"Drama is the nature of all sadness..."
They say, "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future."
But I say — "Show me your partner, and I will show you your destiny."
A partner is more than love. They're the mirror you carry for life, reflecting who you are when no
one else is watching. And sometimes, that mirror cracks — showing you truths you weren't ready to
see.
I grew up in a home where tradition meant everything. A man honors his wife. A woman leads the
home in wisdom. Family was sacred. Loyalty was law. But here I am — knee-deep in secrets,
betrayal, and twisted loyalties. A woman raised on values, now breaking them all just to survive.
I made a choice that ripped me from everything I believed in. I stood between my father and the
man I love. I chose Zak — the same man whose family might've buried my brother.
I chose love over justice.
And now I'm paying the price.
They say love is blind — maybe that's why we feel it before we see it. But love should never make
you this deaf, this numb, this foolish. Zak has me spiraling. I gave up home, blood, and safety for
this man — and now I'm starting to wonder if I've walked into a trap disguised as a fairytale.
Bab'Ngcobo is playing a long game, one layered with power, influence, and control. I no longer
know who's playing who.
And then there's the silence.
Det. Mokoena is gone.
Zizipho doesn't talk about it. The media stopped reporting.
Like he never existed.
Like Sipho.
And now I'm being followed.
A black BMW. Always in the distance.
Always just close enough.
It's the same car I saw in the Uber.
Or am I just paranoid?
No. This is real.
The Ngcobo family may not be the only one burying the truth.
Someone else is watching me.
Someone doesn't want Sipho's story told.
But secrets don't stay buried.
Not when the rain falls.
And it's about to pour.
Scene 1–8: "No veil shall hide the truth."
"Okay now it is time for me to face the Ngcobo family after they've been embarrassed
by my father and Bab'Nkaba... I just pray Bab'Ngcobo doesn't act out of anger or
disappointment. I must've looked like the worst possible daughter-in-law."
Scene: The Living Room – Ngcobo Household
(Zak, Smanga, Bab'Ngcobo, and Thandeka enter. Tension is thick in the air.)
Bab'Ngcobo:
Madoda, please head to the study. I want to speak to Thandeka alone.
Zakhele:
What's this about, Tyma?
Smanga:
Stop asking questions — let's go.
Zakhele:
Awume, Smanga...
Thandeka:
It's okay, Zak. If Baba wants to talk to me, I don't mind.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Thank you. Now, please leave us.
(The men exit to the study.)
Scene: One-on-One – Bab'Ngcobo and Thandeka
Bab'Ngcobo:
First, let me say thank you — for not turning your back on us.
Thandeka:
It's not a big deal. If anything, I should apologize for my father's behavior. I had no idea about the
restraining clause.
(She thinks silently: "It's not like I had a real choice.")
Bab'Ngcobo:
No need to apologize, ndodakazi. Your father was just protecting his own. But we're not the enemy
he thinks we are.
Thandeka:
What do you mean by that?
Bab'Ngcobo (avoiding):
Never mind that. Just know this — you're safe here. You're one of us now. You've proven that. And
as head of this family... we're grateful.
Thandeka:
Ngiyabonga, Baba.
*(She leaves and heads upstairs.)
(Cut to: Study – Smanga and Zak already in heated debate.)
Scene: The Study – Brothers at War
Zakhele:
Tell me the truth, Smanga — what's your real problem with Thandeka?
Smanga:
What?
Zakhele:
You heard me. You've been different ever since she arrived — same as when Sipho was around.
Smanga:
Exactly that. Her presence is just like Sipho's. She brings chaos.
Zakhele:
No. You're the one causing chaos.
(Bab'Ngcobo enters mid-argument.)
Bab'Ngcobo:
What's going on here?
Zakhele:
Nothing, Tyma.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Smanga?
Smanga:
Nothing, Tyma. But... what are we doing about the shipment delays?
Bab'Ngcobo:
They can wait. We don't answer to anyone.
Smanga:
Tyma, these are high-paying clients — delays are bad for business.
Bab'Ngcobo (firm):
I said they can wait.
Zakhele:
And what about the legal case? Clement?
Bab'Ngcobo:
There is no case. Let it go.
(Veronica knocks on the door.)
Veronica:
Commissioner Nkaba is in the lounge. He wants to see you.
Zakhele:
Why is he always at our doorstep?
Bab'Ngcobo:
You two stay here. I'll handle it.
Scene: The Lounge – Nkaba Returns
Bab'Ngcobo (smirking):
Commissioner — twice in one week. I must be special.
Nkaba:
Save the charm. I'm not here for small talk. I want Thandeka back.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Not happening.
