The discovery of a young woman's corpse by the roadside threw everyone living in the village of KUYAN TA INNAH into utter chaos and panic because such an incident had never occurred there before. Everyone was deeply shaken, especially the village head (Maigari) and the girl’s father. In a state of sheer devastation and distress, they headed to the town to report the matter to the authorities so an investigation could be launched into the girl's corpse and what caused her death. The investigation revealed that she had been brutally raped, which ultimately led to the loss of her life. The girl's father, unable to hold himself together, collapsed in front of the corpse, wiping away tears. Truly, whoever committed this atrocity was completely heartless and lacked the fear of God; only someone with a deadened conscience could commit such a wicked act of terrorism. Despite the ongoing investigation, they failed to identify the perpetrator. This was because the culprit and his cohorts were right there participating in the investigation alongside the community. They were on the frontline, putting on a show of grief and distress. Because they were actively involved in the search, no one suspected them; they had effectively covered every track that could expose them as the dregs of society. This incident deeply rattled the villagers, as it was unprecedented—something they only used to hear about on the radio and other media outlets.
Part 2: Domestic Tensions and Secret Intentions
Having peacefully and calmly enjoyed his vacation, he began making preparations to return to work. During the days they spent together, they managed to find some common ground and reduced their constant fighting. They were together almost all the time, and when night fell, they would romance each other and find pleasure. This was the first step that brought harmony between them. Deep down in her heart, she loved him intensely—so much so that she felt a consuming jealousy toward any woman who dared get close to him. She kept a very close eye on him and monitored his every move. Seeing this, he also became cautious and avoided answering Hamra’u's calls in her presence. However, he and Hamra’u were still in touch, and the intention to marry her remained firmly in his heart. She loved him, but she failed to show that love through practical actions. She left him completely to his own devices; she didn't care about his food or drink, she didn’t know how to welcome him home warmly after work, nor did she know how to speak sweet words to him. There was a lot of room for improvement in her conduct. The way he understood her, all she wanted from him was to get under one blanket and romance; that was her only desire. On his part, however, that wasn't how he wanted their married life to be. He wanted her to be a Mar’atussaliha—a righteous woman who is respectful, obedient, and observant of God’s commandments. Ever since he was a boy, he dreamed of marrying a virtuous, sensible, calm, and proper woman. Yet, that dream was not realized. The woman God paired him with had shortcomings in every aspect; she was lacking in her religious practice, let alone understanding the marital laws and rights. This was the exact reason he desired to marry Hamra’u, as she possessed all the qualities he required. Yet, deep down in his heart, he felt a stronger emotional pull toward his first wife.
Part 3: The Confrontation Between the Co-Wives
They parted on good terms as he left for work. She returned to her quarters feeling happy and cheerful. For now, she had forgotten about her hidden lover since she was getting the affection she craved from her husband. Because of this, even when he sent her text messages, she ignored him—after all, a lack of options usually drives a person elsewhere. She found her maids busy with chores in the living room; they bowed all the way to the floor to greet her before she proceeded inside. Five minutes after she entered her room, Marakisiyya walked in, looked at her, and asked, "Is everything alright?" Lowering her head, Marakisiyya said, "Your Highness, honestly, this matter has overwhelmed me, wallahi. That's why I decided to tell you so you can nip it in the bud." Turning her full attention to her, she asked, "Marakisiyya, tell me whatever it is." She replied, "Every single day, right after you leave your husband's quarters, I see her sneaking around there. I don't know what takes her there, Your Highness. You really need to reprimand her." Her entire demeanor changed. Her heart began to race violently, and a blind, consuming jealousy overcame her. She asked, "Do you mean Hamra’u, or who?" She answered, "Exactly, Your Highness, that’s who I mean. Every morning she goes into that section." A cold sweat broke out, especially on the bridge of her nose. She stood up, adjusted the lifaya (traditional veil) she was wearing, and headed toward the exit in a towering rage! Indeed, she found the quarters unlocked. She remembered they had stepped out together and he had locked up right by the car before she escorted him out, ensuring he had left the barracks before she headed back. It turned out they were playing her for a fool! Where on earth did that girl get the key to his place? She pushed the door open and walked in. Their eyes met; Hamra’u was right in the middle of their bed under the guise of tidying up. Seeing the Princess completely terrified her. A guilty person sweats even in water. Hamra’u knew what she was doing was wrong, but she was doing it to establish her own domain. She climbed down from the bed holding a pillowcase, and in a timid voice, she said, "Aunty, good morning." Without responding, the Princess advanced toward her with an air of absolute authority and arrogance! Hamra’u braced herself and stood her ground, never expecting that a violent slap would follow her presence. Suddenly, she felt it land heavily on her cheek, making her jump! She clutched her face and cried, "What did I do to you that warrants slapping me?" "Your father is what you did to me!" she barked, her body shaking with rage! Hamra’u pointed to her own chest and asked, "Did you just insult my father?" She snapped, "Yes, damn your father! Who gave you the right to enter my husband’s private chambers?" Deeply offended, Hamra’u retorted, "Don't you dare insult me again, because if you do, I will fight back! Besides, long before you ever came to this house, I used to come in here and clean up for him. Therefore, you are not important enough to stop me from entering." The Princess sneered, "I am not important enough to stop you?" Hamra’u nodded in defiance. Snatching one of the belts hanging from the rack, she began to ruthlessly whip Hamra’u all over her body. This caught Hamra’u completely off guard! Terrified and shocked, Hamra’u fled the room. The Princess chased after her, continuing to lash her with the belt while shouting, "You loose, undisciplined girl! I will deal with you. Anytime I catch your feet in this room again, I will do worse to you!" Crying from bitter humiliation, Hamra’u reached her quarters and collapsed onto a chair, wailing loudly. The marks of the belt stood out vividly on her legs and neck, burning with pain. Hearing her cries, Uwale rushed out of the room, utterly panicked, and began asking what had happened. Unable to explain anything, Hamra’u stood up, locked herself in her room, and wiped away her tears. She picked up her phone and called him. He forced himself to leave the work in front of him and answered. Hearing her crying surprised him. He said, "Hamra’u, what happened to make you cry? Calm down and explain to me." With great effort, she stopped crying, gasping for breath, and began recounting the humiliation she suffered at the hands of his wife. Furious, he said, "On what grounds did she take a belt and whip you? And you, why did you just sit there and let her beat you?" Sniffling, she replied, "Just because she found me in your room cleaning up, that’s why she subjected me to this humiliation." He said, "Be patient, that is no justification. When I return home, I will find out her reason for doing this to you! So, please be patient, insha Allah, I will handle this matter." Sighing in relief, she said, "Alright, since you say so, may Allah bring you back safely." He replied with "Ameen ya Allah" before hanging up. He was deeply upset by his wife's actions. In his view, it wasn't a crime; since his wife had failed to take charge of his chores, she had no right to stop someone else from serving him. He felt he must show her her mistake—if she didn't want another woman taking care of him, she needed to fix her own shortcomings immediately.
