The title of **Uban Dawaki** is a highly prestigious traditional office in Fandagori, a major town in Niger State. It is a thriving community renowned for its robust development in agriculture and livestock farming. The household of the current Uban Dawaki, Alhaji Awaisu Malami, is massive. He sits at the absolute helm as the undisputed eldest brother, housing a sprawling extended family that includes his two younger brothers and their numerous offspring. His own personal wing of the estate stands out from the rest—it is the largest, meticulously designed, and built with modern architectural flair. He has only one wife, Hajiya Halima, with whom he shares three sons born in close succession: Abdulkadeer, Abdulkareem, and Abdulrahman. Following the boys came their youngest child and only daughter, Sakina. She was named after the Uban Dawaki’s own mother, which is why everyone affectionately calls her **"Mama."**
Mama grew up into a stunning, well-proportioned young woman. It seemed as though the Almighty had taken extra care in crafting her striking features. While the entire extended family inherited the classic, unmistakable beauty of their Fulani lineage, Mama was in a league of her own. Her physical allure and flawless stature were so breathtaking that anyone seeing her for the first time would feel their heart skip a beat out of sheer admiration.
Consequently, even from a very tender age, young suitors swarmed around her, each desperate to win her affection. The situation grew particularly tense within the estate walls, as her own cousins vied for her attention, threatening to breed deep animosity and bitter rivalry among the brothers. To safeguard the peace and unity of the household, the Uban Dawaki eventually stepped in. He summoned all the young men of the family and issued a stern decree: all romantic pursuits directed at Mama were officially banned, and no one was ever permitted to speak to her regarding courtship again. He took this drastic measure solely to maintain harmony and mutual respect within the family. Thankfully, his intervention worked; though many of the young men were initially heartbroken and resentful, they eventually accepted the reality and let the matter drop.
Beyond family harmony, the Uban Dawaki firmly believed that Sakina was far too young to immerse herself in the turbulent waters of romance, especially since she was in the thick of her education. This marked the pivotal moment she was set to transition to senior secondary school. Determined to protect her focus, he pulled string after string until he successfully secured her a slot at a prestigious girls' boarding school: **Federal Government Girls' College (FGGC), Bakori**.
With her tucked away at boarding school, his mind finally found peace. However, his uncompromising decision sat very poorly with some of the other mothers in the extended household. Bitter and envious, they secretly murmured that the Uban Dawaki was merely using Mama’s exceptional beauty as an excuse to look down on their own daughters, assuming he harbored grand, elitist ambitions for her future.
To be fair, the Uban Dawaki did harbor lofty ambitions for his only daughter, but they were entirely different from the material desires harbored by the women of the house. In their narrow minds, a grand future for a girl simply meant marrying her off to a stupendously wealthy tycoon or a powerful royal. His ambition, however, was for his daughter to achieve the highest heights of Western education, matching the professional success of her older brothers. As it stood, his eldest son, Abdulkadeer, was already a Major in the Nigerian Army; Abdulkareem was a successful accountant working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); and Abdulrahman was currently undergoing his mandatory national youth service (NYSC) in Jalingo. The Uban Dawaki had vowed that even if he were to pass away, his sons would ensure this educational dream for their sister was fulfilled down to the letter.
Part 2: A Father's Dream and an Aspiring Doctor
Time flew by, and Mama progressed to her second year of senior secondary school (SS2). Today marked the official start of their second-term vacation. Early that morning, the Uban Dawaki had dispatched his personal driver to fetch her from school. They didn't arrive back in Fandagori until late afternoon, just after the *Asr* prayer. The entire household erupted in joy upon her arrival. The younger children swarmed around her excitedly, eagerly grabbing her luggage and carrying it off to her family's private wing.
Stepping across the threshold with the traditional Islamic greeting, Mama was warmly embraced by her mother (Umma). Afterward, she made the rounds through the other wings of the grand estate to pay her respects to her aunts and extended family. Among the older cousins back from their respective assignments, she only ran into Salisu and Danlami. She sat with them briefly, engaging in lighthearted banter about her school experience, before excusing herself to return to her mother's quarters.
The moment she stepped back inside, Umma informed her, “Your father is back and is currently in his private quarters.”
Mama hurried over to his parlor, a brilliant smile stretching from ear to ear. Bowing slightly in a gesture of profound respect, she chimed, “May Allah grant victory to your highness!”
