She was a type of beggar—one of those elderly women who follow big events and celebrations—she trailed behind the crowd returning home since her house wasn’t far from the Friday mosque. She was the one who beat her drum three times and added:
“Allah’s promise has been fulfilled! Fatima Zahara’u has been married to her blessed groom Mahmud. May Allah grant them peace, prosperity, and a tidy home that needs no sweeping. We came to seek blessings and may blessings follow us to their house!”
The words struck Hajiya Mama’s ears like thunder. She didn’t even realize when she jumped from among her guests and rushed out, her headscarf in her hand, saying:
“What did I just hear? Who did they say is married to Mahmud? Did I hear correctly?”
“Yes, that’s how it is. Allah’s promise has come true. Zahara’u is now Mahmud’s wife!”
The beggar scooped another handful of money and split it again.
At that moment, Hajiya Kaltume, Ammah’s close friend, came out and gave the beggar some money and a big bag of food, drinks, and soda.
Restless, Hajiya Mama marched straight to Ammah’s room without even greeting. She began:
“Hajiya, did you hear what I heard, or are my ears deceiving me?”
Everyone in the room stared at her until Ammar finally said:
“I heard the same thing you heard. But maybe she is just talking nonsense. After all, she doesn’t know them personally.”
“Yes, maybe.”
Hajiya Mama left and returned to her room, pacing in agitation. Asabe followed right behind her. She found Mama pacing between the bed and the mirror.
Mama turned, looked at Asabe, then sat at the edge of the bed. Asabe sat beside her and said:
“Haba Hajiya, calm down. I don’t want you to cause unnecessary chaos. Didn’t I already tell you that the malam in BANDE said this time the marriage must happen— but NOT to Mushahun?
He even said the man she will marry lives far away and he saw light in the matter. He tried to hide the details from me but it didn’t work. I told you we should leave it since the one we wanted has refused. I know it will be hard for her to find someone like the one she lost before.”
“Yes, that’s true. But the issue is: who is this person? And why was everything kept secret?
And Hajiya Asma’u claiming she didn’t know?
You mean you believe Alhaji would marry off Zahra without informing anyone?
Anyway, I’m done. Marriage is marriage. I know there is no one except Mushahun, and he has gone far like the others.”
She stood up and said, “Let me go and see what’s happening.”
“As Allah helps my madam, your efforts are always good,” Asabe replied, also standing.
---
While the wedding ceremony continued, the groom’s entourage headed straight to Alhaji Jafar’s farmhouse. Earlier in the morning, Alhaji had sent his messenger to inform Baba Malam. There was plenty of food and drinks; even wealthy people were surprised at the generosity. You could eat as much as you wanted, and drinks were unlimited.
Mahmud’s friends were celebrating loudly.
At Malam’s house too, there was plenty of food and joy. Even the neighbors brought gifts and food, knowing there was a celebration.
---
Suddenly, Faruq ran into Aunty Hasana’s living room—her third child. He was wearing a big traditional outfit from the wedding. Hugging his gown, he said:
“Aunty Zahra! Wallahi I saw your husband! It’s not that uncle from Kano! This one is more handsome! Didn’t you see how he was giving money to the beggars? He’s a real classy guy! Even Uncle Abdul Hakeem hugged him and laughed. When I asked Uncle Imam, he told me his name is Uncle Mahmud!”
She stared at the boy as he narrated everything. One look at him showed he was telling the truth from the depth of his little heart. Her head spun, and she collapsed onto the chair, covering her face as hot tears spilled down.
Sajida and Amatu rushed toward Faruq for more details.
Others kept eating, not paying much attention.
Faruq repeated everything with even more details—he was a talkative child.
Carefully, Sajida held Zahra’s hand and pulled her aside so no one else would notice there was a problem. They took her into Aunty’s room. Zahra sat on the edge of the bed, trembling.
Sajida tightened her grip and whispered:
“Calm down, bestie. Take it easy. Don’t believe everything Faruq says. You know he exaggerates.”
Zahra shook her head and cried:
“Wallahi Sajida, there’s a problem. And you know it. Where are Maryam and the others who were supposed to come? They traveled three days ago.
Where is the groom himself?
Where are Deeni and Aliyu?
Anyone I call, it’s switched off. Doesn’t that tell you something?”
Then she burst into loud tears.
