Original subtitles

IN THE NAME OF GOD

LEILA a film by Daryoush Mehrjou'i

Leila Hatami

Ali Mosaffa

Jamileh Sheikhi, Mohammad-Reza Sharifinia

Touran Mehrzad, Amir Payour

Shaqayeq Farahani Parisa Zare'e, Vahideh Mohammadi

Music composer: Keyvan Jahanshahi

Editing: Mostafa Kherqeh Poush

Script: Daryoush Mehrjou'i

Producer & director: Daryoush Mehrjou'i

Peace be upon the prophet Mohammad and his household

Don't burn it

- Turn down the fire - We already did that

Easy

Wait

Bring the rose water Nazgol

That's enough

Don't pour anymore it's enough

People will say there's no color to the "Sholeh Zard", mother

Give it to me

Let Leila stir some

- The saffron is enough now - Go Golnaz

Pour the rose water

- Anyone who has a wish can stir it - Should I pour it Aziz?

Go on dear

Say prayers while you do it

Peace be upon the prophet Mohammad and his household

Keep doing it

More rose water Aziz?

- Make wishes - Oh, Imam Hasan

Make any wishes you want to

Let me taste it a bit dear

You keep eating uncle

But it has to be tasted, doesn't it?

Don't move it too much

Go on Hossein, go on dear

- Hi Hossein - Hi Amir

How are you?

They're cooking "Sholeh Zard" over at my friend's house and he's brought you some

The guys are here uncle

- Uncle! - Yes?

- Hi - May it be accepted by God

- My friend Reza - Hi Reza, how are you?

He brought us some "Sholeh Zard"

Leila, Reza is Amir's friend he's brought us some Sholeh Zard

Would you fill this for Narges, Auntie?

Reza is one of my good friends

Welcome, thanks a lot We were busy too...

The first time I saw Reza...

It was during the cooking of Sholeh Zard

Reza had brought a bowl of Sholeh Zard for my brother Hossein

Let's judge them all

I want to know where I'm standing Who is better? Me or your friend Reza?

A little of this and some of that

Have some of this one first

I'll test the one Reza brought first

Amir is mutual Which one is better honestly?

This one is tasteless

Here, look at this one

We're one up as far as the sweetness is concerned

And as far as the decoration is concerned too and the color

The nuts are better too

This is grade one Pistachio uncle

I married Reza in the same year

A couple of months later on my birthday...

I realized I couldn't get pregnant

What is this?

How pretty!

Let me see, where did you get it?

- They call him the big jackass - Oh Reza!

It's so cute!

- It's even as tall as I am - It looks like you too

Where did you get it?

Look at the hair

Is this mine as well? How pretty

- Let me see, give it to me - Hold on, you're tearing it

What are you laughing at?

What are you laughing at?

I'm choking

I know what you're laughing at

- Do you want me to tell you? - Go on

I'll tell you if you don't

- Go on - Should I?

- Should I? - Go on

- I will you know! - Go ahead

The night we were invited at your mother's house

My husband's family knew it was my birthday too

So we arranged to go there first and then to go to my mother's house

- Hi - Hi, how are you?

- Come in - Are you alright?

Happy birthday

Why did you open the door dad? Isn't Mohammad in?

He wanted to get the door himself

Why are you so late? I was waiting for you

Reza takes for hours...

To get ready dad

Come in

- Look at the flowers they brought you - Thanks, thanks Leila

- Hi - Happy birthday

- Hi my dear Reza - Hi brother

- Hi - How are you?

- Happy birthday - Thanks

- Sit next to me Leila - Okay

- Welcome guys - The traffic is horrible out there...

- Reza driving and... - Leila took her sweet time too

How old are you now?

What a question lady

About your age

I got you something small Leila

I hope you like it

Without wrapping for your petite fingers

Wow dad! Thanks a lot, it's pretty

This is what's written on it, "The kingdom belongs to God"

I also have a small gift for you Leila

I hope you like it

I don't know what to say mother

It's nothing for you dear

Hopefully next year at the same time with your pretty little boy...

We'll have a huge party right here

We'll invite your mother and your brothers as well

We'll see each other here

I can't tell you how much I want to see Reza's boy

- Hi brother, hi Leila - Hi Homeyra, how are you?

- Hi Reza - Hi Javaher

- Thanks a lot - This was brought from Mashad

- It's nothing for you - Thank you

- Here you go - Thanks Gol Mohammad

And this is my gift to you

And it's bigger than all others

And more expensive

It's more recreational Specially for Reza

- I don't know what to say - It's nothing dear

Reza loves to drink tea

He drinks tea all day

And this is for you

But only if you promise not to make delicious food or my brother will get fat

Don't worry, he has a long way to go

We'll beat him up if he's a bad husband

Oh no, don't say that

Leila, it's Farideh on the phone

- It's for you - Thanks

Yes?

- Hi Leila - Hi Farideh

- Happy birthday - Thanks

Hopefully your birthday

- I've gotten you something small and I'll give it to you later - Why did you bother?

It's nothing for you

Thanks

Say, what did the father give you?

A chrysoprase ring

So he must really love you then

The ring used to belong to my mother

- Let me see it later - Okay, fine

- Bye - Thanks dear, bye

I'm feeling great God!

I feel like I'm flying

Over the clouds

Thank you God

Thanks

- Reza! - Yes?

How many children would you like to have?

Two a year

I'm serious

I don't know, what kind of a question is that?

A hundred, or two

The more the better

- What if I can't get pregnant? - That's even better

So you won't divorce me if I can't have babies?

Hear this once and for all I want you for yourself

And not for babies and anything else

This creature is called Leila

This creature wants to have babies

And not just one or two

But a couple of hundred ones

- Hi - Hi

Happy birthday

- Hi Aziz, how are you? - Hi

Why can't we carry on with this somewhere warm instead of freezing?

How dare you say I've grown old?

See how it takes me an hour to move this heavy fire-pan?

