On Saturday morning he went to his mother’s house in Gugulethu, to let her know the good news. His mother couldn’t be prouder because she loved Siyamthanda and was happy that her son was finally settling down. People were starting to talk, saying maybe he was not into girls and that his Siya was just a friend. Nobantu was glad her son would finally shut them up, and she would get more grandbabies.

She ululated and called their relatives immediately to share the news. The uncles were immediately sorting out dates for the lobola negotiations and Malusi could do nothing to stop them. He was, after all, the only son and the marriage would mean heirs. He was prepared for this, he knew this was what was expected. You didn’t propose unless you had money to pay lobola.

He left his mother’s house with a headache, thankful that it was the weekend and he could rest.

But he got home and found no rest. The flat he shared with Siya was full with her friends, all drinking wine and screaming over the wedding plans.

“Malusi, I always knew you were a keeper,” said Claire, Siya’s childhood BFF. “Are you sure you don’t have a brother?” She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him towards the girls.

“Uhh, no … I mean, yes, I’m sure … but I have cousins,” he stuttered.

“Do they have great taste like you? I mean, oh my God, look at this ring,” another girl, whose name he could not recall, said, pulling on Siya’s hand to look at the diamond again.

The girls shrieked with delight. Malusi needed to get out fast.

“Oh my God, I can’t wait for the wedding! You must get Gegee to organise it; she’s the best,” Claire piped up.

“Of course, only the best, and no-one else comes close,” the others agreed.

“And where are you guys going for the honeymoon? I bet you to some island,” another girl said, winking at Siya. Again, they screamed.

Malusi smiled. He also had that covered. He had been looking at places that would meet his pocket and had a list of five beautiful destinations to choose from. He was sure that Siya would love them too and that their honeymoon would be unforgettable.

Before he could open his mouth, Siya was already answering.

“It’s a choice between one of the islands in the Maldives, or the Europe tour,” she said, her eyes gleaming at him. “They’re the perfect honeymoon destinations.”

The girls went crazy! And seeing this excitement, Malusi realised that he had made a great miscalculation in not asking Siya what she wanted. The Maldives islands or Europe were never on his list. South Africa had so much to offer and he had thought they would visit one of the provinces. Or visit the Victoria Falls if they wanted to get out a bit. But this! This was going to cripple his bank balance.

He felt flushed; he needed to leave, now, before Siya knew that there was probably not going to be a fancy honeymoon, let alone some exotic island.

“Ladies, I just came to check in on my baby, but I have to dash and leave you to your … plans.”

They cooed and ahhed, making him and Siya blush, as he bent down to kiss her goodbye and quickly made for the door.

In the car he texted Anda, his best friend.

Bra, where you at?

At The Corner House boy,
pull through.

Anda lived in Khayelitsha and was probably watching soccer with the boys, drinking and enjoying tshisa-nyama. This was exactly what Malusi needed to get his mind off his worries.

He was happy to meet with his friends. But as soon as the match was over and the boys started catching up on news, his worries resurfaced.

“Awe bra, so you’re off the market?” Anda said, poking his arm.

“Anda, I’ve been off the market for three years now,” Malusi smiled.

“And you think that’s something to be proud of?” he chuckled. “Well, there’s more chow for us, ntwana,” he said, his eyes following a girl walking to the bar.

“You’re just saying that. Ntombi will have you paying lobola sooner than you think.”

“Ubani, mna? Never! I mean, look at you, not yet hitched and already you’re thinking about killing yourself.”

Anda didn’t miss a thing. And Malusi saw this as a chance to offload his burdens – not that Anda ever had any mature advice to give.

“Kanti wena, what were you doing with a level 5?” He looked at Malusi’s shocked face. “Nyani, that girl is way out of your league, but you had to go there. Now you’re complaining coz you can’t afford to give her the life she’s used to?”

Anda was right. Siya was way out of his league, but she had also chosen to be with him, despite her coming from money and he not. This showed that she loved him and was willing to spend the rest of her life with him. Surely that was enough?

 ***

Tell us: Do you think relationships between people of different incomes or levels of wealth can work? If so, how?