thabo: “That sister of yours is a whore Mnqobi. Why am even

surprised because she, together with Nobuntu are whores
jumping from one dick to another. Wait, jumping from one dick
in our none existence clique to another in the very same
clique, talk about being loose”.

Him: “The name calling, and bashing is not necessary though.

I just want to hear the side of your story, what happened”?

Thabo: “Your sister tripped in Ben's dick, and said it was an

accident. An accident that gained her a piece of rubbish that
she is carrying inside her tummy”! I gasp. Could it be that
Crecentia is pregnant with Ben's child? The very same Ben who
took my position at work? I don't believe this. Ben is married
for goodness sake, this is just too much Ben is out to get us
mus, he is basically fucking us over without fear or favour.
Him: “When was this and where did it take place? Ben,
was always loyal to his wife. What happened”?

Thabo: “Your sister will tell you better she is the one who
opened her legs for my best friend after all. Worst of it all, she
decided to pin the pregnancy on me after Ben, told her to
terminate the pregnancy! You know I was really excited when
she told me the news because at least one of us in the clique
is or was going to be a father, it was the happiest moment of
my life. I even told my parents to get ready to pay for
damages, kanty umsunu ka nina is pregnant with Ben's child”.
Yoh! Mnqobi lost it... He throws in a punch, and Thabo laughs
while holding his cheek.

Him: “Don't you dare drag my mother in to this. Awuwazi u

msoon wakhe, but you outchea calling it like you know it?
Ungazongijwayela wena smawuwu, it seems like you've
forgotten who am I”. He throws in another punch, and Thabo
falls down tasting blood in his lips. Mnqobi clicks his tongue,
and storms out of the house leaving Thabo on the floor wiping
the blood that is coming out of his mouth, Mnqobi sure knows
how to punch. I stare at him I am just not believing that Ben
slept with Crecentia, and made a baby in the process. I wonder
how will Mika take such news considering the fact that she
always miscarry within 3 months. But what if Ben was giving
her abortion pills or something that causes abortion without
her knowing? After what I heard, no man he wouldn't be that
heartless, well, it's no secret that Ben hate children it might be
possible. This is another form of witchcraft. But I must agree
with Thabo regarding Mnqobi's sisters being whores, I guess it
runs in the family I'm sure their mother did the same thing too.
Once a bitch always a bitch. Thabo is up in his feet he staggers
as he steadies himself.

Him: “What are you looking at? I want you out of my house
before this night ends. Friends are trash, and so are you”! He
walks away leaving me defeated, but then again if he thinks
that I will leave his house, then he better think again because I

am not going anywhere he better get used to that. Even if I

were to leave, where would I go? Plus, I am half disabled I can't
do most things myself. Hhayi this is a disaster.
NOBUNTU
I wake up from my power nap I need to start cooking before
Nkanyiso arrives. Yhey, Snikelelo did lived up to her promise,
and sent someone with the morning after pill I thank God that I
took it within 72 hours. I think I should start taking
conceptratives, hhe. Look at me worrying about pregnancy
instead of HIV & other sexually transmitted diseases, haike I
will pass the bridge once I get there, plus yena he has been
doing samanyobinyobi almost his whole life I'm sure he wasn't
even using condoms with his casuals. Thinking about it makes
me cringe, yoh having unprotected sex is a risk yazi, a real risk
that is, sighs. But then, if he had HIV he would've insisted us in
using condoms right? I might be wrong though. My phone
rings, and it's a number I don't recognize.

“Nobuntu here, how can I be of assistance”.

“Nobuntu u gogo ufuna imali”. (Grandmother wants money)

Sanele says on the other hand without even greeting, wawu.

Me: “Unjani Sanele? Uyifuna kubani leyo Mali”? (How are you?
And who does she want the money from)
Him: “Kuwe. Uyasikolota Nobuntu”/ (you, you owe us) I laugh.

Me: “Kolota? Nginikolota ini”? (Owe you what)

Him: “Imali yayo yonke leminyaka bewuhlala ekhaya.

Siyahlupheka Nobuntu. Ikati lilele eziko sibi kakhulu isimo la
esogodini akulungi lutho”. (Money for all the years you've been
staying here at home. We are poor, and things are very bad
here in the village nothing is going right)

Me: “Nifuna imali kimi? After lobuhlungu eningi ndlulise kubo?

After ningiphosa ngamatshe ningibiza ngomthakathi. Nina laba
benifuna ngishiswe wumphakathi nifuna usizo kimi? Nangijikela
njengo tshwala esuswini. Ngiyababona bonke, kodwa wena?

Bengingazi ukuthy ngizolibona ilanga leli usengiphendukela

Sanele baqinisile mabathi Umuntu awumazi”. (You want money
from me? After all the pain you've put me through? After
throwing me with me stones, and calling me a witch? The very

same people who wanted the villagers to burn me alive, you

now want help from me? You've turned on me like alcohol in the
stomach. I see them all, but you? Never in my life have I thought
that I will see the day you turned on me. It's true when they say
you never know a person) I hear some shuffling...

“Letha la locingo ngikhulume naye mina”. (Give me the phone

so that I talk to her) mxm... “Yewena Nobuntu njengoba
sewuhlala lapho egoli udla elikapondo sewakhohlwa ngathi.
Uyakholwa ukuthi besikuwondla, bewugcokiswa ugogo
akwenzela yonke into manjer usukhohlwe konke loko
njengoba sowuganile? Awucabangani ngani ukusithumela imali
usibonge? Kakhulukazi ubonge ugogo”? (Now that you are
staying in Jo'burg, and living a good life you've forgotten about
us. You've even forgotten that we've been feeding you, and
grandmother clothing you, doing everything for you- you've
already forgotten all of that now that you are married? Why
don't you ever think of sending money to thank us? Especially
thanking grandmother) she is yelling.

Me: “Ngoba asihlanganiswa lutho. Kimi nifana nabantu

engingabazi, futhy angazi ukuthi ukhuluma ngani ngoba
beniwondlwa yimi no Sanele. Bengizigcokisa mina, ungalinge
njer ukhulume amanga umdala. Enhlek, nicabanga ukuthi
ngizonisiza after what you've put me through? Udakwa kabi
wena, angeke shame, in fact angifuni nisile nina. Kube
ngashiswa benofuna kubani imali if ngashiswa”? (Because
nothing binds us together. To me you are like strangers, and I
don't even know what you are talking about because you were
supported by me & Sanele. I was clothing myself don't dare lie
you are to old for that. Do you honestly think that I will help
you after what you've put me through? You must be darn crazy,
and I won't help you in fact I don't want to. If I was burnt, who
were you going to request the money from?)

Her: “Hehehe, haike! Wena Nobuntu, sowukwazi ukuphendula?

Hhayi likutshintshile Igoli. Lalela ke sisi; bengikutshela
bengingakuceli. Manje siyilindile nini malini? Phela isimo
sibucwayi la endlini silala singadlile futhi ke no gogo uyagula”.
(You now know how to answer back? No. Jo'burg has really
changed you. Listen here sister; I was telling you not asking you.
Now, how soon can we expect the money? I mean, things are
bad here at home we go to bed without eating, and
grandmother is sick) Wabona, the attitude she is giving me right
now makes me not want to help them honestly, clearly she
thinks that I'm the old Nobuntu that they ordered around back
then, the gear have shifted now.
Me: “Ucabanga ukuthi ngizokusiza njengoba ukhuluma nami
so? Kunzima yini ukuzi thoba”? (You think that I will help you
whereas you talking to me like this? Is it hard to humble
yourself) she laughs.

Her: “Ngizithobe kuwe? Ungubani wena? Laleka sisi asoze

ngakwenzwa loko”! (Humble myself to you? Who the hell do
you think you are? Listen here; I will not do that) I chuckle”.

Me: “Until you learn how to talk to me don't ever call me again.
(Phambi kokuthi ufunde ukukhuluma nami angingasheyeli
ucingo) uyezwa? Good”. Hanging up. Yoh, who does she think
she is bathong. No sane person can ask for help with an
attitude, one must humble themselves even though you don't
like the person, but being humble when asking for help goes a
long way, or saying a simple “please”. It won't take anything
away from you truly speaking.

After this phone call my mood drops. What if they really need
help, and I am denying helping them? Should anything happen
to them I will have no one to blame, but me. Yes
they did me bad, and broke me, treating me like I'm a nobody.
But the bible says don't fight evil with evil, and me not helping

them will show that I, too, am evil just like them. Then again,
what if they are lying they just want money from me? Sighs, if
only there was a 3rd person to confirm that they really need
help. Maybe just maybe I might help them... Thick smoke fills
the entire kitchen I don't even know where it is coming from,
I look around, and I don't see anything.

“Wena wasebukhosini. Nkosazana. Sengisendleleni, kufikile

ukukhanya kwakho, sekolunga konke”. (You who is from
royalty. Princess. I am on my way, your light have arrived,
everything will be well) I look at the direction where the voice is
coming, and I see a woman in a sangoma's attire with a huge
snake around her neck looking at me. My legs are shaking from
fear, even if I want to run where will I go because there smoke
is too much, it's blocking the view.

“Wh... Who are you”? My voice is breaking.

Her: “Nginguye enginguye, sekuseduze sifeze isifiso sakho”. (I
am who I am, we are approaching toward your wishes) she
dissapears after saying those words, and so is the smoke.
Who the hell was that?! Who ever it was, leaves me shaking.

KHETHIWE

I look at my husband who is sleeping peacefully, and breathing

like he is alive. I don't know, but I think he is in serious pains,
but can't tell us since he doesn't do anything. Why don't I just
put his life out of mystery, and end it once and for all. He can't
continue living like this. I, too, can't bear seeing him like this it
hurts me, and for the fact that I have something to do with it
hurts me more. I take the pillow that is in his left side, and fix
it-it looks soft, sighs. Dear God, forgive me for what I am about
to do I can't bear seeing my husband like this, besides I am all
alone now, I am all I have left. My kids are gone, they don't
even call to check up on me. I guess, they don't really care
about me anymore. I bring the pillow to his face when I hear
thunder roaring outside startling me causing the pillow to drop
on the floor with a thud.

“You are now playing God with Nqobani's life Khethiwe”? Upon
hearing her voice, fear creeps in I still remember what she told
me, but I didn't listen. She is back now, but to do what? Can't
she see that I am stressed? Right now I have to act tough.

“He is my husband I can do whatever I want to him”. I don't

dare look back.

Her: “That doesn't give you the right to kill him. And besides
even if you wanted to kill him you wouldn't because his
ancestors are protecting him. Why don't you ask yourself, how
is he still alive after all these months? Why? Anyway, you will
not kill him. You will never succeed”. I laugh, and stand up to
face her my eyes can't believe what they are seeing.
Impossible! She has the Arizona aura with her, let it be not
what I think it is. It can't be. But...

Me: “Boniwe”. My voice comes out as a whisper as I call

her name.

Her: “Hello Khethiwe. Seeing a ghost”?

Me: “Wh...” I can't even utter any word that's how shocked I
am.

Her: “Why haven't you confessed yet? What are you

waiting for”?

Me: “Confess? I am not stupid. What do you think is going to

happen to me if I confess? I will be killed, I still say I will not
confess I'd rather die”!

Her: “You want to die without confessing, and people knowing

how evil you are? Who you really are? You are crazy. I am
going to rain terror in this village, and show you that I mean
business. What I am about to do to this village you are not
ready for it, Buhlebezulu village will be no more. It will turn
into rubbles”. I laugh.

Me: “You think your threats scare me? Oh, please you better
think again because I am not shaken, not even a bit”. Who am I
kidding? My heart is on my knees, that's how scared I am.
Her: “You better be scared Khethiwe! You, and the people of
this village will feel my wrath, and the blame will be on you”!
The windows shutter after her saying that, and out she is
through the window in her dust form. Thunder roars, I quickly
run to the window, and the clouds have gathered they are too
black, and a heavy storms appears from out of nowhere
swifting everything in its path, the villagers starts screaming
as the rain starts pouring hard. I hear the sound of a roaring

thunder this time around it sounds 3x more dangerous than

the first one causing the ground to shake, as it keeps on
raining... I swear I heared the other side of the house
collapsing, I walk towards the door but something pushes me
back with force, and my body comes into contact with the wall
as I drop to the floor I feel my bones crack, the pain is
excruciating. I look on the bed, and Nqobani is no longer there.
God of our ancestors! My heart races at the sight, where is he?
I feel myself being lifted up, and being thrown out the window.
I watch as the house is crumbling down, all I can do is too
wail...

“Now you know I don't make empty threats! Confess or you will
be hated wherever you go”! She roars, and the clouds parts
going back to how they were.
The aftermath of Boniwe's rain of terror really turned the
village into something else. All the huts are gone, and all the
livestock's are gone, there's a big fire in the villagers main
garden because I can see the villagers wailing, we have nothing,
Buhlebezulu village is no more, all our pride & joy are no more.
Now we will have to go, and seek refugee in other villagers, this
is sad. Really sad...

“Who are you”? I turn to look at him as he asks me this, and he

looks like he has never been sick. This is a miracle, but how?
Wait, why is he asking who am I? Doesn't he remember me? I
stand up, and walk towards him. He looks at me as if like I am
a stranger, like he has never seen me before. I am his wife.
Why doesn't he see me?

Me: “Nqobani. It's me, Khethiwe. Your wife, you remember

me right”? I try taking his hands, and he retracts them.

Him: “Who are you? Where am I? Where is my wife? My kids”?

Me: “I am here, and your kids are also here”.

Him: “No! You are not my wife, and I don't know who you are.
Move woman”! He pushes me, and walks away. My lips quiver,
and tears make their presence felt I try running after him, but I
trip and fall. I watch him as he walks not looking back at me
until he dissapears on sight, everyone is in tears. This is bad,
evil never wins, ever.

54
NKANYISO

Today I am going to meet up with my father, he called me last

night requesting an urgent meeting I wonder what it is about.
Once he requests a meeting one of us did something out of
line, I wonder who is it and what did he do. Before going to
work I will have to pass by his place since he didn't tell me what
time, but I know that he meant this morning before 08:00.
Moreover, I am worried about Nobuntu, when I came back
from work yesterday I found her sleeping on top of the kitchen
counter pots burning I had to wake her up, and take her to bed
then came back, and attended the pots. And when she woke
up few hours later I was already sleeping by then, because her
food was not in the microwave when I checked few minutes
ago. Hopefully today she will tell me what happened yesterday,
I hope it's not something extreme, or maybe she slept while
cooking who knows. I finish making breakfast, and I put hers in
the microwave while I take mine, and settle down.

“Eating without me? So much for being your phakade, mxm”.

She says hugging me from behind, and resting her head on my

big head. I laugh, and turn around to look at her, and

kissing her. “Ewww”.

“Why the ewww? Angazi ophaphiswa yini because you are

still my phakade, and I was eating alone because I figured that
you needed to rest after yesterday”.

Her: “You should've woken me up either way”. She sits

down next to me, and takes a strip of bacon from my plate.
“How I fell asleep yesterday while cooking? I also don't know
what exactly happened. The last thing I remember was
seeing a sangoma with a black & red Python around her
neck after talking to Thakasile”.
Me: “A sangoma? Maybe it's one of your ancestors, she
came to visit you”. She shakes her head.

Her: “That was not one of my ancestors. That was a real

sangoma, not a dead person”.

Me: “Did she say anything to you, or she just looked at you then
vanished? And how sure are you that she is a real sangoma”?

Her: “Because she spoke to me”.

Me: “What did she say exactly”?

Her: “She actually said ‘she is coming, and my light has finally
come, everything will be well”.

Me: “Whoa, I guess she was a messenger at least there's

some light at the end of the tunnel”.
Her: “Yeah, I guess, when I asked her who she is. She said; ‘I
am who I am’, then she vanished after then I don't know what
happened. When I wake up it was already midnight, and I was
hungry, and you were snoring like a tractor”. We both laugh.

Me: “I never snore, you are too forward. I wonder who that
woman was hopefully she will come again, and reveal herself
to you. Any plans for the day”?

Her: “I don't know yet. Babe, I need your advice regarding

something that has been eating me up since yesterday. That's if
you have time seeing that you are all dressed up, and ready to
go to work”.

Me: “For you? I can make time any time, so talk to me I am

all ears”.

Her: “I received a call from Sanele back in the village asking

me for help”.
Me: “Sanele? Your brother”? She nods. “Help with what”?

Her: “Apparently they don't have anything to eat they are

struggling. Wait, they don't need my help they are actually
demanding money from me, and blackmailing me that they've
been feeding & clothing me back then, I am where I am now
because of them. I must pay my grandmother for everything he
has done for me. Can you imagine? And you should've heard
how Thakasile was talking to me babe, after everything they've
done to me they want my help, after blowing the whistle for

the villagers to burn me alive, they now demand my help?

Those people abused me, and treated me like a slave. Tell
me, how do you help such people? People who treated me
like dirt”?

Me: “How sure are you that they need your help? What if
they just want to milk money from you”?
Her: “That's the thing. I don't know whether they are telling
me the truth or what, and what they possible milk from me
whereas I don't have money”? Sighs.

Me: “Then don't help them. Simple. You don't owe them
anything they are full of it. They expect you to jump at their
demands after how they treated you? They must be out of
their minds, let them die of hunger if it needs too”. She shakes
her. “What? Are you feeling sorry for them all of a sudden”?

Her: “I don't really care about them really. I only care about
Sanele, he was the only person who was ever genuine with me.
He supported me, and helped me with cooking every chance he

got, he was the only person I was close too, he started changing
after the curse they've placed on me”.

Me: “Hmm. Help them then. Do it for Sanele, if that's how you
strongly feel about this, then go ahead. In fact, I will take you to
the village this weekend”.
Her: “Oh my. Are you for real babe”?

Me: “Yes. Remember we are doing this for Sanele, not for
anyone else”/ she jumps at me, and kisses me all over my face.

Her: “Thank you baby. Thank you so much. This means a lot to
me, thank you. This is why you are my happiness, I love you
Thembalami”. I laugh.

Me: “I love you too phakedelami”. We share a long passionate

kiss, I pick her up, and place her on top of the kitchen counter.
Her hands around my neck, and legs around my waist... My
hand finds itself lifting her T-shirt, and caressing her left boob,
my phone rings disturbing the moment, shit. Some people have

bad timing, she pulls out from the kiss. I take out my phone
in my pocket, and it's my father, eish...

“Baba”.
“I want you here in my house within 30 minutes Smiso I will
not take being stood up for here, 30 minutes Smiso I don't
want to call you again”. He hangs up.

Nobuntu: “You better get going now babe before your father
comes here, and drag you out himself”.

Me: “That old man have no timing, look now, he has cost me a
quickie”. She laughs, and gets off the kitchen counter.

Her: “He did good, because I am still in pains”/

Me: “Mxm, you are just being dramatic. But tonight is the night,
me & you, and our bed”. She laughs.
Her: “27 minutes left njalo”/

Me: “Ai, party popper. I love you phakadelami”.

Her: “I love you too, Thembalami, and have a productive day”.

Me: “I finally have a pet name, hallelujah. Just don't overthink

about me, and find yourself burning pots again”. She rolls her
eyes, and laughs.

Her: “I never think about you, shame. Keep on dreaming”.

We both laugh, and off I go.

I'm 5 minutes late, and my father looks pissed. He needs to

know that I am dating now, I have a girlfriend. I greet, only
Ziyanda & Nkosikhona greet back I sit down next to Ziyanda.

“Oh, so you are the head of the Dube's now Smiso”? I shake my
head. “Then what do you call what you just did? You just
disrespected me in front of your brothers Smiso. Do you think
that these two will respect me after what you just did”?
Me: “What bad did I do? I am just 5 minutes late, and remember
I am not driving alone on the road, and the are traffic lights too I
can't drive past them as if they are invincible”.

Nkosikhona: “Now that everyone is here. Why did you call

us here”?

Him: “I just wanted to see you boys it's been long since I last
saw you- you hardly visit, especially you Nkosikhona”.

Nkosi: “You called us here because you miss us? Couldn't

you video call us? It would've saved us a lot of time”.

Him: “What is exactly keeping away from visiting me? You are
not working or studying, you just spend my money on alcohol
& girls”.

Ziyanda: “He has a girlfriend dad

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and I'm sure she is pregnant, and giving Nkosikhona a hard
time. Pregnant women, and hormones are best of friends”.

Nkosi: “Ha ha ha, funny. I just like spending my time alone, and
I am working on my beats”.

Dad: “You working on your beats? Don't you have any real job?
Do you have a drivers license mara wena”? Me & Ziyanda
laugh. “And nina? What's funny”?

Us: “Nothing”.

Him: “Good. Oh, I almost forgot to inform you. Dabulizizwe

is coming back this week, Nkanyiso, this means that
Sambulo's imbeleko ceremony will be taking place this
weekend, no longer next week”.

Me: “What? Dad, I already have plans for this weekend”.

Nkosi: “And so do I”.

Him: “Cancel them. And Dabulizizwe said you must bring your
girlfriends along, she said something about royalty, and visiting
rivers, rescuing one. Ey, she said a lot. You boys better avail
yourself this weekend, in fact you must all arrive here
Thursday along with your girlfriends”. What? This is a short
notice for Christ's sake.

Me: “Dad, I can only be able to come Friday afternoon”.

Him: “Friday morning. You can make yourselves breakfast

so long I'm sure you guys are hungry I'll be outside if you
need me”. He stands up, and walk out whistling.

Nkosi: “Your father better come back here, and tell us that he is
joking! I can't cancel my plans”.
Ziyanda: “You don't want to anger the ancestors. Or do you”?
He shakes his head. “Then it's all settled, and he said that if
you want to talk you will find him outside. I will go, and make
us breakfast so long”.

Me: “Fuck my life”/

Nkosi: “Not forgetting mine”! Now, I don't know how I am

going to tell Nobuntu that we won't be able to go to the
village this weekend, but I hope she will understand.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

I've been knocking for quite a while now, and Mnqobi is not
opening I guess he is not around. I should've called first before
coming here, sighs. Oh, well I guess I will come back later I am
about to leave when I hear people laughing in the passage, he is
with a woman. I wonder who is he with, I giggle when I see him
with Modiegi they are not even noticing my presence, whatever
they are conversing about that makes them laugh this hard is
sure funny. They even have shopping bags with them. Didn't
Snikelelo say that Modiegi is going to get married to a deacon
in their church? Then what is she doing playing lovey-dovey
with Mnqobi? Or maybe I am just seeing things? Well, they do
make a cute couple though. They stop on their tracks when
they see me, and their laughter cease.

“Hii Guys”.
“Hello Nobuntu”. Mnqobi comes and hugs me, and so does
Modiegi.

Me: “I'm sorry for coming announced. I know that I

should've called before coming here, but don't worry I will
just leave. Sorry for intruding”/ Mnqobi laughs.

Him: “You think that I will let you leave, now that you are
here? You must be high from Nkanyiso's hickies. I hope you've
used condoms”. He laughs, and unlocks the door leaving me
embarrassed. Gosh, how did he even see them? He has sharp
eyes. Modiegi laughs, and we all get inside the house.

Mnqobi: “There's nothing to eat here, not unless you are a fan
of Noddles because I eat them every day”.

Me: “I don't eat Noddles, I don't like them at all. And I'm
not hungry, but wine will do”/
Him: “Check in that cupboard I'm sure there are 2 bottles
there if not 3”.

Me: “Thank you brother. Let me help myself”.

Modiegi: “Let me get started with the pots, I am so

hungry. Don't you want to help me Nobuntu”?

Me: “I would like that, but I hope you don't mind that
I'm drinking I really love me some wine”.

Her: “Oh no, it's okay really”.

Mnqobi: “I will go, and freshen up so long. You two get to know
each other better”. He leaves us.

Me: “So, Modiegi not in a bad way neh. Like please don't
get me wrong I just want to know...” she cuts me short.
Her: “You want to know what I am doing here while I am
supposed to be at home with my husband to be right”?

Me: “Are you also a mind reader, because wow you are spot
on”. She sighs.

Her: “The truth is I don't love him. We have no connection at all

Nobuntu, it gets worse when it's time to make love he is so
cold, and I don't enjoy it at all”.

Me: “Then why are you with him? Why don't just end things
with him rather than torturing yourself”?

Her: “It's not that easy when you are a youth leader. You are
expected to make right decisions, and live according to the
bible, and besides I was told when I was 15 years old that I
will get married to John the church oldest deacon. He is way
older than me Nobuntu, older than my older brother”.
Me: “Live your life according the bible? How can you live your
life according to the bible whereas you practice sex, knowing
very well that sex before marriage is a sin? And why is your
pastor allowing this? Why did your parents sell you to an old
man when you were just 15 years old? You were just a kid man,
this is just being cruel. He is abusing you”!

Her: “Pastor Benjamin just joined the church 9 months ago, he

doesn't know anything, and I am scared to tell him. Yes,
everyone knows that I am going to marry John, and they are
convinced that I'm happy, but they don't know what's
happening behind closed doors ngiyahlukunyezwa. I am always
crying, he doesn't want my input in many things my voice is just

useless to him. It's breaking me seriously, I may try to look

strong outside, but deep down I am dying. But no one realizes
that, they see me as this powerful prayer warrior, but they
don't know that I'm too broken that I only pray because I'm
supposed too. I am at a point where I want to give up, and just
let everything be. What's the use of praying for someone while
you yourself is wounded how, and always complaining? I am
tired Nobuntu, really tired”. She is in a crying mode now, tears
also fill up my eyes. This is heartbreaking, I know exactly what
she is talking about I've been there too, I understand her pain.
Me: “I know exactly what you are talking about I've been there
too. But remember that God gives toughest battles to his
strong soldiers, this is all God's work he is testing you. He wants
to see how much faith you have in him, whatever you are going
through it will pass just never cease praying. Continue calling
his name, and crying out to him the road is not easy, but God
didn't bring you this far just to leave you. He knows the plans
he has for you. I am a living testimony I have seen him at work,
when I look back from where I'm coming from till now I don't
think I would've survived if it wasn't for him, God is really alive.
He picked me up, dirty as I am, and he cleaned me up. Look at
me now? You can never tell that I was once broken, and people
hating me for no apparent reason. But God? Just when I was on

a verge of giving up he came through for me. Believe in his

word, and if you believe in your ancestors phahla to them. Ask
them to give you strength, wisdom & to guide you at all times,
never stop praying, allow God to take the wheel. Open up your
heart. Tell you what; how about one weekend me, you &
Snikelelo meet up in one's place, and pray, mediate in God's
word, praise him, and talk about everything and anything
troubling us. Just 3 girls crying into each other's shoulders, and
assuring each other that it is well with our souls”. She attacks
me with a hug, and let it all out. I hush her, and I can see
Mnqobi leaning against the wall from the corner of my eyes, I
wonder for how long has he been standing there, and how
much did he hear because he is expressionless. I don't know
whether he is angry or what.

55
MNQOBI

My mind is racing with thoughts after over hearing Nobuntu &

Modiegie's conversation earlier on. How could deacon John be
heartless? Why did her parents sell her to John the eldest
deacon in church? This doesn't make any sense, why did John
even agree to marry a mere child like Modiegi? Doesn't he have
a heart? And where is the old pastor if pastor Benjamin joined
the church 9 months ago? The elders of the church, why are
they quiet about all of this? Or maybe they don't know that
Modiegi is actually being sexually abused by John? Why on
earth would they even allow this to happen? I thought that she
was happy with John, because she was always a happy soul at
church as if she is not going through a lot. Ebile, why doesn't
John get married to someone his age? There's more to this
than what meets the eye I will have to get to the bottom of this
it seems like there's a lot to unravel in that church, let's hope
there are no scandals buried there. Any who, Modiegi left
immediately after she finished cooking she didn't want to stay
any longer, she said that she has to be somewhere urgently.
But I knew that she was lying, she wanted to get home before
John comes back from work. She thinks that I didn't hear the
conversation between her & Nobuntu. She needs some saving

before she loses herself, but I must commend her on the fact
that she is a strong individual, she knows how to hide pain. I am
also proud of Nobuntu, she has grown, and now she knows how
to advise accordingly her spiritual growth is also amazing. Who
would've thought that one day she can heal people with words,
I don't want to lie I, too, was touched by what she said to
Modiegi. One thing I've noticed about us people is that we
want God to answer us now instead of waiting for his timing,
we are quick to say that “God doesn't love me. Does God even
exist? Why is not God answering my prayers? Nothing is going
well in my life. No job, my relationships are always failing. What
wrong am I doing? Does God even love me”? When things are
not going our way. We don't like waiting for him, we are always
complaining forgetting that there are billions of people also
praying to him, let's learn to wait on his word. Instead of
complaining let's thank him for the Gift life, I'm sure there are 2
or 3 things he has done for you. He has done in your life. He has
saved you in a lot of situations more than you can even count,
we need to learn to be thankful for the little that we have, and
be content with everything. There are others out there
suffering, but they are thankful for the gift of life & good
health. You are not sick or in hospital, or in a mortuary, you
woke up this morning functioning very well this is prove that
God isn't done with you yet. He is still in the process of
bettering your life for a better, for the fact that you are still

breathing it's evident enough that you still have a chance to

better your life, all you have to do it's too believe that one of
these good days he will come through for you. It's not easy, yes,
but a little faith in him goes a long way. One day you will be
testifying about how good he is, and how he saved you from
situations that you yourself didn't have any idea how you were
going to get out of. Fear not for he is God of possibilities. Argh,
look at me sounding like Nobuntu now... I am jogged out of my
thoughts by Nobuntu singing, no wait she is literally screaming
in my ear the after effects of her “second lover”. And that lover
being wine.

“Finally, he snaps out of it. Are you okay”? She sits down I've
even forgotten about her being here, she was on a phone
call and that was 30 minutes ago on a phone call.
“Yeah, I'm fine just thinking”.

Her: “Thinking about the conversation I had with Modiegi

or you thinking about her in general”?

Me: “I'm thinking about the conversation you guys had. Yazi,
it raises some questions about the practices that church
practice”.

Her: “Questions like what”?

Me: “Like, what exactly is that church all about. Their protocol,
in fact the church as a whole phecelezi the history of that
church”.

Her: “The church doesn't have a problem, but the leaders of the
church must be the ones being in question. The church is just a
building that Christians fill every Sunday to praise God. How are
you going to find out about the history of that church”?
Me: “I will ask some of oldest church members who have been
there since the church started, hopefully I might get
something useful”.

Her: “That's only a beginning, I will also pray for you”.

Me: “I am proud of how much strong of a believer you are now.

Your spiritual growth is growing daily I am proud of you, and
it's more of a blessing because some of the things you said to
Modiegi touched me too, you are good at healing the wounded
with words”. She laughs.

Her: “It's the best I can do brother. So, when last did you talk
to Ncumisa”?

Me: “Its been long hey, but I will call and check up on how
is she doing, and I must remind her about the ceremony”.

Her: “You mother still doesn't want anything to do with

them”? I sigh.
Me: “Yes. She also doesn't want anything to do with me she is
treating me like I'm not his son. You should hear how she
insults me, the person she is currently it's definitely not my
mother. She is no longer that woman who raised with care &
love, yes she wasn't there while growing up, but she still
loved us old as we were I don't know what changed”.

Her: “I take it that she changed as soon as I came in to

the picture right”? I nod.

Me: “Yeah, of which was too sudden”.

Her: “You need to pray for her Mnqobi, I'm sure they've put
on curse on her no person can change from out of nowhere.
Someone, somewhere out there did something to her, she is
not herself. Pray for her like you've prayed for me, and I will
also pray for her. We need to ask God to intervene in her
situation, and restore what was taken from her”. I shake my
head.
Me: “No. She is doing it just to be spiteful to me, and
Crecentia also joined her”. She shakes her head.

Her: “Trust me. They've put a curse on her, pray as for

Crecentia she is supporting her mother since she is distancing
yourself from you. Pray for her, she may not come around any
time soon, but she will heal eventually just don't give up on
her”.

Me: “I guess you are right. Anyway, Crecentia is pregnant”.

She gasps.

Her: “What? Oh my God. Congratulations are in order I'm sure

Thabo is very excited about these news”. I scratch my head.

Me: “He is not the father”.

Her: “I don't follow”.

Me: “She is pregnant with Ben's child”. She chokes on her wine,
and cough's.

Her: “You are such a bad joker big bear”.

Me: “I wish I was joking little one, but unfortunately it's true”.

Her: “But how”?

Me: “I am yet to find out. If only she can let me in, and tell
me what exactly happened”.

Her: “Confront Ben. Take the bull by it's horn kunyiwe once”.
Hmmm, she just gave me a solution to my questions, why didn't
I think of asking Ben? Hopefully he will tell me the truth.

Me: “You are one brightest human being ever”. She laughs.

Her: “I try. Well, it was being here but now it's time to go”.
Me: “Thank you for the talk. I really appreciate it”.

Her: “Only a pleasure. Please take me home”.

Me: “Let me go and fetch my car keys”. She really opened

my eyes about some things I didn't really understand.

★»★«
NKANYISO

I ended up spending the whole day with my father & brothers

Mbuso was the only one missing I hope he is fine wherever he
is, but I enjoyed myself no lies there. Nobuntu also sent me a
text telling me that she is at Mnqobi's God knows how much I

miss her, and my dad approves her I've shown him her
pictures, even Nkosikhona approves of her he couldn't stop
complementing her. My dad's approval means a lot to me, I
also wonder where my mother is and will we ever find out why
he acted the way she did months ago? Maybe it's a good thing
that she disappeared. I've been trying to call Amanda all day
and she ain't taking my calls I also went to the house that I've
bought for them, and they weren't around I guess she really
left. I will have to let my father know that Amanda is nowhere
to be found this means that we have to cancel the ceremony.
Oh, well. I take my phone, and punch in my father's numbers,
he answers on the 3rd ring.

“Smiso, missing me already”? I laugh.

“No dad, I don't miss you”.

Him: “Then, why are you calling me”?

Me: “We have a situation dad. Amanda packed up, and left with
Sambulo they are nowhere to be found”.

Him: “You are calling me to tell me that? That girl will will be
at the ceremony whether she likes it or not. She may run
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but the ancestors will find her, and bring her straight to the
ceremony. Relax, and focus on making your woman happy,
and give her all the love she needs. Don't worry about small
things, you should be making babies there I am not getting any
younger I need grandchildren”. I laugh.

Me: “Not any time soon dad we still need to enjoy

our relationship”.

Him: “I hope you've already started budgeting for Lobola. That

girl deserves all the cows in our kraal, treat her right, or you will
have me to deal with. Must I repeat myself”?

Me: “I heard you the first time dad, and I will treat her right”.

Him: “Good. Start making her happy. I've got to go I was on a

process of feeling like a younger me”. I laugh.
Me: “I don't want any more brothers”. He laughs.

Him: “You don't tell me what to do. Bye son”. He hangs up

leaving me laughing alone, my dad though.
“Who is she”? I lift my head, and I find Nobuntu looking at me
with questioning eyes”.

“Jealous much”? Furrowing my brow. She rolls her eyes.

Her: “Oh please. Dream on. I don't get jealous of King Kongs,
mxm”. She places the Tupperware she had in her hands on top
of the kitchen counter then walks up to me, and gives me a
kiss she smells like wine, this woman and wine.

Me: “Shame on you”.

Her: “Back to you. How was your day”?

Me: “My day was okay, well I spent it with my dad & brothers.
How was yours”?

Her: “It was good even though I shed some tears here & there. I
take it you did not go to work”.
Me: “Not at all”.

Her: “What was the meeting about”? I laugh. “What's funny”?

Me: “There was no meeting phakadelami, my father was only

missing us babe, he called us to come over only for him to tell
us that he misses us, can you imagine”.

Her: “He should've hit you boys with a sjambok. Why don't you
guys visit him vele? It's not as if like you guys work everyday.
You've been hosting every month with your old clique without
any complaints, you should normalize visiting your father
Thembalami, spending a weekend with him won't take away
your handsomeness. Imagine your father bribing you to come
into a meeting only because he misses you? It took a lot in him

to actually call you guys. He feels neglected by you boys, you

need to change your ways”. She is right, wow. She is a complete
different human being now, I am one lucky bastard to have a
woman like her in my life I better not mess this up because if I
do- I don't think I will survive without her, after the ceremony I
will have to take him to a golf tournament just for him to enjoy
himself, and forget about business for a while.

Me: “I didn't see it that way, but I promise to change my ways

and do better. Thank you for opening my eyes, I am one lucky
bastard to have a woman like you. You are one in a million, I
love you phakadelami”.

Her: “I just want a happy relationship with you if you go astray I

will have to reel you back in to a right path, and I love you too”.

Me: “And I'm greatful. Urh...m phakade”.

Her: “Yes”?

Me: “Well, there's a situation that will hinder us from going to

the village this weekend”/ she stops dishing up, and looks at
me.
Her: “Talk to me”.

Me: “Sambulo's imbeleko ceremony have been moved to this

weekend, and my father said that we must be there by
Thursday”.

