EPISODE EIGHT
Everything turned into darkness for Hazeemah and her family after losing someone dear to their hearts. She moved back to her parents’ house to mourn the death of her father. Staying close to her mother, they often shared fond memories of him. This difficult period stretched on as they tried to heal from the pain in their hearts.
It has been a month and a few days since the loss of Alhaji Nurudeen. Life for Hazeemah’s family was never the same, but as they say, life must go on. M.K., her husband, visited her daily, offering emotional support through the tough times. He resumed work at M&S Company, while most people returned to their routines—except Hazeemah. She struggled to move on, finding it hard to let go of the pain. Her mother, instead of being consoled, found herself consoling her daughter, urging her to return to her matrimonial home. However, Hazeemah pleaded for more time to heal. M.K. respected her wish, but as two months passed, her mother’s patience wore thin. She ordered Hazeemah to return home, a decision made without informing her husband.
Scene Two: M&S Company – M.K.'s Office
M.K. is busy at his desk, issuing instructions to his team.
M.K.: (firmly) Make sure you email this to the client and report their feedback immediately.
Reem: Got it, sir.
M.K.: And you—Abdullah—do you think this land is suitable for construction? Look at the location; it's in the middle of a forest!
Abdullah: (nervously) But sir, that’s the only cheap land I could find.
M.K.: (frustrated) Who said we needed cheap land?
Reem: (signals Abdullah to stay calm)
Abdullah: I’m sorry, sir.
M.K.: (throws the file at him) Whenever I give instructions, your mind is always elsewhere. I’ll deal with this next time. (A knock is heard at the door.) Yes, come in.
He looks up and sees Hazeemah. His expression softens immediately.
M.K.: Baby... (stands to embrace her) How have you been?
Abdullah: (excited) Hajia!
Reem: (clears his throat and signals Abdullah) Let’s excuse them.
Reem and Abdullah exit the office, leaving the couple alone.
M.K.: So, how are you? How do you feel now?
Hazeemah: Alhamdulilah. I’m so sorry for leaving you behind. Please forgive me.
M.K.: C’mon, it’s okay. I understand what it means to lose someone dear. It reminds me of when I lost my mom—I almost lost my mind. Alhamdulilah, you’re here now, and that’s all that matters. Come, have a seat. (He holds her hand as she sits.)
Hazeemah: Thank you, sir.
She looks tired as she gazes at him.
M.K.: You don’t look okay. Should we go to the hospital? You’ve lost weight.
Hazeemah: No, I’m fine. Thank you. How have you been managing the meals and everything at home without me?
M.K.: I was just living the bachelor life again. The house felt so empty without you, baby. I missed you so much.
Hazeemah: (smiles) I missed you too. So, how’s the company and the contracts?
A knock interrupts their conversation.
M.K.: Yes, come in.
Mariam enters gracefully, carrying a document. She notices Hazeemah before approaching the desk.
Mariam: (politely) Here’s the document you requested, sir. Good day, ma’am.
Hazeemah: Good day. (Turns to her husband.) Is she the new staff?
M.K.: Yes, she’s in Agricultural Engineering.
Hazeemah: That’s nice. (Extends her hand for a handshake.) Nice to meet you. I’m his personal assistant.
Mariam: (shakes hands) Nice to meet you too, ma’am.
M.K.: (playfully) And she’s also my...
Hazeemah: (cuts in, teasing) His favorite worker of all time. Am I right, sir?
M.K.: (confused, glancing at her) Umm... yeah?
Mariam: (thinking) What’s with her? Why is she bragging about being his P.A.? How on earth did someone like her land a role in such a prestigious company? Aww... I’m highly disappointed.
M.K.: Yo! I said you may leave. Why are you still standing here?
Mariam: (snaps back to reality) Oh, sorry, sir. (smiling at Hazeemah) It’s nice working with you, ma’am. I hope we get to know each other better in the future. Have a nice day. (exits the office gracefully).
Hazeemah: (watches her leave, then turns to M.K.) She’s beautiful, isn’t she? You hired her?
M.K.: (relaxed) Yeah, she’s brilliant in her field.
Hazeemah: She sure is... with those additional assets she’s got, hmm?
M.K.: (looks up, confused) What are you doing?
Hazeemah: Nothing, just making observations.
M.K.: (changing the topic) Are you hungry? I’m starving. How about we head home?
Hazeemah: (smirking) Can I ask you something first, sir?
M.K.: What’s with the “sir”?
Hazeemah: Do you ever consider marrying more than one wife? No offense.
M.K.: (gasping, surprised) Where is this coming from? Look, there’s nothing between Mariam and me. Wait—don’t you trust me?
