A HEART REPLACED

A HEART REPLACED

Chapter one

MKHUSELI'S POV

Mkhuseli sits in his chair, blankly staring at the file in front of him, his mind elsewhere. Though physically present at the board meeting, his thoughts are far away. Even when the person next to him calls out his name, "Mkhuseli," he doesn't respond. His brother Khumbulani shakes him, trying to bring him back to reality.

Khumbulani notices his brother's distant gaze and asks the meeting attendees to reschedule for another time, citing Mkhuseli's apparent distress. Everyone nods in agreement, packs up their belongings, and exits the board room. Khumbulani remains behind, gently shaking Mkhuseli again.

"Mkhuseli, what's going on, brother?"he asks, concern etched on his face. Mkhuseli snaps back to attention, looking around to find the room empty.

"Is the meeting over?" he asks, checking his phone for the time.

Khumbulani explains, "I had to reschedule the meeting because you didn't seem okay. You were clearly distracted."

Mkhuseli sighs, wiping his forehead in frustration. "

"Khuluma nami Bafo (Speak with me, brother)," he says, his voice cracking.

"My wife isn't getting any better. We barely slept last night; she was in so much pain. She only fell asleep at 5:35 am."

Khumbulani offers what little comfort he can. "I'm so sorry, Bafo. I know my words can't ease your pain right now, but please know I'm praying for your wife."

Mkhuseli rises from his seat, pockets his phone, and instructs Khumbulani to clear his schedule for the day.

"I'm going home to be with my wife,"he says, exiting the board room and driving away, his heart heavy with worry.

After a long drive, he finally arrives home, pulls into the driveway, and steps out of the car. He locks it and heads towards the house, greeting Mam Khethiwe, their loyal cleaner, who's busy scrubbing the pots in kitchen . He exchanges a warm hello before proceeding to his room, where his beloved wife Londeka lies sleeping.

As he enters the room, his heart aches at the sight of her frail body, ravaged by years of cancer. Her once radiant skin now appears pale and gaunt, her frame as thin as a finger. Visitors often wear masks to shield themselves from the pungent smell, but he refuses to do so, despite the doctor's warnings. He can't bear the thought of hurting her feelings, knowing she's already suffering enough.

Their love story spans five years of marriage, a bond as strong as that of Bony and Clyde. Mkhuseli and Londeka have weathered life's storms together, and he's determined to stand by her side, even in the darkest of times.

He approaches the bed, his eyes fixed on her fragile form, and gently sits beside her. He takes her hand in his, feeling the warmth and familiarity of her touch. Despite her weakened state, her eyes still sparkle with a hint of her former radiance.

"Londeka, my love,"he whispers, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm home. I'm here for you."

She stirs, her gaze fluttering towards him, and a faint smile plays on her lips. "Mkhuseli,"she whispers, her voice barely audible.

He leans in closer, his ear inches from her mouth, and listens as she struggles to speak. Her words are laced with pain and exhaustion, but her love for him shines through.

"I'm so proud of you, Mkhuseli,"she says, her voice strained. "You've been my rock, my everything. I don't know what I would do without you."

Tears well up in his eyes as he holds her hand tighter, his heart heavy with sorrow and love. He knows she's fighting a losing battle, but he's determined to be by her side every step of the way.

"I'm here for you, Londeka,"he repeats, his voice choked with emotion. "I'll always be here for you."

________

After Londeka falls asleep, Mkhuseli slowly lets go of her hand and gets off the bed, then heads downstairs to ask Mam Khethiwe to bring him something to eat. He then heads to his study. Mam Khethiwe brings food in a tray for Mkhuseli and then leaves him to eat. His phone disturbs him; he looks at it and sees it's his father. He wipes his hands and then answers, "Ndabezitha"

His father greets him, "Ndodana, kunjani?" (my son, how are you?).

Mkhuseli replies, "I'm trying, Baba, how are things at home?"His father asks about Londeka, "Inkinga ayikho Ndodana, sikahle"(there's no problem, my son, how is your wife?).

Mkhuseli responds, "Still the same, Baba."

His father reveals, "Tomorrow we'll come to your side for a meeting. Her parents will also be present."

Mkhuseli agrees, "No problem, Baba."

They continue talking about other things before hanging up. Mkhuseli sighs, wondering what the meeting will be about; it must be something important because they've never had any meetings with the family before.

...

Mkhuseli emerges from his study, concern etched on his face, and heads to the kitchen to prepare a snack for Londeka. It's already 13:30, and she hasn't eaten since morning. He finishes making something light and nourishing, then heads upstairs to their bedroom.

He enters, he finds Londeka sitting up in bed, her eyes sunken and her face pale.

"Hey love, why didn't you text me you were awake?"he asks, sitting beside her. Londeka's voice is barely above a whisper as she replies, "I was about to."A painful cough interrupts her, and Mkhuseli quickly helps her drink some water to calm the cough.

