EPISODE TWENTY-SEVEN
At M&S Company
(M.K hears a knock at the door.)
M.K: Yes, come in.
(Mariam gently closes the door, tears streaming down her face.)
Mariam: Good morning, sir. (Wipes her tears.)
M.K: Morning. (Focuses on the computer.)
Mariam: Sir, there is something I need to tell you.
M.K: (Raises his head, surprised to see her crying.) Why the tears?
Mariam: I can't help it any longer. I need to say what’s on my mind before I lose it. I can't endure how my colleagues treat me.
M.K: Have a seat. (Hibernates the computer and leans back.) I’m listening.
(Mariam breaks down in tears.)
Mariam: I am tired, sir. And to avoid reacting in a way I will regret, I’d rather report it to you.
M.K: Who is the mastermind behind your tears?
Mariam: It’s Salamah! She’s making life unbearable for me in this company. She has ruined my name, called me all sorts of things, and now everyone follows her lead. I have a soft heart, and I can't take it anymore. (Tears stream down her face.)
M.K: Is that all?
Mariam: Shouldn’t that be enough to cry for? I can’t just sit by while she tarnishes my image. It’s heartbreaking, sir.
(M.K tiredly stares at her.)
M.K: Do you want sand?
(Mariam suddenly pauses, trying to process what she just heard.)
Mariam: What, sir? Sand?
M.K: I thought you might like it. It might make you feel better.
Mariam: But sir, what does that have to do with what I’m saying?
M.K: Are you going to eat or not?
(Mariam looks even more confused.)
M.K: Thank God, you’ve stopped crying. That was my mission. Now, back to your problem. I have just one piece of advice for you—don’t be bothered by what people say about you. As long as you didn’t do what they accuse you of and your heart is pure, then you have nothing to worry about. When they see that you don’t care and act like they don’t exist, they will eventually get tired and leave you alone. But if you react emotionally, you give them more reasons to target you. They don’t deserve your tears. Come on, wipe them. (He wipes her tears.)
(Mariam, surprised by his gesture, smiles.)
Mariam: Thank you, sir. You are such a good man with a kind heart. Your kids must be happy to have such an amazing dad like you.
(M.K’s mood suddenly changes.)
Mariam: (Notices.) Did I say something wrong, sir?
M.K: Uhmm... (Clears his throat.) It’s nothing. You may leave now.
(Mariam exhales softly, admires him for a while, then walks up to him and kisses him on the cheek.)
(Just then, Miss Shola opens the door and finds them in that position.)
Miss Shola: What is going on here?
(Mariam steps back hurriedly and grabs her bag.)
Miss Shola: (Gives her a deadly gaze.) I said, what is going on here?
Mariam: (Shivering.) Uhmm... Nothing, ma... I... I was just—
M.K: (Interrupts.) She was just helping me remove some particles from my face.
Miss Shola: I might still be recovering, but I’m not blind! And as for you, get the hell out of my sight. I will deal with you later.
Mariam: (Stammering.) S-sorry, ma... (Hurriedly exits the office.)
(Miss Shola furiously glares at M.K.)
Miss Shola: I expected better from you. You shouldn’t stoop this low to ruin your marriage over an issue you refused to share. Now, you’re going to let pencil-legs destroy your home?
M.K: I already told you, she was only trying to help.
Miss Shola: Help you remove a particle you couldn’t remove yourself? Do you hear yourself, M.K?
M.K.: It’s not a big deal, okay? It won’t happen again.
Miss Shola: What if your wife had walked in and seen you like that with her? Do you think she would take it lightly?
M.K.: I already told you, it’s not a big deal.
Miss Shola: Imagine another man doing the same to her. I wonder why she left this company in the first place. Now you have the freedom to cheat, huh?
M.K.: I never chased her away; she left on her own.
(Miss Shola sits down, sighing.)
Miss Shola: What is going on, M.K.? Don’t start something you can’t finish. You have a habit of making rash decisions without thinking. You’re putting your marriage at risk because you refuse to talk about your problems. Whatever is going through your mind right now, none of it is worth losing your wife over. A good wife is hard to find these days. Know her value before you lose her.
M.K.: Enough! All you care about is what my wife thinks. Sometimes I feel like she’s the husband in this marriage. She always gets what she wants, but me? Ever since I married her, everything has changed. I can’t make any decisions without her interfering. Every plan I make is never good enough—it’s always the worst idea. And she always finds a way to ruin it! I’m sick and tired of her.
(His voice trembles with anger.)
M.K.: For a year, I’ve been telling her I want a child. Up till now, she still can’t get pregnant! How am I supposed to continue like this? For how long? It’s draining me mentally, and I’m exhausted. My priority is to be a father. But look at her—chasing her dreams while crushing mine! I provide for her financially. I send money to her account every month without fail. She never lacks anything, yet she continues working like a slave while my dreams are being shattered!
(Miss Shola sighs heavily.)
Miss Shola: You kept all this bottled up inside? How do you even cope with her at home? Have you even tried talking to her? The last time I visited, you barely spoke, yet she was desperate to know what was wrong.
M.K.: Do you know how many times I’ve tried? I’ve told her countless times how much I want to be a father, how much I want to leave this country, how much I want her to rest and prepare her body for pregnancy. But she never listens. She’s probably out there working herself to the bone to achieve her so-called dreams.
