Kwarton Manya Book 1 Complete Maman Teddy

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KWARTON MANYA BOOK 1 COMPELT 

"Come in. I don’t understand—since you agreed that we rotate on a night-by-night basis, then today is definitely my night." He looked at her. "Who told you she was sleeping here tonight?" Hadiza countered, "Well, is she forbidden from doing so?" Aisha stood frozen, watching them. She had no time for arguments, so she headed toward his bedroom with the sole intention of completing what she came for—making the bed—and then leaving.
Immediately, Hadiza snatched her arm and raised her voice, saying, "Young lady, do not dare step into my husband's room, because today belongs to me!" Aisha was deeply infuriated; she absolutely detested being shouted at. She yanked her hand away and turned around, hearing Uncle snap at Hadiza in the background, "Is this truly what your character is like? Baby, come here." He stood up, calling after her, but she had already rushed back to her own room. She sat on the bed and held her head, completely loathing how she had been screamed at. She didn't know how to engage in loud altercations and was not used to it. However, nothing frustrated her more than how Hadiza constantly flaunted her jealousy and drama over Uncle, refusing to let her have peace of mind.
As for Uncle, because he favored Hadiza less, he failed to reprimand her effectively there. He pushed her door open and walked in, standing before her with his hands behind his back. "Baby, get up, let's go." Her frustration flared further; she felt like staring him down and flatly refusing. But his status and her respect for him were far too great; even if she wouldn't go, she could never bring herself to be disrespectful to him. Therefore, she simply shook her head and spoke in a soft, calm voice, "Please forgive me, Uncle. I will not step into your room again."
He dragged the vanity chair over, sat right in front of her, and called her name in a tender voice. "Aisha, when exactly are we going to truly live as husband and wife? At first, I left you alone because you were so young, but now you are grown and things need to change." She remained silent. He pressed, "Do you hear me?" She lowered her head. "Just grant me the favor of removing me from the rotation of those who visit your room." He stood up, moved closer, and sat beside her on the bed. "But Baby, do you agree to let me come to your room instead?" She simply nodded her head. He said, "Alright then, it means I will be sleeping here, right?" She replied, "If that is your wish."
Although he wasn't fully pleased when he asked her to join him in a prayer of gratitude to God for reaching this milestone and she informed him she was on her menstrual pause, he deeply thoroughly enjoyed how they slept with her nestled tightly against his body. He engaged in intimate, playful romance with her, and the way he treated her made her feel truly fulfilled and validated as a woman.
The next morning, however, she could not bring herself to look him in the eye when she recalled how he had gazed at her entire body last night—especially her chest, which she felt too shy to even imagine someone looking at, even through clothing. He, on the other hand, woke up filled with immense joy, feeling as though his deepest desires had been completely satisfied through her. As soon as she finished her chores, she mentioned that she wanted to visit Anty Nafisa's house. He asked, "Should I have Jabiru come and drive you?" Then he corrected himself, "No, I will drive you myself, my Baby." While taking a shower, she looked at the parts of her body he had passionately admired the night before, a soft smile spreading across her face as she recalled how Uncle had completely lost his composure out of desire for her. It gave her a sense of pride; she was indeed a desirable woman.
She dressed in a pink Holland wax skirt and blouse, layering a sheer black after-dress over it, paired with black shoes and neatly applied makeup. Looking in the mirror, she thought to herself, Step by step, I’ve really grown up. I possess a fair amount of beauty. She applied a very mild perfume because she knew she was heading out with Uncle. Had she been going straight to Nafisa's house without him, she wouldn't have applied any perfume at all, in strict adherence to the Prophet's commandment stating that it is impermissible for a woman to wear perfume when leaving her home. In another narration, it is even stated that if she wears it, she must perform a full ritual bath (wankan janaba) upon her return.
Aisha walked out, locking her room behind her. Down on the floor beside her were her black handbag and a plastic bag containing fabrics she intended to take to the tailor. Uncle emerged from Hajiya Jummai's quarters looking exceptionally sharp in a black suit, looking just like a handsome young man. He looked at her with a warm smile. She quickly lowered her head, thinking to herself, Doesn't Uncle ever feel shy? He then stepped into Hadiza's quarters to inform her he was leaving. Hadiza remained lying on her bed, completely ignoring him; she was deeply offended and felt betrayed. Paying absolutely no attention to her lack of response, he walked out to go about his business.
