Adekunle: Come on, baby… it’s me. I’m sorry for everything and for the pain I caused you.
(He tries to embrace her again, but she stops him)
Adekunle: Please… I’m really sorry.
Abu: Lukman.
Adekunle: Yes, sir.
Abu: Come here. Sit with me.
Adekunle: (obediently) Yes, sir. (he sits)
Abu: (smiles slightly) You seem calm… that is good. But first, she refused your embrace. It might be the pregnancy. Sometimes even a smell can irritate her.
Adekunle: Oh… I understand now.
Abu: Ashani, come and sit beside me.
Khadijah: (quietly obeys)
Abu: Habeebaty!
Ummu: Yes, I’m coming.
Abu: Let us wait for her mother.
(Ummu enters)
Ummu: (smiling) Ah, who do we have here? Isn’t this Ustaz Lukman?
Adekunle: (stands quickly) Yes, ma. As-salamu alaykum.
Ummu: Wa alaykum salam. Masha Allah.
(Khadijah smiles faintly. Adekunle keeps looking at her with warmth, but she avoids his gaze)
Abu: Come and sit, my dear.
Ummu: (sits) So, Ustaz Lukman… what brings you here today? You finally came to check on your wife and your unborn child?
Adekunle: First of all… I am deeply sorry for everything. For the pain I caused all of you. Please find a place in your hearts to forgive me.
(He pauses, then continues)
Adekunle: I am not just here to check on her… I came to take my wife back.
Ummu: (calm but firm) Why now? For three months, you were silent. Why today?
Adekunle: I was ashamed. I didn’t have the courage to face any of you… not even her. Since she left, my life has been empty. My house feels like a graveyard.
(He swallows hard)
Adekunle: It took everything in me to come here today. I am disappointed in myself. I know you are too. But I have changed. I have handled the problems in our marriage. Please… allow me to take my wife and child back home.
(He turns to Khadijah)
Adekunle: Baby… I’m sorry.
(Khadijah stays silent)
Abu: (nudges her slightly) Don’t you have anything to say?
Khadijah: Not yet.
Adekunle: I know you’re angry… but I will make it up to you. I promise.
Ummu: Ustaz Lukman.
Adekunle: Yes, ma.
Abu: (raises a hand) It’s okay. Let me handle this.
(He faces Adekunle)
Abu: I respect the fact that you came back for your family. That takes courage. And we also apologize for any pain our daughter may have caused you.
(He pauses, then speaks more firmly)
Abu: But I hope you have truly learned from your mistakes.
Adekunle: I have, sir. I have learned a lot. I am ready to change for good. My mother no longer lives with me, and I have set boundaries. She will not interfere in my home again.
Abu: She is still your mother. That will never change. Just make sure there are boundaries. May Allah guide you and bless your marriage.
(He turns to Khadijah)
Abu: Now, say something.
Khadijah: (casually eating chips) Sir?
Abu: (shakes his head) Your mouth never rests. Look at you… you’ve added weight.
(Adekunle watches her quietly, lost in thought)
Adekunle: (thinking) She looks healthier… happier. So beautiful. My mother was the source of her pain. I have to fix everything. I have to do better… especially now.
Ummu: Ustaz!
Khadijah: (taps him)
Adekunle: Yes, ma… sir…
Khadijah: Where did your mind go?
Adekunle: Nowhere… I’m sorry.
Abu: Did you hear what she said?
Adekunle: No, sir.
Abu: She said she will think about it.
Adekunle: (panics) Please… don’t say that. There is nothing to think about. I need you back. Our child is coming next month. Please… give me one more chance.
Khadijah: You heard me. I said I will think about it.
Abu and Ummu: (exchange glances, watching quietly)
Abu: Maybe we should give them some space.
(He stands, and Ummu follows. They leave the room)
Private Moment
(Adekunle quickly moves closer to her)
Adekunle: Baby… I’m really sorry. I’ve changed. Please believe me.
Khadijah: I will think about it… and I will pray about it. That is not too much to ask.
Adekunle: (takes a deep breath) Don’t you miss me? Because I miss everything…
(he leans closer)
Adekunle: I miss you.
Khadijah: (startled) What are you doing? What if my parents see us? And I told you… stay away. Your perfume is still irritating me.
(she gently pushes him back)
Adekunle: Okay… okay.
(softly)
Adekunle: But promise me you will come back home.
Khadijah: I will get back to you soon.
Adekunle: This week?
Khadijah: No.
Adekunle: This month at least… our baby is coming next month.
Khadijah: I promise I will give you an answer.
Adekunle: (relieved) Alright.
(he gently kisses her forehead)
Adekunle: I miss you.
Adekunle: (to Abu) Thank you, sir.
Abu: You are welcome. May Allah ease your affairs. Take care of yourself.
(Adekunle nods and walks out slowly, glancing back one last time)
(Khadijah stands at the doorway, watching him leave… her face filled with conflict)
Khadijah: (softly) Let me walk you out.