Part 4: The Marital Showdown
When he saw her incoming calls, he refused to answer. She called up to ten times, but he ignored them all. This deeply unsettled her because she despised having her calls ignored; she believed he was doing it intentionally to spite her. Wiping away tears of frustration, she called Aunt Zeey. They exchanged brief, tense greetings. It turned out both women were dealing with their own domestic crises. Aunt Zeey was the first to complain about her co-wife, unleashing a torrent of curses and saying, "She has bewitched the ASP; he does whatever she dictates." Sighing, the Princess replied, "Aunt Zeey, I think your situation is easier because she is a co-wife you met in the house. As for me, some useless village girl is undermining me behind my back without my knowledge! It turns out she is always with my husband like a wife, coming into his quarters and getting onto his bed under the guise of cleaning. This has deeply infuriated me." Aunt Zeey began cursing like a pagan, saying, "Beat the hell out of that bastard! Wallahi, do not tolerate them at all. Cause a massive scene until you find out exactly what is between them." Biting her finger in anger, she said, "Aunt Zeey, only I know the kind of chaos we are going to unleash today, wallahi. I must find out her reason for staying in this house, and he will have to explain why he refused to pick up my calls." Zeey replied, "Why would he pick up your call after she already called him to feed him a mix of lies and truth? Don't go easy on them, wallahi." Taking a sharp breath, she plotted the explosive confrontation they would have as soon as he returned home. She dressed impeccably in a premium, highly tailored Senegalese Shadda dress with embroidery on the neck, sleeves, and hem. She adorned herself with gold jewelry everywhere, down to her toes. Her face lacked heavy makeup, but she looked stunningly beautiful—like a blooming flower, every style of dress complemented her physique perfectly. Putting on closed shoes and draping a royal veil over her shoulders, she marched straight toward his quarters, trailing an expensive perfume, her face completely cold and uninviting. He hadn't returned yet. She found a chair and sat down, swelling with rage, constantly checking the clock. Usually, she waited for him at 6:00 PM, but today it was past twenty minutes past six, and he still hadn't arrived. She stood up and walked straight to the window. Parting the curtains, she saw his car driving into the barracks. Sighing, she kept her eyes glued to the vehicle until it reached the designated parking area. His driver opened the door for him, and he stepped out holding some documents. He stood talking to the driver briefly before they shook hands. Letting go of the curtain, she sat back down, waiting anxiously for him to enter. The scent of her perfume struck his nose. He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, fixing his gaze on her as she sat imperiously, legs crossed. What always captivated him about her was her impeccable taste and style; she knew how to dress up for him. It was only her toxic behavior that was repulsive. He adjusted his posture, showing that he wasn't in the mood for games either. He offered a loud, confident greeting. She murmured a cold response, barely interested. Ignoring her, he walked straight into his bedroom without glancing back at where she sat. She scoffed and followed him inside. As he was trying to take off his uniform, she confronted him. He looked at her, and she glared back. Averting his eyes, he hung up his clothes. As he was about to enter the bathroom, her voice cut him off. "I want to speak with you." He turned and looked at her for two seconds before saying, "I have things to attend to right now. We will talk later." A lump of pure rage caught in her throat! Before she could even make a move, he stepped into the bathroom, leaving her behind in a state of fury. When he emerged, he didn't look at her; he began setting his things in order, feeling bitter about how she left him entirely to himself, forcing him to do everything on his own. She approached him aggressively, looking for a fight, and said, "You know exactly what happened, which is why you're avoiding my gaze out of guilt! Well, I will deal with both you and that girl because I do not tolerate hypocrites." Looking at her with equal anger, he countered, "Yes, I know about the disgraceful behavior you exhibited toward someone else's daughter. What stopped you from just letting her arrange your things that you had to grab a belt and whip her? What is your justification for doing that?" Panting heavily, she screamed, "Because she entered my husband’s private chambers! That’s why I punished her, and wallahi, if she ever steps foot in this room again, I will beat her senseless!" He scoffed loudly (ja mata tsaki) and tried to walk past her. She blocked his path, their bodies practically colliding. With a trembling voice, she said, "Wallahi, I will not tolerate this hypocrisy. You must tell me what is between you and her, because for a long time now, I have sensed there is a relationship between you two." He stared at her for a long time, deeply exasperated, and said, "Look, ZINATU, I don't need this stress right now. Don't cause an issue that will ruin things for us. What lies between Hamra'u and me—when the time is right, you will know." She shot back, "I am not afraid of your anger! It's the hypocrisy I despise. Just tell me what is between you two. If there is nothing, then wallahi, she must pack her bags and leave this house, because her stay here is useless." He sighed deeply and said, "You do not have the authority to kick Hamra'u out of this house. We were living together long before you ever arrived. As for the relationship between us, time will tell." She burst into tears, pounding on his chest, crying, "Wallahi, I am telling you, you must choose between her and me! I suspect something fishy is going on. Wallahi, I swear by God, I will never share a husband with her!" She wept bitterly while continuing to strike his chest. His anger drained away, replaced by exhaustion. He tried to catch her hands, but she violently wrenched them free, turned around, and stormed out of the room, wiping her tears. He collapsed onto the edge of the bed, holding his head. Oh wow! ZINATU IS A WHOLE PROBLEM!! (The author's commercial interlude for book subscription payment details is omitted from narrative translation)
