Authoress Palesa (2026)

15/09/2025

THE QWABE BROTHER.
CHAPTER 06.

We're waiting in the meeting room, the air is tense with anticipation. My father is seated at the head, and Nkateko and I are here too. We're waiting for Ntandokayise.

"Sani'bona," my father says as Ntandokayise enters. She looks so beautiful in her traditional attire, her presence fills the room. Ntandokayise greets us respectfully, her eyes briefly meeting mine.

My father speaks, his voice steady. "Ntandokayise, we've called you here to discuss the matter of your future. As you know, it's tradition in our family for one of the brothers to marry you, to keep the legacy going.

Nkateko speaks up, "I should be the one to marry Ntandokayise. I'm the one who's been pushing for this to keep our family's legacy going. I know the traditions, and I can handle the responsibilities."
Lerato, Nkateko's wife protest "babe really, in front of me? Wpw"
Baba considers Nkateko's words, then looks at Nkanyiso. "Nkanyiso will marry Ntandokayise," he says, his voice firm and decisive. "It's decided."

Nkateko's face falls, and he protests. "But Baba, why Nkanyiso? I've been pushing for this. I should be the one."

Baba shakes his head. "Nkanyiso is the one I've chosen. You, Nkateko, have Lerato to consider. Nkanyiso's situation is...different, enhle understands."

I look at my wife, she's crying silently.
"I'm sorry babe" i say to her, i know this is a lot to take in. My father depends to me, always.

Tbc

20/07/2025

THE QWABE BROTHERS
CHAPTER 05

NARRATED

Ntandokayise sat in the meeting with the Qwabe family, her heart heavy with grief. She had just lost her husband, Qwabe, and was still trying to come to terms with the loss. The family was gathered around her, their faces somber, but also expectant.

"Ntandokayise, we need to talk about the future," one of the family members said, their voice firm but respectful. "You are still young, and you need to remarry. It's the tradition."

Ntandokayise's eyes widened in surprise. "Remarry?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know...I hadn't thought about it."

The family member nodded sympathetically. "We understand it's a lot to take in, but it's necessary. One of the brothers will take you as his wife, to keep the family legacy going."

Ntandokayise's mind reeled as she looked around the room, trying to process what was happening. She didn't know which brother would be taking her as his wife, or what this would mean for her future. All she knew was that she was being asked to make a decision that would change her life forever.

"Which...which brother?" she stammered, her voice trembling.

The family members exchanged glances, and one of them spoke up. "We haven't decided yet, but it will be one of the brothers. You will be taken care of, and the family will continue to support you."

The tension in the room was palpable as Ntandokayise's voice rose in anger. "You can't even respect my husband's memory," she accused, her words laced with pain and frustration. "You're asking me to marry again, to forget about him and move on, without even giving me time to grieve."

The family members shifted uncomfortably in their seats, avoiding her gaze. They knew that Ntandokayise was still reeling from her loss, and that this conversation was not going to be easy.

"We're not trying to disrespect Qwabe's memory," one of them said gently. "But we have to think about the future, and what's best for the family. This is the tradition."

Ntandokayise's eyes flashed with anger. "The tradition?" she repeated, her voice bitter. "Is that all that matters to you? The tradition, the family legacy? What about my feelings? What about my happiness?"

The room fell silent, as the family members struggled to find a response. They knew that Ntandokayise was hurting, and that this conversation was not going to be resolved easily.

As Ntandokayise was speaking, her phone suddenly rang, shrill and insistent. She hesitated for a moment before answering it. "Hello?" she said, her voice tentative.

The person on the other end of the line spoke briefly, and Ntandokayise's expression changed from anger to surprise. "Yes, it's me. Mrs. Qwabe," she replied, her voice firm.

The conversation was short and to the point. "The lawyer?" she asked, and then nodded even though the person on the other end couldn't see her. "Tomorrow? Okay," she said, her voice calm and collected. "Thanks, bye."

She hung up the phone and turned to the Qwabe family members, who were all watching her with interest. "The lawyer wants to see us to discuss the will of my husband," she announced, her voice steady. "Tomorrow."

