Senzi has gone back to work, so today it’s just Melo and me. We are back to our house in Tholoana Kingdom. I’m actually looking forward to a quiet day. Melo is a very interesting child. She cries a lot, but is obsessed with Bab’Khotso. She’s her most peaceful with him. They seem to have quite the connection. 
We came back home three days ago. She was weird and a bit unsettled the first night only. She’s adjusting now. Bab’Khotso, Bab’Shaka, Senzi, Akwande and Ntuthuko put her nursery together. Its so cute hey. We told them how we wanted it to look and shame, bayikhiphe injalo hey. I know it’s Melo’s room, but I love this room too. So when Melo is asleep in here, I sit in here with her and read a book or scroll through social media. 

So, I’m a mother. I still cannot get used to that. My daughter is already over a month old and I’m still not used to being called umah kaMelo. My husband is so obsessed with her. We both wanted her sex to be a surprise. Well, I wanted it to be a surprise. Senzi is not a surprise kind of guy, so I truly believe that he asked the gynae behind my back.
Khanya has been promising to come and visit us, spend time with Melo and for him and I to talk. I think something is going on. He says we cannot talk over the phone. So I know it’s serious. When I invited him, Khosini and my dad to come do Melo’s nursery, my dad didn’t come… he didn’t even respond to my text or calls at all. Khanya was the one who had to tell me that things are not good and they won’t be able to make it. But Khanya shame… bless his soul… he opened an education trust for Melo. He only puts money in it, but only Senzi and I can withdraw money from there after Melo has completed her matric. Both Senzi and I thanked him so much because truly, we appreciate him. 

“Skhokho sami“, Khanya answers his phone. I’m in Melo’s nursery watching her sleep. I thought I’d give Khanya a phone call. I miss him. This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other. Yes, we video call each other almost all of the time. But still, I miss being in his presence. 
“Malume, kunjani? I miss you, dude”, I say.
“Me too hey. Plus, I need to come and spend proper time with Melo. I can’t be an absent malume. Hai bo.” Him.
“Uza nini vele?” I ask him. 
“Tomorrow. Sbali got me a return ticket. Khosini is the one who delayed us. He wouldn’t give us a straight answer about coming to the kingdom or not. So I’ve decided to just come down without him.”
I’m actually excited.
“I’m super excited you are coming! Yoh!!! But ke, what’s Khosini’s problem? Is he mad at me or something? He’s not taking my calls or replying to my texts. Has he said anything to you?” Me.
He first laughs then he says, “skhokho sami, let’s talk when I get there. A lot has happened. A LOT! And we all know that Khosini has the worst skills when it comes to accepting or adapting to change.” He says.
“Skhokho sami, you guys are worrying me now.” I say.
“No man, don’t stress. How’s Ruri?” 
I start laughing.
“You still have your crush on her?” I say as I laugh.
“Yes. I’m going to marry that girl. I DMed her on Instagram.” He says.
“About what?” I ask. 
“So I sent her a follow request because her account is private. She accepted. Then I went through her pics and started liking them. Her account is mostly her design and sewing business. Then it’s her, her family and her nieces and nephews. So I DMed her telling her that I like her vibe. She’s about her money and her family and that’s dope. But when is she including a man in that picture? She just responded and said thanks, but she’s not looking for a man. I was like vele a woman like you shouldn’t look for a man, the man should find her. And I’ve found her. She actually sent me an LOL.”
I’m actually in stitches. Yoh, I’m laughing so so hard. I’m even scared that I’ll wake Melo up.
“So ja, we’ve been chatting ever since. Then she gave me her number. Skhokho sami, I even went to open a cellphone contract just so I can phone her everyday. Phela I’d buy airtime and it would end just nje mid-conversation.” 
“So you got a cellphone contract just to talk to Ruri?” I ask. I’m in stitches nje. I’m so done with this conversation. 
“Yeah. And I don’t regret it. Plus, ngiyabheja. Phela I must show her that I can look after her – rich family or not. Plus mina ngiyazisebenzela. Mom and dad don’t do shit for me. And she actually appreciates it yaz.”
“So what do you do to diza? Buy her airtime?” 
“Yaz she’s not even a hectic person. She will tell me that she’s going out with friends and I’ll give her R3000 nyana to spend. She genuinely appreciates it hey. We talk about her business as well. I support and buy sweaters a lot. So now, I told her I’m coming to the kingdom to visit you and she actually suggested that we meet up. So skhokho sami, ngiyangena.” He says.
Now I become a little more serious.
“Skhokho sami, are you sure about her? Phela Ruri is not the kind of girl ongadlala ngaye. I’m personally scared of her dad and her brother. And she looks like the type that would tell them what’s going on if you fuck up.” 
“You know, when I talk to her… or think about her… I don’t even think about or miss any other female. I feel soooo… I don’t know… normal. I feel like I grew up witnessing a chaotic marriage between my parents. As a result, I’ve been a chaotic partner in my relationships. When I told Ruri about this, she didn’t judge me. At all. Yaz, we really and genuinely spoke and connected about this. I think she’s the one, Wandi. I think she’s my peace. I think she’s the one who will give me a chance at real love… you know, like sbali has done for you.” 
This genuinely moves me. I don’t know why, but I’m really moved.
“Skhokho sami, you know my hormones are still all over the place. You are going to make me cry.” 
He laughs.
“But Khanya, I’m happy for you. I really am. If Ruri is the one for you, I’m here for it. I like her. She’s a gorgeous hun and you’ve always liked her. Knowing that she might actually like you too, and the two of you might actually be together for a happier and meaningful purpose, I’m happy for you. You more than have my support.” 
“Ngiyabonga skhokho sami.” He says. 
“Ngiyakuthanda skhokho sami”, I say.
“Ngiyakuthanda nami, big time.” He says.
“Unjani umah?” I ask him.
“She’s fine. She moved back in with dad.” He says.
“WHAAAAAAAT?!” I say.
Now we both laugh. 
At this rate, I’m going to wake my child up from sleep hey.
“This is why I’m telling you that sizokhuluma when I arrive tomorrow. We have a lot to talk about.” He says, laughing.
“Ja neh.” I say, also still laughing. 
“I’ll see you tomorrow, skhokho sami. I need to run into a meeting”, he says.
“Shup skhokho.”
We hang up.

