EPISODE 10
Later in the Night
Hazeemah: What? No!
M.K: Actually, that's not your decision to make. I’ve made up my mind, and that’s final! (He walks down the stairs.)
Hazeemah: (Follows him, still confused) Babe, wait! Where is this coming from? Please, we can settle this. Maybe your dad should organize a family meeting. This is family.
M.K: Stay out of this! This has nothing to do with you.
Hazeemah: If it has nothing to do with me, then why are you in such a hurry to decide we’re leaving the country next month? This is too sudden... just like that?
M.K: (Moves to the refrigerator, grabs a bottle of water while she still follows him around) You don’t understand.
Hazeemah: Then make me understand, please. I know you’re upset right now, but he’s still your brother. You can’t hate him forever.
M.K: (Tightens his fist and turns to her) Please avoid me for now. I need some time alone. (He walks away toward his private room.) And don’t come looking for me. (Slams the door.)
Hazeemah: (Sighs heavily) This can’t be happening right now... This must be... I don’t even know what to do. I’m left in the dark and helpless. What about my own dreams and plans in Nigeria? What about my family? I don’t care what you want right now; I demand answers and clarity. (She moves to his private door, about to push it open but pauses, then sadly walks away.) Why? Why? Why is this happening?
(Inside the room, M.K stares at the door, hoping she will come in.)
M.K: I guess she respects my decision then. (He rests his back against the wall.) Family is bullshit! He was never there from the beginning. And now that I’m trying to create a bond with him... he’s shown me I’m just a replica. But I can’t allow Shola to face this battle alone. Leaving this country is certain for sure...
(Hazeemah suddenly barges into his space, running toward him.)
M.K: What are you—?
Hazeemah: (Panting, stretching her hands out) Your dad is calling your phone... please pick up!
M.K: (Ignores her.)
Hazeemah: Please answer the call before it hangs up! Please, love...
M.K: (Looks into her eyes, sensing her worry) Don’t worry about my family. This isn’t an issue that can be solved over the phone.
Hazeemah: Please take this phone! Can’t you see how he keeps calling? (Her voice cracks as she becomes emotional.) Pleaseee...
M.K: (Gets up and embraces her gently) You worry too much.
Hazeemah: (Pushes him back) This isn’t about me. This is about you! Your dad wants to speak to you, and you’re ignoring him... all because of your brother?
M.K: (Roars at her) He is NOT my brother! Watch your mouth!
Hazeemah: (Tears roll down her cheeks) At least pick up his calls. I wish I could get another chance to talk to my dad on the phone—I’d be the happiest. A time might come when you won’t hear from him again. Value his attention while you still have it.
M.K: (Breathing heavily, he grabs the phone and answers it without a word.)
Chief Aregbeshola: I know you’re angry, and you have every right to be. But this won’t solve the issue at hand. Come to my place so we can have a family discussion to clarify everything for you three. Please, M.K. You’re my son, and you can’t deny that fact. Please come.
M.K: (Hangs up and turns his back on Hazeemah.)
Hazeemah: (Curious, moves closer to him) What did he say? Baby? (Gently touches his arm) Talk to me, please.
M.K: (Struggles to hold back tears) Can you please leave me alone for now? At least I’ve done what you wanted... now leave.
Hazeemah: (Noticing his pain, determined) Well, I’m not leaving until I see you’re better. Your problem is my problem. We face this together. (Touches his back gently.) I’m sorry you had to go through this.
M.K: (Turns suddenly and embraces her tightly without saying a word.)
Hazeemah: (Welcomes his embrace) I know you’re crying in your heart. I can feel it. But it’s okay to cry. You’re a strong man—you amaze me every day. The love you lacked from your father... I know you’ll give to our kids tenfold. You’re going to be a great dad, insha'Allah. And I’ll always be here for you, till Jannah, bi idhnillah. Just settle things with your family for peace to reign. You are my blessing, my king, and nothing can ever change that.
M.K: (Embraces her tighter, letting himself find comfort in her presence.)
************************************
Scene: A Few Days Later
Setting: M&S Company Office (Morning)
(Hazeemah is adjusting M.K’s collar.)
Hazeemah: (adjusting his collar) That’s better…
M.K: (staring into her eyes) You don’t look so good, baby.
Hazeemah: How did you know?
M.K: I’m your husband, okay?
Hazeemah: Well… I just don’t feel like myself lately. There’s a lot on my mind.
M.K: Care to share?
Hazeemah: (smiles faintly) Not really.
M.K: I’m your husband!
Hazeemah: (quickly covers his mouth) What did we talk about?
M.K: I’m sorry… Do you mind seeing a therapist?
Hazeemah: A what now?
M.K: You heard me.
Hazeemah: For wetin? (laughs)
M.K: Maybe you need therapy. You’ve been lost in your thoughts lately.
Hazeemah: (bursts into laughter) Therapy? In this country? Listen, boss… This is Naija! Even if you’re going through hell, no therapist go chop for this country. We deal with our problems ourselves. So abeg, forget that matter.
M.K: This is why so many civilians end up committing suicide due to depression.
Hazeemah: Wait, no be money we go use pay therapist?
