Nusaybah: (notices all eyes on her) Uhmm, I’m so sorry, Sarmoroh. I didn’t mean to yell at you.
Sarmoroh: (sadly moves back to her spot) It’s okay.
Nusaybah: It's not what you think, please. I’m just going through a lot lately, that’s why. I didn’t mean to yell like that. Please, my best friend...
Sarmoroh: (fake smile) It’s okay, we’re cool. I just need to give you the distance you need for now.
Nusaybah: Look, I know you’re not happy with me and I’m really sorry. It wasn’t intentional, trust me. Okay, now I’m ready to tell you what’s bothering me. Please, my love... you’re the only listening ear I have. (She drags her chair closer to her) I need you more than ever right now, and I think I’m losing my cool.
Sarmoroh: (tired look) First of all, work on your anger! I’ve told you several times to learn to control it. You have no idea how much your anger hurts me. It’s not like I can’t express my own anger too, but I always care about how you’ll feel... Sometimes, I wonder if I even matter to you.
Nusaybah: No! Please don’t say that, okay? You really mean the world to me, Wallahi. And I’m working on it, please. I need your comfort right now. My Nikkah is in two days, but I’m the saddest person on earth right now.
Sarmoroh: May Allah ease your affairs. (She focuses on the computer) As you can see, I’m working right now, so please go back to yours.
Nusaybah: (sadly moves back to her spot and bows in tears)
Sarmoroh: (turns and notices she is crying, which catches the attention of their colleagues)
Nusaybah, (she drags her chair closer to her) is that why you’re crying? Okay, I’m here for you now. You know I can’t stay mad at you for long.
Nusaybah: (raises her head with sweat and tears all over her face) What am I doing wrong? Look at how miserable I look. I don’t even know what to do anymore. I lack happiness in my life and it’s killing me. (She breaks down in tears)
Sarmoroh: You know what? Let’s go outside and talk better. C’mon, let’s go!
---
AT THE OFFICE
Abubakar: What’s up, Ango! The latest groom in town. How far now? (handshake) How’s the preparation going?
Haneef: (tired face) I’m good, bro. Just exhausted, that’s all.
Abubakar: Why are you exhausted? You should be busy with wedding preparations. I wasn’t even expecting you here today — you should be on leave already!
Haneef: That’s true, but I need to finish this file today. After that, I’m off till next week, Insha Allah.
Abubakar: A week break? Why just a week? Don’t you want to spend more time with your spouse and enjoy your honeymoon?
Haneef: A week is fine. Besides, I can’t stay home for too long doing nothing.
Abubakar: I get that — man to man. So, how far now? How’s your wife-to-be and the rest of the preparation? I need full gist.
Haneef: There’s really nothing much to gist, jare. I’m humble.
Abubakar: Are you sure? ’Cause you don’t look so good.
Haneef: There’s just a lot on my mind right now. So many doubts. My family keeps disturbing me with calls — “send money for this, send money for that.” They want to drain everything left in me. I had to put my phone on flight mode.
Abubakar: I understand, bro. That’s the struggle of a man trying to make things halal. Ask me — father of three with so much responsibility. Welcome to the club, bro. I should get back to work. Just came to say hi.
Haneef: Thanks, bro. You’re the best. (handshake) Alright now, later.
(He picks up his phone and removes it from flight mode)
Let’s see how many thousands of messages I have here.
(Notification from Nusaybah)
What does she want this time? I thought we agreed not to communicate for now. (He opens the message and reads)
---
Message from Nusaybah:
“As-salam alaykum, dear. I know I broke the rules for love, but I had to. This week has been a mentally stressful one for me due to our misunderstanding, and I just want to be sure you’re not mad at me anymore. I can’t stand seeing you upset with me — it’s killing me here. My mind is occupied with you all the time. This is supposed to be our happiest week, but I don’t know if I might have hurt you in any way.
Please, find it in your heart to forgive me. I’m not happy seeing us like this. I need the old you back. I miss you so much.
Please, forgive your baby. I love you deeply…
I’ll be expecting your call if truly you’ve forgiven me. Bye.”
---
Haneef: (exhales softly and smiles)
You know I can’t stay mad at you forever. But it’s the way you always claim to be holy that annoys me. Be a practicing Muslim as you wish, but acting like a Holy Spirit gets on my nerves. And that anger of yours...
But I love you more...
(As he tries to dial her number, his phone rings)
Oh my God! Mum! (He picks the call)
Hello, Ma.
