EPISODE THREE
FEW DAYS LATER (MORNING)
Scene: Monday Morning at the Office
(The bustling energy of Monday morning fills the office as employees return to their posts. The latest couple, M.K and Hazeemah, walk in majestically, prompting cheers and applause from their colleagues as they warmly welcome the pair back.)
Hazeemah: (tries to let go of his hand)
M.K: (grabs her hand back and whispers in her ear) You better not! (They slide into the CEO's office.)
Hazeemah: (closes the door behind her and sighs heavily) Are you sure I can endure this forever?
M.K: C’mon, baby! It’s just for today. (sits down) Can you make me a coffee like always?
Hazeemah: (stares at him with a playful expression) This feels weird, right?
M.K: (bursts into laughter) Absolutely! Just yesterday, we were at each other’s necks, and now here we are, back in the same spot as a couple again. Isn’t it wonderful?
Hazeemah: Yes, it is. (She moves closer to him, sets his laptop on the desk, and places some files in front of him.) I’ll be right back, sir. (turns to leave)
M.K: Okay, baby.
Hazeemah: (almost twists her ankle, then laughs along with him) This really feels weird.
M.K: But I still love it.
Hazeemah: I’ll be right back, sir. (exits the office)
(M.K watches her leave, smiles to himself for a moment, then gets back to work.)
Scene: The Cafeteria Kitchen
(Hazeemah enters the kitchen, surprised to find Salamah and four other employees chatting inside.)
Salamah: Look who we have here—the newest bride in town! (embraces her) I’m so happy for you! I’m still in shock, but it’s wonderful.
Chioma: Congratulations, Hazeemah, on your win.
Hazeemah: (pauses, then responds) Thank you. (heads to the coffee machine)
Shade: Who would’ve thought Mr. M.K would marry her? It’s so shocking. But you won, girl—you won!
Hazeemah: (stays silent, focusing on the coffee machine)
Salamah: What are you saying? Any man would want to marry her; she’s priceless. Wait till you see her older brother, and you’ll understand—it’s in the family.
Chioma: Really? I’d better not see him, then.
Salamah: What? You sound like a hater.
Chioma: No, I’m not! I’m just wondering how a commoner like her ends up with a young billionaire. Does that seem normal to you all?
Hazeemah: (picks up the coffee and exits the kitchen)
Salamah: (glares at Chioma and gives her a nudge) What was that for? Did you have to be so mean? Why can’t you be happy for her?
Shade: I feel like she used some charm on him, but one day, he’ll wake up. I just can’t wait for that day.
Chioma: We’ll all be witnesses when it happens.
Salamah: (sighs, picking up her tea) You know what? Once bitten, twice shy. I’ve learned my lesson, and I think you two should learn yours. I’m not going to be part of this gossip. Learn to be happy for others so you can find joy, too. (exits, shutting the door)
Chioma: What’s her problem?
Shade: I don’t know. Trying to be loyal to Hazeemah so she can find a partner, too? (They both burst into laughter.)
*******************************
Hazeemah: (enters the office) Here’s your coffee, sir.
M.K: Thanks, baby. (Sips the coffee, focused on his computer) Amazing as always. We have a short meeting coming up. Could you organize that, please?
Hazeemah: Okay, sir. (Turns to leave)
M.K: Uh, baby!
Hazeemah: Yes, sir? (Turns back)
M.K: I’m your husband, not your boss. Stop with the “sir” thing; it’s... unsettling.
Hazeemah: You’re my boss here. Once we’re home, you’re my husband. Please excuse me, sir. (Leaves)
M.K: (Exhales softly) Always difficult to handle... (Dials a number) I want everyone in the conference room in the next five minutes. (Ends the call)
40 minutes later, as everyone leaves the conference room, some are chatting and discussing on their way back to their desks. Hazeemah stays behind, seated and resting in one of the chairs.
Hazeemah: (thinking) I think it’s time to further my career. I thought I’d achieved my goals, but I still have a long way to go. I can’t stay at this company anymore. The energy here has changed so much since I went from being a “nobody” to being his wife. Throughout the meeting, everyone kept glancing at me. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable.
M.K: (About to open his office door, noticing Hazeemah isn’t at her desk) Where is she?
