Prix Littéraire Rumuri

Munyana Mignonette

By Lionel Ndayihereje

It was in the morning of the long raining season when I went to meet an auspicious face. The whole village had been experiencing an unusual rainfall from dawn. Although it was in the raining season, I had never witnessed such a water pouring sky. Everyone thought of a possible recurrence of the deluge, for the sky being black than a night and very predictable. Those who luckily went to their jobs were those who had been fortunate to wake up very early before daybreak. The tornado was very harsh, and there was no reason to engage under such an outraged sky. My job at Nyamugari was quite easy and pleasurable. I took care of the flowers. I was proud of it, and I had to be glad for I had no other qualification. I had dropped my schooling, and maybe watering flowers was what I was made to be. I hardly thought about promotion or being upgraded in some ways. On that day I was on leave, the sky had gratified it to me. The rain helped with my job, and this was usual during the long raining season and sometimes during short raining season. I had arranged a meeting with a face. It was a young lady, living at Gisuru. Her name was Munyana Mignonette. She was big, very big. As she moved her weight I would think of a mountain. Any time she spoke her words would tickle my inside, and then I would feel blessed. I could think of her and think and ponder until I came up with an answer that she was maybe made of gold, and that she would probably order the sun:” Come down and I will shine in your place”. Our tryst was fixed at eleven, I had every intention to meet it. I did not want to squander the opportunity when the sky suddenly ran out of water for a dozen minutes. I had to hike through a wild forest to reach Mugozi before reaching Gisuru, where she lived. The rain delayed me for a while but eventually, I ventured into the walk under the very harsh weather. As I pursued the way on the hilltop, I could have a view of the church she had told me during our first acquaintance. She had told me about a famous choir to which she belonged. It was a large choir that gave more offering than any other church group, and their gospel records sold better than another choir of Mugozi. She had warned me that the day we had fixed was the same day she went for rehearsal. She had promised she would be sitting near the doorpost to have an easy view of goings and comings on the street. So that as soon as I reached the church she would take me to her home. I accelerate my pace and in half an hour I was already there. The church door to the road was widely opened. I could view easily the choristers and altar. A group of thirty or beyond was rehearsing. I waited to watch her rushing to me as she had insisted, but it was the contrary. Standing in the church field, I forced my sight in to see if my face could luckily meet hers, but in vain. Then I started to feel horror and hopelessness. Those I could view were strangers to my face. They were sitting unmoving and unmoved, cocking their eyes to the leader of the rehearsal. No one of them dared to turn her or his back to peek outside. I stood still in the open field. Very thoughtful, lowering my head towards the ground, the universe was bombastic with its overwhelming questions. Some were related to if she would have spoken to me out of veracity. Others linked to if maybe something would have prevented her from attending the rehearsal. I was mindedly and psychologically taken. It was after a moment that I pulled myself together, and I found myself staring at a man. He was coming towards me. The man was tall and thin, with a number of books in his left armpit. When he got closer I guessed that the bunch tightly held included a bible. The man was very anxious to hear from my mouth. He had probably watched me when deep in my thoughts and had maybe wondered what would be the matter with me. I was too anxious to find out from him about Munyana, my heart kept whispering that he might have an idea. “Son of God, how do you do?” the man kindly saluted me. "I saw you from the church room and thought you were kind of lost. Are you searching for a person?” “I’m afraid I’m not doing well", I answered composedly. "True to your prediction I’m here for someone, a young lady. Do you know some of those choristers?” “Of course, Iknow roughly all of them. I’m Bizoza Humbler, a catechist to this church. I supervise choirs, and maybe the names of new adherers can escape my memory, but not the faces. Is she new in the choir?” “No, but I'm not certain about how much time she is a member. It must be over a year I suppose; her name is Munyana Mignonette. Are you familiar with the name?” When I said the name I saw his face grow pale. He was astounded to hear that; he hid his