UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS - EPISODE EIGHT

 

ACTS EIGHT

Alhaji Nurudeen: (about to knock when she stops him) What's going on?

Hajia Shukroh: (whispers) I can sense the intensity with which you're about to knock. Please don't knock loudly and add to her distress. Our plan is simple: we'll go in, motivate her, and make her smile again. Agreed?

Alhaji Nurudeen: (nods) Agreed.

Hazeemah: I can hear you both. No need to whisper. Please come in.

Alhaji Nurudeen: (enters) This is what I mean... you don't know how to whisper quietly.

(Hazeemah gets up to greet them, kissing the back of their hands)

Hazeemah: Peace be upon you.

Hajia Shukroh and Alhaji Nurudeen: And peace and blessings be upon you.

Hajia Shukroh: (they sit next to her on the bed; she gives him a sign to proceed first)

Alhaji Nurudeen: Listen, dear. I know things aren't going as planned, but it's okay. Another opportunity will arise. You don't need to be sad; they're not worth it.

Hazeemah: I know you're here to make me feel better, and that's all I need. Just give me time to heal, mourn my failure in peace, and figure out a new solution for myself. I need some time alone.

Alhaji Nurudeen: That's very good, dear. I know you're strong enough to overcome your challenges. But I want you to know that, as a woman, you don't need to struggle this much. Your purpose is to get married to a good man and have children. Look at me and your mother; we're not getting any younger. This is our last wish: to see our grandchildren from you. You are already successful; you just don't realize it.

Hazeemah: (curious) So what are you trying to say?

Hajia Shukroh: (taps his thigh and whispers) What are you saying? This isn't part of the plan.

Alhaji Nurudeen: (whispers back) I know, but we need to tell her the truth, whether she likes it or not. She's not getting any younger.

Hazeemah: (tiredly stares at them) I can hear you both.

Alhaji Nurudeen: Look, dear, we want you to get married. You can continue pursuing your dreams in your husband's house.

Hazeemah: Because you're tired of me being in this house, right?

Hajia Shukroh: No! (faces her husband) Can you please stop this and focus on making her feel better?

Alhaji Nurudeen: (ignores her) Look, dear, I have a good friend, Jamal, who visited me last year when I was seriously ill.

Hazeemah: Are you trying to set me up with someone?

Hajia Shukroh: (furiously turns to her husband) Why are you always like this? This isn't what we discussed! You can't match her with a stranger!

Alhaji Nurudeen: Every married couple was once strangers... even you and I. And look at us today?

Hazeemah: (sadly listens to them)

Hajia Shukroh: But she has someone who wants to marry her. In fact, his name is Kamal. Right, Hazeemah?

Hazeemah: No!

Hajia Shukroh: You see! ( Surprisenly turn to her) Wait! What? what did you say?

Hazeemah: I said we're not together anymore.

Hajia Shukroh: Why? What happened? Did you do your istikharah before rejecting him?

Hazeemah: Not really... I...

Hajia Shukroh: You what? (raises her voice) You rejected him? For what?

Hazeemah: Mum... I'm not ready...

Hajia Shukroh: Will you shut up! You're not ready! At this age? You're going to be 27 and you're not ready? What else do you need to learn that you haven't learned? Answer me!

Hazeemah: Mummy, please... I might be physically ready, but emotionally I'm not.

Alhaji Nurudeen: Can you hear yourself? You're not emotionally ready... What's in your emotions that isn't ready? I know you're being arrogant about marriage because of your so-called dream career. But this needs to stop here. You're a woman, for crying out loud! You need a man in your life, whether you like it or not!

Hazeemah: (sadly looks down) But Abu...

Alhaji Nurudeen: Don't call me! Look at you! Do you even check yourself in the mirror? Look at your friends... they're all married, and you cut all ties with them because they're all looking out for you!

Hazeemah: Dad! Don't compare me to them. I am your daughter...

Alhaji Nurudeen: And that's why we're worried about you before you go off the market. Bring a man home or I'll find you a husband... and here's my verdict (stands up).

Hazeemah: Abu, please don't pass any judgment now... please... I'll work on it, but please don't. Mum, please help me beg Daddy.

Hajia Shukroh: Listen, dear, I have my limit despite being his wife. Whatever he said is final.

Alhaji Nurudeen: I give you just three months to bring your suitor home... or else! You'll see the other side of me. One more thing! Don't you dare mention any interview or job next to my ears for the next three months. If you do! This house will not contain me and you.

Hazeemah: (stands to meet him) Abu, please... don't do this... I just need more time. I just want to make you proud.

Alhaji Nurudeen: Listen to me... we could never be more proud than we are today. But you need to open a new chapter in your life. The most important chapter of your life. Wake up from your slumber and stop living a life of fairy tales.

