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1. English Translation
Zuhra woke up and went straight to the bathroom to take a bath because of a sudden wave of heat, even though the room's air conditioner was working.
The next day, after Zuhra took a bath and dressed in a green floral material outfit—a top and skirt that suited her very well—Mama told her to get ready and go greet Hajja Hadiza, the chairman’s wife, before it got too late. Zuhra pulled out a milk-colored hijab, put it on, and said goodbye to Mama.
After Iman finished her exam, Aunty Hanan picked her up. They stopped by Kaduna to pick up some of her documents before heading to Kano. Hanan didn't park anywhere except at their house; later on, they would drop the others off at home.
Coincidentally, Mummy returned from Cairo that day. Mummy did not visit the school frequently, leaving the deputy provost to handle internal school affairs.
As soon as Hanan parked in the compound, they got out. The staff rushed to greet her, but there was zero warmth in her interactions because she disliked poor people. Whenever Mummy caught her acting that way, she would scold her, which would immediately send Hanan into tears, claiming she wasn't loved just because people hated how she behaved. Mummy always had to coddle her since she was their only child, cherished like life itself.
They found Mummy in the parlor reviewing some documents. Mummy was overjoyed to see them and exchanged warm greetings as usual.
Mummy said, "Hanan, you really did well by bringing them home to me. It's been ages since I last saw my children, unlike you, Islam."
Islam smiled and replied, "Mummy, schoolwork kept me hidden."
Mummy smiled. "I hope you all did well in your exams, because this year we are giving out the Provost Award."
Hanan chimed in, "Mummy, they studied really hard!"
Mummy said, "Well, may God grant you success."
They all chorused, "Ameen ya Rabbi."
Hanan got up, moved to the couch where Mummy was sitting, and started pouting, whining that she was hungry. Mummy smiled and said, "Look at someone about to get married, yet she still won't stop pouting and clinging to me like a child."
Islam and Iman laughed.
Hanan pouted her face even more, looking like she was about to cry, and said, "Mummy, he still won't answer my phone calls and he doesn't want to talk to me."
Mummy asked, "Did you do something wrong to him?"
Hanan replied, "Mummy, I didn't do anything to him at all!"
Mummy said, "Alright then, I will investigate and find out the truth."
Then Daddy called Mummy’s phone. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked if Hanan had returned. Mummy replied, "Yes, I am with her, along with Islam and Iman."
Mummy handed the phone to Hanan. After greeting him, Hanan whined, "My Daddy, I am upset with you! You called Mummy and didn't call me."
Daddy laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm almost home myself."
They chatted happily until she handed the phone back to Islam to greet him, then said their goodbyes. They took a bath and ate, and by evening, Hanan dropped them off at their hostel. Fortunately, throughout her stay, Rafeeq hadn't returned.
Two weeks after their return home, Islam and Iman talked about nothing else except Zuhra, even though they constantly called her. Now, even Mami knew Zuhra very well; although she had never met her in person, she had seen her pictures on the phone and had grown deeply fond of her from hearing her children praise their bond and genuine friendship.
Islam told Mami that tomorrow they were going to visit Zuhra's house. Mami immediately gave them money to go shopping and buy gifts for Zuhra as well. Everything was bought in sets of three—matching items, just in different colors based on everyone's best color, and they knew exactly what Zuhra liked.
The next day, they dressed up impeccably, and a driver dropped them off after she had given them the name of her neighborhood. When they arrived, they called her, and she rushed out. They were overjoyed to see each other before she led them to her house...
Islam and Iman were extremely surprised by the environment where Zuhra lived, because one would never imagine that a brilliant and beautiful girl like Zuhra lived there. Yet, she maintained her dignity and kept her focus entirely on her studies at school.
When they arrived, Mama wasn't home; she had gone to the chairman's house, so Zuhra was alone.
It was a small, mud-built house without plaster, enclosed by low brick walls. The house consisted of just two rooms, also built of mud, with a bare dirt courtyard lacking any concrete paving. In the courtyard stood a local firewood stove, as there was no kitchen or shade for cooking during the rainy season. There was also a makeshift outdoor bathroom made of corrugated zinc sheets without a roof. There was Mama's room and Babana's room. Mama's room was where she hosted them; it contained nothing except a small iron bed frame, a tiny mattress, two ancient, worn-out chairs, and an old carpet Mama had picked up from the chairman’s house.
