CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 50

[KUKHOKONKE]

I sit in a meditation posture, legs crossed, my back straight. I light the candles one by one. In a bowl, I pour water, even though I don't really know what they wanted me to put inside it. Next time, they should be clear and specific.
I left Diamond sleeping in the caravan. And by the grace of God and my sweet ancestors, I wasn't punished for breaking my fast and being with her. Still, I don't want to get too comfortable or happy. I don't know if the punishment will come later, after this moment of stillness. That thought sits heavy on my shoulders.
I stay still.
All I can hear are the sounds of the night, midnight birds chirping softly in the distance. The air is quiet, calm, and too peaceful. I understand now why Ndleleni chose this place for me.
After a while, something shifts.
I feel it first, lightness. Then separation.
My spirit slowly leaves my body.
I see myself still sitting there, frozen in the meditation pose, unmoving. It feels strange, unsettling, but not painful. I look around, trying to understand where I am now. Oh, still at my place. That's when I notice them.
Two people are standing near the gate.
I frown.
Are those my people?
Before going to them, I walk slowly toward the caravan. I move carefully, like I'm afraid to disturb anything. I look through the window. Diamond is still asleep, peaceful, breathing softly. Seeing her calms me. She's safe. For now, because I don't know what's waiting for me outside the gate.
I turn away and make my way toward the two figures waiting by the gate.
My heart beats faster with every step, even though I try not to show how nervous I am.
As I step outside the yard, I see them clearly now. It's Ndleleni… and the same old woman I always see in my dreams.
A tight knot forms in my chest
Who is she?
And why is she always in my dreams too?
"What are you doing here?" I ask, trying to sound calm. "I thought you were robbers," I add politely, even though fear still lingers in my voice.
Ndleleni scoffs and shakes his head, clearly irritated.
"We are waiting for you to let us in," he says. "We can't walk into this yard without your permission," he adds, back to his rude, sharp self.
"Oh… okay," I say quickly. "Welcome home," I add, gesturing for them to come in.
They step into the yard first. The old woman gives me a soft smile before following Ndleleni inside. I walk behind them. There are no other spirits around, just the three of us.
They begin walking around the yard. I'm not sure if they're inspecting it or just feeling it out. The yard is huge. Big enough for everything I want. A pool too, for when I need to cool off. The five-bedroom house Diamond wants. And of course, consultation rooms.
Mr Motha said his company would build all of it. He wants to move fast, two to three weeks. I trust him. I trust his team to build a strong, good-quality home for me and Diamond.
"You should have added fruits at least," Ndleleni says suddenly, sounding unimpressed as he sits next to my still body. "Mom loves apples."
I blink, confused.
Mom?
"Mother?" I ask slowly, staring at the old woman. My thoughts race. I don't even know what to call her. Great-great-great… gogo feels right. I sit down next to them.
"I didn't know," I say honestly. "The vision didn't specify that I should bring fruits."
I turn to her. "I'm sorry, Gogo," I say sincerely.
She smiles gently.
"Next time, you will bring them," she says calmly.
"We like this place," Ndleleni says. "And since that man is repaying you by building your home here, you need to get a black chicken. A big black chicken. To cleanse this yard."
A big black chicken?
"Is the yard dirty?" I ask, confused. "I mean… are there bad spirits here?" I ask carefully, because I don't see anything unusual.
"No," the old woman answers softly. "We are making sure no spirits enter here freely. We are protecting your home, your yard and your woman too."
Her words make my stomach twist.
"Those monitoring spirits still want you," she continues gently.
I frown, confused.
"You know them," she adds. "You saw them in your vision when I came to visit you."
Oh.
Those bloody twins.
Talking about Lily and Rose.
"Why did you send me to Cothoza if he's such a… bad man?" I say softly.
"That's because he has something that belongs to us, something he stole many years ago," Ndleleni starts softly. "It was my mother's. That's why we sent you to him, so you could enter his yard, walk in and out as you please," he adds. He won't say exactly what it is, but I know him well enough to understand.
I sigh softly. I wonder what it could be, and how he even found it.
