Chapter four
''Karma as a bitch, rejection and tears
Mavis had also graduated. Her lover Mr. Mbewe had continued going out with her. He had wanted to make her a second wife. She was not for the idea. He had lured her with more riches. Mr. Mbewe had bought her an expensive car and started renting out a flat around North mead. Mavis had now gotten accustomed to the finer things in life. Mr. Mbewe impregnated her. She was too afraid to tell her parents. Her friends were paying her visits just to ensure she was okay. Each time her parents asked her where she was, she would always lie that she was staying with a friend while looking for a job. Mr. Mbewe however did not want his wife to know that he had a concubine. He had always given Mavis the rule never to call her unless he does and she had to abide by the same rules. Mavis craved for his attention. She wanted more time with him and show him the growing baby bump. One day she called him when he was having his lunch; Mr. Mbewe was forced to cut the line. His wife was suspicious. He left the dining table and went outside to call her and blast her. Mavis had broken the rule. Mr. Mbewe showered unpalatables on her. She was crying while talking to him. Mr. Mbewe's wife eavesdropped on their conversation and started to track his movements. She realized she had a competitor for her husband. Mrs. Mbewe vowed to deal with whoever was hitting out with her husband.
Andy and his band were busy rehearsing at his house. He had turned one of the spare bedrooms into a rehearsal room. It had all the musical instruments. They started jamming. The band had written new material for their debut album. The writing process had been hectic and chaotic at the same time. Tempers were flaring. No wonder he made sure they always started with prayer and bible study before each session. They had chosen themes ranging from loss, finding meaning of life in God and hope for the future. ''Andy and the boys'' played progressive rock with an afro touch-they called it PAP (Progressive Afro Pop). Andy's days were hectic. He could wake up early in the morning to write songs for their upcoming album, arrange the keys and arrange guitar lines for the songs. Being a perfectionist, he wanted to do most of the work all by himself. Their jam sessions could start at 3 pm on weekends. '''Hey Andy can I come and play the piano?'' asked George. ''But why do you need to play the piano when you know you have to play the lead guitar?'' retorted Isaac. ''Okay let him play the piano guys, am okay with it'' assured Andy as he went to play the lead guitar despite not being too good with it. ''Guys we are wasting time arguing; let's get on with the music okay'' interjected Darren. ''Okay let's do it'' said Andy. They started playing. The music was not sounding perfect. George was missing some keys; the drums were not in sync with the other instruments; they were a bit slow and not moving at the same tempo with the guitars. ''Whoa...Whoa…. guys we sound so horrible!'' exclaimed Andy. ''Yeah, we are playing like kindergarten kids, come on guys, is this how we will be playing on stage?'' Continued Isaac. After much thought and discussion, they resumed their play. This time they sounded good. Andy went back to play the piano and the music was so sweet. That evening after his band mates had left, Angela called him. ''Why do you hate me so much these days honey? Ever since you called me two hours ago, you have not called me again!'' complained Angela. She was so much in need of his attention. She wanted to be chatting with him all day. ''Baby it's not like that, I have just been busy, we were rehearsing with the guys'' assured Andy. ''Wanted to see you today but we have failed to meet, how about we meet next week, my sister will be excited to meet you'' said Angela with excitement.
Mrs. Mbewe had concocted a clever plan to deal with her hubby's lover. Her husband had decided to sneak one evening to go and have sex with Mavis. He had lied that he was going to do some shopping. Unknown to him was the fact that his wife would trail him to Mavis' flat in Northmead. As he drove his Range rover, she booked a cab and started following him. Mr. Mbewe was too taken by how horny he felt such that he did not take any precautions to check behind to see if he was being trailed or not. He could not wait to have wild sex with his mistress. He kept texting her; appreciating her beauty and telling her how sweet it would feel once he gets in between her legs. She too loved it. Being pregnant meant that her hormones were haywire! She was a sex maniac now; she could not get enough from her lover. How she wished he could drill her even more. Mavis felt his weight was hindering him from being the man she wanted in bed. If only he had upped his game and done more rounds; she would have felt much better. She was always being left thirstier by Mr. Mbewe. They had differed after she suggested he tries some aphrodisiac to boost his sexual prowess but to no avail. Mrs. Mbewe had instructed her cab driver to hotly pursue her hubby's car. They were trailed up to Mavis' gate. She was in her nightly gown when she stood on the gate waiting for Mr. Mbewe. After disembarking, they passionately kissed. Mrs Mbewe was watching all this drama from a safe distance. She was so hurt as her husband lifted his lover after welcoming him with so many kisses. He carried her inside and they had the most passionate evenings ever. ''At least today, you have impressed me my love'' said Mavis after the act. ''Oh yeah? Come I give you more" whispered Mr. Mbewe as they engaged in another round of passionate love making. Mrs. Mbewe went back home a devastated woman. She was so hurt and bitter. She could not believe that her hubby could betray her like that.
