ISBOPHO!

Chapter 01

***Years ago***

MaGwala is standing before an empty pot, clueless about what she'll cook
today. When she opened the fridge, there were only water bottles and the deep
freezer had iced water bottles. It was as clean as when her eldest son bought it
for her a few years ago.

That day, how can she forget that happy day? The day her son kept making her
proud?

When he left for Gauteng, his maternal uncle had called his mother and told her
'she must send the boy up in Gauteng.' There's a job that'll be suitable for him.
MaGwala was very scared to let her son go but she knew she needed to let him
go. They needed money and they needed to have someone who'll put food on
the table. She was able to get vegetables from the soil but not able to get maize
meal, cooking oil and rice from the soil. Her son had to go to Gauteng.

"Mama, what are we going to eat today? We had soft porridge three times
yesterday." Her only daughter, Sebenzile Luthuli asks with a complaining voice.
MaGwala doesn't look at her, "I know but the vegetables are still not ready for
us to harvest and the chickens are too small. We'll have to eat soft porridge
again."
"Why don't you ask mamncane for food?"
"Who?" MaGwala screams at her daughter, startling her with her snap.

She hates anything that's got to do with her younger sister. Her sister is married
to a wealthy man and she's also working at Home affairs. MaGwala asked her
sister to help her get an Identity document that will make her get an Old age
pension grant and her sister refused. She knew that they did it for people but
when she cried to her for help, she refused to help her own blood. Their brothers
tried talking to her but she never listened. Her feelings towards her sister
changed from there, even when she invited her to events or ceremonies, she
didn't go. She didn't visit her home or even called her like she did with her other
siblings.

"Mam-"
"Shut up! Have you ever seen me asking anything from her? Ever since your
father died I never asked anything from her or anyone. I will not start today!"

She screams at her and turns to the door.

Her son, Shintsha is standing at the door with two plastic bags and a 10kg bag
of maize.

MaGwala has four children, Gama, her first born son, Sebenzile, her second
born daughter, Shintsha, her third born son and Gcina, the last born son.

"Shintsha?" She whispered his name. She doesn't remember giving him money
and sending him to town to buy these things.
He walks further into the kitchen hut. "Mama, I didn't tell you. I didn't go to
school the past three days of the week because I had found a piece job. My
friend's father has sugarcane plots. He spoke to him on my behalf and I joined
his workers. I told my teacher that I will be absent. I wanted to help you out
mama. Please don't be mad, I will catch up with school this weekend." He
quickly explains so she won't have any reason to shout and complain.

"Oh, my son!" With tears streaming down her chubby cheeks, MaGwala hid the
boy in her warm embrace. "Thank you, may God bless you and your ancestors
always watch over you. Thank you so much."

When her eldest son left for Gauteng, she had great hope. Things were going to
be better once again. She was never going to worry about where she'll get a
maize meal. She was going to be stress free and stop worrying her brothers’
every time.

And truly, she never worried her brothers again. Her son sent money every
month without fail and he would come back home after three months with
beautiful house items. He started by changing his mother's bed, bought a proper
bed for her. And bit by bit, all his siblings had proper beds. Strong beds that
they're still using and sleeping comfortably on.

"Thank you bhuti!" She hugs her brother too.

Happy, MaGwala takes the plastic bags and she unpacks the grocery items.
They'll last them until she's able to collect her goat's money from her neighbour.
"Here's some change, please put it safe so we'll buy food again if there's
something short." Shintsha hands the money to his mother.
She holds his hand, "no my boy, keep it for yourself. Don't you need school
shoes? Your sister got new shoes from her pastor's wife."
"I do. I will buy them when I work again. My friend's father said he'll call me
again next week when we have to work on another plot. Ngiyahlahla ngivuse,
ngenze izitaki, imali ikhonyana. I am fast."
She nods, "alright, my boy, thank you." She turns to her daughter, "let's cook.
We'll have your brother's favourite today, beef stew. He bought beef."
Excited, she helps her mother out in the kitchen cooking a delightful meal.
MaGwala hopes Shintsha and Gcina will not be like their older brother.

After Gama had bought new beds for everyone, she surprised her by bringing a
brand new fridge for her - something even his father never bought for her. She
was very happy, some people were also happy for her and others were not.
And things changed after a few months, he stopped calling home regularly. He
would send money but half the amount he used to send or quarter the amount he
used to send. And some months he would call and tell his mother he didn't have
any money to send home. His mother understood until he dismally stopped
sending money. He stopped calling and he stopped coming back home.

By then, his uncle was no longer alive. The uncle who found the job for him.
People who were also in Gauteng told her different things. Some told her he
was living with a woman. Some told her they didn't know where he disappeared
to and some told her he was married and the woman used muthi on him. She
never really knew what to believe and what not to believe.

She still wishes and hopes her son will come back home but he never did.
Things have been very difficult for them but she has a son who's supposed to be
looking after her.

"MaGwala, how are things at home now?" MaZuma, who’s a friend to

MaGwala asks her friend. The two older women have been friends since their
high school days. They come from the same village at eThokazi KwaNongoma
and got married in the same village, marrying friends. Both their husbands are
late, they're widows, raising their children under difficult circumstances.
They're walking on the road of KwaNqolothi village at Empangeni. They're
coming from the gardens where women work to grow food for their families
and grow food to sell.

She smiles, "ey, MaZuma, it's better for now. Shintsha surprised me by coming
home with groceries. I am always praying they don't change and become like
their brother."
MaZuma eyes her friend, "why are you relaxed about Gama's situation?"
"What should I do? I can't go to Gauteng and look for him. We asked your
daughter to help us find him but she failed. People are saying a lot of things."
"I know but go and consult about this situation and while at that, ask for muthi
that will ensure your two other sons don't become like their brother. They
should always work for their home." MaZuma advises her friend.

With a frown, she looks at her, "what do you mean? I can't force them to work
for their home if they don't want to. I feel like I didn't raise Gama well enough.
Look at your son, he's trying his best to look after you but he's not even working
a fancy job and your daughter Busiswa, is in Gauteng working as a domestic
worker but she doesn't forget you. What did I do wrong?"
"I know. You did nothing wrong but I also worked on my son." She whispers
but it's only the two of them on the road. One or two people pass by. They're
carrying only their hoes and water bottles.
"How?" MaGwala asks.

She clears her throat, "I went to a traditional healer who gave me muthi to
ensure my son never forgets home. I didn't do it to my daughters because they're
supposed to get married and leave home. You know I have only one son and I
can't afford to lose him."
This blows her brains away. What did she just hear? "Does that really work?"
"Can't you see my son? It works! I have six daughters and only one son, he'll
never forget home." She assures her, "please, think about it and do it. Don't just
fold your hands."
"Where will I get money to consult and get that muthi?"
"Don't worry, month-end, I will give you money when my son gets paid. I will
take you there. If you're sleeping, these girls of today will take your children
and you'll get nothing after raising them alone. You'll be sucking thumbs while
they get everything." She lectures and her words find a place in MaGwala's
heart.

Should she do this? She wants to have her son back home and she also doesn't
want these two boys to do what their brother had done. What should she do?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 02

It's been a week since MaZuma told her about consulting. She's scared but every
night she goes to bed without knowing about her son's whereabouts - she
considers this idea.

It's a sunny Monday and she's coming back from the gardens, walking alone.
MaZuma didn't go with her today. She had to take her granddaughter to the
clinic.

She decided not to go home by foot from the gardens up to her home. She took
easy transport. The walk from the gardens to her home is quite far. It's even
further away when you're walking alone.

Today, she thought her friend would be with her and she would tell her about
her decision. She's tired, she no longer wants any of her children to suffer in
poverty. She wants to know where her son is and she wants him to come back
home. She also wants to ensure his brothers don't do what he did. Only this
muthi will help make her wishes come true. She doesn't have any other options.
When she gets out of the van, her eyes set at the short and plummy Busiswa -
her friend's daughter. She's standing at the stop with bags of groceries and her
suitcase.

She's envious. MaZuma's children really take good care of her and she's still
struggling. Why is she thinking twice about doing this? She needs to do it and
free herself from this poverty. She has sons, it's their cultural value for sons to
look after their mothers.

"Busiswa, how are you?" MaGwala smiles at her friend's daughter. She's almost
the same age as Gama and already, she's working in Gauteng. She ensures her
mother never goes to bed hungry. That's remarkable.

Busiswa smiles back at her but avoids eye contact with her. Generally, she
avoids MaGwala and even when her mother sends her to her home when she's
in the village she sends children to go on her behalf. She doesn't like going into
her yards because always when she's home she has to wear clothes like
unmarried young women do. "Yebo mama, ninjani?"
"I am fine my child and how are you?"
"We're good mama. It's good to see you. The sun has come out strong today you
shouldn't have gone to the gardens."
She laughs, "yes, but we need food. We'll go to the gardens even when it's hot."
She responds, "How’s life in Gauteng? You're such a brave girl for going to that
big city to work for your family."
"It's busy but we keep working and working because we need money."
"That's good. Is there a man promising to take you as his wife?"
She laughs uncomfortably, "no, there's no man mama. Men in Gauteng are
unlike men from the village. They don't want serious relationships."
"They're foolish not to want such a beautiful woman like you."

She's happy to see her brother's son coming by with a wheelbarrow. This means
this encounter will be cut shorter. "Thank you. Here's my nephew, I was waiting
for him." She opens her handbag. She's a very stingy person when it comes to
giving non-relatives money but with MaGwala - she gives her two hundred
notes because of guilt. "Please, buy yourself some cold drink it's hot."
Shocked! R200? "Hhayibo! This is too much I can't accept it, my child."
"You're my mother's friend. You're also my mother. Please, take it."
She accepts the money, it'll be really helpful. "Thank you so much. May God
bless your pockets and your employer gives you a raise."

She receives the blessings with grace and hopes they'll go where they're
supposed to go. These blessings will also benefit her.

MaGwala heads home without stress. Why should she use muthi on her
children? She didn't even use it on their father. She needs to trust God and trust
the boys will never change. Look at God, she didn't expect such a huge amount
of money to be given to her. She'll save it for rainy days.

*****
Working on a sugarcane plantation is probably the worst job there is. He has big
dreams and hopes about his life. His biggest dream is to give his mother the best
life. Currently, education is the key to success but he doesn't think he'll go
further with education. He's not the brightest student and after grade 12, he
doesn't see himself in University. He's doing grade 12 for the second time. How
can he afford such an expensive education? And what can he study there?

"Are you going to buy school shoes only?" Sihle asks his friend, Shintsha. He
got paid again after working on the sugarcane plantation of his father.

They're walking on the busy streets of Mzingazi - an outskirt village of Richards

bay. Sihle is also from the same village as Shintsha but they're on this side
because his father asked him to bring maintenance money to his grandmother.
They're heading to Richards bay after giving the money to his grandmother.
Shintsha has to do a mini shopping.

He smiles, "no, I should also buy a shirt for myself and my younger brother,
Gcina."
"And what about your sister?"
"She's covered, she doesn't need anything." He says but his eyes are on the two
girls on the road, they're walking slowly approaching them on the same side of
the road.

Petite, with a gap in between her thighs and pointy breasts, he can even see the
taut nipples on the white t-shirt she's wearing. There's no bra there! She has a
golden skin tone with some pimples on her face.

He slaps his friend's shoulder. "Where's your mind?" He slightly shouts.

Shintsha shakes his head slowly, "I can spend all night studying and be rich so I
can have the one on a white t-shirt."
"Why do you think you need to be rich to get a girl you like?" He asks, he
knows his father wasn't rich when he had his mother as his girlfriend.
He shrugs, "what should I say? I know girls want to be impressed and money
opens all doors." He responds.
"Stop thinking like that. Did Ndima tell you that his brother saw Busiswa with
Gama in Gauteng?"
He frowns at him, "Busiswa who?"
"MaZuma's daughter."
He laughs, "No, I am sure that was not my brother. Busiswa is like a family.
Why would she not tell my mom she saw him? Let me greet these ladies." He
doesn't entertain what his friend is telling him.

He grins politely at the two ladies and he greets, "its luck to see such beautiful
women."
The two ladies eye each other and they laugh, "That’s such a cheap line,
Shintsha!"
He's surprised the friend of the girl actually knows his name. "You know my
name."
"Aren't you friends with Sihle?"
Sihle says, "She’s my grandmother's neighbour. She has probably seen you with
me and heard your name since we regularly come here."
"Oh, what's your friend's name?" He turns back with the two girls as they keep
walking.
"Stop wasting your time, Shintsha. Here's a taxi, Sihle will leave you behind."
He feels like pushing this annoying friend aside so he can get a chance to speak
to the girl he wishes to speak to. She's giggling as her friend chases him away.

"One day! Mina nawe sokwenza isifungo phambi kuka mfundisi noNkulunkulu.
Ngokubopha ngothando ungamboni omunye umuntu." (You and I will tie the
knot before the pastor and God. I will bind you with love in a manner that you'll
see no man but me.) He says to her before running off to his friend as the taxi
had stopped. He leaves her looking at him with soft eyes.

"What? Do you believe his cheap words?" Ntandoni asks her friend - Sbahle.
She's no longer moving but looking at a taxi as it has driven away with Shintsha
inside.

Sbahle proceeds walking and doesn't answer her friend's question. 'Ngokubopha
ngothando ungamboni omunye umuntu!' she replays these words and smiles
alone.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 03

It's Sunday and she's finally back in Ennerdale. It was good being home and
seeing her mother and her siblings. But she missed her family the most. Her
beautiful family. She can't imagine life without them.
She pushes the small black gate of their yard, a small intimate home that her
husband bought for them when she had their second daughter. They stopped
renting and bought a house for themselves.

It's a three bedroom house with an open plan kitchen and one bathroom. She
knows this is not where they'll die. She wants a house in beautiful places, the
suburbs and she'll be a true madam there. She trusts her husband will give her
exactly what she wants when he gets a better salary at his work.

There's her wonderful and kind husband, even his smile shows his kindness.
He's brown skinned, medium height and buffy with a small belly. There's no
other man she can choose besides him. They have a lot of history together. A
strong bond.

"My wife is back home," Gama appears on the front door with his two year old
daughter Nokubongwa. It's been a lonely week without her and as soon as he
heard the gate opening. He knew it's her!
She smiles brightly at him and her daughter screams as she recognises her
mother. "My handsome man and my baby girl." She showers her daughter with
kisses, making her laugh happily.
He holds her hand, "let's go inside so you'll tell us about your trip."
"Where's Thembi?" She asks about her eldest daughter.

He leads her into their living room, a colourful themed living room. She settles
with him on the grey leather couch with yellow cushions. Busiswa takes her
daughter from her father.

"She's sleeping in their bedroom." He responds, "how was home?"

"It was great, everyone is doing well and there's nothing wrong that I can
complain about. It's only people in the village who are still nosy and annoying."
She responds and they laugh in unison with Gama.

When Busiswa left the village for the city, she was pregnant with her first child
- Thembi. She was very scared because she'd just finished her grade 12 and
didn't pass well. Her marks couldn't take her to university or college. Gama had
been home with his family that December and as boyfriend and girlfriend, they
met and did what lovers do.
They'd started dating when they were still in high school. Gama was before her
in grades, he'd skipped some classes because he was the cleverest in all grades.
The two were dating in secret, nobody from their families knew they were
dating. Some people in the village were suspicious but they were not sure.
Busiswa didn't even tell her then friend about their relationship.

Busiswa was devastated when she learnt about the pregnancy. She was scared
of her great uncle - her father's brother. He was going to kill her and her mother
was going to help him. She couldn't let that happen.
She called Gama and told him about the pregnancy. Gama told her to tell her
mother that she'll go to Gauteng to look for a job. They lived together, he would
go to work every day and leave Busiswa behind. He took good care of her until
she gave birth.

"Oh that's great. Your brothers' children are doing well?" He asks, in his mind -
there's something that clicks about his own family but there's just a distant
feeling when he thinks about them. All he knows is - he cannot go back home
because his siblings want him dead. They're jealous of his success and they
want him dead. Busiswa took him to a traditional healer when he kept having a
persistent headache and couldn't even work. The traditional healer told him that
it's his siblings who want him dead.

He was angry and wanted to go home, confront them but Busiswa told him they
should focus on the baby and forget about them. Without his knowledge, she
used muthi to make him forget about caring for his mother and only caring for
her and their child. His money belongs to her.

"Yes, they're doing great. Your brother Shintsha is still doing his grade 12."
His face changes, "I don't want to hear anything about those people. They're not
my family. You and our children are my family."
"I was just -" She was actually testing the waters like she normally does
whenever she was home. He's truly forgotten about his home. Sometimes she
feels guilty but whenever she thinks about how much of a nuisance his mother
was, she feels less guilty. She was always calling him, reporting problems to
him like he was her husband and not her son. Busiswa made a decision to end
all that because Gama was no longer taking care of her and the pregnancy as he
was supposed to, as he promised to.

"You were just what?" He shouts, stands up and leaves her. He hates this
conversation of family. What is family?
She looks at him with a sly smile. He's still under her control and there's nothing
that can be done about it. She loves it here when it's him and their children.
She gets a call from her mother, "mama, how are you doing? I was about to call
you."
"It's getting late and you're not calling. I was getting worried."

She smiles and kisses her daughter, the child smiles back - she's two years old
but she can't even pronounce the words like, 'mama' and 'baba'. "I am sorry
mama. There was traffic on the road. I just got home. I travelled safely, nothing
bad happened."
"That's great. I was happy to see you my child and it was a great week with you
home. We're grateful for the groceries and the money you gave MaGwala, you
did a good thing, my child…"
It's always a pleasure to be with her mother and her siblings. "I was also happy,
mama. Thank you so much."
"Get some rest, you have to go to work tomorrow."
Work? Work where? She doesn't work anywhere but she's a housewife. Gama
takes care of all her needs. When he gives her money, she sends some of the
money to her mother back home. Her mother is under the impression that she's
working in Gauteng.

"Yes mama, thank you. Bye." She stands up and heads to the kitchen with her
daughter. She needs to speak to Gama nicely, so he can calm down. She didn't
mean to make him upset. She can't share her bed with an upset husband tonight.
Not after a week of not being with him. She's a queen - Mrs Luthuli and she
doesn't want an average treatment from him.

*****
It's the weekend and she's supposed to be sleeping, have a good quality sleep
but she has to wake at 5am because there are people who have to go to work in
this home.

Sbahle wakes up when the alarm goes off. Her heart throbs, it's really cold this
morning and she wishes she can stay in bed all day. But she can't. She walks out
of her bedroom in her gown and she heads out of the main house of their home.

In the main house, she has her bedroom and her other two sisters also have their
bedrooms. She lives with her father and siblings.

Her father, Mazibuko has five children, Thembi, Nondumiso, they're the first
two daughters he got from his first marriage. Luthando and Khulekani are the
two boys he got from his second marriage. He got married three times and all
his marriages didn't work out. Her mother was the last wife he married and their
marriage ended in a very ugly manner.
Her father has his own house in the yard and her brothers also have their own
house. And different huts. They live at Umzingazi.

Outside the house, she gathers firewood and cooks water for her father and
siblings who are going to work. It's her daily routine even when she's going to
school. She has to wake up, cook water on the fire, make breakfast for them and
go back to bed after preparing their lunch boxes. If she's not going to school,
she goes back to sleep.

Their home is a beautiful village home with a big yard. She was born and raised
here.

"Baba?"

Her father is the first to wake up, he's taken his bath and is dressed for work. He
sits down on the square kitchen table that's in the middle of the brown and white
themed kitchen - a beautiful kitchen that his first born renovated. "What is it?"
Mazibuko asks and starts having his food.
"We got a letter at school. We'll have a trip for a career expo. Can I please have
money to pay for the trip?" She kindly asks.
He doesn't look at her but he answers, "I don't have money. Call your mother
and ask her."

Her two sisters join their father on the table. They greet, "dad, today we'll come
back late. Mom called and asked us to meet with her after work."
He nods with a short smile, "that's not a problem. If you happen not to come
back, let me know early."
"Yes!"

She can't proceed with the conversation of asking for money from him as her
two brothers also walk in. She doesn't stay with them for breakfast but she goes
back to bed.

Both the pair of siblings have great relationships with their mothers regardless
of their mothers being married to other men. She's the only one who has a
mother that doesn't care much about her.

As always, she wakes up to a messy house after they're gone. They leave the
dirty dishes on the table and not in the kitchen sink. She starts by cleaning the
kitchen while listening to house music.

In the main bathroom, her sisters left everything upside down. The bathroom is
not yet set up. The main big house has been recently renovated. They use plastic
bathing basins to bathe and she always has to take out the water they were
bathing in. By 12, she's done cleaning and even making their beds. By now,
she's used to this routine. She doesn't complain about anything, she's the last
born, still in school and there's no money she brings home. This is what she has
to do even when she's going to school. She leaves last and sometimes arrives
late at school.

She comfortably sits on the sofa in the living room and calls her mother. She
tries again for the third time and she answers.
"Sbahle, I am busy working."
She's always busy when she calls. "I won't be long. How are you?"
"I am fine and you?"
"I am good mama, at school we'll have a career expo and I need to pay for the
trip. Can you please pay for me? Dad said he doesn't have money." She
requests, crossing her fingers, hoping she'll give her money.

"Where should I get money at this time of the month Sbahle?"

What did she expect? "It's not a lot of money."
"If that's the case, your father is supposed to have that money. He's the one who
has a better paying job. I don't have money. Your sister lost her laptop. I have to
buy a new one because she uses it at school."
The children of her husband always come first. "Alright, thanks." She ends the
call and focuses on the TV.

She doesn't cry, before she used to cry a lot but now, it all doesn't matter. She's
used to it. This is how they're and she can't change anything about them.

The TV ends up staring at her. What's in her mind are these words, 'ngokubopha
ngothando ungamboni omunye umuntu.' She always smiles when they replay in
her mind.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 04

Busiswa is going up and down, today she's cooking up a storm. The stokvel
ladies are coming to her home for the month. Whenever they are at ones' home,
she has to cook and provide drinks to make the stokvel session fun. It has
become a competition, every woman wants to showcase her culinary abilities
whenever the stokvel friends are in her house. Busiswa is no exception. Today,
she wants them to praise her as she's decided that she'll give them something
different. Something they've never tasted before. She took her husband's money
and went to the shops to buy a cook magazine with different recipes.

"When are you going to come back with the children? The women from our
society are coming." Busiswa asks Gama on the line. He's gone out with their
two daughters.
"I am driving, we'll come back late and I am coming back with good news."
She smiles brightly, "okay, I will see you when you come back, Luthuli wami."
She giggles and ends the call as he laughs.

Being Mrs Luthuli has been great. She doesn't see herself with someone else.
He's the only man she wants to love until forever.
She lifts the tray of drinks - she took out her best and brand new dishes to show
off to the ladies. They also show off and brag about their things but she doesn't
brag by talking. This is how she brags, by showing.

Everyone keeps quiet when she walks into the room and their eyes are on her
cutlery. Yes, this is what she wanted. Life is good - it's amazing. She wouldn't
be doing all this if her husband still has a relationship with his family - his
mother. Before the session starts, the ladies praise the cutlery and keep smiling.
The stokvel session starts, she's gladly spending her husband's money and it's
great.

When Gama left home for Gauteng, his uncle had found a mining job for him.
He worked as a minor underground for years. He didn't quite enjoy this job
because it was risky but what good was - they had a good boss. An
understanding man who provided them with suitable resources to make life
easier and he also gave them a fair pay compared to other mines.

The boss liked Gama and his down to earth spirit. He was happier to discover
that Gama was the brightest student in school. He encouraged Gama to study.
The mine gave him funding, he continued working and studying at the same
time. This was also his dream, to be able to afford higher education. And so,
when the opportunity presented itself - he grabbed it with both hands.
"Have you cooked dinner love? I brought food for us. It's braai meat." Gama
walks into the kitchen with his daughters following him behind. They're
carrying lollipops. They greet their mother and give her the lollipops to have a
lick.
She closes the pap pot, "I have only cooked pap I thought I will just grill meat
and make some gravy."
He puts the meat on the table, "we'll have this meat. How did your stokvel
session go?" He sits down on the kitchen table that's in the middle and his
daughters sit with him.
Busiswa proceeds walking around the kitchen preparing dinner. "It went pretty
well." She looks at him with a smile. She doesn't tell him anything about
bragging. He'll not appreciate that because he's not the type of man who likes
bragging. He's very kind and considerate, he wouldn't understand women's
politics.

"You said you have good news for me."

After studying, Gama was promoted. He stopped working underground. He

finished his degree in record time. He started working at a junior level - mineral
resources manager. And as he gained experience, his boss gave him the position
of being a mineral resources manager - permanent. It was a dream come true,
even though he had not planned on studying anything related to mining. He
wished his mother was there to share and see his proud moments but she wasn't.
She wasn't there because of his jealous siblings.

After being promoted, he proposed marriage to Busiswa. He wanted to make

her his legal wife and stay with her as his wife not girlfriend. They got married
without any traditional protocol observed. He was at his happiest but still, his
mother was missing in all this happiness.

"Yes, I got a raise at work." He announces with a proud smile and he laughs as
his wife ululates. The faces of his children beam and they laugh as their mother
does a happy dance.

A raise? Are these MaGwala's blessings? It can't be a coincidence.

"Congratulations mtakwethu!" A raise means they'll live a much more
comfortable life and they might even get a house in the suburbs. It also means
she'll give her mother more money.

Time flew by, and their vegetables were ready in the gardens. Like every year,
MaGwala takes most of the vegetables like green pepper, spinach and beetroot
and sells these vegetables to make money. Weekdays, she goes to the markets
alone and on the weekends her children go with her. It's always better when it's
harvesting season. She doesn't normally go short in finances.

It's Saturday, she'd gone to the markets with Shintsha. The sale was good but
not enough to sustain them until the next harvest of another batch of vegetables.
She doesn't know what to do because there are a lot of household needs that she
needs to meet for herself and the children. The past months have been
manageable but in no time Shintsha will be needing money as his matric final
exams are around the corner.

The greatest desire is to know where Gama is. Is he alive or not? And also
ensure what happened with Gama never happens again. These children should
work for their home and for themselves so their home will not perish. If they all
follow their brother's footstep - what will happen to the Luthuli house?

"How are you, mfazi?" MaGwala asks her friend and she sits down with her on
the straw mat under the tree.
MaGwala is busy sorting out sugar beans before cooking them. "I am fine, how
are ntombi yakwa Gwala."
"I am well under the circumstances."
"We're thankful. I didn't see you at church today for prayer." MaZuma says.
She puts her leg on top of the other leg and she helps her friend sort out sugar
beans. "I was very tired from working yesterday. I woke up very late."
"How did it go with the sales?" She asks.
She shakes her head in disappointment. "It wasn't much vegetables but just
green peppers. The money is better than nothing."
"That's great, we will keep trying until things work out for the better."

She doesn't believe those words anymore. She's tired of believing and hoping.
When are things going to work out for her and her children? "I no longer see the
light at the end of the tunnel. I saw it with Gama and it was taken away from
me."
"What are you trying to say?"
She looks into her eyes, "please, take me to your traditional healer. I want to
know where my son is and I want to ensure the other two don't do what their
brother did."
"You want to use muthi to make them never forget home?" She confirms.
She nods, she's ashamed. It didn't have to come to this but if Gama is really
living with a woman - she doesn't want that woman to have her son like this.
He's supposed to live with a woman he's married to and take care of that woman
but not forgetting home.
"I am tired MaZuma. I am tired of poverty, I am tired of stress. I am tired of
worrying and I am tired of everything," the old woman fails to hold her tears.
For years, she's been strong, trying her best not to show her children weakness.
She's tried her best to be a strong mother and a caring mother. Nothing is
working out. This is her only hope.

"Thula ntombazane, you'll find help and I am sure she'll help you bring back
your son. Thula sisi, don't cry anymore. We'll go and you'll find help." She
keeps brushing her back. It pains her to see her friend crying like this. She never
minded giving her any food items whenever she was shot but she always hoped
she could have her son back so she'll stop struggling. Her friend must also have
a normal and comfortable life like all mothers who gave birth to children.

They've taken care of their children when they were young and unable to fend
for themselves. And now as their mothers, they're older and unable to fend for
themselves fully, they need their children to step up, it's a cycle of life. And
that's what she wants for MaGwala.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 05

After dinner, Sbahle takes a deep breath and knocks on her eldest sister
Thembi's bedroom. She thought after telling her father that her mother doesn't
have money he'll sympathise with her and give her money but he didn't.
He only said, 'that means you'll not be going to that career expo.'

It always gives her a heavy heart, how both her parents treat her differently. Her
mother cares more about her children with her husband. She used to visit her
and she would feel left out like she's in a stranger's house. She stopped visiting
and her mother also didn't care that she'd stopped visiting. She hardly sees her.
She mostly sees her when she has to come to her school every term to check her
school work and sign as evidence that she came. Or she'll see her when she asks
her to buy something for her and she'll say they should meet in town. She would
buy what she needed and they'd go their separate ways. She's used to it, that's
how she grew up but being used to it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt her.

"Come in!"
Her sister is seated on her bed watching a movie on her laptop. She pauses the
movie when she walks inside. Her sister's bedroom is beautiful and elegant just
like she is.

She sits at the edge of the bed, "sisi, I need a favour." At times when she asks
Thembi for something, she provides for her. But toiletries, Thembi buys them
for her without her asking for them. Every month, she buys them.

Thembi takes the letter from her younger sister and she reads it, "Sbahle, why
are you not showing this letter to dad? I just finished building a garage and you
know I don't have money." She gives the letter back to her.
"I asked him but he said he doesn't have money. I should ask mom. She told me
the same thing. I really need to go sisi. I need career guidance. I don't know
what I want to do in Grade 10." Sbahle pleads with her, "I am not sure what
stream will be suitable for me. I need someone who'll advise me."
She shakes her head, "I am sorry but I really don't have money. You should
push your mother to pay for you. Dad does everything for you and what does
your mother do? She only buys things for you if she feels like it."
"Okay thanks." She gets up from the bed and leaves her with her movie.

She walks slowly heading to her bedroom. Her heart is in pain but she won't
waste her time by asking her other siblings. They're all stingy and they hardly
help her with anything.
They were all raised under the same roof by their father but each mother
contributed to the maintenance of her children. This was their agreement as
parents and this made things easier for her father. But her mother? She never
contributed as other mothers after her divorce - they were always fighting with
her father. Her father ended up letting her mother be. But whenever Sbahle
needs something he can't afford, he tells her to ask her mother.

She knows her father doesn't like her as much as he loves his other children and
that's because of her mother's actions.
She sits on her single bed in her bedroom and takes her phone. Thembi bought a
new phone and gave her the old phone. It's still in good condition.

"I didn't expect your call."

His voice annoys her but what else should she do? She has to tolerate him. "You
thought I was going to be happy after you slapped me?" She asks, she'd decided
she'll never go back to him after he slapped her during an argument.
Dennis is her boyfriend who's seven years older than her. She started seeing him
the previous year, he's her very first boyfriend, things started off well and this
year he suddenly started being rude making their relationship sour. If she needs
something and can't get it elsewhere she asks Dennis and he provides for her
without complaining. He has a good paying job and he has no children. His
parents are also well-off, they don't need him to take care of them. His money is
his money alone and whoever he wants to spend it on.

"I told you it was a mistake. You were making me angry by being cheeky."
"You're cheating on me, Dennis. How did you expect me to react? This is the
third time I caught you."
"I am sorry."
She calms down. She doesn't have another choice. She knows she'll get this
money from him. She just needs to tolerate him and get what she wants. "It's
fine."
"I am working the night shift today. Can you come by tomorrow after school? I
will buy all your favourite goodies."
"Yes, I will come. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, princess."
Princess? Who slaps a princess? She ends the call and puts the phone away. She
has school tomorrow and has to wake up early as usual. It's better to sleep.

She really didn't want to go back to Dennis but she has to keep him as her
boyfriend because he's useful? She only needs him to provide for her what her
parents can't. That's the only way she'll survive because she doesn't understand
how nobody in her family can't afford to give her R300. How?
It's Saturday, Sbahle and Ntandoni are on the road heading to the spaza shop.
She passes the point where they met Shintsha and she thinks about him. The
words he said to her - they just don't want to leave her brain.

"Friend, I asked Eric for extra cash and he said he'll give me money tomorrow. I
will pay for you so that we can both go to the career expo." Ntando says. She
doesn't want to go anywhere without her friend. "You'll pay for transport only
though. I will ask mom to buy more food for me, we'll share."
She looks at her with a smile, "aw, friend! Thank you so much but you don't
have to pay. I will pay on Monday. I went to visit Dennis yesterday after
school."
Ntandoni stops walking and looks at her, "I thought you said you'll never go
back to him after he slapped you."
"I know but what was I supposed to do Ntandoni? I want to go to a career expo
too. I desperately need it. He gave me enough money. I didn't even have to ask
for it. I will pay on Monday."
She huffs, "please, don't hesitate to tell me if he slaps you again. I will tell my
brother about it." She understands why she can't leave him. He really does help
her out sometimes but he's become a jerk. Not as sweet as he was when they
started dating.

Sbahle pushes the gate and finds her father's friends under the tree along with
her father. Her brother is setting up a braai stand.

"What's happening?" Sbahle asks her sister Nondumiso. She's inside the kitchen
cooking pap. She looks busy.
"Dad is hosting his friends for braai. He bought meat. Can you help me out with
making salads for us? We'll also eat the meat our brothers will braai."
Her heart is pained as she looks at the price tag of the meat and wors. So much
money but he failed to give her R300? "I can't help you, I have an assignment to
write."
"What? Are you not going to eat Sbahle, as you're not helping?"
She grabs a glass of water, "no, don't count me. I am fine, not hungry." She
leaves her sister speaking alone. She knows she hates cooking - she'll not help
her.

Sbahle shuts her bedroom door and throws her body on top of her bed. When
her eyes closed, she easily falls asleep. But she sleeps with a broken heart.

*****
Why is she scared? Is it because she's about to discover the truth? Is she going
to find out the truth or she'll be disappointed?
"Are you nervous? It's your turn now." MaZuma pokes her friend's shoulder.
She's given her money from the goodness of her heart because she wants to see
her friend living a good life like all mothers.
She looks at her, "are you not going to go inside with me? I am nervous?"
"No, I won't do that. That's your privacy. You'll tell me what you want me to
know, go!" She shouts at her as people are looking at them wondering why
they're not going in.

MaGwala quickly gets up and heads to the hut. She leaves her shoes on the door
and walks inside. The hut is not as dark as she imagined it is inside. She sits on
the straw mat opposite the friendly looking old lady. There's animal skin with
bones between them on the floor.

"Yazi nami I have been there, where you are right now. I even thought my
ancestors were punishing me." She laughs as she puts the bones inside the
pouch.
"Are you talking about poverty?"
"Yes! That's what I am talking about. Do you know that your son is a big boss
now? I am seeing him as a man with authority and power and money." Things
easily happen without throwing the bones on the floor. Everything is clear
before her. It's like a movie and this doesn't normally happen during
consultations. She has to throw bones in order to know what the patient's
problem is.

MaGwala starts crying, "why is he not coming back home then? He knows the
situation back home and he knows his siblings are young and cannot work."
"You know the answer to that question. Your intuition has already told you that
there's a woman who's controlling him. Every cent he makes is for this woman,
her family and her children. That's your son's children," she clears the confusion
for her - tells her what she's been suspecting. She feels sorry for her, such a
burden. "You have two granddaughters. The other one is crying for home but
they're blind to see it."

MaGwala cries intensely. She has grandchildren? How can Gama have children
and not come home to show these children to her? This woman, why doesn't she
bring the children home? "Who's this woman?"
"I am not uMhlahli, I can't tell you names but it seems it's someone who's not a
stranger to you. It's not women from Gauteng as you suspect." She says what
shocks MaGwala.
"What should I do? I want my son back home and I want the others to never do
what he's done. What should I do?"
The lady takes different bottles of muthi and others are wrapped in newspapers,
"you'll only need to use this muthi in the middle of the night inside his bedroom
and call him home but," she takes a pause and looks at her closely. "A strong
muthi has already been used on your son and this one is also strong. Only use
this muthi once and use it when you strongly feel that it's time to use it because
if you don't listen to your intuition telling you it's time to use it. You might use
it at the wrong time and he'll go crazy. The choice is yours, do everything in
your power, pay attention to your dreams and your intuition. You'll know when
to use it."

Her skin creeps up. He'll go crazy? She can't imagine her son going crazy. That
would be very horrible. She needs to ask the ancestors to guide her and also
pray. She claps hands. "Thokoza!"

She throws two bottles before her, "this for your two sons," she gives
instructions on how to use the muthi, "if you do as I have explained, they'll
never forget about home. Every cent they'll get, they'll think of home."
"Thokoza!"
"Should your eldest son come back, don't use the other muthi on him. What was
given to him is very strong and this muthi to make him not forget home might
clash with what was given to him. Once he comes back, come here with his
clothing item. I hope everything is clear?"
She claps hands once again, "Thokoza!"
"You'll have to pay using a silver coin. You'll pay the rest of the money once
your eldest son comes back. I hope you'll be careful and pay attention so you'll
use muthi at the right time." She repeats and MaGwala agrees.

She leaves the hut with her legs shaking. There are so many voices, inner voices
that an individual has. What if a wrong inner voice tells her to do it and her son
goes crazy? Who's this woman who's taken her son away from his home? Why
did she do such a cruel thing? She feels deep pain for the two granddaughters
she doesn't even know.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 06

'Science? Science?' Which is which? 'Commerce? Commerce?'

With her head leaning on the window of the bus, Sbahle has these two streams
buzzing in her head. The day went very well at the career expo. She understood
quite well everything that was explained to her. But she's confused? Which
stream interests her the most?

"What are you thinking? We should stand up because our turn to get off will
come now." Ntandoni pokes Sbahle's ribs.
She snaps out of her thoughts and stands, "yes, yes, I am standing up. Let's go."
They head to the front of the bus. "What were you busy thinking?" She asks.
"I am thinking about whether I should take commerce or science."
They get off the bus quickly. Ntandoni holds her friend's hand. "I will take
general class. I want to become an actor. I want dramatic arts."
Definitely! That will suit her friend. "Yes, you'll fit very well as an actress, my
friend. I will know I am friends with a celebrity."

As they're heading home, it's already dark outside. They left their school on
time and returned late. The streets are busy, people are coming back from work.
They're not scared of being on the road.

"Yes, I will be rich and famous!"

She smiles, deep in her heart she's really hoping for these dreams to come true.
"It'll happen one day my friend. I don't know when but it'll happen."
"I think you can excel in anything that has to do with money. So, go for
commerce. There's no person who's passionate about money like you. Go for
it!"
Sbahle reaches her gate first. "Let me leave you halfway," Sbahle points at the
road and they proceed walking. "I was also thinking of choosing it. Yes, I will
choose that stream."
Ntandoni's house is five houses away, "that's perfect. We had a really great date.
It was good to be out of school and get information that will help us in our
future."
"Yes, you're right about that."

The two friends hug each other and Sbahle runs back to her house. All she's
thinking of is a hot bath and her bed but as she walks into the premises - she
realises there's no water cooked on fire. In her home, there's an old hut where
they make fire for cooking bath water or any food that takes longer to cook.
"I guess dad won't have a problem if we use the kettle, today." She proceeds to
the main house. Her father always buys loads of firewood from people who cut
wood in the forests. They use it to make fire. This saves electricity for them.

"Sawubona baba." She closes the front door.

Her father is seated on the black leather couch of his living room. His feet are
on the brown wooden coffee table that's in the middle on top of the white tiles.
He's waiting for Sbahle. They got home from work and didn't find her home.
Mazibuko points at the single couch, "sit down here I am waiting for you."
'Waiting for you.' What did she do? She sits on the couch and doesn't say
anything but she waits for him to talk.

When talking about a relationship between her and her father, there's not much
to talk about. She's not close to him as her other siblings are. They hardly sit
down and talk, just the two of them as father and daughter. Her father hardly
appreciates what she does best but always sees fault in what she does wrong. It's
like he lives to criticise her.

"Where are you coming from this late? It's 6 o'clock now. Is this the time you
should come back home? You're not even doing grades that require you to
attend extra classes." He doesn't waste time but shouts at her. He hates it all the
time when he has to scold Sbahle because he's reminded that he actually didn't
want her mother to leave her behind.

She looks at him, surprised, "baba, today was a career expo. The trip I told you
about. We were there. The bus dropped us off at the stop and we walked home."
"Career expo? Didn't you say your mother didn't give you money for that?"
She looks at her hands, "I did but my friend's mother paid for me. Ntandoni
asked her mother on my behalf."

Mazibuko's face changes from light skinned to pink. His breathing gets higher
as anger overpowers him. "You said her mother did what?" He roars. What did
he hear from this child's mouth?

"She paid for me. I really needed to go to the expo and her mother paid for me."
He sits at the edge of the couch, "do you want to embarrass me? You want that
cheap woman to go around this neighbourhood saying I can't afford to take you
on a R300 trip. Is that what you want?" He asks and doesn't get an answer. "I
am talking to you!"
"I didn't ask her but she offered."
"Couldn't you have declined, huh?" He shakes his head - he can't imagine how
people will look at him, as a father who's failing. But is he failing? No, he's not
failing. He's raised this child from when she was a baby - her mother chose
another man and left him with a toddler.
"I needed to go, baba."
"Nonsense! I have always told you that I don't want this Ntandoni girl who's
your friend. People don't have good things to say about this girl. She's always
seen with older men and you're friends with such a person. Are you also dating
older men?" His voice is high as he asks these questions.

Never in a million years can she tell him the truth. "No, I am not dating
anyone."
"I hope that's true. I hope that's true because if I can find out that you're sleeping
with older men. You'll be homeless because your mother will also not accept
you into her home. You'll be a burden to her," Mazibuko threatens Sbahle in a
harsh voice. "Your mother chose another man and failed to stay in her marriage
while I was out there working so that you and your siblings and your mother
can have a comfortable life. She left you here, left a burden that she can't even
provide for. All your other siblings, their mothers ensured they had everything
until they were able to look after themselves. And even now, when your siblings
need their mothers, they're available for them but not yours, your mother is busy
giving all the love to the children of that man and she's forgotten about you.
You're my burden here while your mother is still alive. And now, you're even
coming back home late. If you get pregnant, you'll go live with that boyfriend.
There's no one who has a child here and even if your siblings can have children,
they can afford them. Do you understand me Sbahle?"
"Yebo," she says in a low tone but with a weeping heart. There are no tears in
her eyes - her tears have long dried up. She would sometimes pray, plead with
God to help her - bring a miracle but no miracle would come.

She's a burden to two people who decided to have a baby. It was all well when
they were making a baby and now, she's a burden.

"Get out of my face!"

She quickly stands up and heads to her bedroom without looking at him.
She throws her bag on top of her bed and takes off her clothes. She doesn't let
what her father said to her dwell much in her heart. It'll break her spirit if she
can keep thinking about it.

She finds the kitchen empty and there's her bowl of food covered and left on top
of the dining table. Her older sister must have cooked or bought dinner.
She takes the kettle and loads water, plugging it in the socket to get hot water.
And her father's voice comes from the living room, "who's plugging that
kettle?"
Oh, God! "It's Sbahle!" She thought of saying it's one of her sisters but she
doesn't even know if they're home or out. It's Friday.
"Switch off that kettle!" He screams, "Do you even know how much electricity
units are? Your mother doesn't even give me a dime to buy electricity so you
can have hot water."

She switches off the electricity socket and heads out of the house using the
backdoor.

In the hut, she starts the fire to cook water so that she can have a warm bath.
She's tired, she can't sleep without taking a bath. Once the water is cooking on
the fire, she sits on the bench and chats to Dennis and her other contacts.
Once her water is hot, she offloads it into the bucket and heads to the main
bathroom that's outside the main house. She takes a well-deserved bath without
all the negativity in her life. It doesn't matter. There's nothing she can do to
change it. Life doesn't always go the way one wants it to go.

After taking a bath, she packs her body under the warm bed covers and she
closes her eyes. And the overthinking starts. She wonders about a lot of things
that are happening in her life - mainly her identity. Are they both really her
parents? It's no doubt her mother is her real mother. People can only tell them
apart because Sbahle is younger.

"Sbahle!"
She opens her eyes. She was slowly drifting off. Did he have to wake her?
"Baba?"
"Are you not eating? Your sister dished up for you. Are you not hungry?"
"I will eat."
"Okay, I am going to bed, come and lock. Your sisters will come back
tomorrow."
"Yebo!" She gets up from the bed.

After locking the door, she stirs her food using her spoon so it'll look like she
ate. She puts the bowl on the fridge and heads to her bedroom.

It's month-end, she's been to town with her eldest sister in the morning. She was
woken up in the morning by her and she told her to bathe and dress up, they'll
go to town to buy winter clothes and whatever she doesn't have.
Sbahle was over the moon, shopping with Thembi is the best experience
because she also gives her pointers on whether the clothing item suits her or not.
She's unlike her other sister, Nondumiso. They went shopping just the two of
them, Nondumiso went to her boyfriend.
"How was the shopping spree with your sister?" Ntandoni asks, they're heading
to the tuckshop to buy airtime. Sbahle is the one who asked her to accompany
her to the tuckshop but it's not that she actually wants airtime. It's month-end
and she's hoping she might see Shintsha once again. His friend comes by every
month and maybe she will see them once again.

"It was the best, my best friend. She was in a good mood and even told me she
appreciates what I do at home when they're not around." Sbahle shares what her
sister said to her when they were having lunch.
She's smitten, "that's so cute of her."
"Yes," she blushes and looks away when her eyes lay on the boy by the
tuckshop. He's busy talking and laughing with other boys who're standing
around one 2litre of coke.

"Can you even hear what I am saying?" Ntandoni asks and pinches her friend.
She clears her throat, "yes, I can hear you." Her eyes lock with Shintsha and he
gives her the best smile she's ever seen from a guy.
"I hope you're not charmed by Shintsha. He doesn't even have a dime to give to
you. He's still doing grade 12 and sometimes works at the sugarcane plantation
of her friend's father," Ntandoni quickly discourages her as she realises her
friend is smiling with him.

She rolls her eyes, "mxm, why do you care? And who said I want his money? I
am not even rich myself. And please, behave!"

Shintsha's heart changes the beat as he sees this girl again. Today, he can't see
the appealing gap in between her thighs because she's wearing a long dress.
What he sees today, is his mother's very first daughter in-law. She looks
different in a dress. It's a pink floral print dress that she's wearing with a black
cardigan.

He jumps away from the gents and takes counted steps to the ladies. "Today I
woke up with hope and energy, I didn't know what was going to happen but
now, I know my ancestors were telling me I will see their future wife."
Sbahle's laughter brings warmth into the cold day, "I am too young to be a wife,
Shintsha." She says and her friend doesn't stay on their way but she proceeds to
the chair.
"That's why I said, future wife." He holds her hand and smirks at her, "one day,
I will be man enough and tell your father I am taking his precious last born
daughter from him."
Precious daughter? She's not even close to being precious to her father. "We're
young, don't lie like that."
"We're young, we should dream and not let anything stop us from dreaming."
Ntandoni screams at her friend, "nansi indoda yakho wena usabhayiza lapho!"
(Here's your man while you're still playing games there!)

Her heart skips a beat and she pulls her hand away from Shintsha's hold. His car
is speeding as if he's rushing somewhere. What's happening? Why is he here?
His tyre leaves dust as he stops right before Shintsha and Sbahle.
He opens his car and steps out of the car. The young boys look at him with
envy, he's driving the best car - a jaguar XF and dressed in expensive clothing.

"What are you doing here?" Dennis asks Sbahle but his glare is with Shintsha
who's looking at him intimidated.
Sbahle folds her arms before her chest but she's quite nervous, "I live here. Why
would I be here?"
"Oh, you go around holding hands with boys?"
She gives Shintsha a shy eye and he smiles at her uncomfortably.
"I will see you at school for the group discussion." He leaves her with a
throbbing heart. He doesn't stand a chance. If these are the type of men she
dates - he's just dreaming and this dream can never come true.
She nods, "okay, thanks."
Dennis doesn't buy this and so, he grabs her hand and pulls her to his car. "I am
not a fool." He points at the front seat.
She waits until he's inside. Her eye is with Shintsha who's no longer talking
with his friends. She glares at Ntandoni - this must be her! She's annoying.
"Yes, you're a fool because you're intimidated by a school boy while you're a
man."

Her words hit the nerve but he drives off, leaving a cloud of dust behind. Some
boys whistle as his car drives off. His friend holds his shoulder as Ntandoni
leaves the tuckshop laughing. "Don't worry, girls like that want money and right
now, we're boys. We don't have money."
"Yes, forget about her. Just focus on girls in your league."

Shintsha nods as he knows they're telling him the truth. He doesn't stand a
chance.
***Several years later… ***

Over the years, she's been closely listening and paying attention to her inner
voice. She's been paying attention to her dreams, hoping she'll get a sign and get
a dream or something from the ancestors - telling her that it's time to use the
muthi to bring Gama home. But it never came. She would sometimes feel like it
but the feeling was never strong.

Today, in the middle of the night. She's standing by the opened window of her
son's bedroom. The situation is no longer that bad but she wants her son back
home. She scoops a good scale of muthi and pours it into the palm of her hand.

"Gama Luthuli, yimina unyoko okuzalayo. Suneminyaka waduba ikhaya mfana

wami. Sekufike iskhathi, buya ekhaya! Gama, buya ekhaya, oLuthuli bakudinga
ekhaya. Umama wakho ukudinga ekhaya. Buya ekhaya nkosana kaLuthuli!"
(It's me, your mother. You've been away from home for a long time. Now, it's
time you come back home. Come back home!)

MaGwala howls into the air, summoning her son back home. She summons him
to return to his home lands. It's enough!

She leaves his bedroom with hope, hope that what she did will bring him back
to her.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 07

These several years in Rosebank were quite fun. After she'd decided that she'll
do commerce, things changed for Sbahle. Thembi was assigned to work in
Gauteng, Rosebank. That January of the New Year she had to take her things
and move to Rosebank but Thembi suffers from tropophobia. She couldn't see
herself leaving home and settling into a new environment with different people
and worse, people of diverse cultural groups. She was extremely scared of this
change. The city of Johannesburg is a big city and a busy city, she couldn't
imagine how she'll adapt and be able to fit into this city.

Her father encouraged her to go and try the first month to see how things go.
She couldn't decline this instruction, it was either she accepts or loses her job.
She couldn't afford losing her good paying job and this move was going to come
with a raise.

She dismally struggled to get through the first week and so, she asked her father
to bring Sbahle to her. She told him she'll take care of her needs and she'll only
need him to help with school fees because the schools around her area were
quite expensive. They were going to contribute half-half because taking her
sister far was also going to be costly and she also didn't want her sister to travel
far for school. The city scared her and so, she wanted her to be closer.
Mazibuko agreed and without telling Sbahle's mother, Sbahle moved to
Gauteng. This made her mother very upset when she found out that she'd moved
to Gauteng without her knowledge.

"Are we really going back home?" Sbahle asks and collapses on her
comfortable double bed. She screams, she doesn't believe that after so many
years - it's time to go back home. Why? Why does her sister love home so
much? All these years she didn't care about going back home because what was
there for her? Only her friend made her more excited to go back home.

Thembi closes Sbahle's suitcase. She had to repack the suitcase because she was
struggling to close the suitcase. She even told her it's a sign that they shouldn't
go back home but Thembi didn't take that.

"Yes, we're going back home. I am tired of this place. I want to go back to
where I grew up." She says with a proud smile on her face. It's like a dream -
they've finally given her permission to go back home. But the Rosebank branch
also didn't want to let her go. They offered her another raise so she could stay
but she refused it as well, the Richards bay branch offered her a raise so she
could come back.
"But sisi, why don't you take the Rosebank raise? It's bigger." She sits up on the
bed. She totally enjoyed living with Thembi. The best highlight was the high
school where she started her grade 10 and finished her grade 12 at. The
education system and the availability of resources made studying very easy for
her. She worked hard to pass her grade 12 but not hard enough to get a bursary
to further study in tertiary like all her siblings did. Thembi couldn't pay for her
tertiary education because she was also working and studying, she's still not
done with studying. She asked her father to pay for Sbahle because she passed
well but Mazibuko said he doesn't have money. The money he was contributing
for her high school education was a bit too much compared to schools in
Richards’s Bay. Her previous school where he didn't even pay much.

"I know but I was also offered a raise back home. I will do well with that raise.
We're going back home tomorrow. I am sure everyone misses you, your friend
especially." She says and points at her shoes. "Finish up packing your shoes.
The truck is on its way." She leaves her in the bedroom.
Sbahle gets up from the bed, "at least I am taking my comfortable bed with me.
I will have a new bed at home." She speaks alone and finishes up packing the
rest of her belongings.

There are a lot of things she learnt in this city. New things, and new skills. After
grade 12, she learnt how to plait people's hair.
She worked at a saloon but she stopped working there after developing a back
pain problem because of standing for long hours. She loved working there, the
ladies at the saloon were also like her family and she was also able to have her
own money and not ask anything from her sister.

And now that she has to go back home, she doesn't know what she's going to do
with her life. She's tried several times to apply for government funding but
because of her parents and their occupations, they always reject her application.
But it's better this time around, she's not leaving any boyfriend behind. It's been
six months without having a boyfriend. She found out that he's been cheating on
her and has a baby on the way, so she broke up with him. He was also from the
same neighbourhood in Rosebank.

When she had to move to Gauteng, it was painful to leave Dennis behind. He'd
changed, after seeing her with Shintsha, he also saw her with her friend's
boyfriend. The big boss - he thought he was asking her out and he started taking
her seriously as he'd seen that other men were seeing her as a woman. He
treated her better, with love and care, and her relationship was enjoyable once
again. And when she had to leave it was very painful. Dennis begged her not to
leave, even offered to also take her to the best schools but she couldn't accept
his offer.
What he did worse, was seeing her father in town and telling him about their
relationship, telling him he wants to marry her. Mazibuko was livid, after
throwing a punch at Dennis he rushed home to his daughter. He gave her a good
beating for dating a man who was older than her. A man who had achieved
everything in his life. He told her to pack her things right away and go to her
sister. Sbahle left without seeing Dennis and for a whole year, her father
stopped her from visiting home. Their relationship ended because of her father.

And now, she's going back home unemployed, going back home without a
boyfriend but at least she has some money to enjoy herself and sustain herself.
She's not looking forward to being back in Richards’s Bay but she doesn't have
another choice.

They've been looking forward to dressing up in matching outfits and going out
together. She hasn't been seeing her friend for six months. Sbahle has been
really busy as her sister was planning on moving back home. She was helping
her with any tasks she was able to do to lighten her load.

"Yoh friend, I am so happy your father allowed you to sleepover. How did he
agree?" Ntandoni asks her friend.
They're inside Ntandoni's bedroom dressing up to go to The Neighbourhood
Shisanyama. Tonight is about having fun and all the fun will be on her friend's
boyfriend.

She giggles, "I lied and told him you're not feeling well and so, I want to sleep
here. He seemed quite sad about your mother and she told me to go."
She smiles - Ntandoni lost her mother to cancer the previous year. Every wealth
that belonged to her mother is in her name. Now, she lives with her aunt - her
mother's older sister. They're living together in peace.

She takes her phone as it rings, "yes, we're getting ready. Go and park at the
tuckshop, we'll come there." She puts her phone down and searches for her
shoes, "let's hurry, Mkhwanazi has arrived."
She puts on the brown high waist A-line skirt and a long sleeve crop top with
black heels. They're wearing matching outfits. Ntandoni is a bit chubby and
Sbahle is petite. "I hope I will come back with a man today. It's been six months
without sex. I need to get some."
She laughs and holds her hand, "let's go. We'll have fun today and you'll find a
good man. I hope he'll be good in bed too."

They giggle their way out of the house. Ntandoni had told her aunt that she's
going out with her friend and she'll return home in the morning. It's about to go
down.
Sbahle is uncomfortable because of the way this Mkhwanazi man is looking at
her. It's her first time meeting her friend's current boyfriend. He's a grown man,
in his late 30's. He's good looking, has a great body structure that doesn't say
he's older. They're a good match with Ntandoni.
She doesn't know if he's looking at her because it's his first time seeing her or if
there's something he wants to say to her.

"I hope you'll not call me at midnight and tell me to come and fetch you."
Mkhwanazi says to Ntandoni. Sbahle is already down.
She looks at him with puppy eyes, "but baby, the vibe starts getting serious
around that time. Please."
He shakes his head and takes his phone, "I have transferred money into your
account. You'll call a cab."
"You want your girlfriend to be transported by a cab in the middle of the night?"
He points at her friend, "she's waiting for you, go!" He doesn't debate with her
but points at Sbahle that he can't seem to stop looking at.
She sighs, "Okay, I will call you before midnight. We'll sleep at your house."
She says and steps out of the car.
The two friends head inside the building and once they're inside - the fun
begins.

It's after midnight, she's busy calling Ntandoni and she can't find her on the
phone. She stood up to call her boyfriend and she didn't come back. It's over an
hour, she's not back and there's not even a text message.
Her eyes get blurry as people start leaving the building. What is she going to
do? She doesn't even have a cab number. All the alcohol in her blood is
sobering up.

She runs after a familiar face. At the moment, she's looking for people she
knows, people she knows can keep her safe.

"Hey, Sihle!" She grabs his arm - this is Shintsha's friend. It's been years and
she hasn't forgotten him and his friend. He's so grown now, he looks like a
loaded man. Where's his friend?
He smiles shortly, "hi, how are you? What are you doing here?"
She looks around, "I was with my friend but I can't see her now. Can you please
help me?"
Sihle points at his friend with his eyes. "I am not alone, I am with Shintsha and
at this hour, I can't drive where you live."

She looks back and her heart jumps to her throat as Shintsha approaches them.
He's so grown. He's not that small boy she last saw years back. After Dennis
forcefully took her away from him, Shintsha never said anything to her. They
would meet up on the streets and he would only greet her and pass. She was
partially heartbroken because she loved the attention from him. It was different
and it was a breath of fresh air to have a man approach her like that.

His skin is rich brown and has no pimples and no marks. Back then, he was just
a boy, an average looking boy. He's still average looking but he's a man. His
walk commands attention but he's just a slender tall man. Mostly, this
commanding walk is for buffy men.

"Sawubona," Shintsha greets Sbahle.

She looks at aside, "sawubona Shintsha. How are you?"
"I am good. It's been a long time without seeing you." He says but actually, he
doesn't know what to say to her.
When he had to actually accept that he can't have her, it was painful because he
knew that, its circumstances. Had he been a well-off boy, he wouldn't have
struggled to have her.
"Uhm, yeah."
Sihle breaks the tension, "ntanga, she's stranded, Ntandoni left her here and she
needs our help. I can't drive to her village so late." He looks at his friend.
He raises an eyebrow, "are you going to take her to your house?"

Sihle glances at Sbahle and back at Shintsha, "awu, you know how my wife is,
she'll not understand if I bring a girl home."
Sbahle can tell that Shintsha doesn't want to help her out. "It’s fine Sihle. I will
keep trying her, maybe she'll answer. Thank you." She smiles at him and turns
back, her eyes passing by Shintsha's cold looking face. She doesn't understand
why he's looking so cold.

Sihle doesn't remove his eyes from Shintsha after Sbahle has walked away. He
can still see her, standing far from them. She keeps putting her phone on her ear
and removing it from her ear. "Come on, mfethu. Are you really going to leave
her like this?"
"Where's her man who's driving a jaguar?" He opens the front door of his
friend's car and he steps inside.
Sihle stands by his side. "That's the past, I am sure they broke up when she
moved to Gauteng with her sister."
"So? I live in one room. Is she going to crowd my one room now?"
"Come on, Shintsha, she's a girl. Do you want chancers to realise she's stranded
and take advantage of her? Please."
He looks at her from afar and he can tell that she's worried. His heart tenses,
"fine, let's go. I want to go and sleep. I am even sober now."
Sihle rushes to her and calls for her, "Shintsha is renting at eMandlanzini. That
side is better. I drive there at night. I asked him to keep you for the night. You'll
sleep on his sleeper couch."
She quickly wipes her tears, "thank you so much." She collects herself and
follows her. She hates what Ntandoni did to her. Why did she do this to her?
She steps inside the backseat, "thank you for helping me, Shintsha."
"It's fine." He says and focuses forward.

Sihle turns on the music and drives out of the premises. The conversation is
between Shintsha and Sihle. Sbahle is quiet.

Shintsha gets out of the car, "we'll see you tomorrow. In the morning, pass by. I
am not going to work."
"Sure, I will pass by. I will take Sbahle with me because I am going to visit my
grandmother."
"Okay," he looks back at her. She says goodbye to Sihle and follows Shintsha.

The yard is strictly for 'Imiqasho!' (Rental rooms) There's one shelter with cars
under the shelter. She walks into the yard, he's holding the gate for her. She
waits and she follows him after he'd closed the gate. He's heading to a single
room that's built aside not closer to the block of other rooms. Sihle is the owner
of these rooms to rent, Shintsha lives in the yard for free because he also
overlooks things in the yard for his friend.

He unlocks the room and turns on the light.

It's a room that's spacious compared to other rooms. The left side of the room is
his kitchen side and the right is his bedroom side, his TV is mounted on the
wall.
He points at the door at the left, "When you open the door, there's a bathroom.
Don't go out to use the bathrooms outside."

What a clean and decent room. His kitchen side has three piece kitchen
cupboards against the grey painted walls and a two plate oven stove. The fridge
is white.

"Thank you for helping me." She says.

He nods and throws his wallet and phone on the bedside table. His double bed
has a black headboard that has matching bedside tables.
"Are you hungry? You can make something to eat. I want to shower so I can
rest." He takes his shorts and vest on the white wardrobe that is located a few
walks away from the bed.
She sits on the couch, "no, I am full. I will shower after you."
He heads to the bathroom wondering which towel she is going to use to shower.
He takes a quick hot shower. Wondering, is he going to sleep on the couch? He
feels annoyed by the situation that Sihle has put him through.

"You can go and shower but I don't know which towel you're going to use to
bathe."
Heck! "Don't you have a big towel?"
His girlfriend's towel? He searches for it in his wardrobe because he knows it's
clean.
"Thank you." She takes the towel and heads to the bathroom.

He takes the extra blanket and puts it on the free side of the bed, deciding that
he'll not sleep on the couch. It's cold. Is she supposed to sleep next to him? Sihle
said she'll sleep on the sleeper couch. Well? She takes the blanket that's
obviously left out for her and she sleeps on the free space on the bed after being
told to switch off the lights. Before she sleeps, she tries to call Ntandoni again.
The phone rings without being answered. She gives up.

"So, where's your rich boyfriend?"

The question catches her off guard. Does he really have to ask her this question?
"Does that matter? You got intimidated by him because he drives a car and you
didn't? And does driving a car mean that person is rich?"
Shintsha laughs, "don't act foolish. We both know that guy was rich and that's
probably the reason you were dating him as old as he was.
I didn't think you were also that type of girl."
"Okay." She says as she doesn't understand why they have to talk about this
now. That's something that happened years ago.
Something that bruised his ego and crushed his spirit. "But tonight, you're here
in my one room. Your rich boyfriend is not around with his double storey
house."
"You could have rejected helping me, yazi. We wouldn't be here and talking
about this. I don't even understand why you're talking as if I was your girlfriend
then and I cheated on you." She's irritated by his attitude. Why is he like this?
She's really out of options, she's supposed to be standing up and leaving. But
her sister is not home either.

Shintsha doesn't say anything to her but he laughs. He doesn't understand why it
still annoys him or is it because it broke his spirit.

4am, he opens his eyes and he's greeted by the round brown eyes staring at him.
He doesn't take his eyes from her. For a long minute, they stare at each other
without a word shared and no greeting.
She pulls the bedcovers and realises they're now sharing one blanket. She looks
aside, the blanket that he'd given her is on the floor. She's not surprised, her
sleeping positions are quite horrible.

"Are taxis far?" Sbahle asks, breaking the silence in the room and avoiding the
blanket situation.
It's warm under these bed covers, "yes, you'll wait for Sihle."
"I slept quite well, thank you for your help."
He holds his mouth as he yawns. "I am sure it's unlike your rich boyfriend's
bed"

Crazily, she moves her face from her pillow to his pillow and she shuts him up
with a kiss on his dark thin lips. Sbahle's lips are dark and full, they're mushy,
making it difficult for Shintsha to resist this kiss.
He moves his body closer to hers and Sbahle also moves closer, still with their
lips locked. His hand brushes her body, going down to her bums. Is this really
happening?

She doesn't know why she's doing what she's doing but it's been six months. She
misses having a man inside her. What can go wrong as she takes this
opportunity?

She pushes his shorts down and her hand rubs his hard member, hot, long and
hard. It makes her throb for him the most.

He breaks the kiss and removes her crop top, the skirt is already off her waist.
She's looking at him with shyness and he looks at her with intensity.
She doesn't neglect his hardness. She hugs his neck with one hand and Shintsha
does the same thing while his other hand is on her back. They proceed with
kissing. It's hot under the covers but they don't remove the blanket.
Shintsha slides one leg between Sbahle's legs and she encircles it with her hips,
bending the leg.

Her body goes through different sensations as he rubs himself repeatedly. "Oh,
God! Oh!"
He caresses her neck still in disbelief. It's been years and he never thought this
would happen between them.
"I am going in. Are you ready?" He asks.
With a quick nod, she says, "yes, please."
"Hha-hha!" Shintsha cries out once he enters her glory. He holds her tight in a
hugging manner as he loves how hot it is inside.
Slowly, he moves his waist back and forth, Sbahle is not relaxed, she's also
meeting him halfway. They control how deep they thrust, resulting in a high
enjoyment for both of them.
His hand caresses her back down to her buttocks, pushing her in. Her moans are
low and soft, nothing dramatic.
Their eyes lock as they're both moving and both high in this amazing sensual
sex, very gentle and passionate.
Shintsha switches up by locking both her legs in between his legs and this adds
a clitoral stimulation that drives everything to the end.

After they've caught their breath. Shintsha opens the bedside drawer and takes a
clean medium sized towel. He gives it to her.
And instead of wiping herself first, Sbahle wipes Shintsha, her upper body
supported on her shoulder. She loves the shape of his penis, she's not used to
this one.
It's not big but it's long and curved. It works some great magic. She decides to
put it inside her mouth just for appreciation for great sex.
The excitement in him grows as she does what he loves the most but he doesn't
often get. He fully enjoys himself - what a turn of events. He doesn’t regret
helping her.

After breakfast, Shintsha walks Sbahle out as Sihle has arrived. They fell asleep
again after their intimate encounter and they woke up, took a shower and Sbahle
made breakfast.
They had breakfast while watching TV and nobody said anything about what
happened between them.
Sihle gets off his car and he looks at Sbahle and Shintsha, "I hope he didn't
make you sleep on the floor."
She smiles shortly, "no, he didn't. Thank you for helping me out."
"It's cool." He points at the car and she steps inside the car. "I will drop her off
and come back to you. I want you to accompany me somewhere."
"Cool." He fist bumps his friend and says goodbye to Sbahle. He heads back to
his room with a smile on his face.

*****
Busiswa wakes from the bed as her third born daughter is crying. She yawns
and brushes her pregnancy bump. She's no longer waking up in Ennerdale but
she's waking up in Rosebank. Life is amazing and she doesn't regret anything
that she's done in order to be living such a comfortable rich life.

"What's wrong baby, is daddy back home?" She gets off the bed and lifts her
daughter up. She walks out of the bedroom to search for the first two daughters.
She shakes her head, "no!" She cries louder as her father is not back home.
She's been waiting for him while her siblings were busy with their homework.
Busiswa climbs down the staircase wondering what time is it. Why is he not
back home?

She finds her two daughters in the living watching cartoons. They've already
taken a bath and when she looks at the watch on the wall - its 8:30pm. How
long has she been sleeping? She overworked herself today with cleaning. Her
maid left and didn't come back to work as she said she'd come back.

"Did your father call?" She asks her eldest daughter but she responds, 'no!'
Her second born still has problems with speech and so, she's attending speech
therapy. "Where is he?" She leaves her children in the living room and heads to
the kitchen where she remembers that's where she left her cell phone.
She finds her phone and calls him but his phone is on voicemail. Where's this
man?
She searches for any messages from him but she doesn't get any messages.

"Mama, I am hungry."
She smiles at her baby, "let's go out for dinner." She decides it'll be better she
drives. It'll help her clear her head with her babies and maybe they might return
home to him.

The children are excited as they're going out but the last born is not happy
because her father is not with them…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 08

She was lucky because when she got home, the house was empty but messy.
She got depressed the minute she saw how dirty the house was. Her father had
hosted his friends for a soccer match over meat and drinks.

Sbahle decided not to start by sleeping but start by cleaning the house. She
thoroughly cleaned the whole house and Thembi's bedroom leaving
Nondumiso's bedroom.

After cleaning, she went to her father's house - cleaned it and washed his clothes
in the washing machine. She loves washing his clothes because she always finds
money in his pockets. The highest amount she once found was R400 folded in
till slips. He'd forgotten about the money, never asked about it. She also loves
washing clothes now because her sister brought back her washing machine from
Gauteng. Life is easier.

By 12pm, she's done with everything and nobody is back home. It's her time to
sleep. Her body is tired from partying all night and the stress of almost sleeping
on the streets.

She finds her phone ringing, "nondindwa! Sfebe sentombazane!" (Bitch!)

Sbahle doesn't give Ntandoni a chance but she curses at her as soon as she
answers the phone. "How could you do this to me?"
"I am really sorry, my friend. It's Mkhwanazi, he fooled me and told me we'll
come back for you. He needed to pass by somewhere. I was drunk and sleepy. I
woke up on his bed this morning. I am really sorry."
Her body heats up after this response she's getting from her. "Really? Really,
Ntandoni? You couldn't even send a text and tell me you're going somewhere
with your man?"
"I am sorry. I am coming to the village now. I will bring pork ribs for you to
show you how much I love you and I am sorry."
She clicks tongue, "fuck you, I don't want anything from you." She ends the call
and puts her phone aside and decides to sleep. She needs quality sleep after the
night she had and the morning she had with Shintsha. It's hard to forget about it.
Sbahle's eyes shoot open as her phone rings. She sends her hand under the
pillow. It's her mother calling. She rolls her eyes and takes the phone call.

"Hello?"
"Sbahle, what did I ever do to you, huh?"
There we go again! "What's wrong, mama?"
"To pick up your phone and tell me that you're back! I had to hear from your
brother that he saw you at The Neighbourhood at night. What were you doing in
that place at night? Are you drinking alcohol?" She shouts on the line.

Sbahle pulls the bed covers to her head. She can't believe she's been woken up
by her to ask these questions. Why didn't her son come to her and greet? Did he
have to spy on her?

"I went out with my friends to have meat."

"Doesn't your father buy meat?"
Why is she acting like a serious mom? "It's only your son who's supposed to go
out and not me? Please, you're disturbing my sleep. Take care of your husband's
precious children and leave the burden alone." She ends the call and goes back
to sleep. She's angry because she's suddenly acting like a mother. Since when?
When did she start showing care? It's okay for her son to go out and not her.
How amazing!

She puts her phone on silent as she keeps calling her nonstop.
Are these parents sent over to her? To break her spirit and annoy her. Why is
her father knocking on her door? She wakes up once again, waking up from her
deep sleep.

"Baba?" She shows up on the door.

He looks at her up and down, "why are you sleeping during the day? What's
wrong?"
Really? "I did my chores and took a nap after."
"Okay, I bought you your black KFC wings. Come and eat, it's late now. You
should start cooking, your sisters have gone to their mother. It's only us and
your brother Luthando."
He bought her wings? Why? She forces a smile for her father, "thank you, baba.
I will eat them now and cook."
"Okay, I will go and take a nap."

Aw, he's also taking a nap during the day. It's great being a father. You talk
against something and do the same thing. "Yebo!" She closes the door of her
bedroom and heads to the bathroom to wash her face.

She enjoys her wings while cooking. Really? Why did he think of buying her
wings? She's surprised he even knows what she likes. He knows she likes them
dunked. What a surprise!

"Argh!" She keeps burning herself, her mind is super distracted. She's thinking
about the events that happened this morning.
So, that was it? How's she going to get him again?
After she's done cooking, she heads out of the house and stands by the gate
where her friend is standing with a takeaway. She really brought wings for her?

"What do you want?" She asks cheekily but she's no longer angry with her.
Ntandoni pushes the gate, "I am sorry, I am here to give you these best ribs. I
told Mkhwanazi you like them and I want him to buy them so I will apologise
and he offered to make them. I ate some and packed some for you. They're
perfect."
Mkhwanazi made them? How nice! "Thank you, I can't decline food." She takes
the takeaway.
"What did you do? I am really sorry."

She looks down with a blush and she narrates what happened to her friend.
Ntandoni screams and she hits her shoulder, "please, dad will shout at us."
She holds her mouth, "I am sorry, how was he? Does he even last longer in bed?
I hope he has a strong stamina like my Mkhwanazi. You deserve the best sex."
She rolls her eyes. This Mkhwanazi! "He was the best! But my friend, I didn't
ask for a condom. And he also didn't use it. What should I do?"
She scratches her forehead, "Let’s go buy coca cola and disprin now before the
shop closes. It'll help you flush anything he left inside. It works for me."

She nods and rushes back into the house. She finds her father in the living room
and she tells him they're going to the shop to buy pills for a headache. He
doesn't stop her.

The two friends head to the shop to buy what will help Sbahle prevent
pregnancy. They're discussing her time with Shintsha.

*****
It's month-end and like a norm, the Luthuli siblings should meet in town and
buy groceries for their mother.

Their sister is studying at a college in Richards Bay. She met a man who paid
ilobolo for her and they've had all the ceremonies done. Only the wedding is left
and she'll leave her father's house. Her husband is from the neighbouring village
and he's paying for his education.

The younger brother, Gcina, is an artisan. He studied after matric. Shintsha is

the one who paid for his education and he got the job after completing his
studies. Gcina has no straight girlfriend and no child, he spends his money with
friends on alcohol. He loves alcohol and partying too much. But he never
forgets to bring maintenance money to his mother. Every month, they buy
groceries with Shintsha and leave their mother with money.

"Why didn't sisi Sebenzile come today? How are we going to do groceries
without her?" Shintsha asks, getting off his brother's grey van. He bought a
second car to help him travel easily to work.
"Mama said we should get use to making groceries alone because she'll no
longer go with us because she'll get married soon." He locks the car and they
head inside the mall.
He clicks his tongue, "I hate making groceries. When are you going to get
married Gcina, so that we can give the money to your wife?" Shintsha asks,
taking his phone out from his pocket. He doesn't answer the call but puts the
phone back in his pocket.
Gcina laughs, "You’re dreaming. I will never get married while life is so
enjoyable. I don't want anyone who'll call me and ask me where I am. Why am I
not coming home? You're the one who'll get married."
He holds his brother's shoulder as he cracks up. "You'll get married to the bottle
bafo?"
"Yes, I will die there."
He smiles and takes a trolley, "we'll have to give your mother a daughter-in-law
because she'll be left home alone without Sebenzile."
"Girls today don't want to stay with their mother-in-laws but they want to be
where their husbands are."
He nods in support, "you're right about that. I think I must at least have a child
now and that way, she'll have her hands full."
"That's a good idea but Nelly is still studying. She'll not want to get pregnant."
He smiles, "its better while she's still studying because it'll be easy to leave the
baby with our mother."
"You're right. You should start working and buy umbhed'uyajika." Gcina
advises and they laugh with his brother, the ladies closer to them laugh along.

Shintsha and Gcina don't go in and out of shops like their sister does when
they're shopping with her. They buy everything in one shop and leave for the
butchery.

Shintsha didn't further his studies after matric. He didn't meet the requirements
to go to college or university but he passed. He tried to work and upgrade his
matric results but nothing much changed.

Sihle's father had started an armed response security company. And so, he paid
for Shintsha to study security. He hired him as soon as he finished studying. He
worked for a year and put him in charge, managing all the securities under his
company.
Sihle's father died and left all his businesses to Sihle. He manages everything
and distributes the profit amongst himself and his siblings, his mother and
grandmother. He didn't change anything, everything works as his father had
been doing. He also gives Shintsha extra activities and pay him. His friend is a
blessing in his life, he knows that without him - he wouldn't be where he is. He's
loyal when he does his job.

MaGwala is busy in her home garden when her son's van drives through the
gates. There's a deep satisfaction when she sees this car driving through because
she knows all her worries and doubts are going to be washed away by her
children.

Years ago, she took a decision to bond her sons - bonding them into an
agreement that they'll never forget home. They'll never spend their money with
women and friends and forget home. Their home comes first and their friends
and women come second. And it's been working out pretty well for her. She
doesn't get short of anything and whenever she needs anything, she knows her
son's will always come up with solutions. She owes all this to her friend, maybe
she would still be suffering if she never bond them using muthi.

The muthi they gave her is strong, it is Isbopho that will work even when she's
no longer alive.

She quickly leaves her hoe on the ground and heads out of the garden. She's
happy but she's also worried because soon, her daughter will be leaving her and
she'll be left alone. Her sons don't live with her, they come home during their
off days. It's easier for them to rent closer to work than to travel to the village
every day.

"Mshiba, Madladuna! Kwande lapho enithatha khona." She praises their clan
names, giving them blessings while she's still alive.

Shintsha grabs a chair and sit down once they're done bringing the groceries
inside their mother's kitchen. It's always great to see her smiling and showing
gratitude.

"Gcina, why are you not sitting? Are you leaving?" MaGwala asks.
He brushes his nose, "yes, mama but I will come back at night."
"You're going to get drunk?"
"No, I am going to do some work," he lies.
She shakes her head and looks at Shintsha with worried eyes, "can't you talk to
him?"
"You can't make a person stop doing what he loves, mama."
"He'll not have anything tangible if he's partying every weekend. There'll be no
wife, no house and no child." MaGwala complains.
Shintsha stands up, "he's still young. Don't rush him. I will be in my house." He
quickly leaves his mother with Gcina. He knows she has every right to worry
about him but there's nothing that can be done. Gcina is still young, he'll grow
up and change his way. That's what he's always hoping will happen.

*****
After inspecting the mines underground, Gama headed up to his office. Today -
there's something that's off. His mind and soul is troubled but he can't tell what's
troubling him so much. Why is his spirit so heavy?

In his office, he takes his phone and call his wife to check if everything is fine.
And? Everything is fine at home. What's wrong?

"Ngishiywa igazi ngathi khona okubi okuzokwenzeka!" (I feel like something

bad will happen) he says and put his forehead on the table, shutting his eyes. He
falls into a deep slumber.

***He's running on a gravel road, running barefoot. He's breathing heavily.

"Mama, mama, where are you?" The young Gama cries out searching for his
mother. She's been gone for a long time and he's determined to find her and
bring her home.
His knees fall on gravel and he doesn't even care about the pain hitting his
knees. And the pain consumes him, "mama, where are you? Come back to us.
Why did you leave us?"***

With a gasp, Gama wakes up from the horrifying dream. "Mama?" He calls out
and it's like a fog has been removed from his mind. He jumps on his feet and
grabs his car keys. There's pain deep in his heart. All he wants is his mother.
Where's she?

As he drives, he realises he's the one who's lost. He's the one who hasn't been
home.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 09

These streets, they're his home lands. This is where he grew up. He can
remember everything and feels a sense of nostalgia as he drives further into the
village.

"What happened?" He's confused, super confused. Why wasn't he coming back
home?
'It's your brothers!' the voice reminds him as he's beginning to wonder about his
other reasons not to come back home.
These streets are lively, these are the streets he used to run around on - his
mother would search for them and whip them for not coming back home on
time.

He laughs alone and shakes his head. The excitement - he feels like a child
again. It's quite amazing and he wants his children to come here. They have to
come and see where their father grew up.

Home? There's a deep stab in his heart as he's facing his home. There are only
two upgraded houses on the boys' side of the yard. The other houses are as still
as he left them but only painted. His father had built a decent house that didn't
scream poverty. But looking at where he lives - he lives in the suburbs of
Gauteng. And his family?

He stops his car before the gate that shows it was hand built by a village man.
It's in wire and sticks. The fence is rusty. And where does he live? He lives in a
wall-fenced home.

But at least the yard is clean - he consoles himself. He opens the door of his
black Jeep Wrangler. He's wearing work overalls as he left work after
inspecting the mine underground.

He steps on his home grounds and his heart is filled with pain mixed with joy.
This is his home. He looks around and there are few faces on the streets looking
at him. He forces a smile and greets, they greet back unsure of who this man is.
Before he opens the gate - he looks at Busiswa's home that's not very far from
his but it's on the opposite street. It's been upgraded, there's one big house and
other decent houses and huts. It's very beautiful compared to his home.
He huffs and opens the gate, heads back to his car and he drives into the
premises.
"What's happening?" MaGwala is forced out of her kitchen hut by the noise of a
different car. She knows how Gcina's car sounds like and this car, doesn't sound
like Gcina's car.

She stands before the door of her kitchen hut and her eyes set to the beautiful
'animal' - this type of car is cars that she only sees on TV. Who's visiting her?
And why is such a high person visiting her?

The man that comes out of the car is medium height, he's buffy and has a lighter
brown skin compared to Shintsha's rich brown skin. He has a small belly.
When her mind has cleared, she sees her husband in him and her knees shake.
She feels the coldness cutting in her womb where her body held this child for 9
months.

"Awu kodwa, Nkosi yami! Yini, Jehovah? Nguye ngampela?" (Is it really him?)
Her hands go over her head and she starts crying, screaming. It's highly
unbelievable. This muthi really worked. That's her son.

"Mama?" His throaty voice says a word.

MaGwala cries louder as he calls her. Gama quickly holds her before she lands
on the floor, screaming. "Gamelihle, yini!"
He holds her, "please, calm down mama." He looks around and nobody comes
out in any of the houses, "Shintsha!" He screams and he doesn't come out.
But two women come running from the gate and other people are outside the
gate, watching what's happening. Gama pulls his mother into the kitchen and he
puts her on the straw mat.

He grabs a bench and sits down, "mama, please calm down."

MaZuma walks into the kitchen with MaGwala's neighbour. They sit down on
the straw mat with MaZuma. They're both shocked to see Gama. He's such a
grown and a handsome man. Nobody has to guess, he's rich. He smells rich.

"Gama, where are you coming from? Do you know how hard things have been
for your mother?"
He looks down after the question from his mother's friend. His mother-in-law.
"I don't know, mama. I don't know what happened." He responds honestly.
MaZuma rubs her friend's back, "the boy is back home, MaGwala. Let's be
grateful and please, welcome him back home. I am sure he'll tell you what
happened."

MaGwala takes out her doek and she wipes her tears. She wipes the rest of her
pink face. It's pink from crying. MaGwala is a tall and light skinned fleshy
woman. "I am shocked. I didn't expect all this. I didn't expect to see him." She
looks at her son and she sees a grown man. When she used muthi, at the back of
her mind she'd told herself that if he goes crazy, he'll go crazy for the woman
who'd taken him away from her.

"I am not going to chase him out. He's not my child alone and this is his home."
She looks at him and seeing his face just brings pain in her heart. Is he really
back home or he's still going to slip through her fingers? Where's the woman
who took him away from them? She has all these questions but she can't ask
these questions before the presence of other women. She'll talk to him once
they're alone.

"I will call his brothers and sister, they should come back and we'll slaughter a
goat. We have to tell his ancestors that he's home." MaGwala says and stands
up. Her child's eyes are just with her and she knows there's a lot he wants to say
but there are people in the room. Why did they run so fast?

Once she's outside the house, happiness reigns over her, from head to toe.
The yard is busy, MaGwala has also called the younger brother of her husband.
From her in-laws, he's the only one who's left as a man and the two sisters. He
came home as soon as he heard that his nephew is back home.
He's overseeing things while they're waiting for Shintsha and Gcina. And from
the Gwala family, she only called and told them what's happening and what will
happen because they're far from their village.

When they got a call from their mother, Shintsha called Gcina in disbelief. He
didn't think his mother was being honest. He thought maybe something
happened and she wanted them home.
But - as Gcina drives through the gates and they're seeing the Jeep Wrangler
with a number plate written - 'Luthuli - GP' they automatically know their
brother is home and their brother truly has money as people have gossiped
about him in the village.

When people gossiped, they didn't quite believe them but today, they can see
with their own eyes. They were telling the truth! He was living a comfortable
life in Gauteng and had forgotten completely about his family.

"It's really him!" Gcina exclaims after getting off his car and he runs over his
brother. He's very happy to see him.

Gcina is one person who loves his family members whole heartedly. He loves
them all without having favourites. He's been like that since he was a child.
Gama can see his younger brother running towards him and he's wondering - is
this the person who's jealous of him? A person who would have wanted him
dead in future if he stayed home? Why is he so happy to see him if he hates and
is jealous of him?

"Bhuti!" With a laugh, Gcina exclaims and hugs his brother tightly.
He holds him softly and say, "Gcina, you're a big man now." He says but there's
still a lot of confusion in his head. He wishes he came home at night and that
way, he would have not have all these people here. And he would get to talk
with his mother and brothers.

"Where have you been?" Gcina asks.

He shakes his head, "a lot of things don't make sense. I don't know what I can
say." He responds and looks at Shintsha, he's standing next to them but not
saying anything. He's just looking at him. Is he the jealous one? He doesn't
seem to be happy like Gcina was.
"It has to be muthi. People are jealous."
Shintsha doesn't understand why Gama is looking at him with a suspicious eye,
"sawubona, bafo." He greets his older brother.
Gama doesn't hug him or give him his hand for a shake as he's also standing still
without any gesture, "yebo, how are you?"
"We're pleased to see you back home after so many years."
"It feels great to be home. I was about to join our uncle in slaughtering a goat.
Mama said we'll have a small ritual."
He nods, "let's go!" Shintsha says and they follow each other to the cattle pen.

The conversation is between Gcina and Gama as they're walking together.

Gcina is very happy about having his brother home.
More people keep coming into the Luthuli yard, they're here to see Gama. He's
back home? What a miracle!

They're mostly shocked to see that he's back alive and he's back as a finer man
than he was when he left. They're used to people going to Gauteng and coming
back as skeletons or come back poor and unrecognisable. But not him - his
image brings out different questions. Why was he not coming back home?

MaGwala, her children and their uncle, they go into the ancestral hut. And they
inform the ancestors about the child whose back home. They're happier about
delivering these news to their ancestors. Their eldest son is back!

"Hawu, are you going to work?" Gcina asks his brother, Shintsha.
Shintsha is standing outside his house the next morning, he's brushing his teeth
and he's already dressed in his work uniform. Everyone in the yard is still
sleeping. They went to bed very late last night. It was a good and a big
celebration, to have Gama come back home when they least expected it.
"Yes, I am working."
"Couldn't you have asked Sihle to give you some time off? I reported at work
and they understood. We should be home today. I am sure there's a lot to talk
about." Gcina tries to convince his brother to stay. He doesn’t understand why
he wants to go to work.

"If there was something to talk about, we could have spoken about that thing
yesterday. I am going to work." He heads back to his house once he's done
brushing his teeth. He went to bed with deep confusion. Gama was not
welcoming of him at all and he kept giving him a suspicious eye every chance
he got. Why? He didn't understand.

MaGwala slept peacefully last night. She couldn't stop crying because of
complete happiness. Everything felt like a dream. Her son had returned home,
she didn't care about everything else but she was happy that he's back. This
means her family will be complete.

"Shintsha!" She calls her son as she can see him heading to the gate in his work
uniform.
He stops walking and look back. He heads to his mother. "Mama?"
"Where are you going, Mandlanduna?"
"I am going to work, mama."
She frowns, "why? I thought we'll be together today as a family. Why are you
going to work?"
"It's a working day mama. I have to go and do my job."
Her skin colour changes, "Sihle will understand if you tell him you can't come
to work. Don't go to work."
"I don't want to take advantage because he's my friend. I respect my job."
She shouts at him, "your brother is home and you want to go to work!"
"Yes, should we stop making money because he's home?" He quickly steps
back as MaGwala swings at him, almost slapping him.
"I am your mother, I am telling you what to do!" She shouts at him.
He shakes his head, "if you're expecting me to bring money for groceries
month-end, I am going to work unless if you're not expecting any money from
me." He leaves his mother screaming his name. He doesn't care that he's made
her angry. He doesn't see the need to be home the whole day.

Gama is standing outside seeing his brother leaving, he heard the exchange
between him and his mother, and he concludes that Shintsha is the jealous
brother who would have wanted him dead in future. Is he safe as he's back
home? He's not sure and he doesn't feel safe.
After work, Shintsha still doesn't feel like going home. He got a call from Sihle
and asked him why he came to work. His mother called him. He told him to go
home and be with his family. He didn't decline the offer of leaving work early
but after an hour, he's still in Richards’s Bay.

Those thighs! He remembers the day they were wrapped around him and he was
deep inside her. The excitement and the enjoyment. He feels like in this day -
this boring day, he can actually take her and enjoy the rest of the day with her.
What can he say?

"Sawubona, KaMazibuko ntombi enhle," Shintsha greets Sbahle.

She's inside the sneaker shop, searching for sneakers. She slightly freezes at
Shintsha's smoky voice. His voice is mysterious in an attractive way, sexually
attractive way.

She turns back to him with a smile, "hi, Shintsha, how are you?"

He looks at her with lazy eyes. Why is she so half dressed? She's wearing a pink
short with a white long sleeve round neck shirt tucked into the shorts and black
sneakers. All her thighs are out for everyone to see. But - she looks appealing,
sexually appealing and he finds himself jealous. If she was his girlfriend, he
would have begged her not to dress up like this. She looks like a sex doll in his
eyes and there's something in him that wants to be the only man who sees her
like this.

"I am fine and how are you?"

She puts the sneakers down, "I am good too, just searching for sneakers that can
suit me."
It's not even month-end and she's buying sneakers. Did she go back to her rich
boyfriend? "Can I help you search?"
"Yes, why not? You'll also help me by giving me an idea of sneakers that will
suit me."
"Yes," he holds her hand protectively and Sbahle doesn't protest.
She oddly likes walking next to him, it feels quite good. Why? Is it because
she's been with him beyond bed sheets.
"Did you leave your red lace panties in my house because you don't want me to
forget you?" Shintsha whispers to her ear.
They've been going in and out of shops, searching for the best sneakers. He's
been enjoying going up and down with her.

With eyes popped, she looks at him. She's certain that he's lying. The panties
he's talking about are back home in the washing line but she gets where his
mind is. "Are you serious?"
"Do you want me to bring them to you or you'll come and take them?" He tries
his luck. She's playing along and this tells him she understands what he wants.
Is this an invite to another sex party? "You've helped me choose the best
sneakers and I have time. Let me go and take my panties before your girlfriend
comes and take them and look for me."

He laughs, holding her hand again after she's paid for the sneakers. "Is that your
way of trying to find out whether I have a girlfriend or not?" He asks.
She rolls her eyes, "no, why should I care?" She lies - she does care. What if he
does have a girlfriend?

But that'll be revealed on its own time as long as he doesn't tell her straight - it
means there's a chance for them to do whatever they wish to do and that
whatever will take them wherever life takes them. He wanted her as his
girlfriend before. So, only God knows!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 10

"Did Shintsha really leave?" Gama asks his mother and sits next to her on the
straw mat outside the kitchen hut. But Gama sits on the bench.

His mother is unplugging dry corn kernels from its cob for the chickens. "Yes,
he left but I called Sihle and he said he'll let him go. He'll come back." She
responds and she's grateful for this opportunity. This is the time where they talk,
talk about what happened. She puts the corn away, "what happened, Gama?"
He forces his head down and rubs the back of his neck, "I don't know mama but
in my heart something wasn't feeling right about home. I went to consult and the
traditional healer told me that my brothers are jealous of me."

MaGwala folds her arms before her bust, "which brothers are jealous of you?"
"My blood brothers and after seeing how Shintsha is towards me. I think he's
the one he was talking about."
She holds the back of her neck and shakes her head, "that's nonsense!
Gamelihle, how can you believe that and how can you stop coming home
because you are scared your brother will kill you."
"What was I supposed to do, mama?"
She shouts, "You were supposed to come home and tell me. And I was going to
take you to another traditional healer to confirm that. Your brothers? They were
young, just boys when you left. Do you know how heartbroken they were when
you stopped coming home?" She asks and Gama doesn't answer his mother. "He
was just a boy and since you left, chose to live a lavish life in Gauteng, he had
to step up and fulfil the duties of a man while he was a boy. Where was he
going to start killing you?"

He wants to answer because of the way Shintsha has been towards him but he
doesn't want to say the wrong thing to his mother. "I am sorry, mama." The best
thing at the moment is to humble himself and don't further cause any anger in
her. "I didn't mean to hurt you like this but I was scared for my life. I thought it
was best for me to stay away and live my life away so I can be safe."

She hides herself in her shirt and she cries, all those years - they struggled
because there's a traditional healer who lied. She doesn't believe that he can stay
away from home only based on that. A woman?

"Who's this woman who kept you away from home, Gama?"
A woman? Busiswa? She didn't keep him away from home. She loves him, they
have a beautiful home with beautiful children. He wants to tell her about her but
he feels that now is not the time. She's angry, "there's no woman, mama. It was
my decision to stay away, not because there's a woman."

She nods, she understands that if this woman did something to her son - he'll
never agree that she did something to him.

"When your brother comes back, we'll sit down and talk about this." MaGwala
decides.
"Is there a need?"
She looks at him, surprised, "yes, there's a need. How can there be no need? I
don't want any bad blood between the two of you. There was never any bad
blood between you and suddenly people from Gauteng tell you that Shintsha
hates you? We'll fix that and if we have to call a traditional healer, we'll call
one."
He can't say no to his mother. "Yes, we'll talk about it when he comes back."
MaGwala nods and she starts asking him questions about his life in Gauteng.
Gama tells his mother everything but he says nothing about his family. He's
scared. How's she going to react?

As a mother, she's proud but she's also hurt. She was not there when her child
reached and achieved all these wonderful milestones in his life. It's heart-
breaking. But what can be done? Nothing. She has to be grateful that he's back
home. That's all that matters.

Shintsha should come back and they should talk about this issue. It's important.

*****
The taxi took forever to reach their destination. He even felt like he could jump
on the driver's seat and drive the car himself. But he couldn't do that now, could
he?

"I am supposed to ask him to wait for me. I don't think grabbing a panty and
coming back to the stop will take longer," Sbahle plays dumb as they have
gotten off the taxi.

Shintsha's laughter is loud but pleasant to the ear - to Sbahle's ear. "I am sure he
would have loved to wait for you. I saw the way he was looking at you."
She raises her eye at him. He's taller than her and his height just makes it great
to walk next to him. "How was he looking at me?"
"Like he wants you." He responds, he honestly didn't like how the driver was
looking at her. He stopped himself from talking because he knows he's one of
the rude drivers and so, he didn't want to start trouble.
Sbahle doesn't take him seriously, "all men look at women. You're also looking
at me."
He leads the way into the premises. "I don't look at you the way he did and let's
not talk about this anymore."
"Yes, I am just here to take my panties and leave, nothing much." She says and
the chuckle from Shintsha makes her vagina vibrate unexpectedly. What is he
doing to her?

He unlocks his door and leaves his boot and its socks outside his room for fresh
air. He may think they're clean, only for them to embarrass him before her.
He locks the burglar guard once she's inside the room and locks the door. He
turns to Sbahle, she's already seated on the couch and her handbag next to her.
He puts his backpack on top of the side dressing table and he opens the fridge.

"Shintsha, I am not here for drinks. It's getting late so I have to go back home."
He doesn't listen to her but pours a drink and puts two scones on the plate. He
hands the plate to her, "I don't think drinking one glass of coke will get you in
trouble." He sits next to her and takes off his jacket. Already, he's horny and
wishes to enjoy himself and forget about his many problems.

"Thank you." She takes the plate.

He stops her from standing up, "put the plate down and come sit on my lap. I
want to give you the panties you left." He speaks in a whisper because of how
he feels.

He gets comfortable with his feet on the floor as he's seated on the couch. His
eyes trace her movements as she doesn't listen but stands up, putting the plate
inside the dish basin that's on top of a 25 litre bucket by his kitchen side.
"What's the rush? It's just panties," her eyes gaze at him, standing before him
but a bit far. Slowly, she undoes the belt and slowly as if stripping, she takes off
her shorts.

What Shintsha sees - a white lace underwear which is a G-string. He doesn't

take his eyes from her and she takes off her t-shirt, leaving the matching bra and
panties.

"Where did you say I should sit? Should I sit on top of your pants? I want to see
the panties you're talking about."
Good Lord! Doesn't she look like a Goddess?
He strips off his work uniform and throws it on his bed, "come and sit on my
lap." His voice is smokier and his eyes are laziest. He keeps licking his lips,
making them wet as she moves from her position.
Her eyes are on the tent that his penis has created underneath the boxers.
Facing him, she kneels down onto his lap, her butts on his lap and her knees on
either side of his lap. Her slender arms wrap around Shintsha's neck. "Hi." She
whispers and he doesn't waste time but attacks her with a kiss.
His arms hold her tight, closer to his chest. They love her smooth body as he's
lost in the kiss with her. Her hands are also caressing the back of his neck while
she's grinding her body into his erection.
Her private lady keeps throbbing and breathing, moving, signalling that it wants
something strong inside.
He tries to pull her panties down, with his lips still locked with hers but her
panties are tight. She lifts her body up to help him take it off.

"Condom, Shintsha." She whispers.

Why the fuck would she want it now? She didn't ask for it the first time. "I don't
have them around. I will pull out" he says and rubs her nipples after removing
the bra. She moans once again.
"That's not safe."
"Siyashisha lesbumbu usho kanjani ukuthi ngisidle ngo plastic. Ngiyacela
ngizolokhu ngilifaka kancane ngilikhiphe, ngize ngichithele ngaphandle,"
Shintsha pleads with her - he doesn't want condom. He wants it raw.

"Ah!" She screams as she rams her body into his precious penis. The show
begins.
He's thrusting into her while she's on top of him, and she also lifts herself up
and down on him, she's rocking and grinding on him.
It's easy to raise her body up and down on him. She keeps kissing him and
maintaining eye contact, Shintsha also loves looking at her as she bounces on
him.

Her hands hold his knees and she pushes her upper body back, she only moves
her waist in circles, making Shintsha groan deep as he feels her on a different
angle. And as there's space, he rubs her clit while she's busy fucking him on top.
This drives Sbahle crazy and drives her straight to the shuddering end.
He's certain, if he had gotten a chance to date her back then, he would have long
made her pregnant because of stupidity. He'd promised to pull out but he didn't.
But he's sure she's preventing. She wouldn't be agreeing to this unprotected sex
if she's not preventing.

"It's not that late, it's still 11:45," Shintsha says and lifts Sbahle up from the
couch. He puts her on his bed. "I will warm up some meat for us and we'll eat."

She huffs and doesn't protest, she looks at him as he moves around the kitchen
area naked. They're having a great conversation, she's getting to know him. And
what she learns - is that he's a principled man who loves his family. He wasn't
born with a silver spoon in his mouth, just like her.

"Please, don't burn your penis." She pleads as he's carrying a kettle of hot water.
Shintsha laughs his lungs out. Out of everything, she thinks about his penis, "I
promise I won't."

He moves to the bed with a tray of food. Its inhloko (cow's head) and krummel
pap, with salsa on the side, "let's eat while it's warm. I hope you like it."
She sits up straight and takes the spoon, "I love it." She enjoys the food with
him and she doesn't feel like leaving anymore. She totally enjoys his company.
"I should get going," she says, looking at the time. They've spent 1 hour eating
and talking.
He joins her back in bed. He wishes she can stay the night but she can't, he
knows.

Sbahle is still laying on her back on the bed. Shintsha holds her legs, "let me say
goodbye." He holds her legs and raises them.
She points her legs towards the ceiling and crosses her legs, puts them on his
left side of his chest. She smiles at him as he checks her - down there. "Say
goodbye."
"Won't you open your legs if you want me to say goodbye?"
Her giggle is naughty, "I don't have to always open my legs. Put my favourite
toy in and you'll feel the difference. I am forever wet for you, Shintsha."

Some women if you see them on the streets you'd think they're good, church
girls who know nothing. But have them behind closed doors. They're something
else!
Sbahle is totally something else!

Slowly, he enters into the slippery wet pot of gold and yes, he notes the
difference. When she's in this leg criss cross position, she feels tighter. He
thrusts with grace and gives Sbahle great enjoyment.
Life! She had to learn how to make things great and learnt that this position
helps her feel tighter for her partner because her previous boyfriend was not
really gifted and so, Sbahle always took longer to cum or reach an orgasm.
Ntandoni told her about this trick - 'keep your legs closed while he's in or cross
them, you'll both feel the tightness' she advised her and truly, it worked.
With Shintsha, this position is simply amazing and she feels it's making
everything happen faster while she wants it to last longer.
He easily grabs her legs, he loves how powerful he feels in this position as he
penetrates her with a pleasing force, pulling her in. He loves it. This is his new
favourite.

"Don't uncross your legs!"

"You're about to cum fast I want it to go on and on, please," she cries but he
doesn't listen - he's at his highest and cannot be stopped by anyone.
She grabs the sheets as it gets intense and with a scream, she's done for!

He kisses her lips after putting her legs down. He lays next to her, giving her
time to feel her legs again. They're facing each other on the bed. "Sbahle?"
"Yes?"
He caresses her face, "can I be the only man for you? The only man who'll rock
your world?"
"Don't you have a girlfriend? I can't believe a grown man like you is single."
"Does this mean, you're also not single? You're also a grown young woman,
Sbahle."
She moves her eyes around, "my previous relationship ended when he made
another girl pregnant and that was six months ago."
"Okay, I am sorry about that. She is there but is away, leaving me lonely
because she studies far, in Gauteng."
She looks at him as he brushes her cheek, "I will be yours if you end things with
her since you're lonely without her but if you don't end things with her, I can't
be yours."
He didn't expect that. "Can I have your number?"
He's not promising to end things with her. Why should she give him her
number? "No, I won't give you my number. I have to go now."

Defeated, he pulls her closer for one last round of pleasure before she leaves.
And this time around, he really kept her panties hidden without her seeing it.
She's forced to leave without her panties on. She has to give herself a whole
day, come and search for them in his house.

He's quite upset that he didn't get her number but he'll try - he'll ask Sihle to
help him get it.

*****
It's the third day and she still can't reach Gama. She doesn't understand. What's
happening? Is her muthi no longer working? Or her husband got in an accident
and died? Or was he hijacked and killed?
She looks at her feet after getting out of the car. Her feet and ankles are swollen.
Her BP has gone up, she's worried about him.
Where is he? Where's her husband?
She walks into the house, she's coming from his workplace and they told her
that he left in a hurry and didn't tell anyone where he was going. She wanted to
talk to his boss because she knows he mostly knows everything happening with
him. But his boss is not around. She can't reach him.
She sits on top of her bed and holds his pillow, she holds it closer to his chest
and she cries. What is she going to do without him?
His baby mama? It pops in her mind and she grabs her phone.
She wipes her tears as her phone rings. He must be with her.

Three years back, she found out that Gama had a baby boy with a woman from
his workplace. She couldn't believe it, she felt like the world was closing in on
her. Gama had been cheating on her? Her!
She rushed to her witch Doctor and she told her that the only way to stop him
from completely cheating is to make him her lap dog that will always follow her
and make no money for their home. She was angry because she knew she
couldn't take that option. She took her children and left because Gama had
cheated - and he had to run around her, begging her to come back home.
She went back home and ensured his relationship with his baby mama ends but
she didn't stop him from taking care of his son. Her daughters also have a
relationship with their brother. He does visit them in their home. Busiswa has
accepted the child.

"We-sisi wabantu, have you taken my husband again? Where's Luthuli?" She
doesn't waste time but shouts at the woman on the line.
"MaButhelezi, please don't start war. Gama is not with me. Angithi wangifaka
isichitho ukuthi indoda yakho ingangifuni?"
"What were you doing with him in the first place? Didn't you know that he was
married?" She screams at her.
She huffs, "you know what? That's the past. Gama is not with me. I also want
him because Fanele is sick."
"What's wrong with him? Can't you take him to the Doctor?"
"I don't have money for the Doctor. I had more expenses this month."

She clicks her tongue and ends the call. She taps on her bank app and she sends
the money to her husband's baby mama.
She sends the text message to her, >>"Take the baby to the Doctor.">> She
sends the text message and when she calls back. Busiswa doesn't answer the
phone. She lays on the bed and cries for her lost husband.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 11

MaZuma closes the stick and wire gate of her friend's home and she smiles -
maybe now her friend will have a proper gate and a proper fence. Her son has a
good job - a big title there in Gauteng mines. What can stop him from renewing
his mother's fence?

She's happy as she leaves the Luthuli home. They've spoken about the arrival of
Gama and her friend is at her happiest. Which mother wouldn't be happy?
She takes her phone as she's walking on the quiet streets, she makes a call -
straight to her daughter Busiswa.

"Mama sawubona"
She frowns, "why do you sound down my child? Are you okay?" She asks as
Busiswa sounds down like she has the flu.
She clears her throat, "no, I don't have the flu but I am tired. I had a lot of work
to do here at work today."
Oh, her precious daughter, "you work hard for your family, my child. I think
now is the time you get married and start working for your own family. Have
children, you've helped your brother rebuild this home."
"Uhm, yes mama. It'll all happen in time."

She pushes her gate and it slides down on the gate's rail. Who would have
thought that one day she'll have such a gate? It's all her children's hard work.
She closes it. "No, my child, I am calling to tell you the good news that has
happened for MaGwala and her children."

On the other side of the line, Busiswa who's been laying down on her bed sits
up straight. She's still stressed about her husband who's still not back home.

"What has happened?"

MaZuma sits on the chair on the veranda of the main house in the yard, "a
miracle happened! Gama has returned home."
"He has what!" Out of shock, mind blowing shock - Busiswa screams on the
line. She moves by her butt until she's seated on the edge of the bed.
Why is her daughter screaming? "What's wrong? Shouldn't you be happy?"
"No, I am surprised and happy at the same time, mama." She quickly changes
tune as soon as she realises that she's made a mistake. Why did she scream at
her? But - this is the last thing she expected.

She smiles, "yes, he's back and his mother accepted him back into the family.
The problem is, Gama says he left home and came back because the traditional
healer told him his brothers are jealous of him and will one day kill him. He
believes this to be true because of his brother's reaction."
"Which brother?"
"His brother Shintsha. I told MaGwala to sit down with her children and talk."
She can't believe this. Is it really her Gama? What happened? How did he
remember his way home and why didn't he call her, tell her he's decided to go
home? What's happening? Is her muthi suddenly weak?

"Mama, are you sure it's Gama? It may be someone who wants to scam them
because they're well off now."
She puts her hand on her chin. "No, its Gama, even the car he's driving has his
surname written on it." MaZuma quickly explains.
And right on her bed - inside her mansion in Rosebank, Busiswa pees on
herself. This is a nightmare. How can this happen?

"Are you still there?" MaZuma asks her daughter.

She responds in a low tone, "yes, I am fine Mama, I should get going. I am
happy for mama uMaGwala."
"Okay, go back to work." She smiles at her phone after Busiswa has ended the
call.

She decided to take advice from her friend, MaZuma and she called Shintsha
home. She summoned him home because he had excuses when she told him to
come home.
Her son changed quickly, he disobeyed her and left right after she told him not
to leave. She called her boss and asked for him to come back home but he didn't
come home.
She's relieved as she sees Shintsha walking into the kitchen. He's carrying a
plastic bag and his work backpack.

"Sanibonani," he greets his siblings and his mother. He puts the plastic bag on
top of the table and takes a seat.
MaGwala thanks him for the items he's brought home. "Are you not going to
put your bag in your room?"
"I am not staying the night, mama. I will go back to Richards’s Bay after the
meeting. I am driving a work car."

She wants to burst as she hears this but she doesn't say anything. She doesn't
want to fight. "Oh, I am glad you came."
"What's wrong?" Shintsha looks at his mother and doesn't spare a glance at his
brother, Gama, Gcina and sister Sebenzile.
She huffs - he's not even asking his siblings how they're. "I have called you here
because we have a crisis. Your brother Gama has told me what kept him away
from home."
"What kept him?" Sebenzile asks, she was very happy to have her brother back
home but she doesn't like this tension.

MaGwala tells them what Gama told her, about the traditional healer telling him
that his brothers will kill him in future because they're jealous of him.
Gcina laughs as soon as his mother finishes what his mother is telling them.

And his laughter ticks Gama off, "why are you laughing, Gcina?"
He shakes his head, "I am laughing because what we're being told is absurd.
How old were we? How could we have been jealous of you?"
"Does jealousy have age?" Gama shouts.
Shintsha answers instead, "why would we have been jealous? We were just
children, waiting for our brother to come back home with yellow bread with
those black things."
"You're asking me nonsense because how did you react when you saw me? You
didn't even smile!"
He chuckles, "what did you expect from me? Was I supposed to jump on you
and hug you, huh? Where have you been for all those years? You're crazy."
"Shintsha! That's your older brother. Show some respect," MaGwala screams.
Shintsha stands, "I am not going to associate myself with someone who believes
in witch doctors. Those people can tell lies just to destroy families."
"Where are you going?" MaGwala stands on her feet as Shintsha heads to the
door.
Shintsha responds, "I have better things to do than to stay here for this."

MaGwala can't believe this child is responding to her like this. No child speaks
rudely with her. They all respect her and suddenly, Shintsha is being
disrespectful.
Gcina hides his face in his hands as his eyes heat up. He hates it when families
fight, he hates it when things go wrong. He only wishes for his family to be
united.

"Don't cry, Shintsha is just angry." Sebenzile brushes her brother's back.
MaGwala claps once, "he's not angry but he's disrespectful!" She shouts and
points at Gama but looking at her two children, "this is your older brother and
you'll respect him. I don't care what happened and what's happening. Do you
two understand?"
"Yes!"
Gcina leaves the kitchen once he's calm and Sebenzile follows, leaving Gama
and their mother.
"I think it's better if I leave because it's clear that I am not fully welcomed here."
Gama says to his mother after a long silence. He's sad and doesn't feel fully
welcomed.

And what he's saying pisses MaGwala off. It took her years to have the
confidence in her inner voice. She can't have this child leave his home again.

"You'll do no such thing! Tomorrow, we'll go to a different healer. We'll see if

what you were told is the truth or not." MaGwala states, and Gama supports his
mother.

*****
She's driving back home after her appointment with the Doctor. She's been
living in fear since the previous day when her mother told her about Gama. She
was hoping he'll call but he didn't.
She woke up swollen, even her hands and decided to visit the doctor after
dropping her children at school.

Why is Gama not calling her? Is he no longer thinking of her? Did his mother
do something to him that made him forget about her?
She parks the car inside the garage and heads inside the house.
When her phone rings, she doesn't hurry to her phone because she's thinking
that it's the woman from her stokvel. The ones who are pretending as if they
care while they don't. But when she sees his name on screen, everything in her
body changes.

"Luthuli? What did I do to you?"

There's soft music playing in the background, "you did nothing wrong, mkami. I
am really sorry for not calling but things have been very hectic here at home. I
misplaced my phone and I don't know your number by heart. I am really sorry."
"You're making me sick. I am coming from the Doctor and I am swollen
because of you."
"I am really sorry. Can you please come back home? I want us to sit down and
talk with our families about our relationship."

She holds the counter. What is this man saying to her? "Are you crazy? I am
pregnant. How can you do this to me?"
"My children will need to meet their family and have their customs done for
them. My mother and I will go to a traditional healer tomorrow…"

Busiswa can't hear the rest of what Gama is saying. She ends the call with Gama
and she instantly gets sick. What's happening? Is her muthi suddenly weak?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 12

She's the first person to see the sunrise, she's not late as she drops her children
on time. And now, she has a long drive to Soweto.
The previous night, she couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about today - Gama
and his mother will go for consultation. What will happen? Are they going to
find out the truth? And if they do, what are they going to say?

She looks at the phone as it rings again and she doesn't take Gama's call. Last
night, she thought things through and she was very angry when she kept
thinking about Gama not reaching out for so many days.

"Why are you not answering my calls?" Gama asks Busiswa on the line as she
finally answers the phone call.
It's his fifth try and the phone keeps ringing, annoying her. "Should I answer the
phone even if I am not in the mood to answer?"
"Oh, it's like that now? It's like that because I am not near you."
"Really? You haven't been calling for days, knowing that you didn't even tell
me that you're going home." Busiswa shouts, it's making her angry all over
again.
"I said I am sorry."
"Sorry? That's not good enough? I am pregnant and you didn't even care about
how I felt and what I might be going through." She shouts - why didn't he care
vele? Why did he carry on normally without calling her? "Didn't you think of
me? Didn't you think of your kids? Your son was sick and you didn't even know
that. You know what, continue with your family and leave me alone, please.
Just like you've been carrying on without me."

She wipes her tears and switches off her phone, he'll not stop calling. She's
really hurt, she took what he did lightly but it's actually painful and it's worse
now because they're going to have his family involved in their lives.

She's the first person to arrive and the witch Doctor is already waiting for her.
She called the previous night and reported that she'll be coming in the morning.
The witch Doctor looks at her and shakes her head, "what's wrong? Did you
honestly think his mother will fold arms forever and not try to get her son
back?"
She looks away annoyed by the question, "I am here to solve my problems."
"What problems? Gama being home is a problem now?"

She's shocked of the question. Isn't she the one who gave her the muthi to keep
him away from home? This lady is her friend, they met on her way to Gauteng
and they started getting along from there. She used to tell her about her
problems and she told her to come to her she'll fix things for her.
Busiswa wasn't surprised by using muthi. Her mother used to use muthi before
her at her home but she never used the bad one, it was all protecting their home
from witches, strengthening them and their home. She doesn't remember her
using bad muthi, she learnt about the use of muthi from her mother. And so, it
wasn't very hard to use it on him.