Her: “Oh, why did they move it to this weekend”?

Me: “Dabulizizwe is the one who asked for it to be done this

weekend, apparently there's a lot to be unravel she told my
father. I wonder what is she going to unravel”.

Her: “You can only wonder Thembalami. Well, we can always

go the next weekend it's fine by me”.

Me: “Hopefully Amanda will change her mind, and

bring Sambulo”.

Her: “Where is she kanty”?

Me: “She left because I didn't want to choose between you &
Sambulo. She actually took Sambulo thinking that she is
punishing me, but my dad assured me that Amanda will bring
Sambulo to the ceremony whether she likes it or not I guess I
mustn't worry that much about it”.

Her: “She is so unbelievable. Some women though, let's hope

she will come around she must think of Sambulo's health, and
not be selfish something's doesn't require one to be selfish.
Why use Sambulo to fight her battles? She is a coward, rha”.

Me: “Indeed. So, did you hear the part where I said that
‘we must go down there on Thursday”?

Her: “Huh? We? We, as in me & you”?

Me: “Yes, you & me”/

Her: “Hha! It's such a notice Thembalami”.
Me: “I know, but Dabulizizwe told my father that our
girlfriends must be present whether you like it or not”.

Her: “Is that how I will be meeting your family? Through

Sambulo's imbeleko”?

Me: “Yes, I will introduce you to them, and you have no

choice but to come with it's nonnegotiable”/

Her: “Wawini. I will need a lot of wine to pull through the

entire weekend because wow”. I laugh, and shake my head.

Me: “My family doesn't bite, and they are good people and full
of jokes. You will love them, and they will love you even my
dad approved of you”. She bats her eyelashes. “You will blend
in just fine”.
Her: “Fine indeed. I need some wine just to down the news in
style, I so can't wait to meet your entire family”. She gives a

fake smile, and disappears to the bedroom, she is so not

ready for my family...

★»★«
KHETHIWE

Life can really humble you. It had humbled me in a way I never

thought it would, from grace to grass. I now breath the same
dirty air as the Bavumile village villagers this is one of the most
dirtiest, and has limited resources village, but villagers here are
very educated shame no lies, this is the only village that took
me in, and some of the people from Buhlebezulu village since
the other villagers didn't want to take me in, imagine. People
have quickly forgotten that I was, wait, still am a Queen. I just
need to recuperate, and plan on how to turn this village into
something else, even the royal house is not as vast as mine was
this it's really below my level of living. Yes, I am down & out,
but this is one degrading thing ever I even loath myself to be
amongst such dirty village, people no longer respect me.
Bavumile villagers are the worst of them all as if they don't
know that I was a Queen they are busy rejoicing in my
downfall. Nqobani? Thinking about him makes my heart ache
after how he treated me, everything happened so fast that I
didn't have enough time to regroup. The curse has been lifted
off unexpectedly so, I am still trying to wrap my head around
every thing. When she remembered her first wife, and kids was
evident enough for me that he was the old Nqobani that I
found in a very forbidden village, and made him a king. His wife

• both his kids died in a fire, a fire that was started by

Nobuntu's grandmother revenging her other daughter Mabusi

(Thakasile & Sanele's mother). You see, Nqobani was supposed

to get married to Mabusi the prettiest woman in the village, all
man wanted her, she was praised everywhere she went and...

“Khethiwe”. One of the servants call me.

“Queen Khethiwe to you”.

Her: “You were a Queen back in your village. Here you are just
like all the commoners of this village, you are not a significant
Lana, learn to stay in your lane & humble yourself. Anyway,
dinner is ready”. She looks at me from head to toe, and walks
out banging the door behind her. So much disrespect! I will to
do something I can't live like this, this is not healthy, it's
sickening I will have to do something, and fast...

56
ZWELI

Life? Life hasn't been good to me lately, things have become

worse I am now officially paralyzed. I am wheelchair bound,
and my hearing is no longer the same, my eyesight is also not
that well I barely see a thing, I use spectacles to see now even
though they give me painful headaches, especially at night.
Sleep is like a distant relative to me I no longer know it. Things
really took a drastic unexpected turn for me, now I believe the
saying that says “life is unpredictable. You may be up the
ladder today, but find yourself on the ground tomorrow”. Life
doesn't guarantee you anything, what evil you do to someone
will come back to you 3x more in a later stage, if not, it will be
passed to your following generation, you will even think that
you are bewitched, but nope Karma is dealing with you
accordingly. You are paying for all the bad you've done to
people whether deliberately, or not, you will still pay, phela
when some people pray the gates of heaven opens, and God
fights on their behalf kube H for Hektik in your life. Take a look
at me for example; I used to look down on Ben he was below
my level even though we were working in the same company. I
was earning more than him, had a company car, and had my
own office while him on the other hand he was sharing an

office with 8 more people suffocating each other I was always

laughing at him every chance I got, and he would say “nothing
stays the same forever, a wheel turns”. Hahaha, he was mos
def prophesying the wheels have really turned. Look at me
now, I have nothing. No job, no girlfriend, no house, I have
nothing, and not forgetting that I'm paralyzed. Life is really sad I
must say... You know for the past 2 days I've been dreaming,
wait it's like someone was playing a movie of my life from when
I was young to now. It showed me all the bad deeds I've done
to people, and to those I've hurt. It showed me how I was
treating Langelihle, and all those people who I've been looking
down upon, and shamed, it was not a pleasant dream I've hurt
a lot of people, and I was unapologetic about it. To me it was
more like a norm to treat people the way I've treated them
honestly, it was something I was used to doing. And I know for
a fact that I take after my mother. I regret every single thing
bad I did. Sighs, any way I've decided to go back to the village
to right my wrongs, I need to do right by the people I've done
wrong. Maybe this is also the way my ancestors are punishing
me for neglecting, and refusing the throne as the rightful heir, I
really need to humble myself, and ask for forgiveness, fix things
with Langelihle, and take the throne as a rightful King of
Buhlebezulu village, and serve my people the best way I know
how. I'm sure my mother will be very pleased once she sees
me, after all I'm her favourite son even though I did her bad by

running away from her without informing her, but I hope that
she has forgiven me. Thabo will be the one driving me, he is still
not in a good state, he drinks almost everyday and hardly takes a
bath that's how bad these news broke him. Ben came this other
time to apologize, and possibly explain what actually transpired
between him & Crecentia, but he left Thabo's house badly
bruised he lost some teeth along the way. Thabo almost killed
him, and I was just watching the whole thing unable to help out,
he eventually got back to his senses when he noticed that Ben is
not moving he was even kind enough to drive him to the clinic,
he is also lucky that Ben didn't open a case for him.

“Ready to go”?

“Yes. Yes, I'm ready to go”.

Him: “Let's hit the road then”. He picks up my bags, and I wheel
myself out... He helps me get inside the car, sighs, this is very
stressful. I hope the elders will accept my apology, and give me
the chance to redeem myself, and I hope that my father is also
still alive, and not six feet under. I also hope that the village is
half way to how it used to look like before that rain... Hopefully
with me going to the village I will be back to be my old self.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

I'm at the canteen buying myself something to eat after the

stressful exam I've been writing, truly speaking I was not in a
good state of mind I've been thinking about this weekend,
there's just something about it that I can't really put my fingers
on of which is weird considering the fact that today is
Wednesday. It just feels, argh, I don't even know what to say...
Tomorrow afternoon we will be leaving for Nkanyiso's home

where the ceremony is going to take place. This was also not
how I've imagined myself meeting Nkanyiso's family, I mean, all
of his family members will be there it was going to be better if I
was going to meet with his father only, oh well. Sighs, I guess I
have to brace myself and just go there, and I think I need to be
sober minded I can't meet the family tipsy, but then I can't
really go a day without drinking wine... Sanele's numbers
haven't been going through for the past couple of days, I guess
they are really angry at me, I pray & hope that they've at least
gotten something to eat, and why is the Queen not helping
them? You know what, let me just stop cracking my head about
them I have bigger issues to deal with. It's now my turn to buy, I
buy sandwich & coke, while waiting for my order since it takes
10-15 minutes to make the sandwich I don't even know why
they take this long whereas it takes me 2 minutes to make it
this just doesn't make sense. But funny enough, the Dagwood &
burgers takes just 5 minutes, like hello. I decide to keep busy
with my phone so long I log into Facebook, and the first thing I
see is Crecentia's disturbing status update.

★Even if I were to die now, no one will miss me, and that's a fact.

But it's all good because I will also not miss myself, I've just lost

the love of my life to a one night stand. I lost my soulmate

only because of great stolen sex, I regret it yes, but I

don't regret the sex it was the best★

What the actually heck residents? What has gotten into

Crecentia I hope she is not planning on committing suicide, she
is going through her demons, yes, but suicide is not an option.
You might think that you saving yourself from pain or suffering,
little did you know that the people who loved you will be there
ones hurt the most, and there ones suffering, they will feel like
they've failed you, and then they start blaming themselves.
Imagine the trauma you will be putting your family through,
learn to talk about your feelings. Write them down, talk to a
stranger, keep yourself busy and stop being selfish you put your
loved ones through unexplainable pains, let's learn to ask for
help pride won't help you. We are all fighting our different
demons in our own way, and dealing with our pains the best
way we know how, but killing yourself? That's just too much. I
hope Mnqobi have seen the post, and is already acting on it.
The comments, Hmmm they are not so pleasant to the eyes,
yoh... I ignore them, and browse through. Facebook is just
boring I am only using it because of the stories that I read, even
though the Admins disappear. I log out as they call my order
number I take my food, and go to where I usually seat- I still
don't have friends, and I'm cool with that. Earphones on, and

Mdumi Mkokstad ft Thinah Zungu x ebeke walunga comes to

play this is one my favourite song, yhey he has been good to me
even in terrible situations. Someone taps me on my shoulder I
turn to look, and I see a woman standing behind me she looks
really familiar

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but I don't know where I remember her from, she also looks
skinny, her hair is so untidy, no man this is a ghost in a human
form. The students are gossiping about her, and pointing
fingers at her.

“Hello Nobuntu”.

“Hey, and you are”?

Her: “Don't you recognize me”?

Me: “I wouldn't be asking if I did right”? She nods. “So, who are
you”?

Her: “Londiwe. Mnqobi's ex fiancé”. What? No, she is lying

this one Mnqobi's ex fiancé had curves in all the right places,
and she was slaying.

Me: “Askies”? She sits down, and face me she is playing with
her boney fingers. I scan her, and she does have the traits of
Londiwe.
Her: “I know, and I understand your reaction I get that all
the time”.

Me: “What happened to you? You've gotten so thin in such a

short period of time, yhey Londiwe. This is you vele vele?
Hha, life will shock you serious”.

Her: “Well, I've got punished not in a very good way it

was torture”.

Me: “Punished by who? By what? And why”?

Her: “About what I am about to tell you. But firstly I would like
to apologize for all the pain I've put you through. For all that I
have done to you, I did everything out of jealousy, and I regret
it now I was desperate to get Mnqobi back, I had to do
something because I was losing him to you. He was no longer
giving me attention like he did before you got into the picture
we were very happy, and you came along and ruined all of
that. I couldn't just sit and not do anything, I had to do
something”. She takes a deep breath, and looks at me straight
in the eyes tears streaming down her cheeks. She wants to tell
me something, but she is holding back, and looks like she is
about to choke on whatever she wants to tell me, Whatever
she wants to tell me it's either it will shock me, or send me
straight to ICU if not meeting my maker. “I'm sorry I can't do
it”. She stands up, and takes off leaving me speechless, and
talking alone. Hau here she is running back to me looking as if
like she has just seen a ghost, she sits down, and hugs her
shoulders rocking herself back & forth she is behaving like a
lunatic right now.

Me: “What is it? What did you see”? She wanders her eyes
around, and she is back to her normal self as if like she wasn't
crying few seconds ago, I no longer freak out when weird things
like these happen. I just sip on some wine, and mind my own.

Her: “At least I will die with a clear conscious, and God will
grant me permission into heaven”.

Me: “Can you just get straight to the point Londiwe”.

Her: “It's not easy to tell you this”.

Me: “Then you are wasting my time, you can go”. I take a bite
from my sandwich, and put on back my earphones. She pats
me in my hand, and I look at her. Sighs, I remove the
earphones, and look at her- I hope she will talk now...

Me: “What? I thought I told you to leave”.

Her: “Not before I confess I don't want to die just yet. Urh...m,
I'm the one who caused your bleeding, and wor...” she doesn't
even go any further, and I am chocking on this dry sandwich.
What? Never in my mind did it cross that Londiwe was the one
behind all that I've gone through, worms coming out my body?
Wow. That's really evil, how could she?

Me: “You did what”? I ask her tears clouding my vision. “You
did what Londiwe? How could you be so evil”. My voice is high
now earning us few stares from the students.
Her: “I'm truly sorry Nobuntu. I was just jealous I didn't mean
to do it, but I was desperate please try understand. Please
Nobuntu”. I laugh, and shake my head.

Me: “Do you have any idea how much I suffered all because of
your obsession with my brother? I had people, some who I
loved & treated turned their back on me I was a disgrace, they
would even close their nose once seeing me. You bewitched
me all because of Mnqobi not giving you attention? I did
nothing to you Londiwe, was me bonding with my brother
made you so jealous that you ended up resorting to bewitch
me”? She shakes her head as tears continue to gush down her
cheeks.

Her: “I'm sorry I truly am sorry. I've paid dearly for doing what I
did to you, I've been vomiting worms, I lost my hearing, and I
was paralyzed. It was not nice Nobuntu, watching your family
looking at you with nothing but disgust in their house, I've seen
it all. Please forgive me, I would not even mind going public,

and confess my deeds. I will do anything to earn your

forgiveness, anything”. I just stare at her for a few seconds, and
stand up, I don't even know what to say I am so speechless...
What the...? I pick up my back from the ground, and walk away
leaving her calling my name. She is so evil, but I've forgiven her
she will need to tell Mnqobi too. I walk back to her...

“Londiwe” she lifts her head, and looks at me. “I forgive you-
you must also tell Mnqobi the truth”. Her eyes widens not
believing that I've forgiven her, isn't what she wanted kanty? I
walk away leaving her speechless, I need to process this. Wawu.
It's just too much, Londiwe? I never saw it coming...

★»★«
MNQOBI

I walk toward the church office I know that Bab'Dlami is there

Lord knows doing what. Bab'Dlamini is one of the few people
who started with this church since it was built, I'm sure he will
give me the answers I need about this church's history. I knock
once, and he summons me in I find him writing something.

“Good day Bab'Dlamini”. He stops writing, and looks at me with

a forced smile as if I enjoy seeing his yellow stained teeth.

“Mnqobi. Please take a seat. What brings you here? Oh no,

where are my manners? Would you like anything to drink”?

Me: “No, thank you. What brings me here is that, I want to find
out more about this church's history the first pastor, everything
about it”. He tenses up, and his facial expression changes.
Him: “Why do you want to know the history of our
church? Who do you think you are wanting to know the
Church history”? Why is he being defensive?

Me: “Not in a bad way Bab'Dlamani, as a member of the church

I wanted to know more about it that's it”.

Him: “More? Are you here to strengthen your faith in God,

and fellowship with the fellow Christians, or you are here for
your own evil reasons”? I chuckle.

Me: “Why are you being so defensive about the history of

the church? I just want to know that's it”.

Him: “Stay out of things that doesn't concern you if you no

longer enjoy fellowshipping in this church I will suggest that
you go, and look for a better church”! He bangs the table.
Me: “What are you hiding? You know what, you don't have to
tell me I will find out the history of this church myself. I give
you my word”.

Him: “Don't start something you will not finish son I am

warning you”.

Me: “Fine, I will stay away, but on one condition”.

Him: “Good. And what is the condition”?

Me: “You ask deacon John to no longer marry Modiegi he

must find someone his age”. He laughs his laugh booming
across the small entire office.

Him: “You must be crazier than I thought boy. Deacon John &
Modiegi's reunion have been recognized by God”.
Me: “Don't use God's name in vain. You don't know half of
the things Modiegi goes through in the hands of that man, or
do you”?

Him: “Whatever happens between them outside church is

no longer our business”. I laugh.

Me: “It should be. Now, I am sure that this church have hidden
scandals, you are practising something that is not of God. You
are hiding behind the name of God, but whatever it is I will find
it. Nothing stays hiss forever one way or the other the truth
will come out”.

Him: “Don't start something you wouldn't finish young man, it

will not end well you don't want to experience God's wrath
upon you. You won't stand the fire”.

Me: “Hohoho. Try me Bab'Dlamini. Very soon the

congregation will know exactly what's going on in this church”.
Him: “You've just signed your death wish son. Your days are
numbered”/

Me: “You are not God Bab'Dlamini, you won't do anything to

me I am heavenly protected. I am not alone, I have my soldiers
with me”. He stands up abruptly, and walks towards me
looking angry.

Him: “Stop poking your nose where it doesn't belong son! You
don't want to go down that route with me, don't tempt me”.

Me: “I will go down this route with you whether you like it or
not, and I will expose you, and your fellow men for what you
actually are. You are doing evil things, and hide behind the
Bible, and God”! He takes his hand behind his back, and
comes out with a knife I don't even flinch when seeing it.

Him: “You don't know me young man. I once had young man
just like you wanting information about the church as I am
talking to you know we are walking on top of them in this very
church. Today, you are going to join them”. He curves a smile,
and lifts up his shining sharp knife, and bring it down to me
when the windows shutter, and strong wind filling up the small
room papers flying around. He drops down, and shiver while on
the floor, and I am just watching him rolling & shivering on the

floor, after a couple of minutes the wind dies down, and the
office is full of papers. He looks at me eyes wide in shock...

“I told you that I am heavenly protected, you've just became

Thomas to it. Have a lovely day”. I walk out of the office, now
more than ever I am convinced that they practice something
else all in the name of God, but what? We will soon find out, I
guess God led me to this Church for a reason. Fear not for he
is with you everywhere you go...

57
KHETHIWE

I was surprised to receive a call from Zweli after months of

disappearing without a trace, receiving his call yesterday really
made me feel somehow I thought that maybe he was still in
hiding, but to my surprise he called and told me that he is at
Buhlebezulu village, and there is nothing left on sight, it's only
soil. I told him to come here at Bavumile village I almost fainted
when I saw him in a wheelchair, and in that state his friend left
immediately after he dropped him off. King Vusumuzi was kind
enough to agree for him to stay here, he is sharing the room
with one of his younger son's Mveli. I am just waiting for him to
tell me exactly what happened to him, yesterday we did not
get time to catch up because he said he was exhausted, he
needs to rest, and was complaining about headache. We get
served with breakfast, it's mabele soft porridge something of
which I last ate years ago. If it's not mabele porridge, we eat
oats if not oats bread & butter, I've tried telling them to make
an exception for me, and make me something decent for
breakfast, but the second wife was rude enough to tell me
where to get off, she reminded me that I am a nobody around
here I will live the way they live, if it's too much for me I can
leave because no one is forcing me to stay they did me a

favourable. Rude ugly woman. I'm seated next to Zweli who

looks like he is carrying the world in his shoulders. Could it be
possible that Boniwe did this to him? I wouldn't be surprised
if she's the one after the way he has been treating Langelihle,
sighs.
“Why aren't you eating Khethiwe”? Nandipha (The Queen) ask
me, I am busy playing with the spoon I just don't feel like
eating, I'm tired of eating the same thing everyday.

“I am not really hungry”. I drop the spoon on the table, and

everyone stop eating then look at me.

Her: “Oh, still not getting used to soft porridge”?

Me: “It will make me fat”.

Zandile (2nd wife): “Oh please. You really need the soft
porridge Khethiwe, your body can do with some meat. Stop
acting like you are second fresh thing after a fresh slice of
bread, you need to normalize living like this white bread

because this will be your everyday life until I don't know when.
In fact today is your day to go to the village hall and hear the
complaints of the villagers then give them solutions, I mean you
still want to be treated like a Queen not like some commoner in
this village right? Then this is your chance to redeem yourself,
and you better eat because you will definitely need the
strength. Oh, hail to Queen Khethiwe”. She smiles at me, and
goes back to eating if she thinks that I will do what she just told
me in order for me to be considered as a Queen again, then she
has another thing coming I will not do it. I will be a Queen again
without being given orders, but I still need to plan things
through.

Me: “I will do no such thing this ain't my village, and besides I

have a lot of catching up to do with my son, and you can see
that he is not in a good state. So, no I will not go to the villagers
hall, and I will not eat this tasteless soft porridge”. She laughs

Her: “Suit yourself then Khethiwe”.

Vusumuzi: “Zweli, you also haven't touched your food, are

you also not hungry”?

Zweli: “I don't hear you”! Shouting. We all looked at each other

then him, but we were communicating just fine yesterday.
What changed now? This doesn't make any sense.
Him: “I asked, if are you also not hungry seeing that you
haven't touched your food”? He shouts back.

Zweli: “I don't eat brown soft porridge, I eat white

soft porridge”. Shouting.

Him: “Zandile, please ask one of the servants to prepare

something else for Zweli, and come and take his dish away”.
Zandile nods then stand up, and go the kitchen. “Zweli, they
are going to prepare you something else to eat, and we are
very sorry your mother here didn't tell us that you don't eat
mabele porridge next time we will prepare white soft porridge
especially for you, okay”? He shouts so much to my annoyance,
Zweli better snap out of his deliberately suddenly not hearing
mode he better fucken snap out it, because wow he is just
being too much for no apparent reason.

Zweli: “I would really appreciate that, thank you”. Wait, did he

just say thank you? A whole Zweli saying thank you? What on
earth has entered this boy? I seriously seriously need to have a
talk with him. Zandile comes back with one of the servants, I
wonder what did they prepare for him I'm sure it's bread &
butter with jam as usual, and strong black cup of coffee. They
place the tray before him, and to my surprise it's full English
breakfast! A whole English breakfast something of which I was
never prepared for ever since I've arrived here, what game are
these people playing? Zweli thanks them again, and he starts
eating. So, they do have proper food? Then why weren't they
serving me like they do with Zweli? These people are cruel
maarn, yasis. My stomach growls so loud that everyone avert
their eyes to me, this is embarrassing and to think that I said I
am not really hungry now my stomach had to embarrass me
like this, wow. I stand up, and excuse myself I can hear them
laughing I've never been this embarrassed. Tears threatens my
eyes, but I am not about to cry. Not now anyway, but I don't
want to lie it hurts being treated like this it really hurts, and I
can't stand Zandile she has been making my stay unpleasant
around here, she must die. I will have to go to a strong
traditional healer to make her dissapear, and try to seduce Vusi
until he makes me a second wife, I don't if you've noticed that
I'm not one to give up easily.

Oh, I almost forgot that a day ago if not 2 I was telling you a
story, and I got disturbed by that rude servant, so here's how it
goes. Mabusi? Oh yes, what a beautiful woman she was and
may her soul rest in peace. So, Mabusi was supposed to get
married to Nqobani after dating for 3 years. But Thabile
(Nqobani's first wife) did not want Nqobani to marry Mabusi,
and I was Mabusi's best friend we shared everything together,
anyway that's a story for another day. Shame Nqobani did love
Mabusi, and so did Mabusi loved Nqobani, plus they already
had Thakasile then she was born out of wedlock, and Nompilo
(Langa's gogo) told Nqobani to do right by her daughter &
granddaughter, sickening. Thabile eventually agreed for
Nqobani to take Mabusi as a second wife after too much of
persuasion, and Nqobani threatening to leave her, yoh kanty
Thabile had something else in mind when she agreed... She
treated Mabusi in the most horrible way she was practically
abusing her in all the ways you can think of, even her kids
disrespected Mabusi every chance they got treating her like a
slave. It got worse when she was pregnant with Sanele that
was the last straw. She gave her a slow poison, Mabusi always
complained about being sick, and her legs were always swollen.
Doctors didn't see anything, and so did traditional healers she
didn't even enjoy her marriage. Anyway, she died while giving
birth to Sanele, and that was when Doctors traced some poison
in her blood, mxm it was too late. Nqobani got devastated

while Thabile rejoiced to the death of Mabusi, months went by

Nqobani started losing weight, but with Thabile by his side he
gained weight again, and they fell inlove all over again,
forgetting about Mabusi, and Nqobani even forgot about his
children. Life went normal for the both of them, and their kids
without a care in the world. Nompilo found out that they are
living happy again while she was struggling raising Thakasile &
Sanele, plus Nobuntu whose mother also dropped her there &
left without a trace. I went to her, and came out with a plan of
eliminating them without us being suspects, I had no plan
honestly, but Nompilo had another thing in mind. Nqobani left
for the city for a couple of days due to work he was working as
a carpenter, since they were living miles apart with Nompilo
she left the village that night, and went to ZamaZulu village
that's where Nqobani is from while I remained behind, and
baby sitting her grandchildren... She came back the following
day in the afternoon, and told me that things have been taken
care of we don't have to worry about Thabile anymore.
Nqobani came back few days prior to his actual day of coming
back. He was devastated when hearing the news, he was no
longer himself, and was drinking too much since he was
Mabusi's husband I decided to take him in, my husband (the
fake seer) was working in the city as a truck driver. I did not tell
Nompilo though that I've taken Nqobani in because I knew that

she would've killed him since she was living close by.
My husband came back

and I told him everything he understood then he came with the

most stupidest, well I thought that it was stupid but fortunately
it wasn't. He took me to this other powerful sorcerer who was
known to be the only one to do black magic to royal families.
We told him what we were there for, and he helped us, but he
charged us a lot of money, in fact he was the one who made my
husband a seer. Sdumo (my husband) went to the royal house
smeared in some muti that the sorcerer gave him. He did not
say anything he just looked at them, and walked out. Lindiwe,
Nobuntu's mom was not around that time. Haike, days went by
and Khaphela (the real King) along with his seer started going
crazy, and they disappeared and never to be heard of again.
The elders also lost their memories of not remembering the
real King. We took Nqobani to the sorcerer, and he did his
things erasing all the old memories of her, then we went back
to the village, we went straight to the royal house as instructed
by the sorcerer it's like they knew that we were coming
because the elders were already waiting for us. Coronation day
took place, and Nqobani was crowned as the new King of
Buhlebezulu village, and I, as the Queen next to him. The
villagers were shocked when I was made a Queen, I understood
though because I was a commoner just like them. When
Nompilo heard about this she went frenzy, but I put her in line,

and told her that I will give her money every month. She
agreed since she loved money, and the issue died down but I
never gave her the money... Lindiwe? I went to Madlamuka for
her, and told Madlamuka to make her go crazy, and hate her
kids especially Nobuntu. I'm not evil, I was just helping out, and
revenging Mabusi. If I did it once, what can stop me now?
Nothing, nothing at all.

★»★«

NKANYISO
Nobuntu hugs me from behind, and rests her head on my back
while I'm busy whipping us something to eat before we leave
for my home this afternoon.

“And why are you making us food while naked”? I laugh.

“Don't pretend as if you don't love the view”. She snorts. I

am only wearing an apron, butt out there in the open.

Her: “Oh please. Don't flatter yourself. What are you

whipping”?

Me: “I was going to say your favourite, but since you don't
really like pancakes I am making my favourite”.

Her: “Then what about me? And why are you making pancakes
so late”?

Me: “That's because I'm craving them, as for you? I've made
you bacon & eggs”. She sighs.
Her: “I want pap & meat babe, not this shrinking bacon,
but thank you for your effort”. I laugh.

Me: “I'm joking I did cook pap & beef liver for you just the way
you like them”.

Her: “Wuhhh, you are the best wena Thembalami. Where is

my food”? I turn to look at her, and she is wearing my T-shirt.

Me: “Hmmm, first things first. What are you wearing

underneath”? She furrow her brows, and chuckles.

Her: “Nothing. Why do you ask? I mean, we just had sex

few minutes ago”/

Me: “I want us to eat while naked”. She laughs until tears

come out of her eyes.
Her: “You are joking right”? She is holding in laughter.

Me: “No phakadelami. I am dead serious, I just want to

experience how it feels like eating naked besides it's just the
2 of us here”.

Her: “So, you've never done it before”? I shrug.

Me: “Nope, never I always saw it on tv, so I want to experience

it with you”. she laughs.

Her: “Oh, okay then. Let's do it, after all there's always a first
time for everything”.

Me: “Thank you”. I lift her up, and spin her around she laughs.

Her: “Let me go Elami I am about too pee right here in this

kitchen”. I throw her over my shoulder.
Me: “You can always pee in my mouth I won't mind”.

Her: “Ewwww, sies that's nasty Elami. Put me down”.

Me: “Say please”. Spanking her buttocks.

Her: “Okay, please put me down”.

Me: “Put me down who”?

Her: “Nkanyiso”.

Me: “A no will do”.

Her: “Okay, please put me down Thembalami”. I place her on

top of the kitchen counter, and get in between her legs with
her hands draped around my neck, and kiss her the bridge
of her nose.

Me: “That's more like it. But then babe, why don't we cut
these Phakade/Thembalami names, and just call each other
Elami once”.

Her: “Hmmm, I will think about it first and I will get back to
you shortly”.

Me: “Mxm, such a party popper wena, let me dish up, and
you can take your food in the warmer”. She laughs.

Her: “Yini? Ukwatile manjer”?

Me: “Mxm”.

Her: “Haibo wena Nkanyiso I was joking njena”.

Me: “Let's just eat, so that we will leave before my father calls”.

Her: I'm sorry Nkanyiso, it's fine we can call each other Elami”. I
dish up, and ignore her then seat down. “Nka... Nkanyiso” her
voice is breaking, Lol, she wants to cry. I turn to look at her, and
she is still in the same position tears filled in her eyes, once she
blinks they are going to fall. I get up from the chair, and walk
up to her.

Me: “Phakadelami. Look, I was just pulling your leg I didn't

want to make you cry. I'm sorry Phakadelami, I really am sorry”.

Her: “It's not funny Nkanyiso honestly, you almost broke my

heart in fact this was going to be my first real heartbreak, don't
ever play like that again”.

Me: “I promise not to next time, I really am sorry. Please

forgive me or else my father will kill me, askies Phakadelami
I will do anything for you to forgive me”. She bursts out with
laughter, and wipes her tears.

Her: “Gotcha”! I release a breath of relief.

Me: “Fuck Nobuntu! You almost gave me a heart attack”. She

gets off the counter laughing.

Her: “Now we are even, let's eat”. I just look at her

defeated she is unbelievable!

Me: “Uyaphapha”. I sit back on my chair, and we start eating,

yes we are naked. Yazi, it's good to try out something new in a
relationship just to give that experience, that when you look
back when you are old, you will just laugh about it. My phone
rings while we are busy eating, and it's Amanda. I wonder what
does she want. “It's Amanda”. I look at her.

Her: “Answer it, and hear what she wants to say maybe she had
changed her mind”.
Me: “Amanda”. I put it on loud speaker.

“There's a fucken huge black & red snake in my house

Nkanyiso! It is right outside Sambulo's door, please come over

and kill it- it is making me hard to go to Sambulo's room”. She is

talking so fast.

Me: “In your house where”?

Her: “The house that you've bought for us Nkanyiso! Stop

asking me questions, and get here to save your one &
only son”! I laugh.

Me: “You? You are asking me to come & help you with the son
you've decided to run away with? The very same son you
promised that I will never see again just because you were
mad that I chose Nobuntu over him”?
Her: “Please Nkanyiso I need your help I wouldn't be calling
you if I wasn't desperate! Do it for your son then, not me”.

Me: “Call snake handlers then, they wouldn't mind removing

the snake for you”.

Her: “How? When there are also this fucken huge thing
babies right outside the gate. Tell me how”? I laugh.

Me: “Just agree to bring Sambulo to his imbeleko ceremony,

and the snakes won't bother you anymore. They are not
there for you they are there for Sambulo”.

Her: “Oh, so your family is behind this? Fuck them, and fuck you
too. I am not bringing my son to that stupid eremony! This
witchcraft that you & your family is practising won't work on
me, do you hear me”!
Me: “Suit yourself, and try to pretend as if you enjoy
their company, bye”.

“Ahhhh, it is coming towards me Nkanyiso please hurry”. I

hang up, and laugh.

Nobuntu: “That will teach her to never ever disrespect

ancestors again”. We both laugh, and continue eating.

Me: “They will keep her company until she decides to do

what's right, I don't even understand why is she being stubborn
about this”.

Her: “Maybe she is scared that the ancestors might show that
Sambulo is not really your son, but your brother's son. That
can be the only explanation”.

Me: “You might be right about that, hey”. She nods, and
continue eating. My ancestors better teach her some
manners, and to never ever defy them. “So, how about a
quickie before we leave”?

Her: “Remind me after we are done eating, and I think I will

pass out while having sex because pap makes me sleep”. I
chuckle.
Me: “I promise you Elami. You won't pass out”. She laughs,
and bat her lashes. My phone beeps Indicating a message, and
it's from my father.

★Be here before 16:00 Makoti will have to cook for us, and

don't be late njalo Smiso★

I laugh, and look at Nobuntu. My father is not being real now, I

will to buy more wine because wow...
59
MNQOBI

After the encounter I had with Bab'Dlamini yesterday I haven't

slept a wink been cracking my head trying to find solutions, or
at least find someone who knows about the history of the
church I've also been praying for God to show me something,
but nothing. Now, I don't know where to start looking.
Bab'Dlamini's behaviour was alarming there's something going
on in that church, and not knowing what it is really kills me. But
then, if there is something going on in that church why didn't
the prayer warriors detect the spirits of those buried within
that church, or whatever ungodly things they do behind closed
doors? The prophets and the prophetess don't they see
anything regarding the church? Or could it be that they are
blinded by their respected leaders uniform, or only the one
chosen by God is the only one who can see or suspect such
things? This is frustrating I will have to call Snikelelo maybe she
might give me something tangible I can only hope though. My
phone rings, and it's my mother yazi every time when I talk to
her we end up fighting, and of which bores, but I hope that
today we will have a decent conversation as much as she treats
me like I'm not his son, I can't ignore the fact that she's my
mother, and I will never get angry at her.

“Ma”.

“Hello son, how are you”? Okay, she is polite today.

Me: “I'm fine Ma & how are you”?

Her: “I am not good son I really need to talk to you before I lose
it, I am not coping at all. My past is catching up with me too
fast, it's time you know the truth, all of it before it's too late, if
you get time please stop by we really need to talk”.
Me: “I can even come now Mama I don't mind. What past
are you talking about”?

Her: “No. Don't come today please come tomorrow it will also
be better if you can come along with Nobuntu. I know that I
treated her in a not so good way, and she probably hates me
and will never forgive me, but please plead with her on my
behalf”. I sigh.

Me: “Unfortunately Nobuntu is going to Nkanyiso's home she is

leaving today, and will probably be there all weekend”.

Her: “Oh. Wasn't she married to Zweli”?

Me: “She was, but they were never in love. Zweli married her
just to get his father off his back, and to continue giving him
monthly allowance. He treated her like a maid, and always
made fun of her together with her girlfriend, so Nkanyiso
decided to step in, and showed her what real love is or what
it feels like”.
Her: “Oh, I understand now, as long as she is happy with
Nkanyiso her happiness matters most. Well, immediately as
she gets back please come with her to my house we have a lot
to talk about. And Nkanyiso's family better treat her right, or
else I will personally deal with them”. I laugh.

Me: “Oh wow. They better be warned then if that's the case.
Are you maybe having a change of mind about her”?

Her: “Stop being forward wena. I hope to see the two of

you here on Monday”.

Me: “We will be there I promise you”.

Her: “Do you think she will forgive me after how I treated her”?

Me: “She will Mama, she has a good heart. If you don't mind
me asking; What made you change your mind about her”?
Her: “Let's just say Arizona paid me a visit, and rattled
my feathers a bit”.

Me: “Who is that now”?

Her: “Someone you do not want to mess with, or do bad to

Nobuntu & live happy after, yhey she is one tortures human
being. All I can tell you, is that at the mention of her name the
bad ones will feel her wrath. You will have to come with
Nobuntu Monday, I am ready to answer all your questions”.

Me: “Hmmmm. We will definitely come. How is Crecentia”? She

sighs.

Her: “She is losing it honestly, and Ben's wife beat her up with
the help of her sisters. She lost the baby since they've been
kicking her stomach, they also bashed her head with a brick
because of a post she posted on Facebook if the police, and the
paramedics didn't arrive in time she would probably be dead by
now”.

Me: “What? Why would Mika do such a thing? Why didn't her
• her sisters beat Ben up, huh? I hope the police have arrested
them. Yasis! How dare they take the law into their own hands? I
will have to visit Ben, and those women who did this to my
sister better not make bail, or else I will kill them with my bare
hands”!

Her: “Calm down Mnqobi. You have more important things to

deal with currently, allow me to deal with this myself I am
her mother after all wena just keep on praying for all of us. I
love you, and take care son”.

