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Episode 1 – As the story begins
We meet a young adult lady, her name is Mandisa. When the story began she was living and working in Pretoria. She was 26/27 years old and had just lost her first love to death. She had been with that guy since she was still in college at 19 years old and he died during the lobola process. Mandisa had been moaning for his death for almost a year and her friends kept suggesting that it was time for her to move on with life, she always brushed them off, and they would keep pushing her.
“Okay ladies, we can go partying tonight, just remember that I am not going to be having a man anytime soon though. I am not ready” Mandy said as she finally gave in to her friends suggestions. Before her fiancée died, they all used to go out together to house parties and other social gatherings. Mandy was the fly one, and her friends had always enjoyed going out with her. So they had missed her really bad.
They were all very excited and since it was their first night out with Mandy after the funeral. They said they were just going to go to News Cafe in Midrand. It was within the month and chances were it was not going to be crowded. Indeed it was not crowded at all.
As they sat waiting for their drinks, a few guys who one of them knew one of the girls from work came to their table and asked to have a sit on their table. The girls agreed and after introducing each other they all chatted. The ladies lied and said they were there celebrating Mandy’s birthday. The guys got excited and more drinks came. Mandy did not drink so much, so she remained sober, her friends danced the night away, she just sat at the table; so did Musa – one of the other guys.
The two of them did not have much to talk about. So they just sat there in awkward silence. Musa was also not drinking so much, he was just holding one beer the whole time. “Sooo, do you come here often?” Musa said, trying to create a convo, Mandy was not interested. “nah. I don’t” she replied coldly. Musa said okay and took a sip from his beer….
Later that night, Mandy drove back to her place and she took her friends with since they were all too drunk, besides it was not her car they were using and they had left their cars at her place that afternoon. The guys also went their separate way.
The following Wednesday, Mandy was on her way to work and as she was driving on the highway she noticed a car that was playing with her, it would pass her then cut in front of her and move at a slower speed than her. When she tried to go to the right and pass it, it would increase its speed so she would not be able to go past. This continued for about a minute and she started making angry signs to the dude driving the car. She noticed that she knew him. It was Musa, the boring guy from News café. When he realised that she had noticed him, he laughed and signalled her to pull over.
Mandy decided that she was not pulling over for some strange guy just because she had met him once. She ignored him and continued driving. Mandisa was living in Pretoria CBD and worked in Midrand in some office park around Vodaworld. Musa followed her closely for a few kilometres, then upon realising that she was ignoring him, he left her alone.
Well fortunately or unfortunately they worked in the same office park. Musa had just started working there that month, but they were not in the same building and definitely not in the same company. Mandy noticed this as he drove right behind her when she was parking. And she saw him again in the afternoon.
After a few days, she gave him her phone number and they started chatting on whatsapp… And he started calling her as well sometimes.
Episode 2 - On Whatsapp
Musa: Hey, how come you do not go out so much with your friends?
*Musa and Mandy chatting on whatsapp, it had been two weeks and they sometimes would have lunch together at work. Mandisa no longer thought he was boring. She had realised that she had been shutting him out and not giving him a chance*
Mandy: I do, but not so much. Why?
Musa: Maybe you may want to go out with me, I also do not go out so much
Mandy: So we would just bore each other mos, don’t you think?
Musa: hahahahaha, true. Hey why is your whatsapp status saying “hard to fix broken heart”? You have had it since we started chatting
Mandy: it has been there for months hey. It’s the truth
Musa: Are you broken hearted?
Mandy: I do not really want to talk about it
Musa: I know the feeling, once had a broken heart too. You just need to give it time, it will heal…
Mandy: Oh really? You had a broken heart? I thought guys do not get heart breaks
Musa: Hahahahaha, we do get heart breaks. We are human too and we have feelings and emotions. Maybe we act tough most of the time. But we still get our hearts broken.
Mandy: Do you cry?
Musa: Lol of cause I do, even though I would rarely admit it. Last time I cried really hard was when I lost my mother. Almost a year ago
Mandy: I also lost my fiancé almost a year ago, the world can be so cruel
Musa: I am sorry to hear that.
Mandy: Eish, ya. It’s been so hard for me. I just cannot seem to get past it. Sometimes I even wonder if life I still worth living. It’s really so hard
Musa: Tell me about it. I know exactly how you feel. My siblings are the ones that keep me going and give me strength to carry on.
Eish, I don’t know why I am telling you all of this. I hope you do not think I am a sissy. I promise I am not this soft, normally.
Mandy: I also rarely talk about my fiancé. It not so easy when people who do not have a slightest idea of how you feel, try to make you feel better. So I choose to just not tell them.
Musa: Maybe you are my long lost twin, I feel exactly the same way.
Mandy: I guess it is easier to talk to someone who knows what it’s like.
Musa: Agreed, thanks for not judging me (I hope you are not; we men are really insecure when it comes to talking about our feelings).
Oops, maybe I shouldn’t have said that. Damn woman, you make me say things!!
Mandy: hahahahaha how flattering. :p I have to sleep now, good night.
These two then realised they had a lot in common, they actually had a lot to talk about and covered most of those convos in Whatsapp and sometimes during lunch at work. It had been about 2 months since they had been acquaintances. In one of those days they arranged to go out at night together, which they did and for some obvious adult reasons, they both woke up in Musa’s bed, naked and used condoms next to the bed.
He was living by himself in a flat and as they woke up, greeted each other, he went and made breakfast. Mandy was left alone in the bed. She could not believe that she gave in to a guy. She was not sure if she should feel guilty or what. The sex had been great, she had missed it a lot. Musa was loving and caring, for the past month or so she had grown to really appreciate him. He had the right things to say and he made her feel like a queen.
But still, it had been too soon for her to have sex with him, she should have waited, you know? Give him some 90 days situation… But it was too late “How do you like your eggs?” A voice from the kitchen disturbed her thoughts. “Surprise me!” she shouted back. She then put on her clothes and went into the bathroom to freshen up.
Episode 3 – Change, good or bad?
It had been 6 months since they had been together. As much as Mandy still had hots for her passed away fiancé, she was beginning to really feel whole, with Musa. She no longer spoke to Musa about her fiancé and he also no longer spoke about his mother. Even the three magical words (I love you) had been thrown around already from both sides.
Mandy’s friends too were really happy at the development and loved to see Mandy getting back to her feet and becoming her old bubbly self that they knew. Even her family could notice that Mandy was finally moving on with her life. She herself (Mandy) also was no longer regretting meeting and getting to know Musa as he turned out to be the best thing to ever happen in her life.
“We should get tested, you know?” Musa said randomly, in one of those days. “Why? Do you want to go in skoon (no condom) now?” Mandy enquired. “Ya, why not, we love each other and besides that, getting tested is a good thing for both of us.” Musa explained.
Mandy: I can get tested, but we still gota use a condom, it’s still too soon, besides I don’t want to get pregnant
Musa: Ahh… why not? I want you to have my baby
Mandy: Not a bad idea Musa, just not yet
Musa: it has been 8 months… but okay, I hear you. So let’s just get tested then.
They both tested negative and they were really happy. Musa thought he would use the “happiness” opportunity to try and “skoonalise” her. Mandy refused.
“ I am going to live with my daughter” Zinzi, one of Mandisa’s friends said one evening as they were all having a girls night at her(Zinzi) place. “Why?” Mandisa asked. “It’s time. I mean I have my own house now, and I am old enough to live with my child.” Zinzi said. Cindy jumped in and said “Yhuuu, I am still enjoying ilife yokuba yintombi (life of being girl), my child can wait. Maybe next year”
Cindy and Zinzi were both 27 years old, just like Mandisa was. They both had children, Mandisa was the only one amongst her friends who was baby less. But that hadn’t bothered her until that day. She stopped listening to the 2 ladies going on about their babies and she just buried herself in her thoughts.
She was 27, and her bilogy clock was ticking, did she really want teenage kids when she was in her 50’s? But what was she to do? Her life had been perfect when she was with Ndoda, her dead fiancé, they were going to get married and she would start having kids at 27, but all of that was gone. She really did not like the idea of having kids before getting married, but she was with Musa, and not sure where he stood regarding marriage… It was really stressful to think about it.
From then onwards, it started haunting her. She could not stop thinking about babies of her own, she even wished she had agreed when Musa suggested they go skoon. Now she was afraid to bring the subject up. What if Musa had been joking when he said he wanted her babies? She decided to let it go and let time decide. But she never stopped thinking about it
Mandisa and Musa had been together for almost a year at this time and were still using a condom, even though Mandisa wished otherwise, but was afraid to talk about it. Anyway on their one year anniversary, the couple decided to spend the whole day together, indoors. They were going to cook together and eat on the dinner table together. They went and hired movies and just planned a really long day indoors.
While they were seated on the table Mandisa thought dying inside would not help her. Musa needed to know what she needed and they should speak about it together as a couple. She had made up her mind and that if Musa thought she was moving too fast then she was going to welcome any decision that he would take. Even if he wanted a break up. Musa was 32 years old and surely he should have a plan by then. Besides he was the one who brought up the subject first, even though Mandisa was not sure if he had been kidding or what.
It had been really quiet on the table for a minute or so, they both looked like they were thinking deep. Mandisa broke the silence and said “baby, there is something we need to talk about”. Musa raised his eyes from his plate and looked straight in her eyes then he replied “Mh that is funny because I also need to talk to you about something.”
