Zandile



Not wanting to burden my friends, I politely declined their invitation to a party at another lodge and chose to take a walk alone instead.

The peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings had always brought me comfort, and I hoped it would help me shake off thoughts of Melusi that seemed to cling to me so strongly.

But as fate would have it, a surprising encounter awaited me. There they were, Melusi and his wife, appearing before me on this very day and hour.

Part of me wanted to retreat, to turn back and find refuge in my own lodge. However, the fear of looking foolish and revealing the impact their presence had on me kept me moving forward. My stomach churned, my palms grew sweaty, and my heart ached with each step, as if breaking with every beat.

“Hi,” Melokuhle greeted, unaware of the almost-kiss that Melusi and I had shared just four days ago.

I managed to greet them back, avoiding direct eye contact with Melusi, unwilling to face the reality that he was now married, a clear reminder that our shared memories belonged to the past and could never be reignited.

Melokuhle, still oblivious to the complex emotions between us, continued the conversation. “You’re Zandile, right?”

I nodded, offering a small smile as a shield to hide the storm brewing inside me. “Yes, Melusi’s old friend,” I replied, purposely leaving out any reference to our complicated history.

“It’s always nice to meet people from his past,” Melokuhle commented, surprising me with an invitation. “You should join us for dinner later at the hall.”

I glanced at Melusi, and his eyes mirrored my surprise, reflecting my own shock. Uncertainty filled me. Was this really what I wanted? To share a meal with the woman who now had the love that should have been mine?

“Uh…” I hesitated, conflicting thoughts racing through my mind. But the words slipped out before I could stop them. “Sure,” I said, my voice revealing the apprehension gripping me.

“Let’s meet at 8,” Melokuhle confirmed, her words hanging in the air as they passed through me. I stood there, rooted in disbelief. I had willingly agreed to have dinner with the wife of my ex-lover, the man who had consumed my thoughts since the moment we first met.