It was peak afternoon, around 1:00 PM. Hamdan was doing nothing but pacing back and forth in his office, which was elegantly furnished with expensive luxury items. With every tick of the clock, he felt time moving him further away from his happiness. A burning heat surged from the depths of his heart through his entire body; despite the air conditioner chilling the room to capacity, the cold could not pierce his skin. He stopped pacing, sat in his plush chair facing the desk, buried his face in his palms, and let out a hot sigh. Pulling his phone close, he stared at it as conflicting emotions battled within his heart. With great effort, he made a decision, scrolled through his contacts, and placed a call. On the other end, she picked up hesitantly, whispered a greeting, and waited in silence... "Maa-ma!" He uttered the name her own biological children called her. Her heart skipped a violent beat. "Yes? Who is this? Who am I speaking with?" she asked in panic. "Hamdan Ahmad (Mai Matasa)!" he replied in a calm, controlled voice. She quickly repeated the name before adding, "Is everything alright?" "Everything is fine. I am looking for Hibba." "I hope she hasn't done anything wrong!" He paused for a moment, listening to his pounding heart and the heavy burden weighing him down. Briefly, he said, "I am just looking for her; I want to greet her." Once she found a place to sit, Maa-ma let out a sigh of relief. With a forced smile, she said, "She isn't around right now. When she returns, I will give her the phone so you can speak." "Maa-ma! I want to see her. Please, where can I find her?" She was speechless until he called her "Maa-ma" again. Sighing deeply, she said, "Hamdan! Please let it go. Hibba is happy in her current life. Do not become a threat to our happiness." He closed his eyes tightly, allowing the hot tears filling his eyes to spill over. A few seconds passed before he could speak: "Hibba is my sister/relative! I would never do anything to hurt her. But no one possesses all of God’s knowledge, and it is only when destiny unfolds that we understand its place. None of us knows what tomorrow's destiny holds!" Silence followed. On her end, she couldn't speak either, merely repeating his words in her mind. Pulling the phone slightly away from his ear, he took a deep, ragged breath before putting it back. "Where is her workplace?" "Hamdan! Please don't..." "Please don't set conditions regarding her. I feel like an unbridled horse. Maa-ma! You are a mother, a good mother to your children. I am sure you understand the message of their hearts before their mouths speak!" He paused slightly. "And I am also your son, Maa-ma! I won't hide it from you—I have fallen deeply in love with Hibba, and in this entire world, no one can encourage me except you." Wiping her tears, she said, "If Allah has decreed it, there is nothing I can do. But I won't hide this from you either: I do not want any relationship between you two. The camel's tail is far too far from the ground (a Hausa idiom meaning they belong to completely different social classes). Hamdan, there is an infinite gap between you and her, and I want Hibba to be where she is loved and respected." "True, the mistakes of some affect others... But in my view, not every mistake should become a dark stain on someone who didn't commit it. Help me, Maa-ma! If you don't support me, Hibba will never love me, and I don't know what I will do if you reject me when I need you most." "I have no power to prevent what Allah has destined. Go find her. But remember, she is an orphan. I will leave the address for you to check, but do not go to her right now; I know she won't listen to you." "Thank you." "You're welcome. Greet your father and the rest." He simply nodded, unable to speak because his mother, Ammy, was staring right at him. "Why haven't you left yet? Or have you forgotten what your Daddy said?" "I am not in the mood to go out, Ammy," he replied, turning his face away. She stared at him, walking closer until she stood right beside him. "What is your problem? Who were you on the phone with?" He closed his eyes. "My private matters." Angrily, she snapped, "I don't understand 'your private matters.' Do you mean you have secrets you can't share with me?" "That's not what I mean. I am no longer a child, Ammy. I know how to direct my own life." She nodded slowly. "Hmm! I can see you are grown now, Hamdan. I don't know what has been bothering you lately; you aren't at peace with anyone. And one can't even ask the reason without you getting defensive." He smiled faintly. "Do you think I have a bad temper, Ammy? I feel like I am the most patient and tolerant person in this house." "One could say that, but you are overly stubborn about things that affect you personally. Look, I didn't come here to argue. I am telling you not to joke with the responsibilities your father gave