Hazeemah: I need to figure something out... This is going to be another chapter of my story.
M.K: (Entering the conference room) And I’d love to read it.
Hazeemah: You just can’t stop sneaking up on me, can you?
M.K: What are you still doing here?
Hazeemah: Just resting. I’m a bit exhausted.
M.K: (Moves closer to her) So tell me how I can help with that. (Touches her chair handle gently) Tell me, baby. (Leans in to kiss her)
Hazeemah: What are you doing?
M.K: Having a moment with my wife.
Hazeemah: This is an office, stop it! I’m not even in the mood for this. I just... need to be alone for now.
M.K: You seem worried. What is it? Talk to me.
Hazeemah: It’s just... mood swings, that’s all.
M.K: Are you hungry?
Hazeemah: No, I’m not. It’s still morning.
M.K: I just want to make you feel better. Alright, come here. (Grabs her hand) Let’s walk back to my office. (Leads the way)
Hazeemah: Listen, dear, we can’t keep doing this... Soon, you’ll leave me alone in this company, and I hate that all eyes are on us.
M.K: That’s normal—we just got married. We’re bound to be the talk of the office for a while, but it’ll pass. (Opens the office door) Don’t let what they say get to you. (Falls into his chair) Come here. (Pats his lap)
Hazeemah: (Sits on the couch instead, staying quiet)
M.K: So, this is how we’re starting the week, huh? I told you, you have nothing to worry about.
Hazeemah: (Stares at the floor, silent)
M.K: (Sighs, gets up, and goes over to her) Alright, who’s gossiping? Which team are they on?
Hazeemah: That’s not the point. I’m not worried about that. I’ve just realized what my next step needs to be, and I really need time to work on it. That’s all.
M.K: Okay... Can I be part of this plan of yours?
Hazeemah: No, I’d like to handle it on my own.
M.K: At least tell me what it’s about.
Hazeemah: I’m afraid if I tell you, it might upset you. (Gets up) Do you need anything else, sir?
M.K: (Studies her for a moment) You.
Hazeemah: I’ll take that as a “no.” Please focus on the new project. Excuse me, sir. (Exits)
M.K: Baby!!
**********************************
Mrs. Shola: (entering an eatery) What would you like to eat, princess?
Najat: I want pizza and ice cream!
Mrs. Shola: Alright, baby. (Turns to the waiter) I’d like a cheeseburger with a Coldstone shake, and my daughter would like pizza with vanilla ice cream, please.
Waiter: Alright, ma’am. Please have a seat.
Mrs. Shola: Thank you.
Najat: Mom! I want to sit by the glass wall.
Mrs. Shola: Alright then, let’s go. (They sit by the glass wall, waiting for their order.)
Najat: (playing on her phone, suddenly spots someone) Daddy!!
Mrs. Shola: (alert) Where?
Najat: (without hesitation, runs to his table) Daddy!
Mrs. Shola: Najat! Wait!
Mr. Oyegbami: (surprised, hugs her) My princess... what are you doing here?
Najat: We came here for lunch. I’ve missed you so much, Daddy. When are you coming home?
Mrs. Shola: (approaches) Let go of her! Now!
Mr. Oyegbami: (holds Najat tighter) She’s my daughter too, if you haven’t forgotten.
Mrs. Shola: And so what?
Nancy: (joins him) Baby, sorry I took so long in the restroom.
Mrs. Shola: (recognizing her) Nancy?!
Nancy: (looks away)
Mrs. Shola: I knew you couldn’t stay faithful, but I didn’t expect you to be with a... a hooker! Wow, you just surprise me every day.
Nancy: Madam! You’d better watch your mouth! Who are you calling a hooker? Don’t make me lose it here.
Mr. Oyegbami: Nancy, please—watch your mouth around my daughter.
Nancy: Do I look like I care about your daughter? (Gets up and leaves) Whatever!
Najat: Daddy, who is she?
Mr. Oyegbami: Um, my princess, she’s just... a friend.
Mrs. Shola: Princess, come on! Let’s get back to our table.
Najat: But I want to stay with Daddy.
Mrs. Shola: I said, come with me. We’re leaving!
Najat: (holds her dad tight)
Mrs. Shola: (takes a deep breath) Listen, princess, it’s been a rough day. Please, the best thing you can do is come with me. Let’s not make a scene.
