LANGELIHLE

Prologue

Years ago.

Nomekezela hurries to the room carrying the

baby in her hands, she locks the door and her
sister looks at her with her eyes wide open.
Ntombele:Uyena lo? (Is this her?)
Nomekezela:Uyena. (It is)
Ntombele:Let me look at her.
She takes her away from her and looks at the
baby’s innocent face. She is too young to be
caught up in all of this.
Ntombele:She looks exactly like her. She would
have been happy to see her.
Nomekezela:Indeed she would have. Ntombele
we don’t have much time, we need to leave!
They heard a bit of commotion and noise
coming from outside. Nomekezela peeped
through the window and saw a mob, they were
singing and fire burning.
Nomekezela:They are here. We need to leave.
Ntombele:Nomekezela, take her and leave.
Nomekezela:I can’t leave you here.
Ntombele:Just go! I will hold them off!
She snaps at her. Nomekezela takes the baby
and strapped her on her back, using a towel.
The noise was getting outside with people
shouting that they should get out.
Nomekezela:*Crying* Let’s run together.
Ntombele holds her hands and give her a
reassuring look.
Ntombele:Go Nomekezela. Take care of her
with everything you have. You’re her mother
now. They should never ever find her. Go!!
She pushes her out of the window and watches
as Nomekezela runs away.
She takes a deep breath and say a short prayer.
They knew the consequences of what they did,
but they couldn’t stand by and not do anything.
The door creaked open and she gasped
stepping back to the wall. The people had found
their way in and they looked angry and livid as
hell.
“Nangu. Wozani ngapha! (Here she is. Come
this side), one of the people shouted who was
carrying a heavy stick that was in flames.
Everyone entered the room.
Ntombele closed her eyes as her tears fell
uncontrollably.
She knew she was about to die, that was
undeniable. But at least the baby is safe, she
hopes they don’t find Nomekezela.
“Ayishe lenja. Bulalani lomthakathi.( Let the dog
burn. Kill this witch).
They throw stones at her, while others hit her
with the sticks and sjamboks they were carrying.
She cried in pain and wailed as she felt every
whip and wound. Covering her face wasn’t
enough, because they yanked her hands off
from it and continued marinating her with the
weapons they were carrying.
“Ngyaxolisa.. Ngyaxolisa… (I am sorry… I am
sorry...)”, she cried out and pleaded with them
to have mercy but they never stopped. They
kept going and going. They only stopped when
someone graced them with his presence. He
ordered them to back away from her. He moved
to her and sniffed her. He chuckled seeing her
bruised up face.
“We both don’t like what is happening here. But
I need you to tell me one thing. Where is she?”,
he asked her.
Ntombele breathed heavily and tried to talk but
her lip was burst and swollen, so speaking was
difficult.
She shook her head no.
“You don’t know where she is?”, he asked her
again.
She shook her head.
The man stood up and fixed his suit. He looked
at the mob.
“Kill her.”
He said and walked out. The mob rejoiced and
screamed as they finished her off.
.
.
.
Nomekezela has been running for hours. She
didn’t stop. The baby is still strapped on her
back, she heard Ntombele’s cries and screams
and wanted to turn back for her. But she
remembered what she said. Protect the baby by
all costs.
She finally reaches the road and sighs in relief
that she has made it out of the village. It is dark
outside and a few people are on the road. She
sits down just to collect her breath. She
unstraps the baby from her back and places her
on her arms. She was sleeping. Nomekezela
smiled looking at her. She was too calm and
innocent.
Nomekezela:I’m really sorry. You don’t deserve
this. I will protect you with everything I have, I
promise. I’m going to name you Langelihle,
because it was very sunny today and you’re the
only good thing that came out. We are going to
go away from all of this. He will never find you, I
guarantee you.
She promises her and pulls her closer to her
chest.
She stands up after minutes of resting and get
ready to continue with her journey. She doesn’t
know where she’s going, but she knows she has
to get far away. She moves her feet and start
walking.
A car out of nowhere, parks recklessly next to
her sending her to the ground with Langelihle.
One person comes out carrying a gun and
shoots her on her stomach. He goes back
inside and the car drives off quickly.

Nomekezela holds her stomach and feels blood.

She kneels and places Langelihle on the ground.
She chokes on her own blood and falls back
down, still holding her stomach. She looks at
Langelihle with tears.
“I’m sorry.”, those were the last words she said.
.
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE

Prologue

Years ago.

Nomekezela hurries to the room carrying the

baby in her hands, she locks the door and her
sister looks at her with her eyes wide open.
Ntombele:Uyena lo? (Is this her?)
Nomekezela:Uyena. (It is)
Ntombele:Let me look at her.
She takes her away from her and looks at the
baby’s innocent face. She is too young to be
caught up in all of this.
Ntombele:She looks exactly like her. She would
have been happy to see her.
Nomekezela:Indeed she would have. Ntombele
we don’t have much time, we need to leave!
They heard a bit of commotion and noise
coming from outside. Nomekezela peeped
through the window and saw a mob, they were
singing and fire burning.
Nomekezela:They are here. We need to leave.
Ntombele:Nomekezela, take her and leave.
Nomekezela:I can’t leave you here.
Ntombele:Just go! I will hold them off!
She snaps at her. Nomekezela takes the baby
and strapped her on her back, using a towel.
The noise was getting outside with people
shouting that they should get out.
Nomekezela:*Crying* Let’s run together.
Ntombele holds her hands and give her a
reassuring look.
Ntombele:Go Nomekezela. Take care of her
with everything you have. You’re her mother
now. They should never ever find her. Go!!
She pushes her out of the window and watches
as Nomekezela runs away.
She takes a deep breath and say a short prayer.
They knew the consequences of what they did,
but they couldn’t stand by and not do anything.
The door creaked open and she gasped
stepping back to the wall. The people had found
their way in and they looked angry and livid as
hell.
“Nangu. Wozani ngapha! (Here she is. Come
this side), one of the people shouted who was
carrying a heavy stick that was in flames.
Everyone entered the room.
Ntombele closed her eyes as her tears fell
uncontrollably.
She knew she was about to die, that was
undeniable. But at least the baby is safe, she
hopes they don’t find Nomekezela.
“Ayishe lenja. Bulalani lomthakathi.( Let the dog
burn. Kill this witch).
They throw stones at her, while others hit her
with the sticks and sjamboks they were carrying.
She cried in pain and wailed as she felt every
whip and wound. Covering her face wasn’t
enough, because they yanked her hands off
from it and continued marinating her with the
weapons they were carrying.
“Ngyaxolisa.. Ngyaxolisa… (I am sorry… I am
sorry...)”, she cried out and pleaded with them
to have mercy but they never stopped. They
kept going and going. They only stopped when
someone graced them with his presence. He
ordered them to back away from her. He moved
to her and sniffed her. He chuckled seeing her
bruised up face.
“We both don’t like what is happening here. But
I need you to tell me one thing. Where is she?”,
he asked her.
Ntombele breathed heavily and tried to talk but
her lip was burst and swollen, so speaking was
difficult.
She shook her head no.
“You don’t know where she is?”, he asked her
again.
She shook her head.
The man stood up and fixed his suit. He looked
at the mob.
“Kill her.”
He said and walked out. The mob rejoiced and
screamed as they finished her off.
.
.
.
Nomekezela has been running for hours. She
didn’t stop. The baby is still strapped on her
back, she heard Ntombele’s cries and screams
and wanted to turn back for her. But she
remembered what she said. Protect the baby by
all costs.
She finally reaches the road and sighs in relief
that she has made it out of the village. It is dark
outside and a few people are on the road. She
sits down just to collect her breath. She
unstraps the baby from her back and places her
on her arms. She was sleeping. Nomekezela
smiled looking at her. She was too calm and
innocent.
Nomekezela:I’m really sorry. You don’t deserve
this. I will protect you with everything I have, I
promise. I’m going to name you Langelihle,
because it was very sunny today and you’re the
only good thing that came out. We are going to
go away from all of this. He will never find you, I
guarantee you.
She promises her and pulls her closer to her
chest.
She stands up after minutes of resting and get
ready to continue with her journey. She doesn’t
know where she’s going, but she knows she has
to get far away. She moves her feet and start
walking.
A car out of nowhere, parks recklessly next to
her sending her to the ground with Langelihle.
One person comes out carrying a gun and
shoots her on her stomach. He goes back
inside and the car drives off quickly.

Nomekezela holds her stomach and feels blood.

She kneels and places Langelihle on the ground.
She chokes on her own blood and falls back
down, still holding her stomach. She looks at
Langelihle with tears.
“I’m sorry.”, those were the last words she said.
.
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE #01

PRESENT TIME.
LANGELIHLE

“I’m sorry, there’s no heartbeat”, the doctor says

and I close my eyes preventing the tears that
were so close to come out.
“Again?”, my husband, Sondela, asks in disbelief.
“We will do further tests to find out.”, the doctor
adds.
I don’t see the point of that. This is the fourth
pregnancy we are losing. I always carry up to
four months, then when I go for check-up, my
baby is no more. I wimp in my seat seeing the
disappointment in my husband’s face. He was
so excited for this, I was excited too.
Sondela:You have been doing tests for the past
fourth pregnancies damn it! Why can’t you just
find out what’s wrong with her!?
He snaps at the doctor, he is angry but mostly
hurt. We have been married for years but we
have no child. That “what’s wrong with her” hits
hard because I assume he’s thinking I’m the
problem.
“I’m really sorry Mr Mthembu, there is nothing
showing on your wife’s body that could cause
her to lose all the babies.”
Langelihle:When are you taking him out?
“We will have to wait until you get to the 7th
month or full term before we can remove him.”
So I have to carry a dead child? I nod and the
doctor leaves to give us space. I side eye
Sondela and he was rubbing his eyes frustrated.
Langelihle:I wish I knew what is wrong with me.
I’m really sorry Mvelase.
His face turns soft and he relaxes a bit. He
holds my hands.
Sondela:It’s not your fault babe.
It feels like it is. Not being able to give your
husband a child is really the pits! He may seem
understanding right now but you don’t know
what tomorrow might bring. In the olden days, a
woman’s value was measured by her ability to
bear sons for her husband.
Me and Sondela met at a work conference and
that’s our relationship started. We started
sneaking around and having moments. We
committed to each other years ago, and we tied
the knot. Our marriage has been smooth, we do
have fights and arguments like any other
normal couple. Cheating? I’ve never caught him,
but I once suspected because of various
reasons.
The big issue we are facing right now, is having
a child. I would do anything to give him a child.
It really tears my heart Everytime the doctor
tells me that there is no heartbeat. I have
prayed, cleansed, fasted, did everything to carry
to full term but nothing. You would think
someone cast a spell on me.

Sondela stands up and I follow after him

walking out. The sun is out today.
Sondela:Can you request a ride home? I have to
dash somewhere real quick.
Langelihle:Okay…
He gets in the car and drives off without even
giving me a hug or a kiss. I know he’s not going
to come home today.
I sigh and reach for my phone on my bag. I
requested a ride and waited for the driver to
arrive. I need to see my father, he will know how
to make me feel better.

My ride is taking longer and the sun is terribly

hot!
I hug my arms around me and they were so hot!
What temperature is it today?
I bring my hand out to the front of my face and
rotate it as I stare at this amazing thing that’s
happening. It’s like the rays of the sun are
orbiting around my hand. It is so beautiful. I get
lost to the sight and look at both my hands.

“My sister are you not going?”, I am distracted

by the voice. I realize that it’s my ride. When did
he get here?
I clear my throat and hop in. He confirms the
address and drives.
“You like the sun?”
Langelihle:What do you mean?
“You were staring directly at the sun without
squinting your eyes. You could have got burnt.”
I laugh at the last statement. He is exaggerating,
I was only looking at my hands.
We arrive at my father’s house and I pay him. I
step out and head inside. I know the old man is
by the porch reading a newspaper, with a glass
of juice next to him. I head to the porch and like
I suspected he’s reading the newspaper. I
chuckle and hug him. He embraces me longer.
Bheki:You didn’t tell me you would be visiting.
Langelihle:It’s a surprise.
I smile and my smile slowly disappears.
Bheki:How did it go?
Langelihle:It happened again.
I say with a heavy heart.
Bheki:I’m sorry my sun, we should fast again
and pray more harder. Nothing is above God!
Langelihle:I’ve lost hope baba, my husband has
also lost hope. This is draining me emotionally
and physically. Now I have to carry him up to
the 7th month and be reminded that I lost him.
This will be the fourth child I’m burying. Don’t I
deserve to be a mother?

He makes me lie on his lap. I cry and let my

tears out, with him patting my back softly like
I’m a child.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I head inside and I’m met by Zenande running to
my arms.
“Daddy!”, she exclaims excitedly. I spin her
around and she giggles.
Sondela:Uphi u mama? (Where’s your mother?)
Zenande:She’s at her room.
I put her down and walk to the bedroom..
She was putting on a dress. I hugged her from
behind and gave her a kiss on the neck.
Sondela:Hi.
Zimthele:Hey. How was your day?
Sondela:We lost him again.
Zimthele:I’m sorry. I know how much it meant
to you.
Sondela:It’s okay. I guess I just have to accept it.
Zimthele:How is she taking it?
Sondela:Trying to be strong and putting the
blame on herself.
Zimthele:I hope she be okay.
Sondela:She will… where is Bayanda? I only saw
Zenande.
Zimthele:Oh, he went to a play date with a friend
from school.
Sondela:Is he safe?
Zimthele:He is safe. I met the parents.
Sondela:Okay.
I sat on the bed and took off my shoes and my
clothes.
Zimthele:What are you doing?
Sondela:I am stressed nana, and I have missed
you.
She smiles a little and sits on my lap. I feel
myself getting harder by the second.
Zimthele:I missed you too.
I give her a deep kiss while grabbing her boobs.
Sondela:Then show me how much you missed
me.
She kneels on the floor and takes my d* all in
her mouth.
.
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE #02

I slept over at my dad’s yesterday, I was too

emotional heavy and tired to go back. Sondela
wasn’t going to be back anyways. It’s only now
that I’m arriving. I take a long shower and let the
water hit my skin.
When I was done I dried myself and prepared to
go to work.
I heard the door opening just when I was getting
my bag. It was Sondela.
He looked fresh and wore new clothes.
Sondela:Good morning.
Langelihle:Hi, how are you?
Sondela:I’m good. How are you?
Langelihle:Also good.
Sondela:So about yesterday.. I’m sorry I left you
alone. I just wanted to not think about this.
Langelihle:It’s okay. I also went to my dad.
He nodded.
Sondela:You’re heading to work?
Langelihle:Yes.
Sondela:Okay I will drive you.
I took my things and followed him to the garage.
He drove me to work.
Sondela:I will come pick you up. I love you, and
we will get through this.
Langelihle:I love you too.
I got out of the car and headed inside to my
office. Good thing I have my own space, I can’t
stand being around too many people. It just
makes me uncomfortable.
My friend and colleague, Nono comes into my
office holding her head. She probably has a
hangover. Wherever the party is, you will find
Nono.
I laugh at her and give her water.
Langelihle:Ubujuxuzaphi ke izolo? (Where were
you partying yesterday?)
Nono:Eish Sun, I don’t even know that place but
it was lit.
I laugh at her.
Langelihle:Mr Clark will give you a warning
coming to work like this.
Nono:He won’t see me. I can’t wait for this day
to end.
She put her feet on my desk.
Nono:I almost forgot to ask, how did it go
yesterday?
I touched my stomach and sighed.
Langelihle:We lost him.
Nono:Oh friend.
Langelihle:It’s okay. I guess I saw it coming.
Nono:How is Sondela taking it?
I shrugged my shoulders.
Langelihle:Hurt, disappointed.
Nono:Maybe you guys should see a Sangoma
and consult. This is more traditional, you can’t
lose babies like this.
Langelihle:You think so?
Nono:Do you think it has uhm to do with… I
don’t know… your real parents?

My real parents? I don’t know them. The only

parent I know is my father. Dad told me that he
found me on the road crying and alone, that a
woman was dead next to me. That’s the only
thing I know. I don’t even know if my parents
are still alive, or if they gave me away. It’s been
35 years, they’ve never come for me. So I think
they just abandoned me. I also won’t waste my
time looking for people who clearly don’t care.
Though, it does get to me that I don’t know my
roots, where I come from.
Langelihle:Why would it be about them?
Nono:I also don’t know Sun, I was just making
an idea.
Langelihle:I will think about it.
My phone rings and I look at the caller.
Langelihle:It’s Zimthele.
She laughs and stands up.
Nono:Let me leave you.
I answer her.
Langelihle:Hello.
Zimthele:Mamkhulu how are you?
Langelihle:I am fine sisi, how are you?
Zimthele:I’m also fine, I’m just checking up on
you. Are you okay?
Langelihle:*Chuckling * He told you, didn’t he?
Zimthele:I’m sorry, I know how much you
wanted this pregnancy.
Langelihle:It’s fine, thank you.. I will call you
later..
I quickly hung up.
Well, I am in a polygamous marriage. I said I
never found my husband cheating, but I
suspected because of various reasons. Well
these were the reasons, he came with her years
ago and asked me to take her as his second
wife. It was during the times where I wasn’t
getting pregnant at all. I agreed, after so much
convincing. And Zimthele looked really nice and
humble, she didn’t come with the mind-set that
she is loved more or she will remove me. No,
she knows her place and whenever she wants
to come to my house, she calls me and asks if
she can come. So the setup is working well, it’s
just my mind is preoccupied right now. Zimthele
has two kids with Sondela, she managed to give
him something that I couldn’t give him.
Sometimes I do get jealous of her, wondering
how she does it. I always feel like she is loved
more, Sondela is forever at her place. Even
yesterday, he left me and went to her. Just
when we found out that our child is no more, he
went to her.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE.
“Yep, six months pregnant.”, weee! I lean back
on the Chair.
Zimthele:But my stomach looks normal.
“You are six months pregnant mam. It happens,
your belly will show soon.”
Zimthele:Well I was feeling like I gained some
extra weight and I sometimes feels nausea and
the urge to vomit. I just didn’t think it was
pregnancy.
“We will do a scan to check if the baby is okay.”
He did the scan and surprisingly the baby was
okay, I even got to know the gender. It was a
boy. She printed out the scans for me and I
excitedly put them on my bag.
“You should start going on a healthy diet, set up
your check ups and limit the amount of stress
on your body.”
Zimthele:Got it.
I walk out of the doctors office to my car. I am
excited for the pregnancy but I don’t think it
would be a good time to announce it now, I
mean they just lost their baby. I will keep quiet
for now.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
It was knock off time and I was waiting for
Sondela to pick me up. I was standing on the
parking lot. A woman, who looked like she’s in
her 50s passed through me and looked at me.
Langelihle:Uhm hi.
“The Sun.”
Langelihle:Uhh what’s wrong with the sun?
It wasn’t even hot today, just cloudy.
“He will find you… you need to run..”
Okay this is weird. I looked around and the
security guards came to drag her away.
“I’m sorry, they say she escaped from Ein”
Ein is the mental asylum.
The older woman screamed; she was still
looking at me.
“THE SUN… HE WILL FIND YOU…. YOU NEED TO
RUN… HE IS CLOSE….”
They went away with her and I shook my head
confused. Who will find me and why should I
run?
I saw Sondela’s car approaching.
I hop inside and he gave me a little kiss.
Sondela:Hi, who was that?
Langelihle:Just some old women, gibbering
about something I don’t know. Let’s go home.
He drove us home.
Sondela:I’m sorry for leaving you yesterday, I
just needed to collect my thoughts. I don’t know
what it is that we are doing wrong, that would
make us lose our babies like this.
Langelihle:Nono suggested we consult with a
traditional healer.
Sondela:You discuss our business with your
friends?
Langelihle:You also discuss them with your
other wife!
Sondela:But Zimthele is practically family.
Langelihle:Yeah your family! The ones you love
the most! But what can I say? She gave you
something that I couldn’t give you.
Sondela:Babe I thought you were okay with her.
Langelihle:Yeah because who would be okay
with sharing her husband?
Sondela:Langa..
Langelihle:No Sondela… I know you love them
more, no need to deny it. You even bought her a
new house and a car, something you’ve never
done for me.
Sondela:It was to accommodate her and the
kids.
Langelihle:Wow.
I said with a low voice.
Langelihle:Do you even still love me?
Sondela:Langa…
Langelihle:I need to know, do you still love me?
Sondela:You’re my wife Langelihle.
I felt my tears, I am losing my husband.
Something I have been fearing, I knew it would
come to this. I need to do something, I have to
come up with a plan.
Langelihle:I asked if you still love me Sondela? I
know I am your wife. The ring is proof of that.
Sondela:Babe…
I walked away from him and went to our
bedroom where I kneeled on the floor and let it
all out. Whoever said marriage was easy was on
drugs!
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE #03

SONDELA

Since yesterday, Langa has been crying and

ignoring me. The question she asked, whether I
still love her or not. I hesitated. I love my wife
very much, I won’t lie. I never thought that I was
treating them unequally, but I love Langa so
much. I just didn’t know how to deal with the
pain of losing our children, that I always went to
Zimthele for comfort. I didn’t realize how much
that would hurt Langa.
I bring the food to our bedroom in a tray. She
was still sleeping. I put the tray on the mini
table and shook her up a bit.
Sondela:Babe I brought you food. Wake up.
She slowly woke up, her eyes red and swollen.
She sat up straight and rubbed her eyes.
Sondela:I made you breakfast.
She nodded and took the food. She ate and I
was looking at her. We need to fix things. When
she was done I put the plates away and held her
hands.
Sondela:I’m sorry about yesterday, I hesitated
when you asked me if I still love you. It’s not
that I don’t love you Langa, God knows how
much I love you. I’m sorry for the way I have
been behaving, I didn’t realize that the way I
dealt with the pain hurt you too. Please forgive
me.
Langelihle:I hear you, but yesterday you hurt me
Sondela. You made me think that you don’t
want me anymore. If you don’t want me just say
so, and I will gladly move out of your way.
Sondela:That will not be necessary Langa, I love
you.
She sighed and looked away.
I knelt in front of her and kissed her.
Sondela:I love you Langelihle, it is expected as a
married couple that we will argue a bit but we
fix things right?
Langelihle:Yes.
Sondela:I will never leave you again. I promise. I
called my dad last night, he agreed with you
that we should consult.
Langelihle:He did?
Sondela:Yeah, he gave me the details of a
traditional healer that he goes to. We should go
there today, maybe we will get to know what is
really happening. But whatever it is, we will deal
with it the both of us.
She smiled and I smiled too.
Langelihle:Thank you. Your support is all I need.
Sondela:I will give you the best of me from now
on I promise.
Langelihle:Thank you.

My phone rang and she passed it to me. It was

Zimthele. I looked at her and declined the call.
This is our time, I will see Zimthele at her own
time.
Langelihle:You could have answered her.
Sondela:This is not her time. Now let’s go take
a not so innocent shower so we can go to that
place.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Sondela just declined my call. Okay? Did I call at
a bad time? I hope I didn’t offend Langelihle.
I am visiting my mother today, I have missed
her. My mother is in her late 50s but she still
looks good as ever, I guess that’s where I got
my good genes from.
Gladys:How is your marriage?
Zimthele:It’s good, it’s just I don’t think I could
ever get used to the fact that he’s not my
husband alone.
Gladys:You didn’t find him single my dear, you
knew he was married and you knew you would
be a second wife.
My mom has no filter. She was so against the
idea of me being a second wife, but I loved
Sondela and I couldn’t leave him. Langelihle
threw a tantrum the first time she saw me, she
wanted to gauge my eyes out. She was angry,
hurt and felt betrayed! Sondela said they were
struggling with having children hence he opted
for a second wife. No he didn’t badmouth her or
anything, he just told me that they are
struggling with having a child only.
Zimthele:I know I am a second wife mom.
Gladys:How is your sister wife?
Zimthele:We are not really close, we just talk
over the phone or when we are gathered as a
family.
Gladys:But my daughter you are aware of the
hurt you brought upon her right?
Zimthele:You always tell me this mama.
Gladys:It’s just that I hate Isithembu, that
woman might be smiling with you but you don’t
know her thoughts. You can never be happy
with a woman’s tears!
I looked at her in confusion. As far as I know,
Langelihle is okay with me. She wouldn’t do
anything, and besides she’s a nice person. She
just has that calm aura that relaxes you and she
is loveable.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I was happy to hear Sondela apologize for the
way he has been behaving lately, it’s always a
pleasure when someone recognizes their
mistakes and find a way to change. Sondela
and I have been together for a long time, a little
argument won’t make me divorce him. I believe
him when he says he loves me, his eyes speak
for him. As much as losing our babies hurt, but
it also hurts him. We both hurt and we should
find a way to make each other better and not
drift apart from each other.

We just had lunch and we are now driving to the

traditional healer’s place.
Langelihle:I hope there aren’t many people there.
He chuckles.
Sondela:Will you ever stop being scared of
being around people?
Langelihle:Nop I won’t. I just get uncomfortable
when it’s too many people, I feel like
disappearing.
Sondela:Well if it’s full we will wait in the car
until they are gone.
He smiled and put his hand on my thigh.
We arrived at the place and there weren’t any
people outside.
We walked out and went towards the gate, it
was open a bit so we got in.
Sondela:Where are we supposed to go?
Langelihle:Let’s ask that boy there.
We walked towards the boy and he was wearing
traditional healer clothes, with an orange clay
plastered on his face and arms.
We greeted him.
Sondela:We are looking for Gende.
“U Gogo uye eyntabeni, uzobuya mhla kuphela
inyanga (Gogo went to the mountains, she will
be back by month end).”
Langelihle:Isn’t there anyone who can help us?
Kuyaphuthuma(It is urgent).
“Ngiyithwasa, angihloleli abantu. Buyani Mese
kubuye u Gogo(I am only an initiate, I don’t
consult for people. Come back when Gogo
returns.)”
Sondela:Okay siyabonga. Usale kahle.

We walked back inside the car.

Langelihle:Well that was a waste of time.
Sondela:Let me call my dad.
He called his dad.
Sondela:They said she’s not here. She’ll be back
after a month.
………….
Sondela:Isn’t there anyone else we can talk to?
……….
Sondela:Okay, thanks.
He hung up.
Sondela:Dad says he will try to call her, but we
shouldn’t see anyone else.
Langelihle:Why?
Sondela:He says he doesn’t trust the other
Sangomas.
Langelihle:Tjoh okay.
Sondela:Let’s go back home.
.
.
.
BHEKI(Langa’s dad)

Staying alone gets boring sometimes, all my

children are grown and living their lives.
Zanobuhle, my older daughter is married and
resides in Cape Town with her husband. The
middle child, Sandiso also lives on his own
place. Not married yet.
Then my sun, Langelihle, my blessing, she is
also married.
I was just coming from my wife’s grave when I
noticed her crying on the road. The road was
awfully quiet that night. I didn’t waste any time, I
stepped out of the car and hurried to her.
I noticed a bleeding woman next to her, she was
young, probably in her 20s. She was still faintly
breathing. 8 knelt next to her with Langelihle in
my arms. She grabbed my arm.
“Langelihle…. Run… with.. Her… he mustn’t find
her.”, those were the words she said to me
before completely fading out to the land of the
ancestors. I panicked and called the police
together with the ambulance, when they arrived,
they were too late. The girl was already dead.
Langa looked so young and tiny, like she was
just born that day. She stayed with child
services for two months until I made the
decision to adopt her as my own. That girl’s
words stuck to me, she said I must run with
Langa and he mustn’t find her. I don’t know who
he was talking about, or who Langa’s parents
are. I tried investigating but I didn’t end up
anywhere, I forgot about it and focused on
raising Langa. When she was old enough, I told
her how I found her. Surprisingly, she took it
well and thanked me for taking care of her.
Langa is my daughter, biological or not. She will
always be my daughter. Her not being able to
give birth full term is worrying me too, maybe it
has to do with her roots or background. She
doesn’t know who her parents are, maybe that’s
what causing all of this. But I don’t know, I’m
only assuming.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I brush her stomach, she was sleeping.
“I wish you can just live boy, do it for mommy
and daddy. We both need you.”
I really wish a miracle can happen and the
doctors can tell us that he’s alive. I kiss Langa’s
lips and stand up.
My phone rings, I answer without looking at
who the caller is.
“Baba”, that’s Zimthele.
Sondela:Hi.
Zimthele:Is everything okay?
Sondela:Zimthele are the children okay?
Zimthele:Yes, they are okay.
Sondela:Then why are you calling me?
Zimthele:You have been declining my calls all
day.
Sondela:Tell me something Zimthele, does
Langelihle ever calls me when I’m with you?
Zimthele:No.
Sondela:Then why are you calling me when you
know that I am with her? Should we go back to
reminding each other what the boundaries are?
Langelihle is your older sister wife, you are the
second wife. What happened to respect? I think
I’m the one who made you feel like you can do
as you please. Not anymore, respect Zimthele!
Zimthele:Oh I’m sorry, I will see you when it’s
my turn.
Sondela:Thank you.
Zimthele:Okay bye.
I hung and sighed. Having two wives is no
child’s play. I have been unfair on Langelihle all
this time, it stops now. I will treat the both of
them equally. First I should buy her a new house.
I look over at Langa and she was still sound
asleep. I kissed her lips and her arms were
burning hot. I’m used to this, there are days
where she just gets extremely hot without any
reason. I wonder what’s the deal.
I schooch next to her and pull her closer.
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE #04

A month later……

The whole Mthembu family is gathered at

Mthembu Senior’s house for a family lunch.
They always do them once every month end,
just to socialize and get together as a family.
Zimthele hasn’t told anyone about the
pregnancy, except for Sondela, who was excited.
She is trying by all means to hide it from
Langelihle, she doesn’t want to seem like she’s
rubbing it into her face.
They are all at the kitchen peeling vegetables
and preparing lunch. Langa notices the bump
on Zimthele and want to ask her, but she
doesn’t know how. She waits until everyone
leaves. Zimthele keeps on lowering her jersey.
Langelihle:Are you pregnant?
Zimthele coughs, she was not expecting that.
Zimthele:*Laughs nervously* Uhh no.
Langelihle:You don’t have to lie to make me feel
better. My pregnancy issues should not make
you feel uncomfortable. Enjoy your pregnancy
mnaks.
She says carefree and smiling. Zimthele smiles
and sighs relieved. She took off the jersey she
was wearing and her bump showed fully.
Langelihle looked at her in envy and jealousy,
lucky her who will meet her child.
Langelihle:How many months?
Zimthele:This is the 7th month.
Langelihle:A boy or a girl?
Zimthele:*Smiling* It’s a boy.
Langelihle:*Smiling* Another boy to add to the
troublesome Mthembu boys.
They both laugh. Langelihle couldn’t move her
eyes from Zimthele’s bump. She ended up
cutting herself with a knife. Zimthele rushed to
her and put a dishwashing cloth over her finger.
Langelihle:Stupid me almost cutting off my
finger.
Zimthele:It’s not bad. We will put a plaster over
it.
Langelihle went outside with her phone.

Zimthele cleaned up the blood and continued

peeling.
Sondela came to the kitchen and hugged her.
Sondela:You shouldn’t overwork yourself.
Zimthele:I’m not overworking myself, I was with
Langelihle. She went outside.
Sondela:Even so, the two of you aren’t the only
Mthembu wives. Why aren’t the others helping?
Zimthele:Babe it’s okay, really.
Sondela:No it’s not. Leave this.
Langelihle enters the kitchen.
Langelihle:What’s going on?
Zimthele:Sondela is asking why we are working
alone.
Langelihle:Everyone left.
Sondela walked out.
Zimthele shrugged her shoulders.
Langa laughs.
Langelihle: He’s being dramatic. I honestly don’t
mind.
Sondela comes back with his brothers’ wives.
He leaves after that.
“We are sorry for letting you work alone.
Sondela is now shouting at everyone that we
are overworking you!”
“He almost bit our heads off.”
“True and o mnaks didn’t mind. Mina I don’t
even know how to cook.”
“Me too, I will just peel.”
“Isn’t there a Savannah here to quench our
thirst?”
They talk back and forth. Zimthele and
Langelihle look at each other and laugh.
.
.
.
Sondela goes to find his father on his study
room. He finds him with his brothers.
Mthembu Snr:Son. Please sit down.

Sondela has two brothers(Simunye and Mlamuli)

and two sisters.
Sondela:Dad isn’t Gende back yet?
Mthembu:No, she said she will be back sooner
though. I will tell you when she’s back.
Sondela:*Sighs* Okay… I really wish we knew
what was happening already, the suspense is
killing me.
Simunye:I don’t support this. You guys should
go to church and have a pastor pray for the two
of you.
Sondela:Awume kancane Simunye(Just wait a
bit!) Not today please!
Simunye:I was just saying.
Mlamuli:Wena nje you need to have a drink and
chill. Your wife will kill you. She’s the one
turning you into a pastor, meanwhile she’s the
opposite of it.
Simunye:She just cares about me.
Mlamuli:I’m sure she does.
Mthembu Snr:Will you two just stop it!? We
gathered today as a family to enjoy not fight.
Mlamuli:Sorry dad.
Mthembu Snr:Now Sondela listen, you should
help your wife find her real family. This could all
be related to that; we can’t wait for Gende
forever.
Sondela:I don’t think she wants to find her
family, but I will ask her.
Mthembu Snr:When she agrees, you are free to
come to me for help.
Sondela:You did a background check on her,
didn’t you?
Mthembu Snr:*Laughs* No I didn’t, I would have
if you allowed me.
Sondela:I just don’t want to invade her privacy.
Let me go talk to her. I will be back.

He walks out and goes back to the kitchen. He

calls Langelihle outside.
Langelihle:What’s wrong?
Sondela:I need to ask you something.
Langelihle:Okay?
Sondela:Don’t you ever wonder about your
family? Where they are?
Langelihle:Honestly I used to babe, everyday.
But I don’t know if I still feel that way. It has
been 35 years Mvelase, shouldn’t they have
come for me at least?
Sondela:I don’t know babe, but would it hurt to
at least know the truth? To know where you
come from? Remember you don’t know
anything Langa, what if that woman your dad
found with you was running away with you?
Don’t you want to find out the truth?

She looks at him and nods. She does want to

know what really happened that led to her to be
crying on the road with a dying woman. But is
she ready to face her parents? That’s if they are
still alive.
Langelihle:Okay if you put it like that then
maybe it won’t hurt . Where will we start?
Sondela:Leave it to me. I love you okay?
Langelihle:I love you too.
.
.
.
BHEKI

He is at his usual spot, reading the newspaper.

He goes inside to refill his juice. A knock comes
through the door and he goes to answer it. He is
met by a young man he doesn’t know.
Bheki:Can I help you?
“Yes you may. I’m looking for her and you will
tell me where she is.”
Bheki:Who are you talking about?
“You know exactly who”
Bheki looks around wondering if this is the “he”
that dying lady said mustn’t find Langelihle, but
that was over 30 years ago and this man looks
young.
Bheki:I’m sorry I think you have the wrong
house. I would appreciate it if you would leave.

The man smiles and put his foot inside but

immediately steps back.
“Mmm, a prayer warrior.”
Bheki:Sir I’m going to call the police. You are
harassing me in my household.
“Don’t worry, I am leaving. But I will find her.”

He walks away. Bheki breathes heavily and calls

Sondela.
Sondela:Baba?
Bheki:Sondela I don’t know, but someone was
just here and I think he was looking for
Langelihle, he didn’t look like someone who
would give up until he finds her. Sondela please
protect my d…
A knife out of nowhere flew right into his chest.
.
.
.
VIRGIN

We drag our suitcases into the little shack.

There is one small bed and the carpet on the
floor is worn out. I look at my children and they
are confused by what’s happening. From living
on one of the top mansions in South Africa to
this tiny little shack.
My husband, was one of the ministers but was
retrenched when he was found guilty of money
embezzlement. They took everything away from
him. He was the one taking care of us, our
lifestyle was maintained by him. I had no cent in
my account because I was not working, I didn’t
see the point because my husband was monied.
Even though he was stealing from innocent
people, I didn’t mind because it put food on the
table.

And now we are back to poverty, something I

hate deeply. I know my parents would rejoice if
they were to see me like this, I kind of turned
my back on them when I saw Phil’s money.
Phil:We will be staying here for now. It’s not
what we are used to, but I promise you guys I
will get my job back and we will be back at our
house okay?
He’s just convincing the kids. There’s no getting
his job back, he was fired. They would never
take him back.
Virgin:Phil you have to find another job soon, I
can’t live like this! Like a pig!
Phil:I am trying Virgin. You should also try
something.
Virgin:What do you mean?
Phil:I mean the both of us have to find ways to
feed our children now. Any job we can find, a
friend of mine is looking for a housekeeper,
maybe you can go there and w…
Virgin:No no no no Phil… no…
Phil:V we don’t have a choice.
Virgin:No Phil. When you married me, you
promised me that I would never have to work a
day in my life.
Phil:Yes but we have no money now Virgin.
What are we supposed to do?
Virgin:Find another plan because there is no
way in hell I am working as a maid!!
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE #05

I have never been so scared like this, when

Sondela told me that he thinks my father is in
trouble we rushed home. We found him home
lying on the floor, bleeding and we rushed him
to the hospital. I have called my siblings and let
them know, Sandiso is on his way since he lives
nearby.
Sondela: im sure he will be fine mama, please
calm down.
I continued pacing up and down. I noticed my
doctor, the one I go to for my pregnancy check-
ups. I went to her, we chatted for a bit and I
went back to the waiting area. I saw Sandiso
coming towards us and I stood up to hug him.
Sandiso:What happened?
Langelihle: I don’t know, we are still waiting for
feedback from the doctors. He was bleeding so
much Sandiso, I have never seen so much
blood.
Sondela:Here comes the doctor.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Langelihle:I just need to know if he is alive.
“He is alive.”
I let out a deep breath.
“The knife almost got close to the heart, we
have removed it. He will be okay. He got lucky.”
Langelihle:Thank you doctor. Can we see him?
“Of course, he is awake.”
Sondela:I will wait for you here.
I nodded and went in with Sandiso.
Dad smiled when he saw us, I rushed to him
and held him like I’m seeing him for the first
time.
Bheki:That is okay now my sun, you can let go.
I let go of him and I wiped my tears.
Langelihle:Are you sure you are okay?
Bheki:I’m okay. The doctors say the knife
missed my heart.
Sandiso:Who did this dad?
Bheki:I don’t know. A man came earlier and
asked me where she is.
Langelihle:Her who?
Bheki:He didn’t say, he looked shady. I
suspected that he was looking for Langelihle.
Langelihle:Me? Why me?
Bheki:Remember I told you what that lady said,
she said I must never let anyone find you. That
man looked shady Langa.
Langelihle:So it’s him who wanted to k*ll you!?
I felt myself shaking with anger. How dare that
man comes out of nowhere and wants to
murder my father!?
“Langa calm down”, he tried to touch me but
quickly removed his hand.
Sandiso:The fuck Langa!? Why are you so hot!?
Bheki:My sun please calm down.
I breathed heavily and calmed down.
Langelihle:It angers me that I don’t know shit
about where I come from, and now some
mystery man comes out of nowhere to kill the
only parent I know!
I stormed out of the room and went outside.
Sondela was calling after me but I ignored him
and continued walking until I reached the
parking lot where I sat down. Nothing is making
sense at this point!
I am so lost and confused. If it’s not me losing
my babies then it’s mystery men coming out of
nowhere.
I feel a hand touch my shoulder and I look up. It
was Sondela. He helps me stand up.
Sondela:Is he going to be okay?
Langelihle:It seems so. Dad says a man visited
him asking for someone, he thinks he was
looking for me.
Sondela:He told me that too over the phone.
Who could it be?
Langelihle:I don’t know but we need to find out,
now I’m convinced that this is all related to me
and my parents. We need to find where I come
from and all our questions will be answered.
Sondela:Langa…
He called out my name looking spooked.
Langelihle:What’s wrong?
Sondela:Your eyes….
Langelihle:What’s wrong with my eyes?
I touched them to feel what he’s talking about
but I was just reaching because you can’t see
with your hands.
I was still hot, I could feel it. It happens, I’ve
gotten used to it.
Sondela:They are reflecting the sun…
Langelihle:Huh…
He gave me his phone and I looked at my
reflection but I didn’t see anything. What is this
man talking about?
Sondela:Well they are back to normal now.
His phone rang and it was still in my hands. It
was an unsaved number, I gave it to him. He
answered and then put it on loudspeaker.
“Langelihle uGende lo okhuluma naye.
Ngisaseyntabeni ngane yami, O gogo nomkhulu
bangtshengisile ukuthi sewufikile uzongifuna.
Lalela ulalesisise Langa lami, funa ekhaya.
Izimpendulo zakho uzozithola khona...
Uqaphele Langalami, akusiwo wonke umuntu
ozoza nenhliziyo emhlophe kuwena. Kudala
ekufuna, kodwa abakini banawe, abamuvumeli
ukuthi akuthole. Qaphela Langa lami.
Ungavumeli akuphuce isipho sakho futhi.”
( Langelihle this is Gende. I am still at the
mountains my child, my ancestors showed me
that you were looking for me. Listen and listen
carefully my sun, find your home. All your
questions will be answered. But be carefully
Langalami, not everyone will be of pure heart.
He has been looking for you for too long, but
your ancestors don’t allow him to find you. Be
careful my sun, don’t allow him to steal your gift
again.)

She said and then hung up after that. I looked at

Sondela and he was just as confused as I was.
Where will we even start the journey of finding
my home?
Sondela:The first step will be the road where
your father found you.

I nodded and smiled. I’m glad he is here with

me. He held my hands.
Sondela:I will walk this journey with you Langa I
promise, we will find your home.

He looked down.
Sondela:Sometimes I wish it was still just the
two of us.

He blurted out.

Langelihle:What do you mean?

Sondela:Uhh nothing… let’s go back inside.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Phil left go look for “work”. He is the man, he
should work for us, not the other way around.
My children are back to attending public
schools. I hope they survive, we really moved to
the lowest level. I’m not sure whether I will get
used to this life, living like peasants. Even
yesterday, we ate a tin of fish. I mean what is
that!?
We were squatting on this tiny bed last night.
The kids slept on the floor.
Let me call my mother, I just want to hear what
she will say.
“Virgin Hi”
I will never forgive my parents for naming me
“Virgin”.
Virgin:Hi ma.
“I’m surprised to receive your call today. Phela
wena you said you never want to associate
yourself with people like us.”.
Virgin:Ma I need your help.
“What kind of help?”
Virgin:I need a place to stay for me and my
family. Just for a few days, please mama.
“You nerd a place to stay, you and your family?
What happened?”
Virgin:It’s a long story, but we lost everything.
She laughed on the other end.
“Didn’t I tell you that the empire you were
boasting about would come crumbling down!?
You said I’m jealous when I warned you. I told
you to at least look for a job but you said you
would never work while your husband is a
whole minister.”
Virgin:Mama I didn’t call you for Abo “I told you
so”.
“You can come, but you will use the backroom.”
Virgin:Thank you.
I quickly hung up. I will never hear the end of it,
but it’s better than living here.
.
.
.
He calls his trusted friend frustrated.
“Did you find her?”
“No, I didn’t. It was another loose end”.
“come back.”
“But…”
“Come Back. They won’t let you find her. It’s
been years, won’t you ever give up!?”
“No I won’t. I need her.”
“Okay, but come back so that we can regroup.
This is not healthy; she is just as confused as
the ones who ran with her. She doesn’t know
anything.”
“I know that. I will be back tonight. Maybe you
are right.”
He hangs up and walks towards the woman he
has been eyeing.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Langelihle and Sondela left yesterday after they
received a call from Langa’s dad. They said they
were rushing him to the hospital. I’ve not heard
any update after that.
Not to be petty or anything, but yesterday was
my turn to be with Sondela and he didn’t show. I
have been calling him but he isn’t answering. I
call him once again and he answers this time.
Sondela:Zimthele I can’t talk, Langa needs me.
He said that and hung up, just like that. Wow! I
don’t know how to feel about this. He shouted
at me the other day that I shouldn’t disturb him
when he’s with Langelihle, but now it is time
and he is with her. This is the downside of
polygamy, not always having access to your
husband.

At least I will be giving birth in the next few

months to come, so Sondela will be crawling
back to me every night. It’s such a shame that
my sister wife doesn’t always carry full term, I
wonder how it feels knowing that she is
carrying a dead child. Shame. It’s too bad, but
maybe it’s a good thing because Sondela found
me and made me his second wife. I’m now
carrying his third child and growing his legacy. I
feel for Langelihle, your value as a woman just
remains low when you can’t give your husband
a child. I wonder what’s the deal really with her!
But what do I know?
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE #06

LANGELIHLE

The days were passing by so quickly and we

were nowhere with finding my home. Every lead
led us nowhere. My husband was working day
and night on every clue, I wish he can just stop
and take it easy. He barely sleeps and he is
always here. Zimthele has called me countless
times asking when he will come to him, I’ve told
Sondela to go to her but no, he says he doesn’t
want to leave my sight. It is weird and
suspicious, the other day he blurted that he
wishes it was still just the two of us. I wonder
what he meant by that. I also took a leave from
work, Nono will come see me tomorrow. That’s
if she isn’t hungover. That girl can drink for days,
but I don’t blame her. Her life, isn’t sweet. She
has been through so much, she uses alcohol as
a coping mechanism. Her husband left her for
her sister imagine! Nono is unable to have
children, she is infertile. So her husband
marrying her sister completely broke her, and
she turned to alcohol.
I try to be there for her but Nono is a person
who doesn’t like to talk about her feelings.
She’d rather keep it inside her.

I go to the study room and Sondela was buried

deep in a lot of papers, it’s still 11h00am.
Langelihle:Babe.
Sondela:Mmm..
Langelihle:We have a doctors appointment,
have you forgotten?
Sondela:No I haven’t forgotten. We can leave.
Langelihle:Are you hungry?
Sondela:No, we will grab something by the way.
We walked to the car and he drove us, he
looked fatigue and he was going to cause an
accident.
I told him to let me drive, he agreed and I drove
us to the doctor.
We came across Zimthele just when we were
entering. I looked down shyly.
Zimthele:Sanibona(Greetings)
Sondela:Hi. What were you doing in there?
Zimthele:It was my appointment today. I have
been reminding you, but it seems like I have
been forgotten lately.
Sondela:I forgot, sorry.
I left them and went inside, their problems are
theirs alone. I don’t need to hear them fight. Me
and Zimthele see the same doctor with regards
to pregnancy.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I completely forgot that today it was Zimthele’s
appointment too, I have been so deep in finding
Langa’s family that I disregarded everything.
She looks furious.
Sondela:How did it go?
I ask scratching my head.
Zimthele:I’d you wanted to know, you would
have showed up. But no “Langa needs me”, well
newsflash I also need you. Or have you
forgotten about us!?
Sondela:I’m sorry, I will come by tonight.
Zimthele:So that you can run to Langelihle
tomorrow!?
Sondela:What do you want me to do ke
Zimthele!? I am trying. You don’t know the
amount of stress I have, and you are just adding
on too of it.
Zimthele:What stress other than the fact that
your wife is a useless woman who can’t even
carry to full term!?
I don’t know what happened, I found myself
strangling her but I immediately let go of her.
Sondela:You do not talk about Langelihle like
that Zimthele!!!! Not once in your life should you
talk about her like that!? What the fuck is wrong
with you these days!? You’re changing into a
person I won’t like.
Zimthele:Just so you know, they say the baby is
breech! The amount of stress in my body isn’t
also making things easier for him! Now run to
your precious Langelihle.
She clicks her tongue and walks away.
I sigh and go inside. Langa was already laying in
bed with the doctor touching her.
Sondela:Sorry for being late.
Langelihle:It’s okay, we just started.
The doctor does his things, he first apply the
cold gel on Langa.
He tells us to move our eyes to the screen.
I head a loud heartbeat, like a watch ticking
under a pillow.
“That’s the heartbeat.”
Sondela:I don’t understand, last time you said
there isn’t a heartbeat.
“It’s a miracle. He is healthy, good thing we
didn’t remove him. Of course we will have to
monitor her and run tests to find out if there
isn’t anything we are missing.”
I felt myself wanting to cry. I looked over at
Langelihle and she was crying and smiling. I
held her hands.
Langelihle:He’s alive Sondela. He’s alive.
Sondela:He is baby. He really is, I can’t believe
this.
I kissed her hands.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I look at these scans and something isn’t right. I
don’t get how my baby can suddenly be in a
breech position. I have heard of how babies
don’t survive labour when they are breech. But
there are certain procedures right to turn the
baby? I hope so. Sondela is also acting strange,
I haven’t seen him in over two weeks, he always
says he is busy trying to find Langa’s family. He
has forgotten about us, I thought this was an
equal polygamy marriage, but right now it
seems to be favouring Langelihle only.

I thought she was fairer than this, clearly she

enjoys the attention from Langa. She is the
elder wife, she should be chasing him out to
come and see us. My children have been
wondering where their father is.
Zenande:Mama tomorrow is bring your father to
school day.
Problems on top of problems.
Zimthele:Okay, I will let your father know.
Zenande:Thanks mommy.
She runs off and I go to find Bayanda. He is in
his room playing video games. Bayanda… he
looks so much like his father.
I close his door and retire to my bedroom.
I find a text from Sondela, he’s telling me that
he can’t come today..
Mxm. I dial another number.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Today has been fruitful, seeing the happiness in
my husband’s face after finding out that our
baby is alive has been amazing. I don’t want to
get excited too much though, you should
always leave a room for disappointment.
Sondela was supposed to go to Zimthele today
but he is still here. What he is doing is causing
conflict between me and Zimthele, already she
has this newly found attitude towards me.
Sondela is outside, I go to him but he was
facing the other way talking to someone over
the phone. He didn’t see me.
“I don’t know baba, maybe I made a mistake
with taking a second wife. I don’t.. Zimthele is a
nice person….”

I quickly go back inside with my heart beating

against the ribcage.. What was that!?
.
.
>> >. >>
LANGELIHLE #07

SONDELA

I was at Zenande’s school today for “Bring your

father to school” day. It was great, it’s a good
thing for schools to introduce programs like
these. I even got to know that my daughter is
one of the top students in her class. Zenande is
in grade four.
Now I’m going to see Zimthele, things aren’t
going good between the two of us and I don’t
like that.

Zimthele doesn’t work, she never got the

chance to further her studies. She said she
doesn’t want to go back to school, but start her
own businesses. I have been waiting for years
to find out what her plans are but nothing.

“I’m telling you that I will come, no need for you

to show your face here!”, I hear her shouting
over the phone. I clear my throat and she gets
scared, she almost drops her phone. She hangs
up and laughs nervously.
Zimthele:Babe.. How long have you been
standing there?
Sondela:Why? Is there something I didn’t need
to hear?
Zimthele:Uhhh no.
Sondela:Okay… let’s sit down..
Zimthele:I’m happy you are here.
Sondela:I’m sorry for not coming sooner, but
you have to understand babe. Langa needs to
find her family and I am helping. The three of us
are a family, we shouldn’t fight over petty things.
Zimthele:I hear you, I’m sorry for acting like a
brat.
Sondela:It’s okay..
I touched her stomach.
Sondela:So what do they say is wrong with our
son?
Zimthele:He is bottom down.
Sondela:Is that wrong?
Zimthele:Very, he’s supposed to be head down.
But there is a procedure that is done to turn the
baby.
Sondela:Won’t it harm the two of you?
Zimthele:No, the doctor said it’s a safe
procedure.
Sondela:Okay, when can we do it then?
Zimthele:I don’t know, we didn’t discuss far..
I nodded..
Zimthele:Are you sleeping here tonight?
Sondela:Yes.
She squealed excited.
Zimthele:Let me make something for you to eat.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Sondela left, finally. I didn’t ask him about what
I overheard him saying, I don’t even want to
know. He’s now regretting marrying Zimthele?
After so many years!? Men! They will embarrass
you so badly.

I open for Nono and lead her to the living room.

She doesn’t look like her usual self today, Nono
is a chatty person. She keeps on looking around
and scratching her neck. Please don’t tell me
she’s doing drugs now.
Langelihle:Hey are you okay?
Nono:Yeah I’m okay. Where is your man?
Langelihle:Sister wife.
Nono:Oh… so what’s the latest with finding your
family?
Langelihle:Ahh we have not reached anywhere.
It’s like someone is blocking our paths, every
time we come across a promising lead, it leads
us nowhere.
Nono:*Clears throat* You mean someone is
sabotaging you?
Langelihle:I think so, I don’t know.
Nono:How are you feeling today?
Langelihle:I’m fine. It’s just my body that is hot.
She laughs.
Nono:And you are always hot Langa!
Langelihle:I have gotten used to it.
Nono:What do you think could be the reason for
that?
Langelihle:I don’t know Nono, growing up I used
to think maybe I’m a witch because even my
eyes they change into something I don’t know.
Maybe that’s why the mystery man is looking
for me, to steal my gift. The gift of being hot.
I laughed as I realized how stupid that sounded.
She stood up and came towards me.
Langelihle:Where are you going?
Nono:I’m sorry.
She was shaking.

She touched my arm and pinned me on the

couch. She took an injection and stabbed me
with it.
“I’m sorry, but he promised me something I
have always wanted.”, I heard her speak but her
voice was fading away.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I have cooked dinner and we are eating together
as a family.
Zendande is telling us about the day they had
today at school, sounds like it was fun.
Bayanda on the other hand looks bored. He is
always quiet, him and Sondela aren’t that really
close. It’s like they are not father and son. Well..

I clear my throat and tell him to pass the juice

to his father. He does so without even looking
at him.
Sondela looks at me and I shrug my shoulders.
Sondela:Is that how we behave around adults
now!?
Bayanda:Sorry.
Sondela:Sorry nja!? (Sorry who?)
Bayanda:I’m sorry dad.
He said that and stood up running out. Sondela
ran after him. I also stood up and followed them.
Bayanda had locked himself inside his room
and Sondela was banging the door, telling him
to open.
Zimthele:Babe let him be.
I pulled him away.
Sondela:You are spoiling this boy.
Zimthele:I’m not, he’s just a kid.
Sondela:Zenande doesn’t behave like this, he is
always angry and doesn’t respect anyone. We
did an ancestral ceremony for him with the
hopes that things would work out but it didn’t. If
I didn’t know any better I would say he’s not
mine, but you wouldn’t do that sthandwa sami.

I choked on my saliva.
Zimthele:No I wouldn’t do that.
Sondela:*Smiling* That’s why I trust you.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I wake up in an unfamiliar place. I remember
Nono injecting me with something. The first
thing my eyes travelled to, was my stomach. It
was still there. I was tied on my hands and feet.
“Helppp… help…”, I shouted. It was pointless
because this place was so quiet. I don’t know
where I am. It clicks into me that I am
KIDNAPPED!!!

I hear footsteps and I know it’s Nono, we’ve

been friends for too long. I now her footsteps.
Crazy I know.
She looked apologetic. I just wanted to know
why.
Langelihle:Why Nono why?
Nono:I’m sorry.
Langelihle:Who are you working with? Because I
know this is not like you.
Nono:He is on his way, he said I must keep you
here until he arrives.

I thought we were friends, I thought we were a

ride or die kind of thing. How can Nono betray
me like this!? Sell me to the mystery man!? I
trusted her with my life. I trusted her.

Nono:Langa please calm down, I don’t like this.

She said in a worried voice.

Langelihle:I trusted you Nono…
.
.
.
#Narrated

Nono steps back and leans on the wall looking

at Langelihle.
She was still tied up on the chair but there was
a fire surrounding her. The rope she had tied her
with melted and Langa was free. Her eyes were
reflecting the sun.
“What kind of witchcraft is this?”, she asked in a
horrified voice.
Langa stood up and looked at her. Nono
couldn’t look back, the light coming from her
was burning her. The whole rooms temperature
was hot and she was sweating excessively.
“I trusted you Nono”, she said and her voice
echoed throughout the whole room.
Langa marched towards Nono and strangled
her against the wall. Nono tried to touch her to
remove her, but she couldn’t. She felt like her
neck was being placed against a hot stove.
“I… mm…sorry”, she managed to utter those
words….
Langa let go of her and her eyes went back to
normal. She looked around the whole room and
ran out.
Nono recollected her breath and coughed
terribly. She touched her neck and it was still
hot and a little smoke was left in the room.
.
.
Years ago….
Langa runs to her hut with her big belly, finding
her two sisters ; Nomekezela and Ntombele.
Langa:I need to hide her. He knows that she
also possesses the powers of the sun.. He will
strip them off of her like he did to me, you and
our whole family.
Ntombele:He will kill her too, like he did to our
mother.
Ntombele:How will we run from him!? He is
connected and the whole village worships him.
Langa:I am due to give birth any time my sisters,
I know I won’t make it. Please look after my
daughter, take her. Run away with her, do not
allow him to find her. I beg you.. He is not a
good man, I regret ever agreeing to be in a
relationship with him. He is consumed by greed
and power, that he cannot differentiate between
good and bad.
Nomekezela:Sisi please don’t speak like this.
Let us all run together, let’s go back home.
Langa:There isn’t much time Nomekezela. He
destroyed our home. There’s nothing left. This
is all my fault, our parents warned me about
him but I didn’t listen. I didn’t listen to them and
I jumped in bed with the devil. What have I done!?

