the name is Imani

chapter 32

THE NEXT MONTH

I'm on the way to Ulundi in KZN, with my family. That's where the rest of the Khumalo family is based. My family is just going to drop me off and leave while I have to stay there with those people. I am really hoping that the rest of his family is not like his mother.

We get there and my family goes in with me. I am dressed quite respectfully. I am wearing a long, white satin dress and a shawl to cover my shoulders. I am also wearing a black headwrap.

Also, this won't be Zizwe's first time meeting Armani because he came to see her back in Cape Town. He was very upset that I didn't tell him about his daughter. His wife attacked me and accused me of being a lot of evil things. His mother hates me so she has found the perfect excuse to bring me down. I didn't really care because it was all about Zizwe and Armani either way. Zizwe came multiples times after that to see his daughter.

While we're walking in...

Ntonto: my sister, are you sure you want us to leave you here by yourself?
Me: I have no choice, do I?

We get in and we are asked to take our seats by this other pregnant woman. She looks quite young.

Ntonto: I miss my son.

You already know who she's talking about. Athenkosi is hers now, lawfully so. The mother agreed to the adoption and so did the mothers family. We took Nkosi to court and the judge's finally judgement was that Ntonto and my dad should have the child. He is the most beautiful baby boy ever, he also really loves his mom. His mom being Ntonto of course, he also loves dad but he is a mama's boy.

Me: you'll see him in a few days.

We left Athenkosi all the way in Joburg with Ntonto's family. He is safer that way, that's what we think. We don't want Nkosi anywhere near him.

Anyway, we walk in and take our seats in the living room. This place feels homey and welcoming unlike that cold hell that is Nkosikhona's home.

Three men walk in and they are accompanied by two women who take a seat on a mat. So I'm guessing these men are their husbands.

My uncle MT speaks first and the men ask to be excused so all the women go outside. I head straight to the car with my baby and we video call Neo.

Neo: hey, my princesses.
Me: hey baby, how are you?
Neo: I am quite overwhelmed by work but I will be fine.
Me: baby, don't you miss us?
Neo: I do, I really do. how is everything going there?
Me: we were inside and they asked that all the women go outside.
Neo: oh, I guess you'll find out how everything went afterwards.
Me: I guess so but I think they're discussing the payment for damages, he has to pay off the damages for the child first and then Armani will be introduced to the family.
Neo: I wonder how they're going to feel about that name.
Me: that's none of my business, her name is Armani whether they like it or not.
Neo: okay, boss lady. let me see her.

I give the phone to Armani and they chat for a while. Armani is giggling nonstop. I take my phone and Neo and I chat while Armani plays on her iPad.

Neo: you dressed her really nicely.
Me: thank you.

Armani is wearing a yellow sundress and I have her hair up in an afro puff. She looks so gorgeous, like she always does. She's also wearing some Chanel sandals and a gold bracelet on her wrist.

A woman walks out of one of the rondavels and waves at me. She then calls me.

Me: baby, I'll call you back. I think I'm needed.
Neo: okay, bye.
Me: love you.
Neo: don't say "love you", say it properly.

He says that part in Xhosa, which causes me to erupt in laughter.

Me: I love you.
Neo: yes, good girl. I love you too, my love.
Me: okay, we'll talk later.

I hang up and head over to the rondavel with my baby.

The lady: hey, my name is Londiwe. I don't know if you mind helping me with one of the side dishes. I know I shouldn't be asking but I really struggle with this particular side dish.
Me: okay, no problem. my name is Imani.
Londi: nice to meet you.

I take Armani to her father discreetly before heading back to the rondavel to help with the side dish.

Me: so what am I helping you with?
Londi: creamed spinach.
Me: I make the best creamed spinach, you asked the right person.

I gather my ingredients and start making the creamed spinach. Within minutes, I'm done so I just put the creamed spinach in a cute little dish before leaving the rondavel.

I walk out and see Zizwe standing by the kraal while holding Armani with his one arm. He is using the other to point at the livestock. I smile and walk towards them.

Me: hey.
Zizwe: oh, hey. I was just showing her, her inheritance.
Me: oh. I missed this, I missed seeing the livestock and everything here. it's so beautiful, it feels even better now that it's not at your mom's place.

He laughs at me.

Zizwe: you hate her, don't you.
Me: I despise her with every bone in my body. I am a child of God though, I will forgive her eventually.
Zizwe: wow.

He laughs and continues to look at the livestock while holding Armani's little hand.

Me: look though...
Zizwe: yeah?
Me: I am sorry for keeping your daughter away from you.
Zizwe: look, I was more hurt about losing my best friend. come here.

He opens his arms and I go to him. He hugs me while holding his daughter on the other side. He takes a deep breath and sighs.

Me: and your wife is evil.
Zizwe: I have noticed.

We both laugh. We hear footsteps so we both look back.

His wife: your uncles are calling for the both of you.
Zizwe: we'll be with them shortly.
His wife: but-
Zizwe: I said we're coming so please give us a moment.

She rolls her eyes and walks away with attitude.

Me: how did you marry that woman?
Zizwe: I have no idea. I don't know what I was thinking when I married Nyalleng.

I take Armani and we go in. I sit down with my baby and he sits next to his uncle.

His uncle: Zizwe, do you know the mother of this child?
Zizwe: yes, I do.
His uncle: we have paid damages for this baby. we will now take her and introduces her to our elders. we will then give her a name that she will be known by here, at home, where her roots are.