As Aisha bent down to pick up her handbag, he arrived and picked up the bag of fabrics. She looked up at him in surprise, her eyes wide. "Let’s go," he said. She replied, "Please hand over the bag." He countered, "I’m carrying it for you." She shook her head. "For God's sake, Uncle, let me hold it. This is beneath your status and dignity." He stepped closer, leaning directly toward her ear, and whispered, "Who says it's beneath my dignity? Even you yourself, shouldn't I carry what belongs to me?" She teased, "Oh, really?" He said, "Just watch me." He reached out, and she stepped back, whispering, "People are watching you!" He replied, "I know Suwaiba and the others are around, but should that stop me from treating my Baby right?" She smiled, "Alright, let's go." They walked side by side as he held the bag. When they stepped outside, staff members—ranging from the gardener watering the flowers to the drivers—rushed over to take the bag from him, but he refused to hand it over to anyone. He only handed his official office briefcase to Jabiru.
Aisha was profoundly astonished by this gesture. He personally held the car door open for her to get in, while he walked around to the other side where Jabiru opened the door for him. The moment he sat down, he took her hand in his. The gentle, caressing strokes he traced onto her palm made her feel completely relaxed and drowsy, to the point where her eyes drifted shut. It wasn't until they hit the main road that he instructed, "Jabir, let's head to Nafisa's house first to drop off Baby." The driver replied, "Very well, boss." Saddiq used his hand to gently draw her head onto his shoulder, whispering softly, "Your skin is so incredibly soft, Baby. I love your scent." She smiled subtly; he had been repeating those exact words since yesterday.
His phone began to ring loudly. He pulled it out from his suit pocket, glanced at the screen, and stroked her cheek gently. "It's your father." She instantly bolted upright from his shoulder. "Are you serious?" Instead of answering, she saw him pick up the call, saying, "Assalamu alaikum, my friend. Good morning. I hope you woke up well?" After exchanging pleasantries, her father informed him that he was calling to invite them to the upcoming wedding of Umma's younger sister's daughter, scheduled for this coming Friday. He added that if they could make it, that would be wonderful, but if not, there was absolutely no pressure.
Aisha could hear the entire conversation. Unable to contain herself, she placed her hand on Uncle's back, shaking him playfully like a pampered child. "Please give me the phone, Uncle! Give me Abba!" He smiled and said into the phone, "Alright, here is Baby." She grabbed it eagerly. "My Abba, good morning!" After exchanging greetings, she asked, "Is it Naja's wedding or Sauda's?" He confirmed it was Naja's wedding on Friday. Filled with excitement, she exclaimed, "I will definitely come, Insha Allah!" Abba corrected her gently, "No, only if your husband permits. It's no problem at all, I just wanted you both to be aware." She insisted, "But I am already due for a holiday anyway!" Abba laughed, "Alright, when you both come. Hand the phone back to your master." She said, "Okay, extend my warmest greetings to Umma." She handed the phone back to Uncle, and the men resumed discussing their business matters before finally wrapping up the call with farewells until they met. As they pulled up to Nafisa's house and entered the courtyard, she got out and asked, "Uncle, won't you come inside?" He replied, "I am running late. When I return to pick you up, I will surely come in." She agreed. He handed her the bag of fabrics and said, "See you when I return." She wished him a safe trip. She then walked toward what she assumed was the entrance to the living room. Saddiq adjusted his seat and let out a deep, relaxed sigh; seeing Baby's bright, cheerful mood today gave him immense peace of mind.
She knocked on the door, and on the third knock, Nafisa came to peer out before opening it with pure delight. "Is this Bros's Baby?" she squealed. Aisha stepped inside, teasingly calling out, "The bride herself!" Nafisa took the bag from her, offering, "Let me help you with that." Aisha walked around the massive, exceptionally well-designed living room, taking it all in. "Wow, Anty Nafisa! Your living room is stunningly arranged. Honestly, your husband has excellent taste in interior design."
