MELAMINA THE QUEEN

CHAPTER 44

NQABAYOMUZI ZULU

My father’s early retirement did not startle me. I have seen first-hand how KaMahlaba’s departure affected him. Staying at home means that you get to see your parents at their highest and their lowest, and I have seen more lows from dad the past few years. He has tried being strong for everyone but he has been hurting. I remember this one time we were coming back from a meeting, he just started panting like crazy and we had to rush him to the royal hospital. The doctor said his blood pressure was really high because of stress. Retiring is also good for his mental and physical health. We are not ready to lose him yet, so rather have him alive as a father, than dead as a king.

Things are going well between Zisanele and I. She was supposed to bring Umbondo the Saturday of the coronation, but that has been postponed because the kingdom comes first. So our ceremony has been postponed to the second weekend of June. But we are having an intimate engagement party at Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga. We booked the Elements Café. Not many people are going to be there. Just a few of my family members. Dad with MaDlomo and MaDubazane is going to be there. MaShezi is in the mountains and MaMolefe is going through a lot with the twins. I also have two friends coming with their partners. Zisanele’s family is going to be there, but not all of them. Inguga is very fond of me but I haven’t had good encounters with the Mhlongo queen. She still thinks that my brother is a better husband for Zisanele than me. I know that whatever I do will not satisfy or make that woman happy and I am content with that. As long as I get along with my future father in law.

“Bafo, if this is your engagement suit, I am scared to see your wedding tux.” Mkhululi states in admiration. Zulu men don’t compliment each other. If you are a guy and another man tells you that you’re beautiful, that’s shady. Unless it’s your father. I am wearing a dark green Xhosa Afro tux by Suit Luxe. I saw their work on TikTok and I just knew that I wanted to be dressed for them for this special occasion. I was very impressed with the suits and tuxedoes they make. I might get my wedding tuxedo from them.

“I know I’m handsome, bafo. Don’t stare too much. You might catch feelings.” I respond and all my brothers laugh. Well not all of them. Sbo couldn’t make it because he is out of the country with his wife. He left soon after KaMahlaba’s festivities. The twins also left but everyone will be back just in time for the coronation. I didn’t mind the missing my engagement dinner. But I know they wouldn’t miss the other ceremonies because they are more important.

“The Mhlongo family has arrived.” One of the guards announce from the door.
“We are coming.” Simingezwi replies and we all exit the suite. I’m not too nervous about today. It’s just a formality to celebrate the union of both families and make it public because the media doesn’t know about our engagement. We made sure to keep everything private. Our PR team is ready for a statement that will accompany the pictures of tonight’s occasion.

We find Inguga with his entourage in the lobby. I can’t even see my future wife because she is shielded by the guards. When they see us, Inguga comes to us and the whole team follows him.

“Ndodana.” He shakes my hand. “Good luck for today and treat my princess well. Or else we will have a problem.” Isn’t that threat reserved for the handover at the wedding?
I chuckle and nod. “I will never harm your daughter in anyway, Makhedama.”

“We can go ahead and enter the venue, Makhedama.” Mkhululi says as he leads the Mhlongo family to the Café and I am finally left with my fiancé because we are supposed to make a grand entrance together. When my eyes finally land on her, my throat goes dry, my heart stops and the whole world comes to a stand still. What the hell?

ZISANELE MHLONGO

The feelings that I have for Nqaba continue to grow everyday. I just feel like we were meant to be. And to think I nearly married his brother. Seeing how I feel now, I can almost laugh at my stupidity for wanting to go for someone whom my family forced upon me. Life works in mysterious ways, fortunately. I am glad that in my quest to find a groom, I landed myself someone who is madly in love and obsessed with me. Nqaba is a Zulu man in every aspect of life but he is not arrogant or ignorant. He always puts my needs and wishes first. He always makes sure I’m happy or comfortable at all times and that man continuously bombards me with affection as if he is still courting me.

Tonight is the first time people are going to know about us, officially. So I had to get a dress that will make a statement. I’m not dramatic, but I did order my dress in Port Elizabeth at a boutique called Crown Cafee where they make state of the art dresses that always take your breath away. It’s a white beaded long evening dress with a simple yet elegant design. I fell in love with it from the get go. By the look on Nqaba’s face, I can tell that he is stunned by my appearance and I’m happy that I rendered him speechless.

“Is everything okay, Mtwana?” I ask innocently and his eyes finally meet mine.
He shakes his head. “You don’t pull a stunt like this and expect me to be okay. Yoh, mtanenkosi. I need air.” He blows air in his face and I giggle. He composes himself and comes closer to me. “In all honesty, you look breath-taking. They should postpone this event because I am going to make a fool of myself. I won’t be listening to all that will be said because my eyes will be on you the entire time. Angeke Khulamini. You are killing me. Feel this. I’m burning up.” He takes my hand and places it on his forehead and I laugh.

“Calm down, Ndabezitha. Our guests are waiting for us.” I kiss his cheek and he inhales my perfume. He closes his eyes for a moment.
“Even your scent is intoxicating. Fuck. I am toast.” I can’t deal when he is like this. I take his hand and start to lead him to the Café. “Aren’t you going to complement my suit, dali?” he asks looking a bit hurt.

“Myeni wami, you look so handsome today. That suit fits you well and I love your haircut and the way you shaved you beard.” I run my manicured hand in his left cheek and he takes a deep breath.
“Let’s hope I don’t die tonight.” He murmurs.

We head inside the Café and everyone stands up when they see us. They clap hands for us as we wave and head to the main table. He makes sure I am seated first before he sits next to me. The Mc of the day starts off the programme. He welcomes all of our guests.

“Before we can proceed with anything, u Ndabezitha has something to say to our princess.” The MC states before Nqaba takes the mic.

“To everyone who made it today, thank you so much for coming to celebrate this special occasion with us.” He turns to me. “Wena ka Mgabhi, before you allowed me into your heart, I was only a boy. I never understood what my brothers and fathers used to say. That you fully become a man when you find that one person to share the rest of your life with. I didn’t think it would be possible to put all your heart and trust into some stranger from somewhere, but when I saw you, all reason went out the window. You became the Centre of my existence and I will forever be grateful for being given a chance to love you.” He goes down on one knee and I gasp. I already have a ring from him. This man though. He takes out a Queen Of My Heart Round Diamond Engagement Ring. Yoh. “I know I am becoming a nuisance with this question,” I laugh. “Please Marry me Makhedama. Make me a man amongst men and agree to be mine forever.”

“How can I say no to that speech?” I whisper and he laughs. “Yes. I will marry you, my Prince.” He takes out my original engagement finger and slides in the new one. He then stands up and perks my lips for a few moments and I just wrap my arms around him. This is not even that intimate, but hugging him is always the best.

Then like a true Zulu man, he let’s go of me and starts ukugiya on this small stage we are in. Zulu men will always be Zulu men.