CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 81
SEASON FINALE

Mnotho is visibly pissed at his brother and sister for ambushing him. Bangizwe's knees are painful, and Tshengisile has been rubbing them gently, trying to ease the pain. Mnotho paces up and down, clearly annoyed, his jaw tight.
"What are you two doing here? I told you, if you want us to talk about the ceremony, we will use the other house," Mnotho says coldly.
Tshengisile gasps softly at her younger brother's coldness.
"Mnotho, you and this girlfriend of yours can't be having sex everywhere. Sex is sacred. The two of you are committing an abomination. Even this relationship of yours is an abomination too," Bangizwe sneers, then flinches as the pain shoots through his knees.
Mnotho frowns slightly, his eyes narrowing.
"Mnotho, what's going on with you? This is so unlike you. We are not even welcomed here in your house because of this girl?" Tshengisile adds, clearly annoyed.
"I'm the one who doesn't want you here, not Nikky. And Bangizwe, why were you sneaking around like a thief? What did you want to see? Nikky with another man?" Mnotho says, his voice rising with anger.
Bangizwe chuckles softly, shaking his head.
"You can't trust her that easily. And yes, I thought she was with another man… and guess what? It was you! All down there with… you are disgusting," Bangizwe says, his face filled with disgust.
Mnotho scoffs softly, completely unfazed.
"Yeah, that's what happens when you sneak around. You see things you were not supposed to see. And I was satisfying my wife," Mnotho says boldly, without shame. He stands firm, his expression serious. Keeping Nikky happy is his priority.
"Satisfying your wife? Don't play with me. You're not even sure if you want to marry this girl or not. Why don't you marry someone respectful, a mature woman like Khwezi? Someone who won't demand all these disgusting things just to please her," Bangizwe suggests, raising his eyebrows.
Mnotho pauses and glares at his brother. He really doesn't understand why Bangizwe has such a problem with Nikky… and what is this obsession with pushing Khwezi onto him? His suspicion starts rising now. He remembers Biyela's words about Bangizwe cheating.
"Why don't you marry Khwezi? Take her, so she can be your second wife since you love her so much," Mnotho says angrily. "I'm not a kid, Bangizwe. I'm not your child for you to control all my decisions," he adds, still pissed.
"I'm trying to get you a good woman, Mnotho. You will die alone with no kids and no wife if you continue being stubborn. And the ancestors love…"
"Yoh! If you mention the ancestors one more time, I will lose it. Don't start, please!" Mnotho shouts, cutting him off, his voice loud and sharp.
Tshengisile's eyes widen in shock.
"Mnotho, calm down. No one is controlling you here. We are just worried, that's all. The healer…"
"Fuck that healer," Mnotho snaps, cutting his sister off. "I didn't send you and Bangizwe to consult on my behalf. You are both too forward. Why don't you mind your own businesses? Wena, Bangizwe, can't you focus on your own business? Your son who is busy getting girls pregnant… isn't he the one you should be advising? Or take him to that healer and check what's wrong with him?" Mnotho says, his voice now calm but firm, and even more dangerous.
Bangizwe opens his mouth, then closes it, completely stunned.
"And you, Tshengisile… have you even taken your time to call Mtholephi? To check up on him? No, you haven't. Because you are busy with your new lover back home, the one you are giving money from the family business," Mnotho adds, looking straight at her, his eyes hard.
He is angry, and rightfully so.
"Mnotho…" Tshengisile says in disbelief, hurt written all over her face.
"Yeah, we all have our dirt. So clean your houses and leave mine alone. And Tshengisile, if I ever see you giving that man our money again, I will block your card," Mnotho warns firmly.
"Hayi, hayi! Tshengisile has a right to that money too. She can spend it however she wants. Aren't you also spending it on this girl of yours?" Bangizwe jumps in quickly.
Mnotho chuckles softly, shaking his head.
"Well… I guess sisi here needs to find herself a good, hardworking man. Not someone who is busy spending her money and driving her car," Mnotho says, a dry chuckle escaping him. "While you were busy consulting on my behalf, sisi… on behalf of my love life, why didn't you ask our ancestors about this man who loves you and your family's money?" he adds, his tone now harsher.