Nkaba:
I'm not asking. I'm warning.
Bab'Ngcobo:
I'm refusing. Respectfully.
Nkaba (irritated):
You think I don't know your dirty secrets?
You rose from the streets on bones and blood.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Then say what you mean.
Nkaba:
You'll regret not accepting my offer. Thandeka isn't just wanted by us. She's now caught in a
crossfire... and you just chose your side.
(Nkaba exits. Bab'Ngcobo pulls out his phone and dials quickly.)
Scene: The Study – Words Turn Sharp
Smanga:
Zak, you're blinded by love. That woman will be the end of us.
Zakhele:
Respect her. She's not like the women you parade in here.
Smanga:
Oh, it's like that now?
Zakhele:
Yes, it is.
Smanga:
How about I tell Tyma about her little police station trips?
Zakhele:
That's childish.
Smanga:
We never spent a day in jail... until she came. You gave her our bloodline bakery!
Zakhele:
My shares. My decision.
Smanga:
You're a liability now.
Zakhele:
You're just jealous.
Smanga (cold):
No. I'm warning you. If she makes one mistake, I'll kill her myself.
Zakhele (furious):
Touch her — and I swear, I'll finish you.
(Zak storms out. Cut to: Thandeka in the bedroom, on a call with Zizipho.)
Scene: Phone Call – The Breaking News
Thandeka:
Hey sisi, how are you?
Zizipho:
I'm good. But what happened? I heard about the arrests.
Thandeka:
Long story. Not sure if I made the right decision.
Zizipho:
You're doing it for justice, right?
Thandeka:
Yeah... Any word on Det. Mokoena?
(Silence.)
Thandeka:
Hello?
Zizipho:
He's dead.
Thandeka:
... Who?
Zizipho:
Mokoena. Shot three times in the chest.
Left in a valley. Kimberly.
Thandeka (whispers):
Kimberly...
Zizipho:
You okay?
Thandeka:
I'll call you back.
(Hangs up. Turns around — Zak enters the bedroom.)
Scene: Tension in the Bedroom
Zakhele:
Hey babe.
Thandeka (still shaken):
Did you recently go to Kimberly?
Zakhele:
Yeah. I told you — car dealership meeting.
Thandeka:
Was Smanga with you?
Zakhele:
He was checking on a delivery.
Thandeka:
Since when does he do deliveries?
Zakhele:
What's with the interrogation?
Thandeka:
Just answer.
Zakhele (dodging):
Let's leave it.
Thandeka:
As majority shareholder of the bakery, I deserve to know.
Zakhele (defensive):
Smanga's been doing security checks for years.
Nothing unusual.
Thandeka:
If you say so.
Zakhele:
Why would I lie?
Thandeka:
I didn't say you did — those are your words.
Zakhele:
I'm going to bath. Join me?
Thandeka:
Already did.
(He exits. Thandeka sits, whispering to herself.)
Thandeka (thinking):
Could he really be involved?
What have I gotten myself into?
I don't know who Zak is anymore...
Scene 2: Who Are You
Location: Waterfall Apartments Hotel — Nkaba and Clement sit in silence.
Clement:
Baba, what are we going to do with this situation we're stuck in right now?
Nkaba:
Nothing. For now.
Clement:
WHAT?! I can't just sit and watch a Joburg boy take Thandeka away from me.
Nkaba:
Relax marn. I have a plan. Everything that's happening right now... I've got it covered.
Clement:
A plan? Baba, we already tried using Sipho's name to shake them — it didn't work.
Nkaba:
Because we used it wrong. The only person who deserves the truth — and can actually help us bring
them down — is Thandeka.
Clement:
She won't believe us. It'll just look like we're trying to sabotage her love life so she can come back
to me.
Nkaba:
Fool. She will believe us. Thandeka's here for one reason — to find out the truth about her brother.
Clement:
How do you know that? And even so, that doesn't help us without proof.
Nkaba:
I'll explain later. Sipho isn't dead... he's missing.
Clement:
What are you talking about?
Nkaba:
Zulu was desperate to find his son after the "accident." But it wasn't an accident. Sipho was shot.
That crash was a cover-up — it was actually a heist. One of the Xulu family's export trucks got hit.
Clement:
And you're only telling me this now?
Nkaba:
Because the Ngcobo family planned the hit. They robbed their own partners.
Clement:
If that's true, we could actually put them away.
Nkaba:
Not just jail — I'm talking about sparking a full war between the Ngcobo and the Xulu brothers.
Clement:
But there's no guarantee. They've covered their tracks. And they've been partners for years.
Nkaba:
True. But Thandeka is already inside. If she believes the Ngcobo family is behind her brother's
disappearance, she'll dig deep... and when she finds the truth, she'll want revenge.