"Oh, you're saying it like that now, gogo?" Busiswa asks, raising her voice.
"I am not saying it in a bad way. We renewed the muthi when we were
supposed to renew it. We can't do it again. His mother used her powerful muthi
to bring him back and she was lucky he didn't go crazy." The witch Doctor
explains to Busiswa, she doesn't want to give her anymore muthi because it may
be harmful to Gama and she doesn't want that. It shouldn't be like that.
She laughs, "Oh, she used muthi!"
"You also used it on her son for years. There's nothing surprising there."
She's suddenly pissed, "are you for me or against me?" She asks.
"I am for you and I want you to keep your husband, have him healthy." She
responds and her face quickly changes, "your children need their home. I have
been telling you this for years. They need home and they should meet their
family."
"Are you saying I should go there? Come out about my marriage?"
She smiles cunningly, "yes, come clean. They'll fight and it'll pass. You'll need
to ensure Gama marries you traditionally now. You'll be the only daughter-in-
law and this means you'll rule that home the way you want. You can have them
all at the palm of your hand. Right now give your husband a break."

Busiswa smiles, liking the idea. Her friend is smart. This will mean she'll stop
being a suburb wife but she'll fully be his wife. Everyone will know that she's
married to this powerful and wealthy man. "Okay, I like this."
She takes out muthi and throws it at her feet, "you can rule even his brothers,
they work hard and if you play your cards right, they'll be working hard for you.
You'll be the queen above their heads." She plants this idea of queen ship to her
and she can tell she loves it. It's an amazing idea in her head, "between his two
brothers, there's a brother who's planted a seed, a child. You should ensure that
if that child is a boy, it must not be born. You should be the first one to give
birth to a boy for them and your boy will be powerful like his father in that
family."
She's grinning like a retard, "yes, I should call him and we'll talk. I will go back
home and face them, I won't know what's happening if I am in Gauteng."
And that's exactly what she wants! "Yes, you should keep in touch and always
tell me if you're not seeing things right."
The excitement she has is out of this world. This is a new adventure and every
woman in the village will envy her. Her husband doesn't only have money but
he's also handsome. "I can picture everything. Okay, I will call him." She opens
her purse and she makes it rain R200 notes. She doesn't want to waste time,
she'll call him right away. She'll stop shouting and be his kind wife.

*****
She's decided it's best to keep her eyes only to her friend, Ntandoni. She doesn't
understand - why did she agree to have Mkhwanazi with them? They're having
lunch at spur, the bill is on Mkhwanazi and there's absolutely no need to have
him here.

"Why does it look like you're not free?" Ntandoni asks as soon as Mkhwanazi
leaves their table for the bathroom.
She picks up a buffalo wings on her plate, "why did you bring your boyfriend
over? This lunch would have been nicer if it's only you and I." Sbahle honestly
says.
"He wanted to be next to me and besides, he's paying. Why are you
complaining?" She asks, looking at Sbahle's face.
She rolls her eyes, "and why are you looking at me that way?"
Ntandoni touches her friend's face, "friend, your face. What happened to your
pimples?"
She gifts her with her best smile, "can you also see it? I no longer have
pimples." She's been very happy about the change in her face. It's clear and
beautiful. She's been regretting why she didn't give Shintsha her number. She
desperately wants to meet up with him so he can see how beautiful she is.

"What are you using?"

She's shrugs, "I use nothing. I think my time to have a beautiful face has come."

And her response makes Ntandoni suspicious. It can't be! Since the beginning of
puberty, Sbahle had pimples and they'd tried everything to work on them but
nothing worked. She ended up accepting them because she's beautiful even with
her pimples.

"No, did you go back to Shintsha again or you had sex with someone else?"
She raises an eyebrow at her, "someone else? What do you take me for? You
know me, Ntandoni."
"I didn't mean to offend you!" She exclaims and raises her hands, "we're going
to the Doctor. I think you're pregnant."
Heqe uvalo! What is this girl talking about? "No, what do you mean? I drank
the disprin and coke. Yea, I went back to him and I drank it again. I can't be
pregnant."
"I am not saying you are, I am just suspecting."
She stands on her feet and takes her bag as she instantly loses appetite. She must
be crazy. This can't happen to her.
"Where are you going? Let's wait for Mkhwanazi I will ask for money for the
Doctor!" She shouts at her.
"I am going to the bathroom!" She walks out of the restaurant with a confused
head. If she's really pregnant. It'll all be Ntandoni's fault. All her fault.

They're seated on Ntandoni's bed inside her bedroom back home at Mzingazi.
Sbahle's lips are pouted and her eyes are red.
Mkhwanazi drove them to the Doctor and from the Doctor, he drove to
Ntandoni's home.

Ntandoni doesn't know what to say to her friend anymore. "Do you have his
number?"
"We had sex twice. How can I have his number, Ntandoni?" Sbahle shouts at
her friend. She's angry, hurt and scared. Do things have to happen like this?
"Does having sex twice mean you shouldn't have that person's number?" She
shouts.
"Please, don't judge me! I am in this mess right now because of you."
Her hand clutches her chest, "did I make you open your legs and put my sperms
in you?"
"If you didn't leave me behind when you saw your man we wouldn't be here."
"You're crazy! I didn't send you to sleep with him. That was your decision and
you can't blame me for it."
She grabs her bag, "it's fine but I know if you didn't change tune I wouldn't be
here. I will be homeless while you have a home."
"Don't pretend like carrying that child is the only choice you have because it's
not. You can terminate the pregnancy because it's not like your baby daddy can
afford a baby. He's just a security guard. How's he going manage? Babies are
expensive!"

She stares at her intensely without saying anything but her eyes carrying anger
and sadness. Sbahle doesn't say anything to Ntandoni but she leaves. There's no
use staying with her, she doesn't have anything positive to say to her. She needs
to be alone.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 13

"Do you wish to go in alone or I should go in with you, mfana wami?"

MaGwala asks her son as soon as they get off his car.
Whenever she's inside Gama's car she feels like the car is massaging her tense
muscles. The interior is soft and beautiful. It's the best she's ever been in.
He sits on the bench and his mother sits on the chair. Only two people are on the
line.

"Can I go in alone, mama?"

"There's no problem Luthuli. I also have to go in and consult on my own."
"Okay mama." He checks on his phone and Busiswa hasn't called. He's angry.

She started unnecessary drama. She always wants to be understood but mostly
fails to understand him and where he comes from when he does things. Can't
she understand that he was swamped and he realises he made a mistake? How's
he supposed to beg his pregnant wife while he's not closer to her?
His turn comes and as he gets in, MaGwala is hoping he'll believe everything
he'll be told there. There has to be a mistake, Shintsha can't hate his brother or
be jealous of him.

The traditional healer smiles as Gama walks into the room, "you've finally
returned home."
Don't these people know everything?
"Yes, I have." He sits on the straw mat.

The room is dark with a lot of ornaments, herbs and animal skins hanging
around. But it doesn't look creepy like the one he once went to. "When are you
going to tell your mother about your wife and your children?" She hands over to
him the pouch with bones.
Gama blows into the pouch, "I will tell her today after dinner. I am nervous."
"You really should." Her shoulder convulses as the spirits fall down on her. She
scatters the bones on the animal skin in between them.
She shakes her head, "I don't see your mother's friendship surviving the truth.
What you did is very wrong and I hope you'll be able to withstand everything."
"Are they going to fight because Busiswa has been my wife all along?"
"I don't see their friendship surviving but we may never know. We can only
hope that your ancestors and their ancestors work together to keep the
friendship intact because it's a good and a beautiful friendship."
Gama agrees, "Makhosi!"
She laughs, "It’s really absurd that you think Shintsha would be jealous of you.
Your siblings love you as their older brother and you leaving home really hurt
them. Your brother is in a place of hurt at the moment and it's your
responsibility to recognise that you've hurt him and talk to him about it." She
says, she knows that if she can tell him the real truth - that his wife worked on
him and the witch doctor told lies because his wife said so he'll not believe it.
She's worked very hard on him, anything said against her to him will be falling
on deaf ears.

There's a deep pain from within his heart. Why did that witch lie to him? Why
did she do such a cruel thing? Kept him away from home with lies! Where's he
supposed to start with Shintsha after doubting him so much? He doubted a
child. "I don't even know what to say but I am disappointed in myself."
"Don't be. It's not your fault. You'll go back to work soon, you need to ensure
that you don't forget about home."
He nods, "yes, I will never forget about home. I won't. And what will help me is
to keep away from witch doctors because we have a lot of scammers who want
to separate people from their families."
"Yes, you're right. Look after your mother, all your blessings are there and that's
an important cultural value as a Zulu for a son to look after his mother. It
doesn't matter that you have children and a wife, don't forget about your
mother." She gives important advice that she knows he needs to hear, he knows
it but he needs to be reminded.
He claps hands, "I won't forget that."

She doesn't suggest any muthi and doesn't give him any muthi but tells him to
normally use water and sea salt around his yard.
He leaves the hut shocked and disappointed at the same time, also in pain. After
so many years away from home. Away because of lies. How's he going to
approach Shintsha?

"Ntombi, I am happy for you. You have a handsome son and women love him
but your daughter-in-law has seriously worked on him. They don't last even
when he falls into temptation as a man," the traditional healer takes MaGwala as
soon as she sits on the straw mat before her.
The smell of sage gives her inner peace. Things are going accordingly,
"thokoza, gogo! I am also happy that the boy has come back home. I am hoping
he'll no longer forget about his home now."
She smiles, "ay, because your daughter-in-law has worked on him already, we
can't feed him anymore muthi. It'll be dangerous to him so we have to hope that
this time around he's here to stay."
She shakes her head, "am I ever going to meet this daughter-in-law?"
The traditional healer doesn't tell MaGwala everything about Busiswa. She
wants to give Gama an opportunity to be the one to tell his mother the truth.

"Yes, you'll meet her. I believe your son is planning on telling you about her. I
am shown that she's someone closer to you."
With a frown, she tries to think but she doesn't see who that person could be, "I
will wait for my son to tell me because I don't want to crack my skull thinking."
"Yes, do that. Here's what's important." She grabs her full attention as her voice
changes.
MaGwala nods, "I am listening."
"When this girl comes back here, your son will want to officially make her his
wife. He'll traditionally want to marry her." She reveals and she's quite sad as
MaGwala smiles. Like any mother, she's happy she'll have a daughter-in-law
but she doesn't know this is not the kind of daughter-in-law she'll want to have
in her yard. "We have to wait for an opportunity her muthi needs renewal, we'll
then work on taking this thing out on Gama and strengthen him. Only then, he
can marry her with a sober mind because a traditional wedding is a strong tie
between two people, two families, two ancestors. And this girl, she uses dark
muthi. Uyayiphatha imithi wafunda kunina wakhe. The girl will come home,
you'll see her and talk but don't get them married right away. Do you understand
this?"
She gets cold feet about this girl, "yes, I will keep everything you've said in
mind. Thokoza, gogo!" She has to wait for Gama to talk.

She has to meet this cruel girl, talk and see the way forward with her as a
daughter-in-law.

*****
She checks the time on her phone and its 17:33, she's tired of sitting on the floor
of his doorstep. Had she taken his number when she still had a chance, she
wouldn't be here.

Sbahle is seated on the doorstep of Shintsha's rental room waiting for Shintsha.
It's still unbelievable that she's pregnant. She's taken a whole week, trying to
accept that she's going to be a mother but it's hard. Whenever she's alone she
thinks of her father and cries. She doesn't know where she'll go. She's been
regretting everything but does regretting help? No!
Does it change anything? No!

They're not on talking terms with Ntandoni because she's still angry with her for
everything that she said. Who said a security guard can't look after his child?
She hated those words the most. She was talking like this because her boyfriend
is rich.
She checks the time again, she's not really worried about time because she's not
going back home tonight. She's only worried because Shintsha is not coming
back.
18:00, he walks through the gates and closes the gate behind him. There's a
woman seated on his doorstep. What's happening?

"Sbahle?" His body gets an excitement he didn't have when he walked through
the grey.
She quickly stands up, "Shintsha!" She stands aside and waits as he opens his
room.

He chuckles and leads the way into his room. Did she really come here for him?
This girl is something else! Once they're both inside, he pulls her into a heated
kiss but Sbahle quickly stops him from kissing her further.
Her body is already imagining things he'd do to her but she doesn't want that. "I
am here to talk. I am sorry for coming here like this. It's not respecting your
privacy but I had no choice."
At the moment he doesn't care about anything except having her, "that can wait.
I want you badly, Sbahle."

She fails to stop him from kissing her but she accepts his kiss and he accepts
everything that follows the kiss. That's Shintsha giving her a strong orgasm.
And Sbahle takes Shintsha into a different journey.

She puts on her panties first, "I didn't plan on doing this firstly."
He puts on his boxers and vest, "don't worry but please, take my number so that
you call before you come."
"You don't want my arrival to clash with your girlfriend?" She asks to put her
dress on and she sits on the bed while Shintsha opens the fridge.
He laughs, "don't put words into my mouth."
"I am pregnant Shintsha!" She doesn't find another way to break the news.
He drops the 2 litre of coke and he's thankful it wasn't a bottle. What is she
telling him? "What? Are you sure?" He turns back to her after closing the
fridge. The sadness in her eyes is heart-breaking.

She nods, "I was with my friend when I found out. She took me to the Doctor
and I am ten weeks pregnant." She opens her bag and hands the scan picture to
him.
He looks at it. Is this really his baby? What if she was already pregnant when
she tried to have sex with him? He's like a stranger to her but she initiated sex
that morning. Does this mean she was already pregnant and came to him to
sleep with him so she can say the baby belongs to him?
He has a lot of questions about this pregnancy but he doesn't ask these
questions. It's insulting to ask these questions and what if he doubts her and in
the end it turns out it's his baby. That's the worst thing he can do, to deny the
child's paternity. He'll accept and once the baby is born - he'll confirm whether
it's his baby or not but she should never know he has doubts.

"Please say something. I am in big trouble. My father told me early that he'll
send me packing should I be pregnant." She stands before Shintsha as he's quiet.
Her phone rings, her heart skips a beat as her father calls her.
"Baba?"
And what she receives is thunder, "where are you? Where are you, Sbahle?"
She's confused, why is he angry and shouting like this? "I am with my friend,
Ntandoni."
"Lies! She's here to look for you and you said to me you'll spend the night with
her."
Her saliva dries up. Why didn't she call her? What's she doing there? "I am
sorry."
"Quickly, come back home. It's clear you're with a man. Come back now! I
don't want to send your brother to your location because he'll hurt you. Come
back home now!"
"Yebo, I will come back." She makes a promise and removes the phone from
her ear. She tells him what's going on.
"Okay, I will call my brother and he'll drive you home." He quickly calls his
brother Gcina and he asks for a favour. He promises to come right away. He
looks at her as she wears all her clothes. Her friend has ruined things! Why
didn't she call her?

He hands his phone to her, "please, leave your number and I will save it.
Tomorrow, please take a taxi and come here once you're done. We'll talk about
this." He gives her money for a taxi.
"Okay." She doesn't know if she's relieved or not. He didn't say anything solid
about the baby. She's been really scared he'll deny the baby because of how they
created this baby. Any guy would be suspicious but not him.
He points at the door, "I will walk you out, he's already here." He doesn't keep
his eyes away from her. He doesn't even know how to see the difference -
something that shows she's actually pregnant. She looks normal except for her
beautiful pimple less face.
A baby? Is he ready for this? He's scared.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 14

She turns to Shintsha as his brother approaches the house where she asks him to
stop the car.

"Should I come tomorrow morning?" She asks. "And if yes, what time should I
come?"
He can see she's sad, "anytime when you're done with everything you're doing. I
am not going to work."
"Okay, thank you."
He holds her hand tightly, "don't be stressed, you're pregnant." He says what he
always hears the Doctors say on TV.
Gcina looks at his brother, shocked after he's said these words to Sbahle.
She nods, "I will try not to. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
She turns to Gcina, "thank you for the lift. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, mfazi kabafo!"

She internally rolls her eyes. Do men think these lines should make them
believe they're really their brothers’ only women? She's not even in a
relationship with his brother but he's already calling her his wife.

"And then? Pregnancy?" Gcina drives away after Sbahle has disappeared into
her father's yard. He looks at his brother.
He huffs stressed, "I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. She told me
she's pregnant and I didn't expect that because I thought she was preventing it.
And also, we're not officially in a relationship."
"Why not? She's beautiful and Nelly is not even closer to you. She's very far.
You always know when she's coming back."
He rubs his eyes softly, "she's the girl I really loved years ago but she had a rich
boyfriend." He reminds his brother about Sbahle. He'd told him about liking
Sbahle at that time, Gcina told him to go for her.

"Oh, so you're still angry because she was with someone out of your league. It's
better if you just sleep with her?" He confirms.
He realises he doesn't want to talk about this. He's still not happy about what
happened years ago. That embarrassment, he'll never forget. "Is that something
you can forget? Still, I am not rich so I can't get over it."
"That's bullshit, you'll lose a good woman trying to hold on to that useless
embarrassment." He can't believe his brother.
He looks at her, "how do you know she's a good woman?"
"I know a good woman when I see one. Have I ever dated a woman who's not a
good woman?" He asks and Shintsha doesn't answer him because he knows his
brother has never dated a horrible woman. He's lucky when it comes to
choosing women. "You need to be honest with Nelly about what you've done
and that way, she'll have a choice whether she stays in this relationship even
after what you've done or she leaves. And also, be transparent with Sbahle. She
must know you have a girlfriend. If you're honest, you'll avoid problems."
He keeps quiet, he'd planned on hiding the truth but his brother is right. Lying
will bring him more problems and stress. "You're right. I will talk to her when
she comes back tomorrow." He says and is attacked by nervousness. His
girlfriend, how's she going to take all this?

"Where are you coming from Sbahle?"

She's shocked by her father moving to the edge of the couch quickly as soon as
she walks into the house. He's been clearly waiting for her. And he looks angry.
She remains by the door and looks at the hallway leading to the kitchen and
their bedrooms. In the living room, her father is with her two brothers only.
They're watching soccer.
"I was at a friend's house but I didn't want to explain too much because you
wouldn't have understood." She explains herself standing by the door. She's
ready to run should things go south. She's ready for anything.

He stands on his feet, "understood? You went to your boyfriend, didn't you?"
If she's not pregnant, she would have denied that she was with her boyfriend.
But what's the use of denying it if she's already pregnant? She doesn't answer
him and not answering him should be an answer.
She screams and runs out of the house as her father tries to make a move. She
quickly takes the corner and she carefully opens the backdoor as her father is
busy shouting, talking about how she loves men like her mother. She'll
embarrass him one day.
She quietly slips into her bedroom and locks the bedroom with a sigh.
She hides herself under the bed sheets. It's better to sleep than stress about her
father.

"Sbahle!"
She shoots her eyes open at the sharp knock at the door. She was already
sleeping. "Baba?" She calls out.
"Oh!" He exclaims and walks away.

He probably thought she ran to her boyfriend.

In the morning, right after she's done cleaning and cooking supper - cooking it
in the morning. She doesn't want to make the mistake of coming back late and
having not cooked dinner. It'll be a problem.

Sbahle takes a taxi to Mandlazini. She's quite nervous, last night she didn't think
she'd be able to sleep but luckily she fell asleep after her father disturbed her
sleep. If she had the power, she would have run away from her father. She's put
herself in a tight situation.

She keeps smiling at the tenants as they pass her at the gate with their cars. She
closes the gate and heads to Shintsha's room.
He removes the blankets from his body and takes counted steps to the door.
There she is - innocently dressed in a butterfly print off the shoulder dress. If
that boyfriend of hers never came that day, would they have had a chance?
Where would they be now?

His eyes look down at her belly and there's no belly, still her flat stomach.

"Come in," Shintsha steps aside and invites her inside the room. "Aw, it's still
early in the morning. Are you going to sit on that couch until you leave?"
"We need to talk, Shintsha."
He opens up the blankets and gets back in the blankets. "Can't we talk in bed?
There's my t-shirt, wear it and hang your dress."
"I don't want to have sex. After what happened to me, I hate sex. We can talk
while I am seated on the couch."
She's joking, she'll loosen up sooner. "Okay, you can sit there then."

She needs to be closer to him when she talks about this. Why is she playing
hard to get? She takes the black t-shirt and puts it on her body after taking off
her dress.
He opens up the blankets for her and she gets in bed. He's grateful that he woke
up in time before she arrived, opened the windows and brushed his teeth.

"So, how did you find out we'll have a baby?" He starts the conversation, they're
facing each other in bed.
She looks at his chest and narrates how she found out she's pregnant. "I am
really stressed, already my future - it's, I, it's just - I don't even know what to say
about it."
"Why are you not studying? Did you fail?"
"No, but my father said he doesn't have money to take me to varsity. I am very
stressed by this." She wipes the tears, she's brought unnecessary stress in her
life. "It's okay, I don't regret the sex but I regret doing it unprotected. I should
have been smart and know that already, my parents don't care about my future.
Now, here I am."
Life is not easy at all and it seems her life is also not easy. "Sbahle, I am the
father of the baby and as the father of the baby I will be responsible. You don't
have to stress."
"You can't tell me not to stress? I am the least favourite child of my father. I
bring no money in the house and my mother doesn't even help him financially in
looking after me. He long told me I'll be homeless if I get pregnant. So, how can
I not stress?" She asked with her eyes locked with his.

He fails to hold the sadness in her eyes. How can he make things easier for her?
"I understand your stress. But I am here, my mother can take the baby once it's
born and that way, your father won't have an extra mouth to feed."
"You think it'll be that easy? And I am not telling you I want to give up my
baby and stay at home doing nothing all day."
So, she wants to raise the baby? "Do you want to raise the baby? I thought
you're stressed and don't want the baby."
"How can I carry a child and not want it? I am stressed about being homeless
and if you'll not change when the baby is born, run away from your
responsibility." She shares her honest feelings. "I want to mother this child, I
want to love her and do my best. I never got to experience my mother's love. If I
become a mother I don't want to be like her."

Underneath the covers, he holds her hand, "I will talk to my mother and hear if
she'll support my suggestion. Don't tell your father that you're pregnant, we'll
come to him to tell him that I have made you pregnant. We won't come empty
handed. We'll come bringing inhlawulo along with us, his anger will not be the
same if we do it like that."
"You'd really do that?" She tightens her grip on his hand.
He's not even sure if this child is really his but he has to play by the book.
Should he pay inhlawulo and the child turns out not to be his, the real father will
have to repay him. They had sex, there's a great possibility it's his.

"Yes, you're the mother of my child, still carrying the child, I should ensure
both of you are safe."
Super relieved, she hugs him, snuggling her body in his heated body. "Thank
you. I trust you. You'll not disappoint us."
"I won't. You and I didn't get an opportunity to be in a relationship. I really
wanted to be with you, have you as my girlfriend but with that boyfriend you
had, I didn't get a chance." Shintsha says to Sbahle and she's no longer looking
at him. "I went on with my life and at the moment, I have a girlfriend. She
doesn't live close by. She's studying in Gauteng. I am telling you so you can
know, I am putting my cards on the table."
Her heart feels like there are a hundred needles piercing through his heart. But
what did she expect? That he's single and available?
She folds her lips and says, "Its okay, I understand. Just because I am single it
doesn't mean everyone is single." She laughs uncomfortably. She's hurt.

"Being in a relationship doesn't mean I won't look after the baby. I will tell my
girlfriend about the baby but I won't tell her who the mother is. Women can be
vile when they're hurt. I don't know how she'll react. Are you okay with that?"
He doesn't know why she looks sad. Is it because he's in a relationship?
She laughs, "Yes, I know. Can we get some sleep? I woke up really early."
He puts his hand on her flat tummy, "are you not hungry? The baby must be
hungry."
"It's not a baby yet."
"As long as it's in your womb, it's a baby. What do you like eating the most?"
She shrugs, "should I like something?"
"My friend used to say his wife has different cravings. And he always had to
buy."
She smiles, "no, I crave nothing. The baby should understand the situation. I
can't afford cravings."
"The baby has a father," he says laughingly, "You have a father my baby, tell
your mother that you have a father."
She frowns at him, "Shintsha, the baby can't hear you. Come on!"
"What? My friend used to tell me the baby can hear him. His Doctor said they
should talk to the baby so the baby can be familiar with their voices. He bought
books for the baby and read books while his baby was still in his mother's belly.
I should ask for some books and read to my baby too." He smiles alone.

His smile gives her a comforting feeling. He'll love this baby and that's all she
wants. "I am sure the baby can hear you from a certain month, not now. Ask
your friend for correct information."
"I will ask him but once you're four months, we'll go to the Doctor, not the
clinic."
Sbahle looks at him as he goes on and on about his baby and things he learned
from his friend about babies. She ends up falling asleep while he's talking.
He covers her body up to her shoulder, "I really hope that this baby is mine. I
don't know but I already feel happy about it." He says and kisses her cheek. He
rests next to her.

*****
The moment of truth has finally arrived. He finally has to tell his mother the
truth before Busiswa and the children come home.
He puts the tea cup next to his mother. She's seated on the straw mat inside the
kitchen waiting for her son's tea. Gama sits on the chair closer to his mother.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" MaGwala asks her son.
He rubs the back of his neck, "yes, there's important information you need to
know about my life in Gauteng."
"What? Are you sleeping with men? I know men leave the village and come
back and tell us they love other men."
Sighs! Did she really have to be that deep? What made her think of that?
"No, don't be quiet. I am asking because you never spoke about a wife or
girlfriend since you came back. I didn't even overhear you talking to a girl on
the phone." This is the time he tells her about this girl. She can feel it.
He clears his throat, "well, actually mama, I do have a wife that I married
legally, we have three children together and expecting another one. It's all girls.
I also have a son with another woman."

A legal wife and children? Okay, that's not surprising. He's been gone for too
long. How can he not have children? "Who's this wife?"
"Are you not angry?"
"No, you're a man and you have feelings. You're young, I understand. I also
understand you were not home when all that happened. I believe you didn't even
pay ilobolo."
He looks on the grey tiled floor, "no, I have paid ilobolo but I wish to see it if
you can accept us and our children. We'll have a traditional wedding and
everything will be complete."
"Who's this woman?"
"It's Busiswa Buthelezi, mama MaZuma's daughter. MaZuma, your friend."

Busiswa? The same Busiswa who's been coming back and forth from the village
to Gauteng, bringing groceries and rebuilding her home. She's married to her
son? "No my son, you're wrong. It can't be her!"
He takes out his phone and shows her the pictures that prove that they're
together. And unexpectedly, his mother wails - she wails as if someone has
died.

"Mama, please!" He jumps from his seat and holds his wailing mother.
"Baze bangibulala!" (They have killed me) she can't get the picture off her
mind, her friend's daughter working hard for years but she's not? Why does life
hate her so much?
MaZuma and the two other ladies come running after hearing a wail from
Gwala.
"What's wrong?"
And when her friend walks into her kitchen, all that she sees is a snake. A snake
who's her friend - a friend for years. All along she's been fooling her with her
daughter?

"What do you want in my house? All these years, you and your daughter are
taking my son's sweat and keeping it for yourselves. You're evil!" MaGwala
howls anger at her friend as soon as she sees her walk in. She's no longer seated
but she's screaming and shouting, she's on her knees now.

MaZuma looks at other ladies shocked, "what's wrong now?" She asks and
doesn't get answers. She's shocked by her friend's behaviour.
Gama looks at MaZuma, "please, leave so she can be able to think. She's not
herself now. Please, mama."
The other ladies walk out, "what's wrong?"
"I don't want to ever see you in my yard. Go! How can you be so cruel?" She
drops her body on the straw mat and she deeply wails the pain she's feeling.
Gama is forced to push his mother-in-law out. He begs her to go home and the
two women had left because of fear.

"We'll talk about it when mama is fine."

"Tell me!" She says with tear glistening eyes. The way her friend was looking at
her. She couldn't understand why she's looking at her like that. What did she
do?
"I told her that Busiswa is my wife. We have children together and have been
living together."
What? She hits Gama's chest, "stop lying. My daughter is working in Gauteng."
"No, she's not. She's a housewife and I am the only one working to provide for
the family." He responds and shows her pictures like he did with his mother and
he screams as MaZuma faints. What? Gama's head buzzes. What should he do
now?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 15

She rubs her fingers before knocking on her older sister's door. She practises
what she'll say to her and she gets more nervous.

"I can do this! I can!" She gives herself courage and she knocks on the door.
"Come in!"
She opens the door and finds her sister on her feet before her wardrobe.
"Sbahle? What do you need? I am searching for something I will wear
tomorrow. Please, iron it for me."
"Okay, I will. I want to talk to you about something. It's important."
Thembi takes out her outfit and hangs it on the handle of the wardrobe. "Alright,
let's talk now." She sits on the bed with her sister. "Has dad gone to bed?"
"Yes, he has left. I locked the doors."
She nods, "talk then."

She takes a deep breath, she feels like there's no fresh air going into her lungs.
It's like the world has turned on her. She's about to be crucified. How's she
going to live after this? Is she still going to be treated right or things will
change?

"Firstly, I am sorry about what I am about to tell you right now. I was very
careless and found myself in trouble." Sbahle introduces the matter. She knows
her sister will be angry.
"What have you done?"
"I am pregnant!" There's no other way to say this than being straightforward.
Her heart sinks, the plans she has for Sbahle! The conversations she's busy with
to help her do something with her future. "Sbahle, why?"
"I am really sorry, sisi. I thought I did enough to prevent pregnancy but it didn't
work."

Thembi doesn't even have the energy to shout. She's been proud of her for
having so much time in her hands but she doesn't use it wrongly, she finished
school without having a baby and even after school, she still didn't have a baby.
And now, this!

"What did you do?"

"Ntandoni told me to use coke and disprin."
She slaps her shoulder, "coke and disprin! Don't you know there are clinics that
provide morning after pills if you can't afford it?"
"I needed something that was going to work fast. I didn't know it'll not work."
Thembi curses, "yazi, Sbahle, you've disappointed me so much. I was talking to
my boss the day before yesterday, I was asking him to squeeze you in, in the
learnership they'll have this year. I thought I'll surprise you so you can have
something to do this year."
"I can still work," she says with a shaky voice.

Why does life hate her so much? Doesn't she deserve good things in life? She
would have loved to work too.
She shakes her head, "they don't take pregnant women because the working
conditions are not suitable." She huffs as her sister cries. "Stop crying."
"It's painful!"
She pulls her for a hug, "stop crying, you can't have regrets. You know what
you were doing."

Her sister's words make it worse. How can she say something like this? It makes
her feel worse. Yes, she knew what she was doing but does she have to say it?

"Dad will kick me out, sisi. I am scared."

"No, he'll not but he'll be angry."
"I know he will, dad doesn't love me like he loves all of you guys."
"Ayi, that's not true. He loves you."

She doesn't argue with her about it. She'll not agree with her, that's obvious.

"Who's the father of the baby?"

Sbahle tells her sister the truth about Shintsha. She doesn't hide the nature of
their relationship to her. "He spoke to his mother and she said they'll come to
dad, I must tell him and ask for a suitable date."

She's relieved that he already has everything under control. He'll be responsible
for the baby and she's sure of that. "I will talk to dad and ask when he'll be free.
I won't tell him anything, he'll hear from them."
"Thank you."
"Don't you want your mother to be present?"
She shakes her head, "no, I don't."
"Okay, do you like Shintsha?"
She laughs, "I liked him even way back when he was approaching me but he
stopped asking me out because of Dennis. And now, I am not sure, maybe I like
him because I am pregnant."
Thembi laughs, "don't be silly!"
"I am serious."
"What are your cravings? Do you have any morning sicknesses?"
She shakes her head, "no, for now everything is normal and there's no over the
top cravings. I have only noted that I truly enjoy food compared to when I
wasn't pregnant."
"I hope you're having a girl."
She laughs, "No, I want a boy, someone who'll protect me." She giggles.
"Aybo, Shintsha will protect you." She says and they laugh. The two sisters
spend more time talking, Sbahle ends up not going to iron her sister's clothes as
they both fall asleep in her bed while talking.

*****
MaGwala walks out of her hut after hearing her son scream and she realises
MaZuma has fainted. And she takes this as acting.

"Where are you going with her?"

He looks back at his mother and rushes forward, "I am taking her to the
hospital. She fainted."
She runs after her son, "you'll do no such thing! Let her be, she's a witch who
knew her daughter was living with you and didn't say anything to me for all
these years."
He puts her in his car at the backseat, "no, mama she didn't know. She was
shocked as you were when I told her." Gama closes the door and rushes to the
driver's seat, "she's the grandmother of my daughters I can't ignore her and not
attend to her health."
"I am your mother Gama. MaZuma kept you from me with her daughter and she
pretended like she knew nothing about it. Listen to me! Do you know the pain I
endured all those years not knowing where my son is?"
"I am sorry mama but I have to take her to the clinic." He doesn't want to make
her upset but he has to drive MaZuma to the hospital.

All the way, he's praying. What can he say to Busiswa if something happens to
her mother?

From the clinic, MaZuma was sent to the hospital because of her high BP. They
tried to help her gain consciousness and stabilise her BP but nothing worked.
Gama asked them to call an ambulance for her.
He took her to a private hospital so she could get the best care. Busiswa would
go mad should something happen to her.
He huffs before taking his mother's call, "mama? I am at the hospital."
"Gama, come back home! Do you want that woman to use muthi on you so
you'll never come back home again?" MaGwala screams on the line. She's
devastated and stressed.
"Nobody used muthi on me, mama. I am here because I can't just let her die."
"Come back home!"
"I will come back once I am sure that she's fine." He keeps quiet as his mother
wails. Why is she so dramatic? It's like MaZuma killed him. And why is she
unkind?

He ends the call as he realises she is no longer talking but crying. He follows
the nurse as she asks him to follow her.

"How's she?"
She smiles at him, "she's stable and can gain consciousness anytime from now. I
don't know if you'd like to be with her when that happens?"
He nods, "yes, I wish to be with her."

She points at the chair and Gama sits down, his mother-in-law is laying on the
hospital bed unconscious. Oh, the old woman was very shocked and her body
failed her. He doesn't blame any of these women. They were fooled by their
children and that's unimaginable pain.

"MaButhelezi? Please, tell me you're on your way home as I have requested."

Gama is lucky to find Busiswa this time. He's been trying to call her and not
find her on the phone.
She asks cheekily, "did you give me a choice, Luthuli? You hurt me and boss
me around."
When did he hurt her? Is she still talking about not calling her? "Can we move
on from that? I need you here right now."
"I am in Durban now."
He sighs, "That’s better, your mother is in the hospital. She fainted after I told
her about our relationship and please, don't panic it's -"
"Awumtshele lowo ukuthi ngimdinga ekhaya!" (Tell her I need her home!)

MaZuma wakes up and she's waking up to Gama talking to her daughter.

He smiles at her, unsure about the reaction he'll get and he surely doesn't get not
even a fake smile. "Did you hear that?"
"Yes, why did you tell my mother the truth without involving me?" Busiswa
raises her voice at her husband. She's relieved to hear her voice even though she
sounds angry.
"It's complicated, come home!" He ends the call and focuses on MaZuma. "How
are you feeling mama?"

She's ashamed, how's she supposed to face her friend after this? MaGwala
believes she has a hand in all this, her daughter dating her son in secret and she
doesn't blame her. How did all this miss her? It looks really bad on her but also -
she doesn't trust her as a friend. It's painful. Why are these children bringing
them so much pain?

"How am I feeling? How should I feel, huh? How can you be with Busiswa for
so long and say nothing to us, huh?" She yells and Gama holds her, to keep her
calm.
"Please calm down mama. I am really sorry for everything but we didn't mean
to hurt you."

Do you know what this means? This means her daughter used muthi on Gama
to keep him away from his mother and she's hurt, deeply hurt. How can Busiswa
do such a horrible thing?

"Can you see that this will ruin my friendship with your mother?" She asks.

He looks down in shame, "yes, I can see but I will try and talk to her."
She shakes her head and cries, she knows this won't be easily fixed. She
introduced MaGwala to using muthi to make things happen and this means,
she'll never believe that she didn't know her daughter was keeping Gama to
herself.

On his way out of the hospital, Gama meets up with his two brothers on the exit.
He's surprised to see them. Shintsha also came.

"Luthuli!" He greets and avoids eye contact with Shintsha. He's so ashamed,
why was he so foolish? To think his younger brother is jealous of him and
would want to kill him?
They stand aside. "Bhuti, mom called and told us you're here with MaZuma."

His mother called again and asked where he was. She was very angry when she
heard that he had put MaZuma at a private facility. Gama had to end the call
because she kept screaming and screaming at him.

"Yes, she fainted after hearing the news about my marriage to Busiswa."
It's really true. When their mother called, they were together and they didn't
believe what she was saying because she was screaming and crying, calling
MaZuma a witch. It's true, their brother has been with Busiswa all along. What
a painful thing this woman has done to both these mothers.

"How's mama, MaZuma now?" Shintsha asks his brother, he's also wondering
why he can’t look him in the eye.
He huffs, "she's awake and well but she's not well spiritually. She's
heartbroken."
"Busiswa fed you muthi, it can't be!" Gcina screams and Shintsha quickly pokes
him by his elbow. How can he say this to him?
Gama denies it, "no, she didn't but it's the witchdoctor that fooled me," he looks
at Shintsha, "Mandlanduna, I am really sorry for accusing you of such a horrible
thing. Please forgive me. My only wish is for all of us to get along. I have
missed a lot of things in your lives that includes our sister."

How can he hold a grudge for him? He wasn't himself when he said all those
things. Shintsha hugs his brother, "I am grateful bafo. We're happy to have you
back." He smiles and closes his eyes. They're complete now as children of
MaGwala and Luthuli. And there must be nothing that will separate them from
each other, absolutely nothing!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 16

The two Luthuli brothers park their cars at the parking lot of a Shisanyama.
After leaving the hospital, they decided not to go home but to go out together
and catch up.

After paying for the meat and pap, they sit down with their drinks.
They sit in silence and nobody is talking, Shintsha huffs. There's a lot going on.

"Busiswa?" Gcina starts the conversation.

Gama opens the bottle of beer, "yeah, Busiswa and I started dating way before I
went to Gauteng. We ensured our relationship is not known because we were
scared how they'll receive our relationship."
"They wouldn't have had a problem. They're friends, it would have meant their
friendship is continuing in you. Look, even her father and our father, they were
friends," Shintsha says.
Gama rubs his eyes, "we didn't see it that way. I asked her to come to Gauteng
and we lived together. Her mother was under the impression that she's looking
for work. She got pregnant, we got married and had more children. I allowed
her to go back home regularly but I didn't go back because we were scared of
what the traditional healer told us."
Shintsha and Gcina look at each other. "Who took you to the traditional healer?
Did you go alone?" Shintsha asks.
"Busiswa took me there."

Everything becomes clear to the two younger brothers. Their mother was right,
Busiswa fed their brother a strong muthi. How can she be so vile? Every time
she came back, wasn't she touched? Touched by how her supposedly mother-in-
law was struggling?

"I don't want to lie, Busiswa was wrong. If her intentions were good she was
supposed to ensure that she solves this problem so you'll not be separated from
your family," Shintsha says honestly to his brother.
But Gama doesn't receive his honesty well. He defends Busiswa, "no, she did
what I said must be done. She listened to me as her husband and there's nothing
wrong with that."
Gcina holds his brother's hand under the table as he can see he wants to argue.
There's no need to argue with him.

"I am hoping mama will accept her because I love her. We have children
together and we should continue being family. I want to marry her fully,
traditionally." Gama voices out his hopes and dreams about his life with
Busiswa.
Gcina responds, "You’ll need to be patient with her because at the moment she's
hurt and angry. No mother will openly accept what your wife did. A wife should
bring the family together and not separate them."
"Yes, Gcina is right."
"I will be patient." He says and looks at them both, "what's happening in your
lives? Wives? Children? Money?"
"I am focusing on money for now." Gcina responds and they laugh.

Shintsha waits until the meat is placed on their table. Gama cuts the meat, "I am
going to be a father with a girl who's not my girlfriend," he explains everything
to Gama about the nature of their relationship. "I am really stressed because
she's scared that her father will chase her out. What can I do if he can chase her
out?"
"Don't worry, we'll stick to the original plan, go to her father with the cattle. It'll
bring the anger down and if he chases her out you'll have to marry her," Gama
concludes.
He widens his eyes at him and the meat almost makes him choke, "can you hear
yourself? I will marry her?"
"Yes, wasn't that your dream since you were still a boy?"
"Yes, but not now. I have Nelly and I don't even know what kind of life she's
living now. She started dating rich men long ago and I am not rich, I won't be
able to meet her standards. I can't." Shintsha argues, he's suddenly angry and
doesn't like this idea of being forced to get married because of a child. Sbahle
didn't see him as worthy back then and how can she see him as worthy now?

"So, you'd prefer she has no home because you have Nelly? Do you know what
Nelly is doing now since you're so confident about Nelly?" Gama shouts at him
and he doesn't get an answer from Shintsha. "You have to think things through."
"Let him think after we've returned from her father's house. We don't know
what her father will say to us." Gcina tries to calm the situation as he can see
they're both angry and he understands both their anger.
He nods, "you're right, we'll talk after speaking to her father," Gama looks at his
brother, "I think from now until the baby is born you should save money for the
baby and do things that concern you and the baby. Don't stress about mom and
groceries, we'll take care of that."
"No, I can manage."

Gcina puts his hand on his shoulder, "our brother is right, babies are expensive
and you should prepare. Sbahle will also demand attention and money during
the entire pregnancy."
They're right, he doesn't need to be proud and pretend as if he has everything
under control. He doesn't have everything under control.

"Thank you so much, that will really help me."

Gcina takes his phone as it rings. "It's mama." He reports back to his brothers
before answering the phone. "Mama?"
"Aybo, where are you now? Are you still looking at MaZuma at the hospital?"
Why is she shouting? "No, we decided to go buy some drinks and spend time
together. We'll come back home."
"Oh, it's already late, please don't take long to come back home."
"Yes, mama." He puts down the phone and tells his brothers what their mother
is saying.

They finish up their meat and drinks, and pack a takeaway for their mother and
sister. And they leave - heading straight home.

*****
Her hands are shaking as her car drives through the gates of her home. This is
her first time driving her car home, Gama bought it for her years back but
whenever she went home she took a bus. She's been living a double life with no
regrets and now, she has to face everyone, face the truth. She's more scared of
Gama's mother. How's she going to react to her being her daughter-in-law? Is
she going to accept her?

She parks the car under the tree. There's nobody in the yard, she steps out of the
car. And her brother's sons come out of the house, they run up to her.
The children greet her happily and she hugs them, seeing them brings down her
anxiety.

"When did you buy a car, aunty?" The boy asks, checking out her aunt's
beautiful car.
She smiles at her, "I bought it last week." She opens the backseat, "Thabi, come
out and help your sister out."

Busiswa unbuckles her baby Snothando out of her baby car seat. "We're here to
visit your grandmother, have you forgotten?" She reminds her children and they
are suddenly happy. They've been looking forward to meeting both their
grandmothers.

The boys carry the plastic bags and they head to the main house. Her siblings
are gathered around the living room having meat.
Her sisters laugh as she walks into the house pregnant and with three children.
What a shocker! When their mother told them how she's been living, they
couldn't believe it.

"Where's mama? Gama told me she was discharged two days back." She asks
her youngest sister and ignores the ones who are laughing. There's nothing
funny.
"She's in her bedroom, come here babies!" She smiles happily at the children.
And they all head to her, she's welcoming.

Busiswa leaves her siblings and heads to her mother's bedroom.

She opens the door after being told to come into her mother's bedroom.

"Sawubona, mama." She greets her mother and sits on the chair next to her
mother's bed.

MaZuma closely looks at her daughter. How can she be so cruel? It's really
unbelievable, she was boasting about this child all these years. "Umithi!"
(You're pregnant!) She clicks her tongue and curses, looking at her child but
Busiswa doesn't respond. "Do you really love Gama?"
"Yes, I love him."
"You love him, you love him!" She screams at her with eyes popped, "What do
you mean you love him? Is this what you do to a man you love? You keep him
away from his mother and siblings? His poor mother?"
"What was I supposed to do? His mother was always making demands and I
ended up coming last when it comes to his finances. I didn't mean -" she's kept
shut by her mother's sharp slap and this slap makes Busiswa scream, bringing
her older brother into the room. She's holding her cheek.

"Mama, what's happening?" He asks.

MaZuma points at Busiswa with tears streaming down her cheeks, "your sister
will kill me, she'll kill me. Do you understand the damage she caused?"
"I understand but she's pregnant, please think about the baby mama."

She doesn't stop crying, "What did I do wrong? You're here wearing a ring that
you haven't been wearing all these years. Are you married?"
Shamefully, she responds, "yes, we got married years ago."

MaZuma screams louder, her friendship with MaGwala will never survive this.

"Did you ever find work, Busiswa? Or all this money you've been giving me it's
Gama's money?"
"I never worked but he was giving me money as his wife. I brought it home."
She responds and she's protected by her brother's arm as her mother attempts to
slap her again. She doesn't look like someone who's sorry.

"Busiswa!" Her brother screams at her, "What kind of response is this? Can't
you show remorse, huh?"
"You have no shame!" MaZuma yells.
She looks down, "I am sorry."
"I don't even know what I am going to say to MaGwala. I am so ashamed." She
points at the door. "Leave my sight!" She growls.
And she stands up, "I am really sorry, mama but I love Gama and I will ask for
forgiveness from his mother." She walks out of the room.

Okay, maybe she was really cruel. She should have made sure he sends money
to his mother even if it's little money.

*****
The joy he has, his children are finally going to meet their grandmother. They're
going to set their feet on the lands he grew up in. It's everlasting joy. But - he's
not sure if his mother will welcome his children with open arms. She's still
angry.

"Come Snothando, we're here to meet your grandmother." He lifts his daughter
up.

He called their mother and asked her to fix them up for him. And he went to her
to fetch them. He didn't tell his mother he'll be bringing the children home.

"Another grandmother!" Snothando asks in happiness.

Gama kisses her cheek and pushes the two daughters forward, "yes, another
grandmother. Your father's mother."
"I am happy baba." The first born says and his second born only smiles at her
father.

MaGwala walks out of the kitchen with a basin of dishes and she stops on her
track. Such beautiful faces, these are her granddaughters. Her blood. She puts
the basin down as the children run up to her laughing. This brings happiness in
her heart.

As old as she is, she goes down on her knees with a big smile, "naba abazukulu
bami!" (Here are my granddaughters) she hugs all of them into her motherly
arms, and the children feel her love and warmth.
"Sanibonani!" MaGwala greets the children.
And they greet happily, "yebo, gogo!" All three of them - their voices come out
and this shocks Gama the most.

He stands rooted in one place, looking at his children disappearing inside the
kitchen with his mother. What comes next is happiness, deep inside his heart.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 17

It's Sunday, early in the morning, they're all inside Gama's car. Shintsha is in the
driver's seat, driving. They're almost there - approaching Sbahle's home.
How's her father going to receive them? He's been praying to God, hoping
everything will go smoothly. He has to have no stress about this child but wait
for the day she/he'll be born.

The car is parked under the tree at the corner of Mazibuko home.

He looks at his brothers, "I trust you with my life. Please, do everything in your
power to ensure you calm her father down."
"Don't stress." Gama says and step out of the car. Gcina follows him, they leave
Shintsha alone in the car. Their mother advised them that it'll be better if they're
the ones going to her father because she was raised by her father. It's unlike a
girl who has a mother present and her father is also not married, it should be
them who talk to him.

They're nervous themselves, this is not something small. It's serious.

They're welcomed into the Mazibuko premises. Mazibuko is not as intimidating
as they thought he is. He might surprise them, Gama has confidence as he looks
at this light skinned man with soft facial features.

"How can we help you, boys?" Mazibuko asks, looking at the two boys in his
house. His eldest daughter didn't explain anything to him but she told him he'll
have visitors.

Gama brushes his hands together, "we're boys from Luthuli family back in the
village at the outskirts of Ngwelezane Township."
"Oh, what brings you to my house?" Mazibuko asks, he's in the living room
with his two sons. He didn't want to listen to these visitors alone.
"Sizelapha ukuzobhula umlimo, sesuke kwenzeka umonakalo," Gama calculates
his words and he's not even sure if he's putting or saying everything correctly as
his mother told them. What did his mother say exactly?
"What damage?" Mazibuko enquiries.
Okay, these questions are intimidating. "Our brother, Shintsha Luthuli, saw a
beautiful flower in your garden. Your younger daughter, Sbahle. He laid his
heart before her and she accepted his heart. But my brother jumped to the end,
did something he shouldn't have done and now, we're here to cry to you baba
Mazibuko. We're here to ask for forgiveness for such an unspeakable act that
our brother has done to your daughter while she's still in your yard, called by
your surname."
He's totally defeated. Sbahle? He'll kill that girl. What did he do wrong to the
universe to deserve a child like Sbahle? The colour of his skin changes and
without saying a word to the Luthuli boys, he stands up and leaves them.

Sbahle's brothers who are left with the Luthuli brothers asks, "What did you say
to my father? Your talk is not straightforward." Luthando asks for clarity. They
both don't understand what he meant by everything that he said.
Gcina chuckles, "your father understood what he said. Don't worry." He
responds and his response angers Sbahle's brothers. Luthando stands up and
follows his father.

"Thembi! Sbahle! Nondumiso!" Mazibuko is barking his daughters' names in

the yard. Is Sbahle trying to humiliate him? No, she's already humiliated him.
How could she do such a disgraceful thing?

Thembi appears at the corner of the house, "baba, what's wrong?"

"Where's your younger sister? You knew she's pregnant and you rushed to tell
her boyfriend's brothers to come here!" He shouts, pointing at Thembi. This
shocks Luthando who didn't understand a thing said back in the house.
She looks down, "she told me but it was her boyfriend's idea to come to you
with inhlawulo to show how sorry he is."
He slightly calms down, "where's Sbahle?"
"Baba, you're angry now. Please talk to her once you're calm."

Mazibuko points back at the house and they head back inside with his son.
He sits back down, "where's your brother? I want to talk to him directly. Come
back here once you're with him."
Gama moves to the edge of the couch, "he's here with us but we left him in the
car."
"Go and call him," he instructs Gcina, it's clear he's younger. He stands up and
heads out to call Shintsha. Gama is left with an angry Mazibuko who's asking
them about their parents and their family at large. He tells him everything he
needs to know about the family.

He didn't think Mazibuko would want to see him. He thought he'll conclude
everything with his brothers and they'll go back home. What's he going to say to
him?

Inside the house, Shintsha expected to be welcomed by a punch or a slap but

he's shown a seat next to his brother. Yes, Mazibuko's eye is not friendly but it's
bearable.
He takes his time staring at him after he has greeted everyone in the room. "Are
you going to be able to look after this baby?"
"Yes, I will."
He nods, he looks decent but he doesn't want to sound wrong by asking what he
does to make a living. "What do you have in your hands?" He asks.
"A cow and a goat, we don't know if it's enough or not." Gama responds.
He holds his chin, "a cow and goat? I believe that's for me only, for the baby I
mean."

Gama looks at Shintsha not understanding his statement and Shintsha shrugs.

"Yes, is it not enough? I think we can accept if you want more," he says
knowing he'll have to take from his pocket should he want more. All he wants is
for things to be done right, "my brother had a wish to also come back once the
baby is born, talk about paying for the baby so the baby will use our surname."
"That won't be necessary if he's planning on marrying Sbahle right? You're here
with inhlawulo only. Are you not officially asking to date my daughter? I am
the one who's supposed to give you that permission and that permission is by
me accepting your cattle." Mazibuko lays out the matter to Shintsha and his
brothers and he can see they're shocked. "Why are you shocked? Were you
planning on paying only for your child and pay nothing for my daughter. Who'll
want her now since you've made her pregnant?"
What the fuck? "I thought that will come at a later stage of our relationship."
Shintsha raises his view but he's dying inside. He can't, in any way tell him
they're not in a relationship with Sbahle. That's humiliating and this woman will
be the mother of his child, he can't humiliate her before her father. He'll judge
her.
Mazibuko chuckles, "at a later stage? Wasn't pregnancy supposed to come at a
later stage of your relationship? Wasn't pregnancy supposed to come after
marriage?"
He looks down, "it was."
"Angiyamukeli lenhlawulo uma kungekho nkomo yokucela uSbahle. (I am not
accepting your damages if you are not bringing a cow asking for permission to
date my daughter.) Mazibuko states clearly, backing Shintsha in a tight corner.

"It should be straight that Sbahle is a girl who got pregnant out of wedlock and
her child will be called by my surname or you pay for your child and pay for
his/her mother. That way, your child will use your surname."
He can't breathe. What should he do? "How many cattle for my child's mother?"
"Normally, one cow is requested but I want three cattle. Three is fine because
when you come back, we'll count from that two."

Huh? That's like he's already paying ilobolo. Why is he trapping him like this?
But - it doesn't matter, he was going to pay these cattle so his child can use his
surname. He was going to pay six, so the three will be enough for now. "When
can we bring these cattle?" Shintsha asks, accepting.
And already, Mazibuko loves Shintsha and his bravery. "Because it's Sunday
today, let me give you the whole week to get your things in order. Bring them
on Sunday." He says and calls the cattle by name, gender and colour.
They note everything. "We'll bring them next week Sunday." Shintsha promises
and Mazibuko frees them to go, telling them they'll get water to drink once
they've kept their promise. They thank him and leave.

He's grateful they didn't fight. But did he have to force him to pay for Sbahle?
He looks around the yard and he doesn't see her.
Gcina opens the gate and they walk out, once they're outside the gates -
Shintsha curses. He's angry. Why did Mazibuko make such demands? Why?

"Three cows? He's making me pay ilobolo for his daughter."

"Yes, he'll make you pay because you started with something you were
supposed to end with." Gama steps inside the car, taking the driver's seat
because Shintsha is angry.
"Don't you like his daughter?" Gcina asks, confused by so much anger from his
brother.
"I have Nelly," he doesn't answer straightforwardly but he rests his forehead on
his palm. He tries to calm down but his phone rings - Sbahle is calling. He
doesn't answer the call.

When she calls for the fourth time, Gcina fails to hold himself, "answer her."
He takes the phone, "ya!"
"Shintsha, why did you accept my father's demand? We're not in a relationship.
How can you pay cattle for ukungicela?" Sbahle asks, breathing high. She's
evidently angry.
"Ubufuna ngenzenjani? Ubufuna nginqabe bese ethatha ingane yami eyenza
eyakhe?" (What did you want me to do? You wanted him to take my child and
make it his.) He asks, angrily.
"No, but -"
His anger doesn't die down as Sbahle tries to respond. "Ey, lalela la, I did what I
had to do so you can also have a home and so I can keep my child mine. Angazi
yini enye obufuna ngiyenze. Please just give me space I am trying to breathe!"
"Oh, okay," the disappointed Sbahle says and ends the phone call.
He puts his phone back in his pocket.

Gama looks at him through the rear-view mirror, "that's not the way you should
speak to her! Where are your manners? She's stressed as you're and you should
be understanding!" He shouts at him and Shintsha doesn't say a word against his
brother.
"Why are you parking the car outside the premises?" MaZuma asks her
daughter as she parks the car before the gate of the Luthuli home. She's with her
daughter to try and talk to MaGwala.

Busiswa opens the door, her mother is still angry but it's better because she's
talking to her now. She's happy when she's with the children. "What if she
chases us out?" She asks and MaZuma doesn't answer her.

MaGwala turns on the kettle as she sees mother and daughter walking through
her gates. Why are they here? They'll know who she is today. After so many
years, MaZuma is here pretending to be innocent.
As soon as the kettle stops boiling, she lifts it up and walks out of the kitchen
with it boiling. The duo stops walking, "what do you want?"
MaZuma raises her hands, "please, can you hear us out? I didn't know about all
this and I want us to sit down and solve this mess."
"Sit down? Please leave or this boiling water will blanket your body!"

Busiswa tries to speak but her opening her mouth, angers MaGwala the most.
She runs after them and with a loud scream, Busiswa and her mother run off.
The neighbours are laughing looking at the show through the windows.

"Hambani, bathakashana ndini!" (Go, you witches!) She screams as they're

outside the premises, getting inside the car, "even that car it's my son's money."

She clicks her tongue and heads back to her kitchen.

ISBOPHO!
Chapter 18

She is in the kitchen making breakfast with her sister Nondumiso. It's a Heritage
day and they are not working. Only Thembi is working.

"Why haven't I seen you vomiting?" Nondumiso asks her sister as they're
putting food on the table.
She shrugs, "I don't think everyone vomits." She responds to her stupid
question. She knows Nondumiso can have the silliest and stupid questions but
she responds to them.

"My friend used to vomit all the time. I can't believe you're pregnant."
She rolls her eyes and turns to the sink to wash the dishes they've been using.
"Yea!"
"But I also can't wait to have a baby in this house. I love how they smell. I will
spoil that baby rotten." She smiles.
That's so hard to believe. Aren't you stingy? "What if it's not a girl?"
"Duh! It should be a girl. Let me go and call dad, I want to eat. I have a date
today."

Her sister is always going on dates, sometimes she envies her love life. She's
lucky when it comes to men who know how to spoil a woman. As for Sbahle,
her best boyfriend who was good at dates and spoiling was Dennis. The others
did not match him.

And Thembi, she always finds the wrong guys.

She avoids eye contact with her father. She doesn't know why he's been giving
her a crocodile eye. He thought he was going to shout and even hit her but he
didn't. He simply told her the Luthuli boys came and told her what she's done.
And that Shintsha agreed to all his demands. It's the demands that made Sbahle
angry.

"Is that food enough? Are you trying to starve the child?" Mazibuko asks.
Really? Why is he concerned? "It's enough baba. It's my normal scale."
Mazibuko points at Nondumiso, "add food on your sister's plate." He puts some
of his food on a side plate and passes it to Nondumiso.
What? Why is he being like this? This is not what she expected, he thought he'll
not even want her to eat his food. He's angry but not really angry? What's
happening? "I don't want to be fat."
Nondumiso giggles, "let's not starve the baby, grandpa has spoken!" She puts
everything her father gave her on her sister's plate.
When Sbahle looks at her brother, it's obvious that he's angry. Both her brothers
are angrier than their father. And she actually doesn't care about how angry
they're.

"Baba, can you please not request cattle for ukucela from Shintsha?" She tries
her luck since it seems like her father is not in a very bad mood this morning.
And her request makes Mazibuko angry. "What are you saying? What do you
know about cattle Sbahle?"
"But baba, I know requesting those cattle mean he might end up paying
ilobolo." She argues. This is definitely a robbery from her father. He's robbing
Shintsha.
He chuckles and drinks his tea, "are you not in a relationship with him?"
"I am." No, I am not Mazibuko. He has a girlfriend! She internally screams at
him.
"So, what's wrong? You want him to leave you pregnant and be with other
women?"
He already has another woman! "No, but I don't want such a commitment now."
"If so, you should have ensured you don't get pregnant." Mazibuko shouts. "Or
you want to be like your mother, huh?"
"My mother?"
"Yes, be in a relationship with this boy and leave him as soon as you find a rich
man. He's a security guard and you don't see him as worthy of being your
husband!" Mazibuko doesn't stop shouting at his daughter. He asked from
Sbahle what Shintsha does for a living and she told him that he works for a
security company supervising securities under his friend's company.

"What? How can you think that?"

He can see history wants to repeat itself and it's his duty to ensure it doesn't
happen. "You'll not do as your mother. Be in a relationship with this boy and
leave him for a richer man. Angithi you've dated a rich man when you were still
in high school?"
"Baba?" She's shocked by his thoughts. Why would she compare her to her
mother? Does he compare his other children to their mothers? He doesn't!

"Yes, that's what you want to do and I will ensure you don't do that. You'll live
a straight life with Luthuli and your child, finish!" Mazibuko concludes,
pointing at his daughter and he points at her plate next, "finish your food and
stop starving yourself."

She keeps quiet and eats her food but she's boiling inside. If Shintsha didn't
accept her father's demands, she wouldn't be here. She's not answering his calls
anytime soon, especially not after how he spoke to her.
It's Wednesday, she's hanging her clothes, father's clothes and her older sister's
clothes on the washing line after washing them on the washing machine.

"Why are you ignoring your phone?"

She turns back to Ntandoni standing behind her. "When did you arrive? I didn't
hear the gate opening." She takes the phone.

Sbahle and Ntandoni have fixed their differences, she apologised for putting the
blame on her as she's pregnant. And Ntandoni also apologised for the way she
spoke to her and about Shintsha.

"You must be thinking. Are you alone?" She puts her phone on the chair and
she helps her hang the clothes.
"Yes, they're at work." She responds and Shintsha calls her again.
Ntandoni looks at her, "kanti why are you ignoring him?"

She hasn't been taking his calls since Sunday night. He sends texts but none of
his texts are an apology for the way he spoke to her.

"I will talk to him when he's grown manners."

"Come on, how's he going to know you got offended if you don't tell him?
You're going to have a child with him and you'll have to communicate with him.
Tell him when he's wrong. Answer the phone."
Sbahle takes her phone from the chair and she answers his call, "hello!"
"Hawu! Three days wonke Sbahle?"
"I didn't feel like answering after the way you spoke to me."
"I was angry and I am sorry that I made you upset but couldn't you have
expressed that you were angry?"
She puts her arm across her tummy, "I didn't feel like talking to you."
"I should talk to you so my child will know and recognise the sound of my
voice."

When's she going to give birth? My child this, my child that, is too much!
How's the baby going to hear his voice from the phone?

"How are you?" She ignores the question. It's better to put everything behind us.
"I am fine and how are you feeling? Are you okay? Is there a belly now? I want
to see you. I will cook a cow's head for you so you can eat and be full."
Who said she likes it? "I am fine and I can feel my tummy is no longer soft on
the lower part but it's still flat."
He chuckles, "that means the baby is growing and it's a good thing. When can I
see you? I am working the night shift this week. Should I cook the cow's head
for you?"
Well, the meat is nice. So, why not? "Yes, I will come tomorrow. Have you
found the cattle dad wants?"
"Yes, everything is under control."
"Okay, I will see you tomorrow."
"Thank you and please respond to my WhatsApp texts."
"I will." She puts the phone down after the call has ended and she tells Ntandoni
what he said about the baby and his voice. They laugh about it.

They head inside the house, "but he might be right. We should go to town and
try to get some books or let's Google it. I want you to know if he's right or
wrong when he's talking."

With a packet of chips that Mazibuko bought for Sbahle, they sit on the couch
and Google information about pregnancy. They're surprised by everything
they're reading. It's fascinating. Sbahle is thankful Ntandoni suggested they read
about it. She'll not look like a clueless person before Shintsha.

*****
"When's the girl coming here so I can see her?" MaGwala asks Shintsha on the
phone. She's inside her house watching TV, seated on the sofa. Her daughter is
busy with all the chores and she's relaxing.
"I don't know mama but I think after we've paid everything to her father." He
responds, he was calling to update his mother about the cattle they've found.

They didn't tell her the truth too about the nature of their relationship with
Sbahle. She's under the impression that they're in love.
She looks at Gama as he walks into the room. "Alright, I will see you on
Saturday."
"Yebo."

Gama sits down, he has his last born on his hands. The children have come back
for a visit. MaGwala asked them from their mother. She called her only to ask
for the children and when she tried speaking about other things, she ended the
phone call.

"Where are her sisters?"

"They're helping out their aunt with chores."
She nods, "I spoke to your uncle since you'll be leaving on Monday and you're
going to Mazibuko family on Sunday. Tomorrow, we should meet up with the
Buthelezi family, talk about the children. We have to confront what happened.
You have to pay inhlawulo. You're not married in my eyes, I don't take this girl
as my daughter-in-law."
"Mama, I love her and I am asking that you hear her out," Gama pleads. He
came to her house to talk about Busiswa, their relationship and their children.

Her second born, Nokubonga, is improving in speech and this has made him
happier. Busiswa was over the moon and she even shed tears of joy. If they
knew, they would have brought the children home sooner.

"What can I hear out from someone who did such a horrible thing?"
"She was obeying my word as her husband."
She folds her arms before her chest, "we'll talk tomorrow but I am not going to
accept her as my daughter-in-law. If you want to continue living with her in
Gauteng, do that but I don't want her here. You'll come back home alone and
not with her." She states clearly and her words hurt Gama.

Why is his mother so stubborn? Can't she see they love each other? Why would
they have stayed together for so long if they don't love each other?

"Do you want me to leave again and not come back?" He asks out of anger.
What other choice does he have? He's been with his mother for a long time and
she doesn't want to calm down and accept his relationship. Why can't she accept
Busiswa? She wants him to leave her with so many children? What happened,
happened and there's nothing that can be done to change what happened.

"What are you saying?"

"If my family is not accepted in your home. Why should I come back? If you
don't accept my wife that means you're not accepting me as your son mama and
that's hurtful."
This girl's muthi is quite strong. Her son is talking like this with her? How could
he? She reminds herself to calm down.
"Are you threatening me?"
"No, mama but if Busiswa is not accepted as my wife in this family. I don't see
myself coming back." He states clearly and he leaves his mother shocked.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 19

Dressed in a brown and black one shoulder crop top and a tie front shorts,
Sbahle feels confident. She's renewed her haircut and dyed it blonde this time
around.
She didn't know if it's appropriate to bring some snacks or maybe she'll be going
overboard as Shintsha is not her boyfriend? She called Ntandoni and double
checked, she told her it's boring to always come empty handed. And so, she
bought packets of chips, sweets and fruit juice.

Today, he's coming up to the taxi stop. She doesn't have to go all the way down
alone. When she gets off the taxi, Shintsha is already standing under the tree
waiting for her. He's wearing black cargo pants and a blue vest. One thing she
doesn't like about him, it's his dress style. He dresses like an old fashioned old
man while he's a young man. She doesn't remember seeing him wearing jeans
like - ever! She'll have to find a way to fix this before their child starts going to
preschool. She can imagine other children laughing at her child because of how
her father dresses up. A good dress sense is not even about having money but
knowing what goes well with what to make you look good.

He didn't expect she'll get off the taxi looking like a sex doll. She's dressed sexy
but should she dress like this while pregnant? Yes, the shorts go above her belly
button but a part of her stomach is showing because she's wearing a crop top.
It's her legs and that gap, he seriously doesn't like the fact that other men can
just look at her. It's better when she's wearing long pants.

"Kodwa Sbahle, couldn't you have worn long pants?" Shintsha asks and takes
the plastic bag. She brought snacks? That's quite nice. No girl has ever brought
snacks while visiting, they always expect to find them at his place. And he
actually bought them for her.

"What's wrong with my shorts?" She asks and takes his hand as he wants to
hold her. They walk, holding hands.
He looks at her, "you're pregnant and you shouldn't be showing your body and
your stomach is also showing."
"Nobody can see that I am pregnant."
"After Sunday, you shouldn't be dressing up in any shorts."
She stops walking, "iheee, what's happening after Sunday?"
"You'll be my girlfriend according to your father. I will be paying cows for
that." He pulls her forward and they proceed walking, people on the small street
look at them - guys focus on her. And this annoys Shintsha, this pregnancy has
made her totally beautiful. Her face is spotless and its skin looks smoother.
"Don't even start, Shintsha! We know that's for the baby and not for me. And I
won't dress up like a granny because I am pregnant."
He opens the gates and they walk into the premises. "You don't have to wear
shorts to dress up nicely. I am not wearing shorts but I am dressed nicely."
Nicely? "Mm!" She says.

The aroma of the cow's head goes straight to her heart and she gets a deep
longing. It smells wonderful.

"I hope you didn't eat." He closes the door and locks it. He puts the plastic bag
on top of the kitchen cupboard.
"I ate soft porridge."
He stands before her, "do you know how beautiful you're? I wish our child will
be a girl and look like you."
Who doesn't like compliments? "Really? And I was hoping we'll have a boy."

It'll be more difficult if it's a boy while they're not married, he prefers a girl but
he doesn't tell her this. "Really? Usually, women want girls." He holds her chin
tenderly.
"I want a boy who'll protect me."
He chuckles, “you’ll be my child's mother. I will protect you." He puts his
forehead on her forehead and the gap between them is closed by their lips
meeting and it sings the tune only their souls feel. "I don't know if you want us
to start with food for the stomach?" He asks after taking off her crop top,
revealing her beautiful breasts. Are they going to be this beautiful even after
she's breastfeed his baby?

"No, let's start with this," she undoes the button of his pants and zips down his
pants.

They fall down, and they deepen their kiss. His hands rubbing her nipples and
her hands holding his neck.
He puts his hands around her butts and picks her up. And she quickly wraps her
legs around him. She carries some of her weight using her arms around the back
of his neck. He walks to the wall with her. Her back is against the wall.
He is holding on to her and supporting most of her weight and he doesn't need
to support his erection by his hands but it goes straight where it should slide in.

"Hhhhh," he hisses and thrusts into her. His hands around her waist, he goes
deeper, by bending and straightening his legs.

Sbahle moans and pulls herself up and down on him with her arms, and she
squeezes her legs against his waist to grip it on him. At the moment, she's not
sure if she loves Shintsha or what he does. He may have a boring sense of
fashion but he's great in bed. The way he dresses up says he's not great in bed
and he has no moves.
How's he as a boyfriend?
She sits on his bed wearing his black graffiti t-shirt, one of the beautiful things
he owns - these graffiti t-shirts. She's satisfied with everything and now, she
wants to eat and be full.

"Why are you not giving me chillies?" She asks, drinking the soup from the cup.
It's mouth-watering and satisfying. Everything she didn't know she needs.
He takes the meat and shoves it in his mouth along with the chillies, "it'll give
you heartburn."
"No, it'll not." She takes it and enjoys the food more with chilies. "Thank you, I
love it and you're really good at cooking it."

Doesn't she give encouraging compliments? A compliment from her feels like a
medal. "I am glad you enjoy it. Whenever you want to eat it, tell me I will
prepare it."
"Okay, we have the long nine months. I am still going to enjoy myself."
He smiles with a head shake, "my mom said she would like to meet you."
"Huh? Why?" She swallows the food on her mouth and drinks the soup.
"You're carrying her grandchild. She wants to meet you. Is that wrong?"
She shrugs, "I don't feel like it since I am not your girlfriend Shintsha."
"You're my girlfriend according to her and your father. We have to play along."

She looks at his beautiful eyes, "for how long? For until you get married to your
girlfriend and lie to them that I did something wrong?"
"No, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

She doesn't push but finishes up her food. And Shintsha pours a fruit juice for
her while he has cider. They watch a movie while in bed and Sbahle falls asleep
halfway through the movie. He takes his phone and sets the alarm, to ensure that
they wake up on time and she'll be able to go home before her family comes
back from work.

The Sunday they've been waiting for has finally come. Mazibuko was the first
to wake up and he woke up his daughters, told them to clean and prepare for the
arrival of the Luthuli boys. Traditionally, they're not supposed to cook for them
because they're just bringing inhlawulo but since Mazibuko has paired it with
cattle of ukucela - he decided to buy meat and they'll simply have a braai. Not
serious cooking.
Sbahle's mother gets off her car with her daughter from her marriage. She was
told by Mazibuko that their daughter is pregnant and the boy will be paying
inhlawulo and ukumcela. Upon hearing that, Sbahle's mother didn't shout much.
All this, Sbahle didn't expect. She thought they'll be dramatic and angry but
maybe they're happy to give her away.

Sbahle's father is already in conversation with the Luthuli boys. Everything is

going smoothly and even the disagreements are not turning into arguments.
They're discussing. Her mother joins them after greeting Sbahle and her sisters
in the kitchen.

"Your brother has done justice to me and my daughter and for that, I will take
him as my son now." Mazibuko says to Shintsha's brothers as they've concluded
everything. Gama has gone out and confirmed with the driver of the trailer that's
bringing the cattle.

Mazibuko didn't have a cattle pen but after Shintsha agreed to bring the cattle,
he hired a boy to build it for him.
Gama nods, "our mother taught us well, even without our father she still
reminds us the importance of keeping traditions."
"She's a remarkable woman and hopefully one day we'll meet. Hopefully, it'll be
once the baby has been born." Mazibuko says and glances at his ex-wife. She's
looking at him.
Gcina comments, "Yes, she said she'll see you then but she asked for Sbahle to
come home anytime next week so she can meet her. It'll be a pleasure to her if
she can come."
"That's not a problem. Let's bring the cattle in." He stands up along with his
sons and before they bring in the cattle, they go into the ancestral rondavel.
They inform his ancestors about the cattle that are about to enter the yard and
why they'll be entering.

He's so happy seeing the four cattle enter into the new cattle pen. Before, his
family had a lot of cattle but his eldest brother sold everything after his father's
death. Only to find out before his brother's death that he wasn't even his father's
son. Mazibuko is the only brother his six sisters have alive and all his sisters are
married and living well. He's hoping more cattle will come in future. And these
four will give birth to more.

"Bring your brother in, we should talk and eat. It's a good day," he instructs
Gcina and they go inside with Gama, his sons and ex-wife.

Sbahle and her sisters have also been called in for this talk. Shintsha walks into
the room with Gcina and Mazibuko requests a handshake with him.
"I am honoured, baba." Shintsha thanks him for the welcome in his home again.
Mazibuko also shares words of appreciation for everything that has been done.
"It's not a secret anymore that the two of you are dating but you're not married. I
need order and for the two to respect us as your parents. We'll be fully involved
in your relationship matters once you've paid ilobolo Luthuli."
"Yebo baba." Shintsha says and looks at Sbahle who's glaring at him.
Why is he saying yebo baba?

He looks at his daughters and back at Shintsha, "but I still need order, I don't
want Sbahle to just disappear. I should know that she's with you and for how
long is she going to be with you. I am not also saying you'll pick up the phone
and call me, tell me you want Sbahle to visit you even when the baby has been
born. You'll call her sister, that's how I will know she's with you." He sat down
and thought things through. He should ensure his daughter doesn't do nasty
things like her mother did and the only way to ensure is by doing this. She can
lie and say she's with him while she's not. And between Nondumiso and
Thembi, he decided Nondumiso is better to communicate with because Thembi
is always busy at her work. "My second born, Sbahle's sister, she'll be the one to
call if you want Sbahle and she'll tell me that Sbahle won't be coming back
home. You'll not just ask Sbahle to visit and it'll end there. Do you understand?"

Unexpected but it's a great order! "Yes, baba, thank you. I will respect your
rules."
"If you want to communicate something, tell her sister and if she's misbehaving,
tell her sister. It'll work like that because she'll be your wife in future."

Fuming? That's not a befitting word. She wants to scream on top of her lungs.
Why didn't he choose Thembi? She knows what's going on!

"Thank you," he looks at Sbahle and she's angry. Why is she angry? Doesn't she
like to spend time with him? He likes spending time with her.
Mazibuko doesn't give Sbahle's mother a chance to speak but he announces,
"Okay, let's have some food and drinks!"

The sisters stand up after Shintsha has taken Nondumiso's number. Sbahle's
mother goes to the kitchen with the girls.

She can't even eat and enjoy the food. She's angry and can't wait for them to
leave. Why is her father putting Nondumiso as her bodyguard?
Whenever she walked into the gates of her friend's beautiful home, she would
be proud and happy for her. She would have hope that one day - she'll also have
a beautiful home. But today, she's walking into these yards with a heavy heart.
Yes, her friend's son is working but he didn't rebuild this home alone. He rebuilt
it with the help of Busiswa. Which is her son's money.

And another reason for her heavy heart, Gama has threatened to leave with his
children and wife if she doesn't accept Busiswa as his wife. The children? She
doesn't want those children to leave and never visit home. She's never been so
heartbroken by a child, yes, it's his mind under her spell but he's still her child.
When he came back, he promised her that he would rebuild his home and now,
if she doesn't accept Busiswa, this home will not be rebuilt into a beautiful
home like other homes.

Shintsha can't do what Gama can do, he earns well but not well enough. Gcina?
He's still at a junior level and trying to find his feet. He's the one who'll help
Gama rebuild but cannot rebuild alone. Shintsha has also told his brothers he'll
contribute what he can so he can be a part of his home being rebuilt.
All this won't happen if she doesn't accept Busiswa. It's painful, really painful.

MaGwala is with her brother-in-law, her sons Gama and Shintsha, and her
second sister. Her mother told her to come.

"I welcome you into my home." MaZuma says. They're seated inside the
rondavel. The women on the straw mats and the men on the benches. She's
nervous because this will be their first meeting with her friend.
"Ey, Luthuli family, we're very sorry for how things happened. We're sorry for
what our daughter has done. Yey, we're ashamed. When my sister-in-law called
and told me about what she's done. I wanted to cry," Busiswa's uncle says and
he looks down in shame, his eyes are hot. It's really embarrassing what Busiswa
did.

The mothers also cry, "I know what it looks like MaGwala but believe me,
ntombi, I didn't know this child is living with your son and coming back home
pretending to be working."
She shakes her head, "you'll lie and say you didn't know. I don't think I can
forgive what you did to my family."
"Mama please don't crucify mama uMaZuma. She didn't know about this. I am
the one who told Busiswa to do this. You know why I did that." Gama steps in,
what a painful thing they've done to their parents. No parent deserves this.
MaGwala doesn't have any energy to fight and scream because of the threat
from Gama. She no longer has energy.
MaGwala's sister can see that her sister doesn't have the energy to fight. "Gama,
stop defending this girl. This girl is a witch and she fed you muthi so you can
listen to everything that she says."
Gama gets angry. Why is she saying such a thing about his wife? "Mamdala,
how can you call my wife a witch? Busiswa knows nothing about those evil
things. She's been a good wife to me."

MaZuma is sad, her daughter really worked on this boy. He's not hearing
anything against her. "You need to calm down, Gama. We understand you love
your wife but what she did is not right. A wife should keep the family together."

Busiswa smiles as her husband calms down. She loves it so much when he
defends her. It gives her confidence and gives her no regrets for what she did.
Who doesn't want her husband to defend her?

As she's about to talk, she doesn't have any fear because she'd taken muthi
called 'mlomo mnandi.' This muthi makes people listen to you when you talk.
And this is what she wants.

"Mama MaGwala, you gave birth to a strong man for me and for that, I will
forever be thankful. Yes, I was wrong for keeping quiet and not saying anything
but we all know, a good wife listens to her husband." Busiswa says, speaking
softly.
And her words have the people in the room moaning, "mm!" As they believe
what she's saying.
"I had to listen to my husband and as a mother, I was scared of what would
happen to him and my kids would lose a father should he go back home. Yes,
maybe I was supposed to do things differently, tell you in secret what the
traditional healer told us but fear kept me from doing that and for that, I am
sorry," Busiswa proceeds with her speech and she has everyone believing her
word and listening to her. "I would like to pay a fine and appease the Luthuli
ancestors for keeping their son away from home." She adds the cherry on top of
her speech.

And this makes the Luthuli family have no words for fighting. MaGwala's head
is a little wobbly. She doesn't understand why everything is happening this way,
but she believes what she's saying.

"We'll accept two cows as a fine." MaGwala says, after Busiswa had spoken.

All eyes are on her, waiting for her to speak and this is what she says.
Everyone who's been holding her breath, finally breathes as she accepts. This is
good news. Busiswa is boasting internally, she's winning and MaGwala will
welcome her in her house and she'll rule her home. That Luthuli home will be
hers to rule.

The family moves on from that and they talk about inhlawulo for the children.
And from inhlawulo, they bring up ilobolo. Inhlawulo will come first and Gama
will bring the letter for ilobolo. And she'll be a wife recognised by everyone
after the wedding.

MaGwala looks at her friend as they stand up to leave after having juice and
cakes. She waits until everyone is out, "I don't think my heart will ever be at
ease. They'll get married but I am not happy about it." She says coldly.
"I am sorry for her actions. I wouldn't have encouraged you to go to the
traditional healer if I knew my daughter was with him."

She shakes her head, "what would have stopped you from lying? I thought I
knew your child but I was wrong. Where did she learn all this?" She asks and
doesn't get an answer. She leaves MaZuma looking sad… MaGwala also leaves
with a painful heart.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 20

"I hope you'll behave yourself, Sbahle. Keep yourself and the baby safe."
Sbahle's mother says to her daughter before getting inside the car. Sbahle's sister
is already inside.

Shintsha and his brothers have finally left, she's relieved. This means she'll now
get a chance to confront her father.

Why do her parents care so much about her baby? "Yebo, mama, thank you for
coming."
She brushes her shoulder with a smile. "Here's some money, save it for the
baby."
Really? When was the last time she got money from her mother? It's been years,
ever since she moved to Gauteng with her sister, she doesn't remember getting
money from her. And today, she's giving her R1000? This baby is something
else. "Thank you mama. I will save it."
"Okay, bye." She gets inside the car and drives off after Sbahle had said
goodbye to her half-sister.

She heads back inside the house looking at the money. She really gave her
money?

"Sisi, don't you need cash? I will give you cash and you'll transfer money to
me." Sbahle sits on Thembi's bed.

She's on her feet packing her clothes that Sbahle had ironed for her yesterday,
"how much is that? I can take it and pay Nondumiso the money I owe her."
"Ah, what money do you owe her now?"
She laughs, "I don't know Sbahle. She said I owe her R500 but I don't remember
owing her that much." She closes the wardrobe and takes her phone, "uyahlupha
Nondumiso. Mom is always talking to her about money."
"It's R1000, what I remember is that she owes you R500 and not the other way
around."

She transfers the money to her sister, "that's what I know too. I will give it to
her and when she borrows money again, I won't give it to her. Her boyfriend
also gives her money but she's always broke."
"And stingy," Sbahle whispers and they laugh. "I don't know what I'll do
because dad placed her in charge. I am so pissed."
Thembi laughs as they walk out of the bedroom. "You'll be fine and I think
that's what we need so you two will get closer to each other."
She rolls her eyes and leaves her sister laughing. She wants her father.
And luckily, he calls her to the living room of his house. Sbahle heads to his
house.

"Baba?" She sits on the couch.

He huffs, "your mother said she'll give you money to save. Did she give it to
you?"
"Yes, she did."
"Okay, I need you to behave and please, don't disappoint me."
With a pout, she says, "but baba I am not happy about the way you did things. I
thought Shintsha would only pay for the baby."
"No, I am doing this to protect you. He must not prioritise his baby only but the
two of you should be a pair."
She's defeated, she thought she'll tell him exactly how she feels but she no
longer feels like it. He'll not see it the way she does because he thinks that he's
right. "Yebo, let me go."
"What should I bring for you tomorrow from work?" He asks.
Wonders! "That apple juice you bought for me on Friday." She responds and
her father nods.
She leaves him and heads back to the house walking slowly. That energy she
had is no longer there.

"Hello?" She sits on her bed with her phone.

Shintsha clears his throat, "why do you sound down?"
"I am tired, that's all."
"Get a warm bath and you'll be fine."
She smiles, "yes, I will." She's the one clearing her throat now, "Shintsha?"
"Yes, mama?"
Aw, she'll have a baby who'll call her, 'mama!' The softness in his voice goes
straight to her heart. "Please don't do what dad said."
"What's that?"
"Communicating with my sister and calling her when you want me to visit you.
I just don't like it. We'll continue meeting the way we've been meeting, when
you're working a night shift."
His laughter is mocking and teasing, "Why shouldn't I? Don't you like spending
time with me? I like spending time with you."
He does? That's good to hear. "I do like spending time with you Shintsha but
let's not pretend like we're in a relationship while we're not. It'll hurt me in the
end."
"I won't hurt you. Sbahle, according to your father and family, you're my
girlfriend. And even according to my mother and the ancestors I told about the
cattle I was sending to your father, you're my girlfriend."
"That's pretence, I am asking you not to call my sister even when I do
something you don't like. It's crazy."
He huffs, "okay, yes it's crazy and I won't do it but that doesn't change the fact
that you're my girlfriend according to your father. You're mine."
"Shintsha!" She screams and he laughs. "What's funny?"
"Don't be upset, you'll upset my baby but have some rest. I will see you when
you come to visit my mother. Goodnight."

She removes the phone from her ear without saying goodnight back and she
lays on the bed upset. She ignores the phone as he calls her once again. Where's
this going to end?

*****
"Busiswa, Gama has paid everything that he was required to pay. This means,
traditionally you're his fiancée now." MaZuma says to her daughter.

They're together inside the hut after the successful negotiations. Gama firstly
paid inhlawulo and he paid ilobolo for Busiswa, paying everything that was
required of him. And his acts showed everyone that he really loves Busiswa and
wants to make her his wife officially.

She smiles, "that makes me happy, mama."

"I am also happy my child but I will need you to stop controlling him using
muthi. You'll kill him one day. What you're doing is not good and you can't hide
the truth from me," MaZuma says to her and she looks closely, to get how she'll
react to this. And she's not angry. She thought she would be angry.

She huffs, "mama, Gama has women throwing themselves at him and so, I can't
just fold arms and do nothing."
"I hear that but don't feed him anything as you've done. It's wrong."
"I didn't feed him anything."

She raises an eyebrow, "what did you feed him, Busiswa?"

"Ngamdlisa ngensila yami." (I fed him my body's dirt) She confesses, she trusts
her mother. She knows she can never tell anyone her secrets. She's her child.
This hits straight to MaZuma's heart and she's instantly weak. What kind of a
child did she give birth to? "Busiswa?"
"What was I supposed to do? He went out and had a child with another woman.
I was devastated, I tolerated the other cheating because there was no child born
but the one where there was a child hurt me."
She shakes her head, "can you see that giving him muthi doesn't change his
nature? He wants to have more than one woman and you can't change that no
matter what you do."
That's the truth! "Yes, but I know he's for me and our children."

She's defeated and what can she do? Nothing! She can't sell her out because it'll
be like she's the one who taught her to do such things. "You're going into that
family as a wife and please, that family shouldn't be divided because you've
come into the family. They should stay together as a family because if you
divide them, they'll not like you and even their ancestors will not like you."
"Yebo, I won't break them apart, mama." her aim is not to divide them but her
aim is to rule them as the first daughter-in-law. The eldest daughter-in-law. She
wants the brothers to be united and nothing should change but they should hear
from her, the three of them along with their mother.

"And please, don't use muthi in their yards. You might anger their ancestors.
You shouldn't be that kind of a wife."
"Ngingacheli nokuchela?"
She shakes her head, "umakoti akacheli emzini. Uzochela umamezala ngoba
ubabezala akasekho ekhaya."
"Yebo," she agrees but she's not sure if she'll be able to do this. Overall, she's
happy.

*****
It's Friday, Sbahle is seated next to Shintsha on the passenger seat of Gcina's
car. She's quite nervous about meeting his mother. Is she going to like her?
Okay, she must not be worried. She's not a girlfriend.

He holds her hand, "why are you quiet now?" Shintsha asks Sbahle.
They've all been talking from Richards’s Bay until they reached the village but
she's suddenly quiet.
"I am getting ready to meet your mother."
Gcina laughs, "She’ll like you. Don't worry about it. You're our makoti now."
She breathes in and out ignoring what Gcina is saying to her.
There's his home - are they building? Yes, it seems they're building. It's a big
yard, clean and green.

Gcina gets off the car and opens the silver gate. Gama has renewed the fence
and the gate. He did that alone. Their home is now properly fenced and has a
proper gate - goats are no longer finding space to enter and bother his mother in
the garden.
"Who's that?" Sbahle asks about the lady whose washing pots on the table under
the tree next to the tap.
"That's my brother's wife, Busiswa."
She looks at him, "doesn't she stay in Gauteng with him?"
"She does but she'll be this side for a while."

They get off the car and Shintsha takes her to his house. "Mom will come to
you. You'll just stay here and do nothing."
"Yes, mom told me."

His living room is small but has a nice furniture. And his bedroom? It's quite
spacious but it looks dull, just the double bed, one side table that looks like it'll
fall apart when you touch it and a small wardrobe. His bedroom in Richards
Bay looks very beautiful compared to this one. But - it's clean, which is very
important to her. She sits on the bed, it's comfortable.

"That's great, I like your parents." He kisses her upset lips. "Let me go and get
my mother. Sit in the lounge."
She follows him out of the room and she waits.

"Who's that girl with Shintsha, mama?" Busiswa asks MaGwala, walking into
the kitchen with clean pots. She's about to start cooking.
MaGwala stands, "oh, they've arrived? Let me go meet her. It's your future
sister-in-law. She's Shintsha's girlfriend. I am expecting another grandchild
from her." She responds and leaves Busiswa.
She meets up with Shintsha outside, "I am already here."
"Hawu, mama?"
"Yes, I have been waiting all day."

She leads the way leaving her son behind. All she cares about the most is the
fact that she'll have her hands full with another grandchild.
Sbahle doesn't know what to do with herself. Should she sit or stand? She sits.
The girl is beautiful and it shows that she's pregnant, without her tummy
showing. "Sawubona, kaMazibuko."
Without raising her eyes to her, she greets, "sawubona, mama unjani?"
"I am fine and how are you? And how's my grandchild?"
She glances at Shintsha who's next to her, "yes, we're fine and the baby hasn't
been giving me any problems."
She laughs, "You’re lucky, your boyfriend was very troublesome in my belly."

MaGwala says and they laugh as Shintsha tells her to stop. "Shintsha, you
should take us to the Doctor. I want to see how it looks like and the doctor will
tell us the gender."
"You really want to go, mama?"
"Yes, I want to go.”

He smiles, "okay, we'll go." He takes his ringing phone and when he sees whose
calling, he tries to hide it from Sbahle but she's already seen the caller ID. He
stands up and leaves them talking.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 21

She's taken a bath and changed into warm pyjamas. She's watching TV, texting
on the phone. She's hungry and Shintsha is not in the house with her. He went
out with a towel and a soap to have his bath outside. Sbahle bathed in his
bedroom in a bathing tub.
He walks into the room with a tray of food and he puts the food on the table.

"Here's your food. I am going to dress up and join you."

"Thank you." She takes the plate of food. It looks good, beef stew, rice and
some salads. Gama's wife must have cooked.
She takes a bite - well, the food looks good but doesn't taste the best. Taste? The
stew lacks seasoning and so, Sbahle decides to eat the salads and rice.

"Are you allergic to beef?" Shintsha asks, sits on the single couch and takes his
plate.
She shakes her head, "no, I am not but I don't feel like eating it tonight." She
lies. It looks very good but she can't enjoy it. And when she looks at him, he's
eating the food with no complaints. This makes her conclude, she's the one with
a problem.
"KaMazibuko, I know that I said I won't be working tomorrow and Sunday but
Sihle called and told me he needs me to work tomorrow. So, I will leave for
work tomorrow morning." Shintsha reports to Sbahle.

Lies, lies, lies, lies, lies! Why can't he be honest? Students are returning from
university for the one week vacation of September. It's obvious his girlfriend
was calling him to say that. "I am not a fool Shintsha and I don't get why you
have to lie."
"Lie? What are you talking about? I am not lying to you."
"You get a call from Nelly, whose caller ID has heart emoji’s on the sides and
you're suddenly going to work." She nails his lies.

And Shintsha is shocked by what she's saying. How did she see that it was Nelly
who was calling her? "Come on, I am not changing tune but I am needed at
work."

She puts her plate on the table, "I am not your girlfriend, you don't have to hide
it from me if you're going to see your girlfriend. And you see, if you agreed that
I spent one night here I would have also gone back home tomorrow."
"I will come back."
She stands up, "you'll come back when? We both know she'll be feeding you
with her boxed vagina from university. Tsk!"

He's shocked by her choice of words, "can you please stop being like this?"
She points at the phone as it rings again. "Answer her call and leave me alone."

What makes her angrier, is it because he's lying? How did she even see that
Nelly is calling? It's clear that women have eyes that are fast like lightning.

After putting the dishes in the kitchen, Shintsha heads up to his room. Is she
fully sleeping or not?

"Mama?" He takes his side of the bed and holds her waist closer but Sbahle
slaps his hand, "hawu, what's wrong?"
"Stop touching me, I am trying to sleep."

They both know he's in a relationship, why does he see the need to hide things?
Right now, it's painful to know that he'll be with her tomorrow. And what will
she be doing? Locked up in his room. She can't even go home, her father will be
dramatic. He was told that she'll come back on Monday.

"I am sorry if I offended you Sbahle." He tries to put his hand on her shoulder
and stops himself when he thinks of how she'll react. "Okay, fine, I will meet up
with her tomorrow. I have to tell her about the baby." He decides to tell the truth
because it's already known that he'll be with her tomorrow.
"Sbahle?"

When she doesn't respond again, Shintsha decides to sleep. He thought they
would be busy right now - doing what he loves the most. With her, he can go on
the whole night. But she's angry. What can he do?
His mother is also not happy that he's leaving and leaving Sbahle alone. When
she heard that she'll be alone, she called her daughter Sebenzile and asked her to
come home and meet Sbahle.

Because to his mother, he lied and said he's working. He has to dress up as
someone who's going to work so she won't have a lot of questions for him.
Once he's dressed, he takes his backpack and when he raises his eyes. Sbahle is
seated on his bed glaring at him. Her eye makes him uncomfortable, she looks
like she wants to kill him.

"What should I bring for you when I come back?" He asks, trying to neutralize
the situation in the room but nothing helps.
She shakes her head, "nothing."
"Yesterday you wanted jelly tots and we forgot to buy them. Should I buy the
sour ones or the ones that are like dolls?"
She glares at him once and back at her hands. "I can see you've run out of things
to say. I don't mind keeping quiet if you are incapable of keeping quiet." She
leaves him in the bedroom staring into space.

Sbahle sits on the sofa with the TV remote and she watches TV. She looks at
him as he leaves after saying goodbye.
She ignores the pain in her heart, she ignores it until she can't. She switches off
the TV and heads to the bedroom to nurse her feelings. Why can't he see her as
a girl whose worthy of being his girlfriend? He doesn't love her that much?
Even after being pregnant the way it happened, he doesn't want her. He only
wants to have sex with her? That's what should stop, she'll no longer be
available. He has his Nelly.

Her Saturday, it wasn't too bad because Shintsha's sister came, she pulled her
out of the house and they went to town together. Busiswa also tagged along,
leaving the children with MaGwala.

It was a very good day with the ladies but Sbahle didn't like how Busiswa
looked at her. It was like she was studying her and she hated every minute of it.
Its 22:30, Shintsha is not back. He's been calling nonstop and she figured he's
calling so much to tell her he's not coming back.

Sbahle is seated on her butt, holding the back of her burning waist.
"Mm, mm," she moans in pain as she experiences sharp pains in her stomach.
She can't believe she's feeling so much pain while she's alone. What's happening
to her? She's been fine all along, she's never had any illnesses since she found
out about her pregnancy. Why is she sick now?
She throws the blankets on the floor and tries to get off the bed. "My baby, dear
God, please Protect my baby in the name of Jesus." She holds onto the bed
while standing on her feet, she keeps slowly and softly fisting her stomach. She
believes it'll ease the pain she's feeling.

"Mama!" She cries out but she doesn't have much energy to scream on top of
her lungs. She's frightened by hearing giggles. Is there someone outside
giggling? Or the pain is unbearable so much she's losing her mind and hearing
things.

She tries her best to be strong and head to the door. The front door, she keeps
checking if there's blood coming out and there's no blood, not seeing any blood
gives her relief.
'Don't go out!'
When she's about to walk out of the door, there's an inner voice that tells her not
to go out but she's already opened the door. She looks outside while she's inside
and sees a pregnant woman going into her house. Is she also in pain?
"Mama! Sebenzile!" She screams.
And luckily, Gcina comes running. He's carrying a torch. "Sbahle? Where's
Shintsha?" He's shocked to find her seated on the floor crying with a single
hand holding her tummy.
She looks at him weakly, "help me, it's painful." She cries and Gcina runs out to
call his mother and Sebenzile.

"Why is my door still open?" Shintsha asks as he drives the work vehicle
through the premises of his home. He decided to take the work car and come
back, he couldn't make that mistake of not coming back. That would have been
unfair to Sbahle.

He parks the car and quickly gets out of the car when he sees Gcina running to
his house followed by Sebenzile. His mother has a small butter. What's
happening?

MaGwala is carrying a bucket of water, along with water, shibhosi and sea salt.
She splashes the water around Shintsha's house, casting the evil away.
"Mama, what's happening?" Shintsha asks, standing behind his mother.
With anger, MaGwala takes the dustpan brush that she's using to scatter the
water around and she throws it at her son with force. "Uphumaphi wena?"
(Where are you coming from?) She shouts at him and feels no pain as the brush
hits him painfully.

He groans, holding where it's painful, "I am coming from work."

"So late! Your day shift ended now?" She grabs Gcina's shoe at the door and
throws it at him but she misses as Shintsha jumps aside to protect himself.
"What's wrong, mama?"

She doesn't answer him but puts the bucket down and heads inside the house.
Sbahle is no longer on the floor but on top of the bed. She closes the bedroom
door.

"How's she feeling now?" MaGwala asks her daughter who's standing next to
her. She's laid back on her bed without her nightdress. Sebenzile is busy rubbing
Sbahle's tummy using a protective ointment called Ivimbela. "Sbahle?"
She opens her eyes, "I am better now mama. I no longer feel pain."
"Whew!" MaGwala breathes out loud, relieved. She was very scared for a
moment.
Her eyes lock with Shintsha's worried eyes and she removes them away from
him. "I think I will be able to sleep now."
"Yes, sleep, we'll go to Umthandazi in the morning and we'll ask her to create a
protective string for you. And we'll also go to the Doctor to check if the baby is
fine." MaGwala says and pulls the blankets up for Sbahle.
"Thank you."

Shintsha steps away from his mother as she glares at him on her way out.

"Don't sleep next to her without taking a bath. I don't even know where you're
coming from. You're embarrassing me Shintsha. What should she tell her
parents? That you worked a day shift until 10 at night?" MaGwala shouts at her
son who fails to answer her. She leaves with her daughter.
He greets Sbahle standing next to her and she greets back, covering her head
with blankets.

"What's wrong? What was happening to the baby? Are you okay?"
"I am fine, I want to sleep please."
He decides he'll ask Gcina and let her rest. He needs to bathe before sleeping
next to her. He walks out of the room.
And when he comes back, he gets in bed with a confused head. What's
happening?

"Sbahle, how are you feeling now?" He asks because he can see that she's not
sleeping.
"Why don't you ask your Nelly? She's more important right? Ask her and leave
me alone. I am trying to sleep."
He tries to hold her but she screams at him. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to come
back late." He tries to explain but she doesn't say anything.

He thought Nelly was going to break up with him after telling her about the
baby. He didn't hide the truth, he explained to her that he got into temptation
and dated Sbahle. He didn't tell her they're not dating, he knew should he tell
her that she'll never respect her, she'll look down upon her and think she's more
important than her. It was better he says she's also his girlfriend.
Nelly was extremely angry, she tried fighting him and breaking things but
Shintsha held her down. He didn't want to physically fight her.
He doesn't know what happened but he was ready for her to break up with him
so he could focus on Sbahle and the baby. But Nelly didn't break up with him,
instead she thanked him for his honesty and told him nothing will change in
their relationship. And so, they spent time together in the house. He was able to
leave her because he asked his brother, Gama to call him and pretend there's an
emergency at home with their mother. He then drove Nelly home.
As a man, he can't break up with her, he still has that belief.

"Mama, kanti who's the father of the baby if I am not allowed to go with her?
Why are you doing this?" Shintsha asks his mother.
MaGwala is dressed up and they're waiting for Gcina who is taking them to
Umthandazi and the Doctor. "Where were you when you were needed last
night? Did you forget you're the baby's father when you came back while you
left Sbahle alone the whole day?"
"I had a lot of work mama. I wasn't anywhere where I wasn't supposed to be."

He's extremely angry, he came back by the work's car and this means he can
drive them but his mother is saying Gcina will drive them.

"No, your brother will drive, he's also the father of this baby." She says and
looks at Sbahle as she walks out of the bedroom dressed, "take your bags, child.
You'll go back home today. I will tell your father that you didn't sleep well at
night."
"Hawu, mama? How can you do that? She's supposed to leave tomorrow." If
he's not a man he would be crying right now. Why is his mother like this to
him?
Sbahle is very happy to hear that and so, she runs back to the bedroom.

"Mama, please, don't do this." He begs but his mother doesn't listen to him.
Sbahle walks out with her bags and they head out of the house. Shintsha follows
them.
"Bafo, can you let me drive them?" He asks his brother, who's already in the
car.
Gcina glances at their mother, "you know how she is. She said I should be the
one driving them."
"Mama, ingane yami lena." (Mom, this is my baby) He reminds her before she
gets in the car after Sbahle.
"Sesizwile!" (We've heard you!) She gets in the car and Gcina drives, leaving
Shintsha looking angry and sad at the same time.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 22

MaGwala walks with Sbahle into the consultation room of Umthandazi. They're
seated on the straw mat waiting for her to enter back into the room. She decided
not to take her to a traditional healer that MaZuma sent her to but chose a
diviner that works with holy water and prayer.

"Are you comfortable?" MaGwala checks on the quiet Sbahle. She can't
imagine what this child is going through - the trauma.
She smiles politely at her, "yes, I am fine."
She walks back into the room, "I am sorry for keeping you waiting." She sits on
the straw mat across them in the room.
The hut is airy and has nothing except candles and broken clay pots with
money.
"There's no problem mama." MaGwala says and waits for her to instruct them
or talk.

Umthandazi takes her time looking at Sbahle and MaGwala. “Let’s pray," she
says and their heads fall - the three of them pray, calling upon God to listen to
them and help them. They plead with him to give them answers.
Once they're done praying, she takes strings of different colours and she starts
plaiting the strings. She uses petroleum jelly on her hands and plaits it. She's
quiet and so is Sbahle and MaGwala.

"Mama, you know what's happening right? You do have a clue who did this?"
She finally asks as she's about to finish the string.
She wheezes, "Ey mama, I have my suspicions but I am not sure because I don't
understand why she would do this." MaGwala responds and her response
confuses Sbahle.
What are the old women talking about?
"Yes, you brought the problem home and you were told not to bring her home
yet." She looks at MaGwala and calls Sbahle forward. She asks her to take off
her skirt.
"I know, I was backed against the corner by my son. I couldn't afford to lose
him again, lose him to that girl, again."
Umthandazi shakes her head and ties the string around Sbahle's waist, "don't
take it off until the beginning of your ninth month. You'll have to take it off
then."

She puts the five litre water before Sbahle and holds her waist, she prays. She
prays for protection for Sbahle and the baby.
"Don't worry now, your baby is fine and nothing will happen. Don't forget to
pray every night against all evil that may be after you and the baby." She gives
advice to Sbahle.
"Yebo, I will do that."
She asks Sbahle to excuse them and she's left with MaGwala. "This girl is evil."
"I know and I know that I have brought this evil into my house. I asked my
husband's ancestors to keep the home strong regardless of what she brings."
She pities her - deeply pities her, "you need to be strong and also rely on prayer.
Your daughter-in-law made a vow that no boy child should be born into the
family before she gives birth to one."
There's a sharp pain attacking her chest, "how? Why?"
She laughs, "She’s being fooled by witch doctors. Ukholwa yonke into eshiwo
ilo akhendla kuye. If there's a pregnant girl from your other sons, keep them
safe and hide the pregnancy from that girl."
She nods quickly, "yes, I will do that."
"You'll need to be careful, always, you've brought a witch into your home,
knowingly. So be careful." She emphasises and prays for her water. She prays
together with her.

MaGwala leaves money on the clay pot and she leaves the hut with deep anger.
Where did Busiswa learn all this evilness?
Gcina drives to Richards’s Bay after they're done with Umthandazi. He hasn't
asked his mother what's wrong. She'll tell them.

MaGwala takes her hand, "KaMazibuko, you'll not visit us at home when there's
MaButhelezi."
"Who's MaButhelezi, mama?" She's still confused by what she heard there.
What does MaGwala know?
"It's your sister-in-law, my eldest son's wife, Busiswa. She may look friendly
but don't trust her," MaGwala doesn't hide anything from Sbahle. She has to
understand that Busiswa is not her friend and she must never be her friend no
matter what happens. "Once you're married to Shintsha, you'll have your own
kitchen in his house. And MaButhelezi will cook in my kitchen because she's
the eldest daughter-in-law. I will do this so I can keep everyone safe with their
husband."

She quickly understands, she remembers seeing Busiswa outside the yard last
night. How can she use muthi while she's pregnant? Is she crazy? She
remembers Shintsha telling her about his brother who'd been away with a
woman from the village. It's her - she clearly used muthi on her husband. Wow!
Such a deep and dirty woman.

"Mama, what about Shintsha? He'll eat her food since I am not married yet?"
She smiles, shame the poor child is worried about her boyfriend, "don't worry
about him. She'll not kill us."
"Alright, I trust you." She says, but she knows there'll never be a stage where
she has her own kitchen because she'll not get married to him. He has his Nelly.

Mazibuko wasn't expecting his daughter to be back on Sunday but Monday.

She's with her mother-in-law - they meet sooner than he had anticipated.

Mazibuko shakes hands with MaGwala, "gogo womntwana, I am pleased to

meet you."

It seems Sbahle comes from a warm home but she was raised by a man. It's
impressive.

"Yebo, mkhulu womntwana, siyabonga. But I am here to bring her back. Ey, we
didn't sleep last night. She was not okay at all. Uhabule imimoya emibi, ubefa
izibhobo," MaGwala explains to Mazibuko what was happening to Sbahle last
night.
Slight fear attacks Mazibuko and he looks at his daughter. She's playing with
her hands, "are you okay, Sbahle?"
"Yebo, baba, I am fine now."
His sigh is of relief, "ey, gogo, what's wrong?"
"You know, Mazibuko. In the rural areas, people are evil and they don't sleep
but go up and down in people's yards. Pregnant women and children are always
vulnerable to such evil deeds by people. We're grateful that the baby is fine.
We're coming from Umthandazi and the Doctor."
He nods in agreement, "yes, you're right. I am happy that the baby is safe and
my child." He points at Sbahle, "Bring water for ugogo wengane Sbahle."
She quickly stands up and heads to the kitchen. The relief and happiness she has
in her heart is unmatched, her baby is fine.

"Baba?" She opens the door of her bedroom as her father knocks on the door.
MaGwala left after having a drink and cake.
"Dress back into your proper clothes. We're going out. Where do you want to
eat in Richards’s Bay?" Mazibuko asks his daughter.
And she's totally shocked - they're what? "Uhm, baba?"
"Yes, I want to lift your spirits after what happened to you. Where do you want
to eat?" "Spur!" She quickly chooses.
He nods, "you'll find me in the car, get dressed." He walks away.

Leaving Sbahle totally shocked, they only used to go out with him when they're
all together. Not just the two of them.
MaGwala returns home to her angry son. She finds him looking angry, fighting
with the bread that he's eating. She shakes her head and puts the plastic bag of
fruits on the table.

"Why are you grumpy?" She asks after sitting down on the straw mat with a
plate of fruits and a knife.
He doesn't look at his mother but says, "I am not grumpy. I am quiet."
"Oh, don't you want to know about your baby?" MaGwala asks and she doesn't
see a smile. She really upset him - huh? He's been smiling whenever he talks
about the baby.
"I do."
"Ay, Sbahle is fine and Umthandazi gave her everything necessary to keep her
safe," MaGwala updates her son and he sees a smile showing. That's better.
He's highly relieved, he's been waiting for her, stressed. "Thank you so much
mama and the Doctor? Did you take her to the Doctor?"
She laughs, "Yes, she said your baby is fine and told us it's still early to see the
gender. I thought they see these things early."
He laughs, "Ay mama, they see it better when the baby has grown inside her
mother's belly." He explains and his mother nods with a smile. The day can
carry on normally now - his baby is healthy and well. No weapon formed
against his child shall prosper.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 23

MaGwala walks into the kitchen and finds her daughter-in-law cleaning around.
She's preparing to cook. Tonight, she doesn't feel like eating her unseasoned
food. She knows how to pair dishes but fails to season the food correctly.

"Do you need tea mama?" Busiswa asks once she's finished cleaning around.
She shakes her head, "no, don't let me disturb you from your cooking." She says
and turns on the kettle. This is the opportunity she must use to warn her - it's
just the two of them in the kitchen. Where does she get the courage to do such
deep things?

"When did KaMazibuko leave?"

Huh? She's brave, why is she asking because she knows what she did to her?
"She left in the morning."
"Oh, I thought she was leaving tomorrow."
"No, I told her to go home after what Shintsha did." MaGwala makes her own
tea.

She smiles, why is she lying? "Oh, men are like that, though. She'll get used to
it. I am sure he was with another woman."
"Mm," she doesn't have anything more to say to her. He has another girlfriend?
Why does she care? Oh, the universe doesn't love her for giving her such a
daughter-in-law.

She sits down with her cup of tea, "MaButhelezi?" She starts the real
conversation.
She looks back at her, "yebo, mama?"
"You're pregnant and you should respect that, the muthi that you're using and
carrying in this yard. You'll endanger the child's life."
With a gasp and eyes widened, Busiswa holds her chest facing her mother-in-
law, "what are you talking about, mama?"
"Ayi ke ntombazane, we're both grown-ups. You know exactly what I am
talking about. Don't act surprised. That's my grandchild you're carrying and I
love all my grandchildren regardless of whether they're born by a witch or an
innocent girl."

Did granny just call her a witch? Where did she go with Sbahle in the morning?
What happened to the baby? She has a lot of unanswered questions. "No mama,
I think you're mistaken. I am not using any muthi."
"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you." She points at her with her forefinger.
"And when are you visiting my son in Gauteng? Who's cooking for him there?"
That can wait, old woman! "We decided that I should be on this side because I
will be giving birth soon. I can't travel long distances at this stage of the
pregnancy."
She understands but hates the fact that she has no control over that. "Okay, once
you've given birth, you'll have to go home to your mother and she'll nurse you.
You're not our wife yet. You'll not stay here with the baby."
"Yes, she told me that." She responds and focuses back on her cooking. Where
did they go with Sbahle and what were they told?

*****
It worked - it's very easy to fool a foolish woman. You don't have to do much
but flip your fingers and she'll jump. That's what witch doctor Jabulile did with
Busiswa. When she convinced her to go back to KZN, rule the home of her in-
laws, she knew what she was doing. She knew she wanted what she has.

Besides consulting, Busiswa and Jabulile used to talk about things happening in
their lives. What's popping and what's not. Busiswa's life has always been
revolving around Gama. She always praised the man he is, kind, caring and
loving - even great in bed. That, she never forgot to mention how much he
pleases her. This made Jabulile envy her life - she knows love, she once had it,
given to her by her ancestors but she got greedy and insecure. She fed her ex-
husband muthi until he got crazy and died.

Her ancestors turned their backs on her for using a bad and evil herb. Her gift
was to heal people and not bewitch, but as healers learn more about muthi - they
know bad herbs and good herbs. She chose the wrong path.

At the moment, she's practicing based on knowledge and the fact that - a gift is
a gift. It's hers until she dies and pass it on.

"I didn't know you like such places," Gama says to Jabulile, his wife's friend.
He doesn't know her as her friend but he knows her as someone who once
helped their child when she was sick. She's not the witch Doctor Busiswa took
him to and told him his brothers are jealous.

Jabulile holds Gama's hand, "I love such places. Don't you?"
They enter into Hector Peterson Museum and Memorial, they're led through a
brief chronological history of apartheid with extensive text. Jabulile is the one
who suggested they come here for their second date. To get Gama to notice her,
did she use muthi on him? No, but she lured him through acts of kindness. That
day was her lucky day, he was with his son and the boy was throwing tantrums
at the grocery store - people were looking at him and passing nasty remarks.
Jabulile helped him calm the child down, she walked with them through their
shopping and left the boy in his father's car. Gama took her number and they
started talking on the phone.

"I also love such places because they carry our history."
She nods with a smile, next they're presented with a detailed review of
educational policies and the specific events leading up to the events of June
1976. It's an amazing experience.

Jabulile loves how the museum takes one through the origins of apartheid in
words and pictures. She loves it more that she's seeing this place with this
wonderful man. She slightly feels pity for him because of Busiswa but she
doesn't want to disturb anything - her aim is not for him to leave his wife. She
just wants to experience the kind of man he is and she wants to experience it
without using muthi. At this stage, it's no longer wise to use muthi on him. She
would never!

She's not planning on removing Busiswa, Jabulile understands and knows how
dangerous the woman is. She's not just a witch but she has a hex of witchcraft
from her maternal grandmother. Her maternal grandmother left the job with her
when she died. It's something that could take a lot of time and patience if they
want to fix it. She knows this because she saw it when she was doing a reading
on Busiswa during a consultation but she never told her anything.

After their great time at the museum, Gama and Jabulile sit down at a restaurant
in Soweto and they enjoy Kasi hearty meals.

"Sorry," he apologises as he cuts the conversation because of his ringing phone.

"I have to take it, it's my mother."
She smiles, such manners! "No problem."
He answers the phone, "MaGwala."
"How are you my boy?"
"I am fine mama and how are you? How's your stay with your new daughter?"
She laughs, "Ay, we're getting along well. I am just worried about who's
cooking for you on that side since she's here."
He laughs loudly, "don't worry about me mama. I can cook but not the best
dishes like yours."
"Oh, I am happy to hear that. I was checking on you and to tell you that the
walls of the house are halfway through."
He's happy as it sounds like she's happy, "we're happy to hear that. I will come
home month-end."
"I'll be expecting you. Bye son."
"Bye mama."
Jabulile giggles, "look at you being a baby to your mother." She comments and
they laugh.

Their time together doesn't end soon, they enjoy each other's company.

*****
"Why would you start plaiting people's heads again while you're pregnant?"
Ntandoni asks her friend, Sbahle.
They're together at Ntandoni's home. She cooked and called her over to enjoy
the meal with her.

"I am tired of doing nothing all day. I want to save money and also keep busy. I
will stop once my back problem comes back." Sbahle responds and takes a bite
on the meat.
"You must talk to Shintsha about it first."
With eyes widened at her, she says, "really?"
"Yes, you must get what he has to say."

When he calls this time around, she decides to answer the phone. He's annoying
because he doesn't stop.

