The Ghastly Reunion!

SCENE 7: WE MET AGAIN.

May 2019,

Omar is standing outside a play school where Ayesha teaches. School gets over and children start running towards their parents waiting for them at the gate. Ayesha appears holding the hand of a four-year-old boy. She walks past Omar, not recognizing him.

Omar (excited and happy) Ayesha Talwar!

Ayesha turns around and looks at Omar, horrified.

Ayesha (disbelief) Omar? (points at him suspiciously) Is that really you? (confused) How are you in London?

Omar (disheartened to see Ayesha’s reaction) I (pauses to think) I’m here for some work. You’re friend Rachael told me you worked here, thought I’d drop in to see you.

Ayesha (looking at him carefully) how are you Omar?

Omar (smiles) I’m good Aesh! You look different (pauses, looks at the ground) you look nice.

Ayesha (shyly) Thanks!

Omar Lets grab a cup of coffee?

Ayesha (hesitates) Maybe some other time. I got work right now (refers to the child)

Omar Come on Ayesha! The school’s closed. It’s been ages, let’s catch up on each other. I’ll wait with you for the kids parents to come pick him and then we can go have coffee together. What say?

Ayesha (laughs awkwardly) Oh no. No, he’s my son (holds her son closer and tries not looking at Omar)

The smile on Omar’s face fades. He is mortified and heartbroken but he gets himself together in time and pretends being happy.

Omar (chirpy) your son? Is he really your son? Oh my god! When? How? When did you get married? I’m (pauses to catch a breath) I’m so happy for you.

Ayesha (smiles) It’s a long story. Maybe some other time.

Omar (sad) Let’s talk Ayesha. Who knows if there would be another time?

Ayesha (looking straight into Omar’s eyes) not right now. He’s hungry (looks at her son). We need to get back home.

Omar turns around and starts walking.

Ayesha (Ayesha says from behind) I’m off tomorrow. Would Oxford Circus suit you?

Omar (turns around) that would be great (turns around and starts walking while cleaning tears from his eyes)