CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 83
SEASON FINALE

Nikky is busy heating up the soup she bought for Diamond. Nomvula walks slowly towards the kitchen. Fihliwe is still shaken up, and she didn't say anything to Nomvula about her sudden fear.
"If Sbo wasn't a bad boy, you were going to be Mrs Sokhulu, moving freely in this kitchen," Nomvula starts softly, teasing a little the moment she steps in. She is trying to get some information about why Nikky is here, especially since tomorrow her plan with Fihliwe must happen.
Nikky turns her head, confused by Nomvula's teasing tone. She doesn't trust her at all.
"Sbo will find a good woman, and she will walk freely in this kitchen," Nikky says softly, turning back to her pot. The soup is starting to heat up.
Nomvula peeks into the pot as the smell rises.
"Chicken soup?" Nomvula asks softly. She is trying to start a conversation, and if this plan works, Nikky will be Minenhle's friend.
Nikky nods.
"Yes, with vegetables. Diamond will have a good sleep after having this," Nikky says, then turns fully to face Nomvula. Her expression is unreadable, and she feels annoyed by this woman.
"I heard the goat went missing. Poor Diamond… maybe she shouldn't do this ceremony. Clearly, the ancestors are not approving," Nikky says, gazing straight at Nomvula. "Maybe she should go home," she adds. Konke told her everything.
Nomvula blinks rapidly, shocked for a moment.
"Another goat will be bought, and Diamond needs to stay a little longer here… her real home," Nomvula says calmly. Now she understands, Nikky is here to convince Diamond to go back to Johannesburg, and she can't allow that.
"But no one is taking care of Diamond. Her wound wasn't cleaned properly. I know Aunt Thembi was busy looking for the goat and planning the ceremony, but no one is really looking after Diamond here… and we can't expect Sbo to step in," Nikky says calmly, but her voice carries quiet frustration. She is the one who had to clean Diamond's wound and change her bandage. Diamond is being neglected here.
Nomvula feels like scoffing, but she controls herself.
"Diamond said she had it under control. But don't worry, I'll tell Ma to look after her," Nomvula says. Deep down, she knows she doesn't have it in her to care for that child.
Nikky nods slowly and turns back to the stove, switching it off. The soup is warm now. She pours half of it into a bowl for Diamond.
"Let me go feed Diamond. I left some soup for you… you can dish up if you want," Nikky says, then walks out.
The moment she is far from Nomvula, she clicks her tongue softly, her face hardening with irritation.
.
.
.
Nikky walks into Diamond's bedroom. There is a couch and a small coffee table. Diamond is lying in bed, staring at her phone, waiting for Konke's call or text.
"Come, have some soup," Nikky says, sitting on the couch. "I'm sure you are hungry," she adds softly. She can see how drained Diamond looks. She is not her usual self.
Diamond reluctantly stands up and slowly makes her way to the couch, her phone still in her hand.
"I can't get hold of Konke," Diamond says as she sits down with a heavy sigh.
Nikky scoops the soup and gently feeds her.
"Maybe his phone battery died. I tried calling him to tell him I have arrived," Nikky replies calmly. "Or maybe he just wants to be alone. he told me everything," Nikky adds, scooping another spoon and feeding her again.
Diamond chews a piece of vegetable slowly, guilt all over her face. She knows this is all her fault. Konke has never ignored her calls before.
"Where's Mnotho? Was he okay with you coming here?" Diamond asks, trying to shift the conversation.
Nikky just looks at her, seeing right through her.
"I got him toys, he'll be fine," Nikky replies anyway. Mnotho had told her he loves puzzles, so she got him three boxes of puzzles to keep him busy.
Diamond chuckles softly.
"I had to ask… because I know he might come this side if he knows you'll be sleeping here," Diamond says quietly.
Nikky shakes her head and continues feeding her.
"I won't sleep here. Konke told me about the vision he saw… about a man turning into a snake. That snake might harm me too," Nikky says seriously. She is not even sure who is behind this, but she knows she cannot trust Nomvula or Fihliwe, especially after the way they looked at her… like she was something they fear.
Diamond frowns slightly.
"A snake?" she whispers. She remembers she didn't ask Konke much about that vision. She dismissed it. Regret fills her.
"Yes, Diamond. You know my womb already has its own problems. Imagine now a snake trying to sleep with me too… I might never have children again. So… to be safe, I won't spend the night here. I'll leave," Nikky says gently. She already told Konke the same thing. They don't know how dangerous this place is, but they both know it is not safe.
"Nikky, I can't be here alone," Diamond says softly, her eyes filling with tears. She already feels vulnerable, and she needs Nikky with her.
