CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 63

[MNOTHO]

We drive into the yard. Mtho said he would be scarce today. That's what he wanted. I didn't mind him being here, though. I guess Jobe is all alone.
Nikky is much calmer now. On the way here, I kept telling her that we are meeting one of the sweetest, kindest men I know. I had already told Jobe about Nikky. He didn't give me a judging look. He didn't ask uncomfortable questions. He was just happy. Happy that I am finally introducing someone I love to him.
After this meeting, I need to introduce her to my family properly. I know Bangizwe will hear about this meeting sooner or later. Nothing stays hidden for long in this family.
I park the car and quickly walk around to open the door for Nikky. I help her out gently. She looks gorgeous in her headscarf. Absolutely gorgeous. There was no need for it though, but it makes her look even more elegant, more beautiful.
"I hope you're not stressing yourself about this meeting," I tell her as I grab the takeaway bags and lock the car. We start walking toward the back door.
"I'm okay, baby. Really," she says, looking up at me with a small smile.
That makes me feel better.
We step inside. The back door leads straight into the kitchen.
And then I freeze.
Bangizwe. He is standing there.
I frown slightly as our eyes meet. He blinks rapidly, clearly surprised. His eyes move from me to Nikky, then slowly down to our hands. I feel Nikky's fingers shift slightly, like she wants to pull away.
I tighten my grip on her hand.
Not today.
"I didn't know you'd be here," I finally say.
Bangizwe scoffs.
"Well, I thought this was home," he answers coldly.
I sigh inwardly. I really thought he would be back in eNquthu by now. I don't know what he is still doing here. And I promised Nikky that it would just be us and Jobe. Now it feels like I tricked her. Like I brought her into something I didn't prepare her for.
"Where's Baba?" I ask softly.
Bangizwe's face shifts immediately. He never liked that I call Jobe "Baba." He hates it. He hates that the man who stepped up in my life is not his father.
But Jobe is the one who showed up for me. Not his father.
"At the lounge," Bangizwe says, crossing his arms tightly over his chest.
The air feels different now, very uncomfortable.
I glance at Nikky. I can see the slight change in her eyes. She didn't expect this either.
I need to talk to her first. I need to explain before anything starts.
"Okay. Please wait for me there. I need to talk to Nikky first," I say, keeping my voice low and calm.
Bangizwe tilts his head and stares at me for a few seconds. Then he chuckles. Not a happy chuckle. A mocking one.
"Okay," he says with a shrug before turning and walking off.
The moment he disappears down the passage, I turn to Nikky fully. I can feel her trying to stay calm, trying not to overthink this.
"I'm sorry," I say immediately. "I didn't know he would be here. I promise you, if I knew, I would have told you, Peaches."
I search her face, looking for any sign that she feels cornered or uncomfortable.
"I don't want you feeling ambushed. That was never my intention. Ever,"
I place the takeaway bags on the counter and take both her hands in mine.
"It's still about you meeting Jobe. That hasn't changed. Bangizwe being here changes nothing. You're safe with me. Always."
She sighs softly and nods.
"There's no need for you to explain. It's okay," she says gently.
My eyes stay on her face. I don't look away. I know her. I know when she is pretending to be stronger than she feels. I search her eyes carefully, trying to see if there is even a small crack of discomfort.
We can leave. I am ready to leave right now if she wants to.
"We can go back home and meet Jobe another time," I say quickly. I mean it. I don't care if it disappoints anyone. I don't care if Bangizwe thinks he won something. If she is uncomfortable, we are leaving.
She shakes her head immediately.
"No, baby, this is okay. I was going to meet your brother one way or another, so let's use this opportunity," she says with a warm smile.
She even squeezes my hand gently as if she is the one reassuring me. But I know.
I bite my tongue softly, holding back my irritation. Bangizwe did this on purpose. I know him. He doesn't do things by accident. He must have heard that Jobe was meeting Nikky today. Maybe someone told him. Maybe he was listening. And instead of giving us space, he decided to insert himself into this moment.
He wanted to make a point. He wanted to see her. He wanted to test something.
And that annoys me more than I can explain.
"I just don't like surprises like this," I admit quietly. "Especially when it involves you."
She tilts her head slightly, still calm, still gentle.
"I can handle it," she says.
