THE INCARCERATED STRANGER

Chapter 46

MANGALISO

He has had his greatest time with Ayakha's family; he won’t lie, especially with her brothers and her father. He didn't expect to be welcomed so easily, knowing how protective brothers and fathers can be over their sisters and daughters. To him, they treated him well, and he is glad. 
He also wanted to meet Ayakha's mother, but unfortunately, she is held up at her sister's place taking care of her ill sister—that's what he was told. Today, they are heading back to Johannesburg, and he is planning something before they leave. 
Yesterday, he had asked Mr. Qwane for permission to engage his daughter, and Mr. Qwane granted it, along with a reprimand that he should take care of his daughter because she is precious to him. He gave his word that he loves Ayakha deeply and is sure about their relationship; two years is no child's play. If it were up to him, he would have engaged her long ago because within three months, he was already thinking of doing it. But he held himself back and waited for the two years they are in now.
As they prepare to leave, he feels a mix of excitement and nervousness. He glances at Ayakha, who is busy packing her things, her laughter ringing through the house as she chats with her brothers. The warmth of her family has made him feel at home, but now he’s ready to take their relationship to the next level.
He takes a deep breath, reminding himself of the conversation he had with Mr. Qwane. The weight of the promise hangs in his mind. He loves Ayakha, and he wants to show her just how much she means to him. 
He breathes deeply, steadying himself, and walks toward Ayakha, extending his hand to her. The room falls silent, all eyes now fixed on them. As he gently kisses her hand, a murmur of anticipation ripples through the crowd.
Taking another deep breath, Mangaliso meets her gaze, his heart pounding in his chest. 
“I’ve been thinking about us,” he begins, his voice soft yet steady.
Ayakha tilts her head, curiosity lighting up her face.
“What do you mean?” she asks, her voice filled with gentle intrigue.
Holding her hands firmly yet tenderly, he continues, 
“I love you more than words can say. These past two years have been the best of my life. And now, I know I want to spend every moment with you. I want to take the next step with you.”
From his pocket, he retrieves a small velvet box. The moment he opens it, the ring inside catches everyone's eyes, the ring is sparkling like a promise.
Ayakha gasps audibly, her hands flying to her mouth in disbelief. “Oh my goodness! Mangaliso!”
Encouraged by her reaction, he takes a knee, his voice steady but full of emotion.
“Will you marry me?”
Tears well up in her eyes as she nods vigorously, unable to contain her joy. 
The room erupts in 'ncoaws' and laughter. Ayakha’s siblings cheer gleefully, thrilled for their sister. Across the room, her father, Bradley, watches the scene with pride, his smile warm and approving. He nods at Ayakha, silently giving her his blessing.
Turning back to Mangaliso, her eyes shining with happiness, Ayakha laughs through her tears.
“Yes! A thousand times yes!”
Mangaliso slips the ring onto her finger, his hands trembling slightly as he secures the perfect fit. The crowd erupts into cheers once more, the joyous atmosphere almost palpable. Ayakha gazes down at the sparkling gem on her finger, her emotions a whirlwind of disbelief and euphoria.
“I can’t believe this is real,” she whispers, her voice trembling with joy.
“It’s beautiful, Mangaliso.”
He stands, pulling her into a tender embrace, his lips brushing against her temple. 
“You’re the beautiful one,” he murmurs. “I’m the lucky one here.”
The moment feels frozen in time, the room alive with warmth and celebration. The siblings and the kids rush forward to surround them, offering hugs and congratulations to their sister. Ayakha’s siblings chatter excitedly, already planning the wedding in their minds.
Bradley steps forward, his presence commanding but gentle. He places a hand on Mangaliso’s shoulder and then on Ayakha’s. “You’ve made me the happiest father today,” he says, his deep voice laced with emotion. 
“Mangaliso, take care of my daughter. She deserves nothing less than the world.”
“I promise,” Mangaliso replies, his tone sincere and resolute. “I will cherish her with everything I have.”
Ayakha looks up at her father, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you, Dad,” she says, her voice breaking. 
“I’m so happy you’re here to share this moment with me.”
The celebration continues, laughter and joy filling the air. Noluvo pops open a bottle of champagne, and glasses are raised to toast the newly engaged couple.
“To love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness!” one of the siblings exclaims, prompting cheers all around.
As the evening unfolds, Ayakha and Mangaliso steal quiet glances at each other, their smiles unending. The promise of a shared future fills the room, uniting everyone in its glow....

