EPISODE THIRTEEN
Abdulrahman: Will you direct me to her office, or will you just keep asking questions?
Hazeemah: Oh, you owe me a lot of explanations. (Pauses, then widens her eyes.) Wait—don’t tell me... Are you having an affair with Salamah?
Abdulrahman: Will you stop yelling? I’m going to marry her soon anyway.
Hazeemah: Are you out of your mind?!
Abdulrahman: You better watch your mouth. I can still discipline you. I’m your elder brother, and there are two brothers between us.
Hazeemah: (Stares at him in disbelief.) So, because of Salamah, you’ve been neglecting your wife and kids at home? Have you forgotten the punishment for ruining your family? And you’re committing adultery? Subhanallah! (Employees gossip as they pass by.)
Abdulrahman: Whatever Ummu Fatimah told you and Mom is a lie. I’m fulfilling my responsibilities. And marrying a second wife isn’t a sin—it’s Sunnah.
Hazeemah: Shut up! Such Sunnah isn’t for a small brain like yours. That particular Sunnah is for men who maintain a happy home—not homewreckers.
Abdulrahman: I see you’ve lost your manners. If you can’t direct me to her office, I’ll find it myself.
(M.K. enters from his office.)
M.K.: Babe, who are you talking to? (Notices Abdulrahman.) Oh, bro! As-salamu alaykum. (They exchange a handshake.)
Abdulrahman: Wa alaykumu as-salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh, my brother. How have you been?
M.K.: Alhamdulillah. And you? Came to visit your baby sister? How sweet.
Abdulrahman: Yeah, that too. But I actually came to see Salamah.
Hazeemah: (Gazes at him, shocked.)
M.K.: (Looks at Hazeemah, then back at Abdulrahman.) Salamah? The same Salamah I know who works here?
Abdulrahman: Yeah. Can you direct me to her office, please?
M.K.: (Stammers.) Uh... yeah, sure. Go straight, turn left—it’s the first door.
Abdulrahman: Alright. Shukran. Please excuse me. (Walks away.)
M.K.: What just happened?
Hazeemah: (Still watching Abdulrahman search for the office.) He didn’t even hide it! Where’s the shame? (Starts panting heavily.) Mom must hear about this. (Picks up her phone.)
M.K.: Yohh! I’m still talking to you!
Hazeemah: Oh, sorry, baby. I’m burning inside right now. How could he? And as for Salamah... she’ll regret this.
(Mariam approaches while pressing her phone.)
Hazeemah: (Spots Mariam and pulls her husband into his office. She slams the door and presses him against the wall without realizing it.)
M.K.: (Initially shocked, but then smirks.) Sexy.
Hazeemah: (Looks at him, realizes their position, and quickly lets go, adjusting his suit.) I’m sorry. I was hiding from—
(The door suddenly opens.)
Mariam: Yes, sir. Can I come in?
Hazeemah: (Hurries out, almost bumping into Mariam at the door.)
Mariam: What’s with her? (Turns to M.K., who is still standing.) Did something happen, sir?
M.K.: Nothing. (Heads back to his seat.) Have you done what I instructed?
Mariam: Yes, sir. In fact—
M.K.: (Cuts her off without looking at her.) You may leave now.
Mariam: (Surprised.) But... but, sir, I’m not done explaining.
M.K.: Look, I hate to repeat myself. It’s best you don’t provoke me. If you want to test me, then go ahead. Maybe you should ask my P.A. about me.
Mariam: (Shocked.) Uh... I’m sorry, sir. (Quickly exits the office, standing by the door.) What just happened? Did the boss just cut me off like that? Me, of all people? Something’s definitely up with that woman. Alone with a man? She’s probably using her hijab as a disguise. This gives me more reason to expose her. She’s trying to force him into liking her? Not on my watch. (Adjusts her dress and walks away.)
*************************************************************
(Hazeemah stands by the door, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation. Suddenly, the door opens.)
Hazeemah: (Maintains her composure as she sees Salamah holding hands with Abdulrahman coming out of the office.) YOU! How could you?!
Salamah: (Hurriedly hides behind Abdulrahman.) Baby...
Abdulrahman: Hazeemah, what are you doing here? What is your problem? Do you want me to lose my patience over this? Mind yourself and leave us alone.
Hazeemah: (Still in disbelief.) You have the guts—the audacity! Ahhhh, Subhanallah! Look at a supposed practicing Muslim!
Abdulrahman: We’re making it halal soon, so what’s the big deal? No one can get between me and my woman. She’s mine, and nothing will change that because I love her so much.
Hazeemah: (Jaw drops.) Your woman?! Salamah?! Lahaula wa lakuwata illa billah! Brother, this isn’t you! This is not who you are! I should’ve known something was off when we went on that trip... I should’ve seen this coming. But I never imagined you could stoop so low.
(To Salamah) Is that why you’ve been trying to get closer to me by all means? To pave the way for this? Well, guess what? You’ll never be welcome—not as long as you take joy in another woman’s sadness. You cheap thing!
Salamah: (Pretending to cry.) Baby... Are you just going to stand there and let her talk to me like this?
