the name is Imani

chapter 7

SATURDAY, 11 MAY

Nkosikhona and I have been in a relationship ever since New Year's and we have been going strong. We have also been very secretive about it because my dad would be so disappointed.

The scary thing now is that Nkosi has been talking about introducing me to his family and that would mean that soon after that, we would have to confess this whole thing to my family as well.

I mean, Nkosi and I have been meeting at hotels, at his house. At my house, we try our best to fight the urge to get close to each other, it's total torture but being disowned by my dad would be even worse torture.

Tonight, Nkosi and I are having a formal dinner at some fancy restaurant.

I am wearing a long, black, open back satin dress with some black LV heels. I am also wearing a 8 inch bob lace frontal wig. He is wearing a black two piece suit, with a shirt shirt.

We have dinner over light conversations and some laughter here and there.

Nkosi: you look so beautiful, Khoza.
Me: you look absolutely handsome, Khumalo.
Nkosi: I love you.
Me: I love you.
Nkosi: also, I got you something.

He hands me a small box and when I open it, there's a beautiful pink diamond ring.

Me: this is beautiful. thank you.
Nkosi: this is just to show you just how serious I am about us.
Me: aww, baby. I love it.

I put it on and it looks absolutely gorgeous on my small, cute hands.

Nkosi: and I love you so please, marry me.
Me: of course.

He places a peck on my hand before focusing on his food again. This one is a true Zulu man, he eats!

After eating, he drops me off at home, at the gate. As I walk into my bedroom, I find Ntonto sitting on my bed.

Ntonto: who was that?
Me: who?
Ntonto: the person who dropped you off.
Me: someone.
Ntonto: is that a ring?!
Me: yes.
Ntonto: iyoh.
Dad: Scott proposed?

My dad says walking into my room.

Me: can a girl have some privacy in this house?
Dad: well, this is my house.
Me: well, this is my room.

They both leave and I throw myself on the bed before finally getting the energy to actually go and take a shower. After my shower, I wear some pajamas and head downstairs. I find Ntonto and my dad all lovey dovey in the living room while watching cartoons.

Dad: my friends are coming over tomorrow.
Ntonto: iyoh.

I burst out in laughter because of her reaction, her facial expression screaming "IRRITATED AND OVER IT!"

SUNDAY, 12 MAY

We wake up, bath and get dressed for the day. Ntonto and I go to church first. We then come back and find the men already gathered at my house.

Ntonto and I then head to the kitchen to cook them a nice Sunday meal. We then dish up, give them water to wash their hands and then serve them.

When they are done eating, I head to my room and watch some movies on my phone. Nkosikhona walks in and I get up.

Nkosi: I missed you.
Me: you can't be here.
Nkosi: at this point, I don't care.

He kisses me for a while and we are interuppted by someone clearing their throat.

Me: daddy?
Dad: under my roof? how dare you, Khumalo? get out! get out, now!
Me: baba.
Dad: shut up!
Nkosi: I love her.
Dad: what?! you are so disrespectful! how dare you?!

My dad grabs Nkosi and punches him. Nkosi lands on the floor and I run to him.

Me: oh, Nkosi. I am so sorry.
Dad: leave that man there.
Me: baba!

My dad grabs me by my arm and pulls me up.

Dad: stand up and be a man, Khumalo.
Nkosi: I will not fight you.
Dad: get out.

Nkosi stands up and leaves.

Dad: is this the rubbish you've been up to? is this the life you've chosen for yourself? dating man that are your dads peers?
Me: he is not!
Dad: he is!
Me: I love him, daddy.
Dad: I'll deal with you later. I need to make sure that piece of trash actually left my house.