TITLE: UNWINDING
Genre: Drama
Category of Audience: 18 years and Above
Script Type: Short
Written By: Chimezie Benedict Ihekuna
Email: mrbenisreal@gmail.com
Phone: +2348062162220
LOGLINE:
Kola, Chinedu, and Ibrahim are married men facing uphill ordeals with their wives at home. The best time of their lives is usually when they unwind together.
CHARACTERS:
- CHINEDU (Early 30s): Tall, reserved, dark-skinned, diligent, and sociable. Married to Uluchi.
- KOLA (Early 30s): Average height, loud-mouthed, sociable, street-wise, no-nonsense man. Married to Habiba.
- IBRAHIM (Mid 30s): Tall, slim, dark complexion, womanizer, sociable. Married to Joke.
- ULUCHI (Mid 20s): Chinedu's wife. Average height, curvy, beautiful ebony, quarrelsome.
- HABIBA (Mid 20s): Kola's wife. Short, reserved, beautiful, ebony.
- JOKE( EARLY 3OS): Ibrahim's wife, average height, prudent, strict, dark
- HYPE MAN (Mid 30s): Tall, dark complexion, energetic, sociable.
- DJ (Late 30s): Tall, heavily built, ebony, talented.
- ANNABEL (Early 20s): Club girl. Sexy, average height, tan skin, sex worker attitude.
- EXTRAS: Club attendees.
SCENE START
INT. CHINEDU'S APARTMENT - DAY
A spacious, well-furnished three-bedroom apartment. Bottles of drinks, plates of snacks, and food cover the table. Classical jazz music by Earl Klugh plays smoothly in the background.
IBRAHIM and KOLA are casually dressed for the weekend, relaxing on the couch. CHINEDU, also in casual wear, stands near the table. He looks deeply troubled, staring blankly as he sips directly from a bottle of Champagne.
Ibrahim akes notice of Chinedu's tense expression.
IBRAHIM
Chinedu, my man, what's wrong? Today is Saturday! Uluchi isn't around!
CHINEDU
(Stares at Ibrahim, setting the bottle down)
Ibrahim, it's the weekend. That I know.
Chinedu reaches for the bottle again, hesitantly raising it to his lips. Kola leans forward, inspecting Chinedu’s miserable face.
Kola grins, shaking his head while lightly nodding along to the rhythm of the jazz music.
IBRAHIM
(Pats Chinedu on the back)
Mr. Man, we all have issues.
That's why we're here to relax and have fun.
KOLA
I've been observing you for a few minutes.
You aren't happy at all. But Ibrahim just helped me out.
CHINEDU
(Glances around his apartment, sighs)
Guys, I agree with you. We are here to have fun.
But Uluchi spoilt my mood yesterday.
KOLA
What's the big deal? Women and their problems!
You ought to shoulder that responsibility.
IBRAHIM
(Frowning, disappointed)
Kola, why are you sounding like a broken record?
You know Chinedu is in a bad mood,
yet you talk a little harshly!
Kola turns sharply to face Ibrahim, his tone hardening.
KOLA
Mr. Businessman, I am trying to make Chinedu man up.
That's his cross to bear!
Chinedu watches them, slamming the bottle of champagne hard onto the table.
IBRAHIM
Is that what we came here for?
Kola, I'm utterly disappointed in you!
KOLA
Since you're into business, you should mind your business!
IBRAHIM
Chinedu is my friend.
He's my business too!
What's it you don't understand?
KOLA
Are you trying to make Chinedu effeminate?
He's a man just like me.
I wouldn't know about you!
IBRAHIM
(Offended, glaring sternly)
We came here to have fun.
But I noticed Chinedu isn't in the right spirit of catching fun.
But you went too hard on him!
KOLA
(Undisturbed, waving his hand)
My point, exactly.
Learn to understand, stand, and over-stand that being a man is a daunting task.
It must be faced with a hard heart.
IBRAHIM
You're wrong, my friend.
KOLA
I'm right, Ibrahim!
IBRAHIM
You're so wrong that what's left of you ain't right.
