KEPT

24. MR. BOUNDARIES.

KHANYISA

Days pass and the tests get done, when they come back, they confirm what I believe we all already knew. Mduduzi is Bab'Mdlalose's son. It's not much of a shock because we obviously believed that his mother wouldn't risk it big like this over a lie but of course there is that uncertainty of what the future holds, especially for the two senior brothers seeing that bab'Mandla has not been on speaking terms with his brother ever since all of this happened.

As a result, they've decided to go home for a few weeks because bab'Mdlalose wants to fix his relationship with his brother. Personally, I believe he's done nothing wrong, there was no infidelity that took place, only Mam'Nozizwe withholding crucial information from everyone and then deciding to announce it without speaking privately with her husband about it first but at the end of the day the brothers only have each other left so I guess I can see why there's a need for this visit.

The day for Nkosi's first address as the company CEO arrives and it's excitement all round. I'd expect him to be a little nervous or even scared maybe but not him, he's overly confident and chilled about the whole thing.

When I asked if he wasn't nervous about speaking to the staff this morning he looked at me with a straight face and said "I've spoken to these people on many occasions, the only difference with this morning is my position but I'm still the same me,"

As much as he didn't want to make a big deal out of it, I went right ahead and picked out the best three piece suit for him, while at it I found myself an equally best dress seeing I'll be going with him and so will his parents.

I snap a few mirror pictures while waiting for him to finish up so we can leave then we hit the road. I use my own car seeing that after the morning meeting I'll head back home.

When we arrive, he leads me to where the meeting will be held and people are starting to gather there and fill the chairs. I spot Mduduzi speaking with Refilwe, they seem to be having a heated discussion but obviously trying to keep it subtle. I can't help but be annoyed with him, but more so with myself. I never should have put myself in a position where I trusted him to keep this "secret" of how we first met, I should have just said it right there and then in front of the both of them when I got home that day.

But I've learned.

Our eyes meet and I just continue walking to where Nkosi is leading me. He has this apologetic look on his face but I'm not buying it, not anymore. After confronting me,  Nkosi went on and told me about his suspicions  when it comes to Mduduzi and we both agreed that we'd be more transparent with each other and that I'd play far from him, that shouldn't be too hard.

We sit in the front row, joining Nkosi's parents, Bangizwe and Liyana. The two siblings seem very happy and that makes Nkosi happy too, their smiles rub off on him and I catch him smiling too. I chat a bit with Bangizwe and Liyana flat out ignores me, I do the same.

Mduduzi and Refilwe sit on the row behind us and I feel his eyes on me, or maybe it's hers. Whoever it is, I feel them watching me but I maintain my cool.

Bab'Mdlalose takes to the podium first and he makes the longest speech, starting from the very beginning of the company and how far its gotten. It's a good thing that he's good with words or he would have lost people on the first fifteen minutes.

When he's done, he announces his retirement and also announces his successor, this is when Nkosi takes the stand and addresses everyone as the new CEO, have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy watching him speak? I get lost on watching him so much that I miss some of the things that he says but judging by the clapping of hands, he's got them good.

He also thanks his father for all his hardwork and so do the other shareholders and then bab'Mdlalose is presented with a plaque that has a black brass plate and gold engraving on it. The morning goes extremely well and everyone is in high spirits by the time the speeches end.