CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 75

[MNOTHO]

Konke's words have been ringing in my ears. Now we are heading to a mall before we go home, a request from the lady of the house. She looks more open and happier today. Her hand is resting on my thigh, tapping it softly.
"So, are we okay?" I ask softly. I need to be sure.
She sighs and gazes at me.
"We are fine, baby. Stop worrying yourself. Forget about my mother. She will learn to get used to this arrangement," she says, assuring me again.
I nod. I hold her hand with my free hand and squeeze it.
"And if she doesn't? At the end of the day she is still your mother," I point out. Her mother is not a good person, but she is still her mother.
She shrugs.
"I guess we won't force her to accept you or this relationship. We will let her be," she says thoughtfully. "At least Aunt Lunga likes you. She was more of a mother to me than Sylvia, to be quite honest. So we will focus on that," she adds warmly.
I nod, keeping my eyes on the road.
So she also knew that Sylvia has been less of a parent.
"I don't want you to question my love and intentions for you. I love you, and I'm not pulling away," she says sweetly.
I glance at her again before returning my eyes to the road. Hearing that makes something inside me relax a little.
"Good," I murmur softly. "Because I don't think I would survive you leaving me."
She bursts out laughing.
"You are so dramatic, Mnotho," she says, shaking her head.
"I'm serious," I reply. "You don't understand how peaceful my life became when you came into it."
She grows quiet after that and looks out the window for a moment.
"Peaceful?" she asks softly. "I don't think your life has been peaceful ever since I came into it," she adds with a sigh.
I frown and spot the mall ahead. I drive into the entrance. The outside parking lot is better today since it is cold and not sunny. I find a spot and park the car.
I turn and look at Nikky.
"Peaches, what do you mean by that?" I ask, sounding a little hurt.
"I'm just saying a lot has happened ever since we met, and I'm always at the center of these problems," she says in a low voice. "Even now there is a little friction between you and the mother of your son because I meddled," she adds.
I scoff.
"Forget about Julia, please. Everything about the launch is sorted out, and she will never bother you. I talked to Bonga too," I say firmly. I can't believe Julia. After all these years she is still trying to test my patience.
"Okay baby, this is depressing. Let's forget about it," she says with a sigh. "Just please stop beating up Pinky's brothers. I want us to move on."
She leans closer and gives me a short kiss.
"Peaches, no. I have to say no this time. Pinky crossed the line, and she must face the consequences," I say seriously.
She gazes at me with those soft eyes.
No. That won't work on me this time.
.
.
.
This is why people prefer online shopping, and of course Nikky is a little mad that I said no to her.
"I need stationery too," she says, and we turn to another aisle, heading to the stationery section.
"Do you have plans today? Or will we just chill at home?" she asks softly. "I hope this time we won't get high," she adds with a giggle as we pause near the stationery.
I chuckle softly.
"No, my love. We are not getting high today. But later I will go see Biyela. There's something he and I need to discuss," I tell her.
She simply nods.
"Everything alright?" she asks, concerned.
I never told her about Bangizwe and Tshengisile's visit, and I want it to stay that way.
"Yes, everything is fine. I just haven't seen him for a while," I say, half truth, half lie.
"I guess I'll just bake for Ntate Khutso. I promised to help with baking for the church conference. Bonga will take them to him tomorrow," she says as she puts the pens in the trolley.
I sigh quietly. I wonder how Julia is feeling about this. Since she hasn't complained, I guess she has no problem with it.
"Done. Now I think I need to get some dye. I want a different colour," she says.
Jesus.
We will leave here by noon, I swear.
I push the trolley as I follow her. She suddenly stops next to a woman, and her eyes widen in shock. I pause too.
"How are you doing, Ma? Are you here alone?" Nikky asks the woman.
The woman just looks at me and Nikky, blinking in surprise.
"Oh, this is Mnotho, my…"
"Her husband," I say, gently cutting Nikky off.
Nikky giggles and hits my shoulder.
"Oh… I didn't know you are… I'm Kholiwe," Kholiwe stutters.
"Eish, I know. Sno was supposed to meet Mnotho, but she left early," Nikky says with a shrug. "She'll meet him when she's free. I know how busy she gets," Nikky adds warmly.