The Uban Dawaki’s face beamed with immense pride. “May Allah bless and preserve my Mamana! I was told you had gone around to greet the other wings of the house the moment you arrived.”
Dropping to her knees respectfully before him, she replied, “Yes, Abba, I went to pay my respects to them. Good afternoon, Abba.”
“Good afternoon, my dear. How are your studies progressing?”
“Everything is going very well, thank God.”
“Excellent. Now, bring your report sheet let me inspect it.”
She quickly stood up, fetched her academic documents, and handed them over. He carefully reviewed the grades, nodding in approval. “Very good! Very impressive!”
Once he finished analyzing the figures, he looked up at her and said, “You have done exceptionally well, Mamana, and I am incredibly proud of you. However, you still have a slight hiccup in Biology. You need to apply yourself much more to that subject. Do you know why?”
She shook her head gently. He gestured to her, "Come closer and listen carefully." She moved right up to his side, and he looked into her eyes before speaking with deep earnestness. “My greatest dream in this life is to see you become a medical doctor, Mamana. Throughout my life, I have always harbored a profound admiration for female doctors; it is a profession that inspires me deeply. That is why from the very day Allah blessed me with you, I have never stopped praying that He preserves your life so I can live to see this dream fulfilled. Tell me, do you not share this passion?”
She looked at her father with absolute sincerity and replied, “I want to become a doctor very much, Abbana. By God's grace (*Insha Allah*), I will double my efforts and focus entirely on mastering Biology.”
Overjoyed by her response, he placed a blessing hand on her head. “That is my girl! May Allah bless you abundantly, Mamana.”
"Amen, Abbana," she replied sweetly.
They continued their warm father-daughter chat until a visitor called out from the entrance. The Uban Dawaki stood up to attend to his guests in the main outer courtyard (*Zaure*), where his traditional council regularly assembled.
Mama returned to the kitchen to join Umma, who was busy preparing the evening meal. As they worked, Mama excitedly recounted everything her father had said. Umma smiled warmly and remarked, “Ah, that is just like the master of the house. May Allah in His infinite mercy fulfill this grand dream of his.”
Mama declared confidently, “By God's grace, Umma, I will definitely become a doctor.”
Umma smiled, teasing her, “May Allah decree it so. But tell me, who on earth gave my little Mama permission to start acting like a doctor already in those fancy school clothes?”
Mama burst out laughing, playfully mimicking the profession. "I was just visualizing myself walking around with one of those stethoscopes draped around my neck, with people whispering, *'Look, Dr. Sakina is arriving!'*" The kitchen filled with their shared laughter.
Part 3: An Unexpected Encounter on the Road
The following morning around 10:00 AM, Mama dressed up beautifully in a vibrant green *atamfa* outfit, layering a stylish matching open-front after-dress over it and neatly draping her veil over her shoulders. She found Umma in her bedroom and announced her departure.
Umma looked up, seeing through her daughter's formal excuse. “And where do you think you are off to?”
“I’m going to Aunt Saude’s house to pay her my respects.”
“Oh, please! Just say you are going to see your friend Baraka.”
Mama flashed a knowing smile. “Oh, Umma, it’s practically the same thing! Once I finish greeting Aunt Saude, Baraka and I will catch up.”
Umma teased her further, “Hmph... Are you sure you aren't planning to become a lawyer instead, completely abandoning this doctor dream of your father's?”
Mama laughed, “Ah, Umma, you’re trying to get me into serious trouble with Abba! But on a serious note, Aunt Saude said that once she finishes sewing your new outfits, I should bring them back to you.”
“Perfect. I just hope there isn't one of your own hidden among them.”
Mama pouted playfully. “Oh, come on, Umma! I’m definitely picking at least one outfit from that pile for myself.”
Umma countered, “They are all traditional wrappers and long-sleeved blouses tailored to my specific taste. I wanted to try a different, mature style this time around.”
“Well, I don't agree with that at all! Just make sure you collect my clothes for me once she's done.”
Mama nodded obediently. “Alright, Umma, I'm leaving now.”
“Go safely, and make sure you don't stay out too long.”
Slinging her handbag over her shoulder, Mama called back, “I won't be long, Umma!”
As she walked out of the estate, she found Salisu sitting by the main entrance. He scanned her from head to toe before asking, “And where are you heading looking this sharp?”
