Original subtitles

Hello.

Hello Badriya.

This is Bilkis,

Sadiq's wife, remember?

What can I do for you?

Why so defensive?

I'm only calling to ask how the wedding planning is going.

It's going well.

I'm glad to hear that.

So let me get straight to the point.

I would like us to meet up and have a chat.

Why?

Because we are about to be one family

and I will like to know who my husband is bringing into our home.

Sorry, but I'm not sure I have any free time today.

I'm sure you can find the time.

You might want to hear what I have to say.

Let me know what you decide.

Goodbye.

Sadiq's wife wants to meet with me.

When?

Today.

Anyway I don't think it's a good idea

though, because I don't want any drama from "a jealous wife".

She's right, it is good you people meet.

It is good you meet your co-wife before marriage.

She can make your life better or bitter.

Okay.

You know if you’re going to have to sneak off like that, could you at least…

have some breakfast?

Who's sneaking?

-I'm not. -Then why are you shy?

I'm not shy.

Why were you sneaking off?

Again Kassim, I wasn't sneaking.

I have to be at work on time and you were sleeping and--

I was trying to catch up,

because I didn't get enough sleep last night.

-Oh really Kassim? -Yes.

Please don't be smug.

I hate smug you.

-Okay then stay. -I prefer un-funny you.

Then stay and witness hungry me over breakfast.

I can't. I also need to go check on Bappa.

Okay?

Zizi…

Yeah?

You're absolutely

the most beautiful woman that I have ever known.

Hello.

Good morning Mrs. Madaki, I hope you are well.

I'm fine, thank God.

I am an admissions officer calling from the University of Dubai,

we are really looking foward to you joining us soon.

The drawings you sent us with your application really caught our eye,

and this is exactly the kind of talent we are looking for.

Thank you.

I would like to talk to you about your course plan.

Can we discuss the details now?

Yes please, go ahead.

Okay so, Bola I like what you've done with this shelf.

This is okay I'm pleased with it but…

There’s something about this one,

I don't know what it is, it's just not working for me.

Maybe try another arrangement here.

-Okay. -Yeah, it's… it's just not working.

-Try something else please. -Okay.

Thank you.

Argh!

Hey Amir.

-Hey Na'ima, how are you? -I'm good, you?

Uh, I'm fine.

Just that I… I miss you.

And I sort of didn't like the way our last conversation ended.

I'm sorry, I've just been really busy here, there's a lot to do.

Maybe I should fly to Lagos and see you.

I… I wouldn't do that. I mean you know how crazy things get in Lagos.

Plus I'm too busy here to be good company.

Na'ima, don't tell me you're trying to push me away again?

Amir look, let's talk about this when I get back, okay?

Okay.

Alright, thank you.

Matthew!

This place looks so amazing.

You've done such a good job, I can't even lie.

Should I show you around?

I'd love that.

Come on.

What do you want Bilkis?

I just thought it'll be nice to meet

-each other and you know get to… -I thought we met already.

Or have you forgotten?

Oh!

That.

I think I was… perhaps not on my best behavior.

I asked Sadiq to convey my apologies.

I hope he did?

You know how emotional we women can get over our men.

Now that you're gonna be family, I think we can start on a clean slate.

Why?

Because I know Sadiq,

-and I know he does not like nonsense. -And who is bringing nonsense to him?

I'm glad that we've met and um…

I can see…

that you’re gonna mind your business with Sadiq and

leave me and the children alone.

Children?

Of course.

Sadiq has four.

Three from me and one from his ex-wife.

Ooh!

Is this news to you?

Oh, I’m sure he mentioned it to me but,

in all my excitement I must have overlooked it, you know.

There's so much to talk about when we are together.

Hm.

Yes of course.

Anyways,

it was nice meeting you, Bilkis.

You haven't ordered anything.

I have to go, and please,

I will stay in my lane only if you stay in yours.

Hm!

Understood.

-Hi Na'ima. -Hmm, Sadiq's bride.

