It had been a few days since Mmabatho met the Jabavu couple, and today was the day. Artificial insemination. Mmabatho sat in the clinic with Onalenna by her side, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. This was the moment everything would start.
The doctor explained the process again, but Mmabatho barely listened, her mind racing. What if it doesn't work? she thought. Onalenna squeezed her hand reassuringly.
The procedure itself was quick, but Mmabatho had to stay still for thirty minutes afterward. She sat on the bed, staring at the ceiling while Onalenna tried to keep her spirits up, cracking jokes and talking about anything but the process. Mmabatho appreciated it. She wasn't ready to talk about the heaviness she felt insideânot yet.
Finally, the doctor gave her the all-clear. "You're good to go, Mmabatho. Now it's just a waiting game."
Mmabatho sighed with relief, but also nerves. There was no going back now. She and Onalenna left the clinic and decided to grab lunch nearby.
As they sat in a cozy little restaurant, Mmabatho picked at her food, feeling the weight of everything. "I told Kabello about the job," she said quietly, finally breaking the silence.
Onalenna looked at her, concerned. "And?"
Mmabatho sighed. "He's been mad ever since. He thinks it's disgusting. Keeps saying I'm carrying another man's baby, like it's some kind of betrayal."
"Wow, what an idiot," Onalenna said, shaking her head. "It's just a job. You're doing this for the money, not because you want to start a family with these people."
"I know, but he doesn't get it. We argued again last night. I don't know if I can keep doing this, Onalenna. I love him, but he's so controlling."
Onalenna leaned forward, her voice serious. "Girl, you need to put yourself first. This job is about securing your future. If he can't support you, then maybe you need to rethink things."
Mmabatho nodded, knowing her friend was right, but it didn't make it any easier. She pushed her plate away, her appetite gone. "I just want to get through this without more drama."
Meanwhile, at the Jabavu house, Sandile was sitting in the living room when his parents, Lumka and Mavo, arrived for a visit. Khanyiswa wasn't home, as usual, and Lumka noticed right away.
"Where's Khanyiswa?" she asked, looking around the house as if she expected her to pop out from somewhere. It wasn't a secret that Lumka had never really liked Khanyiswa. She always felt like her son could've done better.
Sandile shrugged, trying to keep things casual. "She's out. Not sure when she'll be back."
Lumka raised an eyebrow but didn't push. Mavo, on the other hand, was more interested in catching up with his son, asking about work and how things were going with the business. They all sat down for dinner, but the tension in the room was hard to ignore.
About halfway through the meal, Khanyiswa finally walked in. She didn't seem fazed by the fact that Sandile's parents were there. She gave them a half-hearted greeting and sat down to eat like nothing was off.
Sandile glanced at his wife, then at his parents. He knew it was time. He had to tell them about the surrogacy plan before they found out on their own. He cleared his throat nervously. "So, Mama, Tata... Khanyiswa and I have been working on something. Siye sagqiba ekubeni sibe nomntwana. But... we're doing it through surrogacy."
His parents froze, forks halfway to their mouths. Lumka was the first to speak. "Surrogacy?" she repeated, her voice laced with shock. "Why on earth would you need a surrogate? Kukho into engalunganga?"
Sandile felt the weight of their stares and glanced at Khanyiswa, hoping she'd jump in. But she just sat there, eating her food, like the conversation wasn't even about her.
"We've decided it's the best option for us," Sandile explained, trying to keep his voice steady. "Khanyiswa doesn't want to carry the baby, so we found a surrogate. It's all set."
Lumka didn't hide her disapproval. "Doesn't want to or won't ? Sandile, this is huge. Are you sure this is what you both want?"
Mavo sat silently, frowning but not saying anything. The whole room felt thick with tension, and Sandile felt his stomach churn. This wasn't the reaction he had hoped for.
Khanyiswa finally spoke up, her tone dismissive. "It's what we're doing. End of story."
Sandile looked at his parents, their disappointment clear on their faces. He realized, in that moment, just how far apart he and Khanyiswa really were when it came to starting a family. This wasn't going to be easy.