TSAKANI

We are back in South Africa after spending some time in Italy for a couple of days, we didn’t leave right away after giving Nikolai a visit, but we stayed some more. The gold & the diamonds are in our position, we didn’t take all the gold though, but we sure did took all the diamonds. The police were notified, some of the girls went back home with their parents, some refused, and some decided to start a female gang just to terrorize the male species only because of what they’ve gone through, plus the guards were sexually abusing them too, so imagine the animosity they harbor in their hearts. I pity for all those innocent men who will feel their wrath.

The unexpected vacation really helped me a lot, I can now sleep peacefully without waking up in the middle of the night and stare in space, I guess I needed it. Leon & Lee might take one too. I’m no longer that hurt about Talon & Batista’s death, I can feel that I’m coming back to my old self, and I’m content. Bubbles is really one in a million, speaking of her, she’s out taking care of something, I wonder what that something is because she refused to tell me. Oh, well, talk about “we don’t hide anything from each other.” Lee, finally accepted Lindiwe or should I say Nandi for whom she really is after she explained to him how she came about using someone else’s identity, after all the “pussy is still real.” His words, not mine. So nothing has really changed except that he must now familiarize himself with her new revelation, and so far he’s doing an amazing job. And to tell you the truth, her true self is beautiful more than Lindiwe, but she still has nothing on my bubbles. Anyway, it all seemed real, the mask was not even noticeable. I was taken aback when I saw her because she looked really familiar, it was then that I realize that she’s Grace’s daughter, a former businesswoman/taxi queen/ mama gangster who was brutally killed after becoming homeless. Unlike bubbles and the others, she always sent people to do the job for her.

Sabelo, finally decided to go and see his father at the hospital, they spoke and forgave each other, unfortunately, his father passed away after seeing him, guess he knew that he will come very soon, and he decided to hold on. Now that he met him, it eased his heart because he knew that he will die peacefully and with a clear conscience even though they didn’t get to spend some time together. Dakalo, refuses to meet up with his father after Hlulani contacted him, and told him about his existence. Mr. Mazibuko was shocked to find out that he actually has a son and a daughter, a daughter who deserted her family to become a sex worker and getting free booze as if we can’t afford to buy her booze, plus she could’ve gotten herself a boyfriend rather than having sex with multiple men every fucking day for money that she never gets, sies. Babalwa was really determined to raise all of her kids as a single parent, and she raised us well after all.

“All the material is here?” Lee, implores standing beside me. We are in a very secluded area, I’m here to build a house for all the gold & diamonds that we have in the house. Bubbles has some diamonds that she was given by her friend to keep for her, and unfortunately, that friend was caught and possibly got killed since she’s nowhere to be found.

“Yeah, we just need to get the construction guys to start working immediately.”

Him: “I can ask them to start tomorrow morning.”

Me: “Very good. The sooner get done with this, the better for us all. So, they didn’t ask questions?”

Him: “Nope. These ones do their job, you pay them, and you never see or hear from them again they are very professional and besides not everyone knows about them and their line of work. They do a lot more other than building,” I nod.

Me: “I’ll take your word for it. Tell them to start building immediately.”

Him: “Right on it. Want to grab some beer?”

Me: “Sure. I can do with a bottle or two,” he clasped my shoulder, and we start walking away. Leon was supposed to tag along with us, but he had other commitments to tend to. So, he might meet us later on for some soccer match.

★»★«

VUYO

My phone rings waking me up from the nap that I took unexpectedly as I was catching with work since I was behind with the schedule. I pick up it from the computer table, and answer it rubbing my eyes I don’t bother checking the number.

“Hello.” I yawn afterward.

“Hi. Is this Mr. Maraba?”

Me: “Yes, and you are?”

Her: “Who I am doesn’t matter. Someone called me and told me that you wanted to meet up with me.”

Me: “Meet up with you?”

Her: “Yeah, they further claim that you say I’m your long-lost sister?” I sit upright when she says that, alarmed.

Me: “I don’t claim. I saw some letters written for you and some pictures containing pictures of you and our father.”

Her: “Pictures? Maybe you are mistaking me for someone else I don’t remember taking pictures with him either. My father, no wait, let me just say Ronald told me stra…”

Me: Cutting her short. “Ronald? That’s my father’s name. His full names are Ronald Jafta Maraba.” I hear her gasp on the other end then some shuffling as if she’s shifting or something.

Her: “S- so, you are… Urhm, where are you?”

Me: “Zamani. Zamani location.”

Her: “Can we meet at Deli’s in 30 minutes?”

Me: “Yes, yes, let’s meet there,” she hangs up before I can even ask her what she’s wearing so that I will not look like a lost puppy when I get to Deli’s.

