EPISODE TWENTY
Scene: The Airport
(Hazeemah is already drenched in tears as she realizes he is about to leave without looking back.)
Hazeemah: (pleading) Please… I’m begging you, M.K. You can’t keep running like this. Please, come down. Do you even realize the challenges you’ll face there? You can’t keep running away from your problems. If another obstacle comes up, will you just move to another country?
Flight Attendant: (politely) Sir, please board now. It’s time to fly.
(Ms. Shola slowly rises to her feet, sadness written all over her face. She realizes nothing will change his mind. Tears stream down her cheeks as the employees watch the heartbreaking scene. With a heavy heart, she turns to leave.)
Hazeemah: (desperate, sobbing) Please… I don’t want to live a separate life from you. Please don’t leave… M.K!
(M.K looks up at the sky, wiping away his tears, unable to bear the sound of her voice. Finally, he turns to her and, with a heavy heart, steps down from the plane.)
Hazeemah: (crying with joy, opening her arms) I’m so sorry… I am deeply sorry for everything you’re going through. We are sorry.
M.K: (holding her tightly) I thought I was about to lose you forever…
(Ms. Shola, who had been walking away, suddenly hears the employees’ joyful cheers. She turns around and gasps as she sees the plane departing without M.K. Looking closer, she finds the couple embracing each other.)
Ms. Shola: (in shock and excitement) Oh my God! He stayed!!
(She takes off running toward them. M.K notices her approaching and opens his arms, this time, not in sadness but in relief.)
**************************************************************
THE BURIAL NIGHT
(The night is tense and cold as M.K and his family fulfill their duty as the children of the late Chief Aregbeshola, laying him to rest. The air is thick with grief, emotions running high. Hazeemah’s brothers attend the burial, paying their respects to their in-laws.)
(The next day, M.K and Hazeemah return home. A heavy silence hangs in the air. Since leaving the airport, not a single word has escaped M.K’s lips. Hazeemah treads carefully, not wanting to say anything that might worsen his grief.)
An hour later…
(Hazeemah watches him, lost in deep thought. She takes a hesitant step forward.)
Hazeemah: (softly) Hey, love… breakfast is ready.
(M.K slowly lifts his head, gives her a hollow look, then lowers it again without a word.)
Hazeemah: (searching for the right words) Should I bring it over here?
M.K: (coldly, without looking at her) Leave me alone.
(Hazeemah is taken aback by his tone. She hesitates for a moment, then nods in understanding.)
Hazeemah: (gently) I understand… I respect your space. But… you know what? Never mind. I’ll just… give you some time. Please, excuse me.
(She turns to leave. M.K watches her go, then sinks deeper into his thoughts.)
(Just as Hazeemah is about to climb the stairs, the front door opens.)
Abdulrahman: As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh…
Hazeemah: (sighs) Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. This is not the right time, brother. Maybe you should come back later.
Abdulrahman: Hazeemah, please… just listen to me. I can explain.
Hazeemah: (firmly) Whatever you have to say, save it for now. (gesturing around) We’re still mourning.
Abdulrahman: Oh… I’m so sorry. (pauses) Uhmm… can I at least—
Hazeemah: No. He doesn’t want to see anyone. Not even me. I expect you to understand.
(Abdulrahman exhales softly, his eyes filled with sympathy.)
Abdulrahman: May Allah grant him ease, forgive all our late Muslims, and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus.
(He turns to leave.)
Hazeemah: Amin.
(She watches him go, then silently ascends the stairs, lost in thought.)
**********************************************
Five Hours Later
(Hazeemah doesn’t realize when she dozes off, lost in thought. She stirs slightly, then tries to sit up—only to sense a presence behind her. A jolt of fear runs through her, but as she turns, she sees her husband fast asleep beside her.)
Hazeemah: (softly) When did he get here?
(Gently, she adjusts his pillow for comfort, places a warm kiss on his forehead, and pulls the blanket over him.)
Hazeemah: (whispering) Everything will be fine, my king…
(She gets down from the bed and finds a place to sit, watching him sleep. Her mind drifts as she reflects deeply.)
Hazeemah: (monologuing) The poor envy the rich, wishing they could live like them. They think wealth means a perfect life, not knowing the sacrifices it took to get there. Everyone believes the rich have no problems because they only show the world what they want it to see. They can buy anything—except happiness. Many suffer in silence, battling mental burdens no one thinks they have… At least now he’s sleeping. Maybe this will help, even if just a little.
A Few Minutes Later
(M.K stirs, slowly waking up. He sits on the edge of the bed, places his feet on the ground, and looks around as if searching for something.)
Hazeemah: (gently) What are you looking for, dear?
M.K: (startled) Nothing.
(He stands up, ready to leave the room.)
Hazeemah: Should I serve your meal again, sir?
(M.K shakes his head in refusal and walks out.)
(Hazeemah sighs heavily, then follows him.)