"That's also why we blocked him from seeing things about you," Gogo continues calmly. "Because if he saw that we sent you there to take what's yours, he would have retaliated, made everything harder for you on this journey. And we can see how hard it already is for you. We don't want to put too much pressure on you. Not now, not when you haven't gone fully underwater yet."
I'm not trying to complain, but it's difficult. I have to go back and get that monkey's paw. I don't even know how it will go, or how safe it is.
"And the monkey's paw? How are we even involved in that?" I ask softly.
"Yibanathi and her child are connected to that monkey's paw. Celo is still a Zungu, and he was marked to be a sacrifice. You help that woman, take her thing, and Celo will be safe. Whoever gets punished will be punished," Ndleleni says firmly.
That family, I've been ignoring Zenzele's calls, but I'm still surprised he didn't go to my parents first and apologise, like he promised.
"And about Yibanathi being a queen? How's that even possible?" I ask, looking at them.
Ndleleni stands up.
"That's her path, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. And you know that. Just hear that boy out, he wants to mend things. Everyone makes mistakes, so how long will you hold a grudge on him?" he asks. "Your woman, if she makes mistakes too, would you forgive her?" he adds.
Oh wait! What does Diamond have to do with this now?
"What does Diamond have to do with this now? Zenzele disrespected us, humiliated Yibanathi," I say, reminding them.
"We know that, and he will do right by her and the family. Go home, because that job of yours, you'll lose it. Go home, hear him out, and mend things. We are family," Ndleleni adds. His voice is calm, firm. I know I need to send my resignation and give them two weeks' notice.
"And as I promised you, I won't let you suffer. You and your family won't suffer because of this gift. Do as we say, and this journey of yours won't be like climbing a mountain," Ndleleni continues. With that, he starts walking. I guess he's done with whatever he wanted to say.
"Make sure you leave these candles to burn until they go out on their own, and get that black chicken. And make sure you bring our bride home," Gogo says with a gentle smile, standing up and following Ndleleni.
Bring their bride home? Is she talking about Diamond? Isn't it too early to be talking about marriage? They're speaking in riddles again.
.
.
.
.
As I step into the caravan, back in my body, I already find Diamond up.
She sighs in relief when she sees me.
"Where were you? I thought you left," she says softly, her voice filled with panic.
"I'm sorry, I was busy outside," I say quickly, going to her and hugging her gently. "I'm sorry, I had to do something," I add, kissing her forehead.
"I thought you left me here alone," she whispers.
My heart sinks.
"I'll never do that. I couldn't wake you up either; you were sleeping peacefully," I say, trying to assure her. She keeps quiet for a moment and nods.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay," I say gently, still kissing her forehead. "You must have been scared, waking up alone in this unfamiliar place. I would be too… but you're safe now. I'm right here, and I won't let anything hurt you."
"Sboniso's father once disappeared into thin air," she says. I frown.
"Disappeared how?" I ask, curious. I haven't met Sboniso, and knowing how brothers or male cousins behave, I realise it might be difficult to get him to like me.
She sighs hard.
"No one knows exactly. He just disappeared while driving from here to Zimbabwe. They only found his truck and his belongings inside. To this day, no one knows what happened," she explains.
I blink. Was he killed? How can someone just vanish into thin air, with no trace left behind?
"Did your family, like, investigate? Go to a healer or something?" I ask warmly.
She nods.
"They tried everything, that's what I was told. Not sure though… you can't really trust Dad to do anything," she says, her voice tinged with annoyance. I notice that every time we talk about her parents, there's a little frustration, a little anger in her.
Sometimes I don't even know how to start a conversation about her parents. Most of the people she talks about are Nikky and Sbo, and of course Aunt Thembi and Bob.
"How's Nikky?" I ask, shifting the topic to something lighter.
She sighs heavily, her shoulders dropping. She pulls away from my embrace and looks at me with tired, sleepy eyes.
"Well… there's a girl after her," she says with a huff.
"A girl?" I ask, surprised.