She cries while her sisters hold her, trying to

calm her down.
.
.
To be continued…..
LANGELIHLE #08

SONDELA

I have always had that feeling that Bayanda

may not be my son, I brushed it off because I
thought no way could Zimthele do that to me. I
do not have that fatherly connection with
Bayanda, he is stubborn and always angry for a
six-year-old. Not to mention that the boy looks
nothing like me. My father suggested we do a
ceremony for him, but things got worse.

Yesterday, when I asked Zimthele if she

wouldn’t so that to me, her body Language
stated otherwise. I hate to think that my wife
could have deceived me into thinking that
Bayanda is my son whereas he is not. I need to
do a DNA test secretly without Zimthele
knowing.
Zimthele:It’s so nice to have you here tonight.
It’s been long.
I smile and brush her thigh.
We are in the middle of kissing when my phone
rings.
Zimthele:Leave it.
We ignore it and keep on kissing but it rings
again.
Sondela:Let me answer it.
Zimthele:Sondela…
I reach for it and it was an unsaved number, I
always answer unsaved numbers, you can
never know, maybe someone is in trouble.
The moment I say hello I hear sniffs and I can
never miss my wife’s sniffs.
Sondela:Langa is that you?
Langelihle:Sondela please come and get me. I
don’t know where I am, it’s dark and I’m scared.
Nono kidnapped me but I ran away.
I quickly jump out of the bed, with my heart
racing.
Sondela:Whoa babe calm down. Whose phone
are you using?
Langelihle:Some man I came across with.
Sondela:Please give him the phone.
Langelihle:Okay.
“Hello”
Sondela:Hi, can I ask where you are.
“We are by Frederick’s. Just by the road.”
Sondela:Okay, can you keep her there. I will be
there just now.
“I will do sir. She is shaking.”
Sondela:Okay,thank you.
I hung up and wore my clothes quickly while
calling my father.
Mthembu:Son why are you calling this late?
Sondela:Baba I need you to find Nono for me,
she kidnapped Langa.
Mthembu:Whoa!? What the!? I’m on it.
Sondela:Thanks dad.
I hung up and hurried out of the room.
Sondela:Langa is in trouble, I will be back.
Zimthele:*Rolling her eyes* Of course.
I don’t have time for this. Zimthele is changing
into something I don’t know. I thought she
understood the dynamics of Polygamy, but
these days she seems to be forgetting that
Langa is also my wife. When the other wife
starts behaving like this, it never ends good, it
always ends in tears and coffins. It’s how
people start bewitching each other, and I hate
witchcraft with every inch of me. It just rubs me
off the wrong way.
I am flying on the road to Langa, within an hour I
was there and I saw her standing on the road
next to a car. I jumped out of the car and went
to her. The moment she saw me she jumped to
my arms.
Langa:Thank God you’re here.
Sondela:I’ll always be here. Are you okay? She
didn’t hurt you?
Langa:No she didn’t..
Sondela:Thank you for taking care of her.
I say to the man.
“It’s my pleasure. I couldn’t leave a woman
alone on the road at night.”.
We thank him and we left. I drove to my father’s
house.
Langa:Why are we going to your father’s house?
Sondela:We are going to sleep there for tonight.
I was conflicted, I can’t leave Langa, she is
traumatized by what happened. I know that this
is Zimthele’s time, but I can only hope that she
will understand.
“I will make you some tea. Come”, that’s my
mother taking Langa away.
Sondela:Did you find her?
Mthembu:Yes, she is at her apartment. I also
looked at her call history, and there’s this
number that keeps on calling her.
Sondela:Langa said Nono kidnapped her, that
he said she should keep Langa until he comes..
Mthembu:You think it’s the mystery man?.
Sondela:With no doubt. I need to talk to Nono.
Mthembu:Son don’t do anything you will regret..
Sondela:I won’t do anything to her. I just want
answers. She shouldn’t have kidnapped my wife,
she looks traumatized.
Mthembu:Sondela calm down. Makoti is okay.
Sondela:Let me go talk to her.
I go find my wife and she was lying on the bed. I
took off my shoes and laid next to her. I pulled
her to me and she just cried.
Sondela:I’m sorry.
Langa:She could have sold me to him. I trusted
her. She betrayed me.
Sondela:I will talk to her and find out who this
mystery man is. For now I am here for you.
She held on to me more closely.
I kissed her forehead and brushed her back
gently.
I must have dozed off because I was woken up
by Mlamuli. When did he get here? Langa was
already sleeping. I quietly get out of bed and
cover her with the blanket.
I walk out with him.
Sondela:When did you get here? And what time
is it?
Mlamuli:I just got here. It’s close to midnight.
Dad said I should come with you to Nono.
Sondela:To babysit me?
Mlamuli:*Laughs* No, to keep you on the leash.
Sondela:Mxm. Let me wash my face.
….
………
The place looks quiet, I don’t think there’s
anyone here.
Mlamuli kicks the door open and we search all
the rooms.
We went to the bedroom and everything was
cleared out. The closet was empty.
Sondela:She ran away.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
It is the following day, and I am much better
than yesterday. I still can’t believe that Nono did
me like that. What is it that the mystery man
promised her?
She showed me that you really can’t trust
everyone. Gende was right when she said not
everyone will come with a pure heart. Now I am
more than determined to find my home.
Let me call Gende for guidance. She should be
back by now.
Gende:Langelihle.
Langelihle:Yebo Gogo. So we are nowhere with
finding my home. Can’t you direct us?
Gende:I’m afraid not. You’re the only one who
can find your way home. The people are waiting
for you. Amathambo kanina awaphumule
neze(Your mother is not at peace at all)
Langelihle:*Swallowing* So my mother is dead?
Gende:Langelihle lento ocabanga ukuyenza,
iyeke. Angeke kuphele kahle. Iseyinde indlela
(Leave the thing you’re thinking of doing. It
won’t end well. You still have a long journey
ahead of you.)
Langelihle:I don’t know what you are talking
about.
Gende:Everything has its time. Our ancestors
never forsake us.
She hung up. Do all people have to talk in
riddles!? I didn’t understand a word she said.
How will I find a home that I don’t know what it
even looks like?
.
.
.
VIRGIN
We moved to my mom’s house today again.
Phil wasn’t happy that we are moving here, but
we have no choice.
Phil:I don’t like this.
Virgin:Me too, but we have no choice.
I went to the main house to find my mother. I
sat next to her.
Virgin:I have missed you.
I really have.
Gladys:Because you are broke. Do you
remember how you insulted us!?
Virgin:I know, and I am sorry.
Gladys:If you say so.
Virgin:I haven’t spoken with Zimthele in a long
time.
Gladys:Ahhh you know your sister, she is deep
in that marriage.
Ay a polygamy, I would never! Zimthele is brave.
I don’t think I can bare sharing my husband.
How do they even do it?
Virgin:If Phil were to want to take a second wife,
I would burn the both of them.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Sondela didn’t come back last night. I wonder
what is it with Langelihle, what is so special
about her? Every Mthembu member would
rather drop everything just for her. They treat
her like a Queen of some sort.
Sondela didn’t even send a lousy message to let
me know that he won’t be coming back.

Anyway, I heard that Virgin is back so I’m here

to see her. She hasn’t been home in a long time,
she’s married to a minister so she kind of
turned her back on us. But life, life is very
humbling.

I am met by her in the kitchen stuffing herself

with fries. I clear my throat and look at her. She
smiles and stands up to hug me.
Virgin:Dadewethu(Sister).
Zimthele:It is so good to see you V.
We sit down and I take one fried.
Virgin:I see you are pregnant again.
Zimthele:Yeah hey, my husband is a shooter.
Virgin:Sinjani isithembu? (How is polygamy?)
Zimthele:Oh well, all the things that you read
about on social media are true. It is hard to
keep up sometimes, I always feel like Sondela
loves Langa more and I am just his baby
popping machine.
Virgin:What do you mean?
Zimthele:I just don’t understand what’s so
special about my sister wife. He drops
everything for her, yesterday he left in the
middle of the night when she called and didn’t
come back. But when I call him when he’s with
her, he shouts and reprimands me. This is not
fair.
Virgin:Kodwa nawe mtaka ma, wazixakekisa nje
wathi shi kubantu abashadile. (You also
brought it upon yourself my sister, you intruded
on married people). What did you think would
happen? Of course he loves her more, he’s been
with her longer than he’s been with you.
Zimthele:I know that V, but a little bit of fair
wouldn’t hurt. Sondela is drifting away from me,
I can feel it. He no longer touches me like he
used to before. Yesterday he even asked me if
Bayanda was his son.
Virgin:What!?
Zimthele:Just imagine.
Virgin:But this is not healthy shame, if I were
you I would divorce him and leave him. I think
you also knew that he married you because he
wanted children from you. Who knows, maybe
he doesn’t even love you?
Zimthele:Did you have to be this blunt?
Virgin:I’m just trynna make you realize your
worth.
Zimthele:Shut up.
LANGELIHLE #09

ZIMTHELE

What Virgin said this morning stuck with me.

Does Sondela really not love me? Does he see
me as his baby popping machine!? Is that all I’m
worth to him? After all these years!? After giving
him three children and now he wants to toss me
aside like I’m nothing!?
I can not allow that to happen.

“Mama mama! Woza! (Mom mom! Come!)”,

Zenande shouts for me.
Zimthele:Yini!? (What!?)
Zenande:U Bayanda uzishaya phansi, uphuma
igazi! (Bayanda is throwing himself on the
ground, he even has blood).
I get scared immediately and follow Zenande.
We find Bayanda banging his head on the cold
tiles like a sociopath. Oh my God! What is
wrong with this child!?
I pick him up and make him face me. His eyes
were red and he was bleeding on the head.
Zimthele:Bayanda what are you doing!?
I shout at him. I take one of his clothing and
press it on his head to stop his bleeding.
Zimthele:Zenande call your father.
She disappeares and comes back second later.
Zenande:He is not answering mommy.
Zimthele:Eish okay. Get my keys.
I pick Bayanda up, I have to rush him to the
hospital. I do not know any first aid, so I don’t
know what to do.
Zenande comes back with the keys and we run
to the garage.
.
.
.
PHIL(Virgin’s husband)
My dignity as a man is gone, I feel weak. Never
had I thought that I would be squatting at my in
laws. I’m even embarrassed to accept food that
they give us. My wealth crumbled down so
quickly that I’m left with nothing. When you are
at the top and you see the amount of money
coming through everyday, you can’t resist the
temptation to take one for your pockets. It
started with taking R500, R2 000 and it
multiplied into millions. I was driving the
fanciest cars and spoiling my family rotten. My
children were attending the best schools and
they had their own personal drivers.
Life was going really well, I didn’t care about the
people who were suffering with the money I
was stealing. I only cared about myself, my
bank account was satisfying.

But, all good things come to an end. I got

caught one day, I didn’t know they were running
an investigation. That’s how they caught me,
along with my other colleagues. They took
everything from us, the houses , cars, money,
everything. I’m even blacklisted. So it’s still
going to be a long time until I can find a job.
And Virgin is also not making things easier,
she’s too demanding and picky. I told her that
one of my friends is looking for a housekeeper
and she completely crushed that idea. I think
that’s my fault too because when we were still
rich I didn’t want her to work. I promised that I
would take care of her in every aspect. I didn’t
know that things could end up like this.

I have no idea what life has for us, and I fear it’s
not going to be nice at all.
.
.
.
At the hospital.
Zimthele has been trying to call Sondela but he
isn’t answering. Her mother is here with her,
along with Virgin.
Virgin:He should be here.
Zimthele:I know, I have been trying to call him
but he isn’t answering.
Virgin wanted to say something, but she
stopped herself. She wasn’t understanding how
this marriage works. Couldn’t the husband
spare time to check on his son? She Shakes her
head in disbelief..

The doctor comes to update them and let them

know that he will be okay, he had a mild
concussion but he’s fine.

They all go in to check on him. Bayanda had his

eyes closed, slowly drifting to sleep.
Gladys touched his head and sighed.
Gladys:What is wrong my grandson? Talk to
Gogo.
Bayanda:Gra. Nny…
He replies in a sleepy voice.
Gladys:Why did you hurt yourself?
Zimthele:Ma he is tired, stop asking him so
many questions.
Gladys:Okay… sleep my grandson..
She fixes the light hospital blanket and brush
his cheek.
She fixed her eyes on Zimthele.
Gladys:What really happened?
Zimthele:I was called by Zenande, she said
Bayanda was hitting himself on the ground and
was bleeding. I then rushed to his room and I
found him on the floor still hitting himself
against the tiles..
Gladys:Does he often do that?
Zimthele:No, but he is moody. He is always
angry and he is stubborn, I don’t remember a
day seeing him smile like most kids. It’s worse
when his father is around, he makes it clear that
he hates him.
Gladys Shakes her head and folds her arms.
Gladys:Zimthele uphi uyise walengane!?
(Zimthele where is the father of this baby!?)
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
He is giving me slow strokes, while holding my
waist gently.
“I love you so much Langalami..”, He grunts on
top of me.
I moan back digging my nails on his back.
He collapses next to me and wipes his sweat.
He pulls me closer. We have been cuddled in
bed all day and having sex like rabbit. I needed
this, it’s always nice to have him by my side.
Even though he has to go tonight to sister wife.
We hear a knock followed by his mother’s voice.
Oh we are still at his home. I’m going to be
staying here for a few days, so that I don’t be
alone in our house when he’s gone.
“Sondela they say Bayanda is at the hospital.
Come out”
I shoot my eyes open and we both jump out of
the bed.
Sondela:Shit um.. I’m coming…
I pass him his clothes and I wear mine. We
open the door.
“Zimthele says she has been calling you. Why
aren’t you answering?”
Sondela:I switched off my phone. What’s wrong
with Bayanda?
“She didn’t say. I was going there.”
Sondela:Okay let’s go.
He turns back and kiss my cheek.
Sondela:I have to go.. I love you.
I nod. They walk away and I go back inside to
take a shower. I need to get rid of the sex smell.
When I was done I went out to the kitchen to
grab a bite.
Father in law called me to his study, I followed
him.
I sat on the chair opposite his.
Mthembu:Makoti I have new information.
Langelihle:Regarding me?
He nods and hands me some papers. Mthembu
Senior is the perfect father-in-law, he treats us
the wives like his daughters.
Mthembu:This woman has been following you
for years, she never gets close. She is always in
the shadows lurking.
Langelihle:Who is she?
Mthembu:I couldn’t find her name, but I have
her picture.
He gave me a picture of some woman. She
looked beautiful.
But, half her face was covered in burnt scars.
Mthembu:I am still working on finding her
location.
I sighed and placed the picture on the table.
Mthembu:We will find your home Makoti don’t
worry.
Langelihle:I’m not feeling hopeful right now
baba. I don’t know anything, Gende keeps on
saying I should trust my instincts and that I’m
the only one who can find my way home, but
how do I do that when I don’t know anything!?
Just the other day I almost strangled someone
and I felt like I would explode with the way my
body was so hot. I just… I want this to be all
over..
Mthembu:Your problem Makoti is that you are
panicking and rushing, the answers are always
there. It just needs someone to focus and
concentrate. The mystery man hasn’t been able
to find you for 35 years, he won’t find you now.
Trust and believe in God and your ancestors,
they have been with you all this time. They
won’t let you down now.

Langelihle:Yebo baba ngyezwa(Yes I hear you).

Mthembu:Good. I will let you know when I find
something else.
LANGELIHLE #10

Zimthele opens her eyes wide.

Zimthele:Haybo ma what kind of question is
that?
Gladys:Ngiyabuza ukuthi uphi uyise walengane?
(I am asking where is the father of this baby?)
Zimthele:I said that I called him.
Gladys:I’m not talking about Sondela. This is
not Sondela’s child. You’re the only one who
knows the truth. Take this child to his right
family so they can introduce him to his correct
ancestors. Are you aware that you introduced
Bayanda to the Mthembu ancestors when you
know very well he isn’t a Mthembu!? You
generation of today are stubborn! You like
messing with forces you don’t understand!!
Zimthele clears her throat while Virgin is
looking at her.
She claps her hands and walks out to find
Zenande.
Zimthele:Is he going to die?
She asks in a shaky voice.
Gladys:Ungangibuzi I nonsense nje mina.
Thatha lengane uyiyise kubo(Don’t ask me
nonsense. Take this child to his home).
Zimthele:Sondela will never forgive me.
Gladys:Angingene ke lapho ntombi yami(I’m not
concerned my dear).. You were well aware
when you opened your legs for another man
when you knew that you are married.
Zimthele:Mama you have to help me. Okay
Bayanda isn’t Sondela’s child. It was a mistake
mama, I didn’t mean to get pregnant. You have
to help me.
Gladys:Help you in what way?
Zimthele:To secretly take Bayanda to his father.
Sondela can’t find out that he’s not his. He will
divorce me mom. The children are the only
thing that I have against him.
Gladys:Zimthele don’t turn me into a witch as
old as I am. I will not scheme with you. Tell your
husband the truth before he finds out from
somebody else.
Zimthele:He will leave me.
Gladys:Who even is the father!?
Zimthele:An old friend.
Gladys looks at her daughter disappointed that
she would lie for this long. Who knows what
other secrets she has!?
After a while, Sondela comes rushing into the
room with his mother.
Sondela:What happened?
Zimthele looks at her mother.
Zimthele:He fell, but they say he’s going to be
okay. He just hit his head hard.
.
.
.
NONO

I do feel bad that I betrayed Langelihle like this,

but that man promised me something. He said I
could fall pregnant and have my own child and I
stupidly agreed without even asking how he
was going to do that. He told me that I should
take Langa and keep her until he arrives. But
then the unexpected happened. I don’t even
know how to explain what happened, because I
still don’t understand. Langa looked completely
different, like she was some sort of Sun
goddess if there’s such.

Now I ran away, I knew her husband and her in

laws would come for me. So I had to run. No
one will find me here, even that mystery man.
I peep outside the window to check what was
that noise I heard..
I close back the curtain when I don’t see
anything.

I jump up and almost pee on myself when I see

him standing in front of me. How did he..!?
He looks angry. I take a good look at him and I
don’t recognize him from anywhere.
Nono:She got away, I’m sorry.
“You have failed me.”, he shouts at me.
Nono:She burnt me.
I show him my neck, I still had red marks from
where Langa had me by the throat.
“She did that to you?”, he asks rather proud.
I nod.
“So she still has the power.”, he adds smiling.
He turns back and pace up and down. He takes
his phone and calls someone.
“She still has the power, and I bet she doesn’t
even know what she is. The most powerful
being in the planet and she has no idea what
she can do.”
……….
“I can’t get to her by myself, her mother is
blocking me I know. I will plant someone to get
her for me. And I already know who”
He looks at me smirking. He hangs up.
Nono:Who are you and what do you want from
Langa? Is she your daughter? Did you kill her
mother? Or did you kill her father?
“Let’s just say. I’m an old friend.”
Nono:That doesn’t answer my question.
“And who do you think you are to question me
like this!?”
He asks in a threatening voice, I look down.
“We have to do what is necessary to maintain
balance, and your friend is shifting that balance
.”
.
.
.
SONDELA
I am pleased to learn that Bayanda’s situation is
not serious, that means he will be back home
as soon as possible. My mother is still here with
me, it’s the three of us.
She looks at Bayanda sleeping and frowns.
Sondela:What’s wrong?
“Hay khona ndodana, I didn’t want to say
anything or accuse makoti of adultery. But are
you sure about him?”
Sondela:What do you mean?
“He looks nothing like you. You remember how
worse he got when we did that ceremony for
him!?”
She is right, like I said before. Bayanda’s anger
and tantrums got worse after we did that
ceremony and introduced him to the ancestors.
If he’s really not my son then, it means we
shouldn’t have introduced him to the Mthembu
ancestors. He needs his real family’s ancestors.
Sondela:I remember. I haven’t said anything to
Zimthele but I am suspicious that something is
amiss.
“Is what are you going to do?”
Sondela:I will do a DNA test secretly and find
out the truth. And if Zimthele lied to me, then
we will have a real problem.
.
.
.
Outside the room, Zimthele holds her mouth
shocked and hurt. She didn’t think that the
whole Mthembu clan is suspecting the paternity
of her son. And now Sondela wants to do a DNA
test.
She turns back and walks away quickly.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Sondela texted to let me know that Bayanda is
okay. I’m glad. He’s a nice kid, it’s just he looks
like he has a lot of issues, for a six year old.
It’s just after 12pm and I am going to Ein house,
the mental asylum. I need to speak with that
woman, the one who caused a scene the other
day and told me to run. Maybe she has answers,
or she will point me to the right direction. I
already have her name, Sondela’s father was
able to find it for me.
I can’t shake off the feeling that someone is
watching or following me. I have gotten
paranoid these days. I stop on my tracks and
move my head back in a speed of light. I see her,
she hides with the walls and runs. I run after her,
calling her out to stop.
I finally reach her after minutes of running.
I grab her tightly to not let her go. It’s the
woman in the picture.
Langelihle:Who are you and why are you
following me!?
“I….I’m sorry..”
She stutters looking everywhere but my eyes.
She looks a bit younger than me, or my age.
What happened to her?
I sigh.
Langelihle:What is your name?
She looks at me and blinks her eyes.
She breaks free from my grip and runs away. I
chase her but she was no where in sight
anymore. Damn it!
I send Sondela a text that I saw that woman.
I head back to the asylum.
.
.
>>>
LANGELIHLE #11

At Ein House.

She goes inside to the person behind a desk.

She assumes she’s the receptionist or
something close to that.
“Hello, how may I help you?”
Langelihle:Hi, I am looking for Margaret.
“Are you related to her?”
Langelihle:No.
“Mmm okay. It’s only an hour before visiting
hours are over. So you still have time. Please
remove any metal jewellery and cell phones and
put them on this box.
She does as she’s told.
The lady escorts her to Margaret’s room.
“Mem please do not get close to the patient,
because we will not be held liable for what she
may do.”
She nods and gets in.
Margaret was laying on the bed, facing the
other side. She was humming a song softly and
rocking herself back and forth.
Lange got closer, but not close enough.
Langelihle:Margaret….
She stopped singing and slowly turned back.
She sat with her bums on the bed.
Langelihle:Do you remember me?
Margaret tilts her head to the side looking at
Langelihle..
Langelihle:My name is Langelihle, the other day
you spoke to me about someone who’s coming
for me.
Margaret consistently bites her nails and looks
around the room.
“Oh God”, Langelihle whispers to herself. What
was she thinking? That she can get answers
from someone who is in an asylum? Only the
worst kind goes to Ein.
Langelihle:Is there anything you can tell me?
About my family? About the mystery man?
About where I come from? Anything at all?
Silence.
Langa takes a step closer and Margaret jumps
to her and pins her on the wall, strangling her.
Langelihle coughs, running out of breath and
holds on to Margaret.
Two guards barge into the room and they
snatch Margaret away from Langelihle.
“Are you okay?”, they ask her.
She rubs her neck and nods.
They strap Margaret on the bed, with her
shaking and laughing like a maniac.
Langelihle walks out. But she could still hear
her shouting.
“You’re all gonna die. He’s going to find you.”

She sighed and walked away. That was

pointless.
.
.
.
SONDELA
Mthembu:What is going on with you Sondela?
Sondela:Iynkinga zomuzi wami ziyangixaka(I
am troubled by my problems.)
Mthembu:Last time we talked, you told me
something disturbing. You said you think you
made a mistake by taking a second wife.
I lean back on the chair and rub my face. My
shoulders are heavy, it’s like I’m carrying all the
world’s problems.
Mthembu:Talk to me son, what’s happening?
Sondela:I think I made a mistake by taking a
second wife.
Mthembu:Don’t you love Zimthele anymore?
Sondela:I don’t know… I just… at first when I
wanted to take a second wife, I wanted
someone who would be a surrogate but Langa
crushed the idea. I then married Zimthele with
the hopes that she will give me children, since
we were still struggling with Langelihle. I didn’t
love Zimthele, I only wanted children, but as
time went by. I warmed up to her and developed
feelings for her, not romantic feelings, just
friendly feelings. Of course, she doesn’t know.
And now it all feels too much baba, she’s
constantly complaining about everything. I don’t
know what to do, because I can’t break myself
in two. Langa also needs me, she also needs
me. Both of them are pregnant and are giving
birth in the next few months to come. I don’t
know how to divide my time equally between
them. At the same time, I just want to be with
Langelihle all the time. I love my wife baba so
much; I rushed taking a second wife because I
couldn’t hold on and be patient with her. I took
such a drastic decision, that would benefit me
only. It only brought her pain, no one can be
happy knowing that they are sharing their
husband.
Zimthele is a nice person, I believe there’s
someone out there for her who will love her the
way she deserves. Because I won’t lie baba, I
don’t love Zimthele. My heart only beats for
ilanga lami(my sun).
But I don’t know what to do, I can’t just drop her
now when I was the one who came to her. She
has given me three children; I can’t just turn my
back on her after all these years. I’m conflicted
and confused.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
It was exactly five(5) years ago. Sondela had
just left to Langelihle after we had a little
argument. We were fighting over this matter of
not spending quality time together. Frustrated, I
called my old flame. His name is Sana. We met
up and one thing led to another, we ended up in
bed together. I took a morning after pill the
following day because we didn’t use any
protection. I was confident that nothing would
give that I cheated. Sondela didn’t notice
anything because I knew how to compose
myself around him. I then found out that I was
pregnant months later. I failed to do the maths,
because I was also sleeping with Sondela.
I gave birth and Sondela was excited for the
child. I had a bit of guilt because I wasn’t sure
who the child belonged to. I was even scared to
do a DNA test, because I was fearing I would be
caught.

Bayanda turned one, and that’s when his

father’s features fully showed. He looked
exactly like him, I was so sure that Sana was
Bayanda’s dad. How could I have broken the
news to my husband? I couldn’t tell him that I
cheated on him, and brought evidence home. I
kept quiet and didn’t say anything.
As Bayanda grew, he showed some serious
anger issues. One time I was called at his
school because he had drowned a student on a
toilet, luckily the student lived. He hates
Sondela, and he’s got a grumpy face.
It got worse when they did the ceremony for
him. I think the ancestors are upset, mom said
you aren’t supposed to introduce a child to the
wrong ancestors knowingly.
And now, I don’t know what to do. I have already
called Sana and asked to talk to him. Mom says
Bayanda will get worse if he isn’t united with his
father.

Sondela wants to do a DNA test and he will

know that Bayanda isn’t his. He will divorce me
and run to Langelihle.
Judge me all you want, but I will tamper with
those results. No ways can Sondela find out
that Bayanda is not his son. I just can’t lose him.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I’m back home after wasting my time at Ein
house. I knew I wouldn’t get anything positive.
That lady was probably delusional that day.
Sondela brushes my arm. He doesn’t look okay.
I look at him concerned.
Langelihle:What’s wrong baby?
Sondela:I’m just tired mama, nothing much.
Langelihle:You are lying babe, talk to me. What
is it?
Sondela:*Sighs* Okay… I think Bayanda is not
my son.
Langelihle:Whoa why would you think that?
Sondela:He doesn’t look like me Langa, and my
mother noticed it too. Zimthele was also off
when I asked her if she wouldn’t lie about him
being mine.
Langelihle:Well I don’t know what to say. I never
even noticed that Bayanda doesn’t look like you.
But now that you say it, he’s got no
resemblance of anyone who is a Mthembu. So
what are you going to do?
Sondela:DNA test.
Langelihle:Will you tell her?
Sondela:No. She is hiding something, I can feel
it. Even yesterday she lied and said Bayanda fell.
I feel like I don’t know her anymore.

He sighed and mumbled something along the

lines of what was he even thinking.
I held his hands. It will really be disappointing if
Bayanda isn’t Sondela’s son. That would mean
Zimthele lied, not only to Sondela, but all of us.
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE #12

TIME JUMP.

Sondela, Langelihle and Zimthele are all cooped

in one room.
Sondela is breathing fire with anger.
Langelihle:Sondela please let’s talk about this.
She tried to soften him up but he pushes her
and she falls on the couch.
He paces up and down the room trying to calm
himself down.
Zimthele bites her nails and looks at Langelihle.
Langelihle shrugs her shoulders.

A knock erupts from the door, followed by

Mthembu’s voice.
Mthembu:Sondela open this door!!
They ignored him.
Mthembu:Sondela open this door, what do you
think you are doing!?
Sondela:*Shouting* BABA PLEASE LEAVE!!
THIS DOES NOT CONCERN YOU!!!!
Mthembu:I’m not leaving. Don’t hurt them my
son, you’re not a woman beater.
Sondela:Who said I will hit them!? Now fuck
off!!!
Mthembu:I’m still your father boy!! Don’t talk to
me like that.
He sighs and opens the door a little.
Sondela:I’ve never hit a woman in my life, I
won’t start now. Now can you leave us?
Mthembu:Fine, but I will be in the living room..

He closes back the door and looks at his wife.

Sondela:So both of my wives lied to me. You
repeatedly lied to me!! You made me feel so
stupid!! How can the two of you do this to me!?
Zimthele:We are sorry…
Sondela:Shut up Zimthele just shut up!!!!
Langelihle:Babe..
Sondela:You are worse Langelihle, no the two of
you are worse!!
Wena Zimthele I asked you so many times if
Bayanda was mine and you lied to my face and
said he is. You watched me doing DNA tests
secretly and tampered with the results. You
went through so much length to cover up your
lies. You lied to my face for months!!!
Zimthele:I’m sorry Sondela, I didn’t want to lose
you. Please forgive me.
Sondela:And wena Langa, I give up with you.
He raised his hands up in surrender. He was
defeated and hurt, that the two people who are
supposed to look out for him, are the ones who
hurt him and deceived him for so long.
Langelihle:I was desperate Sondela, you have to
understand. I was desperate!
Sondela:You could have talked to me, I wasn’t
going to leave you. I never said I would leave
anyone. What the two of you did is unjustified
and disgusting to even think about!
He clicked his tongue and walked out!
He found his father in the living room and
passed him. Mthembu followed after him.
Mthembu:Sondela.
Sondela:I’m okay dad. I’m fine..
Mthembu:You’re not fine.
Sondela:I’m really fine. I need to go.
He got into his car and drove off.
Mthembu sighed and went back inside.
He found Langelihle and Zimthele shouting at
each other, almost fighting.
He got in between them.
Mthembu:This is not the time to fight! You both
lied to your husband! So go to him and fix
things. Fighting will not help you right now!!
Langelihle:Where will we even start?
……
…………
Months earlier…..

SONDELA

I was able to get the DNA samples and sent

them to the appropriate people. Zimthele
doesn’t know, she’ll have to forgive me but I
really need to know the truth.
She left yesterday with Bayanda, she said she’s
going home with him. I think that’s a good idea,
maybe he feels suffocated in here.

Me and Langelihle are okay, things couldn’t be

more sweet. I wish it can stay like this forever.
And we are about to welcome our child in just a
month. I’m so excited, yet I’m scared. We
haven’t heard the baby kick, but the doctor says
he is okay.
Mlamuli:Ahhh here she is. Let’s go!
Sondela:Is it really her?
Mlamuli:Yeah.
It’s the woman in the picture, we have been
looking for her and we have finally found her.
We rush to the car and he drives to her location.
It was an abandoned place, there was no sign
of life here.
Sondela:Are you sure this is the place?
Mlamuli:I tracked her here.

This place was quiet and didn’t look like a place

for a person to live.
“I hear something”, Mlamuli says turning back.
I look around but don’t see anything.
Something pass by quickly and throws Mlamuli
against the wall.
I gasp and look around, I also feel myself falling
down. I scream a little.
What the hell!?
“What are you doing here!?”, we hear a voice
ask.
I can tell it’s a woman, but I can’t see her. I pick
myself up and help Mlamuli get up.
Sondela:We are not here to hurt you. We just
want to ask you some questions. About
Langelihle, do you know her?
“Langelihle…. She’s here?”, she asks with
uncertainty. You can hear the emotions behind
her question.
Sondela:No she’s not here. It’s only the two of
us.
She stays silence for a while… then she comes
out. She was hiding behind the wall. It’s really
her.
I clear my throat, not knowing where to start.
Mlamuli:Is Langelihle your daughter?
I hit him on the shoulder.
Sondela:I’m sorry about him. But we are here
because of Langelihle, we saw that you have
been following her for years but you never get
close to her. What relation do you have with her?
She walks around and starts crying.
“I have been looking out for her all these years.
Years ago, when I arrived at the scene, I saw a
man pick her up. I didn’t know what he was
going to do with her. I followed him, but I saw
that he took her to child services. He seemed
nice. I have been following her ever since, every
day, for 35 years.”
I look at Mlamuli and shake my head.
Sondela:Not that I’m doubting you or anything,
but if you say you have been following her for
35 years then how come do you look younger
than her? And do you know anything about
where she comes from? Because we were told
that she has to find her home, before he can
find her and steal her gift again. Who is the
mystery man? And what does he went with
Langelihle? And what is your name?
“My name is Ntombele, Langelihle is my niece. I
survived when he brought the mob to kill me. I
will tell you everything. But she has to be
present. I know he’s here, and he won’t stop
until he can find her.”
I sighed in relief, finally we can get some
answers.
Sondela:Okay, we will go and get her.
She nodded. I went out with Mlamuli and we
drove home.
We were still at my father’s house.
Mlamuli:Do you trust her?
Sondela:I don’t know yet, but it won’t hurt to
hear her out.
We arrive home and Langelihle was in the
kitchen with my mother, baking. They get along
so well.
I kiss her cheek and she blushes.
I call her outside for a bit.
I give her a hug and touch her belly.
Langelihle:Where have you been?
Sondela:Following a lead. We found her.
Langelihle:Who?
Sondela:The woman in the picture.
Langelihle:Are you serious?
Sondela:Yeah, she says she’s your aunt and she
will tell us everything, but you need to be
present.
She smiled and held me tighter.
Langelihle:Mvelase please tell me you are
joking. Is it really her?
Sondela:It’s her sthandwa sami. We will get
answers.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I called Sana and we met up weeks back. He
was a bit confused and angry, that I kept his
son away from him. But he had to understand, I
wasn’t going to ruin my marriage because of
him..
So now we are at his home, to perform a
ceremony for Bayanda. I lied to Sondela and
said I was going out with him to refresh his
mind.
Sana:It’s done.
Zimthele:Really?
He nodded and showed me Isiphandla around
Bayanda’s wrist.
Bayanda:Mommy look.
He showed me his hand and smiled. Oh my
baby, I had to leave the hut. The incense was
burning my eyes.
I pick Bayanda up and tickle him, he laughs.
Zimthele:Thank you so much Sana. I almost
lost my son because of my ignorance.
Sana:It’s okay, we apologized to o Dlamini for
bringing their son late. He will be okay from
now on.
I smiled.
Zimthele:Thank you.
Sana:So when will I get to spend time with him?
Zimthele:What are you talking about now?
Sana:I mean, he is my son and I deserve to
spend time with him.
Zimthele:Not now Sana. He doesn’t know yet.
And you have been absent for six years in his
life.
Sana:And whose fault is that?
Zimthele:I’m sorry but I can’t.
.
.
.
NTOMBELE
35 years ago, I managed to get away from the
mob that was hell bent on finishing me.
I ran to the direction where Nomekezela went
and I was shocked to find what I saw. They had
shot my sister, and Langa was crying alone. I
wanted to go to her and take her, but I stopped
when I saw a man rush to her.
He looked decent, and I know he’s been decent
because I have been watching them everyday..
I couldn’t get close to Langelihle, because I was
scared and didn’t want to confuse her. She had
a loving family and they cared about her a lot.
Something her mother wanted before he…
Anyway, I’m waiting for them to come back so
that I can tell them everything. From how her
mother met her father, her powers, everything.

I stand up in anticipation when I hear footsteps.

That must be them.
I compose myself and rehearse how I’m going
to greet her. She’s so grown now.
The footsteps are getting heavier. I get by the
door to welcome them.
I step back when I see that it’s not who I
expected. How did he even find me?
He looks around the place and frowns.
“You know, I gotta commend you. You managed
to hide from me for this long.”
Ntombele:What are you doing here?
“Oh you know very well what I’m doing here.”
Ntombele:You are afraid of her, you know she’s
the only one who can get rid of you. Wait till I
tell her everything and how to use her powers.
She’ll destroy you to ashes.
“Which is why I have to balance the scales
everywhere.”
He took a knife from his pockets and moved
towards me.
“Imagine running away from me for 35 years,
only for me to kill you before you can even meet
her.”
He pushes the knife in my stomach and twist it.
I get drowsy and hold him.
He takes it out and pushes it in again.
“She’s your..”
.
.
.
>>>>>
LANGELIHLE #13

I am nerve-racking right now, I don’t know what

to expect from her. She’s my aunt? And she has
known of my existence all this time but didn’t
say anything? Or try to make contact? Sondela
squeezes my hand trying to calm me down. We
were with brother-in-law, Mlamuli. We arrived at
the place and it didn’t seem like an appropriate
place for someone to live in. There were worn
out, flying curtains. It looked really bad, but I
was so keen on hearing what she has to say.
Maybe finally we will be pointed to the right
direction.

We enter and Sondela shouts for him, but I

smell something funny and weird.
Mlamuli:I smell blood.
Exactly, I smell blood. We all rush to the origin
of the smell and we were never ready for what
we saw.
She was laying there, bleeding on her stomach.
Sondela crouches next to her and feels her
pulse.
He looks back at us and Shakes his head.
Sondela:She’s gone.
Langelihle:*Panicking’ Maybe we should take
her to the hospital, they’ll patch her up.
Sondela:She’s gone Langa.
Langelihle:She can’t be dead.
I kneel next to her too and she was really gone.
One step forward, and three steps back.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I open Sondela’s phone, he left it by mistake.
I’m using that to my advantage.
I go through his messages and I find a
confirmation text that the DNA samples have
been sent to the lab, he should expect results
within a week or two.
I exit and put his phone back.
I go to my phone and Google the name of the
Lab, it’s not far.
I grab my keys and head to my car.
We came back this morning and I had to
remove Isiphandla from Bayanda. I don’t even
know if that’s acceptable, but Sondela would ha
e asked too many questions. I told Bayanda not
to say anything about our weekend.
I arrive at the Lab and head inside. I notice a
young lad in a white coat.
I snap my fingers at him and he lifts his head up
to me.
I go to him.
Zimthele:Hi, I am looking for DNA testing
whereabouts.
He smiles.
“Oh I work in that department. Follow me”
I follow him, he tells me his name; Michael.
We walk to his office and he instructs me to sit
down.
Michael:So, who are you testing the DNA for?
I clear my throat.
Zimthele:Actually… my husband wants to do a
paternity test on our son.
Michael:Okay?
Zimthele:And I need you to fake the results, so
that they can show he is the father.
He frowns and looks at me, this is a long shot
but I am desperate. I stand up and sit on the
table. I remove my jacket, revealing my
cleavage. I touch his chin. He backs away.
Michael:Uhh what are you doing?
Zimthele:I just need you to fake the results. It’s
not that big of a deal, I will treat you well, I
promise.
Michael:I will lose my job.
I get more closer to him and smash my lips into
his, he freezes for a moment and then he kisses
me back. I move from the table and sit on top of
him. I grind myself on him, he is getting hard
and is groaning lowly.
“Please…”, I mutter slowly.
Michael:What’s the name of your husband?
I smile.
Zimthele:Sondela Mthembu, testing for
Bayanda Mthembu.
He picks me up and bends me over the table. I
feel his pants dropping down.
He lifts up my dress and lowers my panty.
Zimthele:Will you do it?
He penetrates me and I gasp, okay I wasn’t
expecting that.
Michael:I’ll do it…
I nod and smile. He pounds into me deep.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Today we laid my aunt to rest, it wasn’t a big
funeral. Just a small thing, it’s after a week
after we found her dead.
I’m still sad, but confused mostly. What does
this man want from me? He just killed the only
person who could have given me answers. I
would have known my identity.
Maybe I should go to the road of incident. But
it’s been 35 years, I don’t think the trail will be
there. But it’s worth a try, right?
I feel someone touching my shoulder. I look up
and it was Nono. I get angry instantly.
Langelihle:What are you doing here!?
Nono:I came to support my best friend.
Langelihle:Was I also your best friend when you
kidnapped me?
Nono:You won’t understand Langa, he
blackmailed me and left me with no choice..
Langelihle:What do you mean?
Nono:He threatened to kill my family, and
promised that I would fall pregnant if I did that
for him. And you know how much I want a child
Langa, I was desperate and I agreed without
asking how he would do that. You have to
believe me.

She seemed genuine.

Nono:I’m really sorry, please forgive me.
I hug her and cry in her arms.
Langelihle:It’s okay, he is out to get me. So he
will use everyone close to me. Do you know
how he looks like?
Nono:No, he was always in a disguise.
Langelihle:Okay. It’s okay. When he contacts
you again, please let us know.
She nods.
Nono:She was your aunt?
Langelihle:Yes. He got to her before we could
get there. I’m back to square one.
Nono:What is Gende saying?
Langelihle:She always say I’m the only one who
can find my way home, she says I should trust
my instincts. This is stressing me out and I
can’t even enjoy my pregnancy in peace.
Nono:No ways, the baby is alive?
Langelihle:*Smiling and touching my stomach*
Yes, they found a heartbeat.
Nono:Oh I’m so happy for you.
.
.
.
SONDELA
We laid Ntombele to rest yesterday. It was
really stupid of us to leave her alone and go to
fetch Langa, we didn’t think. And now she’s
gone.
Mlamuli:We will find another clue Bro, don’t
worry.
Sondela:*Sighs* I don’t know what to do
anymore. I try to be strong for Langa but I’m
also clueless and I don’t know where to look.
He looked at me in pity and focused his eyes
back on the computer. My family was very
supportive, everyone wanted to help.
Mlamuli:I saw Nono today with Langa.
Sondela:I saw her too, and they were smiling
and laughing. I will talk to her about that.
I saw Langa passing by, pushing her stomach.
She’s so pregnant, and I love it.
I go to her.
Sondela :Where are you headed?
Langelihle:To get water.
Sondela:What is Nono doing here?
Langelihle:Oh, she came go offer her
condolences.
Sondela:And how did she know?
Langelihle:News travel fast Sondela.
Sondela:This is the same person who
kidnapped you.
Langelihle:I know, but we have talked and fixed
things. The mystery man blackmailed her.
Sondela:And you trust her?
Langelihle:She’s my friend.
Sondela:Wow.
I moved away. She called after me but I ignored
her. Sometimes I wonder, if people like acting
stupid on purpose, or they are really stupid. Of
course, I won’t say that to her face. But how
does a person plot behind your back and kidnap
you? Then you forgive her and all is well? Does
that make sense to you?
I left my phone at Zimthele by accident. She
wasn’t at the funeral, I don’t know why and quite
frankly it’s fine, I don’t have the time for drama
that would have erupted.
I’m met by Bayanda in the living room. I
contemplate on whether I should make
conversation or not.
Sondela:Son.
He looks up to me and smiles.
Bayanda:Hi dad.
Okay, that’s a first. He smiled and
acknowledged me.
Sondela:You good?
He nods.
Sondela:Where’s mom?
Bayanda:Bedroom.
Sondela:Okay, be good.
I quickly move away and head to our bedroom. I
heard the water running, she must be taking a
shower. My phone was on the side drawer. I sat
down and opened it. There was a message,
from the Lab, informing me that the results will
be back in a week or two, they will call me.
I want to know already.
Zimthele walks into me and finds me smiling.
Zimthele:Hi, why are we smiling?
Sondela:Oh, just received a good message.
Zimthele:Do I need to know?
Sondela:No.
She turns around and I notice something on her,
she was naked.
Zimthele:How was the funeral?
I stand up.
Sondela:What is this?
I touch where there was a red mark.
Zimthele:I don’t know, I woke up like that. Did
you bite me? Or it’s just a reaction?
Sondela:I don’t remember.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I am running on the beautiful grass laughing,
the sun is warm and hitting my skin warmly.
My mother catches up to me and rolls me all
over.
“Told you you can’t outrun me”
I laugh as she tickles me. We both sit down and
look at the sun.
“It is beautiful, just like you”, she compliments.
“I love it. It looks beautiful indeed.”, I reply back.
“You have to be careful Langa, people will find
out that we exist and want to steal our power.
Be careful Langalami.”
“I’ll never disappoint you mom, I promise.”
“Whenever you feel lost, I will always be here for
you. The old war that wiped out our ancestors is
brewing; we all can feel it. His disciple is
coming back for a second war. His aim is to
destroy us all.”
“We will not let him mom, we have the best
warriors here and I can fight.”
She smiles and hums a song.
I look behind me and a man is walking to us
carrying a knife. He aims at my mother and
stabs her.
Mom disappears right in front of my eyes. I
scream and the man was no longer in sight.
I look around my surroundings and the place
wasn’t beautiful anymore.
The grass wasn’t green, and the houses were
destroyed. Everything was destroyed, people
were dead.
I walk around crying and screaming for my
mother.
…
……
Sondela wakes me up and sit up panting.
What the hell was that?
Sondela:It’s just a dream baby, it’s just a dream.
I recollect my breath.
Langelihle:I don’t think that was a dream,
someone is speaking to me. I recognize the
place, those flowers, I’ve seen them before.
Sondela:What are you talking about?
I ignore him and get out of bed, wearing my
clothes. I can’t shake this feeling that someone
was speaking to me through this dream.
.
.
>>>>
LANGELIHLE #14

SONDELA

We are driving in the middle of the night, going

to the place that Langa saw in her dream. I
couldn’t let her go alone, she wouldn’t even sit
down to think.
“We’re here, this is the place”, she says and
bangs the door as soon as I park. I follow after
her as she speeds off.
Langelihle:I don’t understand. This is the place I
saw.
She says in a low voice, disappointed.
She looks around and touches the leaves.
This place, I don’t know what to call it. But it had
no flowers, it was just an old, abandoned site.
There was nothing here.
Langelihle:I don’t get it. This is the place I saw.
There were flowers here. What happened to the
flowers!?
She kneels down and releases a few tears.
I kneel next to her and hold her hands.
Sondela:Let’s go home, we will figure it out in
the morning.
Langelihle:I swear this is the place Sondela.
This is the place I saw. I don’t understand.
Sondela:It’s okay baby. We will figure
something else out.
Langelihle:No, it’s not okay. It’s not okay. This is
not… okay…
She cries and her cry pierce my heart terribly.
I lift her up and lead her back to the car.
I drive back home.
I get her some water.
Dad comes to us, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
Mthembu:I thought I heard voices. Why aren’t
you sleeping?
Sondela:Langa just had a bad dream, we are
okay.
Mthembu:Mhh okay. Switch off the lights when
you go back to bed.
Sondela:We will.
He walked away.
I looked at Langa and she looked completely
disoriented, and hopeless. Her eyes were tired
and baggy. This was taking a toll on her, it was
on me too. I just wish we can find something
promising soon.
Sondela:Let’s go back to bed.
We go back to bed.
I pull her closer to me and kiss her neck..
“God give us a sign”, I said silently.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Phil:All my old contacts don’t want anything to
do with me. They won’t hire me anywhere.
Virgin:I’m sorry.
He seemed really sad, it must hurt that be isn’t
able to provide for his family. Maybe I am being
selfish by not wanting to do something to put
food in the table.
Phil:It will be years until I can find a job..
I kept quiet.
Phil:I feel useless that we are staying with your
parents
Virgin:Please stop stressing Phil, we will figure
something out.
Phil: “We”? Last I checked, you didn’t want to do
anything.
Virgin:That was then, but I can’t just sit around.
Yes our wealth is gone, but we can try to find
other ways to generate income.
He smiled and looked at me.
Phil:Does that mean you will also look for a job?
Virgin:Yes, I will.
I nodded and smiled.
Phil:Thank you my love, I promise you. We will
find a way out of this. A man must always make
a plan to take care of his family, no matter what
it takes.
I guess I’ll be working as a maid now.
He tells me that he will accompany me
tomorrow to his friend’s house.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I took Sondela on a wild goose chase on the
early hours of the day. I could have sworn, I
really thought that was the place.
I don’t know what I am missing, but I am
missing something.
Could it be that it was just a dream?
But that girl in the dream, she looked like me.
But a younger version of me. Was it my mother
or what?
Arrg, I hate being confused like this.
Sondela went to work and I’m going back to Ein
house later on. I know it’s a long shot but I’m
desperate, maybe Margaret is feeling better
today.
My phone rings, and I hurry to answer it.
It was my doctor. I hope everything is okay.
Langelihle:Hello?
“Mrs Mthembu, I’m going to need you to come
to my office.”
Langelihle:Is everything okay?
“Yes, you are due to give birth soon. Have you
forgotten?”
I’m left with two months or one month?
“The baby can come anytime, remember y_
Langelihle:Yes I remember. I will be there.
I hung up and wore appropriate clothes, I had
already bathed.
I told ma that I’m going out for a few hours. I
started at the doctors office. We cleared out
everything and I left for Ein House.
This place always gives me the heebie-jeebies,
many people have been put in mental asylums
whereas there’s nothing wrong with them. It
was the bitterness of others to lie against them.
I can’t imagine being put in this place.
I passed by the receptionist and left my phones
and jewellery.
They escorted me to her room.
“She is doing better today than the last time you
were here. Try not to get close too much to her.
We don’t know what she might do.”
Langelihle:I’m sure she won’t do anything.
I say trying to sound positive.
She slightly laughs.
“Sweetheart everyone is a crazy here. If you can
know the things they do daily, you will take back
your words.”
I swallowed and followed after them.
We reached Margaret’s room and she was
sitting on a chair, folding some clothes.
“Remember, don’t get too close.”
They warn me again.
Langelihle:Margaret.
She looks up to me and smiles.
Margaret:Sun.
I have gotten used to people shortening my
name to “Sun”. It makes sense.
Langelihle:You know me?
Margaret:Of course, daughter of Langa.
Langelihle:That’s my mother’s name? What can
you tell me about her?
Margaret:She is always crying for you. She
visits me every night and talks about you.
I found myself smiling a bit.
Langelihle:The other day, you said I must run,
that he is close. Who were you referring to?
She stopped folding the clothes.
Margaret:He can’t get to you, he knows you are
the only one who has the power to destroy him.
Langelihle:The Power? What are you talking
about?
Margaret:The power of the sun.
Langelihle:The power of the sun? Do you know
where I come from?
Margaret:I know. I come from there too. A once
quiet and beautiful place, but was destroyed by
a greedy man who only wants to take control
over everyone. He destroyed everything and
anyone who stood in his way. We were afraid of
him. He stripped off the power from everyone in
your family. He couldn’t get satisfied, he wanted
more and more. When he found out that you
were also gifted, he wanted to kill you in your
mother’s womb. He couldn’t accept the fact
that a more powerful person could exist, no one
was supposed to surpass him in anything. It
didn’t matter to him how many people he killed,
as long as he remained the only powerful man
alive, all was well. He comes from a long line of
a powerful family, so forcing dominance over
everyone was in his genes.
Your mother, Langa, was soon to be crowned
Queen when she met him. She disobeyed and
went against her family, just to be with him.
It was not normal for a man like him to be in a
relationship with someone, let alone someone
as innocent and sweet as Langa, who only
wanted the best for everyone. But he had to live
a somehow normal life, so he approached your
mother.
She was head over heels with him, she listened
to no one who warned her about him. Her
mother warned her countless times that there
was a war coming and that it would take away
everything from her. But she didn’t listen, she
just wanted to be with him. She cursed the
crown and said she would never be a Queen if
her family cannot accept him.
She ran off with him. He found out that she was
special, and that didn’t sit well with him. He was
the only one who was supposed to be special.
He manipulated her, and convinced her to give
up her powers to him. And she did, after that he
went to your mother’s home and killed everyone.
Your grandparents, the villagers, the goats,
cows, everything. It was reduced to dust and
ashes. The Kingdom of the Sun, which was
once a beautiful place, turned into ashes
quicker than you can blink your right eye.
She fell pregnant, with you, she started to see
him for what he really was. All his true colours
were revealed to her, and there was nothing she
could do. She gave up her powers to him. She
had to watch and endure his bad treatment. She
wanted to run away from him. She once tried,
but he caught up with her and punished her so
badly.
She wanted to protect you from him, that was
the only thing that mattered to her.
But, he found out that you were also special and
wanted to kill you in your womb. He wanted to
get rid of you, he feared you would be stronger
than him. And he couldn’t let that happen.
The time came for your mother to give birth to
you, sadly she didn’t make it. She died. And her
sisters, they stole you and wanted to run away
with you. But of course, he caught on and
organized a mob to attack them. Luckily, the
other sister had run away with you. The other
one was left at the hands of your mercy.
Langelihle:The mystery man is my f_
Margaret:Yes he is your father. And I..I am your
mother… it’s me Langalami.
.
.
To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #15

#Still at Ein House.

Langelihle frowns hearing Margaret say she’s
her mother.
Langelihle:You’re my mother? I thought you said
she died.
Margaret stood up from her seat and stood
near the gate, holding on to it.
Langelihle took a good look at her and her eyes
had changed.
Langelihle:*Stuttering* M.. Mm.. Om……
She touches her cheek and close her eyes as
tears found their way out.
Langelihle:I don’t understand, I thought you died.
Langa:I did… I’m using Margaret’s body, I
wanted to be the one to tell you the story. I’m
really sorry for everything my sun. You are so
grown. I never had the chance to even hold you.
Langelihle:Mom please tell me what to do. I
know I don’t know you, but I miss you. My heart
has the void of a mother.
Langa:Do not carry a heavy heart Langelihle. I
am always here. You just can’t see me.
Langelihle:So what is his name?
Langa:Mdabula.
Langelihle shivered, even the name is scary.
The whole story was making her anxious,
finding out that your father killed your family
and is now looking for you to kill you, because
he wants to be the only powerful person in the
world. It was making her very scared, and she
was even thinking of running off to another
country.
Langelihle:Someone I went to said I should find
my home, and all my questions will be
answered.
Langa:*Smiling*You have. I am your home.
Though, if she was speaking about the Sun
Kingdom, then there’s nothing there.
She said with a low voice, filled with regrets and
sadness.
Langelihle:It is not your fault.
Langa:I’m afraid it is.
Langelihle:*Sighs*Can you tell me where is the
Sun Kingdom?
Langa:Of course.
She tells her where to go.
“Time is up Mem”, the lady guard shouted.
Langelihle:I have to go. Will I talk to you again? I
am happy to see you, I know it’s not you
physically. But I have always wanted to at least
see your pictures.
Langa:I looked like you, exactly like you.
“It’s time to go”, they grab her by the hand.
She goes out.
Langa leaves Margaret’s body and Margaret
rubs her eyes and smiles.
Margaret:I am glad you have talked to her.

Outside.
Langelihle gets inside her car. She is having
mixed emotions,, but she is happy that she got
to have a chat with her mother. Most people
would be freaked out by what just happened,
but she isn’t. She knows she’s no ordinary
person, so that didn’t scare her. She feels like a
weight has been lifted off of her shoulders.
Though she is worried about Mdabula.
She laughs at the name, some parents have no
mercy when it comes to giving names to their
children.
She takes her phone and calls Gende.
Gende:Langelihle.
Langelihle:Yebo gogo, angazi yini le esanda
kwenzeka(I don’t know what happened).
Gende:Sewukhulumile naye? (Have you talked
to her?)
Langelihle:How did you know? Nop don’t
answer that.
Gende:Sewuseduze(You are close).
Langelihle:Yeah at least now I know the story.
But Mdabula is still coming for me, turns out
he’s my father and the mystery man. Mom says
he’s consumed by greed and power, he can’t tell
between right and wrong.
Gende:Your journey was written in the stars. It
won’t be roses, I won’t lie to you. But there is
light at the end of the tunnel.
Langelihle:Ngiyezwa gogo.
Gende:Langelihle ngikukhuza ekqaleni ngalento
ofuna ukuyenza ukuthi iyeke(I warned you last
time to stop what you are thinking of doing).
She clears her throat and looks outside the
window.
Langelihle:I can’t help but see the best in
everyone. I know she doesn’t have good
intentions, but a part of me is hoping that she
will change.
Gende:Langelihle…
Langelihle:Uhh I will update you about the
progress gogo. Goodbye.
She quickly hangs up and drives back home.
.
.
.
Three weeks later.
SONDELA

“Mhh so what is wrong with you Mr Mthembu?”

