DANGEROUS AFFAIR

From Zero To Hero

CHAPTER 2

NARRATED

BUHLEBENDALO BHENGU

Buhle's eyes fluttered open as the car slowed down, and she gazed out the window at the unfamiliar streets of Johannesburg. The city's vibrant energy pulsed through her veins, and a smile spread across her face as she took it all in. Lumko's father's car came to a stop in front of a sleek apartment building, and Buhle's eyes widened as she took in the modern architecture.

As she stepped out of the car, the Johannesburg air filled her lungs, and she felt a thrill of excitement. She followed Lumko and his father into the apartment, her eyes scanning the spacious interior. She was shown to her room, and her jaw dropped as she took in the beautifully furnished space. It was a far cry from her cozy room back home, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of gratitude for this temporary haven.

Buhle set about unpacking her clothes into the closet, her movements efficient as she tried to make the space her own. Lumko sauntered in, flumping himself onto the bed with a careless grin.

Buhle; You'll make my clothes dirty.

Buhle protested, laughing, as Lumko chuckled and rolled onto his side.

Lumko; I was sad when I thought I was leaving you behind.

He said, his voice muffled as he buried his face in the pillows.

Lumko; But here we are. Together.

Buhle's heart swelled as she finished unpacking and lay down beside him.

Buhle: Together forever.

She whispered, echoing Lumko's sentiment. Lumko turned to her, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Lumko; Why are you so quiet? We're in Johannesburg.

He exclaimed, as if she should be bouncing off the walls with excitement. Buhle sighed, her expression turning serious.

Buhle: I'm nervous, you know. I have never been...

Lumko cut her off, his voice firm and reassuring.

Lumko; Hey, listen. You're a Bhengu, Shongololo. You're going to get this internship no matter what. Show them what you used to show everyone back at school. Don't tatazel, please.

Buhle smiled , her confidence boosted by Lumko's pep talk. There was a pause.

Buhle: I hope I do get a job. I wanna pay for my fees.

Lumko's response was immediate.

Lumko; And you will. Listen, how about you also apply to a private college? They do offer business studies. I can ask my father to pay for you this month, and you can pay him back when you get paid.

Buhle shook her head, her voice firm.

Buhle: No. He already offered me a place to stay; I can't bother him again. But thanks for the suggestion.

Lumko nodded, and they lapsed into silence, staring at the ceiling as the reality of their new adventure began to sink in.

****

MANQOBA NCUKANA

The dining table was a hub of activity, with Nomalanga chatting and snapping away as she documented every bite of her breakfast for her social media followers. Manqoba sat across from her, his expression a mix of amusement and annoyance as he watched his wife work the camera. He shook his head, pushing his chair back as he stood up, his movements quiet but deliberate.

Kayise, his mother, looked up at him, concern etched on her face.

Kayise: Nqoba, you didn't finish your food, son.

She said, her voice gentle as she nodded towards his half-eaten plate. Manqoba walked over to her side, his expression softening as he leaned in to kiss her cheeks.

Manqoba: I'm full, mom.

He said, his voice low and reassuring.

Manqoba: But the breakfast was delicious, thank you.

He smiled, and Kayise's face lit up with a warm smile as she patted his arm. Manqoba's eyes met Nomalanga's for a fleeting moment, but she was too caught up in her online persona to notice the tension brewing beneath the surface. With a quiet goodbye, he scooped up his laptop bag and car keys, and made his way out of the house.

The morning air was crisp as he stepped outside, the sunlight catching the sleek curves of his white Mercedes Benz. He slid into the driver's seat, the engine purring to life as he started the car. Manqoba's mind was a whirl of thoughts as he pulled out of the driveway, his destination clear: the office. The company he worked for was a big part of his life, and he was determined to make a mark. As he navigated the Johannesburg traffic, his focus shifted to the day ahead. Meetings to attend, deals to close, and a team relying on him to lead the way. The chaos of his personal life would have to take a backseat; for now, it was all about getting to the office and getting the day started.

****

BUHLEBENDALO BHENGU

Buhle's eyes fluttered open, and the weight of the day ahead settled in the pit of her stomach. She was nervous, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. She threw off the covers, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and stood up, determination etched on her face. She fixed her bed, the routine motion a calming balm to her frazzled nerves.