M.K: What’s with the accent?
Hazeemah: Oh, my bad. Let me go back to my position before you say I need to visit a psychiatrist. Later, baby! (walks out of his office)
M.K: Babe!
Scene: Abdulrahman’s Office
(Ummu Fatimah barges into the office, visibly upset.)
Ummu Fatimah: You can’t keep doing this to me, Ayo! I am your wife! What is going on?
Abdulrahman: Is that why you forgot your tasleem? Where are your Islamic manners?
Ummu Fatimah: (breathing heavily with frustration) As-salamu alaikum.
Abdulrahman: Wa alaikum salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. So, what brings you here? What’s so important you couldn’t wait until I got home?
Ummu Fatimah: You and I both know you’re not coming home today. I don’t understand why you’ve suddenly changed towards me. If I’ve ever wronged you, please forgive me and come back home. We need you—I need you.
Abdulrahman: You did nothing wrong, Ummu Fatimah. I just need some time to myself.
Ummu Fatimah: If it’s privacy you want, I promise to give you that. But don’t shun me like this. I am your wife, and I love you so much. You’ve changed, and I just want my old husband back. Please come home.
Abdulrahman: You’re making a scene here. Go home. I’ll come home today.
Ummu Fatimah: (lowers her head) You’re not certain. This isn’t the first time you’ve said this, and you never showed up. For the past three weeks, you’ve been so distant. Please, forgive me. Have mercy on me—for the sake of Allah and our kids.
Abdulrahman: (stares at his desk, avoiding her gaze) Go home!
Ummu Fatimah: (breaking down in tears) Please, Habibi. Please…
Abdulrahman: (roars at her) I said go home! Don’t bring out the demon in me!
Ummu Fatimah: (frightened, having never seen this side of him before, wipes her tears and exits his office in sobs.)
Abdulrahman: (slams his fist on the desk) What rubbish? You even have the audacity to come to my office and embarrass me? Nonsense!
**************************************
Scene: A Week Later
Setting: Abdullahi’s Office
Hazeemah: So, can you help me carry out the survey secretly? For Allah’s sake.
Abdullahi: Anything for you, Your Royal Highness. It’s high time I repaid you for your kindness and great advice. Very soon, you’ll be called for our naming ceremony.
Hazeemah: Masha Allah! I’m so happy for you two. May Allah continue to bless your home.
Abdullahi: Ameen. I’ll get back to you concerning the survey, insha Allah.
Hazeemah: Alright, sir. Thank you so much. (Exits his office happily, thinking aloud) My plans are working well. All I need now is to convince my husband to let us stay and resolve these problems. I just hope I can convince him—he can be so tough to deal with at times. (She reaches her desk and is about to sit when she notices Mubarak walking towards M.K’s office again. She hurries to block him as he’s about to open the door.)
Scene: Outside M.K’s Office
Mubarak: (giving her a deadly stare) Who the hell do you think you are to block my way?
Hazeemah: Please, sir… Why are you here again?
Mubarak: Oh! I remember you now—the bitch who calls herself his wife, huh?
Hazeemah: (swallows the insult) You can say whatever you wish to me, but please stop attacking your brother. You’re family.
Mubarak: I don’t mind hitting women. So, for the last time—get your ass out of my way.
Hazeemah: Do you have any human feelings at all? You address me so badly, like I mean nothing. I can endure your cruelty, but you have no right to enter that office—
Mubarak: (furiously raises his hand, about to hit her when M.K opens the door and grabs Mubarak’s hand mid-air. Mubarak furiously turns his attention to him.) Hey, son of a bitch!
M.K: Even an animal has more dignity than you. (throws his hand away, ready to exchange blows)
(Mrs. Shola hurries towards them.)
Mrs. Shola: Hold it right there! (glaring at them) When will you two grow up? And you, Mubarak, who the hell do you think you are? You’re here again to do what—bully people? Are you a child? No wonder Dad never handed this company over to you! You’re so full of your filthy self.
Mubarak: (grits his teeth, tightening his fists) Hey! Watch your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you.
Mrs. Shola: And you’ll rot in jail—just where you belong. Security!
(Six security guards rush towards them.)
Mrs. Shola: Throw him out like garbage, or else you’ll all lose your jobs. And I never, ever want to see your face in this company again!
(The security guards grab Mubarak, who struggles to free himself as they drag him away.)
Mubarak: (struggling and shouting) This is just the beginning! Watch your backs!
(They watch as Mubarak is dragged out of the company.)
M.K: (turning to Hazeemah) Are you okay? I hope he didn’t hurt you.
Hazeemah: I’m fine…
M.K: (yelling at her suddenly) What is wrong with you? What kind of confidence do you have to face a devil like him?
Hazeemah: (lowers her gaze, softly) I’m sorry…
Mrs. Shola: (gently) How have you been?
Hazeemah: Alhamdulilah, ma.
Mrs. Shola: Let’s go inside the office.
M.K: It’s all yours. I’m done. (grabs Hazeemah’s hand and starts walking out of the company)
Mrs. Shola: M.K! Wait! M.K!!!
Watch out for the next episode!!!