CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 42

[KUKHOKONKE]

I feel much better after showering.
I couldn't stay at the lake for long. I needed to come back to my apartment and clear my mind properly. The lake helped, but reality always pulls me back.
Yibanathi said she is busy studying, and her son is playing on the floor, building something with his little hands. I watch him for a moment and feel something heavy sits on my chest, he is so innocence.
I wonder where the father is. I still need to ask his future wife. After he left for Bergville, I haven't heard anything from him. He… his family is my next task after this Motha matter. I don't know anymore. The lines between work, calling, and life are blurring.
I hope that after the Zungu task and the Cothoza one, I'll finally be able to rest. Truly rest.
I want to focus on planning my ceremony. On building, on grounding myself and pause for a while.
I hope whatever money they pay me at that rich family will be enough for me to pay the remaining amount for the land and finally start building. If it falls short, I'll have to dip into my savings and investments. The thought scares me, but today made something clear to me.
I need a home.
Staying here doesn't ground me enough. Even my plants know it. The only ones growing properly are the ones I got from Cothoza. The rest look tired, slow, almost confused. Maybe I'm too ambitious, or maybe life is just reminding me that not everything grows fast. Some things take time. Some bloom slowly. Others bloom painfully.
My eyes drop to the portable safe sitting on the coffee table.
My stomach drops.
I'll need to take it to someone who can unlock it without asking too many questions. I already tried. I really did. But it's one of those old safes. Solid and very Stubborn. It definitely needs an expert. I sigh.
I guess I'll let Mr Motha handle it. He's influential and rich. He'll find someone easily. Someone who can unlock both the safe and Pule's phone.
That thought drags me back to our first conversation.
Pule wanted to tell his father something. Something important. Something urgent.
And Tsietsi got to him first.
My jaw tightens. Tsietsi is a horrible person.
A monster wearing human skin, living among us.
How does he sleep at night knowing what he did to his vulnerable younger brother? How does he wake up every morning and continue living like nothing happened?
Pule should have haunted him until he confessed. Until he broke. Until he got mad.
In that vision, that memory… Tsietsi said something that keeps echoing in my head.
"No one will be stressed by taking care of a mentally disturbed fool like you."
My heart aches.
He was so cruel. So heartless. That boy was fragile. Slow and vulnerable. And instead of protecting him, Tsietsi destroyed him.
I need to ask the old man what Tsietsi meant by that.
Was Pule diagnosed? Was he struggling mentally? Or was he simply different in a house that didn't know how to love gently?
And what breaks my heart even more, The mother.
She knows something. She knows.
She knows what Tsietsi did. I felt it in my spirit. I saw it in her eyes, the fear. And instead of telling her husband the truth, she chose to protect the monster she gave birth to.
Why? Is she afraid of him?
Afraid that if she speaks, he'll turn on her too?
Afraid that her own son might kill her next?
I swallow hard.
That house, that family.
They are rotting from the inside.
And I'm standing right in the middle of it.
And I can't help but wonder, what more is coming my way?
"Bhuti, can we talk?" Yibanathi says as she walks toward me, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Yes," I answer softly. "What's wrong?"
She picks up Celo and sits beside me, adjusting him on her lap.
"I was on the phone with Zen," she says.
I frown slightly, confused.
"Zen?" I ask.
"Zenzele," she corrects me.
Oh.
The future chief.
"What does he want?" I ask carefully. "Is he okay?"
"Yes," she nods slowly. "He is fine. He told me he was struck by lightning."
I bite my lip, almost laughing.
I hope it struck him hard.
"Did he tell you why?" I ask, unable to hide the curiosity in my voice. "Why was he struck by lightning?"
She sighs, her shoulders dropping.
"Not really. He said he'll explain everything when he comes here to fetch us. He says things are sorted out now," she adds softly. "I think it's time I go back home."
My heart sinks.
My poor little sister.
She doesn't even know that the family she's about to marry into almost sacrificed her child.
I keep those thoughts to myself.
I already know what this means. Zenzele probably agreed to become chief. And now suddenly, everything is "sorted." But I refuse to accept that he can just take Yibanathi back like nothing happened. He tarnished her name. He tarnished our family's name. Being a chief does not erase that.
I suspect Phunyuka's days are numbered. That monkey's paw woman probably wants her monkey's paw back.
"He can say whatever he wants over the phone," I say firmly. "I can get you a car to take you home. There's no need for him to come here."
I'm not in the right space to deal with him. Not now. I already have too much on my plate.
"That won't work, bhuti," she says quietly. "He wants to talk to you first."
"About what?" I ask harshly. "That he's finally decided to be a father?"
She frowns at my tone.
"He wants to fix things," she says. "He was… blindsided by his parents."
Of course she would defend him.
"Are you even ready for this?" I ask, my voice calmer but firm. "You're still young. You have varsity. You have a child. And being a chief's wife is not a small thing. It's not a fairy tale."
She's not ready.
I don't care what I saw in my visions. She is not ready for that kind of responsibility.
"I know it won't be easy," she says softly. "But I love him. He loves me too. I just… I need you to listen to him. I want your blessing, bhuti."
With that, she stands up and walks away.
Blessing my foot.

