A HEART REPLACED - A HEART REPLACED, chapter Twenty

A HEART REPLACED, chapter Twenty

A HEART REPLACED

Chapter Twenty

MKHUSELI ’S POV

The atmosphere in the house has been strained between him and Nonhlakanipho since that day. They haven’t been chatting or engaging in conversations like they used to, whether it’s during breakfast, dinner, or even while watching TV. It’s been especially awkward in their room. He finally emerges from his study and heads downstairs to grab a beer from the fridge. As he descends the stairs, he hears Pearl’s voice and greets her.

“Hey Pearl,” he says. Pearl is sitting at the dining table with Nonhlakanipho, snacking on something.

“So, when are you seeing Menzi again?” Pearl asks Nonhlakanipho.

“I don’t know,” Nonhlakanipho replies.

“Come on, girl, that guy is hot, and you two would make a great couple! Trust me,” Pearl says.

“And didn’t he tell you he’s a doctor? Wow, it would be amazing to have a friend with a doctor boyfriend! Give him a chance, why are you playing hard to get?” Pearl continues.

He takes the beer and heads back to the living room, passing by them. His eyes meet Nonhlakanipho’s gaze, and he quickly looks away, disappearing up the stairs.

‘Could it be that she’s already seeing someone? ’he thinks to himself. Who is this doctor, anyway?

__________

NONHLAKANIPHO ’S POV

Pearl is truly one of a kind - did she really have to go there? Did she have to say all those things in front of Mkhuseli? Yes, after that day, Menzi and I have been talking on the phone, although we haven't had a chance to meet up again since that day at MacDonald's. We had a nice conversation and got to know each other a bit, but not too deeply. He mentioned he's a doctor, and I shared that I work as a Creative Director at a company. I must say, he's an engaging person - he kept the conversation going until we parted ways that day. Now, he's been asking to see me again, and I've been coming up with excuses to avoid it.

While we're enjoying our meal and chatting with Pearl, her phone rings. She takes my phone and answers, revealing Menzi on the other end - the same person I've been dodging all morning. She puts the call on loudspeaker, and Menzi greets her warmly. “Finally, you decided to answer!”he says, to which she responds with a fib, “About that, I was busy, sorry.” Pearl shoots her a stern glance.

“No problem, dear. Are you free now?” Menzi asks, and she hesitantly agrees to meet him.

“Stop dawdling and get ready to meet Mr. Doc” she says with a grin, rolling her eyes good-naturedly.

”My ride is here, and I'll see you tomorrow at the office - I expect all the juicy details” she says, getting up and pecking my cheeks.

“Later, Pearl! See you tomorrow” she says, playfully nudging me away. She giggles and heads out.

After escorting her out, she heads upstairs to change into something suitable. She finishes getting ready and heads to Mkhuseli's study.

She knocks on the door, and he says, “Come in.” She opens the door and says, ”Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm heading out.” He looks at her intently and says, “Oh?” She nods and says, “I'll be back soon, though.” He nods, still gazing at her for a few moments, and she waves goodbye before closing the door. What was that about? She sighs and heads out, texting Menzi that she's on her way.

They finally met at a restaurant and got a table. We're seated and have already ordered food. We've chatted about a lot of things, and I can't remember how much I laughed at his jokes - my jaws are tired now.

“Umuhle yazi MntakaThubana,” he says, and she blushes, chuckling.

“Ngiyabonga.”

“I don't mean to disrespect you, but ngiyakthanda mina,” he confesses.

“I've already told you my situation, kodwa Menzi,” she says. “Ngiyazi Mama, kodwa usungitshelile that you are not in a romantic relationship with that fool,” he says, and she looks at him, shaking her head.

“Ngiyacela, ungiphe ithuba, and see where our thing ends. If it doesn't work, we can leave it,” he begs.

A waiter serves them our order, and they e thank them before starting to eat. She's avoiding what he just asked.

They finish eating and move on to ice cream.