you. I want you to take over everything before others wake up." Receiving silence as an answer, she left the room. Frustration kept him rooted to the spot. He couldn't understand his parents' boundless greed for worldly wealth. Allah had blessed them with immense riches, pride, and power, yet their only desire was to surpass others, crush others, and humiliate others. He never realized how toxic their lifestyle was until he fell in love with a girl considered lowly by his family—someone his relatives would never accept, even in a dream. Lost in his thoughts, a sudden, deep sleep overcame him. He woke up startled barely five minutes later! As if spurred by a sudden realization, he rushed to the bathroom, took a quick shower, grabbed his car keys, and left without even glancing at the dressing mirror. Driving along, he thought about how his dream warned him he was about to lose everything. Before he knew it, he found himself outside the gates of the Al'ummaty Business Development Foundation. He parked his car among the rows of vehicles, took a breath, and looked around, wondering how to begin. As he sat there, he saw young women and married women leaving the building, chatting happily. He quickly stepped out of his car, scanning the crowd to find someone to ask about Hibba. Moving with her usual energetic pace, Hibba walked out quickly, telling a woman following her, "Today, I am completely out of sorts. I'm not happy at all. It's better I just go home to find some peace." "Hibba!" she heard her name called. She froze, unable to turn around because the voice struck her like thunder. She didn't recognize who it was, but the call reverberated deep within her soul. Anxiously, he approached her, forcing a smile. When her eyes landed on his face, she recognized him but frowned, asking coldly, "Sir, is there a problem?" Staring intently at her, he said, "No problem. I came to see you, and to tell you..." "Stop!" she said, raising her hand. "Who are you? And what do I owe you that makes you want to see me?" He lowered his head like a guilty man, then forced himself to look her in the eye. "Please forgive my sudden intrusion. I know you can recognize me. If you look at your own face, even if you've never seen me until today, I am sure you will know where I come from." "Oh, now I understand! You are from the wealthy family, right? So I am not safe even here? You followed me here just to humiliate me!" "No! That never crossed my mind. I just saw no point in hiding the truth from you." As she prepared to fire back in anger, he cut her off: "I love you, Hibba! Please be my wife!" "What! Have you lost your mind?!" she exclaimed, eyes wide. "Even if I lose my mind further, I can't accept any cure unless it comes from you. I am serious, Hibba..." She cut him off with a harsh laugh that made him tense up. "What is your name again? Just because I attended your family gathering once, I’ve become an object of ridicule? You need to know there is a difference between the less fortunate and people like you. Let me tell you loudly: just because I am an orphan and my parents were poor doesn't mean I am garbage that anyone can dump their trash on! If you are drunk, go find a sobering medicine. If you are crazy, go see a psychiatrist. And if you came to humiliate me, know that you have no power here. Everyone is a king in their own palace!" "Ya Allah! Please do not punish me for a crime I didn't commit, Hibba! I am perfectly sane, I just don't know how..." He couldn't finish his sentence due to the sheer heartbreak he felt. "Mister, the other day you met me calm, but today I woke up angry. So pack up your troubles and leave this place. I don't tolerate disrespect. Look at how you've embarrassed me in front of people who respect me! Look at how everyone is staring! It's a shame for people to see you blocking my way and acting insolent!" He was speechless, internalizing her words with shock. 'So to her, being seen with me is a humiliation? Indeed, a wise person should realize that in this world, there are things money, wealth, and arrogance can never buy. If only my family understood this, there would be a massive change in our household.' As he stood lost in thought, a male voice behind him asked, "What is happening here, Hibba?" Hamdan's heart thudded wildly. He stared at Hibba to see her reaction. She hissed, bypassed Hamdan, and walked toward the other man. In a flash of desperation, Hamdan grabbed her hand, trying to pull her toward him. She stopped dead in her tracks, raised her hand, and delivered a resounding slap right across his face! She yanked her hand free, pointed a finger at him, and warned: "Don't you dare lay your hands on me again, or you will regret it deeply! A poor person is not a slave, nor are they without dignity. Allah has honored everyone; it is only individuals who humiliate themselves! Let's go, Ismail!"