face with both hands, and I heard him having a little sigh. Now, something was unfathomable to him. He then recovered from his brief silence. “How did you happen to meet her? Do you have some distant family relations? “He asked. “No, just a bosom friend”, I replied Bizoza meditated a little, and then came back to his normal mood. His mind was not with him. He could not believe it. He failed to understand if it was the right person I had come for. “It’s not sinking in, but she has left and I’m taking the same direction, we can share the way if you don’t mind” “May I have your escort till their home?” I beseeched him. ‘’Not till there boy of God, there is a reason. Hang in there, I will be back", he answered. He rushed back to the church room. In a moment Humbler was back, and we shared the way. Though we walked slowly, the way did not seem unending for we conversed and laughed as we went. Although we shared the way with the catechist, he was still thoughtful and doubtful. He could go short of words for some moment and then speak, and again take refuge into silence. He could stand for a while and think for three or four seconds, and resume the walk. Emerging from his silence, he could say "what you’ve said is still overwhelming my mind. Just a friend? Ok, let’s go.” One of the subjects he brought up was how Munyana was highly reputed in their choir. He vouchsafed that she was very taken in awe by the rest of the choir mates. Few of them could engage in a joke with her, they usually talked to her when it was church or choir matters, nothing else. He explained there were reasons why she was much respected. She used to save the choir from shame, especially when it was time for money collection to accomplish certain church projects. There was always an amount fixed for each choir or any other group that is part of the church depending upon the number of members. It could happen that they bemoan about the enormity of the amount urged upon them. She would then silence them and ordered the head of the choir to calculate the division of the amount by two. After revealing the calculation Munyana would say” You shall share one half and I’ll bring the other half, and I hope now it’s not burdensome” then many of the choristers would say” we are very grateful”. Another reason was that her father was prominent not only in Gisuru quarter also all over Mugozi. He was a wealthy man who had also got away with languages, even a sleepy ninety years old man could bet. Bizoza couldn’t get tired to narrate stories. A second was about marriages blessed in the church. Humbler vowed that the poor people married between themselves and the rich ones lead to the altar their counterparts. He could stand and step alongside the road and kneel and swear in these words” It may happen in the future I don’t disagree, but I swear in the name of God that I have never watched a poor person leading to that altar a rich person” As she finished his vow I kept watching him stand still and tongue-tied. I did not object or comment or show surprise. Then He stood up and bent himself again and picked a stick of wood, and now he was drawing a cross on the ground. He holds tightly his books in his armpit, and jumped the cross vowing” If my eyes witnessed such a marriage, let God reduce me into ashes”. Our journey was really harmonious, Bizoza couldn’t help talking trying to persuade me that my venture was very fatal. His third example concerned Pastor Jaka Edmund, the head of the church. He swore he would never forget how Pastor Edmund cunningly dismissed a courtship that thrived between Nika her daughter and Edgar. Edgar had become an orphan of father early in his age. He quitted his schooling to feed the home as a cobbler. To soothe his life he became a choir member and there he met Nika, Edmund’s daughter. Pastor Edmund dismissed their love by sending her in Uganda pretending she went for studies. Humbler affirmed that they were in the church’s sanctum, all set for mass when he overheard Pastor Edmund in his private prayers vowing:” This courtship has to be broken. A cobbler! No, sorry God” The walk had started to tire me when Humbler pointed in our direction.” Look, that’s their home, it’s your turn “He said and then dodged back. I gathered all my composure and finally pressed the doorbell. A man in a black uniform holding a club in his hand opened the gate. “Who do you want? », Roared the man. “Munyana, is she in?” Replied I. “Do you have an appointment? Are you sure you’ve gone to the right compound? Is she aware of your coming? We rarely let in unusual people” “Yes, Sir. She knows”, I assured him. The watcher man consented and I made my way in. I was a little quivering when a dog started barking. The guard soothes it down, and then thumped at the door. Munyana emerged