He takes a step closer, his eyes fixed on her.
"I'm not here to take care of another man. Why don't you tell him to get a job? Or better yet, we can hire him since he's so comfortable living off you," Mnotho continues, his words hitting hard.
Tshengisile rises from the couch, clearly annoyed. She clicks her tongue loudly and glares at Mnotho, her face filled with anger and embarrassment. Without saying another word, she turns and walks out.
"What's your problem?" Bangizwe asks, now visibly pissed.
Mnotho crosses his arms, his face going cold again.
"Oh, I'm the problem now?" he asks, letting out a short, bitter laugh. "You two are busy judging me, but the moment I do the same, it becomes an issue? Give me a break, Bangizwe," he adds, his voice low but firm.
He steps closer to him, his gaze intense.
"And I hope this nonsense never happens again. You sneaking around Nikky's place, making her uncomfortable…" he pauses, shaking his head slowly. "This is your last warning, Bhuti. Because you won't like it if I do the same to Gabisile… accuse her of cheating on you," Mnotho says softly, but there is clear danger in his voice.
He sits down, leans in slightly.
"Respect your future sister-in-law and I won't cross any boundaries and shake your marriage," he finishes, his tone calm but threatening.
Bangizwe just sits there, stunned, his mouth slightly open, not knowing what to say.

Tshengisile pauses at the kitchen door. This is her first time seeing Nikky in person. She has only seen pictures of her on Mtho's WhatsApp statuses. She is still pissed about how Mnotho spoke to her… really annoyed. She knows Mnotho has a sharp tongue, but she didn't think this time she would be on the receiving end of it… all because of this girl.
She walks in.
Nikky is busy arranging tea cups, clearly preparing tea for them. Calm and focused.
Tshengisile walks straight to the fridge and opens it, grabbing some ice for Bangizwe, who hurt his knees.
"Hello," Nikky says softly, politely.
Tshengisile had planned to ignore her and walk out.
"I'm making tea…" Nikky adds gently.
Tshengisile turns around slowly, her eyes cold. She glares at Nikky and scoffs.
"We don't want your tea, Mrs Mlambo," Tshengisile says coldly.
Nikky blinks, slightly shocked.
"Look here, little girl… my brother and I are leaving. Your man made it clear that he doesn't want us here. So let's not pretend like we are friends or some happy family," Tshengisile continues harshly.
She grabs the ice and slams the fridge door.
"We will see how long this lasts. You will get bored with Mnotho. You will get bored of being a stepmother and you will leave. And what about Bangizwe and Mnotho's relationship? It will be broken… all because of you," she adds, her words sharp and heavy.
"Why don't you just leave while it's still early? While my brother is not too deep into this relationship?" she continues, stepping closer. "Because we both know why you are here… the money, the stability, the security. That's all," Tshengisile adds.
Nikky chuckles softly.
That only makes Tshengisile more annoyed.
"Sisi…" Nikky starts gently.
"I'm not your sister. Is your sister the same age as me? Don't disrespect me," Tshengisile snaps, pointing at her.
"Okay… Mama," Nikky says softly.
Tshengisile scoffs loudly, clearly irritated.
"This is your first time meeting me and you have already made up your mind about me," Nikky says calmly, trying to stay respectful.
Tshengisile raises her hand, cutting her off.
"I don't care about you. Because just like all the other women Mnotho dated… they all broke his heart and left him to pick up the pieces. And just like them, you will do the same," she says bitterly.
She looks Nikky up and down.
"Why are you even following this old man around? A man the same age as your father?" Tshengisile sneers.
"Mnotho and my dad… are not the same age," Nikky says quietly.
Tshengisile frowns, even more annoyed now.
"Mnotho? You are calling him by his name?" she asks, shocked and offended.
Her eyes suddenly fall on Nikky's necklace… and she almost drops the packet of ice.
"Mnotho… gave you this?" Tshengisile asks, pointing at the necklace, her voice filled with disbelief.
Nikky smiles warmly, touching the necklace gently.
"He did… and the earrings too," she says softly. "Your brother and I… are serious. I know you won't see it that way because of the age gap, but I do love him," Nikky adds, her voice calm and honest.
