BAYANDA
17 .
THANDEKA
I’m seeing Bayanda right now for breakfast, the bond that I have shared with my brother inlaw and sister inlaw’s daughter is a bond that I would never replace with anything. I gave birth to Phindile only and God decided to gift me with another daughter, now I have two daughters.
I’m at the coffee shop right now, she just walked inside and she looks.. different—not physically but there’s a glow on her face. I don’t know if it’s just my illusion. She places her bag on the table and sits down, the smile? it’s very suspicious.
“Hey aunt..” She says, I smile. She’ll tell me everything, I never get to see her smile like this.
“Hey nana, I ordered some coffee and cookies for you. Your favourite cookies.” I say, she nods lightly—like she’s hesitating.
“I already ate, I’ll just have the coffee only and save the cookies for later. I had such an amazing breakfast of waffles and ice cream.” She says, sounding like she’s drifting to a different world.
“Oh, you look happy. Is everything going well at work?” I ask her, she nods and heaves a sigh.
“Everything is going well. I’m just happy to see some of my kids recovering and leaving the hospital. Nothing has gone far thus far, so yeah.. everything is going well.” She says, I’ll forever cherish the job that she does—she told me as a child that she was going to become a nurse pediatrician and she really did fulfill her dream.
I know her mother and father would’ve proud of her, to see the woman she’s turning out to be at her age is beautiful—I’m also glad that I didn’t fail in raising her.
“Well, that’s good. You said you had something to tell me, you sounded worried over the phone.” I say, she nods.
“Remember that I broke up with Sipho right? so I didn’t tell you that Sipho and Katlego are brothers, they’re half brothers. I met Katlego again after 14 years at their parents’ house when Sipho was introducing me.” She says, oh.. I didn’t know Katlego and this Sipho person were brothers.
“That’s a shock..” I say, she sighs and nods.
“Sipho and I broke up but it’s not because of Katlego. Sipho was starting to act a bit abusive. He slapped me because he found my childhood pictures with Katlego, and also because I refused to sleep with him at that moment. That’s what led to the breakup, he was acting like some obsessed person.” She says, he slapped my child? what type of a man is he?
“And what did you do after he slapped you? Bayanda, please tell me you called the police or something.” I say, she shakes her head and i heave a sigh.
“Why didn’t you call the police on that boy Bayanda? what he did was a crime and he should’ve been arrested.” I say, I never approved of the relationship from the beginning, I just learnt to live with it because I wanted Bayanda to be happy and she seemed happy at that time. I just didn’t like the way he seemed to be controlling Bayanda, always telling her what to wear at what time—I didn’t like that.
“I didn’t see the need to, I just broke up with him and kicked him out of my house and life. That didn’t end very well because he ended up breaking into my house and breaking almost everything in there including my wheelchair.” She says, a pain in my heart just resurfaced. He broke the wheelchair that Bayand swore to never break or give away? that boy..
“Bayanda, what type of person is he? you told him about your disability and he must’ve known how important the wheelchair is to you? yet he still broke it?” I ask her, she nods. I hope she doesn’t cry right now, I know how much the wheelchair meant to her.
“I just want to forget about Sipho, Katlego got him arrested. He’s currently in jail, he didn’t even accuse him. Sipho admitted everything willingly and gave stupid reasons as to why he did what he did.” She says, I shake my head. I’m glad Katlego got that boy arrested, people who can’t control their emotions just get on my nerves, in a bad way.
“Are you okay though? I mean, regarding rhe wheelchair.. it must’ve hurt you to see it broken, and your house?” I ask her, she heaves a sigh and shrugs.
“My house was being raided by the police so I had to sleep elsewhere. I’m obviously hurt that he did that to my house and to the most important thing in my life, I cried about it but I’m okay now. Katlego put me in a very good place.” She says, she’s bringing up Katlego a lot in this conversation—I’m not saying I mind, I’m just glad that these two reunited, their friendship was everything beautiful and more.
“Where did you sleep? you should’ve came home.” I say, she’s starting to avoid my eyes—did she sleep at Katlego’s place?
“At Katlego’s place, in the guestroom. Nothing happened though, I just slept there since he offered me a room.” She says, her eyes are glittering as she says this. I think a lot more happened, she’s just too ashamed to tell me.
“Well, you’re alive and well so let me calm down. I just want you to be happy at the end, do not do anything you’re not ready to do. Especially when it comes to your purity, keep it for as long as you want. No one should even have the guts to force themselves on you if you aren’t comfortable, you might end up giving it to the wrong person because of pressure so listen to me and listen to your heart.” I say, she nods.
“That’s what you have been telling me for years auntie, don’t worry—I’m smart enough. It’s gonna end up being with the person that I genuinely trust at the end.” She says, our coffees just arrived. I’m having the cookies since she said she isn’t hungry.
“Good, where are you at with your friendship no Katlego at this moment? Is it working out?” I ask her, I know Bayanda like I know myself—the smile she’s trying to hide is very visible.