Mrs. Gbenga: What happened? We’ve been trying your number for over an hour now — it wasn’t reachable.
Haneef: My phone went off, that’s why. I just unplugged it now.
Mrs. Gbenga: Okay then. Anyway, I want to see you. You have a lot to send to me. Make sure you come over before going home. I want to show you all the preparations. Besides, since you insist on marrying her, we will do our duty as a mother and grant your wish. But just know that I warned you, sha.
Haneef: Mum! Can we not go into this again? Nothing bad will happen to my marriage, Insha Allah! And you must bless our marriage.
Mrs. Gbenga: No problem oh. Anyway, make sure you come to my place. The house has been filled with visitors since yesterday, and they all asked of you.
Haneef: (takes a deep breath) Alright, ma. Bye. (hangs up)
On the other hand is my mother—who's never happy to see me happy. These women won’t kill me… (his phone rings again) I was about to call you now. (he picks it up) As-salam alaykum, my Queen!
Nusaybah: Wa alaykum salam, my King. Are you still mad at me? Please, forgive me.
Haneef: Honestly, I’m not mad anymore. You’re already mine, and there’s nothing I can do about it. So... I’m sorry too.
Nusaybah: (bright smile) I’m so happy to hear this from you. Thank you so much, my love. So, how have you been?
Haneef: I’m doing great—busy spending here and there for our marriage. And you?
Nusaybah: Same here. A lot of spending... In fact, I’m broke. I hope your fashion designer is done with your clothes?
Haneef: Yes, he delivered them last night. That reminds me… I’ll come drop off your shoes tonight.
Nusaybah: Oh! I already bought them, but thank you so much. I’ll still be expecting you.
Haneef: Don’t worry then, I don’t have to come.
Nusaybah: C’mon! I was just kidding. I’ll be expecting you, jor.
Haneef: (smiles) Alright then, take care of yourself.
Nusaybah: You too. I love you. (waits for his response)
Haneef: I love you. Bye. (hangs up)
Nusaybah: (jumps out of the chair and embraces Sarmoroh) Thank you so much, bestie. I knew I could count on you—you always find a solution to my problems. (sighs happily) What would I do without you?
Sarmoroh: You see now? This is why I always warn you to work on your anger and apologize—even when you’re right—just to make peace reign. The kind of family I came from, we don’t get angry easily... until your cup finally gets full.
Nusaybah: So you’re pouring mine into the cup too?
Sarmoroh: Absolutely right, my dear. The day your cup gets full, eh? It’ll shock you that day.
Nusaybah: Abeg oh! Not even now, please. Don’t let it full now, oh!
---
Later That Night – 8:23 PM
The couple are on a phone call, smiling and laughing, excited to finally reunite and strengthen their bond.
Aminah: (knocks at her door) Hey sis, your attention is needed.
Nusaybah: (hears her voice but chooses to ignore it)
As I was saying, baby... I want our entrance to be so Masha Allah that guests will wish they had a Nikkah like ours.
Haneef: Hmmmm, just take it easy, madam. Don’t stress yourself that day. Prepare yourself for our wedding night—that’s my focus. Don’t give any unnecessary excuses. Trust me, I won’t listen to anything you say. It’s not easy to keep oneself for years.
Nusaybah: (tries to change the topic) So what about your siblings?
Aminah: (barges into the room) Didn’t you hear what I said? Your attention is needed outside. The house is full of guests and they haven’t even seen you.
Nusaybah: Baby, I’ll call you back. Please. (hangs up)
What exactly is your problem with my life? First of all, why did you barge into my room like that?
Aminah: Do you have any idea how long I was knocking and you ignored me?
Nusaybah: Get out! Now!
Aminah: (furious but chooses to calm down) Look sis, I’m not here to fight you, okay? Please, for once, let’s act like real sisters in front of the guests—even if we’re not. Please, for Dad’s sake… I don’t care about the bond we share, but please, wise up.
Nusaybah: (gets out of bed) Honestly speaking, you lack manners and respect for me. But I don’t have your foolish time right now. (pushes her and walks out) Make sure you get the hell out of my room.
Aminah: The room you’re leaving, or which one? (slams the door)
Nusaybah: (as she turns to face her, she notices everyone in the living room)
Guests: Here comes the bride-to-be!
Dad: (smiles)
Aminah: (fake smile) Here comes the bride.