The room fell silent, as the family members exchanged uneasy glances.

"I guess we'll see each other tomorrow," she said, her voice laced with a mix of emotions. With a soft click of her tongue, she turned and walked out of the room, leaving the Qwabe family members to wonder what the next day would bring. She made her way home, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the meeting with the lawyer and what it might mean for her future.
TBC

15/07/2025

THE QWABE BROTHERS.
CHAPTER 05

The ceremony continued with prayers and chanting, as the elder invoked the ancestors and sought their guidance and protection for Ntandokayise. The air was filled with the scent of burning herbs and incense, purifying the atmosphere and driving out negative spirits. they burned her clothes .

As the ceremony drew to a close, Ntandokayise felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she still had a long journey ahead of her, but she felt more connected to her community and her heritage.

The elder approached her, a warm smile on his face. "Ntandokayise, you are now cleansed,YOU CAN GO, DON'T LOOK BEHIND, " he said, his voice filled with warmth. "You are free to start anew, to rebuild your life and find happiness once more."

Ntandokayise nodded, . She knew that she would always carry the memories of Qwabe with her, but she was ready to move forward, to find a new sense of purpose and belonging .

TBC.
Sorry for the short chapter.

15/07/2025

THE QWABE BROTHERS.
CHAPTER 04

NTANDOKAYISE:

I was still reeling from the argument with my in-laws. I couldn't believe they were trying to control me, to dictate how I should grieve for my husband. I felt like I was losing my mind.

Nkanyiso came to visit me, and I wasn't sure what to expect. He sat down in the living room, looking serious.

"MaSkhakhane , can we talk?" he asked, looking at me with a mixture of sadness and concern.

I nodded, wondering what he wanted to say. "yini Nka?"

He hesitated, looking uncomfortable. "Baba wants to talk to you about the future, and...and about the family."

I raised an eyebrow, sensing where this was going. "Is this about the cleansing ceremony?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Nkanyiso nodded, looking down. "Yes, it's about the cleansing ceremony. Baba thinks it's time for you to move on and...and for us to continue the family legacy."

I felt a surge of anger and frustration. "Move on? You mean forget about Qwabe and marry one of you? Is that what this is about?"

Nkanyiso looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "ngyaxolisa (I'm sorry,) MaSkhakhane . I know this isn't easy for you. But Baba is insistent that we follow tradition."
I stood up, feeling like I was going to explode. "Tradition? You're talking about tradition? Qwabe just died Nka, and you're talking about tradition?"
Nkanyiso stood up, looking at me with a mixture of sadness and empathy. "I know it's hard, Ntando. But please, just listen to what Baba has to say. Maybe you can reason with him." this is the first time he calls me with my name. It's really serious hey?
I shook my head, feeling trapped. "I don't know if I can do that, Nka. I don't know if I can just forget about Qwabe and marry someone else."
Nkanyiso held my hand, his touch warm and gentle. "I know, Kayise, this is hard for me too," he said softly.
I looked up at him, surprised by his words. "You're not...you're not like Baba, are you?" I asked, searching his face for answers.

Nkanyiso's expression was complex. "I'm trying to do what's right, Kayise. But it's not easy when you're caught between family duty and your own feelings."

"I'll do it," I said finally, my voice firm. I need to get this over and done with. I mean wearing this clothes of mourning make me go forward with reverse, so yeah.

Nkanyiso looked at me with a mix of surprise and concern. "Are you sure,MaSkhakhane ? You don't have to do this if you're not ready."

I took a deep breath, trying to steel myself for what was to come. "I'll do it," I said firmly. "I need to get this over and done with."

M
Nkanyiso nodded slowly, his eyes searching mine. "Okay, I'll talk to Baba and let him know. But promise me one thing, Ntandokayise."

"What's that?" I asked, curious.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself, no matter what happens," he said, his voice low and serious.

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "I promise," I said softly.

Nkanyiso's face softened slightly, and he squeezed my hand gently. "I'll be there for you. No matter what."oky?
...