Tshengisile scoffs, shaking her head in disbelief. She can't believe Mnotho would give something so important… to a girl she believes is not worthy of the family.
Without another word, Tshengisile storms off, leaving Nikky standing there alone.
She walks straight to the lounge, ready to leave. She finds Bangizwe alone.
"Where's Mnotho?" Tshengisile asks, looking around.
Bangizwe stands up slowly and flinches a little from the pain in his knees.
"Throwing tantrums as always. Let's leave… I need to meet someone," Bangizwe says, walking slowly toward her.
"Bangizwe … you need to talk to your brother. He gave that girl… the family stone," she says anxiously, lowering her voice.
Bangizwe blinks rapidly, clearly shocked.
"He did? Why would he do that?" he asks, confused and disturbed. "Mnotho is under a spell, I'm telling you. That healer did mention something like this would happen," Bangizwe says heavily, his thoughts racing.
He pauses for a moment, then looks ahead, his expression changing slightly.
"Look… we will deal with this later. Let's leave," Bangizwe adds.
But deep down, he already knows what he needs to do.
.
.
.
Bangizwe had asked Tshengisile to go and get them something to eat so he can talk to Mtho alone. Tshengisile doesn't know about Julia and Bangizwe, and Bangizwe needs it to stay that way. He is even shocked that Mtho is aware of this secret.
His knees are still in pain, and right now he just needs painkillers, food, and rest but more than that, he needs to find a way to remove Nikky from Mnotho's life.
The healer did mention to him that if Mnotho marries and finds someone to build a home with, then Bangizwe, Tshengisile, and their children won't get Mnotho's wealth. And they can't let that happen… never.
Khwezi is not smart, and they know it. That's why she would be a perfect match for Mnotho. Someone they can easily control and use.
Bangizwe's head quickly turns as he hears footsteps. It's Mtho.
He quickly stands up, wincing slightly from the pain in his knees.
"You fool," Bangizwe hisses at Mtho, his voice low but full of anger.
Mtho just sighs heavily, already annoyed.
"Malume? How can I help?" Mtho asks calmly, almost sarcastically.
"Julia told me that you threatened her," Bangizwe says, getting straight to the point.
Mtho lets out a dark laugh, shaking his head.
"Oh… so your girlfriend ran crying to you," Mtho says, still laughing.
Bangizwe's anger rises immediately.
"Mtholephi, I'm not in the mood. Stay away from her… and never mention this to Mnotho," Bangizwe warns coldly. If Mnotho finds out, everything will be ruined.
"Why?" Mtho asks, stepping forward. "So it's okay for Malum'Mnotho to stay in the dark? To know nothing about Bonga's paternity?" he says… Before he can finish, Bangizwe slaps him hard.
"Shut up!!!" Bangizwe roars. "I said keep this to yourself, or else I will deal with you," he adds, his voice cold and threatening.
Mtho holds his cheek, his eyes dark now.
"You are disgusting," Mtho says slowly. "What now? You will kill me? Or are you still sleeping with Bonga's mother?" he adds boldly.
Bangizwe steps closer, ready to slap him again. They hear something drop on the floor.
Both of them freeze.
Bangizwe slowly turns around, Tshengisile is standing there.
Her eyes are wide. The food she was holding has fallen to the floor.
"What…?" she says, her voice shaking.
Everything hits her at once.
And then, she faints.

••••

Sbo and TK have been following Kholiwe slowly.
Sno told them she needs time to get that million they want, but Sbo wants to deal with this and go home tomorrow morning. He doesn't trust Nomvula, especially now that she is already home and giving Diamond problems.
"She's slowing down," TK says softly.
Sbo looks ahead. Yes… Kholiwe's car is slowing down. They are deep inside some forest now.
"I doubt we will find the body here," Sbo says calmly. He already knows wild animals have probably eaten it.
Sbo stops the car and switches off all the lights.
It becomes extremely dark.
"You think she saw us?" TK asks quietly.
Sbo just shrugs. He pulls down his balaclava and takes out his gun. TK does the same.
Kholiwe is not alone. She is with a woman and a guy.
"That's probably her sister and nephew. Let's go," Sbo says.
They slowly step out of the car and close the doors carefully, making sure there is no noise.
