Khadijah finally moved freely in the house without intimidation. Since her mother-in-law left, she could attend to her clients without fear.
At Adekunle’s office
Secretary: Sir, you have a guest.
Adekunle: A guest? I wasn’t expecting anyone. Who is it?
Secretary: Mr. Kelvin.
Adekunle: Oh! Let him in.
Secretary: Alright, sir.
Adekunle: (muttering) Oh dear Lord…
Kelvin: (enters the office, slamming the door) Yo buddy! How far na? (extends his hand for a handshake)
Adekunle: Yo bro! I’m good. You?
Kelvin: (sits) Cool too. But seriously, you just erased us from your life just like that. Why?
Adekunle: Sorry bro, I never erased you. I’ve just been so busy. You know how it is… family life now.
Kelvin: Ever since you married, everything about you changed… completely.
Adekunle: Yeah, that’s true. The sacrifice of a married man. So how have you been?
Kelvin: Cool. Just got back from the UK last week.
Adekunle: (chuckles) Yo man, spoilt brat! I know you travel just for fun. I can’t even remember the last time I went anywhere. Guess I’ll have to plan a family trip soon.
Kelvin: So you’re just gonna abandon your childhood friends?
Adekunle: No! I could never do that. Just… some things I did as a bachelor I need to quit.
Kelvin: Well, good for you. As for me… I’ve got a lot to enjoy before settling down. In fact, I don’t even want to settle. Just gonna have fun, no strings, no marriage.
Adekunle: Suit yourself, bro. So… what brings you here?
Kelvin: Just to see you, man! I missed you. Also, we’re organizing a pool party at Eko Hotel—loads of fun, lots of ladies—and I don’t want you to miss it.
Adekunle: (smiles, speechless)
Kelvin: Say something, bro. I know you love the idea.
Adekunle: I… I don’t know… I can’t.
Kelvin: Come on, man, I know you love it.
Adekunle: Yeah… I do, but I just can’t anymore.
Kelvin: Because you’re married?
Adekunle: Yes. I can’t cheat on my wife. Besides… what’s in those women’s bodies my wife doesn’t have? And she’s way more beautiful than any of those… well, you know.
Kelvin: Does she… perform well in bed?
Adekunle: (yells) Oh, please, Kelvin! What’s wrong with you? Fine! I’m not going to your so-called pool party—period!
Kelvin: You’re trying to be faithful… but have you ever wondered if she’s cheating on you?
Adekunle: My wife would never cheat. She loves me. She’s mine—only mine. I don’t care what you think.
Kelvin: Then why are you yelling? Relax, man.
Adekunle: (takes a deep breath) I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to yell. Anyway… I actually have a business proposal for you.
Kelvin: Not interested. (stands up to leave)
Adekunle: Kelvin, come on!
Kelvin: You’re not interested in my offer, I’m not interested in yours.
Adekunle: You’ve got to be kidding me. This is business we’re talking about!
Kelvin: I’m talking about friendship, bro. I need the old you. Look at you… it’s obvious your wife is in charge now.
Adekunle: She is not!
Kelvin: Then prove it.
Adekunle: (speechless)
Kelvin: See? You can’t. You’re weak—physically and emotionally. Your wife has ruled your life. I’m out. (slams the door)
Adekunle: (furious)
(Curtain)
Later that evening, 5:30 p.m.
Khadijah: (knocks at the gate) Gateman! Please open the gate now! (honks car horn)
Gateman: (hurriedly opens the gate) Sorry, ma’am, I was in the toilet.
Khadijah: Oga, oh. (drives in)
Rasheedah: My sister is now an expert driver! Hmmmm… your enjoyment no be small thing, oh.
Khadijah: Come down abeg with your talk talk.
Rasheedah: Ok o, your highness.
Gateman: (rushes to apologize) I’m sorry, madam, I was… in the toilet… excreting…
Khadijah: It’s fine. Don’t make me vomit, please. I’m seriously tired. Rash, let’s go inside.