Clement:
...No.
Nkaba:
No?
Clement:
I won't use Thandeka for your war. Yes, I hate that they took her from me. But I won't play dirty with
someone's life. She deserves the truth — not manipulation.
Nkaba:
She chose them over you. Wake up, son. Life isn't fair. And love is never enough. Hunt, or be hunted.
Clement:
Sorry. I'll tell her the truth — but on my terms.
Nkaba:
Be my guest.
Clement:
Sharp.
[Scene transitions to: Clement enters the elevator and heads down to the parking garage. A
man in a black cap and all-black outfit gets out of a sleek BMW i7. As Clement checks his
phone, they bump into each other.]
BMW Guy:
Sorry, sir. My mistake.
(He slips a hidden banner phone into Clement's jacket.)
Clement:
Hey, watch where you're going, mfethu.
...Cool.
(Clement dials Thandeka)
Thandeka (answers):
Hello?
Clement:
Thandeka, it's me. Can we meet?
Thandeka:
I'm busy.
Clement:
I won't waste your time. Just meet me at the mall. 30 minutes. Please.
Thandeka:
Fine. See you then.
Scene: Xulu Company — Boardroom
Bab'Ngcobo:
I called this meeting to announce something important.
Sbonelo:
Okay, what's going on?
Smanga:
Ingani lento? You didn't even mention it at home.
Zakhele:
I'm just as confused.
Bab'Ngcobo:
I'm resigning.
Steve:
Ini?!
Zakhele:
Tyma, this feels rushed. Are you sure?
Smanga:
Rational decision for who? Tyma this is total bullshit, manje.
Steve:
Madoda, yimani! Bab'Ngcobo, what's the reason behind this?
Bab'Ngcobo:
I'm handing over my shares to Sam, my second-born. My position goes to... Steve Xulu.
Smanga:
Tyma?! What the f—
Zakhele:
There better be a reason for this move.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Everything will be in the documents. You'll receive them tonight.
Steve: (shocked, silent)
Sbonelo:
No problem. I'll wait for the paperwork.
Smanga:
Haibo! No one's receiving anything. How could you keep this from us?
Zakhele:
Yes. This needs to be discussed as a family. Maybe Tyma's not in the right state of mind.
Bab'Ngcobo: (quiet)
Steve: (receives a text and suddenly lights up)
Sipho:
Yini?
Steve:
The banner phone is live again... the guy's at Mall of Africa.
Zakhele:
Mall of Africa?
Smanga:
Thandeka's there!
Steve:
And Zizipho.
Bab'Ngcobo: (goes silent again)
Smanga:
Mxm! Let's go, madoda — now!
Zakhele:
Yes.
Steve:
I'm coming too. I'll get live location from my guy.
Scene: Mall of Africa — Clement Meets Thandeka
Thandeka:
Okay Clement, what's this about?
Clement:
Hi Zizipho. This is about your safety.
Thandeka:
I'm perfectly safe where I am.
Clement:
Can we talk privately, just for a sec?
Zizipho:
It's fine, I'll go get pizza and a milkshake.
Thandeka:
Don't vanish.
Zizipho:
Relax — see you, Clams.
Clement:
Sharp... Thandeka, you're not safe.
Thandeka:
Clement, if you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I'm gone.
Clement:
I know you came here to find out what happened to Sipho.
Thandeka: (surprised)
How did you know that?
Clement:
Because the people you're with... they're tied to your brother's disappearance.
Thandeka:
So simple? Something that took me months to piece together, you just figured out?
Clement:
I'm not going to explain how. Just know — you need to get out before it's too late. That family isn't
what they seem.
Thandeka:
No family is normal, Clement. Doesn't mean they're evil.
Clement:
What if I told you that Sipho's "accident" wasn't an accident?
Thandeka:
Meaning...?
Clement:
The evidence was tampered with. It was a heist. Covered up as an accident.
Thandeka:
Who told you that?
Clement:
My dad.
Scene 3: Irrational Decision
[Scene: Parking Lot – Inside the Car]
Smanga, Zakhele, and Steve sit in a car, tension thick in the air.
Smanga: Awusho, Steve… did you hear about the crazy decision my dad made today?
Steve: I had no idea, bro. I'm just as shocked.
Zakhele: Guys, animeni! Why are we still sitting here? We should get out and fetch that bastard
ourselves.
Steve: Relax. My guy's monitoring the CCTV from the mall parking lot. He's tracking the suspect's
movements for us.
Zakhele: But the tracker hasn't moved. He's just standing there.
Smanga: I'm so pissed right now I could kill someone.