from the house. “Was it you!” she screamed out hugging me,” I’m very sorry to have let you down. I felt a headache and was compelled to go home. But I’m over the moon you’ve found our home, did you find out from a bird?” “No, don’t you remember you indicated well!” I lied to her. I did not wish to say that Humbler the catechist had escorted me. Making such a mistake would be very fatal. And I did not want to appear like a forgetful and ignorant boy. She had done her best to instigate the location of their house in my mind. “Great! You’re welcome in “she respectfully indicated the door to the living room. I comfortably paused my weight in one of their sofas. We sat there for a moment and there was no one to break the ice. Obviously, she was still weak. It was about a couple of minutes later that she forced herself to speak. “Feel it as your home” As I opened my mouth to thank her for the wish there was a hoot outside. In nothing flat, a man was already in. Connoisseur Buheta, father to Munyana Mignonette “Hi boy “ He saluted me. I rose from the sofa to shake hand with him but he pretended to have not noticed me and bustled in his bedroom. I slowly leaned back in the comfort seat and dismissed the shame he had tarred on me. “He goes to deposit all those bags may be” Said I. Munyana did not fathom her father’s behavior in front of an unusual guest in his house. She was very flabbergasted, but she too simplified things. "Let’s hope so,” she said. No one dared to break the ice. She was mindedly taken by the shock Connoisseur had caused in her. I resolved to let her regain composure. Suddenly, a tall and big woman entered. Inankuki Lagrange the mother to Munyana. She gave a quizzical look to both of us and then rebuked Munyana” Who is supervising the cook, don’t you know he is still green?” “I was there a moment ago, and he is used to it now” Munyana retorted. The mother followed her way to the bedroom reluctantly. I was inwardly embellishing Munyana for having knocked her down with a decisive answer. My heart kept advising I could kiss or hug her in their living room. But I was really sorry. She lowered her head and we were all busy struggling mentally. We were alerted by a shriek from Connoisseur’s room. “Hey our son in law, Doctor and Technician Kamenyi Futuriste, you’re welcome in. we’ve missed you much” Inankuki screamed. A man entered the living room. He was very strong and energetic. Life had offered much to him, it was readable. He was the suitor of Munyana, he had won her hand for sure. Inankuki rushed out from their room. They hugged each other. Kamenyi wanted to do the same to Munyana but she gave her hand only. I could guess his face was now very morose, but he avoided to show it. Munyana had disappointed him. He began to tell stories about Uganda where he was following his schooling. Kamenyi had got a gift of gab. He couldn’t help singing he was going to become a full doctor in computer science in a few months. He also emphasized on an important six-month training he had gone through in Volkswagen, a German car industry. He could vow that nothing could escape his brain as far as car making and repairing are concerned. Even when Lunch was brought he kept blurting out about Volkswagen as though it was made of gold. Connoisseur and Inankuki did not get tired to admire him. They were very carried away by his words. They could forget eating and kept fooling themselves by laughing Munyana did not mention a word and I too was speechless. I busied mind with the loveliness and tastefulness of the food and trying to foretell who would triumph over Munyana, the celestial soul I and the Doctor had come for. Munyana’s father was a reputed translator. He had surely had a way with words early in his age. I had heard of him in our church. One Sunday, our pastor highlighted on the wholesomeness of languages mastering. His example was a man who had succeeded to equip his brain with more than ten languages and who was enriching himself than never. The pastor had ignored the name, but now I came to uncover it was Mr. Buheta Connoisseur. Although he was famous in translating documents into a dozen of languages Connoisseur bemoaned one language he had failed to master. It was Kiswahili. He would take refuge into a brief stillness and lower his head and finally curse Kiswahili language "I swear in the name of the universe I hate Kiswahili to death. It compelled a man of talents to surrender. It belittled my name, and I feel like I can crucify myself when I come across a document encoded in Kiswahili. ”Afterwards Kamenyi who had been living in Uganda for years swore that with the more than ten years of sojourn even one word of Kiswahili had failed to fix in his brain. This stirred Munyana until she couldn’t hold herself. She exploded