Idris: (signals to his rider to stop as he scans the surroundings) Why isn’t he here yet? Why does everyone just love to play with their damn life, uh? (brings out his phone) He gonna pay for keeping me waiting. (about to dial a number)
Khalid: (shows up) Waiting for someone, buddy?
Idris: (ends the call and becomes fully alert, looking around) What are you doing here?
Khalid: (surprised) What? What happened to you, man? What’s going on? You had an accident or something?
Idris: Cut the chase and tell me what exactly brought you here?
Khalid: (walks up to them surprisingly) I should be asking the same thing. Who did this to you?
Idris: Just answer the damn question! (his subordinate touches the gun hidden on his body)
Khalid: I saw a glance of you when you passed my hall, so I had to confirm if it was truly you or someone else.
Idris: Good! Now leave!
Khalid: Is everything alright? Are you expecting someone?
Idris: It's none of your business. Just leave us alone.
Khalid: Whoever did this to you really means you badly! But anyway, it’s great to see you again, bud. (turns to leave then pauses) Wait! (turns around) About that girl... was it really you?
Idris: Seriously? You too? You think I killed her?
Khalid: (tiredly stares at him)
Idris: Look! I know I once hurt her but I will never kill someone! You should know me better, man! And how on earth will I attack her with this condition of mine? Tell me.
Khalid: Well… that’s a genuine reason. Because you look so miserable right now. I believe you. But whoever is behind her death must surely pay, because the management has taken action. It’s tarnishing the school image. And I pray the culprit is found soon and brought to justice. Anyway… (handshakes) Have a nice day. (takes his leave)
Idris: (lost in thought as he disappears from sight)
Subordinate: Sir! (sighted someone) I think that’s him.
Idris: (glances in his direction) Go teach him a lesson for keeping me waiting.
Subordinate: With pleasure. (approaches him)
Seyi: I’m sorry boss, I was delayed by— (two punches land on his face and he falls to the ground groaning) Uhhhhh! Why would you do that?!
Subordinate: (returns to Idris) All done, sir.
Idris: That’s for keeping me waiting. Do you have the info or not? So I can easily end you right now!
Seyi: (gets back on his feet groaning in pain) Yes, I have. (steps forward and speaks) The truth is, that mystery isn’t from this campus. Also, you need to lay low for now, sir. The management is looking for you and the rest because you are the prime suspect.
Idris: Is that all the info you’ve got?
Seyi: (frightened and steps backward) Y-Yes sir.
Idris: (signals his subordinate) Today is your lucky day. (turns his wheel and leaves) This is a waste of time, but I’m getting to the bottom of this. I should have made his condition worse than mine right now. My target is just his leg, but since the management is looking for me… let’s pass our secret path.
A WEEK LATER (Evening)
The crowded road, filled with cars, motorbikes, and buses taking passengers to their destinations. Habibah comes down from the tricycle looking tired but happy still. She dusts her khimar and enters the compound, greeting some neighbours. Upon reaching the door, she finds a few shoes at the door and her mind skips for a second. Hearing some voices, she hesitates, wondering what to do… as she tries to retreat.
Ummu Habibah: I think that’s her by the door… Habibah? Is that you?
Habibah: (startled as she hears her mother’s voice) Ma? (gently opens the door and finds both parents sitting face-to-face with her husband) As-salam alaykum?
Everyone: Wa alaykum salam.
Amir: My dear, you are back… how was lecture today?
Habibah: (shocked by his statement but ignores it) Abu? Ummu? You didn’t tell me you were visiting.
Abu: Come here, my dear. Have a seat next to us…
Ummu: Your husband called for us.
Habibah: (a lot roaming through her head at the moment) He… did?
Amir: (smiles brightly as he gazes at her)
Habibah: (avoiding eye contact, thinking) He’s up to something no good, I can feel it.
Ummu: Your husband has praised you so much before your return—your patience, endurance, even times he couldn’t put food on the table—you’re just an understanding wife… You know, I’ll let him do the talking because hearing him say that made me happy that I raised you well.
Habibah: (shocked and slightly gazes at him, but he returns a smile, thinking) What are you planning, you evil man? What are you doing?
Amir: (clears his throat) Habeebty, I know I haven’t been the best husband for you. I know you are trying to endure. I’m sorry for all the pain I might have caused you. It was never intentional. Please find it in your heart to forgive me.
