LESEGO
30 SEPTEMBER
Last week was my wife's homecoming ceremony, where we introduced her to the family as Mrs Kunupi here in Hartswater.
Months before that, we agreed that the white wedding would happen here at home.
After today, I can officially call her Mrs Kunupi - my wife.
Exactly that! My wife. She's my wife.
All my brothers are in the room with me. We're already dressed. I've been sitting here, counting the hours and minutes before I can see my wife for the third time before I can have her all to myself.
This is the day we've all been waiting for - my brothers and I.
Just then, Felicia enters the room with a huge smile on her face.
It's rare seeing her in a dress and today she's wearing this beautiful black dress. Yah, you can see on Itumeleng's face that he's charmed by seeing his wife in a dress.
Felicia: "Bonang tlheng! Le bantle! You all look extremely handsome! You should also see your mother. She looks like a bachelorette!"
FELICIA
After showering these men with compliments, I leave the room and just as I close the door, my phone vibrates.
It's a WhatsApp from my mom.
"Hello my nana. Your brother and I are coming to the wedding."
Felicia [through text]: "Mama you shouldn't come" I warn.
Mama [through text]: "Hey! I want to see those people dying today!!!"
I read the text in her voice and it's like I can hear her demanding it.
My stomach turns by the thought of it all. I might die today.
No, but my kids are covered. I know who's going to take care of them in case I die.
Oh f---!
I'm dying!
I breathe in and out to try and maintain my cool.
"And then? Wat gaan aan met jou?" Maria asks when she comes.
Felicia: "Niks, Ma."
Maria: "Okay then. Move. I want to speak to my sons."
I walk away heading to the bedroom I was getting dressed in. Kaone is here too.
Kaone: "Are you okay? You look like you want to take a dump."
Felicia: "Yah, I'm fine. I'm just nervous that my mom is coming." I lie.
Kaone: "Really? I mean, I'd be nervous too. Plus, I've never seen your mother before."
Felicia: "Yah well, she never really liked this family so..."
Kaone: "So we both came here against our mothers' wishes and we're paying the price for it."
She chuckles. "But you know, looking back at everything, it's worth it. Plus I'm very happy being Thato's wife and I'm sure you're happy being Itumeleng's wife."
Felicia: "Very." I say awkwardly and let out an awkward chuckle.
LESEGO
"Marshall, Martin, Raphael, Russell, Ignatius." Maria says with a smile on her face.
Felicia was right. She looks absolutely beautiful today. She looks like a stable mother.
Maria: "I know I was never a good mother to you all." She drops down to tears but maintains her position without wiping any tear. "And I'm sorry for the way I've treated you all these years.I'm sorry for what you had to see between your father and I. Russell, ngwanake, today is the day you become a man. Today is the day you become someone's husband. Your wife, Kgomotso is a darling. I can see that she's given you the love that I failed to give you and I'm sorry. In fact all your wives gave you the love that you deserved, and please Lesego, please treat her with care. Don't let what your relationship be the reflection of me and your father's relation. Ek weet jy het anger issues, but don't let that get in the way. Kgomotso is 'n baie special vrou. And if you treat her the way your father treated me, then I'll tell her to leave--"
Relebogile: "Why didn't you leave?"
Hebatho!
We're all looking at him because why the f--- is he asking that question so suddenly?
Maria: "Wat sê djy?"
Relebogile: "Mama, you've had so many chances to leave, why couldn't you do it? Why didn't you leave?"
"Relebogile!" Itumeleng warns him raising his hand in his face. "Now is not the time, boet. Itshware."
Maria: "Nee, Marshall. I'll tell you why I didn't leave. I was trapped. I still am. The only way I can leave is through death and you will never understand. There's your answer."
There's a sudden silence in that's causing tension in the air.
Maria: "Today is supposed to be Lesego's day. Can we please not bring such matters on a day like this?"
I sigh.
I don't even know what's happening anymore. I just want to get this day over with and see my wife.
KGOMOTSO
As I walk down the aisle with my father next to me, I feel my eyes get watery.
Oh gosh - it's really happening!
And when I finally fix my eyes on him, oh! He looks really hot in that suit and his brothers and Gontse look just as handsome next to him. I can't help but cry.
I really love this man with all my being! This creep. This creep that followed me all the way to the ladies' bathroom in that restaurant. The creep the found me jogging two weeks later and took me out on a coffee date. The same creep who took my virginity. The same creep who said 'when you become my wife' millions of times. It's like he knew I'd say yes despite everything we've been through. Now I'm looking forward to having the biggest portrait in that house that everyone can notice.
The décor is absolutely stunning! You wouldn't think this wedding is taking place on a farm.
The tiffany chairs, the chandelier, the marquee on it's own makes the décor outstanding! It's like I'm in a fairytale!
My father lets go and now it's just me and him - hand in hand, looking into each other's eyes.
There's that smile! That smile that makes me go crazy! And that scent!
Lesego: "I had two glasses of Gordon's before we came here." He whispers with a smile on face.
Oh this creep! This very random creep!
The priest looks at him and clears his throat. Yep, I think he heard him.
After the priest does the whole 'dearly beloved' intro, he hands Lesego the mic.
Okay... I'm not expecting this.
Lesego: "Kgomotso Patricia Mashaba."
"Halala!" I just know that's Cleo shouting.
Lesego: "From the moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew I found my wife. My brothers kept asking me when will I commit before I met you, but that all changed when I told them how much I loved you. Kgomotso, I know loving a man like me isn't easy. I put you on a journey of ups and downs but the fact that you haven't left me shows that God is not yet done."
There's ululations filling the room and I drop to tears.
Lesego: "You are a Godsent. You're an angel in human form. I love you. I always have and I always will. And you know that for the longest time, I've been calling you my wife. Well that's because I knew that from the moment I laid my eyes you, this day would come. And it's finally here. Kea go rata, lerato lame. And I will love you until death do us part."
Everyone is ululating and cheering and whistling.
I never thought I'd see the day Lesego saying his own vows. This is really heartfelt.
