IS THIS LOVE Episode – 26

 

IS THIS LOVE – Episode 26

A story by Kennedy C Katongo

 

THE ILLUSION OF MARRIAGE-1

After a successful 1hr of talking on phone with Mwenda. He finally agreed to get the K500 I had offered him.

His other concern was that she would soon start talking about marriage since most of the friends in her circle had gotten married. With the way Mwenda lived out his life at college, I knew very well he wasn’t ready to get married just yet. He was the type that made every pretty lady a target to shag. No wonder him and the girlfriend always exchanged phones on a regular basis just so she could make sure he wasn’t entertaining any girls. That never worked.

“I still don’t think am ready for marriage Chileshe. It gives me the creeps.” Mwenda said. His words were accompanied by a mischievous laugh – more like a nervous one.

“I know you not ready.” I replied with a big smile on my face, it was sad he couldn’t see it.

“You didn’t have to rub it on my face you know… At least you could have said, ‘Really!’ then you deny my statement.” Mwenda complained. He knew it as well as I did that we were both in the same boat on the Kariba. More like the popular phrase, ‘Birds of the same feathers.’ “What’s the point of having to finish school, then get married, have a bunch of kids and then grow old. It’s like life is just a routine.” He added.

“You starting to sound like someone who has been thinking about marriage a lot. Don’t pressure yourself, you might end up calling for a divorce just after a month. But I think, marriage has more substance to it than how it’s been portrayed today.” I said in a thoughtful way.

“What’s that substance? All I see is people getting loans to satisfy an audience for one day and then remain the rest of their life suffering. Tell me what that substance is man because I don’t see it at all.” He said as he struggled to find words to express himself.

If only I knew what the same substance I spoke about was. Like my friend Mwenda, I was curious. The good part part for me was I didn’t have the pressure of a female on my back.

@@ @@ MATIMBA @@ @@

The ladies were going crazy, my cousin had invited two of her friends which brought us to a total of 5. The others had passed and said they wanted to spend time with their men.

After a good amount of shots and siders to go, all of us were on the edge of cracking jokes and laughing.

“Okay! It’s my turn now. I also have a question to ask since we talking about relationships.” “What things don’t you like – that your man does?” She asked. This was one of my cousin’s friends. I wanted to say I wasn’t dating, but again, it seemed not to be the case from a physical point of view. Ben and I had become pretty close.

“I will go first on that one!” My cousin called out from where she sat. “What I hate right? Let’s see, I hate it when my man tries to kiss me whilst he hasn’t brushed his teeth.” She said. We all began to laugh.

“My point as well. I don’t know if they think it’s romantic or something. It’s disgusting, makes one want to throw up.” Lister commented as she laughed.

“Come on ladies. It’s not that bad. What can you do, you sleeping over, can you find time to even remind him to brush his teeth. The taste of fresh tooth paste in your friends mouth yak! I would rather kiss him just.” The other lady said, she seemed to be the I don’t care type of person.

“What about you Matimba?” Lister asked.

“I seriously haven’t paid attention to that. I won’t lie.” I laughed, “But one thing I can’t stand is a man that has a bad smell. That is something I can’t compromise on…” I added.

“Mama on that one. I also can’t, a man needs to know roll-on, at least even when there is no perfume and spray -” One of the girls commented.

I had lost count of how many bottles of Hunters I had taken at this point, but how could I even remember? The chats we were having were weird and interesting at the same time.

“What about you Lister?” My cousin asked her.

“That’s not fair, I was about to point at you.” She responded. “Okay. Let’s see. A man who dresses like a gangster, that is a total turn off for me. I mean, before I even listen to anything he says, if his pants are hanging below his butt and those baggy shorts. Awe I can’t.” Lister said irritably.

This reminded me of a day we were at Arcades and a young boy approached us. The way she shamed the poor boy just because of the way he was dressed.

“A man needs to look ‘clean’. Doesn’t he know that when he steps up to me his entire generation is being represented by him?” I commented.

“You ladies are hush mah!” My cousin’s friend commented.

“It’s my turn now…” My cousin jumped in, “Matimba ask me what I hate…” She told me happily.

“You crazy. Okay. What thing do guys do that you hate?” I asked her.

“I hate men who are full of themselves. The some-of-us type of idiots.” She said.

Everyone cracked in laughed. The funny thing was that almost each one of us could relate to her statement.

“Like for real. Why should a guy be behaving like a lady? There is already me in the relationship – we don’t need to be two.” My cousin added.

Her words reminded me of my immediate ex-boyfriend. To think of it, up to know I doubt I really knew who he was. The dude had different personalities, he would be all humble and romantic when he was asking for money and would suddenly switch once he got what he wanted.

He was the type that was unashamed, he would make a budget for my money and took an extra step to even want to dictate how I spent it. Lister would always laugh at me. But love is stubborn.

One of the newbies, a friend to my cousin, was the last one to contribute…”I hate how they look financially stable until you date them. These sons of Pharaoh can pretend.” She said. Again we all began laughing.

“I distance myself from that ….” I said immediately.

.

.

.

“Excuse me please…” A man walked up to me. He had a blue jacket, black shirt and a black damaged trouser. Despite that not being my cup of tea, I must admit he looked fine to the bone.

“Yes please…”

“I couldn’t help myself – I’ve been noticing you for some time now. You a group and I just couldn’t find the courage to approach you at the table.” “My name’s Kennedy.” He said Flawlessly. The way he spoke was like he was drifting on words, more of a poet who had polished his lines.

“Nice to meet you Kenny. Hope you don’t mind if I call you that?” She shook his head. “So how can I help you?” I asked him.

“I was hoping that… Maybe I can buy you a drink, what you say?” He asked me.

“Well. Am already with the group. Besides, I can hold my own. Thanks.” I responded and began to head back to the table.

“I didn’t get your name!” He shouted.

“I don’t have one.” I responded with a giggle.

 

To be continued…