Amatullah’s chatter echoed in the room along with those sitting by her. In all honesty, she had deeply captured Ismail's heart. In his mind, he wished this girl were born under normal circumstances like anyone else, so that until the end of her life, she would never have to hear any ugly remarks regarding her birth.
As for Col. Ishaq, Asmau was exhausted from watching where he stood. Try as she might, she could not manage to catch his eye at the exact moment he was looking at her. He, deliberately aware, would avert his gaze whenever he saw her raise her head. No matter how much he loved her, he had to leave her if he truly desired her happiness before God. All the plans he had been making for her and Amatullah had been shattered by Ismail's recent words. He would try to support her in every aspect of life, especially her education, since she mentioned wanting to go back to school. He was ready to sponsor it, provided it wouldn’t cause any issues between her and whoever she ended up marrying. Or, he could simply gather a sum of money and give it to her as a wedding gift. He was lost in these thoughts until Umma, Anti Bintu, and Shemau walked in.
Mami and her companions had not expected to see Asmau's family looking like this. They were clearly comfortable and well-off, and above all, they showed great unity. Surprisingly, even the mother of the man who had gotten Asmau pregnant was there helping to nurse Amatullah. Their amazement only grew when Alh Adamu walked in—a cheerful man who easily drew people close to him. He greeted everyone and then sat down, teasing Amatullah. By then, the room had become very crowded, which prompted Haj Lubabatu to suggest they leave.
Everyone, from Mami to Musaddiq, admired Asmau's relatives. Fate can cross anyone's path, and when it does, every good Muslim should accept it with both hands. It turns out it is wrong to despise or chase away one's daughter if she gets pregnant out of wedlock. Doing so only hardens their hearts, especially if they aren't as fortunate as Asmau. This doesn’t mean they should be treated as if they are superior, or that the gravity of their sin should be erased as if nothing happened. Rather, they should be drawn close, shown their mistakes, and taught the necessity of repentance to distance themselves from regret. Asmau had become a prime example. Even though her parents had forgiven her and she had repented, it was something that could never, ever be forgotten in this world. She would only truly forget it the day she hears the call: "Enter Paradise in peace." May Allah count us among them.
She and Anti Bintu went outside to see the guests off. It was only then they spotted Bilkisu and Yassar sitting on a bench. Almost everyone had forgotten they were even there.
Everything Bilkisu had overheard from her parents and grandmother, she asked Yassar about, and he confirmed it to be true. Bilkisu wept bitterly, feeling immense pity for Asmau. She told him about the decision her uncle (Col. Ishaq) had made to separate from Asmau due to his personal medical issue. Hearing this, Yassar became deeply distressed. He saw no one more suited for his elder sister than Col. Ishaq. While they were discussing this, they spotted Ismail and the others coming out. Bilkisu didn't know where to hide her face out of sheer embarrassment. She didn't want anyone thinking Yassar was her boyfriend, even though that was secretly her hope—but it hadn't happened yet. Right now, they were just trying to fix things between her uncle and his sister.
Fortunately, the departing guests were not paying attention to them. Only Asmau and Anti Bintu noticed them. Anti Bintu stopped by Col. Ishaq because she had been wanting to speak with him. She wanted to talk quickly before Hajiya came out, as Alh Adamu and Umma had stopped to chat with her for a moment. Asmau, on the other hand, walked over to Bilkisu and Yassar.
Seeing her approach, they stood up, but Asmau noticed the tears Bilkisu was hastily wiping away. She became frightened, wondering if Yassar had done something terrible to her. She stared at them intently, looking from one to the other.
“What have you two been doing here all this time?”
She hissed slightly. “Bilkisu, tell me the truth. What did he do to make you cry?”
Bilkisu also forced a smile. “By Allah, it’s nothing. Something just got into my eye.”
Asmau didn't believe them for a second. From their demeanor, she knew they were hiding something.
“Since you won't tell me, let me call your father. I know you will tell him.”
As she turned to leave, Yassar quickly grabbed her hand. “Please, don't even start. Let them leave first, and I swear I will tell you everything you want to know.”
They watched as Ismail and Dahiru's cars drove out of the hospital. Bilkisu said, “Let me go now. Anti Asmau, good night.”
