"I hear you sir" I replied. In our culture you don't look or stare elders in the eyes I had to look aside while I was dancing with him. Back in the days you weren't even allowed to dance with him so things are changing day by day in this new Morden life.
"A wedding is not a marriage…" he said.
"WH… what do you mean sir?" I probed, that is when I came to realise that. I am honestly getting a mouth full.
"What I am saying is… all this decorations and flashy suits are only for today… tomorrow you won't be dressed in this wedding dress" he continued speaking in riddles.
"Yes sir, I know that I won't be wearing it to my honeymoon, if that's what you are implying to sir" I was shaken and nervous too, my father in law giving me rules it's really shocking and a blessing too.
"My child clearly you are not listening" he said. "All I'm trying to say is, your life of marriage has begun today, and it won't be all flashy and taste nice as the cake and won't be always decorated as the tent is today…"
"I think I'm starting to follow…" I replied.
"The two of you, should love one another unconditionally as you do right now, stick together, support one another on decision making, sometimes you might not like what Joseph's decision may be, but you need to support him…" Mr Radebe stopped dancing; he looked straight into my eyes as he concluded.
"That's what I intend to do sir, stick by him at all times… I'll be there for him" I said facing down afraid of looking him into the eyes.
"And he too will be there for you daughter dearest" and he kissed my hands and said "welcome to the family dear…"
"Thank you sir…" I said.
"Whoa… dad, I'm the only one allowed to kiss my brides hands" J.R jested, stretching his right hand out.
"What is it my love? Are you jealous…?" I smiled and glanced at him. He looked at me as he bragged.
"Me, jealous, no…"
"Son, treat this beautiful flower, handle it with care and nourish it…" said Mr Radebe placing his hand on J.R's shoulder.
"I will pops, I will treat her with all the kindness that's in the world" he said assured his father glancing at me.
"Not only that, treat her also with respect… and most importantly take to heart everything I have taught you… please don't disappoint me son… I don't want to see this beautiful daughter of mine coming running to me in tears saying you are mistreating her… you have never saw your mom's tears if I recall perfectly" he said this words and turned around left us standing looking at him walking away, going towards Mrs. Radebe
"Wow…that was a lecture…" he took a deep breath.
"A lecture babe, you call that a lecture… if you have heard the Ten Commandments he was giving me… am sure that you would have run…" we both giggled. He then took a deep breath and said.
"I still can't believe it that you are mine" he kissed my hands, pulled me close and hugged me. He placed his chin just opposite my ear.
"Believe it Mr Radebe Junior… I have walked into your life and I don't intend on walking out of it until death…" I bragged and I faced down, inhaling the scent on his suit.
"Oh wow, those are lovely words Mrs Radebe… I won't be going anywhere either, as long as you anticipate to stay longer in my life… so that am stuck with you and you are stuck with me, even in death, you will be right here in my heart" he expressed.
"Ncoooh… that's so sweet of you my son" said Mrs Maseko, my mom "you two should be as happy as in now in all of the time you will be sharing together." Mrs Maseko stood right beside us.
"Thank you mom" I acknowledge holding her hands.
"Thank you Mrs Maseko" said J.R.
"Now my son in law, may I have a word with your wife?" mom requested as she rubbed her hand on J.R's arm.
"Yes you may… but don't take too long" he said.
"Mom, I hope you are not going to give me more lectures" I said.
"Well my dear, these teachings don't end once you have entered the marriage life" she said looking into my eyes. "And still you are still going to have more, tomorrow morning, just before your traditional wedding"
"Really mom… is it really necessary?" I asked.
"Yes my dear… what I came to tell you or add on what you have been told already… is that you have to humble yourself at all times…" she said, before she could finish her sentence Ncane spoke.
"Whatever decision that he may not approve off it doesn't mean he doesn't love you" Ncane added. I didn't quite notice that she too has joined the conversation.
J.R was enjoying himself with Trevor; they were both happy to have finally tied the knot. Mercy was socialising with other family friends. I wondered if she too was getting more lectures as much as I was getting from all directions.