"I made you some food; you haven't eaten since morning," he says, presenting the food with a gentle smile. Londeka looks at the food, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resignation. She's tired of the bland, nutritious food she's been forced to eat due to her cancer treatment, but she knows she has no choice. She must eat and take her medication to manage her condition.

Mkhuseli notices her hesitation and gently begins to feed her, his eyes filled with love and concern. He takes small spoonfuls of the food and brings them to her lips, encouraging her to eat. Londeka closes her eyes, her face a picture of exhaustion and vulnerability, as Mkhuseli tends to her with compassion and care.

...

Mkhuseli continues feeding Londeka, she suddenly shocks and coughs, losing control of her bodily functions. She looks at Mkhuseli with embarrassment and distress, her eyes filled with tears. Mkhuseli quickly takes the tray away, already knows what happened.

"Let me help you out of those clothes, my love,"he says gently, his voice soothing. Londeka nods hesitantly, her face flushed with shame. Mkhuseli carefully helps her out of the soiled clothes, his touch gentle and reassuring.

He scoops her up in his arms, carrying her to the bathroom as if she were a fragile flower. He prepares a warm bath, his movements swift and efficient, and gently places her in the water. He leaves her to clean up, his heart heavy with empathy, and returns to change the soiled bed sheets, his love and care for her evident in every tender gesture.

Mkhuseli has become accustomed to these moments, having cared for Londeka for over a year now. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast in his devotion, never showing signs of fatigue or frustration. For him, it's a labor of love, a fulfillment of the vows they exchanged on their wedding day.

As he changes the bed sheets, his mind wanders back to the day they promised to love and cherish each other, in sickness and in health. He remembers the radiant smile on Londeka's face, the sparkle in her eyes, and the joy that filled his heart. He knew then that he would do anything to make her happy, to support her through life's ups and downs. He's not just caring for his wife; he's honoring their bond, their promises, and their life together. With every tender gesture, he reaffirms his love and dedication.

*****************

At Bab'Thubana 's House......

Bab'Thubana walks into his house after finishing his chores in the cattle pen. He finds his wife, MaMnguni, preparing lunch, and their daughter, Nonhlakanipho, joins them at the table as requested. The three of them sit down to eat, and Bab'Thubana announces, "Nonhla, my child, tomorrow we're heading to your sister's house for a meeting." He adds, "Pack your clothes in a bag, as you'll be coming with us."

Nonhlakanipho looks puzzled and asks, "Me? Why do I need to bring my bags, Baba?"Bab'Thubana explains, "You'll be staying at your sister's house to help take care of her."Nonhlakanipho questions again, "But why me, Baba?"MaMnguni intervenes, "*Because you're her sister, Nonhlakanipho. No more questions, finish eating and then start packing." Nonhlakanipho nods silently and continues eating. After finishing, she heads to her room, leaving Bab'Thubana and MaMnguni alone.

MaMnguni looks at her husband, concern etched on her face. "Baba, is this really fair to Nonhlakanipho? She's being forced to go to her sister's house without a choice."

Bab'Thubana shrugs, his expression unyielding. "Nonhlakanipho will be fine, MaMnguni. She needs to go and help out there while Mkhuseli is busy at work."

MaMnguni presses on, "But why must she take on this responsibility alone? Can't we find another solution?"

Bab'Thubana's tone becomes firm. "We've discussed this before, MaMnguni. Nonhlakanipho is the only one who can help her sister right now. She's the closest family member available."

MaMnguni sighs, her eyes filled with worry. "I just hope she can handle this burden. She's still so young."

Bab'Thubana places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "She'll be fine, my wife. She's strong and capable. She'll manage."

Nonhlakanipho's participation in this arrangement is not optional, as the meeting's purpose is to inform Mkhuseli and Londeka that she will be joining them to provide support. According to their cultural traditions, she will assume a significant role in the household, including taking on responsibilities as a temporary caregiver and helper. This is a common practice in their culture, where family ties are deeply valued and the well-being of one's sister is considered a collective responsibility. Additionally, the Mbatha family is in need of an heir, but due to Londeka's illness, she is unable to fulfill this role, leading to the decision to send Nonhlakanipho to assist.This cultural practice may seem unfamiliar or even challenging to some, but it's essential to understand the importance of family and community in their tradition. The Mbatha family's need for an heir is not just a personal desire but a cultural imperative to ensure the continuation of their lineage. Nonhlakanipho's role in this arrangement is not only to support her sister but also to help preserve the family's legacy.