Kholiwe just nods and sighs.
"It is lovely meeting you, mkhwenyana. Hopefully we meet again soon," Kholiwe says with a small nod. "Let me get going then."
With that, she walks off, pushing her trolley.
Nikky giggles as she looks at me.
"Mkhwenyana my foot. You haven't even sent a chicken home," she teases and starts walking away.
I follow her.
"Come on, I don't mind sending cows now. Just give me the green light," I say, sounding serious.
Actually, that's not a bad idea.
I can marry her.
And save her from that woman she calls mother.

There's a car that's been following us since we left the mall. I haven't told Nikky, I don't want her to get worried or scared. We are already in our neighbourhood, and the car is still tailing us. I spot a patrolling car nearby. I bring my car to a stop. Nikky frowns slightly, looking at me.
"I want to talk to them. Nothing serious," I say, hopping out of the car.
The car is driving slowly and then stops. I can't see who's inside, but I take note of the number plate. I walk over to the patrolling car. The guard quickly jumps out.
"Good day. That car has been following us. Can you please check who it is? Call backup if needed," I say firmly.
He nods, gets into the car, and drives off. The car that's been following us does a U-turn and drives away as soon as it notices the patrolling car heading its way.
My heart pounds fast. Who is this??
.
.
.
The guards told me that the person who was following us was a woman. She thought I was her cheating husband. Apparently, her husband has the same car as mine, so that's why she followed us to see where we were heading. My car is new, and I haven't put a number plate on it yet. I need to do it as soon as possible so women don't think I'm their cheating husband. Her name is Getrude. Hopefully, she catches that man soon.
Biyela throws the bones and burps loudly, staring at them.
"You promised them a ceremony," Biyela says, burping again as he points at one of the bones.
I nod. I know.
I see his face sink slightly, and he burps again.
"Makhosi, what's going on? Is there something wrong?" I ask as I feel my heart beating fast.
He just stares at the bones without saying anything.
I wait anxiously.
"Tragedy will strike your family, however this is just the beginning of a beautiful future," he says, burping again.
Huh? I frown.
"Makhosi, what do you mean? Tragedy? And the beginning of a beautiful future? How do those go in the same sentence?" I ask, confused.
He finally looks at me.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. This is supposed to happen so you can have a beautiful future, as they mentioned," Biyela says softly.
I sigh heavily. I'm getting more confused.
"What will happen?" I ask.
He suddenly looks behind me. I frown and turn around, but there's no one there.
"They didn't tell me what exactly is going to happen, but everything will be alright. I promise you," he says, sighing as he looks at his bones again.
I suddenly feel sad, like I could cry at any moment.
"Bangizwe wasn't lying. However, this doesn't mean you should marry this Khwezi woman," Biyela says, starting to burp loudly again. "Your mother is always with you, and she wants you to stop blaming yourself for her death. She can feel that you haven't moved on from it," Biyela continues, burping again.
I look down, rubbing my face and breathing shakily.
"How do I move on from that? It's hard," I say honestly.
"I know, but your mother is in peace, and she wants you to be in peace too. You don't have to punish yourself. Everyone has a warm home back home because of you. You've done enough for the family. It is time to live for yourself now," Biyela says.
I feel my eyes burning.
"Just live for yourself and allow yourself to be taken care of. You've done enough for your family," Biyela continues.
I sniff, wiping my tears gently.
"You were just a child, and seeing your mother like that will scar anyone forever. But you can't live in the past forever. She wants to be free from the hurt and that pain, because what happened is not your fault," Biyela says softly.
I sigh heavily and keep quiet as my heart breaks.
"Of course, trials and tribulations will happen in your relationship with Nikky. That's just part of life and its lessons," Biyela says softly.
I look up at him.
"They won't show anything about her mother, will they?" I ask hopefully.
He slowly shakes his head.
"No, unless you bring her here to consult for herself," Biyela says softly. "Don't worry, she's… strong. She will be fine. Just be there for her the same way she is there for you. And stop listening to Bangizwe. He will lead you down the wrong path with his lies. Your mother wants you to move," Biyela says, burping again.
Move?
