Varsity Chronicles 1-3

The life of Zimbabwean University Students in all social aspects. I touch on issues around relationships (umjolo), drug use, sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexuality and sexual abuse, friendship, and many more. Varsity Chronicles always end with life advice.

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I intend to have these series turned into screenplay by December 2022. Please call me on +263783858465 or email tapfu.zw@gmail.com for more information.

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Chapter One

Umjolo, the Pandemic

he problem is you mind too much about the business of other people. Do you not know that Marshall Munhumumwe song? “Iwe iwe mwana iwe. Iwe unotivengesa nevanhu. Wazviona siya zviripo. Unoparadza zvakawanda”. Mugo believed that by telling Mthuli about the unfaithful girlfriend, he was doing a great job. If you think of it, his tongue use or misuse ended with the couple in the grave. You do not gain anything by gossip. You lose nothing either by keeping quiet.

The pain of the tragedy of the decade died with time. Their story should warn us each time we think of getting out of our lane to speak negatively about other people. Not all factual news is good news. The untimely loss of the two lives trended across social media; its masters found content. Isn’t it what they do; thriving through calamity? Dating is not a problem, friends. The way we speak quite negatively about it is what creates a beast out of it. True love exists. True love exists.

Relationships are everywhere. You will find them in the world and the Church. Everybody wants to feel loved. According to Bertrand Russell, love is an escape from our loneliness. The Scripture Union Chairman found himself entangled in one relationship; it was okay. Brian and Liona already imagined themselves exchanging vows of life. Their courtship was on point. Although matching outfits are increasingly becoming ubiquitous and perhaps

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monotonous in relationships, the two never ceased to wear them.

Watching them and marvelling at them became a hobby. At Church, it became common to see the Chairman enter the building with his future wife by his side. Lunch hour services became motivating to many girls as they would clap hands and ululate while the two walked into the room to lead the prayers.

It all started by noting the new reserved lady on one October afternoon service. Brian was Chairing as usual. Liona visited with her class friend Tapiwa who had invited her over. The brother was single, so it was not a big deal to pass by the new eye-catching lady and say Hi.

Brian: My sister, I am Brother Brian, but you can call me Brian or Vision.

Liona: (Bowing a little, with a beautiful smile) I am Liona, sir.

Brian: It is a pleasure to meet you, my sister. Do you mind sharing your contact to be added to our Church group?

Liona: (With a slight frown on her face) Pleasure meeting you too, sir.

Brian: (Forces a smile, flinches and interjects) Call me Brian.

Liona: Oh, sorry. I am already a member of the group. Tapiwa just added me.

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Brian: She is not in the group for newcomers. I will have to add you.

Liona: Okay, zero seven three, eight five one, three two four one. That is my number, sir.

Brian: Good. Be blessed, my sister.

The moment he arrived home, Brian started the conversation with his roommate. The noblewoman had already found space in his mind. The roomie was not a Churchy, Churchy person; he was not keen to discuss with Brian. Victor always had this sarcastic treatment he had for Brian. The new topic seemed quite captivating, though. Brian did the best he could to describe the lady he had just met.

Brian: Bro! She has this slow, soft tone. Her voluptuous figure kept on messing with my mind. Man, I forgot I was in Church. Mmmm.

Victor: Heheheheee Cheya Cheyaa. Mubati weskundla! Tipeyi tinzwe! Manakirwa nemwana here Chairman?

So Brian had this uptown class with him. He would unnecessarily use English; his colleagues were not like him. The innocent, squeaky clean youth claimed to have attended group “A” schools, so Shona was not his thing.

Brian: I know you trippin’ but I’m being for real, man. That chick is super lit!

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Victor: (Drops the cup he’s washing and laughs) Chairman, since when did you start using vana trippin’ nana chick? Vana boys imimi howo? I see. You the nikaz vanodya ma babe edu ku church ka imimi?