Rasheedah: Ok o. But I hope your husband isn’t back yet… I don’t want trouble.
Khadijah: (heads to the kitchen for a chilled water) I’m so tired, wallahi.
Rasheedah: I’ll take my leave soon. I don’t want to meet your husband… We’re like fire and water. Finally, you’re free from your so-called mother-in-law.
Khadijah: I swear… I feel like I’m in paradise.
Rasheedah: I pray she never comes back… except to check on you guys.
Khadijah: Amin! (hears a car horn) Oh no, my husband is back… And I haven’t cooked.
Rasheedah: He’s back? I better get going, then.
Khadijah: (rushes to the kitchen) You know he was joking, but still… water on the fire.
Adekunle: (enters the house, finds Rasheedah in the living room) Hnn mmmmm.
Rasheedah: Good evening, sir.
Adekunle: Good evening, ma. Three days… how are Mum and Dad?
Rasheedah: They’re fine, sir. (avoids his look) Sorry about the other day… I was just worried about my sister’s safety.
Adekunle: It’s ok. I’m sorry too. When will you invite us for your wedding?
Rasheedah: (chuckles) Very soon, insha Allah. How’s work, sir?
Adekunle: Stressful as usual, but we thank God.
(Suddenly, a sound comes from the kitchen. Both rush in and find Khadijah lying unconscious.)
Adekunle: Baby!!! (rushes to her) Please, water!
Rasheedah: (panicking) Here it is, sir!
Adekunle: (sprinkles water on her face) What happened?
Rasheedah: Nothing, sir. She said she was tired and hungry… probably stressed from the shop.
Adekunle: (after several attempts, she regains consciousness, panting heavily) Baby! Sorry… what happened?
Khadijah: (panting, no words)
Adekunle: I’ll call the doctor now. (dials)
(Curtain)
20 minutes later
Doctor: Mr. Adekunle, your wife’s blood pressure is high due to stress and overthinking. This can affect both her and the baby. She needs rest and minimal stress. I’ll prescribe medication—please ensure she takes it.
Adekunle: Alright, sir. I’ll do as you say.
Rasheedah: Thank you, doctor.
Mum: (bursts in) What happened to her? I came running immediately after I heard… Is she fine?
Rasheedah: (jaw drops)
Adekunle: Thank goodness you came, Mum.
Khadijah: (gasps)
Mom: (panicking) Doctor, how is she now? I hope nothing happened to my grandchild?
Doctor: Nothing serious will happen if you all follow my instructions. Over-stressing her—physically or emotionally—is very risky for both mother and baby.
Mom: We’re sorry, doctor. We’ll make adjustments. Nothing will happen to her, I promise.
Doctor: That’s good. I’ll come back tomorrow morning to check on her again. I shall take my leave now.
Adekunle: Alright, doctor… can I see you for a minute outside, please?
Doctor: Sure. (they step out)
Rasheedah: (angrily staring at Khadijah’s mother-in-law)
Khadijah: (turns her face to the other side of the bed, trying to avoid her)
Mom: Sorry, my dear… how are you feeling now? This is exactly what I was trying to prevent! Your life is at risk… you’ll think I don’t like you, but this stress is too much. Did you even go to work today? You never listen… look at you! Anyway, sorry my dear. What would you like to eat?
Khadijah: (waves her hand, declining)
Mom: You need to eat now. Don’t worry—I’ll first prepare vegetable soup for you… and what else?
Rasheedah: (interrupting) Umm… Ummu, good afternoon, ma.
Mom: (turns to her) Afternoon. Oh… who are you?
Rasheedah: (jaw drops) Ma?
Mom: (turns back to Khadijah) Who is she?
Khadijah: (remains silent, trying to rest, but the noise prevents her)
Rasheedah: I’m your daughter-in-law’s sister.
Mom: Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you. How are Mum and Dad?
Rasheedah: Alhamdulilah, they’re fine, ma.