Me: “I love you too Mama, and I will keep on praying for all of
us”. She hangs up. Wow, well we didn't fight today that's a first.
But then who is Arizona & what did she do to my mother to get
back on her senses? I guess I have her to thank, and I wish to
meet her and thank her. Mika? I know that my mom said I must
let this go, but how when my sister is in hospital, and she has
lost her unborn baby. She was wrong yes, but for Mika to
gather all her sisters and attacked her that's too extreme I hope
they've also dealt with Ben because if not, I will deal with him
myself. But fellow women instead of beating the other woman,
why don't you unite & attack the man? Wuuhhh, yerrrr...

“Channel your anger to prayer. You have important task in your

hands that needs your undived attention, and it needs you to be
anger free. Don't lose sight, focus in what's in front of you, pray
Mnqobi you have a mission to fulfil. They saw you worthy to fulfil
this mission, and you will. Pray Mnqobi”. I look around for who
ever is talking to me, and I find no one. Who on earth was that?
Or was I hearing my own things? But one must never ignore that
tiny voice in their heads, do whatever it tells you to do. Oh, kana
I must also go to Nkanyiso's home tomorrow I wonder how is
Nobuntu going to survive shame, phela Nkanyiso's father is a
straightforward person. Modiegi? I, last

spoke to her in the morning, and she assured me that she is

fine. I hope she was telling me the truth... Sighs, I must also
go, and check up on Crecentia at the hospital. But then her
writing that post, she showed no remorse none whatsoever. I
mean, how do you boast about such? I'm sure she was drunk
when she posted that post and didn't think of the
consequences that will follow after, she should've just let
things be, and focused on her life. We were going to help her
with raising the baby, but she decides otherwise. This is bad...

★«★»

NOBUNTU

We are at Woolworths buying all the stuff that I will need

mostly junk foods, and Nkanyiso is also buying some few
essentials he doesn't want to arrive at his home empty-handed,
while me on the other hand my nerves are shooting up
skyrocket. I don't know how will Nkanyiso's family welcome me,
I hope there will not be many people there since it was said
that I will have to cook, imagine cooking on your first time
meeting your boyfriend's family? Wuuhhh D for Dizasta if you
ask me. That's why I need more wine to get me through the
entire weekend, and face everyone present there. I know that
Gina will be there, and she will make it a point that she tries to
outshine me I also wouldn't be surprised if she will be letting
everyone know that I was once married to Nkanyiso's best
friend, and ended up dating Nkanyiso, nxa.

“Got everything you will need”?

“Yes. You”?

Him: “I'm almost done, but we must also pass by fruits & veg,
and buy some vegetables my father just sent me a message few
hours ago”.

Me: “Oh, if you say so. Elami, am I really- really going to cook
for your family”? He laughs.
Him: “Of course you are really going to cook for my family,
and I trust your cooking skills. You will not disappoint, and my
father is a lover of meat”.

Me: “Who else will be there”?

Him: “I'm not really sure, but my brother's girlfriends, and

some grannies & aunt's of mine will definitely be there. It's
going to be a full house”.

Me: “But babe, why does your father want me to cook

for them? Phela
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I am not your wife yet”. He laughs.

Him: “You are asking the wrong person Elami, I wish I knew
why, but I have no absolute idea. Or maybe he just wants to
taste your cooking”.
Me: “Will the other girls be helping me with the cooking too”?

Him: “Only Nkosikhona's girlfriend, since she, too, will be

introduced to the family today. She, too, just like you will be
meeting my family for the first time”.

Me: “Well, at least I will not be alone”.

Him: “Let's go, and pay we also have few more stops before we
head home”.

Me: “Sleeping arrangements”?

Him: “Yoh, sisi we interview. We will find out everything once

we get home, but what I know is that we will not be sleeping
together”.

Me: “Askies”?
Him: “Exactly what I said”. We get to the till, and Nkanyiso
takes out the things we bought and put them on top of the
cashier's counter. The cashier whose name is Lerato I see it in
her tag is looking at Nkanyiso, and not even trying to blink.

Me: “Wehhh sisi”. Clapping hands, she jogs out of her few
second crush on Nkanyiso. “We want to pay, and please stop
looking at my boyfriend like he is something edible”! I tell her
clearly annoyed.

Her: “I... I am so sorry let me help you”.

Me: “Don't you have a boyfriend”?

Her: “I do”.

Me: “Do you look at him the way you were looking at my
boyfriend few minutes”? She shakes her head. “Then you
better start looking at him that way I'm sure he will
appreciate it”.

Nkanyiso: “Oh, and she is my girlfriend today she is going to

meet my family. Have you been introduced to your boyfriend's
family, yet”?

Her: “No”.

Him: “Take my girlfriend's advice, and he will introduce you to

his family, and stop drooling at other people's boyfriends,
okay”? She nods.

Me: “Not in a bad way, okay”? She nods, and smiles at us.
We get done paying, and we walk out of the store.

Him: “You see that if you don't treat me right, some girls
will take me away”? I laugh.
Me: “And you think I don't get men who look at me the
same way”?

Him: “Nah”.

Me: “Look at that guy wearing a red T-shirt for example”. I

low wave at him with a smile plastered on my lips. He also
waves back shyly though, and purse his lips. Lol, Nkanyiso's
pulls me by arm, and I laugh.

Him: “Hhe, you want to see me behind bars neh in an

orange uniform”?

Me: “If you don't treat me righ...”.

Him: “I know Elami”. We both laugh then walk to fruit & veg
hand in hand... We get there, and he buys all that his father
asked him to buy, I also take some fruits with, and raisins we
pay, and we leave the shop. I am tired! We load everything in
his car, and he hurridly goes to spar liquor to buy some booze
for himself and his brothers. While waiting for him I see
Natasha busy in some trash bin, she looks like a street kid.
Haibo Jova ngcwele, and then? What happened to her? Since
when is she a hobo? I guess a lot have happened in these past
months. The slay Queen is now a hobo looking for food in the
trash bin, where is Zweli in all of this? Hhey, that manyala still
haven't brought back the divorce papers he better not give me
a hard time. I look at Natasha again, and she comes out with a
takeaway she opens it, and about to take a bite when another
hobo appears from out of nowhere, and snatches the takeaway
from her then takes off. This is not funny, but as for me, I even
laugh in serious situations. She attempts to run after him, and
he is gone. Wuhhh mara... She goes to the trash bin again
hoping to find something to eat, but she finds nothing she sits
next to the trash bin, and balances her head in it this is sad to
watch maarn. Nkanyiso steps inside the car...

“Ready to go? I've also added another 3 bottles of wine for the
ladies”.

Me: “That's good”. I am still looking at Natasha, by the looks

of it I think she also does rugs.
Him: “What are you looking at? What the hell! Is that Natasha?
Zweli's Natasha? What happened to her”?

Me: “I don't know Elami. I was also shocked when I saw her
looking for food in the trash bin. She did find something,
but another hobo snatched her food and took off”.

Him: “This is sad Elami. Those fries we were eating earlier on

are you still going to eat them”?

Me: “No”.

Him: “Let's go, and give it to her, and there's a loaf of

bread somewhere in these plastics, but no cold drink”.

Me: “We can always give her wine”. We both laugh. “I'm
kidding Elami, we can always give her water let me also
throw in some sanitary pads just for in case”.
Him: “Let's go to her then. You have a good heart Elami”. We
both step out of the car, and walk up to her she is wiping tears.

“Natasha”. She quickly looks up, shame written all over her face
she attempts to stand up, but I stop her. “We are not here to
mock or laugh at you, we are here to give you these I hope they
will make a difference”. I give her the plastic, and walk away.

“Nobuntu wait”. She calls me, and I turn to look at her as she
walks towards me. “Thank you, and I'm very sorry for
everything I did to you, and for calling you names”.

Me: “It's fine Natasha”. I walk back to the car, and I see
Nkanyiso giving her some money I bet she is going to use it to
buy drugs. Nkanyiso comes back to the car, and we drive off.

Him: “You handled that well Elami I'm proud of you”.

Me: “Being angry at her will not do me good, let's go”. He
brings the engine to life, and his phone rings its Aunt Zeni.

“Ncane”.

“Where are you Smiso? You are the only one who is not
here yet”.

Me: “We are on our way Ncane”.

Her: “I'm sure you bringing Amanda with I don't want any new
girl”. He laughs.

Him: “I am not coming with that witch I am coming with my real

girlfriend/ I will see you when I get there”/

Her: “That girl will not enter this yard”.

Him: “We shall see”. He hangs up.

Me: “I guess she is still fond of Amanda, and doesn't like
me already”.

Him: “Amanda was her gossip buddy she was once beaten by
the community because of gossip, and don't worry yourself
about her you don't really need her approval”. I nod.

Hours later we are parked outside his yard there are few
cars parked already. My nerves start shooting skyrocket again,
and my knees start shaking.

Nkanyiso: “Relax Elami. Take a deep breath”.

Me: “Wine. I need wine Nkanyiso”.

Him: “You must be really nervous you are even calling me by

my name”. He laughs, and throws his head back. “Drink this it
will calm your nerves down”. I look at the bottle that he is
handing me, and it's Russian bear I then remembered seeing a
post on Facebook saying “tell us your Russian bear story”. And
the comments? Wuhhh jova ngcwele this vodka is not good for
a human being.

Me: “I will pass, thank you. I've heard stories about it, and trust
me they were not so pleasing. Yi D for Dizasta mus le”. He
laughs.

Him: “Just a tot Elami”.

Me: “No. Give me daiquiri at least”.

Him: “If you say so then”. He fiddles with the plastic, and
he comes with it then gives it to me since it's 1lt I twist the
cap open, and gulp it down one time. “Yoh, wadakwa
Elami”! I laugh, and wipe my lips.

Me: “I'm ready, asibangene”. We both laugh, and step out of

the car. He opens the booth, and unload the other things
while I unload the ones that we at the back seats, while busy
unloading the shopping bags girls & boys in traditional attires
appear from out of nowhere, and drops on their knees and
touch my feet. I am so confused, I look at Nkanyiso who, just
like me is also confused, and so is everyone in the yard.

“Bayede”! They clap their hands while one of them lines

different cloth with the same emblem making me to walk on
them. Hhayi ke, there goes the after effects of daiquiri showing
me flames. I grab Nkanyiso's hand...

Me: “What's going on”? Whispering in his ear.

Him: “I have no idea”. He shrugs. We continue walking on top

of the cloths until we enter the yard all the way to the kitchen,
old women wearing the same cloths that were laid down for
me with the emblem starts ululating, and drops to their knees
and it seems like I'm the only one who sees them. Awww,
daiquiri madoda.

“Nobuntu”. Nkanyiso shakes me, and I snap out of my thoughts

only to find the old women in the kitchen looking at me they
are wearing normal clothes. One stands up, and pulls me into a
tight hug.
“Welcome home Makoti we've been waiting for you”.
60
NOBUNTU

I look at the time on my phone and it's just after 00:45 I am

waiting for Nkanyiso to come and fetch me so we can go to
wherever he said we were going too, and have a quickie I miss
my man. The Makotis are all sleeping, the big 5 as they call
themselves are sleeping in the bedroom while me & Senamile
settled for the floor in the lounge/kitchen. Gina, had hopes that
we will fight them, but we just let them be I had no time for
them. Senamile passed out while telling me about how her, and
Nkosikhona met. Alcohol is older than us shame, hhayi angeke.
My phone's screen lights up it's no rocket science that's it is
Nkanyiso notifying me that he is outside. I wear a jersey over my
short silky see-through night dress, no it's not a lingerie I open
the door after making sure that they are really sleeping, and walk
out locking the door behind me. The lights from the house are all
out, good. But I pray they don't catch me sneaking out, I find
Nkanyiso already waiting for me leaning in his car.
“Elami. I've missed you”. He picks up, and spins me around
then put down... We step inside the car, and he drives to one of
his niggas house I hope his brothers are not in that house.

“Whose house are we going too, and where are your

brothers”?

Him: “It's Sabelo's one of my childhood friends, and my

brothers are crashing at Jabulani's house”. I nod, and take off
my Jersey exposing my thighs, he steals a glance and focus on
the road. His free hand lands on my lap as he moves it up &
down causing my nipples to be hard my right hand lands on his
dick, and I also move it up & down. I hear him taking a deep
breath in, I laugh softly and continue caressing his erect dick,
playing with it while inside his sweater is not doing it for me I
need to feel it in my arms. I take it out of his sweater, and jerk it
up & down earning myself a low groan from him.

“Nobuntu”. My name comes out as a whisper in his mouth.

Me: “Shhh, just drive”. I bring my mouth to his dick blowing
some air first in it's slit then lick the tip of his dick, he curses. I
take it inside my mouth covering it, and starts going up & down
as he brings the car to a stop on the side of the road.

“Fuck Elami”! I blow him faster I can feel saliva filling up my

mouth, he pushes my head down as I continue giving him a
blow job, and gagging in his dick as he fucks my mouth I am
now kneeling on the car seat. His left hand lifts my night dress
from behind I am not wearing a panty as usual, he rubs the
entrance of my pussy with his finger making me more wet.
Tears fill my eyes as his dick tries to reach my throat, wuhhh
jova ngcwele yini na, I guess this is deep throating don't look at
me like that, I do watch porn every now & then hau. “Fuck! I
am about to release my shoot Elami, he groans I quickly retract
his dick from my mouth, and sandwhich it in between my boobs
brushing it with them in no time he shoots his shot, and his
sperms spew on my boobs as he catches his breath. “Wow”.

Me: “We ain't done yet, adjust your seat”. Yhey, all of you look at
me taking things into my own hands, like hello hi. I climb on top
of him, and position my pussy straight to his slimy dick, legs on
top of his thighs he inserts his dick, and I whimper. I go up &
down slowly on his dick as his hands rest on my buttocks
brushing them- my right boob in his mouth sucking it like there's
no tomorrow earning himself a soft moan from me. Left-right-up-
down-backwards-forward. My moans & his groans filling his car,
windows covered in steam our sweat coming together as one, I
go faster brushing his head as he spanks my

buttocks and cursing I'm squirming in pleasure as his dick

makes me feel good. My legs are throbbing, and I feel my body
tensing as a new feeling introduces itself making my whole
body to shiver, and my toes to curl. I guess he picks up the
sudden change in my body, and he takes over going in & out
fast slapping in all the areas of my pussy.

“Nka... Nkanyiso”! I call out his name as my body releases

some satisfying feeling I bury my head in his shoulder as we
catch our breathe.

Him: “Damn Elami. That was the most amazing car sex I've ever
had it was mind blowing. Thank you Elami”.

Me: “Then there's no use for us to go to your friends now. You

might as well take me back home”.
Him: “I will after this final round”!

Me: “Here we go again”! We both laugh. “Just one Elami, and

please go slow on my boobs my nipples are painful”. He licks

the left one as he pinches the right one. This guy is making me
a sex addict yuuhhh nina, but I still love him.

Him: “I will make them better”. He whispers in my ear, and

nibbles in it.

My legs are dangling in both his hand my upper part resting on

the seat him going in & out of my pussy hitting all the right
places. He is standing outside stuck naked, ai baloi badi bona
dilo ka mo. I'm screaming out his name as pleasure overcomes
me, okay I think I like missionary more. I squirm as I release
my juices, and few seconds I feel him grow inside me he, too,
will be releasing his juices soon... He stays inside me after
realising his shot.
Me: “Get inside the car. Why are you showing your body to the
witches”?

Him: “I am distracting them”. I laugh, this man is crazy!

Me: “Can I get my pussy back now”. He smirks.

Him: “No. It's mine not yours”.

Me: “I guess the dick is mine then, can I get it back ke”?
He laughs, and pulls out.

Him: “You are one crazy woman”.

Me: “I take after you”. He laughs.

Him: “I will get you plus today you are going to meet my
father your father-in-law I hope you are excited”.

Me: “Not forgetting nervousness”.

Him: “Don't be he is a cool old man. I love you Elami”.

Me: “And I love you too”/

Him: “Let me take you home. We should do a quickie

again when everyone is asleep it's enjoyable”.

Me: “Wawu”! Laughing...

★»★«
Nkanyiso drops me off 3 houses away from his home because of
the light that's on, we ended up sleeping in the car, and we were
woken up by his alarm at 04:30am now it's 05:00am. The plan
was for me to wake up at 04:00am and start sweeping the yard,
but yhey Nkanyiso had to do me otherwise. Sighs. I sneak inside
the yard hoping that no one sees me, I unlock the door and
quickly step inside the room locking it the ladies are still sleeping
nc nc nc lazy bunch, I fill up the kettle with water then switch it
on I need to take a quick bath before one of the ladies wakes up
then go, and sweep the yard. They left it like that

yesterday, papers and beer bottles thrown all over I think they
did this deliberately... I take a quick bath, and wear my long
dress and tie my doek, I go and dispose the water outside then
go back to my room I pour wine for myself, and drink just one
glass then walk outside and start picking up the bottles and the
papers then go and fetch the broom behind the dust bin, and
start sweeping the yard. Few minutes later I am done since the
yard is not that vast.
“Good morning Nobuntu it seems like you beat me from
sweeping the yard”. I turn to look who is talking, and it's one of
the ladies who I was chilling with yesterday I forgot her name”.
I laugh.

“Some of us can't sleep until the sun gets into our butt cracks”.

Her: “You are a true makoti. Where are the other girls”?

Me: “Sleeping”.

Her: “Those ones are lazy I don't even know why they paid
Lobola for them, and it's been like that ever since they can't
even cook with a 3 feet pot, can you imagine”?

Me: “Maybe they grew up in suburbs or homes that

don't require them to cook using outside fire”.
Her: “I know, but they should've been taught these things as
soon as they became abo Makoti. They are naturally lazy it's
in their genes”.

Me: “They might be, but their husbands love them like that”.

Her: “I guess, but I don't like them, and I never pretend when
around them they know it. Anyway, don't you have a bottle
of wine floating around I need to deal with this headache”. I
laugh.

Me: “Yeah, I do have wines floating around I will go, and fetch
one for you”.

Her: “I would really appreciate it I will wrap here so long”. I

nod, and give her the broom then go to the room. Senamile
is already awake, and drinking wine straight from the bottle
still inside the blankets she looks funny without a weave.
“Before you say anything I am thirsty, and the wine was the
nearest drink for me to reach. You look fresh, and where do
you come from”?

Me: “Been cleaning the yard”.

Her: “Yoh. Who were you cleaning it with”?

Me: “Alone, but one of the aunts is wrapping up now”. I

take one bottle of wine from the cupboard.

Her: “I'm sure they think that we are lazy, but to tell you the
truth I will not do makoti duties while I'm just a girlfriend
that shit can miss me”.

Me: “And you are not forced to do them babe we all have
a choice after all”.
Her: “But you are slaving around for them while the real
Makotis who were paid Lobola for, in fact married are
still sleeping”.

Me: “Good for them, and I am not slaving around for anyone I
do it willingly I'm not one girl to sit down and wait to be served
while I have hands, nope. Let me take this wine to this woman
and don't finish the wine”. I walk out leaving her looking at me.
The aunt is done picking up the dirt now she is sitting down, and
she has brought an extra chair with I guess it's for me.

Her: “You are such a lifesaver. Will you be joining me”?

Me: “No, thank you though. Today I am not planning on

drinking I just need to be sober”.

Her: “That's good love and I'm sure you don't want to meet
Mveli drunk”.

Me: “That's pretty much true. How is he like”?

Her: “He is very strict but also humble too, and he doesn't
take any nonsense he is also a straight forward person. I have
no doubts that he will like you, and to tell you the truth none
of these makotis were welcomed like you. Your presence here
brought so much joy to everyone because some were not in
good talking terms, especially the women we were with. But
your arrival? Changed all that. We are now happy as we ever
can be of which makes me wonder what's so special about
you”. I laugh.

Me: “There's nothing special about me honestly, but I'm happy

that I've contributed to the joy that's taking place in this house.
Are the others still sleeping”?

Her: “No. They are busy drinking tea

and conversating. Mveli, is sitting in the kitchen together with

the uncles he is reading his morning paper, and the uncles are
planning how the rest of the day will go since my brother
Zondani is coming back from initiation school”. And here I was
thinking that this weekend was dedicated for Sambulo. Why
didn't Nkanyiso tell me though, or did it maybe slipped his
mind? It might be...

Me: “Oh. I see. So, what time is he coming”?

Her: “Around 19:00pm if not 20:00pm he is coming with

Dabulizizwe that woman always carries a Python on her
shoulders, a live one for that matter. We were scared of her at
first, but she initiated Slindile we stopped being scared and
accepted her, ever since then she became the healer of the Dube
family”. Could this Dabulizizwe be this very same woman I saw
few days ago? Or maybe it's just a coincidence who knows.

Me: “Hmmm, I guess there's too much work to be done today”.

Her: “Yes, including baking, and today we will be using 3 feet

pots to cook”.
“Oh, no Nomthi. Abo Makoti will be the one handling the pots,
and doing all the baking today while we sit down and drink

wine”. Nqobile (Slindile's eldest daughter) says joining us with

her own chair. “The yard is clean, and to think that I was
complaining about cleaning it to my mother, wuhhh. Whoever
cleaned it did a good job, even me I wouldn't have been able
to clean it this way”.

Nomthi: “Makoti here did all the cleaning I was surprised to

find her almost done with sweeping when I stepped outside”.

Her: “She is the one who deserves more cows than all the other
makotis. But today they have no choice because Nombuso is
coming, and you know how she makes things happen”.

Me: “Sorry to interfere, but who is Nombuso”?

Her: “The biggest Nkanyamba after Slindile. That one doesn't

even smile at all, You will need to be on another level of being
drunk today because you are not ready for her. Pass me the
wine lapho Nomthi, but I think I will need something stronger
to face her. I, too, am scared of her”. We all laugh and continue
talking.

★»★«
KHETHIWE

Zweli's sudden sickness is driving me crazy now he is worse

because he has stopped talking completely. The seers all can't
see a thing it's frustrating, now I have to bathe, feed, and cloth

him. He poops on himself, but what choice do I have? I have to

take care of him he is my son after all. We've been moved to
another hut far away from the royal house because they
couldn't handle Zweli's smell he smells like a dead dog left in
the sun, it's making me sick. He sometimes vomits the food I
feed him, he shakes in his sleep, and he sometimes pass out,
sometimes I find him on the floor not knowing how he ended
there it's stressing me to a point that I am even thinking of
sending him to a hospice because I can't take it any more! It's
too much for me. I sometimes wish that I can trade places with
him, and be the one who is sick not him. What did he do to go
through so much? Why is all of this happening to my son?
Can't God just spare him, and forgive him he doesn't deserve
this that is happening to him. It's just unfair. I wipe the tears,
and look at him as his saliva drops to the floor he also suddenly
developed a drooling sickness that sometimes makes me want
to vomit. The room starts becoming cold as the window & door
closes themselves of which is quite strange considering the fact
that it's summer. I know that Boniwe comes in a dust form, so I
don't know what's going on.

“I decided to bring you winter today, and not August I'm sure
your stomach it's filled with dust. How do you feel seeing your
son like this mara”?

“How do you think I feel? Why are you punishing him?

Punish me instead, and let my son be I beg you”.

Her: “How many times did I tell you to confess your devil
deeds? How many times did I tell you Khethiwe? And you
decided to ignore me, you told yourself that you will never
confess your evil deeds, look what your stubbornest did, it got
your sin sick. Zweli is suffering because of you not wanting to
confess”.

Me: “I... I am ready to confess my evil doings just heal my

son, and I promise to confess”.
Her: “It's too late for you Khethiwe. But what I will tell you is
that you will bow down to someone you saw as nothing,
someone you ridiculated, and never see amounting to anything.
You, Khethiwe. The once a Queen you will bow down to
someone who you have been looking down upon, this time you
will be the one being looked down upon. You will ask for
forgiveness while confessing your sins in front of everyone.
Imagine the embarrassment you would be put through, after all

is done you will die, and Zweli will get his happily forever with
his one”.

Me: “Wh... What are you talking about”?

Her: “You will find out soon. Buhlebezulu will rise again, and
you will be there to witness it all while washing feet of your
royals/ take care”. Off she leaves, leaving me confused about
what she was talking about. How will Buhlebezulu rise? Who
will I be bowing down to? What nonsense is this? Hhe, I just
wonder who will I be bowing too, that I will not see coming, I
have too much to take in. Sighs, and who will Zweli live
happily with? It better be not Langelihle.

★»★«

NKANYISO

The day is progressing slowly but surely, everyone is going up &

down preparing for my uncle's arrival and I know that very soon
the yard will be filled with our relatives, you know those rich
relatives mus who don't want to do anything. They want to sit
down, and waiting to be served as if they are important, sighs, I
really don't like them. Nobuntu, have been going up & down
being requested here & there, some wanted to meet her, and
some wanted to slave her around, especially these rich cousins
who think that the world revolves around them, but my woman
is not one to be bullied because I would see the cousins
standing up to do things for themselves. They finally have
someone who puts them in their place.

“Your girlfriend is on demand Nkanyiso. Her name is flying out

of people's mouth more than gossip. You should see how
Gina, and the others are they are fuming of which is a good
thing if you ask me. I left them debating about who is going to
cook pap”. He laughs. Just to be safe I will buy myself ikota I
have never seen the big 5 cooking on the outside fire this is so
going to be cool thing to witness”. I laugh as Sphamandla tells
me this.

Me: “It's going to be a real movie I tell you. Nombuso will

chop people's head off today”.

Him: “Anyway, the old man is requesting your presence

along with Nobuntu”/

Me: “Here we go. Let me go and hear what he has to say”.

Him: “At least Nobuntu will catch a break, and breathe. I must
applaud you though, your woman is a gem don't fuck things up,
or else I will panel beat you”. I laugh, and walk away I look for
Nobuntu, but I don't see anywhere I wonder where could she
be. My father will throw a fit if I don't come with her, fuck!

“They are having the time of their lives in the lounge getting to
know each other better”. Slindile tells me. I walk to the lounge,
and I find them talking as if they've known each other for long
making me jealous a bit.

“Sanibonani”. Only Nobuntu responds.

Dad: “Your presence is no longer required Smiso, go and

play with your age mates we are bonding here. Oh, before
you leave. What are your plans regarding Nobuntu”?

Me: “Well, marrying her & building a legacy for us, and
secure our children's future”.
Him: “Hmmm. You can leave now, we no longer find your
face cute, hamba”/ Nobuntu chuckles. My dad is not being
serious right now.

Me: “Bab...”.
Him: “I am not interested Smiso, leave nou”.

Me: “Yebo baba”. I bow my head as a sign of respect, and walk

out not believing that my dad chased me away, like he practically
told me that he doesn't require my presence. I laugh, as I pass
abo Makoti arguing, and Nombuso steps inside the house earning
herself silence from abo Makoti. Yah neh, she is one scary
woman I get outside, and walk straight to the gents.

“And”? Ziyanda.

Me: “Your father said he no longer requires my presence, and

I'm ugly. He is having a serious fun bond with his daughter-in-
law this old man is not loyal maarn”. They all laugh. Gina
walks towards us its like she has been crying because she
keeps on wiping her tears.“Nombuso”. We all say in unison.

Her: “Can we please leave Ziyanda I can't take it any more,

I really can't”.

“You are not going anywhere Gina! You better get your flat ass
in the kitchen right now, and stop being a cry baby. We've been
spoiling you for far too long now it's time you take your roles
seriously as the Dube wives. Nobuntu, a girl who has just been
introduced a day ago has earned herself a big yes from me. She
is fit to be A Dube, all 5 of you including Nkosi's girlfriend better
learn from her asambe”. Nombuso pulls her by her ear, and she
cries out.

Me: “Ku H for Hektik mfana”.

Him: “Kushubile”/ Nobuntu have just gained herself more

haters, and they will accuse her of witchcraft, hhe...
61
MNQOBI
I'm here at the hospital to see Crecentia before I drive to
Nkanyiso's home. I get inside her ward, and I find her looking
out the window drips attached to her body, her other hand is
on her stomach. Her left leg has a cast on it, and a bandage is
wrapped around her head.

“Hey sis”. I walk to her side. I've brought along a big teddy bear
with for her. She gives me a faint smile I think even smiling it's
painful to her seeing that her lips have cuts on them. Just by
looking at her you can tell that her face was swollen, they
really did a number on her.

“Hey”. Her voice comes out as raspy whisper she can't open
her mouth fully.

Me: “How are you”?

Her: “How do you think I am”?

Me: “Not good obviously. How are you holding up”.

Her: “I don't know really. I feel so empty, like a part of me

is missing or something”.

Me: “You will heal sisi, just take things easy, and get
enough rest as you can”.

Her: “It's not easy Mnqobi I wish that I can just die, and be
pain free it's just too much”.

Me: “Why did you post that status update mara nawe
Crecentia? What were you thinking”? She wipes her tears.

Her: “I don't know why I posted it honestly I don't know what

was going through my mind, but I deleted it few minutes later
after the harsh comments I've received little did I know that it
was too late, someone took a screenshot, and sent it to Mika”.
Me: “Where did Mika find you”?

Her: “I'm one stupid woman to tell you the truth”. She sighs.
“Mika asked if she can come over to my place because she
heard that I was not okay. Me being stupid I agreed for her to
come I don't even know who told her that I'm pregnant with
Ben's child”. It's Thabo obviously. Who else could it be mara if
not him? Ben, would never tell Mika such heartbreaking news.

“She called, and asked me to come outside she can't get in since
she's in a hurry I went out, and I found her standing at the gate
soon as I opened it, she grabbed me by T-shirt and pulled me
outside then her sisters stepped out of the car with weapons,
and they started beating me senselessly. I pleaded with them to
stop, but my plea fell into deaf ears. The way they've been
beating me I told my self that this is my last day, I was going to
die without seeing you, mother & ask for forgiveness to Thabo
one last time. One of the neighbour's came to my rescue she
blew a whistle alerting the neighbourhood, and those who were
home came out of their houses to my rescue and started beating
them too. Paramedics and the police were called, and someone
alerted mother about what happened to me. I was just lucky
that no one took a video of what was happening. My face was
badly bruised, my eyes

were closed I couldn't even open them, but then I'm just glad
that I am still alive you know”. I'm speechless, I don't even
know what to say to her honestly. But, she is really stupid. Who
agrees for one to come over knowing very well that you did
them bad? The worst part is that she slept with her husband,
and fell pregnant for him while she can't carry a child for even
2 months. Imagine how did that made her feel when she heard
the Crecentia is pregnant with Ben's child? Yohhh... I still want
to know how she & Ben ended up sleeping together, but I will
wait for her to get better, then ask her.

Me: “All will be well sis. I hope that Mika and her sisters will
be dealt with accordingly. Did you let Thabo know that you are
hospitalized”?

Her: “He knows. But he still hasn't come to see me you know”.

Me: “He is still hurt give him time he will come around. Bear in
mind that you've hurt him by falling pregnant for his friend, he
feels like a failer, he feels like he failed you because his friend
gave you something he couldn't give you. It's a long way to go,
but he will surely come around be patient”. I look at the time
on my watch, and it's almost time for me to leave.

Her: “I can only hope. Going somewhere”?

Me: “Yes. I'm going to Nkanyiso's home they are going to do a

ceremony for Sambulo”.

Her: “Oh, let me not keep you then. Thank you for stopping
by it means a lot to me”. I nod.

Me: “Take care, and please get some rest as much as you can. I
love you”.

Her: “I love you too. And I'm sorry for everything I did to you”.
Me: “All is well. May God be with you”. I stand up, and kiss her
forehead then walkout. I hope I will make it on time at
Nkanyiso's home, and may Crecentia heal quickly...

★»«★

DUBE'S HOUSEHOLD
{NARRATED}

The sun has already set, and now everyone is preparing for
the arrival of Zondani. Tension is very thick amongst abo
Makoti bakwa Dube, and they were doing their makoti duties
all day while Nobuntu was sleeping, Slindile's orders, and
everyone was told not disturb her whatsoever she must wake
up on her own.

Emma & Gina are washing pile of dishes with Nombuso who is
keeping a close watch on them. Senamile left immediately as
she finished dishing up for everyone she couldn't take slaving
(serving) as she calls it any more, and besides she is not a
domesticated person she is used to things being done for her
not the other way around. Belinda, Zelda & Nelisiwe are busy
cooking in outside fire with Slindile watching them, in the
afternoon Nobuntu was the one who cooked the pap before
she was ordered by Slindile to go, and sleep she needs all the
rest she can get.

Gina: “I really don't understand as to why must we slave

around while miss nobody is sleeping peacefully without any
disturbance. I mean we've been here before her, and not once

we were ever told to go, and sleep never. What's so special

about her mara? This is not fair”. She tells Emma this more
like whispering so that Nombuso won't hear them.

Emma: “I'm sure she has used something to be loved like these,
phela girl is loved by people who hardly laughs no matter how
funny the joke may be, they just won't laugh. What shook me the
most was the fact she was in the same room with Mveli, wait,
they were conversing together and laughing over a cup of coffee,
and muffins baked by me the nerve of that witch to even think
that I wanted to befriend her, mxm. And I don't recall Mveli
bonding with you like he did with Nobuntu, let alone be in the
same room with him for 5 minutes”.
Gina: “What”! She looks around only to find Nombuso starring
at her without any emotion displayed on her face, she quickly
looks away. “So, you wanted to ditch us for a girl you've only
known for what like? 2 minutes? Isn't it enough that she stole
Nkanyiso from Amanda? She is bad news Emma”.

Emma: “Well, she was going to plug me in with some wine. Did
you see how many bottles she came with? I don't think you saw
them because if you did then you would understand as to why I

wanted to befriend her. And just to correct you, she did not
steal Nkanyiso from Amanda. Me, you and the other girls know
how loose Amanda was, and we also knew that she was
cheating on Nkanyiso with Mbuso, Nkanyiso bursted them, and
the relationship finished. It took Nkanyiso 5 years to fall in love
again while it took Amanda just a year to move on. Don't you
start defending her please, I would've done the same thing and
ended things with her. She's the one who did Nkanyiso wrong
not the other way around I don't even remember Nkanyiso
cheating on her, ever”.

Gina: “Either way I still want Nkanyiso with Amanda. They

belong together, not Nkanyiso & Nobuntu they make me sick”.
Emma: “It seems as if like you've forgotten that Nkanyiso was
the one who fought for you to be accepted in this family again
after your drugs saga. Ziyanda was ready to throw away the
towel, and the family were standing with him. Nkanyiso was the
only one by your side, don't do him like that you could be living
in Alexandra with your drunkard parents in a shack full of holes,
so please”. Gina swallows the lump that's forming in her throat.
Why would Emma remind her of her past? She was at her
lowest point in life because she has lost her job, and miscarried
along the way not forgetting the hurtful words her parents

used to throw at her every chance they got. Her life was not
doing any justice for her, but she pulled through even though it
was a long road.

Gina: “Did you really have to bring that up Emma? How low
can you be”?

Emma: “I was only reminding you seeing that you've forgotten

all about that Nkanyiso did for you when you were at your
lowest. I am so tired”. Gina doesn't respond to her after, she
just continues washing dishes because she knows that once she
exchanges words with Emma it won't end well. Siphokazi

Advertisement
Nkanyiso's cousin gets inside the house...

“Aunty, Slindile asked me to ask you if there's any fried

chicken left”?

Nombuso: “There are few pieces left, why”?

Siphokazi: “She asked me to dish up for Nobuntu, and take

the food to her because she will wake up hungry”. Emma &
Gina look at each other not believing what they hear.

Nombuso: “I will dish up for her don't worry. How far are those
3 ladies with cooking pap”? Siphokazi laughs.

Siphokazi: “They haven't even started they are busy

arguing about who will cook it”.
Nombuso: “I will go, and sort it out, or else they will be met
with divorce papers by Monday Morning, and I am not joking. I
am tired of these girls they will cook the pap whether they like
it or not, I don't care if their nails will get broken or what, but
that pap must be ready by the time the initiates arrives
because, hhe I don't even want to tell you what I will do to
them. Let's go”. She gets up from the chair taking a dough
roller with. Gina is asking herself as to why is Nombuso
suddenly strict towards them because before she didn't have a
problem with them not doing anything. Then it clicks that it's all
because of Nobuntu, now they are forced to do everything they
never did. She chuckles, and throws the cup she was washing in
the sink causing it to break.

“Dammit”! She curses, and puts her hands at the edge of the
sink shaking her head. Emma stops drying the dishes, and looks
at her confused.

Emma: “And then”?

Gina: “That girl Inyanga is powerful shame. Hhayi I give it to
her, the whole family is licking her ass without even trying
hard to please them. Now she is sleeping without a care in the
world, and when she wakes up she will find food ready, this is
not fair shame. But worry not because Dabulizizwe will deal
with her on our behalf, and expose her witchcraft and it will be
our turn to laugh at when she falls down from the ladder. In
fact, we will need wine to celebrate”.

Emma: “You know after what Nombuso said I think I hate this
Nobuntu more, we do really need that wine before I lose it”.

Gina: “How about we poison her food then send someone to

take it to her that way no one will suspect us”.

