LOVE & POLYGAMY

Chapter 1

I am Alizwa Dlamini and I'm 27 years old. I am the Superintendent of the Department of Tourism in South Africa. Not to brag but I'm smart as hell and I'm the youngest Superintendent in the history of South Africa. I have two elder brothers and both my parents are still alive (Thankfully!) I have a very handsome and loving fiancé and we will get married in a month. He is a politician and the leader of the opposing party.

It is the weekend and me and my bestie Asakhanya are chilling at home listening to some slow jams while eating snacks and chatting. We are both wearing sweatpants and knitted track tops, I'm wearing a doek to cover my huge afro, the weekend is me time so that means I don't even touch my crown.

"It's sad how we spend our weekends on our couches instead of being out partying like other people our age." She says feigning sadness. "It's calming to be at home because you know my job requires attending endless parties and socializing." I say while going for another scoop of ice cream. "Only you would not enjoy that lifestyle" She says shaking her head.

"On a serious note, have your parents finally agreed to let you marry Xola?" I shake my head. She looks at me with her serious face and I know that a lecture is coming. "They are just concerned about you. The polygamy lifestyle is cutthroat, and Xola already has four wives! Are you sure you want to go through with this?" She asks the question for what seems to be the millionth

time.

"I'm certain. I love Xola, and being the busy person that I am having sister wives ensures that my husband will be taken care of when I'm on business trips." I tell her while looking straight at her eyes. "The traditional wedding is in a month and your family has not even accepted his lobola(dowry)" She says with a resigned look, "I know it's a disaster!" I don't know why they can't just support my decision, I'm an adult. A call from Xola takes me out of my gloomy mood, he tells me that my family has finally agreed for us to get married and accepted his lobola. I scream in happiness.

"Whoa! What was that about?" She asked her voice laced with concern." I'm beaming with happiness, "My parents have finally agreed!!" She also joins me in screaming before saying

"This calls for a celebration, Imma get some bubbly and let's turn up the music and switch to the yanos!(The yanos is a South African music genre widely known as Amapiano.) We take out the champagne glasses and turn on Umsebenzi Wethu by Mpura and Lady Du.