Written By Yenzoey Bluey Ndlovu UNGENO MY BROTHER'S WIFE As the women of the Nkosi family set off towards the river, Bayede couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The darkness of the night seemed to amplify her fears, and the weight of her pregnancy made every step a challenge. Nkosi's grandmother, Gogo, led the way, her steady pace a reassuring presence in the darkness. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of crickets. Khaya and one of Nkosi's cousins, walked on either side of her, their hands grasping hers as if sensing her unease. The moon cast long shadows on the ground, making it seem like they were walking through a dream. As they approached the river, the sound of gently lapping water grew louder. The seer, who had preceded them, was already standing by the riverbank, his eyes closed as if in prayer. Gogo nodded to the women, and they formed a semi-circle around the seer. The ritual began with the seer chanting softly, his voice weaving in and out of the night sounds. Bayede felt a strange energy building up inside her, as if the ancestors were indeed stirring. The seer handed gogo a small bundle containing various herbs and powders, which gogo sprinkled into the river and seer smeared some crushed herbs on Bayede's protuding tummy and forehead.He also proceeded to chant the ancestral names looking into the river The water seemed to respond, rippling and churning as if something was stirring beneath the surface. Bayede felt a sudden jolt of pain, and her water broke, flowing into the river like a sign of release. The seer nodded, a small smile on his face. "It's a sign," Gogo said, her voice full of conviction. "The ancestors are ready to welcome the child." As the women began to chant and sing, Bayede felt a sense of peace wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay. She looked up at the stars twinkling above, feeling a sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time. The ritual at the river was a blur of sound and motion, but Bayede remembered the feeling of peace that washed over her as the women chanted and sang. She felt a sense of connection to the ancestors and the land, and she knew that this moment was special. Bayede's POV As the pain intensified,I knew that the baby was coming. The seer and the women around me seemed to sense it too, and they began to chant and sing more urgently. And then, in a rush of pain and joy,I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. The seer smiled, holding the baby up to the sky. "It's a boy," he said, his voice filled with excitement. I heard the baby's first cry,and I felt a rush of relief and joy. Gogo smiled looking at me and I weakly smiled back at her."It's a boy",she said,her voice filled with excitement."A beautiful baby" I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and wonder. I looked at my baby, and my heart swelled with love. He was perfect, with tiny fingers and toes. The seer began to chant again, his voice rising and falling in a soothing rhythm. I felt a sense of peace wash over me, and I knew that everything was going to be okay.I let sleep take over with a smile gracing my face Nkosi's POV I waited anxiously for what felt like hours, my mind racing with thoughts of Bayede and the baby. Finally, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Gogo emerged from the darkness, a big smile on her face. "Nkosi, Bayede has given birth to a beautiful baby boy," she said. I felt a rush of joy and relief. "Thank you, Gogo," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "How is Bayede doing?" "She's doing well," Gogo replied. "But she'll have to stay at the river for three days. The ancestors need to communicate with the seer about the baby's name and prophecy." I nodded, understanding the tradition. "I see," I said. "I'll wait here for her return, then." Bayede's POV The next three days passed slowly, but I was grateful for the rest. The seer and the other women took good care of me, and I was able to bond with my baby. On the third day, the seer told me that the ancestors had revealed the baby's name and prophecy. I was eager to hear what they had to say. The seer smiled, his eyes twinkling. "The baby's name is Siyabonga," he said. "And the prophecy...the ancestors say that he will be a great man,he will also lead a prosperous life.Everythinghe will touch will turn into gold but he also has his great grandfather's spirit within him." I couldn't help but wonder why the Nkosi great grandfather chose my son.I feared the unknown and wondered what the future held "...the ancestors say that he is a blessing to our family and will bring joy and love to those around him." I felt a sense of pride and wonder. I looked at my baby, and my heart swelled with love. I knew that I would do everything in my power to give him a happy and fulfilling life. The seer nodded, his expression serious. "The ancestors will watch over him and guide him on his journey." I smiled, feeling a sense of peace and gratitude. I knew that my baby was in good hands, and that the ancestors would always be there to guide him. . . . . . . . . . . With love from 💙 Bluey 💙