A BRIDE FOR HIRE Novel Chapter 3

Nqobile

Once I had gathered my calm, I join MaNgcobo in the kitchen to prepare for the lunch. Jizasi, there’s a lunch!

My mind gets blown away each time I reiterate this mad life of mine to myself because how did we get here? I was sitting under our guava tree, drinking lemonade just a day ago and now I’m here as someone’s fiancé. How did we get here!?

“Do you know which one is yours?” she asks, emptying the entire fridge. Vegetables I’ve never seen; curry pastes; mushrooms; a lot of peppers and garlic paste.

“No, I’ve never actually met him.” How do I make myself useless here, this girl seems to be superwoman in this kitchen, and surprisingly I don’t know how to feel about that.

I’m not in love with the man sure, nevertheless I am his wife which makes this space my property. Even MaKhanyile doesn’t play about her kitchen and that woman can’t fry onions to save her life!

Fingers snap in front of me, “Earth to Nqobile. You aren’t daydreaming about him already, are you?” MaNgcobo makes a silly grin before grabbing my wrist and pulling me out the kitchen again.

This dragging me like a child thing has to stop!

We are standing in front of the fireplace again, peering at the masterpiece portrait on the wall.

“He is the one on the left next to Baba.” Say what –

And I thought he was the father’s brother or something!

“He’s old.”

She giggles over my shoulder and waves my concerns away, “He is not that old, he just has an angry face. I blame the glabella lines on his forehead. May 24th is his birthday, he’ll be turning 35. See the other ‘oldie’ next to him, that’s Mzwakhelwe – the first born son, a very precious seed in the Ximba dynasty hence the name – uMuzi-Wakhelwe – the homestead has been built for. Then along came your man, Bungobakho. Their childhood together wasn’t good, it sparked family feuds; gifted the skeletons in their closet a new life, and so oBaba decided it’s best to have them split up. It’s only in these recent years that the two can finally sit around one table without the desire to grab a fork and gouge the other’s heart out. Mama died because of the bitterness those two had for one another, and her death burnt a hole in everyone especially oBaba for years Nqobile. Years.” How does she know all this history if she’s just a daughter in-law in this family because this seems like something even the members of this family themselves have buried for good.

Anyway, it is a sad thing to know but it’s none of my business, I’m not here for long.

“I said all this to show you how important family is, peace is everything in this homestead. Relationships are respected and protected at all costs, that’s just one of the cons of having a large family – cracks build bigger destructions and this family is not getting destroyed anytime soon.” Her eyes find me without her psychically looking at me.

Strange people.

“Can I ask you something, MaNgcobo?”

“Yes.”

“If Bungobakho is so innocent, why is he going through all this hassle to find a wife?” I still haven’t been told anything about this deal struck between him and my parents or sister, I don’t know who is the main the evil in all this yet.

But I deserve to know something.

“He has made mistakes in the past, ones he isn’t proud of, especially looking at how they almost destroyed his relationship with Baba. He’s on the path to recovering the faith his father once had in him, there are a few things he needs to do for that approval.” Why didn’t I think of that? Of course, another family feud, I wonder what I will be dragged into next? One of the skeletons in people’s closets?

“We are hoping this union would soften father’s heart enough to at least hear his side of the story and turn a new leaf. You won’t be stuck in this sham forever, Nqobile.” Yeah, right only till his father forgives him again which may never happen!

“How did he get my sister to agree to this madness?” I want to scream and pluck my hair out from my scalp.

I preferred not knowing all this extra stuff you know, it was better when all I feared was the fact that these people are tall.

“I don’t know, all he told me was they met at Zai and I guess he ended up wanting to relief himself so that’s how they ended up humping each other. Apparently she followed him around for the entire week after that and he saw the opportunity to lay the proposal.” She sighs like the world is Netflixing on her shoulders and this woman doesn’t even look behind 30 years of age.

“She wasn’t going to cut it, I knew that from the day I met her in his office half naked. God agreed with me I guess.” MaNgcobo chuckles.

“This isn’t fair though, if she was going to get something out of this arrangement, shouldn’t I place my demands too?”

I don’t like the way she is looking at me, her face drops into a deadpan chuckle once again.

“Will you keep your end of the bargain and assist Bungobakho in securing a healthy relationship with his father? Are you willing to be his wife, Nqobile not just by name but by duty as well? Are you ready for that?” she kept on taking a step closer towards me until I had the back of my knees hit against the arm rest.

“Yes, yes I’m ready.” That’s the whole reason of my being here, to cater to him anyway.

“Then sure, you can make your demands.”

I take a deep breath and form balls of steel!

“My sister, she was supposed to be in University this year but NSFAS rejected her. I want to secure a good future for her in a well versed university; all her tuition paid for; Res and essentials catered for the entire duration of her academic career. No excuses whatsoever.” This, this is the only deal that would make me go for this experience without wanting to puke in my mouth everyday.

