Zamageda his heart

chapter 25

I spent almost an hour with Zipho, who is now resting his head on my thighs, when Manqoba walks in and says, "Awe, your sister says we should vaai before it gets dark." He sits on the armrest, and I assume he's referring to Nyezi. I get my bag from Zipho's room, and he follows behind with his bag and the pink suitcase containing Iyana and Namisa's clothes. I thought they'd be staying here until the new year. As we prepare to leave, Namisa shouts, "Are we leaving, Mama?" while wiggling herself free from Pearl's grasp. I ask, "Yes, baby, where is your sister?" not seeing Iyana next to her, as they've been inseparable since they met. Namisa points to the tent, and I spot Iyana on Mbuso's lap, with him trying to read her. Zipho's rising anger is evident, so I walk towards the tent, take my child from Mbuso, and he says, "Nawe umgaxe ijazi ubafo". I don't bother responding to him and instead walk towards the car, with Namisa galloping ahead of me.

Nkosi drives us to Kwamaphumulo while engaged in conversation with Nyezi. I'm cuddled up with Zipho, and Phili is sharing whispers with Manqoba. I'm not fond of the subtle situation brewing between them, but I've decided to mind my own business for now. We enjoy comfortable chatter during the drive.Upon arrival, we're warmly welcomed by Aunt Kwanda and Umkhulu. With preparations scheduled for tomorrow, there's not much to do today. After freshening up, I get ready for bed, ensuring my girls are tucked in first. Namisa, who's only known me for less than a month, already feels comfortable with me, affectionately calling me "Mama" - a habit Iyana has adopted, bringing me immense joy. I'm determined to be the best mother I can be to them.Before drifting off to sleep, I catch up with Lihle, ending the day on a pleasant note.

The next day, we undergo cleansing, and the rest of the week is a whirlwind of preparations for the Abakwamabaso . By Friday evening, I'm exhausted, craving nothing more than to be cuddled up with my lover, whom I haven't seen all week, except for FaceTime calls.However, my cousin Nikeziwe has made this experience even more draining with her constant comments about my pregnancy. She's said things like, "wazi ukmitha nje," "umshonisephi lo weyokqala?" and "You're just sleeping around, trapping men with pregnancies so they pay ilobolo for you." I've ignored every comment, but one remark cut deep - when she accused me of not knowing Iyana's father, implying that Nhlanhla, a zulu man, couldn't have possibly fathered her because of her hair. I've always been questioned about her hair, but I never knew how to answer, as I believed Nhlanhla was 100% South African .I decide to sleep, leaving the remaining tasks to others. Only after my phone call with Zipho do I realise there might be a problem. Since my family has already received izinkomo zakwaGumede, will they accept ezakamabaso, or will they give them a runaround? My mind races with thoughts of the Gumedes ruining my day, just as they did when they killed my mother. I'm now overwhelmed with emotions, struggling to fall asleep.

(Narrated)

While Zama lies awake, her anxiety spiraling out of control, Nyezi works to calm the storm brewing inside their grandfather's hut. Mkhulu is resolute in his determination to thwart the day's success, convinced that receiving lobola twice for one person from different men is an abomination according to him bathela umuzi wakhokho ngehlazo . He cannot be swayed, and no one dares challenge his conviction. Furthermore, Mkhulu takes offence with Mamkhize's sister meddling in the family's affairs, feeling his authority is being undermined. As a man of principle and means, he refuses to compromise his integrity ngisho noShembe angamjezisa, even if it means forfeiting wealth. His eldest son, Phelelani, initially shared his stance, but after being promised a brand-new Quantum, he now tries to persuade the stubborn Mkhulu to reconsider and prioritise Zama's happiness. However, Mkhulu has never been one to bend to a woman's feelings; his word is law, akukho zinkomo zangena emzini wakhe for zama and no amount of persuasion will change his mind.