All is well that ends well, right? Sakyi and Dufie have rekindled their love, and we can anticipate this will end on a great note. Let’s see this out…

It was Saturday afternoon.

The grand day had finally arrived.

The car park of the National Theatre was spilling over with vehicles belonging to enthusiastic patrons, with some needing to park outside the theatre altogether. Many hawkers were making good use of the gathering to sell their various goods. The security men were as busy as could be, directing patrons and ensuring order.

The patronage was through the roof, with the grand theater packed to capacity a testament to that. From Sakyi’s family members to George, Naa Torshie and Farida, everyone was brimming with anticipation. The buzz of excitement rippled through the crowd as attendees settled into their seats, waiting for four o’clock to arrive.

All the hype had generated this massive showing, and it was time for Amfo Visions Entertainment to deliver a debut to remember.

As the clock struck four, the lights dimmed, the murmurs quieted, and a spotlight illuminated the stage.

The play had begun. Right on time, too.

A gentleman stepped gracefully onto the stage, his presence commanding attention. His voice, a smooth and resonant one, rang out across the auditorium as he began a spoken word poem while moving across the stage, weaving together words about the power and beauty of love.

“In this tale of love, we till not the soil on which we walk, but the heart’s own earth. Beneath the sun’s gentle gaze, we meet a gentleman, his hands calloused by the day’s labor, yet his touch as tender as the first light of dawn,” he declared loudly and passionately to the spellbound audience. “Love, like the soil, holds secrets deep and promises rich. Love is like a plow, turning life’s fields, unearthing not just sustenance, but a harvest of joy. It is the farmer’s patience, knowing when to plant the seeds of trust and when to gather the fruits of affection. In these acres of emotion, where every moment is sown with care, we witness the dance of two souls, entwined like vines, growing together under love’s nurturing sky. Let us watch as they cultivate a love that will stand the test of seasons, in this play of earth and heart, of love and life.”

The sentiment whipped up by these words was nothing short of captivating. As he completed his words and took a bow, the audience clapped and cheered loudly, already anticipating an incredible performance.

Backstage, Leslie stood amongst the cast, watching each person with an approving smile. He turned to his actors, his people—the ones who had poured their hearts and souls into this production—and gave them a confident thumbs-up.

“My people! There’s not much to say. You know what to do. Go for gold,” he whispered, his voice brimming with confidence.

Sakyi and Dufie stood among the group, their energy a mixture of focus and excitement. As they received Leslie’s encouragement, they nodded firmly, before stealing a brief glance at each other.

Their smiles at each other were not only filled with excitement and anticipation at the start of this play, but of giddy teenage-like love.

They were going out there as not just leads, but lovers. The audience was about to witness spellbinding chemistry.

“Okay, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”

***

“Ooooooh, ah! What kraa is all this? Hoh, I’m tired, I’m tired…”

“Ei, ei, ei! Sister Rose, what’s going on here? What’s happening? Are you trying to drown the floor?”

“Maybe I should just do that! Na me di3, I’m just tired. Ahba! Too much work on my head! What is all this? It’s days like this that make me wish some rich man will just come and marry me and take me to Accra so I can have some rest, na I’m tired!”

“Hwɛ stɛgɛ! Really? Move to Accra? You want to go and sit in some big house, drinking juice, while poor me will be here fetching water alone? God forbid bad thing!”

“See, Kwame, I don’t like that ooo! I’m wild as I sit here. Don’t trigger me oo!”

“Oh, I know you’re wild, wai, I know. It’s just… Accra is too far. Nanka say Koforidua or something. That’s closer, you know… errr, by the way, I have an idea for refilling it. Just cry small, and it will refill the pan.”

The audience was in stitches.

Sakyi and Dufie were delivering nothing short of a masterclass in performance. Their portrayal of Kwame and Rose was gripping, effortlessly funny and exciting. Dufie’s delivery was sharp, and her expressions of frustration priceless. Sakyi matched her perfectly, playing off her reactions with impeccable comedic timing.

 Their chemistry crackled like a live wire, every interaction feeling as natural as breathing.

Backstage, Leslie watched the scene unfold with a satisfied smirk.

This was it. This was exactly what he had envisioned when he cast them. The magic of theatre was alive, and the audience was eating it up happily.