I look down embarrassed.
Sondela:Uh… I have sores on my area, and a
burning irritation. It’s painful to even pee.
“Sounds like you have an infection, a drop”
I feel my soul leaving my body but it quickly
goes back.
Sondela:An infection?
“Yes, have you been having unprotected sex?”
Sondela:Uh… only with my wives.
“Wives?”
Sondela:Yes, but we are always safe.
“Mhh okay. Please pee in this cup. There’s a
bathroom that side. “
I take the cup and go to the bathroom. Peeing is
damn painful, but I manage to release it.
I go back to the doctor and give it to him.
“I will be back. Please wait.”
He leaves and comes back some time later.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. You definitely have
an infection Mr Mthembu. But it is not the end
of the world. It can be treated. Take these
antibiotics, I will write the instructions for you. I
advise you to do an HIV Test to be safe and
advise both of your wives to visit the doctor’s
office, to check if they don’t have infections.”
I nodded and he gave me the medication. It’s
my first time having a sexually transmitted
disease. It has never happened before, does
this mean that someone between my wives
went outside and slept with someone else!?
Zimthele and Langelihle, can they do that?
And come back with an infection, what if the
three of us have HIV now. I need to call a
meeting for the three of us. They will tell me the
truth today.
I thank the doctor and buy three HIV kits on the
way.
I call the both of them and wait. I am anxious.
What if I have HIV!?
I hear their cars driving in and a while later, both
of them enter the room. They are so pregnant; I
don’t know how I will split myself into spending
equal time with the babies.
The DNA results of Bayanda? Let’s just say I
was wrong. They came back showing that I’m
the father. So I was stressed over nothing.
“An HIV kit!?”, Zimthele asks.
They are already seated.
Sondela:I bought one for the three of us.
Someone has been misbehaving.
Langelihle:What do you mean?
Sondela:I was at the doctor today, I have been
experiencing pains in my d* for a while now and
they told me that I have an infection. So
someone between the two of you, infected us
or me. I know it wasn’t me, because I have
never cheated.
Langelihle:Ayy I also don’t know anything about
that, so I am also infected?
Sondela:I don’t know, you need to see the
doctor. Both of you.
Zimthele:Me too babe I haven’t cheated.
Sondela:So ivela emoyeni le infection!? (So this
infection comes from nowhere!?)
They both look down.
Langelihle:Let me take it and show you.
She takes one kit and disappears.
Zimthele remains seated. This one is always
jumpy, what is wrong with her?
Langelihle comes back minutes later and
places the kit on the table.
Langelihle:See? Negative. I don’t know where
this infection comes from, because I too have
been experiencing vaginal pains but I thought it
was the pregnancy.
Zimthele:Me too.
Sondela:So the three of us are infected? And no
one know where it comes from!? Someone
cheated and they are being very selfish right
now. Uthule uze uyofa futhi! Whoever you are,
you brought a disease to all of us. Let me take
you both to the doctor before it gets too late.

We lead each other to the car and I drive them

to the doctor’s office.
.
.
To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #16

LANGELIHLE
Yesterday was pretty hectic, we discovered at
the doctor that the three of us have an
infection. I know it didn’t come with me,
because I have never slept with anyone besides
Sondela ever since we got married . Zimthele
denies it’s her, Sondela also denied that it was
him. Whoever it was is really selfish, they could
have brought serious diseases. It’s better they
gave us some medication yesterday so we shall
be good in the next few weeks.
These are the negative effects of a polygamy
marriage, someone going outside of the
marriage and bringing infections. Do people not
think of anyone’s health when they do their
shenanigans?
We have had a smooth and healthy sex life all
these years because we take precautions. I
don’t know what changed now, but things aren’t
the way they used to now. I see that, we all see
that.
Sondela told me that the DNA results came
back showing that he’s the father, so he’s been
feeling guilty and bad that he even questioned
Bayanda’s paternity. I still think something is off,
but it’s not my business. They will fix their
problems.
I also have a lot on my plate. Like going to
Elangeni(Sun Kingdom) , I know I am supposed
to go there. It is still registering in my mind that
I’m of royalty, like seriously I am a royal person.
How crazy is this?
My mother told me that she can’t talk to me
through Margaret anymore, said something
about her time being up. She told me that I need
to go back home and reinvent our home. That
the people are waiting for me, she said I should
take the mantle of being Queen and lead the
remaining people, that’s if there are people left.
I can barely stand in front of five people and
feel comfortable. How much more an entire
village? I don’t think I can do it, I can’t lead
people. I’m just a regular Langelihle.
Something about being around too many
people throws me off, I don’t know what is it.
Growing up, I used to think I’m depressed or
something, but I wasn’t. Nono used to say I’m
an introvert, I used to keep to myself so much.
Maybe I am better now. But when I was in high
school, Nono was the only friend I had. I didn’t
participate in any extra mural activities because
I was embarrassed I would make a fool of
myself.
I’d rather I sit alone when Nono absent. Kids at
school used to say I think I’m better than
everyone and that I’m unfriendly. But I couldn’t
help it, I tried so many times to fit in but it just
didn’t work. Hyper people always say we should
get out of our comfort zone and feel free, but I
don’t think anyone can understand how much it
hurts that you are socially awkward. Back then, I
couldn’t even say a word without embarrassing
myself. And my voice wouldn’t even come out
sometimes, my lips would be moving but no
voice. It was really bad guys I won’t lie.
I think I am better now that I am older. I do still
have a bit of shyness but it’s not always the
case.
So I don’t know how I’m supposed to be a
Queen. We haven’t went there, I will when I give
birth. That’s my priority. It’s really weird that me
and Zimthele will give birth the same month.
What if we give birth on the same day? That
would be really crazy and funny a little.

Sondela has been very supportive, he is excited,

as I am. I have already bought new baby clothes.
I wonder what we will name him, but I wish it
can be a meaningful name that would represent
how much I have yearned for a child.

He is going to be at Zimthele tonight.

I’m still at my in-laws, I’ve completely forgotten
about my house. It’s nice here, I get to be with
people when Sondela isn’t around. When all of
this is over, I will be able to go back to my
house..
.
.
.
SONDELA
No one has come forward with the truth.
Everyone says they didn’t do it. My gut tells me
it’s Zimthele. Yeey she has been acting very
suspicious lately, she’s always jumpy and
sneaking around. And I once saw a red mark on
her back, I know I didn’t do it. But these are all
theories, and quite frankly I don’t have time to
investigate it. We have more pressing issues.
Both my babies are going to be here soon. I
can’t wait. Two boys! I’m the luckiest man alive.
Bayanda keeps on rubbing his wrist.
Sondela:Does it hurt?
He is better than before; we can now hold a
conversation without him storming out. I feel
really terrible that I thought he wasn’t my son.
Bayanda:No. I lost my bracelet.
Sondela:Did you check your room?
Bayanda:Ngizobheka futhi (I will check again).
He went to his room.
Zenande went to a play date, what is it with
these kids of today and play dates? But
anything to make my princess happy.
Zimthele:Where is Bayanda?
Sondela:Oh he went to his room, he says he lost
his bracelet.
She shoots her eyes open and touches her
boobs in panic. Okay?
Sondela:You okay?
Zimthele:Uhmm yea. I will help him look.
She quickly disappeared.
I took my phone and texted with Langelihle.
‘What are you doing there?’- Sondela
‘Should you even be texting me while you are
🙄
with sister wife? ’-Langelihle
‘She went out for a couple of minutes’-Sondela
‘I am baking a cake with ma 🎂’-Langelihle
‘Leave some for me?’-Sondela
‘You know what cake is waiting for you Mr’-
Langelihle
I laugh a little.
‘You’re so naughty Ms. I’m not safe with you
anymore’-Sondela
‘I will tie you up when we can be sexually active
again’-Langelihle
‘Tie me up?’-Sondela
‘Yeah, like they do in movies. I already bought
the ropes and chains and kinky stuff. I want to
experience some crazy shit sex before I can
give birth.’-Langelihle
I smiled and licked my lips.
‘Oh I’ll definitely be waiting for that day babe.’-
Sondela
‘Kodwa Sondela niyasibulala shame(You are
killing me shame) , I’m horny and we can’t have
sex because someone between you and
😏
Zimthele gave us an infection . If only I had a
dildo.’-Langelihle
‘I will burn it, don’t even dare. You have the real
thing here with me. No need for toys’-Sondela
👀’-Langelihle
‘I had it but you didn’t see it.
I choked on my saliva. A sex toy? Langa?
‘You want to see me sweating? You have a sex
toy?’-Sondela
‘Bye Mvelase. Ma is calling me 😚’-Langelihle
‘Langelihle we are still talking. What is that sex
toy you’re talking about?’-Sondela.
She didn’t reply anymore. I called her but she
wasn’t answering.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Started working here two weeks ago, and I
haven’t gotten used to it. Serving people and
saying “Yes madam” is really not something
that I enjoy. This family is annoying, they are
forever demanding things. The children are the
worst, they are so spoilt and so rude. They see
me like I’m a trash. I’m bending my back
backwards for them everyday.
“Mam Virgin can I have some snacks in my
room please”, arrg! One of the brats shouts. I
am still mopping the floor here, couldn’t she
come down and get her own snacks?
I sigh and get her the snacks. I go up the stairs
to her room and give them to her. She was
typing on her laptop.
“Thank you ma Virgin, aww itshitshi Phaqa
madoda!”
I rolled my eyes and went back down stairs to
continue with what I was doing.
I never thought I would be doing this type of
work ever, but it’s to make ends meet. If me and
Phil are to move out of my mom’s house, we
need at least some money to boost us for a few
months.

I hear voices and I know it’s Mr and Mrs Miller.

I stand by like a soldier and wait to welcome
them “home”. *Eye roll*
They enter through the door and I bow a little.
Virgin:Mr and Mrs Miller, welcome home.
Mrs:Thank you Virgin, but you don’t have to bow
for us. I mean it’s not like we are the royal
family.
She laughs and her husband joins her. I also
force a laugh.
Mr:Let us not disturb you.
They tip toe out of the room and go upstairs.
I bring my smile down and start taking out
things I will use to cook supper before I can
leave. I’m so tired, my feet are literally burning.
Within two hours I was done making supper. I
set up the table and called them down. Mr and
Mrs Miller had changed into simple clothes.
They made themselves comfortable on the
table and I dished up for them while passing the
salt to whomever needed it.
Virgin:Well I’m done with today’s work, it’s time
for me to leave.
Mrs:Why don’t you join us and eat V?
Virgin:Are you serious?
Mrs:Yes.
I could never say no to food.
I bring my ass down and dish up a full plate,
putting some extra meat on my plate and extra
everything. I remove the fork and knife from me
and dig with my hands.
I am a really good cook, I learnt from the best,
my mother.
This food is delicious . I chew the bones and
spit them back on the plate.
I let out a deep breath when I was done and
wiped my mouth with the napkin. They all
looked at me like I was crazy. Their plates were
still full.
“Why don’t you eat the rest of us Ma V?”, the
brat asks looking at me in a funny way.
What wrong did I do? They told me to join them
and I did. Kanti what did they think I would do?
That I would keep on pressing the food with the
fork and take few bites?
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I found Bayanda in his room looking for the
“Bracelet”
Zimthele:What are you doing?
Bayanda:I’m looking for my bracelet.
Zimthele:I told you that your father doesn’t
know I bought you a bracelet. You can only
wear it when he’s not here.
Bayanda:But I love it. I want my bracelet!
He started throwing a tantrum. I took off the flip
flop I was wearing and gave him a few whips
with it. I will not raise a stubborn child.
He cried and I let him go.
Zimthele:I’m telling you for the last time, you
will only wear it when your father is not here.
Uyangizwa? (Do you hear me?)
He wiped his tears and nodded.
I wore my flop again and went out.
I came across Sondela who looked out of state.
Sondela:I heard Bayanda crying. What’s wrong?
Zimthele:Oh nothing. I was just disciplining him.
Sondela:What did he do?
Zimthele:He was being stubborn.
Sondela:O-kay.
Zimthele:What’s wrong with you?
Sondela:What do you mean?
Zimthele:You look frustrated.
Sondela:It’s nothing. Tell me, you don’t have one
of those sex toys right?
Zimthele:Uhh no.
Sondela:*In relief* Thank God.
What is wrong with Sondela?

You see how much my lies and schemes are

catching up with me? The infection that the
three of us have, I know it comes from me.
From that doctor I slept with at the Lab. I didn’t
think I would catch an infection.
I can see that Sondela suspects it’s me, but he
can’t confirm because the three of us are
technically suspects.
I can’t even enjoy my pregnancy, because I’m
always thinking of ways to cover up my lies.
That guy came through for me though. He
managed to forge the results. Luckily Sondela
has let go of suspecting that Bayanda isn’t his.
Then there’s Sana, who is breathing down my
neck wanting to spend time with Bayanda.
My problems are many, and I don’t know how to
solve them..
My phone rings and I sneak out to answer it. It
was Michael.
Zimthele:Hello.
Michael:I need your services again.
Zimthele:What services?
Michael:You know what I’m talking about.
Zimthele:Our deal is done Michael. What more
do you want from me?
Michael:I guess I will make a call to Mr
Mthembu and inform him that someone came
to my office and seduced me to change the
results.
I looked around if Sondela wasn’t near.
Zimthele:You wouldn’t do that.
Michael:Dare me..
Zimthele:You gave me an infection Michael. So
there’s no way in hell I’m sleeping with you
again. Blackmail me all you want but it won’t
happen!
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I was just making Sondela sweat. There’s no
sex toy, I have never owned it and I won’t. I’m
just a naturally lazy person when it comes to
that , so all that effort of pleasuring yourself
sounds really draining and tiring. I can’t.
I mean it is a toy, a toy!
“Makoti qinisa isandla”, Mrs Mthembu coaches
me.
She’s teaching me how to bake a cake. The
Mthembu family is like my biological family now,
okay they are technically family but you know
what I mean.
Mrs:So how are you feeling? With all that’s
happening?
Langelihle:Taking it one day at a time. Right
now my priority is my baby. I will deal with the
other stuff when I have given birth.
Mrs:I’m glad to hear that. I’m happy for you, that
you’ll finally hold your baby in your own hands.
It was also making me sad that you weren’t
carrying to full term.
Langelihle:We have God and our ancestors to
thank.
Mrs:That’s right.
I smiled and continued mixing the dough.
My phone vibrates and I laugh a little thinking
it’s Sondela. He will run mad.
I wipe my hands and reach for it.
There were missed calls from him, but the
message that just came through was from my
doctor confirming the day of s_
“Ifoni phansi makoti. Hlanganisa inhlama(Put
your phone down makoti and mix that dough)”
I quickly put it down and continue mixing.
.
.
To be continued….
Please share this insert.
LANGELIHLE #17

ZIMTHELE
Bayanda is going to ruin this whole thing. I told
him he can wear Isiphandla when Sondela isn’t
here, but he’s always complaining about it.
It’s the weekend, so I am chilling with my
children. We just had lunch.
Zenande:Mommy you should cook us pizza
some day.
Zimthele:*Laughing* Iyaphekwa yini I pizza? (Do
you cook a pizza?)
Zenande:Oh it’s baked or what? But I would love
one.
Zimthele:Just say you want me to order pizza
for you.
Zenande:Please.
She looks at me with pleading eyes.
Zenande:Because you asked nicely, I will order
it.
She jumps excited and gives Bayanda a high
five.
I finish washing the plates and put them in their
place.
I take my phone to order the pizza.
Zimthele:What flavor?
Zenande:The one with the pineapples.
Zimthele:Okay.
I order it. It will be here within an hour or 40
minutes.
I wince as I feel little pain in my stomach.
I’ve been having these pains for quite some
time now.
My baby is still in breech. I’m starting to get
scared. I have been setting up appointments for
the past few weeks to have them turn the baby,
but they haven’t got back to me.
My doctor, he keeps on saying they will reach
my name on the list. I didn’t know it takes this
long to turn the baby. I went to YouTube and it
seemed like a not so complicated procedure. I
honestly don’t understand what’s the hold up.
I’m about to give birth soon.
My phone rings and it’s Langelihle. Mhh I
wonder what she wants, she rarely calls me.
Zimthele:Hello?
Langelihle:Hey Zee.
She sounds happy and jubilant.
Zimthele:How are you?
Langelihle:I’m fantastic, how are you?
Zimthele:I’m good. Just surprised by your call.
Langelihle:*Laughing* It’s nothing bad. What are
you busy with today?
Zimthele:Uhh nothing, just spending time with
the kids.
Langelihle:I wanted to ask you to go out with
me for some late lunch. It’s been a while since
we sat down and talked.
Zimthele:Are you sure?
Langelihle:Yes. Just to unwind and forget about
our problems for a while. We are family after all.
Well it wouldn’t hurt to not think about my
problems for a while. Maybe this lunch will do
me good.
Zimthele:Okay we can go. Where do you want
us to go?
Langelihle:I’m already here. I will send you the
location.
Zimthele:Okay let me prepare.
Langelihle:See you soon.
I hung up and went to my room to take a bath.
When I was done, I wore my white maternity
dress with some soft sandals.
I grabbed my bag and went to the living room.
Zimthele:I have to leave. Your pizza will be here
soon. Behave, and don’t trouble Sis Nzomo.
“Bye”, they said in unison.
I went out to the garage and got into my car.
Langelihle had already sent her current location,
so I drove there.
When I arrived, she had already food and by
coincidence she was also wearing a white
dress, revealing her pregnancy belly nicely.
I sat down and greeted her.
Langelihle:So glad you could make it.
I smiled and put my bag down.
Langelihle:So how have you been? Besides the
infection thing.
I laugh nervously, I made everyone sick.
Zimthele:I just want him out. I can feel the time
to give birth is closer. I’m experiencing cramps
daily.
Langelihle:Have you told Sondela?
Zimthele:No, I don’t want to worry him. It’s the
baby’s position that worries me.
Langelihle:He’s still facing down?
Zimthele:Yeah.
Langelihle:Wow, I thought they would have
turned him by now.
Zimthele:They keep on shifting my appointment.
Langelihle:Pressurise the doctor. He can make
it happen.
Zimthele:Yeah you are right.. So how about you?
Langelihle:Same as you, I’m tired. But I’m
excited. I’ll finally hold him in my arms.
She smiles and closes her eyes. You can see
how happy she is. I still wonder how it
happened. Must be because she’s found her
family or something like that.
This will be complicated. Both of us giving birth
on the same month
How will Sondela divide his time equally? We
shall see.
Langelihle:I have already ordered for you, I hope
you don’t mind.
Zimthele:No it’s okay.
Langelihle:Thank you.
I brought the food closer to me and it looked
tasty.
I dug in and we ordered juice to down it down.
The lunch was great. Me and Langelihle don’t
spend that much time together, but today was
different. She was chatty and free. I really
enjoyed. They cleared out our table and we paid
the bill.
Zimthele:I need the bathroom.
Langelihle:Okay I will be waiting here. I need
some desert.
I stood up and got dizzy for a second.
Langelihle:You okay?
Zimthele:Yeah, just missed a step.
I picked my bag and headed to the bathroom. I
peed and rolled a tissue to wipe myself.
I washed my hands when I was done and
looked at myself in the mirror. Is it me or is the
room spinning?
I splash water on my face.. I feel better and
head back to the table.
Langelihle:You are back.
Zimthele:Yeah, I don’t think I will stay for desert.
Langelihle:No worries we can leave.
I held on the chair. I wasn’t feeling good.
Langa stood up and stood next to me.
Langelihle:Are you okay?
Zimthele:Yeah.
I let go of the chair and almost fell down but
she held me. I was feeling numb.
“We need help here”, I heard her shouting faintly.
I was slowly drifting away.
.
.
.
SONDELA
Mlamuli:I’m telling you, she will love this one.
Sondela:And how would you know what my wife
will like?
Mlamuli:Just guessing.
Sondela:I will just ask her.
Mlamuli:That will be better.
We left the car dealership and went to his
house. I wanted to buy a new car for Langelihle
but I don’t know which one she will like.
I will have to ask her.
Sondela:Where is Zamari?
Mlamuli:She went to visit her mother for the
weekend. She left with the kids.
Sondela:No wonder it’s so quiet here. Pour me a
drink..
Mlamuli:Not you ordering me around in my own
house.
He rolled his eyes and I laughed.
He came back with my drink.
Sondela:Thank you..
He looked at me and sat on the couch.
Mlamuli:So…..
Sondela:What have you heard now?
Mlamuli:Nothing, we were just chatting with dad
and he mentioned something.
Sondela:What did he say?
Mlamuli:That you regret taking a second wife.
Sondela:*Sigh* Do we really have to talk about
this?
Mlamuli:Yeah.
Sondela:What do you went me to say Mlamuli?
That I am unhappy with Zimthele, and I only
realized now that Langelihle’s baby will make it?
.
.
.
MTHEMBU SENIOR

Makoti and Sondela are too relaxed. It seems

like they have forgotten about what we are
dealing with here. I took it upon myself to find
Langelihle’s friend, Nono.
I heard she was back in Langelihle’s life. I
guarantee you, she doesn’t have good
intentions.
Langelihle is my daughter, besides being a
daughter in law. And I protect my family. This
Mdubuli or Mdididi whatever his name is, won’t
get anywhere close near her. I don’t care how
powerful he is, he must face us his peers
ngiyombonisa unyoko.

I push the door open and she was sitting on the

couch. She jumped up as soon as she saw me.
Nono:Bab’ Mthembu. What are you doing here?
Mthembu:I want us to talk. Sit.
She looked around and scratched her neck.
Mthembu:I won’t repeat myself like a broken
record. SIT DOWN!
.
.
.
VIRGIN
I arrive at home and throw myself on the couch.
I am dead tired. My mom laughs at me.
Gladys:It’s only been two weeks my dear, you
can’t be tired already.
Virgin:Yooo ma, that family is too much. I can’t
take it anymore.
Gladys:A wife and a mother will accept any job
to take care of her family. Bekezela (Hold on).
Virgin:I will look somewhere else for a job, but I
won’t quit. I just want to have a back up plan. I
swear I will murder someone in that house.
They are so demanding.
I bury my face on the couch. Mom just laughs
out loud.
Gladys:Nanihleli ningasebenzi nincela amadoda.
Kunjani makunje!? (You were not working and
milking your husband.)
.
.
To be continued…

Please share this insert.

LANGELIHLE #18
At the hospital.
Zimthele has been taken in after fainting at the
restaurant. Langelihle has called Sondela to let
him know what has happened.
She is waiting for further updates on how she is
doing.
Her phone rings and she declines the call
without even checking who it was.. The doctor
that was tending to Zimthele approaches her..
Langelihle:How is she?
“She will be fine, it was just fatigue. We found a
high level of stress in her body and that isn’t
good for someone who is due to give birth
soon.”
Langelihle:But she will be okay?
“Yes, she will be fine. She just needs to rest”
She sighs in relief. That moment scared her.
Langelihle:Thank you so much.
“We will do an ultrasound scan when she’s
awake to guarantee that everything is perfectly
fine.”
Langelihle:Uhhh I don’t think that would be
necessary. I mean she has her own doctor. And
her husband really is strict when it comes to the
doctors that tend to her.
“O-Kay then, she should go to her doctor and
check.”
Langelihle:I will remind her. Thank you once
again.
The doctor walks away and Langelihle spots
Sondela running to her.
Sondela:*Hugging her* I’m here. What is wrong?
Langelihle:She fainted, we had just finished
eating lunch. I rushed her here. But the doctor
said she will be okay.
Sondela:Okay let me go see her..
He disappears to the room where Zimthele is.
Langelihle looks at the door and turns away
making a phone call.

Inside the ward room.

Sondela brushes Zimthele’s arm, she was
asleep.
He got so scared when Langelihle called her
and told him that Zimthele is at a hospital.
Zimthele softly opens her eyes and realizes she
is at a hospital.
She sits up.
Sondela:Hey..
Zimthele:Babe.. When did you get here?
Sondela:I just arrived. What happened?
Zimthele:I was out eating lunch with Langelihle
when I fell dizzy. I don’t remember what
happened after that. I’m only waking up now..
Sondela:You scared me. Are you feeling any
pain?
Zimthele:I have been experiencing cramps
lately.
Sondela:And you didn’t tell me?
Zimthele:I’m sorry, I thought it was part of the
pregnancy.
Sondela:You could have put the baby at risk.
Already he’s still in a breech and there is no
progress with turning him. Don’t take anything
lightly Zimthele.
Zimthele:I won’t do it again.
Sondela:It’s okay. We will go to your doctor and
check if the baby is fine.
Zimthele:Doesn’t he work here?
Sondela:I will go check his office.
She nodded and Sondela went out to look for
Zachary (the doctor).
He found Langelihle talking to someone on a
phone, by the corner and she was whispering.
He pat her on her shoulder and she turned back
almost dropping her phone. She hung up and
looked at him with a smile.
Langelihle:She okay?
Sondela:Yeah, I’m off to find her doctor to run
an ultrasound scan.
Langelihle:Okay. I think I should go home.
Sondela:*Nodding* Thank you for bringing her
here.
Langelihle:*Smiling* She would have done the
same for me.
They hugged and shared a brief kiss before
parting ways.
Sondela went to Zachary’s office and knocked.
“Come in”, he entered and greeted him.
He sat on the chair.
Zachary:Mr Mthembu, how may I help you?
Sondela:My wife was admitted here and I would
like you to run a scan to check if the baby is
okay.
Zachary:No worries, is she okay?
Sondela:She is fine. Tell me, why is the turning
of the baby taking this long? What’s the hold up
really?
Zachary:Sir we haven’t reached your wife’s
name on the list.
Sondela:So you mean all this time, you couldn’t
just squeeze her in?
Zachary takes out a file from his desk and gives
it to him.
Sondela pages through it.
Zachary:As you can see I’m not lying. There are
many names on the list.
Sondela:*Putting the file down* But she’s going
to give birth soon. Won’t that give her
complications?
Zachary:I will try my best to squeeze her in on
the following days. The lady due for the
procedure next hasn’t confirmed her
appointment.
Sondela breathed relieved.
Sondela:Thank you so much.
He shook his hand.
.
.
.
MTHEMBU SENIOR
Nono:I don’t know anything about him. He just
came to me and offered to give me a child if I
agree to do something for him. I was desperate
and I agreed. When he told me it’s to kidnap
Langelihle, that’s when I wanted to back out but
he started threatening me, that he would kill my
entire family if I didn’t comply. So I had no
choice. I’m really sorry.
Mthembu:Can you draw his face for me?
Nono:Uhh… I can try. He was always facing on
the other side though, so I don’t have his full
view.
She takes a pen and paper and start drawing.
Mthembu:Where is he now?
Nono:He said he has some things to take care
of, he returned to where he came from.
Mthembu:I see. And he planted you to be his
spy.
Nono:Yes.
Mthembu:What a mess you have gotten
yourself into.
She draws for a while and hands me the paper
when he’s done. I look at it and I didn’t
recognize him at all. How is it that this Mdididi
is Langelihle’s father but he looks younger than
her or her age?
Mthembu:A piece of advice, you don’t betray
friends. No matter how much a person has
offered you. Now you are going to stay the hell
away from Langelihle, I don’t want to see you
even breathing the same air as hers. When you
see her, turn the other way. Verstaan jy? (Do
you understand?)
Nono:Yes yes I’ll stay away….
Good. I left her and went to my car. I looked at
this picture one more time. Something is off,
and I don’t like it. Usually people strike when
you least expect it, which is why you gotta stay
vigilant at all times.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
After leaving the hospital, I went to the
cemetery. To visit my babies. It’s been a while
since I’ve been here. I brought fresh flowers. I
place them each on the three graves that were
next to each other. I kneeled in front of them
and all the pain came back. How I have been
told four times that they didn’t make it.
How I have had three funerals for each
pregnancy.
My tears fall to the tombstone and I weep some
more, crying all the pain out. Why won’t God
favour me and give me a child?
This is too much to take in and endure.
I looked at the tombs and closed my eyes in
pain.
Syabonga would be turning eight (8) this year.
Ntombenhle would be turning six and Vumela
would be turning three. My babies. Why couldn’t
they live? What wrong have I done to the world
that I would have to bury all my children before I
could even hold them. Don’t I deserve
happiness? The pictures of them being born
already dead will be always stuck in my mind.
No matter how much I try, I just can’t get it out.
I would be taking them to school every day like
every mother. We would be having game nights
every Friday.
I wipe my tears with the dress I was wearing but
the tears just won’t stop. The pain doesn’t stop,
it gets worse than the day it happened. It never
stops hurting.
I lie on top of the three graves, spreading my
body enough and weep loudly and painfully….
.
.
To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #19

#Unedited.

WARNING ⚠ SOME SCENES MAY BE

HARMFUL & TRIGGERING TO SOME READERS.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Hours later, Langelihle stands up from the

tombstones. She had taken a little nap, she got
woken up by rain. The dress she was wearing
was long dirty & wet.
She says her final goodbyes and look at her
belly, a little tear escapes from the corner of her
eye.
It will be by luck if he doesn’t join his siblings
too.
She takes slow steps until she reaches her car.
She takes off the dress and wears the track
pants that were in the boots. She keeps them
for emergencies.
She shoves the dirty dress on the boot and
reach for her phone. She had plenty of missed
calls, mostly from Sondela.
She sighs and connects her phone to the car.
It rings and it’s Sondela again..
She answers it.
Langelihle:Sondela?
Sondela:Langa baby where are you? I have been
calling.
Langelihle:I am safe.
Sondela:Where are you Langa?
Langelihle:I will call you later.
Sondela:Langa just tell me where you are. I am
worried.
She presses her lips together.
Langelihle:I just want to be alone.
Sondela:Langa?
Langelihle:I just want to be alone Sondela.
Please just let me be.
She hangs up and starts the car, driving to her
house. She needs her alone time, and recollect
her feelings. Everything that is happening has
been happening so fast, she haven’t had the
time to sit down and catch up.
She drives in her yard and head inside. She
locks the door behind her and heads to her
bedroom.
She takes off the track pants and wraps a towel
around her body.
She heads to the kitchen and opens the fridge,
she wants something to nibble on while
watching a sad movie that will make her cry.
She closes the fridge and opts for popcorn.
She goes to the living room and switches on the
TV, and she puts on a movie.
Thirty minutes in it and she was already a mess,
and to make things worse the movie was about
a woman who also couldn’t have children and
her husband left her, living her alone to sink into
depression. She ended up committing suicide,
by throwing herself over a bridge.

She kept having flashbacks.

“The baby is not moving, I’m sorry Mrs
Mthembu”
“We cannot feel a heartbeat Mrs Mthembu”
“She’s a still born. We are sorry we couldn’t
save her”
“You will give birth to her already dead. I’m
sorry”

She brought the popcorn dish closer to her

chest and cried harder, stuffing herself with the
popcorn. Everything was playing back like a
movie.
She remembered the time Sondela bought
Zimthele to make her a second wife.
“I want to take a second wife, I need a child
Langelihle. I’m not blaming you for anything, but
I need a child. I’m sorry”
“Zimthele is pregnant again, so I have to rush to
her. I’ll see you tomorrow”
“Oh sorry mamkhulu, I’m just calling to let him
know that the baby is kicking.”
She throws the bowl on the floor and covers
herself with the small blanket she was covering
herself with.
She couldn’t stop her tears.
“Ngiyagowa strong”, she said choking on her
own tears.
She folds herself on the couch and continues
weeping.
She is disturbed by a loud bang on the door,
followed by Sondela’s voice.
“Langelihle please open for me. I know you are
in here.”
She ignored him and continued wallowing in her
misery.
“Baby please open, let’s talk”.
She ignored him again, she needs to be alone.
He knocked until he gave up and it was quiet.
She thanked him relieved that he left.
She hears her phone ringing from her bedroom
and she staggers there.
It was an unsaved number, so she answered
reluctantly.
Langelihle:Hello.
“Mrs Mthembu, it’s me Zachary.”
She closed her eyes.
Langelihle:Can we talk later? I’m not feeling well
right now.
Zachary:What’s happening? Is the baby okay?
Are you with your husband?
Langelihle:No he’s not here.
Zachary:Then why are you crying? Because I
can sense that you are more than not feeling
well.
Langelihle:It’s nothing you have to worry
yourself about Zachary.
Zachary:Well I’m definitely worried now. Where
are you?
Langelihle:At my house.
Zachary:I’m coming to check up on you.
Langelihle:That will not be necessary.
Zachary:Take it as a doctor’s visit, I’ll be there
soon.
Langelihle:Okay fine, bring food.
Zachary:*Laughing* I will.
She hangs up smiling a bit.
She goes back to the living room and the
popcorn was all over the floor. She was too
tired and out of strength to clean up. She sat
down feeling defeated.
After an hour, she heard a car hooting outside
her gate.
She opened for him.
She met him by the door and let him in.
He was carrying food and gave it to her.
Langelihle:Thank you, come in.
She led him to the living room.
Langelihle:Sorry this place is a mess, I tried
cleaning up but I couldn’t bend down.
Zachary:It’s okay, I can clear it for you.
Langelihle:Uhh…
She looked at him and looked at the popcorn.
Zachary bent down and picked it all up putting it
on the bowl. He went to throw it on the bin and
came back.
He looked at Langelihle and his eyes moved to
her legs.
She was still wrapped in the towel.
They sat down.
Zachary:So what is wrong?
He touched her forehead.
Langelihle:Matters of the heart. I visited my
children’s Graves today and it was sour. I miss
them so much, they would be so grown.
Zachary:I’m sorry, I have been your doctor all
these years . So I know your pain.
Langelihle:I just don’t get it. It was said when I
find my mother or my home, my questions will
be answered, but I still don’t know the reason
that would lead to f.. three of my babies to not
live.
Zachary:It will be okay, I don’t know much about
culture and religion. But I believe that everything
has a reason to happen.
Langelihle:*Sighs* Maybe you are right.
She reached for the wing and slowly ate it.
Zachary kept looking at her, she is a beautiful
woman who doesn’t deserve everything that is
happening to her.
She gives some of the wings to him and he
Shakes his head.
Zachary:I am on a diet.
Langelihle:*Laughs*Suit yourself.
She stuffed herself with the wings. Her towel
kept going up, revealing her thighs. Zachary
couldn’t keep his eyes away, they were so fresh.
Langelihle:I’m feeling sleepy and cold. I fell
asleep at the cemetery. Let me.. J… us…
She was feeling really sleepy. She positioned
herself on the couch and fell asleep
immediately. The towel was exposing her bare
lower body. Zachary hung his mouth open
looking at her p*say. It looked appetizing and
matured. He felt himself growing.. He skeptical
brushed her thighs and was having a foreign
reaction.
Langelihle was even snoring.
His hands reached her temple and he pushed
his one finger inside. It was tight, he put a
second finger and looked at her. She moved a
little and moaned lowly. He fastened his pace
and moved his fingers inside.
He felt something wet, and realized it was his
d*.
He unbuckled his belt and took out his d*. It
was hard as a rock and painful as hell. Little
cum was oozing out.
He lowered his pants all the way down and
parted Langelihle legs apart, he looked at her
inner vagina and parted it with his two fingers.
He couldn’t wait to let himself inside, her inner
flesh and walls seemed like they could
accommodate his d* so well.
He licked his lips and nervously placed his d* on
her entrance.
He positioned himself and entered her slowly,
careful to not wake her up. But he didn’t move,
he stood still for a few minutes, allowing the
moment to happen. Swearing that he will give
her the best fuck of her life.
.
.
.
.
Sondela hits the starring frustrated. He couldn’t
understand what he has done to anger
Langelihle. He tried to remember but nothing
was popping up in his mind.
He sighed and turned the car around going back
to the house. She was going to talk to him and
tell him what he did wrong, so that he will
apologize. He doesn’t like it when Langelihle is
mad at him. At least not her.
He is surprised to see another car inside the
yard, and the car was very familiar. The number
plate was personalized, “Zac”.
He frowned and headed inside. The door wasn’t
locked now.
He titled his head back wondering if Langelihle
has a visitor.
He walked to the living room and opened his
mouth wide to what he saw. What the!?
Zachary was deep inside Langelihle, and fuckin
her.
He marched towards him and threw him on the
floor.
He threw the first punch on him followed by
other ones.
He left him and stood back up attending to
Langelihle. Poor thing had her eyes closed and
she was completely unaware of the whole thing.
He felt himself getting more angrier and turned
back to Zachary, he stepped on his d* with his
shoe and let out a rain of slaps on him.
Sondela:You are r*ping my wife!? Huh!?
He asked him and reached for the remote
control, he shoved it deep inside Zachary’s
mouth.
Sondela:I will kill you…
Zachary gagged on the remote and Sondela
took it out and strangled him. Zachary moved
under him, trying to break free but Sondela’s
hold was strong and firm.
He eventually let him go and looked back at
Langelihle. How dare he traumatize her like this!?
Sondela:What the fuck did you do to her!? She’s
not moving!! What the fuck did you do to her!?
Zachary:I’m sorry…
Sondela chuckled ran his hands on his face.
Sondela:Ngizokushisa mfanam zobona. I will
fuckin burn you!
He takes his phone and calls Mlamuli, who
arrived quickly.
He had tied Zachary and made Langa wear
clothes.
Mlamuli:*Shocked*Whoa what happened in
here!?
Sondela:I found him r*ping Langelihle. Please
watch him, I have to take her to the hospital.
She’s not moving Mlamuli, look at her.
Ngizoyibulala lenja bafo! (I’m going to kill him
Bro!)
Mlamuli:It’s okay, I’ll call dad in the meantime.
Go!
Sondela went out with Langelihle in her arms.
Mlamuli looked at Zachary and landed a punch
on him.
Mlamuli:Face me like a man. You took
advantage of an innocent woman! You will
regret it I tell you!
Zachary:I’m sorry..
Mlamuli:Tsek Msunu! Shut the hell up!
He called Mthembu Senior and let him know
what has happened.
.
.
To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #20

SONDELA
The moment I saw that man on top of my wife I
saw red. I wanted to kill him right there, but I
had to think of Langa. What did that fucker do
to her!? She wasn’t moving. Doctors are with
her and they assured me that she’s alive and
they are busy with her. I will be back to see her
later. I have to go back and deal with him. I
swear I will kill him.
I drive in and my father’s car was already here.
I enter and my floor was red with all the blood. I
marched to him and gave him another blow. I
was held back by my father.
Mthembu:Calm down Sondela!
Sondela:He fuckin r*ped my wife!!! Why did you
do it huh!?
I directed the question to him. He was a mess
and his face all swollen up. He deserves it.
Mthembu:What do you want to do with him?
Mlamuli:He deserves death, nothing else.
Sondela:As he should.
I lifted his head up and he was in a pretty bad
shape.
Zachary:I’m… soryy…
He said out of breath.
Sondela:I’m sorry too…
Mthembu:Sondela you’re not a killer.
Sondela:He traumatized my wife.
Mthembu:But you’re not a killer. Beating him up
is good, but killing is something I’ve never
taught you and you won’t start now. Taking a
life is no child’s play.
Sondela:Baba..
Mthembu:Think about what I’m saying son. I am
angry too at what he did, but we don’t have the
right nor the authority to take a life. Send him to
jail and he will pay for his crimes in there. We
have enough to lock him up for years.
Sondela:He’ll just be out in a few months, you
know how things roll around here.
Mthembu:I’ll make sure he suffers. There are
ways to make someone pay son other than
killing them. We are not killers, never have been
and never will.
I sat down feeling defeated. The anger in me
wasn’t comprehending what Baba was saying. I
have never killed anyone before, but this guy
deserves it. How can you just help yourself with
someone who’s clearly unresponsive!?imagine
if I had just turned back and concluded that
Langelihle was cheating on me, meanwhile this
idiot was forcing himself on her. I hate r*pists.
They should be hanged.
Mlamuli:But dad..
Mthembu:Thula! (Shut up)
Mthembu:Now go back to the hospital and be
with makoti, I will call the police for this one.
Sondela:Okay, I will go.
He gave me a manly hug.
Mthembu:He will pay.
I nodded and walked out to my car, driving back
to the hospital.
Zimthele is also at a hospital, Langelihle is at a
hospital. What the hell is happening!?
I arrive and I wasn’t allowed in yet, they were
still busy.
I sighed and sat on the bench thinking. That
picture I found Zachary in kept flashing in my
mind. How will Langelihle take it that the person
she trusted, took advantage of her? Zachary
has been her doctor for years. I didn’t think he
would do something like this. He must have
always been thirsting for her. That mf!
.
.
.
Back at Langelihle & Sondela’s house.
Mthembu has called the police and informed
them what happened. They took Zachary away,
awful as he looked. They were now cleaning up
the place, it was messy.
Mlamuli looks at his father and has so many
questions, the way he was forbidding Sondela
to not kill had a lot of emotional background.
Mlamuli:Hey dad can I ask?
Mthembu:Yeah?
Mlamuli:When you were convincing Sondela to
not kill Zachary, you looked sad and your face
had a lot of regrets. What was that about?
Mthembu turns to him and blinks his eyes.
Mthembu:Sit down son.
They both sit down.
Mthembu:I raised you boys so well, I did my
best to show you that there are other ways to
Deal with someone than being physical with
them, because a mistake will happen and you
will do something that you will regret your
whole life. Like you, I was also young and I went
through the challenges of life. Unfortunately
mine, led me to do something I never thought I
would do. I had a friend, his name was Patrick.
We were the best of friends, and we did almost
everything together. But, there came a day
where we had an argument and it turned pretty
bad.
I pushed him and he fell, not moving. I laughed
thinking he’s taking defeat. I went to him and I
noticed he was bleeding. I started to panic and
tried to touch him. That’s when I noticed that I
had pushed him over a pointy sword, we were at
my father’s garage and my dad liked collecting
swords and other things that were used for
battles in the olden days.
The sword cut through him, killing him on the
spot.
I tried lifting him up but it was too late, he was
already gone. A silly argument made me kill my
best friend by accident. I called my dad and he
helped me dispose of his body. He was never
found, his family never found out what
happened to him. They spent years looking for
him until they gave up. I was never the same
after that, I almost became depressed. I spent
everyday thinking about how much I shouldn’t
have pushed him. How I lost him over
something that could have been fixed easily. So
yes Mlamuli I do have regrets over that day. And
I don’t want any of you to go through what I
went through. The trauma and nightmares that
come with taking a life are not a walk in the
park. I even felt like Patrick was haunting me at
some point.
Zachary will go to jail and he will pay for what
he did to Langelihle, he will get everything that
is coming. I will make sure of it.
Mlamuli:I’m sorry, I didn’t know that you went
through so much. But I understand why you
don’t want Sondela to kill Zachary. It makes
sense. Does mom know about Patrick?
Mthembu:She knows. Please don’t tell anyone
about this.
Mlamuli:I won’t.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Mom and Virgin came to see me at the hospital.
Honestly, I don’t know why they are still keeping
me here because I am fine. But they want to
keep me overnight for “observation”.
Gladys:Is the baby okay though?
Zimthele:My doctor said so yesterday, but what
worries me is that he’s still breeched.
Virgin:Kanti what’s taking them long to turn him
vele?
Zimthele:I don’t know honestly. Sondela said he
talked to the doctor yesterday to squeeze me in
some time next week..
Gladys:They should hurry before you give birth. I
want to see my grandson.
She said smiling.
Zimthele:Well, I can ask them to do a scan so
you can see him.
Virgin:I’ll get the doctor.
Zimthele:I think he has knocked off.
Virgin:I’m sure there’s another doctor here.
Zimthele:Okay.
She left.
Zimthele:How is she doing at her new job?
I asked laughing. Virgin as a maid? I would
never have thought.
Mom laughs and hits me softly.
Gladys:Uvovekile! She always comes back
home crying saying she’s tired. The Millers are
draining her.
Zimthele:I’m surprised she hasn’t quit..
Gladys:She says she wants to look for another
job.
Zimthele:Sue will be fine. When you are
desperate you take any job.
Gladys:This will be a lesson learnt to her to not
depend on a man. You can’t predict the future.
Zimthele:Exactly.
Gladys:Kanti nawe ksasa kusangasa
ngawe(This can happen to you too).
Zimthele:Hawu ma!
My mother!
Gladys:Ngiyaktshela, nawe awusebenzi ntombi
ungazikhohlwa. U Sondela mengase akushiye
ksasa uyofana no Virgin (I’m telling you, you’re
also not working. If Sondela leaves you, you will
be like Virgin).
Zimthele:Sondela would never leave me.
She laughs and close her eyes.
Gladys:That’s what your sister said too, you
remember? But look where she is now . Ngihlezi
nginikhuza weyngane Ngithi haybo musani
ukuncika emadodeni kanje. Vuka uzithathe
njengomfazi, sebenza wenze imali yakho!
Kodwa kungena ngapha kuphume ngapha! (I’m
always warning the two of you, that you
shouldn’t depend on a man. Dust yourself up as
a woman, work and make your own money! But
you don’t listen!).
I sighed and looked the other way. Told you
this woman has no filter. She says it like is it.
Luckily Virgin enters with a doctor. They helped
me out of bed and we went to the ultrasound
department. I sat on the bed and she applied
the gel on my stomach. This thing is cold.
My mother was looking in awe. She always say
we are lucky that we can do these scans. Back
then, they waited for nine months to meet their
children.
A loud heartbeat erupts the room and I become
emotional. That’s my baby.
We move our eyes to the screen and I frown a
little. What I’m seeing isn’t what is on the
previous scans with Zachary (my doctor).
Gladys:Is that him?
“Yes it’s him. Here is the little penis. He looks
healthy and ready for delivery.”, the doctor
replies smiling.
I was confused.
Zimthele:I’m sorry but is he breech?
“Breech? No, he is in a normal position. The
head is facing down, see?”, she shows us.
Zimthele:I don’t understand, my doctor said he
is breech and I have to do a procedure to turn
him.
She looked back at me confused too.
“Uhh I don’t know about that, but there’s no
breech position here. Your baby is fine and
healthy.”

I was really confused, why would Zac lie to me

about my baby being breech? Or he made a
mistake?
.
.
.
SONDELA
They call me in and she was sleeping.
Sondela:How is she?
“We found traces of poison in her system.”
I closed my eyes. I knew it! He must have
drugged her.
“And there are signs of forced penetration
which caused a tear in her vagina.”
It gets worse.
“I’m sorry. We managed to drain the poison out,
it didn’t cause that much damage. It just
weakened her mobility and knocked her out. So
she will be okay.”
I sighed relieved that she will be okay. But it still
doesn’t erase the fact that she was r*ped. How
will I even tell her!?
“It is our job to call the police if a patient is
showing abuse symptoms”
Sondela:Don’t worry, the pig who did this is
arrested as we speak.
“Hopefully she gets justice. Can’t believe we
still have people who take advantage of
vulnerable women in this country! It is
disgusting and sickening”
Sondela:Tell me about it. So how is the baby? I
hope he wasn’t harmed in all of this.
“The baby? What baby?”
She asked me confused. Does she not see that
she’s pregnant?
Sondela:The baby she’s pregnant with. Can’t
you see she’s pregnant?
“Uhh Mr Mthembu, there is no sign of life to the
baby your wife is carrying.”
What?
Sondela:What!?
“It seems like the baby has been dead for a long
time. Didn’t you know? I was surprised to see he
wasn’t removed.”
I blinked my eyes and looked at her.
Sondela:Her doctor said he was alive again, and
that she would give birth.
“I don’t know what you are talking about. But
the baby is not alive. I’m sorry”.
.
.
To be continued….

60+ comments.
LANGELIHLE #21

Still at the hospital, Sondela shakes his head

not understanding what the doctor is saying to
him.
Sondela:I don’t understand what you mean, we
went to a doctor and he told us there was no
heartbeat but they wouldn’t remove him yet. We
went again weeks later and he told us there was
a heartbeat, he even showed us a scan. I heard
a heartbeat.
The doctor looks at him, confusion written all
over her face.
“I don’t understand Mr Mthembu, because from
our analysis there is no sign of life to the child
she is carrying. And him staying in the womb
for this long is not good.”
Sondela rubbed his face in frustration. There
was a knock on the door, and it was his father
and Mlamuli.
“I will give you some space.”, the doctor says
and heads out.
Mlamuli:What are they saying? Is she going to
be okay?
He sits on the chair.
Mthembu:Sondela talk to us.
Sondela:They say the baby is not alive. He lied
to us, our son was never alive in the first place.
He lied!
He felt a huge lump on his throat. He was so
excited and happy for their son’s arrival. The
happiness in Langelihle face when they heard a
heartbeat made him proud and happy.
Langelihle would never recover from this. Four
children? What has she done to deserve this?
Mlamuli pats his shoulder, they were both out
of words. They know how much Sondela and
Langelihle not being able to have children has
affected them.
Sondela:I don’t understand any of this. I just
don’t understand. What does Zachary have
against my family that he would lie like this?
How do I break all of this to Langelihle? How do
I even begin to tell her this? She will be broken.
Langelihle shifts a little and opens her eyes. Her
face forms a frown when she realizes that she
is in a hospital. Her eyes move to the three men
in the room with her, and they’ve got sad
expression. She wonders what’s wrong.
Mthembu:Glad to see you awake my daughter.
She sits up straight.
Langelihle:What happened?
Mlamuli:*To Sondela* Uhh we will be outside.
They left, leaving Langelihle and Sondela alone.
Langelihle:*Confused* What is happening babe?
Why do you look so gloomy?
He stands up and sits on the chair next to her
bed.
He holds and kisses her hands for a longest
time.
Langelihle:Sondela you are scaring me. What
happened?
Sondela:How are you feeling?
Langelihle:I don’t know.. I feel different. What
happened? I only remember…
She stopped herself from saying that she
remembers being with Zachary. How will she
explain that she let another man in their house?
Sondela:I have to tell you something, about
what happened.
He tightens the grip around her hands and sighs.
This will be difficult.
Sondela:After you didn’t open for me, I left and
drove around the neighborhood thinking. After
an hour or two, I decided to go back to the
house to ask you what wrong did I do. But I saw
another car, and when I went inside I found
Zachary… he was… he was…
Langelihle:He was what?
Sondela:*Closing her eyes* I found him on top
of you… he assaulted you sexually. I’m sorry
Langalami.
Langelihle:He did what?
She asked with a breaking voice, tears
threatening to come out. She can feel that
something is definitely wrong down there.
Sondela:There’s more.. The doctors say our son
was never alive. So he lied to us, and convinced
us that he was alive.
Langelihle covered her face with her hands.
Langelihle:What have I done to deserve this?
Sondela gets in bed next to her and embrace
her in his arms.
Sondela:You didn’t do anything wrong sthandwa
sami. You didn’t do anything wrong. Zachary is
in jail now, he will pay for what he did to you. I’m
really sorry that I wasn’t there to protect you.
Langelihle:*Shaking her head and crying* I can’t
feel like it’s my fault. I let him in, he didn’t force
his way in. I let him in. I didn’t know he would do
something like this.
Sondela:Even if you invited him in, it doesn’t
mean he should have drugged you and did as
he pleased with you. His ev*l act is unjustified.
He pulled her closer, Langelihle cried in his
arms. She had a lot of regrets and “only ifs”.
She wrapped her arms around Sondela and
continued crying.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Something is going on here. I don’t know what it
is, but something is going on. I do not get the
motive behind Zachary lying about my baby
being in breech. Why would he lie about
something like this? I will ask him tomorrow. He
has to answer my questions. But I am glad that
nothing is wrong with my baby, which means I
will have a smooth birth and give Sondela yet
another child to build on his empire.
Mom and Virgin left after seeing the scans.
Now I’m left alone. At least my phone is here
with me so I won’t get bored.
I call the nanny at home and let her know that I
am not coming back, but she shouldn’t tell the
kids that I’m at a hospital. I don’t want to scare
them.
I hear footsteps approaching and I lift up my
head thinking it’s the doctor or nurse. Only to
see it’s Sondela’s brother, Mlamuli.
Mlamuli:My brother’s wife.
Zimthele:Hey.
Mlamuli:I’m here to see you, Sondela said I
should check up on you. How are you doing?
Zimthele:I’m fine. I just found out that my baby
was never breeched, so everything is okay.
Where is Sondela by the way? He said he would
be back.
Mlamuli:He’s with Langelihle, she’s at the
hospital. Something happened.
Zimthele:*In disbelief* She’s at a hospital?
Mlamuli:Yeah.
Wow. Just when Sondela is supposed to be
here, she gets herself admitted to a hospital. I
wonder what’s up with her now.
Zimthele:What is wrong with her?
Mlamuli:I can’t tell you. It’s between them.
Mxm. I bet it’s not that deep. Once again,
Langelihle steals my shine! After today, I
thought things would be better and different.
But it’s clear I was wrong, she’ll always be
favoured more in this marriage. And me, the
baby popping machine will be attended to later.
This sucks big time!
Mlamuli:I will see you some other time, I’m glad
you are okay.
I bet he’s running to cling on to Langelihle. I said
it before that the Mthembus love Langelihle,
they drop everything for her. Which isn’t fair,
both of us are Sondela’s wives and we should
be treated equally.
Sondela’s brothers rarely say a word to me, we
just greet and that’s it. But with Langelihle, they
chat up a storm.
What is it with her? What does she seriously
have that makes people to worship like this?
Because I know it’s not beauty. Langelihle is a
dark girl, so I know they are not fanning over her
beauty. She’s just average, nothing amazing.
Her name is kind of a contradiction to her
appearance you know? Langelihle – the sun is
bright, and she isn’t bright. So what was the
intention behind her name?
But let me keep quiet before they say I’m bitter
and toxic.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Sondela has fell asleep on the couch. Shame,
he looks worn out.
And he refused to leave, said he will stay right
here with me.
So I am now a r*pe victim. I don’t know how to
react, I’m just numb at the moment. I trusted
Zachary, he was my doctor and I told him
everything. I can’t believe he did this to me.
After everything we have d_
Arg! I feel like punching a wall! How dare he
take advantage of me!? So he came with those
wings, and he had already done something to
them. He came prepared, and ready to do his
dirty deed.
Sondela’s phone rings and I get out of bed to
answer it. It was Mlamuli.
Langelihle:Bhuti.
Mlamuli:Hey sun, where is Sondela?
Langelihle:He is sleeping, and snoring.
I laughed a little.
Mlamuli:Oh okay, I was just calling to let him
know that Zimthele is fine. She says her baby is
not breeched. So this Zacharia lied to all of us.
I licked my dry lips.
Langelihle:I am glad her baby is okay. She was
worried. I will pass on the message to Sondela.
Mlamuli:I’m sorry about what that pervert did.
He will be sentenced heavily Sun.
Langelihle:*Sighs* I hope so. I can’t believe that
he did that. He stripped off my dignity. How can
I not even feel anything!? I just laid there
unconscious like a chicken and let him do as he
wished.
Mlamuli:No no no we are not doing the blaming
game right now. I don’t want to hear you saying
that again. Never blame yourself for this, do you
hear me?
Langelihle:I hear you.
Mlamuli:Good. Now rest, I will see the two of
you tomorrow. I know what happened is
traumatic, and it won’t be easy moving on. Try
getting some therapy, don’t push Sondela away.
The two of you need each other during this hard
time.
Langelihle:Not you going full therapist on me.
Mlamuli:*Laughing* I am serious Langelihle. I
don’t want you harbouring hate inside you. That
hate can turn into something bad. We are your
family and we are here for you. Anytime you
need us, we will drop everything for you.
I smiled hearing him say that. Because I know
he means it. The Mthembus have shown me
more than once that they love me and they
would do anything for me.
Langelihle:Thank you bhut Mla, I will take your
advice and contact a therapist. I also don’t want
to carry hate inside me.
Mlamuli:Thank you. Take care.
He hung up and I went back to the bed.
My hands touched my stomach and I sobbed
silently.
Langelihle:I’m sorry baby, it seems like it’s never
going to happen. Mommy tried, I really tried.
.
.
.
To be continued…
50+ comments..
LANGELIHLE #22

VIRGIN
“Tshitshi can I have the salad?”
I force a smile and pass the salad to her.
I walk back to the kitchen and continue washing
the dishes.
I feel a presence behind me. I turn back and it
was Mr Miller.
He’s creepy, why is he looking at me like that?
He clears his throat and comes towards me.
His eyes are stuck on my legs. He better not
dare me, I will slit his throat!
Virgin:Can I help you Mr Miller?
Mr:Uhhh I was just wondering.
Virgin:Wondering what?
Mr:Why a beautiful woman like you is
overworking herself in the kitchen?
Virgin:I’m doing this to take care of my family.
I don’t know why he’s bothered. I continue
washing the dishes, completely ignoring him.
That is until I feel a hand touching my waist. I
turn back and it was him, I shoved it away
roughly.
Virgin:What the hell!?
Mr:Come on.
Virgin:Come on what you dirty prick!
He touches me on my boobs again. I lose it, the
water I was washing dishes with, I took it and
poured all the dirty water in it.
Virgin:Don’t you ever in your meaningless life
lay your dirty hands on me! Ngizokuqoba ube
amathambo! (I will chop you to bones).
Mrs Miller and her daughters comes to the
kitchen, hearing the noise. I was so angry I
could literally chew a paper.
Mrs:What the hell is going on here!? Honey
what happened? Why are you so wet?
Virgin:*Furious*He tried to t_
Mr:Honey this girl just poured this dirty water on
me. I think she has mental problems, this was
not the first time.
I gasp in disbelief and anger.
“Awww Tshitshi Waze wangiphoxa(You
disappointed me Virgin)”, says the brat
daughter.
Mrs:Virgin what do you have to say for yourself?
Virgin:Your pervert of a husband is the one who
started it. He touched my boobs.
Mr:She’s lying, I would never do that. You know
me dear.
Mrs:When Phil recommended you, I thought
finally we will have an obeying maid. But you
have only caused trouble since you got here. I’m
sorry but I have to let you go. Lying against my
husband, the father of my children is something
I will not tolerate.
Of course she’ll believe her.
I took off the apron and threw it on her face. I
clicked my tongue and walked out.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Sondela:I have to go to the precinct, but I’ll start
home to change and eat and then see Zimthele.
I’ll be back to see you later.
I nodded.
Sondela:We will be okay baby. I promise you.
He kissed my forehead.
Sondela:Ngiyakuthanda yezwa?
I blushed.
Langelihle:Ngiyakuthanda nami.
Sondela:*Smiling* I will see you later.
He left, I waited for a few minutes and sprinted
out of bed.
I wore the clothes I came in with.
I checked if no one was coming here and when I
was sure the coast was clear, I headed out.
I requested a cab with my phone, Sondela
asked Mlamuli to bring it in the morning.
The driver drove me to the police station. My
heart was beating abnormally all the way.
When I arrived, I headed in and told them who
I’m here for.
They told me to wait on the visitors area.
I rubbed my hands together in fear. I just need
to look at him in the eye and ask him why.
Seconds later he arrived, he didn’t look so good.
His face was almost unrecognizable.
He sat down and winced in pain. Serves him
good.
I looked at him and what Sondela told me was
now fully registering in my mind. Yesterday I
didn’t react because a part of me thought it was
all a dream. But now that I’m here and seeing
the regret written all over his face, I’m
convinced he really did it.
A tear fall to my hand and I quickly wipe it away.
He tries touching me but I push my hands back.
I feel dirty, like the whole world knows what he
did to me.
I trusted him so much, how could he have done
this to me?
.
.
.
SONDELA
After arriving home I took a long bath. My body
is painful from sleeping on that hospital couch.
But I couldn’t leave Langelihle alone, not after
what that pig did to her! Nxx
When I was done, I made a quick breakfast and
ate it.
Now I need to check on Zimthele and find out
how she is doing. Especially now since she
discovered that the baby isn’t breech, what was
Zachary’s motives? But I will get all my answers
when I see him. He will answer me.