Steve: He's moving now... and heading in our direction. Everyone, be ready.
Smanga: I swear, I just want to put five bullets in this idiot's chest.
Zakhele: No, wait! We need answers first — why he's been after me, and what he really wants.
Steve: Exactly. Let's get the truth before we act.
Zakhele: How far is he now?
Steve: Two minutes away.
(Phone rings)
Steve: Zizipho? What's up?
Zizipho: Babe, please come fetch me. Thandeka is with Clement, and I just want to go home.
Steve: Wait — Clement is with Thandeka?
Zizipho: Yes, the two of them are together here. Please come.
Steve: Okay, I'm on my way.
(Call ends. Zakhele's eyes narrow.)
Zakhele: I'm coming with.
Steve: No, stay here.
Zakhele: Ayi bo! I'm coming. That boy needs to learn a lesson.
Smanga: You guys go. I'll stay behind and track our guy.
Steve: Let's move.
Zakhele: Asambe manje.
[Inside the Mall – Clement and Thandeka]
Clement: I told you everything. What you do with it is your choice.
Thandeka: (silent)
Clement: I'll see you when I see you.
Thandeka: Hopefully.
(Clement walks away. Thandeka stands, thinking.)
Thandeka (VO):
"Could it be true? Zakhele… involved in my brother's disappearance? I always knew the Ngcobos
were hiding something, but I didn't expect this level of betrayal. And my father — he knew
everything?"
(Zak appears suddenly and gently touches her arm.)
Thandeka: (startled, stepping back) Oh, Zak.
Zakhele: Ushar'p?
Thandeka: I'm fine. What are you doing here?
Zakhele: I was with Steve nearby when Zizipho called. We figured we'd fetch both of you.
Thandeka: That's thoughtful. Where are Steve and Zizipho?
Zakhele: Still shopping at Edgars. You know your cousin…
Thandeka: (fake smile) I do. Can we go home now?
Zakhele: Sure. Mind if we bolt?
Thandeka: Wait — where's your car?
Zakhele: We came in Steve's. He's still inside.
Thandeka: Let me run to the restroom quickly. I'll meet you outside.
[Parking Lot – Smanga Alone in Car]
(Clement unknowingly walks past Smanga's car. Smanga glances at the tracker — it lights up.)
Smanga: What the f**? It's this asshole?!*
(He steps out of the car, gun in hand. Clement hears the door slam and turns — too late. A shot
rings out. Clement falls, lifeless.)
[Zak Runs to the Scene]
Zakhele: What the hell?! Smanga, what did you do?!
Smanga: Yeyi, calm down. This dog has been causing chaos in our family for too long.
Zakhele: Are you mad?! That was the commissioner's son!
Smanga: He was trying to take your woman, and I found the burner phone in his pocket. He's been
making all those threats.
Zakhele: We could've questioned him, Smanga! Now we'll never get answers. You just want to kill
anyone that crosses us!
Smanga: Enough. We need to move this body — now.
Zakhele: Sometimes I wonder if you're my brother or just a bloodthirsty dog.
Smanga: What's done is done. Are you helping or not?
[Back in the Mall – Thandeka]
Thandeka: Where's Zak now? Did he leave? Maybe he went to the car. Let me call him.
(Back at the parking lot — Zak's phone rings as he and Smanga struggle with Clement's body.)
Zakhele: Shit. Thandeka's calling.
Smanga: Don't pick it up!
Zakhele: I need to make sure she's okay.
Smanga: Yewena Zak!
Zakhele: (picks up)
Hey babe.
Thandeka: Ayibo Zak, where did you go?
Zakhele: I had to rush to a meeting. But I bolted already — you'll take the car and head home. I'll
catch you there.
Thandeka: Okay, sharp.
Zakhele: (hangs up) We need to move fast.
Smanga: Clean the blood.
Zakhele: With what?
Smanga: Use your shirt. Don't make me think for you!
[Steve and Zizipho Walk In – Shocked]
(They bump into Zak and Smanga — covered in blood.)
Steve: What the—!?
Zizipho: (gasps, terrified, begins to run)
Smanga: Hey! Freeze! (pulls his gun on her)
Steve: (steps in front of her) You're not killing anyone else!
Zakhele: Smanga uyahlanya?!
Smanga: She's seen too much!
Steve: I won't let you shoot her.
Zakhele: Madoda! Calm down!
Smanga: Steve, move! I'll finish her now.
Steve: Shoot me first.
Zakhele: This isn't helping. Let's get out of here now.
Steve: Control your brother.
Smanga: Fine. But she better shut her mouth.
Steve: Zizipho, are you okay?
