(It’s almost noon and Nkosana is relaxing on the couch at his mansion. The doorbell rings: it is Manqoba)
Nkosana: (Loudly) It’s open, come inside!
Manqoba: Hey dude, what’s up, you good? (They fistbump.)
Nkosana: Argh man, everything is chilled hey, in fact, everything is going so smooth. (He smiles.)
Manqoba: Do you know that I have known you for 13 years? And dude, that’s too long not to sense that you have something to tell me.
Nkosana: (They laugh loudly.) Come on now! Can’t a guy be in a cheerful mood?
Manqoba: (Singing) Nkosana met a woman, Nkosana met a woman! You met a woman, didn’t you?
Nkosana: (Laughing) Okay! Okay! You got me. (He sits up straight.) I met a beautiful someone.
(Nkosana keeps blushing while speaking, avoiding eye-contact and staring in one direction like he was still picturing that moment with Mihlali.)
Manqoba: I am so happy for you man, it’s been a long three years now, you really do deserve this happiness.
Nkosana: Yeah dude, after Lebo passed away I never thought I would ever find cheerfulness again, or love, to be precise. Lebo was my soulmate. (He looks down.)
Manqoba: So do you think you’re ready to move on? I mean, you tried several times and failed, because you felt like it wasn’t fair to Lebo. Are you certain this time?
Nkosana: Frankly speaking, I don’t know, man. But I felt chemistry with this new girl.
Manqoba: Every time there is chemistry but you know she isn’t the one, Nkosana. Remember when you met Lebo she was everything you wanted and she became the one, your equal.
Nkosana: (Looking at Manqoba) I don’t know, but I think it’s time I stopped comparing women with Lebo. She is gone and not coming back, eventually I must move on. Mihlali has her own character and personality that I’ve fallen in love with. I love her, bro, something feels right about her.
Manqoba: You know what I always tell you: whatever you do, listen to your heart. It has never led you astray. You are a great guy and a lot of people have tried taking advantage of that, especially these women. Be cautious at all times. Wolves are in sheep’s clothing.
(Nkosana doesn’t know what to say after that, his mind is all over now. His mind is in love with Mihlali but his heart is far from that. He tries to convince his whole being to love Mihlali and accept that she will never be Lebo. However, Manqoba knew him better than anyone else and he was telling the truth: the truth that was hard to swallow.)
Manqoba: I love you, man, and whatever you decide I will support you in everything you need.
Nkosana: (looked at Manqoba) I love you too.
(They do their own style of handshake.)
Manqoba: So is it someone around the hood? A girl I know, perhaps?
Nkosana: (He smiles.) Her name is Mihlali, she is from here but stays at Bluegum. She now and then visits her grandmother here in Ndudula.
Manqoba: Mhmm and I’m looking at that smile.
(They both laugh.)
Manqoba: I’m not familiar with her name, she could be a good girl. I mean, I know almost every girl around and I am so disappointed I don’t recall her. (He laughs)
Nkosana: (Laughing) You probably know her because you once told me about Namibia Street.
Manqoba: (Leaning back on the couch, deep in thought) Do you remember that guy who wanted Lebo in high school, Tiger? That tall, genius dude?
Nkosana: Yeah! You see that dude’s house, Mihlali lives next door. Flip! I already forgot that scumbag. (He laughs.)
Manqoba: If you are talking about that girl, you’d better stay away, she is bad news and totally not your type, man! If I’m correct, she is seeing someone and we’re counting years now. No, please man.
Nkosana: No chill, we’re probably not talking about the same person here! I am glad you still know my type: that one you’re assuming is definitely not my type and can’t be Mihlali.
Manqoba: Nkosana, there is only one girl that lives in that house, it’s just that I forgot the usual name they call her. She’s wicked and dangerous.
Nkosana: Dangerous how? Oh, so you have slept with her? You know what, I think you have overstayed your visit.
Manqoba: No, I didn’t, I am trying to protect you here as your brother.
Nkosana: I don’t need your protection, Manqoba, as old as I am enough, I can make my own decisions without you having to play Mr-Know-It-All! Now, if you don’t mind, I would really enjoy my own company at this moment. (He opens the door.)
Manqoba: I am sorry for hurting you. (He leaves.)
***
Tell us: Do you think Manqoba is right about Mihlali?