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Part 2: Chapter 75 & 76
The next day, we set out on our journey at around half past seven—specifically 7:39 AM. By half past eight, we arrived. The security guard opened the gate for us to drive in.
"Welcome back, Little Hajiya," Baba Musa greeted.
"Thank you, Baba Musa. How is work?"
"We thank God. How are your studies?"
"Alhamdulillah. May Allah guide us."
"Amen, O Lord."
I gave a cheerful greeting as I entered. Mimah was in the kitchen.
"Aminatu! We only just woke up a short while ago," Mimah said.
"That's because you aren't currently studying, Mimah. If we have to study at night, you'll see us awake because that's the only time we are truly free."
"That's very true. Let me help you so you can rest. Where is Fatima?"
"She went to school along with Baba Sani's wife."
"Oh, may Allah help them."
"Amen. Where is my Abba?"
"He is in his section. If he isn't there, he'll be in the main living room."
"Okay." I went over and called out a greeting, which he warmly answered. "Good morning, my Abba."
"Good morning, the cool of my eyes. How are your studies?"
"Everything is fine, we thank God. I hope I'm not bothering you?"
"No, not at all, Aminatu. It's just our studies, especially with the exams coming up."
"Ah, that's wonderful. Let's talk about the matter at hand before we have breakfast."
"Alright, Abba."
"Aminatu, you know the life you found yourself in, and you know the lessons that life and living among people have taught you."
"That is true, Abba."
"Your father from Dapchi called me. He said he wants us to go and ask for your friend Aisha's hand in marriage on behalf of Ibrahim."
"Yes, that's correct. I didn't hide anything from him regarding how Baba and I planned it."
Abba fell into deep thought for a moment. "My goodness, you made an excellent decision. What about your partner (Sahibi)?"
"I told Abba everything we discussed with him as well. Abba, I saw the kind of support your namesake gave you out of pure sibling love."
"That is very true. May Allah bless you."
"Amen. How are things between you and Areef now?"
"It's fine. He has completely dropped his usual stubborn moodiness. He mingles and interacts with people much better than before."
"Honestly, I don't even know how to thank you and your father enough. You have done everything for me. Insha Allah, I will step forward to spearhead the marriage arrangements for Ibrahim. I will do everything a father is supposed to do for his son."
"Thank you so much, Abba."
"Now, leave everything in my hands. Tomorrow we will prepare, and once your father arrives, we will go to Aisha's family home. But Aminatu, make sure Hajiya Aisha doesn't feel she is being treated unfairly."
"Abba, I am not at fault; it is my partner who is at fault."
"That's true, I understand you perfectly."
Hajiya Aisha's Residence
"Sahibi, what did you and Aminatu decide?" Hajiya Aisha asked. He explained everything they had discussed. "You see exactly what I've been telling you? I am a mother to you. You should consult me or your sister Sahiba. Instead, you keep secrets, and look how things turn out! Aminatu told you the plain truth. That is exactly why I like Aminatu; she has no fear or hesitation about anything. Look at how she consults her parents as if she isn't even their firstborn child, while you... I don't even know which problem to face first. For Allah's sake, get out of my sight. I will hand you over to your father."
"Please, mother, have patience. Everything will be sorted out."
"When exactly will that be, Sahibi? You should know that the girl will be given to Areef because he is more deserving of being her husband. May Allah make the best choice for her."
"Amen."
"Aminatu."
"Yes, Abba?"
"Do you love Areef?"
"I have no personal preference, Abba. I accept whatever you choose for me."
"Then I am going to give your hand in marriage to Areef. Do you agree?"
"I agree, Abba."
"May Allah bless you. Amen. I initially wanted to give you to Ibrahim, but this is how Allah decreed it. May Allah handle your affairs. I know that even after I am gone, people will be proud of you. Thank you, Abba, for your immense love for me."
"Your share of the shop profits this year has reached three and a half million Naira. What should be done with it?"
"Give half a million to Baba Sani to use as business capital. Give five hundred thousand to my father. Take one million for yourself, Abba. Five hundred thousand should be given as charity to the mosque, and the remaining one million should be shared among myself, Mimah, and my siblings."
