"He isn't just stationed in Kano," Mama continued, explaining her brothers' locations to her father. "He moves from one location to another, always on the move in search of his livelihood." Umma interjected, "That is very true. Let me quickly step across the street to visit my friend, perhaps before I even return, by Allah’s grace, your father will be back." The Uban Dawaki smiled warmly. "May Allah bring him back safely. But honestly, Mama, you seem far too anxious about his arrival. What on earth are you looking to get from him?" Mama adjusted her posture, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Oh, Abba, that is a private matter between him and me. Are you trying to pry into our secrets?" He shook his head, letting out a soft chuckle. "Who am I to pry into your private secrets? I can only pray that Allah brings him back to you in perfect health." "Amen," Mama replied brightly. "Let me quickly run my errand and return." "Alright, that's fine." With that, she stepped out of the room and crossed the main road.
The Deceiver's New Asset
Meanwhile, Ayuba was standing outside his shop, completely bewildered by the unfolding events, entirely unsure of how to interpret Danliti's sudden transformation. Suddenly, as if descending from the sky, a neat Toyota Carina pulled up and parked directly in front of the shop. Ayuba rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Lo and behold, sitting confidently behind the wheel was his very own friend, Danliti! Ayuba bolted out of the shop as Danliti stepped out of the vehicle. "Don't tell me... you bought this?!" Ayuba asked, his voice dripping with shock. "Of course I bought it!" Danliti replied boastfully. Ayuba extended his hand, and they slapped palms in a heavy high-five. "Man, you are seriously playing a dangerous game! You were completely broke just the other day. How on earth did you pull this off?" Danliti smirked arrogantly. "It is exactly what it looks like. You see, a car gives a man immediate social status and prestige. That’s exactly why I bought it—I can’t have that girl looking down on me or thinking I’m just some low-life peasant." "Wow! Your father must be a legendary storyteller!" Ayuba exclaimed. "Come on inside and tell me everything!" Danliti let out a dismissive click of his tongue. "By the way, has that girl been coming around here looking for me?" Ayuba dropped his jaw, staring at his friend intently. "Wait, so you already knew she was coming around?" "Aha! You think you're dealing with an amateur?" Danliti bragged. He walked over to the back of the car and popped the trunk open. Turning to look at Ayuba, who was still frozen in shock, he barked, "Are you just going to stand there staring at me? There are goods in here; come over and help me unload them into the shop!" Ayuba walked over slowly, looking at him with deep concern. "I swear, Danliti, you are starting to terrify me. You really need to tread carefully, my friend." "Look, teacher, just help me move these goods if you're going to help! Otherwise, back off!" Danliti hissed in irritation. Ayuba assisted him, and they quickly carried the merchandise inside. In the center of the shop, Danliti rolled out a small straw mat and sat down heavily. Ayuba took a seat on a nearby wooden chair. Danliti grabbed a cup of water, gulped it down in one long draught, set the cup down, and locked eyes with Ayuba. "You look completely spooked, man. You are a total coward, I swear." "How can I not be spooked?" Ayuba countered. "This whole situation is terrifying." "Terrifying? What is there to be afraid of?" Danliti scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Let me tell you something: the way you watch a movie on a television screen is exactly how I see that girl. Sakina is completely wrapped around my finger; I can manipulate her any way I see fit." He continued to play with the car keys in his hand, spinning them arrogantly. Ayuba sighed deeply. "Look, my friend, let me give you a solid piece of advice. Since you are so dead-set on this, and you’ve already gone ahead to completely twist that poor girl’s mind, why don't you just marry her? That way, you can stop all this reckless manipulation. Sakina is the absolute pinnacle of beauty; I never realized just how mesmerizing she truly was until she stood right here talking to me. Her eyes are as pure as milk! If you marry her, you will be set for life, man." Danliti stared at Ayuba for a long, quiet moment, his expression hardening into cold amusement. "Marriage? Who said anything about marrying her? Are you losing your mind? If I marry her, how am I supposed to afford her maintenance? The way she looks at me is a joke; once I'm done with her, everyone in this town will mock her. I have no intention of marrying her." "No, Danliti! You need to put the fear of Allah in your heart—" Danliti raised a sharp hand, cutting him off brutally. "That is quite enough, Ayuba! I can see that I’m going to have to find a way to seal your lips permanently before you go around spreading rumors about me in this town. A loose tongue breeds disaster. Unlike you, I don't get emotionally attached. That's why your advice about marriage is completely useless to me." "Teacher, this is none of your business!" Danliti continued, his voice rising in defiance. "I don't fear any man's father! I’ve encountered stubborn girls exactly like her before, and I left two of them pregnant in their respective hometowns—one in Kano and another in Zaria during my time living there before returning here. Do you think a man like me can be tied down?" Ayuba’s eyes widened in sheer horror. "What?! Seriously?" "Absolutely! Why should anything weigh on my conscience? For all I know, they’ve both given birth by now. Who cares?" Danliti laughed callously, shaking his legs casually without a single care in the world. Just then, a young Fulani girl peeked into the shop, calling out, "Hello there! Would you like some fura?" Danliti replied, "Yes, make me fifty Naira worth." As she began mixing the local yogurt and millet dough, Danliti stepped outside and sat on a wooden bench, flirting and chatting merrily with the girl, leaving a deeply disturbed Ayuba alone inside the shop.
Part 2: Blind Passion and Growing Suspicion
Mama spent an agonizing, tense hour at Baraka's house. Her mind was entirely elsewhere, continuously wondering if Danliti had arrived back at his shop. When the two friends finally stepped out into the street together, Baraka glanced at her and asked, "Are you not going to step inside to see your future co-wife today?" Mama puckered her face in disgust. "Must I walk into her quarters every single time I come around here?" Baraka smirked. "Fascinating. Did the good Doctor do something wrong? You haven't mentioned a single word about him since you got back." "I am completely over him," Mama stated coldly. Baraka laughed lightly. "Oh, Mama, you are unbelievable! Are you telling me a whole Doctor could offend you to the point where you completely discard him? Wait, don't tell me you are trying to break the engagement and reverse the wedding date that has already been set?" "That is exactly what I intend to do," Mama replied with absolute conviction. "Because my heart has found total peace and alignment with another man." A slow, triumphant smile spread across Danliti’s face as he watched her approach his shop from across the street. "Thank you, Sakina. You have literally saved my life. I don't even know how to properly show my gratitude to you." Overwhelmed by his tailored words, Mama leaned her head back gracefully. "I should be the one thanking you." "Thanking me for what? I haven't done anything worthy of thanks. It is only natural to cherish the one who loves you." Danliti leaned back against his new car, staring intensely into her eyes. "I wish I could just steal you away right now, Sakina. Your words completely intoxicate me. I hate that I didn't bring you any gifts or tokens of affection today." Mama shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I don't care about material gifts from you. True love doesn't require money." "Is that so?" Danliti asked, feigning deep admiration. "You are far more righteous than I am. But still, the Hausa people say a beautiful gift deserves a beautiful token in return. Don't worry about a thing; everything I own is yours, Sakina, since you chose me over everyone else." A brilliant smile lit up her face. "May Allah make it so." They stood together for an hour and a half, entirely lost in their conversation, before finally saying their goodbyes. Danliti drove off, and Mama walked back into her family compound.
The Mother's Fury
Umma was lying down on a long sofa in the parlor when Mama sneaked in, trying to slip past unnoticed. "Come over here, Mama!" Umma commanded sternly. Mama turned back, her heart sinking, and sat quietly on the carpet before her mother. Umma sat upright, staring at her daughter with a cold, piercing gaze before speaking. "You were explicitly told to go over there and inform them that your wedding date has been officially set! What on earth took you so long?!" Mama lowered her head into a sullen silence, refusing to utter a single word. "I don't understand you at all anymore, Mama!" Umma yelled, her anger boiling over. "Are you trying to bring public shame and ridicule upon this family in this town? Your wedding is literally three months away! Have you lost your mind? Let me make one thing crystal clear to you: we are not small, insignificant people in this community. Whether you informed them or not, you are officially banned from stepping foot outside this house again! Do you hear me? I will not tolerate this foolish, disrespectful behavior from you. I can see exactly what kind of game you are trying to play. If you persist in this madness, your father will ship you right back to Minna or Abuja! Now, get out of my sight!" Mama stood up with great difficulty, her face swollen with tears of frustration, and marched off to her bedroom. Umma watched her retreat, deeply unsettled by the intense, defiant aura radiating from her daughter. She sat in heavy silence for a long time before finally locking up the house, turning off the lights, and joining the Uban Dawaki in their private bedroom. "Do you know that girl just walked back into this house moments ago?" Umma whispered anxiously to her husband. "I swear, I don't recognize her anymore. Her entire demeanor has warped. When I scold her, she just scowls at me in deep resentment." The Uban Dawaki sighed heavily. "I actually caught a glimpse of her from the parlor window earlier. I saw her standing out there giggling and laughing with someone. I couldn't see the person's face clearly, but the man looked very well-dressed and even had a car." "You see?!" Umma gasped. "May Allah grant us a safe tomorrow. First thing in the morning, you must go out there yourself and get to the bottom of this rumor." "You are reading my mind," the Uban Dawaki replied grimly. "As I lay here, that is the exact issue I have been turning over in my head. I cannot allow her mind to be poisoned by some smooth-talking sweet-talker. I must act swiftly. My traditional honor and prestige must not be dragged through the mud." With heavy, anxious hearts, the parents eventually drifted off to sleep. Mama, however, wasn't spared a single ounce of their worry. Her mind was perfectly at ease, and she fell asleep floating on a cloud of intense infatuation for Danliti.
