A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

Prologue.
A headscarf wrapped around her head, a black dress
that MaMsomi came with yesterday because she didn't
even plan what she will wear on this day that she
buries her husband. They said that's how a widow
dresses at her husbands funeral. It makes no sense
because with all that she's wearing, she still feels naked
and bare without Mkhululi.
Mkhululi wasn't a perfect man, not to her and the
woman sitting next to her are proof that Mkhululi
wasn't a faithful man. He cheated, came back and
asked her if he could marry one of this side chicks and
she'd always hesitate, stall but eventually, he'd get his
way and end up marrying his side chick. 4 of them are
seated next to her, crying their eye balls out like she is
because they have all lost a husband, a companion and
partner but surely, they haven't lost close to what she's
burying today. She's burying her past and all the
memories of her childhood. Mkhululi was more than
just a husband to her. He was a friend, a friend from
Primary school until they grew to be a married couple.
Some had warned her and told her that maybe she
doesn't love Mkhululi because no woman would love a
man who cheats and marries but deep down, down her
soul; she knew they were just moving their lips and had
no idea of how much she loves this man whose laying
in this coffin in front of her.
No, she didn't choose this coffin. MaKhumalo did and it
shows from the flowers displayed.
Everyone has been taking their time to say things
about Mkhululi, how he was such a good and kind
hearted man and how he lived and loved for his family.
It's all true things they are saying. She knows this more
than everyone here but she was told than she wasn't
allowed to say anything. They said widows don't speak
at their husbands funerals but MaNcengwa is already
up there, being held from both sides because she
fainted while delivering her speech. She's also a wife
here but there's politics in the Mthethwa's. Others
were allowed to speak but she wasn't.
But she doesn't miss the opportunity to sing. To sing
for her husband one last time before his body hits the
ground.

She's locked herself in her house built at the far end

corner of the Mthethwa yard. It's the second biggest
after the main house simply to show that she's the first
wife? She's never enquired why hers was bigger than
those of the other wives.
"Ngobekezela Jesu Ngobekezela",
That's the song she sang at the church when Mkhululi
was wheeled out by his brothers. She's singing it now,
crotcheted on the corner of the bed, hugging his
favorite shirt and inhaling his scent. How long will it
take for the scent to dissolve? 24 hours? Then what?
What will she use to feed her nose of his scent?
There's a knock at the door. She doesn't respond. The
door handle moves and her mother walks in with
Nkululeko. He looks at her and drops his eyes while she
hugs her mother and cries her tears on her shoulder.
"It will get better with time", her mother says.
"It will get better with time Thembeka", she keeps
saying.
When they both pull out of the hug, Nkululeko has left
the room.
"Keep strong. Call me anytime and any day. I will leave
Tholiwe with you. She will leave when you're ready",
her mother says.
Tholi is her cousin. A loud one at that but having
someone from home will do her better than be
surrounded by in laws and sisterwives who laugh and
scheme behind your back.
After a brief emotional conversation, Mrs Zungu bids
farewell. It's late.
She along with Tholiwe walk MaZungu and Nkululeko
out.
"Sisi", Nkululeko calls her. She looks at him.
"I'm sorry ", Nkululeko.
She nods and fakes a little smile from the bottom of
her heart. Nkululeko is her 19 year old brother and
doesn't deserve to see her tears.
He drives out with their mother and looks around the
yard.
It's empty. No longer full. Those people who were here
earlier had come to bury her husband. Now they are
gone. Just like how he is gone. The yard is as empty as
her heart is.
"Where to from here Mzala?", Tholiwe asks.
She breaks down because she's been asking herself the
same question ever since she laid Mkhululi down.
Where to from here?
Tholiwe leads her back to her house and helps her
drink sugared water. She calms down and they sit in
silence, on the floor staring at sweet nothings. She's
staring at the memories she made with Mkhululi.
Tholiwe is staring at the pain plastered in this house
alone.

"Why is this house so dark?", someone asks from the

door and Tholiwe walks to open. It's one of the aunts
of the family and she's here to ask for MaZungu who
cried and craddled herself to sleep.
"She's tired", Tholiwe adds after telling her that she's
sleeping but the aunt wants her to be woken up
because all the sisterwives are in the main house to
discuss serious matters.
"It's okay. I'm up", she disturbs when Tholiwe is about
to clap back hard.
She follows after the aunt into the main house.
All the other 4 wives are already settled on the
grassmats. The whole clan is here.
"MaZungu", Bhut'Nkolelo aknowledges her presence
but she's too weak to return vocally, she nods at him.
Her mind isn't anywhere in this meeting. It's far from
whatever the elders are discussing. It's in that
graveyard, worried whether the soil has not befell over
his body or whether the ground pests haven't hurt him.
"MaZungu", somebody calls her back to the room.
"It's unfortunate that you are the only wife with no
kids yet is the head wife. Which therefore puts you in a
position to marry again into the family and produce an
heir which will hold the reigns as Mkhululi", The uncle
says.
"But i have a son, why can't he inherit his father's
wealth?", MaKhumalo.
"Because the tradition of this family from my great
great grandfather Mbhucu says that an heir comes
from the first wife into the family. MaZungu is the first
one and therefore has to execute her duty into bearing
an heir that will rightfully be recognised as Mkhululi's",
"This is not fair. What about our children? Are they not
being discriminated against?", MaKhumalo is the vocal
wife of the 5 wives of Mkhululi. Everyone knows this.
"They are recognised and will get what is due to them
like they have been even when Mkhululi was alive but
an heir is going to inherit ownership of every thing
belonging to Mkhululi and that heir traditionally has to
come from MaZungu. If she can't bear children, then it
can be lifted to a chosen wife by the ancestors",
With that said, silence is mainntained.
"So far MaZungu has no child, who has rights to our
husbands assets?", MaKhumalo.
"She does as a proxy to her unborn child",
"So she inherited every thing?", MaKhumalo abruptly.
It seems so.

It's late when the meeting is adjourned but that's not

how it ended. MaZungu was told that she is to re-
marry into the family through the eldest brother,
Bhut'Nkolelo who resides in Durban and the most
intimidating brother of the family. How she feels about
all this? It has never mattered how a woman feels. It
will not start now. Women have always had to go with
what had been decided over their lives. She will roll
with it. For the honor of her husband and for her
benefit. No husband wants to marry a divorcee. Not in
this culture.

***************************************
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 1.
NKOLELO MTHETHWA.

"What about my life and my own plans? To hell with

them?", he asks his uncles who have never shyed away
from telling him the truth. Yes, to hell with whatever
he has planned and whatever that is keeping him in
Durban, wifeless. Who does he think will help MaBiyela
in this house?
"All my brothers boys don't want to grow up. All of
them", one of the uncles complain. According to
Nkolelo, they are grown. Everyone in the house of
Nyambose has a stable career and has done well for
themselves. That's growth. What growth are they
referring to?
"You should let MaZungu live her life and choose what
she wants to do with her own life", he adds.
"Not with the Mthethwa wealth. Our wealth stays
within the family and you know it. Now, be a man and
go enter your brothers kraal", they say and start talking
about something else.
He knew his views didn't matter in this too. He was just
trying his luck and it didn't succeed.
He walks out of the main house and decides to walk to
MaZungu's house. To do what? He also doesn't know
what he is supposed to say or do. She probably hates
him.
He knocks.
She doesn't open. He knocks again and she asks who it
is, does he say his name?
"It's me", he scratches his head.
The door pulls opened. She draws a grassmat and sits
on it.
"You can sit on the couch", he says to her.
"I'm fine here Bhuti", she responds.
Another reason this whole thing will be hard. MaZungu
recognises him as a brother and he sees her as his
brothers wife. There's never been a case where they've
had an interaction that lasted for more than a greeting
around the yard whenever he has decided to come
home.
"Are you well?", he asks. On a serious note.
"I am well Bhuti, kunjani wena?", She asks back.
He could stand up and sit next to her on the grassmat
and tell her that he feels like dying too. Mkhululi was a
good brother to him. Yes, he was younger but he was
the nost sane and wise brother who had solutions to
every problems he brought to him. They became
friends and spoke everyday. Then he dies and leaves
like that and as if it's not enough, he is tasked with
marrying his wife and playing happy family with the
woman his brother loved. But instead, he just nods as
fake approval that he is also well.
Silence fills them until,
"I have got to go. Have a good day", he stands up and
stretches himself.
"Thank you", she responds.
He heads to the door and stops on his tracks.
"You agreed?", he asks her. That's what he wanted to
ask. That's the reason he came here in the first place.
She knows what he is talking about but why is he
asking as if she had a choice to refuse?
She nods.
He hesitated to nod back but eventually does. If she
agreed then odds are against him. He has to do this
and marry her. Maybe the uncles were right, it's time
he put on the big brother crown and sacrifice himself
for the wellness of the family. He leaves.

He is in his house when his phone rings and Nompilo's

name flashes on his screen. Another tribulation and
challenge will be her. How is she going to tell her that
he is here about to marry his late brothers wife?
He answers,
"Nompilo",
"Awu. Where's the romance Nyambose?",
He smiles. Just the mention of his clan names.
"Nompilokazana", he says.
She cracks to laughter. She always tells him how weird
and funny his pet names always sound. Plus, they
always don't make sense. But he thinks that's how it
should be. All these pet names have no sense, why
refer an old person to as "baby"? Pity, he never wins
the debate because she studied and practices law. She
always has come backs for everything. It's one of the
things that attracted him to her. She will wear her
weaves, carry her expensive designer bags, paint her
long nails and buy a new pair of shoes every week, she
does all this with her money and troubles no one. He
does give her money though, even though she doesn't
ask for it but a woman who provides and flaunts for
herself is his type.
By the time they conclude their call, his mind is
wondering about MaZungu. Did she have any dreams,
if she did, would she wanr to pursue them and make
something better of herself? Is this a question you ask
someone or it's something you conclude from
someones personality?
He feels guilty already. Talking to Nompilo while his
head is filled with questions marks of another woman.
He sits up with his eyes wide opened at the realization
that he has to dump Nompilo.
He wouldn't take two wives. Mkhululi did well by
taking multiple wives which taught him that it's no
childs play. Mkhululi had no peace. He loves his peace.
If MaZungu gets in then Nompilo has to stay behind.
Nothing is confirmed and motioned between him and
MaZungu yet. He won't break anything to Nompilo
until then.
He is disturbed by commotion outside. He blinks. Yes, it
took them long enough to start. Deep down, he knew it
was not going to last- this peace thing doesn't exist in
MaKhumalo's dictionary. She will drag everyone of her
sisterwives wits until she's pleased.
He gets up, wears his tshirt and walks out to see what
is going on.
"You are harbouring our husbands killer and treating
her like royalty. My husbands blood shall speak!", she's
washing clothes on a big basin right outside the main
house. Where Mkhululi got this one, he don't know but
everyone is out here listening to her loud rants.
"My husband dies mysteriously and no one dares to
ask what killed him. My children are fatherless because
of someone in the same yard as we are but we will act
like we can't see right? We will cook and send her food
to eat while my husband is being consumed by ants",
She continues, still washing whatever it is that she's
shrewding with her hands in that basin. He isn't not
sure if she can see that the family is out, listening to
her.
"WeBabomdala, Mam'MaBiyela, nithule ngoba
ningaboni ukuthi uMkhululi ubulewe?", She asks
looking at the mother and uncle who have taken seats
in the veranda.
MaKhumalo is a loose screw and everyone knows it but
what she's doing now will tear the family apart.
"MaKhumalo, please. You're disturbing us", he says to
her.
She laughs and claps dramatically.
"Even you Bhuti? You are falling for this?", she asks
him.
No. He won't hold amy conversation with her.
"MaKhumalo, i said you are disturbing us. Go and rant
in your house", he sterns.
She doesn't budge.
"Thandekile!", he roars.
She stands up and walks, still talking all the way to her
house.
He looks at everyone then returns to his house.
MaKhumalo thinks MaZungu killed Mkhululi. If
MaKhumalo thinks so then all the other wives will think
so and then MaZungu will be accused and hated for it.
He knows this. It's tradition in polygamy. It's even
worse that MaZungu holds all Mkhululi's assets and he
is to marry her. That means he always will catch strays
from these wives and some family members who will
fall for all this.

He doesn't do anything but turns back out of his house.

The yard has maintained it's peace and emptiness. He
walks back to MaZungu's house and knocks.
"Hehehe! Uyothi ngasho!", MaKhumalo's voice shouts
from her house across the yard. He doesn't turn to
look.
MaZungu opens the door and closes it after him.
He can sense she was crying. Her eyes are evidence but
why did he come here?
"I just came to check on you", he says.
She's settled on the grassmat.
"Thanks", she responds.
There's silence.
"Don't mind her. You know how she is", he says.
She fakes a smile and nods.
"I better get going", he stands up.
"Thank you Bhuti", she says.
Maybe he needs to address this now,
"I think you can start calling me by name. We both
know what's expected of us", he says.
She looks down.
"Right Thembeka?", he jokes. She laughs. For the first
time since Mkhululi's death was declared.
"Right Bhut'Nkolelo", She says.
"I said remove Bhuti",
"Nkolelo", she says.
"That's more like it wifey. I will go now", he leaves back
to his house and lays back on his bed.
A RICH WINDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 2.
MA-ZUNGU.

We are both willing to try. It won't be easy and it's not

even easy within a week of my husbands passing, i
already feel like I'm cheating on him. For that reason, i
decided to wake up early to go to his grave. I just want
to talk, talk to someone who won't look at me like I'm
crazy or who won't think i have anything to do with his
death.
I lock my door but MaMsomi is already outside. She's
the third wife followed by MaNcengwa and preceeded
by MaKhumalo. I greet her, she waves and continues
sweeping the yard. I'm not sure if the wives are
supposed to be doing all this. MaKhumalo was washing
a whole washing outside yesterday and nobody said a
thing, now MaMsomi is sweeping the yard like her
husband wasn't buried just last week?
"Ubhekephi weNtombi?", MaMsomi asks. I think she
was still contemplating on asking. She was going to ask
anyways.
"I'm going to fix some things", i respond not to sound
rude but where i go is none of her business.
Bhut'Nkolelo's door opens and he walks out. He's
wearing his tshirt walking towards me. I'm scared and
intimidated by him. I always have been. My husband
is... was the only person i know who had the skill to
hold a conversation with him. Not even the young
one's can hold conversations with him.
"MaZungu, are you going somewhere?", he asks.
"Yes, my husbands grave", i respond.
"Can i go with you?", he asks.
It's his brother but i really wanted to do this alone, talk,
shout, screak and beg his grave with no one spectating
and listening to my feelings but i can do it another day.
He leaves to take his car keys.
"Kade wawumfuna vele", she's up too.
"MaKhumalo, good morning", i greet her.
She looks at me dangerously and charges towards the
main house.
I can never understand how and why she's the one
hating me. Even way before the death of my husband,
MaKhumalo had set a red line between us. She's the
one who took my husband but also, she's the one who
hates. Let me just leave it at that.
Bhut'Nkolelo takes my armpit leather bag that i bought
at MaSikisi's and i follow after him to his car. He ushers
me into the front passenger seat but i turn it down, i
don't want any rumours about us before things are
done right and traditionally. He doesn't ask but ushers
me into the backseat.
He's done well for himself in Durban. He drives a black
Haval Jolion and i heard he has a house in the suburbs
of Durban and his company is doing well. Mkhululi
used to brag about him to his friends and business
associates. He's more well known in business than
Mkhululi because Mkhululi worked behind the scenes
for sone reason.
"You've done well for yourself. He was proud of you", i
say to him.
He turns his head,
"Thank you, you like the car?",
I don't know much about cars, Nkululeko does but i
guess. It's big, beautiful and advanced. I like it.
"Can you drive?", he asks.
"I used to know how to. I've spent so many years, i
think i have forgotten", i respond.
He's quiet.
"Why did you agree to everything?", he asks.
I know what he's talking about. Everyone wants to ask
me that and when i answer, nobody believes me and
then they will have "If it was me", conversations.
I look outside the window and I'm glad he doesn't ask
some more. He knows limits.
.......................................

We are driving back home. Although I'm not familiar

with the route we are using but we just came from the
graveyards. I don't understand why my husband had to
be buried so far from his family graveyards which are
just below the yard. I heard that there were wars and
disagreements on him being buried inside the yard, for
what? I don't know. I was shut out of everything
pertaining his funeral. Only my sisterwives had right, i
didn't because the Mthethwa tradition said so.
I see a big board, Ulundi CBD.
What are doing here? Maybe he wants to buy
something.
He finds parking and parks.
He walks out and opens my door,
"Why are we here?", i ask.
"Lunch. I thought you nust be hungry", he says.
"I could have eaten at home. I'm sure my sisterwives
have prepared food", i say stepping out of the car.
Yes, people are looking at me like they have never seen
a woman who lost her husband wearing black
mourning gear. I'm suddenly not comfortable being
around people.
"Are you okay?", he asks.
"Yes", i respond.
KFC. He's taking me to KFC. It's been a while. Mkhululi
used to take me to these expensive restaurants before
he married me and left me to stay with MaBiyela and
his family here. Then it stopped. I understood too. I
was his wife so there was no need for him to impress
me.
"Can you make it a takeaway Bhuti. I don't want to be
here", i tell him.
He looks around then at me. It kicks into his system.
"Okay. My house or yours because we are having this
together?", he says.
"Mines", i say.
"Why yours?", he asks.
Because... because i'm not ready to be in your space.
He takes our food and we leave.

We arrived home and went straight to my house. He

sat on the couch while i took the grassmat. It's what a
wife does, she doesn't get to see the top of a man's
head they once told me when i arrived here.
I have already plated our meal and served him. I'm not
a big fan of Coke and for some reason, he bought Coke
and Sprite. Sprite, i love.
We eat in silence until we are both done, i stand up
and take our plates to wash them.
"Thank you", he says.
Err... he bought the food.
"For?", i ask.
"For eating with me", he says.
Okay.
"Thank you for the meal", i thank him too. He doesn't
respond but rather rubs his hands together.
I'm more intimidated by his silence. Tholiwe thinks he
is 'fine' and decided to make friends with
MaNcengwa's sisters who is also in the yard for the
same reason she is.
"So we are getting married?", he breaks his own
silence.
I sigh.
"How do you feel about me?", he asks.
I look up then down again.
"Scared",
"I know you're intimidated by me. Otherwise, do you
think I'm husband material?", he asks.
Honestly, i don't know what husband material is.
Mkhululi wasn't my ideal husband yet he was my
husband.
Thank God somebody knocks and asks for him. It's
Thandeka, MaKhumalo's daughter.
"Hi, Thandeka", i greet her.
"Sawbona MaMkhulu, I'm coming to visit you later",
she says and leaves.
She along with most of her siblings used to like my
house. We'd play board games with them and i would
help them with homeworks and stuff. Until their
mother's came together and banished them from
coming to my house because i might poison them.
He leaves with her. I take the opportunity to bath and
maybe try my luck by attempting to cook today. The
other wives have been cooking all along.

NKOLELO MTHETHWA.

He was called because someone is looking for him. He's

been wondering who this person is but his wonders
and senses have left him. Nompilo's white car is parked
on the far extrance of the Mthethwa yard and she is
seated on the veranda with MaBiyela. There's even a
cup of rea and biscuits served by MaKhumalo. This
cannot be happening, it is pure disrespect from
Nompilo.
He greete his mother and asks to speak to Nompilo but
MaBiyela has some good things to say about Nompilo.
He's not interested. Infact, today, he draws the line
between Nompilo and him. He is attracted to her but
attraction isn't on the cards.
"This is a beautiful house", she says when they enter
his house. He closes the door and sits down.
"Nompilo, what are you doing here?",
"The court case was postponed so i thought i should
come and support you during this hard time", she says.
This is going to be tougher.
"I need to tell you something important", he tells her.
"Okay but where is the bathroom here? We'll talk
when I'm freshened up", she says. He's defeated. He
shows her the bathroom corner.
Now what? Nompilo won't take it kindly. She's hinted
that she wants him to marry her and have a family
together one day. Now, he's about to mess all that up
for his brothers wife.
He walks out. Maybe a walk around the area will give
him strength.
A RICHWIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 3.
NKOLELO MTHETHWA.

It's been another long day being a big brother and

resuming his place as the Mthethwa leader. That
means separating MaKhumalo from physical fights
with MaZungu's cousin who was so close to killing
MaKhumalo with her karate moves and also heading
important matters such as the matter of the Ncengwa's
wanting MaNcengwa to return to her home because
they say nothing links her to the Mthethwa's anymore
seeing that Mkhululi is no more. They are crazy.
MaNcengwa tasted the gall juice and agreed to be
introduced as a Mthethwa in the presence of her
family and this family too. To prove that, she changed
her surname at home affairs and uses Mthethwa
instead of Ncengwa so what exactly are they talking
about claiming that MaNcengwa as their child?
As if that's not enough, he has to hold a family meeting
with all Mkhululi's wives and set the record straight on
everything that's been happening. MaZungu cooked
dinner yesterday and no one ate, not even the children
of this home ate except for MaBiyela and her children.
The children have been told to stop going or even
playing next to MaZungu's house because she is their
fathers killer. Who tells children that? MaKhumalo.
It seems they are already gathered in the lounge
waiting for him. It breaks his heart when he sees
MaZungu seated on a secluded grassmat from the
other wives.
"MaZungu, sit next to MaMsomi. There's space", he
tells her. She hesitates,
"Where? We would have a husband if it wasn't for
her", MaKhumalo.
"MaKhumalo, nobody spoke to you. MaZungu", he
says.
MaZungu gets up and sits next to MaMsomi who
doesn't look pleased by this.
He finds a seat too and greets everyone before
starting.
"I called this meeting to discuss the matter brought up
by MaKhumalo that MaZungu is behind Mkhululi's
death. We cannot have those kinds of rumours being
spread around MaKhumalo, if you have concerns, we
have elders in this family. MaBiyela is here, i am here
and if you think we can't help you, you can talk to any
of my brothers or even uncles", he says.
"Are we clear MaKhumalo?", he asks her.
She's wearing a Pink pinafore and the plits of her doek
hanging over her forehead.
"MaKhumalo, are we clear", he sterns.
"No. We are not. Why can she not speak for herself
and clear her name maybe get to even clear her
conscience and tell the truth",
MaKhumalo is stubborn. Everyone knows this. Even
Mkhululi used to complain about her being the
troublesome one of the 5 but right now, she is
disrespecting him and his authority.
"I am the leader of this family. All matters are
addressed by me. Not who you want them to be
addressed by", he tells her.
"Bhuti, With all due respect, It's not your children's
future hanging in the balance. You are addressing
something that you know nothing about", MaMsomi
comes out. Her too?
"What are you talking about?",
"MaZungu inherits everything that belongs to our
children. What do our children get from their father?",
MaMsomi.
He breathes out and looks for assistance from his
brothers in the room but no one comes forward.
"Everyone was inconvenienced by Mkhululi's death.
MaZungu and i were inconvenienced. You were
inconvenienced. The children will still get everything
they got when Mkhululi was still alive. They have 4
other fathers and they have two aunts and 5 mothers.
They will never need until MaZungu bears the heir",
that's how it was explained to him too.
MaKhumalo laughs out loud.
"Can she even give birth?", she asks shocking everyone
in the room. She's unmoved by any gasps.
"Cha, I'm just asking. She's the youngest wife but the
first wife. We all have more than 4 children each from
our husband she has none? Can she conceive?", she
asks again.
Nkolelo looks towards MaZungu whose head is bowed
down. He can't see her face but this question can
surely affect her.
"MaKhumalo, please man! Please!", he stands up and
storms out of the meeting. He didn't know what to say
after that question. Should a womans be asked those
questions publicly like that?
He's angry at MaKhumalo, at Mkhululi for subjecting
KaZungu to all this drama. Wht couldn't he just stay
faithful to her?

"Are you okay baby? How did the meeting go?",

Nompilo.
He ignores her and disappears to the bathroom. She
follows and knocks on the bathroom door, calling his
name. She's making his head spin.
"Nompilo! Nompilo! Pack your bags, you are leaving
tomorrow morning", he yells angrily at her.
Even when he walks out of the bathroom, he lotions
his body and gets under covers ignoring Nompilo's
questioning eyes.
"You are chasing me out of your home?", she asks him.
Is he? Yes. She comes with more and there's already
more. Finding her chatting with the most scheming
wife yesterday was the last straw. Nothing with
MaKhumalo's name ever goes well. He decided
yesterday that Nompilo has to leave.
"Yes Nompilo. I didn't call you to come here. I will call
when i need you but for now, i don't!", he tells her.
She's silent at first. She stands up, takes out her
emptied bag from the wardrobe and fills it with her
clothes and belongings then she walks out to pack
them into her car.
She returns and stands by the door,
"I really thought you could do with my support after
losing the only brother you had a closer relationship
with. I'm sorry for crowding your space and home. Bid
my farewell to MaBiyela and the others", She turns
away.
He gets up and runs after her.
"It's late, you can't drive now Nompilo. I said in the
morning", he telld her.
"And stay more hours where I'm not wanted?", she
asks.
"No. I want you. I didn't say i don't want you", he's
begging her. The last thing he wants is her getting into
some hijacking or road misfortune and her whole
family after him.
"It doesn't matter. Bye", she reverses her car out and
drives off. It's 9pm.
He's worried about her. He called multiple times but
she doesn't respond to his calls
It's been an hour since she drove out and he wonders
if she drove well.
"Qo-qo Bhuti",
It's Mbusisi. His brother after Mkhululi. They never talk
unless it's just greetings and aknowledgements.
He walks in and sits on the wooden bench by the door.
"Bhuti, how are you", he asks him.
How is he? Somebody cares?
"I'm pushing Nyambose. I'm pushing. How are you?",
he asks back. He declares himself alive.
"I'm sorry for your loss", he adds.
"Loss?", he asks.
"I'm sorry. It's the first phase of your punishment.
You've done a lot Bhuti but eventually with the right
women, you will be forgiven", He adds and stands up
and stretches himself.
"She will need you now more than ever. You will need
the other one more than ever. Niyadingana
nobathathu", he adds and exits Nkolelo's house leaving
him trying to piece everything together. It pieces but
the picture isn't clear.
He laughs out loud and claps,
"Usedla amaDrugs yini uNyambose?", he wonders
loudly.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 4.
KWAMANQELE.

When things go wrong, they don't stop going. Nkolelo

was woken up with strange threats from a number he
didn't recognise. Life threats that he doesn't know
where and from who they stem from. He brushed
them away even though they had his me and very clear
that they were meant for his phone.
He finds his brothers under the Mango tree, all three of
them laughing freely. It's the four of them now, no
longer 5. He's also has never been closer to them. He
moved to Durban when he was 28, Mkhululi was 26,
Mbusisi also two years away from Khululi, Mphathi was
21 and Mthandazo 4 years after Mphathi. When he
left, they were closer. He was more closer to Mbusisi,
he related more to him. Mbusisi had dreams like his,
dreams away from Ulundi but for some reason, when
he left, Mbusisi refused to go with him. They grew
away with each visit he made home. They grew apart
until all they could talk about is the weather and how
the Government is failing to deliver services to the
people of Ulundi. He grew more closer to Mkhululi
then who seemed like he understood him.
"Bhuti", they greet him before he does to them.
"BoDingiswayo, nihlezi elangeni", he greets them back.
Mphathi stands up and offers his little wooden bench
for him, he sits on the grass with his knees connected.
"We're trying to get Vitamin F Bhuti",Mthandazo chips.
"Vitamin what?", Mphathi.
"Vitamin F, you wouldn't know. High IQ", Mthandazo.
Nkolelo laughs. He's also never heard that the sun has
Vitamin F. Does Vitamin F even exists?
Mbusisi is quiet. He was talking freely before Nkolelo
came here, now he looks like he wants to stand up and
leave. And he does without saying anything to his
brothers.
"Is everything okay with Mbusisi?", Nkolelo.
Mphathi shrugs. He doesn't know.
"He might be pregnant. He's moody", Mthandazo says.
With a straight face,
"High IQ things", he explains when they look at him.
Men get pregnant?
Nkolelo follows after Mbusisi. He wants to know about
this behaviour. It has been going on since he returned
home. Mbusisi cannot share a space with him for more
than a few minutes than he has to. He doesn't
understand because he clicked with him more before
he followed his dreams and went to Durban.
He finds him watching TV in the main house.
"You still like wrestling. Is the Undertaker still there?",
he asks.
Mbusisi looks at him.
"Bhuti", Mbusisi.
Nkolelo sits down.
"Nyambose, are we alright?", Nkolelo.
Mbusisi looks at him.
"You avoid me every chance you get. Did i do anything
wrong?", He asks.
Mbusisi sighs.
"Bhuti, you have way more serious problems than me
avoiding you. Your problems pile up with every second
passing by", Mbusisi.
"Meaning?",
"Meaning, the sooner you and MaZungu finalize
everything, the better", he says and stands up to leave
again. Now, Nkolelo is more interested and invested in
what he just said. Again, he delivers a message to him.
He is disturbed by another text message,
"AKUNAZINYANE LEMVUBU LADLIWA ZINGWENYA
KWACWEBA IZIZIBA". Another threat.

MaZungu is in. She agreed to be in this with him. She's

not a problem in this whole thing but the problem is
his guilt. How is he expected to sleep in the same bed
as his late brothers wife, a younger brother?
She's humming a Methodist hymn. She sings
beautifully. She's as beautiful as she sings but these
black clothes are making her look way older. Even her
position in the family makes her look older while she's
the youngest wife of Mkhululi's. Why she agreed to
marry and be in polygamy beats Nkolelo. She's a
Durban girl, she could've left Mkhululi, went to
KwaMax and got herself a man and lived happily ever
after. He's sure that's what Nompilo did the moment
she arrived in Durban and that could be the reason
why she isn't answering his phone calls since the time
she left. She's probably entertaining another man and
he's fine with it. Nompilo was not going to work for
him in this journey of life he's embarking on. MaZungu
on the other side seems to be his ally.
Knocks. MaZungu lets him in. She doesn't look at him
more than running her eyes when she gets a chance.
She's scared of him. Everyone is.
"MaZungu, how are you?", he asks her. She's fine.
He really doesn't know what to say to her when there's
so much to say to her. They have to talk about many
things.
"When are we starting the whole process of our
marriage?", he asks her.
MaZungu is quiet before she tells him that she doesn't
know too.
"I think we should work on getting to know each other.
And spending time together. We can't be strangers in
marriage", he says.
She laughs lightly and agrees.
"Therefore, I'm inviting you to a date later", he says.
She looks up only to drop her eyes when they meet his.
"Where is it, if i may ask Bhuti?",
She's not dropping Bhuti. He's accepting it.
"Surprise. I will come and fetch you", he says.
She agrees and he leaves.
A date. In Ulundi. With his brother's wife.
Now he has to think where he will take her.
..........................................

THEMBEKA (MAZUNGU)

The river. That's where my date is. I'm always here

every morning to fetch water but today I'm here for a
different reason, I'm here with Bhuti Nkolelo and he's
carrying a picnic basket. Mthethwa men are romantic.
Mkhululi was romantic too until things happened. I
would've never though Bhut Nkolelo would think of the
river as a date destination but here we are! Seated on
a huge plate rock in the middle of the river with water
moving around us. But his mind is far away. Very far
away.
"Bhuti, are you okay? We can go back home if you're-",
"No. I'm fine", he says.
Great. I'll be eating these snacks he bought.
"Can i talk to you?", he asks.
Of course, i nod.
"I think Mbusisi hates me",
Child, shut up.
"What?", i ask.
"He avoids me, changes direction when he sees me. I
tried to talk to him about it today but he took it to
another direction and didn't even deny that he avoids
me", he says.
Okay. Maybe it's time to play wife already. I sit up and
throw the slice of Lays into the mouth and chew,
"Why would he hate you?", i ask.
He shrugs.
"We were closer than all my siblings. When i left, i
asked to leave with him and he refused. During my
visits, he became distant to me. Now, i think he hates
me", he explains.
This is saddening him.
"I doubt he hates you. Maybe he just feels like you
ditched him when you went to Durban", i clutch. I
don't know but i went through the same thing with
Nkululeko when i moved to Ulundi. We talked about it
and i made him understand that i didn't leave because i
wanted to but i left home because i had to. Maybe he
also needs to have a serious talk with Mbusisi.
"He said he was sorry for my loss. I don't know what he
meant",
That's worrying. Mbusisi never goes wrong with
anything he utters with his mouth. If you don't believe
me, ask anyone in the family how he predicted a death
in the family a week before Mkhululi died. They say
even their fathers death was predicted by him. If he
said that to him then someone is dead or is about to
die. I don't know.
"You need to take him seriously when it comes to
these things. He's very spot on", i tell him.
"Has he went to initiation yet?", he asks.
He's his brother. He is asking me.
"No. Mkhululi said he doesn't need to go into initiation.
He just needs to fix the family alter from the living to
the dead", i tell him.
"Oh", he says.
I finish the first pack of snacks. Next one is the cake.
He's not eating. Men are strong. They don't need food.
He can just think and I'll do the eating for him. He feeds
his mind, i feed my stomach. When again will i be
taken on a river picnic date?

The sun has set. The river is in the woods. It's dark and
scary. I'm regretting even agreeing to come here.
There's animal sounds everywhere around and we are
navigating the woods in the dark.
"Is this the right way home?", he asks.
He's asking me???
"Bhuti, you took me here. I don't know. You should
know", I'm irritated. I'm sorry but i am.
"But you always come here in the mornings", he says.
"So? I come here in the morning. Not at night. How am
i supposed to see when it's so dark?", i ask.
He doesn't respond.
An owl sound auds loudly and i scream and grip on his
hands.
"I'm never going on any dates! Not even with Jesus
himself!",
He laughs.
Why is he even laughing??
Is this funny to him?
"Bhuti, we could die here! It's night. We don't even
know where exactly we are in the woods", i cry and
crawl a stone leaning on a tree.
He sits too and sighs.
"I'm sorry. I thought it would be fun", he says sitting
next to me.
Fun? Child, wait...
"You did this on purpose? You delayed on purpose?",
He did! He delayed us from leaving on purpose.
"I did. Now i really don't know how we can get home",
Men are STU-PID! I can't tell him to his face but he is
stupid! Now we are stuck here and can be eaten by
lions anytime. Okay, maybe not Lions but still we can
be eaten by whales and stuff.
He stands up.
"Get on my back", he says.
What?
"Get on my back MaZungu. I'll get us home", he says.
There's hope in his voice. Whether he's scary or not,
husbands brother or not, I'm getting on his back
because i'm scared and also tired. If i die, it means he'd
be dead too.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 5.
NOMPILO MABASO.
The sands of Mthwalume, it's been years since we
came here. I think a lot has happened since we were
last here, Mkhulu died, Mbutho was arrested,
Thubelihle was shot from gun wars but today, I'm here
to add onto what has happened before we even had to
come here. To bury my daughter. A daughter i didn't
even know i was carrying and I'm burying him without
her father present. Mbutho and Thubelihle want to
hear nothing about fairness. I'm not trying to please
Nkolelo by wanting him to attend to his daughter
funeral but i just think it's only right that i let him know
that with whatever happened between us, there was a
child and that child is no more. Mbutho and Thubelihle
are forbidding me. They clearly and audibly told me to
my face that should he show his face here, they will kill
him. Yes, they will. I don't doubt they can.
There's already a mattress for me to sit on and mourn
my baby. Women are here. MaThabethe's friends I'm
guessing they are and they are looking at me with eyes
of pitty. She died before i even knew she was there,
yes, it hurt that a child died in me but I'm not exactly as
heartbroken as i think i would be if i had known she
was there and bonded with her. I also suffered a few
bruises on my face but it's nothing i can't solve with
Lo'real makeup.
MaThabethe lives here. She's the wife is Babomdala
who died a few years ago whose funeral was the last
funeral we have ever held on the family.
Her friends sang and had tea, they lefy shortly after
eating. It's never to console, it's sometimes to eat but
who am i to talk?
"Uyoke ulukhiphe kodwa loludaka oluzebusweni?",
MaThabethe asks me. It's now me and her on the
mattress, in the room. She has a problem with my
makeup too.
I laugh.
"Never", i tell her.
"We don't know your real face now. All we know is this
thing on your face", she says.
"My face is my makeup", i explain.
She laughs. MaThabethe is rural and a bit old but not
too old. I'd say she's in her late 40s and early 50's.
Which is shocking for me because on Babomdala's
funeral, we all found out that Babomdala was 78. Now
my Maths tells me that if indeed MaThabethe is in her
40's now... then Babomdala was 20+ years older than
her when they got married. But i didn't pass Maths that
well so don't count to prove me.
"Where's the father?", she asks.
I sigh.
"He lives in Ulundi", i tell her.
"Is he coming later?", she asks.
My daughter will be buried at night. Apparently it's a
thing in the Mabaso's that children are buried at night.
Mines wasn't even a human yet. I saw her. She was
scarier than the word scary itself.
"No. My brothers are going to kill him if he shows face.
He doesn't know he has a daughter. A dead one at
that",
She exclaims,
"Nompilo, khuluma kahle. You didn't tell him you were
pregnant?", she asks.
I explain everything for her to understand. She's jaw
dropped when i conclude tbe story. She thinks Durban
is a devils city. Which it is but Nkolelo isn't from
Durban. I can't let her blame the wrong city
"No MaMkhulu, it's Ulundi. Ulundi is a devils place", i
tell her.
She doesn't want to hear my point.
"But he needs to know. Your brothers must be fair",
she says.
I've been trying to tell them. I don't think Nkolelo
would have chased me out of his home if he knew i
was pregnant with his child so atleast he deserves to
know this.
"Fair on who? Wena Nompilo musa ukusihlanyela. If
that man shows up here, buka' i will deal with him on
the spot. I still have friends eWestville", Mbutho busts
us.
"Mbutho, you don't speak like that in front of me.
Where's your respect?", MaMkhulu.
"I'm sorry MaMkhulu but truth remains, Nompilo's
boyfriend is not coming here. He is the reason for all
this. He caused all this and he will get what's coming to
him",
That's a threat.
Are they planning something?
"Mbutho, are you planning to harm him?", i ask.
"I don't want him here. Don't you ever speak to him",
he exits again.
They are planning to harm him. Mbutho and Thubelihle
think my life is their scribbling paper. They want to
poke their nose everywhere. It's been like that even
growing up and my parents let them be because they
are always trying to protect me. Even when there's
nothing to protect me from. I have no doubt they will
harm Nkolelo for this.
"Inkani laykhaya!", MaMkhulu speaks. My mother
enters and greets, she's been busy in the kitchen. I
don't know with what because she can't cook uphuthu
which is what men in this family eat on a dailt basis.
Hloni, our helper is the one who always cooks it back in
Durban.
"What are your brothers scheming about now?", she
asks me.
There. They are planning to murder Nkolelo. Mbutho
was arrested for murder. Well attempted but still,
there's murder somewhere. I need to find them and
plead.
.....................................

It wasn't a heavy funeral. MaMkhulu sang a church

song because she's the only woman in the family who
still goes to church, i was told to say something to her. I
didn't know what to say so i just said my goodbyes and
then i was told to leave with all the women, i don't
know what happened thereafter because there was no
pit dug. I want to ask what happened and where my
daughters grave is.
Thubelihle just walked in.
"Thuba, where is my daughters grave?", i ask. He
frowns.
"Below the garden", he responds sharply.
Okay.
"What are you planning to do with her father?", i ask
him.
He turns to me.
"She has no father", he says coldly.
"Nkolelo didn't know i was pregnant Thuba",
"So? That gave him right to chase you out of his home
at midnight? He killed Nomnotho and he will pay for it.
Keep your head out of it", He walks off.
How bad am i that i just heard my daughters name
from my brother? I didn't even think of naming her.
Nomnotho is a beautiful name.
I'm tired. I want to sleep. I didn't complete my sleep
because we had to wake up at midnight for the burial.
At 06 am, MaMkhulu was here with a tray of scones
and tea, we had to eat. As for my mother, uyajola
umfazi. Ujola ngisho esemzini. Maybe it's my parent's
love that made me picture myself and Nkolelo.

NKOLELO MTHETHWA.

This could be his life every morning. But it's just wrong.
She's sleeping next to him, still in her black mourning
gear. They made it home last night. They made it
aroubd midnight after some time, lost in the woods.
She was already asleep on his back so he tucked her in
and decided to sleep on the floor of her house. Yes, he
could've went to sleep in his house but he chose not
to. The floor got hard, he joined her in bed.
She opens her eyes and they bulge out. She sits up.
"Bhut'Nkolelo", she's alarmed.
"Hi", he gets into his jeans. It's weird now that they are
both awake.
"You slept here?", she asks.
"Innocently, yes. You are not a good sleeper", he says.
She laughs lightly.
"Mkhululi used to complain", she says.
He sits back down.
"You didn't answer me, why did you agree?", he asks.
He wants to know. MaZungu is young, beautiful. She
could've gotten any man she wanted in Durban but
chose to obey and choose Mkhululi even after he
brought several wives after her. It doesn't make sense.
She sighs and stands up.
"Love", she says opening the curtains.
She turns.
"You don't believe me right? You also think i stayed for
money?", she asks.
"No. It's just confusing. You could've left instead of
staying for everything he put you through. He's my
brother but he's put you through a lot", he says.
MaZungu looks at him and sits down too.
"I loved Mkhululi with his habits. Not even MaKhumalo
could take away the love i had for him", she tells him.
He's silent. He stands up.
"I hear you", he says.
"Nompilo. How are they?", she asks him.
Nompilo. She probably blocked his numbers. Her
numbers don't go through.
"We broke up with her", he tells her.
"Oh. I'm sorry", she says.
Yeah.
He cleans the dining room while MaZungu cleans the
bedroom. She tried to stop him but he insisted on
helping her clean.
"Breakfast is ready Ma", one of the children come to
announce. Luckily, they are both finished. MaZungu
boils water for Nkolelo's bath and he takes the water
to his house and baths while she does the same in her
house.
They meet at the breakfast table. Nkolelo seated next
to Mbusisi.
"Nyambose", he greets him.
"Bhuti", he responds.
The family is seated together. Mthethwa family is one
of the biggest families in the whole of Ulundi. 5 wives,
4 brothers, 2 sisters, a mother and 14 children.
Mthandazo and Gcina always dominate the table with
their jokes. Mbusisi keeps stealing glances at him then
looking down when he returns his glances.
"We need to have a funeral", Mbusisi.
Everyone looks at him.
"Whose funeral?" He asks him.
"Answer your phone", Mbusisi.
His phone rings from his pocket. It's a number he
doesn't recognise. He answers it on the table with
everyones eyes on him.
"Nompilo, don't play with me", his voice is excited for a
moment until it dies and he drops the phone on the
table and walks out.
Mpathi stands up to follow him as per MaBiyela's look,
"Don't follow him Mphathi. MaZungu knows her job",
Mbusisi.
There's no movement until MaZungu gets up and
follows him outside.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 6.
MAZUNGU.

"MaZungu knows her job", this child! I had to get up

and follow after a man in his unclear state. It was clear
that someone had died. From Mbusisi's statements, i
had concluded already that someone died but i just
didn't think it would be a child. An unknown child. How
women can be vile and cruel?! She hid a whole baby's
death from him.
He says they have already held a funeral and buried
the baby wherever they buried her. I understand they
were within their rights considering that Nkolelo had
not paid dowry or married the Nompilo woman but
telling him about her baby would have been something
humane to do.
On the other side, MaBiyela is baying that they go and
come back with the baby's remains. She says she does
not care that the baby has already been buried but she
wants her grand child buried in the family graveyards.
Mbusisi also agrees. He says there has to be a funeral
for the baby and that baby has to be on the Mthethwa
side of the family.
They are all demanding things from him and he is just
quietly sad about everything. I'm in his house, trying to
support him because apparently i know my job. I've
already been put on wife duties before I'm even a wife
to him.
He barely slept. I slept here while he was up, staring at
the roof.
"Bhuti, MaBiyela sent this", it's a bowl of maize
porridge. I made it, not MaBiyela but he's likely to eat
it if i say it's from MaBiyela.
He doesn't. I was wrong.
I put it aside and sit next on my grassmat.
"How are you feeling?", i ask.
He looks at me.
I know he's sad but sometimes when you say it out
loud and talk about it, it subsides.
"I'm happy. I'm happy about everything", he chuckles
and stands up. I wasn't fighting with him. There's no
need for him to be as rude.
"I told her not to leave at night. I begged her but she
continued. Now it's all my fault. Her family has
concluded that i killed our baby and they are busy
sending me threats", he says.
Oh- he's talking. Threats?
"She tells me after burying my baby that i have a baby.
What is that Thembeka?",
Name calling now? Child, things, they manukwenzeka.
"She says she's sorry. What is sorry going to fix? Is
sorry going to wake my daughter up?",
It was a girl. He keeps saying daughter.
Yes, that Nompilo woman really did a number on him
and everyone here. I think a new baby was going to
bring about a lot of changes in the family. I think he
would've had to rethink his decision of marrying me.
The Mthethwa's believe in children in wedlock more
than they believe that Jesus is the Lord and Saviour. If
he ended up not marrying me, that would mean that
another brother would be put forward. Honestly, i
don't even want to think that Mbusisi would have been
the next one in line. That one is weird and...connected
to higher realms.

The family is dealing with this current matter of a dead

baby. Mbusisi, Mphathi and Nkolelo are leaving to the
Mabaso's to talk things out with Nompilo's family. I
don't know what they hope will happen because the
baby has already been buried.
I've met Nompilo. The day i cooked dinner and no one
ate , i went to serve Bhuti'Nkolelo and i found her with
MaKhumalo and she was introduced as Bhut'Nkolelo's
fiancè . I found her beautiful but i expected nothing
more than beauty from her. I judged her makeup too
but this one she pulled... I'm glad she looked like she
didn't like me from the onset.

The three Mthethwa delegates have left in Bhut

Nkolelo's car to Durban and I'm headed to my house. I
don't know what I'll do with myself because i spent the
past week with Bhut'Nkolelo. From him taking me to a
date, waking up to his face the next morning, him
spending his days in my house to a point where i
started treating like how i used to treat Mkhululi.
"MaZungu", someone calls my name.
It's MaKhumalo. I take a deep breath. You always have
to do that when you are approached by MaKhumalo.
"MaMbulazi", i say to her.
MaMbulazi is older than me. I heard she was in her
40s. I just had hit 32 then.
"Can we talk?", she asks.
What happened to ranting at midnight for the whole of
Ulundi to hear her?
I want to shut her away but I'm curious. She's not
fighting. I let her inside. She takes a couch and i take
my grassmat.
"MaZungu, i thought we should talk woman to
woman", she starts.
Okay. But where does she get these pink aprons? I
don't like them.
"You do know that Mkhululi had 4 other wives other
than you",
I don't respond. Of course i know. I'm the one who
allowed it. Doesn't she know?
"We all have needs. I think it would be fair that we all
share Mkhululi's things. What will we tell our children
when they ask about their father?",
She has the oldest children of Mkhululi's. Their first son
Lungelo is the oldest followed by Hlengiwe. The other 3
come after MaMsomi's first child. I won't bore myself
with the children's order but hers are old enough to
understand that their father died and left his first
rightful wife inheritance to hold while his older brother
marries her and gets her pregnant and the child that
will come out of that marriage is the one who will
rightfully claim place and carry out all duties carried by
him. But I will listen.
"Atleast you are going to marry uBhuti. He's as rich as
Mkhululi. You will need for nothing",
"MaKhumalo, you were there in that meeting when
everything was explained. If you had questions about
this whole thing, you should have asked. I'm sure they
would have answered you. I have no power over family
traditions. I'm only a wife like you", i tell her.
"Thembeka, you can-",
"MaZungu. MaZungu please",
Yes, i'm younger than her but I'm the senior wife here
and she will serve me the courtesy.
"MaZungu, think about our children. What will happen
to us now that Mkhululi has passed on?",
She's asking me? Am i the one who told her to grow up
and marry an already married man? MaKhumalo must
not test me.
"MaKhumalo, there's nothing more i will say to you", i
say.
She stands up.
"You think it's over. It hasn't even begun. We will get
our share of Mkhululi's inheritance whether you're
dead or alive",
I'm shocked to hear her say that as she exits my house.
Dead or alive?

MPHATHI MTHETHWA.

They are in Durban finally. He would really like to stay

and compliment Nkolelo's house but he really doesn't
have the time to. He has an important appointment
somewhere in Amanzimtoti. He has no idea where that
is but Nkolelo would know.
Mbusisi has disappeared around the gigantic house
and Nkolelo is seated on the enormous couches that
look like they absorb farts. That's how fluffy they look.
He wonders how much they costed him but seeing
everything in this house, their brother must be a
millionaire.
"Usebenzile Bhuti", he says and sits on the couch.
Damn, can he sleep on this?
Nkolelo looks up from his phone,
"Amandla endoda Nyambose", Nkolelo responds.
He didn't mean to throw any compliment.
Complimenting isn't his thing.
"Does uBhuti know where Amanzimtoti is?", he's
asked.
Nkolelo looks at him and nods.
"How can i get there?", he asks.
"I can drive you", Nkolelo.
No. That will not work.
"No. Thank you but i want to go alone",
Nkolelo smiles his confusion.
"Uber. I'll call an Uber. Just tell him where he must
drop you off", Nkolelo suggests.
Uber. Elelwani did say something along the Uber line
but he wasn't interested in it. He's heard a lot of sick
stories about Durban uber drivers. Now, its almost an
hour from their meeting and he has no plan.