The weekend had arrived. Andy would be introduced to Grace; Angela's elder sister. Andy was back with his usual ways. Delson was informed of the plan as usual. Andy passed through Mutezma on his way to Chilenje South. He drove his BMW X 5 smartly dressed; of course, he wore a black denim jeans, white short sleeved shirt and white snickers. He looked cool and sexy. In his back seat he had a second-hand jeans, a white t-shirt and some finished snickers. They were carefully wrapped in a plastic bag. Traffic was slowly building up as he left Mutezma. He cruised smoothly revving more to catch up on time. He was too eager to meet her lover's elder sister. Andy had heard a lot about her after all. When he reached Chilenje market he had to change his attire. He quickly got out of the vehicle and headed to the bicycle man. ''Hey, it's you again; what can I do for you this time? ''curiously asked the man. ''I need your bike as usual my man, how much this time?'' asked Andy while looking around. ''Okay, the price is the same usual price as last time, it was $20, right?'' continued the middle-aged man. ''Whoa…I ask for a reduction, man, I don't have that amount" complained Andy. ''Okay, how much do you have? With that nice ride you have packed over there you are failing to pay $20? Is that really your car?'' asked the man with a puzzled look. ''Hmmmmm, no it's not mine, can afford only $12, how about that?'' asked Andy. ''Okay deal, here you are''. Andy cycled quickly. He was late. It was now past 9 30 am. Within ten minutes he had reached Angela's place. He knocked on the gate, Angela came and opened for him. This time he was not all that sweaty. That was a plus. They hugged. She kissed him on the lips as he held her curvy waist. Angela even offered to push his bike inside. ''Hey love, you look so hot in your denim'' said Angela as they entered the yard. ''Thanks love, here are some red roses just for you'' said Andy as he gave Angela a bunch of red roses, he had gotten from Choppies Hypermarket. They were so fresh. ''Hmmmmm...how thoughtful of you my love'' said Angie. She smiled widely. They entered the house. Andy made himself comfortable. Grace was taking a shower when Angela and Andy entered the house. She had not seen them. She quickly rushed to her bedroom to dress up; however, she had heard her sister's voice and what sounded like a man's voice. Grace had guessed it was Andy. She could not wait to see him. Angela went and started preparing food for Andy. She knew how hungry he was after cycling all the way from Mutezma. She wanted her man to be refreshed. Andy kept himself busy, trying to watch a movie on the television. He was comfortably seated on the sofa. In his heart he wandered why Angela was still watching a 32- inch television; how he wished he could buy her a 55 inch one. He laughed to himself. He had to get accustomed to watch a smaller screen.
Angela brought scrambled eggs, some bread and juice. ''Baby please eat, I have prepared this for you my love'' she said with a smile. ''Oh, my dear, how thoughtful of you'' responded Andy. ''Oh, let me go remove the chicken from the freezer, it's what we will eat at lunch'' said Angie as she dashed to the kitchen. ''Alright love off you go'' answered Andy with food in his mouth. He was enjoying the meal. Suddenly Grace appeared behind him. She was coming from her room. She took a closer look at Andy. To her, he looked too rugged. Like someone from the ghetto. She was so shocked. Grace could not believe that he could be Angela's boyfriend Andy. She had a different picture of him all together. She drew closer. Andy could now see her as he ate his meal. ''Who are you?!'' rudely asked Grace. ''Oh, am Andy, Angela's boyfriend, how are you?'' greeted Andy as he stood up to shake his hand with Grace. ''You keep that greeting to yourself; I don't need it!'' sarcastically replied Grace. Andy felt insulted and sat down to continue to eat. He had dealt with idiots like Grace before. Suddenly Angela appeared. ''I hope you two have introduced yourselves to each other'' said Angela. Grace seemed to be so annoyed. She wondered why her kid sister could hang out with such a low- class guy like Andy. ''Angela who is this you have brought in our house?'' asked Grace. ''I thought he told you himself; this is Andy my boyfriend and future husband!'' proudly said Angela as she sat close to her man. ''Hahahaha…. sweetheart is this a joke or what? You think his handsome face will bring food on the table? Get a life baby girl, where did you even find him? He is way below you, girl! You need a man you and the family can be proud of! Not this non entity okay!'' yelled Grace. ''Whether poor or rich, that does not matter, Andy is my man and will introduce him to the family whether you like it or not!'' retorted Angela. ''You must be a big joker, Angela; you want this buffoon to be our in-law? Well, it won't happen girlfriend as along as am alive!" Shouted Grace. ''Can you please be more polite, will you? You can't choose a man for Angela; she has chosen me out of all the men out there. Am the best for her, you should leave us alone okay!'' angrily said Andy while composing himself. He was slowly losing it. ''Just look at you! I wonder if you had even bathed when coming here; go for girls of your class, you can't maintain my sister; in fact, I will ask you to get out of here!'' said Grace. Both Angela and her boyfriend were so humiliated in that moment. Andy just left without saying bye. He was fuming.