"Yes, her best friend. She's been jealous of Nikky… or envious. She copies everything Nikky does, goes after things and people Nikky loves," she explains, letting out another sigh. "She invited us to a party, she's hosting it so Nikky can see her favourite artist. There was a little fight between Nikky and Sbo, long story, but this girl came to me and said Nikky stole her life and that she will punish her till her last breath," she says angrily.
She sounds pissed, really angry.
"Does Nikky know?" I ask.
She shakes her head.
"She doesn't know. Nikky thinks Sno loves her, that they are best buddies," she hisses. "They've been friends since childhood, so…" she adds with a shrug.
It reminds me of how I was friends with Mehluko, thinking he was a good person, ignoring all the red flags, until he did that. Until he let Mafika push me outside, wanting me to get hurt.
"You won't help in this situation. Nikky has known this girl for the longest time. They've been through a lot together," I say gently.
She frowns, her face hardening.
"I need to show Nikky that this girl hates her, and I will do it," she says, standing up.
"And how will you do that?" I ask, curious.
"I'll see what I can do. Do you want to help me? Meet them both?" she asks.
I laugh a little.
"Help with what?" I ask in disbelief.
"I don't know… see a vision and tell Nikky," she says with a shrug.
I smile softly.
"It doesn't work like that, and it won't work," I say.
She huffs hard.
"Fine. I'll do it myself," she says coldly.
Truth is, I just want to meet Nikky because of those children. I want to meet Nikky because she's someone very important to her, not because of her friend. A girl who wants to hurt her.
Nikky will see it herself. Because if Diamond tries to prove it, that girl will turn around and say Diamond is jealous of their relationship.
.
.
.
.
I can't focus here. I'm losing interest in my job now. Yesterday, I did that little cleansing and protection ritual. They wanted me to slaughter that black chicken, do everything that was needed, and bury it in our yard. I did it.
Mr Motha's construction has already started. They are busy with work. When I knock off, I'll pass by there and maybe call him too. I'm really worried about him. That dream of his house burning came back again, and I can't tell him. Keeping it to myself is stressing me out. Too much.
I rest my face in my hands.
I still have that Cothoza thing to deal with too. I need to rest. I really do. I miss my old life, honestly. I am grateful, I really am, but my soul is tired.
A knock on my door snaps me out of my thoughts. I quickly raise my head. A man in a suit is standing at my office door, smiling.
"Come in," I say, standing up.
He walks in, gives me a handshake, and I gesture for him to sit.
"Mr Hadebe, right?" he asks, placing a briefcase on my table.
"That's me. How can I assist you?" I ask, my voice professional.
"I was sent by Mr Sello Motha. I'm his lawyer," he says, opening his briefcase.
I frown, blinking rapidly.
"Lawyer?" I ask, confused.
He smiles and nods.
"Yes. I was sent by Mr Motha to hand you these documents."
He takes them out and hands them to me. I take them and flip to the first page.
"That is a small company he started about a year ago. It supplies windows and cement. It's still new, and he wanted to add more products. However, he.."
I raise my hand, stopping him.
"Whoa, wait. Why?" I ask in disbelief.
I can already see it written in the documents.
"Oh, he wants to sell it to you," he says casually.
I gasp.
"The price is at the back of the document," he adds.
I turn the pages and look. I almost fall back into my chair.
"Yes, the transaction doesn't have to happen now. Just read through the documents. If there's anything you need clarity on, please contact him. When you're ready to buy, he'll inform me," he says, standing up.
My eyes are still wide open.
W… what the..
"No, I can't. Why is he selling this to me?" I ask, completely confused and shocked.
The lawyer laughs softly.
"I don't know. But Mr Motha is selling all his businesses," he says.
What?
My eyes are still glued to the document.
No. No. This can't be right. Something is wrong.
I lift my head from the papers. The lawyer is gone.
I huff softly, my breath shaking. This has to be a vision. Or a dream. It has to be. My life is full of both now, dreams and visions colliding until I can't tell the difference anymore.
Yes. This must be a dream.
My phone rings, making me jump. The documents slip from my hands and land on the table. I grab my phone quickly, my heart racing. Maybe it's him.
The screen shows an unknown number.
I answer immediately.
"Hello," I say, my voice shaky, breathing heavily.