"Then let's go back to Joburg. Konke will cleanse you after consulting with your ancestors. How many goats are you going to buy? Because they will keep disappearing," Nikky says, looking at her with concern.
Nikky knows that in Joburg, Diamond will be safer than here.
"But… the ceremony, Nikky," Diamond whispers. She feels obliged to do it, and she doesn't want to disappoint the family or Aunt Thembi.
"Diamond, I know every time we talk about your family, we always end up fighting. I didn't come here to force you to come with me," Nikky says softly, feeding her another spoon. "Konke was only trying to help you, but it's clear that he failed, because here I am, feeding you. He told me about the vision, and how unsafe you are here. He told me he tried to convince you to go with him, but you dismissed him, and said sometimes his visions are wrong," Nikky adds, her eyes not leaving Diamond.
Diamond's eyes drop in shame.
"I don't know what makes Konke think you will listen to me, because last time I tried to talk to you, to not go to that family meeting, but you went anyway. We ended up fighting. We told you not to go to our flat because you might get harmed, but what happened? Minenhle found you and almost killed you. If I didn't come, you wouldn't be here. Not because of your family… only because you are stubborn and you never listen to anyone," Nikky reminds her, her voice still calm but firm.
"Nikky, it's not that I don't listen to anyone…" Diamond pauses, sounding defensive.
Nikky sighs softly and places the bowl on the table.
"You see? You are defensive now. You are getting triggered. I know this might feel like Konke and I are trying to control you, but we are not. We are trying to keep you safe until Konke understands what is really going on with your family," Nikky says.
Konke had told her that he believes Diamond's father doesn't actually have a kidney problem like the doctor said. He thinks someone in the family is trying to kill him using witchcraft.
"Konke was aggressive, Nikky, this morning. He was literally forcing me to go with him," Diamond says, a little annoyed. That moment still makes her angry.
Nikky looks at her quietly, studying her face.
"What was he supposed to do? Let the woman he loves stay in a place he knows is not safe?" Nikky asks calmly.
She can see Diamond's mood changing, from sadness to irritation. Whatever is influencing her, the spell she's under … It is working.
They hear Sbo's voice outside.
"So, Konke must just push me around because he cares?" Diamond asks, frustrated. "I just need this ceremony to work so I can go back to my life," she adds, picking up the bowl and trying to feed herself.
Nikky sighs deeply.
"As I said, I'm not here to force you to come with me, because I know you are trying to please this family. You want to be part of it. Because deep down, there's a little girl in you who is still yearning to be accepted," Nikky says gently.
She leans forward slightly, her voice softer but more serious now.
"Even when good people are right in front of you… people who care about you, people who will do anything to keep you safe… you push them away. Because in your mind, you already believe Konke and I will abandon you. So you cling to your family, wanting their love, wanting their approval," Nikky continues.
Diamond stays quiet, her eyes slowly filling with tears.
"You were raised to believe that blood is thicker than water… that family will always be there for you," Nikky adds softly. "But I have to ask you something…"
Nikky pauses, looking straight into Diamond's eyes.
"Besides Aunt Thembi and Sbo… which other family member here would cross the line to protect you? To keep you safe? To see you happy… to see you loved and cared for?" Nikky asks, her voice calm but full of truth
"But Konke abandoned me… he's not answering my calls. You will also abandon me, once you know what kind of person I am," Diamond says softly. Her voice breaks a little. She can feel it… that Konke wants nothing to do with her now, especially after knowing about her second life of crime.
Nikky looks at her, calm but firm.
"If he really abandoned you, he wouldn't have called me this morning, begging me to come here and talk to you," Nikky says. "He would have driven straight home, called on his ancestors, and asked them to give him someone else… someone new to love."
Diamond freezes, her eyes widening.
"A person who will listen to him when he warns her about danger. A person who won't dismiss his gift and abilities. A person he will marry, build a home with… a family with," Nikky continues softly. "And he would have asked them to forget about you."
Diamond gasps softly, her eyes filling with tears. The thought alone hurts her deeply.
"And if I really abandoned you," Nikky adds, her voice still gentle but serious, "I wouldn't be here. I would have ignored Konke's pleas and told him, 'Diamond is an adult, she knows right from wrong.'"
Nikky pauses for a second, letting her words sink in.
"I wouldn't have gone to Mnotho and asked him to call in favours from his business associates, just to make sure I get a seat on one of their private jets to come here quickly," Nikky continues.
Diamond looks at her, shocked.
"I wouldn't be sitting here, feeding you, trying to talk sense into you while your own family is busy planning things behind your back," Nikky adds quietly.
