Bongani was so tired on Friday evening after work. He had supper and an early night. Sandy came to bed at ten only to find Taata talking in his sleep. He was dreaming about Notemba! As he called out Notemba's name, he screamed, "That's ticklish! That's ticklish, stop it!" Sandy slapped him twice and when he woke up, she asked him, "What were you dreaming about?" Bongani was ashamed and said he could not remember. Sandy just let it go. Besides, Notemba has been given to Afika her brother in law.
Xoliswa was supposed to go with her dad to the zoo on Saturday. Bongani had already called Notemba and told her that she would pick her up in a Uber. Instead Notemba suggested that she could drop her off! Bongani couldn't agree to this because he thought his wife would be upset. Remember she heard Taata calling Notemba's name in a dream!
Bongani left very early at five in the morning before work. They were all still in their pyjamas. Afika went to open the gate as Notemba was helping Xoliswa get ready.
Afika whispered to Bongani, "This woman knows how to make the bed and I'm going to marry her one day. It was worth sending back the letters she wrote!" Bongani was so angry and hit Afika. Afika just laughed and reminded Bongani he was doing it for the family. Notemba did not see them fighting. Finally, Bongani got to find out that his brother sent back the letters Notemba wrote Bongani. He claimed he was doing him a favour because he was too young to be a father.
Xoliswa ran and hugged her dad and they left. Xoliswa was excited to meet the family. Breakfast was served as soon as they arrived. Lots of meat and 'pap' which is maize flour added to boiling water slowly and mingled with a wooden spoon until it is thick enough to look like mashed potatoes. You know that relative that meets your child for the first time and claims they look like them! That was auntie Maggie. Uncle pulled the chair out for Xoliswa, and as they all laughed, he said they should give thanks and eat.
After the heavy breakfast, tea and biscuits were served. Notemba called Xoliswa to hear how it was going, and she just said it was so much love. Xoliswa was already asking if she could move in but her dad said she had to wait for him to buy a house. Xoliswa had to wait as her dad had to work half day. Tabang showed her around the house and they played games.
In the afternoon, Bongani and his wife were back from work. Again so much meat and a variety of colourful dishes were served for lunch. Amos and his Afrikaner girl friend Karina were also invited. Karina brought 2 bottles of wine, and milk tart and flowers for uncle Tabang's wife Angela.
Uncle Tabang gave Karina a gift of binoculars and told her to look after Amos. Amos just laughed. Karina whispered in Amos' ear, "Lovely family" Amos was so surprised how Karina was blending in!
They all sat down to eat and told funny stories and laughed. Auntie Maggie was reminded of family gatherings back home in the village.
Bongani and his daughter Xoliswa had to excuse themselves to go to the Pretoria Zoo. Tabang wanted to go but his mum promised him the next weekend. Besides Taata needed to bond with his daughter Xoliswa. At the zoo, Xoliswa was screaming at the animals. She took pictures and sent her friends.
Afika and Notemba went shopping for groceries. Afika decided to buy a parrot for Xoliswa just to win her over. When she came home and saw the parrot, she screamed, "Thanks you mummy," Notemba then told her to thank Afika. For the first time she hugged him and thanked him.
Afika likes cleaning the house and cooks nice food so Notemba doesn't have to eat takeaways. Notemba has always been attracted to bossy guys but one that cooks is a bonus. She is trying to find out Afika's weakness but I hope she won't find out that he sent the letters back that she wrote to Bongani.
Bongani felt he had spent so much time away from home. He wanted to check whether Sandy was feeling neglected. He called her and whispered 'sweet nothings' and Sandy was just supportive. He bought her a chocolate and when he arrived home, Sandy screamed, "Taata I'm missed you!" But Bongani just whistled because he knew he was still boss.
The smell of Malawi fish is too strong for uncle Tabang! Angela has asked Piet her sister's boyfriend to take it to her house. He likes Malawi fish and Angela thinks they could cook together and make up. Piet first had flowers and candy delivered to Ronah and then arrived with the Malawi fish! She opens the door and Piet says, "I'm sorry, can I cook for you? " Ronah grabs him and kisses him. They cooked and talked things through. Goodness! A fight over the wrong eggs, how could this ruin such a big love.
After a good family weekend, auntie Maggie collapsed. Uncle Tabang rushed her to hospital and luckily enough she had a minor stroke! How could auntie Maggie escape with so much meat indulging! Especially the craving for fat! Thank God auntie survived. Notemba still needs her support. Uncle Tabang has asked the doctor to tell auntie Maggie how to eat right because she would never listen to any one. She was already asking for fatty meat and saying vegetable salads make her feel like she is grazing.
ZANTON
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