Asmau frowned playfully. “I won't accept your goodnight until I get an explanation.”
Bilkisu merely smiled and headed toward Col. Ishaq's car.
As Bilkisu approached, she overheard a distraught Anti Bintu saying, “What kind of talk is this, Ishaq? Childbearing belongs to Allah. Are you saying you are calling off the wedding because of this? Wallahi, you have no idea how worried I became when I heard Qasim’s side of the story.”
Half of Ishaq's attention was on Asmau, whom he could see talking to Yassar in the distance. He didn't want this conversation to happen here while her daughter lay hospitalized. He looked at Bilkisu with a serious, unsmiling face.
“Are you done gossiping? Go tell him I said he must not dare mention anything to her right now.”
Bilkisu’s stomach churned with fear, and she quickly retreated to where the others were. Ishaq turned his full attention back to Anti Bintu.
“Infertility is no small issue. You are a witness to how much I love her, but how can I deprive her of her rights by making her stay with me childless?”
"Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return). Asmau has faced so many trials in her life. Since she returned home, I have never seen her as happy as when she is with you. Ishaq, wallahi, she loves you. Don’t do this to her. This girl has seen enough misery. Is she now going to lose the man she loves too?" Anti Bintu spoke, looking as though she herself was on the verge of tears.
Ishaq felt a sharp pang of pain in his heart. Just yesterday, he had resolved that no matter what happened, he would not leave her. But a single conversation had reminded him of how unsuitable he was for her.
Before Bilkisu could reach them, Asmau walked forward. Yassar had promised to tell her everything once they returned home. Asmau assumed they were secretly in a relationship, so she didn't press him further. Quietly, she walked over to where Jikamshi (Col. Ishaq) was standing with Anti Bintu. Upon seeing her approach, Anti Bintu left the area, her heart growing heavier. She dreaded the state Asmau would be in once she discovered what Ishaq was harboring. The issue of childbearing is never taken lightly. She couldn’t force the marriage to happen, especially since he had personally revealed that he had been married to his first wife for eleven years without a child, yet she got pregnant immediately after they divorced.
As Anti Bintu was leaving, she locked eyes with Asmau, who quickly lowered her head shyly. Ishaq knew he couldn’t stay long either, lest Hajiya appear.
He was happy to see her, but the heavy state of his heart prevented him from showing it, despite his best efforts to hide it. With a gentle smile on her face, she greeted him.
“Wife of Jikamshi.”
“Uhmm.”
"Today I love you more than ever. It feels as though I am falling in love with you for the very first time." The gentle, slow manner in which he spoke brought a rush of joy to her heart.
Twirling his car keys slightly, he added, “You haven't answered me.”
In her mind, she thought he was starting his usual routine of making her blush. Looking down at the ground, she said, “What am I supposed to say?”
"Oh, so you don't even know? Let me tell you then, since I'm the one who wants the answer. I feel like if you don't say what I want to hear, I won't even be able to drive us home." His body felt weak and heavy. He felt that after today, he might never utter words of love to her again. He stared at her as if devouring her with his eyes, feeling his love for her completely renewed.
She raised her head. “Please, stop saying things like that. I don't like it.”
“Is it me you don't like, or what I just said?”
She pouted, on the verge of tears, making him fall for her even more. “You know what I mean. Stop saying you won't be able to go home.”
He forced a laugh. “Then give me the right answer.”
Covering her face with her veil, she whispered, "I love you, my Jikamshi." She quickly turned to run away, but he called out to stop her. She halted but did not turn around.
“Wife of Jikamshi, stay true to your husband, okay? May Allah bless your life.”
His words completely overwhelmed her, but she didn't suspect anything negative. She assumed he was referring to himself as her future husband, so she replied, "Amin," and hurried back into the hospital.
Fortunately for her, on her way back she ran into Umma and Mama, who were escorting Haj Lubabatu out. Since she couldn't change her path, she simply said her goodbyes and passed them while they escorted the guest to the car.
Even by the time Umma and the rest were ready to leave, Anti Bintu noticed no change in Asmau's behavior. This led her to believe that Ishaq hadn't broken the news to her yet. She felt deep pity for both of them and resolved to keep them in her prayers, as
Amatullah’s chatter echoed in the room along with those sitting by her. In all honesty, she had deeply captured Ismail's heart. In his mind, he wished this girl were born under normal circumstances like anyone else, so that until the end of her life, she would never have to hear any ugly remarks regarding her birth.