Nkolelo requested the ride and indeed, he was outside

the mall. Galleria Mall, he reads the words. He's at the
right place.
He dials Elelwani when he's by the main entrance into
the mall,
"Babe?",
"Call me Nyambose. Not babe. I'm here", he says.
Elelwane laughs. He drops the call.
It's their first meeting. He met her through Facebook
while he was scrolling down, her face popped up, he
sent her a friend request and she accepted it within a
day, he slided into her inbox and they have been
communicating closely ever since but they have never
met until he mentioned that he was coming to Durban
today. She jumped and suggested that they meet here.
He's anxious. She could be very different from the
pictures of hers he saw on Facebook. If she is
negatively different, he will turn and leave her here.
Definately.
But why is she taking so long?
He calls her again,
"I'm wearing a pitch dress", she tells him.
He looks around until he remembers he doesn't even
know what color pitch is.
"Pink?", he asks.
"Pitch", she emphasizes.
"I don't know what that is Elelwane", he says.
She sighs.
"What are you wearing?", she asks him.
Grey brentwood, white tshirt and a white hat.
"I also have a white towel over my head", he adds.
"Oh My God", Elelwane sighs defeatedly.
"Babe?", someone says behind him. He turns.
"Why are you not dressed?", is the first thing he asks
her with a straight face.
"But I'm dressed. You're handsome", Elelwane.
"We need to buy you some clothes. You're as beautiful
in person", he says making Elelwane blush.
Elelwane takes his hand and leads him inside the mall.
"Now tell me, what kind of name is Elelwane? UMabani
uMama wakho?", he asks her.
"Elelwani. It means to remember. Ndi Amba
Tshivenda",
His eyes bulge.
"You speak Venda?", he asks horrified.
She laughs.
"But i can hear Zulu here and there",
"But you are Venda?", He asks again.
He wants to run. Or hide. She nods.
"Yo", he sighs.
A Venda for a girlfriend? Why didn't she say this all
along? It's as important as HIV status before sex.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 7.
NKOLELO.

After being chased off with gunshots at the Mabaso's,

he's been angrier at Nompilo. He texted her and
demanded that they meet. Afterall, she is the one he
got pregnant and not his hooligan family.
Mbusisi is in his newly found heaven which is his room
and Mphathi left as soon as they arrived back from the
Mabaso's. He said he was sorry to leave at such time
but he had to
Nompilo's car parks outside and she walks in. She still
has keys inside so she doesn't knock but enters and
finds him in the lounge.
"Nkolelo",
She sits down.
The last time they saw each other was when he was
begging her not to leave at night only for her to get
into an accident and that was beginning of everything.
"I want my daughter Nompilo", he tells her.
"She's already been buried. I don't know you expect to
happen now", Nompilo speaks.
"Buried where? Is she buried at her home?", He asks
her.
"Yes. No ring no lobolo no child Nkolelo", Nompilo.
"Nompilo, how could do something so cruel? I thought
i knew you but clearly-", he chuckles and defeatedly
pauses,
"I also thought i knew you only for you to go and marry
your brothers widow right under my nose", Nompilo
says.
There's silence as he realizes she knows.
"So you did this on purpose? To punish me Nompilo?",
now he's getting angry because its clear Nompilo did
this to get back at him for whatever MaKhumalo told
her. It's not hard to crack that whatever she knows, she
was fed by MaKhumalo.
"No. I did not even know i was pregnant Nkolelo but
believe what you want to believe. Our baby has been
buried peacefully at home. Can we move past it? I'm
tired of talking about this baby", Nompilo.
That hurts him.
"This baby Nompilo? It's just this baby to you?", he
asks her.
She realizes her mistake.
"I meant Nomnotho", she corrects herself.
He stands up and leaves her there. He gets into his car
and drives out.
It's clear the Mabaso's did everything. They named his
child and buried her all without his presence. He knows
Nompilo is right somewhere, there's nothing he can do
now. That hurts too but it's the truth, he cannot do
much.
Melody Club. It's in the core of Umhlanga, Durban. He
used to come here everytime work gets up to his neck.
He doesn't drink nor dance but sits and listens to the
loud music. That way, his mind cannot focus on
thinking about anything but what's in front of him.
But today's vibe is not giving. They must running some
slow music campaign. He walks out and camps in his
car.
His phone tings. It's MTN telling him about their stupid
deals. He ends up scrolling down the contact list.
It rings and she answers,
"Hello?",
She doesn't have his numbers but he's had hers for
years.
"Thembeka, hi", he says.
"Err... is this Bhut Nkolelo?", she asks.
"Your husband, yeah,"- he emphasizes. She laughs.
"Bathi yi-Inherited Husband. How are things up there
Bhuti?", she asks.
"Inherited what?", he asks amused by the term.
"Inherited Husband", she repeats.
He laughs at it.
"We are returning back tomorrow. I was just checking
if MaKhumalo has not killed you", He jokes and she
gets it.
"Things are a bit messy here. MaKhumalo is adamant
that MaNcengwa is pregnant", She says before guilt
strikes her.
"What?",
"Nothing. Bye", she hangs up.
He tries her again.
"Bhut Nkolelo, i said nothing. Please",
"I called though why are you dropping the call?", he
asks.
She's silent.
"Now what is MaKhumalo saying?", he asks.
"That MaNcengwa is pregnant. I don't know if it's true.
I didn't mean to talk about people's businesses", She
says.
"So you think she's really pregnant?", he asks her.
"MaNcengwa? I wouldn't put it past her. Plus she's
been gaining ever since- Oh lord. Bye Bhuti", She hangs
up again. He laughs at first. MaZungu can surely deliver
gossip and act like she said it by mistake.
Back to the content of gossip. If MaNcengwa is really
pregnant, it would mean she's been cheating on
Mkhululi all along and it would explain why her family
has been wanting her back. They wanted her to return
home to hide the disgrace she has done.
He's calmed down from Nompilo now that he's called
MaZungu. He wants to return to his house.
He calls Mphathi first.
"Nyambose, where are you?", he asks him.
"Phansi konyezi", Mphathi.
"Where?",
"Phansi koNyezi", Mphathi.
"It's Under The Moon baby", a female voice speaks.
"I said call me Nyambose. I'm not a baby. Mii... mtshele
wena",
There's shuffling, it's clear he's with someone,
"Ndaa", the female voice says.
He frowns.
"Ya Sisi, nikuphi? Ngifuna ukuzomlanda", he says.
"Ndi humbela uri vha dovholole", the female voice
speaks.
He looks at the screen of his phone.
"Hello?",
"I meant to ask you to please repeat what you said",
the lady speaks.
Mphathi. Mphathi.
"I want to know where he is. I want to fetch him",
Nkolelo.
"Under the moon. It's in Inanda",
Oh-,
"Okay thank you",
He drops the call and shakes his head. Mphathi hasn't
been to Durban his whole life and he's been here for
only a day usehamba amaUnder The Moon with
women???

MAZUNGU.

Things are messy. My peers would say ziyaHappener at

the Mthethwa's. MaKhumalo has raised some serious
allegations that MaNcengwa is pregnant. She woke up
at dawn and started washing blankets while ranting
out her concerns. I'm serious now, MaKhumalo is my
favorite sisterwife. She started spilling everything
about MaNcengwa's pregnancy and how MaNcengwa
has been wanting to go back to her home because she
wants to hide her pregnancy from the Mthethwa's. I
didn't even know that she had asked for even return
back home after Mkhululi's funeral. Instead of coming
out to defend herself, MaNcengwa has been locked
inside her house ever since. No wonder I've been
noticing some weight gains from sisterwife, she's been
feeding herself some meats while we've been worried
about Mkhululi's death. Fear my sisterwives after
Jesus!
Anyways, i should pay her a visit just to be sure that
what MaKhumalo said is true. One thing about
MaKhumalo, she never lies. Trust me when i say
everything she says is true.
I knock at MaNcengwa's door. She asks who it is, i tell
her it's me and she lets me in.
Evidence 1, she's getting very fair skinned. Another
evidence is her body gains. Lord, her stomach.
"Mnakwethu!", i cry of shock.
I'm shook!
"MaZungu, how can i help you?", she asks.
Remove your apron and let me see the baby bump
mfazi.
"I just came to check how you were after this
morning", i lie.
Can God just drop this apron down and expose the
stomach?
She tells me she doesn't know what I'm talking about.
She knows. I let it go.
I start enquiring about children and what they need.
She's more than happy to count everything. I'll ask
Lungelo to go and buy everything the children need.
I leave as soon as she's done. Umithi uMfazi kaMyeni
wami and things are about to get messy around here. I
know for sure MaBiyela and the family won't be happy
about this. The baby cannot be Mkhululi's because
Mkhululi spent his last 3 months with me.
.............................................

MAZUNGU.

There's really progress between Nkolelo and i in terms

of what is expected of us. We have been sharing a bed
for more than a week now although he complains
every morning about my sleeping. Then he slides back
into my bed the next day.
I'm fixing him a lunchbox for work. He's taken over
Nyambose Farms and is doing a good job with it. I don't
know what's the story with his businesses in Durban
but Mkhululi's are doing very well under him. I don't
know about family though. MaNcengwa is at
loggerheads with the Mthethwa elders because it was
ruled that the child will be regarded as a Mthethwa
and will be raised as such for a reason that it was
produced while Mkhululi was still alive and any child
born in wedlock belongs to the husband of the mother.
She doesn't believe in that, she's been begging and
pleading that they let her go and apparently the baby
daddy is willing to repay the Mthethwa's lobolo
money. It seems she didn't just fling, she secured with
whoever that man is. The Mthethwa's aren't hearing a
thing about it, they say she has Mthethwa children and
none of the Mthethwa children will be step fathered
while Mkhululi had so many brothers. It's a lot of
drama and for it, i will forever stay.
He walks in behind me,
"KaManzini", he says.
I turn and give him his lunch bag. He thanks me.
"I have gossip", he says.
I lead him back to my house and close the door. I fold
my arms and wait on him,
"I think MaBiyela is getting old. She was looking for her
fabric while it wad in front of her, imagine",
What?
"That's gossip?", i ask bored.
He shrugs.
"Haw, why do you look disappointed?",
Boring gossip makes me want to cry really. I can't
believe i ran all the way from the main house for this.
"Qualities of gossip: must be spicy, juicy and
entertaining", i tell him.
"Oh. So my gossip wasn't all that?", he asks with a low
voice. Why is he getting sad??
"Nyambose. Don't worry, I'll teach you real gossip", i
tell him. I open the door, something pulls me back and
my face is on his face and his lips are joined to mines.
He's kissing me and I'm allowing him to.

He left right after kissing me. For the very first time, we
kissed. I'm disappointed in myself. I should've fought it
but the Durban hoe in me just kissed him back and it
felt right to.
I haven't been able to walk out of my house since he
left. I'm not sure if anyone saw that because the door
was wide opened. Imagine if MaBiyela saw or
MaKhumalo. I don't know how I'd deal with it so it's
better i lock myself in my house.
It seems impossible though. There's a knock and it's
Mthandazo. He's carrying a plastic on his hand.
"Sis'MaZungu. Bhuti said i must deliver this to you", he
gives me the plastic bag. I receive it and thank him, he
leaves.
I peep through the plastic bag and finds 4 heads of
Avocado. I laugh. These avocado's look like the ones on
MaShezi's tree. But it's not like i could have climbed
MaShezi's tree to get them myself so in grateful. I'll
thank him when he returns from the farm.
I need a knife and a bowl. That means i have to go to
the main house.
"MaZungu", I'm startled.
It's Mbusisi.
"Bhut'Mbusisi", i respond.
I'm ready to leave the kitchen but waiting for him to
speak.
"I know what you did", he says.
Okay. I'm leaving the kitchen back to my house. These
ancestors must not try me. They kept still when i
suffered. They must keep still even now.
"But i don't blame you. Mkhululi already has 14
children", he says when I'm by the door. I stop. What is
he on about?
"I hope you'll stop it now that you're with Bhuti", he
says.
Prevention. He's talking about prevention.
I leave him.

NKOLELO.

He's happy. Only one person in the whole world makes

him happy. It's MaZungu and she doesn't even put any
effort into making him happy. He keeps laughing at
how she looked so disappointed at his effort to gossip.
Her gossips are fire and funny, this morning, he was
also trying to deliver hot gossip and unfortunately it
did not meet gossip standards. She would know,
MaZungu is the queen of gossip in the Mthethwa yard
and no one knows about it. She serves it hot and takes
no sides in the matter at hand.
"Bhuti, i think we should go", Mphathi.
He hired Mphathi to help him with the admin of the
Farms at the office. He asked for the job because he
wanted to impress his Venda girlfriend is Durban.
He stands up and packs everything and walk out with
Mphathi.
They get into his car and drive out of the offices but
Mphathi's phone rings and he answers it. He speaks to
the caller for a good time until he hangs up,
"I have asked Elelwani to come", Mphathi says.
"What?",
"I want Elelwani to meet my family", Mphathi.
Okay.
"Okay. Which channel does Muvhango broadcast?", He
asks. MaZungu said they will need to start watching
Muvhango if Mphathi ends up marrying this girl, for
communication purposes.
Mphathi gets the shade and doesn't respond.
At first he also wasn't sure about dating outside his
tribe. He never thought he would fall in love so easily
and fall for someone outside of the Zulu tribe even??
But here he is, in love with a girl from the Limpopo
province.

After some slience in the car, he looks at his brother,

"How do you say I'm sorry in Venda", He asks.
Mphathi squints his eyes,
"What are you sorry for?", Mphathi.
He regrets kissing MaZungu this morning. It felt right, it
still does. It's something he's been wanting to do but
now he did it and he's not sure what will the the
consequences. What if she starts avoiding him?
"Just tell me", he says.
"My girlfriend is Venda, not me", Mphathi.
Mxcm.
"You're useless Mphathi", he says.
"I'm not the one you kissed Bhuti. I'm not the enemy",
Mphathi. He saw them.

After he baths, he remains in his house. This house is

no longer the same house he used to enjoy alone. Now
it just feels lonely and missing a part if MaZungu is not
with him. He's scared of going to her house like he
usually does after coming from work. What if he
crossed the line this morning and he ruined everything
with her?
He's contemplated on texting or calling her but he's
scared of even that. She's driving him insane.
There's a soft knock on the door.
He walks to open without asking who it is.
She walks in with a tray of food and puts it on the
table.
"You missed dinner, is everything okay?", she asks him.
"I have a headache", he lies.
"Oh- I'll send one of the boys to go buy Grand-pa from
Abdul", she says with a concerned look.
He wants to tell her he's lying about the headache but
the baby in him doesn't want to come clean. She calls
one of the boys and gives them R10 from her breasts.
Who still keeps money on her breasts?
"For now, eat Nyambose. I'll go clean the kitchen", he
tells her and walks out.
This is why he loves her. Wait... what???

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 8.
NOMPILO MABASO.

Things have not been going well in this family. First, my

father received a call from MaMkhulu that the
ancestral hut back in Umthwalume has caught fire and
burnt to the ground. The current problem is that of
Mbutho's car also catching fire while it was safely
parked. My father insists that this is a wrath from the
underground gang and there fore we are back in
Umthwalume to consult with the family Sangoma so
we can find out of really all this is caused by ancestors
or it's just a coincidence.
We are the the second rondovel in command gathered
and waiting for Bab'Mzimela. He walks in and
everyone's eyes shut dow because this man is not
watchable with human eye. There's ugly and there is
Bab'Mzimela. The uglier the Sangoma, the powerful he
is, i tell you.
He sets up his things at the alters and starts consulting.
I think my father has spoken to him about all that's
been happening.
He turns to us and looks at me.
"You", he points at me. Then he looks at Mbutho,
"And you", he points at him.
"Nc-nc-nc", he says shaking his head.
"Take that child's ashes back to it's family. I don't know
if they will accept their child in ashes but take it back to
It's family", he says with pity in his eyes. He's talking
about Nomnotho. How can it be their child if he hadn't
married me?
"He paid nothing Mzimela", my father speaks.
"It does not matter. Buyiselani ingane kubo", he says.
No one says a thing. Why are my brothers quiet now.
Weren't they leading the whole operation to keep
Nkolelo away from his child?
Bab'Mzimela looks at Mbutho and shakes his head.
"What is it Makhosi?", Mbutho asks nervously.
Bab'Mzimela laughs.
"Your child will be a replacement for her child. You
both messed with the wrong set of ancestors", he says.
He packs his things into his leather bag,
"The sooner that child returns to It's home, the better
for everyone. Mabaso, kuhle konke", he says to my
father and leaves. I've never met an arrogant Sangoma
like him.
But we are here, what are we supposed to do now?
"I don't understand. That boy paid nothing which
means that child belongs to us", My father says.
"We all heard Mzimela Baba, he's never led us astray",
MaMkhulu responds.
"Mbutho, you have a child?", My father again.
We all look at him.
He stands up and takes out cigarette and walks out of
the hut.
He does???
Thubelihle follows him.
"You think he-", My mother pauses her thoughts.
My father is long past that.
"Nompilo, call your boyfriend and tell him he got away
with it", my father says and storms out.
"He's not my boyfriend anymore", i tell his shadow.

Now i need to call Nkolelo and tell him to come and get
our child's body. Body? Mzimela said ashes.
"Ma, Mzimela said ashes not body. What did he
mean?", i ask her.
She stands up and leaves without answering me.
MaMkhulu does the same.
Did they cremate my child without me knowing?
I storm out to where Mbutho and Thubelihle are. They
share a room in Umthwalume.
They are holding a serious conversation.
"She was married. I knew she was married", Mbutho.
"Where's her husband?", Thubelihle asks him.
"He died a few months ago", he responds.
So Mbutho got a married woman pregnant??
"You slept with a married woman? Animusabi uJesu
Mbutho?", i walk in and his eyes bulge out.
"Nompilo", he says.
"I heard everything but it's none of my business.
Mbutho and Thubelihle, was my baby cremated?", i ask
them.
They look at each other.
"Nompilo-",
"Was my baby cremated Thubelihle?", i ask again.
He nods.
Why was it hidden from me? That baby was mines and
everything should've been discussed with me.

MBUTHO MABASO.

He was sent by his father to a formal meeting in

Ulundi. He rarely attends those tie and cream shirts
meetings, usually Thubelihle would attend them on
behalf of their father should he be busy but Thubelihle
wasn't around that week and his father was also not
around to attend that meeting and so he had to take
one for the family and attend.
He was booked into Intibane Lodge for his stay and he
was ataken by the beauty of Ulundi. It seemed
interesting to him that he left the Lodge and drove
around the area and ended up in town. Spar. He
wanted to grab something to nibble on and that's
where he saw her. She looked the Ulundi part with a
headwrap and long dress but that didn't matter, her
face mattered more. He followed closely behind her
and she noticed and turned,
"Bhuti, are you looking for something?", she asked.
"Yes, I'm looking for a beautiful woman like you", he
responded. It's in the Mabaso blood- the sweet tongue.
She didn't smile or react but instead looked pissed by
his statement.
"Mbutho Mabaso", he introduced himself.
"Mabaso", she said and showed him her ring that
meant to tell him that she is married. But he didn't
care. The complicated the woman, the funnier the
game is.
He continued following behind her even then she
ignored him, he paid for her shopping bags and when
they walked out of Spar, she stopped walking,
"My husband will see you", she said to him.
"I see you now. Can i get your name?", he asked of her.
She shook her head and responded.
"Nosiphiwo Ncengwa", she said.
"Ncengwa is your husbands surname?", he asked her.
"No",
He didn't ask further. If a married woman introduces
herself with her father's surname, shit is real.
They exchanged numbers and kept in touch and his
stay in Ulundi was elongated for about a month and in
that month, Nosiphiwo and him had performed what
MaMkhulu would call adultery.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 9.
MAZUNGU.

We have a special dinner at the Mthethwa's. Mphathi

is finally introducing his girlfriend to the family. They
haven't arrived but Nkolelo says they are not too far.
He booked his girl at a lodge during her stay. I wonder
why. I can't wait to put a face to the girl who has been
driving Mphathi crazy but more over, i can't wait till
MaBiyela finds out that she's not Zulu but Venda. It
should be a moment to remember.
There's a car pulling up. We sit in silence. Nkolelo looks
at me at the same time I'm looking at him, he winks
and i wink back. It's our language. Sometimes we speak
with our eyes.
Then Mphathi walks in hand in hand with a tall, dark
and handsome girl. She's err... never mind. No. How
did Mphathi let her come here with that dress
revealing her left thigh?
"Mama. Family, this is the woman I've been telling you
about", he announces her.
Silence.
"Her name is Elelwani", he adds to the silence. Why is
everyone quiet???
I stand up from them chair,
"Hi Sisi. Nice to meet you", i handshake her because
i'm not sure if a hug is allowed when you're still in
black. She smiles nervously.
"You can sit there", i point her to the 2 reserved seats
for her and Mphathi. They sit down and silence is
maintained. This is weird. I don't know why everyone is
quiet but there's no way I'm letting them ruin
Mphathi's mood.
"Elelwane, how was your trip Sisi?", i ask.
She's nervous. He's holding her hand.
"It was well", she says.
I wish she said that in English and not attempt Zulu.
Now everyone is looking at her with funny faces.
"And him? He's treating you well?", i ask.
She nods first,
"Yes. He does", she looks at him. He smiles.
Automatically, i turn to Nkolelo. Why is he always
looking at me at the same time I'm looking at him? I
drop my eyes.
"What is your surname girl?", MaBiyela finally speaks.
But she started with a very bad question.
Elelwani looks at her man,
"Rambudzani. Elelwani Rambudzani", Mphathi.
The three husband snatchers start laughing. Even the
one pregnant with another mans child while staying in
another mans house. If i were her, I wouldn't even be
here showing my face.
MaBiyela stands up and walks out of the table.
Mphathi looks down. He's hurt. I look at Nkolelo. He
needs to do something.
"Umh... it was nice to meet you MaRambudani", he
says. Lord, it's-dzani. Rambudzani.
"Yes, it's nice", Mthandazo and Mbusisi. The 2 sisters
are quiet along with the 3 husband snatchers.
She nods.
I think i should save her.
"Elelwani, can we take a walk outside Sisi?", i ask her.
She looks at her man. He looks at me and nods. I look
at Nkolelo.
"Fix it", i teeth to him and walk out with the girl hoping
when i return with her, MaBiyela will be back and
everyone would come to their senses and stop messing
this dinner.
……………………………………………………………

Yesterdays dinner went quite well under the situation.

MaBiyela returned to the table and kept her silence.
It's clear she doesn't like her new daughter-in-law. I
think she's a nice girl although i don't know her that
well.
But this morning, i was woken up not by MaBiyela's
chickens but by a man's phone he kept dropping. I
decided to head to the kitchen to start with breakfast
preparations. He followed me and offered to help me.
"Peel the potatoes", i tell him. He takes a potato head
and starts cutting it into half. I fold my arms and look at
him,
"What?", he asks with a straight face.
"Peel, not cut Nyambose", i say.
"It's easy to peel when they are in small pieces", he
explains. No. It's fine. He can boil water for tea and sit
down while i prepare everything.

Within 30 minutes, I'm done. The husband snatchers

are already seated at the table. I guess they gave up
their operation to stop eating food cooked by me. They
were munching their faces with food i cooked at last
nights dinner. MaBiyela and the rest of the family joins
the table.
We set everything in the table. Nkolelo is hands on.
When i do something, he wants to do it too for some
reason.
We sit and MaBiyela does a short prayer.
"MaBiyela", Mphathi.
He doesn't look happy. He's never said a thing since he
walked in.
MaBiyela mums a response.
"I didn't like what you did yesterday. Elelwani is a nice
girl", Mphathi.
I look at MaBiyela's side.
"Okay", MaBiyela.
Aibo Gogo, that's it?
"I will bring her back later. Please Mama. MaKhumalo, i
ask for respect from you", Mphathi.
"What did i do to your girlfriend?", MaKhumalo.
She can't shut up. That... she cannot do. MaKhumalo
would rather die than let anyone have the last word
against hers.
Mphathi keeps his silence and continues eating. Okay, i
don't think MaBiyela will listen to what he just said.
It's silent with everyone busy with their food.
"Hello everyone", someone greets from the door.
It's errr... the baby mama. Her nerve to show face after
what she did.
Nkolelo's jaws clench.
Nobody has responded to her greeting. I think we are
all shocked by the amount of makeup on her face. I
swear she's hiding inkunzimalanga yeScar under that
makeup. No one would just wake up to apply so much.
"Hey. You're back", her friend MaKhumalo greets back.
Nkolelo stands up furiously and pulls her by arm out.
Now my focus isn't here but outside. I want to know
which Sangoma she went to that gave her so much
liver to show face at the Mthethwa's after what she
did, burying their child without consent.
She left. He's in his house looking like he has the
worlds problem on his shoulders. I brought his food to
him. He had not finished eating when she arrived.
"I brought you food", i place it on the table.
"Thank you", he says.
I roll the grassmat and sit down. I'm waiting for him to
do the same. There. He gets off the couch to sit on my
grassmat.
"They cremated her", he says.
What?
"Who?", i ask.
"Siqalosikayise, they didn't just bury her. They burnt
her under-developed body and buried her ashes", he
says.
Nompilo and her family must be devil worshippers.
Burning a tiny baby to ashes? That's another level of
devil worshipping.
"They want to return the ashes so we can bury it on
our graveyards. I called Babomdala, he says cremation
is against family traditions and her ashes cannot be
buried with the family or else I'll be causing problems
for myself",
He really sounds defeated as he narrates.
"Talk to Mbusisi. Perhaps there's a way you can do
things", i tell him.
He freezes a gaze at me.
"What?", i ask.
"You always have the right solutions", he stands up and
leaves me in his house probably to talk to Mbusisi.
I give it to this Nompilo. The only thing she's good at is
ruining Nkolelo's life and plastering her face with
makeup.
Why am i eating his food??
He won't eat it anyways, he's too stressed to think
about eating.
He left his phone and it's ringing. I pee out the door, i
won't make it to Mbusisi's house.
"Hi, Bhut'Nkolelo is not around. Please call in 5
minutes", i say ready to hang up.
"The loose widow?", a woman speaks.
Loose widow??
"Askies?",
"Is this the loose widow who failed to keep her man
happy now she's all over Baba KaMnotho?",
I look at the caller again,
"No wonder your name is saved as 'Iscefe Nuh' on his
phone. Call him back in 5 minutes Sisi", i hang the call
up. She's Nkolelo's whatever she is to him and it must
end there. She must not try think she can say whatever
to me.
And no, i lied. The number wasn't saved.

He returns and sits on the couch.

"Any solution?", i ask.
"I didn't go to him", he says.
Okay.
"He's not around?",
"No. I'm not taking Siqalo's ashes from Nompilo's
family. They did everything without me or my family,
they must continue with it and leave me out of it", he
says and rests his head on the couch edges facing the
roof like he's found a solution to all his problems.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 10.
MAZUNGU.

I was preparing lunch for Nkolelo when MaNcengwa

walked into the kitchen. Her stomach is really growing.
You can tell she's even started to wear over sized
aprons, i think it's a boy. Is it a boy when one just
becomes beautiful and fresh? Her skin is getting
flawless. Now that she's here, i have so many questions
i want to ask her. Where she met her man, where does
he work and maybe how old is he and how many wives
does he have seeing that Sis is attracted to married
men too.
She opens the fridge and takes out a cake. She cuts a
very large piece and puts in on a saucer.
"How is the pregnancy?", i ask her.
"Why do you care?",
Maybe because you are feeding your cravings with a
cake i baked with my hands.
MaKhumalo walks in right when she's seated down and
enjoying her cake with a fork.
Isukile.
"Aw. Ababelethisi", MaKhumalo is the queen of shade.
MaNcengwa doesn't respond.
MaNcengwa must not ruin my day by being a coward,
"So vele you went and slept outside while our husband
was sick?", MaKhumalo.
Point of correction honorable member!
" MY husband. I'm the traditional and constitional
widow", i interject. I just felt i needed to fix that line.
"MaKhumalo, leave me alone. I didn't say you must
look like a dark pig and be unapproachable by men",
MaNcengwa.
Is she proud of what she did? Wth?
"Unapproachable is you munching food at your inlaws
while pregnant with a child of another surname",
MaKhumalo fires back. Azikhale, let them cry.
Where's the stool? i need a seat for this. I grab one and
sit.
"Atleast I'm not a witch", MaNcengwa speaks back.
Interesting point MaNcengwa but it's incomplete.
"Are you calling me a witch?", MaKhumalo asks
fastening her apron. It's witch and bitch fight. If she
hits her, i will walk out and slide under my blankets and
tell everyone i wasn't around.
"Abongwe, we both know why he's like that",
MaNcengwa pushes the remaining piece of cake down
her throat and throws the saucer inside the sink.
MaKhumalo looks guilty. What did she do to
Abongwe?
I follow after MaNcengwa to my house. Nkolelo slept
here. He's dressed up and looking at himself in the
mirror. He looks unconvinced by something.
"You won't believe what just happened", i tell him.
"What?",
"Firstly, do you know what happened to Abongwe?", i
ask.
"His mental health?", he asks.
Well i know MaMsomi's soon is a bit slow minded but
it can't be that.
"I don't know but there was a fight in the kitchen. I was
referee",
He frowns, wait for it myeni wefa...
"MaNcengwa and MaKhumalo. MaNcengwa was there,
feeding her jacket unborn baby cake when MaKhumalo
walked in and threw shade. Zathathana and
MaNcengwa had the last word. Guess what she said?",
i ask. That's how you add spice and life to gossip! I
hope he's taking lessons.
"I don't know",
"She said MaKhumalo was a witch and that she was
responsible for whatever happened to Abongwe,
MaMsomi's son", I tell him.
He's thinking.
"What do you think she did?", i ask.
He shrugs. Mxcm.
"I'm never telling you things. You are supposed to be
making up theories", i tell him. He laughs.
"I'm a numbers person", he says.
"How many witch spirits do you think are in
MaKhumalo?", i ask.
He laughs. He said he was a numbers person.

He looks disturbed by something in the mirror though,

"What is it?",
"I don't know. I just feel like something is wrong in my
outfit", he says.
Okay. He chooses his outfits, i just iron them. He looks
fine to me though.
"You look fine to me",
He smiles,
"You're sure?", he asks.
"Yes",
Then he's done.
His phone beeps, he checks it.
"It's Nompilo, she says her MaMkhulu has passed on
because of me",
He sits down.
"How are you to blame?", i ask.
"She said something about Siqalo's ashes causing
problems within her family",
That's quite scary. But what will he do about it? A
woman has died all because he refused to take his
daughters spirit on time.
"I think you guys need to go and take Siqalo's ashes
before things get worse. Talk to Mbusisi", i tell him.

MBUTHO MABASO..

The whole family is at Umthwalume where MaMkhulu

will be laid to rest. The mood is tense between
MaMkhulu's family and the Mabaso's. They are
blaming them for the mysterious death of MaMkhulu.
MaMkhulu called his father a day before she died and
told him that she hears two babies crying and she said
they cry from the burnt hut. His father was planning on
coming down the next day to consult Mzimela, he
received a call from the neighbor's that MaMkhulu was
found lying dead in the same hut.
The Dr's say she was strangled to death and there's an
ongoing investigation but MaMkhulu had no friends,
only her church mates and they rarely visit her. It's
clear that this has to do with Nompilo's baby whose
father refuses to come and fetch her. What is next?
Who is next?
Thubelihle is somewhere in the yard, carrying out
duties. Mbutho decided to disappear from the crowd.
He needed to think.
I'M SORRY ABOUT YOUR AUNT.
It's a text from Nosiphiwo. He decides to call her.
He feels peace and hope when she starts telling him
that she's started cravings.
"What are your in-laws saying? I want to be part of our
pregnancy", he says.
She sighs.
"They still rule that i can't leave but my family is still
trying to negotiate with them", she responds.
"Okay. I hope they are successful. I can't wait to spend
my life with you and make you guys my family", he
says.
She giggles.
He's in love with her, no secret. Her family should
negotiate whatever they need to negotiate with her in-
laws. He is prepared to pay for whatever fines they
want him to pay for both Nosiphiwo and their child.
After the call, he remembers to make another
important call,
"Make sure there are deaths and casualties. He must
feel what my family is feeling", he says once again and
drops the call. Nompilo's boyfriend must feel the heat,
maybe his head will work straight after this hit and he
will be inspired to come and get his daughters ashes,
the daughter he killed by throwing Nompilo out to
drive at night.
ry.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 11.
MAZUNGU.

Everyone is already settled down except for Mbusisi.

He is said to have been locked inside his house the
whole day.
MaBiyela dishes food for him and sends Lungelo to
deliver it to his house and the remainders, she prays
and we start eating.
"MaBiyela, we are going to get Siqalo's ashes this
Saturday", Nkolelo.
He spoke to Mbusisi and he told him that there's a way
they could bury the ashes but he didn't explain much
to me.
"Okay", MaBiyela responds.
"MaNcengwa, how is my grandchild?", MaBiyela.
MaNcengwa rolls her eyes first. I don't understand why
they don't let her go. It's clear she doesn't want to be
here anymore but Mthethwa's aren't just people who
think like i do.
"It's fine", she says faking a smile.
I feel eyes on me, i look at him. He's looking at me, he
looks away when i look back at him. I don't know
what's happening between him and i but i enjoy his
company. And his kisses. MaKhumalo looks at both of
us and releases a sarcastic laugh. Tomorrow morning,
she will wake up and wash her clothes outside singing
things that are not her business.

There's tyres screeching outside and then it's gunshots

and breaking windows. Everyone starts screaming. I'm
suffocating under someones body and we're on the
floor, screaming.
What's happening?? The gunshots are not stopping,
they are still shooting and it's definately aimed at this
yard.
Nkolelo pushes me under the table and stands up,
where is he going?
"Nkolelo!", i cry.
"Stay there KaManzini",
He's walking out amid the shots fired, Mphathi follows
after him and so does Mthandazo. Now we are
screaming for them to come back.
The gunshots have died down. The men haven't
returned back inside. I need to know where Nkolelo is.
I step out from under the table and charge out
shouting his name,
MaMsomi follows me out.
"MaBiyela!", MaKhumalo cries.
She's trying to breath properly, MaMsomi returns to
help MaKhumalo with MaBiyela. MaNcengwa is on the
floor breathing heavily. I'm in the yard looking for
Mthethwa men.
The whole neighborhood is watching through the gate.
The men are bent in the middle of the yard. My eyes
trace to a broken plate of food.
My heartbest changes, i walk further towards them.
Nkolelo sees me first they all stand up.
Nkolelo wants to meet me halfway but i want to see
for myself, i walk past him.
"Lungelo", i call out his name.
"Lungelo!", i shout again.
He has three bullet holes on his chest and is gagging his
own blood. I feel arms hugging me from behind.
"He's no more", Nkolelo says.
I break out.
I see MaMsomi rushing out also screaming for help.
Nkolelo takes me to his house. I cry on his lap. They
killed Lungelo. A child killed like he was a monster.

I wake up, it's in the middle of the night. My head is

buzzy with all the gunshots i heard earlier, the whole
scene of women screaming and hiding from bullets to
Lungelo's body laying on the ground covered in it's own
blood and scattered food that he was sent to give to
Mbusisi. I shut my eyes and reopen them. The same
feeling returns, feeling of a child loss.
These children may not be from my womb but trust me
when i say every child of Mkhululi's has a place in my
heart.
Nkolelo is not in bed. I need to check how things are at
the main house.
I'm welcomed by MaKhumalo's loud crying. My heart
goes out to her mostly, Lungelo was her first son whom
she loved dearly.
They have already set the living room and are all
seated on the matress except for the pregnant wife
who is seated on a separate grassmat next to them.
I can't look at MaKhumalo in the eye so i just walk in
and sit join them on the mattress silently.
"MaZungu", she speaks. Her voice is pained.
I don't respond but rather look at her.
"You did this, right?",
What??
"You killed my son for money", she says.
Why are they not rebuking her?
"Speak the truth MaZungu. You killed my son because
you know that if you can't give birth, there are high
chances that my son would be chosen to benefit from
Mkhululi's inheritance", MaKhumalo.
I'm hurt. That's how low she thinks of me. I loved
Lungelo. She knows this.
"Speak the damn truth! You killed my baby!! You killed
my baby!", she shouts and pulls my shawl roughly,
MaMsomi pulls her away. I walk out in tears because
really.. i cannot believe she blames me for the death of
her son. A son i practically raised with her. I was there
when Lungelo was born, i was there when he started
and finished school! When he graduated, i was there
with her at his graduation ceremony while Mkhululi
was entertaining MaMsomi pregnancy. Today, she
thinks i would hire men to come and shoot everyone in
order to kill her son?

I hear the door open and strong hands hugging me.

"I'm sorry", he says.
"MaKhumalo thinks i killed her son", i tell him.
"What?",
I cry.
He rubs my back.
"I swear to find whoever did this MaZungu. When i find
them, they will-",
He stops.
"Shh-shh", he shushes me.
His chest makes me feel sleepy.
"I will find them. They won't get away with spilling a
Mthethwa blood", he threatens more.
"MaBiyela is hospitalized because of them",
MaBiyela?

NKOLELO.

MaZungu fell back to sleep. He couldn't sleep. Not

when he doesn't know who those men are and what
they wanted from them. He of all people know that
this kind of hit is always personal and never just a
coicindence. He's been trying to list his enemies but all
of them miss the qualities to pull off a hit like this.
Lungelo's blood is still reeking funnily in his nose.
He steps out of bed, slips into MaZungu's morning
shoes and walks out. Yes, it's 02am but he needs
answers. Mbusisi has answers.
He knocks multiple times before Mbusisi finally gets
the message and opens.
"Who are they and why did the ancestors let them kill
Lungelo?", he asks.
Mbusisi takes a chair. His house is not as cosy as
everyones in this yard. It has no couch or tv but a
simple radio and two chairs and a table, his bedroom
only has a bed and a small cosmetics cabinet and a
loose large mirror.
"Mbusisi, why?", he asks sternly.
Mbusisi shakes his head.
"Bhuti, why do you think i stayed behind all those years
ago when you asked to take me with to Durban?",
Mbusisi.
It's besides the point of the conversation at hand but
he shrugs.
"You remember how we dreamt, both me and you. We
had plans", Mbusisi.
He doesn't say anything.
"You think i wanted to stay behind? You think this...
this is what i wanted? You think i love all this Bhuti?",
Mbusisi asks weighing himself and his whole house.
"No. I don't like it but i had to choose it. I had to
choose it for you, for Bhut'Mkhululi, for MaBiyela and
for everyone", Mbusisi says before he lets out a scoff.
Nkolelo is now listening because this feels like a
conversation that has been hanging over their heads
ever since he returned from Durban.
Mbusisi stops talking,
"Bhuti, do you need water?", he asks.
Now, he's stopped talking.
"No",
"Someone had to die Bhuti. You need as many allies in
the after-world to help you for what's coming. That's
why it's important that Siqalo is fetched and buried
along with Lungelo. Tell me, how many have you killed
Bhuti?", Mbusisi asks.
This is taking an unexpected turn. He won't answer any
of Mbusisi's questions. He will not answer to anyone
about anything that has to do with his life in Durban.
He only had himself and his dreams in Durban and
everything he did, he did so he can be who he is today.
He stands up,
"With the right women, i believe there's hope for you
Bhuti", Mbusisi walks him out with those words.
If Mbusisi won't tell him who those men were, he will
find them himself.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 12.
MAKHUMALO MTHETHWA.

"One last push! One last push Ntombi!",

She used her might and her last power and contracted
her stomach, pushing out and finally, she felt relieved.
He was out and crying. She couldn't see anymore, she
was tired and so she blacked out.
When she opened her eyes, there stood Mkhululi next
to a girl she didn't recognise. The girl was holding her
baby and making baby sounds and the way they stood,
it looked like a family picture.
"Hi", she got their attention. The girl greeted her back.
"He's a beautiful boy", she said.
"How are you?", Mkhululi finally asked her. She
couldn't respond. All she wanted was to know who this
girl was and why did she have her baby on her arms?
"Can i have my baby?", she asked. She was given her
baby and she named him Lungelo for he was her right
of way into being Mkhululi's wife. She was 27 and
ready to be a wife. Who was going to marry her with a
child except for him, the father of the baby?
"Thembeka, this is Ntombekhaya. The mother of my
son", he said. Atleast he mentioned that.
The girl smiled, then he looked at her, straight in the
eye and said,
"This is Thembeka, my-",
Lungelo cried and blocked her ears and that
introduction was not completed. She never got to hear
what the girl was in Mkhululi's life.
Mkhululi was there for her and Lungelo. He was a
present father and gave her hope. He loved his son and
his son loved him back. He had never heard or seen the
girl again and she was convinced that she was still the
only woman in Mkhululi's life. The previous 3 years
with Mkhululi was not going to be ruined by some
young girl who looked like she was not even done with
high school.

It was in the third year after Lungelo was born.

Mkhululi had been away for a month, he called and
checked up on her and Lungelo everyday. He had left
Babanango and went home to Ulundi for something
important as he called it. One day, he called her and
told her that he had sent someone to come and fetch
both her and Lungelo. There she thought, she was
finally going to be introduced to his family and then he
was going to marry her and Lungelo was really going to
be her right into the Mthethwa yards. She packed and
Mphathi rocked up to fetch them. It was the first time
that she met him. He drove them to Ulundi.
It was around 10am. The yard was buzzing and busy.
People were in traditional attires and adornments. It
was clear that something was happening.
He appeared, wearing a full Zulu traditional set. He
greeted her and took Lungelo from her before leading
her inside the house and introducing her to MaBiyela
as the mother of his child. He left her there and
disappeared with Lungelo whom he later returned with
wearing umbhlaselo at the age of 3. Where he got that
size, is not a relevant question now.

A few hours later, she was told by a few women

gossiping in the yard that it was Mkhululi's wedding.
When she followed the crowd to esigcawini, she saw
and fed her eyes tears. Mkhululi was marrying that girl
she met once when she gave birth to Lungelo. They
looked happy and they were enjoying their traditional
wedding. She left. She opened someones purse and
took out a R100 and left the yard. She took a taxi and
connected them back to her home in Babanango. She
left Lungelo on purpose. She was giving him his child.
3 months later, she missed her child. She called him
and asked for Lungelo and he told her to come and get
him where she left her.
She took a taxi and found her way to KwaMthethwa
Olundi. That was the day Mkhululi proposed to her,
asking her to be his second wife.
"Ntombi, i love you and i don't want our son to grow
up confused by different families", he said.
She loved Mkhululi and he loved her. Although it took
her long but he finally won and she agreed to be his
second wife.
She always had questions. Questions about MaZungu,
how long had she been there and why did Mkhululi
choose to marry her first over her who had already
proven herself with Lungelo?

Nothing about MaZungu's marriage to Mkhululi makes

sense. One time, she was not there and the next, there
she was, dancing her then-tiny hips around esigcawini
and 2 years after, she got a white wedding and it was
the most beautiful wedding to be witnessed in Ulundi.
It even got to the front page of Isolezwe's Ezemishado
feed. She got the biggest house in the yard, got an
allowance from Mkhululi every month while she had to
beg him for money.
When Mkhululi mysteriously died a few months ago,
Lungelo was supposed to be the next successor of his
father's estates. He was the rightful heir and everyone
knew it but no. MaZungu, again had to come out of
nowhere and take everything for herself and the family
made up some lie. It's a lie that what happened to
Mkhululi's estate is a family tradition. Everyone knows
it's a lie but it's for MaZungu. Everyone wants a piece
of MaZungu's happiness. She got Mkhululi, killed him
for his estate and when she realized she can't give
birth, she killed Lungelo who is the next in line to
inherit should she not be able to give birth during the
stipulated period of time.

Now that Lungelo was laid to rest yesterday, it's time

she avenges for his death and for MaZungu to finally
feel her.

"Ngena!",
She takes off her shoes by the entrance of the hut and
walks in.
"MaKhumalo, you're back", Makhosi.
Yes, she's back. It's not the first time she's come here
for the same person she is here for today.
"Makhosi, i want her to suffer. Physically! I want the
whole world to see her suffer", she says.
"On top of what you already have done to her
womb?", Makhosi.
She nods.
"Yes. I pay the money and you do", she responds.
MaZungu needs to pay for all the pains and losses she
has caused her. The pain she felt when she married
Mkhululi, the pain she felt when she killed Mkhululi,
the pain she felt when she took all of Mkhululi's estate
and the pain she's been feeling recently, the pain of
losing her son.
NKOLELO.

Yesterday, Siqalo and Lungelo were buried. It was a sad

day for the Mthethwa's.
MaZungu has been busy amd he has been meaning to
talk to her.
She walks in to collect the plates of food she had last
came to give him.
He sits up from the bed and calls her.
She looks at him and goes to sit on the bed edge.
"Can we talk?", he says.
She nods. There has not been any gossiping ever since
Lungelo died. It's like he took a part of her. A part he
wishes to restore.
"I don't know how you will take this but KaManzini, i
love you",
She looks at him the drops her head.
"What is it?", he asks.
"Is it allowed for this to happen?", she asks.
"They said we must marry each other. We were going
to fall in love sooner or later", he says.
She doesn't respond.
There's weird silence.
The only way to get his answer is if he does this...
He kisses her. She doesn't stop him. He goes on, she
kisses him back.
That's his answer. He pulls out,
"I'll try to make you happy", he tells her.
She smiles and stands up on her feet.
"What did i come here for again?", MaZungu.
"Awumbuke edakwe uKiss. You came to get indoda
yakho Ma",
She looks at him and cracks up. She remembers and
takes the dishes.
If this is really love, may it be the basis of what is to
come and may it keep them together and cover them
from the storms yet to come. If it's love, it has to keep
them together. Dead or alive.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 13.
MAZUNGU.

Mbusisi is leaving. He called a meeting and told

everyone that he is leaving and will only return when
the ancestors allow him to. MaBiyela seemed to accept
it faster than Nkolelo who still doesn't want to accept
it. Mbusisi is steered by ancestors and if ancestors
want him to go somewhere, he has to go whether he
likes it or whether his older brother likes it, he has to
go. I'm getting very tired of trying to nail it into his
head that Mbusisi is not going to die wherever he is
going. This man is older than me but sometimes, i
doubt it. Sometimes i have to check our ID's just to
remind myself who is younger than who.
He skipped work to see Mbusisi leave. Both Mphathi
and him. MaMsomi and i prepared breakfast for the
family. It's supposed to be a goodbye breakfast.
"When will you return?", Nkolelo asks Mbusisi.
Mbusisi shrugs.
"I don't know but you should not worry about me.
Wherever I'm going, there will be provision",Mbusisi.
"What if you get hurt? Where will we find you?",
Nkolelo.
I'm rolling my eyes because really, why is he such a
baby?
"I won't get hurt Bhuti", Mbusisi says and drops the
spoon. He stands up and looks at MaBiyela,
"I will return Mama", Mbusisi.
MaBiyela's face is dropped down. She's sad about this
but she nods.
Mbusisi walks out. Mphathi, Mthandazo and my old
baby follow him out.
MaMsomi and i clear the table. We're the only active
wives so far with MaNcengwa's stomach growing, she's
always tired. MaKhumalo hates the air i breath so she
stopped coming into the kitchen when I'm in it. Nkolelo
thinks she's still healing from Lungelo but it's been a
month. She still hates and blames me for Lungelo's
murder even when the police made it clear to us that
whoever was behind the hit was a proffessional who
left no evidence whatsoever. She still believes I'm that
professional.
I leave MaMsomi washing the dishes because my head
is a bit dizzy recently. I think it's lack of sleep I've been
having the past few weeks. When i sleep, i get
nightmares, cringy nightmares that i can't get over and
so i end up waking up and getting Nkolelo's things
ready for when he wakes up or i just take my phone
and browsing over it until the sun comes out.
I'm just going to lay down and get that little rest.

There's a knock just when i throw myself in bed. I open,

it's Mbusisi.
He walks in,
"I'm leaving now Sis'MaZungu", he says.
Err.
"Okay. Have a safe trip Bhuti", i tell him because
really...
"Your doctrine and mines are different. Sometimes i
can see but i can't help you because we are not from
the same alters", he says.
Is this about these nightmares?
"Try Bhuti. I don't know what's happening to me", i ask
of him.
"I can't interfere. Like i said, i want to but i can't
because where i am is very different from where you're
going",
With that said, he turns away and leaves. I watch them
accompany him into a cab parked outside the gate. He
refused to take any Mthethwa car.
I'm confused and fearful. Maybe if he hadn't said what
he said, i still would have taken these nightmares
lightly.
Now i won't sleep. My mind is busy but my body is
tired.
Nkolelo walks in and throws himself on the couch too.
"What did he want to talk to you about?", he asks.
I can't tell him. I haven't told him that I haven't been
sleeping. I fake to be sleeping just so he doesn't worry
about me.
"He just came to say his goodbyes", i tell him.
He nods.
"Now come and sit here", he points to his lap.
I cross over and sit on his lap facing his chest. I end up
with my cheeks on his chest, i feel sleepy. I hope his
chest is safe enough to protect me from these
nightmares.

MBUTHO MABASO.

He is impatient. Nosiphiwo keeps telling him that her

family is still talking things out with her in laws but it
has been months. Only a few months are left for their
baby to be born. He wants to be there when he born.
He told his father about Nosiphiwo and although his
father was not impressed by him sleeping with a
married woman and falling in love with her at that, he
also encouraged him to do whatever it takes to get his
child from Nosiphiwo's in laws.
He's meeting with Nosiphiwo at the same lodge that
they made their child in. It's been their dating station
for as long as they have been seeing each other.
She knocks and he opens the door for her and his eyes
quickly trace to her stomach.
"Hey Mbuthwana", he says rubbing her 6 months belly
and she moans. It feels good when she's rubbed.
"Hey baby. How are you?", he kisses her lips and lets
them in.
She lays on the bed and complains of being tired. This
pregnancy is showing her flames but atleast she's still
beautiful.
"I'm sorry baby. I ran a bath for you in the bathroom.
When you come back, i will massage your feet", he
suggests. She smiles. This man loves her.
She leaves to the bathroom.

