Zamageda his heart

Chapter 34

After hanging up with Zama, Zipho immediately called his father to share the update."Mntungwa!" Zipho greeted, excitement evident in his voice. "Mbulazi!" his father responded."kuhamba kanjani lapho kumakoti? kuyalunga kodwa?" his father asked, his enthusiasm palpable. "Zama found a house in Constantia, Baba. I'm waiting for the agent to send me the deed and payment details," he replied. "Send me the agent's bank details, I'll take care of it. Consider it a welcome and congratulatory gift yamakoti," Smanga offered, beaming with pride.

He knew his father's generosity stemmed from his fondness for Zama and Xoli, who stood out from his other daughters-in-law with their exceptional work ethic and loving nature. "Baba, I've got this one," he insisted. "Ah, lomfana angibuzanga ngithe Send me the details," Smanga pressed, knowing zipho wouldn't win this argument. he relented, aware that his father's offer would ease his financial burden. "Alright, Baba. I'll send the agent's email to your PA.""Kulungile, mbulazi. Ngizokwenza njalo," he said, content. The two bid farewell, and Zipho forwarded the agent's email to his PA, ensuring a seamless transition before his move to Cape Town.

A couple of weeks had passed since Zama's move to Constantia, and the COVID-19 lockdown had just begun. Zipho remained stuck in Kimberley, while Zama settled into her new life with Phili and the kids. Phili continued to ignore Manqoba, using Zama as an alibi for her whereabouts. "Chomi, are you good?" Phili asked, concern etched on her face, as Zama paced back and forth, rubbing her back. "Chomi, my back is on fire," Zama replied, downing another glass of ice-cold water, a stark contrast to Cape Town's gloomy weather. "I'll be back," she said, taking steady steps, her legs set apart like a penguin, as she headed to the indoor pool to soak her feet.

"Zama, you can't swim in this weather," Phili protested. She shot her a nasty side-eye. "My bad," Phili raised her arms in defeat, letting Zama slide into the pool. Phili decided to call Nyezi, recognising the signs of impending labor. "Ufunani?" Nyezi answered in a bored tone, still holding a grudge against Phili for her reckless behaviour. "Chomi, I think your sister is in labor. She's been rubbing her back and swimming because she's hot, despite the cold weather," she explained in one breath. "You're trained for this, Phili. She's only 8 months; it's probably just Braxton Hicks," Nyezi dismissed. "She's not having contractions," Phili refuted. "She'll be fine," Nyezi said before hanging up. Phili walked to the indoor pool to check on Zama, who sat in the pool, taking deep breaths.

Her face contorted in agony as she clutched her lower back, her eyes screwed shut. "Ah, Phili, I think it's getting worse," she gritted through clenched teeth. Phili's concern deepened. "We need to get you to the hospital, now." She helped her out of the pool, supporting her as she winced with each step. As they hastily dressed Zama in dry clothes, Phili's hands trembled. "This can't be happening, not now, not during lockdown."

Zama's breathing grew shallow, her voice laced with panic. "Phili, I feel like the baby is...moving...and it's hurting so much." Phili swiftly packed a diaper bag, her mind racing. "Madlamini, stay with the kids, we're going to the hospital." The usually 20-minute drive felt like an eternity, with Zama's groans filling the car. They miraculously avoided police checkpoints, arriving at the hospital flustered. Inside, Dr. Nyembezi greeted them with a calm smile. "Let's take a look, Mrs Mabaso. Can you lie down for me?" Zama's face twisted as another pain wave hit. "Doctor, it feels like...burning...and the baby's moving weirdly."

Dr. Nyembezi's expression turned serious as she moved the probe over her belly. "Zama, we need to do an emergency C-section. The baby's heartbeat is alarmingly low. It seems the baby has ingested something toxic, and if we don't act quickly, it poses a significant risk to both you and the child." Her eyes widened in terror. "What? How? What did I do?" Phili grasped Zama's hand tightly. "Don't worry, oe, i'm here for you." Dr. Nyembezi's voice remained steady. "We'll take care of this. Let's prep you for surgery." As the medical team rushed around her, Zama's thoughts swirled in chaos. What could the baby have ingested? How did this happen?