"I am eating you're disturbing me."

Shintsha huffs - finally! "I am glad that you've finally picked up my calls.
Sbahle please stop this thing of not answering when you're angry with me."
"I won't hear from you."
"Can you please visit me tomorrow? I want us to talk about what happened."

She chuckles in a mocking manner. But internally wonders - why does he

always want them to meet in his house? Can't he ask if they meet at KFC or
steers? "You must be joking. I am not going to come. I will come once the baby
is born."
"Sbahle, come on! I am really sorry for what I did. Please forgive me."
"What did your girlfriend say?" She asks what she's been yearning to know.
"She fought with me but I didn't let it escalate. I was hoping she'll break up with
me but she didn't."

Why was he hoping for a breakup? "Oh, she truly loves you."
He laughs, "I wish you could love me." He says out loud, saying it softly.
"Goodbye Shintsha. I am eating." She ends the call quickly and focuses back on
her food and the conversation with her friend.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 24

It's Mid-February of the New Year, life is still as beautiful and not without
sorrow as it has been the previous year. What should one be grateful for? To see
another day and get another chance to achieve their goals.
Sbahle has also been trying to achieve her goals but life doesn't want to take her
where she wishes it could take her.

"Did you go to the Doctor today?" Mazibuko asks his daughter.

Sbahle is seated under the tree with a bowl of popcorn on a Friday afternoon.
"Baba you're back home early. Is everything alright?"

Mazibuko sits on the chair where Ntandoni has been sitting. She came by to tell
her that she decided to use her mother's money wisely and go study. Sbahle was
very happy for her friend even though she'll be left alone in the village. She
never understood why she wasn't studying further because she had means. She
had excuses that she never understood.

"Yes, I am tired. I didn't feel like working today."

Tired? "Baba, is everything okay?"
He laughs and brushes her shoulder, "yes, everything is well. I am old now
Sbahle I get tired not that I am dying." He says honestly seeing that she's
worried.
"Oh, that's better," she's relieved. She would be very hurt if something can
happen to him. He's never been a great dad to her but she doesn't want him to
die. It's better when he's alive, their home is a home because he's still with them.

"Yes, I went to the doctor this morning and she gave me the treatment."
"I never want to see you doing people's heads. You shouldn't burden yourself,
Shintsha will look after my granddaughter." Mazibuko assures her, he trusts
Shintsha.

Oh yes, she was with her sister Thembi for a scan when she found out that she's
carrying a baby girl. Everyone who's been hoping for a girl was excited,
especially the father of the baby. It gave him deep joy.

The past four months, Sbahle has been busy plaiting people's heads. She worked
at home, her clients came to her or she would go to their houses but house calls
came at an extra charge. Her business was booming, especially during the
month-end. It kept her busy and generated money for her. She saved most of the
money she made.
Shintsha and her father were angry because she was stubborn and didn't want to
stop working. She only stopped as the back pain problem returned. She had
promised herself she'll only stop when it returns and truly, she stopped working.
And her clients were very sad, everyone loved doing their hair by her.

"I want to keep busy, baba. Ntandoni will also be studying and I have nothing to
do."
He huffs, "what do you want to study?"
Why is he asking? "I want to study Biomedical Sciences."
He nods, "mm, that's quite interesting. Does UNISA have the course? You can't
go to university full time now Sbahle. You'll be a wife and a mother. You at
least need to take the option of distance learning."
Is he considering taking her to school? "Yes, UNISA does have the course
baba."
"Okay, apply for it and if they have a plan in which I can pay monthly for your
fees, then I will take you to school."
What? She jumps on her father and hugs the life out of him, traumatising the old
man. "Ngiyabonga, Khondlo, Mwelase, Muna."
"Sbahle voetsek man!" He screams as she's busy strangling his neck into a hug.
She laughs and sits back on her chair, "I am sorry, thank you baba."
"I want my grandchild to have an educated mother. Other children will ask what
your mother does and she'll be proud to tell them what her mother does," he
says with a smile on his face.
She giggles - it doesn't matter why he's doing it. For the child or for whatever,
what's important is that she'll be studying. "Yes, she'll be proud to tell them."

She protectively puts her hand over her five months pregnancy belly. Her
pregnancy has been a healthy pregnancy with no health issues and no wild
cravings and big busting hormones. She feels normal and she loves it like this.
Her sisters’ keep saying it's like she's not pregnant, they've been expecting her
to be dramatic as they've heard pregnant women can be dramatic and annoying.

It's 6pm, same day and she's standing on her feet busy cooking supper for the
family. Now in the morning she no longer wakes up super early and cooks
water for her family because her brother Luthando installed a gas geyser and
told her to stop waking up super early. Was she not happy? She was happier and
didn't expect Luthando would do that. Her siblings are stingy with money
except Thembi.

Now, she wakes up normally early and makes breakfast for them, prepares their
lunchboxes and goes back to bed. She'll wake up once they're gone, start
cleaning and relax when she has no customers. And since she no longer plaits
people, she relaxes all day if she has no house chores to do.
"Shintsha?" She takes his call.
"When are you going to call me, baba kaNana wethu?" He asks on the line.
She laughs at his silly question. "Stop asking me silly questions Shintsha."
"How are you today? Did you go to the Doctor?"
She closes the pot and sits down on the kitchen table, "yes, I did. She gave me
medication. I am much better."
"That's awesome, can you please come over? I will help and massage your
back?"

She doesn't know why he's still requesting because he knows she'll refuse. Ever
since he left her alone and went to Nelly, Sbahle has been refusing to visit him.
Her father is under the impression that she visits him during the day when he's
working the night shift. It's been four full months without visiting him and
without having sex. They meet up when she's going to the clinic. He picks her
up at home and drops her after the clinic appointment.

"You know what my answer will be, right?"

"Sbahle please, I am begging you. It'll be for the weekend and you'll go back on
Tuesday. I really miss you. It's been four months. I want to be able to touch
your belly and feel my baby kicking." He desperately begs.
"You do feel her when we go to the clinic."
"It's not enough!"
"Ayke, baba kaNana wethu, there's nothing I can help you with. I have to go, I
am cooking." She ends the call and stands up. She's trying her best not to give
herself stress by availing herself to Shintsha.

He's very caring, a day doesn't pass without checking on her, if she's fine. He
cares but it's just not enough for Sbahle.
It's dinner time, they're seated in the living room, each with his or her plate on
their lap. They're eating and watching TV.

"Hawu, before I forget baba!" Nondumiso grabs her father's attention but
everyone looks at her as if she's talking to them.
Mazibuko nods, "yes?"
"Shintsha called and he asked to have Sbahle for the weekend. He said he'll
bring her back on Tuesday." Nondumiso passes the message to her father. It was
the first time she received a call from Shintsha, requesting to have Sbahle for a
sleepover. He's only been calling when she can't reach her on the phone and
they have to be somewhere important like - the clinic.
"Alright, you can tell him he can take her. He hasn't been troubling me. There's
no problem."
'Oh dear God, bury me in the sea!' She's dying inside. She didn't expect he'll do
such a thing. She's been living freely without Shintsha using the rights that her
father gave to him and now, who reminded him? She's so angry she can't join
the discussion about the show that's playing on the television.

"I know you're angry mama but you gave me no choice. I have been really
patient." Shintsha quickly explains as he answers Sbahle's phone call. He's in
his room expecting that she'll call him after he's made a phone call to her sister
asking for her.
"Why are you doing this? You know what's happening between us."
He doesn't raise his spirit like her. He remains calm, "yes, I know mama kaNana
but what should I do? I miss your company. It's like I am in prison and kept
away from you. I am only seeing the small walls of the prison cell and they're
driving me crazy each time I can't see you. Please Muna."
And just like that, the foolish heart softens up. What harm can it bring? She'll be
going to his house and not at his home.
"Okay, come tomorrow at 1pm."
Excited, Shintsha blows a whistle and sings a happy maskandi song. "Thank
you, sphalaphala sentombi yakwa Mazibuko."
She shakes her head with a smile, "argh! Goodnight!" She laughs and covers her
whole body with the blankets.

She's standing on her feet on the kitchen side of his room, she's chopping
vegetables. She offered to cook for him when he said they'll buy takeaways.
They're having a conversation while he's seated on the couch watching TV.
They're talking about Gama's upcoming wedding.

"Are you coming to my brother's wedding? Please come and be my plus one.
You don't have to come to my home but I will fetch you at home and we'll go
for the wedding." Shintsha stands up from the couch and he stands by the door.
He looks at Sbahle cooking.
She glances at him, "I don't have clothes to wear." She makes an excuse. "Are
you not a part of groomsmen?"
He chuckles, "no, I told him to take Gcina. I don't want to ruin his video with
my stiff bones." He says and they laugh. "Please come, I will pay for your
outfit."
"And what about yours?"
"I will wear my normal clothes."
Oh God, he just doesn't care! "No, I will go if we'll go shop for the wedding and
I'll help choose your outfit."
Why not? "Alright, yes, we'll go shopping."
"Perfect!" She suddenly can't wait - when was the last time she attended a
wedding? It'll be fun, she doesn't like the bride but her husband is a kind man.
She's attending!
Easily, her body quivers as Shintsha's hand brushes her butts. They're cuddling
in bed.
"I want to thank you for cooking such a great supper for us." He whispers in her
ear.
She shuts her eyes as his sharp and cold breath hits her. The toothpaste probably
made it colder. "You don't have to, you also cook for me when I am here."
His hand is warm as he easily invites it in between her thighs, her gap gives him
easy access. She's not wearing panties but his t-shirt. "I want to." He says,
nibbling on her neck softly, bringing out moans from her mouth. Moans he
loves hearing.
"Mm, ah, mm." Why was she refusing to come to him? This feels really good,
the pleasure is building up at the right pace. Her muscles are tensing up to the
tension. Oh - yes!

"Oh, Shintsha!" Her hands find their way to the back of his head and he brushes
his head, pushes it in and brushes it. Her legs are spread widely and he's lying
on his tummy with his tongue doing magic on her honeypot. She loves the sharp
and pleasant heat he's brought all over her body. It's been a long while without
this.

Her moans get louder as her body prepares for the end. And when she reaches
an orgasm she feels it in her head, there are lights and tingles in her head and
body.

He creeps up to her with a satisfying smile and he kisses her lips while wedging
a pillow beneath her to tilt her.

He supports himself with his hands on either side of her, so as to not bear his
weight on her belly. When he enters her, he cries in pleasure. Full gear on, he
enjoys himself to the fullest.

They both set the room on fire and end up falling asleep after midnight, Sbahle
being the one who's making demands that they take breaks and go at it again
and again.

When she falls asleep, she falls asleep tired, pulling the blankets by her teeth.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 25

She's standing before his wardrobe searching for an outfit he'll wear. They're
going to the mall to shop for the outfits they'll wear at the wedding. The
wedding is in two weeks and Sbahle doesn't want to search for the outfit at the
last minute.

"Hhayibo, what is he going to wear?" Sbahle asks out loud failing to find a
proper outfit for Shintsha. "Not even one pair of jeans on sight. What kind of
man doesn't have chinos? Nelly kanti indoda yakho wenza njani ngayo? (What
are you doing with your man, Nelly?)

She finally finds black Nike suit pants and the same brand's white t-shirt with
pink flowers graffiti. She looks at the t-shirt, it's quite beautiful and it looks like
he doesn't normally wear it. "I should wear this once I am at least six months
pregnant." She puts it before her belly and smiles.

"Let me search for shoes before he decides to wear his white sandals of old men
from the 60's," she quickly searches for shoes, "yoh, Nana ubaba wakho
frustrates me!"

She's happy to find black sneakers. She rushes over the ironing board and irons
their clothes. "Aw ngeke phela!" She exclaims, ironing his t-shirt.
Shintsha walks out of the bathroom with his brown towel wrapped around his
waist, "Sbahle, I won't wear that but I will wear my brown corduroy pants and
blue shirt."
"No, you'll wear what I have picked out for you." She points at his lotion on top
of the bed, "Apply body lotion on your body."
"I don't like that t-shirt."
She looks at it, "who bought it for you kanti?"
"My brother Gcina on my birthday last year. I have worn it once." He takes the
lotion and applies it on his legs and arms.
What the fuck? "Why are you applying it on your arms and legs? Do the whole
body."
"Ay, I am fine." He puts it aside and puts on his pants. He takes the vest and
puts it on before wearing the t-shirt.
"It's beautiful, you should wear it more often. Put on those sneakers, the outfit
goes well with them."
He looks at them and puts them on because she's said so, "how do I look?"
She smiles - now he looks like a proper young man. And she loves him like this.
"You look like my baby's father. I am sure Nana is happy to see her father like
this. Sit."
He sits. "I am happy if my baby is happy."
How cute! It seems her child will get to experience the full father's love and she
loves that! Sbahle stands in between his thighs. She's on her underwear only.
She takes the brush and brushes his small hair, "I don't want us to come back
very late. We slept late last night."
He holds her thighs, "yes, we'll come back early and get some proper rest."

She holds his face and forces him to look up at her. With a smile, she bends
over and kisses his lips. Shintsha doesn't let it be a baby kiss but he turns it into
a deep and passionate kiss.

"Let's not get carried away. We're going shopping." She pecks his lips and
moves away from him.
She puts on her pink floral maternity dress and grabs her handbag.
He loves the dress, it's a long dress.

They walk up to the taxi stop, he feels confident walking next to her with her
belly. Everyone will see she's his and they no longer have a chance, there's a
third member on the way. It's amazing.
They're at the clothing shop and Sbahle is tired of fighting Shintsha about
suitable outfits for the wedding.

"Let's go back to that shop. I will buy that khaki cargo." Shintsha doesn't feel
like proceeding with shopping.
"I am not going to the wedding with someone who'll be wearing cargo." She
angrily shoves the pants back on the shelves. She's super annoyed because he's
acting like a kid.
He looks at her, "what's wrong with it?"
"It's good for cleaning around the yard, not the wedding." She brutally says and
walks away but he stops her, "what's wrong?"
"Okay, what are you picking up?" He gives in, he'll be foolish to want to wear
clothes of his choice and have no partner. He wants to go to the wedding with
her.
She smiles alone, "okay, let's pick up an outfit." She picks up three different
outfits for him and she goes with him to the fitting room.

The khaki plaid suit pants look like they were made for him, tailored only for
his body and doesn't he look sexy on them?

"Mm, mm," the two friends walking out of the fitting room moan, looking at
Shintsha.
Sbahle holds him by his waist, "aybo, indoda yami!" (He's my man!) She says
protectively.
The ladies laugh, "we're just admiring. His size likes women like me." The plus
size lady teases and giggles as Sbahle widens her eyes at them. They walk away
laughing.

The butterflies in his tummy after she's said he's her man - ah! "Were you really
jealous?" He asks with a smirk.
She slaps his arm, "we're taking these pants and the white shirt. It's not too
serious, you can even wear them with sneakers. They look good on you and you
can wear them again."

He holds her chin and gives her a quick kiss, making her giggle, pushing his
face off. She's excited about the outfit they've chosen - both his and hers, she
can't wait for the wedding.

After shopping, they buy food and take a taxi back to the house. She thought
they'll sit down at a restaurant but the man chose to buy food instead. Ah!

*****
Busiswa has been going up and down, preparing for her wedding. It's a very
stressful process, to check if everything is in order and everything has been paid
for. She's still not done and still stressed about whether she'll finish on time or
not.

Gama offered to pay for a wedding planner so she'll have less stress because she
has a new-born baby - a slow developing baby that needs a lot of attention.
Busiswa told him to send the money for the wedding planner but she didn't pay
the wedding planner, she took the money for herself and proceeded to plan
everything for herself. And now, she's drowning.

"How are you Jabulile? Did you get the email for the bus ticket?" Busiswa asks
her friend on the phone. She's finally found the chance to sit down with her
daughter.
"Yes, I got the bus ticket and I will be travelling to you. I will call you once I
have arrived in KZN," Jabulile responds.
She breastfeeds the baby, "yoh, I am relieved, the man gave me money for the
wedding planner and I just couldn't pay one person so much for planning the
wedding. I took the money for myself, I will give you the share since you'll be
helping me out."
Jabulile laughs at her friend's scheming mind, "alright, don't worry, everything
will be perfect for your wedding. There's nothing that will ruin your big day."
She smiles, "thank you, I will see you tomorrow."
The job of planning her wedding has been a difficult one and because she
doesn't trust her sisters to help her with honesty, Busiswa asked Jabulile to come
to the village early and help her with the planning of the wedding. She also
asked her to be her maid of honour. Jabulile agreed to be both, help her with
planning and be her maid of honour.

There's a single knock on her bedroom door and she gives the knocker
permission to enter. It's her child's part time minder.
Busiswa didn't give birth on time, her due date passed and she didn't give birth.
Her mother and MaGwala tried making concoctions to help her give birth but it
didn't work. Gama even came back home, they became more sexually active but
nothing happened.

He took her to the hospital and they had her labour induced, she'd told herself
she'll give birth through C-section because it was difficult but luckily she gave
birth on her own.

Another baby girl, Gama, didn't care about the gender, he was just happy to be a
father once again. The baby being a girl made MaGwala sad because that meant
being more cautious should her sons make a girl pregnant.

"How's the little one today?" She smiles at the baby who's sucking her mother's
breast.
Busiswa also smiles at her daughter, "she's doing well and I think she's better
today."
"I'll do the normal routine with her once you're done breastfeeding and I will be
with her until the end of my shift."
"Alright, we'll wait for her to finish up."

Gama hired a part-time nanny who's also a nurse working with children. He
hired her after the Doctors had pointed out symptoms of disability in his
daughter. She's still going in and out of hospitals doing check-ups and
evaluations. MaGwala desperately wanted to tell Busiswa - 'I told you so,' but
seeing how hurt she was that her baby is showing signs of being physically
disabled, she didn't remind her. Busiswa went home to her mother after giving
birth. The baby is five months.

Her first two daughters are with MaGwala, they attend school in town where
their mother enrolled them.

She's still in the village and has no plans of moving back to her husband sooner.
After the wedding, she's planning on living with MaGwala and head to Gama
when she misses him. She has big plans.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 26

They're having their supper in bed, eating on the same big plate. They're having
the food they bought at the mall.
When they returned from town to do wedding outfit shopping, they had some
little fun, playing nasty games and they fell asleep. Having the well-deserved
rest they desperately needed.

"How's your brother's daughter?"

He looks at her, "do you know her?"
With a frown she says, "Yes, I visited your mother last month, don't you
remember?"

He clearly remembers - how can he forget? His mother asked for her to visit her
from her father and she didn't tell him Sbahle will be coming over for a visit.
And Sbahle also didn't say anything to him.
She spent the night at his home and the next day, Busiswa magically came over
with her children. And only then, MaGwala called Shintsha and told him to take
his work car, come fetch Sbahle and take her home. She didn't sleep at his home
because Busiswa had already told MaGwala they're sleeping over.
That's where Sbahle met Busiswa's new-born.

"How can I forget? You visited her and left me out of those visiting plans."
She laughs, "don't tell me you're still holding that grudge!" She giggles as she
can tell he's still pissed off by that.
"Stop laughing."

Sbahle takes his phone under the pillow and she is annoyed by seeing his
girlfriend's name on the screen. But she notes, the name no longer has a heart
next to it. Okay, why? Are they fighting or what?

"She's calling." She gives the phone to him. Is he going to answer the phone in
her presence? If he answers, he'll see magic!
He doesn't answer the phone but puts it on the bedside table. "Mom told me she
doesn't want to recognise that the baby is not growing normally because of the
muthi she uses. She used muthi on my brother that's why mama doesn't like to
have you around her."

Didn't his mother tell him that Busiswa is the reason she almost lost her baby
that night? Maybe she didn't, to avoid fights and commotions.

"This means she's a danger to everyone but you're eating her food."
He chuckles and gets up from the bed at the knock on the door. "She'll not do
anything to me." He opens the door and laughs, "bafo!"
Gcina walks into the room with his girlfriend Amanda. "Yes, we're here with
meat and drinks."
"Oh yes, come in. How are you Amanda?" Shintsha greets and she greets back.
Gcina smiles when he sees Sbahle on the bed. "It's good that you're here,
makoti. We hope we're not disturbing, maybe you were busy giving our baby
some ears."
They laugh, "No, I was busy feeding her with nutrients and it's great to have an
uncle, she's going to eat more meat now."
"Yes, let's eat!" He puts the meat and drinks on the table, they sit on the couch
with his girlfriend. "Makoti, this is Amanda, my future wife. She'll be your
sister you'll be cooking porridge for MaGwala with her."
Amanda looks at Sbahle, "I am happy to meet you. We didn't bring any juice,
we didn't know you're here."
She moves to the edge of the bed and still covers herself with blankets. "Don't
worry I will drink juice from the fridge."

Shintsha gives her juice and sits with his brother and Amanda. They spend their
night eating, drinking and talking.
By the time they're sleepy, Gcina is too drunk to drive. Sbahle suggests they
sleep over.
Shintsha pulls out his sponge under the bed and gives them sheet and blankets.
He didn't just start by sleeping on the bed in this room but he started sleeping on
the sponge.
They sleep on the sponge while Sbahle and Shintsha sleep on the bed.

"What are you doing now? Your brother and his girlfriend are on the floor,"
Sbahle removes his hand from her bums. She's whispering.
He's sleepy but craving for her, "I know, we'll be quiet about everything.
They're sleeping."
"You're not sure, get your hands off my ass."
Shintsha holds her waist and moves closer to her so she could feel him. "Can
you feel that?"

She holds her breath and tries to see what's happening on the floor, they're dead
sleeping. Her body is warm but she's afraid. There are people in the house. Do
people do this while there are people in the room?

"I can't keep quiet when you're in me." She tries her best to resist.
He whispers, "I will hold your mouth." He begs, he can't sleep like this. He'll
fail to sleep. He wants to have one peak moment and he'll sleep like a king.
"Okay, do it but don't make any noise." She whispers and holds his hand. The
discreet of the thing they're doing makes it all fun…
He kisses the back of her neck, "I wish we can be together for real
KaMazibuko."
Huh? Is he really saying this or he's saying it because sex was good and lasted
for a long time? And even if it was long, it was still enjoyable. "You have
Nelly."
"I am trying to make her leave me."
She pulls the covers, "I can't rely on that, Shintsha. I don't want to get hurt."
"I won't hurt you."
She holds his hand, puts it on her belly, "let's sleep now baba kaNana. I am
sleepy." She pleads and he closes his eyes, enjoying feeling his baby's moves.

Sbahle falls asleep smiling, this gives her a warm feeling, he wants her like that
- he wants more?

*****
"Sisi, why are you not including us in your wedding preparations? You've
brought your friend here. Don't you trust us?" Busiswa's younger sister asks her
sister after she has introduced Jabulile to them.
The other three sisters are with Busiswa, they're angry with her. Why is she so
evil?

"You have the nerve to ask me this question while you have been laughing at
me since I came back."
The younger sister points at her chest, "When have I been laughing at you, huh?
I have been helping you out even with the children."
She buckles up, well, her younger sister is right. "Eh, I am sorry I am mistaking
you with your older sisters. I am really sorry."

She calms down. She was really hurt when her sister introduced Jabulile and
told them she's here to help her with the wedding preparations. "It's okay, I
forgive you."
"I don't care even if you don't include me. I don't associate myself with muthi
things, fake love." The other sister says and leaves Busiswa laughing at the silly
comments by her sister. She doesn't care, Gama is her husband and nobody will
change that.

"I wonder where your true love is!" She shouts at her sister and looks at the
younger sister, "can you please be my bridesmaid? Mama said you'll go with me
when I move to my in-laws. You'll stay with me for a week."
She smiles, "okay, we'll go. No problem." She's happy to be a part of the
wedding. The other sisters don't care, they've never loved their sister ever since
she started working.

It's been very busy months, preparing for the wedding and finally - she's done
with everything and tomorrow, she'll be officially Mrs Luthuli recognised not
only by his family but his ancestors also. And the whole village will know that
he belongs to her.

After her younger sister confronted her, Busiswa included her in everything.
Paranoia almost made her forget about her being a good aunt to her children and
good sister to her. She's been very sceptical around her sisters because she
knows they're jealous of her. And she doesn't like them much.

Jabulile gets back in bed after speaking to Gama on the phone outside. After
Busiswa asked her to come to KZN and help her with the wedding, also be her
maid of honour. Jabulile had to tell Gama the truth that, they've grown to be
friends with his wife and this is what she requested from her. He was angry at
her for not telling the truth but Jabulile humbled herself to him, asked for
forgiveness. He forgave her and didn't allow the friendship stop their
relationship.

"So, tomorrow is your big day." Jabulile looks at Busiswa, they're both on
Busiswa's bed. Gama was calling her to check if Busiswa is okay and has
everything under control. He didn't believe she's fine when she told him. And
Jabulile told him, she's better ever since her younger sister started helping out
too.

She smiles, "yes, I can't wait."

"When are you going to come back to Gauteng?" Jabulile asks, patrolling.
She gives her a side eye and laughs, "he said we're going away for a week after
the wedding and after that I will come back home to his mother. He didn't like
the idea at first but I tried my best to convince him."
"And what did he say?" She asks, holding her breath. She wants nothing more
than being told that he agreed.
She yawns, "He said I will stay this year because the children are already at the
new school and we'll go back to him next year."
"Are you going to go back?"
She turns and face her, "yes, what should I do? He'll be angry if I don't listen to
him but I will always be coming to the village often. You don't know how
happy I was when I learnt that his brother will have a baby girl."
"This means you still have time."
She changes position again and sleeps looking up at the white ceiling, "yes, his
brothers are both working and every month they bring money to his mother. My
husband told Shintsha that he must not bring money to his mother but save for
the baby. Even after being told that, he's still bringing money to his mother. I
am there but they still take their sister or mother when they go grocery
shopping. I want all that to change." She has a cunning smile on her face as she
fills Jabulile in, "I want these brothers to bring the money to me and I will be
the one to buy these groceries. MaGwala prays for her food when the boys have
brought groceries home. And I am telling you, groceries don't run out in that
home. I will ensure they run out, that way they'll keep bringing money home."
Jabulile is a bit shaken by her friend. "What are you going to do to ensure
groceries run out?" She asks.
"Ngizobethela. Isbethelo sami sophenduka izilwane ezizodla khona la." (I will
strengthen the home with muthi that will turn into animals that will eat their
food faster.)

Oh God! Its better she tells her the truth, "you can't do something about those
boys and their mother. She used muthi on them to ensure they bring money to
her and look after their home. Your husband is not included because already,
you have your own doing working on him."
"What?" She's shocked and angry at the same time. How could this be? So,
MaGwala has been acting Holy before her but she's done such a thing to her
sons?
"You're the reason she did this. If you didn't take her son away from her she
would have never done this to them."
With eyes widened, she asks, "I am to blame, really? She's also a witch!"
"No, she's not!"
She angrily fists her hands, "I will find a way. I will, those boys will bow to me
especially Shintsha. That little girl should dream on, I don't want her to marry
him. I don't want any of them to get married to them." She clicks her tongue and
curses. What's she going to do?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 27

The witch is not home and so, Sbahle was freely asked from her father by
MaGwala. She asked for her after she heard Sbahle will be attending the
wedding.

Shintsha drove Gcina's car to eMzingazi and fetched Sbahle home. She didn't
have a problem with sleeping at his home because Busiswa is not around.

She takes her phone on top of the coffee table, she's on her feet inside Shintsha's
house, ironing their wedding outfits. It's her outfit with Shintsha and MaGwala's
outfit. "Sawubona mama?" She puts the phone on speaker and proceeds to iron
the clothes before electricity is cut off.
"Sbahle, how are you and the baby?" Sbahle's mother asks on the line.

One thing she can't wait to see, how her parents will treat her after the baby is
born. She's not sure about this treatment but maybe it's a blessing that they love
her child. "We're doing well, mama and how are you?"
"I am well, you still have no morning sickness?"

She hangs his shirt on a hanger, "no mama I have no sicknesses."

"You're lucky, when I was pregnant with you I was always sick and your father
would lose his mind. Not sure whether to go to work or stay with me. I would
force him to go and he would keep calling and calling," she narrates with a
happy voice. "So, you're really lucky."

She's never shared anything like this with her. "I am happy I know nothing
about that."
"Maybe you'll feel it with your second pregnancy."
She laughs, "I am fine with one baby."
Her mother's laughter is bold, "Luthuli doesn't look like a boy who's done
giving you babies."
"Mama!"

She doesn't stop laughing, "Okay, I won't say anything now. Do you need
anything for the wedding? Your outfit is complete now?"
"Yes, mama it's complete. Thank you."
She sighs, "Okay, I am tired I had a long day at work. Your father told me you'll
start studying next year."
"Yes, he said he'll pay for my studies." He looks at Shintsha as he walks into the
room with a tray of food.
"That's better, I trust you'll be responsible and obtain that qualification."
"I will try my best."
"What will happen to the baby? I am retiring next year and I was thinking you
can bring the baby to me. I will look after her so you will be able to study."
She looks at Shintsha as he stands before her. He shakes his head moving his
mouth, 'no!' And Sbahle rolls her eyes at him.

"Thank you for the offer mama but I will be studying at Unisa. I will have time
for the baby. I can bring her to you if I am writing exams maybe," she doesn't
want to bluntly refuse and hurt her feelings.
"Alright my child, that's better too. I will see you when you come back from the
wedding. I will send you money to come to my workplace during lunch on
Tuesday."

She hangs the final piece of clothing, "yebo, ma, goodbye." She ends the call
and Shintsha finally breathes out.

"You refuse to have my mother take the baby but you'll give her to your mother,
why?" Shintsha doesn't wait for Sbahle to tell him about her call with her
mother. "And that time you were not even planning on studying."
She folds the ironing board, "I know but I said I will give the baby to her when I
am busy."
"But you didn't even offer that my daughter will at least visit my mother but
you're quick to do that for your mother."
She sits down next to him on the couch. She takes her food, "yes, the baby will
visit her granny. You know that but you want to start a fight and be grumpy
with that moustache you're growing."
He brushes it and smiles, "I love it but I can see you don't like it."
She shakes her head, "yes, I don't like it."
"But seriously, I am happy that you'll be studying. Why haven't you been
studying?" He asks and when her face changes, he doesn't understand what's
wrong, "Sbahle?"

She looks at her lap, "I was raised by my father after my parents' divorce. I
never experienced my father's love and that's because of my mother's actions.
She hurt my dad," Sbahle opens up to Shintsha about her childhood and
adolescence till she's carrying this child. "So, you can judge me as you've done
because I was dating Dennis. At first yes I loved him but things changed when
he laid his hand on me. But I needed him, I needed the money he was giving me
and I went back. I would need something, my parents wouldn't provide and I
would ask Dennis and he would give it to me without complaining."
He holds her hand and he feels ashamed, horrible for the way he got angry and
judged her. He didn't know. What she did it's like getting into crime to put food
on the table.

"Mama KaNana, I am really sorry. Looking at you and how beautiful your
home is, all your siblings were working, your parents included. I didn't think
you were dating for that reason. I am really sorry. I - I just -" words get stuck in
his mouth as he gets emotional. Why is life so unfair? Her parents are only
showing her love now. Are they showing her or the baby?

Sbahle hugs Shintsha as he's the one crying instead. This is her first time seeing
a man cry. "Hey, I am fine now. We're fine, you're also fine. Don't cry."
"I understand where you're coming from. At some time in my life, I was invited
into doing criminal activities by people who knew my situation at home. I was
considering it. I had actually agreed and my friend's father heard. Did he not
whip me for trying to join crime?" He also shares his heart with her after he's
calmed down. "I was tired of asking for piece jobs from him because he ended
up giving me money for doing nothing much like washing his car for R300.
That man saved me and Sihle also because he was very disappointed that I was
considering crime while he was there to help me. But I guess it's a bit better
because I still had my mother's love."

She smiles at him, "I was thinking the other day, our child will be lucky to have
a father like you. I know you'll love her and raise her well, pamper her."
He holds her belly, "maybe she's a blessing that should bring you closer to your
parents and mend your relationship. Heal the wounds of the past."
"I hope so. I no longer get angry at them like I would be angry at them before."
He laughs, "This is your blessing. Our blessing." He pulls her into a hug and
sighs, there's a huge weight that's been lifted off his shoulders. He feels lighter -
why? Is it because all that anger has been cleared?

Yes, that day when he met her - he really saw his future in her. And his goal
now - it should be 'ukumbopha ngothando' (caging her with love) what can stop
him now?

One thing about Busiswa? She's a woman of taste. Sbahle has seen that in her
husband's two room house back home. It's a two room which is stylish and
beautiful inside.

But, how can she not be a woman with taste? Her husband has money. He's
working a very good paying job - he's not just a mere worker and if Busiswa has
a bad taste, it would be a bad combination.
She went for a community church and when people saw the invites, they
laughed at the venue. Wasn't her husband rich? Why did she choose the church
in the village? They couldn't wait for the wedding day just to laugh at her
getting married in a village church.

"Wow, is this the same church?" Shintsha asks, walking into the venue holding
hands with Sbahle. Today, he's dressed so differently that even his mother was
shocked and happy at the same time to see him this handsome. He didn't make a
mistake of not telling her that it's Sbahle who chose his outfit.

Sbahle is also taken by surprise as they walk into the church - the use of pampas
grass as part of the decorations is not overboard.
Sbahle loves the stunning large arrangements of white blooms, with a few
sprigs of pampas grass, tying together the most beautiful natural palette that
perfectly complements the interior of the church.

"Did your brother buy benches for the church? They look new." Sbahle sits
down with Shintsha on the red varnished wooden benches.
He chuckles, "yes, he offered to buy new benches for the church because
apparently Busiswa wanted beautiful benches."
"Mm, life is good!"
"Yes, she gets everything she wants." He comments and they focus on the
ceremony as it begins. What a beautiful setup!
She wanted a ceremony that she didn't have when she first got married. This is
her big day.

And walking into the full church with her brother holding her hand, Busiswa
feels like a goddess. Yes, yes - looking at the faces of the villagers, she doesn't
need to guess. They're shocked by how beautiful everything is. Who do they
think she is?

She's very proud, this is her big day and a day she'll never forget. The day she
didn't think will actually reach her - getting married with everyone watching.
People can't close their mouths, from the beautiful decoration to her bridesmaids
and the groomsmen who are perfectly dressed. And her groom - he looks like a
candy that every woman wants to get their hands on. And Busiswa? The
highlight of the day.

Jabulile can't keep her eyes off Gama as he's standing at the altar with Busiswa.
How she wishes it can be her who's there! But she's not, she's standing here as a
maid of honour. Don't they look good together? They look perfectly made for
each other.
"Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be
joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace!" The pastor
opens up the opportunity and the couple looks back at the audience.
"I object, mfundisi!" A sharp voice of a woman yells at the back and she causes
a distraction of noise as people are shocked. The one year old baby boy she's
carrying in her arms cries louder, startled by the noise.

This has never happened in the history of weddings they've seen. To have
someone who objects?

Busiswa almost pees on herself. What's happening? Who's this woman?

ISBOPHO!
Chapter 28

"What's your objection, lady?" The pastor asks, "Please come forward."

Aha! The guests' ears are now the sharpest ears in the world, waiting to hear
what the lady will tell them. Who's the lady? Who's the baby that she's carrying?
Busiswa's heart is beating higher, making her hands shake with anxiety. She's
already made her own conclusions. This baby looks like her first born. Why did
this woman choose such a time? Her sharp eye glares at Gama.

"I am sorry," he whispers. He's not sure about the mother of the baby but he's
sure the baby belongs to him. The woman carrying the baby? He's never seen
her. Why would she embarrass him like this? His wife?

"The groom, this is his son!" She announces and everyone screams, making a
commotion and the pastor tries his best to keep the noise down. He's also
waiting to hear this.
"Okay, please, carry on," the pastor says to the woman after he had managed to
keep the noise down.
She looks at the baby and back at Gama, "you lied to my sister when you were
still dating, hid it from her that you're married. And when she found out, she
was already pregnant. She left you."
"Who's your sister?" Gama asks and his question makes people scream.
MaGwala should be ashamed and hiding her face but she's happy, her lips are
folded avoiding to laugh. What an embarrassment for this witch! She'll never
forget this.

"Pause the video!" Busiswa screams at the videographer and people laugh,
including the man behind the camera.

The lady proceeds, "Pearl Dube was my sister. We told her to tell you but she
didn't want trouble with your wife. She nursed the pregnancy and gave birth to
her son. She loved her baby and looked after him but sadly she passed away at
the beginning of the year. We've been looking for you with no luck. And I have
finally found you. Our sister was the only one working at home, we can't afford
your baby. We've tried our best but babies are expensive. The money she left for
the baby wasn't much, we've been using it for the baby and now, what's left
won't even last two months."

The people moan, feeling sorry for the little baby and his mother. What is this
witch Busiswa going to do? If only the sister was smart, she was not supposed
to bring the baby here. Busiswa will kill him, everyone is worried about the
baby.
Sigh! So, the baby mama is dead. That's awesome! Busiswa calculates her next
moves. The whole village is watching her, her in-laws included, she needs to act
smart about this. And besides, this is her husband's son. He doesn't have a
mother but he does have a granny and a father.

"Do you know her sister?" Busiswa confirms with her husband who's standing
before her like a statue now.
He opens his mouth, "yes, I know her. I am really sorry. It was a bad mistake."

She doesn't say anything to him but holds her gown. Jabulile jumps forward and
helps her - everyone's faces are watching in wonder. Some they're happy - yes,
she's leaving MaGwala's son. She's leaving him!
But - she does the unexpected, she takes the baby from the sister, "oh man, he
looks like my daughter. What's his name?"
Huh? "Ndalo," she responds.
She smiles at the sister, "thank you for looking after my husband's baby but
don't worry now. He has a family and we'll look after him. Please, don't leave,
do stay for the wedding so you'll eat and we'll talk after."
Huh? Everyone gasps - is that Busiswa speaking? Does she have multiple
personalities? What's happening?

The sister nods, not sure about her response to all this. Why is she nice?
Busiswa walks forward with the baby, "oh, my husband's son, look at the
clothes you're wearing. We should buy you some new clothes." She says to the
boy with a smile, the baby wipes his tears and she thinks of giving the baby to
MaGwala but her eyes land on Sbahle.

"Nangu umamncane, hlala naye for now and play with your sister in her tummy.
(Here's aunty, stay with her.) Your father is getting married."
Oh God! Sbahle takes the baby and smiles at him, scared that he'll cry but he
doesn't cry.

"Udlala ngawe lo mthakashana, bring the boy to me," MaGwala takes the baby.
And so, the wedding continues, "Get us married!" She exclaims to the pastor.
And everyone has their jaws on the floor.
What did they just watch? A movie?

Gama and Busiswa are joined in holy matrimony before the villagers and their
parents. The people are still confused by Busiswa.

"I now pronounce you Mr and Mrs Luthuli! You may kiss the bride."
For them, this was like a renewal of vows.
His hand pulls his wife's waist closer to him. He smiles at her, "thank you for
loving me even when I don't deserve it."
"Kiss me," she smiles but she's deeply angry. How could he do this? How many
other babies does he have out there?

Their lips are joined into a heated kiss, his heart dances in happiness as they
kiss. He's such a lucky man.

People had light snacks after the Holy matrimony and they moved to the
playground closer to the church for the most important wedding. The bride and
groom changed into the traditional clothing and the wedding began.

Busiswa was the most beautiful bride on the field, the short and plump beautiful
bride of Gama Luthuli. Growing up, she always had attention from boys but she
didn't pay any notice to them until Gama started asking her out. He was older
than her but she didn't mind, it was the way he presented his love for her before
her that made her heart like him. And from there, they dated and didn't stop.
They're high School sweethearts and today these sweethearts are fully married.
The traditional wedding sealed everything, nobody could stop her. No child and
no woman. Nobody!

"Mama, are you going to sleep with him?" Gama asks his mother. His daughters
are sleeping with Busiswa's sister in the main house. Their grandmother's house.
They have their bedrooms there.

After three months, the house was a complete house. Big and beautiful,
something MaGwala never thought she would own, a proper house. She was
very happy and gave her sons her blessings.
MaGwala is inside her brand new modern kitchen with Ndalo. They're having
the wedding cake. It's been a long day and she's glad it's finally over.

"Yes, where should he sleep?"

He grabs a chair, "I am sorry for embarrassing you. I really didn't know about
the baby."
"Ilokho phela okwenzekayo uma wena elakho ipipi linomusa, lihamba ulifaka
kuzozonke izimbobo ezikhona!" (That's what happens when you have a
generous penis.)
He looks down in shame, "mama, there's a child here." He points at Ndalo.

They've spoken with his aunt and she told them everything they needed to know
about the baby. Gama asked her to leave the child and his mother will look after
him. He didn't want to give them a burden of proceeding looking after the child.
She's young and has no child, the other siblings back home also don't have
children and they're young. The baby shouldn't be a burden to them.
Ndalo's aunt agreed because that's what they've agreed upon, if he accepts the
baby she'll leave the baby with him. She had brought all the important
documents of the baby. And luckily, Gama accepted the baby and his wife also
accepted.

"Leave my sight, Gama!" She points at the door and he stands up, "don't look at
me like that. Leave!"
He huffs and looks at his son, "boy, I will see you tomorrow." He brushes his
head as the baby smiles. He's hoping he'll easily blend with every child in the
yard. Already, he's not fussy and crying.

He sits on his bed in his house, "MaButhelezi, are you sleeping already? This is
our wedding night. We haven't been intimate since you gave birth."
"That's what you're thinking after you've hurt me again. Another child, Gama!"

She sits up straight and screams at him. She thought she'll just sleep and ignore
him because she's angry and hurt. This is the worst wedding night ever. "Why
do you keep hurting me? Is it because I forgive you?"
"No, it's not intentional. I get tempted as a man and that's what happened. I am
sorry."
She laughs, "Oh, you know what? I will get tempted too and we'll see how
you'll take it."
"MaButhelezi!" He growls suddenly enraged by what she's saying to him. How
can he have another man touching his wife? "Don't you dare do that. You don't
want to test me!"
"I am tired of this, another child I am leaving you. This means I am not enough
for you. I am going to leave you for real," she threatens him and instead of
assuring her it won't happen again. Gama holds her face and kisses her
passionately.

All he wants is to remind her who he is - he's her husband. The man she's loved
for over ten years. There's nothing that will ever come between them. Nothing!
Her heart wants to stop him because she's angry but her body doesn't want to
stop him. It's been over four months, she wants this. She needs it and she'll
continue being angry with him after it.

"I am sorry, I won't hurt you again," he promises what he'll not be able to keep.

But he should be more careful - there shouldn't be more babies now. Six babies
are enough! If there's a baby, it should come from her. Or he'll lose her.
Busiswa lies on her back with their knees bent and legs slightly spread. "I hope
you're speaking the truth," she pulls him closer to her heated body. "I am ready
for you, Luthuli."

What hurts her the most, he does all these things he does to her on these other
women. What sex position do they get on and give him boys? Is it him on top or
them on top? Behind or side to side? What position!

Gama straddles his wife and squats over her and he explores her, patiently.
He moves slowly after finding his right depth. He knows what his wife likes, his
wife likes it when he turns into a beast and fucks her. And Jabulile? She loves
sensual sex and Gama has also grown to love it.
He flips her like an egg on the hot pan and he makes her lie down with her back
flush to the mattress and lifts her hips into the air.
This? Busiswa loves it, she learnt it in the yoga classes she used to make him
pay for.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" He asks, tenderly.

And a high Busiswa responds, "yes, enter!"
He binds her wrists behind her back and grabs her butt, making her wrap her
legs around his waist as he thrusts deeper and deeper. This is all amazing!
"I am really sorry MaButhelezi and also, I want to thank you for what you did.
You accepted my child. I don't think I will ever find a woman like you." He
says looking at her once they're done satisfying each other's needs. He's happy.
"The child is innocent."
He kisses her, "so, are we going on our honeymoon tomorrow?" He asks,
holding his breath. This woman is something else - she can surprise him even
after such good sex and refuse.

She thought she'll be angry. But after everything she deserves the honeymoon,
she needs to go and refresh, come back fresh for the work she's about to do in
this family.

"Yes, we're leaving tomorrow." She announces and laughs as her husband
showers her with kisses.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 29

This time around, Shintsha didn't have to call her sister and ask for permission
to spend the weekend with her. But Sbahle reported to her father that she's
going to spend her weekend with him. He let her go.
She has great news and she's shared the news with her siblings and parents,
Ntandoni included. And now, she wants to share the news with her baby's
father.

He puts the pillow on top of the straw mat and sits down. He's dead tired and
doesn't have any energy. His upper body is in between her legs, she's seated on
top of the bed.

Sbahle pours her tissue oil in her hands and she massages his neck. "I don't even
have to ask you but you look tired. What happened at work today?" She asks,
she's a bit worried about him because he looks grumpy.

It's Friday night and he came back to her in the house, Sbahle asked him to
leave the key hidden and she'll arrive in the afternoon. Shintsha left the keys for
her.
She loved how she always found his room clean. She only had to cook their
supper and wait for his return from work.

"We had a robbery at one of the homes and we worked very hard today, trying
to solve the case. We were very lucky to find one of the robbers." He shares his
day with her, he's in a relaxing position and loves having his body touched like
this. Nobody has ever done it for him. And now that Sbahle is doing it, it feels
marvellous.

"Your job is not safe. Please, you should always be safe. What will happen to
my child?" She tightens her hands on his shoulders.
He puts his hand on her hand, "don't stress, nothing will happen to me."
"Okay, so, I have some good news!" She says excitedly and when Shintsha asks
her to come out with it. She giggles, "I was accepted to study next year."
His heart jumps in excitement, he whistles in absolute happiness.
"Congratulations, mama kaNana. This means a start of great things and a bright
future." He stands up and showers her with kisses. He gets in bed with her.
They cuddle, "yes, I was very happy and my dad was also happy. He keeps
saying his granddaughter will have an educated mom.

"Yes, he's right about that!" He supports and laughs when Sbahle gives him a
side eye. "I was thinking, since we're talking about the future for our children."
"Children? Or a child?"
With a smile, he says, "children, what makes you think this is our last one? I am
still going to give you three more and we'll be done."
With a loud laugh, she pushes his face away. "That will never happen. I am not
your wife."
"You'll be my wife by then, when Nana turns 1 I will go back to your father."

She blushes and doesn't put all that in her head. Years back, he made a promise
to her but he turned on her without having facts. "You like messing with my
head and heart."
He holds her hand underneath the covers, "I am serious. I am not joking. I have
money, the money I have saved since I started working. I started from R50 and
raised it every year."
"Really?" She's impressed - she's also been worried if his salary will be enough
to take care of him, his mother and the baby.
"Yes, Sihle's father is the one who took me to the bank and told them to open up
a bank account for me and open a stop order." He clarifies, "there was a year
where I was really struggling, taking my brother to college and looking after my
mother and sister. Sihle came here and found my fridge empty but it was the
beginning of the month. He asked me why it was like that and I told him that
everything was too much."
"What did he do?" It's heart-breaking, he's been carrying that home alone. His
siblings are now all educated, his sister still studying and Shintsha is not
educated because he had to carry the entire home in his back.

"He told me he'll give me half of the rental money for two years and I will have
to put that money to good use. He said I should take it as appreciation because I
look after his rental rooms very well," he responds. "He doesn't hire any
handyman if there's something that needs to be fixed, I do everything around
here and keep the yard clean but I always take it as my repayment of rent."
And Sbahle is amazed. "Sihle is not your friend but your brother. He did such a
thing?"
"Yes, he did that for me. By then, his father had passed away but he never
changed. For two years, I got half the money for all these rooms he owns. I also
didn't stop the stop order. Now, I want to use money to generate more money. I
won't be able to study. I am not bright when it comes to books. I long made
peace with that. I need something I can start with this money. I am clueless."

A man who understands himself! "How much is it? Can I see and I will be able
to help you with ideas." She raises an eyebrow, "what? Don't you trust me with
your money? Or you think I will want your money if I see it?"
Why is she suddenly shouting at him? "No, why are you angry?"
"It's just that I can see you don't trust me."
"It's something you can calculate, KaMazibuko. He has 15 rooms -"
She laughs, "Oh, you really don't trust me with your money? Do you think I will
rob you once I see how much you have?"
"No, why are you thinking like that? Why are we fighting about this?"

She's really annoyed because she doesn't understand why he's not trusting her
with his money. "And you joke and say I will be your wife. I guess I will be that
wife who won't even know your bank card pin. You'll give me grocery money
in a brown envelope."
He laughs, "Where does all this come from?" He asks and doesn't get an answer.

He decides it's better to show her his money so this will end. He doesn't want to
show her because he knows women - she'll see his money and will start telling
him about a lot of things he should be fixing in his life with this money. And
now, he doesn't want to fix anything.

Sbahle pretends not to be surprised, he's a man with brains. But why does he
have so much money saved while he doesn't have proper furniture in his house
back home? Only his bed is comfortable but the rest of the furniture is old! She
wonders but doesn't tell him to buy new furniture even though she strongly feels
like telling him. "Okay, it's enough to start a business."
He nods, "what kind of business?"
"This place has a lot of rental rooms and youngsters who always go to
Richards’s Bay for alcohol and some entertainment. Buy a plot and build a
tavern or pub, up by the main road. There are still spaces to buy there." Sbahle
shares an idea with him, "you can have a space for braaing meat and maybe a
car wash space too. Meat and alcohol makes money. Inhloko can have days
because you're good at it."

He laughs, "this means you'll have to learn how to cook it too because it'll be a
business for our children and our home."
Our children - he's really serious? "I can try. I am good at cooking tripe."
"Oh! I have it in the fridge, you'll cook it tomorrow."
Oh, no! He must be joking. "Tomorrow? Aren't we supposed to go out
tomorrow?"
"Go out?"
She pouts, "Hawu, yes, to celebrate that I was accepted in University and also,
go out because we've never gone out. We're always in this room nje."
"You mean sit in a restaurant?" He widens his eyes.
Why does he look shocked? "Yes, we can go and bond as parents, over drinks
and good food. It doesn't matter where we go."
"Ay, ay, ngeke ngiyenze leyonto mina. Ngidle abantu bengibuka." (I won't do
that. Eat and have people look at me.)
What the hell! "They won't look at you but they'll be focused on their food.
You'll be looking at me."
"No, it's a waste of time. We can buy food and come back here to eat together."
She keeps internally saying, 'Wow!' "No, we should go out. It's important for us
to go out."
"If that's what you want. I will give you money and you'll go out with your
friend or sisters."
She looks at him in disbelief, "mxm!" and she turns, facing the other side in
bed.
"Hawu, manje? Why are you behaving like this? Did I say something wrong?"
"Ey, goodnight." She's never been so pissed off by Shintsha. Why is he like
this?
"I can't believe you'll choose to act like a child and not an adult."
"You're the one acting like an adult from 1956 and it's boring." She shouts and
slaps his hand, "stop touching me."

He huffs and keeps his hand away. "I can see that you're trying to change me
but I keep quiet like I am seeing nothing." He says and Sbahle doesn't say
anything.

*****
It's been two weeks since Busiswa came back from her honeymoon. She's been
busy going up and down but MaGwala doesn't know what she's busy with.
Shintsha opens the van and with his brother, Gcina they transport their mother's
groceries to the house. Their mother follows them with the plastic bag.
Sebenzile is at her in-laws, the boys went to town with MaGwala and Sbahle
was with them. MaGwala asked Shintsha to bring her along because they were
together.

She finds Busiswa in the kitchen busy cooking. What is she cooking now?

"MaButhelezi, didn't I say don't cook beans we'll cook cow heels?"
She glances at MaGwala. She's angry because she offered to go with her
brothers-in-law to buy groceries but MaGwala refused. She told her she'll go
with her sons. She must look after the children.
"We'll cook it tomorrow." She says cheekily.

MaGwala keeps calm and closes the door, she takes her time praying for her
groceries, thanking God for them. He points at the groceries, "pack the groceries
MaButhelezi. I will ask my sons to cook the heels for me. I am not going to eat
sugar beans." She states and heads to her bedroom.
Busiswa chuckles and doesn't do what MaGwala told her to do - unpacking the
groceries but she continues cooking her sugar beans and rice with some
butternut.

Shintsha walks into the room and finds the groceries still on the floor. The
blood of meat is dripping down on the floor. "Hawu sisi, why did you not
unpack the groceries?"
"I am busy." She doesn't turn to him.

Shintsha decides to unpack the groceries. He doesn't understand why she's not
unpacking them. He's not sure if he'll do a good job with packing.

"I am waiting for you outside. I have started the fire." Gcina appears on the
door.
He looks back at him, "I am done here."
"Hawu, you're the one doing that?" He points at Busiswa with his eyes.
Shintsha shrugs, "you see I am busy too. Kuzomele ngilethele umama umakoti
manje ayikho lento." (I should bring a daughter-in-law for my mother, this is
not it!) He says heading out and leaves Busiswa laughing in the house.
"Why is she laughing?" Gcina asks.
He shakes his head, "I don't know. Let's cook these heels and leave that woman
alone."

Gcina and Shintsha cook the heels their mother wants to eat.
MaGwala wakes up the next morning and she's confused - what is this white ash
in her yard? What's happening?
She remembers correctly, sprinkling the mixture of muthi in the whole yard to
strengthen the family yard.

"What did this girl do here?" She doesn't have to guess and kill her brain. It's
her daughter-in-law. She rushes to her house.
With a loud bang on the door, she screams Busiswa's name. "Come out here!"
She opens the door, "good morning, mama."
MaGwala steps back, "what did you do in my yard?" She shouts at her.
She looks down as sign of respect, "I was helping strengthen the home with
Holy Ash."

With her hands up in her head, MaGwala goes crazy. "Why? Who said do it?
Do you understand what you've done?" Her hands are slightly shaking and tears
voluntarily flowing down her cheeks.
"Mama, I was helping -"
She growls, "shut up!" She holds her forehead and turns her back on her, crying
hysterically.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 30

He's at the doorstep of his rental room eMandlanzini, he's polishing his work
boots. There's loud music playing on his sound system and he's singing along.
It's Thursday, he was expecting Sbahle to come over for a visit but she called
and told him that her father called and asked her to cook steam bread and sugar
beans curry. And she'll leave after she's done, she cancelled because both items
require time to cook.
He understood but he was not happy because he'd already bought goodies for
her.

"Sawubona, Mandlanduna."
He shuts his eyes shortly and raises his eyes at her with a forced smile, "Nelly,
how are you?" He asks and doesn't fight - she knows he doesn't like it when she
comes over to his place unannounced, he's never liked it ever since they started
dating.

She smiles at him, she's home for the long weekend. And she thought she
should visit him first for the night, then go home to spend the rest of the
weekend there.

"I am not happy, I have been calling you since morning and you haven't been
answering my calls." She expresses her disappointments.
He stands up and puts his boots on top of blocks, facing the sun so they'll be
shiny. "I was working a day shift Nelly." He goes back inside the house and
Nelly follows him in.
She puts her bag on top of the bed and follows him to the bathroom, "what's
going on between you and me, Shintsha?"

He has to admit, Nelly is one stubborn woman. He's been trying his best to
show her how much he's no longer interested in their relationship and no longer
has time for her but she doesn't break up with him. "What do you mean? I
thought we're in a relationship." He washes his hands and heads back to the
room. He didn't even get a chance to hide Sbahle's plastic of goodies. Should
Nelly see it inside the cupboard, it'll mean bad news because she'll eat and carry
some for the children at home. She dearly loves children.

"A relationship where you don't call me for two days or three days?"
He warms up fried chicken, "I am busy."

She knows this change happened right after Shintsha made his side chick
pregnant. Nelly has always known, she's not the only girlfriend he has because
of the long distance. To her, Shintsha was the only one and she loved things like
that. She loved him the way he is, simple and not complicated and he also gave
her money when she needed his help. But things changed when she found out
he's made a girl pregnant. Nelly felt betrayed and angry. Why did he do such a
careless thing? Have a side chick and not use protection with her? Make her
pregnant.

And because of her anger, she started dating a guy back in university. They're
still dating but she feels the boy is cheesy.

"You're so surprising, you cheat on me and make another woman pregnant, you
don't even show remorse but you change, become cold. Don't you want me
anymore?"
He looks at her as she shouts, "there's no need for you to shout. I had a moment
of weakness, we're far apart from each other Nelly and as a man it's not easy to
have a long distance relationship. I am sorry for hurting you. I have been saying
I am sorry."

She chooses to be quiet and have the chicken and rolls along and avoid talking
about this pregnancy because it changes her into a very angry person. She
doesn't want to be angry.

"Let's have some meat. I don't want to argue." She starts eating with Shintsha.
He asks her about school and Nelly starts talking, loving to have this
conversation with her boyfriend about things happening in her life in university.
After having fried chicken and bread, Shintsha heads outside to wash socks, he
leaves Nelly preparing to cook dinner.

Her hands brush his chest, down to his manhood. Shintsha is laid on his bed
with Nelly next to him. They've had dinner and taken a bath - its 8pm.
What is she doing? His mood doesn't change as Nelly is busy with him.
When Nelly was busy taking a shower, he went outside and made a call to
Sbahle, checking on her. He knew once he's staying with Nelly inside he won't
freely touch his phone.

"Don't you love what I am doing, why are you not getting hard?" Nelly asks,
seductively. One of the things she doesn't leave Shintsha for - it's the way he
does intercourse. The patience and stamina he has.

He holds her wrist, "I am tired, can we think about this some other time?"
It seems she came here to hurt herself. "Kanti, what did this girl give you? I
have never been a horrible girlfriend to you."
He sits up straight as Nelly starts screaming at him, "when did I say you've been
a horrible girlfriend? I told you I am tired -"
"It's not about that. This started long ago, right after you told me she's pregnant.
Did she also feed you muthi? It seems girls on this side rely on muthi for their
men," she doesn't stop.
And this accusation makes Shintsha angry, "she's nothing like that! Don't accuse
her of witchcraft!"
With eyes widened, she laughs, "really?"

He feels bad about all this. Why did things have to happen like this? It was
never his intention to hurt her. He thought after learning the truth he won't have
to focus on her. And by now, he thought she would have broken up with him
because he's been neglecting her as a girl. But Nelly never did that.

"I am sorry but can we avoid talking about her? Please, this is not about her but
this is a relationship between you and I that doesn't include the third party."
She looks at her hands, "it's hard to believe you still care about me."
He brushes her back, "let's sleep, I will wake it up for you." What will help in
the morning?

Nelly calms down and she lies down on the bed after he has given her hope.
Under the pillow, his phone vibrates and he takes it. He reads the text.

>>>"Baba kaNana, please come up at the stop. I am coming to you but I won't
go down alone. I will send a text when you're supposed to come up.">>>

He reads Sbahle's text and everything stops. When did Sbahle change her mind
about coming over?

What's he supposed to do? He doesn't want any fights and the way things are
between him and Nelly, she might fight. Laze lamshonela ilanga!

*****
He closes the door of his private car with his foot after taking the takeaways on
the passenger seat. Since he's been away for the honeymoon, he hasn't been
communicating well with Jabulile.

After work, he bought food and drove to her home. Jabulile lives alone in the
yard, she built her house when she was still healing people according to the
rules of her ancestors. They were looking after her and she was never short of
money but now, things are very different.
"Are you not working today?"
She stops washing the dishes in the kitchen and looks at the kitchen door.
Gama? He's finally back!
She wants to confront him about the baby. They haven't spoken about the bomb
of a baby that he has.
Jabulile opens the door for him and he walks in with the food. It's like he knows
that she's extremely hungry.

"Yes, I am not working today."

The past two months she's been doing evaluation, beautiful things that had
happened since she started dating Gama. It made her feel like stopping to use
bad muthi for people who request it.

The two lovers sit on the small kitchen table that's in the middle of the kitchen,
"why are you not working?"
"I wasn't feeling well emotionally." She lies - she's been feeling well but being
with Gama made her see things differently and made her wish she was her
daughter. It made her realise how cruel witchcraft had been. And so, she's
decided to give it time, fix things bit by bit and ask for forgiveness from her
ancestors. She's been thinking of quitting.

He puts his hand above her hand, "I hope you'll be fine, you're emotionally
strong."
She forces a smile, "thanks, but I am not happy about what happened at the
wedding. How could you? You promised you have only me and Busiswa. You
cheated!"
He looks at his plate and doesn't eat, "I had that woman before we got to start
dating Jabu, why are you angry?"
"I am angry because how many babies do you want outside your marriage?"
He holds a glass of water closer to him. "I only have two children. I am really
sorry I didn't know the other child because I wasn't told."
"Can you please, I am begging you, stop fooling around," she pleads and points
at his phone that's ringing. It's his mother calling, and please answer that
phone." Jabulile stands up angry and leaves him with his phone. She didn't think
this would make her so angry after so many weeks.

Right now, she wants to get her life in order and stop everything that has to do
with witchcraft. And Busiswa? She doesn't want a client who'll set her back to
witchcraft, Busiswa will come back and ask for more muthi and guidance -
she'll have to stop everything and focus on her relationship and fixing things
with her ancestors. Life is too short.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 31

At the sharp knock on the door, Shintsha easily slips out of bed and heads to the
door after putting on a t-shirt.

"Aw, yey Man X, what's happening?" He asks.

Man X at the door deliberately speaks louder, "ey, ndoda, you need to come
with us and bring your brother here. He passed out at a tavern in Mzingazi. He
was fighting with people and I asked my friends to keep him. I have been trying
to call you." He explains a fabricated story that Nelly should believe.
Shintsha texted the man who rents a room in the yard and asked him to come
bail him out. He also once bailed him out.

"Aybo, you're lying! Did you come back by car?" He asks, acting entirely
shocked.
"Yes, I didn't want to come back here with him and possibly not find you here."
"Thank you so much, let me change and we'll leave." He says and the guy gives
Shintsha the other guy's house keys.
He says, "You’ll find me in the car." But he goes back to his room to continue
watching movies. He's done his job.

When Shintsha turns back to the room, Nelly is already seated on her butts,
"mama, you heard what he's saying? I need to go and get my brother, I will
bring him here."
"Here? And where will I sleep? Take him to his place." Nelly protests.
He shakes his head. He's changing into different clothes. "No, I can't. He might
wake up and go back. I can't let him drive while he's drunk. I will bring him
here."
"And where will I sleep?" She screams.
He puts on his shoes, "you'll sleep in one of the rooms, the owner is back home
in the rural areas. He agreed to let you sleep there."
"Why can't Gcina sleep there?"
"What? He's drunk, you want him to mess this guy's room?" He takes her bag
and puts her things back in the bag, making sure he doesn't leave anything.

Upset, Nelly gets off the bed and puts on her gown and shoes. She takes the
packet of chips and fruit juice she's been having, and she follows Shintsha out
of the room.

Shintsha leaves her in the guy's room. "Here's the key in case you want to go to
the toilet."
If it was for him, he would have locked her inside but he can't do that.

She looks around the room, it looks clean but she wonders if those bed covers
are clean. "Are you going to come back here?"
"Sleep, I am not sure in what state I will find him. Goodnight," he says quickly
as his phone vibrates and Nelly nods, closes the door and locks the door.
He takes his phone from his pocket and answers, "KaMazibuko?"
"Okay, I am near, please come."
"Alright, I am coming!" He runs to his house and quickly, he pulls the bed
covers. He doesn't want her to smell Nelly in these covers, he doesn't know if
it's pregnancy or what but she has a sharp sense of smell.
He shoves the covers in the washing basket and quickly puts on the clean one.
And once he's kept everything in order, he rushes out. He runs up so he won't
find her waiting for him.

Unfortunately, he finds her waiting and there's a guy who's waiting with her.
He greets. "Aw, Shintsha, this is your girl? She didn't trust me when I told her I
am also going this side."
"Yes, she's my girlfriend." He holds her hand, "thank you for waiting with her."
"No, problem," he says goodbye to Sbahle and walks forward.
She looks at his side, "what kept you?"
"I was busy dressing up. I am sorry."
"It's okay, I didn't wait for long."
He takes her other bag, "why did you change your mind and travelled so late?
You're pregnant. It's not good to walk around at night." He enquires.
"Hawu, I wanted to be with you."

Hearing this makes him extremely happy. Soon and very soon, they'll be telling
each other how much they love each other. He's choosing to trust the process.

She can't sleep, how can she sleep? These blankets are not clean. They have a
strong stench and she can't even breathe properly.
When is Shintsha coming back? She needs clean blankets. She doesn't mind the
sheets but the blankets are something else.
She heads over to the window and peeps through the window to check if she
won't see anything that says Shintsha is back.

And what is that? A pregnant woman with Shintsha. He's carrying her bag and
holding hands, heading to his room.
Is that his brother? How could he do this to her? He lied about his brother
because he wanted to bring this woman?
"No, he'll know what I am made off with that side chick of his!" She double
clicks her tongue and takes her gown, puts it on.
"I am hungry, what did you cook?" Sbahle asks and takes off her jeans.
He puts the bag on the couch, "I didn't cook. I will warm up the fried chicken I
bought because I thought you're coming." He would be crazy if he could make
her eat food cooked by Nelly. Nelly is a great cook but it's wrong, it doesn't feel
right at all.

She wears her pyjamas. "I didn't eat sugar beans. I hate the gas it creates in my
stomach." She takes the remote and turns on the TV while Shintsha is laughing.
"You did great. I don't want not to sleep at night because the two of you are
disturbing me." He comments and they laugh.
"Don't say that because your daughter loves sugar beans. When I eat it she
jumps and kicks," she says, brushing her tummy.
He chuckles and puts the meat in the microwave, "she loves it because her
father loves it too."

The loud bang on the door stops Sbahle's laughter. She looks at him, "what's
happening?" She whispers.
"Ey, Shintsha, open the door!" Nelly screams.
Sbahle holds her mouth, "what's happening?"

What sin does he have to have this happening? How did Nelly see them? What
does she want?

"Open the door Shintsha. Why are you such a liar? Is that your drunk brother or
is it your pregnant bitch?"
Sbahle gasps and holds her head, standing on her feet. Pregnant what?
"Shintsha, what's going on?" She screams at him.
"Sthandwa, she came here today unannounced and she didn't want to leave. I
thought she could sleep over and leave tomorrow but you said you're coming."
Nelly doesn't stop banging the door, "open the door you little bitch. Why are
you hiding in there? You man snatcher!"
"Nelly, don't do this." A calm voice of the man outside the door begs Nelly to
keep calm.
But she doesn't listen, "don't tell me that because I am a fool. He's with that girl
who took him away from me and he's hidden me in that room with unclean
blankets. Shintsha doesn't respect me."
"You don't respect yourself! Why did you come without telling him?"
She laughs and bangs the door, "Shintsha, why are you hiding that pregnant
hippo!"
Aha! Sbahle is boiling as she keeps calling her names. She rushes to the door
and unlocks the door. "Leave me alone! I want her to tell me who's a hippo?"
"You're seven months pregnant Sbahle, act like it! You'll put the baby in
danger!" Shintsha holds Sbahle back but she's already opened the door and the
burglar guards and she kicks it as he tries to pull her back but she forces her
body forward.

"Who's a bitch and hippo, wena, huh?" She screams at Nelly, standing outside
the house, right before Nelly.
Shintsha begs, "Can you stop this?"

Quickly, Nelly sends a flying slap across Sbahle's face and as shocked as she is,
Sbahle returns the slap double on her. Nelly screams and slaps her back. Does
Sbahle stop and cry? No, she fights back.

Shintsha jumps in between them, "you're pregnant, please think of this baby."
He points at her belly, screaming at her. He's slightly scared for his child.
"I should let her slap me because of your baby?" Sbahle screams at her. She's
still trying to get to Nelly but he keeps blocking her. This makes her angrier.
Shintsha fails to answer her as Nelly throws the anger slaps at him, on his
shoulders and back. She's screaming and fighting dirty. He turns to her and
grabs her wrists in a single hand. "Can you stop acting crazy?"
"Crazy? You cheat on me and call me crazy? How could you?"
"Mshaye umyekelani?" (Beat him, why are you letting him go?) The lady who's
looking at the fight with other tenants says. "Nelly has been his girlfriend and
suddenly there's that pregnant one. Is that baby even his?"

The guy who helped Shintsha out, quickly holds Sbahle back and pushes her
into the house as Nelly starts fighting again. The women are cheering her.
The guy locks Sbahle in the room and she bangs the door from inside.

"Shintsha!"
"I don't want to beat you up because if you keep on doing this I will paralyse
you. Ungijwayela kabi. Who said you should hit me?" Shintsha tightens his grip
on Nelly's wrists he's holding in one hand.
She screams at him, "How could you be so cruel? You've turned me into a
laughing stock after such a long time of being together."

He turns to the guy, he doesn't have to ask out loud. He knows what he wants
from him.

"Don't leave Sbahle alone. Let me drive her," he offers, thinking of the pregnant
woman in the room who keeps banging the door.
"Men!" The ladies scream as they're helping each other out.

The guy with other tenants says, "don't pretend as if you don't help each other
out." Shintsha drags Nelly to the guy's car without minding what other tenants
are saying. He doesn't want to entertain them because he'll tell these women
their files one by one.

"It's better if you go home." He says to Nelly.

She's crying, "You’re choosing her!"
"I am sorry for hurting your feelings but I can't let you call her names and hit
her. Just go home and find it in your heart to forgive me."
"You're choosing her!" Nelly can't believe all this. He can't even be decent and
drive her home, help her keep calm and tell her he still loves her but he's letting
another guy drive her because he has to nurse that girl's feelings?

The guy comes to the car with her bags and puts them in the backseat. He says,
"Nelly, where's your self-worth? Can't you see you no longer have a space in
this relationship?" He asks her because he knows Shintsha no longer wants her
and he's still holding on to the belief that a guy shouldn't be the one to break up
with the woman because every guy to follow after him will break up with her,
breaking her confidence and self-esteem as a woman. She should do the
dumping.

She wakes up and smells the coffee, "you know what, please block my number
and never call me again. The way you got her is the same way they'll take her
from you. My tears will haunt you, Shintsha!"
"I am sorry!" Shintsha says, still humbling himself. He doesn't want her to ever
have an impression that he's not sorry about what he did and he's happy and
proud.
She pushes him back, "I don't need your sorry, and it’s over between us!" She
screams and gets in the backseat crying.
Shintsha shakes hands with the guy, "thank you, please get her home safely."
"You can count on me. We're brothers." They shoulder hug and he gets in the
car. He asks Nelly for her address and he drives her straight home.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 32

With unending tears streaming down her soft cheeks, Sbahle loads her clothes
inside her bag. She opens his wardrobe and searches for anything she might
have left in his wardrobe. She's angry.

Why didn't he warn her? Why didn't he tell her there's his girlfriend here? He
chose to lie and what was he going to do? Alternate between them throughout
the night?

And why isn't he coming back? He's probably explaining himself to her. Oh
God, she's such a fool. Why did she change the rules?

"What are you doing?" Shintsha closes the door and suspecting there'll be a
fight here, he locks the door and puts the key in his pocket. He moves closer to
her. "What's happening mama kaNana?"
"I am leaving so you can bring your girlfriend in. I don't want to disturb you."
He holds her wrist, stopping her from closing her bag, "can you stop doing this?
You're not going anywhere. She came here without telling me and when you
sent the text you were already on your way. And even if you were not, I wasn't
going to tell you not to come." Shintsha argues.

And she can't believe his argument. He's brave to stand before her and say all
this. "Are you hearing yourself clearly?"
"Yes, I am hearing myself. Why should I lie to you?" He pulls her away from
the wardrobe and she resists, "please, don't do this, Sbahle. How are you going
to get home and what's your father going to say?"
"I will call your brother using your phone and I will tell my father I didn't find
you here. You went to your girlfriend."
He holds both her hands, "no, you won't do that. I am sorry, I am sorry about
everything she said to you. I don't regret anything that happened between us,
Sbahle."

His soft voice keeps her slightly calm but she's still breathing high, looking at
him. He doesn't have any regrets? "You don't?"
"No, I love you. And you know that I have loved you since I was a boy. I am a
man now and my heart still dances when I see you. My body tingles in a good
way when you touch me because of how much I love you and how deeply I am
connected to you." He confesses his love, caressing her heated face. Her golden
skin tone comes back to life as she's no longer angry. He loves the deep brown
colour of her eyes, sometimes people mistaken it for an excessive smoker. Is
that a smile? "I have had girls in my life and you've had men in your life, all
because we were worlds apart but look at life. It has brought us together once
again. Angikawakhohlwa amazwi engawasho kuwe, ngizimisele ngokukubopha
ngothando olumsulwa. (I am willing to bond you with love, pure love)

He still loves her? "Shintsha," she puts her hand on his chest, "what about her?"
"My heart is no longer there but my heart is here with you and our daughter. I
won't badmouth her and say she was bad, no she wasn't but my love for her has
run out."
"I want the same thing, I want you and our child together. I love you too and
that's all I want, to be bonded in eternal love with you. I have been waiting for
this day," she confesses what her heart feels. She feels the same way about him.
Why should she lie? This is not the time to hide because if she hides, she'll be
hiding their love under the carpet once again.

He never thought he'll be this happy and this takes him back when he was angry
because her father had made him pay cattle of ukucela. This worked in his
favour, he owes all this to Mazibuko and without those cattle he paid, he doubts
they would be here. They wouldn't be here but somewhere worlds apart because
she was very angry after he told her about his girlfriend.

"Bend over to the bed," he whispers into her ear after they've set their bodies on
fire.
She doesn't need to be told twice, she bends over the bed and holds on to it.
This position gives Shintsha some control and he enters in an angle that
increases her comfort. And he enjoys himself - now, he's not just enjoying his
baby's mother but his girlfriend, an official girlfriend that he paid for.
Does he stop after the first round? He doesn't but he turns her to the bottom of
the bed and Sbahle lies back with her knees bent.

"You're my girlfriend now, right?" He asks, humping in and out, in and out
divinely.
"Yes, I am all yours." She's so happy you'd swear she's not the same person who
was packing her clothes and leaving him.
Does this mean she's weak? No, she's not. She's in love with him. She wants
this, the love and care he gives.

Shintsha is standing before Sbahle in the morning, tying the belt of her red
maternity batwing sleeve dress. "I love it when you wear dresses. They make
you look super good."

And what does she love when he's wearing it? That wedding outfit - he was
very handsome. She doesn't want to appear as someone who's changing him but
she desperately wants to change how he dresses.
"Thank you my love." She fixes the collar of his white golf t-shirt that he's
wearing the pants he was wearing at the wedding. She's the one who chose the
outfit for him. And he didn't have the chance to decline it. "Do you like it when
I call you like that now?"
"Yes my Dali, I like it." He holds her face and kisses her tenderly.
Her arms hang on his shoulders, "so, are we going to have lunch out and
celebrate our new relationship after your meeting with the council?"
"Lunch out?" He goes down and fixes the strings on his sneakers.
She grabs her handbag, "yes, don't you want to go out and have lunch? I don't
mind paying."

He takes his phone and wallet, holds her hand and they walk out of the room.
Shintsha locks the room. He doesn't want to cause a fight and so, he quickly
sends the money for lunch. He looks at her hand as she removes it from his
hold. "What are you doing?"
"What's this money for?"
"Is it not enough? I don't think you should spend more than that on lunch with
your friend."
They wait for Sihle's car outside the gate. "Really Shintsha? I want to go with
you."

Sihle's car drives through while she's still waiting for a response. "Ntandoni also
goes out with her boyfriend. Why should I go out with her, Luthuli?"
"I told you I don't have time to sit down in those places. Go with your friends or
with your sisters." He states clearly and opens the backdoor of Sihle's car, "get
in, we'll drop you off at Richards bay."
"No, I'll rather go back to the house."

He doesn't beg her. She's starting with her moods, the moods she's been able to
control when she was still in her first and second trimester. "Okay, let me go do
important things. I will find you home."
"Mxm!" It's painful, there's a burning sensation on her throat that makes her
want to cry.
He gets in the car, "okay, you'll bring back that money because you're no longer
going out, right?" He teases her.

And that makes her cry, she looks back, "okay, I will send back your R2."
They laugh with Sihle, "Yes, bring it back I will save it for my daughter when
she goes to Preschool, she must have R2 to carry at school." He doesn't stop
laughing as she goes back to the premises crying.

"You're wrong!" Sihle says and drives away.

He smiles and takes his phone, "how? She's saying my money is R2." He calls
her and Sbahle doesn't answer his call.
He makes a voice note, "don't cry, sthandwa. I will come back and cook for you
and my baby. I love you." He sends it.
With a laugh, Sihle asks, "and then?"

Shintsha tells him with pleasure about what went down yesterday. And it makes
him extremely happy. Nelly was also a good girl but Sbahle is what he's been
yearning for, for years.

*****
He sits on the breakfast table of Jabulile's renovated kitchen. Gama is the one
who renovated the kitchen for her. He's still under the plans of renovating her
bedroom.
He doesn't want to live in a flashy house while his girlfriend lives in an old
fashioned furnished house.

"How are you feeling now? Did the mixture I prepared for you yesterday work
help you with the flu?" Jabulile asks and passes the tea cup over to Gama.
He thanks her for the tea, "thank you, I feel much better as you can hear my
voice is back. I am well." He takes his phone as it rings. His mother is calling,
"mama?"
"How are you, my son?"
"I am fine mama and how are you? You don't sound happy as usual in the
morning. I had the flu but now I feel better." He doesn't tell his mother that
Jabulile cured his flu.

She huffs on the line, "its better if you're fine. I am calling about your wife."
"What about her?" It can only be a problem that Busiswa has created back
home.

She starts crying, "Your wife uses Holy Ash in my yard, Luthuli. In your
father's yard. Can you believe it?" She shouts.
He's wondering what's wrong with holy ash. He's heard it's good. "Hawu, why
does she do that, mama?" He asks as if he knows what's going on. He'll ask
Jabulile about it.

"How should I know what her evil intentions are now using Indian things in my
husband's yard?" She cries louder.
He knows his wife doesn't have evil intentions. "I will talk to her, mama."
"No, come back home and talk to her. Or else she must go back to Gauteng."
"But what about the children?"
"I won't fail to look after my grandchildren."
This adds another stress in his life. "Yes, I will come back, mama." They end
the call after he's promised to come back.

He puts his phone down and asks Jabulile, "What does holy ash do? Mama is
angry because Busiswa used it in the yard."
What is she up to now? "Well it depends on the home. It's not something I can
highly recommend to be used at home. It's able to chase out the guides of the
home which are mainly ancestors of that home. So, you'll find that the home is
left with no ancestors in defence because of the use of holy ash but it's not
always like that for everyone. If your mother is crying like that it's because she
knows it must not be used in her yard. It's something I would recommend you'll
use in rental rooms, not in the family yard."

And Gama shuts his eyes. What should he do with this woman? She's creating a
mess and a very hot mess! But he's sure his wife might not be aware.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 33

He turns on the light, at the back of his mind he's thinking that Sbahle has left,
went back home. He didn't think he'll come back home so late. And there's a
smile appearing on his face as she's sleeping on the bed.
He sits on the bed after putting the lunch box on the table. He takes his time
looking at her and her belly. He spots the limbs of the baby as she moves in her
mother's belly.

"Dali!" Shintsha shakes Sbahle softly. He doesn't stop until she's awake.
She opens her eyes, "when did you come back? You left me here and didn't
come back. I am sure it's dark outside."
"I am sorry, we had to wait for the king. Sihle drove us to his house after the
meeting, we ate -"

She sits up straight and asks, "You’ve eaten but I am here hungry."
"Why don't you wait for me to finish?" He asks and she looks down in shame,
"we ate and his wife dished up food for you. So, I won't cook I will cook
tomorrow."
"Oh, but I knew you'll bring food for me."
Is she not supposed to say sorry at least? "Yes, I will warm the food for you, go
and wash your hands. Did you go out with your friends?"
She disappears into the bathroom, "I told you she's out with her boyfriend."
"Oh, I guess you'll go out some other time." He gives her food and takes the TV
remote. He looks at her as she's quiet, "when are you planning on going?" He
asks.
She keeps quiet and proceeds eating. If they talk about this again, it'll ruin her
spirit.

"Why are you quiet?"

"I am eating. I don't talk with food in my mouth."
Shintsha stands, "I will go and shower, I will come back and read a story for my
baby. Sihle's wife gave me some of the books Sihle used to read for their
babies."
That's exciting. "I am sure Nana will be happy." She says and finishes up her
food.

When Shintsha comes back, she's laying on the bed on her left side ready for the
bedtime story. How does he read?
And yes! He reads so well. He's reading an isiZulu book. She can't stop smiling,
it's like she's the baby he's reading to.
"I think it's a great time for her." Sbahle puts his hand on her belly.
And Shintsha finishes up the story and he closes his eyes, feeling his baby move
and kick, "ey, I can't wait to meet this person. Thank you." They share a brief
kiss and Shintsha shares good news that makes Sbahle extremely happy - his
request for the land was approved.

"How was being with him this weekend?" Ntandoni asks Sbahle, they're seated
on the veranda of Ntandoni's home having food and drinks. She cooked and
called her friend to come over to spend time together.
Sbahle shakes her head, "it was great." She lies. Where does she start telling her
that Shintsha refused to go out with her?

"Why am I not convinced?"

She takes a chicken wing made by her friend and she enjoys herself. "Okay, so,
we're officially girlfriend and boyfriend now." She says with a bright smile, this
makes her very happy. Beside things she can't change about him yet, Sbahle is
happy about this new relationship. She remembers how she used to think about
the words Shintsha said to her years back. He still remembers those words!

With a happy scream, Ntandoni jumps and hugs her friend - kisses her belly,
"can you hear that, Nana? Mommy and daddy are officially dating and this
means they'll give you a proper home one day."

She finds it very cute when they talk to the baby. She now believes the baby can
hear voices from inside the belly. "Okay, wait for the drama," she pushes her
back on her chair and she narrates the drama that happened.
Ntandoni is on the floor as Sbahle narrates her story. "I have never heard of a
relationship that starts like this. You know what? The two of you will be
separated by death."

She brushes her eight months pregnant belly as her baby kicks. "I was packing,
ready to leave and he said you're not going anywhere. Yuh, Ntandoni, it was
amazing." She laughs and hugs her shoulders.
"I am happy for you."
"Thank you friend, and you, how was your weekend with Mkhwanazi?" She
smiles.

Ntandoni takes out her phone and narrates her weekend through pictures. "He
took me to Durban, we explored some fancy restaurants at Umhlanga and
Ballito. Like girl, it was awesome. The hotel he booked, everything was to die
for."
Her cheeks are aching from smiling, her friend looks beautiful and super happy.
Oh God, these are things that makes most women happy and she's only asking
Shintsha that they go out. Even if they go to KFC, she doesn't care. She's not
picky but he still doesn't want to go out with her.

"It's so beautiful. Mkhwanazi knows how to spoil a woman. I am so happy for

you," she can't keep her eyes off the pictures. They're so beautiful and Ntandoni
looks so much in love and happy. How she wish! But Shintsha is the man she
loves and she can't force him to go on dates and beautiful affordable places with
her. It doesn't have to be fancy hotels.

Ntandoni takes her phone, "where did he take you for your first date?"
Sbahle rolls her eyes, "first date for what? And please, I don't want to ruin my
mood."
"Hhayibo, share with me."
She looks away, "he doesn't do dates. He told me he doesn't see the need. He
sent money to me and said I should go out with you."
She holds her mouth, "no, ways, how old is Shintsha again?"
"He's 33 years old but it's like he's 80." She gets emotional but breathes in and
out so she doesn't have to cry. It's painful to have your friend talk about dinner
dates and all you're talking about is what? One and the same thing, we locked
ourselves in his room and had sex, he cooked and finish!

"I think maybe you should start by taking him out." She suggests.
And she shakes her head, "it's not about money. He doesn't want to go out! His
birthday is coming up next month I was thinking of planning something nice but
I am afraid I will be disappointed when it's my turn."

Ntandoni can see that her friend is sad and she understands. She's been with a
guy who's like Dennis, he pampered her and took her out on dates - even her ex
from Gauteng was a romantic type. This is a big change.

"You know what, book a nice place for his birthday and take him out, maybe
he'll love it. You'll see how you get him there."
She forces a smile, "do you think so?"
"Yes, don't give up on trying. He's not used to these things and you need to
show him the world of fun."
She huffs, picturing it happening and what if he doesn't like it? "Alright, I will
do that. But it should be somewhere around because I can't travel long distances
now."
"Don't worry, I got you!" She says and smiles. And they start searching.
He leaves his happy children with his mother and heads to his house to search
for his wife. He didn't tell her that he'll be coming home.

"MaButhelezi?" He announces his arrival at the bedroom door.

Busiswa slightly jumps, she's seated on the bed with some documents.
"Mandlanduna!" She excitedly gets up from the bed and hugs him dearly. And
she doesn't waste time by talking, she welcomes him home by giving him a
good time as husband and wife.

"I was not expecting such a warm welcome."

She giggles and picks up papers on the floor. She binds them together, "I am
happy to see my husband. I missed you."
"This means you'll be happy if I tell you that, we're taking our last born and
going back to Gauteng. The three children will stay and finish up studying."
She slightly screams in shock and her scream also shocks her husband, "I didn't
say I am going to Gauteng!"
"Yes, you didn't but I said so."
"Why? I enjoy staying here with mama."
"You enjoy bothering my mother?" He shouts at her, "You enjoy bothering my
mother!"
She holds her chest in surprise, "how am I bothering her Luthuli? I do
everything that's expected of me!"
"Who gave you permission to use holy ash in this yard?" He growls.

And quickly, she understands, the little old witch ran to cry to her son. "What's
wrong with holy ash?" She asks, pretending as if she doesn't know anything.
"I am not going to do a back and forth with you. It's either you pack your bags,
we leave on Sunday or you'll go live with your mother if you enjoy living in this
village. You'll come here when I am home. The choice is yours Mrs Luthuli!"

Gama leaves his wife shocked. Why is he talking like this with her? What's
happening?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 34

She walks out of the Luthuli yard, angry. How could Gama talk like this with
her? He was shouting and she couldn't believe the way he spoke with her. He
demanded she make a choice, go back home or leave the village with him.
She's his wife and they've been together for a long time. Why can't he see the
need to have her home with his mother?

She pretends as if she's heading to the tuckshop but she's actually trying to call
Jabulile without anyone possibly hearing her.

"MaButhelezi, how are you?"

She doesn't even smile, her anger is above her. What's happening? "I am not
okay and I am not happy…" she narrates what happened, "I don't understand
what has happened to him. It's like he's a different person. He's never been like
that to me."
"Mm, okay, why don't you come back to Gauteng and we'll check what's
wrong?" Jabulile suggests on the line.
Does she want to go there? She doesn't even want to go there. There's a lot of
work to be done on this side. "I don't want to come to Gauteng."
"So, does that mean you'll go back home?"
"No, I will tell his mother and she'll talk to him. Why should I come back there
while my children are here?"
"Your husband has spoken!"
She stops walking, "he has spoken? Are you on my side or his side Jabulile?"
She screams.
"Don't be like that, Busiswa. Why are you shouting?" She asks.
"I am stressed, can't you hear that?"
"Come back and we'll check what's wrong," she promises and Busiswa ends the
call angrily. She doesn't even want to know what happened, she wants to stay
here!

She goes back to the Luthuli home angry. And even though she's trying her best
to calm down, nothing really works.

"Where are you coming from? I have been looking for you." Gama asks
Busiswa as soon as she walks through the gates.
She doesn't look at him. "Out."
"Out what?" He asks, shouting at her and he follows her to their house. He's
shocked by her behaviour. Why is she disrespecting him because she's never
behaved like this?
She sits on the couch of his living room and turns on the TV. She badly wants to
cry.

"I am talking to you, MaButhelezi!"

She glances at him as he's standing before her. "I can't see the TV."
"That's what you care about!"
"What do you want me to do? You come here and tell me you're keeping me
away from my children. How could you?"
"You're busy doing wrong things in my mother's yard!"
She yells back, "how's holy ash wrong?"
He said it, she doesn't know anything about it. She's clueless. "Why are you the
one protecting the yard because you're using the wrong things? Mama will do
it!"

She keeps quiet and moves to the other couch where he's not before her.
"I am home and you don't even stand up to prepare food for me."
"Go and ask it from your mother, you're working together to keep me away
from my children right? Go and ask her to feed you." She points to the door.
"I didn't force you, you have a choice to go to your mother's house."

She fails to hold back her tears and she stands up crying, heads to her bedroom.
What did they do to him in Gauteng? Why doesn't he suddenly care?
After her nap, Busiswa heads to the kitchen. The car is still in the yard and she
can hear the loud voices in Gcina's house. They've come back for their brother?

"Mama, how could you do this to me?" She asks, "why did you tell baba Luthuli
what happened?"
"What did you want me to do?"
"That was supposed to stay between us as mother and daughter. You've broken
trust in our relationship." She's seated opposite her on the kitchen table and she's
having tea.
She laughs, "Stay between us?" She switches up quickly and shouts at her, "stay
between us after what you did? I had to tell your husband. You're above me!"
"Are you happy that he wants to keep me away from my kids?"
She shakes her head, "will they not be home and taken care of? Will they not be
home?"
"They'll not be with their mother! Who took your children away from you?" She
screams.
MaGwala slaps the table. "Don't use that tone when you're speaking to me. Go
back to your mother if you don't want to follow your husband. Go to her!"
"You're abusing me like this with your son?"
She claps once, "aren't you the one who started abusing us? You don't like it
when it's done to you, right?"
Busiswa walks out of the room and looks for the nanny who's with her child.
She takes her daughter and free her to go. She locks herself up in her bedroom
with her child.

Gama knocks on the door and pushes the door. Busiswa is sleeping with the
baby next to her on the bed.
He shakes her awake, "it's getting late. Are you not going to start cooking?"
She glances at him, "I am not hungry."
Her response leaves him defeated, "do you cook because you're hungry or you
cook because people in your home should eat?"
"Is this my home, where you've chased me out like a dog?"
Why is she being dramatic? "Would you still be here if I chased you out?"

She's further angered by his response. If she had the power, she would really go
back to her mother's house because of this treatment from him and his mother.
But her sisters - she can't live with them.

"Can you go and cook? What are the children supposed to eat for dinner?"
Gama asks.
She doesn't move, "they're your children too, cook for them. Who'll be cooking
for them when I am gone?"
He chuckles, "I can see you're like this because you think I will change my
mind? I won't change my mind. On Sunday, we're leaving, you should start
packing your bags." He takes his car keys and leaves her reeling.

Later that night, Gama joins his wife and daughter in bed. He had to drive to
town and buy food they were going to eat. He bought meat and Shintsha cooked
pap - they had dinner together with their children and their mother. Gama told
them to eat everything and leave no food for his wife who's not hungry but he
didn't tell them before his children.
And they truly ate everything and left not even a piece for her.

"Are we going to sleep with her? She must sleep in her cot, that side."
Busiswa is not sleeping but busy on her phone. She's been trying to figure out
what's going on but she can't really tell. "No, why should she sleep alone? She's
used to sleeping with her mother here."
"I am here tonight."
"So?"

He looks at her, "what's wrong with you MaButhelezi? Do you want me to clap
hands for you after what you've done? Do you know we might be living in a
yard with no ancestors because of you?"
Oh, they actually know? "I said I didn't know."
"Uyangidelela wena! I don't know where this behaviour is coming from." He
takes the baby and Busiswa holds her baby, "what are you doing?"
There must be something wrong he ate. It can't be! "Leave my child here!"
"I come back, you don't cook for me. You don't even prepare sandwiches. Now,
you don't want to give me sex?"
She pulls her daughter to her, "sex? Sex, while I am not happy? You're not
serious. It's either you sleep or go look for it elsewhere because you're good at
that. Just don't leave another baby there."

Seeing that he'll actually end up raising his hand at her - Gama leaves the room.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 35

"Mama please, I don't want to leave." Busiswa begs her mother on the phone.
Why is Gama being so cruel to her? After everything she's done for him,
accepting baby after baby but he's doing her like this - separating her with her
kids?

"Modern women want to live with their husbands but you don't want to live
with your husband?" MaZuma shouts at her daughter on the line. How does her
mind work?
"I do want to live with him but not without my children."
"You'll visit the children, go! I told you not to do what you did in that yard but
you stubbornly did it!"
"So, you don't understand my pain?" She wipes her unending tears.
"I understand but there's nothing I can do to help you."
Gama's voice reaches Busiswa in the house, "I am waiting for you,
MaButhelezi!"

She removes the phone from her ear and ends the call. She takes her baby and
her handbag, heads out of the house.

After putting her baby on the baby seat in the car, she turns to her three crying
children and she hugs them. "Don't cry, I will come back." Her heart breaks
further apart.
"We want to go with you."
She brushes their backs, "you can't, there's school for you here. Be good girls."
She kisses them goodbye and without saying goodbye to MaGwala, she gets in
the backseat with her baby.
Gama tries his best to calm the children, "I am no longer sure if I should leave
with their mother if they're crying like this."
"No, they're children, they'll be fine." MaGwala says and they keep quiet when
Gama gives them money. They say goodbye.

He drives out of the premises, "do you want us to pass by Empangeni and buy
something to eat? You didn't have breakfast in the morning." Gama asks his
wife but she doesn't answer him. She's focused outside, with tears falling down
her cheeks.
"MaButhelezi? You're breastfeeding, you should eat." He calls out but Busiswa
keeps quiet like she can't hear him.
She's quite nervous, what if he doesn't like it? What if he starts being dramatic
and does not even want to spend the night in this place?
Ntandoni and Sbahle found a suitable place to go to with Shintsha for his
birthday.

"Where are we going kanti?" Shintsha asks as they drive further to the
unfamiliar place but he can tell that it's still in Richards’s Bay. She smiles
nervously at him, "you'll see. It's a surprise."
"Surprise? I don't like surprises because you might surprise me with something I
don't like."

Mxm! She feels like telling the driver to go back. Already, he's negative and
unappreciative. "We can tell the driver to go back home with you if you don't
want to go with me. I will enjoy the weekend alone."
"Why are you angry? Did I say something wrong?" He asks.

She folds her arms before her bust and looks elsewhere. He's getting under her
skin already and he hasn't even seen what she planned. She doesn't understand
why he doesn't like great things coming to him.

Just yesterday, he bought beautiful diamond knob earrings for her - something
she totally didn't expect from him. She couldn't quite believe her eyes, she asked
what they were for? And he said he bought them so she could look good. And
she loved the gift.

Sbahle and Ntandoni found a beautiful guest house near the Pelican Island in
Richards’s Bay. It's cosy and affordable, she didn't cry much about money
because she could afford it. Her mother has been giving her money monthly, to
save for the baby. She's been saving and keeping some for herself.

"Are we going to sleep here?" He asks, looking around the beautiful place. And
what stands out for him, it's the beach view. The guest house is family-friendly
and it makes him think of his child when she's older. It'll be great if they come
here with her.

She leads him to the room, holding his hand, "yes, this is for the celebration of
your birthday. Happy birthday Luthuli wami engimthandayo." She says from
deep in her heart, her heart that loves him.
His heart does a strange beat. Who's ever done such a thing for him? Nobody,
not even his brothers. He's shocked and it makes him emotional, "I don't know
what to say Dali."
"Say you want to spend the weekend with me here, please."
The way she's begging, why would he disappoint her by refusing? "Yes, I would
love to and thank you so much." He hugs her tightly, breathing in and out,
trying to calm himself. This is such a big thing.
She whispers, "Let’s celebrate your birthday." She holds his face and kisses
him.

They leave the bags by the door and head up to the bed, it's an amazing
experience.

"How much was all this?" Shintsha asks as they sit down at the guesthouse
restaurant for dinner.

It's Saturday, the next day after his birthday. Friday, they didn't do much but
they were locked up in their room, doing what they both love the most.
Enjoying each other's bodies and helping themselves with snacks Sbahle bought
before picking up Shintsha.

When it was time to have dinner. Sbahle lied to him and told him the guest
house doesn't offer room-service but there's a restaurant. Yes, he hadn't been in
such places but he was certain there's something called room service. She put on
a straight face and told him she'd already paid that they'll eat at their restaurant
until they leave. He suggested they go buy food in the nearby food outlet. This
made Sbahle very angry, she threw a tantrum, threatening to starve herself.
Shintsha agreed to go and dine in a restaurant and they went to have dinner but
he was quite nervous. Sbahle told him to focus on her and her alone. He did that
and enjoyed the meal.

She looks at him, "why are you asking?" She asks. It's great being in a
restaurant with him. He's not using a fork and knife but his hands to hold the
meat and spoon.
"I feel like you spent a lot of money. I should pay you back."
She smiles, what a silly man! "No, I am spoiling you for your birthday.
Birthdays come once in a year, love."
He accepts, "thank you, mama wengane yami. I am really happy." He kisses the
back of her hand. And he chuckles when he looks at her.
"What?"
"Shuthi abafazi bakwa Luthuli bayathanda ukusisongela ngokuzilambisa uma
bediniwe." (Luthuli wives love threatening us with starving themselves if
they're angry.)
She frowns, "why are you saying that?"
"You threatened me that you'll starve yourself last night and my brother's wife
hasn't been eating because he forced her to go back to Gauteng with him." He
clears.
She laughs, "That’s our style, maybe but is she really not eating?"
"Yes, he called mama on Thursday, telling her she hasn't eaten anything since
the day he took her. So, it's been five days, I think."
"She might be fasting," she says and they laugh. She holds his hand as he takes
chilli sauce, "don't eat it."
"Why? I enjoy meat with it."
She smiles shyly, "I want you to eat me up tonight. I crave it."
He laughs and puts the sauce down, "okay, I will do that. Let's hurry up."

They finish up their food with their minds no longer on the food.
The pillow is tucked on her back and her arms and legs are spread out. She
keeps moving her full waist as he does what she'd required from him - eating
her up.
He's doing a great job, and he knows this by the great response he's getting from
her.
Everything is going great until Sbahle releases warm fluid while he's still eating
her.

"Argh! What's wrong now?" He asks and wipes his mouth, its dripping and he
keeps spitting.
"Why did you stop? I haven't cum."
Angrily, he asks, "you didn't? What were you doing just now?" He doesn't stop
wiping his mouth even when it's dry.
And before she could answer, she's attacked by pain accompanied by a burning
waist. She sits up straight and screams.
He jumps on his feet, "what's wrong?"
She cries louder, "Shintsha!"
"What's wrong? Talk!" He screams, frustrated by her lack of communication.
She grabs the sheets and groans as the pain comes back once again. "Call an
ambulance and stop shouting!"

The baby? Yes, his baby might be coming. She's due this month. This excites
him and gives him anxiety at the same time. He makes a phone call and quickly
helps her dress up. Is he going to meet his daughter now?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 36

"When are they bringing back my baby, kanti?" Sbahle asks Shintsha, holding
his hand tightly. She looks at him with a desperate look.

She got to hold her baby girl right after giving birth and the baby was taken for
tests after they taught her how to breastfeed and they taught her the basics. They
took the baby to immediately check her jaundice.

He smiles, "don't worry, they'll come back with the baby." He was very happy
when he got to meet his daughter. He couldn't go into the labour ward with her
because they didn't allow him. And he was relieved that he wasn't allowed
inside with her. He couldn't imagine looking at her giving birth.

And she smiles when the nurse walks back in with her baby. "Is everything
alright with her?" She asks, opening her arms and the baby is placed back in her
arms.
"Yes, she's alright but we'll take her for tests again the day after tomorrow."
Shintsha looks at the nurse, "does this mean we don't have anything to worry
about?"
"For now, let's not stress but mommy should breastfeed the baby." She advises
and moves on to the next mother once Sbahle is breastfeeding the baby.

She smiles at her new-born, "I think she'll love food a lot. You'll have to buy
formulas. I won't be skinny because of a baby."
"Aybo, you'll breastfeed her, it's what's best for her." He can't keep his eyes
away from his baby. A father to a baby girl? It's unbelievable.
She looks up at him, "did you call your mother and my sister?" She asks.
"Yes, I called them both. They'll come tomorrow morning."
"What's her name?" She asks and looks back at the baby, she's having her milk.
And Sbahle wonders if there's really milk coming out. The only thing she's
feeling is pain.
"Luhle."
She looks at him, "what is beautiful?"
"Our love is beautiful and we can see that in her. So, she's Luhluthando."

And she suddenly gets emotional. She's a mother, a mother to such a beautiful
human being. She made it! Nine months after, she brought this beautiful person
into the world.

"I love it."

He brushes her back, "thank you so much for her. I am grateful that we've
walked this journey together, she's finally here."
"Yes, I wouldn't have made it alone." She doesn't take her eyes away from her
daughter.

"Bring the baby to me and you'll get off alone. Do you want to fall with this
baby?" MaGwala raises her voice at Sbahle as she's getting off Gcina's car with
the baby in her arms.

Four days in the hospital, she's been discharged. The baby is well and has no
complications.

"Usufuna ukulimaza ingane yomtanami." (You want to hurt my son's baby.)

MaGwala takes the baby from her.
"Tell her mom!"
She looks back at Shintsha who's at the steering wheel. And she sticks her
tongue out for him and she laughs. "Bye."
"Won't you come out when mom is leaving?" Shintsha asks, he's not going
inside with them. He's remaining in the car.
She shakes her head, "no, I won't."
"Come KaMazibuko!"
He points at his mother, "okay, go to her we'll talk on the phone."

She follows MaGwala with her bag and the baby's bag. She's no longer walking
slowly like the past four days, the stitches are better.
Luthando, Sbahle's brother greets MaGwala and he takes the baby from her.

"Do you know how to hold the baby?" MaGwala asks and she relaxes when he's
holding the baby correctly.
Mazibuko says, "Why are you the first to hold her? Bring her over to us." He
says, Sbahle's mother is seated next to him on the couch.
Luthando sits down, "no baba, you saw the baby at the hospital and let me have
a chance." He smiles with the baby.
"I haven't held her too," Thembi says and sits next to her brother. The siblings
move closer to each other and meet their niece.

Mazibuko smiles at Sbahle's mother and she smiles back, they're welcoming the
baby.

"We're grateful that it has come to this day where we meet this person," Sbahle's
mother comments, looking at MaGwala.
She nods with a smile, "yes, we're very happy to finally meet her. It's by grace
that they're both safe with her mother."
"Yes, now I will have a grandchild to send to the shops," Mazibuko comments
and everyone laughs in the room.
MaGwala raises her concerns, "I was thinking that since Sbahle is a first time
mother and her sisters don't have children. Can it be a problem if she comes to
my home with the baby? I will help her out."
Sbahle's mother quickly refuses, "no, she's not married and I don't think that's a
good idea. She will come with me."
"But you're not married to her father. Is your husband going to understand?"
MaGwala asks, she doesn't understand how she wants to take her. How's her
husband going to feel?
"Yes, he'll understand."
Mazibuko doesn't like this, "no that is not right. I don't want my daughter to go
there with my granddaughter."
"But Mazibuko, Sbahle is my daughter too and that's my grandchild." She
argues.

Are they fighting over the baby now? Sbahle is uncomfortable by this argument
between these three adults. She desperately looks at Thembi, hoping she'll bail
her out.

And Thembi ends the argument, "I think we should ask Sbahle what she wants.
She's no longer a baby now."
"Yes, she's not a baby but she can't go to Luthuli house. She's not married and
not even a fiancée. And I also don't want her to go to her mother's marital
home." Mazibuko states clearly and it becomes final.

Sbahle's mother is hurt and she knows that Mazibuko is doing this deliberately.
He clearly knows her husband doesn't have a problem with their daughter, he
even wanted her to come with her when she got married but Mazibuko fought
them. "It's okay, I will come here regularly to help you out Sbahle."
"Thank you mama."
MaGwala adds, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. That's my son's
child and you'll be his wife."
"Yebo mama, thank you." She's happy they've reached the conclusion and she
didn't have to choose.

Sbahle's mother says, "Luthando, bring my granddaughter to me. You've had

your time with her. It's enough."
He looks at the baby, "awu!" He stands up reluctantly and gives the baby to her.

It's a great time in the Mazibuko home as they welcome the baby. Everyone is
happy and this gives Sbahle a warm feeling.
She's seated on her butts in the middle of the night, calming the crying baby
down. Her sister Thembi came by to help but the baby didn't calm down, Sbahle
told her to go and sleep because she's going to work in the morning.

"I don't know what you want now because you don't want your milk." She says,
rocking the baby back and forth.
There's a single knock on the door and Sbahle allows the knocker inside. It's her
father. Does he not look funny when he's wearing his gown? "What's wrong
with the baby?" Mazibuko asks and sits on the bed.
"I don't know but she's fussy."
He stands up, "I will come back."

When he comes back, he comes back with izinyamanze muthi and he burns it
around the room. "It'll help her sleep, sometimes she's crying because of the bad
spirits at night." He leaves and comes back again.
"Hold her in a manner that she lies in your chest, that way she'll feel your
warmth." Mazibuko shows Sbahle how to best hold the baby.
And she smiles as the baby is calming down slowly, "thank you baba. It's
working."
"Yes, when she cries don't panic and stress but keep calm, she'll also be fine."
For the first, she feels comfort and love for her father. "Thank you."

Mazibuko leaves the room once the baby is finally sleeping and Sbahle gets to
sleep too.

*****
It's been a few days since she got back to her house in Rosebank but her heart is
not here. Her heart is back home with her children. She's still angry with Gama
and things are not that great between them. Last night, he came back home very
late and she didn't ask him anything about where he's been.

She checks the time, he's about to come back from work. She prepares steak and
fries for herself while she cooks beef stew for him.
Once she's done preparing the food for herself, she eats and enjoys her meal.
Yes, two days back at the village she didn't eat and she had a strong reason for
not eating.
But as soon as she returned to Rosebank, she started eating again but not as
normal as she does. She understands she has a baby that needs to eat and she
eats for her.
She washes the dishes she's been using and packs them neatly.
She's been back for days but she hasn't felt like going to Jabulile. Jabulile called
her yesterday and she promised to come but she didn't.
Busiswa dishes up dinner for Gama, he's home early today and he brought with
him some grocery bags.

"Are you not eating? I bought your favourite food. I thought maybe you might
need something nice to get your appetite back." Gama sits down with food she
cooked.
She unpacks the groceries he bought, "no, I don't have any appetite, thank you."
He puts the plate down, "Busiswa, are you trying to starve my child? What is
she eating if you're not eating, huh?"
"I guess you only care about this child because she's here with me while the
others are not here. You didn't care even when they were crying."
He huffs, he's tired of this talk. "I don't want to keep talking about this with you
because you know why we're here."
"Okay, let's forget about it and so, stop worrying about my tummy but worry
about the woman you were with last night." She says and walks out of the room.

Tomorrow, she has to consult but not Jabulile, a different sangoma.

ISBOPHO!
Chapter 37

She's still trying to get used to being a new mother. It's an experience of
discovery, discovering who she is through being a mother to her daughter.
Sometimes, she's nervous about being able to do things right.

Her mother has been coming by, three times a week and she would help her
with the baby, give her advice on how to best handle the baby. It's been
strengthening their relationship as mother and daughter.

Shintsha is not with her but he's very supportive not just to his daughter but to
her as a mother. And this support gives her strength. She knows he may not be
the most romantic man on earth but he cares and that's everything she needs in
him.

"Have you eaten today?" Mazibuko asks Sbahle, sitting next to her on the
couch.
She has the baby in her arms, "yes dad, you worry about nothing. How can I not
eat?"
"I was talking to my colleague. She advised me to buy healthy food for you
because you're breastfeeding. I don't want you to lose weight because of the
baby."

She smiles as her father takes out the box of fruit juice and pours it on the
tumbler. "Dad, did you really have to buy the tumbler?"
He chuckles, "I was having drinks with my friends." He gives her the glass,
"drink and stop holding the baby while she's sleeping. She'll get used to sleeping
in your hands and that will be troublesome because you'll not be able to do
things you should do."
She finishes up the juice, "yes, I will go and put her down." She stands up and
heads to her bedroom.
She comes back to her father, "thank you so much baba. I will cook the food
and eat healthy."
"Yes, I will tell your siblings not to touch your food. Keep it safe, your brothers
eat everything."
She laughs, "We’ll lie and say this food has my breastmilk. They'll not even
touch it." She whispers to him and they laugh louder with her father.
"You're right, go!"

She heads to the kitchen with plastic bags and she packs the items safely.
"Sawubona, mama," Sbahle greets MaGwala on the line. She's busy preparing
food for her father in the kitchen.
"My child, how are you? How's my granddaughter?"
She takes the kettle and pour boiled water into the cup, "she's well and taking a
nap."
"That's good, she'll grow fast when she sleeps."
"Yes, dad says the same."
"Please, tell your father that I will come by tomorrow. I want to see my
granddaughter. It's not enough seeing her in pictures."
She smiles, "yes gogo, I will tell him and we'll be expecting you tomorrow."
"Alright, thank you. Bye."

She takes the tray of food to her father, it's a good thing her mother is not
coming tomorrow. These grannies can be spicy towards each other.

*****
She leaves her daughter with her nurse nanny and she takes a drive to a different
Witch Doctor. She's supposed to be happy that she's back in Gauteng, in her
heaven but she's not happy at all.

Gama is her husband, she loves him and loves their marriage. He's the first man
she's ever been serious about but lately, things have changed. There must be
something wrong, things can't just change out of the blue.
She takes her phone as it rings, "I am driving, baba kaThabi." She responds to
his call.
"I am calling to check on you. Are you well? I have ordered food for you and
they'll deliver it soon," Gama says to his wife.
She takes the main road to the Witch Doctor, "oh, okay, thank you."
"Are you going to eat the food today?"
"Yes, I will eat."
He huffs, relieved, "thank you, that's making me happy. Yazi sthandwa sami, I
am happy that you're back home with me. Things are no longer the same, the
house is warm."
"How can the house be warm without your children?" She asks, she doesn't
think she'll get over how he forced her to leave her children behind. It made her
feel like MaZuma is taking revenge on her and Gama is supporting her to do it.
She's never been away from her children for long. How is she going to cope for
months?

"It's not for long, MaButhelezi."

"I have to go."
He quickly stops her from hanging up, "can we go out tonight? I will call the
nurse and ask her to look after our daughter. I think we need to go out and
refresh, our relationship needs that."
"Okay, what time?"
"Let's do 7pm, I will be home by then."
"Okay, bye." She puts the phone aside and gets out of her car. She only grabs
some notes before closing the door.

She's not sure if she'll find help here but her intuition said not to consult with
Jabulile and so, its right according to her. She can't be wrong. She can't!

"MaButhelezi!" The witch Doctor shakes the bag of bones, her eyes are with
Busiswa. She's a grown woman with grey hair showing on her doek.
"Thokoza!" She claps hands and doesn't tell her what she needs. She doesn't
have to tell the real witch Doctor what she needs.
She shuts her eyes and makes noise that gives Busiswa creeps. "Blow here!"
She asks Busiswa to blow into the bag.

The incantation doesn't end, it takes longer than normal and she finally scatters
the bones on the animal skin. "Mm, mm," she shakes her shoulders as she reads
the bones.
"What's wrong?" Busiswa asks, she doesn't move her eyes away from the old
woman's scary eyes. Why does she look at her like this? She's creepy but for the
fact that she knew her surname without being told - it means she's good!
"What you did to him has been slowly undone."

On point! She's right about it and she saw it the very first moment he spoke to
her. "Who did that to him? Did he eat something he wasn't supposed to eat?"
"No, there's a woman who deliberately cleaned him and strengthened him,
protecting him from the use of idliso (love portion). Ugqabile manje." She
clarifies to Busiswa.

And instantly, she knows it's his mother. Who else? There's no woman who can
just clean up her man without knowing there's something he's been given. It has
to be his mother. Why does this woman get in her way like this?

"This means I can't give him anything at the moment?"

"I am afraid no, you'll have to count down a year from now. I am saying now
because this is the day you found out. And you can give him idliso again. I
suggest you use something stronger, use bheka mina ngedwa. (Only love me
muthi)" The witch Doctor suggests, "you can come back to me and I will fix it
for you."
She's angry she can't even breathe properly. She tries to keep calm first, "gogo, I
don't like using that type of muthi because I don't want my husband to be my
puppet. That muthi can even make him stop working and follow me around. I
know it's dangerous because he can even start abusing me because his focus will
only be on me and nothing else. He'll be jealous even when I smile at another
man and I will be in trouble."

The witch Doctor is impressed, the woman knows her story. Her granny really
left her mark on her. "You're right, track time and come back here, we'll cook
something together. Right now, you can't clean him too, it'll be dangerous, wait
for it to weigh out on his blood and take a chance."

She's out of words and totally clueless about what she's supposed to do next.
How can she work on his family while Gama is sober minded? He'll not protect
her but instead, he'll want to look into everything they'll tell him about her. This
means if Gama is protected, she can't do anything to his family. This old hag!
She's the reason she kept Gama to herself in the first place. She's never been out
of ideas like this. This feels like the end of the world. She doesn't have a chance
at the moment, all her dreams have been shuttered.

She pays the amount required for consulting. And she claps hands, "thokoza,
gogo!" She stands up and leaves, she leaves the hut panting. She can't breathe
properly.
With a modulated scream, Busiswa hits her steering repeatedly. "Damn you,
MaGwala!" She screams and holds her mouth.
'Keep calm, Busiswa!' Her inner voice rings in her mind and instantly, she keeps
calm. She holds the steering and moves the car - driving back home to her
daughter.

She sits on the kitchen island with the food Gama bought for her. She's warmed
up the food, it's the first thing she thought of when she walked back into her
home.
Busiswa checks on time on her phone and realises her children must be back
home.
With a smile, she calls back home. She doesn't call MaGwala but she calls her
children's aunt - Sebenzile.

"Sisi, how are you?" Busiswa greets her sister-in-law on the line.
Sebenzile greets back, "how can I help you, MaButhelezi?"
"Can I talk to the girls?" She requests.
Sebenzile calls out for the children.
Busiswa is occupied by the conversation with three girls, she's happy when
talking to them. Everything else doesn't matter and what matters is only her
children.

