A HEART REPLACED, chapter one
MKHUSELI’S POV
Mkhuseli sits in his chair, blankly staring at the file in front of him, his mind elsewhere. Though physically present at the board meeting, his thoughts are far away. Even when the person next to him calls out his name, “Mkhuseli,” he doesn't respond. His brother Khumbulani shakes him, trying to bring him back to reality.
Khumbulani notices his brother's distant gaze and asks the meeting attendees to reschedule for another time, citing Mkhuseli's apparent distress. Everyone nods in agreement, packs up their belongings, and exits the board room. Khumbulani remains behind, gently shaking Mkhuseli again.
“Mkhuseli, what's going on, brother?”he asks, concern etched on his face. Mkhuseli snaps back to attention, looking around to find the room empty.
“Is the meeting over?” he asks, checking his phone for the time.
Khumbulani explains, “I had to reschedule the meeting because you didn't seem okay. You were clearly distracted.”
Mkhuseli sighs, wiping his forehead in frustration. "
“Khuluma nami Bafo (Speak with me, brother),” he says, his voice cracking.
“My wife isn't getting any better. We barely slept last night; she was in so much pain. She only fell asleep at 5:35 am.”
Khumbulani offers what little comfort he can. “I'm so sorry, Bafo. I know my words can't ease your pain right now, but please know I'm praying for your wife.”
Mkhuseli rises from his seat, pockets his phone, and instructs Khumbulani to clear his schedule for the day.
“I'm going home to be with my wife,”he says, exiting the board room and driving away, his heart heavy with worry.
After a long drive, he finally arrives home, pulls into the driveway, and steps out of the car. He locks it and heads towards the house, greeting Mam Khethiwe, their loyal cleaner, who's busy scrubbing the pots in kitchen . He exchanges a warm hello before proceeding to his room, where his beloved wife Londeka lies sleeping.
As he enters the room, his heart aches at the sight of her frail body, ravaged by years of cancer. Her once radiant skin now appears pale and gaunt, her frame as thin as a finger. Visitors often wear masks to shield themselves from the pungent smell, but he refuses to do so, despite the doctor's warnings. He can't bear the thought of hurting her feelings, knowing she's already suffering enough.
Their love story spans five years of marriage, a bond as strong as that of Bony and Clyde. Mkhuseli and Londeka have weathered life's storms together, and he's determined to stand by her side, even in the darkest of times.
He approaches the bed, his eyes fixed on her fragile form, and gently sits beside her. He takes her hand in his, feeling the warmth and familiarity of her touch. Despite her weakened state, her eyes still sparkle with a hint of her former radiance.
“Londeka, my love,”he whispers, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm home. I'm here for you."
She stirs, her gaze fluttering towards him, and a faint smile plays on her lips. “Mkhuseli,”she whispers, her voice barely audible.
He leans in closer, his ear inches from her mouth, and listens as she struggles to speak. Her words are laced with pain and exhaustion, but her love for him shines through.
“I'm so proud of you, Mkhuseli,”she says, her voice strained. “You've been my rock, my everything. I don't know what I would do without you.”
Tears well up in his eyes as he holds her hand tighter, his heart heavy with sorrow and love. He knows she's fighting a losing battle, but he's determined to be by her side every step of the way.
“I'm here for you, Londeka,”he repeats, his voice choked with emotion. “I'll always be here for you.”
________
After Londeka falls asleep, Mkhuseli slowly lets go of her hand and gets off the bed, then heads downstairs to ask Mam Khethiwe to bring him something to eat. He then heads to his study. Mam Khethiwe brings food in a tray for Mkhuseli and then leaves him to eat. His phone disturbs him; he looks at it and sees it's his father. He wipes his hands and then answers, “Ndabezitha”
His father greets him, “Ndodana, kunjani?” (my son, how are you?).
Mkhuseli replies, “I'm trying, Baba, how are things at home?”His father asks about Londeka, “Inkinga ayikho Ndodana, sikahle”(there's no problem, my son, how is your wife?).
Mkhuseli responds, “Still the same, Baba.”
His father reveals, ”Tomorrow we'll come to your side for a meeting. Her parents will also be present.”
Mkhuseli agrees, “No problem, Baba.”
They continue talking about other things before hanging up. Mkhuseli sighs, wondering what the meeting will be about; it must be something important because they've never had any meetings with the family before.
...
Mkhuseli emerges from his study, concern etched on his face, and heads to the kitchen to prepare a snack for Londeka. It's already 13:30, and she hasn't eaten since morning. He finishes making something light and nourishing, then heads upstairs to their bedroom.
He enters, he finds Londeka sitting up in bed, her eyes sunken and her face pale.