I quickly empty the table, and hurry to my room I need to inform Dineo.

Me: “My love, guess what.”

Her: “You’ve won a lotto?”

Me: “Much better than that. My sister called, and she wants us to meet at Deli’s in 30 minutes,”  she squirms in excitement and I chuckle.

Her: “God is great. Now, what are you waiting for?”

Me: “I’m nervous. She sounds like a straight talker.”

Her: “Just leave already, and don’t be nervous I don’t think she bites,” she chuckles.

Me: “Yeah, right. Will you be okay by yourself?”

Her: “Yeah, besides, Nandi is on her way. Don’t worry about me.”

Me: “Okay.” I kiss her forehead and step out of the room. I’m really nervous about this meetup, I don’t know why because I was anticipating for it to come. But now, I feel like backing out. Sighs, let me just go and meet her, and see how it goes.

25 minutes later I’m at Deli’s sitting alone so that she can spot me when she comes, there others are in groups while some are just couples. My palms are sweating and rubbing them on my jeans is not helping, and the shaking of my knee underneath the table doesn’t help either, I’m a mess. I don’t remember when was the last time I was this nervous. I keep glancing at the gate and people are coming in and going out, still no sign of her. Well, it’s not as if like I know her of something.

“Good day sir. Would I like to order?”

“No. I’m okay, thank you.” He nods, and about to leave when another voice comes behind him.

“2 soda water, you are excused.” Rude. She’s standing before me and I didn’t even notice when she stepped inside the yard, yet, I was looking at the gate all this while. She’s nothing like what I was expecting her to be. Yoh, she has tattoos covering her arms, neck, ear piercings, and dark sunglasses she screams gangster even her outfit is confirming that. “Vuyo, right?” She settles down. I quickly nod.

Me: “And you must be Luxolo.” I thought that my voice was going to fail me, but to my surprise, it didn’t. Yet, I’m still nervous.

Her: “Correct. Can you relax and stop being giddy. Don’t tell me that you are nervous. A grown man like you nervous? Funny, but not.” I swallow at absolutely nothing. “Anyway, can you show me the letters and pictures?” Straight to the point.

Me: “Hold on a sec.” I take them out from my pocket, and place them on top of the table.

Her: “Let’s see,” she firstly starts by checking the pictures. “Well, I looked cute here, no, I still am cute. Don’t you think?”

Me: “Yeah, you are cute.”

Her: “You are not bad yourself. I also had a picture like this, but I lost it when Nomalanga took me to her friend, or she stole it, I don’t know. Anyway, where were you when I came to see your father once upon a time, and he turned me away making it clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with me, and I must stop bothering them?” Wow, that doesn’t sound like my father at all this is new to me.

Me: “I was in my house, and no one told me that you came to visit.”

Her: “That’s because they didn’t find it important to tell you.”

Me: “That’s bad.”

Her: “It matters not anymore. I’ve moved past that, at least I will get to know about him through you. You know, firstly I was reintroduced to my mother whom I last saw years ago, and I also got to learn that I have a little badass kicking sister who was named after me. Then, now, I’m getting introduced to you, it’s like God is trying to tell me something, it’s creepy. See, I grew up taking my husband, and my kids as a family. They were there only people I had and known, oh, and some of the girls I met along the way, they became part of my family.”

Me: “God works mysteriously. Well, my story goes like…” she’s stunned after telling her about my life, and I told her about Nandi.

We’ve been talking for hours now, and she’s such a good person. Oh, and she’s ready to give her mother a chance again, I told her about the importance of family, at least her mother is alive and willing to make up for the lost time. We even discussed a cleansing ceremony that we need to do. My life is complete, and I’m grateful for everything. I only wish for a peaceful relationship filled with love between all of us. Patience is a virtue, and God’s timing is the best.

My name is Vuyo Maraba

and this was my story. I hope you’ve learned something from it. See you on the other side… 

★»★«

LUXOLO

The club is not that busy as per se, but I find it quite strange that it’s not packed, and it’s almost 19:00 in the evening, usually around this time clubs are almost packed. This place is dry honestly even the bouncers here are not doing their job, sighs. I ascend the stairs and saunter straight to her office as directed by one of the bouncers, I told them that I’m here for business, she’s expecting me, but they didn’t even double-check with her, incompetence. There are guards here, she’s clearly relaxed. I knock once, and she yells for me to come in, I push the door open and her body tenses when she sees me. Unlike Nikolai, her instinct alarms her to react immediately, and the gun is already in her hand aiming at me.

“What are you doing here?” Her voice is steady, I like.