Go on Hossein, play on

Just a moment please

Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to give Leila's present before dinner

Hold on

One of this is from me to you Leila

And the other one is from my dear spouse

- And it's nothing for you - Thanks a lot

It's not my fault, it was her choice

- Wow Aziz, I love you - Leila dear

Now to the next present

Your name and Reza's name both are carved on it

Thank you very much

I can't believe it

You should have done more

Nazgol's present

It's directly from Paris

Any more presents?

Yes from your dear uncle

A pair of canaries all in one piece

Thanks a lot

Well, Hossein's present

And this is from all the pigeons and canaries

The next day me and Reza went to the doctor

I told her that it was a while since we got married and?

That I still wasn't pregnant

She said...

It happens all the time, There's nothing to worry about

Sometimes it can be genetic

And nothing can be done about that

But if men have the problem...

Then there's definitely nothing can be done

But if it's the woman...

It's possible to do things...

With treatments or even surgeries to become pregnant

Nevertheless I'll have you tested

Bring me the result and I'll know then

Next Sunday the same time

If you have a problem...

It's not important to me at all

I'm quite happy with what we've got right now

But what if I have a problem?

I'm happy with what we have as it is as well

What he said calmed me down a lot

I felt I was not alone

But promise not to tell anyone till Sunday

No one

I promise

Yes?

- Hi Leila - Hi, how are you?

- Are you alright? - Thanks, nice of you to ask

Where were you? To see the doctor?

- Yes - How did it go?

What did she say dear?

He's going to take a test

- Is that so? - Who is it?

- Which laboratory? - Is that mother?

You'd have to be sure He can't go to just any place Leila

It's not a joke, they might give him a wrong result

But you should know Leila

That Reza doesn't have any problems

We've never had anything like this in the family before

Thank God Reza's ancestors...

All had all kinds of children

- And you know Reza has four sisters - Give me the phone

I wish them all the best

- Hi mother, how are you? - Hi Reza

This is not a good time for this mother

But I now you're not the one with the problem

- It doesn't matter - What do you mean?

It matters a lot

But we still don't even know what's what yet

Why don't you come here for dinner

- Thanks but I don't think so, bye - Bye

- Hello? - Hello?

- Hi - How is it going?

- You're alright? - I want to talk to Leila

Parvin wants to talk to you

Tell her I have a headache

Can't talk

Leila isn't feeling well

And neither am I

What did the doctor say?

We have to take different tests

Ask mother, she'll tell you all about it

- Can't you tell me yourself, spoiled brat? - Okay

- What okay? - Bye

Hello?

- Hi Reza - Hi Firouzeh, is it you?

How did it go? Tell me

What's going on? Why are you so worried?

I'm not worried but I do want to know...

You'd have to wait for the results

I hope it's all good and well

But you need not worry Reza

It's not a problem from our side

It make no difference to us

- It's six of one or half a dozen of the other, bye - Bye

Listen Leila...

Don't answer it, it's either mother or my other sister

- Don't get hurt - I'm not

Believe me what I told you

Don't get carried away by what everyone's saying

I understand

You are the only son of the family after all

It's only natural you have to have a son

It'll be alright hopefully

Let's not talk about it for now, okay?

What should we do tonight Leila?

I don't know

Whatever you say

I think...

Let's stay home, we'll cook something up

We'll eat, and we'll enjoy each other

And we'll watch a movie afterward

How is that?

Leila!

Leila!

Okay then, it's great

This must be my dear auntie

[Come on]

[Hurry up]

You don't have any problems

It's from the lady

According to the tests...

Your hormone count is very low

And in order for you to be able to hold the sperm...

You'd have to produce estrogen or progestrone

Is there a cure for it?

I really don't know, I'll write you some medicine

You might get suggested of various ways to get pregnant but...

It's very unlikely with such a low count of hormones

One way to cure it is with Pulsatale administration of Gonadotropin

It helps you to produce more than just one egg

Six or seven until one of them comes through for you

Another solution is artificial insemination

Of course it's very expensive and it takes a long time

And you'd have to go on the waiting list a year before doing it

But if someone can't hold the baby at all...

She'd have to lay down for nine whole months

With no movements and take Hormone injections

Yes? Hello

Sure, you can come over

Next week, yes

Don't worry about that

I've checked your test results You don't have any problems

But do come here I need to change your medication

No, no problems at all

Sure thing, bye

Leila!

Don't cry outside please

For God's sake Leila!

Let's go

Where to?

Home

But if mother should call, that I'm sure she will...

- You talk to her - Okay

And you promise me to forget this totally

I do not want a baby, and that's that

Please Leila

Don't make this into a hell

I swear to God it's not important to me You know it

Leila!

Don't cry please

Nothing's for certain yet

Didn't you hear the doctor say

That there are all kinds of cures and tests

Besides we've only checked with one doctor

I was busy carrying out the lady doctor's orders for a long time

I used to take hormone pills like crazy at first

But they were no use

Next I went to do the Pulsatale Administration of Gonadotropin

But after going through a lot of trouble

The daily examinations didn't work

Reza no longer agreed with the artificial insemination

And I wasn't too thrilled about Endoscope

Specially since I had to go on the waiting the waiting list for a year

Not knowing whether it would help or not

And during this period I was tossed from one doctor to another

And between new medications and traditional ones, everywhere

Even one day me and Reza went to an orphanage to adopt a child

A couple who come to us to adopt a child...

Must have certain criteria

They have to be Muslims and educated

They most certainly need to have...

Economical, social...

Cultural and religious conditions

Most importantly they need to show proof that they can't have a baby

In order to start a file...

They need to go to the city court

And present certain documents there

And then they'll be referred to The Ameneh Orphanage

Once their residence is checked out...

And once the family gets approved in every way...

They'd still need to go on the waiting list...

That's because we are short on children

And there are many families on the waiting list

Who request a baby girl

Small girls who won't have any religious problems

But there's no way to tell and it might take up to two years

Just a moment, don't raise your arm

...tells the rabbit that

He'd pull out its teeth if it went there one more time

But the rabbit goes again and asks for carrots and the guy pulls its teeth out

So the next day the rabbit goes and asks for carrot juice!