“Shhh! Please don’t make noise. People will hear. Wait until we confirm,” Sajida begged.
“Leave me! I’m tired! Every day it’s one problem after another! I don’t want marriage again! I’m leaving this country! I’m going to Jordan!”
She jerked her hand away and tried to stand—then suddenly collapsed onto the bed.
Sajida screamed and shook her:
“Get up! Please! Ya Allah!”
Baba Tabawa rushed in, having overheard everything. She froze at the sight. Sajida cried:
“Wallahi Baba, she collapsed! She was talking and crying and then suddenly fell!”
Baba sprinkled water on Zahra repeatedly, but she didn’t wake up.
Panicked, she handed her phone to Sajida:
“Call Aunty immediately!”
Aunty answered after two rings, but Sajida couldn’t speak from shock. She handed the phone to Baba Tabawa.
The moment Aunty answered, Baba said:
“Come quickly! We’re taking Zahra to the hospital. She fainted!”
She hung up immediately.
---
Aunty Hasana called Abdul Hakeem. He and Mahmud were talking when he answered. She said:
“Please go to my house immediately! Take Zahra to the hospital. She fainted!”
She hung up before he could respond.
Abdul Hakeem panicked and Mahmud asked:
“What’s wrong? What happened?”
Abdul replied:
“It’s nothing… I’m going.”
Mahmud insisted, confused:
“Tell me. I can help.”
But Abdul Hakeem ran off looking for his car keys—only to remember Mustafa had taken it earlier. Mahmud followed him, concerned.
When Abdul explained they needed to take Zahra to the hospital, Mahmud gave quick orders:
“Sameer! Bring the car immediately! You’re going with Abdul to take the madam to the hospital.”
They rushed to the house. Abdul entered through the back door and found Zahra unconscious. He lifted her like a child and rushed out. Sajida and Baba followed.
Sameer opened the back seat quickly, and Abdul settled her in.
They sped off to FMC hospital.
---
Doctors attended to her immediately.
Soon Aunty Hasana, Inna Maimuna, and Hajiya Kaltume arrived.
Mahmud kept calling repeatedly. He called Sameer, then Abdul Hakeem, clearly worried. Abdul noticed how respectfully Sameer spoke to Mahmud, which surprised him—Mahmud seemed to have authority over them.
After about 40 minutes, the doctor came out. They followed him until Zahra was wheeled past them on a stretcher. The orderly said:
“She has regained consciousness. Her blood pressure had spiked but we controlled it. She needs rest.”
Aunty Hasana cried:
“Oh Allah, please ease the hardship of this orphan girl. You protected her from suffering growing up. Do not burden her now.”
Baba Tabawa and Sajida whispered “Ameen.”
Zahra was taken to a quiet room for isolation and rest.
---
Meanwhile, Ammah was confused at the celebration house. She noticed Hasana, Inna, and Kaltume were gone. She called Hasana and learned they were at the hospital.
She panicked, but Hasana reassured her:
“She’s doing well. Just resting. Don’t worry.”
Then Hasana instructed Baba Tabawa and Sajida to return home and prepare the gifts for the girls who were leaving. She also told them to keep everything quiet.
---
Later, Ammah went to Alhaji Jafar’s section where he sat with Hassan and Abdul Hakeem discussing Zahra. Hassan complained that Mahmud shouldn’t have accepted the marriage offer. Alhaji disagreed and said Mahmud had good character and that he trusted him.
Ammah requested to go to the hospital, but Alhaji advised her to wait until Zahra was brought home.
---
When Zahra woke up, she saw Aunty Hasana praying. Then she heard footsteps and looked up—her eyes met Mahmud’s.
Her heart pounded hard. She shut her eyes immediately.
She wondered why he was there, and why fate kept putting him in her path.
He approached her and said:
“How are you feeling?”
But she was frozen.
Then she heard him say:
“Don’t worry. Don’t stress yourself. If you don’t like me, don’t panic—truthfully, I’m not eager either. But let’s not embarrass our parents. We’ll handle this later. I know you don’t want to live with an almajiri who has no modern education or stable job. I only agreed so people wouldn’t humiliate my parents publicly.”
His scent filled the room; she could barely breathe.
Then she felt a faint touch on her cheek, and thought she heard him whisper:
“My previous…”
He stood up and added:
“They’ll bring your medicine soon. Then we’ll take you home. But please reduce your overthinking.”