KOLA
(Beating his chest confidently)
I'm a R.A.W. person. I'm Right And Wrong.
In this case, I'm right!
IBRAHIM
How does it address Chinedu's issue?
KOLA
(Stands up, pointing aggressively at Chinedu)
Man up to his responsibility of choosing that poison for a wife!
Chinedu snaps. Furious, he leaps to his feet, confronting Kola. Ibrahim watches, shocked by Kola's brazen attitude.
CHINEDU
KOLA! KOLA!! KOLA!!!
I called you thrice.
Never you talk to me that way.
Kola steps closer, getting right in Chinedu’s face.
KOLA
Who are you to lift your finger at me?
Never try that again in your life!
CHINEDU
I thought you had common sense!
Ibrahim stands up, nodding in agreement, looking at Kola with sheer contempt.
IBRAHIM
I hate to say this...
Kola, are you saying you don't have common sense?
(Laughs)
KOLA
(Laughs sadistically, looking at both of them)
Are you aware that common sense isn't common?
CHINEDU
You know I'm not in a happy mood.
You guys know why.
But Kola chose to act somehow.
IBRAHIM
(Points a finger at Kola)
He called me "effeminate"!
KOLA
And so?
Learn to handle your burden.
Real men carry weights effortlessly.
IBRAHIM
You're lucky your wife isn't as problematic as Chinedu's wife!
Chinedu’s eyes flash with anger. He swings around, targeting Ibrahim now. Kola bursts out laughing hysterically.
CHINEDU
I take exception to what you say!
I love my wife.
What you said is so offensive,
I can't take that.
IBRAHIM
(Chuckles, shaking his head)
I'm stating the obvious.
Here you are, defending your headache!
CHINEDU
How is it your business?
KOLA
Your bad mood is our business.
This is the weekend.
Your troublesome wife ain't around!
CHINEDU
How dare you say that to my wife?
Kola thrusts his cheek forward, leaning into Chinedu's space.
KOLA
What would you do?
Ok, give that cheek a resounding slap.
CHINEDU
(Forces a tight, angry smile)
Thank your stars, fellow
I'm in a good mood today.
IBRAHIM
Good mood?
KOLA
(Mocking Chinedu, making a jest of him)
Chinedu is in high spirits!
Frustrated, Ibrahim dashes across the room to the audio receiver and aggressively switches off the music player. Silence drops like a stone. Chinedu looks at Ibrahim, deeply unimpressed.
CHINEDU
Why would you switch off the music player?
IBRAHIM
Don't you know we are making noise?
KOLA
For the first time, Ibrahim, you're making sense!
IBRAHIM
(Brushing the comment off)
Are you trying to pull my legs?
KOLA
We are all standing but you chose to switch off the music player.
Whose legs were moved?
Chinedu turns around without saying another word. He storms out of the sitting room, heading down the hallway to his bedroom.
A loud, echoing SLAM follows as he bangs his bedroom door shut.
KOLA
(Shrugging)
That's the way it is.
That's his issue
IBRAHIM
You're such a living clown.
KOLA
(Laughs out loud)
You're such an embodiment of boredom!!
IBRAHIM
Time is of the essence.
I have to be on my way to catch up with other meaningful things.
Ibrahim grabs his car keys from the table and heads for the exit.
INT. BIG CLUBHOUSE - NIGHT
The clubhouse is filled with a great number of guests and several stylish young women.
KOLA plays host to CHINEDU and IBRAHIM. Kola pays for the expensive VIP seating, a luxury for an average clubber. They are all comfortably seated. Each table features assorted alcoholic drinks, smoked fish, and roasted meat.
The club is lit with back-to-back smash hits of Afro-dancehall songs. The Hypeman, popularly called HYPE, hails the crowd.
HYPE
(into microphone, rhythmically)
Hey party people!
This is a night to remember!
Welcome to The Big Club House, where the show never stops.
Let's party till mama calls!
Get ready for the best of food, drinks, roasted fish and meat, all for your delight.
I will get back to you in a jiffy.
DJ, spin the wheel on the steel!
The DJ plays louder music at a high pitch. Hype heads toward the dressing room.
