Big Uncle Book 1 Autar Alheri

Description

English Translation

GIRLS BOARDING SCHOOL (GBS)

I was about to leave the place when they pulled me back, insisting I had to wash the bucket before I could go.

"Servants of God," I said, "I don't know you, I don't know where you are from, and there is no relationship between us. Today is the very first time I am setting my eyes on you, yet you display such open hatred toward me."

"Before God, even if you were assigned to wash this giant pot, it wouldn't be my business, so I can't do it either."

The one called the Headgirl raised her hand to slap me. I caught it and said, "I swear by Allah, it won't work because of oppression coupled with a slap!"

We started fighting, trading heavy punches and blows. They outnumbered me, knocked me down, and started beating me up. I was screaming like someone stabbed with a knife. I ran outside, picked up a huge stone, and chased them all the way to the Principal's office.

The moment we rushed in, the stone fell near him. He did a backturn and jumped backward over his chair. In total panic, they were terrified, thinking a madwoman was chasing them. The Principal rushed into the Vice Principal's office and locked himself in.

The girls ran out and locked themselves inside the toilet. I sat by the restroom door waiting for them to come out. A woman, apparently a teacher at the school, slowly walked over to me, handed me a bottle of water, and said, "Drink this."

After gulping it down completely, I let out a loud burp and said, "Alhamdulillah."

"What is your name?" she asked. "Deeje, Gwaggo's daughter," I replied.

"So what did these young girls do to you that made you chase them?" "Forget them, the fatherless ones! They oppressed me when I don't even know what I did to them. Today, between me and them, only Allah remains."

It turned out she was the Principal's wife. He had called her to rush out from the school quarters into the main school because a student was possessed by jinn, and she needed to perform Ruqyah (spiritual healing). She didn't waste time getting there. Cleverly, she said, "Leave them. I will personally deal with them for you because they didn't behave well. Follow me, let's go."

Thinking she was leading me to deal with the jinn, we spent a few minutes in the office while she prayed for me.

I went back to the hostel and lay down. Zeenatu came in and found me lying down. "Deeje, are you okay? I saw you chasing some students," she asked.

"Oh, Zeenatu, just leave it," I replied, narrating everything that happened. Zeenatu laughed heartily, saying, "Yeah! That's Deeje, Gwaggo's daughter!" We chatted for a while before she left, and I went back to sleep on my comfortable bed.

THE KINGDOM OF KING AMADU

He was lying down in the middle of his room, holding his lower abdomen and shaking his head due to a terrible agony, his mouth murmuring the name of Allah.

Struggling, he took the medication brought by his close friend, Doctor Kamal, quickly swallowing two pills. Still feeling the pain, he mixed lime juice and drank it before finally finding some relief, completely drenched in sweat.

He kept asking himself why he kept falling into this condition. Whenever he locked eyes with a woman, he completely lost control of himself until he felt her body close to his to find peace.

He could never forget the night this started. He was lying down, just starting to drift off to sleep, when he felt something enter him. He bolted upright, feeling a heavy weight in his head, and began pacing his room like a newly deranged person before collapsing unconscious.

His maid, Lami, knocked to ask permission to enter, but hearing silence, she assumed he had fallen asleep and stepped in to leave his tea for when he woke up. It had become a routine that whenever he woke up at night, he drank hot herbal tea. Because of this, they had hired someone who knew how to brew it well, and she was skilled at it.

As she set it down, she walked over to where he lay near the bathroom door. She opened the fridge, took out a bottle of water, and splashed it on his face. Panicking, she removed her hijab and began fanning him.

After 30 minutes, he started to stir. "Prince Maheer," she called softly. He slowly opened his eyes, looking at her. "Prince, wake up. You are lying by the bathroom, go back to the bed." He couldn't take his eyes off her.

Slowly, he reached out and began stroking her face down to her neck. She noticed his arousal growing, and thinking he wasn't fully back to his senses, she hurried to stand up and leave. He pulled her down onto his lap and locked his lips with hers. Everything happened intensely, like a starving lion. Fear and panic gripped her, and she tried to push him away, but he felt immovable.

He held her tightly, stripped her clothes off, and aggressively romanced her until she became like a helpless puppet, doing whatever he wanted.

Thinking he was going to rape her, she saw the opposite happen. After spending some minutes, he pushed her aside, panting like a runner. She couldn't stand up due to the shock and roughness. As he regained his senses, he sat up and noticed he was naked. Widening his eyes, he scanned the room, and his gaze landed on Lami lying naked next to him. He quickly backed away. "You, what are you doing here?"

Unable to speak, she burst into tears. He began to remember what happened, quickly put his clothes back on, and told her to get up and leave, praying in his heart that he hadn't actually raped her.