He had never been so humiliated in his entire adult life; of course, after his university days. He quickly grabbed his bike which lay on the veranda and angrily made his way out. Angela quickly ran after him. She was worried. Angela did not want to lose her man. She found him outside. She grabbed him by the hand. ''Baby please hear me out'' pleaded Angela. ''So, this is why you called me out here at your place huh? To be humiliated and insulted?'' angrily asked Andy. He was shaking with rage. ''Who does your sister think she is?'' continued Andy. ''You can end the relationship if that's what you want; it's like am not good enough for you'' said Andy. ''Baby why are you talking trash? Can you hear yourself? We are in love and nothing will change that okay!''. She held him and kissed him on the forehead and lips. She hugged him tightly and assured him that all will be okay. Angela told him that no matter what happened, she would be with him till death. They looked each other in the eye. Andy was still hurting. Those words by Grace were like a sharp knife piercing his heart. They were so hurtful. After they had hugged, they parted ways. Andy dragged his bike along the tarmac. He kept asking himself why love was so hard for a poor man. Tears were rolling down from his face as he walked along with the bike. The words uttered by Grace were so bad. He wondered if at all Angela would stand the pressure. Definitely her family would not approve him marrying her. Only time would tell if his love would contain the pressure that was coming ahead of them. Andy was in a low mood as he surrendered the bike. His weekend had turned out to be disastrous. He had not envisioned his visit to have turned like that. He sped off to Avondale. He was in a very bad mood as he drove home. He went straight to his bedroom. He could not think straight. Andy decided to sleep.
''How dare you! So, you have the guts and the effrontery to interfere in my affairs Grace?! Who asked for your opinion about my love life? Who do you think you are huh!?'' fumed Angela. She was almost slapping her elder sister. ''Look, am just looking out for you as my kid sister; that guy is way below you, where can a man like him take you huh? Just look at him! Are you crazy or what? Do you think that as a family we will accept him? No ways!'' yelled Grace. ''I don't care! Me and Andy love each other and if you and the family can't take it then it's your problem not mine!'' furiously said Angela as she went to her bedroom after slamming the door. The situation in the house became so tense. The girls would not talk to each other from now on. Grace knew just how stubborn her kid sister could be. She devised a plan to go and tell their parents about Angela's man so that they too could reject him. Her own frustrations with love were making her to be so jealous of her own kid sister. She wanted to pump in so much negativity in their parents so that they could reject Andy from marrying Angela. She always envied her sister. One weekend she went and told their parents about how poor Andy was and that Angela wanted them to get married. The weeks that followed were so difficult for Andy and Angela. Things were so tense. Andy was tempted to reveal his real identity but he was afraid of how Angela would react. At work things were so busy. They could not see each other so often. The song writing kept him busy too. With his band mates they would spend most weekends occupied with rehearsals. On Sundays they would all go and play at their church at Kamwala Reformed Church. Their debut album would be out and it was creating a buzz on the local music scene. Their songs were so catchy and melodic at the same time. Many radio stations were so eager to give them radio interviews just to find out about their music. Andy had sent Angela the music album. She loved it and kept playing out much to the annoyance of Grace who was shocked to learn that Andy was a talented musician.