Nusaybah: (forces a smile)
---
**********************
11:23 PM
Aminah: (on her bed, crying) I wish I was born without a sister. At least I’d know I had no one. What kind of sister is this—turning me into her enemy for no good reason? I’ve tried my possible best to make this bond work, but it keeps breaking even more… What else does she want me to do to prove my love for her? I thought sisters were one.
Other sisters out there appreciate each other’s presence in their lives—but mine? Always wishing I was dead. Does she ever care how I feel?
Our mom is gone, but instead of getting closer, we’re growing farther apart. What am I doing wrong? What else does she want?
Dad: (eavesdropping quietly)
Aminah: I’ve tried to get closer to my friends, but it’s hard to trust anyone with my pain. Sometimes I want to sit her down and express how I feel, but the way she receives me... it weakens me.
She’s not the only one going through hardship—we all are. But we need to be there for each other.
If she thinks I don’t need her, she’s wrong. If she thinks she’ll never need me—well, that’s not possible.
Mom... this wouldn’t have happened if you were still alive to speak some sense into us. I miss my sister so much...
But who is here to listen to me? No one even cares how I’m feeling.
Ya Allah, help us! We need Your mercy to reunite.
With or without each other, we’ll live our lives... but since the same blood flows through our veins, we should learn to appreciate each other.
Please change her mindset, Ya Allah... I’m tired of fighting. I just want my sister back. Please. (she breaks down in tears)
---
The Next Morning
Aminah: (ready for work) Baami! I’m going to work. (enters the living room and sees everyone moving around for preparations) Baami! (she spots him) I’m off to work.
Dad: Why?
Aminah: (confused) Sir?
Dad: Why are you going to work—when your sister’s Nikkah is tomorrow? This is the moment she needs you the most.
Aminah: Did she tell you she needs me? Her friends—and most importantly, her bestie—are with her. My position was occupied long ago. So what’s the point of staying home?
Dad: When will the two of you finally put a smile on my face? Go to her and talk to her. I’m sure she’ll listen to you. Please—I can’t bear to see you two like this.
Aminah: (exhales softly) Baami, she doesn’t need me, and I don’t need her either. We’ll be fine without each other. Please, just don’t bother.
Dad: So you won’t follow them to make their hair—or to the bridal shower—or whatever you women call it?
Aminah: (bows her head)
Dad: (touches her shoulder) Please, for my sake, go and meet her—even if she says nothing to you. Just be by her side. That’s my happiness—to see you two doing things together. Please.
Aminah: (sighs heavily) Baami, you know I’m only doing this for your sake. This is a huge task for me.
(they enter the living room and see Nusaybah and her friends fully prepared to go out for the bridal makeover) Sister mi!
Nusaybah: (raises her head in anger) Ehn ehn, what is it this time?
Aminah: (turns to her dad) You see what I’m saying, Dad?
Dad: Aduke Okin! She’s your sister—you need her.
Nusaybah: Baami, with or without her, life will go on. If I didn’t have a sister, wouldn’t I live my life? So please baami, I don’t want anyone to ruin my happiest moment. Girls, let’s go.
Sarmoroh: (pinches Nusaybah and whispers) Why are you talking to your sister like that? She’s your blood.
Nusaybah: She is not my sister!
Aminah: (turns to her dad with tears in her eyes) You see? (tears roll down her cheeks and she walks out of the house)
Dad: Aminah! (he furiously turns to Nusaybah and walks away)
---
Later That Night
The house is crowded with guests moving in and out. The bride’s father sits in the living room with his friends and relatives, watching movies and chatting.
Dad: (looks worried, stretching his neck toward the door, expecting someone)
His Friend: Baba Aminah, what’s wrong? You look worried. You’re not even active in our conversation anymore.
Dad: (sighs) It’s nothing jare, I’m just worried... my children aren’t back.
His Friend: Then give them a call instead of worrying.
Dad: Aminah is already inside. I’m worried about the bride... What’s taking them so long?
Nusaybah: (barges into the house with her friends, laughing)
Everyone: Here comes the bride! You look so beautiful.
Nusaybah: (greets everyone but notices her dad isn’t smiling) Thank you ma... Thank you sir. Amin ma.
One of the Relatives: Allah will bless you with twins and triplets.
Nusaybah: Amin ma. (still noticing her father’s expression)
Dad: (gets on his feet) Meet me in my room. Right now.