"May Allah bless you! As for your portion, I will buy a piece of land for you with it, and the rest I will distribute among you all."
"Thank you so much, Abba. This is why I am always so proud of you."
That same day, I returned to Damaturu completely exhausted. Mimah helped me arrange everything. I had traveled with a lot of luggage, including fresh produce for soup, which we distributed to people. After I performed my prayers, a call came in from Areef.
"Are you back?" he asked.
"No, not until tomorrow."
"Well, I have good news for you! Tomorrow, my dad and the family are going to Potiskum to officially ask for your hand in marriage for me. For Allah's sake, don't sleep early tonight—keep praying and telling Allah not to let anyone else have you!"
"Oh please, by Allah, I am going straight to sleep!" I joked.
"Aha! Now I see you don't really love me!" Areef teased. "I'm going to tell Baba and the security guards to join me in prayers today!"
I, Maman Khairat, say: May Allah grant you your wish with Aminatu, Areef! Let's keep quiet now so we don't say too much and end up too embarrassed to look him in the eye when we visit the hospital... ✍🏿✍🏿✍🏿
Part 2: Chapter 83 & 84
Two months passed, bringing many events, both joyful and sad. Among the sad news was the passing of Baba's friend, Malam Mohammed Gambo. On a happier note, Baba Sani got married. Aminatu stood firmly to ensure everything for the wedding went perfectly. Baba Sani was full of gratitude for everything Amina did for him, especially since she bought all the items for the wedding trunks. Hanan and Baba Sani were living peacefully, their love blossoming beautifully.
Time flew by, and Aminatu and her peers had only two months left to graduate. Up until now, Areef did not know that she had cut ties with Ibrahim and Usman.
Hajiya Aisha's Residence
"Sahibi, what about the discussion we had the other day?"
"Which one, Ammi?"
"Have you forgotten about your marriage arrangements? I won't just sit back and watch you live aimlessly. If we leave you modern children to yourselves, you will never get married! Be patient and speak to Aminatu regarding Hauwa so we can see how things stand, or find out if she already has someone else in mind. Call her and tell her, otherwise, I will deal with you severely."
At exactly 3:00 PM, Aminatu's phone rang. "Aminatu, your phone is ringing. Check who it is."
"It's Sahibi."
"Sahibi again?"
"Yes, it's him." She picked up. "Hello Sahibi, how are you? How is school?"
"Alhamdulillah. It's been days since you last called me."
"You're the one throwing a tantrum, so what was I supposed to say?"
"I wanted to speak with you. Since you said you don't love me, why don't you hand your friend Hauwa over to me, if there's no issue?"
I went silent.
"Why are you silent? Is everything okay?"
"Honestly, you have to understand. Malam Usman is already courting her, and their discussions are advanced since the parents are now involved."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner instead of keeping it to yourself? It seems I have no luck where you are concerned. You rejected me, and now you've given your friend to your rival. You don't view me as family; you prefer an outsider over your own blood. But it's fine, thank you."
"Stop it, Sahibi! I highly respect and value you, so don't speak to me that way. Your own secretive nature caused this, not me. You should have known better." Click. I hung up the phone and went back to my nap.
Areef at the Office
Areef was buried under a mountain of paperwork in his office. Having just returned from a two-week assignment in Yola, he was hurriedly wrapping up his pending files. As he was about to leave, a woman approached him.
"My son, for Allah's sake, we came all the way from the village and have nowhere to sleep tonight. Please help look at my daughter, Aminatu. We can't even sleep because of her condition."
"Don't cry, ma'am. She shares a name with my woman, so I will definitely examine her even though my shift is over."
"Thank you, thank you!"
He checked little Aminatu, who was only ten years old, and sent them to get tests done first thing in the morning. He wrote down temporary medications to help her get through the night.
"God bless you. We will find a place to sleep, even if it's right here on the hospital floors. Thank you."
He got into his car and drove home, his heart full of pity for the little girl who shared his baby's name. Later that night, he called Aminatu to tell her about it.