TUESDAY!

As Ntandokayise stood before the gathered family and elders, she felt a mix of emotions: sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty. The cleansing ceremony was about to begin, and she knew that it would mark a significant turning point in her life. The elder, a respected figure in the community, began to speak, calling out the clan names of Ntandokayise's late husband, Qwabe. "Qwabe ka Yeyeye wakithi wena Mpangazitha, phakathwayo, wena wakwa Gumede," he chanted, his voice rising and falling in a rhythmic cadence.

Ntandokayise repeated the clan names after him, her voice barely above a whisper. As she spoke, she felt a sense of connection to her husband's ancestors, and a sense of respect for the traditions that had been passed down through generations.

The elder then led Ntandokayise to a nearby river, where a ritual bath had been prepared. Ntandokayise removed her mourning clothes and stepped into the water, feeling the cool liquid envelop her skin. The elder poured water over her head, symbolically washing away the impurities and negative energies associated with mourning.

As she bathed, Ntandokayise felt a sense of release, as if she was shedding not just her grief, but also the weight of her responsibilities as a widow. She knew that this ceremony marked a new chapter in her life, one that would bring its own set of challenges and opportunities.

After the bath, Ntandokayise was given new clothes to wear, symbolizing her renewed status. She dressed in a vibrant outfit, feeling a sense of hope and renewal.

The ceremony continued with prayers and chanting, as the elder invoked the ancestors and sought their guidance and protection for Ntandokayise. The air was filled with the scent of burning herbs and incense, purifying the atmosphere and driving out negative spirits. they burned her clothes .

Tbc

11/07/2025

THE QWABE BROTHERS.
CHAPTER 03

NKANYISO QWABE:

Nkanyiso Qwabe, one of the Qwabe brothers, sat in the room, still grieving for his brother. He couldn't believe the conversation he was having with his father.

"Baba, with all due respect, I can't marry MaQwabe," Nkanyiso said, trying to reason with his father. "She's my brother's wife. Maybe Nkateko will agree, not me."

His father looked at him sternly. "Nkanyiso, you have to do this to keep our legacy going. You can't let uMakoti take Qwabe's businesses just like that. And it's tradition."

Nkanyiso laughed, amazed by his father's priorities. "So everything to you is about money? Huh? Wow." He turned to his father, his voice rising in frustration. "I thought you could do better, Baba. And what am I going to say to Enhle, my wife? Huh? She's going to think I've lost my mind."

Nkanyiso shook his head, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. He couldn't believe his father was asking him to marry his brother's wife, a woman he considered like a sister-in-law. It went against everything he believed in, and it would ruin his relationship with his wife.

"Nkanyiso, you have a duty to your family and our legacy," Baba insisted. "You can't just think about your own feelings."

Nkanyiso stood up, his anger boiling over. "Duty? Legacy? You're talking about duty and legacy, but what about my brother's memory? What about the pain and suffering we're causing to Ntandokayise? Doesn't that matter to you?"

Baba's expression turned cold. "The family's needs come first, Nkanyiso. You know that."

Nkanyiso shook his head, feeling a deep sadness. "I don't know you anymore, Baba. I really don't."

He turned and walked out of the room, leaving his father sitting alone with his thoughts. Nkanyiso couldn't believe what was happening, and he didn't know how to stop it.

09/07/2025

THE QWABE BROTHERS.
CHAPTER 02.

NTANDOKAYISE :

Their faces were etched with grief, their eyes red from crying.

The sound of dirt hitting the casket echoed through the silence, a haunting reminder that this was the end. I felt like I was losing my grip on reality, like the world was spinning out of control.

As the dirt continued to fall, I whispered my final goodbye. "I love you, Qwabe. Forever and always."

The tears wouldn't stop, and I didn't want them to. I wanted to cry for every moment we'd never share, every laugh we'd never have, every dream we'd never fulfill.

nkanyiso, one of the brothers held me close, his tears mingling with mine as we stood there, surrounded by the silence of death and the weight of our grief.