Mrs. Mbewe had carefully planned on how she and her fellow ladies would beat up Mavis. She had been a pain in her ass for some time. She was the reason her and Mr. Mbewe were always fighting in the home. He was an absent father who preferred to spend quality time with the side chick than with his wife. They had carefully been trailing her from Northmead Market. She was driving the posh car Mr. Mbewe had bought her. After she did some shopping; Mavis decided to head home. They trailed from a safe distance. She was unaware of what would befall her that day. Mavis had headphones in her ears, playing her favorite music on the car stereo. Their plan was to waylay her on the gate to her house. Immediately she packed on the gate Mrs. Mbewe and her cohorts came with their car; having disembarked they went straight to Mavis' car and forcefully removed her and threw her on the ground. "So, you thought you were clever huh? Today you will see what we do to whores who mess with our husbands!'' shouted Mrs. Mbewe. ''Who are you people?!'' responded Mavis as she covered her face. She received blows in the jaw, the ribs and the legs as she fell on the ground. The four women were so violent. ''Please, I beg you; you will just kill me, am pregnant can't you see?'' pleaded Mavis. ''We care not about that! Today we will beat you so that you stop moving about snatching other people's husbands! Stay away from my husband you whore, do you hear me?!'' yelled Mrs. Mbewe. Mavis was mercilessly beaten and left for dead. She was bleeding from the mouth and nose. It was such a sorry sight as she lay helplessly on the ground. Mavis was in such excruciating pain. She did not know what to do apart from crawling into her yard to regain composure. She called Mr. Mbewe who came running to her rescue.
Andy was still thinking about the words of Grace; those hurtful words she had uttered to her. He was feeling the rage and it was acting as fuel for his song writing process. He could sit on the piano and play some keys. He vowed that he would marry Angela the love of his life no matter what. It had been three years ever since he had fallen in love with her. He felt it was high time he met her parents so that the dowry negotiations could start. Angela had told him that she would meet him at his working place so that they discuss a few things about their future together. She would come at 2pm. Andy quickly drove his BMW X5 to his restaurant and quickly changed his clothes by putting on the waiter's uniform. He had told his workers to keep their mouths shut. He explained to them why he was doing it. Andy had told Delson to act as manager for the rest of the afternoon. This guy had helped Andy so much. Delson was such a loyal worker to him. They had agreed that he would wear a suit that afternoon to really look like a manager. Angela arrived and made her way to the restaurant. Andy came and pecked her on the cheek and ushered her to the table he had reserved for her. He pretended to appear nervous so as not to arouse suspicion. ''What would you love to eat dear?'' politely asked Andy. ''Anything nice my love, let me please have a look at the menu please'' answered Angela. In her heart, she wished Andy was the manager running the whole place. She perceived that it was a classy place were her man worked from. She just wished he could find something much better than being a waiter. Andy quickly brought the ordered meal for Angela. She had ordered a meat burger and a soft drink. Andy looked busy as he received further instructions from Delson the manager for the day. The other workers picked up what was happening with surprise. They could not fully comprehend why their boss was pretending to be a waiter. Then Andy sat down with Angela to eat. He bought a much cheaper meal; a meat pie and a soft drink. ''Hmmm…. baby you are sitting with me here, won't your boss shout at you or much worse fire you?'' asked Angela with a worried look on her face. ''No ways baby, you mean that one? Oh, come on, he is my best friend though he is my boss, we are in good terms'' confidently answered Andy with a smile as he waved at Delson who waved and smiled back. ''Look Andy, your boss just smiled and waved back at you'' said Angela with surprise on her face. Their meal was eaten in such a romantic atmosphere. Occasionally they could be seen giggling and holding hands. Angela had never felt so loved in her entire life.