Episode 3
Without hesitation, Ismail followed her as they walked toward his car. Hamdan didn't realize when silent tears began tracking down his cheeks. He watched Hibba get into another man's car, leaving him standing there while the surrounding women gossiped about him. Inside the car, Ismail smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'Whatever chases a mouse out of its hole must be hotter than fire.' After spending so much time begging you to enter my car without luck, today someone else made it happen!" She smiled faintly. "Is that why you're teasing me?" "No, my Queen, I apologize. I was just surprised. May I know who he is?" "That question answers itself. Didn't you look at him?" "I looked at him, and I definitely see the resemblance. Is he your cousin? Trying to act as a warrior to win over Queen Hibba?" "That question is also obvious, and you know the answer." He laughed softly. "Oh, the Queen answers yes. But who is the champion between him and me now?" She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, and then opened them. Calmly, she said, "My principles are simple, though they are difficult for some. I do not tolerate lies; I don't like to lie, and I don't want to be lied to. I don't believe in lying to someone just to make them happy. Even before meeting God, if that person discovers the truth later, it hurts far more than being told the truth from the start. Furthermore, I do not tolerate deceit, and there are no secrets in my dealings." He quickly interrupted, "I've understood that for a long time, and it's one of the things that deepens my love for you." "I'm glad you understand." A brief silence fell between them before she continued. "Up until now, I haven't felt love for anyone in this world. I won't rush my destiny; I will keep listening to it." Ismail sighed, trying to suppress his worry. "But I see that man has a strong impact on you. I don't know if you realize it?" "I won't say no, but I'm not sure. Maybe when I calm down, I will see your point. I will continue to listen to my heart and the pen of destiny until I understand what they have chosen for me. It's not that I don't love you! Surely, if I were given a choice between you and any other man in this world, I would choose you, because I am certain that even without romantic love, I would be happy with you. I ask for your patience upon hearing this truth from me; though it is painful, I prefer to say it." He nodded, taking a deep breath, and didn't utter another word until they reached Hibba's neighborhood. He looked at her. "Where should I turn?" "You still don't know our house?" she asked with a small smile. He tilted his head. "Yes, because you never gave me the chance. If I wanted to, I could have stalked you, but I preferred you to give me the permission yourself, and today that day has come." She smiled and began directing him. Upon arrival, she bade him farewell and went inside. After greeting Maa-ma, she went straight to bed, feeling a fever overtaking her body. "Hibba, what happened?" Maa-ma's voice cut into her thoughts. "Nothing," she said shortly. "Nothing? Yet you refuse to eat, and anyone looking at your face can tell you aren't at peace." "I woke up feeling unwell since morning, and I am just exhausted." Maa-ma nodded. "Well, don't let that stop you from eating. Get up and have a little food." She nodded and headed to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Hamdan parked by the roadside, dreading going home to face a barrage of questions. He closed his eyes, his mind flooded with chaotic thoughts of the past and future. Before long, a severe headache gripped him, and his body burned with a raging fever. Part of his mind told him to leave Hibba alone, while another part warned against it, and a lingering voice asked: What if Hibba truly loves Ismail? He stayed there for a long time before dragging himself home. Everyone he encountered at home, both men and women, stared at him. It wasn't unusual for him to look stern, but today his expression was starkly different, and he was a man whose expressions were incredibly difficult to read. He greeted Ammy and went straight to his room without waiting for a response. As for Ismail, ever since parting with Hibba, he kept repeating Allah's names, seeking forgiveness. He felt a deep ache in his heart and terrifying premonitions that unsettled him. He turned his heart toward his Creator, as it was the only way to find relief from his anxiety and sorrow. Two days passed without Hibba returning to work. She only went today because Aunty Rahma insisted. During those two days, Hamdan went looking for her every day, only to be told she hadn't come in. Ismail would call her briefly to check on her health. Each of them was dealing with their own emotional turmoil. All three had grown noticeably lean from stress, but Hamdan was suffering the most. Hibba's constant overthinking kept her completely out of sorts. Ismail was gripped by a strange, heavy sorrow; despite Hibba's past rejections, he had never felt this level of anxiety until Hamdan barged into her life.
