BEEPING
MALE VOICE ECHOES: Time of death is 17.34.
BABY CRIES
Oh, my God! I'm so excited! How is Lisa?
Can I see her yet?
What's happened?
Is it the baby?
Lisa?
CALL TO PRAYER ALERT
Abir! Where are you?!
I've called Lisa's parents repeatedly,
I've called your parents! No-one is answering.
Look, if I don't hear back in 30 minutes,
I'm going to call the police.
Zayd's going to be up in a couple of hours. What am
I supposed to tell him about where his mum's got to?
Alhamd lilah, you're safe!
Is everything all right? What happened?
Why'd you turn your phone off?
Seriously, I was worried. I ran out of battery.
It's 4.30 in the morning! I lost track of time.
I didn't even realise. Have you eaten? Yeah.
I made you eggs and a fruit salad.
Thank you. Is Lisa OK?
Yeah, fine.
Well, then, what happened? You should have called.
I just...
You know I've got a mad week prepping for the launch,
and the last thing I needed was to be up all night worried about you.
You needn't have.
Needn't have what?
What? Put our son to bed?
Or worry about your wellbeing?
Or make you food the morning after you disappeared without a trace?
Abir? Are you even listening to me?
Hmm? Right, well, you sort yourself out then, yeah?
HE SIGHS
CHATTERING
Oh, no.
No, no, no - we can't have all of this in one package!
Who's made this one?
Hang on, hang on.
Can I please... Can I have your attention, please? Hello?
Hi, sorry.
Thank you. And thank you for giving up your time today.
We've had some really special donations this year, mashallah.
And I think we'll be able to put together a real
treat for families in need.
Now, most of us have been blessed enough to have had an easy
Ramadan so far, so let's consider how we can pass on that
goodwill to others who are less fortunate.
Salam! Sorry I'm late.
I thought you had your appointment?
Chaos this morning.
I get a call telling me there's no clinic at The Mill, right?
Cause Ruhma's been redeployed or something,
and they're saying they want me to see someone else at the hospital
so I'm like great, maybe I can see Malika again.
Thing is, apparently she is having some time off!
Well, great, you can start helping then?
Thing is, I know Malika. She doesn't take time off for nothing.
So I asked around - turns out she's off sick
cause one of her mums died!
Who, er, who was it?
No idea.
Ain't that mad though? What is?
A mum dying in childbirth. Didn't think that happened any more.
Inna lillahi...
BOTH: ..wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
Do you think Malika blames herself?
No.
But still, it's got to be tough.
I mean, she's a great midwife, delivered my youngest
and taking care of this one.
Didn't she deliver your Zayd?
She did.
I think we should do something, for Malika. To cheer her up.
Like what?
Ask some of this lot,
the mums, I mean.
Maybe they can record some video messages? Sounds good.
We could call it Operation Make Malika Merry Again.
Make Malika Merry Again.
Get it? Abir?
Yeah. Yes. It's a great idea.
Yeah, let's do something to really take her mind off it all.
Exactly what I was saying.
Yeah, cool. All right, I'll get on it.
Allahu Akbar.
What do you want me to say?
I think one billion people around the world are telling you
just how great they think you are right now.
And I'm not saying you're not, I'm not.
It's just...
Loss is hard to process.
Mothers are sacred, especially during childbirth.
It feels really wrong to have not been able to do anything to help.
Lisa is...
..was...
She...she was going to be the most spectacular mother.
Sometimes you can just tell, you know?
As-salamu alaikum. How was your day?
Zayd's with my parents.
I've got work to do.
What's that? "How was MY day?"
Oh, great, thank you so much for asking!
You wouldn't believe how many donations we received.
I reckon we'll be able to help
double the number of families this year.
"Wow, Wifey, that's great news, I'm so proud of you."
Thanks, husband, it feels great knowing that you've got my back.
Look, if you're going to go out gallivanting for hours being
a goody-two-shoes, great.
But try to have my back for once,
and maybe not sabotage my plans to try and help this family.
What plans? Did you call the estate agent today?
I'm sorry. I'll call first thing tomorrow. Promise.
There's no point. The agent called,
he said he accepted the other offer.
It was a genuine mistake, Hamza, it totally slipped my mind.
And it was at the top end of our budget, so, maybe for the best.
What's right for us will find us. We'll keep looking.
Why do I feel like I'm the only one taking our future seriously, Abir?
What? Because I don't want to waste our life together
looking at houses that we don't need? This place is enough.
But you just said we'll keep looking.
So which is it? We looking, or not?
Well, if it means that you'll have to spend even more time at work for us
to afford it, then no, I don't want to look at any more houses.
And what I want is for you to not to go back on what you say.
Look, I thought we were in this together.
How can we be, when you're never even here?
Between your parents and work, I barely see you.
Says the woman waltzing in hours later than she said she would be.
Didn't even bother to text. Again.
Wait, are we leaving the tablet with her? I guess so.
Unless you want her to watch it right here on the doorstep?
No, but I thought maybe we could watch her watch it?
Like, inside, on the sofa, or something.
She's going to want to watch it more than once though.
