Abdulhakeem: I, Abdulhakeem, got rejected by this girl? Me? That used to reject lots of beautiful ladies... this is unbelievable... (he lets out a dry laugh, still in shock) well... I need to submit this file to dad (he walks out slowly, still trying to process what just happened)
(Curtain)
Jamiu: (enters angrily, his steps heavy) you called for me.
Boss: yes I did... come, have a seat.
Jamiu: no thank you.
Boss: (takes a deep breath, watching him carefully) look son, I know how angry and hurt you are... but he is your brother...
Jamiu: (goes quiet, his jaw tightening, eyes avoiding his father)
Boss: look, you have to endure for now, okay? With time everything will be fine... come, have a seat.
Jamiu: just let me be like this.
Boss: come on son... he is your brother... don't worry, I will tell them the truth when the right time comes, okay?
Jamiu: that's his problem... is that what you called me for?
Boss: (pauses, then softens) how is your mum? It has been three days since I visited her.
Jamiu: she is fine... can I go now?
Boss: promise you won't tell your siblings, okay?
Jamiu: I don't have anything to do with them... so I won't leak your secret... I have to go now.
Boss: why are you in a hurry?
Jamiu: because I am hungry.
Boss: (forces a small smile) okay... why don't we have lunch together at the nearest restaurant?
Jamiu: no thanks (he turns and walks out without looking back, his anger still simmering)
As he steps out, he almost bumps into Abdulhakeem standing by the door. Their eyes meet for a brief second... cold, heavy, unspoken tension.
Jamiu walks past him without a word.
Abdulhakeem: (enters the office, frowning) what is he doing here?
Boss: why do you ask? Do I have to explain why my employees enter my office?
Abdulhakeem: no dad... uhmm I am sorry... (quickly changes tone) why don't we have lunch together? There is something I want to discuss with you.
Boss: (stands up) then let's go.
(Curtain)
Jamiu walks into his office... and stops.
Summayah is there.
Waiting.
Her face lights up the moment she sees him.
Summayah: where were you?
Jamiu: (smiles softly, his anger fading just a little) boss called for me.
Summayah: oh! I hope he wasn't harsh to you.
Jamiu: not really...
Summayah: now that you have your own office... I feel like you have been promoted.
Jamiu: I don't think so.
Summayah: well I think so... (rubs her stomach slightly) I am so hungry.
Jamiu: let's have lunch together. (he opens his bag and brings out a big flask) come, let's eat.
Summayah: (surprised) you brought food from home?
Jamiu: yeah... my mum prepared it... I don't eat outside.
Summayah: are you serious? Okay... the amala and ewedu I caught you eating at the store nko?
Jamiu: my mum prepared it.
Summayah: (amazed) are you serious? So why do you eat in a hidden place?
Jamiu: well... because I don't have my personal space... and I am a shy type... I don't eat in front of strangers... I love my privacy... I find it hard to eat around people except my mum... this is the first time I asked you to join me... so you can know how special you are to me.
Summayah: (her expression softens deeply) awwn... you are special to me too... honestly speaking I need to taste this food (she quickly sits) Bismillah.
Jamiu: (opens the flask) let's wash our hands.
Summayah: amala again! Now you don't have to tell me this is your favorite food... hard to see people like you everyday (she laughs softly as they begin to eat, then pauses, watching him closely) wow...
Jamiu: what? Please eat, don't make me uncomfortable.
Summayah: oh, I am sorry... I won't stare at you again... (she smiles shyly and continues eating)
Suddenly, the door opens.
Shade: hey baby (she walks in, then freezes slightly as she sees them together) uhmmm... Summayah? What are you doing here?
Summayah: (quickly withdraws her hand from the food and stands up nervously) ma... I... I... he...
Jamiu: I told her to join me for lunch... so why are you here?
Shade: uhmm nothing... I just came to say hi and ask you to join me for lunch... but since you two seem busy... I will leave.
Summayah: no no, don't worry ma... I will leave the two of you... (she turns to go, but suddenly feels a hand stop her)
Jamiu: don't go, please.
Shade: (forces a smile, but her eyes betray her hurt) don't worry... I will leave (she quietly closes the door behind her)
Summayah: (staring at his hand still holding hers, her heart beating faster) you can let go now.
Jamiu: oh... sorry (he releases her)
Summayah: why did you send your girlfriend away?
Jamiu: she is not my girlfriend... she is like a sister to me, that's all.
Summayah: hmmmmmm... sister in Islam abi...
Jamiu: (looks at her carefully) are you jealous?
Summayah: (chokes suddenly, coughing as he quickly gives her water) jealous for what?
Jamiu: you don't have to choke yourself... let's eat before it gets cold.
(Curtain)
Shade stands in the hallway, her expression no longer soft.
Shade: so these two are actually dating or what? I never knew Summayah is up to no good... now she snatched my man from me... the man I have always had a crush on since I entered this company... (her face hardens) she must be taught a lesson... but first... I will warn her... (her stomach growls loudly) ahh! I am so hungry...
(Curtain)
Later that evening...
Summayah steps out of the restroom and suddenly jumps.