THE PAST (Flashback)
Today marked the fifth day of Eid-el-Fitr. At night, Hibba, Khalil, and Maa-ma sat together chatting. Khalil and Hibba were telling Maa-ma about their sightseeing outing around town, laughing over the different people they encountered at the zoo, gardens, shops, and ice cream parlors. Suddenly, Maa-ma went quiet, resting her chin in her hand, seemingly lost in another world. "Maa-ma, is everything okay?" Hibba asked. She smiled faintly and said, "Look at how excited Khalil is, as if he's never been out before!" Hibba smiled. "Well, going out during Eid is the best because you see all kinds of people—some will scare you, and others will make you laugh until you trip!" Khalil quickly added, "I am grown up now, Maa-ma! You just don't want me to go out on my own, but I swear I can go anywhere if my sister gives me money. I am sixteen after all!" "Oh listen to Mr. Big Shot! You're fifteen! Even I am barely past sixteen!" Hibba said, glaring at him. "Well, I am past fifteen because I've added months!" "Months or a single month? It's barely a month or two over fifteen. Just stick to fifteen, mister big-head! Listen to him, Maa-ma!" She turned to Maa-ma, but seeing her deeply lost in thought again, Hibba frowned. "What are you thinking about, Maa?" Sighing, Maa-ma said, "On the seventh day of Eid, there will be a family meeting at our family house, so..." Hibba quickly cut her off. "Why think about them when you aren't even going, Maa? Just forget about them." "That is an unreasonable statement. Should you also forget about Khalil? Should you forget about me while I'm alive, or forget your late father?" Hibba stared at Maa-ma in shock, unable to grasp where the conversation was heading or if she was being insulted. Maa-ma smiled gently. "Feels strange, right? It's exactly like that. There is no way I can forget my brothers, sisters, or parents. Our family home remains our family home, so I will attend that meeting no matter what happens, and it's none of your business. Furthermore, you and Khalil are coming with me—that is an order!" Hibba lowered her head, fighting back tears, while Khalil looked on in confusion. Maa-ma continued, "It's been five years since I last attended, back when it was a year after our father passed away. Now I want to go, and I will keep going, and so will you two. Stop saying you won't go." Hibba simply nodded, feeling like crying. Maa-ma added, "Right now, my biggest worry is what to bring for my Ummi (Mother). Just cook a delicious, modern dish for me to bring her. I am not trying to show off; I will just do what is within my means. I know she has everything, so it's better to bring a dish she will enjoy so she can offer her blessings." "Alright, it will be done, bi'iznillah. Tomorrow Khalil and I will go buy everything needed for the modern dish."
2. Story Summary
This excerpt highlights a high-stakes emotional and social conflict centering around three characters: Hamdan, Hibba, and Ismail.
The Conflict: Hamdan comes from an incredibly wealthy, greedy, and arrogant family, but he is desperately in love with Hibba, a poor orphan girl who appears to be an estranged or distant relative from a rejected branch of the family tree. Hibba's mother figure (Maa-ma) warns Hamdan that their social divide is too vast and his family will never respect her.
The Climax: Driven by an ominous dream, Hamdan tracks Hibba down at her workplace to confess his love. Traumatized by a previous encounter where Hamdan’s wealthy relatives humiliated her, Hibba assumes he is there to mock her poverty. When Hamdan aggressively grabs her hand out of desperation, she slaps him and leaves with Ismail, a respectful suitor who respects her boundaries.
The Aftermath: The rejection leaves all three characters emotionally shattered and physically ill with fever and anxiety.
The Backstory: The narrative flashes back to Eid, explaining why Hibba holds resentment toward Hamdan's side of the family. Maa-ma insists on breaking a 5-year estrangement to attend a grand family gathering, setting up the foundation for how Hibba and Hamdan's worlds collided.
3. Character & Setting Descriptions
Characters
Hamdan Ahmad (Mai Matasa): A wealthy, deeply troubled young man. Unlike his corrupt, elitist parents, he possesses a conscience and is self-aware of his family’s toxic greed. He is intensely driven by his love for Hibba but is emotionally unstable and impulsive under pressure.
Hibba: A fierce, proud, and principled young orphan girl. She is deeply protective of her dignity, values absolute honesty, and fiercely resents the wealthy class due to past humiliation. She has a fiery temper when pushed but is deeply respectful to her mother.
Ismail: Hibba's calm, patient, and respectful suitor. He represents the ideal partner in Hibba's eyes—someone who treats her like a "Queen," respects her boundaries, and values her layout of rules. He feels deeply threatened by Hamdan's intense presence.
Maa-ma: Hibba's maternal guardian. She is wise, grounded, and long-suffering. She understands the harsh realities of class divide but fiercely honors blood family ties, acting as the bridge linking the poor and wealthy segments of the family.
Ammy: Hamdan's mother. She embodies the elitist, money-hungry attitude of Hamdan’s family, viewing life entirely as a corporate competition to accumulate wealth and crush rivals.
Setting
Hamdan's Office: A luxurious, hyper-modern office fully equipped with top-tier cooling and amenities, serving as a visual metaphor for his superficial wealth that fails to soothe his internal emotional burning.
Al'ummaty Business Development Foundation: The bustling, public space where Hibba works/studies. It serves as the staging ground for the public confrontation, intensifying Hibba's feeling of public humiliation.
Hibba's Modest Home: A warm, simple family environment focused on mutual respect and traditional storytelling, contrasting sharply with Hamdan’s cold, demanding household.
