The Right Decision?

Carmen and Rhafiek’s marriage is cracking under the weight of their ailing, unborn baby.

- Elri Boucher

Emotions are running high for Carmen and Rhafiek Samsodien (Desiré Gardner and Irshaad Ally) over what to do about their pregnancy. Their baby has been diagnosed in-utero with Edward’s Syndrome, which causes a developmental delay. While Carmen wants to keep the baby, her husband Rhafiek would rather terminate the pregnancy. Their differing views cause friction and the mounting medical bills are putting them under further strain.

THE MONEY IS UP

“Carmen is frustrated because she feels that her loved ones want to prescribe what she does and doesn’t do, not taking her feelings into account,” explains Desiré. Like when her mom Estelle (Elsabe Daneel) visits and they get into a fight and Carmen chases Estelle out of her home. Meanwhile, Rhafiek breaks a tooth and discovers that their medical aid is empty – Carmen’s pregnancy has drained the fund. “It is a setback for Rhafiek, who now has to dive into their savings,” says Irshaad. “And the fact that they currently have only one income, with Carmen no longer having a permanent job and working as a freelance interior decorator, only makes things more difficult and puts more pressure on them.”