Episode 4 – A step forward
“Wow, really? What about?” Mandy said sounding interested. Musa had that loving look as he said those words and Mandy could not wait to find out what it was. “No baby, you go first, you know what they say.” Musa insisted.
“Okay, Musa. Eish, first of all let me be honest with you, I have no idea where to begin. Let me start by saying, I love you and I am grateful for having you in my life. You really changed my world and made me see things from a better point of view. The past year with you had been so great”
She had not been looking at him while saying those words, but her gaze was focused in front of her (looking down). So when she finished that sentence she raised her eyes to watch his reaction. She found him looking at her, smiling and looking interested and as if he was listening attentively. Mandy pinched herself. She really could not believe that the guy across her was actually her man, I mean he was so great in every way imaginable, she started having these thoughts about how hard life could be if he would leave her too. That thought brought a bit of sadness to her heart. While her eyes were preparing to water, his voice disturbed her. “I am listening my love”.
She got herself together and she continued
Mandisa: Well I have been thinking, remember how we got tested?
Musa: Aha.
Mandisa: Remember what you said about errr, you know
Musa: what?
Mandisa: You know, my love (I can’t believe I am this shy, damn it).
Musa: Actually I don’t know *sounding serious*
Mandisa: Do you still want a…
Musa (cutting her off): Baby? Do I still want a baby? Is that what you are trying to ask me?
Mandisa: (regretting ever bringing it up, omg, he is going to run!! Oh God help me!! ) *shy – almost silent voice* Yes love.
*he looked away in silence, the expression in his face was serious, then he looked back at Mandisa. Mandisa started trembling, she could see herself standing up, taking her car keys and getting the hell away from that whole nightmare. To release her frustration she started tapping the spoon on her plate. Musa was still just looking at her. Okay, it may seem like a long time if you were Mandisa, but it really was just a few seconds.*
While Mandisa had visions of herself running away, she heard Musa laughing really hard “hahahahahahahahahhhahahaha, so baby sewungfuna skoon vele (you want me flesh-on-flesh)?” Mandy could feel herself loosening up and a smile forced its way onto her face. She was trying not to laugh, but she could not help smiling “It’s not funny Musa, I am not making a joke, hawu” she said trying to sound serious.
“I know you are not joking baby, I am just really happy you asked. I have wanted you to have my babies for a long time and well, having you skin on skin is going to be a bliss… Oh by the way, the answer is yes, you can have me skoon, hahahahahaha”
Mandisa was so relieved and so she asked him “you wanted to tell me something too” she said. “ya I do. Well you have said all those thing about love, I feel the same way too. And I think today is our day. What I wanted to ask you is…*pause*… Mandisa, this will be better if I show you. I am not good with words, all of a sudden” He stood up, went to get something and came back with it in a small gift bag… “open it” he instructed her.
Mandisa opened the bag, she was wondering what it could be. Could it be a ring? She hoped it was a ring, she would be so happy. She would really not mind getting married to Musa. But it could be anything but a ring. She finally opened it. Inside she found keys, keys that were clearly house keys and Mandisa had never seen them before. She looked at him with the keys in her hands.
“Okay my love, here is a story, I bought a house in Midrand, I would like for us to go live there together” he explained. “Errrrrm, okay? Errrrm, so wena Musa, you want me to move in with you in your new house in Midrand?” She said with a question mark expression. “Yes my love, think about it, living together, we get to make babies anytime of the day. Please say yes” he pleaded. “Ei, I don’t know. Moving in together is such a big thing” she said. “Bigger than having baby?” he asked. “Mh, you have got a point baby” she said in an “I give up tone” but she was not willing to move in.
“Tell you what?” She continued “how about I take the keys and get to go to your house…” he cut in “our house” he said in a strong tone. “No, it’s not our house, it is your house. We are not married” she said, almost like she did not think it through. She beat herself up inside after saying it, but could not take it back. Awkward silence followed…
Episode 5 – Our house
“Mmm, now I see what you are getting at” Musa broke the silence. “Well how about you think about it and get back to me? Don’t forget that I love you”. “I love you too, but I don’t think I am ready to move in Musa” It just became awkward after that and without saying a word, the 2 just broke into sex! They just had sex right there, the frustration and tension in between them made it even more pleasurable. They spent the night on the couch because they both fell asleep there. It was summer so no it’s not like it was cold.
“I don’t understand, why don’t you want to move in with Musa?” Cindy said as she and Mandisa were talking when Cindy came to visit her (Mandy). “I can’t. I just don’t believe in moving in before marriage, besides after I accidentally said something about marriage, Musa froze, so no.” Mandisa said. “But Musa loves you shame he has proven it for so many times. But I understand where you are coming from” Cindy said
“Ai. Let’s stop talking about my love life. Let’s focus on what we have to do, so Zinzi is getting married in 6 months and we need to prepare as the main bride’s mates. And you, miss maid of honour need to start focusing” Mandisa said teasingly and they then started talking about Zinzi’s wedding preparations and a surprise bridal shower….
Musa told Mandisa to keep the keys because she was welcome at the house at any time. Mandisa agreed but said she was not going to move in. She kept the keys and she went to the house whenever it pleased her, some of her clothes were even there as she did more sleep overs. Besides the house was closer to her work. But she still did not officially move in.
“Why do you look stressed Mandy?” Zinzi asked Mandy. Zinzi had come to Mandy’s flat to get something. “Look over there” Mandy said using her head to point to a pregnancy test next to her(Mandy) on the couch” Zinzi jumped to take the pregnancy test and she examined it, it was positive. “Mos this is not a bad thing Mandisa, why are you stressed?” Zinzi asked.
“No, it’s not bad, but what am I going to say to my family, my father will be so disappointed.” She responded sounding worried. “Come on girl, you are 27 years old, I am sure your parents will not have a problem, besides you work and are able to provide, it’s not like you will be a burden to you parents. And you have Musa, he will be by your side the whole time. O tlaba sharp (you will be alright)” Zinzi tried to console her. “You don’t know my father; to him I will always be a little girl, besides he is too proud and always told me I should get married before having children… but I will be alright, I guess”. Zinzi had to leave, Mandy was left alone to think about what to do.
“Baby, can you come over?” she sent a whatsapp to Musa, who responded that he was on his way there anyway.
“That is good news my love, I am so happy for us. Oh this is great” He said hugging her and he was really excited. “But baby, I am scared” Mandy said. “Why? I am here with you. I am not going anywhere, this is what we both wanted, isn’t it?” Musa said. “I am worried about my family, the news will be hard for them to absorb” Mandy explained. “Family neh?” Musa was then quiet, for a long time. Mandy left him to think about whatever he was thinking, she went and made food for both of them.
She came back with the food and he said, “I know what you mean about family, don’t worry, we are in this together. I must also go home to Mpumalanga to sort out my family as well.” Musa then announced to Mandisa that by month end he was going to go to his home and alert his family so that when Mandisa told her family, things would be smoother. Mandisa was happy about that.
It had been three months since Mandisa had been pregnant and still hadn’t told her family, neither had she gone home. She was planning to tell them when she went home in December (it was October already). Musa on the other hand went home and came back, without any feedback, instead he constantly went home almost every two weeks, saying he was sorting out some stuff with his family. Mandisa decided not to push him to tell her what was up; she just pretended as if everything was okay. After all, Musa was there whenever she needed him and she could always go to his house anytime.
“Baby, how come you haven’t given up your old flat in Centurion now that you live here?” Mandy asked one day. The flat that Musa used to live in was still under his name and he was still paying rent for it. Mandisa had never bothered going there, it really did not bug her at all. It was the first time she ever asked about it. Reason she asked was because her route was going past it and she noticed that the lights were on, and she knew for a fact that Musa was in his house at that time. She thought maybe someone was renting it(the flat) on Musa’s behalf. She however did not want to put words in his mouth and so she decided to ask him.
“Ah… why are you asking me only now?” Musa said, as he stood up to go to the bathroom. Mandisa decided to continue with the convo even if it meant shouting at him while he was peeing. “Who is living there now?” she shouted. “No one is living there at the moment” he said from the bathroom. “Click” something said in Mandisa’s head. He was lying. Someone was in fact there at that very instance. “Okay” she replied as she still figured out how to handle herself and not freak out.
Episode 6 – A stranger in the house
Mandisa was a bit dramatic, but she never wanted to act on something until she had all the facts. So since she did not know who was living there she kept calm and decided that she would investigate on her own until she got to the bottom of it. She wasn’t too busy at work and worked half days for that time, so she had all the time she needed. She seriously did not think about confronting Musa about the fact that he just told her a lie.
She went to that complex where Musa used to stay, the security guards knew her there so she was just going to ask them. “Musa asked me to come and fetch something up in his old flat” she said at the gate. “Did he give you the keys?” “No, he said I will find someone there.” The security officer went quiet and looked into a book that was there, paged it once or twice, but Mandisa could tell that he was not looking at anything specific. “Err, are you sure he said you will find someone there?” the security asked. “Yes, that is what he said”
The security did the same thing again in his book… “Okay, I hope you are telling the truth, I do not want to get into any trouble. Let me buzz you up” the officer dialled Musa’s flat number, and a lady answered the intercom. “Hello” a lady voice said. As the officer was preparing to respond, Mandisa reached out and turned the intercom off. “No, never mind officer. I will come back later, I just remembered something. Thanks for your help. Keep well.”