Knowing they were on their way, Zuhra had bought sobo (hibiscus drink) and tiger nut milk (kunun aya) from the neighbors. She served them corn couscous (dambun masara) with oil and pepper, which they ate with immense delight, praising her cooking endlessly.
They handed over the gifts Mami had sent. Zuhra was overjoyed, especially when she realized she received the exact same items Iman and Islam wore.
They dove into a lively conversation about school, since they would be returning in just two weeks.
In the middle of their chat, Mama returned home. They greeted her respectfully. Mama was deeply impressed by the caliber of friends Zuhra kept; she could tell instantly that they were well-mannered and disciplined. Despite the humble environment, they showed no trace of pride, which made Mama instantly adore them.
Around 6:00 PM, they stood up to leave. As they were saying goodbye to Mama, Baba returned carrying a bundle of caps in his hands. Zuhra collected them and welcomed him home respectfully.
Islam and Iman greeted him politely, and Baba showered them with prayers before they stepped outside.
Mama racked her brain for something to give them to take along, remembering some dried locust bean pulp (luɓewa) sent to her from the village. She called Zuhra and handed it to them, and they expressed profound gratitude.
Zuhra walked them out to where the driver parked. Parting ways felt agonizing because of the deep love and empathy they had developed for her. They finally said their goodbyes and drove off.
They returned home filled with wonder, and when they told Mami about Zuhra’s living conditions, Mami felt deep sympathy for her.
Meanwhile, Yaya Rafeeq stood before the mirror dressed in an exquisite, high-end grey shadda boubou that shimmered with elegance, paired with a black cap and matching black shoes. He looked breathtakingly handsome, radiating an intoxicating signature scent.
He walked out into the parlor looking rather grim. Mami had urged him to go greet Mummy and welcome Daddy back from Umrah.
Mami noticed that over the past two weeks, he had grown slightly thinner, clearly consumed by stress regarding his impending marriage, but her hands were tied.
Finding Mami in the kitchen making coffee, he walked in, and she smiled, saying, "So you're all dressed?" She stroked his face. "My son, you look so handsome."
Yaya Rafeeq smiled. "Thank you, Mami."
Mami looked deep into his eyes. "What has been bothering you lately? I noticed you've lost weight." She wanted him to open up.
He replied, "Nothing is wrong, Mami."
Mami softened her voice. "Please bear with me. I know it's about the marriage to Hanan. I know you are straining yourself just to obey us, Rafeeq. We are deeply grateful to have a dutiful son like you."
Yaya Rafeeq forced a tight smile. "It's nothing, Mami. I agree to marry her, but I need a little more time."
Mami sighed. "Alright, but do you think Alhaji and Hanan's parents will grant you an extension?"
He answered, "Insha Allah, there will be no problem, Mami. I'll be on my way back."
Mami prayed for his safe trip and asked him to greet Hajja Fatima.
He climbed into a brand-new black Corolla. Driving with an aura of effortless authority, he arrived at their neighborhood—an exclusive enclave for the ultra-wealthy.
The security guard opened the massive gate, and he drove in. As he stepped out, the staff rushed forward to greet him, and he warmly acknowledged them while handing out cash tips.
Entering the main parlor through the connecting door, he offered his greetings. The room was empty save for the softly humming air conditioner and the large plasma TV on the wall.
After about three minutes, Mummy emerged from her bedroom, smiling brightly. "Ah, is it Rafeeq in our house today?"
Yaya Rafeeq smiled, took a seat, and greeted her respectfully, which she accepted with delight.
They conversed about school affairs, the upcoming student awards, and the decoration preferences for the reception hall.
Mummy chuckled. "So, what happened between you and your younger sister lately? I know she must have committed a crime."
Yaya Rafeeq rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "It's nothing, Mummy."
Mummy gave a knowing, sophisticated smile. "Always exercise patience. May God mend the rift between you two." She excused herself to inform Alhaji of his arrival.
Ten minutes later, she returned accompanied by Daddy. After exchanging greetings with Daddy, Mummy stepped out.
Following a brief chat, Daddy smiled and asked, "So, what about the wedding date preparations?"
Rafeeq rubbed the back of his neck, remaining silent with his head bowed.
Daddy smiled again. "My son, is there something on your mind? Whatever it is, tell me. I hold Hanan dear, but I hold you just as deeply in my heart."
