Haneef: (bangs the door) You just walked out on me, Nusaybah! You walked out on me, abi? You must redo what you just did… Since you want to prove you're a curse to me, then repeat it!
Nusaybah: (exhales softly as she climbs onto the bed)
Haneef: (bangs the door again) Before I get back from work, I don’t want to see you or anything that belongs to you. Make sure you leave nothing behind before I return! (he angrily walks out and slams the door)
Nusaybah: (she jumps down from the bed and rushes to the bathroom to throw up)
---
At the Office
Haneef: (angrily typing at his desk)
Abdulbasit: (barges into his office) Yo bro! How far now? What’s up, man? (they shake hands) Wetin sup now? Why you dey frown face like that? What happened this time again? Let me guess — your wife?
Haneef: (gives no response, focused on the monitor)
Abdulbasit: Ogbeni! I’m talking to you joor!
Haneef: (looks up) Did you come here to gossip or to work?
Abdulbasit: Yo! Calm down. You’ve been aggressive ever since you got married. And mind you, you chose that woman — we didn’t. So why always pouring your frustration here?
Haneef: Watch your mouth, Abdulbasit! Or get out of my office now!
Abdulbasit: I’m not leaving. Do your worst. You’ve become the office clown. Even Aminu, your close friend, joined them. I’m the only one who stood by you, and this is what I get?
Haneef: (sighs heavily)
Abdulbasit: What’s wrong, man? Talk to me. A problem shared is half solved.
Haneef: So you can broadcast it to your fellow newsroom mates, abi? I don’t even blame any of you. I blame myself.
Abdulbasit: Of course, you should blame yourself. I remember how you bragged about that girl before marriage. You talked like she was an angel — “she’s a virgin, she’s pure, she’s lovely, she’s independent…” Now you’ve married her and found sorrow instead. You know how our colleagues are — sharp mouths. We’re even going on vacation in a few months. You shouldn’t have hyped your wife like that.
Haneef: (tightens his fist, his eyes turning red)
Abdulbasit: Now everybody knows your wife isn’t a virgin. Even our female colleagues make fun of you — despite all the ones that were dying to marry you.
Haneef: But I didn’t tell them anything! I swear I didn’t!
Abdulbasit: You don’t need to say anything. It’s written all over your face. Just one look, and anyone can tell what’s going on in your marriage. You used to be so lively — now look at you. If you’re not happy, get a divorce.
Haneef: Divorce isn’t that simple. Honestly, I’m tired… I don’t know what to do anymore.
Abdulbasit: Get a divorce — simple. I can hook you up with a normal, beautiful girl. Trust me, you’ll be happy again.
Haneef: (takes a deep breath) I’ll think about it and get back to you.
Abdulbasit: Alright bro, but think fast before this whole thing ruins you. You’ve lost weight — just look how pale you are. Anyway, later bro. (they shake hands)
Haneef: Thanks, bro. I really appreciate it. (hits the desk) Look at what you’ve done, Nusaybah. All because of you, I’ve become a laughingstock to everyone.
---
At Mrs. Gbenga’s House
Mrs. Gbenga: (picking beans in the living room) Faridah! Go and check if the water is hot. I’m almost done with the beans.
Faridah: Okay ma.
Mrs. Gbenga: (hears a knock) Faridah! Go and check who’s at the door, someone is knocking.
Faridah: I’m coming, please. (she walks to the door and opens it) Oh, it’s even this one. (she hisses and slams the door in her face)
Mrs. Gbenga: Who is it?
Faridah: Just guess, mum.
Mrs. Gbenga: Which one is guess? Will you go and open the door?
Faridah: The door is open already, she just failed to come in.
Mrs. Gbenga: Come in then.
Nusaybah: (quickly wipes her tears and steps in) As-salaam alaykum, ma.
(No one responds to her greeting.)
Nusaybah: (nervously swallows) Can I come in, ma?
Mrs. Gbenga: Hm-hmm-hmm! Stay right there.