I was carrying some food for her, I arrived at her

ward room and she was changing into her
clothes.
I gave a small kiss.
Sondela:Hey..
Zimthele:Hi.
Sondela:Are they discharging you?
Zimthele:Yes.
Sondela:How are you feeling?
Zimthele:I’m feeling better, better than ever now
that I know our son is perfectly fine.
Sondela:Yeah me too.
Zimthele:Still can’t believe Zac lied like that.
Why is she calling him Zac?
Sondela:You and him are close?
Zimthele:Of course, he’s my doctor. Have been
for years.
I looked at her suspiciously.
Sondela:What do the two of you talk about?
Zimthele:Nothing much, I talk to him mostly
when I need health advice.
Sondela:So when was the last time you talked
to him?
Zimthele:Yesterday, when he did my scans,
during midday.
Sondela:Did he say anything weird or unusual?
Zimthele:Something like what?
Sondela:Oh I don’t know, about Langelihle.
She stopped what she was doing and looked at
me.
Zimthele:Why are you questioning me?
Sondela:I just want to know, why? Are you
hiding something?
Zimthele:I’m not hiding anything. He didn’t talk
about Langelihle, he just asked me how she is
doing.
Sondela:That’s all?
She kept quiet for a while and looked down.
Zimthele:Yeah.. Uhm that’s all.
I raised my one eyebrow at her.
.
.
.
At Gladys’
Virgin arrives infuriated by what happened at
the Millers’.
Her mother rushes to her and make her sits
down..
Gladys:Virgin what is it? Why are you so angry?
Virgin:At this day and time, we still have men
who take advantage of women because of the
jobs they have!?
Gladys:What are you talking about?
Virgin:Mr Miller tried to harass me today but I
defended myself. He then lied to his wife that I
have mental issues and they fired me. Just like
that!
Gladys:He did what!?
Virgin:I’m telling you mama. I have never been
so disgusted by a man like that before. I should
have stabbed him.
.
.
.
Back at the Police Station.
Langelihle’s hands were in the table and she
kept saying that she trusted him, with her eyes
closed.
Zachary looks at her.
Zachary:Langa.. I’m sorry.. I didn’t think what I
did would have what effect on you. I was selfish
and thought of satisfying myself with you.. I’m
really sorry..
Langelihle:I trusted you..
Zach felt the room getting hotter. He tried to
touch Langelihle again but quickly moved his
hands back, she was so hot.
Zachary:Langelihle… open your eyes…
She slowly opens her eyes and the light from
her almost burns him. He covers his face with
his hands. He felt like he was melting. He
looked at where Langelihle’s hands were, and
the table had marks of her hands, burnt.
Zachary:What the…
He looked up to Langelihle but quickly looked
back down.. The light coming from her was
seriously burning him, and he was sweating so
much like he’s standing over boiling water.
Langelihle stood up from her seat and stood
near him. She grabbed him by the collar and
threw him against the wall, Zach cried feeling
some bones breaking..
She went to him and lifted him up with her one
hand, grabbing him by the neck now.
“ I am Langelihle … Taiyō wa watashi no ishi ni
magaru. Don’na aku mo watashi no me kara
nogareru koto wanai .”, she said in a foreign
language that Zachary didn’t understand, with
her eyes still open and she had a tight grip
around Zachary.
Zachary kicked his legs feeling out of breath.
He coughed, he felt like his neck would break
into two.
Langelihle got back to her senses and quickly
let him go, she looked around at the place and
ran out terrified.
Zachary regained his breathing pattern. An
officer came in to check what’s happening.
Zachary:You couldn’t come in seconds earlier!?
.
.
.
Langelihle runs and runs until she reaches the
place she saw in her dreams.
She looks around the place and sits down. She
lies on her side and closes her eyes..
…
…….
A little girl runs around laughing. She goes
inside a house, carrying a beautiful bird.
She smiles at her mother and shows her the
bird.
“Look what I have mommy. Can we keep her?”,
she innocently asks her mother.
“Let me guess, you have named her/him”, her
mother asks her back smiling.
“It’s a she, her name is Yellow. Because she is
yellow. She is beautiful”, she replies.
“Okay you can keep her, but you have to be
responsible for her. Take care of her.”
“I will. Thanks mommy.”, she runs out.
She goes to her room and places the bird on the
birdcage of her previous bird.
“I will take care of you.”
The bird flaps its wings and the little girl laughs
in admiration.
She hears commotion outside and takes her
bird going to check it out..
She screams when she sees her mother being
held by two men, and the whole village was
being held against their will.
“Ataru hashiro.. Hashiro!!! …”, her mother shouts
at her.
The men look at her and she hides behind the
barrels.
She sees one of them butchering everyone,
including her mother.
She cries silently and closes her eyes..
She feels the men’s voices growing near and
she stands up, running away.. She runs and she
never looks back..
…
……..
Langelihle wakes up rubbing her eyes. She
looks where she is, and wonders how she got
here.
She realizes she’s at the place she saw in her
dream, and the dream she just had now! It is
buzzing in her head..
What was this one about now!?
And she didn’t recognize anyone in the dream.
The little girl, she has never seen her before.
She sighs and stands up.
She walks towards the road and hikes a ride
back to the hospital.
Luckily, a kind woman gives her a lift and she
drops her off at the hospital.
She goes back to her ward room and get back
in bed.
They have to remove the baby soon. Another
pain she has to endure. Once again she has to
look at her baby’s dead body.
Once again, she has to bury yet another child.
She shakes her head crying. The tears won’t
stop coming out. She’s now thinking of what
Zachary did to her. And what she almost did to
him.
Her phone rings, disturbing her from her crying
session.
It was Gende.
Langelihle:Hello.
Gende:Iskhathi asikho Langelihle, hamba
ELangeni(There isn’t much time, go to Elangeni).
He is gaining strength wherever he is, and he’ll
come back more strong and ruthless. You need
to go back home and be with your people. They
will help you defeat him.
Langelihle:*Sighs* Not to sound rude or
anything, but Mdabuli is the last thing on my
mind. I just lost my baby and someone violated
me. So forgive me if that man isn’t on my
priority list right now. I just need to bury my son
in peace, you keep on saying the ancestors are
looking our for me. But I don’t see that, they
can’t watch me going through so much pain
and do nothing. How much more do I have to
suffer before they can protect me? This is the
4th child I will be burying. Where have they been
all along? And now I’m told that I have to defeat
some power hungry man, and not just any man,
my father. I can’t gogo, I’m sorry. But my mind
isn’t in the right place right now.
Gende:Ngiyakuzwa, ngiyazi futhi ukuthi
ukhathazekile.(I hear you, I know that you are
not okay).When you have the time, come and
see me.
She hangs up..
.
.
To be continued….
52+ comments
LANGELIHLE #24

Sondela goes inside after hearing some

screams, to check what’s going on. He finds the
nurses putting Langa to bed and injecting her.
Sondela:What happened?
His eyes move to the pale, tiny body and his
heart shatters.
He closes his eyes and a tear drops from his
eyes.
He sighs and move to his son. He touches his
body, and gulps his sadness down. This wasn’t
easy for him either, he keeps on being strong
for Langelihle. But he is also falling apart, he
doesn’t know what to do.
The nurses and doctors were looking in pity.
They also found themselves shedding tears,
this was too emotionally heavy and sad. The
way Langelihle just fell apart broke them too.
They covered the baby’s body and he was
wheeled away, going to the morgue.
Sondela goes outside and stands by the corner,
he let all his tears out. Not caring who’s
watching him. He let it all out. Patients and staff
walking by looking at him, some taking videos
and pictures.
They were chased away by Mlamuli who
shouted at them.
“YOU BETTER NOT POST THOSE PICTURES!
BECAUSE I WILL FIND YOU AND YOU WILL
REGRET IT!!”, he says to the nurse who was
taking pictures.
He helps his brother stand up and goes with
him on the other side of the hospital.
Sondela face was red.
Mlamuli:What happened?
He couldn’t speak, the lump in his throat was
getting bigger.
“He.. Is..”, he stuttered and choked on his tears.
Mlamuli brought him in for a hug and embraced
him.
Sondela held on to him and poured his heart out.
Mlamuli:I’m sorry..
Those were the only words he could say at that
moment.
.
.
.
Back at Langelihle…
She wakes up, the sedation had died down. She
rubs her eyes and she can feel how swollen
they are.
She looks around and the memories of what
just happened comes crushing down like a
waterfall in her mind.
She notices a jacket on the chair and she picks
it up.
She folds it and make a baby doll with it.
She brings the jacket closer to her and smiles
with tears in between.
Langelihle:I knew you were alive. I knew you
wouldn’t leave mommy like this. You must be
hungry. Let me feed you.
She takes out her one boob and pinch it a little,
milk comes out.
She brings the jacket closer to her chest and
directs her boob to her “baby”.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I am back at my house, I had to request a ride to
bring me here. Sondela said he would be back
to pick me up but nothing. He’s probably with
Langelihle, not surprised though.
Zenande and Bayanda crush me into a hug as
soon as they see I’m back.
Zenande:We missed you.
Zimthele:Hawu I’ve only been gone one day.
How was school?
Bayanda:We had a test, and I passed. I got five
stars.
I smiled and gave him a high five.
Zimthele:Good boy.
Zenande:We didn’t have a test but school was
fun. We had v.. Visitors from another schools.
They told me about their day and I listened to
them.
Zenande:Is daddy coming tonight?
Zimthele:I don’t know, I will ask him. Go and
change.
They run off to their rooms.
I have to cook, I bet they are hungry. The nanny
doesn’t cook, I prefer doing it on my own.
Unless it is an emergency, like yesterday when I
wasn’t here.
In the middle of my cooking, I am interrupted by
a knock. Who could that be?
I place the knife next to the vegetables and wipe
my hands.
I head to the door and open for whoever is
knocking.
I open my eyes in shock when I realize it’s Sana,
and he was with his parents. Oh God oh God!!
I get out and close the door behind me. My eyes
haven’t left Sana.
Zimthele:What are you doing here!?
I ask with my teeth grinded.
Sana:Good day to you too. We need to speak
with your husband.
Zimthele:My husband? About what?
“Ntombazane don’t pretend like you don’t know
what we are doing here. We want our grandchild,
he deserves to be with us his real family.”, his
mother shoots back.
“Indeed he needs to be with his father. Sana
told us that you won’t allow him to see his son
or spend time with him. So we decided to come
here for ourselves and see what’s the matter.
Bayanda is a pure Dlamini.”, the father adds.
Zimthele:I’m sorry but the three of you need to
leave my property beg I call the police. This is
trespassing!
I shout a little.
“She’s even rude”, Sana’s mother says.
If Sondela could come here now, he will find out
the truth. I can’t let that happen.
I push these three all the way to the gate and
lock it.
“Hawu Hawu yaze yadelela Ingane. Usiphusha
kanje! (You’re so rude, you push us like this!?)
Sana:Zimthele stop being selfish. Bayanda is
my son, and you are parading him to your
husband as his.
Zimthele:You will not dare breath a word to
Sondela about this Sana, because I swear I’m
taking you down with me. I know a lot about you,
more than you think. So don’t test me.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Well today was alright I guess, I dropped off my
CVS but I don’t know whether I will be called
back. Most of the places they said they were
not hiring.
I am damn tired. I find Phil on the phone.
Phil:Yes I understand.. I have the old model..
…….
Phil:I can even sell it to you for R10000.
The begging and sadness in his voice can’t be
missed.
Phil:Okay, R5000 is fine. I will send you the
address for collection.
……
Phil:Okay, thank you so much Sir.
He hung up and I looked at him.
Virgin:What are you selling?
Phil:MY old car.
Virgin:The one that your late father gave you?
Phil:Yes.
Virgin:And you are selling it for R5000?
Phil:I don’t have a choice V. What do you want
me to do?
Virgin:Phil why are you acting like we are living
on the streets? You can find many people who
can buy the car at a reasonable price. That car
is the classic of its kind to be just sold for a
mere R5000. Just stop worrying so much. We
will figure everything out in our pace.
I sat on top of him and wrapped my arms
around him.
Phil:I just feel so useless. Everyday I’m sitting
here.
Virgin:It’s not the end of the world. Feeling sorry
for ourselves will not help. We lost everything
yes , we just have to accept that and come up
with other ways to generate income. You can
do gardening for people or any type of handy
work, you were building houses back in the day,
don’t you remember?
Phil:I remember.
Virgin:It will be okay.
I kissed him and he kissed me back, deepening
the kiss.
My phone vibrated and I ignored it.
I continued kissing him, it’s been long without
sex. He’s always down and depressed.
It rings this time.
Phil:Just answer it.
He whispers.
I answer it and it was Zimthele.
Virgin:Zimthele what do you want? I’m busy.
Zimthele:V can you believe that Sana was here
and demanding to know more about Bayanda!?
Virgin:Seriously that’s what you called me for!?
Zimthele don’t involve me in your marriage
problems, I have far bigger problems than yours.
I hung up and click my tongue. I wasn’t even in
the mood anymore.
I stand up from Phil and head towards the door.
Phil:Hau and then?
Virgin:I’m not in the mood anymore.
Curse you Zimthele for costing me tlof tlof.
.
.
.
At the hospital.
After Sondela had cried enough and got
everything out of his chest, him and Mlamuli
went back to Langelihle ward rooms.
They found a very disturbing scene.
Langelihle was playing with the jacket she
made into a baby.
The doctor sees them and drags them out.
Sondela:What is happening now?
“I found her like that. She thinks the jacket is
her baby, because she kept on saying she knew
he was alive. Your wife is not okay sir. She
needs help immediately.”
Sondela sighed and looked at Langelihle, and
she looked completely drawn to the jacket.
Sondela:When it rains it pours.
.
.
To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #23
SONDELA
I arrive at the precinct, and I’m told Zachary is
receiving medical help, due to an incident that
occurred earlier.
He doesn’t even deserve medical help.
“I will go to the hospital to ask her a few
questions, and get the evidence from the
doctor”, the detective tells me.
I nod.
“I will call you when he’s awake”
Sondela:What happened to him?
“He says he was strangled. I don’t know what
kind of person can strangle someone like that.
His neck is red and you could almost see the
skin tissues.”
I swallowed hearing him say that. It’s just
making me think if it wasn’t Langelihle, but I left
her at the hospital. How could have she made it
here so quickly?
Sondela:I will go with you. I’m going back there
anyway.
“Okay let’s go.”
I follow him and get to my car, he drives behind
me.
We arrive at the hospital and head to her ward.
She was with the doctor.
“Good day”, the detective greeted.
“I am Detective Mabaso. I’m here to ask a few
questions to Langelihle if that will be okay.”
Langelihle nods.
The doctor left.
Mabaso:Do you need him to leave?
Langelihle:No he can stay.
Mabaso:Okay, I need you to tell me everything
that you remember.
Langelihle:Yesterday, I was visiting my
children’s graves and I was emotional after that.
I didn’t want to see anyone; my husband came
home and I ignored him until he left. I just
wanted to be alone and cry. Then a while later,
my doctor, Zachary called me. He asked me
where I was and I told him, he then asked if my
husband was with me and I said no. He said he
will come and check up on me, I told him no
because I didn’t want to see anyone. But he
insisted, and promised it was a doctor’s visit. I
agreed and then told him to bring food..
He came and gave me the food. We sat on the
couch and he asked me what was wrong. I then
told him about my visit to the cemetery. I ate
the wings that he had brought for me, I gave
some to him but he said he was on a diet. I ate
them all, I didn’t think there would be anything
wrong with it. Then I started to feel very sleepy,
I don’t remember what happened after that. I
woke up here yesterday in the hospital.
Mabaso wrote in his notebook and nodded.
Mabaso:Okay, thank you for answering. He will
get what’s due to him. We have a strong case
here.
I nodded relieved hearing that. I really hope he
rots in jail.
The detective left and I sat next to Langa.
Sondela:Did you go to the police station today?
Langelihle:*Sighs* Yes.
Sondela:Why?
Langelihle:I just wanted to look at him in the eye
and confirm that he really did it. The guilt was
written all over his face.
Sondela:Then what happened after that?
Langelihle:The same thing that happened with
Nono, I almost strangled him to death, I felt very
powerful during that moment. Like I wasn’t
myself, like someone was holding my hand. But
I quickly let him go, and ran out. I found myself
in that place with flowers again, I laid down and
had a very disturbing dream. There was a girl
and she had a bird, named Yellow. She
witnessed everyone being killed in front of her,
including her mother. And the mother spoke in
a language that I don’t understand. “hashiro
Ataru”.. I don’t know what that means. And
those people looked different, I don’t know what
race they were but definitely not black. Even
their accents resembled no African accent. I
woke up and came back here. Then Gende
called me and told me that I need to go
Elangeni, apparently Mdabula is gaining
strength and he’ll come back even more
ruthless. I honestly am tired Sondela, whatever
happens will happen now. I’m tired of fighting
with fate, if Mdabuli comes back, I’ll gladly give
myself to him. He can kill me or mutate me, I
don’t care anymore. I just don’t care.
She turned the other way and I heard her
sobbing painfully.
I touched her and didn’t say anything. I wish I
could carry the pain for her. She deserves a
break.
We are disturbed by the doctor entering with
two nurses.
“Mrs Mthembu, it is time.”
Sondela:Time for what?
“To remove the baby”
I looked down and my heart became heavy. Yet
another child we are losing, another grave that
will lay next to the three present ones.
I nodded and kissed Langelihle on her forehead.
“I’ll be right outside.”, I whispered to her.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
I am still angry at what Mr Miller did yesterday,
but I won’t dwell on it too much. It’s time to
move on, and find another job. At least they
paid me for the weeks I’ve worked there. So we
have enough to sustain us for the time being.
Phil enters our room and takes off his cap. Phil
is slowly slipping into depression. He is always
thinking, and sad.
He feels like he’s not doing enough to take care
of his family.
I stand up and hug him. He doesn’t even have
that heart-warming smile anymore.
Virgin:How did it go today?
Phil:Same as yesterday, they can’t hire me with
my record.
Virgin:I’m sorry baby, I’ll also try harder and look
for another job. I’ll drop off my CVS at retail
stores tomorrow, maybe I will be lucky.
.
.
.
At the hospital.
It is hours later, and they have successfully
removed the baby from Langelihle womb. They
placed him on those glass containers.
Langelihle was still drowsy from the drugs and
injections.
The nurse brings the baby to her and shows her.
“Here he is. I’m sorry once again. He will be
moved to the hospital’s morgue.”
Langelihle touches his face and he was not
breathing, nor moving. He wasn’t crying.
“Wake up for mommy boy”, she begged him.
Her hands moved all over his tiny body and she
cried. This is the fourth time, the 4th time she
has to go through this. To see her baby dead,
before even holding him/her in her arms.
She got out from the bed and removed all the
intravenous drips around her arms and hands.
The nurse tried to stop her but she pushed her
away.
She took the baby out and held him close to her
chest.
“Please wake up, please wake up. I need you.
Please wake up”, she begged him but he looked
pale as ever, with his eyes closed and his body
tiny and almost slipping from her hands.
Other nurses managed to take the baby away
from her and made her sit back on the bed. She
squirmed under them.
“I want my baby, I want my son!!”, she screamed
and shouted. The nurses looked at her in pity.
“He’s alive, he will wake up. I know it. Please
give me my baby.. He needs me to feed him..
He is hungry..”, she said again with tears all
over her face.
The nurses held her down and the doctor
injected her, sedating her to sleep.
.
.
To be continued….
45+ comments…
LANGELIHLE #25

The following days, at Ein House.

Langelihle is seated on the chair holding a
jersey that is wrapped like a doll(baby). She is
looking at one direction without blinking. She
rocks the jersey back and forth, humming a
lullaby. Her face is so pale, and her lips so dry.
Other patients are seated around her and doing
their own things.
The nurses on guard come to her..
“It’s time to go back inside. The doctor is here.”
She takes no mind to them and continues
humming the lullaby softly.
Langelihle:Thula thula Nana…. Thula thula…
“Langelihle stand up”, they snatch the jersey
away from her and she opens her eyes wide out.
She stands up from the chair and tries to take
back her baby.
Langelihle:Give me my baby.. He is almost
asleep, give him to me..
“I will give him to you, but come with us. Your
doctor is here.”
Langelihle:Okay…
They lead her to the doctor’s office and give her
the “baby”. They leave, and she sits down
holding the jersey close to her.
Sitting across her was the doctor, a middle
aged woman who was wearing glasses, with
beautiful short hair.
“Hi, it’s me again. Are you ready to talk today? ”
Langelihle ignored her and continued playing
with her baby.
Malanga:What’s his name? The baby.
Langelihle:*Smiling* His name is Angel, he is an
angel. He woke up when they thought he’s
dead..
Malanga:He’s beautiful. Where’s the father?
Langelihle:He said something is wrong with me,
and that I will be here to get help.
Malanga:Do you think there’s something wrong
with you?
Langelihle:No. I am only bonding with my son.
Malanga:Can I take a picture of you two?
Langelihle:Okay..
She takes her phone and opens the camera.
She takes pictures and shows it to her.
Langelihle breath heightens and she blinks her
eyes vigorously.
Langelihle:Whaa.. What is this? Where is my
baby? Why isn’t he showing on this picture?
What is this?
Malanga stands up from her seat and kneels in
front of her.
Malanga:Sweetheart, you have gone through
tremendous losses. It’s understandable that
you would take comfort into thinking this is
your baby. But your baby didn’t make it
sthandwa sami, do you remember?
Langelihle:He didn’t make it?
She asks, sadness written all over her face.
Malanga:He didn’t make it.
Langelihle:But I have been feeding, and bathing
him all these days. How could he not have been
made it? You are lying to me. This is my baby.
Malanga:This is a jersey, your baby was buried
last week and you were at the funeral. You are
suffering from psychological losses, and as
hard as it may be Langelihle, you will live
through this. You will be okay again.
Langelihle:My baby didn’t make it…
She put her hand over her mouth.
Malanga:The first step is acceptance, it’s hard
but you have to let him go. He needs to rest in
peace. You have a whole life ahead of you. With
today’s technology, you can find other options
Langelihle to have a baby. It’s not the end of the
world if you can’t carry to full term. How do you
feel now?
Langelihle:Weak… stupid.. I knew that
something was off. But a little voice kept
whispering that this was my baby.
Malanga:Is that voice still whispering now?
She closed her eyes and listened.
Langelihle:No.
Malanga:It was your mind playing tricks with
you, and wanting you to believe what you
wanted to believe.
Langelihle:I feel so tired, I just want to sleep and
never wake up. I can’t do this anymore…
She shakes her head crying.
Malanga takes he to her arms and assures her
that everything will be okay.
.
.
.
At Sondela’s.
He is passed out on the couch, with bottles of
alcohol laying around. He is stinking.
Mlamuli shakes him up and he yawns removing
his hand.
Mlamuli:Sondela wake up.
Sondela:Mhh.. Come back later….
He mumbled in his sleep.
Mlamuli shook him up again until he woke up.
Sondela:What?
He asked angrily. His eyes were red and he had
bags under them. He looked so out of life.
Mlamuli:This isn’t healthy. When was the last
time you had food? Other than pumping
yourself with alcohol?
Sondela:Leave me alone Mlamuli. I am not
bothering anyone, I’m in my house, drinking my
alcohol, that I bought with my own money.
Mlamuli:I don’t care about that, but this is not it.
You have a life! And wives! And children! What
about them? Zimthele gave birth yesterday but
you weren’t there.
Sondela:She gave birth?
Mlamuli:Yeah, she tried calling you multiple
times when her water broke but you didn’t
answer. She ended up calling me. Fix yourself
Bro. Being depressed like this, Langa is also at
a mental asylum and we don’t know how she is
doing because you’ve never been to visit her.
You keep locking yourself in here and you are
shutting everyone out!
Sondela:*Shouting* WELL THEN WHAT THE
FUCK DO YOU WANT ME TO DO MLAMULI
HUH!? MY WIFE IS LOCKED UP WITH CRAZY
PEOPLE, AND SHE KEEOS ON SAYING OUR
SON IS ALIVE, AND SHE IS TALKING ABOUT A
JERSEY. SO HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SMILE
AND MOVE ON WITH LIFE!? HE WAS ALSO MY
SON, YOU THINK I LIKE THAT I HAVE HAD TO
BURY ALL MY FOUR CHILDREN!?
Mlamuli:I know, I’m sorry you are going through
that. I don’t know what kind of pain you are
feeling.
Sondela:So shut up and let me sleep.
He goes back to the couch and sleeps. Mlamuli
sighs and cleans up the bottles.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
My baby boy is finally here, I gave birth
yesterday. He is so tiny. Sondela wasn’t here
yesterday when I gave birth, he still isn’t here.
These past few days have been hard, he is
distant. Ever since Langelihle was admitted at
Ein House, he has also been losing it. I hope she
gets better, the pain of losing a child. I wouldn’t
wish it upon anyone. How worse is it when you
have lost four? I would also run mad.
Gladys:What are you going to name him?
Zimthele:I’m waiting for Sondela. I haven’t
thought of any names.
Gladys:Where is he?
I shrugged my shoulders. I saw that she wanted
to say something else, but she stopped herself
and continued stroking the baby’s hair.
.
.
.
Langelihle peeps to see if anyone is watching
and runs all the way to the gate. There were
guards who tried to stop her but she ran away
from them all the way out.
When she was completely out of Ein House, she
ran to the road. A car came speeding almost
knocking her off but she quickly moved away.
She ran and ran, never looking back. Until she
reached the place she saw in her dreams
again(the one with the flowers).
She sat down and laid on the side, dreaming
again.
…..
………
Ataru holds his hand.
Ataru:I love you Baba.
Saying “Baba” was a bit funny for her, she still
wasn’t used to the Zulu language, even though
she has been around them for so many years.
“You will get better, don’t worry”
She smiled happily, he looked into her eyes and
fell even more in love. Their union was cursed
by many, because of the race issue, but they
loved each other. And love conquers all.
“I want to learn Japanese. How do I say, ‘I love
you’?”
Ataru:Itoshi teru.
“Itoshi teru”
Ataru laughs.
Ataru:Yeah you will also get there.
They break into laughter. Their daughter comes
running to them.
Ataru:Who why are you running?
“Look mom my eyes”
She showed them their eyes and they saw the
reflection of the sun.
Ataru gasped in fear.
Ataru:Ōno (Oh no).
She touched her daughter’s face and the sun
quickly disappeared.
She pulled her husband to the side.
Ataru:Not again. They will come here and
slaughter everyone too, like they did with my
family. They will find us again.
“They won’t. They won’t know. We will hide her
powers, like we’ve hidden yours.”
Ataru bites her nails, she was nervous and
scared.
…..
………..
Langelihle wakes up and looks at her
surroundings confused. When did she get here?
She stands up and starts walking.
.
.
To be continued….
LANGELIHLE #26
#Unedited.
SONDELA
I wake up hours later and Mlamuli was gone, he
did good. I stagger to the fridge looking for a
beer but there was none. He must have thrown
them out. I go to the bedroom and take out the
pack I had hidden from the closet. I open one
can and down it all in one go.
I go with the rest back to the living room. I
switch on the TV and continue drinking. My
head is pounding terribly.
My phone rings, mmmm who is it?
I answer without checking.
Sondela:Yeah?
Zimthele:Sondela when are you coming to see
us?
Sondela: “Us”?
Zimthele:Yes, I gave birth yesterday. I have been
calling you.
Sondela:Oh I will come..
Zimthele:Okay, I love you.
Sondela:Yeah have a good day.
I quickly hang up. I fold my legs and place them
on the table, I continue drinking and watching
TV..
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Wow. He just hung up on me, he didn’t even say
he loves me too. What is wrong with Sondela?
In fact what the heck is happening!? There was
a funeral last week for Langelihle baby but she
looked completely different, after that I heard
she was admitted at Ein House. Now Sondela is
acting very weird.
Gladys:I don’t think he’s coming.
Zimthele:He is coming. He can’t miss his son’s
birth and not come to see him .
Gladys:If you say so.
Virgin enters after a while with coffee. She
gives one cup to mom and me. I take it.
Zimthele:Thank you.
Virgin:He still isn’t here yet?
Gladys:Nop.
Virgin:I don’t want to sound judgmental or
anything, but I’m asking you again Zimthele, are
you sure you are loved in this marriage?
I open my mouth to say something but words
fail me. The way Sondela just said “Yeah” after I
told him I love him makes me have doubts. He
has been so distant, I feel like I don’t even know
him anymore. No one from his family has come
to see me or my baby, only Mlamuli came, and
it’s because I called him. Do they not like me to
that extent that they will go out of their ways to
show me that they don’t care?

Virgin:Sorry I’ll keep quiet.

Zimthele:No it’s okay, you are right. Maybe he
doesn’t love me, I see it. His family sees it,
that’s why they can’t maintain even five
seconds of eye contact with me. I love Sondela,
I don’t see myself with anyone but him. I was
stupid to think I could compete with Langelihle,
he loves her. I always see the way he looks at
her, his eyes breath love and passion. I wish he
could look at me like that. Is there something
wrong with me? I have even developed toxic
hate for Langelihle, because I feel like she’s
loved more. Meanwhile she hasn’t done
anything wrong to me. I don’t know what to do.
He should be here, I get that they are grieving.
But I gave birth to his son, he didn’t pick up my
calls when I was deep in labor yesterday, I even
gave birth without him near me. Even now he
isn’t convincing that he’s coming.
Gladys:As hurtful this will sound my daughter,
but I told you that you can’t be happy with
another woman’s tears. I was against this
polygamy marriage from the very first day you
told me, because I knew it would end up like
this. I knew that there’s always someone who’s
going to be favoured more than the other wife.
You found these people married, you don’t
know the things they have been through or how
they fell in love. You don’t know the struggles
they have conquered. What did you say Sondela
want the first time he approached you?
Zimthele:He said he wants a surrogate, but his
wife didn’t want that. So he chose to make me
his second wife.
Gladys:There you have it. You know him, you
know how he acts around you. I don’t want to
see you unhappy; I don’t want to say divorce
him because you are a full grown woman, you
can make your own choices. But, choose your
happiness. That’s all I will say to you. And tell
him the truth about Bayanda. I don’t even know
who you are Zimthele, so much lies! You’re not
only hurting Sondela here, but you are denying
Bayanda the chance to be with his real father.
Zimthele:I hear you.
Gladys:I hope so, I don’t want to bury you when
you have died of depression. Because you are
heading there.
Mom and being dramatic!
Virgin:Mom has said it all Zim, I haven’t been
around much so I don’t know what kind of
person Sondela is. But I have read about
polygamy marriages, and I concluded that I
don’t like them. Choose yourself sis. This might
all not be worth it.
Zimthele:Why is this turning into an intervention?
Virgin:*Laughing* It’s not.
.
.
.
Zachary is feeling much better. He is sitting on
the chair and waiting for his lawyer. His bail was
declined.
His lawyer comes in shortly carrying his
briefcase. He sits down.
Bhoro: Sorry I’m late.
Zachary:It’s okay, I just got here.
Bhoro:So our bail was declined. There is a
strong case against you Zac, I need you to tell
me everything so we can prepare for the trial.
Did you r*pe her?
Zachary:I did.
Bhoro:Tell me everything.
Zachary:Langelihle has been my patient for
years, to an extent that she trusted me with her
marriage affairs, and I advised her where I could.
Her and her husband were struggling with
having children, the baby would die when she’s
up to the fourth or fifth month. It has happened
three times, this pregnancy was the fourth. I felt
sorry for her, because I had grown quite close
to her and developed feelings for her. I knew it
was wrong, because she was married, so I kept
them to myself and didn’t tell her. Years ago, I
had another patient, whom I later found out was
her sister wife. Her name is Zimthele, she has
had smooth pregnancies and haven’t lost any
child. Months ago, Zimthele came to my office
and when I checked her I found out she was 6
months pregnant and she didn’t know. And
Langelihle had come the previous days, and
found out her baby was gone. I was torn and
shattered, I felt for her. I wished there was
something I could do. Fast forward, I was
surprised to receive a call from Langelihle one
day. She asked if we could meet. I agreed
because I thought maybe it’s related to her
pregnancy problems. Then she asked me to do
something for her..
Bhoro:What was that?
Zac licked his lips.
Zachary:She asked me to help her swap
Zimthele’s baby with hers. Meaning her and
Zimthele would give birth on the same day, and
we would give Zimthele the dead baby and give
her Zimthele’s baby. I said no at first because
what she was asking went against my ethics,
but she begged me and she was really
desperate. I then agreed to help her. I gave her
something to put in Zimthele’s food or drink to
quickly induce labor so they would give birth on
the same day. I pre-recorded some heartbeat
and we lied to her husband that her baby was
alive. I fabricated some scans and lied to
Zimthele that her baby was breeched.
It was all coming along fine, until I called her at
the day of the incident, and she wasn’t okay. I
then offered to check on her. She said I must
bring her food. I got tempted and laced the food
with something that would knock her out. When
I arrived, she was wearing only a towel. I was
fascinated I won’t lie, I thought she was feeling
the same way, hence she’s only wearing a towel.
She ate the wings and started to feel sleepy.
When she slept, that’s when I did it.. Her
husband found me on the act and beat me.
That’s how I got arrested.
Bhoro:Mhhh so the two of you were together in
attempting to steal Zimthele’s baby?
Zachary:Yes.
Bhoro:Do you have proof of that?
Zachary:Text messages and recorded phone
calls.
Bhoro smirks.
Bhoro:We will win this case, we have everything
against her. I’m waiting for the date of the trial
to be announced.
.
.
.
After walking for hours and not knowing where
she’s actually going, Langelihle finds herself
outside Gende’s house. She is tired, weak and
hungry.
She tries to open the gate but her body fails her
and she faints, falling to the ground.
Initiates that were outside, call Gende to come
to the gate.
She rushes there with them and see it’s
Langelihle.
Gende:When I said she must go back home, I
wasn’t dizzy. All of this could have been
avoided, but no the generation of today fails to
follow simple instructions . The child would
have lived, she just needed to go home. Bring
her inside.
.
.
To be continued…
50+ comments…
LANGELIHLE #27

LANGELIHLE

I open my eyes and realize that I am in an

unfamiliar place. Shortly, a little girl comes in
the room I’m at.
She greets me.
“Ugogo uyakucela(Gogo is asking for you)”
I get out of the bed and follow her. I wonder
who is asking for me, but ngizobona khona.
I am still wearing the track pants from Ein.
Yeses konje I ran away!
When we get outside, I realize that I am at
Gende’s house.
I sigh and follow the girl, she leads me to a
small, beautiful hut. I take off my shoes and
enter.
Gende was sitting on the mat, the place was
neat and clean,with her traditional stuff put
accordingly.
I sat down on the mat.
Gende:Sewuvukile(You have woken up).
I stupidly clap my hands and say “Thokoza”.
She laughs and I feel really stupid.
Gende:Let’s talk outside. We are not consulting.
We stand up and sit outside on the chairs.
Langelihle:How did I get here?
Gende:We found you outside the gate.
I nodded.
Gende:Uyabona ukuthi kuxoveke kanjani zonke
izinto manje? (Do you see how messed up
everything is now?)
Langelihle:I see.
Gende:When I said go home, why didn’t you
listen to me? I have been telling you for weeks
to go home. You can’t make an excuse that you
don’t know where Elangeni is, because your
mother directed you when she spoke to you,
didn’t she?
Langelihle:She did. She told me where I will find
Elangeni.
Gende:Pho bewuhlaleleni ungayi Langa? (So
why haven’t you went there?)

I shifted in my seat and cleared my throat.

Langelihle:I wanted to wait until I give birth.
Gende:Giving birth to who? Let’s not fool each
other Langelihle.
I was very uncomfortable.
Gende:Uyabona ukuthi inkani isikubekephi?(Do
you see where being stubborn has landed you?)
You have been getting to know your origin
through your dreams, haven’t you?
Langelihle:Yes, but I don’t understand what the
dreams mean.

Gende:What don’t you understand? What

happened in those dreams?
Langelihle:I have been dreaming of two
different little girls. One is the younger version
of me and the other one looks different, like
she’s Japanese or Chinese. Both of them have
their homes destroyed, and their parents killed
by a mystery man.
Gende:Isn’t that telling you something?
Langelihle:It is.
Gende:What is it telling you?
Langelihle:The girl who’s the younger version of
me, I think it’s my mother, and the mystery man
who destroyed her home and her parents is the
mystery man, my father.
The other girl, I don’t know, but I know she’s
related to everything happening because her
daughter had the same eyes as mine.
Gende:Listening is a skill Langelihle. You are
about to be Queen soon, people are going to be
depending on you to make decisions. How will
you make decisions when you can’t even listen
to simple instructions? What was so hard about
going home? Didn’t you see your son alive
Elangeni through your dreams? Wasn’t that
telling you that you should go home. Your father
placed a curse on you, that you will never be
able to carry a child until he has found you. But
you going home, the curse would have been
uplifted. The three children you’ve lost will
come back, I’m not saying bazovuka
kwabafileyo. But you will carry full term again,
even if they would have lived before, your father
would have killed them, since you had no idea
who you were. But now you know who you are,
you’ve seen how powerful you can be. You
know what to do to defeat him, but you are still
not doing anything. You are relaxing.
I wiped my tears. This is the bitter truth I
needed to hear. Everything she is saying is the
truth. I have been pushing it to the back of my
head because I wanted to focus on the baby. A
baby that I knew was gone. All the dreams I’ve
been having, I’ve been ignoring them and
pretending like they didn’t make sense. Only
one dream is confusing, the one with Atura, the
Japanese girl/woman.
Langelihle:Ngiyezwa Gogo, I agree I have been
acting stubborn. I will go home soon.
Gende:What are you still waiting for? Go now.
Langelihle:Now now?
Gende:I told you he’s regaining strength
wherever he is. Your ancestors have been
preventing him from reaching to you all these
years, it’s your turn to fight him now. You are
the only one who can end this war, that has
been going on for generations.
Langelihle:I don’t know if I can do it.
Gende:Don’t look down on yourself. You are
more powerful than you think.
Langelihle:I will go. There’s nothing for me here
anyway.

She smiled and I asked to borrow her phone.

She gave it to me and I went to stand far from
her. I dialled Sondela’s numbers. Her answered
after a while.
Sondela:Hello.
Langelihle:Sondela hi, it’s Langelihle.
Sondela:Langelihle?
I heard him shifting.
Sondela:Aren’t you supposed to be at Ein House?
Langelihle:I ran away.
Sondela:You ran away?
Langelihle:Yes. I don’t have much time, I just
called to let you know that I’m leaving, I’m going
home-Elangeni.
Sondela:Oh okay where are you? I will go with
you.
Langelihle:No Sondela. This is something I have
to do by myself. I have to start this new chapter
alone.
Sondela:Langelihle why does this sound like a
break up?
I pressed my lips together and took a deep
breath.
Langelihle:I’m sorry, but I need to be with my
people. So much has happened Sondela, so
much. I have to do this.
Sondela:No Langa please don’t do this to me
baby. Please tell me where you are, I will go with
you.
Langelihle:No. Please don’t come. Our chapter
is done Sondela, I’m sorry. You will always be
my true love. Goodbye Mvelase.
I hung up and sobbed, that was painful and
bitter to utter.
I wipe my tears and go back inside.
They give me fresh clothes to wear.
Gende shaves my head bald, and I take off the
nails I had on.
I follow her to the backyard and she cleanse me,
and ask my ancestors to protect me and be
with me on this new journey.
After that, I bath in the basin and wear the
clothes they gave me. Nothing fancy, just a
dress, with plain sandals.
They give me a head wrap, and I wrap it in a
style around my bald head.
Gende:It is time.
I follow her to the car.
Gende:I will drive you there and return tomorrow.
You are no longer Langelihle Mthembu now, you
are going to be Langelihle – Indlovukazi
Yasemalangeni.
I sigh and hop in.
She drives, and I direct her where to go.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Mom and Virgin have left. I’m left alone.
Sondela hasn’t come too. I sigh playing with the
hospital gown I was wearing. I am so bored.
I hear screams followed by Sondela’s sisters
voices. Oh my they came. Nokuthula and
Lusanda. I smile warmly at them.
Nokuthula:Here is the new mommy.
Lusanda:Sorry we couldn’t come sooner.
Zimthele:It’s okay, you’re here now.
Lusanda:Where is he?
Zimthele:They took him to be with the other
new borns, but we can go see him or ask them
to bring him here.
Nokuthula:Yes please ask them to bring him
here.
I call for the nurse and ask him to bring the
baby. She comes back with him minutes later
and gives us space. Lusanda takes him.
Lusanda:Ohh he’s so beautiful, and tiny.
Nokuthula:So what’s his name?
Zimthele:We haven’t named him yet.
They played with the baby, doing baby talk. It
was beautiful to watch. I’m happy they came,
even though the father of the baby hasn’t
bothered himself but seeing Nokuthula and
Lusanda makes me happy.
.
.
To be continued..
.
.

Do better~the slow participation for today is

honestly draining my tits.
LANGELIHLE #28
SONDELA

After that phone call I just lost all strength and

energy. She’s breaking up with me? After
everything we have been through together?
She’s leaving me just like that? I stumble on the
empty cans and stand up. My phone rings and I
ignore it, the person doesn’t stop calling.
I answer it, it was my sister, Lusanda.
Sondela:Hello?
Lusanda:Bro we just got back from visiting
Zimthele ohh your baby is c.. Wait Sondela are
you crying?
I sniff and shake my head.
Sondela:No I’m not.
Lusanda:Aybo I can hear you sniffing. What’s
wrong?
Sondela:Langelihle left me.
Lusanda:She left you?
Sondela:She said our chapter is closed.
Lusanda:Oh wow I’m sorry to hear that. I
thought the two of you were okay.
Sondela:Yeah I thought so too.
I hung up and picked up the cans, I threw them
out. I was mad drunk and seeing double.
A knock disturbs me. I walk towards the door
and it was my father. He looked at me in pity.
I followed him to the living room and sat down.
Mthembu:Why haven’t you went to check on
Zimthele? She gave birth.
Sondela:I will go.
Mthembu:When?
Sondela:Langelihle left me.
Mthembu:What?
Sondela:She is going to her home, and she said
we are done
Like forever.
Mthembu:Uhhh.. Isn’t Langelihle at Ein House?
Sondela:She escaped, she called me with
Gende’s phone. I lost my wife baba, I can’t bare
the pain of losing her. I love her so much. What
will I do without her?
The pain in my heart was getting worse.
Mthembu:I’m sure she was just saying Sondela,
she loves you. Don’t give up on her yet. Now
take a bath and go see your son.
Sondela:Have you went to see him?
Mthembu:No, I will go with you.
.
.
.
#Narrated
After driving for hours, they have finally arrived
– Elangeni.
Langelihle steps out of the car and looks at the
place. It looks like it was once beautiful, the
trees were withered, grass wasn’t there and the
few houses were in a bad shape.
Langelihle:This is the place.
Gende:I can’t go in with you. But the best of luck.
This is where you came from.
She smiles and Gende gets in her car and drives
off.
She takes a deep breath and starts walking, she
doesn’t know where she’s going but she is
walking. She feels at home, her heart is at easy
and her shoulders aren’t feeling heavy. That
sense of belonging she has been feeling was
filled.
“Uyena ngampela(It is really her)”, people
whisper within themselves.
Others kneel down and sing praise.
“Ndlovukazi. Wena WaseLangeni. Bayede”, they
chant still kneeling.
Langelihle looks around amazed, the welcome
she’s receiving is what she didn’t expect.
Little children throw in leaves in front of her as
she takes steps forward. She laughs a little at
that.
An elderly woman, holds her hands and cries.
“Siyabonga, kudala sikulindile. (Thank you, we
have been waiting), she says.
She hugs the woman back, giving her the warm
smile.
They hold her hand and sing happy song,
leading her to her palace.
They arrive.
“This is your royal palace. No one is in there, it
has been like that for years. As you can see
how bad things are around here, since that man
destroyed everything 35 years ago. But we
stayed in hope, knowing that Langelihle –
daughter of Langa, great great granddaughter
of Ataru will return and rebirth Elangeni
Kingdom. We knew she would come back and
lead us, grace us with her powerful might.”
Langelihle:Whoa… Ataru? She was my great
grandmother?
“Let’s go inside. We’ll tell you everything”
They head inside. Langelihle smiled and joined
them on the singing, she felt at home. The
anxiety she had was gone.
“We came here every day to clean, because we
knew you were coming back.”, the woman tells
her.
Even though inside, it wasn’t furnished, it was
still a big palace and it was beautiful. She’ll fix it.
The other people were outside, and she was
with 3 people inside. They sit on the chairs. The
throne chair was in the middle, with a beautiful
sceptre on top of it. There was a sun symbol on
the backrest of the chair.
“We are really glad you are here. I’ve never
happy like this. Let me introduce myself, I am
Nongcebo, my mother used to work here back
then. This is my grandmother, Maggie and
that’s your cousin, Mlando.”
Langelihle:My cousin?
She asked in awe.
Nongcebo:Yes. He was your uncle’s son. All
your family members unfortunately died at the
hands of Mdabuli, he managed to live because
his mother had hid him.
Langelihle:So no one else from the royal family
is alive?
You could feel the sadness in her voice.
Nongcebo:Sadly no. It’s only you and Mlando.
Your mother’s sisters, Nomekezela and
Ntombele left to talk to her but never came
back. We then heard later that your father got to
them.
Langelihle:Ntombele survived, I recently met
with her. But my father killed her before she
could tell me anything. Please just start from
the start and tell me everything.
Nongcebo:Grandma knows the story better.
Maggie:During the 1800s, there were Japanese
camps, where Japanese refuges would camp
there. It was during the times of war. Akira had
a daughter, named Ataru , the Japanese
refugees were in hiding from the government,
because they were occupying the place illegally.
Akira came from a long line of supernatural
descendants. She had the powers of the sun,
extraordinary powers that even herself never
understood. She tried her best to teach her
daughter how to conceal and use her powers,
Ataru was a child full of adventure and she
wanted to go everywhere. One day she was at
the forest, and she saw a bird. She liked it and
wanted to pet it. But the bird wouldn’t fly to her,
she then closed her eyes lifted up her left hand.
The bird flew in her direction and she caught it.
She opened her eyes, and you could see the
reflection of the sun on her eyes.
She looked around if no one saw her and
hopped back home(camp). But, someone had
seen her, and saw what she could do. His name
was Ngozi, he searched for Ataru high and low
with his men. He saw the power Ataru had and
wanted it for himself, he wanted to be able to
do that. He finally found her and killed every
Japanese, including her mother. But Akira was
able to tell Ataru to run before the man could
see her.
Ataru ran and never looked back. Years later,
she grew up into a woman and she met a man.
But, he was royalty. And their union was cursed
by many, because of their races being different.
But their love conquered everything, and Ataru
became the Queen to the King. They had a girl
child, and she took the King’s features more.
But what they didn’t know was that the girl also
had the powers like Ataru.
When the girl came home one day, she showed
her parents her eyes and that’s when they
realized she’s also gifted.
Ataru became worried about her daughter, she
had been able to hide her powers all the years,
making it hard for Ngozi to find her. The King
assured her that Ngozi wouldn’t find them, that
maybe he has forgotten about them. But they
were wrong, a ruthless man like Ngozi never
gave up. He looked for Ataru everywhere, he
wanted what she had. Taking Akira’s powers
wasn’t enough. He wanted more and more.
Same thing that happened to Akira happened to
Ataru, leaving their child alone. This war has
went on for generations, every descendant of
Ngozi is taught from a young age to eliminate
any lineage of Ataru. This palace belonged to
Ataru and the King, many lives have been lost
here. Many souls are crying, to be set free.
Your mother’s generation, she threw herself to
Mdabuli. Her mother tried to warn her multiple
times about him, but she wouldn’t hear a thing.
She wanted to be with him, she fell pregnant
with you. And when Mdabuli found out that you
too had the powers, he wanted to be rid of you.
Like he got rid of Langa’s parents and everyone.
Luckily, your aunts ran away with you when you
were born, but your mother didn’t make it.
Langelihle:Whoa okay back up. So technically
I’m Japanese?
Maggie:Mostly.
Langelihle:But I don’t look Japanese, I’m pure
black.
Maggie:Ataru’s genes weren’t that strong, even
her daughter looked like the King and nothing
like her . The next generations showed no
physical appearances of being Japanese, but
Ataru is your ancestor.
Langelihle:So Mdabuli’s ancestors started the
war of killing my ancestors and generation?
Maggie:Yes.
Langelihle:These powers? How they do they
work actually?
Maggie:No one knows. It’s up to the wielder to
learn by themselves. It doesn’t have a manual,
you will learn as time go.
Langelihle:So, I have been struggling with
having children. I have lost four of them and I
just found out that my father placed a curse on
me to not carry to full term.
Maggie:Yes, the curse will be uplifted now that
you are here. Mdabuli never thought you will
find you home, because he thought he would kill
you before you find it. The ways of the
ancestors my child are tricky, but they know
best and they wouldn’t put you through harm for
nothing. If you’d had those children, Mdabuli
would have gotten to them easily, since you are
the only one who had the protection of Elangeni.
But now that you are here, all will be well.

Nongcebo stood up and came back with some

pictures.
She gave them to Langelihle.
Nongcebo:This is Ataru, and that’s the King,
Mqapi.
Langelihle:Wow, she was beautiful indeed.
Nongcebo:These are your grandparents, this is
your mother and her sisters.
She shows her all pictures.

.
.
.
Later on, Langelihle and Mlando are walking
outside the palace.
Mlando:Can I hug you?
Langelihle:Sure.
They hug tightly.
Mlando:You are really beautiful.
He blurts out.
Langelihle:Mmm?
Mlando:I… sorry, I was just saying that you are
beautiful. You look like your mom.
Langelihle:Yeah, too bad I’ve never physically
seen her. This place is really beautiful.
Mlando:They say it used to be more beautiful
than this.
Langelihle:I hate my father.
Mlando:Are you ready to face him?
Langelihle:I don’t know, but I know I am a bit
scared.
Mlando holds her hands and she smiles. His
touch did things to her.
Mlando:Don’t worry, you have us. We will be
behind you through everything.
They continued taking a walk.
Mlando:I thought they were lying.
Langelihle:About what?
Mlando:When they said you brighten the day,
your presence alone is intimidating.
She laughs closing her eyes. Mlando smiles at
her.
Langelihle:Oh please.
Mlando:I’m serious. Even me, I was in a bad
mood before you got here but now I’m happy.
Langelihle:Well I’ve been told before that I have
a welcoming and peaceful aura, but I didn’t pay
attention. Now that you say it, I believe you.
Mlando:I would never lie to you.
He smiles like a retard. He lowers his smile
when his inner self reprimands him.
.
.
To be continued….
LANGELIHLE #29
SONDELA

I take the baby and fall in love instantly.