Part 5: Peer Advice and the Ultimatum
He sat for a long time holding his head, contemplating ways to bring about reform and peace to his home. Truly, this girl (Zinatu) had to fix her shortcomings if she wanted a peaceful life with him. She was compelled to take care of him and his needs. However, he didn't think he would stop Hamra'u from serving him unless his wife stepped up. If he saw her showing genuine care, he could tactfully ask Hamra'u to back off until they were officially married. He let out a hot sigh. As he went to stand up, a call from the ASP came through. He sat back down and fumbled for his phone in his uniform pocket. He never expected what the ASP had to say; the ASP immediately began interrogating him over what happened between him and the girl (Zinatu). Deeply offended by the accusation, Umar cut him off sharply, saying, "ASP, please do not forget that this girl we are talking about was my original choice. She was the one I intended to marry before the Princess's issue was pushed onto me. Why is it that whenever this girl brings a complaint to you, you never investigate both sides? If you follow the thief, you should also follow the tracks. This girl is still not a complete woman in her home; she is plagued by spoiled behavior and sheer laziness. She knows absolutely nothing about taking care of a husband! Is it a crime for Hamra'u to serve me? She was the one taking care of me before all this happened. So, please, let's drop this matter because you yourself know you are suppressing the truth just to avoid angering someone who is clearly in the wrong." The ASP calmed down and said, "Umaru, everything you said is the truth. But you haven't considered the background this girl came from. You know royalty doesn't do chores; everything is done for them. She is bound to have deficiencies in that area. I am not backing her up—I know the truth too. But women’s affairs are highly chaotic. I don’t want this issue to destroy your home because a small spark can cause a massive fire! That is why I am advising you to nip this in the bud before things completely fall apart. What I mean is, let Hamra'u distance herself from anything that concerns you for now, and wait until you two are officially married. I believe that is the best resolution for everyone." Umar gave a brief click of his tongue and said, "ASP, was it proper for her to take a belt and whip someone’s daughter? Or is it proper for her to leave my bed unkempt and filthy? You talk about her coming from a royal household—how many women come from royalty but still stand firmly by their husbands to take care of them? I am certain she behaves this terribly on purpose. Since she knows how to eat, dress up, and look glamorous, and when night falls she seeks the fulfillment of her desires, why should she fail to perform the chores she knows will please me? ASP, I love this girl deeply, but I must marry a woman who respects me and my relatives. This is the final decision I have made." The ASP replied, "I am not stopping you from marrying, Umaru. I am only advising you to quickly rectify the situation before it goes completely sour. Truly, what she did was wrong, and that is why I am giving you this advice." Umar said, "Alright, thank you very much. Insha Allah, I will try to see that everything is settled." The ASP concluded, "Alhamdulillah, thank you for taking my advice." They said their goodbyes, both men feeling deeply worried. Umar, in particular, felt that his wife was trying to expose his domestic secrets to the outside world. No matter how close he was to the ASP, he didn't want his family matters broadcasted. After all, domestic privacy is sacred. He walked over to her quarters and found her lying on the bed, having cried her eyes out; her eyes were completely bloodshot. She cast a single glance at him, looked away, and pouted. A thrill ran through him; seeing her eyes so red proved to him that she genuinely loved him, since she was acting out of pure jealousy. He sat close to her and said, "Get up, let's talk." She ignored him completely and turned her back to him. He held her hand, attempting to pull her up, but she pulled away. He lay down right beside her, pulling her tightly against his body, wrapping both of his arms around her. They both let out a deep sigh. For about ten minutes, he wrestled with his emotions before pulling himself together and speaking calmly: "Why did you expose our domestic secrets to the ASP?" She answered bluntly, "Because he is the only one I can tell what is bothering me so he can comfort me." He felt a sharp arrow of jealousy pierce his throat! He said, "Some days ago, I warned you about this. I told you I do not like you broadcasting what happens between us to the outside world. Why can't you be a woman who keeps secrets and protects her husband’s trust?" She quickly sat up, glaring at him intensely, and said, "When did you ever give me the room to do that? You are constantly playing me for a fool, sneaking around with that girl and interacting like husband and wife! Where did she get the key to your quarters? And what is her justification for getting onto your bed? Though, for all I know, you might even be satisfying your lustful desires with her!" He stared at her, weighing her words carefully. The sentence that struck him the most was: "Though, for