“I’m going over to Aunt Saude’s house.”
"Ah, right. I actually saw Baraka yesterday; she just returned for the holidays as well." He stood up, offering, “Let me walk you down the road. Or do you object?”
"Of course not, let’s go," she replied, and he fell into step beside her.
As they walked down the street, Salisu asked, “Tell me, Mama, why does Abba restrict you so much?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well, he completely forbids you from interacting with any suitors. Do you have any idea that Cousin Ali is still madly in love with you?”
She looked at him knowingly. “Of course I know. He regularly tries to whisper it to me in secret whenever Abba isn't looking. But honestly, who started all this drama in the first place?”
Salisu replied, “Look, just because Ali and I share the same mother and father doesn't mean I support what happened. What Cousin Sa'eed did was completely uncalled for. He knew perfectly well that Ali was in love with you, so why on earth did he step in to try and court you himself? He knows Ali has an incredibly short fuse; the guy will literally throw a public tantrum if pushed.”
Mama dismissed the topic with a slight shrug. “Hmph... Honestly, as far as I'm concerned, I am entirely focused on my education. All of them are just building castles in the air. Even if Abba hadn't banned them from approaching me, I wouldn't have chosen to marry any of them.”
Salisu stared at her in surprise. “Wow, Mama, that's pretty harsh. Are you saying you never harbored feelings for any of them?”
“You don't understand.”
“Then explain it to me. Is your education going to prevent you from ever getting married?”
She shook her head. “I just need absolute peace of mind and laser focus. The career path I’ve chosen demands total concentration.”
“And what career path is that?”
“Medicine.”
Salisu’s eyes widened in realization. “Aha! So it’s Dr. Sakina now!”
Mama smiled proudly, her voice dripping with playful elegance. “Exactly! Right down to the ground!”
Salisu laughed as they approached the edge of the busy main road. “Alright, Dr. Sakina, this is where I turn back.”
“Thank you, Salisu. See how quickly we got here just because we were chatting?”
He grinned, “That's the benefit of having a good companion. Just be glad I'm not Cousin Ali.”
Mama made a clicking sound with her tongue in playful annoyance. "Oh, get lost, please! Don't drag him into this." Salisu laughed out loud as she safely crossed the street, turning around to head back home.
Part 4: A Suitor Named Al-Ameen
On the other side of the road, a young man was busy wiping down his car, shaking out the rubber foot mats. Just as he pulled the mats out, Mama walked past. He froze in his tracks, his eyes locking onto a vision of beauty the likes of which he had never encountered in his entire life.
Unable to contain his admiration, he called out to her with the traditional Islamic greeting. Mama paused, looked up, and politely returned the greeting. The melodic sound of her voice only deepened his captivation.
He hurried after her. “Please, I beg of you, could you spare just five minutes? I have a quick question for you.”
Mama stopped completely and turned to face him. He was exceptionally tall. "I hope it is something I can answer," she replied calmly.
“Please, tell me, do you live here in this town?”
The question caught her by surprise. “Yes, of course I do.”
“Wow. It's just that I have never seen you around here until today.”
She replied, “Well, everything has its designated time.”
"That is very true," he agreed softly. “My name is Al-Ameen. I am actually based in Minna, but my grandmother lives right here in this neighborhood. I brought my mother down to visit her today. I come around here quite often, which is why I was so shocked that I'd never run into you before.”
“I see. Well, today is simply the day Allah decreed our paths would cross.”
He let out a deep, relieved sigh. “That is the absolute truth. And honestly, the moment I saw you, my heart completely chose you. Would it be alright if I asked for your name?”
Mama looked away slightly, adopting a modest and reserved demeanor. Her heart fluttered for a brief second, and Al-Ameen felt a sudden wave of anxiety, terrified that she might reject him outright.
He adopted a pleading tone. “Please, I beg of you, don't keep me in suspense. Just tell me your name, even if it's not because of my charming personality.”
"Your personality? Do I even know anything about your personality?" she countered with a hint of amusement.
"Well, you can add 'relentless persistence' to my traits!" he joked.
Mama let out a soft smile. “My name is Sakina.”
“Wow! What a beautiful name. It perfectly matches that gorgeous face of yours! Do you live right here in this neighborhood?”