And I believe her. She is stronger than most people know. But that doesn't mean she should always have to prove it.
I step closer to her and lower my voice.
"If at any point you feel uncomfortable, we leave. I don't care who is sitting in that lounge. I don't care what anyone thinks. You come first. Always,"
Her smile softens. Not playful this time. A genuine smile.
"Okay," she whispers.
.
.
.
Jobe is the one asking Nikky questions, his voice full of curiosity as he tries to get to know the woman I am going to marry soon. He is warm, open, and genuinely interested. There is no judgment in his eyes, only kindness. It makes me relax a little.
Bangizwe, on the other hand, is being his usual annoying self. He is too old for this behavior, honestly. Sometimes I wonder if he enjoys acting like a teenager who didn't get enough attention.
"Mtholephi told me you've been taking care of him," Jobe says to Nikky, smiling gently.
She sits up a little straighter, respectful as always.
"He wasn't happy that I finished the chili oil you made for him," Jobe adds with a soft chuckle.
I shake my head slightly. Mtho loves spicy food. He once told me it helps him not relapse or crave cigarettes or alcohol. He said when his mouth is burning, his mind focuses on that instead of thinking about smoking or drinking. I don't know if that is scientifically or medically proven, but honestly, as long as spicy food keeps him away from drugs, I will accept it without asking too many questions.
Bangizwe scoffs loudly, shoving a piece of meat into his mouth as if he wants to remind everyone that he is still here. The sound irritates me. He chews slowly, almost dramatically, like he is bored by the whole conversation.
I feel my irritation rising.
Before I can say anything, Nikky taps my thigh softly under the table. Just a small touch. A warning, a reminder.
Don't react. She knows me too well.
He wants a reaction. That's what this is. He wants to see me lose control so he can sit back and act innocent.
I inhale slowly and keep quiet.
"Oh, I didn't know you love it that much," Nikky says softly to Jobe, her voice gentle and polite. "I'll make one for you as well."
Jobe's eyes light up.
"Ah, you see? She is already spoiling me," he says playfully.
Bangizwe snorts under his breath, but this time I don't even look at him.
"I thought I was going to find a home-cooked meal, not takeaways," Bangizwe says, leaning back in his chair. "I thought they said you can cook."
That makes me look at him coldly.
"I told her not to cook," I say flatly. My eyes lock onto his. I don't blink. I don't smile.
He shrugs innocently, like he has no idea what he is doing.
"Why not? I'm sure Baba wants to taste the food of his future daughter-in-law," he says with another careless shrug. The sarcasm in his voice is loud and clear.
My jaw tightens. He is enjoying this.
"No, it's okay," Jobe jumps in softly, trying to calm the situation. "I know she's tired. She was at work."
Nikky is still tapping my thigh gently under the table. Slow and calm. She knows I'm close to saying something I might regret.
"It's okay," she says politely. "I'll cook next time."
No, she won't.
I turn slightly to look at her, but I don't say anything. I don't want to embarrass her in front of them. But I already know, she doesn't owe anyone here anything.
"By the way," Bangizwe says casually, wiping his fingers with a napkin, "How old are you?"
I groan softly and push my chair back. The sound scratches against the floor. I rise slowly and look at him.
"Let's go talk in the kitchen," I say seriously. My tone is no longer polite. It is low and serious; firm.
He raises his hands again like he is the victim.
"What did I do now?" he asks, pretending to be confused. "I'm just trying to get to know my sister-in-law better."
I hate that. That fake innocence. That smile that doesn't reach his eyes. He acts harmless while throwing small insults. He thinks nobody notices.
"Bangizwe," Jobe says calmly, but there is authority in his voice now. "Go have a chat with your brother. I'll stay here with MaNkabinde."
There is a short silence.
Bangizwe looks between us, clearly annoyed that he is being dismissed. After a moment, he finally stands up, dragging his feet like a stubborn child.
I follow him to the kitchen.
And this time, we are going to talk properly.
.
.
.
We are at the garage when he suddenly turns and looks at me properly.
"Really, Mnotho? A child? What is she going to teach Bonga? How will she raise Bonga?" he asks, his voice serious and heavy.
Raise Bonga? Bonga is a whole adult man.
"She's not a child. She's a grown woman and I love her," I say, and I mean every word. "And she's not here to raise Bonga. He is an adult, for Christ's sake," I add, my voice firm.