all I know, you might even be satisfying your lustful desires with her." This accusation shocked him deeply. He said, "What exactly do you mean by that? Do you take me for a profligate/adulterer or something?" Without looking at him, she said, "Whatever your mind tells you is exactly what is in my heart." He let out a heavy sigh, trying hard to suppress his anger. He didn't want to engage her in a loud argument, which is why he was forcing himself to stay calm. He sat up and tried to take her hand, but she yanked it away. He said, "I came here for a truce, not a fight. What you just said about me hurts me more than you can imagine. But I want you to know something: if I were an adulterer, I believe you would have known that from our very first encounter. I have had numerous opportunities with you, yet I never took advantage of you. Know that just as I hate adultery, I hate death; I am constantly distancing myself from it. So why do you keep associating me with such an act? What did I do to you? Or do you actually wish for your husband to be an adulterer?" She went quiet, her entire disposition softening at his words. Seeing this change, he said, "We are talking about Hamra'u right now. You don't want her to continue taking care of me? Then you must quickly fix your own shortcomings. What that means is you must take full charge of my affairs and everything that concerns me—I mean my food, my drinks, keeping my bed clean, showing respect, obedience, and finally, giving me my marital rights. These are the things you need to do that will make Hamra'u back away from me." She sighed, pouting a little out of habit, and said, "To me, all of that is easy. My only wish is for you to cut ties with that girl because I do not want any interaction between you two. She should just pack her bags because I do not want to see her anywhere near me." He said, "Now, that is what is not going to happen. I told you before you ever came to this house, we lived with this girl, and the relationship between us..."
2. Summary of the Original Story
This Hausa narrative chronicles a domestic and socio-cultural conflict revolving around a young military/paramilitary officer named Umar, his aristocratic but domestic-averse first wife Zinatu (the Princess), and his intended second wife Hamra’u.
The Prologue: The story briefly opens with a grim background setting in the village of Kuyan Ta Innah, where the unprecedented discovery of a young woman's corpse—who was brutally raped and murdered—shocks the community. The perpetrators mask their guilt by pretending to lead the search party alongside the victim's father and the village head.
The Domestic Conflict: The narrative shifts focus to Umar's household located within a military/police barracks. Umar is married to Zinatu, a wealthy princess who loves him passionately but is completely incompetent regarding domestic chores, emotional warmth, and basic marital responsibilities due to her sheltered upbringing. Consequently, Hamra’u (Umar’s long-term choice for a second wife) looks after Umar's cooking, laundry, and bedroom maintenance.
The Climax: Zinatu learns from her maid that Hamra’u routinely sneaks into Umar’s quarters. Driven by intense jealousy, Zinatu catches Hamra’u tidying Umar's bed and violently assaults her with a belt. Hamra’u flees in tears and reports the incident to Umar. Concurrently, Zinatu seeks advice from her external confidante, Aunt Zeey, who encourages her to escalate the conflict.
The Resolution/Ultimatum: Upon returning home, Umar faces a toxic confrontation with Zinatu. He rejects a meddling intervention from his colleague (the ASP), whom Zinatu had told about their domestic affairs. Umar ultimately shifts the blame onto Zinatu’s domestic failures. He demands that if she wants Hamra’u out of his quarters, she must assume her full marital duties—cooking, cleaning, and fulfilling his sexual/marital rights. Zinatu agrees to the terms but demands Hamra’u's total eviction, which Umar firmly rejects as the text cuts off.
3. Structural Description of the Narrative
The text follows a classic serial prose structure commonly found in contemporary Hausa popular literature (Littattafan Soyayya). It can be broken down into four distinct narrative building blocks: ``` [Macabre Subplot/Teaser] │ ▼ [Internal/Marital Micro-Conflict] │ ▼ [The Physical Climax (Action/Violence)] │ ▼ [The Extended Dialogue (Negotiation & Confrontation)]
1. **The Misleading Teaser/Subplot (Paragraphs 1-2):** A dark, dramatic hook detailing a horrific crime in a rural setting. This acts either as an overarching background mystery or a thematic foil highlighting moral decay, though it sharply contrasts with the domestic drama that follows.
2. **Character Exposition & Psychology (Paragraphs 3-5):** A deep dive into the psychological friction between Umar and Zinatu. It outlines their contrasting expectations of marriage (sensual romance vs. traditional, righteous partnership or *Mar’atussaliha*).
3. **The Inciting Action & Assault (Paragraphs 6-18):** A fast-paced sequence driven by domestic espionage (the maid Marakisiyya), escalating into a highly physical and dramatic confrontation between the aristocratic wife and the vulnerable rival.
4. **The Resolution Dialogues (Paragraphs 19-End):** A slower, text-heavy sequence featuring three separate conversations: a peer-to-peer phone call (Zinatu and Aunt Zeey), a workplace/peer mediation (Umar and the ASP), and a final intense bedroom negotiation between husband and wife.
## 4. Literary & Thematic Analysis
### Major Themes
* **The Conflict of Class vs. Domestic Responsibility:** The story highlights a deep-seated cultural trope in Northern Nigerian society—the contrast between royalty (*Gimbiya*) and traditional marital expectations. Zinatu's status protects her vanity but paralyzes her domestic utility, making her dependent on low-born rivals like Hamra'u.
