Skip to main content

CHARMS AND CHALLENGES BY WOMEN EPISODE TWENTY NINE

 


Zainab wakes up suddenly in her office, panting heavily. She realizes it was just a dream.]

Zainab: Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un! Ya Allah, please... Nothing bad should happen to my husband... Please, don't test me beyond what I can endure. (Tears drop from her eyes when suddenly her phone rings. It's her husband. She hurriedly picks up the phone.) So it was all a dream? Is Allah sending me a warning? A day nightmare? (The call ends.) I need to call him back. (Suddenly the phone rings again, and she hurriedly picks it up.) Hello!

Ridwan: Baby... I just want to tell you that I'm still outside your station, hoping you'll change your mind to have lunch. And I want you to know that I'm not leaving this place without you today. I just want you to forgive me. Please, my love.

Zainab: (Tears stream down her face.) I'm coming out now!! Don't go! I'm coming. (Ends the call and begins to pack her things, ready to call it a day.) Ya Allah, please protect him for me...

Scene 9: Outside the Police Station

[Ridwan is surprised.]

Ridwan: Did I hear her right? She's coming or what did she say? Maybe she's just trying to make me leave, but I'm not leaving without my woman... (Suddenly he sees her running towards his car, which makes him worried as he keeps checking his surroundings.)

Zainab: Open the door!

Ridwan: (Hurriedly opens it.) What's wrong? What happened? (Still checking his surroundings.) Is someone coming after you? (Notices her clouded eyes.) What's wrong, baby?

Zainab: (Breaks down in tears.) Are you okay? (Begins to check him by touching his neck, eyes, body, and legs.) You have lost weight for real... You know what, let's go to the hospital.

Ridwan: I'm fine, baby. What's going on? Why are you crying?

Zainab: (Can't stop checking him.) Are you sure you're fine? Please, be sincere with me. Any pain anywhere?

Ridwan: I am fine, baby. Why are you like this? (Notices she is shivering.) Damn it, you're starving yourself. Come on, eat what I bought for you. It's very delicious, see... (Stretches to carry the food from the back seat when suddenly she embraces him in tears, crying heavily.)

Zainab: (Crying bitterly.) I thought I was about to lose you... Please don't hide your health issues from me. The earlier we know, the better... Please...

Ridwan: (Shocked, he pauses for a while before embracing her tightly.) I thought I would never get the chance to hug you like this again... I have missed you so much. I am so sorry for the pain I have caused you... Please forgive me... Please... I am so sorry...

Zainab: It's okay. (Tries to let go of him, but he doesn't free her.) I am here now...

Ridwan: Please forgive me... I want you... (Finally lets go of her, then wipes her tears.) I have caused you so much pain, but you still care about my well-being. There are no words to describe the kind of heart you have, and I am here to prove how much I appreciate you... Here! (Hands over a spoon to her.) Do you like it?

Zainab: What about you? You're losing so much weight. Are you sure you're okay? Please, let's go to the hospital for a check-up.

Ridwan: I am fine, trust me! It's due to the stress I went through all this while concerning my past mistakes that I don't want to talk about. I can only return to my old self with your love... Hmm? Baby... Or should I feed you?

Zainab: (Can't help but stare at him, trying to be very sure that he is okay. Suddenly, she embraces him one more time.) Please be fine, okay? I promise to be there for you... I will take good care of you better than ever... Just don't fall sick, okay?

Ridwan: Your reaction is getting weird. Did someone tell you anything when you got back inside your office? You are now getting me worried... Although I am super excited about finally getting my wife back, seeing you worried makes me feel uneasy.

Zainab: (Wipes her tears.) There is nothing to be worried about, okay? Let's go to the hospital.

Ridwan: Baby, I said I am fine! There is nothing to worry about... I just need you... I am craving for you, baby... Let's go home, okay?

Zainab: Okay then, start the car. Or should I drive?

Ridwan: No! Just eat...

Zainab: Are you sure you can drive?

Scene 10: On the Way Home

[Ridwan drives cautiously while Zainab eats the food he brought. They occasionally glance at each other, sharing silent moments of understanding and reconciliation.]

Zainab: (Breaking the silence.) Ridwan, I just want you to know that whatever happens, I'm here for you. We'll face everything together.

Ridwan: I know, baby. And I promise to be a better husband. I'll make it up to you, I swear.

Zainab: That's all I needed to hear... Thank you.

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

Mustakeem is admiring his newborn baby as she sleeps.]

Mustakeem: (Admiring his newborn baby) Look at my princess... She looks just like me, especially my forehead and lips... Masha Allah!

Habibah: (Walks into the room) When are you going to carry your child, huh? I put to bed 3 days ago and you still haven't lifted your own daughter. You can't stop staring at her!

