BURNING DESIRE

By THEMBELIHLE WRITINGS

♡BURNING 🔥 DESIRE ♡
PROLOGUE

A 15 seater taxi is moving at 120 km/h speed while playing music from Ukhozi FM radio
station. People are fanning themselves due to the heat inside the taxi, even with windows
opened, there's not much difference.

It's been a long journey from Naspoti, now known as Nelspruit in Mpumalanga to Gauteng,
Johannesburg.

A young lady is seen laying her head on the guy next to her shoulder. She is exhausted and
hungry. The guy brushes her face while playing with her dreadlocks.

"We are almost there, my love" he says softly. She sighs and looks up.

" I am tired and hungry Uhuru, we have been on the road for how long now? Ai" Azania
complains and Uhuru keeps quiet. He understands the stress and frustration, it is
accompanied by nerves and the uncertainty of the future.

They know no one where they are going to, only a contact from social media where Uhuru
posts his artwork. Uhuru is an artist and very good at it. This guy saw his work online and
contacted him, inviting him to the studio.

After speaking for a while on messenger and having him purchase some of his work and had
it couriered to JHB, Uhuru believed that he was genuine. I mean after all he is just a young
guy from a disadvantaged town, what can a guy like that gain from scamming him?

When the opportunity came to relocate to Johannesburg, he thought of his girlfriend and
informed her. There was no way he was going to leave her behind while she is so talented
herself. It's unfortunate that MP really have limited resources when it comes to Arts.
Azania's parents were obviously not happy about this decision, especially her father who is a
pastor at church. She decided to elope and here they are, with stolen tithe money on their
way to Johannesburg. This better work, it has to work. They have so many people to prove
wrong.

" Those going to Gemiston, get into that taxi, those going to Springs, get into that one. The
rest remain seated"

The taxi driver announces and the couple smiles excitedly. They are finally here and this is
their first time in the province. After the exchange, the taxi resumes moving further into the
city.

Looking outside the window, they see big buildings and a lot of people, cars moving up and
down the roads. They hold each other's hands and exhale.

Uhuru: We are here.

He digs into his pockets and comes out with his phone that has an address of where they
are going to.

Uhuru: Excuse me Driver, can you please show me where to find taxis to this place?

The driver takes one glance at his phone and keeps quiet and continues with his driving.
Uhuru and Azania look at each other not knowing if he is ignoring them or what.

People start getting off and calling their stops, and they remain seated, looking lost and
scared.

" there, at that corner, turn right and you will find taxis going to Kempton park"

Azania: Thank you bhuti.

They get out of the taxi and look around, there's so many people and cars. Azania holds on
to Uhuru very tightly.

" erh lovers, iyaphi indlela? Ask me, I'll show you where are the taxis" a dirty young man
says next to them. It's what they call " nyaope boys".

Uhuru: We are going to Kempton park, where can we find taxis going there?
Nyaope: Follow me, I'll show you.

Uhuru takes Azania's hands into his and they follow the guy. It doesn't take them long to
reach there and the guy points at taxis.

Uhuru: Thank you so much my brother.

Nyaope Boy: Don't just thank me by words, give me something.

He wants to say that he doesn't have money but stops himself and reaches his pockets.
Azania: What's wrong babe?
Uhuru: My wallet, my phone, it's gone!
Azania: Hai bo love, what do you mean?

He is sweating and panting right now, this cannot be! His whole life is in that wallet and
phone. How come he didn't feel this when it happened?

Nyaope: Welcome to Johannesburg boy!

To be continued….

CHAPTER 1

UHURU

Can you believe leaving home for a better opportunity only to be mugged on your first day?
What makes it even worse is the fact that he has seen jokes and stories about Joburg CBD
on social media and he thought most of them were not true, that most people were just trying
to be entertaining.
It has been 12 hours in Joburg and he has been proven right, that those theories aren’t just
theories, such shit really exists.
On top of all of this, what makes it even worse is the fact that he doesn’t know the address
and number of the guy he is meeting up with. This is just such a mess, definitely a curse
from stealing that tithe money and running away with a Pastor’s daughter from home. He
looks at Azania helpless; she looks like she wants to cry. He was planning on buying them
some fruits on their arrival or that the guy was going to offer them something.
Nyaope guys: Ei my guy, what are you going to do? What's the plan?
Uhuru: I don't know, I think I got mugged.
Nyaope Guys: Of course you were. What I'm asking you now is what are you going to do?
Where are you headed to? You got to have something, an address, street or house number
at least?
He shakes his head, sweating and feeling embarrassed that he let excitement mess him up
to a point of not taking precautions like writing the address on the paper maybe.
Uhuru: No, I only know that it's in Kempton Park.
Nyaope guy: Kempton Park is huge, you have to know where exactly!
Uhuru breathes out heavily , wipes his forehead using his arm. His emotions are high at this
point, hunger, fear, frustration all mixed together. Azania is not anything, trying to keep
strong but he can see it from her face, the disappointment and sadness.
Uhuru: Can you please help us, with a place to sleep just tonight? We will figure out things
tomorrow.
Nyaope guy: You won't like it…
Uhuru: We are desperate…
Nyaope guy: Fine, come with me. Hold your bags close to your chest.
They do that and follow him, he is walking too fast, in between people, cars and streets.
Uhuru: I didn't get your name?
Nyaope guy: You didn't ask!
Uhuru: My bad, my name is Uhuru and this is my girlfriend, Azania.
Nyaope guy: I am Manqele.
Uhuru: Pleased to meet you.
Manqele doesn't say anything but continues to walk until they reach an old unfinished dirty
building. It smells horrible here, some of the rooms don't have a room or doors.
Manqele leads them in one room, there's 2 other guys in here, seated on top of cupboards
and dirty blankets. The surroundings are full of empty beer bottles and cigarettes. It's just a
mess. He was right, he is not liking it, how do people live in such conditions? As poor his
background is, this is just too much.
Azania: Uhuru, we can't stay here.
Uhuru: Just for tonight baby, we'll figure something out in the morning.
Manqele: Here are some boxes you may use to sleep. I'll go out and hustle something to eat.
Nyaope Boy 2: Man-Q, how can you add another burden to the ones you already have? We
don't need these people here.
Manqele: Zwakele, that's not your call to make. This is my place, and just like y'all, I am also
helping them. Stay away from them, I mean it.
He says with a serious face and silence prevails, it seems like they listen to him or fear him.
He turns and looks at them.
Manqele: I will be back.
He walks out, Uhuru and Azania sit on the floor, on top of their cupboards. The Zwakele guy
clicks his tongue annoyed.
Zwakele: So what do you guys have for us? Don't look at me like that, you honestly didn't
think you were going to just come and stay here for free!
Uhuru: They took my phone and wallet…
Zwakele: And in your bags? What's in there?
Uhuru: Just clothes.
Zwakele: Open the bags let me see…
He hesitates for a moment but Zwakele snatches it from him and fiddles through it,taking out
his clothes and dropping them on the dirty floor! He is angry right now but he knows better
than to do anything, this is not safe and he can't start a fight.
Zwakele smiles when he takes his new pants and a t-shirt.
Zwakele: I like these, I'll keep them.
He says and walks out of the room leaving Uhuru picking up his clothes with wet and teary
eyes. Manqele comes back holding a white plastic bag with food in it…
Manqele: And then, what happened here?
Azania: Zwakele took his clothes.
Manqele:(clicking his tongue) That boy doesn't listen. Come fam, let's eat. This is for you
baby girl.
Azania: Thank you, can we pray?
Manqele looks at them shocked but nods anyway.
Manqele: Yeah, sure.
Azania:(praying) Father, we Praise You for the nourishment that you provide. Thank You for
meeting our physical needs of hunger and thirst. Forgive us for taking that simple joy for
granted, and bless this food to fuel our bodies forward into Your will for our lives. Amen.
They say amen and start eating, in silence, chewing the food slowly as if they are inspecting
it.
Manqele: So, what brings you guys to Joburg?
Uhuru: Dreams and talent…..
They start narrating their journey and talents. How Uhuru is a good artist(painter) and Azania
a great singer.
Manqele: Interesting, I also studied arts in DUT but dropped out second year.
Azania: You are from Durban?
Manqele: (nodding) My parents are very rich and respected.
Uhuru: Then why are you here, living like this?
Manqele: This is more luxurious and peaceful than back home.
Uhuru and Azania look at each other confused, something is definitely not right here. But
they won't bomb him with questions.
*
*
*
*

It's been 3 days living in this hell hole, there's no way forward. Everyday they wake up and
go to the streets with the hope that maybe the guy will pass by and see them but nothing
happens.
They haven't had a proper bath or sleep for the past 3 days. They use public toilets to bathe
and honestly, now they miss home and appreciate the little that they had even more.
Manqele walks in and looks at them, he is not in a good mood today, they can tell.
Manqele: Okay guys, time for you to sit here and feel sorry for yourselves is over. You my
guy are coming with me today and we are going to hustle. You madam, go to the taxi rank
and sing there so that people can give you money.
Do something, honestly you can't sit down and cry everyday. This is Joburg and only the
fittest survives. Let's go!
Uhuru looks at Azania and holds her hand.
Uhuru: Let's do this so that we can have our own independence. If we can make enough
cash, we can find a room to rent somewhere and leave this place.
Azania:(nodding her head crying) OK, I just need enough to buy stock for amagwinya or
snacks and I'll start selling on the roads like these other ladies.
Uhuru: (smiling) You see, we need to see positivity in everything. We are going to get out of
here, I got here, and I'll get us put, I promise.
He pulls her to his arms and hugs her tightly, kissing her forehead.
Manqele: Ei nina Bonnie and Clyde, you are going to bore me! Are you coming or not?

To be continued…

CHAPTER 2

AZANIA
It is almost a month now since they came to Gauteng and faced that tragedy, slowly but
surely, she is getting used to how things are in here. Manqele organised a room for them in
the same building, dodgy as it is, they made use of it by cleaning it and tried to keep it neat.

On their first day on the streets, her singing at MTN taxi rank and Uhuru on the roads
helping with traffic near robots, they made R200 in total. They were so excited but they didn’t
let the small victory cloud their judgement, instead of spending all of it, they gave Manqele
R150 and he got them this room.
With days progressing, they managed to get the basics, such as a mattress, blanket, pillows,
sheet, two pots, buckets for water, plastic basin, 2 plates, 2 spoons, 2 cups and an old two
plate gas stove.
As much as this was never part of the plan, it is exciting for them to be able to hustle for
themselves and acquire the little that they have. Do they miss home? Everyday! But they are
never going back there with shame after they left determined to make it in the big city.
She wakes up and realises that Uhuru is not here and puts water to bathe using their two
pots and makes the bed singing. As she is folding the mattress, she spots two A4 papers
with drawings on them and smiles. He still has it, although things are tough for them now, but
the talent is still there.
The door opens and he walks in carrying a plastic that has fat cakes, atchar and polony with
some weak diluted Oros juice. He walks closer to her and holds her waist planting a soft kiss
on her cheeks.
Uhuru: Good morning, I got us some breakfast.
Azania: Morning love, I didn’t even see you when you left.
Uhuru: You were sleeping peacefully when I left, I didn’t want to disturb you.
Azania: These are beautiful.
Uhuru: Argh, I was bored and decided to do something to keep my mind busy.
Azania: You still got it baby, don’t ever forget the reason why we are here in the first place.
Uhuru: Aza….
Azania: I know what you are going to say and I understand. But love, there is no use crying
over spilt milk now. Let us use this opportunity to build ourselves something better out of it,
okay?
Uhuru: (smiling) Okay.
Azania: Water is ready, we need to braid your hair.
He has a beautiful soft afro that she takes care of and nurtures. If her dream of being a well
-known professional singer doesn’t come true, she is going to open a salon because she is
good with hair. She does hers and Uhuru’s. One of the nyaope girls around told her to open
a salon but she doesn’t know how to start and break that market yet.
Uhuru: Today I am going to go door to door looking for a job. This thing of standing on the
robots, being burned by sun and sometimes the money is little is not working. I want
something stable so that I can be able to take care of you, us.
Azania: I hear you baby, it’s going to get better. My suggestion is, continue to do your
drawings and sell them by the road where you stand. Someone might come and like them.
Uhuru: There is a drawing that is complete, but I never wanted to sell it because it holds a
sentimental value to me.
She wants to tell him that they need money more than that but decides against it but smiles
in agreement to what he is saying.
Azania: Sit down, let me do your hair.

*
*
*
*
“So I breathe slow till I can’t
Feel
Till the pain in my mind it
Kinda heals
I don’t even know if all I
Feel is real
I don’t even know what is
Really happening
Got a couple friends that I
Keep on asking
Sometimes I feel like that
I’m not in fashion
I’ve been so caught up in
My own head
Taking it all and giving you
Loss
I know it’s make or break
For us
I don’t wanna waste away
Our love.
My real feelings take
Control of me
Showing me what I once
Thought was a dream that
Now it has become a reality.
I love you all with my
Heart and we can be one
But unfortunately you
Are married “

“Damn, you are spitting Gigi”

A voice says behind her and she jumps startled, she thought she was alone in the studio.
Where did Jeremy come from? He is standing there by the door, his head leaning against
the door frame and hands on his pockets looking impressed.
Gigi: How long have you been standing there?
Jeremy: Long enough to hear this fire, when are we recording it?
Gigi: I don’t think we should, I was just free styling.
He takes steps towards her and stands in front of her, lifts her head and stares into her
beautiful eyes.
Jeremy: That was good Gigi, let me produce this one.
Gigi: I don’t know.
He kisses her and she loses sanity immediately, the things this man does to her are
unexplainable.
Jeremy: Trust me.
His voice comes out as a whisper and she nods.
Gigi: Okay.
Jeremy: Yeah?
Gigi: Sure, let’s do this.
Jeremy: That’s my girl.
He says and spanks her ass and she giggles, takes out her phone and shows him a video.
Gigi: I saw this video of a girl singing at the taxi rank making trends on social media and
thought maybe I can show it to you.
Jeremy: She has a voice, that’s for sure. Also her body with a proper styling and guidance,
she can make us a lot of money.
Gigi: That’s what I thought, she has potential.
Jeremy: Find her before another record label snatches her.
Gigi: I will be on it.
Jeremy: Good job Gigi.
She smiles and walks towards the door and he calls her name, she stops and turns back to
look at him.
Gigi: Yes?
Jeremy: The man in your lyrics, it’s not me right?
She swallows the lump on her throat and shakes her head “no”.
Gigi: No, like I said; I was free-styling.
Jeremy: (smiling) Good girl, close the door on your way out.

*
*
*
Uhuru is walking in the chaos and busy roads of Johannesburg (wanders street) going back
home. He is super tired and hungry, his dry and cracked lips are proof of that. Today wasn’t
a good day for him, he walked around the CBD, visiting shops, garages and stores for a job.
In most places, he got turned away because of his hygiene and the worn clothes he is
wearing.
God, where are you and why are you so quiet when your kids are suffering this much?
Azania prays every night and honestly, he is starting to believe that God doesn’t exist
because if he did, he would have shown up for them by now.

His thoughts are disturbed by a noise, people are shouting and screaming “vimba” behind
him. He looks around and sees a small boy running through the crowd, the way he is
dodging everyone is fascinating to watch. Just as he is enjoying seeing the boy run around,
he sees him in front of him and before he knows it, he feels his pockets getting heavier and
the boy continues with his run.
He scans his eyes around, checking if anyone saw that but it happened so quickly and
everyone is running the opposite direction. He spots the KFC next to him and walks inside
and straight to the restroom.
He locks the door and breathes heavily, putting his hand inside his pockets and comes out
with a fat wallet. Lord have mercy! With trembling hands, he opens it and he is greeted and
welcomed by fresh bank notes. It’s a lot of money, looking at it, he feels dizzy. He counts it
and it sums up to R4500 and some coins that mount to R20.
Ah Modimo, indeed you love all of us, he was just complaining not so long ago and he
decided to bless him. It is sad that God doesn’t bless by hand so to him this is a huge
blessing. He looks at the image inside the wallet, the owner is an Indian man, he puts it in
the bin and walks out after stashing the money on his underwear.
He walks so fast without looking back, so scared and praying that no one stops him…
To be continued…

CHAPTER 3
The walk from town back to their place they call home has been very short. He keeps on
checking if no one is following him and wonders what happened to that boy? Did they catch
him, if yes then what did they do to him? What if he comes back to collect it?

Nah, chances of that happening are small, it was too crowded and he was running so fast to
have noticed him and his face. This is a sign from God that he hears his prayers,
sekuzokhanya.

He whistles as he walks to the building heading to their room and walks in without knocking.
Thank God Azania is not yet home, that will give him some time to plan about the money.
He takes R2k and stashes it in a hole he made in the roof known by him. There’s about
R500 he saved there so he takes it out and leaves the 2k.

He changes his clothes and leaves a note for Azania letting her know that he is going to be
home late and heads to small streets. That is where you find various shops selling clothes
and everything else at an affordable price. First thing he is looking for is a proper bigger
mattress and bed covers with a new blanket.
The sponge they are using is so small and worn out, makes it feels like they are having sex
on the floor when making out.

As he is busy buying the things they need the most, including paint brushes, paints and
drawing boards, he sees beautiful dresses and walks in to purchase 3 for Azania and shoes.
With the remaining money, he buys those R100 small phones with no internet for the both of
them and heads home.

He is carrying everything by himself, including the mattress because transport is crazy and it
is so heavy. What helps is the fact that it is not that far where they stay so he arrives in 30
minutes and Zwakele is the first person that sees him walking in and helps him with the
bags.

Zwakele: All this shopping, upopile boy? (you scored big)

Uhuru: Not really, I saved for this hey.
Zwakele: Yeah no I hear you, plus your lady is also working hard there by the rank. Do you
have R2?

He wants to smoke this one, Uhuru sighs and fishes inside his pockets and comes out with
R5 and gives it to him. Zwakele thanks him a million times and walks away all smiles. Azania
is still not back so he sets up everything and waits for her.

Maybe he should cook or have bought something to eat, but no, he can’t spend all this
money on the same day. He is excited about his paintings and is looking forward to going
back to his drawings.
He takes a R100 and walks out to look for Manqele, this is not a rent but gratitude for always
having his back.
*
*
*
*
MANQELE

He is dragging his feet back to his place after another unsuccessful hunt, his face is a bit
swollen and dusty, his lips bruised and swollen. Today he got the beating of his life when an
unsuccessful heist that he orchestrated well got messed up.

All was set, from following the man after withdrawing money from the ATM and him heading
towards his car.

The plan was for Shortie to run and pass the wallet to another member who was waiting but
he got the shock of his life when he went to Shortie and he told him that he mistakenly gave
the wallet to someone else.

If he wasn’t wounded, he was going to beat the living shit out of that boy, how dare he mess
up such a meal ticket? Whatever the amount on that wallet, was going to last them for a
while!

The first thing he does when getting into his place is to roll a joint mixed with nyaope, it helps
calm his nerves when it times like these that brings out the dark childhood trauma and
demons that he ran away from.
Uhuru walks in just as he is getting into the zone and looks at him worried, it’s probably the
wounds that shocks him.

Manqele: Don’t worry jitas, I will be fine.

Uhuru: What happened?
Manqele: Just minor casualties, it is nothing new.
Uhuru: Manqele, you need to go to the clinic, this doesn’t look good!
Manqele: I will be fine boy, don’t worry.
Uhuru: No. I am going to ask the man across the street if he can take us to the clinic. I will be
back.

He storms out, he is exaggerating this one. Mhmm, he flinches in pain, okay, maybe not. The
pains are getting worse now and he is sweating.

AZANIA

She is walking back home slowly biting her nails tired, this singing thing at the ranks is no
longer walking, today she barely made R100, people were just passing and some were
staring at her. She needs to find something better to do or maybe, change locations and go
elsewhere where she is known, yeah, maybe that could work.

It is getting late and she knows that Uhuru is wondering where she is. She decided to try at
the shops and look for jobs and yeah, it really is not easy. All she wants now is a bath and
sleep on her man’s chest while trying to figure out this life thing.

Speaking about Uhuru, she is worried that she may have lost his passion, he spends so
much time with Manqele and the other guys and she is worried he might end up like them.
He needs to find inspiration to go back to his drawings so that he can make serious money,
once they have it, they will be out of this place soon.

This is not the life they planned and talked about back home, sleeping with one eye open
because you fear that the Nyaope boys might walk in and steal from you.

This building is huge and there's many of them, some like Zwakele don't like them as they
think that they don't belong here and bayazitshela. Yes they don't belong here and deserve
so much better.
At this point, she is desperate for a miracle and a chance to change her life for good.

She bumps into him running and stops him, pulling him inside their place and the first thing
she notices is the new mattress and other things.

Azania: (excitedly) Baby!

Uhuru: I got lucky but I will tell you about it later. Open the bags and fit in your clothes, there
is a new phone as well. I need to go call Bab’u Mvelase.

Azania: Why, what is wrong?

Uhuru: Manqele is not okay, he was beaten. He needs to be taken to the hospital.
Azania: Babe, aren’t you worried about being associated with his crimes?
Uhuru: Huh?
Azania: Manqele is a thug babe…
Uhuru: Azania, now is not the time, Manqele needs my help and I am going to help him.

He storms out and she exhales, shaking her head, see what she meant? Caring and being
kind is okay but dangerous at times. At this moment, she doesn’t approve of this friendship.
She sits down and opens her plastics smiling.

GIGI

She is at the rank and asking around about the singing girl, most people know her but not
really where she stays and she spent about 30 minutes asking around now. Jeremy calls
and she answers.

Gigi: Hey…
Jeremy: Hey, are you winning?
Gigi: Not quite, it seems like she left a bit earlier today.
Jeremy: Keep looking G, you cannot come back without finding that girl.

Gigi: Goddamn I am trying okay? Just give me a break!

A moment of silence passes between them as she exhales the anger out of her system.

Jeremy: I am sorry, I didn’t mean to sound unappreciative. It is just that we are going to
make loads of money with her, you will be well rewarded after this.
Gigi: (sighs) I know, I will keep looking okay? Bye for now, I will keep you posted.
She ends the call and rubs her forehead, gosh this thing is going to drive her crazy, why did
she tell him about her vele? Before she can answer that, one of those dirty boys calls out for
her and she lifts her head up.

Boy: I know where the singing girl lives.

Gigi: Really, can you take me there? Is it safe for my car?

The boy looks at her up and down and shakes his head.
Boy: Just don’t get out of the car because you will find it stripped.

Goodness!

Gigi: Okay, let’s go to the car then you can show me where she is, thank you so much for
this….
To be continued…..

CHAPTER 4

GIGI

The drive between the small roads in the CBD is such a nightmare, actually, it's not that the
roads are small, people are everywhere! They walk in the middle of the road as if they are in
the park.

She keeps on stealing glances at the nyaope boy occupying her passenger seat, to make
sure his hands don't go where they shouldn't. God, her car is going to need a proper vacuum
and spray after this. When was the last time this kid took a bath?

Nyaope Boy: On your right turn and continue straight until you see a huge unfinished
building.

She nods and follows the directions, okay this side is a bit less crowded but dodgy. Now she
understands why he said she must not step out of the car because someone might strip it.

Boy: It's here ,I'll go get her.

Gigi: Okay, thank you.

She gives him and his face lights up in excitement.

Boy: Thank you sester…(sister)

He steps out of the car and Gigi takes out her perfume and sprays it over. Yooh hai!