She struggled up, put on her clothes, and walked out crying. Maheer stood there, filled with regret and shame over Lami, disgusted that out of all people, his maid was the one this happened to. Hot tears rolled down his cheeks. He managed to apologize to Lami; she had wanted to quit her job, but upon realizing he wasn't in his right mind, she agreed to stay on the condition that he stopped drinking alcohol until after she brought him his tea. He agreed.

He sighed, snapping out of his long flashback. He grabbed his phone and called the palace of the king, his father.

Seeing him about to come out, Ummah (Abdul Maleek’s mother) quickly hid so he wouldn't see her. He walked past without noticing.

An evil laugh escaped her lips. "You haven't seen anything yet. I, Boka Hudu (Four Witchdoctors), will drive you completely insane and cast you out into the world," muttered Ummah, the mother of Abdul Maleek.

Hajjiya Ummah was a woman greedy for worldly things. Her ultimate desire was for the throne to go to her son, and she vowed that by any means necessary, her son would rule this kingdom.

If it meant killing for power, she was ready. Because of her, this family was torn apart, and peace had never been restored.

Her biggest problem was Prince Maheer. She had tried repeatedly to eliminate him from the face of the earth, but failed. Boka Hudu had told her that Maheer’s death was not near—he was destined for a long life, marriage, and children. So, she resorted to cursing him with madness. Boka Hudu tried sending insanity his way, but it failed because Maheer was deeply devoted to his prayers. Instead, they cursed him with an overwhelming sexual affliction. They succeeded with that, but still, their wish hadn't come true because they wanted him to impregnate a woman so he would be banished from the kingdom.

The law of the kingdom dictated that anyone who impregnated a woman would be permanently banned from living there. That was why they made Boka Hudu curse him with hyper-sexuality—hoping he would impregnate someone, lose his crown, and be exiled. But they forgot that Allah exists and Maheer was constant in his prayers.

Ummah picked up her phone and called her friend, Hajjiya Zulai, to report that there was still no progress regarding him impregnating someone.

Hajjiya Zulai knew all sorts of fetish priests—as long as her pockets were lined, she would lead people to powerful sorcerers. She was the one who had taken Hajjiya Ummah to Boka Hudu. Hajjiya Zulai said, "Don't worry, we have Boka Gundala (Gundala the Sorcerer). We will take this task to him, and you will see success. Even if Maheer is a stone, I assure you he will impregnate someone and get banished, so your son can inherit the throne."

Hajjiya Ummah felt great joy at her friend's words. "If you succeed, you will see a huge reward, and I will give you a special status!" "Come on, Hajjiya Zulai, we are partners in this business, let's celebrate!"

After leaving his father's domain, Maheer walked towards Diddi's (his grandmother's) apartment. Knocking and entering, she responded, "Maheeru, is that you?" "Oh, Diddi, I don't like that name! Why Maheeru? You old people love ruining people's names!" "Listen to you, Maheeru is a fine name! You stubborn rogue, where is my perfume?" "Diddi, later today I'll go to a plaza nearby and buy it for you." "Good, at least you remember!" she scolded affectionately. Then she added, "What about your marriage, Maheeru? You aren't married yet, and you're growing older." "Ugh, this old woman! I am not getting married anytime soon. How old am I anyway?"

Diddi burst into tears. "Maheeru, you won't marry while I'm alive? Only after my death? You have no choice, I will tell my younger brother in the village to find you a wife!" "God forbid! Someone like me marrying a village girl? Look at my status!" "When they bring you a village girl, just kill her!" Diddi retorted angrily. "I'll choke her on our wedding night, Diddi," he teased.

Frightened, she said, "Maheeru, do you mean you'll commit murder? God curse your character!" He laughed under his breath. She ordered him out, and he left.

GIRLS BOARDING SCHOOL (GBS)

Days turned into weeks, and Deeje reached her final year in junior secondary (JSS 3) at GBS.

Preparations for the Junior WASC were underway, and Deeje had grown up a bit, though her fierce attitude remained. She didn't let anyone cheat her, and everyone was terrified of crossing her. Since her first day of school when she acted crazy, no one messed with her. She made a friend named Maryam, an urban girl, and they became inseparable over three years.

Furthermore, the Principal's wife became Deeje's foster mother figure at school, sending no one else on errands because Deeje was great at shopping. Whenever Deeje was sent out, she'd invite Maryam to accompany her, and they would stroll around town before returning. Hajjiya Iklima (the Principal's wife) loved this, and during holidays, Deeje usually stayed at her house. However, this time, Deeje was going back to Kukawa village for the long break before registering for SS 1.

Deeje was overjoyed to finally return home and see her Gwaggo.