She nodded slightly. “I'm actually on my way to visit my mother's younger sister just down the road.”
“I see. And where is your family house located?”
Mama puckered her face slightly, signaling that she was growing impatient and needed to move on. As she began walking away, he quickly followed alongside her. “Am I bothering you? I am deeply sorry, but I have been completely smitten by you. Please, give me a chance.”
She stopped and fixed her clear, bright eyes on him. “Do you know the title holder Uban Dawaki? His estate is right across the main road.”
“Yes, I know the house.”
“Well, I am his daughter. If you know his house, then you know where I live. But there is a massive problem.”
Al-Ameen’s cheerful expression instantly vanished. “A problem? Oh no, please don't say that. What kind of problem?”
She explained, “My father strictly forbids any suitors from coming to court me. He has decreed that I must fully complete my education first. In fact, I go to a strict boarding school and I am only ever seen around here during school vacations.”
Al-Ameen went completely silent for a moment, absorbing her words, before asking earnestly, “So, what are we going to do now, Sakina? I swear to you, I am completely serious about you. What do you suggest?”
"I don't know," she replied honestly. “But I think the best approach is patience. We have to wait until I finish my studies. Trust me, you aren't the first person to approach me; others came before you, but they had to accept the situation and step back.”
“They might be able to walk away, but I absolutely cannot, Sakina! I am deeply in love with you, and the only thing I desire right now is to make you my wife.”
Mama looked at him intently, feeling a strange warmth for him beginning to take root in her own heart. The only dilemma was that she had absolutely no idea how to navigate her father's strict rules, to the point where she couldn't even invite him over to her house.
"I'm sorry, Al-Ameen, but you just have to be patient," she said softly. She quickly turned and walked away, leaving him standing there as he called out after her, “Sakina! Please, just wait a moment and listen to me!”
Part 5: The Gathering of Hopes and Fears
Mama hurried past two houses and walked into the third compound, which belonged to Aunt Saude. She stepped inside with a loud greeting.
Baraka was standing in the courtyard, adjusting her veil. Hearing Mama's voice, she spun around in absolute shock, her mouth wide open, before the two friends rushed into a tight embrace.
"Oh my goodness! I was literally just about to head over to your house right now!" Baraka exclaimed.
“Really? Well, Aunt Saude sent for me regarding Umma's new clothes, so I came to fetch them. Where is she?”
“She's inside.”
The two girls walked into the inner room together. Aunt Saude smiled warmly. "Ah, Mama! You've arrived before Baraka could even leave to fetch you." Mama laughed, sat down, and greeted her politely.
“Welcome back, my dear. I hope school went well?”
"Yes, Auntie, everything went smoothly. Look, I’ve already finished tailoring your mother’s outfits; I was just about to have them sent over." Mama pulled the garments out of the bag to inspect them, admiring the beautiful *atamfa* fabrics and the neat stitching.
After a bit of small talk with Aunt Saude, the two friends retreated to Baraka’s private room, shedding their formal after-dresses. Mama collapsed onto the mattress with a dramatic sigh. “Honestly, I should have been here much earlier, but a complete stranger to this neighborhood intercepted me right outside.”
Baraka's eyes widened with curiosity. “A stranger? Where?”
“Right outside! He mentioned he was staying at Alhaji Lado's house. Do you know them?”
"Yes, of course! That's his grandmother's house. His name is Al-Ameen." Baraka’s face lit up with excitement, and she reached out to high-five Mama. “Oh my goodness, sister! You have literally hit the jackpot! That guy is a medical doctor!”
Mama's eyes went wide. “Wait, you mean he's actually a doctor?”
“Yes, absolutely! Even if he hasn't completely finalized everything, he is practically done. I've heard people around here whispering that he is currently undergoing his housemanship or residency.”
Mama covered her mouth in shock, her heart fluttering. "Oh, wow... Hearing that just makes me like him even more. Imagine if this actually works out—it would be a grand wedding of two doctors!" She paused, looking at Baraka. “Oh, wait, did I tell you? Just yesterday, Abba was telling me that medicine is the exact career path he wants me to choose. Honestly, I really like Al-Ameen. The only obstacle is Abba.”
Baraka looked puzzled. “But didn't you say your father completely banned Cousin Ali and the others from pursuing you?”