-How are you doing? -I'm okay.

I miss you though. You should be here helping me organize my wedding.

-How's Lagos? -Hm, Lagos is Lagos.

Alive as always, you know this city never sleeps.

Hm-hm, Na'ima, good to see you, we miss you over here.

Exactly what I was just telling her.

-Hi Hanifa, how are you? -I'm good, thank God.

Sorry I'm late, we're all doing fine. I just put the kids to bed.

Aw, it's okay we understand. It's admirable how you are raising

two beautiful girls and you literally don't break a sweat.

Practice, practice, my dear. So when are you back Na'ima?

It should be anything from two to four weeks from now.

Hm, you better be back in time for my wedding.

because you know you're the one doing my halawa.

Who else will do it? I will literally kill you if you call anybody but me.

-You didn't do this when I got married. -Sis, I was broke, a girl was hustling.

You know that I was hustling then, eh? But I got you,

I'll make it up to you now. How's Ahmadu?

Ahmadu is fine, we're still perfect as always.

Anything interesting happening to you in Lagos?

Not much, you know,

work as usual.

Na'ima, work, work, work all the time, you need to live a little, girl.

Mm-mm, you're wasting all that beauty.

Hm, you better create time for some love and romance.

Wow! Baddie the big girl!

Look at how this girl is talking while she's still single,

what will happen when you finally get married?

Of course. I am happy, I am in love.

Everything seems to be perfect, so why won't I want the same for my friend, mm?

Alright ladies I've got to go, I have an early start tomorrow.

Mm? I will call you again.

-Love you, bye! -Bye!

Bye.

Okay.

Na'ima.

Troll!

How are you?

I'm alright, enjoying the change in pace that Lagos brings with it.

You've always loved that pace and place.

Yeah, I don't know why you don't like it.

Anyway, how are you? What’s up?

I'm actually enjoying not having my little sister in my hair.

Aaaah! Nice one.

Well, doesn't really count since you are balding,

But if we're being honest, I'm not really the person in your life now,

am I? It's the other female.

Let mother hear you.

You wouldn't tell.

Maybe I will.

You know so that she's going to give you an earful when you return.

Yeah, and speaking of returning, what's actually keeping you there?

Eh? And don't tell me it's the Hammam because you know that's a lie.

Actually…

there's something.

Remember the guy I told you about in Dubai?

Hm, how can I forget? Uh, I don't know, is it Martin or so?

Matthew.

So, what's up with him?

He and I reconnected.

Oh! Wow! Really? Okay.

Just like that,

it's like the years apart never happened.

Wow.

So how… How does that make you feel?

Very happy,

and frightened…

and torn.

Yeah.

It sounds oddly weird but familiar.

Yeah, it does.

And I take it that you don't plan on introducing this Matthew to us because…

Kassim I can't.

Not yet.

The only thing that the time apart and all of that didn’t change is the fact that

we still can't be together. Nothing in that regard has changed.

Our problem still exists.

That's deep.

So, what's the way forward?

I don't know. Do you have any ideas?

No. I wish it was that simple but,

life and love…

rarely are.

Look at you getting philosophical.

You know I still have some few working brain cells in my head,

even if you don't think so.

But Kassim to be honest,

it's different.

No one questions you.

No one puts pressure on you, you do what you want,

say what you want, when you want.

It's not like that for me.

You will never understand what it feels like…

to love someone,

want to be with them and…

not be able to do that.

I guess not.

No, this is worse.

Wait, do you realize you just sang the entire song?

-The theme song of a cartoon. -I know, I know, see, see, I…

Trust me, when you have toddlers around you, it'll… it'll grow on you,

-you'll learn it, I promise. -Oh my God.

Oh, I have tears in my eyes.

Wait, but, your sister is married…

with a whole kid.

Trust me it's crazy but, I love having him around when I have free time.

Hm.

Listen, can't you stay a little longer?

Matthew,

I can't, you know that I have so much work waiting for me in Abuja.