Nafisa laughed, watching her closely. "My husband or your husband? The house, everything inside it, and even the entire interior decoration was fully handled by your Uncle." Aisha looked around the room once more. "Wow, honestly, Uncle has phenomenal taste. That man is incredibly sophisticated; whatever he chooses always turns out flawless." Nafisa stared at her, laughing in pure amazement. "Aisha, since when did you become so expressive? You're openly praising your husband!" Aisha replied, "I swear, Anty Nafisa, I'm only speaking the absolute truth. Whenever Uncle wears clothes, it looks as though they were custom-crafted specifically for him." Nafisa held her chin in surprise. "My, my, Aisha! You've truly grown up and joined the world of women." She took her by the hand. "Come, let's head into the bedroom." In the bedroom, Aisha similarly lavished praise on the bed and the rest of the furniture, continuously complimenting her Uncle. She collapsed onto the bed, looking at Nafisa. "Anty Nafisa, look at you, you look absolutely beautiful too." Nafisa sat beside her, gently patting her. "Since when did you become like this?" Aisha laughed. "What did I do? They exchanged proper pleasantries, and Aisha asked, "Where is Bros?" Nafisa replied, "We were together, but he was running late so he had to head straight out. He promised to stop by when he returns. How is your husband?" Nafisa explained, "You'll see him shortly. Today is his day with the senior wife."
Aisha pursed her lips. "At least there are only two of you. Imagine our household—from one wife's house he has to move to another's. We can only thank God we all live within the same estate compound. Are you all by yourself now, Anty Nafisa?" She confirmed, "Yes, except for my domestic staff." Nafisa then looked at her closely. "How are you coping with your marriage to your Uncle?" Aisha adjusted her posture. "Phew! I was incredibly shocked by the marriage. If you only knew the immense frustration I bottled up inside just to pull myself together and write my exams."
Nafisa stood up. "Let me go fetch you some food." Aisha held her back. "I had breakfast not too long ago, let's wait a bit. I am spending the whole day here anyway, so I'll eat whatever I want later." Nafisa sat back down. "To be honest, none of us initially supported Bros marrying her (Hadiza). Even he himself didn't want the marriage, but he felt he had absolutely no choice in the matter."
Aisha countered, "Oh, please. He clearly loves her; he even took her on an international trip."
Nafisa clarified, "But you surely know he loves you the most. He openly declares it in front of anyone." Aisha responded, "Honestly, I don't believe that." Nafisa asked, "Why?" Aisha explained, "Because he does things for them that he never does for me." Nafisa adjusted her seating position. "Like what?" Aisha pursed her lips. "Anty Nafisa, you are the only person in this entire town I confide in regarding my personal issues. I'm not desperate, nor is this about raw desire—in fact, as a young girl who was married as a virgin, I know it's highly sensitive to speak about this. But I am telling you this not for you to repeat it to Uncle, but simply so you see why I believe he loves his other wives more than me. Did you know Uncle has never actually touched or slept with me?"
Nafisa’s eyes widened in utter shock. "No way, seriously?" Aisha swore, "I swear to God it's true. Yet, he took his new bride all the way abroad." Nafisa pressed, "Even up until now?" Aisha replied, "I swear, I'm not joking at all. He used to claim I wasn't mature enough, but what about now?" Aisha added, "God forbid I ever bring it up myself; he might think I'm desperate." Nafisa reasoned, "But Islam does not forbid it, and even if you didn't care before, you're old enough to care now. You aren't a stone." Aisha laughed softly. "Even if we remain like this forever, I will never utter a single word to him about it. Imagine me asking, 'Uncle, why don't you sleep with me?'" They both burst into laughter. Aisha added, "Honestly, Anty Nafisa, I know even you wouldn't say such a thing if you were in my shoes." Nafisa agreed, "I wouldn't say it outright, but I would definitely change my attitude and put up a firm front." Aisha shrugged, "I honestly didn't let it bother me. When I was away at boarding school, even if he upset me, I would just focus on my studies and move on." They continued chatting until the conversation shifted to Hadiza and Jummai. Nafisa began filling Aisha in on who Hadiza really was, explaining, "Both Hadiza and Jummai married Bros strictly for his immense wealth, and both of them have a notorious, highly calculating past. Interestingly, Bros and our mother (Hajiyarmu) stubbornly refuse to believe that Jummai had a hand in the mysterious deaths of his previous co-wives." Aisha noted, "Wow. I've always had strong, unexplainable suspicions about her in my heart, especially whenever she's around that close friend of hers, Hajiya Kari."