Zimthele:What will we name him?
Sondela:Banele.
Zimthele:Banele?
Sondela:Yeah is it wrong?
Zimthele:No, I just don’t get the meaning behind
it. Banele as in the children are enough?
Sondela:If that’s what you want.
Zimthele:I never said that.
Sondela:Then what is the point of this argument?
She kept quiet.
Sondela:Banele it is then. When are you coming
back home?
Zimthele:Probably tomorrow, or the day after
tomorrow.
Sondela:Okay I will fetch you.
Zimthele:Are you okay?
No I’m not okay.
Sondela:I’m okay. I’m sorry for not coming
sooner, things were completely crazy.
Zimthele:What happened?
Sondela:Langelihle left.
Zimthele:Left to where?
Sondela:She went home.
Zimthele:So does that mean that the two of you
are no longer together?
Sondela:That’s what she said.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Phil:Okay, I’ve found another person. He says he
can buy it for R30 000. That’s the best he could
offer.
Virgin:That’s much better. Now you can use that
money as a start up for your business, and buy
a second hand truck. I still have the few
hundreds I got from the Millers.
He nodded, his mood was much more better.
Phil:I don’t know if I can still lay a brick.
Virgin:*Laughing* Please.
Phil:I will go to Town to print out some logos.
The lady down the streets, I heard her saying
she wants someone to finish off her house
since the person who was building it just left.
So I will try my luck there first.
Virgin:*Smiling*Now you are getting the memo.
This is our second chance in life Phillip, we have
to use it wisely.
Phil:I know, I won’t mess it up again. We will get
through this.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Nongcebo took me to a tour around the place.
Langelihle:So where is the school? Hospital?
Clinics? Shops? Everything?
Nongcebo:Everything was destroyed. We go to
the neighbouring village for all of that. Many of
us have struggled to find jobs, we only work
twice or once a month. Hunger is something we
are used to.
My heart bled for them. I don’t have much, but I
promise to change this place. How much do I
have in my bank account?
I should go back and get my things.
Langelihle:So far you said we have 100 people
in this village.
Nongcebo:Yes. We always count ourselves
every six months.
Langelihle:How old are you?
Nongcebo:25.
Langelihle:Still young, so you never finished
school?
Nongcebo:Grade 12 was by far the best all of us
could go.
Langelihle:I don’t know much about leading
people, heck I’m even scared to stand in front of
people, but being here since yesterday made
me feel like I belong. I feel at home. I will try my
best to help everyone. Elangeni will be what it
was before, we all have to work together. I know
we can do this.
Nongcebo:*Smiling*Ndlovukazi! (MY Queen).
Hearing people call me “My Queen” was still
weird and lovely at the same time.
We went back go to the palace. I had my phone
with me, the one Gende gave me. So I don’t
have access to all things.
Maggie, was cooking spinach. What I love about
them, is that they harvest food. They didn’t just
sit and enjoy poverty.
Nongcebo:We need to show you one more
place.
Langelihle:Okay what is it?
Nongcebo:The prophecy room.
Langelihle:The prophecy room?
Nongcebo:Yes, only royalty can read what is
written in the walls. Ataru wrote everything
there, hiding it from the likes of Ngozi and
Mdabuli.
I nodded and followed her. She took me to
some room.
It was not locked, she opened it and we got
inside.
It was too dark and dull. I tried switching on the
light but it wasn’t working.
Nongcebo:Electric light doesn’t work here. Only
your light will.
Langelihle:My light?
Nongcebo:Yeah, close your eyes and touch the
wall.
I did as she said. I closed my eyes and touched
the wall.
I peeped with my one eye but it was still dark.
Nongcebo:Close your eyes.
I closed my eyes for a moment. I felt some
presence, like I wasn’t myself. I felt powerful, I
opened my eyes and the room lit up. How the..?
I looked at the walls and indeed there were
drawings.
One was the first war, where Ngozi killed Akira.
The second one was where he killed Ataru .
All the generational wars were written here.
I went around and there was one which looked
new.
It was a girl, who was holding some sort of
sceptre which had light shining on it. She was
with an army behind her, and on the opposite
side was a man, with dark energy around him,
army of darkness surrounding him. There were
words written, “ Daughter of Langa defeats
Descendant of Ngozi”.
So does that mean I will defeat him?
Nongcebo:What does it say?
Langelihle:Don’t you see? Oh snap sorry I’ve
forgotten. There is a prophecy here which
hasn’t been fulfilled, it’s written “Daughter of
Langa defeats Descendant of Ngozi”.
Nongcebo:Wow.
Langelihle:Yep. And a written prophecy is no
guarantee that it will be fulfilled or it will come
to pass.
Nongcebo:Stop talking negative.
Langelihle:I’m not being negative, I’m just
saying that what’s written on the prophecy
might not happen the exact same way.
We got out of the prophecy room and went
back to Maggie.
Nongcebo:Our traditional healer will be back
soon. She’s the one who will guide you more,
and show you the ropes of being the Queen..
I nodded and excused them to find Mlando.
I found him outside.
Langelihle:Hey.
Mlando:Hi, you are back?
Langelihle:Yeah we just got back.
He smiled, I smiled back. It was really nice
meeting at least one member from my family.
I should call my dad, and let him know.
Langelihle:So… how has life been for you
around here?
Mlando:Miserable, lonely and sad. But now that
you are here, everything will be okay.
Langelihle:*Smiling* I hope so. So do you also
have these powers?
Mlando:No, only the females have the power.
Langelihle:Mhh wow. What is the Surname here?
Mlando:Hinode-Hlatshwayo.
I nodded
Langelihle:Do you know how to speak Japanese?
He laughed and I joined him. It was still weird
that our great great Ancestor is Japanese. I
mean guys, come on!
Mlando:I only know the family slogan or logo.
Taiyō wa watashi no ishi ni magaru. Don’na aku
mo watashi no me kara nogareru koto wanai.
Langelihle:I remember uttering words like that,
what does it mean?
Mlando:”The sun bends to my will. No ev*l shall
escape my sight”.
I laughed.
Langelihle:That make more sense. But isn’t that
Green Lantern’s oath? “In brightest day, in
darkest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let
those who worship evil’s might, beware my
power, Green Lantern’s light.”
Mlando:Does it matter? When you say it you
feel powerful, like you can take on any army.
I nodded and leaned on his shoulder. He
wrapped his arm around me.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Hearing that Langelihle left made me so happy.
I was so depressed that she always get all the
attention, but now that she’s gone, I can finally
breathe. Whuu! At last!
Sondela will be mine, all to myself. I giggle
happily, I can’t hold my excitement.
What my mother and Virgin said the other day
flew outside the window the moment I found
out Langelihle is gone.
“Abahambe abahambayo, sosala siyncenga”, I
sing happily in the ward room. Eyy kwathi
angihlabe u 2 madoda!
My phone disturbs me from my celebration.
I tend to it and it was a text message. I read it
and my smile slowly disappeared.
‘ Guess who I’m seeing right now? Mr Mthembu.
It’s taking a lot in me to not spill the beans, you
know?’
The message was from Michael. Kodwa
wangfunani lomlungu nkosi yami?
He can’t tell Sondela, I’m prepared to take this
secret to the grave.
I quickly call him.
Michael:Oh wow that was fast.
Zimthele:Please don’t do it..
Michael:I told you that I need your services
again.
Zimthele:I can’t. I just gave birth, and I can’t be
sexually active.
Michael:Oh sweetheart I don’t care. I just need
your services. I’ve been looking for a pussy as
good as yours but I can’t find it. Which is why I
need you. I need to stuff all my dick inside you,
and watch you as you struggle to take it all in.
Zimthele:If I knew you would blackmail me like
this, I wouldn’t have asked for your help. But it
is the last time you had are calling me Michael,
this is your last phone call.
Michael:Are you threatening me?
Zimthele:I’m not. Just making a promise.
.
.
To be continued…,
LANGELIHLE #30
SONDELA
I was with Zimthele and helping her settle in
after she was discharged from the hospital. The
nanny was also here to help her out.
“Still can’t believe Langa is gone”, she said.
Is she bringing up my pain on purpose? Me and
Langa aren’t done, she’s still my wife. I’ll give
her space to settle in at her home and
reconnect with her people. But I am not losing
her. She will be back.
Zimthele:Well at least we will spend enough
time as a family. Your children miss you.
Sondela: I will take them out tomorrow. It has
really been a while since we spent some time
together.
Zimthele:They would love that. I will tell them.
Her phone vibrated; it was in front of me. I
passed it to her, she went outside to answer it.
I went to check on Zenande and Bayanda . I
have been seriously neglecting them.
They were watching TV.
I sat next to them and watched with them, and
they told me what they have been up to.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I went outside to answer my phone, I didn’t
want Sondela to hear who I was talking to. It
was Sana.
Sana:All I’m asking is, at least let me see him. I
won’t come between you and your husband. I
just need to spend some time with him. You
can even introduce me as a family friend I don’t
mind, I just need to spend time with my son.
Even if it’s for one day I won’t mind. I beg you
Zimthele, please.
He was seriously begging. It made me realize
how much bad of a person I have become. All
because of what? Because I want to keep
Sondela? What have I become?
I sighed.
Zimthele:Okay fine, we will figure something out.
Sana:Thank you thank you so much.
I hung up and went back inside. The sight I saw
was making me happy. Seeing Sondela bond
with his children. With Langelihle gone, he will
have all his time to us. He should bring all his
clothes and move in permanently once.
I always heard that the second wife can be the
only wife remaining on a polygamy marriage, I
didn’t think I would witness that.
I smiled and passed them going to the bedroom.
With Banele sleeping, I need to rest too. My
stitches were still painful.
.
.
.
Elangeni Village.
Langelihle and Mlando went to Town to get a
few things.
They have grown quite close to each other, and
Langelihle feels at home when she’s with him.
Maybe it’s because he’s the closest thing to a
biological family she has.
Langelihle:I need to make a phone call.
Nongcebo will help you unpack here.
Mlando:Okay.
She went outside and dialled her father.
Bheki:I thought you had forgotten about me.
She laughs.
Langelihle:I would never forget you old man.
How are you?
Bheki:Better than before, Sandiso has moved in
temporarily with me.
Langelihle:That’s good, I haven’t even come to
see you. Things have been crazy dad.
Bheki:What happened?
She takes a deep breath and narrates
everything to him.
Bheki:Oh my sun, so much has happened. I’m
sorry for not being there for you. Where is that
pig Zachary right now?
Langelihle:He’s arrested, we are still waiting for
his trial date. I heard it’s going to be sooner. I
just want him to be arrested, he took advantage
of me so badly. It makes me so sick when I
even think about it.
Bheki:He will be convicted, you have a strong
case here. So between you and Sondela it’s
really over?
Langelihle:*Sighs* Seems so.
Bheki:But Langa don’t you think you have
overreacted a bit?
Langelihle:Baba I am about to become a whole
new person now, Sondela already has a wife. So
how would that work?
Bheki:You didn’t have to dump him over the
phone though. You could have sat down with
him and explained things.
Langelihle:It doesn’t matter, it’s already done.
My priority is helping the people of Elangeni and
rebuilding this place.
Bheki:Where will you get money to rebuild
everything there Langelihle? Because you’re not
a millionaire.
Langelihle:The amount I have can take us
somewhere, and I can go to companies and ask
them to invest here. I have to try. These people
have been suffering for too long and holding on
to hope that I will come back and help them, I
can’t fail them. I’m their last hope.
Bheki:I hear you, when you need anything let me
know. When can we come and visit?
Langelihle:When all is well I will tell you. I have
to go now, say hi to Sandiso for me. Love you.
Bheki:Okay I will. Bye.
She hung up and went back inside. Nongcebo
was the one who was packing.
Langelihle:Aww where did Mlando disappear to?
Nongcebo:He ran away.
Langelihle:I’m really glad you are here to help
out.
Nongcebo:It’s my pleasure. Who knows? Maybe
I’ll be your personal maid.
They laugh.
Langelihle:A personal maid? That’s too much.
Nongcebo:So you won’t have a maid when you
are officially Queen?
Langelihle:Maybe if you say helper or assistant,
but maid no. I don’t want to oppress people to a
point where they have to follow me everywhere.
Nongcebo:You will not be oppressing them,
they will be helping you out because I assure
you when you are Queen, you won't have time.
They will be the only ones that will cook for you,
you can't go around eating food that was
cooked by anyone. People are evil out there and
you won't know when an enemy has come to
strike.
Langelihle:Seems like there's a lot I need to
know about royalty.
Nongcebo:I will tell you the bits of what I know.
Langelihle:So how old is Mlando?
Nongcebo:Oh he's 23.
Langelihle coughed in disbelief.
Langelihle:Whoa 23!?I thought he was 30
something.
Nongcebo:Nop, he's 23.
Langelihle:His mother?
Nongcebo:Died 10 years back to starvation.
Langelihle:Wow, so my father came to destroy
this place twice? Before I was born and after I
was born?
Nongcebo:Yep, but the palace's wall stay strong.
Not even a single brick fell. There used to be
thousands of people Elangeni, but we have
been reduced to a 100.
Langelihle:I see, does he have a girlfriend?
Nongcebo smiles to hide the confusion in her
face.
Nongcebo:Not that I know of. News travel fast
here, if he did it would be known by everyone.
.
.
.
Zachary's lawyer, puts his phone down and
looks at Zachary who was nervous as hell.
Bhoro:The trial is starting in a month's time. We
need to go over our facts and evidence. So far
we have her on record confirming the switching
of the babies, and her wearing a towel only. She
was seducing you. I don't want to believe that
you can let another man in your house, only
wearing a towel.
Zachary:I'm sure they've done a rape kit, and my
DNA was all over her. How will we dodge that?
Bhoro:We will have to argue against it Zac.
He nods repeatedly.
Bhoro:Remember, you only did what you did
because you thought it's what she wanted. And
the poison you used, it can't be traced back to
you.
Zachary:Okay, I hope this ends sooner.
Bhoro:You will be fine, I will talk with my
contacts and try getting you your own private
cell. For now I have to gather a list of witnesses
to testify against Langelihle, and I know the first
one.
Zachary:Who?
Bhoro:Her sister wife, I did some research and it
looks like there's some bad blood between
them. So it will be easy to get her to testify
against her.
Zachary:Well yeah I bet she will say all sort of
bad things about her. She was also my patient.
Bhoro:Tell me you didn't..
Zachary:Oh no I didn't.
Bhoro:Thank God. I have to go now, I will see
you later.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
I was called in for an interview today at one of
stores I applied at, I think it went well. I will hear
from them as time goes by whether I got the job
or not.
My mother was not feeling well today, so I just
made her some tea.
Gladys:Thank you.
Virgin:So what did you say the dream was about?
Gladys:It was about Zimthele, I saw her being
wrapped by a big snake and it fell with her on a
big black hole. I don't know what it means but I
know it doesn't mean well. My soul is troubled
by this dream..
Virgin:Haa mama maybe it's not serious.
Gladys:Yeyi we ngane I'm telling you that the
dream meant something!

Yoo this woman bathong!

Virgin:Yes mama, it meant something. Let's

pray, maybe you will feel better.
Gladys:Sengithuswa nawukuthi uthi
asithandaze! (I am shocked hearing you say we
should pray).
Virgin:*Laughing* Let's pray mama yooo!
She put the cup down and we knelt down and
prayed.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I have to go back tomorrow to get the rest of
my things, including my bank cards. I also need
to set up meetings, asking for investors. A lot of
work needs to be done here!
I still need to meet with the lawyer or
prosecutor, I really can't differentiate. She
needs to update me about the case and explain
some things.
Nongcebo has been such great help, I need
people like her by my side.
Maybe she can be my assistant, because she
said her mother used to work here in the royal
house. Mlando on the other hand is still a bit
reserved around me, he's always acting so
clumsy when he sees me. I don't know what's
that about.
Nongcebo:Gobi is coming back tonight.
Langelihle:*Confused*Who's that?
Nongcebo:The traditional healer.
Langelihle:Ohhh. She will come here?
Nongcebo:Yeah, she has a hut outside.
Langelihle:Mhh okay, I need to go put these in
the bedroom. I will be back.
I took the few clothes I bought today to the
room I'm using. I closed the door and the room
felt different. I felt a presence, but couldn't
figure out who. I turned around but I saw
nothing.
I sat on the bed and looked at the clothes and
the presence was getting heavier, like the
person is standing right in front of me. Maybe I
need to look with my other eyes. I lifted up my
head and I saw her. How is this possible?
I stood up jumping and stood on my feet,
perplexed by what I'm seeing. The great Ataru
right in front of me! She looks beautiful even on
her spirit form.
She moved over to me and smiled.
Ataru:I'm glad you are finally home. I have been
waiting for you.
Langelihle:How are you here?
Ataru:Keep up Langelihle, I'm in my spirit form
as you can see.
Langelihle:Sorry it's just I'm still new to this.
Ataru:You're this kingdom's only hope. There
isn't anyone that will come after you that will
have this gift.
Langelihle:What do you mean?
Ataru:You're the last wielder of the sun's
powers.
Langelihle:While we are still at that, how they do
they work actually? Can I move the sun with my
hands?
Ataru:No.
Langelihle:So why do you keep on referring it as
the "power of the sun"?
Ataru:It was a long time, I wasn't even born. My
ancestors were the first one to bear this gift, the
power of the sun. It was said that a Sun
goddess gave her powers to one woman, during
the times of battles, to help her win the war that
was raged against her people. It has been
passed on to generation through female
children. So no, you can't move the sun with
your hands. You are gifted, no one really knows
how they work. Because they are different with
the person wielding them. How have they been
working with you?
Langelihle:Well I almost strangled two people to
death, my hands were hot, and a rope melted
off my body. My body also feels hot when I'm
extremely angry and my eyes change.
Ataru:I see.
Langelihle:Is that all?
Ataru:You will keep on discovering new things
daily. By the time you have to face Ngozi's
descendant, you will be ready. We will be
fighting alongside you, but you won't see us
obviously but we will be there.

Yeah that makes me happy.

Langelihle:I know I have to stab Mdabuli

through his chest with the sceptre, I haven't
picked it up yet. I just hope the sceptre doesn't
deny me.
Ataru:You will pick it up when they officiate you
as Queen. If you have a pure heart it will obey
your command. We didn't know before that he
had to be stabbed with the spectre, that's why
you are the most powerful one. Take care,
rebuild this kingdom. We will be watching over
you. Your mother will always be watching you.
Always.
I smiled and waved as she disappeared.
.
.
.
At Unknown.
Mdabuli grunts trying to stand up but Mtoki
holds him back down.
Mtoki:You're still weak. Sit down.
Mdabuli:She's back home, she has found her
way home. I have to... Uhhh...
He holds his chest in pain.
Mtoki:You're in no state to go anywhere. Sit
down and let me do my job. How will you take
her down when you are weak like this!?
Mdabuli:Damn it Mtoki! That girl will be my
downfall! Her being home makes me weak like
this!?
Mtoki:This is the downside of choosing the evil
side. Light will always win over darkness.
Mdabuli:What are you talking about?
Mtoki:Telling you what you don't want to hear.
She is your daughter.
Mdabuli:I don't care. Has the curse been
uplifted?
Mtoki:Yes, she's back home, and she's stronger.
Mdabuli:We can't let her have a child, she can't
give birth to a child. I can't stand another
wielder of a gift like hers. She has to be the last
one. Do something Mtoki!
Mtoki:I'm not the devil, I'm only a witch! And
there's an extent to which I stop! I can't touch
her now! She's home!
Mdabuli:Useless Mtoki! You're fuckin useless!
He grunts once more feeling so much heat and
pain in his dark heart.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I went to Gende, with the hopes that she will tell
me where Elangeni is, so that I will go to see
Langelihle.
Gende:I didn't know I would be visited by you
today.
Sondela:Shouldn't you have seen me coming?
She laughs.
Gende:How can I help you?
Sondela:*Clears throat* Uhh.. I was hoping that
you can tell me where Elangeni is.
Gende:Why?
Sondela:I need to see Langelihle.
Gende:But she told you not to come.
Sondela:She's still my wife.
Gende:She's about to be Queen, how do you
think it will work?

I looked down. And I'm not even royalty, I know

these things. They have probably found a
husband for her, a royal husband.
That's my wife!
I look at Gende sadly and turn and walk away.
Gende:Sondela!
I stop and turn to her when she calls me.
Sondela:Yes?
Gende:She was never yours in the first place.
She was never supposed to cross paths with
you.
.
.
.
To be continued....
.
.
A month later....

Like, comment & share this insert please 💘

LANGELIHLE #31
A month later.
At Court.
It was packed, with everyone waiting for the trial
to start.
Langelihle was with Mlando who was here to
offer moral support. Sondela kept looking at her,
a part obf him wanted to hug her for dear life.
But she hasn’t even looked at his direction.
The trial started and the prosecution presented
the case, giving her opening statements about
what happened and the evidence they have to
prove that indeed Zachary raped Langelihle.
Witnesses were called to testify, including
Sondela who found Zachary on the act and the
doctor who treated Langelihle.
Zachary’s lawyer stood up and walked in front
when it was his turn.
Bhoro:Mrs Mthembu has been my client’s
patient for years, they have gotten quite close
and call each other when she needs health
related advise. On the day of incident, my client
called Mrs Mthembu to confirm something but
noticed that she wasn’t okay. He then asked her
what was wrong and offered to check up on her,
as a doctor’s visit. She asked my client to bring
her food, when he arrived, Mrs Mthembu was
only wearing a towel. Not a skirt or a dress, a
towel your Worship only a towel. How do you
bring another man to your home with only a
towel on your body? My client thinking that Mrs
Mthembu feels the same way he feels because
of how close they’ve gotten the past few weeks,
thought it was what he wanted. That she was
seducing him.
“Objection”
Judge:Sustained, are you going somewhere
Bhoro with your statement?
Bhoro:Yes your Honour. Mrs Mthembu and my
client were calling each other almost every day
the last few months. She was working with him
into stealing a baby, and not just any baby, her
sister wife’s baby. Because she knew the one
she was carrying was dead. So she
orchestrated a plan to switch the babies.
The whole court gasped, and Sondela frowned
hearing this. Langelihle wanted to hide from the
embarrassment and shame.
Bhoro:So tell me, who’s to say Mrs Mthembu
didn’t offer sex as an exchange for her
diabolical plan?
“Objection your Honour. He is making things
up”
Bhoro smirks.
Bhoro:I have evidence. You know how most
phones record phone calls? We have her on
record. Allow me to play it.
He connected the phone and played the
recording.
Langelihle (over record) :Hey Zac, Zimthele will
give birth soon so try to make up a lie about her
pregnancy so it will be easy for us to exchange
her baby with mine. Yes Sondela is noticing that
the baby doesn’t kick, which is why we need to
do this quickly.
He closed the recording.
Bhoro:As the court heard. Mrs Mthembu
planned to steal her sister wife’s baby, and gave
my client wrong signals that she is interested in
him. She invited him in to her house, only
wearing a towel.

He went on and on painting Langelihle as the

bad person, and convincing the court that it
wasn’t rape. Zimthele was called to testify and
she also spoke against Langelihle, she was
more shocked to find out that she was planning
to steal her baby.
The court got adjourned and Langelihle ran out
of the court room dying with shame. Sondela
followed after her and held her hand. They
locked eyes and she looked down, she just got
exposed in front of the whole court. Now
everyone will know what she did. But it can’t
take away the disappointment and hurt in
Sondela’s face.
Langelihle:I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.
He was shun for words.
Langelihle:Sondela please talk to me. I’m sorry.
Sondela:Let’s go home!
He commanded her. They got into his car and
drove off. Zimthele drove after them, following
them.
They arrived and Sondela was the first one to
get inside fuming. Langelihle followed him
swallowing the shame, with the sun hitting her
bald head.
She found him pacing up and down.
Sondela:Why Langelihle why?
Langelihle:I’m sorry Sondela. I was stupid and
selfish. I didn’t think.
Sondela:You lied to me! You made me think our
son was alive meanwhile you knew he wasn’t!
You were going to steal Zimthele’s baby! For
why huh!?
Zimthele entered the room furious as ever. She
charged to Langelihle with the hopes of beating
the crap out of her. But Sondela held her back.
She broke free and slapped Langelihle. Langa
gasped feeling Zimthele’s fingers sting to her
face.
Sondela held Zimthele again but she bit him
and slapped Langelihle bald head.
Sondela:*Shouting*Enough Zimthele! Stop this
nonsense!!
He pulls her away from Langelihle.
Sondela:Sit down! The both of you!
They both sit. He was about to speak when his
phone disturbed him with continuous vibrating.
He reached for it and it was text messages
from an unknown number. He opened the
messages with the attempts of responding
quickly.
‘Your dear beloved wife lied to you. Bayanda is
not your son.’
He frowned reading that, he read the next one.
‘She came to my office and convinced me to
change the results, so they will show that you
are the father. But you my guy, are not the
💀
father. ’
He squinted his eyes as he read the other
messages.
‘She offered me sex, and well I’m a man. I
couldn’t say no to pussy. I have attached
evidence for you below. A month ago she tried
to take me out, to hide her secret but I’m a die
hard.’
Attached were copies of the original results,
showing very clearly that Sondela is not
Bayanda’s father.
There was also a video of Zimthele having sex
with Michael. He almost dropped his phone and
looked at Zimthele angrily. He threw the phone
at her.
Sondela:What is this!? Masimba mani lawa
enziwa inina nobabili ! Doti muni lo!? (What kind
of fuckery are you two doing?)
Zimthele opened her eyes wide, she thought
she had taken care of Michael. She hired
someone to take care of him but clearly that
person didn’t do the job.
She licks her lips nervously; her worst
nightmare just came to life.
Zimthele:I.. I can explain baby… it’s not what you
think.
Sondela:Uthule nje Zimthele! (It’s better you
shut up!)
He sat down defeated, feeling betrayed mostly.
If it’s not Langelihle, it’s Zimthele.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Mom was still feeling down because of that
dream. I’m also starting to be worried. What if
Zimthele is in danger? But from what? I read
somewhere that there was a girl who kept
dreaming that she fell into a black hole, months
later she died.
But dreams have indefinite meaning, this could
be something else or nothing. We told Zimthele
but she didn’t give an ounce about what we
were saying. Speaking of her, she has been too
happy after hearing that her sister wife left. She
thinks she’s the main now and Sondela will
have all the time for her. Honestly it is draining
advising Zimthele, ukhuluma naye kungathi
uyezwa kodwa ksasa enze okunye( you would
think she is hearing what you are saying then
she will do the total opposite tomorrow) . She
will lose her sanity in that marriage, it isn’t
healthy. Mina nje I hate polygamy I won’t even
lie, I just don’t get how you can love two people
at the same time. Ayy is not make sure! Oh well,
but what do I know?
Good news, I actually found the job. I was
permanently employed; it’s been a month
working and it feels so good. It’s a great start,
I’m a packer. It doesn’t earn much, but at least I
have a salary. Phil is also doing well; he did a
great job with Mamdovi’s house and other
people are interested in hiring him to build for
them. Very soon we will be able to build
ourselves a small house.
Gladys:Virgin this tea is cold.
Gladys and forever complaining! I took the tea
from her and it wasn’t that cold.
Virgin:But this tea is not cold mama.
Gladys:Make me another tea Virgin, I’m the one
who buys the sugar in this house.
Oh God! I go to the kitchen and make her
another tea!
.
.
.
The scene of the time jump (current)
Sondela, Langelihle and Zimthele are all cooped
in one room.

Sondela is breathing fire with anger.

Langelihle:Sondela please let’s talk about this.

She tried to soften him up but he pushes her
and she falls on the couch.

He paces up and down the room trying to calm

himself down.

Zimthele bites her nails and looks at Langelihle.

Langelihle shrugs her shoulders.

A knock erupts from the door, followed by

Mthembu’s voice.

Mthembu:Sondela open this door!!

They ignored him.

Mthembu:Sondela open this door, what do you

think you are doing!?

Sondela:*Shouting* BABA PLEASE LEAVE!!

THIS DOES NOT CONCERN YOU!!!!

Mthembu:I’m not leaving. Don’t hurt them my

son, you’re not a woman beater.

Sondela:Who said I will hit them!? Now fuck

off!!!

Mthembu:I’m still your father boy!! Don’t talk to

me like that.

He sighs and opens the door a little.

Sondela:I’ve never hit a woman in my life, I

won’t start now. Now can you leave us?

Mthembu:Fine, but I will be in the living room..

He closes back the door and looks at his wife.

Sondela:So both of my wives lied to me. You

repeatedly lied to me!! You made me feel so
stupid!! How can the two of you do this to me!?

Zimthele:We are sorry…

Sondela:Shut up Zimthele just shut up!!!!

Langelihle:Babe..
Sondela:You are worse Langelihle, no the two of
you are worse!!

Wena Zimthele I asked you so many times if

Bayanda was mine and you lied to my face and
said he is. You watched me doing DNA tests
secretly and tampered with the results. You
went through so much length to cover up your
lies. You lied to my face for months!!!

Zimthele:I’m sorry Sondela, I didn’t want to lose

you. Please forgive me.

Sondela:And wena Langa, I give up with you.

He raised his hands up in surrender. He was

defeated and hurt, that the two people who are
supposed to look out for him, are the ones who
hurt him and deceived him for so long.

Langelihle:I was desperate Sondela, you have to

understand. I was desperate!

Sondela:You could have talked to me, I wasn’t

going to leave you. I never said I would leave
anyone. What the two of you did is unjustified
and disgusting to even think about!

He clicked his tongue and walked out!

He found his father in the living room and

passed him. Mthembu followed after him.

Mthembu:Sondela.
Sondela:I’m okay dad. I’m fine..

Mthembu:You’re not fine.

Sondela:I’m really fine. I need to go.

He got into his car and drove off.

Mthembu sighed and went back inside.

He found Langelihle and Zimthele shouting at

each other, almost fighting.

He got in between them.

Mthembu:This is not the time to fight! You both

lied to your husband! So go to him and fix
things. Fighting will not help you right now!!

Langelihle:Where will we even start?

Mthembu:I don’t know, all I know is that I’m
disappointed in the two of you.
.
.
.
SONDELA.
After leaving the house, he drove around, he
was angry and he couldn’t control his anger. He
felt betrayed. He didn’t know whose situation
was better. Both of them lied. He stopped in the
middle of the road, without noticing that there
were cars behind him and in front of him.
A car hooted behind him, and he touched the
wheel trying to get out of the road because he
wasn’t feeling okay to be driving. He tried to get
out of the road but bumped with another car
causing the one behind him to hit him, he
accelerated forward and lost control. Another
ones from the sides squeezed him in between,
making it hard for him to get out.
“Oh God!”, he cried out. The whole lane was a
mess, as cars were losing control. Another one
came towards him, spiralling out of control and
hit him with so much force that he rolled over..
.
.
To be continued….

We still haven't reached the target. Thank you to

those who have participated. If you haven't seen
the sponsor's post here is the link
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100
083218512797
LANGELIHLE #32
LANGELIHLE
I know what I did or was attempting to do was
wrong, but I was so desperate. I was so damn
desperate; I’m not trying to justify what I did but
it felt like the only choice back then. I didn’t
know that it would come back to bite me.
Imagine the embarrassment I faced at court
today, everyone now knows what I did! The way
Zachary’s lawyer changed the whole thing like
I’m the one who seduced Zachary. I’ll agree,
being only in a towel around him may have set
off false hopes. But that still didn’t give him the
right to do what he did, and my mind was
everywhere that day. I wasn’t thinking straight.

Sondela will never forgive me for this, what was

I thinking? The only thing I’m glad for, is that our
plan didn’t work. Because I’m only now realizing
how much badly this would have affected us.
The child would have felt betrayed when he
grew up and found out that I wasn’t actually the
mother, because one way or another the truth
always comes out. No matter how long it takes.

Zimthele comes rushing to me.

Zimthele:We need to go to the hospital. Sondela
got involved in a car accident.
Whoa, I stood up in a speed of lightning with my
heart beating so fast. An accident? When? How?
Why?
We got in a car and she was the one driving.
She was still very angry with me,
understandable. I wish they could see how bad I
feel.
We rushed inside and the Mthembus were
already there.
I looked down in shame, the way they looked at
me showed that they are also upset with what
they heard.
Zimthele:Have you heard anything?
Mlamuli:Not yet, they are still busy with him.
What really happened?
Zimthele:He left, we just had an argument and
he was pretty angry.
Mthembu:He will be okay, the doctors know
what they are doing.
I sighed and sat on the bench. I sent Mlando a
quick text letting him know that he can go back
home. I have a feeling that I will be here for
quite a while.
We waited for hours. My heart was beating so
fast. I was scared, very scared. We don’t know
how much of an accident he had.
Mlamuli sits next to me and I shift away a little.
Mlamuli:I don’t bite. Why are you shifting away?
He tried to touch me but I quickly removed his
hand.
I was still not comfortable with the other gender
touching me, because of what Zachary did.
Mlando was the only male I trusted at this
moment.
Mlamuli:*Clears throat* I’m sorry.
Langelihle:No, I’m sorry.
Mlamuli:So how are you? Regarding the whole
court case?
Langelihle:Hoping for the best. I just want to
see Zachary behind bars. He violated me deeply.
Mlamuli:He will, all evidence points to him. His
lawyer is just reaching.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I went outside for a bit to make a phone call.
I called him and he wasn’t answering. Damn it!
“The number you have dialled does not exist”,
whined the white lady on my ear. How could
this guy’s number not exist!?
Now I see that when you need something done,
you should do it yourself.
A month ago, I hired this person to take out
Michael. He was referred to me by a friend of
mine. I paid him and he showed me proof that
he killed Michael. I relaxed, thinking I had fixed
all my problems.
This is a mess. How will I get myself out of this
one now? The truth is all out. He will surely
leave me. So all this was for nothing.
And I still can’t believe what Langelihle wanted
to do. So if her plan succeeded, she would have
stole my baby and gave me a dead one! Sies!
That’s so unlike her at all.
I wonder how her case will go now. Langelihle
may not be my favourite person, but I hope she
gets justice. No one deserves to be raped. I was
subpoenaed to testify against her so I didn’t
have a choice.
My phone rings and it was an unsaved number.
Zimthele:Hello?
“Zim zim”, oh God!
Zimthele:I thought you were dead. How did you
do it?
Michael:I have nine lives sweetheart. And the
person you hired; he did a very bad job. So I got
him to send you fake proof and paid him more
than you did. It’s amazing how much power you
have when you have money.

I should have known.

Michael:How did your husband like my little gift?

Zimthele:You’re a dog! Don’t bother me again!
I hung up and clicked my tongue. Ngiyazisola(I
regret what I did). If only I didn’t go to him. I
should have just told Sondela the truth. He
wouldn’t have forgave me but he would have
known the truth from me, not the way he found
it out. And now he’s fighting for his life out there
and we don’t know if he will make it.
.
.
.
MLANDO
I had to go back home after Langelihle sent me
a message telling me that her husband got
involved in a car accident. Well the trial didn’t
start so well today, I was shocked and surprised
to hear that she was planning to steal a baby.
But I don’t judge her, she probably felt
pressured or had her reasons. I haven’t been
around her that much, so I don’t know what type
of person she is that well.
Nongcebo:How did it go?
Mlando:The guy’s lawyer came prepared, but we
should trust justice to play its course.
Nongcebo:I hope so. Poor thing has been
having nightmares all month.
Mlando:She will be okay. She is the Queen.
Nongcebo:*Smiling*Soon to be. Can’t wait for
the day of coronation. She will be amazing.
Already things are starting to get better within
just a month.
Mlando:I know hey, by next year this place will
be different. She was really the light and hope
we needed here.
We chatted for a while and I went outside. I
came across Gobi. I sighed and tried to avoid
her but she called me.
Gobi:Mlandowenkosi Hinode-Hlatshwayo.
Yooo my full name!
Mlando:I know what you want to say.
Gobi:Have you told her?
Mlando:No. I didn’t tell her. How do you think
she will take it?
Gobi:You will make her understand.
Mlando:I can’t just… I can’t.. She’s my cousin.
Gobi:The both of you are the only people left in
the royal family. If she marries someone else
and have children with him, the Henondi-
Hlatshwayo Surname will be no more.
Mlando:But I can marry someone to keep our
Surname.
Gobi:I’m sorry to say this, but you are nowhere
near in line to the throne, so your seeds won’t
do anything. But your seeds with her will
strengthen this family and birth a new
generation.
Mlando:*sadly* I can’t marry my cousin Gobi.
That’s just wrong and cringe. She’s my family,
and now I’m supposed to be intimate with her? I
don’t understand it… I just don’t…
.
.
.
Back at the hospital.
The doctor comes out and takes off his glasses
rubbing his eyes. They all stand up and
anticipate to hear what he has to say about
Sondela.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting. We were still
operating.”
Mthembu:Please just tell us how he is doing.
“At this point, anything can happen. He suffered
a lot of fractures, including the Pelvic bone
fracture. His fibula was broken but we stitched
it back. Half of his bones are dislocated due to
the amount of force his body hit. He also has a
ruptured spleen.”
Langelihle:What is that?
“It is caused by a blow to the left upper
abdomen. When the spleen breaks open it
pours blood in the abdominal region, causing
internal bleeding .”
Langelihle:*Swallowing* Can it be treated?
“Yes, he got medical help quickly. But that’s not
all.”
All of them gasped. Oh what now?
“He also suffered diffuse axonal. It’s a severe
form of concussion which can have side effects
such as migraines, memory loss, seizures and
can lead to death or a coma. Right now, Mr
Mthembu is not responding. So he’s in a coma
and we don’t know when he might wake up or if
he will wake up. I’m really sorry.”

Langelihle sat down feeling defeated. This is

not how she hoped this day would end.
They all looked at the doctor sadly, hoping that
he will say Sondela is okay and they can see
him.
But he didn’t, what he explained was really what
was wrong.
They all sat down and wondered in their
thoughts. Each of their own wondering if
Sondela will wake up, and when he will wake up.
Or what type of person he will be when he
wakes up?
.
.
To be continued……
I’ll try to throw in another one later on if I can.
Those Anatomy classes are paying off hey 🤣🙊.
LANGELIHLE #33

After yesterday’s events I ended up sleeping

over here. We were still attending the trial, today
was a bit better. The prosecutor gave valid
points. Zachary’s lawyer was fumbling. I have
hope that he will get what he deserves, Zachary
that is.
I have a quick meeting today with one of the
potential investors, I hope it goes well. I’m still
rocking my bald head, my hair takes long to
grow so it will be a while until I can braid or do
whatever. I’ll never forget Zimthele slapping my
head yesterday!
The meeting took less than two hours, and it
seemed promising. They said they will get back
to me within a week to let me know if they are
interested in investing. Right now, we are
working on rebuilding the school. That’s the one
thing that I think is important. Enyangeni village
is very far for children to travel to everyday.
I also have to re-register it to the Department of
Education, and get to hiring teachers and all
that. We already have one investor, who helped
us buy infrastructure, cement, bricks, paint, the
basics. If all goes well, it can take about 3-4
months to rebuild it, it wasn’t completely
destroyed. It’s just in a bad condition, that no
one can do any studying in.
After that, it will be the clinic, then we can
rebuild the people’s houses.
A hospital? Maybe in future.
I spoke with my old boss and let him know what
was happening in my life currently, and he
understood luckily. My job is still safe, he
granted me a paid leave. I don’t know if I’ll even
go back to working there, my life is at Elangeni
now. But let’s take it one day at a time, shall we?
Yes.
Sondela… Mmm… I don’t know. The sight I saw
yesterday made me want to gauge my eyes out.
He looked so deformed. How is he even still
alive? His bones were sticking out and there
were lots of IV drips connected to him. He also
had a collar on his neck. It’s really bad. One
accident can do this to another person? But
they said two cars were squeezing him in
between, and another one rolled over on top of
him. I don’t even want to imagine how bad that
was. I can’t help but blame myself. He walked
out yesterday because he was upset with what I,
well what we did actually.
Zimthele is also another case! Haybo, so much
lies! So she slept with the doctor at the lab? I
won’t be surprised if she was the one who gave
us that infection a month ago.
I walk inside the hospital, I’m here to see him. I
know it doesn’t make any difference because
the doctors said he’s unresponsive but I just
need to see him.
I’m scared of this word, ‘coma’. Not everyone
wakes up from a coma. I wish he can wake up. I
still love him. I know I broke up with him, but I
still love him. Even though we can’t be together
but I don’t wish death upon him.
I passed by the paediatrics(children) ward, and
there was a child placed on some sort of
container. Looks like she/he just got born. I
looked around and went inside.
There wasn’t anyone in, I heard water running
on the bathroom.
With my trembling hands, I picked the baby up.
It was a boy.
I brushed his face softly with my finger. I felt my
eyes watering and my tears fell on top of him.
I quickly wiped them off.
.
.
.
NONGCEBO
We were at the school overseeing how
everything was going. With Sis Langa not here,
she trusts us to hold the fort for her. She is so
amazing. I can’t believe she’s rebuilding the
school. The children will be very happy, it was
very exhausting for them to travel elsewhere to
go to school, every day. And the bell rings at
8am,so by 6am they should be walking to
school by foot. It is very far. With our school
fixed, it will make things easier for them.
Mlando looked so stressed. His mind wasn’t
here at all.
I held his hand, Mlando is a gorgeous young
man. He’s two years younger than me but I have
been crushing on him forever. Too bad he
doesn’t notice me. He sees me as a “sister”.
Nongcebo:What is wrong?
Mlando:Uhm nothing, I’m just tired.
Nongcebo:You’re not okay, I can see it. Talk to
me what’s wrong.
He sighs and looks around.
Mlando:Okay but please don’t tell anyone.
Nongcebo:I won’t.
Mlando:Gobi says I have to marry Sis Langa.
Nongcebo:Whoa what!?
Mlando:She says it’s what the ancestors want.
To keep the family name, since it’s the two of
us who are left behind. I don’t want to do it,
she’s my cousin. How can I be intimate with my
cousin? This is wrong on so many levels.
I didn’t know what to say. Sometimes I feel like,
the way of the ancestors can be a bit unfair
sometimes. But they know best, they know
more than we know. But this, I don’t know what
to make of it. Cousins marrying each other is
common these days, but I don’t think I
personally can do it.
Nongcebo:So what are you going to do? Do you
see her that way?
He stuttered, I raised my eyebrow at him.
Mlando:No I don’t. She’s older than me.
Nongcebo:And she’s your cousin.
Mlando:And she’s my cousin.
One worker came to us to tell us they are short
of cement.
Mlando went back to the palace to fetch the
ones Sis Langa had bought.
He came back minutes later wheeling them on
a wheelbarrow.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I wonder how it would be like to have my own
baby. This feeling feels so out of this world.
This is the first alive baby I’m holding. I’ve never
touched Zimthele’s newborns, I didn’t want to
offend her or anything.
This is amazing, I heard the bond gets stronger
when you cuddle with and breastfeed your new-
born.
The water stops, and I quickly put him back. I
blow a kiss to him and walk out before anyone
could find me and accuse me of attempting to
steal him. I’ve learnt my lesson.
I enter in Sondela’s ward and my blood boils
instantly. My heart drops when I see him like
this. This is my man, father of my gone children,
my husband. I hate to see him like this. His lips
are so dry. The machine is the only thing
making noise, beeping at its pace.
I sit down on the chair next to him.
I wanted to hold his hands but with his bones
dislocated like that I held back , we were
advised to not touch him as we may cause
further injury.
I swallow and start talking to him.
Langelihle:I know you can’t hear me because
well you are in a coma and they said you are
unresponsive. But I hope you get better, please
wake up. I need you, everyone needs you. This
can’t be it Sondela, you can’t leave us now. You
can’t.. Please wake up…
.
.
.
VIRGIN
My new job was going very well. I am getting
paid tomorrow and as my first salary, I want to
spoil myself.
Today I was packing the groceries for
customers after the cashier has tilled them.
I pack the lady’s groceries and it was mostly
junk food here, lucky them who can still buy
junk food. Yazi Mina even if I have R50 I just
think of grabbing a few vegetables. You know
those R10 onions and tomatoes that are sold by
street vendors? Exactly that.
“Whoa isn’t that the ministers wife?”, I ignore
them thinking they are speaking to someone
else.
“And Uyena mngani, utshitshi! (It’s her friend,
it’s Virgin)”
I ignore them again. I have been coming across
people mocking me whenever they are here to
buy something. I do my best to ignore them and
do my job. I don’t want to get fired because I
fought with the customers.
“Hebana from a whole minister’s wife to a
packer! Life is humbling”
They burst into laughter, and other customers
shook their heads disappointed at the two
women making fun of me.
“If you are not paying for anything, please move.
You are delaying other customers”, Nambita(the
cashier) says to them.
“We are leaving. But Yooo Virgin, life really did
an example with you. You used to drive the
fanciest cars and flex your husband’s money to
everyone”
“Haybo mkhozi don’t forget phela ukuthi
ubechoma ngemali entshontshiwe(Don’t forget
she was flexing with stolen money)”
Nambita:I will call security.
Virgin:No Nambita leave it. I don’t want to put
your job in jeopardy.
“The customer is always right” policy is very
scary, I don’t want her to lose her job because
she was standing up for me.
“And she’s even respectful now!”
“That’s life for you.. Ithatha ongaphezulu
imubeke phansi(It takes you from high to
low)let’s leave friend.”
They walk away. I sigh and continue packing.
Nambita:Please don’t mind them. They have no
right poking their noses to your business.
Virgin:Nah it’s okay.
It was almost lunch time, so when I was done I
went to my locker to take out my lunch. But my
phone beeped. It was a message from Phil.
I smiled reading it.
‘Let me take you out for lunch. I’m around here.’
-Phil.
I put the lunch back and hurried out, it’s the little
things that make me happy.
.
.
To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #34

I had to go back home. It’s been days with

Sondela in a coma and it really doesn’t look
promising. They hinted that he might not even
be able to walk anymore if he wakes up.
I went to the school and the gentlemen are
doing a great job. It’s almost done. It’s a good
thing they were not building it from scratch, that
would have taken months or years. I am busy
with getting the supplies for school. The books
were delivered today, and the desks and chairs
are yet to be delivered. Now to put up posts and
hand them over to the department to hire
teachers.
I check my bank balance using the Capitec
Bank and Yooo! The transactions I make
everyday! My dad sent me money, he said it’s
capital. Sandiso also gave me money, the whole
Mthembu family also invested and gave me
some money. I’ll forever be grateful, given what
happened I thought they would cast me out. But
they have been so supportive, especially
Mlamuli. He calls now and then to check if I
don’t need anything.
Mlando has been avoiding me lately. I hope I
didn’t offend him in any way. I don’t like it when
there’s bad blood between me and people.
I baked a cake for him. I cut a slice and put it on
a plate. I pour juice on a glass and take it to him.
He was in his room, facing down, with his head
hanging over the bed..
“Qo Qo”, I knocked with my mouth.
He lifted his eyes and smiled lazily.
Mlando:Sis Langa.
Langelihle:Please don’t call me sisi. It makes
me sound old.
I entered and placed the cake on his table.
He was wearing shorts and a very tight vest.
Langelihle:I baked a cake for you.
Mlando:Thank you.
He sat up and took a few bites.
I was looking at him the entire time.
Langelihle:Hey are you okay?
Mlando:I’m okay. How is the case going?
Langelihle:Uhh it’s tense and tricky. Tomorrow
is the verdict day.
Mlando:Wow so soon.
Langelihle:They have covered every aspect of
the case.
Mlando:Mmh okay. Your husband?
Langelihle:Still in a coma.
Mlando:He will wake up, don’t worry.
Langelihle:I hope so..
Mlando:This is delicious. Thank you.
Langelihle:I noticed you have been avoiding me,
so I baked it as an apology.
He chuckled and closed his eyes.
Mlando:Why would you need to apologize
though?
Langelihle:I don’t know. You have been acting
strange. Did I do something wrong?
Mlando:No you didn’t do anything. I’ve just had
a lot in my mind. We okay.
I sighed relieved..
He finished the slice and I took the plate and
walked out of his room. I went to wash it in the
kitchen and Nongcebo came to tell me that
Gobi is asking for me.
I went to the living room and found her there.
She bowed a little. I won’t get used to people
bowing down to me.
It feels good! Like bow down peasants! Nop I’m
kidding yes.
Langelihle:They say you asked for me.
Gobi:We have to talk about the day of your
coronation.
Langelihle:Isn’t it in three months?
Gobi:It is, but we need to prepare so that
everything will be ready.
Langelihle:I’m scared though . What if I can’t
pick up the screptre?
Gobi:If you have a pure heart it won’t deny you.
And you have a pure heart. The ancestors
wouldn’t have waited for you for this long.
Langelihle:I hear you Gobi but I feel like you
want to say something else.
Gobi:It is about the legacy of the throne.
Langelihle:What about it?
Gobi:You have to marry someone who will
strengthen your family’s surname and give birth
to royal blue children..
I don’t like where this is headed. This is where
the “arranged marriage” nonsense comes in. If
you are royalty you can’t marry a commoner.
Who came up with these rules by the way!?
They are stupid. Aren’t we all equal people in
God’s eyes?
Langelihle:I am already married.
I tried to get away from this subject.
Gobi:Your marriage is not recognized by the
ancestors Langa, and your husband is a
commoner. Any child you get from him will bear
his Surname and his legacy will live on. What
about the Hlatshwayo legacy? I don’t think you
are understanding what’s at stake here. You
and Mlando are the only two royals remaining.
And Mlando is a distant royal, any child he get
can never sit on the throne. And if you have
children with another person, they will belong to
O Mthembu.
Uh uh.
Langelihle:No.
I shook my head in disbelief.
Gobi:You have to.
Langelihle:No Gobi no.
Gobi:You have to understand.
Langelihle:No, I’m not understanding anything.
I’m not marrying my cousin. What kind of sick
and twisted person would I be!?
Gobi:Cousins marrying each other is an old
custom that has been done for years, others do
it to keep the wealthy within the family
boundary. In this case, it’s to keep your
Surname and birth a new generation.
Langelihle:I do not care about that! I’m not
marrying my cousin. He’s 23 and I’m 35. He’s
young. I’m not doing that!
Gobi:We can’t defy the ancestors Langa. It will
have dire consequences.
Langelihle:Those ancestors aren’t here, are
they!? So go and tell them that I’m not marrying
Mlando. I’m not doing that. No wonder the boy
looks so sad. How can the people who claim to
love us want to hurt like this!?
Gobi:Langa…
Langelihle:No no no. I’m not doing that. I’m not
marrying him FINISH!
I stood up and walked away..
“You’re stubborn as your mother. And look
where it got her”, I heard her say but I continued
walking away.
I’m not marrying anyone. What kind of custom
even is that!? Marrying your family!
I can’t and my heart is still with Sondela. I don’t
know how I expected it to work because I kind
of dumped him. But I was overwhelmed with
emotions.
.
.
.
MLAMULI
He’s just laying there, emotionless. I wish he
can just wake up already.
I miss him.
Simunye:Don’t worry. He’s a strong man, he’ll
wake up.
Mlamuli:I hope so. He has a lot of people who
still need him. Including Langelihle.
Simunye:Isn’t she a Queen now?
Mlamuli:She is but they are still married.
Simunye:I don’t know much about royalty but I
know that a royal person and a commoner will
never work.
I hate that he’s making sense.
Mlamuli:We don’t know Simunye, it is their
business. I just need him to wake up. Are you
going to be at court tomorrow? It’s the verdict
day.
Simunye:No I don’t think so. My wife and I have
to visit a member of our church who’s sick.
Mlamuli:So you would rather go to a stranger
than to support family?
Simunye:She’s not going to be family anytime
soon. She’ll divorce him.
Mlamuli:And why are you so sure of that?
Simunye:Mlamuli do you not see what is
happening here? First she went to her home
without him, after you guys spent weeks
helping her find her family. Dad even tried to
find her father but was unsuccessful. Then she
dumped him over the phone, then we find out
she wanted to steal her sister wife’s baby. She
left without saying goodbye to anyone, and
never looked back. She forgot about everyone.
She is rolling with royalty now. Why would she
come back to old normal Sondela?
.
.
.
The following day..
LANGELIHLE
I settled in held my bag close to me. Everyone
was here, I waved at Bab’Mthembu and he
waved back smiling.
Zachary was brought in and he looked so bad.
Looks like he’s having a hard time here.
Judge:I’m not going to be long. The case was
short and straight to the point. Evidence
produced by both sides was adequate to rule a
verdict. Therefore the court finds Mr Zachary
Jonas Lawrence guilty of the charges of rape
against Mrs Langelihle Mthembu.
Whee! I sighed relieved and let out the breath I
was holding. I saw Zac looking down and had
tears in his face.
Judge:The court gives Mr Zachary Jonas
Lawrence 15 years in jail, with the chances of
parole.
Not bad. I saw him look at me and he was so
remorseful. He mouthed, “I’m sorry”. He was
taken away.
I got out of the courtroom quickly before the
paparazzi bombards me with questions..
I drove to the hospital, happy that I got justice.
Not many rape victims get justice. Now I can
have peace in my heart that he will get what he
deserves.
I enter Sondela’s room and it was still the same.
I sat down and held his hand softly.
Langelihle:We won the case. He’s arrested. I
wish you were here to celebrate with me.
I felt his hand touching me back. I opened my
eyes wide.
Langelihle:Baby are you waking up? It’s me your
sun.
His body started to vibrate, not in a good way.
The machine beeped like crazy and the oxygen
mask he had over his mouth fell to the floor.
I ran out and called for the doctor to come and
help.
He came rushing in with two nurses.
Langelihle:Please help him. Please help him.
I was now crying.
“Check pulse. Hold him”
They held him, making sure not to touch where
his bones were dislocated.
“Not responding. He’s having a cardiac arrest.”
“Doc how will we do chest compressions?”
“Pump on his upper chest.”
“1 2 3 4..”
“He’s not responding. Bring the defibrillator.”
I watched as they went up and down the whole
room trying to revive him. I was so scared and
was close to dropping down.
“Charge again.”
They hit the paddles on his chest and his chest
rose up but not him.
“He is fading out.”
The doctor said and the EKG machine flat lined
and stopped beeping. Sondela laid straight as
dead on the bed.
Nooo!!!
.
.
.
To be continued…
.
.
Two months later….
LANGELIHLE #35

TWO MONTHS LATER…

LANGELIHLE
“He’s fading out”, the machine stopped beeping
and he laid straight as dead. That scared the
shit out of me. Doctors say it was just a
reaction. It looked so real, I thought he was
dying. But he didn’t. They were able to revive
him. Even though he’s still comatose but it’s
better, maybe he will wake up who knows?
But it’s been two months and a few weeks! I
don’t like this.
“Mrs Mthembu, you have completed your
community service. Please sign here”, she gives
me the papers and I sign them.
I was given community work as a punishment
for attempting to kidnap an infant.
I still want to talk to Zimthele and apologize to
her, but she is shutting everyone out. She is not
doing well. We are not friends but I want there
to be peace between us.
Langelihle:Thank you. Is my sentence over?
She laughs.
“Girl please, this was not a sentence. You’re
lucky you got community service. Others spend
10 months in jail”
Langelihle:*Terrified*Well then I’m glad I got
this work.
I said goodbye to her and left her office. Now
that’s out of the way, I shall make my way to
Zimthele.
I arrive at her house and it’s as quiet as ever. I
knock on the front door and Zenande opened
for me. She hugged me tightly.
Zenande:Aunt Langelihle.
Langelihle:Hey Zenande.
I came in.
Langelihle:Where is your mother?
Zenande:She’s in her bedroom.
She said sadly.
Langelihle:Please call her for me.
She left. A while later I heard footsteps
dragging and it was her. Wearing a gown and
her hair looking like a mess. She yawned and
sat down. The smell! Does she not bath?
I forced a smile.
Langelihle:Hi Zimthele.
Zimthele:Hi. What brings you here?
Langelihle:We haven’t heard from you in weeks.
So I was just checking up on you to see if you
are okay, and also to… I wanted to apologize for
wanting to steal your baby. It was selfish of me
and I’m sorry.
Zimthele:Mhh okay.
Seriously that’s it?
Langelihle:That’s it?
Zimthele:Yes I forgive you. You’re sorry, right?
I nodded.
Zimthele:Then I forgive you. I understand where
you were coming from.
Uhh this was strange. She’s not a person to let
things go so easily.
Langelihle:Thank you. When was the last time
you visited Sondela?
Zimthele:It’s been a while. I will go.
Langelihle:Okay, he will wake up. I believe he’s a
fighter.
Zimthele:Yeah..
She looked so bored when I bought up Sondela.
I decided to leave since I have siad everything I
needed to say.
Langelihle:See you some other time. Bye.
I got into my car and drove to Elangeni. Next
month it’s my coronation day and yeeey! I
couldn’t be more excited. I’m about to be Queen
Langelihle – Indlovukazi yaseMalangeni. It has
a nice ring to it yes.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Phil and I were doing great and I’m not
complaining at all about anything. Very soon we
will be able to move out and rent ourselves our
own space. It’s been nice staying with my
mother but I need my own space now.
Speaking of mother, she was feeling better and
the dreams were gone. So I guess everything is
A-Okay.
His confidence and mood was better than
before now and he believed in himself a lot.
I was washing his clothes, and I always check
the pockets of his trousers and pants, to make
sure that I don’t wash them along some things
important.
I felt a piece of paper on one of his pants and I
took it out. It was a number written and a name
next to it.
My instincts shot up. It’s a number of a girl! So
he’s busy taking numbers of girls! Wow! I
cannot believe him. How can he do this to me?
So he’s cheating? After everything we have
been through together!? Ungjwayela amasimba.
I took the scissor and cut all his clothes into
pieces, while crying. I feel betrayed.
.
.
.
MLANDO
I am watching her as she is pointing at things
that need to be done. She looks so fierce and in
charge. She turns to my direction and I look
away. She comes to me.
“What are you doing here?”, she asks me..
Mlando:Just checking in. How are things going
here?
“Well turns out they have to build the clinic from
scratch. They say the foundation is not strong.”
Mlando:Won’t that cost more though?
“Hay wena the Queen is paying.”
She laughs. I stare at her in admiration.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
I clear my throat.
Mlando:Uhh nothing.
She looks at me suspiciously. If only she knew
how cute she looked right now. I laugh softly
and we go back to the sight to oversee
everything.
.
.
.
At the hospital.
Sondela is alone on his ward.
A man comes in and closes the door. He looks
at him and shake his head.
“Such weakness”, he says.
He walks around him, looking at him..
He touch him on his hands. His bones were
now healing, and his appearance looked better
than the day of the accident.
“You’re the only thing standing in her way. She
loves you. Losing you will break her.”, he talks
to the unresponsive Sondela.
He takes out a syringe that had clear substance
on it. He injects it on the drip and it slowly
dilutes.
“It will all be over soon.”, he says one more time
and walks out, after checking that nobody saw
him.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I appreciate Langelihle coming here and
apologizing. Many may think I was patronizing
her when I said I forgive her but I do forgive her.
I understand where she was coming from, I’m
not saying what she did was right or whatever
but she didn’t go ahead with the plan. So there’s
no need to dwell to the past.
I am going through the most, Sondela is literally
a vegetable. He has not woken up even now. It’s
been two months already, how much more can
a person stay in a coma? Even if he wakes up,
they said he MIGHT not walks again. So it’s like
a 50/50 chance if he’ll walk again. Bayanda
comes rushing to give me my ringing phone.
I take it and answer it.
Zimthele:Hello.
“Mrs Mthembu, this is Sondela’s doctor. I am
going to need you to come at the hospital.”
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
After coming back from the clinic site, I just
want to rest my feet. I am tired. And today
drained me a lot. Apparently they have to build
the clinic from scratch because the foundation
what what is not strong. Thank God it wasn’t
the same case with the school. It would have
taken us years to rebuild this place.
Gobi comes to me and I sigh bored.
Langelihle:Not today Gobi, please.
Gobi:I’m not here for that.
Langelihle:How can I help you?
Gobi:It’s about your coronation day. I have to
tell you about everything that will take place so
that you will be prepared.
Langelihle:Okay, I’m listening.
She was about to talk when my phone rang.
Langelihle:Let me just answer this.
I answered the call.
Langelihle:Hello?
“Mrs Mthembu I am going to need you to come
to the hospital.”
I stopped breathing for a second there.
Langelihle:Why? Is my husband okay?
“Please come to the hospital mem.”
He hung up. I stood up in a speed.
Langelihle:Gobi I have to be somewhere. We will
talk later.
I hurried to my car, the keys were already with
me. I drove like a mad man rushing to the
hospital.
Within two hours I was already there. I ran
inside and everyone was here, including
Zimthele. I greeted them and apologized for
being late.
“Now that you are all here, I will state why I
called you. Your son has been in a coma for two
months. He is not showing any signs of waking
up. His mobility is something that he will NEVER
regain… we should switch off the machine. It is
the only thing keeping him alive and he can’t
stay connected to a machine forever”
What no!!
Langelihle:No we are not switching off the
machine. He will wake up.
“Mrs Mthembu we have been waiting for two
months for him to wake up, but nothing. We
need to switch them off. I will give you time to
think about it.”
He left.
I felt my lungs pumping air to the wrong places.
I can’t.. We can’t..
Mthembu:I think the doctor is right makoti. We
should switch off the machine. He needs to rest.
He looks like he’s in a lot of pain.
Mlamuli:Not you too dad.
Langelihle:*Crying* No. We can’t.. He’s still
there I know… Sondela is still in there….
I moved to him and held his hands and locked
them with mine. They were so cold.
Langelihle:*Crying* Please wake up Sondela. I
can’t do this life without you. They want to kill
you, they want to switch off the machine.
Please prove them wrong and wake up
sthandwa sami.
I begged and begged him. My tears were all
over him. I couldn’t help it. My stomach was
rumbling. It was hard digesting that we have to
switch off the machine and kill the only man I
have ever loved.
Mthembu:It’s for his own good makoti.
He tried to remove me from him but my hand
was holding Sondela so tightly.
Langelihle:I’m not switching off any machine. I
am Sondela’s first wife and I have the upper
hand. If you want to kill your own son, do not
include me on that. But I’m not doing it. I’m not
giving up.
Mthembu:Even if he wakes up, he’ll be a
vegetable and will always be bound to a
wheelchair. You heard what the doctor said. He
won’t be able to walk again.
Langelihle:I don’t care. I will nurse him back to
health. “In sickness and in health”, I still
remember my vows like yesterday. I’m not
giving up on him.
I turned back to him and kissed his hand.
I felt him touching me back but I ignored it. He
has been touching me back for the last months.
Doctors said it was normal..
But this time, I felt him move.
I gasped..
Langelihle:Baby it’s me.. Wake up…
He shifted again. Now everyone was all over
him,seeing what I’m seeing.
I saw his eyes moving, like he wants to open
them. I was still holding his hand.
Langelihle:Open your eyes Sondela. That’s it..
Open your eyes for me….
He slowly opened them. I jumped out, this was
a miracle. After they said he won’t wake up. And
here he was.
Oh God!
Langelihle:Ohh thank you thank you..
I would be squeezing him into a hug but he was
in a lot of pain.
He looked at us frowning.
Sondela:Who are you people?
He scanned his eyes to all of us confused.. We
all looked at each other.
.
.
To be continued….
.
.
LANGELIHLE #36

UNEDITED, PLEASE EXCUSE THE ERRORS.