Nusaybah: (freezes)
Mrs. Gbenga: I can see you don’t have common sense. Once your legs start hurting, you’ll come in.
Nusaybah: (enters and tries to embrace her, but gets her hand pushed away) Good afternoon, ma.
Mrs. Gbenga: Ehn? What’s good about the afternoon, and what exactly are you doing in my house? Tell me.
Nusaybah: Please ma, I’m not here to offend you. I just want to talk to you. (she tries to help with the beans but gets her hand slapped) Oh! I was just trying to help you with the beans.
Mrs. Gbenga: (scans her from head to toe) I have hands and I can pick the beans myself — before you add something to it.
Nusaybah: Ma… (she sits beside her, moving closer) Please, I’m really sorry for everything. Please forgive me and my husband. I just want you to love me like your own daughter.
Mrs. Gbenga: Over my dead body… Love who? You? Have you forgotten how my son disgraced me months ago because of you? Ever since he met you, he changed completely. He stopped listening to me.
Nusaybah: Please, it’s not what you think… please just hear me out.
Faridah: (interrupts) Hear what out? The rubbish you have to say, abi? Ever since I met you, I hated you! Because of you, my brother treats me like trash — all to defend you. You haven’t seen anything yet. I’ll show you pepper myself. Rubbish!
Mrs. Gbenga: Did I put your mouth there? Take these beans and go back to the kitchen!
Faridah: (murmurs)
Mrs. Gbenga: Are you deaf? Did I ask you to talk?
Nusaybah: (nervously) Please ma… Wallahi, I swear by Allah, I mean well for you and your son. I love you both for the sake of Allah. Don’t think I’m behind my husband’s behavior — he has changed towards me too. I know what I’m going through right now… even my marriage is on the line. All I want is your love and blessings. Maybe everything happening is because your heart has not been in support of us. Please, forgive us. Forgive me. Accept me as your daughter and wish me what you wish your own child. (she breaks down in tears) I’m in serious emotional pain in this marriage. Please, I beg you in Allah’s name — open your heart to me. Love me like your own child. This suffering is too much… please.
Mrs. Gbenga: Oh, so what you’re saying is I’m the one behind your failed marriage? Is that what you mean?
Nusaybah: No! I swear that’s not what I meant. What I’m saying is — a mother’s anger is powerful. If she doesn’t bless something, it can never flourish. Please, bless me. Accept me. I lost my mother seven years ago, and I know what it means to not have one. I’ve prayed to find a mother in you — to love and guide us. Please ma… (touches her lap) Please, for Allah’s sake, this pain is becoming unbearable. But with your support, I know I can endure more. Please… Eejoor.
Mrs. Gbenga: (looks away, slightly moved) So what exactly do you want me to do? I don’t know why you’re begging like I’m the cause of all this.
Nusaybah: Please, mummy… All I need is your love and support. I promise I’ll be forever grateful. You’re all I have left as a mother. Please maami…
Mrs. Gbenga: (exhales softly) Okay, okay! Enough with the tears. If your husband finds us like this, he’ll think I’m the one punishing you. Get up.
Nusaybah: Please, let me stay like this…
Mrs. Gbenga: I said get up!
Nusaybah: Please let me remain like this — if this is the only way I can win your heart. Please accept me as your daughter. I mean well for you and your son. (her crying intensifies while Faridah watches)
Mrs. Gbenga: Okay then. If you can prove to me that you deserve to be called my daughter, then I’ll accept you.
Nusaybah: Thank you so much, ma. May Allah continue to bless you and your entire family. Thank you so much. I’m deeply grateful.
Mrs. Gbenga: It’s the least I can do to make you stop crying. I mean well for my son too. (scans her again) Is that why you look so lean? Your eyeballs are pale… you don’t look well at all.
Nusaybah: Yes, ma. That’s true. I plan to branch the hospital today, insha Allah.
Mrs. Gbenga: From the way you look, I can tell you’re pregnant.
Nusaybah: (nods nervously)
Mrs. Gbenga: (smiles) That’s good news. Congratulations. I wish you safe delivery.