THE SHOPPING PLAZA

Standing in the courtyard of a stunning plaza was Maheer. He looked dashing—tall, broad-chested, with coiling hair, a V-shaped face, a long nose, neatly trimmed sideburns, and brilliantly white teeth.

He was an arrogant man who tolerated no disrespect, blessed with royalty and wealth. True to his habit, whenever he went shopping, he demanded that everyone else clear out. His guards had ordered everyone to leave.

Deeje, having finished her shopping, was walking out when they bumped into each other at the entrance. "What is this? Where is she from?" Maheer asked. His guard stammered, "Oga, we informed all of them to come out, but we didn't know..." Before he could finish, Prince Maheer snapped at him in a cold voice, "What? Are you playing with your job?" Pointing at Deeje, he asked, "When the announcement was made for everyone to leave before my arrival, where were you?"

Ignoring her completely, she turned to walk away. He pulled her back. "Oh, you want to be stubborn with me? That's good." He ordered his guards to drag her to his car and lock her up, planning to take her to his Rest House afterward.

Deeje was utterly shaken, but he didn't even spare her another glance as he walked inside.

The other guards stayed behind. Two of them complained about their boss. "Does this Prince never get tired of women? Just this week, he's slept with eighteen women!" "Well, what do our business is that? As long as he keeps dropping cash, he can bring a hundred women for all we care!" They laughed.

After finishing his shopping, Maheer bought Diddi's favorite perfume, got into his car, and ordered them to drive to his Rest House.

Arriving, he went into his suite and ordered for her to be brought in. Just like always, he only found peace after doing his deed. Afterward, he tossed her some cash and ordered them to take her home.

He pulled out a smoking device, lit it, and blew out smoke, feeling a familiar wave of bitter regret. Why did he only feel remorse after doing it? He grabbed a bottle of soda, drank it with gin, stomped on his smoking device, and retreated to a corner, weeping over the affliction consuming him.

He eventually managed to bring Diddi her perfume.

KUKAWA VILLAGE

Right in the middle of Kukawa village, the bus carrying the students from GBS arrived. Deeje stepped down, overjoyed to be back home after three years away.

Fauziyya remarked, "Oh look at Deeje acting all excited to see Gwaggo. I don't see any joy in this village. The food here is worse than at school." Spinning around as if ready to fly, Deeje snapped, "Of course one must speak like that when they lack house training (a new slang Deeje learned in school). At school, you eat the same food every single day unless it's a special holiday. In the city, you eat delicious meals three times a day! We must be happy because home food is better than outside food. Anyone looking at us knows our chubbiness comes from good meals, not trash!"

Fauziyya replied, "Well, we don't have to line up to fry akara just to put something in our mouths. We eat, drink, and thank God. As for clothes, we even give them out as charity!" Fuu! Fauziyya tried to walk past, but Deeje grabbed her from behind and pointed her finger at her. "If your true background weren't a mystery, people wouldn't think you fell from the sky! Better to stick to our known roots than those who go begging at the palace gate and get humiliated before getting anything!"

That hit a nerve. Fauziyya lunged at Deeje with a heavy punch, but Deeje—a master of street fighting—easily blocked it and shoved Fauziyya flat onto the ground.

Seeing this, the driver rushed between them. "Stop fighting! Aren't you schoolmates?" He managed to separate them.

Fauziyya wasn't done. Pulling herself up, she screamed, "At least our origins aren't shady like yours! You talk about people falling from the sky, but we know everything, I swear!"

Deeje's blood boiled. If there was one thing she hated, it was probing into her lineage—something she'd heard hints about since childhood. Now, it bothered her even more because Deeje had grown up and sensed there was a grain of truth in what people murmured. Where were her parents? She had never even heard Gwaggo mention them, but this time, she was going to interrogate Gwaggo.

Arriving at her doorstep, she spotted Salisu at his shop—nothing had changed. He waved at her, but she ignored him and walked inside.

She stopped abruptly, clutching her chest. "What am I seeing?" Uncle Auwal was sitting on a chair, while Gwaggo was lying down on a drip.

"What is this?" she gasped. Not just Auwal, even Gwaggo was startled. "Deeje!" Auwal exclaimed in shock. Gwaggo struggled to sit up slightly, trying to see her, and reached out a hand. Deeje rushed to her and burst into tears.

"Deeje, doing this will only upset her more. You should comfort her instead," Auwal said. "Uncle Auwal, what happened to Gwaggo?" "It's a fever, and she wasn't eating, so she lost her strength. That's why I put her on a drip." "How long has she had this fever?" "For a week now." "Thank you, Uncle Auwal, may Allah reward you." "Ameen."

Deeje dedicated herself to nursing Gwaggo back to health. Alhamdulillah, she started recovering. Deeje wanted to ask her about their true origins and why people whispered about her being illegitimate, but the timing wasn't right yet.

