Chief: After spending years under his mansion, I fell in love with their lifestyle… how they face their challenges together, celebrate together, experience their sorrowful moments together, and none of it went unnoticed by each and every one of them. Yes, there were problems among wives and sons, but they faced and solved everything together. This is a tradition practiced by the Indians alone, and no one can take it from them. Mr. Singh passed away years later, and I was forced to return to Nigeria with my rewards and start a family. My mother had kept the most beautiful woman for me, which happens to be your mother. I expressed my desire, my dream of raising and expanding my family under one roof. She said it sounded crazy but beautiful and promised to make it come true. Too bad she didn’t live to see it, but she made my dream come true, and sadly, she did not witness this beautiful family we have created right in front of us today.
[Everyone smiles.]
Chief: I know you have inconvenienced yourselves to make my dream come true. You are all my dream come true, and I am so sorry for that. That is why I do not always interfere in your marital affairs. Sometimes I assume if you did not live under my roof, I would not know what was going on. I respect your privacy despite living together. Fighting, facing challenges in pairs, does not mean your marriage is failing. How you settle your disagreements defines your marriage. Do not compare your marriage with your brothers’ or belittle anyone. Treat your spouses well and take good care of one another.
[He struggles to get on his feet.]
Chief: With this narration of mine, I hereby set you all free to live your lives. Living under my mansion is now by choice. Go out there, mingle with people, create memories, and never be locked in with me. Time is no longer on my side. You are all set free.
[Everyone is shocked, glancing at one another.]
Junaid and Jamiu: What are you saying, Dad?
Anas: And leave you all alone in this mansion? No! Not happening.
Jamil: [Quiet, lost in thought.]
Maryam: [Quiet too.]
Zainab: [Sadly lowers her gaze.]
Haneefah: [Wants to speak but remembers her husband's warning, getting emotional.]
Chief: This is sincerity. You have all tried, especially my Zainab. She made my dream come true. Thank you so much for your patience and love towards this family. And to the rest of you, thank you all for these wonderful grandchildren as a gift.
[Everyone goes mute for almost a minute.]
Chief: You guys barely touched the snacks. The ice cream has melted as well. Why?
[They shake off their emotions and begin to dig in.]
P.A: Attention, everyone… should we serve the second dishes?
Haneefah and Rahmat: Yes, please.
[They glance at each other, confused.]
P.A: Alright then… chop chop, chefs. Let’s go. [Claps.]
Anas: [Steals a glance at his father.]
P.A: Next on the list is memory time. Kindly bring the projector, please.
Haneefah: [Thinking] Now I see the reason for the white decorations… Masha Allah.
[Everyone watches their past pictures, taken without their knowledge. They gasp as they see themselves a few years ago during wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies, kids playing around the house, eating together, fighting, wives cooking in their various kitchens. They are overwhelmed with joy and tease one another. Chief finds joy in watching the family he created, treasuring every moment spent with them.]
[Five minutes pass, and the projector shuts down. They all give a round of applause. Bright smiles spread across their faces.]
Jamiu: That was amazing, Dad! You are a genius!
Rahmah: I never expected to find myself there, but behold… Chief, we love you so much.
[Anas gets up and falls to Chief’s knees while everyone else follows. The atmosphere is quietly emotional and joyous.]
Haneefah: [Unable to join them due to her condition, soaked in tears, thinking] This is the most amazing picnic I have ever had… this man is truly a legend, a great man. Yaa Allah, grant him a good ending. He truly deserves Jannah.
[Everyone retreats back to their seats, wiping their tears.]
Anas: [Eyes getting red.]
Haneefah: [Pats his back] It’s okay.
Jamiu: [Embraces Rahmah sadly.]
[Couples hold each other while Zainab sits alone, crying.]
Chief: [Noticing her, about to speak, then interrupted.]
Junaid: Wow! That was an incredible moment for all of us and will forever stick in our hearts. The mood is kind of low… how about we lighten it up with good news? If anyone has good news to share with the family, please open up. We could really use that. [Sips his juice.]
Jamil: [Clears his throat and stands] Cheers to family and cheers to love always.
[Everyone except Anas:] Cheers!
Jamil: Well… my good news is… I have completed my house, a two-bedroom flat.
[Everyone screams with joy.]
Jamil: Hold on! Hold on! I am not the only one… Anas has also completed his four-bedroom flat.
[Everyone rejoices.]
Jamiu: Congratulations, brother. This is a huge surprise.
Junaid: Indeed! Congratulations, brothers.
Anas: [Gives Jamil a dead stare, quickly looks away, notices his wife’s reaction, startled] What?
Haneefah: [Whispers in shock] You’ve built a house and I’m just finding out?
Anas: You were not meant to find out this way.
Haneefah: [Low tone] You mean I wasn’t meant to find out at all?
Anas: Baby… [Whispers] Please.
Chief: Congratulations, my sons! I am proud of all of you.
Maryam: [Smiles.]
Anas: [Gets up] Uhmm… I’m sorry, guys. This wasn’t supposed to be out like this, but the deed has been done. What I have to say is… we are not leaving you, Dad. Irrespective of the house news, we are staying until your last breath in that house. None of us is leaving because we must complete his dream. But if you are desperate to leave, the door is open. That’s all I have to say. [Sits down.]
Jamiu: We are not leaving, Dad.
Jamil: Same here.
Junaid: All of us, Dad.
Chief: [Getting emotional but composed] Thank you… thank you all.
Jamil and Junaid: Dad, come on!
Rahmah: [Stands, adjusting her abaya] Speaking of good news! Chief, get ready… you are about to receive your tenth grandchild because I am pregnant.
