“Nice digs”, he says as he looks around the house. Nene took Phatsima and Zoe out for ice-cream when Uyanda arrived. I feel like I have two kids now. Zoe is a bit more maintenance than I expected. 

“Thanks. Would you like to sit down?” I ask him. 

“Sure”, he says. 

We make our way to the couch. We sit on one couch. He holds my hand. 

“I’m so sorry about how I have been treating you lately.” He begins. 

“What has been going on with you?” I ask him. 

“I did Thuli wrong. She did not deserve the way I handled her. Now that she and I are apart, I am realising just how instrumental she was in building the man that I am and the father that I have become to my son. She is a good person and I will always love her. I guess the man that I have grown into is no longer in love with her and there is nothing wrong with that. But, I did not have to treat her the way that I did after she has shown me so much kindness since the day that she allowed me into her life. When I met Thuli, I was less than a fraction of who I am right now. She believed in me – in that very state. She listened to me talk about my dreams and she invested in each and every one of them – with her time, with her money and with her love. I am ashamed of how I seemed to not have taken that into consideration for the past couple of months. I guess, the past couple of days played tricks on me making me believe that Thuli and I can still be the hit that we were six years ago. But our ship has sailed. Even if we were to get back together again tomorrow, the spark between us is gone. I will always love and care about her. There is no way that I can ever delete Thuli from my life. But I am not in love with her anymore”, he says. 

“I hear you. Why don’t you just tell her all of this?” I ask him. 

“I will. I definitely need to apologise to her and really just tell her all of this. I just want to make sure that I was not destroying you in the process”, he says. 

I shrug my shoulders. 

“Tshepi, I really like you. But for now, I don’t believe we should be together like that, you know. Let’s stay friends for a while until we both heal from relationships that had a significant impact in our lives. Sure, I’ll want that ass every now and then because it’s fine as hell, but let’s not force the emotions. I love Thuli. For a very long time, I believed that she would be my wife. It is not easy to let her go and watch her fall into Tee-le’s arms, especially because Tee-le has had his eye on her for years now. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want you to replace Thuli. I want you to be a woman in my life in your own respect and we not going to achieve that if we rush into this. Let’s review after a few months of friendship and fucks and see where our hearts are at”. 

We both laugh as he says this. I definitely agree with him though. If we rush into a relationship now, the relationship could end up being toxic. 

“Are we allowed to see other people? I need to know who I will be sharing a penis with. This is just a recipe for STDs”, I say. 

“We will use condoms.”

We laugh.

“I am glad we are good. I did not want to lose you too. You are good woman Tshepi, don’t allow that bhari of yours make you feel otherwise”, he says. 

I hug him. 

He leaves. He says he needs to go and apologise to Thuli. I guess he woke up this morning and decided that this would be his day of redemption. 

…

Lando, Paula, Carmen, Thuli and I are in Tee-le’es ward feasting on Chicken Licken hot wings, McDonald’s frappes (different flavours) and chocolate cake. Tee-le is so funny. He has been cracking jokes and looking at Thuli as if she is his last hope for happiness. Thuli is so beautiful. I am beginning to believe that Uyanda hid this side of her. This beautiful, smart and witty side. He had her become friends with the likes of Khosi and that on its own brought her down three levels. I really hope that she and Tee-le become a hit and a half. 

“Aphi amadoda wenu?” Tee-le asks us. 

“Asemsebenzini”, Lando says, trying very hard to not sound insensitive. 

Tee-le takes that statement like a champ, making sure that he does not make any of us feel uncomfortable and he says, “So how do they feel about you having lunch with another man while they go out there to work for you?” 

We all laugh. He is so funny. 

“Please tell this lovely flower from the Mabote garden that I want to marry her”, he says, catching all of us off-guard.

Thuli is blushing and is just as speechless as we all are. 

“I am serious. T, I have never said that to anyone one in my life. I always knew, from the moment that I met you, that you would be the one I would say it too”, he says. 

“But you are not coming correct, wena Tee-le. Thuli was someone’s fiancé for the past six years. How were you imagining her as your wife when your colleague and friend had put a ring on it?” Paula says, breaking the silence that Thuli does not seem to be filling in with some kind of response. 