Nusaybah: (surprised) Okay sir. (turns to her friends)
Sarmoroh: (walks away)
---
Nusaybah: (stands by the door) As-salam alaykum, Baami.
Dad: Wa alaykum salam. Come in.
Nusaybah: (enters respectfully) You called me, sir.
Dad: Nusaybah!!!
Nusaybah: (still standing) Sir?
Dad: How many times did I call you?
Nusaybah: Three times, sir.
Dad: Tell me—what exactly is your problem? Why are you so mean to your sister? Your own blood? It's not like your mother gave you two different breasts. What kind of sister are you? Why do you treat your blood this way?
Nusaybah: (cuts in) Baami, Aminah has no respect at all. She’s rude and doesn’t even know how to speak properly.
Dad: Will you shut up?! Have you forgotten how you used to treat your elder brothers and sisters? Work on yourself first—then you’ll see if she changes or not.
Your sister has been crying in her room since she came back from work.
You’ve turned your friends into your family. Let me make this very clear to you—they’re with you now because everything is okay. When hardship comes, they’ll vanish. It’s your family that will remain.
Don’t let them take your sister’s place in your heart. In the end, you’ll be the one to suffer.
You’re getting married—and instead of you two acting like scissors that must stay together to work, you’re acting like fire and water.
If she doesn’t have sense, must you also lose yours?
The guests can already tell you two are not on good terms, and I’m here—trying my best as your father to raise you girls right.
Please, don’t make me feel your mother’s absence even more.
You’re hurting me, Nusaybah, you’re hurting me so much!
This is the last time I will speak to you about this issue. Use your head if you like. Use your feet if you want. The decision is yours. But remember—you are a woman. And if you don’t learn how to tolerate the people around you, you’ll always have issues in your marital home. Marriage will test your will.
You can leave my room now.
Nusaybah: (bows her head) I’m sorry, Daddy.
Dad: Sorry for yourself. Just leave my room.
---
The Next Day
The beautiful families of Mr. Haneef and Mrs. Nusaybah gather at the central mosque, where the ustaz unites the couple in the presence of family and friends.
After the Nikkah, the bride’s family escorts her to her matrimonial home.
---
Haneef: (gently opens the door and finds his wife on the bed, patiently waiting) My beautiful wife. (sits beside her as she covers her face with a veil) Are you shy? (he lifts the veil and raises her chin) You look so beautiful today...
Nusaybah: (shy and blushing) Leave me jor! (bows her head)
Haneef: Get down first... Tonight is the night, love...
Nusaybah: Stop saying that jor, besides, I’m tired today.
Haneef: Story for the gods! Madam, come here jor! (grabs her playfully) You're hard to resist tonight.
---
The Next Morning – Around 5:31 AM
Nusaybah: (opens her eyes with a bright smile, rubbing her hand on the bed, expecting to feel her husband’s arm—but the bed is empty) Where is he? (sits up and looks around) Baby? (stretching and adjusting her rough hair) Ayomi!
(she gets up and walks to the living room) Ayomi!
(she finds him sleeping on the couch) Babe! Why are you sleeping here? (she taps him gently) Baby!
Haneef: (opens his eyes briefly, then closes them again) See, don’t disturb my beauty sleep. (hisses and turns away)
Nusaybah: (shocked by his reaction) What do you mean?
Haneef: Oh—you want to know what I mean, right? (gets off the couch and faces her) How do you expect me to sleep in the same bed with a liar and a pretender?
Nusaybah: (breathing heavily) What do you mean? What are you talking about?
Haneef: Oh, you’re still pretending, abi? Well, let me tell you—Oh my God! My family was right about you, but I turned a deaf ear!
So after all that "I'm a practicing Muslimah" talk—you’re not a virgin?
Another man has already seen your nakedness? And you claimed to be holy around me?
Ahhhh! Nusaybah! You’re wicked! In fact, you’re capable of killing me, you chronic liar!
Nusaybah: (tears fall from her eyes) What did you just say to me?
Haneef: You heard me! I regret marrying you. What’s the point of being a practicing Muslim when you’ve given the gift meant for your husband to some stranger?
I’m so angry right now. Just avoid me.
Nusaybah: (breaks down in tears) What are you saying? Nitori Oloun, why are you doing this to me?
Did you marry me just to sleep with me and dump me?
Haneef: Shut the fuck up! Right now!
Or else I might do something nasty to you.
Just go back to bed and sleep… pretender!