Deadly obsession ,Chapter 33
AT KHOZA HOUSEHOLDIt's Christmas Eve, and everyone is gathered around the table for dinner. There's Mr. and Mrs. Khoza, their three sons, Zibusiso, Zwelakhe, and Luba, with their wives and their kids. There's also Noma, Suku and Zamo. The table is set with a variety of traditional dishes, and the air is filled with laughter and conversation.
Mr. Khoza raises a glass of wine.
Mr Khoza :"I'd like to propose a toast to our family," he says.The whole table is silent as Mr. Khoza continues. "This has been a wonderful year for our family, and I'm so grateful to have everyone here together. I'd like to take a moment to recognize each of you. Zibusiso, I'm so proud of your achievements at work this year. You've worked so hard, and it's paid off. Zwelakhe, I know things have been tough lately, but I want you to know that I'm always here for you & I'm happy you are a great father to your kids and your husband to your wife. Luba, you're a great son, and an even better father & husband too. I'm so proud of you sons.Mr. Khoza takes a deep breath and looks around the table, meeting the eyes of each of his sons. "I want to apologize to each of you," he says. "When you were growing up, I was so focused on controlling your lives, and I realize now that I went too far. I tried to control your future, and I'm sorry for that. Zwelakhe, I know I was especially hard on you, and I'm sorry for that. I want you to know that I'm always here for you, and I'm going to try to be a better father to you. He looks over at Zibusiso. "Zibusiso, I know I've tried to control your life too," he says. "I realize that I haven't been the best at giving you the space to make your own decisions. I want you to know that I'm sorry for that, and I'm going to try to change. I want you to be able to make your own choices, and I'm going to support you no matter what. I'm going to be a better father to you, and I promise to respect your independence."he looks around the table at all of his children, and then his gaze settles on Noma. "And Noma," he says, "I'm also proud of you my daughter ,I have drove away your two sister from us especially from you but wherever they are I hope they are enjoying with their inlaws and one day they will forgive me "
He raises his glass again. "To family," he says. "May we always be there for each other, no matter what."
Everyone raises their glasses and takes a sip of wine. Mr. Khoza looks around the table, a smile on his wife.
Mrs. Khoza takes a deep breath and clears her throat.
Mrs Khoza :"I would also like to say a few words," she says. "First, I want to thank you all for being here. This is such a special time of year, and it's so nice to have everyone together. I know that sometimes we don't see eye to eye, but I'm so grateful for each of you. You all mean so much to me, and I love you all so much. May this holiday season be filled with love and laughter.""I'm also very happy to welcome Suku and Zamo into our family," Mrs. Khoza says. "Suku, you've been such a wonderful addition to our family, and we're all so grateful to have you. You've made our son so happy, and you've been such a good influence on him. Thank you for being there for him. And Zamo, you're like a little sister to us all. You're always so bubbly and fun, and we love having you around. We're so happy to have you both as part of our family."
Mrs. Khoza's eyes are shining as she raises her glass. "Let's all raise a toast to our family, with all of its members, new and old. We're so blessed to be together, and I hope we can all enjoy this holiday season together."
Everyone raises their glasses and takes a sip of their drinks. A feeling of peace and happiness settles over the table, and the conversation turns to lighter topics. The evening is filled with laughter and love, and everyone is so glad to be together. The bonds of family are strong, and they will always have each other's backs.
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AT MAJOLA HOUSEHOLD
The Majola family is gathered around the table, enjoying their Christmas Eve dinner. Mr. Majola is carving the turkey, while Mrs. Majola is busy in the kitchen, making sure everything is perfect. Andile and Ncamiso are chatting happily, while Nocawe's three kids are running around, playing with their new toys. Lubanzi, Andile's boyfriend, is also there, and he's chatting with Mr. Majola about the latest football match. The atmosphere is warm and festive, and everyone is enjoying the holiday spirit.
As the meal draws to a close, Mr. Majola raises his glass.
Phakade: "I'd like to propose a toast," he says. "To my son Andile, who has brought so much joy and pride to our family. I'm sorry for not always accepting you for who you are, and I apologize for any hurtful words I've said in the past. You're a wonderful son, and I'm so proud of you."
Tears are shining in Andile's eyes as he raises his glass.
Andile:"Thank you, dad," he says. "That means so much to me. "Andile takes a deep breath and continues. "I love you, and I'm grateful for the progress we've made as a family. I know it hasn't always been easy, but I'm so happy to have your love and support now. You've made me feel so accepted and loved, and I appreciate that more than you know."
Mr. Majola gives his son a tight hug, and the room is filled with love. The rest of the family raises their glasses, and they all say, "To Andile and his journey to self-acceptance!"
Everyone cheers and takes a sip of their drinks.
The atmosphere in the room is warm and cozy, and the Majolas are enjoying each other's company. Mr. Majola looks around the table, taking in the faces of his family. He's so grateful for this moment, for this time together. He realizes that the most important thing in life is love and acceptance, and he's so happy to have learned that lesson.