Well, what do you think?

I don't know, it's hard

They all feel to be strangers

Although some of them are truly angels

Why don't you tell him what's on your mind?

Why won't you tell him that why do you want to raise...

Someone else's child when you can have your own?

You know what Reza?

I think this is very selfish of me in a way

You can have babies

Why do you have to raise someone else's kid?

Who wants some Kebab?

Give me some tomato

Tomato is an excuse for you to eat the Kebab, right?

Reza!

Careful not to drop the child

Okay, I'm careful

Poor thing hasn't had any experiences

It's not is fault

Poor baby, he loves children

I know what's going on in his heart

He's a mess inside

But he won't say anything since his wife can't get pregnant

His wife cut his tongue completely

Whatever she says it goes

Are you here Leila?

Why don't you go and play?

Are you alright?

I have a headache

Why don't you go and lay down on that blanket dear?

- With the others - Yeah

Do you really think Reza is tolerating me?

I heard what you said I'm bewildered

Reza has told me many times he doesn't want babies

Listen Leila I raised Reza and I know him well

If he doesn't say anything it's just for your sake

But deep down inside he loves children

So do I Everyone loves to have children

What can I do though?

There's lots you can do

I've done everything

But none of them worked

Well, that's fate

It's not your fault but you can do a good deed

Like what?

You need to do something

What?

Be a good girl...

And let Reza have another wife

What if Reza had the problem? Would you have said the same thing?

No, I don't know...

I guess this is God's will

But do something if you love Reza

It's getting late

She's a mother, maybe she's right

I don't have any children to know how she is feeling

I don't know what to do

Just say yes, that's all

- Say yes? - Yeah

Okay? Okay

God bless you my dear

I wish the best for you

- I hope you become the happiest person - What's going on?

It's a good thing

Congratulations!

I hope your second wife won't have the same problem I have

There's no way to tell

I'd never have married you had I known I couldn't have babies

What are you saying? Are you trying to test me?

Test you?

To find out how much I love you

It's not a test

I want you, your mother...

You'd have to have children

And a second marriage is the only way

Didn't you see how happy your mother was?

She shouldn't be

It's none of her business anyway

She got happy

What are you talking about?

What's this all about?

Are you really going to go through

Tolerating another woman in this house?

Have you lost your mind?

I hope you can understand how I feel

I understand you very well

I even understand how my mother feels

I understand how everyone feels

But why is it that nobody wants to understand how I'm feeling?

How dare you and mother decide about what I should do?

Shouldn't my opinion count as well?

Why do you let others interfere with our marriage?

What's it to them whether I want children or not?

They keep telling you that you can't have babies

But why are you getting upset?

I'm not

I'll throw a party

But you can have children and shouldn't waste your life on me

Don't worry, I know what's good for me

I've told you many times before and I'll tell you again

I'm glad we don't have any children

- It's better this way - No it's not

Fine, let's both commit suicide and get it over with

This is not the way to do it

Do you know how much you've been annoying me for?

Medications, doctors, tests

I do not want any children

And I don't want you this way neither

What happened to the old you?

- Where are you going? - I'm going to see Hossein

- He can relate to me - No

No one in my family knows about this

It will be horrible if they find out

Reza!

Don't go

I'll change to how I used to be

Are you happy?

Look

Like this...

So many children in the world

Why can't I have one of them?

Are you taking revenge?

Have I committed a sin?

Tell me

I'm stupid God, forgive me0

Right, he stood up to his family big time

He told them that it's nobody's business and

that they shouldn't interfere in our life

Good for Reza, so he did stand up to them

Yeah, you should have seen his mother

She must have gotten really upset

You don't know how much better I am Golnaz

- Good! - I feel like a load is off me

I feel like flying I'm so happy

- So life's sweet - Yeah

I'm cooking Chinese food for his dinner now

- How I envy Reza - He'll have a ball

But don't make him too fat

Who is it?

- Hi mother - Hi

I'm so glad to see you

Too bad Reza isn't home

I know, I called his work

Come in, what a surprise

You never did this before

I hadn't heard of you for a week

I was starting to miss you a lot

I thought it'd be nice to stop by to see you

I'm glad you're here

- Here you are mother - I'm tired

I know, let me take your Hijab

- Thanks - Here you are

I'll be right with you

What are you up to dear?

Cooking Chinese food

Reza likes it a lot

You've forgotten all about yourself since you love Reza so much

You don't think about yourself

Don't bother yourself Leila

I've already eaten everything

I just came by to see you on my way home

We have guests tonight

How is father? The kids?

Everyone's fine

Would you and Reza like to come over too?

- It's the auntie - Thanks a lot

We're going to my mother's house

We haven't seen them for a while

Are you making pickles?

Yes

I've made a lot of pickles this year

I'll bring some for you Don't you bother yourself with anything

Thanks a lot mother

Thanks dear

I've been meaning to give you this for a long time now

But I didn't find the chance

I was taking out my watch out of the drawer today...

And I remembered this

My mother-in-law gave it to me at my wedding

So I figured it should be given to you

Everything goes to boys

Boys mean everything to parents

Boys are the cream of the crop

Specially to me since I only have one boy

God gave me four girls and a boy

I wish them all the best

Everyone has a different fate

Yes

Thanks

How pretty mother!

You really shouldn't have!

I never expected it

You don't expect anything from anybody

You are not a materialistic person Leila

Why don't you put it on then?

It looks good on you

Reza had told me how much you love pearls

In the old days they used to say pearls didn't suit everybody

They look good on some and not so well on others

It's always looked good on me though

That's why you brought them for me

You must think I don't like you, right?

Only if you knew how much I've prayed for you

In order for you to get pregnant

All those nights I didn't sleep

I cried

I prayed for you

What difference does it make?

You're just like my own daughter

I have nothing against you Leila

But you're mistaking

You're young now

What about when you grow as old as I am?

Reza will marry someone else eventually

Reza loves children

He's told me many times...

He's asked me to pray for him when I go to Mashad...