She returns and he helps her lotion her body. He really

can't help his eyes from always landing up on her
stomach.
"I can't believe i will be a father", he says.
She giggles.
"You thought you spewed water?", she asks.
He laughs.
"No. But it was a surprise Baby", he explains.
He massages her feet thereafter while she eats on her
much craved chocolate cake and coca-cola softdrink.
"I was thinking here baby", he starts.
"Mhhm",
"That i pay amalobolo for you and our baby", he
suggests.
Nosiphiwo frowns.
"How can you pay amalobolo for an already married
woman?", she asks.
Well... this is what his father said,
"Well, your husband is no more. If your in laws were
good people, they should have let you go but it seems
they are not. I will pay Lobolo for you at your in laws.
That way, i will be paying them back for your husbands
lobolo", he explains.
She doesn't understand.
"Angithi when you married your late husband, you
become their daughter. So now i'm paying lobolo for
their daughter which is you", he explains again.
She thinks.
"And what happens if they disagree with that?", she
asks.
He shakes his head.
"Ayike. That would be against the law. I will go there
and take you myself", he says.
She laughs out loud because somehow she knows he
would do that. He is capable.
"I don't know. I will talk to my father", she says.
"No. I will speak to your father. Please allow me", he
asks.
She sighs. Okay. She will give him her fathers number
and maybe if this works out, she will leave the
Mthethwa's and start a new life in the Mabaso's as
Mbutho's wife. She loves Mbutho and he has proven so
many times that he loves her back. He loves her and
their child.
The Mthethwa children remain stay at their home and
maybe visit her during school holidays or weekends.
Mbutho has said that he doesn't mind taking them all
too but she knows the Mthethwa's. They would never
let their children live with another man.
The only child she will be leaving with at the
Mthethwa's is the one she's carrying. That's if the
Mthethwa's accept amalobolo kaMbutho. If they don't,
things will have to be done by individual power and
either way, she will end up with Mbutho.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 14.
NKOLELO.

He checks the time on his phone, it's 2am. He sits up.

This has been going on for some time.
"Vuka", he says.
She doesn't move.
"MaZungu, vuka. I know you're not sleeping", he
sterns.
She opens her eyes.
"Sit up",
She does as told.
"Why aren't you sleeping?", he asks.
"Don't lie to me. It's too early for you to start lying to
me. Why are you not sleeping?", he asks.
He's not laughing about this. He wants to know.
"I have nightmares",
She steps out of bed and goes to the next room where
she sits on the couch. It's dark.
He switches the lights on and sits next to her.
"What happens in those nightmares?", he asks.
She sighs.
"They are different but only one is constant. I dream of
myself having a big wound on my head and insects
coming out of it",
"How long has this been happening. I know you didn't
sleep the whole of last week", he asks.
"Ever since Lungelo's funeral",
"Is that what Mbusisi came to talk to you about?", he
asks.
She nods and cries.
He frowns.
"Ukhalelani manje?",
She takes off her headscarf and uses her hands to
separate her hair from the top.
"I have a small wound on my head. I don't know where
it's coming from. I'm scared it's the same i see in the
nightmares", she says.
He looks closer. It's a nasty wet wound. It's blackish
and doesn't look like it's a cut or anything raw. It looks
like a part of her skin that just rot.
This is it.
They are going to a Sangoma.
"We are going to a Sangoma. I'll run you a bath", he
stands up.
"No. I can't go to a Sangoma", she stops him.
"Why?", he asks.
"They won't be able to help me. Mbusisi wasn't able to
help me either", she cries.
Her cries are piercing his heart because... why on earth
did she not tell him about this?
"Is that what Mbusisi said to you?", he asks.
She nods her head.
This is fucking up with his head. Why is Mbusisi always
at the side when things happen in this family? He can't
help them with anything! He sees things and never
helps.
"MaZungu, get dressed. We are going to a Sangoma.
Bazokusiza ngenkani",
MaZungu gets up and disappears into the bathroom.
After her, he follows.
When they return, they head straight to his house and
close all doors.
"I told you they can't help me", she sits down.
He's worried.
The Sangoma they went to did not even let them in
through the gate. He sent an ithwasa to turn them
away and when he insisted on seeing the Sangoma, she
appeared and complained about MaZungu coming to
mess up her alters. That's all she said before she
threatened to let dogs on them. They had to turn back
and return home. Now it's clear that whatever
MaZungu is suffering from is not medical. But nobody
wants to help her.
"I will ask MaBiyela. She might know someone who
might help us", he stands up.
"Nyambose", she calmly says.
He looks at her and sits back down.
"Can i go home?", she asks.
What?
"You want to leave me?", he asks sadly. It's too early
for her to leave him. It's only a month left for her to
finish her mourning period for Mkhululi and that's
when their relationship will start. She cannot leave
now.
"I think i will deal with whatever this is better at home
than here",
She's thought about this. Even if he didn't catch her
lies, she was going to make up a story and leave.
Something just wants her to leave this yard and go
home.
"You are leaving me Thembeka", he stands up and
walks out the door.
She wants to stop him and explain that she's only
leaving for as long as this thing is happening but he's
out the door and his car has driven out the yard. If
what she dreams of is really coming to life then her
mother is a nurse, maybe she will take care of her
better than Nkolelo would.

MPHATHI MTHETHWA.

What Nkolelo doesn't know won't hurt him. He left the

office and drove all the way to Durban just to see his
girl. He's parked outside the CITY LIFE building and
dialling her numbers. She's not picking up. This means
he will have to go in to check if she's around. He
bought her flowers and those gold cholocolates
women love.
He doesn't talk much at reception but just walks in and
takes the stairs up. He's been here before.
He takes the lift at the second floor and it lands him in
front of Elelwani's door.
He knocks.
There's noise inside. There's also a deep voice.
His knocking intensifies. Could it be that Elelwani is-?
"Elelwani!!!", he shouts angrily. There's silence before
the door opens and a girl shows her face. She closes
the door on his face. He chuckles angrily.
The girl returns and fully opens the door. She was
dressing up. There's a man seated on the couch, bare
chest with only his boxer shorts. He snares his nose.
"Kunuka umabhebhana la. Uphi uElelwani?", he asks
the girl.
"In her room. I will go and get her", the girl disappears
leaving him with this halfnaked man.
"Ya S'gora", he greets the man who doesn't respond.
He looks too old to be fucking that little girl.
"Ubhebha izingane, baphi ontanga yakho?", he asks.
The man stands up and walks to him until his chest is
on his.
"Moenie met my fok nie man",
He can't hear him. He did Afrikaans at school and
always passed it but honestly, he can't even sing the
Afrikaans part on the National Anthem to save his own
life. But this is a threat.
"Yey, fuseg wena la. Ngzokuhluba ngequpha mina
kuphume wona lamazinyo asele",
Typical colored with missing teeth.
"Baby!", Elelwani appears followed by the girl.
"Mphathi Mthethwa,Elelwani. I'm not baby", he
corrects her as usual. She laughs and hugs her. He's
pushed the colored mkhulu out of the way and
grabbed his girls butt.
She's dressed well for public. She wore one of the
dresses he bought for her.
"Umuhle Venda lami", he compliments her.
"Thank you Zulu lami", Elelwani.
He laughs.
"Mzulu wami. Hai Zulu lami. Kancane kancane Mama",
he takes her hand to walk out with her but turns,
"Ubani igama lakho ngan'yami?", he asks the girl for
her name.
"Londeka",
"Love yourself. He could be your father", he says and
walks out with Elelwani.
"Gaan fok jouself", the man speaks after his exit.
He laughs,
"Ngzolibhonya lelibhunu mina Elelwani", he threatens
to beat this Boer.

When they settle into his car, he turns to Elelwani.

"I don't want you living there anymore", he says.
She knew this was coming as soon as she heard he was
there and probably caught Londeka having sex with her
boyfriend.
"Where will i live? It's affordable and easy to travel to
work from", she asks.
He starts driving out.
There's silence for a few minutes,
"Oksalayo uyaphuma laphana Sisi wabantu", he
finishes off.
She thought he was over it but who? Zulu men are a
whole assignment on their own. Especially this
Mphathi.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 15.
MAZUNGU.

I was let go for a few days by MaBiyela. Nkolelo

refused that i left him and he made a plan to come
home with me and will be staying at his old house
while we are this side. It's been a while since I've came
home. Mkhululi was still alive when i last came home.
Nkululeko has been excited and cooped up in the
house ever since i arrived yesterday, after school i
mean. He's doing Matric this year. He finds joy in
looking at me every chance he gets. As for my mother,
she's asked to talk to me and Nkolelo and she even
skipped work for it. Nkolelo is on his way here.

I'm still suffering from whatever it is that has been

happening to me. The wound on my head keeps
getting more bigger, it's clear what i see in my dreams
is what will actually happen. My mother gave me some
ointment from work to apply but i don't think it works.
I'm just a tired person lately and i think my body is
starting to show i lack sleep.
My phone beeps, it's Nkolelo. He's arrived.
I put on a headscarf and walk out to fetch him from his
car. He parked a house away from home. Drama.
"Why are you parked so far?", i ask him.
He's nervous.
"I can't park directly at your home. I think it's
disrespectful", he says.
"Not when it's my mother who wanted to talk to you",
i say.
He sighs nervously,
"What is it about? Did Mkhululi ever get summoned
like this?", he asks.
I laugh.
"No. She has not said anything to me too but let's get
in",
I lead him in front but he grabs my hand and walks by
my side.
I close the gate and take in with him.
He sighs.
"I love you", he says when we enter the house. I laugh
because he just said that to calm his nerves. Or does he
love me? I smile at him, he winks. Maybe he does.
My mother is on the couch. She doesn't drink tea, just
juice. Tea is for oldies apparently but she has a
daughter my age. How funny.
"Sawbona KaManqele", he greets after taking a seat
next to me.
How he knows my mothers surname, i don't know.
"Nyambose, how are you? Thembeka, go get the tray",
My mother. What tray?
If it's a tray then it should be in the kitchen. I
disconnect my hands from his and take off.
Tray of food. She cooked and dished up for him. My
mother is sweet. I take the tray and find them talking.
He's listening attentively as my mother is seriously
speaking.
"Everyone has a spiritual alter they report to
mkhwenyana. When children are born, we as parents
dedicate them to alters of our choices and from then,
everything that happens in that childs life lies in that
alter. Right?",
"Right", i hear him respond.
"Like you. Your parents dedicated you to an ancestral
alter. Everything you do or seek or want, you consult
an ancestral alter. Why? Because that alter speaks for
you in the spiritual world. When you ask the alter for a
job and you get it, who gave you that job?", My
mother.
"Ancestors", Nkolelo.
"Yes. Now do you think you can wake up today and go
to a non-ancestral alter and seek answers or guidance?
Go to an alter that doesn't know you and seek it's
things, do you think it's possible?",
He sighs.
"No. That alter doesn't knows who i am", he says like a
school kid supporting his answer.
"Yes my child. You don't mix alters. Some alters can
work together but some alters opposite each other",
My mother.
I'm also listening to where this might be going.
"What i mean is my children, i am a born again
Christian. I chose Jesus Christ as my Lord and saviour
and God as my Supreme Leader. Thembeka is my child,
when she was born, i took her and dedicated her to an
alter of God. That means everything and anything that
happens in her life lies in Gods alter. If she seeks
guidance and help, she will never find it anywhere but
in an alter of God because that's the only alter that
knows her",
Oh. Okay.
"So the reason why Sangoma's could not help
Thembeka is because God's alters and Ancestoral alters
can never work together. You fall into either but not
both. Do i make sense Mkhwenyana?", She asks.
He nods.
This is all new information for me too but it's deep.
"Ngyezwa Ma", he humbly responds.
"That's good. So this thing that's troubling Thembeka
has been revealed to me by dream. I don't want to
cause chaos in your home Mkhwenyana but this is my
daughter",
"What is happening with her?",
"What's happening with me?",
My mother! Why couldn't she tell me first?
"It's witchcraft. One of your sisterwives bakufakele
isichitho. But don't worry, God reveals to redeem. We
are going to Pastor Fikile's church on Sunday. Kuzonuka
upaku very soon",
Nkolelo is shocked. Hell, i am too. Witchcraft?
"Which sisterwife Ma?", Nkolelo.
"Nizomubona ngombala when Pastor Fikile is done
with her. My God doesn't slumber when it comes to
His people. My shift starts in a few hours so I'm going
to get ready for work", she stands up and leaves us
shocked. She didn't skip work i guess. Izigaxa phela lezi.
If he wasn't here himself, he would have been the first
one I'd tell about this.
I feel his grip tightening around my hands.
He's angry. He stands up and kisses my cheeks. Then
he storms out without saying anything.
I'll talk to him later. I'm shocked myself because... my
mother is born again and Christian and growing up,
dreaming has always been her thing. She wouldn't lie.
Her explanation of the alter thing explains Mbusisi's
riddles on why he couldn't help me.
MaKhumalo is my prime suspect. MaMsomi minds her
business and treats me with respect, she fears me.
MaNcengwa is pregnant and is dealing with her shit,
plus i don't think she would do this. MaKhumalo on the
other hand is...
MPHATHI.

With Nkolelo having left for Durban with MaZungu, all

family responsibilities cave for him. Children wake him
up at 06 am asking for monies, the wives extra respect
him recently. He doesn't care about all that though,
Elelwani is what makes him happy. He just off a phone
call with her and if Nkolelo was not away, he'd be
driving to Durban right now. Elelwani makes him feel
things without even trying. She is the only Venda that
matters in his heart.
It's evening, children are writing their homeworks on
the doorsteps of the mainhouse.
Nkolelo's car hoots loudly by the gate.
He's back??
Mphathi rushes to open. He's even driving dramatically
and parks roughly in the yard.
He storms out of the car, spitting fire with his eyes.
"MaKhumalo, MaNcengwa and MaMsomi!", he shouts.
"Bhuti, is everything okay", Mphathi.
"No. Nothing is okay. Please call Mkhululi's wives to
the house", he storms inside.
Mphathi sends one of the children to call their mothers
urgently before he walks in.
Nkolelo isn't even seated down, he's pacing up and
down, angrily while MaBiyela is trying to find out what
is making him angry. He won't say.
MaNcengwa walks in pushing her belly with a saucer of
cake in her hand and sits down. MaMsomi walks in
thereafter followed by MaKhumalo.
"Has MaZungu died?", MaKhumalo asks walking in.
"Pardon?", Nkolelo breathing fire.
"I'm joking Bhuti",
Now...
"You are practicing witchcraft in my fathers house?",
he asks still on his feet looking at the wives on the
grassmats.
"You are witches in my fathers house?!", Nkolelo is
roaring angrily.
Mphathi breaths in.
"What are you talking about Bhuti?", he asks.
"I'm talking about these. MaZungu is sick and suffering
because one of these women are witches",
MaBiyela exclaims.
"What? Who it is?", MaBiyela.
Nkolelo looks at MaKhumalo,
"KaManqele says we'll see her by color. If we don't,
ngzomthola mina", He storms out again.
"Pho wabuka mina?", MaKhumalo complains. He has
left.
Phew.

He also takes a deep breath and leaves MaBiyela with

the wives alone. This is not something he can discuss.
It's Nkolelo's responsiblity as the leader of the family to
fix things like these.
Nkolelo has driven out again. Probably back to Durban.
He returns to his house and closes his doors.
He's planning on sleeping this drama out when he
receives a call. It's Mthandazo so he answers,
"Mfo, if you bring me anymore drama, I'm moving to
emaVendeni uMa bheka", he answers.
"Is this Mthandazo's brother? It's Babheke Thabede.
Mthandazo is... Mthandazo is being attacked by a mob
by the Galela supermarket. It's bad.", a man speaks in
panick.
"By a mob? Why?",
He's on his feet and has gotten hold of his knobkerrie
and machete.
"For being gay. I don't know the full story",
For what??

#SPONSORED.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 16.
MPHATHI.

Everyone is here including Nkolelo who arrived here a

few hours after he called him to let him know about
what had happened. The Dr still has not let anyone
inside the ward and it's frustrating because what they
saw didn't look like their brother. Painted in blood and
his face rearranged like he was some junkie caught
stealing.
Gcina and Neli are seated in two, they are closer to
Mthandazo and seeing him in that state did damage to
them.
MaBiyela, MaKhumalo, MaNcengwa and MaMsomi are
seated silently by the benches.
"To hit my son like this?", MaBiyela. She's been
sobbing silently.
Mphathi and Nkolelo are on their feet, silently waiting
for the Dr to let them in.
"Mphathi, why did they hit him?", Nkolelo asks him
again.
He's been ignoring these questions.
He was late when he arrived by the Golela store where
he was being beaten. Men had whips and some were
throwing stones at him and he was laying there, in a
pool of blood, crying and calling for Nkolelo. Babheke,
the man who called couldn't answer a lot too. They had
already messed him up, he was bloody and
unrecognisable but when he arrived, he went straight
into the crowd and picked up his brother even when
the men threatened to hit him too for saving a gay
man. He didn't say a thing but rushed Mthandazo to
the hospital and on his way here is when he called the
rest of the family.
No. He did not tell them why Mthandazo was being
beaten up. Partly because... He's shocked himself and
he's hoping to speak to him when he wakes up. He still
hopes that those men made a mistake and that no,
Mthandazo is not gay. He's had girlfriends before so
this gay thing cannot be true. Telling the family will
complicate things.
Still, he ignores Nkolelo's question and walks away,
he's never been someone to cry over anything but
seeing Mthandazo like that us not something he can
just push to the back of his head.
He makes a call when he's outside and leaned on his
car.
She answers in a split second. She's a talkactive person.
She's also funny and likes pulling his leg on everything.
After the call, he feels light and hangs up. When he
turns,
Nkolelo is behind him, smoking and it seems the
cigarette is finished he drops it and stomps on it.
"You love her?", Nkolelo asks.
He thinks then nods. Of course he loves his Venda.
"When are we sending cows?", Nkolelo asks.
There's silence.
"When everything is in order. It's all a mess. MaZungu
and the wives, not knowing where Mbusisi is or
whether he is fine or not, now it's Mthandazo and his-
", he stops and takes a deep breath.
"I'm thinking Elelwani must pay the cows for my family
so i can go and live in Thathe", he says.
Nkolelo frowns.
"What is Thathe?",
"It's a village in Limpompo. Venda people live there. I
thought you were the educated one", he says.
Nkolelo chuckles.
They follow each other inside.
MaBiyela has went in with the sisters. Atleast there's
progress.

MAZUNGU.

As tired and sick as i am, i decided to listen to

Nkululeko and do what he says i must do. Go out and
refresh and get familiar with Durban. I'm not sure if
he's aware that I'm not back for good, I'm returning
back to the Mthethwa's as soon as whatever witchcraff
on me has finished. I'm hoping my mothers Pastor is
really as powerful as she says she is because honestly,
I'm tired.
We are at Gateway, a sneaker store because my
mothers last born son has money to spend. He's
looking at sneakers and comparing,
"Sisi, how are these? I think they dope",
Dope.
"Yes, they are dope shame. very dope! Don't buy
them", they are too high and too complicated and so
they are dope! Ugly!
"They are dope but i must not buy them?", he asks.
I nod.
"Dope means ugly. Right?",
He laughs.
"Dope means ntswempu! This thing of living in
KwaNongoma is troubling", he rolls his eyes and
returns the sneakers back to their shelf. I don't stay in
KwaNongoma. It's Ulundi.

Okay. I'm here with Nkululeko but my mind is back in

KwaMthethwa. Nkolelo just sent me a message that
they are in hospital for Mthandazo who was beaten up
by a mob. For what? I wonder. I throw my phone back
in my purse,
"Hi", a lady greets me while looking up at the sneakers
in front of me. Nkululeko has disappeared on me.
"Hi", i greet searching for this child with my eyes.
"Don't act like you don't know me", the lady says
raising her head and turning to me. She's got attitude
for days, i can tell by her tone.
"Do i look like i know everyone with Gold faces in the
world?", i can serve the attitude too.
She smiles. Sarcastic.
"Nompilo. Nkolelo's baby Mama and girlfriend",
Now that she says it! She's the only person I've seen
who wears makeup like she's been dead before.
"Oh. Hi Nkolelo's baby mama and girlfriend. How are
you?", i fake a smile and extend my hand for a
handshake. If i hug her, my robe will be ruined by her
makeup.
"You are in Gateway? Your husbands inheritance must
be coming in handy. Why don't you buy your own man
even? I hate women like you who hide behind cultures
and traditions to push their bitch tendencies",
She's calling me a bitch. I blink twice and walk past her,
she extends her foot forward to stop me from walking
away.
"Sisi wami, angfuni sixabane", i tell her. I don't want to
fight with her, i have too many problems to entertain
than her.
"I'm coming for my man. Nkolelo loves them educated
and elegant like me", she says.
"Okay. Move", i tell her.
She doesn't. I have anger issues, my great
grandmother's mother died before i was born, that's
why I'm angry.
I snatch her weave off and throw it on the sneaker
shelves,
"Now go grab put on your hair Miss elegant and move
out of my way", i tell her. Bloody undercover Mugabe.
"Sisi, how about this one?",
She took her weave and ran out of the store. I really
expected her to fight but i gues not.
And this child appears now? What if that spoko killed
me?
"They are nice. Go and pay. I want to leave", i tell him.
He agrees and joins the line to pay. I didn't even see
the sneakers.
When he's at the front, he extends his hand to me.
What does he want?
"What?", i ask.
"Your card phela. Who do you think will pay
MtakaMa?",
Haibo! We didn't agree on me paying!
"Are you paying Bhuti?", the teller asks him.
"My sister is", he points me.
This child will know me. He will get a small piece of
meat for dinner today.
I take out one of my cards and pay.
When we leave, my phone reports,
R6000 paid at Sneakerhub.
"6 what?",
I exclaim.
"How much are your sneakers Nkululeko?", i ask.
"6k. You like them?",
Lord take me back! This world is ruled by the devil!
"Do they come with their own energy to walk?", i ask.
He laughs.
"Chill Sis, your husband is rich. The late one was rich,
the new one is rich", he says.
This child!

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 17.
NKOLELO.

No. He wants each and everyone of those men who

played a role, no matter how small it is in beating
Mthandazo. Mphathi is against it, he says it will create
a stir in the community but MaBiyela agrees that those
people need to be taught a lesson. He skipped church
with MaZungu to deal with them because who do they
think they are? Attacking one of his brothers and
thinking they will get a wsy with it?
"Bhuti, the Police will do their job. Just leave it to
them", Mphathi convinces him.
"When have the police solved any crime in this
community? Say a name Mphathi. You were there, a
name", he asks. That's all he wants from Mphathi. One
name that will expose all other names.
"I didn't see anyone i knew", Mphathi lies.
A lot is a stake. If Nkolelo goes out there and finds
these men, they will tell him why they beat Mthandazo
and after that, he's not sure how Nkolelo will react to
the hanging truth. He also has not confirmed it with
Mthandazo because how do you go to your brother
and ask him something like this? Partly also because
he's scared of what Mthandazo might say and how he
would have to deal with his response.
"I'll go get these people myself",
He turns to leave Mphathi's house.
"They said he's gay", Mphathi.
What?
He turns back.
"Huh?",
Mphathi looks down. He walks back and sits on the
couch.
"They said he's what?", he asks.
Mphathi doesn't respond once more.
"Mphathi Mthethwa, bathi uMthandazi wenzeni!?",
he's shouting now.
"They say he is gay. I haven't confirmed with him",
Mphathi.
"And you didn't see the need to tell us? You watched
us worry over nothing?", He asks.
"It's not nothing Bhuti. Mthandazo was beaten up by a
group of men. How can you call it nothing?", Mphathi.
"If he's gay then bamushayele into ekhona. I will also
beat him", he stands up.
"Beat him for what? You can't beat him. He's still hurt",
Mphathi.
"Who taught him to be gay because no one in this
family is gay? Ukuthathaphi lokho uMthandazo? Let
me go to him", he storms out angrily.
Mphathi takes a deep heave and runs after him as he
heads to Mthandazo's house. There's Gcina and Nelly
with Mthandazo when Nkolelo barges in and orders
them to leave. Gcina and Nelly rush out.
"Bhuti, is everything okay?", Mthandazo connects his
speech.
"Nyuti-nyuti-nyuti. Udla umdidi Mthandazo?'",
Mthandazo's eye trace back to Mphathi who is
standing besides Nkolelo. He also wants to know.
"Mthandazo, are you gay?", Mphathi chips in calmly.
Mthandazo looks away.
"Answer the damn question mfana before you make
me even more pissed", Nkolelo, angrily.
Mthandazo nods.
Mphathi and Nkolelo look at each other.
"I didn't create myself. I was born like this",
Mthandazo.
Mphathi throws his hands defeatedly. Nkolelo is
flouting his cheeks in anger.
"Born like this? Uzalwa yiliphi isende ngoba
elikaNyambose likhiphe mina, Mbusisi noMphathi
kodwa asiwenzi lamanyala?", Nkolelo asks if really
Mthandazo is really born of Nyambose's seed because
all his brothers are straight.
"If you don't stop this nonsense, i wi ask the
community to do the Lords work once again. If you
want a girlfriend, there's plenty KwaShembe. Phuma
emdidini yamadoda Mthandazo or you will find
yourself homeless", he storms out angrily. He finds
hinself stuck at MaZungu's locked doors, MaZungu is in
Durban and not here. He sighs and charges back to his
house and locks the doors.
How Mkhululi ran this family is really a question to be
answered? It's this after this and this after this. Mbusisi
is nowhere to be found, the men he had sent to keep
an eye on him told him that Mbusisi had lost them and
they haven't been able to find him since last night.
MaZungu is in church with KaManqele is Durban, if
whatever KaManqele thinks will happen does not
happen then he will throw MaKhumalo out of this
yard. It's her. Now it's Mthandazo being gay? Who has
he seen being gay in this family? Mkhululi had 5 wives!
He was there when Siqalo was buried and he met
Nompili, he's met Elelwani. Why is he not inspired by
this and get a girlfriend to bring home and build this
house? He's the youngest son. This home will be his
responsibility one day, he goes and fucks arses? If he
wants to continue with it, then he will have to be
excluded from the family because then what is his
responsibility here if he won't build and grow this
family?
He fell asleep and when he woke up, he checked
MaZungu's online status. It says she was last online in
the morning. This means she's still not back from
church. Maybe he should've just went to that church
with her and did not worry about a man who was
beaten because he deserved it.
He sits up and sniffs openly. He smells smoke. The
wives must be making an open fire. He ignores it.
There's screams in the yard.
No.
He stands up and rushes out to check.
MaNcengwa ia screaming on the ground with
MaMsomi's hands on her head.
MaKhumalo's house is in burning flames.
"Get hosepipe Mphathi!", he yells. Mphathi rushes to
get it.
"Who is inside?", He asks.
"MaKhumalo and Siyanda!", MaMsomi.
It's chaos with them screaming and shouting.
He has to save them.
"Bhuti! Bhuti!", Mphathi shouts.
He's going inside to save them.
The house is smokey. He can't see.
"Siyanda!", he calls out.
There's no one here. No one is screaming or shouting.
Mphathi barges behind with a hosepipe.
The flames are too much. He ends up coughing and
losing consciousness. Mphathi helps him out.
Firefighters are here and emergency vehicles.
MaKhumalo's house is burnt to the ground.
Two beds stretchers are pushed out.
"How are they?", MaBiyela asks the paramedics.
Nkolelo notices a silver foil over the smallest figure in
one of the two stretch beds.
He's the only one who does.
He turns away, walks to his room and grabs his car
keys. He's driving. He's driving to Durban. Durban
makes so much sense.
………………………………………………..

It took him an hour to make it to Durban. It's usually 2-

3 hours but today, an hour. He drove straight to
MaZungu's home and parked right in front of the gate.
He met Nkululeko by the door and did not even greet
him. He wants MaZungu.
"Mkhwenyana, you're back?", KaManqele asks in the
dining room.
"Ma, is MaZungu in her room? Can i..?",
She appears.
He goes straight to her and throws himself over her.
"He's dead MaZungu. Siyanda is dead", he cries.
MaZungu doesn't say anything, rather hugs him back,
brushing the back of head and shushing him.
"Make him drink this. I'm going to MaDladla's",
KaManqele gives her a pack of tablets when they are
seated on the couch.
When he's calmed down, she gives him food and then
administers the tablets for him.
"What happened?", she asks.
He starts telling her about the fire.
She keeps quiet. How does she say this to him? That
she may be the one behind Siyanda's death? That
Pastor prayed very dangerous prayers.
"Uncle in law, is that your home on TV?", Nkululeko
barges in with his tablet and shows them a footage of
MaKhumalo's house burning. It's being reported on
some news site and it confirms that Siyanda died and
MaKhumalo lived. It also mentions that a family
member gave birth right on the scene.
"Nkululeko, please lock all doors until Ma comes back.
I'm leaving with him. I'll be back tomorrow to get the
rest of my clothes", MaZungu.
She's leaving with him to his house and then tomorrow
they will be returning to Ulundi.
What a tragedy.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 18.
MAZUNGU.

Everything is happening at once. There's another

funeral being planned, MaNcengwa gave birth and
Mthandazo is gay. As much as i don't see the fuss on
Mthandazo being gay, Nkolelo thinks it's a crisis to be
managed which i don't get because who Mthandazo
decides to have sex with doesn't involve anyone in this
family.
I'm on my way to the hospital to deliver baby clothes
for MaNcengwa because it's apparently my job to keep
Mkhululi's wives and children happy. Enkonjeni
Hospital.
I greet the receptionist, and provide MaNcengwa's
details and she sends me through.
She's holding her baby in her arms and is looking at it.
Is the child not premature?
"Hi Sisi", i sit.
Sighs.
"Hi. How are things at home? How is Siyanda and
MaKhumalo doing?", she asks.
Sighs again.
"MaKhumalo is in hospital. Her Doctor says she's in
critical condition but",
"Siyanda?", she asks.
"He didn't make it", i tell her.
"This family is cursed", she says.
"Atleast there is a blessing that just came
unexpectedly. Is it a girl?", i ask.
She gives me. It's a Boy.
"MaBiyela said if it was a Boy, it should be Senzo and if
it's a girl, she'd be Senzeni",
Controversial names from MaBiyela. I was shocked
when she gave them to me because... wow. Senzo
means "An act" so in MaNcengwa's case, it's an act of
infidelity towards Mkhululi. And Senzeni means "what
have we done", which is a lamentation of regret.
Controversial right? That's MaBiyela. Spicy that one.
I give her the clothes and she thanks me.
I'm on my feet to leave,
A man barges in,
"My two favorite people in the world", he goes on and
kisses her cheeks and the baby before he sees me,
"Hi", he greets.
"Er...hi. How are you bhuti?", i ask.
"I'm a happy man", he says looking at MaNcengwa and
the baby.
"Auntie Mpilo reports!!",
Ohh- Ohh-
This girl is everywhere i am.
She's carrying large shopping bags and is even wearing
shades over excessive makeup.
"What are you doing here?", she asks me.
I should be asking her.
"Okay. Baby, this is sister, Nompilo and Nompilo, this is
Nosiphiwo, my partner and the mother of my child",
Yho. How can a married woman be your partner
though?
"Sisi, who are you?", the baby daddy asks me. I look at
Nosiphiwo. No. I don't need to do all this. I brought the
clothed are requested by the Mthethwa's and now it's
time to leave.
I lock my bag under my arms and walk out,
"Thembeka", someone calls.
I turn.
"Please don't tell them", MaNcengwa.
"I won't",
I leave them.
This is quite confusing and shocking. MaNcengwa's
baby daddy is Nkolelo's baby mama's brother? I
wonder if he knows.

I'm looking for him in the yard, they say he's in the
kraal and has been there since morning.
I make breakfast and put it on a tray and head to the
kraal. He's seated on the edge of the kraal dencing on a
bench.
"They said you've been here since i left", i say.
He looks up.
"Hey. You're back", he smiles. Not his usual smile. This
one is a worried smile.
"I made you breakfast",
I call one of the children to bring me a 20l bucket to
put the tray in.
Now the reason why I'm here.
"Guess what happened this morning", i ask. He's
eating.
"Blade Nzimande impregnated Nkosazana Dlamini
Zuma?", he asks.
Stupid.
"Hold your breath",
He does.
"I saw MaNcengwa's baby daddy", i tell him. He
breathes out.
"At the hospital?", he asks.
I nod.
"Yebo. MaNcengwa has a ben-10 myeni wami. But
that's not all. Hold your breath again", i clap.
He holds his breath.
"Your baby mama is MaNcengwa's baby daddy's
sister", i tell him.
He frowns.
"Huh?",
"Nompilo is MaNcengwa's son's aunt", i elaborate.
"Shocking right?",
"That child is a Mthethwa child. I don't want them
anywhere near our child", he says sounding angry all of
a sudden.
"But we know the child is not a Mthethwa. I think you
should let MaNcengwa go", i say.
"She can go. She knows she can go but she will leave
everything that belongs to the family. She will leave
alone if she leaves. Even that baby she just had belongs
to us", he says.
"Don't get angry phela. I'm not MaNcengwa", i tell him
because... why is he starting to get angry?
He breathes out and smiles.
"That's more like it", i say.
He laughs.
"Stop it i like it", i say.
"Uyislima wena", he says.
"You said you loved me. So you're in love with a fool", i
tell him. He laughs more.
"And i love you everyday, fool", he says.
"I love you too mtomdala", i say.
"You do?", he asks.
"No. I pretend", i respond. And he laughs.
"You don't laugh when there's funeral preparations
going on" i tell him.
"Then don't make me laugh",
I stand up.
"I'm leaving then. I'll come back to take the tray",
I attempt to leave,
He grabs my hand and...
And kisses me. I always respond.
Then it dawns, we're outside where people are up and
down. I pull out fast and look around. MaBiyela saw us.
She shook her head and went into the house.
"MaBiyela saw us Nyambose",
He pulls me to sit down.
"You weren't killing anyone. You were kissing your
inherited husband", he says.
But still.

MPHATHI.

He looks at the picture and the text again. He sits up

and calls her.
"What is this and how did you find this?", he asks.
"My brother. He's a PI. He found out", she responds.
"Elelwani, you did not have to do this. I told you to let
it go", he says.
"It's already done mufunwa wanga", she responds.
Okay. He hangs up the call.
This person is the one behind Lungelo's death and the
shooting that happened in this yard.
He walks out looking for Nkolelo. He sees him by the
kraal with MaZungu.
"Sis'MaZungu", he greets her.
"Bhuti",
MaZungu stands up and leaves them.
He shoves the phone to Nkolelo who looks at the text
and picture.
"Who found him?", Nkolelo.
"Elelwani's brother", he responds.
"Good. Let the cartoons dance", Nkolelo stands up and
walks off.
He follows him from behind till they reach Nkolelo's
house.
"What are we going to do?", he asks him.
Nkolelo looks at him.
"We will do nothing but yiso ngeso mngani wami",
Nkolelo.
"Meaning?", Mphathi.
"I thought you knew isiZulu. An eye for an eye. He took
someone important to us, we do the same", Nkolelo.
"Let me run checks on him first", Nkolelo.
Mphathi gives up. He meant no revenge. He just told
Elelwani the story of how Lungelo died and Elelwani
did what she did. Nkolelo is thinking of doing
something back. If this man is as proffessional as the
police said he was than if Nkolelo retaliates, a war will
be declared.
But can you talk Nkolelo out of anything?

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 19.
MBUTHO MABASO.

His mother and father are happy to finally meet their

first grandson. That is all they discuss but they cannot
be as happy as he is. Touching and feeling his
heartbeat has to be the best thing he has ever had to
experience. Nosiphiwo says her in-laws named him
Senzo. Badakiwe. Senzo for what? His name is Nqaba
and as his biological father whose seed is the one that
made him, he is naming him.
The whole Mabaso family is going to the hospital to
meet Nqaba.
"I wonder who he looks like", his mother wonders
loudly.
"He looks like me Ma", he responds. They all laugh
because... this is the cutest they've seen of him ever
since he grew up.
Mbutho is not like Thubelihle. Mbutho was the shadow
of Thubelihle. Yes, he was older than Thubelihle but
he's always been in his shadows. Thuba is out, loud,
charming and girls think he's hot, something they
never said to him. He's taken the backseat and
watched Thubelihle shine in everything and today, he
shines. His son, his blood has been born.

There's another man in her ward. He's wearing a white

vest and a blue brentwood trouser and has a white
towel over his shoulder.
The Mabaso's walk in and his mother can't stop herself,
she runs in and starts having a conversation with
Nosiphiwo.
This man is staring at him, coldly like he knows him.
"Ola", he greets him.
"Ola amasimba. Get out of here", the man says.
"What's going on?", his mother asks.
"MaNcengwa, tell these people to leave", the man
says.
MaNcengwa's eyes are teary.
"Who are you to tell us that shit?", He asks.
"I'm Mphathi Mthethwa, this one is my brothers wife
and this child she's breastfeeding is my brothers child",
Mphathi.
There's silence.
"But that's not all i am. You should know more about
who i am", Mphathi adds.
"Meaning?", he asks
Mphathi shakes his head.
"The same salads we ate, you will eat. Now get out
before i call security", Mphathi.
"Lets go family. We'll come back some other time", His
mother speaks.
"No. None of you are welcome here", Mphathi.
"This is my sons child", His mother.
"He must go check at home affairs. This is my brothers
wife. Senzo belongs to my brother too. Leave",
Mphathi.
Mr Mabaso gets the grip of his wife and walks out.
Nompilo follows silently after them.
Mbutho stats behind.
"Bafo, can we talk in private", he asks Mphathi who
laughs at him.
"You want to talk to me? Too late for you to talk. Get
out ndoda. Kiss your son goodbye and leave", Mphathi.
This is angering. Why doesn't this man listen??
"Look, i know what i did was wrong but i want to
correct it. I will pay lobolo and damages", he tells him.
"We don't want your money. Ndoda phuma la",
Mphathi.
It angers him,
"You're a bully huh? You bully people?", he asks.
Mphathi doesn't respond.
He walks closer to him until they are breathing the
same air.
When he wants to say something, Mphathi throws a
punch and he balances off by the wall. He doesn't stop,
he continues punching him with Nosiphiwo screaming
for help. Two security guards pull Mphathi away from
him.
His teeth are bloody and he suffered some mean
punches on his face.
Nosiphiwo is hysterically crying with Nqaba on her
arms.
"Ngzoknenebula wena. Ngyekeni nani ngingaze
ngibhonye kwanina", Mphathi threatens further being
pulled out by security guards until he's finally out of
the yard.
Mbutho walks further towards Nosiphiwo. He's angry.
"I'm taking my son. I'm not paying any lobolo or
damages", he says to Nosiphiwo then kisses her cheeks
and storms out.
………………………………………………
MAZUNGU.

Funerals are never easy. Especially if it's a child, a

child's death is never easy to make peace with.
MaKhumalo cannot be here to bury her son as she's
still hospitalized and in critical conditions. I was tasked
with taking her place as Siyanda's mother on the
mattress and with carrying out the whole funeral.
I can't cry as much as i want to. Maybe it's because I've
had to bury Lungelo before him and it just feels like
something that has happened before.
The coffin is laid at the front of the tent and his siblings
are giving each other chances to say some word's to
him. They speak mostly of how they loved and how
they will miss him. I shed a tear somewhere because
Siyanda was such a happy child. He was going to grow
into a charming little devil in most girls lives and i
believe he's the only child of MaKhumalo's that
actually looks like Mkhululi.
MaMsomi starts a song and also goes up to say
something.
My eyes wonder and they meet with Nkolelo's. He's
looking at me too. He's been sad ever since. He beats
himself about everything that's happening, he thinks
it's his leadership that's coming with all these deaths
an disappearances and sexuality changes and infidelity
babies. I don't blame him because nothing in this
family has gone right after Mkhululi's funeral. We have
buried 3 children in total.
He winks at me but it's a sad wink. I return it and he
half smiles. I look down before i scream how much I've
fallen in love with my brother in law.

It's after the cemetery and people are having their

meals. I'm serving the brothers. I mean all 3 of them in
one room including Mthandazo.
I find Mphathi telling them a story but i don't think it's
a good story.
I greet them and place the tray on the table. They
thank me but the story has stopped. I want to hear the
story too so instead of exiting the house, i enter the
bedroom and close the door. Not fully close it so i can
hear.
I start folding folded clothes in his wardrobe.
I hear footsteps and the door opens. He walks in.
"I'm fixing your wardrobe", i tell him.
He folds his lips.
"What?", i ask.
"I'll tell you the whole story later. Mphathi won't
continue with you in here", he tells me
This man knows me.
"Whole true story?", i ask.
He nods.
"Whole full story KaManzini", he promises.
"Your wardrobe is so clean", i tell him walking out
passing the two brothers silently eating. Mphathi will
get a smaller piece of meat next time there's a funeral
in this house.

I'm walking back to the main house when i notice a

man sneaking into MaNcengwa's house. The door is
quickly closed just when he's in.
I'm going to cause havoc there.
"Knock knock!", i knock
It's silent until the baby cries
"MaNcengwa! It's me uZungoo!", i shout.
The door opens and she stands by the door blocking
my view.
I push the door further and walk in.
"I'm looking for a knife. Luleka didn't come with it
here?", i look around.
In the bedroom is the baby daddy, barechest with
Senzo on his chest.
"Hi Bhuti", i greet him. He frowns when he sees me.
"Hi Sisi", he responds.
"I'm MaZungu, the sisterwife", i say.
"I'm... Mbutho Mabaso", he says.
I sit down on the chair. I'm not leaving here.
"Nompilo is your sister?", i ask.
"Yes. I sensed you knew each other the other day", he
takes the baby and moves into the dining room. The
baby mama wife has closed to door.
"Yes. She's my inherited husband's baby mama. You
know him", i tell him.
His forehead folds.
"Nompilo doesn't have a baby", he says.
"Yes, she died then you guys went and buried it
without my husbands knowledge. When they came to
your house to ask for the baby remains, you pulled out
guns at them", i tell him.
If a man shitting on himself had a special look, he'd be
take the first spot.
"But you guys fixed it right? Siqalo was buried with
dignity", i tell him.
He doesn't seem like he's here now. He looks shocked
and scared.
I stand up. I like him. But i don't think the Mthethwa's
would appreciate finding him here.
"I won't tell", i tell MaNcengwa before i leave.
He seems like a nice man, who just got into a
predicament and found himself with a child from a
married woman. MaMsomi will call the Mthethwa
sisters to help her clean everything. I'm going to sleep,
i know the other brothers have left so Nkolelo is alone.

I barge, he's sweaty and half naked, doing push ups on

the floor. He does them everyday in the mornings and
after noons.
"Leave those push ups and hold your breath", i tell
him.
He stands on his feet and holds his breath.
"I saw...",
"Guess who?", i ask.
He points to his nose and chest.
Is he mute now?
"Guess Nyambose", i tell him.
"How can i speak when I'm holding my breath
KaManzini?", he asks. Ohh.
"Oh. Anyways, i have juice about MaNcengwa's baby
daddy", i tell him.
He grabs a bottle of water from the floor and drinks.
"Yes?", he says.
"Yes what?", i ask.
"What do you have on MaNcengwa's baby daddy?", he
asks.
"It's something big. It's a whole scandal! But you know i
don't like talking about people's businesses", i tell him.
His lips fold.
"I won't tell you unless you tell me what Bhut'Mphathi
was saying earlier", i say.
He laughs.
"That's what it's all about?", he asks.
Of course it is. He promised.
Apparently they were trying to find out what started
the fire. I know fake news when i hear them. This one
is fake.
I walk past him to the bedroom, he follows me.
"I saw MaNcengwa's boyfriend in this yard", i tell him.
That's why he's following me around.
His face transforms to anger and he storms out angrily.
Wee. Weee. Weee.
He's going to MaNcengwa's room to confront her.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 20.
NOSIPHIWO MTHETHWA.

"Are you done packing? I'm waiting for you outside",

Mbutho asks her. She responds that she's done and
ready to come with him. It's in the middle of the night
but that's the only safest way she can leave the yard
without any of the brothers seeing her or without
causing any scene with her leaving.
She really tried to be civil and matured about this thing
but the Mthethwa's will always act selfishly and to an
extent that benefits them and them only. She's done
with them.
Nqaba is on her baby strap, she's holding a few bags on
her hands as she locks her house.
"Where are you going?", somebody startles him. It's
Bhut'Nkolelo. What is he doing out here so late?
"Bhuti, i can't talk", she responds handing him her keys
for the house. He doesn't take them but looks at them
then back at her,
"I asked where are you going?", he asks her.
What can she say that won't sound disrespectfull? She
really hopes to leave on a good note so her remaining
children will never suffer the results of her disrespect.
"Bhuti, please speak to MaZungu to please take care of
my children. That's all i ask", she says.
"You're leaving by force?", Bhut'Nkolelo.
Yes. Yes she is. It's time ahe chose her happiness.
"What am i doing here Bhuti?", she asks.
"You're Mkhululi's wife", Bhut'Nkolelo. Rich. Very rich.
"The same Mkhululi who died and left me with not
even a penny? Who left not eveny children a pair of
socks? Bhuti, stay with MaZungu. She's the only wife
you people recognise and respect as for the rest of us,
we are just her shadows and it's okay", She responds
and again offers to hand him the key.
"Don't regret it MaNcengwa", Bhut'Nkolelo.
MaNcengwa looks down. Like everyone, she can't look
at him in the eye. He's not as open and approachable
like the other brother.
"I don't think i'll regret it but thank you Bhuti", she
walks off. Nqaba is sleeping on her chest as they walk
out the gate. Nkolelo follows to lock the gate after her.
There's a car waiting for her outside the gate. Nkolelo
watches as she climbs into that car and the car
reverses out.
This is it. She's doing it her own way.
MAZUNGU.

I woke up with juicy gossip that MaNcengwa upped

and left in the middle of the night with her boyfriend
slash baby daddy. I needed to hear the full story while
sipping on tea because MaNcengwa has liver.
I hand him the tray of food, he thanks me.
"Tell me how she left again", i tell him.
"She left at midnight. That fool was parked outside the
gate waiting for her", he tells me.
Oh Mbutho have liver too.
"Yho. So what's going to happen now?", i ask. I mean...
they didn't want her to leave and she left so what's the
way forward.
He shrugs.
"I'm not getting involved anymore. She asked you to
take care of her kids";
She what??
"She should have used contraceptives like i did",
His eyes bulge out. Oh no.
"You used contraceptives?", he asks.
I'm not having this conversation. I stand up.
"Thembeka, I'm talking to you. Is that why you don't
have a child with Mkhululi?",
"Why is it angering you?", i ask.
"So you were using contraceptives to block
pregnancy?", he asks also on his feet now.
I said I'm not debating with him anything that has to do
with my body and my life. Mkhululi had enough
children to last him for a life time. He didn't need any
child from me. I didn't need a child from him too.
I walk out. He follows me. I'm headed to my house. I
enter first, he follows and locks the door after himself.
"Thembeka, why did you do that?", he asks.
I lay on my bed.
"Because i had a right to do that Nkolelo", i tell him.
He chuckles out bitterly.
"After so many years of Mkhululi complaining that he
wants children from you where as you knew you were
on contraceptives? You don't find that cruel?", he asks.
No. Cruel? Nobody at the Mthethwa's should ever tell
me anything about cruelty.
"Cruel is marrying a girl and leaving her with your
mother in the rurals then go and bring back 4 other
women after her", i tell him because now this is
angering me.
"You should have communicated with him and told
him you don't want a child", he says.
I laugh but I'm not. It makes sense, he didn't know his
brother that much. Mkhululi would have made me
pack my bags the moment i muttered those words to
him, yes, i loved him and he loved me but i have always
known what his end goal was- to grow his family and
anything that set him back on that mission was taken
out.
"Nkolelo, i just want to sleep. Close the door when you
leave", i tell him.
"Does the family know?",
Why can't he let it go???
"Do they?", he asks.
"I was married to Mkhululi. Not the family Nkolelo", i
tell him.
"MaKhumalo might have been right", he chuckles and
storms out.
What the hell?
I laugh out my disbelief because did he just say i might
have killed Mkhululi?

Maybe i should have killed him because out of

everyone i have ever known in my life, Mkhululi is the
only one who has loved me and shown me love ever
since, but also he's the only man who had hurt me
repeatedly and repeatedly and repeatedly, made me
doubt my place and my responsibilities. Mkhululi
would look me in the eye and tell me his problems,
problems that he is having with his other wives; then
he would wait for me to advise him and i did. I would
advise him to fix things and do better by his other
wives. I did that but deep down, i was dying because
that meant i had become his aunt if not his mothers
sister. He touched me less. The only time Mkhululi had
sex with me was when he was reminded that he needs
a child from me and that was all it would be about-
baby making. From lover, i was a wife and from a wife i
became his mother whome he respected more than
anyone, whom he feared more than anyone. He
stopped doing his husbandly duties towards me but i
loved him nevertheless.
Whatever decision i took when i came here is a
decision i took for myself and no one else.
……………………………………………….

I ended up asleep and woke up to him and his pushups.

