NTOMBI (GIRL)

chapter one

Ntombie is a very noble and a kind girl. She is beautiful and proud of her heritage and culture. Her mother Precious got pregnant with her at a young age. Years later her mother got married to a very known or may I say a rather respectable man in her village. His name is  Sipho Zulu. Ntombi was happy that her mother had found another man to make her happy and to fill the void she had in her heart.

Sipho Zulu had a lot of cattles and their house was as beautiful as the chiefs' (king) house. The villagers respected him as they respected their chief. The villagers saw his doings were right and was for the benefit of the people. Little did they know that he had killed man and behind the mask was a beast looking for his next victim to devour and cheat of land. He abused and manipulated his wife. He was a monster and a selfish inhuman being. 

"Precious, where is my food." He yelled at his wife as he sat down, thanking his ancestors for the fruitful day that he had.

"Uhm, just a minute love." Love? She despised him. What could she do. He took her and her daughter in when no one would marry her. What will the village woman think if she were to leave her husband. 

She skidded her way quickly with a tray full of dishes. One to wash his hand and the other carried the food. She kneeled near her husband, offered him the tray and bowed down her head as she did that.

"What took you so long woman. I'm out there working for you and your lazy daughter and this is the thanks I get from you."

"I'm sorry baba (father). I promise it won't happen again."

Sipho waved his hand in disgust signalling for precious to disappear. This is the pain that she had to bear. The pain of an unhappy marriage. I guess this goes as the saying says, she made her bed now she has to lie on it. 

If it weren't for the man that promised her a happy home. She was young and naive. How could she have known that the man would marry from another family because of her status. Her family wasn't  rich. Her father was a farmer and had no cattles.

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"Ntombie where were you. Do you know that if your father saw... you know what get out of my sight I don't have the strength for you right now." Precious scolded her daughter  thankful that her husbamd has fallen asleep earlier than usual.

"Let it not happen again. Understand me." Her mom told her sternly giving her arm a tight grip.  She winced and backed away.  Her mother couldn't even bother to ask where she has been. She was too relieved that her husband was asleep or else all hell would've broke.

Ntombi couldn't care less. She had visited her grandmother. She sang songs for Ntombi and told her stories that happened before mankind was created. Ntombi was always fascinated by these stories and how people have different theories how mankind became to be. She ate tripe and samp that her grandmother cooked specially for her.

"Now go to your room and don't show your face around here. It's your fault that your dad left me. You shameless child."

She quickly ran to her room and cried herself to sleep.