EPISODE THIRTY-TWO
M.K: (sadly, unable to take his eyes off her, staring at her stomach) Hazeemah! (eyes clouded with tears) I know I messed up badly, but I never expected you to go this far. I wasn’t thinking straight when I made that decision, and I’m sorry. But you moved faster than I ever imagined. The fact that you came here, willing to end everything—all while carrying my child—I would have never forgiven myself. (Takes a step closer) I am sorry for everything, and I’m ready to change for good. I promise to amend my ways and communicate better…
KHALID: (smiles and exhales softly) Well, I guess this is it. Time for me to leave. Please, never say the word ‘divorce’ again or even think of it—it will destroy you both. Think critically before making any decisions. (Turns to Hazeemah) Our Queen, I will say this in front of your husband—you take my breath away every single time I set my eyes on you. It feels like a spell, but an amazing one. I have never had an evil thought about you, only the wish to see you happy. I know, I know… I lost this battle, but maybe in our next life, M.K. won’t win so easily. That’s my promise.
HAZEEMAH: (already soaked in tears, emotional) I wish I could hug you, but I can’t. I am so sorry for everything I ever said to you. You are a good man—rare and one of a kind—and I will forever be grateful. I pray that one day, I meet your wife and kids, so I can tell them how lucky they are to have a kind-hearted man like you. Wherever I go in life, if I set my eyes on your family, I will be ready to lay down my life to protect and love them because you deserve even more than that. Thank you so much, Khalid.
KHALID: (overwhelmed with joy) I just can’t hold it in… but it is good to be kind, no matter how much you want something. It is good to wish others well so that better things come your way. And that’s what I did. (Turns to M.K.) Hey, man! (Extends hand for a handshake) Take good care of her. Put aside your ego and lead wisely. Now that you are about to be a father, you will see life differently—it’s a huge responsibility. May Allah bless your home.
M.K: Come here. (Gives him a warm embrace)
KHALID: (gently pushes him away) What are you doing? I’m not a hugger, man. Take care… have a wonderful life. (Smirks at Hazeemah and exits the house while they wave at him)
HAZEEMAH: (tears roll down her face) He’s finally gone… (Turns around sadly to face M.K., who pulls her into his arms)
M.K: I am so sorry, Hazeemah. So, so sorry. For everything. Give me one last chance to make things right, and this time, I promise to lead wisely.
HAZEEMAH: (welcomes his embrace) I am sorry too. I was being stubborn, prioritizing my career over our marriage. I deserve most of the blame, but divorce? That was never on my list, I swear. All I wanted was for us to talk things through and find a better solution, but divorce? You went too far… really far.
M.K: I’m sorry. (Tears stream down his face) I can’t believe I almost lost you because of my negligence. I was terrified when you were about to sign the papers.
HAZEEMAH: Then why didn’t you stop me?
M.K: I don’t know… I thought maybe that’s what you wanted too. Look, let’s just put that behind us and focus on our new blessing. (Rubs her stomach) This is the best gift ever… finally, I’m going to be a dad… finally!
HAZEEMAH: (chuckles) I am glad too. (Embraces him tighter)
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LATER THAT NIGHT
Dining Table
UMMU FATIMAH: (serving dishes) Were you able to reach her yet?
ABDULRAHMAN: Not really, and it’s worrying me. I’ve called everyone in the family except Mum, because she’ll worry too much and make things worse.
UMMU FATIMAH: Well, I have no comment on that. Just keep trying her number.
ABDULRAHMAN: Wait, she just texted me. (Opens the message and reads)
UMMU FATIMAH: (drops the serving plate and reads) As-salamu alaykum, brother. Don’t worry about searching for me. I am in a good place and in good hands.
ABDULRAHMAN: Just like that? We shouldn’t worry? And she didn’t even send her location?
UMMU FATIMAH: Abi? Where could she be? (Suddenly hears her baby crying) Well… my baby is awake. (Leaves his side)
ABDULRAHMAN: (hears a knock at the door) Now what? I’m not expecting anyone at this time! Oh, wait! (Rushes to open the door, but his happy face changes instantly) What are you doing here?
M.K: (exhales heavily, unable to look him in the eye) Uhmm… As-salamu alaykum, brother.
ABDULRAHMAN: (slams the door in his face) Wa alaykum salam. Go home! (Returns to the dining table)
M.K: Please, brother. I can’t… In fact, I don’t mind spending the night outside. I just want you to forgive me.
ABDULRAHMAN: (from inside) Oh, now you’re back to your senses. I wonder why? Lucky for you, my two brothers aren’t here. You wouldn’t even dare to speak if they were.
M.K: I know, sir… I know. That’s why I came to you. I know I messed up. I messed up badly, and you have every right to be angry. In fact, you have the right to punch me in the face. I don’t know what came over me… please, I’m sorry. (No response) Well… I’m not leaving until you open this door.
ABDULRAHMAN: I hope you brought a blanket and pillows because it’s going to be a very long night.
