Name: KEPT
Author: Nana writes

CHAPTER 16

KEPT

CHAPTER 16

I look good so good it's hard to believe this is me. I didn't get to have this kind of marriage with Nzolo. I'm glad we're doing things differently with Ndyebo. It makes me happy. I'm happy, happier than I thought I would be. My mom walks inside my bedroom just as I put on my sneakers. She smiles with a little spark in her eyes. She's as happy as I am.

As much as she believes in God, she loves and believes in ancestors and tradition. Just not the part where a ghost is telling me to marry his brother.

She sits next to me, taking my hands into hers and rubs her thumps on them. She releases a sigh, shaking her head.

Lizeka:I don't like the fact that you're marrying your laye husband's brother, but I would be selfish if I don't let you do this. Not only are you happy and glowing. You're also having your dream wedding.

Lilitha:I'm happy, Mama.

Lizeka:suck it in baby and live it. It's all yours, baby.

Lilitha:I'm taking it in, Mama.

Lizeka:Let me help you with your doek. We have to leave in a few.

We leave a little after 10 with a crowd even. Ndyebo's house is a 20-minute walk from mine with the sun out and my incebetha I feel hot all over. Sweat is dripping down on me, and it's really not comfortable. When we get to his place it's a competition with songs.

Between both our families, it's beautiful to witness. We're finally let in when utata presents a bottle of alcohol for them. We get escorted into the yard. The whole ceremony goes exceptionally well. We get pictures, and I would love to say my highlight is when I got umkhonto to dip esibayeni.

I'm proud to be umxhosa, a beautiful one at that. When I finally get a chance to change, it's to get emadakhini. Another hot thing, bethuna. I don't like summer because of this.

Dabsi:uNdyebo is impatient. Let's get done before he comes to get his wife by himself.

The others laugh, and I can't help my shyness. I've done this already, and the eyes I'm getting from the other aunts tell me exactly that. Ndiyayazi lento.

Dabsi:Masambeni, we're all done now, bethuna.

They break out in a song accompanying me to the rondavel. With each step I take, I leave a handful of coins. I don't know how much this money is, but it's a damn lot of money. The kids will be rejoicing tonight.

The rondavel is full as I take my designated seat at the back of the door in a reed mat. The elders give out advice as they always do. Dabsi is the last one. She'll be giving me a new name as well.

I was Lingomso when I was still Nzolo's wife. I wonder who will I be from now on.

Dabsi:Sisi, I know you've been told to endure everything that comes with marriage, but I'm going to oppose kulento ithethiweyo apha. It's the 20th century. No one is going to bekezel as y'all say. When it doesn't tickle your feathers, speak up. I won't tell you to leave, then layer blame it on me, but when you feel and see that you've had enough pakisha yonke ethi wena ugoduke awugxothwanga kokwenu. You're here to be Ndyebo's wife, not anyone's doormat. I was supposed to give you a name since you know we don't have girl children in Ndyebo's generation, but then your husband says he has just the perfect one for you. Ndyebo, the floor is yours.

He got up, looking all yummy in his outfit. He has the most beautiful smile, bethuna. I really can't help but love him. Ancestors really do know what is good for us. Even ooNzolo.

Ndyebo:Umh, so I decided that I would be naming my wife.

Zolani:Since we don't have wives. Siqhayisele ndoda.

The room erupted in laughter. I so badly wanted to look up, but then I kept my head down and laughed silently like an obedient wife I am.

Ndyebo:MaDlomo, I didn't want to ukungena umfazi kabhuti. I was there to hear all the stories he told me about you. I felt I was betraying him even when he trusted me too, but I'm glad I took the leap of faith because I wouldn't have known this kind of love. Tata always told me about it, but now I feel it too. You didn't come here to build or keep a home. Your man has already built for you. You're here to be loved by me. So you're going to be Uthandiwe. Uthandiwe ndim and usezokuthandwa ndim MaDlomo.

I couldn't help the tears that felt like vows. We won't be having a white wedding. I'm guessing this is his way of saying his own vows.

He comes to kneel in front of me and takes my hand. He's making all the right things. I'm sure I'll fall face first if he doesn't catch me. He takes out a black velvet box and opens it.

Ndyebo:This is a ring that is marking you as my wife. I'll be waiting for mine.

He puts it in and kisses my hand. The room erupts in ulutations. It's a joyous day. After all is done, I'm sent to make tea. Apparently, I have to show I'll be a good wife. Such hypocrisy.