Miss Shola: This is more serious than I thought. But is it worth losing her over? She’s a smart and intelligent woman. I’m sure she will understand this time if you talk to her. That’s what being a couple is about—partnership. Just try one last time, and if she still refuses to listen, then do what you must. I don’t want you two to end up like Oyegbami and me. Please, Abdulmalik. (Touches his hand.)
(M.K pants heavily, frustration evident. He leaves his chair and stands by the window.)
Miss Shola: (Takes a deep breath.) This must be eating you up badly.
M.K.: (Speaks with frustration.) Yes! It is. It’s killing me, and I’m tired, Shola!
(He storms out of the office.)
Miss Shola: (Sighs heavily.) I need to do something before this gets out of hand. (Dials a number.)
*************************************************
At Hazeemah’s Office
(Hazeemah, exhausted, rests her head on the desk while on a call.)
Hazeemah: (Tiredly) Yes, ma’am... Alright, ma. Just let me know a convenient time, and I’ll come over. (Pauses, listening) It’s nothing much, I’ve just been feeling a little weak lately. I’ll try to visit the hospital soon—there’s nothing to worry about, ma’am. (Pauses again) I’ll consider taking some leave from work. Alright, ma’am. My regards to my princess. Thank you. (Ends the call, weakly drops the phone, and pants heavily.)
A Few Days Later – Morning (6:52 AM)
(Hazeemah struggles to move as she sets the dining table. She wears a nose mask, trying to avoid the aroma of the meal she prepared. Suddenly, she sees her husband, M.K, about to leave the house.)
Hazeemah: Babe!
M.K: (Pauses without turning back) What?
Hazeemah: Breakfast is ready... Aren’t you going to eat before you go?
M.K: No, thank you. (Slams the door.)
(Hazeemah suddenly collapses to her feet, hurriedly removes the nose mask, and gasps for air. She then covers her nose and rushes into the kitchen, reaching for the sink before she begins to vomit, her body weak and trembling.)
****************************************
A Few Hours Later – At M&S Company
M.K: Let this be the last time you try such nonsense with me! Next time you dare me, you won’t just lose your job—you’ll lose much more than that. Got it?
Mariam: (Nods quickly) I’m sorry, sir, but I was only looking out for you…
M.K: Get out of my office!
Mariam: Okay, fine. I’ll leave. But, sir… you don’t look happy. There’s a rumor going around the company about your mood. Everyone’s getting worried.
M.K: Don’t make me repeat myself! (A knock is heard on the door.) Who is it?! (Roars angrily.)
(Hazeemah gently opens the door. M.K is surprised to see her. Mariam, equally surprised, sighs in relief.)
Mariam: Hajia… (Smiles) What a pleasant surprise.
Hazeemah: (Forces a smile and sets a bag down) Here... I brought you your meal.
M.K: I never asked you to do that. And why are you here? You should be at work.
(Hazeemah scans the environment. M.K, noticing her reaction, sighs.)
M.K: Mariam, get out.
Mariam: Oh! I’m sorry, sir. (Quickly leaves.)
(Hazeemah takes out a large food flask from the bag, opens it, and sets the meal neatly.)
Hazeemah: Please, enjoy.
M.K: (Coldly) I said I’m not hungry. And why are you available today?
Hazeemah: Because I decided to take some leave.
(She takes a deep breath and nearly loses her balance, steadying herself by gripping his desk. Regaining composure, she turns to leave.)
Hazeemah: Alright then… see you at home.
M.K: I said I’m not hungry!
Hazeemah: (Softly) Do whatever you like with it. (Gently closes the door behind her.)
(M.K furiously stares at the food.)
***************************************
At NNPC Hospital
Doctor: Mrs. Nurudeen, I’m so glad to see you here again—though I shouldn’t be saying that, as a hospital isn’t a place one should visit frequently. But luckily, this time, it’s for a good reason.
(Hazeemah, exhausted, stares at him blankly.)
Doctor: The test results are out, and your diagnosis is… (Opens the result.) You are seven weeks pregnant. Congratulations, ma’am.
Hazeemah: (First stares at him tiredly, then processes the news in shock.) I’m sorry… Can you say that again? I think I’m hearing things. Did you just say I’m pregnant?
Doctor: Of course, ma’am. You are seven weeks pregnant.
Hazeemah: (Gasps in disbelief.)
***************************************"
Later That Night
(Hazeemah, despite feeling weak, happily prepares dinner. The news of her pregnancy fills her with joy, and she eagerly waits for her husband’s return. Every time she hears a car horn, she peeks through the window. Finally, after an hour, M.K arrives home. Excited, Hazeemah rushes downstairs and welcomes him with a big hug.)
Hazeemah: Welcome home, my king! How was work today?
M.K: (Surprised by her enthusiasm) What is it?
Hazeemah: Nothing! I’m just happy you’re finally home.
M.K: Whatever… There’s something I need to tell you. (Growing nervous.)
Hazeemah: Me too! I have something to tell you! (Excited.)
M.K: Can we sit down first?
Hazeemah: Sure! (Happily leads him to the living room. They sit on the couch.)
M.K: Uhmm… I don’t know how to say this, but I have no choice but to say it… I’d like to get a divorce.
(Hazeemah, still smiling, suddenly freezes. Her expression changes instantly, but she chuckles nervously.)
Hazeemah: Uhmm… I think I’m hearing things a lot these days. What did you just say? Can you repeat that?
M.K: (Sadly lowers his gaze.) I want us to divorce.
Watch out for the next episode!!!