Nusaybah: (eyes widen in disbelief) Subhanallah! Babyyyyyy!
Haneef: (smiling, hands her a key) Here, my love… this is all yours.
Apprentice: As-salamu alaykum, ma’am! How are you? We are your apprentices, ready to learn and be impacted with your amazing knowledge about catering. This little company now belongs to you.
Haneef: (laughs softly) Awwn, stop! It’s just a shop.
Apprentice: As the signboard says—“Hajia Saybah’s World.” Welcome, boss.
Nusaybah: (tears stream down her face, overwhelmed) Babyyyyyy!
Haneef: (embraces her warmly) This is exactly the reaction I was hoping for… and it was worth blindfolding you. Come on, why the tears now? You should be smiling.
Nusaybah: But why didn’t you tell me about all these plans?
Haneef: I’m sorry, love… but a surprise must be kept secret, remember? I just hope you like it.
Nusaybah: You shouldn’t have gone this far… you shouldn’t have done all this.
Haneef: (looks her straight in the eyes) I had to. You know I ruined your career and your dreams because of my selfishness. Ever since I realized my mistake, all I’ve wanted is to make it up to you. (lets her go, voice thick with emotion) I’m sorry for every pain I caused. I will keep asking for your forgiveness until my last breath. And I swear, I will never hurt you again. Never. (wipes her tears)
Nusaybah: (sniffles) But… how on earth did you get all these apprentices and machines? How?
Haneef: I posted about your company on social media, and that’s how I found them. So… do you like it?
Nusaybah: (sobs gently, shaking her head) I don’t like it at all… I love it. I just couldn’t hold back my tears because of the joy overflowing in my heart.
Haneef: (grins, hugging her tightly) Awwwnnn, I’m so happy to hear that. Come on, let’s go inside and explore.
Nusaybah: (wiping her tears, smiling) Okay, baby… okay oo.
Apprentices: Welcome, ma’am!
Nusaybah: Thank you… thank you so much, everyone. I deeply appreciate your love and care.
(They all walk inside the spacious shop for a tour.)
---
A Month Later
It had been an amazing reunion for Haneef’s family. He had finally found the life he longed for—learning from his mistakes, never ceasing to love and respect his wife. Every day, he strived to be the best husband, and the peaceful life Nusaybah had always prayed for became her reality. It was as if her dreams had blossomed before her eyes.
A few days later came Aminah’s walimatul nikah. The entire family joyfully attended, relishing every moment by her side. Families from both sides grew so close that they became one big household. Even Mrs. Gbenga shocked everyone when she wore a long khimar for the first time. Though it caused a little stir, everyone was happy for her, knowing she was ready to embrace Islam fully.
When Aminah was accompanied to her new home, her sister and cousin shed uncontrollable tears. Their father struggled the most—his heart heavy with loneliness at the thought of letting her go.
---
A Few Days Later
Nusaybah visited her father with a serious purpose: his health and his future.
She gently convinced him to consider remarrying, so he wouldn’t feel so lonely. She reminded him that their late mother would want to see him happy, and that remarrying wouldn’t be disloyal to her memory. She backed her words with wisdom from Islam.
At first, Baami hesitated, clutching his wife’s memory tightly. He worried that seeking new companionship might feel like betrayal. But Nusaybah pressed on, soft yet firm. “Happiness after hardship is possible, Baami,” she told him.
Finally, he agreed—though he confessed he feared no woman would accept him at his age. Nusaybah smiled, assuring him, “There’s always a chance for joy, even after the storm.”
---
Back to Present Day
Nusaybah was in the kitchen preparing breakfast one quiet morning when she suddenly heard her sister’s voice in the living room. Dropping what she was doing, she rushed out—only to find Aminah laughing and playing with her children.
Nusaybah: (gasps, runs forward) Baby sis! Is that really you?
Aminah: (spots her and jumps up) Oh, sister mi! (they embrace tightly)
Nusaybah: How have you been? Sorry I didn’t come to check on you—I didn’t want to interrupt your honeymoon. You know… that’s the time you two need to “do the do.” (teases with a mischievous smile)
Aminah: (laughs, playfully hitting her) C’mon jor! Stop teasing me. You should have come over. I missed you so much—that’s why I came. If you can’t come to me, I’ll come to you. Look at you, sister mi! See how chubby you’ve become.
Nusaybah: (laughs) I was about to say the same to you! Masha Allah, marriage looks good on you oh. Alhamdulilah! But wait—there’s no problem, right?
Aminah: (smiling) Why are you teasing me like this today, eh? Anyway—how’s your husband?
Nusaybah: Oh, he went out to buy bread for us. Come, sit down, let’s gist.
