Nusaybah: Baby, talk to me… what happened? I hope all is well sha?
Haneef: Could you believe my boss just called me — to resume back at the office!
Nusaybah: (confused) Did you lose your job before?
Haneef: Yes! Wait… you don’t remember that too? Anyway… I have gotten my job back! My amazing job back! Alhamdulilah! (he kisses her forehead) This is happening all because you’re back in my life. Thank you so much. (he embraces her once more)
Nusaybah: (confused smile) Yeeeh! I’m so happy for you.
Haneef: Thank you, my queen! And could you believe the truth came out once my boss found out Shola cheated on him with another guy? Can you believe it? Now that she’s out of his company… we are back, baby.
Nusaybah: Who is Shola? Baby, I’m confused. At least put more light into what you are saying.
Haneef: (realization) Oh! Oh! Baby, don’t worry, okay? The point is, I have gotten my job back, and I’m to resume tomorrow. So once we’re done making dinner, then we’ll pick the right suit for me. Hmmm.
Nusaybah: (smiles) Okay, dear. (she sights her kids entering the kitchen) Awwnn, look at my little pumpkins… you’re awake.
Haneef: My boys! Come to papa.
Nusaybah: (she carries one of them) Do you miss mama? Or breast milk?
Haneef: Eehn, that reminds me, dear… I know you are the strongest woman I have ever met, but you deserve every peace in this world. That’s why I’m telling you to please stop breastfeeding these old men, okay?
Nusaybah: (chuckles) Old? Who are you calling old?
Haneef: These men right here. Enough of their breastfeeding. Let me take over the rest, okay, till the milk is finally gone. I don’t want them sucking all your blood like vampires. Besides, the milk isn’t even enough for them… it’s like drinking water to dilute their meal. So please…
Nusaybah: (bright smile) First of all, my babies aren’t old men, they’re just a year and seven months. Secondly, I guess you’re right, but I wish to breastfeed them till they clock two years. But since you insist, no problem — though it won’t be easy.
Haneef: I know… and we’ll feed them well. Even if I have to buy baby food, all that matters is you finally resting.
Nusaybah: (pouring out the food) Okay o… motigbo. Take them to the living room. It’s almost time for Maghrib. I’ll join you soon. Thanks for helping out in the kitchen.
Haneef: You’re welcome, my queen. Now old men, let’s leave mama alone.
Nusaybah: Baby stop! Stop it jor! They are still babies.
Haneef: Babies? These ones that almost finished ten noodles in three days? (he heads out)
Nusaybah: (laughs out loud) You are so funny… gosh! I’m so happy to have you back.
---
7:20 p.m. (Living Room)
Nusaybah places her head on Haneef’s lap and dozes off, while the twins also fall asleep in his arms. They were watching a movie together. Haneef sits stiff, trying his possible best to make his blessings sleep comfortably on him as he admires them.
Haneef: (smiling, whispering to himself) I never realized what Allah blessed me with until now. Just look at my blessings… especially my woman, my Nusaybah! My warrior queen! The Queen of all Queens. You deserve better than having me as your husband, but I’ll take that as my luck. I promise never to hurt you again… I will make you happy always. (he struggles to lean in but still manages to kiss her forehead) I love you so much, my Queen!
Suddenly, Mrs. Gbenga and her daughter barge into the house, scanning their surroundings.
Mrs. Gbenga: (smiling as she sights them) Awwnnn… look at you guys, so cute together.
Faridah: (chuckles) Amazing! Please, stay like that, let me snap you guys.
Haneef: No!! Don’t do it. She isn’t putting on her khimar… she won’t like that.
Faridah: C’mon, no one is going to see it.
Haneef: I said don’t!
Mrs. Gbenga: Are you deaf?