Part 3: The Secret Escape and Public Confrontation
The following morning, her father sat Mama down and delivered a lengthy, stern lecture, giving her profound advice and strictly warning her against the dangerous, ruinous path she was attempting to tread. Throughout his entire speech, Mama remained completely silent, not uttering a single word. What her father failed to realize was that not a single word he said actually penetrated her mind. Her heart was completely locked; her resolve remained entirely unchanged, regardless of what angle they used to approach her. For her, it was Danliti or no one else. The moment they finished their daily household chores, Mama waited until Umma retired to her bedroom for her usual morning nap. Sneaking out exactly like she had done the previous day, she made a bee-line straight for Danliti's shop. The moment Danliti spotted her approaching, he leaped to his feet and stood at the doorway, a predatory smile spreading across his face. "Ah! The solace of my soul! It’s as if you knew I was completely drowned in deep thoughts of you." Mama stood before him, crossing her arms over her chest, and fixed her eyes on him. "Hmph! So I've been told." "You don't believe me?" Danliti feigned offense. "Look at the business calculations I was doing; I had to completely set them aside because my mind can no longer process anything else but you." Mama smiled softly. "How did you sleep last night?" "I didn't sleep a wink, Sakina," he lied smoothly. "Everywhere I turned my eyes, your face was the only thing I could see. I swear, I am on the verge of losing my mind over you." Mama laughed, completely charmed. "Oh, stop inflating my ego." Just then, Ayuba walked back into the shop, taking in the scene. "Well, well! Look at the heavyweights commanding the floor!" Mama turned to Danliti and asked politely, "Is it alright if I exchange greetings with your friend?" "Of course, the solace of my soul. There's absolutely no problem." Ayuba dropped his jaw in sheer disbelief. "Oh, wow! So a man now needs special permission just to exchange greetings with you? Is she your wife already?" Danliti smirked. "Who am I to claim such honor?" Mama burst out laughing and looked at Ayuba. "Good morning, brother." "I am not answering that greeting," Ayuba replied, deeply uncomfortable with the manipulation he was witnessing. Danliti snapped, "If you aren't going to answer her, then pack your things and get out of our space!" "You don't even have to tell me twice!" Ayuba muttered, turning on his heel and storming out of the shop. Mama laughed merrily at his dramatic exit. "My goodness, you have absolutely no mercy! Did you really just kick your own friend out?" "Well, what choice did I have? He was ruining the mood. Come on inside the shop, why are you standing out there in the heat?" "Don't worry about me standing here," she replied sweetly. Danliti feigned deep concern, softening his expression. "Please, don't look sad. I don't ever want to cause you any discomfort. But you absolutely must take something from this shop today. What can I offer you?" Mama shook her head. "For the sake of Allah, please leave it alone. I don't want anything." "No, we are going to have a serious fight right here if you refuse to let me bless you with something from my shop. What can I get for you?" Mama reached her hand into a large plastic tray on the counter, picked up a single piece of hard candy, and held it up. "I'll take this. May Allah bring immense profit to your business." Danliti stared at her blankly, completely speechless at her modesty. Mama smiled, unwrapped the candy, and popped it into her mouth. "See? I'm enjoying it." "Are you serious right now?" Danliti asked, exasperated. "Of all the valuable merchandise in this massive shop, you choose a worthless piece of sweet?" Mama covered her mouth, giggling. "You completely missed the deeper meaning behind my choice. I chose this sweet because of the power of the word itself. You are my sweetheart, so it is only fitting that I taste something sweet from your shop." Danliti let out a forced chuckle. "You should say our shop." "Alright, our shop," she corrected shyly. "Excellent! Now that sounds much better. Come on, take some more sweets since that's what you prefer." "I'll take more later when I'm about to leave," she replied. "As you wish, my Sakina."
The Intervention
They spent a long time chatting until Mama suddenly remembered that Umma would soon wake up from her nap. Fearful of being caught, she announced that she needed to head back home. Danliti immediately grabbed a large plastic bag and packed it to the brim with all sorts of expensive chocolates, candies, and confections, handing it over to her. Mama accepted the bag, pouring out endless words of gratitude. As she turned to leave, Danliti walked out with her. "Let me walk you down the road a bit." "And leave the shop completely unattended?" Mama asked. "Especially after you kicked Ayuba out?" "I don't care, I'll walk you at least to the edge of the street." Mama stepped out of the shop, laughing happily at his devotion, when suddenly Baraka appeared, crossing the main road. The two friends' eyes locked. Baraka’s mouth dropped open in absolute horror. Mama immediately left Danliti standing there and hurried over to her friend, a wide smile on her face. "Baraka!" Baraka stood completely frozen, staring at her with an expression that transcended mere shock. "I don't understand this, Mama. What on earth is going on here?" "What do you mean?" Mama asked, confused. "I just watched you walk directly out of Danliti's shop! Yes, what about it?" "I thought that even if you were just running a basic errand, a girl of your high social status and family prestige has absolutely no business hanging around Danliti's shop! But now I see the two of you walking out together, giggling and laughing merrily. Are my eyes playing tricks on me?!" Mama snapped, her defense mechanism kicking in. "I swear, Baraka, you are being a terrible, nosy busybody!" "This is not about being nosy, Mama! Answer me honestly—did you seriously just come out of that boy's shop?" "Yes, I did. I am just coming from there." "But surely you were just buying something, right?" Baraka pressed, desperate for a logical explanation. Mama scoffed, deeply offended. "Baraka, did you give birth to me? What is the meaning of all these aggressive questions? What is your problem anyway?" Baraka grabbed the plastic bag from Mama's hand and ripped it open to inspect the contents. "If you wanted sweets, you should have crossed the street and bought them from Okundiri's shop! That would have been far more dignified and respectful for a girl of your caliber!" "From that pagan?!" Mama yelled. "As far as I am concerned, Okundiri doesn't possess an ounce of the dignity and respect that Danliti has!" Mama twisted her face in anger. "And in my sight, Danliti is worth a thousand times more than anyone else!" "Are we really going to fight over this, Mama?" Baraka cried out, her voice trembling. "Since when did you start having a good time with a guy like Danliti? This makes absolutely no sense!" Baraka pointed a finger at her. "Are you telling me that low-life actually succeeded in conquering your heart? This is completely unacceptable! As far as I know, you are a brilliant aspiring Doctor! When on earth did your standards drop this low?" "I don't know, Baraka!" Mama yelled back. "Haba, Mama! Even if the Doctor offended you, it is completely beneath your dignity and family honor to take your frustration out by throwing yourself at a boy like Danliti! Speak to the elders of the family let them discipline the Doctor if he hurt you! But this? This is absolute madness!" "Oh, whatever! Hmph!" Mama aggressively snatched the plastic bag back from Baraka’s grip, clicking her tongue in deep annoyance, and turned her back on her friend. Baraka let out a heavy, bitter click of her tongue, especially when she watched Mama turn around and walk right back over to Danliti to share a few final words, leaving him with a bright, cheerful laugh before finally marching off toward her house. Baraka’s heart sank into her stomach. She clutched her chest in absolute terror, whispering, "Innalillahi wa Inna ilaihi raju'un (Surely to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return)! I swear by Allah, Umma must hear about this immediately..."