into laughter and was unable to regain her normal state. She sneaked in her bedroom and could be heard still laughing. The doctor’s confession caused everyone to take refuge in silence. Kamenyi was nonplused. Only shame could be read on his face, I felt like I could insult him in Kirundi so that the insult could be very effective, but only a simple Kirundi expression was inwardly pronounced.” Ntasoni” (Which means: Shame on you). He was saved by a knock on the door. “Boss, there's a man called Jim, can I let him in?” The guard inquired “Hey, one of my best customers, he must be in a hurry” Ordered Connoisseur. The man got in suddenly and shook hand with everyone. Inankuki stood up, she gathered her clothes around her and moved slowly to whisper something into the man’s right ear. He was very sorry. He put out his bag a five pages document and handed it over to Connoisseur. “Do quickly” The man ordered. After peeping at it Connoisseur got nauseated, very morose, and unable to move. The document was in Kiswahili. He threw it at the verge of the table and buried his face in his two hands. Now it was the doctor’s turn to glance at it. He looked for a while and after he attempted the reading. What we heard from him was horrible. “mmmm” stammered Kamenyi. I felt like I could burst into laughter but I instead snatched the document from him. I requested a pen from the man and he meekly consented. There was no need for starting reading. I had been equipped very well in Kiswahili. Though I had dropped my schooling in the middle, I had begged my father to cover my Kiswahili fees. He was very compliant in front of my proposal for he was released to see me studying something at least. I did then the translation and handed it over to the man. He did not delay to set off. Inankuki was short of words. All she did was to meditate. She then glimpsed at the wall clock and realized she was late for work. She quickly bustled into her bedroom and came back with a handbag. She disappeared outside and I heard her start her car. Unfortunately, the engine went off. She repeated the starting, it failed again. We were all setting our ears outside. My mind carried me back to the doctor’s skills acquired in Volkswagen. It was the ripe time to free my mind from all doubts and exhibited what he had been theorizing. It was also his time to convince Munyana and probably dishearten me. He finally raised from his sofa for intervention. We both followed him and stepped closer to the car.” What’s the problem “Connoisseur inquired. «But we are lucky the Lord has blessed our family with a son in law of talents”. Munyana emerged from the house and joined in the watching. The parents were watching and Munyana was watching too. They were hopeful and waiting for Kamenyi to signal the car finished to be fixed up. However, I was different from them. My eyes were fanning him and the brain doing its job. I was analyzing, surveying and concluding. I had been following his trials and he had disappointed me. He had gone belly up. He was only pretending and groping now. It had been worse than death to declare his failure. He stood for a while and then resume the touching of wires. I could imagine whether he was ruminating about some solution that could yield a good key or just idling his mind. It was later I fathomed he was battling with fear which had been barricading him to finally vouch for his failure. Luckily, he got it out of his system” It’s hard to fix it up, and there’s no resort.” The doctor confessed. I feared for him then because of the abundance of theories he had sung until I could think they were made of gold. All of them were falsified, and my heart continued telling me "one person's loss is another person's gain”. Others were dumbfounded. Munyana had fumed and was going to utter an insult or something similar. Luckily, she succeeded to refrain from putting her tongue out and rushed in hitting her thighs with both hands. Connoisseur and Inankuki exchanged a quizzical look and then Inankuki recovered from the shock and broke into words” Strange things have happened “ “Can I attempt” I humbly requested. “If you want”! answered Inankuki “But I’m stabbed in the back” I had never fixed up a car, but I stepped in it optimistically and certainly, and I foresaw the doctor was going to be outperformed by a boy who had dropped his school in the middle. Before engaging in the fixing I cast my mind back and remembered what had happened one day in a nearby garage. On that day I was just strolling around and finally found my feet taking me to the garage. There was a truck with the same problem. I had watched the mechanic as he did the repairing, and it was at Buheta,s house I found some knowledge had kept themselves in the brain. Now I began to check the broken area, examining