He huffs and shakes his head slowly, like he cannot believe what he is hearing.
"What kind of home are you going to build with a child, Mnotho? Can't you find someone your age? Is there no woman here in Gauteng who can be…"
"I love Nikky," I cut him off sharply. "And please don't tell me about other women. I chose her," I add, staring at him seriously.
"No, Mnotho, you are losing it now. Is this some midlife crisis? Do you want to feel young or what? Khwezi can be a better wife and mother for Bonga, not this girl," he argues.
I close my eyes for a moment. I can feel myself reaching my limit. He keeps pushing and pushing.
"This is the reason why you were hiding her, because you know it's wrong. You know that what you're doing is unheard of at home," he adds, clearly trying to provoke me. "How old is she? Twenty-four? Twenty-five?" he asks.
I snap my eyes open and look at him directly.
"Bangizwe, I love her. And she will be a Mlambo soon. She will be your sister-in-law. She will be the aunt of your children," I say coldly. "Don't tell me about Khwezi or any other women. I don't want them. And Nikky is twenty-eight. A woman, not a child," I finish, my voice low but serious.
He raises his eyebrows slowly, looking at me like I just said something crazy.
"Twenty-eight? Really, Mnotho? What's wrong with your brain? You want our kids to call that girl their aunt? That won't happen. And how sure are you that she's even serious about this relationship? What if she gets tired of an old man like you and goes after Bonga? Or Mtho? Or maybe she has a boyfriend on the side, just waiting to rob you and kill you?" he says.
He is spewing pure nonsense now. Reaching. Trying to hurt me. Trying to make me doubt myself.
I am done arguing with him because I know this won't end well if I let my temper take over.
"Bangizwe, I don't care what you feel about her. You don't even know her. You judged her the minute you saw her," I say firmly. "Look, I love her, and she isn't going anywhere, so deal with it. All I want from you is to respect her. That's all," I add, keeping my voice low.
He chuckles mockingly, folding his arms.
"And if I don't?" he dares me.
I smile.
Not a warm smile. Not a friendly one.
A warning.
"Maybe someone will whisper to Sisanda and tell her what really happened to Thandolwethu's father," I say quietly.
His face changes immediately. The arrogance disappears. His jaw tightens. His eyes harden. Now he understands that I am not playing.
"Respect Nikky. Don't bother her. And I won't sing," I add calmly.
I don't wait for his response. I turn and walk away, leaving him standing there in the garage, silent for once.
.
.
.
Nikky and Jobe really tried to make the evening work, but I was too pissed to even sit comfortably near Bangizwe. My mood was already ruined. I could feel it in the way I was holding myself, I avoided looking in his direction.
Nikky was telling Jobe that she would give me a jar of her chili oil, smiling politely, trying to keep things warm and peaceful. And of course, my dear brother just had to jump in.
"Why is she calling you by your name instead of your clan name? She must show some respect," he said.
That was it for me.
That made me even more angry. Not because of the name. But because of the tone. The way he said it. Like he was correcting a child. Like he was trying to embarrass her in front of everyone.
Right there, I decided Nikky and I are leaving.
Jobe later told me he won't be leaving tomorrow anymore. He wants to talk to me and Bangizwe. I already know what it's about. Bangizwe's behaviour. Even Jobe saw it.
"Baby," Nikky's voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
She sits next to me on the couch, close enough for me to feel her warmth.
"Are you okay? I've been talking to you this whole time, but you were zoned out," she says softly, her voice full of concern.
I turn my whole body toward her. I don't want to hide how I feel.
"I'm sorry. Bangizwe really got under my skin," I say honestly.
He actually did. Even after I warned him in the garage, he still continued with his nonsense. He just doesn't know when to stop.
Nikky sighs softly and places both her hands on my beard, gently holding my face. That simple touch calms me.
"We knew this would happen though," she says gently. "We knew they would have a problem with this relationship."
I look at her carefully. I'm surprised she's not angry. Not offended and not emotional. She's calm. Stronger than I expected.
"I know," I say, letting out a slow breath. "I think I just hoped for a different reaction, you know?"
I already know Bangizwe will go complain to our older sister. And I am not in the mood to deal with Tshengisile and her opinions. Not now.