Mom: You came to check on her, right?
Rasheedah: Yes, ma.
Mom: Don’t worry, my dear… she’ll be fine soon. You can take your leave.
Khadijah: (quickly waves at her not to leave)
Rasheedah: Actually, ma, I don’t see anything wrong with staying. We barely see each other, and especially now with her condition, I’m ready to stay as long as I like.
Mom: (changes expression) Are you saying we aren’t taking care of her enough?
Rasheedah: Absolutely not, ma. We’re very grateful for everything you’ve done. May Almighty Allah double the blessings for your care.
Khadijah: (quickly raises her head in surprise)
Mom: What did you say?
Rasheedah: It’s a prayer, ma. I was expecting “Amin” from you.
Mom: (furious internally, but hides it)
Rasheedah: Why don’t we leave her alone so she can rest as the doctor prescribed, while I prepare dinner?
Mom: Prepare what?
Rasheedah: Dinner, ma.
Mom: Don’t worry, I’ll do it. You are my in-law now.
Rasheedah: And you’re old enough to be my mother, in fact grandmother… it would be disrespectful for me to watch you do it. Don’t worry, ma, I’ve got this. (she heads straight to the kitchen)
Khadijah: (smiles faintly, pretending to sleep)
(Curtain)
Adekunle: Thank you so much, doctor, for everything. I really appreciate it.
Doctor: You don’t have to thank me—I’m just doing my job.
Adekunle: I still appreciate it. So, the reason for this conversation… about my duty as a husband. Considering her condition, does this mean no intimacy with my wife for now?
Doctor: Yes, that’s a good question. For now, Mr. Adekunle, you need to give her space. Let the pregnancy reach five months—just about one more month.
Adekunle: You’re joking, right? I thought maybe once a week?
Doctor: I’m sorry, but this is for the baby’s sake. You need to endure for just one month. After that, your wife is yours again.
Adekunle: (speechless)
Doctor: I shall take my leave now. (gets into car)
Adekunle: Alright, sir… you’ll hear from me soon. (thinking) Hmmmm… one month without intimacy? I think I can handle this. (heads back inside)
(Curtain)
Later that night, around 9:30 p.m.
Khadijah’s father comes to visit, informed by her sister about her condition.
Abu: (sits next to her) Sorry, my dear. May Allah grant you complete shifa.
Khadijah: Amin, Papa. (still weak)
Rasheedah: (enters with food) Here’s your food, sister mi… Ahhh, Abu, you’re here already.
Abu: Yes… Look, my dear, don’t stress yourself. If your body can’t take it, for Allah’s sake, I cannot lose you.
Rasheedah: Amin.
Mom: (enters) Una well done oh… my in-law, thanks for visiting.
Abu: There’s no need for thanks. She’s my daughter. It’s my duty to check on my princess.
Mom: (fake smile) Yes… also, Rasheedah, since your dad is here, you can follow him home—or did you plan to sleep here tonight?
Rasheedah: Actually, I want to take care of her.
Mom: Oh… are you saying I can’t take care of her?
Rasheedah: No, ma… that’s not what I meant.
Abu: (cuts in) Don’t worry, ma. We’re leaving together. We know she’s in safe hands, and we appreciate your love for her. I should get going… Oya, Rasheedah, go get your things, we’re going home.
Rasheedah: (sad)
Khadijah: (sad too, but too weak to speak; her wish is for Rasheedah to stay)
Abu: Please take good care of yourself, my dear. Your mother will check on you tomorrow. (gets up) My in-law, we shall take our leave now. Where is her husband?
Mom: He went to buy her medication.
Abu: Please send my greetings to him. Ma salam. (leaves)
Mom: Good night, sir.
Rasheedah: (moves closer, whispers to Khadijah) I’m sorry I couldn’t stay with you tonight. Don’t think too much… I promise to come visit tomorrow. You know I love you… Bye.
Khadijah: (tears roll down her face as she struggles to call her name) Rash… eee…