Andile is still basking in the glow of his father's words, and he feels lighter than he has in a long time. He looks over at Lubanzi, who is watching him with a soft smile on his face. Andile returns the smile, and he reaches out to take Lubanzi's hand. The two men sit there, their fingers intertwined, basking in the warmth of the moment. Mr. Majola clears his throat, breaking the silence.
Phakade:"I think it's time for dessert!" he announces.
Everyone laughs, and Mrs. Majola brings out a beautiful cake, decorated with festive frosting. They all dig in, enjoying the sweetness of the moment. The holiday spirit is in the air, and the Majolas are savoring every second of it.
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AT MKHATSHWA 'S HOUSE
HE is also enjoying Christmas even dinner with his lover GUGU.It is just the two of them being lovey dovey on each other until the doorbell rings, shattering the cozy atmosphere. Gugu goes to answer the door, and she's surprised to see two police officers and Ziyanda, her daughter, on the other side.
Gugu: "What's going on?" she asks, a feeling of dread settling in her stomach.
Officer:"We're looking for Muzikayise Nxumalo," one of the officers says, his face impassive.
Gugu's heart starts to race.
Gugu:"What's he done?" she asks, feeling her palms start to sweat.
Officer:"We're not at liberty to say," the officer replies. "But it's important that we speak to him as soon as possible," the officer finishes. "May we come in?"
Gugu doesn't know what to do. She looks over at Ziyanda, who is looking at her with wide, fearful eyes. Gugu doesn't know what to say. Finally, she says,
Gigu:"Please, come in."
The officers step inside, and Ziyanda follows them. Gugu can feel her heart pounding in her chest as she closes the door behind them. She leads them into the living room, where Mkhatshwa is sitting on the couch, a confused look on Mkhatshwa 'sface
Him:"What is going on here?what can I help you with officers?"
Officer: "The girl we are with has opened a case of rape against you, and you need to come with us to the station," the officer says. "We need to hear your side of the story, and we can sort this out there. Please, don't make this difficult."
Mkhatshwa is breathing heavily, his eyes wide with fear.
Him:"I'm not this man," he says, his voice rising. "I don't know why you think I am, but I'm not there are many Muzikayise Nxumalo around here.
Him:"I understand that you're upset," the officer says, his voice still calm. "But we have evidence that leads us to believe you are that Mr. Nxumalo we want. We need to sort this out, and we can't do that if you don't come with us. Please, we're just trying to do our jobs. Let us help you."
Mkhatshwa looks at Gugu again, his eyes desperate.
Him:"Please, you have to believe me," he says, his voice breaking. "I'm not this man."
Gugu still doesn't know what to say. She's afraid of the truth might be, but she also doesn't want to see Mkhatshwa taken away in handcuffs. She's torn, not knowing what to do.
The officer looks at Gugu, his expression neutral.
Officer"Do you know this man?" he asks. "Can you confirm whether he's Mr. Nxumalo or not?"
Gugu feels like the world is spinning. She looks at Mkhatshwa, trying to read his expression, trying to understand what's happening. She doesn't know what to say. She doesn't know what the truth is.
Him:"Gugu, please,"
Gugu: "Yes he is my boyfriend and he is Muzikayise Nxumalo but I don't believe he is a rapist he is a good guy believe me"she says Ziyanda chuckles
Ziyanda:"Officer this man has been sleeping with me manipulating me whenever this woman is at work"Ziyanda says,the officers take Mkhatshwa with them
Mkhatshwa looks back at Gugu, his eyes filled with fear . He mouths the words, "I didn't do it." The van door slams shut, and he's gone. Gugu feels sick to her stomach, her mind spinning with questions. Was he lying? Was Ziyanda? Did he really do what she said he did? She doesn't know what to believe.
She turns to Ziyanda.
Gugu:"What have you done?" she asks, her voice shaking. "You've ruined everything."
Ziyanda looks at her, her expression cold and calculating.
Ziyanda : "I did what I had to," she says. "He was using you. I couldn't let that happen."
Gugu feels like she's going to be sick.
Gugu:"I don't believe you," she says, her voice trembling. "You're lying."
Ziyanda shrugs.
Ziyanda : "I have proof," she says. "I recorded him admitting to it. I can show you if you want."
Gugu feels like the ground is falling away beneath her feet. She's not sure what to believe. She doesn't know what to do. She feels like her world is crashing down around her.
Gugu:"I don't want to see it," she says, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't want to hear it. I don't know what to believe anymore."
Ziyanda looks at her, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
Ziyanda :"Well, you'll have to choose," she says. "Him or me."
Gugu feels like she's stuck between a rock and a hard place. She doesn't know what to do. She doesn't know what to believe. She feels like she's lost everything....
**************AFTER A WEEK ***************
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