Amile The Queen

Chapter Seventy-Six

***Amile Gumede***

The worst is over; I am now OFFICIALLY a Zulu wife, the last time was a trial period. There was absolutely no hiccups along the way, everything went smoothly, even after the evil salukazi threatened to ruin the whole thing with her tactics.

She lost it when she met my brother, and saw that my mother was expecting yet another child. She tried causing a scene, but Jama was there in the forefront as always, and dealt with it before it spread to the public.

Its was weird seeing his long legs exposed, but he looked absolutely handsome with ibheshu on, a real Zulu man. I was expecting him to cut his hair, but I guess that is a bit too far fetched. Is it too much to wish to see his face behind all that hair on his face?

This wedding is revolving around the ancestors, I dont know how many sangomas Ive seen roaming around. I also saw Shlobo having her moment when they started beating the drum during the time when we were bound to each other in the kraal. I felt all the different presence on my shoulders.

Things are done differently here, and everything that was done, had to be done twice, for me and MaNdlela. Not ideally what I had imagined. But Im grateful that everything went by smoothly like we had prayed it would. Its just hit noon, and everything has been done, weve done the gifting ceremony, weve danced in the kraal and Ive been smeared with the gall. So the wedding is over just like that, quite early if you ask me.

Come lets go inside. that was my beautiful mother.

Shes been here the whole time I was at that horrible family she married into, how lucky is she?

What about the guests? I asked panicking

They are going to get refreshments, come. who am I kidding, I dont know half of the people here.

I dont have any idea what is going on here today, I didnt plan my own wedding, Im just as shocked as the guests are at everything going on.

Shes dragging me to my room. Shlobo is there, along with Nambitha and MaSithole. Shes here with a face beat heavier than mine, the lady of the moment.

You need to change chomie. Nambitha said as soon as I walked in.

Okay wait, can I breathe for a second! I said putting my palms out for them to stop.

There is a lot going on and Im not keeping up.

Whats the story now? The wedding is finished right? I asked after having my moment

Yes, the traditional one, now you have to change for the other ceremony.

What other one? I turned to look at Shlobo, because she is the only one I trust to give me a straight answer.

She just smiled at me, you know that smile that just screams relief. She looks relieved. She doesnt look willing to answer me. My armpits are starting to perspire.

Your husband thought you would appreciate a moment to wear that white-ish dress and maybe walk down the aisle, so he put this together. To accommodate you and make this seem like a real wedding, because its your last. not that its fake.

Mom, seriously? I dont know how I feel.

What, you dont want to? everyones faces have fell, Shlobo included.

No, I didnt say that, I just wasnt expecting it.

I turned around and gave Shlobo a hug. I know her and her friend are behind it. Its not ideal, but at least Ill get something Ive wanted to experience once in my life.

Thank you. she laughed and hugged me back.

Okay mam Zulu, you dont have much time, lets get cracking. the pregnant lady announced.