Haneef: (nods his head as he enjoys the meal)
Nusaybah: (stylishly sits next to him, staring at him) I hope you're enjoying the meal, dear?
Haneef: (nods again)
Nusaybah: That’s good to hear. But uhmm, dear, I want to ask you a question—and I hope you won’t find it offensive.
Haneef: (nods again and focuses on the food)
Nusaybah: I noticed today that you aren’t happy… you look really down.
Haneef: (raises his eyebrows at her and continues eating)
Nusaybah: I... I don’t mean to bother you. I’m just concerned, you know…
Haneef: And since when did you care? Is it because you gave me food tonight, I won’t rest again? (removes his hand from the food)
Nusaybah: No! Please don’t get me wrong... I’m just worried about you, that’s all.
Haneef: (staring at her furiously)
Nusaybah: Ok, fine! (she gets up and tries to leave, then he speaks)
Haneef: I was fired today at work.
Nusaybah: (pauses) Subhanallah! What happened? How come?
Haneef: I thought you'd be happy to hear that. At least now we’re both jobless.
Nusaybah: Why would you say that? How can you think I’d be happy?
Haneef: Why wouldn’t you? You’re always happiest when I’m miserable—since my downfall is what you’ve always wanted.
Nusaybah: (confused) Why do you always think like this? Why? Haba! Now that I offered you food, I'm suddenly at fault?
Haneef: Since when have you been offering me food, tell me?
Nusaybah: Since when have you come home early from work—if not today?
Haneef: Even if! No matter what time I come home, you still don’t offer me dinner.
Nusaybah: Yes… you know what? I’m sorry for intruding in your life. Not like you ever give me anything out of your salary anyway, so—I'm sorry. (as she tries to leave, he grabs her hand) What?
Haneef: (exhales softly) When is your due date?
Nusaybah: Excuse me?
Haneef: You heard me clearly.
Nusaybah: (clears her throat) This month, I guess.
Haneef: Go to my room. You’ll see your things and the baby’s things there. Check the wardrobe.
Nusaybah: (surprised, she smiles softly and quickly looks away) Ok, sir.
Haneef: Before you go, add more soup for me.
Nusaybah: Ok, sir.
---
A few minutes later
Haneef: (enters his room) Aren’t you done packing it?
Nusaybah: Almost done!
Haneef: Hurry up and leave my room.
Nusaybah: Why were you fired?
Haneef: That’s none of your business, ok?
Nusaybah: It is my business. You have kids to provide for. That should concern me.
Haneef: I was fired because I never knew Lola was my boss’ girlfriend, ok?! (yells angrily)
Nusaybah: (confused) I thought you two were just colleagues?
Haneef: Yes, we are! But I didn’t know there was something between her and my boss! And this is all your fault. If you hadn’t kicked her out of this house, I would still have my job!
Nusaybah: That’s it! (she silently exits his room)
Haneef: Nonsense!
---
A Few Days Later
Aminah: (seated under the tree) What a lovely weather… (inhales the fresh air) I bet today is going to be great. (passersby mock her) What’s wrong with these ones? What’s funny now? This is why I don’t make friends. Just tell me exactly what’s funny here? (she sights Mubarak from afar, talking to a lady) See this one… what’s funny that he’s opening all those teeth? (she hisses and looks away) I just hate everything. (she sadly scrolls through her phone)
Rofat: (appears from nowhere) As-salamu alaykum, yaa ukhti. (bright smile on her face)
Aminah: (turns to her) Wa alaykum salam warahmatullah.
Rofat: (shy) Uhmm… please, can I join you here?
Aminah: (surprised) Of course! Yes! (she adjusts for her)
Rofat: Thank you. (she notices Aminah is focused on her phone) Uhmm… nice phone pouch you’ve got there.
Aminah: Oh, you mean this? It's nothing—I mean, thank you. (nervous)
Rofat: (smiles and lowers her gaze) My name is Rofat Dhykrullah. Luckily, we happen to be in the same department and same class… so we’re coursemates.
Aminah: (amazed) Really? You don’t mean it? But I’ve never met you before.
Rofat: Well, because you don’t associate with anyone in the class. You're always on your own—and so am I. I’ve actually studied you a lot and realized we think the same. We enjoy our own company more than being around people… we’re introverts.
Aminah: (gasps) Oh!
Rofat: Yeah. Since first semester, I’ve wanted to approach you, but I’m a shy person. Coming to you today took a lot of courage… and I hope you won’t turn me down.
Aminah: Of course not! I really appreciate the fact that you studied me for almost a year. That’s a lot to take in.
Rofat: I’m sorry about that.
Aminah: It’s nothing. I’m just amazed to hear all this from you. Ok then—by the way, my name is Aminah Nurudeen.
Rofat: Nice to meet you. (stretches out her hand)
Aminah: (shakes her hand) Nice to meet you too.
Rofat: Friends?