Zizipho: (still shaking)
Smanga: Steve, just put her in the car. We need to go.
Zakhele: Steve — please, let's handle this later.
Steve: Zizipho, let's go. You'll be safer with us… for now.
Zizipho: Not like I have a choice.
Smanga: Let's move!
(They all rush into the car, driving off through the back entrance — destination unknown.)
Scene 4: Dare You to Love Me
[19:00 — Remote Bush Location]
A black SUV pulls up into a secluded area. Zakhele, Smanga, Steve, and Zizipho step out, tension
choking the air. The body lies in the boot, silent but heavy with consequences.
Smanga: Okay, we take out the body and burn it there.
Zakhele: If you had used your brain, we wouldn't be out here burning a body!
Smanga: Don't act innocent — like you haven't done this before.
Steve: Guys, just get it done. We don't have all night.
Smanga: Fine. Make sure your woman stays put in the car.
Steve: You worry about the mess you created. I'll handle mine.
Zakhele: Enough. Let's do what we came to do.
Steve (to Zizipho): Will you be okay?
Zizipho: I'll be fine.
Steve: Good.
Smanga: Asambeni.
(The men haul the body out of the boot and drag it into the bush. Petrol and oil are poured. Smanga
lights the fire. They watch the flames engulf the evidence.)
Zakhele: What about his phone? That's still a loose end.
Steve: My guy erased the mall's CCTV — Clement was never there.
Smanga: Fancy tech. Meanwhile, I'm worried about the woman in the car. She's a loose end too.
Steve: Smanga, you touch Zizipho — and you go to war with the Xulu brothers.
Smanga: Fine, fine. But you two always fall for the worst kind of women.
Zakhele: Don't bring Thandeka into this.
Smanga: If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't be in this mess.
Steve: No, you're just sexually frustrated. You need a woman to understand what we feel.
Smanga: All I need is my gun and my fists.
Zakhele: Futsek! Don't call my woman a witness.
Steve: Can we just leave?
Zakhele: We need to toss the ashes into the river first.
Smanga: And the phone?
Zakhele: I'll take it.
Steve: No. It needs to be destroyed.
Zakhele: Not yet. We didn't even get to question him.
Smanga: Do what you need to — just make sure it disappears.
Steve: What do we tell Bab'Ngcobo and big bro Sbonelo?
Zakhele: Everything. They'll help us bury this.
Smanga: I don't see the point of involving them.
Steve: Why not?
Zakhele: Because you want to hide your same mistake — again.
Smanga: You're painting me like the villain here. I'm tired of the disrespect.
Zakhele: Uzoyenzani Smanga?
Smanga: Ufuna ukwazi?!
Steve: Enough! Both of you, pull yourselves together. We finish this. Now.
Smanga: Fine.
Zakhele: Cool.
[Back in the Car – Zizipho's Thoughts]
Zizipho (VO):
"What did I get myself into? I'm terrified. I want to run, but where would I go? And who did they
even kill? Thandeka warned me... I should've left when she begged me to. Now, if I run, I die. If I
talk, I die. Thandeka... where are you?"
(Zakhele, Smanga, and Steve climb into the car.)
Smanga: Ntokazi, you're not telling Thandeka a thing about what happened.
Zizipho (bravely): You're telling me what to do now?
Smanga: Yes — for your own good.
Steve: Bafo, stop. Listen babe — this isn't about choice anymore. You're with me. I'll protect you.
But you have to stay quiet.
Zizipho: (inhales deeply) Who did you kill?
(Silence.)
Smanga: You don't need to know that.
Zizipho: You want me to stay quiet? Then I deserve to know.
Steve: Babe, don't get involved. Just trust me.
Zizipho: Do you trust me?
Steve: Yes.
Zizipho: Then tell me.
(Steve looks away. Zak cuts in.)
Zakhele: We don't have time for this. Let's go.
Smanga: So what's it gonna be, ntokazi?
Zizipho: Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut. But I'm doing this for Steve. Don't get it twisted.
Zakhele: Good.
[An Hour Later – Xulu Family Estate]
Steve and Zizipho are dropped off. Smanga and Zak drive on. At home, Bab'Ngcobo waits in the
lounge.
Zakhele: Tyma? You're still up?
Bab'Ngcobo: Sondelani lana nobabili.
Smanga: Tyma, if this is another lecture, can we do it tomorrow? I'm exhausted.
Zakhele: Same. Thandeka's been waiting for me all day. She must be worried.
Bab'Ngcobo: I know you killed Clement.
(They freeze.)
Smanga: Ukhuluma ngani, tyma?
