THE INCARCERATED STRANGER

 

Chapter 32 

 

PARI

 

She pours herself a glass of her favorite wine and grabs a bowl, filling it with ice cream before heading to the dining area to relax. She switches on the TV, enjoying the combination of creamy ice cream and the rich taste of wine. Just as she settles in, her phone rings, interrupting her peaceful moment. 

Getting up, she walks over to the kitchen counter where she left her phone. Answering it with a smile, she says, 

“Hey babe.”

“Love, open the gate for me,” he replies. A warm smile spreads across her face as she presses the button to open the gate. She then walks to the door and watches as Nipho’s car drives in. He steps out and heads toward the house.

“Babe, how are you?” he asks, pulling her into a warm hug.

“I’m good, love! And you?” she responds, feeling his familiar warmth. He tells her he’s doing well as they step inside and close the door behind them.

“How was work?” he queries.

“Work was good! My best friend is back at work, so I really enjoyed having lunch with her,” she shares, recounting snippets of her day.

“And you?” she asks, genuinely interested in his day. He fills her in about his work and they chat easily, their conversation flowing as they share the whole bottle of wine and finish off the ice cream.

Spending an afternoon with Nipho is something she would choose over and over again. Though they don’t get to spend every afternoon together—his job often keeps him busy and sometimes away—these moments are precious to her. They don’t live in the same house; Nipho always comes to visit her. 

After three wonderful years together, their relationship is strong. They have their occasional disagreements, but their love for each other remains unwavering. In those quiet moments shared over wine and ice cream, she feels grateful for what they have built together—a bond that makes every rare afternoon spent together feel like a cherished gift.

“What are you thinking about, love?” Nipho asks, noticing her distant expression. She shakes her head, a smile creeping onto her face.

“Just thinking how lucky I am to have you in my life as my boyfriend,” she replies softly. He smiles and leans in to kiss her.

“I love you, Sthandwa Sam,” he whispers against her lips.

“I love you too, Mr. Manqoba,” she responds, their kiss deepening with warmth.

“Can I take you on a dinner date today?” he asks between kisses. She pulls back slightly, looking into his eyes with excitement.

“Are you for real?” she asks, her voice filled with anticipation. He nods enthusiastically.

“Yes, love. It’s been too long since we went on a date together,” he says earnestly.

“Okay then!” she exclaims, sealing her agreement with another kiss. With a playful grin, he scoops her up into his arms and stands up, carrying her toward the bedroom……

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After a passionate afternoon of making out and showering, they prepare for dinner. She can’t quite remember the last time Nipho took her on a dinner date; it feels like it’s been ages, and she hopes tonight will be special. 

She slips into a beautiful dress that matches Nipho’s outfit perfectly. Over time, he has left some of his clothes at her place, making it easier for him to spend weekends without needing to carry bags. 

Once they’re both ready to leave, he pulls her close to him. “You look gorgeous in this dress,” he says, making her blush. Today, he seems particularly affectionate and full of compliments, and she can’t help but wonder why—but she loves this side of him.

“You don’t look bad yourself,” she replies with a playful smile before he leans in to kiss her. Together, they walk out of the house and head toward the car.

“Where are we going for dinner?” she asks, her curiosity piqued.

“It’s a surprise,” he replies with a mischievous smile. She nods, excitement bubbling within her as they get in the car, ready for their evening adventure.

They arrive at a stunning hotel that takes her breath away. She has never seen such beauty, and she can’t believe they have such a gem nearby. Nipho holds her hand as they make their way to the elevator.

“This is beautiful, Nipho,” she says, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Beautiful just like you, my love,” he replies, making her smile as he leans down to kiss her bare shoulder. 

They ascend to the 23rd floor, and he swipes his card to open the door. As it swings open, her jaw drops—this is stunning. It’s a Johannesburg city penthouse, and she looks around in awe at the luxurious decor and breathtaking views.

Suddenly, a private chef and two ladies enter, carrying their food and placing it on the table across the room. The mouthwatering aroma wafts through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. 

She turns to Nipho, who is holding a bouquet of flowers. With a warm smile, he hands them to her. 

“Beautiful flowers for my beautiful princess.”

She giggles at the term “princess.” Couldn’t he at least call her “Queen”? But in his eyes, she knows she is his princess.

“They smell nice! Thank you, Sthandwa Sam. I love them,” she says genuinely.

“I’m glad you love them. Come on, let us take our seats,” he says as the chef returns with a bottle of red wine and leaves them alone in the room. 

They settle into their seats, and she can’t help but feel grateful for this magical evening with Nipho.

 What a great night! She has always known Nipho is romantic, but tonight he really went all out. She feels so incredibly loved. The food was delicious, and after they finish eating, dessert is served—her favorite! They both dig in while engaging in light-hearted conversation.

Suddenly, she almost swallows something and coughs into her hand. Her eyes widen in surprise when a beautiful diamond ring drops into her palm.

“NIPHO!” she exclaims, looking up at him in shock. He’s already on his knees, a wide smile lighting up his face.

“Is this what I think it is…?” she starts but doesn’t finish the thought as Nipho nods eagerly.

“Yes, my Pari, will you please marry me?” he asks, his eyes sparkling with hope. She covers her mouth with her hand as tears well up in her eyes and her heart races.