We continued our clinical rotations through various hospital departments at the Teaching Hospital (TH), spending three to four days in each ward until we finished. I never realized how incredibly strict and serious Areef could be until I saw him at work in his hospital. He carried himself with such absolute authority. Most of the female staff tried to flirt with him or express their feelings, but he didn't give them a single glance. He didn't even look at me while on duty; if he called me after closing hours, he would simply tell me to head home. I highly respected my hero for that.
On the day we finished our practicals, we received high praise. Areef, along with the senior management and the director, thanked us and presented us with gifts. Hearing Areef speak fluent English, you would hardly believe he was raised by a Hausa man.
On Monday, we went to school and found a crowd gathered around the notice board. As I approached, a classmate named Khadija hugged me tightly. "Congratulations, Amina Ahmad!"
"Thank you," I replied blindly, not even knowing what it was for. When I looked closely at the board, I saw my name listed among those selected for a one-year fully-funded scholarship to Japan! Only fifteen of us were chosen, and delightfully, myself, Hauwa, and Aisha were selected together, our serial numbers right next to each other. The trip was scheduled for three months after graduation.
Overjoyed, I immediately called Mimah, Abba, Baba, Ibrahim, Baba Sani, and finally, that troublemaker Areef.
"Celebrate with me!" I told him.
"Celebrate what?"
"I'm going abroad for a one-year advanced study program! Fifteen of us got a full scholarship."
"You are not going anywhere."
"And why on earth not?"
"Because I said so. We will talk when we meet." I didn't even bother calling him back, and for the next two days, I refused to answer his calls.
"Haba Areef! How can you say she shouldn't go?" Hajiya intervened. "When you went abroad for your own studies, who stopped you?"
"Hajiya, you don't understand. Wherever Aminatu goes, guys will be flocking around her, and honestly, I won't tolerate her going to another country."
"Oh, stop it. Is that your reason?"
"Hajiya, even you are taking her side."
"What do you want to happen then? Are you going to follow her there?"
"No."
"Then here is my advice: just call off the wedding if you can't handle it."
"See? I knew that's exactly what you were going to say! Just go ahead and discuss it with Daddy, because I am not supporting this stubbornness."
Dapchi
"Aisha, what is the status regarding Fandau? It's been days since you last checked on her. Don't leave her to that stepmother of hers; that woman is full of malice, interference, and has absolutely no manners."
"Don't worry about that. She is a mother to her, and we will keep praying for them. Let's call her to see how she is feeling."
"Alright, let me get the phone." They dialed. "Hello, Baba, good afternoon."
"Ah, it's your mother. How is the house? How is your health?"
"It's much better."
"May Allah grant you full recovery. I hope there's no trouble?"
"No, Inna. Where is Baba?"
"He's right here. Take care of yourself and make sure you take your medicine, okay? Has Ibrahim visited?"
"He is on his way, we are expecting him now."
"May Allah bring him safely. Amen."
At around 6:00 PM, Ibrahim arrived. He entered quietly and greeted them. Inna answered, "Welcome, traveler from Kaduna. How is work?"
"We thank God. Everything is going well. Where is Hanan? It's so quiet."
"Have you forgotten she got married? I keep forgetting myself!" Baba chuckled. "Your father went out to wait for you, and when it got late, he went down the road. You look very sharp, Ibrahim."
"Yes, Inna, the work has been much less stressful lately. My mind is finally at ease."
"Where is my namesake?"
"She is doing well. I wanted to stay longer, but Baba warned me against night travel, which is why I hurried."
"Yes, I don't like night travel either."
After the Isha prayer, Baba returned and found Ibrahim waiting. They exchanged warm greetings.
"Celebrate with me!" Baba said proudly. "Aminatu sent me five hundred thousand Naira from the business profits she made."
"My goodness! May Allah bless her. Aminatu is truly an exceptional person. Finding someone like her in this modern age requires a miracle. May Allah protect her future and her past from all evil, whether from man or jinn."
"Amen. Ibrahim, I am planning to open a shop right in front of the house, what do you think?"
"That's an excellent idea. May Allah guide it. I will also contribute one hundred and fifty thousand Naira to support it."