* **Jealousy (*Kishi*) as a Dual-Edged Sword:** Jealousy is depicted both as a destructive force (driving Zinatu to physical violence) and an attractive trait to the male ego. Umar feels a sense of validation and desire when he sees Zinatu's bloodshot eyes, interpreting her rage as proof of her profound love for him.
* **The Sacredness of Marital Privacy:** A significant point of friction is the exposure of family issues to external parties. Umar views Zinatu's complaints to the ASP as a systemic betrayal, uttering that *"sirri yana da dadi"* (secrets/privacy are sweet/sacred).
* **Traditional Gender Roles and the *Mar'atussaliha*:** The text heavily idealizes the concept of the righteous, submissive woman. Umar's dissatisfaction stems from the fact that his wife values physical intimacy ("getting under one blanket") but neglects fundamental acts of service like cooking, cleaning, and verbal respect.
### Character Analysis
* **Umar:** A principled, slightly manipulative patriarch. He uses Hamra’u’s domestic service as leverage to force his aristocratic wife into submission. He values discipline but is caught between his physical attraction to Zinatu and his cultural/religious ideals embodied by Hamra'u.
* **Zinatu:** A volatile blend of royal pride and deep emotional insecurity. She loves intensely but lacks the maturity to communicate or care for her partner. Her recourse to external enablers (Aunt Zeey) shows her lack of agency inside her own home.
* **Hamra’u:** The submissive, long-suffering archetypal second choice. She utilizes domestic compliance to solidify her position in Umar's life, provoking the wrath of the primary wife.
### Style and Tone
The author uses an authentic, colloquial contemporary Hausa prose style. The tone swings wildly from dramatic gravity (in the rape/murder scene) to high-pitched domestic melodrama. The author utilizes sudden punctuation marks (exclamations, bolded character names) and directly breaks the fourth wall at the end of Part 4 (*"Hohoho!! ZINATU PROBLEM!!"*), acting as an active commentator on her own characters' toxic interactions before pitching her book subscription rates.
Part 1: The Tragedy in Kuyan Ta Innah
The discovery of a young woman's corpse by the roadside threw everyone living in the village of KUYAN TA INNAH into utter chaos and panic because such an incident had never occurred there before. Everyone was deeply shaken, especially the village head (Maigari) and the girl’s father. In a state of sheer devastation and distress, they headed to the town to report the matter to the authorities so an investigation could be launched into the girl's corpse and what caused her death.
The investigation revealed that she had been brutally raped, which ultimately led to the loss of her life. The girl's father, unable to hold himself together, collapsed in front of the corpse, wiping away tears. Truly, whoever committed this atrocity was completely heartless and lacked the fear of God; only someone with a deadened conscience could commit such a wicked act of terrorism.
Despite the ongoing investigation, they failed to identify the perpetrator. This was because the culprit and his cohorts were right there participating in the investigation alongside the community. They were on the frontline, putting on a show of grief and distress. Because they were actively involved in the search, no one suspected them; they had effectively covered every track that could expose them as the dregs of society. This incident deeply rattled the villagers, as it was unprecedented—something they only used to hear about on the radio and other media outlets.
Part 2: Domestic Tensions and Secret Intentions
Having peacefully and calmly enjoyed his vacation, he began making preparations to return to work. During the days they spent together, they managed to find some common ground and reduced their constant fighting. They were together almost all the time, and when night fell, they would romance each other and find pleasure. This was the first step that brought harmony between them.
Deep down in her heart, she loved him intensely—so much so that she felt a consuming jealousy toward any woman who dared get close to him. She kept a very close eye on him and monitored his every move. Seeing this, he also became cautious and avoided answering Hamra’u's calls in her presence. However, he and Hamra’u were still in touch, and the intention to marry her remained firmly in his heart.
She loved him, but she failed to show that love through practical actions. She left him completely to his own devices; she didn't care about his food or drink, she didn’t know how to welcome him home warmly after work, nor did she know how to speak sweet words to him. There was a lot of room for improvement in her conduct. The way he understood her, all she wanted from him was to get under one blanket and romance; that was her only desire. On his part, however, that wasn't how he wanted their married life to be. He wanted her to be a Mar’atussaliha—a righteous woman who is respectful, obedient, and observant of God’s commandments.
Ever since he was a boy, he dreamed of marrying a virtuous, sensible, calm, and proper woman. Yet, that dream was not realized. The woman God paired him with had shortcomings in every aspect; she was lacking in her religious practice, let alone understanding the marital laws and rights. This was the exact reason he desired to marry Hamra’u, as she possessed all the qualities he required. Yet, deep down in his heart, he felt a stronger emotional pull toward his first wife.
Part 3: The Confrontation Between the Co-Wives
They parted on good terms as he left for work. She returned to her quarters feeling happy and cheerful. For now, she had forgotten about her hidden lover since she was getting the affection she craved from her husband. Because of this, even when he sent her text messages, she ignored him—after all, a lack of options usually drives a person elsewhere. She found her maids busy with chores in the living room; they bowed all the way to the floor to greet her before she proceeded inside. Five minutes after she entered her room, Marakisiyya walked in, looked at her, and asked, "Is everything alright?"
Lowering her head, Marakisiyya said, "Your Highness, honestly, this matter has overwhelmed me, wallahi. That's why I decided to tell you so you can nip it in the bud."