•••••

[NIKEZINKOSI]

Mtho is my driver today.
He arrived exactly at 10 a.m., just like I asked. He's wearing a full suit and tie serious, as always. It makes me smile a little, he looks very handsome. I have errands to run, and after that I'm heading to Mnotho's house so I can start working on my chilli oil and sauces.
I need to sell more, at least this time.
I wanted to ask Sbo to help me today, but he said he's busy. That almost never happens. This is the first time he's ever said no to me, and if I'm being honest… It hurts. I hope this has nothing to do with Mnotho. I would hate to lose Sbo. He's been a good friend to me. A brother, even. And of course, the man I'm dating has always been suspicious of him.
I thought about asking Diamond if she knows what's going on, but I decided against it. When Sbo is ready, he knows where to find me. He has my number.
So now we're heading to the Joburg Market to buy chillies, a few vegetables, and ingredients for salads. I need to cook for these men. Or Diamond. I honestly don't know who I can't live without anymore. At this point, I'm putting the Mlambo men before my own wife.
"By the way," Mtho says calmly as he drives, "malume gave me a card for you. To buy whatever you need."
I frown slightly.
"A card?" I ask. "A bank card?"
"Yes," he replies, eyes still on the road.
Gracious God.
A bank card?
My heart jumps. I do have my own money, but still… Mnotho can't just do that. I don't want to look like I'm dating him for money. I don't want Mtho thinking I'm a gold digger using his uncle for security and comfort.
I quickly take my phone out of my bag and open WhatsApp. I type him a message immediately, asking why he gave Mtho his bank card.
He's online.
He's typing.
Good. He needs to explain himself.
But instead of replying, he calls.
Of course he does. Too lazy to type, or what?
I answer.
"Mnotho," I say, trying to keep my voice calm, "why did you give Mtho your bank card?"
He stays quiet for a moment.
annoyingly warm, he says,
"Hello, peaches. How are you? Did you miss me? I miss you."
I roll my eyes.
"Mnotho, I'm serious," I say softly.
He chuckles, low and amused.
"I'm serious too," he replies. "Very serious. Just get everything you need."
"I saw your list," he adds, his voice still amused "When you were studying. I want you to buy everything you wrote down on that list."
My list?
I freeze.
"You went through my things now?" I ask.
He laughs softly.
"Relax," he says. "You left it open. You passed out while studying, and I got curious."
Of course he did. He's always curious.
"And besides," he adds, his voice still amused but deeper now, more serious, "I like knowing what my woman dreams about. Not just what she needs today, but where she wants to go. What kind of life she imagines for herself when no one is watching."
My fingers tighten around the phone.
"I want to know your plans," he continues. "Your ideas. Your little notes and big dreams. I don't want you shrinking your vision because you're afraid to ask, or because you think it's too much."
He pauses, then says softly,
"If you can dream it, Nikky, then I want to help you build it."
My heart skips.
Heat rises to my cheeks before I can stop it.
I feel myself blush, a small smile tugging at my lips.
I sigh. I don't want to argue further, and thank God he's not here, seeing me blush like a fool.
"Okay, but I won't use it all. I'll give it back when I'm done," I say quickly, my voice turning serious.
"Okay, peaches. Whatever you say, my queen," he replies.
He sounds too happy. Too chirpy for this early morning.
"You're very happy this morning," I point out.
He laughs softly.
"I'm always happy when I talk to you," he says smoothly, clearly trying to charm me.
I smile despite trying to be serious.
"Mnotho, see you later," I say softly.
"See you later, Peaches," he replies, and I hang up.
My list is long, and if I get everything I need in bulk, especially containers and jars, I won't have to run around like this in the future. I'll just walk into the kitchen, pick up what I need, and start working.
While he's talking about dreams and aspirations, I realise I need to go home to Pimville and fetch my file. I had a file about the culinary school I once wanted to study at. I left it at home because I didn't want it near me, I didn't want it reminding me of a dream that felt like it had failed.
But now… that dream suddenly feels close again. Almost real.
And if I say yes to this man, I'll need it.
I put my phone back into my bag and turn to Mtho, my nephew.
"After we're done at the market, can you please take me to Soweto? There's something I need to get from home. Then we can get some packaging at Mall of Africa," I say gently and politely.
He's been kind and respectful to me. I can't act like a diva.
He nods.
"Okay. I'll take you wherever you want to go," he says softly.
Good.
I might as well pick up a few things for my mom and Futhi too and I'll buy them with my own money. Not Mnotho's.
I suddenly realise I haven't asked how old Mtho is. Maybe I should start asking.
"When is your birthday?" I ask curiously.
"October," he replies.
That's it? Oh God.
I don't want to seem nosy, so I let it go. October means he's either a Libra or a Scorpio. I'll find out soon enough which one he is.
Mnotho is a Capricorn.
I'm not sure about Bonga, I'll have to ask him too.
.
.
.
I was able to get all the ingredients I wanted. And now, at Mall of Africa, I'll just get Hygiene & Safety Equipment, Some Packaging, and a few Extras. We spent almost an hour and a half here. Now we need to go to Pimville, drop the things I got for them, grab my files, and rush back to Mulbarton fast. Once I get there, I need to start chopping and cooking.
"Do you want ice cream?" I ask him as he gets into the car. I just spotted an ice cream shop near where we are parked.
"You want it?" he asks, repeating my question.
I laugh a little.
"No, I'm asking you. You're not hungry? We've been running up and down this place for an hour and a half," I say. I don't want ice cream.
He shakes his head and starts the car.
"No, I'll eat when I get home," he replies.
Okay, that's settled then.
On Mnotho's card, I need to get myself a fancy dress for Snothando's dinner that she invited me to, along with Diamond. She said there'll be famous people, so I have to look my best. I hope GN will be there, my favorite musician, the one Snothando calls "demonic." Maybe soon, when he has a concert, I should go.