Ja neh.

…

Melo and I are doing some baby exercises in her baby gym. She has minor colic issues and the exercises really help. Bab’Khotso showed these to me. He told me that Moloko suffered from colic too and the exercises helped a lot. They are also working with Melo. I can see why Melo vibes with him so much. 
I hear Senzi parking his car outside. He’s home. One thing that I love about Senzi’s new job is that he comes home everyday. He’s in a very senior role now. Sometimes he does fly, but he’s job is more office based. So, like every other hubby and father, he’s home every day. I love it.

“Hello, my babies”, he says as he kisses us. 
He has already taken off his jacket and shoes. He comes to chill with us. 
I kiss him. 
Then he starts playing with Melo. She smiles at him. I’m so jealous.
“How was your day, my love?” He asks me.
“It was fine. We just chilled at home all day. I didn’t feel like leaving the house today. So we were home all day. We also spoke to Uncle Khanya. He told us that you organised a return ticket for him. Ngiyabonga kakhulu babakhe.” 
He just smiles at me. 
“Wena? How was your day?” I ask him.
“I miss just hanging out with you guys. It feels weird being away from you for so many hours at once.” 
I laugh a bit. 
“But I went to see dad. That’s why I’m arriving a bit late. I decided to go and see him now that he’s out of hospital.”
“And, unjani?” I ask.
“He’s looking stronger. Mam’Fifi is taking good care of him. But I think she needs help. With the school project taking up her time as well, she’s overworked. They tried to get Luhle to come back and help Mam’Fifi, but apparently Luhle gave them heavy attitude.” 
“Hai bo!”
He looks sad.
“Do you think we can maybe go and stay with them for some time? At least I’m not working at the moment. So during the day when Mam’Fifi is working, I can look after ubaba. Plus, Melo is big on making people feel a lot better.” I suggest.
“You’d really be okay with that? We’ve just moved back into our house. You’d be okay with leaving again?” He says.
“Baby…” I say, holding his hand. 
He looks at me. 
I continue, “You and I decided that in this marriage and in this home, family is important. We both grew up in challenging family setups. As we grew up, we found out just how messed up we almost became because of the selfishness of individuals in our families. We agreed that it would be different for Melokuhle. And for it to be different for her, we have to engineer the difference we have to see, starting with how we handle our families. I see how you treat my family and how important they are to you. I’m telling you that your family is my family too… that’s Melo’s mkhulu and we will all make sure that he’s okay. Angisho he’s gained a daughter in me too.”
He kisses me. 
We even start getting quite heated. 
We are interrupted by Melo crying. 

