Killed From Within

By Maphuthi William Phahledi

A true relationship must be founded on honesty and dedication, for it to stand the test of time. At times joint decision making that is based on reality becomes necessary for the success of every couple. At the same time, life experiences may hold the key to unlocking hidden mysteries at the core of one’s thinking and unleash unfathomable action from those least expected.

The book aims to enlighten the readers so that they may consider the realities of life and appreciate and view long lasting marital relationship as a God-given gift, in spite of any hardships encountered.

In all things thank God, as for others life becomes a burden.

Enjoy the unfolding of the events in this book which disclose unparalleled human thinking

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maphuthi William Phahledi
• Release date: Jul 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005016579

Book preview

Killed

From

Within

A Novel

Maphuthi William Phahledi

Copyright © 2020 Maphuthi William Phahledi

Published by Maphuthi William Phahledi Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by Maphuthi William Phahledi using Reach Publishers’ services,

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Edited by Colleen Figg for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

Website: www.reachpublishers.org

E-mail: [e-mail]

Maphuthi William Phahledi

[e-mail]

Content

Contents in Brief

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Contents in Brief

Love is strangely complicated. A human being generally only knows well what he or she has clearly seen and fully comprehended. Unlimited love that is fulfilling soothes the heart and brings about full satisfaction. Such love is gratified in all circumstances under which it is found.

On the other hand, building a concrete family which may only be broken by the intervention of death is an exercise that requires complete dedication and selfless effort. Failure to exercise this may result in a dismal culmination of what began as a foundation of a new and remarkable life. In this novel, Killed from Within, Peter, Kate, Maggie and Pearl are doing all they can to try to build a home but circumstances teach them differently.

Discover for yourself.

Chapter 1

Kwa-Guqa is a township which is situated within walking distance to the west of Emalahleni which was formerly known as a Witbank. Kwa-Guqa itself includes sections such as Ackerville, Lynnville as well as Thushanang, to mention but a few.

In the south of Ackerville lies a settlement known as Schoongezicht, which many locals refer to as Overline. These two areas are divided by a freeway which runs between Tshwane and Mbombela, known as the N4.

Like Westenburg, situated in the western side of Polokwane, the majority of the residents of Schoongezicht are Coloured people but since the fall of the oppressive Apartheid regime, Africans began to move into the area in larger numbers. One may wonder why the oppressive regime had a tendency to establish African townships on the western side of most towns. The hidden purpose behind this arrangement was discovered to be that Africans should be blinded by the sun in the morning going to work as well as in the afternoon, on their way home. It was also discovered by the residents that the basic aim was to deny Africans even the right to travel freely on a mere road. Even though that was the case then, Africans have now begun to live and even establish businesses in the area since freedom was ushered in. These two residences are currently harmoniously and closely related in that intermarriages between residents is now common and occurs without hindrance.

Peter owns a business in Ackerville and in other areas such as Extension 14. He is a tall and stout man. He does everything he can to try to increase his income. He is a quiet person. His thoughts are mostly reflected in his deeds and actions.

His wife, Kate, is a social worker employed at Lynnville clinic. She is the kind of individual who speaks up only when faced with issues which affect her life directly. She is adamant that people should not know too much about her. She laughs little. As a result of this kind of a character, it is hard for her neighbours to get to know her. When faced with a task to accomplish she does it with diligence, to completion. When at work, her colleagues enjoy her company only during lunch time. It is as hard for them to get to know her, as it is for her neighbours. Those who went to school with her are astounded to see her such a changed character because they have known her to be accessible and always willing to voluntarily give others honest advice.

Both Peter and Kate had recently celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary. Their most expensive and lovely marital rings still shine brightly on their fingers. Peter himself is about to complete his forty-sixth year of age. Although married for so long, they are childless. They both are desperate. At first Peter ignored the severity of the situation until it began to haunt him to such an extent that one evening, after supper, he said to his wife, Honey, we are running out of time. We have been trying for too long now. Our strength is wearing out. What plan can we make?

To Kate, such words were unexpected. Before she could respond, Peter went on.

I want you to give this issue deeper thought and think as well about our recent anniversary celebration of our marriage. We have businesses. They are all only in our names. We travel by cars. You know how prone cars are to accidents. Therefore, travelling by car may unexpectedly lead to one’s death. Please honey, give a thought to all these sorts of things. Where are we heading to?

After a while Kate said, Honey even though you are speaking the truth, your words are extremely heavy on my heart. I hear everything you are saying, and I know all about the matter. Even though what you said is the case, let us not lose hope. Be patient. All will be well.

Peter added, "Do not forget that, according to the scientific discoveries made by doctors, it is said that once a woman reaches forty years of age, a normal delivery is no easy task any longer. To some, it is even impossible to conceive. I presume that I am telling you what you fully comprehend. You are at that age. Therefore, I fail to understand how our continued patience will help us because all this time past we have been waiting patiently. We are both witnesses of what happened."

Upon hearing all that, Kate thought of ignoring the last remark but, after seeing the expression on Peter’s face, she said, I hear what you say. Because you are now getting impatient, let us take the traditional route. Let us acquire my substitute who will bear children for me. That substitute should be my younger sister. People are not the same. Who knows perhaps we may have a solution?

Peter thought a bit then said, "A substitute from your own family? If you yourself cannot bear children, what convinces you that she will be able to? Over and above that, we are Christians. We have already abandoned tradition with all its rules and limitations because we are Christians. How are people going to view us as a result of that? For these reasons, resorting to tradition is not my option. Think again. If you have no other plan, I will make a decision without your involvement. We do not have any more time to wait."

After Peter’s comment, Kate kept quiet, she then stood up and went to the bedroom. She got into bed right away. Peter kept waiting in the dining room hoping that she would return but in vain. He ended up following her. On his arrival in the bedroom, he saw Kate was already asleep with the lights still on. He tried to talk to her but without response from her until he himself decided to sleep.

The next day, they went their separate ways to work. Kate phoned her younger sister. She requested her to pay her a visit while at work. By this time Pearl was already fully aware of her sister’s circumstances.

She is already mature and at a stage where she could get married. Like Kate, she does not laugh often, has no friends and is not easy to get to know. Her best friend is Kate herself. Pearl is a skilful listener who is capable of following matters carefully with understanding.

She is very beautiful and admired by most men. She possesses a darker and prettier skin. The shape of her body caused many gentlemen to desire to take a chance on her. She leaves many with the impression that her face is hardly or never exposed to any burning sun at all.

Indeed, she spends most of the time indoors; as a result, her skin is always protected from the sun’s heat. Her smooth voice makes one to ever desire to hear her speak. On Pearl’s arrival at her sister’s workplace, Kate was already waiting. She was not keen to work that day. Her mind was constantly recalling all that Peter said to her, and the sadness she felt because of it, showed on her face.

Soon after Pearl’s arrival, they left the reception area to go to Kate’s office. The minute they got there, Kate turned to her.

"The situation is getting tougher. I hardly slept last night. Peter showed explicitly that his love for me has vanished. More so, he has shown a huge amount of hatred not only to me but to my relatives as well. Therefore, I called you to come and help