Kholiwe is holding a flashlight as they walk deeper into the forest.
Sbo and TK follow behind, hiding behind trees, moving carefully, step by step.
They finally see them stop.
The three of them look around, whispering to each other.
"It was here," a voice says.
Sbo feels a heavy drop inside him. They need that body.
"Shoot the guy," Sbo says quietly to TK.
Without hesitation, TK starts shooting.
Gunshots echo through the forest.
Chaos breaks out instantly.
Kholiwe and her sister scream.
The flashlight drops and spins on the ground, the light shaking everywhere.
Sbo steps closer, his face cold. He lifts his gun and aims straight at Kholiwe.
He pulls the trigger.
Two shots. One hits her leg. The other hits her stomach.
Sbo and TK run toward them.
Kholiwe is groaning and wincing in pain, struggling to breathe. The woman next to her is crying loudly, shaking in fear. The nephew is trying to stay strong, but his hands are trembling.
He had a gun too.
TK quickly picks it up, along with the flashlight that fell on the ground.
"Where's the body?" TK asks coldly.
TK is the one doing the talking, since Kholiwe knows Sbo's voice.
Sbo switches on his phone flashlight and starts moving around, scanning the area carefully. He walks in circles, checking the ground, the bushes, everywhere.
But there is nothing.
Not even a sign that a body was ever there.
He groans softly in frustration. The animals probably ate it.
He curses silently under his breath and walks back to TK, who is still busy interrogating them.
"I'm in pain…" Kholiwe says weakly, her voice shaking.
Sbo bends down slowly and takes a picture of her. Then he stands up again, his face cold and unreadable under his balaclava.
He signals TK with his eyes.
Time to leave.
"They think the body was eaten by the animals," TK says quietly as they start walking away.
"I think so too," Sbo replies calmly. "I'm raising the ransom. This bitch must pay," he adds, his voice filled with anger and determination.
He is ready to turn Snothando's life upside down.

•••

Nikky was able to get everyone at the Spa, her mother, her two sisters, and of course Snothando. They are all here.
Sylvia is less judgmental today, only complimenting the huge place that covers everything, including hair treatments. She wants to do her hair now, after the manicure and pedicure. Of course, her aim is clear to make Nikky uncomfortable by demanding expensive things. But Nikky doesn't tell them she has vouchers, so they assume she is footing the bill herself.
"Snothando? Why are you on your phone?" Ntobe asks curiously.
Sno smiles nervously and puts her phone aside. She has been trying to reach her mother.
"Nothing… work," Sno lies, keeping her tone casual.
"That massage really helped me; my body was all sore," Sylvia says happily, looking at Nikky. Nikky smiles politely but doesn't respond. She already knows the plan the family is heading to Ntobe's house for brunch next, and that works perfectly for her. Mtho is close by; they can rush to Pimville and get her father's documents without anyone noticing.
Sno's eyes wander to Nikky's skin. It is glowing and smooth, flawless even. She wonders what Nikky is using since she has struggled with skin issues since childhood. Sno tried dying her hair like Nikky, but she left the dye in too long and it burnt her hair, now it looks horrible.
"Nike… your skin looks amazing. Did you find a good dermatologist?" Sno asks curiously, sipping her champagne.
Sylvia's eyes scan Nikky from head to toe, noting how flawless her skin is now.
Nikky looks at her skin and nods. Rendani is the one who gives her the creams, ointments for her skin and they are working wonders.
"Not a dermatologist, just a doctor," Nikky replies softly. "And eating healthy, cleaning my gut helps too," she adds.
"Oh, and if you are always stressed, your skin can show it too. I think you are happy now… that man does make you happy," Ntobe says sweetly.
Sylvia and Sno almost scoff, annoyed.
Nikky just smiles and nods. She is happy. Mnotho does make her happy, despite everyone having a problem with their relationship.
Ntobe suddenly gasps loudly, remembering something important.
"What now, Nontobeko?" Sylvia asks, shocked.
"It's about Genesis Funeral Parlour," Ntobe says, looking at them. Nikky raises her eyebrows, curious.
"What's going on?" Sno asks first. She hasn't heard anything about this family since the blackmailers got her picture with Sphephelo. She hopes it's not about her.