“Elami idlozi alilali! Liyangidela! The situation looked hopeless, but they made a way for their son. Now I am going to make her my wife”, with this, he kisses her hand. We are all so jealous. I am going to tell Shack tonight so that he can also pull some romantic stuff and make me feel special. 

In the middle of all of this, Uyanda enters the hospital room. Shit gets awkward very quickly and the romance in the room dies down. We all look at him. Thuli suddenly feels uncomfortable, but Tee-le just holds her hand. 

“I thought I’d find you here. I was hoping we could talk”, he says. He is looking at Thuli. I really hope Yaya is not going to mess up a good thing. By the way, why is he not in training? 

“Kunjani Uyanda?” Thuli. Ever so regal and charming the rest of us even more. 

“I am well, Thuli. I just wanted to apologise to you”. Uyanda says. 

If this were a movie, there would be soothing music playing in the background. This is that conversation that will leave everyone in tears. I can just feel it.

“Thuli, you did not deserve the way that I treated you – not after you have shown me so much kindness and compassion since the day that you met me. You were the best thing that ever happened to me when I was nothing as well as when the world knew who Yaya Mbatha is. I am so sorry for not appreciating you more for the role that you played in that”. 

I see a tear run down Thuli’s face. She wipes it off quickly before anyone else could notice it. Uyanda does not remove his eyes from her. He continues.

“You were a significant part of my life for a very long time. I will always love you and I will always care about you. I guess as we grew up and changed, we stopped being a fit for each other and the spark between us just died. Still, I owed you honesty, not the shit that I put you through. For that Thulisile, I am so sorry. Thank you for loving my son and I profusely apologise for accusing you of not doing so. I don’t want you to ever hate me, Thulisile. You mean too much to me for that to happen. I hope we can walk away amicably and still appreciate everything that we have ever been to each other”. 

All the ladies in the room are emotional now. 

Uyanda then looks at Tee-le and says: “She is the best you will ever meet in your life. I hated you for always having your eye on her but now, it’s all love. All I ask is that you take care of her and love her with all that you are. I can bet my whole worth and my whole life that she is worth it.”

Tee-le smiles at him. He reaches out his hand for a handshake and they have a bromance hug. This is so beautiful. I wish the whole world could see this. It is a perfect fairy-tale ending. 

“If it makes you feel better, aka’ng qomi lo muntu”, Tee-le says. The room is filled with laughter. 

“Uzokuqoma, ungakhathazeki. She loves you. I see it in her eyes. You have my blessing. Ngiyakukhulula sisi, ngomoya omhlophe nothando. Uziphathe kahle and I hope you find the happiness you would have never received with me. I mean that from the bottom of my heart”. Uyanda. 

Thuli is just still. Literally – still. I am worried because real talk – still water runs deep. 

“One more thing… your car – I would like you to please have it back.” Uyanda says. 

Thuli looks at him and finally opens her mouth. “Thank you for apologising. I know that it took a lot from you to come here and say everything that you have said. Ngiyabonga and sincerely, I forgive you. Nami ngiyakukhulula ngomoya omhlophe nothando. You will find the one who is meant for you and who will love you the way you want to be loved. The past six years are not in vain and even if I could, I would never erase them. I am blessed to have known you, and fortunate to have loved you. But to have been loved by you with the passion that you did love me with Uyanda Mbatha, I am divinely favoured. I got to share time, space and a life with one of God’s masterpieces, and for that, I thank you. As with everything, all good things come to an end and so have we. Take care of yourself, Shandu kaNdaba. Live in your blessings, Mthiya. Shine like the star I know you are, Ndabezitha. Ungakhathali nakusasa ukuba ulobaba oqotho onguyena, Sontshikazi. I will always be proud of you for the father that you are to Phendulile regardless of the circumstances he was conceived under”.  