Nafisa advised, "You hit the nail on the head. You just need to double down on your prayers. As for your situation with Bros, we'll figure out a way. For now, let him finish his honeymoon phase with Hadiza. That way, when his full attention pivots back to you, he will deeply realize just how entirely different and superior you are." They spent the rest of the afternoon talking and eventually moved into the kitchen.
At exactly two o'clock, Nafisa's husband, Alhaji Bello, arrived home. Aisha watched with open-mouthed astonishment as Nafisa literally dashed across the room and threw her arms around her husband in a passionate embrace, completely forgetting Aisha was even in the house. It wasn't until he left that Nafisa finally composed herself. Aisha exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, Anty Nafisa! You certainly know how to handle your romance. If only I could bring myself to do exactly that for my Uncle." Nafisa replied, "You have no idea—if you did that, you would occupy an even grander space in his heart. Hadiza knows how to pull off those moves, which is why she successfully captures his attention." Aisha leaned her chin on her hand, staring into the mirror, wondering if she could ever pull it off. She looked at Nafisa and let out a small hiss. "I feel far too shy and intimidated around Uncle, that's my main obstacle. But I truly want to impress and captivate him." Nafisa laughed heartily at her.
At exactly five o'clock, Uncle called Nafisa to inform her that he was standing right outside her living room door. They came out and unlocked it for him to step inside. Nafisa headed straight to the kitchen, while Aisha, following her usual routine, brought him a glass of water. He accepted it, gazing intently at her face, and said, "Aisha, may God quench your thirst with the sacred water of Al-Kauthar in Paradise, just as you always entirely wash away my thirst and exhaustion. This is why whenever I am traveling out of the country and feel thirsty, your image instantly flashes across my mind, and I automatically pray for you." She was deeply touched and replied, "May God grant that I drink it right alongside you, Uncle." He smiled, "Amen, my Baby."
Nafisa arrived with the food and asked, "Who is going to eat?" She stopped in her tracks. "Come on, Bros." He replied, "As for me, not until nine o'clock tonight. I already ate my lunch. Baby, come out now so we can head home." After they came out, Nafisa said, "But the tailor doesn't know your measurements." Aisha replied, "I will send my clothes so he can size them perfectly, as Uncle suggested." Nafisa said, "Don't worry about a thing, Bros." After they got into the car, Nafisa handed Aisha the gift she had brought for her, adding, "Make sure you use it exactly the way I explained to you." Aisha replied, "Alright, thank you, we'll talk on the phone."
After Jabir hit the road, Uncle asked, "What kind of gift did you get, Baby?" He reached his hand toward the bag. "Bring it, let me see." She quickly hid the bag. "It’s nothing major." He smiled slightly and said, "Women, you can never stay away from trivial trinkets."
Ever since Aisha and the others left, Suwaiba and Safiya went over to Jummai’s place. They were telling her the story of what Aisha and their master did, even adding some spice to it—claiming he carried her handbag. Jummai asked, "Did you say a handbag?" They replied, "Yes, a handbag! And he carried it for her, without any shame, regardless of his age and status." She hissed. "Stop telling me this since you have no influence in this house and you don't help me with anything." Safiya said, "If we try to use force to beat her up, you tell us no." Jummai replied, "May God curse your ways, since you have no tactics other than violence. Get out of my room! Who told you that physical violence is popular these days? It has to be done through underhand tactics." Suwaiba said, "Well, won't you show us what to do then?" She countered, "So all this time you’ve been staying with me, you haven't learned a single lesson? May God curse your stay with me!" She stood up and headed to the toilet, ranting, "You bastards only know how to roam around chasing younger boys who exploit you, but you don't know how to live with people or how to make a girl’s life miserable!"