A hot shower later, she felt more awake, more alive. She got dressed in her best outfit, her hands smoothing out the wrinkles as she took a deep breath. A quick brush of her hair, a swipe of lip gloss, and she was ready. She wasn't one for heavy makeup, preferring a natural look that let her confidence shine through.

She walked out of her room, the aroma of breakfast wafting up the stairs, drawing her in. Downstairs, she sat down at the table, and the maid served her a hearty breakfast. Mduduzi, Lumko's father, was already seated, his eyes warm as he looked at her.

Mduduzi: Are you ready for your first day at the big company?

He asked, his voice low and encouraging. Buhle nodded, her smile a bit shaky.

Mduduzi; Lumko told me that you want to go to school, but you don't have money.

Buhle's eyes flicked to Lumko, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. She looked back at Mduduzi.

Buhle: I do, sir, but I will go to school once I get some cash.

Mduduzi's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded faintly.

Mduduzi: You know I know you're a smart girl, so I wouldn't mind sponsoring your studies.

He said, his words dropping like a bombshell. Buhle's eyes widened, and she looked at Lumko again, this time with a hint of panic.

Buhle: I'm grateful for that, but my mom once told me that there's nothing for free, everything has a price.

She said, her voice firm.

Buhle: So thank you, sir.

Mduduzi's face softened, and he nodded in understanding. Buhle finished her breakfast, her appetite suddenly dulled by the conversation. She pushed her chair back, thanked Mduduzi, and headed out the door. An Uber ride later, she stood in front of the towering Ncukana company building, her heart pounding in her chest.

She took a deep breath, the cool Johannesburg air filling her lungs, and stepped inside. The receptionist looked up, a friendly smile on her face, and Buhle gave her name. She was signed in, handed an access card, and directed to a room where a handful of other interns were waiting. Buhle's eyes scanned the room, taking in the mix of eager faces and nervous smiles. She found an empty seat, sat down, and tried to compose herself. This was it. This was her chance.

***

MANQOBA NCUKANA

Manqoba stepped out of his sleek Mercedes Benz, the morning sunlight catching the contours of his sharp suit and adding a dash of charisma to his already commanding presence. He smiled effortlessly at the receptionist as he walked into the building, his laptop bag slaying over his shoulder. The hum of the office greeted him, a familiar and comforting sound.

He made his way to his office, the polished floor reflecting the morning light, and settled into his chair. Belinda, his trusted assistant, appeared at the door with a quiet knock.

Belinda: Hey, the interns are here.

She said, her tone efficient. Manqoba's eyes flicked up from his thoughts, and he nodded.

Manqoba: Tell them to wait for me at the boardroom.

He instructed, his voice smooth and authoritative. Belinda nodded and slipped out, closing the door behind her. Manqoba gazed out the window, taking in the sprawling city view, his mind ticking through the day's agenda. He checked his wristwatch, a subtle gesture that spoke of a man who valued time. Satisfied, he turned back to his desk, grabbed his laptop, and headed out.

The boardroom was abuzz with nervous energy when he walked in, the interns' eyes snapping to him as he took his seat at the head of the table. He opened his laptop, a confident smile spreading across his face.

Manqoba: Good morning, I hope you're all good and please feel welcome at Ncukana's company.

He said, his voice warm and inclusive.

Manqoba: I'm the CEO of this company, my name is Manqoba Ncukana.

His gaze swept the room, meeting the eager faces before him. He nodded at Belinda, who stepped forward with a stack of files.

Manqoba: Hand them files.

He said, his tone decisive. Belinda distributed the files, each intern receiving a thick packet of information. Manqoba's eyes lingered on the group, his expression thoughtful.

Manqoba: These files will give you an overview of the company and your roles as interns. They'll also shows how far we have come as a company

He began, launching into a smooth explanation of what lay ahead. The room was silent, rapt attention focused on him as he outlined the path forward.

Buhle's eyes scanned the file in her hands, her brow furrowed in concentration. She cleared her throat, a sudden burst of confidence propelling her to speak up.

Buhle: I'm sorry to say this, but in less than a few years, your company will be bankrupt.