"Yes, exactly! But you don't understand—that ban is precisely what ma
: The Title of Uban Dawaki and Family Politics
The title of **Uban Dawaki** is a highly prestigious traditional office in Fandagori, a major town in Niger State. It is a thriving community renowned for its robust development in agriculture and livestock farming. The household of the current Uban Dawaki, Alhaji Awaisu Malami, is massive. He sits at the absolute helm as the undisputed eldest brother, housing a sprawling extended family that includes his two younger brothers and their numerous offspring. His own personal wing of the estate stands out from the rest—it is the largest, meticulously designed, and built with modern architectural flair. He has only one wife, Hajiya Halima, with whom he shares three sons born in close succession: Abdulkadeer, Abdulkareem, and Abdulrahman. Following the boys came their youngest child and only daughter, Sakina. She was named after the Uban Dawaki’s own mother, which is why everyone affectionately calls her **"Mama."**
Mama grew up into a stunning, well-proportioned young woman. It seemed as though the Almighty had taken extra care in crafting her striking features. While the entire extended family inherited the classic, unmistakable beauty of their Fulani lineage, Mama was in a league of her own. Her physical allure and flawless stature were so breathtaking that anyone seeing her for the first time would feel their heart skip a beat out of sheer admiration.
Consequently, even from a very tender age, young suitors swarmed around her, each desperate to win her affection. The situation grew particularly tense within the estate walls, as her own cousins vied for her attention, threatening to breed deep animosity and bitter rivalry among the brothers. To safeguard the peace and unity of the household, the Uban Dawaki eventually stepped in. He summoned all the young men of the family and issued a stern decree: all romantic pursuits directed at Mama were officially banned, and no one was ever permitted to speak to her regarding courtship again. He took this drastic measure solely to maintain harmony and mutual respect within the family. Thankfully, his intervention worked; though many of the young men were initially heartbroken and resentful, they eventually accepted the reality and let the matter drop.
Beyond family harmony, the Uban Dawaki firmly believed that Sakina was far too young to immerse herself in the turbulent waters of romance, especially since she was in the thick of her education. This marked the pivotal moment she was set to transition to senior secondary school. Determined to protect her focus, he pulled string after string until he successfully secured her a slot at a prestigious girls' boarding school: **Federal Government Girls' College (FGGC), Bakori**.
With her tucked away at boarding school, his mind finally found peace. However, his uncompromising decision sat very poorly with some of the other mothers in the extended household. Bitter and envious, they secretly murmured that the Uban Dawaki was merely using Mama’s exceptional beauty as an excuse to look down on their own daughters, assuming he harbored grand, elitist ambitions for her future.
To be fair, the Uban Dawaki did harbor lofty ambitions for his only daughter, but they were entirely different from the material desires harbored by the women of the house. In their narrow minds, a grand future for a girl simply meant marrying her off to a stupendously wealthy tycoon or a powerful royal. His ambition, however, was for his daughter to achieve the highest heights of Western education, matching the professional success of her older brothers. As it stood, his eldest son, Abdulkadeer, was already a Major in the Nigerian Army; Abdulkareem was a successful accountant working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); and Abdulrahman was currently undergoing his mandatory national youth service (NYSC) in Jalingo. The Uban Dawaki had vowed that even if he were to pass away, his sons would ensure this educational dream for their sister was fulfilled down to the letter.
Part 2: A Father's Dream and an Aspiring Doctor
Time flew by, and Mama progressed to her second year of senior secondary school (SS2). Today marked the official start of their second-term vacation. Early that morning, the Uban Dawaki had dispatched his personal driver to fetch her from school. They didn't arrive back in Fandagori until late afternoon, just after the *Asr* prayer. The entire household erupted in joy upon her arrival. The younger children swarmed around her excitedly, eagerly grabbing her luggage and carrying it off to her family's private wing.
Stepping across the threshold with the traditional Islamic greeting, Mama was warmly embraced by her mother (Umma). Afterward, she made the rounds through the other wings of the grand estate to pay her respects to her aunts and extended family. Among the older cousins back from their respective assignments, she only ran into Salisu and Danlami. She sat with them briefly, engaging in lighthearted banter about her school experience, before excusing herself to return to her mother's quarters.
The moment she stepped back inside, Umma informed her, “Your father is back and is currently in his private quarters.”
Mama hurried over to his parlor, a brilliant smile stretching from ear to ear. Bowing slightly in a gesture of profound respect, she chimed, “May Allah grant victory to your highness!”