4. Literary Analytics
Key Themes
Classism vs. Human Dignity: The central theme revolves around the Hausa socio-cultural divide between the ultra-rich (Masu Kuɗi) and the poor (Talakawa). The author highlights that wealth breeds arrogance, while poverty doesn't equate to a lack of self-worth.
The Inevitability of Destiny (Ƙaddara): Both Hamdan and Maa-ma repeatedly reference destiny. The plot frames their romance not just as a choice, but as an unavoidable cosmic collision that characters must navigate.
Generational Sins: Hamdan explicitly notes, "The mistakes of some affect others." He is forced to pay the emotional price for the arrogance and misdeeds perpetrated by his parents against Hibba's side of the family.
Idiomatic & Stylistic Elements
Hausa Idiom Analysis: Maa-ma uses the phrase "Wutsiyar raƙumi ta yi nesa da ƙasa" (The camel's tail is far from the ground). This is a heavy cultural metaphor used to describe an impossible gap or a situation where a lower-class individual is trying to reach a status far above them.
Character Foils: Ismail and Hamdan act as structural foils. Hamdan represents chaos, intense emotion, and the baggage of toxic wealth. Ismail represents peace, patience, safety, and steady lower/middle-class respectability.
The "Soap Opera" Style: The inclusion of the author's direct fourth-wall breaks ("Ehehehe!... rikici mai ɓadda bakin zare kenan😂") is a signature style of contemporary Hausa web/app novels (Soyayya genre), serving to transition episodes and build conversational intimacy with the reader ecosystem on platforms like WhatsApp.
Episode 2
It was peak afternoon, around 1:00 PM. Hamdan was doing nothing but pacing back and forth in his office, which was elegantly furnished with expensive luxury items. With every tick of the clock, he felt time moving him further away from his happiness. A burning heat surged from the depths of his heart through his entire body; despite the air conditioner chilling the room to capacity, the cold could not pierce his skin.
He stopped pacing, sat in his plush chair facing the desk, buried his face in his palms, and let out a hot sigh. Pulling his phone close, he stared at it as conflicting emotions battled within his heart. With great effort, he made a decision, scrolled through his contacts, and placed a call.
On the other end, she picked up hesitantly, whispered a greeting, and waited in silence... "Maa-ma!" He uttered the name her own biological children called her. Her heart skipped a violent beat. "Yes? Who is this? Who am I speaking with?" she asked in panic. "Hamdan Ahmad (Mai Matasa)!" he replied in a calm, controlled voice. She quickly repeated the name before adding, "Is everything alright?" "Everything is fine. I am looking for Hibba." "I hope she hasn't done anything wrong!" He paused for a moment, listening to his pounding heart and the heavy burden weighing him down. Briefly, he said, "I am just looking for her; I want to greet her."
Once she found a place to sit, Maa-ma let out a sigh of relief. With a forced smile, she said, "She isn't around right now. When she returns, I will give her the phone so you can speak." "Maa-ma! I want to see her. Please, where can I find her?" She was speechless until he called her "Maa-ma" again. Sighing deeply, she said, "Hamdan! Please let it go. Hibba is happy in her current life. Do not become a threat to our happiness."
He closed his eyes tightly, allowing the hot tears filling his eyes to spill over. A few seconds passed before he could speak: "Hibba is my sister/relative! I would never do anything to hurt her. But no one possesses all of God’s knowledge, and it is only when destiny unfolds that we understand its place. None of us knows what tomorrow's destiny holds!"
Silence followed. On her end, she couldn't speak either, merely repeating his words in her mind. Pulling the phone slightly away from his ear, he took a deep, ragged breath before putting it back. "Where is her workplace?" "Hamdan! Please don't..." "Please don't set conditions regarding her. I feel like an unbridled horse. Maa-ma! You are a mother, a good mother to your children. I am sure you understand the message of their hearts before their mouths speak!" He paused slightly. "And I am also your son, Maa-ma! I won't hide it from you—I have fallen deeply in love with Hibba, and in this entire world, no one can encourage me except you."
Wiping her tears, she said, "If Allah has decreed it, there is nothing I can do. But I won't hide this from you either: I do not want any relationship between you two. The camel's tail is far too far from the ground (a Hausa idiom meaning they belong to completely different social classes). Hamdan, there is an infinite gap between you and her, and I want Hibba to be where she is loved and respected."