Part 4: The Family Confrontation
Baraka rushed down the street to execute her errand, walking so fast she looked as though she were about to fly through the air out of sheer urgency to return home. The moment she arrived, she dumped the groceries in front of her mother, Aunt Saude. Without even taking a seat to catch her breath, she burst out, "Inna, is Mama truly in her right mind?!" Aunt Saude looked up, startled. "What did she do?" "Do you know Danliti is back in town?" "Danliti? Who on earth is that?" "The tea seller's son, Inna! The son of the Buzu man!" "Oh, right. I’m listening. What did he do?" "During Cousin Abdulrahman’s wedding, Danliti saw Mama and openly declared his feelings for her. I swear by Allah, back then she wouldn't even spare him a single glance! But I have absolutely no idea how he managed to completely manipulate her mind. Just now, I caught her walking right out of his shop, clutching a huge bag filled to the brim with chocolates and sweets!" Aunt Saude clutched her chest, her eyes wide with absolute horror. "Mama?! Did you just say Mama?" "I swear by Allah, Inna! I almost dropped dead from pure shock right there on the street. Danliti is a notorious, shameless scoundrel!" Aunt Saude gasped, "We are completely ruined, Saude, my word! I cannot sit idly by and watch this happen. I must investigate this immediately to ensure her family knows absolutely nothing about this madness! Mama always seemed so sensible and intelligent; what on earth could have blinded her eyes to the point of falling for a boy like that? Oh Allah, please reform our children for us. Let me wait for your father to return; I swear by Allah, this very day I am going over to the Uban Dawaki's estate to nipping this disaster in the bud before it completely destroys us all!" "You absolutely must go, Inna," Baraka agreed. "Honestly, I think she had a massive fight with Al-Ameen, because ever since she returned for the holidays, she completely shuts down and refuses to hear his name mentioned." "Well, even if that's the case, shouldn't she just say so? Her older brothers are more than capable of calling him to resolve whatever misunderstanding they had, let alone his prominent parents who live right here in this town!" "That is exactly what I told her!" Baraka cried. "But she literally told me to mind my own business!" "Mama actually said that to you?!" "Yes! She repeated it to me just now, and we were on the absolute verge of throwing blows right there on the main road!" Aunt Saude let out a heavy, anxious breath, her heart filled with dread. "Oh, goodness me... young people and their volatile natures. She was the one who brought him into the family in the first place; nobody forced her into that engagement!" Aunt Saude rested her chin in her hands, continuously repeating the Islamic phrases of protection. By the time the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer concluded, Baraka’s father returned home. Aunt Saude immediately relayed the entire horrific situation to him. Without a second thought, he issued a strict command for her to go investigate the matter immediately. Wasting no time whatsoever, Aunt Saude set out in the scorching heat of the afternoon, marching directly toward the estate of the Uban Dawaki.
The Trial in the Parlor
Umma was in the inner parlor with the Uban Dawaki, who had just returned home and was currently eating his lunch. Aunt Saude walked in, exchanged warm greetings with them, and then retreated to Umma's private bedroom to wait for him to finish. After exchanging a few initial pleasantries and catching up on family matters, Aunt Saude’s expression turned deeply serious. "I came here regarding a matter of monumental importance, sister. But please check if Alhaji has finished his meal; I would highly prefer to discuss this entire issue directly in his presence." Umma's heart instantly skipped a beat, a cold dread washing over her. "What happened, Saude?" "Look, it is a highly disturbing matter regarding Mama, and it has left me completely sick to my stomach. That is why I refused to let the night pass without coming here to investigate. Alhaji is the most appropriate person to handle this, and fortunately, he is home right now." Umma stood up, her entire body trembling with anxiety. She slipped into the Uban Dawaki's room, found that he had just finished his lunch, and said, "Saude is here to discuss a critical matter with us. Once you are ready, please join us in the parlor." "Alright, I'm coming right now." They gathered in the parlor, and Aunt Saude carefully recounted every single detail that Baraka had witnessed on the street. Umma instantly began clapping her hands in utter shock and despair, while the Uban Dawaki stood up completely from his seat. "Don't tell me... is that the exact same person who came around here late last night?!" the Uban Dawaki roared. "Unbelievable! A monkey trying to pass off as a human being! Where is Mama?!" Umma looked up at him, her eyes pooling with bitter tears. "She is in her room." "Call her out here immediately!" Umma stood up and fetched her. When they walked back into the parlor together, an oppressive, suffocating silence hung over the room. Mama stepped into the room with slow, terrified steps, her blood turning to ice. "Good afternoon, Aunt Saude. Welcome," she whispered nervously. Aunt Saude fixed a cold, unblinking gaze on her. "Welcome to you too." Mama greeted her father and mother, both of whom were staring at her with expressions of utter disbelief and rage. She locked eyes with her father briefly before lowering her gaze. "Abba, I am here." "Who came to see you here last night?!" the Uban Dawaki barked thunderously. Mama lowered her head further, sinking into a stubborn silence. "Are you deaf?!" he roared, his voice shaking the walls. "I asked you a direct question: who came to see you here last night?!" With trembling lips, Mama whispered, "Dan...liti." "Do you have even the slightest inkling of who Danliti is in this town?!" her father demanded, his voice dripping with disgust. Mama remained silent. "Mama, are you seriously trying to turn me into a foolish, dishonored old man? Are you trying to publicly humiliate this entire household? What did I tell you just yesterday? Let me make one thing crystal clear to you: I did not call you out here for a debate or a shouting match. As far as I know, you are a sensible, mature girl who knows exactly what is right and wrong. You know better than anyone else that there are only a few months left before your official wedding! Furthermore, if you possess an ounce of sanity and self-respect, you would realize that it is a monumental disgrace to your family honor for you to be seen loitering around the shop of a common merchant—let alone a boy like Danliti! Therefore, I am strictly commanding you, from this very day forward, I never want to hear a single rumor or report of this nature ever again! I hope I have made myself absolutely clear?!" Mama lowered her head even further as a fresh stream of tears began pouring down her face. Umma shifted uncomfortably in her seat and took over the scolding. "You have deeply disappointed me, Mama! Let me ask you a direct question: what on earth do you mean by following a boy like that straight to his shop?!" Silence. No response. Umma continued, her anger rising. "What kind of monumental, shameless foolishness is this?! Do you honestly think it is an admirable thing for young girls to stand around the doorways of boys' shops, eagerly accepting cheap handouts from them? I never in a million years imagined such cheap, low-class behavior would manifest from you, Mama! The only reason we are being this lenient with you right now is because this is the very first time such a disaster has occurred in this house!" Aunt Saude added, "Look at this grand estate, Mama. Look at every single member of this extended family. The entire community views this household with immense reverence, respect, and dignity—especially your honorable father! For the sake of Almighty Allah, do not allow some worthless scoundrel to completely demolish this magnificent structural legacy. Do not let him poison your mind and lead you to your ultimate ruin, do you hear me, Mama?" Mama wiped her tears, refusing to utter a single syllable in her defense. The Uban Dawaki finalised the trial. "Alright, we have laid the matter to rest right here. I never want to see or hear of you committing any act that would warrant us sitting you down for a disciplinary meeting like this ever again. Do you hear me?" Mama nodded silently, continuously wiping her tear-stained cheeks. Umma snapped, "Stand up right now and go fetch that plastic bag of trash he gave you earlier! As far as I know, you have never lacked food or sweets in this house. Move, stand up, let's go!" Mama stood up with great difficulty, her heart breaking, and Umma marched her directly to her room. Mama fetched the plastic bag and handed it over. Umma violently snatched it from her grip, her voice laced with venom. "I swear by Allah, if I ever catch you engaging in this madness again, you will face a wrath you have never experienced in your entire life!" Umma stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Left entirely alone in the suffocating darkness of her room, Mama dissolved into a fit of intense, hysterical weeping. She had never felt such overwhelming emotional agony in her entire life. However, instead of breaking her infatuation, the fierce opposition from her parents acted like fuel on a raging fire—it served only to deeply solidify her intense obsession with Danliti, embedding his image even deeper into the fabric of her heart. As for the upcoming wedding that her parents kept shouting about, she had long since completely erased the groom from her memory, let alone the date itself. He did not exist in her sight, nor did he hold a single corner in the empire of her heart. Her parents were left entirely bewildered by her reaction. They constantly questioned their own hearts: “What on earth does Mama mean by this intense weeping?” They turned the question over and over, but they had absolutely no definitive answers.
