UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS - EPISODE SIX

 

ACTS SIX

Hazeemah: (Falls onto the bed, sighing heavily as her mother follows her into the room.)

Hajia Shukroh: My baby... What took you so long? (Notices Hazeemah’s mood and sits next to her.) What’s wrong? Talk to me.

Hazeemah: (Finally sits up, breaking down in tears.) Ummii... (Falls into her mother’s arms.)

Hajia Shukroh: (Worried) What happened? Talk to me! Did something happen at work?

Alhaji Nurudeen: (Standing by the door) Can I come in?

Hajia Shukroh: For what? No! Go away! This is between mother and daughter.

Alhaji Nurudeen: Nikini? How is this a mother-and-daughter discussion? This involves both of us. (He enters the room and sits beside Hazeemah on the bed, gently patting her head.) Come on, talk to us. You’ve never shed a tear despite all the years of searching for your dream job, so what could have happened now, after your dream has been granted?

Hazeemah: Dad?

Alhaji Nurudeen: Yes, my dear. (Wipes her tears, clearly worried.) Talk to us.

Hazeemah: Why? Why do people hate Muslims so much? Why? What have we done to deserve this? What did our Prophet do for us to suffer this much? Why? (She breaks down in tears again.)

Hajia Shukroh: (Sympathetically) I understand how you feel. They must be treating you unfairly. This is why we say we don’t belong there... Remember what your father always says: This world is a prison for believers and a paradise for non-believers. Don’t let their words or actions hurt you. It breaks our hearts to see you like this. You’re a strong girl, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. You’re doing great, and we promise to always be by your side. They don’t deserve your kindness, but do it for the sake of Allah. Don’t even tell us what happened; it would break my heart even more. But remember, nothing good comes easy—the road will be tough.

Alhaji Nurudeen: (Sadly watching her) It’s okay. They don’t know your value yet, but we do. And I believe that one day, your absence will leave a great hole in their hearts. Never stop being kind, even if they show you hell. Show them what Islam is made of. Let them see the beauty of Islam in you. We believe in you, even if they don’t. We’re just parents, and we will always be proud of you. So, wipe your tears. I know you’re wise enough to understand that they don’t mean anything to your heart.

Hazeemah: (Lifts her head from her mother’s chest and wipes her tears.)

Hajia Shukroh: That’s my girl. You can do this! You haven’t given up on yourself, so why should we? You’ve proved that people like us have the right to dream, just like everyone else. I couldn’t be prouder of you.

Hazeemah: (Suddenly breaks down in tears again.) I don’t know how my world would be without you both. Sometimes I wonder how orphans survive without their parents because I don’t think I could live in this world without you. All I’ve ever wanted is to make you happy and reward you for bringing me into this world. Thank you so much, Abu... Thank you so, so much, Ummu. (They embrace her, smiling.)

Alhaji Nurudeen: (Letting go of her first) Woman! Let her go now, don’t choke her

Hajia Shukroh: (Playfully ignoring him) She’s mine, so please... leave her to me.

Hazeemah: (Smiling to herself) They’re starting again... Ahhh! Anyway, Alhamdulilah.

Alhaji Nurudeen: Fine, choke her then. If only you hugged me like that every morning...

Hazeemah: (Bursts into laughter as her mother finally lets go.)

Hajia Shukroh: What did you say? (Trying to hide her smile) Say it again.

Alhaji Nurudeen: What difference does it make? You give her all the love I need... Don’t worry anymore. Good night, my princess. (Takes his leave.)

Hazeemah: (Still laughing)

Hajia Shukroh: (Following him out) Alright then, let’s make another baby...

Hazeemah: Subhanallah! Ummu! (Laughing out loud and gradually calming down.) I don’t think I could ever leave this house. I came home with such a heavy heart, and they lifted it in a blink of an eye. (Smiles) How could I ever leave them? I just wish I could spend my entire life with them.

___________________________________

THAT SAME NIGHT

ON A VIDEO CALL

Mrs. Shola: (Smiling) Just give her time to improve. You don’t have to be so harsh on her just because of her dressing. I love trying new things, meeting new people. Let her show you her own strengths.

M.K.: That’s bullshit! That girl just pissed me off! Can you believe I called her several times, and she didn’t pick up? She came back with some excuse about praying. This is my problem with them—they think they’re better than us. Let me be honest with you, sis, I don’t want her here, and I never will. I’m firing her tomorrow and hiring someone else. Period!

Mrs. Shola: Even if you hire someone else, you’ll still have to train them before they can master the position. Just give her some time.

M.K.: I said no! And no is no! If you really want my help with this company—I left mine to guide yours—then respect my decision. No one talks to me the way she does. My decision is final.

Mrs. Shola: If that’s the case, then I’m coming back tomorrow. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll book my flight back home. Is that settled now?

M.K.: So you’re seriously coming back because of that girl?

Mrs. Shola: No, I’m coming back because of your arrogance. You always think you’re right, and that’s my problem with you. You never consider others’ opinions, just like you’re not listening to me now. I respect your decision, but I’m coming back in two days.