*
*
*
*
Azania has just taken a bath and is lotioning her body when the door flies open and she
jumps covering her naked body with the dress. Zwakele walks in and stops, his eyes are all
over her body and she doesn't like how he is looking at her! It's uncomfortable!

Azania: Zwakele, what are you doing here and what happened to knocking!
Zwakele: Abo Uhuru badla kahle, you have such a ncaah body!
Azania: Get out!
Zwakele: There's a woman looking for you, she looks rich and drives a fancy car.
Azania: A woman?
Zwakele:(nodding) Yes, she was at the rank looking for a "singing girl" and I knew it was you.

Could this be what she thinks it is?

Azania: I'm coming, get out.

Zwakele: Okay I'm leaving. You have a beautiful body damn!

He walks out and Azania rushes to put the bucket of water in the door, places her hands on
her chest and breathes heavily. That was awkward, Zwakele has always been more dodgy,
God knows what would have happened if Manqele wasn't around to reprimand him from time
to time.

She gets ready and decides to wear one of the dresses Uhuru bought and heads out after
carefully locking and making sure that she hides everything that is valuable to them.

As she walks out of the building, she sees a big Discovery car parked by the road and looks
around to check if it's the one that is for her. What if she's able to be kidnapped? She takes
steps back and the car moves and hoots at her.

"Azania, please don't leave"

Does she know her name? How? She stops and looks at this woman.

Her: Hi, my name is Gigi.

Azania: How do you know my name?
Gigi: I heard it on the video of someone that was recording you singing. Look, it is sitting on
13k views.

She shows her the video and some beautiful comments and Azania's eyes heat up as mixed
emotions creep in.

Azania: What do you want from me?

Gigi:(smiling) I want to make you a star. Me and the recording label I work for are looking for
an opportunity to transform you and make your dreams come true.
Azania: How do I know that you are not a scam?

Gigi: Here, this is our company's business card with the address and details. Give us a call
or visit us. You are talented Azania, your talent can take you out of this place, feed you and
transform your life.
Think about it and give me a call okay? Trust me, all of this will be behind you and over just
like that. Have a great evening, Aza.

She smiles and walks to her car and drives away. Azania exhales and wipes her tears
reading at the business card. This feels like a dream, no this is a dream, can she scream?

*
*
*
*
UHURU

After dropping off Manqele at the hospital, he rushes back home and is surprised to find
Azania home. She even left her dirty water inside the basin. He shakes his head and empty
them outside and tied up the place.

He pulls up his drawing boards and brushes getting ready to be creative and she walks in
running as if she has been chased by someone. She throws herself at him and he catches
her and she breaks down in tears.

Uhuru: Baby, what's wrong?

Azania:( wiping her tears) You won't believe what happened babe, God is really good hey!

She narrates the story of a lady coming to look for her.

Azania: Look, she gave me her business card!

Why does this feel too good to be true? She is excited and he doesn't want to crush her
mood by his questions but this doesn't feel right.

Uhuru: Well done baby, I am glad that someone is finally seeing your talent.
Azania: Yes baby, we are going to leave this place and be rich!
Uhuru: Let's not count the eggs before they hatch my love.
Azania: What do you mean baby? This is a dream come true.
Uhuru: I know love, I'm just saying let us be careful.

She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him one of those smiles that makes him
weak.

Azania: You know what I'm thinking?

Uhuru: Yeah?
Azania: Let's celebrate…

She doesn't wait for him to respond but kisses him. He likes it when she initiates the intimacy
between them. He responds to the kiss and gently lies her down on the mattress.

Uhuru: Let me lock the door.

Azania:(giggling) Okay, hurry back.

He takes off his t-shirt and heads to the door to lock it and pulls out two condoms and comes
back. Safety comes first, they always make sure of that because they cannot afford to bring
a child in their situation….

*
*
*
MANQELE

He opens his eyes and shit, he is at the hospital. No, no, no, this cannot be happening! The
smell, sound of beeping machines nearby and people just triggers him and brings bad
memories.

Without thinking, he sits up and removes the drips from his body and takes off the clothes.
The nurse runs to his side and holds his hand.

Nurse: Hai bo, don't do that, you are going to hurt yourself!
Manqele: I don't care, I want to be out of here, please do not keep me here please.
Nurse: Your wounds are severe and if not treated right, you are going to die from internal
bleeding.

He is suffocating from his own breathing at this point, tears are streaming down his face as
he shakes his head.

Manqele: It's better to die than being trapped in this place. I want to go, let go of my hand.

He tries to wrestle with her but he is weak, and in pain.

Nurse: Doctor, security, please help!

Within a minute, the security rushes in and holds him down while the doctor takes out a
syringe.

Doctor: Please hold him still, we need to sedate him….

To be continued….

CHAPTER 5

UHURU

It's half past 3 in the morning and he is up and just seated on the mattress watching Azania
sleep. She looks so beautiful and peaceful. Last night she couldn't stop blabbing about her
future that looks bright.
All the plans and dreams she has. Honestly, he wants that for her as well but it doesn't take
away the fact that he is worried. This place is different and from the little that Manqele told
him, it changes people and sometimes swallows them.

It scares him to think that he might not be what Aza needs, that another man can come and
offer her all that he desires to do. She is his soul mate. His memory dashes back the first
day he saw her at school, they attended the same high school.

He was being made a joke by other girls she was with because his pants had busted on the
back and left a hole. Instead of joining the crew to laugh, she offered him her jersey to wrap
around his waist until after school.

It came as a surprise what she did because she was a well known forward girl, who loved
things and talkative.

That gesture stuck with him for a very long time, and from there, she always came to his
class during lunch time with her lunch box and shared it with him. They became friends for a
good year, at first his parents didn't approve of that but as time went by, with him attending
church and being himself, they relaxed. They started dating in Matric, and no one suspected
anything because they continued to behave the same way they did as friends.

When their results came back, they were excited to pass. She had an opportunity to go
study but her parents wanted her to be a doctor and she didn't want to. Instead, she wanted
to study music production and her father told her there's no money of his that's going to fund
a hobby.

As for him, his marks are pretty good but from his background situation, he couldn't do
anything about it. His grandmother is old, they are relying on his 2 sibling's orphans grant
money.

Seeing the situation at home, he wondered what he could do about the situation better.
That's when his former high school teacher told him to improve his skills and sharpen his
talent. At first, he didn't know what he was doing but thanks to his teacher's vote of
confidence, he finally cracked it.

The peace and harmony he got from drawing made him realise that this is what he wants to
do. His mind comes back to the present situation, yes Azani's dreams might be coming to
life, and that means his are nearby.

He grabs the phone and looks at the time again, it's now almost to 5. Crazy how long his
thoughts travelled to, back to the past and to the present. It's time to work, especially with
the quietness and silence.

He makes a mental note to go see Manqele at the hospital during the day. Seeing him like
that scared him, it may sound like a far fetched dream but he is going to come back to him,
that guy helped them when they were stranded and in the middle of nowhere with no one.
He will never forget that.
*
*
*

Gigi:(moaning) urh,ah…ah..yes..right there. Oh yes..oh!

She screams as Jeremy thrusts in and out of her, on top of his office desk. He has her legs
spread wide apart for him and he is devouring her just the way he pleases.

Jeremy: I'm going to come!

He announces, grabbing her neck a bit rough and she moves her waist alongside his
movements and he grunts loud as he off loads inside her.

Jeremy: Damn, that was good!

He says pulling back from her, picking up a tissue and cleaning himself. Gigi remains quiet
looking at him. How did she allow this to happen? Falling for him? He is handsome no doubt,
monied, great sex and a whole 10 but a trash, a married trash.

She knows his wife, she comes here once in a while. A very laid back woman who minds her
business. Sometimes she wonders what makes Jeremy cheats on her because she is also
gorgeous and educated. It's clear men don't know what they want.

Their relationship started formally, but she knew from day one that she loved and wanted
him. She did everything in her power to make him notice her and when he did, she had him
wrapped under her finger.

He is paying for her apartment, car, lifestyle and studies. No, not from her salary. She is
saving it for rainy days because as much as she has catched feelings, she knows this won't
last forever. She always asks herself how he does it though?

Being a gentleman and a dream to her while knowing very well that he will never be hers.
Dates, trips, and you name it, they have done it together.

The way he has set a bar for her, he has made it so hard to give other men a chance. She
wants him, and only him or no one else.

Gigi: I found the girl.

She says after fixing herself, Jeremy comes closer to her.

Jeremy: And?
Gigi: I told her my intentions. Looking at her background situation, and her sassy attitude, it
won't be hard to get her on board.
Jeremy: That's exactly what I want to hear. Well done Gigi.
Gigi: You are welcome. I hope I'm going to be here when she decides to come.
Jeremy: Why, where would you be?
Gigi:I want to go home, I miss my son and mother.

She has a 4 year old beautiful boy whose father she last saw when she told her about the
positive pregnancy test. She was doing her first year at the university and that's where her
heart got minced. She had to drop out and raise her son for good 2 years, her parents
weren't bluffing.

Jeremy: Oh, when were you planning to tell me that?

Gigi: I am telling you now njena, ain't I?
Jeremy: I don't like your tone sometimes.
Gigi: You provoke me with these controlling tendencies Jeremy and I have told you several
times!
Jeremy: But I'm not controlling you.
Gigi: Yes you are here. Your statement now sounded as if I have to report everything I do to
you!
Jeremy: Now you are shouting and there's really no need. You are my employee and run this
company with me, such courtesy is expected.
Gigi: Tumi will be running things until I come back, I just need to take some time off wethu.
I'm going home.

She snatches her keys and walks away, leaving him calling her name…

AZANIA

It's a brand new day, the day that the Lord has made. She is excited and nervous about
today. How is it going to go?

Uhuru comes and helps her with the zip of her dress as she is getting ready for them to
leave.

Azania: Thank you babe.

Uhuru: You look good, please relax and believe that you are going to do good.
Azania: I'm nervous baby, there's so many thoughts going on.
Uhuru: I can understand, but I'm here for you, anytime.
Azania:(smiling) Yeah, let's do this.
Uhuru: Okay, just a few minutes. I'll be back.
Azania: Okay.

They have talked and decided to take the chance and go to their offices. Even if it turns out
to not be real, at least they will know that they have tried. She looks at her phone, it's a
struggle to use it, especially if you are used to smartphones. She misses hers that she left
home behind, to avoid being tracked with it.

She knows her parent's phone numbers by heart so she dials them. Starting with her mother,
it goes to voice-mail. There's one option left, her father. She takes a deep breath and dials
his number. It goes through and rings for a while before he answers.

Him: Hello?
His baritone voice is enough to trigger tears from her. Oh how she misses hearing it preach
and sings at church. He is such a great worshiper, her singing gift is from her dad, no doubt.

Him: Hello? Is anyone there?

She wants to speak but the voice doesn't come out and all she does is sniff.

Him: Aza?
Azania: Baba…
Him: Oh my daughter, Let the Lord be praised. Are you still alive?
Azania: I am baba, I'm sorry about how I left.
Him: It's okay my daughter, the Bible does say that the devil tests those who are….
Azania: Baba, I don't have enough airtime. I wanted to let you know that I am fine. I am
going to meet up with some people that are going to help me.
Him: Azania, when are you going to stop this madness? You know very well that you are
called and running away will not help you into this. You are going to face God's wrath and no
one will be able to help you, not even me, your father!

She drops the call and holds her chest as it rises.

Uhuru: Are you okay?

Azania: I'm fine, can we go?
Uhuru: Aza…

She shakes her head to stop him and heads to the door and opens it.

Azania: Let's go….

To be continued..

CHAPTER 6

AZANIA

The record label is based in Fourways, they take 2 taxis and arrive at the destination. Luckily
the taxi was driving past it and the driver pointed at it and they got off.

As they are walking inside, holding each other's hands, they feel undressed because wow,
this place is insane. From the tiles to the furniture.
They inform the lady at the reception their names and ask to see a lady named Gigi in
relation to what they spoke about. The reception lady asks them to sit while she informs her
bosses about this.

Uhuru: Wow babe, so this place is real?

Azania: Right? What do you think?
Uhuru: It's beautiful, now I am excited for you.
Azania:(smiling and holding his hand) Me too. This will be my new home. I feel like
screaming.
Uhuru: (chuckling) They have an ugly art on their wall though, maybe I should offer my
services.
Azania: In time baby, let's just get this one issue done then we'll move to the next.
Uhuru: Of course baby, now it's your time to shine.

She smiles and a guy dressed really well approaches them. His scent is so strong, you can
tell that it's very expensive. They both stand up and look at him.

Him: Good morning, my name is Jeremy Booth, I am the CEO of this place. You may follow
me.

They nudge each other and follow his footsteps to a very beautiful office with expensive
furniture. He goes over to his chair and sits down.

Jeremy: Please, have a seat. What are your names? Well, I already know the lady's name
but you can introduce yourselves to me.

They look at each other and clear their throat. How are they going to say this one?

Uhuru: My name is Uhuru Mlangeni, 20 years old, born and bred from Mpumalanga. I am an
artist.

Azania: I am Azania Nonjabulo Maseko, 19 years old, also from Mpumalanga. I am a singer.

Jeremy: Interesting. I like that both of you are into arts which will make it easier for you to
understand the pressure this industry brings. Especially you Uhuru, she is going to be
introduced to a new world of fame.

Before we get started, I would love to know your dreams Azania. What do you want to do
with your talent?

Azania: I want to sing gospel, I want to heal and touch people's souls through my voice and
music. I have a gift of healing and my father…

Jeremy: I am sorry to cut you but gospel in this era sweetheart? How many successful
gospel artists do you know? Exactly. I seriously would not encourage you to go that route, it's
not good business.
Uhuru: But with the right support and management, she can be successful. Isn't that what
you guys do?

Jeremy: Yes but if we are talking numbers and facts, gospel doesn't do well in the industry.
Unless your goal is to just sing and not make money.

Azania: It's okay, I can switch genres.

Uhuru frowns and Jeremy smiles.

Jeremy: Great! Trust me I am going to transform you to be the star you dream of. I will have
your contract drafted and ready.

But first things first, you need to leave that place. Gigi told me how unsafe and unhygienic it
is. We got you an apartment, fully furnished and in the same area so that it won't be too far
to get to work. You will find your new iPhone 13 there with few groceries.

Here are the keys. Tomorrow we are going to talk about the details of your contract, such as
monthly allowance, royalties and dress code, media and PR management Before we get to
your first recording. There's a lot to be done but I believe that in a month's time, we will be
ready to announce and introduce you to the world.

Azania: Thank you so much Mr Booth, this feels like a dream to me.
Jeremy: It's real sweetheart, if you listen, you are going to do well for yourself at such a
young age.

She smiles and looks at Uhuru, he has been awkwardly silent. He is probably overwhelmed,
the same way she is.

Jeremy:Right, that's it for today. I have a meeting in the next 10 minutes. A driver is going to
take you to your new place and back to your old place to collect your things. You may move
in even today if you want. The place is ready.

Azania: Thank you so much.

They get off their seats and head out. Uhuru pulls her aside.

Uhuru: What are you doing?

Azania: What do you mean?
Uhuru: Changing genres, really?
Azania: It's not a big deal and….
Uhuru:Oh, what if he asks you to rap, will you?
Azania: You are exaggerating, my voice is smooth and not made for hip hop. Chin up babe,
this is a big moment for us. Let's go view our new home.

She squeals with excitement and Uhuru shakes his head and exhales.

MANQELE
His body is shivering and itchy, it's been a good 12 hours without the drug and the
withdrawal symptoms are the pits. He feels like screaming and crying on top of his voice
right now.

Why are they keeping him here? Why care if he dies or not? They don't even know him to
begin with. Only if he can get some, even a cigarette will do at this moment.

Being sober is not helping him because it takes him back to that fruitful day that changed his
life for good. He was excited about going home for the holidays and meeting his little sister
that was born a month back when he showed up at his home unannounced.

He remembers asking himself why there's so many cars in the yard, and wondered if there
was some sort of ceremony going on that he didn't know about.

What he walked in shocked him for life, he couldn't believe it. His baby sister that was a
month old at the time was being killed, more like sacrificed. It felt like a dream, he screamed,
kicked things and did all to stop them but everything became dark.

When he regained his consciousness, he was told that his little sister was no more and a
funeral was arranged. It felt strange, as if some pieces of his memory were not functioning
well.

It is how his mother moved on from that tragedy quickly and slayed as if she didn't lose a
baby. He started feeling weird and seeing that child all the time. He called out his mother
about it and she told her husband that "he needs to be silenced".

That was when he decided to run away from home and the province. How he got to
Johannesburg, is a story for another day. Now being here, lying down like this takes him
back to those memories, he hates it here.

He looks around and outside the window, how long is it from this room to the ground if he
were to jump right now?

JEREMY

He swirls with his chair, looking at Azania and Uhuru exploring the 2 bedroom apartment
from his laptop. The apartment has hidden CCTV footage cameras.

His phone rings, a smile creeps through his phone when Gigi's name pops up.

Jeremy: Hey babe.

Gigi: Hey, how was the meeting?
Jeremy: It went well, I didn't struggle with her at all.
Gigi: Oh that's great. Once she sees the apartment, gets the upgrade from her looks, she will
be on board.
Jeremy: Definitely, I need you to start working on her lyrics.
Gigi: Sure.
Jeremy: Her boyfriend though…
Gigi: What about him?
Jeremy: He is going to be a problem, he is asking a lot of questions.
Gigi: Should I take care of him?
Jeremy: Nah, let's watch him for now. He's a kid after all. I will find him something that will
keep him occupied.

UHURU

He has been silent all the way from that office and back to their old place. Azania is excited
and he is worried that she is going to make so many mistakes.

On the positive side though, they have a beautiful apartment as a home now. That's very
dreamy and the guy who was showing them around said the rent is R10k with the furniture
and 8k without. Wild right? And they get to live there for free.

Uhuru: Babe, may I please ask one favour from you?

Azania: Yes baby, anything.
Uhuru: Please let us read your contract together, before you sign it?
Azania: Of course baby, that goes without saying.

She kisses him and he exhales.

Azania: Done parking?

Uhuru: Yeah, I've got everything I need.
Azania: Great, let's go.
Uhuru: I have somewhere to go then, I'll join you later. I need to check how Manqele is
doing
Azania: You won't get lost?
Uhuru:(laughing) No babe, even if I do, I'll call you. We have phones now.
Azania:(laughing) Okay, Let's drop you off then.

They carry their bags to the cars and drive past the hospital. He walks in carrying a basket
with fruits and all the goodies.

He is shown his ward after asking and he doesn't believe what his eyes are showing him
when he walks in. He drops everything on the floor and rushes to the window and holds
Manqele back. Where are the nurses and securities? The 2 other patients wake up startled
at this commotion.

Uhuru: Manqele broe, don't do this.

Manqele: Uhuru, leave me alone!
Uhuru: Are you out of your mind, leave you to kill yourself?
Manqele: No, I don't want to kill myself. I just want to leave..they won't discharge me so I will
do it myself.
Uhuru: But you are going to hurt yourself here!

Manqele: I'll survive.

Uhuru: Fine, I will help you escape.
Manqele: Huh?
Uhuru: Just sit down and have some fruit. Don't go over the window.
Manqele: Are you serious Uhuru, you won't sell me to these doctors?
Uhuru: Why do you want to leave so bad, you being here is good for your health.
Manqele: You don't understand, the moment they realise I'm Manqele Mkhize it's going to be
a mess. They will call my family and…

Uhuru: Okay, okay okay, calm down. I've got you and I will help you get out of here. Just
promise me one thing: when we leave here, we are not going back to that place, that
building. Yeah?

Manqele:(nodding) Sure…
Uhuru: Okay, now let me think of something. Now eat so that you can have some strength.

To be continued….

CHAPTER 7

UHURU

This is very risky, he could go to prison for doing this but there's no other way to do it. Better
than having him jump that building and die.

He is wheeling him outside with a wheelchair, dressed like a doctor and prays that no one
bumps into them as they walk out. The driver assigned for Azania is already on the way to
pick them up, just outside the hospital.

His heart feels for Manqele, he looks like a troubled guy and from the half stories he
dropped, a lot happened in his past that led him to the streets.

As soon as they reach the back room leading outside, they take off their clothes and run out.
Manqele is still limping but they reach the gates and bribe their way out.

Manqele: I am impressed by your skills, I didn't know you had it in you to lie like that.
Uhuru: I shock myself sometimes.
Manqele: This shows that there is a gangster inside you.
Uhuru:(chuckling) You are talking nonsense, come,let's go. Here's our ride.
Manqele: Hai bo Uhuru, I leave for a few days and you now have a chauffeur?
Uhuru: It's a long story.

He helps him walk until they reach the car and opens the door for him and gets inside. The
drive back to Fourways is filled with light conversations as Uhuru tells Manqele about
Azania's opportunity.

Manqele: Wow, that girl's faith really came through for her? I'm happy for you guys, I hope
the industry guys don't take her from you.
He says jokingly but it hits the spots to Uhuru because that's his biggest fear, to be honest.
But God and his ancestors love him, he has suffered a lot already, they can't take away this
only one thing that makes him happy.

He shoves the negative thoughts at the back of his mind, Azania loves him and he trusts
her. He is thinking about his remaining money from that luck charm he got. Maybe he should
use R500 to get Manqele some decent clothes for the time being.

Uhuru: We have arrived.

He announces and Manqele looks at him in disbelief. Yep, from where they were staying to
the Parks is a huuuuge upgrade.

Uhuru: Let's go.

Driver: Do you still remember your unit number?
Uhuru: Yes, 657.
Driver: Good. I am going to walk you guys in because the reception won't allow him(
Manqele) in here.

Uhuru nods and the guy walks them past the security without a struggle and leaves them
outside the lift on the 6th floor.

Driver: Uhuru, just a moment.

He pulls him aside and lowers his head.

Driver: I don't know your history with that guy but be careful. Such people aren't trustworthy.
Uhuru: I understand where you come from, but I'll be good.
Driver:(nodding) Good luck.

He taps him on his shoulder and walks away, Uhuru returns and they walk to their room and
knock. Azania opens a wide smile that quickly disappears when she sees Manqele.

Manqele: Hello Azania.

She doesn't greet back but folds her hands to her chest as Manqele walks to the lounge and
sits down.

Uhuru: Baby…
Azania: Uhuru, what is he doing here?
Uhuru: He needs help baby, I figured that maybe we can help him be clean?
Azania: Did he tell you that he needs your help or uyamphaphela?
Uhuru: Baby…
Azania: Huh-uh Uhuru. I don't trust this guy around us.
Uhuru: He helped us baby.
Azania: Does that mean we should help him too?

He gaps in shock, hai bo? Isn't that a Christian thing to do?

Uhuru: Babe…
Azania: I don't know what you are going to say or do but I don't want him here!

She says and walks away ascending the staircase to the bedroom upstairs. He walks to
Manqele and sits down next to him.

Manqele: I'll go, I don't want you guys to fight because of me.
Uhuru: Don't worry about Azania, I'll handle her. Just promise me one thing Manqele.
Manqele: Yeah, anything.
Uhuru: Stay off the street and allow us to help you. Okay?
Manqele:(nodding) I promise. And thank you for saving me.
Uhuru: You are welcome. Come, let me show you your room.

*
*
*
*
Azania is giving Uhuru a silent treatment, she is very mad and doesn't understand why can't
he see things like she does.