[Everyone glances at each other, murmuring.]
Jamiu: [Drags her dress and whispers] What are you doing?
Rahmah: Sharing the good news, of course! I thought everyone would be happy for us.
Anas: Congratulations, ma. May Allah bless your family.
Jamil: Congratulations.
Rahmah: Amin, Baba Okomi… you are so sweet.
[Breeze echoes for a few seconds as everyone goes mute.]
Zainab: [Touches her chest, trying to hold back emotions, then stands] Uhmm… thank you so much, Chief, for this beautiful family you’ve created. [Tears stream down her eyes] I will forever be grateful for always honoring me and everything you’ve done for my kids as well. This is such an amazing family of mine, but… too bad I won’t be part of it forever.
[Everyone glances at each other.]
Maryam: What do you mean? [Worried.]
Aishat: [Panting] Please don’t do this.
Jamiu: [Focused, curious about what comes next.]
Rahmah: [Thinking] Uhmm… she is about to say it, and now everyone will view me as a bad wife.
Anas: [Expects her final words.]
Zainab: I’m sorry, Chief, but I have my reasons. I love this family, but I can’t… because I am suffering. I wake up every day with depression, pain, and sorrow… and you have all witnessed it. That is why I hereby seek a divorce. [Brings out a document from her bag and places it in Jamiu’s lap.] Here. I am so sorry for being your worst mistake, which is why I am leaving your life for good, together with my children.
[Everyone stands in shock except Anas and Rahmah.]
Jamiu: [Shocked] What sort of nonsense is this?
Junaid: [Faces him] Why are you acting surprised?
[Anas and Jamil stand to caution Junaid.]
Jamil: This is none of your business.
Anas: So mind your words.
Aishat: [Emotional] Please don’t do this.
Haneefah and Maryam: Please.
Zainab: [Forces a smile] My mind is made up. Sign these papers, and let’s be done with it. I wish you and your wife a happy life. [Moves closer to Chief, kneeling] I will never forget you, Sir, but I am not happy here anymore. I need a man who loves me for me. My mind is made up.
Chief: Ashabi… don’t do this. I’m sure there is another way we… can…
Zainab: [Cuts in] There is no way, Sir… no way. [Gets up and walks away.]
Jamiu: Zainab! Wait! Listen to me! Zainab! [Runs after her.]
Rahmah: Babe! [Realizes all eyes are on her] What? So now you think it’s all my fault?
Anas: Please excuse me, Dad. I need some fresh air. [Gets up and walks away.]
Haneefah: I’m coming with you. [Follows him.]
……………..
Jamiu: [Catches up with her and grabs her hands] Zainab, please… you know what, I’m sorry. Please… I know I messed up and I…
Zainab: [Soaked in tears] What are you trying to defend? Huh? You still have something to say? You and I know this marriage isn’t working for us. You’ve found your happiness. So let me find mine. Do you have to be selfish in that too?
Jamiu: No! Okay, listen to me… listen, please. I promise you… this is a promise. I will change… just hear me out… I’m sorry.
Zainab: [Shakes her head, voice trembling] It’s too late. Just sign the papers so we can get this over with. And I’m going with my kids… four of them… so you can recreate the family you deserve with her. [Pauses, then adds softly] By the way, congratulations.
[Walks away.]
Jamiu: Zainab!!! [Increases his voice] Zainab!! Please…
Zainab: [Searching for her kids at the playground, tears streaming.]
___________
Anas: [Walks slowly, inhaling the fresh air deeply.]
Haneefah: [Scared to speak, thinking] I thought everything would end well… but this? This was unexpected… and he warned me… if I should talk now… what if he yells at me? He didn’t want to be here in the first place… more like I forced him.
Anas: [Inhales again, then stops] I love the air in here… it feels like life itself. [Turns to her] What do you think? Hmm?
Haneefah: Uh? Uhmm… I mean, yeah! Yeah… it’s beautiful.
Anas: [Grabs her hands gently and moves closer, rubbing her stomach] I hope you are fine.
Haneefah: [Confused by his actions] Baby… I’m sorry for not listening to your warnings.
Anas: It’s okay… it was fun and memorable anyway.
Haneefah: I feel really bad… I’m so sorry, my love.
Anas: It wasn’t that bad… you have nothing to be worried about.
Haneefah: Really? But now everyone will forever remember today for the rest of their lives… I couldn’t believe she was going to file for a divorce. I feel really bad.
Anas: [Soft hum] Hmmmm…
______________
Haneefah’s POV:
[Just like that, the memorable picnic became unforgettable… the day Zainab filed for a divorce to find her own happiness. I respect her decision, but I wasn’t expecting it so soon, because I believe most African women stay in an unhappy marriage for the sake of their children. But she was brave enough to choose herself in this situation. My husband failed to join the family until they were ready to return home. He said his heart had had enough for the day, and trust me, I couldn’t leave him there. So I stayed to make his alone time more meaningful. He wouldn’t stop repeating that he needed rest and couldn’t wait to return home.]
[An hour passed, and I urged my husband to rejoin the family to avoid alarming them with our absence. When we got there, we found no one but the workers packing up, and we realized everyone had waited for us in the bus to drive back home.]
[Upon getting home, we discovered Zainab had taken all her belongings with her children, leaving the mansion empty. Sadness filled the air as everyone retreated to their rooms, except Jamiu, who entered his car and raced out of the house. Silence echoed through the mansion throughout the day. We had finally lost someone special to someone’s selfish desires. But that is life… even if we die, we can be easily replaced in the blink of an eye. The hard truth hit harder, and I declared that day a memory never to be brought up again.]