Bab'Ngcobo: Don't play dumb. One of my men followed you — from the office to the mall. And
as always, Smanga, you pulled the trigger. Why?
Smanga: He deserved it.
Zakhele: He was sending those threats — exposing our past with Mbali.
Bab'Ngcobo: And you're sure it was him?
Smanga: We found the burner phone in his pocket.
Zakhele: And he knew things only an insider could know. He even knew I was fetching Thandeka
from Cape Town.
Bab'Ngcobo: Did you make sure there's no evidence linking this to us?
Smanga: Everything's covered.
Bab'Ngcobo: Good. We can't afford war with the commissioner.
[Inside the Xulu Home – Sbonelo's Office]
Sbonelo: Steve, sondela.
Steve: (enters with Zizipho)
Sbonelo: Koti, please excuse us. This conversation—
Steve: She already knows.
Sbonelo: I take it she saw everything?
Steve: Exactly.
Zizipho: So... this family kills people now?
Sbonelo: No, don't see it that way. We've tied ourselves to bloodthirsty allies.
Steve: I didn't know they were going to kill him.
Sbonelo: Kill who?
Zizipho: Whoever it was — they murdered someone.
Sbonelo: Who was it?
Steve: (hesitates, then looks at Sbonelo)
It was Clement.
Zizipho: (stunned, breathless)
Steve: Please don't tell Thandeka.
Sbonelo: Clement... the Commissioner's son.
Steve: We're begging you — keep this quiet.
Zizipho: Clement? Nkaba's son? Someone I grew up with?
Steve: I know... but if this leaks, it's war. You saw Smanga. You know what he's capable of.
Sbonelo: We'll protect you, Zizipho. But only if you protect us in return.
Zizipho: I don't have a choice, do I?
Sbonelo: Then tell me this — now that you know what kind of family we are…
Why are you still here?
Zizipho:
Because I dared myself to love Steve — with everything in me.
Even if I hate what you do… I love him.
Sbonelo:
You remind me of my wife.
Zizipho:
Where is she?
Sbonelo:
In KZN. She left — to protect our children from this world.
Zizipho:
I don't blame her. Does she ever visit?
Sbonelo: (chuckles)
She will. Eventually.
Steve: Bhuti omdala, are we done?
Sbonelo:
Yes. For now.
Scene 5: Life Is Too Short
Back at the Ngcobo household. Zakhele and Thandeka lie in bed in their en-suite bedroom.
Zakhele: Thandeka... are you okay?
Thandeka: ... (silent)
Zakhele: Yini? Are you sleeping?
Thandeka: I miss my mom.
Zakhele: You want to go see her?
Thandeka: I want to go home.
Zakhele: Why all of a sudden?
Thandeka: I miss my family, Zak.
Zakhele: I hear you... but you can call them. Video call even. You don't have to go.
Thandeka: Zak—I want to go home.
Zakhele: Is this about Clement?
Thandeka: What does Clement have to do with me missing my family?
Zakhele: Ever since he came, you've been acting strange. You're keeping secrets now... and lately,
you don't even want me to touch you.
Thandeka: Secrets? And what about your secrets?
Zakhele: What are you talking about now?
Thandeka: Never mind. Are you taking me home or should I leave on my own?
Zakhele: I don't understand you anymore. It's like I don't even know you.
Thandeka: Maybe you never did.
Zakhele: (stares at her, defeated) ... Fine. You can leave. But don't expect me to take you.
Thandeka: Fine. I'll ask Clement to take me.
(Zakhele becomes visibly uncomfortable at the mention of Clement's name. He gets up and storms
into the bathroom. Thandeka gets up and walks out to the balcony to make a call.)
Thandeka: (on the phone)
Zizipho, usharp?
Zizipho: I'm okay, sisi. And you?
Thandeka: I want to leave. It's time we go back home.
Zizipho: Back home? What do you mean?
Thandeka: The reason I came here... it's done.
Zizipho: You can't give up yet. We're close, Thandeka. We're close to exposing them.
Thandeka: No, Zizipho. I'm done. It's time to let it go.
Zizipho: When are you planning to leave? And how?
Thandeka: Clement is leaving for Cape Town tomorrow. I was planning to join him. Will you
come?
Zizipho: ... (pauses, guilt written in her silence)
Thandeka: Zizipho?
Zizipho: I'm staying, sisi.
Thandeka: Why? ... You know what—never mind. If you change your mind, call me.
Zizipho: Sharp.
(Call ends. Thandeka dials Clement, but it goes straight to voicemail.)
Thandeka: Okay. I'll sleep. I'll try him again in the morning before he leaves.
The next morning, at the Waterfall Apartments Hotel...