The Uban Dawaki’s face beamed with immense pride. “May Allah bless and preserve my Mamana! I was told you had gone around to greet the other wings of the house the moment you arrived.”
Dropping to her knees respectfully before him, she replied, “Yes, Abba, I went to pay my respects to them. Good afternoon, Abba.”
“Good afternoon, my dear. How are your studies progressing?”
“Everything is going very well, thank God.”
“Excellent. Now, bring your report sheet let me inspect it.”
She quickly stood up, fetched her academic documents, and handed them over. He carefully reviewed the grades, nodding in approval. “Very good! Very impressive!”
Once he finished analyzing the figures, he looked up at her and said, “You have done exceptionally well, Mamana, and I am incredibly proud of you. However, you still have a slight hiccup in Biology. You need to apply yourself much more to that subject. Do you know why?”
She shook her head gently. He gestured to her, "Come closer and listen carefully." She moved right up to his side, and he looked into her eyes before speaking with deep earnestness. “My greatest dream in this life is to see you become a medical doctor, Mamana. Throughout my life, I have always harbored a profound admiration for female doctors; it is a profession that inspires me deeply. That is why from the very day Allah blessed me with you, I have never stopped praying that He preserves your life so I can live to see this dream fulfilled. Tell me, do you not share this passion?”
She looked at her father with absolute sincerity and replied, “I want to become a doctor very much, Abbana. By God's grace (*Insha Allah*), I will double my efforts and focus entirely on mastering Biology.”
Overjoyed by her response, he placed a blessing hand on her head. “That is my girl! May Allah bless you abundantly, Mamana.”
"Amen, Abbana," she replied sweetly.
They continued their warm father-daughter chat until a visitor called out from the entrance. The Uban Dawaki stood up to attend to his guests in the main outer courtyard (*Zaure*), where his traditional council regularly assembled.
Mama returned to the kitchen to join Umma, who was busy preparing the evening meal. As they worked, Mama excitedly recounted everything her father had said. Umma smiled warmly and remarked, “Ah, that is just like the master of the house. May Allah in His infinite mercy fulfill this grand dream of his.”
Mama declared confidently, “By God's grace, Umma, I will definitely become a doctor.”
Umma smiled, teasing her, “May Allah decree it so. But tell me, who on earth gave my little Mama permission to start acting like a doctor already in those fancy school clothes?”
Mama burst out laughing, playfully mimicking the profession. "I was just visualizing myself walking around with one of those stethoscopes draped around my neck, with people whispering, *'Look, Dr. Sakina is arriving!'*" The kitchen filled with their shared laughter.
Part 3: An Unexpected Encounter on the Road
The following morning around 10:00 AM, Mama dressed up beautifully in a vibrant green *atamfa* outfit, layering a stylish matching open-front after-dress over it and neatly draping her veil over her shoulders. She found Umma in her bedroom and announced her departure.
Umma looked up, seeing through her daughter's formal excuse. “And where do you think you are off to?”
“I’m going to Aunt Saude’s house to pay her my respects.”
“Oh, please! Just say you are going to see your friend Baraka.”
Mama flashed a knowing smile. “Oh, Umma, it’s practically the same thing! Once I finish greeting Aunt Saude, Baraka and I will catch up.”
Umma teased her further, “Hmph... Are you sure you aren't planning to become a lawyer instead, completely abandoning this doctor dream of your father's?”
Mama laughed, “Ah, Umma, you’re trying to get me into serious trouble with Abba! But on a serious note, Aunt Saude said that once she finishes sewing your new outfits, I should bring them back to you.”
“Perfect. I just hope there isn't one of your own hidden among them.”
Mama pouted playfully. “Oh, come on, Umma! I’m definitely picking at least one outfit from that pile for myself.”
Umma countered, “They are all traditional wrappers and long-sleeved blouses tailored to my specific taste. I wanted to try a different, mature style this time around.”
“Well, I don't agree with that at all! Just make sure you collect my clothes for me once she's done.”
Mama nodded obediently. “Alright, Umma, I'm leaving now.”
“Go safely, and make sure you don't stay out too long.”
Slinging her handbag over her shoulder, Mama called back, “I won't be long, Umma!”