“I came in peace,” raising my hands.

Her: “Don’t bullshit me! Peace is not in your parlance, Tammy. What the fuck do you want here?”

Me: “Well,” I pull the free chair and sit down, my right leg placed on my thigh. “So, tell me here; why were you trying to sabotage my club? Who gave me the freedom to tell my boys not to work? Who again, gave you the fucking freedom to sponsor them with bhev hindering them from doing their job?” My mouth twitches.

Her: “Wh- what are you talking about?”

Me: “You know what I’m talking about, don’t make me a fool, Adele. You are too pretty to act dumb.”

Her: “Leave my office at this instant before I blow your brains out, Tammy!”

Me: “I just want answers, that’s all. There’s no need for you to be violent or threaten to kill me,” I sigh. I’m sure she’s dumbfounded by my calm manner, if only she knew that her wall office will soon be spattered with her blood.

Her: “Fuck, Tammy. What game are you playing at?”

Me: “I just want answers then I leave, I’m not here to fight. We are both club owners, there’s no need for bad blood between us. Just give me the answers I need.” I sneer, and she chuckles.

Her: “I don’t have any answers for you, Tammy. Now leave!” I nod, I withdraw the short sword that was hidden in my boots, and press it hard in my hand. “Leave!”

Me: “Fine.” I push the chair back, and get up from the chair. “But I’ll be back.”

Her: “You won’t. Leave and never come back here or else I will kill you, I’m not bluffing, Tammy Guns.” She puts her gun on top of the table letting her guard down, perfect. I walk towards the door yanking it open, I tilt my head and watch her as she sits down not glancing at me.

Me: “Hey, Adele.” She lifts her head and looks at me. “Rest in fucking pieces!” Before she can even comprehend what’s happening, the short sword it’s already making its way to her neck. She gasps as it lodges straight in her throat, she bellows like a dying cow, and blood gushes out of her throat. I step out banging the door behind me, by the time they realize that she’s dead it will be too late. Signed, sealed, and delivered…

ONE YEAR LATER

“I still don’t understand as to why you chose a black dress out of all the dress,” Milan complains as she zips up my dress. Today is my big day, I’m finally getting married to the man of my dreams, and I’m 4 months pregnant, but I haven’t told him yet, I want it to be a surprise.

“I love the color, and besides everyone gets married in a white dress, so, why don’t I be unique?”

Her: “Fine. But a white dress would’ve suited you, anyway, it’s just my observation.”

“I think the dress is perfect, she’s dark too and has a dark soul, it fits her character perfectly,” Biggie says stepping inside the make-up room. “Hey, girls.” See, biggie and Nomalanga made peace months ago, their bond is too strong, and I also got introduced to biggie’s brother such a cool dude he is, not forgetting his humble and God-fearing wife Dineo, together with their beautiful kids. Let me just say we are one big happy family.

Me: “Thank you, biggie.”

Her: “You are welcome. And where’s your maid of honor?”

“I’m here. I was making sure that everything is set you know how incompetent people are, I detest last-minute hiccups. So far, everything is going great.” Lindiwe says stepping inside the room too panting.

Me: “Perfect.”

Her: “Are you ready?”

Me: “I’ve been ready the very first time my eyes laid on him. Hahaha, I’m kidding.”

Biggie: “You are not kidding smallie.”

Me: “Of course, I’m not.”

Milan: “I’m so happy for you, Tammy.”

Me: “Thank you, baby. Who knows, you might be next in line.”

Her: Laughing. “Chile, I’m never getting married.”

Biggie: “What if Leon wants marriage?” Yeah, they are a couple now, no more bofebe zonke zihamba ngo layini.

Her: “It’s a mutual agreement. He doesn’t want marriage too, but we do want kids, lots and lots of kids!” We all laugh.

Lindiwe: “Girl, raising a baby ain’t no child’s play.”

Biggie: “Don’t worry, smallie here will tell you how the experiment it’s like.”

Milan: “Whoa, wait. Is she…? She looks at me. “Are you?” I nod. They scream in excitement.

Lindiwe: Hugging me. “Congratulations baby, but why did you not tell us sooner?” She breaks the hug, and moves her eyes to my stomach with a smile plastered on her face.

Me: “I was going to tell you after the wedding, I wanted to surprise you but biggie here just couldn’t keep her mouth shut.”

Milan: “She did good, and I’m a Godmother no arguments.”

Biggie: “You wish. I’m his/her Godmother wena!” They go back and forth arguing about whose going to be a Godmother and why. Lindiwe is in stitches with laughter.

