Saved By A Zulu Man (Book 1)

Orientation day

- Marang -
I was enjoying a peaceful sleep when my alarm jolted me awake. The day had finally come - orientation day. All the doubts I had about going to college had vanished, thanks to Koki and Zweli.

After a quick shower, I threw on something comfortable and sat down to have breakfast with Koki, who had an early interview.

"So, tell me about this mystery man. You were laughing way too hard last night during your call." Koki teased, sipping his coffee.

I tried not to blush but failed miserably.

"It's too early to say his name, but he's a good man. He wants to take me out for lunch soon."

"Hmmm, I thought you were taking things slow."

"Come on, he's older but not too old. He knows what he's doing. We're both on Tinder for a reason, right? So, why be surprised by the lunch date?"

"Okay, okay. So, what's his name?" Koki leaned in, grinning.

I cleared my throat, trying to play it cool.

"Zulu. Dinuzulu. Happy now?"

"Hell yeah, Mrs. Dinuzulu!" He laughed, grabbing his things.

"Good luck at school today." he added.

"You too! Knock 'em dead at your interview!" I called out, giving him a kiss on the cheek as he left.
-
I stepped out of the Uber and took a deep breath, staring up at the tall building before me. The bold letters read "IIE Rosebank College." As I walked inside, I was struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The sleek, modern design gave off an air of elegance, with polished marble floors, large windows flooding the space with light, and vibrant artwork on the walls.

I felt a sense of excitement as I watched students buzzing around, chatting, typing away on their laptops, and working on projects. It felt like a place where I could belong, a place filled with possibilities.

Suddenly, a tap on my shoulder snapped me out of my daze.

"Hi. Which class are you headed to?" A guy asked.

"Uh, it says floor two, room-"

"You here for orientation?" he interrupted.

I nodded.

"This way." he gestured.

"I'm Philane, by the way."

I followed him to the classroom, where students had already started making friends. I found a seat at the back among the quieter ones who were more focused on their phones than socializing. Philane joined his friends at the front, leaving me to take everything in.

A few minutes later, a white man entered, and the room fell silent.

"Good morning, class. I'm Collen Peterson, your lecturer. Now, today is not a formal teaching day, so relax. I'm just here to go over some important information. It won't take long, I promise."

The class let out a collective sigh of relief.

After settling into his seat, Mr. Peterson said.

"Let's take a moment to introduce ourselves. Starting from the back, please tell us your name, where you're from, and why you chose this course."

There were murmurs around the room. None of us expected introductions today. My eyes darted to the guy at the back, who looked more nervous than I was.

Mr. Peterson pointed to him.

"You with the black hat, go ahead."

The guy stood up, taking a deep breath.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Lebogang Mphahlele, from Pretoria CBD. I chose this course because I want to make a difference in my community by understanding how governments and organizations work."

We clapped as he sat down, and the introductions continued. Before I knew it, it was my turn. I froze for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Ma'am, we're waiting." Mr. Peterson's voice snapped me out of it.

I stood up, wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Hi, everyone. I'm Marang Ngoepe from Karenpark. Honestly, I'm not sure why I chose this course, but I believe it will lead me to a path of purpose. I'm eager to find my passion and strengths through this journey."

Mr. Peterson nodded approvingly, and the introductions wrapped up. As Mr. Peterson went on about the school portal and assignments, and my mind kept wandering back to Lebogang. Something about him intrigued me. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I was drawn to him.
-
At 3 p.m., I finally made it home after running some errands. Mia, my older sister, was in the living room.

"How was your first day?" she asked.

I flopped onto the couch, kicking off my shoes.

"It was fine. Classes start next week, so I've got time to prepare."

"As you should. Marang, there's something I need to tell you." Her tone shifted, catching my attention.

I sat up, sensing something serious.

"What is it?" i asked.

"I'm leaving this place..."

Silence filled the room.

"Oleseng paid the lobola. I'm getting married."

My heart sank. My sister, my best friend, was leaving, and I was the last to know. The weight of her words hit me like a ton of bricks.

"When?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"In two weeks."

I felt a whirlwind of emotions - shock, sadness, and betrayal. Two weeks? That's all the time I had left with her?

Just then, Koketso walked in.

"Hey, what's up?" He asked, but his face fell when he saw mine.

"Ask her," I muttered.

Koketso turned to Mia, who simply shrugged.

"I'm getting married, Koketso. That's it."

I exploded.

"And you knew too, didn't you? You both kept it from me!"

Koketso held up his hands defensively.

"I had no idea, Marang."

Mia sighed.

"We didn't tell you because we knew you'd react like this. It's not about you. I have my own life now."

Her words cut deep. Without another word, I ran to my room and locked the door, collapsing onto my bed in tears. I grabbed my phone and called Zweli.

"Sawubona, nkosazana. What's wrong?"

Through my sobs, I told him everything.

"I'm so sorry. That must hurt. But I'm here for you, always. Do you want to go out?"

"I'd love that." I sniffled.

"But you're not in Gauteng, are you?" i added.

"No, but I'll be back soon. And I'll be by your side for your sister's wedding, okay?"

I smiled a little, feeling comforted by his words.

"Thank you."

As we talked, his calm voice eased my frustration, and I realized I needed to take a break. So, I lay down for a nap, hoping that with some rest, things would feel clearer in the morning.