"Well… two of their biggest branches are closed. There's an investigation going on, apparently something to do with fraud, organ transportation, drugs, and illegal firearms being transported using their hearses," Ntobe says, summarizing the story.
Sylvia gasps, not believing it.
"You are lying, Nontobeko," Sylvia says, clearly unhappy.
Ntobe rolls her eyes.
"I'm serious, Ma. Actually, there are rumours too… that Genesis himself sleeps with dead bodies," Ntobe says, clapping her hands for emphasis.
Nikky's eyes widen in shock.
"Omg… is this online?" Nikky asks, picking up her phone.
"No. Their attorneys made sure. We don't see those news. Someone who works at the funeral parlour told Letsatsi because he needed a job," Ntobe says with a shrug.
Sylvia doesn't believe this story at all. She needs to call Genesis and ask him what's going on. Nikky is not surprised at all, Genesis is a vile man. If he can sleep with his son's wife, what are dead bodies?
Nikky notices everyone busy chatting. Futhi has been quiet since she arrived. Today, Nikky doesn't have time for her, she needs to go to Pimville now.
"Eish, I need to rush to school," Nikky says, already standing up.
Everyone looks at her, curious.
"Nike, you said you'd join us for brunch," Ntobe reminds her.
Sylvia doesn't like that at all. She wants Nikky far away from Ntobe's home.
"Go to school, my child, school is important," Sylvia jumps in first, encouraging Nikky to leave.
Nikky frowns slightly, confused by the sudden care from Sylvia.
"Don't worry, Ntobe, I'll be quick. After this, you can go do your hair, ma," Nikky says with a warm smile and walks off toward the changing room.
Sno has her own agenda here too, to steal Nikky's phone and get Mnotho's numbers.
.
.
.
Nikky leaves her handbag and phone on top of the bench. She quickly changes into her normal clothes, sends a fast text to Mtho, and tosses her phone back into the bag. She makes her way to the restroom.
As Nikky disappears, Sno tiptoes toward the bench and sits down. There are no cameras here, she's safe. Slowly, she pulls Nikky's phone out of the bag. She tries every password she can think of, but nothing works. She groans softly, frustrated. She needs these numbers.
As she stands up, her eyes catch a figure in the mirror. A dark shadow stretches out its hands and clamps tight around her neck. Sno struggles, kicking and thrashing, but it's too strong. The shadow throws her across the room and slams the door shut behind her.
Sno hits the floor hard, wincing in pain. Her eyes widen as she frantically looks around, panic rushing through her.
She tries to push herself up to run, but it feels like the ground is holding her down, trapping her.
"Help… help…" she screams as loud as she can, her voice shaking, but no one answers.
Then, she feels someone tap her on the shoulder. Her head snaps around. Nikky stands behind her, calm and collected.
Sno blinks, still confused and scared. She scrambles to her feet, clutching both her phone and Nikky's.
"Was my phone ringing?" Nikky asks, taking her phone from Sno. Her voice is soft, almost teasing, with a small smile.
Sno stares at her, unsure what just happened.
"I need to go. Bye, love," Nikky says softly, still smiling, and walks off, closing the door behind her.
Sno stands frozen for a moment, confusion twisting inside her.
"What…? What's going on?" she whispers, her heart pounding. Fear mixes with disbelief as she rushes out of the changing room, trying to make sense of what just happened.
.
.
.
Nikky scans through all the documents she found in her mother's wardrobe. She freezes when she sees divorce papers.
"Divorce?" Nikky whispers to herself. She doesn't read them, just puts them aside, she will take them with her.
Her father's documents aren't in this file, so she moves to another one. She opens it and quickly finds her father's ID and death certificate.
"Thank God," she says softly, relief washing over her. This file has most of the documents she needs, so she decides to take it.
Now her curiosity shifts to the key. She goes back to her mother's wardrobe to check carefully. Her phone keeps ringing, she knows it's Ntobe but Nikky is busy here. She sighs in frustration when she doesn't find the key.
She takes all the documents she doesn't need and places them back in the briefcase, then closes her mother's wardrobe carefully.
She grabs her phone.