To be continued

A HEART REPLACED

Chapter two

MKHUSELI'S POV

It's morning, and He is already up and about, having requested Mam Khethiwe's assistance today to prepare cupcakes for his and Londeka's parents, who are coming over for a mysterious meeting. Mam Khethiwe is busy baking in the kitchen while Mkhuseli takes a refreshing shower. Londeka is still fast asleep, so he decides to let her rest a bit longer. After drying off and wrapping a towel around his waist, he heads back to the room to moisturize and get dressed. Once he's looking sharp, he prepares a warm bath for his wife and gently wakes her up.

"Love, wake up," , with a smile, he says"Good morning, Love." She slowly opens her eyes, and he reminds her, "The parents are coming over, remember?" She nods, and he helps her out of bed and into the bathroom.

After her bath, she calls out to Mkhuseli, who is tidying up the room, and he assists her out of the water, dries her off, and applies lotion to her fragile skin. He presents her with a selection of clothes, and she chooses a long dress she loves. He helps her put it on, but the dress no longer fits her like it used to, hanging loosely on her thin frame. She blinks away tears, unimpressed with her reflection. Mkhuseli tries to reassure her, "The dress still looks great on you," and she forces a faint smile, knowing he's just trying to make her feel better.

"Let's get you fed," he says, helping her sit on the bed.

"I'll be right back," Mkhuseli says, heading to the kitchen to fetch Londeka's food.

He returns and assists Londeka in eating until she's satisfied. At least today, she finishes her meal.

"What do you think the meeting is about?" Londeka inquires, and he shrugs,

"Honestly, love, I have no idea, I'm also completely in the dark." He gets up, retrieves her medications, and a glass of water.

"Time for your meds," he says, resuming his seat beside her. She sighs, gazing at the numerous medication packs – over 10 different ones – feeling exhausted by the constant regimen. It's been a year and several months of taking these pills, only to return to the hospital for more when they're finished, with no improvement in her condition. She's truly tired, but what choice does she have? She swallows the last pill and finally exhales, probably smelling the medication by now.

____

Mbatha and his wife finally arrive, being the first to reach their son's residence. They enter the house, walking in as Mam Khethiwe has already departed after completing her tasks for Mkhuseli.

"Ndodana/Mkhuseli wami" (my son), both Mbatha and MaMbatha greet their son, who reciprocates the greeting before inviting them to make themselves comfortable while he fetches his wife. As he heads upstairs, Mbatha and his wife take their seats in the living room.

After a few minutes, Mkhuseli returns with Londeka by his side, carefully supporting her as they descend the stairs to the living room.

"Sanibonani Mah no Baba"(hello, mother and father), Londeka greets her in-laws, and they respond simultaneously, "Sawubona Makoti (hello, daughter)."

"How are you managing, Makoti?" MaMbatha inquires, concern etched on her face.

Londeka shrugs, her voice barely above a whisper, "What can I say, Mah? I'm just getting by..."She trails off, coughing weakly, and Mkhuseli offers a comforting rub on her back.

"What's the purpose of this meeting, Baba?"Mkhuseli asks, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Let's wait for Bab'Thubana and his wife to arrive, Ndodana," Mbatha replies, his eyes hinting at a deeper conversation to come. As if on cue, the door knocks, and Bab'Thubana and MaMnguni enter, followed by Nonhlakanipho, her eyes fixed on the gathering with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

The two families exchange warm greetings, inquiring about each other's well-being and engaging in small talk.

Mkhuseli rises and heads to the kitchen to prepare tea for the gathering, accompanied by the delicious cupcakes Mam Khethiwe had baked earlier. He returns with the tray and places it on the living room table, inviting everyone to help themselves. "Nhlaka, please pour us some tea,"MaMnguni requests, and Nonhlakanipho obliges without hesitation or complaint, her eyes fixed on the impending meeting, eager for it to commence and conclude.

Mbatha clears his throat before speaking, "Ndodana, firstly, we apologize for holding a meeting without informing you first, as planned by the Thubana family and myself." Mkhuseli nods, and Mbatha continues, "This meeting is about you and your wife." Mkhuseli's expression turns puzzled.

"Ohhh? What about us, Baba?" he asks. Mbatha clears his throat again, "Well, we have taken a decision to ask Nonhlakanipho, the younger sister of your wife, to come stay here and help..." Mkhuseli frowns, confused.

"Help? With what?" he asks, as Bab'Thubana and their wives nod in agreement.

"With everything in this house, you, and other things your wife used to do," Mbatha says.

"What do you mean when you say 'everything my wife used to do', Baba?" Mkhuseli asks, his voice tinged with confusion.

"I mean just that, Ndodana. You can't be working and have a burden to help your sick wife," Mbatha says, his words stirring Mkhuseli's irritation.

"Who told you my wife is a burden to me, Baba?" he asks, his voice showing irritation.

"Son-" Mbatha tries to talk, but Mkhuseli interjects, "My wife is not a burden to me, I can take care of her well and also still manage with work."