Part 5: The Ultimate Ultimatum
At exactly 8:30 PM sharp, the distinct hum of Danliti's car echoed outside as he parked directly in front of the Uban Dawaki's estate. Arrogant and bold, he dispatched a young neighborhood boy inside to call Mama out for him. The Uban Dawaki was already sitting in the parlor, explicitly waiting and guarding the entrance for his arrival. Hearing the boy's message, the father replied calmly, "Go back out and tell him she is on her way." Umma quickly brought out the sealed plastic bag filled with the sweets and confections Danliti had given Mama earlier. The Uban Dawaki took the bag and stepped out into the night, following the boy's footsteps, exactly like the previous evening. Tonight, Danliti was leaning casually against his car, effortlessly spinning his keys around his finger. However, he had traded his traditional attire for trendy, modern casual wear, and he had completely filled the entire entrance of the estate with the overpowering scent of premium designer perfume. The moment he spotted the Uban Dawaki marching toward him, he was forced to quickly correct his posture, his arrogant demeanor faltering into a frantic, superficial display of humility. Before the traditional leader could even close the distance, Danliti dropped to his knees, chiming smoothly, "Welcome, Alhaji." "Yes, welcome," the Uban Dawaki replied coldly. "How are you doing this evening, sir?" "I am perfectly fine. Stand up," the patriarch commanded. Danliti stood up slowly, keeping his head lowered, putting on an absolute masterclass of feigned righteousness and humility. The Uban Dawaki looked down at him, his voice firm and unyielding. "I have only one single thing to say to you, Danliti, and I want you to listen very carefully. My daughter Sakina has already been officially betrothed to a worthy husband. Their wedding date has long since been set, and by Allah's grace, the event is rapidly approaching. Therefore, for the sake of Almighty Allah and the respect of this community, I am asking you to practice patience, accept reality, and go find another woman to court. From this day forward, never step foot near Mama ever again, because she belongs to another man. I hope you have heard me loud and clear?" Danliti went completely silent for a long moment, his mind racing, before he spoke in a smooth, pleading tone. "I understand you perfectly, Alhaji. But I am humbly begging you, for the sake of prosperity, please allow me to continue coming around just to exchange polite greetings with her, since the marriage hasn't actually been officially solemnized yet. I swear to you—" The Uban Dawaki cut him off brutally, his voice cutting through the night like a razor. "That is absolutely out of the question, Danliti! Even if there wasn't a pre-existing commitment and wedding promise over Mama, you know perfectly well within your own soul that it would be an absolute impossibility for you to ever secure her hand in marriage from this house! You know better than anyone else that in this entire town, absolutely nobody knows your family roots, your heritage, or where you come from! Go home and think about that deeply." Danliti dropped his jaw, staring at the older man, his heart boiling with an intense, toxic rage. The Uban Dawaki thrust the plastic bag forward. "Here, take this." Danliti reached out and accepted it mechanically. The patriarch continued, "These are the cheap items you handed to her earlier today. Since she is absolutely not going to marry you, it is entirely inappropriate for her to keep your gifts. For the sake of Allah, have some self-respect, find someone of your own social status, and leave my daughter alone. Goodnight." With that final crushing blow, the Uban Dawaki turned around and walked back into his compound, leaving Danliti standing alone in the darkness.
The Predator's Vow
Danliti crossed his legs, a twisted, deeply malicious smirk spreading across his face. He whispered into the night, "Even if I don't come around here, she will break out and come straight to me. Even if you people decide to kill her, she will find her way back to my arms. After all, my coming here was purely to poison her mind and hook her; I never actually cared about securing a legitimate marriage anyway." He let out a sharp, mocking laugh, popped his car door open, and climbed inside. "You are dealing with me—the son of the tea seller! Cross my path and you will experience pure disaster and calamity!" He started the engine, slammed his foot on the gas, and sped away from the estate, his mind perfectly at ease. In stark contrast, back inside her room, Mama was experiencing absolute agony. She felt a frantic, desperate urge to steal out of the house in the dead of night just to run to Danliti's side. She continuously peeked out into the parlor, hoping her parents would retire to bed, but alas! The Uban Dawaki and Umma refused to sleep, sitting up late into the night discussing her disturbing behavior. She didn't sleep a single wink that night, utterly consumed by bitter frustration because they had barricaded her from seeing her obsession.
Part 6: The Plot for Freedom
When the morning sun rose, Umma flatly refused to grant Mama even a single pleasant expression. Her face was a mask of cold fury. However, Mama didn't care in the slightest; she was simply praying fervently for everyone to leave the house so she could make her escape. True to her desires, the moment the clock struck 10:00 AM, the Uban Dawaki left for his daily affairs. Umma, having finished her morning routine, climbed into bed to take her habitual morning nap. Mama quickly applied an extra layer of beautiful makeup, dressed up elegantly, and sneaked out of the house unnoticed. She delivered a loud, cheerful greeting at the entrance of Danliti's shop. He rushed forward, his face lighting up with genuine excitement as he responded. "Wow! Honestly, I thought you were going to turn your back on me too after last night. I was already spiraling into deep depression; I didn't sleep a single wink last night." Mama looked at him, her heart overflowing with deep pity and tenderness. "I was exactly the same, Danliti. I didn't close my eyes for even a second. Why on earth would I ever turn my back on you, when I know perfectly well that doing so would utterly destroy my own happiness?" Danliti stared into her eyes, adopting a deeply pathetic, sorrowful expression. "Your father made it explicitly clear that he loathes me. I honestly don't know what to do with my life anymore, Sakina. Please, don't let me die of a broken heart." Tears instantly welled up in her eyes. "Please, for the sake of Allah, never say such things again! If you ever see me separate from you, it will only be because they have taken my life and I have stopped breathing. My heart desires only you, and I refuse to marry anyone else in this world except you!" A bitter tear spilled over and rolled down her cheek. Danliti quickly grabbed a fresh, crisp roll of fabric from the counter, tore off a clean piece, and handed it to her gently. "Wipe your tears, my princess. Stop crying. I believe in you, Sakina. But tell me, what is our way out of this mess?" Mama shook her head slightly, trying to compose herself. "I will think of something. Just give me a little bit of time, and I will find a solution for us." Danliti stepped outside and adjusted the wooden bench. "Come, sit down and listen to me." She sat on the edge of the bench, and he sat right facing her, looking directly into her eyes. "Why don't you just go ahead and tell them directly that I am the one you love right now?" Mama raised her eyes to look at him, pausing in deep thought, but said nothing. Danliti pressed on, manipulating her fears. "Don't be afraid of anything! Just confront them directly and tell them you have completely changed your mind and that you want me. Are they going to force you into marriage? They are legally obligated to give you to the person your heart desires, because nobody else is going to live your life for you! Unless, of course, you want me to lose my life, then fine..." Mama quickly shook her head, cutting him off frantically. "I told you to stop talking about losing your life, Danliti! If you die, I will die right along with you. Rest your mind; I swear by Allah, this very day I will confront them and tell them that my heart has experienced a profound change and that my mind is fully made up on you." Danliti clutched his chest, closing his eyes as if experiencing a wave of profound relief. "You have just brought immense peace to my soul, Sakina." He opened his eyes, tracking her beautiful features with a calculated gaze. "If you do this for me, you have given me everything, my queen. I won't make empty boasts right now, but the moment we get married, you will witness the absolute purity of my devotion. I swear, there isn't a single woman on the face of this earth who will experience the premium care, luxury, and adoration that I will shower upon you." Mama smiled softly, completely enchanted. "May Allah bring us to that day." "Amen," he replied smoothly. He shifted his posture slightly, fixing his gaze on her face once more. "Tell me, Sakina, do you actually know that you are the most beautiful woman in the entire world?" Mama dropped her jaw, her eyes wide with bashful surprise. "In the entire world?" "I swear by Allah, in this entire universe, there is absolutely no woman who possesses a beauty as flawless as yours." Mama shook her head, a deep, infatuated blush spreading across her cheeks. "Oh, stop inflating my ego, Danliti. I know perfectly well that I don't even compare to you." Danliti flashed a brilliant, wide grin, pointing a finger at his own chest. "Compared to me?! Oh, come on! You're trying to mock me now. Where do I even stand compared to a goddess like you? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? Look at that perfect, delicate little mouth of yours, so beautifully crafted..."
Part 1: Forbidden Love and Blind Defiance
"He isn't just stationed in Kano," Mama continued, explaining her brothers' locations to her father. "He moves from one location to another, always on the move in search of his livelihood."
Umma interjected, "That is very true. Let me quickly step across the street to visit my friend, perhaps before I even return, by Allah’s grace, your father will be back."