Diamond's hand starts trembling slightly, the spoon shaking in her grip.
"You think people who abandon you fight this hard to reach you?" Nikky asks softly.
Diamond lowers her eyes, tears finally falling down her cheeks.
"I'm scared, Nikky…" Diamond admits in a broken voice. "What if everything Konke said is true? What if… I'm not safe here?"
Nikky leans closer, her voice softer now.
"Then why are you still choosing this place over people who are trying to protect you?" Nikky asks gently. Diamond doesn't answer.
She just cries silently.

Nikky quietly looks at her. She really hopes she got through to her, that she will finally do the right thing and come with her. Nikky slowly stands up. She doesn't comfort her this time.
"Let me go greet Aunt Thembi and Sbo. I'll come back and say my goodbyes when I'm done," Nikky says softly, then walks out, leaving Diamond crying even harder.
Nikky spots Sbo making his way to the kitchen and follows him closely.
Sbo just stands in the middle of the kitchen, looking lost, like he doesn't know what to do next.
"Hi, Sboniso," Nikky greets him before pulling a chair and sitting down.
Sbo turns around and looks at her. He already heard from the driver outside that Nikky is here. He doesn't know whether to greet her back or stay quiet. He needs to continue pretending that he hates her.
"You look tired too. Should I give you some soup?" Nikky asks, noticing how drained he looks. "Sit down, I'll dish up for you," she adds, already standing up.
She still cares about Sbo. And right now, he looks like someone who is also under the same dark cloud surrounding Diamond.
Nikky is not surprised to see that Nomvula didn't touch the soup. It is still warm as she dishes some into a bowl.
"When did you arrive?" Sbo asks softly. This is their first time sitting down and talking like this.
Sbo wants to tell Nikky everything… about Sno, about Ndumiso, about the basement… about everything. Having Nikky hate him is breaking him inside.
Nikky gently places the bowl in front of him.
"Thank you," Sbo says quietly, picking up the spoon and starting to eat.
Nikky just watches him as he eats slowly.
"How are you?" Nikky asks softly.
Sbo lifts his head, surprised by her question. That care… he has been missing it for weeks.
"I'm…" Sbo starts.
Something crashes. A loud scream fills the house.
Both Nikky and Sbo freeze for a second.
They recognise that scream immediately.
"Diamond," they both say at the same time.
They rush out of the kitchen and run straight to Diamond's room.
They burst in and find Diamond standing on top of her bed, holding a shoe tightly, her whole body shaking.
"What's wrong?" Nikky asks first.
"A snake! I saw a snake! It's under my bed!" Diamond cries out, her voice full of fear.
"A snake? Come on, Dee," Sbo says dismissively.
Diamond gasps loudly.
"I saw it! It went under the bed, check!" she insists, her voice shaking badly. "Nikky, I'm serious, I saw it. I want to leave now," Diamond says nervously.
Nikky gives her a small, calm smile.
Sbo scoffs and walks towards the bed. He kneels down slowly and peeks under it.
For a second… Everything is quiet.
And, he sees glowing yellow eyes staring back at him.
"Ahh!" Sbo screams, jumping back to his feet.
His face goes pale.
Before he can even react again, he faints.
Diamond screams even louder.
"Help! Help, Nikky! You see, Sbo saw it too!" Diamond cries, shaking uncontrollably now.
Nikky lets out a small gasp, pretending to be shocked.
"Come down, let's leave," Nikky says softly, walking straight to the wardrobe like nothing is there.
"Nikky! It will attack you!" Diamond screams again.
"It won't. It is scared of us now. It is under the bed. Let me pack your things and we are leaving," Nikky says calmly, trying to reassure her.
"Sboniso! It will attack him!" Diamond says, panicking.
Nikky glances at Sbo lying on the floor. She will have to ask the driver to help carry him.
"Don't worry, we are leaving with him," Nikky says, reaching out her hand.
Diamond shakily takes Nikky's hand and quickly jumps down from the bed.
"Go… pack for Sbo, since you are…" Diamond doesn't even let Nikky finish her sentence before running out of the room, still screaming in fear.
The moment she is gone, Nikky bursts into laughter.
She kneels down and looks under the bed.
"Come out now," Nikky says softly.
A crow slowly comes out from under the bed and jumps onto Nikky's hand.
Nikky smiles, still laughing a little.
"It worked, Konke," Nikky says softly.
.
.
.
Fihliwe watches the commotion outside. Diamond has been screaming about seeing a snake. Fihliwe went to check under the bed with Thembi, but they didn't see anything.