That day passed with Jummai feeling deeply embittered. On Hadiza's side, she spent the day filled with resentment over yesterday's events, feeling that he had trampled on her rights. Furthermore, today was not Aisha's turn to cook, yet he went out with her. Hadiza had watched them through her window, concluding that he clearly loved Aisha more. A young girl was twisting him around her little finger. Therefore, when it was bedtime, he said goodnight to his other wives and went straight to his room without stopping by Hadiza's quarters. Because she knew it was her turn with him, she refused to go to him out of anger, and he didn't seek her out either. Even the following day, he didn't look her way, which deeply infuriated her.
On Thursday, they arrived in Jigawa, loaded with gifts and wedding contributions. Aisha set aside her five thousand naira to give, but then she heard Umma and Abba thanking her, saying her Uncle had contributed fifty thousand naira—thirty thousand on her behalf and twenty thousand from himself. That same day, Aisha and Umma proceeded to Gumel, while Abba and the others were to follow the next day for the wedding solemnization. Inna Rabi was overjoyed with this contribution, and Aisha became the star of the wedding house, admired by everyone.
The next day, right after the wedding ceremony was concluded, Uncle called her to come out so they could say their goodbyes before he left. At that moment, she was in a neighbor’s house with Naja and her friends. She came out and found him inside the car. She got in and sat down, and he locked the doors. He then asked, "Baby, how many days are you spending here?" She replied, "Whenever you say, Uncle, I will get ready and wait for you." He asked, "So, will we talk on the phone?" She nodded in agreement. He placed both his palms on her face and lifted it. She stole a single glance at him and closed her eyes, feeling shy in his presence. Her breath caught completely when she felt his lips land on hers, as the scent of his perfume hit her nose.
Slowly, she opened her eyes; his eyes were closed, and his handsome face—typical of the Katsina Fulani—was full of radiance. Unexpectedly, he also opened his eyes. Just as she was about to close hers again, he gestured with his eyes for her not to. They locked eyes. Unable to resist any longer, he pulled her into his embrace. She breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the intense emotions. In a choked voice, he said, "Baby, when can I come and take you back? I am going to miss you so much." She caught her breath and whispered, "I said whenever you come." He lifted her up, saying, "Alright then, until I come." With her head lowered out of shyness, she said, "Okay." He picked up some money from the dashboard and said, "Take this." She looked at him. "But you gave me money just yesterday." He replied, "Take more, my Baby. Will we speak on the phone?" She said yes. He took her palm and kissed the center of it, sending goosebumps completely through her body. She looked at him, then stepped out of the car. She walked back inside after waving him goodbye.
He spent the night in Kano, and the next day he headed to Katsina. When he entered his house, it was dead silent. This reality always weighed heavily on his heart; every time he came home, it felt like entering a graveyard. He unlocked his room, slumped onto a sofa, and leaned back. This issue was deeply troubling his mind. Whenever he visited his friends' houses, he would hear lively chatter, and their children would run out yelling "Welcome!" in excitement. In stark contrast, his house was always silent. Despite having two wives inside, even the TV was rarely turned on. He would return to find it switched off, with each wife lying down in her own room. He hissed. This was why whenever Aisha was away at school, he didn't even like to think about home; she was the only one who brought joy to his face.
She would welcome him with cold water or her delicious Zobo drink. He raised a hand to his lips, trying to recall the feeling of when his lips pressed against hers. He let out a deep sigh, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his phone. He dialed Aisha's number. At that moment, she was applying lotion after taking a bath in Inna Rabi's inner room. She quickly picked up the phone.
She said, "Assalamu alaikum! Uncle, I’ve been trying your line but the network kept failing." He smiled slightly. "I just arrived home this very moment." She asked, "Where did you sleep last night?" He said, "In Kano, of course." She asked, "Did you arrive safely?" "Perfectly safe, my Baby. Take good care of yourself for me." She smiled. "Me too." He asked, "You too what?" She replied, "Just as you said." He laughed softly. "I will do as you say, so that before you return, you can continue taking care of me..."
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She said, "I forgot that you already have two other people taking care of you." He responded, "Well, Baby, the way everyone cares for me is completely different. Besides, when we are together, I want you to feel deep in your heart that there is no one else in this world except you and me, you hear?" She said, "Okay, Uncle." He said, "Excellent, my Baby. Let me go take a shower." She said okay, and they said their goodbyes.