Aminah: Uhhhhhh… before that, I’d like to test you first. I know it might sound weird and crazy but…
Rofat: (cuts in) I totally understand. (bright smile)
Aminah: (surprised) Oh really? You’re just surprising me every second. Ok, I’d like to ask you one or two questions.
Rofat: (adjusts her seat) I’m ready.
Aminah: (weirdly staring at her) Ohhhhhkkk? (she looks away and scans the people passing by) Ok then… what do you think of men—especially men like that guy over there? (points at Mubarak)
Rofat: (stares at her for a few seconds before speaking) Well, uhmm… they’re players, deceivers, and can’t be trusted. At first, they behave like angels sent by Allah, but after they trap you with one thing or the other, they reveal their true identity.
Aminah: (gasps in surprise) Amazing! You just passed! We think the same way! You know what? We’re now besties! (she embraces her)
Rofat: (laughing) Yesss, besties indeed!
Aminah: (sits closer to her) So, tell me more about yourself…
Rofat: Wellllllllll……
************************
A month later (4:20pm)
Nusaybah: (in the kitchen, making dinner while looking uneasy) Why am I sweating so much? I think I might pass out… (she turns off the gas and moves to the living room, where she sees her friend wandering around the house) Who are you?
Sarmoroh: (shocked to see her) Madam! You haven’t put to bed? I came here ready to fight you today—I thought you’d delivered and didn’t tell me! Look how heavy you are! Haven’t you reached your due date?
Nusaybah: (tiredly staring at her and rolling her eyes) How many times will I answer this same question? For over a month now—ehn? You people should leave me alone oh. (she struggles to sit down)
Sarmoroh: (watching her struggle in surprise) You’re trying oh. Won’t you go and complain at the hospital that your baby refused to come to Nigeria?
Nusaybah: (bursts into laughter) You won’t kill me ooo! See, I’m struggling to breathe right now, please don’t add to my suffering.
Sarmoroh: (can’t take her eyes off her) But seriously, let’s put jokes aside—haven’t you reached nine months already? And why are you sweating like a laborer?
Nusaybah: Just leave me alone, please. Don’t stress my soul. I’m exhausted. Even my mother-in-law called this morning, asking all sorts of questions—as if I’m Allah.
Sarmoroh: (feeling for her) Sorry, ndo. You’ll deliver safely. Ahh! Women are really trying, but men are too blind to see it. What of your odogwu?
Nusaybah: Who is that?
Sarmoroh: (rolls her eyes) Your husband, of course.
Nusaybah: He went out.
Sarmoroh: So how does he treat you?
Nusaybah: Please, did you come here to question me about my marital life or to check on me? When was the last time you paid me a visit? So don’t ever ask about my personal life again.
Sarmoroh: Ah ah! Madam! It has reached that level? You think I intentionally didn’t visit? Have you forgotten I had a baby too—through C-section? It took months to heal. So because I couldn’t visit while healing, you’ve replaced me, abi?
Nusaybah: Yes! I’ve replaced you. Please stop bothering me. Maybe the fact that I’ve been sharing my problems with people is the reason behind my constant marital issues.
Sarmoroh: Wait—are you referring to me? As in, I don’t understand. Nusaybah, what’s gotten over you?
Nusaybah: Oh, now you want to pretend? Or have you forgotten the time I was sacked from work? You acted like you didn’t know me. You, Sarmoroh! That was the day I realized you were a fake friend. And luckily for me, I found someone way better to replace you in my life—my best friend, my well-wisher, my love, my baby, my little sister… Aminah.
Sarmoroh: (jaw drops in shock) Nusaybah!
Nusaybah: Please, free me abeg. Just don’t say anything again—you’re making me emotional already.
Sarmoroh: (finally closes her mouth) You know what? I won’t take all this to heart because of your condition. It might be your pregnancy making you say all these things. So there’s nothing for me to take personally. How are you doing?
Nusaybah: (she looks away)
Sarmoroh: At least answer me now… Nusaybah! I can’t believe pregnancy transformed you like this. What a pity. (she gets on her feet) I should be going since my presence isn’t welcome. I wish you safe delivery. Ma salam. (she shuts the door behind her)
Nusaybah: (hisses) Ojulari! Imunika kolegborun ashebi! Fake people everywhere. (she wipes her sweaty face)
(Mrs. Gbenga and Haneef barge into the house)
Haneef: Look at her here, Mum! When I used to tell you she isn’t an ordinary woman—now do you believe me?
Mrs. Gbenga: Enle bi o… (she moves closer to Nusaybah) Nusaybah! What happened? What’s going on?
Nusaybah: (still confused by the drama unfolding) Please, I’m confused. What’s my offence?
Haneef: How will you know? You’ve locked our child inside your stomach, chased good people from your life… Look at me. Ever since I met you, my life turned upside down—I lost my heart, my happiness, even my job. All because of you… You alone.
Mrs. Gbenga: (she cautions Haneef for his harsh words) Haneef! Watch it.
Nusaybah: (gasps) So what you’re trying to say is… I’m a witch?