She said, her words dropping like a stone in the silent room. Manqoba's gaze snapped to hers, their eyes locking in a moment of electric tension. Buhle swallowed hard, her bold statement hanging in the air. Manqoba's expression was doubtful.

Manqoba: I beg your pardon.

He said, his tone measured, inviting her to elaborate.

Buhle's eyes didn't waver.

Buhle: You create apps and people access those apps for free, but you're not gaining anything in return.

She explained, her voice steady. Manqoba leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers as she spoke. He was no longer listening to her words; he was captivated by her confidence, her fearlessness. He watched her lips move, his mind caught up in the way she articulated her thoughts.

Her passion was palpable, and Manqoba was intrigued. He had never met anyone who spoke their mind like this, especially not in his presence. He stared at her, his gaze lingering on her features. She wasn't just beautiful; she was smart, and it was a heady combination. Belinda, sitting beside him, noticed the intensity of his gaze and felt a pang of jealousy. She cleared her throat, attempting to break the spell.

Belinda: Thank you, we will...

Manqoba's voice cut her off, firm and decisive.

Manqoba: Meet me at my office.

He said, his eyes still on Buhle. Buhle nodded, her face a mask of composure, but inside, she was wondering if she had overstepped. Manqoba stood up and walked out, Belinda following in his wake. Buhle swallowed hard, a seed of doubt sowing itself in her mind. Had she done something wrong? She reluctantly followed them to his office, her heart beating a little faster.

When she walked in, Manqoba was talking with Belinda.

Buhle: I can come back later.

Buhle said, hovering by the door. Manqoba's response was immediate.

Manqoba: No. Belinda was about to leave.

Belinda's eyes flicked to him, a flash of understanding, and she slipped out, closing the door behind her.

Manqoba's gaze settled on Buhle.

Manqoba: Please, sit down.

He said, his tone softer now. Buhle perched on the edge of the chair, her anxiety simmering.

Buhle: Did I do something wrong, sir?

She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Manqoba leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Manqoba: No.

He said, his eyes wrinkling with amusement.

Manqoba: I just want to know what we can do to prevent our company from going bankrupt.

His words hung in the air, and Buhle felt a glimmer of relief. This was a conversation, not a reprimand.

***

BUHLEBENDALO BHENGU

Buhle walked out of the office building, still trying to process what had just happened. Manqoba's words echoed in her mind: "You're hired as a strategy consultant." She had gone in expecting to be just another intern, but this was beyond her wildest dreams. She sighed, a mix of excitement and disbelief swirling inside her, as she stepped into the waiting Uber.

The ride to the apartment was a blur, her mind replaying the conversation with Manqoba. When she arrived, she found Lumko lounging on the couch, munching on popcorn as he watched TV. He looked up, a question in his eyes.

Lumko; How did it go? Did you get the job?

Buhle shook her head, a mischievous glink spark in her eye. Lumko's face fell, and he pulled her into a hug, his expression sympathetic. But just as he wrapped his arms around her, Buhle burst out laughing. Lumko pulled back, confusion etched on his face.

Buhle; I'm joking.

She said, a grin spreading across her face.

Buhle; I got the job, but as a strategy consultant.

Lumko's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then he let out a whoop of joy, sweeping Buhle into a tight hug.

Lumko; We should celebrate.

He exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.

Lumko; How about we 'borrow' one of my dad's champagnes and have a toast?

Buhle hesitated for a moment, unsure if that was a good idea, but Lumko's enthusiasm was infectious.

Buhle; Is that okay?

She asked, her voice lipped with doubt. Lumko nodded vigorously, already heading towards the kitchen.

Lumko; Don't worry, he won't even notice. We'll just have one glass.

He promised, his voice muffled as he ruffled through the fridge. Buhle smiled, her doubts forgotten in the face of Lumko's excitement. She sat down on the couch, and a moment later, Lumko returned with two glasses of champagne. He handed one to Buhle, and they clipped glasses together, the crystal ringing out a soft chime.

Lumko's eyes sparkled.

Lumko; Now, I want to know the whole story. How did you land such an important position so fast?

Buhle took a sip of the champagne, the bubbles dancing on her tongue, before she began recounting her conversation with Manqoba. Lumko listened intently, a knowing look on his face. When she finished, he nodded, a smile playing on his lips.