Realizing he couldn't keep hiding behind politeness, Rafeeq gathered his courage. "Actually, Daddy, I am asking a favor—for a little extension of time due to some pressing personal commitments."
Daddy smiled warmly. "Is that all? Consider it done! And whenever you need anything else, please let me know."
Yaya Rafeeq expressed his profound gratitude.
At that moment, Hanan walked in wearing a skin-tight pair of jeans and a matching body-hugging top. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail with a scrunchie. She carried a small tray laden with juice cartons, bottled water, and glass cups.
Greeting them gracefully, she placed the tray on the center table, sat on the sofa beside Daddy, and politely asked how his day went.
Daddy smiled warmly. "Hanan, didn't you see your older brother arrive?"
Hanan smiled, covering her face with her palms playfully. "Welcome, Yaya Rafeeq."
Daddy stood up. "Well, you two can catch up. Let me go take a bath."
As soon as Daddy left, Hanan immediately got up and sat on the sofa right next to Rafeeq, staring at him intently while he kept his eyes glued to the TV.
In a soft voice, she asked, "Yaya Rafeeq, why do you refuse to look at me or talk to me?"
He pretended not to hear her until she repeated herself. Exasperated, he snapped, "Because of your own bad behavior."
She quickly protested, "My bad behavior? What did I do? Tell me, I swear I'll change!"
Yaya Rafeeq glared at her. "Who did you insult and disrespect over the phone the other day?"
Hanan swore, "I swear I've stopped doing that, Yaya Rafeeq! I won't do it again."
He stood up abruptly. "That's your own problem, Hanan."
Mummy walked back in just as they exchanged goodbyes, and he left for home.
Thus, their holiday ended, and they returned to school. Daddy eventually spoke to Abba about pushing back the wedding date, and though Abba wasn't too pleased, they eventually let it go.
Meanwhile, Alhaji funded Zuhra’s expenses using the funds sent by the government.
One week after their return, preparations for the grand event were finalized. The hall was magnificently decorated, and many distinguished guests invited by the provost arrived, as no student in the history of the faculty of science had ever achieved such a high GPA.
The hall brimmed with senior politicians, dignitaries, professors, and students packed into their designated sections. Dr. Rafeeq and his colleagues sat prominently in the front rows. Islam and Iman also attended, having dragged Zuhra along even though she initially insisted she wouldn't come.
Everything kicked off, and the presenter announced the top graduating student with a GPA of 4.89—an unprecedented record that left everyone astounded.
Students muttered prayers in hopes their names would be called.
The presenter announced: "The overall best graduating student is none other than... ZUHRA UMAR FAROUQ!"
Zuhra’s heart slammed against her ribs; she had never imagined her name would be called, especially since they hadn't even received their final semester results yet.
She remained frozen in her seat as murmurs swept across the hall, everyone eager to see this academic titan.
Her name was called three times, but she remained glued to her chair, paralyzed. Islam and Iman physically prodded her, but she couldn't move.
Seeing that she hadn't come forward, Yaya Rafeeq stood up and scanned the room. Spotting her frozen in the distance, their eyes locked, and he gestured for her to come forward. Slowly, she walked up and mounted the stage steps.
Her body was shivering. Today, she wasn't wearing her signature niqab. Students, lecturers, and VIPs stared at her in absolute awe.
Hanan, sitting near Dr. Rafeeq, was consumed by rage. She despised the fact that this "foolish girl" was receiving all these accolades, especially as she watched Rafeeq’s undivided attention lock onto Zuhra.
The presenter invited Zuhra to share a few words of gratitude in English.
Hanan immediately requested permission from the comperee to ask Zuhra a few questions. Given her influential background, her request was granted instantly. She stepped forward, eager to grill and humiliate Zuhra.
By the grace of God, Zuhra answered every single question flawlessly. Hanan burned with frustration, having intended only to back her into a corner ("As Miss J says: envy for the blessed is destined to fail").
Hanan slumped back into her seat in fury. Zuhra captivated the entire auditorium, earning deep admiration even from the provost.
Politicians and wealthy dignitaries stepped forward to shower her with gifts, including heavy cash cheques.
With no family present except Yaya Rafeeq—who acted as her guardian—Zuhra shone brightly, while Hanan fumed with jealousy throughout the ceremony.
Islam and Iman beamed with pride, acting as though they had won the awards themselves.