''Baby am must apologizing for what happened last week, am sorry please forgive me and my sister; she just went too far disrespecting you darling'' said Angela while holding her man's hands as she looked her man in the eye. ''It's okay my love, whether Grace likes it or not I will marry you dear!'' said Andy as they laughed together. ''So, when are your people coming over to my parent's house for dowry negotiations?'' asked Angela with a deep gaze in her cute eyes that just showed how much she loved her man. ''Well, am thinking like coming over with my people in two months' time, I have to tell mum and dad and my uncles about the whole arrangement. I Have an uncle in Kafue, am sure he will lead the negotiations'' said Andy while gently holding her hands. ''Okay, that sounds so sweet; I can't wait honey to be Mrs Banda!'' excitedly said Angela as she pecked him on the left cheek. ''Hmmmmm...baby the people are staring at us, please I beg you, we can kiss somewhere else'' lovingly protested Andy. ''My love I don't care what the world thinks about us; if it means stripping to make love in public, I will do it over and over again!'' whispered Angela. The two just laughed off as they giggled to each other.it was a lunch to remember. They walked out arm in arm towards the Toyota Allion packed outside which Angela had come with. All the other workers kept staring at them in admiration; even the other customers could see that those two were so much in love. Angela had gone with Andy to the car for a purpose. She wanted to kiss him passionately. ''Baby, please get in the car!'' she insisted. ''why love? I thought we talked in the restaurant over lunch'' asked Andy. ''Just get in honey, I want to tell you something'' she said as she sat in the driving seat. They sat quietly. They just looked at each other. ''Baby you are so handsome, do you know why I whisked you away love?'' asked Angela with a smile. ''No, I don't know my love, you tell me, please be quick; my boss may shout at me'' said Anderson with a smile. ''come here love!'' said Angela as she grabbed him by the neck and passionately kissed him on the lips. Andy tried to resist but it was in vain. Their lips locked each other. The kisses were so deep and passionate. ''Can you manage to be coming to my workplace every day? I think I can live with this darling!'' said Andy with so much excitement in his eyes. '' if you want me to be coming every day, I have no problem love; am all yours!'' she said. They waved goodbye as Andy dashed back to his restaurant. ''Whoa… Whoa you have stolen company time, are you aware that I can fire you right now?'' jokingly shouted Delson as he stood on the manager's office door. ''Hey you! watch your mouth! Do you want to lose your job for real? Get in there and give me my suit!'' threatened Andy. He was just fooling around with Delson. He was his closest confidant. Andy trusted him so much. Delson quickly changed from being manager to being waiter again. Andy quickly put on his suit. ''Boss that was impressive! You are so good at acting huh?'' congratulated Delson. ''You think so? Eish; am not happy with what am doing to this girl of mine; how will I tell her that what she thinks of me is not who am? Am afraid Delson, she may dump me if she founds out'' said Andy. ''Boss God forbid; she won't dump you, you two will marry each other soon; she is all yours boss, you are such a smart man and you will know what to do'' assured Delson.
''Baby! Who did this to you? Oh my God! Let me hold you and take you to the hospital'' said Mr. Mbewe. ''just look at what that monster of your wife has done to me!'' yelled Mavis. The pain was so excruciating. Her whole body ached. She had received nasty blows on the face and stomach. ''I just hope the baby is okay honey'' she said while moaning in pain. ''You will be alright baby; I will deal with that old witch; she had the guts to lay her filthy hands on you?!'' angrily said Mr. Mbewe. In her heart Mavis was happy that her man was ready to fight for her. Despite the pain, she was smiling inside. Mr. Mbewe carried her in his arms to the car outside. He was now taking her to the hospital. He did not want to risk anything. At the private hospital, the doctors were so helpful. They found that she had internal bleeding. Mr. Mbewe was worried sick. Those nasty blows to her tummy had affected her pregnancy. Mr. Mbewe left to go back for work at the Central Bank. He was so disturbed. After two hours, he received a call from the medic who had admitted his side chick. There was bad news. Mavis had started bleeding. Mr. Mbewe rushed back to the hospital to see her. The bleeding was severe due to the beatings she had received at the hands of Mrs. Mbewe and her angry bunch of women. Mavis had a miscarriage. It was so devastating for Mr. Mbewe. He had looked forward to having a baby with her. The gynecologist now had the job of stabilizing her. Mavis was distraught as she lay on the bed. Mr. Mbewe was so annoyed. He was fuming as he drove home. He would teach his wife a bitter lesson. He had been planning to beat her up and if anything, he had been planning to divorce her after she had come back from her studies in the United Kingdom. Of course, he was planning to marry Mavis. To him she had proved her worthy to be called his wife. Mavis was so pretty after all.
''How could you? You useless and dirty woman! How could you beat up that girl like that? If anything happens to her, I will personally hold you responsible! Stupid woman!'' yelled Mr. Mbewe. ''Oh, shut up! What girl are you talking about? Oh, you mean that whore you have been sleeping with huh? I should have killed that whore! Just look at you Richard, you are such a shameless man! Am so ashamed to be called your wife! I will be leaving you; I want to divorce you! You idiot!'' retorted Mrs. Mbewe. ''So, you have the guts to call me an idiot huh? Had it not been for me you could have been living in the village with your poor family, you should thank me for having cleaned you of your village manners!'' yelled Mr. Mbewe as the argument was getting heated by each minute. All of a sudden, he slapped his wife in the face and she fell to the ground. ''Leave me alone you fool, so you dare put your filthy hands on me just because of that whore?'' said Mrs. Mbewe as she sobbed on the floor while bleeding from her nose. Mr. Mbewe left her crying on the floor. He quickly rushed to the private hospital to check on his girlfriend but he was not allowed to see as she was in a critical condition.