"True, the mistakes of some affect others... But in my view, not every mistake should become a dark stain on someone who didn't commit it. Help me, Maa-ma! If you don't support me, Hibba will never love me, and I don't know what I will do if you reject me when I need you most."
"I have no power to prevent what Allah has destined. Go find her. But remember, she is an orphan. I will leave the address for you to check, but do not go to her right now; I know she won't listen to you."
"Thank you." "You're welcome. Greet your father and the rest." He simply nodded, unable to speak because his mother, Ammy, was staring right at him.
"Why haven't you left yet? Or have you forgotten what your Daddy said?" "I am not in the mood to go out, Ammy," he replied, turning his face away.
She stared at him, walking closer until she stood right beside him. "What is your problem? Who were you on the phone with?" He closed his eyes. "My private matters." Angrily, she snapped, "I don't understand 'your private matters.' Do you mean you have secrets you can't share with me?"
"That's not what I mean. I am no longer a child, Ammy. I know how to direct my own life." She nodded slowly. "Hmm! I can see you are grown now, Hamdan. I don't know what has been bothering you lately; you aren't at peace with anyone. And one can't even ask the reason without you getting defensive." He smiled faintly. "Do you think I have a bad temper, Ammy? I feel like I am the most patient and tolerant person in this house." "One could say that, but you are overly stubborn about things that affect you personally. Look, I didn't come here to argue. I am telling you not to joke with the responsibilities your father gave you. I want you to take over everything before others wake up." Receiving silence as an answer, she left the room.
Frustration kept him rooted to the spot. He couldn't understand his parents' boundless greed for worldly wealth. Allah had blessed them with immense riches, pride, and power, yet their only desire was to surpass others, crush others, and humiliate others. He never realized how toxic their lifestyle was until he fell in love with a girl considered lowly by his family—someone his relatives would never accept, even in a dream.
Lost in his thoughts, a sudden, deep sleep overcame him. He woke up startled barely five minutes later! As if spurred by a sudden realization, he rushed to the bathroom, took a quick shower, grabbed his car keys, and left without even glancing at the dressing mirror.
Driving along, he thought about how his dream warned him he was about to lose everything. Before he knew it, he found himself outside the gates of the Al'ummaty Business Development Foundation. He parked his car among the rows of vehicles, took a breath, and looked around, wondering how to begin.
As he sat there, he saw young women and married women leaving the building, chatting happily. He quickly stepped out of his car, scanning the crowd to find someone to ask about Hibba.
Moving with her usual energetic pace, Hibba walked out quickly, telling a woman following her, "Today, I am completely out of sorts. I'm not happy at all. It's better I just go home to find some peace."
"Hibba!" she heard her name called. She froze, unable to turn around because the voice struck her like thunder. She didn't recognize who it was, but the call reverberated deep within her soul.
Anxiously, he approached her, forcing a smile. When her eyes landed on his face, she recognized him but frowned, asking coldly, "Sir, is there a problem?"
Staring intently at her, he said, "No problem. I came to see you, and to tell you..."
"Stop!" she said, raising her hand. "Who are you? And what do I owe you that makes you want to see me?" He lowered his head like a guilty man, then forced himself to look her in the eye. "Please forgive my sudden intrusion. I know you can recognize me. If you look at your own face, even if you've never seen me until today, I am sure you will know where I come from."
"Oh, now I understand! You are from the wealthy family, right? So I am not safe even here? You followed me here just to humiliate me!"
"No! That never crossed my mind. I just saw no point in hiding the truth from you." As she prepared to fire back in anger, he cut her off: "I love you, Hibba! Please be my wife!"
"What! Have you lost your mind?!" she exclaimed, eyes wide.
"Even if I lose my mind further, I can't accept any cure unless it comes from you. I am serious, Hibba..." She cut him off with a harsh laugh that made him tense up.
"What is your name again? Just because I attended your family gathering once, I’ve become an object of ridicule? You need to know there is a difference between the less fortunate and people like you. Let me tell you loudly: just because I am an orphan and my parents were poor doesn't mean I am garbage that anyone can dump their trash on! If you are drunk, go find a sobering medicine. If you are crazy, go see a psychiatrist. And if you came to humiliate me, know that you have no power here. Everyone is a king in their own palace!"
"Ya Allah! Please do not punish me for a crime I didn't commit, Hibba! I am perfectly sane, I just don't know how..." He couldn't finish his sentence due to the sheer heartbreak he felt.