UMMU FATIMAH: Who are you talking to? (Patting her baby)
ABDULRAHMAN: Don’t worry, just focus on feeding my child.
M.K: Please, open the door. I have a wife and an unborn child waiting for me at home. Please, they need me. Hazeemah is waiting for me.
(Abdulrahman and his wife glance at each other in disbelief.)
UMMU FATIMAH: Unborn child? Who is pregnant? Did I just hear him mention my sister-in-law’s name?
ABDULRAHMAN: (furiously opens the door and grabs his collar) What did you just say?
M.K: I’m sorry, but my wife and I are back together, and I want your blessings again. In fact, I came here to pack her things back where they belong.
ABDULRAHMAN: (in shock) Are the two of you normal? Are you okay mentally?
UMMU FATIMAH: (excited) My sister-in-law is pregnant?
M.K: I am sorry, sir. I just came from Mum’s place—she has given us her blessings and asked for forgiveness. I promise, nothing like this will ever happen again. Please.
ABDULRAHMAN: Do you think divorce is a joke? You don’t just get to file for one and then take it back when it suits you. You need to prove you deserve her one last time.
M.K: I will. I promise…
ABDULRAHMAN: Then earn it. Until my brothers are pleased with you, you have nothing from me. Now go back—it’s time for Solat Isha.
(He heads inside, leaving the door open. Ummu Fatimah stares at M.K. for a moment before following her husband inside. M.K. sighs bitterly, realizing the weight of his actions.)
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THAT SAME NIGHT (9:29 PM)
Hazeemah: (heading to open the door) I’m coming! (opens and is shocked) What? What are you doing here?
Salamah: (raises two famous restaurant bags) What you ordered, ma’am.
Hazeemah: Did my husband send you to bring it?
Salamah: No, you called me!
Hazeemah: I called you? Like I dialed your number
Salamah: Yeah! (brings out her phone) See? And you asked me to get you vanilla ice cream with chicken and chips.
Hazeemah: I meant to call my husband, not you… (rubs her forehead, embarrassed) I am so sorry. And you didn’t say a word? You should have called back to tell me I made a mistake.
Salamah: (smiles) Well, let me give you a warm hug first. (embraces her) I heard what happened, and I don’t know what happened next, but I am glad you two are finally back together again. I have been dying to see you ever since our… you know… last conversation.
Hazeemah: (makes way for her) Come in, please.
Salamah: No! I would rather stand here. (lowers her gaze) First of all, I am so sorry for the pain I caused your family, and thank you for making me realize it. It changed my whole life, shaped my thinking, and made me a better person. In fact, I am living absolutely fine now. I’m having my introduction in two months with the best man ever. I am so sorry for everything… Please find it in your heart to forgive me. Thank you for making me realize my worth and what I am capable of achieving without forcing things. You are truly a gem.
Hazeemah: (smiles) Well, I’m glad things are getting better for you, and I am so happy for you. So… who is this lucky guy, uh?
Salamah: Well… (blushing) Reem.
Hazeemah: (shocked) Reem? Like Mr. Reem Reem? Definitely the best guy ever! Awwwnn, Masha Allah, I am so happy for you… finally! (gives her a big hug) That’s what I’m talking about. Awwwnnnn.
Salamah: All thanks to you, Hazeemah.
Hazeemah: All thanks belong to Allah! Wallahi, you have no idea how excited I am to hear this great news. I am so happy for you, and I promise we will be there, Insha Allah! Just make sure to keep me updated, please.
Salamah: Absolutely! But I have one favor to ask if you don’t mind.
Hazeemah: Spit it out already…
Salamah: I would really love and appreciate it for the rest of my life if you accept me as your friend—a real friend this time around. I have a lot to learn from you… Wallahi, you are a wise and strong woman, and I want you to guide me in the path of Islam and how to face life’s challenges. I see nothing but the true beauty of Islam in you. You don’t give up… you are fearless… you are unstoppable. I also heard of your mind-blowing career project.
Hazeemah: (cuts in) It would be an honor to serve you, Your Highness… (both chuckle) But I am not perfect either. I messed up too, and it’s all by the grace of Allah… Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alamin. Once you have Allah, you shouldn’t be afraid of what’s coming because after hardship comes ease.
Salamah: (getting emotional, then embraces her again) Thank you…
Hazeemah: (welcomes her once again) Please don’t cry, oooh… I don’t have a handkerchief, ohhh.
Salamah: (finally lets go) I should help you drop these two bags. (enters the house and gasps) Your house is mind-blowing… This is a huge mansion! (hurriedly drops the bags and returns to the doorstep) I better start going… It’s getting late, and boss will be really furious if he finds me here. See you later, my Queen! As-salamu alaykum. (waves as she heads to the gate)
Hazeemah: (bright smile as she waves back) Wa alaykumu as-salam wa rahmatullah… Stay safe, my love. (watches her disappear from sight and sighs happily) Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alamin. Surely, after hardship comes ease. (heads back inside) What’s taking him so long? He should be home by now.
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