A HEART REPLACED, chapter Four
A HEART REPLACEDChapter four
[No need to comment if the story is boring you just quietly step out.No need to tell me how I should write please!]
NONHLAKANIPHO ’A POV
It's been three days since I moved in with Londeka and her husband, and to be honest, it's not been pleasant. Despite my efforts to assist Londeka, she doesn't seem to appreciate it. However, I'm not complaining, as I'm familiar with her behavior from my own sister, who unfortunately hasn't changed. Although we don't have a close sisterly relationship, it pains me to see Londeka struggling with cancer. No one deserves to go through such a difficult time; it's heartbreaking to see people suffer, as I've learned from numerous stories and videos. On a positive note, I've been getting along well with Mam Khethiwe, and I've been keeping myself occupied by helping her with household chores. This house is even more beautiful than I initially thought, and I find myself admiring its grandeur every day.
My phone interrupts me while I'm watching TV, just after I've finished feeding Londeka and trying to help her take her medication. But she refused, pushing my hand away roughly and telling me to leave her room, accusing me of pretending to care for her - can you believe the ingratitude?
“Nhlaka ukhona?” my mother asks as soon as I answer the phone.
“Ngiyaphila Mah, wena unjani?” I respond, asking how she's doing.
“Nami ngiyaphila ngane Yami, how are things going?”she inquires.
“I don't know, fine, I guess,” I reply vaguely.
“Kuhle keh loko, I was just checking up on you,” she says, but I know she's not really asking about my well-being; she's more interested in how I'm taking care of her daughter and son-in-law, whom I've been avoiding since I arrived. We haven't crossed paths once, and I only emerge from my room when I know he's gone.
“I'll call again tomorrow, okay?” she says before we hang up. I sigh,Let me just go try Londeka to drink her pills,I don't want her dying under my watch.
As I enter her room, I gently ask, “Londeka, have you taken your pills yet?”
But instead of a grateful response, she snaps at me, “What's it to you? You're just trying to kill me so you can have my husband, aren't you? Ngiyakubona wena You think you're so innocent, don't you? But I know what you're after. You want to take my husband and my life, and you're using your fake concern to get close to him!”
“Londeka, that's not true. I'm only trying to help you because I care about your well-being. I'm not interested in your husband, and even if I was, it's not like I could just take him from you.”
Londeka sneers getting up from the bed. “You think you're so much better than me, don't you? With your perfect little life and your holier-than-thou attitude. But let me tell you, you're not fooling anyone. You're just a manipulative little gold-digger, trying to get your hands on my husband.Ngiyazi uwena ofake umoya wokuzohlala endlini yami”
I feel my anger rising, but I try to keep my cool. “Londeka, stop being so paranoid. I'm not after your husband or your money. I'm just trying to help you because you need it.”
“Get out! Get out of my room and out of my life! You're not welcome here!”
“I'm not going anywhere until you take your medication and calm down. You need help, Londeka, and I'm not going to let you push me away.”
Londeka's eyes flash, and she raises her hand to slap me. But I catch her wrist, holding it firm. “Don't even think about it, Londeka. You need to calm down and take your pills.”
For a moment, we're locked in a fierce stare-down. Then, finally, Londeka's anger seems to dissipate, and she looks away, her eyes welling up with tears. “Just leave me alone,” she whispers.
“Londeka, listen to me,” I say, my voice firm but tired. “I don't want to be here. I don't want to be taking care of you or helping you with your medication. But our parents forced me to stay and help you, so here I am.”
Londeka's eyes narrow, her voice cold. “So you're only doing this because you have to, not because you care about me?”
I sigh, feeling a mix of frustration and guilt. “Londeka, I do care about you, but I also have my own life and my own dreams. I didn't choose to be here, but I'm trying to make the best of it. But please, don't make this harder than it has to be. Take your medication and let me help you.”
Londeka's face twists in anger, but I can see the hint of hurt behind her eyes. “You never wanted to be here, you never wanted to help me. You're just like everyone else, only looking out for yourself.”
I feel a pang of regret, knowing that my words have hurt her. But I also know that I can't keep pretending to be something I'm not. “Londeka, that's not true. I'm trying to help you because I care about you, but I also have my own limits. Please, don't push me away.”
“I don't need your help, Nonhla. My husband can take care of me, not you. So just leave me alone and let him do his job. You're not needed here.”
I look at her, shaking my head, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration. “I tried, Londeka. I really did.”
I turn and walk away, leaving her alone in her room and I close the door behind me, I can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. I've tried to help her, but it's clear she doesn't want it. And I can't force her to accept my care, no matter how much I want to help.
***************
MKHUSELI’S POV
He is frustrated with the investor who has been delaying their decision to fund their project, and he's discussing the situation with Khulekani.
“The investor we've been waiting on is still dragging their feet, Bafo. We can't move forward with the project without their funding. I'm starting to think they're not serious about investing in our company. We've sent them all the necessary documents, and we've answered all their questions. What more do they want?”