KOLA
(screaming aloud in excitement)
Hey people, this is my turn to host you all. Can't y'all see I'm looking good?
CHINEDU
(lively)
Kola, my brother from another mother! You're unveiling that dazzling look!
Chinedu moves his hands and legs to the rhythm of the music while remaining seated.
IBRAHIM
(dressed in an expensive designer T-shirt and jeans; drinking his first bottle)
Kola, you know the streets.
KOLA
Ibrahim, you do have a point.
I'm street-wise.
CHINEDU
(taking a bite of the roasted fish)
Kola is the modern version of the street.
You can't take the street away from our gentleman.
KOLA
(laughs)
BOOM!
Say it again, Chinedu!
CHINEDU
(shouting)
YOU CAN'T TAKE THE STREET AWAY FROM OUR GENTLEMAN!
IBRAHIM
Roger that!
KOLA
That is to say, you can take the man away from the street, but you can't take the street away from the man!
CHINEDU
Exactly!
A woman approaches their table. She is elegantly dressed and confident. Chinedu and Ibrahim watch as she arrives.
Kola, seated in the middle, gestures for her to sit beside him. She confidently joins them at the table. Chinedu and Ibrahim watch the interaction closely.
Kola turns his attention to her as she settles in.
KOLA
Fine lady, what's your name?
ANNABEL
My name is Annabel.
KOLA
Hmmmm...
You're amazingly beautiful!
Annabel places her hand on Kola's chest. Chinedu and Ibrahim watch the exchange.
ANNABEL
OH!
Thank you.
(Blushes)
Kola's phone rings loudly. Chinedu and Ibrahim notice. Annabel points toward Kola's pocket where the phone is ringing.
Kola reaches into his pocket and sees his wife, HABIBA, is calling.
KOLA
(furious)
This woman!
What's wrong with her?
He answers the call while Annabel, Chinedu, and Ibrahim watch.
HABIBA
(v.o. / over phone)
This man!
What are you doing over there?
KOLA
How is it your business?
HABIBA
(v.o. / over phone)
I'm your wife!
KOLA
Exactly!
You're at home;
I'm away! It's that simple.
HABIBA
(v.o. / over phone)
Are you leaving me in the house all alone?
KOLA
I have provided and protected you at all cost.
What else do you need?
HABIBA
(v.o. / over phone)
I need you this night.
I'm lonely.
KOLA
I'll be with you shortly.
For now, I'm in the middle of something.
HABIBA
(v.o. / over phone, laughs)
In the club?
KOLA
Now you know.
What else?
HABIBA
(v.o. / over phone)
Come home, please.
KOLA
I'll see you when I'm done!
HABIBA
(v.o. / over phone)
You're quite funny.
KOLA
I'll call you back.
Kola hangs up and puts the phone back in his pocket. Annabel smiles at him. Chinedu and Ibrahim continue to watch the scene.
KOLA
Annabel, I need us to be together.
ANNABEL
With all pleasure, my dear.
Your wish, my command!
(Bows her head, grins seductively)
KOLA
Let's get down.
Chinedu and Ibrahim look at Kola in disgust.
CHINEDU
Look, we have a lot of time on our hands to enjoy ourselves.
KOLA
That's how I choose to have fun.
You all shouldn't be surprised.
IBRAHIM
Your attitude towards your wife is appalling!
Kola gets angry.
KOLA
Don't talk to me that way!
CHINEDU
Kola, do you remember the last time I hosted you guys?
Your words were lethal!
IBRAHIM
I agree with Chinedu completely.
KOLA
For goodness sake, we're in the club, not elsewhere!
CHINEDU
Have you forgotten you were lethal at my place?
I hosted the last one.
Imagine how it ended.
KOLA
Are you guys conspiring against me?
Do you want to spoil my mood?
CHINEDU
We are your friends, remember.
It's in your best interest!
IBRAHIM
What are friends for?
KOLA
My wife isn't your business.
CHINEDU
Ibrahim and I know your issue is our issues
KOLA
My wife?
CHINEDU
You advised me to man up!