…

I had to come into the office early this morning. Wandi, my beautiful wife, woke up with me, showered with me, prepared breakfast for me then ate with me. I could see that she was exhausted. By the time that I had to leave, Melokuhle was wide awake. And Melokuhle is a handful. She’s not one that you deal with while sleepy yourself. I actually wanted to tell my wife to go to sleep and I’ll deal with Melo for the day. I really wish I could do that. I’m glad that Khanya is arriving tonight. Wandi will have some help while I’m at work. She doesn’t want a nanny at all. But we do at least have domestic workers that keep the house clean so that’s one less responsibility that she has to deal with.

There’s a knock on my office door. 
I look up. 
Eish, it’s this girl. What does she want? I think her name is Miranda or Mandy or Randy or somewhere lapho nje. 
She smiles at me. 
I don’t smile back.
We are not friends. She has more than shown me that she wants us to have sex and that she doesn’t acknowledge the ring on my finger. She’s a flight attendant. I don’t ever want her to get the feeling that I’m encouraging her behaviour.
“Hi Senzi.” She says.
“Only my friends and family call me Senzi. You can call me Senzangakhona or Mr Maphumulo.”
She seems a bit hurt by that response.
“What do you want?” I ask her.
“I thought I’d bring you some coffee”, she says.
“I don’t remember ordering coffee for delivery. And I didn’t realise that your job description included coffee making and coffee delivery”, I say.
She keeps looking hurt. What’s hurting her exactly? What does she call what she’s doing? 
“Senzi, have I –
“Senzangakhona! My name is Senzangakhona!”
Now she looks like she wants to cry.
“Senzangakhona, have I done something wrong?” She says.
“You mean apart from you flirting with me knowing very well that I’m married? Behaving unprofessionally in a professional workplace and continuously making advances that I’ve more than indicated that I do not appreciate?” 
She’s quiet.
Then she looks at me and says, “I just wanted to be nice. I know how lonely it can get. New environment. New workplace. New people. It can get lonely. I wanted to be nice.”
“I have my wife, thanks. Now please stop this nonsense. And in future… when you want to be nice to people, you don’t have to suggest sex. Your vagina shouldn’t be your weapon for being nice – particularly in the workplace. This is not a brothel.”
Now she actually wipes a tear off her face. 
“Can you at least just take the coffee? Please.” She says.
“No thanks.” I say.
Wandi shows up at my door. She has Melo with her. Melo is in her stroller. 
Oh fuck! Oh shit shit shit shit shit! 
Wandi will…
Yoh!
“Hey my love”, I greet her.
She’s already paused next to Mandy or Randy or whatever… and she’s already looking at Mandy/ Randy like something I’m fucking.
“I thought your PA was Moshe. Actually, it is Moshe because I left him at his desk. And he told me that you were not in a meeting… because I asked him.”
“This is not my PA.” I say.
Mandy/Randy is not leaving. I don’t understand why she’s still in my office.
“Manje ubani lo?!” Wandi.
“I’m Miranda. Everyone calls me Randy.” 
“And you are here doing what exactly?” Wandi.
Yeses! 
This is not going to end well. I know my wife. And this girl just looks like she thrives off married dick, so she probably has experience in dealing with wives. 
“I work here. Mr Maphumulo is my boss. I don’t see why I need to explain why I need to communicate with my boss to anyone.” 
“Wena na! Let’s hope all that’s happening here is work. Because anything outside of that, you’ll deal with his wife. And when his wife has to go up against some loose panties, she’s not kind.” Wandi. 
I actually scratch my head.
Mandy-Randy looks at my wife with an eye I don’t approve of… then she looks at me… then she walks out of my office. It took her long enough!
I notice that she just stands at my door as if planning to eavesdrop. Before I can even check it, Wandi is on some, “You manage sluts now?”
“Baby, don’t use language like that around Melo. Come on now.” Me.
“Why not?! She must smell these sluts with cheap pharmacy perfumes from a mile away. Ibe ifunani la le nja ekhonkhotha ubufebe? Ibezofuna ubhova?!”
“Wandi, I don’t appreciate your tone or your language. I’ve done nothing wrong. Nothing is going on between myself and Mayanda.”
“Isn’t her name Miranda, but everyone calls her Randy?”
“See?! I don’t even know her name. That’s how uninterested I am in her. Baby, come on. You know that I love you. Only you. My dick knows it’s home. It’s never been lost and it’s not about to start now… especially because of some flight attendant. Come on baby, what do you take me for? I’ve been around flight attendants since I was a commercial pilot… actually, since I was a student pilot. Why the hell would they make me dizzy now? Especially when I have such a stunning wife and a gorgeous daughter?”
She smiles at me.
Okay, she’s becoming soft.
I walk up to her.
I hold her in my arms.
“Ngiyakuthanda Mrs Maphumulo. I’ve never met a woman who’s worth what I share with you. Mandisa is not about to be the first woman who is worth what we have together. Hell no.”
“You mean Miranda but everyone calls her Randy.”
“Kona lokho!”
We kiss. 
I see Mandy-Randy walking away… in tears even. I hope she’s not about to report me to HR for nonsense. 