“We’re doing okay. We’re just spending a lot of time together, everything is going well thus far. Why are you asking?” She asks me, I shake my head.
“I’m starting to see a change in you ever since he came back into your life. A very good change..” I say, she chuckles and shakes her head.
“I have always been like this, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She says, sipping on her coffee. Let me let her be, she’s gonna smile till the corners of her lips hurt.
“This was supposed to be brunch, why are we having coffee? order a meal for yourself. I’ll just have a takeaway. You’re not leaving here until you get yourself and the kids something to eat.” She says, she has been caring for Phindile’s kids for so long, I actually feel sorry for her. She’s doing all of this on her own and Phindile doesn’t even appreciate her.
I can’t turn my back on the both of them, I support the both of them and Phindile sees this as some kind of “having a favourite” thing. I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to beg Phindile to act right but she just doesn’t listen.
“You know, I was thinking of telling Phindile to find her own place. She’s turning 30 soon, she can’t stay with us forever. Yes, the kids can stay but she should start being independent. You’ve been doing way too much for her, ever since you started working and you’re younger than her. She’s supposed to be the one to take care of you but it’s actually the opposite.” I say heaving a sigh, I don’t want to have any failed daughter—I want the both of them to succeed, it hurts me to see Phindile act this way.
“Everything is gonna be alright, you don’t worry yourself—I am working for a reason. Thando and Ntokozo won’t struggle while I have still a job.” She says, Nontokozo and Bheki gave birth to an angel.
—
I’m back home, Bayanda got me an uber when I went to the coffee shop and she got me an uber now. This wasn’t planned but she got a few things for these two kids. Things that costed over R2K, I really don’t like it when she spends so much money on them while they have a mother that’s slacking off.
I enter the kitchen and she’s on the stove, having the kids’ lunch stuff. Phindile is out of her mind. I told her clearly that these sausages are for the kids and she’s making 4 of them at the same time? lord, help me.
“Phindile. What is this? I thought I told you that this belongs to the kids for their lunchboxes. Why are you eating them?” I ask her, she glances at me—like she doesn’t care.
“Bayanda bought these for them, that’s why you’re defending the mere sausages.” She says, this is what I have to deal with everyday. I don’t know what’s wrong with Phindile, I can’t even say she took after one of us because we’re not close to being like this.
“There’s so much you can have in the fridge and you chose to have the sausages when I specifically told you that they’re for the kids? It doesn’t matter who bought them, what matters is that they belong to the kids.” I say, she rolls her eyes and turns off the stove.
“I already made them so I’ll eat them. You need to chill out, again.. Bayanda buys these groceries and she hasn’t complained, you shouldn’t even complain.” She says taking out the buns, I sigh and walk past her after placing Thando and Ntokozo’s things on the counter.
“Hi gogo, you’re back already?” Thando asks me right after I sit down, I didn’t even know she was home.
“Hello nana, I am back. When did you come back from school? it’s not even time to come back.” I say checking the time on my phone. She sits besides me.
“There was some workshop that they needed to attend, so we got out early. I wanted to ask if I can go on the school trip that’s being planned at my school? my teacher told you about it remember” She says, I nod—she always asks before doing anything, I don’t know her father but I’m sure she takes after him.
“Let me talk to your grandfather first, I’m sure he’ll agree. We just need to know how much it is and then go.” I say, she smiles and nods.
“Thank you, can we please not…not bother Yaya about the trip fee? she bought me the new school uniform recently and it was expensive. On top of that, she’s paying the school fees monthly. I don’t want to bother too much.” She says, I feel the same way but Bayanda always insists, even when I try to convince her that her uncle works and he can pay for somethings.
“Well, your grandmother and grandfather took her in after her own parents died so this is the price she should pay, she owes us. You shouldn’t even feel bad for spending her money.” Phindile says walking into the lounge, the plate is full of sausages and buns. I can’t even count them, I’ll just lose my energy. She throws herself on the couch.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say Mom, you know she has been helping you with money whenever you need it. Why are you being mean about it?” Thando asks her, she sounds older than Phindile but asikho lapho.
“I had to share whatever I got with Bayanda wena, she owes me. I would’ve been the only one receiving things but she came with her stupid disability and took everything. She should be giving me more than what she’s already giving me.” She says, I shake my head. Is Phindile in her senses?
“Stupid disability? gosh, I can’t even believe you right now. If I was disabled, would you have been saying that right now? being disabled is a painful thing, you don’t even have sympathy for your own cousin. You’re such a horrible person.” Thando says getting up and rushing out.
“You see Bayanda’s work? my own kids are turning their backs on me now.” She says, I glance at her in disbelief.
“I’m tired of you Phindile, why don’t you start packing your bags and go look for a place to stay? get a real job. You’re always sitting on that couch, coming for Bayanda every chance you get! The kids are starting to get annoyed by you, your father and I are also tired. Just look for a job and leave us in peace.” I say getting up and going to my bedroom, I don’t get annoyed very easily but right now, Phindile is just pushing my buttons.