To pray so...

And God might feel sorry for us and give us a child

But he doesn't tell you any of that

He knows it makes you sad

Last year when Auntie Shamsi went to Syria...

Last year when Auntie Shamsi went to Syria...

Reza told her to pray for him too

Just so he could have a child...

He also wanted to go to Zeinab's holy shrine

What can he do though?

He can't announce it in the media that he wants to have a baby

Just so you believe him?

Leila, listen to me

I want what's best for you

Be a good girl...

And let us find a wife for Reza

Later on when you grow old...

You'll suddenly realize...

That Reza has gotten married behind your back

But then you'll be old and embarrassed

You'd have to hide yourself...

From the neighbors then

You don't know how men are

They can go through with everything

To get what they desire

Specially when it comes to having a child

This is not a joke

Specially in our family with just one son

Leila, if I had another son...

I wouldn't be begging you so much

Don't cry mother please

You get Reza to accept it

I have no objections

But it's no use if I get him to accept it...

But you complain to him from the other end

I haven't said anything

Well when men love someone...

Even if that someone can't have a baby...

They love her no matter what

It's obvious

It's obvious Reza is in love with you

Is there anyone who doesn't know it?

Okay mother

Whatever you think is the best

I have no objections

God bless you dear

I hope you get whatever you want in life

I hope all your wishes come true

I wish you happiness Leila

What's that on your neck?

Mother gave it to me

Was she here?

Did she brain wash you again?

She says you want a child badly but you're too shy to say so

I guess you've told Auntie Shamsi a couple of times as well

You've told her to pray for you to have a baby

But this goes back to the time you were going through all sorts of medication...

I can't believe how mother takes advantage of the things I say

You can't fight the destiny Reza

I want to hear you say it too Say it, say you want a baby too

Is that you Reza?

Were you sleeping? Did I wake you up?

No turn on the light

I didn't want to ruin your sleep How are you?

Were you at mother's house?

No, it's impossible to talk to her

I was over at your brother's house

- How was Mehri? - Not bad

But the kids didn't let us have a few words together

They were either crying or fighting or having stomach aches

And they kept calling their mother

What they meant was that no one should talk...

Or do anything else Just sit and watch us

Don't talk of children anymore please Reza

I swear to God it's not like mother told you

During the heat of the moment of medical examinations

And all that medications and tests

And all other things...

I was stupid to say one word

I told her to pray for us

And only for your sake

Just so you'd be comfortable

Why can't you understand it?

Why do you insist on me marrying again?

What do I need another wife for?

The first time was by force too!

My mother kept persisting about our generation not becoming extinct

But so what?

What have we done for our people anyway?

So many people One less won't hurt

What difference would it make?

I feel you're growing cold Leila

You're becoming distant

You no longer love me

What have I done to you?

Nothing

But I can't go through it anymore

Our life's been revolving around the baby issue for the past couple of months

So many medications, so much worry

I'm tired anymore Reza I have no energy left

Well this is a kind of a medication

What do you mean?

I keep telling myself...

If Reza loves me...

He shouldn't care about another woman

She'll only give him a child

Nothing would change

And that our love will keep on existing

Why are you putting all the responsibility on my shoulders?

What about you?

Me? I'm here

I'll be careful

I'll stay with you

I'm giving my consent

And I'll go through it

- Hello? - Leila!

- Hello mother - Hi

How are you?

- How are you dear? - Thanks for asking

- How is father? - Not too bad

Did you talk to Reza dear?

Hello?

- Leila! - Yes?

- Did you talk to him Leila? - Yes

Will he do it?

I'll make him

So should I start looking for a girl?

Yes

I have one in mind as a matter of fact

I'll make the arrangements for this week

My sister knows a lot of girls

There is a colonel in her neighborhood

He has a nice daughter who has a high school diploma

They are a nice family

She's not very pretty...

But, she's not a bad girl

I'll talk to my sister and set a date

- Okay dear? - Sure

Is there anything else?

Bye mother

Bye

Mother called today

She said your Auntie Shamsi has found a nice girl for you

For marriage

She's the daughter of a colonel

What? She is a colonel?

No, her father is a colonel

I guess she's not too bad looking neither

She's not pretty but...

What if she's too old?

I'm certain she's got dentures

And she's got rubber eyes too

And she's probably bald

With gold teeth Only four on each side

She's probably got iron arms and legs and she tightens the screws every night

Mother called two days later

And she set up a date for Thursday afternoon

Close to Auntie Shamsi's house

In Mirdamad St., near Mohseni Sq.

Asef St., number 15

Thursday afternoon I helped Reza get ready myself

As if I was sending my kid to school

I chose his outfit

His shoes, his shirt

He looked nice and shiny

He asked me how he looked

I told him he looked quite handsome

And that the girl would certainly fall in love with him

What? Why are you laughing?

How pure and innocent my husband's gotten

Just like a sweet and shy little kid...

He's going to propose to a girl

Wicked!

It's very stupid, isn't it?

I can't believe you've gotten me to do this

Is this it?

Next street

I'll hang around here for an hour

I'll do some shopping till you come

You will come, won't you?

Everyone's after something

But nobody can even guess what I'm doing here

Who can believe that I'm here...

Till my husband gets back from asking a girl's hand?

Well, congratulations

You should have been there Leila, it was hilarious

She's six feet tall

With a bad attitude and old

And she kept chewing on her nails

- Was she scared? - I couldn't tell you

Besides she has a slight nervous tick like this

- Stupid! - I swear to God

And then her father started to talk and...

And asked me about my job

And how life is hard and expensive nowadays

Next the girl asked me

Whether I've ever been abroad

I told her that I have

She asked where and I said Italy, France, America...

She asked which one did I like most? I told her

That Iran is the best place to live

But she suddenly frowned

But it was obvious they are a rich family

About a kilo of gold was hanging from them

I wish you could have seen Auntie Shamis

That's enough

Why don't you make your usual tasteless sauce tonight...

To go with the grilled chicken?