Then why didn't we email it?
The file was too big and I don't understand the cloud.
No, it's really easy, my daughter taught me,
all you need to do is just... Hi.
What, uh... What are you doing here?
Friendly neighbourhood sisters delivering
a bundle of joy to you, for once.
You got me a tablet? The special delivery is what's on the tablet.
Yeah, definitely not my tablet itself.
Shall we can come in and show you?
Now isn't a great time.
Grief is a tricky beast.
It's totally valid to need some time.
Thanks. See you.
She's not going to watch it, is she? No.
Back to the drawing board? Back to the drawing board.
She's still got the tablet.
You'll get it back, don't worry.
So, in conclusion, you're great and we love you.
So from the mums here and all of our little ones,
we want to thank you for everything you do
for the mothers of Letherbridge and beyond!
And we look forward to seeing you again soon.
WHISPERING: Between you and me, I just want to say that I get you.
When I was going through some other stuff, my counsellor told me
that grief brings up loads of other emotions.
So, like, maybe, you could try listing everything you're feeling?
That's from me - bye!
OK.
Er...
..I feel...
I feel weird.
I feel...angry.
I feel like I just want everyone to leave me alone.
I feel...
..like this is so stupid.
I just...
Why am I even bothering? It's ridiculous.
She's going to give the tablet back at some point, though, right?
Definitely. My husband worked a whole month to afford that. Mm.
How about a surprise Iftar?
Here? Her favourite foods?
You could make that lamb dish? The one with all the pine nuts?
No problem.
Who are you texting?
No naughty messages until sundown.
Oi, cheeky. It's the PTA group chat!
Guess who's in charge of organising the Eid fundraiser?
Girl, you know you don't need to do everything?
When's the last time you and Hamza organised something for each other?
Nothing wrong with keeping busy. And I'm fine.
I'm managing the school run in between all five prayers.
I'm eating plenty of protein at Suhur,
and I'm getting over 10,000 steps in. I'm fine.
I've got everything I need. Yeah, if you say so.
Why a surprise Iftar though?
There's no better way to show someone that everyone is
welcome in this community, than a massive meaty mound of rice
and some sickly-sweet desserts, right?
Gets her out of the house, too.
She's already back at work.
Not too much further for her to come here then. No, exactly.
So imagine this.
There's no way that you can prepare for something like that.
You need to talk to someone, the staff at The Mill,
they're lovely, they will want to help. I guess.
PHONE BEEPS
Seriously? Everything all right?
Oh, some women at the Islamic Centre
are having a community Iftar and...
Listen to this.
"Are you having a hard time this Ramadan?
"Is your cup empty from helping others? Let us rejuvenate you!
"You are cordially invited to a special community Iftar
"designed to uplift and re-inspire you!
"Food and festivities in abundance."
Thanks, but no, thanks.
Now that's targeted advertising.
You should go.
Let them take care of you a little. Hm?
I think I'd rather spend the evening alone.
Maybe have a chat with God, ponder the meaning of Ramadan etc, etc.
You can't isolate yourself after a loss.
They make me uncomfortable.
I'm not the best Muslim and they're...
Well, they're doing stuff like this.
I always wonder if they judge me.
What makes you think someone is a good Muslim?
SOFT SPIRITUAL MUSIC
PHONE RINGS
Hi, babe! Where are you? We're going to be late.
So, uh... Listen, you know I totally believe in you, don't you?
You've totally got this, but...
Don't. Don't you dare say you're not coming.
It's a community Iftar.
I can't leave now, someone will end up burning the whole place down.
Do you know how important this product launch is for me?
I've been working on my speech for months.
I even paid for a baby-sitter! What happened to save-save-save?
Don't let me down. I need you there.
You absolutely don't.
You've been preparing for this for ages remember?
You promised.
Abir! She's not coming.
Move on to plan B.
Did you hear that? Look, I've got to go. I love you.
RINGTONE
SHE PRAYS
Allahu Akbar.
SHE PRAYS SOFTLY
That looks great, you've outdone yourself.
CHATTERING
I hope she's in. I think she's going to love it.
You should have seen the look on your face, we proper got you.
Jela, this is too much, you didn't need to.
Don't know bout you, but I haven't eaten all day
and I'm kind of hungry. Why are some days so much harder than others?
All I could think about today was Jalebis. It was pastry for me.
I didn't care what kind, as long as it was pastry.
What's this about?
Oh, that's me and my Uni mates.
We were raising money for the local neo-natal unit. It looks like fun.
They're great. Shame I don't see much of them these days.
We got scattered around the country.
Busy lives and all that...
We keep in touch online though.
Malika, where do you keep the fancy glasses? Wouldn't you like to know!
There's always something to keep me busy. Hey, thank you.
Hey, you're still up? How'd it all go? Fine.
No-one clapped, but whatever. No-one?
A smattering maybe, I don't know. It's a bit of a haze,
very anti-climactic. You must be exhausted.
I'm going to bed. Please stay down here tonight.
Seriously? I would like some space. I said sorry.
Actually, no, you didn't. At no point have you apologised.
But you never do, cause it's just a given that what
I do is less important, less worthy than what you do.