.
.
.

My mother is at work, and Futhi is at school. While I'm on leave, some people are just going on with their lives. My mother had changed the locks without informing me. I had to ask Futhi to give me hers so I could print my keys. I don't know why she did that. This is my home too.
I guess Mtho is both my driver and bodyguard today, he's here with me in the house.
"We'll leave it here in the kitchen. Go sit on the lounge, I'll be quick," I tell him.
He does as I say, heading to the lounge while I go to my mother's room. She had turned my room into something else, so I won't bother going there. Thank God her room isn't locked. I get inside and rush to her wardrobe. That's where she keeps important documents in some big black briefcase.
I open it, looking around, and bend down. I spot the briefcase and pull it out. Not heavy at least. I place it on top of her bed and sit. My file is on top. I open it and see she did go through it, I know her too well. Paging through it… yes, it's mine and still has everything. My other file with just my documents follows. I take it, place it aside.
As I am about to close the briefcase, a document catches my eye. It's from the company my dad used to work at. I know the logo very well. It looks like a letter. I pick it up and read. I frown. The date is recent. It's about Futhi's education, how all her studies will be paid for, in any university of her choice.
My heart skips a beat. I'm confused. Didn't they tell me my studies wouldn't be paid due to bankruptcy or that the company didn't have money? Or have things changed? But how? I'm honestly so confused.
I place the letter aside to look for other documents about this, but nothing comes up, just old photocopies and useless stuff.
I sigh. I know my luck has always been questionable, but to this extent? Am I really the only kid who was never given an opportunity to study through this company? Wow.
I neatly place the letter back inside and close the briefcase, putting it exactly where Mom left it. I pick up my files and walk out, closing the door behind me.
I'm not jealous of my sisters, no. I'm happy for them. But I can't ignore the sting I feel right now. My marks weren't even bad, yes, just one distinction but my results were good.
I rush to the bathroom, feeling my eyes burn. I can't cry now. Mtho will call his uncle, and he'll drop everything and come here and demand answers. I don't want that. I also don't even know how to call the company to ask why I wasn't given my share to go study, like every other kid. I won't ask Mom either, she'll accuse me of being jealous and ungrateful.
I decide to let it go for now. But I will get to the bottom of this. One way or another, I will find out why I was left out.

