Maid For Marriage

52

When we reached the rural village it was dark out. I was welcomed by my aunt and uncle. I met my uncle's wife and son and we had dinner before Senzo and I were led to a hut. 

Only the main house had electricity. Cell signal was low and nonexistent in some spots, and everyday life was dependant on fetching water and firewood. I wasn't completely off the grid but this would do me good. A simple life where all I do is focus on chores and the beauty of nature surrounding me. 

"Can I hold you?" I didn't even answer. I moved closer to him and he held me tightly the whole night. Seeing him drive off the next morning was surprisingly hard. I didn't know that I didn't want him to go until he left. But he had to go. He had a lot of work to catch up on.

The first week I spent resting. My uncle drove me to the clinic early one morning so I could have a checkup. Everything was normal. I spent a lot of time with the family and I spent a lot of time with my mother's paintings. They were beautiful. Most of them were spots in the village and I spent my time finding each one. It was amazing. 

I grandmother got me some herbal medicine that brought my strength back and helped me heal faster. She made sure to rub fresh aloe vera on my back every single day and it helped heal the scars that were taking so long to heal.

I loved it there.

When I was strong enough I started doing chores.  Cooking and cleaning, fetching wood and water, working in the fields. I loved every minute of it.

"Nkosazana!" A man called to me while I was in the field. He came towards me. "Do you need any help?" He asked with a big smile on his face. I just shook my head. "No I'm fine." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "You're very beautiful. I see you sitting at the river every morning. I was hoping I could join you." I stopped what I was doing. At any other point in my life I would've loved the attention but now I just miss my husband.

"No you can't join me." I didn't even understand why he was asking me. I was dressed like a married woman. I had on my traditional pinafore, I had a scarf around my head, and another like a sash over my shoulder. A single woman would not be dressed like this.

"Oh? Why? I thought maybe we can get to know each other." I sighed. "I'm married. I don't want to get to know you." He looked me up and down. "I don't see a ring or a husband." He stood closer to me and I took a step back. "Is there a problem here!?" My uncle's voice came roaring from the homestead next to the field I was working on. He made his way to us. "No Bab'Zondo. I was just leaving." He said and ran away like a scared child. "Thank you." I said relieved.

"Thandi, you're new here. These boys have been seeing the same girls since their birth. They're all interested so be careful." I nodded and finished working in the field.

My uncle was right. Everywhere I went done guy came up to me. It was annoying. I almost didn't want to leave the house. My uncle scared all if them away though and it got better.

"Thandi!" I was taking a nap when I heard my grandmother calling. I went into the main house and I was shocked to see who it was. "MaKhumalo." She smiled and git up to hug me. I hugged her back. "You look good. I'm glad you're doing better." I made us tea and we sat at the kitchen table. "Don't get me wrong. It's nice to see you but what brings you here?" She took a sip of her tea. "Thandi, what did you expect? You don't call, you don't pick up your phone, you don't even respond to texts. Everyone is worried. The only reason why Senzo couldn't come is because hes trying to close a very big deal at the moment."

"How is everyone?" I asked. "Everyone is fine. Just worried about you.  Do you even realize how long you've been away?" I nodded. "A few weeks." She put her cup down slowly. "Thandi, you've been here for two months. I realize you have a lot of healing to do. Nobody deserves to go through what you've went through but you have a life and responsibilities at home. On top of that, everyone at home is also trying to heal. You didn't go through this alone. They need to see that you're okay so they can be okay. I was told not to blatantly tell you this but you're needed at home."

She left after that and I had a lot to think about. "Your sister wife is right. I'm not chasing you away. You can stay as long as you want but it wouldn't be fair if I kept you all to myself knowing that they need you back home."

I stayed one more week and then took a bus back to the city. From the bus station I got on a taxi. When I got to the house there were a lot of cars parked in front of it. I guess the whole family was here.

"I did speak to her but you never know with Thandi. I think we should just let her be. She'll come back when she's ready." I heard from inside the house. They were having a meeting about me.

I knocked at the door.

"Come in." Someone answered. I left my huge suitcase outside and opened the door to gasps. "My baby!" My aunt grabbed me first and held me tightly. "I missed you." She whispered. "I missed you too Ma." She pulled away and looked at every inch of me.  "You're here. You're really here and you look good."

Next was MaRadebe. She didn't look well and she felt skinnier. She just cried as she hugged me. Senzo came up to me and hugged me too but it didn't feel right.  Almost like he was doing it because he had to and not because he wanted to. I took a seat on the floor beside Senzo and they discussed whatever they were discussing. I couldn't stop thinking about the hug.

Was it because I stayed longer than I was supposed to? Does he blame me for what happened? Does he not want me anymore? What was going on? Was my marriage over? Was it my fault?

I was scared.