UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS - EPISODE FIVE

 

ACTS FIVE

Subordinates: (Surprised) Sir?!

M.K.: What?! If you don’t watch your mouths, you’ll be next!

Hazeemah: (In shock, as coffee drips down her khimar)

M.K.: I believe the last time you came for your damn interview, I told you that you don’t belong here and you’ll never be welcome. Now, get back there and make me another coffee—this time the way I want it. You’ve got less than five minutes. Now, get lost!

Hazeemah: (Composes herself, glances at him for a few seconds, then heads out, soaked with coffee. She asks for directions to the restroom and mutters to herself) These are the kinds of people whose mothers should have just had a period instead... Who raises animals in human form? (She enters the restroom and finds four coworkers applying makeup and gossiping.)

Hazeemah: Good morning.

Salamah: (Bursts into laughter with her crew) So it’s true? A rag is now part of us... Can you imagine? You think you can dream too?

Shade: Honestly, I thought the rumors were fake... Look at her.

Hazeemah: (Tired, stares at them and shakes her head in pity as she begins to rinse her stained khimar)

Titilayo: Wait a minute, did she just shake her head at us? (They step closer to her) You’ve got some nerve.

Shade: You better watch your mouth before I knock your teeth out.

Hazeemah: (Blows on her khimar, sending water droplets onto their faces) Oh, sorry!

Titilayo: Are you blind? How dare you blow that rag’s sweat on us? You must be crazy! (About to grab Hazeemah's khimar when Hazeemah blocks her hand and stands firm) What do you think you’re doing?

Hazeemah: I thought bullies only existed in foreign countries, but even among black people? (Takes a few steps closer) Obviously, you tie a veil around your skull, so you’re Muslim. How can you allow the unbelievers to look down on your fellow Muslim? Instead of working on making your life better and focusing on what makes you cry behind closed doors, you’re here adding to your problems. If any of you tries to mess with me again, you’ll learn that being religious comes with a lot of audacity. (Blows on the khimar once more and walks out on them)

Salamah: (They can’t believe what they just heard) Did she just...?

Shade: I think she did...

(Curtain)

10 minutes later

Hazeemah: (Knocks at the door) May I come in, sir?

M.K.: Stay there!

Hazeemah: (Enters and politely places his coffee on the desk) Here it is, sir. (Notices the subordinates are gone)

M.K.: (Glares at her angrily) So, this is your idea of five minutes, huh?

Hazeemah: I’m sorry, sir, but I had to clean myself up first.

M.K.: The next time you put my needs second, I won’t hesitate to fire you! Got that?

Hazeemah: Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir.

M.K.: Sorry for your stupid self. And if you’ve poisoned this coffee, you know what’s coming for you.

Hazeemah: (Smiles)

M.K.: Did you just smile?

Hazeemah: Yes, sir, because I’m just surprised that you’re scared I might poison you. If you’ve done nothing wrong, there’s no need to be scared at all.

M.K.: (Furiously gets on his feet) What did you say?!

Hazeemah: (Standing firm) What I’m trying to say is, I don’t repay evil with evil. That’s what my religion has taught me, and if I dare try such, I won’t just be punished on earth but also on Judgment Day.

M.K.: (Scans her from head to toe three times) Bitch.

Hazeemah: (Smiles lightly, controlling herself)

M.K.: (Lifts the coffee mug, tastes it, then instantly throws it on the floor again) Are you daft? You can’t even make a simple cup of coffee?

Hazeemah: Sir, I am neither your wife nor your mother. I’m new here, and all I ask is that you do me one favor: tell me your preferred way of making coffee.

M.K.: See! Don’t make me raise my hand to you. I don’t hit women.

Hazeemah: (Smiles)

M.K.: Go make me another coffee. And if you mess it up this time, kiss this job goodbye.

Hazeemah: Okay, sir. Please excuse me. (As she’s about to leave the office, she bumps into an elderly cleaner.) Welcome, ma.

Mrs. Folake: Thank you, ma. (Struggles to walk fast, holding a mop and bucket as she enters the office.)

Hazeemah: (Feels sorry for her and gently closes the door. Suddenly, she hears M.K. roaring from inside.)

M.K.: Who the hell hired an old woman? Why is Shola doing this?

(A few minutes later)

Hazeemah: (Standing by the door, head held high) If he throws this coffee again, I’m done! If he says anything out of line, I don’t know what might come out of my mouth. Here goes nothing. (She opens the door and sees M.K. with his mistress but steps forward and presents the coffee on his table.) Here’s your coffee, sir.

M.K.: Get that out of my sight!

Hazeemah: (Steps forward to take it back) Sorry, sir. Good morning, ma’am.

Rita: (Scans her) What’s an Hajia doing here? Is she your cleaner or something? (Rubs his head)

M.K.: Something less than a cleaner. You know what? Get out of my sight! You disgust me! I’ll call you when I need you.

Hazeemah: I’m sorry for the inconvenience, sir.

Rita: (Calls her back) Leave the coffee; let me taste it to see if you’re really good at your job.

Hazeemah: (Smiles and places the coffee back on the table) There you go, ma’am.