I’m looking at myself in the mirror and smile. Ndimhle maarn, ndiyanyisa. Who would’ve thought that one day I’ll walk down the aisle with the man I love? Marriage was something I’ve never dreamed of or wanted, but look at me now. I’m going to be someone’s wife, Mrs. Ngubeni to be, and a mother to be it all feels surreal, but I’m so fucking happy, no lies detected there. Dear God, I’m grateful. I close my eyes and take it all in. It’s happening, and I know that nothing will disrupt us. Rumor is that Sanele has relocated to America to pursue his law career he actually needed a clean slate. The best decision he took ever since he was born.

The soft knock at the door is what brings a halt to the bickering of biggie & Milan. Lindiwe, attends the door and Tsakani’s mother is standing there looking all nervous. This is actually my first time after the lobola I get to be in the same room as her.

Me: “You can come in.”

Biggie: “We will be right outside,” I nod and they step out of the room giving us space.

Babalwa: “You look beautiful.”

Me: “Thank you.” We are looking at each other through the mirror.

Her: “Well, I’d like to apologize for how I’ve treated you and your mother the past year. Guess, I was still a bitter woman who never wanted to let go of the past. But I know better now, I truly am sorry.”

Me: “Forgiven.” Honestly, I have no time to hate on Babalwa I have far more important things to worry about.

Her: “Thank you. And thank you for loving my son with all his flaws.” A smile breaks out from my lips, and I see her smile too. “I wish you all the best in your marriage, may God bless it, and may death be the only thing that separates the two of you.”

Me: “Thank you so much, and we receive.”

Her: “Hug?” I get up from the chair and we hug. “I love you,” she whispers.

Me: “Me too.” We break the hug when my father clears his throat. Oh, he & Nomalanga decided to give love a chance. Wonder’s of the world.

“Ready?” He implores. I nod picking up my black roses on the bed, the theme is all black. He takes my arm, and links it to his elbow. I breathe out and we head to the venue. Milan & Nandi are my bridesmaids.

They rise from their seats when the music starts playing “kukhala sakho sginci x Sjava & Mdu.” It’s the song that walks me down the aisle, there aren’t many guests just family & close friends. My husband is looking beautiful in his three-piece black tuxedo, dreads plaited upwards, shaved yazini let me just say he’s God himself, don’t argue with me. The tears veiling his eyes are impossible to miss, this man you guys. I love him. My father offers me to him, I smile when I see him threatening Tsakani, jokingly though.

“You are looking beautiful,” he whispers in my ear making me blush.

“And you are handsome as fuck,” he winks, and we look at the pastor.

Him: “Wosh ebandleni.” Spikes is the one marrying us, I don’t know what Tsakani was thinking when he hired him. Oh, but wait. We are having a unique wedding after all. “Gintsa no Gintsakazi ingani le namba bo kleva. Niyafathafatha?” (Gangster & gangasteress today is all about you. Are you saying your vows) Spikes has just woken up Talon from the dead, he’s tsotsi taal is on point, but he will never replace him, yet we will still see him in Spikes.

“Igazi nge gazi. Inhlavu nes’bhamu, ngeyami neyakho mina ngithi size sihlukaniswe isibhodi.” (Blood for blood. Bullet & gun. Mine & yours till death do us part) I giggle, I’m sure the elders are confused af, Milan, too.

“Inombolo iyaphikamiswa. Igazi lachitheka. Mina ngingo wakho wena ungowami. Is’gwebo sethu is’bhodi.” (The number has been raised. Blood was spilled. I am yours and you are mine. Our sentence is death)

Him: “Ngiyazisha ngawe.” (I love you)

Me: “Umlilo uyavutha.” (I love you too)

Spikes: “Iphakeme inombolo. Amathe e mathane.” (The number has been lifted. You can now kiss each other) Tsakani lifts the veil, cups my cheeks, and smash his lips unto mine, my arms wrap around his neck.

Spikes close the ceremony after speeches were exchanged with umthandazo wabo love. I can’t get over my diamond ring, I’m obsessed. And now for our first dance

Tsakani: “I can’t believe that you are officially y mine.”

Me: “You best believe it, and there’s something I want to tell you.”

Him: “What is it?”

Me: “A mini bullet is on the way.”

Him: “Wait, what?” He takes a step back and looks at my tummy. “We are going to be parents?” I nod. “Yes!” He screams picking me up, thanks to the music not everyone heard him scream except for the ones next to us who are minding their own. “Thank you, bubbles. I love you.”

Me: “I’m just happy that I’m the first & last woman man to carry your seed. I love you too.”

Him: “To forever and more kids,” I laugh, and bury my head on his chest, I’m content.

My name is Luxolo Ngobeni and this was my story. See you on the other side…