"Mama, when are you coming back? We miss you so much."

She looks at the table, holding back her tears. She forces a smile, "you'll see
your mother soon, my love. I promise."
"Are you going to come back with daddy? Why don't we live together now?"
Words get stuck on her throat. How does she answer her? "We'll live together
again baby but because you're attending school that side, you have to live with
granny."
"Okay, please come back soon."
She smiles, "yes, I will come back soon. Go back to your granny now, I love
you, okay?"
"Love you!" The children chant and Busiswa looks at the phone with a smile on
her face.

Standing before the mirror inside her bedroom, she's undressing to go and
shower for her date with Gama. But she can't stop thinking about her children.
Their happy voices, she wishes to see their faces and shout when they're being
naughty, laugh when they're being funny.

And thinking about what the witch Doctor she visited said, her heart sinks. She
feels strong hate for MaGwala. She's the one who did this!
She grabs her clothes and dresses up again. And she takes her suitcase, "I can't
be here without my kids. I would rather go back to my mother's house because I
am not welcomed in his mother's house. He made me choose, right? It's fine,
this is my choice." She speaks out loud, angrily zipping the suitcase and closing
her baby's bags.

She drags the suitcase and bag to her car. MaGwala ruined her plans, she can't
let her be with her children. She wants to be with her children, she's their
mother.

"Let's go home my baby. We'll be with your sisters. Mommy will make a plan
once we get home." She takes her sleeping baby after telling the nurse to leave,
she's no longer going out for dinner.

In her car, she buckles her baby in her seat and heads back to the house to lock
and set the alarm.

She comfortably takes the driver's seat and drives out of the premises. She takes
a deep breath, it's a long drive until she gets home to her children.
Instead of answering her husband's phone call, Busiswa turns on the music.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 38

He drives through the premises of his home, whistling. He's in a good mood,
things are going great. It's great at work and his deepest desire is to fix his
relationship with his wife. He recognises how much he hurt her by forcing her
to leave home - leaving their children behind. But he didn't have a choice. It's
already midyear and it'll be unfair to move the children around.

He walks into the quiet house, "MaButhelezi!" He calls out for his wife.
"Busiswa!"
There's no sign of her around the house and there's not even the nurse. After
looking around, he sits on his bed and tries to call her.
Its 18:30, she should be home and ready for their date. Did she take the nurse
and go somewhere? It's quite confusing, she agreed that they're going out.

"MaButhelezi, I am in the house and you're not here. Where are you?" Gama
asks as Busiswa answers the phone.
There's a sound of the baby crying in the background. "I am on the road, going
home."
"Okay, when are you going to get here? I made reservations for 7pm. Are you
dressed at least?" Gama asks.
"I am going to KZN."

His mind jams up for a second. In KZN, how? Shouldn't she be coming home to
him? "What do you mean, MaButhelezi?"
"I mean I am going home to my kids. I can't stay in Gauteng while my kids are
in KZN. I should be happy with you and laugh, while they're wondering when
they're going to see their mother?"
Not this again! "Why can't you understand where I come from? Do you
understand what you did? I have to prepare for a ritual to bring back the
ancestors you've chased away by using holy ash. Do you understand that? I
should waste more money because of your carelessness?"
"I said I am sorry and told you I didn't know."
Gama shouts, "in the first place, why were you doing something you shouldn't
be doing? Which young wife have you seen doing what you were doing, huh?"
"I was protecting myself from evil."
"Come back here, MaButhelezi!" He commands. His anger has piled up, why is
she like this? "The children are with my mother there. They're not alone!"
"I am their mother and I should be where they are." Busiswa states, clearly.
He curses, "I wasn't joking with you when I said not in my mother's house."
She keeps quiet for a while, "so, why did you marry me if I am going to stay in
my mother's house?" She asks.
"I married you so you can live with me and our children, not what you're
doing." He shouts and he instantly keeps calm again as the child stops crying in
the background.
"At the moment, I am living with you and without the children."
"Your actions did that and you know it!"
She huffs, "I am not going to live in your mother's house then, its okay. I will
take them and go back home."

What? Does she really mean that? How could she? What does this mean? "Are
you leaving me? Is that what you're doing?" His body heats up instantly and he
stands on his feet. He keeps folding and unfolding his fist.

"No, but I don't want to be away from my kids. You're the one who chased me
out because you no longer need me. I guess you probably found a new woman
who rocks your world because you're really good at that."

Yes, he has Jabulile, he loves her but that doesn't mean he loves Busiswa any
less. She's his high school sweetheart and they've been together for years. What
can make him forget about her? "That's not true? Can you stop accusing me of
things I am not doing? I have made mistakes before and I have learnt from my
mistakes."
"That's hard to believe and I am not going to change my mind, as long as you
don't want me in your mother's yard I will stay at home."
No! How could she do this? What can he do to stop her? "I hope your mother
will help you maintain those children if you take them."
She gasps, "What do you mean? They're your children Gama and you know I
am not working."
"Why are you taking them from their home where they're well taken care of?"
"Oh, so you're threatening me with money because you're the one who has
money and I don't? You know I am not working and have never worked
before." Her voice is shaking.

He's slightly moved but he can't be weak. He has to do this so she can do what's
right and do what he wants. "I am saying I am not going to pay maintenance if
you take them. Your mother's pension will do that."

Busiswa is breathing high on the line without saying anything to him, she drops
the call. Gama is left looking at his phone, he's only hoping she'll listen to him.
It's been two days since she returned from Gauteng. She hasn't gone to the
Luthuli home to take her children. Her mother thinks she's visiting, so she
decided not to tell her anything.

It's the third day, and she's still shocked by what Gama said to her. He'll not
look after their children. When she thinks about it, her heart throbs. For a
second, she thought of going back to Gauteng. Does she have money? Yes, she
has money! She can be slow in other things but not when it comes to money.
She long learnt the simple rule from her husband, when you have something,
you don't use 100% of it. These are things she always overheard him talk about
with his colleagues. And from her savings, she calculated that she can afford her
children but to cut stress from her siblings, she mustn't stay with her family.
This will also help cut transport costs for the children when going to school. It
took her a day to find an already furnished affordable flat to rent in town. She
signed a 1 year lease with an understanding that she was going to go back to her
house should things go back to normal.

She drives her car through the premises of the Luthuli home. Gama hasn't called
her for the past two days and she also didn't call. All that's happening it's a
biggest twist of fate, she was never ready or prepared for this.

"Mama!"
She laughs and gets out of the car as her girls run up to her. There's a sense of
relief in her heart as she sees their beautiful faces.
"Sanibonani," she goes down and hugs all three of them. "How are you, my
babies?"

She holds their hands and they head to her house. She doesn't see their
grandmother around the yard. "Your sister is with your grandmother. We're
going to her now."
"We're leaving now, mama?" Thabi asks.
She opens the door to Gama's house, "yes, we're leaving now."
"Are we going with our brother?"
She opens her wardrobe in the bedroom, "no, we'll leave him. He has to stay
with your granny. You'll also visit your granny if you wish to visit her."
"Are we going back to dad?" More questions come from the children.
She starts packing their school uniform, "no, we're not going to your father.
We'll live closer to your school now in town so that everything can be easy
when you go to school."
"Oh!" The children exclaim but they're not quite happy about not going to their
father. Why are there so many changes?
MaGwala follows Busiswa into the house as she sees her going up and down in
her yard without saying anything to her. What's happening? Why isn't she
talking to her?

"MaButhelezi, what's going on? You're going up and down with your bags and
you didn't even come to greet me."
It's only her and MaGwala in the house. The children have gone to say goodbye
to their brother. "I didn't know you wanted my greetings."
"Hhayibo, is that how you should speak?"
She closes the last bag and now, she searches for the children's documents.
"How should I speak?" She doesn't look at her.
"Where are you going?"
"I am taking my kids and leaving, you and your son chased me out of your
home, right? I am leaving."

She's totally shocked by this. What happened? Is she finally leaving her son or
they had a fight? "Where are you taking my son's children? These children
belong here because we paid for them and you're fully married. You can't just
take the children?"
"What can stop me? I don't remember anyone helping me give birth. I was alone
and so I am entitled to my kids."

MaGwala follows her out of the house as she takes another bag and suitcase,
"things are not done like this. If something happened between you and the
children's father, you should report but not take the children."
Busiswa packs the last bags and closes the car boot, "if something happened? I
think you were here when he was telling me to leave. And it's not like you like
my presence."
"Yes, I hate your presence. I don't want you here but I also don't want you to
take my grandchildren. Leave them here and go fix things with your husband.
That's where you should be living, with him not here!" MaGwala screams at
Busiswa.

Fix things with her husband? The old lady is acting up. She knows exactly what
she did. "Thabi!" She screams and the children come out running. "It's time to
go!"

With smiles, they turn to their grandmother, "gogo, mama said we'll live near
our school. This means we'll always come to visit you."
MaGwala glares at Busiswa, "usuthole ishende?" (Have you found a
boyfriend?) She asks, this woman is confusing her. She feeds her son love
potion and now she's running away from him. What's her plan?
MaGwala looks at her grandchildren with a broken heart and she says goodbye.
She looks at the car as Busiswa drives out.
She quickly wipes the single teardrop and she quickly calls her son.

"Mama?"
She heads inside the house, "Gamelihle, what's happening between you and this
witch you married. She was here just now and she took the children."
"She really took them?" He's defeated.

She sits on the chair inside her kitchen, "yes, she took them and I heard from the
children that they'll live closer to their school. What's going on, Gamelihle?"
"We had a fight about forcing her to leave the children behind. She left Gauteng
without telling me and I told her not to go back home. I thought she listened to
me but I am defeated by her actions." Gama responds to his mother on the line.
How's Busiswa going to sustain herself and the children? What is her plan? She
hasn't even called her. He sent a text greeting on WhatsApp and she didn't
respond. He doesn't understand this behaviour. Even after threatening her, she
decided to leave? Why? Does she have money that will sustain her and the
children?

"I will go to her mother today. She can't do this, just come here and take the
children. It's not done like that. I will see her mother. I want to understand
what's happening with her daughter." MaGwala shouts on the line.
"Mama, do you think that's a good idea?"
She stands up, "yes, it's the only good idea I have. There's no other. I don't know
what you saw in that witch."
"She's not a witch mama and I love her."

MaGama curses and ends the call with her son. She heads to the bathroom, she
needs to shower and go to MaZuma.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 39

The next day, MaGwala heads to the Buthelezi home during lunchtime. She's
not happy and she couldn't sleep properly the previous night thinking about her
grandchildren. Where is she taking them?
She's welcomed into the Buthelezi home and Busiswa's younger sister goes to
call her mother for MaGwala.
She's surprised to see her in her home, ever since the truth came out. They don't
get along. She still believes she had something to do with her daughter keeping
her son away from her. She'd mourned the friendship and decided to move on
with her life.

"MaGwala, how are you?" She sits down on the opposite couch. And from the
old woman's face, she can tell she's not happy. There must be something that
Busiswa has done.
MaGwala looks at her friend, "I am not well and how are you?"
"I am fine. What's wrong?"

Children came between them and destroyed their friendship. Till this day, she
doesn't believe she had no clue about Busiswa's plan.

"Firstly, your daughter has been doing things she's not supposed to do in the
yard. She's been using holy ash without my knowledge."
MaZuma holds her mouth, "you're lying? Is that the reason she came back and
took the children?"
"Yes, I told my son about what she did and he was angry. He told her she must
go back to Gauteng with him or come back here." She clarifies what happened
to MaZuma.

And MaZuma is disappointed, "he was chasing her out? Are they not married?"
"I don't believe he was chasing her out but he was trying to get her to come and
live with him because she's been causing problems at home." She answers and
doesn't tell her the rest of the things she's been doing. She doesn't want to fight
about it because it's her daughter whose doing these things and she agreed to her
marriage knowing that she's up to no good.

MaZuma shakes her head, "Busiswa decided to take her children and leave?"
"Yes, after going to Gauteng."
"This means she realised that she can't live away from her children. How can
your son request that she live away from her children?" She asks, she'll be
damned if she understands this nonsense because her child is always in the
wrong.
MaGwala folds her arms before her chest, "what was he supposed to do? It was
only for until they finished school."
"And she couldn't accept that."
"Are you on your daughter's side?"
She nods, "yes, what your son was doing is unfair. She's a mother and a mother
shouldn't be away from her child."
"Oh, but your daughter kept my son away from me, huh?"

She moves to the edge of the couch, "so, is this your way of revenge? You want
Busiswa to live far from her children."
She claps once, "you're comparing two different things!" She shouts.
MaZuma stands up, "why are you complaining? You should be happy that
Busiswa has finally left your home. She's a witch, right? That's what you've
been calling her! Be happy!"
"I should be happy? I should be happy that she took my son's children and left
with them, huh?" She asks.
"Those are her children and you also have your children. She's gone, everyone
should be happy!"

MaGwala stands up, "you're saying that because you know that she's fed my son
love potion and he'll go crazy without her now."
"That's not my problem. I am just happy that she's no longer in your home." She
says loudly and points at the door, "now, please go to your home. You've hurt
me a lot, accusing me of things I know nothing about. You should be happy that
Busiswa is gone. Leave!" She leaves MaGwala rooted in one place staring at her
in shock. She didn't expect this from her. How could she speak like this?

MaGwala gets a call from Gama on his way to her home. She's still digesting
the conversation she had with MaZuma.

"Son?"
"Mama, did you go to her mother? Is she home with the children?"
Her poor son sounds worried, "yes, I am going home now from their house.
MaButhelezi is not home with the children." She tells him about her visit to her
mother.
He casts a low tongue click on the line, "you know what? I am not going to give
her money. I am serious about that."
"Gamelihle, you're fighting with your wife and not your children! What do they
know about this fight? And if you don't pay maintenance, who'll look after
them, huh?" MaGwala shouts.
And Gama doesn't take her advice, "their mother has a plan. She knows what
she's doing and she's taken the children because she'll manage to fend for them.
I am not going to give her anything."
"You're wrong, you have a young child with special needs, Mandlanduna."
"She'll see what to do. She took them because she doesn't need me." He says
and ends the call, leaving his mother shocked. What's happening between these
two people? Is love potion no longer strong?

*****
After dropping her children from school, Busiswa drives back home - home to
her new flat. Oh yes, this is where she's found herself, in a small flat with no
husband with her. Things were better when it was only them, without his
family. Now, things are difficult and challenging for her. It seems getting
married changed things from good to bad.

She's happy because she's with her kids and they're getting used to the different
area they're living in at the moment but they keep asking about their father.
After putting her daughter to sleep, Busiswa takes Jabulile's call. It's been days
without calling her and talking to her.

"Hello?" She sits on the sofa with the remote.

Jabulile calmly asks, "How are you? I haven't heard from you in days."
"I am well and how are you?"
"I am fine, I have been waiting for you, thinking you're going to come as you
promised you'll come."
She turns on the TV, "I changed my mind. I am back in KZN now."
She acts surprised, "hawu, why did you leave now?" She asks.
"I couldn't stay there without my kids."
"Busiswa, what about your husband? You're just going to leave him here?"
She turns up the volume, "yes, is he a child?" She asks and doesn't tell her his
mother has cleaned him up. Her spirit doesn't feel like opening up to her about
this and about her future plans.

"There are hungry women -"

She laughs, "He sees them whenever he wants, even when I am there with him.
I am busy at the moment, can we talk later?"
"Uhm, yea, we'll talk."

She puts the phone down and focuses on the TV. It's better to relax and
strategise, she needs to come back stronger. And when she comes back, nobody
will stop her.
Her daughter was born in May, the next day after her father's birthday. It was
the happiest day of her life, to hold her in her arms and ever since Luhluthando
arrived, she's been surrounded by love and support. Something she didn't think
she'd ever experience from her family, especially her father.

It's December, Luhluthando is seven months and it's been six months since
Sbahle started studying. December marked a full semester as a Unisa student.
Being a mother and studying at the same time has been quite challenging but
she kept it together because she didn't want any of her daughter's grandmothers
to take her child.

She turns off the stove, she's finally done cooking and she cleans up around the
kitchen. Her family will be back from work anytime soon.

"I am home. Why is it quiet?" Mazibuko asks, walking inside kitchen, he finds
his daughter alone and there's no young fellow crawling around the kitchen,
eating everything she gets her hands on. "Where's MaLuthuli?"

She puts the mop aside and greets her father. She washes her hands on the sink,
"her father came here during lunchtime with his brother and they took her."
"Two men with a child. Are they going to manage, Sbahle?" He sits down.
She laughs, "Baba, you can't say that, you raised all your children. What can
happen to Luhluthando when she's with her father?"
"I don't trust them, they're not me."
She serves him cold drink and sandwiches. "Baba, have some cold drink it's
hot."
He smiles, "Luthuli will get a real wife in you. I am not happy because it seems
he wants to take you fast."
"Why do you say that baba? I am still studying and I don't think he can afford
taking me to school if I get married. He's building a pub and after that, he needs
to buy a plot for a house. We can't stay in rental room forever." She sits down
with her father.

He smiles, "don't worry, your studies are my responsibility. He told your sister
last night on the phone that he wishes to talk about ilobolo this December but he
hasn't spoken with you."
She looks down, "oh, he hasn't said anything."
He lifts his cold drink and takes a huge gulp, "I guess that's the reason you're
going to his home this weekend. Are you ready for this step? I won't accept
anything if you're not ready."
How comforting, this time around he's asking her what she wants. Not what he
did the first time, requesting cattle in her name without asking her what she
wants. But, maybe if he didn't, they wouldn't be where they're with Shintsha.

"Yes, I am ready, baba."

"We'll talk once he's spoken to you."
"Thank you. Let me call them and find out where they are." She stands up and
leaves her father in the kitchen.

She sits on her bed and call Shintsha. Does he really want to take another step
this December? He'd spoken about waiting for Luhluthando to turn one year
old.
"Where are you guys?" She asks as soon as Shintsha answers the call, "dad has
come back home but you're not back."
"We're coming, we're still at KFC."
She frowns, "what are you doing there?"
"Your brother in-law's girlfriend was craving KFC and so, we decided to go and
eat there. Your daughter is also enjoying KFC, she's holding on to the bone of a
thigh." He responds, freely, laughing.

And her heart sinks, "oh, so I am the fool. You can go to KFC with your brother
and his girlfriend, sit down and eat there but when I want us to go, you don't
want to go."
"Eyi!"
"Don't say that, you're making me a fool."
He keeps quiet for a second, "it's not like that! I am with Luhluthando here and I
was just-"
"Stop it Shintsha! You're unbelievable. Can you please bring my child back it's
getting late." She raises her voice.
"How can you say that? We're going home with you. You're supposed to tell me
that you're ready for us."

She's been going to his home with Luhluthando when MaGwala asked for them
from her father. With Busiswa not around, she didn't have any problem going
with her daughter there.

"Bring back my daughter!" She says and ends the call. She's totally pissed - he's
unbelievable. She keeps cursing in disbelief.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 40

She takes the phone and answers his call. She's still inside her bedroom angry at
him. Luhluthando is seven months and ever since she took him out for his
birthday, Shintsha never initiated a date with her. She thought he'd changed his
mind and didn't mind going out after they'd gone out on his birthday but she
thought wrong.

"Are you outside?" Sbahle asks.

And Shintsha responds, "Yes, I think you should come out with your bags so
that we can just go home. I have something for your father."
"With my bags? No, I am not going anywhere with you, Shintsha."
His spirit goes down instantly, "how can you say that? My mother is expecting
to see you and Luhluthando."
"Go with your brother and his girlfriend. You were together enjoying KFC,
right?"
He begs, "Sthandwa sami, please, I am begging you. Can you come out?"
"I will come and take my daughter." She ends the call and goes out of the house.

Buying gifts? She can't fault him there, he knows how to pick up gifts. And
when he buys a gift, he always buys something precious and mostly
sentimental. She honestly loves him in that regard. She's always happy to
receive gifts from him.

On her birthday, Shintsha bought a gift hamper for her and they went for a boat
cruise experience at the harbour in Richards’s Bay. It was a fun day and after
the cruise, they went to his place, he prepared a birthday dinner. And they
enjoyed the rest of the day together, celebrating her birthday.
Sbahle was nervous that he wasn't going to do anything special for her but he
disappointed her in a good way.

Outside the gates, Sbahle greets with a smile, "sanibonani," greeting Gcina and
his girlfriend, who's actually a fiancée.
Three months back, Gcina paid ilobolo for Amanda after finding out that she's
carrying his child. They were happy and everyone was happy that Gcina wanted
to have a wife. His mother didn't like how his focus has been only on alcohol
and his job. At one time, he got a warning at work because he came to work
drunk. MaGwala was always worried about him and when she heard he wanted
a wife, she hoped things would be better.

Gcina and Amanda are both party animals, they love each other and love
partying together. MaGwala doesn't know that her daughter-in-law actually
parties with her son. She's still a student and Gcina is the one paying for her
studies.
Amanda and Sbahle are close to each other, they are more like friends than
sisters-in-law.

"Makoti, how are you? Where are the bags?" Gcina asks, showing his head on
the passenger seat of his double-cab 4x4.
"At home, is Amanda sleeping over there?"
He laughs, "You know, right after eating KFC, getting in the car its lights off."
She laughs but deep inside she's angry at Shintsha. Another man's wife was
craving KFC and he went to enjoy KFC with them, something he's never done
with her even when she was pregnant.

She moves over to Shintsha who's playing with the happy Luhluthando behind
the car. He's throwing her in the air and catching her.

"Can you bring her to me? We should go."

He holds the baby in his arms, "KaMazibuko, I am sorry, what was I supposed
to do when they were going to the outlet?"
"I don't know and I don't care but I know that you only see me as worthy of
locking me in the house and having sex with me only."
He sucks air into his lungs in shock, "how can you say that? Is that how you see
our relationship? The love, the support and compassion we have towards each
other means nothing to you?"
"That's how you see me. Why are you pretending like it's not how you see me?"
He holds her hand, "I am sorry."
"Give me my daughter."

He doesn't give her the child but he opens the backseat of his brother's car and
takes the bottle covered in a brown paper bag. He doesn't mind going in because
he's wearing a long sleeve shirt and he knows Mazibuko won't mind. It'll not be
the first time entering the yards after he'd first met him in his home.

"Are you out of your mind?" Sbahle follows him into the premises. Why is he
doing this?

Shintsha finds Mazibuko in the living room and he smiles as soon as he sees
him entering the house with his granddaughter.
"Nangu umkhulu!" Mazibuko opens up his arms for the smiling Luhluthando.
She screams as her grandfather takes her.
Shintsha sits on the couch next to Mazibuko. Sbahle walks into the room angry
but she doesn't show her anger to her father.
"How are you Luthuli?"
He looks down, "I am fine, baba and how are you doing?"
"We're well Luthuli, just old age kicking in."
He puts the bottle on top of the coffee table, "I bought this bottle for you so you
can feel young." He presents the bottle of Mazibuko's favourite brandy.
And the happy Mazibuko can't stop smiling, "thank you son, I will sleep with a
full heart tonight." He extends his hand over to him and they shake hands. "I am
happy that I have seen this one too before you go."
"Yes, it's getting late and we should go." He glances at Sbahle and the anger in
her eyes - it's indescribable.
Mazibuko says, "go and take your bags Muna, you should get going."

From the moment he entered the yards, she knew this was his plan. Sbahle is
forced to go take their bags because she doesn't want her father to know what's
going on.

The Luthuli house is full and busy. All her sons are home, the infant
Luhluthando is home, Gama's two sons are home but Busiswa's children are
missing in the yard.

Sbahle is also in the kitchen but she's not cooking. Amanda is the one with the
permission to cook because she's his fiancée. MaGwala is happy to be with the
two daughters-in-law and this makes her wish Gama also has a sensible wife.

"Here's your tea mama," Sbahle serves MaGwala with the tea she asked for.
They're busy talking and laughing in the kitchen, MaGwala is relaxed around
the two young girls and she wishes it could stay like this forever. It's a happy
time.
"Where's your brother? We're eating now." MaGwala asks Gcina.

They're having dinner together, Sbahle is no longer with them. She's eating in
her house with Shintsha. Luhluthando is with her grandmother.

"He said he's not hungry."

MaGwala stands up with the child and heads to her son's house. How can he not
be hungry? There's something that's not right.

He's seated alone in the dark living room listening to music that's playing on a
low volume. He's thinking about Busiswa and his children. It's been five
months, he's been hoping and waiting for Busiswa to call him, tell him she
needs him. That his children need him but she hasn't called. She hasn't even sent
not even a text message or a 'please call me.' It's painful, his brothers are with
their partners in the yard but he's alone while he was the first one to get married.

"Gamelihle what's wrong? Why are you not eating with us?" MaGwala asks
after turning on the lights in the house.
He glances at his mother and back at his feet. "It's nothing, I am not hungry."
She doesn't have to be told, she knows why he's like this. "When was the last
time you spoke to MaButhelezi?"
"I can't remember. We weren't seeing eye to eye whenever I called and so, I
ended up stopping. I had hoped she'll call when she runs out of money and
needs me. But it doesn't look like she needs me. She's doing well." Gama shares
his honest feelings with his mother.

She huffs, "do you know where she lives? It's not a good thing that you haven't
spoken to your kids for so long. I told you that you're not fighting with them but
their mother."
"I don't know where she lives."
"Try and find out, you can go to the children's school on Monday. You might
see her or them, ask where they live with their mother. You need to know, we
may never know, maybe she lives with a man now."

He likes the suggestion, "yes, I will go to their school on Monday. Thank you,
mama."
"Come and let's have dinner. It's not good for you to stay here alone. The boys
also want to see their father before them."

He stands up and follows his mother but in his mind, he's wondering - is she
going to find her? What if she doesn't need him because she has a man? He has
a lot of things going through his mind…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 41

She locks the door and heads to the bedroom. She went to MaGwala's house to
take Luhluthando so they could sleep but she didn't want to go with her.

"Where's the baby?" Shintsha asks as Sbahle comes back without their daughter.
They always sleep with her on their bed, she sleeps in the middle and kicks
them all night.

She takes off her clothes and puts on her night dress, "she refused to come with
me. Your mother said I should leave her. She'll sleep with her tonight."
"Oh okay, that's a good thing too. So she can bond with her grandmother."

She doesn't say anything but gets in bed and pulls the bed covers to cover her
body. She faces the other side of the bed and shuts her eyes. She doesn't have
anything to say to Shintsha. She's still extremely disappointed by what he did.
She doesn't feel highly valued by him. Yes, he shows he cares but why is it hard
to do things that will bring fun in their relationship and strengthen their bond?
At the moment, she strongly feels like he's ashamed of going out with her. And
when she looks at herself in the mirror - she doesn't understand what's wrong?
Yes, her pimples may be back but they don't take away her beauty. She's
confident that she's beautiful even with pimples on her face. And her body?
After giving birth, she easily slipped back into her normal body and even gained
some weight when Luhluthando started sitting. What's wrong?

"Mama KaLuhluthando can we talk?" He moves closer to her body and puts his
hand on her shoulder.

He didn't think eating a few pieces of chicken with his brother would cause such
a mood change in Sbahle. Actually, he didn't want to go to KFC with Gcina and
his girlfriend but he forced him to leave the car by taking his daughter. And
since both of them are clueless about children, he didn't want to let them go with
his child without him. He's explained himself to her but she doesn't care, she
cares about how she feels.

She doesn't raise an inch of her body, "you can talk I will be listening."
"Can you sit up?"
"I am tired, I can't."
He doesn't even know if his request will be accepted, "I know that at the
moment I am busy with building the pub but my deepest desire is to show
myself to your father again. I can be very happy if our parents can sit down and
talk about us. I want to make you my wife, I have said this since we were
young."
This is a proposal? "I can't accept your request because you don't take me
seriously."
The rejection hits straight to his heart, "what does that mean Sbahle? Is this still
about going out because I don't understand how you can crucify me like this for
doing one thing wrong? Does this mean I am a bad lover to you because I don't
like going out?"
"You go out but not with me. I like going out but unfortunately I can't force
you. So, I think continue going out with those you love."
He's deeply confused, "I explained to you what happened. Your problem is that
you want to change me. I don't know if you don't love the person I am or what."

Sbahle keeps quiet closes her eyes. She's not willing to argue with him.
Luhluthando is not next to her and this means she must rest.

He lays his body down as she's quiet, "I don't know maybe you thought I will
change and suit the kind of guys you've been dating -"
"Can you stop using that against me whenever you're angry?" She shouts,
annoyed by this - it's a year later and he's still comparing himself and accusing
her of wanting to change him. Yes, she wanted to change how he dresses up and
change how he's always in doors but she failed. He still prefers his boring pants
over jeans and his sandals over sneakers. But still, as boring as he dresses, she
still wants to go out with him.

"I am not using it against you but I don't understand why you don't want to
accept me as I am." He raises his head, she's no longer sleeping down but
seated.
"Haven't I accepted you? What do you want me to do now?"
He looks at her, "no, you haven't. You're declining my proposal because I went
to KFC without you. Was I supposed to call and ask for permission to go and
eat with them because I didn't want them go in with my daughter without me?"
She doesn't answer him, "goodnight." She decides not to let him continue with
this.

He looks at her as she sleeps and he decides to sleep too. There's nothing he'll
stay up for.
She dresses her daughter up after giving her a bath in the morning. It's a sunny
day and she's dressing her in dull colours so she won't get dirty. Her father is
already outside.

"KaMazibuko, come here once you're both dressed."

She lifts her daughter up, "we're coming mama!" She leaves the bedroom for the
living room.

MaGwala is with Shintsha in the living room. What's happening? She sits next
to MaGwala and gives the baby to her.

"Your boyfriend told me he proposed marriage to you and you declined."

Did he run to his mother and cried to her? It's unbelievable. "I didn't think this is
something you were supposed to report." She looks at Shintsha. He's also
looking at her.

MaGwala answers instead, "I saw he wasn't fine and I asked him what's wrong.
He didn't lie to me."
"Yes, I declined and I told him why I am declining." She responds - what's she
supposed to say now? She's feels cornered.

She looks at her son, "she gave you reasons?"

He looks down, "yes, the problem is going out. I don't quite like going out and
she knows this…" he tells his mother about the issue.
"I don't see what's wrong. Don't you go to Shisanyama with your brothers and
Sihle? You do go out for alcohol and meat."
Shintsha shy away from Sbahle, "I do go with them but its different going to
Shisanyama compared to fancy restaurant."
"I never said I want to go to a fancy restaurant. You're the one who assumed, I
guess." She says but she's confused about a lot of things. And she decides, it's
best to let it go. She has a friend and a sister, she'll go out with them - why
should she abuse herself like this trying to understand? Right now, her spirit no
longer wants to give in - it'll be awkward to go out with him after all this
fighting.

MaGwala looks at her son, "you must be able to do things that make her happy
and she'll do the same for you."
"Yebo, mama."

She stands up with her granddaughter, "I will leave the two of you to talk."
MaGwala leaves the silence in the room. Sbahle keeps moving her knees,
waiting for him to say something because she doesn't have anything to say to
him.

"I am sorry for everything." He breathes, he doesn't like the silence and he
doesn't want to keep explaining himself. He'll compromise and go out with her.
His mother compared two different things. Going out to a Shisanyama with his
friends which is mostly for soccer matches and alcohol and his girlfriend who
wants to be lovey dovey in restaurants, feeding him her food and taking from
his food. That's all she wants to do.

"It's okay."
He sighs, "So, which place do you wish to go to? It'll be like a first date."
This doesn't feel like something that comes within, but it's something he's doing
for the sake of doing it. And also he wants her to accept his proposal. She
believes everything should come from a place of willingness.
Does she want to marry him? Yes! There's more she loves in their relationship
compared to what she hates.

"We don't have to go out. I understand where you come from. I will accept your
proposal."
And then? "What's wrong now?"
"There's nothing wrong. In a relationship we should be comfortable and I have
realised you're not comfortable with going out with me. So, I will stick to going
with my friends."
Women? "I never said I am uncomfortable going out with you. You're
interpreting things the wrong way."
"Alright, I am sorry then."
"So, are we going out?"
She shakes her head, "my heart is no longer there. Let's close the chapter, it's
been going for a year now. It is what it is."

He's totally defeated and thinks there might be something wrong with Sbahle.
He stands up and leaves her. What does she want from him? His soul?

*****
He can't hide his smile as he looks at Busiswa unbuckling his daughters from
her car and putting them down. They're talking to her and she's also talking
back.
Do they look miserable? No, they're happy - they're with their mother. Do they
still remember him as their father? It's like there's no longer space for him there
when he looks at them together.

Gama starts driving as soon as Busiswa drives out of the parking lot. He doesn't
follow her closer but he ensures he doesn't lose her.

At Central park, Busiswa stops her car at the bus stop and she doesn't come out
of the car. Gama is at petrol garage, looking at her.
She comes out of the car as soon as the white van parks before her.
Who's that man? His blood pressure rises up trying to figure out the man
Busiswa is talking to. He comes out of the car and gives her a brown envelope.

"Money? Why is he giving her money?" He asks out loud as Busiswa counts the
money and she quickly goes back to her car.
He quickly follows her. What's going on?
"Don't close the door I am coming!"

She looks aside and it's her so called husband. Five months later, he's here.
What does he want? She never thought he would really stay away from his
children for so long because he's the one with the money.

He didn't even miss her? Without her muthi, Gama is sober minded and his
feelings are sober minded - does this mean he doesn't love her anymore without
muthi? Why has he been carrying on with his life for so long without needing
her but they're married?

'Why is that a question?' Her conscience asks and she laughs - of course, he has
a woman that's keeping him occupied.
She's been missing him as her husband, the love and care - how everything was
before things got complicated. But she couldn't bring herself to picking up the
phone and call him, not after he'd decided to withhold his money even on his
own children.

"How did you find me?" Busiswa walks into the flat and he follows her inside.
Gama shuts the door, "so, you've moved to this place because you want to cheat
on me?"
She opens her bedroom and shows her head over the door - her daughter is still
sleeping. She moves over to the kitchen.

"I normally hear people saying cheaters work like that. They cheat and accuse
other people of cheating too. I am here with my kids because you've deserted
them. They're not important as your two precious sons." She decides to face
him.
"That's nonsense and you know it. You know why I did what I did."
She folds her arms before her chest, "so, why are you here because I am not
going to Gauteng with you without my kids? If we starve, we'll starve together
because we're no longer your priority."

And the last line makes Gama angry, "whose priority are you, huh? Of that man
who was giving you money? You don't request any cent from me because you
know you've given my children to another man. Am I not your husband? You're
competing with me, you're cheating now?" He allows anger to control him and
he throws a tight slap on Busiswa, making her scream. His jealousy is raw and
anger of having to live away from him for so long without needing him. His
mother has been right all along, she has a new man.

She holds her cheek, her mind gets foggy - Gama slapped her? "Why are you
accusing me of these things? Why don't you ask? And why are you angry?
You're angry because I didn't beg you for your money?"
"What should I ask because I saw you with my own eyes? You don't need me
because you have a man who gives you money."

Why can't he see himself as wrong? What kind of father does such? "How do
you think I should fend for my kids?"
"Oh, you're trying to tell me another man is taking care of you and my kids."
She moves back as Gama moves closer, "he has a van and I ask him to sell fruits
for me when he's selling his eggs! Where else should I get money because I am
all alone with four children?" She frees the tears she's been holding back, trying
to act strong while she's not. There's no painful thing than what he did.

The angry Gama keeps calm as he sees her crying. He doesn't say anything to
her but heads to the bedroom when he hears his child crying. He leaves her
mother crying.

"You're so grown!" He smiles at his daughter and he lifts her up. He sits on the
bed with her deciding he'll go once the others are back
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 42

Busiswa composes herself after the tears have dried up. She never thought
there'll come a time where she'll get a slap from Gama. Why is he slapping her?
She doesn't remember the day where she cheated on him but because he saw her
talking with another man, she's cheating?

After washing her face in the bathroom and applying face cream - Busiswa goes
to her bedroom. He must leave.

She opens the door to her bedroom and Gama is on the bed, playing with his
daughter. She's been waiting for the day he'll realise and remember that he has
children. He's finally remembered, he's in bed playing with her daughter in bed.
Busiswa stands by the door, "when are you leaving? It's getting late?"
He raises his eyes at her, "mm, I am not leaving without seeing my kids."
"Your kids? The same kids you don't care about? How are they your kids now?
They were not your kids five months back? When you decided you'll no longer
give them money?" She asks, there's nothing that makes her angry like this.

After accepting this man's kids - even when he's not available, she catered for
his son's needs. But today, her children are not important.

He stays in bed with the baby in his arms, "have you found a new father for
them?"

She feels disrespected in her own space, “I don't need you here. Please, go, I
have been there, accepting every child you brought home. I never discriminated
against even one of them but you turn on me in the end because I am not
educated and have no money. I accept your decision, try to make means to feed
my kids and what do you do? You come here, make demands because things are
not going your way since you're the one with money and power and you lay
your hand on me. Please leave Gama. I am begging you."

He realises from her words that he's wrong. She's really never discriminated
against his children, even the one that was brought during the wedding day and
where can a man find such a woman? "I am sorry," he gets off the bed with the
baby and stands before her, "I am really sorry. I was wrong, I shouldn't let our
fight be the reason I don't take care of our kids. It's my responsibility and I let
you carry the burden alone. Please forgive me and please, don't look at another
man. I am here. I am your husband Busiswa."
"Those are your insecurities talking." She says and moves back to the living
room. Being angry with him forever won't help. Five months down, there's more
to go and it'll be easier if she can forgive and continue to bond with him as her
husband.

They sit down on the couch with their baby. He looks at her, "I am serious. It'll
be hard for me to accept that you cheated on me."
"I am not cheating but you really hurt me when you showed me you don't care
about my kids. I don't know if you did that because they're not boys."

He widens his eyes at her, "what? When have I ever separated the kids because
of gender? I was only trying to get you to come back home but it didn't work."
"And it wasn't. I know life without money, I wasn't born with money."
He looks down ashamed, "you're right but you failed our marriage by leaving
like that."
"You chased me out."

He holds her hand, "can you go back home with the kids? I will talk to mama."
"No, I am fine living here. They'll go and visit her regularly. I don't want to send
them back again, they'll go crazy in the end with this going up and down."

Does he have a choice? No, it'll not work. "Okay, I will let you live here
because they're already writing final year exams and once they're done, you're
coming back to Gauteng."
"Alright."

Gama stands up with the baby and heads to the bedroom to put her to sleep.
When he comes back, he comes back to food prepared for him. They eat
together with Busiswa, while catching up.

He smiles at his wife, "thank you for the food and a warm welcome," he holds
her chin and kisses her - there's no way they can take this to the bed. There's a
baby there and this couch? It's small, they take it down to the fluffy carpet and
they enjoy each other.

They stay together until the children are back from school and they're happier to
see their father after so many months of not seeing him. He's back home!

*****
The tension between him and Sbahle breaks his heart and he doesn't know what
else he should do to make things right. His mother tried to speak with them but
it didn't work out. She's cold towards him but she said she'll accept his proposal.
How?
"Big brother, are you busy?" Shintsha asks his brother and sits next to him in his
house.
He turns the volume down, "no, I was preparing for my trip back to work
tomorrow. I am done. Is everything okay?"
"No, but how did it go with MaButhelezi?"
He smiles, "we reached an agreement, the children will visit and we'll go to
Gauteng once they're done with exams."

Happy news! It'll be much better if she goes back to Gauteng. "I am happy for
you and mama is probably happy about the kids."
"Yes, she's happy."

He nods, "no, I have a problem with Luhle's mother," Shintsha presents his
matter before his brother. "I am hurt by her sudden change of behaviour."
Gama presses his hand on his shoulder, "bafo, relationships are not or should
not be like that. You've forced your preferences down her throat and you're just
not willing to compromise in order to meet her halfway, make her happy." He
says.

"I said we should go and she refused."

He laughs, "You were not supposed to do it like that but plan a date and surprise
her. Most women love being outdoors with their men, changing the scenery and
environment, seeing places together and experiencing places together. It
strengthens your relationship and bond. Uzokhathala umfazi uma uzolokho
umgqilaza ngesende endlini noma limnandi logcina limcika."

Shintsha laughs his lungs out. "Awu, bhuti."

"I am serious, there are dresses she wants to wear, be beautiful and go out with
you on a date so you can complement her. Those dresses she won't wear when
you're shopping for Luhluthando." He extends his advice, "you're young
Shintsha, act like a young man. Use your phone to teach you things you can do
to spice up your relationship and keep the fun. Sex alone won't do that. And
also, dress up well when you're going on a date with her. Don't show up wearing
overalls."

They laugh, "thank you, bhuti. I don't know where to start."

Gama takes Shintsha's phone, "this is where you start. These days, your phone
can do everything for you. Let's search for places and you'll go with her. And
since going out is not your thing, you can go out once a month or once after two
months. And even if you're indoors, there are things you can do to bring fun -
like a romantic dinner."
He sits comfortably and looks at his brother using the phone to plan a date. He
gives him tips and not only on dates but on what can go well with what type of
date in terms of clothing. He even gives him some of his golf T-Shirts that no
longer fit but could fit Shintsha.

Under the trees, rocks nearby surrounding the river, Shintsha didn't know there's
such a beautiful place in Richards’s Bay and his brother found it by searching
on his phone.

He knew booking a table and sitting in a restaurant would be too predictable.

And so, they came up with a picnic idea with his brother. He loved it, relaxing
and closer to nature - beautiful.

He hired a pop up picnic planner and they planned everything for him. He only
provided money and their preferences.

She tightens her grip on his hand as they walk on the grass, under the trees.
There are other lovers also on picnic dates - others lazing around and others
jollying under the trees.

"Babe," her heart is beating faster. Is this what she thinks it is? She's never been
on a picnic before and this would be her first time if it's really what she thinks.
And the setup is beautiful, red cloth, black, red and grey cushions - the food, it’s
beautiful.
"Let's sit down," Shintsha says.

Firstly, she was surprised by seeing him in his graffiti t-shirt and shorts outside
the house, with flip flops, showing his beautiful legs. She couldn't believe it's
him and she loved him like that. And now, this?

"Babe, you planned a picnic?" She asks and laughs, he went all out. A picnic is
cheesy, something she never thought he would go for.
He gives her a glass of juice, "yes, something beautiful for my beautiful
woman."

She giggles and kisses his cheek, "thank you, I love it." She can't stop smiling
and she asks them to take pictures.

The two lovers have a great time under the cool air of the trees, with birds
singing love songs for them. They eat, talk and laugh.

"What are you doing now?" Shintsha asks as Sbahle lifts up the strawberry and
he moves his face back, "hhayi, hhayi, beka phansi. Ungangifunzi leyonto."
She laughs her lungs out as he refuses to be fed strawberries. "Okay, can we
take them back to the house and I will feed you in bed?"
He smirks, "yes, we can do that."

She giggles and keeps them aside, "I love everything about today," she lays on
his chest and they lay down on the cushions. They kiss each other lovingly.

"I always dreamt of this day, the day I will ask my father's brother and my
friend or brothers to go to your father, ask for your hand in marriage." He runs
the back of his finger in her soft cheek. "And now, it's time. Can you make me
the happiest man by agreeing to let me send my people to your people?"

She closes the gap in between them by kissing him. She accepts this proposal
with a beautiful deep kiss.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 43

The pale crescent moon shines like a silver glow in the night sky as she's
standing on the veranda of the rental room at eMandlanzini. She's looking back
– how she’s still standing after everything that she's been through? She really
can't tell. Her source of strength is praying but lately, she doesn't know how to
put words so God can hear her.

Sbahle looks at the time on her phone, it's still early for Shintsha to come back.
Sometimes she feels like he overworks himself, its Friday and he's supposed to
be home after work but he's at 'Koze Kuse Pub' overlooking things.

With a determined mind, Shintsha managed to finish building the pub; it's a
beautiful establishment that generates good money for them. They have four
employees, the bartender, the guy and lady who's responsible for braaing meat
and a guy at the carwash.

Sbahle also works at the pub on certain days, cooking. It's a great place and it
makes her proud that she's the one who gave him the idea and he sustained the
idea pretty well. They do take bookings for people who want to host parties,
baby showers and any other purposes. Shintsha is still working at his friend's
security company and Sbahle is still studying through UNISA. She's in the
second semester of her third year.

It's THREE YEARS LATER, as promised, Shintsha sent his people to her father
and they spoke about ilobolo. The following year after that year, they had pre-
wedding ceremonies. And December of the same year, they got married, both
legally and traditionally.

"Are you going to come back?" Sbahle asks Shintsha on the phone, she can hear
the noise in the background. He's working.
"Yes, it's month-end and you know its busy today." Shintsha responds.
"Don't forget that I am alone here." She says, staring at the scan picture of her
last pregnancy.
He keeps quiet for a minute, "I am sorry, I will come back. Gcina is here, he'll
drive me."
"Okay." She puts the phone aside and packs her body under the covers.

They've been married for two years and they're still living at eMandlanzini in
the rental room that Sihle gave to Shintsha. Most money was spent on the pub
and right after the pub, it was the wedding. He wanted to buy a plot right after
the wedding and start building a house, but Sbahle stopped him, she told him
they should continue living in the rental room and recover the losses before they
start thinking about building a home for themselves.

He was sad and ashamed that he couldn't give her the proper home she deserves
as his wife but he was also grateful that she could see and understand who she
married and where his money comes from.

Sbahle smiles as she's receiving an international call - it's her older sister
calling.

"KaMazibuko, I am so happy to receive a call from you. It's been a while."

Thembi laughs happily, "yes, it's been a while mama uLuthuli, how's everything
going on your side?"

Once again, she looks at the scan picture, "I lost another pregnancy six months
back." She informs her sister and there's a cold silence from Thembi. She keeps
blinking to prevent crying. She no longer wants to cry about it.

"Sbahle? Why didn't you tell me? How far were you this time?"
"I was beginning four months, it was a baby boy again." Sbahle responds with a
broken voice but she doesn't cry.
"What happened, Sbahle?"
She swallows the lump on her throat, "it's like the last time I was at his home
and I started bleeding at night. We went to the hospital, I was told I have lost
the baby. This is my second pregnancy lost and it's painful."
"Oh child, I am really sorry. You don't deserve to go through such a horrible
experience. How are you now?" She asks.
"I am not okay sisi and I don't think I will ever be okay. I don't understand
what's happening and why all this is happening. It's like someone has cast an
evil eye on my life."

Thembi is in tears on the line, "it'll be okay, please don't lose hope. Don't you
think you shouldn't go to your in-laws when you're pregnant?" She asks.
"But this time around, we didn't even tell his mother about the pregnancy."
"But it's fishy that you lose pregnancies when you're at his home."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes, and please, look into it. Don't just take it as natural."
She digests what her sister is saying, "Alright, I will do that. And you, what's
happening?"
"I am fine and I think I also want a child now but Brian is talking about me
becoming a German citizen. I don't think I want that but I do want to be where
he is."
This makes her happy - her sister finally found love after years of being unlucky
and finding the wrong guys. She met her boyfriend through online dating and
they've been together for two years, she moved to Germany after their father's
death. Thembi had found a job in Germany. "No, don't be like that, he loves you
and I am sure you can always run back home if you feel like you're tired of that
place." She's relieved as her husband walks into the room. He kisses her and
heads to the bathroom. He's still wearing his uniform.

"I will think about it. Let me get back to my work. We'll talk on WhatsApp."
"Thank you sisi. I love you."
"I love you too my baby sis."

Sbahle puts the phone down and stands up. Luhluthando is not with them but
she's with her grandmother, Shintsha's mother. She's four years old and loves
being with her grandmother the most. She lives with her parents but she would
spend a week with her grandmother in a month.

It's October - the previous year December, Mazibuko died from a heart attack. It
was five months after losing Sbahle's mother.
Mazibuko and Sbahle's mother had an affair that started at Luhluthando's one
year birthday party. They were seeing each other in secret. Mazibuko wanted
her to leave her husband but she couldn't, not after so many years of marriage
and the number of children they had with her husband. They didn't stop the
affair. It went on for a year and a half without anyone knowing. Her husband
found out she was having an affair and he investigated - when he learnt the
whole truth - he killed her without thinking. Her mother died leaving her
children behind and her grandchildren. It was a devastating time for Sbahle and
Mazibuko - the other children included. Sbahle developed a strong bond with
her mother and she loved her, losing her came unexpectedly and the way she
lost her made it more difficult to move on.

Her half siblings from the other father hate her, they blame Sbahle for the death
of their mother because they believe if Sbahle didn't get pregnant - the parents
wouldn't have gotten a chance to rekindle their love. She didn't care - in the first
place she never had a relationship with them to care about what they think about
her.

The man didn't do anything to Mazibuko, but Mazibuko couldn't cope with
losing her, months later he died of a heart attack leaving his children with no
father.

Sbahle thought her siblings from her father would also hate her but they didn't
hate her. They held each other together even when other people were starting to
raise talks about Sbahle's mother being the cause of the mess. They didn't let
people come between them.

"Are you not hungry sthandwa?" Shintsha asks Sbahle as he sits down with his
food.
She gets back in bed, "no, I am not hungry."
"Did you study for the final exam today?" He asks, looking at her.
She smiles, "I did and I think I am ready."

She's still studying but as she's about to finish her third year, she doesn't know
how she's going to pay for her tuition. Her father has been paying the past three
years and the money she got from her share of inheritance that Mazibuko left
for them - she paid the remaining balance for the semester.

What made them happy as siblings is that, even though he had lost Sbahle's
mother and was in pain, he was happy. His cattle pen was full after marrying off
his two daughters. And his first born son also brought a daughter-in-law home.

"What time are we leaving tomorrow? All the boxes are packed and ready to
go."
Shintsha smiles, "I am proud. I want to thank you for being an amazing wife to
me. I was very sad when I couldn't build you a house right after the wedding but
I am happy that we waited because now we have a beautiful home and a big
yard."
"Yes, finish up there and come to bed." The joy she feels inside is indescribable,
tomorrow they're leaving the rental room for good.

It took Shintsha a year to finish building their house. The house is also at
eMandlanzini, not far from Sihle's rental rooms.

The way she's telling him to come to bed is inviting. Does it mean anything?

In bed, Shintsha pulls her closer to him, "it's great to come back home to my
wife." He plants a soft kiss in her lips.
"I missed you all day. I was studying but also thinking about you."
Body to body, Shintsha kisses Sbahle, he's hoping today - something will
happen. He misses being intimate with her. He misses her bold self under the
sheets. They had to wait after losing their pregnancy, wait for her to heal and
wait because it's mandatory to wait. But six months later, she's still not ready.
She's wet and her body is agreeing with what he's doing. She's thinking - tonight
is the night but her mind does otherwise.
She gets flashes of the night she lost her second son and she stops Shintsha.
"What's wrong?" He asks, looking into her shy eyes, she's not looking at him.
She shakes her head, "I am not ready."
His heart sinks, he's up and ready, this is not what he expected, he thought
today, it's really happening. They're going to be intimate and enjoy themselves
but he thought wrong.

"KaMazibuko, you've healed." He feels like crying. How many times is this
going to happen? He has to wait for how long?
"I have lost our sons, year after year, I don't want to be pregnant and lose
another child."
He begs, "We’re not going to have sex now to make a baby but to bond as
husband and wife. Ngagcina nini ukuzijabulisa?"
She doesn't give in, "no, I am not ready."

He doesn't say anything but gives her his back. He's angry - his mother said four
months is enough to properly heal but now, its six months later.

"Is this how you should behave if I am not ready? What should I do? You know
what happened." Sbahle asks, she's saddened by his behaviour. He's been
understanding but tonight, he's doing this?
He responds, "I want to sleep please." He closes his eyes. He was also hurt by
losing his kids but he's been understanding of his wife not being ready. But it
seems he has to understand more and wait longer.

Sbahle also faces the other side, it's better to face the wall than his back.

*****
MaGwala is moving around the yard of her home, sprinkling muthi,
strengthening her home. Busiswa is home visiting and she doesn't want to take
any chances with this girl. Not even a single chance.

After Gama had gone back to her to talk about the children. The children started
visiting again and MaGwala was happy. And as the year was ending, she went
back to the traditional healer - she told her a woman in Gama's life had already
strengthened him. She explained who this woman was and that she was friends
with Busiswa. She gave her muthi to keep strengthening the home and told her
Busiswa is aware that her husband is clean of everything she did to him.

Time went by, the children finished the year at school and Gama took Busiswa
back to Gauteng. She was very happy to have her yard back and be at peace.
But what seemed to be the problem - was the other daughters-in-law losing
pregnancies when they're carrying boys. She knows it's Busiswa's doing, the
prophet told her and they've tried everything to protect the pregnancies but
nothing seems to work.

Gcina has a daughter as his first born and his wife had also lost three
miscarriages of boys. She has a month old infant and this time, it's a girl again.
She is standing over the window of her bedroom looking at her mother-in-law
working in the yard. She laughs, "Shame, you can't stop me."

Moving back to Gauteng made things easier for Busiswa because she was closer
to her husband and she didn't give him any chance around the time he was
weak, she had to strike.

Once MaGwala is inside her room, she goes out with her own bucket and she
sprinkles her own muthi to weaken MaGwala's muthi.

"I have important work to do now." She says as soon as she's done.
She goes back into Gama's house - the house that's no longer two rooms. She
demanded he extend the house and he did, adding rooms for their daughters.

In her bedroom, he lights up black candles and takes needles - along with
Gama's semen. She didn't want everything to come to this, but lately, he forgets
about the needs they have at home. He makes excuses when she wants money
and this made her suspect this new woman is taking his money instead. He even
skips months and does not give his mother money.

"I am tired, I know it's been long since he had this woman. I am putting an end
to this relationship. She'll regret the day she set her eyes on my husband."
Busiswa says and starts working her magic, casts a spell that will teach Gama's
side chick a lesson and break their relationship.

She clicks her tongue and spits on the floor once she's done. "You failed to do
one thing, cheat with him but don't make him forget he has a wife and children.
Tsk!"

She cleans up her room once she's done and gets rid of all the evidence. She
goes to bed after checking on her pregnant friend - Jabulile. And her husband is
the last person she calls before sleeping.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 44

He didn't plan on having another child but when Jabulile told him she's
pregnant, he was happy like he'd planned for this child.
This child will be his 7th child and should be his last child. And it's enough, his
legacy will carry on with these children.

He parks his car inside the garage of Jabulile's house. He's proud - he's finally
done with renovations of her house. Now, she has a beautiful and proper home.
This is the home where his child will grow.

Gama hasn't been able to give his mother money monthly and had to cut the
money he gives his wife because of these renovations. And now, he's done,
things will go back to normal. He couldn't explain things to Busiswa, tell her
why he's no longer giving her the money he's been giving her.

"Luthuli, you're home." Jabulile welcomes Gama into her home. She hugs and
kisses him. She smiles as he holds her 7th month pregnant belly.
"How are we, in here?"
She looks at her belly, the pregnancy happened unexpectedly and she didn't
think she was really pregnant. She didn't want to be pregnant because of
Busiswa. "We're very well and we've been very active today." She holds his
hand and leads her to the kitchen.
"That's great, it shows you're carrying a champion."

The dinner table already has food she prepared for his arrival. Busiswa and the
children went home in KZN, she's visiting his mother with the children. He
doesn't stop them when they go to KZN even twice a month. It also gives him
time to be with Jabulile. Currently, Gama has these two women in his life, his
wife and Jabulile.

"The food is great, thank you love." He's enjoying the food, it's well-seasoned
and cooked to perfection.
She loves the compliments and Gama gives compliments very well. "I am glad
you're enjoying your food."
"I want to come out about our relationship, to my wife." Gama drops the
unexpected bomb on Jabulile, "why do you look shocked? We've been together
for over three years. It's time I also introduce you to my mother and brothers. I
want to make you my wife."
"Do you want Busiswa to kill me?"
He holds her hand, "no, you'll not be killed by her but I want to honour you by
marrying you. We can't keep on playing this hide and seek."
She has mixed emotions - she's happy but scared. How's Busiswa going to
receive the news? She knows she's pregnant and she's clueless that she's
pregnant for her husband.

"Can we stop until I give birth?" She asks.

He smiles, "does this mean you do want to marry me?" He asks and stops
eating.
"Yes, there's nothing I would love in this whole world other than being your
wife."
He stands on his feet and pulls her up, "let's go. I missed you, I haven't seen you
in a week." He pulls her to the bedroom.

In bed, Gama is busy applying Vaseline on Jabulile's skin, her belly and breasts
to prevent more stretch marks.

"The baby is busy kicking," he keeps his hands on her belly, feeling the baby's
movements.
"Yes, I told you we're active today."

He holds her face and kisses her, they're both seated on the bed facing each
other. Gama crosses his legs, making Jabulile sit down on his crotch. She holds
on to him tightly by wrapping her arms around his back and putting her legs
around his back.

And after three thrusts, Jabulile screams of pain. Gama quickly removes himself
from his pregnant girlfriend. "What's wrong?"
She starts crying in pain and it gets worse as she sees blood. "I am in pain. I
can't even explain the pain I am feeling. It's like my private part is under attack."
He jumps off the bed and cleans the blood off his penis. "I will take you to the
hospital!"

He cleans her and gives her panties and a sanitary pad - he helps quickly dress
up. And takes her, there's a lot going through his mind and all he's hoping for is
for his child to be okay along with Jabulile.

*****
The feeling of moving into the new home - it's indescribable. She didn't think
they'll have such a beautiful home and she'll be the homeowner of this home.
The Luthuli home.

It's a three bedroom house, with a garage, kitchen and living room. The
bathroom is built separate from the house.
Sbahle puts the sleeping Luhluthando on her bed inside her bedroom and she
leaves the bedroom door open. She has her own bedroom and she's scared of
sleeping alone. Sbahle always has to wait until she's asleep to put her to sleep.

From her daughter's bedroom, she heads to their bedroom. The house is not
fully furnished - Shintsha still has to save for furnishing the house. She deeply
wishes she was already working but it's a long way until she's able to apply for
jobs.

Sbahle closes the door of her beautiful fully furnished bedroom. They didn't
have to buy much but they took the bedroom suite from his rental room and
installed a grey built-in wardrobe complementing the white walls.

"What are you doing?" She sits next to the man who kept his promises and
made her his wife. It's great being here after so long - staying in a single room
with their daughter.

He puts the paper away, "I was reading the alcohol invoice. Is Luhle sleeping?"
"Yes, I have put her to bed."
He lies down in bed, facing her, "was your show over? I thought you were
watching TV."
"I thought of coming to bed because I am tired. I had more people buying my
food today. It was a great Thursday." She smiles as Shintsha kisses her lips.
He holds her chin, "when was the last time we went out and had a lovely meal?"

He asks, he's quite happy today. He's been grumpy since Sbahle refused to have
sex with him, telling him she's not ready again!

And this morning, he was woken by a beautiful and pleasing oral sex. It made
his head light, he'd forgotten how she can make him feel above the clouds. He
still wants to have her but he doesn't want to push and appear as an insensitive
husband.

By now, she's used to it and she loves it more when he asks this question. He
still doesn't like going out - she would sometimes ask him if they should go out
and he would give her money to go out with Ntandoni. Sbahle would know he's
in no mood for going out. But sometimes, he loves it when she suggests they
should go out. Most of the time he loves trying out new places.

"It's been a while. Do you have a place in mind?" She asks.

"Yes, its child friendly, we can go out with our daughter. She'll be happy."
"I love that idea and I can't wait for her to start school so she'll stop going up
and down."
He laughs, "She loves her grandmother."
She supports and holds his hand in a loving manner, "my lovely husband, I have
a request." She starts the most important conversation with him.
"Yes?"
"I am about to complete my third year and not done since my father is no longer
alive I don't have anyone to pay for my studies." Sbahle pleads her case to her
husband. She doesn't know if he'll agree or not. But he must agree, she trusts
him - he said he'll take care of her. She has nobody who can do this for her but
him. "Can you please pay for my studies? It's just a few years left and I will be
done."

Here comes trouble and another fight, "sthandwa sami, I would like to do that
and it's my duty to do that but at the moment I have a lot on my plate. You
know and you've seen where the money went. The plot, the house and still our
house is still not furnished."
"We have a house now and that's what is important, the furniture is not that
important. I want to finish my studies and I will be able to buy that furniture
when I get the job," Sbahle pleads - she wants his help and there's nobody else
who can do this for her.

"I have a lot on my plate Sbahle and you know that. Right now, my mother lives
with my grandmother at home. I am still sending them money because
sometimes my older brother doesn't send any money. I am not an engineer, I am
a security guard."

Sbahle sits up straight, "you're married now Shintsha. Why do you send the
extra money while you have a family? Your mother and grandmother have their
pension, your job is to add to it."
He sits up with her, "so, you'll control how much money I should send to my
mother?"
"No, I am not controlling that but I am asking you to help me finish my
studies."
"I will do that but not next year."

Her heart pains. "Why are you like this? Your brothers are living their best life
and a lavish life but what about you? You're setting yourself back and you don't
even want to do something that will benefit our home. Once I am working I
won't be sending that money home but it'll be for our home." She shouts, her
anger keeps going up. She's been very understanding but now, she doesn't
understand. Shouldn't his mother understand that he's married now?
Shintsha looks at her and doesn't say anything, the comparison she's making
hurts his feelings. Isn't he trying? Why can't she see that he's trying? Does she
see his brothers as better than him?

Sbahle looks at him, "are you going to sleep just like that?" She asks and he
doesn't answer. She shuts her eyes, feeling lost.

She draws a long breath and takes her phone. She sends a text to her friend,
Ntandoni.

>>>"Friend, I need your help. Can you please help me find a job? I am not
picky, anything that will give me money to pay for my studies. Please.">>>

She puts the phone aside and closes her eyes. This is the only choice she has
because she has no one.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 45

The night she started bleeding, Gama sent her to the hospital. She was
examined, tests were done and they couldn't quite diagnose her problem because
the baby was fine. And nothing seemed to be wrong with her womb.

Jabulile refused to be operated on as they wanted to operate her in case the baby
is in danger. They gave her medication to help with the bleeding and she was
discharged.

It's been two weeks since she was discharged and they've been talking on the
phone with Gama. She hasn't been feeling well ever since they had sex the last
time.

She tried several times to consult and check where the problem is but she can't
see anything wrong. It's painful to be clueless about what's happening in her
body.

"Are you okay?" Gama asks Jabulile as she’s seated on the passenger seat of his
car and they're coming from a date.
She smiles at him weakly, "I am not okay. I don't smell okay. I don't know if
you can also catch that?" She says, there's been a stench coming from her
vagina and whenever she checks - she doesn't see anything.

He shakes his head, "there's nothing wrong I can smell from you." He holds her
hand.

Did Busiswa do something to Gama? This looks like something that's been
made up.

She's not confident as he romances her, kissing and loving her in bed but she
doesn't want to stop him. She loves what he's doing and her hot body loves it
most.
Jabulile screams once again as this time around Gama tries to enter her and she's
feeling pain like he's stabbed a wound.

"What's wrong?" He asks and only now that she's opened her legs he can catch
the foul smell. What's wrong with her?
"It's painful. Is everything alright with my vagina?"
Gama turns on the lights and back in bed, he opens up her legs. His eyes grow
wider, what the hell is this? He closes his eyes and closes her legs. The trauma!
Is he ever going to recover from seeing something so horrible?

"What's wrong?" She sits up.

Gama puts his feet on the floor, "there's horrible flesh in your vagina that looks
like a cauliflower."

She holds her mouth and all she thinks about is her baby. "Oh God, why?"
He pulls her in his arms, "what's wrong? What is this Jabu, sthandwa?"
"Ngicabanga ukuthi bakucuphile kodwa anginaso isiqinisekiso." (I think its
witchcraft) she responds and she's certain Busiswa did this to her husband and
she got affected.

"What should we do? We need to find help for you. This thing will affect the
baby, right?"
Tears fall freely on her cheeks, "yes, it will affect the baby but who's going to
help me? This thing is hard to treat because it looks like witchcraft, not natural
infection."
He tries to think, "I will find a way. There must be someone who'll help us.
We'll start looking tomorrow. I won't go to work."

Jabulile is comforted, he's not talking about leaving her but he wants to find
help with her. But, she doesn't have any hope about finding help. She's hopeless.

*****
She's seated on her bed with a picture of her parents in her hands, when they
were still married. This picture makes her wonder about a lot of things. What
crosses her mind is everything her father said when she was angry because
Shintsha had paid for her.

No - she'll not be like her mother and leave Shintsha for a better man. She loves
him and she doesn't want to leave him.
Relationships are not always fun, she knows but this time she's lost. The
relationship has turned cold and brings no warmth in her heart even when she
thinks of him.

"I miss you dad." She laughs, "I remember a month after I got married, you
called me complaining that you miss me. Thembi wasn't ironing your clothes
like I do. I never thought there'll be a time where you'll miss me and I'll also
miss you, I hope you and mama are resting in peace. And please, watch over
me. Light my way, I need a job so I can complete my studies. Your dream was
for me to be an educated mom." She smiles at the picture and puts it on her
chest, lying on the bed on her back.

She's disturbed by the phone ringing, she draws a long breath before taking her
mother-in-law's phone call. "Mama?"
"KaMazibuko, how are you?"
She sits up straight, "I am fine and how are you, mama?"
"We're well, I am calling you because it's been a while since I saw you in these
yards. Gcina's wife was here last week and MaButhelezi was also here."
MaGwala complains to Sbahle.

What does she say to her? She doesn't like going to the Luthuli homestead, ever
since she lost her second pregnancy, she hates being at her in-laws' home.

"Mama, I am busy with final exams. Luhluthando and her father will come for a
visit."
"I understand but you can also study here. You know that my mother loves
you."

She looks at her feet - yes, Shintsha's grandmother likes her a lot and she likes
her too. The old woman is a loving person. She's Shintsha's maternal
grandmother, MaGwala had to take her into her home because her brothers'
wives don't look after her.

"Yes gogo I know. I will come once I am done with exams. I get easily
distracted when I am home." She responds, hoping she'll understand. She
doesn't want to force herself and go to the Luthuli home while she doesn't feel
like going there.

She has no choice but to understand. "It's alright, I will let her know that you're
busy."
"Is she okay?"
"Yes she's well my child, focus on your studies and visit us once you're done."
"I will, thank you." She puts the phone aside and curls her body in bed.

Everything replays in her mind, always when she found out she was pregnant -
she was very happy. Who wouldn't be happy? She was loved and appreciated by
her husband, giving him another baby was her best wish but she never got to
hold those babies. Why?

She takes her phone and goes on Facebook upon remembering her sister's
words. Who can help her find out why she's been losing pregnancies? She didn't
have any health complications because she was happy during both pregnancies
but she lost the babies without any good reason.

She stops searching on Facebook, she trusts Ntandoni's aunt will be able to help
her with this - suggest someone who'll tell her what's wrong. It doesn't feel
natural what happened to her. She also almost lost her daughter back then - she
can't sit and do nothing.

He finds her standing before the two plate oven stove cooking. She's alone
inside the kitchen. The kitchen doesn't have much furniture, it's the single tall
cupboard Shintsha was using at the rental room. A table where the stove is and
the fridge. Two chairs, but she wants to finish studying first while they live in
such an empty house.

"Mom told me you're not going home with us this weekend." Shintsha says after
greeting his wife. He couldn't give her a kiss as he normally does whenever he
returns home. It's still painful that she compared him to his brothers. She knows
he's the one who's been looking after the family, even taking Gcina to college
with little he earned. He's still looking after his mother and his own family.

She doesn't turn to look at him, "yes, I can't go with you."

"Are you going to tell me why?"
She closes the pot and looks back at him, "I am busy with final exams, that's the
reason." She doesn't want to explain herself about her honest feelings.

He doesn't want to understand because he's angry, "what's wrong with you,
kanti?"
"Don't you want to be a part of my family anymore?"
Confused, she asks, "Why would you ask me that? What have I done that shows
I don't want to be part of the family?"
"You don't want to go home with us after how many weeks of not going there to
check on my mother and grandma? You're the wife and should look after these
old women."

She laughs and turns to the pots. Does he think she's superwoman? "I should
work at the pub, take care of you and Luhle, and also look after your mother and
grandmother. How?"
"I am talking about checking if they're okay!"

Instead of answering him, she cleans up the kitchen space she was using. She
looks back at him as he clicks his tongue and leaves.

Once she's done cleaning around, she takes her phone and calls Ntandoni.
"Friend, how are you?" Ntandoni answers, "I was going to call you later today.
Final exams are killing me. How are they treating you?"
"They're not friendly but I don't have a choice. Other problems are also adding,
I don't have money to fund my studies."
She sighs, "Are you going to manage being a wife and work, studying? What
about cooking at the pub?"
"I will manage Ntandoni. Luhluthando should start preschool now." She avoids
the question about cooking at the pub. She doesn't want to talk about it. "Are
you willing to help?"
"Yes, I spoke to Mkhwanazi and he said he'll go through applications for the
Personal assistant post he had and if he doesn't find a suitable candidate. He'll
take you, he thinks you'll also fit because you're educated..."

She says a short prayer hoping he doesn't find a suitable candidate, so he'll
consider her. "Thank you so much. I will also try applying when I see posts."
She says and asks at the same, "What did your aunt say?"
"She said there's a traditional healer she knows. She works with holy water."
"Thank you, please tell me when you're back. I will come to you."
"Alright, let me go back to my books."

She says goodbye and keeps praying Mkhwanazi decides to give the job to her.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 46

It's always a pleasure to have her children and grandchildren home but not
seeing Sbahle in the yard leaves a lot of questions.
She sits on the bench next to her son. He's seated outside his house facing the
gates.

"Luthuli."
With his head down, he responds, "yebo, mama." His mind is miles away - he's
thinking about Sbahle. He can't get it off his mind what she said to him. She's
comparing him to his brothers, it's clear he's not doing enough.
"How's my daughter-in-law? Is she really not coming home because she's busy
with exams?" MaGwala asks.
He doesn't look at her, "she's really busy with exams mama." He can't tell his
mother what's going on. It's inappropriate.
"Your grandmother is sad because she didn't come. She thought she'd come."
"I am sure she'll come once she's done with her exams."
She holds his shoulder, "is everything alright with you? It looks like you're not
happy about something. What's wrong?"
He forces a smile, "I am okay mama I am just tired that's all."
She stands up, "you work hard. You need some rest, Mandlanduna. I am very
proud of the man you've become. You're responsible and take good care of your
family. May God continue blessing you."

His mother's words mend his broken heart and soul, "thank you, mama." He
stands after his mother has left. He needs to rest but before resting, he calls his
wife who doesn't answer her phone.

Monday afternoon, he's back home with his daughter. His wife is outside the
house taking down the clothes from the washing line.

"Baba, let's eat our meat now." Luhluthando follows her father to the kitchen.
He bought fried chicken for Sbahle on their way back.
He opens the fridge, "no Luhle your mother is the one who's supposed to
prepare food for us. You should wait for her."
She sulks, "but mom is not home, baba!"
"She's outside!"
She grins and runs out, screaming, "Mama!"

He sits down and takes his wife's phone to check on time but sees a WhatsApp
text message from Ntandoni.
>>>"So, when are you starting? Congratulations, Chomee!">>>

He puts the phone down and wonders - when is she starting what?
Luhluthando comes back carrying a bag for pegs. And her mother has a washing
basket with clothes. She's already telling her mother all about her weekend with
her grandmother.

"Sawubona," Sbahle greets Shintsha and proceeds to her bedroom with the
basket.
Luhluthando comes back with her mother, pulling her by hand. "Here's the
chicken mama, let's eat!"
She takes the takeaway, "thank you babe for the chicken," she says to Shintsha.

He nods, he's drinking his beer and focused on his phone. He doesn't know how
to ask her about the text message on her phone. What's going on? What is it that
she got that she's being congratulated for?

Sbahle serves Shintsha and her daughter, Luhluthando is already seated next to
her father on the chair at the corner of the kitchen.

"How was home?" Sbahle sits next to her daughter. Their plates are on their laps
as they don't have a dining table.
He glances at her, "it was good to be home."
"That's nice, I also have good news to share with you."
Oh, she's going to tell him what's going on without asking? "Okay, what is it?"
"I asked my friend to help me look for a job but I also applied for some posts
online. They didn't respond. On Friday, I did a virtual interview and they called
this morning, I got the job." She reports to her husband. She doesn't tell him that
her friend's boyfriend hired her.

A job? She looked for a job and didn't even tell him that she's looking for a job!

"Nana, go and watch TV, with your chicken. I want to talk to your mother." He
holds the plate for her and leads her to the living room, leaving Sbahle
wondering what is so big that her daughter had to be told to leave? Can't he be
happy for her? What else should be said?

He comes back and sits back to his seat but without the plate. "So, you looked
for a job without telling me, KaMazibuko? What's wrong? Am I not doing
enough here?"
What the hell? "This is not about you but it's about me. I need a job."
"Why? Because I can't look after you, huh?" He asks, trying to understand.
What is it that he's not giving her? Is it because he's lacking somewhere? "You
need a job? You're still studying but you need a job?"
Why is he making this about him? "I won't be studying next year if I don't work.
I need a job to pay for my studies."
"Oh, this is about that? Didn't I say give me time? I didn't say I won't pay for
you."

She looks aside, "it doesn't matter anymore. I already got a job. I have already
lost a lot of time not studying, I can't wait more years to complete my degree."
"Why are you pretending like you're doing an easy course? Your course is
expensive and even next year you'll not be done. So, I should just pay without
thinking and planning, huh? This is not some Bachelor of Arts but it's a
bachelor of science. Do you understand?"

She looks at him, not minding that he's shouting at her. "I have made your load
easy by looking for a job because it's expensive."
"Without discussing that with me?"
"I am sorry," she says, not understanding why he is not happy. He's supposed to
be happy because he'll contribute nothing towards her studies, "I thought you'll
be happy."
"That's bullshit. We have a business to run and you have an important role
there. Where am I supposed to get someone to fill your space?" Shintsha asks
and she doesn't answer him. "You keep quiet and do things as you please
without warning me. And then you expect me to be happy."
"Dube can cook what I was cooking -"
"You know people enjoy your hand better when it comes to the meat you cook!
Now you're pretending like you don't know."

She keeps quiet - she's not willing to lose this job because of the pub. It'll not
pay for her.
He curses in a low tone.

"Where are you going?" Sbahle asks as he heads to the door.

"I need some fresh air."

She doesn't say anything until he's out of sight. Sbahle heads to the living room
to be with her daughter and forget about Shintsha.

*****
Its 20:04, he said he needs to buy something at the garage and he'll be back. Did
Busiswa believe him? She didn't believe he was being honest because since she
returned from KZN, Gama has been looking unhappy and stressed. She asked
him what's wrong but he didn't open up to her about his stress. But she knew it
must be what she did to him and his lover.

She left the children sleeping alone. She couldn't let this moment pass her by.

"Why does this direction feel so familiar?" She wonders out loud as she feels
the nostalgia.
She doesn't want to think he's going to someone she knows. It can't be!
"No, really?" Her hands shake as his car drives through Jabulile's home. Out of
all people? It can't be her!

The same Jabulile she trusts and calls her friend? The same Jabulile she's been
confiding in? This means - she feels like a ball of thorn is being shoved down
her throat. She's been happy about her pregnancy and has started planning her
baby shower. The woman is carrying her husband's child?

Busiswa shuts her eyes as the pregnant Jabulile opens her front door and they
share a brief kiss with her husband.
She laughs, a dark and sinister laughter, yes! Her intuition has been telling her
something about Jabulile.

And without doing anything, she drives off at a high speed. She needs to head
back home to her children. How could she?

In her bedroom, inside her house, Busiswa inserts the new simcard she bought.
And using the simcard she types a text message to Jabulile. She's not crying but
her heart is thinking all the possible evil things. But - what she's done is already
evil enough and it's worse because she's pregnant.

>>>"Your days are numbered, you messed with a wrong patient!"<<<

She sends the text message and decides to sleep. Her husband? How could he
do this? Does he have any shame?

She tries to act strong but the pain is too much. Why did Jabulile do this to her?
What wrong did she do to her?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 47

It's beautiful scenery on this side, the trees are green and the houses are
beautiful and fancy looking for a village. How does he know this place again?
She loves the place and she's lost in thought, even forgetting about the problem
she's faced with. "This is not what I expected. I thought we're going to a serious
rural area."
Gama chuckles, "they're also serious rural areas but the difference is, this side is
the side of the royal family, the children. They're all packed in these lavish
houses."
It shows! "I can tell these people have money." She admires the place.
"Yes, they're the owners of the land. How can they not have money?" He asks
and they laugh. He has hope, they will find help.

Gama told his two colleagues about the situation he's facing with his side chick.
And they told him his wife must have done it but he denied it, defending
Busiswa as someone who's not capable of doing such.

His colleague told him about uMhlahli at the king's land in Zululand - the Prince
Nqalabutho's wife, Thingolwenkosazana. They gave him directions. He'd gone
to four different healers but they failed, the biggest problem being - she's still
pregnant.

"I am really hoping we'll find help." She looks at him with pitiful eyes. She's
even lost weight. She no longer feels pretty.

He parks the car in the free parking space. There are a number of cars parked at
the parking lot. "I will go and check if there's any line or we can go in. If there's
a line, I will line up and come call you when our turn is near."
"Alright, sthandwa."

Gama heads in and they show him to Thingolwenkosazana's side of the healing.
There's a line of a few people and so, he joins. He sends a text to Jabulile.

Both Jabulile and Gama enter into the consultation hut. It's organised even
though it has a lot of ornaments, herbs, and animal skins. And candles of
different colours along with sage closer to Thingolwenkosazana.

After greeting, she doesn't say anything and doesn't ask anything but looks at
Jabulile.
"I don't like friends who are backstabbers and generally, I don't like women who
are okay with dating married men. I am a married woman myself, I can't like
that," her big eyes are piercing through Jabulile's eyes and her voice is firm and
straightforward. "You were given a man and you drove him straight to insanity.
Now, you're after other people's husbands."
Jabulile looks down in shame. "I am aware of my wrongs, gogo."

Thingolwenkosazana looks at both of them, "in order to help you, I will need
you to book her into the hospital for a C-section. I will then come to the hospital
with her treatment and umhlabelo to help with healing of the C-section scar. I
can't give her the medicine for the cauliflower if she's still carrying the baby."
She clearly explains.

"Thokoza!" They clap their hands.

Gama asks, "Is this natural, gogo?"
"No, this is the doing of your wife." She takes a pause and looks at him. She
already knows he'll deny it and she hates that.
And truly he shakes his head, "no, it can't be. She doesn't know I am -"
"Usufebe kangaki? Angithi uyisifebe sendoda wena? You've been bringing
babies to her. A woman can tell if her partner is cheating, it doesn't take much.
You think after two children outside your marriage she'll not know when you're
cheating?" She asks, with her voice slightly raised. And when he looks down in
shame, she focuses on Jabulile who's sane. "Your friend, Busiswa Luthuli, on
the 25th of October, she was in her husband's bedroom in rural areas.
Wamcupha…'' She narrates the events to Jabulile as they happened. She
understands Gama won't believe anything at the moment because of what has
been done to him.

But she looks at him, Jabulile is busy crying. "Am I lying when I say your wife
was not with you on the 25th of October?"
"No, you're not lying gogo." He says and in his mind he doesn't understand
anything. Busiswa is innocent. She's a good woman.

Thingolwenkosazana puts a box of tissues before Jabulile, "stop crying, you

knew what you were getting yourself into. You know exactly who she is and
that she's controlled by who. I am not supposed to help you because my
ancestor hates filth, dating married men knowingly is filth but because of that
innocent baby, I will help you."

She claps hands through her tears.

"We'll deal with you for now and this man with you once you're better. You've
made him a ground of muthi." She sits next to her and applies ointment on her
belly, chanting to Jabulile's guides for protection.
She looks at Gama, "go to the hospital now and drive back home to your wife
today! I don't want any problems. I will find someone who'll take care of her,
we'll communicate on the phone." She gives Gama the name of the hospital to
go to and the Doctor to ask for.
They clap their hands, "thokoza gogo!"

Gama and Jabulile leave with hope, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

*****
His son has been born through C-section, he's in the incubator and his mother is
still at the hospital with him. Gama trusts Thingolwenkosazana to do everything
in her power to save Jabulile. He wants his baby to have his mother. And he still
needs Jabulile in his life. He doesn't believe Busiswa is the one who did this to
her.

It's Friday night and all the Luthuli wives with their husbands and children are
home. There'll be a ritual for Gcina's new-born.

Busiswa leaves the kitchen angry and jealous. She has left her sisters-in-law in
the kitchen packing the dishes. Sbahle and Amanda were busy talking about
studying. Amanda was asking about Sbahle's studies, she shared about her
exams. They were busy talking about studying and Busiswa felt left out.
She was more jealous when Amanda praised how Gcina paid for her tuition and
made her a graduate when she was hopeless that she'd ever finish her studies.
Busiswa assumed Shintsha is also paying Sbahle's studies because she no longer
has parents.

"Why do you look upset? Is it still about sex?" Gama asks Busiswa as she joins
him in bed looking grumpy. Ever since he came back from the traditional healer
and with Jabulile's situation, he's in no mood for sexual intercourse.
She looks at him with a scowl, "why are your brothers' wives going to
University and I am not? Is it because I am older? Your brothers are paying for
their studies and are you doing the same for me?" She shouts.

And Gama is shocked of her outburst, "but you never wanted to study."
"You never inspired me to!"
He lies down, "I am not doing this with you! I want to rest. You had a chance
and didn't want to study, now you're fighting. How can you study now after
having four children? Goodnight!" He pulls the covers up to his head, leaving
Busiswa angrier.
"Does it matter when a person starts? Even Shintsha can pay for his wife's
studies. What can stop you?" She asks, angrily.
"Please, sleep."
Busiswa lies down and tries to fall asleep as angry as she is.

It's midnight, Busiswa is seated on the floor of Gama's living room. During the
day, they had the ritual for the baby and it was a success.
She couldn't be free and happy deep down because of these two sister-wives
who have their husbands paying for their education.
And so, she planned to end Sbahle's education. To make her never go to school,
to make her feel like she's going crazy whenever she touches her books.

During the day, she pretended to need something in Shintsha's house and she
went there. She found Sbahle's old school book and she took it.
She's on the floor now naked, with this old book and black candles - everything
she'll need to ensure Sbahle's future is ruined. Her husband is in their bedroom
dead sleeping.

After mixing everything, she drops the mixture on the opened book and takes a
doll that she's inserted needles in its head. She's ready to begin with her dark
work.
But before she can start calling Sbahle's names, she feels like there's a fire that
has fallen into her living room. Her body boils because the room is too hot and
she starts sweating instantly.
She opens her eyes and slightly screams when Sbahle's book goes into flames.
And when raises her eyes, she falls back on the floor as she was on her knees.
She's flabbergasted by seeing Mazibuko's angry figure standing before her.

"Hlukana nengane yami! Ungalinge uthinte imfundo yayo, hlukana nengane

yami!" (Leave my daughter alone and don't you dare touch her education.
Leave my daughter alone!)

His voice is like sound of thunder as he warns Busiswa.

She doesn't believe all this happened, she angrily rubs her eyes and there's no
Mazibuko in the room. The room is normal again, there's no heat disturbing her.

And without thinking twice, she quickly gathers everything and heads out as
naked as she is - walking in her in-laws yard naked. She goes into garbage pit,
throws everything there and light it up. Promising herself she'll never try to do it
again!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 48

It's a new day, Sunday. Busiswa's spirit is down. She's mostly angry - that has
never happened in her entire life of using witchcraft. Was her mind playing
games with her? Why did she see Mazibuko? Is he that strong? What can she
use to make him weak and blind so he can't protect his daughter?

Sbahle? She doesn't like that woman and there's nothing in her that'll make her
like Sbahle. The already educated Amanda is better but she also doesn't like her.

Gama removes the blankets from her naked body and he's surprised by the dirty
feet of his wife? Why does she have dirty feet? His wife is a clean person. She
doesn't like dirt.

"MaButhelezi, what's the meaning of sleeping until this hour? It's 11am now."
Gama asks, shaking her.
She opens her eyes as if she's been sleeping but she is no longer sleeping. She
was under the blankets, thinking about the events that took place at midnight.

"I am tired, I need some rest."

"Did you forget that you have a toddler? A special needs toddler? Mama has
bathed her and dressed her, fed her and you're sleeping."
She sits up straight, "it's her granddaughter, there's nothing wrong with that."
He's defeated by her response and he doesn't ask any questions. "Why are your
feet dirty?"
"They're clean." She says and grabs her gown, covers her body and walks out
leaving Gama looking at her.

Her anger messes with her head and when Sbahle greets her in the morning,
Busiswa doesn't greet her back. She's carrying a bathing basin.
Sbahle looks at Busiswa as she's not taking the bathroom direction. Where's she
going with the bathing basin? "Hhayibo!" She exclaims as she goes into the
ancestral hut. She can't close her mouth. "What is this woman doing?"

Busiswa gets into the hut, puts the bathing basin before the ancestral altar and
she strips off naked - takes a bath with the door slightly opened. She's not
talking or doing anything but taking a bath.

Sbahle informs Amanda, Amanda who rushes to her mother-in-law's house.

What is happening? What's wrong with Busiswa? Is it not enough that she's
bewitching her husband? She's doing such unspeakable acts in the yard while
the sun is out?
"Mama, Busiswa is inside the ancestral hut taking a bath in there."
MaGwala jumps on her feet, "what?" She screams and doesn't believe what
she's being told. She gives her granddaughter to Amanda and she quickly heads
out. She doesn't have to see her, only the door of the hut opened.

"I am tired!" She screams and heads into the house. When she comes out of the
house, she comes out with a sjambok.
Heading to the hut, she's shocked and keeps asking herself - why? Is she crazy?
She even kicks her chickens moving up and down in the yard. She doesn't have
any heart.

"Wenzani!" (What are you doing?) MaGwala kicks the door ajar and without
waiting for a response, the sjambok rises and falls into Busiswa's wet body.
Busiswa easily screams her lungs out as pain cripples her. "Why are you hitting
me?" She screams, running in circles in the hut. MaGwala runs after her.
MaGwala doesn't stop, "what nonsense are you doing here? Have you gone
crazy?"

The whole yard can hear her screaming and even the neighbours.
Gama runs into the hut and he's also shocked but stops his mother from further
hitting his wife.

"Mama, it's enough!" He grabs her gown and throws it over her body.
MaGwala doesn't stop - she hits them both and Gama runs out of the hut with
his wife.
"Kwakudimoni lani lona leli!" MaGwala screams heading out of the hut. She
doesn't stop cursing, heading back to her house.

Sbahle gets in bed and checks the time, it's 20:38 and Shintsha is not back
home. They left with Gcina hours later after Busiswa's incident.

Gama took Busiswa to her mother to report what she did and on the same day,
they came with a goat. MaGwala was too angry to accept it but Shintsha and
their uncle convinced her to accept it because it's for their ancestors.
They accepted the appeasing goat and appeased the ancestors for what
happened. MaZuma didn't allow her to stay the night because her mother-in-law
was still angry. She didn't want her face to trigger her.

She takes her phone and calls Shintsha - after telling him about the job. Shintsha
has been grumpy and giving her a cold shoulder. She didn't know if he wanted
her to apologise or he was just angry? Sbahle told herself she'll not apologise for
trying to better herself while he refused to help her.
"Let me just switch off the lights. He's probably cheating wherever he is. That's
what men do best." Sbahle says out loud and she holds her breath when
Shintsha walks into the bedroom. She didn't see him when he left, he only told
her they'll be going to Shisanyama with his brother to watch a game. Did he
dress himself?

Whenever they go out, Sbahle always chooses clothes for him. He's still a huge
fan of his corduroy and cargo pants but at least now, he finally owns other types
of pants, jeans, chinos and suit pants. When Sbahle shopped for clothes, she
would buy clothes for him and she would hear him complaining about being
changed by her but he would still wear the clothes.

He walks into the room carrying a paper bag, dressed in navy jeans and a white
Nike gold t-shirt. He looks simple but these clothes make him look like a cool
guy with style.

"Were you about to sleep?" He asks, pretending as if he didn't hear what she
said.
She sits back in bed, "yes, I didn't think you'd come back so late." She looks at
the paper bag he's putting on the bed.
He stands before the wardrobe and takes off his clothes. "It's not even 10pm."
He says and walks out of the room with a towel.

He returns to Sbahle still seated, "I thought you're sleeping."

"I am." She says but doesn't move, she tried looking into the bag but couldn't
see what's inside the pink box.
He grabs the bag and gets in bed with her. "Please face me."
She changes sitting position and faces him.

And he holds her hand, "yazi, what happened today made me realise how lucky
I am."
"How?"
"I looked at MaButhelezi, my brother's wife being crazy doing the unspeakable.
It's not the first time she's done crazy things. We all know she's a witch, she's
not just doing it on our brother but even in this yard. How many times has she
been using holy ash after being told not to use it? She's doing that so our home
can be defenceless," Shintsha shares with his wife, "you know, Gcina and I tried
taking our brother to a traditional healer but he almost beat us black and blue
saying we're accusing his wife of witchcraft. You remember, right?"
"Yes, I remember."
"There are a lot of things happening in this yard which are surely her doing but
what can be done? My mom agreed to have her as her daughter-in-law knowing
her wickedness." He says and looks at her, "so, I realised how lucky I am when
I saw my brother crying because of what Busiswa did. You're more than a wife
to me, KaMazibuko. You're like a friend, you only wish the best for me and
want to see me being the better version of myself. You're the woman who
supports my vision without question. I have been really selfish and I am sorry, I
am thankful that such an act happened today because it opened my eyes. It
made me realise I should appreciate you more because without you, I don't think
I would have achieved the things I achieved the past three years since we started
dating. I am really sorry for being so selfish, I promise to do better as your
husband and not just be proud of supporting you financially but support your
visions too. I don't want to talk too much but my actions will show you how
sorry I am for not supporting your vision. I am sure your father is disappointed
with me." He looks down in shame.

What does she love the most? He made all these realisations alone. What
Busiswa did made him realise how he's been to her as a husband. He didn't need
someone to tell him how to act right.

"Mandlanduna, I want nothing more than to have your support in everything I

do. Yes, if you feel I am doing something wrong tell me but please, my dreams,
I need your support. I didn't want my father to die without seeing me graduate
so he'll be assured his granddaughter will have an educated mom like he used to
boast." She shares and they laugh, "thank you for every word you shared with
me now. It means a lot and I am also sorry for how I did things, getting a job
without telling you. I was angry and desperate at the same time."
"Thank you, mkami."

She doesn't give him an opportunity to open his mouth further but she attacks
him with a heated kiss. She takes the paper bag and throws it on the floor, gets
on top of him.

He loves the confidence in her as she gets on top and kisses him passionately.
He's easily turned on by this and doesn't stop her. Why would he? This makes
him feel more attracted to her.

His eyes appraise her as she takes off her night dress, revealing her beautiful
breasts. His hands automatically caress them and accept her lips back. Is she
giving it to him tonight?

Her body is on fire and she doesn't want anything else than to have him in her.
It's been months, long months and she wants nothing more than this. "Ah,
Shi…." Her voice breaks as she inserts him into her body. What she loves the
most about his precious 'tool of joy' it's how it can hit her G-spot easily because
of its shape. She's never found one like this and she's happy with it.
He's not sure if his ears are playing tricks with him or she's screaming a little bit
too much.

He groans as goes really deep, thrusting up, meeting his wife halfway.
Sbahle backs away and maintains control. What a sexy being! His personal sex
doll. He doesn't stop caressing her bouncing boobs.

"Oh Bahle… shit!" He shuts his eyes and holds her waist as she rides him,
circling her waist slowly. This sends him straight to the climax quickly but she
doesn't stop, his happy member also doesn't disappoint by falling flat like a
punched tyre. It goes on.

This is not how he imagined their first after the loss of their son. He thought
he'll be the one taking control but here she is.
He doesn't give her a break, as soon as she's cum - he takes her from behind.
Her face is on the pillow and her arms spread out on the bed, holding the bed as
he goes into her, deeper and deeper. She feels him in her soul. She doesn't stop
screaming how much she loves him.

"You didn't even give me a chance to give you the gift I got for you." Shintsha
whispers in her ear, as he pulls her closer to him in a spooning, cuddling
position.

Her hand searches for her 'joystick', "the gift can wait. I will see it in the
morning." She lifts her leg up after stroking him back into erection and she lets
out a soft moan as she directs him back inside - she closes the night slowly and
sensually, pleasing every part of her body… making her see stars…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 49

She loves it when they go out together as a family - that's including their
daughter.
It's a warm evening, Sbahle and her family are at Inkwazi mall - she's taking out
her family. She felt like celebrating, it's been a month since she started working
and she received her first salary - confidence boosting and totally inspiring.
She's proud of herself and feels empowered because she's working and earning.
And the biggest news that needs to be celebrated? Passing her third year!

"Baba, cela nje ukuzihlalela esihlalweni sami. Angiceli nje ukugonwa uma sidla
out," (Dad, can I sit on my own?) Luhluthando requests to her father as they're
taken to their table.

He chuckles, "alright, you'll sit on your own but sit next to your mother."
They settle down and Sbahle fixes her daughter's chair, adjusting it. "I hope you
won't mess yourself up. If you do, we'll not get any ice cream."
She shakes her head, "I won't do it mama. I will be clean."
Sbahle plants a soft kiss on her cheek, "good girl!" She looks at Shintsha and
they smile.

"I was hoping she'll be having a sibling by now." He says, he knows this is not
her favourite topic but these are things they should talk about and stop ignoring
them.

She looks at the menu, "I know."

"What do you think we should do about this?"
Her eyes focus on him, "don't you think we should go and see someone?
Ntandoni's aunt has recommended someone to me."
"When can we go? It's better if we know if it's natural or not."
"Luhluthando and I can skip church tomorrow, go to this lady."
He holds her hand, "that's okay, we'll go and hear what's wrong."

She's relieved that he brought up this topic. It's been bothering her and she didn't
know how to bring it up to him. She thought maybe he'll not want to go and
consult, he's really not a fan of traditional healers. When he goes there, it's
because he's run out of options.

Their food is served and they enjoy a meal together as a family. Sbahle helps
her daughter not to mess herself up with food. It's a great family time.
He takes out his wallet, "you don't even want me to pay for drinks?" Shintsha
asks, he's not really sure about his wife paying for everything. The bill is a bit
high.

Her confidence smile brightens the whole room. "No, keep your money. I am
paying. I am treating my family. Before, I let you contribute even when going
out was my idea but now, I am paying."
He laughs, "I didn't know its nice not spending money and let the woman spend.
You didn't even want me to buy groceries this month."
She points at him, "it's only for this month, Mandlanduna. Don't get carried
away."
"Hawu, what will happen to your salary in months to come?" He asks with an
eyebrow raised.

And Sbahle laughs, "My boss said I will be volunteering in months to come."
She responds and they laugh - their daughter laughs after them. She's busy
enjoying her ice cream dessert.

They're driving in Shintsha's work car. "Are you going to the pub now?"
"No, today is about us. We're going home and I will be home with you and our
child."
Music to her ears! "Thank you," she loves it like that - just the best.

Shintsha gives her the white doek before getting off the van. They left their
daughter with their neighbour.
She puts it on and gets off the car. "It was helpful to have the work car with you.
This place is far and we would have walked a long distance from where taxis
drop people."
He closes the car, "yes, you're right. I think since you're working now. I should
plan and start saving for a car for us. We need it."
"Yes, it'll make everything easy even when you are working at the pub at night."
They follow each other into the home of the prophet. And luckily, there's no
line.

They sit on the straw mat inside the light room that only has candles, a broken
plate with money and a clear bowl with water.
The prophet kneels and she prays for the water they arrived with. Once she's
done praying, she starts talking.

"My child, you have a heavy heart because of the loss of your pregnancies" She
looks at Sbahle with pity and there's silence as Sbahle starts crying, the sorrow
in her heart brings tears. And pain.
Shintsha comforts her, "my love, everything will be alright. We're here to find
help."
"Yes, don't cry anymore. We'll try to work around the situation." The prophet
says.
And Sbahle calms down, "yebo," she wipes her tears.

"You're not losing these babies naturally but it's the doing of a human being.
The person you're suspecting now." She looks at the couple and they look at
each other.
Shintsha says, "My older brother's wife?"
"Yes, she wants to be the first wife to give birth to an heir."
Sbahle frowns, her blood is boiling, "but her husband already has sons."
"Phela, mntanami, only a son from marriage is considered inkosana and heir."

Shintsha doesn't understand, "an heir for her husband is not heir for every one of
us. Why is she involving us?"
She shakes her head, "the start of witchcraft is jealousy. You can't practise
witchcraft without jealousy. She's jealous. She wanted to put an end to your
education but your father fought for you. That made her crazy with anger and
she went to disrespect the Luthuli ancestors by taking a bath in their hut. Am I
right or telling lies?"
They both nod, surprised, "yes, she did that in broad daylight." They say.
"As long as you're carrying a boy, you'll lose the pregnancy because she's
worked the yard. The problem is there."

Shintsha asks, "Does this mean if she can be pregnant and not go home for the
duration of the pregnancy, the baby will be safe?"
"I believe so, she must not know that there's a baby coming. It must be hidden
from her."

Yes, they were not crazy for thinking something was wrong. Yes, something is
wrong and Busiswa is something wrong. Why is she so twisted? What's wrong
with her head? Why can't she be satisfied with what she has and leave them
alone?

"Can't you help us with what she's put in the yard" Shintsha asks, he doesn't like
this. Nine months is a long time to not come home. Busiswa will know.
She shakes her head, "you'll need a very strong traditional healer who knows
how to deal with these things. I can't help you. Your mother has tried but failed
several times."
Sbahle asks, "She knows?"
Shintsha holds her hand, "I think she knows love but please, don't blame her for
not saying. I am sure she's also hurt by this." He quickly defends his mother.

The prophet adds, "Old people want to keep harmony at home all the time. They
keep some things to themselves but she did warn you about her, right?"

Sbahle is hurt by MaGwala knowing but not saying a word, "yes, she did."
She instructs her to drink the water she gave her and should she be pregnant,
come back to her. They'll pray and protect the pregnancy.

They pray again and pay, they leave with their water. Sbahle has mixed
emotions and Shintsha is angry and Shintsha is angrier because he can't even
tell his brother about it because he'll deny it and defend his wife.

Busiswa has been feeling like she's losing and losing - she's been having her
way the past three years but now, things are taking a different turn. And she
doesn't understand why things are happening this way.

And so, she wanted to get back at MaGwala for whipping her the way she did.
She whipped her even after Gama shielded her. She whipped her along with her
husband. How could she forget that? And to pay back, Busiswa spread the truth
about MaGwala in the village - the truth that she has put muthi in her children to
control them, ensuring they don't forget home. MaGwala is the talk of the
village, some mothers ask her where she found this muthi, they ask her in a
mocking manner. The others are applauding her, they know she's been living in
poverty, her friend's daughter took her son and enriched herself.

And the others are calling her a witch. There's more negativity compared to
positivity.

She sits on her bed crying. She doesn't understand who told people about this.
How are her sons going to react when they hear this? She's scared - are her
daughters-in-law going to judge her?

Once she's calm, she takes her phone and calls MaZuma. She's the only person
who knows about this secret.

"MaGwala, what has my daughter done now?"

She clicks her tongue, "you're mocking me. How can you do this?"
"Do what? You've been accusing me and my daughter of a lot of things." She
says calmly as if she doesn't know that the village is on fire about MaGwala's
actions on her sons. They're even threatening to report her to the king for such
an act.

"You're spreading rumours about me. You know why I did what I did and now,
you're painting me as a witch to protect your daughter!" She screams.
And MaZuma shouts, "You’re accusing me again. How could you?"
"Yes, I am. You're an evil woman MaZuma. You did this so the village won't
know what your daughter is doing here. I have lost grandson after grandson
because of this girl. Now, I am called a witch." She screams with a shaky voice.

MaZuma doesn't sympathise with her, "I am not going to listen to you accusing
me again. I never sent Busiswa to do any witchcraft but you don't even trust me
as a friend after everything we've been through together. Leave me alone. I
didn't tell anyone anything. Why would I spread rumours of something I did
too? Leave me alone!"

MaGwala puts her phone aside and she cries, praying they don't take the matter
to the king. What will happen if they do?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 50

It's shocking, the rumours that have been circulating around the village. They've
reached them but Shintsha hasn't said anything about it. Sbahle is not sure if she
should talk about it with him or she should keep quiet.
She has to ask him, she has to keep calm and not fight but talk - he has to
understand that she's not fighting with him.

"Why is Luhle sleeping so early?" Shintsha asks and sits on the couch with
Sbahle. She's watching TV.
She moves closer to him and he holds her. "She's tired, she plays a lot in day
care."
"I think she's happy now because she's mingling with other children."
She smiles, "yes and she talks a lot now."
They focus on the TV, without talking for a while. She needs strength to bring
this up.

"Love?" She finds the courage.

His hand is rubbing the scalp of her grey dyed short hair. "Yebo?"
"Can we talk about the rumours that we've heard are going around the village."
He goes down to her neck, rubs her neck, "what rumours?"

Why is he acting like he doesn't know what she's talking about? "I am talking
about the rumours going around the village of your mother using muthi on you
and your brothers so you'll never stop giving her money."
He chuckles, "no, that's not true. People are jealous because we're taking care of
our mother without complaining."
"But what if it's true? You don't forget to send money even when you don't have
money that you should be sending home?"

He's been taking this conversation lightly, it's easily getting on his nerves now.

"Why are you asking me this question because you know I have to take care of
my mother? Does my mother have a husband who's taking care of her?" He
shouts after softly pushing her away from him.
She looks at him, "we're not fighting, Mandlanduna. We're talking."
"Why are you questioning me taking care of my mother?" He asks.

Why is he so angry? "I am questioning if this is true or not? And maybe we can
go and consult to see if it's true. It's not right to be controlled by muthi."
"You've started this thing of traditional healers, huh? We should go back there
now for everything?" He shouts and stands on his feet.
She looks up at him, "what's wrong with traditional healers? We should know
what's -"
"Know what? Why do you have a problem if I am taking care of my mother?"
"I don't -"
"You don't what? There's nobody who's going to tell me what to do with my
money. My mother is the first person I'll give each cent I get." He clearly states
and curses, leaving her quiet. He's furious, he didn't think Sbahle would believe
these rumours.

After the heated argument with her husband, her mind is left a bit wobbly, she's
not sure if she did the right thing or not. But, she didn't do anything wrong. She
simply asked and didn't fight but he fought her like she did something wrong.
Who was she supposed to ask about this?

Its lunchtime, Mkhwanazi is out for lunch with Ntandoni. She's seated on her
desk that's opposite Mkhwanazi's office and she calls her sister-in-law, Amanda.
What are her thoughts about this matter?

"How are you, Sbahle?"

She puts her tea cup down, "I hope I am not disturbing you."
"No, is everything alright?"
"Yes, I just wanted us to talk about these rumours going around the village
about our mother-in-law."
She laughs, "I don't think that's true. People are just jealous Sbahle."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes, I don't know about your husband but Gcina takes good care and he also
sends money to his mother every month without fail. And he should do that
because that's his mother. We should understand that," Amanda responds
casually. She has no stress. "Let's not entertain these rumours."
"Alright, I understand. Thanks, bye." She puts the phone down but she's not at
peace about it. Shintsha is still upset because she asked him about this. What's
upsetting about that?

All this is confusing but there's something in her that believes these rumours.
But it's best to let it go and never talk about it.

Every Wednesday after work, she returns from work and cook the meat for the
pub. The meat inhloko and tripe, they sell on Thursday. The Cook at the pub
failed to cook it to perfection. The customers started complaining and Sbahle
had to compromise her time, come back from work and cook the meat. It's tiring
but she can't let the business sink in the department of the kitchen. It's doable
because the meat is only sold on Thursdays.
"Luhluthando, stop running around!" She screams at her daughter as she's
running in and out of rooms.
She giggles, "I am playing, mama!"
Sbahle stops running after her because of her phone ringing. "Mama, how are
you?"

MaGwala huffs as she's been standing on her feet all day, "I am well, how are
you with my granddaughter? She should grow up fast so we can go to the
gardens together."
Sbahle laughs, "That can also be helpful because all she does here is running
around the house until she falls and cry."
"She's an active child like her father."
Eye roll! Like her father? Couldn't she have said like her parents? Old women!

"Yes, is everything well at home? And granny, how's she?" Sbahle asks.
"The old woman is fine. I am calling because your husband told me he'll not
come home this month-end but he hasn't sent money for groceries. I don't have
enough meat for the month. MaButhelezi is back home and you know when she
cooks, she cooks the whole braai pack like she has a chicken farm. And I am
supposed to take his grandmother to the Doctor."

How did that happen? Whenever MaGwala needs money from Shintsha, she
calls Sbahle and tell her to talk to him. "How? He told me he'll deposit it on the
1st because he'd already withdrawn the money."
"No, there's no money he sent."
"Okay, mama, I will call him now and ask. If he forgot he'll deposit it today."
"Alright, thank you my child. Where's MaLuthuli, give her the phone."

Sbahle looks for her daughter and she gives her the phone. She proceeds with
her cooking, waiting for Luhluthando to finish talking to her grandmother.
Shintsha doesn't take long to answer her phone call. "KaMazibuko?"

She's finally done with cooking, "Luthuli, I just got a call from mama and she's
saying you didn't send her money for groceries. What happened to the money?"
"She's mistaken I sent the money."
"When did you send the money? She can't just lie and say you didn't send the
money."

Shintsha takes a minute, "I called her and her phone was on voicemail. I then
called MaButhelezi because she's home. I sent the money to her and told her to
give her."
"Excuse me!" Sbahle screams and she's instantly angry at Shintsha.
"What's the matter? She was already in town and I sent the money to her."
She shakes her head, "why would you do that? Why would you give the money
to that witch?"
"It's not harmful mama kaLuhluthando, I didn't give her cash in hand."
"I don't care, I just don't want you to give her anything that belongs to you. Why
do you trust her?" She asks, she feels heated up because of anger. Why did he
think slow?

Anything is possible with this woman.

"I will call her -"

She cuts him off, "no, don't even call her. Don't talk to her! I don't want you to
talk to her!"
"Aybo, Sbahle!"
"Aysuka!" She ends the call and tries the keep calm before calling her mother-
in-law. Why didn't she give MaGwala the money?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 51

She doesn't care about the tension in the car. If he wants to be angry because
he's wrong - that's not her problem.
He knows how this woman is but he went on, gave her money. Yes, it's because
he made a deposit but it still shows carelessness.

It's Friday evening, Shintsha is driving the work car. They're driving to the
village. He'd planned that he's not going home but Sbahle told him they're going
home to solve the money issue. He wanted to send money again to his mother
and she stopped him by taking his cards so he won't do it because he's already
given her the money that Busiswa took.

"Why do you keep looking at me Luthuli?" Sbahle asks, looking at him with a
smile. She knows she's annoying him. He doesn't want to be here but he's here
by force.
"I am a man."
"I know, you show me that every day by that horrible moustache you don't want
to shave."

And he fails to hold himself, he breaks out laughing. At least there's something
annoying her. He wanted to avoid problems and sent the money to his mother
but Sbahle took his bank cards which made him angry. "You're trying to control
me, right? That's why I am here while I am supposed to be at the pub working?"
"No, I can see MaButhelezi's muthi is also rubbing on you. I won't allow that to
happen. She'll control her husband, not mine."

And oddly, her words make his blood warm but he doesn't entertain his lust.
They're driving with his child.
He drives through the premises and there's his brother's car in the yard. When
did he arrive? He didn't tell him he'd come home.
Shintsha takes Luhluthando from his mother and they follow each other to their
house.

"You're here, I thought you said you're not coming home this month-end."
MaGwala welcomes her son home happily. It's always a pleasure to see them.
And her daughter when she's also visiting.
Shintsha sits down on the dining table and has sweet potatoes with his mother,
"my wife forced me to come so we can solve the money issue. I was going to
send you money again."
"Yes, she's right. Why would you send money again? Your brother's wife
should give me the money you gave me."
Gama walks into the room and he also sits on the table. He becomes part of the
conversation as his mother tells him what happened about the money.

Gama holds his forehead, "maybe she forgot to give you the money mama."
"A week later?" MaGwala asks.
He looks at Sbahle at the door, "sisi, ngicela ubize umnakwenu." (Please call
your sister-wife.) Gama requests and Sbahle heads out of the house.

Gama's stress doesn't end. There's Jabulile's situation he's dealing with and the
new baby he hasn't told his mother about. His daughter with special needs is in
the hospital. And now, Busiswa, she keeps doing new things - causing problems
in the family. Why is she behaving like a child now?

She comes back with Busiswa and they sit down. Busiswa puts her phone on the
table. With all these eyes on her, she knows she must have done something.
And she's not stressed about it, she's only stressed about her daughter who's in
the hospital.

Gama asks, "MaButhelezi, my brother sent mama's money to you and you didn't
give her the money. Where's the money?"
Oh yes! It still annoys her that he did an ATM deposit. When he called her, she
told him she's also in Richards’s Bay. They can meet and she'll take the money
but Shintsha refused, telling her he's already on the line at the ATM he'll deposit
the money. She wanted the money to land on her hands so she could work on
him and finish with him. But she missed it big time!

"What money?" She pretends to be confused.

MaGwala says, "Money for my groceries!" She shouts, she found out that
Busiswa is the one who spread the rumours.

And yes, the king summoned her but it was not as she thought. The meeting was
between her and the king along with Induna from her village. He only told her
not to stress about things people are saying - even if she did work on her boys,
it's for the best after what happened to her with her first born.
She couldn't believe how that meeting went, she thought she'd be told to leave
the village. She left happy and relieved.

She pretends to be thinking and Shintsha reminds her of when he sent the
money. "Oh yes, I remember. That was the same day my daughter was admitted
to the hospital. I totally forgot to withdraw the money and I think I have already
used it, thinking it's mine. I am really sorry about that, I am stressed and have a
lot of things in my head."
And after she's used the card of the child being in the hospital, who should
blame her? Gama will think they don't sympathise with her and his child's
situation.

"I don't have enough meat for the month." She repeats so her sons can see what
to do.
Gama says, "I will pay back the money, mama. We'll go to town tomorrow."
And MaGwala is grateful that the matter has been solved, "thank you," she
looks at Sbahle, "make some tea for granny and go greet her."
She stands up, "yebo mama." She starts making tea, Gama asks for a cup and
Shintsha too.

Nothing has actually changed, Sbahle and Amanda still cook in their houses
most of the time when there's Busiswa home.
Sbahle is busy finishing up cooking while she's talking to her brother on the
phone. And once she's done, she heads over to the living room and sits next to
Shintsha.

"Next weekend, I will go and visit my brother at home. I haven't been home for
months now. He asked me to come and bring Luhluthando along," Sbahle
reports to Shintsha.

He nods, "alright," he looks at her, "you must be happy that my brother gave
mama her money back. I didn't have to pay her again."
"Not really, I am just relieved you didn't have to be Busiswa's fool by paying
again without even asking questions."
"KaMazibuko?"
She looks at him, "yes?"
"I feel like you're controlling me and what I do with my money. And I don't like
it. If the money goes to my mother, it's not going to waste but you acted like I'll
be wasting money. I hate that, it gives me a wrong picture about you. I am also
not forgetting you believed those rumours and made it sound like I am wrong
for giving my mother money. I take care of you and I take care of her. I don't
know if there's somewhere you think I am lacking?" Shintsha States his feelings
to Sbahle.

Her heart tenses but she soon remembers, like he has said - it's his money. Why
has she been bothered so much? "I am sorry for doing that and for questioning
the rumours. It was wrong of me and don't worry, I won't control what you do
with your money anymore. You're not lacking anything, I am the wrong one and
sorry about that." She says, closing the chapter. And promising herself to never
visit it or anything that has to do with it.
"Thank you." He kisses her cheek, relieved that they didn't have to fight about
this.

Sbahle stands up when Gama walks into the house. She leaves and calls her
daughter to give her a bath.
And after she's done bathing her, Gama is still in her house. They're watching a
match.

Gama says to Sbahle, "KaMazibuko, I am hungry. Can you dish up food for my
brother and me? I went to the pub last night," he smiles with a head shake, "I
always thought my brother was the best at cooking inhloko until I tasted yours."
Sbahle smiles, "I am happy if you enjoyed it. I will dish up the food now." She
heads over to the kitchen side and dishes food for them.

She puts the tray on the coffee table and heads out with Luhluthando's food.
In her mother-in-law's house, she sits with her daughter on the dining table.
Busiswa is already dishing up for them. She feeds her daughter.

"Is my husband still in your house? I want to give him his food." Busiswa asks
Sbahle.
She nods, "yes, but they're already eating with his brother. I think you can save
it for later when the match ends." She responds without looking at Busiswa.
He's what? He's eating Sbahle's food? Her stomach turns - the knots of anger.
This girl is testing her. Why did she give her husband food? What is she trying
to do?

"Okay thanks," she pretends not to have a problem with it. But inside, she's
dying with anger. She calls her children to the table after serving the two
grannies. Sbahle refused her food saying she's full.

Busiswa sits down but she fails to calm down. She gave her husband food after
making tea for him during the day when he asked for it? Iheeeee, wonders shall
never end!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 52

"How are you feeling now?" Gama asks Jabulile on the phone. He's standing on
the doorstep of his house so he can see his wife when she comes by.
Jabulile coughs on the line, "I am much better, MaKhumalo was here this
morning and she gave me the medication and examined me. There's a Doctor
who doesn't want me to be treated this way."
"Why? You're there because you have to be there and we should do what we
know will work. And besides, I am paying." Gama shouts as if he's talking to
the actual Doctor.

"I don't know, she just has a problem. MaKhumalo explained the situation to the
superintendent and asked to be given a chance since I am still kept at the
hospital for the baby's sake also. He also didn't quite like this but he agreed. I
think maybe it's out of respect for her." Jabulile explains.