Rita: (Lifts it up and takes a sip) Hmm! It’s lovely! She’s actually good at making coffee.

Hazeemah: (Surprised but doesn’t show it) Thank you, ma’am. I’m glad you like it.

Rita: (Continues sipping) You may leave now.

Hazeemah: Thank you, ma’am. (Finally leaves the office, finds her way to her desk, and collapses into her chair.) Please, yaa Allah, don’t let this be how I’m going to be treated here. I can only survive this by Your will alone. (Sighs heavily and rests her head on the table) Where did I even put my bag? (Looks around when she suddenly hears loud laughter from her colleagues, pointing fingers at her.) These people have no sense at all... It’s such a pity. Anyway, where did I drop my bag? (Still searching around)

Abdullahi: Looking for something?

Hazeemah: (Startled) Oh! Sorry, I didn’t see you there...

Abdullahi: Perhaps you’re looking for this? (Displays the bag in the air

Hazeemah: (A bright smile of relief appears on her face) Thank you so much! How did you know it was mine? (Quickly stands to take it)

Abdullah: I’ve noticed you since the interview. Things must be really tough for you.

Hazeemah: (Smiling) Well, things like this are bound to happen. Thank you so much. (Returns to her seat and begins checking the files on her desk)

Abdullah: (Chuckles) You still have a lot to learn here. Anyway, here’s the project report the boss asked for. (Drops the documents on her desk)

Hazeemah: But sir, why can’t you submit it directly to him?

Abdullah: That’s your duty as his personal assistant. We don’t know much about the new temporary boss, so we’re not too familiar with his temper.

Hazeemah: (Sighs sadly) Alright, sir. I’ll submit it. Thank you once again for the bag.

Abdullah: (Smiles) You’re welcome. One more thing—if anyone in this company tries to mess with you, don’t hesitate to tell me.

Hazeemah: (Smiles) Alright, sir. Thank you so much.

Abdullah: (Smiling) My name is Abdullah Abdullahi, by the way. And you?

Hazeemah: (Lowers her gaze) Hazeemah Wuraola Nurudeen.

Abdullah: I understand—no handshaking. I’m Hausa by tribe.

Hazeemah: I figured as much. I understand a bit of Hausa.

Abdullah: Really?

Hazeemah: (Nods)

Abdullah: Masha Allah! Don’t worry, we’ll talk more later. By the way, my colleagues call me ‘Aboki.’

Hazeemah: (Smiles, but suddenly the telephone buzzes) Oh, please excuse me while i….

Abdullahi: Of course, excuse me. (Takes his leave)

Hazeemah: (Picks up the phone) Hello, sir.

M.K.: My office. Now!

Hazeemah: Okay, sir. (Hangs up the call and picks up the document) A'oozubikalimati lahittamati minsharri makolako. (Knocks at the door, then proceeds in) I’m here, sir. (Catches him in a passionate embrace, their lips locked in a romantic kiss) I’m sorry, sir. (Turns her back)

M.K.: (Throws his credit card on the floor) You have less than 30 minutes to go out and find us something delicious to eat at the Chinese restaurant.

Hazeemah: Sir? Oh... okay, sir. (Picks up the card) Any drinks of your choice?

M.K.: As my personal assistant, you should know what I like and what I don’t. Don’t waste my time—my bitch is hungry too. (Resumes kissing)

Hazeemah: (Shakes her head and heads out)

Later that night

Mr. Oyegbami: (Enters the house) Come in, my sugar.

Star: Thank you, Chief. (Rubs his chest) You look so tired and exhausted. Do you need a massage?

Mr. Oyegbami: This is why I love you so much—you’re so caring. Look, dear, tonight, it’s just me and you. You can do whatever you want with me. I’m all yours, baby. (Shuts the door)

Star: (Covers his lips) You talk too much... follow me, baby. (Drags him by the tie)

Mr. Oyegbami: (Follows her into the room, signaling to the CCTV) I know you’re watching us, but I don’t give a damn! Come on, baby! Your absence is all I need. (Lights fade)

Later that night, 7:25 PM

Hajia Shukroh: What’s taking her so long? And she’s not picking up...

Alhaji Nurudeen: Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon.

Hajia Shukroh: Nothing should happen to my child, oo.

Alhaji Nurudeen: This is my problem with you—you’re always overreacting. I’ve told you several times not to worry so much.

Hajia Shukroh: Now I see you’re ungrateful to Allah. Do you expect me to stay calm when my child is still outside at this hour? You’re wicked.

Alhaji Nurudeen: You, this woman, you’ve started again tonight. Mind yourself in this house, because if you try me this night—

Hajia Shukroh: What will you do? Tell me! See, don’t let me start with you. Because if I start with you tonight, you won’t sleep well, oo.

Alhaji Nurudeen: See! (Gets on his feet to confront her) You’re testing my patience tonight.

Hajia Shukroh: You’re trying me too! (Also gets up to confront him)

Hazeemah: (Enters the house quietly) As-salamu alaikum. (In a weak tone, but notices they’re too engrossed in their argument to hear her) Please, not today... please. (Tiredly drags herself into her room)

Alhaji Nurudeen: Wait! I think she’s back.

Hajia Shukroh: Are you serious? (Alert)