Nkaba: Clement didn't come home last night. Where could he have gone? (dials Clement—straight
to voicemail)
He's not answering... Let me call Thandeka.
Back at the Ngcobo house. Thandeka is in the shower. Her phone rings.
Zakhele: (checks the screen) Nkaba? ... (he answers)
Hello?
Nkaba: Thandeka?
Zakhele: No, this is not Thandeka. What do you want from her?
Nkaba: Who is this? I need to speak to her.
Zakhele: She doesn't want to speak to you. She's busy.
Nkaba: Fine. (hangs up)
(Thandeka comes out of the shower.)
Thandeka: Who was that?
Zakhele: Clement. He said he already left. You'll find him in Cape Town—he had an early meeting.
Thandeka: Okay, can you at least take me to the airport?
Zakhele: Sure, no problem.
Thandeka: Thank you.
Zakhele: I'll be downstairs. Just need to speak to Dad and Smanga about your... visit.
Thandeka: It's not a visit, Zak. I'm leaving.
Zakhele: What? Why?
Thandeka: Because everything I came here for turned out to be a game. And I lost.
Zakhele: What about the bakery?
Thandeka: You can have your shares back. I'll say goodbye to the staff.
Zakhele: And that's it? No explanation?
Thandeka: I need time... and space. And I miss my family.
Zak joins Bab'Ngcobo and Smanga in the study.
Zakhele: Sawubona, Tyma. Exe, Smanga.
Bab'Ngcobo: Yebo.
Smanga: Sho.
Bab'Ngcobo: What's going on?
Zakhele: Thandeka is leaving. Going back home.
Smanga: Finally. When is she leaving? I'll help her pack.
Bab'Ngcobo: Awu Smanga, awusho... Why is the girl leaving now?
Zakhele: She says she misses her family.
Smanga: She can miss them from here or buy a plane to see them—so long as she's leaving, I'm
good.
Zakhele: You're such an arsehole, yaz.
Smanga: Ngifuze wena.
Bab'Ngcobo: Animeni nina nobabili!
Smanga: Let's leave Thandeka. Let's talk about you, Tyma.
Bab'Ngcobo: What now?
Smanga: Giving Sam shares without consulting us? I don't like that move. Especially after what he
did.
Bab'Ngcobo: He's my son. I don't need your permission to involve him.
Zakhele: But he almost got us all killed.
Smanga: Exactly! And now you trust him with shares?
Bab'Ngcobo: He made a mistake. He paid for it. You? You repeat your mistakes like it's tradition.
Smanga: I protect this family. I don't lead us to the edge of death.
Bab'Ngcobo: He's still part of this family. He deserves a second chance.
Zakhele: If you say so.
Smanga: If he slips up again, I'll put a bullet in his head myself.
Meanwhile, Thandeka is getting dressed. She searches for her special necklace...
Thandeka: "Where did I put this necklace? Maybe the wardrobe..."
(She opens the wardrobe, searching through Zak's clothes. Something falls. It's a phone—Clement's
phone.)
Thandeka: Clement's phone?! What the hell...
(She turns it on. The wallpaper is a picture Clement always used since Grade 12.)
Thandeka: Why does Zak have this?
(She checks her call log and sees Nkaba called while she was in the shower.)
Thandeka: Let me call him.
Thandeka: Baba Nkaba, unjani?
Nkaba: I'm okay. I tried to call earlier but your boyfriend answered.
Thandeka: You were looking for something?
Nkaba: Clement. He didn't come home.
Thandeka: What? But he left after seeing me...
Nkaba: I'll try him again. Maybe he'll pick up.
Thandeka: Okay. Let me know if you reach him.
Downstairs. The family walks into the lounge. Thandeka storms in.
Thandeka: Good. You're all here.
Smanga: And then? No greeting?
Zakhele: Sthandwa sam, yini manje?
Thandeka: Don't call me that. What did you do to Clement?
Bab'Ngcobo: (pretending to be confused)
Zakhele: What are you talking about?
Thandeka: Don't play dumb.
Smanga: Why are you bringing Clement into this?
Thandeka: Because I found his phone—on your clothes. (throws the phone at Zak)
Zakhele: I can explain!
Thandeka: Explain what?! Where is Clement?!
Smanga: Don't cause a scene!
Thandeka: Bab'Ngcobo wathula! Do you also know what happened?
Zakhele: Thandeka, calm down...
Smanga: Akukho ukuzola la! You and your boyfriend—we took care of him.
Zakhele: Smanga!
Thandeka: What? You killed him?
Smanga: Yes. And if you keep digging, you'll join him.
Zakhele: Smanga! That's enough!
Thandeka: You're killers! You killed someone's son!