THE CITY (PALACE OF KING AMADU)

Hajjiya Zulai sat before Hajjiya Ummah, recounting her meeting with Boka Gundala.

Boka Gundala had told her deep in the dark forest, "This is a small problem you've brought me. You want him to impregnate someone? Consider it done! However, we need a piece of his clothing and the scent of his shoes. Also, we foresee someone entering his life who will act as a shield for him—beware of our rules!"

Hajjiya Ummah let out a sigh of relief. "So, Hajjiya Zulai, when will you go collect the items?" "The day after tomorrow, once you've gathered them."

Maheer walked into the room and greeted them. Neither woman answered. He greeted them respectfully and walked away. "Useless wretch," muttered Hajjiya Ummah, and they both laughed. Hajjiya Zulai added, "The boy is like a demon; they try everything, but he resists. Even his mother gave us a hard time before Boka Hudu sent a jinn to kill her. Their bloodline is strong!"

On his way out, Maheer ran into his brother, Abdul Maleek. "Maleek, where have you been these past few days? Father is getting worried about your absence," Maheer asked. Maleek pointed a finger at him. "Stay out of my business, Maheer! What is my life to you? You robbed me of my rightful position in this kingdom, and now you want to meddle between me and our father? I will put a brake on you soon!" He stormed off without a backward glance.

Maheer kept wondering why Maleek and Hajjiya Ummah hated him so much. He hadn't put himself in the position of Crown Prince—his father did. Was that a crime?

PAGE 4

Walking stealthily, she slipped into Maheer's room. Luckily, no one was inside. She headed straight for his wardrobe to steal some items, but found it locked. She let out a long breath. "So close yet so far!" she muttered. But having come this far, she was determined to take something by any means necessary.

She noticed some clothes left by the bedside table, apparently just brought back from the laundry. She grabbed a complete set of clothes and a pair of shoes that retained his scent, then slipped out. Back in her room, she called her friend. "Mission accomplished!" Hajjiya Zulai replied, "You'll see me tomorrow, I'm on my way!"

Hajjiya Ummah sighed with relief, believing this time victory was finally theirs. She was tired of waiting 27 years for her son to be crowned. She had engaged in countless struggles, but on the coronation day, Maheer had been chosen because he gave Abdul Maleek six months. That drove Ummah mad, leading her to sorcerers to steal the crown back for her son. And she swore this time she would win.

THE REST HOUSE

Maheer lay on the 3-seater sofa, deep in thought. He didn't understand why he kept committing these vile acts. In the past, it was the exact thing he despised most, yet now he was sinking deep into it. If he didn't do it, he felt like he was going insane.

Hearing the sobbing of the girl he left behind, he stood up and walked over. Seeing her where he left her, she jumped up and begged him to let her go.

Slowly walking closer, he spoke in a cool voice. "You want to leave?" With anguish, she cried, "Yes." "Well, if you want to leave, you have to do what I want." "What do you want?" "Good question. It seems you're testing my mind," he said, beginning to strip off his clothes. Seeing this, she widened her eyes in terror. "What are you going to do?"

An unreadable, mysterious smile appeared on his face—was it joyful or evil? "You asked what I need, and now I'm showing you," he pulled her into his lap. "Mind you, if you argue, we'll spend the night here. If you cooperate until I'm done, you can leave right after."

Hearing that, she gave in and stayed still until he finished. He tossed her a bundle of cash, walked into the toilet, and said, "Get up and leave." Within five minutes, she was gone.

KUKAWA VILLAGE

They lay in the small courtyard of their house, trying to catch a breeze. The weather was terribly hot, and there weren't even trees to provide shade...

Summary

The story revolves around two primary narrative threads: Deeje (Yar Gwoggo), a fierce and resilient young girl attending Girls Boarding School (GBS), and Prince Maheer, the tormented heir to the throne of Amadu Kingdom, who is victimized by a dark political conspiracy orchestrated by his power-hungry stepmother, Hajjiya Ummah.

• Deeje's Journey: After standing up to bullies on her first day at GBS and winning the favor of the Principal's wife, Deeje finishes her junior secondary education and returns home to Kukawa village for the holidays. Eager to see her caregiver, Gwaggo, Deeje is still haunted by lingering questions about her obscure lineage and the hurtful whispers labeling her illegitimate.
• Maheer's Curse: Prince Maheer is suffering under a powerful fetish curse inflicted by his stepmother Ummah and her sorcerers (Boka Hudu and Boka Gundala). To strip him of his royal rights—since impregnating a woman results in permanent banishment—they have cursed him with an uncontrollable hyper-sexual affliction that forces him into shameful trysts, causing him deep psychological torment and remorse. Meanwhile, Ummah's faction schemes further by stealing items carrying Maheer's scent to fuel an even deadlier ritual to elevate Ummah's son, Abdul Maleek, to the throne.