Adekunle: Thank you sir (he exits their house while Khadijah follows him)
Khadijah: I am coming Abu
Ummu: Okay dear (she places her head on her husband’s shoulder) Thank you so much sir for everything… now my daughter will finally be happy.
Abu: I am only doing my duty as a father, nothing more (he embraces her)
Rasheedah: (appears from nowhere) So what did I miss?
Ummu: Will you go back to your cooking jor…
Curtain
Two weeks later
Ever since Adekunle visited Khadijah, she finds it hard to get him out of her mind. Yet she keeps acting distant, trying not to appear too eager or easily moved. Her parents also encourage her to return to her husband since he has realized his mistakes and they should welcome their first child together. Days pass like this until one evening when Khadijah remembers it is her husband’s birthday. She decides to return to her matrimonial home to surprise him. Her family agrees with her plan, though they insist she should go in the morning. She refuses and insists it must be at night.
Khadijah: (in her room packing her things) Ummu, I can’t find my two bras
Ummu: Where did you put them? I remember I placed them on the bed for you last night
Khadijah: I don’t know oh… and it is my favorite bra (she pouts sadly)
Ummu: You and these mood swings
Khadijah: If I don’t find that bra, I am not leaving this house oh
Ummu: Haha, okay then I will find it myself because you must leave this house tonight (she searches the room carefully) Here it is, you left it under the bed
Khadijah: Thank you mum (she moves closer and embraces her tightly, tears filling her eyes) I will miss you mum
Ummu: (surprised) What do you mean you will miss me? We are in the same state. Anytime you need me, I will always be there for you. Just call me and I will come in seconds. Stop crying my dear, you will deliver safely insha Allah. Remember everything I told you about childbirth and don’t forget to take Fatimah’s finger with you (she holds Khadijah’s head to her chest) You will be fine insha Allah… don’t cry
(She does not realize when tears begin to fall from her own eyes) Don’t cry… now you are making me cry too
Khadijah: Stop crying (she wipes her tears)
Curtain
Later in the evening, Abu returns from work and finds Khadijah in the living room watching a movie
Abu: As salam alaykum
Khadijah: (quickly stands and embraces him) Wa alaykum salam Abhi, welcome home
Abu: (surprised) Thank you my lovely Ummi in advance… how was your day? I hope my grandchild did not trouble you too much?
Khadijah: Not much, she is just craving food nothing else (she does not let go of him)
Abu: That is good (still confused by her behavior) Ashani, what is wrong? And look what I bought for you
Khadijah: (hugs him tighter) Abu, put that aside… I just want to feel your presence more than ever now… since I am leaving soon
Abu: Eeyyaaa… I am going to miss you too, but you belong to your husband now, not to us anymore. Don’t worry, I will always check on you. In fact, I will drop you off tonight just to be sure you get there safely
Khadijah: Abu, I will miss you so badly (she begins to cry)
Abu: (still unsettled but embraces her) You will be fine, okay? Now take what I bought for you
Khadijah: (releases him and takes the bag) What is this?
Abu: Open it
Khadijah: (opens the bag and smiles through tears as she sees baby clothes) Awwn masha Allah Abhi (tears fall freely) I don’t even know why I keep crying… thank you so much Abu, you are the best father in the world… barakallahu feekum
Abu: Ameen… stop crying okay (he wipes her tears) Check the bag properly, there is something edible inside too
Khadijah: (stares sadly at him as tears continue to fall) I will be fine insha Allah (she carries the bag and goes inside)
Abu: (watches her leave, tears slipping down his face without him noticing) What is going on? Why does it feel like she should not leave again
Curtain
Later that night around 7:30 pm
Adekunle: (driving while on a call) Yeah, what’s up?
Kelvin: Where are you right now?
Adekunle: On my way home
Kelvin: Good (he ends the call)
Adekunle: (frowning) What the hell… that son of a bitch
Curtain
Khadijah is ready to leave, waiting for Abu to return from the mosque so he can drive her home
Rasheedah: (embraces her from behind) I am going to miss my lovely sis… it feels like you shouldn’t leave again
Khadijah: I am going to miss you too, but I can’t stay here forever
Rasheedah: I know… I know… this just makes me sad
Ummu: I hope you have packed everything sha?
Khadijah: Yes mama
Ummu: Rasheedah, let us help her take her things to your father’s car before he returns
Rasheedah: Alright ma (they carry her things outside)
Abu: (enters the gate) As salam alaykum, I hope you are ready dear?
Everyone: Wa alaykum salam
Khadijah: Yes Abu
Abu: Get into the car while I go get my keys
Khadijah: Okay sir (she is about to enter, then turns back and embraces her mother and sister tightly, crying) I don’t feel like leaving mum
Ummu: (holding back tears) You will be fine, I promise
Abu: Shall we?
Khadijah: (slowly nods and enters the car)
Abu: Rasheedah, help me open the gate
Ummu: Wait… I will come with her. Let us drop her off together
Abu: Okay, get in
Rasheedah: So I will be left alone abi?
