UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS - EPISODE ELEVEN

 

ACTS ELEVEN

At exactly 7:40 AM, Hazeemah leaves the house in haste. She stops a bike and gives directions to her destination, then hops on without looking back. Upon arriving at the company, she finds a few people waiting in line to enter the gate. She gets off the bike, takes a moment to calm herself, and adjusts her khimar. Joining the rest of the group, she is unexpectedly greeted politely by the gateman. She responds with a confident smile and proceeds with the other job seekers into the conference hall. They all take their seats while all eyes are on Hazeemah for being the standout among them. She meets their stares with a bright smile. Soon, the interviewers enter—five in total. Everyone stands to welcome them at the front stage, and the interviews begin.

(Light fades)

________________________________________

AT M & S COMPANY.

M.K.: (examining the laptop) Hmm, the design is nice, but the location is too problematic. It will cost us an additional million to complete this project.

Abdullahi: Yes, sir. Should we look for another location?

Mrs. Fashola: I wouldn’t advise that, sir, because—

M.K.: Why is that?

Mrs. Fashola: I’d like to show you something, sir. May I?

M.K.: (gesturing for her to proceed)

Their discussion is interrupted.

Salamah: (knocks at the door) Can I come in, sir?

M.K.: What is it this time?

Salamah: Engr. Babatunde has arrived.

M.K.: Tell him to wait for me in the conference hall.

Salamah: Okay, sir. (exits)

Fifteen minutes later, M.K. enters the conference room with his subordinate behind him. All the new employees stand to welcome him, except for Hazeemah, who is lost in thought and unaware of his presence. As he reaches the stage to address them, he spots Hazeemah and is visibly shocked to see her.

INVERSE OF THE SCENE

All the new employees, including Hazeemah, are on a staff bus heading to their mysterious destination. Hazeemah wonders where they are going.

Hazeemah: (lost in thought) What kind of company interviews its employees like this? It feels so secretive... imagine, almost 50 job seekers had to turn back because of the size of the company. I almost did the same. I just hope these people aren’t kidnappers. But they’re verified... I better continue my adshkar. Or is this an illegal company? (sighs heavily) Yaa Allah, please... if this doesn’t go as planned, I promise I’ll never seek a job again. I just want to return to my family safely.

Suddenly, the driver speaks.

Driver: We are at your destination.

Hazeemah: (swallows nervously) Here goes nothing. (She looks out the window and becomes confused) Why does this place look so familiar? Isn’t this— (shakes her head) No! I must be mistaken. (Suddenly remembers) The spoilt brat? (Panicking) No! This can’t be happening! What should I do? Should I turn around or tell them I quit? (Realizes she is the only one left in the bus and all eyes are on her.)

Driver: Are you going in or not?

Hazeemah: (pulls herself together) Y-yes, sir! (Nervously steps down from the bus and joins the others as they enter the company. As she sees Salamah approaching, she mutters to herself) Oh Allah! (sadly lowers her gaze) I feel like disappearing right now.

Salamah: Welcome, everyone. He said he will join you soon while I lead you to the conference room. This way, please. (She starts to lead them but notices Hazeemah. Salamah looks confused for a moment.) Please have a seat, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call my attention. Welcome aboard. (Smiles and exits.)

Hazeemah: (Nervously finds a seat, lowering her gaze so much that her head almost reaches her knees. She doesn’t notice that others are whispering about her presence. When the door opens for M.K. to enter, he strides in majestically. Hazeemah, focused on reciting her adshkar, is unaware of what’s happening around her.)

BACK TO THE MOMENT

M.K.: (points directly at Hazeemah) You!

Hazeemah: (notices everyone looking at her, raises her head, and meets M.K.'s gaze. Shocked, she hurriedly gets to her feet.)

M.K.: What! How? I thought you—

Hazeemah: (resolutely shakes her head) No way. I quit. Again and again and again. (Picks up her bag and leaves the conference room.)

Her sudden decision creates a wave of confusion. The rest of the candidates murmur among themselves, while M.K. remains in shock.

M.K.: I need absolute silence, please.

The job seekers continue to murmur, ignoring M.K. until one of them raises a hand.

Job Seeker 1: I have a question, please. Despite the hardships in this country when it comes to finding a job, why did she quit so suddenly without finding out what happened next?

M.K.: Well, that’s her own business.

Job Seeker 3: There must be something going on, sir?

M.K.: As I just said, that’s her own business. So, can we please be quiet and focus?

The job seekers exchange glances, wondering what their next step should be.

(Curtain)

________________________________

DURING THE DAY (2:53 PM)

Hazeemah: (enters the house quietly and tries to retreat to her room but suddenly bumps into Ummu Aisha) Subhanallah! You scared me.

Ummu Aisha: Welcome back. How was the interview?

Hazeemah: I don’t want to talk about it, please. But when my brother comes back, tell him I’ve surrendered.

