Melusi



As soon as Zandile left, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I need time to be alone, to gather my thoughts and figure out how I can apologise to Melokuhle for my mistakes. Zandile’s presence had only added to the chaos, and now the silence that enveloped me was a welcome respite.

But my moment of peace was short-lived as the phone began to ring. Seeing Steve’s name flashing on the screen surprised me. What could he possibly want after the way he had treated me not long ago?

“Hello,” I answered, my hand nervously wiping against my trousers. His voice sounded urgent, and my worry grew as he spoke.

“It’s Melokuhle,” he said, “I think she has been kidnapped.”

The words hit me like a ton of bricks, and all the air seemed to leave my lungs. Kidnapped? The fear and concern in Steve’s voice was evident, despite my anger towards him, I can’t ignore the urgency in his words.

“I’m coming,” I replied, my mind racing with worry.

***

I rushed to Steve’s house, my heart pounding in my chest. The moment I stepped inside, I could feel the worry thick in the air. Christina sat on the couch, tears streaming down her face, and Steve looked distraught as he peered at the laptop screen.

“I didn’t know who to call,” Steve said, shifting the laptop towards me. I sat down, my eyes glued to the footage displayed before me.

My heart sank as I watched the video, confirming that Melokuhle had indeed been kidnapped. My stomach churned with anxiety as I saw her being forcibly dragged into a car. Rewinding the footage, I tried to catch a glimpse of the kidnapper’s face, but they had made efforts to conceal their identity. Yet, something about their body language and structure seemed familiar.

As realisation hit me, my heart raced with dread. It is a woman, and despite the disguise, I know exactly who is behind this. Fear and concern for Melokuhle overwhelmed me as I realised that someone had been targeting her, and I know that it is up to me to find her and bring her back safely.