Aminah: (chuckles, then leans in) Sister mi… that reminds me! I have something incredible to tell you. It’s unbelievable.
Nusaybah: (curious, leaning forward) What is it? Gist me, I’m already curious. I hope all is well?
Aminah: Actually, it’s good news.
Nusaybah: (hand on chest, sighs) Alhamdulilah! That’s a relief. So what is it about?
Aminah: Well… you remember the discussion we had on the phone about finding a wife for Baami?
Nusaybah: Yes, of course. What about it? What happened?
Aminah: (smiling) Relax, sis. There’s nothing to be worried about. Don’t let your BP rise, please. Do you know who I met with Baami when I visited him yesterday?
Nusaybah: (growing anxious) Madam, speak up jor! Do you want to kill me with suspense?
Aminah: (bursts into laughter) I found your friend’s mother there—Sister Sarmoroh’s mom!
Nusaybah: (confused, stunned) Excuse me? Do you even realize what you’re saying?
Aminah: Shebi we are the ones who suggested he should remarry, now it’s hunting us. I swear it was her. If you had seen the way they were behaving yesterday, eh! You would know. Love was just shining in their eyes. And remember, Sarmoroh’s mom is also a widow.
Nusaybah: (gasps, holding her head) No! No!! You must be confused. It’s impossible. How on earth would Baami fall in love with Sarmoroh’s mother of all people? Why her? Don’t forget Sarmoroh and I aren’t even talking because of what happened the other time. No way! This love cannot work. We must do something to end it before it even starts.
Aminah: (serious) But why? Do you know how long I begged Baami when I was still living with him to please remarry? He refused. Now that he has finally opened his heart, you want to scatter everything because of your quarrel with her daughter? Naaa, sis! This marriage must work, and this love must land. Alhamdulilah! I’m just so happy for Baami. Love at old age is a beautiful thing, jare.
Nusaybah: (worried, pacing) Aminah, no. This must not happen. We have to do something about it.
(Just then, Haneef walks in cheerfully, carrying a bag of bread.)
Haneef: As-salamu alaykum, baby, I’m back with the bread. Are you done with the—(he stops mid-sentence as he notices Aminah)—Ah, ah! Who do we have here this early morning? Our beautiful latest bride! (smiling teasingly) How are you? You look so stunning, I shouldn’t even say it, but I can’t help myself. Masha Allah! Honestly, your husband should allow you to start wearing niqab in public—you’ll just be attracting men anyhow with this beauty.
Aminah: (laughs, blushing) Abegi! I’m flattered. Good morning, sir. I’m doing well, thank you. And thank you for taking care of my sister—I can see the results written all over her body.
Haneef: (laughs) All praises belong to Allah! (turns to his wife) That reminds me, baby, here’s the bread. I’m starving. Have you fried the eggs yet?
Nusaybah: Not yet, sir. I was actually thinking we should make toast bread instead, so I waited for you.
Haneef: That’s great—I was thinking the same thing! Alright, feel free to gist with our lovely bride while I go and prepare it.
Aminah: (shocked, laughing) Ahh! Odidi balele! A whole head of the house wants to enter kitchen? No o, never! My sister and I will prepare it. Abi, sister mi, let’s go.
Haneef: (waves his hand) Nooo! C’mon, let me insist, please.
Aminah: (firm) No way. We can’t allow you to be cooking breakfast. You’re a man, now.
Haneef: (grinning) And so what? Madam, sit down and rest jare. I’ll be right back to join you both.
Aminah: (turns to her sister, laughing) Sister mi! So this is how you’re enjoying life? And you can’t even tell me?
Nusaybah: (rolling her eyes) Tell you what, jare? Do you know how many times I’ve fought him about this same issue? And his response is always the same: “I don’t care what people think or say.” So, what do you want me to do?
Aminah: Ok o… but wallahi, I never believed your husband could be this sweet! Now he’s making me jealous.
Nusaybah: (laughs) Nikini? Madam, pack well jor.
Aminah: Anyway, back to our discussion. I want to pay that woman a visit and try to help Baami with the proposal instead.
Nusaybah: Laye! Not me! Count me out of this, gosh. Why must it be Sarmoroh’s mother, wallahi? Kai!
Aminah: Kadar sis, kadar! Stop being a stubborn head, let’s go.
Nusaybah: Leave me alone, jor.
Aminah: How about this afternoon? We’ll go together—I’ll wait for you to get ready.
Nusaybah: Look, I’m busy!
Aminah: For Baami’s sake—you’re busy?