Hazeemah: (softly) Baby…
M.K: (pauses, turning to her) Yeah?
Hazeemah: Let’s see a therapist.
M.K: (stiffens) Because I’m mentally unstable, right? You think I’m going crazy?
Hazeemah: Huh? Why would you say that?
M.K: There’s no point talking to you. You always have your way anyway. I don’t even know who the husband is anymore. If you had boarded that plane, none of this would have happened. You’re so stubborn, and it’s getting on my nerves.
Hazeemah: This is your family we’re talking about! Wait… M.K, what’s going on? Why are you like this?
M.K: Why am I like this? After everything I’ve told you?
Hazeemah: After everything you’ve told me, this is still your family we’re talking about. Your father just passed away! And you don’t even seem remorseful. It’s okay to cry, to scream, to let your pain out—but pretending like you’re fine? It makes me wonder… What kind of man are you?
M.K: (shouting) Shut up!
Hazeemah: No! I will not shut up this time. How can you be so okay while your sister is drowning in sorrow? And all you did was come home and rest? Do you know how many people would give anything to have what you had? Do you know how many orphans wish they had someone to call ‘father’? But you? You take it all for granted. You need to value what you have. Be grateful for once!
M.K: (shakes his head) You don’t deserve me… Maybe you should just leave. If you’re so tired and fed up with me, then leave me alone.
Hazeemah: I’m not leaving. We are in this together. And I will not sit back and watch you ruin your life just because of childhood trauma. Have a heart, Abdulmalik. Please… I’m begging you, for the sake of Allah.
M.K: I am sick and tired of all this! But here’s my warning—never, in your entire life, interfere in my family matters again. The next time you test my patience… that will be the end of our marriage.
(He storms out, leaving Hazeemah panting heavily. In frustration, she furiously kicks the couch.)
****************************************************************
THREE MONTHS LATER
(M.K’s Mansion - Living Room)
M.K: (in disbelief) You can’t be serious. You’re joking, right?
Hazeemah: No, I’m not. Listen to me, baby, please. I have my reasons—at least hear me out.
M.K: (sighs) Fine, I’m listening.
Hazeemah: (gestures) Let’s sit and talk this through.
M.K: (reluctantly finds a seat) I’m listening. Get to the point.
Hazeemah: (softly exhales) My love, you remember how our love story started at the company? I was an ambitious, desperate girl, fighting to make my dream come true. We hated each other with passion back then. (chuckles) And now, here we are—happily married.
M.K: Can you just get to the point?
Hazeemah: I feel like a gold digger—a woman with no ambition beyond her husband’s money.
M.K: What?
Hazeemah: Just listen. I don’t want to work under you. I don’t want my career tied to you. It would blur boundaries, create misunderstandings, and breed conflict. I want to build my own career, even if it means facing greater challenges than before. Please, baby.
M.K: (sighs) Do you have any idea how crazy this sounds? How do you expect me to feel, knowing you could be disrespected elsewhere?
Hazeemah: That’s normal. Even you disrespected me when we first met, remember?
M.K: That’s different! Don’t you see?
Hazeemah: Exactly! That’s the point. Now that we’re married, my role at your company has changed. I don’t want to be the boss’s wife who only serves coffee and files documents. I want real work. (flashes a cute smile) Please, baby?
M.K: (deep breath) This is a bad idea, and I don’t support it. But… fine. If that’s what you want.
Hazeemah: (jumps up in excitement) Yayy!!
M.K: (raises an eyebrow) You’re unbelievable. But listen carefully—if I hear a single complaint from you about the challenges you face, it will be a big problem. Also, I will find the job for you through a family connection.
Hazeemah: Aww! Thank you, my king! (about to hug him)
M.K: I’m not done.
Hazeemah: (sits properly) Okay, sir…
M.K: If you fail to last three months at this job due to incompetency, that will be the end of your career. You will become a full-time housewife, and we will focus on having children. Understood?
Hazeemah: (speechless)
M.K: I said, do you understand?
Hazeemah: (hesitant) Why do you have to kill my dreams like this?
M.K: If you don’t accept my conditions, then forget about finding another job.
Hazeemah: (sighs) Alright, fine. I accept.
M.K: Good. We’ve been married for almost a year now, and the doctors say we’re both fine. Instead of chasing dreams, maybe you should focus on preparing your body to carry our child. I want to be a father. (climbs the stairs)
Hazeemah: (watches him in silence, digesting his words.)
**************************************************
FEW WEEKS LATER
AT STAN’S COMPANY
Mr. Stan: [Looks up] Yes, come in.
Hazeemah: [Gently shuts the door] Good morning, sir.
Mr. Stan: [Scans her from head to toe, momentarily stunned] Who are you again?
Hazeemah: My name is Hazeemah Wuraola Nurudeen, from Mr. M.K.
Mr. Stan: Oh! You must be his wife, am I correct?
Hazeemah: Yes, sir.
Mr. Stan: Please, have a seat.