Ummu: Shebi your partner is coming to check on you tonight
Rasheedah: Anyway, bye (she waves at her sister softly) Take care of yourself
Abu: Bye (he drives out)
Curtain
Adekunle drives into the compound later that night. The street is quiet, but his gateman is unusually cheerful, smiling from ear to ear.
Adekunle: Is something wrong with your face?
Gateman: No sir… I am just happy to see you, that is all
Adekunle: You don’t have a good smile
He shakes his head and walks inside. The moment he steps in, he pauses. The house is completely dark.
Adekunle: I didn’t switch off the light? What is going on here?
He takes another step in, slowly, confusion building in his voice.
Adekunle: Hello? Anyone home?
Suddenly, the lights blast on.
Everyone: Surprise!!!!
Adekunle jolts back in shock, blinking as the entire living room comes alive with decoration, balloons, music setup, and a crowd of friends and colleagues cheering.
Adekunle: What the hell…
Kelvin rushes in and hugs him tightly.
Kelvin: Happy birthday my guy!!!
Adekunle: You son of a… (he exhales, forcing a smile) Thanks bro… but this is too much. I don’t even like this many people around me
Kelvin: Relax, relax… tonight is your night
He claps his hands loudly.
Kelvin: Everyone, let’s party!!!
Everyone erupts into cheers and dancing.
Everyone: Yeeeeeeh!!!
The DJ immediately increases the volume. The bass shakes the room.
DJ: Let’s goooo
Adekunle: (raising his voice) The music is too loud please
Kelvin grabs him by the arm and pulls him into the crowd.
Kelvin: No complaints tonight bro. Come on, let’s cut the cake. Everybody sing for him
The crowd gathers around, singing loudly.
Adekunle smiles, but it feels forced. His eyes keep scanning the room, uncomfortable.
Adekunle: (leaning closer to Kelvin, pulling him aside) What is your problem? You know I am a married man
Kelvin: I got you bro… don’t worry. Go upstairs, I have something special waiting for you there
Adekunle pauses.
Adekunle: (softly) My wife…?
Without waiting for an answer, he rushes upstairs, a sudden hope lighting his face.
Adekunle: I knew it… she came
He pushes the door open quickly.
The moment he steps in, his expression dies.
The room is dimly lit, and instead of his wife, several women dressed provocatively rise from different corners of the room. Before he can react, they close in on him, surrounding him, pulling him further inside.
Adekunle: Hey… what is this? Let me go!
He struggles, confusion turning into panic.
Adekunle: This is not funny… what are you doing in my room?
The women giggle softly, their voices overlapping.
The women: Happy birthday handsome… we are your gift. Hope you like it
Adekunle: Stop this right now!
Curtain
Outside the gate, Khadijah arrives as Abu and Ummu drop her off. The gateman freezes the moment he sees her, surprised, but quickly rushes to help her with her bag, his eyes restless.
Inside, loud music and celebration noises spill out from the house.
Khadijah: Who is playing music? What is going on inside there?
Gateman: Ma… I don’t know… I mean…
But she is already uneasy. Something feels wrong. She pushes past him and walks in.
The moment she enters, she stops.
The house is alive with people. Music is loud, bodies moving, laughter everywhere. No one notices her. It feels like she is invisible in her own husband’s home.
Khadijah’s breathing becomes heavier.
She searches the crowd.
Khadijah: Adekunle…
No answer.
She turns again, faster now, panic rising.
Khadijah: Adekunle where are you…
Still nothing.
Then something inside her breaks. She turns and rushes upstairs.
Inside the bedroom, Adekunle is still struggling, trying to push the women away.
Adekunle: Let me go! I said let me go!
Suddenly, the door creaks open.
Silence for half a second.
Khadijah is standing there.
Her hand slips, and her phone falls to the floor.
Time freezes.
Khadijah: (barely a whisper) Adekunle…
Adekunle looks up and sees her.
His face drains instantly.
Adekunle: Baby… please I can explain
He pushes the women off him and rushes forward, desperate.
Adekunle: It is not what you think… please listen to me
Khadijah takes one step back. Her lips tremble.
Khadijah: So this is it…
Her voice breaks.
Khadijah: I regret the day I met you
Before he can reach her, she slaps him weakly, not from strength but from pain too heavy to hold.
Then she turns and runs.
Adekunle: Khadijah wait!!! Please!!!
He pushes past everything and runs after her.
Outside, she is already out of the house, tears blinding her as she forces the gate open herself.
Adekunle gets into his car, panic rising like fire.
Adekunle: Open the gate!!! Open it now!!!
The gateman rushes, confused and shaking.
Khadijah runs into the road without looking, her vision blurred with tears.
Khadijah: Ya Allah… what have I done to deserve this?? (Eyes clouded with tears as she increases her speed with her baby bump) what have I gotten myself into? Why?????
Headlights appear too late.
A Sienna car screeches.
Impact.
Silence.
Adekunle: (inside the car, accident happens right in front of him, screaming) Khadijahhhhhhhhh!!!!
Curtain