"Mister, the other day you met me calm, but today I woke up angry. So pack up your troubles and leave this place. I don't tolerate disrespect. Look at how you've embarrassed me in front of people who respect me! Look at how everyone is staring! It's a shame for people to see you blocking my way and acting insolent!"
He was speechless, internalizing her words with shock. 'So to her, being seen with me is a humiliation? Indeed, a wise person should realize that in this world, there are things money, wealth, and arrogance can never buy. If only my family understood this, there would be a massive change in our household.'
As he stood lost in thought, a male voice behind him asked, "What is happening here, Hibba?"
Hamdan's heart thudded wildly. He stared at Hibba to see her reaction. She hissed, bypassed Hamdan, and walked toward the other man. In a flash of desperation, Hamdan grabbed her hand, trying to pull her toward him. She stopped dead in her tracks, raised her hand, and delivered a resounding slap right across his face! She yanked her hand free, pointed a finger at him, and warned: "Don't you dare lay your hands on me again, or you will regret it deeply! A poor person is not a slave, nor are they without dignity. Allah has honored everyone; it is only individuals who humiliate themselves! Let's go, Ismail!"
Episode 3
Without hesitation, Ismail followed her as they walked toward his car. Hamdan didn't realize when silent tears began tracking down his cheeks. He watched Hibba get into another man's car, leaving him standing there while the surrounding women gossiped about him.
Inside the car, Ismail smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'Whatever chases a mouse out of its hole must be hotter than fire.' After spending so much time begging you to enter my car without luck, today someone else made it happen!"
She smiled faintly. "Is that why you're teasing me?"
"No, my Queen, I apologize. I was just surprised. May I know who he is?"
"That question answers itself. Didn't you look at him?"
"I looked at him, and I definitely see the resemblance. Is he your cousin? Trying to act as a warrior to win over Queen Hibba?"
"That question is also obvious, and you know the answer." He laughed softly. "Oh, the Queen answers yes. But who is the champion between him and me now?"
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, and then opened them. Calmly, she said, "My principles are simple, though they are difficult for some. I do not tolerate lies; I don't like to lie, and I don't want to be lied to. I don't believe in lying to someone just to make them happy. Even before meeting God, if that person discovers the truth later, it hurts far more than being told the truth from the start. Furthermore, I do not tolerate deceit, and there are no secrets in my dealings."
He quickly interrupted, "I've understood that for a long time, and it's one of the things that deepens my love for you."
"I'm glad you understand." A brief silence fell between them before she continued. "Up until now, I haven't felt love for anyone in this world. I won't rush my destiny; I will keep listening to it."
Ismail sighed, trying to suppress his worry. "But I see that man has a strong impact on you. I don't know if you realize it?"
"I won't say no, but I'm not sure. Maybe when I calm down, I will see your point. I will continue to listen to my heart and the pen of destiny until I understand what they have chosen for me. It's not that I don't love you! Surely, if I were given a choice between you and any other man in this world, I would choose you, because I am certain that even without romantic love, I would be happy with you. I ask for your patience upon hearing this truth from me; though it is painful, I prefer to say it."
He nodded, taking a deep breath, and didn't utter another word until they reached Hibba's neighborhood. He looked at her. "Where should I turn?" "You still don't know our house?" she asked with a small smile. He tilted his head. "Yes, because you never gave me the chance. If I wanted to, I could have stalked you, but I preferred you to give me the permission yourself, and today that day has come." She smiled and began directing him.
Upon arrival, she bade him farewell and went inside. After greeting Maa-ma, she went straight to bed, feeling a fever overtaking her body. "Hibba, what happened?" Maa-ma's voice cut into her thoughts. "Nothing," she said shortly. "Nothing? Yet you refuse to eat, and anyone looking at your face can tell you aren't at peace." "I woke up feeling unwell since morning, and I am just exhausted." Maa-ma nodded. "Well, don't let that stop you from eating. Get up and have a little food." She nodded and headed to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Hamdan parked by the roadside, dreading going home to face a barrage of questions. He closed his eyes, his mind flooded with chaotic thoughts of the past and future. Before long, a severe headache gripped him, and his body burned with a raging fever. Part of his mind told him to leave Hibba alone, while another part warned against it, and a lingering voice asked: What if Hibba truly loves Ismail?
He stayed there for a long time before dragging himself home. Everyone he encountered at home, both men and women, stared at him. It wasn't unusual for him to look stern, but today his expression was starkly different, and he was a man whose expressions were incredibly difficult to read. He greeted Ammy and went straight to his room without waiting for a response.