He fell silent. He realized that Aisha loved him deeply; it was only shyness that was holding her back, which was why he also felt a bit restrained around her. But now, he knew he was on the right path to achieving his desires.
After showering, he went to the dining table, having phoned Uche to bring him food. He looked at Uche and asked, "Is there no one home?" Uche replied that Madam had gone out, but he hadn't seen the new bride (the second wife, Hadiza) leave. His mind drifted back to the last time he had received any care or attention from Jummai. He couldn't even remember, because ever since he broke the news of his marriage to Aisha, she had changed completely, and to this day, he couldn't understand her attitude. Aloud, he muttered, "May God guide this servant of Yours." No sooner had he spoken than she walked in. She approached him. "Are you back? Wallahi, I also went home to check on our mother." He simply stared at her.
She pulled out a chair and sat down. "You don't believe me, do you?" she began in a strained, put-on voice, mimicking someone in deep distress. She continued, "Nowadays, even if I swear upon the Holy Qur'an, you will never believe me. Everything I say, you take as a lie, simply because you've gotten yourself young girls with fresh blood in their veins, while I am deemed old."
He set his spoon down.
"Jummai, for God's sake, sit down and think. Is the way you run this house fitting for your status as the senior wife? Look at how you have completely neglected all my affairs, running around with street friends who lead people to ruin, wandering about restlessly as if you've been cursed. Whenever I speak to you, you just hurl insults back at me." He pointed to the table in front of him. "Look at this. I've just returned from a journey; there are two of you in this house, yet it's the cook who has to bring me food, and even then, only because I requested it. Is it right that a man like me has absolutely no value in his own home?"
She countered, "Well, you are the one who changed toward me. Now, it's only Aisha you care about." He replied, "She is the one who respects me. But look, whoever I brought into this house, it was love that motivated it, not hatred. I love all of you. Observe something about Aisha: she is just a young girl, and she isn't even around permanently. Yet, both of you direct all your complaints at her. Are you being fair to her?" Jummai remained silent, but in her heart, she thought, Fairness my foot, you will all soon realize your mistake. Out loud, she said, "Alright, it's fine. Forgive me. What do you want me to do now?" Filled with relief, he said, "I want you to change back into the Jummai I used to know. Continue taking care of me and reclaim your position as the senior wife, the queen of the household. Never abandon your post for another to take over. Look at Aisha as a younger sister; she is not disrespectful and she will accord you your due respect." Jummai bowed her head and said, "Insha Allah, I will do as you say." He said, "Thank you. Now, regarding those girls, Suwaiba and her sister, they really need to present suitors for marriage, don't you think?"
She said, "That's true. I am struggling with them myself. Their boyfriends are all too young, and none of them are ready for marriage right now. Speak to them yourself, because they have completely lost all respect for me." He replied, "Very well, I will see them." They continued chatting, and she mentioned that her cosmetics and perfumes were finished. He promised to give her money to buy more. Since it was her night to be with him, she took care of him so well that his heart was thoroughly convinced she had realized her mistakes. She decided to adapt her strategy—since open hostility had failed, she would switch to manipulation and charm. Thus, even at bedtime, she caught him completely off guard with affection and apologized to him once more.
Meanwhile, Hadiza was lying down, on the phone with her mother, Hajiya Lanti. She was crying and complaining, "Saddiq humiliated me because of that Aisha. Ever since we were abroad, he rushed back just to pick her up from school, and since she returned, everything revolves around what she wants."
"He even takes my scheduled nights and gives them to her. When I spoke up, he got angrier than me. As I speak to you now, it’s been two days since he took her away somewhere without my knowledge. I only just saw him sitting with that old woman, Hajiya Jummai, and he hasn't even looked for me since he got back."