As she walked out of the estate, she found Salisu sitting by the main entrance. He scanned her from head to toe before asking, “And where are you heading looking this sharp?”
“I’m going over to Aunt Saude’s house.”
"Ah, right. I actually saw Baraka yesterday; she just returned for the holidays as well." He stood up, offering, “Let me walk you down the road. Or do you object?”
"Of course not, let’s go," she replied, and he fell into step beside her.
As they walked down the street, Salisu asked, “Tell me, Mama, why does Abba restrict you so much?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well, he completely forbids you from interacting with any suitors. Do you have any idea that Cousin Ali is still madly in love with you?”
She looked at him knowingly. “Of course I know. He regularly tries to whisper it to me in secret whenever Abba isn't looking. But honestly, who started all this drama in the first place?”
Salisu replied, “Look, just because Ali and I share the same mother and father doesn't mean I support what happened. What Cousin Sa'eed did was completely uncalled for. He knew perfectly well that Ali was in love with you, so why on earth did he step in to try and court you himself? He knows Ali has an incredibly short fuse; the guy will literally throw a public tantrum if pushed.”
Mama dismissed the topic with a slight shrug. “Hmph... Honestly, as far as I'm concerned, I am entirely focused on my education. All of them are just building castles in the air. Even if Abba hadn't banned them from approaching me, I wouldn't have chosen to marry any of them.”
Salisu stared at her in surprise. “Wow, Mama, that's pretty harsh. Are you saying you never harbored feelings for any of them?”
“You don't understand.”
“Then explain it to me. Is your education going to prevent you from ever getting married?”
She shook her head. “I just need absolute peace of mind and laser focus. The career path I’ve chosen demands total concentration.”
“And what career path is that?”
“Medicine.”
Salisu’s eyes widened in realization. “Aha! So it’s Dr. Sakina now!”
Mama smiled proudly, her voice dripping with playful elegance. “Exactly! Right down to the ground!”
Salisu laughed as they approached the edge of the busy main road. “Alright, Dr. Sakina, this is where I turn back.”
“Thank you, Salisu. See how quickly we got here just because we were chatting?”
He grinned, “That's the benefit of having a good companion. Just be glad I'm not Cousin Ali.”
Mama made a clicking sound with her tongue in playful annoyance. "Oh, get lost, please! Don't drag him into this." Salisu laughed out loud as she safely crossed the street, turning around to head back home.
Part 4: A Suitor Named Al-Ameen
On the other side of the road, a young man was busy wiping down his car, shaking out the rubber foot mats. Just as he pulled the mats out, Mama walked past. He froze in his tracks, his eyes locking onto a vision of beauty the likes of which he had never encountered in his entire life.
Unable to contain his admiration, he called out to her with the traditional Islamic greeting. Mama paused, looked up, and politely returned the greeting. The melodic sound of her voice only deepened his captivation.
He hurried after her. “Please, I beg of you, could you spare just five minutes? I have a quick question for you.”
Mama stopped completely and turned to face him. He was exceptionally tall. "I hope it is something I can answer," she replied calmly.
“Please, tell me, do you live here in this town?”
The question caught her by surprise. “Yes, of course I do.”
“Wow. It's just that I have never seen you around here until today.”
She replied, “Well, everything has its designated time.”
"That is very true," he agreed softly. “My name is Al-Ameen. I am actually based in Minna, but my grandmother lives right here in this neighborhood. I brought my mother down to visit her today. I come around here quite often, which is why I was so shocked that I'd never run into you before.”
“I see. Well, today is simply the day Allah decreed our paths would cross.”
He let out a deep, relieved sigh. “That is the absolute truth. And honestly, the moment I saw you, my heart completely chose you. Would it be alright if I asked for your name?”
Mama looked away slightly, adopting a modest and reserved demeanor. Her heart fluttered for a brief second, and Al-Ameen felt a sudden wave of anxiety, terrified that she might reject him outright.
He adopted a pleading tone. “Please, I beg of you, don't keep me in suspense. Just tell me your name, even if it's not because of my charming personality.”
"Your personality? Do I even know anything about your personality?" she countered with a hint of amusement.
"Well, you can add 'relentless persistence' to my traits!" he joked.
Mama let out a soft smile. “My name is Sakina.”
“Wow! What a beautiful name. It perfectly matches that gorgeous face of yours! Do you live right here in this neighborhood?”