Mandisa got into her car and went to her flat. It was already in the afternoon, so she cooked some food for herself and relaxed. When she was done eating, she then started thinking about the lady who lives in Musa’s flat, whom Musa had been lying about, when exactly did the lady move in there? Who was she? How did she know Musa? No one was going to answer those questions, but she told herself she will try to find out. She did not tell her friends about it as they were full of drama and could ruin things for her.
A few days after that, during the day, Mandisa wanted to go confront whoever was in that flat once and for all. She was just going to introduce herself, and try to find out who the lady was and how was she related to Musa. Mandisa did fear that Musa could be cheating on her with that lady, but Musa had been such a great guy from since they had been together, she had to give him some benefit of a doubt. Maybe the lady was family or even just a friend whom he was helping out. There were a lot of explanations. Either way, she wanted to find out the real explanation.
“I can’t do this by myself” she said to herself, then she decided to call Cindy so they can go together, they were supposed to meet that afternoon anyway for the wedding preparations.
Mandy: Cindy, I need a favour
Cindy: Yes whatsapp?
Mandy: There is something I need to do, but I am afraid to do on my own, can you go with me?
Cindy: When?
Mandy: I was on my way now, so…
Cindy: I am still at work, but I was going to knock off earlier, give me 30 minutes…. But wait, where are you going and what are you going to do?
Mandy: I cannot say over the phone, you must come here. I will tell you on the way
Cindy was working around PTA CBD so Mandy knew she would not have to wait for long. Indeed after 30 minutes Cindy was at Mandy’s door… They took Mandisa’s car. In the car Mandisa told Cindy everything that she had found out and that she just wanted an explanation.
Cindy: But Mandy, you are pregnant, you should not be worrying yourself about these kind of things
Mandy: I have to Cindy. I need to know what is going on. Who knows what else Musa has lied about? Yes I do hope there is a reasonable explanation that will not hurt me, but I want to know.
Cindy: Okay, I get you. Let’s go and find out.
“Wait, wait; I really need to pee, let’s stop at that garage please”. Cindy said as they were approaching a garage, a few blocks from their destination (Musa’s old flat). Mandy stopped the car and she also wanted something to drink so they both got off the car. There was a Checkers hyper and Mandisa parked at the checkers parking and went to buy a drink while Cindy went to pee.
“I wonder, what is Musa doing on this side of the town?” Mandy said to herself as she saw Musa’s car in that same parking but from a distance. Musa was not around his car so Mandy decided to go get a drink, then come back and see if Musa was back. On her way to the shop she remembered that Musa normally did his grocery in Midrand and he already did it that month. She went and got her drink and on her way out she decided to call him.
As the phone was ringing, she was at a clear view of his car and before he could answer her call, she saw him…
Episode 7 - Parking lot (PG L)
“What the? Who the hell is that?” Mandy heard herself saying out loud as she saw Musa pushing a Checkers trolley to his car, next to him was a lady. The two of them were laughing and the lady was holding Musa on the shoulder. Before Mandy could make up her mind to decide what to do, the pregnancy hormones got the better of her.
“It must be that bitch that lives in that flat. Musa is now buying her groceries. Who the hell does she think she is?” angry thoughts went like that in her mind as she was marching vigorously towards them. She caught up with them, pushed the lady to the side and stood in front of Musa. “What is going on here?” She said angrily looking at Musa; Musa said “Mandisa? What are you doing here?” He looked shocked as he watched his girlfriend behaving like a monster.
“Musa, who is this?” the lady next to Musa asked. “No one is talking to you wena!” Mandisa said pushing the lady again. There were a few people closing in to watch and Cindy saw what was happening as she was coming from the garage, she ran to the scene. While she was running, the mystery lady got pissed of being pushed, so she pushed Mandisa too. “Who the hell do you think you are?” the lady said going towards Mandisa angrily. Mandisa was still getting her balance, so she would not fall as a result of being pushed.
“Yolanda, stop that. You are going to hurt her, cant’ you see she is pregnant? (The belly was showing, but just a little bit.)” Musa pleaded trying to hold Yolanda (the lady). Cindy got there in time before Mandy hit Yolanda with her shoe on the head/face. The security guards came as well and they helped to separate the two ladies. Yolanda’s bag was on the ground and it looked identical to Mandy’s, but Mandy had left hers in the car. Cindy did not know that so she grabbed the bag from the ground, grabbed-pulled Mandisa and told securities everything was okay; she marched to the car with Mandisa. Musa stood there, not sure if he should go speak to Mandisa or comfort Yolanda.
Cindy and Mandisa got in the car and Cindy drove away. “What was that about Mandisa? Who was that? What just happened?” She threw the questions. “You shouldn’t have stopped me! I should have killed her. Who the hell does she think she is?” Mandy responded, still very angry. “Calm down Mandisa.” While Cindy was telling her to calm down Mandy’s phone rang from her handbag, she was too angry she ignored it. “Why must I be calm? I am pregnant with Musa’s child and he is out there strolling with some strange women and buying them groceries!”
Cindy: I understand girl, but you will upset the baby, you need to calm down and think things through, things may not be as bad as you imagine.
Mandy: I am sorry my brain currently cannot reason, but Musa is supposed to be my man! Why would he be holding other women and buying them groceries? Hay NO!
Her phone kept on ringing and Cindy finally said “Just take it, maybe it’s important.” “No, it’s not; it’s just that as*h*le of a boyfriend I have. He has a caller ringtone. I don’t wana talk to him.” Her voice sounded a little bit calm.
Cindy noticed that the phone was ringing from the backseat and she (Cindy) had put the “supposedly” Mandy’s bag under the driver’s seat. “Hey, your bag over there? At the back?” She asked dumbly. Mandisa replied. “Yes, why?” “There is a bag under this seat, I took it from the ground. It look just like yours, I thought you had dropped it.” “I am sure it belongs to that bitch!”
“Give me that” Mandy said trying to reach it, but it was obviously too far, Cindy gave it to her. “I am sure it is hers, let me find out.” Mandy said as she opened it and searched for any identification she could find. She found the ID, took it and opened it. She looked at it and her eyes almost popped out, she put one hand on her mouth in disbelief. “Yhoooo!” She said softly. “What is the matter?” Cindy asked sounding worried.
Mandy: What have I done?
Cindy: What have you done? What’s wrong?”
Mandy: Oh my God, I am so stupid!
Cindy: What is up? (She took the ID from Mandisa and read it) Yolanda Mabena… mmmm?
Haibo, isn’t that Musa’s surname?
Mandy: Yes it is. That lady must be his sister. I am so stupid (she covered her face. The phone was still ringing.)
Episode 8 – It is what it is
Cindy: It’s okay girl, you are pregnant, hormones make you do crazy stuff sometimes. I am sure Musa will understand
Mandisa took her phone that was ringing none stop and answered it, “Hello”
Musa (on the other side): Mandisa where are you? Are you alright?
Mandy: Am on my way home. Baby listen, I am sorry about what happened earlier. I did not know that lady was your sister. I am so sorry.
Musa: My sister? Where did you get that?
Mandy: Oh, Cindy picked up her bag thinking it was mine. Please tell her she will get her bag as soon as possible, please pass my apologies to her as well
Musa: (pause, Mandy could only hear him breathing and sighing).. err, okay. We will talk when I see you.
Mandy: okay baby, I love you.
Musa: *sigh*(pause) ngiyakuthanda nami (I love you too).
Mandy wanted to see Musa as soon as possible so she could apologise. So she told Cindy to go drop her at Musa’s place and Cindy could keep her (Mandy’s) car until the following day, or Cindy could go fetch hers from Mandy’s. Cindy said it was okay and they rescheduled their meeting for the bridal shower preparations.
Mandy arrived at Musa’s around past 6/ to 7 and he was not back yet. She decided to cook, so he would find something to eat when he got back. She did not tell him she was at his house. At around 7 Musa called her
Musa: Baby, are you at your place? I want to come over. I am bringing hot wings…
Mandy: Oh, no love, I am at your place. You can bring the wings here
Musa: Okay cool, see you in a minute or so.
Musa got there in a few minutes after the call. The moment he was in Mandi rose on her feet and went to him by the door. “Baby I am so sorry about the way I behaved. Please forgive me, I hope your sister is not too angry at me. See baby it is the pregnancy, it messes up with me. You know me, I would never have done something like that. Please forgive me.” She said word after word without giving Musa a chance to respond. “Shhhhhhhh” Musa said putting his hand on her mouth. “It’s okay. It is okay”
“I am really sorry”, now the hormones exaggerated again and she started crying, and Musa hugged her and told her it was okay. Musa sat her down on the couch and asked if he should bring her water or anything. Mandy said she was okay, he could just finish up the cooking she had started. Musa had been a bachelor so he could cook; he agreed. While he went to the kitchen Mandy ate her hot wings, she really loved them.
As he was cooking he kept coming to the sitting room, but it seemed like they did not have much to talk about. When they were done eating Mandy said “baby, I almost forgot, your sister’s bag is on my car and Cindy left with it. So she (you sister) can get it later”. Musa responded “I see”. Mandy was surprised at how Musa kept speaking in short sentences, it was so unlike him.
“Baby did you forgive me?” Mandy asked Musa, he just said “Ya sure, don’t worry” very coldly, Mandy thought he was behaving strangely, but decided not to stress herself, he said he forgave her, and she was just going to go with that.