Hazeemah: (breaks down in tears) Abu, please... I'm not ready yet...

Alhaji Nurudeen: Save me your tears because it's not going to work this time. Ehhmm. My dear.

Hajia Shukroh: (blushing) Yes, sir (soft smile).

Alhaji Nurudeen: Come and serve my breakfast. I have a Muslim community meeting to attend to (exits from Hazeemah's room).

Hajia Shukroh: Okay, sir.

Hazeemah: Ummu, please do something...

Hajia Shukroh: (yelled at her) You better get up and think about your life! How could you reject that good man? Honestly, you disappointed me. The guy I've been making dua for you. Better sit and think well... look at you. You're like a woman in her menopause stage. Old woman! (walks out of her room)

Hazeemah: (shocked) Ummu! Please wait... hear me out.

(Curtain)

FEW DAYS LATER

AT THE COMPANY

M.K.: (from the interview room) Failed!!!!! You're all so poor upstairs. Why is Nigeria filled with poor brains? Get out of my company!!

The job seekers sadly leave the interview room.

M.K.: (panting heavily) Look at that one... I thought she was smart... she's just beautiful and nothing is up there! I wonder how you guys were employed by my sister.

Mrs. Fashola: Actually, sir, we were employed by your dad.

M.K.: Did I put my mouth into what I'm saying?

Mrs. Fashola: I'm sorry about that.

M.K.: Sorry for yourself! Since none of them could meet up to my requirements... Uhhm. Reem! Or what's your name?

Reem: Yes, sir. (stands up)

M.K.: Go and call all the rest... I want them in the conference room right now... lots are going home today.

Reem: Alright, sir (exits from the interview room)

Abdullahi: (sadly looks down)

M.K.: Fashola! Or what do you call yourself... how come you're the manager of your department?

Mrs. Fashola: I'm the manager by skills and experience. I wasn't put there by connection but by my capabilities.

M.K.: Whatever! You're going to prove that today. (stands up) As for now... you do my P.A. job till I find the right one. (takes his leave as Mrs. Fashola follows him)

(Light fades)

THAT VERY DAY (NIGHT)

Hazeemah's parents enter the house happily, gisting with each other, when they suddenly bump into Hazeemah by the door, which startles them.

Hazeemah: I'm so sorry for that... you're welcome home (gives them a warm embrace and hurriedly takes their bags) Please come in (with a bright smile on her face). I made your favorite meal.

Hajia Shukroh and Alhaji Nurudeen glance at each other in a confused manner.

Hajia Shukroh: Let's give her another chance...

Alhaji Nurudeen: I'm sure you're not talking to me. Go and eat the food she's supposed to be preparing for her husband and kids. I don't even think you understand the situation on ground. If your parents didn't chase you out, would you find me?

Hajia Shukroh: What are you saying again? Don't let me reply to you harshly tonight.

Alhaji Nurudeen: Then go ahead. Go ahead and continue enjoying her delicious meal till she grows old under our roof. If you don't do something about this case, I give the two of you just three months. None of you will like my other side.

Hajia Shukroh: (touches his chest) Take it easy now.

Alhaji Nurudeen: Don't tell me that! Stop rubbing my chest (flings her hands away) Wake up! Your daughter is getting old! My ears are already tired of hearing about her being proud... I want grandchildren from her too. If you don't find a solution to this issue, not even her brothers can settle this matter (walks out on her).

Hajia Shukroh: Abu Hazeemah! Wait now! (talking to herself) Wait oh... this isn't funny anymore. My husband never rejects food in this house. This isn't funny anymore... Hazeemah!

Alhaji Nurudeen: (appears again) I want my dinner prepared by you and you have less than 20 minutes. Don't even try to mess around. I know the aroma of your food even while sleeping.

Hajia Shukroh: Okay, sir. Hazeemah!

Hazeemah: I'm here. I heard everything Dad said. So it's fine, Allah will help me with this one. But please, I want you to be on my side.

Hajia Shukroh: Will you shut up! Look at you! You still have the guts to speak... on this case, I will support my husband with full chest. If you are tired, then move to your husband's house. Seeing my husband angry all the time is bothering me already. Don't make his BP rise again because of you. A word is enough for the wise. Now get out of my way!

Hazeemah: Mummy, please... (Curtain).

THE NEXT MORNING AT THE COMPANY

Titilayo rushes out of M.K.'s office in tears, running back to her desk while Abigail and Salamah wait in line to enter his office. Abigail rushes to her.

Abigail: Babe? How far? Why are you crying?

Titilayo: (in full tears) Just don't talk to me right now... This man is a horror.

Abigail: What did he say to you? I hope he didn't fire you...

Titilayo: What he said to me! It's better to be fired.

Abigail: Ahhh!