"Well, our families will talk, of course," Nikky continues calmly. "But that doesn't mean we have to shrink ourselves to make them comfortable. It doesn't mean we must live according to their fears. All we can do is focus on us. On what we are trying to build."
I look at her and feel something soften inside me. A small smile forms on my lips.
"Not trying," I correct her gently. "On what we are building, Peaches."
She giggles softly at that and leans in to kiss me. Slow, soft and reassuring. The kind of kiss that says, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere.
"Look, Bangizwe will come around. You'll see," she says.
I really hope so. I really do.
He's my brother. I love him. We grew up together. We fought, we laughed, we protected each other. And it would break my heart knowing he is standing against my happiness instead of beside me.
But if I have to choose, I will choose her.
Every single time.

•••

Ndumiso found her.
Or maybe he has been tracking her this whole time and followed her quietly without her even noticing.
Snothando parks her car on the gravel road. She had been in Vaal visiting her aunt, trying to avoid Ndumiso, trying to create distance, trying to breathe without feeling watched. But he still found her.
Sno takes a long, shaky breath. She switches off the engine and kills the lights. The darkness around her feels scary and endless. She steps out of the car slowly.
Before she can even close the door properly, she sees him. Ndumiso is marching toward her.
Her heart drops. He reaches her in seconds and slaps her hard across the face.
The sound echoes in the quiet night.
She stumbles backward and leans against her car for support. The sting shoots up her ear and down her neck. Her cheek burns. Her eyes water instantly.
It is the middle of nowhere. It is night-time. The only light comes from Ndumiso's headlights cutting through the darkness.
She doesn't feel safe. Not with this man.
Not with a man who just slapped her like that without hesitation.
She knows how ruthless Ndumiso is.
She has seen it before.
She lifts her head slowly and looks up at him, her body trembling with fear.
"You think you can just avoid me, Snothando?" Ndumiso says coldly, his eyes burning with fury.
Sno shakes her head quickly.
"No… I wasn't avoiding you. I went to see my aunt. She's not well," Sno says, lying through her teeth. Her voice is shaking.
She had tried numerous times to call Nikky, but it went straight to voicemail. She knows Nikky is still angry at her for ditching her in Durban. She has no one to run to now.
Ndumiso chuckles darkly.
"So if your aunt is sick, you can't answer my calls, huh?" he asks, his tone demanding and dark.
"I'm sorry, I was just…"
Another slap cuts her off. Harder this time.
Her head jerks to the side. She flinches and lets out a small cry. Tears spill down her cheeks.
Now she feels it fully. The humiliation.
The fear and the pain.
She remembers the female artists she used to manage. The ones she sold to Ndumiso. They used to come back to her with bruises, black eyes, swollen lips, crying. Begging her to protect them. Telling her what Ndumiso did to them.
And she didn't care. She was paid.
It wasn't her problem, and now she understands.
This was supposed to be happening to Nikky.
Not her.
Ndumiso was supposed to be treating Nikky like this.
Not her. This is Nikky's fault.
Because of her, she is standing here being slapped and humiliated.
Thank God no one is around.
It is dark.
Only Ndumiso's headlights are flashing on them, exposing her shame in the cold night.
"I gave you half a million for that bitch," Ndumiso roars, holding his hands in tight fists. "And you haven't delivered! She blocked me everywhere. I went to where she stays, I was told no strangers are allowed inside the building. I went to her job. I didn't find her!"
Sno is terrified. Truly terrified.
Her legs feel weak. Her mind is racing. She knows this man is capable of anything. And right now, she has nothing to offer him.
No Nikky, No money and no excuse.
Sno trembles, sobbing softly. Her tears keep falling freely down her cheeks. Her face is still burning from the slaps. Her ears are ringing. She feels small. Trapped and deeply humiliated.
"Wait here," Ndumiso says coldly. "I want to show you something."
He turns around and walks back to his car slowly, like he has all the time in the world.
Sno exhales shakily.
Her whole body feels weak, but something inside her is screaming. Run, now.
Her hands are shaking badly as she reaches for her car door. She fumbles with the handle, almost dropping her keys. Her fingers feel numb and stiff.
She quickly opens the door. She needs to find something to hit Ndumiso with, something to knock him out so she can run. Inside her bag there is pepper spray. She grabs it quickly and holds it tight. Her eyes scan the area, looking for something solid. A stone or a metal rod. Anything. There is nothing.