He's more thankful - they found someone who's willing to go to such length to
help them with this situation. "I don't know how I'll thank her after you're done
with your treatment."
"You'll know in time."
He smiles, "you're right, how's my boy? I want to tell mama about the baby."
"He's growing and the Doctors are impressed by his improvement."
"I am happy to hear that and you? Are you feeling any improvements?"
"Yes, the pain is no longer the same since I started the medication."

He realises Busiswa's car is not in the yard. He needs to tell his mother and
grandmother about this situation. "Alright, I will see you tomorrow. I am going
back to Gauteng."
"Alright Luthuli, bye."

He finds his mother and grandmother in the living room. And he sits. "I hope I
am not disturbing," he says.
MaGwala puts the plate down, "no, do you need anything?" She asks.
"I have something I want to talk about. Is my wife out?" He asks.
"She took the children and said she's going to visit her mother," she responds.

She was surprised when Busiswa reported to her that she's going home but she
remembered that there's Gama at home. She does some things decently when
there's Gama home.

"Mama, I have a new-born son. He's in the hospital with his mother."
She unfastens the knot of her scarf as it suddenly gets hot. "Are you crazy?"
Her mother holds her hand, "MaGwala calm down. Gama is a man."
"He's a married man mama and let's not forget that he's married to a witch! Are
we forgetting that?" Her voice is as shaky as she is. This is the third child, "I am
this old, your father has never brought a child here because he knew he was
married! What's wrong with you, Gamelihle?"

The shame in him is indescribable but what can he say? "I love her, she's
different."
"Women are all different, don't you know that?" She hits her thigh, "do you
want your younger brothers to think you're doing a noble thing by bringing
babies here? What should they learn from you, Gamelihle, huh?"
"I am sorry but mama, I want to marry her and she's in a difficult situation,"
Gama narrates Jabulile's issue and how he's finding help for her. "I am thankful
that she's alive."
MaGwala keeps calm, "I don't have to guess. Your wife knows about her and
it's her who did such a thing to another woman."

He shakes his head. Why do they think his wife is evil like that? "No, mama,
MaButhelezi is not capable of doing such a thing. She's been welcoming my
sons with open arms."
"That doesn't mean she's okay with you doing all these things. You know you
married a witch but you keep doing unspeakable things."
Granny says, "Do you have pictures of the baby? Don't mind your mother. You
need sons and children can never be enough."

Gama shows his grandmother the picture of his baby. "He's very tiny gogo but
he's growing."
She smiles, "don't worry, he'll grow and be a big boy like his other brothers."
MaGwala gives the phone to him, "we'll keep this a secret until the baby is out
of the hospital. I hate all this." She takes the plates and heads to the kitchen,
leaving Gama with his grandmother who's happy about the baby. She's tired of
the drama Gama brings with his wife. He doesn't want to act accordingly.

They should deal with Busiswa when she finds out the truth about this baby?
When will it end? Gama is not acting like a big brother.

*****
There's a disorder, employees going up and down, in and out - it's after working
hours. And everyone is rushing to get to their train, catch a taxi home to get to
their loved ones.
"I think today was a slow day and I wish I could do something fun and uplift my
spirit." Sbahle shares with her colleagues as they're walking out of the building.
He looks at her, "you're married, you can have all the fun in the world."
Her heart skips a beat - is that the car she knows? Oh God, it's him. The real
him. He's never come to her workplace. What's the occasion? Did something
happen?

"There's my husband. It seems I am not going with you to catch the taxi today."
She points at Shintsha's work car.
And her colleague looks over the parking lot, "oh that's sad, I will see you
tomorrow."
"Bye," she rushes over to the car. What's he wearing? She looks back to see
who's coming out of the premises as Shintsha opens the door. He's dressed
decently, in jeans and a blue round neck t-shirt.

In her workplace, she's aware that the ladies gossip about her sense of fashion.
They're saying she overdresses, trying to attract their boss while she's a married
woman. She pretends like she doesn't know things they say about her behind her
back. Her colleague, the male colleague she travels with most of the time - he
tells her things they say about her. They don't know he tells her.

She knows they would gossip about her husband if they can see him dressed in
his true style. "My love," she throws her body into his loving arms.
He kisses her cheek, "I thought I should surprise you and make things easier for
you."
"Thank you. It's a nice surprise." She looks up at him, bending her neck and she
gets a kiss on her lips, making her giggle.

"Sanibonani." Mkhwanazi greets after opening the door of his car. Shintsha's
work car is parked next to the boss's car.
Shintsha and Sbahle back away from each other. And they give attention to him,
"eh love, this is my boss Mr Mkhwanazi and this is my husband, Mr
Mkhwanazi." She addresses Mkhwanazi the way she addresses him at the
office. He's always telling her that she can call him by his name but Sbahle
doesn't like that. It sounds unprofessional.

The two men shake hands, "it's nice to finally meet you. Your wife is
hardworking and very ethical. We're grateful to have her here."
"Thank you, it's nice to meet you too. I haven't heard her complain about any
unfair treatment at the workplace." Shintsha adds.
With a polite smile, Mkhwanazi says, "we're grateful, thank you."
They wish him well and step inside the car. Shintsha looks at his wife before
driving out of the parking lot, "I thought your boss is an old man. I didn't expect
to see someone who's almost my older brother's age."
She checks on the messages on her phone, "he's 39 years old. He's not an old
man. I think maybe it's because he's called by his surname. I don't know."
"Maybe." He says in a low tone.

She puts her phone inside her bag, "are we going to Luhluthando's day care?"
His smile returns, "No, there's somewhere I am taking you." He responds and
laughs - he's not sure if he's out of his mind for planning such a thing but he
heard her talk to her friend on the phone. She was talking about how fatigued
her body is and he thought of making her happy. And give her body a treat.

"Where are you taking me?" She's excited - she'd just told her colleague she
wishes to do something fun. Maybe this is something fun she needs.
He plays with her ear, "wait and see, I hope you'll be happy." He makes her
giggle and gives her butterflies on her tummy.

No ways! Shintsha can't - this is not his idea. How? She remembers when her
sisters gave them a honeymoon holiday gift to Cape Town. Sbahle begged him,
asking they should try out the massage and the Jacuzzi. He refused.
And today? The moment she steps into the room, there's soft instrumental music
playing, it goes straight to her nerves, softening everything. There are two beds,
a bottle of champagne in between the beds with a jar of candy and strawberries.
The scent of the room has an earthy touch - pleasing to the nostrils.

He takes away her bag, "I wanted to give you a treat because you've been
complaining about being tired."
Her head lays on his chest, "are you going to get a massage with me?" She asks.
He laughs - it took a lot for him to decide to do this. He even called his friend
Sihle and asked him about getting a massage. Sihle had never done it but he told
him it's something every person who works hard deserves to get. And he
decided, why not?

"Yes, I will get a massage with you." He helps her take off her clothes and they
wear gowns provided for them.
They sit on the beds and help themselves with champagne and sweets while
waiting.
"This is the last thing I thought you'd ever do for me. Thank you so much, I am
happy."

He sips the champagne, he doesn't like how it tastes but understands he can't
just ask for beer on an occasion like this.
"Your happiness is my happiness." He feeds her the coated strawberries.
She giggles, "You don't want us to feed each other in our bedroom now?"
"No, we're alone here."
She blushes and the knock on the door disturbs her from talking.

After introductions, Shintsha and Sbahle lie on their tummies and the massage
begins.
He keeps laughing, here and there. "Why are you laughing?" Sbahle asks.
"I am thinking that you should also start doing such things to my body. It's very
relaxing. I can't even explain it."

The three ladies in the room laugh, "After such a treat I will ask these ladies for
tips."
"Are you serious?" He asks.
"Yes, anything to make my man happy." She shuts her eyes. They remain silent
and enjoy the work done on their bodies. It's highly therapeutic - something they
both desperately needed to do.

"I feel like a new woman." She looks at her hands, he also paid for her manicure
and pedicure, facials included. She doesn't know how much he spent and she
doesn't care - she's been whining to Ntandoni about how much she needs
massage therapy.

He takes the gravel road leading them to their home. "I also feel lighter and
good."

She takes her phone from her bag, "its MaButhelezi calling."
"Answer and hear what she has to say."
She greets, "is everything alright?"
"No, how can everything be alright while you think you can do as you please
even with my husband?"

Okay - what is the witch talking about now? "I don't think I understand what
you're talking about, sisi."
"Don't act like a fool. Who gave you permission to dish up food for my
husband?"

What? Is everything right in her head? "He was in my house. Was I supposed to
dish up for his brother and leave him out?" She asks, not even mentioning that
he's the one who asked her to dish up for him.
"He's my husband and he should eat only my food. What are you trying to do?"
Sbahle laughs, she really thinks these questions are foolish. And before she
answers, Busiswa gives her a heated warning.
"Don't you dare test me, little girl. I have the power to make that husband of
yours stop paying for your studies. I can see you're proud because you're
studying."

She keeps getting shock after shock. If only she knew! "He's my husband's
brother and that makes him my family. Mina angincintshani sisi. Angeke nje
ngizihlaze. Habeee!" She ends the call with a tongue click and she tells Shintsha
about the call.

He smiles and holds her hand, "don't mind her. She thinks you are like her but
you're not. She's the one who's supposed to tell my brother not to eat your
food."
She sighs, keeping calm. "I will avoid giving her husband food then."
"If he asked for it? He'll ask again." Shintsha says and Sbahle keeps quiet.

What a family she got married to! Everything is messed up!

ISBOPHO!
Chapter 53

She highly feels that Thingolwenkosazana has been more than generous. It's
been a month at Ekuphumuleni, getting extensive treatment. She moved to
Ekuphumuleni after a month at the hospital with her son.

It's month-end of March and she's finally going back to Gauteng, she's allowed
to take her son and leave.
He no longer has any problems and has gained weight up to the kg stated by the
Doctors that he needed in order to go home with his mother.

Thingolwenkosazana walks into the hut where Jabulile is, Jabulile has already
packed her bags. She's waiting for Gama to come by and they'll drive together
to the hospital. And from the hospital, straight to Gauteng.

She throws the muthi on the floor before her feet and points at it, "you'll use this
muthi at midnight, blow into the air and call your baby daddy's name and
surname, make him see every dirt that his wife has been doing to him and his
family. Once the muthi is finished, you'll sit back and let everything happen as
they should happen. Do you understand?"
Jabulile claps her hands, "thokoza gogo!"
"Don't use it when you're on your periods and I think you know that you
shouldn't eat pork while using it, okay?"
She claps again, "thokoza gogo!"
"I haven't cured him of the trick that his wife did on him and that means, don't
have sex with him if you don't want to be sick again. My ancestor refused to let
me cure him. I think it'll be until he's done everything accordingly and dealt
with his wife the way he should." She explains things clearly to her and she can
see she doesn't like the fact that she can't sleep with her lover. It must be painful
right? Of course, she also knows that pain.

"Thokoza gogo!" She says but she's dying inside. She's been happy, thinking
once the three month period ends, they'll be happy again. But now, she can't risk
anything.

She huffs, it's been a long time with this woman and she's glad it's over. "I hope
every custom will be done for the baby after his father has paid everything. The
Luthuli ancestors want the child home. This illness you have could have killed
this baby but they protected him, here he is now. Remind his father about this. I
also told him."
"His mother suggested we keep it a secret."
She chuckles, "MaButhelezi will not harm the sons of her husband. She doesn't
have a son of her own. You shouldn't be scared of her when it comes to the
babies of her husband, and besides, she already knows you're the one sleeping
with her husband."

Jabulile holds her mouth and she thinks of a text message she got, threatening
her. "Am I safe?" She asks.
"We've done everything to protect you because of the baby's sake. Go home
now, you have a huge responsibility of repenting and fixing things with your
ancestors. Your mother's sister, whom you're not talking to, ask for forgiveness;
she's the key person to everything."
"Thokoza gogo!"
"Don't forget to use that muthi, please. He'll vomit everything through the
dream once you're done using it."
This makes her entirely happy, "thokoza gogo!" What can make her forget?
Nothing!

Gama walks into the room and carries the bags for Jabulile after promising to
come back with the cattle that Thingolwenkosazana requested for helping his
baby mama.

He drives out of the premises, "I am happy that we're finally going to take our
boy and go home. I know I still have a huge task of convincing mama that we
should tell my wife about the baby."
"Do you think she'll agree?"
"I don't know but it'll be for the baby's sake." Gama says hopefully. He has to
do things accordingly for his son. Once again, he's a father but he's still sad
about his daughter whom Thingolwenkosazana clearly told him she can't help.
Only her mother can help her and he doesn't know how Busiswa can help the
disabled child.

She keeps looking at him, he's dancing and whistling before the mirror. Why is
he happy? What happened to Jabulile? She's been trying to find out what
happened but she can't reach her. Busiswa knows she's not dead but she's also
not at her home. Her neighbours told her it's been months since they last saw
her. Did she go somewhere searching for treatment?

And this side, her husband is happy. She knows it's not because their daughter is
back home from being in the hospital for months.

"What happened? Did you win Lotto?" She asks, failing to contain this
question. She hates being in the dark.
They're at the Luthuli homestead, it's Easter holidays. Gama smiles and looks
back at his wife. He plants a soft kiss on her cheek. "No, I am just happy that all
my children are healthy. Let me go, we're buying braai meat with my brothers.
You and your sisters should cook delicious chakalaka and pap." He walks out of
the room whistling. He's happy because his mother has finally agreed that they
should talk about the baby with Busiswa.

It's 7pm, the meat has been braai-ed and the dishes are mouth-watering. All the
three brothers are gathered in Gcina's house. They're waiting to be served their
food.

"Follow me with drinks," Busiswa instructs the two sister-wives and she easily
rushes out of the house. And before walking into the house, she sprinkles
Shintsha's food with muthi. This is to teach Sbahle a lesson.

Last night, her husband didn't eat her food again. He ate at Sbahle's house and
that made her blood boil. Sbahle should know who she is tonight!
Busiswa kneels before the coffee table and puts the tray of food on the table.
She doesn't make the mistake of letting the brothers take the food for
themselves but lifts the plates, one by one, serving them.

When the plate lands on his hands, he immediately feels down like there's
something bad that will happen. He looks at his food and looks at other plates.
He needs to wait for this woman to leave.

"Thank you," the brothers say in unison.

Sbahle walks into the room with the drinks and puts the tray on the coffee table.
She notes her husband is not eating. Why? She looks at his plate.
She chuckles and shyly looks at Gama, "eh, bhuti, I think you have my
husband's plate. He doesn't eat green salad. I am sure he's not eating because it
has ruined his mood for the food."

Gama laughs, "Really? I also don't eat it. I think MaButhelezi thought the plate
was mine." He gives the plate to his brother, "take it bafo. I also haven't touched
the food."

Shintsha is confused because he eats the greens, she's the one who introduced
him to the green salad, chicken salad. Things he thought are not nice and are for
women. "Thank you, bafo." The brothers exchange plates and Sbahle leaves the
room.
Gcina doesn't understand what's happening because last month he was laughing
at Shintsha for eating green salad and today he doesn't eat it. He doesn't say
anything but they enjoy the meat as brothers.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 54

"I am nervous," Shintsha says, joining his wife in bed after dinner. The dinner
that he didn't quite enjoy because of the plates that were switched. What did his
brother eat?
She puts her phone aside, "what are you talking about my love?"
"The plate of food."

She's also been thinking about that plate during dinner time. "Yes, that food.
Why were you not eating? What happened?"
He narrates to her what happened. "I felt really down when she gave me that
food. I don't know why."
"I think there's something she put in there. Why did she have to give you food in
your hands?" She tries to gather the puzzle pieces.

It doesn't make sense unless she really needed Shintsha to eat that plate. "If
there's something on that plate, I am worried about my brother, KaMazibuko."
Shame! With both hands, she holds his warm hands. "Hey, don't stress because
if he's the one who'll be sick, his wife will know how to help him but if it was
you," she shakes her head, slightly scared of this woman, "I don't know what
would have happened."

He doesn't want to think too much but he holds her chin and attacks her with a
heated kiss. He doesn't want to think about this. He wants to forget about this
and sleep quickly. She has the power to give him an easy and a quick sleep.
They lose their sleepwear as their bodies heat up, the waves of pleasure build up
at a high speed. This is exactly what Shintsha wants.

"Dali, please show me your prowess. I want to see you bouncing your beautiful
body on your man." He requests in a low tone, his eyes are smaller and his chest
is rising and falling heavily. "Can you do that?"
She holds his cheek, "anything you want, Luthuli wami."

What should she give him today? She can tell he wants something intense so
he'll sleep and not think much. She wants to give him his desires. Again, with
Shintsha beneath, Sbahle kisses her husband passionately. As they're kissing,
her hand is stroking his hot erection. She also doesn't want to think about what
Busiswa did or what might happen to Gama.

With her hands on his waist, her back is straight and her waist is doing the work
slowly. She doesn't want to rush anything but she wants all this to linger on his
soul. He's moaning softly matching her slow moves. He grunts whenever her
body grips on him.
She says, "I need you to rise up," She pleads.
Anything she says - it goes.
Sbahle lies backwards until her back is resting on Shintsha's thighs and knees.
He's more turned on by the flexibility of his wife and the anticipation grows as
he's seated, waiting for her to be comfortable.

This is what she wanted, to feel exposed and actually be exposed to him. And
she doesn't have to tell him anything, he can see what he needs to do now as she
cuffs her breasts.

He moves slowly into her and rubs her clit at the same time. And it comes fast,
her screams of pleasure when she's highly enjoying sex. He doubts anyone can
hear her. He doesn't stop her because he loves the sound of her voice.
He easily switches up by straightening her legs and moving with her to the edge
of the bed. "Did you like that?"
Her hands on his neck, she says, "yes, I did but my legs are sore."
"You don't have to do much now."

She hangs her head over the edge of the bed and waits for magic as Shintsha
hovers over her with his hands on either sides of her by the edge of the bed.
He forgets about everything as he's thrusting in and out of her pot of pleasure.
She arcs her back, creating a slightly different angle of entry for Shintsha. She
lets go and let him take control. She holds his back, pulling him closer and she
slightly losses her mind as he grinds up against her. He's a totally different
person and it looks like he's in another cloud, Sbahle doesn't stay behind but she
joins him on the clouds. There's no Busiswa that exists here, only her and
Shintsha.

After all is done, Shintsha and Sbahle easily fall asleep without overthinking.
Busiswa is in her bedroom sleeping with one eye opened. She's waiting for the
big moment, the moment she'll hear Sbahle's hysterical scream of agony. She
wants to watch in pity as she holds her poor husband, crying for his dear sorry
life.

Why does this girl think so highly of herself? Is it because MaGwala and the
granny likes her? Why is she so proud?
If she had the power, she would do bigger things on her - cripple her and make
her husband marry another woman. And she'll helplessly watch, feeling like
nothing!
But - she doesn't have that much power on her. Her father is standing on his two
feet before her and that makes her hate her deeper. There's nothing that'll make
her love Sbahle. Nothing at all!

She turns to face Gama on the bed, he's not sleeping but he's tossing and turning
on the bed. "What's wrong? Are you having problems sleeping?" She asks,
holding his shoulder.
He's holding his painful stomach, "there's something wrong with my stomach."
His voice doesn't have any energy because of the pain he's in. There are a
thousand needless planted in his stomach cutting his flesh repeatedly, giving
him excruciating pain. Each cut, comes back with pain increased.

"Ma-Bu-the-le-ziiii!" He screams as the pain intensifies and Busiswa is startled.

She quickly sits up, "what's wrong, Mandlanduna?" She shakes him and helps
him sit on his butts.

Gama has turned pink and his eyes are shot red with small red veins on the eyes.
He's in pain, looking like an exaggerated cartoon that's feeling pain. "Pa-in!" He
cries out.

She jumps out of the blankets, "what did you eat? Did you eat more meat?" She
asks, panicking, this makes her scared. What's happening with her husband?
Busiswa fails to hold her tears back. She's in a tight situation.
And Gama answers, but his answer is vomiting blood accompanied by blood
clots.

And Busiswa losses her mind, she springs out of the house, screaming in the
whole yard.

"Lekelelani!" (Help!) She's losing her mind. What's happening? Is she losing
her husband? Is what's happening to him not something that was supposed to
happen to his brother and make that girl a widow?

The whole yard wakes up, "yini?" MaGwala screams walking out of the house.
And the two brothers along with their wives are running to the screaming
Busiswa.

"Umnyeni wami! Umnyeni wami!" (My husband!) She's jumping in one place
with her hands on her head.

And the two brothers run over to her house at the mention of her husband.
MaGwala follows her sons. What has this witch done to her son? Why is she
crying like this?
Sbahle is shocked, is this Busiswa? The one and only mighty Busiswa? She's
crying and helpless? What's happening to Gama?

"Umnyeni wami!" She screams louder, still jumping on her feet in one place
and turning around like a Zion brethren in a spiritual circle. When she turns to
Sbahle, she sees a dark figure standing behind her and her eyes roll, she drops
on the ground - fainting.

And instead of helping Busiswa who's fainted, Amanda and Sbahle run over to
Gama's house as they hear their mother-in-law crying.

They almost faint of shock as their husbands walk out of the house holding their
brother who's groaning in pain and vomiting blood…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 55

"What's happening Sbahle?" Amanda asks after MaGwala and their husbands
had driven out with Gama.
They're left in the yard alone and their heads are upside down. What just
happened?

It's traumatic - what they've witnessed, it's very traumatic and Sbahle is slightly
shaking. That could have been her husband.

"Why are you crying now?" Amanda asks as Sbahle starts weeping. She doesn't
ask any more questions but she hugs her. She can feel her heart beating faster.
She tries to talk but it's hard, "I wish we got married into a different family or
Busiswa is not a part of this family."
"I know, I know. Why would she do this to her husband though? It must be her,
nobody else but her!" She brushes her back.
Sbahle breathes in and out, "let's take her inside, we'll never know, maybe she
can hear us." She backs away from her.
Amanda and Sbahle lift the heavy Busiswa and they bring her into the house.
They take her to the guest room of their mother in-law's house. They close the
door and go wait for their return in Gcina's house.

Sbahle huffs and she tells Amanda about what happened, "so, I guess if I didn't
exchange plates that would have been Shintsha right now."
She gets emotional, thinking of all the things this woman has done to them. The
babies they've lost because of her, "I am also tired, there was a time where
Gcina and I were fighting nonstop and when I went to a traditional healer, it was
her doing. She wanted me gone. I don't even know why. My babies, it's her. I
don't know why she's so evil and why it's so hard to defeat her."
The two sisters comfort each other. What else should they do? They've run out
of options.

"Let's pray," Sbahle suggests and they hold each other's hands. They pray.
"What happened?" MaGwala asks, she looks at both her sons. Gama has been
taken by the traditional healer because he's still vomiting. He couldn't take him
into the consultation hut because of the blood.
He didn't have to consult the bones in order to know what was happening to
him.

MaGwala and her sons drove around the village, entering and leaving traditional
healers' homes but they didn't want to help them. They all complained about
time. It was late. Why were they coming to them late?
And they only found help in a neighbouring village. The traditional healer was
already seated outside the consultation hut waiting for the poor widow and her
sons.

Shintsha looks at Gcina and she nods, "what's happening now was meant to
happen to me."
She holds his hand, "what do you mean, Mandlanduna?"
"The plates…" Shintsha explains to his mother what happened, "I didn't think it
could be something so severe. My wife and I thought since her husband has
eaten the food, she'll easily help him."
She holds her head, "why? Shintsha, why didn't you throw that plate away? You
gave poison to your brother!" She shouts.
Gcina holds his mother's shoulder. "Mama calm down, don't take it like this."
"Why? Why did you do this?"

Shintsha looks at his mother confused, why is he the one to blame? "Mama, I
didn't know there was poison in that food."
"How didn't you know? Didn't your blood tell you there's something wrong with
that plate?" She screams at him and slaps his shoulder repeatedly out of anger,
other slaps linger on his head and face, "you could have killed your own
brother!"

Gcina holds his mother, "mama, stop it! We're inside the consultation hut, there
are Nzima's guides here. Stop making noise!"
Shintsha stands up and leaves the hut, he leaves his mother crying inside.
"Stop crying, what's wrong?" The traditional healer walks into the hut. He sits
on his side of the hut and encourages MaGwala to wipe her tears.

"Where's my son?" MaGwala asks. "We're grateful that you opened your gates
to us. We walked around the whole village and couldn't find help. They shut
their doors on our faces."
He shakes his head, "I knew your late husband." He says and takes the pouch of
bones. He asks them to blow into the bones.
"Oh, you do?"
He chuckles, "yes, he used to come here with his friend. His friend, the husband
of MaZuma."
"Yes!"
"MaZuma's husband was bothered by his mother-in-law's witchcraft, the same
witchcraft that's bothering you now through your daughter-in-law." He clears.

And MaGwala is shocked, "so, this child gets this thing from her grandmother?"
Why didn't her husband tell her about this? Why did he keep quiet?
"Yes, uhlanga lokuthakatha lukuye." He throws the bones on the animal skin
and he does the reading while he's still talking, "he wanted to defeat her but it
was very difficult. When we were ready to defeat her, she passed this thing to
the child."
She feels deep sorrow - why would an old person do such a horrible thing to a
child?
"This is really horrible."

He burps, a deep and loud burp, "yes, it is. So, your husband came into my
dreams and told me to welcome you and his sons."
Gcina and his mother clap hands in gratitude. There's deep compassion in
MaGwala's heart. He's still there and can see everything?

"The poison was meant for your middle son. Where's he?" He asks as he can't
see Shintsha in the room.
Gcina points out, "he went out."
"Your daughter-in-law wanted him dead because of the hate she has for his
wife." He clearly tells MaGwala why Busiswa did what she did. "But Mazibuko
is watching over his daughter. He left her more devastated than his other
children. Akafuni ngaye, that's why she was able to act quickly. It's better
because the poison got the wrong person, not the one it was intended for. It
would have killed him faster. She wanted to turn Mazibuko's daughter into a
widow."

MaGwala can't stop crying, she's the one who let this evil come into her home.
"You failed to be patient, you were told not to make her your daughter-in-law
yet. You allowed a child to threaten you. Are you not his mother?" He raises his
voice.
She wipes her tears, "I am."
"I have drained the poison in Gama's system. He's currently sleeping. We
should wait for an ambulance that'll take him to the hospital. He needs a blood
transfusion. He's pale. I am certain he lost a lot of blood," he mixes muthi and
throws it before them, giving them instructions.

"Can't you help my son with this love portion?"

"Don't worry about that, it'll be fixed. Don't stop strengthening your home but
don't do it when the witch is home. There are a lot of things that need to be
taken out of your yard but we should wait for the right time. One of these things
is what makes your two other daughters-in-law lose their pregnancies with boys
when they're in the yard."

Are things finally going to be normal? She's been running around, trying to find
help. Has she finally found help?
When the ambulance arrived, Gama was taken by the ambulance.
MaGwala and her sons got into the car and Shintsha drove behind the
ambulance.

They left Gama in the hospital. He was still unconscious when they left.
"Are you okay?" Gcina asks Shintsha, he's quiet and focused on the road.
It's after 3am, as they're finally driving home.
He doesn't look at his brother, "yes, I am fine."
Gcina can tell he's not okay, "What happened is not your fault. You did what
you had to do."
"Stop saying that!" MaGwala shouts, "How can you feel something is not right
but continue to give your brother something that's not right? Ningangicasuli.
This means one day you'll take the plate and give it to your brother's children
because of their mother's evil doings!"

Shintsha and Gcina keep quiet, there's no use arguing with their mother.
What's important is, their brother is alive and safe. Other things don't matter but
Shintsha is still heartbroken by his mother's response to what happened.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 56

The dark cloud has blanketed her home and her head keeps spinning. Why are
all these things happening one after the other?
Her children are a ground of muthi. They're being played by one person, one
woman!

"Shintsha, call your wife here!" MaGwala instructs walking into her house.
And Shintsha stops on his track, "what's so important? What if she's sleeping,
mama?"
She looks back at him, "I said call her!"

He doesn't argue but walks away. The stars are still decorating the skies, making
them more beautiful. Even with such beauty, his heart is not eased of this
disappointment.

"Hey, why are you waking up?" He whispers as Sbahle wakes up the minute he
slips his body under the covers.
She quickly throws her body into his arms. "We waited and waited until we got
sleepy." She caresses his face and arms, it's like she can't believe that he's really
alive.

He closes the gap in between them by kissing her briefly, "I am here now. You
don't have to worry about anything."
"I am happy that you're alive. I don't know what I would have done if you had
that poison." She hugs him again.
He holds her tightly, "I am safe my love and that's what matters."
"And what about your brother? I feel so bad. I am happy the children were
sleeping and didn't have to see that."

He takes her doek and puts it back on, "yes, it's a good thing they were sleeping.
My brother is fine. We found help for him, he's in the hospital now. He needs a
blood transfusion." He tells her what Gcina told him the traditional healer said.
And before Sbahle can answer, MaGwala's scream reaches their room.

"Shintsha!"
She looks at him, "what's wrong?"
"She said I should call you, go, whatever she says don't say anything to argue."
He removes the blankets from her body.
"You are worrying me."
"Go and come back, I want to sleep with you next to me." He points at the door
and she leaves him in their bed.
The moment she walks into the room, she's welcomed by a
coldest glare from her mother-in-law. She's more confused. What's the matter
now? Why is she getting glares?

"Mama, you're back."

She doesn't smile, "were you intending to payback using my son for his wife's
evil?"
"Payback what, mama?"
She shouts, "don't act foolish! When you suspect there's something wrong with
the plate of food you don't take it away but you give it to my other son?"
"I didn't think it was something strong like poison that was meant to kill him."
Her answer makes her nuts, "you didn't think? If you were able to think that
there's something wrong with the plate what made you stop thinking that you
should not give Gama that plate? Does this mean you could have even given the
plate to MaButhelezi's children because she's a witch?"

Sbahle doesn't answer. She highly believes she's barking at the wrong tree. Why
is she trying to shift the blame to her?
She slaps her thigh, "why are you quiet? I am talking to you!"
"I don't have anything to say."
MaGwala stands on her feet, "you don't have anything to say? My son almost
died and you don't have anything to say? Can you hear yourself, huh?" She yells
and as Sbahle is quiet, it feels like she's yelling at the wall and it infuriates her
that she's quiet.

She slaps her shoulder to get her attention, "are you unable to talk?"
Sbahle slightly jumps, holding her shoulder but she still doesn't say anything
back to her.

"Get out of my house! You know this woman is evil but you're giving her evil
to my son because he's not the one you're married to. Get out!" She points at the
door.

And Sbahle stands up and leaves the room. Once she's outside, she laughs in
disbelief. Wonders shall never end!
This woman is probably confused, maybe the muthi went into her head too. She
doesn't put this into her head. It's not necessary.

"What are you thinking?" She asks Shintsha who's quietly looking at the ceiling.
He gives her attention, "nothing, what did she say to you?"
"Mxm, it's nothing you should worry yourself about. We did what we had to do
and we didn't know she wanted to kill. Don't stress."
He looks at her, "but maybe we really needed not to give him the plate."
She pulls him to her breasts, "let's sleep daddy. We can't change what happened.
Don't beat yourself up about something you didn't do. You're not the one who
put the muthi on that plate." She brushes his back and they put each other to
sleep.

MaGwala goes into the guest bedroom with a jug of iced water. Why is she
sleeping?
She splashes the water on her face and she wakes with a scream.
Busiswa sits up and looks around the room. She's not in her bedroom. Where's
she?
Her confused mind remembers - her husband!

"My husband? Where's he?" She cries out and tries to jump out of bed but
MaGwala pushes her back by force.
"You came into this home so you can destroy it, huh?" She moves closer to her
face.
And her angry look intimidates Busiswa, she's seen her angry but not like this.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're acting foolish! You want to kill my sons, huh? You've not had enough
with my grandsons that you're killing, you witch!"
She points out, "it's Sbahle, she's the one who dished food for my husband that
night. Yes!" She says not knowing the plates were switched.

MaGwala angrier, she circles her hands around Busiswa's neck while she's still
acting crazy. "You want to destroy my family, you witch! It took us years to
build this home with my husband and you think you'll destroy it!" She doesn't
stop strangling her - she's driven by the strong rush of anger.

And when she sees only the pupils of her eyes, MaGwala lets her go. "I will kill
you! Leave my sons alone!" She leaves Busiswa coughing non-stop with eyes
widened.

It's Sunday, his brother is still in the hospital but he's better than Friday night.
Shintsha closes the wardrobe in the morning and looks at his wife whose
dressing up.

"Once you're done, pack your bags the ones you came with, we're going home."
Shintsha says and heads to the door.

She's confused - going home on Sunday? Yes, the situation is tense between
him and his mother. She hasn't seen them talking to each other. MaGwala is also
not talking to her like she usually does. She says only what she has to say - does
she care? No! Her husband is safe and not dead like Busiswa wanted.
What she doesn't understand is Busiswa failing to even look at her. Why? She
doesn't even understand the reasons.

"Why?"
He opens the door, "I am working tonight." He lies and walks out of the room.
He finds his mother seated on the dining table with his grandmother. "Mama, I
am leaving now. I got a call that they need me to supervise the new securities
for a night shift."
"It's the holidays, couldn't they have let you rest?" She asks. "And your older
brother is not back from the hospital."
"It's important. I will call him."
"Are you leaving alone?" MaGwala asks.
"No, I am leaving with Luhluthando and her mother." He responds.

She puts the tea cup down, "why? The holidays are not over. Why are you
taking them? Leave my granddaughter behind."
"I don't want to be alone when I come back. I will go with them both."
Granny asks, "Are you okay, Mandlanduna? You don't look well."
He smiles, "I am fine, gogo."

She's not convinced but she doesn't push, "tell your wife to come here. I should
tell her to look after you because you don't look fine to me." Granny instructs.
And with a smile, Shintsha stands, "I will tell her, gogo." He leaves the two old
women.

Its better he leaves, he'll be at peace in his house with his family.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 57

She still doesn't understand what happened to her husband. How did he end up
like that?
Did he perhaps eat the plate that was meant for Shintsha? But how? He doesn't
eat green salad and only his plate had no green salad.
She walks into the room and finds him sleeping. She puts the bag with food on
the bedside table and sits down.

What should she do? She's nervous and doesn't want to wake him.
She smiles when he turns and opens his eyes. "Sawubona, Luthuli."
He clears his throat and sits up, "mkami, how are you? I am sleeping. I didn't
hear you enter." He holds her cold hand, "what's wrong? Why are your hands
cold?"
"It's quite cold outside," Busiswa lies. It's not cold but her cold heart and
nervousness brings cold to her whole body.

"How are you and the children? I was expecting to see you yesterday after the
phone call."
She looks at her thighs, "I know, I had to take our daughter back to the hospital.
She's not well again." She hates to deliver the bad news. She's sad about her
child and sad about her husband.

"What did they say?" He asks and his heart sores. This child stresses him.
"It's the same old." She doesn't want to talk much about their child. She doesn't
want to cry because her situation always makes her cry. "What happened? What
did you eat?"

He holds his mouth and yawns, "The doctors didn't find anything in my system
because a traditional healer had already helped me."
She stands and opens the bag, takes out the food and serves him. "It's still warm.
Please, eat." She sits back down.
"Thank you."
"Did you eat anything you shouldn't have?"
He shakes his head, "I don't remember because I didn't eat green salad and it
doesn't make me sick."
"Green salad? Your food didn't have green salad." She slightly raises her voice.

He enjoys the food because it's his favourite meal, "yes, but I exchanged plates
with Shintsha." He responds and doesn't say much. According to him, there's
nothing much to be said because nothing wrong happened. In his mind, he
doesn't suspect his brother's plate must have had poison. Who would poison
them at home? Nobody!

The knots in her stomach makes it hard for her to breathe but she doesn't show
him there's something wrong. How did he end up eating Shintsha's plate of
food? Was it a mistake or he didn't trust food from her?

Sbahle and this husband of hers! Do they want her to bring her last number? But
Mazibuko? It's him, he's the reason this happened. What an annoying ghost!

"Yes, even if you ate green salad it wouldn't have made you sick." She says. She
needs to be smart and not plant ideas in his head. His family knows the truth but
if they blame her, tell him it's her. He'll defend her. She doesn't have to stress
much about that.

"They gave me a blood transfusion. I will come back home tomorrow."

She smiles, "I am happy that you're well my love. You frightened me."
He closes the lunch box, "I know and I am sorry about that. There must be
something bad I ate but it doesn't matter now because I am fine."
"This means you should be careful of what you eat. Also check the expiry date
before you eat. I always tell you that."
He chuckles, "yes, MaButhelezi I will always remember that. Please, come
tomorrow and we'll drive to the hospital to see our child."
"Yes, I will come." She doesn't leave right away but spends the whole visiting
hour with him. She leaves when it's time to leave.

Her son and granddaughter are both in the hospital. These Easter holidays are
not as enjoyable as she thought they would be. To be home with her family.
Already, Shintsha and his family left. She's not sure if he's angry because she
reprimanded him and his wife or he really had to go. She wasn't going to keep
quiet while he did something wrong. He knows they live with a witch but he
didn't act smart.

MaGwala sits on the straw mat under the tree of MaZuma's home. She realised
its better she comes to her and they talk. Is there a way of helping this girl? Is
she aware of what her mother was like?

MaZuma sits down, "I didn't expect to see you. Has Busiswa done something
wrong again?" She asks and sits next to her.
She shakes her head and looks ahead, in the mountains. "Ey, I almost buried my
son because of her…'' she narrates to MaZuma what happened to Gama and that
it was supposed to happen to Shintsha.
There's silence as MaZuma cries. MaGwala brushes her back, "ayi, don't cry
because the boy is fine. He's coming back home tomorrow."
"It's shocking and painful what she keeps doing."
"Did you know that she took her grandmother's witchcraft hex?"
MaZuma wipes her tears and looks at her, "my mother or her father's mother?"
"Your mother. I don't know if it's true but I don't believe Nzima would have lied
to me."

She huffs, "I am not sure. Don't you remember people saying she's a witch? But
we never believed them because people like saying old women are witches."
"Yes, I remember…" She explains what the traditional healer said about
Busiswa and that her father knew about his mother-in-law.
She holds her head, "oh Jehovah! What would have been wrong if she didn't
leave these things with the child?"
"I don't know but in my heart I feel sorry for your daughter because she's
controlled by this thing her grandmother did to her."

She didn't expect such calmness from MaGwala. "Did Nzima say there's a way
to help her?"
"I didn't ask but there must be a way. Do you think she's meant to die with this
thing?" MaGwala asks and MaZuma doesn't have an answer. She's clueless.
"We should go back to him or you should go back to him. This child needs to be
fixed, MaZuma."
"Are you willing to help me?"
She nods, "these are our children and we shouldn't let this evil rule like this. I
am afraid if MaButhelezi dies, she'll leave this thing with her children or anyone
in this family."
"Thank you ntombazane. And for warning me about this. Sometimes parents do
things before us but we wouldn't know its witchcraft. Mom used to do things
and say she's strengthening the home and us. So, you never questioned that. She
might have said that but only to find that she was doing witchcraft."

She nods, "yes, we may never know." MaGwala responds. "And I am sorry
about what happened between us. I was also hurt and confused. I didn't want to
believe all this happened without you knowing."
"It's okay, let's put that behind us." MaZuma calls her grandchild and asks her to
prepare food and tea for them.

The two old women spend hours together talking and catching up.
Busiswa drives to Richards’s Bay after visiting her husband at Empangeni.
She's playing music on a high volume in her car because she doesn't want to
hear her thoughts.
Why did they call her to the hospital? The minute she walked out of the
building at Empangeni, she received a call in Richards’s Bay but she didn't tell
her husband about it.

Maybe it's not something serious. Maybe she needs to sign some documents.
She answers MaGwala's call, "mama?" She responds in a low tone after
decreasing the volume. She hasn't forgotten about how she strangled her. She'll
never forget that.

"Are you still at the hospital?" MaGwala asks.

"No, I am driving to Richards’s Bay. They called me there. I don't know if
there's something wrong with my daughter or what."
"Oh go and find out, call me when you get there. I thought you're still with
Gama."
"Alright," she puts the phone aside.

Busiswa is taken into the office of the Doctor who's responsible for her
daughter.

"Is she okay, today?"

This is always hard to do. "No, it’s not good. Our baby girl's situation didn't
improve after you left her." She says. She's not happy about breaking such news
while she's alone. The husband is in the hospital and this?
"What should we do now?"
"There's nothing more we can do. We tried everything in our power to keep her
stable but we lost her. I am really sorry to tell you that your daughter is no
more."
She shakes her head, "no more? How?"
"She left us a few hours ago after suffering a terrible fit." The Doctor stands up
as everything has registered in Busiswa.

Busiswa's whole body is under attack as she comes to terms with what she's
being told. Her pretty little girl? Why? Is it really the muthi she was carrying
during pregnancy?

"How am I going to explain myself to her father? I feel like I have failed her."
She cries in the arms of the Doctor.
And she brushes her back, "no, don't feel like that because it's not your fault."
She tries her best to council her.

Busiswa doesn't hear anything, the whole world has turned its back on her.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 58

Gcina was at Empangeni town when he received a call from the hospital,
requesting he come and take Busiswa home. He didn't quite understand what
was going on.

And he didn't ask many questions, he drove to the hospital and was shocked,
heartbroken when he was told that his brother's daughter had died. She was
disabled but she communicated well with her facial expressions. She would be
ecstatic when she sees them, her face would brighten up and they'll know she
recognises them and she's happy to have them around.

It was shocking to learn that they'll never see her again.

The workers at the hospital helped Gcina carry Busiswa to his car. She had no
energy to stand up and walk on her own.

At home, Gcina leaves Busiswa in her house and he heads to his house where
his wife is.

"What was happening? The children were asking where their mother was.
They've been fussy and so, I drove them to their grandmother. Mama is also
there." Amanda puts the sleeping baby in her bed and she sits on the bed,
"what's happening?"
He searches for Shintsha's number on his phone. "It's Gcinozi, she's no more.
They called me because her mother was unable to walk. I had to drive her. Her
car is still there."

He puts the phone on his ear. He sits next to his wife and holds her hand.
"Bafo," he greets Shintsha on the phone, he can hear Luhluthando and her
mother singing in the background. Is his brother not at work?

"Yebo, bafo, how are you?"

"I am not well, are you busy? Can you come back home? But I need you to go
to the hospital where Gcinozi was, her mother's car is there. I gave them your
ID that you'll come to take the car." He explains, avoiding to explain what has
happened over the phone.

Shintsha asks, "Why should I drive her car? Can't she drive her own car?"
"Uhm, eh, so they called me to come take her from the hospital because our
brother's last born has left us." He explains what he didn't want to explain
because he doesn't want to do what he's saying. He doesn't have to crack his
head about it.
There's a long minute of silence on the phone, there's high breathing from
Shintsha. "You're lying." His voice comes out low, carrying heavy emotions.
"It's true, I have to go and call MaGwala home."
"Okay, I will go to the hospital."
He ends the call and looks at his wife.
"The poor baby," she blinks the tears away.
He holds her into his arms and comforts her.

The dark cloud keeps blanketing the Luthuli home. Now, they've lost their
precious granddaughter. She was a special child with special needs and had a
special way of communicating with her family members.
It's quite unbelievable. All the family members have been told about her passing
and it's saddening to all of them that they've lost her.

"Go and sit with her on the mattress." Granny instructs MaGwala who's inside
her bedroom, she's crying about her granddaughter.
It's the next day and the community members keep coming by, to pray with the
family.

It's more painful because her son is coming back home and she doesn't know
how he's going to take the news.
She looks at her mother, "why should I go and sit there with her? She's the one
who's responsible for the death of her own child."
"I thought you wanted to help her mother find help for her. Why are you taking
your heart back to old things?"

MaGwala doesn't stop crying for the lost life of the little girl. "I had hoped that
when we find help for her mother the child will be well. It was going to be easy
to make her see her wrong and she was going to repent, appease and the child
was going to be better. My son will be very broken. He loved that child." She
cries louder because her hope is gone. The child is gone and she's seeing dark.
Her mother comforts her and gives her hope that things will be alright.

"Bhuti, have some water and take your medication." Gcina sits next to his
brother on the bench at the back of his house.
He has his head forced down and looking at the ground, his tears are falling on
the ground, making the soil wet. Gama keeps widening his eyes to avoid closing
them, when he closes his eyes - all that he sees is the beautiful face of his
daughter. He didn't know the pain of losing a child wrecks one like this. It's like
his chest is being torn apart.
When his mother told him that his daughter is dead, it was like she was lying to
him. She would turn and tell him it's not true. But she was serious. He doesn't
even see light in Busiswa's eyes. It's sad.

"I am not hungry." He responds.

Gcina brushes his back, "please try because you have to take medication."
"I don't want to repeat myself, Gcina."
He leaves his brother because he can tell that he's not okay and he doesn't blame
him.

Shintsha asks, "Why are you coming back with food?"

"He doesn't want to eat. I think he should be alone. Let's go and buy this goat."

They follow each other and head to the car after putting the tray away.
Only the family members and close friends buried the child. The child was
buried in the Luthuli yard with all necessary traditions of burying the child
taken.

It has passed and all the post rituals necessary have been done. And now, there's
emptiness left in their hearts.

"Where's your mind, bafo?" Gcina asks Gama who's seated next to him on the
couch.

The three brothers are seated in Shintsha's house. They're listening to music and
talking about everything and nothing, trying to keep Gama's mind off things.
He shows him the radio and Gcina turns down the volume of the music. "I had a
strange dream last night."
The two brothers look at him, "what do you mean?" Shintsha asks.
"I told you about my child's mother that I want to marry as my second wife?"
Gama asks.

And they nod, they were all surprised by his decision of wishing to take another
wife. They told themselves it won't happen, Busiswa will ensure it doesn't
happen.

"I dreamt of her and Busiswa together. She was giving Busiswa muthi and she
poured the muthi in my food. It was like a movie, playing before my eyes. I
woke up after eating the food Busiswa gave me." He narrates the dream to his
brothers and they're shocked.
"What does this dream mean?" Gcina asks.
He shrugs and rubs his tired eyes, "I don't know what's wrong. I mean I don't
know why I am seeing this but I think maybe you've been right all along. What
if she really gave me muthi? And Jabulile?" He hides his face on his big, warm
hands.

His question brings comfort in his brothers' hearts. What's happening? Is he

finally seeing the light? But how?

"You need to keep track of your dreams because you might find answers in
these dreams." Shintsha advises his brother and Gcina supports Shintsha.
He looks at her, "do you think so?"
"Yes, there's something that's being communicated with you." He's happy for
his brother. Maybe he'll finally have a normal life once he knows the truth.

Things have been difficult, Amanda once wanted to leave Gcina because of
muthi. She wanted Gcina to leave his home because of this muthi used in the
yard. But they couldn't leave their home and leave Gama alone with Busiswa
and their mother.

Patience, they've been patient and it seems things are going to be normal again.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 59

"But do you think it's wise if we leave? It's the day after the funeral?" Sbahle
sits next to Shintsha on the couch of their house in the village. He's just told her
they're leaving at 5pm and Sbahle didn't expect this.

He puts his phone down, "yes, I am working and even if we were not working I
wasn't going to stay."
"I don't think your mother will like this but it's okay, we'll leave." She stands
and takes the tea cup from the coffee table. "I don't like what you're doing
because if you have a problem with your mother you're supposed to sit down
and talk with her."
He looks up at her, "what problem? I don't have a problem with her."
"Yes, you do. She hurt your feelings by putting blame on you when your
brother ate that poison." She tells him what she knows to be the only truth.
He chuckles, "there's nothing to talk about." Why should he talk? He knows her,
she'll never see herself as wrong.

She's been telling him to talk to her and because he's stubborn, she needs to let it
all go. "You haven't eaten anything since breakfast."
"You'll cook for me when we get home. I am not going to eat food you didn't
cook."

She doesn't like to see him like this while he's at home. He's no longer free like
before. "Amanda cooked the food Mandlanduna and Busiswa didn't even go
anywhere near the food. Please, eat before we go."
"No, we'll buy KFC and I will eat when I come back from work."

Sbahle heads to her kitchen side, defeated by this stubborn man she's married to.
She knows for sure - his mother will have a problem because they're leaving.
Why did she have to mess with her husband's peace like she did? Why?

It's 5pm, his colleague has arrived with the work vehicle, it's parked outside the
gates.
Shintsha walks into the kitchen and finds his mother sweeping the floor. He
doesn't want to stay at home, its better if he goes to work tonight and spend the
rest of the weekend with his family before his wife goes back to work. He called
Sihle and told him he'll report for duty. He didn't want to let him come to work
but he didn't give him a chance to force him.

MaGwala points at the plate of food on top of the table. "I was told you didn't
eat. Are you not hungry? You also didn't eat last night."
"I am not hungry. I am leaving now. I am working tonight." Shintsha reports to
his mother.

MaGwala stops sweeping the floor and looks at her son. He's looking at her and
there's no softness in his face, his eyes don't dwell much with her. This is
unexpected. "What's wrong? Why are you leaving? Sihle knows your brother
lost a child and you're working already, a day after you've buried your brother's
child."
"It's a busy season."
She's surprised by his response, "since when? Don't you make him understand if
you can't come to work? He's like family. It's Friday tomorrow and you should
be here the whole weekend with your brother."
"I have already spoken to him and told him that I need to go. He understood."
"What's wrong with you? You're not eating and you are leaving. Why?"

What should he explain to her? What other reasons does a person have for not
eating food other than not being hungry? "There's nothing wrong with me. It's
important that I go to work."
"Okay go," she doesn't keep him. How does one keep a grown man home? "Call
Luhluthando's mother. I need her to prepare tea for your grandmother."
"I will call her but I am leaving with them." He walks out of the house while his
mother is still trying to form words to say to him.

"Shintsha!" MaGwala screams her son's name and he doesn't come back. She
walks to the door, "Shints'isimo!" She double clicks her tongue as he goes into
his house as if he can't hear her calling for him. What's wrong with this boy?
Sbahle walks into the room. She also doesn't understand why they're leaving but
when Shintsha says they're leaving - they're leaving and she doesn't have energy
to ask more questions after speaking to him.

"Why are you two leaving?" MaGwala asks Sbahle as she believes she might
get answers from her.
She turns on the kettle, "he told me he's working tonight and we should go."
"And you didn't ask questions, you agreed with what he's telling you?"
"He said he doesn't want to be alone when he comes back from work. I think it's
because what happened also affects him."
She shouts, "Why are you acting like a robot and doing everything my son is
saying? Can't you make him see what he's doing is wrong?"
"He doesn't want to listen to me mama. What else should I do?" She's slightly
annoyed that she's shouting at her after creating this behaviour Shintsha has.
She's the reason he's behaving like this.
"Don't talk to me like that! What should you do? You're asking me that
question? Isn't my son your husband?" She asks.

She keeps quiet and takes the tea to grandmother. She'll not fix this for her.
Why can't she talk with her son like a mother? She expects her to fix this for
her? She's dreaming not after how inconsiderate she was towards her about the
poison situation.

Busiswa wakes up in the middle of the night and shakes Gama awake. She's
losing her mind. Whenever she tries to open her eyes all she sees is her
daughter. She can hear her laughter and hear her baby cry, asking for attention.
And this makes her feel like it's the end of the world.

Busiswa takes off her doek and night dress, she throws them on the floor as she
feels like her body is burning. Are her sins burning her? Or it's pain?

"What's wrong, MaButhelezi?" Gama asks and quickly holds her as she's
shaking and crying. "Don't cry, you're safe."
"My child!" She growls, holding on tight to him.
Gama shuts his eyes, "I know. Everything will be alright."
"I am sorry." She cries out and her husband comforts her.
"It's not your fault, don't be sorry."

She doesn't have any hope. Her baby girl's life has been lost and she'll never
forgive herself for it.

*****
He's always seen beauty in this woman, from when they were teenagers and he
didn't have the courage to tell her about what was in her heart. He didn't want
any man near her until he had courage to tell her about his feelings.

Busiswa didn't quite believe him in the beginning, she thought of their parents'
friendship and thought they'll not approve. Over twenty years together, he
knows her like the back of his hand. He knows when she's sad and knows when
she's angry and happy but not anymore. He no longer knows this woman. Who's
Busiswa Buthelezi?

It's been two weeks since they buried her daughter and Gama is back in Gauteng
with his wife and children. It's back to business as usual. He's back to work and
his children are back in school and his wife is busy running the house and
endless stokvels she's joining every month with his money.
These two weeks Gama has been dreaming of all the filth his wife has ever done
to him and his family. At times, he would wake and believe it's just a dream,
nothing serious but everything felt real and true. He's only told his brothers
about these dreams.

"All along I am married to a witch?" He asks out loud, looking at his sleeping
wife. He's awake from another dream, she's the reason he almost died, vomiting
blood? She wanted his brother to die?

He doesn't know the dirt he vomited in his dream after realising everything was
true. He once drank her bath water? Why did she do all these things? He loved
her without these things. Why did she hurt him and his family like this? His
brothers?

"Luthuli, you're awake? Are you unable to sleep?" Busiswa asks, waking up to
Gama's stare. She doesn't question his stare.

He feels like removing these blankets from her body and kicking her out of his
home, taking everything away from her but this is a witch. He needs to be smart
about everything he'll do. He needs to make a plan - he'll not rest until she's
punished, his daughter died and he suspects all the dark muthi she was carrying
affected his child during pregnancy.

"Yes, I am awake but don't worry. I will have breakfast at work. Sleep." He
kisses her forehead and leaves her smiling.

There's nothing beautiful he's seeing in her anymore. Such cruelty, why?
Before driving his car to work, Gama calls Jabulile. Did she know everything?
She's also another woman in his life who's been lying to him. Why did she do
this? She's the one who gave Busiswa muthi. Does this mean she's the one who
taught Busiswa witchcraft?

"My love."
Gama curses, "all along you've been lying to me. Why are you with me? Did
you know my wife is a witch?" He doesn't greet but growls on the phone. He
doesn't want to see her because he's afraid if he sees her, he'll strangle her to
death for being such a liar.

Her voice slightly shakes, "can we talk about this in person? Where are you?"
"Tell me the truth!"
"I am sorry but I can't explain things over the phone."
The emotionally damaged Gama throws his phone on the passenger seat and he
hugs the steering wheel. He's been living a lie for so many years. Where's he
supposed to start?

He doesn't act strong but cries out, what a fool he's been. What a fool!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 60

Sbahle is seated on her bed in her pyjamas and she's busy on her work laptop.
Shintsha and her daughter are still watching TV in the living room. She left
them because she couldn't concentrate on work while watching TV with them.
They're a noisy duo when watching TV together.
She needs to finish up her work because she's not working tomorrow. She has a
test to write.

She takes her phone. Why is Mkhwanazi calling her after working hours?
"Mr Mkhwanazi?"
"I didn't think you'd address me like that even after working hours."
Why should she address him otherwise? "You're my boss even after working
hours."
He chuckles, "alright, I guess if you want to put it that way I will accept that."
"Is everything okay?" She wants this call to end before Shintsha walks into the
room. He'll not understand if he can realise that he's calling her so late. She also
doesn't understand.

"I was checking if my schedule is up to date for tomorrow. I don't know if I will
be able to function without you tomorrow. You're like the oil that makes the
engine work smoothly," he says in a soft voice.
Huh? "Yes, I am almost done, Sir. I will email everything once I am done."
"Okay, have sweet dreams, Sbahle."
"Goodnight, Mr Mkhwanazi." She sighs and puts the phone down. She fails to
concentrate after this call. Why is he starting this thing of being unprofessional?
Shintsha walks into the room and closes the door behind him, "she's finally
sleeping but we didn't get to finish the show."
"She'll ask you what happened tomorrow." She's finally done with her work.
Thank God!

He stands before the wardrobe, "why are you still working? Are you not going
to get done?"
"I am finishing up."
"Qeda, ngicela ucansi oluvuthayo namuhla."
She stops typing and looks at him, "couldn't you have asked for sex in a
different manner?"
He puts his clothes on the wardrobe, "what's the different manner?" He walks to
bed naked, with his penis already erect and bouncing up and down as he's
walking.
Sbahle is a bit disturbed, sometimes he doesn't understand this man she got
married to. "I should send an email to my boss first."
"Okay, sengiqhanyelwe vele mina. Angazi ke wena." (I am already horny, I
don't know about you) He goes under the bed covers.

And Sbahle remains defeated. She doesn't comment but sends the email to
Mkhwanazi. She puts the laptop away and takes off her pyjamas. Why would
she not be horny after seeing him modelling for her?

And she easily sits on him, holding his face - she kisses him. She loves how his
hands easily loves her body, making her body heat up in anticipation instantly.
The sensations in her body grow at a slow pace as the kiss deepens. It changes
when he plays with her nipples, she instantly moves her waist, rubbing her
inflamed openings on his erection. Tonight, she thought she'll sleep after
finishing her work but this is better.

"Please, I am ready," she cries for him.

Shintsha makes her lie on her back and he lifts her other leg. "I don't know if
this will work. I was watching porn last night."
Is that necessary to say? "Why were you watching porn without me?"
"I wanted to work on you but you went to bed early. I couldn't wake you." He
slips his body in between her legs, getting easy access to her glorious vagina.
"Oh," Sbahle receives him with a soft moan. She's been throbbing for long and
it's a great pleasure to have him inside her.

Once he's inside, he lies on his side, his head is close to her feet. The two lovers
lock each other's bodies, forming a scissor shape.
Sbahle loves this, maybe he needs to watch porn more and come back to her
with new things. She's moaning softly she gently thrust back onto her man. He's
also thrusting into her with love and patience.

She holds on to his leg and enjoys the drive. While he's been watching porn,
she's also been trying some serious pelvic floor muscles exercises. She bought
Kegel balls to make it more serious. This is her great opportunity to lock him in
and grip him to drive him crazy.

And when his penis thrusts in again, Sbahle closes his penis into her vagina and
she doesn't let go.
And Shintsha growls out loud, his head is spinning for a bit. Her vaginal
contractions are pleasurable, this increased pressure around his manhood,
intensifies sensations in a highly desirable manner. What did she just do? She
quickly lets go and he wants more.
"Ngiphinde!" He begs her to repeat.
And this boosts her confidence. Yes! She did it right. Sbahle repeats but this
time around, her pelvic floor contract too much and she involuntarily fails to
expand it again thus locking him in.

"Let go, sthandwa," he begs as she's no longer letting it go.

And Sbahle is panicking. What's happening? She's trying to relax but her walls
have clamp down his penis. "I can't! Is it painful?"
"No, it's not but I want to continue fucking. What's happening?"
The panic doesn't end, why is this happening? Did she excise too much?
"Aybo, kanti awusezwa mshini manje? I can't move my penis you're holding it
tightly."

She breathes in and out - what should she do? This is so embarrassing. This man
will never want her to do this to him. "What should I do?"
Her question gives him panic. Okay, she doesn't know what to do. Does this
mean he'll be stuck in here forever? Is this Busiswa's witchcraft or its normal?
"You're closer to the phone, Google what to do."

She stops panicking and takes his suggestion. She reads about it and she smiles,
she doesn't have to be embarrassed and call a Doctor. "It says we should relax
and our muscles will relax on its own."
They both keep calm, "ungaphinde nje mama kaLuhluthando wenze lento
yakho." (Never do that thing again.) He says as he's finally free.
She laughs, also relieved that they're free, "why are you pretending like you
didn't like it."

He looks at his penis, checking if it's normal or abnormal.

"What are you checking?" She looks at him.
"Ngibuka ukuthi awulipaqazanga yini ipipi lami." (I am checking if you didn't
make it shrink.)
She laughs her lungs out, "even if it shrinks it'll be shrinking for me only right?"
He chuckles, "yes, yes, you're right."
"I didn't cum. Can we finish it off?"
He looks at her with an eye that doesn't quite trust her, "you'll not do it again?"
She laughs, "No, I won't."

He doesn't trust her but he also didn't get to the finish line. "Let's do the style of
dogs at least because I know you don't move much there." He suggests and
Sbahle gets in position quickly.

The next morning, she's helping him dress up for work. She's prepared
Luhluthando for day care.
"Here are your socks." She gives them to him and takes her phone. Hopefully,
it's not Mkhwanazi calling.

"Hey, sisi, how are you?" She's happy to receive Thembi's call.
"I am fine Sbahle and how are you?"
She sits on the bed, "I am fine, it's good to hear from you again."
"Yes, it's good to reach you. How was Nondumiso's birthday? Was it a
success?"
She smiles, "oh yes, and the gift you bought for her arrived. I took it along with
my gift."
"That's awesome, I am calling to ask about the baby shower for your sister-in-
law."

She huffs, "ey, lowo. Yes, we contributed for the baby shower and had to buy
gifts, lapho I didn't even have enough money. I asked Ntandoni to borrow me
money for the gift."
"Hawu, why did you have to borrow money? Couldn't you have asked your
husband?"
She looks down. How does she avoid the question? "No, I was already with her
in town." She quickly lies.
"Oh, I will send money, please buy the gift on my behalf and buy something
nice for Luhluthando with the change."

Money! "Thank you, sisi." She puts the phone away after the call has ended.
Shintsha looks back at her, "why did you borrow money from your friend?" He
asks.
"Why are you asking? She's my friend."
He stands, "I am your husband, shouldn't you ask for money from me? You go
around making unnecessary debts." He's annoyed by this. It's quite
embarrassing. If she borrows money it'll reflect as if he's failing to take care of
her. He's not!
"Don't make a big deal out of this."

He realises something, "yazi, you've been quiet and asking not even a cent from
me. Why? Is it because you're working now?"
"Yes, I am working."
"But you were asking for money even when you were working."
She heads to the door, "I needed it."
"You needed it. Don't you need it now?"
She walks out of the room and he follows her out, "yes, I don't."
"You don't need it but you're borrowing money from people?"
She ignores him, "Luhluthando!"
She comes out from the bedroom running and she throws her body in her
mother's legs. She lifts her up, "your father will drop you off at day care. I will
come and take you after school, okay?"
"Okay, mama."

Shintsha is angry as he follows them behind. Why is she ignoring him? "I am
talking to you Sbahle."
"Have a good day, you'll be late for work." She leaves him calling for her name.
She doesn't want to ever talk about money with him.

*****
After putting her son to sleep for a nap, Jabulile checks the time. She
remembers the time Thingolwenkosazana is not working and she targets this
time to call her.

Her hands are shaking. Why did Gama see her as someone who taught Busiswa
witchcraft? She didn't think she'll appear in his dream in such a manner and she
thought she'll only appear possibly once.
Why did he see her like that? Thingolwenkosazana didn't warn her about this.
And when she was blowing into the air at night, she never mentioned her name.

"Thokoza, gogo!" Thingolwenkosazana accepts the phone call.

And Jabulile's heart skips a beat, "thokoza, gogo, I hope I am not disturbing
you."
"I am cooking but we can talk."
"I am reporting back about the muthi that you gave me. It's really working on
him."
"That's a good thing, he'll be free and be a normal human being again."
She smiles uncomfortably, "yes, that's true but I am stressed about something."
"What is that?"
"He's also seeing me in his dreams and he's very angry. He called in the
morning and almost killed me through the phone. I asked to speak to him face to
face but he refused, saying he'll strangle me to death if we talk face to face,"

Jabulile doesn't leave anything out. Her voice is shaking, reflecting her
nervousness.
And Thingolwenkosazana asks calmly, "what did you think? You thought I
want to shelter you and remove you from the equation?"
She puts her hand on her chest, the question came unexpected. "Uhm - eh, but
he's seeing me like someone who taught his wife witchcraft and that's not true."
"Okay, that's something you should tell him and not me. That muthi is working
as it should and it left no stone unturned. Tell him the truth, tell him you're truly
the one who gave his wife an idea of killing boy children of that home because
you wanted him to yourself. Don't hide anything." She responds, his response
brings more fear in Jabulile, "didn't you say you want a clean life? A clean life
means the truth. If your love is strong enough, he'll forgive you."

She's angry because she doesn't see her relationship surviving. She's been very
happy and even forgot that she once told Busiswa to end the lives of other
wives' boy children. How cruel! Why was she so cruel?

"I don't want my relationship to end and I wish you had warned me because I
was going to tell him before I use muthi."
"Or I was going to tell you and you were not going to use muthi to save
yourself?"
She wipes her tears, "no, I was going to tell him the truth."
"You still have an opportunity. I believe our call session is over now."
"Thank you," she ends the call and let it all out through her tears. The stress and
pain of possibly having her relationship end. After everything she's endured and
almost dying.

She thought everything is going accordingly because she met with her sister's
mother and she asked for forgiveness. She accepted her forgiveness and agreed
to help her.
And now, there's Gama who's angry at her.
She keeps calm and reads the text message.

>>>"I am going to sleep there tonight.">>>

The text message is from Gama. She holds on tight to the kitchen table and
breathes out. She can't tell him not to come. She has to face him and deal with
this once and for all.
Her past is catching up with her and it's destroying her future.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 61

After work, he drives to Jabulile's house and his son. He couldn't focus at work
thinking about Busiswa and everything she's done to him. He doesn't know
where to start. He strongly feels that his children are not safe with her. What if
she uses another muthi and harms his other children once again?

What happened to that beautiful and loving woman he fell in love with? When
did she become this human being she is?

He gets out of his car without getting the answers to his questions.
And then there's Jabulile! Idlozi limlahlile! Why did he fall in love with
witches? Two witches and they kept quiet, why? Couldn't they have warned him
before all this mess happened?

He doesn't smile as Jabulile welcomes him with a smile. What's there to smile
about? Is she happy? Why is she happy?

"Where's Smangaliso?" Gama asks and takes the single couch in the living
room.
Jabulile sits on the couch closer to him, "he's sleeping. He was restless, so I
gave him a bath and put him to sleep."
"Alright," he keeps quiet and looks at her as she stands, heading to the kitchen.

Where does he start? He's very disappointed and angry at her. He thought she
uses her gifts purely but he thought wrong.

Jabulile puts food on the table, "I prepared food for you. I know you must be
tired. Can you eat before we talk?"
He looks at the food and then her, "how should I trust you? How will I know
you didn't put anything suspicious on that dish?"
"I understand how you feel and your feelings are valid but I have never used
muthi on you. I have never."
"That's a lie!" He growls and kicks the table with his food. "You're proceeding
with your lies, why, huh? Why?"
She's startled by him and jumps back to her couch, "I am not lying and I am
willing to tell you the truth." She holds her face, shaking because of fear.

Busiswa once told her he'd hit her, yes, she understood it was because of muthi
but something in her is scared of his anger.

"What is the truth? You didn't mean to give her muthi?"

She stutters for a few seconds, "Busiswa came to me as a client. I was helping a
client as I normally do. But as I kept consulting with her, I learnt a lot of things
about her. What she is, it's not really her fault," Jabulile explains to Gama why
Busiswa is the way she is. She doesn't make herself look good and hide the truth
about the kind of person Busiswa is and what's driving her to be this - a witch!

"I am sorry, for everything but the things she said about you made me fall in
love with you. It brought envy in me and envy is a deadly disease I know that
because I even went as far as convincing her to go live in the rural areas and
cause the distraction she caused back home, but she had already started, Luthuli.
It's all her grandmother's fault. She's made her a slave. She's not -"

And this explanation doesn't make things any easier for Gama. He's enraged by
this explanation and all he's yearning for - is strangling the witchcraft in her and
the lies but he can't do that. He's not that kind of a person and this is the mother
of his son. "You're busy advocating for Busiswa now and trying to put the
blame on her grandma, huh?" He growls like an enraged lion.

"No, I am telling you the truth and telling you what I did. And why I did what I
did." She holds her mouth as tears fail to end. Is this the end of the road? It can't
be, she loves him. "I love you, I am sorry for everything. I used the muthi the
traditional healer that you took me to gave to me. If I didn't want you to find out
the truth, I wouldn't have used it. I wanted you to see everything for yourself.
Please, believe me and forgive me."

She wanted him to know the truth? He sits down, he's confused. Things no
longer make sense. What's this? This thing happening between him and
Jabulile? Is it love?

"I don't know, I never thought Busiswa -" he looks down and shakes his head in
disbelief. How? "Why? Evil, so much evil?"
"Please, try and talk to her. We still -"
He raises his hand, "I won't hear from you what to do."
"I love you, please don't let this come between us. I know it's unforgivable -"
He shakes his head again, "I can't be with you at the moment. Not after
everything that has happened. I don't want this relationship at the moment. I
have been through a lot, I am traumatised by everything I saw," words get stuck
in his throat as tears fill his eyes. The pain in his heart is deep, there's anger and
confusion in his heart. He doesn't cry before her but he leaves her crying. He
heads to the bedroom to his son.

Where should he start? What should he do? Should he confront Busiswa head
on or? What a predicament!
He locks the bedroom and sits on the bed. He needs to talk to his brothers. It'll
help him.
He's back home, the other witch's home is better than this one. Busiswa is worse
and he doesn't want to be here. But his children are here, he has to ensure that
they're safe.

"How was your trip?" Busiswa asks, putting the plate of food before her
husband.
They're seated on the dining table as a family after a long day. She's happy that
he's back home, it was a lonely night without him.
The bed sheets were cold and she didn't know if he was honest about this trip.
He looks at the food, placed before him and all that he's thinking of, is muthi.
And he loses his appetite completely.

"It was a great trip. We did everything we had planned to do and came back."
He responds and looks at his eldest daughter. He asks her to make a cup of tea
for him.

"No, let me do it," Busiswa offers.

But Gama forces a smile for her, "no, let her do it. I want to have her tea." He
says and her daughter rushes to the kitchen. She's always excited to make tea for
her father.

"Are you not going to eat, mnyeni wami?"

He feeds his third born, "I ate a lot on my way back from our trip. I will have
my food in the morning." He responds, his spirit is broken beyond repairs. And
looking at his beautiful daughters, he sees foolishness in their mother. Didn't she
see how beautiful their children are? What was having a boy going to change?
So, she was going to kill and kill until when? Is it really her granny or she's also
evil without her granny's intervention?

With Busiswa? There's no reconciliation he wants to have with her. She's the
reason his daughter died and his brothers' children died. It should be blood for
blood.
It doesn't matter that she's the mother of his children. It doesn't matter!

After dinner, Gama avoids going to bed early by staying before the TV with his
daughters, watching their favourite show.
He doesn't even answer her texts, telling him to come to bed and leave the
children alone with their show. He pretends not to have seen the text message.
And stays.
Did he eat her breakfast? No, he took it as his lunch box and left for work
without eating. She woke up after him that gave him an opportunity to lie and
tell her he's eaten her food, the food he didn't eat but thrown away.

The first thing he does when he reaches his desk is call his brothers. Once Gcina
has accepted the call, Shintsha joins.

"What's happening? Are we planning a party?" Gcina asks his brothers.

They laugh, "You’re always thinking about alcohol and parties. That's why you
also married a party animal." Shintsha comments and they crack up.
"Is your wife not a party animal?" Gcina asks.
Shintsha chuckles, "not my Sbahle. She parties with order."
Gama clears his throat, "I wonder what can happen if your mother finds out that
you're married to party animals."

Shintsha and Gcina gang up on Gama, throwing shades at him about Jabulile
and Busiswa. "Ey, fusegani, yazi, I am married to a witch and you're not saying
anything."
And the atmosphere changes quickly. "How did you find out? We've been
trying to communicate this with you. Are you sober of her muthi now since you
know she's a witch?" Gcina asks.

So many years in a relationship with her and married to her! "Yes, I am. I know
everything now…" He narrates everything that happened, what led him to
knowing the truth. But he doesn't tell them Jabulile is the reason they lost
pregnancies. He doesn't know what tomorrow holds and this is a critical truth.
It's something he's willing to hide because she shows remorse. She was foolish
and envious.

"I am happy that you finally know the truth, bafo. You deserve this truth."
Shintsha breathes, he's deeply relieved.
And Gcina adds, "Yes, it's been very difficult and there was a time where we
considered leaving but we couldn't leave you behind with her and our mother.
This moment is like a dream come true for us."

Their words bring more pain in his heart. This affected the entire family, "I want
her dead. I don't want to talk, I don't want anything."
And there's silence after he's coldly aired his wishes.

Shintsha is the first to say, "no, don't do that. If you kill, you'll be like her."
He's frustrated by Shintsha's response and he slightly raises his voice, "what
should I do, Shintsha? What should I do?"
"Take the matter to your ancestors. I suggest you speak to MaGwala about it
and let things happen to her as they should. Don't take revenge into your own
hands, you might lose yourself in the process. Right now, work on moving on
from this and watch everything unfold before your eyes."

Gcina supports, "he's right, bhuti. Be patient and don't kill her. It'll not give you
any peace."

He digests their advice and he accepts by planning on going home. That's the
best choice. He's a father to six children and he doesn't need to do something
stupid!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 62

She's rocking mustard ruched bust cameo top and belted matching skirt. She's
on her feet dancing to the music at the Backstage lounge in Richard’s Bay. It's
month-end and she's out partying with her friend Ntandoni.

Here, she doesn't feel like a respective wife and a mother but she feels young
and sexy. They're popping bottles and drinking their youth away. Who's the
sponsor? Mkhwanazi is sponsoring their party fun.

Sbahle couldn't say no to free booze and having fun with her friend.
She sits back down as they're served with meat. She's quite drunk now and what
she needs is her man next to her.

"How's working for bae?" Ntandoni asks, screaming above the noise.
She shrugs, "it's formal but easy," she responds. Formal? No! It's not even close
to being formal because he has grown a habit of being unprofessional. But easy?
Yes, it's very easy and manageable.
"He always praises your work ethic, you should keep up the good work."
She laughs, "tell him to give me a raise if he's happy about my work ethic," she
jokes and they both laugh.

They crazily stand up when their favourite song plays on, they dance to the song
like it's their last day on earth.
Sbahle sits down as Ntandoni goes out to answer her boyfriend's phone.
Men! They're annoying. Why is he calling her now? Even Shintsha hasn't called
since they arrived because he knows she's having fun.

"Friend, Mkhwanazi is outside, I will go to him and come back." She takes her
handbag and Sbahle holds the bag.
"No, leave the bag and your phone. I don't trust you and this boyfriend of yours.
You might not come back."
She laughs, "I won't do that but its fine, keep the bag and my phone." She
rushes out of the building.
Now, she's bored, it's been over two hours and this woman is not back. Where
did they go? She doesn't understand.
She's annoyed by these men passing by, sitting with her and leaving when she
chases them away.

At least the bill has been settled, she's not left with the biggest problem.
She's thinking of calling Shintsha to come and take her home because he's at
work. It'll be easier. But she's scared, he didn't want her to go out with
Ntandoni.

She walks out of the building with takeaways and the alcohol they hadn't
touched. She's angry and swears that she'll never go out with Ntandoni again.

"Where's my friend?" Sbahle asks Mkhwanazi on her way out of the lounge.
They're bumping into each other.
He smiles, "she fell asleep and sent me to come back, drive you home."
Pissed off, Sbahle walks forward. How could Ntandoni do this? She's supposed
to be driven home by this man? No, what will the neighbours think if his car
brings her home at night? Without Ntandoni inside.

"No, my husband will come." She walks fast, moving further away from him
but he follows her quickly.
He knows she's married but he can't help himself. What happened? He saw
Ntandoni first, liked her for her spirit and energy but he's not really in love with
her. He likes her and likes her company. He likes the peace and understanding
in their relationship. She's not a nagging partner, she's simple, pamper her and
she'll be a good girl and bring no drama in your life.
They have an open relationship but with a rule that friends and family are
exclusive.

And then he saw Sbahle, he can't explain what happened in his chest and body
when he first saw her.

"KaMazibuko look, I know you know I have something that I feel for you -"
She laughs, they're standing at the parking lot of the lounge. She's standing
steady but she's drunk. Her mouth runs when she's drunk, "feel for me? You're
my friend's boyfriend and I am married. You shouldn't feel anything for me."
"Don't deny that you saw or felt this. I was taken by you from the very first day
I saw you." He grabs her free hand, "I can love you and take care of you -"
She slightly pushes his hard chest back. "No Maxwell Mkhwanazi! You're my
boss and please, don't ruin this for us. For our work ethic." She begs him. "Take
her bags and the booze we didn't drink, go and tell her my husband came by."

He looks down in shame, he knew it'll not be easy and he actually didn't want to
come out with his feelings because it's not right, she's Ntandoni's friend and she
has a family but he couldn't hold himself anymore. "I am sorry but I hope one
day you'll be mine."
She puts everything down, "don't hope and if you ever bring this up again, I will
tell my friend, I am warning you!" She walks away with her handbag. Where
did he get so much courage? Is he crazy?

She stands at the corner of the parking lot and calls Shintsha. She doesn't have
another option. He's her only hope.

"Are you not supposed to be having fun?"

She closes her eyes as she can tell he's still angry. And after what happened, his
spirit was probably telling him something.
"I miss you and I need to go home now."
He chuckles, "didn't your friend organise transport for you Sbahle?"
"She did but I am tired now. She still wants to party. Can you come?" She
doesn't want to give him the satisfaction by telling him that Ntandoni left her
stranded again and sent her boyfriend later.

He double clicks his tongue on the line. "I am coming. Uyangihlupha! I am

working here and you're putting my work on the line by requesting this."
"I am sorry baba wezingane zami." She says, trying to soften his heart but he
still clicks his tongue in anger.

And she waits for him. Ah! He's still here.

Mkhwanazi stands before Sbahle, "is your husband coming? I will leave once I
know you'll be safe."
"Yes, he's coming." She responds.
He nods, "okay, I will go." He leaves but there's deep jealousy and envy in him.

This man is lucky to have a loyal woman. That's something he wishes to have
one day but he's been hurt and disappointed a lot, that's why he prefers open
relationships.
Sbahle waits and waits until the man comes by. She's never been so happy to
see him.

"I thought you were going to get out of the car. I wanted to kiss and hug you."
She kisses his cheek after sitting comfortably on the seat.
He drives out of the parking lot, "you're disturbing my work. I told you to stay
at home and sleep."
"Luhluthando is not home. I am supposed to be alone?" She asks.
He glances at her, "why are you pretending like it would have been the first
time?"
She keeps quiet and sulks. When's he buying a car so she can drive when he's
working? He can also be annoying.
"You're drunk, you said you'll have two glasses."
She looks at the road and ignores him. He likes it better when she goes out with
her sister Nondumiso. She can come back drunk and not be able to walk, he'll
have no problem but whenever she's with Ntandoni, everything is a problem for
him.

She wakes up in his arms, he's walking with her in his arms.
Are they home? Is it still the same night where Ntandoni left her stranded?

"I feel safe in your arms," she says drowsy, the alcohol is still strong in her
system.
He looks at her beautiful doll face. Is she trying to seduce him? He looks
forward, he can't be tempted - he's working.
Yes, he's not working alone but he's an ethical person. Sbahle will not distract
him.

"I wish you can stay, my Luthuli!"

He looks at her again, "that'll not happen." He points at the door of their
bedroom, "open the door there."
She opens the door and when he puts her in bed, she holds him, pulling him
down.
"Sbahle, don't start!"
She smiles, a seductive smile, "don't go lover. I am begging you."
"I don't have time for this."
She quickly stands on her feet on the bed as he gets up from her. "Baby!" She
jumps on him before he can turn.
And Shintsha quickly holds her, "don't act childish! Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"Please sleep with me." She holds his face trying to kiss him but he pushes his
head back. "What's wrong?"
"Uzongibhebha ngenkani yini kanti?" (Are you going to sleep with me by
force?) He raises his voice and fights to put her down.
"No, kancane." She feels like crying, her blood is hot from the wine she's been
taking and what he's doing is not okay. Why can't he give her some quickie and
leave?

Shintsha doesn't give in, "you need to sleep. I am going back to work," when
he's finally achieved putting her in bed. Shintsha runs to the door and closes the
door.
He leaves Sbahle upset and with great unattended desires. What a
disappointment!

She fails to sleep. It's painful what he's done to her. She cries herself to sleep.
She wakes up with a pounding headache, woken up by a ringing phone.
Next to her, Shintsha is soundly sleeping. When did he come back?
She takes the phone. It's 7am - why is her mother-in-law calling so early?

"Mama, sanibonani, how are you?" She greets and holds her mouth, trying hard
not to yawn. She'll have a problem with her sleeping around 7am...

And MaGwala takes her in high spirits, "I am not okay and that's the reason I
am calling."
"What's wrong, mama?"
"It's been two months and I haven't seen my son home, why?" She shouts.

And why is she asking this question to her? Shouldn't she be calling her son?
She doesn't want to talk to her because she has a hangover, she'll be rude and
forget she was ever rude the next day. "Mama, work is keeping him occupied."
"Occupied? He's occupied and can't come home. Is that what you're trying to
say?"
'Why is she screaming?' She whispers and removes her phone from the ear.
"Are you talking? KaMazibuko, are you still sleeping, huh? Has the child eaten?
You're not even bringing Luhluthando home. Has my son been given
breakfast?"

She holds her mouth again, "she's not here but she went to visit her sister in
Amanda's house. I am tired."
"You're tired! What's wrong with you? Usuyadakwa yini?" (Do you drink
alcohol now?) MaGwala asks, confused by Sbahle's responses, even her voice is
a bit hoarse.
Sbahle doesn't answer but she ends the call before she says something wrong.
She shakes Shintsha. He needs to face his mother. She's tired of answering these
questions.
When he doesn't wake up, she decides to fall back asleep next to him.
Four hours later, she's woken by her phone ringing again. It's Gcina.

"Bhuti?" She answers, yawning.

Shintsha turns on the bed, changing position.
"Mama is in my house. We're coming there now. She wants to talk to bhuti
Shintsha. Is he home?" He asks.
What? She checks the time, it's after 12!
"Uhm, yes, he's here but sleeping. He's very tired," she says, thinking maybe
they'll choose not to come because he's tired.
But he says, "Cool, wake him, we'll be there in thirty minutes I think."

She tries to think - where should she start? Her head is still heavy but she rushes
to the door, the house is not even clean. Why is MaGwala coming here? Why
didn't she summon her son at home?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 63

She's not sure if it's right or wrong but she doesn't have any other option - the
meat that was left over last night at the lounge, it has to be the meat she'll give
to her mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Mkhwanazi only took booze and didn't
take the takeaway of meat. Shintsha also didn't eat the meat but brought it inside
the kitchen.

"Ayi, bazodla yona, angazi bayaphi lana." (They'll eat this meat. I don't know
why they're coming here.) She says putting it back inside the fridge. She'll have
to warm it up once they've arrived.

She was busy touching that and leaving it, starting another chore until she
decided to actually start by cleaning the living room and moping the floor. And
she moved to the kitchen, before taking a bath.

"Wake up, your mother is coming." She removes the blankets from his body as
he doesn't wake up even after shaking him.
He sits up, "what does she want?"
"I don't know, get up and take a bath. I have prepared water for you. I don't
want her to arrive here and shout." She dresses up in a long dress and puts on
her doek.

She makes the bed quickly as he gets up from it and she sweeps the floor,
there's still dishes she needs to wash.

It's been over thirty minutes and she's grateful that thirty minutes became an
hour. The old woman would have fielded on her.

"Are you going to eat when your brother and mother arrive or you'll eat now?"
She asks as Shintsha walks into the kitchen from the bathroom that's outside.
"The car is driving through." He heads to the bedroom, leaving Sbahle packing
the dishes she'd finished washing.

"Skhulekile ekhaya!" MaGwala greets from the living room and Sbahle is
excited as she hears the sound of her daughter's voice.
"Mama!"

She turns and gives her attention. She's happy to have her back home. It was
also nice to get a break from her noise.
After fifteen minutes, Sbahle serves them the meat and krummel pap. And a
cold drink. She got busy and even ignored her hangover.

"I thought I should be the one coming here because you no longer want to come
home Shintsha and your wife is happy about that." She says and glances at
Sbahle who's seated opposite her with Luhluthando on the couch.

Shintsha takes the glass of cold drink, "it's not like I don't send money at home."
"Money? Is your presence at home compared to the money you're sending at
home, huh?"
He doesn't appreciate being ambushed like this. "I am occupied by work
mama."
"That's an excuse that you both came up with. I am not taking that."

Gcina intervenes, "mama, kanti, why can't you ask him properly? Ask if there's
something that made him stop coming home."
She looks at Gcina, "something like what?"
"Something that didn't treat him well."

She points at Shintsha but looking at Gcina, "ever since I reprimanded your
brother about giving Gama that plate of food, he changed completely. Was I not
supposed to reprimand him as a parent?" She asks.
"But you reprimand someone who's done something wrong." Gcina argues.
And she slaps her thigh, "did he do something right by swapping plates instead
of throwing that food away?"
"He didn't think -"
"That's nonsense." She looks at Shintsha, "is that what you want? I should clap
hands because you did something wrong?"
"I didn't say that. I am here and not bothering anyone but that's a problem."
Shintsha responds to his mother, "I am not even home where I don't even feel
safe. I don't have to be given any food I don't trust when I am here. Did you
blame the witch for this?"

She looks at Shintsha in disbelief. What's wrong with this boy? "This is not
about MaButhelezi. It's about you not coming home because you don't want to
see that you were wrong for swapping plates."
"I have been telling you over and over mama that I was confused and didn't
know what other action to take." Shintsha says. "Busiswa is messing with us in
that family and you don't confront her but you put the blame on us. You didn't
even care to ask me about how I feel after I was targeted to die. Gama wasn't
going to die, even the traditional healer said that but I was going to die if I ate
that food but did that frighten you? No it didn't. You only cared about the plate
given to your eldest son, meaning even if I had it you wouldn't have cared as
long as Gama didn't have it."

His words hurt her, "how could you speak like that? You are my son. How can
you say I wouldn't have cared if you died?" She asks and Shintsha doesn't
answer the question.

Sbahle doesn't like this prolonged fight, "mama, I think he's speaking from a
point of hurt. Honestly, the only person to blame here is Busiswa. Bhuti Gama
is safe now but you're still trying to fight for him thus further disregarding your
other son's feelings. I don't think that's right at all."

Shintsha stands and walks out angry after his wife's words. His mother will
probably not realise how much she hurt him and that's okay.

MaGwala looks at Sbahle after he's gone out, "please call him back. We're not
done."

She follows Shintsha out.

She stands behind him as he's standing before the tap outside.

"Please, come back inside and finish this conversation. It's not right to hold on
to anger for her for such a long time." Sbahle says.
He doesn't look back at her, "it's not like she recognises that she hurt my
feelings."
"Give her a chance to recognise that because you've told her how you feel. She's
your mother and I know you love her."

With a sigh, he heads back to the house with her. He's going back because he
respects his wife and her word - she always means good.

MaGwala looks at her son as he sits, "my words did not find a good place in
you and for that mistake, I am sorry. I don't have a child that I care less about. I
love all of you equally and I am pleading that if ever something like this
happens, take that food and throw it away. Don't eat something you strongly
feel you shouldn't eat."
"It's okay, it's all behind us. Thank you for coming and I am also sorry for
hurting your feelings." Shintsha says, it's probably the first time his mother is
apologising to him. She always has excuses and gets away with hurting them
because she's their mother.
Today, he saw a different side of her.
It's a holiday - Women's day long weekend and they all decided to come home
and be with their mother. Gama came home because he wants to talk about
Busiswa with his mother. He hasn't told her the truth.

After 10pm, their wives have gone to bed and their children. They're in the
living room with their mother as Gama requested.

"What's wrong?" She asks, her children are all gathered in one place even their
sister is home with her son.

Gama starts the conversation, "mama, I wanted to tell you that I know the truth
now…" He narrates everything to his mother as he saw it in his dreams. He also
tells her that Jabulile is her friend who knew about her witchcraft but he doesn't
mention the truth about her lost grandchildren.

MaGwala doesn't say anything but she drops her head, in tears, she prays to
God. Her son is finally free. Is she dreaming? It must be a dream. After so many
years of being a slave for Busiswa he's free! And who should she give thanks
to? God!
"Amen!" The Luthuli siblings chant as their mother finishes praying.

She keeps calm and wipes her tears. "Okay, her mother and I met. We spoke
about helping her."
"Helping her!" They all chant in shock.
Gama moves to the edge of the couch, "how are you going to help her? I don't
want anyone to help her."
"Gamelihle, this is not her fault. It's all her grandmother's doing."
"Okay, does that mean you should help her? Does she even need help?" Gama
asks, he's confused. Has his mother forgotten what Busiswa did?

MaGwala tries to explain to her children their plan of helping Busiswa and all
her children are not in support. They want her to be punished. Why should she
get help and be forgiven after everything she's done?

"Are you helping her so she can continue being my wife? I don't want her in my
life again. Not after everything she's done to me. No, I don't!"
MaGwala tries to calm her angry son but she fails, "she's still the mother of your
children!"
Gama stands up, "no, I am going to tell my ancestors to do what needs to be
done about this. She's disrespected them a lot!" He walks out and MaGwala
tries to tell her other children to talk to their brother but they refuse.

She's quite scared, what's going to happen to her friend's daughter?

ISBOPHO!
Chapter 64

She overheard Amanda telling MaGwala that she applied for a promotion at
work. And this promotion pays big, so she asked her to pray for her so she can
get the promotion.
And that brought jealousy in Busiswa's heart.

It's midnight, she walks out of her husband's house naked. There'll be no
promotion that Amanda is going to get while she's still alive.
She has everything ready to make sure that she destroys her and ends that little
job she has. Why are these wives climbing the ladder and making themselves
better while she's a housewife?

She doesn't need much but stands by the window of her bedroom.
And while she's busy trying to set up so she can do her job, two drunk men
walking on the road spot this naked woman in the Luthuli yard. And in their
minds, there's a witch attacking the Luthuli family.

"Let's get branch sticks," one man suggests and truly they get branch sticks from
the nearby tree.
And they climb the gate to get into the yard as the gates are locked. As drunk as
they are, they're able to walk slowly without alarming her. When they reach her
while she's busy mixing, they don't ask anything but whip her.

"Sizani, nangu umthakathi!" (Help, here's a witch!)

Busiswa screams on top of her lungs as she's being attacked. The wet sticks are
doing as they please on her skin, making her lose her marbles. "What are you
doing?" Busiswa screams and when she tries to run away, one man holds her
hand, trapping her.
Gcina and Amanda fly out of the house as they're woken up from their sleep.

"Get a blanket!" Gcina quickly instructs his wife and Amanda rushes inside. It's
a shocking scene but he doesn't stop them.
The whole yard wakes up and Gama comes out of the house with a sjambok.
"Let her be!" He commands.
And Busiswa is relieved thinking she's being saved but Gama carries on where
they left off.

"What are you doing in my father's yard, naked?" He asks and whips her.
MaGwala is holding her mouth, shocked, "you'll kill her, stop it!"
"Kill the witch!" A few people outside the fence scream, they don't care about
the darkness but they left their homes when they heard screams. They wanted to
see this witch. Others thought its MaGwala.

Shintsha can see she's losing energy and she's bleeding now, he jumps in and
stops his brother. "Stop it!" He holds him back.
Amanda covers Busiswa who's fallen on the floor. She no longer has energy to
cry or scream. Her body is numb.

"Doesn't she have enough? Our children are dead because of her!" Gama cries.
MaGwala instructs, "Take her to the hospital. She'll die if she doesn't get to the
hospital. Gcina!"

Gcina doesn't refuse but takes his car keys. What was she doing before their
house?

***She's seated outside her marital home in sorrow, she's crying her eyes out.
Gama has kicked her out and wants nothing to do with her. How did this
happen? How did he find out? Busiswa doesn't understand.

"You'll sit here moping until when, huh?"

She looks up at the shouting voice. It's her maternal grandmother. "Gogo?"
"Get up and dust yourself. You need to leave the job with your eldest daughter."
Busiswa looks at her in shock. "My what?" She screams. Is the old woman
crazy? How could she make such a suggestion?

"Yes, your daughter so that the job can carry on. You can't let them win!" She
angrily shouts at her granddaughter.
And with tears, Busiswa shakes her head, "I can't let that happen. Not with my
child."
"Uma unqaba uzofa uphuma izimpethu uphila. Uzonuka unyanywe abantu!" (If
you refuse, you'll die and have maggots coming out of your body. You'll have a
bad body stench and people will run away from you) the granny threatens.
And Busiswa shakes in fear. Can't there be life without Gama? Or if she takes
what she has and moves on? Why should she suffer?

"No, I can't be selfish and burden my child with this. If I die I should die with it.
Not my child. I want my children to have the best life compared to mine."
And the enraged granny slaps Busiswa across her face. "Are you foolish?"
"Yes, call me foolish but not with my children. I'll never do that!"
She screams in fear as the weather suddenly changes, lightning and thunder
scares her off. And when she opens her eyes, her granny is gone. ***
Busiswa wakes up in the hospital and her painful body shakes. It can't happen, if
she dies, she dies but she'll not burden her child.

Gama didn't even want to take her to a private facility with his money but his
mother forced him to do that. In respect of his mother, he agreed to take her to
the private hospital.

MaGwala and MaZuma follow each other into the hospital. Gama is outside,
waiting for them. He's here against his will, he couldn't refuse when his mother
asked him to drive them to the hospital.

"I am only glad Gama has found out the truth and he's free from all this
nonsense." MaZuma says, with Busiswa she's expecting anything. The life she's
living is not an easy life. People hate her.
It's the talk of the village that she was caught naked in the yard, using muthi.
Everyone can't close their mouths. It's unbelievable.

MaGwala comments, "Yes, I am thankful for that. It's better now he's free."
MaZuma opens her daughter's room and they find her seated on her butts
looking at her skin. She looks sad and lifeless.

"How are you, MaButhelezi?" MaZuma asks her daughter and they look at each
other with MaZuma, there's a foul smell hanging around the room.
"I am breathing mama. How are you?"

MaZuma sits on the chair, "I am worried about you. What are these things
you're doing?"
She sadly looks at her mother, "mama, can you talk to my husband on my
behalf? Please tell him to come. I want to talk to him."
"I think you need to get better for now, MaButhelezi. You need help. All these
evil things you're doing, you need help."
She shakes her head, "leave everything as is. Don't make her mad." She says
with tears streaming down her cheeks.

The parents look at each other, "don't make who mad?" MaGwala asks.
She pulls the blankets to her face, crying, "No, don't make her mad. I want to
protect my daughter." She wails as if someone died.
They call the nurses and they rush into the room as Busiswa is crying
hysterically.
They hold her down and sedate her.
MaGwala asks, "Is she going crazy?"
The nurse sighs, "I don't know what's going on with her but the Doctors have
done a psychological evaluation. We're waiting for the results."
"What's that? Psychological evaluation?"
The nurse explains it to the old woman and she leaves once Busiswa is calm and
sleeping.
The two mothers leave disappointed and with no hope for the future. Is she
going crazy?

At night, Busiswa sits on her butts in the hospital bed. She takes her phone and
calls Gama once again. She doesn't understand why he's not answering his
phone.
What happened?

"What do you want?" Gama answers the phone in a cold tone. "Are you trying
to feed me more muthi so I can be crazy and not even think straight?"
She holds her chest. It's clear that he knows the truth, she saw this when he
joined in on hitting her instead of defending her.

"I am sorry." She says, there's no other option now. "For everything, can you
come to the hospital so that we can talk?"
"I have nothing that I want to say to you."
"We have a lot to talk about. Can you also ask Sbahle and Amanda to come
by?"

Gama doesn't say anything but he ends the call. Busiswa looks at the phone and
she closes her eyes. Her heart is deeply torn and she's scared - she's scared for
her child.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 65

It's sad because the children don't understand what's happening with their
mother. She's in the hospital and they are sad.

Sbahle is on the stove cooking a Sunday meal, her friend Ntandoni is coming by
to visit. Shintsha will not be staying but he's going to the pub.

"I think I support mama's suggestion. They must find help for her, for the sake
of the children." Sbahle comments after closing her pot and she sits on the
square kitchen table that has six chairs.

When she got paid month-end, she bought the Vancouver kitchen table and
chairs for her kitchen. They're white and brown in colour, adding a little beauty
to her less furnished kitchen.

Shintsha puts the tea cup down, "I don't know why women are so weak. After
everything she's done, you want to give her another chance?"
"She deserves another chance love. I know it's not easy but she's a mother. I
heard there's something called ukulahlwa kwedlozi elibi. (Getting rid of a bad
ancestor) I think that should be done for her."

And Shintsha doesn't understand, "no, she should divorce my brother and go
back to her mother."
"Really? You think she'll not be a problem again if she doesn't find help?"
He stands up, "I don't know and I don't care at the moment. I am just glad my
brother is free."
"Okay wait," she follows him out of the house as he's already leaving.
Luhluthando is watching TV and can't see her father leaving. It's better, she'll
not see him and cry.

She walks him out of the premises. It's a walkable distance from their house to
the pub, he doesn't need to catch a taxi.

"You sent money to my account yesterday. What is it for because you've given
me money for groceries?" She asks.

Conversations about money don't end well in this relationship. He suspects

she'll bring it back if he tells her. He doesn't know if she has some pride because
she's working now as she no longer asks for any money from him. And he's
stopped trying to seek understanding because she doesn't want to tell him what's
going on.
"It's yours."
They walk out of the gates, "why did you give me money?" She asks.
He looks at her in surprise, "do I need a reason to give you money?"
"It's just that you've never given me money for no reason. There's always a
reason."
"Okay, I am giving it to you for no reason so that you'll stop going around
making debts."
She laughs, "I knew there was a reason. Thank you." She tries to kiss his cheek
and he steps back making her miss, she laughs, "What’s wrong now?"
"Here's your friend coming. Does she have a car now?"
"Okay, I love you." She stops walking and doesn't tell him that she's driving her
boyfriend's car.
"I love you too." He raises his hand as Ntandoni hoots for him.
Sbahle gets in the car and greets.

She asks, "Who did you leave with the baby since you two are busy jollying on
the streets?"
"She's busy watching cartoons."

Sbahle loves it when they visit each other like this even though Ntandoni
doesn't like coming to her house when her husband is around.

They don't disturb Luhluthando with her cartoons but they sit in the kitchen
with food and wine. "How's everything with school?" Ntandoni starts the
conversation.
She smiles, "I can't wait for the year-end exams so I can get a break. It's tough."
"How many years do you still have left?"
"I have four more years left," she responds with an uncomfortable grin and they
laugh.
"Why did you choose this career?" Ntandoni asks.
And Sbahle sips on her wine, "I love science. That's my answer. How's work?"
Her face changes, "I am no longer working."
She holds her mouth, "Ntando, why?"

She huffs, she has some shame telling her this because when she told her the
name of the college that has accepted her to study, Sbahle told her to call
UMalusi and verify with them if the college is legit.

"So, it turned out that the College is not legit making my qualifications fake."
Confused, Sbahle frowns, "how? Didn't you call and checked if the college is
legit?"
"I kept calling and they didn't answer, so I gave up and proceeded studying."
She slaps the table, "why? Why did you do something so foolish?"
"I wanted to study. Universities were not accepting me." She starts crying, it's
painful what has happened in her life.

Sbahle gets up from her seat and sits closer to her friend, "I am really sorry my
friend but you do have money saved up, right? You can start afresh and study."
"Yes, but it'll not help me cover the whole three/four years of study."
"You have Mkhwanazi. Have you told him?"

She opens her bag and takes out the tissues, she wipes her face. "No, he'll be
angry because he also told me the same thing you told me. And I wasn't
patient."
"I understand but tell him, he'll help you."

She knows she doesn't have an option because her mother's money went to her
studies, the studies of the fake qualification. Why are people so cruel? To scam
people's money like this?

She stands up, "why don't we get up and go to the mall for ice cream. I will pay,
you're driving your bae's car we won't have to take taxis."

And this suggestion gives Ntandoni some excitement. "Yes, let's take my girl
and go. I will dress her up."
"You need to have your own child now because you love babies."
"I love baby girls, please correct yourself." She says and they laugh.

The two friends go out, along with their daughter, Luhluthando.

They have fun together, Luhluthando feels like the princess between the two
ladies.

After the fun, doing window shopping and buying a few items, the girls go out
for burgers. They're talking nonstop, accommodating Luhluthando.

She takes her husband's call, "babe, is everything good?"

"Where are you with my daughter? I am back home."
"Back home, what time is it kanti?"
"I missed you and I came back because there's not much to be done at the pub."
She smiles - he missed her? "Uhm, we're at the mall with Luhluthando and
Ntandoni. We're having burgers. Should I bring one for you?" She asks.
"Yes, but I will come and get you. Notify me once you're done. I am working
tonight, Sihle sent the car to me."
She holds her forehead, "ay okay, I will tell you but I thought tonight you're
free."
"I know, I will overlook things and come back early." Shintsha promises.
And Sbahle takes his promise as true but she's not happy. She thought they'll be
together tonight but no!

*****
It's another day in the hospital and she feels like she's going crazy. Why is
everything happening like this? Is she going to die crazy?

"Who's that? Who's there?" Busiswa screams and gets off the hospital bed.
She's been in the hospital for five days and not even once had Gama come to the
hospital to see him. He didn't even bring his children over the hospital. She's
been begging them to bring the children but MaGwala told her she's not at right
state to see them.

Her state? She has a cut on the leg that she got when she was shaving, hoping
she's leaving the hospital and going to see her family. The cut has suddenly
become big and this morning, she saw maggots coming out of the cut. She
strongly felt like her days are numbered. Life is getting dark and darker.
She stands on her feet and searches for the voice, there's a voice of a child
crying.

"Is someone there? Baby? Yes, come to mama. I want to hold you in my arms
again."
And suddenly, she screams standing by the door with only her panties on her
body.
When the door is opened, Busiswa pushes the nurse out of her and she runs off
as naked as she is. The hospital staff runs after her.
"Stop!" They try to stop her.
But Busiswa is going crazy because of the voices of the baby ringing in her
mind.
"I am sorry!" She screams, her breasts swinging from side to side as she's
running.

The patients and people in the hospital are shocked. What's happening in this
hospital? Is it a mental institution?

What Busiswa sees, is her granny standing by the door, showing her to run out,
leave the hospital. And she runs to the door.
She has to leave this hospital and see her children. They must be wondering
where their mother is. Why are they not seeing her? What's happening with their
mother where she is? She doesn't want them to have these questions with lies as
their answer.
In her mind, she's going to the door but in reality that's not the door. It's the
hospital slightly opened large window.
Everyone shuts their eyes and holds their heads as Busiswa blindly throws her
body.

And a few minutes later, there's a sound of screams and crashing on the ground,
accompanied by cars hooting…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 66

"We should go and tell her mother she's no more. This means you're no longer
going back to Gauteng." MaGwala says to Gama.

They're both seated in the living room with granny. MaGwala has told her son
that Busiswa has died. She went to the hospital, driven by Gcina and she was
told that she's no more. They narrated what happened and showed them the
report written.

When she jumped off the window, she was on the fourth floor and she didn't
survive. They found her already dead on the ground.

Being told these news brought pain into MaGwala's heart. She cried, crying for
the lost life and crying for her grandchildren who'd lost their mother. One thing
she was sure about, about Busiswa, she loved her children and was a great
mother to them. That's probably one thing she did right when she was alive,
being a mother.

"Okay," Gama says.

MaGwala looks at her mother and she shrugs. Why doesn't he look sad? It's like
he doesn't care or is not touched by how brutally Busiswa died.

MaGwala asks, "Why does it seem like you don't even care about her death?"
"Why should I care? After everything she did to me and my child that's dead,
my entire family, why should I care?" Gama asks in a cold tone.
Granny comments, "She was the mother of your children."
"It's not like they'll lack something because she's dead. They'll still live the best
life."

MaGwala claps once, what a cold heart. "How can you say that? They'll lack
their mother's love and there's nobody who can replace that in their lives."
"Okay, can we go?" He stands. He doesn't want to receive any lectures when it
comes to Busiswa. What she did erased every good thing he thought they had.
He's not sad and he's not sad even when he thinks of the honest memories they
had as teens.

She looks up at her son, "stay, I will go alone. I don't need you to go with me."
"Is that what you want mama?"
"Yes, in fact you can go back to Gauteng and go to that other witch you have a
child with. I don't know where your heart went. You don't even care about your
kids losing a mother!" She screams at Gama and she looks at him as he leaves
the room without a word.
She clicks her tongue and walks out of the house angry.

She stops by the gate as Gama is opening the car for his children. MaGwala
rushes to the car, "what do you think you're doing?"
"Mama, you said I should go."
"Leave those children behind. You know what happened to their mother and
they should be there on her send-off. They'll also need a cleansing." She
commands and without fighting, Gama tells his children they'll stay.
He leaves them sad and drives out of the premises.

She smiles at the children, "go in the house and stay with granny. I am coming
back."
The eldest holds her sisters and they head to the house to be with their great-
grandmother.

All hope is gone. The two mothers had hope, great hope that Busiswa would get
a second chance and live a normal life like everyone else. They'd found a
traditional healer who was going to do the whole ritual. But what ritual will be
done with Busiswa dead?

Shintsha walks into the living room of his brother's house. The furniture has
been moved, MaGwala and MaZuma are seated on the mattress along with
granny.
The mourners keep coming in and out of the home to mourn with the family.
The community is less scared, the witch has died, minus one problem in the
community!

"Mama, can I talk to you?" Shintsha asks.

MaGwala stands up and leaves the two ladies in the room.
"What's wrong?"
"Mama, why is bhuti not here? It's Thursday today and he's not home. We're all
travelling from home to work but the person who should be here is not. People
are talking," Shintsha asks. He's been meaning to ask her because his brother's
phone is on voicemail.
With a huff, MaGwala says, "I told him to leave because he didn't even care
about what happened to Busiswa. He didn't even care that his daughters lost
their mother."
"But mama, how do you expect him to care?"

She widens her eyes, "really? The children are innocent and they don't know
their mother as evil. Your selfish brother can't even sympathise with his
children, be here like a father and explain things to them, comfort them. He
chose anger and left."
He understands her point of view, it's really not good what he's done. He should
be here with the children and hug them as they're told about their mother. The
first two understand death now and they cried a lot when they were told about
their mother.

And now, they can't even reach him on the phone so the children can at least
talk to him. His eldest daughter is angry.

"The traditional healer said he'll come tomorrow when her body arrives and the
ritual to get rid of the evil, appease and cleanse will happen when her body
arrives."
MaGwala nods, "thank you for being here, my son along with your wife. For
putting all the differences aside and coming home during this time. I appreciate
it."
He nods, "it's my wife who forced me to come. She was actually thinking of the
children and I am glad I listened." He informs her.
"We're all grateful." She goes back inside the house and Shintsha heads back to
his brother and cousins. They have to slaughter the cow early, so it'll be good to
cook for the funeral.

Amanda and Sbahle are seated in Gcina's living room with their children and
Busiswa's children, Friday night.
Outside the premises, there's a ritual going on and they don't want the children
to see anything that's happening there.

"Ay, men, look," Amanda breaks the silence in the room. The children are on
the floor playing with their toys. The noise is only from the children but the two
sister-wives are quiet. "I understand that he's been through a lot but for him not
to come here. He hasn't called since he left on Tuesday. Is he okay?"
Sbahle draws a long breath, "I honestly didn't expect that we won't find him
here. I thought of him being alone here with the children while mama is on the
mattress. Kanti, no, the children are here without their father."
"What do you think is going through his mind? I know he hates Busiswa but his
kids?"
"I want to say I know but I don't know." Sbahle takes her ringing phone from
her pocket and she doesn't understand why Mkhwanazi is calling her. Why is he
calling? She doesn't answer the phone but puts it back in her pocket. She doesn't
even look at Amanda even though she can feel her eyes heavy on her. She'll
think whatever she wants to think. It doesn't matter.
It beeps, >"friend, I am the one who was calling using your boss's phone. I
wanted to ask what time will the funeral service start. I don't have airtime. I
thought calling will be fast because you might be busy.">>

"I hope he'll come tomorrow. Otherwise his eldest daughter will have a bad
picture of him. She's no longer a baby now. She's a teen." Sbahle comments
after responding to her friend's text message.
"Yes, he has to come by tomorrow."
The silence returns between the two adults. It's still quite unbelievable, she's
really dead.

'Amagugu alelizwe ayosala emathuneni!'

And the evil life of Busiswa ended, the life that started off beautifully as a
beautiful young woman that all boys swore to have loved. But she accepted love
only from one man. And all her life, she loved only him.
Their love was beautiful until evil took over, greed and jealousy ruled her,
making her life miserable to an extent.

And today, she was laid to rest, with no evil to be passed on to the next person.
People kept wondering about Gama's absence at the funeral. Why didn't he
come?

"Has everyone eaten?" Sbahle asks one of the Luthuli girls.

"Yes, malumekazi. We only need drinks."

She points her to the drinks. And walks out of the house. The yard is busy,
you'd swear it was a ceremony and not a funeral.
She'll never understand why people have to eat at funerals like it's a ceremony.
Can't they bury the deceased and go back to their homes? Its unnecessary costs
for the deceased family.

"Have you eaten? I don't want to serve people while you're not eating." Sbahle
asks Shintsha as they meet in the yard.
He smiles, "yes, mama kaLuhluthando, I have eaten don't worry."
"Okay, I am tired now."
He holds her and pulls her away, "go and sit down now. It's enough. You and
Amanda have been on your feet the whole week. The children will wash the
dishes. I will tell them to bring your food." He leaves her in the house.
He finds Amanda and also tells her to go and rest. The children are instructed to
clean and wash the dishes.
The very same night of the funeral, the traditional healer returned to work on
the Luthuli yard, digging everything that Busiswa has ever buried in the family
yard.
He cleansed the yard and cleansed the wives who were affected by muthi, losing
their pregnancies when carrying boys. He left after strengthening the home.
Gcina and Shintsha paid for everything because their brother didn't associate
himself with them during the dark hours in the family.

Sbahle looks at Amanda as their husbands get in the car with the traditional
healer and his helper. They're driving them home.

"Do you think we're finally free from the bondage that Busiswa had on us in this
family?" Sbahle asks. She has mixed emotions - did this work? What if it didn't?
Amanda has faith, "yes Sbahle, we're finally free and we'll never live in fear in
this family."
She holds her hand, "that's all I want sisi. For us to live in peace and be happy
as a family."
"I have faith. It's like our lives in this family have just begun. Let's continue
respecting each other and live in peace."
She looks ahead, "yes, let's not change anything."

Sbahle is happy and now, she strongly feels she can try for another baby.
Busiswa is no longer a part of their lives.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 67

Usually, when his car drives through the gates, there's a smile creeping on her
face. Whenever any of her children comes by, she's always happy to see them
walk through the gates but not today.

What should make her happy about seeing Gama? Why should she be happy
after he disappeared and wasn't even reachable on the phone?

"Here's your father," MaGwala says to the children seated with her on the straw
mat on the veranda of her house. They eat, all three of them along with their
brother and Luhluthando is also home.
The children don't say anything to their grandmother, even the youngest doesn't
stand up and run to him happily.

It's Tuesday, two days after the funeral and he's home to take his children back
to Gauteng so they can proceed with school.
He had to apply for three days off so he can travel freely to KZN.

"Sanibonani," Gama greets, looking at his children who are not even raising
their heads to look at him or smile at him. Only his son has stood on his feet
with a smile on his face.

MaGwala greets back and all the children greet him.

He lifts the boy up, "how are you all?"
MaGwala responds, "We’re fine and how are you?" She looks at him.
"I am fine, mama. Nokubongwa, how are you doing with your sisters?"
Done with her food, the eldest Nokubongwa stands up with her plate. "We're
fine." She heads into the house without even looking at him in the eyes or
simply passing her eyes by his face.

And Gama can easily tell she's upset. When he asks his two other daughters,
they smile and tell him they're fine.

"Come, let's take the groceries bags in the house." He puts his son down and
they head to the car together. His sisters follow with Luhluthando.

In the kitchen, Gama sits on the dining table with his grandmother. His mother
is on her feet making tea for granny.

"How did things go, gogo?" Gama asks.

Granny responds, "It went well." She's also highly disappointed in him. This is
the last thing she expected he'll do.
"That's better. Are the children coping?"

MaGwala is pissed off by his questions. Why is he even asking? "You couldn't
even call your children during this hard time and now you're asking us if they're
coping?"

Gama remains quiet. He expected his mother wouldn't have anything good to
say to him. He came home expecting anything from her.

"I am asking because I wasn't with them."

MaGwala puts the tea cup before her mother, "you're asking the wrong people.
Go and ask them."
Gama keeps calm, "is there money I should pay back that was spent during the
funeral preparations that wasn't covered by the insurance?" He asks.
And MaGwala declines, "no, don't worry about anything, your brothers and
MaButhelezi's brothers covered everything."
"Okay," he says, opening his blazer and he returns with a brown envelope in his
pocket. He puts the money on top of the table, pushing it to his mother. "Here's
money."
She looks at the envelope, "it's for?"
"It's the money I give you every month. I thought I should give it to you now so
you can cover the extra costs."

She pushes the money back to him. She's still very angry with him. Does he
think money is everything he should throw in the air to fix how disrespectful
he's been?

"No, don't worry, you should keep your money because your brothers covered
everything. I am not shot with anything."
His mother is refusing money? Why is she doing this? "Hawu, mama, I am
giving you money and you're returning it back?"
"I don't need it. Should I take your money even when I don't need it?"
This breaks his heart. What has his money done? Can't she take it and save it?
"It's not the money I need to take back."
Granny points at the money, "MaGwala, take the child's money and stop being
childish."
"I don't need it. From today, don't bother yourself with me, my son. Keep your
money for your children." She stands.
And this hurts Gama's feelings further. Why is she behaving like this? Taking
care of her in any way comes with blessings. Is she trying to withhold her
blessings? "Mama, please -" he keeps quiet as she leaves them.
"I think your mother is still angry. What you did is unspeakable. You've hurt
your children. What picture were you painting in them by not coming to their
mother's funeral, not even calling them if you're not coming?"

He looks down, "they're children. They don't understand what's happening."

Granny shakes his head at his response. Gama gives the money to his
grandmother, knowing they'll both use it because they live together. He goes out
to look for his daughters.

