(At the hospital) at the reception.
Mom: (panicking, she couldn’t sit down) OMG! I hope she is better… I hope nothing bad happened to her.
Adekunle: (looks at her angrily)
Mom: Don’t look at me like that, I didn’t mean to hurt her.
Adekunle: Yeah, right! All I know is nothing bad should happen to her.
Mom: Nothing bad will happen to her (moving up and down).
Adekunle: (sights the doctor) Doctor!! (he runs to meet him) How is my wife doing?
Doctor: It’s nothing much, Mr. Adekunle. The reason she passed out was because she stressed herself. So congratulations, Mr. Adekunle, your wife is 6 weeks pregnant.
Mom: (she jumps up in joy) Thank you, God! Finally, You have answered my prayer… thank you so much, doctor.
Adekunle: Thank you so much, doctor, I really appreciate it.
Doctor: You’re welcome. Also, please she doesn’t need stress. Her body type doesn’t need it during pregnancy, so please don’t stress her or she might have a miscarriage.
Mom: Ehh? No more stress in her life, doctor. I will be the one to take care of her… don’t worry about that.
Adekunle: Don’t worry, I will take care of my wife myself. Thank you, mom, you have done enough.
Mom: Okay, I’m sorry. Let’s go and check her in the ward.
(Curtain)
At home
Khadijah is in bed trying to get some rest, but she is not comfortable seeing how loving her mother-in-law suddenly is.
Mom: So my dear, what would you like to eat? Because from now on, I will be the one to take good care of you.
Khadijah: Please mama, don’t worry, I can take care of myself (responds in a weak tone).
Adekunle: Here is the water you asked for.
Khadijah: Thank you (she drinks it all).
Mama: Do you need anything else?
Khadijah: No ma, I just want to rest.
Adekunle: Mama, it’s time for you to leave.
Mama: I will leave, but not now. I will prepare dinner for the two of you… besides, you can’t cook.
Adekunle: Just don’t worry, we can take care of ourselves.
Mum: Are you chasing your mother away?
Adekunle: No, mom… okay, let’s go to the living room so she can get enough rest.
Mum: Alright, get good rest my dear (she taps her) we will be in the living room (they leave the room and quietly close the door).
Khadijah: (she raises her head after they close the door) Ya Allah, have mercy on me. Save me from this woman. I just hope she won’t kill me and my baby this time around… Alhamdulillah for answered prayer.
Mum: So son, there is this particular food pregnant women are supposed to eat. Don’t stress her oh. In fact, if she declines you sex, just let her be (she notices how he is staring at her) what?
Adekunle: Nothing…
Mum: Anyway, as I was saying… also, if she says she can’t cook, just call me. I will do it for you till she puts to bed.
Adekunle: (murmuring)
Mum: Better say your mind, don’t give me attitude.
Adekunle: Nothing. I need to see a client, I will be back.
Mum: So you will leave her here all alone? Don’t worry, I will watch over her.
Adekunle: Okay then, I’m not going again.
Mum: Ah ah! What’s your problem? So you are not going again because of what I said? Since you got married, I am no longer important in your life, right?
Adekunle: No mum, but you need to understand. I am now a married man who is about to be a father. You can’t interfere in my marriage like when I was single… I’m about to start my own family.
Mum: I can’t believe this is how you repay me after all I did for you, Ade! You sucked these two breasts of mine… I carried you for nine good months in my belly… I lost your siblings because of you, and this is how you repay me by getting rid of me? (about to cry)
Adekunle: No now, mom, come on… why are you acting like this? I can never get rid of you.
Mum: Or is this your wife’s idea?
Adekunle: No! I’m going out, you can stay if you want. Bye. (he leaves)
Mum: Alright my son, don’t take long. (she waves at him)
Adekunle: (sighs)
(Curtain)
During the night
Khadijah: (she wakes up) Uhhh… I’m so hungry. What’s the time? (she checks her phone and gasps) After 7? Did I sleep this long? (she quickly gets up) Baby! Where is he? (she sniffs the air) Who is cooking? Don’t tell me my husband is cooking for me for the first time… aww, that’s so cute. Let me go and check my chef. (she heads to the kitchen) Hey my king— (she stops, shocked to see her mother-in-law cooking)
Mum: (turns to her) Hello my dear, how are you feeling now? Hope you’ve gained some strength. Guess what I’m preparing for you? Delicious vegetable soup with semovita.
Khadijah: (speechless, nods) Where… where is my husband, ma?
Mum: Oh, my son? He went to meet a client. He will be back soon.
Khadijah: (tries to take the spoon) Let me continue, I will do it.
Mum: No no no! My dear, don’t stress yourself. You are pregnant… you are carrying my grandchild. The doctor said no stress. Please sit down while I serve you.
Khadijah: (thinking) Which kind wahala be this? Why sudden change? How am I supposed to eat this food happily? I hope she didn’t put anything inside… Why is she still here? My husband should come back quickly… but this aroma is tempting. (she sits)
(Curtain)
3 minutes later, Adekunle enters the kitchen and is surprised to find his wife eating the food his mum prepared.
Adekunle: (he looks around) Mum, you’re the one cooking?
Mum: (she turns to him) Yes now, I told you she needs rest.
Khadijah: (licks her hand) Welcome, baby… (she embraces him and gives him a kiss)
Adekunle: How are you feeling now, my love?
Khadijah: Much better…
Adekunle: So baby… we are going to be parents soon, huh?