Haneef: Yes! Let’s stop pretending. Yes, you are a witch.
Mrs. Gbenga: Haneef! Are you okay? What kind of expensive joke is that?
Nusaybah: (her eyes fill with tears as she looks at Mrs. Gbenga) Mum… can you hear your son?
Mrs. Gbenga: Please don’t mind all he’s saying, okay? He’s just joking.
Haneef: I’m not joking! I’m dead serious. I don’t want her in my life again. I’m tired of her presence in this house. And if she won’t leave, then I will.
Nusaybah: (exhales deeply, trying to calm her nerves)
Mrs. Gbenga: I swear to God who made me—Haneef, you will suffer for all this you’re doing to your wife. You’ll suffer the consequences. You inherited all your father’s evil traits—why? Do you know it’s this same wicked behavior that led him to his early grave? Do you want that for yourself too? Why can’t you see the blessing Allah gave you through this girl? Why are you so blind?
Nusaybah: (tears stream down her cheeks as she struggles to speak)
Haneef: Better stop those fake tears. Shebi you’ve bewitched my mother too, abi? Now she’s turned against me. How could you be so cruel to lock my child inside you for over a month? Why? If I offended you, must you punish my child too?
Aminah walks in with her father.
Dad: As-salamu alaykum, everyone in this house.
Everyone: (Responds as Nusaybah quickly wipes her tears)
Haneef: (Clears his throat) Welcome, Dad.
Dad: (Shakes Haneef's hand) How are you doing, my son?
Aminah: (Angrily staring at Haneef)
Mrs. Gbenga: Good evening, sir… how have you been?
Dad: (Bright smile on his face) Good evening, my in-law. Esi ku to ju omo yin. Thank you for taking good care of your daughter.
Mrs. Gbenga: Allah is the one taking care of us.
Dad: (Gently moves closer to Nusaybah) Asake mi.
Nusaybah: (Bows her head, trying to hide her face) Sir.
Dad: Pele, my dear. Sorry! How are you feeling?
Mrs. Gbenga: (Furiously stares at Haneef, whispers to him) You will see my wrath…
Dad: (Turns to Haneef) Haneef, how is she feeling now, and what did the doctor say about her delivery?
Haneef: Oh! You mean the doctor… he said (stammers) he said very soon… she just needs rest and enough exercise.
Dad: That’s very good. Sorry, my dear.
Nusaybah: (Heart pounding, face sweaty as she feels uneasy) Baami! (Touches his shoulder) I don’t feel so good…
Aminah: (Rushes to her) What happened? Sister mi?
Everyone: (Moves closer to her)
Nusaybah: (As she struggles to get up, water flows down her body) I… I think my water just broke.
Everyone: (Gasps and begins to panic)
Mrs. Gbenga: Get the baby things! I think it's time.
Aminah and Haneef: I’ll get it!
Dad: No! Haneef, go get the car!
Haneef: Okay, sir! (Runs out)
Nusaybah: (In labor pain) Yeeeehehhh! My leg! My back is heavy!
Mrs. Gbenga: (Sweating) Where are you now?
Aminah: I’m coming, ma!
Dad and Mrs. Gbenga: (Help Nusaybah out of the house)
Dad: Asake mi, sorry my dear. We came at the right time.
Mrs. Gbenga: Abi ooo… Open the damn car, Haneef!
Haneef: It’s open already!
---
At the hospital
The family waits at the reception, panicking and praying for Nusaybah’s safe delivery.
Doctor: Where is the family of the woman in the labor room?
Dad: We are the ones, sir.
Mrs. Gbenga and Haneef: We are here, sir. How is she and the baby?
Doctor: Unfortunately, sir, she can’t push the baby out by herself, so we have to go for a C-section immediately. I need you to sign here and here. She’s too weak to push the babies out.
Dad, Aminah, Haneef, and Mrs. Gbenga: Babies?
Doctor: Yes! Aren’t you aware she’s having twins? Please sign here, sir, and make the necessary payment now. This is an emergency.
Dad: (Quickly signs the papers) Thank you, Doctor! Please, nothing must happen to her.
Haneef: (Still in shock) Twins? She’s having two babies? (Rests his head on the wall)
Aminah: (Worried) Please, ya Allah, save my sister. Spare their lives for us, please.
Mrs. Gbenga: (Smiling happily) I can’t believe she’s having twins! (Follows Nusaybah’s father)
Aminah: (Furiously stares at Haneef) Stupid man!
10 minutes later
Dad: Yaa Allah, please spare my daughter’s life… I’m begging You…
Haneef: (Moves closer to him) I believe she will be fine. My wife is a very strong woman.
Aminah: Aberoloun! (Furiously glares at him)
Mrs. Gbenga: (Sees the doctor) Doctor! How is she?
Dad: Yes, please. How is my daughter?
Doctor: Congratulations! Your daughter delivered bouncing baby boys.
Haneef: (Gasps) Boys?