EPISODE ONE
A Month Later
It has been a month since Hazeemah and Abdulmalik’s wedding. Their absence is felt deeply by their company and families, who hope for their safe return soon.
At M&S COMPANY
Mrs. Shola: (on a phone call) What do you mean you’re not sure you can get all the evidence? Wasn’t this our agreement? (pauses, listening) Absolutely not! You promised me everything would be done neatly and without excuses. So, what’s with this nonsense now? If you can’t keep up with the deal, then the payment deal is off. I’ll find someone else. Get off my line, you fool! (hangs up, panting) It was a simple task: get the evidence, secure the CCTV footage! How hard can it be? The court date is near—I need to think fast. What am I going to do? (Her phone rings again.) Who could this be now? (picks up the phone) Hey, Lil B!
M.K.: Hey, what’s up?
Mrs. Shola: I’m good! And you? When are you coming back from your honeymoon?
M.K.: Relax, it hasn’t even been a month yet.
Mrs. Shola: You must be enjoying yourself! Have you even checked the calendar?
M.K.: Anyway, we’re coming back this week.
Mrs. Shola: Finally! How’s she? Let me talk to her.
M.K.: Uh, you can’t talk to her right now. She’s not feeling well, still recovering. She really needs this rest.
Mrs. Shola: (chuckles) You’ve worn that poor girl out. Well, I can’t wait to see you both. I have so much to do with this court case.
M.K.: What does that have to do with me?
Mrs. Shola: (confused) Didn’t Dad call you?
M.K.: About what?
Mrs. Shola: To take over things here for a bit.
M.K.: Oh, yeah. He called. Is that why you’re so eager for me to come back?
Mrs. Shola: I’m sorry if it’s an inconvenience. After this, I won’t bother you again—I know you have your own family now. You won’t always be available like before.
M.K.: Whatever. (hangs up)
Mrs. Shola: (smiling) Thank you so much! See you soon… (realizes the call has ended) Ugh, spoiled brat! His wife still has work to do on him. (dials a number) Meet me in my office right now. (hangs up) I’m exhausted. I just want this to be over…
A Few Minutes Later
Mrs. Fashola: (knocking) May I come in, ma’am?
Mrs. Shola: (gestures for her to enter)
Mrs. Fashola: You called for me, ma’am?
Mrs. Shola: Yes. (closing her computer) I need to pick up my daughter from school. I want you in charge until I get back. You’re the only one mature enough here not to cause a disaster. I’ll be back soon. (stands up to leave)
Mrs. Fashola: Alright, ma. Let me help you with your bag.
Mrs. Shola: Oh please, Fashola, we’re practically the same age. You’re not respecting me; you’re respecting my money. So, no thank you. (leaves)
Mrs. Fashola: (nods her head) Well, there’s no lie in that…
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The Next Morning
It’s a bright and beautiful morning under Alhaji Nurudeen’s roof. He sips his tea, reading a newspaper and enjoying the cool weather on his porch.
Alh. Nurudeen: Hmmm, sometimes I wonder about the hearts of people in this country. How can someone cut off their own mother’s head for a ritual? This is madness.
(Fatimah approaches him)
Fatimah: As-salam alaykum, Grandpa! (lifts his hand and kisses it)
Alh. Nurudeen: (surprised) Walaykum salam warahmatullah wabarakatuh... Where did you learn that?
Fatimah: From my parents, especially my mum. She always kisses my dad’s hands.
Alh. Nurudeen: Masha Allah! (amazed as he reflects)
Fatimah: Grandma asked me to call you for breakfast.
Alh. Nurudeen: Is that so? Alright, go ahead; I’ll join you soon.
Fatimah: Okay, Grandpa.
Alh. Nurudeen thinks to himself.
Alh. Nurudeen: Just like yesterday, when Shukroh started this tradition of kissing the back of my hand as a symbol of respect and gratitude... Now she’s passed it to her children, and now to their children. Masha Allah! Honestly, I never thought I’d marry only one wife. Back in my bachelor days, I always bragged that two wives would be my minimum. Yet, here I am, with just one wife—my blessing. She gave me pious children, made me a grandfather, and still cooks for me every day. Despite our misunderstandings, we always make peace. I can’t openly praise her, but she’s truly my blessing. She’s never given me any reason to look elsewhere. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alamin! (raises his hands to the sky)
(Hajia Shukroh stands by the door, watching him silently.)
Hajia Shukroh: What are you doing out here?
Alh. Nurudeen: (startled, quickly dropping his hands) Don’t sneak up on me like that!
Hajia Shukroh: Well, breakfast is ready. I sent Fatimah to fetch you, and you said you’d join us soon. You know we can’t eat until you lead us.
Alh. Nurudeen: (smiles, struggling to stand up, and approaches her) Really? (gently touches her face and kisses her forehead for a moment, then heads inside)
Hajia Shukroh: (surprised, blushing) Did he just kiss my forehead? (still blushing) I guess I still got it... I’m still attractive to my man... Awww!
Alh. Nurudeen: What are you still doing there? Who’s going to serve us?
Hajia Shukroh: (smiling) Coming, dear! (heads inside happily and gently closes the door)
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15 minutes later
Hajia Shukroh: (resting on the couch) Dear...