He has spoken to the younger ones and they are no longer mad at him. That's
the beauty of being a child, you don't hold on to anger for long. They let go of
things quickly.

Nokubongwa is seated on the bed with the picture of her mother. She's
confused. What will happen after her death?
So, they don't have a mother? Just like that. She's gone, no warning - nothing!
She raises her eyes to the door as it is being opened. "Why are you not
knocking, baba?"
"You're my child, Nokubongwa and -"
"I always ask you to respect my privacy by simply knocking on the door!" She
bursts, the anger in her is great and she hates being angry. The only emotion she
likes is happiness. And what's happiness without Busiswa? She understood
them very well.

Gama looks around the room and grabs a chair. "I am sorry for not knocking."
He says to cool her anger. This outburst shows she's angry and her anger is
great.
She sits back in her position and continues staring at her mother's picture.

"How are you?" He asks, looking at her.

She doesn't look at him, "you've asked me that." She responds.
"I know I am talking about your mother's passing."
Nokubongwa feels like he's pouring salt on an open wound. Why is he asking
her this question like he cares? What kind of a husband doesn't show up at his
wife's funeral? Is it because people are saying her mother was a witch? Was she
really a witch?
Okay, if she was a witch does that mean her father shouldn't even be near them
when they're burying their mother?

"I don't want to talk about it with you."

He swallows hard. He held onto anger and even forgot about his children. "I
know that you're upset because I wasn't present -"

She throws the picture aside and jumps out of bed. "Baba, please, leave me
alone. I don't want to talk about this. I don't care about what you did last week.
Don't come here and pretend like you care that my mom is dead."
"That's not true. It's just that I had a very important commitment at work -"
She laughs, "I am not a fool and I wasn't born yesterday. I will leave you since
you don't want to leave my room." She heads to the door quickly and when she
reaches the door, she turns to him, "I don't want to go back to Gauteng with you.
If I don't get admission to proceed with my grade I will rather repeat the grade
next year."

He stands on his feet, "that will not happen. You're a child and when I am
saying we're leaving, we're all leaving."
Her eyes pop, "and who'll take care of us? Who'll be with us at night when
you're with your mistress?" She asks what she once overheard her mother
talking about on the phone. And it's not hard knowing he has mistresses
everywhere, he has sons who are not her mother's children.

Gama almost falls back on his chair. What is this child saying? "Nokubongwa, I
am your father and you must speak to me with respect!"
"Hm," she moans cheekily and heads out of the bedroom. She hates him for
what he did and it's a picture she'll never forget.

*****
She's still dragging her tired body even on Tuesday. She overworked last week
and she still has to go to work as tired as she is.

"And then?" Sbahle puts her bag on top of the table and she touches the bouquet
of roses. Shintsha is not a flower type. Who bought roses for her?
"Okay, there's a note." She picks up the note and reads it.
>>"Your soft voice is music to my ears, your sweet smile is a beauty to my eyes.
One day, I wish to make you mine.">>

She breathes in and out, takes off her coat and puts it on the chair. Is
Mkhwanazi crazy?
The note does not have his name on it but this handwriting, it's his.
She lifts the bouquet after confirming there's no one around his office. He
doesn't want people to see them. They'll have a wrong picture of her and
Mkhwanazi.
She locks the door and heads over to his desk. Why is he smiling?

"I didn't think you'd realise the flowers came from me." He says with a smile.
Sbahle shoves the flowers on his chest. "Are you out of your mind?"
"No, I am in love with you."
"I am married and you're my friend's boyfriend. Can you stop bothering me,
you'll make me quit my job!" She screams out of disgust, looking at him she
doesn't even see him as handsome as much as he is handsome. Because of what
he's doing - he's annoying, very annoying.

He stands on his feet, "I would hate to lose you because you're a valuable asset
in this company."
"That's surprising because you're busy being unprofessional."
So feisty. She's shouting, angry and not respecting him like a boss. Does she
normally look this pretty even when she's angry?

He tries to hold her hands and Sbahle takes a step back, "okay, I am sorry, I will
try to be professional so that I won't lose you."
She points at him, "You better!" She clicks her tongue and walks out of the
office.

She keeps calm, sits down on her chair. She shuts her eyes, calculating her
breathing. Why is he being like this?

"If he does this again. I am leaving!" She makes a promise to herself. She's
married and can never do anything to bring shame to her marriage.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 68

His head is all over the place. He has plans, as Busiswa is no longer alive. He
asked the part time maid to be full time and look after his children. He knows
it'll not be the same as their mother but it'll be better because they're used to her.
They'll not feel much difference.

"Aw, bafo, you're still alive?" Shintsha answers the phone call.
Gama chuckles, "I know."
"Not even a call for the girls."
He huffs, "I know, and now, I have a crisis. Nokubongwa doesn't want to go
back to Gauteng and mama is giving me a cold shoulder. I don't even know
where to start talking to her."
"You should know because who's going to talk to her on your behalf?" He asks.

Gama looks down as if Shintsha is next to him in the room. The way he's
talking there's no chance for him to ask him to come home and help him talk to
his mother. "Yes, I wanted to say thank you for everything. I really appreciate
it." He says instead. He doesn't say what he actually wanted to say.
"It's okay, we're family."

He says goodbye and ends the call. And with no choice, he stands up and goes
to his mother. Why does Nokubongwa want to stay in the rural areas? Is it
anger?

"You did well by coming. Nokubongwa!" MaGwala calls for the child and she
sits back on the couch in the living room.
Okay, she's already told her grandmother? She's serious about living with her
granny.
Nokubongwa sits down and MaGwala starts talking to her son.

"She has told you that she wants to stay here because her mother is no longer
alive?"
He looks at his daughter, "the year is about to end Nokubongwa and this means
you can't change schools."
"I will repeat the grade next year."
Gama looks at his mother, "and you're supporting her, mama?"
"Who will look after these children because their mother is no longer here?"
"I am their father, they should stay with me. We do have a maid and she'll be
the one to look after them when I am at work." Gama responds, he doesn't want
to be in that house alone without his children. He'll go crazy.
"It's better if they stay here. I will tell your cousin to go with you, and ask for
their removal reports. I know the deputy principal from their previous school
when they were still here. She'll understand the situation and talk to the
principal. They're smart kids, she'll take them." MaGwala decides. She wants to
say more to him but can't because there's a child in the room with them.
Gama feels like his mother is attacking him. And she's doing it using his
children. Why?

"Nokubongwa, please leave us."

MaGwala is relieved as the child leaves them. She strictly says, "You want to
take these children so that you can neglect them whenever you go to your other
witch?"
"No mama but they're my kids. All my brothers live with their children but mine
should be taken away from me, why?"
"Why are you comparing yourselves to your brothers? They both have children
with women they're married to but you have children everywhere and I won't
agree that you'll take these children so they stay alone there while you have fun
with your other witch. Tomorrow, wake up, drive to Gauteng, you're leaving
them here." MaGwala concludes, giving Gama no other choice.

He looks down, "Busiswa is no more and we haven't done rituals for my

youngest son."
MaGwala gets up, "talk to your father's brother he'll help you with that?"
Just like that? Why is his mother being like this towards him? Did he hurt her?
She's not even empathetic towards him about things he'd just found out about
Busiswa. He's still traumatised but she's fighting him.
She's suddenly not helping him with his son?

*****
It's been two months in the New Year and it's time to move on. Yes, the job
pays well and Mkhwanazi even raised her salary but she can't carry on like this.
Ever since he gave her flowers and she declined, Mkhwanazi kept things
professional but he overworked her with work. She always had extra work and
sometimes had to leave the office late because of the load of work. Where she's
hired, it's Mkhwanazi's law firm but he works with other advocates.

He enslaves her with administrative tasks a lot, keeping her behind always. He
even gives her work for his other business that has nothing to do with the law
firm.
She complained about the workload but he didn't change, he told her to resign if
it's too much. But Sbahle didn't resign.
It's Friday, the last day of the month of March, she's seated on the desk waiting
for him. She has the letter in her hands.
Yesterday, she slept at midnight working and she decided it's no longer healthy.
She's not even enjoying the money anymore.

"Mrs Luthuli, I didn't think you're still here. It's Friday," he walks back into the
office coming from the court. He puts down his things and sits on his desk,
facing Sbahle. How beautiful! With her stubborn pimples but still beautiful.
She puts the letter on the table, "yes, I am still here. I was waiting for you. This
is my resignation letter."

Giving up so soon? He takes the letter. He expected different results as he was

burdening her with work but she's quitting?
He pretends to read the letter but his heart is actually sore because she's leaving.
But maybe it's for the best, he can't have her because she belongs to someone
else and it's been really difficult accepting. Seeing her everyday gave him a little
satisfaction just to see her, even though she's not his.

"Alright, thank you for your services. I don't know if you'd appreciate a farewell
party? I can ask them to organise it." He says strictly, he's been professional all
these months. It's even a new year and he's still professional. Yes, he gave her
more work but he kept the professionalism.

That was easy! She stands up, "no, there'll be no need. Thank you. I will go."
"Should I drive you home with your personal belongings?" He asks.
"No thank you, my husband is coming." She takes her phone and leaves the
office.

She didn't tell anyone about this, she didn't even tell Ntandoni that she's leaving
her work. It's a decision she made when she decided she's tired and Mkhwanazi
will not change.

Shintsha gets out of the car and opens the backseat. They now own a car. They
went together to the garage that sells second hand cars. They chose a white
Isuzu 4x4 because it's suitable for both business and family. Shintsha registered
the car in both their names just as he did with the pub, they're both owners but
Sbahle is not aware. She's only aware that the land of their home belongs to her
and Luhluthando, it's on their names. Shintsha did that deliberately to secure his
daughter's home even when they happen to break up with her mother.

"Why are you carrying boxes today?" He asks as they both get in the car.
Sbahle takes the bottle of cold drink in the car and she drinks up, "I quit my
job."
He drives out of the premises, "what? Why?" He was used to having her going
to work every day but the past months have been upsetting because she was
being overworked.

"I complained about the workload and he said I should quit if I am not able to
keep up."
He glances at her, surprised, "why didn't you tell me?"
"I thought I could manage but I can't anymore. I will look for another job. I
don't have a choice."

He holds her hand, he can sense that she's really sad about her job. She loved
working and she'd done a lot in their house because she got a raise at work. She
saved up for built-in cupboards and Shintsha paid for labour and added to the
money she had saved up for. They installed the cupboards making the kitchen
more beautiful.

Yes, having a wife that works made things easier. He ended up loving it.
"Its okay, my love. You have experience now and you'll easily find another
job." He pampers her dull mood.
She forces a smile, "can I have some ice cream? We'll go take Luhluthando
from the after care and go buy ice cream?"
He nods, "yes, anything you want mama."

She keeps her eyes on the road and she stops worrying herself about her studies.
Her savings and UIF should cover the year.

In bed, Shintsha kisses her sweaty forehead and wipes the sweat off her nose as
she lays on his chest after getting off him.

"Yazi, I have been thinking."

Sbahle asks, "About?" She closes her eyes and keeps her heart steady.
"Your studies since you're no longer working."

She's seriously hoping this conversation is not going to start another fight. She's
not in the mood, she's just left the job she loved and tonight, she doesn't want to
fight.

"I will find another job. I have paid for the current semester."

He didn't even know she's paid for the semester. This woman! "That's better.
What's the payment plan for your studies? I need to know so that I'll be ready if
I have to pay for your studies next semester."
This is unexpected and she doesn't want to have this conversation, "no, Luthuli
don't worry about my studies. I will manage. I know I will find another job. I
have already applied at some retail shops."
"Why don't you want me to pay for your studies now Sbahle?" He's surprised.

The last time there was a problem because he asked her to wait and now, there's
another problem because he wants to pay for her.

She looks up at him, arching her neck, "I am not going to say this in a wrong
way but I want to pay for my studies."
"Why? It's wrong now when I want to pay."
She responds, "I am afraid in future I'll be reminded how much you used your
money to pay for my studies. Uyayikhulumela imali yakho ngakho angithandi
ukuthi ungikhokhele. I will try to find a job."

The tearing of his heart gives his warm body a cold. He said what? The pain
that comes from hearing the words that come from her mouth make him
ashamed and he's deeply hurt. He doesn't even know what to say to defend
himself. He keeps quiet and Sbahle also keeps quiet, she quickly falls asleep.
And leaves Shintsha thinking about her words over and over again. He fails to
sleep.

Sbahle and Luhluthando are both awake, washing dishes together. Shintsha is
still sleeping, she tried waking him for breakfast but he said he'll have breakfast
later.

"Sawubona, gogo." Sbahle smiles as she answers granny's phone call. "How are
you?"
"Oh, mntanami, I am not okay. I want to speak to your husband."
She leaves her daughter with the dishes and heads to their bedroom, "he's still
sleeping but I will wake him."
"Aybo, he's still sleeping at 10am?"
She laughs, "I think he's tired. My man works very hard gogo and I don't think
there's a man who works as hard as him." She says in a light tone, that has pride.
And granny laughs, "Iheeeee, uyadela wena. Yazi, my husband was a hard
worker too."
"Really? This means we're both lucky ladies."
"Yes, yes!"

Sbahle giggles and opens the door, she's surprised that Shintsha is no longer
sleeping but he's seated back in bed. His arm at the back of his head that's on the
headboard and he's looking up, thinking deeply. What's he thinking about?
"Luthuli, gogo wants to talk to you." She gives him the phone. And leaves.
"Gogo, how are you, ntombendala?"

Granny is happy to hear her grandson's voice. She hopes Shintsha will solve her
problem. "I know when I talk to you all my matters will be solved. Your mother
failed to solve my problem."
"What's wrong, gogo?"
"Your sister Sebenzile, she's the one who collects my old age grant because I
don't want to send different people. I should know who's responsible when
problems arise, you know that, right?"
Oh, money problems! "Yes, she's the only person responsible and the only
person who knows your pin. I know."
"Your sister doesn't bring my money to me in full but it's always short."
And this makes Shintsha confused. "Have you asked her why she's doing that?"
"Yes, I have but she's always explaining things that don't make sense. And
sometimes says that's the money she got. If I want slips, she doesn't give me
slips."

Why is Sebenzile doing this? She's working, she's a Secretary at a high school
in a township closer to the village where she's married. "That's surprising. How
short is the money, normally?"
"Sometimes it's R500 or R600 or less."
He holds his mouth, "that's daylight robbery. I will talk to her tomorrow. She's
coming home and I will also be there."
"Thank you, I don't want fights. I want my money as is. She's robbing me this
girl."

Oh man, the old woman! "Don't worry, we'll talk tomorrow." He ends the call
and looks at the phone. Why is his sister doing this?

He'd be damned if he keeps quiet about this but he's only hoping, he'll not be
starting other money problems and fights.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 69

His mother won in taking his children away from him. For days, he's been
regretting not going to their mother's funeral and not calling them because had
he done these things they were never going to stay behind.

The house has been stressful without them and it has been depressing living in
the house with memories of Busiswa.

Gama decided to sell the house and buy another house on a different side of
Rosebank. It's been a month since he moved to a new home and its better, there
are no memories hanging around the house.

It's Friday, after work he decided to drive to Jabulile's house to visit his son. The
boy has grown so much, making him a proud dad.
He sits down with him on the couch and he makes him laugh.

"I am happy to see you and I am seeing some teeth now. Soon, you'll be eating
meat," he plays with him and the child laughs.
Jabulile walks in with the tray and puts it on top of the coffee table, "here's
food."
"Thank you," he glances at her and the food. He doesn't mind the food but
proceeds to play with his baby.

Looking at him, he still can't believe that Busiswa died without being told about
this child and fighting about Jabulile. What would she have done? Oh, that
witch he married!

"How are things at work?" Jabulile asks, trying to make conversation. He's been
coming by, but only for his son.
It's been very painful to see him regularly but he'd not even mention anything
about their relationship. She wanted to believe it was really over but she
couldn't believe it. She tried to tell herself its over and live with it.

He looks at her, "it's normal like any other day. How are things going? Have
you fixed everything with your ancestors?" He asks, he's no longer playing with
his child but giving him his milk.

She's surprised that he's asking something about her life. "Yes, I have fixed
everything and I am able to see them in my dreams now but I haven't started
healing people again."
"Alright, that's better." He says and focuses on the baby. "Please, go and put
him to sleep."
Jabulile stands up and takes the baby from him. She heads to the bedroom with
him.
Gama takes her food and starts eating.

"Please, sit next to me because we need to talk." He puts the plate down once
he's done eating. He gulps the juice.
She sits next to him, "is everything okay?" She asks, she'd decided that if they
make it to five months without him saying anything, she'll definitely move on
with her life.

He holds her hand, "I am ready to come back home. I have had enough time to
think things through and I want to give our relationship another chance. I have
great hope that you'll not make the same mistakes again. Your ancestors are
good ancestors who don't want bad muthi. And you'll not let any evil win."

Happy? She's over the moon. These past months have been hell without Gama
in her life. He's everything she could ever hope for in a man. "Yes, I have learnt
my lesson and I can't make the same mistake twice." She smiles at him, "I have
been patiently waiting for this day and I am happy that it has come. I had started
to lose hope and I told myself I will move on now."
He chuckles, "I am glad you haven't moved on. I still want to make you my
wife."

With a smile of love, she holds his beard and kisses him. Gama doesn't stop her.
He's ready to move on with his life. Busiswa is no longer a part of their lives
and he's certain this relationship will be pure, it'll be his safe heaven not like the
last relationship.

Jabulile secretly vows to respect this relationship and not even try to make the
same mistakes as the ones she did with her late husband. She's learnt from her
mistakes.

And now, she's ready to live a pure life.

*****
Everyone is happy that Gama is getting married again except for his mother.
The brothers have advised him to respect traditions and wait for the stipulated
six months of mourning before paying ilobolo for Jabulile.
The Luthuli sons along with their sister are home for the month-end weekend.
Gama came home with his son from Jabulile and he left Jabulile at a nearby
B&B.
He knew it'll be a problem if he can bring her home. His mother is not happy
that he'll marry Jabulile. She sees her as a witch too.

Shintsha sits next to his sister on the couch and asks Sbahle and Amanda to
excuse them.

Sebenzile looks at her brother, "what's wrong? We were still talking about
important things with the ladies."
"That can wait, sisi. We need to talk about Gogo's money."
And her face changes, "what about her money? Please, don't interfere in things
that don't concern you."
"They don't concern me how? This is our grandmother and you're robbing her.
How can you take money that goes up to R600? Gogo needs her money when
she goes to Doctors!"
"Doctors? Didn't Gcina cover her in the medical aid?" Sebenzile fights, she's
angry that Shintsha is questioning her.

"Oh, being covered means she needs no money when going to see Doctors?" He
slightly raises his voice annoyed by her responses. How could she do such a
thing?

Sebenzile points at her younger brother, "naka izindaba zakho! Please, mind
your business because I don't know where you are standing in this thing. I am
not going to town every month to stand in long lines for nothing."
"That's nonsense. Why don't you tell us if you need money?" He asks, trying to
understand.

Sebenzile is extremely mad and she leaves her brother. He thinks she'll tell him
her problems? It's not like their wives will understand if they have to give her
money.

It's been a year since her husband was forced to retire at work when they were
retrenching and giving people their retirement packages to make space for
young blood.
Losing his job gave him stress, he started heavily drinking, drinking the same
retirement money until he was left with nothing. At home, she's the only one
working and looking after her husband and son. Things are not really great and
granny's money sometimes helps when she takes it. She thought she'll not notice
because she used to not count the money because she trusted her. And now,
Shintsha is fighting her? He's crazy!
Ever since Busiswa died, there's been peace at home. And the rituals that were
done really worked because she feels like her home is normal again. Not like
before.

MaGwala loves the peace even though she doesn't like the fact that Gama is
getting married to Jabulile.

"Mama, can you call Busiswa's mother and ask for the girls to come back?
Didn't they know that I am coming back?" Gama makes a request to his mother
who's seated in the living room with Sbahle and Jabulile's son is in Sbahle's lap.
His uncle came in the morning and they performed rituals for the child.

MaGwala looks at him, "why don't you call her?"

"She's not answering my calls. I don't know if I am being pushed away now
when it comes to these children. They're my kids!" He raises his voice in anger
and leaves when his mother only looks at him without saying anything.

MaGwala asks Sbahle, "makoti, when are you trying for another baby?"
She laughs and looks at the boy on her lap, "not now mama. Not this year."
"Time is waiting for no one njalo. I want another grandchild." She says,
standing up and she leaves her laughing instead.

It's the following year in April, Sbahle is doing her 5th year. She found a job at
Spar retail shop as a cashier. The salary is not as her previous job but it pays for
her studies.
She didn't get help from anyone with this job but she applied for it, luckily got
the job.

Her husband was really hurt by her not accepting his offer to pay for her studies.
She forgave him when he asked for forgiveness but still didn't let him pay for
her studies.

Shintsha is sleeping next to his wife and he wakes up when she's crying in her
dreams.

"What's wrong, sthandwa?" He pulls the crying Sbahle in his arms and brushes
her back softly, "are you having a bad dream?"
She nods, "I dreamt of you falling off a cliff. Is everything okay at work?"
He frowns, what could this dream mean? "Yes, everything is okay. I don't have
any enemies that I know of."
"And issue with your sister? Can you just let it be? Its months later, a new year
and you're still fighting about gogo's money." She looks up at him. She doesn't
want anything bad to happen to her husband. He's everything to her and
Luhluthando.

He smiles and kisses her cheek, "don't worry, I only want gogo to change the
pin and let mama be the one to collect her grant."

She huffs and stays in his arms. If it's for her, he's supposed to let it be but she
doesn't believe his sister could hurt him. There must be a different meaning to
this dream. What does it mean?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 70

It's Saturday, she had a day-off yesterday and she got to catch up with her
studies. She's also not working today but she's at the pub preparing for the
booked private room for a baby shower.

Shintsha added two private rooms at the pub that allows people to book the
rooms if they want privacy or have things like birthday celebrations and any
other small celebrations or private meetings.
This idea was her idea and Shintsha loved it, he built the rooms and told her
money made from the rooms will be hers. She'll only have to pay the pub's
money for alcohol.

Sbahle does decorations for any bookings, her husband bought decorating
materials for her. She went for a two weeks short course to learn how to make
decorations.

If she's not available, Ntandoni steps in and does decorations for her because
she's studying through distance learning. Mkhwanazi is paying for her studies.

"What did you say when she asked you about having another baby?" Ntandoni
asks. She's with Sbahle helping her with decorations.
The rooms are mostly fully booked during weekends. They're making good
money for her. She's saving the money. She wishes to expand the decoration
business but doesn't want to bother Shintsha by asking him to fund it. The
money she's saving should fund it.

She laughs, "I laughed but I want to talk to him about having a baby now. I am
ready."
"That's great, I want to plan your baby shower very soon." She says and they
laugh.

She looks around the room and is satisfied with the decorations. "I want to learn
how to make cake decorations so I can also bake cakes for them when they
book for baby showers and birthday parties. I can bake but can't do cake
decorations."

Ntandoni closes the door and locks it, "my friend, you're really chasing this
paper, neh?"
She laughs. "Yes, my husband is working hard where he works. I want us to
have enough businesses so he can retire and we'll just look after businesses
only. It's been years working as a security. He needs a break."
"Mxm, that skinny man is lucky to have you."

They open the second room and start decorations for a birthday celebration, "I
am also lucky to have him." She takes her phone from her jeans pocket. It's her
sister-in-law calling her.
Sbahle answers the call, "skwiza, how are you?"
"I am not fine, I need your favour."
Favours? She doesn't like this. "I am listening?"
"Can you please tell your husband to stop meddling in my business?"
She sighs, "What has happened now?"

Sebenzile shouts on the line, "tell him to stop meddling in my business!"

"Is it about gogo's money? The truth is, that's gogo's money and not yours. If
you need money, tell your brothers they'll give you money."
She laughs on the line, "sisi, mind your business and tell your husband to do the
same." She screams.
Sbahle looks at the phone after she's ended the call. Is everything well with her?
Why is she behaving this way?
"It's still about gogo's money?" Ntandoni asks.
She nods, "yes, she's crazy."
"I think you need to tell Shintsha to drop it. Why is she so obsessed?"
"I don't know, let's finish up here. I want to go and check if their platters are
ready. We're going to town with Luhluthando. You'll join us, right?" She asks.
"Yes, but I have a commitment with Mkhwanazi during lunch."
"Okay," they focus on working and in no time. They're done with everything.
Sbahle leaves everything in order.

The Luthuli family, along with Buthelezi family are together for a cleansing
ritual as they end the mourning period for Busiswa.
It's been six months since she died and it's still unbelievable that she really left
them.

Her children are living better with their grandmother and they're happier with
her, not minding the change from the city to the village life. For them, it's better
to be with their grandmother in the village than to be in the city without their
mother.

"Are the children still doing well in school?" Shintsha asks about his brother's
children.
They're in the kitchen with MaGwala having tea together and catching up. Just
the two of them. "Yes, they're still doing well. Your brother hired the
neighbour's daughter to help them with their homework."
"That's great."
Sebenzile walks into the room with her son. The boy greets his grandmother and
uncle, he runs out to go and play with the other children.
Sebenzile sits down and greets her mother, "how are you mama?" She doesn't
mind her brother at all.
MaGwala looks at her, "I am fine and how are you?"
"I am fine."
She asks, "Why are you not greeting your brother?" Her voice is slightly raised.
She cheekily stands up, "I will go and look for my sisters-in-law." She leaves
her mother shouting. She's angry because Shintsha has suggested that their
grandmother change the pin and have their mother collect the grant for granny.
She hates him for interfering.

It's the weekend after the end of mourning rituals for Busiswa. They're home
together.
The children are much better now compared to the past six months. It's great
living with their grandmother. They all love it.

"So, since you want us to try for a baby, when are you going to stop taking
prevention?" Shintsha asks his wife.

They're in bed Saturday morning, talking about the baby issue. Sbahle wants to
have another baby, "I am supposed to go to the clinic next weekend for the
injection but I won't go. And after that, we can try for the baby. How's that?"

He's very happy. He wanted to talk about the issue of the baby but he didn't
want to bring it up at the wrong time and hurt her fragile feelings. "I love it very
much." He kisses her cheek and he secretly hopes they'll have a brother for
Luhluthando but he doesn't say it.

He takes his ringing phone and feels like not answering his sister's call. He
knows they'll fight and he hates these fights.

"How are you doing?" Shintsha asks after deciding to answer the phone.
She sounds down on the line, "I am fine but not fully fine. I was speaking to
mom last night and she's not happy about how things are between us. Can you
come by so we can talk? Your brother-in-law is also not happy about how
things are between us."

He keeps quiet for a while, he knows she's right. His mother is not happy
because they're fighting. They're siblings and shouldn't fight about anything.
"Alright, I will come by in the afternoon. I still have to go to town with my
daughter. I made a promise."
"Alright, I will wait for you."
"Thank you." He ends the call and gets out of bed. With a smile he holds his
wife's legs making her laugh hilariously as he pulls her down to the edge of the
bed by her legs.
She smiles, "what are you doing?"
"I want some morning glory before the day starts." He says, seductively.
She raises her arms as he takes off her night dress. "Was that your sister?"
"Yes, she wants us to meet."
"Okay, I will drive you there." She closes her eyes as he separates her legs. He's
already horny for her.
Shintsha rubs himself on her, "no, don't worry love. I will walk, it's a nearby
village. It's not far. I won't stay long. I should go because my mom doesn't like
it when we don't get along."

She fails to talk but gasps as Shintsha fills her lovingly. He's standing on the
edge of the bed and Sbahle is lying down.
With a moan, he holds her legs and puts them on his chest, crisscrossing them.
This always reminds him of how their relationship started.
He never thought they would get this far. Be married and be together for such a
long time.

It's Mazibuko, this relationship happened because of him and it's the best he's
ever had. The love and the growth, it's amazing. He thrusts hard while standing
and he loves the feel of her. She's warm and a pleasure to have. What he loves
the most, is the view of his wife as she's moaning, enjoying what he's doing to
her.

"I love you," she says, opening her eyes. She loves seeing his body working to
please her. He's hers and hers alone.

He smirks, "I love you too," he also loves seeing her breasts bouncing back and
forth as he thrust. Sweet memories made!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 71

Sbahle wakes up in the middle of the night from the same dream that has been
bothering her about Shintsha. She looks at his side of the bed and it's still
empty.

She fell asleep with his side of the bed empty and she didn't think much. She'd
tried calling him and they spoke, he promised to come back early. He was still
at his sister's home.

"Why is he not back?" She asks and takes her phone on the bedside table.
She calls him and he's hit by voicemail. What's happening? Why is his phone
off?

She gets off her bed and grabs her gown. Shintsha doesn't do this. When he'll
not be back he calls and reports whether he'll be working late or he'll be
sleeping over at Sihle's place after having fun together. Why didn't he report
today?
She's no longer scared of walking out at midnight. The witch is no longer with
them.

She knocks on MaGwala's front door. The anxiety that's hitting her, it's great.

"Mama!" Sbahle calls out MaGwala after moving from the door, she's knocking
on her window. Why didn't he report his moves? This is very strange and unlike
him.
"KaMazibuko yini? What's happening at night?" She asks from her bed.
"Mama please open the door for me."
"Okay."

She rushes to the door. Her heart is beating up to her chest. She's saying endless
internal prayers. May the Lord protect her husband.

MaGwala opens the door, "what's wrong?"

Panting, Sbahle walks into the house and sits on the kitchen table. "Mama," she
catches her breath, trying to speak calmly.
MaGwala sits with her, "speak what's wrong?"
"It's Luhluthando's father mama. He's not back home even now."

He's not back home? She doesn't want to believe there's something that might be
wrong with her son. "This means he slept at his sister's house."
She shakes her head, "no, around 6pm, he called and told me he's about to leave
but he didn't come back. I thought he passed by somewhere. I slept early, I
woke up from a bad dream…" she narrates the dream.

And still, MaGwala doesn't want to believe there's something wrong with her
son. It can't be! He's safe. "No, he might have gone to his girlfriend. Men have
girlfriends KaMazibuko."
Shintsha? "No, in these years of marriage I have never caught him cheating. I
know my husband mama. He doesn't disappear without telling me where he's
going."
MaGwala starts taking her seriously. "Hhayibo, ingane yami ishonephi?"
(Where's my child?) She asks and stands, "I will go and take my phone."

Sbahle is left praying for his safety. His brothers are here. She doesn't want to
believe that he went out with his brothers.
MaGwala comes back with her phone and gives it to Sbahle. "I do have airtime,
call his sister. I think he might have slept there."

With her shaking hands, she takes the phone and calls Sebenzile. She doesn't
answer the phone and she tries once again.

"Mama," Sebenzile answers the phone in a sleepy voice.

And Sbahle asks in a shaky voice, "skwiza, it's me. Ubaba kaLuhluthando hasn't
come back home. Is he there?"
"No, he's not here. He left here around 7pm."
Around 7pm? Why is he not back then? "Who did he leave with?" She asks.
"He left alone. He said he'll catch a bus that reaches our village. Did he perhaps
go to his girlfriend?"
Sbahle shouts, "Girlfriend? Shintsha doesn't have a girlfriend. He's married!"
She's pissed off by their questions. That's all they're thinking about. That he
went to a woman?

MaGwala holds her hand, "calm down."

"Where's my husband Sebenzile? You're the one who called him." She asks out
of anger.
"My brother came here and we spoke, he ate, and he left after that." She
responds calmly.

Sbahle puts the phone down and holds her forehead. She tells MaGwala what
she said.
"Please, let's not panic but let's go and sleep, in the morning when he's not back.
We'll go report to Induna. He'll send people who'll go look for him. But I
believe he might have gone somewhere, maybe to his uncle. Let's not stress."

MaGwala tries to be positive. There's nothing in her that wants to believe that
something bad happened to her son. It can't be! He'll come back tomorrow.
MaGwala and her daughter-in-law follow each other to her bedroom. Sbahle
puts her gown away and she gets in bed with MaGwala.

She doesn't sleep, remains with eyes opened, thinking about where he might be.

When she arrives at the bus stop, she finds nobody waiting for the bus and so,
she takes out her phone and call the boy.

In the morning, she received another call from her mother. She was telling her
that Shintsha didn't come back home. By then, her mother and Sbahle were
going to Induna to report that Shintsha was missing.

"Yebo, sisi, ispani sisishaye kahle. Uwutholile umese?" (We did the job. Did
you get the knife?) The boy asks freely on the line.
She asks in a hush tone, "What did you do to my brother? I asked you to
frighten him."
Frighten him? "You said he's standing in your way and we should remove him."
"Who told you that? I spoke to Ndrango, I told him you should frighten him and
stab him on the thigh, bring the knife to me." Sebenzile shouts at the boy on the
line. "What did you do to him?"

She clicks her tongue as her airtime runs out. She needs to rush home, leave the
knife there and go back to her marital home but she needs airtime to call this
boy.
Sebenzile stops the taxi and she gets inside, holding her bag tightly as if they'll
see what's inside the bag.

At home, MaGwala and her brothers are not home along with Amanda and the
children. There's only granny in the main house.
Sebenzile doesn't go to the main house but she heads straight to Sbahle's house.
And luckily, the door is not locked. She carefully walks into the house and
heads to the bedroom.

"Where's her Kist?" She looks around the room and spots the wedding Kist at
the corner of the room, closer to the wardrobe.
She opens the Kist and drops the bloody knife that's wrapped in a plastic bag
inside the Kist under the clothes in the Kist. She closes it and quickly walks out.
She still doesn't go to granny in the house but leaves through the gates, going
back to her marital home.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 72

With an instruction from Induna, ten men went out to look for Shintsha and the
easiest way to start looking was to start at the village where Sebenzile is
married.

"Yazi, his wife spoke about dreaming of him on a cliff. Can we look around
those types of places?" Gcina gets an idea as they've looked everywhere in the
village but can't find him.

Induna didn't trust that something must have happened to Shintsha. He also
thought he must be somewhere with a girlfriend but Sbahle kept telling them, it
can't be!

"You're right, let's look around those types of places." Gama supports.
And so, they get separated in trios. They patiently look for Shintsha, some
calling his name out. They're hoping he might be somewhere alive but trapped.
"Madoda! I see something!"

The hearts of the Luthuli brothers jump as they're called out. Is that their
brother?

The men all run to the direction of the voice and when they reach the person
who called for them. They look down on the cliff.

And Gcina drops to his knees when he sees his brother's jacket on the body
that's down the cliff. There's a river rippling far down and his body is lying on a
big stone that's not far from the top of the cliff.

"It's him! That's his jacket," Gcina says, he can't be mistaken, that's the jacket he
bought for him for his birthday. Its one clothing item his brother liked, not the
others that he bought and he thought they were for young men.

Gama tightens his grip on his younger brother, "he might be unconscious. Don't
be scared." He says and they plan on rescuing him. They send a young man to a
nearby house to ask for a strong rope.

Gcina's spirit is crushed, his chest keeps tightening as he thinks of his brother
and he can't even breathe. There's nothing in him that believes Shintsha is alive
down there. He's lying down on his stomach, meaning he hit the rock by his
forehead and he's alive?
"One, two, three, pull!" The men chant and they keep pulling and pulling his
body until he's up, right before them. And the boy they sent down, hikes up on
his own.

"Shintsha!" Gama drops down as his brother's body is before them. He touches
his cheek and its ice cold, his eyes are wide open along with his mouth. And
with an emotional cry, Gama closes his eyes and mouth.

Who did this to him? There's blood on his clothes and holes on his white t-shirt
underneath the jacket. They stabbed him? He has some bruises on his face.
All the men fall down next to his body and they force their heads down as the
two brothers cry for their brother.
They all also shed tears, such a cruel act. This is a man they grew up with and
he was a peaceful man. Who killed him?

"Shintsha, mfwethu!" Gcina cries out, his face wet with tears. He's really left
them?

After fifteen minutes of silence right after their tears, there's also some
neighbours who've come. The men send a boy for a specific branch, its better
they take his spirit with them now and safeguard it.

After everything is done, they've been given a blanket to wrap his body and they
carry it to his 4x4 that they drove from their village to the nearby village.
Two brothers get in at the back with him and the men who couldn't get in at the
front and backseats of the 4x4. One man drives the car straight to the Luthuli
home as his brothers are not fit to hold the steering wheel.
What a very traumatic scene, even with his eyes closed, Gcina can see his
brother's horrified face. What a cruel death!

The car is parked outside the Luthuli home and doesn't go in because he died by
a weapon. Necessary precautions should be taken before his body enters. And at
the moment, the insurance company should come and take him to the mortuary.

"You should go inside and tell your mother and his wife. We'll keep an eye on
him here," Induna's son says to Gama and Gcina.
And the two brothers go inside the premises.

"Where's gogo and mama, Luhluthando?" Gcina asks and his heart breaks apart
for his brother's baby girl. What a pain!
She points at her father's house, "They’re there, baba omncane!"
The two brothers follow each other to their brother's house. And they found
them waiting, waiting on the couches with granny seated with them.

With hope, Sbahle stands on her feet, "did you find him?" She asks with a
hopeful smile.
And MaGwala pulls her down, "sit down, my child and let's hear what they
have to say."
She sits back on the couch next to her mother-in-law. She waits eagerly.

"We looked for him and couldn't find him until Gcina gave us an idea of where
to look -" words get stuck in his mouth and he drops his head, crying without
making a sound.

And MaGwala's spirit crumbles, "speak Gama speak! Where's your brother?"
"We found him down the cliff. He's no longer with us. He was stabbed to death
and we think they threw him down there, already dead but we're not sure."
Gama gives a full report.

And there's silence in the room, total silence. What comes next is MaGwala's
high breathing and granny's cry with Amanda.
But in Sbahle's mind, there's doubt and something strong that doesn't want to
believe what she's being told.

"No, are you sure it's him? It can't be him. He said he'll come back to me."
Sbahle doesn't believe what she's being told. Not her husband.
Gama looks at her with red eyes, "it's him sisi. His face is a bit bruised but it's
him."

And without asking any further questions, Sbahle jumps on her feet and rushes
over to the door like a mad woman.

"Hold her!" Granny screams.

And MaGwala stops Gcina, "let her be, she's in denial and maybe seeing him
will help her." After speaking these words, it fully registers in her own mind and
she frees her tears.

Her mind is filled with beautiful memories when Shintsha was born, how happy
his father was. The moment his father laid his eyes on him, he told her he'll be
the one to carry the family through heights. And MaGwala thought Gama would
because he was the first born. And truly, her son lived up to his name. This
family is what it is today because of him. She's confident that even without
muthi, Shintsha would have never abandoned his home but she was only scared
of young girls, how strong they take boys away from their homes.
Who did such a cruel thing to her boy? He wasn't a man of fights but he was a
man of peace. Why did they take him away from her? From his child - his
child?
MaGwala wails when she thinks of her granddaughter and her sons hold her.

"Your brother had big dreams for his daughter. What will become of her now?"
And Gcina promises, "We’re still here, mama. She's our child too."
The family cries together and when they hear a scream outside, they remember
Sbahle.

The men tried stopping her from getting in at the back of the van and seeing her
husband's dead body. One of them rushed into the yard and held the children
back, pushing them into the main house and staying with them inside.
Luhluthando had seen her mother running to her father's car but she didn't
understand what was happening.

They failed to hold Sbahle back and they decided to let her see him. The people
passing by had stopped walking on the road.
Her hand can feel the coldness of his face as she's kneeling before his body.
She'd removed the blanket on his face.

"Shintsha," she whispers and when she doesn't get a response. The pain goes
straight to her heart, ripping her body apart.
She sits down and pulls his body to her chest, "why? Shintsha!" The pain bursts
into her lungs, spreading throughout her body and making her shake as she
cries.

Why didn't she go with him? She was supposed to be there and if he dies, she
was supposed to die where he dies. What should she do now? How's life
supposed to be without him?

"Ungishiya nobani mina kulo mhlaba onjena?" (Who are you leaving me with in
this world?) She cries holding his cold body tightly.

From the ground, MaGwala tries to comfort her, "don't cry like there's no hope,
he'll still be in your heart, my child." She's in pain herself but seeing such a
young woman cry like this makes her forget about her own pain.
More women gather around the car and they try to talk to her but she doesn't
want to let go.
How should she let go? How?
"Hold her, your brother's spirit will not rest in peace if she's crying like this.
He'll hold on to her. Remove her from the body!" MaGwala shouts at her sons
and they quickly get at the back of the car.
They hold her strongly and remove her from Shintsha's body. She screams,
crying, "Ngiyekeni!" (Leave me!) She wails and looks back at the body,
"Shintsha!"

The members of the community gathered around are touched and also crying.
It's unbelievable, Shintsha? How?

"Oh, Jehovah ungilahlelani kanje! Wabukisa ngami umhlaba wonke ngivele

ngingenabani!" (God, why have you forsaken me? I already have no one in this
world.)

Gcina and Gama put her inside her house and the old women enter, following
each other. They start a worship song, while others hold Sbahle, comforting
her…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 73

It's been two days since Shintsha died and left her devastated and alone. She's
never felt so alone in her entire life but she's surrounded by people. Her sister
Nondumiso is also with her but she still feels alone.

Nothing makes sense, they've been asking her things, details about Shintsha and
his insurances - every little piece of information and she's provided the
information. But still, nothing makes sense.
He died and turned his back on this world, turned his back on her and their
child. How can that make sense?

"Here's some sugar water. You should at least have it so you can have energy."
Nondumiso gives the glass to her sister.

She's seated on the mattress in Shintsha's living room with granny next to her.
MaGwala is not home, she left with her boys, they're preparing for the funeral
as Sbahle doesn't have any strength to go with them where she's needed as his
wife. But they have a document of authority signed by her.

She takes the glass, "thank you. I think I can try and eat a jam sandwich." She
says, the past two days she's had no appetite.
"Alright, I will go and prepare it for you."
Granny brushes her shoulder, "it's a good thing that you're trying to eat."
She forces a smile for granny, "yebo."

Luhluthando walks into the room crying and she heads straight to her mother.

"What's wrong?" Sbahle makes her sit on the mattress and puts her head on her
lap.
"They're hitting me!"
She brushes her shoulder and her face, "I will whip them, don't cry."
"Where's my father? I want to report them!" She sulks and cries louder.

Sbahle pulls her up and makes her sit on her lap. She holds her arms, rocking
her until she's sleeping. Oh her baby girl no longer has a father to report to!

Granny says, "KaMazibuko, you should tell her about her father."
And with a lump on her throat, Sbahle whispers into her daughter's ears in her
sleep. She tells her about the passing of her father, that she'll never get to see
him again.
And surprisingly, Luhluthando cries in her sleep as if she's having a nightmare
but quickly calms down.

Her mother makes her sleep next to her on the mattress. She covers her body.
So, what's going to happen now? It'll be just the two of them in the house
without him? Life is unfair. Shintsha shouldn't have left her.

After her mother-in-law is done telling her about the progress of the day where
preparations are concerned, Sbahle closes her eyes. A lot goes through her mind
and when her cheap strong scent hits her nostrils, Sbahle quickly opens her eyes
like she's been waiting for her. Actually, why hasn't she come in two days of her
brother's death?

She jumps up like a springbok leaving its comfort zone, running from the lion
and she attacks Sebenzile, "what did you do to my husband?" She screams and
the old women in the room scream, standing up.
MaGwala holds Sbahle as she has her hands around her daughter's neck,
"KaMazibuko, stop it! That's her brother, she'll never hurt him!"
They pull her back and force her back on the mattress, "why did she call him to
her house and he comes back to me as a corpse?" Sbahle screams, pointing at
Sebenzile.

"This has nothing to do with me," Sebenzile cries out of guilt. "I really thought
my brother was safe. He wasn't even drunk when he left us. I love him, how
could I have hurt him?"
She cries and Sbahle doesn't have any strength to back chat with her as she's
also crying. In her mind, it's her!

Sebenzile was shocked when she received the news that her brother is dead.
She'd instructed the boys to frighten him and stab him once on the thigh. She
wanted to roar her anger on him for what he did. But when she heard they killed
him, she was devastated and hurt. Why did they kill him?

One old woman starts a worship song and it lightens the pain and brings peace.
More and more family members come by to mourn the passing of Shintsha.
Everyone is hurt, it hurts the most because he was killed. It's unbelievable
because just yesterday, he was alive and kicking and today? He's dead.

When Sihle received the news that his friend had died and how he died, he felt
like the universe hated him. And he felt more pain for his wife and child.
And he didn't hesitate to report the case to the police, asking the detective he
knows to handle the case.
The police come to the grieving family of Luthuli and they asked them
questions.

And they question Sebenzile lastly, she's nervous as she sits down with the
police and the detective. Can they see she's guilty?

"We're told you and your brother had a fight over granny's grant money?" The
Detective starts the session with Sebenzile.
She stutters and quickly recovers by pretending she's crying for her brother.
Who told them about this? Is it Sbahle?

"Yes, we had a misunderstanding over granny's money," she doesn't deny what
they've been told but she doesn't admit that she's the one who killed her brother.
How could she admit it? She can't because that would mean she's going to go to
prison.

"And I called him to my house, we spent time together. My husband is my

witness because he was there when we sorted our differences." She takes a
break and cries, "my brother left after getting a call from his wife. She called
telling him to come back home. He didn't want to leave then but his wife told
him to come back home. She didn't even offer to drive home and get him."
"Did it look like they were fighting?" The Detective asks, writing down
information that Sebenzile is telling him.
She frowns, "I can't say because he wasn't shouting but my brother is not a man
who liked shouting."
"What do you think of his relationship with his wife?" He asks.

She keeps quiet as if calculating her words. Initially, she knows she doesn't
want her in jail but she also doesn't want her as a part of the family so she'll get
the opportunity to carry out her entire plan. If she goes in jail, the police may
discover more truths.

"Their relationship was a good one but I don't know if she loved my brother as
he loved her." She says and holds her mouth as if there's a secret she's hiding.
The Detective raises an eye, "can you elaborate more on that? I believe you
know you must not hide things from the law. That may get you in trouble."
She nods, "I once overheard her saying she told my brother to write her name in
everything, from the pub to the car, house, everything. And she said all these
things will be hers to own. I don't know, I just overheard." She creates a total
lie. She knows that indeed, her brother left everything in his wife's name and
that's upsetting, bringing deep jealousy in her. What will her husband leave for
her when he dies? Nothing but debts!
And the police write it down. They ask her a few more questions and she doesn't
stop making Sbahle look like a guilty one.
The Detective leave the premises with Sihle after the questioning. "I am not sure
about the information I was told by Sebenzile."
"What did she say?" Sihle asks.

And he tells him about the conversation with Sebenzile. They stand before their
cars, talking about Sebenzile.
Sihle shakes his head, "that's not like Sbahle. She's a hardworking young
woman and I doubt she would have killed him. Those people loved each other. I
think you should dig deep around this sister, anything is possible there."
He nods, "there's no enough evidence at the moment and the court only works
with evidence."
"We'll find it if we keep looking. We should know who killed my friend. His
mother and wife will know peace once they know the killer." Sihle says and the
Detective nods.

It's not a straightforward case but they need to dig the truth if they want the
killer. Shintsha will probably rest in peace once his killer has been found and
punished…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 74

"Loving and fighting

Accusing, denying
I can't imagine a world with you gone
The joy and the chaos, the demons we're made of
I'd be so lost if you left me alone...
You locked yourself in the bathroom;
Lying on the floor when I break through
I pull you in to feel your heartbeat
Can you hear me screaming "Please don't leave me!
Hold on, I still want you
Come back, I still need you
Let me take your hand, I'll make it right
I swear to love you all my life
Hold on, I still need you."

She holds on tight to the pillow as the song plays softly on her phone and her
screams die on the pillow. "Ngicela ubuye Shintsha, buya sthandwa sami!"
(Please, come back, come back my love!)

She knows her mother-in-law had told her not to cry too much because he'll not
rest in peace but how can she not cry? She didn't prepare herself for this. It
would have been better if he got sick and she got to nurse him until he died. But
they killed him, a wound that will never heal. She's not ready to let go.

MaGwala sits next to Sbahle on the mattress. They're all dressed, ready for
Shintsha's send-off. The police finally released his body for burial. His family
had finished up with the funeral preparations.

"KaMazibuko, get up, it's time we go and put your husband in his resting
place."
She's laying on the mattress dressed in a long black dress with a black scarf
around her shoulders. She doesn't have the strength to get up. She's still in
trauma.

She had to go out of the Luthuli premises, along with his mother they washed
his body after the rituals ensuring he could enter the premises. And to ensure
that nobody in the family dies by a weapon again.
She looks at her, "mama, I don't have any strength. How should I sit there and
look at his coffin? I never thought this day would come and it would come so
early."
"I know my child I also thought he'll be the one to bury me but we have to try.
Please."

Ntandoni comes by and motivates her friend, "remember the first day the two of
you met, from there your love had been written in the stars but this is not the
end. You'll love him even on the grave and he'll always be with you. Now, it's
time to say goodbye in the world, he kept his promises. Senihlukaniswe ukufa
ngokwenyama."

Sbahle holds her hand and they help her get up. She puts on shoes and with a
song, they walk out with her. They hold her tight and walk out slowly with her.
The tent is at the sports ground and it looks like the whole village came out to
say goodbye to Shintsha. Some people are seated outside the tent and the others
are standing on their feet.

The service has already started and his life is celebrated as they're singing,
going to the front, clapping hands and the keyboard backing them as they dance
around his coffin.

Sebenzile is seated along with the family at the front as if she's not the person
who killed her brother. She cries with them as each speaker only says good
things about Shintsha.

Gcina takes the mic as he was called to speak on behalf of his siblings. Sbahle
refused to have Sebenzile speak on behalf of siblings. In her heart and mind,
she's responsible for her husband's death.

"I don't know where to start. He was everything to us and today, I am what I am
because of him," Gcina says and faces the coffin, next to it. It's the big framed
half-cut picture of Shintsha in his traditional regalia on his wedding day, he's
smiling. The happiest day in his life.
He holds the pulpit and shakes his head as tears freely come out of his eyes.

"When our older brother was taken away from us, bhuti Shintsha stepped up as
an older brother as young as he was. We never went to bed hungry because he
was there. He looked after us until we were able to fend for ourselves. Every
month, he was the one reminding me that mama should get her money for food
and the rest can be spent on our needs." He takes a pause.
"Mmm!" The people moan, touched.

He looks at Sbahle, "sisi, mfazi kamfowethu, we're here. Luhluthando is our

daughter, whatever she lacks, don't hesitate to tell us. You're our sister and
there's nothing that will change just because our brother is no longer with us.
Yobe, mntaka Mazibuko. Umnyeni wakho ukushiye ngesihluku, yobe. My
brother loved you when you were still a girl. He would come home from
Richards’s Bay and tell me about how beautiful you're. Athi, 'ey, bafo, ngathi
unodoli, uzombona ngelinye ilanga usuzothi skwiza kudoli wami madoda!'" He
says and people laugh. "And truly, he made you his wife, find strength in the
love he had for you and never forget him. I trust him to look over you."

A worshiper starts a song as Sbahle wails, Thembi holds her sister to her chest.
And Gcina pauses talking because of pain. People sing and sing in spirit,
strengthening the family. They keep quiet when Gcina is calm. And Sbahle is
also calm.

He looks at his brother's picture, "lala ngoxolo Luthuli, Mandlanduna, you'll

always be in our hearts. We'll always love you." He leaves the front in tears. Is
the pain going to be better?

More speakers come and talk about Shintsha, they leave words of comfort for
his family and his wife.

And after 12pm, they all leave the tent, they go to the graveyard - and there,
Shintsha is put in his last resting place!

*****
After the funeral, MaGwala told her to stay home with her and granny and the
children because she wasn't fit to go to work.
She went to work, travelling from the village to Richards’s Bay and in a week,
she returned with two written warnings.
They stayed together for a month, trying to get through each day, living without
Shintsha in their lives.

MaGwala didn't even allow her to sleep alone because she was very worried
about her. If her father was still alive, she would have sent her to her father.
And a month later, after Shintsha was buried, Sbahle felt like she was strong
enough to go back home. MaGwala didn't want her to go but she needed to
carry on.

She's back in her home. The home she shared with Shintsha. The home she built
for her and their daughter.
Did he know he's going to leave them? From here, where should she start?

"Mama, I will go to my room!" Luhluthando runs to her bedroom, leaving her

mother standing in the middle of the kitchen.
She grabs a chair and sits down. She shuts her eyes and she's taken back to the
memories of her husband.

She smiles, it plays in her mind like a movie. Back then, she was still enjoying
his company without being his girlfriend. He used to walk around his rental
room naked, cooking inhloko for her. They'll enjoy it in his bed and make some
magic, body to body. And what came out? Luhluthando.
Oh, indeed, their love was beautiful and they have their daughter to show as
evidence.

When she opens her eyes, her face is wet with tears and she wipes them. She
doesn't even want to go to her bedroom today.
She stands up and starts cooking, its better she does something that will keep
her mind busy. She doesn't know how she's going to do it but she has to do it.

Today, she went back to work, with her black mourning clothes, she changed
into work clothes and tried to work.
The mistakes she made at work were too much and her manager was forced to
fire her, sending her back home. She's not fit to work but she thought she'll be
able to work.
She also doesn't want to work at the pub, there's Shintsha everywhere. How's
she supposed to concentrate?

"Mama, what are we going to eat?" Luhluthando smiles at her mother.

And Sbahle takes her concentration to her daughter, "we'll cook your favourite,
spaghetti and meatballs."
She claps her hands happily, "we'll eat my favourite today and eat dad's
favourite tomorrow, eat your favourite the day after. Yes!" She jumps up and
runs out of the house.

Her father's favourite? "Oh, Luthuli, I feel so empty without you." She puts the
knife on the table and tries to breathe in and out.
'You can do it!'

The inner voice rings in her mind and she tries to force herself. She'll do it.

MaGwala wanted her to stay with her but she told her she'll do it. She'll survive
with her daughter and now, she has to prove herself right!

Life should carry on… It has to carry on…

ISBOPHO!
Chapter 75

It's been Three Months since her son left her. And he left the void in her heart
and life.

Yes, when he was alive, she saw the role he played in this family. He was the
easiest to talk to, she knew when something is not right, she'll call his wife and
he'll fix it. She appreciated that.

Now that he's no longer a part of their lives, she's seeing the bigger space he left
in their lives. Now, she thinks twice before picking up the phone and calling one
of her children. It's unlike how it was with Shintsha and his wife. She misses
him, and every day brings pain in her heart because his killers are still out there
- free! The police have failed to catch the killer because there's no solid
evidence.

She raises her head as the gate is opened, it's her daughter Sebenzile.
"You've remembered us today," MaGwala comments as Sebenzile approaches
the porch where they're seated with granny on the straw mats. They're enjoying
sweet potatoes.
With a smile, Sebenzile sits on the bench. "Yes, I thought since I am not busy
today I should come by and visit."

She's been laying low, the guilt of her brother's death kept her from visiting
home regularly. She didn't want to do things quickly after his death because it
was going to be alarming. Things are really bad at home and only feels lucky
because her husband is not physically abusive. He's started taking house items
and selling them to go out for alcohol because she doesn't give him money.

After doing some chores for her mother, Sebenzile goes back to her.
"Mama, there's a dress I gave Sbahle a while ago, I told her I need it she said it's
inside her Kist. Can we go and look for it? I don't want to go inside her house
alone. I don't want that tomorrow if something is missing she'll say it's me who
took that thing."

A dress she gave Shintsha's wife? They're not even of the same body sizes. But
it must have been the dress she bought. "Okay, let's go."

Granny only glares at her. Like Sbahle, she also suspects that Sebenzile has
something to do with Shintsha's death. Why did he go to her house to make
peace and suddenly came back home as a corpse?
But she didn't say anything to her daughter, she doesn't want to appear as
someone who's causing conflicts in the family. She's living with her daughter by
mercy because her sons' wives don't have time for her.

MaGwala sits on the bench that's on the foot of the bed. "You could've come
yesterday because she was here with Luhluthando."
"Oh, they do come?"
"Yes, why would they not come? This is their home."
She opens the Kist, "it's just that young wives don't really care about their
mothers-in-law after the death of their husbands."
"Not KaMazibuko, she lost her job but still, every month she gives me money
for groceries like her husband has been doing."

Impressive! She would never do that for her mother-in-law. Never? "Oh,
where's she working now?"
"She's not working but handles things in their business with your brother."
The business that she wants to take from her. She'll take it! "Okay, she's a good
person."
"Yes, my son chose well."

After searching and searching, Sebenzile screams as she finds the wrapped
plastic of a dried bloody knife.

Her scream startles her mother, "what's wrong?" She asks, standing next to her.
With eyes widened and hands shaking like a leaf, Sebenzile shows the knife to
her mother. Her mother, who has been praising her daughter-in-law. "What's
this, mama?"
MaGwala's mind becomes foggy. Why is there a bloody knife in her Kist? She
takes the knife and sits on the bench with it.
"Why is she keeping a knife with blood in her Kist?" Sebenzile asks and sits on
the bench with her mother. She looks at her face, for her reaction. She's
confused.

"Is this the knife that killed your brother?" She asks and her question is
accompanied by pain and tears. It can't be! Sbahle?
Sebenzile takes the knife again, "yes, I think so. But why is it in her
possession?"

MaGwala wails as she makes up her own truth. She thinks of the previous
events before her son died and everything makes perfect sense to her. What a
fool she's been!
Granny walks into the room slowly with her walking stick but according to her
abilities she's fast. "What's wrong, mntanami?"
With her hands on her head, she wails, "le ngane yiyo engibulalele umntanami!"
(This child is the one who killed my son!)

Granny looks at the knife in the hands of Sebenzile and Sebenzile quickly
explains. "We found this knife in her Kist."
"Who found it?" She asks.
Sebenzile cries, "I found it when I was looking for my dress."
What is this girl up to? "MaGwala, don't cry like this. Anyone would have
planted this knife here and framed Shintsha's wife."

MaGwala doesn't even listen to her mother but she gets on her feet and leaves
the room crying. Why did she trust her? She didn't even question her and tried
thinking she must be the one who did this. What did she want? Her son's money
and business? He left everything in her name and their child's name. Did she
know about this and planned to kill him?

A heartbroken MaGwala walks out of her bedroom as soon as her sons call her.
The whole week she kept the matter to herself and didn't tell them over the
phone. She called them during the week and told them to come home.
Throughout the week, her mother has been telling her she's blind and foolish to
believe that Sbahle killed her husband. She didn't listen to her mother,
everything had made perfect sense to her.

"You're done eating," she sits on the kitchen chair along with her sons.
Sebenzile is also with them. She asked her to also come. Amanda is not with
them, she's working overtime this weekend.
"Yes, is everything alright mama? You sounded down on the line and even now,
you don't look well." Gama asks.
And Gcina supports, "yes, you don't look well."

She puts the wrapped bloody knife on top of the table. "This is what's bothering
me."
A knife? The two brothers are confused. What is a knife doing here?
"What is going on mama? Who's the owner of this knife?" Gcina asks. He
doesn't want to jump into conclusion. Have they found his brother's killer?
She points at the knife with tears, "I found this knife in your brother's wife's
Kist. It was there wrapped in this plastic bag. It was hidden."

The two brothers hold their mouths and this reaction hurts granny. Have they
foolishly believed these lies too?
"This is the knife that killed your brother."
Granny shouts, "don't tell me you believe this theory your mother has.
KaMazibuko would have never killed her husband."
"What is the knife doing in her possession gogo?" Gcina asks, angrily. He
doesn't want to believe this but it's hard not to believe it. How can he not believe
it?

Gama also has difficulties not believing this. The evidence is right before them,
she can't magically have the knife in her possession. It can never happen.

"Anybody can enter into the house and plant the knife there to frame her,"
Granny screams. Why are these people so foolish?
MaGwala shakes her, still crying, "She killed my son for his money and she
pretended to be seeing dreams of him falling off the cliff. It was all lies! She
lied to us, she hired people to kill him and throw him off the cliff to make it
look real. How could she?" She screams.

Sebenzile quickly gets from the chair and sits closer to her mother. She
comforts her, "it'll be alright mama. Don't cry like this."
"It can't be alright while that girl is enjoying the fruits of my son's blood and
sweat. My son worked hard his whole life and this cheap girl comes by and kills
him!" She points at her sons, she's messed up. "Tomorrow, you're driving me to
her."
"Why are you going to her mama? Call the police on her!" Gama suggests
angrily.
She shakes her head, "jail is fancy and she can easily come out. I want her to
wish she was never born. It's clear my sons married witches, they're all different
in their category. I curse the day she came into our lives. My son would be alive
if he never met her."

Sebenzile doesn't let her mother go as she doesn't stop crying. What does her
mother have in store for Sbahle?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 76

"You need to try and eat this. Your sister Nondumiso told me to make it for
you. It has lemon." Ntandoni sits on the bed holding a bowl of soft porridge for
Sbahle.

She was visiting her on a normal day when she found her in her bedroom
talking alone and crying. In her mind she was talking to Shintsha but there
wasn't anyone in the room. Ntandoni noted she had lost weight, she told her she
didn't have much appetite.

She finishes dressing up after a morning bath and she takes the porridge. Her
daughter is not home, she went to day care.

"Thank you, friend." She takes the spoon and eats the soft porridge, she doesn't
get any nausea when she eats it because it has lemon. She's quite enjoying it.
"Is it edible?"
She smiles, "yes, it's nice. Thank you, I really appreciate your presence."

Ntandoni brushes her friend's shoulder. She likes being here, supporting her
because she needs it. She's returning the favour, when she lost her mother -
Sbahle carried her through ensuring she knows how to live without her mother.
And today, she's here with her.

Sbahle looks at the framed photo, she's with Shintsha on their traditional
wedding day. She says, "I am haunted by his memories. I see him almost every
day in my dreams. It's like he's still alive and we're very happy together. When I
wake, I get very disappointed and hurt because I realise he's no longer with me."
She opens up to Ntandoni about what has been happening lately.
"I understand, now it's the time you should try and accept that he's no longer
with you. Once you've accepted, you'll be able to live freely and possibly love
again once you're ready and have finished mourning him." Ntandoni comforts
her friend.
"Do you think I will be able to love again?"
She nods with a pure smile, "yes, you're still young and have the whole world
ahead of you. I know you'll love again."
"Thank you."

She stands up from the bed as there's a sharp knock on the first door. "I will
attend it." She leaves, wondering who's knocking so hard.
MaGwala pushes the door as soon as the key is turned. She's surprised to see her
friend here. What is she doing here?

"Oh, she killed my son so she can bring the whole of her village to live here!"
She screams and sits on the couch.

Sebenzile and Gcina walk into the house and they sit on the couch opposite their
mother.
Her mind is muddled by the old woman's words. "What are you talking about,
mama?"
MaGwala screams, "Where’s that friend of yours? Call her here!"

Ntandoni doesn't have to call Sbahle as she walks out of the bedroom door. She
looks clean but one can tell she's not well.
MaGwala stands on her feet and faces Sbahle as she sits on the single couch.
She'll not rest without giving her a tight slap.

Sebenzile can see she's not well and because she knows what's happening, she
easily knows it must be the death of her husband. It must be hard moving
forward without him.

"You witch!" MaGwala slaps Sbahle so hard she sees stars and has her mind
blank after seeing the stars, "you've fooled me. Have me fooled as I thought you
love my son but no, you're just a hyena in a sheep's skin!"
Holding her burning cheek, she asks, "What are you talking about mama? What
have I done to you to deserve such words?"
"You've killed my son! Why are you pretending like you don't know? You
thought I wasn't going to find out that you've killed him and hid the murder
weapon right in your Kist. In my home. How could you!"

She goes pale instantly as her face loses all colour. She's always heard stories
about how in-laws turn on their daughters-in-law, accusing them of killing their
husbands once their son is dead. And she thought she was lucky because
nobody in the family accused her of killing Shintsha. She didn't know its
coming. "Me? No you're mistaken. How would I have killed him? He was
everything to me and we had many dreams about the future." Sbahle doesn't
have energy to speak but she forces herself and she looks at Gcina. "Bhuti,
please, I think you know me better."
He shakes his head, "I thought I did but not anymore. Why was the murder
weapon in your possession?"
"Murder weapon?"
"Yes, we found the knife in your Kist!" MaGwala screams. "And you're the
person who's close to me who killed my son."
She looks at Sebenzile. Why were they in her room in the first place? She
doesn't ask them because if she does, it'll look like she's guilty and had
something to hide in that room.

"Did you take the weapon to the police?" She asks, it's surprising that there has
been a weapon found in her house. And her guts tell her it's Sebenzile. She has
to be the one who did this, his brothers would have never but Sebenzile has a
motive. What does she want? Why is she doing this?

"Police? Why should I trust them because you can sleep with them and they'll
make the case disappear? The traditional healer I went to confirmed that, that
knife is the weapon that killed my son." MaGwala shouts, her voice shaking as
wounds of her heart pain. She trusted this girl and thought she's genuine but she
thought wrong, very wrong! "And told me someone closer to me killed him and
where did I find this weapon, from you!"

She reveals but doesn't tell her the plans she has for Sbahle, the things she told
the witch doctor she wants him to help do to Sbahle.

"The traditional healer said it's someone close to you. He didn't say it was me.
Why is it so easy to accuse me?"
"The knife was found in your possession!" Gcina growls at Sbahle.

Sbahle remains quiet as Shintsha's family, one after the other say vile words to
her as they accuse her of killing their son. They insult her and call her a murder.

"You saw how hard he worked and with all the wealth he created for himself,
you decided to kill him so you can take everything. You probably have a man
you'll spend my son's money on. His hard work."

Her words make her cry, it's painful. She thought she had a mother in MaGwala.
This is not a mother before her. She doesn't even recognise this woman.

"I didn't kill my husband, please believe me." She defends herself but it's clear
that she's fighting a losing battle here.

MaGwala stands, "I don't want to hear anything coming from your mouth. I
want you to pack your things and go back to your father's house. Tomorrow
when I come back, you must not be here. You'll leave everything that belongs to
my son behind. His bank cards, the business card for the pub, his car, house
keys and business keys."
She remembers the day they went to buy the car, he was happy saying it's their
car but once they have a son it'll belong to him. Well, he died without them
having a son but the house, the house belongs to her daughter.

"This is my daughter's home. How can you say I must leave?"

She points to the door, "I can't separate her from her murderous mother. Take
her and go back to your father's house. Ingane yami yabutha izibi kwaMazibuko
yazozifaka ekhaya. Go back where you come from."
"I am not going to leave my child's home," she stands her ground. She can't
have these people do this to her child.
"It's either you leave everything that belongs to my son or you go to jail! And I
will make sure you stay there and never come out!"

Jail? The police might take the knife, but find no fingerprints on it. Or maybe
it's a knife she touched before without knowing she's going to be framed? She
doesn't want to know the outcome of that knife going to the police. She can't be
a mother to Luhluthando while she's in prison for something she didn't do.
They'll even poison her child against her. No!

And with a throbbing heart, she says, "its fine. I will leave tomorrow."
She stands up and her children stand up after her, "that's good! By 9am, you
must be gone. I will send someone to check if you're really gone." She says and
Sbahle nods.

She looks at them as they leave - yeah, they're her in-laws and not her blood.
She'll leave, there's nothing else she can do!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 77

Her head is buzzing, right after they've left she feels like she's going to go crazy.
They've chased her out of her marital home?
A home that Shintsha left in her name and child's name. Why? Why have they
done something so cruel to her child?

"Sbahle, you can fight this. I will talk to Mkhwanazi and I am sure he'll be
happy to assist. He doesn't like seeing people suffer, especially widows. He
became a lawyer because of the injustice his mother faced." Ntandoni tries to
convince her friend. She needs her to have a fighting spirit.

She's tempted but again, this is Mkhwanazi. If they work together on a case,
he'll start acting up once again and she's in no position to entertain him. And his
advances.

"No, I will go back home. I can win and they'll kill me. I know his sister killed
him. It's her and I can bet my last cent on it." Her wobbly legs carry her to her
bedroom.

Where should she go? She needs to call her brother and tell him she no longer
has a home. She has nobody else she can run to.

"Sisi omncane, how are you?" Luthando greets his sister on the line.
She sits comfortably on her bed, "I am not fine bhuti and how are you?"
"What's wrong? You don't even sound well."
She looks at her feet, "I got a visit from my husband's mother today."
"What did they say? Did they say something to hurt you? Tell me!"
"They accused me of killing Luhluthando's father…" she doesn't leave any
details out. She cries to her older brother because who else should she cry to?
She knows he's married with children but she doesn't believe he can let her
suffer without a home.

Luthando releases a series of curses. "Badakiwe! Is that woman crazy? I thought

she was good to you. What happened?"
"I thought so too but I suspect her daughter. She's the one who was fighting
with Shintsha and surprisingly, there's a knife in my Kist," she vents to her
brother.
"You're right, from the moment you told me they're fighting. I didn't like it
because she sounded like an evil person. How can she rob an old woman of her
money?" He raises his voice out of anger. This woman is really evil.
"Luhluthando and I are homeless now. I can't go to jail and I don't want to fight.
They'll kill me too if I hold on to their son's things."

Luthando huffs and keeps calm, "no, how can you say that? This is your home.
It'll forever be your home, Mazibuko would turn on his grave if I can tell you
there's no space for you here. This is our home, Sbahle."

The problem is his wife. The woman is the biggest problem, their younger
brother Khulekani is mostly not home because of their sister-in-law. She doesn't
unite the family, it's like she doesn't want them to be in their home but it should
be her and her family.

"Your wife?"
"Hhayibo, what about her? She's a wife here and should respect you. You'll
move into our father's house with Luhluthando. And you'll cook there because I
know my wife can be a problem." Luthando concludes.

And Sbahle feels like a burden on her shoulders has been lifted. She no longer
has the stress she had when his family left.

"Thank you, bhuti. I am relieved that we'll not be homeless."

"I will come in the morning, you should be ready with everything that belongs
to you."
"Thank you bhuti." She stands up and runs back to her friend to tell her about
the conversation she had with her brother.
Ntandoni encourages her to start packing. "You should take out those kitchen
cupboards." Ntandoni says as they're done packing her clothes and shoes.

After an hour and half, they're packing Luhluthando's clothes. "Hhayibo,

Ntando!"
"What's wrong? That's your money. Shintsha only paid for labour. The material
is more expensive compared to labour. You still have slips right?" She asks.
Sbahle laughs, "Yes, I do have the slips."
"They should find that kitchen with no cupboards. Everything you bought, take
it! That includes the curtains."
Sbahle can't stop laughing at her friend's suggestion. "Okay, we'll take
everything I bought." She loves laughing. When was the last time she genuinely
laughed? She gets to laugh when her daughter tells her stories that happen at
day care.

She has already told her brother that he needs to bring one of his trucks to move
her belongings. She asked the man who installed the cupboards to come and
bring them down in the afternoon.
After she explained to him what was going on, he offered to bring them down
for free.
She sits on the plastic chair that she's leaving in the kitchen, the table and chairs
she bought with her money, they're already outside waiting for her brother to
come by.

"Yea, neh? I didn't think it'll come to this. I thought once I have good money, I
will extend this house and keep our memories alive, especially for our baby
girl." She looks around the kitchen. It is as it was before she decided to furnish
it. She's not that proud for doing that but it'll be better to sell the material and
save the money than let his family benefit from her blood and sweat.

"So, you're really leaving now?" Thembi asks her sister on the line. She's
emotional as they're talking, she didn't think they would do such a thing to her
sister. Sbahle and killing? They're definitely crazy.

"Yes, I am waiting for bhuti to come. I am going to live with that demon
Sthembile."
She curses, "Yey, don't you dare let her bully you. Luthando is your brother and
that's your home, she'll not tell you what to do and what not to do in your
home."
"I don't want to cause fights-"
"Yey! Sbahle, don't let that girl bully you I am repeating myself. Always put her
in her place if she's messing with you."
She sighs, "Yes, I will do that."
"Alright, good luck with everything. I will also try to send money monthly if I
am not swamped. It'll not be much since I have another baby on the way but it'll
be helpful."

She's thankful for the unity she has with her siblings now. If things were still
like before, she would have been on streets with no help.

"Yes, I can't wait to meet the new member. Shintsha and I were planning on
having a baby. And I am glad I am not pregnant. It would be stressful if I am
pregnant without him." She confides.
"Yes, I totally understand you. It's better because you're not with child."
She stands, "I think that's our brother. I am leaving now."
"Thank you, we'll talk, okay?"
"Yes, bye."

The two siblings hug each other, Luthando brushes his sister's back. "I am here
now, don't be stressed. We're going now and your life will carry on. In a few
years you'll be making your own money and buy your own home with your
money."
She backs away from her brother and wipes her tears. "Thanks, bhuti. I took
everything, Ntandoni told me to take everything I bought and have slips for,"
she points at her furniture and they laugh.
They stand aside as his boys start working, loading everything on the truck.
"You did a good thing. Your friend is smart I was supposed to marry her, yazi,"
he comments loosely and laughs as Sbahle widens her eyes at him. He pushes
her shoulder playfully.
"What did Luhluthando say?"
"I told her we'll no longer live here because her father is never coming back.
She cried and told me we should stay. She fell asleep crying but she'll be fine."
He nods, "yes, she'll be fine."

The two Mazibuko siblings stand together and remain quiet as they look at the
boys working. This is really goodbye? Their house and its memories, taken
away from her and her child? She'll never forget this!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 78

It's been a week and few days since she moved out of her home and moved back
into her paternal home with her daughter. Luhluthando doesn't understand why
she can't call her grandmother anymore.
She's been crying to her mother, begging her to call her granny and visit Gcina's
children. But Sbahle refused to let her visit Gcina's children. She doesn't want to
bother herself with that family, not after what they did to her.

Sbahle has failed to explain why she can't call her granny and always she would
tell her she doesn't have airtime. And she believed her every time.

"Why are you crying?" Sbahle asks Luhluthando as she walks into her
grandfather's house crying.

Sbahle has just put her bag on the floor and sat down on the comfortable leather
couch. It's been a long day, going in and out, looking for a job but who can hire
a woman in black mourning clothes?
She felt like it's these clothes stopping them from hiring her because they kept
saying she has a beautiful CV but can't hire her at the moment. She left every
door she entered, leaving with a broken heart. She needs this job. She has to
continue with her studies. She failed the semester because there's nothing good
she wrote in her exams. She was depressed by her husband's death.

Luhluthando lays her head on her mother's lap and she continues crying,
"They’re having cakes and malumekazi refused to give me one. She said I must
ask it from you, mama."
She brushes her daughter's back and comforts her, "don't cry, yes I have some
cake in our fridge. Remember uncle bought the cake and gave us half. Don't ask
it again from aunty okay?"
She quickly wipes her face, "yebo, mama."

It hasn't even been a month but she already wishes she can have her own space
with her child. She loves being around her brother and his children but his wife
doesn't treat them right.
When they moved in, she couldn't hide how angry she was that they'll live with
them in the yard. She couldn't even smile. Sbahle felt really uncomfortable at
home.

What makes Sbahle angrier, is how she treats her daughter. She doesn't treat her
like a child of the family. When her children are eating, she tells Luhluthando to
go to her mother and doesn't even give her a single thing. But Sbahle gives the
children equally.
It's not a good situation to raise a child in but she doesn't have a choice, she's
homeless.

Ever since she moved home, she feels safer than being in Shintsha's house
where she wasn't wanted but she misses her space, the memories in that house.
But she has hope it'll get better.

"Let's have some cake," she stands up from the couch and Luhluthando is happy
to see that indeed - there's a cake in her mother's fridge. They'll enjoy the cake
alone.

*****
The wait has been torture, waiting for time to pass by until she strikes again. It's
been a miserable wait, her husband has a girlfriend at the tavern, whenever
they're together, his girlfriend harasses her with text messages using his phone.
To her husband, she pretended not to know anything about his girlfriend. She
didn't fight because she knew she's not staying for long.

Sebenzile gets off the taxi with people staring at her and some, gossiping about
her. They don't even have shame to wait until she's no longer before their eyes
and gossip.

Yesterday after work, she was walking home and her husband's girlfriend stood
right before her on the road.
The girl became cheeky and told her she's pregnant with her husband's child.
Sebenzile told the girl to move aside but she didn't move. She didn't stop but
told her she was nothing, the man belonged to her and she must stop taking his
bank cards.

And that made Sebenzile laugh. What did the girl think? She thought her
husband has money and she's the one who's keeping the money from him.
She pushed the girl aside and the girl slapped her. Did she fold arms and watch?
No, but she gave her double slaps.

"Hhayibo, mntanami, what's wrong?" MaGwala gets up from the chair as soon
as Sebenzile walks into the kitchen with a red swollen face and a blue eye.
She helps her daughter sit down. She's walking slowly, it shows that her body is
in pain. "Sawubona mama."
"What's wrong?" MaGwala doesn't care about greetings but she cares about the
black and blue swollen face of her daughter.
Sebenzile holds her face, "it's Gumede, he's the one who did this to me." She
reports her husband to her mother.

What happened? The girlfriend ran to Gumede and told him that Sebenzile beat
her up. Gumede got extremely angry that his wife had beaten his pregnant
girlfriend. He quickly went home and they had a fight with Sebenzile. A big
fight but Gumede didn't lay his hands on her. He pushed her, resulting in her
falling painfully in her face.

At night, in the bathroom she gave herself a slap until her face was red. She
went to bed angry at her husband.

In the morning, she decided not to go to work but to head to her mother. She did
the blue eye using makeup and some blue marks on her face. Her husband didn't
sleep at home but at his girlfriend's rental room.

MaGwala's hands fly up to her head and she holds it tightly, "why did he do this
to you? Is that man crazy?"

Sebenzile starts crying. She needs her mother to believe her story and help her
out. Initially, she'd planned on hiring a junkie to beat her in the face and she was
going to pin it to her husband, cry to her mother that he's an abusive husband.
She planned to cry to her, asking to come back home with her son. And tell her
she'll build a house for herself and her mother would suggest she lives in
Shintsha's house so it won't be empty.

Her mother has been worried about the house because it's empty with nobody
living in it. She thought thieves would break in and take her son's belongings.
But, this happened. This made Sebenzile feel like the universe is in her favour.
She deserves this house and business.

Sebenzile cries louder, "he has a pregnant girlfriend…" She tells him the story
of his girlfriend. What happened when they met and what her husband did?

"I am tired of living with him mama. He abuses me, goes out to get drunk and
comes back home to abuse me. He even forces himself on me when he's drunk,"
she lies about her husband raping her.

MaGwala cries with her child, "Oh, my dear child, I am sorry. I thought I was
marrying you to a sensible man. I didn't know he's a demon. How could he do
this to you?"
"Please, don't send me back to him? I want to take my child and leave." She
cries louder, pretending to be in great pain. "I know I can't come back home but
I will try to save money until I have my own space. Or I will rent a backroom in
township."

MaGwala holds her tight, "no, no, that'll not happen. I know your brother
Shintsha would have wanted you to be safe. So, it'll be better if you move into
his home eMandlanzini. You'll need to look after that home. I have been
thinking of asking your cousin to go and stay there. But since such a thing has
happened, I won't do what our mothers did to some of our sisters with abusive
husbands, sending them back to them even when their daughters are crying for
help. It'll be better you leave him. I will call his mother and we'll meet, talk
about this. You're better safe than being with an abuser. Don't cry now, my
child."
"Thank you, mama." She doesn't stop crying. She's very happy that her mother
believed her story. And things happened as she wanted them. Is this a sign? A
sign that she deserves what she's getting?

MaGwala comforts her daughter without doubting anything that comes out of
her mouth. It's her child. How can she doubt her own child?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 79

It's month-end, this job promotion she got comes with a lot of work. She knew
the workload was going to go up but she didn't think up to this extent.

"I think I don't like your job anymore. You're always working, always and
getting tired." Gcina complains as his wife cries about being tired. He sits up
and takes deep heat, he tells her to sit and he rubs her body.
"I am still trying to get on my feet in the new position and get a hang of things.
It'll be better next month." Her eyes are closed as her muscles relax. She's tired.
"It should get better."

She remembers, "My love, did you send money for Luhluthando this month?"
"Money for what?" Her question annoys him, not because of his brother's child
but because of her mother.
Why is it even a question? He's not supposed to ask this because he's been doing
that the past three months. "Why are you asking me that? You're her father,
you're supposed to take care of her!"
"Why should I continue taking care of her? Didn't her mother kill my brother
because she wants her father's money?"

She pushes his hands away from her. There's nothing that ticks her off like the
issue of Sbahle being accused of killing her husband.

"Why are you being so foolish Gcina? In your right mind, do you really see
Sbahle killing her husband? For what?"
"Don't act foolish, she did that for his money!"
"How much is that money? Is it millions? Don't you kill someone who's actually
rich?"
He chuckles, a mocking chuckle, "is that what you're saying about my brother?
You're disrespecting him!"
"Oh, you're saying that, why? Did your brother have millions as you're busy
boasting that he was killed for his money by Sbahle?" She shouts at him. She
didn't know her husband could be so foolish. She doubts Shintsha left even half
a million. Yes, he had money that he worked hard for but it's not that much that
Sbahle could think and plan of killing him.

Her choice of words makes him angry. How could she speak like this about his
brother?

"Watch your tongue, MaDumisa!"

She laughs and claps her hands, "ayi, uyamangaza. Your family, I am scared of
them. Nobody is safe, if you die today, they'll accuse me of killing you for your
money because women are always hungry for men's money. You're shameful."
"You can say whatever you want to say and insult my brother's hard work but I
won't give money to the woman who killed my brother, she must take that
money she killed him for!" He growls and leaves the bedroom, leaving Amanda
angry.

How could he? She takes her phone once she's calm and calls Sbahle but she
doesn't take the call. She leaves a text message on WhatsApp asking if they
should meet.

*****
Sebenzile left her husband shocked and with a lot of questions. He thought he
knew her, the woman he married but after telling her mother he's been abusing
her. He was shocked.

Both families ganged up on him for being an abuser and he tried defending
himself but they didn't believe him. They believed Sebenzile when she told
them she's been abused. His mother asked Sebenzile to come back home and
they'll fix things but MaGwala refused. Gumede didn't even want to beg them,
he let her go. He was shocked by his wife and her lies.

"Hawu, mama, why is the kitchen like this?" Sebenzile asks as they walk into
the empty kitchen. Where are the grey, beautiful built-in cupboards that made
the kitchen look like it's those kitchens that appear in magazines?
MaGwala chuckles, "iyadelela le ntombazane!" (This girl is disrespectful!)
She's heartbroken to see her son's kitchen like this. She moves to the lounge and
there are no fancy curtains and their polished wood rails.
She sits on the couch and takes her phone from her pocket.

"Hello?"
And MaGwala doesn't waste any time, "yeywena sfetshana sentombazane, (hey,
you loose girl!) Why did you take my son's kitchen furniture and curtains? You
even took the rails?" She breathes fire on Sbahle.
There's a shuffling sound and the person who speaks next, it's Ntandoni. "Your
son's what? Don't forget mama, Sbahle was also working and working a good
paying job. Everything she took in that house belongs to her." She says in a firm
tone.

MaGwala laughs, "Where’s she? Why is she giving the phone to you? Her
money? Don't test me! Do you and your friend think I don't know courts -?"
"I am busy, Sbahle will send you an email of her receipts since you know the
courts. You must also know to read emails salukazi."

MaGwala screams and screams without realising she's screaming alone.

She sends the call straight to Gama. She'll not let this go. Sbahle will bring
everything back.

She's angry, so much she's shaking. This girl really killed her son for money.

*****

***"Luthando is seated at the office in his workplace, busy typing on the

computer when suddenly, the atmosphere changes.
He raises his head to the opened door and stands on his feet as his father walks
through the door. "Baba?"
Mazibuko advances into the room, "my son, I am here to talk about your
younger sister."
He nods, "yebo, Muna, she's home. She's safe, nobody will hurt her."
"Your sister must study, Mazibuko. It's your responsibility to ensure she goes to
school and finishes her studies. Is that clear?"

He doesn't argue or ask any further questions but he agrees, "yes, don't worry,
baba. Go back to work and don't stress. I will take care of everything. She'll
study."

He smiles but doesn't smile fully. He extends his hand over to his son and they
shake hands. Mazibuko leaves. ***

Luthando wakes up from his dream and he thinks things through - he needs to
honour his father's instructions. He needs to send his sister back to her studies,
she must finish her studies…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 80

He sits next to his sister on the doorstep of their father's house. He looks at her
and smiles, he chuckles with a head shake.

"Are you gaining weight? I am seeing chubby cheeks." Luthando comments.

And Sbahle laughs, "I don't know why I would be gaining weight while I am so
stressed."
He doesn't like hearing this, "what's stressing you? I am here, talk."
"I am caught between taking the money I have and buying something I can sell
or paying off the semester." She responds.
"No, don't do that. I am here. I will pay for your studies until you're done
studying."

What? She's taken off guard by this. "Are you serious bhuti? You're married and
have children. I can't expect you to pay for my studies." She asks, this month
her brother Khulekani gave her money for groceries and she bought everything
they needed with her daughter in the house.

"Don't worry about that. I have been working for years Sbahle. You don't have
to worry about my pockets."
Senselessly, she hugs her brother laughing the laughter of happiness. "Thank
you so much, bhuti. I appreciate it. Muna," she praises their clan names. It's a
big load taken off her shoulders. She's not carrying this burden alone. Life is
carrying on.
"I will only need you to focus on your studies and we should try to apply for
some bursaries where Thembi used to work. I think they do support anything
with Science."

Her hope is strengthened. This is the best news she's heard this year.

"Are you happy here?"

She looks down, "I wish I can find a place to stay with Luhluthando but that
doesn't mean I don't appreciate being here." She doesn't want to tell him that his
wife is the reason she doesn't enjoy staying at home.
He automatically knows the problem is his wife. She doesn't treat his siblings
well and he doesn't know what her problem is. "I understand, you're no longer
used to staying with other people but your child and her father. It's normal.
Change is not always easy to adapt to."
She puts her head on his shoulder, "thank you for understanding. I will talk to
his friend and ask for a place to stay."
"As long as you'll be safe sisi." He puts his arm around her shoulder.
Luthando is driving to town with his wife. She's going to the saloon and he'll
drop her off, continue running his errands until she's done doing her hair.
He's listening to music as they're driving. He's thinking about his sister. She
went to Sihle to speak to him about a place to stay. He's hoping he'll be willing
to help.

"Babakhe, can I also have money to pay for a manicure and pedicure?"
He snaps from his thoughts and looks at his wife. "Alright, I will pay for the
nails." He doesn't decline. His wife is a housewife, he does everything for her.
What she does is sell kitchen dishes and curtains. It's a business running online.

"From this month, I will be paying for Sbahle's fees. There's nothing that's
going to change your financial standing but I thought its best I let you know that
I should pay for her because she doesn't have the means to pay for herself."

He glances at his wife and he can easily see that she doesn't like this.
She doesn't like this as much as she doesn't like his sister staying with them in
the yard. She doesn't understand why Luthando refused to buy a house for her in
the suburbs of Richards’s Bay because it's not like he doesn't afford it. He's in a
management position in the company he works at.

"You're going to buy groceries for her and also pay for her studies?" She asks.
He doesn't even look at her, "Khulekani buys groceries for her and even if he
doesn't, I would do that. She's my little sister!"
"Hhayibo, didn't her husband leave money for her?" She asks, annoyed.
"You're asking me rubbish because you know why she's living with us now and
not in her marital home. That's rubbish you're asking."
She folds her arms before her bust, "oh, I didn't know I am not supposed to ask
questions about your sister."
"I said to you, our financial standing won't change because I know how I will
pay for her studies without taking away from our monthly finances but you
don't appreciate that!" He shouts at her, he's pushed by her response.
"It's just that -"
"No! This is not up for discussion. I am telling you so you'll know where our
money goes. That's all!" He makes himself clear and his angry wife doesn't have
any more words.

It's a good Saturday, Sbahle and her daughter are visiting Sihle and his family.
She thought she could try and stay but things got worse with her sister-in-law
after her brother told her he'll be paying for her studies.

"Your mother-in-law called me some time last week but I didn't answer the call.
I went to her to express how disappointed I was in the way she treated you and
she insulted me. And told me to leave her home." Sihle tells Sbahle, "I was very
disappointed by her."

They're seated in the living room with TV playing, Sihle's wife is also seated
with them but she keeps standing up as she's cooking in the kitchen.

"I am not surprised bhuti."

"How's the situation at home? MaGwala really shocked me by what she did. I
suspect her daughter is the culprit."
At least she's not alone, "I strongly suspect her too. She must be the one who
did it."
"Her day will come."
"I wish it can come sooner," she supports and moves to the edge of the sofa as
soon as his wife comes back, "I am here to plead to you and your wife."
"Things are not great at home. My sister-in-law is not treating us well. And this
includes my daughter. I am unhappy about the environment she'll grow in,
growing seeing so much hate from an adult."
Sihle's wife brushes Sbahle's back as she gets emotional, "don't cry sisi, and tell
us what you need."
"Can I please have a place to stay? I am not picky, even if it's a smaller room. I
need to take my child out of that place."

Sihle is saddened by her situation, "don't worry, KaMazibuko, I will give you
your old room back. The boys are almost done with it. They were renewing
some parts of the roof and had added a smaller kitchen making it two rooms like
the other rooms I have added."
"Oh, I think the room should bring you money. You can give me a smaller one."
His wife says, "no, don't worry about the money. Take that room because you
have a child," she says and doesn't mention her suspicions of pregnancy. Maybe
she knows and doesn't want to talk about it.
Sihle supports his wife, "yes, I will not give you something low. You're my
friend's wife. You're like family."

The words comfort her. "Thank you so much." She's going to have her own
space with her child and everything will be better if they're not with her
brother's wife. Her daughter loves being with the children but she can't do
anything about their mother who doesn't want them in their home.

The three adults move to the dining table as the wife has finished cooking. The
children are eating alone outside.

They're discussing what happened between Sbahle and the Luthuli family.
She picks up the piece of chicken and when she takes the bite, the smell of
chicken and taste bring the biggest nausea. She quickly pushes the chair and
runs to the kitchen dustbin. The bathroom is far away.

Sihle's wife smiles at her husband and stands up, "I will go to her. I think
Shintsha left a little one in her," she whispers and Sihle widens his eyes at his
wife.

"Here's water!" She gives her a glass of water.

Sbahle is kneeling before the dustbin, she's confused by what's happening to her
and her appetite. Chicken? She's never had a problem with chicken.
"I don't know what's wrong."
With a smile, Sihle's wife says, "I think your husband left you with a little one. I
saw you when you walked in. You've gained weight and again, you have no
pimples like the last time." She makes her aware of the changes.
Her brows furrow, "huh? Wait, pregnancy?" She shakes her head. She doesn't
want to believe this, "no, it can't be!" She holds her belly and emotions get the
best of her.

"Oh, sisi, don't cry. You'll not be alone, we're all here." She pulls her into a
warm hug.
The pain starts afresh, "no, how am I going to do this?" Her tears flow like a
river, "oh, how can Shintsha leave me like this?"

Sihle's wife fails to hold her own tears and she doesn't even know what to say to
her. What a painful situation she's in. But she's willing to be there for her
throughout. It's the right thing to do. Her husband was loyal to her husband, he
was a really good friend.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 81

She didn't want to believe Sihle's wife when she told her she's pregnant. She
chose to stay in denial and didn't go to see the Doctor even though she had
money for the Doctor. And had an option to go to a free clinic.

Sbahle prepared herself for moving out. She was very happy that they've found
a place of their own, a place with so many memories of her husband. They spent
years living in that room and she was going back there.

Once the boys were done, they moved out of the Mazibuko home. Luhluthando
was very happy about moving out. It was going to be only her and her mother!

"Luhluthando, go and get a watering can!" She screams at her daughter. She's
behind the small sack fenced spinach and green peppers garden.

She tried selling perfumes but the business didn't work out because she had to
do, door to door and seeing her growing belly - she decided not continue with
selling perfumes.

Selling vegetables! Sihle got a table for her with other street vendors at
Empangeni station. Ntandoni didn't like her working there and told her to go
back to working for Mkhwanazi but she refused.
She joined the women who buy vegetables in large quantities and sell them. She
didn't want to stay at home and wait for handouts.

"Mama, here is a watering can."

She takes the watering can, "thank you my baby." She waters the vegetables
where the horse pipe can't reach.
This garden also helps her with stock.
Her daughter is standing outside the fence looking at her as she waters the
crops. She doesn't let her inside because she ruins things when she tries to help
her out.
This vegetable garden is small and inside the yard of Sihle's rental rooms.
Tenants also buys vegetables from her small garden. Or the stock she
sometimes come back with.

It's been four months since she moved out of her home and they're living
comfortably with her daughter. The people they live with in the yard are
friendly and accommodative.
Luhluthando still goes to day care but she's recently moved to preschool. It's
helpful having her in school because she's working during the day.

"Mama, when are you going to cook spinach again? I like it. We used to eat it a
lot with grandma." Luhluthando asks.

She holds her burning waist, it's no longer easy to do all chores because of her
pregnancy belly. "We'll cook it tomorrow. Your baby brother doesn't like
spinach in here," she's been explaining this to her and she doesn't understand
how much she hates cooking spinach. The smell is horrible.

She hates this pregnancy because it came with a lot of changes. She's not used
to this because her first pregnancy was bliss.

"Tell him to like it!"

She laughs and heads up to her daughter, "okay, I will tell him to like it."

It took a while for her to accept her pregnancy. She used to cry whenever she
thought of having a child without his father. But she learnt to accept and told
herself to love her pregnancy, love her child.

She's seven months pregnant, still wearing her mourning clothes and she can't
wait to meet her baby.

"Let's go and cook now, we'll have sour milk. Do you like that?" She holds her
daughter's hand and they head back to the house.

Her brothers bought new furniture for her and told her to leave their father's
furniture for her to use when she visits home.
Their room is set up the same as when Shintsha was still alive but the difference
is, the kitchen is no longer in the same room. It makes things easier and create
more space.

"Yes, mama, I like it."

Luhluthando has stopped requesting to visit her grandmother as she saw her
mother doesn't want her to visit. They've been living peacefully together.

It's midnight, Sbahle can't sleep. She's tossing and turning, trying to find a
comfortable position to sleep in. It's hot, she's sweaty.

"It's hot and you're also giving me a hard time, moving and kicking. Can't you
find a comfortable position in there and stay still?" Sbahle raises her voice to
her unborn baby. Luhluthando is sleeping soundly next to her on the bed and
she envies the child, she wishes she's the one sleeping this soundly.

She looks at Luhluthando, "when your father was still alive and I was carrying
you. I used to sleep soundly and he'll make sure I am comfortable, putting extra
pillows for me so I can be comfortable -" her voice trails off and she holds her
mouth.

She shuts her eyes and her head faces up, "oh, Shintsha I hope you can see how
much we need you -" Sbahle doesn't swallow her words but she vomits blood,
vomiting it on the floor. She's shocked by this and she quickly holds her belly,
crying. The blood frightens her. "My baby!"

The vomiting quickly stops and it's like nothing happened. She rushes to the
bathroom for bucket of water and an old towel. She cleans up the floor. She'll
need to go to the clinic.
She's relieved when she feels the movements of her baby but she's still confused
about the blood she has vomited. "Okay, let's sleep."
She gets back in bed after changing her night dress into clean ones.

"Where's your mind, KaMazibuko?"

She looks up and smiles at Sihle who's standing before her with a plastic bag in
his hands. Sbahle didn't go to the markets today but she went to the clinic
because of the blood she vomited.
She didn't wake as someone with a problem but she woke up fine, still, she
needed to go to the clinic to ensure she's fine. And at the clinic she was told
everything is fine.

She laughs, "I am thinking about the dream I had last night. Let me get a chair
for you."
"Okay take this, Luhluthando asked for it."
Sbahle takes the plastic bag of goodies for her baby. "Thank you, she'll be very
happy."
She rushes into the house and comes back with a chair for Sihle.
"What's wrong?"
"I had a strange dream of Luhluthando and her father. I dreamt of her playing.
It's like we were back at the village where her father grew up. I was busy in the
gardens and she was playing around, and while playing around, I don't know
what happened but I heard her screaming. She had fallen off the cliff. I was
scared, I ran over there but I found her father carrying her safely. He didn't say
anything to me but he looked at his daughter and put her up. I took her and
woke up without saying a word to him or him saying something to me." She
looks at him hoping he'll have a clue of what the dream means. Is she going to
lose her daughter too?

"He's watching over his child and I believe that includes you but my
understanding is, there must be a danger lurking around her. Remember, she
didn't get a cleansing she was supposed to get for her father's death. Her
grandmother chased you out before doing the cleansing. So vele, there's a dark
cloud hanging over the child since she lost her father and didn't get a cleansing."

More stress. Can she catch a break? "So, what should I do? MaGwala will
obviously not do it for her. What should I do?"
"We have to buy a goat and you'll cleanse her. There's no other option that we
have. I will go with you to your old house, that's where you should cleanse her
outside the yard."
Is he crazy? They should go there? "And what about Sebenzile?"
"Leave that fool to me. She'll do what I say. This is important, we should do it
for the child's safety. If these dreams don't stop after the cleansing, I will take
you to a traditional healer so you'll consult."
"Thank you so much bhuti." She doesn't feel alone and she's not alone, that's all
that matters. He doesn't want anything bad to happen to their daughter and she's
thankful.

Months are nearing and she'll have her hands full soon. She's holding
Luhluthando's hand as they're walking together at the mall.
They're buying items they need for her cleansing. Sbahle bought a goat after
Luthando told her to be the one to buy it and luckily, she had that much money
to afford her a goat for her daughter's cleansing.

Luhluthando pulls her hand off her mother's hand and runs to Gcina and
Amanda, they're walking together at the mall.
Amanda and Sbahle are still in contact, sometimes she calls them to meet at the
mall with her daughters and their children get together while they catch up.
Here and there, she sends money to her for Luhluthando's lunch box items.

"Mamncane!"
Amanda smiles and hugs the child, "hey baby, look at how beautiful you're."
She plays with her cheeks making her giggle.
"Thank you," she looks at Gcina and greets.

He smiles at her, "hello Luhluthando. How are you?" He asks and throws a
short glare at Sbahle who's standing aside. She's pregnant? Why didn't Amanda
tell him that she's pregnant?
His focus is back with his brother's child as Amanda talks to Sbahle on the side.
"Let me give you money for some sweets." He opens his wallet and gives her
money.
Luhluthando is happy to see so many notes and she hugs her father, "thank you,
baba! Mama is going to have my little brother. Are you going to give him
money to buy sweets too?" She asks.
He forces a smile, "that's good. Yes, I will." He lies - doesn't that child have a
father?
They say goodbye to Luhluthando and she rushes to her mother.

"Why didn't you tell me she's pregnant?" Gcina asks as they carry on with their
way.
She looks at him surprised, "why was I supposed to tell you? It's not like you
care."
"Yes, why should I care about another man's child? I am just shocked she was
able to sleep with a man while mourning or she already had this man when my
brother was alive. She's shameful!"

Amanda stops walking, "that's your brother's child. Are you out of your mind?"
"My brother's child? Did he make that baby from the grave?"

She's pissed off by his question, "you know what I don't have time for this!" She
quickly walks forward, leaving him behind. It's too much, everything is too
much!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 82

It's month-end weekend and as usual, the Luthuli siblings are home with their
wives - this includes Jabulile.
They're not married yet with Jabulile but Gama has paid ilobolo. She comes
home with him when he's visiting. They're set to get married after the end of the
mourning period for their brother.

MaGwala doesn't quite like Jabulile being a part of her family, she doesn't see
her as better when compared to Busiswa. Jabulile can see that she doesn't like
her but she tolerates her. And partially, she doesn't blame the old woman for
feeling this way.

"MaDumisa, come here!" Granny calls for Amanda from her bedroom. "Close
the door."
She shuts the door and walks into the room. She grabs a chair and sits down.
"What's wrong, gogo?"

She takes off her doek and take the money from the knot of her doek, "how's
KaMazibuko? When was the last time you spoke to her and the child?"
"She's fine, she moved out of her home and they live where Shintsha used to
live before they bought a land."

Granny takes a minute of silence as her heart throbs for Sbahle and her child,
"ey, I have spoken to your mother-in-law until I got threatened that she'll send
me back to my horrible daughters-in-law."
"Hawu, I am sorry to hear that, gogo!"
"Its fine, my child. I want you to take this money and give it to her. She must
buy some braai pack and cooking oil."
Oh maan, how comforting, "siyabonga gogo. Do you want to talk to her? I can
call her."
"Yes, yes!"

She laughs, the way she's saying yes, it's quite funny. She truly cares for her.
"Hey, Sbahle, how are you?"
She coughs, "I am fine, I just have flu and how are you?"
"I am fine, is the baby okay with that flu?" She asks with a smile and frowns as
Gogo widens her eyes at her. Doesn't she know?
Sbahle laughs, "he's fine, he's a strong boy this one I tell you."
"Insizwa kaShintsa madoda!" She exclaims and they laugh, "Gogo wants to
speak to you."
Granny takes the phone, "we ngane, I am only hearing now that you're pregnant,
what's wrong?" She's surprised.
"Hawu gogo, we lost contact when I moved. I am sorry. Yes, I found out I was
pregnant a few months back. I am eight months pregnant now and we're
expecting a boy."
Granny ululates, making Sbahle laugh, "That’s good news my child I am very
happy."
"Thank you, gogo."
"How's my girl?"
"She's doing great, she's been wanting to come home until she realised there's
no chance for her to go home."

This breaks her heart, the poor child. She doesn't even know and understand
what's happening. "Oh, I am sorry to hear that. I don't even have the power to
say she must come."
"I know gogo."
"I gave MaDumisa money, she'll meet with you and you should buy cooking oil
and braai pack, it's expensive. Eat and don't starve with your children, okay?"
"Aw gogo thank you so much. Imali yakho yamaphilisi bakithi."
"Ay suka, ingondlile indoda yakho."
She laughs, "thank you, gogo."
"You'll tell me once you've given birth, okay?"
"Yes, I will."

She gives the phone to Amanda, stands up and heads out of the room to look for
MaGwala.

*****
It's one of those bad days where she's not in a good mood and lately, things
haven't been going well for her. She's been vomiting blood and she didn't
understand why because every time she went to the clinic she's been told she's
fine, there's nothing wrong.

"Olandelayo!" (Next!)

And she thought? Why not consult about what has been happening? What if
there's a reason she's been vomiting blood?
She goes into the warm hut. The woman wearing white clothes and a yellow
sphika is seated on the straw mat. On the alter, there are white and yellow
candles lit.
"Oh, child, what a tragedy that has happened in your life." The prophetess says,
looking at her with pain in her eyes. "I remember you once came here with your
late husband."
She swallows the lump on her throat, "yes, we came around. He has left us."
"I am sorry for your loss but you need to be strong. Your father wants to see
your prosperity. That's the only thing that will keep his spirit forever happy, to
see you independent and looking after your children," she passes the message.

And Sbahle breathes in and out, trying to stop the tears. She's cried a lot and
doesn't want to cry anymore. "I am happy to hear that."

The prophetess kneels over to her and asks for her hands. She prays to God,
praying for Sbahle and her children, praying for their safety. And asking God to
show them what's wrong and what's happening with her.

She finally sits down and shakes her head, looking down. "Umamezala wakho
uye kumuntu, wakuvala ukuthi ungakwazi ukuxhumana nendoda yakho.
Ingakho uma ubiza igama lakhe uphalaze igazi noma uminyane kube ngathi
uphelelwa umoya." (Your mother-in-law went to a traditional healer and they
blocked you from communicating with your husband. That's why you vomit
blood when calling upon his name and you even struggle to breathe.) She tells
her the problem she's facing. The cruel act that MaGwala did to her.

The pain goes straight to her heart, she's not surprised. That family changed on
her when she least expected it. And out of everyone, Gcina has to be the last
person she thought would change on her.

"Who killed my husband?" She asks, her pain doesn't end no matter how hard
she tries. It's his family that keeps hurting her over and over again.
"I don't know the name but they're of the same blood and it's a woman."

It's his sister. There's no other female who's his blood than that evil woman.

"It's his sister." She shuts her eyes and tries her hardest to calm down.
"Be strong my child. I will give you holy water to drink. You'll be fine and have
a safe delivery." She stands up and prepares the water for her.

Sbahle leaves the prophetess both in pain and with hope, her father wants only
the good things for her. And maybe that's what she needs to focus. She'll only
keep Shintsha in her thoughts and heart. It's painful because she was used to
talking to him even though he's not physically with her.
"Nangu ugogo, umama!" (Here's granny, grandma!) Luhluthando screams at the
grocery store and runs to her grandmother happily. It's been long since she last
saw her.
She hugs her grandmother's thighs when she reach her. "Gogo!"
"Yebo," MaGwala doesn't return the same energy to her grandchild. She's at the
retail shop with Gama and Jabulile.
Luhluthando doesn't catch the memo, "gogo I miss you. When can I visit?"
"I am busy, you can't visit."

The response disappoints her, she looks at the trolley and laughs, "gogo, can
you buy for me, the sweets we used to eat together?"

MaGwala looks at Sbahle who's standing aside with her pregnancy belly, the
pregnancy that's not her son's pregnancy, "cela nanguya unyoko akuthengele."
(Ask your mother to buy it for you)
Jabulile is touched, "but she's a child and -"
"Shut up!" She screams at her.

And Jabulile opens her bag for the disappointed child, "hey baby, here's money,
tell your mother to buy the sweets you want, okay?"
Luhluthando laughs at the notes given to her and she accepts them, "thank you!"

She hugs Jabulile happily. And runs back to her mother without even looking at
her granny but has said goodbye to her and Gama along with Jabulile.

Sbahle smiles at Jabulile and says 'thank you!' moving her lips and she nods.
They proceed with their shopping.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 83

It's the 9th of August, Sbahle is comfortably seated on the hospital bed with her
little baby boy. It's unrealistic, she's holding a baby they've been dreaming of
with her husband. She knows he would be here standing beside her and happy
to welcome his son.

"Oh baby, you'll grow up without your father's love. Your father was looking
forward to having you. Your sister is better, she knows him and knows his
loving hugs," she lifts her son up and puts him on her chest, rocking her in her
arms. "It's the three of us now and we'll make it work my baby."

She holds him back in her arms and breastfeeds him as he starts crying.
It was the 6th August when she went into labour. She was at her table, selling
her stock when the pain started, she didn't think it was time because her due date
was two weeks away. She was scared and didn't know what to do and who to
call.

She called Amanda and she didn't hesitate, she drove to her and sent her to the
hospital.
For two days, she was in labour and gave birth in the middle of the night on the
9th of August. She was very happy to see her baby, her beautiful creation with
Shintsha.

She laughs along with Luhluthando as she walks into the ward with Amanda.
For her time in the hospital, Luhluthando has been with Amanda and her
children.

"Mama! Mama!"
She tries to laugh, modulated laugh because of the stitches. "My baby, how are
you?"
"Can I meet my brother?" She jumps, trying to pick on the baby in her mother's
arms but she can't see the baby.

Amanda helps Luhluthando sit on the bed with her mother and her baby brother.
And with a happy smile, she puts the baby in the arms of her daughter but she
supports them both. "Can you see your brother?"

"Awu, pakithi, mama amuhle nje yena umfana wamama nobaba. Amuhle nje
Luthuli oncane nze." Luhluthando tries to play with the baby as the elders
normally do and they laugh at her. Where did she learn that? She's seriously
playing with him.
Amanda wipes the tears in her eyes. This child! "I went to the house and took
the baby's bag. When are you going to be discharged?"
"I am going out tomorrow." Sbahle takes the bag, "thank you sisi. Everything is
fine now. He went for tests and came back fine. I cried a lot when they were
telling me I will go to the theatre because he was getting tired. And without
calling his father's name, I spoke out and told him he can't leave me with this
baby for me to lose it and suffer. And within a few minutes, I gave birth on my
own. My worry was that my body takes time to heal scars."
"Oh God, we thank God. Didn't you vomit?"
She shakes her head, "but I was struggling to breathe. I made it, Amanda. He's
here."
"What's his name?"
She glances at the baby and his sister, "I named him Melikhaya. He's the future
of his father's house that's been taken away from us." She brushes her child's
head.

And Amanda tightens her grip on her shoulder, comfortingly, "it's dark now but
you'll see the light soon. I don't know if I was going forward or not, but
Luhluthando and I went to the mall yesterday. We bought everything you'll
need for the baby. I saw the list inside his bag. You don't have to stress about
going to town and shopping."
"You're joking!" She's overwhelmed, she'd saved money for the baby but had
used some. She had planned on buying everything once she got money from her
sister.

Amanda shows her the pictures, "we bought everything."

She opens her arms for a hug. "Thank you, for everything you've done for us."
"You don't have to thank me. I believe that I am here because your husband
worked hard, took Gcina to school and he was able to afford life and afford
taking me to school. I would be cruel if I could look at his children suffering.
He's done so much for this family."
"He was such a great man, right?"
With a smile, she nods, "yes, he was."

It always brings her comfort that she got married to a good man. He had his
flaws, but who doesn't? "How's the pub doing? Is Sebenzile managing and
taking the money to her mother?"
Amanda laughs, a sad laughter, "managing well? What does she know about
running a business?"
"What's happening?"
"The business is falling apart. I don't want to lie to you. And this shouldn't hurt
you. Let it fall apart, they can't benefit from his hard work and leave his
children out." She says and comforts her as she gets emotional. She understands
why she feels this way. This is her husband's hard work. It's painful what
they've done to his business.
Sbahle is in the yard, sweeping the yard. Melikhaya is in the house sleeping.
He's already a month old and is not a fussy baby which she's grateful for
because it gives her time to study. Year-end exams are around the corner and
she needs to work hard and pass.

She stops sweeping the yard when her brother's car drives through the yard.
She leaves the floor on the ground and runs to the car when Thembi gets out of
the car.

"Aybo!" She laughs and throws her body in the arms of her older sister.
Thembi laughs, "You’re beautiful, you'd never say you just had a baby."
"Thank you and where's our little one?" She asks and greets her brother
Khulekani.
"I left her with her father. I will bring her over tomorrow. Let's go and meet
Melikhaya."

Sbahle holds her sister's hand, "bhuti, have you brought a new girlfriend?" She
whispers as there's a woman at the backseat of her brother's car.
The siblings laugh, "no, I brought her here for you. She'll sell your stock while
you're focusing on your child and exams."
"Really?" It's like he knows she's been very stressed by her business. The
spinach is no longer in season; before giving birth she was selling peppers and
chillies along with fruits.
"Bhuti, it's like you know what I need and you bring it at the right time. Thank
you."

The siblings get into the house and Thembi is happy to meet her nephew. They
spend time together until Luhluthando returns from school.

June of the New Year, the mourning period for Shintsha has ended. It's been a
year and seven months since he died. The family has learnt to live without his
presence.

"Are you going to go and meet your son's child? The baby is ten months old
now and you haven't met him, recognise him as your grandchild." Granny asks
MaGwala.

She's inside the kitchen preparing tea for herself and her mother. "I am not
interested in meeting the child of my son's murderer."
Granny doesn't get a chance to respond, her phone rings. It's an unsaved
number.
"Yebo," she serves the tea to her mother and sits down with her tea.
Sbahle's voice is soft on the line, "sawubona mama. It's Sbahle. I hope you're
well."
"What do you want?"
"I need help with the rituals of taking off my mourning clothes since the
mourning period has ended."
She clicks, "uyangibhedela. Don't ever call me!" She ends the call and puts the
phone away. And granny asks whose calling.

"It's Shintsha's wife, she wants me to help her take off the mourning clothes. I
won't do that." She responds, knowing her mother will fight her and
surprisingly, she doesn't say anything which surprises MaGwala.

Granny keeps quiet because she already has an idea, she'll call Shintsha's uncle,
he'll help Sbahle with this.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 84

*** He's standing before the closed pub, the pub that has been closed for a year
and a few months. He's fuming.
The business has shut down just like that?
"Luthuli, stop it!" Sbahle moves closer to Shintsha as he's angrily pulling the
closed doors of the pub. The burglar bars are rusting along with the keys.
He angrily looks at Sbahle and without saying a word to her - he walks out of
the premises still angry. ***

Sbahle wakes from the same dream, she wakes up panting. This is the dream
that has been persistent. "I don't understand what you want me to do about your
business that has collapsed. You should be angry at your mother and not me,"
she shouts and coughs as she's choking from her saliva.

She stops speaking out loud and fights through her thoughts. She's angry
because this is the third time she's having the same dream of Shintsha. Why is
he appearing to her? She doesn't have any power to fight.

Sbahle opens the blankets and moves over to the kitchen side of the house. She
plugs the water for herself first while her two children are still sleeping soundly
in bed.

It's midyear of the second year after the birth of her son and they're still living in
the rental room that Sihle gave back to them.
This is their home and her children are growing well in this home. Luhluthando
is a big girl, doing her grade one and every day she makes her mother proud.
She's an outspoken and smart child.

"Luhle, wake up and take a bath. Your water is ready." Sbahle wakes her child
and doesn't move from the bed until she's awake and standing on her feet.
She's taken a bath and she prepares breakfast and the children's lunch boxes
while Luhluthando is taking a bath.

It's the beginning of another week and they have to try to make it through the
week. Melikhaya attends day care when his mother is at work. Currently,
Sbahle is working for an Indian woman in Richard’s Bay suburbs. She doesn't
go to work every day but she works three times a week or if they've made a
special request for her to come to work.

When she's not at work, she sells vegetables in Richards Bay town. She no
longer has a table as a street vendor at Empangeni. She had to give up selling
there after they placed umbhulelo (muthi) for her that made her sick, her feet
were swollen and started having boils.

Sihle took her to a traditional healer and he cured her. She discovered it was a
woman selling next to her who'd done such a cruel thing to her. And Sihle told
her to stop in order to be safe for the children's sake.

"Mama, are you going to come to my school today for the top ten? I want you to
be there when I receive my certificate." Luhluthando asks her mother, she's
seated on the straw mat having her food.
Sbahle proudly smiles at her daughter, "yes my love I will make sure that I
come. Don't worry about anything." There's nothing that will make her miss her
child's day. It's always a special day for her and she never misses a day.