Habibah: (furiously glances at him but suddenly notices everyone staring at her)
Ummu: So what do you have to say to his apology?
Habibah: (clears her throat) Uhmmm… it’s fine… I forgive him. But is that the main reason why he called for you guys?
Amir: (speaks up) I called them to help me talk to you—about one punishment you do give me anytime I couldn’t carry out my responsibilities. Look at us, our marriage is almost a year now, but you’re not pregnant and you wouldn’t let me come closer to you. That’s the only punishment I can’t bear. I know I hurt you, but please don’t punish me with this. I need children. I want to be called a dad. Do you remember our last fight when I nearly forced you to make love to me?
Habibah: (eyes widen in shock)
Amir: I’m sorry, but I have to confess my wrongs. I regret that day, and I know it’s hard for you to ever let me touch you again. So I had to call your parents to beg on my behalf that I mean no harm. I just want to get you pregnant. I am sorry, Habibah, for every pain I’ve caused you.
Habibah: (couldn’t believe her ears)
Ummu: Habibah! You have every right to be angry right now, but you can’t deny your husband his right, or else the angels will curse you every night you reject him. That’s his right. You know I asked you the other time I visited, wondering why you aren’t yet pregnant—not knowing this was going on. Now listen up. As your mother and as your parents, in two months in shaa Allah, I want the good news. Do I make myself clear?
Habibah: Ummu, what are you saying? I am not Allah.
Abu: Don’t mind your mother. What we’re trying to say is, you two should sit and discuss how you’re going to make a baby. Why should we interrupt this type of discussion in the first place?
Habibah: Did he tell you I never let him?
Amir: I’m not saying you never let me, but we don’t meet at the right time.
Habibah: That’s because you’re always far away. You’re never present during my ovulation period. We always meet at the wrong time.
Amir: I don’t think that’s the case. I think stress is part of what’s causing the delay. You stress yourself with school activities. You come back late. You’re always more tired than me—even though I travel miles just to be with you.
Habibah: Maybe you should stop hustling in a far state and hustle where your wife is. (raises her tone)
Amir: Then maybe you should put school aside and focus on bearing me children. That’s why I married you. (raises his tone back)
(Abu and Ummu were dumbfounded realizing the situation on ground.)
Abu: (sighs) Listen, you two. This is something you can settle among yourselves. You don’t have to involve us. But we are glad to be present today. Sit and discuss this. Habibah!
Habibah: Sir.
Abu: When will you be done with your program?
Habibah: In eight months. I just finished my first session exam. Now preparing for HND2.
Abu: That’s good. Barakalahu feekum.
Habibah: Ameen.
Ummu: And Amir, doesn’t your company have a branch in this state?
Amir: Not yet, ma. And I put food on the table with this job. I just don’t know why she’s making a big deal out of this. If I quit my job, we’ll starve to death. How could you compare your school with my job—the same job that sent you to school?
Habibah: Oh really? Now we’re moving to this?
Abu: Okay enough! Amir, if you remember the day you came to ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage—even though I wanted her to be done with her program—what was your promise? Answer me, please.
Amir: I promised to sponsor the rest of her program.
Abu: Good!
Ummu: And as for you, madam... that job feeds you. That job sponsors the rest of your program. Sit and discuss how you can both adapt to your inconveniences. This is a case that can be settled. Sort it out, please. May Allah be with you two and ease your affairs.
Amir: Thank you. Jazakumullahu khairan sir and ma. I am honored you responded to my calls. We promise to sort it out.
Abu: I don’t want to hear any further report or complaint. No third party should be involved in your marital issue if you truly want to spend the rest of your lives together.
Habibah: (responds in her mind) I don’t think that can even be possible. I don’t see a future with this one.
Amir: Thank you so much sir. I really appreciate your advice. Dear, why don’t you go to the kitchen and make something for Abu and Ummu?
Habibah: (annoyedly gazes at him, thinking) As if you dropped any money for food.
(They get up ready to leave.)
Abu: That won’t be necessary. Just fix your home… we should be on our way now. Habibah, be a good wife and listen to your husband.
Habibah: Yes, sir.
(They accompany her parents out of the house until they drove away. Then Habibah and Amir suddenly glance at each other angrily. Habibah hisses and returns to the house.)