Today she is going back to the office to discuss her contract and a way forward about this
deal. She feels confident and is rocking one of the dresses Uhuru bought for her. It's a long
one, hitting the floor and thank God for a good place, she ironed it.

She is loving her new phone and has been busy updating the settings the whole night and
ignoring Uhuru.

Azania: Morning.

He greets him as she walks to the kitchen, he turns and looks at her.

Uhuru: Morning baby, you look good.

Azania: Thanks, where's Manqele?
Uhuru: Still sleeping, probably knocked off by the drugs.
Azania: I am not happy with you bringing him here Uhuru. Especially without talking to me.
Uhuru: I know baby and I am sorry. I just couldn't leave him like that.

Azania: Since you brought him here, then he's your responsibility to watch.
Uhuru: Don't worry baby, he is determined to change. Let's give him a chance.
Azania: If you say so.
Uhuru: Now, give me a proper kiss.
Azania:(blushing) No, I'm still mad at you.
Uhuru: Come on baby.

She giggles and places her hands on his face and kisses him.

Uhuru: There you go, sit down, I'm going to make us breakfast.
Azania: Okay. Babe…
Uhuru: Yes love?
Azania: I am thinking of asking Jeremy to buy you a phone as well?
Uhuru: Nah baby, we should not appear as leeches. This place is enough, don't worry, I'll
work hard and buy a new phone, okay?
Azania: Or I will get you one with my first salary.
Uhuru: You are too sweet but you don't have to do that….

She is doing it and there's nothing that's going to change her mind. Her man deserves
nothing but the best so that they can match when they are out there, as a couple.

*
*
*
*
Jeremy is informed about Azania's being at the boardroom waiting and he is excited to know
that her noisy and talkative boyfriend is not with her today.

Jeremy: Hey Aza…

Azania: Good morning Mr Booth…
Jeremy: Call me Jeremy please. Enjoying your new phone?
Azania: (smiling) Yes, so much.
Jeremy: I'm glad, we are going to upgrade you soon. Okay, Let's get to business.
Azania: Okay.
Jeremy: First thing, we need to discuss your stage name. Have you thought of something
yet?
Azania: I want to use my name.
Jeremy: Your name is beautiful sweetheart but it is basic. We need something that is spicy
and attractive. How about Nia? Or Nia The Savage?
Azania: Nia The Savage?

He learns over and folds his arms.

Jeremy: Yes, it has that drama in it. Everyone would want to know more about you and your
music. What do you think?
Azania: Okay, we can use it.
Jeremy: Perfect. Here With me I have your contract. Please initial your signature on every
page and we have a deal.
Azania: Can I read it?

Jeremy: Sure but I can summarise it for you. So we are offering you a 3 years contract with a
60% cut from what you make from your music. We are going to handle your PR, bookings,
flights, wardrobe and everything. On top of that, we will pay you R30k every month then we
will gradually go to paying you per gig.Do you have a license Azania?

Azania: No but I do know how to drive, my father taught me.

Jeremy: Excellent, we will get you one before this weekend and your driver will help you with
a few lessons and your car will be delivered next week.
Azania: Are you serious?

Jeremy: I'm dead serious Azania. Now please sign those documents, I've arranged a
photoshoot for you. The make up, hair and wardrobe team are ready for you. Please listen
and trust their judgement okay?
Azania: (smiling) Okay, this is a lot Jeremy, thank you so much. May God bless you.
Jeremy: Your talent got you here sweetheart, I'm just doing the Lord's work.

She smiles and grabs the pen and signs. Jeremy smiles alone. Phase one done, onto the
next one….

To be continued.

CHAPTER 8
MANQELE
The next day, he woke up in a big fancy and comfortable bed, with clean sheets and
blankets. Uhuru helped him with bathing and shaving his head and beard last night before
going to bed and gave him some of his clothes to wear. He really feels and looks good, no
lie.
Azania had left when he joined Uhuru for breakfast and now that they are done eating, he is
bored. Uhuru seems to be concentrating on his drawing or painting, whatever he calls it,
while he is busy changing channels on the TV. He wants to smoke so badly, but he promised
Uhuru that he is going to go clean and change his ways.
Manqele: Uhuru, what does one do here if they want to take a walk?
He stops what he is doing and looks up.
Uhuru: A walk to where?
Manqele: I don’t know, anywhere other than staying in here and suffocating.
Uhuru: What do you mean suffocating? There are air conditioners in this house and it is big
enough for all of us.
Manqele: Uhuru, this is not my vibe dude I am seriously losing it.
Uhuru: (sighs) Fine, let us take a walk through the stair to the rooftop, we will stay there an
hour and you are going to tell me what really got you on the streets.
Manqele: I don’t want to talk about it.
Uhuru: How am I going to help you if I don’t know what happened?
Manqele: How about you just stop huh, yes just stop! Keep your fancy new lifestyle and
leave me TF alone, I don’t need your help!
Uhuru: (Calmly) Okay, I am sorry to push too hard. Let us take the walk to the rooftop. We
can sit and not talk, just observe and enjoy the place. I promise, I won’t ask you any
questions.
Now he is feeling bad, Uhuru is a good guy who still believes in people but he really wishes
he can tell him to just focus on his life and let him be. He cannot be saved nor does he want
to.
This is his (Uhuru) and girlfriend’s dream, his is completely different. Being sane will mean
going back and dealing with that past and he doesn’t want that. He looks at him apologetic
in advance about what he is going to do. Hopefully he will forgive him and bounce back.
AZANIA
The photo shoot is so much fun, she is enjoying her time on set, doing make-up and
changing to different outfits. Everyone is friendly and kind towards her, considering this is her
first time doing this.
It was so difficult at first, being around so many people dishing out orders. A lady called
Tumi brought some alcohol on set, and everything went well after that.
It is first time drinking and she already feels light, fun and active. She is killing these poses
and enjoys the filming so much. She keeps on touching her face, long blonde hair and bating
her fake eye-lashes, unable to believe that this is her.
The director announces that it is a wrap, people start packing up, so is she. There are few
missed calls from Uhuru, she decides not to return them since she will be seeing him shortly.
On her way out, she bumps into Jeremy who gasps in shock after seeing the transformation
from her looks. She is naturally beautiful but right now, she looks like a goddess.
Azania: Hey Jeremy, I am going home.
Jeremy: Already?
Azania: Yes, I am so tired.
Jeremy: Quite understandable. I heard you did well on your shoot, well done.
Azania: I had fun, thank you.
Jeremy: You are welcome, please ensure that you have enough rest, tomorrow you will be
doing your first rehearsals.
Azania: Already?
Jeremy: Yes Azania, we work here, there’s no time to play.
Azania: Okay, I will be ready.
Jeremy: (smiling) Do not sweat about it, you will have loads of fun, okay?
He says brushing her arm and she smiles nodding and shifting away. God she needs to sit
down, it was a lot today, fittings, measurements and all sorts of things. She gets to the car
and rests her head on the seat with her eyes closed.
Driver: Rough day?
Azania; You have no idea.
Driver: Brace yourself, this is the start of everything.

*
*
*
GIGI
It is good being home, away from the pressure of work in Joburg and all. Here she gets to be
a child and a mom, although her son replaced her place in her parent’s life but she loves
being home. Viewing Whatsapp statues from Tumi, her colleague, she sees that Azania got
her makeover done today and that means one thing: Jeremy will want those lyrics and she
hasn’t even started working on them.
The girl (Azania) looks very pretty, her being young makes her even more desirable by
Jeremy, she knows him and knows that he has slept with half if not all the ladies at the label.
It is only a matter of time before Azania becomes a statistic too.
Maybe she should talk to her and warn her about Jeremy, she will be killing two birds with
one stone. Keeping her away from Jeremy and protecting her from being played as well. She
sighs, maybe it is time to find herself a boyfriend, a non-married boyfriend, if only it was that
easier.
It is hard to find men these days, if he is handsome, chances are he is broke and has a
small dick. Those with money are ugly and abusive, the ones with big dick are broke and
have stamina for days, then there is Jeremy, looks, money, big dick, great sex. A whole 10!
Oops, he is married.
UHURU
His paintings are coming so well, it is as if this place has activated his love and he is just
flowing perfectly. The walk to the roof with Manqele earlier really helped him as well.
Speaking of Manqele, he went straight to his room after that and he decided to come here, in
the garage and paint.
Maybe he is putting so much pressure on the poor guy, he must give him some time.
Eventually he is going to come around and be himself again.
He (Manqele), had told him that he studied arts but never went too deep about it, he is going
to ask him later when he is done here.
“Babe, I am home”…
Azania calls out, he closes the paint can and dries his hands going to meet up with her and
he stops dead in his tracks when he sees her. She looks way different, in fact, more beautiful
but a bit older. It could be the make-up.
She throws herself at him, not caring about the dirty overalls he is wearing that has paint on
it. He embraces her and smells and tastes a bit of alcohol from her when they kiss.
Uhuru: Have you been drinking?
Azania: Is that the only thing you are going to say while I look like this?
Uhuru: You look amazing, baby.
Azania: Thank you and yes, I had a few glasses on set today.
Uhuru: Tell me about that one, how was it?
Azania: It was great, I signed the contract and…
Uhuru: Whoa, wait, you did what? I thought we agreed on reading and signing it together?
Azania: Well, there wasn’t much time and the deal was pretty good.
Uhuru: Azania!
Azania: Trust me okay? I have good news, my car is going to be delivered next week, I am
so excited. I am going to shower and have an early night, my rehearsal kick starts tomorrow.
I am excited and nervous at the same time.
She kisses him and walks away, leaving Uhuru feeling distraught. He sits down at the table
and brushes his face, his hand digs inside his pockets and he comes out with his small
phone and looks at it.
He did a swim swap hoping to find messages from that guy but nothing. Maybe it was a
scam because why didn’t he follow up to find out about the plans? Ai mxm…
He decides to give his grandmother a call, it rings for a while before she picks it up.
MaMndawe: I am so happy to hear from you my Grandson, how are things in Joburg?
Uhuru: Things are promising Gogo, Azania got her first gig, signed and we now have a
decent place to stay.
MaMndawe: That is great to hear, what happened to the man that called you?
Uhuru: Hee gogo, you won’t believe what happened.
He narrates the story and how everything transpired.
MaMndawe: We thank God that nothing bad happened to you, we have heard way more
horrific stories than that. I had a dream about your father, it was as if I was talking to him.
Have faith, things are going to be okay.
Uhuru: I am trying granny but things are tough, I am under pressure and it is not even funny.
He stops himself from crying and keeps his head up after swallowing a lump over his throat.
MaMndawe: Bonginkosi is starting to be naughty, you need to talk to him.
Uhuru: What is he doing?
MaMndawe: His teacher caught him smoking weed with his friends at school.
He closes his eyes and sighs, what is this boy doing? For Christ’s sake he is only 15!
Uhuru: I will have a word with him, thank you for informing me.
They say their goodbyes and he gets up and goes back to painting thinking about his
siblings. Things at home are not great but his granny is really trying, what his brother is
starting is going to add up stress to the old woman.
He is going to use the money he put aside to send it home so that they can get a few things.
He already has a fancy roof over his head and that is enough, for now. As long as his family
gets to eat.
“babeeeee” this time her voice comes with an ounce of urgency and yelling in it. He rushes
back and finds her wearing a towel around her body. Her hands on her hips, looking all red
and frustrated.
Uhuru: Babe?
Azania: My clothes, weave, phone and some of my valuables are all gone!
Uhuru: What do you mean "gone"?
Azania: As in like stolen!
Uhuru: Huh, how?
He looks around and notices that one speaker is gone, the TV broke, It looks like it was
being forcefully removed. Manqele cannot do that to him, not after talking to him earlier. He
rushes to his bedroom and finds it empty, even the bedding, all gone. Shit! He looks around
and sees the window wide open, he might have escaped through it.
Azania: He cannot be too far, probably still in this building, let us report it to the police and
securities.
Uhuru: Then he is going to go to prison!
Azania: That will serve him right. Uhuru I told you about bringing this person over, look now,
he is stealing from us!
Uhuru: I will get our things back and handle this, do not call the police.
He heads towards the door and Azania calls him, he stops to turn and looks at her.
Azania: Whatever you do, don’t bring him back here!
*
*
*
Jeremy smiles alone looking at the footage from the apartment where the guy is stealing
things from them. He picks up his phone and calls the securities at the gate and reception.
Jeremy: Let him leave with all those things, if possible, get him a ride to wherever he wants
to go to. Sure.
He ends the call and puts his phone on the table and shakes his glass that has a whiskey
gulping it down and zooms Azania’s body wrapped in a towel to the PC’s screen.
Jeremy:(touching himself and moans) Oooh baby…
To be continued.

CHAPTER 9

UHURU

He should have known better, you can take a monkey out of the forest but not the forest out
of him. It was ambitious of him to think that Manqele was easily going to repent overnight
and stop the life he is living after being an addict for so many years. It is clear that whatever
bothers him is bigger than him, he probably needs rehab or special centres.

That was part of his long plans, to get him that kind of help but now that he has stolen from
them, it is the last thing on his mind.

His prayer is that at least he finds him with the items because if not, he is not going to hear
the end of it from Azania.

Leaving the building, he is surprised to not see him even around, how did he disappear from
the premises so fast?

Isn’t it that one requires some sort of Identity verification before leaving? Anyway, he needs
to find him, and find him very fast.

He runs around the area, asking people if they have seen and everyone denies knowing
him.

Shit, he is forced to go back to the house to get his phone and money and head back to
where he lives.

Azania sits up as soon as he walks in, with an anticipation to know whether he got him and
her belongings or not.

Azania: Did you find him?

Uhuru: No, seems like he is no longer in this building or area.
Azania: But how?
Uhuru: I don’t know, I need to go to Joburg.

She doesn’t say anything but sighs, frustrated, he can’t even maintain eye contact with her
at this point because he knows that he messed up and she is upset, as she should

Luckily the taxis to town are just across the street so it doesn’t take him that long to get one
and he prays on the way that he finds him.

As the taxi drives through Hillbrow and Yeoville, he sees him walking by the street, carrying
the speaker with a sheet over his shoulder and he stops the taxi immediately and gets out of
it.

Manqele sees him and tries to run but Uhuru is quick to catch up with him and gives him a
hot slap.

He didn’t mean to slap him but the frustration of running after him is what fuels his anger.

Manqele: I am sorry…
Uhuru: Really Manqele, you are stealing for me? I thought we were brothers!
He doesn’t respond but continues to rub his palms together and he sighs.
Uhuru: Give me Azania’s things.
Manqele: I don’t have them.
Uhuru: What do you mean you don’t have them?
Manqele: I sold them for this other lady at Fourways and…

No, no, no! He grabs him by the collar of his t-shirt and shakes him up.

Uhuru: Manqele!

His hands go into his pockets and he comes back with R600 and a packet of drugs.

Uhuru: Please do not tell me that you sold an Iphone 13 and that hair for R600!
Manqele: I sold it for R1000….

No marn, this is not right, imagine the disrespect! The problem here is the people who
actually buy these stolen goods. How do you buy something you know very well costs more
than that with such low value?

With a defeated look, he takes the money and remaining things that are wrapped with the
bed sheet and walks away. There are no words to describe how he feels at this moment,
sad, angry, disappointed and scared.

He is scared that this is going to drive Azania mad and honestly, he doesn’t know what to
say or do to calm her down after she was so excited to have a new phone.

The taxi back to Fourways is quicker than he anticipated and before he knows it, he has to
get out and walk to the building.
*
*
*
*

He watched and waited until Uhuru had left the building before driving there. To his
disappointment, he finds Azania fully dressed now. She looks surprised to see him here but
allows him in either way. Jeremy walks in and looks around the place before turning back at
her.
Azania: Jeremy, I didn’t know you were coming.

Jeremy: I tried calling you but your phone wasn’t going through. I brought your clothes, they
got delivered shortly after you left.
Azania: Oh yeah, mxm, you won’t believe what happened.
Jeremy: What?

He already knows but to keep his act, he needs to act surprised about the whole information.

Azania: Uhuru’s nyaope friend stole my things, my phone included!

Jeremy: What? Azania, that phone is new!
Azania: I know, I am so mad right now because I asked him nicely to not bring this guy over
but he insisted.
Jeremy: Why didn’t you stand your ground because this is your apartment Azania?
Azania: I didn’t want to argue with Uhuru, I honestly thought I was doing a good thing.
Jeremy: Azania, doing good and being unsafe in your own space are two different things.
Right now it is not safe for you and what is going to happen once your car arrives?
Azania: Uhuru is not going to bring this guy here, which is my final.
Jeremy: I hope he listens and doesn’t continue to jeopardize your safety. So what are you
going to do?
Azania: He went to look for him, I hope he finds him and my belongings.
Jeremy: And if he doesn’t?

She keeps quiet and the door opens, Uhuru walks in and just like Azania, he is not expecting
to see Jeremy here. They exchange greetings and Azania doesn’t waste time but asks
where her things are.

Azania: So, how did it go?

Uhuru: Not so good babe, he sold them.
She blinks, twice. Oh no, this is not good.
Azania: (softly) He sold them?
Uhuru: Baby….
Azania: What did I say about bringing him here? Answer me!

Jeremy: Nia, calm down?

Uhuru: Nia? Who is Nia and what are you doing here?
Azania: You seriously cannot ask what he is doing in an apartment he pays for!
Uhuru: (raised eyebrow) Oh? Azania, I am sorry that my negligence and kindness cost you
so much. I am going to work so hard to repay your things, I am sorry babe.
Azania: Mxm, I can't believe you are dragging us backwards.

She says and walks away leaving Uhuru looking like he is about to cry. What an awkward
situation
.
Jeremy: (clearing his throat) Look, I can trace the phone and we can get it back today!
Uhuru: For real? That would be dope especially since the person that bought it also bought
the weave as well.
Jeremy: Yeah, let me look into it and I will have my people deliver it soon.
Uhuru: Thanks J.
Jeremy: You are welcome.

He winks and taps on his shoulder walking out and heads to his car, he dials Tumi while
driving and she answers on the second ring.

Tumi: Boss?
Jeremy: You got the hair and the phone?
Tumi: Yes, it wasn’t that difficult to locate that guy.
Jeremy: (smiling) perfect, meet me at the studio.
*
*
*
*
AZANIA

She woke up very early and left Uhuru in bed, she doesn’t remember what time he came to
bed after the awkwardness that happened.

She was too upset to say anything so she chose to ignore him and it is better that he got the
message loud and clear.

Jeremy left a bag of new designer clothes for her last night saying it was actually the reason
he called her for. She picks up an opened leg jean and a crop top, matching it with her
bucket hat and side bag and superga sneakers.

The driver is on time to fetch her to the studio. She greets the team and seats down as
everyone goes around making coffee and breakfast.

Gigi walks into the room with 2 cups of coffee and greets her. This lady is beautiful and
smells so expensive. From what she heard, she is a rapper and also part of the
management of this label.

Gigi: I am so happy to see you here Nia, it is a pity I wasn’t here to welcome you on your first
day.
Azania: It is okay, you are here now and that is all that matters.
Gigi: Yes, so here are your lyrics.
Azania: Lyrics for?
Gigi: Your first recording?
Azania: Oh, I thought that maybe I could write my own lyrics?

Gigi: You can but not with your first song sweetie. We still need to train you and guide you
through it. Have a look and let me know what you think.
Azania: Okay…

That doesn't sound right to her but she runs her eyes across the paper and feels her body
cringe, at the language used.

Azania: (reading out loud) “put your tongue out in the mirror, pop that pussy wide while you
drive, spread your ass-cheeks open, make that pussy crack a smile”. G, I am sorry but what
genre is this? This isn’t even my style!

Jeremy: Not Azania’s style but definitely Nia’s.

He says approaching them and the looks they exchange with Gigi tells her that these two
know each other naked.

He sits down next to her, suffocating her with his cologne.

Jeremy: I got your phone and hair back, here.
Azania: How?
Jeremy: Technology. Do what is expected of you and do it on time, there’s somewhere we
have to be later on.
Azania: Where?
Jeremy: You will like it, just dress up comfortably and sexy, I will pick you up at 7pm.

He says and winks getting up and walks away, towards his exit, he spanks Gigi’s ass and
she giggles. She rolls her eyes and opens the bag, talking out her phone and getting up to
wear her weave.

Azania: Do you have an idea where Jeremy is taking me to?

Gigi: Not really but I can guess that he is taking you to one of his fancy clubs for
appearances and to get you familiar with the crowd.
Azania: He owns clubs as well?
Gigi: Of course, he is a rich guy and married.
Azania: Yet you don’t mind fucking him…

Gigi gasps in shock and Azania smiles silently, she clearly didn’t expect that and it makes
her so happy. Girls like her make her sick to the stomach, busy dishing out advice that she
doesn’t follow.

She never asked if Jeremy is married because the ring is there on his finger yet he let her
(Gigi) spank her ass. That is plain hypocrisy!

Gigi: Right, let us get started.

Azania: Wait, are you serious?
Gigi: Do I look like I'm joking to you?
Azania: I don't like this song and I won't sing it.
Gigi: Really?
Azania: Yes, I am going to tell Jeremy about it.
Gigi:( chuckling) Shame Nana, too bad Jeremy approved this song and actually added some
lines to it. Now, get into that booth and start singing!

To be continued.
[2022/12/12, 18:25] My Vodacom Number: CHAPTER 10

AZANIA

Can this day end already? She is tired of having to repeat one and the same thing over and
over again. On top of that, this song is wack nje and she is tired of screaming on top of her
lungs.

She is not sure whether it's how things are done in the music industry or Gigi is purely bitter
and punishing her over the comment she made earlier about her and Jeremy. Or well, if
that's the case then, too bad because it is what it is.
Gigi: Okay, we'll stop here today.
Azania: Thank God.
Gigi: We need to work on your movements now. This is a sexy song that requires you to
move your body as you sing. You can't perform it on stage standing like a statue.
Azania: Okay?

Gigi: Yes, tomorrow, we will have the choreography in the studio and Jeremy will be present,
so you need to rid this stinking attitude you have.

It's a good thing that Jeremy will be joining them tomorrow, that way, she's going to get a
chance to actually tell him that she hates the song.

Gigi continues telling her the "Do's and Don't(s)" in this industry and honestly, she doesn't
care about it all. She heads home and suddenly remembers that she and Uhuru are not
talking. Sighs, she doesn't like that, fighting with him and all.

But at times, she feels like Uhuru is slow and too kind. If only he listened to her when she
asked him not to bring Manqele over, things would have been way much better.

As much as that happened, he is still her person and she loves him. They need to resolve
this and actually find a way around it. They can't remain angry at each other.

She opens the door and finds him cooking and looking good with a new clean haircut. Her
heart does a happy dance seeing him but she maintains a straight face.

Uhuru: Babe…
Azania: Hey.
Uhuru: How was your day?
Azania: Hell, I'm so tired.
Uhuru: I'm sorry babe, have some shower and let's sit down to eat. I made your favourite.
Azania: I'm sorry babe, but I have to get ready, Jeremy is going to fetch me at 7.
Uhuru: Oh? Where is he taking you to?
Azania: I don't know, I was told to be ready at 7.

Uhuru: Isn't that past your working hours?

Azania: There's no fixed working hours in this industry.
Uhuru: I was hoping that we could talk about everything that has happened?
Azania: We will talk when I come back, let me go shower.