"Nikky can't stay with your whole family forever. She needs to have her own place, for her, Bonga, and your future kids," he continues.
My heart pounds fast.
Kids?
"Kids?" I whisper. I was already thinking of moving away from my family homestead and building Nikky her own home, because I know there won't be peace at home.
I hear Biyela scoff softly.
"With this rate, you two are going… every year she'll get pregnant," he says, chuckling.
Mxm.
"Makhosi, are you sure everything will be okay? Who can I trust?" I ask, sounding serious.
He nods slowly, burping again.
"Well, you can't trust everyone, of course. It doesn't matter how long you've known them. Just stay on guard, like you always have been, because yes… it will get very, very hot here," Biyela says, staring at me. "Both of you will be tested, hard, and it will be up to the two of you whether you trust each other or not," he adds.
"I trust her," I say without hesitation. I really do.
He nods.
"That's good. That's what I wanted to hear. So now you need to find time and go introduce her to your mother. You haven't seen your mother's grave in a while," he says.
True. I haven't gone home for a while now. I should do that.
I watch him gathering his bones and putting them in his bag. He sighs and looks at me.
"If you feel like you need some guidance, you can come again and consult. And more messages will come through dreams now," he says softly.
I nod.
He smiles and crosses his arms.
"When you gather the men for your lobola negotiations, don't forget about me. I'll take over from Bangizwe," he says cockily.
I chuckle softly.
"Come on, he's my older brother," I say quietly.
He frowns.
"He cheated on his wife, and you will soon know who he cheated with. You'll be shocked," he says, shrugging.
I frown, confused.
Who did he cheat with?
"You know, it's just weird how the same year you lost your mother is the same year the love of your life was born… mmh. I guess it is fate. Everything is always connected," he says thoughtfully, looking behind me.
.
.
.
I walk through the kitchen as I hear laughter and commotion. I spot Nikky, Mtho, and Bonga. I stop and look at them.
"It's a good business idea. I don't know what you are laughing at. I'm unemployed now since Malumekazi doesn't work," Mtho says, chuckling softly.
"If I was you, I would use that time and travel the world to get some bitches," Bonga says.
Nikky gasps and hits him on the shoulder with a plastic spoon.
"You are calling women bitches?!" Nikky says in disbelief.
"Mshaye, Malumekazi," Mtho says, bursting into laughter.
Bonga raises his hands in surrender.
"I'm sorry, stepmommy, it slipped," Bonga says.
God. I'm going to be a grandpa here, and this is what Bonga wants to do in his free time… chasing after girls.
I walk slowly toward them.
"My family," I greet them.
Bonga's eyes widen.
"Baba, welcome home," Bonga says.
I sigh and sit next to Nikky.
"What's going on?" I ask curiously.
Mtho sighs and leans forward.
"I was thinking of opening a laundromat around here. It's simple and a good business, especially in this area," Mtho explains.
Bonga bursts into laughter again, making me startle a little. If I didn't know better, I would think Bonga is on drugs.
"Siyabong, stop laughing at your cousin. This is a good business," Nikky says.
I shake my head.
"Do you have a business plan I can look at?" I ask, looking at Mtho.
He nods.
"I'll show you tomorrow, Malume. Right now, I just want to go to bed and get some sleep," Mtho says, standing up.
Bonga is still laughing.
"Malumekazi, thank you for the food," Mtho adds before walking out.
Bonga finally composes himself and looks at Nikky and me.
"My parents, I'm going to sleep too. Tomorrow I'm going to a church conference. Amen," he says and walks away.
"Did you and Julia drop Bonga on his head when he was a baby?" Nikky asks, turning her full attention to me. "You were only 21 when you had him. I'm sure you.."
I cut her off with a long, passionate kiss.
"I love you," I say, gazing at her.
She smiles, looking at me suspiciously.
"Are you okay? Are you dying?" she teases.
I laugh softly, pulling her closer.
"Don't worry. I'm not dying anytime soon. I'll stay until I become a grandpa," I say, laughing softly.
She laughs too.
"I love you too," she says softly.
I hold her close for a moment, and enjoying, the simple peace of this night.
But somewhere in the back of my mind, Biyela's words echo again.