Can't he do them in his house and not here?
I step out of the bedroom. He doesn't say anything
until I'm by the door out.
"KaManzini", he calls out.
I turn.
"I'm sorry", he says.
"For what?", i ask.
Atleast he should know what he's sorry for.
"For what i said", he says.
"What did you say Bhuti?", i ask.
He looks down.
"I said MaKhumalo might have been right", he says.
Mxcm.
"I don't care what you think about MaKhumalo's
accusations Nkolelo. But judging me for my decisions is
just not something i will laugh at. I did what i thought
was right", i tell him.
He sighs and nods.
"Okay. Come sit down", he tells me.
Okay. I will.
I sit on the couch. He sits too.
"Next week, you're completing your mourning", he
says.
I know.
"Okay", i say.
"Do you know what that means?", he asks.
It means I'm getting off these clothes??
"It means our relationship will be starting on a clean
slate. You will be letting go of Mkhululi and focussing
on me", he says.
"And so i want to know. Will you still use those
contraceptives on me?", he asks.
If he acts like Mkhululi, yes i will.
"If you act right, i will stop them. If you don't then we
might as well...", i tell him.
"The elders want a child from us KaManzini", he tells
me.
I know that.
"That means you have to act right to get a child from
me. I don't want to raise a child alone mina with a
father whose all over the place, just not active in a
childs life. I'm sorry", i tell him.
He's quiet.
"Akunkani kulonkosikazi", he heaves.
I'm stubborn?
"Wena nje. If you focus on me and my marriage like
you expect me to focus on you and our marriage, you
will get a child", i tell him.
He looks defeated.
I'm not backing out of anything.
He stands up.
"Let me continue with my pushups ngiyeke onkanini",
he says.
"Let me get up and go eat khona ngzobuya ngphuze
amaContraception pills ami",
I side eye him. He can't believe i said that.
Truly, one of the reasons i prevented pregnancy
knowing how much Mkhululi wanted it is because of
how the other wives children grew up. Only their
mothers were active in their lives. I think only Lungelo
got to experience his father first hand and that's
because he was the first child. When the others came,
Mkhululi was busy with everything. I grew up raised by
my mother only. I know the pains of being a child
without a father figure and I've seen how my mother
was drained sometimes by playing both roles in my life
and also Nkululeko's lives. I can't subject my child to
that.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 21.
MAZUNGU.

A month later. Nothing is perfect but i can say

everyone is adjusting well to everything that has
happened. MaKhumalo was said that she couldn't walk
anymore and for that reason, her family wanted her to
return home so they can take better care of her and
yes, the Mthethwa's tried to fight it but failed.
MaKhumalo went home, I'm not sure if it's for good or
temporary. So i currently have 8 children under my
watch and it's been a pleasure so far. It wasn't hard to
mother them first hand, I've been in their lives since
they were born and had a good relationship with them
until they were told to stay away from me. Did i say i
have 8 kids? I meant 9. I also have an old man who acts
just like the kids.
He's late from work today. His car just drove in and it's
10 minutes after his arrival time.
I count because... the days are just too long without
him.
He walks in, i can't help but smile at his smile. He's got
the cutest smile.
"Nyambose",
He hugs me and kisses my forehead.
"KaManzini, i missed you", he says.
"You did?", i ask.
He nods.
"You did good. Take a shower, I've already prepared
your food", i tell him.
"Seems like you missed me too", he says.
"Missed you?", i ask.
"Yes. You made me food before i even came home", he
says.
Of course i missed him.
"It was MaBiyela's idea", i tell him.
"Drop the act. I know you missed me", he cups my chin
and makes me face up to him. Here's the thing about
aboZulu, Tall Dark and Handsome, they have a gift of
making you scream out all your thoughts just by
penetrating your eyes with their soft but hardcore
eyes.
I'm singing Kumbaya to my pride and ego.
"Okay. I missed you",
He perks my lips.
"I know you did",
He perks my lips again.
"Now, let me shower and eat food prepared by my
wife", he says.
Wife??
"Not yet. We're still not married", i tell him. In case
he's forgotten.
"We will be soon. MaBiyela and the uncles have
started preparations", he tells me.
That's news to me considering i finished my mourning
a week ago.
"Why don't i know about it?", i ask.
He shrugs.
"I also found out through MaBiyela this morning. I
think we don't have a say", he tells me.
Tough.
He disappears into the bathroon.
I sit down and wait for him to finish.
My phone rings.
It's MaNcengwa. Don't tell me she misses me already.
"Sisi", i greet.
She wants us to meet to discuss something important
and asked me not to tell any of the Mthethwa's. She
says it's not something we can discuss on the phone.
Okay. I will go meet her. And i won't tell any
Mthethwa.
"Was that your Skrushi-skrushi brother?", he asks
freshly dressed.
Nkululelo is my skrushi skrushi brother.
"No. It was Ma-",
Shut up Thembeka.
"It's him. He wants money. This child thinks I'm the
owner of FNB", i lie.
"We must give him an allowance. A monthly one so he
can take care of himself", he suggests.
"With Mthethwa monies?", i ask with my eyes out.
Mkhululi made it clear that Mthethwa money stays at
the Mthethwa's and goes nowhere more.
"It's family money. KaManqele and Nkululeko are
family, my love",
Ncoah... my tall handsome inherited husband. Did he
call my My Love? I thought he hates pet names.
"He will be happy to hear that", i tell him. I'm excited
because i have always wanted to take care of my
mother and brother back in Durban. I know my mother
works but i think Mkhululi left me enough money that
my mother could even retire if she wanted to but i
know that's not possible since... i haven't really gotten
my hands on Mkhululi's monies.
He sits down and starts eating.
"Imbi shame intshebe yakho", i tease.
His face?? Horror.
"What?",
"I said imbi intshebe yakho", i repeat.
He's quiet. Face dropped.
He loves nothing more than his beard. He takes hours
perfecting how it looks. He makes sure it's clean and
shiny everyday and it looks like i just broke his heart.
He stands up and walks to the bedroom and closes
himself inside.
"Haw, i was joking nje Nyambose", now i regret it,
begging him to open from out side the bedroom door.
"I'm sorry Dingiswayo. I was playing",
Why do i feel like crying myself now??
He's not opening. Still. I'm crying.
"Bhut'Nkolelo please open. Your beard looks good.
Umuhle nayo", i beg in tears now.
The door handle moves. I stand up from the floor. He
opens and looks at me. I look at him.
Then he hugs me tight. I don't understand why I'm
crying on his shoulders but i am hysterically crying and
he's rubbing my back and shushing me.
"I'm sorry", he's apologising.
For what? I teased him.
"I'm sorry. Your beard is good looking and good on
you", i say again.
He smiles.
"Thank you KaManzini. Now stop crying before i stab
myself", he says.
I wipe my tears.
Then i look at him. He looks at me.
What the hell just happened?
He cracks to laughter and i laugh after him.
"You're not okay. You're crying because i closed the
door for 2 minutes?", he says.
Funny.
"You closed the door on me because i teased your
beard?", i ask.
"You always compliment my beard. How do you think it
made me feel when you tease it?", he asks.
Okay. Fair. But Sir,
"Wena you said you won't leave me for anything. How
do you think it made me feel when you closed the door
on me?", i ask.
He's quiet. I'm not playing now. I don't think he is too.
He takes my hand and looks into my eyes.
"I meant it. I know how this all started but i don't want
it to be how it started. I don't want to be your husband
because i have to be but i want to be your husband
because i want to be. Thembeka, i want to be your
husband. You make me want to be your husband", he
says.
I look down. I never have come backs when he
becomes like this.
He cups my face up to him.
Our eyes meet.
"I love you my inherited wife",
I smile. It comes from my jumping heart.
"I love you too Myeni wefa", i say.
He laughs and kisses me, i kiss him back. He grabs me
by my waist and makes me sit on his lap. Something is
poking me and it's big and hard.
He takes off my dress and gently lays me on the bed
facing up the roof.
He kissing my chest over my bra and kissing my
exposed tummy and down to my thighs.
I can't believe i teased a beard that's doing so much
work in between my thighs.
"Nyambo-",
"Thula mama, we don't want kids to hear us", he
shows his face inbetween my thighs, he's licking his lips
that are coming from my privates. Yuck but nack.
He goes back.
I'm screaming if he goes on. It's how his warm tongues
washes all the angles of my flesh and how is beard
does the drying instilling pleasure.
I'm pumping.
"Nyambose... i...",
"Shoot it out mama",
"On your...",
I did it. Shot it all on his face.
He raises his face up, dripping of my cum.
I'm embarrassed.
He comes over me and kisses me.
"You taste good", he tells me. Licking a drip with his
forefinger.
I think he's not human.
"Disgusting", i tell him.
"But it was nice a minute ago?", he says.
"Let's go shower", he says.
"Together?", i ask because "let's" means "let us" and
the "us" means both me and him.
He nods.
"Never. This is not The Bold And The Beautiful", i tell
him.
He cracks to laughter.
"Staying in Nongoma really messed with you", he rolls
his whole head when he's supposed to roll his eyes
only. It's something Nkululeko says to me whenever i
don't know his language.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 22.
MAZUNGU.

I told Nkolelo and MaBiyela that I'm going to town to

get a few household things. They let me go, plus
Nkolelo had to sit with Mphathi down. Apparently
Mphathi is thinking of marrying his Venda girl, Nkolelo
is in for it and I'm just not too sure about it but it's not
my business to even be sure about so I'm happy that
the family will actually have a glimpse of joy and
celebration after all the tears we have cried this year
alone. I hope Elelwani learns some Zulu before she
moves to Ulundi because i definately won't be
speaking English everyday to accomodate her although
i would love for her to teach me some Venda. Venda
sounds rough but i like rough. Rough languages I'm
talking about.
Anyways, KFC Ulundi is where I'm at. To meet my
former sisterwife who just walked in and spotted me.
Girl looks flaming hot but does her boyfriend feed her
fries everyday? She's gaining. Must be after birth
effect, MaKhumalo once told Mkhululi that Lungelo is
the reason she has a double stomach and Mkhululi told
me about it one night, i laughed till dawn because i
wonder what even led to her having to explain to
Mkhululi why she had a double stomach.
She wants to hug me but I'm not her friend, she just
stole my husband and made him ours without my
consent, nothing friendly about that. But i do smile as
she takes a seat.
"How have you been Sisi?", she asks.
"I've been alive. How have you been?", i ask her back.
She's fine. Okay. Baby girl, why am i here?
"You look good without the widows weeds",
I smile.
"You also look good without the belly",
We got to be even. No harm intended.
She smiles and thanks me.
"I need help Sisi and i thought of no one who can help
me", she says after sighing. I sit up.
"Nqaba. Nqaba is sick", she says.
"I'm not a healer or Doctor. How can i help you?", i ask.
Clearly confused.
"They say he needs the Mthethwa surname and that
the Mabaso's have to pay fines and fines to the
Mthethwa's. My baby is really sick MaZungu, he's in
hospital, connected to tubes and tubes", she starts
sobbing. She goes through her phone and hands it over
to me. It's heartbreaking pictures of her baby
connected to hospital tubes.
No. My heart breaks to see this. I hand her back the
phone with a shattered heart.
"Call Nkolelo and talk to him about this", i tell her.
"I can't", she says.
Huh?
"Why can't you?", i ask.
"Because Mbutho is the one behind Lungelo's death
MaZungu, Bhut'Nkolelo knows and he's after him",
Say what???
"What does Mbutho have to do with Lungelo?",
She explains things about Nompilo and her daughter
and anger and all about everything. My mind is fuzzy
because...
"Nosiphiwo, you knew all along who killed Lungelo?", i
ask. She explains that she found out a few days ago
through Mbutho who was on a call with Nkolelo who
was letting him know that he is coming after him.
Why are people like this!
"But you still stayed with him after all the pain he's
caused us? You still chose him?", i ask.
"I'm sorry but i love him. You still chose Mkhululi even
when they were 4 others of us", she says.
Now she's pushing wrong buttons.
"I never chose Mkhululi, i chose myself. Check my bank
balance. Anyways, if Nkolelo has a personal problem
with your boyfriend, I'm sorry but it will be a hard task
to convince him otherwise", i tell her.
"MaZungu, please convince them. Do it for my baby.
No mother should ever go through what I'm currently
going through", she says.
Phew. I don't know but i'll try. If i fail then... I'm sorry.

The kids were back form school when i arrived. I've

taught them many things since their mothers left. I
don't know kids in late primary schools and some in
early high school who don't know how to wash school
socks!? MaKhumalo and MaNcengwa really messed
them up there. I can't shame. They have washed and
dried everything on the line.
I see MaMsomi has started cooking, good.
Nkolelo is in my house. Sleeping with his laptop
opened on his lap on the couch with his legs on the
table.
I wanted to only close the laptop and put it away but
my eyes catch a glimpse of the picture on the screen.
Nompilo's picture. For osme weird reason, i feel hurt
by this. I sit down on the next couch and scroll forward,
it's a whole album of her pictures. He was watching her
pictures all along. Tears threaten my cheeks.
He wakes up and looks around. Then his eyes bulge
out. I fake a smile give him back his laptop.
"You were sleeping with it on your lap. What if it
broke?", i say to him.
He doesn't respond.
"How did things go with Mphathi?", i ask with my most
believable smile.
No response.
I stand up and take the plate and glass from the table
to the kitchen in the mainhouse. I greet MaMsomi and
start washing all dishes in the sink. MaMsomi is the
one wife that never gave me trouble. We're not friends
but we can be civil and talk, just not today.
"MaMsomi", his voive fills the kitchen.
"Bhuti, how can we help you?", MaMsomi.
"Nothing. I just came to get MaZungu", he says.
I wipe the little tear that has been hanging over my left
eye and turn with a smile.
"Me?", i ask.
He doesn't respond but looks down.
I ask MaMsomi to finish for me if i don't return. I follow
him back to my house. He closes the door after me and
sits on the couch. I take a grassmat. I don't know why.
"Come sit on the couch" he tells me.
"No. I'm fine here", i tell him back.
He heaves.
"I know what you are doing. Thembeka, get up and sit
next to me", he says.
He knows what I'm doing?
I smile and sit on the couch.
"What did you see here?", he asks pointing to his
laptop. I saw a whole album of pictures belonging to
his girlfriend slash baby mama.
"Nothing", i tell him.
He raises his eyebrow. I keep my smile.
"Tell the truth", he says.
"What truth? I saw nothing", i tell him.
He's quiet after that. I also don't say a thing.
"Senzo is in hospital and is sick", i tell him.
"How do you know?", he asks.
I get up.
"I know a lot of things. Other people respect me
enough to tell me things they think i should know", i
tell him.
"Nkolelo, just introduce the child to the ancestors and
save a life. You can continue with your life thereafter",
i tell him. I attempt to walk out but he grabs my hand
and looks into my eyes.
"Whatever you saw is not what you think it's about
Thembeka, i love you and you only",
Oh yes. Mkhululi used to say the same.
I nod.
He caresses my cheeks and plants a kiss on my
forehead.
"I love you KaManzini. Only you", he adds.
I know all this. It happened to me 4 times. I'd catch
Mkhululi watching the wives pictures before he even
introduced them to the family. He'd say I'm the only
one he loves even though he knew he wasn't satisfied
by me.
But with Nkolelo, i don't know why I'm hurt or
affected. Nompilo and him were before he was forced
to marry me. He belongs to her maybe, i just messed
up their good thing.
I think i need to keep my distance from Nkolelo to save
myself heartache like how I'm feeling now. Did i really
expect him to leave his life for me? I'm only his late
brothers wife.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 23.
MTHANDAZO MTHETHWA.

"Babheke", he greets.
"Mthandazo, how are you?",
He nods and smiles at him.
"I'm serious, how are you?", Babheke emphasizes.
How is he?
"I'm fine",
Babheke caresses his face and looks into his eyes,
"Mthandazo, look at me", Babheke.
He does.
"How are you?",
He breaks to tears. Babheke hugs him tight, assuring
him that things will be fine. Eventually, he calms down
and looks at the sunsetting in front of them. It's
beautiful to watch.
"My brothers asked me to stop being gay or else they
might disown me. The community hates me and
everywhere i turn, I'm threatened with death", He tells
Babheke who sighs out.
"It will wear out. People will forget", Babheke.
Yes, the community may forget but his family will
never forget. MaBiyela would faint if his brothers told
on him. The only reason they have not told her is
because he promised to change but how do you
change the way you feel?
"Or... we can move away from the area. Let's move
away", Babheke suggests.
He's thought about it but where would he move that
his brothers would never find him? Who would fund
that move since Nkolelo holds all family finances?
"I can't. I don't know where i would go. I can't afford
relocation", He tells Babheke who pats his shoulder
and smiles,
"Don't worry. My cousin has a place in Durban. He
doesn't live there anymore and he wanted me to
occupy that place. I can take you with. We'll find jobs
there and live our lives away from your family and this
community. You can be free Mthandazo", Babheke.
"Babheke, i wouldn't want to be a burden to you. I'm a
man on my own", He tells Babheke.
"I know you're a man and you'd like to do things on
your own. But me and you are in a relationship and in a
relationship, you are allowed to let your partner help
you until you can help yourself", Babheke.
He doesn't respond. He keeps his eyes connected to
his, listening to the songs of love he hears everytime he
thinks of Babheke. He makes him feel like a man more
than any girl he had forced himself to be with. When
Babheke touches his skin, a lot of things react in his
body.
He agrees. Agrees to go with him and escape his family.
The plan on leaving next week and never returning to
this place.
It's already dark when they kiss each other for the last
time on this rock facing the sunset. This is where their
love began and where he found his true identity. If
they could, they would meet everyday in this rock until
the day they leave for Durban but there's community
women who crowd this place looking for woods on
some authorized days.
Babheke walks him home and leaves him by the gate of
his home. It hurts that they have to walk like they don't
know each other on the streets but it's all coming to an
end soon. According to what he's seen on social media,
Durban is much more open minded to gay people than
Ulundi is. Maybe that's where his happiness lies.
When he enters the yard, Mphathi is standing on the
doorstep of his house.
"Bhuti", he greets him.
Mphathi nods. He opens the door and they both walk
inside.
The last time Mphathi has spoken to him was weeks
ago, on Siyanda's funeral. But atleast Mphathi does,
Nkolelo hates even his sight and doesn't even pretend
to understand and care.
"How are you?" Mphathi asks after settling on the
couch.
How is he?
"I'm fine", he responds sitting down too.
"Good. I'm getting married", Mphathi.
That's what he came here to tell him. Perhaps he's still
important.
"Congratulations Bhuti", he says.
Mphathi doesn't react.
"By my wedding day, you must have broken up with
that man you were walking with", Mphathi.
Or not. He just came to further rule him.
He doesn't respond. How does Mphathi know about
Babheke and him?
"You're a disgrace to the family name. I'm disgraced to
even be your brother Mthandazo. Tell me, where did
you see this gay thing? Who taught you that a man
must date other men?", Mphathi asks.
It's not over. It's never going to be over. This pain of
being questioned on things you don't understand
yourself and things you need answers to yourself.
Many nights went by that he wanted to do what his
family would think is right but couldn't. Female
pornography doesn't affect his feelings. Naked girls
don't arouse him. Is that something he can address and
tell it to stop happening when he wants?
Mphathi stands up.
"I don't want my wife or my kids seeing you living this
disgusting life. Get your act together or see yourself
out of the family. Don't you tell MaBiyela about this
because she won't be fit to handle it. Stop this or leave
this home in peace", Mphathi says and gets on his feet.
He's leaving.
He closes the door after Mphathi's exit and crawls on
the floor leaning on the couch as tears stroll down his
cheeks.
Mphathi. Mphathi said all that he said today to him.
The one brother who held his hand. The one brother
who loves everyone, the calm and gentle brother.

MAZUNGU.

It's in the middle of the night in his house. I left him in

my house and locked myself in his because i really
couldn't stay with him knowing that there's a chance
that i will be going through the whole process of having
to accept that I'm not alone in a mans life, again. It's
not something i wish for anyone because you sit in the
middle of the nights like i am now and wonder where
exactly you lack as a woman and what is it that men
can't find in you that they go out and look for others.
When Mkhululi married MaKhumalo, i made peace
faster. But with MaMzobe, MaMsomi and MaNcengwa,
that's where i died deep down. I died and no one was
there to piece me up again except for me. I had to
think of me and not anyone but me.
Mkhululi took my youth years, made me leave my
home and promised to love me and only me forever,
instead he went and got 4 other women to love more
than me. The only reason i stayed was not because i
loved Mkhululi more than i loved my happiness, i
stayed because i sat like this one night and thought of a
way to end it all and come out victorious. It was all
supposed to end with me happy and finally free. Not
here again, thinking of yet another way out for myself
and sanity.
"MaZungu", i hear a whisper and a soft knock on the
door.
"KaManzini, please open. I'm cold', he whispers more.
The temperature is cold outside. That's the only reason
why I'm letting him in.
He's wrapped himself in a blanket you'd swear he has
Sotho roots.
"Thank you", he walks in and sits on the bed edge.
I get under covers and face the other way.
The bed moves, he slides next to me.
Silence.
He comes closer until his legs wrap around my thighs
under the blankets. That's how we sleep. But I'm not
sure if I'm comfortable anymore.
His face slaps over my shoulder and his breath on my
neck.
Ungikotelile lomuntu.
"MaZungu", he whispers in my ear. I pretend to be
sleeping.
He calls again. I open my eyes and sit up.
He unwraps his legs around my thighs and sits up too.
"Talk to me. Don't die in silence. Your voice matters",
he says.
I fold my arms.
"Does it?", i ask.
He nods.
"Why do you have albums of Nompilo's pictures?", i
ask.
"I was deleting them. I got sleepy while still deleting
them. I wasn't watching them", he says.
"Stop lying Nkolelo. Just tell me the truth. I'm not
harmful", i say.
He looks down. Then up again.
"MaZungu, i love you and only you", he takes my hand.
I always believe this. I always fall for it. His brother
would look me in the eye like he is doing now and tell
me this everytime he wanted me to sit in front of the
family elders and agree to let him marry other women.
"Do you still love Nompilo, Nyambose?",
"Who? Nooo",
"Then why do you have her pictures after so long?", i
ask.
"Like i told you KaManzini, i was deleting them. I wasn't
just staring at them. I'm sorry that you saw them and
that it hurt you but i would never hurt you intentionally
MaZungu. I thought you understood how deep my love
goes for you. Nompilo is my past and as much as i hate
to say it but she was a long term part of my life and it
won't be easy to let her out of my mind, she's my
business lawyer and we shared a child together, i will
think about her or talk about her but it doesn't mean i
love her more than i love you", He explains.
"It's you only i love. I meant it when i said i wanted to
do this for me and not for the family. After the family
remarriage wedding, i want us to have our own based
on our love", he tells me.
Slower by word, I'm forgiving him and i can't help it.
He leans forward and kisses my lips. I kiss him back
after hesitation.
"When you have a problem MaZungu, you don't smile
and act as if everything is fine. You talk to me, shout if
you want to but don't act like your pain is fine for you
to feel. I will always listen to you when you speak", he
says.
Why am i crying?
Maybe because i was never given a chance to speak in
my marriage.
"You promise to do that?", he asks.
I nod.
He perks my lips once more.
"Asilale ke mkami",
I slide back to sleep. He does the same and resumes
our sleeping position. This time, facing each other and
his head rested on my breasts.
"I couldn't sleep without this warmth and comfort", he
says engulfing me closer to him.
I laugh.
"Goodnight mkami wefa",
"Goodnight myeni wami wefa",
"Ngaklethelwa iWill wena", he says. I laugh at that i
was given to him by a Will.
"Uyohamba ngeWill futhi", he adds that i will leave him
through that Will.
I'm not longer laughing because his tone isn't funny.
...........................................

I'm woken up by my phone ringing. It's MaNcengwa. I

spoke to Nkolelo about Senzo's condition.
"Hi", i greet.
She starts crying hysterically.
I sit up.
"Nosiphiwo, is Senzo okay?", i ask. I'm panicking
myself. Nkolelo is up too, serving questioning looks.
"My baby MaZungu, they stole him", she cries.
Okay. I breathe. He's alive.
Wait... stole?
"Who?", i ask.
"I don't know. It's Bhut'Nkolelo. He threatened
Mbutho. MaZungu i want my baby! I want Nqaba
MaZungu", she cries and hangs up.
What do i have to do with it pho?
I look at Nkolelo.
"Where is Senzo?", i ask him.
He frowns.
"You said he was in hospital", he responds.
"He's missing from the hospital and you are the
suspect", i tell him.
He laughs.
"MaNcengwa said that?", he asks.
He thinks this is a joke.
"You threatened her boyfriend and their child went
missing. You dated a lawyer before, you should be able
to put a case together", i tell him and walk out. It's
morning anyways and I'm going to start with chores
before getting children ready for school. Nkolelo has
not been going to the office for some while. He just
pops in and out but Mphathi is hands on so less people
to get ready.
Where would Senzo be and who in their right states of
mind would steal a baby. A baby that is Senzo's age?
Barely even 6 months?

#sponsored
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 24.
NKOLELO.

I don't want any mistakes in this so these boys had

better not disappoint me.
"Wipe every cent you find. Every cent that calls their
name, wipe it and send it to charity homes", i tell
them. They nod.
Who are they nodding for? Me?
"Yebo Nyambose",
"Awzwake",
I leave and drive out. I'm meeting one of my business
associates. I don't call them friends ngoba indoda ayibi
nabo abangani, it's either a man has brothers or a man
has associates.
They have all arrived, there's chanting as i walk
towards their table. It's been a while since i sat down
with them and relaxed.
"Usaphila mfo?", Mkhaba.
We shake hands and settle down. I thought this was a
group gathering and not them throwing questions at
me.
"Ayi madoda, staying at home is a flex if you're a man.
You're a man if you're able to keep your family
together", i tell them. Although things have been tough
after Mkhululi's death but I'm positive that with time,
things are gradually changing. After my traditional
wedding with MaZungu, Mphathi is also marrying his
Venda girl and by then I'm hoping that Mthandazo will
have come around. Soon, Nelly will be graduating from
her studies and a year later, Gcina will be doing the
same. There are still good times to come for my family.
Lungelo, Wiseman and Sizwe seem to be against home.
They say it inconviences business bjt not everything
should be about business. I stayed in Durban, built my
name and built my businesses and now they are
running smoothly and they don't need me everyday
and I'm using that time to reconnect to myself back
home.
I'm listening to them speak and debate about the
disadvantages of staying in rural homes but now my
mind is not here. I miss my woman.
"S'bali", Sizwe snaps at me.
I look at him.
They're all gawking at me.
"I'm sorry, i need to make a call",
I leave the table and walk out of place.
I dial her numbers. She answers almost immediately,
"Nyambose",
There, i feel like a big baby.
"KaManzini, how is your day?", i ask.
She sighs.
"It's going. MaNcengwa says the police have no lead as
to where Senzo could be", she says.
"MaZungu, we spoke about this. MaNcengwa took that
child away from us because it's not ours. So why is it
our issue when the child is missing? Stay away from
MaNcengwa", i gently tell her.
"But Nyambose, they are accusing you of stealing a
child",
MaZungu is caring and kind. Everything she does is
always for the benefit of the next person. I have always
wondered and asked myself why she stayed with
Mkhululi throughout the period of 4 other wives but
now that I've spent time with her and learnt how she
thinks, she priorities everyone but herself. I don't like
it.
"It's fine. You and i know i have nothing to do with
Senzo. Leave it at that. Let MaNcengwa and her
boyfriemd solve it themselves", i tell her.
She hears but i know she will never stop taking
MaNcengwa's calls or caring about that baby.
I don't care about that baby. It's not mines nor is it any
of my brothers child. I don't care about MaNcengwa,
she left out of her accord and chose to cohabit with her
boyfriend. If she really has love for the fool, she will
stay even when I'm done with my revenge on him and
his family. I spared no one. They all did things to my
family, took 2 lives from my family and thought they
were going to live with it? Believing in God is for
KaManqele and MaZungu, i believe in reality and
reality is when I'm done with the Mabaso's, they will
be begging for handouts in town.

"When is the wedding? Why have we not received

invitations?", Thuba asks when i return to the table.
"Why have i not been asked to be best man?", Sizwe
speaks.
"Ningazonya la nina", i sit down and dunk the glass i
found in front of me.
I spot a familiar face over the next table.
It's her. What is she doing here and what business does
she have with clubs?
"Excuse me",
I leave the table straight to hers. Anganginyanyisi yena.
With a man??
"WeMaRambuzani, what brings you here?", i ask. She
stands up as soon as she sees me.
"Bhuti, i-i",
I look at this boy in front of me. What is this? I slap his
head
He stands up.
Ngzokubhonya kunye lokhu. I smack his cheeks, he
starts wailing loudly adking for help from security.
"Bhuti, please calm down. This is my friend",
MaRambudzani tells me. Friends?
"You are friends with men? Is that what you are doing
in clubs? Does Mphathi know?", i ask.
She looks down. I'm holding this lousy man by his shirt.
He's shouting for help but he's not aware that I'm a
respected member in this club.
"Nkolelo, he's gay", Sizwe whispers to me.
I look at this man. My eyes land on his nails, painted in
pink.
MaRambudzani is crying.
I let this thing down and it runs out. I'm only letting it
go because MaRambudzani is upset. Otherwise, I'd
beat the gay shit out of him.
"I'm sorry. I'll go with-", MaRambudzani startles and
stammers,
"I don't want to see you in here again. Are we clear?", i
ask.
She nods mutiply and struts away towards the exit.
I turn back to our table and take my belongings.
"Who is she Sbali?", Lungelo asks.
"My brothers fiance. Next time madoda", i leave them.
I'm driving home. To my wife. Maybe I'm just angry
because it's been a few hours without her.
MAZUNGU.

I'm with MaMsomi and MaBiyela on the mainhouse

stoep. She's delivering all the village gossip MaMtshali
came here to deliver this morning. We are her
audience enjoying tea. It's been peaceful without any
MaKhumalo drama in this yard.
My phone beeps a text. It's my husband telling me to
dress up. He's on his way back. I want to ask why
because i don't feel like going anywhere and it's
evening now but i just decide to excuse myself from
the ladies and do as he says.
Thank MaMsomi for umthungo ekhanda, corn rows are
good but umthungo is always the best for my afro hair.
I dress up.
Minutes later, his car is parked by the gate.
"Mkami", he speaks.
I walk out of the bedroom.
He smiles,
"Wamuhle Sisi wabantu", he hugs and kisses me.
He never drops the ball with how he looks and smells.
He takes my hand and we walk out, he ushers me into
his car.
"Wadla Zungoo!", MaMsomi shouts from the stoep. I
laugh because MaBiyela also looks happy.
Nkolelo hoots and reverses out until we hit the road.
"Kuyiwaphi Nyambose?", i ask.
"Ngikusa la okqala khona uthando", he says, gawks at
me for a moment before he turns back to the road.
I love him.
He remembers something. He looks at me and smiles
then hits the media stereo and tracks forward until he
stops at a Maskandi song.
Thula Ungasho by Majotha.
"Aw'Thul'ungasho sengyajola manje", he sings.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 25.
MAZUNGU.

"What is this Nyambose?", i ask. He really did spend

most of his time in Durban, witnessing and performing
romance first hand. I met Mkhululi in Durban, yes but
I'm starting to think they weren't dates. It's day 2 of
what was supposed to be an evening out turned to a
week out. I must say that I'm enjoying myself with
every second away from home.
Nkolelo is romantic. Even the way he looks at me has
even changed from the way he looked at me when we
were back home. It's different.
We are at Intibane Lounge. He's holding a big board
wrapped in a white cloth that he went to fetch from
whomever was knocking.
He smiles,
"Close your eyes", he tells me.
I'm anxious to know so i don't ask anymore questions
but do as he says.
"Open them", he says after a moment. I open them.
I jump out of bed to where he is standing holding the
big beautiful portrait of us. It's that day he took me to
the river for a picnic and don't remember him taking
pictures but it seems he did.
It's beautiful. The only difference is, the dress is no
longer black but white.
"Why did you make the dress white?", i ask running my
fingers through the texture. It's newly painted.
"You were wearing black because you were mourning.
This is a new start. White looked better for a perfect
start",
He always has beautiful answers too.
I hug him but he ends up smooching my lips.
"Thank you. It's beautiful", i tell him. He smiles.
But... I'm sorry. I'm going to that pool outside, I've
been lazy to.
"I'm going to the pool outside. You want to come?", i
ask him.
"Most definately. I just need to make a quick call back
home then i'll join you downstairs", he responds.
Okay.
I leave him.
The pool yard is empty. It's just me and the empty
pool. I lay on the sunlounger and scroll on my phone.
Selfies. Oh yes, selfies. I think i need to start an
instagram account too and post there. What do they
say? #HashtagSoftLife. I'm playing. I can barely cope
with Facebook.
I raise my eyes when a man walks in. It was starting ti
be creepy being alone here.
He settles on the sunlounger next to mines and i notice
he's holding a newspaper to read. He opens it and
reads.
"Hi Baba", i greet him to make a conversation. I'll call
him Baba because... he looks very matured although he
looks like he's friends with the gym.
He looks at me.
"Hi Ndodakazi, how are you?", he greets back with a
smile.
I respond and we start chatting right away. He's a cool
man with a few lame jokes that i laugh to because... i
started this.
"I'm sorry babe, i-", Nkolelo walks in.
The man hides his face with the newspaper and leaves.
Huh?
"Who is that?", Nkolelo asks.
"I didn't get who he is but he's here to destress
apparently. I thought you fell asleep in there", i say.
He hugs and kisses me.
"Sleep without seeing all this?", he asks.
I forgot to mention that he's wearing a summer short
and his tall legs are exposed along with his bare dark
toned chest. He looks sexy but I'm old to comment
such.
I return to my sunlounger and he settles on the one
next to mines.
We lay in silence. I'm a happy woman.
"This is the best day of my life so far", he says.
Drama.
"Why?", i ask.
"I feel different. I feel happy because you're happy.
That's not normal", he says. Ncoaw. My little bald-
bearded baby.
I get up and kiss his bald head.
"Ayikhothwa impandla yendoda MaZungu", he says.
"I didn't khoth it. I kissed it. Khothing and kissing are
differentl things", i tell him.
He cracks to laughter.
"You didn't khoth it?",
"Yes, i didn't khoth it. I kissed it", i respond.
He's dead in stitches.
Mxcm.
"Can i khoth you too?", he asks.
"You're no dog. You can't lick me", i say.
"I can't?", he asks.
I return to my lounger and lay. He follows me and
before i know it, his bald head ia buried inbetween my
thighs and I'm moaning all Rambudzani clan names
that i searched a week ago because really calling
Elelwani MaRambudzani sounds like a whole job. I
needed atleast a more gentler clan name to call her.

NKOLELO.

MaZungu has fallen asleep and he watches her take

hitches of loud breaths now and again. She really is
beauty without makeup or weave.
He stands up and sneaks out of the room. He's going to
enquire from the front desk about this man he found
with MaZungu who ran off as soon as he appeared.
Weird things have been happening in the past few
months and he doesn't want to ignore anything now.
He greets the administrator who refuses to check who
this man was.
"Can i call the place owner and tell him you don't want
to do your job?", he asks. The lady behind the desk
shows him to the security office. That's where CCTVs
are kept.
He greets the security men and sits down as they play
the pool are scene from the time MaZungu walked in
to when the man walked in.
His face is not clearly visible.
"He didn't break any rules. I can't disclose him to you
unless I'm obliged by the law", the admin lady adds.
He clicks his tongue and returns to his room. Useless
people!
His phone rings just when he enters.
It's MaBiyela so he answers,
"Nkolelo, Your brother tell me he is... Nkolelo... your
brother is...", the line goes dead after MaBiyela
hysterical scream.
His head is buzzing now.
He calls MaMsomi,
"Mthandazo left home. That's all i know", MaMsomi.
Damn.
How could Mthandazo do that?
He's angry as he dials Mthandazo with no avail.
"Ubutabane bugcwele ikhanda klomfana", he chants
angrily.
He's not far from home.
He writes a letter and leaves it on the pedestal for
MaZungu to read should she wake up before he
returns.
MaBiyela might get sick if her health is triggered by
anything and Mphathi could be in Durban.
He drive's back home and starts by inspecting
Mthandazo's house. The wardrobe is empty. Then he
heads to the main house. MaBiyela is in her room,
under the blankets and facing the roof. She doesn't
even notice he's there.
"MaBiyela", he calls.
She finally blinks but doesn't turn to him.
"Nkolelo, my children are all leaving me", MaBiyela.
He heaves a sigh and sits on the bed edge. What can he
say or do?
"Mkhululi died, Mbusisi left, Mphathi is all over Durban
and it's only a matter of time before that Venda
uncultured girl convinces him to move to Durban", she
soaply says.
"I'm here MaBiyela", he says. That's all he can say.
MaBiyela scoffs.
"You have never liked home. I know as soon as you
marry MaZungu, you will return to Durban and i will be
left alone",
That has crossed his mind once. That was until he
realized the importance of family.
"MaZungu and i are going nowhere. Plus the 100
grandchildren Mkhululi gave you. Ma, don't play with
me here", he tries to make her feel better but which
parent would feel better when her last born just upped
amd left like that?
"It's your fault Nkolelo. When Mkhululi was in charge,
everyone was home and we were happy", MaBiyela
changes tone after deep thoughts.
"What do you mean?", he asks her.
"Mbusisi was home, Mphathi was going to marry
Ndlelephi, Mthandazo was never going to leave home
under Mkhululi's leadership over the family", MaBiyela.
This hurts.
"So you blame me?", he asks.
"Yes. I blame you. You're the reason why this family is
cracking apart", MaBiyela.
She continues counting all the bad things that has
happened under his reign and with everything
MaBiyela mentions, it's like a sharp stroke through his
heart.
He wipes the one tear dropping from his eye and
stands up.
"I'll try and give back your children Mama. I'll return
back to where i come from. I hope that brings you
peace", he says and walks out.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 26.
MBUTHO MABASO.

Nothing is going well. Nqaba is missing and Nosiphiwo

is slowly losing her sanity with each day that passes by
without Nqaba. His father on the other side is facing a
huge problem of missing funds in the Mabaso
businesses and he's got to help him and also be here
for Nosiphiwo.
There's no hope that baby Nqaba is still alive and
whoever stole Nqaba has no conscience. Stealing a
baby not more than 5 months from his mother is
something the devil will even hesitate to do. The police
found nothing, the Mabaso contacts also found
nothing. There's not even a glimpse of hope about
Nqaba. Atleast he has prepared his heart, as hard as it
may be but he's prepared his heart.
Maybe it's the way Nqaba was conceived or maybe it's
just his sins and he's being punished for them.
Whatever it is, he hears.
"Babe, please. I've run you a bath", he peeps through
the bedroom door.
She switches her red eyes to her. Dangerously,
"You are runnning baths instead of running errands to
bring my baby back to me?", Nosiphiwo.
This is what hurts more. Being expected to have help
whereas he has no help. He wants baby Nqaba like she
does. It's his baby and he also loved him.
"If there was a way Nosiphiwo", he tells her.
She clicks her tongue and faces the other side of the
pillow.
He walks in and sits on the bed edge. The room is
stuffy and lifeless.
He stands up and opens the curtains and windows.
"Look, I'm sorry we are victims of this but baby, you
need to get yourself together s9 that when Nqaba
returns, he finds a healthy mother",
No. He's just saying that.
She's quiet. That's because there was a mention of
Nqaba. She stands up and drags her feet out to the
bathroom.
He heaves and starts cleaning the bedroom. The bed is
full of tissues of tears and mucus.
He clears everything until the bedroom is clean.
She stands by the door when she returns,
"You cleaned?", she asks.
He smiles and nods. She doesn't.
"You can do everything but not bringing back my
baby?", she walks further in and tucks herself under
the bed covers. No lotioning, no makeup, nothing.
He sighs.
"What do you want me to do Nosiphiwo? Cry or don't
bath for 2 days to show how much i also want Nqaba
to be found?", he's fedup.
She gasps in disbelief.
"It's all your fault Mbutho. Everything is your fault. This
is payback for things you have done! And my son
suffered for them so don't tell me you also want him
back!", she responds.
"What did i do wrong?", he asks.
"You killed a child. Burned a developing foetus! What is
it you can't remember", she reminds him.
"But you still loved me like that. Nosiphiwo, i love you
but don't get on my toes",

He clicks his tongue back and storms out leaving her

crazy ass alone because one more momemt with her,
he'll explode.
He's driving home. Nompilo is home and so it seems
Thubelihle also is. He walks in and is greeted by an
inviting aroms from the kitchen. Normally, he'd be
excited but things don't allow hom to eat as much.
His mother spots him first and hugs him. They start
asking him questions about Nqaba and Nosiphiwo's
wellbeing.
"She's coping. She's doing well", he lies.
This family has enough problems.
His father looks at him and walks off towards his study.
He with Thubelihle follow him and close the door after
entrance.
"We are being attacked. Who ever took my grandson
must be the one behind our businesses being wiped
dry", his father.
This has crossed his mind but who would do such
thing?
"Nompilo's boyfriend?", His father asks.
Nkolelo.
"No. He's too clean to do something like this",
Thubelihle intersects.
"Clearly you don't know who that boy is. Anyone
else?", His father.
No one comes to mind. Only Nkolelo threatened to
come for him last week.
"Go and look for this person. I want my money and
grandson", He says.
They nod.
They have to find this person or it could be the end of
the Mabaso name.

MAZUNGU.

"Lalela kahle MaZungu",

He whispers deeply into my ears. Those deep erosive
feelings spring out and suddenly, i cannot find my
voice. It's somewhere inbetween my clogged throat.
My body parts are responding well. They are listening
to him.
His rough hands are now sweet candy to my body as he
brushes up the corners of my hair and looks into my
eyes. I'm shorter than this man, way shorter that i have
to lift up my head to look at him.
No. He grabs my face and kisses me with life till he sits
on the bed edge and lays me on his lap. Something is
different with the way he's kissing me today. But i love
the difference. It's intense and full of emotions. I just
can't tell which emotions.
He forehead joins with mines and he sighs.
He's worried about something.
I attempt to get off his lap but he firms me down and
comes for my ears, penetrating his tongue inside them.
Phew. If i breathe, he might stop and if i don't, i might
die. I release my breaths gradually. His tshirt i was
wearing is pulled out through my head and my black
bra is the only cloth in my upper body.
Rough hands, shoving and paving my waist. From the
commencement of my waist and up to the
commencement of my breast and back down. His
hands are full around my waist and... and it feels so
good and warm.
My bra falls by magic and now my breasts are full
facing him. He smirks and looks at me, i look down. He
touches my left nipple and slightly pinches it. Then he
goes for the right one, pressing both my breasts
together, it's a rhythm of pleasure, different sounds of
pleasure. I don't want to start making sounds better i
zip my lips with my teeth.
Again, he comes for my neck and his beard brushes my
breasts, it's sensational, i can't act normal anymore.
"Mhhh",
He continues. Doing it on purpose. Beards are not just
a decoration on men.
He contunues, running the hairs of his beard over my
breasts while his tongue sucks neck, I'm moaning out.

How my skirt touched the floor and how i ended up

frowled under his huge strong and dark toned body
fighting off the urge to run my hands over his perfect
torso skin, i can't disclose now. Nkolelo can touch and i
will scream. That's whats been going on, listening to his
rough palms trekking all over my body. My privates are
fluting but i can't stop myself from moaning out from
just his touch. There's no single smile or emotion in his
face except for what looks like fascination as he
watches me squirm from just his hands travelling and
rubbing my body.
"Nyambose...",
He stops. I close my eyes and enjoy the after jitters.
It starts touching on my thighs and i open my eyes.
Mens private parts are ugly but his is beautiful.
It treks, slowly inbetween my thighs and the head
beats my skin twice before it anticipates to enter. He
stops. I open my eyes. He shoves it in roughly and i
scream out his name...
He goes deeper and deeper then stops. Why does he
do that? I open my eyes...
His hands slap on my breasts and pump them together
while he thrusts in and out, slowly with life. Not saying
any words but serving me pleasure.
He's hitting all the right places and my voice has founds
it's way to Beyonce's highest notes caliber.
He's going in funky and faster.
He's sweating. I'm screaming following the sounds of
our bodies hitting on each other.
Yes. I feel the wave.
"Nyambose... I'm...",
He can't hear. He's poured out his soul into this,
pumping into me with passion.
I release out and he goes on.
"MaZungu..."
"Nyambose...",
He's going faster and the faster he goes, my body
builds up and reacts... i know my eyes twirl and my
whole body starts shsking.
He's going funkier.
I scream loudly releasing everything I've kept since
Mkhululi.
His groans are loud.
The last thrust must've inserted the balls in too.
He stands up.
He's beautiful naked.
He comes back with a towel and stops when he sees
me looking at him.
He smirks.
"There's no need for the towel. Awthi ngingene
ngolimi. Uyayazi inkotha Mama?",
He drops the towel and jumps inbetween my thighs.
I might die before actually marrying him.

*****************************
MAZUNGU.

It's breakfast. MaMsomi and i prepared it for our

beautiful in laws. They are already seated down except
for the one that is supposed to be my husband and
everyones eyes are glaring at me. I'm not Nkolelo's
brains, please.
Now MaBiyela is glaring at me with irritation. I don't
understanding wht because it's not like she wants
Nkolelo is in this table. She's been attacking him every
chance she gets and blaming him for her sons
departures which i don't understand.
I get up and look for him.
He's in our bedroom, dressed in blue overalls with the
company logo. He looks good in overalls. Good in suits.
Good naked. He looks good everywhere.
I did not know he's going to work.
"You're going to work?", i ask.
He turns to me.
He's wearing leather boots.
"Yes", he says.
"You didn't tell me?", i ask.
"I decided now. You know i wasn't going to leave
without seeing you", he says.
Okay.
"Come for breakfast. Everyone is waiting for you", I tell
him.
"Mphathi and MaMsomi are", he tells me.
Phew. Son and Mother beefs are torture.
"But we are waiting for you", i tell him.
"I'll grab something at the farm KaManzini. I need to
go", He kisses my lips and i hold to the back of his neck.
He breathes out loudly.
"Atleast greet and leave. I won't know what to say if i
don't return with you", i say.
I pull him out.
He nods.
MaBiyela claps as soon as we enter and she starts
praying for the food. Now Nkolelo has to sit until she's
done praying.
We sit down and faster, it's announced we can eat. We
do except for Nkolelo who is looking at his mother like
she owes him money. She's not paying attention to
him. Or is she just good as acting? I know i wouldn't
miss someone looking at me like that.
A chair roughly screeches. Nkolelo is standing up and
his face has changed.
"MaZungu told me to come greet. I'll be at the farm",
He tells Mphathi.
His tone??!
MaBiyela scoffs. This lady and sarcasm.
"Is there a problem Mama?", Mphathi asks i think
seeing the anger in Nkolelo's stare at MaBiyela.
"The only problem is people who lack leadership",
MaBiyela.
She's starting.
Mphathi is confused. One thing about my favorite ex-
sister wife, she will eat and mind her own business.
"What do you mean Mama?", Mphathi.
It's Nkolelo's time to respond and inherited hubby
doesn't disappoint me.
"She means i am to blame for all her beloved children
leaving home and everything that has happened here.
She blames me. I think she will even blame me when
she finds out that the son she loves so much is out
there being fucked by other-",
I drop a plate and it breaks because this is no way to
break something like this.
I apologise though. I should be getting the broom to
clean up the plate but i'm not. MaBiyela is on her feet,
staring back at her son. Son and Mother beefs ke sana.
I'm not used to this so i will sit it in.
"The problem is that aninamasende Nkolelo. You won't
relate to the pain of watching your husbands work
being destroyed like this. Things were much better
with Mkhululi", MaBiyela.
"I'm not Mkhululi", Nkolelo.
"Of course. My grandsons killers would not be still alive
till today. Mbusisi and Mthandazo would be in this
table. It's obvious you are not Mkhululi", MaBiyela.
But is she not being unfair?? I think she is.
But my inherited hubby isn't backing down. Let me sit
up straight.
"Do you know why i left home and went to Durban to
live alone Mama?", his voice has transitioned to
sadness. My heart is breaking.
"I don't care. I want Mbusisi and Mthandazo here and i
want my grandsons killers to die. I want MaKhumalo
right here and i want MaNcengwa here!", MaBiyela
angrily orders, hitting the table with her wrinkling
hands.
"Aibo logogo weOe", i blurt out by mistake, nudging
MaMsomi. Mphathi looks at me.
Nkolelo is walking out.
I follow after him but i don't keep up. His car drives off
before i say anything.
Phew.

ELELWANI RAMBUDZANI.

I'm out here. Club Niniveh. I'm telling you, we are the
Jonah's of our time. Tolique and i are wild animals.
Which is why he still can't believe I'm getting married
in a few months time because we had concluded that
we'll both be single forever. I guess Shaka Zulu had
some muthi used when he descended his men
because... today I'm a proud Apostle of Zulu Men.
"Excuse me ladies, can i sit?", A tall dark guy asks.
Tolique doesn't like him. It's in his face.
"No. I'm awaiting for my Zulu fiance", i say. Yes! Zulu
fiance.
He turns and leaves. No need for security. Tolique rolls
his eyes. He doesn't like Mphathi. More especially after
the big brother beat him, he's been more of Mphathi's
hater and i don't blame him.
I'm still on cider mode. My phone rings. My eyes bulge
out at the caller. Damnit! Where am i going to answer
this??
I run out, bumping into people, i trip and get up until
I'm finally out and away from the clubs noise.
"Manyambose", i greet him.
"Ngazodakwa la wena. Manyambose ngunyokoni
mina?",
Mphathi is rough even when he isn't trying to be. I
don't know what this means but i laugh.
"Ukuphi my love?", he asks.
"At home", i lie.
"Where are you Elelwani?", he asks again.
Lying twice makes you feel like you are unbelieved and
bring unbelieved frustrates!
"Aibo Mphathi, I'm at my flat", i tell him.
"Mmmhh... I'm coming there in an hour. Please cook
me uphuthu nosu", he says.
Shucks! Errr...
"Okay Manyambose", i say.
"Nyambose. Angimensi mina", he hangs up.
Oh. Now i have to rush home because this Zulu man
just decides to pop up and order meals that he knows i
will cook because i once tried to impress him and
cooked it for him now he thinks he can order it anyday.
But I'm in love with him. I certainly can't cook mugodu
now but i can buy it somewhere. I can only cook
uphuthu.
Tolique...
He's up there, dancing on top of tables. More like
twerking his man ass. I grab him by the hand and tell
him i have to go. He says he's staying. He'll find his type
to take him home.

