Nick and Hazeema are the typical college couple that literally met each other when Nick knocked Hazeema off of her feet in the bookstore. They smiled and their eyes connected and then they laughed and that was the beginning of their relationship that lasted for three strong years. But unfortunately, the lesson that we learn from this love story is that sometimes love doesn't conquer all because sometimes there are other elements within the relationship that can stop them from growing together as a couple. Hazeema is a practicing Muslim who has chosen to where a hijab as a part of her religious faith and commitment. While she has had conversations with Nick about her faith and he has attended mosque with her there comes a moment when they must both come clean and be honest with each other. She hasn't been honest with her parents about who he is, and he has been hiding some truths about her from his parents as well. When the time comes for both of them to meet the other’s parents everything begins falling down. Hazeema has not shared with her parents that Nick is not Muslim, but Nick has one ask and this one ask is what forces Hazeema to realize that no matter how much they love each other, the relationship, unfortunately, must come to an end. A story about love and the very real reality that sometimes no matter how much we love someone other factors can force us to be honest with ourselves and let the relationship go.
*Hazeema needs to be represented by a performer that respectfully wears a hijab.
One Aks
(Nick and Hazeema stand emotionally exhausted. They are both breathing hard, holding back tears, but yet stand holding each other's hand. Nick turns to look at her, hug her, or kiss her. The intentions aren’t clear only that he is trying to connect to her. She feels him move but she doesn’t give back to his physical presence. Staring straight ahead she takes a deep breath and releases it and his hand almost as if she is blowing him away. Beat.)
Nick: (Off) It was my one ask of you. (He freezes as Hazeema speaks to the audience.)
Hazeema: (To audience) One ask? He didn’t get it, that his one ask was… it was the end. (Beat, then she breaks out into laughter. To audience) But the beginning, oh my goodness the beginning was energizing, and joyful, and the middle was unlike anything I had ever experienced. But here we are- The beginning. (They both come to life. Hazeema works diligently at the bookstore putting books away on high shelves, and low shelves, she is focused on the task at hand. Enter Nick, a bit of a mess, overwhelmed by this- his freshman year in college. He looks for a book on the shelf when he bumps into Hazeema, literally.)
Hazeema: (She falls into his arms. Awkward, for everyone. But then he smiles at her. Stares.) Ummm, so this is the moment that you say something like, “Oh, I am so sorry I nearly tackled you in the autobiography aisle.”
Nick: (Looking up) Shit, that’s what aisle this is? (Beat. He laughs.) I’m joking. (She freezes, he addresses the audience) I came in looking for a book and she literally fell into my lap. She’s beautiful and smart, I should trip over my own feet more often. (He smiles) It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was the first time damn near plowing a beautiful girl down in a bookstore made me… happy. (He takes his place in the scene again, unfreeze) Look I am so sorry that I ran into you.