_

Mtho is a sweetheart, or maybe he just wants company. He is helping me chop, and on my list I added gloves and a mask for safety. He's wearing them while chopping these chilies. I've got everything I wanted, and if I need more, I'll add some tomorrow. All I need to do now is cook enough chili oil today, and maybe tomorrow I'll tackle the sauces. Some like them spicy, some mild, and some with a little lemon. I just hope this time, with fancy packaging and quality jars and bottles, I'll gain more consumers.
"Will this be enough?" Mtho asks as he pours the rest of the chilies into the pot.
I nod.
"Yeah, it will be enough. I don't have much clientele, just people from the clinic, people from my mother's church, some at the flat, and my friends too," I reply. This will be enough. I don't know if Pinky and Brenda will buy it since I took their crush.
"You will get more consumers, don't worry," he says softly. I really hope so. That's why I don't want to waste and make too much if no one buys anything.
"I don't think you'll be able to cook supper for us. This is too much work," he says. Yeah, he's right. There's so much I need to do here.
"I'll order food for everyone later," he continues, removing his gloves and mask. They are sweethearts in this house. I'm wondering what the whole family is like. Mtho and Bonga are very nice and respectful too, no bad energy from them at all, just good vibes. I'm not really sure if the rest of the family will be like this, but who knows, they might shock me.
I put garlic, onions, and green peppers into the pot and set it on medium heat. The smell will be nice. I chose to do all this in the outdoor kitchen. I don't know how these men will react to the smell of chili, so here it's safer and beautiful too, especially after packaging. I'll take pictures here and post them on my social media. Yeah, I might get more clientele from that side.
I drag myself to the couch and sit, paging through my file. A smile spreads across my face. I wonder where I would have been if all this had worked out, maybe overseas, on a cruise ship, anywhere but here.
Honestly, I might have opened my little restaurant too. Sphephelo was serious about taking me to that school, and he had told his father too. I wonder what changed, who changed their mind so fast. Things were finalised, and all they had to do was pay the registration fee. But here we are. I don't blame them though, that's what happens when you put so much trust in someone.
That's why I want to work hard and do things on my own. I've been disappointed a lot, honestly.
My phone vibrates, snapping me from my thoughts. It's a text from Diamond, informing me she'll be working late and I shouldn't wait up. Oh well, I guess I'll just sleep here.

••••

[MNOTHO]

