Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 8

NQOBILE MSIBI

I was always an ambitious girl. Never afraid of going after what I want, whatever the consequences. I am originally from a town in Mpumalanga called Middleburg, which is very big on farming. Most of my peers opted to study for agriculture just so they could obtain jobs easier after finishing their studies. But I stuck out like a sore thumb with my passion of becoming a pastry chef. I finished grade 12 at 15 years. I wasn’t only forward at school, but I was also smart. That’s why I skipped two grades. I went to University of Pretoria at age 16 to study BSc in Culinary Science. I always thought I was going to get work easily after obtaining my degree but that wasn’t the case. 

Somehow, I started applying for apprenticeship in KZN and one of the hotels in Richards Bay called me for an interview. I spent my last savings and booked a bus trip. When my interview failed, I was devastated. I thought of the money I had spent to come to Richards Bay. I really thought I would succeed but somehow, I failed. Even with my attractive qualification.

I am grateful for Hlengiwe. She took one look at me and just believed in me. She trusted me even though she didn’t know me or where I came from. She welcomed me into her home and gave me a job. I thought she would turn on me and start illtreating me but that wasn’t the case. Two years later, she is still treating me the same way as she did when she first saw me. That woman has a big heart and I love her.

“At 1KZN TV, they are calling for chefs to participate on the new season of Umshayi Webhodwe and I have submitted my profile.” I start off the conversation and she looks up from her laptop. She smiles.
“That’s great. I really hope they pick you so that you will show those people how things are really done in the kitchen. I am not dissing the chefs there, but I know you can do a better job and even win while at that.” She responds and goes back to what she is doing. She always wish for the best in everyone, and she is not a jealous boss who will castrate you for wanting to do something better with your life.

I clear my throat and she gives me a bored look. She knows I am summoning her attention. I am sure she is going to go crazy when she hears the news, I have for her. “I may or may have not compiled a profile on you and sent it to one of the biggest cooking shows in the country.”
She frowns and closes her laptop. I now know I have her full attention. “What are you talking about, Nqo?”

“Don’t hit me, okay?” she groans, and I laugh. “I submitted your profile on MasterChef South Africa, and I just received an email from them. I don’t know whether it’s a ‘we regret to inform you’ email, or it’s a ‘we congratulate you for’ email.”
Her eyes pop out and she literally freezes. She breathes in and out after a few minutes or so and then she screams. “Give me that laptop.” I laugh and walk over to her. “Wait, don’t give it to me. Check the response for me. I don’t wanna be disappointed.”

I laugh and then clear my throat. “Dear Chef Hlengi. Congratulations on making it past our first qualification round. We were very intrigued by your portfolio and your reputation. We would like to invite you to an on-camera interview at our headquarters in Sandton on the 15th of May 2024. We hope to hear from you soon and if you are still interested, please respond to us soon. Kind Regards, MasterChef South Africa.” Wait, what?

She looks at me for a while before standing up and screaming. She does a mini celebration dance before she remembers her injury and curses, sitting back down at her place. “Wow, Nqo. You did that for me?” her eyes water and she heaves. She starts breathing heavily and I place the laptop on the table before rushing to her. I squat in front of her and hold her hands.

“Are you okay? Do you need water? Or something else?” I ask and she shakes her head while smiling.
She swallows hard. “I am okay, Nqobile. I am just happy. You have made me the happiest woman alive. I can’t believe this.” She smiles and tears start falling from her cheeks. She hugs me tightly and starts sobbing. “OMG! Nqobile, I don’t know what to say.”
I laugh. “A simple ‘thank you’ will suffice.” She giggles.