Rebound or romance?
Imani and James are hiding secret rendezvous from people.
Things take an interesting and unexpected turn on Thursday 17 August for young woman Imani and elder gentleman James (Zonke Mchunu and Dingaan Mokebe). Their deep conversation about past relationships leaves a lasting impression on both of them and it’s clear to see that there’s a simmer of interest in both Imani and James’s eyes. Is this the start of legit love or just a fleeting fancy?
ODD COUPLE
Imani is no stranger to getting involved in existing romances – she ruined her aunt Thandaza and Ranthumeng’s (Sindi Dlathu and Brian Temba) marriage in 2016 when she moved in with them. But that’s in the past – the ladies kiss, make-up and move past their issues on Friday 18 August. Dingaan explains that “Imani lets go of Ranthumeng and at the same time, James is over his ex- girlfriend Nthabeleng [Mona Monyane]. They bump into each other while out on the town and a simple chat between the two singletons becomes a lot deeper and they confide their in each other about their failing romantic lives. It’s like they have found comfort in each other’s arms”. The pair try to keep their encounter a secret but it seems the universe has other plans.
GETTING DEEP
A car breakdown on Wednesday 23 August brings Imani and James closer. They have no one else to talk to while waiting for roadside assistance – they are on the way to a party for Thandaza’s new grandchild and Dingaan adds, “They enjoy each other’s company. At this stage, James doesn’t know where he wants to go with this ‘ thing’ that he has with Imani. In his eyes, she is a rebound [from Nthabeleng]. He is lonely and finds comfort in talking to her and spending time with her.” But Imani is reading too much into his friendly nature and subtly hints at dating James on Monday 28 August.
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Imani refers to James as her “mystery man” around her friends and family so that nobody can say anything about their “relationship” on Tuesday 29 August. “James doesn’t want to get involved in Imani and Ranthu’s past or even with Imani and Thandaza’s friendship,” says Dingaan. “He wants to keep away from all of that and not get involved [he’s currently feuding with Thandaza over missing money at their business]. If things work out, so be it. But that’s not what he’s after right now…”