After begging MaGwala to help her end the mourning period, she was
devastated because the old woman had refused. She didn't know what she was
supposed to do. And then granny called her, telling her she has bought
everything that's needed for her to end the mourning period. She spoke to
Shintsha's uncle and he agreed to help Sbahle.

Amanda came by, they drove to the village. And at the high Luthuli homestead
Sbahle ended her mourning period and she got a cleansing. On the next day,
they did a small ritual to introduce Melikhaya to his ancestors.
She was indebted to granny for doing such a great thing for her, ensuring she
moves on with her life and doesn't hold on to Shintsha.

She locks the door and lifts Melikhaya up, every morning she goes with her
children to their school and takes a taxi to work when she's going to work.

"Malume!" Luhluthando runs to the gate as Sihle's car parks at the gate.
Sbahle's face falls. Why is he here so early in the morning? She's no longer
comfortable whenever Sihle is around.

Sihle smiles at his friend's wife. "Sawubona KaMazibuko." He greets after

greeting Melikhaya who's in the arms of his mother. Luhluthando is also up in
Sihle's arms.
"Yebo, how are you?"
"I am fine and how are you?"
"I am well. I am taking the children to school."
He nods, "that's why I am here. I will drop them off at school and I can also
drop you off at work today."
"No thank you but I think you can help by dropping them off at school."
He doesn't push, he knows that three months back he shocked her by expressing
his feelings of attraction towards her. He's been dreaming of Shintsha, whenever
they were short on groceries or needed extra money, he would see him in his
dream. He would appear pointing at his family, his children and their mother.
Sihle would know something is not right, he would call and Sbahle would tell
him what they needed. And always, he provided.
But, Sihle interpreted this the wrong way, he thought his friend wanted him to
fully take care of his family and his wife included.

"Are you not late?"

"No, I am not, thanks." She smiles at her children as they're inside the car, she
waves at them.

She pretends to be going back to the premises as he gets in the car after saying
goodbye. Once his car has disappeared before her face, she walks to the bus
stop.

She was shocked when Sihle told her he has feelings for her and would love to
be her man, take care of her and the children fully.

"When are you coming back to South Africa for a visit sisi?" Sbahle asks her
sister on the line.
She's seated on the porch of the house where she works, she's having her lunch
and talking to her sister on the phone.

Thembi yawns, "I will come back in a month's time. Is Sihle still bothering
you?"
"No, he never said anything after I told him I don't have feelings for him and if
he continues, I will go back home."
She clicks her tongue, "what is this dream that makes him think he should be
with you?"
"He said Luhluthando's father always appears to him when we're in need but he
would show him a long tree then point about the middle of the bark. I told him
that means he must know boundaries, I am probably off limits but he doesn't
want to understand that. I don't know what will make him understand," she
narrates to her sister, angrily.
She can't be with a man she's taken like a brother all her life of knowing him.
No!

"I also think the dream really means he must help up to an extent. But be
grateful because he's no longer bothering you."
She sighs, "Yes, I am grateful for that."
Thembi giggles on the line, "and when's your third date with Peace?"
She smiles, "it's on Saturday, Khulekani's wife will be taking the children and
they'll spend the weekend with them. I will get the chance to go out again."
"I love our young sister-in-law, our brother married well unlike Luthando."
"Yes, he married well, a true social worker." She comments and they laugh.
"So, how's Peace? Is he a great guy?"
She stands up with her lunchbox, "we haven't known each other for long but I
know that he's caring. He's not a guy of many words but I still enjoy his
company."
Thembi giggles, "I am happy that you're opening up to dating again. It's great
progress with moving on."
"Yes, I need to carry on with life."
"Okay, let me sleep and don't hold you from your work."

She says goodbye to her sister and goes back to work after she's done with her
lunch. It's not really the best job but it gives her money that helps her out with a
lot in the house and with the children.

It's been a while since she last dressed up beautifully, put on some minimal
make-up and go out. At the moment, she can't afford full makeup, Nondumiso is
the one who normally buys full makeup for her when they're together.
Being so beautiful reminds her of the days she had achieved convincing
Shintsha that they should go out - it was very fun.

And with Peace? It's fun because he's someone new and he's totally different
from her late husband. He's an already established man and has a little cheesy
side to him.

"Hey, beautiful! I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long." Peace opens up his
arms to Sbahle and the two hug each other.
She smiles, "hey, no you didn't."
"Let's go, then." He opens the passenger door and Sbahle gets inside his fancy
car.

They drive to the new restaurant that has opened by the harbour. He's playing
soft music while he's listening to Sbahle telling him all about her day.
"And how was yours?" Sbahle asks.
He glances at her with a smile, "just the normal boring day at the office but I am
happy to be here with you after such a long day."
"Yes, I am also happy to be here with you."

Peace finds the parking space. "How are those two smart children?"
She laughs and they get off the car, holding hands with each other. "They're
well. I went to my daughter's school on Monday. She came out at the top ten,
she was number three."
"Oh wow, you have a smart girl right there!"
They settle down on the table for two, "yes, she's a smart girl like her mama."
"Not like her daddy?" He asks, trying to see if she'll not be sad. He was quite
scared of getting in a relationship with her after finding out that she's a widow.
And he told his friend about her, his friend didn't discourage him from asking
her out.

Sbahle laughs, "well, her father was also smart but not book smart. He had
intelligence of life and was hardworking but that's what I think she took from
him, hardworking."
He nods, "he sounds like he was a remarkable man."
"He was and I feel lucky being here with another remarkable man." She says.
She doesn't want to talk much about her past and make him feel threatened.

He blushes, "you're fluttering me, KaMazibuko." He comments and they laugh.

The evening is fun and the conversation is easy going. She's enjoying both his
company and the food. Such a gentleman!

Sunday night, she's back in her house with her children. She came back home in
the morning. The previous night after their date, they drove to his apartment and
Sbahle slept over there. She was quite nervous that he would want to have sex
with her and she wasn't ready for that but Peace didn't ask for sex, they kissed
here and there, deep kissing and light kisses and watched movies until Sbahle
fell asleep first.

In the morning, they went out for breakfast and he drove her home.
She's seated on the chair at a small table with Luhluthando, they're busy. Sbahle
is helping her daughter with her homework. Melikhaya is already sleeping, he
fell asleep watching TV.

"Sorry my baby, I have to answer this call." She takes her ringing phone.
"Sbahle, speaking, hello?"
And what comes on the line is a high breathing of a man. It seems he's crying.

"Hello!" Sbahle screams, slightly shaken by the caller. Who's this?

"Bahle, it's me Thami, Peace's friend. He's been involved in a car accident and
he died on the scene. He was on his way to my house for a match. I am really
devastated." Thami reports the bad news to Sbahle.
She holds her mouth and her throat gets dry. It doesn't make sense, he was
dropping her off in the morning happy about spending time with her and they
had already planned another date. He's dead? How? Why?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 85

"Are you going to send maintenance money for the child?" Sebenzile shouts at
her ex-husband on the line.

She angrily slams the kitchen cupboard door and the poor cheap door falls
down. Where did she buy the cupboards with the money made in Shintsha's
pub? She bought them from Pakistan's shops.

Gumede laughs, "Maintenance money? Didn't you say you no longer need me,
you'll look after your child?" He asks mockingly.

She still doesn't understand what happened to Gumede. After she left him with
the pregnant girlfriend and accused him of abusing her, Gumede got drunk
harder than before. She filed for divorce and they legally got divorced.
Out of the blue, a year later, Sebenzile saw him dressed in overalls like before.
He was back to work but working for a different steel company. He was no
longer a drunkard like before. He was back to being the normal Gumede. And
suddenly after that, she heard he's getting married to his girlfriend and it was too
late for her to even think of going back to him and asking for love back.

Yes she was in Shintsha's house, running his business and getting more money
but she was lonely with no man to keep her warm at night. Someone to love and
care for her.

"Why are you bringing up something we spoke about when I was still angry?
You hurt me, went out of the covenant of our marriage and made that girl
pregnant." She tries to manipulate him. Why are things so bad now?

Ever since Shintsha's business closed down, she's relying only on her salary and
it's not enough. She was already used to getting more money and within a blink
of an eye, things completely changed.

"I am no longer there but I am telling you about our son that you took away
from me. I had to sneak around to see him. Today, you know that I am his
father, huh?"
"This is your child!"
"Mmm!"

Sebenzile looks at the phone in disbelief. He has ended the call. She has regrets,
deep regrets. Why did she leave her husband? The business closed down and
things are no longer the same. She's suffering while she's working and she
doesn't have anyone to cry to. She doesn't have good money management.
That's why she suffers financially while she's working.

She leaves the TV off and heads to the bedroom. In the house, she didn't pick
the other two bedrooms but she picked her brother's bedroom because it's
bigger.

"I don't know why this bedroom is so hot." She clicks her tongue and stands up
from the bed. She plugs the fan, the weather today was cold but in this bedroom
it's hot like the sun is at the corner of the room.

Sebenzile gets in bed but doesn't sleep, tonight, its worse. The fan is not doing
any justice, this bedroom is on fire. She wakes a few minutes later, the bed is
wet from her own sweat. "It's not even hot outside!" She shouts seeing the wet
bed.

She sits up and takes off the wet clothes, it's surprising because during the day
it's not hot like this. Why is it this way? Why?

Her eyes shoot open, waking up from her deep sleep. "What's that?" She sits up
straight and looks up at the roof. It's like there's an animal running on top of the
roof.
She screams and covers herself with the blanket as it runs again! "Yini? Ubani
lowo mthakathi! Hamba emzini kabhuthi!" (Who's that witch? Leave my
brother's house!) She jumps off the bed and runs out of the room, heading to her
son's bedroom. Tomorrow, she's not sleeping here. She has to go home to tell
her mother.
And in her son's bedroom, it's better. There's no heat and no noise coming from
the top of the roof. She finally gets to sleep after long hours of not sleeping.

*****
"Thank you for coming. We've put my boy in his last place in dignity." Thami
says.
They're standing outside the gates of Peace's paternal home in Durban after the
funeral has ended.

"Yes, it's really sad, he was such a loving person. I am heartbroken by his death
because I was just getting to know him."
He looks down with sadness, "I know and he was also excited about the
beginning of your relationship. I hope you'll be able to let go."
"I will try, goodbye I should go and catch a taxi back home."
Thami walks Sbahle to the bus stop to wait for a taxi that will take her to
Durban station. Along the way, they're talking about Peace and his family. His
death really shocked her and opened up old wounds. It doesn't matter how long
they've known each other for.

With her children visiting Amanda, Sbahle decided to go out. Ntandoni invited
her out for drinks and meat, and good music.

After everything that has happened, it's her first time going out to a club again.
It's great being here, she feels young again.

"Tonight, I want a one night stand. I am sure I am a virgin again, after so many
years without sex," Sbahle says to Ntandoni.
"Please, be careful when you choose!" She shouts as Sbahle leaves her seated
on their table. She smiles and hopes she'll find a great guy who'll give her the
best night. She really deserves it.

With her handbag in her hand, she leaves the club with a tall handsome
gentleman. Tonight, she's getting laid and she's hoping she'll enjoy every
moment of it.

"Do you need a drink?"

Sbahle looks around the clean flat. Does he have someone who cleans for him?
It's spacious and beautiful for a guy who lives alone. Okay, she knows how to
pick them. Peace also lived in a beautiful apartment.
"I need tonic water. I am already drunk."
He comes back to her on the couches with drinks. "Here's your tonic water."
"Thank you."

He turns on the music and they have the meat he brought along from the club.
They eat while talking about the beauty of the night.
She looks at his hand as he touches her thigh and she slightly opens her legs as
his hand goes up, she's wearing a short skirt. He gets easy access to her because
of the skirt. They kiss.
He lifts her up and takes her to his bedroom. It's been a while since he had a girl
over. He's always busy.

Sbahle is underneath on the white sheets and they're making out. She's highly
turned on and ready for him with her all.

"Please use protection." She requests as he starts rubbing his penis on her.
"Okay," he kisses her once again, playing with the nipples of her beautiful
breasts.
And before he could put on protection, Sbahle feels thick fluid coming out of
her vagina. What's that? She pushes him back and she slightly screams, "What
the fuck? Why? How?"

The guy is disappointed by seeing blood, "it normally happens," he says with a
disappointed tone. He was looking forward to enjoying himself with this sexy
lady.
"But it's not even my days and look, I have made your sheets dirty. I am really
sorry."
"It's not a big deal, these things are natural. I should drive to the garage to get
you some sanitary towels."
She smiles, "you'd do that?"
He gets off the bed. "Yes!" He gets dressed. "You can shower and put the sheets
on the washing machine."
"Are we going to continue while the robot is red?" Sbahle asks with puppy eyes.

She asks because he also looks a bit cheesy and those ones are mostly unlike her
late husband, red or white they go in.

And the guy chuckles, he kisses her cheek and says in a whisper, "ngiyindoda
yomzulu mina ntokazi angiyidli inkomo ivuza igazi." (I am a Zulu man. I don't
do that.) He leaves Sbahle laughing.

She jumps out of bed and goes to the bathroom to rinse the blood first. She puts
the sheet aside and takes a bath.

The guy comes out later with pads, she puts one on and they get in bed, sleeping
in his buffy arms.

In the morning, he makes breakfast for Sbahle, they eat and he drives her home.
When he asks for her numbers, Sbahle doesn't give him.

After sending a text message to Amanda, telling her she's back. Sbahle sits on
her bed, thinking deeply about everything that has been happening. She feels
strongly saddened by the death of Peace.

And this guy, he was such a great company to keep but she was scared to give
him her number. What if they get closer to each other and he also dies? She's
tired of losing people.

Her tears voluntarily flow like a river without making a sound. Why are things
so bad when it comes to her love life? Kumnyama!
'One day! Mina nawe sokwenza isifungo phambi kuka mfundisi noNkulunkulu.
Ngokubopha ngothando ungamboni omunye umuntu.' (We'll tie a knot before
God and the pastor. I will tie you with love in a manner that you'll never see
another man.)
'Uthando lami lujulile, inhliziyo yami eyakho. Nethuna ngeke libe namandla
okusihlukanisa' (My love is deep, my heart is yours. Even the grave won't have
the power to separate us.)

Sbahle's mind rings with some of the most deep and meaningful phrases by her
husband.

She shakes her head, "no, I am overthinking. It's a coincidence. I will find a man
who'll love me. Let me cook for the babies." She stands up from her bed and
starts cooking. "Uzongibopha ngothando olumsulwa?" She revises his words
again and decides to keep them out of her mind. She'll end up being crazy if she
keeps thinking…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 86

She takes the bag from her bed and stops packing her clothes as she hears
sounds coming from the kitchen.

"Who's there? Phakathwayo!" She calls out, thinking it's her son in the kitchen.
But her son responds from his bedroom, "mama!"
"Okay, I thought you're sleeping!"

Her heart is fighting harder, fighting to come out, who's in the kitchen? What's
happening in her brother's house? "Who's there?" She screams, approaching the
kitchen.

She doesn't understand what's happening in this house. They've been living in
this house happily and now, things are not going well. Is this house haunted?
No, it can't be haunted, her brother's spirit is resting in peace.

And as she's approaching the kitchen, her nostrils inhale the appetising aroma of
inhloko (cow head), who's cooking? Shintsha?
He's the one who loved cooking inhloko, especially cooking it for his wife. She
runs to the kitchen, sweating, and there's nobody cooking. There's no one inside
the kitchen. It is as she left it when they finished having dinner with her son.

"Who was here?" She holds her head. Is her mind playing games with her?
She turns and screams when she sees a shadow passing by, heading to the living
room and she runs to the living room.
"Mama!" The boy screams as he hears his mother screaming.
"Sleep boy!"

And still, there's nobody in the living room.

She runs to her bedroom to call Gcina. She sits on the bed and holds the pillow
to her chest. "Bhuti?" Her voice is shaky as her brother answers the call.
"What's wrong sisi Sebenzile?" Gcina panics, worried about his sister.
She fails to breathe properly, her heart is pounding and hands are shaking.
"There's something wrong here." She whispers.
"What's wrong, tell me?" He shouts.

She cries, her whole body shaking. She's never been scared like this in her life.
"There's something in this house, please come. I need to go home. I am shaken."
"Don't be scared, I am coming now." Gcina doesn't ask his sister any questions.
She holds onto her brother's word and runs to her son's bedroom. She closes the
room and sits with her son on the bed.

"We'll wait for your uncle here." She puts her son on top of the bed and they sit
down, waiting for Gcina.
Gcina parks the car under the tree as he's not planning on staying with his
family.

He's also confused, what's happening in his brother's house? Sebenzile kept
saying the house is haunted and he doesn't believe that.
He sits down with his mother and sister on the dining table. It's almost midnight.
He wants to understand what's happening in his brother's house.

"What's wrong, MaLuthuli?" MaGwala asks as her child is home so late.

She can't stop crying. She can't just imagine the smell of food and see a shadow.
"There are bad things happening in Shintsha's house."
"What's happening?" Gcina asks and holds her hand. "And calm down. Breathe
in and out, then you should talk."
She tries her best to calm down, "I firstly felt the heat in his bedroom…"
Sebenzile doesn't leave anything out, she tells them everything that has been
happening in that house and what happened recently.

And MaGwala starts crying upon hearing such news. "Why did my sons get
married to such evil women? They're both witches, the one that died and this
biggest witch and murderer who killed my son. She's the one who's doing this in
my son's house. She wants to drive you out of the house. Why is she so cruel?"
"Mama, do you think it's her?" Sebenzile asks, wiping her tears.
She nods, "yes, it's her. She's no longer living the soft life and eating cheese that
my son was providing for her."
"But mama, how can she afford that? Traditional healers are expensive." Gcina
asks, "I don't think it's her."

She slaps the table, "this person killed your brother and thought she'll get
everything. How can it not be her, huh? She must be angry that she's not getting
these things anymore. She has another bastard child -"
"The child looks like Shintsha, mama." Gcina said. He'd met the child whenever
he came to his house for a visit with Luhluthando. He didn't like them visiting
but Amanda told him straight that she'll not keep the children away from each
other because of a delusion.

MaGwala hears that but she doesn't care about that. She doesn't believe what
he's telling her, she hasn't met that child. "I don't care. She's the one who's doing
this and I will go to the traditional healer and prove it!" She slaps the table and
stands on her feet, "you should stay here for the time being until we go to the
traditional healer and fix this."
"Thank you, mama."

They look at their mother as she leaves angrily. Sbahle is messing with the
wrong woman. She's testing her!

*****
She buckles Melikhaya at the backseat of Mkhwanazi's car, next to his sister
and she gets in the car and drives out of the premises.
Ntandoni is taking the children out for burgers at spur while their mother is busy
studying for an exam. The only thing they need is to pass. They're both lucky to
be studying. Luthando is paying for Sbahle's studies and Mkhwanazi is paying
for Ntandoni's studies.

She opens the children's favourite music and they drive to the mall with the
children making noise. She doesn't mind.

She stands up and waves at Mkhwanazi at the door. They've found a table and
they're waiting for their order, they've been served with their drinks.
They hug each other, "I am glad I called you. I didn't know you're around."
Ntandoni says and they sit down.

He gives her a short side smile and looks at the children. "Sanibonani," he
greets the children with a smile he doesn't normally have. He hardly smiles but
he never minds smiling for children.
And they greet back with smiles. "Sawubona, malume!" Luhluthando greets
back.

He looks at Ntandoni, "I think I want a child now. What do you think?"
What? A child? Never in a million years does she imagine herself with a big
belly, "not now I am still studying." She doesn't tell him the truth, she loves
other people's children but not to have her own.
And besides, they're in an open relationship, there's no security of marriage.
Why would she add a child there?

"Okay, maybe after you've finished studying." He looks at the children again
and places their order. When he heard their mother lost her husband, he was
quite happy but was sad when Ntandoni told him the family kicked her out.

"How's their mother?"

She looks down with a sad face, "things are not great."
"Why? I thought her brother is paying for her studies now."
"Yes, but she's sad about her husband's pub that's been closed. It's heart-
breaking to see his hard work going down the drain." Ntandoni explains the
situation to Mkhwanazi, what actually happened but she ensures Luhluthando
doesn't understand they're talking about their mother and father.

The pub? "Oh, that's sad. Where's this pub again?" He asks out of interest.
Ntandoni takes out her phone and shows him the Facebook page of the pub.

"You see, it was still running smoothly here."

"It was a great business idea."
"Yes, Sbahle gave him the idea."
He nods and gives her the phone, "she must let it go. She'll create other business
opportunities." He says absent minded and looks at Sbahle's children, they're
very cute. The sister is helping her brother eat. He smiles shortly at the picture
of him possibly having children with Sbahle.

"Why are you smiling?" She asks, she likes it a lot when he smiles.
He looks at her, "it's nothing." He looks at the food that's being placed before
him. The pub?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 87

Again, he looks back at the children sleeping at the backseat of the car and he
smiles alone. He glances at Ntandoni seated on the driver's seat, driving the
children to their mother. He's not supposed to be here with her and them but he's
supposed to be at work. He couldn't help it, so he offered to tag along. He also
decided to tag so he'll see this pub.

"So, you really don't want us to have children?" Mkhwanazi asks Ntandoni
again.
And she's surprised by the question popping up again. "Why would you ask me
about having children? We're not even married."
"Do people need to be married in order to have children?" He asks.
Why is he even asking? He knows what's ideal but he just doesn't want to get
married.

"Yes, that's the ideal set up for children, an environment where there's a mother
and a father on one roof."
"It doesn't really have to be like that. If the two parents are involved in their
lives fully, that's ideal. Parents loving each other is an added bonus."

Mkhwanazi views his thoughts. "But I guess you don't want children because
they'll inconvenience your time with your other boyfriends."
"That's absurd and you know it." She doesn't really like speaking about their
open relationship. She does have another boyfriend because Mkhwanazi is
always busy and she sometimes feels neglected and also, because Mkhwanazi
also has other girls on the side. But she doesn't like speaking about it.
He raises his hands in the air, "I wasn't complaining I was just saying it as I see
it."
"You don't even know if we're fertile or not. I might be infertile or you might be
infertile."

This didn't cross his mind and it would kill him if he's infertile. "So, should we
go and do checks?" He asks.

Ntandoni doesn't answer right away. She'll only agree if she can find someone
who'll forge the results and make it look like he's infertile so he'll forget about
children. She'll continue with prevention and not give him a chance of making
her pregnant. She doesn't want to bluntly refuse, what if he stops paying for her
studies? "I will think about it."
"Okay," he looks at the sleeping children again and he smiles. He's hoping she'll
agree to tests and the tests will come back positive.
Sbahle and Ntandoni stand aside at the door of the house and they look at
Mkhwanazi transporting the sleeping children into the house. He stopped
Ntandoni from taking the children inside.

"I didn't know you'd be playing happy family with my kids and him." Sbahle
says in a low tone as Mkhwanazi heads back to the car for Luhluthando. She
actually doesn't like having him enter her house but she didn't have a way of
declining.

She glances at her and laughs, "He was around and I asked him to come. And
the guy suddenly told me he wants children now."
"Aybo, and marriage?"
They laugh, "Don’t even ask me about it."
"Did you tell him you don't want children?"
She widens her eyes at her, "are you crazy? I'd never tell him that. I only said I
am not ready." She responds, she doesn't tell her the plans of trying to fake the
results. Sbahle doesn't know that they're actually in an open relationship. It's not
something she's very proud about sharing.

They keep quiet as he comes back carrying Luhluthando. "Inhle kodwa indoda
yami uyayibona?"
"Ey awukahle wena!" Sbahle pushes her shoulder as she laughs.
Mkhwanazi glances at Sbahle as he walks out of the house, "I am done, let's
go," and he looks at Ntandoni last.
She nods, "okay, let's go, bye friend and good luck for tomorrow."
The two friends hug each other, "thank you." She looks at them as they leave.

They make a great couple but men - they want everything they get their eyes
on! They'll never be satisfied, she wonders what secret women did her husband
have?

She goes back inside to continue with her studies as they're sleeping.

*****
She's back home and she's supposed to be relaxed and at peace, but she's not at
peace. Sebenzile feels like there's something, something really bad that
happened. She doesn't understand why things are happening the way they're.
Sebenzile serves MaGwala and MaZuma tea. It's hot today but these two old
women need tea and she has to serve them this tea.
"I also stand with Gcina's opinion, I don't think this girl has the money to run to
healers." MaZuma says to her friend after being told about the reasons
Sebenzile came back.
"What can stop her from finding the money? You don't know women with an
intent." She asks and lifts her tea cup.
MaZuma doesn't believe this, "traditional healers hardly tell you names and I
don't think this girl is the one that killed your son. What if one day you find out
it wasn't her?"
"It's her! There's nobody close to me who could have done that." MaGwala
says, certain about herself. She doesn't want to listen to her friend who's been
telling her she doesn't believe Sbahle killed her husband.

"I am still generous because I didn't make her crazy using that knife. I was
thinking of my son's daughter and if she doesn't stop I will make her crazy."
MaZuma says, "it's enough that she can't even communicate with her husband,
let her be, MaGwala!" She shouts at her, she doesn't understand when did she
become like this?

But MaGwala doesn't care about what she's being told. She's certain Sbahle is
behind everything.
The traditional healer is running around Shintsha's house, trying to figure out
what's wrong. Is there something that has been done to this house? Is it
haunted?

MaGwala and her children are seated in the living room on straw mats, waiting
for him to finish running around the house and the yard.
The traditional healer comes back to MaGwala and her children.
He kneels on the floor. "I have run around the yard and my spirits tell me, your
son is not resting in peace because nothing has been done to punish his
murderer."

MaGwala wails upon hearing that Shintsha is not resting in peace. What
punishment should she give to Sbahle? Didn't she punish her enough by taking
everything away from her and ensuring she suffers whenever she calls his
name? Didn't she pay the woman working next to her as a street vendor to
ensure she no longer has means of selling at that table?

"What should we do so he can be at peace?" Gama asks, Sebenzile is calming

her mother.
He looks at him, "we should do a ritual here because this is not anyone's doing,
what your sister has been feeling here or seeing it's your brother's spirit that's
not at peace."
Gcina asks, "What’s needed for the ritual? Our mother has punished his
murderer and we need to tell him to rest in peace because that person has been
punished."

The traditional healer counts everything that's needed and he doesn't argue with
them when they tell him the murderer has been punished even though his spirits
tell him it's not true.

When he looks at it in his personal opinion, it doesn't look like the murderer has
been punished well. And how did they know who this murderer close to them
is? He doesn't ask all these questions, he'll do this ritual and take this large sum
of money from them. They have money to pay for endless rituals but not money
to dig deeper about this murderer…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 88

"What are you doing now?" His rough voice asks on the line. This is the voice
she hated the first day he spoke to her and she didn't want him anywhere near
her. Yes, he's a man with good taste, clean and has style, he has money but he's
not good looking compared to the man she's been with in her dating life.

And Sbahle smiles looking at the gift hamper on her lap. "I am looking at my
beautiful birthday gift hamper. I had the best time of my life yesterday."
"I am happy if you're happy about the gift I bought for you." Tumelo says.
She puts the hamper away, "I am just sad that you're leaving for such a long
time."
Even his laughter is rough, "one week is a long time?"
"Hhayibo, yes it's a long time."
"You just love being with me."
She smiles, "you're my boyfriend, why wouldn't I like that?" She asks and they
laugh, they wish each other good night after concluding the call.

It's August, eight months into the 7th year of studying. At the beginning of the
year, her brother told her the devastating news that he had a financial crisis and
they were going to put her studies on hold. Sbahle reported to the finance
department and proceeded to study while no payments were made because she
had already registered for the semester.

And three months into the year of her brother not paying, she met Tumelo while
walking from the hospital laboratory where she was doing her practical work to
the taxi rank. She didn't quite like him but he kept getting closer to her by
always being around when she knocked off. She refused to take lifts from him
until she realised he'll not stop.

She accepted the lift and they started getting to know each other from there. He
took her out on dates and in July, when she had to register for her studies for the
second semester of the 7th year, her brother gave her money for registration and
money to pay half of her studies - surprisingly, her fees were paid for and the
registration was already paid for.

She was told who paid and she didn't understand why? A man she'd just met
paid for her studies because twice or thrice she told him about her financial
stress when it comes to her studies. Tumelo told her he was touched by how
passionate she was about her studies and seeing her results made him want to
pay so her dreams will not be put on hold. It's been a long time studying and
more time ahead for her to take a break.
She was supposed to send the money back to her brother but she didn't, she
didn't know how she was going to explain herself. She didn't want to tell him a
man was paying. She put the money aside to use it in case things don't go well
between her and Tumelo.

She was scared to start this relationship with him and like it had happened
before, she got her period twice when he was with him at night. Third night, he
didn't care about the blood but they had sex as bleeding as she was. And nights
from there, there was no blood but they were constantly fighting about nothing
and anything. But still, they didn't break up. Sbahle even stupidly thought
maybe he's not a Zulu man because they were still together. Or maybe Peace
dying was a coincidence. Either way, she was happy with Tumelo. And still
happy with him.

Sbahle is woken up by the sharp knock on the door. Her children are still
sleeping on the bed with her. She takes her gown and heads to the door,
yawning.

"Sawubona sisi?" She greets with an unsure smile. She's no longer wearing
black clothes. That mourning period ended fast! It's only been nine months
since Sihle died.

Sihle's wife looks at the time and says, "Can you come out, we need to talk."
Why is her tone unfriendly? "Okay," she closes the door and asks, "How are
you?"
She chuckles, "I am here to tell you that my husband is no longer here and so,
it's time for you to pay rent. I also have children to feed and can't afford to have
a room I am giving out for free."

It's unexpected and stressful but she doesn't know her pockets and expenses,
"alright, how much am I going to rent?"
"I will need R1500 every month," the room is more than that but for the
innocent children its better she charges her like this.

And Sbahle knows she's being generous, "thank you, I will pay it." This will
mean there'll be a cut off in their groceries but they'll manage. It's way better
than the actual amount and also better than going back home. Khulekani still
gives her money and sometimes, Thembi sends money too. This means some
months will be better and other months will be worse.

"How are the children?" She asks.

And her face changes, "how are the children? My children lost their father
because of you!"
"Because of me!" She widens her eyes.
"Yes, didn't he want to marry you?" She shouts, her eyes out for Sbahle. "He
thought I would agree to be in polygamy with a widow who has children? I
would have rather been a widow myself than to share him. Never!"

And she's taken off guard, what did she just say? "No, you're mistaken. I took
him -"
"I don't care how you took him. I want my money month-end." She clicks her
tongue and leaves her. When Sihle's family came by to tell her he wants to take
Sbahle as his wife after she refused, she made a choice to be a widow than to be
involved in a polygamous marriage.

What did she mean when she said she would have rather been a widow? Did she
kill him? She keeps the thoughts off her mind, it doesn't matter anymore. "Oh,
bhuti Sihle, you were so gullible. I hope your soul rests in peace. You were a
great man." She says out loud inside the house.

She's standing on her feet before the stove after taking a bath and bathing her
children. She's stressed about this rent issue. It'll take all the money she gets.
The children's grant takes care of their needs and her salary from working as a
maid buys groceries, the money she gets from her brother is for transport and
bread throughout the month.
The vegetables' money is for little savings and emergencies. Her salary will pay
rent and then what?

She doesn't hold her tears back and she shouts, "The only thing you know how
to do well in that grave is to fight isikhwele esingasile! (Jealousy) That's the
only thing I have seen you doing! What do you think your children will eat,"
she's coughing uncontrollably but she doesn't stop talking. She's angry at how
things are. When one thing gets fixed, the other gets messed up. "Why can't you
see that your children are struggling? I don't remember a day where
Luhluthando had to carry bread and Rama at school when you're alive. There's a
business we should be using to make ends meet but your family took it away
from us. We're struggling." She screams and pours the last egg into the pan. She
has to take money that Tumelo gave her for her birthday and add on buying the
children's lunch boxes' food. She can't even pamper herself because the situation
is tough. On top of her problems, she has to think of paying rent now.

*****
He hired someone to track down Sebenzile and set up an appointment with her
after being told by Ntandoni that Sbahle has rent to pay now. He'd sat down and
planned things thoroughly concerning The Pub.
The man he hired found Sebenzile and they spoke on the phone, he asked to
meet her at the pub to discuss business.

His car drives through the premises and it's really quite sad seeing this place
closed down. There's even high grass growing in the yard. Can't they clean the
yard at least?

As he steps out of the car, the woman is already standing over the long porch of
the pub. He could have taken an easy way, meet up with Sbahle and offer to
represent her in court and give everything back, everything that belongs to her
and her children. But it's better to take this route for now.

Sebenzile smiles and extends her hand over to Mkhwanazi, "Mr Mkhwanazi."
She smiles.
And Mkhwanazi fixes his black business suit before shaking hands with
Sebenzile. "How are you, Miss Luthuli?"
Sebenzile is smiling from ear to ear at such a fine gentleman. He's taller than her
and deep brown in complexion - she doesn't like them light skinned and dark
but she likes them brown. "I am fine, Mr Mkhwanazi and how are you today?"
She asks, pointing inside the pub. If she knew such a gentleman was coming by
she would have actually cleaned the place. She's been single for quite some
time.

"I am well," Mkhwanazi responds, looking around the place. It's dusty but it's
understandable why it's dusty. The furniture still looks like it's in good shape.
It's big and the flooring set up looks pretty amazing.

She leads him inside the office. She only cleaned the office. "Welcome to Koze
Kuse Pub, it's my brother's pub."
With jaws clenched, he sits on the chair. This woman is proud of what her
family did to another woman. "Thank you," he looks around the small office,

"It’s a good place."

"Yes," she says with a smile, staring at him. His face is long and clean with his
straight long nose. She can be lucky to get such a fine gentleman. "Uhm, so how
can I help you?" She asks, focusing her eyes on his full dark lips. Her ex-
husband is not a match here, if she can get this man. She can brag to Gumede
and make him jealous.

"I am interested in buying this business."

She suspected it! And she didn't tell her mother about it. "It's not up for sale but
we can negotiate a rent deal."
Renting? "No, I don't want to rent but I want to buy the place. I want to be the
owner and not rent it." He responds and persuades her, "this business is not
working and as it's not working it's not beneficial to anyone. You can keep
looking at these walls and get nothing out of it but if you sell it, you'll have a
large sum of money in your account. You'll benefit from it. You can name your
price."

Name your price? This is a great opportunity, she can name a bigger price to
him, take some of the money and give the rest to her mother. It's perfect! "Okay,
I will have to discuss it with mama first but I am sure she'll agree, for now we
can discuss the range of the price. How much can you afford?"
"Lady, I said name your price." He says in a calm tone but he's actually annoyed
by sitting here with this conniving woman.

This man is serious about this. "I will charge you, R100 000."
He almost laughs his lungs out but he stops himself. Does the woman
understand the concept of property? This is a business that's in good shape and
would be easy to revamp because of location. And it doesn't look like it took its
owner R100 000 to build considering he even added rooms years later. "Please,
go and discuss this with your mother and brothers, get back to me once you
have the final price, if they agree." he stands on his feet and ties the button of
his suit, "do we have a deal?"
"Yes, we have a deal. Let me walk you out." She says with a smile.
He stops her, "I will see my way out." He walks out of the building, thinking
about it. He's hoping the old woman will agree.
Mkhwanazi gets in the car and takes his phone. He calls his personal assistant.

"Mr Mkhwanazi?"
He starts the car, "Juliana, I need your help."
"Yes, I am listening?"
He drives out of the premises. "I need you to look through my database and find
documents and bank information of my previous personal assistant, Sbahle
Luthuli."
"Alright, I will do that boss, you'll find information on your desk tomorrow
morning."
"Thank you." He ends the call and puts the phone aside. From here, he'll only
hope this granny will agree to sell the pub.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 89

She puts her hand on Tumelo's slender hand, stopping him from talking and she
takes her brother's call.

It's Saturday, she's out with him on a date at Ocean Basket. She was bored in the
house without her children and texted him, telling him she craves some seafood.
He didn't hesitate but drove to her house to pick her up. He also wanted to
celebrate with her, celebrate her passing another year in Varsity.

"Sawubona, bhuti?" She greets respectfully.

Luthando doesn't greet back but his angry voice asks, "Sbahle, what's going on
with your studies and finances?"
Words get stuck on her throat, she clears her throat and responds, "I passed my
7th year as I told you yesterday, bhuti."
"Yes, you told me and I am proud. I am asking you about finances! Who's
paying for your studies? I had cash in me and I went to your campus yesterday.
They told me your semester has been paid for and you got your academic record
without any problems." He asks for clarity, "You better tell me the truth! Do
you have a sugar daddy?"
She holds her forehead, "no, I don't. What do you take me for, bhuti?"
"Talk!"
"So, I got a sponsor for a year. Only this year," she stutters and breathes in and
out, trying to keep calm. "It's a connection my boss's husband got for me when I
told them about my financial crisis."

She knows Tumelo is looking at her and she's quite ashamed but he knows she
didn't tell her brother about it.
"Those Indians helped you?"
"Yes, I didn't tell you because I wasn't trusting the sponsor will really pay."
Luthando huffs, relieved, "okay, I am sorry for not trusting you. I just don't
want you to get involved with people who'll take advantage of you. I haven't
deserted you, it was just a minor setback."
"Yes, I know, thank you, bhuti."
"Alright, we'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yes, thanks bye."

She puts the phone down and explains herself, "I am sorry for calling you a
sponsor but please understand -"
He laughs, "Why are you explaining something I know? I don't have a problem
with it." He raises her hand up and kisses the back of it. "Let's forget about
everything else and focus on this, us, okay?"
"Yes, my love." She forgets about everything else and focuses on what's
happening between her and her boyfriend.

Later that night, Sbahle and Tumelo drive to the beach, he parks the car at a
quiet place and they sit inside the car, playing music and enjoying the relaxing
humid of the sea.

"I never thought I'd meet such a beautiful soul like you. I hope you can meet my
mother one day. She'll love you."
With her head stamped on the seat, she looks at him and holds his hand, "I want
to meet your family once I am done with my studies. Only one year left and my
dreams will come true." She says. "You know how I feel about meeting your
family while I am still a work in progress."

He loves looking at her golden skin under the moonlight. Such a beauty, her
husband was a true man - he didn't hesitate to officially give her his surname.
And that's what he wants to do too. "Yes, I know how you feel even though that
doesn't matter to me but I respect your choices."
"Thank you, I love how you always listen to my opinions and also respect my
choices."
"I am your partner, that's my job."

She moves her upper body to him and they kiss each other deeply. Maybe
there's a chance with him, so many months later and they're still going strong.
He's the one after her late husband, she's certain of it!

It's after Christmas, Tumelo went home on the 20th, Sbahle and the children
spent their Christmas with Nondumiso and her family. It was one of the best
Christmases they had since the death of Shintsha.

Sbahle asked to leave her children with the lady who lives in the yard and also
has a child. She couldn't wait until something bad happened to find out what's
happening.

Today, she woke up with a horrible dream. Tumelo was involved in a tragic car
accident. Sbahle was there seeing his dead body on the floor and a man she's
seen in pictures, his father appeared angry in the dream.
When she woke up, she quickly called him to check on him. And he was fine,
and was soundly sleeping before she called him.

She's shaken, today, she decided its best she goes back to the prophetess and tell
her about this. Is there something wrong with her? What's happening?
Her spirit is troubled and she'll never forgive herself should anything happen to
him.

"You're back again, sana lwami," the prophetess smiles at Sbahle and she lights
the candles for her. "Sekuseduze phambili!" (There's a light at the end of the
tunnel!)

Sbahle smiles, joyful upon hearing such words. Of course, there's a light at the
end of the tunnel. "Yes, but things are still difficult."
She sits back down and closes her eyes, she asks Sbahle to move closer to her
and they hold hands. She starts praying.

The prophetess has a heavy heart after praying and she looks at Sbahle with
pity. "Oh, child, you're such a strong woman."
She looks down, "thank you mama."
"I can see you're bothered by a dream and before strange things have happened
when you're with men, the other one actually died. Is it so?" The old woman
quickly explains to Sbahle and asks a question.
"Yes, it is so and these things bother me very much."

She asks her to listen carefully, "umnyeni wakho ukuhleli mntanami.

Ukubophile, Isbopho lesi esinzima ngoba ushone wakushiya ukhala. Ukhala
wena nomntanakhe. Lapho akhona akalele ngokuthula ngoba ukukhala kwakho
ukuzwa njalo, ishluku akushiya ngaso, (your husband is not resting in peace. He
tied you, this is a strong tie because he left you crying. He's not resting in peace
because you're still crying.) Akalele ngokuthula ngendlela umndeni wakhe
okuhlukumeze ngayo wena nezingane zakhe. This tie will chase away every
man you meet, it's either they'll die or leave you. You're still a wife and
necessary rituals have not been done to free you of that so you can date and for
your husband to free you too. Firstly, your husband tied you with his words
before you were even his wife. You're still tied to him and no man will stay with
you until they've performed a ritual to separate you from him, tell him he needs
to let you go and free you to live your life in the land of the living. They can
even ask him to bring a suitable man for you and his children. This is very
important. Until it's done, forget about men. Your husband is an angry and
jealous ancestor, which is really bad."

"Why can't he fight his family? Why's he fighting me?" She shouts.
"He's trying, akafuni ngani. This current boyfriend is also not safe, if you don't
act fast, your dream will become a reality. You saw his father in your dreams,
he's the one fighting for him, chasing you away from his son as good as you're
for him but he sees how much danger you bring in his son's life. The first one
was unlucky because he didn't have strong ancestors to fight for him."
Sbahle fails to hold herself but she cries. Why did Shintsha do this to her?
How's she supposed to get away from these ties? She wants life to carry on but
she's still tied to him!

Within the sobs, "who can help me?"

"His family is the best pick but I am certain there are traditional healers who can
help you since your situation with his family is like this. But you'll need to be
careful, anyone can say they'll help you. Talk to your older brother, he must ask
your father to suggest or show you a healer who can help you." She says and
doesn't let her leave in such a state but she comforts her as she can't stop crying.

Isbopho? Love is a beautiful thing. Why is this tie of his love so cruel to her? Is
he happy when she's crying like this?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 90

MaGwala sat down with her children after Sebenzile had brought up the topic of
selling the pub. The boys were against selling the pub because it legally belongs
to Sbahle and the children, it can't be sold without her approval. But MaGwala
didn't care about that. She told them she's selling it and there's nothing Sbahle
can do about it.

They had a huge debate about it and Gama clearly told his mother he'll not get
involved should she be in trouble with the law. This made her angry but it didn't
stop her from selling it. She wanted the boys to meet with Mkhwanazi but they
refused, telling her they'll not be part of the sale.

Mkhwanazi gets out of the car with his nephew. He brought him along today for
the meeting with Sebenzile. He decided he'll put him in charge and not be
involved with this business. He doesn't have that time.

"I don't get why you're buying this business because Sbahle is not here to
authorise the sale. It's illegal and -"
He gives him a short glare, "are you trying to teach me law? Do you think I am
stupid?" He asks.
And he clears his throat, "no, malume but -"

He stops him from walking. Sebenzile is walking ahead of them to open the
pub. Today, she's walking high like the true owner of the place. She's even
wearing high heels, not pumps she was wearing the last time. "One thing I have
seen, they're not really smart people and Sbahle has given up on everything
while she can fight them fairly and win within a space of two months because I
am pretty sure that murder weapon can't really be traced back to her. I am
simply buying the power back, the power for the place to operate again so it'll
benefit her and her children." He explains it clearly to him.

He smiles with a nod, "so, you want them off this place so it'll operate freely
without their involvement?"
He plays with his ear, "yes, give the widow what belongs to her!" He gives him
a hard smile and his nephew laughs.

They settle down in the office with Sebenzile after greetings and shaking hands.

"So, did you reach an agreement with your mother?" Mkhwanazi asks.
She opens her bag and takes out the paper, she downloaded a sale contract from
the internet and downloaded it and edited it so Mkhwanazi can see she's a
serious woman. "Yes, I have even drafted a contract."

He glances at his nephew and they both fold their lips. He takes the paper and
reads through the sale. This thing has been downloaded and edited! R150 000?
She has put more money, he wonders how much is she going to give her
mother.

He pushes the documents back to her, "there'll be no need for this because I will
need the old documents, the documents of the original owner. I am a lawyer. I
will make a transfer myself. I won't need that paper."

Sebenzile thinks again - original papers? Yes, they're here in the safe but why
should she give him these papers?

"Your brother is dead and I believe he has a wife, it's his wife who's supposed to
be selling this business to me but since she's not involved. I will make means to
protect us all from the law by doing a legit transfer." He clarifies what he can
tell she doesn't understand.

She nods with a smile, "yes, yes, you're right." She stands up and opens the safe.
She takes all the relevant documents and gives them to him. This will keep them
all safe, the lawyer knows what he's doing.

They conclude everything verbally as he has these documents, he has

everything. They drive to the bank with her. Mkhwanazi's nephew is
entertaining her in the car as she goes on and on, talking about baseless things.
He doesn't say anything even when she tries to get him to talk. He's thinking
ahead, thinking about bringing the business back to life…

*****
She can't lose Tumelo forever! How's she supposed to let go and forget about
him just like that? And she remembers the death of Peace. Does she want such a
thing to happen to him? She's not a selfish person, yes she was benefiting from
their relationship even financially as he was paying for her studies.

It's a new year and she's about to do her very last year. She thought he'll be a
part of her success but it breaks her heart everyday knowing he'll not be a part
of it. Why?

"How could he do this to me, sisi?" Sbahle cries to her older sister on the phone.
When she wakes up, the first thing she does, think about Shintsha and Isbopho.
During the day, the same thing is in her mind and even before sleeping, she's
thinking of the same thing. It's painful.

"Sbahle, calm down. This is not something your husband went to a Sangoma
and deliberately did. It's something that happened naturally," Thembi tries to
keep her sister calm but she's crying without stopping.

"Naturally? How? How's it natural to have a man die because I am Shintsha's

widow? How's it natural getting my period every time I try to sleep with another
man?" She asks her sister as she doesn't understand how she reasons and how
she sees things.

Thembi keeps calm even when her sister screams. She understands how she
feels and why she feels this way. She had finally moved on with Tumelo and
this had to happen, "you cried a lot when he died Sbahle and the elders told you
that your tears will not give him peace, uzohlala kuwe. But everybody
understood why you were crying like that. Can you not be angry at your late
husband? But fight, fight so he can rest in peace. This is a man who loved you,
worked hard to give you a beautiful and warm home, secured your future so
you'll continue living even when he's gone but his family did what they did."
Thembi advises her sister, "your chapter with him can't be closed as yet. And if
it ends, it'll be through the ritual you need to do, to let him go and tell him
you're moving on now. Please, don't be angry at him, it's not easy for him either.
He's supposed to be a good ancestor and look at his children growing. He can't
do that while things are like this. His mother, by the look of things, never loved
him as should because if a mother loves her children, she even loves her
grandchildren. Don't give up."

She calms down and Mkhwanazi crosses her mind, he's a lawyer who can help
her but maybe she needs to give it this year, finish studying and get a job and
afford him as a lawyer because asking for free help - he'll take advantage. "I
understand, I guess this means I have to break up with Tumelo?"
"You need to tell him the truth. Don't just break up with him but make him
understand, free him."
"I will sit down with him when he comes back in February. He'll not come back
to Richards Bay after New Year’s Eve but he's travelling to Greece with work."
"Alright, I wish you the best of luck. Don't hesitate to call me when you need
anything and also, don't hesitate to ask around a traditional healer that can help."
"Yes, I will ask around, sisi."

She's hit by endless pain once again. When's she going to get her own peace?
She didn't know her marriage to Shintsha would lead to this. She doesn't regret
marrying him but she regrets letting him go alone to his sister that day. This is
setting her back, her husband is not at peace and it's painful.

"I wonder if I loved you enough. If you did feel my love sthandwa sami. I just
realised you might have not gotten your mother's love as you should and I am
sorry." She says, words struggling to come out but she says it. She remembers
how angry MaGwala was that Shintsha had swapped plates. And now, if she's a
mother who loves him why would she block him from communicating with her?

Down on her knees, Sbahle prays to God, she needs his protection now more
than ever.

The fridge has never been this empty. Is it still January hunger or? The children
are back to school and they're in the middle of February.
There was nothing much to sell in January and people didn't have money. And
now, people are still recovering losses.

"I don't even know what I will cook for these kids today."
She's alone in the house, she didn't go to Richards Bay to sell because she
doesn't have any stock.

She looks at her deep freezer again and she only has braai back. It's still early to
be cooking but she needs to do some assignments. Things are getting tougher.

"They'll eat chicken again. Melikhaya will complain because he doesn't even
like chicken."

She takes out two pieces and puts them in water while she's cooking rice.
Tumelo is still not back and she's nervous as the days are getting nearer.
He doesn't forget to call her every day and they also chat on WhatsApp. Things
are still going well between them but Sbahle knows it's about to end as soon as
he returns.

Her phone beeps and she doesn't mind the phone, she's chopping cabbage to
boil it and dish it as a side so Melikhaya will eat.

She moves to her phone when it rings. She sits on the bed, "bhuti?"
"How are you?" Luthando asks on the phone.
"I am fine bhuti and how are you?"
"I am fine sisi. Please send me the bank details again. I want to pay for at least
three months." Luthando requests.
She smiles, at least she doesn't have to stress about the studies, "alright, bhuti.
Thank you, I will send it on WhatsApp."
"Sharp!"

She quickly unlocks the phone and she almost faints when her eyes set on the
money notification.

**Absa: SAVE7264, Dep, TRANSFER CREDIT, KOZE KUSE PUB, R10

500.00, Available R10 507.45 Help 0860008600; LUTHULISL 002**

Huh? Is this some kind of magic or there's some mistake? She quickly logs into
her banking app and truly, the money has been credited into her account.

She quickly calls her brother, "bhuti?"

"Yini? Why are you panting?" Luthando asks.
She stands, switches off the stove and puts on her slippers. "I just got money
from my husband's pub. It's over R10 000."
"What? How?"
"I don't know, I am going there now to ask. It's a bit far from where I am but I
have to go and ask or check if they've opened. I haven't heard anything." Sbahle
responds.
"Go there and tell me what's happening."

On the road she's rushing. She's very nervous and wants to get the answers
sooner, she can't sleep without getting answers.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 91

And surprisingly, the place has been opened. She's been avoiding taking taxis
that pass by this side because of the pain she always experiences when she sees
the closed building. It's opened?

What if they sent the money to her by mistake? But how? Ever since the
business opened, the money was sent to the business account - it has its own
business card. They wouldn't have made a mistake because there are no bank
records of hers in that business.

"Hi, bhuti unjani?" Sbahle asks the guy who's working behind the bar.
There are few people on the tables, drinking and having meat. This place
reminds her so much of her husband, she would be seeing him around now,
talking and mingling with people on the tables. People loved him.

"How are you, sisi?" He asks.

She smiles and looks around, "the place has been opened again. Who's the new
owner or is it still Luthuli's family?"
"The place opened around the 28th of December last year. The owner, we
haven't seen him but there's a young man who comes regularly to address us and
tell us about the owner who hasn't come here."

She nods. These people? Did they sell the pub without telling her? How did
they do it?

"Can't you ask someone who'll check for me? I am Mrs -"
He smiles, "yes, I know you're bhuti Shintsha's wife. I am allowed to page
through the books but I will go and check for you." He makes a promise and
leaves her waiting.

She goes closer to the people greeting her and she holds a conversation with
them, they're telling her about how much they missed the place. She leaves
them when the bartender comes back.

"And?"
"You're still the owner of the place."
With her forehead creased, she asks, "really? Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure."
She nods, "please do mention that I came by and asked to speak to the new
owner. Ask them to call me."
"I will."
"Thank you." She leaves the place happy and walks back to her place. She
needs to take her children out today - she doesn't know why this money is in her
account but she'll pay for her studies, take the children out and buy groceries -
save the rest before they ask for their money back. She giggles at the thought.
Hopefully, the new owner will contact her.

Finally, the big day comes. Tumelo asked they should meet in a restaurant but
she declined and asked they meet at his place.
She was nervous but had to do it.

The children are at school, she gets in his car and they drive to his place.
"What do you want to eat?" He asks, holding her hand. He's happy to be back
home and back to his girlfriend.

She doesn't even have an appetite for food because of what's about to happen
between them. "No, we'll eat what you have in the house." She responds.
"Are you okay, babe?" He asks.
And with a smile, she responds, "yes, I am okay. I am not feeling well."
"Alright, I am here I will make you feel better."

She turns on the music and they enjoy the music, not talking much until they
reach home. He didn't listen to her but passed by KFC's drive-thru to buy food.
It's been two weeks since she received the money from the pub and she hasn't
gotten any communication from the new owner.

"I wish I was also there in Greece with you." She says, snuggling her body in
him. She doesn't feel like breaking the news today and talking about what she's
here to talk about.
"Don't worry, once we're married we'll take the trip and include the children."
She doesn't respond happily, "I wish for that to happen but my life is a danger to
you."
He pushes her from his body and looks at her. "What are you talking about?" He
asks.

Sbahle's body tenses, the pain starts afresh. This man has been her pillar of
strength, he's been the light in the darkness.

"What's wrong?" He hugs her as she starts crying. "Is everything okay?"
"Do you remember the day I called you at night?" She asks.
He holds her hand, "yes, I remember."
"I had a dream…" she doesn't break eye contact as she narrates the dream to
him. She paints a clear picture for him, how painful and scary the dream was to
her.
He holds her breath, "my late father?"
"Yes, your father. I had a boyfriend who died and I went to consult and was told
the truth…" she doesn't hide the truth about Isbopho. And when she finishes,
she can see he's hurt.

"I don't want to lose you forever. I would rather lose you temporarily. Or even
lose you knowing you're alive."
He shakes his head, "is this true? I don't understand. How can a dead person
control your life?"
"There are rituals I have to do to let go."

Tumelo grabs his phone and leaves her, he needs to call his mother and ask. He
can't believe this, with her he thought he has found the one and life will carry
on. His mother is a Zulu woman and she understands culture and traditions. Is
this true? He'll only believe her.

"Mama?"
Tumelo's mother catches her son is not well, "what's wrong my boy?"
"Mama, I have a girlfriend here. I told you about her right?" He sits on his bed.
"Yes, you did."
He keeps calm and tells his mother about Sbahle's dream and what she was told
by the prophetess, "is this true mama?" He asks.
"Oh my boy, yes, it's true and since Mokoena has appeared in her dreams, it
means you're not safe with her. He's protecting you."
He heaves, his chest tightens, "I love her!"
"I understand but you can't love her while you're dead. Do you understand?"
She shouts, "I know how you might be feeling right now but you need to stop
dating her until she has fixed this. It's not a joke."
"Thank you." He throws his phone on his bed and holds the back of his head.

Why is life so unfair? He doesn't want to let go. They were good together!
She stands as soon as he returns from his bedroom. "Are you okay?"
He shakes his head and pulls her in a hug, "I am not okay, please promise me
we'll be together again once everything is good?"
She nods as he's holding her face, "yes, I will come back once I have fixed
everything."

They kiss each other deeply and passionately. Their hearts are beating in a
beautiful rhythm. This is a temporary goodbye…

She's standing before the mirror inside her bedroom. 'Her bedroom' she's no
longer renting in Sihle's rental rooms because his wife raised the rent to an
unreasonable price.
Luthando helped her look for a better place and he found a full house, the owner
needed someone to look after the house in his absence but at a reasonable price,
not free.

They're living happily in this yard and Melikhaya enjoys riding his scooter in
the yard and Luhluthando takes out her dollhouse, enjoy herself. Yes, she
affords buying these toys for them because every month - the pub pays her
without fail, sometimes it's less than 10k and sometimes, it's above 10k. Its ten
months later and she's still in the dark about who's this owner. The person she's
seen is a young man who's a manager and when she asked him - he told her
she's the owner without explaining further.

Sbahle decided to let it go, enjoy the money and let it help her and her children.
The main focus has been finishing the course.

"Are you already outside?" Sbahle puts on the black stilettos, they complement
her lilac purple flare sleeve shirt and halter top and shorts. She looks amazing
with her blonde short haircut.

"Yes, we're waiting for you." Nondumiso screams, there's already music
playing.
She locks the house. The children are with Khulekani's wife.

Its December time, they enjoy visiting that house and that house of their aunts
and uncles.
And surprised! There's Thembi, she screams and runs to her sisters. She didn't
expect Thembi. When did she come back?
The three sisters hug each other. "Let's go and celebrate your success kwi pub
kaSbari." Thembi screams and they laugh.

They get into Nondumiso's car and they drive off. Nondumiso decided it's best
to go to the pub to celebrate Sbahle finally finishing her studies and passing.

It's December and always, entertainment places are packed as people have
money to spend and people want to have fun.
Thembi stands before Sbahle and she fixes the collar of her shirt, "ay,
biomedical scientist ka baba!" She looks at her proudly.
And emotionally, Sbahle hugs her sister. She persevered through it all. The
trials didn't stop her from studying, this is all her father's doing. She never
thought she'd finish her studies, there were times she wanted to give up but she
held on. She knew giving up meant disappointing him.
The three sisters go inside and they already have their place reserved. Ntandoni
couldn't make it because they're in the rural areas with her aunt. It's only the
three sisters.

The music is bursting, there's a hired DJ and the vibe is lively. They pop
champagne, have meat and dance to the music.
This is to Sbahle's success!
She gets up from the couch as her favourite song plays and what she sees -
Mkhwanazi, yes, it's really him. He's casually dressed and going over to the bar
and beyond.

"I will come back." She takes her phone and walks away from her sisters.
She raises her hand, waving for the bartender. She's not authorised to go beyond
the counter but she wants him to open up for her. It's a different person from the
one she met when she first came to the pub.
"Only staff is allowed beyond, mam!" The bartender screams for her.
"I want to see Mkhwanazi!" She screams, not sure if she can be heard.

He comes out of the office and is surprised to see Sbahle but he doesn't show it,
he casts a short side smile that doesn't even last for a second. He walks over to
open for her.

"Come by!" He stands aside.

And before getting in, she looks at him with an intense eye. She walks forward,
knowing where to go when she wants to talk to him. There are a lot of things
going through her mind and she has mixed emotions because of the conclusions
she's made. How? Why?

She once suspected Tumelo might be the other who secretly bought it back for
her but she didn't have the courage to ask him.
She stands behind the two chairs facing the office desk and Mkhwanazi sits on
top of the desk, his arms crossed. He gazes at her face and down to her chest,
not going beyond, "you look beautiful." He compliments.

She tries her best to keep calm but she's breathing high, her emotions are all
over the place. Mkhwanazi? "How did you do this?"
"I said you look beautiful, KaMazibuko."
"I know!" She exclaims, "I want answers and you know that I want answers. It's
been ten months and you haven't had the decency to pick up the phone and call
me."
"I knew if I call you we'll not be on the same page."
She cuffs her slim waist, "really? Is it because you know you bought this place
illegally? This place belongs to my kids and me. You don't have the power to
buy it and own it!"
"Are you trying to teach me my job? Being a biomedical scientist doesn't make
you smart in every department and aspect of life." Mkhwanazi says calmly.
And Sbahle feels insulted, "are you trying to insult my intelligence
Mkhwanazi?"
He raises his hands up, "why would I? You're above me."
Drunk, she tries to swing at him and he holds her hand. "You're trying to be
smart -"
"No, I am not. I make enough money for myself. And precisely, I don't take
money from widows. I also don't like seeing children having their inheritance
snatched away from them." He clarifies and let’s go of her hand as he feels an
uncomfortable shift in his body.

She looks at him, tears glistening and with deep emotions getting intense, she
lets them out. "What do you want in return?" She wipes the tears and blinks, she
doesn't trust him.

"Nothing, I said I did it for the kids," he says with a proud chest but he knows
these are not his deepest wishes.
Once she's calm, she says, "thank you, I don't have enough words to express my
gratitude. This year, I paid for my studies without worrying anybody. My
siblings got a break from giving me money."
"I can't wait to see success on you."
With a blush and a smile, she looks down. "Does Ntandoni know it's you?"
"No, she doesn't know and I would like to keep it that way."

She doesn't question him but says thank you, desperately wishes she can hug
him but she holds herself back. "Bye!" She leaves as he looks at her without a
word.

She doesn't hide this piece of information from her sisters as they're driving to
Sbahle's place after midnight.

"Hhayi, hhayi, hhayi! Uyakufuna lowo!" (That one wants you!) Nondumiso
screams.
And Thembi supports, "ukufuna nje emashidini, akukho okunye!" (He wants
you in bed, there's no other thing!)
"Aysuka, he's fine with Ntandoni. I am just happy that my husband's business
still belongs to us." She says and her sisters support her. They're all happy, it's a
good time. These December holidays will be the best of the best!
MaGwala sits on her butts after waking up, she's sweating from the dream she
had. She hides her face in her hands and cries.

"Oh, Shintsha mntanami, your soul has not rested in peace even now. You're
crying about your killer." She doesn't know what this killer deserves as
punishment.

She's waking up from a dream of Shintsha crying to her, telling her that he
wants his killer to be punished because his spirit is not resting in peace. He
didn't appear happy in the dream and his unhappiness rubs off on her, giving her
nothing but sorrow.

She has kept this on hold for too long, thinking of the children. She's going to
punish her. That knife is still in her possession and still has her son's dry blood,
she'll use it!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 92

The Mazibuko yard is busy, people are going up and down. There's a tent in the
yard, guests are already going into the yard. The DJ has started playing music.
There's a pleasing smoke, going up into the air. The women are cooking the
feast for the ceremony. It's a good and celebratory day.

Sbahle along with the help of her siblings are doing a Thanksgiving ceremony.
The ceremony to thank the Mazibuko ancestors, specifically their father.
Through and through, he'd carried Sbahle and her siblings. Things are going
well in their lives.

"Congratulations ntombi KaMazibuko." Ntandoni's aunt holds Sbahle's hand

and hugs her.
"Thank you aunty."

It's been a long journey heading to this finish line and finally, she's here.

"Your brother is calling for you in the hut." Ntandoni says to Sbahle. She's
dressed to kill for this big party. It'll go down!
She gives attention to her friend after her aunt went into the tent. The guests
coming into the yards for the ceremony are finely dressed.

"Which brother?"
"Aybo, your older brother." She looks at her phone.
Sbahle holds her chin up, "Luthando is even older than Mkhwanazi and his wife
will kill you, I am telling you."
She laughs her lungs out, "what did I say? I only said your brother is calling for
you."
"I am just reminding you that you have a boyfriend. You should be getting
ready to give him kids now."
She pops her eyes at her, "I know but I am not giving any men kids."
"Even if it's my brother?" She folds her lips.
She walks away, "yes, even if it's him but it'll never be him. Go!"
Sbahle laughs and runs to the hut.

The ceremony starts in the ancestral hut, all the Mazibuko siblings are inside the
hut. Luthando, as the older brother - he burns the sage and communicates with
his ancestors.
He gives praises to the clan and reports the reason for the ceremony - the
thanksgiving ceremony happening in their yard.
"These are my sisters with us, they all have their marital homes now but please
continue looking after them and keep them safe along with your grandchildren."

Luthando concludes the thanksgiving to his ancestors. And he gives Sbahle an

opportunity to communicate with their father.

The siblings leave the hut emotional, they're here, standing together as one.
"I just want to say thank you for everything you've done for me. You've shown
me love when Shintsha's family kicked me out for something I didn't do. I didn't
expect so much support. Ningithwalile kwaze kwala." Sbahle says to her
siblings, giving the heartfelt gratitude to her siblings.

Luthando plays with her cheeks and they laugh, "You’re our little sister, Muna."
She laughs and hugs her brothers.
Khulekani says, "Asambe sodakwa ke manje!" (Let's go and get drunk!) He
screams and they follow him.
Sbahle doesn't go in with them but looks for her friend, she'll go in with her
sisters.

"Hello," she answers the call from Tumelo. It's been ten long months without
talking to him. She deleted his number after seeing the status he posted. He was
on a date with a woman, four months after their breakup. She didn't expect him
to wait for her but it broke her heart that he'd moved on.

"How are you, Sbahle?"

"I am fine and you?" She walks into her old bedroom. There's nobody inside.
"I am good, I thought I should call, I saw your post on Instagram. You've finally
completed your studies."
She sits on her bed, "yes, thank you for the call."
"Congratulations, you truly deserve it."
She smiles, "thank you so much. I am also here because of your contribution to
my studies. Thank you."
"I am proud of you."
"Thanks." She says and there's a long awkward silence between them.
He sighs, "Okay, goodbye, maybe I will send a graduation gift on your
graduation day."
"Bye, I will be happy to receive it." She says with a giggle and they end the call.
She looks at the phone and closes her eyes.

*****
Her hands are shaking, she's thinking of her granddaughter. But nothing will be
lost, when her mother goes crazy - she'll take her granddaughter. And the other
child, she doesn't know the other one and will not bother herself about the other
one. She's a grandmother to only one child of hers.

"Olandelayo!" (Next!) The traditional healer shouts and he already knows who's
the next patient. He's about to get more money!
MaGwala walks into the hut and settles down on the straw mat.

"Thokoza mkhulu!"
He claps hands, "thokoza gogo, what should I do for you today?" He asks.
MaGwala opens her bag and takes out the wrapped knife and puts it on the floor
before the traditional healer. "I want the person who killed my son to go crazy."
The traditional healer is confused by this woman's request. Is this woman crazy?

"Do you want this person to be crazy for life or do you want them to find help
one day?" He asks, he wants to be sure before he does this for her. This is
something she must not regret.
Her heart pounds and her hands shake, "I want them to be crazy for life. Ngicela
umfake noduka nezwe." (Make sure she never remembers home) She instructs
with a dark voice, this darkness coming from the brutality her son had to die in.
Killed and thrown down the cliff. Very cruel!

"Are you not going to regret this one day?"

She shakes her head, "don't only do this to the person who paid but also include
those who touched this knife to kill him."
"This is very expensive!" He points Ishoba down, pointing at the knife and his
eyes are looking straight into her eyes.

She doesn't break eye contact, "how much?"

"R35 000," he names the price in confidence.

And MaGwala thinks of the R90 000 that she got from selling Shintsha's pub. It
was sold for R100 000 and she gave Sebenzile R10 000. She saved the R50 000
for Luhluthando's education with the help of Amanda, the remaining money will
pay for this job. She's old, she's enjoyed money and doesn't even have things to
fix at home because her sons do everything.

"Yes, I will pay the amount."

"You can pay it in instalments."
She shakes her head with tears in her eyes, "no, I will pay the amount in full."

He slightly feels sorry for the old woman. It's always easier to believe that the
wife killed her husband. He also doesn't know the real killer but he knows it's
not the deceased's wife. He strongly suspects it's a family member. Nonetheless,
he'll do what she wants. They killed her son brutally and he feels they're also
deserving to lose their lives.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 93

She's back in Shintsha's house. She returned into the house right after the
traditional healer had done the ritual to put his soul to rest.
The bedroom is still hot like there's a fireplace in the bedroom but it's all
bearable with the fan helping out.

They've been living in this house since but she's still not happy about it because
she feels like there's someone with them in the house. She doesn't know whether
it's her mind playing tricks with her again or?

Sebenzile is woken up by the loud bang on the door. She wakes up angry.
Who's this person who's so brave to knock on the door like this?

"It's almost midnight," she gets out of the bed and heads to the front door.
There's nothing in her that tells her to stay in bed and not go out.
When she opens the door, the gust of wind pushes the door wide open and
Sebenzile screams. She stumbles back.
"Hhayibo!"

She doesn't catch her breath, the black bird flies into the house, hits Sebenzile's
head and flies out leaving her mind wobbly. She looks around the house, it
looks like its spinning. She's no longer herself.
And here and there, zimshiye! She laughs loudly and runs out of the house.
She's leaving the door wide open and her son sleeping. She's totally forgotten
that she's a mother and she's a rich woman with a fat bank balance from the
illegal sale of her brother's pub.

She doesn't stop, she's running in a jumping manner - two jumps up and a few
seconds run, then she laughs wriggling her head from side to side. Who's she?
She's forgotten who she is - she's forgotten that she's the newly rich Sebenzile
Luthuli who was dreaming of getting married to the wealthy lawyer in Richards
Bay.

*****
When she returned from the traditional healer, she heard the biggest news -
Sbahle had completed her studies and her siblings had a big thanksgiving
ceremony held at the Mazibuko home.
When she heard this, she laughed. Her days were numbered - not even days but
she had hours. A few hours and she was going to go crazy. Her spirit would find
peace after that.

It's early in the morning, she's seated on the kitchen table with the knife on the
table.

Days in the yard are no longer the same without her mother. Her grandchildren
are still with her but they're not home during the day.
She's looking at the knife, waiting for the call that will tell her Sbahle has gone
crazy and her children don't have a mother.

Amanda walks into the room with plastic bags and greets her mother-in-law.

"Are you okay mama?" Amanda asks as MaGwala greets her in a low tone.
She's staring at the table - staring at? The knife.
"Yes, child. Are you alone?"
"No, the children are with their father outside." She looks closely and asks,
"What are you doing with aunt Sebenzile's knife? Did you need a knife?"

MaGwala holds her wrist when she tries to touch the knife. "Don't!"
"Hhayibo, is it rusty or it has dried blood?"
She stares at her, "did you say this is Sebenzile's knife?" She asks, confused.
She nods, "yes, I bought it as a gift for her when she got married. It has the
letters S.L for Sebenzile Luthuli, there." She points at the letters on the knife.
"Let me look for the picture of her whole set."

Amanda takes out her phone and searches for the set of knives. "There's a guy
who customises knives, I bought them from him." She gives her the phone,
showing her the picture. "Why does it have blood?"

MaGwala's hands are shaking as she looks at her picture of identical knives with
the letters S.L. The knife that killed her son is smaller compared to the other
five knives.

"Did Sbahle… talk to you about… visiting Sebenzile?" She asks, the words are
coming out of her mouth calculated. Her mind is foggy. When the knife was
found in the Kist without paying much attention to the letters she concluded
Sbahle killed him. And as she kept looking at the knife, she realised it had
letters and she thought its Sbahle Luthuli not Sebenzile Luthuli.

"No, I never heard her tell me she's visiting her house. What's going on mama?"
She asks, the old woman looks so miserable and it's scary. What's eating her up?
Could Sebenzile be the one who killed her brother? No, how? She's older and
Shintsha comes after her, he was her brother - her blood. Why would she kill
him?
They were fighting about granny's money. Could it be? No! She couldn't kill
him because he wanted her to stop taking the extra R600s she was taking from
granny.

Out of breath and slapping the table repeatedly, "call Sbahle and find out if she's
fine. Call her!" She shouts.
And Amanda jumps on her phone, she calls Sbahle while the olds woman is
holding her head. What's happening?
The traditional healer told her, at midnight, this person would have gone crazy.

"She's fine mama." She puts the phone down after the call. "What's going on?"
"Hhayi, hhayi, hhayi, hhayi, hhayi Jehovah! Ngeke!" (It can't be!)
Amanda is frightened by MaGwala and she doesn't even know what to do with
herself. How should she help her? Hold her?

"What's wrong, mama?"

"Call….your….husband!" She takes off her doek and takes off the scarf on her
shoulder. She cries, "Hhayi, ngeke, ngeke, ngeke! Oh, Jehovah!"
Gcina runs into the house, "mama, what's wrong?" He holds his mother's
shoulders.

She fights, fighting so she could stand and she keeps saying, "hhayi, hhayi," her
tone keeps going down, down and down, "Sebenzile!" She exclaims and her
eyes roll, she faints, falling in the arms of her son.

Gcina and Amanda stare at each other before they remember they should carry
her to the car. What's happening?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 94

They leave the children with strict instructions, nobody should go out but they
should all stay within the fence playing.

Gama and Jabulile, along with their son are on their way home. They're coming
home for the December holidays until New Year’s Eve.
Amanda and Gcina were also home for the holidays and they arrived at the
wrong time.

"What happened?" Gcina asks, driving the car out of the Luthuli premises. He's
never been so confused in his life.
And he can't get it off his mind, the picture of his mother calling his sister's
name and fainting? Why?

Amanda holds her husband's hand, "I don't think it's a good idea for me to tell
you what happened while you're driving. We'll talk once we get to the hospital."
"No, I am a grown-up, tell me!"
She refuses, "we'll talk once we get to the hospital and the Doctors have taken
mama." She doesn't want him to be shocked and possibly reach his mother's
state.

What did they say when Sbahle told them Sebenzile killed her husband? They
called her names and couldn't believe her because before their eyes - she was
the killer.
There was a time in her marriage where she begged Gcina to think things
through and dig deeper about this matter but his mind was made up. That time
she felt like she was married to the biggest fool in the world and wished to leave
him only to protect herself and her children from the unknown. But the heart
wanted what it wanted, she couldn't just leave. Now, it's quite sad that they're
about to find out they've let their brother down. The man who never let them
down. The man who was always there! It's really sad.

Amanda takes her husband's phone as it rings, Sebenzile is calling. "Yebo,

aunty?"
The shaky voice of Sebenzile's son comes through, he's crying on the line,
"malumekazi, umama akekho!" (Mom is gone)
"Where's mama boy?" She asks.
"I woke up, the door was wide open and mama wasn't in her room. I thought she
went to the shop but she's still not back. I am scared." He cries louder.
"Hey don't cry, close the door and stay in the house. Your uncle will call your
father and he'll come to you, okay?"
"Okay!"

Amanda quickly reports to her husband as the car drives through the gates of the
hospital at Empangeni. "What should I do?"
He takes his phone, "go and ask for help." He's upset because she didn't want to
tell him what's going on. He stands by the backdoor of his car and calls
Sebenzile's ex-husband.

"Bhuti, I need a huge favour."

"What's wrong?" Gumede asks.

He opens the door as the hospital staff come out of the building following his
wife with a stretcher. "My nephew is alone in my brother's house. He said he
woke up without his mother."
"Ey your sister! Where's she now?"
Gcina follows them into the hospital, "I don't know, go to the child!"
"Alright!"

He ends the call after Gumede has promised to get back to him once he's found
the child.
While waiting for the news on his mother, Gcina demands answers from his
wife.

"What happened?" He asks with a straight face. They're not alone in the waiting
area but the corner they're seated at, there's nobody closer to them. "Tell me the
truth!"
"So, I walked in and found mama staring at the murder weapon. I didn't even
know that's the knife because I never saw it."
"Okay, you were not there when mama told us. You were working."

She holds his hand. She doesn't know how he's going to respond to this. She's
hoping he doesn't go extreme like his mother. "I asked her why she's holding
aunt Sebenzile's knife."
"My sister's knife?"
She nods, "it's the knife I bought for her as a gift when she was getting married.
It has her initials S.L. Your mother was shocked and quickly told me to check if
Sbahle is fine, she started crying about aunt Sebenzile."

Tick, tock, tick, tock, his mind stops working for a second as he figures the
whole thing out but he doesn't want to believe what he thinks this is, as the
truth. "No, please, tell me she wasn't crying because my sister is the owner of
the knife and she's the one who killed my brother!"
She nods slowly, "yes, it's like that. How would've Sbahle gotten that knife and
why did Sebenzile magically find the knife. And soon after, she moves out of
her marital home and runs your brother's business?"

He tries to think and his mind remembers Sebenzile as a loving older sister.
How did she find the courage to kill her brother?

'You know me better, please, I didn't kill him!'

And what rings in his mind, Sbahle's words to him, begging him to believe her.
And what did he do? He doesn't even have the courage to answer himself.
He saw her as a killer! The woman who stood with his brother when he didn't
have the fancy business. She got married to him and stayed with him for years
in one room with their daughter. Why didn't he think of all these things? This is
what Sbahle wanted him to remember, she wanted him to remember that she
loved him deeply.

Gcina sits on the floor and heaves, the pain in his chest spreads throughout his
body. It goes down to his toes and head, making his body stiff and numb. And
unexpectedly, the pain bursts with tears, a deep cry from a man with regrets.
Why? How? Where did she get the courage to kill their brother? It was easy to
believe his wife had killed him because, yes, women do kill their husbands for
inheritance. If not, the man may hurt her and she'll kill him but it was never easy
to believe his sister might be the one that killed him. They're of one blood, they
grew up together. They went through poverty together and came out of poverty
together. And easily with a kitchen knife, she got him killed? He doesn't stop
crying.

And Amanda doesn't share any words of comfort with him, she only brushes his
back feeling sorry for her husband. He wouldn't be here if he listened to her.
Now, the pain is ten times worse!

"I am - I am - a - fool!" He cries out, he doesn't care about the people with them
as he cries.
'Oh, yes, you're a fool!' Amanda says internally and doesn't stop comforting him
by brushing his back.

*****
"I didn't expect that I would be appointed so soon, I am very happy bhuti."
Sbahle says happily. The smile on her face doesn't end. She's been smiling from
ear to ear since the past three days of the news.
On the 14th of November, she received a call from the post she applied for and
did an interview at the end of November. She got the junior biomedical scientist
position at a private laboratory. When she received this call, she couldn't believe
it, being told, 'you're hired!' It was a dream come true for her.
Her ancestor's wildest dream came true!

"Yes, when the Lord has said yes there's nobody who can say no. Everything
happens like it's a dream you'll wake up from."
"Amen, amen!" She claps hands.

The two siblings are driving back home after Sbahle had signed the contract of
employment and accepted the offer of employment. She loved how friendly and
welcoming the staff was.

Luhluthando is in the backseat with her mother. She asked to go with them and
Luthando didn't leave her. They're still at the Mazibuko home for the holidays.

"Why is there disorder on the road?" Luthando asks as cars are not moving
normally on the road.
Luhluthando screams, "Mama, mama! Look, it's my aunt!"

Sbahle screams and quickly closes her daughter's eyes. It's really Sebenzile.
She's on the road, going crazy and disturbing cars by jumping up and down,
lifting the pink nightdress she's wearing. She jumps and when she reaches the
ground, she lifts her nightdress revealing her nakedness and she laughs loudly
and sharply.

"What's happening to her, Sbahle?" Luthando asks and drives off, passing the
cars that are no longer moving but looking at the mad woman.
She looks back, "I don't know but it's sad."
"Sad? Don't you remember what that woman did to your husband?"
She huffs, "I remember but I never thought I'd see her like this." She opens her
daughter's eyes and says, "That was not your aunt my love but it was someone
who looks like her, okay?" She smiles.
And Luhluthando believes her mother. Her mother never lies, "okay, mama."
She puts her head on her shoulder and Sbahle brushes her head. What
happened?

"Ay kodwa ke unaso isbumbu!" Luthando comments loosely after a long

silence.

And Sbahle screams, "Aysuka bhuti! There's a child here," she hits the back of
the seat and her brother laughs his lungs out. "It's not even shaved nje."
"I was just saying, not that it looks good." He can't stop laughing - he doesn't
know about his sister but for him, it makes him happy that she's going crazy like
that… Yes!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 95

He finds the children playing alone in the yard, even his younger brother's
children are home but where are adults?

"Nokubongwa!" Gama calls out for his daughter after looking for his mother in
her house and doesn't find her.
Nokubongwa leaves her siblings and runs to her father. "Baba?"
"Where's granny, your uncle and aunt?" Gama asks. Years later after their
mother's death, his children still live with their grandmother. He kept asking
them to move to Gauteng with him and Jabulile but they refused. They respect
Jabulile but not to an extent of living with her. Nokubongwa is a big girl, doing
her grade 12 but she still plays with her siblings.

"Granny fainted and they took her to the hospital." She's not stupid, they tried
telling them she's not well but she could see her unconscious. This hurt her and
made her worried about her. Are they going to lose yet another motherly love?
The children in the yard kept her mind off things.

He puts his fist on his mouth, "what happened?" He asks.

"I don't know daddy."
He nods, "go back to playing with your siblings." He instructs and rushes to his
house. Upon planning on marrying Jabulile, his mother told him he can't take
another woman into the house of the late wife. He had to build another house.

"Sthandwa sami, can we go to the hospital? Mama has fainted."

Jabulile jumps off the bed, what happened? She grabs her bag and pushes him
to the door. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know. I am calling my brother now."

They get in the car and Gama calls Gcina to find out the hospital they went to.
It's unbelievable, MaGwala is an old woman but she's healthy. What went
wrong?

Amanda sits on the chair and gives her husband a bottle of energy drink after he
refuses to eat. They've been waiting for a report, to be told what's wrong with
MaGwala and they haven't gotten any report.

"Have this, you'll have some energy because you don't even have energy now."
She opens her handbag as her phone rings.
"I will take this call," she walks away as she realises Sbahle is calling. She
doesn't want to waste time but keep her on the loop about the latest happenings
in their in-laws.

"Ntombi, where are you?"

Amanda laughs, "Why are you asking as if you're coming with some juicy
news."
Sbahle cracks up laughing on the line, "where's your sister-in-law, mfazi?"
She looks back and moves to the quiet corner, "akukubi, akukubi, I don't even
know where she is. We got a call from her son telling us that his mother is not
home. He woke up alone in the house."
"Iheee, ay ziyaphenduka ke manje. Listen, so I am coming from signing the
contract, right?" Sbahle starts her juicy scoop and Amanda listens attentively.
"That's my daughter screaming, mama here's aunty, right in the middle of traffic
and disorder."
She giggles, "Kahle wena! What is she doing there? What is she doing there?"
"Thula, she's there wearing her nightdress, jumping up and down, showing
everyone her unshaved kuku," Sbahle concludes the scoop.
And Amanda instantly gets goose bumps, "no Sbahle you're lying."
"I am telling you! Azisathathi kahle." (She's crazy) Sbahle cements it.

She's in awe and without even juggling her mind until her brain hurts, she
knows what's happening, "do you know what? It's her mother who did that and
my guess is, she thought she was doing this to you. When I told her that the
knife that killed your husband belonged to Sebenzile, she went crazy and told
me to check if you're fine."
And instead of crying or being shocked, Sbahle laughs her lungs out. "Ay wena,
so I was supposed to be the one who'll go crazy and surprise! Her daughter went
crazy instead. I don't even feel sorry for her. Where's gogo now?"
"She's here in the hospital. She fainted upon realising the truth."
"Oh man, poor woman. Hey, let me leave you with your mother-in-law."

Amanda laughs and they end the call in a high laughing note. Izinduku zishaye
bani? Wow! Amanda appears before her husband with that smile wiped off her
face and she keeps the sad face just for him. Poor thing.
Gama joins them with Jabulile. His brother is troubled and this makes him think
it's bad.

"Is it bad?" Gama asks.

Amanda looks at her husband and he doesn't talk but holds his forehead, the
high breathing starts again. That's pain right there.
She hates to be the one to break the bad news but Gcina doesn't seem to have
the energy to do it. "Eh, I found mama with the murder weapon and when I saw
it, I recognised it as aunt Sebenzile's knife that I bought for her. I think she
realised the truth."
"What truth?" Gama doesn't want to believe what his mind is already telling
him.
Amanda clears her throat, "it seems aunt Sebenzile is the one who killed bhuti
Shintsha." She goes an extra mile to paint a clear picture in his mind.

And Gama chuckles, a low deep chuckle. Sebenzile? Killing their brother? For
what? For pension money?

The chest pains attacking him, almost cripples his mind. It is so painful his
vision blurs as his head spins. All this doesn't make sense. How does one kill
their own blood like this?

Sbahle?
When he thinks of how they've treated her and the children, he holds his chest
struggling to breathe and Jabulile quickly calls for the nurses.

"Bhuti, calm down," Gcina wakes up from his own bubble of pain and regret as
his brother is struggling to breathe. His body has stiffened like he's having a
heart attack.

The more he thinks of his brother's widow the more he struggles to breathe. It's
like life is being pulled out of his body, slowly.
The nurses help keep Gama stable by giving him a nasal aspirator.
Jabulile says a short prayer as he's not dying but it's sad as tears follow. Their
only sister.

"How's mama?" Amanda asks.

The nurse doesn't have much information, "they're still with her. It seems her
BP is very high and she hasn't gained consciousness but it's not too bad."
They have no choice but to take this report. It's not that bad.

"Where's she?" Gama asks.

Gcina responds, "Nobody knows."
He takes out his phone, "you know what? She deserves prison no matter what
mama says."

Amanda looks at him as he walks away. She doesn't disappoint him by telling
him she's going crazy showing the world what her mama gave to her…
New beginnings! For convenience, Sbahle decided it'll be helpful to move
closer to her workplace and that meant, finding a flat to rent in Richards Bay.
The past weeks have been her happy weeks. And ever since she saw the person
who killed her husband also losing her life like she has, Sbahle has been
happier.

"I have moved three times with this furniture and it still looks good." Sbahle
says, moving around the new flat she's moved into with her children. She only
needed to buy minimal furniture.

The two children are screaming, running around, checking out the place. It's a
two bedroom flat, opposite the one Tumelo is living in. She didn't want to take
this but her brother suggested it for safety reasons. She listened to his
suggestion.

Luthando supports, "yes, your children don't mess things up like mine."
"Their mother lets them."
He chuckles but supports her, "did you call your sister-in-law?"
They move to the open plan kitchen and living room. Sbahle laughs, "Yes,
apparently mother-in-law wanted me to go crazy for killing her son."
Luthando holds his head, "and look what happened?"
"Yes!"

She opens the takeaways and takes out her plates. They had to light up candles
and invite her ancestors into the home after buying it.

"I think they'll agree to help you with rituals because they know they've
wronged you."
"No, I don't want their help. I will find a healer who'll help me." She serves her
brother and calls her children.
Luthando looks at her, "we asked your father to help us with that but we never
found answers."
"I think he did that deliberately because he wanted me to forget about boys and
focus on finishing my studies."
He nods in understanding, "you're right and he only liked Luthuli for you."
She smiles and agrees, "yes, but it's time for me to move on now and live."
"The children are very happy. They'll live in the city now."

She gives them food and tells them to sit together in the living room. "Yes, I
can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us, Muna."
"Uyigazi lami, Sbahle."
Pain is a thing of the past, and now, she's looking into the future. And maybe in
this future, she'll find love because money is definitely part of the future…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 96

He grabs her by her legs and pulls her up towards him and he penetrates her but
not to the fullest. His mind is not fully with her. He thought sex would distract
and make him feel less pain but it's not helping.

Ntandoni on the other hand, doesn't care about what happened today. She's
enjoying herself and she's happy this baby issue is out of her way. Her plan
worked.

"What's wrong?" Ntandoni asks as Mkhwanazi stops the round. She sits up
straight as he gets off her. "Love what's wrong?"

He doesn't tell her that right in the middle of the round, his penis fell flat
without a valid reason. Maybe he's distracted, maybe it's because all that's in his
mind is the fertility problem results.
He doesn't answer her but he grabs his shorts and puts them back on. He has no
erection and so, why would he continue with sex?

After grabbing the jacket, his wallet and phone, he walks out of the door. He
bangs the door on his way out.

Initially, he didn't want to have children with Ntandoni because he's not in love
with her but Sbahle? She's his dream that he doesn't even know whether it'll
come true or not. How could he have put his plans of having a child on hold
because he wishes to have them with her? A woman who doesn't even find him
attractive, he's never seen her smile at him until recently and it was a smile of
gratitude.

He drove around and around until he decided to drive back home at 10pm.
When he was driving, he didn't have a direction of where he's going. He was
just playing music and driving, the cool air of the night fanning his face
pleasingly until he decided it was time to drive back home.

He passes his bedroom as if he doesn't have his girlfriend in the room.

He doesn't turn off the lights inside his dark office but he sits behind his desk
and opens the drawer using the torch of his phone.

Once again, he takes out the envelope with his fertility results.
As planned, they went to the fertility clinic and took fertility tests. He was
confident that there's nothing wrong with him. He'll have children and he was
looking forward to having a child. And he was excited about it.

His tears fall on the paper of the results, the tears start as drops until they fall
like a river on the paper. Why did God punish him like this? All this wealth he
has, who's supposed to benefit from it if not his children?

They were called in for the results and Mkhwanazi was broken beyond when he
was told he's infertile. He doesn't even have a low sperm count but he's infertile.
He pretended to be strong before Ntandoni and the Doctor but inside, he was
dying slowly. Ntandoni is fertile and can be able to have children. He knows
their relationship will end sooner or later, she'll want to have kids one day and
he can never keep her with him while he can't give her what a man should.
Maybe a woman with kids would be better.

Ubudoda? What is ubododa bakhe without children of his own?

He wipes his tears but they don't stop.
He doesn't know he's crying for nothing, he's fully fertile but Ntandoni went
ahead with a plan of paying the person who works at the lab to forge the fertility
results, making it look like he's not fertile. He trusted the hospital, he paid for
their services and in his mind there's absolutely nothing that doubts them. He's
truly an infertile man.

*****
Two days later, she wakes up from the deep slumber and looking around, she's
not in her comfortable bed but she's in a small uncomfortable bed.
The beeping machines tell her she's in the hospital. Sebenzile?

"Sebenzile! Sebenzile!" MaGwala senselessly screams, "oh, Jehovah,

angizalanga ngabola amathumbu mina!"

She doesn't stop screaming, holding the bed tight, the drip needle hurts her and
blood drops off onto the bed and floor. But she doesn't care. Her only daughter,
her precious daughter, killed the glue of the family - Shintsha. The child who
lived for his family and his child.

"Sebenzile, Sebenzile! Sebenzilee-ooooooh!"

The nurses and Doctors run into the room, pushing doors. Why is she screaming
like a crazy woman?

MaGwala's children follow, they're back to visit their mother.

And when she sees her boys, she remembers she has only two children left.

"Tell these Doctors to leave and go look for your sister. I want her here! How
could a child I gave birth to be so cruel?" MaGwala screams like a mad woman
and even her sons are frightened by this behaviour. Is this their mother? She's in
pain and shocked but this behaviour scares them.

The two nurses hold her, "mama, you're bleeding and we should help you."
She tries to fight, her strength is like the strength of a young woman. "Leave me
alone. Let me bleed, let me bleed to death!"
"Mama, please calm down. We'll find Sebenzile and bring her back home."
Gcina promises, trying to get closer but the Doctors tell them to leave the room.
"This is our mother, we're going nowhere!" Gama clearly states and they let
them be and focus on working on their mother whom it looks like she's going
crazy.
She takes off her doek as soon as the nurse stops holding her arm that is not
bleeding.

"I casted even my granddaughter out, let that murderer I gave birth to live in my
son's house. My son's business and his money," she points at the door, "go and
find your sister. I want her. I want to take that life I gave her."

They understand their mother's pain but such words shouldn't be said in public,
"mama," he moves to them as they're done with changing the needles and
bandages, they also gave her a sedation. "This is shocking to all of us but please,
calm down. We'll talk this out."
She drowsily looks at her son, "call Luhluthando's mother, call her," she
requests slowly and the drugs kick in, she falls back into the deep slumber.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 97

She takes out her lab coat and grabs her lunch bag. She heads to the kitchen to
have lunch with her colleagues.

She's settled into her workplace and so far, she loves being in this work space.
She sits down with her lunchbox and joins the two ladies she normally has her
lunch with.

"Sbahle Luthuli!"
She looks up and there's a delivery guy with flowers and a small paper bag on
her hands.
"That's me!" She leaves the table.
The ladies comment, "Uzosibonisa American movies ke manje."
And everyone laughs as Sbahle heads to the delivery guy. "Is this for me?" She
asks.
"Yes, please sign here."
She takes the paper and signs. "Thank you." She heads back to the table reading
the note.

>>>"Ngithe uma ngicabanga ubuhle nokuqhakaza kwalezi zimbali, ngacabanga

ubuhle bakho. Uhlala usenhlizweni yami, wena KaMazibuko. B.M. >>>

She clicks her tongue and drops the white and pink roses on the table.
The ladies laugh. "They must be from a man you don't like."
It's her favourite dark chocolate, he probably saw her eating them mostly when
she was still working for him. "You know. Here are chocolates, help
yourselves."

Sbahle focuses on her food. Why is Mkhwanazi doing this? After so many
years, does he really have feelings for her or is it because he never got to have
her? She doesn't understand.
The ladies on the table are busy talking about the flowers and the chocolates.

"Mina angibathandi laba bezimbali, bafuna ukuzifanisa nabelungu." (I don't like

men who buy flowers) Jane, the closest colleague so far, she comments about
the flowers.
They laugh, "They’re romantic and some ladies love flowers."
"What do they do with flowers?" She asks and they laugh again.

Sbahle is not even laughing but she's deeply thinking about Mkhwanazi. She
hates what he's doing. Why can't he leave her alone?
Office number? She takes her lab coat and puts it back on, "Sbahle speaking,
hello?"
"Sawubona, sphalaphala sentombi yakwa Mazibuko."
She rolls her eyes, "stop sending me flowers. I can never date a hypocrite like
you. You're going behind my friend's back and asking me out. Stop it. I don't
want you." She doesn't have a friendly voice for him. It's annoying.

And Mkhwanazi keeps a friendly voice for her. "If you wish, I can tell her what
my heart feels for you." He says.
"I dare you. Are you trying to break our friendship?" She yells and laughs, "Or
maybe you're seeing yourself with both of us."
"No, I only want to give you my heart."
"I have Shintsha's heart and that's the heart I want to keep. Leave me alone
Mkhwanazi. I am warning you!" She ends the call and takes a deep breath. She
rushes to the lab. She'll go crazy if she thinks of Mkhwanazi and how annoying
he is.

She didn't know being employed, doing her dream job would be so
empowering. She loves every second of being inside that lab doing her job. It's
fulfilling.
She's walking alone on the sidewalks, her focus is where she's walking.

"Sawubona!"
She screams and jumps, "really? Are you crazy?" She stops walking as
Mkhwanazi drives ahead and stops his car at the bus stop.
He gets off the car and walks back to Sbahle who's still standing, looking at him
in surprise.

"I wanted to see how beautiful you look when you're going or coming from
work." He walks by her side as she proceeds walking.
She glares at him, "I don't want to be with you Maxwell, hamba!"
"Do you like using that name because you know I hate it?" He asks.
"It's your name."
"I am Bongumenzi and that's the only name that matters." He says, trying to
behave and not be annoyed because she likes using the name he was given by
his paternal grandmother. The same woman who abused his mother when his
father died.

She swiftly turns and faces him, as she gets an idea, "listen here Maxwell, if you
know what's good for you, you'll stay away from me. I am a widow, a widow
who still has her husband hovering over her. If you know what's good for you
and don't want to die, you'll stay away from me! I have had boyfriends who left
this earth because Shintsha is still hovering over me." She's hoping he'll be
frightened and back off.

Is she trying to scare him off by talking about her dead husband and not
separating from him through rituals, that's going to kill him? He's not scared.
Why would he be scared of something that can be fixed?

"So, should I run away from you and be scared because you're talking about me
possibly dying?"
Why isn't he shaken? "I am not joking with you Mkhwanazi! I'll die single, I
have no relationship with his family, they're the only people who can help me.
Stop it!" She warns.
He chuckles, "they're not the only people who can help? KwaNongoma there's
uMhlahli, the Monarch's grandson is married to her. I am certain she can solve
that for us. Or princess Ntokomalo, people I am confident they can help or even
tell you who can if they can't."

She clicks her tongue, "I can see you think I am joking." She walks away fast
but she's thinking of what he said. Is he serious? She doesn't look back as he
insanely sings.

"Ntombi ubekise bani na?

Ngoba kade ngikweshela,
Ntombi ngicel' ukhethe mina.
Nansi imali iyavuza ngizokulobola!
Uzongiqoma nini weSbahle?"

The men close by blow whistles as Mkhwanazi sings the maskandi song for
Sbahle as she's walking away.
"Awumqome mama, uzimisele ngawe," the guy meeting up with Sbahle as she
crosses the road says.
"Mxm!" She still doesn't look back. He's acting crazy!

As she's at the taxi rank, waiting for the taxi to come through, she calls her
brother and tells her about the two diviners Mkhwanazi told her about.
Luthando promises to ask around about them and get back to her.

*****
"I think you should be the one to call her because you know her better." Gama
says to Gcina.
The cell phone is placed in between them on the kitchen table of their mother's
house. Gama is supposed to call Sbahle as their mother has instructed and they
promised to call her. But he's been staring at the phone for the past three
minutes.
MaGwala is still at the hospital.

Gcina looks at him, "I know her better but I believed she killed my brother, can
you hear yourself clearly?"

He brushes his head and when Amanda and Jabulile walk through the door, he
says, "Makoti omncane kamama, can you kindly be the one who calls her? You
two are friends."
Amanda laughs, "no, no, I won't do that. I am busy cooking tripe for mama, she
asked for it right? I am cooking." She walks out.

Jabulile looks away as Gama looks at her, "I don't even think she knows my
name. Anilaleli nina, nilalela umama wenu kuphela. Call her!" She walks out of
the door, following Amanda.

Gama takes the phone and dials her phone number. The phone rings and rings
without being answered.

"Hello?" She finally answers.

"I am sorry, you're speaking to Shintsha's older brother, I don't know if I am
disturbing you." He speaks calmly but he's nervous.
"I am busy."
"I'll be short," he quickly says and speaks as he doesn't say anything, "I would
like to request for us to meet. I wanted to call your older brother but I don't have
his number. There are a lot of things that happened between our family and
yours -"

Sbahle ends the call before Gama could finish talking. He looks at the phone
with disappointed eyes. It seems this will be more difficult than he thought.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 98

"Mama wezingane, can we talk?" Gcina puts the towel away and joins his wife
in bed. He's disturbing her, she's reading a book.
She closes the book, "what's wrong?"

It's been two days since they tried to call Sbahle without luck of reaching her.
Gama didn't try to call her again.

"My brother and I drove to Sbahle's place, where she rents and we didn't find
her there. Do you know where she lives now?" Gcina asks his wife. He doesn't
know whether she'll tell him the truth or not. His mother is going crazy as they
can't reach Sbahle. She wants to talk to her, fix things with her and be able to
meet the child that belongs to Shintsha.

She's tired of this. They were not willing to listen when they were supposed to
listen and now they want things to go their way.

"Did you live in the same place you lived in when you were a student even
when you started working? Working your dream job?" Amanda asks, she likes
seeing him like this. It was very difficult back then, talking to him and him not
listening and even causing tension in their marriage because of his unreasonable
behaviour.

"No, can you help with her new address?" He requests but there's something in
him that already tells him she'll not agree.
She puts the book aside after putting the bookmark inside. "Love, can we sleep?
I think we should ask the Doctors to discharge mama tomorrow. She's better
now."
"Did you hear what I said?"
"I don't know her new address and even if I knew it, I wouldn't tell you. Don't
you know where her brother lives? Why are you jumping to her? Aybo!" She
pulls the bedcovers and lies down on the bed after wishing him goodnight.

Gcina lays down next to her and he tries to sleep but it doesn't happen - the past
nights he's been having difficulties finding sleep. And even tonight, he can't
sleep. Shintsha is the last person he was supposed to let down in this whole
world.

After Amanda made it clear that she'll not help them find Sbahle's new address,
Gcina and Gama decided it's best to drive to her brother.
They thought it'd be best to talk to her first and go to her brother once they've
spoken.

"If she doesn't want to listen to us, what are we going to do?" Gama asks, he's
on the driver's seat and Gcina is seated on the passenger seat. There's soft music
playing to keep their heads sane.

He glances at his brother and takes the energy drink, "I don't know, we'll talk to
mama and see what we can do. It would have been better if granny was still
alive. She was going to come home when she asked her to."

Gama yawns, these days are the hardest because he hardly sleeps peacefully.
And it's difficult to not sleep while the person in bed with you is sleeping.

"We'll keep trying until she opens up to us. That's her children's home and I am
sure one day she'll want to get married. She'll need us."
"Yes, but don't say that to her."
He laughs, "I won't say that. I am not crazy." He looks forward and presses hard
on the brakes as he almost hits a woman on the road. Where did the woman
come from?

Gama searched and searched, he found Sbahle's workplace through a trusted

source.

"Lufunani uhlanya emadolobheni soze silushayise nje!" (What is a mad woman

doing in town?) Gcina asks out loud and the two brothers gasp when they see
the woman's face. What is wrong with her?
"Sebenzile!" Gama and Gcina shouts at the same time and quickly, Gama parks
the car on the roadside. "Let's run after her."

She's no longer wearing a night dress but she's wearing a blue dress that's a bit
bigger. Her face is dirty and her body is also dirty. What was she doing here?
What happened to her? Is she really going crazy now?

"Wait!" Gama and Gcina run after their sister.

Sebenzile doesn't stop running on the grass of the buildings in the city. She's
laughing, looking back at them as she runs off.
"Wait!" Gcina tries to run faster thinking she'll stop running.

Gama has a difficult time running like Gcina, his younger brother is still fresh
and young.
And unexpectedly, Sebenzile stops running and she looks back at Gcina, "funa
buka, anawe?" (Do you also want to see me naked?) She asks and without being
given an answer, she lifts her dress up - revealing her privacy to her younger
brother. She laughs, a sharpest laugh and she lifts up her dress, revealing her
naked body, shocking and traumatising her brothers and they can't stop her as
she runs as fast as she could.

The people on the road have stopped walking and they are looking at the show.
Gcina drops to his knees and sits down, he doesn't act strong but he cries like a
child. When did things go so wrong?

"Why has she gone crazy? Stand up and stop crying Gcina." Gama scoops him
up.
"She's a mad woman now."
"She's lost her life just like she took Shintsha's life away from him and his
children, their mother included. Don't forget that!" Gama reminds him and it
seems his mind remembers as he stops crying.

They get in the car and Gama continues driving but they're still both traumatised
by seeing their sister in such a state. With the mind of a stupid child.

"Can we please go back home? I can't carry on like this." Gcina requests. What's
he going to say to the Mazibuko family after this traumatic scene?
Gama doesn't argue but he stops the car and he makes a turn, driving back
home.

What a horrible December holiday! There hasn't been even a single joyful day.
She thought of taking her kids and visiting her mother but she didn't want to
appear selfish to Gcina and the family.

She serves MaGwala her tea, she's back home and since she returned it's like
she's no longer herself. She keeps talking alone.
And before she leaves, her husband and brother walk into the room.
MaGwala, who hasn't spoken anything to anyone since morning, opens her
mouth when her sons walk into the room. "Did you find her brother or find
her?"

Gama and Gcina sit on the table with their mother. And Gama reports, "We
didn't go to her workplace and home because we saw our sister on the road." He
explains the state she was in when they saw her.
And this makes MaGwala angry, this is not the news she was expecting. "I sent
you to go and look for your brother's wife, not his murderer. Why are you back
empty handed?" She yells at her sons.

MaZuma walks into the room while MaGwala is shouting. She greets and only
the children greet her back.

"Mama, sisi Sebenzile is going crazy. She's going around town naked. She's lost
her mind." Gcina reports to his mother, he doesn't understand why she doesn't
seem bothered by her daughter going crazy.

The pain she felt when she realised the truth, she sheltered her son's murderer
who's her child. She gave her Shintsha's house and kicked his child out of his
house, bringing in the murderer. Worse, who is her sister. That pain is greater
than any pain she's felt. To realise that her own child had the courage to kill her
own blood. Cold blooded!

"Hawu, I am here to tell your mother that there are two boys who are going
crazy in that neighbouring village where your sister was married to. One is
always screaming your son's name. Everyone suspects they're the ones who
killed Shintsha."

Gcina and Gama are shocked, they look at their mother and she doesn't even
flinch.

"Mama, did you hear that?" Gama asks.

And MaGwala says, "Yes, they deserve it. Your sister is worse because she's
Shintsha's blood but she killed him. I was supposed to have locked her in the
room and skin her alive." She screams and holds her eyes as tears don't stop.

The three faces look at her like they've seen a heartless ghost not the MaGwala
they know.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 99

She decided it's best to find a new traditional healer, not the one she's been
going to. Right now she wants peace, the peace she has is not the full peace
she's supposed to feel.

She's at peace because she finally knows the real truth about who killed her son
and those who killed her son have lost their lives.
The whole world is seeing them for who they really are. They've hurt her
beyond recognition and she has many regrets.

What is the worst pain than being married to the love of your life? Live with
him happily for years and he leaves you, die a painful death. And when you're
trying to move on, his family accuses you of killing him, his mother goes
beyond to hurt you for this? Something you didn't do. She doesn't know whether
she deserves her forgiveness or she deserves to live with this guilt for the rest of
her life.

But one thing for sure, she doesn't want to die without making amends.

"The problem with us human beings, we allow pain to blind us."

MaGwala listens as the traditional healer advises her after she has told her what
she needs from her.
"Your son has been looking for peace without finding it. You're the one who
blocked that for him by breaking this spiritual connection between him and his
wife."

The guilt doesn't stop eating her up. She feels like she's the one going crazy.

"If you go to traditional healers, normalise seeing at least different healers to

confirm if they'll see the same thing, then act." She doesn't stop advising her,
she feels she needs to hear this so she'll pass it to her sons too. "Today,
traditional healers don't want to say, 'I don't know. I can't help you. Go and
confirm with another healer, even when their spirits don't want to help you
they'll fake helping you because they want money. Be emotionally intelligent,
always!"
"Thokoza gogo!"
"It's a good thing you want to fix things. This ritual will help reconnect your son
to his wife and he'll also know peace, and be a good ancestor to his children."
She claps her hands, "thokoza gogo!"
The traditional healer starts the ritual as MaGwala has everything required. She
taps into the spiritual realm and fixes the wrong that has been done by this
mother to her child. She understands where she comes from and understands
that as a mother in pain without being cautious and questioning everything she
was told she desperately wanted justice for her son.

MaGwala leaves the premises with a lighter heart because the ritual was a
success, she's also hoping her pain will one day end. She needs to get home and
ask Amanda to write a message to Sbahle because she can't get hold of her at
the moment.

*****
Rushing out of the lab, Sbahle is thinking of her children. Who's at the gate?
Are her children fine?
But when she sees the white Mercedes X350d, she gets super annoyed. What is
he doing here?
She thanks the security for informing her she has a visitor. She stands by the
driver's side. "What are you doing here? This is my workplace and not a shela
sport."

He laughs and takes the closed lunchbox on his passenger seat, "I am not
working today and so, I thought I should prepare lunch for you. I remember you
loved carrying a whole bowl of chicken feet. I cooked them for you."

He cooked chicken feet for her? This gesture reminds her so much of Shintsha,
he loved cooking inhloko for her. Oh, that man! He would call her sister and
make arrangements for them to meet so he'll cook the meat for her. Her day
would be complete. Why did he leave her?

Why is she smiling? Does she love what he did for her? Okay, if she's smiling,
he'll not stop. He'll keep doing such gestures.

"Can you take them?"

Sbahle snaps out of her thoughts, she brought lunch but she cooked cabbage last
night to accommodate Melikhaya. She didn't feel like cooking two dishes.

She looks at him and his small eyes are squinted in a begging manner. She
laughs and takes the lunch box, "I can cook for myself, Maxwell. Why did you
go through so much trouble?"
"Uma umuntu umthanda, ngisho udla, ukudla akwehli kahle ungazi noma udlile
noma akadlile na!" (If you love someone you can't eat without knowing whether
they've eaten or not.) Mkhwanazi says with a polite smile.

A smile Sbahle didn't know he has, his smile makes him look less serious. He
looks like he's a fun person.

"Oh, did you cook for my friend too?" She asks cheekily, ignoring his cheesy
words.
"This is you and I, why should we include the third person?" He asks.

She shakes her head, remembering she'll miss lunch if she keeps listening to
him. "Please go and next time, don't bother cooking for me."

He laughs because he didn't think she'll take the lunch box. He wore dark
colours thinking she'll open the lunchbox and hit him with the chicken feet.

"Alright, I think I will grill for you next time." He's amused as she's angry at the
response. She probably didn't expect it. "Ngingenza noma yini ukuze ube
ngowami. Nezinkanyezi nenyanga imbala, konke okuhle ngingakubeka
ezinyaweni zakho mntanomuntu. Inhliziyo inothando olumnene, lonke
olwakho." (I can do anything to make you mine. My heart has pure love.)

She doesn't break eye contact with him. There's something she sees in his eyes,
something she can't explain in words. What are his eyes carrying?
Her heart beat makes her uncomfortable. Why is this man like this? Why can't
he give up? Why?

"Goodbye, Maxwell." She leaves with his lunchbox and she doesn't say
anything about bringing it back.
She finds her colleagues already eating and she joins them.

"Aybo, why are you eating chicken feet now?" She smiles with the chicken foot
on her hand, avoiding the question asked.
"Sbahle!" The ladies shout.
Her eyes pop, "what?"
"Where did you get the chicken feet because you've been complaining about
cabbage?"

She closes her eyes as she enjoys the chicken feet. Maybe other people's men
love cooking for her. Shintsha was another woman's man and he cooked for her.
But this time around, she's not taking Mkhwanazi. He belongs to her friend.
"Okay, I bought them."
And their eyes tell her she's lying. "Okay, they're using Tupperware as
takeaways?" One colleague asks and they laugh. They ask her to share and
Sbahle holds the lunch box closer. "No, nivinjwa yini ukuba namadoda
aniphekelayo?" (What's stopping you from having men who cook for you?)
Words slip out of her mouth freely and she's shocked by them when the ladies
scream.

"Iheeeeee!"
"I am joking. I am joking. My sister-in-law brought them for me." She quickly
lies and doesn't look at them.
She truly doesn't share the chicken feet with them. She enjoys them alone and
the conversation continues on the table.

>>>"Where are you running to? Melikhaya!" Sbahle screams after her son.
He's energetic and happy today. They're in the yard of their home, the home
Shintsha left for them.

Its great being back home. It's truly a good and a beautiful day at home. Sbahle
also loves being here with the children.
"Saya kubaba!" (I am going to daddy!) He runs straight to the gates.
His father? From where?
And truly, the boy runs to his father. Shintsha lifts him up and looks at him with
a pained smile.
Sbahle stands behind the gate, she smiles as her son is in the arms of his father.
Sbahle is happy to see Shintsha. She looks at him with love. It's like he's been
gone for a very long time.
"Luthuli, come inside!" She invites him in as he's standing outside the gates.
And he shakes his head, "no, I won't."
"Why? This is our home."
"I need you to let me go. I know I left you in pain and suffering, please let me
rest." His voice is pained, he's looking at his beautiful wife.
Sbahle shakes her head. "No, I don't want to forget you, Mandlanduna."
"You'll not, I left a piece of me with you."
She begs, "Don’t leave me alone."
"Yes, after Luhluthando, your love is the most real love I have ever felt in my
entire life."
She cries and moves closer to him but he steps back, "I don't want to let go of
your memories. You're my husband."
"Please, let me rest. I am ready to free you."
She tries to hold him after opening the gate, but he takes another step back. "I
have tried."
"I need to rest, free me, please."
"Mandlanduna!" She screams, frustrated by what he's saying to her. "Please, at
least hold my hand."
He looks at his son, "go to mama, look after her and your sister." He holds the
back of his head and puts him down. He smiles at them, his children around
their mother. >>>

Sbahle wakes up crying. "Shintsha?" She calls out and surprisingly, she doesn't
vomit.

Why is he begging her to let him go? Was she also holding onto him?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 100

It's been two days, trying to process the dream she had about Shintsha. It's really
painful trying to tell her heart that she has to let go. How does one let go? Being
in a new relationship would have eased things up, give her time to forget and
move on but who's serious about her? Only Mkhwanazi and he's off-limits. She
can't do that.

And she doesn't want a boyfriend, who'll love her and die in the end.
Tuesday morning, she fails to get out of bed after seeing her children off to
school.

"I have to let go of my pride. It'll not help me." Sbahle says out loud and takes
her phone.

Luthando tried to search about the traditional healer Mkhwanazi was speaking
about but he didn't find enough information. This is the only way she'll let go of
her husband so he'll rest. She can't be selfish with him.
It doesn't take long for him to answer the call. It's like he was expecting her call.

"When I saw your name on screen I thought I am dreaming."

Whew! He still has her number? "How are you, Mkhwanazi?"
"I like it better when you call me by my surname compared to the other name."
She rubs her forehead, "this is not a social call, Mkhwanazi." She says, sternly.
Why is he playful so early in the morning?
He clears his throat, "okay, what's wrong?"
"I need your help."
"I am more than willing to help you."

She rests her head back on the headboard of her bed, "my husband - uhm, I need
help finding the traditional healer you told me about. I need to let my husband
rest in peace. It's really a necessity now."
His voice changes to serious, "that's a big step you want to take now Muna and
it's not only good for yourself but good for him."
Yes, it's good for both of them. "Yes, so are you willing to help me? Even if -"
"It's okay, I will get up, take a bath and I’ll take you to her. Call me once you're
ready."

A drive with him to KwaNongoma? That's over two hours’ drive. But if she
doesn't go there today, when will she? She's not willing to ask his family to do
this for her. Never! "Alright, I will call you." She's grateful for his help. She
jumps off the bed.
She's wearing a plain long white dress with a purple doek. She tries the backseat
of his car but it's locked.

"Can you open the door?" She requests, looking at Mkhwanazi who's seated on
the driver's seat.
He shows his head through the window. He loves how respectful she's dressed.
He can see her dressed like this, holding her hand and going to his homestead
with her - proudly! "Come to this side."
"No, I will sit in the backseat."
"We don't have all day, bambo lami."
Bambo lwakhe? "I am my husband's soulmate, not yours." She emphasises and
heads to the front seat because he's not willing to open the backseat.

He smiles as she takes a seat on the front. He drives, "if you want me to get your
husband's blessings -"
"Please, don't! Maxwell, don't start!"
He clears his throat, "okay, I am sorry." He turns on the radio.
Why is he playing love songs? Does he think this will charm her?
"I bought food if you're hungry. And there's also snacks." Mkhwanazi points at
the backseat. The bag with food. "I don't want you to say I starved you."