As for Col. Ishaq, Asmau was exhausted from watching where he stood. Try as she might, she could not manage to catch his eye at the exact moment he was looking at her. He, deliberately aware, would avert his gaze whenever he saw her raise her head. No matter how much he loved her, he had to leave her if he truly desired her happiness before God. All the plans he had been making for her and Amatullah had been shattered by Ismail's recent words. He would try to support her in every aspect of life, especially her education, since she mentioned wanting to go back to school. He was ready to sponsor it, provided it wouldn’t cause any issues between her and whoever she ended up marrying. Or, he could simply gather a sum of money and give it to her as a wedding gift. He was lost in these thoughts until Umma, Anti Bintu, and Shemau walked in.
Mami and her companions had not expected to see Asmau's family looking like this. They were clearly comfortable and well-off, and above all, they showed great unity. Surprisingly, even the mother of the man who had gotten Asmau pregnant was there helping to nurse Amatullah. Their amazement only grew when Alh Adamu walked in—a cheerful man who easily drew people close to him. He greeted everyone and then sat down, teasing Amatullah. By then, the room had become very crowded, which prompted Haj Lubabatu to suggest they leave.
Everyone, from Mami to Musaddiq, admired Asmau's relatives. Fate can cross anyone's path, and when it does, every good Muslim should accept it with both hands. It turns out it is wrong to despise or chase away one's daughter if she gets pregnant out of wedlock. Doing so only hardens their hearts, especially if they aren't as fortunate as Asmau. This doesn’t mean they should be treated as if they are superior, or that the gravity of their sin should be erased as if nothing happened. Rather, they should be drawn close, shown their mistakes, and taught the necessity of repentance to distance themselves from regret. Asmau had become a prime example. Even though her parents had forgiven her and she had repented, it was something that could never, ever be forgotten in this world. She would only truly forget it the day she hears the call: "Enter Paradise in peace." May Allah count us among them.
She and Anti Bintu went outside to see the guests off. It was only then they spotted Bilkisu and Yassar sitting on a bench. Almost everyone had forgotten they were even there.
Everything Bilkisu had overheard from her parents and grandmother, she asked Yassar about, and he confirmed it to be true. Bilkisu wept bitterly, feeling immense pity for Asmau. She told him about the decision her uncle (Col. Ishaq) had made to separate from Asmau due to his personal medical issue. Hearing this, Yassar became deeply distressed. He saw no one more suited for his elder sister than Col. Ishaq. While they were discussing this, they spotted Ismail and the others coming out. Bilkisu didn't know where to hide her face out of sheer embarrassment. She didn't want anyone thinking Yassar was her boyfriend, even though that was secretly her hope—but it hadn't happened yet. Right now, they were just trying to fix things between her uncle and his sister.
Fortunately, the departing guests were not paying attention to them. Only Asmau and Anti Bintu noticed them. Anti Bintu stopped by Col. Ishaq because she had been wanting to speak with him. She wanted to talk quickly before Hajiya came out, as Alh Adamu and Umma had stopped to chat with her for a moment. Asmau, on the other hand, walked over to Bilkisu and Yassar.
Seeing her approach, they stood up, but Asmau noticed the tears Bilkisu was hastily wiping away. She became frightened, wondering if Yassar had done something terrible to her. She stared at them intently, looking from one to the other.
“What have you two been doing here all this time?”
Yassar scratched his head, smiling nervously. “It’s nothing, Ummi (mother of) Amatullah.”
She hissed slightly. “Bilkisu, tell me the truth. What did he do to make you cry?”
Bilkisu also forced a smile. “By Allah, it’s nothing. Something just got into my eye.”
Asmau didn't believe them for a second. From their demeanor, she knew they were hiding something.
“Since you won't tell me, let me call your father. I know you will tell him.”
As she turned to leave, Yassar quickly grabbed her hand. “Please, don't even start. Let them leave first, and I swear I will tell you everything you want to know.”
They watched as Ismail and Dahiru's cars drove out of the hospital. Bilkisu said, “Let me go now. Anti Asmau, good night.”