Hazeemah: Oh, her name is Mariam. That means she’s Muslim. But it’s just a question.
M.K.: You came back after two months of leaving me alone, and this is what you want to fill my head with? I know you... You’re just looking for a reason to pick a fight. Come on! Get up, let’s go home.
Hazeemah: No offense taken, baby. (gets up and approaches him) I’ve missed you so much. (rests her head on his chest)
M.K.: (calms down, embracing her tightly) You have no idea how much these past two months felt like years. Let’s go home. (grabs his car key) Did you stop by the house before coming here?
Hazeemah: (walking out with him) Yeah, but the house felt empty. That’s why I came here.
M.K.: I’ve told you to use any car of your choice. Since you said you can drive, why are you still taking public transport?
Hazeemah: I’m used to my low life.
M.K.: Well, get used to the rich life—you’re my wife now.
Hazeemah: (smiling) I plan to resume work tomorrow, insha’Allah. Staying indoors for two months wasn’t easy. But I still feel guilty for not visiting my family after our honeymoon... and then my father had that attack. It’s my fault. I hate myself every time I think about it.
M.K.: (softly) It’s not your fault, baby. Everything happens as Allah wills. It’s kadar.
Hazeemah: (surprised, staring at him) Masha’Allah! Where is this coming from? You’re talking with so much imaan now.
M.K.: I’ve been watching a lot of Islamic lectures lately. (opens the car door for her)
Hazeemah: (smiling) Thank you, my king. (enters the car) You surprise me every single day... I still can’t believe we’re married.
M.K.: Same here. (starts the car) It feels like a dream. Like, I’ve seen everything under that khimar. Like we’ve—
Hazeemah: (quickly covers his mouth) What are you trying to say?
M.K.: (laughing) Come on, baby. We’re alone. Speaking of being alone...
Hazeemah: (interrupting) Please, baby, let’s go. You’re wasting fuel.
M.K.: (teasing) You and your Nigerian accent. (drives off)
*******************************
Hazeemah walks quietly into the company, trying to avoid attention.
Reem: (approaches from behind) As-Salaam Alaikum, Hajia.
Hazeemah: (startled, then chuckles nervously) Wa Alaikum Salaam Warahmatullah. Masha Allah, Mr. Reem. How are you?
Reem: Good morning, ma’am. I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. May Allah forgive his shortcomings.
Hazeemah: Amin, jazakumullahu khairan. How have you been, sir?
Reem: Alhamdulilah, still at the same spot you left us. But I must say, you’re glowing. Masha Allah, marriage really suits you.
Hazeemah: (smiling) Aww, jazakumullahu khairan. I can’t wait to attend your nikah soon, bi idhnillah.
Reem: Insha Allah. (chuckles) Let me help you with your bag. (reaches for her handbag)
Hazeemah: (steps back, surprised) What are you doing? Please don’t do that again.
Reem: I was just trying to help.
Hazeemah: (clutching her bag tightly) Please don’t. We’re equals in this company. In fact, your position is higher than mine. Don’t ever do that again.
Reem: (softly) I was only trying to help.
Hazeemah: (firmly) I appreciate it, but no. Excuse me, we’ll talk later, sir. (looks around nervously, then hurries off)
Reem: (watching her leave, muttering) But Hajia, I was... I was just... (sighs heavily) I’ve always respected her, even before she married the boss. (turns to leave and bumps into M.K., who glares at him)
M.K.: (coldly) I won’t repeat myself. Stay away from my wife. The next time I catch you stalking her, you can kiss your job goodbye. I don’t care about your position in this company. (walks away)
Reem: (stunned) I’m sorry, sir. (watches him leave, muttering) Ahhh! Problem dey o. If not for your position, she would have been mine. Anyway... (sighs and leaves).
Scene Five: M.K.’s Office
Colleagues gossip about “the return of the hijab lady.” Hazeemah enters M.K.’s office and finds Mariam clearing his desk.
Hazeemah: As-Salaam Alaikum, sis.
Mariam: Wa Alaikum Salaam. You’re late, ma’am.
Hazeemah: (raises her eyebrows) I’m so sorry, ma’am. The traffic was intense.
Mariam: I guess it’s time for you to take over your position. Now I can rest from overworking here. (about to leave when she bumps into M.K.)
Mariam: (pitching her voice sweetly) Oh, good morning, sir. How was your night? Should I go get your bag from the car?
M.K.: Yes, please.
Mariam: (beaming) Alright, sir. (happily exits the office)
Hazeemah: (drops her bag, visibly surprised by what just happened) Baby... Can you do me a favor?
M.K.: (sits down) What’s that, baby?