****

A few hours later, I was at my father-in-law's house. My mom and uncle were there too. They said there was an important meeting. I sat down, bowed to the family, and took my place on the mattress. I was still grieving for my husband, and according to our tradition, I had six months to mourn.

My mom looked afraid and kept swallowing a lump when I looked at her. "Kayise ka mama?" she said, "You know I love you, right?" I nodded, sensing something was wrong. "Yes, I know, Mama. What's wrong?"

Baba cleared his throat, and I turned to him. "I know it's too early, but you're no longer allowed to grieve openly. You can grieve silently." I was taken aback. "I don't follow, Baba."

"We're going to cleanse you on Tuesday," he explained. "You'll be told everything after the ceremony. It's tradition, my child."

I was appalled. "Why am I not allowed to grieve for my husband? That's not fair. We were happy, we had plans, and now you're telling me I have to suppress my emotions? That's cruel."

My mom's expression turned stern. "You will respect the tradition, Ntandokayise."

I turned to my mom, my anger rising. "Mama, is this why you can't keep a man? You control people, you dictate how they should feel and behave. You're doing the same thing here."

My mom looked taken aback, but I didn't care. "I'm not going to be silenced or controlled. I have the right to grieve for my husband, to mourn him in my own way."

I turned back to Baba. "This tradition is unfair. It's cruel and heartless. You're taking away my right to grieve, to process my emotions. What kind of tradition is that?"

Baba's face turned red with anger. "Ntandokayise, you're being disrespectful. You will do as you're told."

I laughed, a bitter laugh. "No, I won't. I won't be controlled or silenced. I'll grieve for my husband, no matter what you say."

I stood up, my eyes blazing with anger. "No, fu8ck you all here. Actually, fu8ck everyone who thinks I'm not allowed to grieve for my only husband. Fuc8k this tradition, and fu8ck anyone who tries to take away my right to mourn."

Baba reprimanded me, "Ntandokayise, show some respect!"

I snapped and clicked my tongue, walking out of the house. "I won't show respect to people who are trying to control me, who are trying to take away my rights. I'll do things my way, and I won't be silenced."

I stormed out to my house, determined to do things my way.

09/07/2025

THE QWABE BROTHERS
CHAPTER 01

NTANDKAYISE :

Today is the day I've never been ready for – the funeral day of my beloved. I still can't believe everything turned out this way. We were enjoying our lives; he was only 34 years old, for goodness' sake (I'm 29). My father-in-law said, "Makoti, it's time." I knew it was time for me to make a speech, so I would speak from the bottom of my heart.

I stood up, took the microphone, and cleared my throat. I looked at th casket.

"My love, my everything, Qwabe... I'm still trying to understand why you had to leave so soon. We had plans, dreams, and a future to build together. Your laughter, your smile, and your kind heart – everything about you made me feel seen and loved.

"I remember our university days when we first met, and how our love grew stronger with each passing day. You were my rock, my partner, and my best friend. I'll cherish the memories we made, the adventures we had, and the quiet moments we shared.

"To your family, I want to thank you for being my family too. Your love, support, and kindness mean the world to me.

"Qwabe, I know you're no longer in pain, and that's some comfort. But for me, it's hard to say goodbye. I'll miss you every day, every hour, and every second. I'll carry you in my heart and keep our memories alive.

"Rest now, my love. Fly high, and know that I'll always love you."

Sllence, followed by soft sobs and murmurs of condolence

As I finished speaking, the room fell silent. The casket was slowly lowered into the ground, and I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces. Tears streamed down my face as I gazed at the casket, my body shaking with each sob.

The Qwabe brothers stood beside me, their arms wrapped around me, holding me up as I wept. Their faces were etched with grief, their eyes red from crying.

TBC.

07/07/2025

THE QWABE BROTHERS.
PROLOGUE.

"Qwabe, wake up, baby, don't leave me," I said, tears dripping down my cheeks, mixing with the blood that stained my hands. The chaotic sounds of the crash still echoed in my ears, drowning out the sirens that wailed in the distance. We had been on our way to Paris to celebrate our five-year anniversary, dreams of romance dancing in our heads, when everything turned into a nightmare.