She was a type of beggar—one of those elderly women who follow big events and celebrations—she trailed behind the crowd returning home since her house wasn’t far from the Friday mosque. She was the one who beat her drum three times and added:
“Allah’s promise has been fulfilled! Fatima Zahara’u has been married to her blessed groom Mahmud. May Allah grant them peace, prosperity, and a tidy home that needs no sweeping. We came to seek blessings and may blessings follow us to their house!”
The words struck Hajiya Mama’s ears like thunder. She didn’t even realize when she jumped from among her guests and rushed out, her headscarf in her hand, saying:
“What did I just hear? Who did they say is married to Mahmud? Did I hear correctly?”
“Yes, that’s how it is. Allah’s promise has come true. Zahara’u is now Mahmud’s wife!”
The beggar scooped another handful of money and split it again.
At that moment, Hajiya Kaltume, Ammah’s close friend, came out and gave the beggar some money and a big bag of food, drinks, and soda.
Restless, Hajiya Mama marched straight to Ammah’s room without even greeting. She began:
“Hajiya, did you hear what I heard, or are my ears deceiving me?”
Everyone in the room stared at her until Ammar finally said:
“I heard the same thing you heard. But maybe she is just talking nonsense. After all, she doesn’t know them personally.”
“Yes, maybe.”
Hajiya Mama left and returned to her room, pacing in agitation. Asabe followed right behind her. She found Mama pacing between the bed and the mirror.
Mama turned, looked at Asabe, then sat at the edge of the bed. Asabe sat beside her and said:
“Haba Hajiya, calm down. I don’t want you to cause unnecessary chaos. Didn’t I already tell you that the malam in BANDE said this time the marriage must happen— but NOT to Mushahun?
He even said the man she will marry lives far away and he saw light in the matter. He tried to hide the details from me but it didn’t work. I told you we should leave it since the one we wanted has refused. I know it will be hard for her to find someone like the one she lost before.”
“Yes, that’s true. But the issue is: who is this person? And why was everything kept secret?
And Hajiya Asma’u claiming she didn’t know?
You mean you believe Alhaji would marry off Zahra without informing anyone?
Anyway, I’m done. Marriage is marriage. I know there is no one except Mushahun, and he has gone far like the others.”
She stood up and said, “Let me go and see what’s happening.”
“As Allah helps my madam, your efforts are always good,” Asabe replied, also standing.
---
While the wedding ceremony continued, the groom’s entourage headed straight to Alhaji Jafar’s farmhouse. Earlier in the morning, Alhaji had sent his messenger to inform Baba Malam. There was plenty of food and drinks; even wealthy people were surprised at the generosity. You could eat as much as you wanted, and drinks were unlimited.
Mahmud’s friends were celebrating loudly.
At Malam’s house too, there was plenty of food and joy. Even the neighbors brought gifts and food, knowing there was a celebration.
---
Suddenly, Faruq ran into Aunty Hasana’s living room—her third child. He was wearing a big traditional outfit from the wedding. Hugging his gown, he said:
“Aunty Zahra! Wallahi I saw your husband! It’s not that uncle from Kano! This one is more handsome! Didn’t you see how he was giving money to the beggars? He’s a real classy guy! Even Uncle Abdul Hakeem hugged him and laughed. When I asked Uncle Imam, he told me his name is Uncle Mahmud!”
She stared at the boy as he narrated everything. One look at him showed he was telling the truth from the depth of his little heart. Her head spun, and she collapsed onto the chair, covering her face as hot tears spilled down.
Sajida and Amatu rushed toward Faruq for more details.
Others kept eating, not paying much attention.
Faruq repeated everything with even more details—he was a talkative child.
Carefully, Sajida held Zahra’s hand and pulled her aside so no one else would notice there was a problem. They took her into Aunty’s room. Zahra sat on the edge of the bed, trembling.
Sajida tightened her grip and whispered:
“Calm down, bestie. Take it easy. Don’t believe everything Faruq says. You know he exaggerates.”
Zahra shook her head and cried:
“Wallahi Sajida, there’s a problem. And you know it. Where are Maryam and the others who were supposed to come? They traveled three days ago.
Where is the groom himself?
Where are Deeni and Aliyu?
Anyone I call, it’s switched off. Doesn’t that tell you something?”
Then she burst into loud tears.
