A HEART REPLACED chapter Twenty Six
NONHLAKANIPHO ’S POVShe's returning home, but her driver is taking his time. She's still puzzled by her father's earlier conversation, as she has no memory of sending him any money, let alone R120,000. The driver finally drops her off, and she enters her quiet home. She finds the house empty, so she heads upstairs to her room. She changes into her gym clothes and then heads to the gym room. After finishing her workout, she goes downstairs to get water and meets Mkhuseli, who has just arrived.
“Hey, you're home early today,” he says, greeting her.
“Yeah, I didn't go to Pearl's place today, we just talked on the phone,” she replies, getting a bottle of water from the fridge.
“Okay, coming from the gym room?” She nods, and there's an awkward silence as Mkhuseli stares at her, making her uncomfortable. Maybe it's her gym outfit, which is a bit too short.
“Aren't you going to change?” she asks him, and he clears his throat.
“Uhm... yeah, let me go change. Are you going to cook?”
“No, I'm not in the mood to cook, I'll order for us,” she says, as it's been a week since she last cooked dinner due to her late work schedule or eating at Pearl's house. Today, she's home early but still not in the mood to cook. She's finished bathing and puts on her pajamas with a gown on top. She's ordered Meatballs with Marinara sauce and Spaghetti, which will be delivered soon. She takes her phone and heads downstairs, where Mkhuseli joins her as they wait for their meal. After a few minutes, there's a knock at the door, and she gets up to answer it. It's their order, so she takes the package and closes the door. She heads to the kitchen to serve herself and Mkhuseli, and when she's done, they eat in the living room while watching TV. They finish eating, and she goes to wash the plates before returning to her seat. She remembers what her father said about receiving R120,000.
“My father called me again,” she says.
“What did he say? Does he want more money?” Mkhuseli asks. “What do you mean again?”
“Huh?” Mkhuseli replies, cursing under his breath.
“Mkhuseli, don't tell me you sent my father that much money?” He clears his throat.
“I did.”
“R120,000? Mkhuseli, are you crazy?” She asks.
“Am I? I sent that money so your father would stop bothering you, okay?”
“Oh? And you're sure he won't come back asking for more money? Mkhuseli, R120,000?” She sighs.
“Come on, it's a small price to pay, and I promise you, he won't ask you for money again,” Mkhuseli says.
“How can you be so certain?” she asks.
“Just trust me, okay?” he replies, and she looks at him skeptically before sighing and agreeing.
“Okay, fine.” Mkhuseli teases her, “Don't look so glum, smile for me!” She chuckles, and he tickles her, making her giggle uncontrollably.
“Stop, Mkhuseli, you'll make me vomit!” she says, still laughing. Mkhuseli stops tickling her and gazes at her adoringly.
“What are you staring at?”
“Your stunning face.” She blushes and playfully hits his shoulder. “Oh, stop it!” Mkhuseli says,
“I'm serious, Nipho, you're beautiful.” He leans in, his eyes locked on hers, and gently kisses her. She doesn't reciprocate at first, but when he bites her lower lip, she moans and kisses him back. Mkhuseli smiles, pleased, as they continue kissing.
She breaks away from the kiss, looking at him in shock, wondering if she really just kissed him. She gets up and walks away, but feels his hand on hers. She stops and turns, looking at his hand and then at him.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that, it's just that...” he says, trailing off before gazing at her.
“I couldn't resist you, Nipho. I've wanted to kiss you for so long, and I'm glad I finally had the chance.” He smiles, and she's left speechless, unsure of how to respond.
“Mkhuseli, I...” she starts, but he interrupts her.
“I told you before, I can't control my feelings for you. I want to be with you, Nonhlakanipho, please give me a chance.”
“I...I don't...” she tries to say, but he cuts her off.
“You don't have to say anything now, take your time.” He smiles and releases her hand.
“I'll go to bed,” she says quickly, hurrying to her room.
She quickly closes the door behind her, trying to process what just happened. She can't believe she kissed Mkhuseli, and she can't believe how much she enjoyed it. She feels a mix of emotions: shock, excitement, and a hint of fear.
Meanwhile, Mkhuseli is standing outside her door, smiling to himself. He can't believe he finally kissed Nipho, and he can't wait to do it again. He knows he took a risk, but he couldn't help himself. He wants to be with her, and he's willing to do whatever it takes,he heads to his own room tomorrow it's another day...
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The sun's rays streaming through the window wake her up. She sits up, rubs her eyes, and reaches for her phone to find she's missed her alarm. She was supposed to wake up early for a gym session. As she scrolls through WhatsApp, she sees a message from Mkhuseli: ‘Good morning, beautiful.’
She can't help but smile. She leaves the message unread and gets out of bed. She puts on some music and heads to the bathroom to shower.
After drying off, she moisturizes her skin and chooses her outfit for the day. It's Saturday, and she doesn't have plans, unless she decides to visit Pearl or convinces her to come over. But Pearl's babies are still too young to travel,Well she'll decide what to do after breakfast. As she finishes styling her hair, her phone buzzes with another message from Mkhuseli: ‘Are you still alive in there? Should I come rescue you?’
She chuckles and ignores the message.
She heads downstairs, her mind wanders back to what happened between her and Mkhuseli. The aroma of delicious food wafts through the air, snapping her back to reality. She sees Mkhuseli in the kitchen, wearing an apron and cooking breakfast. Is this a dream? Mkhuseli in an apron? She can't believe her eyes!
She stands there, captivated by Mkhuseli's charming appearance. He turns around, catches her gaze, and says, “Don't just stand there, come help me set the table.” She shakes her head, smiling, and heads to the kitchen to assist him in carrying the food to the breakfast table in the living room.