-Come on. -I left my Hammam.

You should have someone that can take care of these things, don't you?

Hmm, hmm?

-Maybe Surrayah. -There you go.

-I can try. Try. -So try.

Okay, that's what I want to hear, try. Try.

-Okay, let me make a call. -Alright.

Na'ima is calling me.

Hi Na'ima, how are you?

I'm fine, you?

I'm doing good, any gist?

Nothing much. Um,

I want to discuss something with you.

Let's call it a money-making opportunity.

Alright, okay.

I'm going to have to be in Lagos a little longer than I had originally planned,

and I was thinking that maybe you could continue

overseeing things at the Hammam for me, while I'm away.

I mean at this point you pretty much know everything already.

I think it's a great opportunity for you, Surrayah.

You know, and you'll make some extra money.

-Okay, I accept the offer. -Awesome!

Sorry I forgot to mention,

um, please I have a document in my bottom drawer in the office

for Kassim, could you help me deliver that to him?

Um, I could give it to him myself.

It sounds like a sensitive item to deliver.

Alright, thank you, bye.

Bye.

Mm-hm.

-Just give me a minute. -Okay.

I'm just gonna wait for you.

-Ah! Surrayah. -Hi.

-Ah, it's quite a surprise. -I'm sorry I didn't call.

Um, Na'ima asked me to bring something for you.

Um, Surrayah is here.

Hi, I'm sorry I didn't--

-H… Hi Zizi. -Hi Surrayah.

Okay um, so Na'ima asked me to…

It's sensitive so she said I should bring it myself.

Alright, um, thank you. Sorry for going through the trouble.

-It's fine. -Alright.

Okay so, uh, I'll just be going.

Oh okay, thanks for coming.

If I didn't know better I would say you don't like eating.

When were you planning to tell me about your ex-wife

and your children?

You do expect me to have children

at my age and with my status, don't you?

I guess, but I haven't really thought about it.

Good. Because I'm the one marrying you, not my children.

And for the ex, why should I mention it?

Because she was your wife Sadiq, and a mother to one child.

She's also history.

But we shouldn't be keeping any secrets between us Sadiq.

Anything you want to know I can tell you.

The children are in plain sight and so is Bilkis.

Did Bilkis tell you this?

I will talk to her.

I don't like anything that upsets you, especially as our wedding day approaches.

Hm?

My bride.

Don't be angry, okay?

Hanifa,

Have a seat.

We need to discuss your attitude.

Yes, because I realized that you are beginning to disrespect me.

When did you start hiding things from me?

Eh?

Hiding things from you Ahamdu?

Come on Hanifa.

Look, what you did was very wrong, Hanifa.

Eh? Stashing away cash for who knows how long?

I know you say you did not steal from the money

I give you for taking care of the house.

But still, it is not right.

Come on Hanifa.

Good women do not hide things from their husbands.

Oh really Ahamdu?

Look at who is talking about secrecy.

I am not the one that has been hiding behind your back

making calls to Kebbi, right?

Kebbi again?

Okay.

I can really see Hanifa, that your level of disrespect is getting extreme.

Hanifa you speak to me as you like, you make arrogant faces at your husband?

Eh?! You look at me in the eyes and…

Wow!

This is unfortunate.

That is why it is a bad idea for women to have their own money.

All of a sudden I don't know you again, Hanifa.

I feel the same too, Ahmadu.

From the moment my husband started sneaking behind my back,

making anonymous phone calls day and night.

I feel the same too, Ahmadu.

Remember your place.

Remember your place, you don't talk to your husband like that.

Ahmadu make up your mind, it's either I'm your maid or your wife.

Because I am not going to apologize for having my own money!

Don't shout at me, Hanifa!

Do not speak to your husband like that, Hanifa.

Ahmadu,

is this the kind of man you want to be?

Is this the kind of husband you want to be Ahmadu?

Okay fine,

I accept it.

Be mad at me for no reason, refuse to eat my food.

If you don't want to talk to me so be it!