The time had come for Angela to tell her parents about Anderson Banda her husband to be. She was so much in love with him. Angela just wanted to be his wife. She felt blessed to have met such a musically gifted and loving man. Angela was never bothered about his economic and social status. She knew he had potential to make it in life and besides he had a body to die for. If it meant helping him pay the bride price and sponsor the wedding, she was ready to do it. Andy was the love of her life. She had never fallen head over heels for a man like the way she did for Anderson Banda. She was now ready to tell her parents about him. ''I have something to tell you mum and dad'' she started one sunny Saturday as they sat in the lounge. Her dad was busy watching a soccer match on his big, 55- inch Samsung television his eldest son had bought for them on their thirtieth marriage anniversary. He was so glued such that he did not hear what her daughter was saying. Then Mrs. Musonda turned off the television in order to get her husband's attention. ''What?'' he fumed. ''What is it you women!? Switch on the television, will you please?'' he muttered. ''My husband your daughter has something to tell you; she has met a man who wants to marry her'' continued Mrs Musonda. ''Okay, that's great my daughter, when will you bring him to us so that we can meet our future son in-law or rather your hubby to be?'' asked Mr. Musonda with a smile of approval to her daughter. They were all happy that afternoon. Angela just hoped that her family would now accept that she was going to marry a man who worked as a waiter. She just crossed her heart that her parents will approve her marriage to Andy. They could be dramatic at times. Angela left her parents' home in high spirits. She was smiling as she drove to her place in Chilenje.
Mr. Mbewe spent the night at a nearby motel. There was a war at home. He was sure his wife would file for divorce. Their marital problems had now reached their zenith. He could not stand her anymore. Mr. Mbewe could not remember the last time they had made love as husband and wife much more having a decent conversation. She had piled up the pounds and he was not finding her attractive anymore. He wanted a much younger and attractive wife. As he lay on the bed, he remembered his girlfriend. He just hoped she could get better. Mr. Mbewe felt remorseful after realizing that she was in such a state because of his philandering. That night he knelt down and prayed for Mavis. He had never been scared like the way he was that night. He could not even remember what time he fell asleep. Mr. Mbewe was awoken by the noise of birds chirping near his window. After opening his eyes, he had realized he had slept in a lodge. He quickly went and took a bath and freshened himself. It was 6 am and the sun was shining brightly. Mr. Mbewe wanted to beat the mid-morning rush hour traffic. He cruised along the great east road. Traffic was just building up as he reached the ZESCO fly over bridge. Within 10 minutes he was at the offices along Cairo Road. Mr. Mbewe was not himself and he was not ready to let anyone know that he had fought with his wife and that he had not slept at home. He pretended like all was okay. Mr. Mbewe busied himself on his desk in the office. Being a Tuesday, it would be a hectic day ahead. All was going well until around 11 am. The man received the shock of his life. His wife had reported the altercation the previous night to the law enforcement authorities who came to the Central Bank offices to arrest Mr. Mbewe for wife battery much to the shock of his fellow workmates. There was the wife with a frown on her face directing the officers to handcuff her husband. ''So, you thought you were clever by laying your filthy hands on me all because of reprimanding you to be there for your family? All because of what Richard? A whore! Now you will see what I will do to you!" threatened Mrs. Mbewe. Her hubby just kept quiet as he was laid away in a police car.
Andy had informed his uncle in Lusaka about his impending marriage introductions. He was most pleased that his nephew would finally settle down. He could not wait to be involved in the introductions and negotiations that would follow. He considered it an honor. ''Hello mum, how are you and daddy?'' asked Andy with excitement in his voice over the phone. ''We are okay my son, how are you that side in the city? We are always praying for you that you prosper and succeed in life'' assured his mum. ''Mum'' continued Andy. ''I called to tell you that I have found a woman I want to marry. I have told my uncle for introductions and negotiations to be done anytime soon'' said Andy. ''Oh, that's wonderful my son! Am so happy for you and I know your father will be happy with this news'' excitedly answered Mrs Banda. They had been worried about their son. He had now prospered in the city, he had built himself houses, he had a trendy restaurant in town and all that he had not done was marriage. His father and mother wanted grandchildren badly considering that Andy was their only child. Two weeks before the introductions; Grace had paid a visit to their parents. They excitedly shared with her how Angela would bring her husband to be to be introduced to the family. Mr. and Mrs. Musonda were excited as they shared the news. Out of spite; Grace had bad mouthed Andy to his would-be in-laws. ''The man works as a waiter, don't tell me that you want him for a son in law?'' asked Grace sarcastically. ''Are you sure of what you are saying my dear? That can't be!'' answered Mr. Musonda. ''My dear maybe the young man has so much potential, let's be open minded about this'' assured Mrs. Musonda. ''No ways! I can't buy this rubbish! My daughter can't marry a waiter as if there are no men in this world! Who does he think he is to go for my daughter when he is poor? Let him go for his fellow poor folks from the compound, not my daughter!'' Yelled Mr. Musonda as he sat in his favorite sofa. ''But my dear husband money is not everything, am sure he loves our daughter so much for her to fall for him'' continued Mrs. Musonda. ''And to add salt to injury, the man has a bicycle for that matter when other men in the city are driving around in posh cars, can you just imagine the embarrassment? I literally chased him from our house; am sure he has charmed my sister!" continued Grace. ''God forbid! As long as am alive; I will never allow my precious daughter to get married to such a poor man, never!" yelled Mr. Musonda on top of his voice.
