The Perfect future
THE SHOT IN THE DARK
Chapter 1: The Perfect Future
The warm afternoon sun shone through the windows of Nation Zitha's office as he reviewed the final pages of a case file.
At thirty years old, Nation had become one of the most respected attorneys in the province. His sharp mind, confidence and determination had earned him a reputation for winning difficult cases, especially those involving organised crime. He was young, ambitious and successful, but unlike many people in his position, he had never allowed his career to become his entire life.
There was something else he valued even more.
Love.
His secretary knocked softly on the door.
"Mr. Zitha?"
Nation looked up from his documents. "Yes, Sarah?"
"Your sister is here."
A smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Send her in."
The door swung open, and Milani Zitha entered carrying two takeaway coffees.
"Your favourite," she announced, placing one on his desk.
Nation leaned back in his chair and smiled. "You only bring me coffee when you want something."
"That's because you always say yes."
"Depends on what you're asking for."
Milani pulled a chair closer to his desk and sat down.
"I need money."
Nation shook his head, pretending to be disappointed.
"There it is."
They both burst into laughter.
Although there was a ten-year age difference between them, Nation and Milani had always shared a special bond. Since their parents had passed away years earlier, Nation had become more than just a brother to her. He had become her protector, her support system and, in many ways, the person she depended on most.
"So," Milani said, taking a sip of her coffee, "have you finally decided when you're proposing?"
Nation looked at her for a moment before leaning back in his chair.
"I already bought the ring."
Milani's eyes widened.
"What?"
"I bought it last week."
She nearly spilled her coffee.
"Nation!"
"Keep your voice down."
"When are you doing it?"
He glanced at his watch, then smiled.
"Friday."
Milani jumped from her chair.
"No!"
"Yes."
"Oh my goodness!"
Nation laughed as his sister began dancing around his office.
"You're finally doing it! After all this time!"
"Will you relax?"
"Relax? My brother is getting married!"
"Not yet. She still has to say yes."
Milani stopped dancing and gave him a look.
"Nation, please. That woman looks at you like you're the only man left on earth. She'll obviously say yes."
He smiled, looking down at the ring box inside his desk drawer.
After almost three years together, he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Wanga Nyarhi.
She was everything he had ever wanted. Kind. Patient. Beautiful. Gentle. She had a way of making even his most stressful days feel lighter. As a primary school teacher, she spent her days caring for children and shaping young minds. Her colleagues admired her, parents trusted her, and her pupils adored her.
To Nation, Wanga was peace in human form.
At least, that was what he believed.
"Have you told anyone else?" Milani asked.
"No. You're the first."
"Good. Because I want to be there when you ask her."
Nation raised an eyebrow.
"You're not planning to interrupt my proposal, are you?"
Milani laughed.
"I wouldn't dare. But I want pictures. Lots of pictures."
"You're already planning the wedding."
"Someone has to. You two are moving too slowly."
Nation shook his head, smiling.
For the next few minutes, they talked about the proposal, the ring and the future he had imagined with Wanga. He wanted a beautiful wedding, a home filled with laughter and, one day, children of their own.
He had worked hard to build the life he had. Now he wanted someone to share it with.
---
Across town, Wanga Nyarhi stood in front of her classroom, helping a little girl sound out a difficult word.
"Very good," she said warmly. "Try it one more time."
The little girl smiled proudly and repeated the word.
Wanga clapped her hands.
"Excellent!"
The school bell rang, and the children began packing their books. Some rushed towards the door, while others gathered around Wanga, asking questions and showing her their drawings.
She smiled at them all.
To anyone who knew her, Wanga was the perfect example of a kind and responsible young woman. She was hardworking, respectful and always willing to help.
But there was a part of her life that nobody at the school knew about.
A part of her life she carefully kept hidden.
Her surname carried a reputation that extended far beyond the walls of her classroom.
The Nyarhi family was powerful, feared and deeply involved in criminal activities. Behind closed doors, they operated a network connected to vehicle hijackings and illegal trafficking.
Her father, King Nyarhi, was the man who controlled it all.
His sons, Kingsley, Ntsako and Bafana, were involved in the family operations, alongside a fearless driver known as Thunder.
And Wanga?
She was not as innocent as the people around her believed.
She had a role in the family's criminal activities too. She was their getaway driver.
It was a secret she had carried for years, and one she had never shared with the man she claimed to love.
Her phone vibrated inside her handbag.
She checked the screen.
Dad.
For a moment, she stared at the name before answering.
"Hello, Dad."
"Where are you?"
"At school. I'm just finishing up."
"I need you at home this evening. Everyone will be there."
Wanga sighed quietly.
"Is something wrong?"
There was a brief silence.
"Just come home, Wanga. We have things to discuss."
The call ended.
She slipped her phone back into her handbag and looked around the classroom. The children were gone, and the room was finally quiet.
Her thoughts drifted to Nation.
She smiled.
Friday was approaching, and she had no idea that the man she loved was preparing to ask her to spend the rest of her life with him.
She also had no idea that the two worlds she had worked so hard to keep separate were slowly moving towards each other.
---
That evening, Nation arrived at Wanga's home carrying a bouquet of flowers.
Wanga opened the door, and her face immediately lit up.
"Nation!"
"Hello, beautiful."
He handed her the flowers and kissed her forehead.
"What's the occasion?" she asked.
"Do I need an occasion to bring my girlfriend flowers?"
She laughed.
"Not at all. Come inside."
They spent the evening talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Nation watched her as she spoke, occasionally catching himself imagining what their life would look like once they were married.
He wanted to tell her about the ring.
He wanted to tell her about Friday.
But he held back.
Some surprises were worth waiting for.
When it was time for him to leave, Wanga walked him to his car.
"Drive safely," she said.
"I will."
He leaned forward and kissed her.
"I love you, Wanga."
"I love you too, Nation."
He drove away with a smile on his face.
Wanga stood at the gate, watching his car disappear down the road.
Her smile slowly faded when her phone vibrated again.
This time, it was a message from her brother.
Kingsley: Dad says everyone must be at the house tonight. Don't be late.
Wanga stared at the message.
For a few seconds, she remained still.
Then she turned around and walked back inside.
---
At the Nyarhi family home, the atmosphere was very different.
King Nyarhi sat at the head of the dining table. His sons were gathered around him, and Thunder stood near the doorway.
Nobody was laughing.
Nobody was smiling.
"Where is Wanga?" King Nyarhi asked.
"She's coming," Kingsley replied.
The old man tapped his fingers against the table.
"We have business to discuss. Important business."
Ntsako leaned forward.
"What is it this time?"
King Nyarhi looked at each of them before answering.
"There's an opportunity. A big one."
Thunder smirked.
"How big?"
King Nyarhi's expression remained cold.
"Big enough to change everything."
The door opened.
Wanga walked in.
"Sorry I'm late."
Her father looked at her.
"Sit down. We need to talk."
She pulled out a chair and sat beside her brothers.
For a moment, she thought about Nation. About Friday. About spending time with the love of her life at their favourite restaurant.
Then her father's voice brought her back to reality.
"There's going to be another operation."
Wanga lowered her eyes.
She knew exactly what that meant.
And somewhere between the life she wanted and the family she belonged to, a choice was waiting for her.
She just didn't know how much it would cost.
To be continued...