“I don't think that's it,From what I've gathered, they're interested, but they're just being cautious. We need to be patient and keep following up with them. I'm sure they'll come through eventually.”
“Patient? We've been patient for months now! We can't keep waiting around for them to make a decision. We need to start exploring other options. We can't put all our eggs in one basket.”
“I agree, but let's not give up on them just yet. Let me try to reach out to them again and see if I can get a firmer commitment. In the meantime, let's start looking into other potential investors and funding options. We need to keep moving forward, no matter what.”Khulekani continues,“I'll send them a follow-up email today and try to schedule a meeting for next week. If we don't hear back from them by then, we'll need to start exploring other options.”
Mkhuseli nods in agreement. “That sounds like a good plan. And in the meantime, let's start researching other potential investors and funding options. We can't put all our eggs in one basket.”
“We could try crowdfunding, or look into government grants or loans. There are also other private investors we could approach.”
Mkhuseli nods “That's a great idea. Let's get started on that right away. We need to be prepared for any eventuality.”
Khulekani nods. “Agreed. Let's work on a contingency plan and be ready to move forward, no matter what happens with this investor.”
Mkhuseli feels a sense of relief wash over him.
“Just don't forget to Keep me updated on any progress you make with the investor. And let's move fast on exploring other options, we can't afford to waste any more time.”
Khulekani asks, “How’s your wife doing?”
Mkhuseli responds, “She’s still unwell, but thankfully, Nonhla is a big help.” Khulekani teases, “That’s great! And when are you and the sister going to start making babies?” Mkhuseli chuckles, “Don’t hold your breath, Bafo. Our parents should give up on the idea of being grandparents. Besides, your wife is expecting soon, and Qhawe and Sibusiso will surely give them grandkids one day, just not me!”
“So, Nonhla is taking care of Londeka full-time? Isn’t she in school or working?” Mkhuseli replies, “Honestly, I’m not sure. I only saw her once when she arrived, and I showed her to her room. We haven’t crossed paths since, despite living in the same house.” Khulekani asks, “You’re kidding, right?” Mkhuseli responds, “I’m not, Bafo.”
______________
Mkhuseli pulls into the driveway, parking his car outside the house. He gets out and heads inside, greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. He finds Nonhlakanipho busy at the stove, her focus solely on the sizzling pan in front of her.
Mkhuseli clears his throat to announce his presence, and Nonhlakanipho turns to face him.
“Sawubona,” she greets with a small smile,he is home a bit early her plan was to cook fast and eat then go to her room.
Mkhuseli returns the greeting, “Sawubona, Nonhlakanipho.”He pauses, wanting to compliment her on the mouthwatering smell filling the kitchen, but he's unsure how to start the conversation. They've never really spoken before, and he doesn't want to make things awkward.
Nonhlakanipho notices his hesitation and turns back to the stove, leaving Mkhuseli standing there, feeling a bit uncertain. He decides to take a seat at the kitchen table, hoping to find a way to break the silence and show his appreciation for her cooking.
He sits down, Mkhuseli tries to think of something to say, but his mind goes blank. Nonhlakanipho continues cooking, seemingly unaware of the awkward silence. After a few minutes, she turns around and asks, “Should I dish up for you? It’s almost ready.”
Mkhuseli’s face lights up with a smile. “Yes, please! It smells amazing in here.” He tries to sound casual, but his gratitude is evident.
Nonhlakanipho murmurs a soft “Thanks” in response to Mkhuseli's praise, and the conversation trails off, leaving an awkward silence in its wake. Mkhuseli, sensing the discomfort, rises from his seat and retreats upstairs, leaving Nonhlakanipho to her thoughts.
Mkhuseli walks in the room, his heart races with panic. He finds her lying motionless on the bed, her body covered in wounds, blood seeping through the bandages. He tries to shake her awake, but she doesn't respond. Fear grips him as he scoops her up in his arms, cradling her like a child.
“Londeka, please wake up! Oh, God, please don't do this!”he pleads, his voice trembling.
He dashes out of the room, descending the stairs two at a time, with Nonhlakanipho gets up from her seat seeing him carrying Londeka.
“Take the car keys, lock the house, and let's go.Do you know how to drive?” he asks , Nonhlakanipho nods though her skills of driving is poor
“Good You are driving”he instructs her, his tone urgent.
Nonhlakanipho hesitates, “What?But Mkhuseli, I've never driven on the highway before...”
“Just do it, Nonhlakanipho! We need to get Londeka to the hospital, now!”he implores, his eyes fixed on Londeka's pale face.
Nonhlakanipho nods and takes the keys, locking the house behind them. She gets into the driver's seat, her hands shaking as she starts the engine. Mkhuseli directs her to the hospital, his anxiety growing with each passing moment.
As they speed down the highway, Nonhlakanipho's inexperience shows, but she perseveres, determined to get them to their destination. Mkhuseli holds Londeka close, praying for her to stay with him, his heart heavy with fear and worry.
To be continued....
Please log in to submit a comment.