Tragedy will strike your family..
I push the thought away and kiss Nikky's forehead gently. Tonight, I just want to hold on to this moment of peace and happiness.

••••

[DIAMOND]

I sigh softly, closing my laptop and taking off my glasses. I have a headache now. I lean back in my chair and take my phone. I send another text to Nikky. I know she won't reply, but I will keep sending these texts until she replies.
I miss her. I miss her warm hugs and her cooking. All that is being given to Mnotho now! Mnotho should bring back my wife. I can't live like this.
I scroll through my phone and call Konke. I only saw his missed call now. It rings and rings until he finally answers.
"Thembalami, I've been trying to call you," he says urgently.
I blink.
"What's wrong?" I ask, concerned.
"I have to go to Bloemfontein to look for Khulekani. I won't stay long," he says.
Khulekani?
"Is he okay?" I ask softly.
He sighs on the other side.
"That's what I want to find out. I was told to go look for him. I have to leave now, and I will call you once I land in Bloem," he says.
I nod even though he can't see me.
"It's okay, love. Make sure you inform me when you find him. I love you," I say.
"I love you too. See you soon," he says and hangs up.
He does sound worried, and now I'm worried because he is worried. I hope nothing is wrong with Khulekani.
Soon, I will be meeting the older sister. Hopefully we get along just like I get along with Yibanathi.
I guess after work I need to drive to Aunt Thembi's house. I want to ask her more about my uncle's disappearance. If he appeared to Konke in a vision, surely he wants to be found.
Now the serious issue is where we are going to begin. There are so many caves from here to Zimbabwe.
So Thembi will need to think carefully and tell me everything she remembers. Or maybe we should appease the ancestors so they can help us.
Sbo doesn't know anything yet. I don't want to raise his hopes too high. His father's disappearance hit him hard. For now, I want him to focus on Snothando, something that makes him happy.
We were able to clone Ndu's phone. The same Ndu that Sno was forcing Nikky to work with. This means Sno was just sending Nikky to another monster like her.
We've only sent one text anonymously, and Sbo tells me she is losing her mind, along with her mother. On top of that, that gremlin thinks Nikky is behind this. She is so obsessed with Nikky, that one.
I haven't had time to read the other journals since I'm already swamped with work and studying.
I see Nicole walking in, and I immediately stand up.
"Our client is here. Bring your notebook. We are going to the boardroom," she says, already picking up her tablet.
I frown. Client?
I don't ask questions. I just take my things and follow her.
.
.
.
Mr. Shai, one of the most prominent businessmen in this country, connected to politicians and all, one of those men who seem untouchable, who gets away with anything with just a slap on the wrist because he throws money around and things disappear. My whole body shakes. I had rejected this case, but it seems like Nicole only cares about the money.
This man has a case of rape and multiple femicides. Here, only three victims are involved, but I know there are more; more women who died at his hands, more women who were raped by this monster. I sigh softly.
"A settlement is something we can consider. Yes, you'll lose money, but all these people will drop the charges and settle with you," Nicole suggests. I turn to her, trying to hide my shock. This won't go to court? No trial?
Mr. Shai nods in agreement.
"That will work. It doesn't matter how much we pay them. I have money; I just don't want this to ruin my reputation," he says. I swallow a lump in my throat. Oh lord.
The boardroom door swings open. A woman walks in, an attorney, with two young women following her. I see Shai's eyes widen in shock.
"Good morning. I'm Attorney Latoya Zulu, and I will represent these two women here. If there's anything you want to discuss regarding my clients, I should be present," Latoya says, taking a seat. The young women sit next to her, they look very young.
"But…" Nicole raises her hand, stopping Mr. Shai from speaking.
"We understand, Mrs. Zulu," Nicole says professionally.
"My clients told me you wanted to offer them a settlement and avoid going to court," Latoya says sharply. "I'm here to make it clear: no. My clients will not take any money from Mr. Shai. We are taking this to court. We want him behind bars for what he did." She pushes a file toward Nicole and stands.
"See you in court," Latoya says and walks out, followed by the young women.
I gasp loudly and stand. I need a restroom.
