UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS BOOK 2 - EPISODE TWENTY ONE

 EPISODE TWENTY-ONE

Scene: Hospital Room

(Hazeemah stands in shock, unable to believe what just happened. She pauses briefly, then turns to RHW.)

Hazeemah: M.K!! I will be right back, ma’am, I promise. (She rushes out of the room.) M.K!

RHW: (Shakes her head) What a pity.

(Hazeemah frantically searches for M.K, her eyes scanning the hospital corridors.)

Hazeemah: M.K, this is not the time to act dumb or foolish. If you think going home or returning to work will solve this, you're mistaken. (Feeling uneasy, she dials his number.) I swear in the name of Allah, if you dare abandon your sister in this condition, then I am not safe either... (She places the phone to her ear as it rings. Suddenly, she spots him bent over in a corner, his hands rubbing his face. She approaches but slows down upon confirming it’s him, finding him in a horrible state, weeping like a child. Taking a deep breath, she composes herself and returns to the hospital room.) I’m sorry I left like that... I went to meet her younger brother outside. I promise he will join us soon. So tell me, what do we need to do next?

RHW: I think you should speak with the doctor instead; he can explain better.

Hazeemah: Oh… that would be helpful. Thank you for staying by her side all this time.

RHW: I am only doing my job. As long as I get paid every month, I will do whatever I can to make her feel better.

Hazeemah: (Gives her a strange look) Oh… okay. Anyway, where can I find the doctor’s office?

RHW: Next floor, first room on your left.

Hazeemah: Alright, ma’am. I’ll be right back. (Exits the VIP room.)

35 Minutes Later

(Hazeemah re-enters the room, her face heavy with sadness. She moves weakly and finds a seat, not immediately noticing the others in the room.)

RHW: (Scanning her face) Hmm... I told you it would be critical.

M.K: So, what did the doctor say?

Hazeemah: (Raises her head, looking at M.K, who is holding his sister’s hand beside the bed.) Why don’t you find out yourself?

M.K: Just tell me, please! (Looks worried and desperate.)

Hazeemah: She needs a kidney transplant as soon as possible. Any delay could make it harder to save her; her condition is worsening.

M.K: (Sighs heavily) Isn’t there another way? If they can’t find a kidney donor, we will pay any amount.

Hazeemah: That’s why I said you should speak to the doctor yourself for more clarification.

RHW: (Turns to M.K.) Are you scared, sir? The doctor won’t bite. This is your responsibility, but you’re handing everything over to your wife...

M.K: (Glares at her furiously, then gets up and leaves.) I’ll be right back. (Exits the room.)

Hazeemah: (Watches him leave, then shakes her head in regret. Her phone rings.) Please, not now... (Checks the caller’s name, then picks up.) As-salamu alaykum?

Ummu Fatimah: Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Good afternoon, my lovely sister. We came to your house, but the security guard said you weren’t home.

Hazeemah: Na’am… I’m at the hospital. My sister-in-law is in a critical state.

Ummu Fatimah: Subhanallah! Which hospital? We can come over.

Hazeemah: No, please. To avoid overcrowding, just keep her in your prayers.

Ummu Fatimah: Subhanallah! And I actually called to thank you for all you’ve done for me these past few months regarding my marriage, not knowing you’re in such a condition. May Allah grant her complete shifa, bi’idhnillah.

Hazeemah: Ameen, ma’am. I need to hang up now. As-salamu alaykum. (Ends the call and takes a deep breath, then looks at RHW before turning away.)

****************************************

Later that Night – 7:23 PM

(M.K enters the room, looking weak and disheveled. Hazeemah and RHW hurriedly stand, anxious to hear what the doctor said, but his expression makes them even more worried.)

Hazeemah: Can you at least tell us?

M.K: This is going to be harder than we thought. The doctor said the kidney transplant will cost 100 million naira, and I agreed to pay. But after extensive tests, no suitable donor matches her. It’s more complicated than we imagined.

Hazeemah: (Falls weakly back into her seat.) Then what do we do?

M.K: I was willing to donate mine, but the doctor said it doesn’t match either.

Hazeemah: Then maybe I should get tested. Maybe mine will match.

M.K: (Steps forward, alarmed.) No! No, you are not!

Hazeemah: Why not? This is your sister! We can’t just leave her like this. The longer we wait, the worse her condition gets. If I can save her, why shouldn’t I?

