I hope you’re doing well, right? She quickly opened her portal and said, “Look, here’s mine.”
He widened his eyes. “Kaiiiiiii…” She smiled, but said, “Please, I don’t want you telling anyone my results.”
He replied warmly, “Don’t worry, God willing, I’ll keep it a secret. But Bilkisu, you really did amazing!”
She just laughed lightly.
“May God bless you. Just in case anything comes up and if you don’t mind, I’ll keep coming to you for guidance whenever I don’t understand something.”
“No problem. Give me your number to write it down…”
At that moment, Anwar left the class. That day, he intentionally avoided her and didn’t greet her, but in a short time she got used to Suleiman and realized he was easygoing, humble, and religious.
Even when he noticed Bilkisu’s effort, he liked her, and whenever there was a continuous assessment (C.A.), he stayed close to her, not letting her go far.
She wasn’t malicious at all—any answer she completed for him, he took it entirely.
There was one particularly tough course, a three-credit unit with complicated calculations that everyone struggled with. Anwar kept an eye on her, noticing everyone else was struggling, but he didn’t reveal his own skill. She spent days studying, praying, and reviewing. On the day of the exam, as they lined up, the lecturer told her to sit in a certain spot. Her attention immediately went to him because he was right in front of her. She prayed, knowing today only God and the lecturers could help her. Seven questions, but only five could be answered. Her heart nearly gave out because she knew only one question.
Tears filled her eyes. Seeing that Anwar wasn’t looking up, the hall fell silent. She took a deep breath and started answering the questions she knew. Most of the lecturers were focused on the boys in the back. She wrote quickly, praying she could at least get an “E” and pass.
She finished with a gulp, anxious.
Anwar noticed and softly said, “I see you know question one—it’s really difficult, isn’t it?”
She whispered, “Honestly, only question four I could do out of the seven, the rest are new to me.”
He adjusted his seat slightly, showing her his booklet, “Hurry up, keep going.”
“Wow… Bilkisu, you’re so quick!” She completed two lines at a glance. In a rush, she finished the page and turned to the next. He was impressed, “You’re doing well, don’t stop. I finished, just turn it over.”
He guided her through the four questions she didn’t know, ensuring she completed them. After confirming she was done, he also completed question four for her. She noticed Suleiman at the back, wide-eyed. Everyone looked nervous or anxious.
“Go submit,” he whispered. She replied softly, “Okay.”
Everyone watched in amazement at how fast she submitted. Some thought she was simply tired of sitting. It took thirty minutes before a few students began leaving. Those who submitted had their eyes on the lecturer, fearing they would fail the course. Suleiman was the last she waited for, and he finally saw her, saying, “Bilkisuuu… I’m impressed! God helped you. But I only know two questions for sure.”
“Indeed, God helped me. Anwar gave me all the answers I didn’t know… even question one?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“So, you just answered it because the others didn’t know?”
“Yes, God helped me,” she replied, preparing to leave. She saw Anwar hurrying toward the gate.
“Anwar…” she called. He paused, smiling. He knew she was calling him but didn’t want them to meet.
He stopped briefly, smiling as he checked Bilkisu’s exam. “Hmm, exams today… God, keep me safe. I barely survived level three. Thanks, God, for more knowledge. You really know this course, huh? I saw how people were panicking and copying…”
He smiled and passed by. She followed his gaze.
“Anwar…” she called again. He turned, smiling, “Thanks, you hear?” He chuckled and turned away.
She felt immense relief. That day was special because everyone struggled with that course.
The break was long, two months at home before returning for two more classes. Bilkisu’s results came out at 4.22, slightly lower due to the difficulty, while Suleiman had 2.72 but one carry-over. They returned to school, and after two weeks, there was a convocation with awards for first-class students and overall achievers.
She didn’t attend because no one was paying attention. Anwar went and received the five-pointer award and was the top overall student in their class. He left quietly, noticing no classmates around. Suleiman was there, too. He was surprised—Anwar was the “Hamza Yusuf” everyone was looking for—but only told Bilkisu.
---
Kaduna Rigasa Section
He was surprised that his mother had texted him, wanting to see him, which was unusual. Sitting in the living room with snacks laid out, she entered, pouting.
“Bride, you didn’t do anything wrong, did you kill Ahmad (her eldest)?” she teased, holding a samosa.
He didn’t respond immediately.