(Nods)
.KOLA
You're funny!
Annabel gets upset, stands up, and leaves their table. Kola is disappointed at Chinedu and Ibrahim but chooses not to flare up.
KOLA
Do you know you guys spoiled my moment?
She just left us
Can't y'all see??
CHINEDU
(Sounds indifferent)
As you did mine...
She leaving our table isn't a big deal
KOLA
It's a conspiracy against me!
IBRAHIM
It's not it, really.
(turns to Chinedu)
Don't cross that line!
CHINEDU
Are you so quick to forget what Kola did to me at my place?
KOLA
Can't you see we're at the club?
IBRAHIM
We are, but we're your friends—
Our brother from another mother!
KOLA
I smell revenge.
CHINEDU
Just ensuring all is well with you, Kola.
I don't like such an aroma
(Laughs)
KOLA
I'd better leave this place to avoid stories that touch.
CHINEDU
We are all living stories.
IBRAHIM
Always!!
......KOLA
It's a night for me.
I'm calling it a wrap!
CHINEDU
Don't be in a hurry.
IBRAHIM
We haven't finished what's on our table!
.. KOLA
It wouldn't matter!
I'm on my way.
Kola stands up, leaves Chinedu and Ibrahim, and walks away from the club without looking back.
The music keeps playing under the flashing rendezvous lights. The Hype is simply dancing to what the DJ is spinning.
Chinedu and Ibrahim stare at each other in surprise.
CHINEDU
Kola acted childish.
IBRAHIM
You actually crossed the line.
CHINEDU
Have you forgotten what Kola did at my place?
IBRAHIM
Can bygones be bygones?
CHINEDU
Whose side are you on?
IBRAHIM
I need to take my leave!
Sort your issue yourself!
CHINEDU
Of course, our issues
(laughs, points his hand at Ibrahim)
IBRAHIM
That joke is on you
EXT. NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
IBRAHIM abruptly pushes his chair back and stands up. He storms out of the club.
EXT. NIGHTCLUB - EXIT - CONTINUOUS
Ibrahim exits into the cool night air. He stops, turns back, and locks eyes with Chinedu through the glass.
Ibrahim slowly shakes his head in deep disappointment. He turns away and vanishes into the darkness.
INT. NIGHTCLUB - CONTINUOUS
CHINEDU watches Ibrahim leave, completely unbothered. He shrugs.
CHINEDU
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
CHINEDU sits back down. He methodically finishes the food on his plate.
EXT. NIGHTCLUB - PARKING LOT - LATER CHINEDU walks out to his car carrying several takeout containers. He pops the trunk and places the food inside. He slams the trunk shut, gets into the driver's seat, and revs the engine. EXT. STREETS - NIGHT CHINEDU’s car navigates the quiet streets, driving away into the night.
EXT. IBRAHIM'S BACKYARD - DAY
It is a Sunday. The backyard is set up for a gathering with a long table covered in a white cotton tablecloth. It displays a "serve yourself" buffet of local and foreign delicacies, including salads, rice, chicken sauce, and finger rolls.
IBRAHIM is dressed in a native brown kaftan, waiting for his guests. CHINEDU and KOLA are seated nearby.
IBRAHIM
(proudly gesturing)
As you can see, this is my turn to play host to my friends. Brothers from other mothers, welcome to this occasion!
CHINEDU
I second that.
I can see all over me why this would be a great occasion.
(staring at the buffet, salivating)
Variety is the spice of life.
Kola moves toward the buffet stand to serve himself.
KOLA
Chinedu is absolutely correct.
Variety is the spice of life, indeed.
Great meals for some gatherings like ours.
Amazing!
IBRAHIM
(adjusting his kaftan ostentatiously)
Can you see why?
I'm a businessman with a difference?
CHINEDU
(sighs)
You're hosting us for goodness sake.
Do you want me to take my leave?
IBRAHIM
(pleading with his hands)
OH!
Serve yourself, please.
CHINEDU
Apology accepted.
Let me join Kola to do the needful.
Chinedu dashes to the buffet. He piles his plate high with a massive quantity of salad, rice, chicken sauce, and finger rolls. The plate bends under the weight.