Nusaybah: You’re so annoying, wallahi! Ok fine… I wish I could go, which I’m lying, but the truth is—I don’t have strength these days. I don’t even feel so good, trust me.
Aminah: (suspicious, squints) Hmm… ok. Since you don’t value Baami’s happiness, I’ll go by myself.
Nusaybah: (annoyed, glaring at her) I hate you so much.
Aminah: (smiling) I love you too. Anyway, get up and join your husband in the kitchen. I should be on my way, I have lots of places to go. Bye later—and get well soon, if you’re truly sick.
Nusaybah: (softly) Take care of yourself, my love.
Aminah: (heading out, waving at the twins) Byeee, my little pumpkins! Small mummy loves you. Masalam. (slams the door behind her)
---
A WEEK LATER
Morning, 5:23 a.m.
Haneef: (stretching, nudging her gently) Baby, wake up. It’s time for solat.
Nusaybah: (half-asleep, groaning) Mmm… leave me alone.
Haneef: (sits up, frowning) Baby? (he cuddles her, whispering in her ear) Wake up, it’s time for Fajr.
Nusaybah: (irritated) I said leave me alone, please.
Haneef: Why would you say that? Are you on your period?
Nusaybah: (sighs, turns to the other side of the bed) Just go. I’ll join you soon.
Haneef: (pauses, eyes widening) Wait a minute… you haven’t seen your period, right?
Nusaybah: Yes—and so? (pulls pillow closer)
Haneef: (quickly grabs his phone, scrolling through his calendar) Baby, wake up! Your period is late.
Nusaybah: (murmurs) I guess that’s a good thing.
Haneef: (serious) I’m not joking. I just hope it’s not what I’m thinking.
Nusaybah: (sits up suddenly, panicked) What did you just say?
Haneef: (stares at her, confused but realizing at the same time)
Nusaybah: (jumps out of bed, panicking) Ya Allah! Nooo! This can’t be! I can’t be pregnant.
Haneef: (calmly) Do you have any PT test here?
Nusaybah: (snatches the phone from him with trembling hands) Why are you saying this? I’m not pregnant! You probably miscalculated.
Haneef: (softly) Baby, calm down. Don’t be scared. Do you know this is actually good news?
Nusaybah: (shocked) Good news? Can you hear yourself? Our kids are still too small, too young! They’re twins, remember? No, I can’t be pregnant now. No way!
Haneef: (moves closer, placing his hands on her shoulders) Baby, relax. Everything will be sorted out. Besides, you’re not alone—you have me, always.
Nusaybah: (shaking her head, tearing up) No, no, no! Our children should at least be four or five years old before another baby.
Haneef: And who made that rule?
Nusaybah: (snaps) Medically!
Haneef: (gently lifts her chin) Look, honey, everything will be fine. I’ll always be by your side, for the rest of my existence. Don’t worry—you’ll have all the love and support you need.
Nusaybah: (folds her arms, bitter) Shebi it’s love that will carry the baby for nine months, abi? Better leave me alone.
Haneef: (sighs deeply, but firmly) All I know is this: whether you’re pregnant now or not, if Allah blesses us with another baby, we are having this child. And that’s final.
Nusaybah: (snaps back) We’re not even sure yet! Maybe my period is just late—or maybe you miscalculated.
Haneef: (holds her hand again, looking into her eyes) Baby, you recalculated it too. I swear, I’ll be with you through every step, no matter how hard it gets. Please… let’s welcome this blessing.
Nusaybah: (pulls her hand away, storms into the bathroom)
Haneef: (chuckles, shaking his head, following her) Babyyy! C’mon—we can do this, ok?
*********************
3 Weeks Later
Nusaybah: (steps down from the car, waves at her husband) Byeee! Take care of yourself. (sighs) Uhh, I hope this goes well.
Aminah: (arriving from a bike, waving) Sister mi!
Nusaybah: (turns, surprised) Ah! Iyawo Yawo!
Aminah: Good morning, sister mi. How have you been? You look amazing today.
Nusaybah: You’re not looking bad either! Gosh, I love this material—where did you get it? So unique! Your tailor is really good.
Aminah: (blushing) Awwn, I’m flattered. Let’s go in jor, Dad and our new mum must be waiting.
Sarmoroh: (appears from behind) As-salam alaykum everyone.
Nusaybah: (turns, shocked) Walaykum salam warahmatullah… (falls silent)
Aminah: Masha Allah! Sister mi, look at our new sister-to-be. Welcome, Sister Sarmoroh. It’s been ages since we last saw you. Welcome to the family.
Sarmoroh: Thank you, my dear. It feels unbelievable. Anyway—Nusaybah, how have you been?