The following day was weekend and she asked if Musa could take her home as she thought he needed sometime, he was no good company. So Mandy thought he needed sometime to himself. When she got home she realised that Cindy never returned the car, Cindy’s car was still at her (Mandy’s) complex. But that was no train smash, they exchanged cars often amongst themselves.
Cindy came that afternoon so they could discuss the wedding, which was then 1 week away. “Did you bring Yolanda’s bag?” Mandy asked. “Yes, it is in your car right now girl. You should probably take it to her or Musa later tonight because her everything is in there.”
Okay, so the weekend of the bridal shower came. Everything was going well, it was a nice surprise and Zinzi was so happy that her friends did it. So they were just chatting after everybody had left. Just the three of them remained. “You are so lucky girl, the fist one of our friends to get married.” Mandy said. Yes, she is lucky indeed, some people are unlucky, sometimes you could be in a relationship with someone, thinking it is going somewhere, only to find that he is already married.” Cindy said. Zinzi looked at Cindy with an evil look. “Don’t do that Cindy, you promised”.
Mandy: Promised what?
Zinzi: Nothing, never mind, she is just being a loud mouth
Mandy: Guys what are you talking about? Who is married?
Cindy: Yhooo, I am shutting my mouth
Mandy: Guys don’t do this to me. Tell me what is happening
ZInzi: Okay, because you are my friend and I love you, let me tell you. After Cindy told me about what happened in Centurion the other day, I got interested. I used the system at work to check the name ‘Yolanda Mabena’ (Zinzi worked at home affairs). Yolanda’s maiden surname is Mngoma, Mabena is her marital surname.
Mandy: Sigh… so? Who is she married to?
Episode 9 – Who to trust?
Amanda sat by herself in her flat, unable to think straight about anything. Tears were just pouring from her eyes uncontrollable. She just could not understand why something like that would happen to her.
She remembered the previous Saturday, which was two days back, when her friends brought the news to her. Zinzi had known that she (Mandy) would be stubborn to accept the truth and so she (Zinzi) printed the documents for her as evidence. There was really no doubt that her boyfriend and unborn baby daddy was married to another woman. The woman who had been living secretly in his flat.
She could not go to work, but she gathered enough strength to call in sick and asked for 3 days out of her annual leave days. Since then she had been in her room, not taking calls and not opening her door for anyone. Her friends had tried to stop her when she stormed out of Zinzi’s house the previous Saturday and did not succeed; and so they decided to give her time. However when they went to check on her she refused to open her door. She did not open for anyone, even Musa.
The following day (Wednesday), Zinzi and Cindy contacted the police so Mandy’s flat could be open because they knew she was in and they thought she may have done something terrible. When the police were there, Mandy opened for them and her friends saw that she was okay and had not committed suicide or whatever they had been imagining. Mandy was feeling better as compared to the previous days. The police left them with her.
“Mandy, I am sorry about what happened. You will be alright girl. You are strong” Cindy said as she and Zinzi were comforting their friend. “I am okay ladies. Thanks for telling me, even though it is too late now.” She said assuring them while holding her pregnant stomach. They continued speaking about other things trying to take her mind off the thing. Musa was still calling, she was still not answering.
When her friends had left, Mandy attended her phone, her leave was ending that day anyway and she wanted to get ready to face the world. She saw all the missed calls from people, mostly from Musa, and sms’s from him. She read none of them and just deleted them. Then she opened her Facebook.
Facebook was showing old feeds from weekend from hr friends. Cindy’s status went like “Some side chicks have nerves. Imagine attacking you boyfriend’s wife. Some people are crazy”. Mandy opened the comments, they were up until Monday. People were commenting like “hahahahaha, what about the one who wanted to commit suicide after attacking the wife! Hahahahaha, she must have realised how dumb she is. Such a home wrecker. I hope people like her rot in hell.” People went on commenting, others saying “Hahahahaha she must have forgotten that she is a side chick. Dumb wh*re”.
Mandy noticed that most people who were commenting were people she knew but were mostly close to Cindy. Cindy never commented on her status. Mandy wondered, but said nothing and did not comment because it was an old status.
Mandy got curios by the other people who were commenting, and so she opened another girl’s wall and saw a status from yet that weekend “Getting pregnant will not help you steal a husband from his wife. If you are a side chick, you are just like a public toilet where a man comes and relieves himself then go back home to his loving wife.”
“Nc nc nc nc” even though no one called her name, she could see that they were talking about her. Most of them were just talking and did not even know what was going on.
She ironed her clothes for work the following day and decided that she was just going to be calm, face life as it came and move on. She also decided to take Musa’s call the next time he called. And he called about an hour after that, it was in the evening around 8pm.
Musa: Mandisa my love. Where are you? Are you alright? I have been worried sick the past few days. Please tell me you are okay.
Mandisa: Sawbona Musa, kunjani (Hello Musa how are you)? - She said slowly with an “uninterested” tone.
Musa: Baby, what’s wrong? Where are you? I will come to you right now. Are you at your place?
Mandisa: So you care?
Musa: Mandisa, what? Why would you say something like that? Of cause I care a lot. I have been so worried when I could not get hold of you and your friends refused to talk to me or tell me where you were. Please let me come there. Please my love. I miss you. I need to see you. I want to talk to you.
Mandisa: So you want to talk now? What has happened?
Musa: I am just worried about you, I think you are mad at me for something. I am the entrance right now, please buzz me up.
Mandy did not believe that he was really at the entrance and she just dropped the call and threw the phone next to her. Her flat buzzer rang. Only the securities could use the buzzer, so she decided to answer it. “Hello Mandy, A guy calling himself Musa is here for you. Can let him in?” the security said. Mandy decided, what the hell. “Okay, let him in”. Then she made herself some tea so she would calm down.
Episode 10 – To believe or not to believe
As Mandisa waited patiently for Musa, she wondered if she did the right thing by letting him in. But she needed to get over this thing and find a way forward. She was pregnant and the last thing she needed was stress. So she thought yes it was a good idea that he was coming so they would confront the situation and get it over with. One thing she knew for sure was that she was not going to continue dating someone who was married. She was not a home wrecker. She just wanted to discuss the future of the baby.
“Mandy, hello my love” Musa said as he looked happy and relieved when he saw her at the door. “Hi” Mandy replied while leaving the door open for him to come in while she went and sat down. “I brought you hot wings” Musa said. “Okay, put them there” Mandisa said pointing at the table with her eyes while she sat on the couch. Musa did as told then came to sit down.
“I am so happy to see you my love. Why did you disappear? Is everything alright?” he said reaching out to her hand, which she softly pulled away. “Baby, what is the matter? Is it something I did? Please tell me” he said sounding worried.
“Okay Musa, I have just one question, who is Yolanda?” Musa sat up straight at looked down with one of his hands on his head. “Eish, eish, baby.” He said quietly.
Mandisa: Musa, who is she? Just tell me that.
Musa: She is the girl I was with the other day at that Checkers.
Mandy: Musa!! (Almost shouting)
Musa: You want the truth?
Mandy: What the hell do you think?
Musa: Okay, Mandisa, first of all I want you to know that I love you with all of my heart and there is no one else who makes me happier more than you.
Mandy: Just tell me what I want to know Musa, or if you can’t get out of my flat!! (Shouting)
Musa: Okay, okay, I am sorry. It is a lot harder and more complicated than you can imagine. I have been meaning to tell you but I never got the right time.
Mandy: The question is simple!! (Standing on her feet angrily)
Musa: (getting on his feet as well and trying to calm her down.) Okay love, I and Yolanda are sort of married.
Mandy: Sort of?
Musa: Yes, sort of, it is very complicated
Mandy: I don’t have the whole night. I am going to work tomorrow!! Just talk Musa please!
Musa: (Getting her to sit down and she obliged). Okay. I and Yolanda have a baby. A 4 year old baby girl.
Mandisa: You have a baby? (Shouting in shock).
Musa: Yes, we do. When she was pregnant my father said I should marry her, he even helped me with lobola and everything. I told my father I did not want to get married and he said there was no grandchild of his that was going to be raised by another family. Me and Yolly were already broken up at the time she found out she was pregnant. That is why I just could not marry her. But my father forced me.
Mandi: (listening attentively, not sure if she wanted to hear everything).
Musa: I came to live here in Gauteng then and went home only a few times a year. Yolly has been living with both my family and her family. She had those choices since I was not at home most of the time.
Musa: (still going on. He was speaking very firmly as if he wanted to make sure that Mandisa hear every word.) Then I met you and since then had decided that I have found the one I love, and I just wanted to be with you.
Mandisa: Okay, okay. Just tell me something that had been bugging me, what happened when you went home to announce my pregnancy?
Musa: That is where I was getting at. I had to tell my family that I was getting ready to get married to someone I love and that I needed to sort out the Yolanda issue. My father told me I was crazy and that I already have a wife. He said Gauteng was messing up my mind and forced me to take Yolanda with me to come live here in Pretoria.
So that was around the time I was looking at giving up the flat, and I thought I should just let her live in it while she is still finding her feet here in Gauteng. I have been helping her with stuff. I and she are not enemies or anything. She has a job now and all.
Mandisa: Something is not adding up Musa, why did you not tell her about me if you guys are such good friends? Also why can’t you just divorce? The two of you are old enough!
Musa: It’s complicated.
Mandisa: No, nothing is complicated here Musa, you have just having been your bread buttered on both sides.