***

As the play progressed, Sakyi and Dufie continued to shine, completely embodying their characters and thoroughly entertaining the audience. One particular scene, where Kwame desperately tried to impress Rose with an exaggerated tale of heroism, only for her to see right through his nonsense, sent everyone into fits of laughter.

The energy was simply electric. Every glance, every movement, every line delivered between them and their other actors was so smooth and well played out.

Leslie, watching from the wings, could only grin proudly.

They were nailing it.

Then came the moment everyone would remember.

The final monologue where Kwame declared his love for Rose.

“Look, Rose, I… have spent my whole life tilling this earth, sowing seeds and watching them grow. I’ve seen bountiful harvests that have filled me with so much happiness. But see, I swear on my grandmother’s resting place, that no harvest has ever brought me the kind of joy that you do…”

As those words poured out of Sakyi’s mouth, Dufie, as Rose, stood silent. Once again, even though it was in line with the script, she knew it wasn’t just Kwame speaking to Rose. It was Sakyi speaking to her.

And it never ceased to tug at her heartstrings.

Her throat tightened, and for a moment, she almost forgot her next move. But her body instinctively took over as she stepped forward, eyes shining with emotion, and wrapped her arms around him.

The embrace was soft and lingering. And sweet.

The audience erupted into applause, some even tearing up at the moment.

Backstage, Leslie let out an exaggerated sigh, pretending to be annoyed. “Ugh, what am I going to do with these two?” Then he smirked. “That was absolutely brilliant.”

There was no doubt about it: the play was turning out to be a roaring success.

Amfo Visions Entertainment’s maiden stage play was a success.

‘Beyond The Rain’ was a success.

***

The final scene of the play was the heartfelt moment between Kwame and Rose. As the lights dimmed and the stage fell into silence, there was a brief moment where the entire theater seemed to hold its breath.

Then—thunderous applause.

The audience rose to their feet, clapping, cheering, and whistling. The cast members returned to the stage for their curtain call, standing in a line and bowing as the applause grew louder. Sakyi and Dufie stood side by side, stealing glances at each other as they soaked up the adulation of the audience.

Leslie stepped forward, taking a deep bow before gesturing towards the entire cast and crew. “Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Amfo Visions Entertainment, I thank you for being a part of this magical night!” he announced, his voice full of pride. “To my incredible cast—what a journey this has been. You were absolutely phenomenal!”

The cheers intensified, and as the cast took another bow, Sakyi reached for Dufie’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

She squeezed back, her eyes shimmering under the stage lights.

***

Backstage, the celebration was in full swing.

Cast and crew members congratulated each other, exchanging hugs and excited chatter. Bottles of non-alcoholic champagne popped, laughter rang through the hall, and Leslie couldn’t stop grinning as he clapped everyone on the back.

Sakyi was surrounded by his fellow actors, all praising his performance. “Chaleeeee, you killed it out there,” Etornam cheered, shaking his head in admiration. “That monologue? Goosebumps, bro. Straight-up goosebumps.”

Sakyi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Chale, we dey give thanks. You too, you really spoil there! We do the damn thing!”

A few feet away, Dufie was being showered with equal praise, as Gertrude hugged her tightly. “You were amazing, Dufie. I’m so proud of you!”

Dufie smiled, still feeling the adrenaline from the night. “Thanks, love! You were amazing too!”

It was nothing but glee and joy across the board, as everybody rejoiced over weeks of hard work culminating in a successful show.

Leslie moved to the middle of the hall and raised his hands, calling for attention amidst the jubilant noise. “Alright, alright, everyone! Let me just say this,” he paused, waiting for the room to quiet down. “Now, once again, thank you guys for how incredible this show was. Each and every one of you helped to make this happen, and I am extremely grateful. And, because of our resounding success tonight, I’ve booked an all-expenses-paid dinner for all of us at Kempinski. Yes, you heard right, Kempinski!”

The room erupted in cheers and applause, everyone buzzing with excitement at the prospect of celebrating at one of the finest hotels in town.

“Get your stuff together, freshen up, and let’s head out in twenty minutes!” Leslie shouted over the noise, his grin wide and infectious.

“Sweet! Some major enjoyment no go be bad!” Etornam commented enthusiastically.