Summayah: you scared me! What are you doing here?
Jamiu: waiting for you of course... I want to know where you live today.
Summayah: really? But I don't know how my mum will react seeing a man with me.
Jamiu: I am sure she will be happy.
Summayah: okay o... let's go home.
As they step outside, Abdulhakeem stands beside his car.
Summayah: good night sir.
Jamiu: (his eyes harden immediately as he stares at him)
Abdulhakeem: Summayah... come, let me drop you off.
Summayah: sir?
Jamiu: (firmly holds her hand) as you can see she is with me... Summayah, let's go.
Summayah: maybe next time sir... bye.
Abdulhakeem: (his fist tightens, anger flashing across his face)
As they walk away...
Summayah: (pulls her hand away) why must you hold my hand all the time?
Jamiu: because I am trying to protect you.
Summayah: hmmmm... Mr protector.
Jamiu: thank you ma'am... so should we take a cab or?
Summayah: we can trek... my house is not far from work.
Jamiu: really? Then let's go.
(Curtain)
When they arrive...
Jamiu slows down.
His eyes scan the environment.
The house.
The surroundings.
Something in his expression changes... quiet concern.
They step inside.
Summayah: as Salam alaykum... Ekule oh.
Everyone: Walaykum Salam.
Jamiu: good evening ma.
Adewunmi: (surprised, studying him) good evening dear.
Abdullah: who is he?
Summayah: he is my friend.
Suliyah: is that Jamiu you told me about?
Summayah: yes...
Suliyah: you didn't tell me he is this cute... damn!
Jamiu: (leans closer to Summayah, lowering his voice) I will get going now...
Adewunmi: why so sudden? Come on, feel at home.
Jamiu: maybe some other time ma... I really need to go.
Adewunmi: okay my dear, do come again... my regards to your family.
Summayah: let me accompany you.
Jamiu: thanks.
Outside...
Jamiu: Summayah?
Summayah: yes?
Jamiu: are those your siblings?
Summayah: yes... I am the last born.
Jamiu: what of the other guy?
Summayah: I don't know him... maybe he is my sister's friend.
Jamiu: honestly... I wasn't comfortable... that's why I had to leave... we will talk better tomorrow.
Summayah: alright... I just want to say I am very grateful for everything you have done for me... thank you so much.
Jamiu: you are welcome... now go in... they must be waiting for you.
Summayah: okay... bye.
Jamiu: bye... (he watches her go in, his expression softening, then slowly changing) she really comes from a poor family... (he exhales) let me call my driver.
Inside...
Summayah: I am back people, so what did I miss?
Adewunmi: have a seat.
Summayah: good evening sir... oh sorry I didn't greet you earlier.
Suraj: good evening sister.
Adewunmi: (smiling) Summayah... I have been thinking about how things might be hard for you finding the right partner... that is why I found you someone who will love you for who you are... say hello to Suraj.
Summayah: (completely confused) I am lost here...
Abdullah: you heard her right... we found a partner for you.
Suliyah: yes Summayah, we want you to be happy, that is why...
Summayah: wait... wait... (she holds her head, overwhelmed) please I am lost... please speak the language I understand... are you saying you arranged someone for me to marry... without my awareness or permission?
Adewunmi: look honey... sit down, let’s discuss this better, okay?
Summayah: (breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling) talk on what? How could you, my mum? Did I ever cry to you about getting married? Suliyah is there, you can't find a suitor for her...
Suraj: maybe I should come back next time since the house doesn't seem friendly.
Summayah: please Mr Suraj, I am sorry, but whatever they told you is a big lie... please I am not looking for a partner, I am sorry... Allah will provide yours.
Suraj: (smiles gently) Masha Allah... at least you are not rude to me... that shows your mum trained you well... I am sorry for coming without your awareness... I will take my leave now... as salam alaykum.
Summayah: walaykum salam. (she turns sharply to them, her eyes filled with anger and hurt) please mum, tell me... who brought this stupid idea?
Abdullah: watch how you talk to my mum!
Summayah: I am not talking to you! So mind your business! If you had any sense of responsibility as a man and as the head of this house, weren’t you supposed to oppose this? If you were in my position, will you accept it? So don’t lecture me when you couldn’t even lecture them about this!
Abdullah: we did all this because of you... we don’t want you to be sad always... and we know you need love in your life... but I can see you are ungrateful.
Suliyah: honestly speaking! How could you send him away? We made sure we did so much research before accepting his offer and you, ungrateful thing, you are here barking at us!
Summayah: (her anger explodes) since he was so perfect to be a husband, why can’t you have him yourself? You sacrificed your time to carry out so many “research” for my sake? If you had used that energy to fix your own life, maybe things would be better! You don’t want to marry, but you want to find a suitor for me? I thought you had changed... but now I can see clearly that you haven’t.
Suliyah: (stands up abruptly, furious) are you mad! Am I the one you are talking to like this? All because we want to make you happy? I can see you don’t have respect for your elders anymore... look me in the eyes! If you say one more word, I will finish you here, you ungrateful witch!
Adewunmi: Suliyah!