The Uban Dawaki smiled warmly. "May Allah bring him back safely. But honestly, Mama, you seem far too anxious about his arrival. What on earth are you looking to get from him?"
Mama adjusted her posture, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Oh, Abba, that is a private matter between him and me. Are you trying to pry into our secrets?"
He shook his head, letting out a soft chuckle. "Who am I to pry into your private secrets? I can only pray that Allah brings him back to you in perfect health."
"Amen," Mama replied brightly. "Let me quickly run my errand and return."
"Alright, that's fine." With that, she stepped out of the room and crossed the main road.
The Deceiver's New Asset
Meanwhile, Ayuba was standing outside his shop, completely bewildered by the unfolding events, entirely unsure of how to interpret Danliti's sudden transformation.
Suddenly, as if descending from the sky, a neat Toyota Carina pulled up and parked directly in front of the shop. Ayuba rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Lo and behold, sitting confidently behind the wheel was his very own friend, Danliti!
Ayuba bolted out of the shop as Danliti stepped out of the vehicle. "Don't tell me... you bought this?!" Ayuba asked, his voice dripping with shock.
"Of course I bought it!" Danliti replied boastfully.
Ayuba extended his hand, and they slapped palms in a heavy high-five. "Man, you are seriously playing a dangerous game! You were completely broke just the other day. How on earth did you pull this off?"
Danliti smirked arrogantly. "It is exactly what it looks like. You see, a car gives a man immediate social status and prestige. That’s exactly why I bought it—I can’t have that girl looking down on me or thinking I’m just some low-life peasant."
"Wow! Your father must be a legendary storyteller!" Ayuba exclaimed. "Come on inside and tell me everything!"
Danliti let out a dismissive click of his tongue. "By the way, has that girl been coming around here looking for me?"
Ayuba dropped his jaw, staring at his friend intently. "Wait, so you already knew she was coming around?"
"Aha! You think you're dealing with an amateur?" Danliti bragged. He walked over to the back of the car and popped the trunk open. Turning to look at Ayuba, who was still frozen in shock, he barked, "Are you just going to stand there staring at me? There are goods in here; come over and help me unload them into the shop!"
Ayuba walked over slowly, looking at him with deep concern. "I swear, Danliti, you are starting to terrify me. You really need to tread carefully, my friend."
"Look, teacher, just help me move these goods if you're going to help! Otherwise, back off!" Danliti hissed in irritation.
Ayuba assisted him, and they quickly carried the merchandise inside. In the center of the shop, Danliti rolled out a small straw mat and sat down heavily. Ayuba took a seat on a nearby wooden chair. Danliti grabbed a cup of water, gulped it down in one long draught, set the cup down, and locked eyes with Ayuba.
"You look completely spooked, man. You are a total coward, I swear."
"How can I not be spooked?" Ayuba countered. "This whole situation is terrifying."
"Terrifying? What is there to be afraid of?" Danliti scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Let me tell you something: the way you watch a movie on a television screen is exactly how I see that girl. Sakina is completely wrapped around my finger; I can manipulate her any way I see fit." He continued to play with the car keys in his hand, spinning them arrogantly.
Ayuba sighed deeply. "Look, my friend, let me give you a solid piece of advice. Since you are so dead-set on this, and you’ve already gone ahead to completely twist that poor girl’s mind, why don't you just marry her? That way, you can stop all this reckless manipulation. Sakina is the absolute pinnacle of beauty; I never realized just how mesmerizing she truly was until she stood right here talking to me. Her eyes are as pure as milk! If you marry her, you will be set for life, man."
Danliti stared at Ayuba for a long, quiet moment, his expression hardening into cold amusement. "Marriage? Who said anything about marrying her? Are you losing your mind? If I marry her, how am I supposed to afford her maintenance? The way she looks at me is a joke; once I'm done with her, everyone in this town will mock her. I have no intention of marrying her."
"No, Danliti! You need to put the fear of Allah in your heart—"
Danliti raised a sharp hand, cutting him off brutally. "That is quite enough, Ayuba! I can see that I’m going to have to find a way to seal your lips permanently before you go around spreading rumors about me in this town. A loose tongue breeds disaster. Unlike you, I don't get emotionally attached. That's why your advice about marriage is completely useless to me."
"Teacher, this is none of your business!" Danliti continued, his voice rising in defiance. "I don't fear any man's father! I’ve encountered stubborn girls exactly like her before, and I left two of them pregnant in their respective hometowns—one in Kano and another in Zaria during my time living there before returning here. Do you think a man like me can be tied down?"
Ayuba’s eyes widened in sheer horror. "What?! Seriously?"
"Absolutely! Why should anything weigh on my conscience? For all I know, they’ve both given birth by now. Who cares?" Danliti laughed callously, shaking his legs casually without a single care in the world.
Just then, a young Fulani girl peeked into the shop, calling out, "Hello there! Would you like some fura?"
Danliti replied, "Yes, make me fifty Naira worth."
As she began mixing the local yogurt and millet dough, Danliti stepped outside and sat on a wooden bench, flirting and chatting merrily with the girl, leaving a deeply disturbed Ayuba alone inside the shop.
Part 2: Blind Passion and Growing Suspicion
Mama spent an agonizing, tense hour at Baraka's house. Her mind was entirely elsewhere, continuously wondering if Danliti had arrived back at his shop.
When the two friends finally stepped out into the street together, Baraka glanced at her and asked, "Are you not going to step inside to see your future co-wife today?"
Mama puckered her face in disgust. "Must I walk into her quarters every single time I come around here?"
Baraka smirked. "Fascinating. Did the good Doctor do something wrong? You haven't mentioned a single word about him since you got back."
"I am completely over him," Mama stated coldly.
Baraka laughed lightly. "Oh, Mama, you are unbelievable! Are you telling me a whole Doctor could offend you to the point where you completely discard him? Wait, don't tell me you are trying to break the engagement and reverse the wedding date that has already been set?"
"That is exactly what I intend to do," Mama replied with absolute conviction. "Because my heart has found total peace and alignment with another man."
A slow, triumphant smile spread across Danliti’s face as he watched her approach his shop from across the street. "Thank you, Sakina. You have literally saved my life. I don't even know how to properly show my gratitude to you."
Overwhelmed by his tailored words, Mama leaned her head back gracefully. "I should be the one thanking you."
"Thanking me for what? I haven't done anything worthy of thanks. It is only natural to cherish the one who loves you." Danliti leaned back against his new car, staring intensely into her eyes. "I wish I could just steal you away right now, Sakina. Your words completely intoxicate me. I hate that I didn't bring you any gifts or tokens of affection today."
Mama shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I don't care about material gifts from you. True love doesn't require money."
"Is that so?" Danliti asked, feigning deep admiration. "You are far more righteous than I am. But still, the Hausa people say a beautiful gift deserves a beautiful token in return. Don't worry about a thing; everything I own is yours, Sakina, since you chose me over everyone else."
A brilliant smile lit up her face. "May Allah make it so."
They stood together for an hour and a half, entirely lost in their conversation, before finally saying their goodbyes. Danliti drove off, and Mama walked back into her family compound.
The Mother's Fury
Umma was lying down on a long sofa in the parlor when Mama sneaked in, trying to slip past unnoticed.
"Come over here, Mama!" Umma commanded sternly.
Mama turned back, her heart sinking, and sat quietly on the carpet before her mother. Umma sat upright, staring at her daughter with a cold, piercing gaze before speaking. "You were explicitly told to go over there and inform them that your wedding date has been officially set! What on earth took you so long?!"
Mama lowered her head into a sullen silence, refusing to utter a single word.
"I don't understand you at all anymore, Mama!" Umma yelled, her anger boiling over. "Are you trying to bring public shame and ridicule upon this family in this town? Your wedding is literally three months away! Have you lost your mind? Let me make one thing crystal clear to you: we are not small, insignificant people in this community. Whether you informed them or not, you are officially banned from stepping foot outside this house again! Do you hear me? I will not tolerate this foolish, disrespectful behavior from you. I can see exactly what kind of game you are trying to play. If you persist in this madness, your father will ship you right back to Minna or Abuja! Now, get out of my sight!"
Mama stood up with great difficulty, her face swollen with tears of frustration, and marched off to her bedroom. Umma watched her retreat, deeply unsettled by the intense, defiant aura radiating from her daughter. She sat in heavy silence for a long time before finally locking up the house, turning off the lights, and joining the Uban Dawaki in their private bedroom.