"Ngampela? So it's a lie that yesterday it was the fifth time the meeting got cancelled to be rescheduled because of you always being upset-minded?" Mbatha asks, and Mkhuseli keeps quiet, knowing it's true, but that doesn't mean he can't manage taking care of his wife and work.

"You just finished making tea for us; that's a wife's job, not a man's," MaMbatha says to her son.

"That's because my wife is not in a right state to walk around, Mah," Mkhuseli replies, wondering if they expect his ailing wife to work as she used to.

"We know that, that is why we brought Nonhlakanipho here; she will be living with you," MaMbatha explains. Londeka wants to talk but thinks it's better to remain quiet, as she's no longer the wife who can fulfill her duties; she'll let the elders decide. "We have a helper in this house; I can ask her to stay here and help me if I need help," Mkhuseli says. "I'm sure Nonhlakanipho has a life of her own to live; she can't be burdened by me and my wife."

"We know that; that's why we brought her here," Mbatha says. "As you know, a lobola payment doesn't go back to the home; that's our culture." Mkhuseli asks, "Where does lobola money coming back fit in all this conversation, Baba? What exactly is this meeting about?"

"What we are saying is Nonhlakanipho will have to step in your marriage with Londeka, like a second wife," Mbatha says, his words making Londeka cough badly. Mkhuseli stares at his father before getting up to get a glass of water and helping his wife drink.

"Isn't that what happens when a wife is dead or something? My wife is still alive, Baba; I still have a wife, so I don't need any other wife or whatever you are saying," Mkhuseli says sternly. "Ndodana, your stubbornness won't help you here," Mbatha says. "This meeting is about what I just said, and we have already taken a decision as a family; you, as our children, have to obey." Mkhuseli chuckles seemingly unimpressed.

"That's not going to happen, Baba," Mkhuseli says, his tone firm. "We want grandchildren, Mkhuseli; we're not getting any younger, and Nonhlakanipho will be a perfect wife to help you and Londeka," Mbatha says, his voice stern. Mkhuseli chuckles, wondering if his father is listening to himself. Nonhlakanipho, a wife for whom? She's still young, and even if she's not, she's not ready to be tied down in this situation; it's not fair to her.

Londeka sits in silence, tears streaming down her face, unsure of what to say. The truth is, the elders are aging, and they desire grandchildren. But did they have to discuss this in her presence? As Mkhuseli's wife, she had to be here, but did they have to choose her sister? "You're causing my wife so much pain with all this, Baba!" Mkhuseli exclaims, his anger boiling over at the sight of his wife's tears. "Please leave, now!" he demands, standing up and pointing to the door. "We apologize for upsetting you and your wife, son, but our decision remains unchanged. Nonhlakanipho will stay," Mbatha says, rising to his feet with his wife, leaving Bab'Thubana and his wife behind. "Londeka, my child, we're sorry for all this, but this is how things are done. If there were another way, we would have taken it, but this is the only way," Bab'Thubana explains. "Nonhlakanipho is your sister, not a stranger; she'll assist you, my dear," MaMnguni says, looking at her daughter. Londeka tries to speak, but her coughing fit prevents her. Mkhuseli glares at his in-laws, urging them to leave. MaMnguni instructs Nonhlakanipho to collect her bags from the car.

*****************

NONHLAKANIPHO 'S POV

She accompanies her parents to the car, and her father hands her her bag. "Mother, you can't do this to me! You can't force me to take my sister's husband while she's still here; please, I beg of you, reconsider"she says, on the verge of tears. "Nonhlakanipho, helping your sister is a necessity; can't you see she needs your support, even if she can't express it herself?" Bab'Thubana says.

"Please, Baba, I'm too young for this; I want to live my own life," she pleads. Her father gives her a stern look.

"Mother, please, speak to Baba,"she begs her mother. MaMnguni sighs and embraces her daughter.

"Please, my child, try to understand; don't you want to help your sister?"she asks. Nonhlakanipho lets her tears flow; this isn't fair. They should have asked her before making decisions for her. She knows Londeka is her sister, and she's ill, but that doesn't mean she must sacrifice her life to become her sister's wife and helper, bearing children for her in-laws! She can never sleep with her sister's husband.

Bab'Thubana intervenes, separating Nonhlakanipho from her mother, and then escorts his wife to the car, closing the door behind her. Before getting into the driver's side, he turns to Nonhlakanipho, his expression stern.

"Remember, child, to conduct yourself properly; don't bring shame to our family in front of the Mbathas," he admonishes, then gets in and drives away. She wipes away her tears and heads back into the house, her heart heavy. She finds Mkhuseli still sitting with Londeka in the living room, both of them gazing at her as she stands in the middle of the room, tears still streaming down her face. The atmosphere is tense, the silence palpable, as all three of them seem frozen in a moment of anguish and uncertainty.

To be continued