“Hey love, why didn't you text me you were awake?”he asks, sitting beside her. Londeka's voice is barely above a whisper as she replies, “I was about to.”A painful cough interrupts her, and Mkhuseli quickly helps her drink some water to calm the cough.
“I made you some food; you haven't eaten since morning,” he says, presenting the food with a gentle smile. Londeka looks at the food, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resignation. She's tired of the bland, nutritious food she's been forced to eat due to her cancer treatment, but she knows she has no choice. She must eat and take her medication to manage her condition.
Mkhuseli notices her hesitation and gently begins to feed her, his eyes filled with love and concern. He takes small spoonfuls of the food and brings them to her lips, encouraging her to eat. Londeka closes her eyes, her face a picture of exhaustion and vulnerability, as Mkhuseli tends to her with compassion and care.
...
Mkhuseli continues feeding Londeka, she suddenly shocks and coughs, losing control of her bodily functions. She looks at Mkhuseli with embarrassment and distress, her eyes filled with tears. Mkhuseli quickly takes the tray away, already knows what happened.
“Let me help you out of those clothes, my love,”he says gently, his voice soothing. Londeka nods hesitantly, her face flushed with shame. Mkhuseli carefully helps her out of the soiled clothes, his touch gentle and reassuring.
He scoops her up in his arms, carrying her to the bathroom as if she were a fragile flower. He prepares a warm bath, his movements swift and efficient, and gently places her in the water. He leaves her to clean up, his heart heavy with empathy, and returns to change the soiled bed sheets, his love and care for her evident in every tender gesture.
Mkhuseli has become accustomed to these moments, having cared for Londeka for over a year now. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast in his devotion, never showing signs of fatigue or frustration. For him, it's a labor of love, a fulfillment of the vows they exchanged on their wedding day.
As he changes the bed sheets, his mind wanders back to the day they promised to love and cherish each other, in sickness and in health. He remembers the radiant smile on Londeka's face, the sparkle in her eyes, and the joy that filled his heart. He knew then that he would do anything to make her happy, to support her through life's ups and downs. He's not just caring for his wife; he's honoring their bond, their promises, and their life together. With every tender gesture, he reaffirms his love and dedication.
*****************
At Bab’Thubana ’s House......
Bab'Thubana walks into his house after finishing his chores in the cattle pen. He finds his wife, MaMnguni, preparing lunch, and their daughter, Nonhlakanipho, joins them at the table as requested. The three of them sit down to eat, and Bab'Thubana announces, “Nonhla, my child, tomorrow we're heading to your sister's house for a meeting.” He adds, “Pack your clothes in a bag, as you'll be coming with us.”
Nonhlakanipho looks puzzled and asks, “Me? Why do I need to bring my bags, Baba?”Bab'Thubana explains, “You'll be staying at your sister's house to help take care of her.”Nonhlakanipho questions again, “But why me, Baba?”MaMnguni intervenes, “*Because you're her sister, Nonhlakanipho. No more questions, finish eating and then start packing.” Nonhlakanipho nods silently and continues eating. After finishing, she heads to her room, leaving Bab'Thubana and MaMnguni alone.
MaMnguni looks at her husband, concern etched on her face. “Baba, is this really fair to Nonhlakanipho? She's being forced to go to her sister's house without a choice.”
Bab'Thubana shrugs, his expression unyielding. “Nonhlakanipho will be fine, MaMnguni. She needs to go and help out there while Mkhuseli is busy at work.”
MaMnguni presses on, “But why must she take on this responsibility alone? Can't we find another solution?”
Bab'Thubana's tone becomes firm. “We've discussed this before, MaMnguni. Nonhlakanipho is the only one who can help her sister right now. She's the closest family member available.”
MaMnguni sighs, her eyes filled with worry. “I just hope she can handle this burden. She's still so young.”
Bab'Thubana places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “She'll be fine, my wife. She's strong and capable. She'll manage.”
Nonhlakanipho's participation in this arrangement is not optional, as the meeting's purpose is to inform Mkhuseli and Londeka that she will be joining them to provide support. According to their cultural traditions, she will assume a significant role in the household, including taking on responsibilities as a temporary caregiver and helper. This is a common practice in their culture, where family ties are deeply valued and the well-being of one's sister is considered a collective responsibility. Additionally, the Mbatha family is in need of an heir, but due to Londeka's illness, she is unable to fulfill this role, leading to the decision to send Nonhlakanipho to assist.This cultural practice may seem unfamiliar or even challenging to some, but it's essential to understand the importance of family and community in their tradition. The Mbatha family's need for an heir is not just a personal desire but a cultural imperative to ensure the continuation of their lineage. Nonhlakanipho's role in this arrangement is not only to support her sister but also to help preserve the family's legacy.
To be continued
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