"Do you know that girl just walked back into this house moments ago?" Umma whispered anxiously to her husband. "I swear, I don't recognize her anymore. Her entire demeanor has warped. When I scold her, she just scowls at me in deep resentment."
The Uban Dawaki sighed heavily. "I actually caught a glimpse of her from the parlor window earlier. I saw her standing out there giggling and laughing with someone. I couldn't see the person's face clearly, but the man looked very well-dressed and even had a car."
"You see?!" Umma gasped. "May Allah grant us a safe tomorrow. First thing in the morning, you must go out there yourself and get to the bottom of this rumor."
"You are reading my mind," the Uban Dawaki replied grimly. "As I lay here, that is the exact issue I have been turning over in my head. I cannot allow her mind to be poisoned by some smooth-talking sweet-talker. I must act swiftly. My traditional honor and prestige must not be dragged through the mud."
With heavy, anxious hearts, the parents eventually drifted off to sleep. Mama, however, wasn't spared a single ounce of their worry. Her mind was perfectly at ease, and she fell asleep floating on a cloud of intense infatuation for Danliti.
Part 3: The Secret Escape and Public Confrontation
The following morning, her father sat Mama down and delivered a lengthy, stern lecture, giving her profound advice and strictly warning her against the dangerous, ruinous path she was attempting to tread. Throughout his entire speech, Mama remained completely silent, not uttering a single word.
What her father failed to realize was that not a single word he said actually penetrated her mind. Her heart was completely locked; her resolve remained entirely unchanged, regardless of what angle they used to approach her. For her, it was Danliti or no one else.
The moment they finished their daily household chores, Mama waited until Umma retired to her bedroom for her usual morning nap. Sneaking out exactly like she had done the previous day, she made a bee-line straight for Danliti's shop.
The moment Danliti spotted her approaching, he leaped to his feet and stood at the doorway, a predatory smile spreading across his face. "Ah! The solace of my soul! It’s as if you knew I was completely drowned in deep thoughts of you."
Mama stood before him, crossing her arms over her chest, and fixed her eyes on him. "Hmph! So I've been told."
"You don't believe me?" Danliti feigned offense. "Look at the business calculations I was doing; I had to completely set them aside because my mind can no longer process anything else but you."
Mama smiled softly. "How did you sleep last night?"
"I didn't sleep a wink, Sakina," he lied smoothly. "Everywhere I turned my eyes, your face was the only thing I could see. I swear, I am on the verge of losing my mind over you."
Mama laughed, completely charmed. "Oh, stop inflating my ego."
Just then, Ayuba walked back into the shop, taking in the scene. "Well, well! Look at the heavyweights commanding the floor!"
Mama turned to Danliti and asked politely, "Is it alright if I exchange greetings with your friend?"
"Of course, the solace of my soul. There's absolutely no problem."
Ayuba dropped his jaw in sheer disbelief. "Oh, wow! So a man now needs special permission just to exchange greetings with you? Is she your wife already?"
Danliti smirked. "Who am I to claim such honor?"
Mama burst out laughing and looked at Ayuba. "Good morning, brother."
"I am not answering that greeting," Ayuba replied, deeply uncomfortable with the manipulation he was witnessing.
Danliti snapped, "If you aren't going to answer her, then pack your things and get out of our space!"
"You don't even have to tell me twice!" Ayuba muttered, turning on his heel and storming out of the shop.
Mama laughed merrily at his dramatic exit. "My goodness, you have absolutely no mercy! Did you really just kick your own friend out?"
"Well, what choice did I have? He was ruining the mood. Come on inside the shop, why are you standing out there in the heat?"
"Don't worry about me standing here," she replied sweetly.
Danliti feigned deep concern, softening his expression. "Please, don't look sad. I don't ever want to cause you any discomfort. But you absolutely must take something from this shop today. What can I offer you?"
Mama shook her head. "For the sake of Allah, please leave it alone. I don't want anything."
"No, we are going to have a serious fight right here if you refuse to let me bless you with something from my shop. What can I get for you?"
Mama reached her hand into a large plastic tray on the counter, picked up a single piece of hard candy, and held it up. "I'll take this. May Allah bring immense profit to your business."
Danliti stared at her blankly, completely speechless at her modesty. Mama smiled, unwrapped the candy, and popped it into her mouth. "See? I'm enjoying it."
"Are you serious right now?" Danliti asked, exasperated. "Of all the valuable merchandise in this massive shop, you choose a worthless piece of sweet?"
Mama covered her mouth, giggling. "You completely missed the deeper meaning behind my choice. I chose this sweet because of the power of the word itself. You are my sweetheart, so it is only fitting that I taste something sweet from your shop."
Danliti let out a forced chuckle. "You should say our shop."
"Alright, our shop," she corrected shyly.
"Excellent! Now that sounds much better. Come on, take some more sweets since that's what you prefer."
"I'll take more later when I'm about to leave," she replied.
"As you wish, my Sakina."
The Intervention
They spent a long time chatting until Mama suddenly remembered that Umma would soon wake up from her nap. Fearful of being caught, she announced that she needed to head back home.
Danliti immediately grabbed a large plastic bag and packed it to the brim with all sorts of expensive chocolates, candies, and confections, handing it over to her. Mama accepted the bag, pouring out endless words of gratitude.
As she turned to leave, Danliti walked out with her. "Let me walk you down the road a bit."
"And leave the shop completely unattended?" Mama asked. "Especially after you kicked Ayuba out?"
"I don't care, I'll walk you at least to the edge of the street."
Mama stepped out of the shop, laughing happily at his devotion, when suddenly Baraka appeared, crossing the main road. The two friends' eyes locked. Baraka’s mouth dropped open in absolute horror.
Mama immediately left Danliti standing there and hurried over to her friend, a wide smile on her face. "Baraka!"
Baraka stood completely frozen, staring at her with an expression that transcended mere shock. "I don't understand this, Mama. What on earth is going on here?"
"What do you mean?" Mama asked, confused.
"I just watched you walk directly out of Danliti's shop! Yes, what about it?"
"I thought that even if you were just running a basic errand, a girl of your high social status and family prestige has absolutely no business hanging around Danliti's shop! But now I see the two of you walking out together, giggling and laughing merrily. Are my eyes playing tricks on me?!"
Mama snapped, her defense mechanism kicking in. "I swear, Baraka, you are being a terrible, nosy busybody!"
"This is not about being nosy, Mama! Answer me honestly—did you seriously just come out of that boy's shop?"
"Yes, I did. I am just coming from there."
"But surely you were just buying something, right?" Baraka pressed, desperate for a logical explanation.
Mama scoffed, deeply offended. "Baraka, did you give birth to me? What is the meaning of all these aggressive questions? What is your problem anyway?"
Baraka grabbed the plastic bag from Mama's hand and ripped it open to inspect the contents. "If you wanted sweets, you should have crossed the street and bought them from Okundiri's shop! That would have been far more dignified and respectful for a girl of your caliber!"
"From that pagan?!" Mama yelled. "As far as I am concerned, Okundiri doesn't possess an ounce of the dignity and respect that Danliti has!"
Mama twisted her face in anger. "And in my sight, Danliti is worth a thousand times more than anyone else!"
"Are we really going to fight over this, Mama?" Baraka cried out, her voice trembling. "Since when did you start having a good time with a guy like Danliti? This makes absolutely no sense!"
Baraka pointed a finger at her. "Are you telling me that low-life actually succeeded in conquering your heart? This is completely unacceptable! As far as I know, you are a brilliant aspiring Doctor! When on earth did your standards drop this low?"
"I don't know, Baraka!" Mama yelled back.
"Haba, Mama! Even if the Doctor offended you, it is completely beneath your dignity and family honor to take your frustration out by throwing yourself at a boy like Danliti! Speak to the elders of the family let them discipline the Doctor if he hurt you! But this? This is absolute madness!"
"Oh, whatever! Hmph!" Mama aggressively snatched the plastic bag back from Baraka’s grip, clicking her tongue in deep annoyance, and turned her back on her friend.
Baraka let out a heavy, bitter click of her tongue, especially when she watched Mama turn around and walk right back over to Danliti to share a few final words, leaving him with a bright, cheerful laugh before finally marching off toward her house.
Baraka’s heart sank into her stomach. She clutched her chest in absolute terror, whispering, "Innalillahi wa Inna ilaihi raju'un (Surely to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return)! I swear by Allah, Umma must hear about this immediately..."