She nodded slightly. “I'm actually on my way to visit my mother's younger sister just down the road.”
“I see. And where is your family house located?”
Mama puckered her face slightly, signaling that she was growing impatient and needed to move on. As she began walking away, he quickly followed alongside her. “Am I bothering you? I am deeply sorry, but I have been completely smitten by you. Please, give me a chance.”
She stopped and fixed her clear, bright eyes on him. “Do you know the title holder Uban Dawaki? His estate is right across the main road.”
“Yes, I know the house.”
“Well, I am his daughter. If you know his house, then you know where I live. But there is a massive problem.”
Al-Ameen’s cheerful expression instantly vanished. “A problem? Oh no, please don't say that. What kind of problem?”
She explained, “My father strictly forbids any suitors from coming to court me. He has decreed that I must fully complete my education first. In fact, I go to a strict boarding school and I am only ever seen around here during school vacations.”
Al-Ameen went completely silent for a moment, absorbing her words, before asking earnestly, “So, what are we going to do now, Sakina? I swear to you, I am completely serious about you. What do you suggest?”
"I don't know," she replied honestly. “But I think the best approach is patience. We have to wait until I finish my studies. Trust me, you aren't the first person to approach me; others came before you, but they had to accept the situation and step back.”
“They might be able to walk away, but I absolutely cannot, Sakina! I am deeply in love with you, and the only thing I desire right now is to make you my wife.”
Mama looked at him intently, feeling a strange warmth for him beginning to take root in her own heart. The only dilemma was that she had absolutely no idea how to navigate her father's strict rules, to the point where she couldn't even invite him over to her house.
"I'm sorry, Al-Ameen, but you just have to be patient," she said softly. She quickly turned and walked away, leaving him standing there as he called out after her, “Sakina! Please, just wait a moment and listen to me!”
Part 5: The Gathering of Hopes and Fears
Mama hurried past two houses and walked into the third compound, which belonged to Aunt Saude. She stepped inside with a loud greeting.
Baraka was standing in the courtyard, adjusting her veil. Hearing Mama's voice, she spun around in absolute shock, her mouth wide open, before the two friends rushed into a tight embrace.
"Oh my goodness! I was literally just about to head over to your house right now!" Baraka exclaimed.
“Really? Well, Aunt Saude sent for me regarding Umma's new clothes, so I came to fetch them. Where is she?”
“She's inside.”
The two girls walked into the inner room together. Aunt Saude smiled warmly. "Ah, Mama! You've arrived before Baraka could even leave to fetch you." Mama laughed, sat down, and greeted her politely.
“Welcome back, my dear. I hope school went well?”
"Yes, Auntie, everything went smoothly. Look, I’ve already finished tailoring your mother’s outfits; I was just about to have them sent over." Mama pulled the garments out of the bag to inspect them, admiring the beautiful *atamfa* fabrics and the neat stitching.
After a bit of small talk with Aunt Saude, the two friends retreated to Baraka’s private room, shedding their formal after-dresses. Mama collapsed onto the mattress with a dramatic sigh. “Honestly, I should have been here much earlier, but a complete stranger to this neighborhood intercepted me right outside.”
Baraka's eyes widened with curiosity. “A stranger? Where?”
“Right outside! He mentioned he was staying at Alhaji Lado's house. Do you know them?”
"Yes, of course! That's his grandmother's house. His name is Al-Ameen." Baraka’s face lit up with excitement, and she reached out to high-five Mama. “Oh my goodness, sister! You have literally hit the jackpot! That guy is a medical doctor!”
Mama's eyes went wide. “Wait, you mean he's actually a doctor?”
“Yes, absolutely! Even if he hasn't completely finalized everything, he is practically done. I've heard people around here whispering that he is currently undergoing his housemanship or residency.”
Mama covered her mouth in shock, her heart fluttering. "Oh, wow... Hearing that just makes me like him even more. Imagine if this actually works out—it would be a grand wedding of two doctors!" She paused, looking at Baraka. “Oh, wait, did I tell you? Just yesterday, Abba was telling me that medicine is the exact career path he wants me to choose. Honestly, I really like Al-Ameen. The only obstacle is Abba.”
Baraka looked puzzled. “But didn't you say your father completely banned Cousin Ali and the others from pursuing you?”
"Yes, exactly! But you don't understand—that ban is precisely what ma