Description

• Tone: Dramatic, intense, culturally rich (Hausa setting), blending youthful school life with high-stakes palace intrigue and dark mystical elements.
• Setting:
  1. GBS (Girls Boarding School): A disciplined yet lively boarding environment where friendships and schoolyard toughness shape Deeje's character.
  2. Kukawa Village: A rustic, hot, traditional setting where Deeje seeks answers about her heritage.
  3. The Royal Palace & Rest House: A luxurious yet politically treacherous royal backdrop in the city, contrasted with the dark, secret dealings of occult practitioners.
• Key Themes: Resilience, family mystery, political betrayal, witchcraft/sorcery, identity, and the struggle against involuntary fate.

Analytics

• Character Dynamics:
  • Deeje vs. Her Environment: Deeje represents raw, untamed strength and self-defense against injustice, contrasting sharply with passive or malicious peers.
  • Maheer vs. His Affliction: Maheer is a tragic hero—noble, pious, and disciplined in nature, yet physically hijacked by a supernatural curse designed to ruin his dignity and rob him of his birthright.
• Plot Progression & Pacing: The narrative uses alternating perspectives between Deeje's school/village life and Maheer's palace struggles. This parallel storytelling builds dramatic irony, hinting that their worlds may eventually intersect given the occult and social pressures surrounding them both.
• Conflict Matrix:
  • Internal Conflict: Maheer's guilt and internal revulsion toward his cursed actions.
  • External Conflict: Deeje fighting off social stigma and bullies; Maheer fighting a political assassination and banishment plot driven by black magic.

1. English Translation

Episode 1

I was passing through a fruit market and walked past a stall loaded with various kinds of fruits. I caught sight of a beautiful young girl inside wearing a faded Ankara top and skirt. She couldn't have been more than sixteen years old, and she was jumping up and down, calling out, "Come and buy, ours are sweeter!" Her face was lit with a smile, her dimples sinking in, and many people stood around staring at her with quiet admiration. She was genuinely lovely. She picked up oranges, star apples, and other fruits, explaining their health benefits to people just to persuade them to buy.

I, Afrah, said to myself, "Let me follow this fruit seller and bring back a story for my loved ones."

I saw a man call her inside. With a smile that enhanced her beauty, the girl said, "Ya Habu, are we closing up already? I see there are still plenty of people in the market. Let's wait a little longer, okay?"

Ya Habu looked at her and said, "Niimatu, don't you ever get tired? You've been jumping around like this since morning."

Niimatu laughed and playfully tapped Ya Habu's hand. "I am not tired, I swear! Let's stay just a bit longer, please."

Ya Habu laughed. "If you were a boy, you'd make a great warrior."

Niimatu put on a mock frown. "Oh, so I'm not a warrior now?" She poked out her lower lip in a pout.

Ya Habu lightly tapped her head. "You're only a warrior at jumping around." With that, he walked outside.

Niimatu hissed softly, then smiled and followed him out.

"Umma! Umma! Where are you? We're back!"

Umma came out beaming with joy. Niimatu quickly set down her bag and ran to hug her mother.

Umma smiled and asked, "Niimatu, will you ever grow up?"

Niimatu flashed her signature smile, looking at her mother. "Umma, as long as I am in front of you, I am still a little girl—even if I have a hundred children of my own!"

Umma laughed. Ya Habu walked in and greeted, "Umma, good evening."

Umma replied, "Welcome home, Habu."

They bathed and ate dinner, sitting together in the center of their courtyard, which had no cement flooring. The mud-brick house was severely deteriorated; even though it was built of blocks, it had eroded badly from age.

Ya Habu reached into his pocket, pulled out some money, and handed it to Umma. "Take this. I know Mallam Sahabi came by."

Umma replied, "He did come this afternoon. He said if we don't have our rent money by tomorrow, we shouldn't dare let him catch us here."

Ya Habu shook his head. "God is aware of our situation, and we thank Him for keeping us alive and healthy."

Umma sighed, "I am still praying for the kind man who gave you that market stall and initial capital, because he really helped us immensely."

Ya Habu said, "I still pray for him too, Umma."

Niimatu was lying down with her head on Umma's lap, fast asleep and snoring softly as she tossed and turned.

Ya Habu gave her a gentle smack on the back. "Hey, queen of snores, wake up and go to your room!"

Niimatu jerked awake, staring at him with a smile.

Ya Habu hissed. "Don't you ever get tired of smiling? Don't your dimples ever rest?"

Umma intervened, "Leave her be, Habu. Let her rest; she has worked hard."

Niimatu protested, "I wasn't even sleeping, Yaya! And when did I snore?"