Nusaybah: (finally feels at ease) Mummy, can I join her in the kitchen?
Mrs. Gbenga: If you have the strength, go ahead. But if not, sit here and rest.
Nusaybah: I can manage, ma. (she gets up and walks toward the kitchen)
Mrs. Gbenga: Abi! Before people start thinking I’m heartless. This life isn’t supposed to be so hard. (sighs)
---
AT THE SCHOOL CAMPUS – 1:43 PM
Aminah: (She enters the mosque and drops her bag to perform ablution.) The weather looks good today.
(She moves to the back of the mosque and finds a brother trying to ease himself.) Subhanallah!
(She quickly runs away and moves to the female side, peeping to see if he noticed her.)
Mubarak: (Startled) What happened?
(He looks around and sees her hiding place.) Actually, Hajia, I can see you. (smiles)
Aminah: (She runs away, panting heavily.) Koju mariri kuri losan gangan!
---
LATE IN THE EVENING – IN NUSAYBAH'S HOUSE
Nusaybah: (She is in the kitchen making dinner.) I don’t feel so good… I feel like I might pass out.
(Feeling dizzy.) And I still need to prepare dinner for Mr. Wahala.
(She hears a knock at the door.) Since when did he start knocking as if he doesn’t have his key? This man just wants to kill me—nothing else.
(She moves to the living room.) I’m coming!
(She angrily opens the door.) Baami!
(She embraces him.) Baami! You finally came to visit your abandoned daughter... (She holds him tightly.)
Dad: (Smiling, letting go of her) How have you been? Sorry I took so long to come. Can I come in?
Nusaybah: (Embraces him again, now in tears) Baami!!
Dad: (Curious, concerned) Is something wrong? (He lets go and looks into her eyes.) What happened, my child? You look so pale. Did your husband do this to you?
Haneef: (Appears from nowhere) As-salam alaykum, Dad!
Dad: (Looks behind him) Amin, wa alaykum salam warahmatullah.
Nusaybah: (Quickly wipes her tears)
Haneef: (Scans the room) How are you doing, sir? Please come inside.
Nusaybah: Let’s go in, Daddy.
Dad: (Still curious) Okay.
Haneef: (He embraces his wife, trying to create a romantic scene by the door.)
Nusaybah: (Pushes him away stylishly) Let me go, please.
Dad: (Clears his throat) Hmm... I'm still here.
Haneef: So sorry, sir. Honey, why don’t you bring food for Dad—or are you not done with dinner?
Nusaybah: (Nods and heads to the kitchen)
Dad: (Sadly stares at her as she walks away)
---
A FEW MINUTES LATER
Nusaybah: (Places her head on his shoulder) Baami... I miss home. So much.
Dad: Have you forgotten this is your home now?
Nusaybah: I know... but...
Dad: (Still watching her closely) Did something happen, my child? You don’t look happy.
Nusaybah: It's nothing...
Dad: Are you sure?
Nusaybah: Yes sir... nothing. (She stares at the ground.)
Dad: I better get going then. It’s almost time for Solatul Maghrib.
Nusaybah: Can’t you stay a little longer? Your presence means so much to me right now...
Dad: You look weak. Did you have anything for lunch?
Nusaybah: I don’t have an appetite...
Haneef: (Joins them) Welcome to our house, sir. We're truly grateful to have you here.
Dad: The pleasure is all mine. I should be on my way now.
Haneef: So soon? Why?
Dad: It's time for solat.
Haneef: Then I shall accompany you, sir.
Dad: Alright then. Thank you for taking care of my daughter. It’s very obvious in her appearance that she’s well cared for.
Haneef: All thanks to Allah, sir. We’ll be right back, honey.
Nusaybah: (Embraces her father again) I’ll miss you so much, Daddy.
Dad: I’ll miss you too. Your sister asks after you often. She promised to come visit you soon.
Nusaybah: Okay sir. Bye... (She waves sadly, then runs into her room and shuts the door behind her.)