Mustakeem: I wish I could, but I'm scared. I think I might break her bones... She's too fragile and too small for me to carry. I'm afraid I might hurt her. Trust me, I really wish I could.

Habibah: (Takes a seat) For how long is this going to continue?

Mustakeem: Look, dear, I have an idea... I rented an apartment for you, a self-contained apartment so you can take care of our child better. Or what do you think?

Habibah: What are you saying? Are you implying my parents can't take care of us?

Mustakeem: No, dear, don't get me wrong. You know they have done amazingly well to forgive us for this blessing right here, but I am thinking we don't need to bother them again. Trust me, I really want to be with her all the time and I can't be sleeping here... This is your parents' house.

[Suddenly, Abu barges into the room.]

Abu: She should move in with you so you can continue your sinful life, abi? I heard everything you said. Everything! You children nowadays overlook what is haram and what is halal for your own stupid comfort, and you have no idea of the danger you are digging for yourselves. Abi, was it not the same you two we called and asked if you would love to do your nikkah if you still love each other, and what was your reply exactly?

[Mustakeem and Habibah stare at the floor.]

Abu: Answer me!

[Ummu joins them in the room.]

Ummu: What is going on, dear? Who is stressing my husband amongst you?

Abu: Okare, my dear, it's these two! Can you imagine, they were planning on living together in a haram way?

Ummu: Subhanallah! Habibah, and you accepted?

Habibah: Never! I swear I wasn't in support of it... I swear by the name of Allah... I was against it.

Ummu: Hmmmm, don't let Shaytan use the two of you again. Because your first mistake was forgiven. This second one will be worse than your expectations. We already told you two to do your nikkah, but you said you are not ready!

Abu: May Allah bless you for what you just said.

Ummu: Ameen, my love.

Mustakeem: (Suddenly gets on his feet) We are ready to do our nikkah... I will bring my family so we can fix a date for our nikkah, sir. I know this might sound so sudden, but I want to be with my new family. I want to be with my daughter all the time, and I want her to wake up next to us. I don't want her to lack parental love, sir. Being a father is the biggest blessing for me.

[Ummu and Abu glance at each other in disbelief while Habibah's jaw drops, finding it hard to digest what she just heard.]

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

Later in the Night at Zainab and Ridwan's Home

[Zainab enters the room with a tray of food.]

Zainab: (Enters the room with a tray of food) Dear, dinner is ready... (Raises her head and almost drops the tray when she finds her husband on his knees in a fully decorated room) Oh my God! You almost made me drop the food! What are you doing again?

Ridwan: Baby, please... All I want is for you to tell me right here, right now, that you've forgiven me. I promise I will never hurt you again. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are a caring woman with a beautiful soul. Despite everything, you still care for me, you still stand by me. If I lose you, I've lost everything. Please, my baby... forgive me. I am very sorry. (Tears roll down his cheeks) Please, baby.

Zainab: (Hastily puts the tray on the bed) Please get up first, get up! (She wipes his tears)

Ridwan: I am not standing up until you tell me that you have forgiven me, and you must say it from your heart. Please.

Zainab: Okay! Fine! I forgive you! Okay? Just get up, please!

Ridwan: Now you sound like I forced you to say it.

Zainab: (Getting worried) Please stop all this. I have forgiven you. It's just hard to stop loving you, but I still love you, Ridwan. I don't even know what I see in you, but I find it hard to stop loving you despite everything. I didn't realize that until I had a bad dream about you. Please, get up! I forgive you from the depth of my heart. (Helps him get back on his feet as he embraces her tightly in tears)

Ridwan: Thank you so, so much. Thank you!

Zainab: (Also breaks down in tears) Please stop crying and eat your food... please.

Ridwan: (Suddenly lets go of her and begins to kiss her until they fall on the bed)

Zainab: Stop, please. (She manages to push him back, gasping for air) Please eat before your food gets cold.

Ridwan: You have no idea how long I have been dreaming of this moment with you again. You are all I need to eat tonight. (Tries to kiss her)

Zainab: Please stop! Wait first. I am not in the mood, please... I am tired. I don't even have the strength.

Ridwan: (Stares at her for a few seconds, then lets her go) Thank you so much for giving me another chance. So, what should we do then?

Zainab: (Pretending not to smile) Well, first of all, have your dinner, then we can watch a movie together.

Ridwan: Hmmm, I love that already. (He gets on his feet and carries the tray) Let's go to the living room then, so we can eat together because I'm not eating this alone. You need the energy.

Zainab: Let's go, jor!

Ridwan: (Happily follows her)

[Ten minutes later.]

Ridwan: (Licking his hands) Your food is always amazingly delicious... (Admiring her when suddenly he starts coughing)

Zainab: (Hurriedly offers him a glass of water) Sorry, dear, sorry... (Worried) I hope you are better now? (Hurriedly moves closer to him) Talk to me now!