Part 4: The Family Confrontation
Baraka rushed down the street to execute her errand, walking so fast she looked as though she were about to fly through the air out of sheer urgency to return home.
The moment she arrived, she dumped the groceries in front of her mother, Aunt Saude. Without even taking a seat to catch her breath, she burst out, "Inna, is Mama truly in her right mind?!"
Aunt Saude looked up, startled. "What did she do?"
"Do you know Danliti is back in town?"
"Danliti? Who on earth is that?"
"The tea seller's son, Inna! The son of the Buzu man!"
"Oh, right. I’m listening. What did he do?"
"During Cousin Abdulrahman’s wedding, Danliti saw Mama and openly declared his feelings for her. I swear by Allah, back then she wouldn't even spare him a single glance! But I have absolutely no idea how he managed to completely manipulate her mind. Just now, I caught her walking right out of his shop, clutching a huge bag filled to the brim with chocolates and sweets!"
Aunt Saude clutched her chest, her eyes wide with absolute horror. "Mama?! Did you just say Mama?"
"I swear by Allah, Inna! I almost dropped dead from pure shock right there on the street. Danliti is a notorious, shameless scoundrel!"
Aunt Saude gasped, "We are completely ruined, Saude, my word! I cannot sit idly by and watch this happen. I must investigate this immediately to ensure her family knows absolutely nothing about this madness! Mama always seemed so sensible and intelligent; what on earth could have blinded her eyes to the point of falling for a boy like that? Oh Allah, please reform our children for us. Let me wait for your father to return; I swear by Allah, this very day I am going over to the Uban Dawaki's estate to nipping this disaster in the bud before it completely destroys us all!"
"You absolutely must go, Inna," Baraka agreed. "Honestly, I think she had a massive fight with Al-Ameen, because ever since she returned for the holidays, she completely shuts down and refuses to hear his name mentioned."
"Well, even if that's the case, shouldn't she just say so? Her older brothers are more than capable of calling him to resolve whatever misunderstanding they had, let alone his prominent parents who live right here in this town!"
"That is exactly what I told her!" Baraka cried. "But she literally told me to mind my own business!"
"Mama actually said that to you?!"
"Yes! She repeated it to me just now, and we were on the absolute verge of throwing blows right there on the main road!"
Aunt Saude let out a heavy, anxious breath, her heart filled with dread. "Oh, goodness me... young people and their volatile natures. She was the one who brought him into the family in the first place; nobody forced her into that engagement!"
Aunt Saude rested her chin in her hands, continuously repeating the Islamic phrases of protection.
By the time the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer concluded, Baraka’s father returned home. Aunt Saude immediately relayed the entire horrific situation to him. Without a second thought, he issued a strict command for her to go investigate the matter immediately.
Wasting no time whatsoever, Aunt Saude set out in the scorching heat of the afternoon, marching directly toward the estate of the Uban Dawaki.
The Trial in the Parlor
Umma was in the inner parlor with the Uban Dawaki, who had just returned home and was currently eating his lunch. Aunt Saude walked in, exchanged warm greetings with them, and then retreated to Umma's private bedroom to wait for him to finish.
After exchanging a few initial pleasantries and catching up on family matters, Aunt Saude’s expression turned deeply serious. "I came here regarding a matter of monumental importance, sister. But please check if Alhaji has finished his meal; I would highly prefer to discuss this entire issue directly in his presence."
Umma's heart instantly skipped a beat, a cold dread washing over her. "What happened, Saude?"
"Look, it is a highly disturbing matter regarding Mama, and it has left me completely sick to my stomach. That is why I refused to let the night pass without coming here to investigate. Alhaji is the most appropriate person to handle this, and fortunately, he is home right now."
Umma stood up, her entire body trembling with anxiety. She slipped into the Uban Dawaki's room, found that he had just finished his lunch, and said, "Saude is here to discuss a critical matter with us. Once you are ready, please join us in the parlor."
"Alright, I'm coming right now."
They gathered in the parlor, and Aunt Saude carefully recounted every single detail that Baraka had witnessed on the street. Umma instantly began clapping her hands in utter shock and despair, while the Uban Dawaki stood up completely from his seat.
"Don't tell me... is that the exact same person who came around here late last night?!" the Uban Dawaki roared. "Unbelievable! A monkey trying to pass off as a human being! Where is Mama?!"
Umma looked up at him, her eyes pooling with bitter tears. "She is in her room."
"Call her out here immediately!"
Umma stood up and fetched her. When they walked back into the parlor together, an oppressive, suffocating silence hung over the room. Mama stepped into the room with slow, terrified steps, her blood turning to ice.
"Good afternoon, Aunt Saude. Welcome," she whispered nervously.
Aunt Saude fixed a cold, unblinking gaze on her. "Welcome to you too."
Mama greeted her father and mother, both of whom were staring at her with expressions of utter disbelief and rage. She locked eyes with her father briefly before lowering her gaze. "Abba, I am here."
"Who came to see you here last night?!" the Uban Dawaki barked thunderously.
Mama lowered her head further, sinking into a stubborn silence.
"Are you deaf?!" he roared, his voice shaking the walls. "I asked you a direct question: who came to see you here last night?!"
With trembling lips, Mama whispered, "Dan...liti."
"Do you have even the slightest inkling of who Danliti is in this town?!" her father demanded, his voice dripping with disgust. Mama remained silent.
"Mama, are you seriously trying to turn me into a foolish, dishonored old man? Are you trying to publicly humiliate this entire household? What did I tell you just yesterday? Let me make one thing crystal clear to you: I did not call you out here for a debate or a shouting match. As far as I know, you are a sensible, mature girl who knows exactly what is right and wrong. You know better than anyone else that there are only a few months left before your official wedding!
Furthermore, if you possess an ounce of sanity and self-respect, you would realize that it is a monumental disgrace to your family honor for you to be seen loitering around the shop of a common merchant—let alone a boy like Danliti! Therefore, I am strictly commanding you, from this very day forward, I never want to hear a single rumor or report of this nature ever again! I hope I have made myself absolutely clear?!"
Mama lowered her head even further as a fresh stream of tears began pouring down her face.
Umma shifted uncomfortably in her seat and took over the scolding. "You have deeply disappointed me, Mama! Let me ask you a direct question: what on earth do you mean by following a boy like that straight to his shop?!"
Silence. No response.
Umma continued, her anger rising. "What kind of monumental, shameless foolishness is this?! Do you honestly think it is an admirable thing for young girls to stand around the doorways of boys' shops, eagerly accepting cheap handouts from them? I never in a million years imagined such cheap, low-class behavior would manifest from you, Mama! The only reason we are being this lenient with you right now is because this is the very first time such a disaster has occurred in this house!"
Aunt Saude added, "Look at this grand estate, Mama. Look at every single member of this extended family. The entire community views this household with immense reverence, respect, and dignity—especially your honorable father! For the sake of Almighty Allah, do not allow some worthless scoundrel to completely demolish this magnificent structural legacy. Do not let him poison your mind and lead you to your ultimate ruin, do you hear me, Mama?"
Mama wiped her tears, refusing to utter a single syllable in her defense.
The Uban Dawaki finalised the trial. "Alright, we have laid the matter to rest right here. I never want to see or hear of you committing any act that would warrant us sitting you down for a disciplinary meeting like this ever again. Do you hear me?"
Mama nodded silently, continuously wiping her tear-stained cheeks.
Umma snapped, "Stand up right now and go fetch that plastic bag of trash he gave you earlier! As far as I know, you have never lacked food or sweets in this house. Move, stand up, let's go!"
Mama stood up with great difficulty, her heart breaking, and Umma marched her directly to her room. Mama fetched the plastic bag and handed it over. Umma violently snatched it from her grip, her voice laced with venom. "I swear by Allah, if I ever catch you engaging in this madness again, you will face a wrath you have never experienced in your entire life!"
Umma stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Left entirely alone in the suffocating darkness of her room, Mama dissolved into a fit of intense, hysterical weeping. She had never felt such overwhelming emotional agony in her entire life. However, instead of breaking her infatuation, the fierce opposition from her parents acted like fuel on a raging fire—it served only to deeply solidify her intense obsession with Danliti, embedding his image even deeper into the fabric of her heart.
As for the upcoming wedding that her parents kept shouting about, she had long since completely erased the groom from her memory, let alone the date itself. He did not exist in her sight, nor did he hold a single corner in the empire of her heart.
Her parents were left entirely bewildered by her reaction. They constantly questioned their own hearts: “What on earth does Mama mean by this intense weeping?” They turned the question over and over, but they had absolutely no definitive answers.