Hazeemah: I’m on a mission. So please, let’s not act like a couple at the office. When we’re home, we can continue our marital life. But here, take me as your personal assistant and treat me like you used to back then.
M.K.: What?!
Hazeemah: Please, baby, I promise I won’t be offended. Let’s just keep it formal at the company. And I don’t want you to disclose our marriage to Mariam yet. I want to break it to her myself—but not now.
M.K.: (surprised, watching her determined gaze at the door) Whatever you’re planning... please take it easy. But how am I supposed to have you to myself whenever I want?
Hazeemah: Baby, please. Just do this for me. You know everyone has been treating me like "Oga’s wife" lately, and I just want to be treated like everyone else. If you’re against this, then maybe I really should quit this job.
M.K.: Is that a threat?
Hazeemah: (softly, moving closer and rubbing his chest) Please, baby. Please, my king.
M.K.: (sighs heavily) Fine, whatever. But be careful with your colleagues and stay away from male friends.
Hazeemah: No problem, sir. (hurriedly removes her hand from his chest as the door opens) So, do you need anything, sir?
Mariam: (walks in gracefully, presenting M.K.’s bag, and places his laptop gently on the desk)
M.K.: You see, Hazeemah? Learn from Mariam. Look how gentle she is.
Mariam: (smiling warmly)
Hazeemah: (studying Mariam’s reaction) Okay, sir. I will work harder, sir.
M.K.: Learn from Mariam.
Mariam: (still smiling) We’re all learning, sir. I can learn from her as well. Do you need anything else? Should I make your coffee?
Hazeemah: She makes your coffee, sir?
M.K.: No!
Hazeemah: Okay... then I’ll go make your coffee, sir. (leaves the office)
M.K.: (to Mariam) Don’t mind her; she’s just jealous of you. You can resume your regular duties. I won’t be needing your help since she’s back. Thank you.
Mariam: I’m happy to help. If you need anything at any time, sir, I’ll always be available.
M.K.: Thanks. You may leave now.
Mariam: (smiles and catwalks out of the office)
Hazeemah: (barges back into the office) She’s gone?
M.K.: Yeah...
Hazeemah: That was a great act, baby. This is exactly what I want. Don’t worry; I have a surprise for you once we get home.
M.K.: (intrigued) Hmm... sounds tempting. So, where’s the coffee?
Hazeemah: I thought we agreed you’d stop drinking coffee.
M.K.: Then why did you pretend in the first place?
Hazeemah: Just acting along. If you need anything, let me know.
M.K.: Stay with me now. Let’s work together.
Hazeemah: I have my mini desk, remember? Let’s keep it professional. Alright, baby, I love you. (blows him a kiss as she steps out of the office)
M.K.: (touches his lips) No... I need it right here. Baby!!!
Hazeemah: (reaches her desk, pauses, and begins to think) It’s time to focus on my plans. I need to start now. (sits down, picks up a pen and paper) This should be easy. (begins drafting ideas, only to crumple multiple sheets and toss them into the waste bin) Omoh! This is harder than I thought.
Salamah: (approaches her desk with a playful smirk) Hey, babe! You’ve resumed, and you couldn’t even check on me? I sent you multiple messages on WhatsApp, and you replied to none. Has your personality changed now that you’re the boss’s wife?
Hazeemah: (hurriedly covers Salamah’s mouth) Shhh! What’s wrong with you?
Salamah: (pushes her hand away) What’s with you? Why are you shushing me? Anyway, I see you’re still the old you. I’m not addressing you with any special respect—we’re friends. By the way, welcome back!
Hazeemah: Thanks, sweetie. I don’t mind it either—in fact, it’s exactly what I want. I just want to be treated like the old me. Is that weird to ask?
Salamah: (shrugs) Somehow, though… If I were in your shoes, I’d request a promotion instantly and quit being his P.A. But hey, you’re his wife—you know him better than I do.
Hazeemah: (suddenly brightens up as an idea pops into her head) Salamah, I need your help. Please, can you pass an announcement to everyone secretly—except the new employees?
Salamah: (frowns in confusion) Announcement? Secretly? What kind of scheme are you cooking now? By the way, how’s my crush—your brother?
Hazeemah: (rolls her eyes) You and this crush of yours. I’ve told you several times—he’s happily married. There are plenty of other fish in the sea. Back to what I was saying... will you help me with the announcement or not?
Salamah: On one condition.
Hazeemah: (smirking) Actually, your boss instructed me to tell you this...
Salamah: (narrowing her eyes) You’re so manipulative.
Hazeemah: (laughs, clasping her hands together in a pleading gesture) Please, Salamah. Please...
Watch Out for the Next Episode!!!