Ridwan: I am fine!

Zainab: You don't look okay at all. Let's go to the hospital!

Ridwan: For an ordinary cough? I said I am fine.

Zainab: No, I don't believe you. Let's go to the hospital, please!

Ridwan: Trust me, baby. I said I am fine.

Zainab: (Suddenly grabs his hands and legs as she checks them out) Baby, are you sure? Let's go and do some check-ups.

Ridwan: You've been acting weird today, and you are getting me worried. Ajoke, what is the problem, gangan?

Zainab: (Exhales softly and resumes her seat) I just don't want to lose you... nothing else.

Ridwan: (Smiles and grabs her into his arms) You are the biggest blessing Allah has given me. Now let's focus on our romantic movie, don't ruin the moment, please.

Zainab: Okay, sir. (Rests her head on his chest while he grabs her) Look at that guy, he is funny looking...

Ridwan: Yeah, I know. (Couldn't stop admiring her) Baby?

Zainab: Yes?

Ridwan: I know this might sound insane, but I'm in the mood.

Zainab: (Suddenly raises her head) You have got to be kidding me! (She hurriedly gets up and starts running while he runs after her) Baby, stop now.

Ridwan: You too stop running now. If I catch you, you're not escaping. (Runs after her into the kitchen, from the kitchen to the dining room, to the living room and couches before he finally catches her) Gotcha!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS BOOK 2 - EPISODE ELEVEN

  EPISODE 11 Scene: At the Parking Lot M.K: (opens the car) Get in. Hazeemah: (worried) Whatever you’re thinking right now is a very dumb idea. M.K: I said get in! (raises his tone) Hazeemah: (obeys and folds her arms angrily) M.K: (closes the door for her, gets in, and starts the car) We’re moving out of this country faster than I thought. Hazeemah: What? M.K! M.K: No more questions. Hazeemah: Well, I have a lot to say right now. Look, I know you’re upset, but you can’t make a decision while you’re angry. There are other solutions to this—better ones. M.K: He almost hit you, Hazeemah. Hazeemah: But he didn’t! You can’t keep running from your problems. You need to face them. This is your home. M.K: Stay out of this. All I know is we’re leaving in two weeks. Hazeemah: (gasps in disbelief) Why is it that all you care about is your feelings? What about me? What about my dreams, my career? M.K: (glances at her) So you’re not coming with me, is that it? Hazeemah: No, baby, why are you m...

UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS BOOK 2 - EPISODE THIRTY

  EPISODE THIRTY Abdulsalam: There’s no way I’m letting Mum go to that man’s house. He doesn’t even deserve it. The fact that he refuses to open up means he’s already sick of her, and I won’t stand by and watch Mum bring more disgrace to our family. Abdulhakeem: I guess this is why Hazeemah insisted we shouldn’t inform Mum about it. Abdulrahman: Then who told her? Abdulsalam: I know Ummu well—anything related to a broken marriage, she’s always against it. Abdulhakeem: Everyone knows Mum. I’m sure she didn’t find out from our family. I’m certain of that. Abdulrahman: Get in the car. We need to find her before she gets there. (They all get into the car and reverse slowly.) Few minutes later Abdulsalam: Stop! That’s her car coming our way. Abdulrahman: Block the road. (They park the car and step out.) (Hajia Shukroh steps out, recognizing them.) Hajia Shukroh: There you are! I’ve been trying to call you. I want you to accompany me to Abdulmalik’s house. As for not telling me everythin...

UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS BOOK 2 - EPISODE TWELVE

  EPISODE TWELVE Hajia Shukroh: (Heading to the door) Hold on, I’m coming. (Opens the door.) Hazeemah: (Tiredly enters) As-salam alaikum warahmatullah, Mum. (Falls onto the couch.) Hajia Shukroh: (Confused) Wa alaikum salam warahmatullah wabarakatuh. What happened? (Joins her on the couch.) Hazeemah: You didn’t tell me marriage was like this! Hajia Shukroh: What is the problem? I was about to call you to thank your husband. My store is filled with foodstuffs, he bought me a bigger fridge, and he sent ₦500,000 to my account. Hazeemah: (Sitting up) When was that? Hajia Shukroh: Last night. So, tell me, what happened? Hazeemah: (Takes out her phone, about to dial his number, then pauses) Maybe I’ll wait until I get home. Only Allah knows how the house will be shaking right now. Hajia Shukroh: What is going on? Can’t you talk? Hazeemah: The thing is, my husband wants us to relocate abroad because of his family issues. (Interrupted.) Ummu Fatimah: (Comes out of the kitchen) Ummu, here’s...