Emma: “Since when do we resort to such evil acts Gina? Much

as I don't like her, please don't involve me in your evil acts
because you know very well that Dabulizizwe will pick that up
with just a glance, and it will be game over for us”.
Gina: “Eish. We are stuck”! Belinda gets inside the
house fuming.

“I am tired! I am bloody fucken tired I don't even know why are

we the only ones slaving around while others are sleeping, I
really don't understand. We never got such treatment before,
ever. I'm the first Makoti, and not once was I ever told to go
and sleep on my first day here after being introduced to the
family I've slaved for them like no ones business trying to
impress the family, like heck I even cooked for Mveli, and the
uncles and the only thing I got after my hard work they only
thanked me by saying ‘thank you’. But a mere girl younger than
us is treated like a Queen, she is being told not to do 123 while
we are busy inhaling that smoke outside, smelling that smoke. I
really need to have a talk with Sphamandla because I can't take
it any more. We must all play our part as the Dube wives
including the so-called girlfriend too.

Emma: “Tell that to your mother-in-law. The sooner we accept

that this weekend we are slaves for everyone the sooner
Sunday comes, and I will leave this house as early as 06:00am.
Senamile did good by leaving”.
Gina: “Hehehe, I hope that one was told that once you leave
this yard after being introduced to the family, and denied
doing a task given to you, you are no longer welcome here”.

Emma: “I don't think she was told. Anyway, are you done
cooking pap”?

Belinda: “We tried our best. I only hope that it doesn't have
lumps. Where's the wine”?

Emma: “We don't have any babe”.

Belinda: “And shops are close now. We are going to have a long
night, let me go back outside maybe I might come back with a
plan of how we can get wine”. She walks out, and Nombuso

steps in luckily for them they are almost done with dishes that
means resting for them until Lord knows when.
★»★«

Nobuntu wakes up when he hears people making noise outside,

she lifts her head and slightly opens the curtain she notices that
it's dark outside but the big blue lights are giving the yard light,
and she can see people going up & down which means she has
been sleeping for too long. She gets up from the bed as her
stomach growls notifying her that she must eat. She goes
straight to the microwave, and takes out food she doesn't even
know whose food is it.

“I don't know whose food is but I am damn hungry, and I will

not be hungry while there's a plate full of meat. I will explain
to whoever this food belongs too once full”. She says to herself
then she goes and sit down and starts eating. The door creeks
open, and Belinda steps inside the room tip toeing and walks
straight to where Nobuntu's bag is, she doesn't realize that
Nobuntu is watching every move she's making. She unzips her
bag, and takes out two bottles of wine and zips the bag again
as soon as she turns around she finds Nobuntu starring at her
with a grin on her face. She startles, and drops the bottles, and
they break causing the wine to stain the carpets.

“Wenzani”? Nobuntu asks Belinda folding her arms before her.

Belinda tries to respond, but her voice is failing her she did not
think that she would find Nobuntu awake she should've
checked the coast first. “I've asked you a question sisi”. Belinda
continues to stare at her, and not say anything. The others are
getting impatient since Belinda said she will do in & out, and
now that she's not coming out they wonder what's keeping her.

Gina: “What's taking her so long? She was supposed to be here

by now”.

Zelda: “What if Nobuntu caught her”?

Thembeka: “Belinda never gets caught I'm sure she's still
searching for the finest wine”.

Emma: “We don't want the finest we want wine”.

Zelda: “Let me go and check up on her because I don't like this

at all”. She gets up from her chair since they were seating
around the fire with other female cousins there are separate
fires for both genders. She hears Nobuntu lashing out on
Belinda, she places her ear at the door.

“So, you and your sister wives were planning to steal my wine?
Is that what you are telling me”? Nobuntu. She quickly rushes
to the ladies.

Emma: “And”?

Zelda: “Ijampile. They caught her red-handed, and what's

worse is that she snitched on us”.
Gina: “Hhaike hhaike this is bad, and I am not ready for
confrontation”. Drums starts beating all the way from the gate
as they are busy talking, and the ladies stop talking.
Dabulizizwe has arrived... Everyone gets up from their chairs,
and run towards the gate to welcome her together with her
disciples & initiates. She burps as the drums continue playing,
Zondani is behind her, a chicken is slaughtered blood sprays to
the nearby people, and the chicken moves few times then
stops. Ululations erupt as everyone walks to the tent. The
initiates start dancing to the drums, their beautiful different
sangoma outfits makes the scene more beautiful...

“Abaphelele abafazi bala kushoda owasebukhosini”. She tells

this to everyone present, they all look at each other.

Ziyanda: “Akekho Makhosi”. They clap hands.

Dabulizizwe: “Kushoda basebukhosini”! Now, everyone is more

confused because they don't know of anyone who is royalty
amongst them, and none of them even know who those people
are. “Inkosana isendleleni kodwa Inkosazana ikhona kuleli
gqeke lakwa Dube”. (The Prince it's on his way, but the Princess
is in this yard)

Mveli: “Awuze naye Dabulizizwe we don't know her”. She

burps, “makhosi”. And the Python slid down Dabulizizwe's
shoulders, and crawls straight to the room where Nobuntu &
Belinda are in. They both scream as they see the snake slithers
through the door. Nobuntu gets on top of the cupboard while
Belinda gets on top of the one-seater couch, the lights flicker,
and they scream loud enough for the ones outside to hear
them.

Dabulizizwe: “Mlandeni”/ she orders one of her initiates, he

gets up and run to the room where the snake is along with
the girls. He opens the door as the light continues to flick he
grabs Nobuntu, and put her over his shoulders. She screams,
and kicks in the air soon as the man place her down, the
initiates along with the disciples bows their head except for
the Dube family who look really taken aback by this.

“Bayede Nkosazana”! Dabulizizwe says, and everyone follows

after her. Ululation erupts amongst the women, Nobuntu
looks around confused then passes out.
Nkanyiso: “What”!
Mveli: “Njani manje”?
62
{NARRATED}

Almost everyone is still shocked about the revelation that

Nobuntu is a princess. A whole princess, Royal descendant it's
just unbelievable and it's going to take a while for some to
process these newses. Nkanyiso is too shocked to even utter
any words, Gina's jaw is on the floor like she can't believe what
Dabulizizwe just said. There is no way that Nobuntu can be
royalty, no way. Nobuntu is still passed out, if one didn't know
that she fainted that person was probably going to think that
she's just sleeping the snake is surrounding her.
“Whoa whoa, animeni. Dabulizizwe, what exactly are you
telling us? Are you sure about the Iraq bomb you just dropped
on us? Even the goat stopped bleating immediately as you said
that”. Mveli asks standing up as he asks Dabulizizwe. “Don't get
me wrong. I know that you are a very powerful healer, but are

you sure about Nobuntu, makoti who is passed out next to

you is a princess”?

Dabulizizwe: “Injalo Mveli. Uyinkosazana yase sgodini sase

Buhlebezulu”. (It's like that. She is a princess of Buhlebezulu
village)

Mveli: “Kodwa njani? Does she know that she's from royalty?
Mana kancane ke. Smiso, did you know that Nobuntu is a
princess”? Nkanyiso doesn't respond he is too shocked about
the revelation, and he wants to know how is Nobuntu royalty,
well, that's what almost everyone who is present here wants to
know.

Ziyanda: “I don't think he knows baba. He, too, just like us

found out now, and I'm also sure that even Nobuntu doesn't
know that she is a princess. This revelation come as a shock
to most of us present here”.

Mveli: “Oh, ngiyezwa. Awuvuse u Smiso ngenkulu impama

lapho eceleni kwakho”. (Wake Smiso up with a powerful
slap) everyone laughs. “Some humour, finally”.

Dabulizizwe: “Myekele akekho nathi ngalesisikhathi base

nhlanganweni eyodwa bano Nobuntu ningamu phazamisi”.
(Leave him for now he is in a same meeting with Nobuntu don't
disturb him)

Mveli: “I hope he is not dying that side Dabulizizwe, not

that you will deliberately kill him though”.

Ziyanda: “But how come is Nobuntu a princess of Buhlebezulu

village, because the last time I checked Buhlebezulu's village
princess is Nobuhle, Zweli's sister”?
Dabulizizwe: “Kuzochazwa konke nakufika iNkosana
isendleleni, ningakhululeka nonke”. (Everything will be
revealed once the Prince gets here he is on his way. You may all
leave) the big 5 are the first ones to stand up, and they hurry to
their room. Gina paces up & down not believing what was just
revealed outside few seconds ago. There is no way that
Nobuntu is a princess no way!

Emma: “I don't know if I was dreaming or what, but I had a

dream about Nobuntu being a princess”.

Thembeka: “You were not dreaming, dummy. It was real

you heard it all, and you've seen it all”.

Gina: “It's all lies. Dabulizizwe is lying. There is no way that

Nobuntu is a princess of Zweli's village, never shame”.

Zelda: “Since when does Dabulizizwe lie? She never lies she tells
it like it is”.
Thembeka: “So, all along we've been hating on a Princess? A
whole entire Royal your Majesty girl? Hhe, hhayi this is
mhlol' strue”! Clapping hands.

Nelisiwe: “We are all not sure though about her being the
Princess Dabulizizwe said that she will reveal everything
once the prince gets here”.

Thembeka: “We are sure that Nobuntu is a princess. Do you

even know who the Prince is”?

Gina: “It's Zweli obviously”.

Thembeka: “No maarn Gina. Have you completed school mara

wena? I doubt you even reached grade 9 because awukwazi
ukicinga tu tu tu, your mind is just... Wuhhh, haikhona you
defeat me”!

Emma: “If Zweli is not the Prince then who is”?

Gina: “It is mos def not Mnqobi too, I refuse to believe it”!
Thembeka laughs, and the others look at her because Gina
didn't crack a joke.

Emma: “What's funny”?

Thembeka: “If Gina is this worked up by what Dabulizizwe said,

Imagine how much more is she going to get worked up if
everything is revealed? I'm sure she is going to die while alive”!

Laughing, and clapping hands. “I don't know how I will

comfort you once everything is revealed, but a black strong
cup of coffee will do”.

Gina: “I will not need any comforting because Dabulizizwe will

say otherwise, and for your information I doubt you've even
completed grade 12 because wawu you are S for Stupit, mind
the ‘t’ at the end”. Thembeka laughs, and walks out.

Emma: “Thembeka really enjoy seeing you getting all worked

up. Enhlek, why are you worked up vele about this revelation?
If she's royalty then she's royalty, or maybe you know
something but not telling us. What do you know”?

Gina: “It's just that Nobuntu doesn't strike me as a Princess it's

just absurd”.

Zelda: “I get what you mean, but we have bigger things to focus
on”.

Nelisiwe: “Like what Zelda”?

Zelda: “Like Nobuntu confronting us because of attempting to

steal her wine since sis we fainting lying next to you decided
to snitch on us, I don't even know why she mentioned us she
is plain stupid”! She groans, and throws herself on the couch
and blows some air.
Emma: “I don't think she will confront us with everything that's
going on. Now, the family is going to love her more, and treat
her with more respect, and possibly offer to wash her feet”.

Gina: “That would be stupid of them to tell you the truth,

anyway enough about this royalty talk I'm hungry I need some
food, phela we are not Nobuntu people won't just bring us food
randomly we have to do it ourselves”.

Nelisiwe: “That will mean dishing up for everyone, no, thank

you. I'd rather wash the carpets than dishing up for all of those
people out there”. Belinda wakes up feeling some type of way,
her head is spinning she doesn't remember how she passed
out.

“Damn. Headache. How much did we have to drink”? She

looks around only to find the girls staring at her.

Nelisiwe: “Haibo wenja! Drink what because you've caused us

two flipping wine bottle your attempt to steal the wine failed.
Imagine if you were attempting to steal it at a store liquor?
Wuhhh, you would probably be in jail by now, uyi dizasta wena.
No. Uyi failed heist”! The others laugh, and Belinda clicks her
tongue.

Emma: “You won't believe what I am about to tell you

Belinda, but I'm not sure if you are ready to hear this because
you will faint again, anyway let me jus...”/ she is cut short
when she hears drums beating outside, and someone
shouting...

“Sekaseduze”! They all look at each other, that can only be the
Prince they all run outside to confirm if their suspicions are true
or not, and as suspected the initiates are already at the gate
about to welcome the Prince.

Mqobi is surprised to see so many cars parked on the street as

he drives slowly towards Nkanyiso home. He thought he was

going to find few cars since the actual ceremony is tomorrow,

but to his surprise he finds too many cars, as he continues to
drive further he sees many people standing outside, more like
waiting for his arrival. His car comes into a halt he takes out
his phone, and decides to call Nkanyiso whose phone rings
unanswered.

“Dammit Nkanyiso answer your phone”! He yells to absolutely

no one. He tries again, and still Nkanyiso is unreachable.
“Maybe he is busy let me try Ziyanda”. He punches his
numbers, and Ziyanda answers his phone.

“Mnqobi”.

Mnqobi: “What's going on man? Why are the so many cars

parked outside your yard”?

Ziyanda: “You will find out for yourself we are still shocked
about what was said few minutes ago. Man, you are not ready
for this come inside”. He hangs up.

“What am I not ready for? Argh, let me just go, and see what's
cooking”. He asks himself as he steps out of his car taking his
weekend back with, his car is parked 5 houses away from
Nkanyiso's home. He walks towards Nkanyiso's house whistling
minding his own, as he approaches Nkanyiso's home 2 initiates
run towards him, and drop to their knees as they get to him,
and claps hands. What the hell? He looks at them confused as
the initiates stands up, and pull him by his hand. He attempts to
wiggle out of their grip, but they ain't budging.

“Bayede wena Wase bukhosini”! Everyone says to him bowing

their heads, he looks at everyone hoping that Leon Schuster will
come out from where his hiding, and shout “you have been
shucked”, but nothing. Dabulizizwe stands before him. What I
didn't tell you though is that Mnqobi has a phobia of snakes,
and him seeing a Python looking at him makes him tremble
with fear.

“Waze wafika dala sikulindile. Ngilandele. I have a story to

narrate”. (We've been long waiting for you. Follow me) They
walk to where the Dube family is seated. Dabulizizwe points
him to sit next to Nobuntu who still looks out of it. The big 5
whispers amongst themselves when they see Mnqobi
settling next to Nobuntu.
Emma: “Mnqobi is Nobuntu's brother? But how? This
doesn't make any sense”.

Thembeka: “Why asking the obvious? They were both

produced by the same egg, I hope it makes sense”.

Emma: “Mxm. You are such a bore wena Thembeka. In fact, you
are irritating”.

Thembeka: “Tell me something I don't know wena facka shit”.

Belinda: “Shhhh”. They both look at Belinda, then give each

other dirty looks.

Mveli: “Free us from the suspense Dabulizizwe. We've

been holding our breaths for far too long I'm sure others here
they have bad breath”. She nods, and the others laugh.

Nkanyiso: “Can you kindly please enlighten us how are these

two royal descendants. And the last time I checked Mnqobi has
another sister her name is Crecentia. Why is she not present
here”?

Dabulizizwe: “Once upon a time at Buhlebezulu village there

was a man whose name was Khaphela Nxumalo. He was
married to Nangomso Ndawowende. They loved each other so
much, but there was only one obstacle that hindered them
from living their life in peace. Nangomso was barren

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she couldn't bear any children for Khaphela they tried almost
every method of how to fall pregnant that's in the book, but
nothing helped not even traditional medicine could help them.
You know, back then if you couldn't give your husband a child
you were considered not woman enough since she was the
Queen she received more bashing than the other women of
the village who couldn't bear children for their husbands. In
fact they've taken them to the village of their own it was
considered blasphemy to be a woman in the village, and not
bear and children for your husband. The elders and some of
the old women from the village suggested that if Nangomso
fails to bear Khaphela an heir within 3 months she would be
banished from the village because they will not have a Queen
who can't
prove that she is woman enough. Or he must allow the King to
take a second wife who will bear him an heir, but then it is
known that a King must have 2 or more wives.

The pressure was too much for the both of them they just
couldn't keep up, even the everyday sex never really helped
them. Nangomso even went as far as asking one of the guards
to sleep with her, and make her pregnant so that she can be
able to save her marriage since it's on a thread. The guard saw
how desperate Nangomso & Khaphela were he agreed to
sleep with Nangomso. 2 months down the line Nangomso still
couldn't fall pregnant, Khaphela was always besides her
assuring her that everything will be well. He, too, needed a son
desperately he needed an heir someone to be his successor.
The final & 3rd month came, and emotions were all over the
place. Anyway, it was ruled that Khaphela will have to take
another wife, and in this case he took Nangomso's sister
Ntombizodwa as his second wife. He didn't want to marry
Ntombizodwa he knew how evil she was, and Khaphela even
told them that he can even step down to be King if it needs to
be, he was willing to sacrifice his Kingship for Nangomso.
Nangomso told him not to give it up, but rather take
Ntombizodwa as his second wife evil as she is. The same thing
happened with Ntombizodwa she also failed to bear him an
heir, the elders even thought that maybe the Ndawonde
women are all barren their womb were cursed at some point
some villagers thought that maybe the King was the one who
can't bear children. The elders ended up deciding that they will
not be led by someone who doesn't have any children
Khaphela must give the throne to his uncle he refused because
he knew how evil his uncle was. But the seer said something
which no one was expecting he told everyone that there's only
one woman who can bear kids for the King, and that one
woman was your mother, Lindiwe. Everyone was shocked by
that revelation. Lindiwe used to sew beads for the villagers, and
sometimes go to the city to sell them. Nangomso agreed, but
Ntombizodwa didn't since your mother was said to be cursed,
she was also abused by her family while growing up, especially
by your aunt Nompilo exactly like how she was doing with you.
Anyway you will know more from her, she will tell you”.

Everyone is listening attentively as Dabulizizwe is narrating

the story to them her voice is too bold in a way that everyone
who is present hears her too well. You know, how we used to
sit, keep quiet and listen to our grandparents telling us stories,
that's the setting here.
“The elders went to Nompilo to talk to her about Lindiwe being
the 3rd wife for the King, haike she agreed without thinking
twice. Everything was settled, and 2 months within marriage
she fell pregnant with you Mnqobi, everyone was happy with
the good news except for Ntombizodwa it became worse 7
months later when your mother gave birth to a boy, an heir of
the Buhlebezulu village. She, Nompilo and some of the royal
elders came up with a plan of kidnapping you, and throw you in
the river so that the river will dump you in another village, but
one of the servants heard that, and she went to alert the King
and both Queens what Ntombizodwa, and some of the elders
want to do. Lindiwe, said that she will take you to stay with her
family, but your family refused taking you in. Out of
desperation she decided to take you to some woman in the
city, and asked her to guard you she will come back for you.
Questions arose few days later at the royal house about the
Prince's whereabouts since some knew about the evil plans of
Ntombizodwa and some of the elders they accused them of
stealing you, they were ready to kill them publicly but your
mother decided against it, but Ntombizodwa along with the
elders were banished from the village. Life went normal, and
since the three knew that you are safe they didn't really worry
much. 5 years later unfortunately your mother became a victim
of rape, he was raped by the one of the elders, and she fell
pregnant with your other sister that is not here with us. The
rape traumatized her in a way that she almost lost her mind,
and went lunatic but the seer saved her before things became
worse. The elder who raped her was found, and he said that
he was paid huge money, but he did not say by who then he
killed himself in the presence of the royal family. Your mother
gave birth to Crecentia, she didn't want her she even refused
to breastfeed her let alone hold her in her arms she asked one
of the servants to go, and throw her in the river but Nangomso
decided that they take her where they took you, and the seer
assured them that she will grow to love her. 4 years later your
mother fell pregnant again with this rare germ, Nobuntu. Her
birth restored the village to what it used to be, even those
barren women who had their own village were summoned to
come back to the village the god's have given them a second
chance. Few days later Nangomso started getting sick, Lindiwe
was the one nursing her since Nangomso was also there for
her. Nompilo heard the news that the Queen is sick, and came
to ask to take Nobuntu just so Lindiwe can focus on nursing
Nangomso back to health. The seer ruled against it, he didn't
want Nobuntu to go, and stay with Nompilo because he has
already seen how her life is going be like when she gets there.
Nompilo asked Khethiwe to go there on her behalf”

“Whoa, whoa Khethiwe? Which Khethiwe”? Nobuntu asks

as she tries to process the narration.
“Khethiwe. Khethiwe the Queen of Buhlebezulu village”.

Nobuntu: “What? But why”?

Mnqobi: “Allow her to finish talking”. Nobuntu nods. “You may

continue”.

“Lindiwe denied giving Khethiwe Nobuntu, they were not best

of friends after all. Why would Khethiwe all of a sudden offers
to help with looking after Nobuntu? I will not dwell much
regarding that issue Khethiwe will confess what she did
before you, and how the King along with the seer
disappeared. The Queen later died of Cancer. A certain
Ncumisa came to fetch Nobuntu, and dumped her at
Nompilo's house. That too, Nompilo & Ncumisa will confess
before you. Everyone who have wronged you will be
confessing their deed before you”. Wawu, she burps.

“Kwamele niyolanda iNkosi kanye no Seer ngentla yomfula

wase Zithobele. Iyakhala iNkosi ilangazelele ukubona izingane
ne Nkosikazazi yakhe. Iyagodola ngale, idinga ukubuyiselwa
ekhaya kanye nesithunzi sakhe. Nobuntu ayuwubona umfula
wase Zithobele emthandazweni wakho, wena Mnqobi
uyazibona izindlu zase Zithobele. Hambani nolanda u yise wenu
nizokwazi ukuvusa I Buhelebezulu village hlanganisani
amakhanda enu. Nkanyiso, uyawazi umzila okumele kuhambe
ngawo uyawubona emaphupheni akho anikahlangananga nge
phutha nino Nobuntu, amadlozi wenu adlale indima yawo kini
nobabili. Hambani nolanda iNkosi kanye ne seer babuyiseni
ekhaya”. (You must go, and fetch the King and the seer at
Zithobele village. The King is wailing he longs to see his
children, and his wife. He is cold that side he needs to be
brought back home, and to be given his dignity back. Nobuntu,
you do see the river in your prayer's. Mnqobi, you do see the
houses beyond the Zithobole river. Go, and fetch your father so
that you can rebuild Buhlebezulu village to how it used be, find
a way forward. Nkanyiso, you know the route that leads to
Zithobele river you also see it in your dreams. You, meeting up
with Nobuntu is not a mistake, both your ancestors played their
role regarding the two of you. Go, and fetch the king and the
seer bring them home) she is Dabulizizwe now not the story-
teller.

“Bayede nina basebukhosini”. (Hail to the royals) Slindile says

bowing her head, and the others follows. Gina passes out.
Thembeka: “Haike, and she has started with the drama.
Ziyanda, your wife just passed out”.

Ziyanda: “Uyalunga”. (It serves her right) while everyone is

trying to process what Dabulizizwe said, Amanda gets inside
the yard screaming, and pulling Sambulo's hand.

“Bewungafuni ngani ukuletha ingane la? Ubusabani”? (Why

didn't you want to bring the child here? What are you afraid
of?) Amanda just shakes her head as she kneels before
Dabulizizwe.

Amanda: “He is here I've brought him. He is he here”.

Dabulizizwe: “Ubani uyise walengane”? (Who is the Father of

this child)

Amanda: “Nkanyiso”.
Dabulizizwe: “Ubani ubaba wale ngane ntombazana
ungangithukuthelisi”! The Python slids off her shoulders.

Amanda: “Mbuso! His Father is Mbuso”. They gasp

Nkanyiso: “What”?

“And why didn't you tell me? You were trying to win my
brother's heart again using my son”? He drops his bag. They all
turn to look only to find Mbuso standing behind them, he
looks much better than how they last saw him, but he is mos
def angry...

What happens in the dark, always comes out in the

light. Where to from here?
63
MNQOBI
We are now chilling in my car trying to process all that
Dabulizizwe revealed to us. It's all just too much to take in. The
sign's were there, yes. But I did not really pay attention to them
that's just how me & Nobuntu are. We ignore those important
signs, well at least there is some light at the end of the tunnel
we now know where our father is. Also finding out that my
mother was raped and Crecentia is the product of it makes me
feel some type of way, I cannot even begin to imagine how my
mother felt during the whole ordeal. I'm sure she was crying,
and pleading with her rapist to stop, but he ignored her cries.
How did the rapist feel when he heard my mother pleading
with him to stop? And he decided to take the coward way, and
killed himself without even saying he was sent by whom. I have
no doubt that it was this Ntombizodwa woman that
Dabulizizwe kept on mentioning her name, from what
Dabulizizwe said about her she sounds like an evil person. I
wonder where is she right now, and doesn't she ever regret
doing what she did? Is she suffering wherever she is? If only I
can find her I have so many questions to ask her, lots of
questions that needs to be answered by her. But in all of what
my mother went through I'm just glad that my father was with

her through it all, supporting her, he is a real man indeed.

Ncumisa? Hehehe, now I understand why my mother doesn't
want anything to do with her family. All along I thought that
she was the one who rejected them, and ran away from home
but no, instead her family is the one who drove her away. They
are the ones who actually rejected her, they even rejected me
when I was just a baby. I wonder why did they do that, yet
Ncumisa told me that my mother ran away without any reason,
but she knew the truth, she knew why my mother did not want
anything to do with them, such an evil woman along with the
rest of the family. It also explains as to why she was leaving us
with people she never really knew, she was doing all of it
because she loves us. But with Crecentia it was different, well
at least she grew to love her at some point, and accepted her
after all Crecentia didn't do anything.

“Mnqobi”.

“Yes”.

Her: “How do you feel about all of this”?

Me: “I don't know how I feel sis, I feel like I'm dreaming, and
someone is going to pinch me, and wake me up telling me that
is all just a dream. You? How do you feel”?

Her: “I feel like a princess wena Mnqobi. Kidding. I am still

shocked, but relieved at the same time. We now know the
truth, well half of it. But I am truly happy that we will finally
have a sense of belonging, and finally know our father”.

Me: “Yeah, that. I can't believe that Zweli is not a Prince of

Buhlebezulu village he is just a commoner, a whole commoner
Nobuntu”. She laughs.

Her: “And to think that he used to brag about being a Prince,

but no. Bradas is just a commoner married to me, a princess.
It's funny how they've been mistreating me in my own home, in
my Father's house knowing very well that they are commoners,
especially Khethiwe like yazini ndi shooket. It also answers my
question as to why my grandmother/aunt didn't want me to
get married to the Prince. She knew the truth, she was scared
that I will find out things that were meant to be kept secret,
but she forgot that God works in mysterious ways. Whatever
happens in the dark will always come out in the light”.

Me: “I can't wait to see his face when he receives the news that
you are a Princess. I'm sure he will die, and wake up 3 days later
plus he was very arrogant, and boastful thinking that he was
going to be King forever, Kanty, no he is just a commoner. Why
did you even agree to marry a commoner like him? You have no
taste marrn, sies”. We both laugh.

Her: “I was drugged in my sleep. But truly speaking my heart

bleeds for your mother yazi, she doesn't deserve what she went
through. No woman deserves to be raped, but I hope her rapist
is being poked by Satan's flaming fork there in hell. And to think
that he didn't even enjoy the money paid to him, mxm whoever
paid him will be found shame, and dealt with. I have to give it
to her though she is a strong woman”.

Me: “She is indeed. But there's something I don't understand, if

you were the one who restored the village back to what it was
before, and refused giving you to Nompilo. Why does she hate
you? I mean, you did nothing”. She sighs.
Her: “I don't think she hates me deliberately according to what
Dabulizizwe said it seems like she used to love me. I mean, if

she really did hate me she would've just given me to Nompilo

without thinking twice, I honestly think that they did something
for her to hate me. Maybe someone went to a traditional
healer, and did some stuff for her to hate me. Also remember
that Ncumisa is the one who actually took me, and dumped me
at Nompilo's house there is no way that your mother wouldn't
notice that I was not around, and not look for me. They
definitely did something to her, trust me on this”. She might be
on to something. No sane mother wakes up the next morning
hating her child for no apparent reason whereas she went to
bed happy with her. There is no way, they definitely did
something to her to hate Nobuntu. If that's the case why didn't
they make her hate us too? This doesn't make any sense. Why
did I not think of that though? Haike, my mother sure did hate
her I don't know about now though since it seems like she has
a change of heart towards her. Or maybe whatever they did to
her has finally worn off? Hmmm. There is a possibility.
Me: “You might be right yazi we have a lot to do, but first step
is finding our father and the seer then fix Buhlebezulu
village”. She laughs. “What's funny”?

Her: “What are we going to fix there? Did you see how the
place looked like the time we were there? It was soil all over

the place, and few trees without leaves. How are we going
to fix that”?

Me: “Well, we can always build rondavels, and every yard will
have a borehole for water, and maybe 2 JoJo tanks when they
run out of water. We will do a lot maarn, it won't be easy, but
we will do it”.

Her: “That's a good plan, and I was also thinking that we build a
school once we have enough funds to better the life of youth
villagers. Education is very important you know, who knows
maybe in future we might have doctors, lawyers, and police
from Buhlebezulu village? We need to make a change, we must
give the community something to be proud of. I want the next
generation to embrace the beauty of Buhlebezulu village, and
be equipped with education, I actually want to do a lot for
Buhlebezulu village. I know that I will not do everything at
once, that's a fact, but I will push hard”.

Me: “You have big dreams for that village that's a good thing.
Now, the problem is where are we going to get people?
Especially those who used to stay there”?

Her: “Don't worry about that I know just a way on how we are
going to find them. All we need to do now is to focus on
finding our Father. When are we going to fetch him”?

Me: “Tuesday. I was going to say Monday, but then I

remembered that Lindiwe invited me over, she said she wants
to talk to me about something important”.

Her: “We will go Tuesday afternoon because I'm writing in the

morning”.
Me: “It's fine. Another thing, Lindiwe said I must come with
you”. She sighs, and looks at me.

Her: “I will think about it”.

Me: “Don't you want to hear her side of the story? Maybe she
wants to tell you why she hates you. Please, just come and hear
what she has to say. Do it for me if not for her. You will find
your answers”.

Her: “Fine. I will only go because of you”.

Me: “The royal title finally got to your head I see”. She laughs.

Her: “I am practising how to behave as a Princess. Or I

can always be like Gina
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and pass out just to get some attention”.
Me: “That one is too much of a drama Queen. Why did she faint
vele”?

Her: “Because she heard that I'm a Princess, but then I liked
Ziyanda's response. He said it like he doesn't care about her. I
hope that she will now stay away from me, and stop fighting
Amanda's battles”.

Him: “Speaking of Amanda. Did she really think that she can
dribble the underground gang”? She laughs.

Her: “She was taking chances. I am just glad that I will no longer
be dealing with her, and Mbuso's come back was really a
surprise come back”.

Me: “A weekend of revelation. Our lives will never be the

same after this”.

Her: “Clearly, but I will still have my Nkanyiso”.

Me: “And you had to ruin our talk by mentioning
your boyfriend. What did this boy feed you”?

Her: “Do you really want know”?

Me: “No”. She chuckles.

Her: “Thought as much let's go, and join the others”.

Me: “Aren't you tired of the hailing”?

Her: “I am. But what choice do we have? We are here

to support Nkanyiso”.

Me: “Mveli better start budgeting now for your Lobola in fact,
he must start by selling his house in order for him to pay Lobola
for you”. We both laugh as we get off my car walking to the
yard.
★»★«

NKANYISO

I am chilling with my dad, and my brothers in the lounge just

like everyone else we are also trying to process the bomb of
Iraq that was dropped on us. None of us expected such
revelation, especially on my side. And for the fact that
Dabulizizwe said that I know the route of where Nobuntu's
father is really shocked me, because I always saw that route in
my dreams, but I never told anyone about it since I thought it
was only a dream, but no, there was something behind the
dream. Learning that Nobuntu is a princess really shook me
people, even my bones became stiff nina. I mean, hello I am
dating a Princess a whole flippen Princess. I can't wait to see
Zweli's face when they break the news to him. Hhe, he will not
want to show his face as for Khethiwe yena she would be
washing Nobuntu's feet, I can picture it all. And Mbuso's arrival
was not expected, but what I can tell you though is that he is a
new different person he is more humble now I wonder what
happened in America that humbled him like this. I don't want to
lie, it hurts a little knowing that I am not Sambulo's Father after
so much Father & son bond we had it hurts, but I am still his
uncle, and I love him the same. Amanda was really determined

to get me back. Imagine if I chose her & Sambulo over Nobuntu,

what would be becoming of me now? I would've been probably
be a laughingstock, and not having the love of my life. Yoh.

“Thatha nawu mqhele nesihlalo sakho Nkanyiso”. (Take your

crown, and your throne) I look at him, and look back at the
TV. “I can't believe that I am going to be a father-in-law of a
Princess. Me Mvelinqangi Dube. Do you know what this
means”?

Mbuso: “Tell us baba we don't know what it means”.

Him: “This means that I will be driven everywhere I want to go

something of which you boys never do for me ever since you
were born. I, too, will be treated like a King I'm sure it's nice to
have people bowing before you, and calling you your Majesty,
hhayi maarn it gives that thing you know. Boys, we are in-laws
with royalty you must start being on your behaviour all the time,
and don't I mean don't tarnish our image by embarrassing us in
public. We have a high standard to maintain now”. Me, and the
boys look at each other, and giggles. “People here better start
calling me your Majesty, and roll out a white carpet

for me to walk on”. I can't hold it in any more, I burst out

with laughter, and the guys followed.

Ziyanda: “Dad, you need to tone it down maarn”.

Him: “Tone down what? You want me to hide that I'm a Father-
in-law of a Princess? I will not do it, people from this
neighbourhood will know me very well dala basinyaza. We are
levelling up now. Okay, jokes aside. Nkanyiso, please take care
of this girl I liked her the very first time you showed me her
picture there was something about her that I saw. She is
nothing like any of the Dube wives she is a rare gem. Please
protect her & support her at all times. I know you've messed up
in the past, but this time around don't do that same mistake. I
understand that we all learn from our mistakes, but some
people tend to repeat the same mistake twice, and regret
again. Don't repeat what you did in the past. That includes all of
you boys. Make wise decision, but before you decided think
‘STOP- Stop, think, observe, and proceed. You are adults now,
and you know that actions comes with consequences start
making wise decisions”.

Ziyanda: “We hear you dad. Thank you for the words of
encouragement we will always cherish them”.

Him: “Another thing; don't bring your wife when we go to the

village. We don't want her fainting seeking attention like she
did earlier on, because we will ignore her, and continue
greeting our people like the royals we are. Hhayi Mfana wami,
your wife has drama for days”. He stands up. “Mbuso.
Welcome back home son again. You were missed, now let me
leave you boys to catch up”. He walks out leaving us.

Mbuso: “Thanks God. Your dad can be too much maarn, I mean
sure is acting like a royal elder. Did you see his walk”? We all
burst out with laughter.

Nkosi: “Walk of royalty. We will never hear the end of this,

like ever”.

Ziyanda: “At least we are not staying with him we won't get to
hear him talking about royalty, it's boring now”.

Me: “Tell me about it”. We continue chatting about

random things njee...
★»★«

NOBUNTU
The door opens, and the ladies step in laughing, but their
smile disappear as soon as their eyes lands on me, honestly I
don't care about them. Amanda is with them too.

“Hi”. Thembeka is the one greeting.

“Hello”. I respond, and continue eating. They settle down,

but Gina heads straight to the bedroom clicking her tongue
loud enough for me to hear. Mxm, as if I care about her.

Emma: “What a hectic evening it was. Some people really

go through a lot out there, it was eye-opening”.

Thembeka: “The weekend of revelation. And wena Amanda,

how could you test the underground gang like that? Why did
you lie about Nkanyiso being Sambulo's father? Or you had
hopes that once you tell him that the child is his he will take
you back, hhe you are really drunk moghel. Don't you know
that a baby doesn't keep a man? Even if, Sambulo was his child
he was still going to choose a Princess”.
Nelisiwe: “Stop it Thembeka. Can't we talk about anything
else”?

Me: “How about we talk about why were you stealing my

wine”? They all look at me, and not say a thing. I don't think
they will tell me why they were stealing it. “Talkhani or you are
currently deaf”?

Thembeka: “We were thirsty, and we had no wine So, Emma

suggested that we take some wine from your bag since she
saw them. Well, we were going to pay them back though”.

Me: “You better pay me now, and clean up the carpet.

What was so hard in asking me nicely to borrow you wine”.

Nelisiwe: “We don't like you, so we did not see any reason to
borrow wine from you”. I laugh.
Me: “And you think I care whether you like me, or not? I don't
care sisi. In fact, you know what you can go, and take three

bottles of wine because I can see it in your lips that you are
thirsty, and don't pay it back. Take it as a gift from me to you”.

Her: “We are not your charity case we will not take
your wines”.