Part 5: The Ultimate Ultimatum
At exactly 8:30 PM sharp, the distinct hum of Danliti's car echoed outside as he parked directly in front of the Uban Dawaki's estate.
Arrogant and bold, he dispatched a young neighborhood boy inside to call Mama out for him. The Uban Dawaki was already sitting in the parlor, explicitly waiting and guarding the entrance for his arrival. Hearing the boy's message, the father replied calmly, "Go back out and tell him she is on her way."
Umma quickly brought out the sealed plastic bag filled with the sweets and confections Danliti had given Mama earlier. The Uban Dawaki took the bag and stepped out into the night, following the boy's footsteps, exactly like the previous evening.
Tonight, Danliti was leaning casually against his car, effortlessly spinning his keys around his finger. However, he had traded his traditional attire for trendy, modern casual wear, and he had completely filled the entire entrance of the estate with the overpowering scent of premium designer perfume.
The moment he spotted the Uban Dawaki marching toward him, he was forced to quickly correct his posture, his arrogant demeanor faltering into a frantic, superficial display of humility. Before the traditional leader could even close the distance, Danliti dropped to his knees, chiming smoothly, "Welcome, Alhaji."
"Yes, welcome," the Uban Dawaki replied coldly.
"How are you doing this evening, sir?"
"I am perfectly fine. Stand up," the patriarch commanded.
Danliti stood up slowly, keeping his head lowered, putting on an absolute masterclass of feigned righteousness and humility.
The Uban Dawaki looked down at him, his voice firm and unyielding. "I have only one single thing to say to you, Danliti, and I want you to listen very carefully. My daughter Sakina has already been officially betrothed to a worthy husband. Their wedding date has long since been set, and by Allah's grace, the event is rapidly approaching. Therefore, for the sake of Almighty Allah and the respect of this community, I am asking you to practice patience, accept reality, and go find another woman to court. From this day forward, never step foot near Mama ever again, because she belongs to another man. I hope you have heard me loud and clear?"
Danliti went completely silent for a long moment, his mind racing, before he spoke in a smooth, pleading tone. "I understand you perfectly, Alhaji. But I am humbly begging you, for the sake of prosperity, please allow me to continue coming around just to exchange polite greetings with her, since the marriage hasn't actually been officially solemnized yet. I swear to you—"
The Uban Dawaki cut him off brutally, his voice cutting through the night like a razor. "That is absolutely out of the question, Danliti! Even if there wasn't a pre-existing commitment and wedding promise over Mama, you know perfectly well within your own soul that it would be an absolute impossibility for you to ever secure her hand in marriage from this house! You know better than anyone else that in this entire town, absolutely nobody knows your family roots, your heritage, or where you come from! Go home and think about that deeply."
Danliti dropped his jaw, staring at the older man, his heart boiling with an intense, toxic rage.
The Uban Dawaki thrust the plastic bag forward. "Here, take this." Danliti reached out and accepted it mechanically. The patriarch continued, "These are the cheap items you handed to her earlier today. Since she is absolutely not going to marry you, it is entirely inappropriate for her to keep your gifts. For the sake of Allah, have some self-respect, find someone of your own social status, and leave my daughter alone. Goodnight."
With that final crushing blow, the Uban Dawaki turned around and walked back into his compound, leaving Danliti standing alone in the darkness.
The Predator's Vow
Danliti crossed his legs, a twisted, deeply malicious smirk spreading across his face. He whispered into the night, "Even if I don't come around here, she will break out and come straight to me. Even if you people decide to kill her, she will find her way back to my arms. After all, my coming here was purely to poison her mind and hook her; I never actually cared about securing a legitimate marriage anyway."
He let out a sharp, mocking laugh, popped his car door open, and climbed inside. "You are dealing with me—the son of the tea seller! Cross my path and you will experience pure disaster and calamity!" He started the engine, slammed his foot on the gas, and sped away from the estate, his mind perfectly at ease.
In stark contrast, back inside her room, Mama was experiencing absolute agony. She felt a frantic, desperate urge to steal out of the house in the dead of night just to run to Danliti's side. She continuously peeked out into the parlor, hoping her parents would retire to bed, but alas! The Uban Dawaki and Umma refused to sleep, sitting up late into the night discussing her disturbing behavior. She didn't sleep a single wink that night, utterly consumed by bitter frustration because they had barricaded her from seeing her obsession.
Part 6: The Plot for Freedom
When the morning sun rose, Umma flatly refused to grant Mama even a single pleasant expression. Her face was a mask of cold fury. However, Mama didn't care in the slightest; she was simply praying fervently for everyone to leave the house so she could make her escape.
True to her desires, the moment the clock struck 10:00 AM, the Uban Dawaki left for his daily affairs. Umma, having finished her morning routine, climbed into bed to take her habitual morning nap. Mama quickly applied an extra layer of beautiful makeup, dressed up elegantly, and sneaked out of the house unnoticed.
She delivered a loud, cheerful greeting at the entrance of Danliti's shop. He rushed forward, his face lighting up with genuine excitement as he responded. "Wow! Honestly, I thought you were going to turn your back on me too after last night. I was already spiraling into deep depression; I didn't sleep a single wink last night."
Mama looked at him, her heart overflowing with deep pity and tenderness. "I was exactly the same, Danliti. I didn't close my eyes for even a second. Why on earth would I ever turn my back on you, when I know perfectly well that doing so would utterly destroy my own happiness?"
Danliti stared into her eyes, adopting a deeply pathetic, sorrowful expression. "Your father made it explicitly clear that he loathes me. I honestly don't know what to do with my life anymore, Sakina. Please, don't let me die of a broken heart."
Tears instantly welled up in her eyes. "Please, for the sake of Allah, never say such things again! If you ever see me separate from you, it will only be because they have taken my life and I have stopped breathing. My heart desires only you, and I refuse to marry anyone else in this world except you!" A bitter tear spilled over and rolled down her cheek.
Danliti quickly grabbed a fresh, crisp roll of fabric from the counter, tore off a clean piece, and handed it to her gently. "Wipe your tears, my princess. Stop crying. I believe in you, Sakina. But tell me, what is our way out of this mess?"
Mama shook her head slightly, trying to compose herself. "I will think of something. Just give me a little bit of time, and I will find a solution for us."
Danliti stepped outside and adjusted the wooden bench. "Come, sit down and listen to me."
She sat on the edge of the bench, and he sat right facing her, looking directly into her eyes. "Why don't you just go ahead and tell them directly that I am the one you love right now?"
Mama raised her eyes to look at him, pausing in deep thought, but said nothing.
Danliti pressed on, manipulating her fears. "Don't be afraid of anything! Just confront them directly and tell them you have completely changed your mind and that you want me. Are they going to force you into marriage? They are legally obligated to give you to the person your heart desires, because nobody else is going to live your life for you! Unless, of course, you want me to lose my life, then fine..."
Mama quickly shook her head, cutting him off frantically. "I told you to stop talking about losing your life, Danliti! If you die, I will die right along with you. Rest your mind; I swear by Allah, this very day I will confront them and tell them that my heart has experienced a profound change and that my mind is fully made up on you."
Danliti clutched his chest, closing his eyes as if experiencing a wave of profound relief. "You have just brought immense peace to my soul, Sakina." He opened his eyes, tracking her beautiful features with a calculated gaze. "If you do this for me, you have given me everything, my queen. I won't make empty boasts right now, but the moment we get married, you will witness the absolute purity of my devotion. I swear, there isn't a single woman on the face of this earth who will experience the premium care, luxury, and adoration that I will shower upon you."
Mama smiled softly, completely enchanted. "May Allah bring us to that day."
"Amen," he replied smoothly. He shifted his posture slightly, fixing his gaze on her face once more. "Tell me, Sakina, do you actually know that you are the most beautiful woman in the entire world?"
Mama dropped her jaw, her eyes wide with bashful surprise. "In the entire world?"
"I swear by Allah, in this entire universe, there is absolutely no woman who possesses a beauty as flawless as yours."
Mama shook her head, a deep, infatuated blush spreading across her cheeks. "Oh, stop inflating my ego, Danliti. I know perfectly well that I don't even compare to you."
Danliti flashed a brilliant, wide grin, pointing a finger at his own chest. "Compared to me?! Oh, come on! You're trying to mock me now. Where do I even stand compared to a goddess like you? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? Look at that perfect, delicate little mouth of yours, so beautifully crafted..."