Kola stares at Chinedu's plate in disbelief. Ibrahim chuckles at Kola's reaction.
KOLA
Chinedu, the great glutton.
. CHINEDU
(quickly replies)
I'm known for being reserved.
But for being a foodie, I'm not innocent.
KOLA
(gesticulating toward his stomach)
After all, the viable way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
CHINEDU
Exactly.
Ibrahim, drinking a bottle of water, gives Kola a thumbs-up.
IBRAHIM
The meal you guys are feasting on wouldn't have been possible without my wife, Joke.
CHINEDU
Well, it's expected.
One of those things.
Chinedu keeps eating, unperturbed. Ibrahim nods his head in disappointment.
KOLA
She's an excellent cook, but...
IBRAHIM
(curious)
But what?
KOLA
You know what I'm talking about, Ibrahim.
IBRAHIM
You know what you came here for.
Enjoy the day.
Don't bring any reason for unnecessary argument.
CHINEDU
Kola, you wanted to say something.
Why not say it?
Or are you scared?
KOLA
Why should I be?
Ibrahim knows exactly what I'm talking about.
CHINEDU
(looks at Ibrahim)
Ibrahim, is that true?
IBRAHIM
If you asked me, who would I ask?
CHINEDU
Let me ask Kola. Kola...
KOLA
Yes, Chinedu.
I'm all ears.
CHINEDU
Please, answer the question.
KOLA
What's hidden under the sun?
CHINEDU
If that's what would lead to the answer, then—nothing!
KOLA
Good. I can sense obviously Joke doesn't like our company.
She thinks we're bad company.
CHINEDU
Ibrahim is a full-grown man.
He's old enough to make decisions.
Ibrahim, can you confirm the truth about Kola's claim?
IBRAHIM
I don't want to be crossed with you.
How is that your business?
CHINEDU
We are your friends.
Your business, our business.
Your issue, our issues!
KOLA
What he said is absolutely correct!
IBRAHIM
Did I make any mistake hosting you guys?
KOLA
No, you only observed the hosting routine.
CHINEDU
(smiles)
It's your turn, remember that.
We did ours in the past.
IBRAHIM
Let's merry then!
Bringing my wife into this is just pointless, to say the least.
CHINEDU
Not really.
All I see is a Horse Band Material.
Chinedu mimics a rider pulling the reins on a horse. Kola laughs mildly.
KOLA
In all sincerity, Ibrahim, you're genuinely in love,
But Joke is in business with you!
That's why Chinedu sees you as a Horse Band Material to her.
Don't be offended, please.
IBRAHIM
I won't sit right here and watch you guys run your mouths carelessly.
For your information, my wife is around.
CHINEDU
I know she is.
That's why you hosted us out here.
KOLA
Like I mentioned, Joke doesn't like our company.
IBRAHIM
If that's your claim, Chinedu, did that stop me from hosting us?
The answer is a resounding NO!
Kola, I hear you.
But we are still friends, regardless.
KOLA
(joking)
Nearly did! But the word "nearly" isn't enough to kill a bird.
CHINEDU
Always remember, we are brothers from other mothers.
IBRAHIM
Now, we are on the same page.
Kola scans the table for drinks but stops, noticing something missing. He turns to Ibrahim.
KOLA
There are no liquors around.
Chinedu looks around the table and nods in agreement.
CHINEDU
Ibrahim, you should know our thing... ALCOHOL. That's how we roll. That's how we get down.
IBRAHIM
Goodness me! I wasn't aware of it. Let me get them at the nearby supermarket. It's just a stone's throw from here.
Ibrahim points toward the left direction outside the yard.
KOLA
Okay. We'll be waiting. Don't be long!
CHINEDU
Alright.
Ibrahim rushes out of the backyard. Chinedu and Kola continue eating, drinking bottled water in the meantime.
INT. IBRAHIM'S APARTMENT - DAY
Inside the bedroom, ULUCHI, HABIBA, and JOKE stand tightly clustered near the window, peering through the blinds down into the backyard.