Me: “Suit yourselves then”. I don't have time to entertain

them, I wonder if Crecentia knows that she is a product of
rape? I do not even want to imagine how she will react to the
news once they break them to her, and I also don't wish to
present, but I don't think they must tell her yazi, not while she
is still hospitalized phela anything can happen to her, eish this
is bad. But may she be strong once they break the news to
her... Khethiwe! Your day is near...

64
NKANYISO
The weekend is over, Sambulo's ceremony went well him &
Mbuso have clicked already, they are indeed portraying a
Father & son relationship. Amanda, is just not in aligned with all
of this that's happening I guess a part of her really wanted
Sambulo to be mine, I wished that too but life has a manual of
its own. One day I will have a mini me. And I hope that Sambulo
will not forget all that I did for him as his uncle, I've played my
part as his uncle.

“Don't worry bro one day that will be you with your little royal
rascals. I know how fond you were of him”. Ziyanda tells me
this putting his hand on my shoulder. I laugh, and slightly
punch him in his arm.

“I know man. One day indeed”.

Him: “What a weekend it was, yazi I did not expect it to turn

out the way it did. A lot was revealed, but the Royal revelation
was the one that shocked us all”.
Me: “That one I can see. But Gina being Ntombizodwa's
daughter I never saw it coming. At all”.

Him: “That was indeed a real shocker”. Oh, yes Dabulizizwe

revealed that Gina is Ntombizodwa's daughter, of which came
as a shock to everyone since she said that Ntombizodwa
couldn't bear kids for the King. Questions arose, we've been
asking each other “but how”?. Anyway, Dabulizizwe clarified
that for us she said their wombs together with Nangomso's
were closed by their ancestors since they were not the chosen
ones for the King, of which means they both come from a royal,
but Ntombizodwa was adopted by Nangomso's family since
they were friends, and she didn't really have a family after her
parents passing. I hope I make sense, because if not then
Wawu. When Ntombizodwa was banished from the village she
went to stay in another village, and that's when she fell
pregnant with Gina I guess that village was advanced in terms
of education and stuff because Ziyanda & Gina met in
university, and coming to think of it Gina never spoke about
her family kahle kahle we don't know her roots of which makes
me wonder who were those “uncle” who took the Lobola
money when the elders went to pay Lobola for her.
Me: “Speaking of this Gina issue. Who exactly were those
uncles who took the Lobola money if her mother stays in the
village”?

Him: “I don't know man. I think she bribed them to be her

uncles I will have to ask her, and she better tell me the truth”.

Me: “She will tell you the truth if she really loves you, if not
then she is not the right woman for you”.

Him: “But I love her man I really do, but she must also tell
me the truth about her real identity maybe her name is not
even Gina, maybe ke Evelina”. I laugh.

Me: “Tholukuthi yhey”.

Him: “Then there's your father Smiso. Hhayi, that old man is
too much especially with this royal thing. Your ‘highness’ your
‘majesty’. He now demands respect”.
Me: “That time there's a long way to go before we are
officially royalty, sibe phakathi within the bows, and walking
on the red carpet”. We burst out with laughter.

Him: “Just like Father we are going to enter Buhlebezulu village

in style with that signature walk of his”. Laughing.

Me: “They are not ready for us. Here goes your Father with his
royalty walk I'm sure he is going to brag to the uncles again”.
We laugh.

Him: “We will never hear the end of this”!

Me: “That's why we are leaving tonight because we will be

eating Royal this royal that”. He laughs.

Him: “Why not leave tomorrow”?

Me: “I have a lot of things to do before Monday”.

Him: “Like having sex with your woman”?

Me: “Man what? No. There are other things that are important
more than sex”.

Him: “Hmmmm, if you say so brother. Let's go, and

confront Gina”.

Me: “I don't think that's a good idea for you to confront her
alone. Why don't you call a family meeting, and ask her with
the elders present other than asking her on your own she might
lie to you, and knowing you- you will believe her she is your
wife after all”?

Him: “You have a point there, let me go, and talk to dad plus
he is with the elders”. He walks away, and Mnqobi comes and
join me.

“In-law”.
Me: “Yes, in-law”.

Him: “Asjike la estolo I'm craving for a bunny chow”.

Me: “Let's go”. I get up from my chair, and we walk out of the
yard going to the shop. I, too, I'm craving for a peri-peri bunny
chow with some Heineken. We get to Mama Z fast food joint
it's just 5 houses away from mine. We order our Bunny chows,
and move aside making space available for the other
customers. Someone taps me on my shoulder, I turn to look
and it's Simphiwe my childhood ex-girlfriend she hasn't
changed one bit.

“Hey Nkanyiso”. She greets me with a big smile plastered on

her face, and attempts to hug me, but I stop her, and step
aside.

“Hello, and no hugging please”. She gasps.

Her: “Urh...m. Wow. Okay. How have you been”? She folds
her arms.
Me: “Good”. She nods.

Her: “You know when I heard that you were around I was
hoping that you would come, and see me”.

Me: “Come and see you? Why would I do that? You & I
are nothing Simphiwe”.

Her: “Yeah, I guess. But we shared a lot together, and you were
my first and there's a saying that says ‘You never forget your
first’ guess I didn't forget you”. I laugh.

Me: “That time I've long forgotten about your existence, and
I've even forgotten that I was your first”.
Her: “Oh, wow. Th... You've changed... A lot, urh... Okay.
So, how has life been treating you”?

Me: “Yoh, hhayi sisi. Life is treating me good, thank you”.

Her: “I...”. I cut her short.

Me: “I am not really in the mood to exchange words with you

please do what you came here to do, and leave me alone”.
Mnqobi chuckles. She looks at Mnqobi, then at me.

Her: “Sorry for being a nuisance, bye”. She turns on her feet,
and walk away with a tail in between her legs I don't know what
tail though.

Mnqobi: “There was no need for you to be rude to her

Nkanyiso”.

Me: “I had every right to be rude to her, trust me on this

one, or else she wouldn't have left if I continued entertaining
her she would've continued bringing up the past, nxa sies”.
He nods, and laughs.

Him: “I hope we won't be bumping in to more of your

ex's because wawu”.

Me: “I know how to deal with them. Tell me here; do you think
a wedding band will make my left second finger cute”? He looks
at me for few seconds then laughs.

Him: “If it means your ex's not approaching you then I'm game.
So, are you going to engage yourself or what”? Hai, kanty how
is this man. We both burst out with laughter. He is such a fool...
★»★«

NOBUNTU

There atmosphere in this room is very tense. Ku H Hektik. The big

5 are really going through the most shame after finding out that
their 3rd sister wife is that evil woman's daughter that
Dabulizizwe was talking about turned their backs on her. They
are sitting in the bedroom while She, is sitting with me here in
the lounge looking outside the window her legs are shaking, and
tears welling up her eyes. It seems like she was hiding this secret
all along, she was actually living a life of lies because when
Dabulizizwe pointed her and told her to tell everyone who was
present the truth about whom she really is, she didn't, she
denied she said she doesn't know what truth is Dabulizizwe is
talking about, erh. And I quote what Dabulizizwe said;

“Young woman. Who is your mother”? Pointing Gina while

the snake was busy hissing.

“My mother died”. Her voice was trembling.

Dabulizizwe: “Where is your mother”! She startled.

Her: “Graveyard. Tha... That's where she is at”.

Dabulizizwe shook her head.

Dabulizizwe: “Unamanga”! Roaring. “Your mother is still alive,

and living in Kwashushu village her name is Ntombizodwa
Ndawonde sister to Nangomso Ndawonde, but her rightful
surname by birth is Ntshangase. Nginamanga yini”? Haike

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she started shaking, and did what she knows best “passing out”
just because she didn't want to confirm if what Dabulizizwe said
was true, or what. Hha, une drama lo sis.

Nangomso's family took her in when her parents died in a car

accident, and her family did not want to take her in since she
was a rebellious child. One of the elders advised Nangomso's
father to take her in since she was best of friends with

Nangomso, and Nangomso's mother was very fond her. They

grew up known as sisters by the community they even attended
school & university together, so yeah that's how it all
happened. But I still don't know why Gina hates me this much,
it's bigger than her fighting Amanda's battles on her behalf,
there's a heavy reason as to why she hates me this much, argh
such a bore she is. There's a knock at the door I wonder who is
it, I attend to it and its Ziyanda.

“Your highness”. He slightly bows his head, and I laugh.

“Ave uphapha. Here to see the wife”?

Him: “Yeah, actually the elders are requesting her presence”.

I look at Gina then him.

Me: “Come on in”. I step aside as he gets inside the room.

Him: “Babe, the elders are requesting for your presence in the
lounge”. She just looks at him tears streaming down her
cheeks. “Why are you crying now”?

Me: “Let me give you two some space”.

Him: “No. You are not going anywhere, Gina needs to pull herself
together, and come and explain to the family who she really is
and where does she come from exactly. She has a lot of
explaining to do to the family, she lied to us about her identity”.
He releases a deep breath, then look at Gina. “Gina, if you still
want our marriage to work, then you will pull yourself together,
and grace my family with your presence with immediate effect”.
He looks at her shaking his head then walk out banging the door
behind him. Gina stands up wiping her tears.

“It's now or never”. She says to herself more like whispering,

but I heard her. She pulls down her dress, then she walks out. I
hear some whispering behind me it can only be the big 5, argh.
My phone rings, and it's Snikelelo.

“Ngwana”.

“Hey babe, how are you”?

Me: “I'm good love. You”?

Her: “I'm not good, but I will be. I'm back sweets want to grab
a cup of coffee with muffins”?
Me: “I would love too, but unfortunately I'm not around I'm at
the in-laws”.

Her: “Such a bummer. I hope they are not slaving you there”.
I laugh.

Me: “Not at all babe, don't worry”.

Her: “Alright. Please do let me know when you are back I have
a lot to share with you. Anyway, let me try Modiegi maybe she
might squeeze me in- in her plans. Bye, I love you”.

Me: “Pass my greetings to her, and I love you too”. Hanging up.
Someone claps hands behind me, I mentally roll my eyes.

“I knew that you were too good to be true. Who was that you
were talking too”? Emma asks me folding her arms before me.
Me: “How is that any of your business? Didn't your parents
teach you some manners not to eavesdrop in other people's
conversation? You lack some manners you little sanaMabish.
Next time learn to mind your own business, and stop stealing
things that don't belong to you. Wena uyi yonke lento. A
stealer, a gossiper, enhlek you are a mess yasis. Get out of my
face you disgust me, nxa”. She gapes not believing that I just
said that. “In your face babe”. Thembeka peeps through the
door laughing.

“Uyaphapha. They served you your manners on a silver

platter”. Emma is fuming with anger, she flares her nose then
walk back to the bedroom in defeat. Thembeka is busy laughing
at her. Sighs, I am so over this weekend I need my comfortable
space. I wonder what's going on in the house, Hmmm...
★»★«

MNQOBI

5 minutes later Gina still hasn't said a thing she is busy playing
with her fingers looking down, her legs shaking.
“Hhey sisi we don't have the whole day. Talk”! Uncle Ben.

“Hhayi ke angisazi mina. Ziyanda, talk to your woman before I

bash her head with this knobkierie”. Uncle Sthembiso.

Ziyanda: “Gina. Please tell us the truth. Tell us who you really
are”.

Mveli: “And don't forget to tell us who those men were that
took the Lobola money on your behalf. Yerrr, you bribe old men
to pretend to be your uncles? No wonder you faint so much it's
because of your lies, they are choke slamming you. They finally
caught up with you girly. Now, talk”. She still ain't saying
anything, this is frustrating honestly.

Ben: “Haike. This needs Dabulizizwe's Python to squeeze the

truth out of you. In fact, Nkosikhona go and get her for us I
want the Python to crush the truth out of Gina. She has done

did making us fools, we gave strangers lot of money, and for

what? I should've known that there was something wrong with
those old wrinkled faced men when they charged us that hefty
amount, Yerrr. I feel robbed”. Mveli laughs, a not so usual
laugh of his. We all look at him surprised.

Him: “This will be my Royal laughter going forward. And stop

lying Ben. You were very kind enough to give them the money
because you already had your eyes on that fake Aunt of hers,
you wanted to shoot your shot, but she politely rejected you.
Sisi, you are wasting our time start singing”. My phone rings.

“Please excuse me”. I get up from my seat, and walk outside to

answer whoever is calling me I am about to answer when my
phone stops ringing. Let me see who was calling, it was
Snikelelo I wonder why was she calling if it's important she will
call me again. I'm about to get inside the house when my phone
rings.

“Snikelelo”. I walk back outside. She is sniffing. “Snikelelo. Are

you okay? What's wrong”?

“I'm sorry”. She hangs up. I try calling her again, but she ain't
answering my calls let me call Modiegi maybe she knows
something her phone too rings unanswered, maybe she is busy.
Now what? I try calling Snikelelo again, and this time she
answers.

Me: “Thanks God. I was so worried. What's going on? Why

were you crying”? She breaks down over the phone, and she is
hiccuping. “Talk to me Snikelelo, what's going on? Why are
you crying”?

Her: “I'm sorry. She's gone”. She continues to cry.

Me: “Who is gone”?

Her: “Modiegi. Modiegi passed on. He k...”. I don't even wait for
her to finish talking, I've already cut the call I run to the room
where Nobuntu is, I push the door and I find her sipping on
some wine. She puts the glass down as soon as she sees the
state I'm in, my mind is going crazy my head feels like it's about
to explode.
“Yini Mnqobi? Talk to me”. The big 5 comes out of the
bedroom. I kick the couch groaning in defeat. “Yini Mnqobi!
Talk to me”! She is on her feet now.

Me: “We need to go now Nobuntu. Pack your things”!

Her: “You can't just order me around Mnqobi. Talk to me

what's going on”!

Me: “It's... It's Modiegi. She passed on”.

Her: “What? What happened”? She is already stuffing her

things in her suitcase one of the Big 5 brought it for her.

Me: “We will find out once we get home”. I walk out of the room
leaving her packing. I get inside the house, and they are still
forcing Gina to talk. “Apologies my elders, but I need to get going
something happened back at home. I really need to go, I'm taking
Nobuntu with”. I tell them all this already walking out I can hear
footsteps behind me that could only be Nkanyiso. Nobuntu gets
inside the house to bid her farewell to the elders.

They will follow me behind me, but then once I get there what
am I going to do? Dammit! I've failed her, I've failed to protect
her. I should've told her sooner how I felt about her, now it's
too late. She is gone I will never get to see her pretty smile
that always brightened out the room giving the room that
warm feeling. I will never get to hear her blessed voice singing
me a lullaby... Heaven has gained itself an angel, I allow my
tears to fall freely. Heaven really couldn't wait for you...

65
NOBUNTU

Snikelelo sent us Modiegi's home address that's where she said

we will find them (church members) I've also been keeping in
touch with Mnqobi making sure that he is okay, especially after
the way he has been driving. He was driving like a madman, but
by the grace of God he arrived safely I can see his car already
parked here, I wonder what happened to Modiegi. We step out
of the car soon as Snikelelo sees me she gets up from her chair,
and walk towards me, I pull her into a tight embrace as she gets
to me she lets it all out. I hush her.
“Let it all out babe. Cry as much as you can”. Nkanyiso kisses
my cheek, and excuse himself. People are going in & out of the
yard offering their condolences, and a loud piercing cry breaks
out from inside the house. It better be not her mother because
she sold her to that old abusive deacon I wouldn't be surprised
if he's the one who killed Modiegi in cold blood Modiegi
portrayed him as a monster after all.

“She's gone Nobuntu. He killed her that bastard killed her. He

stabbed her multiple times, then killed himself too. You

should've seen her wounds Nobuntu, they were so deep. He

killed her after chopping off her tongue”. I widen my eyes.

Me: “What? How evil can he be, yet he was a very respected
deacon in your church, talk about a wolf in a sheep clothing.
Who found her body”?

Her: “I did, and that's not all. Let's go, and sit down so that I
tell you everything I am still traumatized”. We walk to where
she was sitting, and we settle down, I greet the other fellow
church members. “Water or juice”?

Me: “None. I'm fine, thank you”. She nods.

Her: “So, after calling you I called her, but her phone was
ringing unanswered then I decided to drive there. I get there,
and knock but no one is answering, yet the kitchen door was
slightly open. The thing about where they stay is that the
houses are far apart you basically can't hear what's happening
next door no matter how much you scream, I don't even know
why John the deacon decided to stay there whereas he has a
big house in the location. Anyway, I pushed the door wide

open, and invited myself in I called her name still there was no
response, since I knew where her room is I went to it, and when
I saw her body lying there covered in a blanket I quickly rushed
to her. I removed the blankets, when I saw how her body looks
like everything came out I threw up everything that I ate. The
scene was sickening, but I had to be brave. Her body had
stabbed wounds, her heart was taken out, her breasts were cut
off, her throat was slithered, and when I inspected her lower
body the were needles on top of her vagina and some black
powder smeared around her vaginal walls. I think a ritual took
place, but what shocked me more is the fact that there was no
blood. Then I went to check on John deacon's study, and I
found him dead a bottle containing red liquid inside it was
found next to him, I called the police who then called the
ambulance”. Wawu, so fakha deacon John amputated her?
Sies. But why? Wait, why didn't Snikelelo see this coming? She
is a prophetess right? She should've seen it coming, or maybe
her prophecy is selective? Hhayi, let me just ask her. Now, this
brings me to the church as a whole; what exactly are they
practising because to me this seems like they practice evil
rituals, ke Satanism fela.

Me: “That's pure evil Snikelelo. May he burn in hell! Kanty

wena, didn't you see her death since you are a prophetess”?
She sighs.

Her: “Nope. God, didn't reveal anything to me. But one of the
prayer warriors did foresee her death, and he did tell Modiegi,
and told her to move out of that house and save herself
because she is going to die a painful death, the sad thing
about it is that he only told her this morning, not knowing that
it was already too late. Modiegi's death have already been
approved by the man above”.
Me: “Wawu. Sometimes I really don't understand how God
works yazi, I mean. Why would he allow one of the powerful
prayer warriors to die like this”?

Her: “God knew us before we were born. So, he is the one who
also know when we are going to die, the is no disputing that. All
we got to do is accept, heal, and move on even though it will
take time as they say ‘time heals all wounds”. Does it really? I
think TF not...

Me: “Was John a ritualist, or what”?

Her: “I don't know, or maybe the devil used him phela they
were in love”. I shake my head, I guess Modiegi didn't tell
her what goes behind the scenes. She was convinced by the
final product Modiegi displayed before them.

Me: “Haike, if you say so. But I still think that you must dig
deep about your church maarn there's something offish by all
of this. What did the elders of the church say? The pastor”?
Her: “They said nothing other than saying ‘RIP’. The pastor is
too traumatized he is still trying to process it all. And there is
nothing offish about that church, God wouldn't have led me
there if there was something off about it. So, please Nobuntu.
There's nothing offish about the church”/

Me: “Fine. But there is something offish about your church

leaders ke, after all a church is just a building there's
nothing offish about it, but the occupiers of it”.

Her: “Stop accusing the church leaders about things you have
no proof of you might find yourself in hot water”. Mxm...

Me: “I still say dig deep about this church of yours, and stop
being ignorant like me. I am one ignorant woman even if the
signs are in my face I still ignore them don't be like me. Just try,
you might be surprised about what you find, excuse me”. I get
up from the chair, and go and look for Mnqobi I find him
talking with some fellow church members Nkanyiso is right
next to him, I greet them, and they greet back. Mnqobi's eyes
are bloodshot red he must've cried too much shame.
“She is gone sis she is really gone. I should've saved her
Nobuntu, I should've protected her, but I've failed”.

Me: “You did not fail. She, too, is partly to be blamed she
should've spoken out sooner, but then God does his own thing
the way he sees fit if he wanted you to save her he would've
allowed you too, but nope. His will is done, what you need to
do now is to accept that she is gone, she is dead and has gained
a seat next to God in heaven. What if she was asking God to
take her life, and spare her the pain she goes through every day
whenever she was praying”? He sighs, and shrugs.

Him: “Maybe she was you will never know. But it hurts little
one it's like someone smashed my heart with a hammer”. Hhayi
ke, such exaggeration. “I wonder how did John feel when he
was doing all that evil ritual to her. Didn't he have a
conscience? Did he enjoy hearing her screaming, and begging
him for her life? Begging him to stop? The worst part about it
is, how do you rip someone's heart whilst alive? Where did he
take her private parts? What was going on through his mind
when he did all that”? I honestly don't know how to answer
him because no sane person would do what deacon John did,
or maybe he was high on something

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or possessed by the evil. Mxm, what am I saying? He was evil

himself.

Me: “It's truly sad hey”.

Him: “Seeing her mother broken like that it's saddening, she
has been crying ever since they told her the news she is really
devastated”. I laugh so loud for everyone to hear me. Mnqobi,
and his fellow church members stare it me wondering as to why
am I laughing.

Me: “Which mother? The very same mother who sold her to
deacon John when she was just 15 years old? The very same
mother who rejected her, and told her to bekezela and obey
her husband at all cost when she came crying to her? The very
same woman who told her not to tell anyone about her
marital affairs, but bottle them up? She is not a mother she is a
monster! She better stop with the fake tears because she
killed her own daughter, she sent straight to a lion's den. I
hope she chokes on her tears, RHA! Sies maarn”. I turn to walk
away when I see a woman standing at the door with her hand
covering her mouth, its Modiegi's mother she is her mother's
daughter indeed they look too identical, like they are twins.
“Nkanyiso you will find me in the car”. I walk away not looking
at anyone. How dare she cry whereas she's the one who sent
her daughter straight to the devil himself? May God rain
thunder on her.

★»★«
MNQOBI

After the bomb Nobuntu threw at everyone shocked them all

except me, since I know what she did. One of the church
woman walk up to her I don't even know her name because she
never frequent church, she comes once in a blue moon.

“Masello. Is it all true? What that young girl said was it all true?
And please don't lie”. She asks her calmly. Masello just look at
her, and not say a thing all she does is crying. “Masello, is it all
true? If you don't want to tell me, in fact, all of us here I guess

you will tell the Judges at court”. She let's out a loud sob, and
drops to the floor.

“Your acting skill won't help you Masello. Tell us the truth.
Maybe I will finally find out why you always refused me talking
to Modiegi all in the name of ‘she is a married woman’. You
didn't want anyone at church to talk to her, yini? Were you
scared that she was going to tell us everything? Were you
protecting your own reputation at the expense of your
daughter's emotional & physical pain? In fact, why didn't the
women committee detect that something was wrong with
Modiegi”? Mam'Sibeko asks her. We are all waiting for her to
answer, this feels likes Déjà Vu to me. Exactly like Gina not
saying anything I wonder if she finally told them the truth, or
what.

“I'm so...rry”. That's all she says.

Woman 1: “You are sorry? Sorry for what exactly? Will your
sorry bring Modiegi back? Will it”? She shakes her head. “You
are one evil one Masello. Why did you sell your daughter to an
old man like John”?

Mam'Sibeko: “She won't answer you. We will deal with her

after her daughter's burial. You will know us well Masello after
the funeral”!

“I... I was paying off a debt”. Everyone diverts their attention to

her as she says these words, finally she is talking. “A debt that
we took years back. We (her, and her husband) were financially
stranded, our house was on a verge of being repossessed, we
basically had nothing since my husband invested all our savings
to some containers company everything seemed legit about it.
We waited, and waited for the company to contact us, but they
never did, when we did some follow up we found that the
company was a scam it no longer existed. There were a lot of us
who were scammed, since it was a losing battle we decided to
let the issue go. We did fine for the couple of days, but then
things started to take an unexpected u-turn. My husband tried
borrowing money from the bank, but they refused giving us. So,
my husband's friend introduced us to John Mashiane (the
deacon). We borrowed money from him, and we told him that
we will pay him back with interest once our business that we
wanted to start picked up, but that business crumbled before it
can even pick up. Haike, we didn't know how we were going to
pay him back since we didn't have any income”. She takes a
deep breath, and look up trying to push her tears back.

Woman: “Someone please bring her a glass of water”. One of

the young girls hurries to the kitchen to get water for her.

Her: “My husband went to plead with him to give us few more
months, and we will pay him back. He understood and told us
to come and fellowship with him at their church, we didn't see
a problem with that I was convinced that he was a good man
since he invited us to church, and didn't demand his money”.
The girl comes back with the water, and gives it to her. “Thank
you”. She takes few sips. “3 years down the line he started
demanding his money, and we told him that we still don't
have it. Yoh, he started being aggressive Modiegi was already
15 by then, but she was not attending the church with us she
was attending somewhere else. He demanded that Modiegi
come and join us at the church she can't go to a separate
church whilst we as her parents are churching at his church.
Aike, we agreed kanty he had something else in my mind.
Since we couldn't pay him, he said that we must pay him by
giving him Modiegi to be his wife once she reaches 30...”.

“Yhey! Kwenzakalani la? Why are you surrounding my wife as if

they are slaughtering a cow? Move. Move away from my wife”!

Modiegi's dad roars all the way from the gate. Masello quickly
stands up, and hurries to the house. It's like she's scared of her
husband, or I might be wrong. “My wife is supposed to be
mourning for our daughter, and you are busy surrounding her?
How dare you accuse my wife of killing Modiegi? Her only
daughter, how dare you? I want all of you out of my yard at this
instant”! No one moves. “Oh, okay. Wait here I'm coming”. He
quickly dashes inside the house.
“This is not good let me leave”. Comments one. Hhayi ke, then
Modiegi's father shows up at the door with a gun in his hand.
He rings two shots in the air, and we all scatter in different
directions. Yeerrr, this man just when we were about to reach
the climax of the story he had to come, and ruin it. I wonder
who called/told him that we are gathered in his yard, but we
were not accusing his wife of killing Modiegi we just wanted
answers, and to pay our condolonces. There's a fire here,
sighs...

★»★«
NKANYISO

When we got home Nobuntu went straight to take a bath, and I

am here catching up on soccer. Ziyanda also keeps on updating
me about Gina's confession, according to him she still hasn't
said anything that makes sense she is beating around the bush,
and knowing my uncle's they will stick around even crossnight
if it needs too until she confesses they are patient like that. I
just don't understand why is she being hard-headed, it's not as
if like Dabulizizwe told us anything.

“I am so angry. Can we order in”? She settles next to me.

“What do you feel like eating? Because as for me I'm craving

for something light”.

Her: “Something light”?

Me: “Yes. Pizza or burger”.

Her: “And here I was thinking that we are going to order at Z &
B hangout joint I'm craving for pap & meat if I wasn't lazy I
was going to cook”.

Me: “I'll order a pizza for myself, and pap & meat for you.
So, are you ready for tomorrow's exam”?

Her: “Not really. But I will be tomorrow”. We both laugh.

Me: “Are you going to Modiegi's tomorrow after your exam”?

Her: “Nope. I am not going I also have a lot to deal with, like
finding my Father. I feel like this is some distraction you know”.

Me: “Distraction”?

Her: “Yes. Look, just yesterday Mnqobi was telling me that his
mother wants to see the both of us tomorrow I don't even
know about what. Then, Tuesday we are supposed to go to
Zithobele river to search for our Father and the seer, then bring
them home plus we don't know how many hours drive is it to
that Zithobele river. So, if we spend our days at Modiegi's it will
hinder us from going on a search of my Father. Next week will
be too far for me, I've suffered a lot, so njer I need that
breakthrough wabona. I don't mind Mnqobi attending he was
her crush or vice versa after all, Snikelelo will also be there
which means they are standing in for me too”.

Me: “I guess you are right. You are really eager to find your
father ne”?

Her: “You have no idea, since my mother rejected me I hope

that he won't reject me too, he will give me the love I deserve,
at least I will have someone to cry too nawunginyela”. I laugh.

Me: “Mxm uyaphapha wena. But I have no doubt that your

father will love & accept you. I am willing to take this journey
with you”.

Her: “Is not as if like you have a choice, you are stuck with me
forever”. We both laugh.

Me: “Let me order for us then, and after this I will help you
with studying. What are you writing tomorrow”?
Her: “Pharmaceutical Practice”.
Me: “I guess I won't be getting some sex tonight, chai this is
not fair”. She laughs.

Her: “You will be strong babe. Let me go, and make us

hot chocolate while you order for us”.

Me: “Hamba nes'shwapa”.

Her: “Hhe, let me not say anything I might regret, and

uzoswaba”. She gets up, and she dissapears to the
kitchen...
66
MNQOBI

I've taken some day off at work just to mourn Modiegi's death
even though her father made sure that we as church members
don't step inside his yard, if it was up to him he wouldn't even
allow family members to be present, but then family is family. I
really need to talk to Snikelelo, maybe she knows something
because I've tried talking with the other prayer warriors, but
they all dismiss me claiming that they don't know anything.
The last guy who wanted the history of the Church ended up
disappearing. No one knows where is he, they said I should
keep quiet and strengthen my faith with God. But how does
one strengthen their faith in God when the Church hides
secrets? Why don't they want anyone to know about the
history of the church? I just hope that Snikelelo will be brave
enough to tell me anything she knows about the church. There
is no way that everyone in that church doesn't know what's
going on, they can't all turn a blind eye to the Church's history.
My phone rings, and it's Nobuntu. Sighs, I hope she is not
calling me to remind me about going to see my mother today I
am not going there...

“Little bear”.

“Hey, big bear. How are you holding up”?

Me: “I'm pulling through”.

Her: “I've called to confirm if are we still going to see

your mother today”? I sigh. Just as I've predicted...
Me: “No. I'll be going to Modiegi's home”.

Her: “Didn't you say that Modiegi's father doesn't want you in
his yard, and he chased you out with a gun yesterday”?

Me: “He did”.

Her: “Then why are you forcing things? Why force to go there”?

Me: “Because she was my church mate, and we have to go

and pay our condolences to her family”.

Her: “Oh, I see. RIP to you, and your fellow church mates in
advance because Modiegi's Father will bomb all of you this
time around. Anyway, about tomorrow are we still on seeing
that today won't be a success”? I sigh. “Don't answer, I already
got my answer. But just to let you know me & Nkanyiso are
going to the Zithobele river tomorrow morning”.
Me: “Can't we postpone it, and go there after
Modiegi's funeral”?

Her: “Unfortunately we can't. Time waits for no man, and as

Dabulizizwe said; our father is yearning for us, he is longing to
see us. He is cold & lost there, and needs to be brought home.
You can stay here, and mourn for your crush or whatever she
was. Goodbye”. She hangs up before I can reply her back,
dammit. Now, I'm caught in between a rock and a hard place. I
really do want to go, and fetch my Father, and on the other
hand supporting the church mates in mourning Modiegi's
death. She also had a special place in my heart, but I still want
to know what my mother want to tell us I also have to dig

about the church history. I have a lot on my plate currently,

and they all need my attention I'm still undecided, hopefully
before this day ends I would've made up my mind.

“I'm sure that coffee is frozen now”. Snikelelo says settling next
to me. She spent the night here, after she woke me up at
00:50am knocking on my window claiming that she couldn't
sleep, her soul is restless, and her heart is too heavy for her to
even pray. I allowed her in, and she cried in my arms I think it
was by that time it was when Modiegi's death sunk into her
that she is really gone. She cried until she fell asleep, I let her
sleep on the couch.

Me: “I have a lot on my mind”. Her eyes are swollen.

Her: “Want to off load”?

Me: “No. Coffee”?

Her: “Yes. 3 teaspoons of coffee, no sugar no milk”.

Me: “What? That's too much caffeine for one person”.

Her: “It calms me down when I'm stressed, nervous and

broken. I can't really believe that she is gone, you know
what's more funny is that I was always with her, but I never
saw that she was unhappy or something was wrong with her.
She was forever smiling, or maybe I was fooled by her smile?
But why would John kill her? He should've freed her if he
wasn't happy with her any more”.
Me: “What exactly is going on in that church? Why do they
allow paedophile marriages? Why allow young girls to get
married to those old men? It's sickening if it wasn't that
Modiegi would still be alive now. But no, your church elders
turned a blind eye to all of this I blame the church”. She
shakes her head.

Her: “No one knows except certain elders how the church
works, especially when it comes to marriages on minors
and grown-ups”.

Me: “So no one actually cares or is interested as to why is this

marrying of minor's to these grown-ups in church a norm. They
actually don't care as long as they praise God, right”?

Her: “You sound like your sister right now. Stop accusing
the church of things you have no proof of Mnqobi just stop
meddling”!
Me: “I will not stop meddling I will dig until I find out the truth
about the practices practised in that church I can't believe
that all of you are that blind to see that there's something
wrong with your church, or you are all just plain ignorant”.

Her: “Don't dig about the church history Mnqobi. Trust me

you don't want to go that route, it's not worth it losing a life
because of a church history. Please Mnqobi, it's really not
worth it don't send yourself to the Lion's den”. I laugh.

Me: “It is worth me losing my life I was not led to that Church
for no apparent reason there's something I need to fulfil
there, there's something that needs me. You are all just lost
sheep's you need to find yourselves again”.

Her: “You were led to that Church to strengthen your

relationship with God not to dig about things that don't
concern you. It never ends well, they tried but failed. They are
not known where they are, yini? Do you also want to be part
of the statistic of those who tried digging the Church history
but only for them to disappear and never to be seen again”?
Me: “I am not THEM. I am MnqobiYempi. And for your
information they won't come for me I am protected by God's
heavenly armour, so let them try me. Ask Bab'Dlamini he
knows me better once I call the God's name he trembles in fear
he now knows better than to come for me don't worry yourself
about me, and why are you so defensive about the Church?
What are you hiding because I'm quite sure that you know
something, but don't want to say what is, but it's fine I will find
out myself”. She sighs.

Her: “Those people are evil Mnqobi. And I am not being

defensive I just don't want you end up disappearing like all
those previous men who thought they were smart just like
you, but if that's how you feel then it's okay. It's your life after
all, not mine”.

Me: “It is my life indeed. Modiegi deserves justice, and I will

give it to her even if it means the Church hating me it's fine. I
am going to do what I was brought for you've been living in
darkness for a while now, it's like you are all blinded maarn”.
Her: “Do whatever rocks your boat Mnqobi it's your
choice after all, and I hope you've prepared your family for
your burial”.

Me: “The way you keep on talking about me not making it out
alive in all my digging about your Church practices, and how
defensive you are about me it baffles me in a way. Or are you
maybe the one killing those men who dig information about
the church? Are you also part of the evil those senior of yours
practice”? She gasps, in total shock. You guys can't blame me
from asking her such questions the way she is so defensive
about the church makes me question her, ai.

Her: “Wh... Ho... How could you accuse me of such Mnqobi”!

She is fuming.

Me: “It's just the way you are defending your church your
behaviour it's questionable Snikelelo, yet you are a
prophetess. It's either they brainwashed you, or you are part
of their evil dealings”.
Her: “Go to hell Mnqobi! I am trying to save you here, okay? Do
you want to die”?

Me: “There goes that ‘dying’ word again, and I don't need your
saving Snikelelo, if I die while digging the truth about your church
then let it be. At least I would die in peace knowing that I've
saved a lot of lives. Excuse me”. I get up from the chair, and she
just stands there with tears filling her eyes. I really don't
understand why is Snikelelo defending her church like this, now
more than ever I'm convinced that there is definitely something
evil that the church practice. But now where will I even begin?
Which direction will I take? This is frustrating honestly. Sighs.

“Prayer. You can start by praying and ask for guidance”. The
inner voice says to me. I kneel down...

“Dear Go...”. The door creeks open. What is she doing here, I
open my eyes and I find her standing before me tears streaming
down her cheeks, sighs. I get up from the floor. “I thought you
left”. She shakes her head.

Her: “I couldn't”. Sniffs.

Me: “Why not”?

Her: “Because you've hurt me with your words. You've accused

me of things you have no idea of”.

Me: “What was I supposed to do? You are so defensive about

this church of yours Snikelelo you can't blame me, if you don't
have anything more to say you may leave I will see you later at
Modiegi's home hopefully today his father won't chase us like
he did yesterday”. She nods.

Her: “I understand. Not all that glitters is gold, we are also

survivors because we decided to be cowards, and not
soldier on”.

Me: Well, I am not a coward”.

Her: “I know. The wound is still there, it becomes painful at
times, but I am healing. I wish you luck in your digging quest,
may you come out a survivor don't allow the Devil to win. Find
Bishop Nhlanzi he will tell you everything you need to know,
and be careful. Do it for the church. Save us all”. Kissing my
forehead then walks out of my praying room. What just
happened? Did she also try to dig, and didn't succeed since she
is talking about cowards and stuff? With God by my side I will
fear no evil

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he will lead the way, and protect me until I come out with
the truth...

★»★»
NOBUNTU

Haike, the exam was written very well I have no doubts that I've
aced it squad, having a boyfriend who studied the same course
as you has to be one of the best feelings ever, if it wasn't for I'm
sure as hell I was going to do bad. Anyway, today I decided to
go and see Lindiwe, and hear what she has to say I hope she
won't chase me out like she did the last time Nkanyiso will be

accompanying me, right now I'm waiting for him to come

and fetch me, and he is running late.