I did say that still water runs deep. She fetched the clan names and all. We are having an “all hail Uyanda Mbatha” moment. This is probably the most passionate break-up I have ever witnessed in my life. Uyanda will never find this anywhere else and from any other woman. Tee-le is realising that he is about to live the rest of his life with gold – Khosi is no match to this beautiful and graceful lady before us. As if all of this is not enough, she continues to say, “I want you to sell my car and put every cent that you make from it in an educational trust for Phendulile. Let it mature. When he turns twenty-one and wants to study overseas, tell him that I listened when he told me that he wanted to study overseas and I’m happy to be part of making it happen. He has never been a reminder of your betrayal in my eyes.” 

She can drop the mic now! What a woman. Uyanda is crying. He did not expect this kind of mercy. Thuli hugs him. Their hug is long and brings tears to everyone’s eyes. Tee-le kinda cannot wait for the hug to be over. They let go of each other and say their final goodbye to each other. Uyanda gives her one final kiss. She wipes his tears. He leaves. Tee-le rises from his hospital bed and comforts the woman who is officially about to take over his heart.   

…

“Dad?” Fenya is super shocked to his father here on a school night. Honestly, so am I. 

“Hey boy. You good?” Leruo.

“Dad, it’s a school night.” Fenya emphasizes. 

“I know, my boy”, Leruo. 

“How come you are here on a school night?” Fenya. 

Leruo chuckles. 

Fenya and I are having dinner at our dining table. Leruo sits on an available chair.

“Should I dish up for you?” I enquire. 

“Please. You know you are my favourite chef”, Leruo says. 

I get up and dish up a plate for him. Fenya just wants answers. He keeps asking questions and Leruo is answering, but not to Fenya’s satisfaction. 

I return with Leruo’s plate and place it in front of him. I sit down. 

Leruo starts eating. He enjoys the food then realises that Fenya and I are still looking at him and waiting for answers. 

“I’d like to talk to you guys about something”, Leruo finally says. 

“About?” Fenya enquires. 

“I want to marry your mom. I want her to be my second wife”, Leruo says. 

Not this again. I said I’d think about it. Why is he talking to Fenya about this?

“You have another wife?” Fenya. 

“I do, my boy. And you have three brothers. Their mom is my first wife.” Leruo explains. 

“Are you allowed to have two wives?” Fenya asks. My innocent boy. 

“If your mom and my first wife agree, then yes”, Leruo. 

“So, I can have two girlfriends if they both agree?” Fenya. 

Leruo laughs then says, “Let’s talk about it when you are old enough?” 

Fenya accepts the answer. Leruo looks at me. He holds my hand and says, “MaMlangeni, I spoke to my family and to Paula. They know the truth. The truth is that I’ve tried to let you go. For four years, we co-parented and we tried to stay away from each other. But here I am, wanting you more and wanting you to be so much more than just my co-parenting partner. Paula has agreed to have you be my Mrs Tloung. Now my love, I am asking you.” 

He then goes down on one knee. He pulls a box out of his pocket and opens it. There is a cannery princess cut ring in there. I am honestly blown away. 

“Leruo – 

“Nomzamo Kate Mlangeni – 

“Kate? Uyaphi uKate?” I interject the moment. I hate that name. 

“Sorry! Sorry! Let me try again”, he says and laughs. 

“Nomzamo Mlangeni, will you do me the honour of being my wife? Of being my Mrs Nomzamo Tloung?” Him. 

“You mean your Dr Tloung? Get it right, mister”, me. 

Leruo gets up, picks me up and lands me in a hug and a kiss. 

We have a moment. After a kiss, he slides the ring on my finger. Fenya is just playing on his iPad. He is over everything that is happening right now.  

…

Tee-le is finally getting out of hospital today after twelve weeks. He says he is excited to finally be going home and he asked me to stay with him while he recovers. I did not protest to that request. I did go home for a week though to help with the expansion of the business. We officially have five mobile kitchen trucks that are located at various places around Mpumalanga. We have had to hire staff. I am also paying for Lindani to attend classes at a business college so that he can contribute to the business through operations and management. He really loves it and I have seen him seriously step up in a way that he has never stepped up before. He has even moved to Mbombela to operate the mobile kitchen trucks that work there. We both worry about my mother a lot because she now stays by herself, but she is proud of us and she is proud of how we are committed to this expansion project. One of our unemployed cousins is moving in with my mother to help at the house. The house is undergoing renovations to accommodate the restaurant. While they renovate, Tee-le has offered for mama to come live with us at his place. Therefore, my mom is in Tholoana Kingdom. Lindani travels to Middleburg every weekend to check up on the renovations. The cousin will arrive when everything is done. Next weekend, we are interviewing waiters and waitresses for the restaurant. Things are looking up. 