Zakhele: Thandeka, let's talk aside...
Smanga: No more talking! (pulls out a gun and points at Thandeka)
Zakhele: WHAT THE FUCK?! (grabs Smanga's arm as a shot fires into the ceiling)
Smanga: Ngiyekele wena nja!!!
Bab'Ngcobo: YEYI MARN! Put the gun down!
Smanga: Kodwa Tyma!
Bab'Ngcobo: I said put it down. Thandeka, sit!
Thandeka: (terrified, sits)
Bab'Ngcobo: We end this—today. No more blood. No more death.
Zakhele: Yes, Tyma.
Bab'Ngcobo: Smanga?
Smanga: ... Fine.
Scene 6. Love Is Thicker Than Blood
After the conflict...
Thandeka:
So… you knew why I was here?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Yes.
Thandeka:
And you still let me in?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Yes.
Thandeka:
And how did you know I wouldn't betray you that time you got arrested?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Because of Zak.
Thandeka:
So you had faith in love?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Love is thicker than blood.
Zakhele:
It's not like we're forcing you to accept us the way we are. We just want you to understand why
we're like this.
Thandeka:
And Clement? Why was he involved in all this?
Smanga:
Clement pretended to be someone he wasn't—an old enemy of this family.
Zakhele:
He tormented us. Made death threats. Repeatedly.
Thandeka:
So… you killed him?
Bab'Ngcobo:
We had to. Anyone who attacks the Ngcobo family has to die.
Thandeka:
What about my father? Why didn't you kill him too?
Zakhele:
He's your father. We couldn't hurt the man who gave you life.
Bab'Ngcobo:
But that doesn't make him right. He betrayed us when he worked for the company. Paid Nkaba to
open a clause against us—to keep us away.
Smanga:
Made us vulnerable. That's why we ended up in Jozi.
Thandeka:
I don't blame him… you deserved it.
Smanga:
Maybe we did. But here you are—stuck with us now.
Thandeka:
I want to go home.
Bab'Ngcobo:
We can't allow that, ntokazi.
Thandeka:
Why not?
Zakhele:
You know too much. It's impossible to trust that you'll keep quiet.
Thandeka (looking into Zak's eyes):
…
Smanga:
And the only reason you're still breathing is because of my little brother. He loves you. That makes
you safe. And you loving him? That makes you safer—'cause it means you'll keep your mouth shut.
Zakhele:
Smanga, please… relax.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Smanga, step back. Let her answer for herself.
Thandeka (takes a deep breath):
… I'll stay.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Good. Now we know where you stand. Since you'll be part of this family… from now on, you'll
handle the transportation and packaging of the shipment.
Zakhele:
Wait… I thought I'd be handling that?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Everyone in this family has a duty. She owns the bakery—she'll use that front to handle the
shipment.
Smanga:
Zak, uTyma has spoken. No use arguing now.
Zakhele:
… But Thandeka is—
Thandeka:
It's okay, Zak. I'll handle it.
Tell me this… did you threaten Zizipho into staying too, or was that her choice?
Smanga:
Let's just say—I didn't have to pull a trigger to make her understand who she was dealing with.
Thandeka:
And Clement's body? What did you do with it?
His father won't stop until he finds out what happened.
Smanga:
He won't find a thing. And the body? No need to worry about it.
Bab'Ngcobo:
We're done here. Everyone, go back to your rooms. Tomorrow, we get to work.
Zakhele:
Sho, Tyma.
Smanga:
Yah, I'm tired anyway. I'm gonna get laid or something. You guys drained me.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Sharp. Zak—destroy the phone. We can't afford another repeat of what happened today.
Zakhele:
Okay, Tyma.
Back at the Xulu Household…
(Steve is on the phone)
Steve:
What? You can't be serious.
Zakhele (on phone):
Yeah… just wanted to give you a heads-up on how things are now.
Steve:
Okay. No stress. Thanks anyway.
Zakhele:
Sho.
(Call ends)
Zizipho:
Yini? You look worried.
Steve:
Don't freak out, okay?
Zizipho:
Why would I freak out—after what you and your friends did? What now?
Steve:
Thandeka knows.
Zizipho:
Ini?!
She knows about the Ngcobos? Clement?
Steve:
All of it.
Zizipho:
We might as well turn ourselves in to Bab'Nkaba. Thandeka is going to expose all of you.
Steve:
No. She chose to keep quiet.
Zizipho:
I hope so… but I know Thandeka. Something's off about her decision.
Steve:
You think she's planning something?
Zizipho:
This is Thandeka we're talking about. Not some random girl.
Trust me—something is coming.
Steve:
…
End of Chapter Four.