“Hello”. I turn to look, and it's some girl I've never seen her
around here.
“Hi”.

Her: “I'm sorry to bother you, but are you waiting for
someone? I can always drop you off”. My blood becomes cold
instantly, something is definitely wrong with this girl.

Me: “I am waiting for my boyfriend”.

Her: “Come on girl. I don't bite maarn”.

Me: “Why are so eager to give me a lift? Who sent you”? I'm
now facing her looking her straight in the eyes. Her eyes dart
around ignoring meeting my gaze at all cost. “Who sent you”?
Hissing. I can spot Nkanyiso's car approaching us, and the car
that was standing not far from us screech its tires, and drive off

in a bolt speed I caught a glimpse of a woman with blonde hair.

I turn to look for the girl I was talking too, and she, too, is gone.
Erh, I wonder who is she, and what did they want from me,
funny enough I'm not scared of which is rather strange if it was
the old me I would've probably fainted. Nkanyiso steps out of
his car and hurries towards me.

“Are you okay”? He asks examining me.

Me: “I'm okay Elami”.

Him: “Who was that who drove so fast when I

was approaching”? I shrug.

Me: “I don't know, but it was a woman with long blonde hair”.

Him: “The only woman I know with a blonde hair is Dr

Pastel, but that's not her. car”.

Me: “Mxm. Maybe she disguised herself, but what did she want
from me? Next time she should send someone who is clever,
and doesn't crack under pressure”. He laughs.
Him: “Hopefully next time she will send someone more clever.
I will also find out what she wanted from you”.

Me: “Don't bother yourself Elami she will be dealt with

accordingly”.

Him: “I wonder by whom”.

Few hours later we are parked outside Lindiwe's gate, it looks

quiet though there is no activity taking place maybe she is not
around she went to see Crecentia at the hospital. I should've
just asked Mnqobi to call her on my behalf, and tell her that
I'll be coming here, but since I am here now I can't turn back.

Him' “Are you ready”?

Me: “Yes, I'm ready”.

Him: “Are you sure you don't want me to come with”?

Me: “I need to do this on my own Elami I owe it to myself”.

Him: “Okay. Scream so loud if she attempts to do something to

you, neh”?

Me: “I will”. I step out of the car, and walk towards the gate,
and it is not locked I make my way inside the yard, and walk
until I reach the door, here goes nothing. Hoping for some
normal welcome. I knock 3x and the door creeks open. Her look
is not so welcoming, but I don't care.

“Where is Mnqobi”?

Me: “He is busy somewhere”.

Her: “I thought I made it clear that I want the both of you

here”.
Me: “And I am saying that he is busy. So, I decided to
come alone and hear what is it that you wanted to say”.

Her: “Nothing that concerns you. Next time come with

Mnqobi, and not alone”.

Me: “Why do you hate me so much”? She chuckles.

Her: Me? Hate you? Oh, no sweetie don't flatter yourself,

you are not worth it to be hated by me”.

Me: “Oh, okay if you so”.

Her: “Next time come with Mnqobi, and maybe then we can
have a decent talk, for now you can leave. Tell Mnqobi to
call me”.
Me: “Unfortunately, there won't be a next time you won't see
me here, ever. Today was a free day for me, but since you want

to talk to me in your own time you can tell Mnqobi

whatever you wanted to say on my behalf”.

Her: “Whether you come or not it won't really make any

difference Nobuntu, you don't really matter to me”.

Me: “Another reason why I am going to fetch my father I'm

sure he will give me the parental love I've been lacking all my
life”. She chokes on absolutely nothing, and composes
herself.

Her: “Your father? Do you even know who your father is”?

Me: “Khaphela Nxumalo former King of Buhlebezulu village, a

Father to me & Mnqobi. So, yes. I know who my father is
Lindiwe. I know who your husband is, as I've told you, you can
tell Mnqobi whatever you wanted to tell me. Goodbye
Lindiwe”. I turn, and walk away. Argh, shame if she thinks that I
will beg her she has another thing coming, wuhhh never
shame. But then I should've just came with Mnqobi to hear
what she wanted to say, but finding my Father is more
important right now.

“Nobuntu wait”. I stop on my tracks, and turn to look at her she

is standing before me. “Ho... How did you know? Who told
you? Is he still alive? Where is he now”? Sighs.

Me: “Dabuliziwe, and yes he is still alive, and he is residing at

Zithobele river”.

Her: “Oh my God. Please bring him home safe for me”.

Me: “For you? Oh no, Lindiwe. I am fetching him for my own

sanity, and for me to have a sense of belonging. Hopefully he
will accept me as his daughter, and give me all the love I
deserve. The love I never got to experience, or feel”. Tears start
filling her eyes.
Her: “Nobuntu. Whatever happens don't tell him how I've been
treating you, please”. I chuckle.

Me: “I won't have time to bad mouth you, we will be busy

rebuilding Buhlebezulu village, and getting to know each other
better as Father & daughter we won't have time njer. Goodbye,

and speedy recovery to Crecentia”. I walk away leaving her

pleading with me to listen to her, I just ignore her till I'm out of
the yard. This should be her lesson, and I won't tell my Father
about how she rejected me we will be starting on a clean slate,
hopefully she will learn to love me as times goes by, and
accept me as her daughter. Now, my main worry is Crecentia I
hope she won't be affected by all of this, she is going through a
lot currently I don't think she can handle another burden,
more especially being a child of rape part, yoh it will be too
much for her.

“How did it go? And why is she crying”? Nkanyiso asks me as

I settle in.
Me: “She still doesn't want me, and I don't know why she is
crying maybe she is hungry”. He laughs.

Him: “You are full of jokes”.

Me: “You are still here? Drive before she screams

for neighbours to hear her”.
Him: “Hhe asazi. Are we still passing by the mall”?

Me: “Yes, we are phela we have a long trip ahead”.

Him: “It's a good thing that you know how to drive, we will
give each other chances”.

Me: “Hmmm, if you say so”. I lean back, and look out the
window I wonder how will they receive our visit there at
Zithobele river...

67
NKANYISO
We've been on the road for over 10 hours now circling in one
place with no direction, we've been coming along just fine I
don't know what happened, and now we can't even turn back
we are stuck in this god forbidden place. We are even running
out of food Nobuntu wants something to eat every now &
then, but I don't blame her because I'm also hungry it's like I
haven't eaten in days and our beverages taste somehow, sighs.
I think us coming here was a bad Idea. Nobuntu is eating next
to me without a care in the world, I bring my car to a halt
because wawu this is Merry-go-round.

“Been wondering why are you busy driving in one place going in
circles and not stopping because wawu this is a joke. A whole
LMAO! Mara Elami are you sure that you took a right route”?

“I swear to God this is the route I always saw in my

dreams Elami, now I don't know what's happening”. Sighs.

Her: “Let's wait until the sun rises, what time is it”?
Me: “18:00pm”.

Her: “What? Tell me that you are joking”!

Me: “I am not”.

Her: “But how because we left Jo'burg at 14:00pm, and we've

on the road for more than 10 hours, and you tell me that its just
18:00pm? It feels like a decade honestly, we are even running
out of food Elami. Coming here was such a bad idea, haikhona
this is not normal”.

Me: “Tell me about it, and you are right about us coming here
it is a bad idea indeed. Now we are stuck we have nowhere to
go, we can't even seem to find the way that we came with
here, let me try making a call hopefully someone will come to
our rescue. I take out my phone, and great there's no network
coverage! “No network coverage. We are stuck”.
Her: “This is bad, at least tell me that it's 18:10pm or anything
above that”. I look at the time, and laugh. This is fucken insane,
someone is really doing us dirty. “And”?

Me: “You won't believe me, or maybe it's my phone check the
time with yours because there's definitely something wrong
with mine”. She takes her phone from the dashboard, she
chokes on her snacks when she's sees the time.

Her: “Oh hell no! Tell me that this is joke, because I refuse to
believe this. It can't be 18:01 angeke Elami”. This is starting to
freak me out truth be told, I'm scared I don't want to lie you. I
am even afraid to step out of this car to go, and pee, yet I'm too
pressed I really need to release before I wet my seat. “Elami,
are you okay”? She asks with so much concern in her voice I get
her though because I'm busy wiggling my legs, and shifting
uncomfortable in my seat.

Me: “I'm pressed, and I... Actually you know what, never mind I
will survive”.
Her: “It's okay if you are scared to go out Elami because I am
too. So, how about you kneel on your seat and slightly open
the door, and release yourself”. I laugh.

Me: “Your ideas can be stupid at times, but I will take this one
because I don't have a choice or else I will release myself
here”. She laughs.

Her: “Imagine riding with a man who still wet himself old as
he is”? We both burst out with laughter.

Me: “Ave unya ngomlomo wakho. Anyway, let me go ahead

with your stupid idea. I kneel on the seat, and she is busy
laughing she sees all of this as a joke... Thanks, God I'm free
now, I adjust my pants, and sit back down. “Thanks it helped.
What to do now”? She sighs, and shrugs.

Her: “You know what? Let's go I'll drive hopefully me driving we

will find a way out”.
Me: “Good idea”. We swap seats. She brings the engine to life,
and off we drive. I hope we will find a way out now, God better
come through for us. Nobuntu brings the car to a stop abruptly,
and screams. I look at the front window since I was leaning my
head against the passengers window with my head slightly
thrown back. My legs started to shake when I see short people
with gruesome faces, and sharp fangs with vast noses, and
short spears dripping blood dancing before the car looking
straight at us blood dripping from the heads, my stomach
tightens at the sight. Nobuntu clings on my arm for dear life,
and buries her face on my shoulder. I feel the car slowly going
up leaving the ground, I scream too joining Nobuntu. The
windows are being scratched by sharp fingers as they make a
loud heart piercing noise that makes me deaf for few seconds.
These short people start shaking the car and it sways left–right.
Now we are flying really high, we are still screaming I have
never been this scared in my whole life, but ke if I die I will die
with Nobuntu next to me that would really make my soul rest in
peace. I see flames from a distance, a raging fire that is I guess
that's where they are taking us. They are going to throw us in
the fire.

“Elami”. Shaking her lightly, she shakes her head as a sign that
she doesn't want to see any of this. “They are going to throw us
in the fire babe, look”. She slowly lifts her head, and take one
glance and buries her face on my shoulders again. “I love you
no matter what happens, always remember that but the
most important thing is that we will die in each other's arms”.
She shakes her head, and lifts it up.

Her: “Dying no Elami we are not dying. We still have a lot to do

in life, and a lot to achieve we are not going to die we will get
out of this alive”. The trees start making creepy sounds as we
are now approaching the roaring fire, Nobuntu looks at the fire
as it goes up in flames. There are short people dancing around
it, and there are also human bodies placed in line on the
ground, some are alive as I can see that they are fighting to free
themselves, while some are dead. The car is being pushed
further and further to the creepy looking location, the trees
continue to whoosh sharply I don't know if they are happy
about us being brought here or what, this is why I don't like
watching horror movies they scare the living daylights out of
me. A horn is blown, and the short one who are surrounding
the fire gets up from the ground and raise their short swords. I
really don't know why am I still looking at this creepy sight, my
eyes just can't move away from all this scene I look at Nobuntu,
and her eyes are glued to the scene too, she is trembling with
fear, I put my hand on top of hers. You can feel the raging fire
from here, and see the sparkles shooting up like fireworks.
I'm beginning to sweat, and so is Nobuntu. The fire is too hot I
wonder how hot is it once close by.

“Dear God, please accept our souls we are coming home”.

Nobuntu: “No. We are not going to die, and God please don't
accept our souls just yet, or you can accept his not mine”. A very
tall man with a wolf face stands up, and all the short men bow...
Yes, we are now being put down near the fire. The short men try
opening the door, but it ain't budging, they throw bricks but it
still ain't budging. The tall man stretches out his hand, and one
short man gives him a very huge steel this one will crush our car
into pieces. He lifts it up, and he is bringing it down.
“Arizonaaaaaa”! Nobuntu screams so loud, and the car window
shatters. The next thing I hear is a sound of an angry roar, then a
roaring thunder follows shortly the short men shrieks as the
angry waters comes splashing down destroying the raging fire
sweeping everything in it's path, while some of the short men
try to take cover. My eyes shut close...
★»★«

KHETHIWE

The sun is out to play today, and I decided to take Zweli out for
some air he is still the same nothing has changed really, except
for the fact he now looks like a skeleton. But he is still my son, I
wonder where is Sdumo he is supposed to be here with me, but
no I am all alone taking care of our son, who by the way is
suffering because of our sins. I hope he is dead or suffering
wherever he is, I also wonder how Nhlakanipho & Buhle are
holding up because they are not even trying to keep in touch

with me, when I call they ignore my calls, things are just bad to
be honest. I've lost out on a lot, now I do my own things I cook,
clean and wash for both me & Zweli I have no one to send from
pillar to post, sometimes I go to bed hungry because I run out
of food every now & then I'm now a full time beggar, my
neighbours are clearly getting annoyed by me. A day never goes
by without me going to one of the neighbours to ask for
something

that's how poor I've become even my hair is no longer up to

standard, my neighbours daughter plait me nakhona u Benny
& Betty, plus hairline dololo, as I am busy walking around I spot
Nompilo together with her grandchildren sitting under a tree
shade, Thakasile looks really skinny and Sanele looks tired I
wonder if he is still working or what let me go, and greet them,
gogo yena looks like a retired witch. What am I saying? She has
always been one, mxm...

“Sanibonani”. They all turn to look at me, and Thakasile

diverts her eyes to Zweli who looks semi-dead shocked by
what she sees she looks at me with eyes full of pity, Sanele
doesn't even care about my presence.
“Yebo”.

Nompilo: “Bengingazi ukuthy nawe uhlala la. Kwenzakaleni ngo

Zweli? Sanele, cela uzisele u Khethiwe isihlalo”. (I didn't know
that you also live around here. What happened to Zweli?
Sanele, please bring a chair for Khethiwe) Sanele gets up from
the torn mat, and walks to the hut. Their hut looks better
compared to mine.

Me: “Angazi kwenzakalani ngaye uvuke a nje”. (I don't know

what's wrong with him he woke up like this). There is no way
that I am going to tell her the truth, no way. Sanele comes
back with the small chair, and gives it to me.

Her: “Kwaze kwakubi. Seniyile emuntwini we Sintu”?

(That's bad. Did you go and consult?)

Me: “Angina Mali okwamanje”. (I don't have money now)

Her: “Ishonephi imali yakho? Bewunayo iyinqwaba usichomela
ngayo la”. (Where did your money disappear too? You had
plenty of it making yourself better than us)

Me: “Ishabalele nkathi kwenzeka lesa sgameko lesa se Zulu”. (It

disappeared during the rain saga)

Her: “Shame. Bheka manje sewufana nathi uyisihlupheki

uhamba ucela ebantwini, kunjani makunje”? (Look now,
you are the same as us. You are poor begging for help from
the people. Now, how does it feel like)

Me: “Akukho mnandi kodwa impilo iyaqhubeka. Niqhuba njani

nina”? (It's not easy, but life goes on. How are you guys holding
up)

Her: “Ukuncenga impilo”. (Trying times)

Me: “I see. Nagcina nimtholile u Langelihle”? (Did
you eventually manage to find Langelihle)

Her: “Yoh, samothola kodwa wabahlaza kuthina. Futhi uphi

yena nje? Akumelanga ngabe u la ulekelela umyeni wakhe”?
(We did manage to get hold of her, but she was very rude to us.

Where is she anyway? Isn't she supposed to be here nursing

her husband)

Me: “Ey, angifuni ukukhuluma amanga angimazi ukuthi

ukuphi”. (I don't want to lie I don't know where she is).

Thakasile: “Use goli kodwa useqome elinye isoka”. (She is at

Jo'burg, and she is dating another man) her grandmother gasps.

Gogo: “Awu kahle Thakasile”. (Behave Thakasile)

Me: “Angimangali yazi kudala ngabona ukuthi uzoba wu
nondindwa wase goli”. (I am not surprised I've long foreseen
that she was going to be a Jo'burg whore)

Her: “Ukhohlakele makunjalo kanti. Angalandi ukugula le

bese uyabhubha uyo ngcwatshwa wubani? Ngizomu ngcwaba
njengenja mina”. (She is very cruel if it's like that. She better
not catch any sicknesses, then die. Who is going to bury her? I
will bury her like a dog)

Me: “Asiyeke ukukhuluma ngaye uyangicika. Besewuvile ukuthi

I Buhlebezulu village iyovuka futhi”? (Lets stop talking about
her she annoys me. Did you hear that Buhlebezulu village will
rise again) she laughs.

Her: “Awukahle ngokudlala Khethiwe iyovuswa yini ngoba

akunalutho lapha”? (Stop playing. What's going to make it rise
again because there's nothing there)

Me: “Angazi kodwa nami ngicebisiwe”. (I don't know, but

someone told me in passing)
Her: “Haike. Soke sibone Khethiwe. Lo ufuna ukuyivusa uzabe
azichithela isikhathi sakhe”. (We shall see. Who ever wants to
rebuild it will be wasting their time)

Me: “Injalo”. (It's like that)

Her: “Itiye”? (Tea)

Me: “Ngigalithokozela kakhulu”. (I would be grateful) yoh, I

don't know when last did I drink tea I can never say no to free
tea, at least they can still drink tea.

Her: “Thakasile, hambo yenzela u Khethiwe itiye umphathele

nama khekhe”. (Go, and make tea for Khethiwe, and bring
her some cakes too) wawu, they even have cakes something
of which I don't have, they are living much better than me, far
better. Who would've known?
★»★«

NOBUNTU

My head feels heavy it's like someone was placing brick's on

top of it and my eyes are heavy too. Yoh, what happened
mara. I slowly open my eyes, and the light blinds me I close my
eyes, and look on my left then open them again. The first thing
I notice is a wooden chair with grass on top of it, I scan my eyes
around, and I'm unfamiliar with this room I quickly get up, and
sit on my butt taking it all in. Where am I? What happened to
me? Nkanyiso! I scan around the room, and I don't see him. I
get up from the grass bed, and walk towards the door I open it,
and the sun is the first one to welcome me by blinding me.
Dammit. This place is too quiet I wonder where is everyone,
mostly importantly where is Nkanyiso. I sit on the stoep that is
next to me... Some girl approaches me I am too lazy to even

stand up and meet her half way all I need is pap & meat
with hot chakalaka, and a bottle of Stone ginger.

“I see, you are finally awake. And don't worry your boyfriend
is safe, my name is Boitshoko”. I nod.

“What happened? Where is this place”?

Her: “We don't know what happened to you, but our herd
boys found you, and your boyfriend lying next to the river. This
is Zithobele village”. I snap my eyes open upon hearing the
name Zithobele river.

Me: “This is Zithobele village? Like Zithobele village village”?

She nods. “Do you know a certain Khaphela Nxumalo”?

Her: “No. I don't know any Khaphela Nxumalo. Let me take

you to your boyfriend”.

Me: “Is he far from here”?

Her: “Not really”.

Me: “The reason I'm asking is that I'm hungry I don't think I
can walk more than 2 minutes”. She laughs.

Her: “Your boyfriend did say that you will wake up hungry
hence I've cooked before leaving you to rest, come let's get
inside”. We stand up, and get inside the house. “You can sit
there”. She points towards the table, I do as told. And she
dishes up for the both of us.

Me: “Thank you”. She cooked my favourite, and exactly how I

like it pap & chicken livers.

Her: “Your boyfriend said that you love them”. I laugh.

Me: “What is it that my boyfriend didn't tell you because he

sure did dish up a lot”.
Her: “That you are pregnant”. I laugh.

Me: “Now that was funny. So, who are you staying with here”?

Her: “I stay with my husband, and 2 kids”.

Me: “How old are you”?

Her: “40 years old, and yes I don't look like my age, I look
20 years younger it's just how we are here”.

Me: “Wawu, and to think that I saw a little girl when you were
approaching me I feel so embarrassed”. She laughs.

Her: “Don't be it's understandable”. There's a knock at the

door. “Come in”. The door creeks open, and some boy, no
wait let me rather say some man, because you might find out
that he is older than I. “Khaya”.

Him: “I'm sorry to disturb, but Bab'unknown is requesting the

girl's presence”. Bab'unknown? Who is that now, and why
would he request for my presence?

Her: “Why”?

Him: “I don't know, but he said is urgent”.

Her: “We will be right there, thank you for informing us”. He
slightly nods, and close the door.

Me: “Who is Bab'unknown now”?

Her: “Some old man who never speaks, and always alone, well
not alone he is forever with his friend, but his friend is more
active than him we don't even know their names. Let's go, and
hear what he wants to say you can come with your food along
it's fine”. We both stand up, and exit her house. Now, that I'm
half full I can clearly see how beautiful this place is. The grass
is green, and the sky is clear blue.

10 minutes later we are at Bab'unknown doorstep. Boitshoko

knocks, as soon as the door open our eyes lock, and I am met by
Mnqobi's replica, he is Mnqobi, and Mnqobi is him. Well, except
for the ears of course, but otherwise he is the older version of
Mnqobi. He studies me, and pulls me into an embrace I feel my
hair getting wet, could it be that he is crying?
“Nobuntu, you have come for me my daughter”. He breaks
the hug, and cups my face analysing it once more, and yes he
was crying behind him appears the old man I always saw when
praying, the seer.

“Hail to the Princess of Buhlebezulu village”. He drops to his

knees, and the others follow suit. From a distance I can see
Dabulizizwe, and her disciples. They all look happy, they
slightly bow and disappear when I turn to face my Father I find
everyone kneeled before us, including Nkanyiso, I look at my
Father, and he is genuinely smiling... God, I thank you. Now,
this is the welcome I've been longing for, I will finally have a
sense of belonging...

68
NOBUNTU

We are now sitting around fire with some of the villagers, while
the women are cooking a feast, and they've slaughtered 2 cows
something of which they've never done according to what my
Father told me. What I've realized about the people here is that
they are united, too united, and they all look young even the
oldies I wonder what's their secret. Being in the presence of
people showing you genuine love is one of the greatest feeling
ever, I am so grateful to be amongst such warmth, but more
over I'm more happy to be with my Father. Nkanyiso is
somewhere around with the men of the village doing Lord
knows what. Even at night this place is still beautiful, it is one of
the beautiful, and unique village I've ever come across, I am yet
to find out how did it come about.

“You are deep in thoughts. What are you thinking about”? My

Father asks placing his hand over my shoulder, I look at him,
my Father is handsome you guys.

“I'm just admiring this beautiful village. How did you end up
living here”? Truly speaking, I don't know how he ended up
here nare Dabulizizwe didn't tell us how he disappeared.

“It is indeed a beautiful village, and peaceful too. How I ended

up here? I, too, don't know how I ended up here I woke up
near the river one sunny day, and found myself here together
with the seer. I tried thinking how I ended up here, but nothing
came to mind, and so, I gave up trying to figure out how we
ended up here in this beautiful village. The seer didn't know
how we ended up here, and the gods didn't show him anything.
When we arrived here we were shocked as to why everyone
looks 20 if not 30 years younger than their ages there were no
old man who used sticks to walk, no person in a wheelchair, or
old people being taken care off. No hospital, no hospice, no
nothing it was strange, very very strange, and the grass is
forever green, the trees always produce fruits, the gardens
always and I mean always produce the best vegetables, the
river's water is always clear. Anyway, one of the old man from
around here took us in together with his wife, and they didn't
have any children. We stayed with them for few months until
we were built our (seer) own hut by the young men from this
village. I was also shocked to learn that there's no Chief here
considering the fact that all villages have Chiefs but this one

really shook me, and when we did a follow up we were told

that they never had any Chief they are waiting for it. Till
today, they are still waiting for the rightful Chief, they said this
village will be a new village with a new name, and they won't
be around then. Should the new King come they will leave to
another village, they are keeping us company until the rise of
the new Kingdom”. Well... There is a light at the end of the
tunnel, my Father will rule again.
Me: “Hmmmm, it is a mystery village indeed, and nothing
seems normal about it, but I like it- it brings so much calmness,
and peace. The man, who took you in, is he still alive”?

Him: “No. Actually I don't know, but we were told that he died,
yet we never saw him being buried together with his wife, and
what's more strange is that their house disappeared too”.
Okay, now this is weirdly interesting.

Me: “Wawu, so you've never enquired about his burial”?

Him: “I did, but I was told is a mystery only known by them.

Anyway, how are things there at Buhlebezulu village”? Sighs,
didn't he hear kanty? Oh well, he really didn't.

Me: “Buhlebezulu is no more Baba”.

Him: “What? But why? What happened to it”?

Me: “Rain of terror Baba it destroyed everything, even the
royal house”.

Him: “Oh, God. That's bad. What happened to my people”?

Me: “I don't know what happened to them Baba. When we

went there- there was no one on sight, there was
practically nothing Baba only soil remained”.

Him: “Oh, God. This is bad I have failed my people Princess

I've failed them”. I shake my head.

Me: “No. You have not failed them Baba. There's a reason why
everything happened the way they did, there is a reason Baba. I
mean, even the ancestors allowed everything to happen they did
not prevent the misfortune that befell you. What if that was a
sign for you to start your own Kingdom”? He shakes his head.

Him: “I don't know Princess. Even if I were to start rebuilding

Buhlebezulu village where will I even begin? Where will I get my
people? It's no doubt that they've taken shelter in another
villages, but what if they are suffering? Wait, what happened to
the King”?

Me: “I don't know Baba. The last time I saw him he was
bedridden, he was dead but not dead as in dead, but yes
he was dead”. He laughs.

Him: “There's no such thing as dead, but not dead as in dead.

It's either his dead, or alive but not doing anything”. I laugh.
“Where is his wife”?

Me: “I don't know where Khethiwe is Baba, but I'm su...”.

Him: “Wait, wait. Khethiwe? Which Khethiwe because the

Khethiwe I know was just a villager like all the other villagers,
and she was happily married, and had kids”.

Me: “Ey Baba, that Khethiwe. She is very evil Baba. She
threatened me on my wedding day”. He gasps.
Him: “Whoa, wait. You are married? To whom? And how
come you get married without me knowing? And what did
your mother say about all of this? How could she allow you to
get married without my go ahead”! Okay. He sounds very
angry right now, I shouldn't have told him hey, but the
damage has already been done why not tell him everything?

Me: “Yes, I'm married to a man who never loved me or

appreciated me. Who belittled me together with his girlfriend
every chance he got, they made my life a living hell along with
their friends. His name is Zweli Khethiwe's son. You mean, your
wife right? Because, that woman is not my mother. She wasn't
the during my growing up years I only got to know about her
few months ago, but either way she threw me out of her house
like I'm some random sack of potatoes. She even poured me
with water after everything I've been through, I've suffered all

my life Baba, I just wanted her to tell me that everything will be

okay she will walk this journey with me, but I was lying. To
think I was excited about getting to know her, and I finally have
a parent in my life she outright rejected me, and called me a
cursed child. I was really shattered by her behaviour, it got to a
point where I was hated by everyone, everywhere I go people
will be disgusted by me. I got sick to a point of where I thought
that death was the only option. Benginuka Baba, I had worms
coming out my body, I was something disgusting. But Nkanyiso

• Mnqobi were with me through it all, especially Nkanyiso. He

took care of me smelling & disgusting as I was, he risked losing
his job for me Baba. It was breaking my heart seeing him that
broken, but he still stood by me Baba. He believed in me, he
believed that I will be healed one day, and Mnqobi has been
praying for me too. I don't know where I would be if it wasn't
for the 2 of them I'm sure I would've given up on life, but they
gave me hope that one day I will be healed, and indeed I'm
healed. Everything has its own time we just have to patient, I
am a living testimony Baba. I've seen God and ancestors pulling
me through the pits of evil, prayer works Baba. Look, I can now
talk about this without shedding any tears I've healed”. I look
at him, only to find him wiping his tears.

Him: “I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you Nobuntu please

forgive me”. He pulls me into a hug.

Me: “I am not angry at you Baba you did nothing. Now, you can
be able to protect me”.
Him: “I promise to give you all the love you need Princess, and I
promise to protect you with my all, and protect you from this
young man who captured your heart”. I laugh.

Me: “Yoh Baba, Nkanyiso will never do anything to me, but you
should protect him from me”.

Him: “Hawu. Why”?

Me: “He is driving me nuts sometimes Baba, but I love him”.

Him: “Love is a beautiful thing Princess. Cherish it. Now, where

is this husband of yours”?
Me: “I don't know Baba”.

Him: “Why don't you divorce him”?

Me: “I did send him divorce papers Baba

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but he hasn't brought them back I don't even know if he

signed or what”.

Him: “If he knows what's good for him he will sign those
papers”. I chuckle. “He better sign them Princess, or else”.

Me: “You will deal with him accordingly”. We both laugh.

Someone clears their throat, and it's one of the old man
together with all the villagers they look so happy. Nkanyiso
pushes through them, and come and settles next to me. How
I missed him. The seer is standing next to my Father.

“Our time for us to leave have finally come”. My Father look

at him confused.

Him: “What are you saying Mohapi”?

Mohapi: “The Princess and the protector of this village are
finally home, and it's time for you, and the seer to take your
rightful places as you being the King, and him being the seer of
this village. This is your new kingdom, and your new village.
Don't worry about the occupants we've sent out a voice to the
other villagers to bring forth your people from your old village,
they will be here as the sun rises. Rise, and take your rightful
place. Nomcebo, Tambira, Elewani & Zakhele please step
forward. Three men plus a woman step out from the crowd,
they have 2 crowns with, and a cow skin attire with the royal
emblem, and a lion skin attire with the tail of it being tied into a
very beautiful gold wand. “Nomcebo, give me the crown”.
Nomcebo hands him the crown, and he walks towards me. The
crown is embedded with a blue sapphire and a white feather
on the right side. My heart is beating out of my chest as he
stands before me. “Princess Nobuntu”. He smiles. I hope my
voice won't fail me.

Me: “Yebo Baba”. My response comes out as a whisper.

Him: “Look at this place”. I look around the place. “This is now
your new home you should cherish it with your all, you have
greatness within you. I crown you the Princess of Zithobele
village”. I kneel down, and he puts the crown on my head, and
covers me with a blue & white cloth. He blesses me, and steps
back.

“Bayede”!

Him: “Tambira”. He steps forward, and hands him the lion skin
with the wand, and walks towards Nkanyiso who looks out of it,
I chuckle & pinch him. He snaps out of his thoughts the others
laugh. “Protector Nkanyiso”. He nods. “This village is in your
hands. You are the protector of this village the ancestors have
chosen you. You were marked from birth that you are
supposed to be a protector of this village. They've seen you in
work, and they are proud of you, this is your outfit, and this is
your spear to protect this village”. He hands them to him, and
covers him with the blue & white cloth. A lion roars behind us,
we all look and it is a big Lion it settles next to Nkanyiso who
looks mad scared. He blesses him too, and step away.

“Bayede”!
Him: “Elewani please step forward”. He steps forward, and
gives him the cow skin attire and a royal stuff covered in blue &
white cloth. “The seer. He who heals without medicine. He
whose wisdom is greater than anyone's wisdom. I will not say
much about you, but you know your duties, and how powerful
your wisdom is”. He hands him his attire, and the stuff (rod)
then covers him with the blue & White cloth. Same blessing
routine. He looks at my Father, and smiles. “Zakhele please
step forward”.

Dad: “You are going to tutor me too”? We laugh.

Him: “No. I am just going to crown & bless you”. He laughs. He

takes the crown, and my Father kneels before him. “Khaphela
Nxumalo. I officially crown you as the Zithobele village King”.

He crowns him, and gives him the royal stick painted in blue &
white and covers him with the cloth too. The women start
ululating, and giving praises this feels like a dream. White
doves fill up the sky as their feathers cover the whole area.

Dad: “My people. It feels good to say this”. Everyone laughs,

Nkanyiso pulls me into an embrace and kisses my forehead.
Mohapi: “Let me go, and show you your house. These huts will
be occupied by your people, but be warned that those with
evil hearts will be rejected, and will not be welcomed here
until they cleanse themselves, and confess their sins”. He
bows, and walks away, and we follow after him.

Nkanyiso: “Should I wake up first, or wake you up first

because all this seems like a dream”. I laugh.

Me: “Whatever happens just don't wake me up, but I

am hungry”.

Him: “Haike! Kwasuka lokho”. We both laugh. I wish Mnqobi

was here to celebrate this day with us, I can't even call him
because I don't know where my phone is. I don't know about
Lindiwe though because my Father did not say anything
about her...
★»★«

MNQOBI

My mother called me few hours ago while I was doing some

research she sounded very down over the phone I wonder what's
wrong with her. I hope it has nothing to do with Crecentia
because I don't think I will be able to handle another heartache,
Modiegi's death is enough to last me a lifetime, I will go, and see
her later since she said is on her way to her friends house. And I
still haven't heard from Nobuntu nor Nkanyiso I've been trying to
get hold of them, but their phones aren't going through, I hope
they arrived safe there by Zithobele village, and have found my
Father. Now more than ever I wish that I went with them, but ke
I also have commitments of my own to deal

with this side. I take my car keys from the key rack, and exit
the house, and walk to my car... Something just doesn't feel
right, or maybe I am just over thinking things. My phone rings,
I take it out from my pocket, and it's Snikelelo.

“Kelo”. Unlocking the car.

“Mnqobi, don't step inside your car I foresaw your car burning
up in flames while driving, please don't drive your car”.

Me: “Are you sure Snikelelo”?

Her: “100% Mnqobi. Call an uber, and meet me at Tasha's”.

She hangs up. I know better than to defy her, she is a
prophetess after all. I take out my phone, and call an uber
while inspecting my car for any foul play, but I see none. What
could possibly burn my car? Nothing. Sighs, 10 minutes later
the uber is not here. I take my car keys, and step inside and
roar the engine to life.

“Though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil for
you are with me”. I repeat the words twice, and drive off
playing Kirk Franklin x my life is in your hands when all of a
sudden my car smells funny, then it hits me that it must be the
smell of petrol. Snap! I look at the time, and Tasha's is 10
minutes away I pray that it carries me until I reach my
destination. I hear my tire blasting, I abruptly pull over, and
step out of the car immediately I step out it explodes making
my ears to go deaf for a couple of seconds. All I do is to watch it
going up in flames, but otherwise I thank God for the gift of life
that I manage to come of that car fast, my redeemer lives.
Snikelelo's car parks before me.

“You don't listen. Get in”. I step inside the car.

Me: “It's a good thing that it exploded here, and not in my yard
because my house would've caught fire too, and I didn't want
to find myself homeless”. She laughs.
Her: “At least you can think”.

Me: “Mxm. What's the destination”?

Her: “We are going to find the truth it's time people knew the
truth. We can't be trapped in that church all our lives, and we
can't leave that church because once you do they kill you we
need our freedom back we need to be free in church, and not
pray with heavy hearts. I've brought back up with”. And my
heart just eased, God I thank you for opening their eyes.

Me: “Thank you for coming through for me I really appreciate

it”.

Her: “No. Thank you for opening our eyes we were really
blinded, Siyabonga“. We park outside this big house I guess is
Bishop Nhlanzi's house. “Are you ready”?

Me: “I was born ready”.

Her: “Let's go”. We both step out of the car. “There's some dark
Aura hovering this place”.

Me: “I got it. Phela I don't fear anything, I fear fokol! I call upon
all the seven Archangels of heaven to protect, and walk with us.
I call forth Raphael, Gabriel, Michael, and Uriel to watch over us
in all four corner's of this yard, I also call forth the heavenly
animal Cherub”! I hear wings flapping from a distance.
Snikelelo is just looking at me mouth agape. I slightly slap her,
and she snaps out of it. “Let's go in”. I take her hand, and we
walk inside the yard. “Fear not Snikelelo, we are heavenly
protected the ancient of days Angel's are with us”.

Her: “I Stan your faith. God is indeed with us”. We are standing
before Bishop Nhlanzi's doorstep I knock twice, and he opens
looking really scared, it's no rocket science that Bab'Dlamini is
here with someone else.

Me: “Good evening. May we come in”? He nods, and steps

aside making way for us. We get in, and yes as predicted
Bab'Dlamini is here together with none other than Modiegi's
Father! I chuckle in disbelief. Isn't he supposed to be mourning
his daughter's death?

Snikelelo: “Bab'Dlamini. Bab'Malebana”! My eyes dart to the

table, and there is a butcher knife, grinder, and body bags, and
some powders in 5 different colours.

“Arhhh. Thank you for joining us the party was about to

begin”. Bab'Dlamini comments. “Prophetess Snikelelo you
never learn my girl. Do you want to die for real now”? He
laughs. I can feel Snikelelo shaking in fear next to me.

Bab'Malebana: “Boy, why are you sticking your nose where it

doesn't belong, huh? Why are you busy digging things that
doesn't involve you? I hope you are covered insurance wise”.
He picks up the grinder, and approaches me. I give him a smile,
and slighly tilt my head.