M.K: (Shakes his head, his eyes filled with emotion.) So you’re willing to give your kidney to my sister?

Hazeemah: That’s how much I love you, Abdulmalik. That’s what family means. I know if you had the chance to save your mother or father, you would have. Now we have a chance to save your sister. You can’t just watch as your whole family leaves you alone in this cruel world. She needs you. You need her. And I’m sure she would do the same for you if the roles were reversed. So please, don’t stop me.

M.K: (Tears roll down his face.) Thank you… thank you. (Pulls her into a warm embrace.)

Hazeemah: (Pats his back.) Promise me that if mine matches, you’ll always be there for her.

M.K: I promise… But I can’t let you donate your kidney. We are still trying to conceive, and you need all your strength for that. There must be another way.

Hazeemah: At least let’s confirm if mine matches first.

RHW: (Watching them the entire time.) I will wait right here.

Hazeemah: (Nods.) Thank you, ma’am. (Turns to her husband.) Come on! Let’s go see the doctor.

M.K: That will have to wait until tomorrow. That particular doctor’s shift is over.

Hazeemah: But there should be a replacement, right?

M.K: Yes, but you know how it is...

Hazeemah: Come on! (Drags his hand as they exit the room.)

*****************************************

The Next Day – At M&S Company

(Salamah turns off the microphone and is about to leave the announcing room when she bumps into Mariam.)

Salamah: (Startled) Oh! You startled me! Don’t sneak up on me like that…

Mariam: I just heard a rumor. Can it be true?

Salamah: Let’s hear it. I don’t have much time—I’ve got work to do. So, spill it out.

Mariam: I heard that Hazeemah, that lady in the long hijab, is the boss’s wife? Like, they are actually married? He really married her?

Salamah: (Gives her a deadly stare) Yeah. Why?

Mariam: So, it’s true… It’s actually true? Did he just marry her, or—? I mean, what does he even see in her?

Salamah: (Pressing her phone) The whole thing is exposed and easy to see in you, but not so easily seen in her.

Mariam: (Confused) Wait, what? What are you saying?

Salamah: I thought you came here for confirmation, right? I just cleared it up for you. Yes, they are married.

Mariam: (Frowns) Honestly, the boss has terrible taste. Such a poor man—marrying a gold digger like her. He shouldn’t have married her. Her level is way too low for him.

Salamah: How about I let you into my office and let you make that announcement instead? Or wait… I already recorded everything you just said. (Displays her phone)

Mariam: (Gasps) You snitch!

Salamah: So now, your job is in my hands. Here’s a piece of advice for you—learn to mind your own business and focus on what brought you here. Stop associating with gossips; it will lead you to nothing but an early promotion—out of this company. Face your work! And about the ‘level’ you were speaking of—Hazeemah is way out of the boss’s league. In fact, it’s high time you stopped looking down on people because you’ll miss out on the best in them. Let me tell you what your brain couldn’t figure out—Hazeemah instructed everyone not to tell you that she was the boss’s wife because she wanted to trap your foolish mindset. But lucky for you, she quit before you could be thrown out of this company. She has nothing to lose, but you? You have everything to lose. Stop gossiping and focus on your job. One more thing—if I hear anything funny about you again, I will personally deal with you.

Mariam: (Speechless, then angrily walks away)

Salamah: (Smirking) Yeah! Exactly! Walk away… That’s the only option you have left. Gossipers! Amebo! (Hisses and is about to return to her office when she bumps into Reem, who smiles at her.)

Salamah: Oh! Mr. Reem! Good afternoon, sir. You startled me…

Reem: Good afternoon. I’m sorry about that, but I heard everything you said to Mariam, and that was amazing.

Salamah: Oh! You heard? (Embarrassed)

Reem: Absolutely everything, and it gave me even more reason to respect and like you. You blew me away.

Salamah: Really? (Shy)

*********************************

At NNPC Hospital

(Hazeemah and her husband, M.K., walk down the hallway, heading toward the VIP patient’s room.)

Hazeemah: (Walking next to him, worried) So, what are we going to do? All our options aren’t working. This isn’t funny anymore… M.K., think!

