Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 50

Launch days always bring nerves. Even though you planned your thing to a T, you are always worried that you might mess things up. I know Buhle’s work is splendid but I still worry. Sue me. But all my worries fade away as we pull up to the farm. Everything is set up from the gate. Cars are parked outside the gate and you have to walk to the venue to get the whole farm experience. We also park near the other cars and walk inside. My brother is still not happy about my choice in men but he is here to support me and I really appreciate that. It feels surreal to have a member of my family see my success. It is like I have really made it in life. He even made me a congratulatory breakfast today which he served in bed. Big brother goals, I tell you.

We are given welcome drinks and I mingle with some of the guests that have arrived. Soon, more guests arrive and before I know it, almost everyone is here. Even the restaurant staff. There isn’t a huge programme. Just a few words from me and then we will tour the farm. People settle down and I wave at everyone.

“Good day everyone and thank you so much for coming. My name is Hlengiwe Mabuyakhulu, founder and head chef of Healthy Eats. Cooking started as a passion from a young age but as I grew, I watched a lot of cooking shows and just saw myself there behind the camera cooking for viewers or competing against other chefs. Which is why I studied to be a nutritionist and a chef. My profession focuses more on healthy living. A few months ago, we officially opened our first branch of Healthy Eats and we thought maybe after a year, we might open a second one. We didn’t picture ourselves owning a farm. Maybe that was going to pop out in five years or so. But when our long-time supplier made us an offer, we couldn’t refuse it. And that’s how we found ourselves owning this huge farm. In as much as supplying fruits and vegetables bring this farm a lot of money, we thought opening it for business like events hosting will be another way of bringing in more money. That’s another reason for this launch, to basically let people know that they have a wedding destination in their back door. God, look at me preaching.” Everyone laughs.

“I promise. I will be done now. All this wouldn’t be possible without our investors. We appreciate that they gave us freedom to expand the business however we see fit and we hope this investment won’t go to waste. We hope that by the end of next month, we would have at least secured one wedding booking. Fingers crossed. Anyways, thank you so much to the farm workers for keeping it running and for doing their jobs exceptionally. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. I also want to thank my restaurant staff. Y’all are amazing and I appreciate you. Thank you to everyone who made it today. We hope you will spread the word that this farm is now open for events. I hope you all enjoy the tour.” The guests clap their hands.
I move to the audience once again, thanking almost anyone I come across for making it here. We take a few pictures with the farm workers and the manager. They are wearing their farm t-shirts and jeans. The restaurant staff is also wearing their branded t-shirts and jeans. Among the guests, I spot Melisizwe and my heart almost stops. He is talking to a guy who looks like he is around Mndeni’s age. I slowly walk to them and he notices me. He is carrying a small gift bag.

“Ntokazi.” He smiles at me and hands me the gift. “Congratulations on such a big venture. Owning a farm is no joke but I know you are going to excel and exceed your own expectations.” He doesn’t hug me and I know why. We are in public and there are people taking pictures. We wouldn’t want his kids finding out about us through social media pictures.

“Thank you, Mnguni.” I blush. I am so happy that he is here.
“This is my nephew, Sizwe. He was in town for some business and he asked to accompany me since my sister kidnapped his wife and kids for some shopping.” He introduces the guy with dreads and I chuckle.
Sizwe laughs. “This old man practically begged me and almost went on his knees but I couldn’t allow that because he wouldn’t have been able to get up.” I laugh while Melisizwe chuckles. “But I am glad I came, Mthotshane. You are very young, yet you have achieved a lot and are taking on this big venture. I applaud you on that and I will make sure to tell my friends to consider this for their weddings. Congratulations.”

I smile at him. “Thank you, Bhuti.” I really appreciate his kind words. While standing with them, Mndeni comes to us. I take this as a cue to introduce them. “Mtakagogo, this is Melisizwe and his nephew. Bo Mzimela, this is my brother and the only living family member I have, Mndeni Mabuyakhulu.”

Mndeni smiles. “If we weren’t in an event like this, I would’ve punched your teeth out as a warning of what might happen to you if you decide to play with her feelings or break her heart.” OMG. I wish the ground can open and swallow me. Did he have to say that here? In front of all these people? And Melisizwe’s nephew? I look at him but he doesn’t look at me. Instead, he is staring at Melisizwe.

Melisizwe smiles in return. “I understand your feelings, Ndiyema. If I were in your shoes, I would also be sceptical and try by all means to protect my sister’s heart. I won’t make any promises because that’s between me and her. But please note that I will walk on lava for her.”
“That’s deep.” Sizwe murmurs and I wanna laugh to bad but I don’t. these men will think I am crazy.

“What do we have here?” Nqobile’s voice startles me as she joins us. She sees Melisizwe and her smile widens. “Mr. Salt and Pepper. You are here. Damn, you are more handsome in person and I swear I would have hit boss lady with a brick if my asshole boyfriend with a wondering eye didn’t buy me a watch worth a year’s tuition at culinary school.” This girl. I guess she is the awkward moment breaker I needed. Melisizwe seems shocked by her.

“This is my friend, Nqobile. And Nqo, this is Melisizwe and Sizwe, his nephew.” I tell her.
“Forget what I said. I can take the nephew.” She says, extending her hand to Sizwe.
“Jesus, Nqobile.” Mndeni mutters before walking away and Nqobile laughs.
“Unfortunately, I am married to a crazy lioness, Nkosazane.” Sizwe responds shaking Nqobile’s hand.

“Yeah, neh All the good ones are taken. Your family is lazy though. Imagine naming one child Melisizwe and another Sizwe after a few years. Lazy tendencies. But it was nice meeting you, bantu basemzini.” She blows kisses before walking away.

“And that is the colourful Nqobile?” Melisizwe asks and I laugh.
“That was her tame version.” His eyes pop out. Honestly, he looks hilarious.
“Go and mingle with your guests. We will be around.” He tells me and subtly brushes my arm. That makes my whole-body tingle. Don’t judge, I missed him and his touch.

We take a tour around the farm, and even get to participate on the harvest which is a great experience, judging on most people’s reactions. A lot of people are excited about hand picking the strawberries. They even wash and eat them immediately. We go back to the seating area and one of the investors, Athandwa Pina, pulls me to the side. She is with a teenage girl.

“This is my daughter, Nolubabalo.” I greet the child and she greets back. She walks away after that. “She is the one who was diagnosed with a heart disease at a young age.”
“She looks so healthy and beautiful.”

She smiles. “Thank you for that. Mbambo thought this purchase was just exploiting your funds but from the proposal you sent and your vision, most of the investors gave their approval and we can see that we didn’t make a mistake. We have been tracking the restaurant’s progress these past few months and we are impressed by everything. The income, the customer service experience and all the reviews. You are doing a great job, Hlengiwe. Continue being a great example for the kids out there and just like everyone else, we are dying for you to announce your first expansion spot.”

These kind words get to me. I find myself hugging her and she chuckles before hugging me back. I thank her and she walks away. I also thank some of the investors that are present. Hearing that they approve of our plans mean a lot. Shit can go South any time and they can decide to withdraw all their funds, or worse, hand the restaurant to someone else. I just hope nothing unfortunate will happen that will make them lose their trust in me.