Ummu Aisha: (curious) What happened, dear?

Hazeemah: (eyes clouded with tears) I don’t want to talk about it. I’ve surrendered. If you know any brother who is looking to get married, tell him I’m available. (Begins to leave).

Ummu Aisha: I understand you’re in pain, and I don’t want to add to it. But are you hungry?

Hazeemah: (forces a smile) You’re so sweet. But I would really appreciate being left alone. I’m going back home tomorrow, insha Allah. Jazakumullahu khairan for your hospitality. (Takes her leave and retreats to her room)

Ummu Aisha: May Allah ease your affairs. (Exhales softly) She is indeed a strong Muslimah. She really inspires me. I don’t want her to give up... if only she knew the record she’s about to break in this world. But Allah knows best.

(Light fades)

LATER IN THE NIGHT

Abdulhakeem: (stands by the door) As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Hazeemah: (responds in a low tone) Wa Alaikum As-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Abdulhakeem: All debts paid?

Hazeemah: Yes.

Abdulhakeem: I heard you’re ready to comply now.

Hazeemah: I’m happy for you.

Abdulhakeem: Let me in.

Hazeemah: To make fun of me again? Hell no. Keep it.

Abdulhakeem: Ummu is here...

Hazeemah: Nice try. Just go away. Once you’ve found the suitor, let me know.

Abdulhakeem: No one is going to find your husband for you. Go to the market and pick one yourself. So come out and eat with us.

Hazeemah: Okay.

Abdulhakeem: (still standing, waiting for her to respond) I’m still here.

Hazeemah: Please, go away.

Abdulhakeem: If you starve yourself over one dream job, remember, when you die, the dream job will die too. You know, I was thinking of this guy I really like. He’s very religious and hard-working. He’s an architect, just like you.

Hazeemah: GO AWAY!!!

________________________

That Same Night (11:27 PM)

Hazeemah: (scrolling through Khalid's profile on Instagram) I guess he must have found someone else. I can’t believe I wasted so much time trying to get a job. (shakes her head) No! I won’t think that way... No negative thoughts.

(Heard a knock at the door)

Hazeemah: Yes?

Abdulhakeem: Come out!

Hazeemah: Uhhhh! (reluctantly gets up, opens the door, and Abdulhakeem grabs her hand, dragging her into the living room. He sits her down and starts feeding her forcefully)

Hazeemah: Wait! (bursts into laughter) Can you just stop stressing yourself? I will eat... Abdulhakeem, stop now!

Abdulhakeem: This isn’t your parents’ house where you can do as you please. You must eat under my roof. If you don’t like it, then go and get married! I can’t be feeding you like your spouse. Get a life.

Hazeemah: (takes the plate of food and retreats to her bedroom)

Abdulhakeem: And make sure you finish it.

Hazeemah: (slams the door and collapses onto her bed in tears)

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

FEW DAYS LATER (MORNING, 10:48 AM)

Hajia Shukroh: (opens the door) As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi my princess.

Hazeemah: (responds tiredly) Wa Alaikum As-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Hajia Shukroh: Is that how you greet me?

Hazeemah: (forces herself up and kisses the back of Hajia Shukroh's hand)

Hajia Shukroh: May Allah bless you... We have a guest, and I need you to help get ready.

Hazeemah: Don’t worry, I will join you soon.

Hajia Shukroh: Are you sure?

Hazeemah: (nods tiredly)

Hajia Shukroh: Good, wear that royal blue khimar. (takes her leave) Hurry up, they are waiting!

Hazeemah: Yes, ma. (gets up and heads to the bathroom)

(Curtain)

_____________________________________

15 MINUTES LATER

Alhaji Nurudeen: Don’t worry, she will join us soon.

Hajia Shukroh: (smiling) Hazeemah! Don’t keep the guests waiting.

Hazeemah: (enters the living room with a dull expression, sits next to her parents, and fails to look up)

Jamal: (excited) As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi.

Hazeemah: (lowers her gaze) Wa Alaikum As-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Jamal: My name is Jamal Munir...

The two families continue with the introductions while Hazeemah remains detached. Suddenly, her phone buzzes with a notification. She hurries to check it, focusing intently.

MESSAGE:

Dear Hazeemah Wuraola Nurudeen,

“We are thrilled to inform you that we would like to offer you the opportunity to rejoin our team! Your dedication and hard work during your previous tenure with us did not go unnoticed, and we have come to realize that your absence has left a significant gap in our organization.

Your unique skills, passion, and commitment to excellence are qualities that we value and would like to tap into once again. We believe that your return would not only benefit the team but also enhance our overall performance.

We would like to invite you to resume your position on Monday, and we are willing to discuss any concerns or requirements you may have to ensure a smooth transition.

Please let us know if this opportunity interests you, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our team!

Best regards, [M & S Company]”

Hazeemah: (reads the message again nervously)