You know the one you mix them all up

- Yoghurt,... - Sure, keep it up

- Hello? - Hi, how are you?

Hello mother

Look, Auntie Shamsi told me all about it

You want a baby...

So what do you care about her appearance?

Besides you should thank God for giving you a second wife with so much gold

It'll be great for the future of your kid

What do you mean mother? What does gold have to do with a baby?

What are you talking about mother?

Okay, don't worry

- I'll find another girl - Okay, take it easy now

I have to go for now, bye

Reza had gotten super kind for the next couple of days and nights

He was trying to be too kind to me...

Just so I don't forget he loves me

And he kept on buying gifts for me

- Leila dear, Auntie Shamsi found a girl - Yes

The daughter of the retired director general of the Ministry of Agriculture

She is thirty two years old

She's been married once...

But got separated after a year

I guess her husband couldn't get her pregnant

- Sure - Leila dear...

I'm sure this one is suitable for Reza

- Yes dear - Sure

We'll set a date for next week...

And so we were off the next afternoon

And like the last time Reza wanted me to be with him

As if he was going to take an exam

He didn't want me to be home alone

And to annoy myself

But I guess I was getting used to it

Strange that I'm not scared

I can even imagine them all sitting around

What does she look like?

No

No, I'll go crazy like this

I should look at these

There he comes

I missed him a lot

So?

It was great

- Just great - Really?

She's got a normal height

Very quiet and the type who is always keeping to herself

Then she told me about her marriage

She was in love with her husband

But she divorced him since he couldn't get her pregnant

And no matter how much the man begged...

It was useless

That was when Auntie Shamsi started to sweet-talk

She told her that she did well by divorcing him

And that life is hell without kids

And other bullshit and I was starting to get bored out of my mind

I mean come on, I have a wife and I'm in love with her

And I seem to want her more by the day

So what do I need another wife for?

- Hi - Hi

Well well, to what do I owe this pleasure to?

- Reza and Leila here! - We've been so busy

Yes I know...

You've been elected as Africa's prime minister...

And that's why you've been so busy

Come in, here's your girl

- Hi, I missed you all a lot - What a surprise!

My sweetheart

- Hi mother, how are you? - Hi

Come in, come

Tell me how it went

- It didn't go - Why not?

I guess the girl divorced her husband for not being able to get her pregnant

And no matter how much the poor soul begged her but it was useless

It seems she is very ruthless

- And? - And Reza didn't accept it

You don't know how painful it is though Nazgol

I'm on pins and needles all the time

I don't know, but deep in my heart...

There's a wound or a pain somewhere

And it's burning me up

Why don't you do something then?

What can I do?

What do you mean?

You can do lots

You can stand your ground and say no

You can say you won't let it happen

Besides, Reza too keeps saying that he doesn't want another wife

His mother forced him, so?

What are you two mumbling about?

Tell us about it too

Or is it about lovey-dovey stuff?

Is it another girl?

There goes the uncle again

No uncle, Nazgol is careful

But once love comes along...

You'll get down on your knees no matter who you are

So much for the uncle

He sticks his nose into everything

Nazgol dear, where is Leila?

Where were you sweetie?

I was starting to miss you a lot How are you?

- How is Reza? - Fine

I always tell Hossein to stop by your house

- But he never moves - Why didn't you come by yourself?

- How is Reza's father? - He's fine too

- His mother, what about his sisters? - They're all just fine

Doesn't Reza's little sister want to get married yet?

I don't know

Why are you standing there Leila? Have a seat

- How are you? - Fine, thanks

- What's this? - For the kids

Do you have to work for them even when you're at a gathering?

Where are you two going?

Go after them Alireza Or do I have to do this too?

I got stupid once already

But it won't happen to me again

Besides I'm way ahead of you all when it comes to that

Am I wrong?

There are lots of girls who'd love to marry me

But I won't give in to marriage so easily

I have my conditions

She must have a house, a car

And she'll have to fill my pockets up with money every month

Without me knowing it

On top of that, she must be young pretty and educated too

She shouldn't talk too much

That's right

But such a woman must be super stupid to become your wife uncle!

What's wrong with stupidity?

It's better than the brain you have Nazgol

You and your fiance

You slime!

You have nowhere to escape this time Nazgol

- It's all over with - Where are you going? Come in

Where are you Leila? You seem down

I'm a little tired

What do you want me to play for you?

This is just fine

But mother wasn't going to give up

Three weeks later she found another girl

She is thirty years old

Her parents are both teachers

And they work for the Ministry of Education

Her parents were decent people

But the girl...

She was one of those shameless girls...

You should have seen her

Her father began to talk and

Asked me about my job

I told him that me and my dad have an engineering company

And that we have a decent income

Then the girl said

"How has your wife allowed you to have a second wife?"

Well?

And all I could do was to stare at her like an idiot

So she had to answer her own question

What did she say?

She said, "Right, she can't get pregnant"

Then she said that having children without love in life would be meaningless

And that how could you be in love with two people at the same time

And she told me to divorce you and marry her

- Just like that? - Yeah

So?

I told her that you'd have to like her for the starters

And that it'd be impossible if you didn't like her

And that was when she got all quiet

Then her mother said...

"So your wife makes the choice?"

What else did they say?

I told her that I was in love with you

And how great you are

And the only thing is that you can't get pregnant

The the girl said

"Come back whenever you divorce your wife"

I told her sure, but don't hold your breath

That night we went to the Japanese Restaurant again

It's just like the engagement period, it was great

We laughed so much while the food was being cooked

It was as if we had just met

Our house, our marriage...

They all had a different feeling

I kept telling myself...

That this baby issue isn't so bad

I just realized how I can love someone

Now I understand that love is just like a living thing...

And it can grow

Where were you? I called a hundred times

Yes we went out for dinner last night

We got home late

Where is Reza?

Why didn't he go to work?

Reza was tired and stayed home to sleep

With all the things he does it's no wonder he's tired

Why does he bother us so much?