"Thank you so much. And what about you, Inna? What would you like me to get you?"
"Anything your heart desires, my son."
Potiskum
"Fatima."
"Yes, Hanan?"
"There's something bothering me."
"What is it?"
"My stomach hurts, I feel nauseous, I'm sleeping all the time, and I feel the urge to urinate constantly."
"Let's go to the clinic right away."
At the clinic, she was asked to provide a urine sample. They went and waited for the results. Soon, her name was called. Fatima went in with her.
"Is this your sister?" the nurse asked.
"Yes, she's my friend and also married to my uncle's younger brother."
"Alright. When was your last menstrual period?"
"Three months ago."
"Well, you are pregnant. You are exactly three months and one day along."
Hanan took the result slip happily as they headed home. "For Allah's sake, don't tell Mimah yet. Let it be a surprise until they notice it themselves."
Baba Sani's House
"Are you okay, Hanan? What's wrong? Tell me, are you not feeling well?" Baba Sani asked anxiously.
"I'm perfectly fine." She handed him the clinic slip. He read it and burst into joyful gratitude to Allah. "So I have to start pampering you now! Imagine Hanan with a baby! From now on, you are not doing any cooking, I will handle it."
"Oh, stop it, please! Let me do my things."
"Alright, alright. Is there anything special you want? Tell me."
"I want to visit Dapchi once we get our school break since we are currently doing exams."
"No way! No traveling for you until after you give birth."
"May Allah take us safely to that time. Amen."
Part 2: Chapter 85 & 86
A month later, Aminatu and her friends began their final exams. They focused entirely on their studies and finished within two weeks. The final paper was incredibly difficult because Malam Usman set tough questions. After the exams, students began heading home. Aisha and Hauwa left, while I decided to spend a week at Takwara's house.
"Mimah, please have patience with Aminatu. Let her stay since that is what she chose."
"It's fine, Mimah. You know how Abba is; if I refuse, he will be upset. I want to visit my relatives anyway, so don't worry."
"Make sure you keep dealing patiently with Areef, since you now understand his temperament. You know Hauwa's wedding is in two weeks, right?"
"Yes, I know, Mimah."
I stayed at Takwara's house, and she showered me with motherly care. One afternoon, while relaxing and reading a book titled Angulu Dakan Zabo by Badi'at Ibrahim, I was deeply impressed by how accurately the author captured real-world issues. As I was admiring her talent, Areef walked in.
"Baby, are you studying?"
"I don't know."
"Come on, my baby, please stop being angry with me. I can't bear your silence, and you know it."
"Then why are you trying to stop my progress? Why don't you want me to go for my advanced studies?"
"It's not that I'm not happy for you. I was just thinking... why don't we get married before you leave?"
"Are you projecting your insecurities on me?"
"No, I would just feel much more secure if we were married."
"Then go and explain that to my parents, but don't dare mention my name in that discussion! Now, stop ruining my mood, thank you."
"Please don't be mad at me. By the way, accompany me to work tomorrow, okay? Help me out and let me teach you a few clinical tricks."
"I am not going anywhere. Let me rest. We just finished grueling exams!"
"Who told you healthcare professionals ever get to rest? The real work has only just begun!"
We chatted warmly until it was time for prayer. After ablutions, he left for the mosque. When he returned, I served him dinner. He ate while looking at me affectionately.
"Honestly, this food is delicious. Did you cook it yourself, or did Kande do it?"
"I did. See? And you claimed I shouldn't rest."
"You'll get plenty of rest later."
"Brother Areef, look at you, you ate everything!"
"I didn't realize I was that hungry! You'll have to cook a massive feast for me next time. Did you eat?"
"Oh, so now you remember to ask?" I laughed.
The next morning, Monday, I went to the hospital with Areef. While he worked with deep focus and professionalism, I assisted him by taking patients' blood pressure. He treated some patients with lighthearted humor and sent others for testing. By afternoon, he went to the mosque. While he was away, I organized his desk neatly.
When he returned, he asked, "What do you want to eat?"
"I'm not hungry."