—
—
GROOTMAN
One of the things I love doing, because of the emotional and physical pain I saw my brother’s child go through all those years of being disabled, I regularly visit the orphanage. To give what I have at that time, it just feels like the right thing to do. I loved coming with Thandeka, my wife but because she does household chores, I’m reliveing her of the traveling.
It’s not even about disabled kids, it’s about kids that were unfortunate enough to not have families. It’s not an easy process to spend your years of childhood without any family. Regardless of the reason why you ended up here.
“I’m just donating what I have, I hope you’re able to accept this amount. When I have more, I’ll definitely come back.” I say to the orphanage owner, she’s an old woman—probably years older than my wife.
“You’ve been blessing the orphanage for years now, how could we possibly want more? this is more than enough, the kids will receive new clothes and toys with this amount. Thank you so much Mr Ngwenya.” She says, I nod—shaking her hand.
“Anytime, I’m in a hurry for a meeting. Please pass my greetings to the kids, next time.. I’ll visit for longer hours.” I say, she nods multiple times.
“God bless you son, thank you and I will pass on the message.” She says, I nod and walk off. I lead the way out of the orphanage, walking to my car. I get in and drive to the company. Its a finance company, because I’m also in finance. I thought it would be best to collaborate with it, gladly—the man at the top scheduled a meeting with me.
It’s not very far from where I was, I get there in about 25 minutes. We’re just trying to make a living, someone has to do something around the house and not have my brother’s child work like a slave. I get off the car and walk inside, this is a very nice building. Whoever owns it is doing a good job.
“Hi, please call your boss for me. I have an appointment with him, Mr Ngwenya.” I say to the receptionist, normally—they’re very rude but this one seems nice.
“Hi, sir. Your 2pm appointment is here.” She says, she’s holding the telephone. After a few seconds, she drops it.
“Let me take you to his office, he said you can come through sir.” She says, I nod and follow her to the elevator.
—
That was the longest elevator ride ever, we just got off and we’re still walking to the office. This is a very spacious space.
“And this is it..” She says, knocking on the door first before opening. Two gentlemen are sitting at the table, laughing like they’re at a tarven.
“Sir, here he is..” The lady says before walking off, they’ve stopped laughing. Even if I might have memory loss or lose my memory in some kind of way. I can recognize Katlego from afar, as old as he is. I can still recognize him.
“Please come in and take a seat, apologies for wasting your time.” The other one says, I think Katlego recognizes me because he’s suddenly quiet.
“Thank you.” I say, before I sit down. Katlego stands up, what’s he trying to do?
“Bro, what are you doing? this is..” Before the other one finishes, he has already cut him short.
“Bayanda’s uncle..” Katlego says, and I was right. He recognized me from the first glance, as I did.
“You know Mr Ngwenya? that’s very…odd. The world is such a small space.” He says, I glance at Katlego.
“Son..” I say, I’m happy to see him—I don’t want to lie, it’s been so long. It’s refreshing to see him alive and well.
“I…I’m so glad to see you.” He says, hugging me. There’s just something about people who have turned into family that makes me feel happy.
—
—
The meeting took a while, Mbuso and Katlego both have a good business here. This collaboration might just be what I need in order to keep my own business on track and grow it.
“Well, thanks to you both gentlemen for giving me your time. I am pleased to be doing business with you.” I say getting up, I don’t think it has sunk in with Katlego yet, he’s still looking at me like he’s dreaming.
“Likewise Mr Ngwenya, we’ll be in touch.” Mbuso says, I nod and walk to the door.
“I’ll walk you out.” Katlego says, we walk out of the door. It’s silent for the first few minutes.
“I hope you aren’t about to tell me you love Bayanda.” I say, like I read his mind. He glances at me and chuckles.
“That’s exactly what I was gonna ask you sir. I’m glad to have seen you today after so many years and I just saw the opportunity to speak to you about this.” He says, I’m not really surprised that he loves Bayanda—I already made peace with that.
“I saw it coming so I’m not really surprised that you love my daughter.” I say, he sighs.
“We’re best friends before anything, I wanted to get your blessing to confess my love to her. If it’s possible..” He says, I chuckle.
“If you hadn’t met me today, when were you going to come and ask me?” I ask him, he shrugs.
“I wasn’t going to confess for a very long time.” He says.
“Bayanda is very dear to my heart, I’m glad that she met someone like you—I didn’t want her to be friends with any boy but you just came and you were such an amazing best friend to her. You’re just lucky I like you or else I’d be kicking your balls for saying you love my child.” I say, he laughs.
“I’m sure about that.” He says, I heave a sigh.
“You’re both old enough to decide on what you want. Don’t hurt her though, you’ll have me to deal with. I’m giving you my blessing, I’m vouching for the both of you too.” I say, he nods multiple times.
“Thanks alot sir, I won’t mess this up. I really love her and I have promises to fulfill.” He says. He hasn’t changed one bit, personality wise—very respectful. Physically, he has changed alot—I don’t know what these girls mean when they say an American looking man.
To be continued..