His Auntie Shamsi is trying so hard

To find the right girls

She keeps at it

But he comes along and rejects the girl

- Have you told him anything? - No mother

My girls are all so naive

I ask them if they know anyone

But they say no and that they don't know anyone who has a daughter

It's obvious they don't approve of their brother remarrying

They don't even call to ask...

How it goes

I have to call them myself

And tell them about Reza's dilemma

Hello? Leila?

- Are you still there? - Yes

For the love of God...

Tell me if you've said something to Reza to discourage him

I swear to God no Reza isn't discouraged

You find a good girl, and sure

What was wrong with the ones we've found till now?

Okay I'll let you know

- Bye - Bye

- Who was it? My mother? - Yeah

I wish I hadn't woken up at all

To hear that bullshit again

sleeping is great

I'd go nuts if it weren't because of sleeping

Let's run away and go somewhere else

Somewhere that nobody knows us

And we can have a comfortable life

This is all my fault

What do you mean?

I wish you'd be standing up to me instead of going through with all this

I wish you'd tell me that you didn't want me to remarry

Why won't anyone understand that I don't need any children

I like my life just the way it is

But my mother doesn't want our family to become extinct...

And so I'd have to do...

Things I don't like at all

Ever since Auntie Shamsi started the hunt for a girl...

Father's become very formal with me

I tried talking to him a couple of times but he didn't give me a chance at all

I was talking to him a couple of days ago in the car...

And I told him, "Why don't you talk to mother?"

He said,"I talked to your mother the very first day"

She wanted you to marry Auntie Shamsi's daughter but you didn't...

And now she's taking revenge

There are many couples who can't have babies...

But they kept on living their life

You tell me that you love your wife a lot and that...

You're quite content with your marriage

But at the same time you go to various girls' house to evaluate them for marriage

You should be ashamed of yourself!

What sin has your poor wife committed?

Do you remember what Leila told your mother the first day?

She said that what if it were Reza who couldn't have children?

Would you have done the same thing?

Tell me, what if you couldn't have a baby?

What if Leila wanted to divorce you to marry another man?

What would you do then?

But I never said I wanted to divorce her

This is a kind of a divorce

You don't know what she's going through

I've heard you're upset and sad as well

Your mother keeps talking about you

That you're getting destroyed

Why don't you stand up to everyone and tell them you don't want to do this?

What's all this then?

The problem is that Leila is okay with this

No, you're the only one okay with this Not Leila for sure

Your mother and aunt keep saying that you'll do it next year if not now

They say you'll eventually divorce her anyway

I never said I want to divorce her dad

Bye

I realized how much I've missed father

I wanted to cry

I tried to stop my tears

When Reza was talking...

I felt he was a sort of jealous of my patience

And that's what was bothering him the most

But he didn't want to let it show

Had I acted differently...

Perhaps Reza wouldn't be jealous at all

I know he loves me deep down

There aren't any women who can go through what I've been

God didn't give me any children...

But instead he's given me lots of patience

Mother started to come by after a few days again

And we set a date for a day after tomorrow afternoon

You get Reza to go through somehow

Sure

Why don't you go with Reza to see for yourself

Everyone already hates me here as it is

Let alone if I try to go along with him for the proposal

Do something for God's sake dear...

So Reza accepts this one

We'll both be out of this misery

I'd better go now

How are Aziz and the others?

Just fine, thanks

But they don't know anything about this so remember not to say anything to them

Okay, I won't

Besides suppose they know...

They'll realize Reza is only doing this to have a baby

They don't know I can't get pregnant

So they must think Reza has a problem

What a shame!

No mother, they think we don't want to have any children

They think we don't want it now

Very well

Bye, I gotta go

- The cab is waiting - Bye

There's someone head over hill in love with you

He's trying to tell you something...

But he doesn't know whether to say it or not

What?

He wants you to escape with him to the mountains

To be rid of everyone here

Look, this is the mountain

This is the valley, and the escape route

You see?

Let's see what does yours say

There is a woman in your life who loves you a lot

She wants you to have every good think in the world

There's also another woman waiting for you

She's young

She'll make you happy

What is it? Did mother call again?

She came by

She's found another girl

She's twenty four years old

She knows you won't divorce your wife

She knows I can't get pregnant

The day after tomorrow at four

No, not anymore

I don't want to

Anyone who brings a child into this world...

Is only trying to hide his fraud

He has to be crazy and madly in love with himself

To want to bring someone else into this disaster

Why do you let others to interfere with your life?

Do you even know what you're doing?

I swear to God she doesn't know She's way off

The day we went to the orphanage I told Reza...

That I preferred to raise his child

And he said that anyone who was going to be his wife...

Would have to accept his first wife

What do you mean?

She might consent verbally...

But it's impossible literary

Another woman in your house?

Who's supposed to have a baby?

What if he falls in love with her? What would happen to you?

Well that's why I say this is all a test

If Reza's love is for real...

What Reza? What about you?

I've heard you even intend to raise the baby too, is that right?

What about the mother of the baby?

What if she didn't let you?

Show me a kind second wife

You'd be a step-mother

Don't you get it?

Have you forgotten Jalil's wife Esmat?

As soon as he married another woman...

She was forced to leave with two kids

No, it's different

- The woman Reza is choosing... - Is Reza choosing?

Who the hell is Reza?[

He's just a man like all others are

Do you any man who doesn't like to have a second wife?

Specially when a baby comes a long too

And that's when the love for the baby's mother grows extremely

I don't know But I do know that I'm tired anymore

Suppose I say no to tomorrow What about two years later?

Mother isn't and won't be giving up ever

Weren't you the one who said...

That once mother decides on something there's no stopping her?

And that she's got a will of steal?

Frankly I can't tolerate mother's stares anymore

And I don't want to be walking on egg shells all the time

Whatever she wants

I give up

I feel this time is different

I feel everything will be clear this time

And that I'll be out of this uncertainty

What will happen?

Do you think everything will go on nice and quietly?

You idiot, get ready

And be strong

Don't be afraid

Don't shake

Well, how did it go?

I guess this one wasn't so bad

Why do you say that?