Nusaybah: (finally awake, rubbing her eyes) Baby, what’s wrong? (she sights them) Oh! Good evening, ma. (she gets up quickly and moves towards them, but they welcome her into their arms)
Mrs. Gbenga: My Nusaybah! Allah will continue to bless you for me. You shall live a long life, you shall eat the fruit of your labor. May you never lack anything in your existence again. No sorrow and pain shall come your way again. We are so sorry for everything, and we hope you find it in your heart to forgive us.
Faridah: Yes, our wife… I’m sorry too for how I used to talk to you harshly. Please forgive me. We love you so much! And I really learnt a lot from you. I would like to be closer to you, if you don’t mind. (they both hold her tight, unwilling to let go)
Nusaybah: (confusedly stares at her husband as she struggles to breathe) Ameen, ma… thank you, ma. (tries to free herself) How are you doing, ma?
Mrs. Gbenga: (touches her face and places her hand on her head) You are blessed, my daughter. I’m sorry we took so long before coming here… Faridah wasn’t feeling too well.
Faridah: (surprised) Me or you? You were the sick one now.
Nusaybah: (smiles) Eeyaa… so how are you feeling now, ma’am? May Allah (SWT) grant you complete shifa. Please, come and have a seat while I get something for you to drink.
Haneef & Mrs. Gbenga: (in chorus) No!!! Don’t worry about that.
Nusaybah: (shocked at their chorus response) Why? At least you need to take a chilled drink to relax.
Haneef: (gently places the twins on the couch and walks to her) Don’t worry, I’ll do it. You just sit right here.
Nusaybah: (surprised) What are you doing? This is my duty, na…
Haneef: I know. (heads into the kitchen)
Mrs. Gbenga: Come, have a seat next to me, my dear. (tapping the couch)
Nusaybah: (smiles politely, sits next to her, though uneasy)
Mrs. Gbenga: (studies her for a few seconds, then holds her hands warmly) I just want to say a big thank you—for giving our family another chance to make things right. We will forever be grateful for this honor.
Nusaybah: (smiles softly) Thank you, ma… you’re welcome. Besides, we love each other, so why wouldn’t I set him free?
Mrs. Gbenga: (suddenly recalling her memory loss) Oh! My bad—I forgot. But Allah is indeed great. We are so sorry, my dear… deeply sorry.
Faridah: (moves next to Nusaybah, rests on her shoulder) We are really sorry, ma. Please forgive me too. I want to be your sister. I want to learn from you, and I promise to give you the respect you deserve.
Nusaybah: (feels uneasy at their kindness, but only responds with a smile)
Haneef: (returns with the drinks) Here you go. (he draws his wife onto his lap and whispers) Now are you comfortable? Because clearly, you weren’t—with them.
Nusaybah: (smiles faintly, nods)
(Haneef’s family continues trying to please her. He watches quietly, stealing glances at Nusaybah, smiling at her every few seconds until they finally leave.)
Haneef: (stretching his arms) Uhh, finally… they’re gone. Now we can have time for ourselves.
Nusaybah: (jumps up from the couch, embracing him tightly) Thank you for having such an amazing family. See how they treat me like the First Lady of Nigeria! It’s my honor to be your wife.
Haneef: (smiles, holding her close) You have no idea how happy I am right now.
Nusaybah: (lets go, tries to kiss him, but he quickly steps back) What’s wrong?
Haneef: (hesitant) This… this one you’re insisting on, kissing me so willingly—it doesn’t feel right for me. I don’t deserve you.
Nusaybah: (confused) What do you mean?
Haneef: (removes her hand from his chest, looking away) I’m sorry, my love… but I… I can’t.
Nusaybah: Can’t what? Aren’t you my husband? Why are you rejecting me? Did I do something wrong?
Haneef: No! You did nothing wrong. Everything you do is always right, and I appreciate you so much.
Nusaybah: Then come here. (she forces a kiss on him; after a few minutes, he breaks free) What!
Haneef: (looking down, voice heavy) I’m so sorry… but I don’t deserve this from you.