"We will be leaving by 4:00 PM, so make sure you find something to snack on before then."
At 2:15 PM, he resumed consultations. An older woman walked in and greeted him.
"What seems to be the problem, ma'am?" Areef asked.
"Whenever I eat, my stomach bloats up terribly."
As she lifted her head, our eyes locked. "Inna Zarah! Is that really you, Aminatu?" she gasped. "My goodness! Look how healthy you look! Word reached the village that you left and reunited with your biological parents. Life is full of wonders! I am so happy for you."
I instantly remembered how this woman used to sneak me food in her house whenever I was starving and Inna refused to feed me. She used to give me pocket money and clothes, yet I had completely forgotten her in my list of people to look for.
After Areef finished examining her, he gave her some financial assistance, and I walked her out. We sat down outside and chatted.
"Are you returning to the village today?" I asked.
"No, tomorrow, Insha Allah."
"May Allah grant you a safe trip. Give me your account details so I can send you transportation money."
"Oh, you don't have to do that!"
"Please, Inna Zarah." I transferred ten thousand Naira to her.
Tears came to her eyes. "To think I didn't just see a doctor today, but received a blessing too! Thank you so much."
"It's nothing. Here is my phone number, let's keep in touch." We said our goodbyes, deeply moved. Kindness is truly a beautiful thing.
When it was time to close, Areef and I drove home.
"You must be tired," he said.
"Not at all."
As we walked in, Khairat greeted us, "Welcome back!"
"Thank you, Khairat. Welcome back, Little Hajiya," Kande added.
Areef went to his room, and I went to mine to unwind. While lying down, Hauwa called me.
"Aminatu, what is your plan? Why haven't you come home yet?"
"Be patient, I will return the day after tomorrow."
"Good, because we've already delivered four of your wedding trunk boxes to Ahmad's shop. You did a great job with those! By the way, Ahmad hasn't called me, but he mentioned you two need to talk."
"Yes, don't worry. Abba also bought two sets of matching outfits for us. Once I return, I'll visit your house so we can look at them."
My mind immediately shifted back home. Two days later, Areef drove me back to my family home.
"Baby, so Hauwa and her groom are getting married before us?" he teased.
"Yes, since their date is only a few days away now. May Allah make our own happen soon too so we can settle down."
"Hmm, why don't you ever say 'Amen' when I say things like that?"
"Fine, Amen!" I replied. He stayed for a day and then returned to work so we could finalize our wedding preparations in peace.
Malam Usman's Residence
"Ammi, you said you are delivering the bridal gifts tomorrow, right? That's how they usually do it. May Allah take us safely to tomorrow. However, I won't be able to make it; Mimah will represent our side."
"May Allah take us there safely. Is there any problem?"
"No problem at all, everything is going smoothly. May Allah bless you all."
"Amen."
Before we knew it, only two days were left until the wedding. We didn't plan an overly elaborate event in Potiskum because Malam Usman insisted that the grand celebration would take place once we moved to Damaturu.
On Saturday, the marriage contract was officially tied between Usman Ibrahim and his bride, Hauwa Abali Ajiya. Scholars and guests gathered, showering the couple with blessings. We were all dressed up so beautifully that you could barely distinguish the bridesmaids from the bride. By 4:00 PM, we arrived in Damaturu, and the reception went beautifully without any hitches.
After two days of continuous hosting and running errands, we were completely exhausted. Suddenly, Malam Usman sent word asking for the bride's chief bridesmaid to come over to his section.
"Aisha, please go," I said.
"Honestly, I'm not going near that strict teacher! Please go instead, Aminatu."
"Alright, fine."
I walked over to his section. "Ah, so you're the chief bridesmaid," he remarked quietly.
"Yes. Congratulations on your wedding. May Allah bless the union."
"Amen. Here, take this to the others." He looked at me intensely. "So, that's it? I've lost you completely?"
"I don't have an answer to that."
Right at that moment, Areef pulled up in his car. Our eyes met, and his face instantly darkened into a furious scowl...
Will Doctor Areef allow Aminatu to travel to Japan for her one-year scholarship program?