On the bed, a smartphone lies flat, broadcasting cloned audio from Ibrahim's device.
HABIBA
Kola is something else!
ULUCHI
Chinedu is under my lock-and-key surveillance. Thanks, Joke, for your input.
JOKE
My pleasure. Ibrahim has no choice than to do my bidding.
HABIBA
I'm taking it easy with Kola. I love him.
ULUCHI
(interjects angrily)
You're in business! You aren't in love!!
HABIBA
(upset)
Don't say that.
ULUCHI
I'll say that! You don't have love. I don't have love. We don't have love.
HABIBA
That's your business to handle. That's your issue to make peace with, not mine.
ULUCHI
You're lucky I'm quite terrific today. You'd have seen the other side of me right away!
HABIBA
What would happen?
Joke steps between them, raising her hands to halt the trade of words.
JOKE
Ladies, that's not what we are here for. We are here for one thing: to let them know what's kept in the dark shall come to light!
HABIBA
(sighs, hisses at Uluchi)
That's true.
ULUCHI
(hisses back, staring terribly at Habiba)
You're right, Joke.
JOKE
Let's leave here and confront them right away. Hope you are with your phones...
ULUCHI / HABIBA
Yes.
JOKE
Good, let's go!
EXT. IBRAHIM'S BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS
Kola and Chinedu are at the table. Suddenly, Joke, Uluchi, and Habiba emerge from the house. At that exact moment, Ibrahim walks into the backyard holding the newly purchased drinks.
Ibrahim, Kola, and Chinedu freeze. They are completely spellbound.
IBRAHIM
(shocked)
I thought you were the only one in the house.
A tense silence settles over the yard. Kola looks at Habiba; Habiba stares back flatly. Chinedu looks at Uluchi; Uluchi glares back with a strange, severe expression. Ibrahim stands completely powerless, staring helplessly at Joke. Joke looks at him sternly.
JOKE
You have no idea all the while you were with your so-called friends, my friends came along.
IBRAHIM
Why didn't you tell me you were playing host to them?
JOKE
That's a story for another day! We have all recorded conversations on every hangout you guys have observed.
Joke, Uluchi, and Habiba raise their smartphones. Chinedu, Ibrahim, and Kola look at the devices, completely dumbfounded and shocked by the realization.
ULUCHI
(snubbing him)
Chinedu, take a look at yourself. You're such a living embarrassment!
CHINEDU
(remorseful)
It's not what you think.
ULUCHI
We will talk about it when we get home! For now, let's leave!
Uluchi points firmly toward the exit. Looking thoroughly ashamed, Chinedu glances at Kola and Ibrahim before quietly walking out.
JOKE
Ibrahim, can you see the buffet you displayed here...? I will help you take it to the kitchen.
Joke begins gathering the platters of delicacies. Looking defeated, Ibrahim silently steps in to help her carry the food back inside.
Habiba remains in the yard, looking at Kola in a quiet, persuasive manner.
HABIBA
We should leave like your friends did. Shouldn't we?
KOLA
(standing akimbo, looking confident)
To where?
HABIBA
Our home.
KOLA
Home? This is my home. My home away from home! I decide when I want to leave.
HABIBA
Okay.
Habiba does not argue. She simply waits, hanging around the exterior of the house.
INT. IBRAHIM'S APARTMENT - LATER
Ibrahim and Joke remain tucked away inside their bedroom, dealing with the aftermath.
INT. CHINEDU'S HOUSE - LATER
Chinedu and Uluchi are back inside their own home, facing their own reckoning.
EXT. IBRAHIM'S HOUSE - LATER
An hour has passed. Kola paces back and forth around the building—navigating between the front yard and the backyard several times. Habiba stands by, silently watching his restless movement.
Eventually, Kola breaks his stride and approaches her.
KOLA
Habiba, I think we should go home.
HABIBA
Okay. That was my issue initially. Still is, though. But it's our issues. My issue, your issue. Our issues!
KOLA
(swallowing his pride)
Thank you.
They walk together toward their Cherokee Jeep. The engine roars to life, and they drive away into the distance.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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