“All this for the girl who put you in this situation?” MaNgcobo frowns on me.

Over my dead body!

Nonkanyiso is no sister of mine in my books.

“No, I’m referring to Olwemihla.”

My parents have clearly shown what they do to people who aren’t independent and well-taken care of. They sell them to strangers like goats, that’s not what I want for my baby sister, she deserves more from this life.

“Deal.” MaNgcobo opens her hand for a shake.

I take rapid deep breaths and school my thoughts into going for it. What do I have to lose anyway? Nothing, all is gone already.

“Well then Mrs Ximba, let us go slave away in the kitchen. I texted hubby to bring us braai meat and pap because your man doesn’t know how to grocery shop.” Does she have to call him my man?

“If you look constipated every time I call him that then you just proved you won’t be as helpful as you swore, Nqobile.” MaNgcobo whisks her eyebrow high.

Give me a second to take it all in, jeez mfazi!

“I can do it, it’ll take some getting used to.” I mumble.

“Good, you better keep your end of the bargain Nqobile.”

Yes ma’am !

>

>

>

NONKANYISO

I just hopped out the shower, a long 30 minutes shower and still my room service hasn’t rung the bell. I hate this hotel, after this I’m lowering my rating to a 2!

In the meantime I call my mom, she’s been on my call log all day long but after Nqobile blasted me earlier today, I didn’t need any other conversation. Believe it or not, I feel terrible!

My sister didn’t deserve that, we could have done things differently but we had no choice. Now how do I explain that to her?

She probably views me the same way she thinks mom views her. An inconvenience waiting to be convenient.

“Mmmh, I see you are living the life there in Blue Marlin now you forgot who made this all possible for you?” there she goes again, looking for praises like a dog does with a treat.

This isn’t the time for that, we should be looking for ways to mend our relationship with Nqobile and gain some of her trust back.

“Mama, not now please. There are important things we should be worried about right now.”

“Oh yes! I think a swimming pool will be great in our backyard. It can help us save water too.” WTH!

“Mama this is serious.” I speak a little too loud and harsh but honestly, that’s the only way to get your point across with her.

“And I am serious too, Nonkanyiso, what has gotten into you all of a sudden?”

I take a deep sigh and accept my L, “Nqobile wants nothing to do with me, Mama. I’m her worst enemy right now even you have no idea. I don’t want to lose my sister like this, over money.” And lies.

To her I’m probably the culprit who planned on getting her married off, she’d never believe me if I told her I didn’t know mom would do things that way.

“And?”

I gasp, “And?” what does she mean? Her daughter resents her, doesn’t that not sit well with her?

“Yes, Nonkanyiso, and? So what if she hates us? All she did was vacuum our food and live in the house rent free. This is her way of saying thank you for tolerating her for so long.” There’s something sincerely wrong with her and I see no saving her from it.

“I can’t believe you just said that, Mama.”

“You will believe it, give it time. Bungobakho isn’t just any man, he’s dangerous you know. What if he hurts her?”

“So what? In fact, I think you should take that opportunity as a way to get back in his good grace. When the other one is failing, you’ll step up and be his confidence.”

“Confidant you mean.”

“Oksalayo you know what I mean. Do me a favor and forget your sister exists, this is your time to let loose and enjoy life. Find a good man and have lots of sex, have fun man Nonkanyiso. This acting like Fairy Godmother won’t get you anything in life.” She yells into my ear so hard I feel the vibration seconds after she has shut the phone off.

I don’t agree with many things my mom says but this one, this one makes sense. I need to loosen up, have a jol and enjoy being 29. In time we all heal, I can only hope my sister will too.

I’m not in the mood for clothes tonight, it’s too hot but because I’m still waiting for my … the door bell rings just in time.

“Good lord, what took you so long people!?” first, I fasten my gown belt before opening the door.

My mouth freeze wide open. I think of it late, closing the door, his foot was able to get in-between.

Do I scream? I should scream!

“Do not act manic, I do not have the patience nor the heart for that.” He steps inside the room and shuts the door behind him.

I’ve backed up right against my bed, and he’s still standing by the door. My eyes blink tears out of them, “Bungobakho please, please don’t hurt me. I can explain everything to you, please.” I drop onto my knees and grovel.

“I spent eight gruesome years in University, struggling between a day job; my dreams and getting those qualifications with the honor of receiving two summa cum laude. So ngiyamuzonda umuntu ongenza isilima because I guarantee with my intelligence Nonkanyiso.” His forehead creases get even thicker.

My thighs start to get warm from the liquid spilling between my legs. This man owns a gun, I’ve seen it with my own eyes and I don’t need reassurance to know he isn’t afraid to use it on anyone.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry Mr X. I’m the stupid one, not you. Please don’t shoot me.”

“Keep out of my shit from now onwards, clear? If I hear that you went talking to my wife about any of this, I will sort you and your father out.”

