Broken Clocks

Chapter 42

Mnqobi parks outside Ndalo's workplace in an attempt to talk to her and try to get her to come back home. It's now Thursday and she's still not back home , her phone continues ringing unanswered. Mnqobi has tried reaching out to Nelisa and Thabi but Nelisa just went crazy on him and sweared at her with every vulgar word you can think of. Thabi's phone on the other hand also rings unanswered. However if there's one thing Mnqobi knows about his wife is that she'll drown herself in her work as a distraction and he was sure he could find a way to talk to her . He climbs out of the car and makes his way into the office . As he's greeting the receptionist the elevator chambers swing open and Thabi appears . "Mnqobi" , Mnqobi turns and looks at her as she walks towards him . She stops when she gets to Mnqobi . "Don't worry sisi I'll take it from here" she smiles at Lindi the reception.

Thabi : walk with me .

She continues as her heels make a clicking noise . Mnqobi follows behind her but cannot go on her pace as his body is still a bit stiff .

Mnqobi: will you please slow down for a minute !

Thabi turns to look at him as they have reached the sitting area now and looks at the couch , signalling him to sit down as she sits down as well . They sit in silence for two minutes as Mnqobi focuses on his breathing

Mnqobi : i need to see her Thabi

Thabi rolls her eyes

Mnqobi : look i know i messed up big time and she's not gonna forgive me overnight-

Thabi : bold of you to assume she's even gonna consider forgiving you

Mnqobi brushes his forehead in frustration

Mnoqbi : please just let me talk to her

Thabi : she doesn't want to talk , and we both know how stubborn she is . Kodwa nawe Mnqobi ngikthembe kanje ? I'm so disappointed .

Mnqobi : i know , I'm disappointed in myself as well . She probably hates me .

Thabi: you got that right

Mnqobi: can you please just tell her to come home , Saturday the elders are coming and kuzoba neynkulumo eziningi if she's not there. She doesn't have to stay long , just for the meeting please Thabi.

Thabi nods and checks the time on her wrist watch

Thabi : look i have to go i have a meeting in a fee minutes. I'll talk to her but I'm not not promising you anything , umlimazile umtana abantu .

Thabi walks away from a Mnqobi who's left with his face buried between his legs.

******

60 missed calls - Mnqobi
10 missed calls - Alwande
20 missed calls - Nomzamo
Lethabo - Please come back sisi🥹

I look at my phone and sigh , I'm really not ready to go home and face Mnqobi right now . I need more time . The door opens disturbing me from my train of thought and it's Thabi walking in with a goody bag. She smiles faintly before taking a seat.

Thabi : I thought you could use with something to eat

Me : thanks sisi

Thabi : how are you?

Me : I'm good

Thabi : no Ndalo how are you?

I feel tears threaten my eyes

Me : I don't know Thabi , a lot has happened in the space of a year and i really don't know how to go about it.

She nods and reaches out for my hand and cups it in hers.

Thabi : no amount of words will make you or this situation any better. However you should go home sisi

I let go of her hand and shake my head vigorously .

Me : no Thabi I can't go back to that house !

Thabi : the elders are coming this weekend and Mnqobi needs you by his side mnge , i know he doesn't deserve it but he really needs you . He was here earlier on and that man is a mess without you . Please just show face even if it's for a few hours , you don't have to stay .

A tear rolls down my face , and i quickly wipe it away .

Thabi : ngiyak'cela .

Me : I'm not going to that house Thabi , I've made up my mind . Mnqobi was alone in all this nonsense and I don't see ukuthi ngingenaphi mina . He should sort it out on his own .

I put the goody bag aside and proceed to open a file and read through it as an attempt to get Thabi to leave . She sighs and leaves after a few minutes. "Just think about it" , she says as she reaches for the door handle and i glance at her . I close the file in frustration as soon as she closes the door behind her and throw my head on the table . Isn't there a restart or a rewind button for this life thing?