At Sarmoroh's place
Sarmoroh: You know how people say marriage is a lifetime commitment, and once you're in, there's no way out... What kind of man did you marry, Nusaybah? I used to say men are heartless, but your husband broke the record. I remember when you wouldn't let me hear word, always shouting, "He loves me! I love him! We love each other!" Now see how it ended. I even used my own as an example to caution you. And the fact that you married a non-religious man — I never liked him from the start. But love is bigger than anything.
Nusaybah: Are you making fun of me or what? Do you know my age now? I'm 29 — I’ll be 30 next year. You know how much time I took choosing a partner. You know how much I suffered over this same Deen completion. If I had known it would end like this, I swear I would never have agreed to marry him. I'm not enjoying my marriage — not one bit. Now those who married early seem to have more advantage than me. What did I ever do to deserve this punishment? (About to cry) From the beginning, I've been unlucky when it comes to choosing a spouse. I thought Haneef was different. I loved him with all I had, but now look at what he’s turned into. It's absolutely unfair. Now I look like a burden in his life. He doesn’t even want to see anything that concerns me. Why? Why me? (She breaks down in tears) I got married late so I wouldn’t suffer in the hands of men. I made sure I achieved something meaningful in life before marriage, so I wouldn’t suffer — but look at me now. I’m not suffering physically, but emotionally... It’s killing me, Sarmoroh. I’m dying inside. Do you even know the worst part? I can’t tell my family. Is it my helpless father I’ll cry to? Or my stubborn little sister who is still young and naive? Or my brothers abroad?
Sarmoroh: (She consoles her) It's okay, dear. All will be fine. You just need to tolerate his attitude for a while — I'm sure he’ll come around. Give him the peace he demands. But not just that... we need to spice things up in your marriage. You can't just sit and do nothing. Because if your husband continues like this, my dear, he can’t get you pregnant. And that’s when you’ll start having problems with his family, especially his mother — since you said she doesn’t like you. This is what we call a battlefield in marital life, and I believe, in shaa Allah, you will win. Whatever I wish for you, may I get multiple of it.
Nusaybah: Then what should I do? Because I'm tired already.
Sarmoroh: (She moves closer to her) Do you still love Haneef?
Nusaybah: (She answers weakly) Yes.
Sarmoroh: I’m not convinced by that tone... Do you love him?
Nusaybah: (Bold voice) Yes, I do.
Sarmoroh: Do you want your broken marriage to be fixed?
Nusaybah: What kind of question is that? Of course, yes! I want it.
Sarmoroh: Then you must do whatever I ask you to do — if you really meant what you just said. You know men can’t resist a woman’s temptation and seduction.
Nusaybah: Are you saying I should seduce my husband?
Sarmoroh: You have no choice, madam.
Nusaybah: Noo! I can’t do that. You know the trauma I went through — you know I’m just recovering. Seducing is the last thing I want to do.
Sarmoroh: Then I guess you’re not ready to fight for your marriage. Allah knows I tried my best as your best friend and sister in Islam. Because I don’t see anything funny about a newly wedded bride staying at her bestie’s place during her honeymoon. And you know I’m also on maternity leave — anytime soon I’ll put to bed. So, what do you want to have for lunch? I’m starving. In fact, I’m craving snacks. Do you have anything in your bag for your baby to chop?
Nusaybah: (Fake cries) Today, I’ve confirmed you don’t like me at all.
Sarmoroh: Ehh! Madam! Don’t cry for me here o. My own is enough for me. My husband is not even at home for me to disturb — he’s the one who landed me in this mess.
Nusaybah: Are you trying to make me jealous now?
Sarmoroh: See, my dear. My marriage was almost like yours a few years ago — but not as early. But alhamdulillah, things are getting better. Do you know I once told you I was done giving birth? Well, my husband threatened to marry another wife if I refused to give birth again. I had no choice but to accept. But by the time I changed my mind — that with or without pregnancy, if he wanted to remarry, he would — it was too late. I was already pregnant without knowing. After this one, the gate is closed. If he wants to remarry, let him go ahead. Because I’m tired.
