Melusi



I held Melokuhle tightly, my arms wrapped around her waist, even though she was already running late for her first day. I couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her and leaned in.

She spun around, giggling playfully, and held my face with both hands. Planting a sweet kiss on my lips, she chuckled and tried to break free from my embrace. “I’m running late, Melusi,” she said, managing to get away. She grabbed her bag from the table, took her car keys, and blew me another quick kiss before rushing out of the house.

As she disappeared, the once lively home fell silent. There was no more sound of her singing in the shower or the noise of a blow dryer. I even missed her occasional scolding when I misplaced her things.

The sudden calm allowed my mind to wander. Since our honeymoon, life had been filled with endless tasks. I focused on my business while Melokuhle tirelessly searched for a university and a place to call our own. Our schedules were so busy that we rarely had time to relax or spend a peaceful evening together.

And then there was Zandile—a woman from my past whom I hadn’t contacted since our honeymoon. I closed my laptop, feeling uncertain. My hand trembled as I took out my phone from my pocket. Should I call her? The thought lingered, and doubt started to creep in.

With a surge of determination, I dialed Zandile’s number. The phone rang twice before she answered.

“Hi,” she said, surprising me.

What was I doing? I had a wife—a loving, devoted wife. Why was I reconnecting with Zandile? I should end the call, block her number, and forget about this temptation. But against my better judgment, I responded to her greeting.

“Can I see you?” I managed to say, feeling guilty and questioning my lack of self-control.

The phone call hung in the air, a moment of decision. Did I really want to risk losing Melokuhle—the woman I had promised to spend my life with—for someone from my past who should have stayed there? Was it just a coincidence that Zandile happened to be in the same location as me?

Lost in thought, Zandile’s voice brought me back to reality. “Yes.”

With the call ended, I found myself agreeing to meet her at her place in just one hour. Doubt and regret filled me, reminding me of the foolish path I was considering. Should I go through with this ill-advised meeting, knowing the potential consequences it could bring?