Scandal of Love

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SCANDAL OF LOVE.

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WRITTEN BY: Kennedy C. Katongo.
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CHAPTER ONE: IN THE BEGINNING.
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Like any morning, it was beautiful and sunny when Mark received a phone call from Mutinta’s brother. He had never called Mark before, in fact, he was against them being together.

How can you meet a guy from Facebook and two years down the line you want to marry him? This was his reaction when Mutinta spoke to him about Marks intention for their relationship.

What! No- No- please tell me that’s not true. Tell me that’s not true! Mark shouted.

He got up and left in a rush, the door to his house was open. When his neighbor saw him, There was no chance to even exchange greetings.

No- No. Please Lord. He said repeatedly as he ran to Mutinta’s house.

It was a 15 minute walk to her place. When Mark arrived, he was sweating and breathing heavily. He immediately spotted Mutinta’s brother, even though there was a crowd of people outside the house: Mark forcefully found his way through.

Whats happening here? A man who was passing by asked.
One young lady’s from the crowd answered, Ni Mutinta, Naipaya.

When some of the people who had no idea what was happening heard this, they all murmured in unison.
Mark was confused, he didn’t want to believe what he had been told. But how could he? It was just yesterday when they spent the entire morning together. It wasn’t much, but they spoke about how their wedding would be and made other small plans.

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THREE DAYS LATER.
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Mark sat on the floor, he hadn’t said a word since the whole house retuned from the cemetery. His eyes were red and swollen, tears had dried up.

In that moment, Mutinta’s mother was brought in, held from handed to hand by the neighbors as she screamed her lungs out.

Mutinta eeeh! Why have you done this to me?
What will be said of me sure. Mutinta!

No one really knew what had happened to Mutinta, other than the fact that she took her on life. With a note to her side, she cut open her veins and bled to death.

Mark! Why did you let her do this? Mutinta’s sister cried out as she followed behind her mother.

The funeral house was filled with people who had more questions than answers.

It doesn’t make sense, I don’t see any reason why she could take her life. An elderly man who lived opposite their house said.
Look at the young man, after paying everything and then his wife to be just takes her own life. It’s such a sad thing. Another man added in a whisper.

Mark heard them but just looked away. The pain and shock was to much.

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A YEAR LATER.
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Mark had been consistent with his visits to Mutinta’s house ever since she passed on.

Mark, welcome my son. Mutinta’s mother called out as soon as she saw him walk in.
Thank you mah. He responded.
What are you doing here? I told you not to be coming here everyday. She said to him; he face was filled with worry of what would happen to Mark.
But mum, where can I go if am not here? I know there is nothing we can do about the past other than learn from it. Nevertheless, you are my in-laws. Mark responded.
I understand that my sonny, but you need to move on. You are too young to live like this. What has been done, has been done. You need to move on with life. Mutinta’s mum added as she tapped Marks shoulder.

A tear found itself on the ground as Mark heard those words.

Move on! But to where mama? Your daughter was everything to me. I don’t know where to go, give me a signal mama… Mark cried out.
Don’t cry Mark, you need to be strong. You a man. Umwaume tafwaika alelila lila. Mutinta’s mother said in her calm voice.

Both of Marks parents where late, the only person he now felt close and free to open up to was Mutinta’s mother. The woman who could have been his mother in law.

A couple of hours later Mark was on his way home. ladies kept flashing there eyes at him while others whispered, Thats the guy whom the girlfriend committed suicide.
But Mark kept his step firm and never bothered to respond or say a thing.

Mark! Mark! A voice called out.

He stood to see who it was: It was his best friend Ken.
The two of them blasted in excitement and joyfully exchanged greetings.

Look at you man, how long has it been? Mark questioned in excitement.
Its been 3 years. Ken answered with a laugh.
London has been good to you, look at you, you now have some flesh on those bones. Mark remarked as they both laughed.

It was small talk after small talk as two old friends updated each other on the matters of life.
Ken was already aware of what happened to Marks girlfriend, nevertheless, he kept silent about it as they spoke.

So how are you moving on? Ken asked him.
I haven’t been moving on. All I do is stare at her photos and read threw the note she wrote. I feel like I live the same day everyday. Mark laughed slightly.
I understand, it’s never easy to move on when you have already stopped the engine. But again, we can not dwell on the past and expect a future that Is different. You are the one who taught me that. Ken said warmly.
Enough about me and my undefined life. Let’s talk about you. Mark exclaimed excitedly.
There is nothing much to really talk about… Before he could finish, Ken was cut short.
You know what am talking about, Do you have a wife? Any Kids? Mark asked directly.
No way. Am not ready for such levels of commitment. Besides marriage has never been my thing. Ken responded in a flash.

Wait, You still afraid of getting married? Mark exclaimed.
Am not afraid. Am just not ready. Those are two different things my good man. Ken responded.
I see, you haven’t changed a bit about that. Mark sighed heavily.
I don’t get why marriage is such a big deal, Am sure once I figure that out, then I will be ready. Ken smiled as they walked.

Mark and Ken met during there colleges days, since then, their friendship has been worth it.

There is a girl I have been trying to know though.
What did you just say? Asked Mark.
Am saying I met a girl. Ken responded.
And?
And nothing. We still friends that’s all. It’s nothing to get excited about. Ken said with a smile.
What does she do? Mark asked.
She’s a teacher at Open Words Primary School.
Wow! How did you pull that one off? Mark asked curiously.
We met on a bus when i was heading to town some one week ago. And we’ve been chatting since then. Messenger mostly.
You have always been a texty guy. Am happy for you. Mark smiled as he tapped Ken on the back.
Why you acting like am getting married? Ken asked Mark.
Because it starts from there. Mark laughed out loud.

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WRITTEN BY: Kennedy C. Katongo.
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