Lion of Soweto

Chapter 29

Pacing around the sitting-room, Molefi observes Dineo's dour moods, attributing it to the boss's fixedness on the Indian lady. The university fresher looks ready to vituperate at the slightest provocation. Obviously, she also wants to spend the night here, even if its not a Wednesday – her heavenly-ordained visitation day. He won't get involved in ladies' spat. The big man should handle such issues himself.

"What a long day we had." Molefi teases Dineo who only hums, retaining her crankiness. "Hmm."

To leave the castle now will be a slap on the face. After all, she also has a role to play on or before the birthday. Seven of her friends have marked their calendar. Bandele's bash is one they can't miss. Several bouts of severe Malaria won't deter them.

While Pono organises the wardrobe upstairs, Bandele climbs down the stairs to assess his castle's suitability as the party venue. Along with Surya, he inspects the furniture, interior décor, artwork, curtains, halls, flowers and what have you.

"We can change this tomorrow if you say so." His fingers rub through the sofa fabric, upon which the lady approves of it. Next, they leave for the backyard to make sure that area of the castle is put in order.

"We're ready to receive guest here, right?" Bandele asks as they step back into the building.

"Yes, please. The mansion looks nice and okay." Surya flashes a smug smile.

Now seated opposite each other at the sitting-room, seemingly unconcerned about the gathering clouds outside, Dineo and Surya await Bandele's verdict on who stays. Dineo's widening nostrils challenges Surya's flapping eyes, but none utters a word in the long run.

Dineo recalls playing second fiddle to Surya in Sandton, the reason she should be the one to spend the night here. The Indian lady's advisory job is done. She must, therefore, leave the castle. How can she ditch lectures only to be sidelined by some obscure long-legged chiaroscuro? She, Dineo, is younger, bustier and flashier than the bony lass, never mind her fair-complexion and long hair.

Walking into the sitting-room with a remote control in his hand, Bandele adjusts the air-conditioner, at which time Dineo sends a missile to her counterpart. "We're no longer at the stores. Your services are no longer needed!"

Surya ignores the childish rant.

Lowering her voice, Dineo continues: "I live on this street. Won't it be dark before you get home?" Though uttered mildly, the venom lacing those words demonstrated by twitchy eyes isn't lost on the Indian model.

Surya won't give in to undertones, malignant or otherwise. Arguing with the young girl will be of no use. A working-class lady doesn't exchange heated arguments with a student struggling to pay her school fees. One who isn't sure whether or not she'll graduate.

She turns to Bandele: "I think your new loafers will match all the suits. You only tested a few at the stores." Her rancour-free demeanour sends a chill down her peer's spine.

Bandele, enjoying the rivalry, issues a cheeky grin which does nothing to douse the brewing tension. He moves around, seeing no reason to interfere.

While Surya fiddles with her ponytail, Dineo strokes her Brazilian-hair.

Surya can no longer keep to herself. "Fake hair." Her lips purse.

"It's mine, dummy. I have the receipt."

"Oh, really?" Surya burst out laughing.

Not sure how to respond to the derisive laughter, Dineo does same.

Bandele chuckles at the exchange of words, wondering why they won't stop when he has yet to complain of over-patronage. He has since learnt not to show preference to any of his ladies. It worsens their distaste for each other. "Girls, no noise here. Let's go upstairs." Bandele climbs up the stairs without looking back.

Surya jumps to her feet first, eyes flickering at Dineo who trails with a yard gap.

"Elephant." Surya hisses, bending her torso on the stairs.

"Impala."

Bandele looks back. "I don't expect you to fight each other here. You're both my guests."

The tantrums exchange seizes as each lady minds her business. None looks into the other's face till daybreak. After all, they're here for the mullah.

Morning time, Surya departs before Dineo but each leaves with a handbag brimming with thousands of rands. Their rivalry raises the issue of the right lady that'll flank the celebrant on his birthday.

Molefi shows up in the lobbyroom to address the matter. "Boss, why are the girls fighting?"

"All the girls want me," Bandele declares puckishly.

"Everyone wants to be the queen of the castle."

"Yes, but none of these two will be by my side. If I have a wife, I'll..."

The mention of wife pricks Bandele's mind. Can he settle down with only one lady? A wealthy African man hardly lives that way. Many of his married friends would be at the party with their families and would expect to see a lady beside him. A wife.

"My married friends will come with their wives." He confides in Molefi. "They'll want to see mine too."

Instead of making suggestions, Molefi shivers at the raised topic. His job will be on the line the day Bandele marries. What would he be doing around?

Molefi pinches himself back to the present. "You may give some of the ladies different roles. Introducing any as your girlfriend will lead to quarrels."

Bandele nods.

Molefi hits on an idea. "What if I announce to the guest that the celebrant is a bachelor."

"A bachelor?"

"Yes, boss. If they all know you're not attached, they'll behave well. Each of them will want to be the castle's first lady. They'll even wait behind after the party in case you'll select them."

Bandele nods at what sounds like a good idea. "Oh, Molefi! Your head works like a clock."