The ride drops me off by the gate. I pick my heart from

the ground when i see his car parked inside the flats. I
breathe in and out. Elelwani, you didn't survive being
the only Venda in your high school to be caught lying
by a Zulu man as easy as this.
He hoots when i attempt to pass him by. I wanted to
sneak.
"Ohh... It's you baby", i peep on his window. He rolls it
down. He's not impressed.
"Where are you coming from?" He asks.
I laugh. Genuinely laugh because... what can i say?
He raises his eyebrows.
"I went to buy usu for you. I couldn't cook it. It's late", i
lie.
He's looking at me like he sees right through me.
He doesn't respond but steps out of the car and leads
me into my flat.
He even has keys.
When i enter, i notice his jacket on the couch.
My heart drops again. He's long been here.
"Hambolanda ibhande ngoba unamanga Elelwani", he
closes the door.
That means i must go fetch a belt. I laugh.
"I was joking babe. I was at Tolique's house", i lie again.
It's half lie this time.
"I am wearing a belt. Take it off", he tells me to take off
his belt from his waist.
He's not joking. The little cider has vanished from my
blood.
I take off his belt.
He rolls it around his hand.
I start crying like a baby.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 27.
ELELWANI RAMBUDZANI.

I'm singing, from the depths of my lungs, because I'm

happy. Mphath is still asleep and I'm out here in the
kitchen, googling how to make ujeqe. I've already
boiled sugar beans and I'm now mixing the dough, as
per YouTube's tutorials. Guys, Youtube supports inter-
tribal relationships.
Why is my dough wet though? They said i must put on
2 cups of flour and i did. Let me add some more flour.
No. I need some Rihanna song in the background.
I locate my phone, on the counter. I play Rihanna's
Love On The Brain and sing along. I can't stop myself
from dancing to it. And the spoon is my mic.
I finish mixing the dough and they say i should store it
in a warm place. That's outside.
When i return, my song is no longer playing. My phone
is ringing.
It's an unknown number.
I wonder.
"Hello?,
"Hi Sisi, how are you?",
It's a female voice, thank God.
"Hi. Who is this?", i ask.
"It's MaZungu",
Oh-
I rush to sit down. I'm scared. Why would she be calling
me? A whole Mthethwa senior wife?
"Err- hi.", i say.
She laughs briefly. I'm out here, holding my breath.
"My husband and i will be coming to Durban later
today. I'd like us to spend time together that side", she
says.
Why me? Umhh... what can i possibly sit down and talk
to her about? MaZungu looked and sounded matured.
I'm childish. That's what Mphathi said when i started
crying yesterday. I thought he wanted to beat me up.
"Err- it's... it's okay. I don't have a problem", i tell her.
"Okay cool. Please save my number ke Makotomsha",
she says.
"I will do", i laugh briefly and she hangs up. Where did
she get my number? What am i going to wear when we
meet? Oh God..
I'm pacing up and down.
"WeeSthandwa Sami, nakhu ubhontshisi uzoba
yiphalishi", I raise my eyes up. He's up already holding
the pots lid.
The sugar beans are boiling.
"Are you okay?", he asks.
No. I'm not. Why is Rihanma still fucken singing! I don't
even like this song.
"Your big brother's wife just called me", i tell him.
"Oh. MaZungu?", he asks chilled.
I nod.
He closes the pot.
"So what's worrying you?", he comes and hugs my
waist.
"That i have to sit down with her and actually have a
conversation. I don't want to embarrass myself
Nyambose", I tell him.
He frowns.
"How would you embarrass yourself?",
Can't he tell?
"That woman looked matured, she's intimidating when
she speaks. I felt so stupid when she walked me out on
the day i went to Ulundi", i tell him.
He picks me up and makes me sit on the stool then he
rests his arms on my thighs.
"What did she say?", he asks.
"Nothing serious but she just spoke too much sense", i
tell him.
He sighs.
"Do you like her?", he asks.
I do.
"I like her. She looks sweet and kind", i tell him.
"So what's stressing you??",
No. Men are slow learners. No. Zulu men are. I'm done
discussing his brothers wife.
"Go bath Nyambose, I'll be making breakfast",
I dismiss.
He looks at me.
"Hamba uyogeza", i say.
He smiles.
"MaNyambose. Say it again", he says. He's teasing me.
"I'll dump you and go back to the club", i tell him.
"Then I'll ask MaKhumalo to send lightning to that
club", he says.
"Isn't MaKhumalo one of your late brothers wives", i
ask.
"She is. We found out she's a witch. Ukhokhovula
womthakathi", he says and leaves. Highlights. Bulletin
highlights!!
I'm shocked.

MAZUNGU.

When i woke up this morning, bags were packed. Both

mines and his and i was told that we are going to
Durban for a few days. When i tried to contest it, i was
asked whose wife i am and for that reason, I'm dressed
and ready to bid farewell to MaMsomi and MaBiyela.
He's already leaning on his car.
"Aren't you coming to say goodbye?", i ask.
He doesn't respond.
He's not.
I leave him.
MaBiyela is in the dining room and MaMsomi
somewhere in the kitchen. I can always text MaMsomi.
"Ma, i came to say goodbye", i say.
She looks at me confused.
"Where are you going?", she asks. I tell her I'm going
with Nkolelo for a few days.
She stands up and walks put. I follow her. She walks
straight to Nkolelo and slaps him hard. I'm shocked.
"Now you are taking MaZungu? When are you going to
stop breaking my family apart?", MaBiyela.
She's rageous.
Nkolelo's eyes are filled with anger. I'm scared to even
look at him.
"I respect you so far Mama. Don't push it. Get in the
car Thembeka", he orders without looking at me.
"If you get into that car. Don't ever set foot in here",
MaBiyela.
Aibo loGogo oe! What do i have to do with all this??
"Thembeka, in the car", Nkolelo.
"And never return", MaBiyela.
I'm standing still because... what is this??
Nkolelo clicks his tongue and gets into the car. He
starts it and looks at me then at his mother. Back at
me.
I'm crying now. Did it actually have to come to this? He
reverses out roughly.
"Nyambose, wait!!", i stop him and run to the car by
the gate. I get in and close the door.
I watch MaBiyela standing with hands on her hips,
cursing at Nkolelo.
Nkolelo looks at me for a good while then finally drives
out.

It's been a whole silent 30 minutes drive, there's no

music or conversation. His veins are popping out of his
face. He looks like he's suppressing an emotion.
"Are you okay?", i ask.
It's in the middle of a freeway, he drives aside and
parks.
Then he folds his tshirt to cover his face. Leaning on
the steering wheel.
What's happening?
"Nyambose, what's going on? Should i call an
ambulance?", i ask because... I'm confused by this.
He doesn't respond. It's after a moment, i realize he's
crying silently.
Now i feel like crying myself. Nothing is as hard as
seeing a person you love crying and you don't know
how you can help them.
I brush his back and tell him it will be alright. MaBiyela
will come to terms with everything.
He finally sits up. His eyes are red and scary.
Now i get why they said men must not cry. When a
man cries, it's hard to look at him thereafter. It's like
when he cries, he's gathering scary features to his face.
He looks at me. I look down.
"Thank you Thembeka", he says.
For what??
He gets inside the freeway again.

**************************
MAZUNGU.

I don't know what it is but being in Durban, in his

house makes me want to be Thembeka and not
necessarily MaZungu, the wife but I'm scared of what
he'll think should i walk out to the dining room with my
hair afro let loose but how would i know if i don't try?
He's seen my hair so many times but I've never walked
around with it comfortably like I'm about to.
I look at myself again. I think i look good.
I walk out.
He's watching animals. Nkolelo amd animal channels
are inseperable. You leave him with Jojo, Nonku
Williams and Izwide and you come back to Rhino's and
Elephants. I've given up.
"I'm leaving now", i tell him.
He turns to me.
I hold my breath.
"Looking like this?", he asks.
There it is.
I turn back to get my doek.
"Where are you going now?", he asks.
"To get my doek", i tell him.
"Why? You look beautiful like that", he says. I smile.
"I do?", i ask.
"I hit a jackpot with you", he says.
Yes, even my eyes are dancing tsibha-tsibha right now.
"We are not at home. You can even wear obhotsotso
beykhindi. It's your house", he says.
"What's obhotsotso?", i ask
I've never heard of that.
"Those shorts women wear. The ones that expose the
whole thighs", he says.
Bumshorts. There you have it ladies and gentlemen
The Zulu word for bum shorts is Obhotsotso beykhindi.
"Really? I can wear them?", i ask.
"Only in here where only i can see you", he starts
kissing my cheeks.
I knew that bumshorts offer wouldn't last. Not that i
would've worn them anyways.
He takes my hand and ushers me into his car.
I check the time. I'm late. I'm sure the Venda girl is
already waiting for me.
I'm meeting her as per Mphathi's plea. He asked me to
try and befriend her for reasons that he doesn't like
her friend. I don't know for what reason and i think
Elelwani has a right to befriend anyone she wants and
Mphathi has nothing to do with it but ke I'm team
Mthethwa men. They rule me.

I step out of the car. He closes the door and looks at

me up and down then whistles. Girls titties are
blushing babes.
"Can i join the meeting?", he asks.
No.
"It's girls only", i tell him.
He nods sadly.
Uyagula uNkolelo stru.
"We are going to be talking about period pains and-"
"Okay. Call me when you're done. I'll fetch you. Tell
every man that you are mines. Show them my pictures,
they know me",
The drama.
I giggle. He kisses me and i walk right inside the center.
I know he's still looking at me.

I look around. One thing about the new Mthethwa

wife, she's tall, dark and handsom- i mean beautiful.
There she is, on her phone, she doesn't even see me
approaching.
"I'm so sorry I'm late Sisi",
She's startled that she even drops her phone.
Err...
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle to. Did it break?", i
ask.
"Err. No. It's not a problem", she responds. I sit down.
She's fidgeting with everything. She's in panic.
"Are you okay?", i ask.
"Yes. I'm fine Sis'MaZungu",
Girl.
"Please call me Thembeka or just MaZungu. And relax.
I'm not MaBiyela", i tell her. She laughs.
Elelwani is not bad. At all even though i do think she
has a wild side to herself. We are talking about
Mthethwa shenanigans. Well I'm filling her in.
"It's your husband I'm most scared of", she tells me.
Nkolelo.
"Nkolelo isn't bad though", i say.
"Of course. You're his wife. He beat up my friend very
groet he peed in his pants", she tells me.
What?
"Huh?",
"Yep. He was with his friends. Saw me with Tolique at a
club. Came over and started beating Tolique. He hates
him till today",
Yho. I don't know whether to laugh. Again, what kind
of name is Tolique???
"Angifuni ukuyokuphinde ngikubonile emaClubini
MaRambudani, uyangiyizwa?", Her Zulu is broken but i
think she's mimicking Nkolelo. I'm in stitches because
that's not even how my Nkolelo speaks.
"Excuse me",
I look up.
I roll my eyes.
"Hi Babes, how are you?", Elelwani greets her with a
smile.
I just realized we hadn't ordered anything and no
waiter has attended to our table.
"So, the widow... You're glowing. My man must be
treating you right", Nompilo.
She's talking to me. This girl hasn't met me.
Elelwani looks confused.
"Even with that afro hair, you're still not Nkolelo's type.
That's why he's been texting me a lot recently", she
says.
I'm still not going to entertain her.
"You know what... i think I'll give him love backs so you
and your conniving culture can go to hell", Nompilo.
"Okay. Enough. Babes, who are you again?", Elelwani.
"I'm Nkolelo's babymama and girlfriend", Nompilo.
I roll my eyes.
"Okay. So what business do you have with MaZungu
here?", Elelwani.
Nompilo blinks.
"Your baby daddy is Nkolelo, your boyfriend is Nkolelo
so why are you harrassing her?", Elelwani.
"My love, just bring me juice", i say to the approaching
waiter. He nods and turns away.
I sit up straight because some bitches need you to be
well in confort to address them.
"Nompilo, like Elelwani says, your business with
Nkolelo remains with Nkolelo and i have nothing to do
with it. I don't even know what baby you're talking
about because the only child Nkolelo had died and was
burnt by her mother's family to ashes and that's not all,
they buried her without Nkolelo's knowledge. And on
the girlfriend matter, i won't comment much but i want
to pass on to you that we're having a traditional
wedding oLundi in two months time. You're invited.
Bring your mud-plastered face, i don't have a problem.
And wear a suitable bra, your breasts aren't what you
think they are. Please excuse us. We are trying to talk
about Mthethwa wifely matters Sisi, where you'll never
be", i tell her.
She stammers and wants to speak but Elelwani points
her away.
She clicks her tongue and walks away. The juice was
fast. I sip.
Elelwani is looking at me.
"What?", i ask.
"I don't ever want to mess with you", she claps.
So Nkolelo has been in contact with Nompilo or was
she lying to get into my head?
The whole thing was ruined after Nompilo. I can fully
say i don't like her. It's second time that she's come up
to me and mess up my mood.
Nkolelo is smiling ear to ear as i approach.
He hugs me, i don't hug him back.
"Is everything okay?", he asks when we're settled into
the car.
I look at him.
"Have you been in contact with Nompilo asking for
love backs?", i ask.
He frowns.
"No. I only spoke to her regarding a business matter",
he says.
I think it's time i set boundaries.
"Would you mind getting someone else to do what she
does for you? I don't want anything that will connect
me to her", i say.
"Why? Did she call you?", he asks.
"No. She gatecrashed our lunch", i tell him.
He sighs.
"I'm sorry. I'll find another lawyer", he says.
Good.
He drives off.
No. We aren't driving home.
We're going to the shops.
He finds parking.
"Come. I'm making an office appearance tomorrow. I
need a new suit", he takes my hand. Okay. Well.
Makhathini Couture. We enter.
He's all over the suits. I don't even know which is which
but i know he's a fan of grey color.
He walks off to fit it. Men get excited over clothes too?
I'm waiting for him to come out. Somebody taps on my
shoulder.
I turn.
"Ndodakazi", he says.
It's the man i saw at the pool at Intibane Lodge.
I smile.
"We meet again Baba. Coincidence?", i ask.
"Of course it is. Are you alone?", he asks.
"No. I'm with my husband", i say.
"How do i look?", Nkolelo comes out.
Again. The man turns away and disappears from the
clothes.
"Who is that?",Nkolelo. I tell him.
"This is starting to annoy me. What did he say?", he
asks.
"He just asked if I'm alone", i tell him.
He clicks his tongue. He's angry.
I don't understand where his anger stems from.
I guess we aren't suit shopping anymore.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 28.
MAZUNGU.
It's Sunday and Sundays are for church. I stayed up late
last night lookinh for a church nearby. I could have
went to my mothers church but i thought no. That one
is for emergencies. I want a church i will enjoy and the
Ngubane church came highly recommended on
Facebook. And no, Nkolelo has a business emergency.
It just sprung up the moment i told him i want to go to
church. I wonder if heaven has men except for the
ones in the bible. This gender hates church and they
don't even fake it.
He's parked and opened the door for me. Gentlemen
he is. I step out of the car.
"You should pop in and greet the Pastor", I'm teasing
him.
"I'll go inside the day i see Jesus with my eye", he kisses
my cheeks.
I clap once.
"You will burn in hell Nyambose", i tell him.
"I won't. I'm winning souls for God", he says.
"You are?",
"Yes, i drove you to church. I brought you to church",
I laugh. He thinks driving me to church is winning me ro
Christ.
He comes for my lips and holds onto them longer. He
must not start, we are in front of a church!
"You are bad influence Nyambose!", i tell him.
"But i wasn't bad influence a few hours ago", he says.
I laugh.
"Because you gate crashed my bath", i tell him.
"Oksalayo-", he winks.
This man!
A car parks next to ours. It looks damn expensive.
A young man of God walks out, he's even wearing
shades. Yayinhle inceku. He crosses over and opens the
passenger seat where a tiny but beautiful women steps
out. Elegance and style, served. They smile at each
other,
"Aibo weThembeka!", I'm startled by a very high
putched deep tone next to me. I look at him. He's
angry.
"Don't be jealous Dingiswayo", i kiss his cheek and he
goes for my lips again. I laugh when he pulls out.
The young man raises his hand as a greeting,
"Nsizwenye!", Nkolelo greets him back.
They walk towards the church entrance.
I should follow them in.
"I'll text you to fetch me", i tell him.
"Utshele izinceku ukuthi ugane kwaMthethwa
Thembeka", he says. I always laugh at this line because
he's not joking. He's damn serious.
I laugh and walk away. He hoots before i enter through
the door. I turn, i know he's winking so i wink back and
step inside the church. I'm late.
There's a lady leading the worship. Yeah, i think every
church has this person who thinks she sounds like
Ntokozo Mbambo whereas she just sounds like
Nkolelo's loud groans during sex, I'm sorry. Why am i
even thinking of sex in church?
I'm seated down. There's a woman next to me, i swear
she has shares in the heavenly worship team because...
why is she singing so loudly??
I trace my eyes to the front. The one in a white
dramatic hat must be the MaMfundisi and the
Mfundisi has a Pastors collar. Next to them is the
couple i saw outside.
Okay. I think somebody needs to help the worshipper
calm down, she's loud for nothing. I sing better, i
swear.
Thank God, the tiny beautiful lady takes the pulpit. I
like her style, not too shabby but still formal and
elegant.
Okay, did i just witness the worshipper giving her a
bombastic side eye??
"San'bonan guys- bazalwane", she says. I laugh lightly
at the "guys" part. The congregation greets back. She
fixes the mic cord and looks up then breathes.
"Amazulu-", she pauses.
"Athembele lona-
Nathi si-thembe lona", she sings beautifully. I think this
us what i came here for.
"Oh Jiiizas!!! Dis my kind!", the woman next to me
shouts on her feet in position to surrender.
"Gamelihle-
Gamelihle-
Gama li-
KaJesu
",
I'm joining the ones in their feet because what voice is
this???
The worship team helps her sing and it comes to a
point where's she crying and her husband is on the
stage, hugging her while the worshippers continue
with singing. I'm as emotional.
Her husband wipes her tears and hugs her tight. They
look so in love.
"Err... bangcwele, to those who still don't know who
this is, it's my beautiful wife. Siphethe ubufakazi
ngoJesu esimkhonzayo", The young man says. He's so
well spoken.
"Oh Yes! The grace of God!", the woman next to me
interjects.
"Bagcwele, you all remember what happened in here.
My wife suffered a minor heart attack but ngomusa
kaNkulunkulu, kuhle konke. Futhi kuhle kakhulu. I just
want to shout and say God is a Good God of
Goodness!", He ahouts excitedly. The wife is blushing
under her husbands arms. This us beautiful to watch.
"God is a Good God of Goodness!", the congregation
shouts.
Why is she rubbing her stomach so much? Could she
be pregnant?
"My daughter that one. Ohh she chose well", the lady
next to me.
Oh.. she's the wife's mother, that' explains her energy.
I need a gossip mate.
"Who is her husband?", i whisper.
"Vangeli, he's the Pastors son but he will be taking over
the church soon. My daughter by his hand", She's a
proud mother.
They look young though. But i guess...
"The worshipper doesn't like your daughter?", i ask
her.
"That green Jezebel wanted Vangeli to herself,
kwanqaba umusa!", The lady says clapping.
Oh. That's why. The Nompilo's are even in church
behind worshipping mics!
I want to ask the woman if her daughter is pregnant
but I'll sound nosey. I don't like people's businesses.

The young Pastor is fire. I swear the church does

deserve the online reviews. I shouted a few solo
Aleluya's here and there during his sermon. I love his
gospel. The gospel of faith.
But now the church is over. I'm packing my bible and
just texted Nkolelo to fetch me. I actually feel revived, i
might visit KaManqele kwaMashu now.
The young MaMfundisi is approaching.
She hugs her mother.
"Unami, do you cook for the Pastor?", the mother asks.
Haw.
"Haw Ma, i don't have to cook everyday. Vangeli also
likes takeaways some times", she responds. Wrong
answer baby girl.
The mother has her eyes squinted.
I laugh looking at them. They remind me so much of
what KaManqele and i could've been if things didn't
happen the way they did.
They both look at me.
"It's my first time seeing you here, I'm her mother", the
mother.
I'm shocked. She was dishing out all gossip to me and
she realizes now that she's never met me??
I smile.
"I'm Thembeka Mthethwa. They call me MaZungu
kodwa emzini",
Kumele kucace when you're married.
"Married?", the young MaMfundisi. I nod.
"15 years plus and more", i tell her.
"Take her numbers Unami. These are the people you
need to befriend now that you are married", the
mother orders and walks off with her bag stuffed
under her armpits.
I'm left with the tiny MaMfundisi.
"I know she'll ask me if i took your number so let me
just take it", she says. I laugh. I call out my numbers
and she saves them as MaZungu.
"And i love your hair. How do you maintain afro? I once
tried it yangichitha", she says.
I smile. I don't even do anything to my hair except for
washing and moisturizing it and sleeping with 4 horns
plaited.
"I use nothing. I think Zahara's parents and my parents
are both parents to us", i say. She laughs out.
Her husband appears and greets me. Ah. Man of God. I
greet him back, extending my hand forward for a
handshake.
"Can i borrow my wife?", he asks. I laugh and let them
proceed. They walk off.
I'm scrolling down my new Facebook account.
I'm tagged on a post by a fake account with no
pictures.
There are pictures of me and I'm apparently a man
snatcher who uses culture to take away men.
The posts has handful shares and reactions.
I'm about to read the comments when someone sits
next to me.
"Hi", It's the worshipper.
I can't smile but I'd like to.
"Hi", i greet back.
"Don't befriend her. She's a snake. She steals people's
men", she tells me.
What on heaven and earth is she on about?
"Unami. Vangeli was supposed to be mines but-",
I put my phone away and sit up.
"My sister, can you form a man with your hands?", i
ask.
She shakes her head no.
"Can control what a man thinks, hates and loves?", i
ask.
Again no.
"So how exactly was the Pastor yours?", i ask.
"I-",
"Have a sense of decency Sisi. Respect yourself, use the
fat on your big tummy to accumulate pride and lady
traits and stop acting cheaply. It's even disgusting
you're doing it in the Lords house with the same moutg
you were screaming and shouting with a few minutes
ago. Cleanse your heart Sisi and pray for forgiveness
while you're at it. I really dislike ladies like you", i blink.
She's up and left.
She really reminded me of Nompilo who i am sure is
the one who posted this thing on the Facebook.
The comments are nasty. People are sharing their
stories about widows taking over their men and and
and.
This Nompilo girl is really getting under my afro hair.
Nkolelo has arrived. I step into the car and he drives
off. I don't want to speak. Infact-
"Take me to Nompilo", i tell him.
His forehead folds.
"What?",
"Take me to Nompilo Nyambose", i tell him.
"Why?", he asks.
"I just want to speak to her. Or what? You don't want
me to?", i ask.
"Of course you can", he says.
Good.
He drives for a while until he stops at a particular
building in Umhlanga.
He openz the door for me and holds my hand.
Bitch must be rich. This building looks expensive.
"Mr Mthethwa, how are you?", the receptionist greets
him hyperactively. Why is she blinking like that to my
husband??
"Lalela dadewethu, I'm here for Nompilo", i disturb her
little crushing moment.
"Nompilo. She will be down any moment now", she
responds to me.
"Okay. Keep your eyes on your work and stop gawking
at my husband ", i tell her.
Nkolelo grips on my hand. His lips are pressed
together, i know he wants to laugh but he won't if i
don't.
Oh yes. I recognise her. She's carrying a laptop bag and
on her phone, she can't see us.
"Nompilo, Mr Mthethwa and his wife are here to see
you", the receptionist shouts.
She raises her eyes to see us.
"What did you do now Nompilo?", Nkolelo asks.
No.
"Can we go sit down there", i point to the mini lounge i
see across the reception counter. I lead them there and
sit on the couch. Nkolelo sits next to me and Nompilo
doesn't sit. Fine.
"Nompilo, is there anything you want to tell Nkolelo?",
i ask.
She flaps her large fake eyelashes.
"Like what honey?",
No. She must not honey me.
"Please don't honey me. Ngzokumura ngempama mina
Sisi", i tell her.
"Is there anything you want to tell Nkolelo na?", i ask
again.
"No",
"Then why did you write what you wrote about me on
Facebook?", i ask.
"What are you talking about?", she asks acting all
confused.
"Sisi, may this be the last time me and you ever talk
about Nkolelo because he's here and you are telling
him nothing", i say.
"Nompilo, why are you doing this?", Nkolelo.
"Nkolelo please", she turns to leave but turns back
again.
"You know what? I'll tell you why I'm doing this", She
looks at me.
"I'm doing this because i love Nkolelo and i can't stop
loving him",
Wtf??
"Got it? I love him. My body only listens to him and
only him. I can't do anything with any man that's not
him. That's how deep it is", she says and walks away.
I can't believe this.
Nkolelo looks at shocked as i am.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 29.
MAZUNGU.

Nkolelo and i are doing quite well. Its only a few weeks
from our wedding in which i keep track of. MaMsomi is
the one who updates me because it seems like my
mother in law doesn't like me much recently. And we
will be having the wedding at her house because it's
home. Sasabi ke sana.
Another thing, Nompilo. Girl is nuts, he that has not
seen it is mad themselves. I've blocked her from calling
me and trolling me on social media. Although her
trolling actually worked in my favor. I'm counting
followers everyday on Facebook. And for that reason, i
thought i should celebrate and for a change, do my
hair. Which will obviously be paid for by none other
than my husband to be.
I went for artificial dreads. I thought they will look
good on me and maybe make me look younger. That's
every woman's dream, to look younger.
It's another thing i missed that I'm witnessing here.
Salon gossip is fire. Durban Salons are my favorite
places to go to. So my hairdresser is telling us about
her boyfriend whom she caught cheating with his
neighbor, in bed. She says she threw a whole bucket of
water at them and nearly burnt down the shack, had
the other neighbor not seen her, the shack would've
caught fire. Her story has loopholes but it's
entertaining. The other hairdresser on my left comes
on now, she tells us that her boyfriend cheated with
her sister. I wouldn't survive. Hers is genuine. She says
she dumped him right then and cut off her sister from
her personal private life. Now it's quite. It's my turn.
Nkolelo is on his phone seated inside.
I clear my throat.
"Nincono nina maEh, yake yangigila nami indoda!", i
start.
Nkolelo raises his eyes up. He has to understand it's
not personal, it's entertainment.
"WeOe, i caught him in bed with my brother. Ngithi
weOe! Did i not faint?", i tell my short composition.
The whole salon goes on a frenzy.
"He was gay?",
I drop my hand in the air and pout. Game over! I won
this contest! My story was groundbreaking.
"Anganya la kimi oe, what did you do?",
"I waited for them to leave, i had my spare key. I
entered, mixed all his cooking ingredients and poured
parafin on his bed then left", i tell.
I get high fived a few times. My eyes trace back to
Nkolelo behind me. He's so confused. Damage control.
"I'm glad i caught him. Now i have a beautiful
husband", I peek my tongue out mentally.
His confusion turns to a smile that reveals his beautiful
teeth. Have i mentioned how cute his smile is?
"Ncoaw. Syabonga Sbali oe", my hairdresser says to
him.
Hairdressers are my sisters. My husband is their S'bali.

I can't stop taking selfies. I look like a million dollar. I

think this is the best hairstyle I've had ever since i got
married kwaMthethwa. And he can't keep his eyes off
me, it's a pitt we have to part. I'm meeting Elelwani for
lunch and he with Mphathi should be discussing when
Elelwani's lobolo negotiations will be taking place.
"I'm coming with you", he says.
I laugh.
He's not joking. He's locked the car and just took my
hand to his. Aibo bhuti.
"But it's a womans lunch", i tell him.
He's lead8ng the way.
"I'm sure the menu doesn't know all that", he says.
Okay. He's not backing out.
"Akukho bafana bakubona unje ngingekho", he says as
we enter the restaurant. He's not letting go of my
hand. Shew. This hairstyle will show me flames.
We spot Elelwani already sipping on juice. She doesn't
see us until i greet. Her eyes are raised then quickly
dropped i think when he sees Nkolelo.
"MaRambudzani, we meet again", he greets her.
She smiles nervously.
He takes out a seat for me to sit and prepares to also
sit.
"Nyambose, please. You can wait for me in the car or
stay around the mall", i beg him. He's making Elelwani
uncomfortable.
"No. These men will see you", he's folded his arms.
Cha ngyalingwa today.
Men see me everyday! It doesn't mean anything.
"Atleast choose a different table. We'll be talking about
nasty stuff", i tell him.
He looks unfazed.
"When were your last periods Sisi? Yho the blood was
way too thicker on my last-",
He stands up and kisses my cheeks then storms out. No
matter how angry he is, he never forgets to kiss my
cheeks or forehead.
Elelwani breathes out.
"And then?", she asks.
"New haistyle. Now I'm a hoeing suspect"; i roll my
eyes. She laughs.
"I don't blame him. You look flames!", she tells me. I
know right?
"Thank you", i smile.
Something about being given hair compliments as a
woman hits closer.
I think Elelwani and i are hitting it off.

MBUTHO MABASO.

No trace of Nqaba. This relationship is hanging on a

thin thread. Nosiphiwo is close to being admitted into a
psychiatric ward. Literally. She's being evaluated by
Doctors. Even though she thinks she's all fine but he
can see right through her. She's no longer the
Nosiphiwo he fell in love with. Her snaps her
dangerous and her lips utter death. A few dayd ago, he
came home and was traced ti the bathroom by drops
of blood and when he reached the bathroom, she was
seated there, singing a church song while cutting the
skin off her fingers like it was nothing.
She doesn't sleep at night but stares around, hums
songs. It's all a mess. He had to force her here today
for the final evaluation.
"If she says I'm fine, this relationship is over", she tells
him with a straight face.
He doesn't respond. She's tripping hard. If this
relationship gets over, it will come from him and not
her.
They are on time. The Dr is already waiting for them.
They sit after he greets.
"Miss Ncengwa, how are you feeling?", the Dr asks.
She doesn't respond but folds her arms close to her
breasts.
Okay.
"I just want to confirm this with you. It's entirely up to
you what you decide to do after the results. But as per
my profession, i will advice you and rightfully so", she
says tearing down the envelope in her hands.
She opens it and scans it with her glasses. She knows
what she's supposed to tell them. She made the
conclusion a few sessions ago.
She takes a deep breath.
"Miss Ncengwa, you have something called BPD in full
termed Brief Psychotic Disorder",
There's silence.
Mbutho looks at her for a reaction.
She laughs out to tears.
"Doctor, what is that?", Mbutho asks.
The Dr explains that it is a mental health problem that
causes people to perceive or interpret things
differently from those around them. This might involve
hallucinations or delusions.
It makes sense.
"I don't hallucinate", Nosiphiwo defends herself.
"You don't see Nqaba even when he's not there? You
don't hear his cries?", Mbutho.
"That's not hallucination", Nosiphiwo.
"Doctor, what can i do to help her?", Mbutho.
"Upon thorough analysis, i can recommend for her a
suitable psychiatric hospital for a few days-",
"Anever. Babe, let's go", Nosiphiwo is up on her feet.
Mbutho doesn't stand up.
Nisiphiwo clicks her tongue. She won't stay for this.
She leaves.
"Is that the only way Doctor?", Mbutho.
"I highly recommend it for her stage but i can prescribe
some antipsychotics and hope it works", The Doctor
explains.
It's clear Nosiphiwo needs the hospital.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 30.
NOSIPHIWO MTHETHWA.

They said i will be here for a maximum of 1 week but

looking around me, I'm not sure if i will survive the
week. I don't understand why i wasn't put in a secluded
room. If they think I'm so mentally sick, why put me in
a room with someone else who is just as sick or more
than i am?
I came here last night. I was forced by Mbutho in
cahoots with my family. Hearing my sons cries is
hallucination and craziness? Waking up everyday from
dreams involving the wellness of my baby is madness
to them, of course. They have never carried a child for
months, went through hell and back for that child only
for it to be taken away from you like that.
It's morning and i was told that at 9, everyone should
meet at the hallroom. It's culture around here.
My Indian roommate is already dressed.
I'm scared of her. She looks way crazier.
I tie my headscarf while checking myself in the mirror
in front of me.
She's staring at me.
I turn,
"Why are you looking at me like that?", i ask her.
She giggles and walks out.
She's creepy. Mbutho needs to get me out of here.
I walk out to the hallroom.
Everyone is seated around in a circle and there's
someone with a notebook at the center. I'm feeling
cold.
I take a seat next to a man who doesn't look as crazier
as the others.
"Looks like we have a new addition. How are you?",
the lady at the center says to me.
I fake a smile. Have 20 crazy eyes looking at you, you'll
know what I'm feeling.
"I'm good", i say. She asks me to introduce myself and i
do. They clap three times like in crechè. And everyone
starts introducing themselves to me. I don't even want
to know who they are but here we are.
"I'm Mqondisi Ndwandwe. I came here a week ago",
the man next to me is the last one to introduce
himself. I find him and only him interesting. He doesn't
look crazy. I guess not all of us here are crazy.
I gather the lady with the notebook is a psychologist.
She's Zulu and her name is Lindiwe Nyokong. Quite
suspicious surname for a Zulu woman though.
We are listening to her. She's telling her story on how
she lost her husband and had to fight odds to be free
and obtain her wealth.
The others look bored.
"You should relate. You also lost your husband", Riada
taps on my shoulder and says. She's my Indian room
mate.
How does she know i lost my husband?
I fake a smile and nod. She doesn't stop staring at me.
"Riadda, leave her", Lindiwe tells her.
She giggles and focuses on something else.
I need another room mate.
It's after 15 minutes, we are released to get fresh air in
the yard.
These people act like prescholers, they literally ran as
soon as Lindiwe told them to. Only the Mqondisi dude
is left with me.
He stands up.
Somehow, i stand up and follow him.
He's going back to the rooms.
His is a block away from mines.
When he entere his room, i enter after him. He closes
the door without even turning to me.
"What do you want to know?", he takes off his tshirt.
I'm leaning by the wall.
What do i want to know?
"Why are you here?", i ask.
He hops onto his bed and sleeps up.
"My wife made me", he tells me.
He's married.
"Forced you?", i relate. Mbutho also forced me.
"Not really. She made me see the bigger picture", He
tells me.
I think i can sit down on the edge of his bed.
"What is the problem?", i ask.
He sighs.
"I can't sleep at night. I think about her. Ever since i
met her, it has been happening", he says.
That's rough. But it sounds cute. It doesn't?
"That's cute though?", i tell him.
"Until i hyperventilate when she's out of my sight for
more than 3 hours", he says.
Okay no.
"Atleast. I lost my baby son. Not even a year old, he
was stolen", I tell him.
"Mhh, and you can't accept it?", he asks.
I can accept it. I have accepted it.
"I don't control my dreams about him. My boyfriend
now thinks I'm crazy", i tell him.
He laughs. I'm puzzled. Did i crack a joke?
"Crazy people can't see themselves Nosiphiwo. We are
crazy, we just can't see it", he says.
I end up laughing. Maybe we are crazy. We are just not
aware.

NKOLELO.

She's here. He asked the receptionist to let her in. This

needs to be over so he can return home to Thembeka.
He's never thought in his lifetime he would have to do
this but things never cease to happen.
"Hey Babakhe", she walks in. She's wearing her
cheapest look ever. How did he even get attracted to
her in the first place?
"Nyambose. It's Nyambose
Sit down", he tells her.
She can sense that it's not what she had in mind when
she received a call from him. She sits down.
"Nompilo, I'm getting married to Thembeka. I will need
you to respect that and respect her as my wife. I want
you to stay away from us", He tells her.
Nompilo blinks a few times. She's really disappointed.
"Nkolelo, after everything me and you have been
through?", Nompilo.
He nods. Yes, after everything, he finally found his light
and happiness in Thembeka.
"She fed you poison", Nompilo.
He laughs.
"I told her to", He tells her.
Her face transforms to anger.
"Nkolelo, you and i belong together. You know this",
Nompilo, suppressing her angry voice inbetween her
gritted teeth.
He folds his forehead. Is she okay?
"Look, it's over. You are a career woman, beautiful and
all. You will find someone who will love you", he tells
her.
She bangs her fists on the table.
"I want you!",
She's shouting.
He laughs.
This woman has really lost it. Thembeka was right.
"I hope i have made myself clear", He stands up and
opens the door, ushering her to leave.
She stands up and breathes in.
Tears start rolling out of her eyes. She goes on her
knees, begging him.
This is pathetic.
He closes the door fast.
"Nompilo, are you fucken mad? Get up and get out of
my office!", He half shouts at her.
She stands up and walks to him.
She kisses his lips. He pulls out roughly and nearly
lands a clap on her face but stopped himself.
She doesn't stop, she grabs his crotch and half
squeezes.
His anger is downsizing. His shaft is growing under his
pants.
"Nompilo, just-",
She unclips his pants and takes out his full hard penis.
He's leaning on the door of his office while she jerks off
his penis and enjoying the sight of his pleasured face.
She takes off her coat revealing her red lace lingerie.
He bought if for her and she's never had the chance to
wear it for him.
"I kept it", she says to him walking back to his desk and
opening her legs wide enough for him to see
everything he used to own from the door.
With his pants dropped, he's fast enough to get inside
her.
The door handles moves once.
He can't hear amid Nompilo's moans and the slapping
of their bodies.
The door flies open...
He turns his head.
Oh shit!!

A RICH WIDOW'S FORTUNE

CHAPTER 31
NKOLELO

When the door opened I saw my world coming to an

end when MaZungu stood before the open door.I push
Nompilo away from me deflating my already eract self
yet I am still erect in reality.
“Nkolelo”,the disbelief in her voice can't be missed.
I try to move closer to her.
“MaZungu ngicela sikhulume akuyona lento
oyicabangayo(Can we talk it is not what you think it
is)”,I say.
She doesn't listen instead she turns away from me and
walks away.
I try to pull my pants up quickly just so I can rush after
her but they seem to be getting up not as easily as they
came down when Nompilo pulled them down.
“You are going after her?”,she speaks behind me.
“I don't want to find you back in my office Nompilo”,I
say and quickly rush after MaZungu.
How can I explain this? It would've been better if she
heard it as a rumor or from someone else then I
would've been able to deny having Nompilo in my
office but now she saw everything and I don't know
how to begin to explaining what had happened.
I reach outside and she is already gone. I take out my
phone and try to call her and it rings a few times
before the call is declined and I try her again but this
time goes to instant voicemail.
She has turned off her phone maybe. I go to my car
and get inside and drive off home.
My chest is moving rapidly up and down. Uvalo lukimi,
all I could think of is MaZungu at the moment and
nothing else at the moment.
I try her again hoping that maybe it will go through but
it doesn't.
I leave a message.
“Can we talk please hear me out”,I leave the message.
I am now driving home and the journey seems longer
than it usually is when I get home. Maybe it is because
a part of me is hesitant is seeing Thembeka and
knowing that I have nothing in mind to say to try and
explain what had happened has made the drive longer
than it usually is when I am rushing home to be with
her.
I park the car and jump out of the car and rush inside
and I find her in there.
She has her stuff all packed up.
“Thembeka please can we talk"
“Move out of my way Nkolelo and go to Nompilo”,She
says.
She is hurt and angry.
“Ngiyaxolisa”
“Uxoliselani?(Why are you sorry?)”,I keep quiet.
“It is not what you think"
“Nkolelo I know what I saw.uNompilo udelela nje Kanti
uyazi ukuthi umngena ephentini(Nompilo is
disrespecting me because she knows that you are
sleeping with her)”,
“Akunjalo(It is not like that)....”
“Move out of my way”,She tries to move away from
me but I stop her and try to hold her and stop her from
leaving.
“Please can we talk and solve this”
“Don't touch me!”,She says.
The pain in her voice cannot be missed. It pains me,
she tries to fight me. Fight away from me but I can't let
her go as if she walks out of that door I don't know
when I will see her or what will happen next.
“Ngiyacela Manzini”,I am begging her to not go.She
can't leave.
She eventually sheds a few tears and I am still holding
her not letting her go.

MAZUNGU

I managed to leave Nkolelo. I cannot believe what I

saw. I thought that he is different from his brother that
he is the man I have been wishing for yet didn't know I
needed and then he disappoints me. I am angry at him
and disappointed. Angry that he made Nompilo.a part
of our relationship and our marriage. Nompilo will
never stop as long as Nkolelo is still under her skirt
then she will stop at nothing to try and make my life
uncomfortable.
I reached my mother's house in pain and crying. She
was not here yet when I got there but Nkululeko was
there. The first thing he asked me was could he get
another set of whatever seems popular at the moment
but my mind was not there.
I got to my mother's bedroom and slept there crying
while my phone was off. I didn't want him to call me
and try to explain what I had saw. It was clear as day
light what was happening.
The history seems to be replaying it's self again and it's
within the same family, the same blood too.
A knock comes from the door and Nkuleleko walks in
and he comes closer.
“Sisi uright?”,I keep quiet.
My throat is sore and my chest is painful. I am even
thinking of ways to kill someone yet I am hurt too.
“Thembeka”,He says softly and sits next to my feet.
Still I am silent. I do not want to talk to anyone at the
moment. Words will fail me.
“I am going to get igwinya do you want some?”,He
asks.
I shake my head and tears stream down my cheeks
going down my nose into it as I am laying side ways
staring at the wall.
I am heart broken.
I love Nkolelo and it feels like he took my heart and
ripped it off my chest.
“Are you okay?”,Nkululeko asks.
“Yes”,A soft one comes out.
I am even surprised that it was audible.
“Okay, I will give you space”,he stands up and walks
away closing the door.
I close my eyes and more tears stream down my
cheeks.
The image of them in his office plays in my mind and it
can't seem to be erased flicting pain on my already
open wound.
He loves her. He still loves her and he has never
stopped.
Those pictures he has on his laptop are a way to
remind him of the love he has for her. I feel my chest
burning at that moment and I hold onto the pillow that
I am laying on and let out a sob. The first one since I
came into this room and cry about this man.
Ngonani Kodwa! Isono Sami ukuthanda indoda!
I have been nothing but supportive of that family but
they threw it right back in my face. I raised Mkhululi's
children with his many wives and where did that get
me and now his brother is throwing my love back at my
face! I shouldn't have expected anything different.
.
My mother asked me what is wrong but I didn't tell
her. I am not one to discuss my marital problems. This,
this is one of them! I am drinking some tea in the early
hours of morning. She recieved a call from Nkolelo last
night and I don't know what they spoke off but I knew
it involves me.
My eyes are heavy from all the crying I did for a grown
man and today I told myself ngeke ngikhalele indoda
kaNompilo ayikhalelelwe umuntu wayo.
I am standing outside the house watching over the
road and taking little sips at a time though the tea is
not as hot as it was when I came out here.
My mother comes out and stands next to me.
“Nyambose did something?”
“Yes”, That is the only answer I am giving off.
“Okay”, She says and turns around and walks back
inside.
There's stage one of many polygamy stages. I went
through it 4 times. It's the one where you sit and hope
that he will come to his right senses and realize how
you are willing to do anything that will please him, as
long as he stays with you. I'm not at that stage. Why?
Because the past 4 times i went through it, i got to
realize that men don't make mistakes. It's never a
mistake when a man drops his pants and slams his
body on a woman you once caught staring at her
pictures.
I walk back inside. I could do with headache tablets. I
steal them from my mothers medicine cabinet. It's not
like she buys them, she steals them from work.
I'm about to drowse to sleep when i hear a familiar
voice somewhere in the house.
I shut my eyes and reopen them. I really don't want to
see him although i should.
He knocks on my door. I don't respond.
He must go knock at Nompilo's house that she built
with the mud on her face.
The door handle moves roughly. He's inside.
I throw away the tissue i had in my hand. I thought i
wasn't crying for him but it seems i have been crying
for the past few minutes.
"KaManzini, can we talk?", he says.
He wants to talk.
I sit up. I'm way past this. I know what follows next.
"You are sorry and that you will never do it again?", i
ask him.
He drops his eyes.
"Right?", i ask.
He nods.
"KaManzini, i was just.. it was a moment of weakness",
Oh yes. Moment of weakness. How did i forget that
line?
I smile at him.
"It's okay. MaMsomi says the wedding preparations
have been concluded. I just need to alter isidwaba", i
tell him.
His forehead folds. I smile again.
"So when are we going?", i ask him.
He can't respond nor look at me in the eye.
"You are still marrying me?", he asks.
I won't answer him.
He stands up and leaves.
I heave a sigh and let the wells of my tears free.
I really thought we could do something with him
because i really love him.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 32.
NOSIPHIWO MTHETHWA.

I hate these meetings. It's another day subtracted from

my 5 day stay in here. Riadda is always up before I'm
up then she stares at me until i open my eyes. I know
one of these days she will slice me and sell me to
Dongwe's butchery as minced meat but what can i do?
I dreamt of Nqaba. I knew it was him although his face
wasn't his. It was a baby girls face but somehow, i
knew it's my Nqaba and he was happy. That's what i
should be telling these people but i don't and i won't
because the more serious you are, the more these
people are convinced you are as crazy.
All eyes are now on me. I should now say something.
Everyone has. Errr...
"I'm fine. I think i slept very well today", i say and fold
my arms.
"Is that all?", Lindiwe.
No it's not all. But yes.
"Yes", i nod.
She sighs and looks at me thoroughly.
"Okay, guys. I think we can take a break. Come back in
5",
She didn't even need to complete her sentence. These
cray crays are already up and away. I stand up.
"Not you Nosiphiwo", Lindiwe.
Mqondisi stands up and leaves. He doesn't look at
anyone for more than a few seconds. I'm too drawn to
him.
But I'm here.
"How are you?", Lindiwe to me.
I smile and tell her I'm fine. She starts asking me
questions about myself which i answer fully. She goes
on and asks about Nqaba. I feel like my voice is fainting
with every answer i give her. I feel like if i don't answer,
she'll diagnose me with something and i will have to
stay here for more than the 5 days i was told.
She's jotting everything down as i wipe my tears.
Finally, she closes her notebook.
"Thank you. You can take the rest of the day to rest",
she tells me. I nod and stand up.

I passed by my room. Riadda isn't there but if i dare

sleep, i know she'll most definately kill me. I think she's
the most craziest cray-cray around here.
I decide on walking around.
This place is beautiful. It's just it's cause that's not
beautiful.
I never thought I'd be picking up random flowers from
inbetweem the blocks and smelling them close to my
nose for a better scent.
"You can come in this side!", someone shouts.
Somehow, i know he's talking to me. I turn.
It's the Mqondisi dude. He's chest naked and standing
in front of his door looking at me.
I walk over to him. I did say i find him interesting in an
interesting way.
"You were also given time to rest?", i ask him.
"No. I took it, do you drink coffee?", he asks.
I nod. Of course I'd do with coffee. Anything for me to
look forward to the next few days.
He's got a coffee machine right in this room and mugs
too.
I won't ask much but clearly he's privileged in this
place.
He pours himself and i and we both sit silently.
"Why do you lie about your experiences in those
meetings?", he breaks the silence, i burn my tongue
with the hot cofee. He doesn't break his stare.
"Who said i lie?", i ask him.
He doesn't respond nor does he breakhis stare.
I heave a sigh.
"If i tell things as they are, i might spend more days
here", i tell him.
"You don't want help? You want to return back home
with your troubles?", he asks and sips on his coffee.
Help from what?
"Help from what? I need no help",
He scoffs. He's getting on my nerves with everything he
says today.
"If you have nothing to be helped with then your
husband wouldn't have sent you here", he says. I'm
getting angry.
"So why not accept help and actually use this time to
heal?", he asks.
"Heal from what?!", I'm on my feet.
"From your traumas",
"Why don't you heal from yours, obsessive man!",
He should worry about getting over his obsession with
his wife instead of trying to play the Male Lindiwe over
me.
"I'm using this time in this place to get over it. You are
not", he says.
I'm heading to the door, he grabs my hand and forces
me to sit back down.
He locks the door and throws the key into his
sweatpants.
He gets onto his bed.
"Come", he invites me.
Is he crazy?
Why am i asking? Of course he is!
"Are you kidnapping me?", i ask him.
"Depends on your definition of kidnapping. I'm helping
you. Come to bed", he calls me.
I find myself snuggling in bed next to him. He smells
nice and strong. I face away from him in fear of what's
next.
I feel his arms snuggling over my waist and his body
sliding on my back. I take a deep breath.
And that's it. We are both silent.
"Tell me about you", he speaks over my neck. Warmly
so.
I gather my voice.
"What about me?", i ask.
"Start from where you remember yourself in the
beginning", he tells me.
I heave a sigh. Maybe if i tell my story and cut out
some parts, he will let me go.
I was raised my both my parents, went to local primary
schools, after high school, i studied Journalism and
shortly before i graduated, i met Mkhululi who married
me and told me to drop out. I dropped out of school
and became one of his wives and that's more like it.
He doesn't respond so it feels like i should say more.
"What about your siblings?", he asks.
I sit up.
"I have none of them", i tell him.
He's calm.
"Okay. I'm cold, lay down", ge tells me.
He's telling me he is cold when he's chest naked?
I lay back down, he pulls his body closer to my back.
Again, i inhale slowly and out.
"Tell me about your brother, Manelisi",
Okay. Fuck it! I'm getting out of this room.
I'm on my feet, begging for him to let me go. I'm even
shedding tears for him to please let me go.
He rolls his eyes and throws the keys to me. I unlock
the door and literally run out straight back to my room.
I'd rather be killed my Riadda than a man who seems
to know more about my life than i want to myself!

MAZUNGU.