I miss home... (She breaks down in tears.)
---
AN HOUR LATER – PHONE CONVERSATION
Nusaybah: (On a call with her sister)
Aminah: What’s wrong? Why does your voice sound like that? Did something happen?
Nusaybah: (Exhales softly and tries to sound cheerful) It’s nothing, dear. Dad came by an hour ago. He said you’ve been asking after me, and I missed my little troublemaker. That’s why I called you.
Aminah: (Chuckles) Awwwn! I miss you even more. I miss our fights and troubles... I miss everything.
Nusaybah: (Tries to hold back her tears) I do too...
Aminah: (Noticing her tone again) I can feel something’s wrong. What happened, sis? Talk to me.
Nusaybah: (Clears her throat) Nothing, dear. There you go with your questions again. Anyway, how are lectures going?
That reminds me—I sent some money to your account last night. Did you see it?
Aminah: Oh! That’s true—I didn’t know it was from you. I thought Allah decided to feed me directly.
And I didn’t even get an alert. I just noticed my account balance had increased. Thank you so much, Sister mi.
It’s like you knew I was in serious need of money right now.
Nusaybah: (Forces a small smile) Just manage that for now, okay? I hope Dad is eating well, sha?
Aminah: Yes. I always make sure he has breakfast and lunch before I go to class. No one needs to remind me to care for him—he's all we have left.
Nusaybah: That’s very good of you.
(She hears footsteps.) I’d better go now. Take care of yourself. I love you.
Aminah: And you too... Wait, sis! I just want to tell you that whatever you're going through, believe it's a test from Allah. We came into this world to be tested. Once you accept that, your focus will shift to passing the test. After every hardship comes ease. Keep that in mind, and you'll begin to face your obstacles with peace.
May Allah ease your affairs. I promise to visit you soon.
Nusaybah: (The words touch her heart) Ameen... I will, my dear sister. Thank you so much. Ma salam.
Aminah: Bisalam. (Hangs up)
Nusaybah: (Takes a deep breath and wipes her tears) I can do this... I can!
Haneef: (Interrupting) What can you do?
Nusaybah: (Startled) Subhanallah! You scared me!
Haneef: (Angrily staring at her) What are you still doing in my house?
Nusaybah: (Encouraging herself silently) Don’t let anything hurt you again... whatever he says or does, don’t fight back. Just stay calm or walk away.
Haneef: I’m talking to you, woman!
Nusaybah: When my dad came here earlier, why didn’t you throw my things out and tell him I’m going back home?
Haneef: I don’t care about that. All I know is, you’re leaving my house tonight.
Nusaybah: Okay. (She walks past him and heads to the living room)
Haneef: (Following her) I’m talking to you and you just walk out on me?! This is exactly why I want you out. Do you know what I go through at the office because of you? Just leave my life! I’ll send you the divorce papers later.
Nusaybah: (Gathers enough courage to face him) I, Nusaybah, am not going anywhere. Not in the middle of the night. I won’t repeat the mistake I once made. So it’s either you kill me and your unborn child right now—or let me be.
I don’t even have any strength left in me. You derive joy from my sadness, Haneef—and that’s okay. I will be fine, in shaa Allah.
You can do whatever you want. I'm not stopping you. But please... let me have this child under her father’s roof. Then, I will leave your life forever.
Haneef: (Shocked) You’re pregnant? Why didn’t you tell me?
Nusaybah: And since when did you care about my wellbeing? Please... just give me peace, even if it’s only until I deliver. After that, you can go ahead and file for divorce.
Haneef: (Short of words) I... how come?
Nusaybah: Oh? You mean how did I get pregnant? As if you didn’t sleep with me—even if it was just twice, it’s still something.
Besides, this will be the only child I ever have for you. Let her come into this world peacefully.
Your dinner is on the dining table. (She begins to feel dizzy) Ugh... my head hurts so much.
Haneef: (Quickly holds her) Are you okay?
Nusaybah: I... I don’t feel... so good...