exactly where Kamenyi had been groping. Not by chance, discovered the matter with it. Two wires were not connected to each other. One could see it even at one or two inches from the car. I did the fixing and welcomed Inankuki for the starting.” Now you can get in” I indicated the car with both hands. “Let me try it” she pessimistically said. She How over the were she when the engine started! As she sat behind the wheel I could see her performing little dances. She only increased my weight with these words «Very few people can win over you, you’re a rare bird” Kamenyi was doing nothing but covering his mouth with his right hand, it had been his position until I fixed the car up. I dismissed everything by making myself as simple as I could. But what had happened had happened, and was impossible to cleanse. That was a masquerade to simplify the shame he had daubed himself, and which was ruining him. Connoisseur suggested we could have regained the living room. He himself led the way and each regained his comfort. “I’ve forgotten there are some works to get done” Complained Connoisseur as he entered his bedroom. He did not stay longer there; he came back with his PC in his armpit. Yesterday it fell, I fear for it” He bemoaned”. “Most of the times the falling of such a device may bring about troublesome damages” Kamenyi recovered from his stillness. «But it is much auspicious if it is luckily on. You then need to check some probable minor damages. However, it can be much frustrating and puzzling if the owner has no notion of a computer. Anyway, I’m not causing you to worry, a problem of such kind does not bother even a beginner in computer matters, what about me who is going to come up with a doctorate very soon!” When he finished his poppycock connoisseur had abandoned the PC on the table. It had failed to function, and Kamenyi had no chance to clear all the misfortune that had befallen him. It lifted it up. After three or four minutes I questioned myself if Kamenyi was really going to graduate as a full doctor. He had been groping all over on the PC. There was a sudden image of my elder brother in my mind. He had come up with a bachelor degree in computer science and was far worth than this doctor. The house used to be jammed with his leaners. They brought their computers and he could arm their minds till they mastered. I used to make fun of some guys who could ask over and over, then a question would come to my mind” What a birdbrain?” The time he had been on it was thought-provoking. I finally suggested. “Can you try those two buttons?” “These ones? “Asked Kamenyi “To the day” I confirmed. The PC started its opening process and Connoisseur did nothing but nodding, and I knew to who the nodding was addressed and what it meant. He started his works. Munyana suddenly joined us from her bedroom. She went to the same sofa. She lowered her head I could think she was very thoughtful. What I needed was to keep quiet and wait for the fate of the fight. “Will you escort me for a brief chat ”Kamenyi found out from Munyana, “I’m leaving and would like to talk to you as I drive back” “I’m sorry, the fever is not over, and it is now sunny outside. The fever can recur” Munyana said apologetically. Kamenyi Futuriste arose from his seat to set off. He did not insist or complain about the refusal. He stretched his hand to everyone. Connoisseur was highly sorry because of the immensity of the workload. Munyana stood up and pronounced a four words sentence “Have a good journey», and she regained her room. Connoisseur was taken with the PC. Kamenyi had resolved to leave because the day was not his. Munyana was not there. Then I ruminated upon the distance I had covered, and how my feelings to Munyana were deferred. I had not yet poured my words to her and was now hopeless. I did not imagine how the decision of having a way occurred to my mind. Connoisseur did not fathom it when I stretched my hand to him to leave. «Don’t tell me! Are you leaving us?” He surprisingly inquired.” I beg you sorry for having not entertained you as it should be, but let’s have a chat as I escort you”. He then shouted from the living room. “Munya.., Munya… the boy is leaving.” What a rush did I hear! Had it been not made of strong material, her bedroom’s door would have fallen into pieces. She forcefully flung it opened and closed it behind her. She emerged into the living room in a brief run and with a pair of slippers in her left hand. Connoisseur led the way out. Munyana avoided talking much. She was reluctant in speaking for the fever could be realized in her face. We had been walking for nine or ten minutes when she suddenly stood. «Do you mind if I said goodbye?” She asked. “If you wish it so “I hopelessly answered. I compliantly touched her hand and