Hajiya Lanti barked, "Shut your mouth, for God's sake! You embarrass me. Are you seriously crying over a co-wife, as if you didn't drink my breast milk? Listen to me carefully: if you're going to fight, fight for the money! Siphon his wealth. Don't waste your energy acting out of pride. Do you think anger or jealousy is what brought you into that house? In case you don't know, let me tell you: I fought tooth and nail to secure your place in that house solely so you could hoard his wealth for me! Focus on getting pregnant and stop this useless jealousy." Hadiza said, "Mother, I just want you to find some spiritual help for me so his heart completely returns to me." She replied, "You will have to bring money for that, Hadiza." She said, "I will bring it." Hajiya Lanti said, "Good." Hadiza then asked, "Well, tomorrow is my cooking turn; should I serve his food and stop throwing tantrums then?"
Lanti hissed loudly. "Are you foolish? Why were you throwing tantrums in the first place? Serve him his food and apologize to him! Men are easily deceived, Hadiza, do you hear me?" She replied, "Yes, Mother, see you when you visit."
Two weeks into Aisha's stay at home, her Uncle called to inform her that he was on his way to pick her up. She said, "Uncle, we have a whole week left before school resumes. Why don't you wait until there are just three days left?" He teased, "Really, Baby? Meaning you didn't miss me at all?" She said, "Of course I missed you, Uncle." He asked, "Then tell me, what thoughts of me have been on your mind?" She replied, "Many things bring you to mind." He pressed, "Tell me just one."
She went silent. He said, "I'm listening." She said, "Just wait, I'll tell you when I get back." He said, "You? You can't even tell me over the phone, yet you think you can do it to my face? Fine, let me tell you one of mine. Are you listening?" She said yes. He said, "Your soft skin, and your sweet, intoxicating lips..." She quickly hung up the phone and covered her face as if he were standing right in front of her. He, on his part, was laughing at her reaction. She turned her phone back on and texted him: "Uncle, you are a grown man, don't you have any shame?" He read the message and replied: "In the love between a husband and wife, Baby, there is no room for shame. The real things will even start when you return." He thought to himself, Let me push this further. He wrote back: "Baby, can you tell me exactly how you feel whenever my body touches yours?" He sent it. This completely ended the conversation, because upon reading it, she turned off her phone entirely. She lay down thinking about him, feeling that Uncle was being heavily emboldened.
Before leaving, Umma and Abba gave Aisha some parting advice. Umma said, "Aisha, I am urging you to be patient, especially since there are three of you sharing a husband's house. Mind your own business and guard your tongue. Never gang up with one co-wife to mistreat another. It is far better to be the victim of wrongdoing than to be the perpetrator. And take good care of your husband."
Abba added, "Be obedient to him. Strive to be the wife who will lead him to Paradise, not Hellfire."
"Aisha, in your marriage, always remember that you are performing an act of worship to your Lord. Do not be distracted by the glitter and vanity of this world." She replied, "Yes, Abba. Insha Allah, I will do exactly as you have said."
Jabiru, the expert driver, took to the road with them while they sat in the back chatting happily. When they arrived home, she was surprised to see Hadiza coming out to welcome her back. Aisha answered calmly. Surprisingly, Hajiya Jummai was also at home today. Aisha went to greet her, and she responded with a warm, open expression. Aisha thought to himself, If only this friendliness was genuinely from their hearts. Exhausted from the journey, Aisha fell into a deep sleep right on her prayer mat without even moving. That was how her Uncle found her. He didn't wake her up; instead, he picked her up gently and placed her on the bed.
He carefully removed her hijab, leaving her in her body wrap (chest wrap). It appeared she had showered before praying. He sat down and gazed intensely at her face; everything about this young girl captivated him.
Gently, he leaned down and kissed her lips, then stood up to perform his late-night prayers (Shafa'i and Wutiri). Afterward, he sat in front of his laptop before going to bed. He had deeply wished to spend quality, intimate time with his little Baby, but she was exhausted, so he simply pulled her tightly against his body, and they slept through the night.
The next day was Hadiza's turn to cook. In the afternoon, Aisha prepared some Zobo drink because he had called ahead saying he would send someone to pick it up. Hadiza was sitting in the main living room when she saw Uche taking the basket. She felt like saying something but chose to ignore it.
In the evening, when he returned home, he checked in on Jummai first, then came out and went into Baby’s quarters. Although he rarely stayed long anywhere when coming or going, he lingered a bit at Aisha’s place to drink water and her delicious Zobo.