It's Ramadan, you shouldn't have been going out anyway.
It was work! It always is.
What are we going to do with all this wealth that you're
spending all hours working for? Give it to charity?
Charity begins at home, Abir.
It's all well and good you dedicating your life to the
citizens of Letherbridge but what about us?
We need some attention, too. Your son and I.
Oh come on. It's not like you're the poor, neglected husband.
I don't think you get to decide that.
I didn't see you inside.
Thought it best to wait until it was over to pay my respects.
Can I?
Lisa was like my sister.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
No-one understood why we worked, coming from totally different
backgrounds, taking wildly different paths in life.
But since our first day of school we just fit.
Everything's easier when she's around.
Why didn't you say anything?
I still can't get my head around it.
I keep thinking, "I've not heard from her in a while,
"I should text, you know, check in."
And then I remember
and my world shrinks all over again.
It's really easier focusing on something, someone else.
Almost like it's the only way I can keep myself moving.
Plenty of people experience bad things.
The world doesn't just stop because you're feeling a little sad.
I know I'm a bit rubbish, but a community makes time for others.
You showed me that!
We could have helped each other.
Not when you've got work to finish, a child to take care of,
and a husband to pay attention to.
You going to help me with that, too?
Surely Hamza understands?
I haven't told him.
He's very busy with work right now.
You can't hold it all in, Abir, you need to tell someone.
I'm fine. There are counsellors you could speak to. It'll pass.
I can find someone for you.
We can't all just take time out to process our feelings.
Not everyone has the luxury of living alone.
That's not fair.
Life's not fair.
This world is the testing place.
Doesn't mean you can't ask for help. No.
Thank you.
Look, take your time.
You know how to find me when you're ready.
I should go find Lisa's mum.
Pay my respects.
Has anyone seen the gold markers?
What about the silver ones?
Great, how about we, erm, look for the calligraphy set?
Malika!
Salaam-Alaikum!
What a lovely surprise.
Wa-Alaikum-Salaam.
I've got about an hour and a half before I need to go to work.
Do you need help with anything?
How's your handwriting?
Barely legible. Great, better than Saadia's then.
Saadia, you're on envelope-licking duty now. Sorry, mate.
The cavalry's arrived. Give me your best legible scrawl.
Leave it to me. Do you want block capitals or bubble writing?
Do you have any glitter? Now you're talking!
That's the Malika I know and love. Welcome to the party!
Thanks.
And thanks again for what you did. No thanks needed.
That's what Ramadan is all about, ain't it?
Looking after for your loved ones.
I really appreciate the gesture.
All this has brought a lot of comfort.
I'm sorry about yesterday.
You're grieving. Emotions run high.
It scares me, saying her name out loud.
From what I knew of Lisa, she'd hate the idea of being forgotten.
I know, right? She wasn't particularly loud, or expressive,
but she hated not being the centre of attention.
Have they decided on a name for the baby? Not yet.
Hamza left.
What do you mean?
I forgot to pick up our son yesterday.
I guess it was just one thing too many.
I got back and he was standing there, bags packed,
Zayd already at his parents.
What if I lose everyone,
and everything that's important to me within the space of a week?
Have you told him about Lisa yet? No.
He's too busy obsessing over what his parents want for him, for us.
He spends so much time trying to better our lives that
we end up barely living it.
You can't live your lives by others' standards.
I keep telling him that.
I haven't been able to pray
since Lisa died.
I don't know how to while nothing makes sense.
Sometimes, when I'm struggling to pray,
I find my own way to talk to God.
I've been putting on a show, so people can't
see my faith cracking, but I don't think I can hold it together.
I struggled after Lisa died, too,
and I'm about to start a new job I didn't want or ask for,
but you, Jela
and everyone have really helped me deal with it all.
What would happen if you asked for help?
I don't think I can.
You, Abir Dawoud,
if I remember correctly,
gave birth to a massive baby in such a fit of expletives,
the other midwife couldn't believe the sweet and nurturing mother
she met the next morning was the same person!
Is it worth fighting for?
Yes. Then you have to be honest.
It's not a fair fight if he doesn't know what's going on.
Hi. Look, don't hang up!
I need to tell you something.
It's about Lisa.
There you are! You have to try these samosas.
Hena's friend Shellina made them.
I think she's done something different with the pastry
but I can't figure out what.
Salaam. I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry
I didn't tell you about Lisa when it happened. I just... It's OK.
Head like a watermelon.
Not a watermelon, what's smaller than a watermelon? Cantaloupe?
Whatever. Didn't phase Malika one bit. I'll be back in a moment.
I don't know what happened.
That's OK. I'm so sorry about Lisa. I should have asked you.
I wanted to tell you. There was just some sort of block.
You know? It's all right. Come here, come here.
I want you to leave, please.
She's my wife, she's coming with me.
No! Stop that right now!
No more slouching round the house in those threadbare Spider-Man boxers.
Do you ever stop?
Just get off my case!
If he's done nothing wrong then he's got nothing to worry about. Yeah?
If you moved to Poland, and someone called the police on you,
how would you feel?