watched her moving her weight back to home. Connoisseur had kept on walking, but now with a deliberate pace. I make a small run to catch up with him. He then held my left hand and we walk hand in hand. I knew he was the one to lead the chat, I waited. Luckily he broke into a speech. “Very few people have a strengthened mind as yours” Connoisseur swore.” And thanks for having saved me from shame. I’m famous, you may have heard it before, but that language blemished my name” A proper answer to his words did not appear when he paused for a while. I simply replied, “thank you.” But it was not enough, I was racking my brain to find how to keep the conversation on its momentum, but he abruptly carried on. “It would be much better for me to get a coworker who has got away with Kiswahili. Can it bother you if we become a strong twosome in my job? I’m dying for it. ”To this question, I did not go around the bushes the answer was straight forward.” How can it bother me, I’m ready to give a hand” I consented. “I was pleading the universe to bestow such an answer” He addressed his thanksgivings to the sky holding his chest. ” I’m not going far, I hardly hike, but bear in mind we shall meet tomorrow to my office for a final agreement, and there are works to get done. It’s on Kigwati avenue number 19. Connoisseur tightly held my right hand with his two hands expressing his gratitude, thanksgivings, wishes, and farewell.” May the universe summon its army on both sides of the road for you to reach your blessed home unharmed. May it double the number to begird your bedroom for you to spend this coming night as you wish. I’m in debt to you! ». After these words, we separated and I hurried back as dusk was approaching. I was not a night owl, I rarely reached home far in the night except when I had spent evening carousing with guys of my age in nearby compounds. Now it was twilight, I dwindled my speed and adjudged to dodge to the catechist for the night. I made a knock. “Finally back! Why did they be late you?” He asked as he opened the gate hurriedly. I saluted all the Humbler’s and let them know why I was sleeping in their house. He corroborated it by saying I should not venture under the night when I’m not accustomed to it. He was expecting me to tell how I was turned down but it was later when I told everything that he said: "You’re a rare bird.” “Can you narrow it down please?” I asked him for clarification. “Good, I mean it seems you have doubt on your triumph but you’ve won her hand with flying colors”. He paused a little and went on. «Intelligent people like Connoisseur are never straight forward in what they say. He has gratified her to you but people like you are few and far between, that’s how things are naturally.” After dinner, we exchanged a few subjects. His wife, their sons commented on my case. “It does not happen to anybody", said the elder son. "Can I dare and go to knock on that translator’s gate for one of his girls? «I’m certain I will experience the smell of jail for my first time as a reward.“ He swore to cross a finger in his throat. “Or death penalty may be” added the younger. “They would sue all this house for a crime” Vowed Humbler’s wife At this night Connoisseur’s house did not sleep. They went far in the night foolishly and excitedly carousing. Everyone was half asleep and half awake. Everything started during dinner when Munyana brought in a subject. “What an extraordinary boy, I’ve never seen such an egg head before” Munyana swore. “Yeah...Clever than the living and unborn, I can bet. “added Connoisseur crossing himself in his forehead. “Lagrange, do you know what he did after your departure!” Asked Connoisseur. “Another miracle! Please, I beg you, let my ears feast it!” Exclaimed Inankuki Lagrange. “More than a miracle, the doctor failed to fix up my broken computer, but the boy did it eyes closed, it surpassed me” Connoisseur exclaimed. “An impostor doctor…. I hate the name doctor when applied to that man” Munyana added. “Munya…. Even you! Then we are fortunate” Inankuki screamed, staring at his husband. “Yeah very lucky. Munyana herself hates now that so-called man of computer sciences. A doctor! I feel like I need to know which ruined school he goes to” “My daughter Munyana I wish that man would escape from your mind to be replaced by that powerful growing intelligence” Inankuki advised. “Hey, by the way, did you know the boy is coming to my office early morning! «Connoisseur remarked.” I offered him a job, and he deserves it, I’m telling you” There was a sharp shriek accompanied with applauses, one could say there was a night club but only three persons, excluding Munyana,s younger sister, a fan of Kamenyi. “He is the one I deserve, I vouch in front of you both” confirmed Munyana. “If the universe says