Do the best you can
It has been few weeks since Qhawe and the team won the housing project tender and the work had already begun and everything seems to be going so well. Less stress for Qhawe means more time to spend with his family, what else he could ask for in life?It’s a Saturday and Qhawe has decided to spend some time with his wife and relax.
They are having a breakfast, this time they are not rushing anywhere, “Honey” Qhawe calls as he takes a sip of his orange juice, “since the kids are not here, I would like us to take a walk, just for fresh air.” To Nothemba this is a pleasant surprise because it has been like forever since they had done something like that.
So she smiles, “hmmm, that can be really nice. We could do with that, just jollying nje” she says as they both laugh about it. “so, where are we going?” she asks as she takes a sip. “I don’t know”, Qhawe says as he shrugs his shoulders, “let’s just walk and keep walking, we will see on the way” he says with the smile. This seems to excite his very supportive wife, who is just happy to see her husband relaxed for a change. Now, Nothemba is a very simple woman who likes simple things. Like any other girl though, she likes to be spoilt now and then but it is not something that she can lose sleep over, but, the simple things are everything to her.
When done with breakfast, they both participate in tidying up the place which is something that Qhawe hadn’t done in a little while, it feels like they were newlyweds. They have actually been married for 5 years, when Nothemba was 23 and Qhawe was 26.
***
They are walking down the street, holding hands like high school lovers. The neighborhood they live in is a middle to upper class area which is very clean, quiet and with no crime as such. Everyone knows each other though in this area. People greet each other on the street. A shopping centre isn’t far from the neighborhood so people are bound to see each a lot. Qhawe himself is well known because he always seems to have those extra seconds to stop and make conversations with people. If someone is carrying groceries, he’d stop the car and help out. People love him.
As they walk and having a good laughter in their conversation, Nothemba looks straight ahead and suddenly her face changes, “Hawu baby, baby” she says as looks a little annoyed, “what love”, Qhawe asks as he seems oblivious. “Did you ask us to take a walk so that we can go to one of your project sites?” she asks not liking this. “If you wanted to work, baby you should have just told me, not trick me.” She pulls away from holding his hand.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa baby” Qhawe comes in front of her and stops her. “Baby, you chose this direction, remember?” he says without really taking her seriously. “This is not funny Q.” Nothemba says annoyed.
“I promise baby, it’s not like that. I just wanted us to take a walk and reignite our early years, baby please I promise.” Qhawe says with a begging voice to which Nothemba could tell that he was being sincere about it but just annoyed that they will walk pass one of her husband building project sites and this may spoil their day. “Baby besides, look at it this way, you will get to see how your hubby has played some part in helping to develop our neighbouring township.” he says with a smile.
Now this building project was happening next to the suburb the Nkosi family live in. It is separated by a cross road highway, so once it is done, it will become basically the same vicinity as theirs.
“Look baby”, Qhawe points at the site where construction is happening, “Look at all these people who have found jobs now, they are working to feed their families.” He says while waving at those construction workers greeting him. “Mr. Nkosi”…”Mr. Nkosi”…”Mr. Nkosi” voices shout from the distant.
“Baby, you know I am proud of you.” Nothemba says as she holds back his hand. “And these people are blessed to have you and I know they and their families are forever grateful to you for hiring them.” Qhawe smiles and says, “Thank you my love. I wouldn’t be able to do this without the strength from the Lord and prayers by my wife,” he says.
They walk throughout the construction site, greeting the workers and somehow now Nothemba is comfortable with this walk and she seems to be enjoying the interaction her husband has with his employees and she realises just what a good man he really is.
“Baby”, Nothemba says as she takes a look at her watch. “Look at the time, we have to pass by the mall before we get back because Buhle will be bringing back the kids at 18:00 and I want the dinner to be ready by the time they get home” Qhawe smiles and says, “okay baby” he kisses her in the forehead. “I’m sorry baby”, he says. “But for what my love?” Nothemba is puzzled. “For bringing you here” Qhawe says as he looks around area. But Nothemba smiles, “No baby, besides, as I recall you said I chose the direction.” she says with a laughter.
“No baby, it really was good to see you at your work place. I normally complain every time you come back home tired not realizing just how much energy you put in to your work. Now I realize that what I saw today was the fruit of that. It makes me realize that we God’s instrument to the people. It is not about us but about what we are called for.” She says while holding his hands.
“I wish I can do more love.” Qhawe says as he sighs. “No, baby, no” Nothemba interjects, “You can only do the best that you can. The rest will take care of itself” she says. Qhawe hugs her and then kisses her as they go walk towards the mall.
***
Later on while Qhawe is sitting on the couch, wearing his track pants relaxing and watching TV Nothemba is busy in the kitchen preparing supper suddenly the door opens and its Naledi and Mholi. “Hello, anybody home?” a voice calls behind them. It is Nothemba’s sister Buhle.
“Oooh hey” Nothemba drops everything in the kitchen and comes to hug her sister. “I hope they didn’t give you grief”, she says looking at her kids who have jumped to their daddy hugging him. “Oh no they are angels. Naledi and I shared a lot of make-up advices,” Buhle says as they both laugh hysterically. “Oh no don’t you dare corrupt my child now,” Nothemba says as they laugh again. “And the little man is just a deep thinker, aren’t you, buddy?” Buhle says giving a thumbs up to Mholi.
“You see? Now you are ready to settle down” says Nothemba teasing. “Oh no sis, leave me alone with that,” Buhle says as she blushes away. Buhle is younger sister to Nothemba. She is a free spirited soul who runs her own cosmetics business. She is also an aspiring fashion designer and a model.
“Hey brother-in-law. come give me some love” she opens her arms for Qhawe who puts Naledi down, comes over and hugs Buhle. “How are you, sis? Thank you for looking after them. We really needed this time.” he says to which Buhle smiles, “you don’t have to thank me man, I love having them around,” she says and Qhawe smiles, “soon we will return the favor ” he says laughs loud.
“Oh no, who said anything about soon?” Buhle says blushing as they both laugh loud. They are interrupted by Nothemba, “Hope you are staying for supper. I cooked mom’s favorite.” She winks. “Of course I am staying,” Buhle says.
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