Musa: It’s not like that, you are the one I love Mandisa. You are the one I want to be with. I really want to marry you. I felt bad when you thought Yolanda was my sister but I was afraid to tell you the truth.
Mandisa: Stop running away from responsibility Musa! You just wanted to play with me. How many women have heard such lies? You think I am one of them? Come on! Even my friends are making fun of me! And you still have guts to stand in front of me and tell me lie after lie!! (Hot tears rolling down her face)
Musa: No baby, I am not lying. Yolanda is just a wife my family picked for me! Please believe me.
Mandisa: So you don’t have sex with her?
Musa: err
Mandisa: That is an excellent answer! Please leave me alone right now!! Get the hell away from me!!
Musa: No baby, please it’s not…
Mandisa: (Shouting at the top of her voice with a crying voice) GET OUT!!!!!!
Episode 11 – What to do
“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” Mandy said as she threw herself on her bed and screamed while she covered her face with a pillow. She felt so frustrated, confused and angry. She did not know what to think, what to believe or what her next step should be. Did she love Musa yes she did, with all of her heart. Did she want to be with him? Most certainly, she did. But he had lied to her! How could he lie to her about having a child, not to mention a wife!
After a while she was hungry, so she just went to the kitchen table and ate the wings that Musa had brought her. While eating them she wondered how the hell things suddenly got so messed up. She and Musa were having it good. He was a caring, excited and loving baby daddy who always told her how much he was happy about the baby. Then all of a sudden he was a lying, full of excuses and stories son of a devil! It just did not make sense.
It was not a mystery that married men lied to women all the time to get them to be side chicks, and Mandisa just could not believe she was one of those women who got lied to. And most of all it was already too late to just walk away as fast as she could, there were issues. There was a baby whom would need the daddy. She also needed to speak to her family and her father would most probably give her more problems with the whole situation.
Her family already knew she was pregnant as she had told them just a few weeks before this whole scandal. As much as her father was angry and disappointed, the rest of her family supported her because she was old and independent. At that time though her father had been okay and accepted her pregnancy too.
She fell asleep with all those thoughts and the following day she went to work. Musa did not call or sms her the whole day. Mandisa did not care that he did not. She just went to her flat, and since she could not talk to any of her friends in fear that they would go update their facebook, she just sat in her flat, all by herself.
Zinzi and Cindy did come by a day later to check up on her.
Cindy: So you went back to work since yesterday?
Mandy: Yes, staying around here won’t help
Zinzi: Have you spoken to Musa about it?
Mandy: No, I haven’t hey. I don’t want to see him and I am breaking up with him.
Cindy: Good shot! Dating a married man is degrading yourself because he can never leave his wife for you. He will always see you as a worthless side chick.
Zinzi: No Cindy, stop talking like that and being judgemental
(Mandy was quiet and chose not to respond)
Cindy: Well it’s true. If it was me, I would not even let him see my baby. Maybe his wife could poison the baby
Zinzi: You don’t even know her Cindy, stop talking nonsense
Cindy: Oh but I know her. She is evil. I saw her pushing Mandy that day in centurion! But I understand. I would probably be that way too if someone attacked me while I was with my husband.
Mandisa: Please shut up Cindy, just SHUT UP!! (Looking at Zinzi), you have to prepare for your honey moon this weekend, so you better just go get ready. (Looking at both of them). You can leave now, besides I want to be left alone.
Cindy: Ahhh, I don’t want to leave you by yourself girl. Zinzi should we leave?
Zinzi: Yes, let’s go. Bye Mandy, everything will be alright girl. Don’t stress too much and take care of unana (the baby).
After they had left, Mandisa once again started thinking. Why was Musa living in the house and Yolanda at the flat and they were not living together. Mandisa could go to the house anytime, she did not even have to call before going. It just did not make sense. “Maybe he was telling the truth about his forced marriage” she thought. But whether he had been truthful or not, he was still married and he lied to her. She could never forget that.
The following day, she saw Musa standing at her parking spot just when she got to work in the morning. “Hi” She said, looking at him, puzzled. “Hi Mandy” He responded. Mandy locked her car and attempted to leave as if he was just a random stranger. “Hey, hey hey, I brought you this” he said, giving her some hot wings. Unfortunately or fortunately she could not resist those, even if it was 8:00 in the morning and they were given to her by a son of the devil. “Thanks” she said taking the box from him and leaving. He once again held her by the arm and pulled her gently.
“Mandisa we need to talk. You are pregnant, you cannot be by yourself. You need someone to be there for you. I want to be there for you. Even if you do not want to see me, I still want to be there for our baby. Please don’t push me away” He said softly.
“I don’t know Musa. I need to get to work now, that is all I can think about.” She said sounding impatient. “Tell me that you will at least think about it”, he pleaded. “Just let me go please. I seriously don’t know what to say to you”, she responded and pulled her arm away from him and walked away. When she got to her desk she got an sms from Musa. “You are sexy even when you are mad J. I really miss you” the sms just made her sad, she so wished to tell him she missed him too; but there was no way.
“Maybe I should let him take care of me while I am pregnant” she thought.
Episode 12 – Way forward – (part 1)
“Can we meet during lunch today?” Mandisa texted Musa as she just wanted this thing to blow over. “Sure thing” Musa responded. During lunch they met at the cafeteria and chose a table by the corner.
Mandisa: Okay, I thought about what you said earlier neh?
Musa: I am all ears.
Mandisa: First of all I want you to understand that I have not forgotten the lies that you told me and that you never thought it was important to tell me about your wife and kid…
Musa: (cutting her in). Not that I thought it was not impor…
Mandisa: Please let me finish Musa. (Pause, then deep breath). You are my baby dad, I have to accept that. And no matter how I feel about you, the baby will need his daddy. So I am just going to put in a few rules regarding the situation, okay?
Musa: Yes, I am listening.
Mandisa: One, if it pleases you, you can come see me once a week, but call first. And you can just be available in case of emergencies. Two, you must tell Yolanda and your family about this baby. Three, when the baby is born, you can be part of it if you wish. Four, here are your house keys, I will not be coming there anymore. That is all from me.
(Silence for a while…)
Musa: I hear you. I guess that is fair. I am really sorry for everything. Can we try to work on us…?
Mandisa: No, no, no. Ha a. There is no more that. Go work on your marriage with Yolanda. If she is the one your family wants then obviously she is the one who is good for you. I will not be known as the person who made someone break up with her husband.
Musa: Is that what you want Mandisa? Is that what is in your heart?
Mandisa: From now on, what happens in my heart is none of your business
Musa: But…
Mandisa: I don’t think there is anything left for us to talk about… Bye (she stood up and left him there).
As Mandisa was walking back to her office, she knew that her heart was breaking, she felt tears filling up her eyes, but she held them back. She had to be strong for the sake of her baby. She knew that in time the pain would go away. But really, she was fooling herself, with a broken heart and pregnancy hormones, there was really no way to stop from crying. So she went to the bathroom and cried a bit.
The following weeks came. The new schedule was working for Musa and Mandy. Musa would come on a Saturday or Sunday and spend some time with her. He never spoke about getting back together. He just enjoyed being in the presence of his unborn baby and baby mama. Mandisa never went to his house again
“Sawbona Mandisa (Hello)” She heard a voice behind her one day, when she was in a shop around her work area over the weekend (she was working on a Saturday), as she was at a queue to the till. “She turned to look, and to her shock it was Yolanda. She swallowed a spit and tried her best to be calm “Hello. Yolanda right?”
Yolly: Yes, it is me.
Mandy: Yeah, of cause it’s you. (Trying to smile). I did not expect to see you around here.
Yolly: Oh, I live around here, didn’t you know?
Mandisa: Oh, okay, (turning to look at front).
Yolly: Yes, I live around here, you know? With my husband.
Mandisa: Oh, ya I see, (she was trying to cut it short).
Yolly: Oh and just so you know, I am not angry at you for attacking me while I was with my husband. I understand that the hormones can drive one crazy. I can only imagine how bad they are when it is an “out of wedlock” baby.
Mandisa: I am going to leave now, okay? Bye. (She left her basket with her items there and she left the shop).
She wanted to cry, but she asked herself why she should cry. She was the one who told Musa to go work things with his wife, and seemingly that was what he did. She drove home back to her flat. But decided that she could not be alone, so she went to see Zinzi instead. She found Zinzi with Cindy.
After greetings and talking about other things, Zinzi asked her why she looked sad. “No, I am okay, it’s just the hormones” she lied. She had been not telling her friends anything about her love life, she was afraid that they would go talk about it on Facebook. Sure she never saw Zinzi updating about it, but she could not be sure.
“When last did you see Musa?” Cindy asked. “Ah, I see him sometimes at work during lunch, we use the same cafeteria you know”, Mandisa said. “I see. Yho, I see he has updated her facebook relationship status to married since last month. Did you know?” Cindy said.
Mandisa had never had Musa as her facebook friend since they had been in a relationship. So at hearing those words she heard her heart skipping a beat and she felt herself becoming hot with what she could not figure out if it was anger, sadness, shock or what. Zinzi responded before Mandy could, “there is a reason Mandisa does not have Musa as a facebook friend Cindy!” Zinzi said. Mandisa still had been unable to say anything, it clearly was not her day that day. She stood up and went to the bathroom, when she came back she told the girls she was going back to her place.
The following day (Sunday), Musa was coming back from Mpumalanga, he had promised her that he was going to tell his family about the pregnancy so the necessary traditional procedures can be followed. Mandisa was heavily pregnant at this time (I think she was 7 months or something.) After everything that was happening over the weekend, Mandisa did not want to see Musa or hear what he had to say about his trip. So she told him not to come.