He looked at us confused.
Sondela:Who are you people?
Langelihle:Uhh we are your family. These are
your parents and brothers and sisters. And we
are your wives.
Sondela:What… what…
He was really puzzled. Mlamuli went to call the
doctor and he came back shortly with him. He
was quite surprised too that Sondela was alive.
Mlamuli:He doesn’t remember us. What’s wrong?
“I’m still not sure how he woke up, because he
was doomed. I mentioned before that he may
experience memory loss. Please try to not feed
him too much of his life because you may mess
with his brain. We have to run a full assessment
on him. Please step outside.”
We nodded and went out.
I was very nervous, how can a person just
forget everything and everyone? The human
physiology is very complicated and tricky.
Zimthele looked besides herself, I wonder what
is going on in her mind.
I’m very conflicted right now, I don’t know what
to expect from now on. Will this memory loss
be permanent or it’s temporary?
.
.
.
NONGCEBO
Well I have tried every trick in the book to make
Mlando notice me but the boy just won’t budge.
Maybe this is not worth it after all. He won’t
ever be attracted to me, I mean the guy is
royalty and he has to marry his cousin. That’s
still cringe, I don’t know how they will make it
work. But it is not my business, they are the
royal ones with blue blood. I’m just a commoner.
The Queen sent a message that she won’t be
back for a week, her husband is still on the
hospital. In the meantime, me and Mlando will
deal with the construction here. The school is
almost done, they are now painting. In the next
few weeks or months, it will be ready. And there
are many people working on it so I trust they
will be quick. We really needed Sis Langa. Even
the atmosphere is starting to be lovely and
warm around here.
Villagers have also been hands on and helpful,
they cut down the withered trees and are
planting crops. Elangeni was once the source of
food to many in its days. It’s time we got back
to that. I think now everyone has hope again,
that we can all rebuild Elangeni and restore it to
what it once was. And with Sis Langa as our
leader, I trust she will lead us well.
Mlando:Nongcebo can you help me carry this?
I smiled and helped him with carrying the
supplies inside. It was food, sacks of potatoes,
carrots, onions, meat, rice, maize meal, sugar,
bread, every kind you can think of.
Mlando:Thank you.
Nongcebo:*Smiling* It’s a pleasure. What is this
by the way?
Mlando:Food for the people, I will ask someone
to help me deliver it to all the houses.
Nongcebo:I can help you.
Mlando:Really?
Nongcebo:Yeah, I’m not busy at the moment.
Mlando:Okay we will have to load them on the
wheelbarrow.
Nongcebo:Okay there is a trolley so I will go and
grab it.
I went to fetch the trolley and we loaded it
inside.
We started delivering the food house to house,
people were very happy and grateful.
.
.
.
SONDELA
“Okay what is your name?”, the doctor asks me.
He has been checking me for the past hour I
assume.
Sondela:I am Sondela Mthembu.
“Who are your parents?”
Sondela:I don’t know. I only remember my name.
I try to think deep but nothing comes up in my
mind.
“Hey take it easy. Don’t pressurize yourself to
remember.”
Sondela:Will I get my memories back?
“It’s hard to say at this point. We will keep on
monitoring you.”
I nodded.
“Can you feel this?”, he asks as he touches my
legs.
Sondela:No I don’t feel anything.
“Can you try moving your leg?”
I try to moving my legs but nothing. I grunt
frustrated. And the collar on my neck is making
things hard for me.
He writes on his clipboard.
“Legs unresponsive. No memory. Okay can you
move your neck?”
I tilt my head to the side and he tells me to stop.
“Okay, neck is okay. Can you move your
fingers?”
I moved my fingers.
“Upper limb functional. Lower limb not
responding.”
I was very confused by what he was saying.
“Please try to not move your neck, your cervical
spine was severely injured. It is healing, in a few
days we can remove the collar.”
Sondela:I understand.
“Well your family is outside. When you need
them, I can call them for you.”
Sondela:No, I just want to be alone for now.
Thank you.
He nodded and left me.
I tried moving my legs again but they weren’t
responding.
I blinked my eyes preventing the tears. Why
won’t my legs move?
My hands felt heavier and my body was painful.
I removed the light hospital blanket and I was
wearing something. I don’t know what it’s called,
but it was around my lower leg.
I tried to sit up but it was proving to be difficult.
Frustrated, I moved my neck and yanked off the
collar I was wearing. I felt like my neck was
breaking, the pain I felt was unbearable.
I grunted in pain and moved my legs with my
hands to dangle over the floor. I tried to stand
up but I fell to the floor and I felt my bones
breaking even more. I cried out in pain. That
woman I woke up to came rushing in and tried
to help me up.
“Oh God Sondela what were you doing?”, she
asked panicking.
Sondela:*Crying*I can’t feel my legs… I can’t feel
my legs….
“Mlamuli please help me get him back to the
bed. He is hurting himself.”, she said again.
A man came and lifted me up putting me back
on the bed.
“I will call the doctor. He removed his collar.”,
another man said, he looked a bit younger than
me.
The woman was holding my hand.
Sondela:What is your name?
I asked her.
“I am Langelihle.”, she told me. Beautiful name,
like her.
Sondela:What is happening to me? What
happened? Why can’t I feel anything?
Langelihle:Shhh Shhh don’t overwork your brain.
We are just glad you are back to us.
She held my hand even tighter, the pain I felt
died down a bit. I looked at her.
The doctor came back in and helped me put
back the collar.
“Mr Mthembu I know this is frustrating, but
don’t put yourself in danger like this again.”
.
.
.
MDABULI(Langelihle father).
Mkoti:Well your plan didn’t work. He’s alive.
I banged the table in anger. Damn it!
Mdabuli:How did that happen!? I thought you
gave me a strong muti!
Mkoti:Calm down, you’re still weak.
Mdabuli:I don’t care about that Mkoti! How is he
still alive!? I had it all figured out. Kill him, and
she will be heartbroken over him, lose focus
and that is where I would strike.
Mkoti:I told you that light will always win
against darkness. She healed him. We almost
had him.
I felt even more Angier. She has the power of
healing!?
Mdabuli:We were so close Mkoti. So close.
Mkoti:We will come up with another plan.
Mdabuli:We have been coming up with plans for
35 years! 35 years but we still don’t have her!
Mkoti:Maybe you should let this rest. It isn’t
healthy even for me. She is your daughter after
all.
Mdabuli:I don’t have any feelings for anyone.
Whether you are my daughter or wife. Anyone
standing in my way deserves to die.

He looked at me and said nothing. He continued

mixing his potions.

Our great ancestor, Ngozi is the one who first

saw the supernatural. He saw the amount of
power they had, and he wanted it for himself.
He didn’t understand what made them special
that they could have such amazing gifts.
Generation to generation, we are trained to hunt
and kill the supernatural, every last of them.
Whether you are young or old, we don’t care.
From the very young age, we are taught how to
kill. I had my first kill when I was seven years
old. It was this woman who had visions, and
could heal people with her hands. My dad told
me to show him how much I had learnt. I still
remember that day like it was yesterday, I
stabbed her right in her both eyes with my
customised knife. Dad looked at me and shook
his head not impressed. I then went for the
heart, I ripped her open and took out her heart in
my hand. Dad was now impressed.
And that was the day that changed me forever,
that turned me into this cold blooded monster.
When I met Langa, I didn’t want any wife but I
did it to seem normal because people were
starting to be suspicious. She thought she
could change me, but you can’t change my dark
heart.
I say so because when we are born, our hearts
are darkened by Mkoti. Mkoti is a powerful
witch, has been around for generations. He is
not aging, I think you know why.

So there was no way Langa could have changed

me, when I found out she was also a
supernatural, I convinced her to give up her
powers to me. She agreed, but that wasn’t
enough, I went for her family and killed anything
and anyone I came across with. She was
already pregnant, and the child she was carrying,
Mkoti told me she would be my downfall. That’s
why I wanted to get rid of Langelihle even
before she was born. But her aunts stole her
and ran away with her. Langa died giving birth.
The other sister I had the mob turn against her.
The one ran with Langelihle, I sent my people to
find her and kill her but bring back the baby. But
those idiots killed the aunt and left Langelihle
there. When we went back, they were no longer
there.

And now Langelihle is so grown, and more

smart. My worst fear is coming to life. She is
the only one who can finally destroy me. Many
have tried but failed, but she will. She
possesses powerful powers, nothing like I’ve
ever seen before. Which is why I need to get rid
of her. But I have been trying for 35 years and I
have been unsuccessful. All her ancestors are
with her, they won’t let me get to her. But a plan
always comes up.
I had a backup plan incase killing her husband
didn’t work. When she least expects it, I will be
there.
.
.

To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #37. Unedited.
LANGELIHLE
Days later….
Sondela was still not remembering anything. I
was visiting him everyday, trying to help him
remember. But it doesn’t look like that will be
happening anytime soon.
They say he won’t be able to walk again. He will
be bound to a wheelchair.
Sondela:So I have two wives?
Langelihle:Yes.
Sondela:Wow that’s messed up even for me.
Langelihle:What do you mean?
Sondela:I’m just saying, from what you’ve told
me it seems like I wasn’t a very good husband
to you.
Langelihle:You were Sondela.
Sondela:No I don’t think so. I went to take
another wife because I wanted children, even
when I knew you were not carrying to full term.
It’s like I was rubbing it on your face that I am
very fertile. That’s just evil.
Langelihle:It was not like that. We were really
struggling to have children, you were also
hurting.
Sondela:Still doesn’t make it right. I should have
stood by you and we could have went for other
options, that was selfish of me to take another
wife. No wonder I was squashed by cars. It was
my karma for the pain I caused you. I may not
remember anything, but I know no one can be
happy with sharing their partner, no matter what.
Were you happy?
I looked down.
Sondela:Please be honest.
I sighed and decided to be honest.
Langelihle:I wasn’t, not even a bit but I learnt to
live with it. I wanted to divorce you and leave
you alone the moment you told me that you
were taking a second wife. But my heart was
beating for you, I loved you. I stayed in a
marriage where I wasn’t fully happy. You left for
days going to your other wife and I endured all
that, all the time giving myself hope that maybe
I’ll give you a child someday and you will come
back to me. I felt unloved at times, I thought you
didn’t love me anymore. It got to a point where I
even started to hallucinate that my baby was
alive, and I plotted to steal Zimthele’s baby, but
that didn’t work out.
Sondela:I am sorry for everything. I’m not going
to make an excuse that I don’t remember,
because I can see how hurt you are. I’m really
sorry for everything I did to you. I shouldn’t have
taken a second wife.
I smiled, wiping off my tears.
Langelihle:You may not believe it, but I have
forgiven you and made peace with everything.
Sondela:I don’t deserve to even to be graced by
your visits. I feel ashamed.
Langelihle:You don’t have to, I have really made
peace with it. Now you are going to get better
and pick up with your life.
Sondela:But you’re not going to be here with me.
He said sadly.
Langelihle:Things are very complicated.
Sondela:Yeah I know. You’re royalty. But you
seem like a nice and kind person.. Yesterday
you took away my pain.
I looked at him confused.
Langelihle:What do you mean?
Sondela:When you held my hand, the pain died
down. Even when I woke up, I kept hearing your
voice. Maybe you are a wizard.
I laughed weirdly.
“It must be one of your hidden abilities.”, I know
that’s Ataru. She has been popping up every
now and then, I have gotten used to it.
“The power of healing.”, she said again.
Langelihle:Haha maybe.
I laughed.
.
.
.
SONDELA
Langelihle left over about two hours ago. She
seems like a nice person. I can’t believe I did
her like that. I wish she didn’t leave. It was nice
talking to her, but she has important things to
do than to sit around here with me.
I heard a soft knock on the door and a woman
entered. I remember her, she was here the other
day. I wonder who she is.
“Hi.”, she greeted and sat on the chair.
I greeted her back.
“I’m Zimthele.”
Mmm the other wife?
Sondela:The other wife?
Zimthele:Yes.
Sondela:Oh.
We sat in uncomfortable silence. I didn’t know
what to say. With Langelihle, the conversation
was flowing and I was free to talk. But with her I
don’t know. How did we even get married?
I heard Langelihle say we have children with her,
so let me ask her about that.
Sondela:How are the children?
She looked shocked.
Sondela:Langelihle told me.
Zimthele:Oh I thought you got back yo.. Never
mind. The children are fine they miss you.
Sondela:The little one?
Zimthele:He’s also fine and growing. Reaching
three months now.
Sondela:I would love to see them.
Zimthele:I will find out if I can bring them here.
I nodded and we got back to the silence again.
This was really uncomfortable and weird. The
combos are not communicating.
.
.
.
VIRGIN.
Phil was still mad at me for cutting his clothes.
I overreacted, turns out that was a number of a
customer. Even when he told me I didn’t believe
him. So we called the number and the woman
talked first, asking him when he’s coming to
finish off her house. I was so embarrassed and
wanted to disappear. Phil would never hurt me
like that, I don’t know why I even doubted him.
So as an apology, I bought him new clothes..
Virgin:Hey baby..
I woke him up. He ignored me and turned the
other way.
This man! I woke him up again and he woke up
annoyed.
Phil:What is it now Virgin?
Virgin:I want to talk baby.
Phil:I’m tired. I want to sleep.
I took the plastic that had clothes and gave it to
him.
Virgin:I gave you new clothes to make up for the
ones I cut. I’m sorry for that day, I overreacted
and thought the worst of you..
Phil:You cut my clothes Virgin. You can see how
our situation is, but you went ahead and cut my
clothes. Not even giving me a chance to explain
myself. You just assumed and came up with
your own conclusions.
Virgin:I’m sorry Phillip. I’ll never do it again.
He softened his face and brought me to lay on
top of him.
Phil:It’s okay, but don’t do that again. That was
giving psycho vibes, next time you will stab me
when you think I’m cheating.
I laughed.
Virgin:So you forgive me?
Phil:I can’t stay mad at you forever.
Virgin:Thank you.
I kissed him happily.
.
.
.
At Mthembu Senior’s.
Mthembu is having a talk with his wife.
MaMthembu:I don’t understand what you are
saying.
Mthembu:I’m saying, we should have let him
rest. Did you see him?
MaMthembu:He is our son Mthembu.
Mthembu:Yeah who will never live a normal life
again. He will always walk around with a
wheelchair. Did you see how crossed his legs
were? He’s not the son we know anymore.
MaMthembu:Well what do you want us to do
then? We should be happy he came back to us.
We will nurse him back to health and he will be
back to his normal, walking self again.
Mthembu:He won’t ever walk again, you heard
what the doctor again. Our son is in pain mama.
We should let him go.
MaMthembu:What are you saying baba?
Mthembu:We should let him go. He will never
be normal again.
Mamthembu put her hands over her mouth
crying.
Mamthembu:Not my son baba, not my son.
Mthembu:We shouldn’t be selfish. We are doing
this for him, to free him from the pain. He’s not
okay. He is hurting. We should relieve him of his
pain.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I just got back from seeing Sondela. That was
the worst visit ever, he doesn’t remember me or
my children or anyone. It was really weird and
uncomfortable, because we kept on starring at
each other without saying anything. The
conversation we had won’t even count up to
200 words. He’s not the same person he was
before. At least he mentioned that he would
love to see his children, so I will have to find
out if that’s allowed and I will bring them to him.
I want to tell him about Bayanda before anyone
can beat me to it.
LANGELIHLE #38

At the hospital.
The doctor comes to check on Sondela.
Sondela:When will I be released here?
Doc:When you are fine and when we are
impressed that you will be fine.
He nodded.
Doc:How is the pain now?
Sondela:It gets worse. I feel very tired, it’s
difficult to even breath. When will my bones
heal?
Doc:It will take some time. Most of them have
healed and they have different healing periods.
Sondela:Mhh okay.
He said and brought his head forward, and
leaned back again.
Doc:Are you okay?
Sondela:Yeah I just have the urge to vomit.
The doctor quickly grabbed a bed pan, it was
the only thing near him. Sondela vomited on it
and brought back everything. The doctor went
to dispose it on the bathroom and came back.
“That was one of the side effects, vomiting.”
He talked to Sondela but he didn’t reply.
He snapped his hands in front of him but still
nothing.
Sondela face started to twitch and his muscles
clenched, becoming rigid as a board.
He shook uncontrollably, having a seizure.
The doctor looked at his watch, and turned him
to the side to keep the airway clear.
It went on for two minutes and Sondela stopped.
He turned him back to normal and looked at
him in pity.
Sondela:I’m not going to be okay anytime soon,
am I?
He asked blinking his tears.
Doc:Let’s take it one day at a time. I will call
someone to help you go outside for some air.
He went out and came across Mthembu and
Mlamuli outside. He called them to his office
and they all sat down.
Mlamuli:Is my brother okay?
The doctor sighed.
Doc:I still don’t know how he woke up, none of
the tests came back with a valid explanation.
Your son is paralyzed forever. His legs will
never work. Like I have explained, he suffered
severe brain damage and his spine was badly
broken. Right now he just had a seizure, it died
down within two minutes, but we don’t know
how long it will last the next time or if it won’t
cause further damage to his already painful
body. He cries of pain everyday, I’m sorry to say
that he will be like this forever.
Mlamuli swallowed looking at his father.
Mlamuli:Isn’t there anything you can do?
Doc:We are trying but I’m not putting hope. I
think it was best to switch off the machines,
because he’s as good as dead. I’m sorry.
Mlamuli:But he’s alive. He will get better.
Doc:I’m not going to lie to you, he won’t. The
only thing that will heal are his dislocated bones,
and they all have different healing period. He
still need a hip replacement surgery.
Mlamuli sighed thinking, how can one accident
cause so much damage? He can see that
there’s no hope for his brother. But he is alive,
shouldn’t they be at least grateful for that?
Mthembu was quiet the entire time. This is
exactly what he was telling his wife, that they
need to let Sondela go. He can’t live in pain
forever.
Mthembu:Uhh Mlamuli can you please give me
and the doctor some space?
Mlamuli:Okay, I will go and see Sondela.
He went out and went to Sondela’s room. A
nurse was helping him back to bed. He was
heartbroken seeing his brother like that, his
body was misshapen because of the
dislocations. Sondela grunted in pain but
quickly covered it up with a smile when he saw
Mlamuli. The nurse left them.
Mlamuli:Hey.
Sondela:Hi brother.
Mlamuli:How are you feeling today?
Sondela:Getting better. In no time I will be out
of here and be back home.
He lied. His body was pumping with pain.
Mlamuli:I’m glad, we all miss you. You will
remember everything don’t worry.
Sondela:I hope so. I feel like so stupid, my mind
is blank.
Mlamuli:You’re not stupid. It will just take some
time. We will be here for you.
Sondela:When is Langelihle coming back?
Mlamuli:I don’t know, but she is a Queen. So I
guess she’s busy, but she will see you.
Sondela:I hope so, I miss her even though I
don’t remember her.
“Maybe their love was strong after all”, Mlamuli
thought to himself.
Sondela kept taking heavy breaths.
Mlamuli:Are you sure you are okay?
Sondela :I’m okay.
Mlamuli:You don’t look okay. I will call the nurse.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Mlando and Nongcebo have been very helpful. I
wouldn’t have done everything without them. I
haven’t talked to Mlando about what Gobi said,
that we have to marry each other. Because I’m
not doing that. I’m not marrying my cousin, Gobi
says I’m stubborn like my mother. I don’t care,
but the ancestors are asking too much of me.
That’s one thing I can’t give them, they’ll have to
forgive me or punish me.
I’m going to see Sondela. I was already this side,
tying up a deal. The investors keep piling up
daily, they say Elangeni is a beautiful place and
can create many job opportunities. I agree with
them, we are in the process of rebuilding the
farm. We may just get into the supply business
and supply local business with whatever we will
harvest on the farms.
The Gumbis made such a generous donation, I
will forever be thankful. They are the ones who
had food delivered to the villagers, I can’t thank
them enough. Nkosenye and his wife are so
kind. And they look so cute together.
I arrive at the hospital, I can’t wait to share all
these good news with Sondela. I know he won’t
know what I’m even talking about.
I arrived at his ward and he looked like he had
just woken to up. I sat on the chair next to him
and smiled.
Sondela:I thought you weren’t coming today.
Langelihle:I wouldn’t do that.
Sondela:I missed you.
Langelihle:*Blushing* I missed you too.
I noticed a wheelchair.
Langelihle:Were you outside today?
Sondela :Yeah, they took me out to get some air.
Langelihle:I’m glad, being cooped in here all day
is not good for you. So how are you feeling
today?
I asked as I took his hands, holding it. He
grunted and closed his eyes.
Sondela:Please don’t let me go. The pain gets
better when you hold me.
I looked at him and indeed he didn’t look so
good. He has been putting up an act all this
time??
Langelihle :What’s wrong Sondela? Talk to me.
Sondela:I can’t feel my legs. My body is painful.
Everything hurts, I feel like my brain is about to
explode. I’m in terrible pain Langelihle, everyday,
day in day out. The doctor keeps on saying I
should take it one day at a time but I see it in
his eyes that he’s just giving me false hope. I’m
always going to be like this. I’m never gonna
walk again, I’m always going to look like this.
Langelihle:Please don’t talk like this. It’s only
been two weeks since you woke up. You will get
better.
Sondela:I don’t know. Dying would have been
better than this.
I blinked my tears hearing him speak like this.
Maybe I can heal him. I put my both hands on
his legs and closed my eyes.
“What are you doing?”, he asked me.
Langelihle:Shhh.
He kept quiet and I continued putting my hands
on his legs.
“It won’t work, it’s his fate. You weren’t
supposed to bring him back”
Langelihle:There must be something I can do
Ataru. I can’t just sit by and watch.
“It’s his fate.”
I opened my eyes.
Langelihle:Can you feel your legs now?
He shook his head no. I nodded disappointed.
What kind of wife am I? I have all these abilities.
But I can’t heal my husband, who has lost hope
in life.
..
.
To be continued
.
LANGELIHLE #39

What Ataru said left a bitter taste in my buds. I

don’t like it, at all. That our lives can just be
decided like this. No no.
I told Sondela that I will see him soon, I need to
go back Elangeni. I will be back to see him
tomorrow.
I drove back and it was already dark when I
arrived.
Mlando and Nongcebo were sitting outside and
laughing like old lovers. These two are in love,
they aren’t fooling anyone. I smiled and pass
through them waving.
My phone rang in my hands. It was Nono, I
quickly declined her call. I have far more
important things to do, than to listen to her try
to “apologize”.
I went to my room and called out Ataru. I need
to see her.
Ataru:I’m starting to feel like your spiritual
guardian.
Langelihle:*Smiling*Well you are.
Ataru:Your soul is troubled.
Langelihle:It is. What did you mean when you
said I wasn’t supposed to bring him back?
Ataru:His fate was already decided, but you
brought him back.
Langelihle:It was decided by who?
Ataru:This is bigger than you. He is a distraction
to your mission.
Wait… wait a minute. I tilted my head and
looked at her.
Langelihle:You were the ones who put him on
that accident. You wanted to kill him.
Ataru:He is a distraction.
Langelihle:You wanted to commit murder, to kill
my husband. The only man who made me
happy.
Ataru:He is a commoner. Your union wasn’t
blessed by us and you were never his. Your
paths accidentally crossed.
Langelihle:Were you royalty Ataru? Weren’t you
also a commoner when the King wanted to
marry you? The two of you fought for your love,
went against the customs and ancestors, and
you lived happily ever after. Why is my life
suddenly decided by you all?
Ataru:You’re crossing the line Langelihle.
Langelihle:No I want you to bring all those
people who had the audacity to decide on my
life like this.
I was mad angry and breathing fire.
Ataru:Calm down or you will burn this entire
room. You need to learn to control your anger.
You can’t be bursting every time.
Langelihle:*shouting* I SAID I WANT YOU TO
BRING ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAD THE
AUDACITY TO DECIDE ON MY LIFE!!!!
Ataru:You’re a child Langelihle, know your place.
Do not try to defy the ancestors, you will suffer
dire consequences.
Langelihle:That’s why nicabanga ukuthi
ningenza inoma yini ngami!? (That’s why you
think you can do as you please with
me!?)because you will threaten to punish me?
First you put the whole weight of destroying
Mdabuli on my shoulders, then you tell me that I
should marry my cousin, now you want to kill
my husband!!!??? This is all your fault Ataru
don’t forget! It started with you, if you weren’t
such a forward child, Ngozi wouldn’t have seen
you using your powers. He wouldn’t have waged
war upon you and your entire generation. You
failed, all of you, you failed to destroy him and
now you put the whole thing on me. Telling me
that I’m the one who can destroy Mdabuli, what
stopped you and those who came after you to
do so? You watched me suffering for years and
did nothing. You keep on saying you have been
protecting me but I don’t see it. You saw the
pain I was in but didn’t say or do anything. And
now y’all pop out of nowhere and try to dictate
my life!!
Ataru:Your stubbornness will get you nowhere.
Langelihle:If y’all were great as you claim, you
would be destroying Mdabuli on your own but
no Langelihle this, Langelihle that! You dare
touch even a hair on Sondela, I swear by the
powers of Hoshiko I will come to wherever you
are and you will see what I’m made of!!!
I went out of the room and banged the door on
my way out!!!
I went outside, Mlando and Nongcebo were still
there.
Lightning, out of nowhere, flashed and struck
me down. My whole body fizzled, I literally felt
the electricity bolting through my body.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I wince as she run the washcloth on my body.
“I’m sorry, we are almost done.”, she finishes
off and help me wear the hospital gown. She
helps me get back on the bed.
“I will have them bring you food so you can
drink your pills.”
I nodded and she went out. A minute later, one
of the staff came with my food. I ate with so
much struggle..
I drank the pills and relaxed on the bed. The
pain was a bit better today.
My doctor came to check on me.
Sondela:Can I ask you something Doc?
“Sure go ahead.”
Sondela:How does love feel like?
He looked at me confused.
“Love is the most beautiful thing ever. It’s when
you want to be with the other person 24 hours
of the day, you miss them the minute they are
away from you. You love them to the fullest,
every time you see them your heart gets filled
with butterflies and you find yourself smiling
unknowingly. You steal glances at them every
now and then, you run out of words to say.
When they touch you, you feel your body
vibrating with love. You stare at them for so
long and accept them with every flaw they
have.”
Sondela:Okay I get you… I think I am in love.
Doc:With who?
Sondela:My wife, the one who always visits me.
But I hurt her in my past life.
Doc:What about the other one?
Sondela:I don’t feel anything when I’m with her,
there is no connection between us. I don’t know
how we were in a relationship.
.
.
.
Mlamuli:Shouldn’t Langelihle be also here?
Mthembu:It’s late now. I don’t think she can
drive here. We can update her tomorrow. I think
we all know what this meeting is about.
Simunye:It’s about Sondela.
All of them sighed and waited to hear what
Mthembu has to say.
Mthembu:You have all seen him, and heard
what the doctor said. He’s not going to get
better. He is in a lot of pain. Pain he’ll have to
live with everyday.
Lusanda:Eish and I saw him yesterday, he didn’t
look good at all.
Nokuthula:For real, I thought he would have
healed by now.
Mthembu:Which is why I think we only have one
choice to make now.
Mlamuli:What are you talking about now dad?
Mthembu sighed, this wasn’t easy for him too.
Mthembu:Sondela is my son, I love him so
much. But I can’t bare to see him in this kind of
pain.
Lusanda:What are you saying baba?
Mthembu:We need to let him go.
Lusanda:Let him go where?
Mthembu:Let him rest. We need to free him
from the pain.
He dropped one tear and quickly wiped it off.
Mlamuli was the first one to argue.
Mlamuli:So you mean we must kill him!? This is
your son. Mom say something.
Mom:Your father is right Mlamuli. That is no
longer our son. He is different, he doesn’t
remember any of us.
Mlamuli:So what!? Why are you giving up on
him so quickly!? It’s like you wanted him to die
vele!
Simunye:I agree with Mlamuli. The fact that God
brought him back to us, means he was given a
second chance. We should stand by him as his
family. With our support, he will be okay.
Mthembu:You’re only fooling yourself because
you know that will never happen. Stop being
selfish and think about him.
Nokuthula:I hate to say this but I think dad is
right Mlamuli.
Lusanda:Wow you too Nokuthula!?
Mlamuli:Zimthele what do you say?

Zimthele cleared her throat and bit her inner

mouth.
Zimthele:I agree with your father. Sondela is a
proud man, he won’t stand the fact that he has
to depend on people. He will need to be
guarded 24/7 because of his condition. It’s best
to let him go. He’s my husband and I love him,
but I’m thinking for him here.
Mlamuli:Wow, all of you have lost your minds!
Seniyahlanya angfuni nje ukngasho!
Mthembu:Watch your mouth Mlamuli! Do not
insult me in my house!
Mlamuli:Sorry.
Mthembu:I’m the head of this house and I have
made a decision. No one will go against it. I
have already spoken with the doctor, tomorrow
we will go and say our goodbyes and get it over
and done with.
Mlamuli folded his hands in anger. He couldn’t
believe that everyone wanted to kill Sondela.
.
.
.
At Elangeni.
“Badakiwe, uba oktshele leyonto ? Awulethe la
ngbathuke”, Nongcebo laughs watching a funny
video from TikTok. She had a much better
phone now with an upgraded mobile data.
She was still sitting with Mlando.
She browsed through another video and she
saw Langelihle coming out of the house with an
angry face. She was about to ask her what’s
wrong when she was struck down by lightning
that came out of nowhere. She screamed and
both her and Mlando rushed to her. She tried to
touch Langelihle but was shocked.
Her skin had the Lichtenberg figure, a pattern
that traced around her body like the limbs of a
tree.
Gobi came to them after she heard the sound of
lightning.
Gobi:What happened?
Mlando:She got struck by lightning.
Gobi sighed and crouched down to feel if she
was breathing.
Nongcebo:Is she alive?
Gobi:She is. Take her to my hut.
Nongcebo touched her and she didn’t shocked
this time. They carried her to Gobi’s hut and
placed her on the open mat.
Gobi:The elders are angry with her. She is so
stubborn. Doesn’t listen to anyone, want to
bend the rules so that they can suit her.
Nongcebo:But will she be okay?
Gobi:She will. You may leave us.
They got out. Gobi sighed and looked at
Langelihle who was whispering gibberish that
she couldn’t understand.
Gobi:I hope they are talking to you, so you can
start to take things serious. You remind me so
much of Langa. She was also stubborn like you,
her stubbornness led her to losing everything.
Let’s hope that doesn’t happen to you too.

She saw Langelihle lifting up her hands and she

was still whispering.
Gobi shook her head, impressed in a way. She
knows she’s probably arguing with them.
To her, she thinks that people view the
ancestors part as scary and as people who
don’t care and as monsters who only want to
ruin your life. But not Langelihle, if it was up to
her, she would bring all of them back to life and
debate with them until they agree with what she
is saying.
She has never seen such stubbornness!
She fixes a concoction for her to rub on her skin
where lightning struck her.
.
.
To be continued….
LANGELIHLE #40
LANGELIHLE
I open my eyes and realize that I am in Gobi’s
hut. I remember being struck by lightning.
I sit up and she looks at me.
Gobi:How are you feeling?
The door was open and it was bright outside.
Was it the following day?
Langelihle:Is it the following day?
Gobi:Yes, you slept here..
I stood up remembering something.
Gobi:What did they say to you?
Langelihle:We reached an understanding. I will
tell you about it when I return.
Gobi:Where are you going?
Langelihle:To get my husband.
I went to the main house and took a bath. I am
so humbled by what happened, my
stubbornness died down as soon as I saw them.
I will tell you all about it later. Right now I’m still
eating dust and gulping down the reprimanding
I got.
“Want to talk about it”-Ataru.
Langelihle:Yooo awuhlukane nami we Japan.
(Leave me alone Japanese).
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I wave goodbye to Zenande and Bayanda as
they get in their transport. I go back to the
house and the kitchen was a mess. I fished
through the dirty dishes and took a spoon. It
was dirty, I wiped it with the inside of my robe
and went for the fridge. There was left over
food, I took it and went to my bedroom. I got
under covers and ate, as cold as it was.
My laptop was open and I was watching some
series.
My phone kept vibrating. It was messages from
Lusanda and Nokuthula. I ignored them. I know
they are calling me about saying goodbye to
Sondela. I don’t want to go, I don’t want to say
goodbye. He doesn’t remember me, he doesn’t
remember anyone. How can he not remember?
I can’t go and see him as they kill him. Even
though it’s the best thing for him, but I can’t
watch. It’s too painful.
.
.
.
At the hospital.
Nokuthula:Well it seems like Zimthele is not
coming. Has anyone tried Langelihle?
Mlamuli:She’s also not answering.
Mthembu:Well let’s go inside.
They all went in and Sondela was awake. He
smiled a little when he saw them. He doesn’t
remember them but it’s always good to see
them.
Mthembu:Son.
He greeted him.
Shortly, the doctor also entered. Sondela looked
at all of them and they had guilty faces.
Sondela:What’s wrong?
Mthembu:We need to talk.
Somehow he knew what they wanted to say, he
overheard the doctor chatting with a nurse that
it would have been better to switch off the
machine when he was still in a coma.
Sondela:I know what you want to say. Do it. It
will free me from the pain. It’s okay.
Doc:We need your consent before we can do
anything. Remember, you are not being forced
so you should not agree if you don’t want.
Sondela:No do it. I just ask that you look after
my children, never cast them out. And look after
Langelihle too. I may not remember much about
you all but I love you and I will miss you to
where I’m going.
Mlamuli found himself tearing up. He was so
against the whole thing happening.
The doctor gave papers to Sondela for him to
sign but they were disturbed by Langelihle who
came budging in the room. She collected her
breath, she was running.
Langelihle:Sorry for being late. I heard you are
killing my husband.
Sondela:It’s okay.
He looked at her with soft eyes.
Langelihle:It’s not. I want to confirm something
with you all here. Baba no ma, do you consider
Sondela as your son?
Mthembu:If course, but he’s not doing well.
Langelihle:What about you Mlamuli and
Simunye?
Mlamuli:We are against this, but inhloko yomuzi
ayiphikiswa(but the head of the house has
spoken).
He said sarcastically.
Langelihle:And you Nokuthula and Lusanda?
Nokuthula:I think it’s the best thing to do.
Lusanda:I don’t.
Langelihle:Okay please give us space. I want to
talk with him.
They all walked out.
Langelihle sat next to him and held his hands,
she has gotten used to holding his hand.
Langelihle:I know you don’t want this.
Sondela:I don’t want to be a burden to them.
They are already tired of me. They can go ahead
and do it, I don’t want to be a pain to anyone.
Langelihle:I don’t want to believe that. Because
in my heart I know that you will walk again, and I
can’t lose you Sondela. I don’t think I can love
anyone like I love you.
I will nurse you and clean up after you I don’t
mind. But I am not giving up on you, I am not
giving up.
Sondela looked at her, she was crying.
Sondela:Okay please don’t cry. But my body
hurts Langalami.
Langelihle:If it means I must hold your hand 24
hours to take away your pain, I will do that.
Sondela:Langelihle..
Langelihle:No you’re not convincing me out of
this one. We still have a bright future ahead of
us. Now I’m going outside to talk to your family.
I will be back soon.
She went outside to the Mthembus.
Langelihle:I am not taking part in the murder the
three of you want to commit. Sondela is my
husband and I’m his first wife, I am not agreeing
with this. We are keeping him alive.
Mthembu:Makoti_
Langelihle:You do not have to worry about who
will take care of him because I will. I am going
back with him to Elangeni today.
Mthembu:You can’t do that..
Langelihle:I can and I will.. Take it as your son is
dead now baba, I believed in you so much. I
never thought there would be a day where you
would give up so quickly on your son.
She shook her head disgusted and called out
the guards she was traveling with.
Langelihle:The car is outside. Help me get him
there.
.
.

.
SONDELA
Hours later….
She took me to this beautiful place, she says its
Elangeni Kingdom. It feels refreshing and warm.
Langelihle:I am going to get Gobi and she will
give you something to help you with the pain.
You are going to be fine, I’m not promising you
your legs back but the pain will go down. I will
make sure of it.
She disappeared and came back a while later
with a woman who was wearing her traditional
clothes.
She gave me some potion. Langelihle bought
me food and told me to rest to allow the muti to
do its work.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Sondela is sleeping, he will wake up feeling a
little bit better.
I promised you a story, didn’t I?
Well what happened was, I got struck by
lightning and lost consciousness. When I woke
up I didn’t recognize the place I was at. I later
discovered it was the ancestral land. I saw my
mother, grandmother, great grandmother,
grandfather, everyone. Even the king and Ataru.
The fire I had burning slowly disappeared. I felt
like I was dreaming, because I wasn’t
understanding why I was at that place. I
panicked thinking I’m dead. A woman from
those people held my hand and told me I’m not
dead.
Even Akira was there.
“So… you said you want to see those people
who had the audacity to decide on your life?”,
the King asked me. I became tongue tied, I
didn’t think I would see them. I was still puzzled
by how was this possible, but with the things
that have been happening, anything is possible.
“Here we are. Say all you want to say.”, hebana
these people were so calm and it was scaring
me.
I cleared my throat and shared my feelings,
about how it is weighing heavily on me that
destroying Mdabuli is up to me only. I also told
them how I’m not happy about how they want to
take Sondela away from me, I explained to them
that I loved him and I can’t marry Mlando. I
finished it all and they looked at me.
That’s where the whole lectures came in. From
all of them. They warned me to never dare them
again like this, they reminded me that they once
walked on the land of the living and they see all
that is happening, but sometimes they can’t
interfere because it’s that person’s destiny or
fate. They were very stern and I understood
what they were saying.
Ataru even apologized that she’s the one who
caused all this.
“Forgive me my elders for speaking ill of you.
I’m still new at this, and I respect you all so
much, but you have to understand, the world
has changed so much from when you were
alive. I know you mean well and are looking out
for me and the people of Elangeni, but believe
me Sondela is not a distraction to what I have
to do. In fact he’s my motivation. Him dying
would have broken me to no return, because I
love him so much, I wouldn’t have focused on
what needs to be done. But him being alive is
the reason why I wake up everyday and fight.
He’s in a bad state right now, and his family has
given up on him.
He still has children, should they grow up not
knowing their father because he was removed
as a distraction?
Like I said, the world has changed so much. I’m
not trying to change the way you do things or
dictate your decisions but I beg of you to let me
do things my way. I appreciate the guidance,
but please do not overwhelm me. My father will
perish, I will see to it that it is done. I know what
I have to do. His family has been butchering our
family for years, it’s time to put an end to it.”. I
gave my speech and rubbed my lips nervously.
They all looked at each other like they were
discussing with their eyes.
“We have no doubt that you will make a great
Queen. We are behind you. You do not get your
stubbornness from outside, you inherited it
from all of us. All of us standing here, we were
once like you, we wanted to do things our way
and not listen to anyone. But, go child, it shall be
well with your husband. We are not monsters,
the way we do things may seem unfair but we
look at it as shielding you from the bad. Even
though he’s your father, but his heart is so dark
Langelihle he don’t have feelings for anyone. He
won’t hesitate to killing you. We can see that
you love this man, and him dying would have
made things worse. We believe and trust in you
that you will end this supernatural war.”
Langelihle:Does that mean you bless our union
and you give us the go ahead to be married?
“Don’t push it.”
I laughed a little.

Well that went better. I was scared. I’ve heard

the underground gang don’t play. Sometimes I
think people are just dramatic, they way they
describe ancestors sometimes yooo! you’d
swear they are demonic hunters that kill anyone
who Breathes. I’m glad my stubbornness
worked for me in a way. They gave me a chance
to explain myself, of course I have to do a little
ceremony to thank them and ask for further
guidance.
I believe we will work well together, so long as
we understand each other. They are superior
than me I get that, but this is also my life. I’m
glad they reversed their decision of taking
Sondela. He was never going to be a distraction.
And now he has no one, he only has me. I
believe that I will heal him some day, it may not
be now or tomorrow but I know that I will heal
him. We just have to let destiny play its part.
I’m never daring them again! I should tone down
my stubbornness.

.
To be continued…

PS: Please let’s remind ourselves that this is a

fictional story, and that these people are not
pure Zulu, they also have Japanese genes. I’m
not a pastor nor a traditional healer, I’m not
waging a war against any belief or religion. I’m
saying this because I don’t want to find myself
offending anyone who believes in traditional
healer or is a traditional healer. If I’ve offended
somewhere, I’m sorry, it’s not my intention.

Please do not twist the story and make your

own. Again, this is a fictional story. Half the
things happening here wouldn’t happen in real
life. Thank you.
LANGELIHLE #41
I am tired, seriously tired. I’m exhausted,
physically, emotionally and whatever ally. With
having to look after Sondela and handling
everything that’s going on. And there’s the
coronation that’s just in a week’s time. I just
need to collect my breath and rest.
Sondela was doing well, he doesn’t feel pain
anymore. But he’s still using a wheelchair. I bath
him, help him dress, feed him sometimes,
because his hands tend to freeze.
I just put him to sleep. He was awake almost
the whole night, grunting, vomiting and having
seizures.
His family hasn’t made contact yet to find out
how he’s doing. It’s only Mlamuli who calls to
check on him, he even came here twice to see
him. It made Sondela happy that at least one
member of his family hasn’t given up on him.
I’m disappointed in his parents, this new
behavior is worrying me. I’d never have thought
they would turn their backs on their son quickly
like this. He is paralyzed but he’s alive, and
being disabled doesn’t mean it’s the end of the
world. There are people with serious disabilities
out there but their parents give them the best
love ever and doesn’t cast them out. So what
they did does not make sense to me. If I didn’t
come in time that day, they would have went
ahead and killed him.
.
.
.
Narrated.
Zimthele combs her hair roughly and apply a bit
of hair food. When she was done she threw the
comb on the bed.
She was going to a meeting with her lawyer to
ask for legal advice. She hasn’t been coping
lately, she feels so down and left out. With
Sondela not remembering anything and
Langelihle took him, she is left with no one.
Money has been scarce, Sondela used to give
her a monthly allowance of more than R50K and
now she’s not receiving anything. Mthembu
sends money for the children only. To her it’s
peanuts, he only sends R20 000. Sondela used
to send her way more than that.
Her phone rings as she gets inside her car. She
answers it.
Zimthele:Hello?
Sana:Hey Zim.
Zimthele:Oh hi.. How can I help you?
Sana:I know you said you don’t want me near
him but can I see him again?
Zimthele:You can. Send money. What do you
think your child eats Sana? What do you think
he wears?
Sana:You’re not going to do that with me
Zimthele. You refused to let me have any kind
of attachment to him. I offered to at least send
money so my heart can be at peace but you
said no. You boasted that your husband is rich,
he can take care of you. So don’t do me like that.
Zimthele:You will see your son when you send
money for him.
Sana:You’re a headache! I will send whatever
you want, I just want my son.
Zimthele:I will send you my banking details.
She hung up and sent him her banking details.
A while later, he sent the money. She rolled her
eyes looking at this change he sent.
She sent him a message, ‘It’s not enough, but it
will do for now. You can come this afternoon.’
She puts her phone away and drive to where
she’s meeting her lawyer. It was one of those
seafood restaurants by the beach. She found
her already sitting on the table.
Zimthele:Sorry for being late.
Nolubele:I’ve only just arrived.
Zimthele sits with her whole weight and
Nolubele frowns smelling a very odor. She
sniffed her armpits thinking it’s coming from
her.
Nolubele:So what brings you here?
Zimthele:You know what is happening in my
family currently.
Nolubele:Yes and I wish for your husband to get
well.
Zimthele:Yeah well, he is paralyzed now and
they said he might never walk again. He was the
one taking care of us, me and my children
financially. Now since he’s sick, we haven’t
been getting anything. So I want to know what
legal rights I have to claim his money? Or his
disability grant? I know he’s loaded, but he can’t
access his money right now because of his
situation. So I went to know how I can legally
get access to the money. I am his wife so I
deserve to get something.
Nolubele looked at her in shock.. Her husband
is not even dead but she’s already fighting for
money?
Nolubele:Are the two of you married in
community of property? Where you share
everything you own equally?
Zimthele:Uhh no.
Nolubele:It’s going to be tricky because he’s
alive so there isn’t much of a fight you can put.
Zimthele:So there’s no way I can get the money?
Nolubele:Not trynna dictate you or anything but
court wars over money are messy and you may
not always win. Please try at least to talk to him
and let him know that he has to send child
support.
Zimthele felt herself getting angry and she
snapped at hee.
Zimthele:I did not ask you to play therapist on
me! If you can’t do your job just say so!
She clicked her tongue and stood up and
walked away. Nolubele shouted after her.
Nolubele:Awuqale uyogeza before ufune
ukuncela iymali zabantu! (Go and bath first
before you want to suck someone dry of their
money!)
Zimthele turned back and showed her the
middle finger.
.
.
.
SONDELA
Ever since I came here I have been feeling
better. There’s just something about this place,
it calms your soul so beautifully. My body was
feeling much better. The woman, Gobi was
giving me herbs that help a lot. My memory is
still not back, Langelihle said I shouldn’t push
myself. That it will happen on its own time.
It’s just my hands that just freezes sometimes
that I can’t even feed myself. I don’t like being a
pain to Langelihle, I can see she’s tired. I am
ashamed that she even has to wipe me after
taking a shit. I feel less of a man.
Why won’t these legs work!? I hate this.
.
.
.
Zimthele throws herself on the couch and sighs.
Well that went terribly bad. Her phone rang and
she reached for it. It was her mother.
Zimthele:Mama..
Gladys:Zimthele anisafoni(You don’t call
anymore) °
Zimthele:Sorry ma, I have been held up.
Gladys:How are you doing? With everything
that’s going on?
Zimthele:Numb, I’m worried about my children’s
future now. They will feel left out, and already
we are not receiving money.
Gladys:Kodwa Zimthele I told you, a million time.
To get off your butt and look for a job. I told you
that this would happen, if you were working and
had your own money you wouldn’t be worrying
like this. What do you want Sondela to do huh?
Zimthele:Ma please I’m not in the mood.
Gladys:Go and look for a job and take care of
your children. I’ve never seen a woman who just
sits around lazing all day when she knows she
has mouths to feed!
Zimthele:As if that helped you, dad left you
independent as you were and married a girl
sexy and younger than you.
Gladys:Zimthele..
She called out for her hurt.
Zimthele:I have to go.
She hung up…
.
.
To be continued.
LANGELIHLE #42

LANGELIHLE
I am woken up by Sondela grunting painfully
next to me. I sit up straight and hold him.
Langelihle:Sondela what’s wrong?
Sondela:My hands.. They froze again.
I help him sit.
Langelihle:Let me see.
He gave me his hands. I held them.
Langelihle:How are they now?
Sondela:Much better.
Langelihle:Do you want water?
Sondela:No but I… do need to pee..
Langelihle:Okay…
I got out from bed and brought his wheelchair
near to the bed, I locked the brakes and moved
the pedals away.
I helped him sit in a way that his feet would
touch the floor. I brought the wheelchair closer
to the bed at a 45° angle and bent my knees. I
stood with my feet in between his to prevent
him from slipping. I placed my hands on his
upper body (hugging him) and leaned forward, I
turned him all the way to the wheelchair and he
sat successfully. The bathroom is far away so I
wouldn’t have been able to carry him. I put back
the pedals and placed his foot on top of them. I
unlocked the brakes and wheeled him to the
bathroom. I helped him pee and we got back to
the bed. Transferring someone from and to a
wheelchair is not as hard as I thought, the
doctor explained everything about what I need
to do.
Sondela:Thank you, for everything.
I smiled and covered us with the duvet.
We slept again, it’s a long day tomorrow.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
I was angry to hear what Zimthele said to mom
yesterday. What the hell is wrong with her!?
That she can speak to our mother like this!
Gladys:Maybe it’s what she always wanted to
say, and she finally got the chance.
Virgin:She should apologize and get her life in
order. She should have learnt a lesson from me
to not depend on a man, Sondela is no longer
giving her money because of his situation.
Instead of looking for a job she’s throwing
tantrums at everyone.
Gladys:Maybe you should go and check up on
her. This must be a lot for her to take in.
Virgin:I will go, mainly because I need to tell her
a pizza my mind.
Gladys:What is that?
Virgin:Never mind.
I left her and went to our backroom. Phil was
sleeping, he’s tired. He has been working so
hard lately, I ordered him to rest today. He even
has a few workers who help him.
I take my bag and some money to call a cab.
I go outside and call it. It drives me to Zimthele
house. Within an hour I was outside, I paid and
went inside the yard. It was too quiet. I knocked
through the kitchen door and the door was open,
so I let myself in.
I stopped on my tracks seeing the place. A girl
was cleaning, and it looked like a pigsty. The
dishes all piled up on the sink. There were even
flies buzzing all over. The floor was a mess.
These tiles used to be white but they were
brown.
I greeted the girl and asked what is going on
here.
“I am the nanny. I was on leave for two months,
and I came back today. This is what I found. I
can’t stay in a dirty place so I’m cleaning
around.”
Virgin:Where is Zimthele?
“In her room.”
I thanked her and shook my head disgusted.
How do you stay in a house like this!? This
person has a new born, how is the baby staying
in a house like this!?
I went ahead to her bedroom and knocked. She
didn’t reply, so I went inside and the room was
worse. Banele was crying on his cot. I placed
my bag on the bed and took him. He was even
hiccupping, his eyes were red which means he
was crying for a long time.
Virgin:Zimthele why are you just watching him
crying?
She ignored me. I went around the room with
Bayanda trying to calm him down but he didn’t
stop crying. Maybe he’s hungry. I went back to
the kitchen and asked the girl where his bottle
is. She took it, she was cooling it down.
I put it on Banele and he sucked on it for dear
life, he quickly finished it and cried for more.
When was the last time this child was fed?
Zimthele is starting to be careless.
She gave me another one and I fed it to him. He
quickly finished it too. I opened my eyes in
shock.
The girl was shocked too.
Virgin:Zimthele wants to kill a child of hunger
I burped him and went to his nursery. At least it
was clean.
I took off his nappy, and bathed him.
He was closing his eyes the entire time. I
laughed a little, taking care of a baby is one of
the most beautiful thing ever. I don’t understand
how Zimthele can just ignore him like this. By
the time I was done he was already sleeping. I
put him on his cot and opened the window a
little to let fresh air in.
I heard some shouting, and I exited the room.
It was Zimthele shouting at the girl, I didn’t even
ask for her name.
Zimthele:And who said I need you to clean?
What if I liked my mess?
She shouted at her. I went near her and backed
up a little, the smell threw me off.
.
.
.
ELANGENI KINGDOM
Everyone is going up and down preparing for
the big day. Langa’s outfits are ready for the
day. The ceremony is going to be divided into
two, the Zulu part and the Japanese part.
It’s going to take place for two consecutive
days, and an extra day if there is to be
something left to be done.
She is at the throne room looking at the scepter.
If she can’t pick it up, she will be banished
forever because it would mean she is not of
pure heart and want to destroy the kingdom.
Mlando stands next to her.
Mlando:I know what you are worried about.
Langelihle:What if I can’t pick it up Mlando? My
nerves are skyrocketing.
Mlando:They wouldn’t have waited for you for
this long only for it to deny you. You have done
so much for this kingdom with only three
months that you have been here. Children can
now attend school nearby, no one goes to bed
hungry, people’s hope have been restored and
they are always looking forward to the next day.
I know you will be a great leader. So don’t worry
yourself about it.
Langelihle:I hear you, it’s going to be a big day
and all kingdoms will be here to witness the
ceremony. I’m also worried about my father,
what if he strikes tomorrow? There are going to
be a lot of people.
Mlando:Security will be tight, no way he’s
getting in.
Langelihle:People who loathe you always wait
until the big day to hurt you, where they know a
lot of people will see as they execute their
revenge.
Mlando:That won’t happen Sis Langa, stop
worrying.
Langelihle:Anyway, is your outfit ready?
Mlando:Yep. So I have to tell you something… I
don’t know how you are going to take it…
Langelihle:Mhh what is it?
Mlando:Gobi told me something months back
and my heart doesn’t have peace.
Langelihle:I know.
Mlando:*Shocked* You know?
Langelihle:Yes, she also told me. But don’t
worry, we are not going to do it.
Mlando:Really?
Langelihle:Yes, I spoke with them and made
them understand that we can’t do it.
Mlando sighed relieved. At least, now he can tell
Nongcebo how he feels.
Mlando:So you’re going to marry Sondela?
Langelihle looked away avoiding the question.
Langelihle:I need to check if everything is going
well outside.
She quickly left.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Virgin forced me to take a bath, I’ll admit it, it
was refreshing. I had to scrub myself.
She had cleaned my room when I got back.
Virgin:Sit down..
I sat down..
Virgin:What the fuck is wrong with you?
Zimthele:You won’t understand V.
Virgin:Try me..
Zimthele:I just feel so left out. Sondela is now
disabled, and he hasn’t been sending money
because he’s not even here. Langelihle took him
to her kingdom. The Mthembus never check on
me or ask how the children are doing, it’s only
Mlamuli who calls and sends little money. And
Bab’Mthembu sends some change. But they
don’t care V, I always knew that family doesn’t
like me but are tolerating me for Sondela’s
sake. And now that he’s gone, they are showing
their true colors. I’m ashamed that I even
agreed with them when they wanted to kill
Sondela because they thought he wouldn’t be
the same again. And now I’m all alone with
three children. Mom told me countless times to
find something to do, that I can’t depend on
Sondela forever. But I didn’t listen. Look where I
am now..
Virgin:So you are acting all depressed like this
because of money?
Zimthele:Virgin..
Virgin:No Zimthele we have been babying you
for too long. I also lost everything, but you didn’t
see me going around without bathing and
ignoring my children. I’ll agree at first I acted
like a brat to Phil but later on I looked at our
situation and realized that no magic was going
to happen to get us out of the mess we were in.
I looked for a job, I’m working as a packer. If
you knew the insults I get everyday you would
be traumatized, but I don’t let that get to me
because I know I’m working for my family and
my children. So you mean to tell me that you
didn’t save a cent from all the money Sondela
was giving you every month?
I shook my head in shame.
Virgin:It’s really not the end of the world Zim, go
out there and look for something to do. No one
is going to come and save you, you are a
mother, your first priority should be to make
sure that your children are fed and they aren’t
lacking anything. You say your in-laws don’t
love you, then let them be. Not everyone will like
you in this world. Get up on your ass and work
man!
.
.
.
SONDELA
Langelihle told me that tomorrow is her
coronation day, I’m happy for her even though I
don’t understand what’s going to be done but
I’m happy for her. She has been running around
all day, and the house is crowded today.
Everyone is going up and down. I was at the
garden for some fresh air. I feel like a stranger
here. What’s going to happen now? She’s going
to be a Queen, and they’ve probably found a
husband for her who is royalty. They will get
married, have children and rule their kingdom
together. And I’ll be the miserable boiled, bendy
carrot. I have no family now, I was used to being
around her. But she can’t baby me forever.
She deserves to be happy. I don’t know where
to after this.
.
.
To be continued…
.
.
CORONATION DAY PART I
LANGELIHLE #43
DAY 1 OF THE CORONATION CEREMONY
I have been awake since 5am, I am excited and
nervous at the same time. The time is 9am, and
the festivities are about to begin.
I hired someone just for the day to push
Sondela around and tend to his needs, because
I will be so busy today I won’t have time.
Speaking of him, he doesn’t look okay. I have
been trying to get him to talk but he says it’s
nothing.
Gobi comes to me and tells me to get ready.
I have ladies here that are helping me get into
this beautiful, traditional clothing..
People are already packed outside and the tent
is so full. Every royal from other kingdoms
availed themselves today.
Nongcebo:You look so beautiful. Like a true
Queen.
I moved to the mirror and I looked really
beautiful, I looked like my mother.
I fan my face, I can’t cry. It’s a joyous day today.
I was walking barefoot, I insisted.
At the kitchen, people were cooking and getting
things ready. I will start at Gobi’s hut, Nongcebo
was following me everywhere today.
I went through the backdoor and went to the hut.
Gobi smiled and complimented me.
Gobi:Siyacela ke ukuthi niyeseke Ingane yenu,
niyakhusele njengoba kuwusuku lwayo olukhulu
namhlanje. Nina bo HLATSHWAYO, MHAYISE
WAKO LANGA,NGWANYA,SIYENDANA, CEBISA
KAMABHENGEDA, UGID’GOGWENI OVALA
EMNYANGO NGAMAKHANDA AMADODA,
MGOGODLANA, NINA ENANQOBA IBUTHO
LAKWAGOBIZEMBE.
She burnt the Impepho and pleaded with the
ancestors that today should go smoothly..
She did everything and we walked out, to enter
the kraal
People were behind us singing praises. Mlando
and Nongcebo next to me.