Hanifa,

Come and sit down.

Have a seat.

This is not the right time for this, Hanifa.

Stop frowning.

It is only a mad man that quarrels with his wife at night.

Eh?

Don't frown your face.

Do you understand?

Come on Hanifa.

-Hello. -Oh! Hi Kassim.

Uh, I just came to pick up that tea stuff that Na'ima made for me the other time.

Oh! Okay, yes I have it.

Um, yeah. But please before you go, could you please try something for me?

Okay.

Do you like it?

Hmm, it's nice.

What did you put in it?

It's a little something I'm trying for when Na'ima returns.

It’s for energy and a clear mind.

-Oh wow! That's good. -Yes.

-Let me know when it's available. -Sure, sure.

-Okay. Thank you. -Alright, thank you.

-See you later. -Alright, bye.

Ahmadu.

Hanifa.

Good morning.

Hope you slept well?

Fine but…

Ah-ah.

Please, no buts, please, Hanifa.

Hanifa,

I know you had a good night.

So please don't spoil this mood we are in now, okay?

Ahamdu,

Honestly, I am not happy with what is happening between you and I.

Look, I know.

Hm? I promise you things will change with time.

Do you understand?

Just give me some time.

-Okay? -Alright.

-I'll have to go now. -Come home safe.

God willing.

It's really not nice staying in this big house all alone.

When is your sister coming back?

Sooner or later. she said but definitely before Baddie's wedding.

Haven't you guys talked?

We're not quarreling if that's what you are implying.

That's not what I am implying mom, I just… I assumed you guys had talked, that's it.

No.

You know she doesn't like it when I fuss.

I ask her a question, she says I'm intruding.

You know guys are so alike in temperament.

-Really? -Yes.

So why doesn't she see things my way?

Ah, she's just your father's child, that one.

And it was like he had two wives.

You used to act like her rival.

I never competed for your father's attention with your sister.

I know. I know mom.

And trust me, Na'ima knows that as well.

You both love each other fiercely

and I think I am too smart to get involved.

By the way, you're going to sort yourselves out somehow, you always do.

And you should have been a diplomat.

Oh yeah, on that I have to agree cause

the two favorite women in my life have given me enough experience.

Talking about women,

what are your plans against getting married?

Uh… Okay, I think you've had a long day, mother.

Good night.

Matthew,

Yes?

I don't think I've been this happy in…

the longest time.

Honestly, it feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off me.

I wish we could stay like this forever.

But we can't, can we?

I mean there is just… so much to consider.

Na'ima I want the same thing, I always have.

Truth be told, no one else makes me feel the way you do.

It’s like with us…

something just clicks.

I care about you and I never want you to feel pressured.

But I do want you to think about what really makes you happy.

Because I'm all in.

You know the best part of coming here these days is running into you.

Shush!

You don't want the spies to tell your secret.

-Mm-hm. -What spies?

-Where are they? -I can't tell.

I'm sorry.

-What? -Kassim…

-Good morning Ma. -Hm.

Oh, um, mother, good morning.

I came to deliver the document as promised.

Thank you, I was just on my way out.

Oh, me too.

Have a great day.

You know what is interesting?

The balance of the expectations of work.

One of the side effects of being a public servant

is that one may cross the line and…

issues may arise that become… dangerously personal.

Which is why it is important for us to…

maintain the boundaries between the personal and the professional.

So that one does not make a mess of things.

Yes Ma.

You're a smart young lady

and a true professional,

which is why sometimes I wonder if

your talents aren’t being wasted at my office.

If maybe you're better suited for a higher posting,

perhaps elsewhere.

If you prefer another ADC, Ma, I cannot stop you.

Hm.

But I know that I do my duties very well

and I am absolutely committed to my country, and to you in that order.

Here are the files Ma.

Thank you Ma.

Hm.

Na'ima is here already.

Wow!

-Hey girl! -Hey girl!

Hi ladies.

Hi, you made it just in time as you promised.