UHURU

He watches Azania walking away to the bedroom and sighs with disappointment. It feels as
if he is losing her bit by bit. He was planning on having a heartfelt conversation with her
tonight and actually telling her how he feels and all.
The food gets ready, he dishes up for them and starts digging in immediately. Azania walks
down in a white short dress and heels. It is open on the back and hugging her body
perfectly.

Her beauty is captivating and mesmerising, he is in awe how she has quickly learned how to
do make up and from how he sees it, she loves it. But he feels like she needs to find her
perfect shade because this one makes her too yellow.

Azania: Please help me zip my back babe.

He gets up from the chair and stands behind her, his hand touching her bare back(skin), he
feels his body reacting. He breathes heavily, kissing her neck.

Uhuru: You look amazing, I'm jealous.

Azania:(smiling) Don't be, I'm yours.
Uhuru:(rubbing her thighs) I miss you baby.
Azania: Not now, Uhuru.

She says and steps away from him, he clears his throat, pulls his pants down and goes back
to his food.

Uhuru: I made a painting of you, it's beautiful.

Azania:(typing on her phone) I'm sure it is, you are very talented.
Uhuru: Do you want to see it?
Azania: Later babe, I have to go, Jeremy is here. Don't wait up.

She kisses his cheeks and rushes out of the house without looking back. Uhuru goes to the
window and peeks through the curtains, he sees Jeremy hugging her very tight before
opening a door for her.

A huge lump over his throat chokes him and he loses appetite instantly. He goes to the
garage and wipes the sweat over his forehead and grabs the brushes and paint. This is what
brings him joy and calms his nerves.

If he could manage to sell this painting, he will make enough money and spoil her. Their
anniversary is coming soon and he is praying and hoping that it will find him in a better
position, financially.
*
*
*
The VIP section is starting to pick up as more of his industry friends join Jeremy and Gigi.
The vibe is really nice and chilled, most artists from the record label performing.

Jeremy is keeping his eyes and hands on Azania as he can see that his friends also want
her. He quickly marks his territory fast before anyone can do anything. That pisses off Gigi
who is ignored tonight despite looking all good and sexy.

Azania: I'm going to use the bathroom.

She announces and stands up from her seat walking away. Gigi uses that opportunity to get
closer to Jeremy.

Gigi: What are you trying to do?

Jeremy: What do you mean?
Gigi: You know exactly what I'm talking about!
Jeremy:(chuckling) Come on, do not tell me you are jealous. She's just a kid.
Gigi: Exactly that!
Jeremy: I don't have time for your insecurities.

He gulps down his drink and gets up and disappears into the crowd. The alcohol is in his
system right now and he needs to drink water to cool it down. From the corner of his eye, he
spots Azania being blocked by another guy and clicks his tongue heading towards them.

He grabs her by her hand and pulls her inside his office that is nearby and closes the door.
Azania looks at him surprised at his sudden change of mood.

Azania: What's wrong?

Jeremy: You are busy entertaining drunkards, do you know that guy?
Azania: Entertaining drunkards? Jeremy he was greeting!
Jeremy: I don't care, you came here with me.
Azania: So does that make me yours? Wow, I'm sick of this place.

She attempts to leave but Jeremy gently holds her hand, pulls her towards him and brushes
the hair off her face.

Jeremy: Nia, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out at you.

Azania: I don't understand what I did wrong.
Jeremy: (caressing her face) Nothing sweetheart, it's just that you are too sexy and
gorgeous tonight. I got jealous.
Azania: You got jealous, but why?
Jeremy: Can't you see, I am in love with you baby. From day one.

His hand is now under her dress, slowly lifting it up. Azania is conflicted at this moment. His
touch is doing things on her and she cannot believe that she is hearing him right. A hot rich
guy like him is in love with her? A simple young girl?

There's something about him that she can't shake off, he has that thing, the confidence that's
needed in a man. Money and the looks makes him a perfect 10.

She thought she was being delusional when a part of her imagined them together the first
time they met but she quickly discarded those thoughts because I mean, she's 19 and he is
34. What are the chances? Zero. So she thought.

But now, he is here, right in front of her face, confessing his love to her. Could it be that he is
lying? But why would he? Maybe he is not happy at home? Or fell out of love with his wife
hence he is busy with Gigi?
Jeremy: Talk to me, what's on your mind?
Azania: Just digesting your words.
Jeremy: Don't think too hard about it. Be my girl and you are going to live your dream life, get
everything that you desire.
Azania: But, I have a boyfriend…

He doesn't respond but instead kisses her. Azania is hypnotised by that kiss, her eyes are
now so small, her pantyliner soaked wet in her juices. Her phone vibrates inside her back,
Jeremy pulls her closer, locks his forehead onto his and perks her lips…

Jeremy: Ignore it.

He lifts her face and smashes his lips onto hers in a rushed lust kiss, she responds by
wrapping her arms around his neck and Jeremy picks her up.

His hands push everything on the table, scattering all over the floor, making a space for her
as he places her on top of it. She feels his finger pushing her underwear aside and touching
her cookie. They are cold and that makes the whole experience hot.

Azania: Condom…

It comes as a whisper as Jeremy drops his pants off. He rubs himself on her while kissing
her lips.

Azania: Please wear a condom…

Jeremy: I'm clean sweetheart.

He says and slams inside her even harder, pulling her legs towards him…

To be continued.

CHAPTER 11

UHURU

When they say sleep is a thief they mean exactly that. One moment he was busy watching
movies trying to pass time while calling Azania and the next thing, he was woken up by her
wearing her pajamas.

How did she get in and went to the bedroom without him hearing it? He sits up and looks at
her, she is avoiding eye contact and her eyes are red as if she has been crying. Now he is
worried, what is going on, what happened?

Azania: Hey, come to bed, it is cold.

She says with a breaking voice, he gets on his feet and holds her hand.
Uhuru: Baby, are you okay? What is wrong?
Azania: I am fine, just tired, tonight was a lot.
Uhuru: When did you come back and why didn’t I hear you?
Azania: You were sleeping, I didn’t make noise, let us go to bed please.
Uhuru: Okay, let me switch off the TV then.

She leaves and he switches off the TV and follows her to their bedroom, the first stop is the
bathroom to pee and he notices that her bathing towels are wet, meaning that she had just
taken a shower.

Walking back to the bedroom, he finds her under the bed covers, he takes off his clothes and
joins her. She is cold as ice and shivering and that raises concern to him. Something is
definitely off with Azania, why is she behaving like this?

Uhuru: Baby?
Azania: Mhm?
Uhuru: Are you okay, did something happen today?
Azania: No I am fine, let us sleep please.
Uhuru: (sighs) Okay. I love you babe and I am sorry to make you upset by bringing Manqele
here.
Azania: I love you too. Goodnight.

He closes his eyes and tries to drift away to dreamland but he struggles to do so because
he keeps on thinking about what could have happened and gone wrong.
*
*
*

The next morning he wakes up to Azania making breakfast and singing, her voice is so
smooth and angelic, it is a good morning indeed. How can it not be when she woke him for
a good round of sex in the early hours of the morning?

He was deep asleep but as soon as he felt her touch on his, he quickly grabbed the
condoms and dived right through in. It has been a while since they were intimate and it was
exactly what they body needed at the time.

He hugs her from behind and kisses her ear, she giggles and blushes while smiling.

Uhuru: Good morning baby.

Azania: Morning love, I made breakfast.
Uhuru: Someone is happy.
Azania: I haven’t been nice to you lately and it is not fair. I am sorry I allowed the change and
work stress get to me.
Uhuru: It is okay baby, I am glad we are fine. Speaking about work, how is it?
Azania: Stressful, but I believe I will get it right.
Uhuru: That’s my girl. So how was last night, where did you guys go?

She clears her throat and moves around.

Azania: We went to one of his clubs, he introduced me to the other artists and industry guys.
It was fun.
Uhuru: I am glad you had fun, you scared me last night.
Azania: It might have been the alcohol, I had a little bit much.
Uhuru: You need to be careful about that, people get their drinks spiked and they end up
being raped or kidnapped.
Azania: I am fine, baby. I will have some of the food you prepared yesterday as my lunchbox
today.
Uhuru: (Smiling) Okay babe.
Azania: How is painting?
Uhuru: It is coming great actually, let me get some and show you.
Azania: (smiling) Okay.

He wipes his hands and gets off from the table to go collect it, her phone rings, she rolls her
eyes before answering. Coming back, he finds her clearing her dishes.

Uhuru: Are you leaving?

Azania: Yeah, Gigi is here, please open for her while I dress up.
Uhuru: Okay…
Azania: This is beautiful baby, I like it.
She says pointing at the artworks and takes pictures of them.
Azania: I am going to post these on Instagram once I am announced as their signed artist.
Uhuru: That will be nice baby, thank you. (Smiling) Look at that, perks of dating a star girl.
Azania: (laughing) Stop it.

She giggles and walks away leaving Uhuru smiling alone. The doorbell rings, he puts down
the pictures and heads to it and opens it. A gorgeous woman with a strong expensive scent
walks in.

Gigi: Good morning, is Azania in?

Uhuru: Morning. Yes she is in, she will be ready soon. You may sit down.
Gigi: Thank you. I am Gigi, her manager, you might be her boyfriend?
Uhuru: Yes, my name is Uhuru Maseko.

She nods and her eyes land on the portraits, she lifts one up and looks at it in admiration.

Gigi: This is beautiful, you did this?

Uhuru: Thank you my sister, yes I did. There are many but not yet finished.
Gigi: Are you kidding me? You kids are talented! Please, how much would you charge for
this one, it would look good in my house?

Whoah, is she kidding or what? He didn’t expect this at all! He chuckles nervously.

Uhuru: Are you serious?

Gigi: Damn well I am!
Uhuru: Urhm, R1500?
Gigi: For such art? Please stop joking! I have R3500 in my bag for now, you can have it and I
will come back for more, okay?
Uhuru: Wow, okay, thank you. Urhm, let me cover and package it well for you.
Gigi: Okay. Let me get the money.

She walks out and he punches the air with excitement. God you are good, what is that!

AZANIA

She comes down from the bathroom and sees Gigi hanging her business card to Uhuru and
frowns. It seems like there was some conversation going on here, why is he all happy all of a
sudden?

He sees her and grabs her by the waist and she kisses him deeply.

Uhuru: Babe, you won't believe what happened! Your manager just purchased my artwork!
Azania: Oh really?
Gigi: Yes, you don't say he is that great. I'll speak to Jeremy. Maybe we can have his artwork
displayed at the club?

She clears her throat uncomfortably and shifts closer to Uhuru.

Uhuru: That would be great, I'll appreciate that a lot.

Gigi: Maybe you can even work at the club.
Azania: Ai bo Gigi, now you are pushing it. Will Jeremy accept all of this?
Gigi: Leave him to me to deal with. Are you ready to go?
Azania: Yeah, babe, I'll see you later.
Uhuru: Okay babe, have a great day today.

They leave to the car and she keeps on stealing glances at Gigi wondering what game she
is playing at. All that kindness, where is it coming from?

Gigi: Your boyfriend seems like a nice guy, I don't understand why you are screwing him.
Azania: What are you talking about?
Gigi: Oh cut the act, that walk of shame you did after you came from the bathroom? I am not
a kid Azania!

She looks outside the window, not knowing what to say.

Gigi: Since you chose to ignore me, I hope you are playing it safe Noyno.
Azania: You aren't mad?
Gigi: Mad with someone's husband? Just don't catch feelings. If you do, set Uhuru free, I did
because I am not dating anyone.

Okay can they get to the studio already? This conversation is super uncomfortable and
awkward!
*
*
*
Gigi: 1 2 1 2…yes move your body like that, come on Azania, shake that waist. Yes, perfect,
just like that.

Jeremy walks in and stands by the wall watching in silent until they finish their steps. He is
not impressed!

Jeremy: Azania, do you want to be a singer or not?

Azania: What do you mean?
Jeremy: It's a clear question, do you want to be a singer, yes or no!
Azania: I want to be a singer, it has always been my dream.
Jeremy: Then what is this? Huh? Do you understand how big the opportunity I've given you
that others are yearning for?
Azania: Excuse me, but I'm doing my best!
Jeremy: Your best is not good enough! This is horrible, you are sounding like a dying goat
right now, I'm afraid even autotune won't be able to save you!

Azania's cheeks burns with anger and her eyes twitch from the tears.

Azania: Jeremy I think you are being unfair!

Jeremy: Your problem is you talk too much! This is not your father's pulpit!
Azania: Excuse me….

She says and runs out of the rooms straight to the restrooms. Gigi and the two back dancers
are left in shock.

Gigi: What was that for J?

Jeremy: Not now Gi, not now.
He turns and walks out of the room leaving the ladies shrug with confusion….

To be continued.

CHAPTER 12

GIGI

She follows Jeremy to his office and finds him panting up and down. What is going on here,
why did he behave like that?

I mean, was the sex bad or did she do something? This doesn’t make sense, at all. She
closes the door and walks up to him slowly, he looks up and sees her.

Jeremy: I am sorry I lashed out at you…

Gigi: You are apologising to the wrong person, what happened, what was that about?
Jeremy: Nothing, I am just not having a good day.
Gigi: Clearly. Jeremy, I don’t care what happened between you two but this is work, okay?
He is taken aback by her statement and she is also shocked at how she is handling this
news. Does it hurt? Yes, so much! She is hot, young and sexy herself but Azania is 5 years
younger than her, hot and new.

The pressure is worse and at first she honestly thought she was going to fight for Jeremy
since he is her meal ticket but at this point, she is happy that he has his eyes on someone
else.

It is not always rosey dating Jeremy, there are challenges that come with it especially once
he plays the “I am married” card. Hopefully Azania is ready for all of that because she is
leaving a guy her age for an ass like Jeremy. If she was Azania, she was going to clean up
her man and make sure they look hella good because whoa, that guy is handsome.

You can tell that with money, nice clothes and a few lunches at Sandton restaurants, he will
have ladies eating at the palm of his hands.

Jeremy: Yeah, of course you are right. I am sorry.

Gigi: Sort whatever it is, just sort it out. Moving along, I want to ask you something.
Jeremy: Yeah?
Gigi: I was thinking that we should hire Uhuru at the club?
Jeremy: Wait what? Is there even a position available?
Gigi: I will create something. So, yes?
Jeremy: Yeah, sure I guess. It is going to work for me.

Huh? She frowns and quickly releases it shaking her head. Whatever that means, as long as
Uhuru will have a job and be able to display his artwork.

She needs to tell his girlfriend to come with tomorrow so that she can brief him about it. Oh,
there is his number on that artwork, she better call him herself. Now she needs to find out
what exactly he is going to do there?
*
*
*
*
AZANIA

A knock comes through the door and she sniffs, wiping her tears off and gets up from the
toilet seat. She has locked herself in here for about an hour now crying.

What Jeremy did can never be undone, humiliating her like that in the presence of the other
girls, worse Gigi was the worst thing ever.

She opens the door slowly and Jeremy walks in and closes the door behind him.
Jeremy: Hey…
Azania: What are you doing here?
Jeremy: I came to apologise, I am sorry.
Azania: Really Jeremy, what was that for?
Jeremy: I was just jealous…
Azania: Jealous of what?
Jeremy: That after our great steamy session, you went back to him.

Is this some kind of a joke? What does he mean? He is also married for christ’s sake!

Azania: I don’t understand you.

Jeremy: Last night was great, rushed but amazing. I want more of that Azania and I don’t
want to share you.
Azania: Please leave…
Jeremy: Baby, please hear me out.
Azania: No, you are a selfish human being…

He holds her towards him and kisses her neck.

Jeremy: Please give me a chance to make it up to you. What I said about your talent was not
true, you are amazing and I know for a fact that you are going to be so big, the world is not
ready for you Nia.
Azania: I don’t know, I don’t think we will be able to move past the humiliation you put me
through.
Jeremy: Trust me, it is going to be worth it.
Azania: Okay.
Jeremy: I will see you later.

He gives her a full mouth kiss and walks out of the bathroom.

She sighs and washes her face and brace herself before stepping out again. The first person
she bumps into is Gigi, great!

Gigi: Aha, the bathroom girl. Listen, I spoke to Jeremy and he agreed that we would hire
your man.
Azania: Oh?
Gigi: Yes, I thought I should inform you before I call him.
Azania: Okay, thanks I guess.
Gigi: You are welcome, see you back in the studio in the next 10 minutes.

Gigi smiles and walks away. What is this one up to, she doesn’t trust her one bit. She
decides to log into Uhuru’s facebook account. She has his log-in details and the first thing
she does is post his recent artwork on his timeline and informs everyone that he now resides
in Joburg and leaves his number.
Anything to stop whatever plans Gigi has for her man. This thing of wanting Uhuru to work
at the club will not end well, especially with her affair with Jeremy. Speaking of him, she
wonders what ‘’surprise `` he has for her this time around?

*
*
*
Jeremy has booked into a nice five star hotel and asked the staff to decorate the room with
rose petals, expensive champagnes and chocolates.

On the bed there is an expensive lingerie he bought at Bras and things shop with matching
stilettos. He can imagine Azania on this, Lord have mercy, this child is sexy and gorgeous as
hell.

Next to the Gucci watch and handbag, he places the gift box that has car keys to her new
Mercedes Benz Amg 200 and smiles. Now this is the big boy’s game, no time for mercy.

He sends Azania the location to the hotel and room number and takes off his clothes
heading to the shower.

*
*
*
UHURU

His day has been great, from receiving a job offer as a bartender to receiving calls from
people who saw his artwork on social media. At first he was confused but quickly
remembered that Azania has his log in details.

He appreciates the gesture too much and feels like his things are starting to line up now. He
has 3 orders from these two people who firstly wanted to see him in person to avoid being
scammed.
With everything coming so well together, he decided to go to the mall to get a haircut and
new clothes. Spoils nyana for the boy, he smiles, he is happy. The money he promised to
send home, he adds a grand on it and deposits it.

As he was walking by the mall, he saw this beautiful restaurant and walked inside. argh, the
waiter there was so kind but as soon as he saw the menu and prices, he apologised saying
that it was way out of his budget but to his surprise, a very beautiful woman who introduced
herself as Mrs Mpumi Booth, owning this place decided to give him and his girlfriend a free
voucher worth R700.

When they say that when God shows up he shows off, they mean exactly that.

Excitedly, he came back home and anticipated Azania’s return from work so that he could tell
her the good news. The moment she gets home, he jumps into her and spins her around.

Azania: And then babe, you look good. I love your new haircut.
Uhuru: Thank you, not just for the compliment but for what you did for me today.
Azania: You are welcome, you know I got you.
Uhuru: I know, hence I thought we should celebrate. It is not much but we celebrate the
small and big achievements.
Azania: Babe I…
Uhuru: Look babe, I also got us movie tickets. Let us have dinner and go watch the latest
movie in the cinema.
Azania: Babe, this restaurant is expensive, are we going to afford it?
Uhuru: Everything is taken care of. Let's go out so that we can tell each other everything
about today.
Azania: (smiling) Okay, let me quickly shower then.
Uhuru: Should I join you?
Azania: (blushing) Maybe…

He dismisses the idea and reserves it for later because they are going to be late. Azania’s
phone vibrates and Jeremy’s name pops on screen.

He looks at it and sighs, why is this man calling his girlfriend after having her in the studio
the whole day? No marn, he needs to rest. Whatever he wants, today can wait. He cancels
the call and switches off the phone and hides it under the couch cushions.
*
*
*
JEREMY

He lies naked on top of the bed stroking his hard dick while talking to his wife. He informs
her that he is going to be home late again tonight and from her sighs, she is not happy.

Jeremy: It is busy Mpume, I am really trying to push this new artist so that in a month’s time
we are ready for the announcement.
Mpume: I know you work hard babe and I understand, but the kids don’t.
Jeremy: I will make it up to you guys, this weekend, it is me and you.
Mpume: I won’t tell them nor hold my breath about it.
Jeremy: Come on babe, that is not fair.
Mpume: What is not fair is you putting work above everything. I am also busy with the new
restaurant we opened but I still make time to be your wife and a mother.
Jeremy: And I appreciate that baby. I will see you soon, okay? Kiss the kids goodnight for
me.
Mpume: Okay, bye.
Jeremy: I love you baby.
Mpume: I love you too.

The call ends and he looks at the time he last spoke to Azania when he sent her the address
and she said she was heading home. This pill he drank is starting to kick now and he cannot
wait any longer. He is naturally a stallion in bed but tonight, he wanted to be inside Azania’s
tight coochie the whole night.
He just wants a fun wild night with her, after this, she is going to be so hooked into him. The
last time he took this pill was a year ago where he had a 3sum with Gigi and her friend.
Marn, that was fire and the best night of his life.

He dials Azania’s number and waits as it rings on the other side. Instead of the call being
answered, it gets cancelled and he raises his eyebrows and dials her again.

This time, it sends his call straight to voicemail.

To be continued….

CHAPTER 13

AZANIA

The date night with Uhuru is great, although she misplaced her phone, she is enjoying it.

At first she was worried about not being able to get back to Jeremy and tell him about the
change of plans but now she is choosing to focus on the night with her man and enjoys it. As
someone married, he is sure to understand that such things happen.

Their first order came and they decided to try sea food for the first time.
It looks so good, the prawns, hake, calamari and squid heads. Hopefully there is nothing
that is going to make them throw up from this food.

Uhuru: I can’t believe sidle inkalankala (seafood)

Azania: (laughing) Your grandmother would faint. They taste nice though.
Uhuru: Very nice. So how was your day?
Azania: Not so good, Jeremy shouted at me in the presence of other people today, it was not
nice.
Uhuru: I am sorry but why did he do that?
Azania: He was in his feelings but I don’t want to talk about him for now. Tell me about your
day.
Uhuru: Mine was great babe, as you can see, I look clean and fresh…
Azania: (blushing) You sure do, reminds me why I fell for you in the first place.
Uhuru: What I can say babe is that things are coming together, God is good.
Azania: I am so happy for you.
Uhuru: I have you to thank for all of this.
Azania: I didn’t do anything baby, this is all you, your hard work and talent.
Uhuru: I just hope I will be able to juggle both my job at the club and my paintings.

She clears her throat and gulps down the juice from her glass.

Azania: So you are taking it, the job?

Uhuru: Yes baby, guaranteed income with tips here and there is better than to wait on sales.
It will also help me to not feel pressured. Tomorrow is my first day, I am excited and nervous.
Azania: I can imagine. I am sure you will do well, so what movie are we watching?
Uhuru: Black Panther 2, Wakanda Forever.
He does the Chad sign and Azania laughs, tonight is special. She is happy that she chose to
come here with him.

GIGI

The banging on her door is so irritating as it seems like someone is trying to break her door
by their constant knock. She already knows who it is but doesn’t understand why he is
banging on her door like that.

She drags her feet towards the door and opens it bored. Jeremy doesn’t wait for her to greet
but badges in and closes the door and kisses her.

She pulls him off her but he keeps on coming like a possessed person and it raises concern
and fear.

Gigi: Jeremy, wait, what is it?

Jeremy: I want you baby.
Gigi: You want me? Have you been drinking?
Jeremy: Can we talk after?
Gigi: No! And if you don’t stop I am going to report you for rape!

That seems to get to him, he stops and looks at her. There is hurt and desperation in his
eyes.

Jeremy: Gigi, I need you right now baby please.

Gigi: We are not doing this Jeremy, please go back to where you come from.
Jeremy: Gigi…
Gigi: No Jeremy. You come to me because your new girlfriend is not available? I am sorry
you are not going to do that to me.