Sboniso fainted after seeing that snake, so Thembi refuses to leave with them. She decides she will stay and leave tomorrow.
Fihliwe is extremely confused now.
She starts suspecting Nikky.
Ever since her arrival, everything has been chaotic. And now Diamond is leaving. Fihliwe begged her to stay, but Diamond refuses to listen.
She watches as Sbo is carried to the car Nikky came with. He is still passed out.
"Gogo, we will do this ceremony another time. I can't… I saw a big black snake," Diamond says, giving Fihliwe a quick hug.
Fihliwe forces a smile and nods like she understands.
"I hear you, my child," Fihliwe says softly.
Diamond nods and smiles.
"You should come and visit us, especially now that your sister's son is very sick," Diamond adds gently, still completely unaware.
Fihliwe just nods slowly. Maybe going to Johannesburg will help her. She can also see how Ace is doing. Truth is… she doesn't care about Ace or Thembi. She doesn't care about her late sister's children.
"Maybe you should reconsider the Minenhle issue. We are family at the end of the day," Fihliwe says.
She hates them, but she made a deal with Nomvula. This is the least she can do.
Diamond frowns slightly and shrugs.
"We will let the law deal with her. Bye, Gogo. I'll call," Diamond says with a small smile before walking away.
Fihliwe grunts softly, feeling defeated.
Then, she sees Nikky walking towards her.
Fihliwe takes a few steps back, nervous.
Nikky is just smiling warmly.
"We are leaving now. It was nice seeing you again. I'll visit soon," Nikky says politely.
Fihliwe's breathing becomes uneven. She doesn't want this girl anywhere near her.
"Are you okay?" Nikky asks, stepping closer. "You are sweating," she adds.
Fihliwe quickly wipes her forehead. She is indeed sweating.
Why doesn't this girl just leave?
Then, Nikky lets out a soft, cold laugh.
"Oh… we meet again, Fihliwe. Still up to your old tricks?" Nikky says, her voice suddenly cold.
Fihliwe's eyes widen in shock.
"Who… who are you?" she asks, her voice trembling.
"Who am I?" Nikky repeats, letting out a quiet, chilling giggle. Her face hardens. "Why don't you go back to your friends and find out? You forget so easily, Fihliwe. I thought you would recognise me quickly," Nikky adds, stepping closer again.
Fihliwe starts trembling.
"This is your last warning," Nikky says, her voice icy now. "Stay away from my family… or I will deal with you."
Fihliwe gasps.
"Sisi…?" she whispers, shocked.
Nikky frowns immediately.
"I am not your sister," she says coldly. "I am the woman you and your friend tried to kill many years ago."
Fihliwe's heart starts racing.
"So I see you are still the same… still causing trouble. Now you are stepping into my sister's family," Nikky continues. "I won't allow that."
Nikky leans closer slightly, her eyes dark.
"Go back to your friends… and you will get your answer," she says, her voice final.
Fihliwe's mind spins. There are too many people she has wronged in the past.
Who is this girl?
Slowly, Nikky's expression changes.
Her face softens. Her eyes become bright again. That innocent, bubbly girl is back.
"Bye, Gogo," Nikky says sweetly, like nothing just happened.
She turns and walks away.
Leaving Fihliwe standing there, terrified.

•••

[MNOTHO]

I just had a quick call with Nikky. She says she will see me tomorrow morning. Her and Diamond are going to find an Airbnb and sleep there tonight. Looks like she managed to convince Diamond to leave.
I have been sitting in the lounge, trying to solve this puzzle. It is coming along well. By the time Nikky arrives tomorrow, I would have opened another box.
I hear footsteps approaching.
That is probably Mtho, because Bonga would have been shouting by now.
"Malume," Mtho says softly behind me.
I turn my head and look at him. He looks surprised to see me here.
"Aren't you supposed to be in Mpumalanga?" he asks as he sits next to me.
"No, I decided not to help Velaphi out. Nikky was not happy that I wanted to support a Maseko after that Paul kidnapping," I say with a sigh.
"Oh… I was shocked too, that you wanted to support his campaign. Especially since you don't like getting involved with politicians," Mtho says.
That is true. I don't want my business to be associated with corruption. I worked too hard for this.
"And we can't trust him. What if he is like Richard? You can't be found mixed up with people like that," Mtho adds softly.
I nod. He is right. I just need to find a simple way to get contracts on that side of the province.
I place another puzzle piece and sigh, then turn my full attention to Mtho.
"How can I help? Or you just missed me?" I ask teasingly.
Mtho lets out a tired chuckle.
"Yeah… I just thought I should come and see you. Is Malumekazi back?" he asks softly.