Alhaji Nurudeen: (watching the TV) Yes, my wife?
Hajia Shukroh: (blushing) Aww, stop it... you're making me blush.
Alhaji Nurudeen: (bursts into laughter) Go on, madam.
Hajia Shukroh: Anyway, I’m worried about my daughter. It’s been three weeks since I last heard from her, and her line isn't reachable anymore. I just hope she's alright.
Alhaji Nurudeen: Of course, she's fine. I spoke with her husband last week; he said they're having a great time.
Hajia Shukroh: Really? Then why didn't you tell me?
Alhaji Nurudeen: Because you didn’t ask.
Hajia Shukroh: I just can't wait to see her again. I've missed her so much! Alhamdulillah, she's finally free from your... well, your intense parenting.
Alhaji Nurudeen: laughing You’re not serious. I was only being a father.
Hajia Shukroh: You took "parenthood" beyond what was necessary. All I pray is that she enjoys her marriage to the fullest.
Alhaji Nurudeen: Amin.
Hajia Shukroh: Sometimes, when I look at you, I feel like giving you a big knock on the head—for acting like... like...
Alhaji Nurudeen: teasingly Say it! Like a fool, abi?
Hajia Shukroh: No... more like a coward! I’m sorry, but it’s true. You put her through so much. I almost lost my child.
Alhaji Nurudeen: I won't sit here arguing with you, as I used to. (stands up and heads toward the bedroom)
Hajia Shukroh: So, you’re just going to leave me here, abi?
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Two Days Later
A plane lands safely in Nigeria. Their driver waits at the airport to greet them and drive them to their destination.
(In the car)
Hazeemah: (rests her head on M.K.’s shoulder)
M.K.: Are you still cold? We’re back in Nigeria...
Hazeemah: (silent)
M.K.: I never knew Mrs. Confidence could be this childish. [to the driver] Hey, driver! Take us to M&S.
Driver: Yes, sir.
Hazeemah: (lifts her head suddenly) What?
M.K.: Oh! Sorry, honey. I thought I mentioned what my dad said about running the company again for a while.
Hazeemah: Yes, you told me... but you didn’t say it’d be this soon. We just arrived; we deserve a few days to rest.
M.K.: You’re absolutely right, but something huge is happening at the company, and I need to be there. My sister is going out of town tomorrow, so I need to see her and get some details.
Hazeemah: (takes a deep breath) Okay then. You’re free to go wherever you want... but as for me, before I even think of resuming at that company, which I’m not sure I will, I need rest. How am I supposed to face everyone at the office, with everyone knowing we just got back from our honeymoon?
M.K.: I know, baby. I promise it won’t take long, okay?
Hazeemah: Don’t count me in on this one. I need rest, and I am not ready to face the world in this mess.
M.K.: What happened to the confident queen I once knew?
Hazeemah: Even a machine needs rest. Baby, please, I don’t want to go... let’s just go home.
M.K.: Remember, I told you I have a surprise for you. If I let you go home first, the surprise will be ruined. How about this: once we get there, you can stay in the car until I’m done, and then we’ll head home.
Hazeemah: (sadly looks out the window, ignoring him)
M.K.: Come on, baby! And afterward, we’ll stop by that restaurant you love, so once we’re home, we’re in for the day. Please, my little pumpkin. (tickles her)
Hazeemah: (smiling and finally back to her usual self) Stop it, jor! I should have seen this coming.
M.K.: We won’t be long, I promise.
Hazeemah: Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
A Few Minutes Later
Driver: We’ve reached your destination, sir. Should I drive into the parking lot or...?
Hazeemah: No! Don’t. Park here.
M.K.: You really mean this, don’t you? (kisses her forehead) I’ll be right back. If you need anything, just call. (he steps out, and the security team rushes to welcome him)
Hazeemah: (nods and waves at him) This is going to be a very long day... (she slouches down in her seat, trying not to be seen)
Mrs. Shola: (busy on her computer) Why is this taking so long? (sighs as she hears loud, joyful noises outside) What’s going on out there?
M.K.: (barges into her office) Just share it! Thank you all. (slams the door)
Mrs. Shola: (stands up excitedly) Look who we have here—the latest groom in the universe! (tries to embrace him)
M.K.: (steps back) Don’t push it!
Mrs. Shola: Still not a hugger, huh? Your wife has her work cut out for her with you. Welcome back! Where is she?
M.K.: In the car. (sits down) You can start your explanations and show me the documents. I don’t have all day.
Mrs. Shola: Why didn’t you bring her in?
M.K.: She’s shy.
Mrs. Shola: Hard to believe, with all her confidence.
M.K.: I guess we all have our weaknesses.
Mrs. Shola: So, tell me about your honeymoon. How was it?
M.K.: Ew, why would I want to discuss that with you??
Mrs. Shola: Don’t worry, your wife will tell me instead! I just can’t believe it—you’re finally married! A family man now... soon, you’ll be a dad!
M.K.: (rolls his eyes) Can we get started? My wife and I have a lot to do today.
Mrs. Shola: Now you’re just making me jealous... you’re married, and here I am, divorced.
M.K.: As my Naija people say, "This life no balance."
watch out for the next episode!!!
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