My mother and Tee-le’s mother give me such a headache. They get along too well for my liking. They are getting the house ready for Tee-le to come back, so I am at the hospital with him, waiting for the doctors to discharge him. 

“I am so happy that we are finally alone.” He says. 

“Enjoy it while it lasts. The mothers are going to drive us crazy laphaya kwakho. Trust me, I was looking forward to leaving the house”, I say. 

He laughs. 

“Lalela, T. Please sit down. We need to talk”, he says. 

I stop packing his stuff and sit next to him. I smile at him and he smiles at me. 

“I know everyone has told you about how I feel about you.” he begins. 

“I don’t want to hear it from everyone else. I want to hear it from you” I say. 

He chuckles. 

“I want you to be the leading woman in my life”, him. 

“You mean the only woman in your life”, me. 

“I have my mom, sister and aunts you know”, him. 

“Yeah, but I will not be sharing your penis with them”, me.

He laughs aloud. I titter. I am actually serious. I’m not going through this again.

“On a serious note, T, I want to be with you. I am in love with you. I want a life with you and I want to build with you.” He says. 

I smile at him. 

“If you will have me, I would love to be the only and leading man in your life”, he says as he holds my hand. 

I stand up and hug him. He wraps his arms around my waist. He rests his head on my boobs. I kiss his head. 

“Ngiyakuvuma Remoletile”, I say. 

I know he would be dramatic and spin me around right now. However, he is still injured. We just kiss. 

I am driving his car as I do not have a car yet. I finish packing his things and I get him on a wheelchair to wheel him to the car. He can walk, but he should not walk for too long. He will continue with physiotherapy. I pack his bag in the car, then we leave the hospital. 

“My sister got Khosi arrested, and I almost got black-balled for the rest of my life”, he begins. 

“Why did she get her arrested?” I ask. 

“Khosi stole two of my Rolex watches and the car I was letting her drive. She sold them”, he says. 

I laugh aloud. Khosi has balls that have never been had by any person who has ever existed. Who does that?

“Don’t laugh. Her new man, Tyson, came to the hospital and told me to drop the charges or he will blackball me, and I will never be able to do business or play soccer ever again. I did not even now that Khosi was in prison. He said he would pay me back every cent Khosi stole from me. This morning, he sent R6 million to my account”. He says. 

I am still laughing. 

He shakes his head and says, “I hope she took all her shit from that house. I don’t ever want to see her again”. 

“Don’t worry, sthandwa sami, she is behind us now”, I say. 

He smiles and says, “You must call me that everyday… sthandwa sami”. 

…

Remoletile bloody Serame had the audacity to get his sister to have me arrested. Who do these Serames think they are? Tee-le wasted two years of my life! Where does he get the nerve to have me arrested for theft? Theft? Those things were the very minimum of how much I deserve after everything I gave into that relationship that wasted two years of my life. Thank God for Tyson. He made things happen and got me out of prison. This man was made for me. I have found the man that I have been searching for and I am very happy with what I share with him. 

Tonight, we are going to have dinner with Dikwe and KB Tloung, their wives and one other business partner with his wife. Tyson did not like any of the dresses that I have, so he gave me some money to buy myself a new outfit and shoes. He told me to make sure that whatever it is that I buy, the colour has to be black. I bought a stylish yet formal black jumpsuit and black pencil heels. I bought a new wig as well, so I need to be smashing tonight. It is my debut into a whole new level of upper class. I am getting ready for the dinner when Tyson walks into the house and calls for me. 

“I am in the bedroom, my love”, I shout back. 

He walks in and smiles at me. 

“You look incredible”, he says.

“Thank you, handsome.” I say. 