Me: “I fear not for my redeemer lives, and again I am heavenly

protected I fear nothing. I call forth Angel Raphael”! A very
bright light shines through the entire lounge. Bab'Dlamini
groans, and falls down changing into a serpent with 3 heads,
and hisses. Bab'Malebana eyes becomes red. “Attack”! I kneel
down, and start praying...

68.2
{Good VS Evil Battle}

It won't be long...

{Narrated}

Snikelelo decided to join Mnqobi in prayer, and they are busy

praying and God is really doing something within Bab'Nhlanzi's
house. Mnqobi snap his eyes open when he feels heat all of a
sudden, and he finds that Bab'Malebane has transformed into
a scary looking beast more like a devil. He has horns protruding
from his head, his eyes are red, he has a spear tail and sharp
fangs, and long claws he also has a flaming spear in his left
hand he is Satan himself, and he keeps on getting bigger and
bigger as he fully transforms to Satan. And Bab'Dlamini is still in
his serpent form, but he, too, is growing bigger & bigger,
besides them stood some of the old church members who he
didn't know when did they come in because he did not see
them I can't believe that almost half of the old church members
are also part of this cult it's shocking. The women are wearing
red robes, and the men are wearing black robes they have
spears with. And the prayer warriors are surrounding the house

in their all white armour with white doves circling around them.
Bab'Dlamini roars so loud that the ground shakes, and he
breaths fire aiming at Mnqobi, and Snikelelo whose eyes are
now fully open shocked by the 2 beasts before her. Mnqobi
ducks, and Snikelelo raises up her hands.

“Shield”! She yells, and a transparent canyon covers them. “It

will not hold for long with you inside it. You need to go out,
and fight Mnqobi this is your battle”. She tells Mnqobi with
such urgency in her voice. Mnqobi looks at her, and nods. She
creates a passage for him with her hands, and he steps out of
the canyon. Romolous laughs and breathes again this time
around some of the fire burns the curtain.

“You still have time to surrender to us Mnqobi. You

are overpowered”! His voice is deep.
Mnqobi: “I will not surrender”!

Uriel: “This is your battle, and you will conquer it like your
name. Defeat Romolous together with Lucifer, and all the evil
of this world will disappear the world will be a better place, we

are on standby. Fear not for he is with you”. He clasps Mnqobi's

shoulder, and take a step back. Mnqobi nod, and look at
Romolous who's horns have suddenly grown 2x than how it
was before, and Lucifer who now has 5 heads, and 2 tails.
Everyone steps back except for Bab'Dlamini (Romolous) and
Bab'Malebana (Lucifer) Romolous is one of the ancient highest
ranking demon in the dark world he is second best after Lucifer.
Romolous hits his spear down, and fire surrounds him, Mnqobi
and Lucifer and the others are watching from the sidelines each
protecting their own.

Raphael: “Here's your armour Conquer”. Mnqobi looks at

himself, and he is wearing all white, and has a sword on his
right hand shining so bright like a diamond. Romolous lifts his
spear, and Lucifer spits hisses a very rough hiss, he only hisses
like this when he is about to spew poison that kills immediately.
Mnqobi looks at his opponents, he has to defeat them, but how
will he do that if he is facing 2 powerful demons? Sighs.
Romolous throw his flaming spear at Mnqobi, and Mnqobi
blocks it with his sword and it falls down. He roars, and extracts
another one, and charges towards him. They go blow-by-blow,
ducking, and going blow-by-blow both their weapons making
immense metal noise. Lucifer continues to hiss as he is
watching the fight between Mnqobi & Romolous. Romolous

breaths fire again, and charges towards Mnqobi who closes his
eyes, and concentrate on the waves he is hearing in his ears,
and the beautiful village before him. He sees white doves
flying around freely, and from a distance he sees 4 people
holding hands, and a lion is next to them.

“We are with you in spirit Prince. This is your destiny fight, and
save your people. Go now”. They all say in unison. He snap out
from his mini tour, and Romolous attacks him with a quick spear
cut in his right hand, he looks at his hand, and blows air into it
and the cut disappears Romolous look at him not believing what
happened, he roars in anger, and once again attack him with a
spear, Mnqobi ducks again. The devil's agent are burning with
anger they want to enter into that ring, and defeat Mnqobi they
can't afford to lose all that they worked for, no ways. The
Ancient Angel's are aiming their swords at them making them to
step back, once the devil's agent tries to attack its game over for
them, even those in the underworld who aren't present will
suffer a great ordeal of heaven's wrath, they just can't risk it.
Mnqobi charges towards Romolous, and exchange blows with
him his hand is one with the sword, the way he swings it, and
use it to block Romolous blows is simple. His hand starts
twitching, and a new powerful sensation manifest in his body,
he is overly protected as his wearing

another gold garment on top of the white cloth he was

wearing, and his spear is gold too. Romolous gasps.

“Unbelievable”! He drops his head, and a million of mini spears

spew out from his horns like a fresh wave of tears, they stop
midway, and not go any more further than how they were
intended to go. Mnqobi raises up his hand, and makes them to
turn back he then points the sword towards Romolous

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and mini swords spew out of it joining the mini spears heading
straight to Romolous. He lifts his spear in attempt to stop
them, but he is a little too late because the spears together
with the swords lands everywhere piercing his body, he
screams in pain as the small weapons lands in his body, and
more is coming his way he drops to his knees, as giant as he is
he can't withstand the pain. This pisses Lucifer off, and he
starts circulating around Mnqobi he has jump through the
white line the line is the one preventing evil from crossing over,
but Lucifer has done it. He has crossed over the line, the devils'
agents upon seeing the sight, now they can attack however
way they want the line that prevented them from crossing over
has been cut, but then it was too easy this feels like a trap one
of the devil's agent says to himself. The heavens fighters gasp
not believing what just happened it's impossible.

“Behold Mnqobi. The only person who can defeat Lucifer is

on her way, fear not keep on fighting”. She hears Nobuntu
telling him.

Lucifer: “I am Lucifer! The ruler of this universe! I will not be

defeated, I refuse, but you will surrender to me, and everyone
in this entire world will worship me I will rise. Attack the prayer
warriors”. He commands his agents... They all run towards the
prayer warriors, and heaven descendants when all of a sudden
they hear a very harsh wind, and roaring thunder causing the
whole house to shake. Everyone stops on their tracks, and not
go any further. Lucifer starts moving all his 5 heads around still
hissing wondering who the uninvited angry guest is. The roof
flies up as dust fill the entire lounge, and Arizona appears
before them with her 7 snakes heads, plus 2 dragons heads.
She looks so scary, Lucifer can't believe his eyes. How is she
still alive because he remembers killing her?

“Arizona”. He hisses. “I thought you were dead”. Arizona tilts

her head, and look at the devils agents, and the 2 dragon faces
opens up their mouth, and she, breaths fire amongst the devils
agents. They shriek, and attempt running away as the fire gets

in contact with them, not even Hell's fire can stand this fire it
too powerful even Lucifer is feeling the heat too even though
he is a distant apart from it.

Arizona: “I was never dead Lucifer I planned it. I planned my

death because you wanted to kill me for my throne Lucifer”!
She roars, and one of the 7 heads snakes spews poison in one
of Lucifer's face, he groans in pains Arizona is angering him.

Arizona has no time for playing catching up. He, too, spews
poison at Arizona, and Arizona blocks the poison with her
armour, and she spews more poison out of her mouth, and
Lucifer starts wiggling his body. “Command anything that you
want to happen Mnqobi”.

Mnqobi: “I command you Lucifer to leave this body, and go

back to where you come from. Out in Jesus name, go back to
where you belong. You have no refugee in this body I command
you to leave now! In the name of the Son, the Father and the
Holy Spirit I command you to leave this body at this instant,
out. Fire!”. He roars, and start praying in tongues. Lucifer
groans, and hisses as 1-2-3-4-5 heads all drop dead on the floor,
and Bab'Malebana goes back to his normal self, and so does
Bab'Dlamini who looks unconscious. He is indeed a God of
possibilities, he is able if you believe in him, and never doubt

his existence, he is for us. Be patient. Wait on him, don't rush

him, be patient and you will see him showing up unexpected.
Remember that his promises are yes & Amen, give him all
the praise he needs. He is God of miracles, and he lives.
Everyone around Mnqobi erupt in cheers as the devil is no
more, Snikelelo hurries towards Mnqobi, and hugs him.

“You did it Mnqobi. You've saved us”. She breaks the hug. “Now
we wait for them to wake up then they confess”.
Uriel: “God is so faithful. Your belief in him, and your
faithfulness to him is what made you defeat the devil. The
world will be a better place now, tell everyone that he is God of
everyone they must just wait upon him, and fear not for he
loves them all”. He bows, and so do the others including
Arizona, and they all leave. Mnqobi, Snikelelo, Bab'Nhlanzi and
some of the remaining prayer warriors look at the aftermath of
it all... Nc nc nc. Prayer is very powerful bahlali, only if you
believe in his word...

My name is MnqobiWempi! I live up to my name.

★»★«

KHETHIWE

News is out that all the people who used to stay at Buhlebezulu
village are requested to go to their new home, a new Kingdom
ruled by a new Chief as per the Chief's request. It is said that we
will be leaving tomorrow before the sun rises, I am so happy to
tell you the truth. Hopefully the new Kingdom is better than
here, and who knows maybe I might end up ruling again. My
bags are already packed, and so are Zweli's I wonder who the
new Chief is seeing that we had none before the rain of terror
happened, and I wonder which Kingdom is it because all villages
I know already have Chiefs, well I guess we will see tomorrow
morning. Those who were laughing at my downfall will regret it
shame, they won't see me coming. I'm already picturing myself
living a life of a Queen again, sure as hell it feels good.

69
It's quite long...

NKANYISO

It's 05:00am in the morning, and I am already awake and

Nobuntu is still sleeping. I still can't believe that I am a
protector of this Kingdom, a mere guy like me njer turns out
that he has been marked since from birth that he holds
greatness within him something of which never crossed my
mind I wonder if my dad knew, or what. Speaking of him, he is
coming too today together with my brothers, I called Ziyanda
last night since I couldn't reach my father and told him the so
unbelievable, yet exciting news, and he was really excited
bathong. I get off bed taking my robe from the bedside table,
did I tell you how beautiful our room is? Hhe, it is so beautiful
and very vast too. Who would've thought that one day I will
be waking up in such a vast room with a very beautiful painted
wall, I swear all of this feels like a dream. Stepping out of the
room I go straight to the kitchen, and as I am approaching the
passage leading to the kitchen I hear voices coming from the

dining area. I guess its Nobuntu's Father with the seer let me
go, and greet them before anything else.

“Sanibonani”. The table is filled with full English breakfast I

wonder who prepared it considering the fact that there's four
of us here, or maybe Nobuntu's Father is the one who
prepared it.

“Hello son, how are you”? Nobuntu's Father asks me, and the
seer just nods acknowledging my presence.
Me: “I'm good, thank you”.

Him: “You may take a sit”. I do as told.

Me: “Thank you Baba”.

Him: “Nobuntu is still sleeping”?

Me: “Yes, she is Baba”.

Him: “I wonder what did you feed her because she was raving
about you all day yesterday”. I laugh.

Me: “I fed her nothing I think it's the other way around”.
Seer: “Wuuhh, the Princess would never feed you anything
you fed her something, and left her with a package”. I look at
him confused.

Me: “Package? What package”? He snorts.

Him: “You will find out soon enough. I like you young man
you are the perfect man for our Princess”.

Me: “Thank you. She is also perfect for me”.

Chief: “I hope your Father have budgeted enough Lobola for my

daughter, because she is no ordinary girl she is a Princess”.
Me: “I hope so too”.

Seer: “Tell him to sell his house if it needs to”. We all laugh.
Chief: “I am honestly happy hey, I never thought I would ever
see a day where I sit in a feasting table with my son-in-law.
Wait, a whole protector of this newly found Kingdom I wouldn't
have asked for a better son-in-law than you. My daughter told
me all that you have done for her, and how you were always
besides her the time she was really sick risking your job for her.
And for that I am really thankful, if it wasn't for you, I don't
know where she would've been, or maybe she might've died
along the way. Thank you for your continuous support, and
showing her genuine love. May God richly bless the both of
you, and may your relationship never be hindered by any evil,
but be warned that should you ever hurt her anyhow I will
moer you beyond repair my boy”.

Seer: “You will drink tea using a saucer, and you will never get
to eat meat ever again, your Father will cripple you too”. We
all laugh.

Me: “I will never harm her in any way”.

“Like heck you won't. Good morning family”. She settles next to
me, and when I look on the table there's no pap & meat here. I
laugh, and scratch my head. Her Father look at me then at her
as she scans her eyes to the table. “Something is missing here,
and please Nkanyiso next time when you wake up take your
lion with I can't be woken up by your lion's scary roar I am not a
protector of this Kingdom. Now, where's pap & meat”? We all
look at her, her sudden addiction of pap & meat is really
alarming. I observe her as she ravages the table.

Chief: “We've completely forgotten about that Princess”.

She shakes her head.

Her: “Cha Baba. You haven't forgotten you just don't

know, Nkanyiso here was supposed to tell you”.

Him: “He, too, didn't know that we've already prepared

breakfast when he woke up he found the table already set, is
not his fault please don't blame him”. She flares her nose, and
snorts. “I don't mind cooking for you”. She shakes her head.

Her: “Its fine Baba I will just eat a banana, and besides we have
no time our people will be here any time soon they must find
us ready”.
Him: “Hmmm, I see you are already taking your Princess
duties serious I like that”.

Her: “I think I was born ready for this, and I can't wait for
Mnqobi to get here so that we lead side by side with you”.
The seer shakes his head.

Him: “Mnqobi's destiny is not like yours. He may a Prince by

blood, but his true calling is being a preacher. He is heavenly
anointed, and he is set to rule his church with a prophetess
besides him”.

Her: “But how? I thought that Royal families don't

have preachers amongst them”.

Him: “With him is different. God, marked him before he was

even born. His true calling is to preach the God's word to the
lost souls of this world, and give them new hope and meaning
in life”.
Me: “Now, who will take up the Chief's throne once his
time comes to an end”?

Him: “Nobuntu. Nobuntu will be the Queen of this Kingdom

with you by her side, you will rule as one”. Wawu, this is just
wawu I don't even know what to say. And again, who
would've thought that Mnqobi one day would be a preacher?
A whole preacher bahlali, God's messenger? He is God of
wonders indeed.

Me: “Speaking of your people coming I've also called my

family too, I hope it's okay with you”.

Chief: “More than okay son I would really love to meet your
family, and if it was up too I would've liked it if all of you
stayed here, but I know that you have your own lives in the
city”.

Nobuntu: “Don't worry Baba. We will always be here we can't

neglect our people then once I'm done with university me &
Nkanyiso will stay here permanently. We will have all the basic
needs that the villagers need, who knows maybe we might
have our own chemist here”. A horn sounds from a distance I
guess it's alarming us that the old villagers are approaching, I
wonder if Khethiwe & Zweli will be amongst them, if they are; I
wonder if they will be allowed in since they are evil. We all
stand up, exiting the house, and walk towards the gate there
walk to the gate is rather long if you ask me.

“Elami, I'm hungry I haven't eaten anything since last night”.

She's whispering in my ear, hold up she is complaining.

Me: “I will make you something to eat when we come back

from welcoming your people I don't like hearing you
complaining about hunger it doesn't sit well with me”. She
laughs.

Her: “Its good to know that you actually care about me. I
love you”.

Me: “I love you too”. From out of nowhere people or should I

say Royal servants are marching towards us they have our
garments with they drop to their knees as they get to us.
Bayade boNxumalo”. They give us our garments, and we wear
it right there & then. They get up, and fall besides us as we
proceed walking to the gate. I still need time to process all of
this... And we finally reach our destination! I look at Nobuntu's
Father, and he looks like a real Chief and his broad shoulders
are not making any justice, and the seer is not even showing a
set of teeth, then there's Nobuntu busy complaining about
hunger. The invisible gatekeepers open the gate, and I am
surprised to see Ziyanda's car I did not expect them to arrive so
soon, I hope he did not come with Gina. The Lion walks towards
the car I can see fear in their faces all the way from here, the
Lion circles around the car then come back to us.

“I didn't know that your Father fears a Lion, the very same man
who was boasting about being a Father-in-law to a Princess. Mr
we must now behave like ‘royalty’ wawza”. Nobuntu tells me
then laugh.

Me: “Mxm uyaphapha wena”.

Chief: “Let them come in I want to see the man who gave
birth to you, I hope he is vibrant, and know how to throw
jokes who knows maybe he might be one of my advisers”.

Seer: “I'm sure his jokes are dry. I'm kidding man, this feels so
good”. Ziyanda drives his car in and as soon as it stops my Father
is the first one to step out of the car looking dapper in his brand
new white with a tuxedo, I'm saying brand you because its my
first time seeing him wearing it. He fixes his tie, and put on his
navy blue hat and walk towards us his walk has changed too,
guess he really meant it when he said he will now behave like
your royalty because he surely is behaving like one.

Seer: “Now I see where you got your sense of fashion from”.
We all laugh.

Nobuntu: “Don't start with my boyfriend please because we are

yet to deal with his dramatic but loving Father”.

“Step out of the car boys you can't disappoint me in front of

our Royal in-laws”. He bangs Ziyanda's window. Nobuntu
and his Father giggle.
Seer: “And he is dramatic too. I thought you were just saying in
passing”. Laughing is a norm all of a sudden here, and it's
refreshing. My brothers step out of the car looking rather
nervous. “Well, at least they are a different kind of breed”.
They all chuckle.

Dad: “Greetings my fellow beautiful royal in-laws”. He bows

his head.

Us: “Greeted”. He looks at me confused as to why am I

wearing like this he better be patient, and ask no questions
because he will find out soon as to why. My brothers
eventually step out of the car and walk towards us. “Well, at
least a different kind of breed”.

Him: “Thank you for the extended invitation I am so honoured

to be amongst a royal family, I mean I even feel like I'm royalty

myself, huh. I've even perfected my royal walk, and I'm also
ready to negotiate Lobola”. We all laugh. My brothers greet
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and we greet them again.

Nobuntu: “My favourite people are finally here. Welcome

you guys”.

Ziyanda: “Now you most definitely look like a royal Princess.

The great one”. They hug. “And what is up with him”? He points
at me.

Nobuntu: “He is the one”. A horn sounds again. “And that's our
people”.

Mbuso: “This place is so beautiful I wouldn't mind staying here

it is so soothing and peaceful”.

Chief: “You are more than welcome to stay here”.

Him: “Good, because I've already brought my clothes along I
need to start on a clean slate, and this place is the right place
for me”. We all look at him. “I will be part of the Royal family
soon. So why not”? I shake my head.

Mveli: “Well, you are not the only one son I've brought
mine too”.

Seer: “You are all more than welcome, plus there are small
houses in the palace”. The horn sounds louder this time
around. “There are evil people coming too, and who are not
ready to confess their sins”.

Nobuntu: “I'm hungry”.

Nkosikhona: “And that's why I'm your most favourite brother-in-

law because I've brought your favourite, pap & chicken livers. Of
which makes me wonder. Are you maybe expecting because...”.
Nobuntu's Father clears his throat cutting him short. “Right”.
Nobuntu just stares at him blankly, and he turns away and walk
towards the car to fetch Nobuntu's food. That was also my
sentiments pertaining this sudden love of Nobuntu

for pap & chicken livers. Ey, damn I'm such a dead man. Mnqobi
will sure as hell deal with me, or maybe not seeing that he is
destined to be a preacher. Angithi preachers must be godly
people, and not to do bad to others but pray for us. Anyway,
we all stand in a straight line waiting to welcome our or should I
say the new dwellers of Zithobele village.

Nobuntu: “Baba, that friend of yours said that those with evil
hearts will be rejected right”? He nods. “Of which brings me to
this issue. The time I was hated for no apparent reason it
happened that Thakasile called the villagers to attack me back
there at the village, and I ran for my dear life. Will they also be
rejected? On my side I would like to believe that they were
made to behave like that they did not do it willingly, for
example; take a look at Sanele. Sanele & I were very close Baba
until that one unfortunate event, he was completely someone
else. Will he be rejected”?
Seer: “No. They won't be. Only those with evil hearts will get
rejected, those who used to hurt people without showing
any remorse will be rejected”. She nods...

Her: “I see. Then in terms of choosing the royal council, how are
you going to go about it”?

Him: “They will be chosen”. Immediately as he finished saying

those words 2 doves land on my Father's shoulders.
Nobuntu's Father smiles. “He is the first one”.

Dad: “Does this mean that I am one of the elders”? The seer
nods. “Mbuso, please tie my shoelaces for me”. We all laugh.
“Truly speaking I am grateful. Thank you to the underground
gang of this Kingdom to choose me I'm really honoured”. He
bows as a sign of respect.

Ziyanda: “Then what are we”?

Mbuso: “Good question”.

Nobuntu: “F boys of this Kingdom”. We laugh again...

★»★«
KHETHIWE

This Zithobele village is very beautiful I tell you it's a world of

its own. The river is so clear, the water is sparkling this is God's
best masterpiece, let me not get started about the grass, trees,
and the beautiful colourful different flowers, from here we can

see the very gigantic magnificent royal house I am already

imagining myself standing by the balcony drinking coffee with
warm milk watching all my servants, and my people going up &
down doing their daily duties.

“Look son. This place is so beautiful I wish you can be your old
self again so that you can see the beauty of this wonderful new
Kingdom of ours. Our new home, and we will go back to what
we used to be before”.

“Kumnandi ukuphupha”. (It's nice to dream) Nompilo

comments.
Me: “Awazi ukuthi ukhuluma ngani Nompilo”. (You don't know
what you are talking about)

Her: “Besengizisholo njer”. (I was just saying)

Me: “Kuzokusiza ukuthi uthule ngoba ukhuluma umsangano

wodwa”. (It will do you good to keep quiet because you are
talking nonsense) she laughs.

Her: “Ngathi ukhohliwe ukuthi bengikondla la, wena futhi

ukhuluma nami so”? (It seems like you are forgetting that I was
feeding you, now you talk to me like this) Everyone gasps and I
just roll my eyes at her talk about being unnecessary extra.

Me: “Bewungondla ngani? Usho lamakhekhe wakho amabili

ongiphe wona ne tiye lakho belingana shukela”? (Feeding me
with what? Are you referring to those 2 scones you've given
me, and your tea without sugar)
Her: “Yebo. Phela wena bewunganako kona loko, bewumbashe
umlomo phela wena, kodwa njengoba sewushizo ithi
ngithule”. (Yes. I mean, you did not even have any of it, your
mouth was perched, but as you've said let me keep quiet)
Yerrr, Nompilo can be annoying at times. I click my tongue, and
focus on the road ahead. All the buses come into a complete
halt well it seems like we've reached our destination. This is it,
new beginnings. I feel someone stirring next to me, I look and
it's Zweli he is sitting up right I can't believe my eyes, and so is
everyone else. I place my hand over my mouth in total shock,
not believing any of this. But how?

“Mama”. Tears fill my eyes as he calls me. “Where are we”?

I just shake my head not believing this it feels surreal.

Me: “Zweli”. My voice comes out as a whisper.

Him: “Why are crying? What's going on, and where is

this place”? I just stare at him blankly.

“We are going to our new village”. Comments one man.

Him: “Oh, so Buhlebezulu village is no more”? I nod. “I guess
this is us starting a new life in a new era, and to tell you the
truth I am ready to take the throne”. I choke on my tears.

Man: “Take the throne from whom? We will be led by a

new King, the King of this new Kingdom. So, don't talk about
the throne because it's not yours”.

Him: “What? That's not happening! I was supposed to be the

next King since my Father is... Wait, where is he any way?
Don't tell me that his dead”!

Man: “Your Father's whereabouts are unknown, but I'm sure

your mother will tell you everything once she's done with
being shocked”.

“Everyone please step out of the bus, take your belongings

with”. The bus conductor tells us. We all stand up taking our
belongings along, then step out of the bus, and yet again we
must join the queue something of which I never did while I was
still a Queen.

Zweli: “I don't understand why we must stand in a queue, I

mean you were once a Queen mama, and by the looks of it
seems like these people here have forgotten about all of that
after everything you've done for them. Is this the thanks you
get after what you did for them? Such ungrateful bunch”.

2nd man: “Exactly. She is a ‘former Queen’ but now at this

instant she is a commoner just like the rest of us, so she,
including you must humble yourselves because You've both
become a nonentity in our lives. And you, young man better
forget about being the King because it will never happen.
And secondly your mother has never done anything for us”.

Me: “Shut up Sizwe shut up”!

Him: “But I'm telling the truth”. Sizwe just like Nompilo
is annoying, I will rule again and I will banish them in this
Kingdom. They will learn to respect me again.
30 minutes later we still in the slow moving queue I wonder
what's taking so long, while standing on the queue a dove
lands on Sizwe's shoulder. Impossible!

Me: “No. It can't be”! Shaking my head.

Zweli: “Can't be what mother”?

Me: “Urh...m nothing son. It's nothing”. He nods unsure. The

line keeps on moving, and moving.

“Hhayi”! Nompilo yells, and she drops to the ground. A lion

comes and settle next to her preventing anyone from coming

near Nompilo's aid. Thakasile is standing like a statue, but

Sanele seems happy. All of this just doesn't make sense. I don't
know when did he get here, but here is Nkanyiso, Zweli's old
friend standing before us, I look at Zweli whose mouth is open
wide in shock, and he ain't even blinking. My legs start
trembling, but how? He just stares at us and not say anything
then he walks away. I give Zweli a slight slap, and he snaps out
of his thought.

Him: “Was that Nkanyiso”? I nod.“What is he doing here? Is he

a protector of this Kingdom? Hmmm, if that's the case then
where is Nobuntu in all of this”? I think my worst fear has
come to life, let's just hope I'm wrong about all of this... We
continue walking, and my stomach tightens in knots and my
legs are shaking and about to fail me, I can't believe any of this.
Khaphela Nxumalo and the seer are alive, and very much well
for that matter. I go down on my knees when I see Langelihle
standing next to his Father, I start having breathing difficulties.
Zweli leaves me there, and hurry towards Langelihle shouting...

“That's my wife! That's my wife”! He keeps shouting until he

reaches the gate, but he can't get inside the yard something is
preventing him from getting in. “Langelihle baby, please let me

in my love. We are married, remember? It is me, Zweli your

husband”. She sneer's and flares her nose then giggles.
Her: “Your what? Didn't you sign the divorce papers I've served
you with? And you think that after how you treated me, and
humiliated me, I will welcome you back with warm hands? And
the last time I remember you gave my relationship with
Nkanyiso blessings, and no you & me are not married, and we
were never in love. Just sign those divorce papers Zweli
because you & I will never work, don't make things harder than
they already are because as far as I'm concerned you are no
longer welcomed here until you confess all your sins, together
with the people who will remain outside here. In that manner,
if you know that you did me bad it will do you good to confess
your sins before you are granted permission to step into this
Kingdom. This is the Kingdom of the pure not there ones with
stained hearts”. She turns on her heels, and walk away leaving
Zweli on the gate calling her name. Life is really unpredictable!
And it's true that nothing stays hidden forever. What just
happened? 27 years later what I thought I have buried have
resurrected. I am screwed, and I'm sure by now they know
what I did. The mighty has indeed fallen.

69.2

★»★«
MNQOBI

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do no lean in your
own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he
will make your paths straight”. Jeremiah 3:5-6

“Through God we shall do valiantly. And it is He who will

tread down our adversaries”. Psalms 60:12

“Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be

silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to
harm you, for I have many people in this city”. Acts 18:9-10

“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds”.

Psalms 147:3
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and
you will honour me”. Psalms 50:15

I live by these verses they carry a lot of messages within them,

being in the presence of the Lord is amazing, and knowing that
he lives and never slumbers is a bonus. Never stop praying,
rejoice in him and in his word for he is God of possibilities.

Hmmm, who would've thought that one day I will be clothed in

Jesus blood? Who would've known that one day I will be a
preacher standing before people, and reminding them the
word of God and to come back to him before judgement day
comes. Life is one big mystery itself, you don't know what it has
in store for you. Here I was ready to be a Prince, and serve my
people then boom little did I know, God had other greater plans
for me. Hhe, never underestimate the power of God bahlali. It's
been a journey... Modiegi has been finally laid to rest. Her
Father, Bab'Dlamini and other church members who were
practising devil worshipping are sentenced for dear life in
prison. Modiegi's Father did confess that he killed Modiegi, it

was actually a sacrifice in order for him to be the 8 head

serpent with a spear tail in the underworld he had to sacrifice
his daughter since he wanted to be rich, he also confessed that
by the time Deacon John approached him he had already made
a deal with the devil that once Modiegi reaches 30 years old he
will sacrifice her of which he did, and he killed Deacon John too
with the help of Bab'Dlamini. I just don't understand, how does
one sacrifice their own flesh & blood, where do you even
begin? Why would you want to be powerful at the expense of
your child? Why harm your child in a most cruel manner just
money & power? How evil can you be by taking your child's life
in a cruel manner? Her cries & plea, didn't they move him?
This is another level of evil. And another reason as to why the
church had many members it's because they've been
sacrificing infant's blood, and if you were a woman and
pregnant in church once they smear oil on your forehead
you've automatically sacrificed with your child hence too many
women were miscarrying here in church unknowingly so. And
again they will sleep with the woman in spirit causing her to
miscarry in that present moment. What I don't understand
though is how come these women never saw blood coming out
of their sacred places, or maybe they didn't know that they
were pregnant including their spouses too? But I would like to
believe that they were blinded maarn, phela these evil men
were very evil, sies. They were cruel maarn, Yerrr. Good
riddance to bad rubbish, may they burn until they turn into
ashes in hell. My heart goes out to those women who lost their
babies through sacrifices, and may God heal them, and once
again bless their wombs with children. Modiegi's mother
decided to move away from here to start a new life somewhere
far, where she will not get to be reminded about Modiegi death
and her husband's evil deeds she wants to forget everything?
But how will she do that seeing that the wound is still fresh?
This really hit her hard, may she heal and find comfort in God,
and may she continue to pray without ceasing.

I am on my way to my mother's house I've been trying to get

hold of her for the past 2 days, and she hasn't been answering
my calls of which got me really worried. Oh, and Crecentia is
healing well but, she, too, decided to go away for a couple of
months once discharged just to clear her mind and reevaluate
her life I wish her the best too. I park outside my mother's
house, and the house looks dead quiet from the outside
hopefully I will find her, I make my way inside the yard, then
knock on her door 3x and there's no response I peep through
the keyhole, and the key is there. Sighs. I turn down the door
handle, and step inside the house it's too dark since there's no
light getting in, I switch on the kitchen light and it looks so dirty,
what is actually going on with her? I get to the lounge, and
switch on the light and I find her sitting on the one sitter couch
staring into space she looks so skinny.

“Mama”. She slowly turns her head, and looks at me she looks
like a zombie. I walk up to her, and crouch before her. “Mama,
what's wrong? What's going on”? Fresh wave of tears make
their presence felt. “Talk to me Ma”. She continues to cry I just
let her be, all I do is to stare at her as she cries her eyes are
lifeless. It's as if like she has given up on life. What got her this
skinny though?

“Take me to the Zithobele village right now I messed up I need

to make things right”. She tells me this wiping her tears.

Me: “What did you do? Is this about your treatment

towards Nobuntu”? She nods. “So, you want to go there,
and tell her why you hate her so much”?

Her: “I don't hate her Mnqobi”!

Me: “Then why did you treat her like she was not your
daughter? All she wanted from you was love, but instead you
threw her efforts in her face you humiliated her. She tried
reaching out to you again, and you still rejected her, and had
the audacity to tell her not to tell our Father how you treated
her? You did all of that without the influence of anyone right”?

Her: “You don't understand Mnqobi. I, too, don't know why I

hated her so much I had no control over it”.

Me: “You know what's funny? It's the fact that you know
exactly what you did to her, and you remember everything if
you were under a spell you wouldn't even remember what you
did to her. You did all that to her with a sane mind Mama,
you've failed her”.

Her: “Please Mnqobi. Just don't I beg you, all I need to do is to

get there and apologize to her”.
Me: “Why don't we take Crecentia with? She needs to be with
people who love her currently, and her going there will give her
peace of mind”.

Her: “Hmm, okay. Let me go, and pack for the both of us then”.
She gets up from the couch, and looks at me. “Do you think she
will forgive me? I mean, after everything I've put her through”?

Me: “Yes, she will forgive you Mama”. She nods, and walk
away. I text Nobuntu letting her know that I am coming
with my mother, and she calls immediately. “Little bear”.

“Biggie. When are you coming”?

Me: “Today, we will probably get there after the sun has set”.

Her: “Gosh, I can't wait to see you. So, you're coming with your
mother you say”?
Me: “Yeah, she actually wants to apologize to you”. She laughs.

Her: “Willingly or you forced her too”?

Me: “Willingly little one”.

Her: “Well, let me ask the helpers to prepare your bedrooms I

can't wait for you to get here, and see how beautiful this
place is”.

Me: “Me too little one. I can't wait to meet our Father”.

Her: “He is your replica biggie. See you when you get here, I
love you”.

Me: “I love you too, and don't forget to send me the location”.

Her: “I will do”. Hanging up.

“All packed up, and I've already called the hospital”. I nod, and
I help her with her bags then we walk out of the house.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

It feels so good to talk to my brother again, and I also can't wait

to see him as for Lindiwe I am not really sure about seeing her,
but then again she's the woman who gave birth to me, and I will
just have to welcome her, ai. I get up from the bed I was

resting a bit, I don't feel really well lately and I'm forever sleepy.
On the other side Khethiwe, Nompilo, Thakasile and some of
the evil villagers still don't want to confess their sins it's
annoying, and it seems like they enjoy spending the night
outside without any food or water, but today is their
judgement day the river will decide their fate. Should it happen
that the river doesn't give them a second chance it will sail
them to the village of the witches, and the ones with stained
hearts. I wear my slippers, and head to the dining area, and I
find the boys eating & laughing I settle next to Nkanyiso, and
give him a kiss.

“Mnqobi is coming today together with Lindiwe & Crecentia”.

Nkanyiso: “What time will they get here”?

Me: “I don't know, but I will have to tell the helpers to prepare
their rooms. My feet are killing me”. My Father selected
random villagers to be our servants & guards they all stay
around here. You should've seen how happy the villagers were
when we allocated them in their new houses, some were crying
tears of joy while some were just too overwhelmed by their
new Kingdom. They have running water, and good sanitation in

their yards, they all have mini gardens in their backyard the
atmosphere, and the living conditions are much better than
Buhlebezulu village here they will get everything they need, and
will not know how hunger feels like.

Ziyanda: “You want a foot massage”?

Me: “No. Thank you. I just need some meat”. They all
laugh. “What's funny ”?

Mbuso: “Nothing koti. I wish I loved meat like you, yoh”.

Nkosikhona: “Me too hey. I mean, you never get tired
from eating it 3x a day”.

Me: “Mxm, niyaphapha”.

Nkanyiso: “Tell them wena Elami, bayaphapha laba”. They

laugh. “Are you hungry? I've prepared some very peri-peri
chicken livers for you, but this time they will go with fresh
baked rolls”.

Ziyanda: “And a hot cup of hot chocolate with crushed banana”.

Mbuso: “And I will give you a free foot massage”.

Me: “Okay, what's the occasion because my birthday have

long passed”?
Nkosikhona: “The occasion is that you are final...”.

Mbuso: “Finally a Princess of this beautiful Kingdom”. He cuts

him short. I look at him straight in the eyes, he is straight up
lying something is really going on la. Hhe...

Me: “What is going on you guys”?

Nkanyiso: “I will go, and fetch your favourite meal. You need to
stop this thing of yours of asking a lot of questions Elami”. He
gets up from his chair, and leave our presence.

Ziyanda: “And I'll go, and look for the servants who will
prepare Nkanyiso's room”. He, too, leaves our presence.

Mbuso: “I need to make a quick call I'll be back”. He too leaves,

but turns back when he notices Nkosikhona not standing up.
“Nkosi”. He signals him with his head to come to him.

Nkosi: “I was no... You know what

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fine let's go”. He gets up from his chair, and drags his feet you
can see that he doesn't want to leave. Okay, something is
going on. Why did they all leave my presence? I try smelling
myself, and I am not smelling. Dear God, let history not repeat
itself I am not ready to face humiliation. And now my tears
want to make their presence felt I try holding them back, but I
am failing. I get up from the chair wiping my tears, and walk
outside I budge at the door when I find everyone including my
Father, and the elders looking at me straight as I budge at the
door. One of the child come out from the villagers with the
banner written “Will” the second one comes “you” third one
comes “marry”. I can't help it but burst out with tears, I cover
my face with my hands so not believing this. I remove them,
and I find Nkanyiso kneeling before me with a diamond ring in

his hand, his eyes are glistering with tears, I stretch out my
hand, and he takes it as he fights back his tears. He slid the
ringer in my finger, and everyone cheers for us... He gets up
from the floor, and spins me around he puts me down
kissing me all over my face.

