The Arrangement

His Panic

Please read the little note at the end.

Siyabonga

Today I pay lobola for someone.

Today I begin my chapter as a married man.

Today I meet the love of my life for the first time in 8 years.

Today i-

"Bhuti" Sizakele my baby sister called out from the other side of the door.

"Yebo (yeah)" I shouted from my bed and stood to open the door just as my sister, Sizakele, walked in.

"Uma uyabuza ukuthi usulungile yini (mom's asking if your ready)"'

" Ngiyaqeda manje (I'm almost done) "

"Okay bhuti" she turned to leave but stopped mid second step. She turned back with a rush and hugged me throwing me off balance because that was unexpected.

I held on to her stabilizing us both. "What's wrong Siza"

"Nothing. I'm just happy for you and I'm proud of you"

She rushed out when we heard someone calling for her, most likely our mom.

Once she closed the door I felt the walls closing in. Oh my God I'm actually about to commit the rest of my life to this person. Not jus any person but my highschool sweetheart

One who left you after you did such a horrible thing to her

I don't know how long it was but Sizakele barged in again.

"Bhuti sheshisa (bro hurry up)"

"Oh yeah..." I snapped out of it

We headed to leave my room

"Uhm bhuti..." She started as we walked down the stairs

"Khuluma sisi omncane (talk baby sis)"

"Are...are you ready to see uSis Mbali? I mean after everything?" She asked in a quiet voice

"To be honest with you sisi. Angazi (I don't know)"

"Well...like mama always says 'its never too late until its too late' and I believe that its not too late"

"Thanks sis. Masambe khe (let's go then)" I hadn't realized that we'd stopped on the stairs.

The closer we got to the living room the more noise could be heard, the women were singing joyfully and cheery. This  day was waited for impatiently by almost everyone in my family. So for it to finally be here was a euphoric feeling.

The noise lessened as we reached the last step. I took a deep breath and walked in with a smile, following Siza. Everyone was staring, staring so much we paused mid step. I looked around and all eyes were on us.

More like all eyes were on me.

My mother started ululating and the loud was back up like it never stopped. I had cousins coming up to me and congratulating me.

"Haai haai sukani marn, ngifuna ukukhuluma naye phela (no no no mam move, I wamtbto talk to him)"

I turned to the voice and MakaNathi was headed to me along with !y mother MakaSiya. MakaNathi engulfed me in a warm embrace that lessened the panic I didn't even know I had

"Oh bandla Siya wam huwe lo oshadayo namhlanje (oh gosh Siya is it really you whose getting married today)?" She held me at arm length and pulled me in again.

"Ha phela Sbongile ithi ngiybone nami ingane yami (Sibongile let me see my child too)" ma said pulling me from MakaNathi, engulfing me in a hug too.

"Ninjani bo ma (how are you moms)?" I asked separating from my mom.