Turning her full attention to her, she asked, "Marakisiyya, tell me whatever it is."
She replied, "Every single day, right after you leave your husband's quarters, I see her sneaking around there. I don't know what takes her there, Your Highness. You really need to reprimand her."
Her entire demeanor changed. Her heart began to race violently, and a blind, consuming jealousy overcame her. She asked, "Do you mean Hamra’u, or who?"
She answered, "Exactly, Your Highness, that’s who I mean. Every morning she goes into that section."
A cold sweat broke out, especially on the bridge of her nose. She stood up, adjusted the lifaya (traditional veil) she was wearing, and headed toward the exit in a towering rage!
Indeed, she found the quarters unlocked. She remembered they had stepped out together and he had locked up right by the car before she escorted him out, ensuring he had left the barracks before she headed back. It turned out they were playing her for a fool! Where on earth did that girl get the key to his place?
She pushed the door open and walked in. Their eyes met; Hamra’u was right in the middle of their bed under the guise of tidying up. Seeing the Princess completely terrified her. A guilty person sweats even in water. Hamra’u knew what she was doing was wrong, but she was doing it to establish her own domain.
She climbed down from the bed holding a pillowcase, and in a timid voice, she said, "Aunty, good morning."
Without responding, the Princess advanced toward her with an air of absolute authority and arrogance!
Hamra’u braced herself and stood her ground, never expecting that a violent slap would follow her presence. Suddenly, she felt it land heavily on her cheek, making her jump! She clutched her face and cried, "What did I do to you that warrants slapping me?"
"Your father is what you did to me!" she barked, her body shaking with rage!
Hamra’u pointed to her own chest and asked, "Did you just insult my father?"
She snapped, "Yes, damn your father! Who gave you the right to enter my husband’s private chambers?"
Deeply offended, Hamra’u retorted, "Don't you dare insult me again, because if you do, I will fight back! Besides, long before you ever came to this house, I used to come in here and clean up for him. Therefore, you are not important enough to stop me from entering."
The Princess sneered, "I am not important enough to stop you?" Hamra’u nodded in defiance.
Snatching one of the belts hanging from the rack, she began to ruthlessly whip Hamra’u all over her body. This caught Hamra’u completely off guard! Terrified and shocked, Hamra’u fled the room. The Princess chased after her, continuing to lash her with the belt while shouting, "You loose, undisciplined girl! I will deal with you. Anytime I catch your feet in this room again, I will do worse to you!"
Crying from bitter humiliation, Hamra’u reached her quarters and collapsed onto a chair, wailing loudly. The marks of the belt stood out vividly on her legs and neck, burning with pain. Hearing her cries, Uwale rushed out of the room, utterly panicked, and began asking what had happened. Unable to explain anything, Hamra’u stood up, locked herself in her room, and wiped away her tears.
She picked up her phone and called him. He forced himself to leave the work in front of him and answered. Hearing her crying surprised him. He said, "Hamra’u, what happened to make you cry? Calm down and explain to me."
With great effort, she stopped crying, gasping for breath, and began recounting the humiliation she suffered at the hands of his wife.
Furious, he said, "On what grounds did she take a belt and whip you? And you, why did you just sit there and let her beat you?"
Sniffling, she replied, "Just because she found me in your room cleaning up, that’s why she subjected me to this humiliation."
He said, "Be patient, that is no justification. When I return home, I will find out her reason for doing this to you! So, please be patient, insha Allah, I will handle this matter."
Sighing in relief, she said, "Alright, since you say so, may Allah bring you back safely." He replied with "Ameen ya Allah" before hanging up.
He was deeply upset by his wife's actions. In his view, it wasn't a crime; since his wife had failed to take charge of his chores, she had no right to stop someone else from serving him. He felt he must show her her mistake—if she didn't want another woman taking care of him, she needed to fix her own shortcomings immediately.
Part 4: The Marital Showdown
When he saw her incoming calls, he refused to answer. She called up to ten times, but he ignored them all. This deeply unsettled her because she despised having her calls ignored; she believed he was doing it intentionally to spite her.
Wiping away tears of frustration, she called Aunt Zeey. They exchanged brief, tense greetings. It turned out both women were dealing with their own domestic crises. Aunt Zeey was the first to complain about her co-wife, unleashing a torrent of curses and saying, "She has bewitched the ASP; he does whatever she dictates."
Sighing, the Princess replied, "Aunt Zeey, I think your situation is easier because she is a co-wife you met in the house. As for me, some useless village girl is undermining me behind my back without my knowledge! It turns out she is always with my husband like a wife, coming into his quarters and getting onto his bed under the guise of cleaning. This has deeply infuriated me."
Aunt Zeey began cursing like a pagan, saying, "Beat the hell out of that bastard! Wallahi, do not tolerate them at all. Cause a massive scene until you find out exactly what is between them."
Biting her finger in anger, she said, "Aunt Zeey, only I know the kind of chaos we are going to unleash today, wallahi. I must find out her reason for staying in this house, and he will have to explain why he refused to pick up my calls."
Zeey replied, "Why would he pick up your call after she already called him to feed him a mix of lies and truth? Don't go easy on them, wallahi."
Taking a sharp breath, she plotted the explosive confrontation they would have as soon as he returned home.