Abdulrahman: Hazeemah, stop this nonsense! Salamah has nothing to do with any of it. I fell in love with her the very first day I saw her. Look at her—she’s beautiful, breathtaking, and amazing. So stay out of our love life. (Grabs Salamah’s hand and starts walking away.)
Hazeemah: Abu Fatimah!
(M.K. suddenly steps into their path.)
M.K.: (To Salamah) Salamah, or whatever you call yourself?
Hazeemah: (Watches silently from her spot.)
Salamah: (Quickly drops Abdulrahman’s hand and lowers her gaze sadly.) Yes, sir...?
Abdulrahman: Listen, my brother-in-law, she’s my woman, okay? So there’s no big deal.
M.K.: Bro, I thought you already have a wife at home?
Abdulrahman: Well, I’m entitled to four wives, Islamically.
M.K.: Oh, really? Anyway... Salamah, you’re fired.
Salamah: (Heart pounding.) Sir...?
Abdulrahman: Bro, you can’t do that!
Hazeemah: Oh, yes, he can. In fact, he can do even better because he’s my husband. You snitch!
An Hour Later
(Hazeemah barges into the office.)
Hazeemah: I heard a rumor that we’re collaborating with Fox Land on a multi-billion project?
M.K.: Yeah, that’s why I had to return to this company. I mean, we had to come back.
Hazeemah: Masha Allah! This is really great. But wait... (Glances at him.) Seriously, baby? Seriously?
M.K.: What?
Hazeemah: You know what? It’s fine. I’ll just increase my du’a. So, what’s the plan?
M.K.: We’re having our first conference meeting at their headquarters tomorrow. All the team leaders are coming with me.
Hazeemah: What about me? I’d love to join you, even if I have nothing specific to contribute.
M.K.: Of course, you’re coming. You’re my wife and my personal assistant. Your duty is to assist me—personally.
Hazeemah: (Blushing.) Please stop. It’s almost time for Zuhr. What are you having for lunch?
M.K.: Nah, I’m good. I barely have an appetite these days. Besides, Ramadan is fast approaching. Someone needs to get used to starving a little.
Hazeemah: Come here, baby. (Grabs his tie.)
***************************************************
The Next Morning
(M.K. heads toward the door as the doorbell rings.)
M.K.: (Calmly) Don’t worry, I’ll get it. (Opens the door.) Hey, bro, As-Salam—
Abdulrahman: (Cuts him off with a hand gesture.) Save the greetings. I’m not here for pleasantries. I’m here to confront you. I didn’t want to make a scene at your company, so I came here instead. What the hell, man? How could you fire her, knowing she’s with me? Do you know what state she’s in right now because of you and Hazeemah? All she ever wanted was to be welcomed by Hazeemah, but your wife is claiming to be some tough lady. Where is she? I’ll show her I’m her brother, her father if need be, and she must accept what I want.
M.K.: (In a calm tone) Chill, bro. Chill. Look, I respect you as my brother-in-law, and I want no conflict between us. But let me make this clear—my company isn’t a matchmaking agency. You met Salamah on a work trip, and now this drama is spilling into my workplace. It’s turning my company into an extended family business, and I won’t allow it.
(He pauses for emphasis.)
M.K.: Out of all the religious, pious women out there, you chose Salamah? Do you even understand the battles your sister has faced with her? Hazeemah fought hard to earn respect at that company. Salamah isn’t your type of woman, and for the record, your wife—Umm Fatimah—is someone I respect deeply. I haven’t even seen her face because she wears niqab, but her personality speaks volumes. She’s respectful, devoted, and virtuous.
(Is your home happy? Are your responsibilities fulfilled before you think about taking another wife? Study Salamah carefully, or you’ll make the biggest mistake of your life. As for firing her, it was the best decision for my company and my family, and I stand by it.)
Abdulrahman: (Chuckles bitterly.) So, you’re all against Salamah, huh? Fine. I came here to confirm what I already suspected about you. But you know what? It’s okay. I’ll find her a job far better than yours, and I will marry her. She’s the most loving woman I’ve ever met. And neither you nor anyone else in the family can stop me.
Hazeemah: (Steps into view after overhearing the conversation.) May Allah forgive you, Abdulrahman. But I pray you realize your mistake before it’s too late. I can’t understand how you’ve changed so drastically because of Salamah.
(Takes a deep breath.)
Hazeemah: How did this so-called love even begin? No matter how much we try to stop you, you’re determined to make the biggest mistake of your life. But deep down, I know this isn’t you. Something doesn’t add up, and I’ll figure it out before you fall deeper into her trap. I’m not against you fulfilling the Sunnah of marriage, but I beg you—choose wisely. First, make your home happy before you think of expanding it.
Abdulrahman: (Glances between M.K. and Hazeemah.) You don’t see what I see.
Hazeemah: The feeling is mutual, brother. And I’ll make sure you realize it.
Abdulrahman: (Furiously storms out of the house.)
M.K.: (Sighs deeply, turning to his wife.)
Hazeemah: (Picks up her phone and dials a number.)
Hazeemah: As-Salam alaykum? Yes, good morning, Big B. Please, I need to see you and Abu Aisha urgently. It’s about your brother—he’s in danger.
Watch out for the next episode!