M.K.: Now you’re making me look bad.

Mrs. Shola: That’s just your nature, and I understand. But lately, I’m not okay, mentally or physically. If you could grant my wish just this once without arguing, I’d really appreciate it. Can’t you do this for your sister?

M.K.: (Sighs heavily) Damn! You’re really putting me in a tough spot, bruh. But fine. Anything to make you happy. But you owe me—for enduring that girl for six months.

Mrs. Shola: Thank you so much. That’s why I reduced her salary to ₦150,000 instead of ₦300,000.

M.K.: Whatever. Goodnight. (Ends the call) I hate that girl so much, but she’s driving me nuts!

(Curtain)

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

As the wind intensifies, roaring through the window and making the night colder, Hazeemah sits up, lost in thought.

Hazeemah: (To herself) Why can’t I sleep because of an ordinary human being, just like me? Why is life so unbearable? But I shouldn’t let it worry me too much. I’ve faced so many obstacles trying to achieve my dream career. (Sighs heavily, rubbing her face) Only Allah knows what trials await me tomorrow. He might even let me get fired for no reason. (Sighs again) Ya Allah, why is this road so tough? I know You don’t test a soul beyond what it can bear, but I feel like I can’t bear this any longer. I just want the world to accept me for who I am—and for my fellow sisters who are in my shoes. I want to prove to them that I cover my head, not my brain.

(Pauses, reflecting)

Hazeemah: At least have mercy on me through my parents. I know I should be grateful to You every second, and I am. But please, help me achieve this dream so I can reward my parents for their labor. I want to send my parents to Hajj. I want to travel around the world with them before I get married. I can’t even believe I’m talking to myself, but I believe Allah hears me. Here I go again. (Lays back down, covering herself) This weather alone...

___________________________________

THE NEXT MORNING

Hazeemah enters the office, panting heavily. She drops her bag and lunch box on her desk, then checks her wristwatch.

Hazeemah: (Smiling) 7:30 a.m. on the dot. Right on time. (Thinking) What’s the first thing to do? Yes! Inspect his office, make his coffee with snacks, and...and? What else did he complain about yesterday? Hazeemah, think! (Heads straight to his office and finds the same elderly cleaner working) Good morning, ma'am.

Mrs. Folake: Good morning, Hajia. I’ll be done soon.

Hazeemah: (Confused and stammering) Oh! Okay, ma. Do you need any help? Or... (Steps forward) Let me help you with the mopping.

Mrs. Folake: No, ma'am, don’t stain your lovely hijab. This is my job, so let me do it, please.

Hazeemah: But you’re old enough to be my mother. I can’t just watch you do this.

Mrs. Folake: Then kindly wait outside while I finish up. But I can’t let you do my job; I really don’t want to lose it. Please, wait outside, ma'am.

Hazeemah: But ma...

Mrs. Folake: I insist. Thank you so much for caring. (Smiles)

Hazeemah, still confused, heads out and stands by the door.

Hazeemah: (To herself) What kind of wicked children let their mothers work at this age?

Reem passes by and stops.

Reem: As-salam alaikum, Hajia Hazeemah.

Hazeemah: (Still confused) Walaykum salam. Good morning, sir.

Reem: Morning to you too.

Hazeemah suddenly remembers his face.

 Hazeemah: Oh! My helper... I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize you sooner. Thanks for the other day.

Reem: The pleasure is all mine. By the way, I love the color of your hijab. It looks good on you. (Takes his leave)

Hazeemah: Thank you, sir. (A bright smile appears on her face) Some people are nice, while some are not. This should keep me going, anyway.

Mrs. Folake struggles to come out with the bucket. Hazeemah quickly assists her.

Mrs. Folake: Thank you, Hajia.

Hazeemah: Where should I drop it?

Mrs. Folake: (Moves closer, patting Hazeemah's shoulder) Don’t worry, my dear. You just do your work while I do mine, to avoid any complications. Thank you so much, my daughter.

Hazeemah: You’re welcome, ma'am. Take care of yourself. (Enters the office and begins organizing it)

Minutes later, Hazeemah exits the office.

Abdullah: (Passing by) As-salam alaikum, Hajia Hazeemah. Oga yazo!

Hazeemah: Walaykum salam, sir. Thank you, sir. Nagode.

Each step she takes toward the gate, she hears whispers and laughter from her colleagues and clients, but she keeps her head straight. She arrives at the parking lot just as her boss’s car pulls up. Hazeemah opens the door for him to get out. He glances at her for a few seconds before proceeding.

Hazeemah: Good morning, sir.

M.K.: (Ignores her greeting) Get my things!

Hazeemah: Alright, sir. (Bends into the car to retrieve documents and bags)

M.K.: Hurry up! I have a meeting in 10 minutes. (Enters the company as subordinates hurriedly greet him with a bow and follow him into his office)

Hazeemah, feeling uneasy with the heavy bags and documents, follows behind. As she enters the company, everyone bursts into laughter as she steps on her khimar, nearly tripping. She composes herself and pays no attention to them, heading straight into the office where M.K. is busy on his phone. She drops the bags and documents on his desk, adjusts her khimar, and stands firm again.

