Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 25

SPONSORED CHAPTER

I am still shocked about what happened earlier on. I was sure that brunch was just a friendly encounter between people who know each other, but after he gave me those gifts, he made me rethink everything that occurred. I understand where Mbulelo inherited his gifting heart. His father had no reason to buy me flowers and an expensive watch. Brunch was enough. This just left my head scrambled. Here I was thinking that it was wrong to undress the man the whole time while he was maybe doing the same thing. Okay. This weekend is all about self discovery and not confuse myself more. So I am going to forget about this encounter. Which is going to be hard.

I post my gifts on social media and watch as people flock over them. Some are asking who bought them. Some are assuming that Mbulelo is the one who bought them since he used to post us on TikTok. I am not about to correct any allegations. I am not that famous to issue out breakup statements. After putting my flowers in a vase, I sit on the balcony and just look at the incredible view in front of me. Umhlanga is very beautiful. Even more during the day. It is so peaceful and not crowded like the CBD. My mind wonders where he might be. I always convince myself not to care but it’s hard. I know that it is one of the mysteries in my life that I would love to solve, even if it takes a lifetime. Mkhulandle.

**

Last night I had dinner in the restaurant hotel and I gained a friend who is a sous chef here at Radisson Blu. She is very nice and humble. I actually passed a compliment through the waiters and she came out to thank me herself. Turns out she knew me from social media and we just clicked. I promised to have dinner with her the following night before heading back home. I think we will go to Ballito or maybe in Westville. I want to continue my explorations and I don’t want Umhlanga to be the only place to write home about.

I am all for exploring this weekend, which is why I drive to Bean Around the Block on Windermere for breakfast. The place is so cosy and beautiful. Everything is about it is so welcoming. The outdoor vibe, i am really digging it. It is giving me a vision of how I would like Healthy Eats to be built like if we had outdoor space. I order a chicken fettucine, Philly cheese steak, some homemade scones and a cup of mocha. The food is so delicious. I even order a Margherita pizza as a takeout. This place is so quiet and peaceful. I can see myself coming back here with my future partner, wherever he is. But the only thing i would fault them in is the limited choices in their menu. Otherwise, everything is a 10.

After breakfast, I drive to town. I have this business conference that is in September and the theme is traditional wear. It is going to be held in Pietermaritzburg. I love events like those because they give me an opportunity to build connections in my industry. There are many female chefs in KwaZulu-Natal, but not many of them are nutritionists. And so that gives me an advantage.

So I figured since I am already in Durban, I can buy some beads in that passage near Grey Street. I withdraw cash at a petrol station and then drive to Grey Street. I park my car and cross the street before entering the passage. Since I am all about supporting small businesses, I buy a single item from each stall and then one of them directs me to Victoria Street for the type of shoes i am looking for. I thank them and exit the passage. I drive to Victoria Street and park in front of the Victoria Market. I make my way inside and search for the shoes I am looking for until I find them. i pay for them and just as I am exiting, someone roughly take my plastic and run with it. I scream and see some black guy running after the man who just took my plastic. I don’t know if he is helping or if they are working together.

I stand outside the market with my hands in my head. I know Durban is notorious for thieves but I did not expect to someone to rob me just outside a store. The black guy comes back dragging the thief with his clothes. The thief is apologizing and even crying. Why the fuck is he crying? I am the one who is supposed to be crying. He was robbing me. The black guy looks like a hobo, but I am grateful for what he has done.

“Apologize.” He groans, throwing the thief at my feet and the poor guy cries, begging for my forgiveness.
“I won’t do that again, my sister. I am so sorry. I was led by hunger.” He cries more. Last time I checked, thieves were not cry babies. What is wrong with this guy? Or maybe he fears the black guy? That might be the case.

“It’s fine.” I respond and he stands up, smiling at me before taking off again. At least this time he is not running with my stuff.
The black guy looks at me as he hands me my plastic. “Next time keep a tight grip on your things. This is Durban, sis wam. People are hungry and desperate.” He starts to walk away but I stop him. The gears in my mind are turning like crazy. It is him. I swear to God, it is him. But how?

“Mkhulandle, is that you?”
He freezes and his eyes pop out. As if he also recognizes me. My eyes fill with tears. I can’t believe this. It is actually him.