People will never understand the things that we do

because they can never experience us and the things
we have experienced. Things that have channelled the
way we think and to the way we act. I've learnt in this
life that we soldier on. As a woman, you take your
burdens as heavy as they are, you slowly roll them in
the lining of your headscarf and wrap that headscarf
beautifully over your head. Something on your head
will always influence and affect your whole balance,
especially if it's heavy.
I'm down here, cooking for a man that I'm getting
married to and yes, it's the same man i wanted to
surprise with lunch at work only to find his black ass
tingling behind with his penis fully penetrated into his
ex girlfriend he vowed to cut contact with.
Things are not exactly as they were between us but I'm
working towards restoring it. Others may be free to
find and use but the greatest one will always have a
hefty price tag on it. That's my love for Nkolelo. I'm
guessing Nompilo is the hefty price attached to him.
It's not mew to me. I've shared a man with 4 women
who had children with my husband when i had none.
I call him over from his gym room.
He follows me to the dinibg room where i served him.
He thanks me and starts eating. I eat too.
"How is your day going?", he asks.
"It's better. Yours?", i ask.
He nods and hits his food with his spoon. He puts the
plate down and comes over to me. He takes my plate
and puts it down then he kneels in front of me and
takes my hands into his.
How men can look into your eyes and promise you
Cape and Cairo and you still believe it even though
they have proven that they can't even give you Inanda
township alone always baffles me but here i am,
nodding and agreeing to his heartfelt apology.
"KaManzini, i want things to return to normal, i know i
did you wrong and I'm sorry. I know you probably think
I'm just like Mkhululi but I'm not. I would never cheat
on you intentionally",
I'm nodding. He never said he will never cheat on me
period but he said he will never cheat on me
intentionally.
I smile at him.
His smile is ignited too.
He winks, still on his feet. I hesitate. His face drops.
Then i wink back. He smiles widely.
"Can i kiss you now?", he asks. I shake my head no.
He kisses me anyways.
This one is ending with him over me and me screaming
all the Mthethwa clan names i know of.

I'm counting all the body cells on his chest when his
phone rings. It's been ringing ever since he got ontop
of me but he ignored it.
"Mxcm",
He takes it and answers.
Mmhhh, his body is very dark. Which means that
maybe when MaBiyela and her husband had sex, it was
very hot. Or maybe they did it in the sun? Or she gave
birth on a sunny day and he was exposed to harsh sun
rays?
He drops the call,
"Was it hot when you were born?", i ask.
His forehead folds.
"Huh?",
"I mean... was it hot... like hot hot when you were
born?", i ask.
"I don't know. How would i know?",
You were the one being born so you should know
dummy.
"I think i have found out who the man that has been
following you is", he tells me.
I sit up.
"Unamanga oe",
"I'm telling you with hot water", he says. I crack to
laughter. That's my favorite line when i initiated the
gossip. He's getting better and better at this.
"Woza nazo mngo",
"I haven't confirmed but they trace him somwhere in
KwaNongoma. I'll follow up. They don't think he's
harmful though", he says like he's thinking.
KwaNongoma?
"Do you have any relatives KwaNongoma?", he asks.
No. My mother's family hails from the South Coast. She
said my father was also from the South Coast.
"No", i tell him.
He nods.
We are silent. Until i remember.
"Hold your breath",
He does.
"Elelwani is pregnant",
He lets go with his eyes bulged out.
I shouldn't have told him.
"Does Mphathi know?", he asks.
"No. Elelwani went for a checkup today. I think she'll
tell him later", i say.
He nods.
He's not as excited as i thought he'll be. It's his
brother.
"Hey, is everything okay?",i ask when i notice his
dropped face.
"I just wish it was you who is pregnant", he says, steps
out of bed and leaves me feeling like shit.

*************************************
NOSIPHIWO MTHETHWA.

I'm getting better and better at these meetings. My lies

go deeper and deeper. The only problem is that i
always have to stay behind to answer Lindiwe's
questions. I don't understand why I'm the only one she
asks to stay behind. I know I'm not the craziest. Her
questions are always around the loss of Nqaba and
how he was conceived. I think i've gotten comfortable
in talking about Nqaba without shedding tears. I think
it has to do with the dreams i have of him. He's at
peace. He always tells me he's at peace. It sounds
ridiculous that a 1 month old baby would be able to tell
me but i know his voice and i just know that it's his
voice that always tells me he's safe wherever he is.
I'm just a day away from leaving this place and
resuming my life. I plan on finding something to do
with my life, maybe complete my degree and find work
like i had always dreamt before i put my life on hold for
a man that never put me first in anything.
She closes her notebook and gives me one of her many
smiles. It's one that says,
"Baby girl, I'm not entirely done with you but we are
done",
I smile and stand up before she even says it verbally.
I'm hungry. I don't know if breakfast has been served.
I'll pass by the kitchens to check.
The corridors are always empty around this time of
day. They cray-crays are having breakfast. Only a few
cray crays are out and it's the older ones. The ones
who connect with nature, who love the smell of the
sun rays. That's if the sun rays actually do have a smell.
"Pss-pss", someone hisses from behind. I don't turn.
Something touches my waist, i jump and scream for
help. There's a few security guards helping me and a
nurse making me drink from bottled water. I'm being
fanned. I didn't faint. I just panicked but no. They are
looking at me like I'm crazy.
Lindiwe walks into the room. The nurse and securities
are excused by Lindiwe.
She sits down on the sofa and takes out her notebook.
You know what? I think I'm sick and tired of her face
too.
"How are you feeling?", she asks.
"I'm fine", i tell her and fold my arms.
She breathes out and smiles wider.
"How are you feeling abojt everything? Are you happy
that you are here and getting the help you need?", she
asks.
This question will make me explode!
"What bloody help are you talking about?? I need no
help! I'm just here because of my boyfriend who
actually begged me to come. I need no help. Stop
saying i need help, please!", i yell on my feet,
frustrated.
"I understand you. The first stage to healing is
accepting that-",
Is she deaf??
"I need no help or healing. Infact, I'm leaving. I'm going
home! Give me your phone so i can call Mbutho!", I'm
close to tears. I'm not crazy. I have never beem crazy. I
went to a normal school, passed my grades and went
to tertiary and got married. I have no problem. Why is
everyone so sure that I'm mad?
"Nosiphiwo, please understand that everyone in this
yard has their own share of problems. I can never
judge you. I just want us to talk to each other",
She's lying. Bitch is trying to be clever!
"Just grasp this. I'm not crazy", i tell her.
"You are crazy", she stands up.
I look at her.
"I am not crazy",
"Nosiphiwo Mthethwa, you are crazy", she tells me.
I look around. My blood is boiling. I will smack this
bitch.
"You are crazy, mad and delusional! You deserve to be
in this place!",
I grab the nearest object from the table and throw it at
her. She ducks. It's a stapler. I grab another one and
throw. I can't stop myself. I want to beat her. I want
her to understand and hear that i am not crazy! I grab a
desk fan and throw it at her, it hits her head.
She's screaming for help. I'm screaming, asking her to
take back her words.
I'm pulled by strong arms away from her.
"I am not crazy!! I am not crazy. How can i be crazy!", I
yell.
"What should we do with her?", one of the nurses who
just walked in ask.
"Drug to sleep", she says.
I am not crazy. I am not crazy. I am not crazy.
Nosiphiwo Ncengwa is not crazy. They are the crazy
ones. Everyone here is crazy.
"Everyone here is crazy. I am not the crazy one!", i
shout being pulled by the guards. The whole yard of
cray crays are having a show, looking at me being
pulled away.
This is not the way to my room.
There's a burglar gate. I'm pulled inside. There's a
single bed and a water tap. A nurse is already inside.
I sit on the bed edge. She smiles.
"What's your name?", she asks.
"Nosiphiwo", i tell her.
She smiles again, rubbing my arm with her palms.
"Drink here and calm down, you are not crazy", she
tells me.
Finally somebody said it.
I take the bottle of water and drink.
My vision is blurry. I feel tired. I drop on the bed.
................................................

I hadn't opened my eyes but my mind was aware of

what my nose smelled; a manly scent. I open my eyes
and search around. I remember drinking the nurses
water and falling asleep. This is not where i was. I sit up
and rest my head on a headboard. A headboard?
Where am i and why does everything in this room look
and smell manly? There are grey slippers on the floor. I
wear them. Wait...
I'm dressed in the same clothes. Thank God. It's a
simple two room house. I came from the bedroom to
what i think is both the kitchen and dining room.
There's a small kitchen counter and a cup on it. I touch
the cup. It's hot. There's unfinished coffee. Grey coffee
mug too.
I open the mini-fridge. Mhmhh, it's been a while. I
scramble 4 eggs, melt cheese then dip 4 slices into it
then i toast it. There's no other beverage than coffee
so i throw the coffee i found in the grey mug and make
myself a new one.
I sit in front of the tv and search through the channels
to find something entertaining.
With the breakfast I'm having, i think i want to watch
MaZungu's Real Housewives of what what. Mkhululi
always complained that he never watches news when
he was at MaZungu's because she'd be watching
Abafazi as he put it. Funny because he spent most of
his time there. I ended up admitting that our husband
will always choose MaZungu and there was nothing we
could do. He only remembered us when we reminded
him.
I don't like this Slee bitch though. I like Mbali. She
reminds me of MaZungu. Her facials are always on
point amid drama.
I hear foosteps. I drop the plate and stand on my feet.
It's a tall ass man wearing a black hoodie, with the
hoodie hanging over his head and over his forehead.
He's also wearing a navy blue beanie over his head
under the hoodie. He's sweaty and trying to catch his
breath. He's hot. Smoky hot.
His forehead folds before his hand is lifted in the air.
There's a shiny ring flashing on his finger.
"I'm married, in case you're wondering", he speaks. His
voice will make me vomit all my vaginal juices.
"Mqondisi", i speak after clearing my throat.
"I thought you'd still be asleep", he says finishing the
less water that was left on his bottle. He walks past
me. I follow him.
"Where am i and what am i doing here?", i ask.
I didn't notice there's also a bathroom further into the
bedroom.
He stops before the small bathroom.
"We are in KwaMakhutha", he says and undresses his
tshirt. Fuck no. The dark toned abs. I want to ask more
but i can't speak.
"Anymore questions?", he asks me.
I shake my head no. But yes. No. No. Yes, have more
questions.
He drops his shorts and is not left in jeggings that scale
his arse. I turn away and leave the room before he
drops the entire thing.

I return back to my Real Housewives of what what. I

have my favorites already. It's Mbali and Sane and
slightly, i think i also like Annie. Nonku and the white
girl, no. The Indian woman too is a not for me.
He walks in. His body dripping water. He's hanging a
towel over his lower body. His perfect dark toned torso
highly visible and testing my woman hood.
He stops on his tracks and looks at me.
"You heard me?", he asks.
I nod.
Wait.. no. I didn't hear.
"No", i tell him.
He smirks.
"Can you please help me wash my back?", he asks.
What??
I gulp down 5 litres of saliva at once.
"I'll be dressed in towel like now", he says.
Much better.
I guess i can't say no.
I follow him back into the bathroom.
There's a plastic bathtub and a shower cabin.
He walks into the shower.
How am i supposed to wash his back there unless i
walk inside myself.
I stop.
"Khumula phela", he tells me.
I fold my arms.
"I won't do anything to you", he says.
One thing about Nosiphiwo, he will trust this strange
cray cray.
She's unddressed and right inside the shower,
scrubbing his back with gloves.
Now my hands can't stop brushing his abs from behind.
He's facing the wall. I'm behind him, brushing his abs
from behind.
It's 6 packs. I've counted with my hands.
I'm fantasizing about a lot right now, my legs pressed
together.
Within a second, he's pinned me against the wall and is
breathing heavily over my left shoulder. I can feel his
hardness, fluting and baying on my back. He's taller.
"Do it, i beg you", i beg him.
He grinds his shaft part of the towel on me. I'm
frustrated, i turn and pull the wet towel down and grab
the whole shaft with my hands. His eyes look at me
softly.
I bend go on my knees and open my lips. I don't know if
i will accomodate it.
He smiles. The thing dies down. What??
He steps out of the shower and throws a dry towel at
me.
What the...??

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 33.
NKOLELO.

She's not past anything. She has not forgiven me. My

heart breaks when i look at her and i notice her puffy
face proving she's been crying. Crying because of me.
I don't know what to do because if really i could give
her my heart so she knows i didn't intend on doing
what i did. I take full responsibility. I did her wrong. I
just want her to be frank with me, hit me if she wants
to, pour parafin on my bed and change all my cooking
ingredients. Anything to get rid of this hurt I'm feeling
and this guilt hanging over my head. I'm not Mkhululi. I
will never subject her to what he took her through but i
guess it's too late to prove that.
She's lotioning her body in front of the mirror.
I get up and take the lotion from her hands. She
doesn't say anything. I squeeze it into my palms and
rub it into her back until the cream vanishes into her
skin. I'm stupid. I'm more than stupid for doing what i
did.
I squeeze it again and apply it on her shoulders and
down her chest.
Her breathing changes. I massage her chest. She rests
her head on her headrest of the chair and closed her
eyes.
MaZungu is beautiful. My armpits sweat everytime
she's in public and I'm not around because i know
these Durban scavengers who go for people's wives.
Her moans are slowly adding up to a song. A song that
has my manhood dancing kwasa-kwasa. The soft skin
of her breasts is just always nice to massage and more
intriguing to press them against each other.
Her hair has escaped her shower cap and is dusturbing
me.
I remove it and tie her hair. I think i should open a
salon.
I scoop her up from the chair to our bed and lay her
up.
I'm sorry, i love her breasts more.
"Can i?", i ask her.
She nods.
I start with the left one, sucking the hardness out and
pressing my lips on her nipples. It always gets her
screaming. Today; she doesn't want to scream. I'm not
stopping until she screams.
I'm on top of her, grinding her hips with my manhood,
with my mouth sucking her nipples.
"Nya-",
There it is. Scream it louder.
I grind her body harder and lightly pinch her nipples.
She loses her voice control. Perfect.
I massage her waist. Feeling the warmth of her blood
circulating with my hands.
Down to her hips and inbetween her thighs.
To my eyes, it looks liks a cut out juicy orange. My task
is to suck the orange juice out.
I wipe the walls of her vagina with my tongue. It's
breathing life. I insert my tongue, straight in. She
breathes out a moan.
I court the first wall with my lips, closing it in. Then i
suck, and crosd to the other sequencially.
Her legs are shaking. She's screaming. I'm enjoying the
juices of my orange. I can't stop. I'm sucking deeper.
Her fluids hit my face, i pause and let them splurge
over me. It's not over. With my whole mouth, i
accomodate her vagina. I press it together and insert
my tongue inside. I think she's ran out of Mthethwa
clan names. I release my mouth and I'm hit with a wave
of fluids.
Wathi uyayazi inkotha.
I stop and look at the beauty of God. This thing has life.
It's breathing and fluttering. It's shiny and beautiful. If i
could eat it, I'd have it for breakfast lunch and dinner.
I wipe the shine with my beard. Her thighs are now
widely separated.
I look up to her.
She's desperate.
"What?", i ask her.
She points down at my nakedness.
I think her voice has ran out.
I love to see my wife happy. I would do anything she
asks of me.
I roughly throw in my manhood, i swear she sings just
like the woman who sings "Endaaa iyaaa will always
love you"

KHOMBISILE MANQELE.

Her shift ended a few minutes ago. It was a long

stressful week but by God's grace, it's now weekend
and by luck, Poly Clinic is just a street away from her
house.
Nkululeko is back from school and is blasting his drugs
and prostitution music loudly. She huffs and roughly
opens the door screaming his name. He appears,
looking like he's seeing a ghost. Why is this child
wearing boxers in the middle of the day?
"Switch off your drugs music, what do you want the
neighbors to say Nkululeko? There's Kholeka, there's
even Jumbo in this house and you play your
prostitution and drugs music in my house?", she
shouts. He's ran off. She follows after him. He closes
the door on her.
This child??!! In her...
"In my own hou-",
"Shembe!! Ngithi weShembe!!", Her hands are on her
head and she's stomping her feet dramatically.
Her hands are itching to land on his face.
"I'm getting arrested today", she's walking up and
down the passage of her house.
She takes her cellphone and dials Thembeka. She picks
up.
"Ma",
"You will have no mother soon. Reconcile with your
mother in law fast because I'm going to jail!", she tells
her.
Thembeka is confused.
"Your brother- Your brother wants to kill me
Thembeka. Nkululeko wants to kill me", Her voice is
trembling.
She hears the door opening. It's Nkululeko's door. He
stands by his door blocking way in. He's now wearing a
towel on his lower body.
KaManqele drops the call.
He hits her now?
"You are hitting me Nkululeko?", she's asking.
Nkululeko isn't interested in all her theatrics.
"I'm taking these speakers. Move away!", she tries to
enter the room. Nkululeko doesn't let her in.
She's shocked.
"I said move!", she squints her eyes.
Nkululeko doesn't move.
"Nkululeko Emmanuel Manqele, move!", she firmly
tells him.
He hesitantly moves. She enters and disconnects all
speakers. Her eyes notice shoes. Girls shoes. They trace
to a panty on the floor.
She looks around. Then heads straight to the
wardrobe.
She grabs the towel from Nkululeko's lower body and
starts beating the shit out of the girl. She throws her
Nkululeko's pants and tshirt when she's about to
escape the room. The girl picks the clothes and runs
out.
She's not done. She comes back to Nkululeko's
bedroom with a black bin bag and starts packing all his
clothes.
She's crying now.
"I will never live with my murderer. I can't. My God will
forgive me but i can't live with my enemy", she's says
wiing her tears.
When she's done packing, she throws the bag at
Nkululeko who is outside by the door, scared to walk
in.
"Go and live with her. I love you but i don't want to
die", she tells him then locks all doors to her house and
sits in the dining room.
Thembeka calls, she ignores her.
She's supposed to be watching TV but her mind is
blank. She nearly died today at the hands of her son.
There's a knock on the door.
"Hamba uyokipita neyfebe zakho!!", she shouts.
"It's Mfaniseni!", a man says by the door.
Who?
She's on her feet to open.
It doesn't take her any longer to realize it's really him.
He smiles,
It's him.
"MaDuyaza",
She slaps her cheeks on his chest and he engulfs her.
Then she remembers that he's a married man that
tossed her aside as soon as his wife said so.

**************************************
MAZUNGU.

I was woken up by Nkolelo telling me that my mother

is here. Indeed, i found her baking in the kitchen. She
says she's here to fetch her son. I know she's the one
who threw him out and now she's the one who is here
to get him.
Mphathi walks in. He's further followed by Elelwani.
Pregnancy looks good on her. I know it's still esrly but
she still looks besutiful pregnant. It seems Mphathi
cannot be without her now.
They greet. My mother greets Elelwani and asks her
right on the spot if she's pregnant. She admits.
"Are you married?", My mother.
Okay. I'm sip this coffee.
"I'm engaged", Elelwani responds.
"Engaged is not married. This one's father proposed
knowing very well that he was married back home",
ahe points at me. That, i know. My father was a
married man who did my mother dirty. That's what my
mother always said whenever she mentioned him. I
think she loved him.
Elelwani seems to understand my mother. Now they
are laughing. She's even helping her with baking. No,
I'll sit it out. I'm not lifting a finger.
They start making breakfast. I'm just the director,
"The spoon are that side. You want the bowls? On the
left", That's my job today.
One thing on Elelwani, she will make everything funny.
She's telling us how Mphathi reacted to the news of
her pregnancy.
"Imuntu yathula. Silent mode for a hour. I thought he'd
gone mute",
I think what makes her more funny is her Zulu.
"Thembeka, go call the people of this house to eat",
My mother tells me when they are done. I can gladly
do that one.
Nkululeko is in his room, smiling and texting. This child
will kill KaManqele.
"Are you dating?", i ask from the door.
"Are you married?", he asks back.
If course i am.
"I'm dating too. How do you answer this?", he shows
me the face of her phone. He's on WhatsApp. I'm not
about to read his texts with whomever he's chatting to.
"Ungazongisanganela wena, breakfast is ready", i tell
him and leave.
"Haw Sis'Ma-Zet", he sulks.
Sis who? I will murder this child and have his body sold
at Point for prostitutes.
I find the Mthethwa's behind the house. They are
sitting in chairs silently. They can sit like this and not
say a thing. I find it weird. I mean there's a lot they
could be talking about.
Nkolelo sees me first and smiles.
"My mother says breakfast is ready", i tell them.
Mphathi thanks me and my cheating husband winks. I
always wink back.
KaManqele is a hypocrite. I thought we all hate
Nkululeko for what he did but no. She's caressing his
cheeks and making remarks about me not feeding her
son. It's been just a day and I'm already being blamed
for his body?
The table is set. I think it's the first time we'll actually
be using this table. Nkolelo and i eat in the dining
room.
They appear and take seats. It just happens that I'm
opposite Nkolelo. Next to me is an empty seat.
Elelwani is next to her man. My mother and Nkululeko
are next to each other.
Nkolelo stands up and comes next to me. How
dramatic can a man be?
"I love you", he whispers in my ear before he sits.
Bloody charming cheater.
KaManqele does the honors of blessing the food.
When we open our eyes, Mphathi is done with the first
scone and is dusting his hands. KaManqele looks at
him.
"Mfana, pray for us", she says to him.
He frowns.
"Thandaza. Ask for forgiveness", My mother. She's not
playing.
We all close our eyes when Mphathi puts his palms
together. Let's hear.
"Jesu, ngiyaxolisa. Ngicela uxolo Jesu. Ameni",
Mphathi.
My mother shakes her head and allows us to start
eating. Shortest prayer in the history of prayers.
The sounds of cutlery is disturbed by a knock on the
door. I offer to go and open.
The person knocks again. I open the door.
Errr...
"Saw'bona Sisi. Ngibhekana noThembeka
Mthethwa",(Greetings Sis, I'm looking for Thembeka
Mthethwa)
"I am", i tell him.
He hugs me. Tightly. I'm suffocating. I don't know him.
I've never met him.
"We've been looking for you for years", he says freeing
me.
Okay. Who is this?
"Who are you Bhuti?", i gather strength.
"I'm Mqondisi. Mqondisi Ndwandwe", He responds.
Okay. I look at him to continue.
"Your brother", he adds.
Huh?
"Thembeka", someone shouts my name behind me. I
turn. It's Nkolelo. His face has went grey by anger.
"This is my husband, Nkolelo. Please come in", i tell the
Mqondisi dude.
He walks in. Nkolelo has joined his body on mines as
we lead the man to the table. He greets and i tell him
to sit. I get him a plate.
No. He doesn't wait for anything but fills his plate with
scones
He takes a mug and searches the table,
"Is that coffee?", he asks me looking at the teapot on
the table. I nod. He goes for it and pours to his mug
and starts eating.
Everyone is staring at me and him.
"Okay, my nigga's. Who is this?", Nkululeko. Who is his
nigga's?
"Nigga's is your little penis. Thembeka, who is this
young man?", KaManqele.
The person we are talking about is wasting all the
scones.
"He is Mqondisi Ndwandwe", thats all i can say too at
the moment.
"Mqondisi who?", My mother asks.
"Ndwandwe, right Mqondisi?", i confirm.
"Yebo Sisi", he says.
He's got a ring on his finger. He's married.
My mother is suddenly not okay and needs to rush
home.
She tells Nkululeko to return home today. Nkolelo
offers to drive her home but she refuses. I call a cab for
her.
The whole breakfast has taken a whole different event.
Mphathi and Elelwani disappear into the bedrooms.
Nkululeko is here.
Nkolelo is gripping on my hand tightly.
"So ndoda, who are you?", Nkolelo asks.
"Mqondisi Ndwandwe, like she's said",
He's a bit cocky. I like it.
"And why are you in my house?", Nkolelo.
"Why are you holding my sisters hand?", Mqondisi.
"Woah, I'm my sisters brother", Nkululeko.
"I'm the real brother", Mqondisi.
"Don't be trippin here nigga", Nkululeko.
"Phela angkwesabi weMfana", Mqondisi to Nkululeko. I
think Nkolelo has to say something.
"Sbali, go to your room", Nkolelo.
Nkululeko stands up amd leaves with no protest. He
listens to Nkolelo.
"She is your sister?", Nkolelo resumes.
"Yes. I have two other brothers. Zikho and Mhlo. But i
come after her. It's Mhlo and Zikho then her",
This don't make any sense.
"How do you know?", Nkolelo.
"Mbusi-, our family seer said it. Nosiphiwo confirmed
it",
Who the hell is this Nosiphiwo and what does she have
to do with me.
I need to call KaManqele. Maybe she can explain to me
if my father was a Ndwandwe. If so, then who is
Zungu?
Her cellphone is off.
"We look the same", he tells me.
We do?
Nkolelo is looking at both of us.
"But she's more beautiful", Nkolelo.
I guess i do look like him.
"Who did you pay your lobolo's to?", Mqondisi.
He doesn't like Nkolelo.
"To your granny's bank account", Nkolelo.
What?
"Is that why you look like her wrinkled ass?", Mqondisi.
The hell??
Nkolelo is on his feet. So is Mqondisi.
I'm leaving. I have a lot to think about than grown men
who can't think like adults.

NOMPILO MABASO.

She made sure to get a trustworthy driver. One who

won't sing easily should there be a push for him to
sing. She's disguised her face by wrapping a headrest
over his face. She's also wearing shades.
She checks her watch. It's 2 minutes after the time they
agreed on. Why is this man late? What if Mbutho or
Thubelihle starts worrying about her?
She's stomping her foot on the ground impatiently.
"Pss-pss", somebody hisses.
She looks around. No one.
"Pss-pss", again. No one.
Then she looks up. There's a man looking at her by the
balcony of the 5th floor of the building she's standing
on.
He drops a bag down and walks away.
She looks around. No one is watching. She picks the
bag up and heads straight to the car.
"Drive me to my flat", she tells the driver.
When she reaches home, she pays the driver. He
leaves.
She empties the bag full of baby clothes on her bed.
Beneath the clothes is what she ordered. A gun.
She takes it and scans it through.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 34.
NOSIPHIWO MTHETHWA.

Somehow, i was just wasting my time thinking i will

stay here a shorter time. I studied how these things go.
It's like prison to those who have been there. You get
in there for one charge and when you're inside, you
accumulate more charges and more years inside.
One night, i thought i was done. That Mqondisi was
saving me from this place but he was just saving
himself. Maybe he was saving me too. Maybe if i deal
with my demons head on and face my past, i will get
out of here a better woman.
I'm having a one of one with Lindiwe. I hate her. I hate
her face, her voice and her job. My five days was up
but she provoked me and made sure that she proved
to herself that i was indeed as crazy as she said i was.
Maybe i am crazy, i just don't know it.
"You said there were 2 of them. What about the
other?", she asks.
What do my brothers have to do with all this?
"Manelisi, he was there too",
She writes something. I hate that too because i want to
know what it is that she thinks is worthy to record
down.
"Tell me about him. Manelisi. How was your
relationship with him?", Lindiwe.
I don't want to talk about him.
"I don't want to talk about him ",
"Why?",
"Because i don't want to",
"The longer you delay, the more days, weeks, monthd
and years you will spend on this place", she closes her
notebook.
I sigh.
"Fine. I will tell you",-
She sits back.
Phew.
"Manelisi and i were closer than any of my siblings.
When my parents would send him somewhere, i would
be always with him. I told him things and he told me
things we never told any of our friends or siblings", I
tell her.
She raises her eyes.
"Were as in past tense?", she asks me.
I nod.
"We are no longer close",
"Why is that?", she asks.
Can this be over?
I wipe away the approaching tears stream.
"Drink water", she hands me a bottle of water.
I sip.
"He abused me sexually", i tell her and break to tears.
She doesn't comfort me or says anything. She looks at
me and scribbles on her notebook.
She stands up and pours a sachet of sugar into my
bottled water.
I take it and drink.
"You are doing very well. We will continue tomorrow.
You don't have to attend the group meetings
anymore", she tells me.
I'm happy for that.
I leave her office.
I always pass by this room. It's locked.
He's never been here ever since he drugged me and
had me returned back here. Which makes me wonder
who he is and was there a need for him to be here or
what?
He did not harm me in any way. He even refused to
have sex with me. All he asked me was about my late
husband and then he encouraged me to face my
demons. I slept a night and woke up back here again.

MAZUNGU.

We are in Kwamashu, paying KaManqele a visit. It's

Nkolelo, myself and the Mqondisi brother. She's been
ignoring my calls since yesterday and has refused to
speak to me through Nkululeko's phone. I need
answers from her.
We found Nkululeko alone. It's only a few minutes
before she walks in from work.
I've prepared the cat and mouse beverages while we
wait for my mother.
I have no doubt Mqondisi is my brother. I have taken a
good look at him and at myself. He's shown me
pictures of his brothers and i think i also look like them.
It's all confusing because if he is my brother, how is he
a Ndwandwe and i am a Zungu?
The door flies open. She's humming a song with those
Department of Health lunchbags hanging on her
shoulder.
She sees us. Her singing drops. Her eyes wonder
around.
"Thembeka, what are you doing here?", she asks.
I don't respond. It's evident she's hiding something
from me and I'm partly scared of what I'm about to
find out.
"KaManqele, please take a seat. We need to talk to
you", Nkolelo tells her.
"Who are you again because i don't even remember
your brideprice money", My mother.
Why is she fighting him?
"Ma, can we talk?", i ask her.
"Of course honey. We can talk", she fakes a smile and
takes a seat with her attitude peaking at thousand
degrees Fahrenheit. Aibo loGogo oe. She's even calling
me honey?
"Ma, who is my father?", i shoot and hold my breath.
"Muzikayise Zungu is your father",
"The truth would be very helpful now", Mqondisi.
"Who are you to tell me that? Infact, what are you two
even doing here?", My mother. She's breathing fire.
Nkolelo isn't going anywhere and so is Mqondisi. My
mother just needs to tell me the truth.
"He is my brother but he is a Ndwandwe and i am a
Zungu. Ma, please make it make sense",
She sighs.
"It makes perfecr sense. Thembeka, I'm tired. I want to
sleep. Take your lawyers and leave my house", she's up
on her feet.
My mother is possessed, i swear. My mother doesn't
act or behave like this.
She turns before she enters the passage to the
bedrooms.
"When you got married, you lost all the rights to ask
me those questions", she disappears.
What the grey-haired-gogo is this because this is not
my mother.
I'm shocked to tears under Nkolelo's arms.
Mqondisi is chilled and relaxed, leaning back on the
couch.
We stay in that silence until I'm calm. I stand up.
Mqondisi and his enemy both do.
My mother walks in. She's taken off her nurses uniform
and is wearing a pink gown.
"You are still here?", she looks at me.
"This is my home", i tell her.
"No honey. I made sure you are married so you get out
of my face earlier and get your own house and so far,
things have been well. Umfazi nomfazi emzini wakhe",
she drags her slippers away.
"Ubhema iKhubhe yini Ma?", i gather to ask because
she's definately under some drug and that drug is rare
to find.
She side eyes me and continues.
"Let's get out of here"; Nkolelo hugs me away.
"Cha bayeyisa oGogo baseThekwini", (Durban Grannies
are rude), Mqondisi says following after us.
I guess i get no answers from my mother.
We came in Nkolelo's car. Mqondisi is at the backseat.
He's on a call and it sounds like with his wife. He's
smiling and sounds happy talking to her. I can't stop
myself from smiling too.
"Nami ngikthanda is'dudla Mkami",(I love you lots too)
he says. He smiles then hangs up.
"Wife?", i ask.
"She can't wait to meet you", he tells me. I smile.
Nkolelo clears his throat.
"What if she's not your sister?", Nkolelo.
Now they are going to bicker. Nkolelo believes he is my
brother. He's just being the jerk he is right now.
"Who spoke to you?", Mqondisi.
"No one but I'm speaking to you", Nkolelo.
"I don't speak to stupid people", Mqondisi.
"Says the President of stupid people. I'm shocked you
are married", Nkolelo.
"I'm not. My sister was your brothers wife. Not yours,
right?", Mqondisi.
Okay.
"Okay. This is it. I'm done with you. Drop me at the
mall", i tell them.
There's silence.
I'm not joking. Mall.
He takes a turn and shortly enters the mall parking. I
get off before he can open my door.
They are both looking at me waiting for me to walk so
they can follow me.
"I'm not going with any of you. I need my peace", i tell
them.
"But you can't-", Nkolelo.
"Can't what?", i twist my eyebrows up. He keeps quiet.
"Kill each other before I'm even confirmed that I'm his
sister", i tell them and walk off. I'm angry but not angry
to be heated.
How Gateway can be so refreshing is life.
I take a few pictures. It's something I've grown to do.
Take selfies and post on Facebook. I attach a location.
I'm enjoying both hot ribs and mild ribs. Alone and
peacefully.
I check my watch. It's been am hour. I'm full.
I pay the bill and leave the restaurant. I'll take the
escalators up to check on the clothes. I need to start
dressing up like a businessmans housewife amd not the
rural wife i was chanelled to be.
There's so much people in these escalators. My phone
rings, it's Nkolelo and he's calling for the thousandeth
time!
"I'm not talking to you Nyambose", i tell him.
"Okay. I will apologize to your brother", he tells me.
"He's not my brother yet", i tell him.
"He is. He looks like you", he says.
I smile. I know I've had Nkululeko as a brother but it's
different knowing that i might have 3 more brothers
and two are older than me.
There's a scream from the escalator going down.
Everyone turns, i turn to look too.
A small shiny object is flying my way shortly after a
gunshot sound blasted. I trace my eyes, following the
shiny object.
It's fast enough, i feel a sharp penetration somewhere
in my body.
I'm the one who was shot. I can't scream the pain. My
vision is vague.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 35.
NKOLELO.

"Can we talk?", he looks up. It's Mqondisi, leaning by

the door with hands tucked into his pockets. He didn't
see him all this time. He thought he was alone in here.
He stands up and follows him out. They're in the
corridors of the hospital. Mqondisi stop and leans over
the wall.
"Who did this?", he asks him.
He doesn't know. Nobody knows.
"The police have nothing, they say-",
"I didn't ask police. I asked you. Who shot her?",
Mqondisi.
He looks down.
"I want a name before the day ends or you will see my
toes dance like Indians", He walks away. It felt like a
threat. A serious one.
He blames himself for this. Maybe he does deserve
this. If he was a good husband, MaZungu wouldn't be
here today. They did everything together. It all
changed when he cheated.
He sighs and takes out his phone and makes a call. He
asks the person to find the cctv footage from the mall.
He's not even doing this for Mqondisi but for him. Who
ever did this needs to face him because it's crystal clear
this is his attack, not MaZungu's. Who would want
MaZungu dead?
He takes counted steps back into the ward. It's still
early in the morning. He hasn't slept for the past 2
days. The only sleep he knows is the closing of his
eyelids for a few moments while his head leans on the
chair next to Thembeka's bedside.
There's a knock. He looks up.
It's the Detective now. He nods, letting him in.
"Mr Mthethwa, i came to find out if you have thought
of anything or anyone that could possibly have done
this?",
No. He hasn't thought of anyone guts that could mount
to this. Killing someone in broad daylight?
"No enemies of yours or hers?", the Detective.
"She has no enemies. If an enemy did this, it would be
mines",
"Any idea who?",
"No but i will sure find out", he tells the Detective.
The Detective then asks him to make contact should he
remember anything useful and leaves.

KaManqele passed by and did her long prayers before

she left to start her shift. Mphathi also passed by to
give him a change of clothes after trying to convince
him unsuccessfully to go home and rest. How can he
rest with his future this uncertain?
There's another knock. He doesn't look this time. He's
tired. He wishes he could close that door and sit here,
all day and night long until she wakes up.
The perfume is familiar and the only reason he raises
his eyes to confirm.
It's her. His face transforms to anger.
"What are you doing here?",
She looks at MaZungu and her face is plastered in
concern.
"I heard what happened. I'm so sorry", she hugs him
tightly. He doesn't hug her back but pushes her away.
"Nompilo, i told you to stay away from me", he tells
her.
"I have been staying away. I just couldn't sit and not
show my face after hearing the tragic news Nkolelo",
Nompilo.
"Are you okay? Have you eaten anything? I brought
you food", she shows him the foodie bag.
KaManqele brought him food
Mphathi also did the same and all those foods are
stacked on the bed pedestal uneaten.
"Leave Nompilo", he tells her.
She maintains eye contact with him.
He shows her the door.
She hands him the foodie bag. He takes it.
She turns to leave but stops by the door and turns
back.
"There's also something i want to tell you", she says.
He looks at her.
"I am-",
She pauses and takes a deep breath.
"I am pre-",
She doesn't finish again.
He's now anxious.
She walks further back and kneels next to his chair by
MaZungu's bedside.
"I am prepared to do anything to show that i am sorry
for how i have been carrying myself. It was below my
status and i regret it. Please forgive me. I wish
MaZungu would also wake up and forgive me", She
says.
Nkolelo is surprised by this.
He doesn't respond.
"I am sorry Baba kaSiqalo. Ngyaxolisa Dingiswayo", she
says.
There's silence.
She pats his lap, standing up. She walks to the door.
"If you need any help or to talk, call me", she sways her
hips and walks away.
…………………………………………

This CCTV footage shows nothing. Who ever pulled the

trigger is a professional. His face and even his body is
well hidden behind the crowds of people who were on
the escalator. How he was able to shoot someone from
such a distance and blockage clearly shows that there's
professionalism involved in this shooting.
He's written down names of people who could have
done this but they are all deadends.
Mphathi taps his back and hands him his cellphone.
"It's MaBiyela",
He doesn't take the phone, rather continues scratching
out names on his list.
He should have stayed away from her. She was doing
just fine back at home with Mkhululi.
Maybe MaBiyela was right about him. Maybe he's the
resson why everything always collapses.
"She was right Bhuti", he says.
Mphathi listens.
"I did this. Everything i do never succeeds. Everything i
touch turns to dust", he says.
Mphathi doesn't respond.
"She was fine at home. She has never been shot in her
entire life until she met me and now look",
He's close to tears.
Mphathi pulls him up from the chair and hugs him.
They don't say anything to each other.
They pull away from each other. He walks out of the
ward. Maybe it's time he went home and recharged.
Maybe he can crack this when he has rested.
In his car, he sends Mphathi a text.
"Please don't leave her alone",
Then he drives home.
He parks his car outside the gate and walks inside. He
unlocks the door and walks straight inside.
"You are home", a womans voice speaks.
He turns, startled.
She's seated in the dining room.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my house?",
he asks.
"You have a beautiful house. And wife", she tells him.
He's running out of patience.
"Noma Ndwandwe", she's now in front of him with her
hands extended forward for a handshake.
Ndwandwe?
"The door was opened", she flaps her weave back and
blinks. She's a dark, curvy and slim gorgeous lady but
there's some dark element about her that's unsettling
him.
"Okay. What do you want?", he asks her.
"I was sent by my husband to get a name",
Her smile has faded.
"Please leave my house",
She smiles again.
"Nompilo Mabaso. How well do you know her?", She
asks.
He frowns.
"I know her",
"How well?",
"Well enough",
"You trust her?",
"It's not her",
"I asked if you trust her",
He doesn't respond.
She turns and crotches her heels away.
"I'll tell my husband you are on it", she shouts leaving.
It's not Nompilo. She apologized this morning. She's
not a violent person and wouldn't risk losing her job
over something like this. He knows it's not Nompilo.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 36.
NKOLELO.

He bought this house years ago and lived in it and for

the years he's lived in it, it has never felt like how
MaZungu has made it feel. She gave it life. She gave
him life. Now that she's not here, it feels like back in
the days when he had no life. When nothing else
mattered to him. The rooms are cold, the bed is too
wide for him to sleep and the house is too quiet that
when he speaks, there's echo.
They are supposed to be preparing for their wedding
but here they are.
He shuts his eyes and reopens them.
He grabs the big framed canvas from the couch and
carefully hangs it above the TV screen.
It's the one he gave to her during their outing in
Ulundi. The picture of them in that river picnic.
He looks at the picture closely.
It could have stayed like that. He could have
maintained keeping her as happy as she was the day he
showed her this picture.
He sits on the couch and rests his head on the head
rest edge and shuts his eyes.
He heard the gunshot that shot her. He was on a call
with her.
That's why he has not been able to sleep at any time of
day.
He's fired many bullets in his life but the one that hit
MaZungu is the one he will never forget. Not even
when he's diagnosed with amnesia.
He is disturbed by his phone ringing.
He looks at the caller.
He ignores the call.
It rings again.
He switches the phone off and takes off to freshen up
then head back to the hospital to relieve Mphathi.

After freshening and dressing up in tracksuits and

runners, he walks down.
There's singing noise somewhere around the kitchen
direction.
Is it that Noma woman?
He stops and looks defeated when he sees who it is.
"Nompilo, what are you doing here?", he asks.
She's chopping vegetables.
"Hi there too. I thought i should come and cook for
you. I know you don't eat when stressed and that's not
healthy", she smiles, chopping her vegetables and not
making eye contact with him.
"I don't want you here", he tells her.
She looks up and charges to him over the counters.
She stops in front of him and takes his hand. He yanks
her off.
She breathes out.
"I'm here as a friend to support you Nkolelo. I'm not
here to cause problems. I have accepted that you don't
love me amymore and that's okay. I'm a grown
woman", she tells him.
He doesn't believe it.
"Please trust me. Please eat before you go to the
hospital", she asks of him.
He hesitantly nods.
"You can watch tv while i finish up here Baba kaSiqalo",
she says.
Okay. He agrees and turns back to the dining room and
switches the tv on while browsing his emails.
MPHATHI MTHETHWA.

MaBiyela called this morning. She wants to come up to

Durban to see MaZungu along with MaMsomi and
MaKhumalo. They say she came back a week ago.
He checks the time, it's 12. Nkolelo should be here
already and he is supposed to go and fetch the ladies
fro Durban station since they decided to use taxi's as
there was no one to drive them up here.
He calls him again and it rings on voicemail.
Elelwani is at work. She could have helped. Nkolelo
made it clear that MaZungu should not be left alone.
KaManqele is working and said she had aplied to leave
from work. He heard there's now the Ndwandwe's but
can he trust them with her? Nothing has been
confirmed.
His phone rings. It's MaBiyela calling for the 5th time.
"Mama, I'm on my way," he lies.
He looks around.
Maybe Nkolelo is just running late and will show up as
soon he he steps out.
He walks out of the ward and down the passage
outside the hospital.
Meanwhile, there's a man in cream white suits wearing
a navy blue cap that has been on the benches since the
morning. He's been reading his newspaper until now.
He stands up and looks around before he grabs the
wheelchair next to the benches. He wheels it inside
and helps the unresponsuve Thembeka into the
wheelchair.
He looks at her. Then he kisses her forehead.
He pushes the wheelchair out making sure that his cap
hides his face carefully.
"Excuse me Sir, have you signed dicharge forms at the
front desk", a nurse stops him before the exit.
"Yes, i have", he responds.
"Ohho", the nurse walks away.
Thembeka is gently loaded into his car.
"I'm sorry Nkosazana", he whispers before his car
drives out.
He's finally gotten her.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 37.
NKOLELO.

What is expected of him? He wasn't there when

MaZungu was shot and wasn't also there when she was
taken from the hospital but everyone is here, everyday,
squeking and demanding answers from him.
If there's anyone in this table who wants MaZungu, it's
him. Life has become dull without her.
KaManqele hates his guts. She was also supposed to be
in this meeting but refused because he was here.
Nkululeko came on her behalf and so did Mqondisi.
They have all agreed to be civil during the search of
Thembeka.
Mqondisi is laying down a plan to track the person who
took MaZungu but MaKhumalo is shaking her head and
throwing in sarcastic laughs here and there.
Mphathi looks at her.
She stops.
Mqondisi continues.
She laughs and claps her hands. All eyes around the
table look at her.
"You think Thembeka is missing?", MaKhumalo.
Nobody answers her.
She looks at Nkolelo.
"Bhuti, you also think she's missing?", MaKhumalo.
Nobody responds.
She stands up from the chair.
"MaBiyela, when are we returning back home?",
MaKhumalo.
MaBiyela looks at her.
"MaKhumalo, please", Mphathi.
MaKhumalo is like a teenager obsessed with theories.
She walks off but stops and turns.
"MaZungu is out there, enjoying Mkhululi's monies in
Zanzibar", MaKhumalo says. She exits.
There's silence.
"What if??", Mphathi asks.
Nkolelo stands up.
He walks off, leaving the heavy thoughts behind him.
He locks hinself in his room and sits behind the door
with his knees flexed over his chin.
He ruined her. This could be his enemies trying to get
him.
He's tracing back to the good memories with
Thembeka. How innocent and how her life was more
happier back at home before he got his hands on her.
He stands up and chases to the closet. He fully opens it
and opens the drawer at the top shelf.
There's a code. He changed it to her birthday.
He's holding back tears.
He takes out the gun and sits on the edge of the bed
after activating it.
He looks at it.
They were supposed to be getting married in a few
days.
He points the gun to his chest. It doesn't feel
confortable holding it to his chest but more
confortable to his head.
"Nompilo has been-",
Mphathi's throws the door open.
He stops and freezes before it registers it his head.
"Bhuti, what are you doing?", Mphathi.
"Bhuti, don't do this. Thembeka is still out there. We
will find her", Mphathi.
"Even if we find her. I've already ruined her life. She
will want nothing to do with me", He responds. His
voice is raspy and cracky. He sniffs.
Mphathi walks closer.
"Don't do this bhuti. Not with MaBiyela in the house",
Nkolelo chuckles.
"She'd be... she would be very happy", Nkolelo.
"What do you mean? She's our mother", Mphathi.
"Your mother. Mbusisi's mother, Mthandazo's mother,
Nelly and Gcino's mother. Not me. She's never been
my mother",
"How?", Mphathi.
"Aunt Tholiwe-", He says.
He holds back his tears.
Mphathi is anxious.
"What about Aunt Tholiwe?", Mphathi.
"She- she said she wanted me to help her in her
garden. MaBiyela told me to go. I went there. She-"
"Wenzeni uTholiwe Bhuti??", he's getting impatient
with him.
Nkolelo cocks the gun once more and points it back to
his head.
Mphathi jumps over and pushes him down the get the
gun from him but Nkolelo is stronger than him.
MaBiyela and the women heard the noise and rushed
to check. They find them squaralling on the floor.
The gun had gotten away across the room.
MaKhumalo is the first one to pick it up.
"Get inside", MaKhumalo tells MaBiyela and
MaMsomi.
"Ntombi, what are you doing?", MaMsomi.
"I said, get inside and sit down mfazi", MaKhumalo.
"MaKhumalo, bring the gun", Mphathi.
"Chobo bo. You Mthethwa's are used to getting
everything your way. Kuphethe omaMbulazi ke
mamhlanje. Hlala phansi Salukazi!", MaKhumalo.
MaMsomi and MaBiyela join Nkolelo and Mphathi on
the floor.
"Awbonike",
MaKhumalo.
She sees Nkolelo's phone on the bed and gives it to
him.
"1 million rand. Give it to me or nobody leaves this
room", MaKhumalo.
"Udakwe yidokwe lodaka", MaBiyela.
Nkolelo stands up. So does Mphathi.
MaKhumalo panicks.
She runs out and locks them inside the bedroom.
If they don't pay. They don't live. She's got them.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 38.
MADODODWA MBHELE.

He's running his fingers inbetween the tangles of her

hair, looking deeply at her beautiful face. He laughs
lightly when he notices who she resemblances in the
family. Aunt Beatrice, beautiful with lots of hair. The
only thing is, Busisiwe looks calm and collected
compared to Aunt Beatrice. She's a drama queen at her
age.
He sighs.
He could have chosen her from the onset. When he
learned about what Fikile went through, he should
have followed up with Khombani. Being financially
there for her was not something he wanted or planned
to do but it was the only way he could be there in a
way but everyday when he slept next to his wife and
everyday when he fathered her siblings, she thought of
her and wondered how she was.
It became too much. His urge to know her better
became too much. He started following her around just
to get that one brief encounter with her.
He got more than that when he met her in Ulundi.
She's just like her grandmother in some way too.
His phone rings.
It's Fikile's number.
His wife.
He takes it.
"My wife",
"Where are you? I'm at the office?", Fikile.
He thinks fast.
"In a meeting but we are wrapping up now. Stay
there", he tells her.
She agrees. He hangs up and sighs.
He kisses her forehead and stares at her again.
"I have always loved you my girl. I hope you wake up
and understand", he tells her turns.
"Doctor, call me if there's any changes", he says to the
Doctor.
The Doctor nods.
He drives to Emabheleni Holdings. Fikile greets him
with a kiss at the reception.
"I was about to leave", she tell him.
He smiles.
"Let's leave together", he takes her hand and they walk
out.
He's learned to love her over the years. There were
times that he did not even think he would one day be
able to kiss her with his eyes opened but it's safe to say
things finally worked out. Their children are grown, his
children are all grown. The boys in KwaNongoma are all
grown. The girl in hospital, Busisiwe is also grown. They
call her Thembeka. It's a name she got from Khombi.
Otherwise, he named her Busisiwe.
MaMthembu did not change the boys names. They are
still called Mqondisi, Zikho and Mhlomunye.

NKOLELO.

