The kunnu

 

Tsokana poured a steaming deliciously creamy cup of kunnu with just enough sugar to remind the teeth it had nerves.

The temperature had just enough heat to tingle the uvula. It was heaven in a cup. But how did Tsokana know this what what she craved.  What Duniya had asked of Kyakyawa but had not ever received. At least not yet. 

Where is Kyakyawa? She asked Tsokana. I will tell you when you pay me. 

Pay you? Duniya was not in the mood. The teasing could almost disturb her enjoyment of the porridge drink. 

Why don't you ever answer a straight question she said exasperated. Tsokana looked at her. She wasn't her mate. She was probably even older than Kyakyawa not that it mattered. 

At least it didn't matter until you get on her bad side. Duniya did not want to be that person. But come on was it too much to ask for an answer. 

Why don't you ask the question you want to ask me Tsokana said or at least if you want to ask a dumb question what is stopping you from calling Kyakyawa and asking her yourself where she is or what she is doing? 

You don't really want to know do you? You know you don't want to so stop asking. 

Duniya was not deterred. You could just say I don't know you know. 

Don't I? Tsokana asked. 

Duniya felt hot and mentally tried to rewind the conversation. Talking to Tsokana flustered her. She always wondered how they get onto the topics they found themselves. Innocuous conversations seem to become laden with hidden meanings around her. 

Kyakyawa had left for a meeting that morning. She hadn't said much to Duniya and she wasn't sure if she should go home or go to work? 

It was not like there was a lot going with the Covid restrictions and she had her laptop with her. The joy of Tsokana's home was the amazing free wifi and its speed was glorious. 

Things like internet connection could not be taken for granted here. Same with electricity and running water. It didn't matter how much money you had. You could not always insulate yourself from the trappings of the third world. 

Duniya sounded like a pompous colonial even to herself but she couldn't help it. Internet was gold

Can I have some of the kunnu to take home Duniya asked. 

So, you really do like kunnu, I wondered about that.

Duniya felt embarrassed, what do you mean I really like kunnu. Why else would I ask if I did not like it? 

Then she remembered. Have you been reading Kyakyawa's texts? 

Tsokana didn't look too offended. Why? She asked is there something in Kyakyawa's text that I would find interesting? 

Duniya wished the ground would open up and swallow her. Tsokana was maddening. And she knew too much or she sussed too much. 

Come and sit and tell me how you would like her to give you her "kunnu". 

Duniya's ears deafened. What do you mean she stammered. Tsokana smiled beckoned her over. Come, share. 

Did she dare? Could she trust Tsokana? Kyakyawa trusted Tsokana. Didn't she? 

Why do you want to help me? She asked Tsokana. 

Why must there be a reason she countered and who says anything about helping you. 

You don't have to tell me anything. I ask because I can see you want to spill it all. 

She took the delicate cup from Duniya's fingers. Took a sip and looked at her. 

This is cheating the voice inside Duniya's head said. This is cheating it repeated in a sing song manner. 

How can it be? We are nothing to each other. Not defined not discussed existing only in the when she feels like with nothing but presence or absence. 

Duniya convinced herself that she was doing whatever happens next out of curiosity. 

Tsokana, swallowed the kunnu in her mouth. Duniya followed the action from her lips, mouth, throat, disappear. 

Her eyes shouted do it again. Tsokana smiled like she has said it aloud. She took the cup from Duniya's hands and took another small sip. 

Duniya, sat on her lap with trembling fingers she undid her front buttons. Tsokana opened and dripped warm liquid over her chin and chest. 

Duniya looked at her surprised, then kissed her. It was not want she wanted they both knew it. 

It would do. 

Duniya closed her eyes Tsokana to teasing laughter.