Episode 13 – Way forward – (part 2)
Musa came anyway, Mandisa let him in. When he got to her door he looked so troubled. Mandisa was not sure if it was because he was tired from driving. “Mandisa, please you have to hear me out!!” He said rushing inside then threw himself on the couch. Mandisa closed the door and followed him. “Mandisa, I tried, I tried, I really tried. It is not working for me. My family is also not helping me.” He said then looked down as if he was announcing death of someone.
“What are you talking about? Would you like some water?” She said wishing she could hug him as he seemed very troubled. She did not wait for his reply, just went to the kitchen and poured him a glass. He took the glass and galloped the water and then took a deep breath.
“I tried working on the so called marriage, but it’s not what I want Mandisa. After going home this weekend I realised it even more. My family made me realise how much I really need you. They say I am crazy, I don’t care if I am. If being crazy is allowing my heart love who I want, then I want to be crazy. My family needs to understand that.”
“What the hell Musa? What do you want me to say right now? You are still married”, Mandisa said sitting down. “I know I am, but I don’t want to be married anymore. I want to be with you. Please let me be with you”
Mandisa could not lie and say she was not flattered, she never stopped loving the guy and seeing him speaking so desperately rose all her feeling, but she tried to control herself. So she just chose not to respond to him and she sat down next to him and hugged him. “I really love you Mandisa, I thought I was going to be able to get over it, but it is not working”.
A small voice in Mandisa’s head, “he could be lying, that is what married men do”. She ignored the voice and just continued holding him. If loving someone this much, even if it was wrong, then she was ready to go to hell. She heard herself thinking out loud that she does not care if he is lying or just want to use her. She needed him, her heart needed him. Besides he could be telling the truth. Maybe he really does not love Yolanda anymore, so why was he to suffer.
“I love you too” she replied after a few seconds. “But it is not easy to just ignore everything that has happened in the past few months.” “That is all I need to hear right now”. Musa spent the night at Mandisa’s place, luckily he was not working the following day so his changing clothes were not a problem. All of his clothes that were at Mandisa’s place had been sent back to his house when their fight broke.
“What happened with your family anyway?” She asked him when they were both calm and well rested. He told her that he announced to his family that the woman he had spoken about before was pregnant and that he wanted his family to follow the correct traditional procedures. That was when his parents and siblings and just about every one of his family who was around started insulting him and the mother of his unborn baby, calling her a witch and that she had given him igomondela (love portion)
They did not even give him a chance to explain that he had broken up with Mandisa, then before he knew it he was telling them straight that he disliked Yolanda and did not want to marry her and that is his father/family loved her so much then they should marry her themselves. Then he left saying he was going to be with the person he loved, whether they like it or not. When he got to Gauteng he never went to his house. He was not ready to see Yolanda so he went to Mandisa’s flat as soon as he got in Pretoria.
**Okay, maybe he did not say it in those exact words when he narrated to Mandisa, but that is how Mandisa interpreted the whole narration.**
The following day, Mandisa went to work and instructed him to leave the keys with the security when he left. When she came back from work, the security guard said Musa never left the key, instead he was still inside. Indeed he was at her flat and had cooked and cleaned. Mandisa saw that he had changed his clothes, meaning he went home and changed (or he just wore some of his clothes that were already in his car outside that he had gone with to Mpumalanga). Mandisa was not sure what was happening, she however did not spot his bag but she did not bother to open the wardrobe and look. And she did not ask him anything, she was just delighted she found him there.
“Hello” Mandisa answered her phone when an unknown number called that same evening around 9 when she and Musa were still watching TV.
Lady’s voice: Hello Mandisa, it’s Yolanda here, how are you?
Episode 14 – The new way
Mandisa was shocked that Yolanda was calling, she put her hand over the phone’s mic and whispered to Musa, “it’s Yolanda.” Musa looks as puzzled as well and he shrugged as a sign that he did not know what was going on.
Mandy: Oh, okay. Hello, how can I help you?
Yolly: When last did you see Musa?
Mandy: Why do you ask?
Yolly: Well he was supposed to come see you last Sunday.
Mandy: Yes he was…
Yolly: Did he come?
Mandy: Err, I suggest that you call him and ask him instead
Yolly: Okay, bye.
“What was that about? Why is your wife calling me?” Mandisa asked Musa. Musa just looked at her blankly, without saying anything. “Musa what is happening? Have you seen Yolanda lately?” Musa shook his head looking ashamed. “OMG, and your phone is off” Mandisa said briefly taking his phone and noticed that it was off. “Are you trying to avoid Yolanda?”
“Yes, kind of” he replied, still with the shameful look. “Thing is I haven’t seen her since I got back from Mpumalanga” he continued. “What? Why?” Mandisa asked. “I just don’t know how to face her. A part of me wants to see her so we can put an end to this, but another part of me is scared. This will create a great conflict in my family, and hers too. I don’t know what to do Mandisa”. He said.
“Yhooo” Mandisa exclaimed, then they kept quiet for a while, after a moment Mandy broke the silence. “You need to speak to her, she is worried about you. She is your wife, you owe her at least an explanation” Mandisa suggested. “Okay, I will go to the house in the morning and speak to her, can I bring more of my clothes here for now, she can live at the house for now because the flat in Centurion is no longer in my name.”
Mandy: Okay, but you are not going to move in here before you talk to Yolanda and the two of you come up with a solution. I don’t want to be any part of this. As much as I love you, I value marriage and you should too.
Musa: Come one Mandisa, where should I live for now? You cannot expect me to live with Yolanda, please.
Mandy: No, I can’t Musa, I just can’t. Go live at a hotel or something.
They went to bed on that note, Musa was to go back to his house the following morning before going to work and speak to Yolanda. Mandisa checked on him during the day and discovered that he did not speak to Yolanda as they were both in a rush and had postponed the talking to later that evening; Mandisa was okay with that. She like to believe that she did not really have a say on what was happening.
Musa spoke to Yolanda that evening.
***** A month went past*****
“So Yolanda is still living in the house?” Mandisa asked Musa one afternoon as they were chilling. They were not living together, Musa was still living at the hotel but was seen more often at Mandisa’s flat than in his own house; as a matter of fact he just never went there at all. “Yes she does, but since I spoke to her last month, I haven’t seen her. Besides you need me more than she does. You are pregnant and are due in a few weeks. I need to be here for you. I should come live here. Don’t you think?” he pleaded. “Nah, it will reflect badly, you are still married” she replied. “Yes I am, but I am always with you and if someone who did not know me well was to guess who I was married to, I am pretty sure they would think you are my wife.” “Agreed, but you are not my husband; you are still married to Yolanda.” They argued for a while but it was not bad, they were laughing most of the time.
After Musa had left that afternoon, Zinzi came to see Mandisa, Cindy was scarce since Mandisa seemed to give her a cold shoulder most of the time. Mandisa still could not get over the stuff Cindy said about her on Facebook, and from what Mandisa could gather Zinzi was not so close to Zinzi anymore as well.
Zinzi: So girl, I never told you neh, Yolanda works at home affairs, but she does not know that I know you.
Mandisa: Oh, I remember Musa mentioning that she found a job at home affairs, just never thought it was your branch.
Zinzi: well I could not really tell you because you used to get all cranky and grumpy when her name was mentioned. So anyway, the woman has been talking about her broken marriage.
Mandisa: Aha, what has she been saying?
Zinzi: Just stuff about how she feels like she just needed to end it, and all, but is afraid of her family and what not.
Mandy: Funny because Musa said something about their families as well (pause)… oh, I think I am having contractions. Been having this period pain like pain since this morning and now it seems like it is getting more painful
Zinzi: those are definitely contractions, I thought you were only due next month?
Mandy: Me too, and I haven’t taken my leave, I still had one week. Damn
Zinzi: We will try to sort that out for you tomorrow, let’s get you to hospital. We will call Musa on the way…
***The baby girl was fine and healthy.
Two months later, Musa had practically moved in, he had a “well I have to take care of you and the new angel” excuse. As much as Mandisa disapproved at first, having Musa around was very helpful, he even took a paternity leave of 10 days when the baby was still new born.
As Mandisa was busy with her house chores and baby asleep one day, she heard the flat buzzer. When she answered, the security guard told her that a lady calling herself Yolanda wanted to come up. Mandy Okayed it and Yolanda was there at her door.
Episode 15 - A light or…
“Hello Yolanda, come on in” Mandisa said in a friendly voice. She had not seen Yolanda since the day she walked out on her at the shop in Midrand when she was still pregnant. They have never even spoken on the phone since the other day as well. She wondered why was Yolanda there, was she there to act on all the rumours (which were not very far from truth), that Mandisa had broken her (Yolanda’s) marriage and was a side chick with no shame; a side chick seen strolling in public with someone’s husband and she (Mandisa) showed no shame about it.
Mandisa had even stopped using her Facebook because she was getting inboxes left right and centre from people who wanted to confirm all the rumours. She did not think any of those people really cared of her wellbeing and just wanted gossip, so she never entertained them. She did not think they even deserved to know that Musa had spoken to Yolanda about not wanting her (Yolanda) anymore and that (as far as Mandisa knew) the only reason stopping Musa and Yolanda from breaking up was the complications that may arise with their families.