M.K.: (Filled with sorrow) Honestly, I don’t know what to do either. I’m running out of ideas… Since we are no match for them, I need to call people from abroad to help us find a kidney donor. No matter how difficult it gets, no matter how much money we spend, we just need my sister back on her feet. (Opens the door and pauses, about to step in.)

Hazeemah: What happened? Why did you pause? (Surprised to see Mrs. Shola conscious but unable to lift her body. She almost pushes her husband out of the way, rushing toward her.) Mrs. Shola! (Eyes clouded with tears) Alhamdulillah, you’re awake! How are you feeling?

Mrs. Shola: (Unable to speak, responds non-verbally with a gesture, forcing a smile.)

Hazeemah: You’ll be fine, okay? I promise we are working on getting you better… Please, just hang in there. You’re such a strong woman. (Caresses her head, turns to the nurse) Can she eat anything?

Nurse: I don’t think she should just yet…

(Mrs. Shola sighs at M.K. and gestures for him to come closer.)

M.K.: (Tears roll down his eyes as he takes each step closer to her. He falls to his knees beside her bed.) I’m sorry… (Bows his head on her hand) I am so sorry… I couldn’t even look you in the eye.

Hazeemah: (Wants to speak but stops herself.)

Mrs. Shola: (Struggles to lift her hand, then gently rubs his face, nodding.)

M.K.: I’m so sorry…

(The door opens, and everyone’s attention shifts toward it. They see an unexpected guest enter the room.)

Mr. Oyegbami: (Sadly enters the room, holding his daughter.) Hello, everyone…

Mrs. Shola: (Tears roll down her eyes as she finally sees her daughter. She struggles to spread her arms despite her weakness.)

Najat: Mummy!!! (Runs to her bed) Mummy? What happened to you?

M.K.: (Furiously stands up and faces Oyegbami) What are you doing here?

Mr. Oyegbami: I don’t think we should be doing this here. Let’s focus on making her feel better.

Najat: Mum? You aren’t saying anything? Stop crying. (Wipes her tears) I’ve missed you so much, Mum. I’m here now, and I won’t leave again.

Mrs. Shola: (Shakes her head bitterly, unable to speak to her own daughter.)

Hazeemah: (Wipes her own tears) Hello, princess. Let’s give Mummy some time to get better. How about we just sit over here…?

Doctor and a Nurse Enter the Room

Doctor: Miss Aregbshola? Am I correct?

Everyone in the Room: Yes, sir.

Mr. Oyegbami: Doctor! Can I see you for a minute, please?

M.K.: You just got here, you have no idea what’s going on, and you already want to prevent the doctor from checking her condition? What kind of man are you? And you know you shouldn’t be here anyway.

Mr. Oyegbami: You and your arrogance, as always. Doctor, please carry on with your work, and I’d like to have a word with you once you’re done.

Doctor: Yes, sure. (Moves closer to Mrs. Shola, examines her condition, and monitors all the equipment around her.) Strong woman, how are you feeling?

Hazeemah: (Suddenly, her phone rings.) Please excuse me, I’ll be right back. (Steps outside and picks up the call.) As-salamu alaykum?

Abdullahi: Wa alaykum salam, Hajiya. Yakike? Kwana biyu? (How are you? It’s been two days.)

Hazeemah: Lafia lau. (I’m fine.) And you, sir?

Abdullahi: Alhamdulillah, too. I called to confirm—an announcement was made at the office this morning concerning Mrs. Shola.

Hazeemah: Yes, we’re currently at the hospital as we speak.

Abdullahi: Subhanallah! May Allah grant her complete shifa. I’m so sorry about this. I don’t understand why this is happening to your family. You recently lost your husband’s father, and now your sister? What is going on?

Hazeemah: (Short of words)

Abdullahi: Anyway, I’m sorry about that. Shifa killah. Another reason I called is about the project I’m working on for you…

Hazeemah: (Interrupts him) I think we should put that on hold for now. Once I’m ready to proceed with it, I’ll let you know. Jazakumullahu khairan.

Abdullahi: Amin. Alright, ma’am. Please take good care of yourself and your family. May Allah (SWT) continue to bless you. As-salamu alaykum.

Hazeemah: Amin. Thank you, sir. Wa alaykum salam. (Exhales heavily as she drops the call.) Let’s think about this… Ever since we got married, which hasn’t even been two years, we’ve lost two people—my dad and his dad. What is happening?

Watch out for the next episode!!!