He scratches his head, holds on to his pants and exhales, as if he is about to cry and Gigi
silently laughs.

Look at how the mighty have fallen. It feels so good to be able to say “no” to him, especially
in times like this.

She closes the door on his way out and pours herself some wine and toasts to victory. It is
not an easy one, saying “no” to Jeremy.
*
*
*
On their return from the date, they had sex like crazy and Azania bumps into her phone on
the couches. Not to ruin a good night, she waited until Uhuru fell asleep and sneaked out of
the bed and wore her track pants and sneakers.

One thing about Uhuru is that he sleeps like death after good round of sex, he is a heavy
sleeper.

The messages and pictures from Jeremy showing what she missed is what makes her
request an Uber at 23:36 to the hotel.

It is not really far from where they stay, plus or minus 25 minutes and she arrives. It is quiet
and almost empty, she assumes that everyone has gone to sleep.

Arriving at Jeremy’s room, she sees two ladies coming out of it and fixing their dresses while
counting money.

No, he didn’t! She doesn’t knock but lets herself in, first thing she does is check if her gifts
are there and she spots them at the small couch and sighs relieved. He is in bed, lying flat
down with his stomach and face, sweating and panting.

She takes off her shoes and gets to bed and he rises up, his eyes are red. She is not sure if
it is the alcohol or sex.

Part of her is hurt that he resorted to buying hookers but she quickly reminds herself that it
is her fault that he ended up doing that. She tries to kiss him but he steps back and clicks his
tongue.

Azania: I am sorry…
Jeremy: Save it, Azania. I am going to take a shower and go home.

He gets up from the bed and heads to the bathroom, her eyes are on his dick. Is it swollen or
it is that hard? It’s dangling and swinging between his legs as he moves around the room,
making her coochie twitch in excitement.

She enjoys sex with Uhuru neh, but with Jeremy it is something else. It could be that he is a
fuck me harder person or the fact that they are not using condoms.

The shower water runs and she gets a chance to look at her gifts and squeal in excitement.
This is not real, she is the owner of Mercedes Benz at such a young age? Wow! She strips
naked and joins Jeremy in the shower.

He doesn’t say anything nor kick her out so she takes that as a go ahead and gets on her
knees. She maintains eye contact as she takes him to her mouth and sucks him. He moans
softly as she does her thing.
His hand goes behind her head and pushes it deep within his dick, his groan increasing and
she gives herself a tap in the shoulder. This is one of the things Uhuru likes about their sex.
She has him to thank for the lessons really, they are now coming in handy.

He lifts her up and places her against the cold tiled shower wall, spreads her legs apart and
enters her. She gaps at his deep thrust and holds on tight to his neck for balance…

Azania: Jeremy, slow down, you are hurting me.

She cries out but that seems to fuel him even more, he increases his pace…

Jeremy: Fuck I missed you, your pussy is good babe, no one matches it.

*
*
*
It is another hustling day for Manqele.

Today he decided to try his luck in the suburbs of Sandton. It has been 2 night since he has
been here and what he can say is that people on this side have money, especially the white
people.

He doesn’t even have to steal their wallets, but go stand on the robots, hold a walking stick
and pretend to be blind and boom, money in his cup.

Today is the same thing, he is standing by the robot, wearing glasses, holding a stick,
singing and begging at the cars passing by. The traffic is crazy as most people are going to
work at this hour.

The nice thing about his glasses is that no one can really see his eyes but he can see
perfectly.

As he is standing there, a white Porsche pulls up at the robots and the mixed race guy rolls
up his window and throws in a R200 note in his cup. He thanks him but it is his passenger
that disturbs him. She has her hand inside his pants while driving.
He lowers his glasses trying to get a proper look but the robot turns green and he drives
away.

No marn, was that Azania, Uhuru’s girlfriend? If yes, where is Uhuru and why is she giving
this guy a hand-job so early in the morning? No, it definitely is not her, it cannot be! Uhuru
loves this girl.

UHURU

He wakes up without Azania next to her, strange, where did she go because they went to
bed together? That's his mind asking him questions as he takes the morning piss and
yawning.
Well, today is his first day at work, Gigi told him to be there at exactly 7am sharp.

He calls Azania and it rings for a while before she picks up breathing heavily.

Azania: I'm almost there, baby.

He hangs up and decides to make the bed.

Minutes later, she walks in looking all sweaty and tired, she stretches her arms. He looks at
her confused.

Azania:Morning.
Uhuru: Morning, where are you from?
Azania: Jogging. I jogged all the way to the shopping complex, I am so tired.
Uhuru: I didn't know you are now into fitness.
Azania: Well, it's important that I keep fit. I'm going to shower and head to the studio. Jeremy
texted me that my car has arrived, I'm so excited.

She kisses him and walks away while taking her jacket off, and leaves him confused.

Wait, is that a hickey on her left boob? How crazy was last night kanti?
To be continued…..

CHAPTER 14

UHURU

He left with Azania and passed by the studio to see her new car and he was shocked. When
she said they were giving her a car, he thought maybe a polo or Kia Rio so, not a whole
AMG!

First and foremost Azania doesn’t know how to drive properly, the car might be automatic
and all but still, she needs serious lessons before she can get on the road.

Azania: Babe, you don’t look too happy about my car, what is it?
Uhuru: It is not that I am not happy for you babe, it is just that I am worried.
Azania: About?
Uhuru: This car costs a million and half rand, how are they just giving it to you? How are you
going to pay for it?
Azania: This is part of the contract deal with Uhuru.
Uhuru: Oh yeah, where is that contract, can I see it?
Azania: You are such a party pooper honestly, I expected you to be happy for me.
Uhuru: I am happy for you Azania, trust me. I just don’t want you to make mistakes.
She rolls her eyes and he sighs. This is going to be harder than he thought, he is worried
about her future. This screams debt trap.

Azania: I will go home in a few weeks to show my parents the car, you may tag along if you
want to. I have to go and start my day, enjoy yours.
Uhuru: Okay, have a good one too. I am sorry to upset you, your car is beautiful.
Azania: That’s all I needed to hear, thank you. Don’t worry, in no time, I will be dropping and
fetching you from work.

He smiles and they share a kiss before he departs. May his day be a success, Amen. On his
arrival at the club, he is met by a lady that introduces herself as Nandi.

Nandi: Gigi told me to expect you and I thought he said you were my age.
Uhuru: (chuckling) How old are you?
Nandi: 23, and you?
Uhuru: Turning 21 in 2 months’s time. You see, I am your age, just tall and manly.
Nandi: I see, well come and meet the others then we can start with your training. I am afraid
you are going to learn on the job because this month we are fully booked, it is event after
event. The biggest one is the artists revealed from Booth’s records.

He almost chokes at that but keeps his cool and nods. That is Azania but now he is
wondering if she is ready, isn't it a bit too soon? Anyways, let him focus on his job and make
the best out of it.

Nandi: Hi guys, this is Uhuru, he will be joining us. Uhuru, this is Mandlenkosi, Mike, Londie
and Ayanda.
Mandla: Aw Not yet Uhuru madoda, welcome to the team boyza.
Uhuru: (smiling) Thank you.
Mandla: You are going to like it here, we are a small family that loves and look out for one
another. Make yourself at home.

His heart dances in joy, this is the kindest welcome ever. It seems like he is going to enjoy it
here.

AZANIA

It is great to be back home after being gone for 2 months. She was a bit sceptical about
coming back, considering how she left but the moment her father saw her car and the gifts,
he forgot about all of that and started praying and thanking God.

Things are really busy and hectic now, they have recorded two singles and she likes the
second one better.

Her social media pages is being managed by professionals, she does log in to read
comments and post Instagram stories.

Her relationship or affair with Jeremy is really serious, at first she thought she was just
experimenting but now, she sleeps with him almost every day.
It is even worse with Uhuru working now, their shifts clashes, when he is free, he is busy
with his artworks.

That has enabled Jeremy to sleep at their apartments at times when Uhuru is doing night
shifts.

It is as if they are now roommates living in one house and sharing one bed. They had sex on
Friday morning before coming here and it didn’t feel the same.

She is feeling too much detachment from him and enjoys it when he is not around or busy. It
is not as yet clear if she no longer loves him anymore or what. Maybe she needs to do
something when they get back to Joburg to revive the spark.

Her mother knocks at the door and she permits her to come in as she finishes dressing up
for church. Her father has asked that she delivers some testimony to encourage the youth.
For someone who was against her dream, he is sure excited and boastful.

Liyana: You look good my daughter, expensive and fancy.

Azania: Aw come on mama…
Liyana: You have lost weight though, are you eating enough in Johannesburg?
Azania: I do mama, it is just work and stress.
Liyana: What stress?
Azania: I will be performing for the first time in public this coming Wednesday. There will be
media covering and broadcasting the performance. I don’t know how people are going to
receive me or my music.
Liyana: (brushing her arm) God got your back, he brought you this far, he will surely see you
through.
Azania: Thank you mama, I really needed to hear that.
Liyana: What is happening with that Maseko boy you left here with?
Azania: He is doing well, things are looking up for him as well.
Liyana: I can tell by how his siblings are now dressing. Is he still treating you well?
Azania: He is, has always been.
Liyana: But?
Azania: I don’t know Ma, I feel like I am losing interest in him. There is this new man I met
and ma, he treats me good, takes me out and buys me expensive things. The car, house
and everything I have is all him.
Liyana: Ai Azania, how old is this man we are talking about, he better not be married!
Azania: Let us go, before dad calls us.

She says ignoring her mother, she is not so ready for the lecture bandla so she is not telling
her that the man driving her crazy is married with kids and way older than her.

Maseko: Nonjabulo, my beautiful daughter.

Azania: (smiling) Father…
Maseko: I am proud of you my daughter. I cannot wait for people to hear how great God has
been in your life. Let us go.
He says opening the door for them and Azania lets him drive so that he can show off on
arrival and boy does he not hoot the moment they drive through the church’s gates? Intloni!

The praise and worship team are warming up the service, oh man, there is no place like
home indeed. It is so good to be back and be around this atmosphere.

Maseko: Greetings Saints, today I stand before you as a proud father. I am proud and
thankful to God to give me strength to raise my daughter the way I did. It wasn't hard, I
experienced challenges.

But today, by God's grace, I stand here to announce that my daughter is home, not alone.
She came driving that beast you see outside and so many gifts for my wife and I. See the
suit I'm wearing, it was bought by here.

I don't want to talk too much today, but I want to give my daughter a chance to come and tell
us how God has been great in her life. To share some words of encouragement on how to
get there as a young person.

Nonjabulo, the stage is your daughter. Speak what's in your heart, listen to the voice of the
Lord. The worship team can start a song as she takes the stage.

They clap hands for her and the worship team sings a song. She almost fall when getting up,
it could be the nerves because she is feeling dizzy and sweaty all of a sudden.

The walk from where she is seated to the pulpit is not that far but her legs feels heavier by
the second as she walks to get there. Gosh it's so hot in here, she fans herself while
scrolling down her phone for her speech.

She is handed the mic and she greets the congregation according to their positions before
she can talk.

Azania: Part of the joy Christ has bought for us is our support for each other as Christians.
Part of that support is praying for each other.

Thank you for the prayers you offered on my behalf. I know that they helped me get through,
and I wanted to tell you how grateful I am.

She swallows her saliva and it's taste sour, everything is spinning around and becoming
blurry in front of her eyes.

Before she can register what is happening, she is on the floor and people are shouting and
screaming for help. It all becomes dark.

*
*
*
Jeremy arrives in house and is shocked to find it dark with no lights on. That's strange
because his wife doesn't sleep early and they never experiencing load shedding.
The kids aren't home and that raises alarm, he runs to his bedroom and finds his wife seated
on the floor with papers in front of her and a bottle of wine.

He kneels and sits down next to her, touchs her face that is wet because of the tears. The
first thing in his mind is that someone has died.

Jeremy: Babe, what's wrong, who died?

Mpume: Me.

Her voice is scratchy and breaking. He looks at her confused.

Jeremy: You? What do you mean?
Mpume: You killed me alive Jeremy.
Jeremy: I don't understand.

She picks up one paper and hands it to him.

Mpume: This is the statement from our bank, you bought this car in your name but I've never
seen you driving it. Do you mind explaining that to me?

Shit! He keeps quiet trying to think of a way out of this.

Mpume:(chuckling) I see the car, but my health Jeremy? I begged you and you promised
me! Didn't I?
Jeremy: Baby, I don't know what you are talking about.
Mpume: I went to see the doctor few days ago because I wasn't feeling well. Guess what, it
turns out I am 8 weeks pregnant and HIV positive!!

Ergh what? No that can't be the truth!

To be continued….

CHAPTER 15

AZANIA

She is woken up by voices whispering in the room and opens her eyes. Her mind
remembers her fainting and now taken to one of the offices in Church.

Maseko: May the Lord be praised, I was worried about you daughter.
Azania: I'm fine dad, I think my sugar levels are low because I haven't been eating well.
Liyana: Baba, can I have a word with our daughter?
Maseko: Of course, I'll inform the congregation that she is fine.

He exits the office and her mother steps closer and starts touching her face and lifting her
shirt up.

Azania: Mom, what's wrong?

Liyana: Umithi Nonjabulo? ( Are you pregnant?)
Azania: What? Mom, no! How can you say such a thing?
Liyana: I know a pregnant woman when I see one. You are pregnant! How can you allow that
boy to impregnate you before marriage? What have we been teaching you?

Her mother got the wrong end of this, she is definitely not pregnant, it cannot be!

Azania: Mom, stop panicking, I swear I am not pregnant. Like I said, my sugar levels are low.
Liyana: For your sake I hope not because this is going to be so bad, very bad.

She gets up and leaves the room, Azania breathes heavily and starts counting when last did
she receive her periods. Her eyes pop out when the maths tells her it was when she was still
living in that dirty abandoned building.

Yooh yoooh! What makes it even worse is that it is not Uhuru’s, he always makes sure they
use condoms because he made sure that he is not ready for a baby.

She grabs her phone with her hands shaking and dials Jeremy hoping that she is going to
answer immediately. His phone rings unanswered, she decides to write him a message.

Azania:(typing) Hey, we need to talk.

The message is delivered and read at the same time.

Jeremy:(typing) Same here, but after your performance Wednesday night.

Azania: (typing)everything okay?
Jeremy:(typing)Yeah, you are coming back today?
Azania:(typing) Yes, after church.
Jeremy:(typing) Okay, drive safely.

Something feels off with Jeremy, he is cold and distant even on text messages. That's not
how it usually is. He is always flirty and full of energy and love every time they chat.

Her heart and sixth sense tells her something is up but isn't sure what exactly. She holds her
stomach and exhales, she needs him the most this time. Like never before.

*
*
*
UHURU

It is packed and busy like never before at the club. It's Azania’s big night, he is nervous on
her behalf looking at the press and guests invited. Jeremy came here early, he's not alone
but his wife.

It was such a nice surprise to learn that the lady that gave him a voucher weeks back is
actually married to him, wow. What a small world.
Nandi: We are going to make money tonight broe, these guys tips like crazy!
Uhuru: Right? Let's get it.
Nandi:(tapping his shoulder) Let's work.

She disappears and he continues taking orders and mixing drinks at the bar while stealing
glances at the stage once in a while.

Gigi is the opening cast for Azania, Jeremy is dripping in expensive clothes but he doesn't
look happy. He is drinking a lot and his wife looks like she has been crying, despite the
heavy makeup on.

The MC announces that it is time for Nia The Savage to grace the stage, every journalist and
person in the room get their cameras ready for action. Uhuru feels a runny stomach at that
moment as he knows it's make it or break it time.

Her song comes through and her two dancers come first and she follows after. At first glance
it's her outfit, she is rocking a tight body suit, above the knee black leather pencil heel boots,
and a blonde weave. She looks good, sexy and hot. A young version of Nadia Nakai and
Nicki Minaj.

She sings, high and confident, by the time she starts dancing and moving her body, the
crowd goes crazy and screams at her name. As uncomfortable it was to watch her do that at
stage, he smiles, proud. His girl did it! Wow, that was marvellous, people are throwing
money at her and taking pictures.

After the performance, he sees Jeremy taking her hand and disappearing through the crowd.
He looks for Mrs and doesn't see her. What's going on?

Uhuru: Mandla, please stand in for me for a few minutes, I will be back.

*
*
*

Jeremy closes the door as soon as they walk inside with Azania. She tries to kiss him but he
stops her and pulls back. She looks shocked and taken back by that.

Azania: What's wrong?

Jeremy: We need to talk, but not here.
Azania: Let's talk now Jeremy. You have been acting strange since I got back. What's going
on?

" You know you and I cannot divorce because of everything we have accumulated together,
besides the fact that i still love you even though you don't deserve it.

I'm giving you one last chance and you better not think of messing up with me because you
are going to regret it. End things with that girl before things gets ugly"
Those were the words from his wife during their heated argument where he admitted
cheating on her with Azania and buying her a car out of his personal money.

Jeremy: We cannot continue with this, I'm sorry.

Azania: What do you mean?
Jeremy: This, what we have been doing. You have a great partner Azania and a bright future
ahead of you. I'm still going to make you a star…
Azania: No, no, no wait. You are not breaking up with me right?
Jeremy: We were never in a relationship to begin with but having sex. I'm ending that.

She gasps in shock, no, he didn’t just say that!

Azania: Jeremy, you can't say that.

Jeremy: It's for the best. I expect you to understand and not cause drama. It was fun until it
lasted
Azania: No Jeremy, you can't get to say that after making me pregnant!
Jeremy: Sorry what?
Azania: I'm pregnant damnit and you are the father!

Uhuru: What? Are you pregnant for him?

They both turn and find him standing there in shock!

Azania: Uhuru….

To be continued.

CHAPTER 16

UHURU

What did he just hear with his ears? Azania is pregnant, for Jeremy? He chuckles in disbelief
and his stupidity. All the signs were there, he chose to ignore it!

But now this is completely different, it's not as if he heard it from someone. His girlfriend just
said the words herself.

Uhuru: Azania, you are pregnant?

Jeremy: Uhuru, don't mind her. She is just joking because I said let's end things.
Uhuru: End things, so you have been sleeping with her all this time? Azania, is this true?
Azania: I'm sorry Uhuru, I don't know what happened to me. One moment led to another.

He swallows the lump on his throat and blinks.

Uhuru: You slept with him raw and now pregnant with his baby?
Jeremy: She is not pregnant, this is one of her stunts…
Azania: It's not a stunt Jeremy, I am carrying your baby!
Okay he has heard enough, looking at Azania, she is not worried that he just discovered her
cheating but she is more concerned about Jeremy not believing her.

He turns and walks away leaving them arguing. His vision is blurry and he keeps on
bumping into people as he walks out and almost falls. Nandi is nearby when all of this
happens and apologises to the guests on his behalf.

Nandi: Uhuru, what's wrong?

Uhuru: I need to go.
Nandi: You can't go, can you see how busy we are?
Uhuru: I don't care, I am leaving!

He heads to his locker and takes his bag and walks away. His heart is so damn heavy right
now, he keeps on turning back with the hope of seeing Azania running after him but there's
none of that.

He stops the next taxi and jumps inside it instantly.

Driver: Where to?

Uhuru: Joburg my brother…

*
*
*
Jeremy and Azania are left alone, she looks like she is about to cry. This night is a mess!
What was supposed to be a show stopper is turning into a nightmare!

Uhuru wasn't supposed to find out like that, the pain in his eyes makes her feel awful. Will
she ever forgive her for this? Hopefully one day he will.

Jeremy:Azania, tell me you are joking. You cannot be pregnant!

Azania: How can you say that? When you were cumming inside me where did you think your
sperms were going?
Jeremy: I thought since you have a boyfriend, you are preventing it! And how do I even know
it's my child?
Azania: Uhuru and I always use condoms.
Jeremy: You can't have this baby Azania.

Hai bo, is she hearing him correctly? He is not saying what she thinks he is saying, right?

Azania: What do you mean?

Jeremy: You have to get rid of it!
Azania: Huh?
Jeremy: You heard me, things are already bad between me and my wife, I can't bring the
evidence home.
Azania: How does that get to do with me and what do you mean things are bad?
He scratches his head and looks at her as if he is going to say something but decides
against it.

Jeremy: Let's go, remember your answers for the interview. Keep your head up and handle
this like a pro. We'll finish this conversation later.

Oh wow, so it's business as usual after dropping such a bomb? She quickly wipes her tears
and exhales, the way her heart is so heavy and paining right now. She just wishes the
ground would open and swallow her at this moment!

*
*
*
*
It is dark as usual in Joburg because of load shedding, Manqele is seated by the fire outside
their building just smoking weed with the other boys when he sees a figure approaching
them.

Immediately the other boys are whispering and planning on how to rob this person
approaching but Manqele stops them.

Manqele: Yimani kancane gents, ngathi ngiyamazi lomuntu ( wait a bit guys, I know this
person)

He says and get-up from the bucket he was seated at and heads towards this person's
direction. He uses his phone's flashlight, it's Uhuru.

Manqele: Uhuru, what are you doing here this time?

Uhuru: I don't know, I just found myself here.

He looks at his sad face and suddenly feels bad, he remembers the day he saw Azania by
the robots.

Uhuru:(looking around) Can I stay here tonight?

Manqele: You don't have to ask, this will always be your home. Come.

He leads him to the fire and offers him the bucket he was seated in. Uhuru greets everyone
and sits down. Whatever it is must be huge for Uhuru to leave the fancy suburbs and come
here.

*
*
*
*
AZANIA
The next day comes, she is woken up by her phone ringing and jumps answering it without
checking the caller ID. She is hoping it's Uhuru calling, he didn't come home last night, her
messages are unread and calls ignored.

She just wants to hear his voice and ensure that he is fine. That would mean a lot to her at
this moment.

Azania: Hello?
Liyana: Yey wena Nonjabulo, manyala mani lowenza lapho e Goli? ( What is it that you are
doing there?)
Azania: Mama, I don't understand your question because you know I am a singer.
Liyana: Singer or prostitute? Your pictures are all over the newspapers and people are
having a field day. The pastor's daughter slash umahosha(hoe)

Azania:(sighs) Ma, I have a lot going on right now, I seriously have no time for this.
Liyana: You should be proud of yourself for landing your father in the hospital.
Azania: Wait, dad is in hospital?
Liyana: It's all thanks to his BP escalated and he struggled to breathe….

Oh no, not this as well…

To be continued.

CHAPTER 17

The next morning Uhuru is woken up by the noise and commotion around this place. He
hasn't forgotten how it used to be and it's still the same.

Manqele walks in and sits on top of the 20 litre bucket and says nothing other than looking at
him (Uhuru). Last night they spoke about the reason why he is here and he told him that he
once saw Azania with Jeremy and thought his eyes were deceiving him.

Uhuru: Sure.
Manqele: Sure, it's the next day, what are you going to do?
Uhuru: I don't know, I haven't thought about it. But now I need to go back to work.
Manqele: Okay ntwana, I'm glad you aren't quitting your job. Get a nice room, rent there and
do your thing.
Uhuru: I won't leave my job as it's my guaranteed income for now. Thanks for listening and
welcoming me last night.

Manqele: You are welcome, if I had powe, I would do more than that.
Uhuru: I will come back for you once my things look up.
Manqele: Forget about me and live your life.

