OUR LOVE STORY

04

NINE MONTHS LATER

-Prince Ndlalifa Mhlongo

My wife gave birth three months ago and I couldn't be happier. She gave birth to a bouncing baby boy that looks just like her. My little prince turned three months yesterday.

I had just gotten back from business in Joburg. The palace was so quiet which meant no one was home but where would my wife go?! I make my way upstairs to my bedroom for a quick shower. I pass by the. nursery and immediately come to a halt when I hear my wife's voice.

Mandisa: "Mhlongo please!" Dad?

Dad: "Listen sthandwa sami, he won't even suspect anything because we both share the same blood so he won't know."

Mandisa: "I know that but Njomane mina ngikhathele iyona yonke lento. You promised to get rid of her but she's still here!"

Dad: "I can't just get rid of her! Haw! She is highly favored plus she is a risk. If anything happens to her, we might even lose our son indlele kungashuba ngakhona." son?! I frown.

Mandisa: "Fine! But stop giving her my goods and continue feeding her those pills!" I loosen my tie as I feel like it's cutting off my breathing.

Dad: "I don't give her, I just release my anger. You know I don't want to hurt you."

Mandisa: "Yebo ngiyazi Njomane wami." then I hear kissing sounds. I just walk quietly to my room as if I didn't hear a thing.

Just as I finish getting dressed, she walks in. She freezes for a moment still standing by the door. I manage to calm my building anger and fake a smile walking towards her. I engulf her in a tight hug and kiss her forehead.

Me: "Didn't you miss your man? why do you look so shocked."

Mandisa: "Ah babe! I wasn't expecting you. nje that's all."

Me: "Mmhm."

Mandisa: "When did you get here?"

Me: "Like a few minutes ago and I went straight to the shower. I thought I'd find you and our baby here." she smiles sweetly.

Mandisa: "No, I was in the nursery." The door barges open and my father walks in.

Dad: "Ndiso..." My wife cuts him off immediately by clearing her throat.

Mandisa: "Baba!" only then my father notices me.

Dad: "Oh hey son! I didn't know you back Njomane." I smile and then shake his hand.

Me: "I just got here baba."

Dad: "It's good to have back home ndodana." he says smiling.

Dad: "I was just here to check on makoti, she hadn't come down for lunch after she was attacked by your mother."

Me: "What?!"

Mandisa: "Baby, calm down. It's not that serious." I hum. I can't believe these two. Dad walks out but not after maintaining a short eye contact with my wife. I sit on the bed.

Me: "I have to go back to Joburg today."

Mandisa: "Haw why so early?!"

Me: "Well I am not back, back, I just needed something crucial here." she sighs sadly. If I didn't know better, I'd say she is really sad.

Me: "Don't worry, I will be back shortly." I pack another small bag of clothes and then get my briefcase in order. I kiss her forehead and leave. As soon as I land, I drive straight to my uncle's house which is in Diepkloof. I also never knew why my father's brothers never set foot in the palace and I'm hoping that I will get my answers.

******
Uncle Jabulani: "Aw mfana wami, come in. " I walk in. I find his wife in the lounge feeding their 15-year-old son. Well, he is immobile and disabled. I greet taking a seat on the single couch.

Aunty Dee: "Are you okay baba?!" she asks touching my shoulder.

Me: "I will be fine."

Uncle Jabulani: "What is it?!"

Me: "My wife is sleeping with my father. The child she gave birth to, is actually my brother." I chuckle in disbelief as I pop my fingers.

Uncle Jabulani: "I'm sorry son, I'm really sorry you had to find out this way the kind of man your father is." I shake my head.

Me: "Yazi what's shocking is that, I don't even feel hurt but relieved." they both share looks.

Auntie: "Relieved?" I nod.

Me: "But I hate them both."

Uncle Jabulani: "Don't do anything stupid khehla."

Me: "I won't baba."

Uncle Jabulani: "Good, I'm taking you to Soweto to meet someone." I nod.