She dressed impeccably in a premium, highly tailored Senegalese Shadda dress with embroidery on the neck, sleeves, and hem. She adorned herself with gold jewelry everywhere, down to her toes. Her face lacked heavy makeup, but she looked stunningly beautiful—like a blooming flower, every style of dress complemented her physique perfectly. Putting on closed shoes and draping a royal veil over her shoulders, she marched straight toward his quarters, trailing an expensive perfume, her face completely cold and uninviting.
He hadn't returned yet. She found a chair and sat down, swelling with rage, constantly checking the clock. Usually, she waited for him at 6:00 PM, but today it was past twenty minutes past six, and he still hadn't arrived. She stood up and walked straight to the window. Parting the curtains, she saw his car driving into the barracks. Sighing, she kept her eyes glued to the vehicle until it reached the designated parking area.
His driver opened the door for him, and he stepped out holding some documents. He stood talking to the driver briefly before they shook hands. Letting go of the curtain, she sat back down, waiting anxiously for him to enter.
The scent of her perfume struck his nose. He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, fixing his gaze on her as she sat imperiously, legs crossed. What always captivated him about her was her impeccable taste and style; she knew how to dress up for him. It was only her toxic behavior that was repulsive.
He adjusted his posture, showing that he wasn't in the mood for games either. He offered a loud, confident greeting. She murmured a cold response, barely interested. Ignoring her, he walked straight into his bedroom without glancing back at where she sat.
She scoffed and followed him inside.
As he was trying to take off his uniform, she confronted him. He looked at her, and she glared back. Averting his eyes, he hung up his clothes. As he was about to enter the bathroom, her voice cut him off.
"I want to speak with you."
He turned and looked at her for two seconds before saying, "I have things to attend to right now. We will talk later."
A lump of pure rage caught in her throat! Before she could even make a move, he stepped into the bathroom, leaving her behind in a state of fury.
When he emerged, he didn't look at her; he began setting his things in order, feeling bitter about how she left him entirely to himself, forcing him to do everything on his own.
She approached him aggressively, looking for a fight, and said, "You know exactly what happened, which is why you're avoiding my gaze out of guilt! Well, I will deal with both you and that girl because I do not tolerate hypocrites."
Looking at her with equal anger, he countered, "Yes, I know about the disgraceful behavior you exhibited toward someone else's daughter. What stopped you from just letting her arrange your things that you had to grab a belt and whip her? What is your justification for doing that?"
Panting heavily, she screamed, "Because she entered my husband’s private chambers! That’s why I punished her, and wallahi, if she ever steps foot in this room again, I will beat her senseless!"
He scoffed loudly (ja mata tsaki) and tried to walk past her. She blocked his path, their bodies practically colliding. With a trembling voice, she said, "Wallahi, I will not tolerate this hypocrisy. You must tell me what is between you and her, because for a long time now, I have sensed there is a relationship between you two."
He stared at her for a long time, deeply exasperated, and said, "Look, ZINATU, I don't need this stress right now. Don't cause an issue that will ruin things for us. What lies between Hamra'u and me—when the time is right, you will know."
She shot back, "I am not afraid of your anger! It's the hypocrisy I despise. Just tell me what is between you two. If there is nothing, then wallahi, she must pack her bags and leave this house, because her stay here is useless."
He sighed deeply and said, "You do not have the authority to kick Hamra'u out of this house. We were living together long before you ever arrived. As for the relationship between us, time will tell."
She burst into tears, pounding on his chest, crying, "Wallahi, I am telling you, you must choose between her and me! I suspect something fishy is going on. Wallahi, I swear by God, I will never share a husband with her!"
She wept bitterly while continuing to strike his chest. His anger drained away, replaced by exhaustion. He tried to catch her hands, but she violently wrenched them free, turned around, and stormed out of the room, wiping her tears. He collapsed onto the edge of the bed, holding his head. Oh wow! ZINATU IS A WHOLE PROBLEM!!
(The author's commercial interlude for book subscription payment details is omitted from narrative translation)
Part 5: Peer Advice and the Ultimatum
He sat for a long time holding his head, contemplating ways to bring about reform and peace to his home. Truly, this girl (Zinatu) had to fix her shortcomings if she wanted a peaceful life with him. She was compelled to take care of him and his needs. However, he didn't think he would stop Hamra'u from serving him unless his wife stepped up. If he saw her showing genuine care, he could tactfully ask Hamra'u to back off until they were officially married.
He let out a hot sigh. As he went to stand up, a call from the ASP came through. He sat back down and fumbled for his phone in his uniform pocket. He never expected what the ASP had to say; the ASP immediately began interrogating him over what happened between him and the girl (Zinatu).
Deeply offended by the accusation, Umar cut him off sharply, saying, "ASP, please do not forget that this girl we are talking about was my original choice. She was the one I intended to marry before the Princess's issue was pushed onto me. Why is it that whenever this girl brings a complaint to you, you never investigate both sides? If you follow the thief, you should also follow the tracks. This girl is still not a complete woman in her home; she is plagued by spoiled behavior and sheer laziness. She knows absolutely nothing about taking care of a husband! Is it a crime for Hamra'u to serve me? She was the one taking care of me before all this happened. So, please, let's drop this matter because you yourself know you are suppressing the truth just to avoid angering someone who is clearly in the wrong."
The ASP calmed down and said, "Umaru, everything you said is the truth. But you haven't considered the background this girl came from. You know royalty doesn't do chores; everything is done for them. She is bound to have deficiencies in that area. I am not backing her up—I know the truth too. But women’s affairs are highly chaotic. I don’t want this issue to destroy your home because a small spark can cause a massive fire! That is why I am advising you to nip this in the bud before things completely fall apart. What I mean is, let Hamra'u distance herself from anything that concerns you for now, and wait until you two are officially married. I believe that is the best resolution for everyone."