MaKhumalo left with the police. He could have gottem

his hands and squeezes the stupidity out of her but he
didn't because he would have hurt her and ended up
behind bars for it.
MaBiyela and MaMsomi are returning to Ulundi today.
They are packed and ready. Mphathi is driving them
back home.
It all feels like after the funeral when everyone goes
home but there's still no solution to the problem that
brough them together. MaZungu is still out there.
Nobody knows where. The police can't help with
anything. They can't find her shooter. They can't find
who took her.
They say he must wait for a ransom call. Not all
kidnappers want ransom. Some just want to send a
message. Of death at times.
Mphathi called Nompilo to keep an eye on him
because he's an apparent danger to himself.
"We are leaving Bhuti. Hang on to faith", MaMsomi
enters the room.
He sighs and nods.
"Thank you Makoti",
She's the only wife of Mkhululi's he still calls Makoti.
She turns and leaves.
Mphathi also comes in.
"Watch each other. I had no choice but to call her", he
tells him.
What does this even mean?
He leaves.
It's silent for a while.
He stands up and gets into the bathroom and showers.
A hot long one wishing the waters will wash away the
loneliness and emptiness he feels.
It's after 30 minutes.
He walks out of the shower with a towel wrapped
around his waist.
On the bed surface is a new outfit from his closet.
There's also cosmetics arranged.
It's Nompilo. She used to do this.
He drops the towel and starts moisturizing his body.
The wears the outfit and walks down. He's hungry.
Nompilo is in the kitchen, chopping vegetables.
"Hey, i figured you'd be hungry", she says to him.
He doesn't respond but sits on the stool.
She opens the breadbin and takes out 4 slices and puts
all the sandwich works, she makes juice and gives to
him.
"Thank you", he tells her.
MaZungu makes him 8 slices. MaZungu knows he loves
coffee over juice.
But MaZungu is not here.
He drops his eyes.
"Are you okay?", Nompilo.
He raises them back up.
"Yes. Thank you for being here", he telle her.
She smiles.
"I can't imagine what you are going through. Your wife
disappearing like that", Nompilo says crossing over to
hug his shoulder.
Then she kisses his cheek.
He looks at her. She stares back before she goes for his
lips.
Their foreheads joined together, breathing the same
air as each other,
"This is what i want Nkolelo", Nompilo whispers.
Nkolelo pulls back.
"I love MaZungu",
Nompilo snares.
"She's not here and probably dead somewhere",
Nompilo.
"Leave my house", he tells her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to come out", she
apologises.
He doesn't want to hear it.
"Nompilo, out of my house", he yells.
She folds her arms.
"Your brother said i must not leave you alone.
Apparently you are suicidal", Nompilo.
Now this gets him more angrier.
He grabs her by her weave, he throws it on the floor
and drags her by her hair and throws her out the door.
He shoves the door closed.
"I need my carkeys!", Nompilo.
He walks to the dining room. They are on top of the
coffee table.
He throws them at her.
"Nkolelo, you will pay for this! This hair costs R28000!",
She shouts.
"You could have harmed our baby!", she mumbles
walking away.
He opens the door.
"Our what?", he asks.
She turns with a smirk.
"While you are mopping about your so beloved
MaZungu, i'm nursing your baby in my stomach", she
tells him.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 39.
MBALIYESIZWE MBHELE.

"Bitch better have my money!", she's singing all the

way through the passage. I know she's coming here.
I lock my door and put on my headphones. Did it still
have to be Rihanna?
Anyways,
"Must be love on the braiin!! That's got me feeling this
wayy!", i sing louder to match Rihanna ringing in my
earphones.
My doors moving. She's banging it.
I stop the song.
"You will break the door Zizipho!", i shout.
"Open this door Mbali!", she shouts back.
"Why?", i ask.
"I want my money!", she screams.
"Dad will pay back your money", i tell her.
"I didn't give Dad my money. I gave you!", she shouts.
"Well I'm her daughter so he'll pay you!", i shout.
"Uyinja Mbali! I'm never paying for your hair! Ever
again!",
She paid for my hair delivery yesterday because i
wasn't home. Why should i pay her? It's not like she
suffered a loss with the money. Our allowances just
reflected a week ago.
She's left.
My salad will freeze in that freezer!
I rush downstairs.
I find Olu in the kitchen. She's mixing her weird foods.
I open the freezer.
No salad.
I remove everything.
No salad.
I'm sure i put it here.
"Olu, where is my salad?", i ask her.
She shrugs and walks away with her bowl of weird
food.
I know Olu wouldn't take my salad. She loves junk.
Mpume walks in with shopping bags and walks up the
stairs. It's not her.
"Zizi!!!", i shout it turns to a scream.
She appears on the stairs, wearing a gown looking
suspicious with that gown hat over her head. She has
the exact bowl i had put my salad in.
I look up at her.
"Is that my salad Zizi?", i ask.
"Yes Mbali. Bring my money!", she says.
Is she fucken crazy!
"I didn't take your food but i took your money. Bring
my salad!", i shout.
"Well you're not getting it until you give me back my
money",
I run up the stairs. She runs into her room. I make it
inside before she can lock. The bowl drops down and
breaks. There's glasses on the floor.
I grab her by her hair. She screams and throws me on
the bed.
I beat the shit out of her with the pillows.
She gets on top of me, i roll off the bed and she falls
down and starts crying.
Mpume and Olu are watching by the door.
"I want my salad! Go and make it!", i shout.
She's seriously crying. She gets up from the floor.
She looks at her hand.
"Damn, she's bleeding Mbali", Mpume.
I look closer.
It's just a small blood cut she got from the tiny glass on
the floor.
She picks up her phone from the floor and starts
dialling.
"Baba, it's me uZizi wakho", she says.
She's telling on me?
I leave her room to mines. I'm also telling on her.
"Baba, it's me iMbali yakho. Zizi hit me on the wall. I
think I've even lost some parts of my memory because
of it. Please call me when you get this message
Sompisi", i hang up.
I raise my head up.
There's Mpume by the door. She's chewing something.
"Liar!", she says.
"Leave my room Mpume. She also lied", i tell her.
"No. You did hit her", Mpume.
I'm hurt.
"Why do you always take her side? Do you hate me
Mpume? I will tell UBaba that you gang up on me!," i
say.
"Did you not hit her?", she asks.
"We were fighting", i defend myself.
"You wouldn't have had to fight if you gave her money
back", Mpume.
Mpume thinks she's going to stand here and be judge
Khambule?
"Judge Khambule, don't start with me. You also owe
me for the lingerie i bought you last week. You haven't
paid me",
Go on Judge Khambule.
"Don't make me remind you of the shoes i bought you
last week to. You also didn't pay me", she says back.
Errr....
"What about the cab i paid for when we came back
from Cape Town?", i ask. Yewwpie!!
"What about the whole trip to Cape Town?", she asks.
Errr...
"Okay. We are sisters Mpume. We shouldn't have to
pay each other haw", i tell her.
"You still have to apologise to Zizi or she'll cry the
whole week", she walks out.
I roll my eyes. Why do i have to apologise? She also ate
my salad and broke my favorite salad bowl. And she
also hit me. Ngifela ukuthi angiwanga mina?
I'm not apologising for anything.
I lock my door and scroll on social media.
My phone rings. It's Baba.
I answer instantly,
"Baba, did you get my message?", i ask.
"Yes Mbali. Go and apologise to your sister now", he
says.
"But Baba- she also-?"
"Get up and go and apologise", he says.
"Don't hang up. I want to hear", he says.
Erghhhh!!!
I unlock my door.
I meet Zizi also on the phone coming my way.
We meet in front of Olu's room which is in the middle.
"I'm sorry for hurting you Zizi", i tell her.
"I'm sorry for eating your salad Mbali", she says.
"Now hug each other", Dad says.
He's on both our phones.
We hug each other.
He hangs up.
Mpume grabs my phone and Olu grabs Zizi's.
Zizi pulls my hair
I pull hers back. I over power her and drag her into
Olu's room.
"I want my money!", she throws pillows at me. I pick
them from the floor and throw them back at her.
"I also want my salad!", i say.
"You can make another one", she says.
"You can also make another money!", i tell her.
She stops throwing pillows at me and blinks rapidly.
"What do you even mean i can make another money",
she asks.
"The same thing you mean when you say i can make
another salad", i tell her.
She looks towards the door. I turn too.
Olu is videorizing us.
"Clean my room and wash my laundry, make me
breakfast for the whole week or i show this to Baba",
she folds her arm. Witch in versace!
Uyanya lo.
"Udakiwe",
"Oops, you just swore on camera", she says.
I will get this bitch.
We start cleaning her room. Zizi takes the laundry
down to put them into the washing machine.
It's cleaner than before.
Zizi returns.
"The laundry is washing downstairs", she says.
Olu looks at us.
"So?", she asks.
"Bitch, delete the video", Zizi and i say.
"Never", Olu.
Zizi and i look at each other.
We are attacking her.
"No no no. Don't even think of that", we turn.
It's Mpume with her cellphone too. She's recording.
"I also have the video. Go and clean my room and wash
my laundry wena Zizi. Mbali, i want to wear your new
hair tonight", she tells me.
"You must be sleeping with your dildo on at night", i
tell her.
"Recording!", she says.
"Fine. Treat my hair good Mpume", i tell her.
"I will", she says and turns back.
"Wait, where are you going tonight?", Olu asks.
We all want to know.
"None of your business!", Mpume.
"Is it that Nkabi guy i saw you with last week?", Zizi.
Mpume frowns.
"Which one?",
"Tall, big head, dark. He was dressed like he's from
KwaNongoma or something. You know those guys",
Zizi.
I'm shocked.
Mpume looks shocked too.
"Are you following me around Zizipho Mbhele?",
Mpume.
"No. I went to fetch my order and you guys were there
together", Zizi.
"He's my friend", Mpume.
"You kiss all guy friends like that?", Zizi.
Zizi my girl. These are files you are bringing.
"Stay out of my business", Mpume.
"What's his name? I'm asking for safety reasons", Olu.
"Zikho", Mpume.
"Zikho who?",- i ask.
"Zikho Ndwandwe", Mpume, she's even blushing. This
bitch.
The conversation seems to be over.
Not get though.
"Honey, you don't get to wear my hair tonight and Zizi
is also not cleaning your room", I tell her.
She turns back.
"I will show Baba this video phela", Mpume.
Tough.
"I will also tell her you are going out with a man who
wears izimbadada ebsuku",
Her face drops.
Wait..
"Is he the one you wanted a lingerie for?", i remember.
She stammers to answer.
Bitch!!
"You're not getting my mew hair. Infact, you're
cleaning my room",
I leave them there to my room and lock it.
"I won this round", i write on the group and logout of
Whatsapp immediately.

ZIKHOZONKE NDWANDWE.

We honestly thank our ancestors and God for Mbusisi.

If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be here and we
appreciate him but he fuxked up knows how to
frustrate people with his riddles. We've been asking
him where our sister is and he's telling us that she's
where we are also going and where we all belong. He
issaying nothing more and nothing clearer than that.
It's been a whole week, our newly found sister went
missing after being shot by the stupid husband of hers
side chick.
Mqondisi says we must let the husband carry on her
husband duties and try to find our sister but according
to my people, that man is busy entertaining the same
side chick who shot our sister and Mqondisi will have
to forgive me for this one. There's no way i will sit by
and fold hands while my sisters shooter is out there. I
will do something and she will feel. Just not now. And
when we find her and i get to meet her officially, i will
definately order her, as her brother that she must
leave the stupid husband of hers. I'll find her indoda
esile lapha kwaNongoma. Nampa oMbusisi abaganiwe.
He's packing his belongings to leave. Mxcm. I hope
Mhlomunye doesn't pay because this one tells us
nothing but we still pay him everytime.
Mhlomunye gives him money before i can even speak,
he's out.
"You shouldn't have paid him", i say.
"He's been helping us", Mhlomunye.
"With what? Uyaphicaphica kphela nje lomuntu", (He
riddles only)
"We wouldn't have found out sister if it wasn't him
who told me where i will find that lady at the
Marianhill Psychiatric hospital", Mqondisi.
Oh. I forgot he comes from the crazy bums. My brother
has been through a lot.
"Does he get laid? Maybe that's why he speaks in
riddles. Words are stuck at the balls", i ask.
Mqondisi cracks to laughter.
"I found Khethiwe washing his clothes when i went to
fetch him", Mhlomunye.
"Khethiwe, from the Mngomezulu's?", i ask.
He nods.
"Kusile kanti lokhu okuw'Makhosi",
Khethiwe is everyones type in our village eBadlaneni.
There's a knock.
It's Sis'Noma with trays of food followed by MaShezi
with drinks.
Sis'Noma is Mqondisi's urban wife. Yes, she's wearing
her headscarf on some parts of her head, apparently
doek is hot for her. We love her like that. Noma is wife
material don't get me wrong, but she's the bad bitch
wife material. The ones we find in Durban. That's
where Mqondisi found her.
MaShezi is Bhut'Mhlomunye's wife. She's a definition
of a rural wife. Submissive. I have tried to think of
scenarios of her and my brother having sex and i
always end up laughing because is can't be.
"No. I will have to pass. I have an appointment in
Durban in less than 4 hours from now", i stand up.
The wives leave.
The two look at me inquisively.
"With who?", Mqondisi.
"I didn't ask you when you came back with your wife", i
tell him.
They look at each other.
"Who is she?", Mhlomunye.
I grab my carkeys from the floor.
"Do i look okay or should i carry extra clothes?", i ask
Mqondisi. He knows these Durban trips.
"Extra clothes", he says.
"Her name is Nompumelelo. Nompumelelo Mbhele is
her name Bhuti", i respond to Bhut'Mhlomunye's
standing question.
"Fling?", Mqondisi.
"I've changed Mkhatshwa. I don't do those anymore.
Ngiphethe inyakanyaka intongayazi ingadlangadla
laphana mfowakithi", i tell him.
He nods.
I'm going to pack and take a drive to Durban.
Which song am i playing on the way?
Igcokama Elisha uMfokaManqele, Malavistoo!

*******
Oh yes, I'm merging two stories to one now. Please
don't get confused.
The Ndwandwe's are MaZungu's brothers.
The Mbhele's are... you'll see if you haven't.
The Mthethwa's are still here through Nkolelo and
Mbusisi.
I didn't want to drag the Mthethwa's for too long.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 40.
KWAMTHETHWA.

Nkolelo was summoned back home by the Mthethwa

elders. MaKhumalo was also released and she's also
part of this meeting going on today.
The family leader, Babo'Mdala looks around.
"Look at how you have messed up my brothers family",
he says at MaBiyela who snares her nose.
"I messed it up?", MaBiyela.
"Ma, please", Mphathi.
"You did. Where are my brothers children MaBiyela?
Mthandazo? Mbusisi? MaZungu and MaNcengwa?
Where is MaMzobe?", Babomdala.
"Ask him. He is the elder here", MaBiyela to Nkolelo
who doesn't respond.
"No. I'm asking you. You are the mother of these
children. It's not Nkolelo's duty to take care of your
children. It's yours. His only duty is to make sure that
the family operates smoothly. From what I've been
told, the family businesses are doing well", Babomdala.
MaBiyela doesn't respond further.
"Where did MaMzobe go?",
Nobody responds.
"MaBiyela, washonaphi uMaMzobe?", Babomdala.
"She's around", MaBiyela.
"Around where?",
"KwaThema", MaBiyela.
"What is a Mthethwa wife doing there?", Babomdala.
"I chased her", MaBiyela.
There are gasps.
Nobody was ever told about MaMzobe's departure.
They slept one day and she was there and the
following morning when they woke up, she wasn't
there and her house was now a store room for old
things.
"Exoshelwani iNkosikazi wakwaMthethwa?",
Babomdala.
MaBiyela folds her arms front.
"Mama!", Mphathi.
Everyone wants to know.
MaBiyela never said a thing about MaMzobe's
departure. She left when Mkhululi was still alive but
sick under MaZungu's care.
Nobody asked questions. Everyone assumed it was
between Mkhululi and MaMzobe that she left.
"She had children that are not of this family. Don't act
like you all didn't see that her children were nothing
like the Mthethwa's. Her children looked like Bongani
Thema and that's where she is today", MaBiyela.
There's shock in the room filled with silence.
"I knew it", MaKhumalo chips in. She's the only one not
shocked by this.
But that's not all she will say.
"Just like one of the brothers from your womb
MaBiyela", MaKhumalo.
All eyes turn to her.
"MaKhumalo, don't start. There are elders", MaBiyela.
"They need to learn the truth. You chased MaMzobe
out because she had illegitimate children. What about
you?", MaKhumalo.
MaBiyela starts breathing heavily.
"What is MaKhumalo talking about MaBiyela?",
Mphathi.
Nkolelo is silently listening and looking at whoever is
talking.
"What am i talking about MaBiyela?", MaKhumalo.
MaBiyela tries to stand up.
"Don't run. MaBiyela, i had your back in this yard. I'm
the only wife kaMkhululi who kept your secrets and
defended you from neighbors. What did you do in
return? You chose MaZungu over me!", MaKhumalo.
"Chose? I chose no one", MaBiyela.
"Really? Is that why she's out there, spending our
children's monies pretending she's missing?",
MaKhumalo.
"MaKhumalo, sit down. MaBiyela sit back down",
Babomdala.
They all know MaKhumalo and her rants. It's nothing
new. But these accusations she's coming up with today
are nothing short to divide and break what's left of this
family.
"I don't know why Mkhululi brought this woman to my
house", MaBiyela, sitting back down.
"The same way your husband brought you here
Mama", MaKhumalo.
"I see you think i don't know your skeletons wena
Ntombi. I know what you did to MaMsomi's child. U-
Abongwe unjena nje, uwe!", MaBiyela.
MaMsomi's eyes bulge out.
What is her son being dragged into this?
"What's wrong with Abongwe?", Mphathi.
"Ayikhubezekile ingane kaMkhululi. This is the witch in
the family!", MaBiyela points at MaKhumalo.
There's sighs of defeat as all eyes turn to MaKhumalo.
Nkolelo is brushing his beard like he's not even in the
room.
"MaKhumalo, is MaBiyela speaking the truth?",
MaMsomi asks.
MaKhumalo laughs and claps dramatically.
"Saze sakhohlakala isalukazi! She took me to that
Sangoma! MaZungu is barren because of me and her.
Abongwe is disabled because of both me and her!",
MaKhumalo.
Nkolelo's eyes widen at the mention of MaZungu.
MaKhumalo laughs once more.
"Yes! MaBiyela calls me the witch. She's the witch
director!", MaKhumalo.
"Why would MaBiyela bewitch her own daughter in
laws?", Mphathi asks defeatedly. He's scared to get a
response but has asked anyways.
"I don't know. Here she is. Ask her!",
All eyes turn to MaBiyela.
She's started crying hysterically.
No one seems to care about her tears today.
"MaBiyela!", Babomdala.
"I did it for this family", MaBiyela.
Mphathi stands up and throws his hands over his head.
Nkolelo shuts his eyes and reopens them.
"Ma, you bewutch your own daughter in laws and you
say you did it for the family?", Mphathi, angrily staring
at his mother.
"Yes! I did it for the wellness of this family. You see all
this... all this glitz and glam? It's me who maintained
it!", MaBiyela. She's stopped crying and is staring back
at Mphathi.
"What do you even mean?", Gcina and Neli follow each
other in. They are normally not allowed in these family
meetings but they always eavesdrop and today, they
had to come out.
"Go to your rooms nina!", MaBiyela to them.
"No. Tell us what you mean?", Gcina.
MaBiyela scans all the eyes in the room. They are all
staring at her with nothing but hatred.
She sighs.
"You see the businesses that are feeding us?",
MaBiyela.
"Mkhululi's businesses?", Mphathi.
"They were never his. They were MaZungu's
businesses", MaBiyela.
Huh?
Nkolelo frowns.
"Yes, my husband had nothing. He had a friend. His
names was Madododwa. He was rich. They met
somewhere in Durban when your father was still
working at kwaShukela. He came back one day and told
me that he has hit a jackpot", MaBiyela narrates.
It doesn't make sense. Not to Nkolelo or anyone in this
room.
"That man was going to fund these businesses. All
Nyambose had to do was get one of his sons to marry
his daughter. He said he wanted to be sure and aware
of where his daughter marries", MaBiyela
"Arranged marriage?", Nelly asks.
"So your father had to make things happen. He chose
Mkhululi to marry the daughter but they had to make
it seem like it was normal because the girls mother was
not aware of what was happening and was never going
to allow her daughters marriage to be arranged",
MaBiyela.
"So Mkhululi met MaZungu. MaKhumalo was already
there and i liked her as my daughter in law. She had all
the qualities of a Mthethwa wife then but MaZungu
was just a young township girl but we had to do it so
our family can be well off. It happened, Mkhululi
married MaZungu. We got the money and started all
these businesses but Mkhululi could not leave
MaZungu. If he did then the man was going to take
away his businesses. They are all written in MaZungu's
name but i didn't know. I trust Nkolelo has noticed",
MaBiyela at Nkolelo.
Nkolelo doesn't respond. He still doesn't look invested
in all this.
"I had to close her womb so she would not give birth
before MaKhumalo, that way, if Mkhululi happened to
die, MaKhumalo's heir would take over the busineses
and maybe the businesses would come over to the
Mthethwa blood. But things changed after Mkhululi's
death when i realized that everything is under
MaZungu so she had to stay in the family until i have
figured out what to do with her", MaBiyela.
Nobody says a thing.
"So Mkhululi and MaZungu's marriage was fake?",
Mphathi.
"No. Mkhululi loved that woman", MaMsomi chips in.
"I had to make sure he does until one of them dies",
MaBiyela.
"What do you mean Mama?", Neli.
"She made sure Mkhululi's plate had extra salt
weManeliza", MaKhumalo says.
No. Nothing will shock these people more.
There's silence.
"What about Nkolelo? Did you also feed him to love
MaZungu?", Mphathi.
No response.
Everyone looks at Nkolelo. He has a light smile over his
face.
"No. I didn't have to because they knew what was at
stake if they didn't get married. Atleast Nkolelo knew
he was marrying MaZungu for money and MaZungu
knew she was marrying Nkolelo for money", MaBiyela.
Mphathi sits back down. Everyone does.
Now what?
"Cha ukhohlakele Mama", Mphathi.
"Funny coming from someone who has never held
igeja ngesandla", MaBiyela.
"This family is what it is because i kept the promise my
husband made to that man that his daughter was going
to be treated well and get a good life", MaBiyela.
"All the scheming in this family makes me sick!", Neli
walks out.
MaBiyela is about to stand up and leave too.
"Am i Nyambose's son?", Nkolelo steals everyones
eyes.
There's gasps.
MaBiyela ignores him.
He stands up and faster, grabs her arm and looks into
her eyes, staring the coldness into her.
She trembles,
"Am-i-Nyambose's-son?", Nkolelo.
"No you're not", MaKhumalo responds.
"Stay out of it MaKhumalo!", Mphathi.
"No. Let her talk. They both know. Who is my father?",
Nkolelo.
No response.
He stomps his foot down angrily. His deep voice hits
the roof, the women in the room scream in fear.
"Who is my father!", Nkolelo.
"Ndwandwe! Ndwandwe was your father!", MaBiyela
cries.
He lets go of her arm and she runs into the passage.
There's silence.
He looks at everyone.
He grabs his carkeys on the table and storms out.
Everyobody is frozen.
"You bewitched my son Ntombi?", MaMsomi to
MaKhumalo.
"It's not like you bear smart children Thandiwe",
MaKhumalo rolls her eyes and gets up.
Mphathi shakes his head and later grabs his own
carkeys and drives out after Nkolelo.
RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 41.
MAZUNGU.

I'm back you bitches!

Ouch, my neck. I'm sorry for swearing, no need to
break my neck.
A not so foreign man has been here looking all happy
to see me alive. I haven't made sense of where i am
but it seems I'm safe. Very safe with those men by the
door looking like they were part of the Boko Haram
syndicate.
All this man has asked me is if I'm fine if not do i need
anything. The Doctor came and told him I'm fine and i
told him i want my mother.
"Water", i tell him.
Like a duck, he jumps and gets me a glass of water. I
sip. Water is quite untasty.
"I need wine", i tell him.
His eyes bulge out.
I laugh. My neck again!
"I'm playing. How far is my mother?", i ask.
He looks sideways.
"She's not coming", he says.
What?
"Why?", i ask.
He doesn't respond.
I try sitting up.
"Is everything okay at home?", i ask.
He pats my shoulder and tells me to relax and that my
mother is fine.
"So why can't she come here?", i ask.
"Because you're far from home Busisiwe", he says.
I frown.
"Busisiwe is your wife?", i ask.
He looks at me and smiles.
"You are", he says.
I know i was shot and I've been in hospital for more
than a weel or two but i know my name is Thembeka.
"Mr Mbhele, she really is okay. The results have
cleared her", the Doctor returns.
He nods.
"Looks like you are well enough now. You're a strong
woman", The man.
Okay. I'm not interested in things he jas to say now. It's
clear zithi mzala kulendoda but who is he?
"Who are you?", i ask.
"I'm your father", he says.
I laugh.
Because aibo lelikhehla oe.
There's a throat clearing.
I raise my eyes up.
It's someone i also recognise.
He looks at me and winks. I can't help but smile back.
I'm expecting this man to run like he always does when
Nkolelo appears but today, he doesn't. He looks at
Nkolelo and Nkolelo acknowledges him.
"Mr Mbhele?", Nkolelo.
The man nods.
They shake hands.
"Nkolelo Mthethwa", he says.
Is he here for him or me? I'm getting impatient here.
The man looks at me then at Nkolelo.
"Behave. I'll be right outside", he warns.
Lelikhehla oe.
He walks out.
Nkolelo runs to me and slaps his body on my fragile
one.
Is he-
Is he crying?
"I thought i had lost you and lost everything i thought i
had", he sniffs.
I don't know how to respond.
"I looked for you. I tried everything but this man made
sure we don't find you", he tells me.
I push him off me.
"What man?", i ask.
"The one outside. Nobody knows where you are. He
specifically called me to come here and not tell
anyone", he says.
Okay. I'm interested in this man.
"So he kidnapped me?", i ask.
"No. He helped you. What if the shooter found you and
finished the job at the hospital", he says.
"Who is he?", i ask.
He shrugs.
What?
"Nobody knows who he is but i know he's the man who
had been following you. I'm just glad he kept you safe",
he says.
This is all too much. I just woke up from the dead like
Jesus my saviour.
He looks very pale. Has lost a few killos and has very
hollow eyes with eyebags.
But Nkolelo is still Nkoleling.
He stares at me and his eyes well up.
"I thought i was never going to see you again. I'm sorry
i failed you. I failed everything", he says.
Honestly, i don't know.
He perks my lips. I return the kiss.
He pulls out.
His fingers are tremblingand hitting against each other.
Something is troubling him.
"Is everything okay?", i ask.
He looks at me.
"MaBiyela killed herself because of me", he says.
Aibo mfazi! I mean ndoda! Isgaxa esngaka.
I'm shocked, i swear i was never shot.
"What happened?", i ask.
He looks down then at me.
"A lot happened. I'm no longer the Nkolelo you know. I
don't even know who i am anymore", he stands up and
walks to the window which he stares at for a long
while.
"Meaning?", i ask.
"All i thought i was turned out to be nothing.
Thembeka, you're the only thing i have left", he turns.
There's so much sadness in his voice. I'm worried about
whatever is it that happened while i was with Jesus.
He walks back and takes my hand.
"I want to do things right this time Thembeka. What i
will say now, please forgive me one day. I'm telling you
this because i want you to decide for yourself if you
want to be with me like i want to be with you and i
want us to restart on a clean slate", he says.
My heart is pumping Savanna and Smirnoff down
there.
"I haven't been the perfect man", he starts.
I know it has to do with that Nompilo. Somehow, i
know.
"You got her pregnant?", i ask.
My heart throbs when his eyes shut down.
I know Nkolelo. Even if he was to be frozen, I'd know
him.
He got her pregnant.
My eyes well up.
"Where? In my bed?", i ask blocking them.
He shakes his head no.
"It was that time you caught us only. It never happened
again Thembeka. I'm never going to touch any woman
but you", he says.
"If i don't want you back?", i ask.
"Then I'm ending this life of mines because that would
mean there's nothing to live for anymore", he says.
"You just said you have a baby on the way",
He nods.
"But i don't want to raise it with anyone but you. I
don't want to do anything else without you", He says.
I'm crying. He is too.
"The past few days without you taught me that
honestly, i have given myself to you and i cannot
fuction well without you Thembeka", He says.
I'm crying.
He drops his shoes and gets on the bed.
"It's a single hospital bed Nkolelo", i tell him.
"Pity you are not single. How did they give you a single
bed?", Nkolelo.
I smile but i don't know if i can be able to raise another
womans child. I know i did with Mkhululi's but it was
different and this is different.
I shut my eyes.
Black dress. Black dress.
"It was a black dress", i tell him.
He frowns.
"The shooter. She was wearing a black dress", i tell
him.
"She?", he asks.
I nod.
"Was she arrested? Did you catch her Nkolelo?", i ask.
I'm panicking.
He pins me down and looks into my eyes.
"Are you calm now Mkami?", he asks.
I nod.
"It was a woman?", he asks.
I nod multiply.
"She was wearing a black dress?", he asks.
I nod.
"Do you remember anything else?", he asks.
No.
I only remember the black dress.
I shake my head no.
"Okay. Calm down. It's safe here", he kisses me. He
gets off the bed and wears his shoes.
"Are you leaving me Nkolelo?",
"No. I'm leaving my loneliness and coming to you", he
says and smiles walking out.
Mxcm.
The man walks back in but he's not alone now.
He's with a girl. They walk in.
Okay. It's a whole Acapella group of girls.
They stare at me. I stare back at them.
No words uttered.
Who are these dolls?
"Why does she look like Aunt Beatrice though?", one of
them asks.
The other three walk closer. Too close. I could join our
eyes to theirs. I guess they are closely searching if i
really look like whatever aunt that one mentioned.
"Mpume is right. Baba, your friend here looks like aunt
Beatrice", one them say.
Like... what the hell is going on?
Why is she touching my cheeks like this?
Ay ngekeke. I yank her hand off my cheek and she
screams.
The man by the door laughs.
"You'll break my nail!", the screamer.
I'm still confused. I think I've lost my mind.
"These are my daughters", the man says.
They are beautiful but a bit extra. Of course i won't say.
"Mhmh", i tell him.
"I'm Mbali kaBaba", the one who was searching my
pupil says.
"I'm Zizipho zikaBaba", the other says.
"I'm Oluthando. Olu", the other says.
"Not Oluthando lukaBaba?", i ask.
She giggles.
Angihleki.
"I'm Nompumelelo", The last one says. She looks like
the older one.
All girls this man has.
"I'm Thembeka", i tell them.
They frown.
"But my father said you're Busisiwe", Mpume.
"That's quite a long complicated name", Zizi.
"Let's call her MaBooty", Mbali. Call who? This man
had better take her spoilt rascals away from me!
"Okay guys. Enough. Lets go! Mom is waiting at home
",
He's married. I noticed the ring on his finger.
The girls bid goodbye and promise to come back again.
Mxcm.
The man walks closer to the bed.
"Those are your sisters", he tells me.
I frown.
"Please call my mother. I want to talk to her",
Only my mother can help me from this man who keeps
saying he is my father. She must remember who she
gave her coochie to.

ZIKHOZONKE NDWANDWE.

"MaLavisto!",
Khuphuka lapho MfokaManqele, Skhova SikaZwelonke
phansi Emdletsheni, suka!!!!
Iyakhuphuka lensizwa, demed man!
I'm meeting my woman. I'm driving my van and just
parked it.
I'm getting comfortable and comfortable with these
restaurants and malls she keeps calling me to. Ngijola
noMikhi Minashi mtakaBaba.
I look at the name on her text.
Marinho's Italian Restaurant.
"Bafo, do you know where this is in this place?", i stop
a man. He blinks 5 times before he opens his mouth.
He's gay and he's about to tell me i look like his type.
I'm past him to the security patrolling the parking.
"Mfowakithi, please help me",
I show him the name. He starts directing me to take
those moving lifts up and take a left.
I think it's easy.
Zikho did you know that you'd hop onto moving stairs
one day?
Cha wangifaka ezintweni weNompumelelo.
Take left. I take one.
Oh. There it is.
There's only white people in here,
Maybe she sent me the wrong name.
She's online on Hwathaphu.
I do a VN.
"Manje weSisi Wabantu, i dawo yabelungu lena
oyibhale lana", (This is a white people's place you write
here)
She's typing.
Ping.
"Get in baby. I'm inside. Apartheid is over",
She says.
Ohh hee.
I walk inside.
A white lady stops me.
"I don't have my dom-pass", i tell her.
She smiles.
"Are you with that sister over there?", she asks
pointing at the far corner. I see my baby. She smiles at
me.
I nod.
"Okay. Follow me", i follow her passing through white
people's tables.
I've made it in life. Mhlomunye has never sat in a room
with white people. Maybe Mqondisi has through his
lazy wife.
She hugs me.
She even smells like marriage.
She sits and i start apologizing for being late. I was
delayed by Mbusisi who rocked up at the yard and
started singing his Sangoma songs telling us that we
are closer to getting our land back fully and officially.
He had to be given utshwala obugayiwe to calm him
down. Luckily,- Bhut'Mhlomunye's rural wife was able
to make ijuba fast. He drank it and calmed dow like he
didn't just wake up and decide to disturb us on our
fathers yard.
Okay. I'm here with my favorite woman.
She's talkative like Sis'Noma.
I think my MaMbhele is worse.
I think i love her.
"I love you", i tell her.
She stops talking.
"What?", she asks.
I smile.
"I love you. I want us to take the next step",- i tell her.
She screams.
What's going on?
"Are you proposing, Yes! ", she screams.
Now all these white eyes are looking at us.
I don't know what to say.
"Where's the ring?", she whispers.
"What ring weSisi Wabantu?", i ask.
"How do you propose without a ring?", she whispery
shouts.
I shrug.
I didn't even know i was proposing.
I wanted to ask her when should i send the letter to
her parents to get her hand in marriage.
I know we haven't been going on for long but I'm sure i
want her to wife me. My Durban lazy wife too.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 42.
NKOLELO.

She just walked in from work. She looks tired. She

throws her bag on the couch before throwing herself
on it.
He's watching her by the kitchen counter.
"Where were you?", he asks.
She's startled and turns to see him approaching the
livng room.
She smiles nervously.
"Hey. I didn't know you will come here", she says.
He doesn't respond.
He kneels on the floor and front of the couch she's
sitting on.
He uses his fingers to cup her face.
There's no inch of smile on his face.
"That's because i didn't plan on coming here", he
responds.
She smiles.
"So you missed me? Ncoo", she says.
He pulls his face to closer to hers. Their noses join at
the tip. They breath the same air.
There's silence.
Nompilo is breathing slowly waiting for him to kiss her.
He teases her lips with a kiss but it doesn't last.
"Where were you on the day Thembeka was shot?", he
whisper asks.
This question teaks Nompilo.
She pulls away from his face.
"Is that why you are here? To ask questions about your
probably dead girlfriend?", She's getting pissed.
Nkolelo stands up.
He breathes out gritting his teeth.
"Just tell me where you were so i will leave", he tells
her.
She cries.
"I'm carrying your child Nkolelo. But you are here
stressing me again. What have i done to you? I don't
want to lose this child like i lost Siqalo. If you're not
here for me and your child, please leave my house and
never come back. Go look for your girlfriend and i will
raise my baby alone", She's on her feet brushing her
stomach.
He breathes out.
"What do you mean", he asks her.
"I mean it's either us or Thembeka", she walks off.
He grabs her by the arm.
She turns and looks at his hand on her arm. Warningly.
He lets go.
"I can raise this baby alone", she walks off and
disappears into the bedroom.
He takes his carkeys from the kitchen counter and
drives out.
Everything is a mess.
Nothing is working out for him.
His life is taking random turns and he just cannot cope
with everything.
Finding out that he isn't a Mthethwa and that his real
family is out there and MaBiyela decided to die with his
identity, to MaZungu hesitating to take him back
because of Nompilo getting pregnant and now
Nompilo is here threatening to take away his rights as a
father. He doesn't want what happened to Siqalo to be
repeated. He wants to be a father to this baby. He
wants to be Thembeka's husband. He wants to know
who he really is.
His phone rings.
It has been ringing for the past 4 minutes.
He connects it ti the bluetooty speaker and answers.
It's Mphathi asking him where he is.
"Nkolelo, you are the oldest. It's been 3 days and
MaBiyela's funeral is in 2 days", Mphathi.
He doesn't respond.
"Are you coming?", Mphathi, disappointedly.
"I'm on my way there", he finally responds.
Mphathi releases a sigh on the other side and hangs
up.
He is driving to Ulundi.
It's visible there are funeral arrangements taking place.
The quiet nature and the hyms coming from the
women in the mainhouse.
No. There should be sitting members of the Witch
Women Community not church women in there.
MaBiyela wasn't a church woman. She was a witch.
Atleast that's what he thinks.
He opens his house and opens his wadrobe.
He drops his clothes on the bed and packs into his
suitcases. He uses even Thembeka's suitcases to pack
his clothes.
Mphathi knocks. He lets himself in when no one lets
him in.
"Bhuti", Mphathi.
"Mphathi", He responds.
There's silence.
"You are leaving", Mphathi.
He doesn't respond.
"After everything, you are dropping me? Gcina? Neli?",
Mpathi.
He's done packing.
He takes two suitcases and walks to pack them in the
boot of his car.
He returns and takes another 2.
Mphathi loses it and grabs one of the suitcases on his
hand. He turns to warn him, Mphathi grabs the other
one and throws it back down.
"You are not leaving. We are burying OUR mother
together", Mphathi.
Nkolelo chuckles.
"Don't start with me Mphathi",
"Are we not your family anymore?", Mphathi asks
sadly.
Nkolelo looks at him.
"You were there when MaBiyela said that", He
responds.
"What about us? What about me? Am i no longer your
brother?", Mphathi.
Nkolelo doesn't respond.
Mphathi nods and smiles sadly. He turns away to leave.
Nkolelo breathes out a sigh.
"You are my brother. But i still don't belong here
Mfowakithi",
Mphathi turns.
"Then please help me. Help me with the funeral
arrangements, help me with thw businesses, help me
with the family, help me with the Biyela and Mthethwa
elders fighting, help me with everything Mfwethu",
Mphathi.
Nkolelo walks closer to him and pats his shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I was never a Mthethwa and please
understand i want nothing to do with MaBiyela",
He says and takes his suitcases to his car.
He loads them while Mphathi watches, leaning on the
wall of his house.
After his last load,
He puts on his sunglasses and looks around the yard.
He walks to Mphathi and looks at him.
They briefly look at each other before they share a hug.
It's taking longer than the one they are both used to.
"You are strong bafo. This is your family. I'm going to
look for mines", He tells Mphathi and turns away.
He looks back again,
"You are my brother. Nothing has changed there",
He steps into his car and reverses out.
Where does he start fixing all the problems hanging
over his head? How does he get what he used to have
with MaZungu and still get to be a father to Nompilo's
child and get that child their real identity which is his
real identity? Where does he start looking for a
Ndwandwe who could possibly be his father?

MAZUNGU.

They have been staring at each other ever since my

mother walked in here. But my mother's frown is
confused while Mr Mbhele's is kind of a fume.
I clear my throat. My mother takes back to me. Oh yes,
the i thought i had lost you speech. I roll my eyes.
She starts pulling my cheeks and asking me questions
about who shot me. I tell her i don't know.
"We need to go to that Pastor again. Whoever shot you
must be shot back", she says. If i wasn't in pain, i would
be laughing in Nkolelo style.
Mr Mbhele has left the room.
I breathe out.
"Ma, who is that man?", i ask.
She shrugs.
"I'm confused. You don't know him too?", she
responds.
Wht would i know him?
"He called me and said you wanted to see me. He sent
me this address and i told your husband about it. He
told me not to worry and come here. I really thought-",
She stops and starts crying.
Drama in this girl.
But if she doesn't know this man then it means this
man is lying that I'm his daughter.
"He keeps saying I'm his daughter", i tell her.
Her face transforms into something i can't describe and
back, very fast.
"What?",
"He introduced me to his daughters", i tell her.
"He must be mad. He is mad", she tells me.
Mr Mbhele walks right in and stares at my mother.
"Am i the mad one?", Mr Mbhele.
My mother stands up.
"Yes, you steal my daughter from the hospital and then
you lie that you are her father. That's all madness to
me",
"Who is her father?", Mr Mbhele.
Cija madlebe ami.
My mother stammers.
"It's none of your business. Stay away from my
daughter", my mother.
"It's her business. Tell her who her father is then", Mr
Mbhele.
"Who is my father vele?",
I took an opportunity and used it.
My mother turns back to me. She starts crying.
"Was i not enough of a parent to you Thembeka?", my
mother asks in tears.
"No. Don't use tears here. Tell Busisiwe who her father
is", Mr Mbhele.
The Busisiwe name again.
My mother goes hysterical.
"She doesn't know who your father is my child. She
stole you from the clinic you were born in", Mr
Mbhele.
What?
I laugh.
My mothers hysterical cries are defeaning me. It's clear
it's Mr Mbhele who is mad.
"Okay. Mr Mbhele, please excuse us. You are upsetting
my mother", i tell him.
"But I'm telling you the truth. I am your father. We can
do DNA's now to prove i am your father", Mr Mbhele.
Aibo lelikhehla oe.
I signal him to leave.
He does.
"You need to get out of here. I can take care of you at
home", My mother.
She stopped crying?
Okay.
"The Doctor said i will be discharged in a ffew days", i
tell her.
"No. We need to leave now. I don't trust this man. He
stole you from the hospital. What else is he capable of
doing? Get up!",

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 43.
MAZUNGU.

Who stole who from the hospital? This is all confusing

me.
"Please call Nkolelo for me", i tell her.
She frowns.
"I said we need to leave",
I know what you said but now I'm telling you
something else.
I don't responds
She takes out her phone and gives to me.
There. I dial Nkolelo and he answers.
It sounds like he's driving.
"Nyambose, it's me",
There's a sniff. He doesn't verbally respond.
"Hello?",
"KaManzini",
He sounds down and broken. I sit up.
"Are you okay?", i ask.
His responses are slow and just sad.
"Are you okay?", he asks back.
"I'm fine. What about you?", i ask.
Silence.
He's not okay.
Maybe it's MaBiyela's death?
"I'm sorry about MaBiyela", i tell him.
I know i should be feeling sad which i am. I've known
MaBiyela for as long as i stayed married to Mkhululi. At
some point, she was like a mother to me. And what
would make an old person like her decide to end her
own life beats me.
She had nice life problems. A son with businesses in
Durban and the businesses inherited from Mkhululi,
had Mkhululi's wives keeping her company everyday
and grandchildren taking away her boredom. Why
would a person like that kill herself? Nkolelo does owe
me gossip after the funeral.
My mother has left the room.
"Nkolelo, the man keeps saying he's my father", i tell
him.
His voice picks up.
"What?",
"He says my mother stole me from a clinic. My mother
denies it.i feel like the man is lying but i also feel like
my mother is not telling the truth", i tell him.
"Seems we are both in identity crisis", he says in
passing.
Huh?
"What do you mean?", i ask.
"Look, take DNA sample from the man. Don't tell
anyone. I'll see what i can do", he says.
"How will i get it?", i ask.
"Don't worry. I'll get it", he says.
Okay. Great but what does it mean that we are both in
identity crisis?
"Nkolelo",
"Mhhh",
"Did you find her?",-
Silence.
"My mother just walked back in. We'll talk", i hang up.
Something tells me it's Nompilo who was behind my
shooting but what can i say? She's pregnant with his
child and for that reason, i know he will protect her to
protect his child. That's how men are. They prioritize
what they want to prioritize.
"I'm not leaving with you Ma", i tell her.
She looks impatiently angry. I don't care.
For Nkolelo to find these samples, I'm guessing i need
to be closer to Mr Mbhele.
My mother storms out after cussing me out.
I shut my eyes.
Maybe i should have remained up there with Jesus
than coming here to face all this drama.
My heart is just down and black. I'm telling my mind to
let go of Nkolelo and that maybe we weren't just
meant to be. I know love is there because the heart is
fighting that maybe i can look over Nompilo, maybe i
can look over everything that has happened between
us.
Maybe we both need a break from each other. A break
that will allow me to be myself, alone with no one next
to me. Just figuring myself out.
Somebody asked, "Where to from here?",
This is a question i should've asked the moment i
buried Mkhululi. Maybe i should have chosen to leave
with my bruised self over the money and my bruised
self.
What i mean is, i love Nkolelo. I think i love him more
than i loved Mkhululi because if i loved them the same,
i would've done this the moment Mkhululi brought
MaKhumalo into what was supposed to be our
marriage.
I hope Nkolelo understands better. I just need to find
myself.
"Hey there", a voice startles me.
I openy eyes. A gorgeous woman looking like she's a
few years younger if not the same age as me stands
there.
Blue dress and high heels with straight weave.
She smiles.
"Hi", i greet her back.
"How are you feeling?", she asks.
I nod and drag a smile.
"I'm getting there. I'm being discharged in a few",
"That's great. I'm Clarisa. Clarisa Mbhele", she says.
Oh. Okay. She must be Mr Mbhele's wife.
"Mrs Mbhele, hi. Your husband is such a good person",
i tell her.
"I know right. Who are you?", she asks.
"Thembeka. Thembeka Mthethwa", i tell her.
She nods.
"You work with my husband?", she asks.
I shake my head no.
"No",
"Where do you know him from?", she asks.
"From nowhere. I woke up here dali and found a man
staring at me saying he's my father. I don't know him
but he's been taking good care of me",
She nods.
"He says you're his daughter?", she asks.
Oh wait. Is she here fishing?
I laugh.
"Yes. I don't know how", i tell her.
She stands up and smiles.
"Be well stepdaughter. I have somewhere to be", she
walks out. Just like that.
Mxcm.
I need a cellphone. These walls are boring.

ZIKHOZONKE.

"Sawbona Mdubuli", i greet her and she turns

abruptly.
"Stay away from my car or I'll call security", she
threatens.
Ho-ho-ho kwazihlekela uFather Christmas wasoLundi.
Security? Where?
She realizes there are not securities.
"Don't waste anymore of my time or yours. Follow
me",- i tell her.
She follows me. I open the passanger seat of my van
and she steps inside.
I extend my palms for her cellphone.
"What?",
"Cellphone", i tell her.
She pushes her red fake lips forward. She's got
attitude.
"Singaxabani weKim Kandasheni. Letha ifoni",
"It's Kardashian. It's my phone",
"You shouldn't be worried by my pronouciation. God
won't recognise you today with all that's on your face",
I grab her bag and take her cellphone before crossing
over to my seat and driving out.
"Who are you?",
"Mpume's soon to be husband", i tell her.
"What do you want? I have the money. My father is
rich. My baby daddy is rich",
I laugh.
"Cha uyisgwili weMdubuli. Angfune mali yakho mina",

"Sit down", i tell her.

She's started crying. The stinky attitude is gone.
She sits down.
"I'm not going to tie you because i want you to be as
free as my sister was when you shot her", i say.
"I didn't shoot anyone", she cries.
She must not anger me. Nginequnga elina15 years
lahlala kimi.
"I don't care which fool you date and for what reason
but shooting her Mdubuli? What were you thinking?",-
"Bhuti, i didn't shoot anyone",
Her lies are getting stuck on my throat.
I slap her cheek and regret it immediately.
She's wincing and screaming softly.
"Look, I'm sorry. I don't hit women but you push me
with your lies Mdubuli",
"You bought a gun from some fool. You find out where
Thembeka is on social media and you drive there. You
are in the same mall as her at the same time frame
she's shot. You lie to the police that you were at home
with your family and they cover for you. WeMdubuli,
don't make me lose the respect i have for women",
She's crying.
"I didn't mean to kill her", she cries.
Now, we are getting somewhere.
I kneel in front of the chair and cup her face up.
She slaps me.
"Where is she?", i ask.
"I don't know",
I breathe out.
"Mdubuli, uphi uThembeka?",
She spits on my face.
Wrong move. I've lost the respect.
I slap her cheeks red. Both cheeks.
"Now my hands are muddy. Niyifakelani lento
Mdubuli?",
"Where is Thembeka!?", i ask.
She goes hysterical.
"I-don't-know. I last saw her at the hospital. I've never
seen her after that", she cries.
If she doesn't know him, she must pray and ask
whomever she prays to to tell her where my sister is
because uzomkhipha, emazi ngisho engamazi.
My phone rings from my pocket.
I take it out.
It's my love.
"Mpumelelo yothando lwethu, uyaphila MaNtuli?",
"I'm well. I just miss you. Are you coming to Durban
anytime soon?", she asks.
My heart smiles.
"For you, i would drive from China to Madagascar in an
hour. I'll fetch you in an hour my love",
She giggles.
"I love you Mkhatshwa",
Oh-kay.
"Ubani okfundise izithakazelo zami?",
"Google. We have internet this side",
She thinks we don't have internet KwaNongoma.
"Mhh, soxoxa emvakwehora. Ngyakthanda Sisi
wabantu uyezwa?",
She smiles loudly.
"Bye",
She hangs up.
"I see you are well behaved. That was my wife to be.
I'm going to meet her now. Start thinking where
Thembeka is. If i come back and you don't tell me
where she is, i will shoot you exactly where you shot
her",-
"Have mercy. I'm pregnant bhuti. My baby knows
nothing",
She's what? Even great.
"Then i suggest your baby motivates you to start telling
me where Thembeka is. There's a magazine in that box
there. My brothers wife is a slay queen too. But a
classy and more beautiful one. She reads magazines",-
She shouts for me to let her go.
I lock the door and step on my van.
I'm going to change and go see my love.
But i need to make a call.
"Mqondisi",
"Mfo",
"Where exactly was our sister shot?",
"Where are you?", Mqondisi.
"I've never asked you how Sis'Noma moans",
"Fuck you",
"I'd love to but I'd rather fuck my girl instead",
"Uyajola ngempela weZikho?",
"Thul'ungashoooo sengyajola manjee"-i sing.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 44.
NKOLELO.