Did you think I was going to miss your wedding?

-Well… -You think I trust anybody to make

you glow the way that I would?

No one will.

She has dragged you around Abuja, right?

This one? Don't mind her. She has dragged me all around this City.

In fact, she was trying to sell me the idea of going to Dubai.

But you know Alhaji and the children, I can never go.

To be honest, this your family, the way they restrict

-you living your life, ah! Me, I can't. -Hm?

Baddie, in just a few days you'll get married,

wait and see after your marriage whether you will get the time to do social media.

Who, me?

They dare not. My career as a social media influencer

is very, very important.

Important to you or to Sadiq?

Mm-hm, Hanifa, you've started again, please oh.

Wow! All these beautiful things.

I knew you'd like it, and I just thought we should get a breath of fresh air.

-Yeah. -You know, different scenery,

different vibe, you know.

So what did I miss? What have you been up to, huh?

Nothing really, just preps for the wedding and shopping.

By next week, Baddie is off the market, what's up with you and Amir?

-I'm-- -I don't mean to pry,

you know he's my brother. So vested interest in this conversation.

Well, it's still early days, you know.

I can't say yet, let’s see how it goes, hm?

And you, how's your forever love, Ahmadu?

Hmm.

That looks like you are having a rough patch, you two hardly have those.

Well…

Unlike these days.

Is he cheating?

-Baddie! -What? I just asked a question.

Look, I'm sure it's just usual man trouble, hm? He adores you.

Thank you.

-We both know that he adores you. -Yes, he does!

-Thank you. How is your brother? -Ah! Kassim, he's alright.

You know, stealing glances

and making faces at Zizi when he thinks she’s not looking.

Zizi, my sister?

Yup! I mean she ignores him but he doesn't want to stop.

Kassim likes Zizi?

You mean he's okay with her tomboy and superwoman stuff?

-Apparently. -Oh wow.

See, it’s just the irony of life

that Surrayah is seeking for his attention so bad

and she forgets that he is not even in her class.

Come on Baddie.

What's that? Why are you laughing at her emotions?

Hanifa is right, you should not be laughing at her emotions.

-Surrayah. -Na'ima, welcome.

Awwn.

-It's so good to see you. -You too. How was your trip?

Ha! It was hectic, it was full of work, but my Hammam is up and running.

-Congratulations. -Thank you.

And thank you for keeping this place in such a good condition.

Just doing my job. As long as the customers are happy.

Your mind seems elsewhere,

perhaps you're thinking of something or someone.

You can talk to me. I'm your close friend, right? I can keep secrets.

I'm afraid I have no secrets to share, hm.

-Same old boring me. -I see.

Anyway, I have…

I have a special bonus for you, thank you so much for your hard work.

You know I don't play around with my business, hm?

Yes, business, thank you.

-Is everything okay? -Everything is fine.

Um, I need to get something from outside, excuse me.

Look Na'ima, I… I want to take care of you,

I want to be the man you’ve always dreamed of.

And I know I can be if… If only you give us a real chance.

Amir…

this isn't going to work out between us.

Why Na'ima?

You and I enjoy each other’s company, and we have so many things in common.

-I mean I know people who thrive on less. -Yes but…

that doesn't mean you shouldn't want more.

-I want more, Amir. -Like what?

Stuff you see on TV?

We can try all of that and still remember who we are and where we're from.

Where we're from?

We are from the North,

and we have our culture and religion

which we respect greatly.

But amidst of all of that, we still love deeply.

I agree with you, completely.

It’s just that…

for me,

it's not with you.

How can you tell?

Na'ima, you haven't even given us a real chance, you blocked every…

every… every moment, every opportunity for us.

That's because I don't see it going anywhere.

-Give it time. -I don't see us going anywhere.

I just said give it time, the love will come.

I've tried.

I have.

Amir, you are a great guy, and some girl out there is

dreaming and hoping for everything that you are.

It's just that, that girl isn't you.

I'm sorry.

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