chapter 17

ANATHI ZULU

You know now that I am Anathi Zulu , 28 yrs a businesswoman.I am the second born of Hleziphi and Khayalakhe Zulu and the only girl out of 6 brothers.Abongile Zulu , the first born.He is 33 yrs old and married to Nandipha and they have a 4 yrs old son by the name of Esihle.The third born is Sikhona Zulu , 26 yrs old and married to Lulama his high school sweetheart.

The forth born is Lindani Zulu , 24 yrs old engaged to the princess of Eswatini Princess Sikhanyiso.The fifth born is Thandolwethu , 22 yrs old.He is studying in Cuba to be a cardiologist and last but not least the babies of the family , the indebtical twins Nkosikhona and Nkosinathi.They are 15 yrs old.

I have a good relationship with my parents and siblings.I am closer to my dad(but don't tell my mom) that man is my role model ever since I was a kid.I look up to him and want to be like him but then I don't think I could fill the huge space my dad will leave once he completely hands me his company.

What else did I miss? Everything else you'll read as the story goes along.

It was hard for me to leave her but I couldn't risk having my mom pull me by my ears and drag me to Abu Dhabi.I finished showering and wore the clothes that Eddy bought for me and I kissed her forehead and left.Eddy drove me to the airport and I boarded my flight.

I slept throughout the flight.The plane landed and I sent Bianca a text that I arrived safely and apologized again for leaving without waking her up.

There was already a car waiting for me outside.It took me straight to our family vacation hours.I got inside.The moment I got in my mom was on my neck about how skinny I looked and she definitely grabbed my ear twisting it for prioritizing 'work' over family.I apologized and greeted everyone.I rushed to my room and changed wearing a black short , black sports bra and a see through shirt with black shades.The noise in the house was unbelievable ; you would swear we invited the whole community.

I went to the kitchen and took an apple and headed outside.My dad was teaching the twins how to braai meat.I sat on the campchair and called Bianca by the call wouldn't go through.My mom snatched my phone from my hand.

Mom:I said no work during family time hawu

Me:But mom it's important that I make this call

Mom:I'll give it to you after dinner

I looked at my dad hoping he'd vouch for me but he shrugged his shoulders.

Mom:Come help me in the kitchen

Me:Isn't Nandipha and Lulu helping you?

Mom:But now I want you to help me

Me:Okay

I got up and we headed to the kitchen.She squeezed my cheek and gave me a chopping board and a knife.I was chopping the peppers.

Mom:So tell me , have you met someone special yet?

Me:No

Mom:Haibo! Anathi kanti what are you waiting for ? You're in your late 20s my baby

Me:I know mom but I am not in the rush right now

Mom:I want grandkids so you better hurry up

I internally rolled my eyes.

Me:Yes mom

Mom:If you didn't prioritise work , I'd be playing with your child right now

Me:It will happen when it happens mom

I finished chopping the peepers and went back outside.My dad handed me a beer and sat next to me.

Dad:Don't take your mom's words to heart , she's just worried

Me:Worried about what? That I will get old and alone?

Dad:Parents worry about everything , you will understand when you have your own child one day

Me:Dad not you two , I am still young to be thinking about kids

Dad:Intombi Yona unayo na? (Do you have a girlfriend?)

Me:I do have someone but I am not sure if she's the right one for me

Dad:What do you mean?

Me:I don't wanna do the same mistake with Veronica baba

Dad:I know what you mean , but don't let your past stop you from loving that girl with your all neh?

Me:I won't

I smiled when her image came to my mind.

Me:Then how did you know that mom was the one for you?

Dad:Your grandmother was the one that showed her to me

The dream I had while at the hospital came back to my mind.

Me:And you just married her without knowing her ?

Dad:We got to know each other after getting married

Me:Yooh!!!

Dad:In our culture the dating stage that your generation does did not exist in our time.If you liked a girl back then , you tell your father and your father sends a letter to that family and you get married

I laughed.

Dad:Let me go check what your brothers are you to

He got up and went to the braai stand.It wouldn't be a bad idea to propose to her right? We'll get to know each other once we're married.

I watched the sunset and the table was set and we are dinner while talking about everything and anything.

After dinner mom hands me my mom and I called Bianca.There was something off about her.I called Eddy to check up on her.I went out of my room bumping into Lindani.He was kaak drunk.

Lindani:Awu girl to boy kanti sowufikile(Ahhh girl to boy , you have arrived)

Me:I told you to stop calling me that

Lindani:You're the one that wants to be a boy while you're a girl

I clenched my jaw.