Nusaybah: (hurt) What are you saying? You don’t want to… to have me?
Haneef: (silent, torn) …
Nusaybah: Excuse me? Am I not beautiful enough for you anymore? Uh!
Haneef: That’s not it, my love. Please, listen to me—
Nusaybah: (angrily hits his hand, storms inside)
Haneef: Baby, please! Listen to me… (he remembers the twins, carries them to the room, then shuts the door) Please, I’m sorry!
Nusaybah: Don’t “sorry” me. Just give me one good reason why you don’t want us to go further than kissing.
Haneef: (thinking, unable to speak) I don’t deserve your body because I’ve hurt you and your body so many times. What if we go further and you remember your past? I’m scared to lose you again. Please, Ya Allah, let her understand.
Nusaybah: (snaps) I’m talking to you!
Haneef: Uh? I’m sorry, honey! Please… let me make it up to you. Just not tonight, please.
Nusaybah: (glaring) Give me one good reason why we shouldn’t. Tell me!
Haneef: (opens his mouth but no words come out) …
Nusaybah: (angry) You know what? You’re right. You don’t deserve me. (she storms into the shower)
Haneef: (sighs heavily, sets the twins down) What am I going to do? (sits on the bed, waiting for her) Baby… please hear me out. I can’t bear to see you angry with me.
Nusaybah: Don’t you dare touch me! Just stay away from me, since that’s what you want.
Haneef: Noo! Please, my angel, don’t do this to me. Please! Okay, I’ll make it up to you. Just name it! I can’t bear to see you sad because of me.
Nusaybah: (wears her nightgown, climbs into bed) Good night.
Haneef: (thinking) Haneef, think! Do something! (he leans to kiss her, but she pushes him away) Baby, na! I said I’m sorry. Okay, how about this—we’ll have romance, but no sex. Okay?
Nusaybah: (hisses, turns to the other side) You must be a joker. Leave me alone before I bite you.
Haneef: (chuckles softly) Baby, na… (he goes to the guest room, drags the twins’ bed into their room, tucks them in) You guys sleep here tonight. (he showers, changes, then lies next to Nusaybah, pulling her into his arms. She is already asleep. He kisses her forehead and whispers) I’m sorry, my queen. I wish I could tell you my reason, but I can’t—unless I want to hurt you even more. Of course my body yearns for you, but I don’t deserve you… I don’t. (he kisses her again, holding her tightly) Good night, my Queen.
Daybreak – 6:49am
Nusaybah is in the kitchen preparing breakfast while her husband is bathing the kids. She sets the dining table but avoids speaking to him.
Haneef: [enters the kitchen] I’m done bathing the kids and also dressed them.
Nusaybah: [keeps silent]
Haneef: [thinking of a way to make her talk, then leaves; he reappears a minute later] Baby! Let me see what you’re making for breakfast… [stands behind her and tries to open the pot. She hits his hand and he screams] Heeeyy! Yeehhh! My hand!
Nusaybah: What happened? [shocked as she sees him open his palm, where he has written “I’m sorry”; she touches her chest in relief] What is wrong with you? You scared the hell out of me! Do you have to shout like that, just to show me what you wrote in your palm?
Haneef: [stands upright, admiring her reaction] That’s a relief—you’re finally talking to me.
Nusaybah: [looks away] Leave me, please. [she walks out]
Haneef: Baby, now!
[An hour later]
Haneef: Baby, I’m ready for work! I don’t want to be late. What should I get for you on my way back?
Nusaybah: [turns to the other side of the bed, playing with her babies]
Haneef: [joins them on the bed] I want to carry my charger from there. [climbs over her and kisses her] I love you so much… and I’m sorry. I promise to get you something amazing on my way back.
Nusaybah: [blushing] Leave me, jor.
Haneef: [gets off the bed and heads out] Bye.
Nusaybah: Your adkhar!