Ya Habu stood up and said, "Umma, goodnight." He pointed at Niimatu. "And you, make sure you don't sleep in and fail to wake up early to get ready."

Niimatu beamed, pointing at herself. "I am a warrior, Yaya!"

Ya Habu let out a light hiss and walked away, knowing that if he kept arguing with Niimatu, he wouldn't get any proper sleep.

Episode 2

The next morning, Niimatu woke up, took a bath, and dressed in a red shadda gown—though you would swear on oath it wasn't red anymore because it was so faded. She peeked into their makeshift corrugated-iron kitchen, which was full of holes and choked with thick smoke.

"Ummana, good morning!"

Umma, whose eyes were slightly discolored from the smoke, replied, "Niimatu, you're already awake? You could have slept a bit longer since your brother isn't up yet."

Niimatu smiled. "Ah, Yaya Habu is just lazy! Even at the market, he's always dozing off. I am the real driving force of this business of ours, and besides..."

Ya Habu was just walking into the house (his room was outside). Hearing Niimatu gossiping about him, he crept up behind her and tapped her head.

"Ouch! Yaya Habu!"

Umma came out holding a small bucket of koko (porridge) and said, "You two, step away from the doorway so I can pass."

Niimatu stepped aside, and Ya Habu sat down. Niimatu walked up to him, rubbing her head. "Yaya Habu, what did I do to you that you had to flick my head?"

Ya Habu replied, "I caught you gossiping about me."

Niimatu pouted, stepped closer to him, reached up, and lightly tugged his hair.

Habu let out a yelp. "Hey! What is the meaning of this? Hey!"

Niimatu burst into laughter. "I just retaliated!"

Umma, stirring the porridge, called out, "Come and drink your porridge and head to the market before the sun gets too hot."

They sat down and drank their dawa porridge, which they had every morning unless God blessed them with better sales so they could afford something else.

At the market, Niimatu resumed advertising their fruits. Some people came to buy simply just to catch a glimpse of that smile of hers.

In the evening, Ya Habu called out to her. She answered from inside the stall, "I'm here, Yaya!" Her hijab was twisted to one side.

Ya Habu laughed, seeing that hunger had clearly set in because she was slumping and lacked her usual energetic bouncing—and her hijab was facing sideways.

Niimatu smiled, though it was true she was extremely hungry. Since their morning porridge, it was now five o'clock in the evening, so hunger was inevitable.

Ya Habu said, "Eat two bananas," and pulled fifty naira from his pocket, handing it to her. "Take this to the woman selling rice and beans so we can feed our stomachs."

She quickly grabbed the banana and started eating it as if they weren't the ones selling it.

Ya Habu smiled. "Eat slowly, Niina."

Niimatu's mouth was full of banana, but she still smiled, reaching out her hand. "Give me the fifty naira."

Ya Habu handed it over, laughing. "Easy, Niina." She grabbed it quickly and ran off.

As she walked along smiling, everyone she passed turned to look. She was a girl blessed with beauty and a cheerful disposition.

As she passed a vegetable vendor, she accidentally bumped into someone. A woman's bag fell to the ground.

Furious, arrogant, and menacing, the woman turned around and looked Niimatu up and down. "Hey! What is the meaning of this? Are you blind?" she sneered, twisting her face.

Niimatu raised her head and stared at the woman, her mouth dropping open in awe as she got lost looking at the well-dressed, affluent woman draped in glittering luxury fabrics.

The woman delivered a sharp slap across Niimatu's face. "Hey! Didn't you hear me?!"

Niimatu quickly stammered, "I'm sorry, I swear I didn't notice."

The woman glared at her disdainfully.

The vegetable vendor intervened, "Hajiya, please forgive her. It's not in this girl's nature to be rude; I know she truly didn't see you."

The woman hissed. "Get out of here, please!"

Niimatu hurried away, glancing back over her shoulder and smiling at the woman.

The woman hissed again. "Poor wretched girl, just staring at people like she wants to swallow them whole..."

Episode 3

Niimatu went and bought their small portion of rice and beans—barely enough to fill a single person.

They closed up shop early because the market was slow, and arrived home just as the Maghrib call to prayer sounded.

Niimatu was sitting in the middle of Umma's room, organizing her school notebooks. Almost every night before sleeping, she would tidy them up.

Umma walked into the room carrying a lamp. "Niimatu, you know nobody is going to go and pack up your laundry hanging outside, right?"

Niimatu turned, looking at Umma with a smile. "I'll go pack it right now, Umma. I was just organizing my school bag. You see, if we manage to get school fees, I'll just go back to school!"

Umma stared at her intently. So Niimatu still hasn't given up on education after nearly two years of being expelled from school?

Niimatu lightly nudged her mother. "Umma, what are you thinking about? Are you angry I haven't gone to collect my clothes from the line yet?"