After coming out, he headed to his room as usual, and the wife whose turn it was to cook followed him. A new routine emerged: Hadiza came out and announced that "Darling" requested them to join him at the dining table so they could all eat together. Aisha didn't really want to go, but hearing that Uncle called for her, she came out. He wasn't at the table yet; only Hadiza and Hajiya Jummai were seated, and he joined them shortly after. He looked at them. Every face was tense except for Aisha’s, whose attention was fully captured by the TV. Hadiza mentioned that she wanted him to bring them together to eat as one, and he thought that if this arrangement could work, he would love it. He was actively seeking unity, not division. He greeted them, and they responded. Aisha added, "Welcome back." He replied, "Thank you, Baby." He looked at Hadiza. "I am very pleased with this gathering. May God make it last." They all said, "Amen." Hadiza then uncovered the food and began serving her husband first, before pushing the other plates forward for everyone to serve themselves whatever they liked.
Aisha wasn't much of a heavy eater, so she simply scooped a little chicken pepper soup into her plate and began sipping it with a spoon. He looked at her plate. "Baby, is this all your food?" She raised her eyebrows and smiled. Hadiza chimed in, "That's exactly why you never gain weight, right? Always looking like a single puff of wind could blow you over." She spoke while laughing. Aisha realized the comment was a thinly veiled jab disguised as a joke. Without looking at her, Aisha replied, "Well, obesity is a disease, in case you didn't know." Hajiya Jummai listened but said absolutely nothing, merely turning her spoon in her food, wondering to herself if she was truly sitting at the same table with two co-wives. It felt like a dream.
The husband, however, completely missed the underlying tension and the subtle jabs they were throwing at each other, especially since he saw Hadiza smiling while speaking and noticed that Aisha didn't show any anger. Hadiza was privately Ried by Aisha’s clever retort, but she had nothing left to say. Aisha didn't stay long before standing up. Uncle asked, "Are you full already?" She said, "Yes, Uncle, I'm full." She looked at them. "Goodnight." They all murmured a response from the back of their throats. Why did they all harbor such bitter resentment toward her? As she walked away, he followed her with his eyes. Everything about Baby charmed him, especially her exam, poised elegance when walking—stepping so gently it felt as if she were pitying the ground. Sometimes, even he felt she was intentionally teasing him with her grace. Hadiza suddenly struck her spoon against her plate with a loud clatter, snapping him out of his reverie. In a deeply frustrated tone, she snapped, "Is everyone else completely invisible to you whenever Aisha is around?" He asked, "Is that how you see it?" She replied, "Yes, absolutely!" He simply said, "Alright then." Her anger flared even more, and she sneered, "You treat her like she's made of solid gold!" Ignoring her, he stood up and walked to his room, and the women also dispersed, each with a heart burning with resentment. The next morning, Aisha headed back to school, leaving them to continue their underhand schemes.
This term, Aisha and her peers were fully focused on their studies, since this final stretch after the holidays meant graduation was just around the corner.
Every month, Hadiza anxiously watched for signs of pregnancy, but nothing happened. The relationship between her and Hajiya Jummai was one of mutual avoidance on the surface, though they constantly plotted against each other underneath. Amidst this tense atmosphere, on a particular Sunday, their husband woke up experiencing a strong surge of sexual frustration. It was Jummai's scheduled period with him, but she was currently on her menstrual pause from prayers. By late afternoon, Hadiza was managing to endure the day, waiting it out. Ideally, the husband wished to satisfy his desires during the daytime, but as soon as the evening prayer was completed, he rushed into the house and went straight to his room. He grabbed his phone and called Hadiza's line. She took her time before finally walking in.
He went over and held her, then removed her headscarf and began unbuttoning her long polished-cotton (shadda) dress. The way he initiated physical contact made her instantly realize what he wanted. Immediately, her pride flared up, and she forcefully broke away from his embrace.
"You only ever acknowledge my value when you are desperate for intimacy. Well, honestly, now it's my turn to call the shots, and I am absolutely not doing what you want right now." His eyes had turned bloodshot with desire. He looked at her. "For God's sake, Hadiza, give me my marital right. I swear I am in desperate need, please help me."