"Phili..." Zama whispered, panic setting in. "I'm here, chomi," Phili replied, tears brimming in her eyes. "You're going to be okay. Both of you will be okay." The porter arrived, and Zama's world began to blur. Her last thought was of her unborn child, fighting for life.Phili's hands trembled as she dailled Zipho's number, her voice barely above a whisper. "Zipho, it's Zama...she's in labor. But something's wrong...the baby's heartbeat is low, and they need to do an emergency C-section."

His voice erupted from the phone, laced with panic. "What? How? What's happening?"Phili's words tumbled out in a frantic rush. "The doctors say the baby ingested something toxic. They don't know what. Zama's being prepped for surgery now." His curses echoed through the line, his helplessness palpable. "This can't be happening. I'm stuck here in Kimberley, and I can do nothing." Her voice cracked. "I know, Zipho. I'm scared. Zama's scared. The doctors are trying to stay calm, but I can see the worry in their eyes." His breathing grew ragged. "Keep me updated, Phili. Every minute, every second. I need to know what's happening."

Phili's tears flowed freely. "I will, Zipho. But you need to stay calm for Zama's sake. She needs you to be strong." His anguish was tangible. "How can I be strong when my wife and child are fighting for their lives, and I'm stuck here? This lockdown is killing me." her voice faltered. "Zipho, please...Zama needs you. Focus on her, on your child. We'll get through this."The line went silent, except for Zipho's laboured breathing. Phili knew he was struggling to maintain control. Suddenly, Phili's name was called from the hospital room. "miss Zungu, they're taking Mrs Mabaso in. Now." Her voice rushed out. "Zipho, I have to go. I'll keep you posted."

His desperate plea echoed through the line. "Phili, tell Zama...tell her I love her, that I'm with her. Please, keep her safe." The line went dead, leaving her to rush back to Zama's side. Phili rushed back to the hospital room, her heart racing. She found Zama being wheeled into the operating theatre, her eyes locked on Phili's. "Phili..." she whispered, fear etched on her face. "I'm here, chomi," she replied, grasping Zama's hand. "Zipho sends his love. He's with you, always."Zama's gaze lingered on Phili's before the porter gently nudged Phili aside. "We need to begin."Phili watched, helpless, as the doors swung shut behind Zama. She collapsed onto a nearby chair, her body shaking with sobs.

In Kimberley, Zipho paced his room, his mind racing. He felt trapped, powerless. His phone remained silent, each passing minute an eternity. Suddenly, his phone buzzed. Phili's name flashed on the screen. "Phili?" he answered, his voice laced with desperation. "They've started the C-section," Phili reported, her voice trembling. "The doctors are trying to stabilise the baby's heartbeat." his anxiety spiked. "And Zama? How is she?" "Scared, but holding on. She's asking for you." His anguish deepened. "Tell her I love her, that I'm coming as soon as I can."Phili's voice cracked. "I will. Zipho, pray for them."

The line went silent again, leaving Zipho to his torment. Inside the operating theatre, Dr. Nyembezi's voice remained calm. "Zama, we're going to get your baby out safely. Hang in there."her groggy response was barely audible. "please" The medical team worked swiftly, their faces set with determination. Finally, "A baby boy!" Dr. Nyembezi announced. But the celebration was short-lived. "Doctor, the baby's not responding," a nurse warned. Dr. Nyembezi's expression turned grim. "We need to get him to NICU, now." Phili's phone buzzed again. She hesitated before answering Zipho's anxious call. "Phili?" Zipho's voice was strained. "I'm still waiting ," Phili stammered. his heart sank.