“Thank you for allowing me to be yours”.

“I wouldn't have asked for a better woman than you Elami.
I love you”.

Me: “I love you too”. We share a deep kiss.

Mbuso: “Okay, love birds. Congratulations mommy & daddy to

be”. I look at him.

Me: “What are you talking about”? I look at Nkanyiso, he,

too, just like me is confused. The seer steps forward, and
touches my stomach.

Him: “You are with child in your womb. You are carrying the
next heir of this Kingdom”. Nkanyiso pulls me into a tight
embrace, he is suffocating me you guys. My mind blanks out for
a couple of seconds. I am going to be a mother? A whole
mother? Wawu, but how”?

Nkanyiso: “You've just given me more reason to love you”.

Mveli: “Haike, and the Lobola will double up now I am going
to be bankrupt. But then congratulations to the both of you”.
He hugs the both of us. My Father approaches us too.

Him: “And you've made me the happiest old man alive. This is
my first grand child I can't wait to meet him, finally it is out in
the open. Thank you, Princess, and to you our very own
protector, you may go now, and bond before the judgement
hour comes”. He slightly bows, and we bow too. I still can't
believe that I am going to be a mother, and on top of it all my
boyfriend proposed like you guys, God's timing is the best,
wait let me also not forget our underground gang we are very
grateful for everything happening in our lives currently. This is
where we are exactly supposed to be, everything has its own
time and this is ours.

Nkanyiso: “I can't believe that we are going to have our mini

Elami”. He places his hands on my stomach, I laugh thinking
about Mnqobi's threats.
Me: “Me too hey, but I'm sure you had your suspicions
too neh”? He softly laughs.

Him: “Yes, but I did not want to jump the rail as yet, now that is
out in the open I'm happy fucker”.

Me: “And Nkosikhona was so ready to break the news to us, he

has a quick mouth that one”.

Him: “Tell me about it. That's why we hardly tell him

secrets because we know that he will spit it out”.

Me: “Clearly you can't gossip with him around”.

Him: “You wouldn't even try”. We both laugh, I look at the

beautiful band on my finger I can't stop looking at it. “You
like it”?

Me: “Are you kidding me? I love it”!

Him: “I'm glad. So, whose going to plan your wedding”?

“I wouldn't mind planning it”. I look at the door, and it's

Boniwe. But how? I mean... “Aren't you going to give me a
hug”? I chuckle, and get up from the bed.

Me: “What? But how! Wait, where's Arizona”? Hugging her.

Her: “Someone who always wanted her has finally got her. Hi
Nkanyiso, and bye Nkanyiso by bye, I mean please excuse us we
have a lot to talk about”.

Him: “But we were still bonding”?

Her: “Nkanyiso please she is going to sleep in your chest mus,

now get out before I rain terror on you”. Nkanyiso widens his
eyes, and quickly leapt out from the bed. Boniwe laughs. “I'm
kidding wena, I am demon free now”.
Him: “Phew, thanks God, and lovely seeing you again”. He
kisses my tummy, and walks out of the room Boniwe diverts
her eyes to my stomach, and smiles.

Her: “Congratulations humanity”. I chuckle.

Me: “Hhayi. What happened to you? Where's Arizona”?

Her: “Arizona is now in Mia's body”.

Me: “Who is Mia & how did she end up in her body”?

Her: “Well, after I defeated the serpent I went back to the

underworld the plan was for me to stay there forever, but they
gave me a second chance. They saw all the good I've done in
terms of protecting you, and they saw me fit to lead a normal

life in this new Kingdom. I am demon free now, and Mia is

some chick who always wanted Arizona to be one with her, and
she is not a protector like I was, but she is evil and her heart is
stained with nothing but evil things. So, I did a small cut on my
wrist, and so did she and we linked our wrists exchanging
bloods, then I was cleansed, and I was pure again, now I am a
normal Boniwe the one you knew before this”.

Me: “I'm just happy to have you back. So, did you see Mbuso”?
She nods. “And”?

Her: “I just couldn't look at him after all that I did to him,
I can't”.

Me: “What did you do”?

Her: “It doesn't matter any more what's done is done”.

Me: “I'm sure it's not that bad. Do you still love him”?

Her: “A lot actually, but I don't think he still loves me”.

Me: “You will never know unless you try talking to him, who
knows maybe he still has that ounce of love for you”. She
chuckles.

Her: “So, what's your theme for the wedding”?

Me: “Talk to him it won't kill you”.

Her: “I will try your royal your highness”. I laugh, and

slightly punch her in the shoulder, and we both laugh.

★»★«
KHETHIWE

The sun is not having any mercy on us it is scorching hot if the

sun is this hot here I wonder how is it like in hell, because wawu
I've even turned dark from it. Today it is said that is our
judgement day, what they actually mean is that they are going
to kill us, us those who do not want to confess our evil doings.
The truth is I'd rather die than to confess my evil deeds to
everyone present here. And I'd rather die than to bow to
Nobuntu, and worship the ground she walks on. Zweli, left with
the buses after his little futile tantrum he threw days ago.

“Seliyeza ihora lo mnqamulezo”. (Judgement day's hour is

coming) Nompilo comments.
“Sewulilindele yini”? (Are you waiting for it)

Her: “Kahle nje ngiyazi ukuthi mina nawe lizosishaya”. (Very

well, I know that me & you won't survive it when it comes)

Me: “Haike, mina angizimisele ukuvuma izono zami ngamane

lingishaye”. (I am not ready to confess my sins I rather won't
survive it)

Her: “Haibo. Awufuni ukuphila kancono wena”? (Don't

you want to live a better life)

Me: “Awusho ke. Uzothini nakung'kuthi uyazivuma izono

zakho kodwa ungaxolelwa livele likushaye izembe”? (Tell me
here. What will you do if you confess your sins, but not be
forgiven and not survive the judgment)
Her: “Awww, kodwa ngo Thakasile wami Nkosi”. Nxa, I look at
Thakasile, and she looks so drained. The hour bell rings, making
few of the villagers that I'm left with stands up. The gates of the
royal palace opens, and the royal family together with the royal
elders, and villagers comes to view, the seer points us with his

stuff, and walks towards the river we all follow him, the
water is so clear, and it's making waves.

“This river you see here will be the one determining whether
they grant you access here, or you don't. There is no longer
time for you to confess your sins because we've given you 2
days to confess, but you denied. Now, the water will judge you
according to your heart, and how remorseful you are for all that
you've done. You will get inside that water, and if it spews you
out that means you are granted permission to get inside the
royal palace. And if not the river will sail you to the village of
the evil with stained hearts, and you will stay there for the rest
of your life. Take off your shoes, and get inside the water”. We
do as told without putting up a fight, we get in, and Nompilo
starts crying pleading with the seer to give her a second chance
she is willing to confess, but the seer is not having any of it.
Thakasile is too weak to do anything. I close my eyes, and all I
see is what evil I did to people the sight is not pleasing, I shoot
my eyes open, and I find myself sailing with the river, and by
the looks of things it seems like I'm the only one floating, I try
screaming for help but no one comes to my aid. My body
shivers as I enter a very dark tunnel scary sounds are all that I
hear, appearing on the other side the water here is bloody red
its giving me creeps as I am sailing further & further I come

across fresh human bodies slaughtered, and the blood smells

fresh my fear escalates as I go in further & further. Regrets
overcome me, now more than ever I wish that I should've
just confessed...

“WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE LIVING DEAD”. I am

welcomed by those words as the gates to this scary village
opens, from a distance I can hear Nompilo's & Thakasile's
voices. People here are scary looking. This is not how I have
planned my life to turn out to be, but greed, power & jealousy
got me here. No bad deeds goes unpunished, and no evil
surpasses the light.

My name is Khethiwe, and this how my journey ends hope

you've learnt something from my story. Should it happen that I
survive in this forbidden village I will tell you all about it one
day.

70
ZWELI

So, I am now back in my old house since no one was interested

in buying it due to it being rumoured to be having evil spirits
hovering around it. And Natasha is the cause of it, but I also
can't fault her too, because I'm quite sure that whatever
happened to her happened for a reason. My dramatic tantrum
that I threw back there at Zithobele village couldn't really save
my ass, but then what was I expecting after the way I've been
treating Langelihle? I was making myself a fool before the royal
family, and other villagers, yeses the embarrassment I've
subjected myself too, mhhhm. But then again above everything
else I am just grateful that I am back to my old self, moreover
humble from what I used to be back then, actually I feel lighter
now, and from now on going forward I vow not to take things
lightly or mistreat people, or judge them before knowing their
full story because you don't know the destiny of that certain
individual I've learned that lesson a hard way. Not so long ago I
was untouchable, and everyone worshipped the ground I
walked on, I had plenty of friends and life was good, but now
all of that lavish life is gone, and I've gained nothing from it.
And to think that I was married to a Princess while I was just a
commoner, and treated her like shit not knowing that one day I

will have to bow down before her, unfortunately for me my

pride didn't allow me to stay there at Zithobele village after
how I treated Langelihle, My conscious just wouldn't allow me
stay there, but I did confess my sins, and sincerely apologized
for all that I did bad to Langelihle, and the villagers whom I
mistreated before the royal family, and the villagers. I was
asked to step inside the river, and the water will be the one
deciding my fate I did as told, and vowed to tell nothing but the
truth. I was nervous I wouldn't lie, but that was a risk I was
willing to take. The water spew me out, and I was cleansed
because of the clear conscious that I had, I was also ready to
accept my punishment. Yhey, the relief that overcame me after
was truly refreshing I felt like a brand-new person, I guess it's
true when they say don't judge a book by its cover because you
don't know how the content looks like in the inside, there's a
story a very great story waiting to be unfolded. Now, I am going
to start from the bottom like every other person out there
without the help of anyone. I also hope that my mother have
finally confessed her bad deeds so that she can be free, and
lead a new life and do away with her old wicked life. A part of
me feels like everything bad that I was doing she contributed to
some of them, but now I am ready to start my life afresh
without her if possible, even though I don't know what
happened to my Father, or where is he since he was never
declared dead I hope he is fine wherever he is, and I will reunite

with him one day. God have been so good to me honestly, and
that near death experience of mine, wait I am being dramatic
now I mean my short paralysed experienced have made me
view life in another angle I don't want to see myself being in
that position again it was hell, not being able to do anything by
yourself is really embarrassing, it was truly embarrassing
especially when my mother was bathing me, geez. Sighs.

I look around my house, and I must complement myself I did a

good job, I really did try my best by cleaning it for it to look this
good, and smell so heavenly, and since I don't have any money
with me at the moment I will have to sell some of my furniture
to make a living for myself, go job hunt or possibly start a
business that will generate me money, I've been taking things
for granted, but now I know better and I'm not willing to make
the same mistake twice, always remember that for every action
you do there's a consequence that will follow. Oh, and then
there are my siblings the last time I saw them was months ago
since that first heavy rain saga, and since I know that they are
staying with my grandmother abroad. I will have to make time
once I'm back on my feet, and go and see them. They might've
abandoned us, but I will make us a family again. I take my car
keys on top of the kitchen counter, and walk out of the house I
am going to sell this car, and then buy grocery with the money

that I would get from selling it. I drive my car out, and I find a
car parking on the other side of the street it's a beautiful car I
must complement I wonder who drives it I step out of my car,
and go and lock the gate when I feel a soft tap on my shoulder I
turn to look, and it's the upgraded hobo, she looks totally
different from the last time I saw her. She looks really breathing
taking if it wasn't for the eyes I wouldn't have recognized her,
she gives me a very beautiful smile.

“Hello”. I just stare at her, she chuckles and pushes away a

strand of her from her face she looks so beautiful. “Zwelibanzi”.
I snap out from it.

“Urhmmm... Sorry. Hi, how are you”?

Her: “I'm good thanks, and how are”?

Me: “Good, thank you”.

Her: “Were you going out”? She giggles. “Look at me asking

the obvious, where are you going”?

Me: “I'm going to town”.

Her: “Mind if I tag along”? No. She can't tag along. I don't want
her knowing that I'm going to sell my car I will have to come up
with a good excuse. “I'm tagging along, and I will not take a no
for an answer”.

Me: “Oh, okay. Let's go then”. My mouth is out of words. I

don't know when was the last I was this nervous before a
woman I'm sure it was back in my high school years if not
university.
Her: “We are using your car right? And don't worry lunch is
on me”. I scratch my head. “Yini? Do you want to run after
me again”? I laugh.

Me: “No. I don't want to run after you”.

Her: “Then grab this opportunity, and this time around make
sure that I don't slip out of your hands”. We both laugh as we

walk to her car. “I'm Thabile by the way”. She extends her hand
for a shake, and I clasp it then we shake hands.

Me: “Lovely meeting you Thabile, and there's no need for me to

introduce myself seeing that you know my name”. She rolls her
eyes, and we both get inside her car, yes I am the one driving.
Her car is much bigger, and more expensive than mine.
I wonder what does she do for a living.

Her: “We have a lot of time to get to know each other,

asambe”. I laugh, and bring the engine to life. Could she be my
forever? I can only hope for the best, because she compliments
me very well and for the fact that she is free around me really is
a bonus. And God loves us all... I will get my happily ever after-
after all.

My name is Zwelibanzi, and this is where my journey ends. I

hope you've learnt something from my story, hopefully one day
I will update you all about the life I will be currently living.

★«★»
MNQOBI

This place is very beautiful I do not want to lie to you, the view
is just top-notch and this place is soul soothing. We are parked
outside this huge steel bar gate I don't even know why the gate
ain't opening we've been parked here from the past 10 minutes
without any sign of movement. I've also tried calling Nobuntu,
and Nkanyiso but their phones are switched off of which is

strange because I was communicating with them on our way

here, or maybe they have network problems.

“Is someone coming to attend us, or we will sleep

here”? Crecentia asks me.

“I don't know Crecentia”. I look at my mother who is busy

biting her nails, and shaking, I shake my head and keep busy
with my phone.
Her: “I'm tired, and hungry. I need to take my medication then
sleep, sleeping in your car is not that comfortable especially
for my back”.

Me: “I know, we can only hope that someone comes to our

rescue I also need to rest the drive here was long, let me step
outside maybe they are watching us from somewhere thinking
that we are strangers, or trespassers”.

Her: “Please do. Is your mother okay there”?

Me: “I don't think so, she is sweating”. I step out of the car,
and look around but I see no one. This waiting is tiring maarn.
A horn sounds, why is it sounding again, or maybe we are at
the wrong village seeing that it horned the first time when we
got here, this all just puzzling. A car parks right behind mine,
and the door opens and out of it steps out a chained
barefooted woman wearing rags, and her hair is messy, she is
scratching her coarse, and smelly hair. I take a look at her, and
I can't believe it. No ways! What happened to her now? She
looks like a crazy lunatic, and her face have nails scratches. A
male nurse steps out from the drivers side, and they walk
towards me. Londiwe, starts laughing at absolutely nothing
when the nurse greets me, I greet him back.

“What happened to her”?

“I don't know I was asked to bring her here because it is said

that she has been calling this village name, and confessing
before she dies”. I'm about to reply him when the gate
creeks open, all three of us avert our attention at the gate

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and there stood the royal family Nobuntu looks like a real
Princess, and the man standing next to her looks exactly like

me. The lion that was standing next to Nkanyiso approach us,
Nkanyiso looks good in his protector attire I wonder how he
acted like when they gave him his attire, no smile is the order
of the day here. I guess they've been waiting for Londiwe, but
why were they waiting for her arrival? We are yet to find out.
The lion roars as it circles both the cars, and walks back to
Nkanyiso. My Father nods, guess is his way of showing us that
we are welcome to come inside. I open the doors, and ask both
my mother & Crecentia to step out of the car my mother is now
drenched in sweat, yoh but it's not hot here mus, I help
Crecentia out of the car first.

“Mama, are you okay”? She nods, and step out of the car. Her
legs are wobbly. “Are you sure that you are okay, because to
me you don't look fine”?

Her: “I'm fi... Ne son”. We walk towards the gate, but only me,
Crecentia, and the nurse are the only ones who get in while
my mother & Londiwe remain outside. My Father pulls me into
an embrace, and I hold on to him for dear life then let go, he
cups my face, and examines me.

“You are indeed my son. Welcome home son”. For a second

there I've even forgotten about my mother & Londiwe. The
seer blesses me, while my Father pulls Crecentia who looks so
confused into an embrace too, after the seer is done blessing
me I go, and pick Nobuntu up I can't help but notice the rock on
her finger.
Me: “Is this what I think it is”? I take her finger, and look at
it. She looks at Nkanyiso then nods. “Congratulations little
one, wena Nkanyiso you better treat her right or else hhe”.
We all laugh.

Him: “Or else what? You are going to pray for me”? I laugh.
He is such an idiot.

Me: “Mxm uyaphapha wena. I hope asihlalanga”. (She's not

pregnant) we fist bump, and they all laugh. Oh snap! “Bruh,
come on maarn, njani mfethu”? (How man)

Him: “Underground gang, and God bafanas”.

Me: “Yazi, if it wasn't for the fact that I am now a preacher

I would've given you a spin kick by now”.

Nobuntu: “You wouldn't have dared cabanga”. I look at her not

believing that she just said that, then I burst out with laughter,
and she follows me... Hhayi maarn, my mother and Londiwe
are still standing outside.
Me: “Why aren't the two of you coming in”?

Seer: “They need to confess their sins first before they are
granted permission to step inside this Kingdom”.

Me: “Sins? What sins, because the last time I checked Jesus
died for all your sins”?

Him: “Yes, he did but it is also said that in order for one to live
a righteous life they must confess their sins. Let them confess
with their mouths what they did”. I look at him, then at them.
“You can go first girly”. I look at Londiwe who looks much
better than how she arrived here, she kneels down before us

then looks me with eyes full of regrets she doesn't dare

avert her attention to Nobuntu who is staring at her without
even blinking.
Her: “My name is Londiwe Mahlangu. Firstly, I would like to
apologize to Nobuntu even though I did apologize once upon a
time I would like to apologize again. I am sorry Nobuntu for all
the pain I've caused you, jealousy made me do it I just couldn't
accept the fact you've become so close to Mnqobi. Mnqobi,
I'm sorry for taking your love for granted I allowed jealousy to
get the best of me, and I'm sorry for what you are about to
hear”. She takes a deep breath, and look up the sky. Then looks
at Nobuntu straight in the eyes, and back at me. “I'm the one
who caused Nobuntu's sickness that almost killed her that was
the plan. I wanted her to die I didn't want her to be loved by
anyone, I'm the reason why worms were coming out of her
body, the heavy uncontrollable bleeding, the hate she got from
people whereas she did nothing. All her misfortunes were
caused by me”. My blood is boiling right now, how can she be
so heartless? Nobuntu did nothing to her, why did she make
her life a living hell? I swear to God, my hands are throbbing I
want to panel beat her so bad, but the good man within me is
not allowing me to do that, I look at Nkanyiso whose veins are
popping in his forehead he is very angry.

Seer: “You've missed the most important part. The sacrifice”.

She looks at the seer shaking her head tears already rolling
down her cheeks, and on to the ground. “Talk”. The Lion roars
causing her to jump up.

Her: “I... I've sacrificed with our baby”.

Me: “You did what! How could you be so heartless Londiwe?

Why, why didn't you tell me that you were pregnant? You
shouldn't have sacrificed with my child”! Tears fill up my eyes, I
cover my face with my hands. This cuts so deep, my heart is so
shattered. She robbed me the only chance of being a Father,
why would she sacrifice my child just to make my sister suffer
for something she doesn't know about? I don't think I can
forgive her for this, not any time soon she really crushed my
spirit. I can't help it, but burst out into tears. They say man
don't cry; but this is painful. She played God with my child's life.

★»★«
NOBUNTU

Seeing my brother breaking down like this moves something

inside me, my heart breaks for him, and tears are streaming
down my cheeks I can't believe that she sacrificed an innocent
child just to see me suffer, the pain my brother is feeling right
now Ishuuu cuts deep. What irks me the most is the fact that
she didn't tell me this the first time she came to apologize to
me this shows that she wasn't even sincere with her apology
towards me, she was apologizing just for the sake of it. Mbuso
takes Nkanyiso with to go, and cry in peace Crecentia follows
after them. I look at Londiwe, and shame is written in her face.

“I would've forgiven you for what you did to me, but because
you've sacrificed what could've been my niece or nephew I will
not. You've robbed my brother the chance of being a Father
because of your evil heart, I will not go down further with you
about this issue, but all I can tell you is that you deserve to join
your kind, the evil stained at LIVING WITH THE DEAD village.
You deserve to be tortured, you are heartless & cruel. The at
LIVING WITH THE DEAD village will deal with you accordingly,
you are not human. Guards”! They hurry towards me. “Take
her, and go, and throw her in the dungeon first thing tomorrow
morning she will be sailed to her new home”. They walk to her,
and pick her up as she kicks, and screams she better know that
no bad deeds goes unpunished. I look at Lindiwe, and she
doesn't even look at me in the eyes. “Talk”.

Her: “I have nothing to say”. I pace up & down. Yazi, she

is frustrating me.

Me: “Baba, talk to your wife”.

Him: “Lindiwe. What brings you here”? His voice is so firm he

ain't even smiling.
Her: “I... I came to apologize to Nobuntu for how I have
been treating her”. Ehhh, I laugh.

Him: “Talk once, and stop wasting our time we have a lot to
do here”.

Me: “What exactly are you apologizing for”?

Her: “For how I treated you”.

Me: “Why do you hate me”?

Her: “I don't hate you Nobuntu”.

Me: “Then why did you treat me the way you did? You've been
treating me like you never gave birth to me Lindiwe. I would've
understood if it was the spell that was cast on me, but no even
after the spell have been lifted off you still hated me, and
treated me like trash. I will ask you one last time; why do
you hate me”? She sighs.

Her: “I don't hate you Nobuntu. I don't like you because you've
taken up a space of my other child”.

Dad: “What other child”?

Her: “The child that I was supposed to carry before I conceived

Nobuntu. The child who was going to bring me peace &
happiness not this curse of a child, Nobuntu was cursed while
she was still in the womb she was supposed to die before she
turned 3 years old, but I don't know how she survived all those
other years. I felt like she also took Crecentia's...”.

Me: “Oh please. That's one stupid reason or excuse I've ever
heard. You are spewing nothing but rubbish, I don't know
what's so hard in just saying that you hate me for no
apparent reason rather than giving us this hogwash
explanation of yours”.
Dad: “Your explanation doesn't make any sense Lindiwe.
You are not telling us anything, you are going in circles”.
Her: “I'm sorry I have no valid reason as to why I hate her”.
Jesus is Lord. This is all just a complete waste of time.

Me: “Baba see to it that you deal with your wife because I can't
stand this”. I walk away leaving them, honestly Lindiwe is
draining me. Who hates someone only because they are
breathing? It's a complete waste of time, and energy if you ask
me. I get to my room, and throw myself on the bed I will see
Mnqobi later, right now I need to nap.

NQOBANI (Ex-King)

Reflecting back on my life for the last couple of months I can

gladly say that I have finally found peace. Few days ago I learnt
that I was a King at Buhlebezulu village, a respected one for
that matter and I had a family something of which I did not
recall until they showed me my life for those past couple of
months in a mirror, it was really interesting but for the fact that
I didn't remember anything it clearly showed that my destiny
was not there. And I've also learned that my real wife & kids
were burnt inside the house something of which I've
completely forgotten too, right now it feels like I'm starting a
new life again hopefully this one will be better than the ones I
used to live.
“She is ready for you, you may go in”. I nod, and get up from
my chair I knock twice, and I'm granted permission to get
inside. I make my way in, and I'm surprised to find a young girl
seating behind the desk. She stands up, and extends her hand
for a handshake as I get to her, we shake hands, and she tells
me to sit down.

“Welcome Mr Zulu. My name is Zubenathi the co-owner of Z&B

construction company. I've been going through your portfolio,
and I must say that it was very well put my husband can attest
to that. So, we've decided to give you the job you are a perfect
candidate, this is your contract you can go over it tonight, and
if you are happy with it you can sign it, and if not you can also
tell us what is it that you find missing. And if there's something
you don't understand please do not hesitate to contact the HR
manager. It is with great honour to officially hire you as Z&B
construction safety office. Welcome to the team”.

Me: “Thank you”. We shake hands, and I walk out of her office.
God is good indeed. New beginnings, new life.

My name is Nqobani, and this is where my journey ends. Should

it happen that I am granted a new life, I will most definitely
share it with you.
3 of 3...
EPILOGUE
NKANYISO

I've never seen Mnqobi that broken Londiwe really did a

serious number on him, and for what? Nothing. She gained
nothing from all of that witchcraft she participated on because
Mnqobi still didn't care about her. She is very heartless I tell
you. Mnqobi, didn't come out of his room last night to join us
for supper hopefully he will grace us with his presence during
breakfast, I don't even want to know how the pain in his heart
feels like it must be, geez I don't even know what to say.
Nobuntu stirs next to me it is only now that she managed to
get some sleep she has been tossing & turning all night worried
about Mnqobi. She didn't want to sleep, but I had to give her
some sleeping tablets. And then there's this issue of her
mother, ai that woman is too much honestly, why would one
hate their daughter this much for no apparent reason? I think
she's bipolar but just doesn't know it yet, or maybe she knows,
but she's turning a blind eye to all of this Mnqobi must pray for
her or something because wawuza. Her fate is yet to be
decided. I rinse my face then step out of the bedroom quietly
as I can be because Nobuntu is one weird person, even if she
drinks sleeping pills she is still a slight sleeper just one tiny
uncalculated move she is awake, but if it was wine hhe, let me

not get started, she would sleep until you wake her up.
Happiness is knowing that she will not be devouring in wine for
the next couple of months if not a year. I find everyone
gathered around the feasting table including Mnqobi, it's good
seeing him smiling again after his breakdown yesterday. I greet
everyone and settle down next to him, it's a man's house up in
here we need more females just to balance things.

“I don't think I will ever get used to you always waking up

before Nobuntu”. The King comments.

“If it was in any other different circumstances she would've

long woken up, and besides she couldn't sleep last night”.

Him: “What? Why”?

Me: “She was stressed about Mnqobi”.

Mnqobi: “My little bear though. I'm sorry for stressing her
maarn it was not my intention, but then I was hurt man
Londiwe really crushed by spirit, otherwise I forgive her. I won't

heal any time soon, but with time I will eventually, or maybe
that was the sign to show that she was not meant for me”.

Me: “You will be fine man”.

King: “She was indeed not your chosen one, you will find
your one”. The seer shakes his head.

Him: “He has already found the one for him”. I look at Mnqobi.

Me: “Do you know her”? He shakes his head. He is lying, I know
him phela.

Mveli: “So, how will he know that, that particular lady is

his chosen one”?
King: “The signs will be there, and he will feel the
connection once with her”.

Him: “I see. And the lady? Will she also feel the connection?
Pardon me for asking too much, and no I don't like news I'm
just curious”. We all laugh.

King: “Yes, she will also feel the connection”.

Him: “Smiso. How did you know that Nobuntu was the one for
you”?

Me: “The very first time she opened her mouth and started
singing that's when I knew that she was the one for me”.

Nkosi: “He basically fell in love with her voice before seeing her
face”?
Mnqobi: “You are very much correct”.

Mveli: “I think also you boys should start falling for voices
before the faces, and church is a good start you can sit by the
gate, and listen to the voices before seeing their faces”. We all

laugh. My Father is one silly character, but I would never trade

him for anything/anyone in this world, well not entirely anyone.

Ziyanda: “Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend church and

fall for voices because I, too, just like Nkanyiso I'm going...”.
He stops talking, and look at Mnqobi. I understand him though
he doesn't want to open the wound for Mnqobi again.

Mnqobi' “You are going to be daddy Ziyanda”. He gives him a

very assuring smile.

Mveli: “Gina is pregnant? Hhayi wena! Such shocking

news, how far is she”? Talk about being dramatic.
Ziyanda: “Six months”.

Mbuso: “Erh, congratulations man the Dube clan is growing”.

We also congratulate him.

Nkosi: “I guess it is safe to say that the pregnancy was the one
making her hate Nobuntu, or maybe her child sensed that
Nobuntu was pregnant too”.

Me: “Yeah, it might be possible”. The horn sounds, well it's time
for Lindiwe together with Londiwe to go to the sacred river to
have their fate decided for them. We all get up from our chairs
and walk outside, oh. Boniwe is Nobuntu's personal helper
again she decided to be one since she understands Nobuntu
better than all the other female here. And Crecentia must also
step inside the river to be cleansed since she lost her baby, and
by the look of things she, too, will be staying here.

We get to the river Lindiwe & Londiwe are already here waiting
for their fate to be decided, looking at Londiwe she looks like
she has been crying the whole night, while Lindiwe seems un-
bothered by all this. She is so cruel, but then again my wish is
that they give them both second chances Lindiwe is still
Mnqobi, Crecentia and Nobuntu's mother, and Londiwe also
has a family that loves her, she also confessed her sins, but
they should not be welcomed here, and hopefully the river will
grant them that second chance we can only wish that it does.

“This is the sacred river of Zithobele village. This river will be

the one to determine your faith if whether it grants you a
second chance, and sail you to the village of THE LIVING DEAD,
the very dangerous and deadliest village to have ever been
there. It's survival of the fittest in that village, only the brave
survive. You must bear in mind that every consequence is
followed by an action. Take off your shoes, and step inside that
water”. Londiwe does so without any arguments, but Lindiwe
is plain refusing.

“Leave me alone I am not stepping into that river I am not. I did

not do anything wrong. Was I wrong for wishing to have a boy
child after how I conceived Crecentia? Was I wrong for being
scared that both Crecentia & Nobuntu will go what I went
through? At least I would've handled one girl's situation, but 2?
It was too much for me, I feared for both their lives I really did,
and I really didn't know how to handle it. All I wanted was
another boy child, having 2 boys would've been better because
they would've protected their sister. I was fearing for their
lives”. She burst out into tears. We didn't think that it was this
deep, but either way she had no right to treat Nobuntu the
way she did. She was disappointed with giving birth to another
girl instead of a boy, but she had no right whatsoever to direct
her anger towards Nobuntu.

Mnqobi: “Even if that was the reason Mama, you were not
supposed to treat her the way you did. She did not ask to be
born, you are the one who brought her into this earth. You
could've approached this situation in a very approachable
manner, like sitting down with her, and gave her the reasons as
to why you hated her so much”.

Her: “I know, and I'm sorry I was just disappointed”.

Him: “Then step inside the river, do it for me then if not for
yourself, and you will have to forgive yourself it was not your
fault. Forgive yourself so that you can give Nobuntu all the love
she needs, we all deserve second chances in life, and nothing
was go to happen to them”. She nods, and gets up from the
grass.
Her: “You've grown so much my son, and I'm proud of you”.
She pinches her checks, and get inside the river... Yoh, the
water start boiling vigorously something of which did not even
happen when Khethiwe and the others stepped inside it.

Mveli: “Why is the water angry now”?

Seer: “It is still deciding their fate, remember that the other
one sacrificed with an innocent child
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and the other have harboured too much hatred within her”.

Mnqobi: “I have no doubt that they will be given a second

chance”. The water continue boiling, and they are slowly but
surely sinking in, and without any warning given the water
spew them out. Almost all of us breath out a sigh of relief,
they've been given a second chance. Thank you, God, and the
underground gang. You see that if you confess with your mouth
that you are a sinner, and believe that God will give you a
second chance, he will give you since he is God of many
chances, he never counts our mistakes like people do...

★»★«

THAKASILE

Life here in the LIVING OF THE DEAD village is not nice at all. We
are always fighting to stay alive day in day out we never sleep.
Unfortunately my grandmother couldn't make it, she died in a
crossfire battle between the red moon tribe & the black sun tribe
I don't even know what she was doing there. We live off by
eating human flesh we've turned into cannibals, we go and hunt
for human in the big cities but never at Zithobele village. 3 if not
4 of the dwellers here tried, but they never came back and that
was 3 years ago, even here in this scary village Khethiwe still
want to rule. She is now planning to start her own village around
here, she still wants to be in power, too

bad there's no money here, and as for me I don't want to be

here any more, but how will I break free when I'm already
married to the 2nd Prince of the red moon cannibals tribe? I am
trapped here if only I never listened to my grandmother feeding
my ears with poison I wouldn't be here, but what's done is
done, and it's time I adjusted to this new life of mine of drinking
blood, and eating raw body parts, but it is said that there is a
big war coming in the near future we must be prepared. A
woman who was once scorned, and betrayed will be back to
seek revenge. She is going to shake this Kingdom. I wonder who
is the woman? But we are ready...

My name is Thakasile, there is nothing to learn in my

life because my journey is only beginning...
★»★«

{4 YEARS LATER}

NOBUNTU
Life have been amazing for me for the past years. My
relationship with Nkanyiso have grown so much in these years,
and we are expecting our second child Nkanyiso doesn't know
though I will tell him tonight our CebolweNkosi Sphakamiso
Dube is 4 years old now such a naughty child he is, I'm sure he
takes after his Father because I don't remember being
troublesome when growing up. My relationship with my
mother have grown too, and I must say that I am very happy
about it, yes she stays here, and my Father have given her
another chance so their relationship is coming well just fine.
Mnqobi is officially a preacher, and he has his own church now

together with his beautiful prophetess wife Snikelelo, and they

have a 2 years old daughter HlelolweNkosi Alwande Nxumalo
such a cutie pie. Boniwe & Mbuso also gave their relationship a
chance, they both own a cleaning company in the city, but they
stay here full-time they have people who work for them, well
they don't have a child yet since Boniwe can't conceive they are
planning to adopt, and Mbuso doesn't have a problem with it
he is supporting her, after all love conquers all. Ziyanda & Gina
also have a son, but they are not staying here they come here
to visit only, me & Gina are good now I guess her son was
disliking my son since from birth, because they sometimes
fight, and they are the same age, but otherwise they look out of
for each other young as they are. Crecentia, is now a trauma
counselor in the city clinic, wait our (Me & Mnqobi)
sophisticated clinic people here in the village never get sick,
and she is not seeing anyone. Nkosikhona went back to
university he decided to pursue his law career, and rumour has
it that he, too, is going to be a Father. Mveli, my Father-in-law
is still around he is seeing someone too, and he is still his crazy
self. I also heard that Zweli is a Father now, and his Kota joint
business is growing he has drawn inspiration from Z&B hangout
joint Bayanda is in the process of helping him expand his
business they are best of friends now. Makhosazana is
rumoured that she is unstable (lunatic) and has been admitted
in a mental institution. Londiwe went abroad to start a new life,

and Natasha is said to be passed on may her soul rest in

peace. Oh, and the fake seer Sdumo is still not known where
he is, as much as he was a fake he was right about me being
Nkanyiso soulmate.

I am looking at my body in the lengthy mirror and my tummy is

very much visible, and the black line is too dark now of which
makes me wonder why is it dark now, and for a 3 months
pregnancy it looks big haikhona. Wehhh, I'm a sexy mama
bathong. Nkanyiso appears behind me, too late for me to
cover myself up. He places his hands on my tummy.
“When were you going to tell me that we are going to
be parents again”? Kissing my cheek.

Me: “I was going to tell you tonight”.

Him: “And as usual I've ruined the surprise, and for a 3 months
pregnancy your tummy is hella big”. I laugh.

Me: “How do you know that I'm 3 months pregnant”?

Him: “Because your sanitary pads are still sealed”. He keeps

tabs on my menstrual cycle now? I am happy maarn, do you
have a name for her/him already”?

Me: “Nope, not yet. And you do”?

Him: “Yes, I do. U manikiniki u chicken u beef”. I laugh.

Me: “Uyanya wena shame. Ngamane uhlale”. We both laugh.

Him: “I'm kidding Elami. Olwethuloluthando will do just good”.

Me: “I love it, but it's such a long name Elami”.

Him: “They can always shorten it”.

Me: “You are right hey”.

Him: “I love you”.

Me: “I love you too”. The door creeks open, and Cebo
comes running in.

“Mommy”! I pick him up, and spin him around I take it that
Ziyanda & Gina are here he has been visiting them. “Nkanyiso”.
Nkanyiso snorts, and laugh.
Him: “Can you for once just call me Dad, daddy”?

Cebo: “Okay daddy”. Nkanyiso takes him walking out with him
leaving me to finish dressing. Today is my graduation day, I am
your pharmacist. God, has been good to me. Through our trials

• tribulations we will come out victorious, and remember

it gets too dark before you find the light.

My name is Nobuntu Nxumalo-Dube, and this was my story. I

hope you've learned something from it, and remember that
God loves us all, and we must always believe in him, and never

cease praying. Your day is coming, hold on. I do hope to see

you again in future hopefully as a Queen this time around.

Thank you so much for being part of this roller-coaster journey,

where we cried, laughed, cursed and hated some characters.
And almost stopped reading, but you continued. It has been
fun hosting you, thank you a trillion times.

………………………………………….The End………………………………………