"Ntobe, I'm on my way," Nikky says and hangs up quickly. She picks up the file and the divorce papers and walks out.
Nikky finds herself in the lounge and sinks onto the couch, tired and drained. She feels like a stranger in her own home. Leaning back and staring at the ceiling, she blinks and suddenly sees the house shifting in her mind, changing into a small, simple hut. She slowly turns her head and faces a woman staring at her lovingly. Nikky doesn't feel scared or afraid, just calm. The woman gently strokes her cheek, humming softly.
"Remember… remember who you are," the woman says to Nikky, smiling sweetly at her.
Nikky startles as she hears something fall. She blinks rapidly and realises she's no longer in the hut, she's back in her home. She sits up and notices a family picture lying on the floor. She stands and walks over, kneeling carefully. The picture shows her parents and sisters, she is not in it. This picture was taken when she was in KZN.
She slowly picks up the picture, and something small drops to the floor. Her eyes widen as she sees a key lying there.
"The key?" she whispers to herself, gasping softly. She picks it up, turning it over in her hands with curiosity.
"This must be the key," she murmurs. She leaves the picture on the floor and stands. Her journey wasn't in vain, now she needs to find out what this key will unlock.

•••

[KUKHOKONKE]

Nikky sent me a text that she did find her father's documents. On Monday, I'll take her to Y3 and do all the necessary things that are required. I did ask her not to mention this to her family. I fear that her life might be in danger. Her stepmother is cruel, once she knows, she won't sit down and relax.
Diamond told me her ceremony will be delayed a little because they can't find the goat they need. I have a bad feeling about this. I have already appeased both her ancestors and mine, just to make sure that this ceremony goes well. But still… something feels off, and I can't ignore that feeling.
I just left our house. What is left now is the roofing, and it is indeed getting there. The consultation rooms are done, and seeing that gives me some peace. And now, since Khulekani is here, this will help me a lot. Especially if I go underwater, he will help Diamond and also help Babomncane with building another consultation room back home.
I'm not even sure how long I'll be underwater since I met that angry ancestor. It could be months… who knows. That thought makes me uneasy, but I have no choice. That's why I want to spend as much time with Diamond as possible, before everything changes.
I hear my car radio suddenly playing. I frown slightly and try to switch it off, but it doesn't respond. I groan in frustration and park the car nearby. The road is not busy anyway.
This is Diamond's car. She told me it's second-hand, so I guess that's why the radio is acting up. I try to switch it off again, but I pause as I hear a familiar voice coming through it.
"He doesn't have to know about this…" a man's voice says.
I freeze. I can hear Diamond breathing heavily. My heart starts racing. What is going on here?
"No, I can't… our thing was something from the past," Diamond says softly.
I blink rapidly. No… this is not what I think it is. It can't be.
I quickly open the car door and step out but suddenly, I'm not outside anymore.
I find myself inside a house.
In a kitchen.
A woman stands there, stirring something in a pot, whistling softly like everything is normal. She picks up a cup and starts walking slowly outside. Something about her feels wrong.
I follow her without thinking.
We reach a room. She opens the door but doesn't go in. She just stands there, still stirring slowly, a wicked smile forming on her face.
I step closer and look inside.
My eyes widen in shock.
Diamond is lying on the bed… naked, her eyes empty, lifeless, like she's not even there.
A man moves closer to her and gets on top of her and suddenly… he starts changing.
His body twists, shifting into something unnatural, into a snake.
I gasp loudly, panic taking over me.
"No!"
I rush forward, ready to fight it off. But suddenly, I feel something pulling me from under the ground. Many hands grab onto me, holding me down, dragging me back.
I struggle, fighting them off with everything in me. My eyes stay locked on the snake as it moves slowly over Diamond's body.
"Get off her!!" I scream as loud as I can.
Everything suddenly freezes.
The snake stops. The air goes still.
I hear footsteps behind me. The woman is now inside the room, looking around calmly, like she has all the time in the world.
"Diamond, wake up, please!!" I scream again, my voice breaking.
I don't care if this woman hurts me or not. I don't care what happens to me. I just need Diamond to wake up.
I keep struggling against the hands holding me down, my body shaking with anger and fear, my eyes never leaving Diamond.