You've become very serious

What can I say?

I'm embarrassed

Oh dear, are you now?

Are you embarrassed because you've accepted this one?

Have you?

I don't know

I really don't

Congratulations

Tell me about it

Nothing, her husband's dead

Norman middle-class

Very shy

I told her that I have a wife and that she'd have to approve as well

Her mother agreed

She said that she wouldn't allow it to happen unless you were okay by it

Frankly I really liked what her mother said

So left is for me to see her and approve

I guess so

I can't believe this

Unbelievable

Yes?

- Hi Leila, how are you? - Hi auntie

I'm fine, thanks

So how did it go sweetie?

Did he approve of her?

Yes, he did

Thank God then

- Put Reza on the phone then - Sure

- Hi auntie - Hi dear

- Did you like her? - Yes

- I'll set the date for two days later at six - Okay

Her mother will be coming too You know it's tradition

Okay, bye

The girl is coming at six in two days for you to meet her

Her mother is coming as well

Listen Leila, should you not like her...

You'd have to tell me for sure

Because if you don't...

There's no way I'll accept it

What's wrong?

You look like a statue?

Listen Leila, you are forcing me to go through with this

But if you back out later and don't want to go on...

And if you leave me...

I'll be devastated

Think it through There's still time

It's beyond that anymore

Let's go out, I feel like I'm choking

- Hi - Hi

- Well my Leila - Hi uncle

Hi uncle, how are you?

Glad to see you

Long time no see

I'm glad you're here I want you to meet her too

- Who are you talking about? - Amir, a friend of Amir and Hossein

Who is Amir?

He's the one who caused you and Reza to get introduced

He's coming over tonight

Why?

He wants to ask for Nazgol's hand

Congratulations

- Hi Leila, how are you? - Hi

- How are you? - How are you Mehri?

- Hi auntie - Hi

Welcome

I'll be right with you

What's wrong sweetie?

Is something going on?

It's nothing Aziz

It's my pressure I'll be fine in a minute

But why? What's wrong?

I'll be fine

- Hello Mr. Groom, how are you? - Hi, how are you?

How are you?

Amir is here

The groom is walking right in the trap, come in

Hello, how are you?

- Welcome - Hi ma'am

Come in please

Very kind of you

Everyone keeps telling you not to get stupid

You're just starting your life

Why are you trying to put yourself in a lot of trouble?

- What can I say uncle? - This girl's putting us through hell

Nazgol will skin you alive

I'm telling you

The uncle is trying to bargain

No, living expenses are very high nowadays

And the uncle is raising up the ante

This is useless anymore

- You'll become stupid - Yes

But I want you to learn from your dear friend

He's fifteen years overdue to get married...

But he still won't be trapped

Where is Leila?

Leila!

Leila!

Leila!

Did you vomit again dear?

- What is it? - It might be due to pregnancy

I don't know

What if she is pregnant?

- My pressure's dropped - What's wrong again?

It's her blood pressure uncle

Her pressure? Where did it drop to?

Why doesn't this ever happen to us?

Let's eat dinner at least

Are you alright?

Did you stop vomiting?

No

What about your headache?

It's better

Is this egg broiled?

It's for you

You eat it, I'm not hungry

I'll pass by in five minutes

I really hope you won't like her though

There's no way I'll accept if you don't like her

Tell Auntie Shamsi not to say anything to me when she sees me

Why am I standing here?

To see whether I'll approve of my husband's new wife?

Who'll believe it?

I'm not made of steal

What if I burst of sorrow?

God...

I felt a strange calmness by seeing her

I think I liked her a sort of

She had a calm and pure face

As if she no longer was my rival

I don't know why...

But I wasn't my usual self anymore

I'd gotten strong

I no longer was scared of Reza being taken from me

- The green one - Sure

- Is this it? - Yes please

Well, did you like her Leila?

Leila dear!

- Do you approve of her? - Yes

She seemed to be a good and innocent girl

I sure hope she'll be good for Reza

Thank God

Well? Tell me how it went

Both families are supposed to have a gathering this week

So the bride and groom can get to know each other better

Anyway, it seems everything's coming to an end nice and clean

- Listen Leila... - This is "Shah Maqsoud"

I bought it for you

Thanks

I can never understand women

They do anything they want to

I truly don't know what to do

Why don't you water the flowers pal?

- Bye Leila - Bye

Well, did you get a good look at her Leila?

- Do you approve? - Yes

My God

Why are you standing? Sit down dear

Sit

Don't be sad

This is my destiny

What is it Homeira?

What is it?

What are you doing?

Get out of here, now

This one and this one please

And so we went to buy the ring for the bride starting tomorrow

Since Reza's sisters wouldn't go with him

This is sapphire but there's a lot of gold on it as well

- How is this one? - It's fine

- Put this one on - What for?

I want to buy it for you

I don't want you to

Thanks

- Are you sure? - Yeah

How much is this one?

Neither of us approved of it

But mother is very sad

And Firouzeh thinks of the future

The wedding is in a couple of days

Should we go? Should we not go?

So we want to ask for your advice

Of course Parvin

Why not?

Both of you should go

That poor girl is innocent here

You should even be present at her wedding ceremony too

Everything must go on nicely

How are you?

You're back so soon

I missed you, I didn't even have lunch...

So I came earlier to have dinner together

I got this for you

Listen to it and see if you like it

What's wrong?

I don't feel too well

I'm not in the mood for this shotgun wedding

Did you go to Giti's house?

Yes, with mother and Auntie Shamsi

We stayed there for an hour

Then I showed them the ring

I told them you chose it

- You shouldn't have - Why not?

They complimented you a lot

And then Homa and Firouzeh went to buy the wedding dress

The same place you recommended

Giti's mother invited everyone to her house for dinner

Dad called to see how you were doing

He was trying to make sure you won't be left alone tomorrow night

He told me to take you there

Reza!

Reza is here, get ready

Why are you so late Reza?