My wife? That was quick.

But I nod aggressively so and bite my bottom lip to stop myself from running crazy and earning a bullet between my eyes.

“I won’t say anything, I promise. I’ll stay away from her.” I plead, holding my ear and pinching my throat. I don’t know what it helps with but I see it all the time in Indian telenovelas, it’s supposed to be the most sincere way of apologizing.

“Ngimdala mangingaka, I’m way too old for nonsense, it would be in your best interest not to work me up. Freaken’ cretin, nx.” He yanks the door terribly hard I fear it’d come out its hinges and he leaves it open like that.

Phewwwww. I collapse onto the cold ground and let out a shaky exhale, my hands tremble on the floor.

>

>

>

Nqobile

MaNgcobo wasn’t kidding about ordering the meat and pap or the fact that this man can’t do groceries. It’s either he has too much of one thing or nothing at all.

All we prepared was the potato salad; another lettuce one; some beans and asparagus wrapped in bacon; gravy and radish and lastly chakalaka. Now we are just working on setting up the table and then we’ll be done.

“How many members are there in this family?” Because looking at the number of chairs and comparing it to the number I see on that portrait, they seem over 8.

“We have three fathers – It’s Baba first then oBab’omncane that come after him. Then it’s Mzwakhelwe; Bungobakho; Zohlokoma and then Minenhle. And then it’s Godzilla – the mother in-law.” I’m guessing we stay away from that one.

“That’s a lot of people.” And I’m not sure how to feel about it. Am I supposed to be afraid? Some families except their daughter in-laws to fear them as a sign of respect.

Different strokes for different folks.

“Don’t worry, most of the time everyone minds their business. Except maybe Minenhle, that one will share your news with the world and still expect the world to keep it a secret.” She laughs and I join in as well. I must say she isn’t what I was waiting for, despite her heavy moments, Sibahle is cool at times and easy to bond with.

“Your man should be here at any moment.” Yup, she’s still ‘testing’ my triggers to hearing that wording.

“Is that him driving in?”

MaNgcobo grins, “So eager, MaGoqo!”

Ppppfffff! I’m not eager for anything that has to do with that human being!

“It was just a question.” I mumble and pretend to be doing something useful on the table. Fixing straight spoons.

The front door opens and a strong, I mean a very strong cologne fills the space – mind you we are many steps away from the front door.

“Ndondo yami, where are you?” someone calls out.

MaNgcobo squeals till her cheeks go red, “Msuthu, in here!”

Oh my gosh!

What am I supposed to do with my myself? I’d walk off but that might come across as rude so I stay put.

Another one of the Ximba dinosaurs makes his way towards us, he’s holding two tin trays and a bouquet of flowers on his other hand.

“My trophy.” He hovers behind her and kisses the top of her head.

Awe, they’re cute.

“We have company, Msuthu. This is MaGoqo. MaGoqo, this is Zahlokoma Ximba, my husband.” She grabs her flowers and the trays and disappears.

What the heck, Sibahle!

“MaNdaba, it’s good to finally meet you. We welcome you koMlaba.” He offers me a hug but my frozen mind can’t distinguish between a handshake and an embrace all of a sudden.

“Thank you bhuti.”

“Did you see where indondo yami ran off to?” he’s the 8’ foot creature with the telescope neck, he can scan every room of this house from where he is standing.

“Uhm… I think she went to the kitchen.” I whisper awkwardly.

“Zimpambosi zomfula.” He bows slightly and vanishes as well whilst I collect my lower lip from the floor. I’ve never felt a tingle from hearing my clan names, maybe it’s because no one has ever used them like that before.

“Sikhulekile ekhaya! What do they say in English again? We pray in the home?” the manic cracks into a fit of laughter afterwards. I don’t need to be told, I know that one is Minenhle for sure.

“Ah, makoti wami.” He takes me into his arms and swings me around without warning.

Is he always like this? So active!

“Oh, you are cheating on me already?” MaNgcobo emerges with her tail right behind her.

“Never, I would never do that. I just know you two were ready to make our new bride hold a burning candle in her own home, so I’m here to equalize.” He saved me indeed, I’ve had enough of these two already.

“MaGoqo, did Bakho mention when he is coming back? uMsuthu will be here any minute now, it’d be better if we don’t keep him waiting.” Zohlokoma is asking the wrong person.

“I just arri…” shoot, I keep forgetting this role play and who exactly is or is not in the theater performance.

“He will be here soon, bhuti. I can call him if…”

“No, if you say he’ll be here soon then that’s good enough for me.”

I look at Sibahle and widen my eyes, this is my ‘what are we going to do!?’ look. She shrugs and points to the clock.

It’s almost 17:00, if this man doesn’t show in time, he is sleeping on the damn couch! He won’t ruin this day for me, not after I poured myself into making it happen.

∆∆∆

To be continued …

Your second sponsored chapter will come late-ish.

Like. Share. Comment.