M.K.: (Finally looks up, noticing a cup of coffee with snacks) I never asked you for coffee, you idiot!

Hazeemah: Oh! I’m so sorry, sir. I thought you might need it. I’ll take it away. (Reaches to remove the coffee, but M.K. slaps her hand away)

M.K.: Don’t stain it with your dirty gloves!

Hazeemah: Sorry, sir.

M.K.: Sorry for yourself! Others wear suits, dress professionally, but you? You disgust me every minute!

Hazeemah: I’m sorry, sir.

M.K.: Shut the hell up and set the meeting table!

Hazeemah: Alright, sir.

___________________________________

TWO HOURS LATER

Subordinates leave the meeting room one after the other. Hazeemah stands patiently by the door, waiting for her boss’s next instruction.

M.K.: (Takes a deep breath) Hey! You!

Hazeemah: (Steps forward) Yes, sir?

M.K.: What did you say your name was?

Hazeemah: Hazeemah Wuraola Nurudeen.

M.K.: Why such a long name? Which one is your name among them?

Hazeemah: My name is Hazeemah, sir.

M.K. gets up and leaves the meeting room.

Hazeemah: (Hesitates) Should I follow him? Or... (Glances at the documents submitted to him) Yes! I should carry the documents to his office. (She picks up the documents and follows him, hurrying to open the door for him) There you go, sir.

Reem, noticing her interaction with the boss while sitting at his desk, shakes his head in disbelief.

Reem: (To himself) What a funny lady, trying all means to please that son of a bitch. (He watches as Hazeemah exits the office, resting her head against the door in frustration) Poor girl. (Turns to his left, overhearing his female colleagues whispering and plotting against Hazeemah. He listens closely to their conversation.)

Abigail: Honestly, that girl must be very stupid. And you guys let her talk to you like that? If I were there, I would’ve made sure she got fired in no time. Gosh! I wish I was in that restroom. I would’ve beaten the hell out of her. And you know Mr. M.K. has been eyeing me lately...

Titilayo: Are you serious?

Abigail: Yes, of course! I just need to seduce him, and in a blink of an eye, he’ll be in my hand. But as for that rag, I’ll teach her a lesson she’ll never forget. She must know this isn’t her place.

Salamah: (Sadly speaks up) Guys, let’s just forget it. She’s been employed anyway. Let’s focus on our lives.

Titilayo: Wait, don’t tell me what she said to you yesterday really got to you? Are you letting her put sadness in your life? Better wake up, girl, and let’s show her she’s not in our class. You see today? She’s going to regret crossing my path.

Abdullah approaches, resting his hand on a computer.

Abigail: Mr. Aboki, what are you doing in the midst of women?

Abdullah: I should ask you the same question. What are you gossiping about instead of focusing on your work?

Titilayo: And how is that your business, eh? Aboki!

Abdullah: Absolutely not my business, but are you aware you can be fired for leaving your desk to gossip? I’ve been calling your desk line to pick up a call and pass an urgent announcement to everyone.

Titilayo: Oh! Sorry... Later, guys... (About to leave) Please, what’s the message about?

Abdullah: Since you want me to mind my business, go and ask the boss himself what the announcement is all about. (Walks away while Titilayo runs after him)

Titilayo: Aboki, please now. Oya, sorry. I won’t do that again.

Abdullah: (Takes a deep breath) All you know is gossip! Women and gossip are like five and six. Don’t you ever get tired?

Titilayo: I’m sorry, please. Time is going. Tell me what the urgency is.

Abdullah: Go back to your desk, and you’ll see it. (Heads back to his desk)

Two minutes later, Titilayo makes an announcement.

Titilayo: ATTENTION ALL EMPLOYEES! (Pauses for emphasis) WE HAVE AN URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT. (Pauses again) REPORT TO THE CONFERENCE ROOM IMMEDIATELY. REPEAT, IMMEDIATELY. (Firm tone) THE NEW MANAGEMENT HAS CALLED A MANDATORY MEETING THAT REQUIRES EVERYONE’S ATTENTION. (Final pause) PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE CONFERENCE ROOM NOW. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. WE WILL START PROMPTLY IN FIVE MINUTES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

The light fades as the scene shifts to the conference room.

Hazeemah enters the beautifully designed and well-decorated conference room, her jaw dropping in amazement as she sees more than a hundred employees finding their seats. Suddenly, she remembers she’s supposed to be with her boss, not here alone. As she tries to hurry back to his office, she almost chokes on seeing his deadly glance at her. She quickly steps aside as he throws the documents in his hand to the ground.

M.K.: Don’t make me yell at you.

Hazeemah: I’m sorry, sir. (Hurriedly starts picking up the documents from the floor. After gathering them, she gets back on her feet) I’m sorry, sir.

M.K. majestically walks into the conference room, the employees all standing on their feet to welcome him as Hazeemah follows behind him.