I got stuck in traffic

- You should have left sooner then - We're here anyway

But it'll cause embarrassment for us

- What are you doing here Leila? - Hello father

Let's go out, the weather is nicer out there

Let's go for a walk, why here?

Don't stall

Homeira, this is too heavy

- Change your Hijab then - It's fine mother, we're running late

It's very late Reza, run

Too bad you're not coming

Just what I said

Tell them she was sick and couldn't come

I hope they don't take it personally

They won't, take care

I'm surprised mother didn't even ask me once how I was doing

Doesn't she know what I'm going through?

Can't she put herself in my shoes for even a moment?

How selfish can she be?

- Drink your tea please - Thanks a lot

I'm glad you came here Leila dear

I'm glad you're not home alone

Have faith in God

Try to have faith in God in times like now

Until Tuesday and the night of the wedding...

I started to clean the house

I felt I had to clean everything

I wanted everything to shine

Reza came home at noon

He was excited and restless

I cooked him some chicken kebab

But I had no appetite to eat

Neither did Reza but I insisted and he ate some anyway

He went to take a nap after lunch

He was supposed to go to the hair stylist and take a sauna afterward

And to get ready for the wedding

He returned in the evening

He was red and shiny

I had his suit ready on the bed

Don't stay home all alone for God's sake

Go to your mother's house

No

I'll stay

I'll wait for you

I prepared the guest house for myself the last day

I was all numb because of so much pain

I thought that was it

I brought it upon myself

I thought no one was supposed to come Who are these people though?

- It's tradition dear - What tradition? Nobody was supposed to come

It's alright dear, don't worry

We'll be here for ten minutes The poor bride has done nothing wrong

Congratulations

Excuse me

I sure hope you won't frown at me tonight Reza

- Take some fruit and other things - Thanks

You attend to the fruits Shokouh

- Where are the herbs? - Here you are

- Now light it up - What should I do?

You take care of the tea Goli

Bring the tea cups from there

Leila!

Leila!

Open the door, Leila

I couldn't stop them

I'm sorry

Go on Reza, go

Giti, I wish you happiness dear

Bye dear

Bye dear, thanks

Take care

Aziz!

What have I done to be torturing like this?

Why couldn't I have a baby?

Why didn't you tell me?

Why did Reza do this to you?

Reza didn't want to, I forced him

But why?

Leila, I had to tell them

I'm coming

Is Leila here?

Hi

Hi

Do you hate me so much?

You planned to get rid of me like this, right?

Good God

I swear to God she forced me to do it

She wanted to make my mother happy

I wasn't important to her

I swear we were happy

We didn't need any children

We had everything Everybody can testify to that

She didn't approve of a baby from the orphanage

She said that she wanted it to be my own child

Didn't you want a child as well?

Yes I did Nazgol

But her child and not anyone else's

Do you really expect Leila to stay in that house...

And to live with your new wife?

That's what she said herself

She said she wanted to raise my child

Why didn't you come to talk to us pal?

I tried to talk to Hossein many times...

But she wouldn't let me

She didn't want any of you to find out

That you'd all get sad if you knew

Hossein, don't make so much noise

We're fed up

What do you want now?

What are you saying?

Leila must keep her promise

She married me and she'll leave my house only when she dies

I'll get Giti a house to live in

Leila can come back to her house

Why did you go along with it if you didn't want any children?

- That's exactly what I'm... - Why don't you divorce your new wife?

I will, if Leila wants me to

Nothing's happened yet

I left the house when Leila left last night

I walked all night

For God's sake Aziz Do something!

For the love of God

Uncle!

Talk to her yourself

Leila!

What are you trying to take out on me Leila?

What have I done to you?

Why don't you answer me?

Don't be so stubborn Leila

You know damned well I did all this for you

You wanted it, isn't that so?

Get up Leila

Come back home

I promise to put her up in a different house...

In a couple of days

Or I'll divorce her if you want me to

Get up Leila

For God's sake get up

I'd never seen Reza so helpless and disappointed before

The way he was begging

But I'd turned into stone

Although I still loved him but...

It was like someone dear who had died

I couldn't step in that house anymore

Reza called a couple of times and said the same things

Then his sisters came to see me

You've truly destroyed Reza

All he ever does is to fight with mother

He says that mother's ruined his happiness all for her selfish reasons

Father keeps arguing with mother as well

He says that you can't be blamed

He tells mother that she ruined everyone

The newly bride keeps complaining

That Reza doesn't pay the least of attention to her

I couldn't talk anymore

I had nothing to say

Everything was over

A week later Reza took his new wife to a new house

And she got pregnant after two months

Mother was so happy she couldn't contain herself

And she delivered the baby after nine months

A baby girl named Baran

Mother got sad all over again

It hadn't made any differences for Reza

The girl had told Parvin...

That Reza wanted her for Leila

And now that Leila isn't here I don't exist neither

At first I thought love could come between us again

But it didn't

Then I told myself that the baby...

Might be able to save two people's lives

But now the baby is born...

I'm prepared to get separated from Reza

And instead perhaps Reza might think...

That by stabilizing my life...

He could clear his conscious

Reza accepted it

And he'll divorce her gladly

And he'll pay her the dowry, and give her the apartment in full

The girl has money now...

And after a few months

She marries her cousin who has been wanting to marry her

And Baran stays with mother

I'm tired

I'm very lonely

Reza stopped by to see me a couple of times

He talked, and begged

He told me how miserable and how lonely he is

And how every corner of the house still smells like me

And how my things are intact

And how ruthless I am

And how selfish I am

But it was all useless

I couldn't stop my silence fasting

A better life with less children

A shorter life with more children

Reza was alone with that big house

He didn't divorce me

Neither did he marry another woman

But he was hopeful deep down inside

He'd told his older sister that

This year on the 28th of the month of Safar when they cook "Sholeh Zard"...

He was going to bring some to our house just like he did a few years ago

To be able to persuade me

To go back with him in that house

Take it

Perhaps when I tell this story to Baran, Reza's daughter, someday...

She will laugh

If it weren't for mother's persistence...

She'd never be in this world

THE END