Just darkness. Just his headlights cutting through the night.
Her breathing becomes fast. Her thoughts are all over the place.
Think, Think, Think, Snothando.
"What are you doing?" Ndumiso's cold voice cuts through the air behind her.
She freezes for half a second. He is closer than she thought.
Her heart jumps violently.
She turns around quickly, gripping the pepper spray with a silent prayer in her heart. Without thinking twice, she lifts her hand and sprays it directly into Ndumiso's face, his eyes, and his nose.
He screams. A painful, angry scream.
He stumbles backwards, clawing at his face.
"My eyes! You stupid bitch!"
In the chaos, something drops to the ground.
A gun. Sno's eyes widen.
Her mind goes blank.
She moves before she can think. She rushes forward and grabs it with trembling hands. The metal feels cold and heavy on her hand.
She drops the pepper spray and points the gun at him.
Her hands are shaking so badly the gun trembles.
Ndumiso is coughing, cursing, trying to open his burning eyes.
"Put it down," he growls blindly, trying to find his balance.
Tears blur her vision.
"Stay back!" she screams, her voice breaking.
She has never held a gun before.
She doesn't even know if the safety is on.
Her finger rests on the trigger.
"Die, you dog!" she cries out, her voice filled with fear more than anger.
Her finger tightens without control.
A loud bang explodes into the night.
The sound shocks her, the force jerks her arm backward.
She gasps, stumbling slightly.
For a moment, everything goes silent except for the ringing in her ears.
Ndumiso drops to the ground with a heavy thud.
Sno stands there frozen, the gun still in her shaking hands.
She did not even know she was going to pull the trigger. Her breathing is shaky.
Her body feels like it does not belong to her.
She stares at him lying on the gravel, not moving.
"Ndumiso…?" she whispers.
There is no answer.
Her stomach drops. What did she just do?
This was not revenge, this was fear.
Pure fear, from her.
The gun slips from her hand and falls to the ground.
Her whole body starts shaking again, worse than before.

She slowly walks toward the body, trembling from head to toe. Every step feels heavy, like her legs might give in at any second.
She bends down carefully, her knees almost giving up beneath her. With shaking fingers, she reaches out to feel his pulse.
Nothing.
She presses harder against his neck.
Still nothing. Her breath catches.
He is not moving, he is gone.
Her hand flies to her mouth to stop herself from screaming. Her whole body starts shaking violently. Tears blur her vision.
"No… no… no…" she whispers.
This cannot be real. She did not mean for this to happen. She needs help.
She cannot leave his body here. What if someone drives past? What if someone heard the gunshot? What if she gets caught?
She quickly stands up, almost losing her balance. Her thoughts are running in every direction at once. Her mind feels like it is breaking.
Think. Think. Who can help?
She pauses.
"Nikky," she says softly. Her voice sounds small.
"She can help me. She has to," she whispers to herself desperately.
She rushes back to her car and pulls her bag toward her. Her hands are shaking so badly she almost drops it. She digs inside and pulls out her phone. It nearly slips from her fingers.
She unlocks it and quickly dials Nikky's number.
It rings, and rings. And rings.
Her breathing becomes low.
"Please answer… please answer…" she whispers.
Finally, the call connects. She exhales in relief.
But instead of Nikky's voice, she hears a man's voice.
And Nikky giggling.
Sno freezes.
She pulls the phone away from her ear and stares at the screen. Did she dial the wrong number?
No. It is Nikky.
She slowly brings the phone back to her ear.
"Nike?" she says softly, her voice breaking.
More giggles.
A man speaking in the background.
Her heart drops. Who is that man?
Why does Nikky sound happy?
Her mind starts racing again.
No. Nikky cannot leave her like this.
Nikky loves her. Nikky would never abandon her.
She needs her. She needs her now.
Suddenly the call ends.
Sno frowns in confusion and frustration. She quickly dials again.
This time, the phone goes straight off.
Switched off.
She gasps loudly and grips her phone tightly.
"No… no…" she whispers to herself.
Her breathing becomes fast and shaky.
She feels like she is losing control.
She turns slowly and looks at the mess she created.
The one person she thought would help her just switched her phone off.
Now she does not know who to call.
She does not know what to do.