Uhuru doesn't say anything more but leaves and catches a taxi back to Fourways. It's still
early when he arrives, only Nandi is in cleaning and packing tables and chairs.
Nandi: Uhuru, where did you disappear to last night? Your girlfriend was looking for you.
Uhuru: Mxm…I am going to use the staff bathroom and shower real quick.
Nandi: Okay.

He proceeds to the bathroom and showers, the hot water soothes his body and calms his
nerves down. He changes to a clean uniform that is always here at work.

Coming back, Nandi offers him a cup of coffee.

Uhuru: Thank you Nandi.

Nandi: So what's up? Are you guys fighting?
Uhuru: She's cheating on me with her boss.
Nandi: No!
Uhuru: And pregnant, for him.
Nandi: Oh my God Uhuru, I'm sorry.
Uhuru: I found out Yesterday, I swear I felt my air leaving my body for a moment.
Nandi: Yoh, she looks like a sweet girl, I wouldn't think this for her.
Uhuru: Fooled me too. I thought she loved me and we were a team and fine.

He keeps quiet and exhales, this hurts.

Uhuru: There were signs but I ignored them, I didn't want to seem insecure. But then the
expensive gifts, coming home late and all could have been a clear sign for me. I should have
known about it.
Nandi: It's not your fault, don't blame yourself for it.

Uhuru: Is it crazy that I still love her?

Nandi: No it's not, love is very complicated and the heart is the worst organ in betraying and
confusing people. Take your time and think things through. I just don't know how you are
going to go about it. Maybe it was going to be better if she cheated only, now there's a baby
involved.
Uhuru: Exactly, even if I wanted to forgive her, this baby will be a reminder of what she did to
me, us and our relationship.
Nandi: I wish you to make a sound decision that is best for you.

Uhuru:(sighs) I am stressed about a place to stay now. I don't want to be around her at this
moment, until I know how I feel, you know.
Nandi: I understand, where I stay in cosmo city there is a room vacant for R1500. It's big
enough and everyone has their own bathroom and toilet inside.
Uhuru: For real? Wow thanks for the plug
Nandi: You are welcome, I'm going to get started with work. Ube sharp neh?

She says and walks away, Uhuru switches on his phone, there's so many messages from
Azania and a missed call from her mother. He decides to give her a call.

Liyana: Uhuru, hi.

Uhuru: Hi ma, I saw that you called me, is everything alright?
Liyana: No, it's not. My husband was rushed to the hospital last night.
Uhuru: Why, what happened?
Liyana: Isn't this an embarrassing act by our daughter? Do you see what you have done?
Uhuru: Me?
Liyana: Yes, you. If you didn't influence him to run away this wouldn't have happened. Now
look at the person Azania has turned into? I blame you for this, none of it would have
happened if you didn't do what you did.

He hangs up with his hands shaking and tears streaming down his face. It's his fault, he
shouldn't have brought her to the city. If her father dies, it will be the result of this.

Uhuru:(praying with tears) God, don't let that man die, please. Amen.

AZANIA

The show is what everyone is talking about and it's trending everywhere. She delivered and
people loved her. This drama with her father is something she is not going to entertain. He
has never been supportive of her career from word go so this stunt doesn't surprise her at
all.

Gigi has called her to the office to inform her that she has 5 upcoming bookings so they
need to prepare her for the gigs.

Azania: Gigi, before you leave I want to ask you something.

Gigi: Yeah?
Azania: What's happening with my salary? Last month Jeremy paid me R10k.
Gigi: Yes, we paid you.
Azania: But that's not what he and I agreed on.
Gigi: I don’t know because according to your contract you are supposed to get R7.5k
Azania: What? That's not true!
Gigi: I suggest that you take this with him hun.
Azania" With pleasure!

*
*
*
*
Azania furiously heads to Jeremy’s office and badges in without knocking, she finds him on a
call and signals to him that she wants to talk.

Jeremy:(to the call) I'm going to call you back thank you. Azania, what happened to
knocking?
Azania: It slipped my mind. I was talking to Gigi…
Jeremy: About your gigs right? Yes we…
Azania: About my money!
Jeremy: Which money?
Azania: My salary, when I went home, you only paid me R10k!
Jeremy: So!?
Azania: What do you mean? Jeremy, we agreed on 30k!
Jeremy: No we didn't.
Azania: Jeremy, I'm not mad! You said you were going to pay me R30k!
Jeremy: Did I? My bad, it must have been a slip of the tongue.

This man is testing her today, what juju is this?

Jeremy: Okay, let me break it down for you so that you can understand. You live in a 2
furnished bedroom apartment that cost to R10k with utilities, you drive R1.5 million rand car,
your clothes worth R100k, hair to R50k, bags, food and managing your social media and PR
sums up to R100k.

On top of that Azania, we still gave you R10k. Now tell me where have you seen such a
good deal?

Azania: Tell me something, just from my last night's performance and these 5 bookings, how
much have you made?
Jeremy: That's none of your business but for me to know!
Azania: Are you serious?
Jeremy: When you walked in, I was on a call, can I return back to it? Thank you.

She blinks and swallows her saliva, what happened to this man? Why is he this cold?

Azania: When are we going to talk about the baby?

Jeremy: What baby? I told you what to do!

Wow, she nods and turns around walking out fast. She heads to the car and breaks down
immediately as soon as she gets inside it. The security comes knocking at her window, she
drives out fast and heads to where Uhuru works.

Time to ignore her is over, they have to talk before she goes crazy….

To be continued…

CHAPTER 18

AZANIA

She arrives at Uhuru’s work place in a hurry and almost gets in trouble with the security
about parking. If only she can see him and talk to him, she's going to feel better.

The moment she walks in, people start taking pictures of her and she is surprised to see
people drinking around this time. I mean it's midday and they are here drinking.
She try to pose for a few pictures and then spots Nandi passing by and runs after her.

Azania: Nandi, Nandi…

Nandi:Azania, hi.
Azania: Hi, please, have you seen Uhuru?
Nandi: He is at the back…
Azania: Thank you!

She rushes there and finds him reading a drinks menu. He looks up and sees her, a moment
of silence passes by.

Uhuru: Hi.
Azania: Hi, can we talk?
Uhuru: I'm at Azania.
Azania: Please, even if it's for a few minutes. I am losing my mind.

She doesn't care how desperate she sounds right now, he needs her to listen to her. He
sighs and puts down the menu.

Uhuru: Fine, are you driving?

Azania: Yes, I parked outside.
Uhuru: Go to your car, I'm coming.
Azania: Okay, thank you.

She turns around and walks to the car fast, she has her sunglasses on to hide that she
has/is crying. This time around, she ignores everyone trying to ask for a picture.

The wait in the car for Uhuru to come is driving her crazy. She is jolly when she sees him
approaching and gets inside.

Uhuru: I'm here, what's up?

Azania: I was worried about you, where did you sleep?
Uhuru: I went to Manqele…
Azania: What? First sign of a problem, you run to the same person who screwed us over?
Uhuru: Did you call me here for that?

He is upset but he is still keeping it together.

Azania: I am sorry.
Uhuru: Sorry for?
Azania: I am sorry for everything that happened.
Uhuru: And what is that?
Azania: Please, do not make this too hard for me than it already is.
Uhuru: Are you serious right now? Taking accountability now is hard?
Azania: I messed up, okay? I had a great time!
Uhuru: Why?
Azania: I don’t know, I just found myself in this mess. I thought he loved me, he showed me
so much affection and told me I was the best he has ever had. I genuinely thought he cared
while all this time he was luring me in to scam me.
Uhuru: Scam you how?
Azania: They are ripping me off Uhuru. Him and Gigi are stealing my money and twisting my
words.
Uhuru: Did you read your contract?

She keeps quiet and looks down, Uhuru sighs frustrated.

Uhuru: Azania, I don't know what kind of naivety is this and honestly I don't want to be part of
it.
Azania: Uhuru please…
Uhuru: No Azania, I can't believe you right now. I thought you brought me here to talk about
us and why you cheated but no, it's all you and you! I'm glad this side of you is shown now
rather than later. I'll be in the house to pick up my things later.
Azania: Pick up your things, where are you going to go?
Uhuru: I'll figure things out, don't worry about me.

*
*
*
Uhuru comes back to the club furious and Nandi figures that conversation didn't go well. He
stands by the bar, his hands on the table and breathes out.

Nandi brings him a glass of water, he drinks them with his hands shaking.

Uhuru: Thank you.

Nandi: Are you okay?
Uhuru: I'll be fine.
Nandi: Okay.

She takes steps walking away, Uhuru calls after her.

Uhuru: Nandi, can I have the details of your landlord?

Nandi: Yeah, sure. I'll forward them to you.
Uhuru: Thanks.

*
*
*
*
After leaving Uhuru’s work place, she drives straight home. She is tired and stressed out, all
she wants to do at this point is just sleep. She will figure things out when she wakes up.

There is no way that she is going to let Jeremy go off free like that. She is not going to be
one of those struggling artists that are ripped off by record labels. I mean look at how crazy
her social media following? He definitely messed up with a wrong woman.
Walking up to her door, she sees a woman standing outside. Her heart accelerates as she
sees that it's Mrs Booth. What does she wants here? She keeps her head up straight and
walks to the door.

Azania: Hi.
Mpume: Azania, hi. Can we talk?
Azania: Sure.

Honestly, she doesn't want to but she opens the door and leads her inside.

Mpume: I want us to talk about my husband.

Azania: No.
Mpume: What do you mean no?
Azania: I mean exactly that. I have nothing to talk about regarding Jeremy. If you have any
questions, ask your husband.
Mpume: It's your arrogance for me. Honestly what did you think you were doing?
Azania: With all due respect Mrs Booth, I don't owe you any loyalty and I am not the only one
he is fucking.
Mpume: Oho, no wonder he contracted HIV…

The glass from her hand drops and breaks into the floor.

Azania: What did you say?

Mpume: You heard me. I would advise you to get tested and do so asap. Have a great day.

She grabs her handbag and walks away. Azania's world spins around, including her
intestines….

To be continued.

CHAPTER 19

UHURU

Azania is not at the house when he comes to collect his clothes at the apartment. His heart
is a bit heavy, he never saw this one coming. They planned and spoke about forever, how
they will never let money, fame or another person get in the way.

It's how she always said he was the one to disappoint when his breakthrough came. How
she always said he was going to leave her for Joburg city girls once he makes it.

But looks at how the tables have turned, she is doing the same thing and what shocks him is
how fast it has happened. I mean it is going to be 3 months tomorrow since they came here
but a lot has happened already.
She managed to make and break what they built in such a short space of time. It's as if they
never existed or loved each other from what she is doing. He wipes his tears and pulls out
the bag he purchased on his way here. He puts everything that belongs to him inside the
bag.

He has already gone and viewed the room at Cosmo, it is big enough for him, maybe it's
because he doesn't have any furniture yet. The good thing is that it comes with Wardrobe
and kitchen unit that has a 2 plate stove built in.

That's enough to last him for a while, he bought a mattress that he will use to sleep on. It's a
good thing he insisted on bringing those old dishes and plates they used when they stayed
in that building with Manqele and put them in the garage since Azania said there was no
space for them here.

They are going to come handy now until he manages to buy enough things. As long as he
has the basics, he is sorted. He grabs his notepad and sits on the bed.

Uhuru:(writing) Dear Azania, by the time you read this letter, I will be long gone. I was hoping
to find you home but unfortunately you are not here.

I am writing this letter to tell you that …….

*
*
*
After Mpumi dropped the bomb, Azania felt as if the world was ending. She couldn't believe
what she said and is hoping that this is a lie. Yes it should be one because how does one
say such a sensitive thing so easily?

She is probably saying all of this just so that she stays away from her husband. There is no
way Jeremy is sick, he looks fine as hell!

For her peace of mind, she grabs the car keys and heads to the nearest doctor in town. On
the way she prays that it is not full because she doesn't have an appointment and this is a
matter of life and death!

Her prayers are answered when she is number 2 in the list and the receptionist helps her fill
up the forms. It is not long until the doctor calls her in. She explains why she is here and the
doctor runs the tests.

Doctor: Ms Maseko, I have your results and you tested positive for pregnancy and negative
for HIV.
Azania: Thank heavens!
Doctor: I will suggest that you come back for a proper blood test because if indeed the
person you slept with is positive, chances are the virus is still hiding in the body.
Azania:Or I don't have it. Thank you doctor, that's all I needed to hear.
She heads out to her car and sends Jeremy a message telling him what his wife said and
about her results. She ends it by saying that it's fine if he doesn't want the baby, she is going
to raise it herself,alone and make sure that she tells her child of a dead beat he is.

*
*
*

JEREMY

He waited until Uhuru was gone before he went to that apartment. There's a letter for
Azania, poor thing. He tears it apart and throws it in the bin and opens the fridge.

There's a jug of water, lemon and honey that Azania drinks and packages it for work. She
says the water helps her with her voice and all. He takes out the pills from his pockets and
crushes them inside the water.

He wipes out the drops and shakes the jar well before leaving. His phone vibrates as soon
as he drives out and it's a voice note message from Azania. It leaves him puzzled and he
figures the person to ask next is his wife. He drives straight there, at the restaurant.

Mpume sees him walking in and goes to him.

Mpume: Getting a visit from you today, that's a surprise.

Jeremy: Can we talk?
Mpume: Sure.

She leads him to his office and closes the door behind her.

Mpume: What's up?

Jeremy: Why did you go and harass Azania?
Mpume:(rolling her eyes) I should have known you were here for that.
Jeremy: It's just beneath you to do that.
Mpume: Oh please shut up, what's beneath me is being married to a manwhore like you!
Look at how you brought me a deadly disease!
Jeremy: That's funny because Azania tested Negative few hours ago.
Mpume: So?
Jeremy: If I had the disease as you say I do, wasn't she supposed to be positive as well?
Mpume: What are you asking me?
Jeremy: Maybe you are the one that cheated and got the disease out and there and pinned it
on me!

She slaps him hard and he turns red, she is shivering with anger.

Mpume: How dare you Jeremy? Did you test?

Jeremy: I…
Mpume: Get out, I don't ever want to see you in my life again! Get out!
To be continued….

CHAPTER 20

He stands there and watches as Mpume breaks down crying. His hands are dying to hold
her but he knows that she is upset. If there was ever a moment where he felt like an ass, this
would be it.

She's a good woman and he should be appreciating that despite all the pain he put her
through, she didn't serve him with divorce papers. Not adding to her pain.

Jeremy: Baby, I am sorry. That was out of line for me and I understand if you don't want
anything to do with me anymore. You have been nothing but good for me, supporting me
through my dreams until we made it this far.

It's unfair and ridiculous of me to think that you would do such a thing. I wronged you and I
fully admit. I guess I am not that informed about these things hence my confusion when
Azania told me she was negative.

I know it's probably too late but I would like a chance to fix and correct my mistakes. We've
come too far baby and achieved a lot together. We can fix this, I promise.

Mpume?

He calls for her as she continues to keep quiet and holds on to that table in silence. She
looks up and screams, Jeremy rushes to her side and holds her waist. Blood streams down
her legs.

Jeremy: Shit, babe calm down. Let's rush you to the doctor. You are going to be fine, okay?
Just hold on to me….

The drive to the doctor is fast like lightning. Mpume is rushed in and he stands outside,
pacing up and down praying that nothing happens to his wife and baby.

An hour passes by and he had smoked 10 cigarettes already when the doctor finally made
his way to him.

Jeremy: Doctor, how is my wife?

Doctor: She's fine and stable for now.
Jeremy: Thank God
Doctor: But we need to keep her overnight so that we can monitor her.
Jeremy: Can I please see her?
Doctor: Unfortunately no, she gave us straight orders to not let you near her.

He swallows a lump on his throat and nods. The Doctor taps on his shoulder.
Doctor: I'm sorry.

*
*
*

Azania twists and turns from the bed, she feels restless and hot all of a sudden. Even her
usual cold water seems to not help at this moment.

There's some light pain on her lower abdomen and she feels nauseous. She has been to the
bathroom 3 times in the past 45 minutes.

She exhales, trying to calm down. It's been a long day and she came back and found out
that Uhuru had taken his things and left. Without a text or anything. But maybe that's a good
thing, for them to actually part ways now.

If she's being honest with herself, Uhuru was never her type. She dated him because she
felt sorry for him and his background. She knew that her being his girlfriend boosted his ego
and confidence.

But now that she has been introduced to the real world, she doesn't want to build a man or
persevere in poverty. Struggling love is definitely not it and in most cases, men leave when
they finally make it to their real types, not caring that you were there for them.

This is why she chose herself when a chance to be with a rich man showed up. It's
unfortunate that she became reckless and now look, she's pregnant and he doesn't want
anything to do with the baby.

That hurts so much but at the same time she is hopeful that he is going to come around as
time goes by because how can someone abandon their child like that?

She screams as the pain gets worse and shoots straight to the heart. It's unbearable and her
back feels hot. It's as if her womb is shifting right now. She rolls from the bed to the floor and
she sees a pool of blood from where she was sleeping.

Fuck no! Her phone is a bit far away and it's hard to move in this state. She crawls, leaving a
trail of blood on the floor and picks it up from the charger. It's almost midnight now. She calls
Jeremy and he is not picking up. The next person is Uhuru….

*
*
*

Uhuru is still up doing a night shift to cover the hours he took earlier when moving to his new
place. He loves it and having to call it his and the keys made it even more great.
This is his new reality and he must get used to it. As hard as it is, such happens everyday.
Right now he needs to find a balance between his work and art. As for women, he is done
with them.

The club is busy, everyday there is a performance from established and new comers. It is
always busy, even worse tonight Nandi is not in.

His phone rings as he is in the middle of an order and ignores it until he is done and it is
served out. He attends to it and finds missed calls and a voice note from Azania. She doesn't
sound OK and that scares him, she says she is in pain and bleeding. That can't be good.

Gigi walks up to him with a smile.

Gigi: Hey, long time.

Uhuru: Hey, can you please help me? Azania is not ok and she just called me.
Gigi: Okay, what is wrong?
Uhuru: I think she's having some pregnancy complications.
Gigi: Pregnancy?
Uhuru: Can we talk while we go there?
Gigi: Urhm, yeah sure.
Uhuru: Sure.

He follows her out and she hits the accelerator hard, before they know it, they have arrived.
Luckily he still has the keys so he opens and rushes to the bathroom. It's a mess, Azania
has vomited on the floor and her pyjamas are soaked in blood.

Gigi: Oh my God. Uhuru, grab a blanket or sheet to cover her with. Azania, hey,look at me.
Can you open your eyes?
Uhuru: Found it, what do we do?
Gigi: Take her phone and handbag. Help me carry her to the car….

*
*
*

Gigi: Can you stop pacing up and down? You are driving me crazy.
Uhuru: I'm just stressed OK? Did you see that blood? What if she dies?
Gigi: She's getting help, she won't die.
Uhuru: It's 3am now Gigi and there's no update!
Gigi:(holding his hand) Calm down.

Her touch feels gently and soft, it does what it's supposed to do instantly. He sits down and
buries his face onto his hands.

Gigi: Here's the doctor.

They both get up and walk towards him.

Doctor: Azania Maseko?
Uhuru: How is she doing?
Doctor: We managed to rush her to the theatre to clean her and gave her blood intrusion
since she has lost a lot. She's still out and will regain consciousness in the morning before
8am.
Uhuru: How is she and what was wrong?
Doctor: We suspect she was doing abortion but we are yet to do more tests and find out.

That doesn't make sense, abortion? She didn't seem or sounded like someone who wanted
to terminate. Something is off here.

Uhuru: Can you please drop me off at the apartment?

Gigi: Sure.

They leave the hospital promising the doctor to come back in the morning and Gigi drops
him off. He stands in the middle of the bedroom staring at the blood.

He doesn't know what he is looking for but there has to be a clue somewhere. His eyes land
on the bottled water near the bedside table, he picks it up and smells the water…..

To be continued.

CHAPTER 21

UHURU

After observing the area carefully, he is convinced that Jeremy did this. He is not sure of the
nature of their relationship but just like any other married man, he can speculate.

He probably doesn't want this baby and Azania obviously doesn't believe in abortion so he
did this. But how, where was Azania when all of this happened?

What also worries him is that he was there before her, it could be said that he did something
to her pregnancy because of anger from the betrayal. Azania hurt him,so much even but he
would never do that, especially to her.

He leaves the room and heads down to the security and asks for CCTV footage of the
afternoon hours. They try to give him but he threatens them with the police and they show it
to him. Indeed, Jeremy is seen walking in and out of the apartment shortly after he had left.

He takes out a USB out of his pockets and asks that they send him the information before he
leaves in case Jeremy comes and deletes it.

It's already morning and it's his knock off and closing time at the club. He decides to go see
Azania first before going home as he had promised the doctor.

His phone rings, it's Gigi. He hesitates for a moment to answer but does anyway.
Uhuru: G, hi.
Gigi: Hey, just checking if you are OK?
Uhuru: I'm not actually, I feel like everything is crumbling down.
Gigi: Do you want to talk about it?
Uhuru: No, I'm good. I should go home.
Gigi: Okay then, let me pick you up and take you home?
Uhuru: You don't have to do that…
Gigi: I insist, wait for me, I shall be there.

He ends the call and sighs, locking the apartment behind him after cleaning it up. Now he
understands why Azania didn't respond, Jeremy destroyed the letter.

Gigi shows up quicker than he expected and he jumps into the passenger seat. He moves
her handbag and some of her belongings inside scatter around.

Uhuru: I'm sorry.

Gigi: Leave it, it's fine.
Uhuru:( reading out loud) PrEp? What are these?
Gigi: Pills you take when you are HIV negative that helps you when you are infected with a
virus or someone who has it.
Uhuru: Really? I didn't know there was such a thing.
Gigi: Nowadays you get sick because you want to, there's so many ways to protect and
prevent from getting sick.
Uhuru: I see. I hope you don't mind me asking but who were you sleeping with?
Gigi: I actually do mind…
Uhuru: My bad, sorry, forget I said anything.

Silence.

Gigi: We are approaching Cosmo mall, where to from here?

Uhuru: Continue straight please.

*
*
*
*
Azania opens her eyes, it's the next day. She is in a ward with clean hospital clothes and had
just had her breakfast and medication. The nurses are ignoring her when she asks what
happened and says that the doctor will talk to her.

She remembers feeling sick in her apartment and passing out, Uhuru arriving with Gigi and
rushing her here. But she doesn't remember what happened after that. Her body is feeling
numb as if something was done on her. The nurse said it's because she was at the theatre.

The doctor comes and she reads his name tag, it's Doctor Zulu. He pulls up the curtains and
sits on the bed next to her. Bathong, this doctor is so cute!
Dr Zulu: Good morning Azania, how are you feeling?
Azania: Tired, what happened to me?
Dr Zulu: We had to vacuum clean you after the abortion you did. I might say that was
dangerous…
Azania: Hold on, did you say "abortion "?
Dr Zulu: Yes..
Azania: I didn’t do any abortion doctor! What the hell are you talking about?
Dr Zulu: I have your blood tests results with me Azania. It shows that you drank abortion
pills, more like overdosed on them.
Azania: OMG!!
Dr Zulu: There's more…
Azania: What?
Dr Zulu:(sighs) You are HIV positive and the pills you drank damaged your womb. You won't
be able to have children in future. You were bleeding excessively and the only way we could
save your life was to remove your uterus.

Tears stream down just face, she quickly wipes them. This is a bad dream right?