At the early hours of the morning, I had to go

and hunt. Believe it or not, but I came back with
the jaguar. I’m wearing its skin right now over
my neck and shoulders . The way they do things
in this family is different, but unique in a kind of
way.
I noticed Gende and Mlamuli far from the crowd.
I smiled at them and turned my attention back
to what was being done.
Gobi introduced me to the ancestors and
pledged my leadership to be blessed, I also
made a promise to be a great leader to the
people of Elangeni, and that I will always put
them first, make fruitful decisions that will
benefit everyone.
When we were done with that, we went back to
the tent. The decorations were beautiful. A bull
were to be slaughtered in honour of the
successful entering of the kraal. This jaguar’s
skin was itching me so badly but I couldn’t take
it off.
I joined in on the singing and danced around.
After a while everyone settled down, Gobi was
handling the whole thing so well.
“Langelihle, ndodakazi ya Langa. Sukuma
ubambe intonga yobukhosi”(Langelihle,
daughter of Langa. Stand up and pick up the
royal sceptre.)
I stood up sweating, this is what I have been
afraid of. Imagine if I can’t pick it up, in front of
all these people. Okay okay…
Everyone was dead silent now and waiting for
me. Gobi nudged me to bring out my hand to
the staff.
I breathed out and touched it, it is said that only
chosen royal can pick up the staff. On normal
people, they can’t pick it up, it would be like it is
heavy.
I stayed for a few seconds touching it. I heard a
few whispers.
With all my strength, I lifted it up and raised it
above my head.
People in the tent ululated and screamed, some
whistling.
Thank God, I looked at it and it was glowing.
“Ngiyaninikeza Indlovukazi yaseMalangeni(I
give to you the new Queen of Elangeni) –
Langelihle Hinode-Hlatshwayo.
“Ndlovukazi, Bayede.”
There were joyous screams and ululations that
went on for a few minutes.
I cleared my throat and got ready to speak to
my people.
Langelihle:What an honour it has been, I never
thought that I would be Queen someday. I grew
up not knowing who I was, or where I come
from. Finding this place has helped me realize
my full potentials. Angithembisi okuningi,
kodwa ngizokwenza konke okusemandleni ami
ukuba umholi obukhali(I’m not promising much,
but I will do my best to be a wise leader). Thank
you to all the Kingdoms who came today, and
everyone from far, I appreciate it.
Ataru:Now you are a Queen.
I smiled, I couldn’t answer her or people will
think I’m crazy talking alone. I felt more
powerful than ever today.
The day went by and we concluded everything.
People ate and danced, and drank.
I went to check on Sondela and I was told he’s
sleeping.
I went to greet Gende. I have to thank her.
Gende:Ngaze ngajabula(I am so happy).
I smiled.
Langelihle:I have you to thank. You pointed me
to the right direction.
Gende:I was doing the ancestors’ work. You
look even more beautiful now and I can sense
how powerful you are.
Langelihle:Me too I can feel it.
Gende:How is Sondela?
Langelihle:Getting better.
Gende: I’m glad, I heard from Mlamuli what his
father wanted to do.
Langelihle:Ayixoxwa leyo, they haven’t called.
Gende:I’m sure they are still hurt. Phela there
was no hope that Sondela will wake up.
Langelihle:We don’t know, where is Mlamuli?
Gende:Oh he said he’s going to get food. I think
it’s his third plate.
I laughed.
I had to go back inside. The throne room looked
more lively today.
Gobi:You still need to choose a council of
elders.
Langelihle:I know, I have a few people in mind.
Do they have to be old old?
Gobi:*Laughing* No, but they should be wise
and they will help you with making decisions for
this kingdom.
Langelihle:Okay Mlando is the first one on my
list, you, Nongcebo and Bab’Chiliza. I will find
the rest.
Gobi:Me?
Langelihle:Yes, you have been like a mother
ever since I arrived here.
I sneaked to my room to rest a bit. Today
drained me and my feet are so dirty. Tomorrow
is another day, to honour the Hinode Surname.
Since Ataru wasn’t royalty, we won’t do much,
just a small thing to acknowledge the Japanese
side of me..
.
.
.
DAY 2
Today I was wearing a traditional light pink
Kimono dress with an Obi belt tied around it,
and closed it off with geta sandals.
A lot of people had left today.
Nongcebo:Hay this is still weird.
Langelihle:What are you talking about?
Nongcebo:That you are half-Japanese. Just
imagine if Ataru’s genes were strong, you would
be having China eyes. Do you know what you
are going to say?
I laughed at her.
Langelihle:Let’s just go, I know what to say.
Ataru will be the one speaking.
Nongcebo:Huh!?
Langelihle:Never mind.
We went to the other side of the royal house,
and Gobi was already there. There was a small
mat for me to kneel on and a Shinto alter.
I knelt on it.
Gobi:You will lead us here.
I nodded and started.
I said a little prayer and asked everyone to bow
before the Shinto alter.
Me and Mlando presented food to the alter, rice,
vegetables, salt, seaweed but not animal meat.
I recited the (norito) prayer.
Langelihle: Takaamahara Ni Kami Tsumari
masu.
Kamurogi Kamuromi no Mikoto wo Mochite
Sumemioya Kamu Izanagi No Mikoto
Tsukushi No Himuka No Tachihana No Odo No
Ahagi Hara Ni Misogi Harai Tamau Toki Ni
Narimaseru Haraidono Ookami Tachi
Moromoro No Magagoto Tsumi Kegare Wo
Harai Tamae Kiyome Tamae To Mousu Koto No
Yoshi Wo
Tamatsu Kami Kunitsu Kami Yaoyorozu No
Kamitachi Tomomi
Ameno Huchikoma No Mimi Furitatete
Kikoshimese To
Kashikomi Kashikomi Mo Maosu.

After that, we placed offerings on the alter,

using little branches of the evergreen tree.

I placed the offerings inside the Shinto and

closed it.
Mlando and others took everything inside and
we went to the tent to feast, a naorai.
“I have no idea what was that.”,Nongcebo
whispers to my ear.
Langelihle:*Laughing* I also have no idea.
She laughed. Langelihle Hinode-Hlatshwayo! It
does have a nice ring to it.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Langelihle was the main topic. She has been
trending since yesterday, everyone is talking
about the new Queen of Elangeni. Her
coronation livestream has over a million views.
The part of today confused me a bit, I didn’t
understand a thing they were doing. And the
dress she wore, looks like those dresses you
see in movies worn by Chinese.
I place the tablet away and check on Banele. He
was still sleeping. I can’t believe I was so
reckless around him. It’s time to get my life in
control and forget about Sondela because
honestly I don’t see how it will work.
The times I visited him on the hospital, it
showed he doesn’t remember me and there
was no chemistry between us. I doubt he would
still want to be with me.
*Shakes head* I am looking at the posts that
Virgin sent me about job vacancies. I meet half
of the requirements so let me apply and see
how it goes.
.
.
.
To be continued….
LANGELIHLE #44
I woke up smiling the following day. My heart is
dancing with joy. I went to check on my dad. I
didn’t have time to speak to them yesterday.
Bheki:You looked really beautiful yesterday.
Langelihle:Thank you, I looked for you but I
couldn’t find you.
Bheki:It was a busy day so it’s understandable.
I’m so proud of you my sun, I’m beaming with
pride and joy.
Langelihle:Thank you too for finding me those
many years ago. You gave me a sense of
belonging, I didn’t grow up feeling left out.
Thank you so much.
Bheki:If I had known you were royalty, I would
have tried harder to find your family.
Langelihle:It’s okay dad, you did your best to
raise me. I’ll never forget you I promise.
Bheki:I’m glad to hear that.
Langelihle:Did the others leave?
Bheki:Yes, I’m also on my way.
Langelihle:Okay safe travels. I love you.
Bheki:I love you too my daughter.
I left him and went back inside.
Ataru:Something doesn’t feel right.
Langelihle:What are you talking about?
Ataru:I don’t know but something isn’t right.
Langelihle:We just had a successful ceremony
Ataru, let us have at least 5 minutes of
happiness.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Since it is the weekend, I decided to do a spring
cleaning.
But my mind was thinking of something, I put
the broom away and took my phone. I sat down
and dialled Langelihle.
Langelihle:Hello..
She sounds happy, who wouldn’t be after being
crowned King?
Zimthele:Hi it’s Zimthele.
Langelihle:Oh how are you?
Zimthele:I am fine, how are you?
Langelihle:I’m good.
Zimthele:I’m calling about Sondela, to find out
how he is doing.
Langelihle:He’s doing better, in no time he will
be strong as an ox. You can come and see him
if you wish.
She’s so kind.
Zimthele:Thank you. I wanted to bring the kids
to him, they have been asking of him. So uhm..
You didn’t tell him that.. Bayanda is not his son?
Langelihle:I believe that’s between you and him,
so if anyone should tell him it’s you. And I would
advise you to tell him, it’s our lies that led him to
the state he’s in.
Zimthele:I hear you, I will tell him.
I said goodbye and hung up…
A knock from the door brought me back to
reality.
I went to answer it and I was surprised to see
Sana with two women by him and a police
officer. What’s happening?
I looked at Sana and he had a smirk on his face.
Zimthele:Can I help you?
“You are Zimthele Mthembu?”, one woman
asked me.
I nodded yes.
“We are here to take a Bayanda Mthembu away
from you. We have every reason to believe he
belongs to this man here, and that this isn’t a
safe environment for a child.”
Zimthele:Safe environment… what are you
talking about?
“Mem please get the child. We do not have all
day.”
Zimthele:No Bayanda is my son. Sana has been
absence half his life.
“And who’s fault was that? Weren’t you the one
who withheld the information from him that he
has a son? And you have the nerve to blackmail
him into sending you money so he can see his
son. Is that fair to you?”
Zimthele:Look can we at least reach an
agreement that he will see his son on chosen
days. I can’t just give my baby to him, I don’t
know who he stays with.
“Mr Dlamini do you agree with that?”
Sana:If she promises its fine..
.
.
.
Thembalihle, the only son and Prince of King
Fisokwakhe and Queen Thembi of Zwelicebile
Kingdom; he steps into his parents’ room and
bows as respect.
Thembalihle:My king and My Queen, you called
for me?
Fisokwakhe:Yes son sit down.
He sat on the chair and waited to hear what his
parents have to say.
Fisokwakhe:You remember the stories we used
to tell you long ago about the supernatural
people who have powers of the sun?
Thembalihle:Yes I remember those tales.
Fisokwakhe:They were not tales, they were real..
Thembalihle gasps shocked.
Fisokwakhe:A new Queen was crowned this
week, and she is of no husband.
Thembalihle:I don’t understand where you are
going with this dad..
Fisokwakhe:Me and your mother think it’s best
if you court her and form an alliance between
her kingdom and ours.
Thembalihle:Court her as in like marry her?
Fisokwakhe:Yes, she’s royalty and you are
royalty. It will make things easier for the two of
you. Remember Thembalihle, you have to wed
someone who is royalty not a commoner.
Those are the rules, and what better than an
almighty powerful Queen yaseMalangeni?
Thembalihle:I hear you dad, I shall do as the
King and Queen wish..
His parents smile and nod to each other.
Thembalihle is an obedient son, he does what
his parents ask of him without any hesitation.
They trust him that he will marry Langelihle.
.
.
.
Sondela wheels himself outside to the garden,
it’s his favorite place. It gives him space to think
clearly about his life.. He wishes he could at
least get his memories back, so he can feel and
sense the type of person he is. Because right
now, it feels like he’s occupying someone else’s
body..
Langelihle comes to him.
Langelihle:There you are, I’ve been looking for
you.
She says and touches him on his shoulders but
quickly remove her hand.
Sondela:Just wanted some air.
Langelihle:Are you going to tell me what’s
bothering you?
Sondela:Nothing is bothering me.
Langelihle:Sondela I’m your wife, I know you
better than everyone. Talk to me what’s wrong.
Sondela:Okay, I feel like a burden to you and I’m
scared to lose you. I know you won’t look after
me forever, you also have your Kingdom to lead
and we_
He twitches his face..
Sondela:And we can’t be together because I’m
no royalty. I feel like a disabled orphan whereas
my parents are alive. I don’t know where to from
here..
Langelihle:I wouldn’t have brought you here if I
was going to abandon you later. I’m not leaving
you.
Sondela:But you are a Queen Langelihle, you
can’t be with me..
Langelihle:*Sighs* I can, only if you take my
surname.
Sondela:What?
Langelihle:It’s the only way we can be together,
for you to take my surname.
Sondela:Anything Langalami, I would do
anything just to be with you.
Langelihle:Then stop stressing. We are in no
rush, let everything unfold by itself.
He nodded.
Langelihle:I will go and get you some snacks.
She left. Sondela smiled hearing that he has to
take her surname. Once their union is bound,
nothing can break it.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I am in the kitchen making something to eat.
The royal house was quiet today. All the guests
have left.
Ataru:I’m telling you, something is not right.
She has been saying that for a week after the
coronation.
I also feel that something is wrong, maybe it’s
my father. But he must worry not, he’ll find me
waiting for him. I’m ready to get rid of him.
Langelihle:How far is he?
Ataru:Close, very close. He’ll be here any day.
Langelihle:I know he’ll bring an army. I will get
the warriors ready.
Ataru:Where will you get them?
Langelihle:All the people who reside at Elangeni.
We are all warriors.
Ataru:Be careful.
Langelihle:I will, it’s time to end this and let me
enjoy reigning.
.
.
.
AT Mthembu’s house.
Mthembu:I’m telling you, that’s not our son.
MaMthembu:But it looks bad that we haven’t
even called to check in on him. We didn’t even
go to Langelihle coronation.
Mthembu:Mlamuli went on our behalf. Call if
you want to, all I know is, my son is gone. That
person is not Sondela.
MaMthembu sighed looking at her husband.
Mthembu was struggling with believing that it
was Sondela, because of his current condition.
She wishes to go to his son and embrace him,
tell him that everything is okay. But she can’t go
against her husband’s words.
.
.
.
THEMBALIHLE
I have arrived at this place, “Elangeni”. Most of
the village looks like it’s still under construction..
I was driven to the royal house to meet the
Queen.
We arrived and the royal house looked breath-
taking and big, bigger than my family’s royal
house..
The guards at the gate gave me a hard time but
when I told them who I was, they let me in. I
was walking with my two guards.
We went inside and my guards knocked.
A young lady opened for us and told us to come
in. She bowed when she noticed who I was.
“I will get the Queen for you. You may take a
seat.”, she told me.
I sat down on the couch. Seconds later, a
servant came with refreshments and placed
them on the table.
I took a sip and put the glass back, and waited
for her Royal Highness. She graced me with her
presence and I stood up to welcome her. Well
I’ll be damned! She looks so beautiful. I got lost
in her sight that I didn’t even hear her calling me.
She welcomed me to her kingdom and allowed
me to sit down. I was looking at her, I’m
probably coming across as creepy but I can’t
take my eyes off this beauty. Coming here I
thought I wouldn’t like the person I see, but I
love what I see. And she looks like she has a
kind heart.
.
.
.
To be continued….
LANGELIHLE #45
LANGELIHLE
We were visited by a prince from Zwelicebile
Kingdom, his name is Thembalihle. He seems
like a great person but a mommy’s boy. He kept
on mentioning his mother on every sentence,
but that is of no concern to mine. He pledged to
make an investment as he noticed that our
village is under construction. I won’t say no to
money, so I gave him the details.
Thembalihle:This is a beautiful place My Queen.
Langelihle:Please call me Langelihle.
He smiled.
Thembalihle:I will let my mother know that my
journey here was successful..
See what I meant? Mommy’s boy.
Langelihle:What exactly brought you here? If
you don’t mind me asking.
Thembalihle:I heard about a new Queen being
crowned from a kingdom that has been quiet
for years.
Langelihle:I see.
Thembalihle:So any special person to rule by
your side?
I laughed.
Langelihle:There is a potential someone.
Thembalihle:So that means I still stand a
chance?
Langelihle:A chance to what?
Thembalihle:To be that potential someone.
Langelihle:*Blushing*Please..
Thembalihle:So I do stand a chance?
Langelihle:I don’t know, maybe.
Thembalihle:So can I stay here for a while? This
place looks beautiful and I would love to explore,
only if you have no problem with it.
Langelihle:Of course, there are many rooms in
the royal house. We will be happy to host you.
His phone rang, he looked at it and his smile
disappeared.
Thembalihle:I have to take this.
He stepped a bit far from me.
Langelihle:Do you trust him?
Ataru:He doesn’t seem harmful.
Langelihle:I haven’t sensed anything off about
him either.
Ataru:He’s here to try his luck in marrying the
Queen.
I laughed.
Langelihle:Let him try..
.
.
.
MLAMULI
Mom called me home.
MaMthembu:Thank you for coming son.
Mlamuli:I couldn’t say no. Where is dad?
MaMthembu:He went out to run some errands. I
need to talk to you about Sondela.
Mlamuli:What about him?
MaMthembu:How is he doing?
Mlamuli:Getting better.
MaMthembu:Your father is having a hard time
accepting his condition.
Mlamuli:Why? He doesn’t believe it’s Sondela?
Mom:No he knows it’s him, but he can’t accept
the state he’s in. He’s looking for ways to push
him out.
Mlamuli:But it still doesn’t make it right. Dad
literally wanted to kill Sondela before he could
even wake up, and when he woke up he made a
decision kill him because he was paralyzed.
Mom:But you also saw for yourself Mlamuli,
there was no hope for him back then. Doctors
said he stayed up all night crying of pain. Was
he going to stay like that for the rest of his life?
Your father thought he was doing the best for
him..
.
.
.
VIRGIN
We just moved in at our new house. It’s a
simple four-roomed house outside the township.
The kids look happy that they will finally sleep
on their own beds.
I’m happy to, I’ll get to move freely on my own
kitchen. It was nice staying at my mother’s
house but we had to move out at some point.
Virgin:Thank you. It is amazing.
I say and wrap my arms around him.
Phil:I told you we would get out of there soon. If
all goes well, we may move to a bigger house
next year.
Phil’s construction business was going so well,
better than expected. In fact, it was incredibly
amazing. They got a contract to build houses at
Elangeni. Zimthele sister wife’s kingdom. I
couldn’t be more happy for him.
Now I see that when you are determined and
focused you can change your life, without
expecting anyone to come and save you. It’s
every man for himself on this world we have
had a taste of how cruel the world is.
As for me, I’m still a packer but I am not
planning to be one forever. Next year I want to
study, I only have Matric.
But I want some distance online learning thing,
just to get myself a qualification of some sort. I
have learnt my lesson, I’m never depending on
someone again.
Virgin:Let me go for grocery shopping. Can you
give me your card?
I gave him puppy eyes.
Phil:*Laughing* Do not spend it all.
Virgin:I won’t, why don’t we all go together?
It’s always nice to shop with your family. We
called the kids and got ready to go.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Zimthele:So you remember Uncle Sana right?
Bayanda:Yes..
Zimthele:Well he is.. He is your father….
Bayanda:My father?
He asked confused.
Zimthele:Yes he is your father. He’ll be here
soon.
Bayanda:So daddy is not my father?
Zimthele:Don’t think too much. You can call him
uncle if you want, but he is your father.
He nodded.
Bayanda:When am I seeing him?
Zimthele:He’ll be here to fetch you.
Bayanda:Okay..
.
.
.
THEMBALIHLE
It seems like this will be an easy job after all. I
think I have made a good first impression.
My phone vibrates and I quickly answer the
message. I put the phone back to my pocket.
A man in a wheelchair comes to where I am.. I
look at him sternly, he doesn’t break the eye
contact.
Thembalihle:I am Thembalihle, Prince of
Zwelicebile Kingdom.
“Oh I see the two of you have met.”, said
Langelihle coming behind us.
Langelihle:This is Sondela, and Sondela this is
Thembalihle. He is visiting from Zwelicebile.
Sondela:Nice to meet you.
Thembalihle:Likewise.
.
.
.
MDABULI
He is sitting on the bed, nursing his burning leg.
Another supernatural hunt that went well.
Mkoti:You should be saving your strength. Stop
hunting for a while.
Mdabuli:I can’t, this is the only life I know.
Mkoti:What’s your plan? Your daughter is now
the Queen.
Mdabuli:Told you I have a backup plan, and it is
already in motion.
Mkoti:Let’s hope it won’t be another failure.
Mdabuli:It won’t. Trust me. She won’t be
expecting it.
Mkoti looks at him and shakes his head. He
knows his plan will fail but doesn’t tell him. He
long lost hope that they could ever get rid of
Langelihle.
.
.
.
SONDELA
What I have been afraid of is coming to pass.
This prince who arrived here, already Langelihle
is smiling and laughing with him. I saw the way
he looked at her, he wants her. And it won’t be
long until she warms up to him.
I wheel myself around and hear laughing
coming from outside.
It’s them, they are laughing like old pals. She’s
even holding him. I feel a sting of jealousy
within me.
I don’t stand a chance here. The dude looks
loaded, he can walk and he is royalty. No
wonder they hit it off so smoothly.
LANGELIHLE #46

SONDELA
The doctor was here to check up on me and see
my progress.
Doc:Well all seems fine Mr Mthembu, your
hands are still freezing?
Sondela:From time to time.
Doc:Your dislocations have healed, and the
damage to your brain was temporary so it’s
healed and it was grade III.
Sondela:Does that mean I will get my memories
back?
Doc:Eventually, but it won’t be now.
He touches my legs and turns them towards
each other.
Doc:You need to go to a hospital and get some
X-rays so we can see how your legs are.
I nod.
Doc:When is your appointment for the hip
replacement?
Sondela:It is tomorrow.
Doc:Okay, I will be there. It won’t take long.
Sondela:Thank you.
Doc:How is your neck since we removed the
collar?
Sondela:Much better, I can move it freely.
Doc:Okay, I will see you tomorrow. I think you
can remove the cast now on your leg.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
It has been amazing having Thembalihle here.
It’s nice to get someone who relates to this
royal thing.
Today I don’t have much to do, except going to
the clinic site and find out how far they are.
Though I doubt there’s much that is done.
Thembalihle insisted to go with me. I agreed
and went with him.
Thembalihle:So they are building it straight from
the ground?
Langelihle:Yes, it will take long.
Thembalihle:Maybe you should hire more
people.
Langelihle:No, I don’t want them to feel
pressurized. They finished the school on record
time. I will let them do their job.
Thembalihle:Wow you really are a Queen.
Langelihle:I’m sure your Kingdom is also great.
Thembalihle:It is, but I’m not involved in many
decisions making, because my father is still
very much hands on.
Langelihle:So you are not the next in line to the
throne?
Thembalihle:I am, I’m the only son they have.
My siblings are girls.
Langelihle:I’m surprised they haven’t found a
wife for you.
Thembalihle:*Laughing* Trust me, they’ve tried
before, many times. But I wasn’t ready to get
married, but due to recent events I think I am
ready. How about you?
Langelihle:Well I was married before I found out
I was royalty, but turns out I wasn’t meant for
him and our union wasn’t blessed by my
ancestors.
Thembalihle:Are you looking forward to getting
married now?
Langelihle:Maybe, I don’t know. But I would like
to enjoy a single life a bit. My last marriage had
its own complications, and I think I just need to
get a break a little while.
Thembalihle:I hear you, and I think it’s a good
thing. So that you can enter a new relationship
with a new mind and peace.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Nambita was showing me how to apply at Unisa,
she told me that applications for next year were
still open. She is also studying there, I don’t
know how she juggles work and studies..
An email comes through confirming my
application.
Nambita:And we are done.
Virgin:Thank you Nam Nam.
Nambita:It’s a pleasure, studying while working
is best. The workload does get too much at
times but when you tell yourself that you want
this you will make it work. I’m on my third year
now. Soon I’ll be graduating and it will be worth
it.
Virgin:At least you are almost done and you can
leave this job. The customers are rude yeer!
Nambita:Tell me about it, but as long as I get
paid. I will take it..
Me and Nambita have gotten close since I
started working here.
.
.
.
Zimthele throws away the paper and it falls on
the other pile of papers she has been throwing
for the past hour. She’s trying to write an
application letter but is failing miserably, and
she can’t even find her Matric Certificate nor her
Identity Document(ID). She has been on the
internet all day trying to see how to write a CV
but nothing.
She decides to call Virgin and ask her to come
over after work so she can help her.
Maybe she’ll be helpful because right now, she
is stuck.
Bayanda left with Sana to formally introduce
him to his parents.
Banele is forever sleeping, that she sometimes
wake him up.
She makes a mentally note to let Langelihle
know that she will be arriving soon to see
Sondela.
.
.
.
The following day, Langelihle and Sondela left
for the hospital. Thembalihle walked around the
royal house admiring the place. The garden
looked so peaceful that you can even nap while
standing next to it.
He goes back inside to the throne room, his
eyes land to the sceptre and he walks towards
it.
He touches it but get zapped and he quickly
remove his hand. He takes a good look at it.
“Uhm what are you doing there?”, he got
frightened by Nongcebo asking him that. She
looked at him suspiciously.
Thembalihle:Oh I was just looking around, I
hope I didn’t overstep my boundaries..
Nongcebo:Your Highness the Queen is the only
one who touches the sceptre, it obeys her
commands.
He nods..
Thembalihle:I didn’t know, I’m sorry.
He quickly walks out.
Nongcebo fixes the chair and shakes her head,
she doesn’t like this Prince who just came out
of nowhere. He is too suspicious, there is a war
brewing and she doesn’t trust anyone. What if
he was sent by Mdabuli or he has other ulterior
motives? She will keep an eye on him. But she
won’t tell the Queen, because Langelihle trusts
everyone, she won’t see what she’s seeing.
She sneaks into Lwando’s room and they giggle.
They have been dating secretly behind
everyone’s back.
Mlando:You said you were going to get ice
cream for us.
Nongcebo:I forgot. I found the Prince snooping
around Sis Langa’s sceptre.
Mlando:What did he want there?
Nongcebo:He said he was just looking around. I
don’t trust him.
Mlando:Is there anyone that you trust?
Nongcebo:I’m telling you, something is off
about him. I don’t know what it is but something
is amiss. He just showed up out of nowhere,
and already Sis Langa is smiling with him.
Maybe he used a love potion on her.
Mlando:Yoo Nongcebo!
Nongcebo:I will keep an eye on him.
.
.
.
Mdabuli shoves his weapons inside his bag.
Mkoti:Where are you going now?
Mdabuli:I heard there’s some supernatural
activity happening elsewhere. My men are ready
to go.
Mkoti:Mhh okay, what about Langelihle?
Mdabuli:Don’t worry yourself about her.
Mkoti:Tell me your plan.
Mdabuli:You remember what I asked you to do
months back?
Mkoti:Yes.
He laid out his plan to him.
Mkoti:It might work.
Mdabuli:It will, I need to go. We need to be there
by dawn.
Mkoti:Mdabuli you need a son, someone who
will continue this work should anything happen
to you.
Mdabuli:Nothing will happen to me and I don’t
need a son. I don’t want to have another child
that I will have to hunt like I am doing with
Langelihle.
Mkoti:I hear you.
He walks out and Mkoti continues watching
what is happening at the royal house using his
dark magic mirror.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
His surgery was done over an hour ago and now
they are doing x-rays to check if his bones have
completely healed.
I was called in by his doctor, we have a new
doctor, not that one who was in cahoots with
Mthembu to kill Sondela.
Doc:From his x-rays, it looks like everything is
good to go. His fibula is fine, so we can remove
the cast. I think he can start doing
physiotherapy now, he was able to take a step
today.
Langelihle:Really?
I asked in disbelief, a part of me feeling guilty. I
promised him that I would heal him but I haven’t
done anything to try.
Doc:Yes, he may not be able to walk completely,
but he can walk with crutches. I’m impressed
with your progress Sondela, when I first
examined you I thought you wouldn’t make it.
But you are healing and you will be okay, I don’t
know whether it’s the extra work of God and the
ancestors or what. Apologies if I’m offending
you.
Langelihle:No it’s okay. Thank you very much
Doc.
He continued updating me, and I got thirsty. I
went outside to get some water but someone
bumped into me so hard that I almost fell.
“I’m so sorry.”, she apologized repeatedly.
Langelihle:It’s okay, it was a mistake..
She walked away like someone was chasing her.
I continued with my path of finding water.
.
.
.
THEMBALIHLE
I was on the phone with my mom.
Thembi:So how is it going?
Thembalihle:We hit it off the first day I arrived. It
will take some time, but I believe I will get her to
trust me.
Thembi:And once the two of you are married, it
will be easier to move along with the plan.
Thembalihle:I won’t disappoint you mother.
Thembi:Make me proud son.
I smiled and hung up.
I went back inside and stopped when I was felt
like someone was behind me. I didn’t see
anyone so I continued walking, to the room I’m
using.
.
.
To be continued….
LANGELIHLE #47
SEASON FINALE.

Days later…
THEMBALIHLE
I was still here “visiting”. Everything is going
well. I can’t figure out the relationship between
Langelihle and the man in the wheelchair,
Sondela. They sleep in the same room and are
always so cosy. I’ve never asked because I
don’t want to seem nosy. But he doesn’t stand a
chance, I’ve managed to swoop Langelihle
under my charm. One of these days I’m going to
admit my feelings to her and she’ll be too deep
in love with me.
I fold my clothes and pack them to the
wardrobe, I’m used to doing things on my own
so I don’t depend on anyone for everything.
I heard a knock and I told whoever it was to
come in.
Nongcebo entered.
Nongcebo:Your Highness.
She bowed.
Thembalihle:Yes how may I help you?
Nongcebo:I’ve come to let you know that lunch
is ready.
Thembalihle:Thank you, I am coming now.
She left. This one has been snooping around
me. She is suspicious of me, she must think I
have ulterior motives for coming here.
I finished folding my clothes and left for the
lunch. They were already seated.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Virgin really did help me with the CV but I
haven’t found my matric certificate and my ID. I
don’t even remember where I put my
documents, this is just a mess. An ID I can redo,
but the Matric certificate, I don’t know how I will
get it back. Kodwa how can I lose such
important documents!?

Anyway, I came to see my mother. I need to

apologize for the way I spoke to her that day. It
was no excuse, mom did everything to ensure
that we have good lives.
I sit shyly on the couch and look at her. She is
so unbothered and is watching the TV freely.
Zimthele:Mom…
She ignored me and continued watching TV.
Zimthele:Mama I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to talk
to you like that. I was stressed and I shouldn’t
have taken out my frustrations on you.
Gladys:I have nothing to say to you Zimthele,
next thing you will be telling me that you don’t
beg for my forgiveness. So do as you please my
daughter. It’s your life, I did my best to raise and
you threw that to my face. So good luck.

Is my mother giving up on me? What have I

done?
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
My soul wasn’t at ease, I feel like something
bad is about to happen I don’t know what. I
have bad dreams at night that I can’t interpret. I
don’t feel even so good. I don’t know what’s
causing this. Gobi can’t find anything wrong,
same as Ataru.
The only good thing happening is that Sondela
is doing well. He is starting physio in a few days.
The person who will help him will come here
and do the work.
Sondela:I can’t wait to walk again.
Langelihle:Me too.
I force a smile and continue with what I was
doing. I have tried putting my hands on him but
nothing happens. I guess I’m not meant to heal
him.
Sondela:Hey are you okay?
Langelihle:I’m okay.
Sondela:I feel like something is bothering you.
Langelihle:Nah don’t worry yourself about it.
Sondela:Okay so… what is happening between
you and the “prince”?
Langelihle:Nothing is happening, he’s just a
friend. Why do you ask?
Sondela:I don’t know but there’s just something
about him, I don’t know what it is.
Langelihle:Thembalihle is a Prince, you wouldn’t
get it.
Sondela:Oh, I’m sorry.
I realized that might have been mean.
Langelihle:I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.
Sondela:How did you mean it?
Langelihle:I mean he’s royalty and he
understands me better in a way that you won’t.
Sondela:Wow. Let me leave.
He wheeled himself away and I rubbed my eyes
in frustration. That came out so wrong.
I ran after him.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Zimthele says she lost her documents, her ID
and Matric Certificate. Honestly how can you
lose such important things? They are literally
your life. That girl is losing it, she didn’t even
know where to start creating a CV. I had to take
her through the process step by step. I don’t
know how she will get her certificate because
she doesn’t even has a copy, and she
matriculated years ago I don’t know if she can
still get it. She should ransack her house and
look for it, maybe she misplaced it somewhere.
.
.
.
SONDELA
My head felt like it was exploding today, I kept
having little flashbacks that I couldn’t make out
what they mean.
“I promise to love and honour you, treat you
with respect and to never hurt you.”
“I can’t believe you want a second wife. After
everything we have been through.”
“Do you even still love me?”

I held my hand in pain and frustration, I kept

reliving whatever those memories were.
My mind is still stuck on what Langelihle said,
that Thembalihle is a prince and he gets her
more than I could. This guy just came out of
nowhere to snatch her away from me. I can’t let
that happen.

I can’t wait to get my life back on track. My

parents? I’m sad that they haven’t called to
check on how I’m doing. I don’t understand the
reason behind that.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Virgin said I should ransack the house and bring
the house upside down, so I’m doing exactly
that. After hours of searching, I finally find them.
I sit on the bed relieved and open them. They
were still intact. I sent Virgin a text that I’ve
found them, now I need to make copies and
apply as quickly as possible..
Bayanda is still visiting Sana.
I haven’t told anyone about Bayanda’s origin. I
don’t think they deserve to know, Sondela is the
only one who deserves to know. Not them,
they’ve shown quite clearly that they don’t care
so I won’t bother.
.
.
.
Langelihle goes out to find Sondela so that she
can apologize for the way she spoke to him.
She meets Thembalihle by the door and they
share a brief look.
She feels her legs wobbling and balances with
the walls.
Thembalihle holds her.
Thembalihle:Whoa are you okay?
Langelihle:Yeah I’m just tired… have you seen
Sondela?
Thembalihle:He’s by the garden.
Langelihle:Okay thank you.
She quickly goes away from him and finds
Sondela.
Langelihle:Hey..
Sondela:Hi.
Langelihle:So about what I said earlier, I’m sorry.
I didn’t mean to put it like that…
Sondela:It’s fine, I get what you were saying.
He touches his sweating forehead.
Langelihle:What’s wrong?
Sondela:I keep having flashbacks, I think it’s
one of my memories I don’t know. But my head
is pounding.
Langelihle looks at him in shock and surprise.
Langelihle:You’re getting your memories back?
Sondela:I don’t know, but I don’t want to bring
my hopes up for nothing because it could be
nothing.
.
.
.
To be continued….
You guys really grate my heart when it comes to
😔
sponsors but ke I will deliver because I can't
punish everyone because of some people who
don't want to do the right thing.

https://www.facebook.com/100008389909500
/posts/3298889167067381/?app=fbl
LANGELIHLE #48
SEASON FINALE.
Weeks later.

SONDELA
I was now able to take slow walks, I’m no longer
using a wheelchair but crutches. It’s better,
much better. My memories keep flashing day by
day, I remember a few stuff. I also remember
the day of the accident that led me to be like
this, I found out that Langelihle was planning to
steal Zimthele’s baby and that Zimthele lied
about Bayanda being mine, I then drove out to
calm myself down. But I got into an accident. If
only I didn’t leave, things wouldn’t be messed
up like this. But it happened and we can’t
change the past, we only have to find a way to
move forward.
That Thembalihle is still here, I don’t know why.
I’ve never seen a long visit like this. And the
dude is creepy, he’s always snooping around. I
don’t know what’s the deal with him.
I take the glass with water and go back to the
bedroom.
I put a straw inside it and she sipped through it.
“Thank you”, she thanked me with her muzzy
and dazed voice.
I brushed her forehead and she went back to
sleep.
Well, Langelihle haven’t been feeling well for
weeks now. She can’t get out of bed, she can’t
talk for long as she runs out of breath and gets
tired. I don’t know what’s wrong with her, we
called the doctor and she didn’t see anything.
Gobi can’t also tell, I hate seeing her like this.
She looks so weak and out of strength.
.
.
.
NONGCEBO
She sneaks behind Thembalihle after she heard
his phone ringing. He was standing over the
balcony.
He answers it and speaks to whomever was
calling him.
Thembalihle:I haven’t found the room..
……
Thembalihle:Yes I know we are running out of
time.
……
Thembalihle:This is taking too long mother,
father will start suspecting us.
……
Thembalihle:Okay I hear you, I’ll try harder.
She’s sick yes.
….
Thembalihle:Bye…
He hung up and sighs. Nongcebo sensed that
he was stressed.
She cleared her throat and decided to confront
him.
He jumped a little, since he thought he was
alone here.. Thembalihle:Uhh how long have
you been standing there?
Nongcebo:Long enough to confirm my
suspicions. What exactly do you want here?
Thembalihle:Look this is all a misunderstanding.
He laughs nervously..
Nongcebo takes out her phone
Nongcebo:I recorded you, I will take this to the
Queen and elders and you will be banished
forever in this Kingdom.
Out of panic, he moves towards her to snatch
the phone but Nongcebo backs away and move
towards to where he was standing.
Nongcebo:You won’t get it.
Thembalihle:Just give me the phone.
He moves towards her and pins her against the
wall. They struggle for a few seconds fighting
for the phone, until he accidentally pushes her
over the balcony and she falls all the way down
to the ground.
Thembalihle looks over to where she fell and
there was blood surrounding her and she
looked dead. He picked up the phone and
checked for the recording but there wasn’t any.
“Damn it!”, he cussed.
He ran to his room and wiped his fingerprints
off the phone. He was excessively sweating and
scared. He wore plastics on his hands to use as
gloves, and took a pen and paper, he then
started writing a suicide note. When he was
done, he peeped outside his room if no one was
nearby and it was quiet. He tiptoed to
Nongcebo’s room and placed the note with her
phone and walked out.
He disposed of the plastics and went to his
room thinking about how a terrible accident that
was.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I haven’t been called back for all the interviews
I’ve done maybe I really flopped. Most of them
didn’t go so well, they wanted someone with
experience and I had none. And the questions
they were asking were tricky. Virgin keeps on
encouraging me that it will get better, that I
mustn’t give up. She offered to give me
something, to cook for her husband’s team
when they are working at a faraway place. I’m
still thinking about it. I have a small baby to look
after, so I can’t be away from him for too long.
Banele is growing, too bad his father is not here.
We once went to see him but as usual, it was
awkward. We didn’t hold any conversation, but I
did tell him about Bayanda. I couldn’t tell his
expression so I don’t know whether he’s mad or
what. Elangeni is a beautiful place, it is peaceful.
I heard many people have relocated there since
new houses were built and land was cleared out.
Langelihle really did well, it is excellent I’ll
commend her for that.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
HE was painting my toes and he was failing
miserably. I was laughing at him.
Phil:Stop laughing, you are distracting me.
Virgin:I’m sorry but this is bad.
Phil:So ungrateful.
Virgin:Okay it’s not that bad.
Phil:You’re only saying that to make me feel
better.
Virgin:You know me too well. I’m glad you are
home today.
Phil:Me too, I have missed you.

Phil’s workload was getting too much day by

day. I keep telling him to open an office and hire
more people but he says he’s not ready yet.
.
.
.
MLANDO
I had to turn back the people who were here to
see Sis Langa, she’s not doing okay and the
villagers don’t have to see her like this. Gobi is
trying her best to find out what is wrong, but we
haven’t gotten the answers.
Nongcebo is still suspecting Thembalihle that
he has bad intention. It is seriously weird that
he arrived here and Sis Langa became sick.
Speaking of Nongcebo, where is she?
No one knows that we are dating yet. I walk
back inside and head to her room to look for her.
It was closed, she must be sleeping. I open and
it was empty. I noticed a paper on her bed. I sat
down and unfolded it.
My jaw dropped as I realized what it was, this
was a suicide note. No no no, Nongcebo
wouldn’t do this. We were happy, she was
happy, everything was going so well. I speed
out of the room to look where she is but I hear
loud noise and cries coming from outside. My
heart skips a bit, could they have found her? I
run to the direction of the noise and it was at
the backyard. People were wailing with their
hands on to of their heads.
I moved through them to see what they are
crying about, but I wish I didn’t. A loud cry
escaped my mouth, it was her. It was really her.
“She must have fallen from the balcony”, one of
the people comment.
I kneel next to her and try to wake her up but it
was no use. She’s gone. Her eyes were wide
open, and she was bleeding from her head. If
she really threw herself from the balcony, no
way she could have made it. But I don’t
understand, why would Nongcebo kill herself? It
doesn’t make any sense.
“She’s at a better place ndodana. Let her rest.”
My tears fall on top of her and I close her eyes,
saying goodbye.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I couldn’t feel any limb of my body, and my
tongue feels bitter. I’m drained of all my
strength. I can’t see any vision to help me figure
out what could be causing this. Ataru has also
been quiet, I’ve tried calling out for her. Seems
like I’m alone in this. I still have a mission ahead
of me, how will I fight when I’m weak like this? I
wouldn’t be surprised if this is the work of my
father, he’s trying to weaken me so that I won’t
be strong enough to defeat him. He has a
powerful witch by his side, so anything is
possible for that man. I’ve lost so much weight
that I feel hanged on my clothes.
Sondela was the one taking care of me, he does
everything for me. At least he’s not in a
wheelchair anymore, he’s using crutches and
his progress is impressively amazing.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear, he
enters the room looking rather sad. He moves
his mouth and I can’t hear what he’s saying.
He moves closer to me and snaps his fingers in
front of me.
“I can’t hear you”, I tell him.
I see his lips moving slowly and from what I
could get it seems like something happened
with Nongcebo.
“From the balcony”, his voice spark like a
speaker to my ear.
Langelihle:Now I hear you. What’s wrong with
Nongcebo?
Sondela:She committed suicide. She threw
herself from the balcony.

What!?
.
.
To be continued…
LANGELIHLE #49
SEASON FINALE.

AT THE ROYAL HOUSE.

Gobi gave me some herbs today and I was able

to walk around, so we can prepare for
Nongcebo’s funeral. I’m still not understanding
how she killed herself, it doesn’t make sense.
Her grandmother has been crying since
morning, I asked Mlando to give me the so
called note.
Mlando:Here it is.
He gave it to me and I read it..
“Dear everyone, I am sorry for the pain I’m about
to cause you. But I can’t take it anymore, I want
to get rid of the pain.
Love Noncebo”
Nongcebo wouldn’t misspell her name like this,
the girl was strict when it came to grammar.
And this letter looks like it was written in a rush.
Langelihle:Did the cameras show anything?
Mlando:No, we hadn’t installed them in the
backyard remember?
Langelihle:Damn it. What do you think
happened here?
Mlando:I don’t know, but Nongcebo has been
suspecting our visitor for weeks, and she
always said he’s up to something. She once
found him trying to lift up your sceptre.
Langelihle:Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?
Mlando:You wouldn’t have taken her serious
anyway.
Langelihle:Excuse me?
Mlando:You trust everyone Langelihle, did you
even take a moment to ask what Thembalihle is
still doing here!? It’s been weeks. Why isn’t he
returning to his kingdom!? Is it just a
coincidence that you got sick immediately after
he arrived? And Nongcebo has suddenly killed
herself, she wouldn’t have done that. She was
happy, everyone was happy. But because we
are led by a stupid Queen, she’s gone and it’s all
you fault!!!
He stormed out of the room and I blinked my
eyes repeatedly. What the hell was that!? Could
Thembalihle really be the cause of all of this!?
Oh my God what if he’s working for my father
and he sent him here to gather Intel or
whatever!!?
“Whoa why is Mlando so angry?”, I look up and
I’m met by Sondela.
Langelihle:He just told me something that made
me realize that I have been letting my guard
down.
Sondela:Is it about the Prince?
Langelihle:Did everyone know about him?
I asked feeling stupid.
Sondela:I had my suspicions but given the way
you told me off the other day, I decided to keep
my mouth shut.
Langelihle:I’m a bad leader. What was I thinking?
That I could lead a kingdom? I’m not good
enough. An enemy entered the royal grounds
and I did nothing, because I was too blind to see.
Sondela:Hey, stop talking like that. Your
weakness is that you see the best in everyone,
that’s how you were made. And there’s nothing
wrong with that. But you should always be
alarmed, if this person really is not here on
good terms he would have harmed many
people and you wouldn’t have noticed.
Langelihle:I hear you. I know what to do.
Sondela:That’s more like it.
He held my hand for a while.
I was feeling better today, but I’m still weak. I
wore my royal attire and asked everyone to the
throne room, including Thembalihle. I sat on the
chair.
Langelihle:Thank you to everyone for coming.
One of us have departed this world, and left us
with a wound. Though her demise is still
questionable, we have a suspect..
I shifted my eyes to Thembalihle and he was
sweating. He looked nervous. I pointed my
sceptre at him and it glowed at his direction.
People gasped and whispered, some moving
away from him.
Langelihle:Thembalihle, what do you have to
say for yourself? The sceptre deems you guilty.
What were your intentions for coming to this
Kingdom?
He stood up.
Thembalihle:Look it was all an accident… I
didn’t mean to… I.. Uh…. It was a mistake..

He was breathing heavily and suddenly he ran

out. The royal guards brought him back.
Langelihle:Take him to the royal prison, so long
we will call his parents and he will answer to his
crimes.
.
.
.
Zimthele:I just don’t understand, it’s been
weeks but nothing. I’m starting to lose hope.
Virgin:I told you to not give up. It will work out,
don’t worry.
Zimthele:I hope so.
Virgin:What’s going on vele between you and
Sondela?
Zimthele:Nothing really, I’m thinking of
divorcing him.
Virgin:Divorce whoa!?
Zimthele:Yeah I don’t know V, but I think I have
fallen out of love with him. I just don’t feel him
anymore.
Virgin:Are you serious about this?
Zimthele:Yes, maybe I never even loved him I
don’t know. Sondela when he first approached
me, he seemed rich and wealthy. He looked fit
to take care of me in all aspects of life. Him
being away for all these months and not
receiving any money from him, just made me
realize that I was with him for the money. I
mean I even agreed with his father when they
wanted to release him.
Virgin:Well this is new. I don’t know what to say.
Didn’t you know all these years that you don’t
love him? We have been telling you to choose
yourself and leave him but you kept on going
back to him.
Zimthele:Because I didn’t have to think about
what would happen if he were the one to leave
me.
Virgin shook her head in disbelief.
Virgin:It seems like the two of you feel the same
way. Maybe divorce wouldn’t be bad. Mom still
not talking to you?
Zimthele:Nop, I feel bad.
Virgin:You hurt her. She will come around
eventually.
.
.
.
Langelihle takes off the royal attire and places
the sceptre next to her bed. She goes out to
find Mlando, she finds him in his room.
Langelihle:Hey.
Mlando:What do you want?
Langelihle:Hey uhmm I need to apologize. What
you said this morning, you were right. I have
been acting blind, and my kingdom almost
burnt in my presence. I’m sorry for your loss, I
know you loved her. Yes I know, if there is
anything I can do to bring her back I would do it.
I’m really sorry.
Mlando:It’s fine, I took out my frustrations on
you. I am sad that she’s gone, she tried telling
me every day that the prince is up to something
but I always pushed her away. So it’s not
entirely your fault.
Langelihle:I have to go see Gobi.
He nodded and she took slow steps to Gobi’s
hut.
Gobi:My Queen.
Langelihle:Have you found out what’s wrong
with me?
Gobi:Not yet, I don’t see anything..
Langelihle sighed in defeat.
Gobi:This could only mean the ancestors have
been blinded to not see anything, or only see
what people want.
Langelihle:Can anyone do that?
Gobi:Dark magic..
Langelihle:My father, he is working with
someone who is a witch. Maybe it’s him.
Gobi:It could be. They weakened my strength.
Langelihle:Ataru haven’t been speaking for
weeks. I went to the prophecy room but nothing.
I suspect Thembalihle was planted by my father
here. That man just won’t give up.
Gobi:If he did, that means he knows everything
because the prince has been here for a long
time.
Langelihle:He knows my routine, he knows how
the sceptre works, he knows all the rooms in
the palace. How could I have been so stupid?
Gobi:Don’t blame yourself.
Langelihle:I can’t help it Gobi. I promised
everyone that I would be a good leader but I let
my guard down. Just look how weak I am right
now, I can’t even heal myself.
They stayed for a while until she left and went
back inside. She went to the prophecy room,
and the drawing where she defeated Mdabuli
was fading.
“I’m a failure.”, she said to herself.
She knelt down and started praying, pleading
with her God and ancestors to show her the
way.
When she was done, she felt uplifted a bit. She
walked out and went back to her room.
She stood by the door for a few seconds, she
entered and looked around.
“Was someone here?”, she thought to herself.
She removed the sceptre from the bed and
placed it on the drawer. She will stay with it
from now on.
.
.
.
Mdabuli:It is all going according to plan.
Mkoti:I didn’t trust you, but it seems like it is
working after all.
Mdabuli:Balance has to be maintained Mkoti, by
all means.
Mkoti:When are you going to finish her off for
good?
Mdabuli:Soon, very soon.
Mkoti:Hope so, we can’t blind her ancestors for
long. They’re not stupid, they’ll figure it out that
something is wrong.
Mdabuli:You worry too much Mkoti. Even if they
see what’s happening, they can’t stop the storm
that’s coming.
LANGELIHLE #50
SEASON FINALE.
LANGELIHLE
It was a Sunday and we just laid Nongcebo to
rest, it was emotional and sad. Nongcebo was a
loved soul around here, and everyone was sad
over her death. Mlando left the graveyard as
soon as she was lowered to the ground. She
was his love, so the wound is still fresh to him.
On the other hand, Thembalihle’s parents
haven’t showed their faces and it has been a
week. I’m still yet to talk to him, we just have
been busy this week preparing for the funeral.
The guards accompany me to the royal prison
and I ask them to stand a bit far.
Thembalihle:If you are here to kill me, just get it
over and done with.
Langelihle:I just want answers. Who sent you
here? And why did you kill Nongcebo?
Thembalihle:I didn’t kill her, she fell by accident.
Langelihle:And you tried to cover up her death,
even writing a suicide note?
Thembalihle:I panicked. Obviously no one was
going to believe me when I said I pushed her by
accident.
Langelihle:The truth always set you free, now
who sent you?
Thembalihle:If you are not here to kill me, then
I’d like to be left alone.
I sighed, this wasn’t going anywhere.
Langelihle:Your parents are coming tomorrow.
I lied and I saw him change his facial
expression.
Thembalihle:Even father?
Langelihle:Both of them, maybe they will tell me
what you are up to.
He started laughing, he laughed until he
coughed.
Langelihle:What’s so funny?
Thembalihle:You really are a stupid Queen.
Does your brain work?
I was seriously offended, but I kept a straight
face.
Thembalihle:Now your Highness can I be left
alone?
Langelihle:I know you are working with my
father, he sent you here to spy on me. When is
he coming here?
Thembalihle:Like I said, you really are a stupid
Queen.
He continued laughing and turned his back on
me.
I walked out of the prison with a tail between
my legs. I went to my room just to be with
myself. I’m really failing, I’m really failing. I don’t
know what to do. I don’t know what to think. It
hasn’t been even a year since I took the mantle
and already things are falling apart. I have no
guidance, I wish there was a royal School where
they teach you how to be a Queen, I have to do
everything by myself and I am failing.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Bayanda is forever talking about his father, he
looks happy, the happiest he’s ever been since
a long time. Me and Sana have reached an
understanding and we drew up a co-parenting
plan, it works well for the two of us. But with the
way things are going, Bayanda will want to
move in with him soon. Banele is also growing,
he looks so much like Sondela.
I know me and my lawyer had a scene the last
time we met, but she agreed to help me with the
divorce papers.
It’s better now than ever, maybe I will get a little
something. It’s no rocket science that our
marriage long died, way before he even got into
a car accident. I am planning on starting on a
new slate, and I don’t want anything from my
past coming back to bite me. His family will be
happy that I’m out of their lives, especially his
mother and brothers.
These past few weeks made me realize just
how much I have been wasting my life, I wasn’t
the smartest student in school, but my results
were satisfactory. I could have went to college
or got a diploma, but I didn’t. I sat on my bums
and did nothing. Those were the days where
girls would wait for someone to marry them
when they finish school, who will take care of
them. I guess I was waiting for that too..
Meeting Sondela, became just the opportunity
to get that. I just never thought about it because
I was taken care of. But now, I’m seeing things
on a whole new perspective.
.
.
.
MTHEMBU SENIOR
I am ashamed, very ashamed. Embarrassed to
say the least. I heard from Mlamuli that Sondela
can now walk using crutches, and that he is
getting his memories back. After I abandoned
him like that, he is my son and I treated him like
an outcast. It’s just his condition scared me the
first time I saw him, his bones were popping out
and his legs were crossed. I thought there
wasn’t any hope for him, I thought he wouldn’t
make it, I even thought it wasn’t him. But I was
wrong, Sondela has always been a fighter. He
must have been disappointed to find out that I
turned my back on him, I saw the look on his
face when we wanted to “release him from the
pain”, I will never forget it.
“Don’t worry baba, we will talk to him. He will
understand. He’s still our son”, that was my wife.
Mthembu:I doubt he will mama, we haven’t
made contact ever since he left to Elangeni.
MaMthembu:But this is all your fault, I told you
that let’s have faith on our son but you didn’t
want to hear it..
Mthembu:I already blame myself mama.
MaMthembu:Good,so you will sleep at night
knowing you turned your back on your son.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
I think it’s time I change my name, it’s long
overdue. I can’t stand being called Virgin any
longer.
Phil:So we have to go to Northern Cape over the
holidays.
Virgin:Okay, I will file for a leave at work so long..