The car lay crumpled against a tree, a twisted metal carcass that once held our laughter and plans. I tried to shake him awake, my heart pounding in my chest, but Qwabe lay motionless, his face pale against the dark leather of the seat. Panic clawed at my throat as I remembered the last moments before the impact—how we had been laughing, joking about who would take the best selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower.

"Please, Qwabe," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You can’t leave me like this. We were supposed to make memories, not end like this." I felt the warmth of tears flow freely now, the reality of the situation settling in like a heavy weight.

I could see the flickering lights of emergency vehicles approaching in the distance, but it felt like an eternity before they reached us. Time seemed to freeze in that moment, as if the universe were holding its breath along with me. I cradled his head in my lap, feeling the warmth fading from his body.

As the paramedics rushed to the car, their voices became a blur, but I was focused solely on Qwabe. I couldn’t let this be the end. "Fight for us, Qwabe," I urged, my voice breaking. "We have so much left to do."

The medics worked quickly, cutting away the wreckage to reach him. One of them looked at me with sympathetic eyes. "We’re doing everything we can," he said, but I could see the uncertainty in his gaze. My heart sank.

In that moment, I thought of all the plans we had made—the trips, the dreams, the life we were building together. How could it all vanish in an instant? I remembered Qwabe’s laughter, the way his eyes sparkled when he spoke about our future, and I clung to those memories like a lifeline.

As they wheeled him away on a stretcher. I wouldn't let this be the end of our story. If Qwabe fought, I would fight too. I would be there for him, no matter the outcome. I wouldn’t let our love be defined by this moment of tragedy.

With my heart racing, I followed the ambulance, my mind racing with fear and hope. I had to believe that our love was stronger than fate, stronger than any darkness that threatened to pull us apart.

And so began my fight to save not just Qwabe, but the dreams we had built together in those five beautiful years. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of a journey that would test the very limits of love, resilience, and the lengths one would go to for the ones they hold dear.

**
I slept at the hospital, and the Qwabe brothers came to visit me. They told me to go home, take a bath, and assured me that everything would be alright. I couldn't believe that Qwabe's condition was being downplayed like that. After I finished getting ready, I took my phone and was determined to head back to the hospital when a call came through from my father-in-law. "Baba, I'm coming," I said, closing the door and heading to the car.

" Makoti, he couldn't make it," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

I laughed, trying to reassure him. "Baba, I'm coming, don't worry, that's my man, he won't play like that." But his words sent a shiver down my spine.

As I arrived at the hospital, I saw the Qwabe brothers again. They hugged me tightly, trying to offer what little comfort they could. I pushed aside my doubts and focused on being strong for Qwabe and his family.

I walked into the ICU, my heart racing with every step. Qwabe lay still, surrounded by machines beeping and whirring. I took his hand in mine, feeling a surge of determination. "I'm here, Qwabe," I whispered. "You can do this." The machines seemed to hum in response, but Qwabe's eyes remained closed.

I sat down beside him, holding his hand and talking to him softly. "Qwabe, please wake up. I need you." The words poured out of me like tears, and I felt my heart breaking with every passing moment. But I refused to give up. I would hold on to hope, no matter how fragile it seemed."Qwabe, wake up, baby, don't leave me," I said, tears dripping down my cheeks, mixing with the blood that stained my hands. The chaotic sounds of the crash still echoed in my ears, drowning out the sirens that wailed in the distance. We had been on our way to Paris to celebrate our five-year anniversary, dreams of romance dancing in our heads, when everything turned into a nightmare.
The car lay crumpled against a tree, a twisted metal carcass that once held our laughter and plans. I tried to shake him awake, my heart pounding in my chest, but Qwabe lay motionless, his face pale against the dark leather of the seat. I can't lose him. Not now, not ever.

TBC.
Let's camp babies❤️🥹🥹🥹🥹

Authoress Palesa

15/09/2025

20/07/2025

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