I shake my head.
"No, she will be back tomorrow," I say quietly.
I already miss her.
"So… have you found a piece of land?" Mtho asks carefully. "I heard you mentioning leaving the homestead. Since everyone doesn't approve of your relationship with Nikky, I think it is a good idea, Malume. Maybe move far from here… from Enquthu. Somewhere peaceful," he says, stuttering a little.
I frown slightly.
"I mean… with you and Ma… and Uncle Bangizwe fighting… it might be safer for you to move. For your peace of mind," he adds quickly.
"Mtholephi… did your mother say something to you?" I ask, looking at him closely.
Since Tshengisile and Bangizwe are still here, I know they have been talking.
Mtho shakes his head quickly.
"No… no. I just heard them talking. About Khwezi… they said they will never accept Nikky," Mtho says, then sighs deeply.
I scoff softly. I already know that.
"Don't worry about them. They won't do anything," I say, waving my hand dismissively.
"You should be worried. They might do something… especially Bangizwe," Mtho says, and this time his voice has fear in it.
I raise my eyebrows. This is serious.
"What is going on, Mtholephi? And don't lie to me," I say firmly.
He opens his mouth… then closes it again.
Bangizwe wouldn't dare touch Nikky. I won't allow it.
"Nothing… What I mean is, they will just give her a hard time until she gives up and leaves you. That's all," Mtho says quickly, standing up.
"Let me go to my shop. They are delivering supplies today," he adds, already walking away.
I watch him leave, feeling uneasy.
I don't trust what he just said. He is definitely hiding something. I need to go to the other house. I need to talk to Bangizwe.
.
.
I hear laughter the moment I walk in.
I need to talk to Bangizwe… I need to know if he has made any threats to harm Nikky.
I pause at the doorway of the dining room.
Khwezi and Tshengisile are sitting there, a book open on the table, writing something together like everything is normal.
I exhale slowly. I am really being tested here.
They know exactly what they are doing by bringing Khwezi into this house.
Just yesterday, I was celebrating the chaos I caused at Genesis Funeral Parlour. I was happy, even proud.
Now my mood drops from that excitement to this… just like that. All because of my siblings.
Khwezi is the first to notice me. Her eyes meet mine and she gives me a nervous smile.
"Oh… hi, Bhuti," she greets softly.
Tshengisile finally lifts her head and looks at me.
"Join us. We are planning here. I think we should do the ceremony after Bonga's launch party," Tshengisile says.
She is not suggesting. She is telling me what to do.
"And we are going to use our cows," she adds firmly, like the decision is already made.
I scoff softly, shaking my head in disbelief.
The nerve.
"Do you want some coffee, Bhuti?" Khwezi asks, trying to sound polite, like everything is okay. I click my tongue in irritation.
I don't even respond. I just turn around and walk out.

•••

[KUKHOKONKE]

I slowly open my eyes. Everything is blurry. I blink a few times and frown slightly. I'm not home.
I remember going home after that fight with Diamond. My parents were shocked to see me, but I didn't say much to them. I remember going to the river and… wait!
"Welcome home, Kukhokonke," a voice says from behind me.
I quickly turn my head and gasp in shock.
"What? What's wrong?" he asks casually. "I know the air here is different, but you'll adjust. I'll visit Mpatho in the dream world and tell him we brought you here," he adds.
I blink, confused, then slowly stand up and look around. This place feels strange and unfamiliar.
"And don't worry about that girl of yours, oh I'm sorry, your wife. She's safe for now," he says softly.
I look at him, trying to process everything. This has to be a dream. It has to be.
"It's not time," I say quietly, shaking my head. "I need to see Diamond," I add, my voice filled with urgency.
He laughs quietly, almost mocking me. He looks angry even here, wearing a long black robe, his presence heavy and unsettling.
"Time?" he scoffs. "You think we are here to play, Kukhokonke? You are finally here. And if you want to connect with Ndleleni, you will be allowed… even though he decided to disown all of us," he says with bitterness.
I frown, irritation rising inside me.
"Are you always this angry?" I ask, annoyed. I need to find a way out of here. This is wrong. This is not where I'm supposed to be.
"How do I leave this place?" I ask quickly. "I can't be here. It is not time. Diamond is in danger," I add, my voice tense and restless.
"Kukhokonke," he says firmly, turning to face me. "You can't leave. You will leave this place when you are ready."
He pauses, then points toward the exit.
"So now, get dressed. Your people are waiting for you outside. And if you delay this…" his voice turns cold, almost threatening, "I will make sure you leave this place next year."
My eyes widen in shock.
Next year? Hell no.