Khadijah: (smiles) Yeah…
Adekunle: How do you feel to be called mummy soon?
Khadijah: (teasing) And how do you feel to be called daddy soon?
Mum: (admiring them) Enough, lovebirds…
(Curtain)
Khadijah: (follows him in haste) How?
Adekunle: Yes! And I will say it again, if you are not pleased with my mother’s presence, then you and I can’t be together forever, because I know why you are being selfish.
Khadijah: (gasps) Subhanallah!
Adekunle: Yes!
Khadijah: Okay, baby… (she moves closer to him) I’m sorry, you know I didn’t mean to upset you. I promise to amend my ways with your mum. Please, my love, I don’t want us to fight over every issue. I’m sorry. (she drags his clothes gently) I’m sorry.
Adekunle: (he takes a deep breath) Okay, I’m not upset with you anymore. All I need is for you to be patient with her. Once you put to bed, all this issue will be past tense.
Khadijah: Alright, my husband. I’m ready to tolerate for your sake, for my baby’s sake, and most importantly, for Allah’s sake.
Mom: (shouts from the kitchen) Khadijah! Where did you drop your Maggi? I can’t find it!
Khadijah: I’d better go answer her.
Adekunle: Alright, dear. You can use the opportunity to assist her. I need to work on something on my system.
Khadijah: Alright, baby. I’ll be right back. (she heads out) Ma, I’m coming. (she enters the kitchen, perceiving the aroma, and hands over the Maggi) Mama, I love your stew, oh. The house is filled with your stew aroma. I really have a lot to learn from my amazing mother-in-law.
Mum: (surprised) Really? If you want to learn, I will teach you my secret, but on one condition.
Khadijah: What’s your condition, ma?
Mum: My condition is, whatever I choose for you in this house, you must be pleased with it, and you must always do as I say.
Khadijah: (she takes a deep breath) Okay, Mama, I will do as you said.
Mum: That’s my beautiful daughter-in-law. Now come closer, let me show you how my magic is done.
Khadijah: Okay, ma. (she moves closer to her)
(Curtain)
The next morning, 7:45am
Adekunle: My love, did you see my wristwatch? I can’t find it.
Khadijah: Every time you misplace your wristwatch, tomorrow it will be your car key. Anyway, here it is. (she moves closer to him and adjusts his tie) Baby, you look so handsome this morning, oh.
Adekunle: Really?
Khadijah: Yes, but don’t you dare look at any other woman outside or even at the office.
Adekunle: What if I do?
Khadijah: (changes expression)
Adekunle: No, no! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. Who am I to do that?
Khadijah: You are so annoying. (as she tries to leave, he grabs her from behind)
Adekunle: And where do you think you’re going so fast while your husband is busy teasing you, huh? (kisses her neck and whispers) I miss your body…
Khadijah: (she pushes him instantly and rushes to the toilet to vomit)
Adekunle: Oh God… come on!
Mum: (barge into their bedroom) What happened to her?
Adekunle: She went to vomit… Good morning, Mom.
Mum: Morning, my handsome son. How was your night? I hope you enjoyed yourself, especially the food I prepared for you last night.
Adekunle: Yes, Mom. You know your food is always the best.
Mum: I’m going to the kitchen. What should I prepare for you?
Adekunle: Don’t worry, Mom. My wife has already done that. She prepared breakfast for me. In fact, yours is on the dining table.
Mum: Your wife did what? Didn’t I warn her not to cook? Why is this woman so stubborn and disrespectful like this?
Adekunle: What do you mean?
Mum: She likes doing “over sabi.” I too know it is much for her. If anything should happen to my grandchild, she won’t like it, oh.
Adekunle: Mom! First of all, nothing will happen to her or the baby. Second, she is my wife, and if you aren’t here, she will cook for me. So stop spoiling her.
Mum: I don’t blame you. I don’t have issues with you, but her… Khadijah!
Adekunle: Anyway, I’m heading to work. Bye, Mom. (he pecks her) Take care of the house and my wife.
Mum: I will, my child.
---------------------------------
(Few minutes later)
Khadijah: (runs out of the room with her handbag) Baby, please wait for me. I want you to drop me off.
Adekunle: Why should I do that? Don’t you have your car?
Khadijah: I do, but I don’t have the strength to drive today, and you know I’m not that good at it.
Adekunle: Look, woman, I’m late for work and I can’t wait till you dress up. Before you put on khimar and socks, I can’t wait. Bye. (Enter the car and horn to the gateman)
Khadijah: Baby, what you are doing is not fair, oh.
Mum: (staring at her angrily, stand by the door watching) Madam, so you are waiting for me to greet you, abi?
Khadijah: Ah ah, Mummy, I’m sorry. It skipped my mind. I didn't see you there..Please, ma, good morning, ma.
Mum: Hmm… morning. Also, where are you heading to?
Khadijah: To my shop, ma. I have a lot of work to do. In fact, my customers are already angry at me.
Mum: So what are you trying to do?
Khadijah: I’m going to work now.
Mum: (she takes the bag from her and throws it on the couch) You are not going anywhere. Is it me you want to put in trouble? Not going to happen. I won’t let you hurt my grandchild.
Khadijah: But Mama… what about my clients?
Mum: Your apprentice should handle them. But as far as I’m in this house, you are not going anywhere till you put to bed. Go inside now and rest, that’s all you need. I will go and make you fruit salad. Oya, inside. (gestures)
Khadijah: (her jaw drops)