Umar gave a brief click of his tongue and said, "ASP, was it proper for her to take a belt and whip someone’s daughter? Or is it proper for her to leave my bed unkempt and filthy? You talk about her coming from a royal household—how many women come from royalty but still stand firmly by their husbands to take care of them? I am certain she behaves this terribly on purpose. Since she knows how to eat, dress up, and look glamorous, and when night falls she seeks the fulfillment of her desires, why should she fail to perform the chores she knows will please me? ASP, I love this girl deeply, but I must marry a woman who respects me and my relatives. This is the final decision I have made."
The ASP replied, "I am not stopping you from marrying, Umaru. I am only advising you to quickly rectify the situation before it goes completely sour. Truly, what she did was wrong, and that is why I am giving you this advice."
Umar said, "Alright, thank you very much. Insha Allah, I will try to see that everything is settled."
The ASP concluded, "Alhamdulillah, thank you for taking my advice."
They said their goodbyes, both men feeling deeply worried. Umar, in particular, felt that his wife was trying to expose his domestic secrets to the outside world. No matter how close he was to the ASP, he didn't want his family matters broadcasted. After all, domestic privacy is sacred.
He walked over to her quarters and found her lying on the bed, having cried her eyes out; her eyes were completely bloodshot. She cast a single glance at him, looked away, and pouted.
A thrill ran through him; seeing her eyes so red proved to him that she genuinely loved him, since she was acting out of pure jealousy.
He sat close to her and said, "Get up, let's talk."
She ignored him completely and turned her back to him. He held her hand, attempting to pull her up, but she pulled away. He lay down right beside her, pulling her tightly against his body, wrapping both of his arms around her. They both let out a deep sigh.
For about ten minutes, he wrestled with his emotions before pulling himself together and speaking calmly:
"Why did you expose our domestic secrets to the ASP?"
She answered bluntly, "Because he is the only one I can tell what is bothering me so he can comfort me."
He felt a sharp arrow of jealousy pierce his throat! He said, "Some days ago, I warned you about this. I told you I do not like you broadcasting what happens between us to the outside world. Why can't you be a woman who keeps secrets and protects her husband’s trust?"
She quickly sat up, glaring at him intensely, and said, "When did you ever give me the room to do that? You are constantly playing me for a fool, sneaking around with that girl and interacting like husband and wife! Where did she get the key to your quarters? And what is her justification for getting onto your bed? Though, for all I know, you might even be satisfying your lustful desires with her!"
He stared at her, weighing her words carefully. The sentence that struck him the most was: "Though, for all I know, you might even be satisfying your lustful desires with her." This accusation shocked him deeply.
He said, "What exactly do you mean by that? Do you take me for a profligate/adulterer or something?"
Without looking at him, she said, "Whatever your mind tells you is exactly what is in my heart."
He let out a heavy sigh, trying hard to suppress his anger. He didn't want to engage her in a loud argument, which is why he was forcing himself to stay calm. He sat up and tried to take her hand, but she yanked it away.
He said, "I came here for a truce, not a fight. What you just said about me hurts me more than you can imagine. But I want you to know something: if I were an adulterer, I believe you would have known that from our very first encounter. I have had numerous opportunities with you, yet I never took advantage of you. Know that just as I hate adultery, I hate death; I am constantly distancing myself from it. So why do you keep associating me with such an act? What did I do to you? Or do you actually wish for your husband to be an adulterer?"
She went quiet, her entire disposition softening at his words.
Seeing this change, he said, "We are talking about Hamra'u right now. You don't want her to continue taking care of me? Then you must quickly fix your own shortcomings. What that means is you must take full charge of my affairs and everything that concerns me—I mean my food, my drinks, keeping my bed clean, showing respect, obedience, and finally, giving me my marital rights. These are the things you need to do that will make Hamra'u back away from me."
She sighed, pouting a little out of habit, and said, "To me, all of that is easy. My only wish is for you to cut ties with that girl because I do not want any interaction between you two. She should just pack her bags because I do not want to see her anywhere near me."
He said, "Now, that is what is not going to happen. I told you before you ever came to this house, we lived with this girl, and the relationship between us..."
2. Summary of the Original Story
This Hausa narrative chronicles a domestic and socio-cultural conflict revolving around a young military/paramilitary officer named Umar, his aristocratic but domestic-averse first wife Zinatu (the Princess), and his intended second wife Hamra’u.
The Resolution/Ultimatum: Upon returning home, Umar faces a toxic confrontation with Zinatu. He rejects a meddling intervention from his colleague (the ASP), whom Zinatu had told about their domestic affairs. Umar ultimately shifts the blame onto Zinatu’s domestic failures. He demands that if she wants Hamra’u out of his quarters, she must assume her full marital duties—cooking, cleaning, and fulfilling his sexual/marital rights. Zinatu agrees to the terms but demands Hamra’u's total eviction, which Umar firmly rejects as the text cuts off.
3. Structural Description of the Narrative
The text follows a classic serial prose structure commonly found in contemporary Hausa popular literature (Littattafan Soyayya). It can be broken down into four distinct narrative building blocks:
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[Macabre Subplot/Teaser]
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[Internal/Marital Micro-Conflict]
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[The Physical Climax (Action/Violence)]
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[The Extended Dialogue (Negotiation & Confrontation)]