“Buhle,” he says, and she corrects him, “Nonhlakanipho.” “Ngicela ukuk'biza Buhle because the way you are so beautiful, the name Buhle deserves you,” he says.

“Did you plan to make my cheeks red from blushing today, Menzi?” she asks, smiling, and he smiles back, revealing his perfect teeth.

“Maybe?” he says, still smiling, and she giggles.

“So, Mama, uthini ngalento esengiyicelile kuwe?” she sighs and looks at him. Yena muhle umfana Bandla!

“I...think we can give it a try,”

”Ngampela?” she nods.

“Aww suka Madoda, ngiyathembisa ngeke uzisole Mama,” he says, holding her hand to his and kissing it. She's smiling and blushing, her cheeks must be red now, though she's brown-skinned, they don't show, but she can feel them hot.

After finishing their ice creams, Menzi takes her hand, and they leave the restaurant, heading to his car. His car is stunning and suits him perfectly. She glances at his hand on hers, feeling a bit uncomfortable as she's not used to public displays of affection. But maybe, just maybe, giving this relationship a try won't be so bad. After all, she's not getting any younger, and Pearl was right - she should give love a chance.

Menzi dropped her off two houses away from her place. She can't deny that she had a good time with him, even though she was initially hesitant to meet him. He turned out to be a great guy, and she's glad she gave him a chance. When she gets home, she finds Mkhuseli in the living room.

“Hey, I'm back,”she says, and he responds with a brief “Welcome back”without taking his eyes off the TV.

“Have you eaten? I bought takeout for us,” she asks.

“You bought it or the guy you went to see did?” Mkhuseli asks, raising an eyebrow.

“A guy? Which guy?” she asks, playing dumb.

“Oh, come on, Nipho. I know you went to meet with some guy. Okay?” Mkhuseli says, his tone slightly accusatory.

“Okay, I went to meet with someone. And what does the takeout have to do with him?” she asks, her voice defensive.

“They have to do with him because he bought them, right? So go ahead and eat. I’ll see what I can eat. I’m not about to eat food bought by another man,” Mkhuseli says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

She raises her eyebrows. “Oh, is it? Then suit yourself, Mr.”

“What’s his name? Are you dating him or what?” Mkhuseli asks, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“That’s not your place to know,” she replies, her voice firm.

“I’m just asking,” Mkhuseli says, his tone innocent.

“Well, don’t, Mkhuseli!” she snaps.

“Why? Are you hiding him? Is he ugly?” Mkhuseli teases.

“Oh, he’s damn handsome. More than you, actually. And I’m not hiding him. Yes, I’m dating him. Are you happy now?” she asks, her voice pissed.

Mkhuseli stares at her, his expression unreadable. She sits down and starts eating, trying to ignore him.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she asks, her voice irritated.

“I’m just trying to figure you out,” Mkhuseli replies, his eyes narrowed.

“Figure me out? What do you mean?” she asks, her voice defensive.

“I mean, you’re not usually like this. You’re not usually secretive and defensive. What’s going on?” Mkhuseli asks, his tone curious.

“Nothing’s going on, Mkhuseli. Just drop it, okay?” she says, her voice firm.

“I’m not letting it go, tell me,” Mkhuseli says, his eyes fixed on her.

“Did I ever grill you about your girlfriend?” she retorts, her voice rising. “No, right? So what’s your problem with me being with a man? Don’t push my buttons, don’t ruin my mood!”

She finishes eating, washes the plate, and turns to face Mkhuseli, who’s still standing and staring at her.

“What if I say we drop the friendship title between us?” he asks, his tone casual.

“What? You wouldn’t do that, Mkhuseli! No!” she exclaims, her voice laced with disbelief. “I thought we were past that!”

“I was just asking,” he shrugs.

“Well, I hope it was just a question and ends there. There are people involved in our lives now,” she says, her voice firm, and walks away, leaving Mkhuseli standing there.

“How could he ask such a question out of the blue?” she thinks to herself. He must be crazy,Now that she's willing to try being in a relationship, Mkhuseli wants to ruin it for me? He shouldn’t dare!

To be continued...