Brian: Why are you doing this bro? You should be giving me some tips. You know I’ve been single for long. Haa Victor, ah ah!

Victor: Okay what do you want me to do? Okay you want ma tips. Fine. First of all, let’s see the girl first. Akamboitasei mwana apengesa Mubati weskundla. Hahaha…

Brian: Uhm on the picture, I don’t know. But she gave me her number. Let me check her profile picture. (So he brought out his iPhone 8 and opened WhatsApp) Haa she put maruva uyu.

Victor: Cute chicks don’t use their faces for propic didn’t you know? Anyways, what’s her name manje?

Brian: Liona

Victor: Ah! Liona? From which class?

Brian: I don’t know, man.

Victor: Follow me, let’s search for one that I know on Facebook.

Brian: You with girls… Where do you know Liona from?

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Victor: Don’t panic bro. I got you. Is this her?

Brian: Pop! You lose! That’s not her haha!

Victor: You’re too innocent my guy. I know you when you lie.

Brian: Okay fine! It’s her. Now help me get the chick.

Victor: Say no more, gimme her tags. I know what I will do.

Brian: I don’t trust you bro. This girl caught my heart bro. Can you be nice for me this one time?

Victor: Okay do it on your own. You Church guys are boring anyway! I’m out!

Brian: I promise I will pay. You know I am monied bro.

Victor: Okay text her now, I will give you lyrics.

Brian: What should I say?

The two texted Liona around 7 PM. The messages were all opened and replied just the way they wanted, thanks to boss Victor. He advised Brian to avoid Church topics and focus. He asked her to join him for a trip to Matobo. Brian informed her that it was one of his vacations and he needed company. Liona apprehended that the guy had feelings for her. The following Saturday morning, the two met in town. Brian had a silver Benz E320 (2011). Liona

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waited at Bulawayo Centre till he arrived playing loud worldly music and asked her to hop in. She did, so they travelled together to the tourist resort. This is where it all happened instantly.

Brian: See. Liona. I’m not used to this but I don’t know what just makes me feel so different when it comes to you.

Liona: Hmm when it comes to me you say. How many have you been inviting over to these vacations?

Brian: No babe, it’s not like that. The thing is, this feels so right. Like, I already see you as my girlfriend to be!

Liona: Hahaha baba imi? Ndikwanirei.

Brian: Honestly, it’s like you’re this ever shooting star that caught my attention. I wanna ask you this riddle. Are you ready?

Liona: Hmm I don’t like these but it’s okay, ask.

Brian: How many months have 28 days?

Liona: Uh, 12?

Brain: Yeah! See? You did not say February. You’re such an intelligent woman. That’s what I like. I think I’m sapio.

Liona: (Chuckles) Haha. I feel flattered.

Brian: Liona, I love you. Please be my girlfriend.

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Liona: How many girls do you have?

Brian: I have you now.

Liona: Haha. You’re just funny. So when do you want your reply?

Brian: Even now! Oh wow! Oh! Oh yeah! Let’s do this!

Liona: (Makes a straight face) don’t be too happy. What if my response is negative?

Brian: Negativity is not good for the soul. The only positive we avoid is positive results from STI medical tests. We live with them and with medication, we live long but we would have opted staying free of disease. Well, such is life. I just feel like the world is not fair some…

Liona: Eh bhudhi! What’s this about now?

Brian: I’m doing medicine.

Liona: (Phone rings and goes off. She checks it and continues) my mom just beeped. Can you like send me some airtime? I will return.

Brian: How much do you want?

Liona: Your wish is my command, my king.

Brian sent her a staggering one thousand RTGS for airtime. To my surprise, she did not flinch about it. Just a

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simple thank you, and that was all. She excused herself and made a call from the ladies room. It took less than three minutes. By dusk hour, they had left the resort for school. The lady rented somewhere in Selborne Park.

TO BE CONTINUED.

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Read Varsity Chronicles 3

Chapter One

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas

Lucy: I’m having a severe fever and I’m developing some rush down there? I don’t know what’s happening to me.

