IKONGA!

8

There on the ground was none other than the proud Kulo, who was grinning like one who won a bet on a fight at the village grounds.

"I got you, Kaka!"

Kona gave him a sceptic look.

"Did it occur to you that I might have harmed you Kulo? When do you plan on growing up? I did not find the least humour in your little act", he let go of Kulo's hands and noticed the fishing spears on the ground.

"What are those for?"

"You promised to fish with me yesterday. I wanted to do it early this morning and by the way, you did hurt me Kaka."

"Where? let me see."

"My feelings."

A moment passed.

Then Kona gave him a small upside head hit.

"Ow! kaka. You did hurt my feelings, you said my prank wasn't funny. I thought it was."

Kona just picked up the fishing spears and headed downstream. "Fine, it was really funny. Let's go now"

"I knew you were clever! Aren't you going to do something to make me feel better?"

A ghost of a smile played on Kona's lips. "What do you want?"

"Kudoko practise when I'm done catching more fish than you," he said smugly.

"Sure, Kulo. I can't wait.",

"Now that you're a bit better can you tell me what's bothering you?"

"A few minutes ago you were five now you're what? twenty?"

"I mean it Kaka. Jokes aside, what is going on in your mind? you tell me everything, remember?"

"Where do I hide my Kalimba?"

"That's not fair!" Kulo stomped his foot and crossed his arms.

"Ah-huh, I thought so."

******

"This is your husband"

"What?! No."

Audible gasps sounded from the women in the background.

The experienced man who was chosen to represent the suitor's family and be the spokesperson for the bride groom's family was taken back but after a quick judgment in his mind, he shook his head and quickly hid his confusion.

It couldn't be that this young lady was actually trying to deny getting married could it?... No, it was absolutely impossible. Yes, very impossible. Perhaps it is because I said husband and not a future husband?

He assured himself this and clearing his throat, began again "I apologize, let me rephrase. Your future husband-..."

"You must be joking. No!"

Zuki said it with so much disgust, you would think one told her to eat worms.

This time even louder and many auricular gasps sounded from the women in the background and more murmurs and whispers broke in the crowd.

The suitor in the middle started looking uncomfortable and was muttering somethings with the men beside him who were part of the party that accompanied him. They motioned for their spokesman to come. He followed them and bent down to listen to what they were saying and nodding.

Zizima, Zuki's mother used this opportune time to have a say with her daughter. She turned to her.

"Zuki, we spoke about this", she spat, "do not even think about making a scene! He is the most eligible suitor in our neighbouring land. The richest next-door might I add!