“Nombulelo Maziya, Ngiyakutsandza sitsandvwa sami,” he says in her Swati language. She laughs, surprised. When did he learn Swati? The last time she checked, he didn’t know it well—maybe just a few phrases.

“Anginawo emagama lamanyenti kodvwa ngiyati kutsi ngifuna kutsi ube ngumfati wami,” he continues, making her giggle as tears stream down her cheeks.

“Nami ngiyakutsandza, baby, and yes, I will marry you!” 

“Really, my love?” he asks, his voice filled with excitement. She nods enthusiastically as he slides the ring onto her finger. He then pulls her up and kisses her deeply.

“Thank you, love! Thank you, baby,” he says between kisses.

“I love you,” he adds softly.

“I love you too,” she replies, and he attacks her with another kiss, their tongues dancing together. He grabs her ass possessively; she feels a wave of desire wash over her—she’s so wet down there and wants him right now.

As if he is reading her mind ,he turns her around and her hands hold on the table.He tots her ass up and pulls her dress up to her waist,he tears her thongs from underneath and part her legs with his feet,he crotches down and open her butt cheeks spreading them apart and buries his face inside her ass.

“Ohh, Nipho!” she moans, breathing heavily as she grips the edges of the table. He continues to pleasure her, his mouth exploring her intimately. Her knees wobble, unable to support her weight as the sensation overwhelms her.

“My love... Ahhh... mhhhh,”she whispers, her voice trembling with pleasure as he lavishes attention on her.

He rises, unbuckling his belt as her hands remain braced on the table. Taking her hand, he guides her to the large glass window and gently presses her against it.

“Bend over more, love,”he whispers, his voice low and husky. She complies, arching her back and lifting her hips. He slides into her without warning.

“Ohhh, my love!” he groans, his voice filled with passion……

They are now lying on the bed together after taking a warm bath, the soft glow light surrounding them. 

“Love,” he says, glancing over at her. 

“My love,” she replies, meeting his gaze. 

“I have to tell you something. I’m going home tomorrow,” he says, and she frowns slightly.

“Ohhh…”

“Hey, don’t be mad. I’m going to see my parents and siblings, and I have to tell them about you and the engagement,” he assures her, a smile spreading across his face.

“Oh... okay, love. I’m going to miss you, though,” she admits, her heart feeling a little heavy.

“I’m going to miss you too, babe, but I’ll be back before you know it,” he promises, leaning in to kiss her gently. They share a sweet kiss and then cuddle closely, both feeling grateful for their time together .

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RILEY

 

They are both sitting on the bed, Mangaliso giving her a soothing foot massage while she shares stories about her day at work. She talks about the highlights, but conveniently leaves out the details of her conversation with a client. Instead, she mentions that she’s already secured another client who needs her help as their lawyer.

Mangaliso listens attentively, then shares about his own day. He tells her about visiting his mother and stepfather, along with his siblings.

“So, how is your brother doing?” she asks, curious.

“Better than I thought,” he replies. “We got to talk while I was taking him for a ride—just the two of us. He’s doing good and is ready to go back to school.” She nods, pleased to hear that.

“So, love, I want to ask you something,” he says, pausing for a moment.

“My other brother is getting married next week,” he continues, and she nods, listening intently. 

“Ohh, okay?”

“Uhm… I want you to come with me if you’re not busy, obviously,” he says, looking at her earnestly.

“Are you sure you want to take me with? There will be your family there, love,” she responds, a hint of nervousness in her voice. 

“Yes, I’m sure,” he reassures her. “I don’t want to be bored. My siblings will be there, but I know I’ll end up feeling alone. Having you by my side would make it so much better.” 

She smiles at his words, feeling touched by his invitation.

 “Well, let me see if I’m free next week,” she replies thoughtfully.

He nods, a smile spreading across his face as they both sit in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the warmth of each other’s company.

Her phone pings with a new message, and Mangaliso reaches for it, handing it to her. She unlocks the screen to find a text from her best friend, Pari. Suddenly, she screams in excitement and jumps up from the bed, leaving Mangaliso looking at her in confusion.

“What is wrong, Cupcake?” he asks, concern etched on his face.

She can’t help but squirm with happiness as she quickly records a voice note congratulating her best friend.

 “My best friend got engaged today, babe!” she tells him, beaming with joy.

Mangaliso lets out a sigh of relief; he had thought she was screaming about something bad. Women will kill you with worry for nothing,! he muses to himself.

“Really? That’s good news, my love,” he says, smiling back at her enthusiasm. 

Her excitement is contagious, and Mangaliso can’t help but smile as he watches her bounce around the room.

“Did she send pictures? ” he asks, 

She shakes her head

“No, she didn’t send any pictures, just the one showing her hand with the ring,” she replies, disappointment creeping into her voice.

Mangaliso leans in closer to see the image, and she holds up the screen for him.

 “Look! Isn’t it beautiful?” she says, pointing at the sparkling engagement ring on Pari’s finger.

“It really is,” he agrees, studying the photo. 

“I'm so happy for her ,ncoaw” she says ,listening to Pari’s voice note and she responds to her. Mangaliso chuckles softly, enjoying her enthusiasm.

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