“Like a brother?” she asked, worried.
He asked for clarification, and she explained that Aunty Amira had moved in and he had built her an apartment.
He immediately became upset, “I built it for you? Did I say I was building for you?”
She froze. “You hear me? I built it for you?”
“Okay, if you want to marry her, fine, but don’t start causing trouble. Listen carefully: if you want to live happily with me, obey Amira and treat her well. I won’t tolerate disobedience.”
She sighed, displeased. Tears came to her eyes. He hugged her, “Sorry, it’s my fault. I knew.”
She didn’t even realize what kind of crying it was. She resolved to stay strong, remembering her mother’s advice.
He showed her the room, luxurious and well-organized. He had bought boxes, all sky-blue, and said, “Here’s your wedding set.”
Ahmad and Almustapha brought theirs the next day. She touched him, crying with joy, “Sorry, I’ll never disrespect you.”
From that day on, she stopped looking down on him. She focused on asserting her authority in the house, making sure Amira would not have the chance to manipulate things.
No tricks or festivities could disrupt him. On the wedding day, a lavish celebration with vehicles was arranged.
He sat in the living room, receiving news from a messenger and gave out the car keys—a black 2019 GLK worth almost nine million Naira.
The bride’s family cheered, while the groom’s family, including Amira’s, celebrated. The bride was furious. She shouted, trying to regain her freedom. By six o’clock, everyone had left.
After Isha prayer, he led the bride to Amira’s section for the sermon.
---
University Study Section
The semester progressed, and Bilkisu still hadn’t fully settled. Studying was challenging, but she gradually followed Chinyere, learning from her. Anyone showing effort, she sought to learn more from.
Anwar was quiet, not showing off his skills, while others struggled. His attention was calm, especially in exams. Only he knew his real name was Anwar, not Hamza Yusuf.
Understanding Bilkisu’s humility, he treated her respectfully, wanting interaction but careful not to embarrass himself. For her, he barely existed—if they met, she’d greet him politely; otherwise, she barely noticed. She occasionally teased him a little.
She started paying attention to Chinyere and realized they were diligent in class. She wondered whether the department, like Economics, left students alone. She often questioned if she would continue as a Hausa or Islamic student.
She feared failing, probation, and carry-over. This motivated her to study harder, spending hours in the library, or with Chinyere, practicing daily.
Four days before exams, at around 4 PM, she was studying in a class when someone passed by—like usual, he glanced her way.
It was Anwar. She was startled, unsure if he had noticed her staring. He smiled warmly.
“Excuse me,” he said softly. “What are you studying? Explain it to me.”
She was frustrated, “I’m studying, don’t distract me. Move and give me space… you won’t teach me?”
He smiled, “It’s alright, go ahead and read.”
She continued without following him. He noticed her persistence and wanted to explain but didn’t know how to start.
She liked his fragrance. Anwar was well-groomed and attractive. She brought her book forward, trying to focus. He muted his music and noticed her. She asked about a phrase, pointing with her finger. He followed her hand, explaining the sentence, then asked if she understood the course.
She pouted. “I’m reading now…”
He opened the book and began explaining in Hausa slowly. She understood well. She was delighted.
“Oh! You’ve covered everything?”
“No, I just understood the lesson from class,” she replied.
“But you explain well, even better than the lecturer.”
He smiled, “I explained in Hausa, didn’t I?”
She giggled. He looked at her, continuing to watch as she opened her bag, asking him to help with math. He smiled but reassured her, “I’ll teach you tomorrow.”
They agreed to meet at 8:00 AM. She hesitated, then said, “God willing, we’ll meet safely,” lowering her eyes.
She stood up, arranging her bag, smiling, “Please teach me properly, I’ll meet you here tomorrow.”
He replied, “No problem… see you then.” She left. He watched her but knew he couldn’t intervene because of fate (gadara).
Her heart raced. She reached her room, pleased with Anwar’s explanation.
The next day, she went to the mosque, then class as promised, beginning to study a theory course before he arrived. She glanced at the clock, almost 4:40 PM.
Anwar, meanwhile, had fallen asleep and forgotten their plan. Luckily, Chinyere arrived with her friends for a statistics class. She thought Anwar might not come because he was shy. She rolled her eyes.
He didn’t wake up until 6 PM, rushing to pray and worrying about breaking the promise to Bilkisu. He hurried to the class, eyes wide, acting proud and confident.
