Mum: (she locks the door and puts the key inside her bra) I am done arguing with you. Let me see how you will leave this house without this key. (she angrily heads to the kitchen)
Khadijah: (feels like crying) Yaa Allah! What have I done to deserve this kind of punishment in my life? Eh? (she sadly heads to her room)
2 hours later
Ummu: (knocking) As-salamu alaykum, is anyone home? Are you sure my daughter is at home?
Gate man: Yes ma, she hasn’t stepped out of this gate today.
Ummu: Then why is no one responding? Or is she the only one inside? I hope all is well sha. I came because I haven’t heard from her for three days now. (she continues knocking until the door is opened)
Mum: Who is knocking like that? (she raises her head) Ahah! My in-law, I didn’t know it was you. Please come in, we have an important guest today.
Ummu: As-salamu alaykum ma, how is the family?
Mum: We are fine oh, and yours?
Ummu: (notices she didn’t respond to the greeting properly) Also, thank you for taking good care of her. May Allah continue to reward you abundantly.
Mum: Ameen ma, please have a seat while I call her for you.
Ummu: Alright ma, thank you ma. (she sits and looks around the living room)
Mum: (she knocks on Khadijah’s door) Khadijah, my dear, your mum is here. Please open the door.
Khadijah: (she hurriedly gets up and opens the door) My mum?
Mum: Yes, she is in the living room. Go and keep her company while I return to the kitchen, you hear?
Ummu: (listening and thinking) Her mother-in-law is the one cooking in the house? This girl is enjoying her marriage oh… Alhamdulillah, at least she is happy.
Khadijah: (she runs to embrace her mother) Ummu!
Ummu: (she stands and hugs her) Okomi, look at you, so beautiful and fresh…
Khadijah: (smiling) Ummu! You are the one that came to visit me like this? Ahh, rain must fall today.
Ummu: (chuckles) It’s not like that, my dear. This is your matrimonial home, I can’t just come anytime. So how are you doing? Look at my chubby baby… so, how far, any news?
Khadijah: What news?
Ummu: (whispers) Are you pregnant?
Khadijah: (nods)
Ummu: Masha Allah! Alhamdulillah, barakallahu feek! I am so happy for you. I wish you a safe delivery. Also, always make sure you eat good food, okay? I am so happy for you. Now you are free from all sorts of insults. Your sister told me what you went through some months ago.
Khadijah: (sadly) Hmm…
Ummu: Ehhen! Why is your mother-in-law cooking for you, and why is she living with you?
Khadijah: That’s how it is oh. Since she found out I am pregnant, she said she will stay here till I put to bed.
Ummu: Subhanallah! Why?
Khadijah: She said she wants to take care of me. Mum, you have no idea what I am facing in this house.
Ummu: Just be patient, you hear? As a woman, you need sabr. You have to endure… May Allah ease your affairs.
Khadijah: Ameen, mum.
Ummu: But why is she the one preparing food for you? This woman is going to spoil you oh.
Khadijah: That’s what you see, but I am seeing hell, mum. Just keep praying for me to put to bed in peace and for Allah to continue to grant me sabr in my marriage.
Ummu: May Allah ease your affairs. Sorry, my dear. But find a way to take your position. If she is cooking in this house, that should be your responsibility. And by the way, why didn’t you go to your shop? I went there two days ago, your apprentice said it has been almost a week since you came. Is it because of your pregnancy?
Khadijah: Yes mum, but today I tried to leave but she—
Mum: (interrupts) My in-law, your food is ready. And you, my dear, your special food is also ready. I know you must be very hungry.
Khadijah: (scratches her neck, hoping she didn’t hear) Okay ma…
Ummu: No ma, I will be taking my leave soon. I was going somewhere, so I decided to branch here to check on her. Thank you for your kindness, ma.
Mum: But my in-law, I have already served your food. Do you want it to waste?
Ummu: No ma, wallahi I am okay. Thank you for your hospitality. I should get going. (she stands) My dear, take care.
Mum: Alright, my in-law. Khadijah, accompany your mother out.
Khadijah: Okay ma. (she hurriedly follows her)
Mum: My regards to the family, ma.
Ummu: They will hear. Yours too.
Mum: (watching them leave) Look at how she dresses, just like her daughter. Training their children like prisoners… even prisoners don’t dress like this. And as for you, Khadijah, I will deal with your nonsense. You gossip about me behind my back, abi? No problem, come back and meet me. (she heads inside)
(Curtain)
During the evening
Adekunle: Baby, I’m home. (perceives aroma) Oh my God! I know this is my beautiful mum’s handiwork. Mum, I’m home, what are you cooking?
Mum: My son, welcome. (she embraces him) How is work? I hope it wasn’t stressful?
Adekunle: Where is my wife?
Mum: Hmm, she is inside.
Adekunle: Doing what? Why can’t she help you here? I’m coming. (he angrily heads to the room and finds her arranging his clothes)
Khadijah: My baby, welcome. (she tries to embrace him, but he pushes her back)
Adekunle: Just because my mum insisted on cooking for us, that’s why you decided to sit here without helping her in the kitchen?
Khadijah: (surprised) Baby, what are you saying? You know your mum won’t let me cook. In fact, she won’t even allow me near the kitchen except I want to drink water.
Adekunle: Even if she didn’t allow you to do anything, can’t you at least sit with her in the kitchen so she won’t feel lonely? This is my mother we are talking about. She is doing all this for her grandchild! Can I call your mother from her house to come and cook for us?
Khadijah: Baby, please, I don’t want us to have misunderstandings again. Okay, I’m sorry. I will go and help her now.
Adekunle: Oh, help her? You talk as if you are doing her a favor. Are you alright? Khadijah, mind yourself! My mother is not your maid. She has been through hell to raise me. She is old, she needs rest, and this is how you show appreciation for her kindness?
Khadijah: Baby, please!
Mum: (smiling in the kitchen) Ehhn, teach her a good lesson. Shebi she doesn’t have respect for me… (she smiles and sways slightly while cooking) just don’t hurt my grandchild.