Sbahle doesn't pretend not to like food but she sends her arm at the back for
snacks. "Thank you, I didn't think you're not stingy with food." She jokes and
helps herself with snacks while Mkhwanazi is laughing.
"Why are you saying that?" He asks.
"I don't remember you bringing food to the office and giving it to us." She gives
him peeled bananas.

He looks at her and points at his hands, "can you feed me?" He asks and laughs
when she puts the banana back in the bag. "It's okay, give it to me. I can see you
want me to cause an accident."
"I am able to drive Maxwell. I have driven before while eating."
"Okay, we'll take turns." He decides, "I can see we're battling now." He's totally
enjoying this drive with her and he wishes it can last forever. She's a great
company to keep.
"Please set the GPS for us, sthandwa." He gives her the phone and tells her the
location.

She doesn't know why he's enjoying himself so much, giving her pet names.
She's startled by Ntandoni calling and she quickly passes the phone over to him.

"Don't answer the phone. Proceed with what you're doing."

She insists. "Don't ignore her, please."
His tone changes to serious when he's talking to her. "Yes?"
"Mkhwanazi, are you not home? I am outside."
"Hawu, I sent a text and told you I have a commitment today and won't be
around."
"You did? I don't remember. Okay, I will wait for your call when you come
back."
"Alright."
"If you agreed to give me the house keys, I would have gone in and cooked for
us."
"Don't stress." He says, "I am driving."
"Alright, we'll talk later."

He gives the phone back to Sbahle and glances at her, he's not sure if it's a good
idea to talk as they were talking.

"Are you finding the location?" He asks, why is she taking so long with his
phone?

Sbahle doesn't answer him but puts the phone safely so he'll be able to see it and
hear the GPS.

"Did I do something to upset you?" He asks as Sbahle is no longer talking.

She glances at him and back at the packet of chips she's enjoying. "No, why
would you?" She opens her bag for her ringing phone.
"Sbahle speaking, hello?"

The soft voice greets back on the line, "thokoza gogo. Are you Sbahle Luthuli?"
Who's this? "Yes I am. Who am I speaking to?"
"I believe you're driving to me now with Bongumenzi?"
She looks at Mkhwanazi next to her, he's focused on driving. "Yes, I am driving
with him now." Where did she get her number?
"Right now, you need to drive to UMhlathuzana River that's closer to your
home. There's a rock under a tree, a white bird will fly down to that rock and
leave wrapped muthi on the rock. You'll take that muthi, smear it on your entire
body and cleanse yourself inside the running river…"

Sbahle listens attentively to instructions she's given by the traditional healer.

And the words she's supposed to say when she's cleansing.

"Thokoza gogo, and once I am done cleansing what should I do?" Sbahle asks
and Mkhwanazi looks at her as she holds his shoulder, signalling that he should
pullover.
"He'll have to drive you to me after that cleansing, understand?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Okay, give him the phone so I'll explain everything to him now."

Sbahle passes the phone over to Mkhwanazi. He speaks to

Thingolwenkosazana.

She looks at him once he's done, "where did she get my number and how did
she know I am coming?"

Mkhwanazi looks over to the road and makes a turn once the road is clear. He
doesn't drive straight to Sbahle's village but takes a short drive that will lead
him straight to the river.

"I called her in the morning and asked if she's around. It's always best to call
first because she's always busy. We'll come back late if we are driving back to
the river now. Is there anyone you can call to mind the children?"

Thoughtful! "Yes, I will call Amanda. Thank you." She takes her phone and
calls Amanda but at the back of her mind she's thinking about what's about to
happen. A bird will come by? How do other traditional healers work? Is she
going to be finally free or Mkhwanazi is leading her to a trap where she'll be
given muthi to fall in love with him? She's a bit scared. Should she trust him?

The birds are chirping and the water moves swiftly but easily along the banks of
the uMhlathuzana side of the longest river of Empangeni. The sun is shining
brightly, reflecting on the tranquil river.

Sbahle leaves her shoes inside his car and gets out of the car, stretching her
arms. Her eyes set on the rock under the tree - exactly as Thingolwenkosazana
described.

"Are you nervous? You've been quiet since gogo uNdlondlo called."
She looks at him shortly, "I am nervous. It feels like I am about to desert my
husband."

Such a caring wife Shintsha found for himself. Lucky man! "No, that's not the
case but you're about to do something that's selfless and something that'll prove
your eternal love to him. By giving him peace."

She folds her lips into a smile, "thank you Mkhwanazi. For helping me." She
says, trusting this is legit. The traditional healer told her words she'll say during
the cleansing, so, it's legit!
"We're not done yet. There's the bird!" He points at the white bird sitting on the
rock.

They look at the bird leaving muthi on the rock and flying away. He puts his
hand over her, "I think you need to get in the car and wrap your body in the
towel we bought, go take the muthi and go for your cleansing."
"Yes," she gets in the car once Mkhwanazi has moved away from her.

She takes the muthi wrapped in black plastic. It's like a gel, she can see the
herbs and its smell is strong and not pleasant. She hides behind the tree and
smears the muthi in her body. Can he see her? He drove the car away from the
face of the river but she can still see his car. It doesn't matter!

Sbahle goes into the cold river and she follows instructions.
Whew! It feels like there's a blow of wind, giving her peace as she feels like
something has been lifted off her shoulders. Her whole body feels lighter.

"Aybo, ngizophuma kanjani kulentaba yodaka?" (How am I going to get out?)

She realises it'll not be easy for her to get out of the water as it was easy to get
in. The towel is a bit far from her, just on top of the grass and for her to get out,
she has to climb the muddy wall. She chose this side because it was easy to hide
from his car.

"Mkhwanazi!" Sbahle screams after failed attempts to get out of the river.
He moves closer to her, he can't see her body but her head and shoulders. She's
hiding the rest of the body into the water.

"What's wrong?"
She points at the wall with her eyes, "can you pass the towel for me and help me
get out."
"Ubungenelani lapho okunedundu elinje?"
She rolls her eyes, "are you willing to help me or not, Maxwell?"
"Call me by my first name and I will help you unless you want to stay in that
water forever." He demands with a playful smirk.

Why is he so childish? He wants her to beg him? "Can you please help me,
Bongumenzi?"
He smiles, "that's more like it." He takes the towel and asks, "How should this
go?"
"You'll give me the towel and turn around, I will put it on and you'll help me get
out of the water." She explains.
And he turns around after he's given her the towel. As the water makes sounds
because she's getting up - he tries to paint a picture of how precious her body
looks but he doesn't get a clear picture. He stops cracking his head. He'll never
get to see her.

"Okay, you can turn around."

Mkhwanazi turns to her and takes off his sandals. "Give me your hand."
She moves closer and gives him her hand. "Why is my body not moving out of
the water?" She asks, waiting for magic to happen as he's holding her hand.
He huffs, "don't be stiff but enlighten your weight otherwise you'll get hurt if I
just pull you out of the water."
"Enlighten my weight? I am not heavy!"

Oh God, what did he get himself into? "Sbahle, don't just stand there and wait
for magic to happen!" He exclaims, moves a little closer without realising he's
already at the end. His body jumps into the water with her and Sbahle screams.
His blood boils as he's in the cold water with her. "Look at what you've done
now!" He gets on his feet, looking at his wet clothes.

"What the hell! What have I done? You're the one who jumped into the water.
What were you trying to do?" She asks, holding the wet towel to her body.
He glares at her. "I wanted to jump into the water with you? Do you want me to
leave you here, huh?"
"You wouldn't dare!"

Mkhwanazi moves forward after she's challenged him.

Sbahle splashes the water on him seeing that he's truly moving forward. "You
can't leave me here. I got hurt when you fell into the water!" She lies, trying to
get his attention. "My foot!" She screams and Mkhwanazi stops walking.
He splashes the water back at her, "you can be a nuisance!"

And Sbahle laughs, splashing it back on him, when Mkhwanazi runs to her, she
forgets about her lies and runs up, running away from him laughing. "Stop it,
Maxwell!" She's laughing, feeling like a child.
And Mkhwanazi enjoys running after her even though running in the water is
tiring.
He easily gets to her and holds her by her slim waist, "I got you." He lifts her
up.
And she doesn't stop laughing, kicking her feet in the air. "Put me down!" She
screams.
"We're going out!" He moves up and goes out of the water way easily on the
other side. He puts her down, "go to the car and don't look back!"

She smiles and holds the wet towel, she walks forward without looking back.
"What are you going to wear?" She asks as he finally reaches the car. Sbahle is
seated on the passenger seat dressed in her dress and doek. Her feet dangling in
the air as the door is opened. He's drenched.

Mkhwanazi stands before her. "Even my underwear is drenched because of you.

Sengizohamba ngingagqoke anda manje."
She looks down, shyly, "I am sorry."

He moves to the backseat and takes the bag he's always driving around with in
case of emergency. "I am not going to go far, I'll get dressed here." He closes
the door.

And Sbahle quickly closes the door and looks forward. She looks at him
through the mirror and he's really not moving, she closes her eyes as he
undresses.

And a few minutes later, she opens them only to see his manly firm buttocks -
she holds her breath and presses her legs together and shuts her eyes again. Why
did she even open them?

He sits on the driver's seat wearing suit pants and a white shirt. He moves his
shoulders, "ay, angizizwa nje kahle ngaphandle kwe-anda."
She hits her forehead as he drives, "I don't know if you want me to imagine you
without your underwear as you keep talking about it."
"Yes, you can do that if you wish." He says carelessly and doesn't even look at
her. He was very comfortable in his casual wear.

Sbahle keeps quiet and she doesn't let her mind think of anything dirty!

They're driving to do the ritual that will free her; that's what is important.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 101

He turns on the heater in the car. She's sleeping and evidently feeling cold. He
keeps glancing at her, she has left him to bear the road alone. It was great when
she was awake because they were talking.

"Kodwa bo-Mkhwanazi, how can you let me be like this? I don't have a wife
and there's this beautiful woman next to me. Don't you want to see her as your
daughter-in-law? Or you don't care about finding a wife for me because I am
unable to grow your family name? It's not by choice but nature is nature, I can't
change nature." Mkhwanazi says out loud as he keeps glancing at the sleeping
Sbahle. The dreams he has about her, it's been years, he's ignored his desires
and had them awakening whenever he sees her. Or when her friend talks about
her.

Mkhwanazi softly taps her thigh, waking her up from her sleep. "You need to
wake up, we're almost there. You need to see the place."

She holds her mouth and yawns, she opens the window and shuts her eyes as the
fresh, cold air comes in. "It's hot here."
He turns off the heater, "yes, that's my love for you burning up this place and
keeping you warm." He looks at her with kind eyes.
And his words make her head spin for a while as they soften her stupid heart.

"Stop it, Mkhwanazi."

"Are you not warm?"
"I am."
"So, why are you complaining?" He asks and doesn't get an answer.

She looks over at the backseat and takes a takeaway of fried chicken.
He smiles as she eats, "I thought you said those pieces are mine."
"They're still here, it means you don't want to eat them." She helps herself out
and looks at him as he brushes his stomach. Is he hungry? She takes the thigh
and sends it to his mouth, "okay, before you cry and say umfazi kaShintsa ate
your chicken, have some."

She's feeding him? What? Mkhwanazi doesn't hesitate but takes a bite, "it's
quite good, I think it's this good because it's in your hands."
"I'll eat it if you continue being cheesy."
"That'll mean you want to bite where my lips and teeth have been biting."
Does he have to have answers for everything? "Do you want another piece?"
She asks once he's done eating the thigh.

He's able to drive and eat but it's pleasurable to have her feed him. "Yes, and
some cold drink to wash down the heat and salt."
She holds the drink for him and another chicken. She finishes up the last piece
as he doesn't eat it all.

"We're going straight to her, now?" She asks as he takes a small road.
"Yes, we're."

Her heart starts beating faster and the nerves kick in. What's she going to be
told? All she wants is peace and happiness now. Nothing less and nothing more.

"I will go in alone?" She asks Mkhwanazi, standing at the parking lot of
Ekuphumuleni healing grounds. They've arrived at their destination. The sun is
still up. They'll be able to make it back home today.

He stands before her, "yes, I don't want to go in with you. It's your private
time." He walks her to Thingolwenkosazana's side of the place and sits in line
with her. "We're lucky because the line is not long."
"Yes, I am really grateful for what you've done for me." She says, heartily.
He smiles at her, "you've said enough." He brushes her hand lovingly and she
doesn't remove it from hers.

Sbahle doesn't like the way she suddenly feels about this man. Why does her
heart jump when he says sweet words to her? Before, she was annoyed. And
now?
He leaves her when it's her turn to go inside.

"Uhamba nendoda kaMngani wakho?" (You're here with your friend's

boyfriend?)
She shifts uncomfortably as the traditional healer asks this question right after
greetings. "Yes, he's the one who told me he knows where you're." She
responds, nervously. What can she see? "I don't love him."

Thingolwenkosazana laughs, her focus is on mixing herbs for her. "Did I ask
you?"
She's embarrassed by her question. "No, but I don't want you to get the wrong
impression."
"Isn't it not your friend who shouldn't get the wrong impression?"
"She doesn't know that he's asking me out." Sbahle responds. What else can this
woman see? Oh no! Maybe this was a bad idea.
Her big eyes pierced through her nervous eyes. Why is she nervous? "Oh, why
are you not telling her?"
"I don't want her to get the wrong picture."
"The wrong picture is what you feel for her boyfriend right?"
She looks down, "no, I don't love Mkhwanazi."
"Don't let your feelings for him start an unnecessary war. He's a good man but
not the only good man in this world." She advises, "I am giving you personal
advice not spiritual advice."
"Thank you."

Thingolwenkosazana sits straight and looks straight into Sbahle's eyes, "I
admire your strength and the depth of your love. Your husband was the luckiest
man. Yes, Mkhwanazi also deserves a woman who loves deeply because life
hasn't been friendly to him either. But my only problem is your relationship
with your friend. It'll hurt her if you end up being with her boyfriend."
"I know and I value our friendship." She looks down and her eyes water but she
doesn't let them out.

She nods, "that's good. Today, we'll free your husband and we'll free you. You'll
live a normal life again, you'll see your life will flourish so much you'll not even
believe you're the one living this life."

Sbahle laughs and lets her tears free, not quite believing this because of the
things she's been through. "Really?"
"Yes, my spirit likes you. You have a kind heart and a pure soul. If my younger
brother was not too young, I would have matched you with him."
Thingolwenkosazana smiles at her.
And Sbahle laughs, "Maybe in my next life."
"Maybe!" She says and gets serious, "your father is at peace and very proud of
you. But he wants you to let his grandchildren go home. This doesn't mean you
should be friends with your in-laws again but your children should know where
home is. He says even if a man can marry you, they should know where they
belong."

Sbahle doesn't like this message from her father. How can he request this after
everything Shintsha's family did to her and her children? "Where's home gogo?
They've never wanted my kids. Their grandmother hated my child, couldn't
even pretend when she saw her and couldn't even buy a mere sweet that the
child was asking for!" She vomits her heart out, not in support of her father and
his demands. His demands bring more pain in her heart, they set her back.

"Please, don't rush yourself KaMazibuko but give yourself time for your sake.
Melikhaya will grow into a man, he's a Luthuli man no matter what. And your
husband will also want to see his children home." She gets on her knees and
holds her into her arms as she cries intensely. "After today, things will no longer
be the same again."

Sbahle experiences her warmth and comfort, it runs through her veins, she's
strengthened and believes everything she's telling her.

"Let's go and perform this ritual."

Sbahle stands up after Thingolwenkosazana and heads out, walking out of the
premises - heading to a nearby forest.
"How do you feel?" Thingolwenkosazana asks after all the rituals have been
done.
She smiles, "it's saddening that I had to be that harsh on his spirit. It felt like I
wasn't talking to someone I love."
She holds her hand as they walk back into Ekuphumuleni premises, "that was
your expression of true love for him, not being selfish by holding on to him
even when you shouldn't."
"I guess you're right. Life should carry on now."

They get back into the hut, "yes, now, I will give you things you'll use to bath,
steam and vomit, from there, uzozikhethela wena ukuthi iyiphi indoda
ekufanele. And I will also give you something for your husband's business."
Her husband's business? Yes, the pub!
Sbahle laughs and clap hands, "thokoza gogo." She pays for her services.

"Akuvaleliswa ke, sisi." Thingolwenkosazana says and walks Sbahle out. "I
want to greet, Mkhwanazi."

Sbahle is hit by sadness where Mkhwanazi is concerned, she can't tell why and
maybe its better she doesn't know.

Thingolwenkosazana smiles and shakes hands with Mkhwanazi. "How are you,
Ndonga?" She asks.
He bows his head, "we're well gogo and how are you?"
"We're well, I didn't know you're bringing your girlfriend's friend."

He clears his throat and encourages them to walk back by walking forward,
leaving Sbahle standing by the car. "Uhm, yes but we're not serious with her."
"Why don't you leave her then?"
"I am planning on doing it soon. I didn't have courage because I am not sure
about how her friend feels about me."
She shakes her head, "these are childhood friends, Ndonga."
He looks down, "I know but I have last felt so strongly about a woman with the
one that I disappointed by not meeting her expectations."
"You're going about it the wrong way but let me not hold you. Don't find
yourself on top of her on your way back home, we don't want a baby that'll be
caught up in a mess. A baby should come from your wife, not another man's
widow."

Mkhwanazi laughs, knowing there'll be no baby. "Don't worry, gogo."

She nods and looks at him. "Is the business still doing well? Your competitor is
no longer trying to play dirty?"
"Everything is back on track. Ngizobuya kahle sengizokhanyisa mhlampe ngobe
sengihamba nomfazi."
She laughs, "go well, Ndonga."

He claps hands and says goodbye. He rushes back to the car thinking about their
conversation. He needs to act.
Sbahle faces him a while into the road. "What did she say to you about asking
me out?"
"Nothing much."
"We had a lengthy talk about it and I am begging you Bongumenzi, please stop
all this. I don't want to ruin my relationship with Ntandoni. The two of you have
been together for years and she's also my friend of years. Stop what you're
doing." Sbahle pleads, she doesn't want to feel the way she feels anymore.
Mkhwanazi glances at her, annoyed by what she's saying. He decides not to say
anything back to her.

"Can you hear me? I am talking to you!"

He ignores her and doesn't even look at her. The drive continues silently.
An hour into the drive, he doesn't even look at her but says, "Ngiyakuthanda
Sbahle, akukho okunye engifuna ukwazi ngaphandle kwalokho."

She stiffens and doesn't say anything but looks outside - it brings her pain. Why
does it have to be like this?

*****
It's a sunny day and she's enjoying playing with her cousins at her mother's
homestead. They're playing hide and seek, Luhluthando is doing the search.

On the gate, Luhluthando spots her grandmother and two uncles. She doesn't
greet and doesn't rush to the gate to welcome them but she proceeds to play as if
she doesn't know who they're.
Seeing her granddaughter pass her by like she doesn't know her really hits an
uncomfortable spot in MaGwala's heart. It hits her with embarrassment and
shame.
Oh yes, she has hurt this child deeply. The little one is better because he doesn't
have any memories of them.

"Is that your brother's son?" MaGwala asks her sons who're with her.
She's been trying to get hold of Sbahle until she decided its best they pay her
brother a visit.
Gcina smiles a hard smile, "yes, it's him."
"What's his name?"
"He's Melikhaya." He responds and doesn't like to see his mother kill herself
with so much guilt. It's not healthy.

… "I think we should let them in." Luthando says to his sister. She's in the
kitchen cooking. His wife has gone to visit her family and left the children
behind. Sbahle came by for a visit.
She gives her brother an intense stare, "do you have anything you want to say to
them because I don't?"
"They're your children's family."
"Since when?" Sbahle asks.
He sighs, "It’s not right to keep fighting."
"When have I ever fought with them, bhuti? Aren't they the ones who fought me
and hurt me?" She asks, her voice slightly raised.
"I know."
"Then they're not welcome here." She says and looks at her brother leaving,
hoping he got the message.

Luthando gives the Luthuli family attention. He stands by the gates.

"Is there anything we can help you with?" He asks after greetings.
MaGwala responds, "We would like to come inside and have a word with you
and your sister."
"I am afraid she doesn't wish to sit down with you. Not after everything you did
to her."
Gama says, "We wish to make amends and apologise for everything that
happened."
"At the moment that'll not be possible. Maybe you should give her more time. I
also don't want to talk to you but for the children's sake, I think it's something
that should be done."
"Thank you." MaGwala has hope. "Can I at least greet the children and meet the
boy?"

Luthando turns back and calls for his nephew, "Melikhaya!"

"Malume?" He stops running and looks over to him.
He waves, "come here! Where's your sister?"
Sbahle stands on the veranda and shouts, "Melikhaya, come here now! Where
are you going?"
"Malume called me mama." He frowns at her.
She shakes her head, "come to me now!"

Luthando nods to the boy and he runs to his mother. He looks at the Luthuli
family, "she'll come around for the children's sake."

MaGwala nods, words fail to come out of her mouth because of heartbreak. The
hope she had has died after seeing Sbahle.
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 102

It's been a month since the cleansing and rituals, her spirit is happy and revived.
And yes, she has more men asking her out. Serious men with what looks like
good intentions but they all annoy her and they don't appeal to her. It doesn't
matter how deep their pockets are, it doesn't matter how charming others look
and talk, it doesn't matter how respectful others present themselves but they just
don't appeal to her.

"I am sorry I am late." Amanda takes a seat inside a busy and noisy seafood
restaurant in Richards Bay.
Sbahle puts her drink down, "you're not late. I have been too busy on my phone
to even notice the time. How are you sisi?"
"I am fine, sisi wami. And how are you? You look very beautiful. Working
looks very good on you. It's like you're your own boss."

Sbahle playfully touches her grey dyed short haircut and smiles dramatically,
"yes, yes!" She exclaims and they laugh. "I feel different too and I feel
empowered."
"I am happy for you. I am happier because you've done the rituals for your
husband."
"That's the most comforting thing that happened the past month." She takes her
bag after asking for permission to answer her phone. 'Mkhwanazi'

There's an odd smile playing around her lips. She hasn't heard from him in a
month. She stops smiling as she answers.

"Sawubona?" She greets.

"Mtaka Mazibuko, how are you?"
She looks down, "I am fine and how are you?"
"I am good, I am sorry for calling you but I thought I should call and talk about
the pub."

The pub? Yes, her husband's business. The money has been credited into her
account every month without fail. And she didn't even notice to ask about it or
go to check things out. And also use muthi she was given. "Oh yes, the pub."

"I bought the operating power back so you'll be able to manage your business
once you're fit to do so. I think it's time you take everything into your hands and
run your business where you want it to go," Mkhwanazi says seriously, with no
playfulness in his tone. "I believe you've settled well and found balance at work
and you will be able to take over."
She hasn't thought about this. "Oh yes, you're right. Is the person you'd put as a
manager employed? I think I would like to continue working with him."
"No, he's not. I will send you his details and you'll set up a meeting between the
two of you." Mkhwanazi says.
Just like that? "Will you be there for the meeting?" She blurts out.
"No, I won't be there. I know nothing about running pubs."
Ouch! His tone. "Oh okay, uhm, thank you."
"My pleasure."

She looks at the phone after he's ended the call. He didn't even ask, 'will you
need me to come?' Mxm!
"Uhm, I am sorry about that. It's the man who runs the pub. He wants me to take
control of everything again."
Amanda smiles, "that's great. You'll take it to greater heights."
"I am not sure, without him I am not sure. He had a heart for this business."
"Yes, he had the heart but it was all your idea. His heart is in you, you'll make
it."
Sbahle holds her hand, "thank you Amanda, for everything you've done for us."
"That's what sisters are for."
She draws a long breath, "okay, you said you wanted us to talk."

Amanda nods and lets the waitress put food on the table. "I don't mean to make
you angry and out of all people, I understand how you felt when your husband's
family changed on you."
"Don't tell me you called me here to tell me that I should forgive them."
"No, that's not it." She takes a long sip on her drink as if taking strength. "It's
about them and the children. I know I am a hypocrite but I really feel sorry for
MaGwala. The old woman is losing her mind. She's always talking alone,
talking about her son's children. If she's not talking alone, she's always cleaning
his house. She can clean it twice a day. It's sad to watch. The old woman was
fooled into believing you're the one who killed her son and you know it's always
easy for them to believe that the wife did it."
"Did that mean my children also killed their father because she never treated
them like her grandchildren? Yet she was able to treat Busiswa's children with
love and care after everything she did to that family." She raises her voice, this
upsets her. And if she told her earlier about the agenda of the meeting, she
wouldn't have come to this meeting.

"I know Sbahle but can you let the children come home? Melikhaya needs to
know his roots, every child does. And I don't think you want your children to
grow up carrying hate for their family. And also, Luhluthando needs answers, I
am sure she wants to know why her granny stopped caring for her."
She sighs in understanding, as a child, she would also want answers. The
traditional healer told her this is also what her father wants, for her children to
be able to go home.

"I will talk to Luhluthando but I am not promising anything." Sbahle decides as
she realises this is not about her but about her children. They should be given a
choice like human beings they're - especially Luhluthando because she's grown.

*****
He tried listening, to back off and stay away from her. For the past two months,
he's been keeping to himself and doing nothing to annoy her. But he failed to
forget about her, keeping her off his mind. He's never been so sure about
someone in his life like this woman. He wants her and he's run out of patience.
He descends the stairs of his house as soon as Ntandoni arrives. He's been trying
to find ideas - how should he do this? But nothing came up. He knew one thing,
it doesn't matter how he does it - he'll disappoint Ntandoni straightforwardly but
it's better because there are no romantic feelings between them but an
understanding and cooperation.

She has her two other men on the side, he knows about them but she thinks he
doesn't know. She's had one guy for a while, adding with him, he even thought
she'd fallen in love but they parted ways. He didn't want to know the reason.
Mkhwanazi had always kept tabs on her to know the kind of men she mixed
him with. And it's been men he's not intimidated by and men he's never had to
question whether they were safe or not for her. His priority had to keep her safe
and happy as she also kept him happy by being in his life for such a long time.

"Is that a panty or a short?" He asks as Ntandoni stands on her feet as soon as he
walks into the living room.
She giggles, "Does it matter to you?" She throws her arms into his body.
He holds her waist, "it does. You know I don't like it when you're half dressed."
He sits down with her on the couch.
"This is my gift from Sbahle."

Sbahle? Does she also like being half dressed? Not her! She's married. "I see!"
He holds her hand, trying to figure out how's he going to put this?
"You called me. Is everything okay?"
He looks into her eyes, "I want you to know that I care about you. I have always
cared about you since the day we met."
"But?"
"I think you deserve better."
Her heart beats faster and all she can think about - her studies. Is this man
breaking up with her? She's in her final year and she doesn't have any money to
continue paying for her studies if he ends things with her. What is he doing?

"What's going on Mkhwanazi?" She asks straightforwardly.

"I am in love with your friend, always have."
Her mind is hit by deep confusion. Mkhwanazi in love? Since when? Does he
even know how one feels when they're in love? And her friend? Which other
friend of hers does he know?

"My friend? Who are you talking about?" She asks and doesn't fight him about
being in love. How can she? People don't choose who they fall for. "I only have
one friend."
"Yes, I am talking about that one."

She jumps off his lap and when he tries to hold her, pull her back - Ntandoni
moves back, getting away from him. "Are you kidding me?" She screams at
him. Her voice is shaking, she's shocked and instantly upset. Sbahle? He's in
love with Sbahle?
He stands on his feet, "I can explain myself. I didn't plan this but these feelings
have lasted for years and I have respected her and respected you and her
marriage but I can't anymore."

Oh no, he's serious. She knows this man when he's serious, he looks you straight
in the eyes without blinking. "She's my best friend! How could you even look at
her in a romantic manner?" She screams at him.
"I didn't plan on -"
"Stop telling me that!" She holds her head and looks at him, "does she know?"
He clears his throat, "yes, I have told her before."
"Before? Oh, so the two of you have been betraying me?"
He frowns, "what? No! We've done nothing of that sort. She made it clear that
she'll never do anything to hurt you."
"Really? Did she actually tell you she doesn't want you?"
"Of course!"
She folds her arms before her chest, "oh, so now you're telling me about this
because she's ready to take you away from me?"

He points at the couch, "sit!" He commands and Ntandoni remains standing. "I
said, sit down, Ntandoni!"
She doesn't disobey his command but she sits and folds her arms before her
chest.
Mkhwanazi also sits. "I didn't think you'd act this crazy since you know and
understand the nature of our relationship."
"Does the nature of our relationship mean I should accept you wanting my
friend? My best friend?"
He responds, "I don't know, it's all up to you whether you accept or not. But
there's nothing you can do to change how I feel."
"Wow! I can't believe she kept quiet and told me nothing about you betraying
me. She doesn't know about our open relationship and so, she was supposed to
tell me!"
"She didn't want to hurt you."
Her eyes pop, "really? Is that what she told you? What am I not doing right
Mkhwanazi?"
"This is not about you and you know it."
"I can't believe Sbahle would do this to me!"

Why is she talking as if Sbahle is already in a relationship with him? In her

shoes, would she have been loyal and told her the truth? Can she be loyal to her
even now?

"Look, I don't care about all that because from the beginning, I placed all my
cards on the table. I never lied to you."
She looks at him, "Mkhwanazi, are you the man who's responsible for getting
Sbahle's pub back to her? Did you buy it back?"
"I will not have you questioning me about what I do with my money." He
responds curtly. "I love your friend and I am done running after her, I want her
to be mine and you'll make that happen for me." He informs her, putting her
loyalty to the test. What would she choose?
"Excuse me?"

He doesn't break eye contact, "yes, you'll bring Sbahle to me. I will tell you the
date and by that night of that day, I will want her here in my house. In my bed."
She's disgusted by him. How could he? "Are you nuts? Do you even love her or
are you lusting over her?"
"I don't think that should be any of your worries." He still doesn't stop looking
at her, all he sees is fire in her eyes, rage and disgust on her face. With such
strong emotions, is she going to be loyal to her friend? "So, what's it going to
be?"
"I am not crazy!" She stands on her feet with a throbbing and bleeding heart.

There's no longer hope for him and her, she thought one day he'll love her and
they'll be happy but it'll never happen. What hurts the most, it's her studies she
never got to finish. Where's she supposed to get the money? She doesn't even
have an option of student funding at this time of the year.
He stands and rams his hands on his pockets, "does that mean you're willing to
give up your studies? If you fail to do what I have told you. I won't pay for your
studies. You should forget about graduating and getting your qualifications."
Her eyes glisten, "you're not serious Mkhwanazi!"
"You don't want to test me."
She's shocked by him. "How could you be so cruel?"
"Bring Sbahle to me, on the night I will want her and I promise I'll pay for your
studies."
She holds her bag tightly, "what are you going to do to her?"
"That's for me to know."
"Are you going to rape her?" She whispers, "You’re not above the law
Mkhwanazi you can't do as you please. You're doing this because Sbahle and I
are both vulnerable orphans?"
"Vulnerable?" He moves away from his couch.

What will he do if this woman does as he's instructed? Would he tell Sbahle?
No, she won't! But what would he do?

She's confused, confused by the pain she's feeling, confused by Mkhwanazi

loving her friend and confused by his demands and possibly losing funding for
her studies. How's she going to survive if she doesn't complete her studies?
Even graduates can't find jobs these days. How much more a person who
doesn't have any qualification?

She looks at him with tears, "I never thought there'll be a day where I hate you!"
She runs out of the house.

He doesn't like seeing her leave crying but he wants to know what is it going to
be?
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 103

She had little hope that Mkhwanazi would show up for the meeting and they'll
sit together and talk.

But why did she have so much hope? He said it clearly that he knows nothing
about running pubs. And he said it in an undermining tone.
Sbahle shakes her head and takes off the towel wrapped around her body. Why
does she care so much about what he said? She shouldn't! Thingolwenkosazana
warned her.
'Ntandoni?'

She looks at the screen of her phone as it rings. She takes the phone and
answers, there's a slight guilt in her. She's been thinking about her man just
now!

"Hey, mngani unjani?" Sbahle greets.

And Ntandoni returns the same lively voice, "I am fine, friend and how are
you?"
She puts on the gown above her pyjamas and responds, "I am great, how's it
going. Did Khulekani help you with your project?"
"Yes, he did. Thank you so much for recommending him."
She closes her bedroom door and joins her daughter in the living room of her
flat. "Oh yes, you'll know he's your guy when you need help with your
projects."
"Yea, are you free this Friday?" She asks.
Sbahle tries to think. "No, what's happening?"
"Can we go and have some fun? I can even pay the nanny who'll look after your
kids."

Whenever Sbahle goes out clubbing or visiting her friend for a night out, she no
longer asks her brother's wife but hires the lady in the same building to mind the
children. The lady is a day care teacher and she's always willing to make extra
cash by minding children of tenants in the building when they need her services.

"I would love for us to go, I haven't had fun in months because of work."
"Alright, I will Uber to you and we'll leave from your place. How's that?"
"Perfect!" She wishes her a goodnight and puts her phone away.

Sbahle has been trying to get some courage to talk to her daughter about her
grandmother and uncles. But she doesn't even know where to start. How's she
going to react?
"Baby?" She turns the volume down after her favourite show has ended and
looks at her.
Luhluthando looks at her mother, "mama?"
She sighs nervously, "I want us to talk about your father's family?"
Her face changes to sadness, "what about them?" She looks down.
"Your grandmother and uncles wish to sit down with you and talk. They also
wish to meet your little brother because they haven't officially met him." Sbahle
presents the matter to her daughter.

And Luhluthando gets upset, "why do they want to meet us? They don't like us
because daddy is no longer alive."
Sbahle is surprised by her response. Is this what she's been thinking all along?
Does she blame her? She doesn't. The child knew these people as loving and as
soon as her father died, her family no longer cared for them.

"I don't think it's like that but I also don't want to answer for them."
She looks at her mother, "should they answer for themselves?"
She holds her hand and nods with a smile, "yes, they should answer for
themselves. And I think it's a good thing to go and meet them so you'll talk and
get answers. And also, so your brother will meet them. I am sure your father
would have loved to see you home. What do you think?"
She keeps quiet for a while. "Gogo said she wants us to come home?"
"Yes, that's what she wants."
She nods, "when are you going to take us?"
"This weekend, are you good with that? I'll take you there on Sunday and leave
you to spend the day with them. And I will come back in the afternoon to take
you home. How's that?"
"Won't you go in with us?"
"No, that's your home and not mine."

But she was going there when her father was alive. What changed? "Okay,
mama, we'll go."

Sbahle pulls her daughter into a hug, "that's good. Now, it's time for you to go
to bed." She switches off the TV and takes her child to bed. Her brother is long
sleeping.

*****
She nervously opens her bag, checks the pill and puts it back in the bag.
It's been a week without talking to Mkhwanazi. What she needed to see - is he
going to pay month-end? He was supposed to pay yesterday and there's no
report that came in, telling her he has paid.
This week has been a difficult week for her, coming to terms with the break up.
It doesn't matter what kind of a relationship she had with Mkhwanazi but it was
a relationship. Now, this relationship has ended? It's painful because he's the
only man whom she dated for a long time. He's been taking good care of her
since they started dating, he's taken her places she never thought she'd get to
see.

And now, it's time to accept it's over? Why? How? It's been very difficult trying
to accept.
When the Uber approaches the block of flats where Sbahle lives, Ntandoni takes
out her phone and calls Mkhwanazi.

He coughs, "hey?" He accepts the call. He sounds like someone who has the flu.
"Hi. I am going to her now, we'll go out clubbing and once she's ready I will call
you. You'll come and take her." Her heart is in pain as she says such words to
him.

He coughs again, "did it have to be today? I am not feeling well."

"What should I do? I told myself tonight. You're cruel, you didn't pay for my
tuition as you always do monthly."
"How was I going to pay without receiving any communication from you?
You're the key person to everything."
She shuts her eyes as tears voluntarily flow down her cheeks. "How could you
hurt me like this? This is my friend."
"How am I hurting you? You have a choice. I have always been honest with you
and right now, I was honest with you." He asks.
Ntandoni gets off the Uber, "okay, so where's the need for us to break up? We're
in an open relationship, have her and let our relationship continue as it was."
"You don't understand," he says without explaining. He doesn't want to explain
because she's hurt. She'll be hurt deeper when he tells her he wants more with
Sbahle.

Ntandoni screams, "What don't I understand?"

"What's happening and how I feel. What I need right now."
She goes through the gates, "you're not even Sbahle's type."
He chuckles, a deep chuckle, "let's leave that up to her. I am not feeling well but
I will hear from you, it's fine."
"My job is to get her to you whether she agrees to date you or doesn't is not up
to me. You'll continue paying for my tuition?"
"Yes, I'll keep my end of the bargain."
"Fine!"
"I will send money so that the two of you can be comfortable."
"Cool!" She wipes her tears and puts her phone back in her back. She takes out
her face mirror, cleans her face and adds the face powder before taking a lift to
Sbahle's flat.

She pours another glass of champagne, she's not counting the number of glasses,
she's almost finishing a bottle alone and it's not the first thing she's drinking in
the club.

They met two girls from their village and Sbahle asked them to join but
Ntandoni told her - it should only be the two of them.

"I hope you have the Uber guy's number closer because it seems you're getting
drunk faster." Sbahle comments and pours another glass of wine after drinking
two ciders and having meat. She left Ntandoni for a good twenty minutes to
enjoy herself on the dance floor because she couldn't stop talking about
Mkhwanazi. She didn't understand why she was talking about him so much. It's
like she was trying to get comments out of her about her boyfriend. She couldn't
take it!

Ntandoni nods, she hates how much of a snake Sbahle is. She's been talking
about Mkhwanazi, trying to get her reaction and comments when she's talking
about him but still, she didn't see it fit to tell her the truth. Why? Does she want
him?

She pretends to be making a call and she grunts putting the phone back in her
bag. "I can't get hold of Mkhwanazi. I wonder what he's doing. He better not be
busy with another woman!" She moans loud enough for Sbahle to hear her and
she's looking at her from the corner of her eyes. She catches her rolling her eyes
before opening her mouth.

Sbahle fails to hold herself, "what's wrong with you, today? You keep whining
about Mkhwanazi like you're his pregnant wife. Yuh! You've made this night
boring, Mkhwanazi this, Mkhwanazi that, you're pushing him down my throat
now literally!" She snaps at her friend, her snapping accompanied by annoyance
and jealousy. "I need the bathroom." She leaves.

Leaving Ntandoni shocked, why did she snap? Is she angry because he's asking
her out? Or she's angry because she can't have him? She only spoke about him,
praising him and saying all the good things, hoping that Sbahle would burst her
bubble and tell her how much he's not a saint. How much he's not loyal because
he's asking her out. But she sat there and pretended to understand and smiled as
if she's happy for her. Why?
Sbahle is working and she has a business on the side to sustain her, she can't
lose the chance to finish her studies for such a friend. A friend who's not loyal.
She drops a pill inside Sbahle's wine and waits for her to come back.

"I am sorry I didn't mean to upset you. Uyazi ngiyazithandela indoda." Ntandoni
says as soon as Sbahle sits back on her couch.
She takes the glass of wine, "I am sorry too for snapping. I overreacted." She
gulps the wine down and pour another glass. "I need to dance a little, let's go."

Ntandoni follows her friend to the dancefloor after sending a text to

Mkhwanazi, telling him to leave his house. She dances closer to Sbahle,
keeping an eye on her.

A few moments later, they're back on their seats with Sbahle passed out. She's
waiting for him patiently wishing she had money to get on the bus or plane, and
leave this place for good. She never saw this coming.
His sandalwood scent reports his arrival and she doesn't even look at him but
stands.

"You should take her."

There's something in him that really didn't think she'll do this. His main goal
was telling her the truth, he didn't plan this.
He holds her chin and Ntandoni slaps his hand, moving it away from her. "Can't
you look at me?" He asks.
She points at Sbahle, "take her and let's leave. I need my bed."
Mkhwanazi easily lifts Sbahle up, she's dressed in a short dress with heels.

"Take your things." He commands and Ntandoni follows him.

She's slightly shaking. What if Mkhwanazi does the extreme on her in this state?
She can't trust him. He's a man.
She gets in the backseat with Sbahle and she doesn't say anything to Mkhwanazi
as he drives her home. All she's seeing in him, it's an animal. A cruel animal.
Leaving Sbahle in the backseat of his car doesn't feel right at all. She moves
over to the driver's side after getting off.

"Please, don't rape her. Fine, wait for her to wake up and talk to her."
He looks at her with a little confusion. Couldn't she have asked him to pay for
her studies without giving in to his demands?

"I don't think what I do now should concern you. She's in my hands and I'll do
as I please."
Ntandoni boils and feels disgusted by him. "Your day will come. Being a
lawyer doesn't mean -"
"I still have a drive ahead of me. This is not how I wanted things to end but you
pushed my hand by failing to be objective. And act that crazy. I didn't say be
happy but you took my honesty and made it look like betrayal. When has loving
someone been a betrayal?" Mkhwanazi shoots angry phrases at her.

Her blood boils. How can she hurt him? "This is the reason God didn't give you
any seeds, he saw you'll be a cruel father. You deserve your fate, sorry excuse
of a man with good for nothing sperms!" She spits on the ground and runs to the
gates of her home.

His hands are shaking after her harsh words but he pats himself at the back.

Being unable to have children of his own is not the end of the world. He'll be a
father to the children that need a father…
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 104

He's standing over her in the guest bedroom. He's looking at her as she's
peacefully sleeping. It's good looking at her in his house. Such a precious
woman.

"I hope you'll not wake up and be mad but you'll calm down and we'll talk."

Mkhwanazi says and pulls the covers to her body. She's wearing a dress, there's
no need to undress her. He leaves only the bedside lamp on.
And closes the door behind her, heading to his bedroom. He needs to rest.

'Ntandoni' she's calling again. What does she want? Did she really thinks he'd
rape her friend? Does she see him as a monster?
"What's wrong now?" Mkhwanazi asks.
She sniffs, "can you not hurt her?"
"Why did you drug her and bring her to me if I shouldn't do what I wish to do?"
"I don't want you to hurt her."

He opens the door of his bedroom, "you've been crying about how she betrayed
you for not telling you I was asking her out and yet, you betrayed her too. What
you did is extreme, you didn't even think twice before drugging her. How could
you do such a thing?" He sits on his bed and takes off his clothes.

"What did you expect me to do after you've backed me in a corner like that?"
He shakes his head, "really? You've ran out of opinions. Couldn't even try to
look for a job, maybe after a month of failing, give in to my demands? You
easily bought a pill and drugged her. That was your genius option?"

Words get stuck on her throat for a minute and she says, "I was scared. I didn't
explore my options. I am sorry. Please, don't tell her about what I did."

He chuckles and ends the call. He gets in bed and tries to sleep. He's not a
monster, he'll never have a woman against her will. Consensual sex is the best.
It's the only sex that exists.

He's the first to see the rays of sunshine and he invites them into his house as he
opens the curtains and windows.

He stretches his arms and yawns as the fresh breeze fans his clean face. How
pleasing!
"I am praying she doesn't fight." He runs to the bathroom for a quick shower.
When she wakes up, she'll be confused. He must ensure she wakes up with food
prepared for her.

Mkhwanazi is having a good time in the kitchen, making breakfast for Sbahle.
It's like he's making breakfast for the woman who has an idea that she's in his
house.

"How should I plate?" He wonders out loud, looking at the plate and with a ding
- he plates her breakfast and puts the plate on the tray.
When plating his breakfast, he doesn't put things in order but he dishes what
will be enough for him.

And he sits down and has the breakfast, he's eating quickly not quite enjoying it
because his mind is no longer in this kitchen.

"Maybe I should also bring a plate for myself." He dishes another plate for
himself. He didn't have an appetite the past two days because of flu but
suddenly he has appetite.
He's whistling, making his way to the guestroom. He opens the door. And puts
the tray on the bedside table.
The bench that's always by the foot of the bed, he takes it and put it by her side
of the bed. And he slowly enjoys his breakfast without rushing anything.

She's hit by a pounding headache as she opens her eyes. Her mind is blurry but
as she takes everything in, she realises she doesn't know the designs of this
ceiling board. What happened? Where's she?
She's startled by the surroundings she doesn't know. She quickly lifts the
blankets, she's dressed and she touches her private part. It's not painful or wet.
Sigh of relief!

She lets out a small scream and sits up as the door is opened - and there he is!
He's dressed in shorts and a vest, making him look younger than 40! But he
looks tired. What's happening?
She holds the bed covers to her chest as if she's naked. "What's happening,
Mkhwanazi?"
He forces a smile, he's nervous about her reaction. He sits back on the bench.

"Good morning, KaMazibuko."

"What am I doing here, Mkhwanazi?" She asks, straightforward. The headache
pounds as her voice goes up.
He moves his hands forward, "please, calm down and I will explain."
"I am waiting!" She flinches her eyes at the headache hitting her again.
He explains, he knows this woman can breathe fire. "Last night your friend
called and told me to come get you both. You were both drunk and you had
passed out."
"Don't you know where I live? Where's she?" She shouts and screams as she
tries to get out of bed but her body is painful and heavy.

He stands on his feet, "you need to calm down. Ntandoni was here but she left
early in the morning because of an emergency at home. You need to relax, have
breakfast, take some pills and shower. I will drive you home. The lady keeping
an eye on the kids called and I asked her to keep the kids a little longer we'll pay
her extra."
She instantly calms down. "Uhm okay but you should have taken me home."
"You were sleeping."
"Are you unable to lift a woman up? I am not even heavy."
He smirks, "you have a little attitude, bambo lwami." He jokes and takes the
plate of breakfast.

Sbahle rolls her eyes, "calling me your soulmate while you were busy sexing
your girlfriend right under my nose."
He chuckles and sits on the bed, "is that what you want to believe or your
jealousy is wondering if I had sex with her?"
She doesn't take the plate but scoffs, "jealousy? Don't think highly of yourself
Maxwell."
"Why don't you have breakfast? You look worn out like you've been partying
the whole night." He keeps the smirk, her morning face is quite funny. She's
messy and has an eye gunk. But she still looks young and beautiful.
She looks at the mouth-watering plate of full breakfast, "I haven't taken a bath."
"It doesn't matter. I went out to warm it up so you'll have it hot."

She glances at him, shyly and takes the plate. "How did you know I am about to
wake up?"
He doesn't sit back on the bench but remains on the bed. He takes a bowl of
yoghurt and helps himself while she's eating.
"You're a bone of my bones, I felt it in my veins that you're about to wake up."
She smiles, trying not to show him. "I think you're trying so hard and it's not
cute."
"I am not trying to be cute. I am not a young boy. I am telling you what I know I
feel. I am serious about you and all I am asking is a chance for us to be
together."
Her eyes lock with his, "Ntandoni is -"
"I told her about my feelings. It's been a week since I told her the truth."
What? She laughs her lungs out as she can't believe what he's telling her. "Oh,
really? You think I am a fool? If you told her she would have confronted me
about it. But she didn't say anything to me, in fact, last night she was busy
praising you as the best boyfriend."
"I am being honest with you."
"No, you want me to believe that you've told her so you can have us both.
Please, don't even lie to me."

He doesn't try to convince her but he says, "It’ll be best if you go and ask her
about it if you don't believe me." He doesn't tell her about what happened, the
loyalty test and Ntandoni giving in to it. It's best he keeps it to himself. He
doesn't want her to react to it. She might change the way she looks at Ntandoni.

Even for him, the way he's looking at her has changed but because he made a
promise - he'll pay for her studies and give her a fresh start. He doesn't owe her
because he's always been honest with her but it's the right thing to do to help her
with her studies.

"Yes, I will!" She exclaims cheekily and looks at Mkhwanazi as he holds his
mouth, coughing. "Are you okay? You actually look like you're tired." She asks,
politely.
"It's just flu."
She puts her hand on his forehead, "you're hot. Did you see the Doctor?"
"Yes, I did. I don't have the right herbs for an enema injection, I would have
long cured this flu. Mama said she'll send them today."

She smiles at the way he's saying, 'mama!' It's like he's a child. "That's better.
Uzoba ngcono emva kokuchatha."
"Yes." He feels super special, she asked about his wellbeing after clearly seeing
he's not well. "How's work?" He tries to neutralise the conversation by asking
about her work.

Sbahle doesn't keep quiet but she shares with him how her work experience has
been. The two of them don't look at time as they talk. The conversation flows
and Sbahle has relaxed, completely.

She's taken a bath and dressed back in her dress. She's in his kitchen cooking up
a concoction for Mkhwanazi. He's changing into his work clothes - it's after 12
but he's still going to work.
He walks into the room doing the button of his grey business suit. "Okay, let's
go."
She keeps her eyes away from him as soon as he looks up. "Here's medicine,
drink up you'll come back better." She hands the cup over to Mkhwanazi.

She made a concoction for him? How caring. This is what he needs in his life.
He stands before her and takes the cup, "I didn't expect you'll make something
for me."
"You're sick and have ingredients of the concoction I can make." She says
before he makes it look special.
He takes the concoction, "awubongwa, Gobela wami omuhle." He says, looking
into her eyes and she smiles, looking down.
He groans, "It tastes horrible."
"It'll help you."

He puts the cup down and holds her hand, "I need you in my life. I need
someone to take care of me and I will look after you. And that includes the
children."
"Please," she whispers as he stands too close. Fireworks shoot through her body
as he caresses her face with the back of his hand. "Mkhwanazi?"
He holds her chin, "don't fight it please."

Her eyes flutter close as his soft lips brush against her lips. She doesn't push him
and slap him for kissing her but she gives in.
His lips are soft and warm, they move in motion making her heart race higher
than normal.

His strong hands hold her slim waist, pulling her closer to him. She lets out a
moan as her body brushes against his bulge. Her head lightens up as his single
hand moves down to her thigh, underneath her dress. And Sbahle's hands hold
on to his neck as the kiss deepens.
He brushes the silky skin of her butts and he's in pain as he wants more but he
knows he'll not get more.

Sbahle looks up at him as he's looking down at her with their breaths high,
"please, drive me to Ntandoni first. I want to talk to her. I should ask her if you
really told her about how you feel about me. I know you're rushing to work but I
need to see her first before I go to my kids."

What does this mean? Does she want to confirm first - before? "Of course, I will
drive you to her." He brushes her lips with his thumb. "Your lips taste amazing,
I wonder what the rest of you tastes like."
She blushes, looking away as her core throb, his words bring the effect. "You've
given me your flu."
"Uzoza la ngizokuchatha uma usugula."
She laughs and holds his arms, Mkhwanazi holds her in a hug. And he thanks
her - without stating reasons.

Mkhwanazi walks out of his house holding her hand. It's great, having her
around - it's great. He wants to have more days and nights with her. More!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 105

"Please, don't leave me at the gate of her home. But leave me at the tuckshop
and I will walk to her house." Sbahle requests as Mkhwanazi approaches their
tuckshop.

"Didn't you hear what I said?" She screams as he passes the tuckshop.
He doesn't stop but drives forward, "why should I have left you where you
wanted me to leave you while you refused to sit next to me?" He asks, looking
at her through the rear-view mirror.
Sbahle is upset, "I have my reasons!"
"I also have my reasons for not leaving you at the tuckshop."

She puts her bag on her lap and looks outside the window. It'll be much better if
Ntandoni is inside the house or she's not home. She doesn't want her to see her
stepping out of her boyfriend's car.
Mkhwanazi stops the car at the corner of the fence and looks back at her as she
tries to open the door but it's locked.

"Can I see you tomorrow?" He requests.

She holds the handle of the door, "I am not available, I'll be busy."
"Busy, with?"
She looks forward, "I don't think I report to you Mkhwanazi. You're not my
father."
"I didn't say I am." He remains calm. He doesn't understand why she's upset.
What should they hide?
"Can you open the door?" Sbahle raises her voice, seeing Ntandoni walk out of
the house dressed casually. What was the emergency that made her leave her in
Mkhwanazi's house? She doesn't look like someone who's busy. She opens the
door and slams it closed, walking away without saying goodbye.

What would have hurt if he left her at the tuckshop? Should he be so stubborn?
"I don't even get a goodbye?" He shouts after her, without giving a damn about
Ntandoni who can clearly hear him.
Sbahle doesn't even look back but opens the gate. It's very hot and she could use
some cold drink to cool down her anger.

"How are you? Can we talk?" Sbahle stands before her friend.
And she points back at the house. She doesn't understand, is she angry? Does
her anger mean Mkhwanazi did something to her? What happened?
They both sit on top of Ntandoni's bed in her bedroom, facing each other.
Sbahle is not sure about her silence. Does the silence mean Mkhwanazi really
told her the truth?

"Why did you leave me in your boyfriend's house Ntandoni?" She asks
straightforwardly, "I woke up in a different room, not even aware of my
surroundings. Do you even know how scared I was?"
Ntandoni asks, "What did he do to you?"

And the question catches Sbahle off guard. What does this question supposed to
mean? What's wrong with her? "A countless times you've left me stranded in
night clubs, ran with your boyfriend and today you did such a big thing, left me
in his house!"

Ntandoni is not sure what's going on. She's angry and her voice sometimes
slightly shakes. Did Mkhwanazi do something to her?

"What did he do to you?" She asks again.

And this question ticks Sbahle off completely, "was he supposed to do
something to me? How can you choose to leave me with a man?" Sbahle
screams.
"What's so hard about answering my question? It's not like you've never met
Mkhwanazi?"
She fights, "I've met him but that didn't give you a right to leave me with him.
From the first day I met him, your man has been giving me side looks and he
went as far as telling me he wants me -"

Hypocrite! She doesn't let her friend finish her sentence but with a hand that's
twitching, Ntandoni slaps Sbahle across her face. "Bitch!" She screams and
folds her hand into a fist as it hurts from the slap. "After such a long time, you're
only telling me that now? How could you be such a hypocrite?"

She blinks as she swears to have seen the stars. How can she slap her after
doing such a thing to her? And her anger doesn't cool but it escalates, she
returns the favour by slapping her back.

"Hypocrite? Do you know the meaning of the word?" Sbahle screams at

Ntandoni who's also holding her cheek.

And before she can answer, her aunt opens the door. "What's going on here? I
am hearing loud claps and shouting!" She shouts at them.
Sbahle quickly stands on her feet, looking at Ntandoni with anger and contempt.
She points at Sbahle, "This men-snatcher, has the nerve to come here and act
like she's angry that I left her with my man. She clearly couldn't wait to have
him as she's already getting out of his car. Couldn't you use taxis because that's
what you're used to?"

Sbahle chuckles, "I didn't ask him to approach me. There's nowhere on my
forehead where it's written he should approach me."
"Of course, you probably fenced him when your husband couldn't even give you
a proper house, you skank!" She hits her with words out of anger - words she
doesn't mean but she hates how much of a hypocrite Sbahle is. Why is she
telling her now that Mkhwanazi wants her? Why wasn't she telling her all
along? Why did she come here riding in his car? Is she boasting to her?

At the mention of her husband, Sbahle doesn't hold back but she holds Ntandoni
by her shirt and she slaps her, "don't you dare bring my husband into this!"
Ntandoni doesn't watch but she fights her back, "why shouldn't I? You got him
by being cheap and taking him from another woman!"
Ntandoni's aunt steps in and stops them from fighting, "stop this nonsense! Are
you going to fight because of a man? You're ruining your friendship because of
a man."

Ntandoni points at Sbahle, "she was never honest with me aunty. Why did she
keep quiet when he first approached him?"
"How was I supposed to tell you such a thing? Were you even going to believe
me or you were going to tell me I want his money and free money because I
was with a poor man according to your observations?" She screams at her, the
anger has freed tears.

"That's an excuse. This means you secretly wanted him as you were not telling
me! You're such a snake Sbahle!" Ntandoni spits!
"Why didn't you tell her?" Aunty asks, "This is your friend!"

She doesn't utter anymore words to her and doesn't answer her aunt but grabs
her bag and leaves the room. She doesn't stop even when she howls insults at
her. It's useless.

"Run away!" She screams at Sbahle and starts crying about how things turned
out.

Sbahle can't stop thinking about everything Ntandoni said to her. It doesn't ease
away the anger in her. She's extremely angry.
It's Sunday and she's in the taxi heading to her husband's village. The two
children are next to her, Melikhaya is very happy about meeting his father's
family. And it makes Sbahle happy to see her child happy. With her daughter,
it's not quite clear whether she's happy or not.

She realises she can't keep ignoring his calls. She's been ignoring him since
yesterday after she left Ntandoni's house. He called her several times and Sbahle
didn't answer.

"Hello."
He huffs, "yazi, kubuhlungu kanjani ukuthanda umuntu ngoba uvele akwenze
islima sakhe. This is the reason I preferred an open relationship instead of a love
relationship because there's nobody who takes anyone for a fool."
"Are you angry?" She asks coolly. An open relationship? "Or you're talking
about an open relationship because you actually want to put me on board?"
"How do you think I feel if you keep ignoring me?" He asks, slightly angry.
"What should I do? I should beg?"
"I don't know, I was asking you if you're angry. I wasn't answering the call
because I wasn't in the right space to talk and you see it best to threaten me with
an open relationship?"
"I am not threatening you. Couldn't you have texted me and told me you're not
in the right space to talk?"
"Why are you talking about an open relationship Maxwell?" She asks, the more
she thinks about it, the more it annoys her. How could he?

"I didn't say I'll be in one with you. That was anger talking."
"Okay, that's better because I'll never agree to it. Never!" Why did he bring it
up?
"I didn't mean it like that. I was just angry. Uhm, are you okay?" Mkhwanazi
asks.
"I am fine now, I am taking the children to their grandmother. You no longer
sound like someone who's sick."
He instantly calms down, "that's a good thing, I am sure they'll have a good time
at granny's house. Are you going in with them?"
"No, I will come back in the afternoon to take them."
"Why didn't you tell me? We would have driven together?"
She smiles and looks at her kids, "there was no need. I don't want to confuse
them."
"Okay, if you say so. I am much better now. It's all thanks to you."
The taxi reaches her stop, "I am getting off now. I will call you back."
"Alright, thank you."

Sbahle closes the door of the taxi and holds her children's hands.
As they approach the gates, Gcina's children note Luhluthando and they happily
run to the gate. She looks at her daughter, she's smiling from ear to ear.
MaGwala is under the tree seated on the straw mat and from the gates, Sbahle
can see her face brightening up.

"Okay, go in. I will come later to take you." Sbahle says to the children and
hugs them. She greets the other children.
They hold Melikhaya who has a grin on his face, looking at his home and they
head inside.

Amanda stops Sbahle. "Thank you for bringing them home. Their grandmother
was asking if you're not coming in. I told her I don't think so."
"No, I came by to drop the kids only."
"I told her but I will also tell her again."
The two of them hug each other, "thank you for talking to me about this."
"We're family. And don't worry I will bring the children tomorrow morning. I
will bring them ready for school." She waits for a taxi with her
"Alright, thanks."

Sbahle says goodbye and gets in the taxi.

>>>"Can I take you out for lunch? Youngsters say, 'Sundays are for
lovers'">>>

Sbahle reads Mkhwanazi's text message and she folds her lips, avoiding the
obvious - to smile!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 106

When she walks out of the building in a red one shoulder ruffle trim split thigh
bandage dress, Mkhwanazi sees nothing but his future. He pictures himself,
hooking his arm in her slender arm and walking around with her in business
functions.

"Mrs Mkhwanazi?" He says it out loud, trying to test the sound of it. He laughs
and steps out of the car.
He holds her hand and kisses the back of her hand. "Mrs Luthuli, soon to be
Mrs Mkhwanazi. I am ready to honour your husband's ancestors and make her
the bride of my ancestors."

Maybe she has to get used to the cheesy side of him. He has both, traditional
and cheesy and she likes it.

"Can we have this lunch without such big promises?" She requests as he helps
her get into his car. He's driving a sports car and it looks good on him.
He chuckles, "maybe, we'll do what you want." He closes the door and rushes to
his side of the seat. It's going to be a great Sunday. He turns on the music and
looks at her. "Thank you for agreeing to this date."
"You were not going to stop if I refused to go out with you."
"I think it's better because you know me by now. It's been years, when your
husband was alive, I was wrong but now," he whistles with a head shake, his
eyes closed for a second and when he turns to her - he flashes a clean smile that
completely knocks Sbahle off. "I am no longer wrong and I am sorry for being
wrong."

She places her hand on her tummy, the butterflies in her tummy. "That's in the
past and I hope there'll be no wrong now."
He holds her hand and continues driving, "there'll be no wrong, bambo lwami."
She looks aside. Is she really his soul mate? It sounds very nice when he says it.
The drive continues in satisfying silence between them. Sbahle keeps looking at
him as he drives, here and there, he whistles along with the song. Oh, man!
What is this man doing to her? This should be wrong but it doesn't feel wrong at
all!

Table for two? Mkhwanazi and Sbahle settle down at a table for two in a
restaurant downtown. She didn't even know there's a restaurant in such a hidden
spot of the city. It's homely and quiet.
"Are the children happy about going home?" He puts his phone aside after
answering the call from his cousin.
They've placed their order and Sbahle can't wait to help herself with the food.

"Yes, they were very happy about going home, especially my boy. He's never
been home."
"It's a good thing what you've done. A big step and I am proud of you."
"Thank you, Ndonga." She giggles, swearing she saw a blush in this man's face.
"I didn't know you can blush."
He laughs, "Ayi, wena!"

Sbahle doesn't stop laughing. Mkhwanazi is most precious looking when he

laughs and smiles, not when he gives people a poker face - acting like a man
with no bright side to him. She loves seeing him like this.

"Sweetheart, you don't know how happy I am that you and I are on this table
laughing at each other. It's like a dream come true for me," he confesses his true
feelings.
"It's quite unbelievable for me Mkhwanazi and this should feel wrong. You're
my friend's ex but it doesn't feel wrong. It's like I am where I should be." Sbahle
speaks her heart to him. She doesn't want to deny her feelings anymore. Time
waits for no man. She's a skank? Let those words be said while she's actually
dating him.

He wishes he can stand on top of the roof and express his happiness. "I know
what you mean. Nothing feels wrong but it feels like we belong. I want to make
you my woman Sbahle. I am not the best but I have an honest heart. I will never
show you something I am not. I'll always be an open book."
"I want you to be my man and my man only. And if there ever comes a time
where I am no longer enough, please let me know."

He knows that comes from his words about an open relationship. He holds her
hands and asks, "Does this mean I can call you my girlfriend now?
Uyangifaka?"
"Yes, ngiyakufaka enjabulweni!"

His whistle is low and it's followed by a grin. He takes her hands and kisses
them both. He looks at her beautiful wedding ring and he can't wait to have
permission to officially remove it and put his.

"Why are you looking at it?" She asks. She doesn't want him to in any way be
threatened by her late husband.
He gazes into her eyes, "I can't wait for the day you'll wear mine."
Has love found her again? She's hoping it has and with this one, she's hoping
they'll be separated by death again but in a different way. Her husband has set
her free and she has also let him rest, this should be her future.

Mkhwanazi gives Sbahle a drink as she coughs because of hot chillies. "Why
did you choose a hot dish?"
"I didn't think it's this hot. I love spicy food, from when I was pregnant with
Luhluthando." She shares and asks, "Do you wish to have children someday?"

Of course he wants to be honest with her but for now, he's not willing to bring
this truth on board. "Is there a man who doesn't wish to have children of his
own?"
"Yes, there are men who don't see a need to have children."
He nods, "I do wish to have children of my own one day because already, I have
children."
"I didn't know."
"Your children are mine."

There goes him being cheesy again but she loves it. She enjoys it.
Time flies when you're having fun, Mkhwanazi and Sbahle drive home after
their beautiful and successful lunch date. Mkhwanazi is the happiest man, after
years - he has a girlfriend once again. He's willing to give it his all.

He moves his upper body closer to her and holds her chin, "I had a great time,"
he pecks her lips and kisses her as she smiles. His blood warms up instantly as
they share tongues and their hands holding on to each other. His heart dances to
her tune and he loves feeling this way for a change.

"Goodnight, we'll talk on the phone."

"Goodnight Mkhwanazi." She opens the door and heads over to the gate of the
block of flats. What a good day!

*****
She asked for a meetup with Sbahle's brother. She waits for him on the table as
he's ordering KFC for them. Ntandoni only wanted ice cream but Luthando said
he'll buy meat.
She didn't want to go to his home because his wife is there and so, she thought
at least KFC is better. They'll sit down and talk.

"I bought you a burger and wings, I remember that's what you like." Luthando
sits down with the tray of their food.
She smiles, "thank you." She takes her takeaway box.
It's hard getting used to living life without Mkhwanazi. She was so used to
having him in her life. They haven't spoken with Sbahle since the day she
arrived at her house. Mkhwanazi paid her tuition as he promised.

"What's troubling you?"

Ntandoni takes a sip on the shake and she lays her problem before Luthando.

"It's Sbahle."
"What has she done? Is everything okay?"
She looks at her hand and back at Sbahle's older brother. "She has betrayed me
by going behind my back and dating my boyfriend." She says and her words are
accompanied by hot fresh tears. She wants him to see how hurt she is by this
whole thing. Things are no longer the same without Mkhwanazi in her life.
There's his space in her life.

Luthando blinks repeatedly as if he's hit by a damaging light. He doesn't

understand this. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, she came home driven by him and we had a fight. Sbahle started attacking
me and I fought back." She doesn't care about people who are looking at them
as she's crying.

Luthando doesn't even know what to say to her. He's angry and disgusted by his
sister. How could she do this to her friend?

"How did you find out?" He holds her hand.

She looks at him, "he told me that he doesn't want me anymore. He wants her
and wants to marry her. We've been together for years but he never spoke about
marriage with me."
"That will happen over my dead body! He'll not marry her, I won't allow it." He
curses and takes his phone from the table. He doesn't hesitate but calls his sister.

"Bhuti?" Sbahle greets.

And Luthando gets straight to the point, "I need you to come home after work."
"Eh, bhuti, what's wrong? I have plans tonight. It's Friday."
"I don't care about your plans, come home!" He growls and ends the call. And
when he has to talk to Ntandoni, he becomes soft. "Don't worry, I will talk to
her. There'll be no marriage that will happen in that relationship. She'll end that
relationship."

Ntandoni nods and wipes her tears, she has told her brother. She should tell
Amanda next, they should all see her for the snake she is!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 107

She's seated at the backseat of a Siyaya taxi barely breathing. How long is it
going to take until she can have the courage to buy a car? She can't even
properly use her phone, she's packed in between big people.

"Hey, I am in a taxi in the backseat. Can I call when I get off?" Sbahle says to
Amanda.
She laughs, "It’s like you can't even breathe."
"Awazi, wena!"
"No, it's nothing much but MaGwala wants to call you. She wants to talk about
your husband's house and car. Everything that belongs to him."
She huffs, "ey, I will call you when I get off." She repeats and they end the call.
It seems one way or the other she'll have to meet with Shintsha's family. The
house and car belong to her children.

And finally she's off the taxi. "Babe?" Sbahle answers Mkhwanazi's call as she
walks into the premises of her home.
"I got your text. Why has your brother called you home? I am looking forward
to our movie night." Mkhwanazi asks.
Sbahle stands by her father's kraal, looking at the cattle. "I don't know but I
don't think I'll be long. I'll catch a taxi back to town."
"No, I will come and take you."
"There's no need, I should go to the children first and give them food, take them
to the lady who'll be keeping them."
He huffs, "it'll be dark soon, and taxis will make you late. Let me come."
"No, Mkhwanazi."
"Ey, unenkani! I will send a cab, is that okay?"
"Yes, its fine, thanks." She puts the phone back in her bag and rushes to the
house. She doesn't understand what's so urgent? Couldn't he have asked her to
come home tomorrow?

Luthando points at the back, "Let’s go to dad's house. We'll talk there."
Sbahle follows her brother, "how are you?"
He clicks his tongue, "I can't even say I am fine. You're embarrassing me
Sbahle."
She sits on the couch opposite him, "what have I done bhuti?" She can see he's
very angry. What happened?

Luthando takes a good look at his sister and he doesn't understand why she did
such a horrible thing to her friend.
"Why did you take Ntandoni's boyfriend?"
Oh - it's that? "Take? I took him, how?"
Luthando chuckles, surprised by her response. "Hhayibo! This man is giving
you wings, Sbahle?"
"No, but I don't understand if you're saying I took him. I didn't take anyone!"
Why does she have so much attitude? Is this man a president's son? "Hhayibo,
Sbahle!"
"Bhuti yes her boyfriend has been asking me out but I didn't date him. I didn't
tell her because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. I also wouldn't have been
happy with being told Shintsha was asking her out," Sbahle explains herself to
her brother. She doesn't want him to have a wrong picture. "Okay, I started
developing feelings for him but I didn't entertain them until recently. I was
angry when Ntandoni left me at his house drunk. I went to confront her and she
called me all sorts of names and even went as far as insulting my late husband's
social standing."
"What stopped you from telling her?"

Is her brother going to understand her? "I feel like you'll not understand me but
you'll judge me because of your feelings for Ntandoni."
"That's nonsense. How could you betray your friend like this Sbahle? Dad didn't
quite like Ntandoni but he would have never supported you doing this." He
shouts at her.

She looks down, "I like him."

"Hhayibo! You'll destroy your years of friendship for a man Sbahle."
She looks at her brother with sorry eyes, "I see a future with him."
"What future? Future with someone who dated your friend for years without
talking about marriage?" He slaps the coffee table.
And she keeps her head down, "he has spoken about marriage with me."
He laughs in disbelief, "You know what? That'll never happen. I won't accept
any lobolo from him. You need to forget about it and you must end things with
him, fix your friendship with Ntandoni."

She hates to do this but it has to be done. "But bhuti, you're not the one who'll
accept ilobolo. It's my husband's family."
He widens his eyes, "oh, it's like that now!" He hates the fact that he didn't
remember that. Anger blinded him so much he forgot.
"I didn't set the rules." She responds politely.

Luthando stops himself from turning the coffee table upside down. "If you're
near me I would have slapped that pride off your face!"
Sbahle is startled by the threat. "Ntandoni has done that, please don't."
"You're lying, you're the one who attacked her and you're here telling me lies.
You were already seeing her boyfriend when you went to her. How could you
do this?"
She holds her mouth, "what? Is that what she told you? It's lies, bhuti!"
He stands up, "I can't even stand looking at you. You're not the little sister I
know. I don't know you as a betrayer!" He exclaims and Sbahle looks down
without defending herself. "I had little hope that maybe it's lies but no, it's the
truth. I am never getting involved in your affairs. I don't even wish to meet that
man." Luthando spits and walks out of the house.

Sbahle is left seated on the couch hurt. If she's going to have a future with
Mkhwanazi, how's it going to be without her brother's blessings?
She stands up and leaves after greeting the children. Her brother doesn't even
say goodbye back to her.

She walks out of the premises with a cab already waiting for her.
She gets in the car and sends a voice note to her brother. "I know it's not looking
good but I truly love him. I tried very hard to fight my feelings for him but I
failed. Okay, my sin is loving him back and I am sorry. It'll hurt me if you don't
support me but I will understand if you don't." She releases her finger and the
voice note is sent.

She sends a text to Mkhwanazi and focuses her mind on the night ahead - a
night with him.

It's Saturday, the second day in Zimbali - Durban. It's a weekend away full of
nothing but happiness. This weekend away came as a surprise for her and her
children.

Thursday morning, she found Mkhwanazi parked outside her workplace, he told
her she should pack bags for her and the children because Durban awaits.
Sbahle wasn't sure about bringing the children in the mix, it's been a month
together as boyfriend and girlfriend - the honeymoon phase has been and still is
amazing. She told him about not being sure of bringing the children along.
Mkhwanazi decided to bring his cousin's teenage daughter to tag along, so she'll
be with the children whenever they're alone. He decided to make the holiday a
two separate holiday, one side for him and Sbahle and the other side, for Sbahle
and the children excluding him. She agreed and she was happy because he
wasn't pushing to meet her children.

Sbahle holds his hand and takes her ringing phone. "Sbahle, hello?" They're
driving in Mkhwanazi's car, heading to Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary.
"KaMazibuko, it's your mother-in-law."
Her heart skips a beat. Once, she thought this woman liked her as a daughter-in-
law but she changed on her quicker than normal.
"Yebo?"
"I am pleased that you answered my call thank you. I am calling to express my
gratitude for bringing the children to us."
She fixes her bag on her lap as this conversation makes her uncomfortable. "It's
Amanda who spoke to me about it."
"Yes, she told me. I was very happy to meet my boy. He's very much like his
father."
"Yes." She responds, she can clearly hear that she's happy.
"I know you live in the city now but I would appreciate it if we met. There are a
lot of things we need to talk about, including everything that belongs to you and
the children."
She huffs, "I will think about it and get back to you." Sbahle says, trying to end
the conversation.
"Thank you."

Sbahle puts the phone away and focuses on Mkhwanazi. The Bird Sanctuary?
She's not sure about this place he's taking her to.
The children are together doing activities for kids.

"That was my mother-in-law." She responds as Mkhwanazi keeps looking at

her.
He's relieved she's telling him because he was wondering who's changing her
mood. "What's wrong?" He asks.
"She wants us to meet."
"Okay, when are you meeting?"
Sbahle looks aside, "I don't want to meet Luthuli's family."
"You are planning on not meeting them until when?"

She doesn't like this conversation and maybe its better she tells him. "I don't like
talking about this."
"Why? It's important. This is your husband's family and it's important you sit
down and talk to them. The children -"
She looks at him, "are you trying to ruin our weekend by talking about those
people!"
"I don't appreciate your tone KaMazibuko." He says once as Sbahle shouts at
him. She keeps quiet and doesn't open her mouth until they've reached their
destination.

She doesn't understand this bird thing. Out of all things they could have done in
Durban, he chose birds!
She's bored by the concept until they get there. She lets go of her anger looking
at the beautiful lawns with a large expanse of open shimmering water.
She glances at him with a smile, "it's beautiful here."
He chuckles and holds her hand, "it's no longer boring."
She laughs, "Who said it's boring?"
"I saw it in your eyes when I told you where I am taking you."
She laughs, guilty. "Okay, I didn't know it's such a beautiful and peaceful
place."
"Anything peaceful, it's me." He brags, jokingly.

The Gardens are on the one end and indigenous lush forests on the other. How
marvellous, this brings a soft romantic mood.
The couple hold hands self-guiding themselves around the beautiful bird
sanctuary. The more she spends time with him the more she learns new things
about him. He loves nature and appreciates it.

"Is your brother talking to you, now?" He asks as they sit down for a picnic
under the trees.
She shakes her head, "I want to enjoy this beautiful time with you without
talking about things that will stress me."
"Why don't you let me talk to Ntandoni? I have a feeling she'll not stop with
your brother."
She shakes her head, "no, you and I decided you'll cut ties with her that includes
communicating with her. The only thing you're doing for her is paying for her
studies only."

He clenches his jaws, he doesn't like this frankness because it's keeping him on
the leash where Ntandoni is concerned.

"Love?"
He nods and takes a plate from her, "I won't talk to her. You don't have to repeat
yourself." He smirks as she kisses his cheek.

She left her children sleeping with Mkhwanazi's niece. And she headed over to
his hotel room for a sleepover.
Yesterday, she didn't sleep in his hotel suite but she slept with the children. She
couldn't make the mistake of sleeping with Melikhaya again tonight, he kicks
her all night.

"Should I turn off the bedside lamp too?" Mkhwanazi asks after Sbahle has told
him to switch off the main lights.
She takes off her dress seated on the bed, revealing the short red and black silky
pyjamas. "No, let's leave them on in case I wake up for the bathroom."
He joins her in bed, "I hope this time around you'll not wake me and tell me you
want to go to the bathroom while it's so close to you."
"The last time I woke you up because I didn't want to cross boundaries." She
responds with a light laugh, falling in Mkhwanazi's loving arms. She feels
wanted and protected.
He pinches her lightly. "What boundaries? Don't make me your bodyguard."

Mkhwanazi's hand glides along her body smoothly and he stops her from
talking by taking possession of her lips.
Sbahle's body quickly responds to his touch, tonight she wants to feel him, the
real him. Last time she slept over at his house nothing happened between them,
just kisses.
He shifts parts of her clothes that conceal her most sensitive parts.

"I like the feel of your skin. I want you." He whispers into her ear before
moving his body on top of her, packing her underneath his shadow.
Her eyes are smaller as she looks at him with nothing but love mixed with lust.
"I need you."

Her words give him power to give her pleasure. There's a slight nervousness,
maybe they were supposed to talk about sex before doing it. How does she like
it?

He gives her a pleasureful kiss on her neck that makes her body quiver with
lust. Sbahle spreads her legs, eagerly waiting for more.
She moans as he rubs her most sensitive parts with his lovely erection. Her
waist motionlessly moves as she's enjoying the sensations building up in her
body.

"Co… co… mmm," she tries to form the words in her mouth but only moans
easily slide out.
He knows what she wants, condom? No, he doesn't want that thing and it's not
like he'll make her pregnant. They've spoken about disease and she went as far
as telling him they should get tested. It was quite upsetting because she was
suggesting tests because he'd once spoken about an open relationship. Right
there, he felt like he'd thrown himself under the bus by mentioning the open
relationship part.

"Co…ndo...m, Mkhwa -" her eyes roll as he both rubs himself on her wet
openings and adds his finger to rub her sensitive clit.

He doesn't respond but kisses her, shutting her mouth. She has nothing to worry
about when it comes to having babies.
Sbahle is enjoying herself but at the back of her head, she's worried about his
sperm. She doesn't want a baby until they're married and secured.
He loves how he's easily sliding through her warmth, this gives him assurance
that he did a good job arousing her.

Damn, it's really hot in here! And this warmth gives him will power after a few
seconds of slow thrusts, he drives into her with no limits.
She loves his stamina and drive but not like this! Why is he banging her?
She places her hands on his chest, "Mkhwanazi, stop!"

He doesn't need to be told twice, he immediately stops but he's throbbing for
more. His member keeps kicking inside her, telling him to continue but he
doesn't let this little part of his body control him. "What's wrong, bambo
lwami?"

She smiles shyly, "this our first time, please, make it count. I want to feel you
nice and slow, I want you to touch my soul and let me give you sweet moans.
Please, can you do that for me? I want to fall in love with your body." She
orders it how she likes it.

That's not a problem, yes, he likes strong and intense fucks but she's right. Not
for the first time. But this, what she wants, it'll make him cling onto her. But this
is a love relationship, depth is needed. It's not transactional.
"Le mshiza omnyama wakho uvele waphaphalaza. I am sorry my sweet love."
He kisses her again, to get himself in the mood for making love to her.
"Oh, yes, yes," she closes her eyes as he finally does it right, the way she wants
it.

"Look at me." He commands, he wants it all - the intensity of her eyes looking
at him as he lovingly thrusts into her.

She obeys and locks eyes with him. Her hand keeps brushing his chest that's
above her. This matters and this is hitting all the right notes. The combination of
straight thrusts and circling his waist thrusts makes her close and open her eyes
because it's just divine!

And with a slightly devilish smirk as she's about to cum, Mkhwanazi's hand
reaches down and pinches her throbbing bud, making Sbahle shiver as she
reaches climax.
Okay, she was right - this is what they needed. This makes his heart beat for
her.

"I love you." He confesses as they're both calm and in each other's arms.
She smiles, "I love you too." What a first night!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 108

It's Sunday, midday, her children are with Mkhwanazi's niece and her mother,
they're visiting for the day.

After their trip in Durban, the girl spoke to her mother about Sbahle and their
trip. His cousin asked to meet Sbahle and her children - their meeting was fun
between the two mothers and the children. His cousin gave Sbahle advice to
hold on to Mkhwanazi and ensure they end up getting married so she'll be fully
a part of their family.

Sbahle is wearing her panties only and sleeping on top of Mkhwanazi on the
floor of the living room. They're taking a nap after he'd taught her how to swim
in the pool.
There's soft music playing, it's a good Sunday.

"Babe, are you still sleeping?" She brushes his chest and looks up, he opens his
eyes.
He yawns, "I was woken up by you talking to the cell phone."
"Sorry, I was checking on the kids. Melikhaya is not even available to talk to
me. Your cousin says he's with your mother in the garden. She didn't tell me
they'll go there."
He smiles, "she told mama about you and I was supposed to tell you today that
mama wants to meet you but I don't want you two to meet without you talking
to your mother-in-law."
She looks away, "are we back to that?"
"Please, give the old woman peace by meeting up with her. We're humans and
sometimes we let our emotions get the better of us. I am not making excuses for
her but please, this is your children's grandmother. Talk to her and move
forward. I don't want us to get married while you don't get along with her, she's
like your mother and I want her to marry you off to me happily not for the sake
of doing because they've hurt you."

She looks up at him, "I guess I can't run away from this for too long. I will call
her tonight. I think I'll go meet her on Saturday."

He holds her chin and gives her a slow, smooth kiss that touches her heart.
Already her brother is not talking to her. Her other siblings didn't judge her for
dating Mkhwanazi. Yes, they didn't like that he's her friend's ex but they
understood they can't choose for her. She's an adult.
She's wearing an apron over her shorts and bra, she's cooking Sunday lunch in
Mkhwanazi's kitchen and he's seated on the counter doing some paperwork.
She puts the meat inside the oven and takes her phone. Amanda is calling.

"Hey, sisi?"
Amanda casts a long tongue click, "I thought you and I are sisters and you're a
decent person but I thought wrong."
Sbahle closes her pots and frowns, confused by her words. "What are you
talking about Amanda?" She asks, moving to the fridge.
"You're a two faced bitch! How could you betray your friend like this? You
took her boyfriend, dated him while he's still in her life. Why?"

Ntandoni? What is she hoping to achieve by telling people that she took her
boyfriend?

"Is that what she told you? I didn't do it -"

She screams, "You’re lying, sfebe ndini. It's clear that no man of ours is safe
around you." She laughs, clapping her hands, "you're very good at acting. You
made us believe that you and Shintsha were in a relationship but no, you were
screwing another woman's man. You got pregnant for him and trapped him with
a baby, convinced your father to force him to marry you. Wow, you're a lying
and scheming little witch. Aybo, inkulu le mpene onayo ekwenza uthathe
amadoda abantu."

She's out of words, everything she's saying hits hard because it's twisted lies.
When did she convince her father to force Shintsha to marry her?

"So, you believed everything she told you?"

She screams, "yes, because where are you now? I am sure you're with that man.
I am wondering, where are Shintsha's kids while you're busy enjoying your
friend's man? I came by your place and was told a man took you. You're
shameful!"

She looks at Mkhwanazi, he's stopped working but he's looking at her.

"Why are you so harsh? You don't -"

"I will tell MaGwala that you're prostituting yourself with her son's kids. You
saw the things he was doing for her and decided to snatch him away from her."

Amanda doesn't stop, she's extremely angry and disappointed, "I need you to
stay away from me because clearly, my husband is not safe. You might snatch
him once you've had your fun with that one. Hypocrite!"
Sbahle puts the phone down and she throws herself in Mkhwanazi's arms as he's
standing before her.

"Don't let that nonsense get to you." He comforts her, brushing her back as she
lets emotions get the better of her. She doesn't even have the courage to respond
to him.

She's standing before the mirror getting dressed, ready for work. She can't stop
thinking, who's she going to be left with by her side? In Amanda, she found a
sister and she knew she's left with her as her friend but it's no longer like that.
She believes she could possibly take Gcina. When did it come to that? Gcina?
Her phone disturbs her thoughts and she takes the phone from the dressing
table.

"Thokoza gogo," she greets, this is an unexpected phone call.

Thingolwenkosazana greets, "Thokoza, how are you doing?"
"I am well and can't complain, how are you?"
"I am fine, do you know that I am not working today and you disturbed me?"
She asks.
And her question confuses Sbahle. "I don't understand, gogo."
"Are you dressing up, going to work?"
She looks at herself through the mirror, "yes, I am dressed going to work."
"I need you to sit down and not go to work today. It's important."

She instantly gets cold feet and moves over to her bed. She sits. Why are bad
things happening to her? Why shouldn't she go to work now?

"What's wrong?" Her voice comes out shaky.

"I can't go into details because it's not clear but it's not safe for you to go to
work. You need to stay at your place. And wait for the children to come back
home. Don't go out today. Tomorrow morning, Mkhwanazi should drive you to
the same river, the bird will drop muthi you'll use to wipe your working station
with." Thingolwenkosazana clearly instructs, calmly and when Sbahle starts
crying she changes her tone. "Why are you crying? Didn't I tell you it's not a
good idea being in a relationship with him?"
She holds her mouth and responds, "I love him gogo. I tried my best but I
couldn't fight it anymore. I couldn't."
"Ngiyalawulwa manje ngawe. You dated your friend's boyfriend knowingly and
now, everyone should work overtime, trying to protect you." She shouts at her.

And Sbahle's emotions fly off, making her an emotional wreck. What is she not
telling her? Did Ntandoni plan on doing something to her when she goes to
work? "Okay, I will leave him. I will call him and tell him it's over, and tell
Ntandoni to go back to him."
"That's too late, very late. In his head, you're already his wife. And please, don't
tell him anything. I am advising you this way because your boyfriend can be
impulsive. He's been my client for a long time, I know him better." She doesn't
beat about the bush, "if you can tell him there's something she's planning on
doing to you, he'll retaliate and possibly do something extreme without
understanding that your friend is just hurt. She's trying to live life where he's not
a part of it and it's difficult. They've been together for over ten years, he did
everything for her, it doesn't matter how the nature of their relationship was,
okay?"

She wipes her tears and tries to calm down, "yes, I understand gogo. I won't tell
him anything."
"Don't stress yourself, it's not good for both of you." Thingolwenkosazana
concludes.
Both of them? How's he going to stress if he doesn't know about what's
happening? "Thokoza, gogo!"

Sbahle puts her phone on the bedside table and curls up on her bed, crying her
eyes out. She's not fully happy. Why can't she be fully happy? She wants
everything to work for everyone. Not just herself
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 109

Above it all, she's still expected to respect the home because it's her husband's
home.
And so, Sbahle properly dressed up as Shintsha's wife. She didn't make a
mistake of dressing up anyhow because of the differences she has with the
family.

She thought she'll go alone with Khulekani but Luthando called and told her
they'll drive together to go to the Luthuli home. She really didn't expect he'd go
with them.

It took her a month to set up a meeting with the Luthuli family because she was
busy at work.

"I don't know what we should do. Should we drive in?" Luthando asks, he's at
the steering of the car. Sbahle is in the backseat.
"Yes drive in. That's the child opening up for us." Khulekani responds, pointing
at the gates.

And once the child has opened the gates, he drives through the premises.
Jabulile welcomes them into the home and directs them to Shintsha's house.
Sbahle passes Amanda by outside the kitchen of the main house. She greets and
Amanda only gives her a side glare without greeting back. She loves
Mkhwanazi but she didn't think her life with him would mean losing friends
excluding Ntandoni whom it was obvious their friendship wasn't going to
survive.

"Can you see what you've done? She doesn't even want to talk to you."
Khulekani says, "Can you stop bothering the child about this? Let her be happy.
Akekho umuntu womuntu la. Abantu abaJehovah unless you're married." He's
annoyed by his brother always fighting Sbahle every chance he gets. She has
even stopped coming to the Mazibuko home because of him and his bad
treatment.

Sitting down on the straw, she feels a slight pain as she also looks around the
house. Years spent with him here, it was both good and bad, poorer and rich.
And today she's back here.

"I wonder if he's happy with you." Luthando throws another comment as its
obvious his sister is taking a walk down memory lane.
Khulekani responds instead, "he'll want her to be happy. And I remember he
also didn't quite like Ntandoni. You should be happy your sister has paved a
way for you, take Ntandoni and shut up."

Luthando only glares at his brother and doesn't respond because of MaGwala
walking in with her sons.

She's happy to see her, she's happy because she looks beautiful and she
overcame all the circumstances. You don't have to ask, she's working and it
seems it's a good paying job. She deserves it and more!

"Sanibonani. We're pleased to have you in our home." MaGwala greets them
and they greet back. After receiving a call from Sbahle, telling her she'll come -
MaGwala got a peaceful sleep.

Yes, Amanda told her about her dating her friend's boyfriend and she didn't say
much about it. She only needed to meet with her.

And the meeting starts. "I had lost hope that we'll ever sit down like this and
talk."
"I was relieved when she told me it's time she came by and talked." Luthando
says.

MaGwala looks at Sbahle who's looking at the floor, "what can I say to you my
child? It's always easy to blame the wife, burden her and kick her out. We had a
relationship, you and I, outside the relationship with my son. I ruined our
relationship and didn't even give you the benefit of the doubt."
"I never expected such a thing from you, ma. I don't want to talk about the men
but as a woman, a daughter-in-law too. I thought you'd understand and get to the
bottom of things. I thought you'd protect me and my children, only granny did
that. But you easily believed it without question."
"Yes, and for that, I am sorry my child." She holds her hand as they're seated
together on the straw mat. "Please, find it in your heart to forgive me. I don't
want to make excuses and state reasons but I only want to sincerely apologise to
you. I caused not only you pain but your children, my son's children. The hate
clouded my heart and mind."

And right after her, Shintsha's brothers speak.

She thought nothing would move her, she thought she'd stay away from them
and not even give them her ear. She was prepared, she'd started living her life
according to her rules and without Shintsha's family. She didn't want them to
ask for forgiveness because she never imagined there would come a time where
they'll ask for forgiveness. But here they are - Mkhwanazi is the reason she's
here.
If he didn't force it down her throat, she wouldn't be here, she wouldn't be
opening her heart to forgiveness.
If there's peace between them, Shintsha's spirit will also be happy.

"I will never forget. And I won't trust you anymore, all I want is for my kids to
keep having a relationship with their family. And for the past to stay in the
past," Sbahle breathes and as she doesn't cry, she knows this no longer hurts her.
MaGwala gives her a motherly hug. "That goes without question." And she
cries as her spirit feels lighter. She knows that even if she can pass on
tomorrow, she'll pass with no debts in this world.

Luthando comments, "We’re grateful for the peace that has been made here
especially for the children's sake. Now, there'll be no use for us to point fingers
at each other but we should take a learning curve, to never act without facts."
His comment makes sense to everyone.

And Gama adds, "you're right, we're still family even though my brother is no
longer with us. Thank you sisi."

Sbahle nods. They go on to talk about Sebenzile whose still missing and was
said to have been seen in Stanger, still crazy.

MaGwala is left behind with Sbahle after they've done small rituals of
reconciliation and had refreshments. "Your sister-in-law tells me that you've
found love."
She looks at her hands, "yes, and I found it in the wrong person. A man who
was my friend's boyfriend."
"These things happen, I have lived long enough to see them happening. Is he
serious about you?" She asks.
Sbahle glances at her, "yes he is. He's the one who encouraged me to make
amends with you."

MaGwala smiles, already liking the boy. "I am grateful to him and you for
listening to him."
"Yes."
"And what about the children? Your sister-in-law told me you go with them
when you go to him."
Sbahle shakes her head. Why do people like spreading lies? "No, that's not true.

We have been together for three months and he hasn't met my children officially
as my partner. It's his cousin's niece that the children have met and have formed
a relationship with. Last month, we met with the niece's mother and when the
children were visiting her, she took them to my partner's mother. But they still
don't know I have a boyfriend. I think I'll be ready to tell them once things are
official."
"I am relieved, I didn't want to believe you'd do such a thing considering that
your relationship is still new."

She smiles, "my actions upset a lot of people and they have a lot to say, some of
the things they say are not true."
"Yes, people are like that. Most of the time you find the person with someone
they're seeing and they'll choose the one they want to spend the rest of their
lives with. Of course, you've hurt your friend and it was wrong but who are we
to control what our hearts feel?"
"Who are we?"
"Once he's serious, I would like to meet him. It's important we meet because
he'll also be a part of my grandchildren's lives."

She smiles wondering if they'll get along, "yes, the two of you will meet."
She holds her hand and puts the other on top of their hands. "Thank you once
again for coming." She pulls her in a hug again.

One thing Mkhwanazi likes is bringing lunch for her at work. Sometimes he
personally delivers it or sometimes he sends Uber eats for her.
Today, she felt like being the one to return the favour by bringing him lunch at
work. And also, let him know about the successful meeting with her mother-in-
law.

"Are you sure you have an appointment?" Amelia, the receptionist asks, paging
through to check if Sbahle has an appointment.
She rolls her eyes, "Amelia, you know me. Why are you being dramatic?"
"Cha ukuthi nawe usuyaphapha usunokuzenza umlungu nje. Why are you
bringing lunch for him? Those things happen in movies, you bring lunch and
have sex with him in the office." Amelia says picking up the telephone and she
smiles as Sbahle laughs.

"Uhm, he's my former boss."

Amelia returns the eye roll, "he posts you on his WhatsApp, you're obviously
dating now."
She holds her mouth, "I didn't think other people would see. I thought maybe
he's included me only."
They laugh, "Ey, amadoda, oeh, ngaze uzitshele lokho ngampela." She
composes herself as Mkhwanazi accepts the telephone, "yes, sir, you have an
important visitor."
"Who's that? I am preparing for my meeting. You know I have a brief for an
important case I am about to take."
"I know but she's family and said it's urgent." She grins as Sbahle giggles.
Mkhwanazi huffs, stressfully, "do I have time to squeeze that person in?"
"Yes, I think you have an hour before your meeting."
"Okay, bring her up."

She puts the phone down and smiles at Sbahle, "go up quickly and give him a
booty snack. He's been throwing tantrums at everyone because of the stressful
case coming up."
"Ungcolile!" She laughs and walks away after waving her hand at her.

A single knock on the door, Sbahle pushes the black wooden door of his office
and walks in. She loves the look on his face as he sees her. They meet halfway
and Mkhwanazi embraces her in a hug.

"I was wondering when am I getting the perks of being a boyfriend and having
my lunch delivered for me." He comments and holds her smooth face and loves
her lips into a brief and emotion provoking kiss.

She giggles, "I thought I should be a good girlfriend and bring you lunch but it
seems you're busy today."
"Don't worry, we have time." He heads over to his desk and Sbahle follows
behind. "Bring your chair over to this side." He requests, already opening the
lunch.

The two lovers eat together with Sbahle telling Mkhwanazi about her meeting
with the Luthuli family. Hearing this makes Mkhwanazi the happiest man.

"I am very happy, sthandwa sami. Didn't your mother-in-law judge you?" He
takes a huge bite on the piece of meat.
She shakes her head, "no, she said it doesn't sound good because you're my
friend's ex but it's normal to date another person's partner."
He laughs. "I am glad Ntandoni has moved on and she hasn't done anything
crazy to make your life difficult." He says knowing she wouldn't dare try him.
If only he knew! "Yes, you're right."
Sbahle is sad as she looks at the time. Does it have to fly off like this? She's still
enjoying his company. But business is important.

He's looking at her butts as she's on her feet gathering the empty dishes and
packing them inside her bag.
"I should get going babe." She bends over and kisses him, with her hands
holding his beard softly. "I love you."
"I love you too." He says, brushing her butt making Sbahle giggle and she
removes his hand off her butts. "When are you coming over for a sleepover?"
"I'll see when the children are with their grandmother." She moves away and
blows kisses for him.

He grunts as his pen falls under the desk. "Tsk, I am busy looking at you njalo."
She doesn't open the door but turns back to him. "Take it."
"Can you see it under the table? I am full and lazy to bend over."
She shakes her head, "you know from here, I can't see what's under your table."

She claps once as it is clear that he wants her to pick it up for him.
She puts her bags on top of the desk and walks over to him. The space under his
desk is big enough for her whole body to fit.

"Can you find it?" He asks and informs the knocker to come in.

Amelia brings the politician clients inside the office and she's relieved as she
doesn't see Sbahle around. She introduces them and shows them to the seats
opposite Mkhwanazi. She passes a glance at Sbahle's bags on the table and she
takes them for her.
Mkhwanazi can't even stop her because his client is already talking. What about
the woman underneath his desk?

As Mkhwanazi moves closer to the desk, shutting her under the table - she
knows she's screwed and she'll remain here until the meeting is over. Why can't
he free her?

For the first twenty minutes, she's underneath the table bored with this political
shit they're talking about. He's clearly going to defend a political thief now!
And looking at his legs, up to his lap - she gets an idea! Her hands brush over
his thighs and she feels him stiffening. She keeps brushing his thighs until she
can feel a bulge.

What would have hurt if he let her out? Was she going to embarrass him before
his political clients?

Sbahle undoes the belt of his pants and unzips his pants, luckily he's wearing
boxers. This makes it easy for her to take out his length from the boxers. His
desk is big enough to accommodate her body.
She takes a few minutes of her time, playing with it in her hands.
Mkhwanazi is puzzled, what is this woman doing? Does she know the
importance of this meeting? He can't afford to fuck up this case by losing focus
on the first brief.

"Are you okay Mazibuko?" The politician asks as Mkhwanazi keeps fixing his
tie.
He writes notes, "yes I am well, let's continue." He decides to record the
meeting.

Sbahle places her lips on his wet tip, licking and sucking like he's the tastiest
lollipop she's ever had. She twirls the tip of his erection with her tongue, making
Mkhwanazi grip his thighs tightly. The secrecy of this makes it fun. She can't
help but send her other hand in between her thighs as she throbs from this
activity.
Sbahle takes him into her mouth and works on him while she's rubbing herself.

"Mm, God!" Mkhwanazi closes his eyes and shoots them open when the
politician calls him out.
"Is everything okay?"
He nods, his eyes are smaller, "yes, I am taking everything in as you give it to
me." He responds and holds her head as Sbahle plays with his balls.
With the last stroke of her finger in her dripping honeypot, her climax punches
through her. Her moans are inaudible because she has him in her mouth.
And a second later, Mkhwanazi's legs shake and he jolts his seed in her mouth.
"Ah, shit!" He grunts with his head slightly going up, completely forgetting
about his client in the office with him.
The politician bangs the table, "Mr Mkhwanazi!"
He positions himself, "I am sorry!" He quickly grabs his telephone, "you know
what, I think this meeting should happen -"

And the receptionist walks in. He's happy, "Amelia, can you please take them to
the boardroom. My mind is a bit distracted here, I need a change of scenery."
He instructs and apologises to his client. He luckily agrees to be moved to the
boardroom.

And as soon as they're gone, Mkhwanazi pushes his chair back. Sbahle comes
out looking at him like a little puppy. "Do you want me to lose this client
Sbahle?" He can't get over how hot and risky that was. Something he didn't
know she's capable of.

She flaps her lashes, "why did you hide me under the table?"
"I didn't want him to get the wrong idea. Come up!" He rushes over to the door
with his penis bouncing up and down as he walks. He locks the door and moves
back to her.
"He's a crook -"

He points at her, "Love, you'll say nothing about my work. I am making money
here." He stands before her and points the door, "Let’s finish this off. I have a
meeting to get to. Face the door KaMazibuko."

She doesn't ask questions but faces the door and holds the desk with her waist
bent inwardly as he lifts up her skirt. She closes her eyes and let him take her on
a journey.

"Ngishade, KaMazibuko, ngicela ungenze indoda emadodeni. Nami ngilethele

umama umfazi." (Please, marry me?) Mkhwanazi proposes marriage to Sbahle
while he's fucking into her hard and intense.

She doesn't let go of the table as his pace picks up. Is this the way he's actually
proposing marriage to her? "Are you… proposing because… sex feels good?"
"It feels good but I am proposing because I love you and I want us to make
things official."

She controls her moans even though she feels like screaming. But she doesn't
want the whole office to hear her. "I will marry you."

With a light spank on her butt and a few thrusts, Mkhwanazi ends the journey in
a pleasing and high note. He's the happiest man on earth!
ISBOPHO!
Chapter 110

Why do men have the power of making one feel like they're going crazy? She's
still confused, everything happened unexpectedly.
And she strongly believes she deserves an explanation. Why her? Why Sbahle?

Mkhwanazi walks out of the courtroom and takes his mother's call. "Yes mama
I am done with everything. I should be meeting up with the estate agent and
KaMazibuko."
"Why are you buying a new house? Your current house is beautiful."
He chuckles, "I know but I told you I want to create new memories in a new
house."
She huffs, "youngsters! Is KaMazibuko agreeing to an intimate garden wedding
before all the traditional ceremonies? I am still saying she's right, you're rushing
things."
"I am not getting any younger mama. I want us to do all the pre-wedding
ceremonies with her as my legal wife, living with me."
"Has she agreed? You like doing things in a twisted way, my son."

He walks out of the court holding his briefcase, "no mama I always have a
vision. My fiancée has agreed to get legally married first before we do all the
ceremonies." He spots Ntandoni standing next to his car. What has happened?
He's paid off the whole second semester for her.

"Okay, I don't like it when we don't see things eye to eye."

"We are different people mama, it's normal to see things differently."

Mkhwanazi wasn't playing with her when he proposed while he was busy
enjoying himself with her. Sbahle didn't take it seriously until he gave her a
letter and an engagement ring.

This step showed Sbahle's siblings that Mkhwanazi was serious about her. This
forced her brothers to meet with him, get to know him as the man who wishes to
marry their widowed sister. Their sister with children. Khulekani fully liked
Mkhwanazi, Luthando also didn't see anything wrong with him but he didn't
want to say it out in the open that he's a 'cool' guy. And that's because of how he
did things, how he separated the two friends.

After meeting the Mazibuko brothers, Mkhwanazi went on to meet MaGwala as

she requested they meet before he pays ilobolo. Mkhwanazi didn't only meet
MaGwala that day, but he also officially met Sbahle's children. The girl was
respectful but reserved and Melikhaya loved him instantly.
And a month after proposing marriage to her, he went to the Luthuli family to
pay ilobolo for his future wife, Sbahle.

Mkhwanazi requested they have a white wedding before the pre-wedding

ceremonies and the grand traditional wedding. That has been an issue because
Sbahle didn't want that. It became a big issue because even Mkhwanazi's mother
got involved to try and make Mkhwanazi see the bigger picture but he wanted
the wedding first. And so, Sbahle ended up agreeing to keep the peace.

"Is everything okay?" Mkhwanazi asks Ntandoni. It's been a while, he hasn't
seen her in months. After getting in a relationship with Sbahle, he had to cut ties
with her and remove her contacts on his phone.
She keeps eye contact, "can we talk? Even if it's in your car."
He points at the car, "take the backseat." He opens the driver's seat and without
question, Ntandoni gets in at the back. "What's wrong?"
"I saw Sbahle's Facebook story, an engagement ring? A ring after five months?
What is it that I didn't have?"

He knows how it looks, everything is moving too fast but for him, it's not too
fast. Even his mother asked him if he's really sure about marrying her so soon.
But it's not too soon, he's been in love with Sbahle for years, he's seen her, read
her and fallen in love with her over and over.

"You had nothing wrong but I wasn't in a space to fall in love." He responds,
looking back at her. He doesn't want to kick her out and show her hell, he's not
in the mood.
"For ten years Mkhwanazi!" She exclaims.

He looks at his ringing phone, "I know but please, you'll not understand."
She looks at the phone he's holding, "you're not going to answer her call, are
you? We're still talking."

Mkhwanazi answers Sbahle's call, "KaMazibuko?"

"The case is over, when are you coming back?" She asks.
Ntandoni comments, "I wasn't going to take a lot of your time, I needed an
explanation!"
Mkhwanazi casts a single glare at her and responds to Sbahle, "I am on my
way."
"Who's there? Are you with a woman?"
"It's Ntandoni, she had things she wanted to talk about." Mkhwanazi responds
and Sbahle ends the call. He looks at her, "please, go. I don't think there's
anything that should be said between us. You were never wrong or less but it's
me who wasn't in a space of settling down. And when I was ready, my heart
chose otherwise." He tries to put it right.

She looks at him and she can't believe it had to come to this. She was very
shocked when she saw Sbahle's Facebook story. How? And why her? What's so
special about her?

Shintsha married her. Yes, her father played a big role in that, but he ended up
falling in love with her. He'd loved her before since they were teens.
And Mkhwanazi? Five months later?
She thought he'll make her understand but he's playing smart with her! She
leaves, secretly hoping Sbahle hurts him.
She's tried everything, to shake them up and break them up. Hurt her, thinking
Mkhwanazi will give her attention but it didn't happen. It seems now it's time
she leaves this place. If she sells her mother's house, she'll afford starting over
in a new city or village - away from Richards Bay.

Lately she's been feeling full and bloated, like she's not alone and people have
been throwing comments about her weight gain. Last month, she didn't have her
period after three months of them being irregular. These are signs but she
doesn't want to believe she's expecting a child so soon.

Oh yes, she's now legally married to Mkhwanazi but that doesn't mean she
wants to be a mother so soon - she wants to have her traditional wedding first.
The wedding? Mkhwanazi said - intimate and so, he paid for an intimate
wedding. A garden wedding in Richards Bay.
The day she'll never forget. This man came into her life when she least expected
and did wonders. More guests were from the Mkhwanazi side of the family.
Sbahle had her siblings and their spouses, MaGwala and her sons. Amanda
didn't come to the wedding, Gcina was alone with no date. And she had invited
a few of her close colleagues. And Thingolwenkosazana and her husband
blessed them with their presence.

That day, she felt like a true queen that Mkhwanazi has been treating her like.
She didn't think she'd see this day but it happened. She opened a new page with
Mkhwanazi.

Sbahle puts on a robe above her bikini and she looks at herself in the mirror.
Her suspicions grow. Is she pregnant?
She shakes her head and tells herself she'll find out the truth once she's back
home.
Mkhwanazi wanted to have the honeymoon after the traditional wedding but
Sbahle wanted the honeymoon after the white wedding. Considering that Sbahle
agreed to the white wedding, Mkhwanazi had to agree to the honeymoon.

She looks back at him as he walks in dressed in shorts and a floral shirt. "Where
are you going love?" Sbahle asks.
"We're going to the beach, right?"

She shuts her eyes, trying hard not to explode. They're in Maldives for their
honeymoon. This is one of her top holiday destination bucket lists and
Mkhwanazi made it come true. She loves the private island so much and the
resort they're in - it's out of this word! Nothing but perfection.

"What? No, this is a - Me time. Yesterday, you had yours and now you want to
disturb mine?" She turns her body to him.
What has also raised her suspicions of pregnancy, its Mkhwanazi being clingy?
He's clingy like a little puppy and she doesn't understand why because he wasn't
like that in the beginning of their relationship.

They planned it'll be best to have a “Me” time in between their honeymoon.
Enjoy the Island alone and also enjoy it together.

"I am not going to stay here alone and wait for you to come back."
Sbahle grabs her bag, "you also made plans, Mkhwanazi. Can you let me be
alone without you being around?" She wants some time to think and hear
herself thinking.
"I am your husband, why shouldn't I be with you?" He begs, he likes it better
when they're together but sometimes Sbahle gets annoyed.
She doesn't say anything but heads out - no, she's definitely pregnant. He can't
change out of the blue. What about her promotion? A promotion that needs her
to work without losing any focus? Pregnancy will be too much. Too much!

When Mkhwanazi touches her, all the annoyance flies off the window and she
tells herself she's spending time with him.
She has been very happy on this island and its better with her husband around.
If she's pregnant, which it's clear that she is but she's choosing denial. She'll not
be happy but she's certain Mkhwanazi will be over the moon. He doesn't have a
child of his own and right now, they're starting a family together.

"I can't believe we're home." Sbahle stretches her arms and yawns. It's been
long joint flights. She wants to sleep.
He drags the suitcases, "I have missed the children the most. I am sure
Melikhaya will be happy when he sees the gifts we bought for them."
She smiles, she's sure Mkhwanazi will make a great father to their children.
Tomorrow she has to go for her Doctor's appointment and confirm her
pregnancy.

"Yes, they'll be happy."

When the two walk into the house, Mkhwanazi's mother is in the kitchen
making tea. She's been with the children for the duration of two weeks.

"Mama, we're home!"

Mrs Mkhwanazi smiles and looks at her children walking into the house.
"Bantwana bami." And when her eyes lay on Sbahle, she can't hold back but
leaves the tea she's making. And she ululates, dancing around Sbahle. "Aw,
nisebenzile. Siyabonga, bo-Ndonga! Sanda isibongo senu!"

Mkhwanazi looks at Sbahle as his mother goes on with her ululations. Sbahle is
smiling but there's a slight confusion on her face. "What's going on, mama?" He
asks.

She laughs, stops ululations and heads over to her son. She hugs him, "oh, I am
going to be a grandmother. Finally, I was starting to question whether you're
fertile or not. Over 40 years with no children!"

His face changes, it slightly darkens and he looks at Sbahle - she's looking at
him. A baby? A baby? How? How can he have a child because he's not fertile?
The fertility results are still kept in his belongings.

"Is my wife pregnant?" He asks.

His mother smiles, "yes, can't you see how beautiful she is?" Mrs Mkhwanazi
walks over to Sbahle and gives her a tight hug.

Mkhwanazi shakes his head and leaves the two women confused.
He locks himself in their bedroom and paces up and down, undoing the buttons
of his golf t-shirt. What should he do? That baby can't be his baby because he's
incapable of making a woman pregnant.
Did Sbahle cheat on him? No! When and why? He sits on his bed as he can't
breathe. His mind chooses to dwell on Sbahle cheating on him. But no, there
were no signs! But also, women can be secretive.

"What should I do?" He asks out loud and hides his face in his shaking hands.
There's a soft knock on the door, "Ndonga, can you open the door and we'll
talk? What's wrong? Are you scared of failing as a father or maybe you're not
happy? I'll understand if you're not happy, it's not something you should feel
bad about because we didn't plan this pregnancy."

He can clearly hear the confusion in her voice. But what can he do? He's
confused himself. How did this pregnancy happen? Did Sbahle cheat on him?
That's the only logical explanation, she cheated on him. And this suspicion
makes his eyes water but he doesn't let the salty waters conquer him.

He doesn't look at her after he has opened the door. She's holding his chin, "I
need to talk to mama and I will be with you now."
"You're not happy, right?"
"It's not about that. Please, get some rest." He kisses her cheek and leaves her.

He can't imagine another man giving her pleasure. It's only him, he should be
the only man!

"What's wrong, my boy?" Mrs Mkhwanazi asks her son. They've locked
themselves up inside Mkhwanazi's office after he's seen the children and greeted
them.

Before he got married, his mother spoke to him about marriage, being a family
man and what it means. She spoke to him about the importance of not jumping
into conclusion and saying things without thinking. 'A family man should
calculate his words before speaking, because his words may build or destroy his
home forever.' She told him this should be his motto, think before you talk and
act. Don't act on feelings like a young boy. And so, he needs to talk to her. He
needs her advice.

"Some time back, before I got in a relationship with my wife. Her friend and I
went for a fertility test." Mkhwanazi looks at his mother as he tells her about the
issue of his infertility. "I didn't tell my wife about it and so, now I don't
understand how she is pregnant. I am sure that's not my child -"

Mrs Mkhwanazi raises her hand, motioning him to stop, "hhayi, hhayi, never
say such a thing!" She whispers and she's grateful he's talking to her about this.
"Did you look for a second opinion? Mistakes can happen, those people at the
lab are also human. And also, KaMazibuko has been telling me about how
clingy you've become. I think she might be carrying a girl."
He chuckles, a daughter? "No, I didn't look for a second opinion, mama."
She holds his hand, "you're a smart man, my boy. Don't act without a second
opinion. Your wife is someone who's been hurt a lot, accused without proof.
The last thing you want to do is doubt her without a second opinion. You can
even consult gogo uNdlondlo if you can't wait for the Doctors."
Yes! Why didn't he think of her? "Thanks, mama." He doesn't waste time but
grabs his phone. He's never been so grateful about keeping calm. If he doubted
her openly, things would have ended for them.

"Thokoza, Khehla."
He's relieved as Thingolwenkosazana answers after the third try, "thokoza gogo,
I hope I am not disturbing you."
"I am done with what I was doing. What do you need?"
"I have a situation here," he narrates his story to her. "So, I am not sure if -"

Thingolwenkosazana laughs, "What did I say to you? Didn't I tell a child you
should have should be with your wife?"
"But gogo -"
"You were never infertile, Mkhwanazi. That's your child. I remember speaking
to her before getting married, she was already pregnant but she didn't catch that
I was talking about her and the baby in her belly."

Waves of excitement build up in him. A baby? His biological baby? A child?

"Gogo, I am going to be a father?" He laughs, happily.

"Yes, your ancestors have blessed you with a child."
"Thokoza gogo, I should go!" He says and laughs as she also laughs. He holds
his mother's hand, "I don't know what I'll be without you, mama. Thank you."
He rushes out of his office, leaving his mother laughing. He's going to be a
father.

He stops on his tracks as he finds her sleeping. With the back of his hand, he
caresses her beautiful face with no pimples. Oh yes, she once told him about
how beautiful her face becomes when she's pregnant. And he was sad, thinking
he'll never get to see it.

"Oh, sthandwa sami, I can't wait for you to wake up. You're my dream come
true." He kisses her lips and his hand brushes her belly.
His rough laughter wakes Sbahle up, "hey, mommy."
She smiles at him, "didn't you say I should rest?" She holds his hand that's on
her belly.
"I was playing with my baby. I didn't mean to wake you."
She giggles, "I guess you've had your head cleared about whether you're happy
or not."
"I was shocked, maybe like my mom I also thought I am infertile. Over 40 years
with no children," he frowns and Sbahle laughs.
She smiles, "your seed is smart as you're, it was waiting for the right woman to
fertilise."
With a happy laugh, "I am happy and I think we should give our baby
vitamins." He kisses his wife. Oh, what a life! What a journey! How can he
forget the days when he used to dream about a beautiful future with this
woman? This is it, he's living his wildest dreams!

He must have been deceived, he needs to get to the bottom of this and if he
finds out he was deceived, there'll be hell to pay!

Sbahle loves how this man makes him feel, he loves the way she wants to be
loved. In life, she's found true love more than once.

This man, he's what she was made for!

And being here, she believes maybe it wouldn't have happened if her late
husband hadn't tied her - making her lose lovers the way she did until she
realised who's always been there - here before her, her future! Isbopho made it
possible! It doesn't matter what others say… This was her journey and her
journey included Mkhwanazi - her friend's ex-boyfriend! No girl code stopped
her destiny. With him, it's forever and always…