“I bought you some perfume. It is my favourite fragrance on a woman. I would really love it if you could smell like this from now on”, he says. 

I take the perfume from him and put it on. I smell amazing. I love this fragrance. 

“I love this. Thank you, baby”. I say. 

“Are you ready to go?” he asks me. 

I smile and nod my head. 

We walk out and head to the dinner. 

…

We are the last couple to arrive. Everyone is seated and the waiter is getting ready to take our orders. KB’s wife is already looking at me funny – I wonder what her problem is. Dikwe is here with his wife too, but not my sister. He is here with the Venda wife, number two. I forgot what her name is. Tyson introduces me to everyone at the table. I learn that KB’s wife is Molotsi, Dikwe’s second wife is Tshianeo and his third partner is Mark Lathwood. His wife’s name is Ingrid. She is a beautiful white woman, but she has a big mouth. 

“So Tyson, how’s Natasha doing? Natasha your wife that is”, Ingrid says. I see Molotsi chuckling. 

“She is excellent. But I am here with Khosi tonight. She is a lovely lady too”, Tyson responds. 

“Really? Is that why she is here with Natasha’s husband smelling like Natasha’s fragrance?” Ingrid. I look at Tyson. 

“The perfume was a gift from me”, Tyson. 

“Interesting”, Ingrid. 

“How old are you, Khosi?” Tshianeo asks me. 

“Young enough to be Tyson’s daughter, I am sure”, Molotsi. 

“Hai Molotsi, be nice”. Tshianeo.

I am already feeling uncomfortable. This is going to be a long night. 

The men excuse themselves to go somewhere and leave me to these vultures. 

“So, you are the cow fucking my sister’s ex?” Molotsi blurts out. 

“Tyson is just a dirty old man. What is he doing with all these young girls? It gets me all the time how these girls all believe that they are special and will one day replace Natasha”, Ingrid. 

“Well, Natasha is not here now, is she? I am the one who is here. We may think we are special, but Natasha has nothing to show for being special. As far as I am concerned, that bitch is ghost”, I say and sip some champagne. These women stare hard at me. I will not allow them to bully me. Who the fuck do they think they are?! 

“So, you think that you mean more to Tyson than his wife?” Ingrid.

“I don’t compare myself to Tyson’s wife because I couldn’t care less what she means to him. I focus on what Tyson and I share and build on that. I am sure she does the same too, so I don’t know why you have taken it upon yourself to be his minister of infidelities”, I say. 

“I thought I was going to hate you because you are now humping on my sister’s dick. But there is something to be admired about you, Khosi. I can see myself lunching with you every now and then”, Molotsi says.

I am finally winning someone over. I just cannot read Tshianeo’s view about me. 

“Who is your sister?” I ask Molotsi. She has been mentioning this sister of hers that nobody cares about. She wants to make her a topic, so I will show her how irrelevant this sister is. 

“Her name is Dineo”, she says. That name even sounds out of place in this kind of world. 

“I have never heard of her.” I say. 

Molotsi seems to take offence to that. Whatever. Her sister is irrelevant.

“Tshianeo, my sister is your husband’s third wife. Do you two get along well?” I initiate a conversation with Tshianeo. 

“I don’t discuss my husband’s wives. I am married to him, not them. Tonight is about him and me, no other wife”, she says. 

“The three of you are sister wives and you couldn’t be bothered to have a relationship with each other?” I ask her. 

“Does your sister ever talk about me to you?” She asks me. 

“Not really”, me. Now that I think about it, Mandi really does not talk about these wives. That is why I even forgot what this woman’s name is. 

“Exactly. You don’t want to talk about your boyfriend’s wife neither. She is irrelevant to what you have with your old and saggy boyfriend”. 

Ok, she is a bitch. 

“How do you do it mara? Such an old man?  What’s wrong? Did you have daddy issues when you were growing up?” Tshianeo. 

I am quiet. Our food arrives. The men come back. 

“We hope we were not too long”, Tyson. 

All three of us ladies enjoy the rest of the evening in silence, listening to the men chat about while we keep throwing daggers at each other. This was not fun.