Love and Duty - By Mulisa Muswede

Written By: Mulisa Muswede

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of creative storytelling, Mulisa Muswede presents "Love and Duty," a captivating short story that delves into the intricate dance between personal desires and societal obligations. A participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Muswede brings forth a narrative that resonates with universal themes of love, friendship, and duty. The story unfolds in a setting that is both familiar and deeply reflective, inviting readers to explore the nuances of human relationships and the internal conflicts that accompany them.

About the Work

"Love and Duty" is a poignant exploration of the tension between societal expectations and personal emotions. Muswede crafts a narrative rich in imagery, with a focus on the oppressive heat as a metaphor for the internal struggle faced by the protagonist. Through subtle dialogue and introspective moments, the story examines the complexities of an arranged marriage and the lingering bonds of friendship. The piece is a testament to the power of unspoken emotions and the courage required to navigate the labyrinth of duty and desire.

Love and Duty

Original Submission by Mulisa Muswede

Love and Duty

By Mulisa Muswede

________________

It is so hot.

It is blistering hot, and I have done all I could to wear the smallest amount of clothing while presenting myself as appropriate, and I've hidden myself all the way in the back of the house where my limp form on the cold tile won’t alarm anyone.

I’ve successfully drunk the last of my water when I hear footsteps behind me. I would recognise the tap tap of those steps from anywhere, and considering my back is to him, I’ve already nailed it down. Eli stops, but I’m not sure what it is he’s doing behind me as I refuse to turn my neck and face him. It is better this way. My heartbeat sticks to its regular rhythm. No chances of a skip as long as I do not make it a big deal.

“There you are.”

His voice travels over me, and I must blame my position on the floor beneath his looming figure for how grand it is. I let the words sink in and remind myself that normal human beings, which I happen to be, reply when addressed. I turn slightly in his direction, realising that I’ll have to lift my torso if there’s any chance of looking at him directly. I sigh with the effort of lifting myself and inevitably face him.

“Don’t tell me it’s another phone call.” Even when the words fall out, there’s not much dread in my tone.

“He promised he’d call every day till the wedding. It is only proper.”

His reasoning falls as flat as his expression, but even with how stern he looks, there’s a glimmer in his eyes that I have to believe comes from our years of friendship. Even if he had no choice in befriending me, as he so happened to be my brother’s best friend first.

“Fine.” I agree, walking past him into the house. The action is deliberate. There is always a part of me that wants to be near him, even if it is only a second of closeness. Anything more would certainly be frowned upon.

I’m used to the procedure now as I sit myself in my father’s study, which could be considered just a desk and chair in the corner of our living room. The phone is mounted to the desk, and I find it waiting for me.

“Hello, Dan,” I greet, leaning back comfortably. From my seat, I can see Eli busying himself in the open-plan kitchen. I’d call him out on his surveillance if it was not for my parents asking him to be my acting chaperone.

Well, just until my older brother comes back.

“Sophia, I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time?”

“Not at all. The heat was getting to me, so I was just-” the truth almost slips out, “getting some air.”

The look Eli gives me is one of humour now, and I realise that, without really putting much thought into it, I’m staring.

“Once we’re married, I think you’ll enjoy the city. It's much cooler,” he says like a fact, and I nod absentmindedly. This arranged marriage, I think I can handle. Having to leave my home, on the other hand... let’s say I’ll truly think about it when I’m faced with the reality.

“How’s my brother?” I ask, hoping the change in topic can help with the anxiety slowly creeping up.

We then fall into a smooth conversation about how my parents and brother are handling the preparations. As I hear how he experiences the people I love the most, I can’t help but miss them. Dan seems to think that my older brother is an impenetrable force, but the image is laughable. He is the goofiest man I know, and I’m certain once all the formalities are out of the way, he will drop the act.

Eli, I realise, is making himself something to drink, but he’s pulled out two glasses. My attention is being pulled in two directions.

“My brother just wants everything to go well for his dear baby sister. Surely you understand.”

I soften the last part of my words, hoping they sound charming.

“Yes, I do.”

The way he says it makes me picture the altar, but I have only seen Dan in a photograph, so his image warps into Eli.

A glass is placed on the desk, stealing my fantasy, only to be replaced by a much better version. All my calls with Dan are supervised, and Eli usually gives me some distance, so I’m surprised when he pulls up a chair directly across from me and places his drink on the table next to mine.

I glance up.

His expression stays casual, but his eyes don’t leave mine.

“Your mother’s got everything planned. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s best to let her be,” Dan jokes, perhaps attempting to fill in my silence.

“Yes,” I laugh. “She is quite the perfectionist.”

“I apologise for cutting our conversation short, but I’ve got to go now. I’ll call you later this evening,” he quickly says.

“No apology needed. I’ll be right here,” I say, finally picking up my glass and taking a sip of the juice.

The line drops, and a heavy silence falls between us.

“You seem happy,” he finally says.

The curve of his mouth lifts, and I’m not convinced.

Convinced of what exactly? The sincerity of his statement, or the fact that whatever is swirling in my eyes is reflected in his.

A dangerous pause.

“I am happy.”

I give him my best smile, but this is the part I don’t like. The part where things have become complicated without either of us doing anything. Memories of late-night conversations and shared jokes flicker past. Moments I had pretended meant nothing.

All of it floods through my mind.

I immediately look down at the table. Reality threatens to twist itself back into fantasy, and with Dan firmly in mind, I stand.

“After you get married, are we going to stay friends, but not really?”

The question stops me in my tracks. Had he just shone a light on the monster in my head? Was it finally showing its teeth, and would I survive the bite?

“We’ll always be friends, Eli.”

The words come easily.

Everything else doesn't.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating the art of words. This competition invites writers from around the globe to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a diverse literary community. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their works across various categories, engaging with themes that challenge and inspire. The competition stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to connect people across cultures and experiences.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mulisa Muswede for sharing "Love and Duty" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your story offers a profound exploration of personal and societal dynamics, capturing the essence of human relationships with grace and depth. Thank you for contributing your voice to this global celebration of creativity and for inviting us into the world of your narrative.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.