“Serious!” Sakyi agreed. “Make we go change then get ready.”

As the group began to disperse to their rooms and spaces to get ready, Sakyi did same, heading to his dressing room.

As he arrived at the door, however, he felt a hand grab his wrist.

He turned, and it was Dufie.

He smirked, not noticing the rather naughty glint in her eyes. “Hey, babe. Just going to get changed for–“

“You’re not going anywhere.”

Before he could get a word in, she pulled him towards her dressing room. He barely had time to ask what was going on before she pulled him inside, shut the door behind them, and locked it before turning to face him, her eyes burning with intent.

Sakyi immediately knew what was about to go down.

A second later, and Dufie sprang forward, her lips crashing against his in a fierce, eager kiss. Sakyi, instantly swept up in the moment, responded with equal fervor.

Within moments, he lifted Dufie, guiding her to sit on the table where they continued their passionate exchange. For two minutes, the world outside the locked door ceased to exist; there was only the heat of their kiss, the closeness of their bodies, and the undeniable chemistry between them.

As they pulled apart, their breaths mingling, Dufie cupped Sakyi’s face, her eyes glistening with raw desire.

“I love you, Sakyi,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I love you more than words can ever express. Cutting you out of the picture was the worst mistake of my life, and I never, ever want to do that again. Baby, you are the best thing that ever happened to me, and I don’t care what the future holds, I just know that I need you in it. I wanna wake up next to you, build a life and a family with you, and love you every single day for the rest of my life. I swear to you, I am never letting you go again. You’re not going anywhere, my love. You are mine.”

Sakyi’s heart swelled, his fingers brushing gently against her cheek. “Indeed, my baby girl, I am yours, and you are mine,” he murmured, his forehead resting against hers. “And yes, I want all that with you. To have you next to me while we conquer the world, have beautiful kids, grow old together, I want it all. I’m never letting you go, Dufie. I love you, and I always will, till eternity calls us.”

She smiled, blinking away tears, and leaned in for one last deep, lingering kiss—one that sealed every unspoken promise between them.

When they finally pulled away, Sakyi brushed his thumb over her lips and chuckled. “So this was what you preferred over the open re-proposal, eh?”

Dufie nodded. “Like I said, forget all the fanfare. I just wanted my lover back. I have him, and that’s all that matters to me. When it’s time to tell our story, we will.”

Sakyi shrugged. “Whatever you say, my queen.” He smirked as he helped her off the table. “By the way, it’s been a while since I commented on those sweet curves of yours. Damn, you’re a hot babe!”

Dufie giggled and leaned against him. “Thank you, baby. All yours once you put a ring on it.”

“Oh, that’s a definite, don’t you worry your beautiful self.”

Sakyi felt his phone buzz in his pocket and, while still holding Dufie close, he quickly pulled it out to check the message.

His eyes widened as he read the text.

“Wow, for real?”

Dufie looked at him. “Why, wassup?”

“It’s Naa Torshie. She says your stepmother’s around, and she’s apparently delighted with the performance, gushing about how wonderful you did.”

Dufie’s eyes widened in surprise, a mix of emotions crossing her face. “Really? She’s around?”

Sakyi nodded.

She paused, silent for a moment, before a smile slowly spread across her face. “That’s… that’s wonderful. That’s so thoughtful of her.”

“Uh-huh. And now that you know, I think it’ll be a good idea to go see her. What do you think?”

She stared at him lovingly. “That’s a good idea, babe. It’s the least I can do. And we can also briefly see your folks as well.”

“Of course, very necessary. Sekyeraa will be delighted to see you.”

“Okay then, my love. Let’s go.”

As they walked towards the door, Sakyi mused out loud, “You know I haven’t changed, though, right?”

Dufie rolled her eyes. “Duh, obviously. Neither of us have changed.”

“Yep. Too busy making out. It was totally worth it, though.”

Dufie giggled. “Of course it was. Now let’s get moving and see our families before we join the crew for the Kempinski treat.”

“Yes please, my love.”

THE END

A cute end to this series! They reconciled and are back in love once more. Hopefully they stick to their promises to each other, coz that’s all we want.

Thanks for reading, and as always, continue to enjoy yourself around the State!