Those same people were seen on statuses written by Cindy and crew, which even though no names were mentioned, were clearly talking about Mandisa about how much of a home wrecker she was. Some people were saying if they were in Yolanda’s shoes they would beat Mandisa up. So finally Yolanda was there to beat her up. Mandisa could not lie, secretly she was scared of Yolanda, but she decided that she was going to be calm and hear her (Yolly) out. After all Musa did “speak to her (Yolly)” before he moved out.
“How are you? And how is the baby? Giving you a handful I hope.” Yolanda said as well in a friendly tone as well. “Ah, you know how babies are, she cries, poops and sleeps” they laughed briefly as Yolanda was settling on the couch. Mandisa was still wondering what Yolanda was doing there.
“I am assuming this is not just a social visit?” Mandisa broke the ice. “No, it is not.”
Mandy: Okay, so how can I help you?
Yolly: Well, I guess there is no easy way to say this, due to the awkward situation that we both found ourselves in, being put in by Musa; but I am going to try.
Mandy: (Nodding), I know what you mean.
Yolly: Okay, here it comes, I and Musa are still married, but we are as good as separated, I am sure you are aware that he moved out of his house a long time ago.
Mandy: Aha, but just so you know, he did not move out to come and live here.
Yolly: I know, he was living in a hotel, but he spent most of his time here.
Mandy: Yes you can say that. But it was entirely his choice, if anything, I told him all the time that he should not come here that often.
Yolly: No need to be all defensive, I am not here to judge you. Musa clearly made his choice and I cannot stand in his way.
Mandy: I see.
Yolanda: Well, I can’t get hold of him as well as you can, so I just came by here to tell you to pass the message to him.
Mandy: (Soft giggle) what is the message?
Yolly: We need to separate. We both have family issues when it comes to the matter, but I do not see why we should not do it anymore. He does not feel me anymore, and he is not even trying. So please just tell him that.
Mandy: Tjo, why should I be the one telling him?
Yolly: Because I cannot get hold of him, and by the looks of things, he lives here anyway. So you are the best person to tell him since you are guaranteed to see him tonight. Right?
Mandy: Eh…
Yolly: Well thank you for your time, my lunch break will be over soon. I wish you well with Musa. Give the little one a kiss from me.
Mandy: (still puzzle), okay.
Yolanda then went on her way. Mandisa was left puzzled, not sure what she should tell Musa or if she should tell him at all. Musa came home in the afternoon, around 7 pm and Mandisa could not tell him anything. She did not know where to begin, so she thought she was going to think of an approach first then tell him when she knew what to say or not say.
The following day was a holiday and Musa had a function at his work, so he was away during the day. Zinzi came by to see Mandisa. “New development on Yolanda’s story hey” Zinzi started the gossip. Mandisa was not going to share what had happened the day before. “What did she say this time?”
Zinzi told her “Well, she actually has a personal blog where she shares details about her personal life, I found out about it yesterday, and trust me, you need to see the stuff she said on that blog”. “Oh wow, I am not sure I want to read that, maybe you should just tell me what she says” Mandisa said. “Oh trust me, you want to read it yourself” Zinzi told her. “Anyway, how is Musa’s family? You never speak about them” Zinzi said trying to change the subject. “Ahh, they are fine I guess. I have never met them.” Mandisa really did not want to get into that because it was not a pleasant subject. From the story she heard from Musa she knew that the Mabenas hated her.
After Zinzi had left Musa came back “Baby, I have some ‘maybe great news’. Oh things are looking so great”
Episode 16 – Family matters
“What is it?” Mandisa responded, Musa seemed really excited, it had to be something that he heard at the work function he was coming from. “My love, there is a vacant post position at work which if I get it will be a promotion for me. It is as good as mine already. There are just a few formalities that I need to attend to with the senior management and as from next month (2 weeks from now) it will be mine.” He said sounding really excited.
“Wow baby, I am so happy for you, so should we celebrate?” Mandisa said also excited. “No, no celebration yet. I don’t want to jinx it. When it is officially mine, then we will celebrate.” He said. Mandisa thought it was a great opportunity to tell him about Yolanda’s visit since he was in a good mood. So she waited for a calmer opportunity.
“Baby, you know yesterday, Yolanda came by here to see me”. “Oh, she did? That is strange. What about?”
Mandisa: She said I must pass you the message that you two must separate.
Musa: Oh, really? What about her family and my family drama?
Mandisa: Well I don’t know much about your families, but she said she does not see the point of staying married anymore. Maybe you should speak to her.
Musa: Well, this is good news too. I will speak to her and we will do the separation thing.
Musa spoke to Yolanda and the two of them decided to do the divorce first before telling their families, and would only break the news to their families when everything was done so they would be unable to stop them. So they began the process.
“Baby, I think I will tell my family about my promotion once the divorce is through so that even if I they are mad, there is still something to be happy about.” Musa announced to Mandisa, three days before he was officially promoted at his job. Mandisa thought that was great idea. The following day she decided to finally read Yolanda’s blog. It was titled “My life as a Mrs”; before she could start reading she got a call.
Mandisa: Hello.
Woman’s voice: is that Mandisa?
Mandisa: Yes, how can I help you?
Voice: Well, this is Mrs Mabena, the mother of the child whom you have bewitched.
Mandisa: Excuse me?
Voice: Listen here you good for nothing girl, going around spreading your legs and getting pregnant will not guarantee you a ring on that finger. Is that what your mother taught you?
Mandisa: I am sorry, but what are you on about?
Voice: Musa is taken, he is married and there is nothing you can do to change that. Tell your sangoma to just give up. You are not welcome in this family, along with your good for nothing child of sin.
Mandisa: (could not say anything)…
Voice: You haven’t won, as long as I am breathing my son will remain married to Yolanda, you hear me?
Mandisa: (Still could not say anything).
Voice: I think I have made my point, bye (hung up).
Mandisa was left holding her phone in her hand, could not put it down, she just stood there frozen, luckily the couch was right by her, so she absent mindedly sat on the couch. Could that be Musa’s mom? Whow, she knew the Mabenas hated her, but she had no idea that they did it to that extent. Did they already know that Musa and Yolanda were getting divorced? She had no idea. Who told them? Musa and Yolanda had agreed to tell their families when the divorce was through and they were currently busy with it, even though it was still at the beginning.
Mandisa was hurt, she wondered if Musa was worth all of the pain she was going through. What good was her love for him and his love for her if his family could not accept her and her baby daughter. She was not sure any more about Musa and their future together. In the afternoon, Musa came back. He found Mandisa crying. She told him briefly about what had happened.
Musa assured her that she had nothing to worry about. If his family could not accept her, he was ready to go solo with her, his family were going to just accept it, whether they like it or not. He told her warmly that his love for him was not about to change, not even for his family. If his family could not accept the one he loved, then maybe he was better off without them.
“Baby, you can’t abandon your family. They are your family and they are Anita’s (the daughter) family too. You have to do something. I do not want a curse.” Mandisa pleaded with him. “Yes love, I will think of something, just give me time”
The following day they discovered that Yolanda had told her sister about the ongoing separation and the sister had taken the news to her mother. Yolanda’s mother then contacted Musa’s mother. But from where everyone was standing, it was only Yolanda’s sister and mother who knew, plus Musa’s mother. Everybody else did not know. Musa’s mother was constantly bugging Musa on not giving in on the muthi gave to him by Mandisa. Just to keep her quite, Musa told his mother he was going to think about it.
The following day, it was Friday and the day Musa was officially promoted.
Episode 17 - My life as a Mrs
While Musa was at work, probably getting his promotion, Mandisa decided to finally read Yolanda’s blog. Here below is what was in the blog (not everything, just here and there and a summary of this and that.)
“When me and Themba *I am going call him Themba to protect his identity* broke up about 4/5 years ago, I never thought it was a big deal because well it was not the first time I broke up with a person and it was not like there had been anything special that we had at the time. Little did I know that there was a little Themba that was planted inside of me.
At first I was scared of what would happen, a guy I broke up with had me pregnant, what was I to do? I do not believe in abortion and so it was not even an option. As time went past, I wondered if I should tell him or what. Finally I had guts to tell him and to my surprise he did not deny me and said he supported me. He told his family and that was when things started heating up.
His father and most of his family members had always liked me as his girlfriend, even though we had been a couple only for a few months; and upon hearing the news his father suggested that we got married. I tried to talk my family out of it and from his side he tried as well but to no avail. Both our families are very traditional. So we got married and I became a Mrs.
Themba took care of me when I was pregnant, he was there when I needed him and attended to my cravings. He was the greatest baby daddy anyone could ever ask for. Even though we were not intimate as a wife and husband, I was satisfied with how he treated me. After the baby was born he found a job in another province and well he moved to live there and rarely came home.
I also moved and lived with my own family and would just go to Themba’s home when he was there and he would want to see the baby. A piece of me wanted to work on the marriage thing, but a large part of me did not really care, I was just happy my child was being raised by married parents.
Things got worse when his mother died about 3 years later, he did not come home for the whole year after the funeral. If I was not really busy with work I would have moved on because I was only married by name and that was all there was to it.
After that whole year he was gone, he came back home and told his family that he wanted us to separate as he was not happy with the marriage, his aunt (his father’s sister) who had assumed a mother role ever since his mother died was there too. Themba and his siblings referred to her as mom since they were kids. She like that because she never had children of her own. She wanted to hear nothing of us separating. She was the one who suggested that I moved to where Themba was living, maybe the reason he did not want me so much was because we were far apart.