Mr. Oyegbami: She said she’s staying with me. That’s final.
Mrs. Shola: Over my dead body!
Mr. Oyegbami: So be it. I’ll make sure I win custody of her. You’re not even fit to be her mother.
Mrs. Shola: Fine. I’ll give you a few minutes with her. (Returns to her table, where their meals have been served. She begins eating alone, sadly.)
Mr. Oyegbami: So, my princess, what else would you like?
Najat: Mom already ordered for me. (Takes his hand, speaking softly) Dad?
Mr. Oyegbami: Yes, my angel?
A few minutes later...
Mrs. Shola: (eating alone, looking sad, when Najat returns to her seat)
Najat: Mummy! (Sits and starts eating) I’m so hungry.
Mrs. Shola: What are you doing here? Couldn’t your father buy you lunch?
Mr. Oyegbami: I could, but she insisted that you already ordered. (He sits down.)
Mrs. Shola: And why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be off looking for your “missing” girlfriend?
Mr. Oyegbami: Seeing you this concerned makes me realize you still care about me.
Najat: (giggles, happily eating, enjoying the presence of both her parents)
Mrs. Shola: (raising her hand) Waiter!!
Waiter: Yes, ma'am. How can I help you?
Mrs. Shola: Please, could you pack our meal to go?
Waiter: Certainly, ma'am.
Najat: But why, Mommy? We’re having a nice time with Daddy.
Mrs. Shola: (irritated) So now you think you can question me? We’re leaving, and that’s final. Get up!
Najat: (preparing to cry) No, Mommy! I don’t want to go!
Mr. Oyegbami: (smirking) This is exactly why I should be the one raising her. By the way, when you get home, say hello to the guy who “services” you at night.
Mrs. Shola: (without hesitation, slaps him hard, breathing heavily) You think I’m like you?
Mr. Oyegbami: (shocked, holding his cheek) You slapped me!
Najat: (bursts into tears, drawing the attention of everyone in the eatery; people start taking pictures and videos)
Mrs. Shola: I’m done here. (Drags Najat to the car and drives off.)
Mr. Oyegbami: (still standing, a sudden idea strikes him) Excuse me, does anyone here have a video of what just happened? I need it as evidence for court. Please, anyone?
Later that night, 7:45 PM at the dining table
M.K.: (rinsing his hands) I’m usually not a fan of swallow, but I think I’m getting into it.
Hazeemah: You can’t run away from your roots. I’m glad you’re starting to enjoy it. (Collects the used plates and heads to the kitchen)
M.K.: Baby!
Hazeemah: I’m coming!
M.K.: (scrolling through his phone, licking his lips) There’s something I need to tell you before I forget.
Hazeemah: (returns) I’m listening.
M.K.: There’s going to be a vacancy soon. We’re adding another team to the company.
Hazeemah: Oh, really? That’s great! What role?
M.K.: We’re looking for agricultural engineers and technologists.
Hazeemah: Masha Allah. Maybe you should hire a new personal assistant too.
M.K.: (raises his eyebrows) Why?
Hazeemah: So they can replace me. I can’t work at your family company forever.
M.K.: I never said you would, but you’ve been acting distant ever since we got back from our honeymoon.
Hazeemah: No, baby, don’t get me wrong. I want to continue working, but now that I’m your wife, things feel... different. I need to think about my own career too.
M.K.: So, what are you saying? You’re planning to resign?
Hazeemah: Please don’t take it the wrong way. I’m not resigning now; I just wanted to give you a heads-up for the future.
M.K.: Alright, that’s fine. (He stands up)
Hazeemah: Where are you going?
M.K.: To bed.
Hazeemah: Have you prayed Isha?
M.K.: I’ll do it... But we’re not done with this conversation. You owe me a real explanation as to why being my wife makes you feel you can’t work here anymore.
Hazeemah: It’s just... my position at the company doesn’t feel the same.
M.K.: Oh, so that’s it. You want me to promote you to General Manager?
Hazeemah: What? That’s not what I meant at all!
M.K.: Sure sounds like it.
Hazeemah: (exasperated) I need some fresh air.
M.K.: Same here. (Walks out of the house, clearly upset)
Watch out for the next episode!!!