As for Ismail, ever since parting with Hibba, he kept repeating Allah's names, seeking forgiveness. He felt a deep ache in his heart and terrifying premonitions that unsettled him. He turned his heart toward his Creator, as it was the only way to find relief from his anxiety and sorrow.
Two days passed without Hibba returning to work. She only went today because Aunty Rahma insisted. During those two days, Hamdan went looking for her every day, only to be told she hadn't come in. Ismail would call her briefly to check on her health.
Each of them was dealing with their own emotional turmoil. All three had grown noticeably lean from stress, but Hamdan was suffering the most. Hibba's constant overthinking kept her completely out of sorts. Ismail was gripped by a strange, heavy sorrow; despite Hibba's past rejections, he had never felt this level of anxiety until Hamdan barged into her life.
THE PAST (Flashback)
Today marked the fifth day of Eid-el-Fitr. At night, Hibba, Khalil, and Maa-ma sat together chatting. Khalil and Hibba were telling Maa-ma about their sightseeing outing around town, laughing over the different people they encountered at the zoo, gardens, shops, and ice cream parlors.
Suddenly, Maa-ma went quiet, resting her chin in her hand, seemingly lost in another world. "Maa-ma, is everything okay?" Hibba asked. She smiled faintly and said, "Look at how excited Khalil is, as if he's never been out before!" Hibba smiled. "Well, going out during Eid is the best because you see all kinds of people—some will scare you, and others will make you laugh until you trip!" Khalil quickly added, "I am grown up now, Maa-ma! You just don't want me to go out on my own, but I swear I can go anywhere if my sister gives me money. I am sixteen after all!"
"Oh listen to Mr. Big Shot! You're fifteen! Even I am barely past sixteen!" Hibba said, glaring at him. "Well, I am past fifteen because I've added months!" "Months or a single month? It's barely a month or two over fifteen. Just stick to fifteen, mister big-head! Listen to him, Maa-ma!" She turned to Maa-ma, but seeing her deeply lost in thought again, Hibba frowned. "What are you thinking about, Maa?"
Sighing, Maa-ma said, "On the seventh day of Eid, there will be a family meeting at our family house, so..." Hibba quickly cut her off. "Why think about them when you aren't even going, Maa? Just forget about them."
"That is an unreasonable statement. Should you also forget about Khalil? Should you forget about me while I'm alive, or forget your late father?" Hibba stared at Maa-ma in shock, unable to grasp where the conversation was heading or if she was being insulted.
Maa-ma smiled gently. "Feels strange, right? It's exactly like that. There is no way I can forget my brothers, sisters, or parents. Our family home remains our family home, so I will attend that meeting no matter what happens, and it's none of your business. Furthermore, you and Khalil are coming with me—that is an order!" Hibba lowered her head, fighting back tears, while Khalil looked on in confusion. Maa-ma continued, "It's been five years since I last attended, back when it was a year after our father passed away. Now I want to go, and I will keep going, and so will you two. Stop saying you won't go." Hibba simply nodded, feeling like crying. Maa-ma added, "Right now, my biggest worry is what to bring for my Ummi (Mother). Just cook a delicious, modern dish for me to bring her. I am not trying to show off; I will just do what is within my means. I know she has everything, so it's better to bring a dish she will enjoy so she can offer her blessings."
"Alright, it will be done, bi'iznillah. Tomorrow Khalil and I will go buy everything needed for the modern dish."
2. Story Summary
This excerpt highlights a high-stakes emotional and social conflict centering around three characters: Hamdan, Hibba, and Ismail.
The Backstory: The narrative flashes back to Eid, explaining why Hibba holds resentment toward Hamdan's side of the family. Maa-ma insists on breaking a 5-year estrangement to attend a grand family gathering, setting up the foundation for how Hibba and Hamdan's worlds collided.
3. Character & Setting Descriptions
Characters
Ammy: Hamdan's mother. She embodies the elitist, money-hungry attitude of Hamdan’s family, viewing life entirely as a corporate competition to accumulate wealth and crush rivals.
Setting
Hibba's Modest Home: A warm, simple family environment focused on mutual respect and traditional storytelling, contrasting sharply with Hamdan’s cold, demanding household.
4. Literary Analytics
Key Themes
Generational Sins: Hamdan explicitly notes, "The mistakes of some affect others." He is forced to pay the emotional price for the arrogance and misdeeds perpetrated by his parents against Hibba's side of the family.
Idiomatic & Stylistic Elements