Hazeemah: Thank you, sir. [Sits]
Mr. Stan: Wow! He never told me you were this religious. So, can I see your resume?
Hazeemah: Of course. [Hands it over]
Mr. Stan: [Goes through it, nodding] Interesting… [Looks up] So, you’re an architect?
Hazeemah: That’s correct, sir.
Mr. Stan: Don’t worry, you don’t have to be nervous. You’re already hired. But you’ll have to prove to me that I wasn’t wrong about you. Let’s see if I can judge a book by its cover. Do you need anything? A drink?
Hazeemah: No, I’m fine, sir. Thank you for your kindness.
Mr. Stan: Your husband mentioned that this is how you normally dress to the office? I suppose we can work with that. You can start tomorrow.
Hazeemah: Actually, I can start right away. I’m tired of staying at home, sir.
Mr. Stan: Oh, really? Let’s see then. [Gets up and searches for some documents]
Hazeemah: [Glances around the office discreetly]
Abdulmujeeb: [Enters the office] Sir, it’s ready. [Drops multiple files on his desk]
Mr. Stan: [Still searching at the bookshelf] Is that so?
Abdulmujeeb: Yes, sir.
Mr. Stan: I take it your subordinates performed excellently?
Abdulmujeeb: Absolutely. [Notices Hazeemah and pauses] Good day, ma’am. Do I know you from somewhere?
Hazeemah: [Looks up and gasps] Uhm… yeah…
Abdulmujeeb: Could you remind me?
Mr. Stan: [Finds the document and turns to Hazeemah] Here, madam. Let’s start with this, okay? Go through the document and design a suitable structure for me. [Pauses] Do you two know each other?
Abdulmujeeb: [Nods] Yes, sir.
Mr. Stan: Then kindly guide her to her office. Room 46.
Abdulmujeeb: Wait… she works here now?
Mr. Stan: Just do as I instructed—and address her with respect, okay?
Abdulmujeeb: [Sighs] Okay, sir. I’m sorry about that. Please, come with me, ma’am. [Leads the way]
Hazeemah: Thank you so much, sir. I truly appreciate the opportunity, and I promise you won’t regret this. [Picks up the documents and follows Abdulmujeeb]
(Curtain closes)
***************************************************
FEW WEEKS LATER
AT M&S COMPANY
M.K: [On a phone call] I thought I already told you—we are not ready for that.
Lawyer: But sir… this is your father’s will we’re talking about.
M.K: Once we’re ready, you’ll be informed. Have a nice day. [Hangs up and forcefully removes his tie] What nonsense…
(A knock on the door is heard.)
M.K: Yes, come in.
Salamah: [Shuts the door behind her] Sir, everything is ready. We’re set to leave.
M.K: Alright then. I’ll join you soon.
Salamah: Alright, sir. [Exits the office]
M.K.: [Sighs heavily] I seriously need a coffee… [His phone rings again] Who is it this time? [Picks up the call] Hello? What?! [Listens as his eyes widen]
******************************************
30 MINUTES LATER
AT NNPC HOSPITAL
(M.K. rushes into the reception, panting, and bumps into his wife.)
M.K: [Breathing heavily] What are you—? Wait… you heard?
Hazeemah: [Nods sadly, then turns to the nurse] Please, we’re here to see a patient who was admitted in an emergency 30 minutes ago.
Nurse: What’s the patient’s name?
M.K. & Hazeemah: [In unison] Medinah Adeshola Aregbeshola.
M.K.: [Surprised] How do you know her full name?
Hazeemah: She was once my boss, remember?
Nurse: Please, follow me. [They comply.]
(A few minutes later, the nurse opens the door and leaves. The couple is in shock at Mrs. Shola’s condition. Hazeemah rushes to her bedside, while M.K. stands frozen at the door, unable to believe what he sees.)
Hazeemah: [Gasps] Subhanallah! What happened to her?!
RHW: Good day, ma’am. I was the one who called about her condition. My name is Racheal. I’m her right-hand woman. She hired me to be her personal assistant and companion. It’s a contract—I get paid monthly to take care of her affairs.
Hazeemah: [Speechless] Wait… what?
RHW: That’s all I can say. I have to respect her privacy, even if you’re related to her. I also called her younger brother—why isn’t he here yet?
Hazeemah: Please, what exactly is going on? What happened?
RHW: She has kidney failure—both kidneys. She needs an urgent transplant, or she won’t make it.
Hazeemah: [Her purse drops from her hands instantly] Subhanallah!
RHW: I have to say, as her family, you’ve been heartless and selfish. How could you not check on her for an entire month, knowing she lives alone? That’s shameful.
Hazeemah: [Tears fall from her eyes as she turns to M.K., furious] And why are you just standing there?!
M.K.: [Breathing heavily, slowly stepping backward before suddenly leaving the room]
Hazeemah: [Shocked by his reaction] M.K.!
Watch out for the next episode!
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