I'm confused. How did Nokuphila get married without inviting her nephew? I thought she was just lying, as always, but now I find out it's true. Thank God. That lady put me in so much trouble years back with the father of her kids. She asked me for money, and they might have assumed we were dating or something. I had to explain, no, we are family. I even had to call Julia and Khutso to intervene because I was about to deal with that rude bastard myself.
From then on, I told her to stop running to me whenever she had problems or needed money, she should go to her sister. I was blunt, and that was our last encounter before meeting her again that day with Nikky.
"So, she married that man?" I ask Khutso. I did end up calling him. We're having quick drinks before I head home. Mtho told me Nikky isn't leaving, so I'll find her at home. That's how it should be, honestly. She should just move in with me. If it's marriage or her family she's worried about, I can send my family to Dannhauser now and pay them whatever they want.
"Yes, she did. She invited her sister and me, of course. I doubt they did anything cultural or traditional, just a simple white wedding," Khutso says softly.
I chuckle.
"I guess they do love each other. And I saw she's a cop now," I say. At least she has a decent job. He nods and sips his juice. Pastors though, didn't Jesus, their king, make wine for them? Or is he afraid he'll get drunk? He'll have to drive home.
"Talking about people loving each other… How's your muse?" he asks curiously. I know this is the real reason for this meetup. After I went to him depressed about a stubborn girl who wouldn't give me peace of mind, he was the first person I ran to.
"She's good. Very good," I say, smiling as I sip my whisky. I can't get drunk either. "Well, after our conversation, I said, 'Fuck the world and their opinions,' and I pursued her properly. Stubborn she is, but she finally gave us a chance," I continue. I won't get into too many details, this is all he needs to know.
He smiles happily and nods.
"You look very happy too. You're smiling a lot," he points out. I frown. I do smile a lot, what does he mean?
"Don't frown at me. Look at you, still have the biggest smile on your face," he adds, laughing a little.
"Come on, I always smile," I argue softly.
He laughs louder now.
"Come on now," I say softly, laughing a little too.
He composes himself.
"I guess it's a good sign. Bonga did mention you went away for business, and my gut told me, nope, this has to do with the new woman in your life," he says gently.
"Yes, I was on a business trip with her," I say with a grin. Talking about her makes my heart melt. I just don't want to be rude to Khutso. I would have already left and gone to her.
He sighs and leans closer, his face serious now.
"That's good. You do look happy. You deserve it. You were lonely, and God did send you someone, even though she's really younger than you. Love doesn't come as you expect it. It never does. Sometimes it comes in ways you don't anticipate, in packages you wouldn't have picked for yourself. You just have to accept it as it is. Who knows? It might turn out to be something you've been waiting for, something that brings out the best in you," he says seriously, not unkindly.
I never thought in a million years I would date or fall in love deeply with someone so different from me. Different age, different world, different everything. And yet, Here I am.
"I really do love her. It scares me sometimes, but don't worry, I can control myself," I say, assuring him. I don't want him thinking I'm some obsessed, possessive lover.
He chuckles and nods.
"I just want to grow old with her, even though I'll grow old faster than her. But it's fine. Just her being by my side… I'll die a happy man," I continue. Even though the thought hurts me dying and leaving her alone, or her dying and leaving me alone in this world, nope, if she dies, I'm following her into the afterlife.
"I know, and you'll be happy with her, as long as you protect her, stand by her, and show her how much she means to you. The rest will just follow smoothly," he says gently. "And not only protecting her from outsiders, but also from people close to you, your friends, your family, even your business associates," he adds firmly.
Of course, she will be protected from everyone, including my siblings too. I understand what he means about business associates; he still hates Lungani for what he did to me.
"Don't worry, I'll do just that. I know it will be a hard mountain to climb, but I'm not here to please my family or friends. I've done enough for them. I've protected them, cared for them, and always been there for them. Now it's my time to be happy and live for me," I say sincerely. I love my family, but they won't keep my bed warm. Two of them are happily married, except for Tshengisile, who I just found out is dating a man from our area back home.
"Good. That's what I want to hear. Bonga loves that woman too. I don't want to see him hurt because of your family judging that young woman. You know what they did to your niece," he says, reminding me. Yeah, Bangizwe's daughter once came with an old man, but her father was furious and ended up disowning her. She's back now. The old man has died.
"And don't worry, if Julia starts with her drama, I will sort her out," he continues. Good, that's what I want to hear.
"You…" My phone rings, making me pause. I check the caller ID, it's the PI.
"I need to answer this, it's important," I say to Khutso as I stand and walk away quietly. I answer.
"That was fast. Did you find something?" I ask, thinking it was going to take time.
"I wasn't busy today. I went and looked for the first company and found out it doesn't exist. It's a fake company," he says in a professional tone.
I frown, confused.
"Really?" I ask.
"Yes, sir. I think she just came up with a fake company to add to her resume. I tried calling the number, but it was answered by some woman saying she bought the SIM card on the street," he says.
I sigh, my mind racing. That could be the case. My queen has been struggling all this time.
"Thank you. I'll wait for your call," I tell him. Something clicks in my mind. "I want us to investigate her father's company too. I'll go ask her the name, and I want you to check if it was ever bankrupt or anything," I add. I remember my conversation with Nikky, where she said she couldn't go to school because of that company. I smell a rat here.
"Alright, sir. I'll wait for your email," he says and hangs up.
I hope she won't be secretive or mad that I went digging.

__

I'm late.
I was supposed to be here an hour ago.
Mtho has already left. He officially stays at my other house now, the one not far from here. I don't see Bonga's car either; he probably went out with his friends. I gave him a week to sort out his proposal, and that time is up. I'm done being patient. If he doesn't move, I'm blowing up that casino.
I walk straight to the outdoor kitchen. That's where Mtho said he left Nikky.
I notice her things on the counter immediately. The jars are neatly lined up, still empty, probably waiting for the chilli oil to cool down before she fills them. Everything is organised, careful, intentional. Just like her. Then I see her.
She's on the couch, fast asleep. Completely passed out. Her body curled slightly, like she just gave up when exhaustion finally won. She must be drained. Physically and emotionally.
I walk closer, slowing my steps.
There's a file resting on her lap, slightly open. I gently lift it, careful not to wake her. Even asleep, she looks like someone who has been carrying too much on her own.
I open the file.
And my heart sinks.
It's her documents. An acceptance letter.
A small booklet from a culinary school.
An application confirmation. Fee quotations neatly printed and clipped together.
I swallow hard.
This… This is where she wanted to go?
My chest aches for her. She was already halfway there.
I notice a note, handwritten, with her dad's manager's name and number.
Wait…
"Baby… what are you doing?" she asks, voice sleepy.
I freeze, almost dropping the file.