TILL DEATH DO US PART

Chapter 6

... I tried translating some Zulu parts, they're included in the square brackets right after some Zulu statements...

Nsika
(We've just wrapped up a meeting to review the progress of the security system upgrade that Nozi is overseeing. The meeting was a success, and everything is going according to plan. As everyone starts to leave, Mr. Ngcobo addresses us.)

Mr. Ngcobo:"Nozi and Nsika, please follow me to my office."
(Nozi looks at me, puzzled, but we both follow him. She walks ahead, leaving me to catch up. I enter the office right after her and pull out a chair for her, earning a surprised look.)

Nsika:"Sesikhona, Mapholoba." [We're here]

Mr. Ngcobo:"Ehhh, I've noticed some tension and unprofessional flirtation between the two of you over the past few weeks. I believe you've mixed business with pleasure, and it's starting to affect the company. I need reassurance that you can maintain professionalism, no matter what's going on between you two."

Nsika:"If I may ask, why do you need reassurance?"

Mr. Ngcobo:"Nozi, can I trust you?"

Nozi:"Yes, you can."

Mr. Ngcobo:"Nsika?"

Nsika:"Yebo baba, you can trust me." (He smiles.) [Yes dad, you can trust me]

Mr. Ngcobo:"Good. I'd like to send you both as delegates of the company to the Next Gen Cyber Security Conference in Dubai next month. Will that work with your schedules?"
(I internally smirk at the thought of spending time with Nozi in a place where we know no one.)

Nozi:"Baba, let me check my schedule, and I'll get back to you later today."

Mr. Ngcobo:"That's fine, kaManzini. Take your time. Once you've confirmed, I'll share more details." (We stand and leave his office.)

Nozi:"Couldn't your dad have sent you with someone else, like one of your brothers?"

Nsika:"Maybe it's because you know more about security systems, and I'm the company representative. So, are we going?" (I chuckle.)

Nozi:"Seems like you're just excited for a vacation."

Nsika:"Well, conferences usually don't last all day. Mornings are for work, afternoons are free-perfect for exploring Dubai." (I laugh, secretly looking forward to a mini-vacation. I could use the break.)

Nozi:"Let me sort out a few things, and I think I'll be free to go."

Nsika:"Alright."

---

Nozi
(We've confirmed our availability for the business trip. Mr. Ngcobo has everything in order, and we'll be leaving soon. Right now, I'm with Nsika, checking on the progress of the cottages I'm building. As we walk toward the gate, a black tinted Range Rover screeches to a halt, then speeds off just as quickly. Before I can process what's happening, Nsika grabs my arm, and pain flares-I've been shot!)

(Nsika quickly wraps my arm with a t-shirt from his car and drives like a maniac to the hospital. The shock must've numbed the pain initially, but now it's unbearable, and I'm on the verge of tears. He keeps brushing my thigh to calm me down. We arrive at the hospital, and I'm admitted immediately. The doctors give me something for the pain, and I black out.)

(I wake up to a stern voice shouting on the phone. My eyes are still closed, but I recognize it as Nsika's.)

Voice:"I want you to find out who did this before the day ends, you hear me? I want them ready for me at the warehouse by 6 o'clock."
(What the hell? I realize it's Nsika and open my eyes.)