Phil got a contract on the Northern Cape, to

build a mall imagine! A whole mall! They
contacted him a week ago, someone referred
him.
Virgin:Phil you should open an office I’m telling
you, so that others can continue with the work
while we are in Northern Cape.
Phil:That means I have to hire more people, I
don’t have enough money to pay them.
Virgin:Phil please, I’ve seen your bank balance.
Phil:What were you doing with my bank balance?
Virgin:*Smiling* I was snooping around.
He laughed.
Phil:I forgot to tell you, yesterday I met Tazeen.
Virgin:Tazeen the only one?
Phil:Yep.
Tazeen was the one who tipped the officials
that Phil and others were embezzling money.
Virgin:What did he say?
Phil:Nothing positive, only that I look better than
he expected.
Virgin:I meet his kind everyday at work, I just
ignore them.
Phil:Exactly, they aren’t helping us with anything
anyway.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I was on the phone with Mlamuli and he was
happy that I remember him.
Mlamuli:Oh man, I’m so happy. Finally, I thought
you won’t remember me.
Sondela:Me too, but I remember you. I
remember everyone.
Mlamuli:Wait till I tell everyone about this. So
when are you coming back?
Sondela:Coming back?
Mlamuli:Yeah, do you plan on staying there
forever? I mean you are better now.
Sondela:I still want to be with Langelihle, I know
I hurt her a million times. But I still love her.
Mlamuli:Does she still love you?
Sondela:I never asked her, but I hope so.
Mlamuli:And what about your other wife? And
your children?
Sondela:I can always make plans to see my
kids, I’m not going to be a deadbeat father. And
Zimthele, I am not there anymore.
Mlamuli:You are cutting her loose?
Sondela:It’s for the best. I’m not going to be one
of those people who stay in marriages where
they are not happy because of the kids.
Mlamuli:I hear you, your son is growing and he
looks like you so much.
Sondela:*Smiling*Strong genes, what can I say?
We chatted for a while and I hung up. Now that I
can walk, using crutches, it is time to explore
this place. I haven’t seen all rooms, it looks big.
I am impressed so far with what I see, the
rooms are big. I wonder how these walls stayed
strong after all the destructions caused by
Langelihle’s father. I walked back to the main
floor to rest, I feel like I was running. This place
is big.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I am still cooped in my room, trying to think and
connect the puzzle but nothing comes up. I feel
very dumb. I look at the sceptre and sigh, it is
my only hope now to defeat my father. I doubt
anyone still has the strength to fight, after
Nongcebo’s death.
I lay in bed and close my eyes, hoping to get a
vision or something..
……
Teenager Mdabuli walks to his father’s room
and he finds him preparing for his journey.
Mdabuli:Father may I go with you?
“You disappointed me the Last time I took you
with me.”
Mdabuli:I apologize father, I will not disappoint
again.
“Are you sure?”
Mdabuli:Yes.
“Well then take your things and we will go.”
……
I turned to the other side and waited for another
vision or memory.
………
Mdabuli smears the black paint across his
forehead and he sharpens his knife. His father
comes to him.
“Is that the only weapon you will bring?”
Mdabuli:Yes, it is my best knife.
“Useless, those people have gifts that can send
you flying mid-air and you’re only bringing a
knife. You’re such a disappointment.”
Mdabuli:I will look for other weapons father.
………
I laid diagonally on the bed.
……..
Mdabuli stabs the man repeatedly and snaps
his neck. His father shakes his head not
impressed.
“I can’t believe I have such a weak son. Is that
the best you could do?”
Mdabuli:I only want to impress you father.
………
I sat up straight as those words echoed in my
head. “I only want to impress you father”. I
wanted visions not my father’s early life, no
wonder he turned out like this. His father
pushed him to his limit. Is it really true that we
turn out to be what our parents push us to be? I
have read and watched documentaries of
people who turned out to be serial killers
because of their parents.
LANGELIHLE #51
SEASON FINALE

LANGELIHLE
Sondela looks different these days. He looks
happy, his memories are coming back bit by bit
and he is getting the glimpse of his old life. And
his journey to regaining his walk is amazing, his
hands also no longer freeze.
Langelihle:You look different.
Sondela:*Smiling* What do you mean?
Langelihle:You’re happy.
Sondela:Who wouldn’t be? I’m walking again,
and my memories are coming back.
Langelihle:*Nodding* I’m happy for you.
Sondela:Anyway I wanted to ask you something.
Langelihle:Sure.
Sondela:What is happening between us?
I dropped my eyes down, the conversation I
have been avoiding.
Langelihle:Why are you asking that?
Sondela:I’m just asking because I don’t know
where we are standing, last time you said the
only way we can be together is if I take your
Surname, and I said yes. But ever since the
prince arrived, you have never talked about that
again. I know I love you, a lot. It has always
been you, I can’t live without you Langelihle. Do
you still love me?

I sighed and looked the other way. This wasn’t

the time for this, I’m still very stressed about my
father, my mind can’t think straight.
Langelihle:I still love you Sondela, I will never
stop.
Sondela:I sense a but coming.
Langelihle:With everything that has happened, I
think my main focus should be on my father.
Sondela:I understand, I’m not putting pressure
on you. I just don’t want to lose you.
Langelihle:You won’t. We are bound for life.
Sondela:So your father, why do you call him
your father? Don’t you hate him for all he has
caused on your family?
Langelihle:This must be strange to hear but no,
I don’t hate him. I just don’t have it in me to hate
him, he is a bad man that is known. But he is
still my father. As bad as he is, but his DNA is
running through me.
Sondela:But he killed your family, your entire
family and you have a responsibility to stop him.
Langelihle:That I know my love, but….
Sondela:Talk to me..
Langelihle:I don’t want to do it.
Sondela:You don’t want to do what?
Langelihle:I don’t want to kill him, I don’t want to
dive a sceptre through his heart. I don’t.
I found myself tearing up a bit.
Langelihle:I’m not a killer Sondela, I’ve never
even been involved in a fight. Now I have to kill
someone, not just anyone but my father.
He embraced me and pulled me close to him.
Langelihle:But I will do it, because I don’t want
to disappoint my ancestors, but my heart isn’t in
it. I’ll do it to not be a failure. I’ll do it because
everyone is depending on me.
Sondela:I don’t know much about royalty or
ancestors, but isn’t there a way to stop him
without killing him?
I shook my head while crying.
Langelihle:There isn’t, it’s the only way.
Sondela:I’m sorry Sthandwa sami, I’m really
sorry.
Langelihle:I wish I was just born into a normal
family.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I cover her lower body with the blanket, she has
fallen asleep after the crying session we just
had. She is not doing okay emotionally, I kind of
understand her in a way. I mean finding out that
you have to kill your father so that you can stop
the generational war isn’t easy. She is right
when she said she has never gotten into a fight,
she is always seeking for peace. I just wish
there was another way to do this without killing
him. Isn’t there a prison or something like that?
When you take a life, I don’t think that’s
something you get back from. No matter how
bad that person was, especially your father’s
life.
Does he even feel guilty wherever he is? Does
he have any remorse for the pain he’s caused?
Or is he moving on happily with his life? What
will it take to end this?

“There is a delivery for you outside”, someone

tells me.
I hop to the door and I’m met by a man carrying
papers.
“Good day, you are Mr Mthembu?”
I nod yes.
“You have been served. Please sign here.”
He gives me his clipboard and I sign. He bids
farewell, I take the papers inside and sit down.
I read them and realize that it’s divorce papers
from Zimthele. I didn’t expect this.
I guess I am wife less now, me and Langa also
divorced weeks ago so that she can change her
surname to Hinode-Hlatshwayo. Oh well! From
a polygamist to a divorcé.

I read the terms and conditions and they were

fair. She’s only asking we share equal custody
of the kids and that I don’t stop supporting
them. I was never going to abandon my kids, we
will make it work. I should go and visit them
since I can walk now, and get access to my old
things again.
I walk to the bedroom to check on Langelihle,
and she was still sleeping.
I smiled and kissed her forehead. With Zimthele
asking for a divorce, it just made things easier.
Me and Langa can get on with our lives without
having to worry about anything.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Today I sent the divorce papers to Sondela,
better now than never. He hasn’t called to ask
about them, so I’m assuming he hasn’t read
them or hasn’t received them.

I’m here to see my mother again, I don’t like the

silence treatment I’m getting from her.
I find her watching TV, she loves watching the
news. You can’t separate her from the news.
She turns to me and shakes her head.
Gladys:You again?
At least she’s talking today.
Zimthele:Mom I came to apologize again, I
realize my mistakes. I shouldn’t have talked to
you the way that I did. Please forgive me mom.
She took a deep sigh and looked at me.
Gladys:I long forgave you Zimthele. I’m your
mother and you are my daughter, I can’t stay
angry at you forever. But don’t do what you did
again.
I jumped up to squeeze her into a hug.
Zimthele:Thank you, I won’t.
.
.
.
#Narrated
Mkoti shows Mdabuli the conversation
Langelihle was having with Sondela through his
mirror.
Mdabuli:I’ll be back.
He quickly goes outside. Hearing Langelihle
speaking like that, that she doesn’t want to kill
him moved something inside of him. His chest
rose up and down as he felt a certain feeling he
hasn’t felt in his entire life-“Remorse”. That’s
what he was feeling, he moved around and
paced up and down trying to get rid of the
feeling. A lot of questions were running through
his head, she doesn’t know him but she has
heard of the bad he’s done, yet she still doesn’t
want to kill him?
Those questions are quickly overloaded by his
father’s voice in his head.
“You are useless, that’s what you are.”
“I said torture her not what you are doing. What
have I done to deserve a son like this!?”
“You have failed me yet again”

He screams loudly remembering all the times

his father belittled him, reminded him that he’s
weak and useless, pushed him to do gruesome
acts. He was never satisfied, he always wanted
more and more. He tried so hard to impress
him but nothing impressed his father. He died a
bitter man who never appreciated his son. He’s
surely turning on his grave seeing that he’s
failing to get rid of Langelihle.
Mdabuli:I won’t fail again.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
I wake up hours later feeling much better than
before. I was slowly getting better, I was still
weak but it wasn’t the same. I noticed papers
next to me and I took them and read them. I
was surprised to see that it was divorce papers
from Zimthele. She’s divorcing him? So soon!?
But I am not getting involved. Zimthele is.. I
don’t know how to describe her but she
changes like the weather. I won’t be surprised
some day if she comes back and demands
Sondela gets back with her. I’ve never spent
that much time with her in all these years, but
from the little we’ve spent together I was able
to pick that up.
.
.
.
To be continued..
You see how slow I am when you don’t
comment? Do the right thing
LANGELIHLE #52
SEASON FINALE.

LANGELIHLE

Gobi left again, she said she’s going to look for

some answers, she’ll be back tomorrow. I hope
she comes back with something promising.
Thembalihle parents still have not arrived, but
they left a message that tomorrow they will be
here since Zwelicebile is a bit far. I am missing
something, it still doesn’t explain why
Thembalihle wanted to kill Nongcebo. He says
he accidentally pushed her, but for what? I won’t
get anything from him, because he doesn’t
answer my questions, I’m not a magician so I
can’t get the answers I need. Hopefully his
parents will be of help, plus he looked scared
when I mentioned that day that I called them.
Mlando is still locking himself on his room, he
doesn’t want to talk to anyone. I feel very bad, I
was reckless and it took someone dying for me
to open my eyes.
*Shakes head*
.
.
.
VIRGIN
Phil is suggesting that we move to Northern
Cape for good, permanently. He says we need a
change of scenery. It wouldn’t be bad to get
away from Durban. I love my family here, but I
can’t stand always being reminded Every time I
go out that I used to be the minister’s wife. As
much as I don’t let it get to me, but it is tiring
and draining. And I can’t live my life forever like
this. So I’m going to say yes.
Virgin:So where will we be staying? And what
about this house?
Phil:We will sell it or rent out the rooms. The
company is offering accommodation for the
duration of the construction of the mall. So
when we are done with it, we would have made
enough money to get ourselves another small
house.
Virgin:Okay sounds like you have it all figured
out. So we will go.
Phil:Are you serious?
Virgin:Yes, relocating sounds fun. The kids will
be happy.
Phil:I thought you would say no.
Virgin:Why would I? It’s a good thing for all of us.
Plus I want to go back to school next year, so I
need to be focused and not be on a toxic
environment.
Phil:Have they replied to your application?
Virgin:It’s still early, I think they will reply
towards the end of the year or early next year, I
don’t know.
Phil:They will take you, I believe in you.
I smiled and gave him a little kiss. I’m seriously
at my happiest, happiest I’ve ever been. During
the times of Phil being a minister, we never
spent time like this, we never spoke about our
goals and ambitions. He always flaunted money
at me and I was always shopping like the world
is about to be hit by a tornado.
But now, we even lay awake at night talking,
talking about where we see ourselves in the 10
years. It is nice, and I don’t want the moment to
end.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Virgin sent me a WhatsApp message that Phil
asked them to relocate to the Northern Cape
permanently, she said she’s going. Virgin is
really turning her life around, I’m proud of her.
As for me, I don’t even know where to begin.
And the years aren’t stopping, they are counting.
I’m turning 37 next year and I have nothing to
show for it, except being divorced and three
children. And jobless, with zero qualifications.
I go to the door when I hear voices speaking,
and it was Sana and Bayanda. He came to drop
him off. Bayanda’s bag was so full, I wonder
what his grandparents gave him this time. They
hug and Sana promises to see him soon.
Bayanda:When daddy?
Sana:Soon champ.
Bayanda:Don’t forget the Batman and Green
Arrow action figures you promised me.
Sana:*Chuckling*I won’t forget.
Bayanda runs inside after hugging me briefly.
Zimthele:He seems happy.
Sana:He is. Thank you for letting me be present
in his life.
Zimthele:You’re his father, I wasn’t supposed to
deny you access in the first place. I’m sorry.
Sana:It’s okay, you were doing what any mother
would do to protect their child.
.
.
.
GOBI
As much as we are traditional healers and we
help people, there will always be people who
will choose the evil side, and use this gift our
ancestors gave us to cause harm upon others.
One of those people is Mkoti, he is known as
the greatest witch, the master of darkness. Like
most people, he was once a good traditional
healer who helped people, but the dark hold
grabbed him by the throat. He failed to resist
the temptation of the dark side and that’s how
he became like this. I do not know him
personally because he’s far older than me, but
my grandmother trained him and taught him all
about healing people. Too bad, he chose the
dark side and worked with the
Jamas(Langelihle’s father’s family). There is no
limit when you have chosen the dark side, you
lose all remorse and guilt. You can’t
differentiate between good and bad. Everything
is the same colour to you.

Right now, I know he has a hand with what is

currently happening. I know he blinded the
ancestors somehow to only see what he wants
them to see.
I’m at my hut that I use when I want to be alone
and gather my thoughts. It is far from the royal
house, because I want no disturbances when
I’m here. It’s my private time with my ancestors.
I light up Impepho and let in burn. You get used
to the smell and smoke eventually. I know I will
get answers, it won’t be them all but I will walk
out with something.
.
.
.

LANGELIHLE
Sondela was right when he said this garden was
therapeutic, I feel at peace. He holds my hand
and smiles.
Sondela:Just let the wind hit through your body..
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I take in
the fresh, warm air into my nostrils..
Langelihle:I wish I could stay here forever.
He laughs, he pulls me to the bench and I sit on
top of him.
Langelihle:I’m not hurting you?
Sondela:*Shaking his head*No.
He held my waist and licked his lips.
Langelihle:What are you doing?
I asked laughing.
Sondela:I want to kiss you.
Langelihle:Well what are you waiting for?
I leaned in and allowed him to kiss me. I have
missed him. His crutches were on the ground
now as he was grabbing my butt roughly as we
kissed hard. I moaned in between the kiss
feeling heated, my boobs touching his chest,
my hands running around his neck and face. I
was wearing a dress, so he lifted it up and my
bare butt was all in the open like that. His finger
moved to my pussy, and he pushed it in deep. I
flinched a little, it’s been a while. Now I want
him, right here and right now. I shifted back a
little and unzipped his pants, getting his dick all
out in the open. It was hard, and ready. I smiled
naughtily at him and held it with my hands
stroking it a bit. I leaned back and directed it to
my pussy.
I took a deep breath feeling it go all in as I sat
on top of him. He grunted and I felt something
warm shooting through me. I looked down
frowning and he had cummed, seriously? We
haven’t done anything. He pulled it out.
Sondela:I’m sorry mama, Kade ngakugcina.
Nawe uyashisa (It’s been long since I had you,
you’re too hot ).
I suppressed my laugh and took it back in, it
was still hard.
I moved slowly up and down on top of him,
taking it all in, in full length. My hands were on
his shoulders as I bounced on top of him, I was
pressing my lips to stop myself from screaming.
But the pleasure I was feeling was out of this
world. He kept on spanking me and grunting.
That’s always turning me on more, when a man
makes some noise during love making. Not
someone who will be quiet engathi uyagquma
ke manje(like you are steaming yourself with
hot water).
“Oh God”, escaped through my mouth. I was a
mess from all the pleasure. I held his shirt and
his on his chest as I quickened my pace.

To be continued...
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Goodnight
LANGELIHLE #53
SEASON FINALE.

VIRGIN
I went to the school today to enquire about
getting the transfer letters for when we move
next month, and they were of great help. By
next month, I hope everything will be ready. I
can’t believe this is happening! I filed in a notice
at work, notifying the bosses that I’m leaving
next month. I hope they will be good references
on my future endeavours.
The only person I haven’t told is my mother, but
I know she will understand. And besides, me
and Phil are married so I don’t think it will be
that much of a big deal.
.
.
.
ELANGENI KINGDOM
King Fisokwakhe and Queen Thembi of
Zwelicebile have graced Elangeni with their
presence. They brought at least three royal
guards with them. They can’t travel to an
unknown land without bodyguards.
They are brought to the throne room and shown
where to sit, as they wait for Queen Langa.
Thembi:This place looks nice, exactly the
stories I’ve heard.
Fisokwakhe:It is nice, we sent that boy to build
an alliance here I don’t know what is it that we
hear he has done now!
Thembi:Let’s give him a chance to at least
explain what happened, because right now we
are in the dark.
Fisokwakhe:You let him get away with too
much, that’s why eyi snowball kanje.
Queen Thembi looked down and her eyes
wandered around the room, the place was
gorgeous and she wished she could be given a
tour around to admire every room and floor.
Seconds later, Langelihle arrived with
Bab’Chiliza, wearing her royal attire and they
bowed a little welcoming her. She sat on her
throne chair.
Langelihle:Ngixolise ukunilindisa(I’m sorry for
keeping you all waiting).
Thembi:It is okay, we haven’t been here that
much long.
Fisokwakhe:Your Highness we are here about
our son, who is said to be in trouble and
committed a crime on these royal grounds.
Langelihle:Yes your son came here weeks ago
as a person who is exploring the place, we
allowed him to stay because we couldn’t chase
out a person. Then recently, one of ours left us,
it was said she committed suicide and we
found a note, which was allegedly written by her.
But, something came to my attention, that
Nongcebo, the girl who died, has been
suspecting the prince for weeks and was
keeping an eye on him. I then called
Thembalihle in here and asked him if he knows
anything about Nongcebo, and he was sweating,
he looked nervous. When I pointed the sceptre,
it glowed and deemed him guilty. He was sent
to the royal prison with immediate effect.
King Fisokwakhe nodded digesting the news he
was hearing.
Fisokwakhe:What is he saying about all of this?
Does he admit to his crime?
Langelihle:He does, he says it was an accident.
But, the fact that he tried to cover up the murder
makes him guilty.
Thembi:We understand, and thank you for
informing us. What will be his punishment?
Langelihle:To never set foot here, her family
said they are grateful that he’s feeling
remorseful. But you have to pay a fine of three
cows, ugeze umuzi wabo.
Thembi:We thank you My Queen, can we see
him?
Langelihle:Of course, the guards will
accompany you.
They nodded and stood up. Thembi looked
around searching for the sceptre, but she didn’t
see it.
The guards led them to the prison and she
asked her husband to talk to Thembalihle alone
first.
Thembalihle:Mama is that you?
Thembi:It’s me son. Are you okay?
Thembalihle:Hanging in there.
Thembi looked around and turned her eyes
back to her son.
Thembi:So did you find the room?
Thembalihle:I didn’t.
Thembi:What about her staff?
Thembalihle:I couldn’t pick it up. I’m sorry I
failed.
Thembi:Shhh you did nothing wrong. I will take
care of it now since I’m here.
Thembalihle:What will you do?
Thembi:I will get what we seek. What happened
with the girl?
Thembalihle:It was an accident, she overheard
me speaking to you and said she recorded me. I
panicked and tried to snatch the phone away
from her, but I accidentally pushed her over the
balcony. No one was going to believe me that it
was an accident, that’s why I did what I did.
Thembi:It’s okay my boy, listen your father is
outside. He doesn’t know about any of this,
don’t tell him. As far as he knows, you only
came here to court Langelihle.
Thembalihle:I understand mother.
.
.
.
SONDELA
After that session we had yesterday at the
garden, we came back and finished off at the
bedroom. We couldn’t keep our hands off of
each other. It was amazing, it’s been a while
since I’ve been inside my wife. I have been
missing her terribly. I’m smiling from ear to ear,
that connection we shared came back
yesterday and I love her even more. That look
she had when I went in deeper and didn’t stop.
Good Lord! Let me stop here before I crave her
again. I woke her up in the wee hours of
morning and turned her around and around like
a marinated chicken getting ready to be grilled.
.
.
.
Later during the day.

Thembi and Fisokwakhe are seated on the

couches, waiting for Thembalihle to get ready.
Thembi wanted to ask if they could stay for the
night and leave the following day. She had a
mission of her own that she needed to fulfil,
and she needed only one night. Her son failed
her, but she won’t.
Fisokwakhe:This boy is taking too long. We
need to leave before it gets dark.
Thembi:I think we should ask to sleepover,
kukude e Zwelicebile. We will arrive by midnight.
Fisokwakhe:Our son already committed a crime
here Thembi, we shouldn’t stay any longer,
before they change their minds.
Thembi:They won’t, the Queen looks like a nice
person.
Fisokwakhe:I don’t want to hear it, we are
leaving.
Thembi sighed and thought of ways to convince
her husband that they should stay. She can’t let
the opportunity miss her, not when she’s arrived
Elangeni with her feet.
A while later, Langelihle comes to them.
Langelihle:I hope you are having a good day.
Your son is almost ready, don’t forget the fine.
His punishment is a slap in the wrist,
Nongcebo’s grandmother said she didn’t want
anything dragging so she opted for this.
Fisokwakhe:Soon as we arrive home, we will
make arrangements My Queen.
Thembi:Uhm My Queen I was wondering, is it
possible that we stay for the night since it’s
going to be dark soon? And we can’t drive at
night.
Langelihle:I don’t mean to be rude or anything,
but we already had a bad encounter with letting
one of your family stay over. There are hotels
you can book into if you don’t want to drive at
night, it’s a two-hour drive to Durban. You will
find good hotels there, but as for staying here
I’m sorry I can’t.
.
.
.
Narrated.
Mkoti makes him the drink the black liquid and
he frowns at the bitterness.
Mdabuli:This gets worse with every sip.
Mkoti:You have to finish it. You wanted this,
remember?
Mdabuli:Yes.
He drank it and gave the cup back to him. Mkoti
cut his arm using a razor and poured his blood
inside a calabash.
He chanted some weird language and grunted
while sneezing. When he was done, he burnt the
calabash with Mdabuli’s blood inside of it.
Mdabuli took a deep breath on the bed, allowing
the magic to take place.
Mkoti:How do you feel?
Mdabuli:More power hungry.
He asked Mkoti to darken his heart more, he
didn’t like the feeling he felt the other day. He
doesn’t want to feel like that again, hence he
needs his heart dark. Now he can focus on the
matter at hand without feeling guilty or anything.
And everything is playing out exactly like he
expected.
LANGELIHLE #54
SEASON FINALE.

Weeks later.

ZIMTHELE
I woke up very early today, I was called in to one
of the stores I did an interview at. They didn’t
say they are hiring me, they just said I need to
be there by 8am. I called Virgin and she thinks
they want to give me a job, but I don’t want to
bring my hopes up for nothing. The nanny has
arrived and the kids are at school, so she will
look after Banele for me. My car is still working,
Sondela still services it so I can travel from
point A to point B.
I get inside and throw my bag on the back seat.
I started the car and drove, I was sweating. I
don’t know what to expect where I’m going. T-
minus 30 minutes I was parking on the parking
spot.
I got out and grabbed my bag, I locked the car
and headed inside.
Spar was recently opened to the city. I walked
to the offices side and stated who I am.
“Oh hi Zimthele, we Called you here to start your
first day of work”, I felt like I was dreaming. Is
she saying what I think she’s saying?
Zimthele:Are you serious?
I asked, my voice mixed with happiness and
nervousness.
“Yes, you did well on your interview and even
though you have no experience, we decided to
give you a shot. I’m the supervisor so I will
show you what you need to do. Follow me”
I followed her and she showed me how they
work, I will be counting stock and checking if
there’s enough products on the shelves.
“If you see there is sugar missing for instance,
you go to the storage room and get it. It will be
easy, just count everything. Before you knock
off, also check if there’s nothing missing.”
I nodded as I understood my job description.
I’m so happy. Finally I have a job! I have been
waiting for this day to come to pass for weeks
now.
She gives me a uniform after asking my size, I
wear it quickly and place my things on the given
locker.
“Happy first day at work. Good luck”
I smile and head to the storage room.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Thembalihle parents were disappointed when I
didn’t allow them to stay but I couldn’t do that. I
don’t know them and I definitely don’t trust
them, who knows what they could have done?
Because I’m still lost as to what Thembalihle
was really doing here. These past few days I
have been training and learning how to use my
abilities, I think I’ve got the hang of it now.
Sondela also taught me a few moves, he was
once a black belt karate student, but he stopped
training when he got older. I know my father is
coming here, soon. I can feel it. Which is why I
have made arrangements to evacuate children
and women to Enyangeni kingdom, they will
stay there for the time being.
“Langelihle”, I jump out of bed and stand on my
feet hearing.
“Ataru is that you?”, I ask almost not believing. I
haven’t heard from her for almost two months.
Ataru:It’s me.
Langelihle:Where have you been? I have been
calling upon you for days.
Ataru:I don’t know what happened, I couldn’t get
to you.
Langelihle:What do you mean?
Ataru:There was something blocking me from
getting to you.
Langelihle:It’s him, I don’t know what his plan is.
I’ve been trying to get answers but nothing.
Gobi left on a quest and hasn’t returned.
Ataru:That means he’s coming Langelihle, soon.
Langelihle:I have to gather everyone, the day
we have been preparing for is here. We have to
be prepared for anything.
Ataru:You look different. What is..
Langelihle:What are you talking about?
I felt my stomach moving, like there is
something inside.
Langelihle:Ataru what are you doing?
Ataru:You’re pregnant?
Langelihle:What?
Ataru:You’re pregnant.
Langelihle:No, it can’t be.
I don’t feel pregnant.
Ataru:You should be happy.
Langelihle:How can I be happy Ataru? What if
this child doesn’t also live?
Ataru:He/she will. The curse was removed. You
need to defeat your father now more than ever.
Okay, I wore my slides and went out to the
guards I asked them to gather everyone,
because I have an announcement.
Langelihle:I will put a barrier over the kingdom,
so that even the weapons they have; they won’t
penetrate through and hurt people.
Ataru:Do you know how to do that?
Langelihle:A friend of mine, who’s good when it
comes to technology will help.
Ataru:Good luck.
I saw Sondela coming to me and I smiled a little.
He was now walking on his own, he was limping
a bit because of the hip thing but at least he’s
not using any wheelchair nor crutches.
Sondela:Hey whats going on?
Langelihle:Ataru spoke to me today. I’m just
going to tell everyone that my father is going to
attack soon and sort out the temporary
evacuations.
Sondela:Okay.
He held my hand.
I walked out and people were already waiting.
They bowed when they saw me.
Langelihle:I’m going to get straight to the point.
The day we have been training and preparing
for, is close. He is coming. And we are ready for
him. There will be trucks and transportation
coming by evening to evacuate children and
women, taking them to Enyangeni Kingdom,
just until the war is over. To the rest of you all,
We cannot let him win again, now are you going
to stay here and fight with me?
“Yes”
Langelihle:I can’t hear you. I said are you going
to fight with me?

“Yesss”, they shouted more louder this time.

I nodded and went back inside.
Mlando:Sis Langa, what should I do?
Langelihle:Make sure that everyone is
evacuated safely, I’m calling the King of
Enyangeni and confirming that the people are
coming.
Mlando:Okay.
I went back to my room to change the dress I
was wearing. I wore tight, black leather pants,
and an ancient traditional vest that I found lying
around here.
Everyone was going up and down outside, the
transport was here and loading people in.
The “army” was gathering weapons and
sharpening their knifes and swords. You would
think people would use guns since it’s modern
times, but they said they prefer old weapons. I
was overwhelmed a bit by the amount of people
who stayed to fight, it shows that they care for
this Kingdom and they don’t want to see it
destroyed.
“MY Queen, there is a man who says he is
Ndosi outside looking for the Queen”, one of the
villagers tell me.
I nod and head to the gate, I tell them to let him
in. He was with two people and carrying bags.
I hugged him.
Ndosi:Look how grown you are.
Langelihle:Please, you are the grown one. How
old even are you now?
Ndosi:Only getting to 30. So what are we
dealing with here?
Langelihle:I know you are an expert when it
comes to technology, I need you to put a barrier
or a shield over the kingdom.
Ndosi:Ubala lolo(That is easy work).
Langelihle:How long will it take?
Ndosi:Four hours maximum.
Langelihle:Okay, please hurry.
Ndosi:Gentlemen, let’s start over there.
He talked with his men and they followed him.
.
.
.
Gobi arrives at the palace and sees everyone
moving up and down, others running. She picks
up her feet to find Langelihle, she hopes nothing
bad has happened. She finds him talking with
some guards with every type of weapon laid out
all over. Langelihle turns to look at her and hugs
her for dear life. It warms her heart to receive
such a welcome back.
Langelihle:I’m so glad you are back.
Gobi:My journey was successful. What’s
happening?
Langelihle:Ataru spoke today, and said she can
sense Mdabuli.
Gobi smiles, she was able to remove the
blindness cast by Mkoti on the ancestors. Now
everything is on the open.
Gobi:I’m glad.
Langelihle:Did you find anything else?
Gobi hesitates and shakes her head no.
Gobi:No, it’s that only.
Langelihle:Okay, children and women have been
evacuated and everyone is safe.
.
.
.
Mkoti:It has happened. It is time.
Mdabuli:Finally, now you can stop spying on
them. It’s creepy.
Mkoti:Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it..
Mdabuli:Whatever. Let me gather my men. By
midnight, we will have arrived Elangeni.
Mkoti:Safe travels.
Mdabuli:Thank you. I will come back with her
heart and put it on my trophy case.
.
.
.
Back at Elangeni.
The invisible shield has been successful
installed.
Langelihle decides to test it and pokes a spear
on it, and it sends the spear flying.
Langelihle:*Shocked* Wow. Thanks Ndosi.
Ndosi:It’s a pleasure. Let us be on our way.
Good luck.
She nods and sends them off.
She goes back inside to look for Sondela.
Sondela:Hey. How is everything going?
Langelihle:Everything is set up. We are just
waiting for him.
Sondela grabs her by her waist and pulled her to
him, giving her a kiss.
Sondela:After all this is over, I want to make you
pregnant. I love you so much.
Langelihle grins like an idiot, thinking of telling
him about what Ataru said but decides against
it.
Langelihle:I love you too Mvelase.
He always like it when she calls him Mvelase.
Sondela:Eish you are waking things up now
mama, we are in a crisis and we can’t steal a
moment or two.
Langelihle:Control yourself..
Sondela:I can’t. Seyize yavuka(I’m already hard).
He shows her his boner, Langelihle laughs.
Langelihle:Service yourself muntu wami.
She says and walk away from him.
Sondela sighs and disappears to one of the
rooms to get rid of his boner.
LANGELIHLE #55
SEASON FINALE.
# Narrated.

It was now close to midnight and no one has

slept, everyone was wide awake, waiting for
anything that might happen.
Langelihle:I thought they would be here by now.
Sondela:Me too.
Langelihle:But let’s wait.
Sondela:Are you scared?
Langelihle:Very. You?
Sondela:Me too.

Meanwhile, Mdabuli and his men were nearing

the kingdom.
Mdabuli:Do not touch her. She’s all mine boys.
“Yes sir”.
They get out of the car and take all their
weapons, they travel through the forest and
take the easiest route to the Kingdom.
Mdabuli raise up his hands and motions for
them to stop once they were near.
Mdabuli:We are here. Let's separate into small
groups, so that we will all surround the kingdom.
The men nod and they all go separate ways,
surrounding the kingdom. Mdabuli and a few
men with him go towards the gate that leads to
the royal palace. He sees Langelihle standing
with her royal army. His mouth forms a little
smile seeing his daughter. She is so grown, he
thinks to himself.

Langelihle frowns looking at the man young

enough to be his brother.
Langelihle:Is that him?
Gobi:It is.
Langelihle:He looks young, are you sure?
Gobi:Yes, him and his witch friend know what
they do to prevent themselves from aging.
Langelihle:They are circling us. There's too
many of them.
She says as she notices other troops from
Mdabuli going around.
She orders some warriors to circle the kingdom
and be where Mdabuli's troops are. Her sceptre
is strapped around her body and ready to do the
work.

Mdabuli:Smart.
He says as he notices that there is a shield put
over the kingdom.
"How will we enter boss?", one of his men ask
him.
He takes his knife and tries cutting through the
barrier but fails. His men also try cutting
through the barrier but no success.
Mdabuli:Technology of today! Only one thing
can break this. Her.
He points at Langelihle. He paces up and down
frustrated. An idea comes to his mind and he
takes out his phone from his pocket.

Sondela:Are you sure they can't break the shield?

Langelihle:Ndosi said it's unbreakable, only an
amount of power source can break it.
Mlando:I don't like this, why is he just standing
there?
Langelihle:Shhhh... Can you hear that?
Lwando:I can't hear anything.
Sondela:Me neither.
Langelihle closes her eyes feeling a ringing
noise to her ears.
Langelihle:Can't you hear that? It's buzzing
through my ear, it hurts.. It hurts... It hurts...
She falls down, kneeling while still holding her
ears. She cries in agony, Mlando notices her
ears are bleeding. He touches her but quickly
remove his hand.
Mlando:Sis Langa, what is going on? Your ears
are bleeding.
He asks worried. Sondela coughs and looks at
Mdabuli. He tilts his head and look at him
sternly. Mdabuli shakes his head at him.
Langelihle is still screaming and crying of the
buzzing sound she is hearing. She touches her
ears, closing them and looks up to Mdabuli's
direction. She screams and shoots an amount
of energy from her eyes, which goes all the way
to breaking down the shield.
Mdabuli smiles and turns off the sound from
his phone. He puts it back to his pocket.
Langelihle stands up and gathers herself.
Langelihle:The shield is down.
Mlando:How did you do that? You just shot fire
from your eyes!
He says shocked a bit. He has seen her abilities,
but this was a first.
Langelihle:I don't know. The buzzing sound was
burning my ears.
Mlando:Your eyes... You're...
Langelihle touches her face and feels how hot
she is, she can tell that her eyes are showing
the sun.
Mdabuli points at his men that they should
attack. They all run towards Langelihle and his
army screaming and shouting, getting ready to
fight, their spears and swords ready to go.
Langelihle:Gobi go.
She doesn't wait to be told twice, she runs and
disappears..
Langelihle:Whatever happens, we will not fail
this Kingdom!!! Attackkk!!!!
She shouts back charging her army.
They too run towards Mdabuli's troops shouting
with their spears and shields. She runs
alongside them as Mdabuli's troops nears, they
all meet at some point and fight. Langelihle
grabs one man and throws him with so much
force away. Someone holds her from behind
and she nudges him with her elbow with so
much force , making the man to fall down. She
brings out her sceptre and charges it towards
the enemies, releasing energy beams. Mdabuli's
men run for cover, when Langelihle shoots at
them with her sceptre.
Mdabuli:Stop being weak! Why are you hiding!?
He shouts at them and they come out of cover.
The royal guards are also fighting, stabbing the
troops with their spears. They've taken down a
number of them.
Mdabuli stabs one guard with his knife and
grunts in victory, he runs ahead taking out more.
Langelihle jumps to one of Mdabuli's men and
pins him down, she gets on top of him and
takes his knife, she shoves it through his
stomach, twisting it all the way down. She
stands up and many more come to her, circling
her. She looks around breathing heavily. They
get more closer to her. She closes her eyes and
stomps her foot on the ground, everyone on the
field falls down, feeling like the ground shook a
bit. She gets away and runs to Mdabuli but
another troop stands in front of her, carrying an
axe.
She laughs sarcastically and marches towards
him. She touches his axe and it melts off of his
hands, almost burning him.
"What the...?", he asks looking at his melted axe.
He looks up and Langelihle punches him,
sending him to the ground. She steps on his
stomach and shoves a knife on his leg, leaving
him screaming.
She leaves him and runs again looking for her
father, who was taking down her royal army like
nothing. Half her army was down, also
Mdabuli's troops were down, only a few were
left from both sides. She felt more powerful,
like she wasn't fighting alone, she felt her
ancestors were with her, holding her hand
through this battle.. Someone catches her off
guard and grazed her with a sword on her leg.
She winces in pain as she see that she is
bleeding. She kneels with her unaffected leg.
"Oh my God", she cries seeing the blood, it hurt
a lot. But this wasn't the time to die and be
weak, everyone is depending on her. She ripped
off the vest she was wearing, remaining only
with a short top. She places the vest over the
wound and looks around, the place was a mess
and a lot of her men were injured. She made a
tourniquet with the vest and stood up, ignoring
the pain.
Mlando was also fighting like his life is
depending on it.
She limped to where Mdabuli was.
"Father..", she shouts at Mdabuli.
Mdabuli stops and looks at her.
Langelihle:You came here for me, so come!
Mdabuli drops down the knife he was carrying,
with his face bloody. He walked towards her.
She had the sceptre at her hand.
Langelihle:I've always yearned to know my
father, I just didn't know what kind of person he
is. And you... You're one of the bad guys.
Mdabuli:So what are you going to do about it
daughter?
She looks at the sceptre, and she swallows hard.
It's now or never. She raises it above her head,
getting ready to stab him. She closes her eyes
and dives the sceptre through his heart. She
feels him falling down. She opens her eyes and
frowns seeing him just standing there, didn't
she just stab him? Her eyes land to the person
on the floor. She realizes that it's Sondela and
she gasps, kneeling down to him and dropping
the sceptre to the ground. He was bleeding and
choking on his own blood. What has she done?
"Oh no no no, please don't do this to me.
Sondela please", she cries to him.
Mdabuli:It's amazing how much you can
accomplish with your zombie. I have always
been one step ahead of you Langelihle. You
can't outsmart the master. I am the Lord of
Darkness. Did you really think that you could
defeat me? You defeat me?
Langelihle:Zombie? What are you talking about?
She asks trying to help Sondela, who was
slowly slipping away.
Mdabuli:He never woke up, he never healed. He
was still comatose. He has been my zombie
ever since he "woke up" , he has been spying for
me, watching everything that happens.
Learning your every move, learning everything
about this so called sceptre meant to defeat me,
and now he just saved me. I was controlling his
every move, controlling his thoughts, he had no
clue what was happening because he's still
sleeping. That's how amazing dark magic is,
you can do anything at the snap of your fingers.
So you Langelihle, you killed him. You killed him!
Langelihle moves her mouth in shock and
confusion. Suddenly everything was making so
much sense. She looks at Sondela.
Langelihle:Oh my God, it has always been you.
Thembalihle was never the enemy I thought he
was, it was you, you all along.
Mdabuli:And when the two of you slept together,
that's when it gave me power to do this.
He bends down a little, and picks up the sceptre.
Mdabuli:The weapon meant to destroy me, now
I will use it to kill you and rip out your heart.. So
you will lay peacefully along your love.

He kicks Langelihle down and she falls, laying

next to Sondela.
Mdabuli:Goodbye daughter..
Langelihle:*Begging* I am your daughter, I know
you are doing all this to impress your father but
you don't have to. You can still live your own life,
and make your own rules. You don't have to do
this, please. You brought me to this world, you
made me with my mother. I'm your daughter,
and you're my father. Please don't do this.

Mdabuli feels a tint of guilt and looks at the

sadness on her face. But he shakes his head
and raises the sceptre to her.
.
.
To be continued...
LANGELIHLE #56
SEASON FINALE.

Mdabuli feels a tint of guilt and looks at the

sadness on her face. But he shakes his head
and raises the sceptre to her. In a blink of an
eye, Langelihle quickly blocks the spectre and
stands up, she snatches it away from him and
Breathes heavily. She looks at Sondela whom
she was not sure whether he’s dead or he’s
passed out.
Langelihle:I thought I could change your mind,
and help you see that you can still be good,
choose the good side. But I see I was wrong.
There is no hope for you..
Mdabuli looks around for a weapon he can use
but there wasn’t, the royal army together with
Mlando were now circling him, making it harder
for him to get out.
He doesn’t like this, this isn’t how things were
supposed to go. He was supposed to kill
Langelihle and rain victory all over Elangeni.
This was not the plan.
Langelihle:You are a lost cause, a weak and
pathetic excuse of a man; who wants to
impress his dead father.
Mdabuli:You don’t get to talk like that! You don’t
know anything!
Langelihle:I really thought I could change you.
She says and moves towards him, she stabs
him on his chest and pushes the sceptre deep
in his heart. Mdabuli gasps and holds on to her.
They fall together on the ground, he sees his life
playing like a movie. He sees all the
supernatural beings he has killed, he sees all
the times he has tried to impress his father but
he was never impressed, he sees all the homes
he has destroyed, the children he has killed, the
parents, everyone, the mother of his child.
“I’m sorry”, he says after coughing out blood.
Mdabuli:I was.. I was never a good person… but
I know I will… pay where I’m going…. I love you
my.. Daughter….
He gasp loudly and lay still. Langelihle shakes
him and realizes that he’s gone. She closes his
eyes and drops a single tear, at least he died
feeling remorse. He was not a good man, it took
him this long to realize that the life he was living
was not any good.

She remembers Sondela and turns to him.

Langelihle:You’re not dying on me baby, not
today. We still have to raise our son together.
She holds his hand and closes her eyes. She
keeps still for a while, waiting for something to
happen.
She opens her eyes when she hears Sondela
coughing.
Langelihle:Oh Thank God..
She engulfs him into a hug, getting emotional.
Langelihle:I thought I lost you.
Sondela:I’m never leaving you.
She helps him stand up.
Langelihle:You’re okay.
Sondela:I’m okay. What happened here? I only
remember standing next to you before the
battle even started.
Langelihle:*Sighs* Turns out my father was
controlling you all along, with the help of his
witch friend.
Sondela:So I was a zombie?
Langelihle:Yeah, but you are fine now. You are
the Sondela we all know. I got rid of anything he
did to you, you’re back to normal.
Sondela:I’m sorry, I had no idea what was
happening.
Langelihle:It’s not your fault. It’s over now. The
war that has been going on for generations is
finally over. It is done.
She looks around and Mdabuli’s troops that
were left were taken to the royal prison.
Sondela:Langa your leg.
He panics seeing her bleeding.
Langelihle:This is nothing. I will clean it up.
Sondela:Are you hurt elsewhere?
He touches her all over her body and she
giggles.
Langelihle:I am fine Mvelase, it’s only my leg.
Sondela:Please let’s go inside so that I can
clean you up. What will you do with him?
He points at the dead Mdabuli with his head.
Langelihle:Bury him. What else can I do?
They sigh and walk inside. Langelihle feeling
proud and sad, proud that she didn’t fail, but
also sad that she had to kill her father. But it
was either him or her.
Other guards remain outside and check if there
aren’t any Mdabuli’s men lurking around, while
others clean up the place that was messy.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
So this is it! We are finally in Northern Cape,
Kimberly city to be specific. The flight took
about three hours. I can’t believe we are really
here! The place they gave us for
accommodation is really beautiful. It is a full
house, three bedrooms, kitchen, living room and
a bathroom. It is already furnished. I throw
myself on the bed and laugh, it is so comfy.
Phil:How about a quickie before we do anything
else?
I laugh at him, as he locks the door.
Virgin:Really?
Phil:Yeah, just to test the bed.
Virgin:Well then what are you waiting for daddy?
Come and get me..
He groans and takes off his clothes coming
towards me.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
Work was going really well, I was learning fast
and gaining experience day by day. I never
thought I would work at a retail store someday
but here I am now. I pray to God I don’t mess
this up.
Virgin left to Northern Cape with her family, I’m
beaming with joy for her. She sent me pictures
of the place and it looks really beautiful. I miss
her already, but she promised to visit over
December holidays.
My divorce with Sondela was finalized and I am
no longer Mrs Mthembu. We just have to do the
cleansing what what to let his ancestors know
that I no longer belong to them. It’s time to turn
on a new page, and I don’t need anything
connecting me to the Mthembus. Except for the
children.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
It has been a long day, I am tired. Sondela
helped clean my wound. The palace was still
being cleaned. By luck, none of the royal guards
died, they only got injured severely and they
were rushed to the hospital to get immediate
help. Mdabuli’s men, were sent to the
government mortuary. They will see what they
do with them. I’m glad this is finally over.
I open the prophecy room door and close it
behind me.
The epic battle that happened was already on
the wall with the date written on it. I smiled as I
traced my hand on the writing, “Langelihle –
The Light of Elangeni”.
Ataru:Thank you.
She came in her spirit form.
Langelihle:I thank you too, for believing in me.
Ataru:For years, no one has been able to defeat
the Jama family, but you did it. You are the hero.
Langelihle:At least it is over now.
Ataru:I also have to go..
Langelihle:Where are you going?
Ataru:To my resting place, I were to guide you
during this war and you have won. It is time for
me to go.
Langelihle:Okay, thank you for everything Ataru.
I will look after this Kingdom, I promise.
Ataru:Watashi wa anata ga suru koto o shitte
imasu, Watashi no taiyō(I know you will, my
sun).
Langelihle:Okay, I didn’t understand that but I
know it was something good.
Ataru:Take care Langelihle.
Langelihle:Goodbye…
She disappeared and I waved. I breathed out
and said a little prayer, thanking for the victory.
I went out and Gobi was back. She was sitting
with Sondela.
Gobi:Langelihle.
Langelihle:Gobi, you are back.
Gobi:Yeah.
Langelihle:Listen, I need to ask you something.
Gobi:Whatever you want My Queen.
Langelihle:I need you to take these abilities
away from me.
They both looked at me shocked.
Gobi:Take them away?
Langelihle:Yes, they have served their purpose. I
don’t want to live the rest of my life looking over
my shoulder that someone will come to attack
me. As long as I have these powers, there will
always be a greedy person out there wanting to
take them away from me. I’m about to be a
mother, and I don’t want anything putting my
family in jeopardy again.
Sondela:We’re pregnant?
Langelihle:*Blushing* Yes.
.
.
7 years later…..
.
.
To be continued
LANGELIHLE #57
SEASON FINALE.

SEVEN(7) YEARS LATER..

LANGELIHLE
I push my self to the living room. Kungumusa
was playing with his father. I cleared my throat
and they looked at me..
Langelihle:I need help with my shoes.
I said holding them. My husband came and
helped me wear them.
Langelihle:Thank you.
Sondela:It’s a pleasure.

The past seven years have been amazing. Me

and Sondela remarried and he really took my
Surname, people were gossiping about it at first
as it is an unusual thing, but they got used to it.
He is now my consort. I gave birth to a beautiful
boy, and we named him Kungumusa. I just felt
very grateful when I held him in my hands. I
couldn’t believe it. He is seven years old now.
Now I’m pregnant again, it’s a girl this time. I’m
due anytime. Elangeni has been peaceful ever
since, I do not regret giving up my abilities. No
one ever came to bother us again. Elangeni’s
population has multiplied a lot, people are
moving here everyday. And there’s enough
space, so everyone is welcome. We now have a
hospital, it took almost three years to get it
running but we did it. Sondela being next to me
every day is the greatest thing ever. We never
heard from Zimthele again, she only calls when
it’s about the children. She is also doing well for
herself, I’ll let her tell you.
Mlando has finally made peace with the fact
that Nongcebo is gone and found himself a
girlfriend.

I look over at my mini family and my heart is at

peace. Even if I die now, I’ll know I got the joy to
hold my child in my hands.
.
.
.
VIRGIN
7 years later and we are still holding it down at
Kimberly. We now have a big house. I graduated
three years ago and I’m working on opening my
own business. Phil’s construction business was
well known the entire South Africa, he has won
several awards. So we are back to the lavish life
baby! But this time, we are humble. I never
thought we would be here. After we lost
everything years ago, I thought we were
doomed, that it was over for us. But God had
other plans, he lifted us up and changed our
lives.
Unfortunately, my mother passed away last
year and we laid her to rest. It is still hurting that
we lost her like that, she didn’t get sick or
anything. She just left. Zimthele and I tried to be
there for each other but we failed, she blamed
me that my mother was stressed because I was
on another province, and that’s why she died. I
let her be, because grief makes people say
anything. She doesn’t answer my calls nor reply
to my messages. I hope someday she talks to
me.
.
.
.
ZIMTHELE
I bury my head in between my legs and sigh. I
was still hurt over my mother’s death, I just
don’t understand how she could have left us
like that. She was always stressed about Virgin,
maybe that’s why she died. And I’ve been really
horrible to Virgin, I blamed her for our mother’s
death. I always ignore her calls when she calls
because I’m not ready to face her.
On the other news, I had a new job now which
paid very well. My children are growing,
Zenande is a teenager now and I’m close to 50
years, 44 years old! My God! A person is aging! I
never remarried, I’ve been involved with some
people but it just wasn’t working, so I decided to
be single.
Langelihle and Sondela’s wedding was all over
the news and social media, it trended for a
whole two weeks. He took her surname, that is
still very weird but they know what they are
doing.
The seven years haven’t been amazing to me as
others, my love life is stressing me out very
much. I’m so single. It’s been a whole year
without sex. But I have hope that I will find
someone someday, maybe.
.
.
.
SONDELA
I am a happy man. With a wife like Langelihle, a
son like Kungumusa and my coming baby girl. I
have everything I ever wanted. I haven’t
forgotten about my other children, I’m very
present in their lives. They come over here to
visit sometimes. It’s just Zenande who’s
starting to be troublesome, she’s a teenager
now and puberty is about to hit her hard.
Zimthele always complains about her. Soon we
will hear that she has a boyfriend, ilapho
engiyobe sengigaxa uswazi ke.

Nonetheless, I am happy. Very happy. I fall in

love with my wife everyday, I love her so much.
Our marriage becomes stronger everyday.

Me and my family made peace, I wasn’t mad at

them. We get along now and everything is back
to normal.
Langelihle can give birth any day and I’m ready
for it. Our very own children, when she gave
birth to Kungumusa I still had a bit of doubt. I
couldn’t believe that we finally had a child. It
was amazing. I wonder what will we name her..
I bring her a glass of juice, she was sitting by
the porch reading a magazine.
Langelihle:Thank you.
I sit next to her.
Sondela:How is our princess?
Langelihle:I think she wants to come out.
Sondela:We are waiting for her.
Langelihle:I still can’t believe I have children.
Sondela:We have children.
Langelihle:*Laughing* Whatever but you know
what I mean. We have been together for 18
years now Mvelase.
Sondela:Wow? Has it really been that long?
Langelihle:Yep, you still look good even in your
old age.
Sondela:I’m not old.
Langelihle:You’re developing grey hair.
I touched my head. She laughs.
Langelihle:I’m joking, you don’t have any grey
hair. You still look good.
Sondela:You make it sound like I’m 60!
Meanwhile I’m just 48.
Langelihle:Soon you will be 50.
Sondela:As long as you are here with me, I don’t
mind.
Langelihle:I’m not going anywhere.
Sondela:Why are you picking on me Langa lami?
Because you are also 42. In 8 years you will be
50.
Langelihle:8 years is a really long time.
Sondela:Out of line, but you are right.
Langelihle:Kungumusa looks like you, I hope my
baby girl looks like me.
Sondela:She will look like me.
Langelihle:That’s not fair. She’s also my baby.
Children are such betrayers, if she comes out
looking like you I’m not falling pregnant again.
Sondela:And here I thought I will impregnate
you again next year.
Langelihle:Oh no two kids are enough Mvelase.
Sondela:We will only stop when God says we
can stop Langalami.
I stand on my feet and pull her up from the chair
she was sitting on. It’s hard to hug her because
of the stomach, but we will try.
Sondela:Ngiyakuthanda.
I say looking directly at her.
Langelihle:Ngiyakuthanda nami Mvelase.
Sondela:Is it safe to have sex?
Langelihle:*Laughing* Mvelase.
Sondela:Hau kancane nje mama, seyivukile nje.
Langelihle:You remember when we had sex in
the garden those years ago?
I laugh remembering.
Sondela:I remember.
Langelihle:Let’s do it again. It was fun.
I smirk at her.
Sondela:Naughty, I like it.
I pull her to the garden and I immediately attack
her with a deep kiss, touching her all over her
body.
She stops and looks at me.
Sondela:What’s wrong?
Langelihle:I think my water just broke.
I look down with her eyes and indeed her water
broke.
Sondela:Wow the princess isn’t here and
already she’s denying me nice things!.
I sulk.
Langelihle:Stop whining and take me to the
hospital.
I lift her up just for the fun of it. My heart was
dancing with joy. We are yet to welcome
another child. Life couldn’t get any much better.
.
.
.
LANGELIHLE
Hours later…
She is on my chest, and I am brushing her tiny
back.
Langelihle:What do we name her?
I ask Sondela.
Sondela:Mhhh how about Ntandokazi.
I smile.
Langelihle:I like it. Ntandokazi yaseMalangeni.
Sondela:Thank you again sthandwa sami for
her. She’s perfect, just like you.
Langelihle:I thank you too. I wouldn’t have
walked this journey without you. I love you
Mvelase.
Sondela:I love you too Langalami.

When he says Langalami, Kuvele kuthi

angithwale iphenti ekhanda.
Seconds later, the room gets filled with family
and friends, as they are bringing gifts and came
to see their granddaughter.
Now this is what I’m living for. Happiness.
Sondela squeezes my hand and I give him his
daughter. He takes her and gets lost to her eyes.
I have a feeling Ntandokazi will be spoiled
rotten, already Kungumusa has a laptop and
he’s only 7. Next he will be buying him a phone.
But I’ll let him be. He’s excited, to finally father
my children. The moment we have been waiting
for ever since we got married.
He gives her to his mother and he kisses my
forehead.
Sondela:I love you.
Langelihle:I love you too.

>>THE END>>