yes, can a mother or father stand with his or her no?” Connoisseur questioned.” That kind of parent would be reduced into ashes by its grief” “I shall be there to free our boy from all uncertainties” Inankuki swore. Karire, the younger sister to Munyana, had resolved to let them carouse. She had clandestinely taken her mother’s phone and disappeared into her bedroom. She was nine years old, but who could not confirm she was grown enough to admire a man. She had been admiring Kamenyi for years and had never wished their separation. She had secretly jotted down his number and had kept it cautiously. She was now outraged. She rang him.” Hey, Karire on the line. Watch out. Munyana is leaving you for the boy, a meeting to the office, at dawn” At cockcrow, I was to Connoisseur’s office waiting for him. The dew through which I had passed had caused me to become frost beaten until I started squeezing in my pull over. Suddenly a car was already parked in front of the office, it was the one that had fallen a doctor to upgrade who had no schooling. “How long have you been here?” Inankuki inquired. “A quarter and something...” I answered. “We are very sorry for the loneliness you’ve felt,” Inankuki apologized. “And how have you reached here? «Connoisseur “Hiking” I replied “Jesus! We are again very sorry to hear that” Munyana apologized,” The sun will shine to those who arouse at cockcrow and bear the dew. You’ve come and it is your starting out.” Connoisseur unlocked the door and welcomed them in. Everyone took comfort in a sofa. He then broke into a speech. “I salute you all. Much was agreed on yesterday and I’m sure everything suffices. From now on we will be working together in this office. But let’s hear from Lagrange what is special for today’s agenda” “If people gather around the counter, very early in the morning like this, there must be something special. My son (She turned to me), we are not giving a job for we cannot find a salary to quench you, but we want you to be one of us and we will share the outcome. Before I carry on I want to peep in your left “, she paused a little, then I glanced in my left as she advised. My face met that of Munyana and she showed a good smile, I returned the smile faithfully. The mother resumed her speech. “She is in your left and never betray her. Don’t disobey the universe, no single person under the sun has succeeded in betraying the universe’s want. It has predestined it like this». We were all setting our ears to her when a violent knock deafens everyone. It was Kamenyi, the suitor. He was now stepping in. Munyana rushed out violently and stopped him from entering. “Why are you here?” she rebuked him. “Forget about all I told you, I’ve forgotten all your words. Just tell your mind you’ve never seen me for your name shall no longer appear anywhere in my memory. Go your way, I’ve chosen for my life. You shall come back here as a customer, but never as a son in law, have your way” She paused and indicated him the way out with a finger. She regained her seat. We were watching Kamenyi standing unmoving in the doorpost where he had been stopped. He slowly turned back and what he did was almost insane. As he angrily walked off, he fiercely tore his shirt. Everyone could hear the sound made by buttons as they fell down. He put off and reduced it into three pieces. He littered them in front of the office. Now everyone in the office stood up and started fanning him as he entered his car in a singleton. Connoisseur quietly walked out and gathered the tattered pieces of the shirt. He tossed them in the dustbin. He was regaining his seat when he concluded.” He is a singleton. Thanks to God and His universe for having predestined the direction of our daughter”. He lowered his head for a moment, crossed himself, and then gave the green light for Inankuki to go ahead with the speech. “Is he the one who has been fooling the whole house?” She questioned herself with her head lowered. “Munya...The truth reveals itself. You are saved and we are saved too. Anyway, our boy frees yourself from all ambiguities. Feel free with Munyana Mignone. She is yours and you are hers from now on and for good. I salute you”. Her speech ended with applause from both Connoisseur and Munyana. Munyana peeked at me three or four times with a charming smile accompanying each peek. I did not show any sign of emotion or something similar for I knew why. Connoisseur closed the meeting. «I declare this special early morning meeting closed. I have spared ten minutes for our children to chat. I and Lagrange should be waiting outside”. He had already stood up before he said the last word. Inankuki gathered clothes around her and swiftly bustled out. The time was gratified to me and Munyana, and sometimes ten minutes can be worth than a day.