Summayah: (tears roll freely down her cheeks, her voice breaking) mum... this is not her fault... it is my fault... thank you so much for finding a suitor for me... you didn’t find one for her, but for me? Why me? Because I am ugly for men to approach? (her voice cracks completely) you once told me never to look down on myself, didn’t you? But you already looked down on me... that I can’t find a man myself... I am just 21, mum! She is 23... why can’t you take action on her first? Why? (wipes her tears roughly) am I that ugly, mum? Tell me... is this how easily you want me out of your life?
Adewunmi: look okomi, it is not what you are thinking... I mean well... I thought this idea would make you happy, I never—
Summayah: (cuts her off, her voice shaking) you never knew I could find a partner for myself? (she bursts into tears) mum, you are the last person on earth I expected to make me cry again... between me and her, who are you supposed to be praying for? Who are they supposed to be doing ruqyah for?
Abdullah: look, we are sorry, okay? We promise not to ever do such again... I didn’t know this would make you cry like this... please sorry before you turn to Chinese now...
Summayah: (glares at him, anger burning through her tears) whose idea was it?
(Silence fills the room)
Summayah: oh... no one can talk? Whose idea was it! If nobody tells me now, I swear I am leaving this house... because I thought I lived with my family, not knowing I live with haters... for the last time mum, whose idea was it!?
Adewunmi: (voice shaking) it... it was Suliyah’s idea.
Summayah: (steps back, stunned) her idea? (her voice drops, filled with pain) why can’t you just tell me how much you hate me... how much you want to get rid of me? Just tell me, and I will leave your life quietly... I thought things were better between us... not knowing you have been pretending to love me... how would you feel if mum found a suitor for you? Someone you don’t even love?
Suliyah: look, all I want for you is to be happy... I don’t care what you think about me, but your happiness matters to me... that’s why I brought the idea.
Summayah: (shakes her head slowly, tears still falling) I know deep down you are lying to me... were you not the one I told about what is going on at my workplace? Ohhh... now I understand... you disgust me! (she turns and walks out, unable to stay another second)
Adewunmi: Summayah!!!
Abdullah: Summayah!!!
Suliyah: mum, look at what she said to me now!
Adewunmi: will you shut up your dirty mouth? So she trusted you with her love life and you still brought this idea? Ahh Suliyah! I regret listening to you... I thought you meant well for her... ahh Suliyah, you are so wicked, just like your father! (she walks away, deeply hurt)
Suliyah: (breaks down crying) it’s not like that mum! I mean well for her ohhh! All I want is for her to be happy... and now I am the one being blamed... egbon, look at what mum said to me...
Abdullah: will you shut up your mouth! If you call my name again, I will slap you... wicked sister... mum, I am coming, I am heading out.
Suliyah: (continues crying helplessly)
(Curtain)
The next day...
Summayah moved like a shadow at work, her mind heavy, her heart unsettled.
Summayah (p.o.v): I had been in a bad mood since yesterday... I just couldn’t get it out of my head... how could my sister do this to me? Why is she so wicked? Why...
Shade: Summayah!!! (she taps her)
Summayah: (startled) ma! Sorry ma.
Shade: what are you thinking?
Summayah: nothing ma. (she continues mopping, her energy low)
Shade: okay... anyway, what’s between you and J.M?
Summayah: J.M? Who is J.M? Because I have never heard of him before.
Shade: oh, so now you want to deny him?
Summayah: who? Honestly I don’t know who that is, I swear.
Shade: so you don’t know who Jamiu is?
Summayah: ohh! (hits her head lightly) you mean Jamiu! I am sorry, I didn’t know him as J.M.
Shade: that is the abbreviation of his name... are you an illiterate?
Summayah: (shocked, hurt flashing across her face) I... I said I don’t know him by that name...
Shade: so what’s between the two of you?
Summayah: we are just friends, nothing else. (her voice is quieter now)
Shade: just friends? Nothing else?
Summayah: yes.
Shade: it better be... because he is mine! You better stay away from him... just take that as a warning. (she walks away)
Summayah: (her chest tightens, tears falling again) I never expected this from her too... why is the world against me... why...
Jamiu: (watching from a distance, his expression darkening) what did Shade say to her?
Summayah: (continues mopping, silently crying)
Abdulhakeem: hello Summayah! (adjusting his collar confidently)
Summayah: (turns briefly) good morning sir. (continues working)
Abdulhakeem: did you notice anything different about me today? (checking himself)
Summayah: (glances at him) no. (continues mopping)
Abdulhakeem: (shocked) are you serious right now? You didn’t notice anything?
Summayah: please sir... I beg you... don’t add to my pains... just leave me alone.
Abdulhakeem: what happened? What’s wrong? Come on, talk to me. (he tries to look into her face)
Summayah: nothing! Just go away! (she suddenly yells, her voice breaking, drawing attention)
She freezes.
Realizes everyone is staring.
Summayah: I am sorry... (she drops the mop and runs out)
Abdulhakeem: what did I say to her? (he immediately follows her)
Jamiu: shit! (his expression hardens as he moves quickly to stop Abdulhakeem)