Umma forced a smile and stroked Niimatu's head. "I could never be angry with my lastborn. Even if I were, this smile of yours would melt my anger away."

Niimatu beamed. "Really, Umma?"

Umma sat down on their old mattress. "Yes, your smile always reminds me of your father."

Niimatu quickly scurried over to sit beside Umma. "Was our father like that too? Did he like to smile like me?"

Umma nodded slowly and pulled Niimatu into her arms.

Niimatu asked, "Umma, you've never told us anything about our father. People only ever say we don't have a father."

Umma quickly wiped away a tear threatening to fall. "Niimatu, you do have a father, you hear me?"

Niimatu smiled. "I know we do, Umma, because there's no way you could have given birth to us all by yourself!"

Umma smiled. "True, our little one is growing up."

Niimatu pouted, wriggling playfully. "I am not growing up, Umma!"

Umma laughed and stood up. "Get up and go get your laundry before I change my mind."

(Background Context): Aysha is Umma's real name. No one could tell you where she originally came from or what town she was from. She arrived in Suleja when Abubakar (Habu) was ten years old, and Niimatu was just an infant. She stayed with an old woman she met at a motor park who sheltered her when she had nowhere to go. The old woman took care of them for seven years until she passed away. When her relatives came to divide her estate, Sahabi inherited the house where Umma and her children lived. He offered to let them stay on the condition that Umma marry him. When Umma refused his condition, Sahabi told them to vacate his house. Umma begged him to let them rent the house, agreeing to pay monthly rent.

Umma suffered immensely trying to feed her children. Habu managed to enter college, while Niimatu started primary school. However, Niimatu was constantly chased home from school because she lacked textbooks and supplies. When Habu was in his final year of college, money was required for their final exams. Umma tried her absolute best to raise the funds, but failed. From that day on, Habu gave up on his education, turning to the market to earn enough for basic groceries. When Niimatu was in JSS2, she was expelled because she had never paid school fees since starting. She never returned.

Eventually, Habu met the kind man who helped them and gave him a market stall to sell fruits. Niimatu begged Umma to let her join Habu at the market; though Umma initially refused, she eventually relented and told Habu, which is how they came to work together.

Episode 4

A massive mansion stood surrounded by lush flowers, a swimming pool, and a huge garden, heavily guarded by security. The property was divided into identical twin duplexes. Large luxury vehicles—Mercedes-Benz and Prado—drove into the compound with sirens blaring.

Two women rushed out of the house, dressed in outrageously expensive designer clothes, looking like they were headed to a major event. Their faces beamed with excitement.

As the convoy parked, military personnel quickly stepped out of one of the hiking vehicles. They marched toward the middle car, opened the door, and saluted (indicating whoever was inside was a military man).

A strikingly handsome man stepped out, dressed in military trousers and a white top. He was very tall, radiating the aura of a proud, formidable warrior. His face was stern, lacking any trace of humor, with medium, striking eyes behind sunglasses, a small mouth, a sharp, perfect nose, and a clean-shaven face with faint stubble shadows. (Even I, Afrah, had to give it up for this guy!)

The young women rushed over to him—one fair-complexioned like him, and the other slightly darker. Together they chorused, "You're welcome, Ya 'PRINCE'!"

He removed his sunglasses, gave them a brief, cold glare, and strode into the house without a word.

The darker one complained, "Zarah, you see the humiliation you brought on us! Look at how he dismissed us right in front of the soldiers!"

The fair one smiled faintly and patted the other. "Zuby, you talk too much. You already know Ya 'Prince's' temperament. Come on, let me see that cute face of his again." She pulled Zuby's hand as they walked inside.

WHO IS PRINCE? Readers, I know you want to know who he is, so follow Afrah Luv because the real story of YAR TALAKAWA has only just begun...

Episode 5

When Zuby and Zarah walked in, they found Ya Prince seated in the living room with Mum and Mami, exchanging greetings with his parents while his face remained completely expressionless.

Mum looked at Prince and asked, "My son, do you even eat properly in Lagos?"

Mami smiled. "Truly, Prince doesn't eat enough."

Prince stood up, looking at them. "Mum, Mami, let me freshen up. I'm hungry right now and can't handle a long conversation."

Zuby looked at Zarah, and Zarah looked at Zuby. They held their hands to their cheeks in disbelief—he gave the same cold shoulder even to his parents!

He had barely taken one step when a cute little boy of about six years old came running out of a room near the living room, shouting, "PAPA! PAPA!" A nanny in a black-and-white uniform chased after him.

The boy ran up and hugged Prince, laughing.

Mum smiled. "Here comes Ameer! Now Daddy is here, eat your food properly."

Ameer looked up at her. "Granny, today I'll eat whatever you give me!"