A.B.U. buzzed entirely with the name Zuhra Umar Farouq among students and lecturers alike. Consequently, Zuhra had to resume wearing her niqab because male students constantly intercepted her to ask for friendship or profess their love.
Two days after the ceremony, the official semester results were released. Islam and Iman performed exceptionally well, though they fell short of Zuhra's historic score.
They went to Yaya Rafeeq’s office to show him. Knocking politely, they waited for his stern permission before entering.
Aunty Hanan was seated inside, aggressively confronting him about the wedding date postponement discussed with Daddy.
The moment Hanan saw Zuhra enter, her expression twisted into venom, shooting daggers at her with her eyes. Zuhra kept her gaze lowered. Islam and Iman greeted him in English as usual, then curtly acknowledged Aunty Hanan.
Zuhra greeted Dr. Rafeeq, but to her shock, he ignored her greeting entirely. His face dark with displeasure, he demanded, "Where is your niqab?"
With trembling lips, Zuhra answered, "It's inside my shoulder bag."
Yaya Rafeeq commanded, "Take it out and put it on."
Sporting a stony, unyielding expression, Zuhra immediately retrieved her niqab and tied it.
Hanan watched suspiciously, sneering, "What business is it of yours whether she wears a niqab or not, Dr. Rafeeq?"
Dr. Rafeeq gave her a cold, dismissive look. "Did I ask for your opinion?"
Realizing pressing the issue would only cause a scene, Hanan clamped her mouth shut. Islam and Iman handed over their results, which he examined and praised before showing Hanan.
Zuhra handed hers over as well. He reviewed it and offered glowing praise. When Islam politely handed Zuhra’s result to Hanan to look at, Hanan scoffed loudly, rolling her eyes in disgust.
Bidding him farewell, Islam and Iman headed back to the hostel.
The following Thursday, Islam, Iman, and Zuhra visited Yaya Rafeeq’s residence at the staff quarters.
They found him working out on a treadmill, dressed in a sweat-drenched gym vest and three-quarter shorts that clung to his damp hair and skin.
Noticing them, he stepped off, exchanged pleasantries, and retreated to his bedroom to freshen up.
Fifteen minutes later, a car pulled up outside. Barely five minutes after that, Aunty Hanan stormed in, heavily dressed as if attending a high-society event, draped in an expensive long gown with a matching designer scarf, leaving a trail of heavy perfume.
After Islam and Iman greeted her, she demanded, "Where is Dr. Rafeeq?" Iman gave her a brief answer.
By the time she marched into his private suite, he had just finished changing into fresh clothes.
Like an apparition, she confronted him without even knocking.
"What kind of an idiot are you to let this good-for-nothing prostitute into your bedroom without even knocking?!" she shrieked.
Dr. Rafeeq’s eyes flashed with murderous fury. "If your filthy mouth ever dares to call her that word again, you will regret crossing paths with me."
Hanan laughed mockingly. "Regret what? Regret the humiliation you put me through because of this witch...?"
Before she could finish her sentence, a resounding, ferocious slap cracked across her cheek.
He growled, "Listen to me well: I love her, and she is the woman I am going to marry!"
Hanan staggered back, clutching her burning cheek in absolute disbelief, tears welling in her eyes. "You slapped me?! Me?! Just you wait, I swear I will make you pay for this!"
Blind with rage, she bolted out into the parlor straight toward Zuhra, launching herself at her and raining four violent slaps across Zuhra’s face. As she raised her hand to strike her again, a lightning-fast hand caught her wrist mid-air...
Yaya Rafeeq intercepted her wrist, shoving her forcefully to the side. Pointing a menacing finger at her, he thundered, "I never knew you were such a shameless, ill-mannered brat! You actually had the nerve to retaliate in my presence? Get out of my house this instant!"
Hanan glared at him with a twisted, venomous smile, then pointed a trembling finger at Zuhra. "You will pay for this," she spat, storming out of the house in a blind fury.
Zuhra burst into tears, her whole body trembling. Islam and Iman were equally shaken, staring at Dr. Rafeeq with wary, questioning eyes, though they were too intimidated by his terrifying expression to voice their questions.
Yaya Rafeeq stepped closer to Zuhra, who was huddled on the sofa. Bending down to her eye level, he spoke in a remarkably soft, soothing tone.
"I'm sorry, Zuhra. Insha Allah, I will never let anything like this happen to you again."
