Name: KEPT
Author: Nana writes

CHAPTER 7

KEPT

CHAPTER 7

I can't wipe off the smile on my face as people congratulate me around the hall. I did not expect this today. I remember Milisa talking about it a few weeks back, but I didn't think she would actually submit my things, and then I would get nominated and win. Things do happen in the grace of the Lord. People are mingling. I looked around for the man I came here with. I smile when I spot him walking up to him. He smiles at me, giving me a hug.

Ndyebo:Congratulations, Mrs Diko.

Lilitha:I'm not Mrs Diko anymore. I don't know why bebhalise uDiko.

Ndyebo:UnguDiko that won't change MaDlomo.

I sigh, looking at the girl throwing daggers at me. I frown at her.

Ndyebo:Do we celebrate or?

Lilitha:I have to go check something since I came with your car you'll have to drive me there.

Ndyebo:Yes, mam.

"Baby, we should go."

The girl says, kissing Ndyebo on his cheek. He nods, his eyes still trained on me.

Ndyebo:Lilitha meet Milani, my girlfriend. Milani, this is Lilitha.

Milani:His fiancee, actually. She's the widow who wants to marry you?

Ndyebo:Watch what you say, Milani. I don't appreciate your tone.

Lilitha:I'll get an Uber. It was nice meeting you, Ndyebo.

I walk away from them, taking my phone out for the Uber. I'll never understand the animosity women have against each other even worse when it's because of a man or the others' success.

What I will never do is degrade myself to the level of exchanging words with someone who has a stinking attitude towards me for nothing. Does she know the pain I went through after losing a man I love?

No, she doesn't, but she has a mouth big enough to say shit.

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It's finally the weekend for amalobola. I don't know why they're doing this again. There really is no need. I'm woken up by my sister singing wedding songs, lomntana. I laugh, sitting up on my bed. She's smiling brightly with her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Lelam:Sisi vuka abantu bakho are already here doing the things that have to be done.

I laugh, getting off my bed. She's quick to fix my bed as I make my way to the bathroom. When I finally got out, she had already done my bed and took out something for me to wear. I quickly get dressed as she tells me how my life will be with a man like Ndyebo.

Lelam:I know for a fact that he's going to **** you senseless.

Lilitha:Sies maan Lelam you can't be thinking about such things.

Lelam:I was just saying so when is the real wedding?

Lilitha:there won't be a wedding Lelam. Please pass me my shoes why belalha so early? Abantu balele at this time.

Lelam:Apparently Ndyebo is a traditional man he still believes kwizinto zamandulo.

Lilitha:Mandulo?

Lelam:You don't know? Back then ilobola was done at these times bathi bevuka abamelwane it's all done.

Lilitha:Reason being?

Lelam:ask your husband.

Lilitha:Why ndivuka kemna? They already know me so akhoneed for me to go there.

Lelam:yep but they're going to have breakfast with us. Umama and omamci nomamdala are making it.

I nod sitting back on the bed I need just a few more minutes of sleep. I still have to go check at the site then go for icheck ups later eshop.

Lelam:hayi you're not serious Lilitha. You're getting married to a hot bachelor yaseSouth Africa but unje.

Lilitha:Taka taka on my behalf mntase I'm tired.

Lelam:Mxm.

I don't if I should be excited or not. I sighed looking up at the ceiling as my sister banged the door on her way out. Ndyebo. Sigh. The man is good looking no lie and he's sweet too the total opposite of his hard exterior.

I smile thinking about our conversations that day. But he's Nzolo he'll never be my Nzolo. How am I supposed to leave with a man I don't love or know?

My grandmother said the greatest love is when you learn to love a person rather than falling. She said falling is a disaster because you don't know whether your partner will catch you or let you fall and break.

But how can you be sure on your journey to learning to love one another that you're both genuine? I asked her this and she just smiled telling me I'll just know. Know how?

Lilitha:I remember the first time ndikubone I was so mad at you for throwing an orange on my white shirt.(laughs) And then you annoyed me more when you laughed at me. I fell for you that minute. Love at first sight. I miss you. I miss you so much it hurts me. Thinking of our memories together I always feel like joining you. I often wonder how our kids would've been like. Boys I've always wanted to mother them. Please tell me how to let another man love me. How to let go and love without holding back? Please.