Nontobeko is ecstatic today. Her daughters are coming home for the June holidays. Sane took a morning flight from Joburg and met up with Hlengiwe in Durban. They will travel home later in the afternoon.
Nontobeko prepares their bedrooms. And cooks them their favourite meal – tripe broth and dumplings.
She runs out of the lounge door when she hears a car park at the gate.
“Mama!” Sane runs and hugs her mother.
Hlengiwe joins them in a group hug.
“Why are you so thin? You are not eating properly there at varsity!” says Nontobeko.
“We are not thin but slender,” says Sane.
“Just watch, Sane. We will leave home fat because we know you Ma. You don’t play when it comes to cooking delicious fattening meals.”
The girls bring in their bags and freshen up for supper. Nontobeko dishes the food and they all sit at the table to eat.
“What did I tell you?” says Hlengiwe to Sane. “Just look at what Mama cooked! We will be fat by the time we go back to varsity.”
“Girl, let’s just dive in. We will worry about our summer bodies when we go back.”
There is a knock at the door as all three are laughing.
“Are you expecting someone, Ma?” asks Sane.
“Yes. There is someone I want you to meet,” says Nontobeko as she heads for the door.
Sboniso enters with a bouquet of flowers in his hands.
“Flowers for my beautiful flower,” Sboniso hugs Nontobeko.
“I love them,” says Nontobeko. She puts the flowers in a vase.
“My girls, this is Sboniso, my boyfriend. As you know your father wanted me to find happiness. Sboniso makes me happy.”
“I’m honoured to meet you. Your mom has told me a lot about you. She is so proud of you,” Sboniso shakes their hands.
Sane and Hlengiwe look at each other with amused confusion. “We are glad to meet you,” they say simultaneously.
“I know that Sboniso is much younger than I am. Please accept him.”
“Mama, we could never choose a partner for you. As long as you are happy, I’m happy,” says Hlengiwe.
“Same here, Ma. Your happiness is what is important. If you are happy then we are happy,” says Sane.
“Thank you for accepting me,” says Sboniso.
Sboniso pays lobolo three months later.
***
Today is their wedding day. Although it is the happiest day in his life Sboniso feels a bit sad because none of his family members are attending his wedding. His mother doesn’t approve of Nontobeko simply because of her age.
As Nontobeko enters the church in her wedding dress, Sboniso catches a glimpse of MaGcaba entering and sitting on a bench at the back. She smiles and waves her hand at Sboniso. His sisters also follow suit – they sit next to MaGcaba and blow kisses at him. In that moment all is forgiven.
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