Azania: Doctor, I'm only 19!

Dr Zulu: I know and sympathise with you. We have arranged counselling for you. Is there
anyone we can call for you?
Azania:(shaking her head) No, I don't want to see anyone. When am I going home?
Dr Zulu: I'll see how you react after the injection wears off and decides from there…

She nods and swallows the lump over her throat, this is a nightmare. No, she needs to go
back to sleep. When she wakes up, all this will be over….

*
*
*
Uhuru runs out of the ward as fast as his legs can carry him. What the hell did he just hear?
His heart goes out for Azania.

This is not fair and too much for one person. He wipes his forehead and remembers her
father's words. Could it be that his curse is working? No, it can't be, God is not like an
ancestral calling, he won't force someone to accept him.

Jeremy is a dog and he has bitten more than he can chew, for that, he needs to be taught a
lesson that he will never forget. He takes out his phone and sends Mandlenkosi a message
to inform him that he will come to work a bit late today.

He needs to be in Joburg and find Manqele asap, he (Manqele) has a job to take care of…

To be continued.

CHAPTER 22
Uhuru didn't waste more time but headed straight to town. On his arrival, he didn't find
Manqele at his usual spot and was told that he has gone to hustle. Uhuru had to promise
Zwakele payment as long as he can lead him where Manqele is.

His chest is burning with hurt and anger. Jeremy cannot do this to young girls, exploit their
talents, destroy them and just go scott free? Aneva! He is not dumb to know that South
African law will not do anything to him even if they try to report him. Instead, the victims are
the ones that always catches fire Instead of getting help.

It is sad that instead of protecting the poor, the law seems to always oppressing them. He
stopped believing in karma long time ago, unless you become karma yourself.

The walk around town looking for Manqele is so tiring that by the time they get him, he is
drained and tired. Manqele walks up to him and they go stand in an excluded area.

Manqele: Uhuru, I thought we spoke and I told you that I don't want to see you here again.
What is going on?
Uhuru: My brother, a lot is going on. I need you to help me sort out someone.
Manqele: Sort out someone, what do you mean?
Uhuru: Jeremy messed up Azania so bad, not only career wise but her life is doomed! He
gave her abortion pills that damaged her womb. He needs to pay!
Manqele: Uhuru,slow down brother.

He exhales, wipes his forehead using his arm and breathes out as tears falls down his face.

Uhuru: He needs to pay…

Manqele: How?
Uhuru: I don't know but he has to..
Manqele: You want to open carn of worms for someone that cheated on you?
Uhuru: Manqele…
Manqele: He didn't rape her, the justice you are hungry for, does she deserve it? How sure
are you that she won't crawl back under him when he offers her something better?

Uhuru sighs, coming here was a mistake because right now Manqele is not helping the
situation but making it worse.

Manqele: I know this is something you don't want to hear but please brother, don't ruin your
life for a woman. What happened is painful and not fair but that's life. You are not the first
one to be cheated on neither are you the last one.

You are almost there, all you need to do is to hold your head high and don't loose focus.
Women comes and go, you will find a perfect one for you someday. Let whatever vendetta
you have against this guy for Azania go.

His day is coming and one day he is going to answer for his sins. Trust me on this one, the
universe is listening.

Uhuru:(chuckling) Look at you giving me a sound advice.

Manqele: I was smart in my days, don't underestimate me mfana.
Uhuru: I don't for a second. Thank you so much for your wise words. I am really feeling
better now.

Manqele: Good, now go back to Fourways and continue with your life.
Uhuru: Thank you again Manqele, here is something for you. Please don't buy drugs with
this money.
Manqele: Uhuru mfe2, a whole R100?
Uhuru: It's the little I can do, when my things go well, I will come get you to eat in a fancy
place.

He means it, how Manqele showed up for him in the time of need is something that he will
never forget.

*
*
*
AZANIA

There's no perfect word to describe how she is feeling at the moment. She went to sleep
immediately when the doctor broke the news to her. But it didn't help because she is woken
up by the a very painful headache.

All she feels right now is just pain, pain and pain. How can she be so naive and allowed
herself to be used like that? She is only turning 20 in a few months but her problems are
twice her age!

How is she going to face her family and everyone back home after her father made such a
huge deal with her success? Yeah, this is definitely karma for what she did to Uhuru.

Speak of the devil, he makes his way through and sits next to her. She can't even look at
him, how can she after everything that she did to him?

Uhuru: Hey, how are you? I brought your phone, some food and clothes. When are you
being discouraged?
Azania: Thank you. I'm not sure yet.
Uhuru: How are you feeling?
Azania: Right now? Dead.
Uhuru: I'm sorry…

Azania: Don't be. I still don't understand how one can be so cruel. How did he do it, the
abortion? I'm confused.
Uhuru: I suspect he spiked your water, I wish we had a footage of the apartment inside. All I
have now is him walking in and out.
Azania: Please share it with me…
Uhuru: Okay. So what is going to happen now?

Azania: I don’t know, right now I am just so hurt. My life is over.

Uhuru: It's not over Azania. I'm sorry about what happened but you are so strong, you are
going to bounce this one.
Azania: It will be a miracle for that to happen….
*
*
*
GIGI

She is at the office and has called Jeremy for the tenth time now with no luck. It is driving her
crazy and she is worried about both Azania and Uhuru. She was bleeding a lot and from
what she observed, it's not Uhuru’s

Poor guy, he looked so devastated and broken about this. Her heart feels for him big time.
She is unsure whether it is the guilt of knowing that she helped Jeremy into exploiting Azania
or is it because Uhuru is a good person by nature. Whatever the case may be, he doesn't
deserve what happened and she tried to warn Azania.

It may have been for her own selfish reasons of not wanting to share him but he warned her
about Jeremy. If what she is suspecting is true, then Azania messed up big time.

She takes out her phone and dials Uhuru’s number. It rings for a while before he answers.

Gigi: Hey, I wanted to find out how it Azania doing? I haven't had a chance to go to the
hospital as I am alone at the office today.
Uhuru: I did go, she is not good.
Gigi:Oh, why?
Uhuru: Things aren't good Gigi, that all I could say.
Gigi: That bad?

Uhuru: What I can say is your boss messed her up big time. I don't see her surviving this
Gigi: Eix, I'm sorry. I really feel bad, I shouldn't have brought her here.
Uhuru: It's not your fault, you gave her an opportunity and she messed it up.
Gigi: It's complicated, but how are you doing? This must be hard on you.
Uhuru: It is, but I will live….

"Gi, you need to see this, OMG "

Gigi: I have to go, keep me posted about Azania.

She drops the call and looks at Tumi who has her jaw wide open in shock as she is scrolling
down her phone.

Gigi: What is it?

Tumi: Did you know that Azania and Jeremy had an affair?
Gigi: What are you on about?
Timi: But it was obvious from how that girl was behaving that she and Jeremy knew each
other naked.
Gigi: Will you tell me what's going on or leave?
Tumi: Here, read for yourself.

Tumi hands her the phone and Gigi looks at it. Azania has written a thread on Twitter about
how she was deceived and ruined by Jeremy. There's illegal forced abortion and him
infecting her with the disease to losing not only her money but chances of being a mother
again.

Gigi: OMG, this is not good, not good at all.

Tumi: Right, where's Jeremy to see this?
Gigi: I have no idea but I'll try and handle this…

*
*
*
JEREMY

He finally managed to get up from sleeping and took a shower then headed to the garage
before driving to the hospital. The alcohol did a number on him, he is super stressed and
tired at this point.

His prayer is that Mpume recovers, calm down and let him fix his mess. He strongly believes
that they can overcome this and be okay again. After all, they have kids to raise as mother
and father.

His phone rings again and this times it's Mpume. He answers immediately.

Jeremy: Baby, how are you?

Mpume: Your intention is to kill me and this baby with stress right?
Jeremy: Love…
Mpume: How evil can you be? To force abortion to that girl?

How did she find out?

Mpume: It's all over social media and my name is dragged into it!
Jeremy: Social media? Wait let me check…..shixt! I'll fix this baby.
Mpume: I'm tired, I want out..
Jeremy: Whoa whoa, what do you mean?
Mpume: I want a divorce, my lawyers will be in touch.
Jeremy: Mpume, hello? Fuck! I'm going to kill you Azania.

He slams the door and drives to the record label using short cuts away from the busy road.
Now he regrets ignoring Gigi's calls. He turns at one corner and great, the road is blocked! It
seems as if the trash truck dropped the trash on the road and now they are cleaning it.

He reverses the car and turns back when a stone breaks through his window and hits his
jaw. The hell!? He hits brakes real quick and before he can register what is happening, there
are young dirty boys surrounding his car.
One guy knocks on his window and tells him to open the car. His mind tells him to hit the
accelerator and drives away but they are holding big stones. He swallows the lump on his
throat and opens.

The first thing they do is strip him of his expensive watch, wedding ring, phone and other
valuables. This other one makes him comfortable and puts on a seat belt even before
ordering him to drive.

Jeremy: Who are you guys and what do you want from me?
Him: Not that it's important but my name is Manqele and today sizokubonisa unyoko!
Jeremy: What?
Manqele: Voetsek, just drive!

He's being hijacked by kids! Why the hell did he leave his gun behind??

To be continued …

CHAPTER 23

JEREMY

This is not happening! What are these kids playing at? Hijacking a whole him? Do they even
know who the hell he is and what he does?

Look at this one calling himself Manqele acting like some starring from an action movie
ordering him around? They are going to regret this, that's a promise!

Manqele: Hey drive normal, you want your tracker people to suspect something is off?

Shit, he's smart. What kind of nyaope boy is this one? He keeps his calm and continues
driving while thinking of a way out of this.

Jeremy: Listen, you are making a huge mistake here. You are going to jail or even worse, my
people will find you and…
Manqele: And what, huh? Dude, I've got nothing to lose, but you on the other side
(chuckling) pull over!
Jeremy: Here? It's not safe!

The other boy at back smack his head and he feels his temperature rising. The audacity of
these boys!! He pulls over and steps out of the car as instructed.

Manqele: Jeremy, J…J. You are married, does your wife make you happy at home?
Jeremy: What is my wife got to do with this?
Manqele: I'm just trying to think of a reason why would you go around sleeping with young
girls using money.
Jeremy: Huh, what are you talking about? You don't even know me!
Manqele: Trust me I do, more than you think I don't. I saw you the other day and I thought
my eyes were deceiving me, it was really you!

This is frustrating, he doesn't know this guy and has never seen him anywhere in his life.
What the hack is he talking about?

Manqele: This, your phone. I need you to unlock it, go to Twitter and type what I'm going to
say. Don't try to act smart Jeremy, now is not the time. Start off by apologising to your dear
wife for the shame you brought into her life, business and family.

Then move on to say how much you regret all of this and that it's too much to you. Admit to
hurting Azania and apologies to her for being a dog.

To your kids, tell them you are sorry and that they deserve a better father.

Jeremy: What? You want me to write a suicide note?

Manqele: How far are you with typing?
Jeremy: This is absurd, this bridge has cameras!
Manqele: Not really, we stole them hence I brought you here.

Again, this is not your ordinary nyaope boy! He is upset that even at such a compromising
time and position, he still finds this guy intriguing. He reads out the post after writing it and
orders him to post it.

Manqele: Good, now jump.

Jeremy: What, are you crazy?
Manqele: Very, jump!
Jeremy: My brother come on, let's talk. How much do you want? I can pay you well, who
sent you?
Manqele:( chuckling) This guy, I said jump!
Jeremy: Come on, I've got kids and my wife who still needs me
Manqele: They are better off without you. Maybe you need help, gents, come!

The 3 other boys surround him and lift his legs up. Before he knows it, he is screaming his
lungs out flying from the high Bridge all the way down to the cars…

UHURU

He is closing today at the club, everyone has gone home and he is just here, all alone and
dreading going to his new place.

Social media is tearing Azania into pieces and he is hurt on her behalf, wondering how she
is feeling from that backlash. People are saying it serves her right, what did she think about
sleeping with a married man. Others say she's a slay queen that is thirsty for fame. It's a
mess in the timeline.
He really wishes that she didn't do that because now this is a career suicide. Which record
label is going to work with her after this?

He pulls out a bottle of whiskey and pours it into the glass. He is not an alcoholic person but
he needs to be drunk and forget about everything that is happening right now.

One glass turns into 2 and turns into 3, he ends up drinking straight from the bottle and sits
on the floor crying. He shouldn't have brought Azania along, her mother was right. This is his
fault, now her life is ruined before getting that far.

A sound of footsteps approach disturbs his thoughts, he gets up and realises it's Gigi walking
in. She has the shortest dress ever and sleepers. She seems surprised to see him here.

Gigi:Uhuru, I thought everyone had left?

Uhuru: I will go just now…
Gigi: My goodness, look at you!
Uhuru: I'm a mess, I know. What's the latest from the office?
Gigi:(sighs) Stressful, I spoke to Azania, she is not cooperating. Jeremy has gone MIA and
PR wants to sue her.
Uhuru: Wow, see how unfair the law is?
Gigi: Unfortunately that's how it is. Her approach to this matter was not so wise. I came for
this, do you need a ride?
Uhuru:(smirking) Oh my back, yeah.

He says approaching her, she doesn't move until he gets to her and brushes her face.

Uhuru: You are so beautiful.

Gigi: Thank you.
Uhuru: Very, but sadly I'm not your type. I'm a broke young dude who…
Gigi: Okay you are drunk, let's go.
Uhuru:Wait, listen…
Gigi: No, let's go. You will sleep in my place because I'm not driving to cosmo tonight.
Uhuru: Sleep at your place?
Gigi: (rolling her eyes) There's a guest bedroom obviously….
Uhuru:Oh, that's a disappointment.

AZANIA

It's been a long day, people have different opinions about her statement. Some of the
comments get her to have a headache. Her doctor confiscated her phone saying it was
messing with her recovery.

Gigi came and told her to take down the posts and follow proper grievance steps. That is
something she is not going to do. She has started the fire, let whoever get burned, there's no
going back or backing out of it now.

The doctor comes in with her phone in his hands. This doctor has been very kind and
compassionate to her.
Dr Zulu: Your mother, she has been calling. I thought you might want to speak to her.
Azania: Thank you.

She clears her throat and answers.

Azania: Mama…
Liyana: Nonjabulo, I am so happy to hear your voice.

Tears streamed down her face.

Azania: Me too mama…

Liyana: How are you? I heard you are at the hospital. Azania, how can we be the last to
hear such news about you?
Azania: I didn’t know how to say this, I was so angry and hurt mama. I'm sorry I disappointed
you and dad.
Liyana: Nonjabulo listen to me…
Azania: I am a bad role model mama. I let the city get to me. Dad was right, I should have
listened to him. I disobeyed him, now look what is happening to me.

Liyana: Love is supreme. It embodies kindness. Alongside mercy, it transcends every other
virtue. But justice remains the eternal architect of law. If properly administered, it propagates
truth: thereby nourishes hope, consolidates faith, designs peace, and soothes our
conscience.

No adversity can withstand the power of love. No tribulation can overwhelm the realm of
compassion. And no loss can efface the dedication of justice. A well-nurtured mind is
priceless. Like a wise council, it is capable of great things.

We love you Nonjabulo, you will always be our daughter despite everything. Everyone
makes mistakes, don't let them swallow you. I strongly believe that you can bounce off from
this. Seek God again and allow him to restore you and your peace. Come home my baby,
this will always be your safe space for you….

To be continued

CHAPTER 24

UHURU

His whole body is heavy and painful as if a train walked over him. If this is what people call a
hangover then he is surprised why they keep on going back to drink alcohol.

It's a terrible feeling that leaves you feeling sick and numb. He is never drinking like that ever
again, that's if he will drink alcohol again.

Walking from the guest bedroom to the kitchen, he is welcomed by a great aroma. Gigi made
breakfast, it smells amazing, her place is really fancy and expensive.
It makes him wonder at what age she started working, she's 24 with a posh apartment that
has expensive furniture, drives an SUV, impressive indeed.

Gigi: Morning
Uhuru: Hey
Gigi: Did you sleep well?
Uhuru: Yes, your bed and blankets were amazing, thank you.
Gigi: You are welcome
Uhuru: Where are you headed to so early in the morning?
Gigi: To the office, I got a call from his wife, Jeremy is at the hospital.

Uhuru: Oh no, what happened?

Gigi: I don't have the full info but it's bad, really bad because he is now in coma and it is said
that chances of survival are minimal.
Uhuru: Oh my God, do you have an idea what happened to him?
Gigi: He jumped a bridge…
Uhuru: Huh?
Gigi: He wrote a whole post about his sins and apologising to Azania. I don't know, this
whole thing feels super weird to me.
Uhuru: Mhmm, I wish I could say I am feeling sorry for him but after what he did to Azania, I
say screw him.

Gigi: I understand. What is going to happen to you two?

Uhuru: I still love her, deeply. I think I will always do but it saddens me to see that she is not
willing to try or give us another chance. I am hurt but I am willing to forgive her and give our
relationship another chance you know.
Gigi: Uhuru, look at me. You are very young and have a good future ahead of you. What
happened to Azania is not your fault. It was a lesson to her. She is going to rise if she
doesn't allow herself to be burned and dusted out by her Desires.

I am going to advise you to focus on yourself, what does Uhuru want as an individual? Bring
those dreams into action and work hard. If you two end up together in future, then it will
mean that you were meant to be together.

Uhuru: I hear you, trust me, my mind, body and soul knows that you are very much correct
but my heart…
Gigi: Forget about that stupid organ and do you. I am off to work, lock and take the key with
you when you are done, I'll fetch it from the club.
Uhuru: I am done, please drop me to the taxis.
Gigi: Sure…

*
*
*

Nandi: Thank God you are back, I was worried about you.
She says as Uhuru makes his way to his room.
Uhuru: Why?
Nandi: With everything going on, how are you?
Uhuru: I will be fine, thanks for asking.
Nandi:(touching his arm) I'm sorry about what happened to you. Please know that I am here
if you need anything, I mean, anything.
Uhuru:(smiling) You are so kind. But I love Azania, I don't want you to feel like a rebound,
okay?
Nandi: You love someone that cheated on you, doesn't have a womb and is HIV positive?
Uhuru: Mind what you say about Azania, you don't know her.

He moves away from her and closes the door behind him. Phew, what a day, he has 5 hours
before his shift starts. He better rests.
*
*
*
AZANIA

Dr Zulu brought her home after his shift. Being back here brings so many memories and
some of them are not good. She is done with this life, Nia The Savage died together with her
unborn child and dreams. It is time for a new chapter in her life.

Dr Zulu: Is that all?

He asks as she walks out of the apartment with only a small bag.
Azania: Yes.
Dr Zulu: OK then, let's go.

After having a heart to heart conversation with her mother and the doctor, she has decided
to wipe her tears, dust herself up and chase her dreams. Now as Nonjabulo, the gospel and
the preacher with the hope of being like Mmatema and Nothando both from Spirit of Praise
group.

Azania: I am driving.
Dr Zulu: Are you sure that is allowed?
Azania: This is my compensation from all that I did for this company. So yeah, I'm taking it.
Dr Zulu:(smiling) OK.

He offered her a room in his 3 bedroom apartment. It's just temporary until she is sorted and
back to her feet.

*
*
*
The machines are beeping left right and centre. Jeremy is in a critical condition where his
body is connected to machines and pipes.

Mpume walks in slowly and stands next to his bed. It's bad, his whole face is swollen and
bandaged. The doctor is next to her as he explains his injuries and long life effects.
Mpume: When can one switch off the machines?
Doctor: Pardon?
Mpume: He is in pain and unable to breathe on his own. I think it's only fair to put him out of
this misery…
Doctor: Urhm, are you sure?
Mpume: 100%.....

To be continued.

CHAPTER 25

AT THE HOSPITAL

The Doctor looks at Mpume with confusion, this is the first time he hears such in his career.

In most cases, the family always begs that their loved ones be kept for longer but maybe
this is not the case here, hence the wife wants to take him off the life support machine.

Doctor: (clearing his throat) Urhm ma’am, it is necessary to use a breathing machine for an
extended period before it can be switched off.
Mpume: How long?
Doctor: It is usually more than one or two weeks.
Mpume: Wow, urhm, okay.
Doctor: Is everything okay?
Mpume: Yes! Actually, No. Nothing is okay, this man put me through so much hell. It would
be so much better if he died.
Doctor: I am so sorry to hear that Mrs Booth, unfortunately we cannot make such a heavy
decision based on emotions. Our job is to save lives, it doesn’t make us happy when a
patient dies.
Mpume: Of course Doctor. I know and I am sorry.
Doctor: It is okay, I would advise that you seek therapy and prepare yourself if you are not
divorcing him.
Mpume: What do you mean doctor?
Doctor: His condition is going to get worse and worse before he recovers. There is a
possibility that he may not walk ever again.
Mpume: Oh?

She is trying so hard to hide her smile, this is good news, better than him dying.

There's nothing that will kill his confidence and ego more than not being able to do the things
he used to do on his own. God is great hey and karma does exist.

Doctor: He injured his spinal cord when landing from the fall and broke his ankle bone. It's
really bad.
Mpume: I see, well thank you for letting me know Doctor. I hope you guys are going to do
everything in your power to help him.
Doctor: Of course, that's our promise and mission.

She smiles and walks away. If you thought Diary of a Mad black woman movie was bad,
watch what she is about to do to him! He better wake up!

AZANIA

The Doctor's apartment is really nice , open and beautiful.

Her bedroom is at the corner of the house and has an amazing balcony. When standing
there, she gets a chance to see the city and its beauty, especially in the morning.

It is day 2 and still, she has no idea where to go on about her life. All she did the past 2 days
was to cry herself to sleep.

It pains her so much to know that she lost her child before she could bond with him/her.
Even worse, she now has a disease and will never be pregnant.

She hates Jeremy, with everything in her body and soul.

He didn't rape her yes, it was her naivety that got her here but he shouldn't had aborted her
baby. She was ready to raise her child alone!

Crying about spilt milk doesn't help, Thato(the doctor) may be kind and understanding of her
situation but she knows best that it won't be long before he gets tired. She needs to get her
life and things in order.

One thing she refuses to do, is going down without a fight. With that said, she gathers
courage and switches on her phone and sends Gigi a message requesting for a meeting.
She responds immediately and tells her that 10am is good on her side.

That motivates her to wake up,make the bed and take a bath. Her face looks long and dry,
she applies makeup and walks to the kitchen.

The cute doctor is on a zoom call so she proceeds to make herself some cereal breakfast
and eat in silence.

Thato: That was a long call, sorry about that. Good morning.
Azania: Morning Dr Zulu.
Thato: Come on, I thought we were done with the formalities. Call me Thato. How are you
feeling today?
Azania: I'm much better and ready to tackle the world.
Thato: I am happy to hear that. But remember to talk it easy okay? Allow all the emotions to
take place. I know a therapist that can help you for free.
Azania: Thanks Thato.
Thato: You are welcome. So what's the plan?
Azania: I don’t know yet but I am meeting my manager today. Then from there I'll see what
needs to be done.
Thato: Do you want me to come with you?
Azania: That is sweet, thank you but I'll manage.
Thato: Okay then. You should come to church with me this weekend. It will do you good.

She keeps quiet, she doesn't know how to feel about that one because how can God allow
all these bad things to happen to her?

AT THE CLUB

Uhuru is trying by all means to keep it together and adjust to these changes. He hasn't seen
Azania since and the past 2 days her phone has been off. He is worried.