He just finished his morning workout and is panting all

the way to his kitchen to get another bottle of water to
calm himself down. He may have went overboard with
the workout today, he wanted to think about nothing.
Gym does that. You end up focusing more on your
workouts and improving your reps that you forget you
have problems.
There's a loud knock on his door. He checks the time
on his watch. It's 06am.
Who could it be?
He opens.
It's two Mabaso brothers, looking at him like he owes
them a shrink of whoonga. He looks at them too. Yes,
that's how arrogant he can get.
They push the door open and walk in.
He turns and grabs Mbutho by his jacket and throws
him out.
Thuba wants to say something,
"Ningangijwayeli amasimba mina, phuma", he tells
Thuba who walks back out.
They aren't impressed but they want to know.
"Where is Nompilo?", Mbutho asks.
He chuckles.
"On my head. She's counting my hair, you see her?",
Sarcasm. It's been a while.
"Wendonda yempandla, uphi uNompilo?", Mbutho.
They look serious.
"I don't know", he tells them.
"Are you not her boyfriend?", Mbutho.
"I chose my wife over her",
Mbutho is getting pissed by his answers and sarcasm.
"Do you perhaps know where she could be?", Thuba.
He shrugs.
"Like i said gents, i don't know", he closes the door on
them.
He sits on the kitchen stool. Today he plans on
spending the day with MaZungu in hospital. Maybe he
can get into her heart again. Just maybe. He needs her.
Now more than anytime he's ever needed a person.
His phone rings,
Just the man he wanted to talk to.
"Got it?", he asks.
"Good. Now take her samples and run those tests. I
need the results asap",
He hangs up.
If only his case was as easy as Thembeka's that he
would just make calls and find his real identity but no.
MaBiyela chose to die with the truth.
It was in the early morning after the night that
everything came to light. Mphathi and him ended up
on a road trip together because he wanted to process
everything. After 38 years, 38 years of living a lie.
Upon their return back, the mainhouse was dark. It
was midnight.
They went to their separate houses and slept.
In the morning, he was woken up by loud screams and
cries in the yard. He peeped through his curtain and
that's when he saw a roll-bed with her body covered in
foil.
He didn't feel sad or broken but he didn't feel happy. If
anything, he was livid. He stormed out and fought over
her body, demanding answers from the dead MaBiyela.
All he wanted were answers but she made sure to die
with her truth.
And now it's all up on his shoulders to find his real
identity. Where does he start locating Ndwandwe's
that could be his family?

He takes a cold shower. Warm showers don't make

sense without MaZungu joining him anymore. She
made a lot of things make sense. Now they don't.
He wears his black formal pants and a navy blue casual
slim fit t-shirt and casual brown-leather sandals and
walks down.
There are voices coming from the living room.
He finds Mqondisi and a man he doesn't know. It's not
secret that this man might be Mqondisi's brother from
how they almost look the same. He doesn't say
anything to Mqondisi but aknowledges the other
brother.
"This is the fool our sister wanted to marry, imagine
Bhuti ", Mqondisi to his brother.
"Nsizwa yakoNyambose. Mhlomunye", the man
speaks.
He sounds matured from the way he articulated his
words and the way he just greeted.
Nkolelo extends his hand toward too.
"How are you holding up?", Mhlomunye.
He sighs.
"Kuyancengeka",
"Yenza njalo indoda", (that's what a man does)
They remain silent.
Mqondisi checks his phone after it beeps. He laughs.
"Do you have twira?", Mqondisi to Nkolelo.
Nkolelo frowns.
"What?",
"Twira. My wife says Zikho is trending of Twira",
Nkolelo chuckles. He's also not big on social media but
Nompilo taught him a bit.
"It's Twitter. Twitha", he corrects him.
"I have a Doctorate of Philosophy in Agriculture. What
do you have?", Mqondisi.
"Multi-million rands generating businesses and a hefty
networth", Nkolelo.
"You're ugly", Mqondisi.
"But your sister loves me", Nkolelo.
"We know about korobela", Mqondisi.
"Is that what you used to get your wife too? Thanks for
letting us know", Nkolelo.
"Angiksabi phela", Mqondisi.
Nkolelo stands up. Mqondisi stands up. They stare at
each other, chunninly.
"I downloaded Twira, thwitha or whatever. What
now?", Mhlomunye bring them back.
ZIKHOZONKE NDWANDWE.

"NgiseWotela cabanga", he sends the text to Mqondisi

and throws the phone aside. Mpume got into the
shower a few minutes ago. He's ready. Ready for
whatever she gives him. He will pay inkomo kaMama
later if needs be.
There's an incoming call reporting on his phone. It's
Noma. He takes it,
"Mkami",
"Did you check Twira?", Noma asks.
"Ushekhwaphi futhi ngamalini?", he asks back.
"You are trending. You might be a celebrity soon",
Noma says and hangs up.
Twira?
Mpume walks in and heads straight to where her bags
are. Her face isn't pleased. What's going on?
"MaNtuli, are you okay?", he asks.
She turns to him.
"I should have known. You Zulu men are crap. Oh i
should have listened to Zizi, now they are going to
laugh at me", She cries.
What-the-hell in a white mans building is going on? He
stands up and tries to take her hand but she yanks him
off. He breathes out,
"Mpumelelo, Udliwa yini Mama?", he calmly asks.
She tries to speak but it seems her voice is stuck
somewhere. Her speech pauses and is inaudible. He
walks closer to her and holds her waist.
"Ngyeka Zikho", she whines but doesn't break off from
his hold.
"Yimi yini?", he asks deeply.
She cries louder.
"Is there alcohol in that bathroom?", he asks because...
only that would explain this. She's holding him dearly
but is asking him to let her go. What is that?
"Let me go, you are married", She tells him.
"I am?", he asks.
She pulls away from his arms and grabs her bag from
the bed.
Her towel wrapped around her body drops down. She
freezes at him before they both run for it, wanting to
pick it up.
They lock eyes.
"Shembe waseBabanango! inkomo enhle kanjena", he
exclaims with his hands over his head.
Mpume gets the towel and wraps it back around her
body.
"I don't do married men", She takes her bag and
attempts to walk out but he reaches the door first and
blocks her from opening.
He doesn't say anything.
She blinks her eyelashes a million times before she
pouts her lips.
"Uhambelani?", he asks.
"You are married. I heard you talking to your wife. I'm
not the second wife type so this can no longer
happen", Her voice carries so much sadness as she
narrates these words to him.
He's confused though.
"Married to who?", he asks.
It registers before she responds. She heard him refer to
Noma as "Mkami",
He doesn't waste anymore time but dials Noma and
puts her on loudspeaker.
"You saw on Twira?", Noma answers.
"Mkami, there is someone who wants to talk to you
here. She says she wants to leave me because i'm
married to you. Cabanga ufuna ukuhamba
ngingakayidli nenkomo", he tells Noma who breaks to
laughter on the other side. The phone goes to Mpume
who humbly greets.
"Don't mind him. He fell by his head at birth. I'm his
brothers wife. Noma for Noma-glam", Noma.
Mpume just smiles of embarrassment.
"Am i on loudspeaker?", Noma.
"Yes", Mpume.
"Ngicishe",
Mpume takes her off loudspeaker.
"Don't give it to him. He doesn't deserve it", Noma.
Mpume laughs.
"WeOe you should've told me earlier", Mpume says
with her eyes locked at a naked man parading in front
of her.
He takes the phone from her grip and throws it on the
single couch behind the door.
"Ufuna ukuhamba nenkomo sengiyibonile? Ushelele
wawa ke weSisi Wabantu",
He isn't gentle. But she loves it the way he gives it. Raw
and rough.
Her body is already hanging on the wall and his groans
are louder than Madzodzo's midnight cluck. Madzodzo
was MaMthembu's favorite chicken. It died of Covid 19
in 2020.

A RICH WIA DOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 45.
MAZUNGU.

He was broken, he looked as if i had just ended his

whole existence through what i uttered with my
mouth. I feel bad because God knows i love him. If
there's ever a man i can boldly stand on top of
moutains and sing his love praises loud enough for the
world to hear, it's Nkolelo. He's not perfect. He's done
things that i despise but his response to those things
are what makes me love him even more. I did not ever
want a perfect man but i wanted a man who would
makes mistakes and be man enough everytime to
apologize and try to rectify them. I have wanted a man
who would look at me and me only like i'm the only
thing to ever exist. Mkhululi was a good man but he
wasn't Nkolelo. I did not feel about him what i feel
everytime my eyes meet with Nkolelo's or the joy i feel
when i walk into a room and i see him or the security i
feel when Nkolelo engulfs me in his arms and tells me
he loves me and only me. There were Nompilo's and
they are still around but i don't think the stupidity in
me cares, i just love him regardless. Hopefully this
break i asked him for will do me good. Maybe i will be
able to make good decisions that will benefit means
make me a better person. I want to make something of
myself, realize my dreams that were put on hold by my
first marriage, do big things. I could've died from
Nompilo's gun and the only thing to my name was just
going to be the fact that i was a Mthethwa wife or
were they going to mention that i became a widow to a
rich man who had 4 more wives after me? That makes
me rock, a strong woman right? I think maybe the
guests to my funeral were just going to summarize my
whole obituary and conclude that i was just A RICH
WIDOW to a polygamous man who was fortunate
enough to get to marry another brotherin the same
family for money.
"Good morning, you also love coffee before sunrise?",
he asks. I smile back and sip on the hot cup of coffee in
my hand.
"Good morning Baba, i hope you or Mrs Mbhele don't
mind. I needed a good one to think clearly", i tell him.
"It's your home Busisiwe", he calls me Busisiwe and i
have accepted it.
I came here after being discharged from the hospitsl
because of many things. I needed a place to stay where
i would not be troubled and where my decisions will be
influenced by anything. I know staying at a strangers
house is proof that my decision making skills are not
quite matured but it was the only solution. I plan to
stay for the next 2 days while i make arrangements to
start my country tour. I want to see South Africa, i
want to live life for myself for once and not worry
about my mother or a husband.
"The girls are still sleeping, we were the first to wake
up. Again", he says.
Yes, the girls sleep until the sun hits the roof from the
direct top but i'm not judging them. I would sleep 14
hours per day too if i had that much energy.
My phone rings. My heart hitches when i think it could
be Nkolelo calling. It's not him.
"Can i?", i ask from Mr Mbhele, he smiles and nods. I
answer.
"Dr Mzizi here. I have your DNA results ready. When
would you like to get them?",
Nkolelo made things possible. No blood samples were
ever taken from me and how did he even get Mr
Mbhele's samples?
I tell the lady that i will be collecting them as soon as
an hour and 30 minutes from now. I can't believe a
random man just rocked up and planted ideas in my
head that i could finally have a father. And not just a
father but a rich one. If he really is my father then a lot
of things could go wrong that i know i won't be able
tocome to terms with. I want a father and i have
always knew i wanted to have one but today, i'm
praying that this man who looks like a good father to
his daughter is not my father.

NKOLELO.

There's a loud knock by the door. It's too loud because

this isn't his alluminium doors in Durban but raw
wooden door which does look like it was hand made
now that he thinks about it hard. Yes, the door looks
like it was hand made.
He did not sleep a wink. He thought he made peace
with Thembeka asking for a break from him but it
seems everytime he thinks, he thinks about her. If it's
not the chickens clucking in the yard, it's loud donkey
sounds in the early hours of the morning. Ulundi isn't
far from KwaNngoma but a lot of things are different.
He walks to open the door.
It's MaShezi, Mhlomunye's wife with an empty tray of
food. She smiles widely at him.
"My husband is calling for you. It's breakfast", She tells
him pointing him to the mainhouse.
He thanks her and she walks away.
How he ended up dragged by MaZungu's brothers to
KwaNongoma just because he might kill himself is
another full story. They came to his house and found
the house a mess, he was a mess. They sent the
dangerous slay queen wife to pack his bags and they
dragged him here.
He knocks and walks in.
The three Ndwandwe brothers are together but their
plates are still covered. There's a fourth plate.
He sits down after greeting.
"How are you?", Mhlomunye.
"I'm well Bhuti. Ngyabonga",
The other two brothers are assholes but Mhlomunye is
relatable to.
"How was a night in KwaNongoma?", Mhlomunye.
He chuckles, what can he say? The bed wasn't as
comfortable as the one in his house but he tried to
sleep although he failed.
The dangerous slay queen wife walks in with a basin
with water and a cloth over her shoulders. She kneels
down and makes them all wash their hands. She
leaves.
They start eating,
He closes his eyes and makes a short prayer.
Thembeka's teachings will never got to waste.
"Were you praying weSbali?", Zikho.
Eyes turn to him.
"Is it wrong to pray in this house?", he asks them in
response.
"No but you didn't strike me as the religious type",
Mhlomunye.
"Thembeka taught me", he responds.
There's silence.
"The police haven't found anything on her?",
Mhlomunye.
They are still under the impression that she was stolen
from the hospital after she was shot weeks ago. How
does he explain to them that she is alive and well and
that one of the reasons he is this hopeless in life is
because she asked for a break.
He clears his throat.
He is telling them.
Zikho's phone disturbs. He stands up to answer after
asking for an excusion.
"I'll send a doctor there now. Try to stop the bleeding
and use the first aid kit in those boxes", Zikho is audible
from the door.
He returns after moments.
"Who is hurt?", Mhlomunye asks him.
Zikho doesn't respond but dismisses the question.
Mqondisi is suspiciously looking at Zikho. Whatever it is
might be a Ndwandwe matter that isn't his business.
They eat while listening to Zikho singing his girlfriends
praises. Mpume this and Mpume that.

MaShezi rushes in followed by the dangerous slay

queen wife. They look spooked, the men are on their
feet with guns in their hands readty to attack. MaShezi
runs away from her husbands grip and stands afar.
She's scared of guns. But the dangerous slay queen
wife rolls her eyes and throws her weave back,
"It's just Mbusisi. He's here again, doing his things",
Noma.
Mhlomunye looks at his wife,
"Do we have utshwala to calm him down?",
MaShezi shakes her head no.
"He won't drink amasi?", Noma.
Everyone turns to her. She shrugs,
"Or if he wants alcohol, i do have wine", She adds.
Everyone looks defeated by her.
"But i think i left ijuba elincane from the last time",
MaShezi.
Great.
Nkolelo is just watching seated down. Ndwandwe
family matters. He's just a forced-to-be-here visitor.
"Mbusisi comes to this house everytime he's thirsty. I
don't like this", Zikho says following his family outside
to beg Mbusisi's ancestors as usual when he does this.
They left Nkolelo inside, drinking his coffee and
thinking about his sorrows.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 46.
MAZUNGU.

I sent my mother a message that i was fine and also

sent Nkolelo one too. Those are the 2 people i think
deserve to know about my wellbeing. I'm confused by
everything but as soon as i open this envelope, things
will either make sense or they will destroy the samples
of nonsense.
I locked the guest bedroom i was given because the
girls in this house arevquite a job. I want my mother to
be right. I want my mother to be right that this man is
not my father and that it's not true that there's a
chance that she's not my mother.
Breathe out Thembeka. In. Out.
I tear the envelope open.
I don't understand all these numbers written here in
table form. Where are the results shown.
My heart is beating out of my chest and my eyes are
panicking without my interference today.
"Statement results: The alleged father cannot be
excluded as the biological father the child, based on
the results conclded by STR loci ubove, the probability
of paternity is 99,9999999%",

My head is pounding. I have stopped myself a probable

amount of times from calling my mother. I don't want
to walk out of this room. I may have to leave. I will see
where i go from here. I need a quiet place to think.
Maybe it was a wrong call.
I dial Nkolelo, it rings unanswered, my heart breaks
some more because Nkolelo used to answer my phone
calls before they even rang his phone. I ended it.
My little bag is packed. I walk out.
"Hey honey, are you going somewhere?",
She might be my stepmother?
I can't respond.
"Thank you for letting me stay, please do let Mr
Mbhele that i have left", I tell her.
She frowns,
"You are leaving today?", She asks.
I nod because of the lump stuck on my throat urging
me to break into a loud cry.
"Is everything okay? You do look like you want to cry?",
She asks. I nod.
"Thank-",
I can't control my tears and my voice from hysterically
releasing the lump from my throat.
Next thing, the kitchen is filled with 4 girls, one is
fanning me with an artificial fan, the other is holding a
straw to the glass of water for me to drink and the
other two are hugging me from both sides.
"I came as soon as i could", He walks in.
I feel like...
Like crying again because-
A lot doesn't make sense and i don't think i will survive
if it made sense.
He frowns,
If he knew where i was all along, why did he not come
for me? Why did he let me grow up without a father?
He raised these girls, he could have done the same if
he loved me reasonably.
"You knew all along but you did not even look for
me?",
I am surprised that my tears have went dry.
He gives Zizi his brifcase and asks for everyone to leave
us.
He opens the fridge and takes out a bottle of water, he
loosens his tie from his neck and unbuttons his top
shirt buttons.
He sits on the kitchen stool and sighs.
"It's been a long time coming hey", he sighs once more.
"So you did not love me enough to be in my life?", i
ask.
"No. It's not that i didn't love you enough",
"Then what is it? You hated my mother?",
"I loved your mother. I loved your mother too much
but we couldn't be",
"And that's why you lied that she stole me from the
hospital?", i ask.
"That KaManqele nurse did steal you from the clinic.
She knows the truth but i will not dwell much on that. I
had to make things right. I had to stay away so that
both you, your brothers and i could have a better life",
He says.
He doesn't make sense. What better life? He lives in a
mansion house in the burbs of Durban and his
daughters that he chose to raise drive expensive cars
and his wife looks like a doll made by Barbie herself.
What better life?
"This wasn't always here. Things weren't always like
this. I have had to do things so you, your brothers and
the girls up there could have the lives you had. I am
sorry that i could not be in your life physically but i was
there. It was me all along", he says.
Why am i crying because what he thinks are the
answers to my questions aren't even answers?
It's fine.
I stand up.
"It's fine Mr Mbhele, the best thing we can do now is
keeping it as it was. Stay with your family. You guys
look like a happy family", i take my bag up from the
stool.
"Busisiwe-',
"Thank you for helping me so far", i walk out. He
follows after me,
"Can you atleast give me a chance to explain
everything. I would really love to have a relationship
with you, i love you and you are my daughter Busisiwe.
What i did is what any man who loves his children like i
love you would have done. I just want to explain", he
asks.
The cab said it was minutes away. Maybe it's time i
even buy my own car, maybe i'd be crying better in the
drivers seat.

MQONDISI.

He's still singing and chanting all the way from the
gate. MaShezi has poured ijuba into the clau pot and
Mhlomunye is trying to calm him down. It's visible
today, he came prepared to do this. Usually, it takes
Mhlomunye a few minutes to calm him down. It's been
a while now.
It seems now he's starting to calm down. He goes on
his knees, still chanting inaudibly. Mhlomunye half
bows giving him the pot of ijuba.
"Uphi?", he asks. (Where is he?)
"Ubani Makhosi", (Who?) Mhlo asks.
"The rightful heir to this home, he has arrived",
What is he on about?
"The puzzle is slowly coming together. He needs to be
brought back into his home. A lot needs to be done.
Mbizeni",
We are as clueless.
There's only Nkolelo in the house.
"The real Ndwandwe has arrived, usefikile, usefikile",
he sings and starts drinking from the pot. He doesn't
look up at us but stands up.
"Bring him to me, you will lead your brothers to your
own home too. Aksikho emakini la, the real Ndwandwe
has returned. The rightful heir of the Embaveni land
has returned and he will get all that belongs to him.
Owakhe lomhlaba",
He said this is not our home??
"Okay, now you are getting out of hand, leave", Zikho
is angry at these allegatiions. Noma snuggles under my
arms. She fears Mbusisi but her love for news doesn't
allow her to lock herself in the house.
"M'londolozi! M'londolozi!", he shouts. Zikho pushes
him away.
"Mbusisi?", Nkolelo speaks behind us.
"Mlondolozi. You have arrived! Come with me so i can
tell you all that your father has passed all to you",
Okay no.
"You know him?", i ask Nkolelo.
"He's my brother", he says.
"He's our family seer", i tell him.
Now what do we do? We are the Ndwandwe's. Our
father was a Ndwandwe and Embaveni is our land that
the Buthelezi's underhandedly stole.
"Mlondolozi has arrived", Mbusisi.
We are all still. I don't know what everyone is thinking
but i am hell of confused by this.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 47.
ZIKHOZONKE.

I’ve never been a quoter but I will quote my Grade R

teacher who once told us that when a Sangoma starts
talking crap, you must just leave the room and call your
girlfriend to calm down. She’s telling me about her
endless fights with her sisters. They never end. Today,
she hates this sister and the next day it’s another one. I
even know them by name now. It’s Zizipho though who
is the most complained about sister. Maybe I will meet
them after the bride price negotiations on Saturday.
I’m dreading the meeting.
I take a deep breath after she asks to leave and hangs
up.
I’m not returning to that rondovel. Mbusisi can tell his
stories to those who want to listen. I don’t. Who does
he think he is, coming all the way from wherever to tell
us that we are not Ndwandwe’s but his brother,
Nkolelo is a Ndwandwe?
I get into my house and close the door. I take off my t-
shirt and navigate the channels on TV. They can listen, I
am not interested.
There’s a soft knock on the door.
“Come in!”,
The door is opened. It’s Mkami.
She sits on the couch before me.
“They asked me to call you”, She says.
“Mbusisi is till there?”, I ask.
She nods.
“Then I’m not going anywhere”, I tell her.
She nods and stands up.
“Do you think he is speaking the truth? “, I ask.
She turns and shrugs.
“Mkami”,
She sits next to me.
“We know our father, Mbusisi is lying this time”, I say.
“The only shot at knowing the truth is doing as he says
or doing your own investigation.”, she responds.
“But he has never lied to this family before”, she
stands up.
Silence.
“So, how do you feel?”, she asks.
I look at her. I’ve always loved her eyes more. They
tweak after every time she opens her mouth. It’s
fascinating to watch.
“About Mbusisi?”, I ask.
“About the bride price you are paying and about
marriage generally”,
I heave.
“I feel good. I love her”, I tell.
“Just not more than how much I loved you”, I add.
“Zikho-“
I smile.
“I know you and my brother love each other. You are
even better off with him. I’m glad I made the choice I
made”, I tell her.
“We can’t talk about this, you promised”,
“Yes I did. I’m sorry”,
She walks out.
I sigh. Those were the days. Sometimes, as men, we
are forced to make decisions so that our loved ones
can have their shares of happiness. I went through that
stage but I’m glad it’s all worth it now. I have met the
girl of my dreams. She’s not Noma but maybe there are
a few similarities here and there.

I’m shaken roughly. It’s Mqondisi.

“Wake up!’,
“Yini did Madzodzo rise from the dead?”, I ask.
“Nkolelo says Thembeka is alive”,
I’m up.
“He found her?”, I ask
“He has known where she is from last week”,
“Bloody pig”,
“We need to rush him to eNkonjeni”,
“Hospital? Why”, I ask.
“Gqoka sambe’, he walks out.
I grab my shirt and rush out.
Mqondisi is driving.
I take the backseat with a groaning man. He has his
stomach held.
“Ubulawa yini nsizwa?”,
He doesn’t respond.
I realize later that this is serious. He’s rolled himself up
on the car seats. I don’t know how to help him.
Mqondisi should’ve taken one of the women to come
with, not me.

THEMBEKA.

There’s no better way to say this but he chose wealth

over the products of his own sperms. No matter how
nice and emotional he may sit here and make it sound
but I know the facts of his explanation. He married that
Barbie girl wife for money and for him to gain from the
marriage, he had to have no children and that’s why he
sold us out and left our lives. I’ve always concluded
that maybe the reason my father left was the usual
back-girl father story where the father went into the
army and lost contact with the mother or he just fell
out of love for her and she was bitter that she hid away
the child from him but no. That’s not the case. He
knew all along. He has the audacity to sit here and tell
me that he knew me.
“You were never there on purpose”, I’m not sure if I’m
asking him or I’m just thinking out loud.
“I was there Busisiwe. I watched you from afar”,
“It didn’t mean anything. Look, I think I’m too old to be
having this conversation. My flight leaves in the next 2
hours. I think you can continue with the children you
loved enough to be in their lives”, I stand up.
“Busisiwe, I was in your life. Maybe not physically or
emotionally like I wish I was but it I was there. I made
sure you ate and had a comfortable life because
getting married to Clarissa I did not do it for my own
gain only. I did it so you and your brothers can have
comfortable lives”,
What is he talking about?
“You getting married to Mkhululi, the success of the
Mthethwa businesses to the death of Mkhululi, that
was all me’,
“What are you talking about? How do you know
Mkhululi?”,
“He was one of Nyambose’s boys that he chose to
marry you because I wanted you to have a comfortable
life”, he says.
“No. Mkhululi loved me. He married me because we
loved each other”, I tell him.
He sighs.
“I don’t know. But I had to fuel the Mthethwa’s with
money and make sure that their businesses prosper.
They are all your businesses registered under your
name because I didn’t want you to suffer. Because I
married Clarissa for us all”,
I sit down and catch a breath.
“You arranged my marriage to Mkhululi? Is that what
you are saying?”,
“His father and I had an agreement.Yes, I did it for you
because I loved you”,
Why is it feeling like I have never lived my life for
myself? 20 years of my marriage I have been thinking
that Mkhululi and I were married for love but he- this
man in front of me was playing God with my life?
“Get out Mr Mbhele.”
“My flight is in the next few hours”,
I’m not going to ruin my day anymore by speaking to
my mother. I’m scared because she might tell me what
I don’t think I’m ready to hear from her. I have enough
to deal with already and finding out that she is not my
mother will kill me.

He left. I just got off the lift from my hotel room out.
My phone’s ringing.
I’m hoping this is not my mother calling on a different
number.
“Hello?”,
“This is Doctor Skhakhane from Enkonjeni hospital, am
I speaking to Mrs Thembeka Mthethwa”,
Former Mrs Mthethwa but okay, I’ll take it.
“Yes”,
“Ma’am, you are listed as next of kin to Mr Nkolelo
Mthethwa who was admitted a few minutes ago”,
What?
“What happened? Is he okay?”,
“For now there’s not much we can say, stay well
Ma’am”,
He hung up. What was the need for him to call me if he
will hang up before I even get answers?
My cab is here.
“King Shaka International Airport right?”, driver.
“KwaNongoma”,
“Excuse me?”,
“You are excused, take me to KwaNongoma and please
be fast”,
I don’t understand how Nkolelo even made it to a
Hospital in KwaNongoma.
I’m cancelling the trip. For a man.
I’m a foolish woman.
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 48.
KwaNdwandwe.

Thembeka is seated on the single mat by the door of

the rondovel. Mqondisi and Zikho on a double one and
Mhlomunye on another single one. Mbusisi is kneeled
on the floor in front. They want answers from him.
He’s the only Sangoma they trust with Ndwandwe
matters although of late he’s been proving to be going
a bit off.
Thembeka doesn’t understand anything that’s going on
here. Just a few weeks away from everyone and now
things are this messed up? How did Mbusisi end up
here? Nkolelo ending up here was explained. All this
time MaBiyela had been giving Nkolelo grief and he
was here, with her brothers?
“Mqondisi, Mhlomunye, Zikho”, Mbusisi.
“Makhosi”,
“Nang’udadwenu”, Mbusisi.
“We know that. We want to know what is wrong with
her husband and if you can help him”, Mhlomunye.
Sillence.
“I can’t”, Mbusisi.
“There. Umdubulo lomuntu”, Zikho claps.
“Sit down Zikho. Makhosi, what do you mean you can’t
help him?”, Mhlomunye.
“Because this is your fault. All three of you. It’s your
fault that Mlondolozi is there”, Mbusisi.
“I was sleeping when he got sick”, Zikho.
“Shut up Zikho”, Mqondisi.
“I told you boys what needs to happen. Mlondolozi has
a long journey ahead of him and you being in this
home is a disturbance to him. Hambani niye emakini”,
Mbusisi.
Zikho clicks his tongue.
“Ikithi la, ngeke sitshelwe wuwe ukuthi aksikho ekhaya
la. Umama wayengasiso isfebe”, Zikho bursts because
this angers him.
Mbusisi looks at him then at Thembeka.
“Take them home or he will take the hardest route
home”, Mbusisi to Thembeka. She doesn’t understand
anything that has been said in this room. There’s been
no mention of Nkolelo’s name.
Mbusisi looks deeper into Thembeka.
“Your son is coming. He is on his way”,
“What?”,
“He knows where your son is”, Mbusisi pointing at
Zikho.
“Cha lomfana usegula ngempela. I met uSisi a day ago
and now I know where her son is?”, Zikho laughs.
“Where is Mlondolozi’s seed?”, Mbusisi asks.
“Aibo weMakhosi, ngidla amaSpemu yini mina?”,
Zikho.
“Release that girl. She is carrying what belongs to your
sister. Take them home or they will find home
sekukhalwa”, Mbusisi packs his belongings and leaves
the room.
There’s silence.
Nobody heard anything he said.
“Will he help Nkolelo?”, Thembeka. That’s all she
wants to know, if Nkolelo will get help or not.
Nobody responds because everyone is locked up in
confusion. It happens everytime they consult with
Mbusisi. He leaves them doubting their intelligence.

THEMBEKA.

I understand nothing. It just feels like my life has been

rewritten and even the author is anonymous.
Everything is so confusing that when you think you
understand, you don’t even understand that you
understand. Nkolelo came here because Mqondisi
thought he needed to be close to people since they
thought was missing. So they dragged him from
Durban to live here with him but Nkolelo has brothers.
Mphathi should have been the one who helped his
brother out but no. There’s also the issue of me being
their sister. I don’t understand how I can be sisters
with Ndwandwe’s if my father is a Mbhele. I don’t even
understand how Mbusisi even came here or if he even
remembers me. He looked like he didn’t even
recognise me but I don’t blame him. I don’t even
recognise myself anymore.
“Knock knock”, It’s who was introduced as
Mhlomunye’s wife. Something about her reminds me
of MaMzobe. I let her in.
“How are you?”, she asks.
“I’m okay Sisi, how are you?”, I ask.
She looks at me pitifully with concern. I don’t like it. I
got enough of those looks after Mkhululi’s death.
“I just came to check on you. Call me if you need
anything or even if you want to talk”, She says.
I smile and thank her. She walks out.
Nkolelo needs to survive. I know I said I needed a break
but not from his existence.
My phone rings. It’s Nkululeko.
“Nkulu”,
“Hey Sis, there’s a situation here. Mom fainted”,
“What? What happened?”, I ask.
“I did something but I need money”, he says.
“Okay, I’ll send you now now. Update me Nkululeko”,
He agrees and hangs up. I transfer a few thousands to
him.
“Girl, I got you medicine, I heard you’re stressed”, The
one is Mqondisi’s wife.
She’s carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. She sits
on the floor rug and invites me down. What can I say? I
sit down.
“Jesus turned water to wine and he said we must drink
wine as his blood that was spilled in calvary”, She says
pouring two full glasses and hands me one. I think I like
her but what does Jesus have to do with her alcoholic
tendencies?
“He said he was thirsty and they gave him vinegar, you
know what he said?”, She asks.
“Forgive them for they do not know what they are
doing?”, I ask back in response.
“No, he said as long as it’s alcohol, I’m down bitches!”,
I scroll on my bible app.
“Which verse?”,
“Queen Noma’s version babes, it’s still unreleased”,
“Alcoholics Anonymous will challenge this version”,
She’s a nice lady and I think I forgot my problems for a
while listening to her stories. She’s a definite
Durbanite.
She’s leaving now but I can tell that the wine has
gotten to her. I wonder if they allow her to drink or she
just does it anyways.
Her husband knocks and looks at her.
“Hey there myeni wami”; she greets him. He smiles.
“Mrs Ndwandwe, how are you?”, He asks picking her
up bridal style.
He murmers I’m sorry to me. I just smile because
something about them reminds me of Nkolelo and i.
…………………………………………
I don’t know where I’m headed to but I need to clear
my head. I want to bump into someone who will
explain all this to me. I want that person who will stop
me and tell me that I have been dreaming and that
KaManqele is my mother and that Nkolelo will make it
out of that hospital alive and we can fulfil our dreams. I
still want to marry him. I still want to see him smile of
happiness. I miss our gossip, I miss his lousy and
undramatized gossip, I miss his facial expressions
whenever I dropped a bomb gossip. It was always in
how much his eyes bulged out that I knew if I had
dropped a bombastic gossip or not.
I wipe my tears. The roads are dusty red and quiet
except there’s a little boy playing with a toy car.
I greet him walking past.
“MaMbhele, nakhu ekhaya”, he says.
What?
I stop and look at him.
“UMkhulu uyakbiza”, he walks off to the yard with only
two rondovels. I follow him. Curiosity.
There’s two people. Man and woman seated on a
single bench next to one of the rondovels. The man
stands up and walks inside the rondovel as I approach.
“Hi Sisi”, I greet the lady.
“Hi Sisi, I’m Khethiwe. You can go in. He’s waiting for
you”,
I take a deep breath and step into the rondovel.
It’s Mbusisi.
“Mbusisi?”,
“MaMbhele, you have arrived. There’s only so much I
can do for you. I explained to you before, you
remember?” He says.
Remember what?
“No”,
Do I say Makhosi after saying something?
“You and I are of different sides. That is why I’m limited
to help you but I can do it for my brother. Give him
this. Tell him that he will be guided and that all will
make sense when he comes back”, He says.
“Come back from where? What are you saying?”,
“His son will be your son”, he adds.I
“Am I pregnant?”, I ask.
“Not yet. Your child will come from your calling. It is
nearing. Give him this if he wakes up”,
He hands me a rolled up newspaper ball. There should
be some herbs of kind inside.
He stands up and looks at me.
“Please be there too”, He says.
“Where?”, I ask.
“Embaveni on Monday”, he says.
“What’s happening there”,
He doesn’t respond.
“I will be very happy if you came Sis’MaZungu”, he
leaves me in his own rondovel. Isn’t there a herb to
unconfuse my mind here?
A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.
CHAPTER 49.
ZIKHOZONKE.

Today is the day. My uncles have left, Mqondisi and

Mhlomunye have went in too. I told them pay any
amount for her. I would rather even stay broke than
imagine my life without her.
My phone beeps a text.
“Open the door, I’m coming”, it’s her text. I look
around.
There she is, coming running. I step out of the car and
meet her halfway and kiss her the moment she lands
on my arms.
Her kisses are the best.
“What are you doing here? Are you crazy?”, I ask. She
giggles.
“I have something to show you. I couldn’t wait”, She
says.
I pick her up and gently put her in the car.
“What is it?”, I kiss her.
She takes out a whitish thing and throws it at me.
“What is this?”, I ask.
She rolls her eyes.
“Iruji entsha Mama?”, I ask. It could be. My baby loves
her lip sticks.
“Don’t bore me. It’s Pregnancy test kit”, She says.
I take it and look at it.
“There’s nothing here”, I tell her.
“There’s two lines right?”, she asks.
I think I see them.
“They mean I’m pregnant!”, she screams. Wait… what
do two lines have to do with pregnancy?
Wait.. she’s-
She’s pregnant??
I hug and kiss her.
“We are having a baby Zikho, I’m also scared”, she says
over my shoulder.
“Don’t be. After today, you will be my wife and we will
raise our bay and more of them together”, I tell her. I
can’t believe it. I’m going to be a father.
“Are you sure you will love me even after I give birth. I
heard men love you less after you give them children”,
She asks.
Why do I feel like crying? I never cry.
“I will always love you Mpumelelo yothando lwami. I
could never love you less”, I tell her.
She looks at me,
“I never thought of all men, I would actually settle for a
bhinca”, she says,
“Ngiyinsizwa mina MaMbhele, ngphuza iMfolozi
ehalezayo ayi amanzi ompompi”, I tell her. She giggles.
Her hands are going down to my crotch. She’s doing
things there with her hands.
“They will call for you Mpume”, I tell her.
“Mbali will call me, I brought my phone”, She
unfastens my belt and pulls down my underwears.
Her eye contact is going to kill me before what her
hands her doing on me does.
I udjust the seat. She kneels on top of the passenger
seat and throws my manhood deep inside her mouth.
This girl will kill me.
She gags it and I feel like I’m in heaven.
I explode into her mouth, she looks at me and dunks it
down her throat.
“Nasty right?”, she asks.
She hops onto my lap and positions herself into my
handhood.
“I will be fast before they call for me”, she says.
I nod.
Next thing, She’s shaking her ass over me and I can’t
stop calling the Ndwandwe ancestors to come rescue
me from this pleasure. Angfuni ukufa ngijabule.
“I love you and thank you for marrying me
Mkhatshwa”, She pauses.
I catch my breath. Waze wangidla umfazi.
“Sobonga ntambama MaMbhele, gibela indoda yakho
Mama”,

KWA-MBHELE.

It’s silent. Everyone is waiting for him to explain in the

living room where the negotiations were taking place.
He has locked himself in his study with his wife who
also has no idea of what is happening.
“Madoda, what’s going. You stopped the whole
negotiations. Everyone is worried”, Clarissa.
“Is Mpume having sex Clarissa?”, That’s the first thing
he has said ever since Mpume’s in-laws walked in.
She doesn’t understand.
“Madoda, talk to me, our daughter must be worried
upstairs. What is going on?”, Clarissa.
Madoda walks closer to her.
“Please tell me the truth Clarissa. Tell me if Mpume is
having sex with that Boy”,
She can see the desperation in his eyes. Yes, Mpume is
having sex with that boy. Zizi told her about it but
Mpume is old and if this Boy is paying her bride price
for her then there’s nothing wrong if they are having
sex.
She nods.
“She is?”, He asks.
“Yes. Does it matter Madoda? He is marrying her”,
Clarissa.
He hits his head on the wall and feel it spinning.
“I messed up. I messed up Clarissa”, he says.
“How? Do you know the boy?”, Clarissa.
“That boy is my son Clarissa. Those two younger boys
in the living room are my sons”, He tell her.
“Okay. Wait, you have sons?”, She asks.
“Clarissa, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I messed up like this”, He
says.
“So your son wants to marry your daughter now? That
Busisiwe wasn’t the only child you hid from me
Madoda. There’s more. What is all this Madoda? You
told my father you had no children”, Clarissa.
“Which means you lied. You lied on purpose. You hid
your children!”, She’s in disbelief.
“So all these years, I’ve been married to liar!”, Clarissa.
“I love you Clar. I never lied about that. Please help me
fix this”, Madoda.
“I’m only helping you by taking my bags and leaving
this whole lie. Busisiwe was enough but it seems it’s
not ending. I’m taking my daughters with and don’t try
to stop me Madoda, you know who my father is”, She
unlocks the door and storms out.

The Ndwandwe’s in the living room are getting tired of

chewing biscuits served by Aunt Beatrice. They want
answers.
They watch Mrs Mbhele walk up the stairs looking
upset. A moment later, Mr Mbhele walk back in
followed by the Mbhele uncles. He looks at both
Mqondisi and Mhlomunye before his eyes start welling
up.
“I’m sorry”, he says to them. Nobody has an idea of
what is happening.
“This is all my fault”, He says.
“Mpume is not in the house!” Mrs Mbhele walks down
the stairs dragging a suitcase.
“Where is she?” Aunt Beatrice.
“Mbali says she’s out to see her brother”,
“Brother?”, Aunt Beatrice.
“Yes, the one that is about to be her husband. Ask him
and his secrets”, She drags her suitcases out.
“These are- what’s your name my boy?”, Aunt Beatrice
asks Mqondisi who frowns,
“Mqondisi”, He responds.
She looks at Mhlomunye.
“Mhlomunye”, She looks at Mhlo who nods with a
frown too.
“And Mpume is marrying Zikhozonke”, Aunt Beatrice
starts screaming hysterically.
She’s fanned and held before she collapses on
Mqondisi’s lap.
“Mbhele, what is going on?”, One of the Ndwandwe
uncles enquire.
“These are my children”, Madoda responds looking
down.

A RICH WIDOWS FORTUNE.

CHAPTER 50- SEASON 1 FINALE.
MAZUNGU.
Zikho is nowhere to be found. Mqondisi just walked in
looking as hopeless as everyone is about their
situations. I don’t think anyone can understand what
we are all going though in this room. It feels like
we are just characters from a certain movie but the
director never cuts for us to rest. Nearly marrying
your own sister and finding out on the day of your
bride price negotiations?
“Where is Mhlo?”, MaShezi asks.
Mqondisi points out. Mhlomunye walks in after him
and sits down. They both sigh out loud. I don’t even
want to talk.
“We can’t find him anywhere”, Mhlomunye
announces.
Nobody responds.
“What is all this MaShezi? What are we supposed to do
now? Where do we go?”, Mhlomunye. How is
MaShezi supposed to know all this?
She shrugs. There’s silence thereafter.
I stand up.
“How is Nkolelo Sisi?”, Mqondisi.
I feel tears wetting my eye bags because amid
everything that has happened in my life in the past
months, I don’t even want to think of the possibility
that Nkolelo might-
I smile,
“He’s fi- he is fine”, I tell him.
He can see right through me.
Noma rises and hugs me back to the couch I just stood
out of. I break off to tears.
“The doctors say they do not know what is wrong with
him and that they are going to have to discharge
him so that there can be space for patients”,
I’m a broken woman. Inside and out. I’m starting to
think that maybe, maybe I’m cursed. Losing
Mkhululi didn’t hurt as much as thinking about just the
possibility of Nkolelo dying.
“Maybe we need to get another healer”,
I don’t know. Mphathi did not even want to hear
anything about his own brother.
I wipe my tears. All of us here are going through things.
I stand up.
“Sis’Noma, please drive uSisi to Embaveni”,
Mhlomunye.
I told them about Mbusisi’s invite. It’s today. My
curiosity couldn’t let me sit. I want to face as many
things as I can so I don’t think more about Nkolelo.
Noma drives me out of the yard. For the first time since
I met her, she has nothing to say.
She parks on open land. It’s empty and green. There’s a
river flowing in the middle of the land.
It’s fenced and has a trespass warning on it.
I doubt this is where Mbusisi would call me.
“Let’s check the entrance that side”,
Why is she even wearing high heels in KwaNongoma?
I follow after her.
There’s a security guarding the gate. He even has a
gun.
“Hi, we were called by Mbusisi”, She tells the guard. I
thought I was the one invited by Mbusisi here but
okay.
The guard opens the gate.
“They are by the stone near the waterfall”, The guard
says.
What is happening here?
It’s a long walk to the stone but now I can see a group
of people standing there.
We approach further. I can tell some of these people.
Elelwane turns and sees me first. She gives Mphathi a
baby and hugs me tight. It’s been a while.
I greet Mphathi, he greets back. I will comment on the
beauty of the baby later, what are we doing in
the middle of a private land and on the bank of
waterfall?
The lady I met that day in Mbusisi;s rondovel smiles at
me. The boy who called me in that day is holding
unto her hands.
Are my eyes playing tricks on me? This boy looks like
Nosiphiwo.
“Is he yours?”, I ask the lady who I think I remember as
Khethiwe.
“No”, she smiles.
I’m about to ask some more questions when Mbusisi
approaches behind us. He smiles at me,
“You came Sis’MaZungu”, he says to me.
Curiosity came so I came. I smile.
He looks at everyone.
“Bhuti”, He walks to Mphathi and they hug tightly.
His eyes set on the baby in Elelwane’s arms.
“Congratulations bhuti”,
Is Mphathi crying?
He hugs Mbusisi again, longer this time. My own tears
are streaming down my cheeks.
“Why did you leave me Mbusisi? Everyone left me, I
buried our mother alone. The family is falling apart,
Neli is pregnant and Gcina has left home too. I’m all
alone Bhuti, please come back home”, Mphathi says
to him.
Mbusisi heaves.
“It had to be done Bhuti”, Mbusisi.
“Whatever it is Mbusisi, please return home with me, I
need you. Nkolelo turned his back on me. I’m all
alone MtakaMama”, Mphathi.
“You are not alone and the Mthethwa clan will never
perish. SingoNyambose thina, oDingiswayo,
oMasondo. Asipheli”, they shake hands in agreement. I
guess he is returning home with him after this.
I wipe my tears.

He walks to the Khethiwe woman and takes her hands

into his. They lock eyes and he smiles.
“MaShandu, I can never describe my love for you in
words. It’s only the sight of my heart that can
describe it better”, He says.
This smells like a wedding proposal.
Khethiwe looks down shyly.
Mbusisi looks at us all,
“I love you all”, he says and looks back at the eyes of
Khethiwe.
“Sontshikazi, after this, don’t look back and don’t hold
on”,
“I wish things could have been different but they are
not. If ever any day, you feel like nobody loves you
or if you feel sad or down, take this and remind
yourself that there once was a man who loved you and
that man is me”, he gives her a white beaded wrist
band.
My heart is beating faster.
“Mbusisi, what’s going on?”, Mphathi.
“I have left you with a gift. Tell him that I loved him
very much and raise him with love just as I loved you
from the first day I met you”,
Khethiwe starts crying.
Mbusisi looks at Mphathi.
“Tell our sisters that I will forever be there. Look for
Mthandazo Bhuti, I can only be with you in spirit but
in flesh, you will need Mthandazo. He is the only
brother you will have by the time you leave this land”,
I’m crying.
He looks at me,
“Nkolelo’s fate lies in you. Realize your calling Busisiwe,
realize your calling so he can live. No one else
can make him live but you. I explained to you why I
can’t help you. That herb I gave you, lose it. It won’t
work. I was desperate to help him but I have been told
that his healing is in you”, He says.
X times x to the square root of 44 in brackets to the
power of 5.
“Family, I was here but now it’s time”,
He turns and walks towards the river. Khethiwe
screams and tries to grab him with the aid of Mphathi
but they are both failing to.
I’m hysterical with Elelwani and her baby.
Mbusisi can’t do this. He invited me to see him die?
We are all on the river bank, crying as he stands in the
middle of the river.
“Thambo lami ngyakcela. Ngyakcela Mbusisi. I will do
anything”, Khethiwe.
“MtakaMama, ungayenzi lento. Thatha mina
okuncono. I can’t lose you too. What am I going to do?
Okuncono akufe mina, ngyakcela”, Mphathi. Elelwani is
on her knees, crying, hugging Mphathi.
“I have carried out my task MtakaMama, Khulula
inhliziyo sthandwa sami. I will try to visit you. This is
not the last you hear of me”,
There’s commotion in the water, he falls. We expect to
see his face rise above the waters.
10 minutes later,
There’s no sign of Mbusisi Mthethwa’s existence.
Mphathi is laid on the ground, praying to all the God’s
he knows of to take him too.
“Mphathi, I am here. Mzobanzi is here”, Elelwani cries
to him.
“How can I father him when I can’t even keep my
fathers children?”,
My heart is knotted by Khethiwe’s cries in my arms. I
know this cry. I’ve made it myself.

ZIKHOZONKE.
He’s not drunk. He’s never been a drinker of alcohol.
He didn’t even drink it when he thought he needed
it. They always say alcohol makes you forget for a little
while but he made a decision that maybe what
he feels is not what he wants to forget. Not even for a
second. What is it? Anger? Or heartbreak or utter
disgust at what he’s done?
How does he stop loving Mpume now? Why do all the
women he love always have to not end up with
him? Does he not deserve happiness?
He finds himself scrolling down his call logs. Her
number is the frequently called and is saved as Mrs
Ndwandwe with a few hearts of love. He dials her with
his heart thudding against his chest. Hearing her
voice might just be what he needs to understand
everything.
It’s taking a while ringing.
He’s about to drop the call,
There’s no voice from the other side but breaths.
He also doesn’t say anything but what does he say?
There’s sniffs.
His heart breaks and he holds his mouth from letting
out a cry. He drops the call and hits his fists on the
wall.

He grabs his car keys and walks out of the house. It’s
Nkolelo’s house but he had no choice but to come
here.
He’s driving to Emabheleni Holdings. That’s why he left
home. To talk to Mbhele. Maybe- maybe he can
explain something that can diffuse all this.
He’s let in and directed to Mr Mbhele’s office. He
doesn’t knock but walks in and finds him staring at a
picture.
“Mbhele, please, tell me I can marry Mpume, tell me
we can raised our child together and live happily
ever”, Zikho.
Mbhele heaves a sigh.
“Son, I’m-“,
“Don’t call me your son! Do no call me your son, all I
want to is to love your daughter. That’s all. I can
pretend. I can pretend that all of this didn’t happen, I
beg you Mr Mbhele”, he cries on goes on his knees
on Mr Mbhele’s shoes.
He’s desperate. He thought this one was his.
“It can’t happen Zikho. I did this, it’s all my fault and I
don’t know where to even start fixing it”, Mr
Mbhele.
Zikho’s eyes dry out. He stands up and picks out a gun
from his back insert. He points it to Mr Mbhele,
his father.
“I won’t compromise this time. I always compromise to
lose people I love for other people, I’m not doing
it again. I’m marrying and raising my child with Mpume
whether you are alive or better dead”, He cocks
his gun and looks straight into his fathers eyes.
The door flies open.
Noma barges and freezes at the situation.
“Zikho”, she calls.
He turns and sees her.
“Mkami, what are you doing here?”, he asks.
“I know you Zikho. Let the man go, let’s go home”,
Noma.
He lowers the gun and turns back.
He stops and points it to himself.
“Whose home? You and Mqondisi’s home Mkami? You
chose him. Now that I get a chance at love, he
tells me that Mpume is my sister, what did I ever do
wrong? Do I not deserve love Mkami? Am I not
loveable? Is it because I’m dark or that I don’t have
education like Mqondisi or I don’t speak English like
he does?”,
“Zikho, give me the gun so we can talk like adults”,
Noma.
He drops the gun off his head and cries.
“She’s pregnant with our baby Mkami, my first baby. I
love her Mkami, what am I supposed to do
now?”,
Noma doesn’t respond but walks closer to him and
hugs him tight.
Mr Mbhele heaves a sigh.
Zikho pulls out of the hug and points the gun at his
head.
“I can’t live on earth with the disgust I feel about
myself. Disgust that I want to relive. Tshele
uMhlomunye angphumuze emathuneni
akwaNdwandwe where my father is”,
“Zikho!”,
“I loved you Noma, you didn’t love me back”,
Gun goes off.
Noma lays on the pool of blood, calling out Zikho’s
names. Even those they used before they had to
compromise. He’s gone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE END-BOOK 1.
Ng’bonge. As we prepare for a return, please subscribe
to our WhatsApp group where I will be focussed
as of Monday. The sequel will make most things make
sense.
The sequel will make a return in June or earlier if I
finish earlier on Whatsapp.

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