I hope you’re doing well, right? She quickly opened her portal and said, “Look, here’s mine.”
He widened his eyes. “Kaiiiiiii…” She smiled, but said, “Please, I don’t want you telling anyone my results.”
He replied warmly, “Don’t worry, God willing, I’ll keep it a secret. But Bilkisu, you really did amazing!”
She just laughed lightly.
“May God bless you. Just in case anything comes up and if you don’t mind, I’ll keep coming to you for guidance whenever I don’t understand something.”
“No problem. Give me your number to write it down…”
At that moment, Anwar left the class. That day, he intentionally avoided her and didn’t greet her, but in a short time she got used to Suleiman and realized he was easygoing, humble, and religious.
Even when he noticed Bilkisu’s effort, he liked her, and whenever there was a continuous assessment (C.A.), he stayed close to her, not letting her go far.
She wasn’t malicious at all—any answer she completed for him, he took it entirely.
There was one particularly tough course, a three-credit unit with complicated calculations that everyone struggled with. Anwar kept an eye on her, noticing everyone else was struggling, but he didn’t reveal his own skill. She spent days studying, praying, and reviewing. On the day of the exam, as they lined up, the lecturer told her to sit in a certain spot. Her attention immediately went to him because he was right in front of her. She prayed, knowing today only God and the lecturers could help her. Seven questions, but only five could be answered. Her heart nearly gave out because she knew only one question.
Tears filled her eyes. Seeing that Anwar wasn’t looking up, the hall fell silent. She took a deep breath and started answering the questions she knew. Most of the lecturers were focused on the boys in the back. She wrote quickly, praying she could at least get an “E” and pass.
She finished with a gulp, anxious.
Anwar noticed and softly said, “I see you know question one—it’s really difficult, isn’t it?”
She whispered, “Honestly, only question four I could do out of the seven, the rest are new to me.”
He adjusted his seat slightly, showing her his booklet, “Hurry up, keep going.”
“Wow… Bilkisu, you’re so quick!” She completed two lines at a glance. In a rush, she finished the page and turned to the next. He was impressed, “You’re doing well, don’t stop. I finished, just turn it over.”
He guided her through the four questions she didn’t know, ensuring she completed them. After confirming she was done, he also completed question four for her. She noticed Suleiman at the back, wide-eyed. Everyone looked nervous or anxious.
“Go submit,” he whispered. She replied softly, “Okay.”
Everyone watched in amazement at how fast she submitted. Some thought she was simply tired of sitting. It took thirty minutes before a few students began leaving. Those who submitted had their eyes on the lecturer, fearing they would fail the course. Suleiman was the last she waited for, and he finally saw her, saying, “Bilkisuuu… I’m impressed! God helped you. But I only know two questions for sure.”
“Indeed, God helped me. Anwar gave me all the answers I didn’t know… even question one?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“So, you just answered it because the others didn’t know?”
“Yes, God helped me,” she replied, preparing to leave. She saw Anwar hurrying toward the gate.
“Anwar…” she called. He paused, smiling. He knew she was calling him but didn’t want them to meet.
He stopped briefly, smiling as he checked Bilkisu’s exam. “Hmm, exams today… God, keep me safe. I barely survived level three. Thanks, God, for more knowledge. You really know this course, huh? I saw how people were panicking and copying…”
He smiled and passed by. She followed his gaze.
“Anwar…” she called again. He turned, smiling, “Thanks, you hear?” He chuckled and turned away.
She felt immense relief. That day was special because everyone struggled with that course.
The break was long, two months at home before returning for two more classes. Bilkisu’s results came out at 4.22, slightly lower due to the difficulty, while Suleiman had 2.72 but one carry-over. They returned to school, and after two weeks, there was a convocation with awards for first-class students and overall achievers.
She didn’t attend because no one was paying attention. Anwar went and received the five-pointer award and was the top overall student in their class. He left quietly, noticing no classmates around. Suleiman was there, too. He was surprised—Anwar was the “Hamza Yusuf” everyone was looking for—but only told Bilkisu.
---
Kaduna Rigasa Section
He was surprised that his mother had texted him, wanting to see him, which was unusual. Sitting in the living room with snacks laid out, she entered, pouting.
“Bride, you didn’t do anything wrong, did you kill Ahmad (her eldest)?” she teased, holding a samosa.
He didn’t respond immediately.