A lot has been happening to that girl and he can't help the guilt of blaming himself for
bringing her into the city. If he left her home, none of this would have happened.

Nandi makes her way towards him and he shifts to the other side.

Ever since she made that comment about Azania, her presence is annoying him and he is
doing his level best to stay away from her.

Nandi: Uhuru, come on. Are you going to ignore me until when? I said I'm sorry.
Uhuru: And I forgave you.
Nandi: It doesn't look like that to me.
Uhuru: What must I do to prove it to you? Nandi, in future teach yourself to stay away from
people's business especially relationships. If you are not asked for advice, do not give one!
Nandi: Okay, I know it's just that I honestly feel like that girl doesn't deserve your tears…
Uhuru: You are doing it again…
Nandi: Uhuru I'm trying to open your eyes to see the opportunities in front of you!

He shakes his head and lifts his eyes up, and two men dressed up in expensive suits walk
in. He grabs the menu.

Uhuru: There's clients, I'll attend to them.

He really doesn't serve clients but anything to be away from Nandi right now.
He heads to the two gentlemen, greets them politely and leads them to the table.

Uhuru: Can I please take your drinks order?

Man1: Wait a minute, aren't you Uhuru Mlangeni, the artist?

His heart rises, how does this man know him?

Uhuru: I am…
Him: Oh damn, I have been looking for you! I wondered what happened to you and
eventually gave up on it.
Uhuru: I am not following.
Him: Forgive my manners, I am Michael Jordan. I once purchased an artwork from you and
we had plans of you coming to Joburg…
Uhuru: Holy shit No! This is a dream right? I can now recognize you! Damn!
Michael:(chuckling) It's me son, I relocated to the UK and this man I'm with here, is about to
discuss what to do with the bursary we saved for you since it's been 3 months.
Uhuru: You were serious about this bursary thing?
Michael: Sit down, have a look at this. You can go through every page to verify that we are
not a scam. Google us if you may. We have helped about 20 youths to live their dreams
outside South Africa. You could be the 21 next in line.

His God and ancestors are not sleeping. This is amazing and crazy. He goes through the
heavy documents and on page 5 he feels his eyes getting watery and heavy as he reads
about all the benefits…

Uhuru: Please excuse me, I need some air….

To be continued.

CHAPTER 26

GIGI

Azania is coming over, she wants to discuss her contract. How that is going to unfold, it is
something she really cannot measure.

Her job and wish right now is to do damage control and fix things. Jeremy wronged her, they
wronged her and she has every right to breathe the fire she is breathing right now.

Azania is very talented, she saw that from the very first moment her video popped up into
the social media. Only if Jeremy listened and didn't allow greedy control over him.

Well, he is not here now, she is. The Mrs knows nothing much about the music industry and
that gives her the advantage to drive and run this ship on her own.

A knock comes through the door, she gets up.

Gigi: Come in.

The door opens and Azania walks in. Poor thing, the pain squeezed her in a few days and
she looks bad.

Gigi: Azania, please have a seat. Would you like some coffee?
Azania: No, I want us to get straight to the point.
Gigi: Of course.
Azania: I want out.
Gigi: Azania, unfortunately that cannot happen.
Azania: What do you mean?
Gigi: You are bound by clause and owe the record label a lot of money.
Azania: Clause, what clause? And what do you mean I owe you guys money when you have
been ripping me off?
Gigi: Please have a look at this, the highlighted parts are your clause and what you actually
owe the company.

She shifts the papers and leans back on the chair. Azania runs her eyes through it and a
defeat shows on her face.

Azania: How is this possible?

Gigi: It is the agreement you and Jeremy made.
Azania: He never explained this to me!
Gigi: I know and I'm sorry.
Azania: This is not fair!

She is crying right now.

Gigi: It's not. But I can help you, Azania. Despite everything that has happened, there is still
a star in you. Please allow me to help you bring that star into the world.

Azania: How?
Gigi: You have a gospel voice Azania. You trrendend to sing and worship the gospel. Let's
record that album, tell your story through it, heal and send awareness through it.
Azania: I don’t know, me and God are not on good terms at the moment.
Gigi: I understand but please find that fire inside you. We need it to get you back to life. Trust
me, this isn't over but the beginning of your career.

She keeps quiet and doesn't say anything. Okay, that went better than how she expected.
Azania will come around, she just needs time.

UHURU

When they talk about God's timing being the best they mean exactly this. He is not
dreaming, it is actually happening! The reason for him to come into Johannesburg in the first
place has shown up!

Unable to contain his excitement, he calls Azania and prays that she answers her phone. He
squeals with excitement when her phone rings and gets answered on the second ring.

Azania: Hi.
Uhuru: Azania, you won't believe this!
Azania: What's up?
Uhuru: Remember that guy who actually is the reason we came here? He showed up
bab.…(clears throat) Azania!
Azania: Oh wow, are you for real?
Uhuru: I'm telling you! All the plans, promises and bursary still in offer. I feel like screaming!
I'm going to go overseas! I will study arts and work in one of the big museums!
Azania: Oh wow, that sounds so great, I'm happy for you.
Uhuru: Me too, I feel like I'm dreaming.

Silence. He calms down and hears Azania sighs on the other side.

Uhuru: What is wrong?

Azania: My life is a mess Uhuru, I just met up with Gigi. I can't leave the record because I
actually owe them so much money.
Uhuru: Oh no.
Azania: She offered me a deal and I don't know if I can trust her.
Uhuru: I'm sorry, I didn't know.
Azania: It's okay…
Uhuru: No it's not. Now this feels like I'm rubbing salts to your wounds. It doesn't feel right
anymore.
Azania: Uhuru, listen to me. This is your dream finally coming true! Get on that plane and
chase it. Don't worry about me, I'll bounce back, I'm a big girl. Congratulations once more,
learn from me and do not repeat the same mistakes I did. Read your contract. I have to go,
bye.

The calls end and Uhuru exhales. Being unable to celebrate this news with her hurts so
much.

Uhuru: Shit!

AZANIA

After hanging up the call, he lies on top of the table and allows the tears to flow through her
face. She is happy for Uhuru, so much. A huge part of her is regretting her horrible choices
right now.

She should have waited, should have listened to Uhuru and everyone that tried to warn her.
Now look, Uhuru’s things are coming to life.

What about her? Debts, hole in her heart and emptiness. They would be jetting together to
the new continent now if she didn't sell herself cheap to Jeremy. Now she is sure as hell that
Uhuru is going to find someone even better on the other side and forget she ever existed.

She can't blame him though, if she was in his shoes, she would probably have done the
same. How can one stay with a barren, HIV positive girl?

The doors open, Thato walks in with another hot guy laughing. She quickly wipes her tears
and looks straight. Thato comes to her side and kneels next to her.

Thato: Aza, what is wrong?

Azania:(wiping her tears) Nothing, I had a bad day.
Thato: Wanna talk about it?
Azania: Not now please.
Thato: Okay, I understand. Meet my boyfriend, Lunga.
Boyfriend? Iyooh! She smiles and shakes his hand.

Azania: Pleased to meet you Lunga.

Lunga: Same here babes.
Thato: We are going to a Wednesday prayer service. Come with us.
Azania: No I …
Lunga: You will feel better. I promise.

She looks at Thato and he gives him her puppy eyes. She shakes her head.

Azania: Fine, I hope the service won't take more than an hour.
Thato: No it is not that long. Just reading the word and prayer.
Azania: Okay then, let me wash my face and join you guys.
Thato: Awesome!

*
*
*

The drive to the church was filled with conversations between Thato and his boyfriend
talking about God and church. She sat there at the back of the car and watched them
conversing.

It's beautiful what they have and share, although it is sad that two handsome men are dating
each other while there's a bunch of single women out there.

As they walk through the church door, the praise and worship from inside makes Azania
weak on her knees. She gets in and sits down on the chair, with her head bowed down in
silence as the singer worships.
She lifts her head up when the pastor starts greeting and reading the bible.

Pastor: Jeremiah 29:4-14: God has a purpose and plan for you. His plans are sure, true, and
faithful. You have an eternal future in Christ spiritually. God's plan for you is to prosper and
grow spiritually in Christ in the very situation you are in right now.

Sometimes things are not as we want them to be. Despite our best efforts, our
circumstances aren’t user friendly. In this passage, Jeremiah was trapped in the city of
Jerusalem which was being disassembled by the Babylonians. False prophets were telling
the people, “Don’t give up; there’s still hope. God will surely send a miracle of deliverance
as He has in the past.

It's easy to think, "When I get out of this challenge, I'll be my best. When this pandemic is
over, I'll pursue my dreams." Don't wait for things to turn around and then you'll have a good
attitude. Don't put your dreams on hold. God wants to prosper you in difficulty.

When things aren't improving, you have to be your best right where you are. When God
sees you giving your all, still pursuing your goals, still serving, giving, and excelling, He may
not bring you out of the challenge when you thought, but He will cause you to prosper in the
challenge.

Life may have thrown you a curve. Perhaps you feel like you're in exile. You're facing
disappointment, a breakup, a big setback. You feel like giving up. No, get your passion back.
You're not alone in captivity. The Creator of the universe is right there with you. If you're
going to reach your highest potential, you have to keep doing the right thing when the wrong
thing is happening. It's all a part of His plan.

Keep believing, keep dreaming, keep growing. Your time is coming. You're about to see
uncommon favours that catapult you ahead, dreams coming to pass, negative situations
turning around, and new levels of your destiny.

Let's all stand up and pray…

To be continued.

CHAPTER 27

AZANIA

This has been an emotional service, she cried too much. It didn't occur to her that by coming
here, she was actually opening herself up for healing.

What the pastor has said is nothing but the truth. It's crazy how by becoming Christians we
assume that we are now immune to challenges and pain.

God wants us to praise and worship him in all seasons, good and bad. She thought being a
Christian and pastor's daughter she was safe. While in all honesty, it is even by grace that
she is still alive.

Yes a lot might have been taken for her but she is still breathing, she still has another
chance to rewrite her life. She could have died that day but she didn't. There's not so many
people who make it out of what she has been through alive.

God is good, she is so thankful for Thato. From ensuring that she doesn't die in that hospital
bed, opening his home for her and for bringing her back to Christ.

She takes out her phone and calls Uhuru. His phone rings for a while before he answers.

Uhuru: Hey…
Azania: Hey, how are you doing?
Uhuru: Better now that I've heard your voice. How about you?
Azania: I am much better. I went to church.
Uhuru: Oh really? That's great!
Azania: It is, the service was powerful and I found myself crying.
Uhuru: It must have been good.
Azania: It opened my eyes about so many things. Especially our relationship and how I
treated you.
Uhuru: Aza, it's okay, I've forgiven you.
Azania:(wiping her tears) No it's not okay. I was not good to you and I'm sorry. You were so
good for me but I took all of that for granted. I will never forget your love and how much you
showed it to me.
Uhuru: I will never forget you too. I still love you Azania.

She closes her eyes and allows the tears to stream down her face.

Azania: travel safe, Uhuru.

She cuts the call and wipes her tears. This is the last time she cries about this. Now it's time
she gets on her feet. She send a text message to Gigi and informs her that she is ready to
work. Gigi calls her immediately and Azania smiles….

*
*
*

Uhuru stops by the road and steps out of his car. He makes sure all the doors are locked
before heading out to the dirty old building. He is carrying paper bags that are filled with
clothes. This place hasn't changed a bit despite being gone for 6 months.

It takes a while to spot Manqele and he is in such a devastating state. He has lost so much
weight and is dark. My God ,what is happening with your children?

Manqele:(smiling) Uhuru, this is you?

Uhuru:It's me, I told you that I was going to come back for you.
Manqele: Wow, you look good. Money looks good on you..
Uhuru: Thank you. How have you been?
Manqele: Not so good, I'm sick Uhuru. I think I have TB. I cough blood sometimes and my
throat is dry.
Uhuru: My goodness, Manqele, why didn't you seek medical help?
Manqele: Ai broe, you know that people like me don't get assisted.
Uhuru: This is crazy! Okay, I'm taking you to a hospital and I'm not taking a No for an
answer…

Manqele doesn't refuse but agrees to go with him. Uhuru takes him to his hired apartment in
Sandton and offers him a bath, proper haircut and a meal.

Manqele: Are you back for good?

Uhuru: No, I came for Azania’s album launch then I'll go back.
Manqele: You two are still together?
Uhuru: We talk and good but she doesn't know I am in the country, I'm planning to surprise
her.
Manqele:(smiling) You love this girl, don't you?
Uhuru: It's hard to forget about her.
Manqele: Well if you still love her and she also does, don't punish yourself. Just make sure
y'all talk and are in the same understanding.
Uhuru: Look at you giving me love advice. Please give me a moment, I need to return my
grandmother's call.

He leaves the room and Manqele looks around, there's so many paintings with his signature
that are wrapped and sealed, probably ready to be sold. He comes back a moment later.

Manqele: Everything is good?

Uhuru: All is well, isalukazi sami is anticipating when I am coming home.
Manqele:I love how you and your family are close. I wish I had that.
Uhuru: Maybe it's time you forgive them?
Manqele: Over my dead body.
Uhuru: (sighs) Okay then, let's go.

He leads him out of the house and straight to the car and drives to the hospital. Hopefully it
is not too late, after this, he is hoping to admit him to a rehab centre.

*
*
*
*
GIGI

She is running around ensuring that everything goes well. This is the biggest event ever, the
tickets sold out like hot cakes and Azania's EP has been doing great.

Baby girl really dusted herself up and claimed her life back. Not only is she a singer but she
is on a journey of releasing her book and does public motivation talks. People love her.

Her parents are seated in the VVIP area ready for her performance that consists of 10 brand
new songs she wrote and composed. This is also a live DVD/music video recording.

Someone taps her shoulder, she turns and finds Uhuru holding a huge flowers. She screams
and hugs him while he just chill there and laughs.

Gigi: Oh my God, Uhuru, you have grown! What are they feeding you in America?

Uhuru: Money?
Gigi: It looks good on you. I'm so happy to see you!
Uhuru: I'm happy too, you look good yourself.
Gigi:(blushing and pushing her hair backwards) Come on. Let me take you to Azania, she
will be thrilled to see you.

*
*
*
Gigi leads Uhuru to the changing rooms where Azania is doing her hair, make-up and
dressing preps.

Gigi: Guess who I have with me Aza?

Azania: Who?
Gigi: Lift your head up.

She does and her phone drops with excitement.

Azania: OMG, you came!

She attacks him with a tight hug, he wraps his arms around her waist.

Uhuru: I wouldn't miss it for anything…

Azania: I am so happy…
Uhuru: Do not cry and ruin your make-up. You look so beautiful.
Azania:(chuckling) Stop it…
Uhuru: These are for you. Go into that stage and kill it.

She smiles from ear to ear blushing and smells her flowers.

Azania: Thank you. I love your swag and new look, it suits you.
Uhuru: Thank you babey. I will catch you later….

He says and winks at her walking out of the room. Azania fans herself, unable to contain her
excitement.

Make-up artist: I didn't know you had such a hot boyfriend. You guys look good together.

Butterflies on her stomach kicks, they are good with Uhuru but they are not dating. Gigi
badges back in, alone this time.

Gigi: Okay Azania, we need to mic you now. Are you ready?
Azania: Like never before….

To be continued.
[01/06, 09:44] My Vodacom Number: CHAPTER 28

JEREMY’S HOUSE

Mpume is heavily pregnant and due to give birth any day now. Her husband was discharged
and brought home after 3 months of hospitalisation.

Jeremy is no longer the same, he uses a wheelchair, the latest mobile one but it still kills him
that he can't do most things, especially engaging in sexual pleasure. He also suffers from
some memory loss and tends to forget things.
He doesn't like being in a public space or being around people. At home he eats, watches
TV, drinks his meds and sleeps, and has lost interest in everything.

During the first month of him coming back home, Mpume made sure that his life was hell.
She would starve him, leave him unbathed for days.

It hurted him but he understands why she did it, she was also hurting and that was her way
of revenge. Things are better now, there's a hired nurse that takes care of him while Mpume
runs business and family.

They even do talk at times about the baby that's coming. Yesterday he was amazed when
she let him touch her stomach. That's progress and a sign that things are going to be better,
especially when the baby is born.

Right now they are seated in front of the TV watching the live streaming of Azania’s album
launch. This girl can sing! People are crying and some are praying.

Mpume: I can't believe you almost ruined this girl's life. I am glad that she didn't allow your
doom to drag her down.
Jeremy: Will you ever forgive me for what I put you through?
Mpume: I have forgiven you, forgetting that is hard.
Jeremy: I know that I sound like a broken record and there's nothing much I can do now but I
am really sorry. If I could, I would turn back time and be a better husband and father.

Mpume: I have one question: why did you cheat? Were you not happy with me? Please be
honest.
Jeremy: It got nothing to do with you. I love women and the idea of monogamy I found
unrealistic. It was for my own ego and pleasure, the more women I had, the more I felt good
and on top of the world.
Mpume: But you could have protected me!
Jeremy: I regret that, terribly. I got away a few times and thought I was immune to
contracting the disease.

Mpume: How many were they, Jeremy?

Jeremy: I don't think you should know that..
Mpume: I want to know!
Jeremy: Honestly, I have lost count. Like I said, I'm insecure and have issues.
Mpume: Is there anyone close to me that you slept with?

He looks down and Mpume heaves a sigh.

Mpume: Jeremy!?
Jeremy: I am sorry.
Mpume: Who is it?
Jeremy: Nicole…
Mpume: My niece? She's 18!
Jeremy: It happened once and…
Mpume:(crying) You are lying! Nicole stayed with us for a whole year and all this time you
were sleeping with her?
Jeremy: Baby, calm down…
Mpume: Don't you dare tell me that! I hate you Jeremy, I hate you so much. I am going to kill
you tonight.

She comes to his chair and wheels it in speed without checking the direction. It moves
quicker and spits Jeremy off and he falls on the floor. Mpume takes a few steps towards him
holding a knife but stops mid way when her water breaks. She drops the knife immediately.

Mpume: (screaming in pain) Aaah….the baby is coming!

Jeremy tries to move from where he is and crawls to where his phone fell off and dials the
nurse that lives in the backyard cottage.

Jeremy: Hey, can you come to the house? I think my wife is going into labour, please hurry.

AZANIA

After her 3rd song, she takes a break and greets her audience.

Azania: I hope you guys are still having fun tonight. Thank you so much for coming in
numbers to support my dream. The next song I'm going to perform talks straight to God
about my pain. I want to share something with you before I get into it.

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to
look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself 'I have lived through this horror. I can
take the next thing that comes along. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself, the most comforting words
of all: This, too, shall pass.

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on. Cry. Forgive.
Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.

You don't have to let that one thing be the thing that defines you.Love is proven the moment
you let go of someone because they need you to.The only thing a person can ever really do
is keep moving forward. Take that big leap forward without hesitation, without once looking
back. Simply forget the past and forge toward the future.

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive
what I need.Finding beauty in a broken world is creating beauty in the world.I always get to
where I am going by walking away from where I have been.

It is not easy to let go, but when you do; not only do you realise the strength that lies within
you, you also create an opportunity to see God perform the best of miracles in your life.
Whatever you are going through, remember that God got you, God wants to see you prosper
through it. Don't lose hope, it's going to be better. It may not be today but it's going to be
better. As I am about to perform the next song, please open your hearts, pray and tell God
what you want.

He will hear you, he is listening and knows what you are going through. He needs you to
face and come into terms with it. I love you so much and may God bless you all for being
here tonight..

*
*
*
UHURU

That was a powerful performance and words by Azania. They surely found a place in his
heart. He cried throughout the performance. His emotions were evoked by so many things,
how far he has come to where he is but the most devastating thing is the call from the
hospital that informed him about Manqele's passing.

He is hurt, so much, he really wanted to help him be a better person. It's sad that he died
before he could reconcile with his parents. The only thing that comforts him right now, is
knowing that he did good by him in his last hours on earth.

He is comforted by knowing that Manqele didn't die like nobody else on the street. He was
clean and had eaten at least. Tears stream down his face when he remembers all that they
little shared together.

A smile escapes through his face despite the tears when he remembers how much of a
character he was. Oh man, why didn't he come home earlier?

Azania: Why are you crying?

She asks while sitting next to him during a 15 minute break. Another artist is performing as
she has to get her face powdered and drink water.

Uhuru: Manqele has passed on.

He narrates to her how he came back and went to fetch him and took him to the hospital…

Azania: You fulfilled your promise of coming back for him and you have always been good
towards him. I'm sure he died happy and that's what matters.
Uhuru: I will never forget him, from how he took care of us and for roasting us at times when
he was high.
Azania:(laughing) Remember when he called us Romeo and Juliet?
Uhuru:(smiling) He was such a character.
Azania:(touching his lap) May his soul rest in peace.
Uhuru: Yeah, he is finally free from the demons he was fighting daily that forced him to do
drugs. Hopefully now he will be reunited with his sister.
Azania: I hope so too.

He keeps quiet and looks at her, takes her hand into his and brushes it softly.

Uhuru: You know you have grown so much the past 6/7 months. I'm proud of you.
Azania: It is Grace.
Uhuru: The wound is the place where the Light enters you.The emotion that can break your
heart is sometimes the very one that heals it.

As my sufferings mounted I soon realised that there were two ways in which I could respond
to my situation - either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a
creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.

This life is for loving , learning, smiling, caring, forgiving, laughing, hugging, helping, dancing,
wondering, healing, and even more loving. I choose to live life this way. I want to live my life
in such a way that when I get out of bed in the morning, the devil says, 'aw shit, he's up!

In a futile attempt to our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our
wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a
light for others.

It is our wounds that create in us a desire to reach for miracles. The fulfilment of such
miracles depends on whether we let our wounds pull us down or lift us up towards our
dreams.

Life is too short, I don't want to regret wasting time and opportunities. I forgive you and I
would love for us to try again.

Azania: Uhuru, I don't deserve you. I've hurt you so much when I had no reason to.
Uhuru: That's all in the past. Now I'm asking you for a chance to start over. I believe I was
also not perfect and I apologize for my mistakes. I just need you back in my life Aza.
Azania: I'm scared, what about the family you have always wanted and I can't give you?
Uhuru: This is the 21st century. There's so many ways to be a mother. We can get a
surrogate or adopt. Whatever it is, as long as we are together.

She attacks him with a tight hug and kisses him through her tears. He wraps his arms
around her.

Azania: I love you so much. Thank you for giving us another chance again. I promise to give
you my all.
Uhuru: I love you too, my cupcake.

She smiles and Uhuru uses his face cloth to wipe the tears.

Azania: So, after the concert, where are we going?

Uhuru: You tell me, my place or yours. We got so much to catch up on.
He winks and she laughs hiding her face feeling the goosebumps on her stomach. She
presses the earpiece on her ear.

Azania: They are calling for me, I've got to go.

Uhuru: Go do your thing, I'll be here waiting.
Azania: You are the best…

He smirks and winks again.

Uhuru:(whispering) I love you…

Azania: I love you too….

***************THE END**********************

We have officially come to an end. *there's a silver lining in every situation * Let us hope and
pray that Azania and Uhuru will take over the world as couples and handle their fames
wisely.

You have been here and consistent from day one, I appreciate you so much. Thank you for
your continuous support.

Let us meet again next month on our new year story. Please save some money for a
subscription.

God bless you❤ 🕯