I lock myself in the toilet and cry softly. No. No. My whole body shakes again, from anger, fear, and disappointment. How could Nicole want us to defend a rapist? A whole rapist? I can't believe this. I sigh softly, wiping my tears, and stand to unlock the door.
I freeze when I see Latoya washing her hands at the sink. She looks at me and smiles.
"The case making you emotional?" she asks softly, calm now. I ignore her and wash my hands.
"You know that man deserves to rot in hell," she says quietly. "He raped those girls and murdered their friend. That's why he and his attorney want a settlement to give these young women money and shut them up. You and I both know that's wrong." She dries her hands.
"But this is our profession, right? Every person deserves an attorney to represent them in court, no matter what they've done," she continues, taking something from her bag. She hands me her card.
I stare at it.
"Take this, and call me if you need a job. Nicole doesn't play nice, I know her. This whole firm doesn't play nice. Take my card, and call me when you're ready to join my firm," she says. I take the card. She smiles and walks out.
.
.
.
The case will go to trial. Nicole is angry, Mr. Shai is furious. I didn't know that firm was so corrupt. Makes sense why that man once came and shot one of the lawyers. I sigh, throwing myself on the couch. I drove myself here instead of Konke's place, knocked off very early because I was sad and frustrated. I feel bad for those girls, I really do. I hope Latoya is the real deal, because corrupt people always win. Mr. Shai wants this out of the public eye, imagine. I need to shower and go to Aunt Thembi's place. Nomvula isn't there anymore; she's staying at some Airbnb.
I hear a knock as I stand up. I wonder who that is now. I walk toward the door and open it. Damn, Minenhle. She pushes me aside and walks in. I didn't lock the burglar gate, I turn and look at her.
"What do you want?" I ask sharply, and how did she get here… These guards are going to piss me off now.
She looks at me with so much disgust.
"I hate you, you ruined my parents' lives! Why did you even get born, huh? Why can't you just help Dad? He's dying!" Minenhle says loudly, her eyes burning with rage. I chuckle bitterly. I can't believe this. I've already had a bad day, and I'm even thinking about changing careers, and now Ace's daughter is here to insult me.
"Girly, leave my flat before I call the guards. I don't care about your dad. If he dies…" I say, clicking my tongue. This fool…where's my phone? As I am about to grab my bag, she raises a gun. I freeze. This bitch has a gun.
"You will give Dad a kidney," she says, and pulls the trigger. The bullet hits my shoulder and I scream, stumbling backward and falling. Fuck!!
"No one will miss you, except Aunt Thembi, she will be fine though. We need your kidneys so Dad can survive," she says, standing over me. The pain is unbearable. I blink, trying to stay awake.
"Goodbye," she says. No, I can't die like this, like a coward. But my whole body is weak. The pain is unbearable. I close my eyes as she puts the gun on my forehead.
I hear a thud. I open my eyes. Minenhle is on the ground.
"Dee, oh my God, are you okay?" That's Nikky. I blink again, but my eyes want to shut close.
"Help me, take her to the hospital! How did you let this woman in this flat?" Nikky shouts. I hear Minenhle screaming.
"Dee, don't close your eyes, I'm here now," Nikky says, but I can't. I just want to sleep.
I feel her hitting my cheek. I slowly open my eyes. I look at her.
"Don't close your eyes, I'm here, Diamond," Nikky says softly, her voice cracking a bit.
I want to, I really do. I feel so many hands around me. Nikky's face disappears, and I close my eyes again.

I hear a soft beeping. Someone holding my hand gently.
"I don't care if she's family. She needs to go to jail," that's Nikky. She sounds really furious.
"Where's Sboniso?" she asks again.
"I think he went to make a call," a male voice says. Whose is that? My eyes feel heavy, and I can't open them up.
"I don't want any Sokhulu here. They will finish her off," Nikky says. I know when she's angry like this, it is not easy to calm her down.
"Uncle said he's on his way," the male voice says. I try hard to open my eyes, but nothing. I'm not dead, right? I can't be.
"Okay, I'll have to try and call Konke again. His phone is off. I wonder where he is," Nikky says. Konke will be stressed.
I guess I just need to hang on till I'm able to fully wake up. Hopefully Nomvula doesn't come and finish me off.