Nusaybah: What am I going to do now? I'm helpless. Please do something, Sarmoroh… Please.
Sarmoroh: (exhales softly and pats her back) Everything will be fine, in sha Allah. You just need to endure for the time being. Give him the peace he demands. But! Give me a second, let me get that sexy nightie I once bought.
Nusaybah: (grumpy) I don't want to seduce him. Please find another solution.
Sarmoroh: We have to give this a try first... Give me a second.
---
Kunle: Bro! This isn't funny anymore. You came here yesterday — I thought you were joking. Now today again? And you still won't open up to me? Did something happen in your marriage?
Haneef: Nothing bro. My marriage is great. (sad face)
Kunle: So you're not gonna tell me, right? Bro! Obviously, things aren't going well with you — it's written all over your face.
Haneef: Read it out then.
Kunle: Bro! This is what I hate about you. You always keep things from me. A problem shared is a problem solved. Talk to me, man.
Haneef: I said nothing is wrong.
Kunle: You're wearing a damn suit, Haneef!
Haneef: I guess you're the wrong person I need right now. (gets on his feet) Have a nice day.
Kunle: Yo! C'mon! Don't be like that, man. Okay, I'm sorry. Have a seat — let's talk, okay? Have a seat.
Haneef: There's nothing to talk about. I came here not to talk, but to have a quiet moment today... Is that too much to ask?
Kunle: If that's what you want, then so be it. Sit down and enjoy your peace while I get back to work. Deal?
Haneef: (stares at him for a few seconds before he gives in) Alright then. (he gets seated)
Kunle: (focused on his system) This is weird. So weird!
---
Later in the night
Nusaybah: (setting the dining table) What's taking him so long? This is after 8. I tried his line but he's not picking… What kind of heartless man is this? (She sights him as he storms into the house) Welcome sir.
Haneef: (no response)
Nusaybah: (notices he is holding a leather bag) I'm greeting you, sir.
Haneef: (hisses and slams the door behind him)
Nusaybah: (takes a deep breath) I guess he isn't eating tonight as well... But let me ask him sha. (She knocks at the door) Can I come in? (No response) I guess that's a yes. (She enters and finds him undressing) Dinner is ready, sir.
Haneef: To hell with you and your food.
Nusaybah: (gasps in shock, furiously wants to respond but controls herself and exhales softly) Okay, sir. (She turns and exits the room as her heart pounds heavily and tears flow down her eyes) How on earth am I supposed to seduce him? This is never going to work... What did I ever do to deserve this? Why me? (She wipes her tears and returns the meal to the kitchen)
---
An hour later
Nusaybah: (finally enters the room to sleep but finds him still on the bed, displaying the takeaway meal he bought from a restaurant on the floor. She wants to ask why he refused her meal but keeps mute and quietly packs the takeaway into the kitchen) Everything will be fine, Nusaybah. Don’t cry again… Just as Sarmoroh said — everything will be fine. (Tears roll down her eyes unexpectedly, and she quickly wipes them off)
Haneef: (pressing his phone) I thought you wouldn’t pack it. I would’ve shown you what hell means. Rubbish!
Nusaybah: (she enters the room again and heads straight to the restroom to shower)
---
Few minutes later
Nusaybah: (she comes out of the shower with her soaked body wrapped in a short towel around her chest)
Haneef: (raises his eyebrows, surprised to see her, but doesn’t want her to notice he’s staring) Hmmmm!
Nusaybah: (looks at him and rolls her eyes, speaking in her mind) Why is he staring at me? Not like you find me attractive anyway. (The towel accidentally drops from her body and she hurriedly picks it up and covers herself)
Haneef: (his mouth is wide open)
Nusaybah: (stylishly turns to check if he noticed what just happened)
Haneef: (hurriedly looks down)
Nusaybah: Thank goodness you didn’t see it.