Weeping softly, Zuhra choked out, "Please, Yaya Rafeeq, tell me what is going on. I swear I did nothing to her. If I committed any offense, I don't even know what it was. Please help me appease her so she stops hating me."
Yaya Rafeeq gently placed a finger against his lips, shushing her softly. "You didn't do anything wrong, Zuhra."
Islam stepped forward. "Yaya Rafeeq, what is actually going on?"
He replied tersely, "Nothing. Just calm down."
Iman asked, "Yaya Rafeeq, what did you even do to Aunty Hanan?"
Glaring at her, he snapped, "Go ask her yourself."
Turning back to Zuhra, his expression softened. "Tomorrow, Insha Allah, I am heading to Kano. I'll drop by to deliver the prize cheque to Baba and explain everything to them."
Zuhra wiped her tears. "Thank you. May God reward you abundantly."
Islam said, "Yaya Rafeeq, we should head back to the hostel."
"Alright," he agreed. "But I want you girls to accompany me first. Zuhra, go inside and wash your face."
After she freshened up, he loaded them into his car and drove straight to Shoprite in Kaduna, letting each of them pick out whatever they wanted. He paid for everything and dropped them off near their hostel.
Meanwhile, after storming out, Aunty Hanan drove straight to her close friend Khubra’s house. She knew complaining to Mummy wouldn't work due to the deep mutual respect between Mummy and Mami.
Hanan recounted every single detail of the humiliation. Khubra cursed angrily and sneered, "Well, well! Hanan, how on earth did you let some nobody steal the heart of the man you've loved for years?"
Hanan wiped away hot tears of frustration. "You don't understand how stubborn Yaya Rafeeq is, Khubra."
Khubra clicked her tongue. "Honestly, you disappointed me, Hanan. With all the beauty God gave you, you couldn't lock him down in thirteen years since primary school? And now some random girl swoops in?"
Hanan sobbed, "What am I supposed to do? Love is a curse, Khubra. God has tested me with a man entirely out of my league..."
Khubra smirked wickedly. "Relax. I'll put you on game. Do you have her address or neighborhood?"
Hanan brightened up. "I can easily get it tomorrow morning from her departmental file!"
Khubra grinned. "Perfect. We'll set a series of traps that will make her wish she was never born."
The next morning, Hanan arrived early at school and headed straight to Zuhra’s department. While lecturers were busy, she bribed a messenger to pull Zuhra’s student file, copying down her exact home address and confirming that the government sponsored her studies. With a wicked smile, she left.
She drove straight to Khubra’s place, picked her up, and they hit the highway toward Kano.
Upon arriving in Zuhra’s neighborhood, they stopped and asked a young boy for directions to Zuhra’s house. Just as they were speaking with the boy, Mlm Umar rode out of the lane on his bicycle. The boy pointed at him, saying, "Look, that's her father right there coming out of their house!"
With malicious smiles, the two girls dismissed the boy and plotted their next move.
2. Comprehensive Summary
- Academic Triumph: Zuhra is announced as the overall best graduating student with a record-breaking 4.89 GPA at A.B.U., receiving numerous awards, cash prizes, and widespread acclaim, much to Hanan’s intense fury and jealousy.
- Domestic Confrontation: Hanan bursts into Dr. Rafeeq's office and later his residence, hurling insults and physical blows at Zuhra out of jealousy. Rafeeq publicly defends Zuhra, slaps Hanan, and firmly declares his love and intention to marry Zuhra.
- Escalating Retaliation: Humiliated and enraged, Hanan teams up with her friend Khubra, tracks down Zuhra’s home address from university records, and travels to Kano to target Zuhra and her family.
3. Exhaustive Chapter Description
- The Pinnacle of Academic Excellence: The narrative shifts to the grand university award ceremony where Zuhra’s hard work culminates in historic recognition. Her unexpected victory highlights her resilience, turning her into an academic icon while triggering deep insecurity and hatred in Hanan.
- The Shattering of Illusions: Rafeeq decisively cuts ties with Hanan's toxic entitlement, culminating in a physical altercation when Hanan physically assaults Zuhra in Rafeeq's home. Rafeeq's public declaration of his love for Zuhra acts as the point of no return for Hanan.
- The Alliance of Malice: Rejected and vengeful, Hanan conspires with Khubra. Exploiting institutional access, they illegally acquire Zuhra's personal file and travel to her impoverished neighborhood in Kano, setting the stage for a malicious confrontation.