"Konke, it's me… Mehluko. Please don't drop the phone," he says, his voice pleading.
My frown deepens.
"Konke, I've been arrested," he adds.

••••

[NIKEZINKOSI]

My first day back at work after a lovely two weeks off. If life were normal, like before, this would have been a beautiful first day. But it isn't.
Pinky is being weird and has decided to give me the silent treatment. She's the only one making an issue out of me dating the "shareholder." No one else here cares. It's just her. Or maybe she's the only one brave enough to show that she has a problem with it.
I haven't seen Brenda yet. I honestly don't know how she's going to treat me. I hope she won't give me strange vibes like Miss Pinky.
I'm in the supplier's room, checking what we need and what we're short of. I still need to go upstairs to one of Brian's new floors for the clinic and deal with some paperwork before all three floors officially start working. Yes, there's construction happening here. Another building is being added. Melanie's Medical Centre is growing, and in the next few months there will be more work and longer hours.
Today is quiet, which works perfectly for me. It means I don't have to deal with Pinky and her favourite new intern helping at reception. Yes, there's someone new here. She seems sweet, though. I already know Pinky will poison her soon.
Zola is sitting with them, playing Candy Crush.
I write everything down. I'll have to give the list to Pinky. At the end of the day, I still report to her.
As I walk out, I bump into Rendani. She gives me a mischievous smile.
"Hey, lover girl," she says, giggling softly.
"I know what you're up to," I say, pointing it out without saying it out loud.
"Oh, come on. You're Pinky's least favourite person here," she says.
I don't care about her. I'll do my job as long as she doesn't get in my way or become rude and condescending to my face.
"She can go jump off Mandela Bridge," I say dismissively.
Rendani grabs my hand, pulls me back into the supply room, and locks the door.
"Listen," she says. "Last week, Brian gave her a warning for disrespecting your… Mr Mlambo."
I frown. She disrespected Mnotho? I thought she liked him. Or maybe she had a crush on him.
"Really?" I ask.
Rendani nods.
"Yes. Not a written warning, just a verbal one. And she's been grumpy ever since. You should watch out… or maybe she should watch out, since Miss Sunshine here is dating her friend's ex," she giggles teasingly.
I sigh deeply.
That must be Brenda.
Mnotho told me he never dated that woman, and I believed him. So why are they spreading this rumour? God, I'm going to have a hard time working here.
"So, who hired the intern?" I ask curiously.
Rendani's eyes sparkle, ready to serve more gossip. Mnotho wasn't lying, Brian really is running a gossip club here.
"You know how busy this clinic gets. While you were gone, it was chaos. Or at least Pinky made it seem that way. Zola was here the whole two weeks, so she went to Dr June and complained. That's how they got an intern," she says with a shrug.
I sigh.
I might as well accept Mnotho's offer and go study something I actually love, instead of coming here and being stuck in a silent war with fifty-year-olds.

There's a small commotion as I approach the reception area. I had to tell Rendani that I need to give Pinky the list before she runs to Dr June again.
"We don't have that person here," Pinky's voice says sharply.
I slow down, curious about what they're talking about.
"I was told this is the right address, that Mrs Mlambo works here," a male voice responds.
I freeze mid-step.
My heart starts pounding hard.
Jesus. Mnotho really doesn't like peace.
I walk faster and then I see him, a guy standing at the reception desk, holding a bouquet of flowers and a green paper bag. Pinky and the intern have their backs to me, so they can't see me yet. Zola isn't here, probably in the canteen since it's already lunchtime. There are only two patients sitting on the benches.
There's no other Mlambo working here besides me. And I'm not even Mrs Mlambo but here I am, already claiming Mnotho's surname.
"Sorry bhuti, we don't…" Pinky starts.
"It's me," I say quickly, cutting her off.
Pinky scoffs and walks back to her seat.
The guy looks at me, then at his phone, then smiles.
"Here is your lunch and flowers, ma'am," he says politely.
I take them with one arm, still a bit stunned.
"Do I need to sign for these?" I ask.
He shakes his head and walks away.
This is going to be awkward.
My phone is upstairs. I need to call this man and ask him why he had me listed as Mrs Mlambo.