“Shhh! Please don’t make noise. People will hear. Wait until we confirm,” Sajida begged.
“Leave me! I’m tired! Every day it’s one problem after another! I don’t want marriage again! I’m leaving this country! I’m going to Jordan!”
She jerked her hand away and tried to stand—then suddenly collapsed onto the bed.
Sajida screamed and shook her:
“Get up! Please! Ya Allah!”
Baba Tabawa rushed in, having overheard everything. She froze at the sight. Sajida cried:
“Wallahi Baba, she collapsed! She was talking and crying and then suddenly fell!”
Baba sprinkled water on Zahra repeatedly, but she didn’t wake up.
Panicked, she handed her phone to Sajida:
“Call Aunty immediately!”
Aunty answered after two rings, but Sajida couldn’t speak from shock. She handed the phone to Baba Tabawa.
The moment Aunty answered, Baba said:
“Come quickly! We’re taking Zahra to the hospital. She fainted!”
She hung up immediately.
---
Aunty Hasana called Abdul Hakeem. He and Mahmud were talking when he answered. She said:
“Please go to my house immediately! Take Zahra to the hospital. She fainted!”
She hung up before he could respond.
Abdul Hakeem panicked and Mahmud asked:
“What’s wrong? What happened?”
Abdul replied:
“It’s nothing… I’m going.”
Mahmud insisted, confused:
“Tell me. I can help.”
But Abdul Hakeem ran off looking for his car keys—only to remember Mustafa had taken it earlier. Mahmud followed him, concerned.
When Abdul explained they needed to take Zahra to the hospital, Mahmud gave quick orders:
“Sameer! Bring the car immediately! You’re going with Abdul to take the madam to the hospital.”
They rushed to the house. Abdul entered through the back door and found Zahra unconscious. He lifted her like a child and rushed out. Sajida and Baba followed.
Sameer opened the back seat quickly, and Abdul settled her in.
They sped off to FMC hospital.
---
Doctors attended to her immediately.
Soon Aunty Hasana, Inna Maimuna, and Hajiya Kaltume arrived.
Mahmud kept calling repeatedly. He called Sameer, then Abdul Hakeem, clearly worried. Abdul noticed how respectfully Sameer spoke to Mahmud, which surprised him—Mahmud seemed to have authority over them.
After about 40 minutes, the doctor came out. They followed him until Zahra was wheeled past them on a stretcher. The orderly said:
“She has regained consciousness. Her blood pressure had spiked but we controlled it. She needs rest.”
Aunty Hasana cried:
“Oh Allah, please ease the hardship of this orphan girl. You protected her from suffering growing up. Do not burden her now.”
Baba Tabawa and Sajida whispered “Ameen.”
Zahra was taken to a quiet room for isolation and rest.
---
Meanwhile, Ammah was confused at the celebration house. She noticed Hasana, Inna, and Kaltume were gone. She called Hasana and learned they were at the hospital.
She panicked, but Hasana reassured her:
“She’s doing well. Just resting. Don’t worry.”
Then Hasana instructed Baba Tabawa and Sajida to return home and prepare the gifts for the girls who were leaving. She also told them to keep everything quiet.
---
Later, Ammah went to Alhaji Jafar’s section where he sat with Hassan and Abdul Hakeem discussing Zahra. Hassan complained that Mahmud shouldn’t have accepted the marriage offer. Alhaji disagreed and said Mahmud had good character and that he trusted him.
Ammah requested to go to the hospital, but Alhaji advised her to wait until Zahra was brought home.
---
When Zahra woke up, she saw Aunty Hasana praying. Then she heard footsteps and looked up—her eyes met Mahmud’s.
Her heart pounded hard. She shut her eyes immediately.
She wondered why he was there, and why fate kept putting him in her path.
He approached her and said:
“How are you feeling?”
But she was frozen.
Then she heard him say:
“Don’t worry. Don’t stress yourself. If you don’t like me, don’t panic—truthfully, I’m not eager either. But let’s not embarrass our parents. We’ll handle this later. I know you don’t want to live with an almajiri who has no modern education or stable job. I only agreed so people wouldn’t humiliate my parents publicly.”
His scent filled the room; she could barely breathe.
Then she felt a faint touch on her cheek, and thought she heard him whisper:
“My previous…”
He stood up and added:
“They’ll bring your medicine soon. Then we’ll take you home. But please reduce your overthinking.”