“So, Melo and I thought we’d come by and say hi to daddy. Hopefully, we can steal daddy for lunch.” She says. 
“I’d love that. I’m done with my meetings. I just have some reports to get through, but I can definitely do an hour or two with my two favourite human beings in life”, I say.
She smiles at me.
I pick my daughter up from her stroller. She wakes up. 
Her mother pushes the stroller out of my office, and I follow her with my daughter in my arms. 

Lunch is actually nice.

We are eating at the restaurant opposite my office building, so we walked here.
I’m hanging out with my girls. My daughter is in my arms as I eat. I’m also feeding her her bottle of pumped breast milk. 
“Have you spoken to ubaba and uMam’Fifi?” Wandi asks me. 
“I spoke to him this morning. He really appreciates your suggestion to move in with him and he’s also saying that it would be great. He doesn’t like all the impersonal nurses around him all the time.”
“I can imagine, shame.”
“But he has a whole team of medical people around him. He has his physiotherapists, his nurses and his treating specialists come in daily to check up on him. Uyaguga njeuMaphumulo.” 
“Melo will say the same about you”, she says.
We laugh. 

We finish eating then I have to head back to the office. 
I walk them to the car that they came in. I kiss them both. They leave. 
I head back to the office. 
I’m stopped by HR. She asks to speak to me. 
I’m sure its Randy-Mandy la. 
As long as she doesn’t claim that I raped her, I’ll take whatever it is that she wants to throw at me. 
I step into HR’s boardroom. Mandy-Randy is in here crying.
I DID NOT RAPE HER! 
I don’t even sit down. I just stand as far away as possible from her. 
“You can sit down, Mr Maphumulo”, HR says… the one who brought me in here. There are two other HR people in here sitting next to Randy-Mandy.
“Cha ngiyabonga. Why am I here?” 
Everyone in the room now looks at me as if whatever Randy-Mandy said is probably true.
“Sir, Miss Miranda Mofokeng feels aggrieved and bullied by your wife. We believe she is not an employee here. She cannot come here and bully people, sir.” The HR person.
“I think I need a minute. Because now you are putting things on my wife and I don’t appreciate that.” I say.
“Sir, we are trying to fix this.”
“No no no. We not fixing half of it. We are not talking about half of this. This woman has been practically harassing me for the longest time and I’ve been telling her to leave me alone. In fact, moments before my wife walked into my office, I was telling her to stop her shit… she had even brought coffee or whatever which I’ve told her multiple times that it’s inappropriate. Now she’s shocked that my wife has an issue with her harassing me? I’m my wife’s husband.” 
The HR lady looks at Randy-Mandy. 
“I have apologised to Mr Maphumulo for how he may have perceived my kindness –
“Perceived your kindness?!” I just snap.
“Mr Maphumulo, please!” The HR person.
“Miss HR… charge me and open a case. I’ll find a representative and witnesses to her shit. Let’s have a formal hearing then whoever is found to be wrong, you can fire. This is absolute bullshit. And wena Mandy-Randy-whatever your name is… you don’t ever talk about my wife!”
“Mr Maphumulo –
“I’m done here.” I say then leave.
This is nonsense. Absolute rubbish!