Moyo: Have you tried seeing the doctor?

Lucy: No. I’m afraid. I think I have to get tested.

Moyo: How dare? No, wait! Let me give you money. Wait. No. Let me get you some medication. I will send the money of course. Don’t worry, you are going to be okay.

Lucy: Okay, Steve. Thanks. You’re such a helper.

Moyo: Can you make me some tea please.

Lucy: You like your tea.

Moyo: And I like your lips.

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Lucy: (With an adorable smile on her face) Ha, you’re so funny, Steve.

nder the most unforeseen circumstances, Lucy and Moyo fell in deep love. Theirs is a love tale that originated from the fire of hell and turned into ice and roses. Remember this thing, roses appeal to the eye but have thorny stems. For it to retain its solid state, you have to maintain freezing temperatures. Take your ARV in the morning and the evening; when you birth, see the doctor for safe delivery of a negative baby. The fulfilment of life is in succeeding despite immense adversity. You know you have been through deep shit in life, but it is okay. Let us delve into the story, my friend.

The Dean of students received information through the grapevine that Moyo had impregnated a student. The Dean called him for a hearing regarding the matter. She wanted to investigate how he got to do that. Just like in any tertiary institution, lecturers were forbidden from engaging in romantic relationships with students. He promised the Dean to take care of the young lady as his wife. Moyo mysteriously got away with it.

Knowing very well his HIV Status, Moyo took Lucy to New Start Centre. The name "new start" gives an impression that you are opening a new page to start afresh. Consequentially, you are obliged to maintain a healthy life. You have to become obsessed with knowing the food you eat, the times you eat, the nutritional content, the medication you take and the timetables. It is hard but

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possible. Lucy embraced it and the results of the pregnancy test, too. The 20-year old lady carried her baby throughout the semester whilst the parents surrendered all their responsibilities to the "husband". He covered tuition and made her defer her studies to the following semester as she prepared for the baby.

Only one person failed to embrace the "new start"; Thandiwe Moyo. She felt disrespected to have a young woman joining her family and taking a similar position with her in the house. Two women cannot coexist very well unless if it is for a couple of days. The prevailing circumstances made coexisting even harder between the two. Thandiwe started by asking Lucy to take care of all the main-house chores before departing for school every morning. The one-month pregnant lady did not struggle as she had the experience to do her chores. She stayed in a separate cottage allocated to her by Steve. Steve would leave his first wife alone in bed to share with his precious jewel.

One evening the couple quarreled over the issue of Lucy.

Thandiwe: So now I no longer have a husband in this house?

Steve: What’s your problem?

Thandiwe: Answer me!

Steve: With what? Lower your voice, I don’t want Lucy to think that she is causing us problems.

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Thandiwe: Well. Well. Well. This Lucy thing of yours has suddenly become so important? Steve! I gave you two children. The second one took from you to have a bulky head and I got the C-Section! Now you treat me like trash? How dare you?

Steve: You’re not good in bed, woman! Now if you will excuse me, I need to check on Lucy. Leave my sadza in the oven.

Life was not fair for Lucy, but she had a soldier spirit fight to the death. Her pregnancy was complicated; she was in and out of the hospital. There was no more time for lectures. In March, Lucy was four months pregnant. One night she developed a running stomach that kept her glued to the toilet seat. As her pregnancy grew bigger and bigger, Steve began to limit his time with Lucy, so he returned to Thandiwe's bed in the main house. The young lady was in excruciating pain. She sat with both her hands grabbing the sides of the toilet seat while agitating her belly to find a less painful position. As she tried to push out the stool, tears started flowing down her cheeks. Veins on her forehead became well defined, as the nose became red. She was sweating profusely. As she looked down, she saw thick dark blood she had never seen before. Lucy miscarried. In the most gruesome pain and emotional distress, the poor girl cried out loud, "God, where are you?"

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