My contract at my work was ended anyway, as much as I had lost faith in the so called marriage, getting out of Mpumalanga would be a great opportunity for me, so I took it. I and Themba spoke about what was going to happen. He did not tell me much, only that he had a vacant flat I could use, and he was going to help me out financially while I tried to find work.
The first few weeks or even months in the new province seemed promising, I spent more time with Themba and for the first time since we had broken up (before we got married) four years back, we were intimate, it felt good and once again my hope on the marriage was raised.
One day, while he had taken a day off just to spend some time with me, we were at a nearby supermarket to buy some groceries, there was a lady who came to us and started asking all sort of questions and even attacked me. Themba did not have much to say about what happened, instead he took me to the flat and just left me there saying he was going to fix whatever. And since then he rarely came to my flat again.
A few weeks later, Themba came to the flat and told me that the lady who attacked me was actually his girlfriend, and she was pregnant. But he was also telling me that he wanted to give our marriage a try, no matter how hard it was. He said maybe our families saw something that we (I and he) could not see.
Even though I was also was not really feeling him, I was happy that he wanted to try. We talked about his unborn baby and that he could go take care of the mother once in a while, I did not mind. I know what it is like to be pregnant (well that is how I consoled myself, I seriously could not stop him). I moved to his house and we lived together, I cannot say happily because we were both trying so hard to fix something that seemed dead (if it was ever alive).
One weekend, he went home to Mpumalanga, he said he was going to sort out the unborn baby issue with his family and he just did not come back the following Sunday as planned. I had stalked his girlfriend and knew where she lived. I found out that Themba came back from Mpumalanga and was living with her instead even though he spent some nights in a hotel.
I can’t lie and say it did not hurt. I literally saw my marriage falling apart with no hope of it ever getting together. I could not really blame Themba; we were never in love, we were forced to get married. When he had a chance he tried to work on our marriage but it just did not work. He seemed to love this baby mama lady person and I would be very selfish to deprive him of that opportunity to be with someone whom he really wanted.
So I….”
“Baby I am home” Musa’s voice said sounding like it was from a distance, as it interrupted Mandisa from reading the blog… She was almost finished anyway but she did not have time to absorb and think about what she read. He had promised to take Musa out for the celebration, Zinzi was going to watch the baby.
Episode 18 – Finale
“Okay, tonight is the night where we celebrate your achievement” Mandisa said sounding excited. She hadn’t had a night out for almost a year. She had never went out since she had been pregnant and the baby had been keeping her busy. Zinzi and her husband did not mind watching the baby every once in a while because they said they were practicing for their own. But Mandisa never liked to leave the baby with Zinzi overnight. It was for the first time she did it. It was a special occasion and there was a lot to celebrate.
Mandisa had asked one of Musa’s friends to host the braai as she did not have enough space at her own complex and well she did not really want to cause any troubles by doing it in Musa’s house because Yolanda was living there. When she had time earlier that day she had gone to prepare food and other mini stuff. It was not a lot of things as it was just going to be a braai with Musa’s friends and some of her friends, even Cindy was invited this time around.
It was very successful little evening, and around the time before they all went home, Musa gathered everyone around. “I am sure he wants to say his thanks” people mumbled as they gathered around him.
“Guys, thank you all for coming here, and special thanks to Mandisa and Thabo (the hosting friend) for making all of this possible. I am lucky to have Mandisa in my life. I cannot wait to make her officially a Mabena. I guess everyone can continue having fun if it is okay with Tbose. I am thinking of having an early night.” He said as he went back to his seat next to some of his friends and he gave Mandisa a little wink.
Mandisa was feeling really pleased and flattered that Musa said something like that about her in front of all his friends and some of her friends too. Cindy had the nasty look on her face and Mandisa did not care. Cindy did not know half the stuff that Mandi went through to be where she was that day. Mandisa wished Zinzi had been there, over the past few months Zinzi had stepped up to be a very supportive friend, even though Mandi liked to shut her out most of the time.
After some time Thabo rose on his feet as well and went to where Musa had been standing. “Okay, okay. Before Mr Party departs, I propose that he has just 2 last shots as a punishment to leave his own party.” Everyone loved the idea and they all cheered for Musa to take a few shots. Musa thought he already had enough, but he concluded that he was not going to drive, after all he and Mandisa came in Mandisa’s car. So she was just going to drive them back… so he had his few shots…
After about 30 minutes Musa and Mandisa got in their car and went home. Musa was really drunk but Mandisa was going to drive and she was sober.
“You really are the best Mandy, you know that” Musa said in a drunken voice as they were driving away. Before Mandisa could say anything he continued, “I want you to be my wife, I want to live with you, and me and Anitha. My family will accept it. You know what, sometimes I wish my mother was still alive. She would have loved you. You two would be buddy buddies. Ah, I guess you can be friends with mom (meaning his aunt). Hahahahahahahaha, that is funny because she does not like you. Don’t worry my love, it does not matter who loves or not love you, because Musa loves you. You know that right? Mmm?” He said while attempting to kiss her on the cheek.
“Musa can’t you just sleep? You are very drunk.” Mandisa was starting to remember why she did not like going places with Musa especially when he was planning to get drunk. He could be so talkative, like none stop talking. She could not say she was annoyed by the stuff he was saying, she was pleased that he was saying all those things about her.
“Hahahahaha, no, I am not going to sleep. I need to pee” he said and requested Mandisa to stop so he could pee. He peed on the side of the road and Mandisa wished she could get the ground to swallow her, damn her man was drunk. He came back.
“You know baby” he said as he got in. “We have never fooled around in the car before, and I am feeling kind of you know?” he said giving her the eye. Mandisa just laughed at him and moved the car. “Come on baby” he said touching her. “No Musa” Mandisa said in a stronger voice, she really just wanted to get home.
“Come on, you know we will never get a chance at your flat, Anita will be there, come on” he said pleading and trying to touch her again. They were approaching a curve at the time and Mandisa used one of her hands to move his hand away, but she did it too harshly that the hand holding the steering lost control and it did not turn properly on the curve, after realising this Mandisa tried to get the car back in control but as she turned the steering the car swayed too much to the other side and she turned the steering again and same thing happened (basically the car zigzag’d out of control) and before she the car was back in control another car came from the opposite direction and there was a crash.
“Where is Musa” Mandisa said as she opened her eyes and realised she was in hospital. Faint memories of what had happened were playing in her head. She remembered being told to try and step out of the vehicle, she also had a faint memory of people panicking left right and centre, and she also remembered a lot of red, orange, blue etc. lights that were just all over the place. She knew they had been in an accident.
Yes, it is true, what you are thinking was indeed what happened. Musa did not make it, he died on the scene. Mandisa might have a faint memory of hearing something along those lines but she was not sure if the memory was real or she had been dreaming. A nurse rushed to her after hearing her speak.
It was explained to her that she did not have a lot of injuries, just a few minor scratches, she had been admitted for shock and then she was going to do a full check-up for any injuries. It was explained that there was no need for her to be kept in hospital and that she was going to be discharged that morning.
“The person on the passenger seat did not make it” the words told to her by the police officer who was in charge of the case kept ringing in her head. She had lost Musa and it was not even a dream, he was so in love with her and wanted to do right by her, but he died a horrible death, just like that. Zinzi had been called and she came to fetch her from hospital and they went home.
She was sitting on her couch, little Anita was asleep, it was a day after. The previous day she had asked the police officers to pass the news to the Mabena’s and she was expecting them any time and they came.
It was Musa’s mom (aunt) and father. They were supposed to come collect his personal stuff because most of his stuff was at her place since he had been living there.
*Okay, as if it is not obvious, let me explain this. This is story is based on Kelly Khumalo and Senzo Meyiwa’s, so all those who follow the news should know what goes on from here onwards. Let me explain that what happened in this fiction of mine is not exactly what happened to Kelly and Senzo. I don’t know what happened to them.
The point of me writing this story was to show another angle of the story, especially to all those who had been calling Kelly Khumalo a home wrecking witch and so on. I wanted to highlight that they should not judge her while they have never been in her shoes and have no idea what her reasons were for staying with Senzo while he was married.
The parts highlighted in the story are all that we know through media
1. Kelly beat up Mandisa in public
2. She broke up with Senzo and Senzo admitted he had lied to her about being married
3. Senzo and Mandisa (Yolanda in this case) got back together and tried to work on their marriage
4. Somehow, Senzo got back with Kelly.
5. Mandisa did an article on Drum that she and Senzo were in a process of breaking up and that she had accepted that he had chosen Kelly. Mandisa said clearly that she did not hate Senzo and that what they had was good when it was still good.
So I wrote this story showing a possibility of the reasons why Kelly would stay. So if what happened to Mandisa is what happened to Kelly, would you still judge her? No, you would feel sorry for her because you know what happened to her. Cindy and her crew (who represent all of us who only know what we know from rumours) do not know the whole story and all they see is Mandisa breaking up Yolanda’s marriage.
Often we prosecute people based on our assumptions just like when a 16 year old is pregnant and you assume she is a young sl*t, only to find that she was raped. You call a guy who has someone pregnant irresponsible, only to find that the condom burst. Just two common examples. I hope my point is clear
The message being “Do not judge if you have never been in that person’s shoes. Get to know the story first then you can judge. Walk a mental mile in that person’s shoes before prosecuting them*
The end!