Asmau frowned playfully. “I won't accept your goodnight until I get an explanation.”
Bilkisu merely smiled and headed toward Col. Ishaq's car.
As Bilkisu approached, she overheard a distraught Anti Bintu saying, “What kind of talk is this, Ishaq? Childbearing belongs to Allah. Are you saying you are calling off the wedding because of this? Wallahi, you have no idea how worried I became when I heard Qasim’s side of the story.”
Half of Ishaq's attention was on Asmau, whom he could see talking to Yassar in the distance. He didn't want this conversation to happen here while her daughter lay hospitalized. He looked at Bilkisu with a serious, unsmiling face.
“Are you done gossiping? Go tell him I said he must not dare mention anything to her right now.”
Bilkisu’s stomach churned with fear, and she quickly retreated to where the others were. Ishaq turned his full attention back to Anti Bintu.
“Infertility is no small issue. You are a witness to how much I love her, but how can I deprive her of her rights by making her stay with me childless?”
"Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return). Asmau has faced so many trials in her life. Since she returned home, I have never seen her as happy as when she is with you. Ishaq, wallahi, she loves you. Don’t do this to her. This girl has seen enough misery. Is she now going to lose the man she loves too?" Anti Bintu spoke, looking as though she herself was on the verge of tears.
Ishaq felt a sharp pang of pain in his heart. Just yesterday, he had resolved that no matter what happened, he would not leave her. But a single conversation had reminded him of how unsuitable he was for her.
Before Bilkisu could reach them, Asmau walked forward. Yassar had promised to tell her everything once they returned home. Asmau assumed they were secretly in a relationship, so she didn't press him further. Quietly, she walked over to where Jikamshi (Col. Ishaq) was standing with Anti Bintu. Upon seeing her approach, Anti Bintu left the area, her heart growing heavier. She dreaded the state Asmau would be in once she discovered what Ishaq was harboring. The issue of childbearing is never taken lightly. She couldn’t force the marriage to happen, especially since he had personally revealed that he had been married to his first wife for eleven years without a child, yet she got pregnant immediately after they divorced.
As Anti Bintu was leaving, she locked eyes with Asmau, who quickly lowered her head shyly. Ishaq knew he couldn’t stay long either, lest Hajiya appear.
He was happy to see her, but the heavy state of his heart prevented him from showing it, despite his best efforts to hide it. With a gentle smile on her face, she greeted him.
“Wife of Jikamshi.”
“Uhmm.”
"Today I love you more than ever. It feels as though I am falling in love with you for the very first time." The gentle, slow manner in which he spoke brought a rush of joy to her heart.
Twirling his car keys slightly, he added, “You haven't answered me.”
In her mind, she thought he was starting his usual routine of making her blush. Looking down at the ground, she said, “What am I supposed to say?”
"Oh, so you don't even know? Let me tell you then, since I'm the one who wants the answer. I feel like if you don't say what I want to hear, I won't even be able to drive us home." His body felt weak and heavy. He felt that after today, he might never utter words of love to her again. He stared at her as if devouring her with his eyes, feeling his love for her completely renewed.
She raised her head. “Please, stop saying things like that. I don't like it.”
“Is it me you don't like, or what I just said?”
She pouted, on the verge of tears, making him fall for her even more. “You know what I mean. Stop saying you won't be able to go home.”
He forced a laugh. “Then give me the right answer.”
Covering her face with her veil, she whispered, "I love you, my Jikamshi." She quickly turned to run away, but he called out to stop her. She halted but did not turn around.
“Wife of Jikamshi, stay true to your husband, okay? May Allah bless your life.”
His words completely overwhelmed her, but she didn't suspect anything negative. She assumed he was referring to himself as her future husband, so she replied, "Amin," and hurried back into the hospital.
Fortunately for her, on her way back she ran into Umma and Mama, who were escorting Haj Lubabatu out. Since she couldn't change her path, she simply said her goodbyes and passed them while they escorted the guest to the car.
Even by the time Umma and the rest were ready to leave, Anti Bintu noticed no change in Asmau's behavior. This led her to believe that Ishaq hadn't broken the news to her yet. She felt deep pity for both of them and resolved to keep them in her prayers, as