“Like a brother?” she asked, worried.
He asked for clarification, and she explained that Aunty Amira had moved in and he had built her an apartment.
He immediately became upset, “I built it for you? Did I say I was building for you?”
She froze. “You hear me? I built it for you?”
“Okay, if you want to marry her, fine, but don’t start causing trouble. Listen carefully: if you want to live happily with me, obey Amira and treat her well. I won’t tolerate disobedience.”
She sighed, displeased. Tears came to her eyes. He hugged her, “Sorry, it’s my fault. I knew.”
She didn’t even realize what kind of crying it was. She resolved to stay strong, remembering her mother’s advice.
He showed her the room, luxurious and well-organized. He had bought boxes, all sky-blue, and said, “Here’s your wedding set.”
Ahmad and Almustapha brought theirs the next day. She touched him, crying with joy, “Sorry, I’ll never disrespect you.”
From that day on, she stopped looking down on him. She focused on asserting her authority in the house, making sure Amira would not have the chance to manipulate things.
No tricks or festivities could disrupt him. On the wedding day, a lavish celebration with vehicles was arranged.
He sat in the living room, receiving news from a messenger and gave out the car keys—a black 2019 GLK worth almost nine million Naira.
The bride’s family cheered, while the groom’s family, including Amira’s, celebrated. The bride was furious. She shouted, trying to regain her freedom. By six o’clock, everyone had left.
After Isha prayer, he led the bride to Amira’s section for the sermon.
---
University Study Section
The semester progressed, and Bilkisu still hadn’t fully settled. Studying was challenging, but she gradually followed Chinyere, learning from her. Anyone showing effort, she sought to learn more from.
Anwar was quiet, not showing off his skills, while others struggled. His attention was calm, especially in exams. Only he knew his real name was Anwar, not Hamza Yusuf.
Understanding Bilkisu’s humility, he treated her respectfully, wanting interaction but careful not to embarrass himself. For her, he barely existed—if they met, she’d greet him politely; otherwise, she barely noticed. She occasionally teased him a little.
She started paying attention to Chinyere and realized they were diligent in class. She wondered whether the department, like Economics, left students alone. She often questioned if she would continue as a Hausa or Islamic student.
She feared failing, probation, and carry-over. This motivated her to study harder, spending hours in the library, or with Chinyere, practicing daily.
Four days before exams, at around 4 PM, she was studying in a class when someone passed by—like usual, he glanced her way.
It was Anwar. She was startled, unsure if he had noticed her staring. He smiled warmly.
“Excuse me,” he said softly. “What are you studying? Explain it to me.”
She was frustrated, “I’m studying, don’t distract me. Move and give me space… you won’t teach me?”
He smiled, “It’s alright, go ahead and read.”
She continued without following him. He noticed her persistence and wanted to explain but didn’t know how to start.
She liked his fragrance. Anwar was well-groomed and attractive. She brought her book forward, trying to focus. He muted his music and noticed her. She asked about a phrase, pointing with her finger. He followed her hand, explaining the sentence, then asked if she understood the course.
She pouted. “I’m reading now…”
He opened the book and began explaining in Hausa slowly. She understood well. She was delighted.
“Oh! You’ve covered everything?”
“No, I just understood the lesson from class,” she replied.
“But you explain well, even better than the lecturer.”
He smiled, “I explained in Hausa, didn’t I?”
She giggled. He looked at her, continuing to watch as she opened her bag, asking him to help with math. He smiled but reassured her, “I’ll teach you tomorrow.”
They agreed to meet at 8:00 AM. She hesitated, then said, “God willing, we’ll meet safely,” lowering her eyes.
She stood up, arranging her bag, smiling, “Please teach me properly, I’ll meet you here tomorrow.”
He replied, “No problem… see you then.” She left. He watched her but knew he couldn’t intervene because of fate (gadara).
Her heart raced. She reached her room, pleased with Anwar’s explanation.
The next day, she went to the mosque, then class as promised, beginning to study a theory course before he arrived. She glanced at the clock, almost 4:40 PM.
Anwar, meanwhile, had fallen asleep and forgotten their plan. Luckily, Chinyere arrived with her friends for a statistics class. She thought Anwar might not come because he was shy. She rolled her eyes.
He didn’t wake up until 6 PM, rushing to pray and worrying about breaking the promise to Bilkisu. He hurried to the class, eyes wide, acting proud and confident.