Chapter 3 — A Chance Encounter

As Qhawekazi arrived at the river, she noticed two girls giggling and drawing water from the well pump. She joined the queue, her eyes fixed on the girls, who seemed to be snickering at her. She ignored them, her mind preoccupied with her father's harsh words and Dineo's malicious insults.

Just as she began to draw water, a voice behind her made her heart skip a beat. "Simomondiya! (Gorgeous)" Luthando's voice echoed, his smile illuminating the surroundings.

Qhawekazi's face brightened, her white teeth gleaming in the sunlight. "Hey to you too, Luthando," she replied, her heart racing with excitement.

They shared a warm hug, Qhawekazi's heart fluttering in her chest. She couldn't deny the feelings she had for Luthando, her friend and sort-of crush.

As they drew water together, their banter flowed effortlessly, their laughter and teasing filling the air. Qhawekazi felt at ease with Luthando, her heart swelling with happiness.

As they walked back to her hut, Luthando carrying the heavy buckets with a determined grip, Qhawekazi couldn't help but admire his commitment to making her his wife. His eyes shone with love, not lust, and she felt safe and cherished in his presence.

Their conversation turned to Luthando's plans for the future, his determination to get a job and save up for new cattle to replace his tired ones. Qhawekazi listened intently, her heart filled with pride and admiration for this young man who had captured her heart.

As they approached her hut, Qhawekazi's father emerged, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Luthando. "Qhawekazi, who is this boy?" he growled, his voice dripping with disdain.

Qhawekazi's heart sank, her mind racing with excuses. But Luthando stood tall, his eyes locked on hers, his smile unwavering. "I'm Luthando, sir. And I'm here to ask for Qhawekazi's hand in marriage."

Qhawekazi's father snorted, his face reddening with anger. "Marriage? You think you're worthy of my daughter? You're just a poor boy with nothing to offer!"

Luthando stood his ground, his eyes never leaving Qhawekazi's face. "I may not have much, sir, but I have a heart that loves and respects your daughter. And I promise to work hard and provide for her."

Qhawekazi's father sneered. "You're just a dreamer, boy. You'll never amount to anything. Qhawekazi, come inside. You're not going to waste your time with this useless boy."

Qhawekazi hesitated, her heart torn between her father's demands and her own desires. But Luthando's words echoed in her mind, "I'm a man, I got this." She took a deep breath and stood up to her father. "No, Baba. I want to be with Luthando. He makes me happy."

Her father's face turned purple with rage, but Qhawekazi stood her ground. Luthando's eyes shone with pride and admiration, and he took her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

"We have a deal, remember?" he whispered, his voice full of promise.

Qhawekazi smiled, her heart soaring. She knew that she had found her partner, her rock, her future. And nothing would ever tear them apart.