Nusaybah: Great! And you? (looks away quickly)
Sarmoroh: I guess you’re still mad at me?
Aminah: (cuts in) Can we not do this now? Let’s go in. Our parents are waiting… let’s go, girls.
Sarmoroh: (smiling brightly, still watching Nusaybah closely) Yeah, right. Let’s go.
Nusaybah: (feeling uncomfortable as they all walk in together)
---
Dad: Here come my beautiful princesses—Masha Allah!
Aminah: (runs to hug him) Baami! (embraces her mother too) Maami! You look amazing today.
Mum: Thank you, my darling. You girls look stunning too.
(Meanwhile, Nusaybah and Sarmoroh stand still, avoiding each other’s eyes.)
Dad: Why are you two standing over there? Come here.
Nusaybah: (forces a fake smile) As-salam alaykum, Baami.
(Awkward silence fills the room. For two whole minutes, no one speaks. Everyone waits for someone to break the ice.)
Dad: (finally exhales softly) As-salam alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, everyone.
Everyone: Walaykum salam warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
---
3 Hours Later
Nusaybah: (opening the gate, sighing deeply) Uhhh… what a day.
Sarmoroh: (follows her out) Nusaybah.
Nusaybah: Na’am?
Sarmoroh: I know you’ve been avoiding me since we got here. How long are we going to keep this up? I’ve told you several times—I’m sorry. Can’t we forgive and move on? Look at the bright side, we’re now family, alhamdulillah. Wallahi, my intentions toward you are pure. I value our bond, but what can I do? You choose to ignore me, and it’s unfair.
Nusaybah: (stares at her silently, then suddenly pulls her into an embrace) Just come here. I’m sorry for everything. I didn’t mean the things I said back then. You know—pregnancy hormones. I’m deeply sorry for hurting your feelings, my lovely sister.
Sarmoroh: (smiling brightly through tears) I missed you so much, my lovely friend. So how have you been? How are my babies? I heard you had twins!
Nusaybah: Yes, they’re with their grandma for the weekend. I needed rest too. How are yours?
Sarmoroh: Alhamdulillah, they’re fine. I have so much to gist you about. Where are you going now? Why not come to my shop?
Nusaybah: I wish I could, but I have clients waiting—I can’t disappoint them.
Sarmoroh: Really? Masha Allah! Tell me more.
Nusaybah: What happened to your job?
Sarmoroh: I quit after you were fired. I felt so guilty.
Nusaybah: You shouldn’t have done that.
Sarmoroh: I just wanted you to see how much I love you, Nusaybah.
Nusaybah: (softly) I’m sorry. Truly, I’m so sorry.
Sarmoroh: (smiling) Anyway, bygones are bygones. Let’s go to your shop instead.
Nusaybah: Alright then.
---
9 Months Later
Kamal: (shouting) Mummyyyyyyy!!!
Nusaybah: (snaps angrily) What!!! Kilode?!
Kamal: (bursts into tears)
Haneef: (rushes in) Yoh! You’re scaring him away.
Nusaybah: Maybe that’ll make him leave me alone for once. I’m tired! I’m carrying this one inside me, and the ones outside want to kill me! Kilode?!
Haneef: Take it easy with them. They only need your attention.
Nusaybah: (panting) Can’t you see I’m struggling to breathe? This is ten months already—they’ve refused to come out!
Haneef: Wait—you’ve reached ten months?
Nusaybah: Yes now!
Haneef: (eyes widening, staring in shock) Babe!!!
Nusaybah: What?!
Haneef: Are you sure of the scan? Are you sure it’s just one baby inside?
Nusaybah: (snaps) I never told you I did any scan. I don’t believe in them. Remember when I had the twins? The scan said one baby—look where we ended up! (suddenly freezes, eyes wide) Babyyy! Don’t tell me it’s what I’m thinking again?
Haneef: (gulping) Baby… I think we’re having twins. Again.
Nusaybah: (panicking, trembling) Noooo! This can’t be! No!!!
Haneef: Baby, relax. Please, don’t panic.
Nusaybah: (screams, clutching her stomach) Nooo! What am I going to do? (suddenly her water breaks) Yeeeehhhhh!!!
Haneef: (alarmed) What happened? Are you urinating?
Nusaybah: (screaming) My water just broke!
Haneef: What does that mean?!
Nusaybah: (wailing) It’s time!!! Yeeeehhh!!!
Haneef: (panicking even more than her) What?! Oh my God, I need to call my mom! I need to call your dad! Wait, let me get the box!
Nusaybah: Hurry up, oooohhh!!!
Kamal & Jamal: (laughing innocently) Water… water!
---
THE END.