The day of the introductions was fixed on a weekend. However, Mr. Musonda had made up his mind that he would not allow his daughter to be married to Andy. However, his wife had certain reservations. She had perceived it easily in her daughter Grace that she was jealous of her kid sister. Jealousy was written all over her face as she spoke ill of her kid sister's man. Perhaps it was because Angela had gotten ahead in terms of having her man introduced. Mrs. Musonda decided to give Andy a benefit of a doubt. She wanted to see and judge him herself. She remembered how when she was dating her husband and her family objected to their marriage all because he was coming from a poor family. But here they were and they had been married for over 30 years now. She had believed in him despite what the family were saying. Or it was déjà vu? Perhaps history was just repeating itself? The sun was shining brightly; the day looked promising. Andy took a bath, ate his breakfast. He felt so guilty about what he was doing to the woman he loved. He went and stood on the dressing mirror. He hated what he was seeing. ''Why am I doing this?'' he asked himself. ''Now what if they reject me for being poor? Chances are high'' he thought. ''Will take whatever they offer me, if I lose her then be it'' he said to himself. He looked gain into the mirror. ''But am so hot! Am so handsome hmmm'' proudly said Andy to himself. He did not want to wear expensive clothes. He just wore a cotton trousers and a white shirt and a tie. He was smart. He topped it all with a black shoe from Bata. He was looking presentable. Any woman would be proud to have him for a boyfriend. This time he jumped into the mini bus to town then Chilenje from where they would drive in Angela's car to Chalala where her parents stayed. ''Have you started off baby? Please hurry up we should not be late'' said Angela with a worried look in her tone. ''Baby am heading to town, we are near town, will be there soon love'' assured Andy. ''Okay that's good my love, love you so much!'' said Angela. ''Love you too dear, can't wait to see you!'' shyly said Andy while not wanting to attract attention to himself in the bus. Other passengers started to eavesdrop on their conversation. They envied the girl he was talking to on the phone. She was lucky to have a man who could publicly declare his love for her.
''Baby you are late, mum had been calling finding out what time we are going there'' said Angela after she hugged and kissed him much to the annoyance of Grace who frowned on them. She did not even care to greet Andy when he entered the house. She pretended to be busy watching the television. Their kisses lasted for almost four minutes. ''Hey guys why would you kiss for that long in my presence? So, you want to keep mum and dad waiting for you to kiss and careless? Oh, please grow up!'' sneered Grace. She was burning with envy and jealousy. Deep down her heart she knew her sister was head over heels in love with Andy. She also knew that they were happy together. She gave them an evil look as they departed. ''Now you will see what you will find in Chalala you fools! I have poisoned you to mum and dad, Andy you will never be part of our family; you are too poor to marry my sister!'' wickedly thought Grace. ''See you Grace'' softly said Andy as they left. ''Whatever!'' rudely answered Grace with a frown on her face. She had hatched a clever plan which would make their parents to reject Andy once and for all. Andy was so apprehensive about the meeting ahead. He had prepared himself psychologically. He vowed to take whatever outcome that would come his way. The trip just took about twenty minutes and they were in Chalala- a plush neighborhood where the rich stayed in wall fenced mansions. Mr. and Mrs. Musonda stayed in Highlife section off the Tokyo way near Apex University. ''Here we are my love'' said Angela after she packed her car in front of the gate. Just from outside one could tell that the occupants of the place were ultra-rich. ''Wow! This is nice, I love it, your parents must be rich baby huh?'' said Andy to Angela. ''No, they just try baby, they have just worked harder to give us a decent life that's all; all this is nothing baby'' assured Angela. After hooting, the guard opened the gate and greeted them while ushering them inside the state-of-the-art mansion. Angela felt proud of herself. How she just hoped that the family would just accept the man that she loved with her whole heart. Mrs. Musonda was busy cooking lunch in the kitchen. She peeped through the door and beheld her would be son in law. She was not disappointed with the way he dressed. He looked smart to be a waiter. At least at his level the man had class. She just hoped he had