I turn back to the reception desk and place the list on the counter.
"Here's the list, ma'am," I say, pushing it towards Pinky.
She chuckles softly.
"Why don't you just give it to your husband, since he's the one supplying this clinic?" she asks.
I just stare at her.
I really don't have time for this today. I'll deal with her later, when she's alone and no one is watching.
For now, let me go call my 'husband'.
.
.
.
.
"Mnotho," that's the first thing I say when he answers the phone.
"You sound pissed off. Are you okay, Peaches?" he asks sweetly.
I sit down on the chair, my lunch and the bouquet of flowers resting on the floor next to me.
"You don't like peace, do you?" I ask. "Did you really have to list me as Mrs Mlambo?" I ask in disbelief.
He laughs softly.
"Aren't you Mrs Mlambo?" he says. "I thought you were, since you're running my house." He sounds amused. "What, does someone have a problem with that?" he adds.
"No," I say quickly. As annoying as Pinky is right now, I wouldn't want her to lose her job. "It's just that… I didn't expect it," I add. Half a lie, half the truth.
He's been saying he wants to marry me. Just yesterday, he told me he would take me to his mother's grave, after telling me what happened to her and how she died. His story about his mother really made me sad. He was so young to go through all of that alone.
"Oh well, you should get used to it now," he says. "It suits you, my soulkeeper."
I smile, blushing. He hasn't called me that in a while.
I pick up the flowers. They're different kinds today. I'm unfamiliar with their names. I have no knowledge about flowers at all.
"Thank you for the flowers. I love them. And lunch too," I say softly.
"Anything for you," he says. "I'm passing through Auckland Park now. Can I come see you?" he asks, sounding excited.
"No, it's okay," I say gently. "I'll see you later, baby." I still have work to do, and we don't want to piss Pinky off even more.
"Alright," he says. "Everything went well with Bonga. He owns a construction company now. I'm proud of him."
Oh. That explains his good mood. We'll need to do a celebratory dinner or something.
"That's good. I'll have to call him," I say.
"Okay, my love. I love you, okay," he says smoothly.
I smile.
"I love you too," I say out loud. Whether it slipped or not, I mean it.
He goes quiet for a moment, then hangs up.
I gasp softly and stare at my phone screen.
What's going on?
Wasn't I supposed to say it?
I blink in disbelief. My heart sinks.

_

I don't know how long I've been pacing up and down. My legs feel tired, and my mind is racing. I'm stressed and embarrassed too.
Why did he hang up on me like that?
I walk over and stand by the window, Thank God I'm alone in this empty ward. I tap my foot nervously, my heart beating too fast.
My phone rings.
I frown when I look at the screen. It's not Mnotho. I hesitate, then answer anyway.
"Hello," I greet softly.
"Hello, Nikky. I don't know if you still remember me. I'm Ndumiso. We met at Snothando's party," the voice says.
I blink, confused. Ndumiso? Ndumiso?
My mind races, trying to place the name.
Before I can respond, I hear the door open.
I turn around. I gasp softly.
It's Mnotho.
My heart jumps straight into my throat. I drop the call immediately. I don't even think twice. I don't know that person anyway.
He closes the door behind him, slowly and gently. Then he drags a chair and wedges it under the handle, locking us in.
He doesn't say a word, he walks toward me, his presence overwhelming. His hands reach my waist, pulling me close, pressing me softly against the wall.
He leans in slowly, and our lips meet. The kiss is warm, gentle, and slow. My heart races as he holds me tightly, his arms wrapped around me, making me feel safe and wanted all at once. As he always does.
My arms instinctively wrap around his neck, and I feel him tighten his hold on me, pulling me closer. I breathe him in, his scent, his closeness. All of him.
He deepens the kiss, brushing his lips softly over mine, nipping gently before we pull apart.
He tilts his head slightly, eyes soft and warm.
"Say it," he murmurs, voice low and loving. "Say it again, looking at my eyes."
I smile, feeling myself blushing, gazing at him, the man I love, the one who makes everything feel safe, who makes my world peaceful when he's near.
"I love you, Mnotho," I whisper.