Loving a married Xhosa man

01

Dikeledi

I woke up early in the morning, my heart already beating a little faster than usual. Today was the big day, my job interview at Sithole and sons law firm. I tried to keep myself calm as I went through my routine, focusing on each small task. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and carefully picked out the clothes I’d planned for this day. My mind kept running through possible interview questions, my hands almost trembling as I tied my hair back.

Before I stepped out of my room, I closed my eyes and whispered a small prayer.

“Please, let today go well.” I murmured, barely above a whisper.

I didn’t really expect a miracle, but I hoped for some strength to get through it all. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and headed out.

In the living room, I gave quick goodbyes to my family. They wished me luck, and I managed a small, nervous smile in response. With my heart racing but my mind set, I finally stepped outside.

The sky was overcast, a dull gray that seemed to press down on everything. Just my luck, I thought, but I shrugged it off. I didn’t have an umbrella with me, but I figured the clouds might hold off long enough for me to get to the law firm. The interview was all that mattered.

But as I walked down the street, I felt the first drop hit my cheek. Then another. And soon, it wasn’t just a drizzle - it was pouring. My heart dropped as I realized I had no way to shield myself. Rain was already soaking through my clothes, and I couldn’t help but panic a little. This was not how I’d pictured starting my day. I forced myself to take deep breaths, trying to stay calm as I continued on my way.

It took nearly an hour, but eventually, I reached the building. I was drenched, my clothes clinging to me and my hair a mess, but at least I’d made it. I tried to brush off as much water as I could, straightening myself up before I walked inside. The receptionist looked up as I entered, and I offered a quick, apologetic smile. She just nodded, probably used to all sorts of rushed applicants, and pointed me toward the HR office.

I walked in, my heart thudding in my chest, and managed to get through the interview. I answered each question as best I could, focusing on my answers and trying to ignore how uncomfortable I felt. When it was finally over, I felt a small wave of relief wash over me. The hard part was done. All I had to do now was get home.

As I stepped outside, still damp and tired, I felt a strange sense of accomplishment. But that feeling didn’t last long. Just a few blocks from the law firm, as I walked through a quieter street, I felt someone tug at my arm. Before I could react, a figure snatched my phone and wallet from my hand and vanished down an alley.

I was left standing there, stunned. My heart raced, my legs felt weak, and, without even realizing it, I sank down onto the wet pavement, my head in my hands. All the stress, the rain, and now this - it all came crashing down on me. I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. I just sat there, kneeling, crying, feeling helpless and completely alone.

Suddenly, I heard the hum of an engine, and I looked up to see an Audi pulling up beside me. A guy stepped out, his face concerned as he looked down at me.

“Are you okay?” he asked gently, his voice soft but steady.

I couldn’t even bring myself to answer. I just kept crying, the weight of the whole day pouring out of me. He didn’t push for a response, though, he just stood there, patiently waiting. After a while, when I’d finally managed to catch my breath, he spoke again.

“Would you like to grab some lunch?” he offered, his voice calm, almost comforting.

“I know today’s been rough. Maybe it would help a bit.” he added.

For a moment, I just stared at him, uncertain. But there was something in his eyes, a kind of warmth, and it made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I didn’t have to handle everything on my own. I nodded slowly, and he helped me to my feet.
-
We pulled up to McDonald's, and I felt a strange mix of relief and awkwardness as we walked inside. My clothes were still damp, my hair a mess, but at least I wasn’t crying anymore. He ordered for both of us, nothing too fancy, just burgers and fries - and we found a small booth by the window.

At first, I felt shy, unsure of what to say. But as we started eating, the conversation began to flow more easily than I expected. He asked me about my day, and I told him about the interview, the rain, and everything that had gone wrong. Somehow, talking to him made me feel a little better.

He was easy to talk to, his smile warm and genuine.

But as we talked, a thought kept nagging at me.

"Why did he help me?" I glanced at him across the table. He was good-looking, tall, with a sharp jawline and confident eyes. Men like him didn’t usually notice women like me. I never thought of myself as particularly beautiful, and I certainly wasn’t used to being approached by guys like him. I tried to push the thought away, but it kept coming back.

Suddenly, he snapped his fingers in front of my face, making me blink.

“Earth to you, my lady." he said, a teasing smile on his lips.

I let out a small laugh, embarrassed.

“Sorry, I was just...thinking.” I muttered, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

“It’s alright. You looked deep in thought there for a second.” he said smiling.

I smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. Then he leaned back in his seat.

“By the way, I’m Msimelelo Sobukwe.”

I blinked again, surprised that we’d gone this long without exchanging names.

"Dikeledi Mfete.” I replied, my voice soft but clear.

“Nice to meet you, Dikeledi." he said with a grin.

Before I could say anything else, he glanced at his watch.

"We should probably hit the stores before they close. You need a new phone, right?”

I didn’t even know how to respond. I didn’t expect him to offer more help after everything he’d already done. But before I could protest, we were back in his car, heading toward a mall.

We rushed through the stores, and he made sure I got a new phone and a simple purse to replace the one I’d lost. When we reached the counter, he handed over the money without a second thought, then turned to me and handed me an extra R600 in cash.

I stared at the money, my mind blank. I didn’t know what to say or do. I just stood there, completely stunned.

“I...I don’t know how to thank you.” I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Msimelelo smiled softly.

“You don’t have to thank me. Just take care of yourself, okay?”

I nodded slowly, still in disbelief. As we walked back to his car, I felt a strange mix of gratitude and confusion. Why was he doing all of this for me? I didn’t know what I’d done to deserve his kindness.

On the drive back to my house, I sat quietly, staring at my new phone in my hands. Just before we reached my place, he stopped the car and took the phone from me, quickly saving his number.

“There you go. Call me if you need anything.”

I smiled, feeling a little overwhelmed but grateful.

“Okay I will and thank you, Msimelelo. For everything.”

He nodded.

I stepped out of the car, watching as he drove off into the night. As I stood there, holding the phone tightly in my hand, I felt like the day, no matter how rough it had started, had somehow turned into something unexpectedly good.