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RILEY

It had been two weeks since Mangaliso proposed, and Ayakha was still glowing with happiness. She felt like she was walking on air, savoring every moment of her engagement. Even Pari, her ever-supportive best friend, has planned a special celebration date for the two of them once she returns.
Speaking of Pari, her life had taken an unexpected turn. She is now married to Nipho, a man bold enough to embrace a polygamous marriage. Pari, never one to shy away from life’s challenges,  decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, she is genuinely happy, though Nipho’s first wife, Zekhethelo, is still struggling to accept the arrangement.
Nipho, however, had been adamant. He made it clear to Zekhethelo that he loves both women equally—no debates, no exceptions. And so, the unconventional union was sealed, followed by a grand wedding and an even grander honeymoon in America.
Of course, it had to be America. Pari wouldn’t have it any other way. “Honeymoon in America or nothing,” she had declared, leaving Nipho no choice but to comply. Poor Nipho—though it was clear he would do anything to keep his second wife happy.
The newlyweds are now wrapping up their week-long honeymoon, and she can’t wait to hear all about Pari’s adventures. Life is moving fast for everyone, and amidst it all, Ayakha felt a quiet gratitude for the love and joy surrounding her.
She is packing groceries into the cupboards when the gate intercom buzzes. Wiping her hands on a dish towel, she walks over to answer it. Pressing the button, she asks, 
“Hello, who is it?”
A woman’s voice responds, 
“It’s Phindile.”
She frowns slightly. Phindile? She doesn’t know anyone by that name. Hesitating for a moment, she decides to open the gate anyway and waits by the door. When the knock comes, she opens it and finds herself face-to-face with a strikingly beautiful woman who looks almost doll-like.
“Hi,” she greets the woman politely, trying to mask her confusion.
“Hi,” the woman replies 
“Is Mangi in?”
Her heart skips a beat. Mangi? she thinks, her brow furrowing. Only close friends or family ever call her fiancé by that nickname. Who is this woman, and why is she asking for him so casually?
“You mean Mangaliso?” she asks, her tone measured. 
“No, he isn’t home yet.”
The woman nods, her expression neutral, but then she asks,
“Are you his housekeeper?”
For a moment, she is too stunned to respond. Housekeeper? Did this woman seriously just assume that? Or is she trying to disrespect her on purpose?
Recovering quickly, she lets out a dry chuckle and squares her shoulders. 
“No,” she says firmly, locking eyes with the woman.
“I’m his fiancée.”
Phindile visibly chokes, coughing as she processes the information. Her confidence wavers, and an awkward tension fills the air.
Phindile regains her composure, though her expression betrays a hint of disbelief. 
“Oh, I see,” she says, forcing a tight smile. “I didn’t know Mangi was engaged.”
She folds her arms, leaning casually against the doorframe as if trying to reclaim control of the conversation.
“Well, now you do,” she replies, her voice calm but laced with an undertone of firmness. She doesn’t look away, standing her ground.
Phindile shifts uncomfortably under her steady gaze. 
“How long have you two been engaged?” she asks, feigning curiosity.
“Two weeks,” she answers confidently. “And we’ve been together for over two years.”
Phindile’s lips twitch as if she’s about to say something snarky, but she stops herself. Instead, she glances at her manicured nails and replies, 
“Well, congratulations, I guess. Mangi and I go way back, so I thought I’d just stop by to catch up with him.”
“Go way back?” she echoes, raising an eyebrow. “I’m surprised he’s never mentioned you.”
That lands like a challenge, and Phindile’s composure falters again for a split second. 
“Oh, we’ve just been... lovers,” she says, a little too quickly.
Before she can say more, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway breaks the tension. Both women turn to see Mangaliso stepping out of his car, his face lighting up when he sees her at the door.
But his smile vanishes the moment his eyes land on the familiar face before him. Phindile? he thinks, his mind racing. This can’t be real. It’s impossible.
His chest tightens as he struggles to process the sight before him. This woman is dead, he tells himself, a cold chill running down his spine. How is she standing here, at my home, as if nothing happened?
He takes a step back, his gaze locked on her, his voice low and trembling. “Phindile?” he whispers under his breath, disbelief clouding his expression. This isn’t just unexpected—it’s impossible.

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