13. Family

With Les home; Francis' interaction with his friends was limited. He dedicated most of his time to his little girl. He even boasted that having a daughter was much bettrr than having a son because now he could taste the types of food no one has ever dreamt of. Other days he even invited the entire "Khotla men" to come to his house to taste some goodies prepared by Les.

Although his endeavours carried no evil intentions; they seemed weary to his wife while Leseli saw them as a chance to get acquanted with elders of her village.

She grew up outside her village; thus becoming less common with people around her whenever she was home. This little light was indeed a glimmer of hope for the entire village because her being a student doctor helped most families to view girls' education differently. Hence because of her; more than half of the girls in her village had gone thyough high school.

The Semethe Family also had a gathering through her advice. She had the biggest opportunity to meet her cousin's, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, e.t.c.

She was indeed over the moon, though she could not show the emotions easily. The family's reunion wasn't something that came wuthout critics, yet it was priceless to those who had heard about her but never had a chance to meet her. She was just a humbe girl, unthusiastic and bright. Even those who haboured malicious intent were out of words upon meeting her.

"Look, she is nothing like she eas potrayed."

"Yes, those who badmouthed her were clearly jelous of our cousin. its not everyday you find a beautiful girl who is also brilliant."

"Yes, yes indeed."

"Have you heard that she prepared all the food here today?"

"Oh really? Perhaps she learnt everything overseas. I envy her parents."

The two women who were chatting paid no attention to the words of the elder.

The best part for them was the food she prepared. She had previously spend the almo6st three days preparing for the meeting. She wanted things to go splendid.

Among her cousins, she was introduced to Nthabi. She was her senior by a few years and an elite of the family; hence their friendship started almost immediately. Nthabi was more than delighted thag at last she could reveal that among all her aunts and uncles, she loved Francis the most. Perhaps because her late father looked like Francis, or because they never joined the factions within the family.

'Mabohlokoa told Les that Nthabi was engaged. "Nthabi, perhaps you can also introduce your cousin to someone," she winked at Nthabi. "How will I cope with her and her father under one roof?"

"Oh aunty! feel st ease. If my old man is bothering you I can always take him to the city."

"Uh!Forget it. I'd be bored to death without his complaints." 'Mabohlokoa hugged the girls and left.

"Cousin, knowing you has been my dream come true today. I want you to know that you are my favourite." Nthabi said with a weak smile.

"I feel honoured too. and I hope we will chat often." Leseli said bimming with a huge smile on her face.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

As they chatted about other staff, a white Ford Ranger stopped a few miles from where they were standing, and a tall well built; masculine man hopped out of the car. Leseli was enchanted with her cousin and never bothered paying any attention to the newcomer.

He could not figure out who Leseli was either as he waslked towards these two.

Leseli watched as her cousin's smile reached her cold eyes and gave off the warm feeling. She followed the direction of her gaze and stiffed. It was him! She felt her mouth going dry and her throat itching. She wanted to run away but felt helpless.

The man gave Nthabi a hug and a kissed her forehead. "Honey," his voice was deep and dreamy. "...I came to fetch you. I heard you were here and wanted to meet...."

suddenly his tongue froze. He met those eyes.

Nthabi felt the atmosphere going tense. She caughed and shook the man :"Ati Stebo, starring is rude. Les, forgive my fiance's behaviour."

The man said :"I just didnt know that the two of you knew each other. no offense."

Leseli bowed her head slightly, "None taken. If you'll excuse me cousin, I'll go and see if I'm needed."

"Cousin?Nthabi!" Stebo looked at his fiance questionly.

"Oh, Les before you leave let me introduce you. This is my fiance, your future cousin in-law." she blushed hard and looked at her fiance, "Ati Stebo, this is my cousin Leseli."

Leseli! He wanted to shout but couldn't embarass himself before Nthabi. He was short of words and only nod his head to acknowledge her.

Leseli did the same and walke away. She still remembered that last time she met him she made a fool of herself.

"Ba re leoto ke moloi," she said to herself. She walked quickly passed the relatives who sat in groups to discuss matters and rushed in her room. She stood by the door as she calmed her heart. She threw herself on th bed... Fiance? How can I have such bad luck? The first man I ever liked is my cousin's fiance!!This ia bad. This is really bad.

How will Nthabi understand why I walked away like that? Surely I'm a dead meat.

But whats this feeling again? Love or crush? she shrugged her shoulders and sighed. Whatever it was is done and over. My family comes first.

She stood up and left her room feeling a rush of courage.When she entered the living room, her eyes met Stebo's. He was sitting by Nthabi's side holding her hand. Les felt a pang of pain in her chest but smiled wryly as she looked at her parents.

"Les, I hope you met our future in-law," her father said nodding his head to Stebo.

"Oh yes father I have. I am happy for you cousin. The two of you are a couple made in heaven."

Stebo felt wronged. He looked at Leseli blankly and wanted to shout "I was betrothed to her since young! this is not my doing." but how could he?

He bit his lip and forced a smile "I met cousin Leseli in Cuba sometime ago while I was on business." He said all these because Nthabi caught him eyeballing Leseli.

"I just didnt know that the two of you were related. Forgive my manners."

"You two met before?" Leseli's parents both questioned looking at Leseli with doubt.

"Uh it was nothing back then," she pushed down a lump thag was forming in her throat, "He was with Petro and I was in a hurry that we did not even get introduced."

"Oh,great then." Nthabi said with a childish grin, "perhaps it will be a good if you become my maid of honour."

"Please cousin. I have never attended a wedding before and I am very clumsy. forgive my incompetence."

"No is not an option," 'Mabohlokoa said, "...And its a must do!" Francis, who had a habit of finishing off his wife's sentences said.

Leseli looked helpless. How could she say no now? The die has been rolled.

oh!Does this mean I'm going to interract with him often? This is bad.

"Cousin, I'll be back. I have something to attend first." Leseli said before leaving in a hurry.