potential to be somebody in life. Mrs. Musonda just loved him when she just looked at him through peeping through the door. Andy hesitated to enter. She had to give him a signal as a sign of respect to Angela's parents especially Mr. Musonda who was seated in the lounge pretending to be busy reading the newspaper. Angela informed her dad that Andy was coming in. ''Okay let him in, please tell him to come in dear'' beckoned Mr. Musonda. He had worn his spectacles on the edge of the nose to appear more intimidating to Andy. His would-be son in-law walked in and kneeled down before Mr. Musonda. ''Good morning, Sir'' greeted Andy. ''Good morning my son, how are you?'' greeted Angela's dad. ''Please take a seat over there my son'' he continued. Mrs. Musonda suddenly appeared from the kitchen. ''Hello my son, I know you must be thirsty with this weather; here you are, please have some orange juice and please make yourself more comfortable'' warmly said Angela's mum. Angela walked in and sat beside her man. There was chemistry between them and Mr. Musonda could tell. He pretended to read his old newspapers. ''You have a wonderful home sir'' said Andy to break the deadlock. ''Oh yeah, it took me many years of hard work to build my friend!'' said Mr. Musonda, now sounding a bit more serious.
''Dad this is Anderson, the man I told you about who wants to marry me'' boldly said Angela while looking at Andy. Mr. Musonda lowered his spectacles further down pretending like he had not heard what his daughter had said. He continued to pretend like he was reading his newspapers. ''Your dad has not heard baby'' whispered Andy. ''He has, he is just pretending baby; let mum come, will tell them both'' assured Angela. There was an aura of silence in the room as Mr. Musonda kept staring at his daughter and Andy with eyes of disapproval. Lunch was served. They all ate in peace. Andy was aware that hard questions lay ahead. He could not wait to be asked about what he did for a living. ''So, Andy, where are your parents?'' cheerfully asked Mrs. Musonda. ''Oh, my mum and dad are in Katete at the farm'' humbly answered Andy. ''At the farm as in the village?'' asked Mr. Musonda. ''Yes, in the village, my parents are farmers there'' lied Andy. ''Life must have been hard for you growing up in the village I guess?'' continued Mr. Musonda. ''Oh yes, it was hard but the good part is that it made me to be who am today sir'' politely answered Andy. There was silence as Mr. Musonda and his wife fixed their eyes on the young man. Of course, Mrs. Musonda gave him a benefit of a doubt; though coming from a humble background, she knew that she would make her daughter happy. After all she knew her daughter very well. ''So, what do you do for a living my son? Since your Angela said you two want to get married'' asked Mr. Musonda with a stern look on Andy. Andy hesitated to answer. He wiped his lips after having swallowed the food in his mouth. ''Thanks, sir, for asking me that question; well, I work as a waiter at one of the trendy restaurants along Cha cha cha road'' answered Andy respectfully. ''What!? You work as a waiter and you dare want to marry my daughter? Do you think my daughter is all that stranded to be married to a guy like you? Look, I am trying to be as polite as possible; you can't marry my daughter! Go and marry at your level, as poor as you are you dare bring poverty from the slums into my daughter's life? I suggest that you leave this moment'' yelled Mr. Musonda while he stood up. ''Dad! What's wrong with you huh!? How can you embarrass Andy like that? Whether poor or rich am getting married to him!'' retorted Angela. Andy had tears in his eyes. ''It's okay Angela, its fine, let me get out of here'' sadly said Andy as he stood up and left. Andy had expected this, he just felt bad that he was being rejected again for being of low class. Angela followed him outside the yard. ''Baby wait, am sorry for what my father said to you; no matter what, I will be your wife my love'' assured Angela. ''Did you hear your father well? What do you mean you will marry me with my poverty? I have never been disrespected like this in my life'' said Andy as he wiped his tears from the eyes. ''Baby no matter what you are mine, I love you Andy and nothing will change that'' said Angela as she hugged him tightly. Andy wept. He was confused. Had he displayed his wealth to them they would have gladly accepted him. He had hoped against hope that they would just accept him as he was. He had realized that people were too much concerned with material possessions than the real character of a person when it came to love and marriage. He left a sad and disappointed man. He was so confused and he could have been bashed by a car.