“How did you sleep?” he asks.
“I slept well, how about you?” she responds.
“I slept exceptionally well,” he says, “but I couldn't stop thinking and dreaming about our kiss last night.” She chokes on her coffee, surprised by his candidness. She glances at Mkhuseli, who's grinning from ear to ear.
“How's the breakfast, by the way? I wanted to pamper you today,” he says, his enthusiasm endearing.
“The breakfast is delicious,” she replies, genuinely impressed by the culinary skills he's showcasing.
“I'm glad you like it,” Mkhuseli says, beaming with pride. “I was hoping to impress you.”
“You've definitely succeeded,” she replies, taking another bite of her breakfast.
As they eat, the conversation flows easily.
“I have to say, I'm really enjoying your company,” Mkhuseli says, looking at her with a smile.
“I'm enjoying yours too,” she replies, feeling a connection she can't ignore.
As they finish up their breakfast, Mkhuseli reaches out and takes her hand. “I don't want this morning to end,” he says, his eyes locked on hers.
“It doesn't have to,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mkhuseli's face lights up with a smile.
“Really?” he asks, his voice full of hope.
She nods, her heart racing with excitement.
“Really,” she replies.
He smiles at her, “How about we spend the day together?”
“I can't, I'm visiting Pearl today,” she replies.
“Okay, no problem, go see her,” he says, and they both wash the dishes. With Mam Khethiwe resting due to her sick daughter, they're handling the household chores.
They finish with the dishes, she checks the time - 10:45. She heads to her room to grab her clutch bag, planning to start shopping for the twins at the mall.
“I'm leaving,” she says to Mkhuseli, who's engrossed in his phone. “Want me to drop you off?”
“No, I'll take a taxi, thank you though,” she replies.
But Mkhuseli insists, “Actually, I'm driving you.”
He pockets his phone, grabs his car keys, and says, “Come on, let's go.”
He takes her hand, locks the door, and leads her to his car.
They park at the mall and he accompanies her to every store she visits, waiting patiently as she browses and exits. She finds this incredibly sweet and enjoys strolling beside him. Eventually, she completes her shopping and treats herself to ice cream to enjoy with Pearl. They return to the car, and he drives her to Pearl's residence.
“We're here,” he announces, and she nods.
“Thanks for the ride,” she says, to which he responds, “No need to thank me, love. From now on, I'm your driver.”
She's taken aback, wondering if he's serious. Is he offering to be her personal driver? She already has a driver, but she doesn't question him.
“Aren't you coming in to see Khulekani?” she asks.
“No, he's not around. I'll meet him later,” he replies.
“Okay, bye then,” she says, collecting her belongings from the back seat and closing the door as she heads towards the house.
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MKHUSELI ’S POV
He arrives at the meeting spot, where he's scheduled to meet his brothers, and can't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment. Things are indeed going great in his life, and he can't hide his smile. He parks, locks the car, and heads inside, where Qhawe, Khulekani, and Sambulo are already waiting. These three always seem to arrive first whenever they plan to meet up.
“Bafowethu,” he greets them, taking his seat.
“Bafo,” they reply in unison. Qhawe notices his cheerful demeanor and comments, “Someone looks like he's in a good mood.”
He asks, smiling, “Is it that obvious?”
“Did Koti finally let you have a taste of the cake?” Khulekani asks this one always thinks about ***, his head is filled with *** !
“Not everything is about *** Khulekani, awkahle ukusa nxn,” Sambulo says, shaking his head.
Khulekani retorts, “Says someone who can't even go a day without tapping a *****,” making Qhawe burst out laughing. Sambulo shoots Khulekani a stern glance, eyalaba bobabili ayingenwa nje,but they continue enjoying each other's company, having a few drinks and catching up on everything.
The night is starting towears on, he checks his phone and puts it back in his pocket.
“Are you leaving?” Khulekani asks.
“Yes, I should head out,” he replies, standing up. Khulekani teases,
“You've only had one beer, what's wrong with you? You couldn't stop checking your phone.”
He responds, “I I have a house and a wife, mina Sambulo angifani Nani.”
“Ubala nami yini? I have a wive too” Khulekani asks,
Qhawe chimes in, “Wee sifela Ninake manje ngoba thina singeka shadi? haisuka.We're not settling down anytime soon no Bafo, we're still enjoying life,”
He chuckles and bids his brothers farewell.
“Izobonana madoda.”
He would have liked to linger, but he has other arrangements. He's planning a romantic evening with Nonhlakanipho, having already sent her flowers and a note requesting the pleasure of her company. He's even sent a dress for her, although he's uncertain if she'll like it. This dinner holds special significance, as he intends to formally ask Nonhlakanipho to be his girlfriend. He had considered waiting for her to take her time to think about it,but his eagerness gets the better of him. Now, he anxiously hopes she'll accept his proposal, or perhaps decline, leaving him uncertain and on edge.
As he arrives home, he steps out of his car and enters the house, where he's immediately struck by the stunning sight of Nonhlakanipho, wearing the dress he sent her. The way it accentuates her curves leaves him speechless.
“Are you going to keep staring or get ready?” she asks, catching his gaze. He blinks repeatedly, clears his throat, and hastily heads to his room to change into suitable dinner attire. Returning downstairs, he finds Nonhlakanipho taking selfies.
“We can go now,” he says nervously, feeling unexpectedly anxious.
“Sure,” she replies, putting away her phone. He offers his hand, and she takes it as they leave the house and head to his car. They settle in, he can't resist sneaking glances at Nonhlakanipho, thinking to himself, “Muhle umntwana kaThubana umona yini Koda.” He starts the engine and drives out of the gate, heading to the restaurant he booked for an intimate dinner for two.
To be continued…
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