Rain Petitioning and Step Child: Plays

Scene 2

61 Scene 2 Stage I (Mubvandiripo arrives at his [real] father, Chenjerai Nhamo’s home in chief Ziki’s area. It is after Chenjerai’s burial and people are seated under the shade of a Muchakata tree to deliberate on the deceased’s estate). Mubvandiripo: (Arriving at Chenjerai’s homestead). Go-gogoi ! Tisvikewo! Babamunini: Yes, come on! But, we are a family somehow busy here. Or let me take you aside and hear what you have brought us. Excuse me just a moment (referring to the crowd), I want to talk to that gentleman. Come along gentleman (Pointing at Mubvandiripo). Let us sit here. (Pointing at a log just a few metres from the crowd). Mubvandiripo: I am sorry father for interrupting. (Staring at Babamunini). Babamunini: It’s not a very big problem son. Only that we are not familiar to each other. Who are you, and what have brought you here? Mubvandiripo: Well, my name is Mubvandiripo. I come from Chitsa, in Gutu, and am looking for my father named Chenjerai Nhamo. I have heard that this is his home, but I am surprised to see a crowd of people. Is there a party? Babamunini: (Startled). Are you sure you are Chenjerai’s son? 62 Mubvandiripo: Yes, I am! Babamunini: It’s very strange! Do you know Chenjerai if you see him? Mubvandiripo: I am not familiar with his face, but that is his name. Babamunini: Hey son! So how can you look for a father you are not familiar with? Besides, you must be in your early twenties or late teens. What were you doing all along to look for your father only now? Mubvandiripo: What has made me wondering like this is the passion to know my father. Babamunini: That is what I have asked you son. Has that passion had an effect on you only now when you are as old as you are? Mubvandiripo: (Sobbing). No, my father. The story is very long, and a sad one to remember. Babamunini: What the cry is all about my son? Is this what you called me for? Behave like a man. A real man doesn’t cry. Be steady and narrate your story. Mubvandiripo: (A bit composed). I was informed only 3 days ago by my mother that the father I grew up with is not my real father. My real father is Chenjerai Nhamo. (Whimpering. Maonei, Chenjerai’s mother have a sense that all is not well between the new comer and his son. She goes there). 63 Maonei: Eh my son (referring to Babamunini), people are waiting! And, it seems this other one here is crying! Who is he and what have you done to him? Babamunini: It’s good that you have come mum. The story here is complex. I won’t be able to digest it alone. Would you kindly call up aunt Marujata. You also need to be here with us. (Referring to his mother). Maonei: What kind of story that requires even the aunt to be here? (Looking at Mubvandiripo’s face). Ah-a! And, who is this boy who resembles my son, Chenjerai? This is a bizarre! (Sitting down to understand more, and with an eye on Mubvandiripo). Babamunini: Mum! Just call them so that we talk over it together. Maonei: (Standing). Well, let me call them that we hear the story! VaMarujata: (Seating down). Is everything well here? I heard my in-law calling me. Babamunini: Ehe-e aunt, I am the one who have called you up. There is an issue I want us to discuss together. It’s about our son here. (Pointing at Mubvandiripo). Marujata: Ah, and it was before greeting you my son! (Referring to Mubvandiripo). (Extending her hand to Mubvandiripo). 64 Mubvandiripo: (Extending his hand). Hallo grandma. How are you doing? Marujata: (Her hand on her open mouth). Ah-a! Is this a mirage or reality? Do you see what I am seeing? (Referring to Maonei). Is this Chenjerai who has risen? They are very much alike! Babamunini: Aunt, your attention please! We don’t have time. Look, all those people are waiting for us. Marujata: Yes Chirandu, we are listening. (Looking at Babamunini). Go ahead. Babamunini: Aunt, mum, and Rambisai, the reason why I have summoned you here is this boy. (Pointing at Mubvandiripo). Marujata: What has he done? (Hands on her stomach). Babamunini: This boy (pointing at Mubvandiripo) is looking...