Mami laughed. "I'm making pancakes, and you must finish them all."

Ameer laughed, showing his gap-toothed smile. "I'll finish them, Granny Mami!"

Zuby and Zarah stared, wondering if Prince would ever smile at Ameer. To their surprise, he simply stroked the boy's head, took his hand, and walked upstairs.

Zuby whispered, "Zarah, Ya Prince hasn't changed at all. Look at little Ameer dying for his Papa's attention, yet he didn't even crack a smile for the poor boy."

Zarah rested her chin on her hand, gazing after them. "Ya Prince's ways are his own, but he still charms me just like that."

Zuby stood up. "Come on, let's go to our room before he catches us here—you know how that goes."

Upstairs, Prince lay resting on his massive, plush bed before his parents returned so he could go greet them.

Ameer dashed into the room, scrambled onto Prince's back, and laughed happily. "Papa, Papa! Today you're taking me to get ice cream, and you'll eat pizza, right?"

Prince simply nodded at him.

Ameer rolled over, lying down to gaze at his Papa. "Papa, guess what?"

Prince shook his head.

Ameer whispered, "Yesterday Granny Mami scolded Aunty Zarah in the living room."

Prince widened his eyes, looking at Ameer. "Guess what she did?"

Prince shook his head again.

Ameer leaned close to Prince's ear. "She went to her friend's party late at night."

Prince sat up, looking at Ameer. "Did Aunty Zuby go with her?"

Ameer shook his head, leaning closer. "Papa, guess what Aunty Zuby did this morning?"

Prince shook his head.

Ameer whispered, "Granny caught her being rude to Uncle Fahad."

Prince smiled faintly. "Good boy," he said, stroking Ameer's head. "And what about you—what did you do while I was away?"

Ameer quickly scrambled up, bolted toward the door, and shouted, "Papa, I got 5 out of 10 in math!" and sprinted away, knowing his Papa's reaction.

Prince called out, "I'm going to catch you!"

Episode 6

Prince didn't emerge from his room until evening, dressed casually in simple clothes. He looked exceptionally handsome and commanding. With his usual stern expression, he walked past the living room toward his Dad's grand lounge.

Zarah was lying on the sofa watching The Vampire Diaries, completely unaware of Ya Prince's entry until a sharp voice barked over her:

"Hey!"

Zarah bolted upright. "Y-yes?"

Prince glared at her, forcing the words out: "Call Zuby and go to the garden."

2. Summary

Yar Talakawa (Daughter of the Poor) contrasts the lives of two drastically different young people in Nigeria: Niimatu, a vibrant, optimistic, and impoverished 16-year-old girl who works tirelessly helping her older brother Habu sell fruits in a Suleja market to support their struggling mother, Aysha; and Prince, a wealthy, austere, and formidable military officer from an affluent family in a luxurious mansion. Despite her grinding poverty, constant evictions, lack of education, and harsh realities—such as an encounter with an arrogant, wealthy woman in the market—Niimatu maintains an irrepressible spirit and a bright smile. Meanwhile, Prince returns home to his elite family, commanding absolute awe and maintaining a cold, unyielding demeanor toward everyone except his young nephew, Ameer. The narrative sets the stage for the eventual intersection of these two worlds.

3. Description

• Format: Contemporary Nigerian Hausa romance / Drama fiction serialized in episodes.
• Themes: Social class disparity (poverty vs. extreme wealth), family loyalty, resilience, optimism in the face of hardship, and emotional guardedness.
• Key Locations: A bustling fruit market in Suleja, a dilapidated mud-brick family home, and an opulent, high-security modern mansion.

4. Analytics

Character Profiles

• Niimatu: A 16-year-old secondary school dropout, cheerful, resilient, defined by her bright smile and dimples, deeply protective of her family, and resilient against social snobbery.
• Ya Habu (Abubakar): Niimatu's older brother, hardworking, protective, practical, and burdened with supporting his family after abandoning his own education due to financial distress.
• Umma (Aysha): The matriarch, patient, enduring, deeply appreciative of minor kindnesses, carrying the scars of past struggles and housing insecurity.
• Prince: A wealthy, handsome, but rigidly stern military officer; aloof with adults and peers, but holds a soft spot for young Ameer.
• Ameer: Prince's energetic, talkative 6-year-old nephew who brings brief warmth to Prince's cold exterior.

Narrative Tone and Style

• Emotional Contrast: The story heavily utilizes juxtaposition—shifting from the dusty, impoverished, yet emotionally warm environment of Niimatu's family to the sterile, cold, and hyper-wealthy lifestyle of Prince's household.
• Local Flavor: Written with authentic Nigerian/Hausa cultural elements (e.g., morning koko porridge, Ankara fabrics, market dynamics, family titles like Ya, Umma).