Turmin Danya Book Compelet Hilfat

Description

Summary and Translation Overview

This story excerpt from a Hausa romance novel (titled Samareen Banah - Tasan Salan Soyayya by Rahamat Mohd Rufa'i Nalele) revolves around a tight-knit circle of stylish, affluent, and ambitious young people in Kano, Nigeria.

The primary characters are Sailubah Kasim (a 25-year-old medical student with high standards who dreams of marrying a wealthy older "Alhaji" from Abuja) and her fiercely protective, deeply attached 20-year-old neighbor and best friend, Ramadan. Ramadan secretly sabotages Sailubah’s romantic prospects with other men because he wants her entirely to himself. Alongside them are their friends Khamis, Fawas, Zainab (Xee), and the mistreated orphan Hameeda.

In this specific excerpt, Sailubah deals with pressure from her father to settle down and choose a husband, while managing her wealth-seeking habits. Meanwhile, Ramadan goes through Sailubah’s phone, blocks a wealthy suitor named Alhaji Jamilu by pretending to be her brother and warning him off, and joins Sailubah as they navigate university life and social hangouts. The chapter ends dramatically when Sailubah stumbles upon a horrific assault on a young girl in an alley and fearlessly confronts the perpetrator, drawing a crowd, while Ramadan arrives on the scene.

English Translation

My name is SAILUBAH KASIM. I live in KANO, in a neighborhood called Fage. I am twenty-five years old, meaning 25 years.

I am a very beautiful woman, loved by everyone, especially those who have lost out. I am light-skinned, tall, with a wonderful, attractive figure. I have hips and breasts that grab attention. I am neither chubby nor can I be called skinny. Everything about me is well-balanced, just the way every woman desires to be.

When I look at myself in the mirror, hmmmmmmm, I am forced to catch my breath right there. Because between you and me, I don't need you to come out and say, "Oh Sailubah, you are gorgeous!" I have finished reading the Glorious Quran, and I have a fair amount of religious knowledge so that I cannot be called ignorant.

Right now, I am at U.J [University] studying to become a complete doctor. However, I don't really care much about the studies because I have ambitions that take precedence over schooling. I am a woman who loves money—who wants to own a house and a car, and have money flow through my veins.

I want a man who is trendy, stylish, educated, sophisticated, intelligent, and reserved. I want to be the only one who commands his laughter and everything about his physical being. He should be the only one who looks at me (aside from his parents and younger siblings). He must be patient, possess a healthy jealousy over me, and I want to be his mirror while he is my reflection.

I have a dream of marrying a wealthy Alhaji loaded with cash, the type of Alhajis from Abuja who love money and extravagance. I have no dream of marrying a young boy, like someone three years older than me. I prefer to marry someone who is at least twelve years older than me. That is what I have set in my heart: I will never, ever marry a young guy because I look down on his strength and chivalry.

In our neighborhood, there is a very fine, eye-catching house which happens to be a place I visit whenever I feel like going. I have a friend named RAMADAN, who is the keeper of my secrets. I have grown extremely attached to RAMADAN—that kind of deep attachment where people say, "If not for you, I cannot live."

I love RAMADAN because he is a polite, obedient boy, even though he is reserved. Yet, he is handsome in every way, and I benefit from him on all fronts. He is more educated than I am, wiser than I am, and more composed than I am. Every piece of advice I seek from RAMADAN, if he tells me, "Aye, stop doing so and so," I drop it forever.

He is a young boy of exactly twenty years old, neither more nor less, today. If the reader looks back, they will realize that I am five years older than RAMADAN. But Ramadan is... well, you will understand who he is as time goes on.

Ever since I was born, I have never seen my mother because she passed away a long time ago when I was just an infant. Right now, I am in the hands of my father's wife, or let me call her my grandmother. They treat me quite well, though my father's wife loves money beyond joke. But despite her love for money, I surpassed her in it.

My father used to be very wealthy in the past, but later on, a financial crash brought him down. Right now, he doesn't have much, though we never lack food on our table. He kept only one thing from his wealth: our house. Our house is a big, modern building because in our neighborhood, if you exclude Ramadan's house in beauty, you must place our house next.

I have friends whose eyes are wide open and who are more sophisticated than the reader can imagine.

This is my story in brief.

My name is RAMADAN Nasir, a boy of 20 years. I have only one desire in my life: I woke up with a crazy passion for a woman with a gorgeous body and everything, who walks with absolute grace. I love her, I love her, I love her!

I have two friends, Fawas and Khamis. We share the exact same mindset, but many people say I surpass them in composure and maturity.

I am a stylish guy who loves cleanliness and good scent. In our entire neighborhood, I am the only one who goes all out when dressing up, because I stayed in Jos and picked up the secret there. I have words that linger in the mind, and my Aunty said I am a troublemaker. He twisted his mouth and continued, saying: If that is the case, you yourselves will testify to it if you keep following Aunty Rahamat Nalele.

I luv u (Message from Rahamat Nalele)

My name is KHAMIS. I am exactly twenty years old today. I haven't settled on any major ambition in my heart yet, but I love women because they bring joy. Women are a source of happiness for every male.

My name is FAWAS. I am exactly twenty years old today. I love women a lot, and I have a dream of marrying a woman who is older than me by about five or six years. And I don't want to marry a sophisticated woman; I much prefer to marry a village girl with childlike manners. Tab!

My name is Zainab, but I am called XEE because I prefer being called that. I am twenty-five years old. I have a boyfriend named Surajo whom I love and cherish deeply. I am Sailubah's right-hand person because among all her friends, I am her best friend.

My name is Hameeda Ya'u, living in the village of Takai. My father passed away, and so did my mother. I am in the care of my father's younger sister, Innah Hansai. She puts me through unspeakable torture. All the housework is done by me; every errand is run by me, and all the cooking is done by me. Even though she has her own children, she never assigns tasks to them—only to me.

I can clearly see the hatred in her eyes; she doesn't love or care for me. She stops any potential suitor from approaching me because she wants me to stay and serve her like a slave. Right now, I am twenty-four years old (24). I have no ambition in my heart other than enduring this ongoing servitude.

Well done, dear readers, you have heard the background of everyone in this book. So adjust your seats and enjoy the reading!

Sailubah is a girl who loves money, just as she said. But all the money she gets never blinds her. Even now, if Sailubah gets money, she can give it all away as charity because God created her with a love for helping people. She is extremely generous and compassionate.

Sailubah is very stylish. In their entire neighborhood, there is no young girl who dresses up as well as she does. The young men of her street make special stops just to catch a glimpse of her stepping out. There is no one in the neighborhood who doesn't know Sailubah and her character: generous, people-loving, money-loving, speaks the truth... Even if someone older than her father does something wrong, she will undoubtedly wash them down with sponge and soap.

Everyone in the neighborhood knows her close bond with Ramadan. They love each other deeply because he is her friend. Many people, when they see Sailubah and Ramadan going to school together since they attend the same school, feel a deep sense of admiration. They ask, "Between Sailubah and Ramadan, who is more handsome/pretty?"

Ramadan is a well-behaved and composed boy. He never dabbles into street thuggery. Everything he does, he does with composure. He doesn't take disrespect lightly. He is a young man who enjoys massive popularity, especially among women. Ramadan belongs to everyone; God created him with natural charisma. No matter how high and mighty you think you are, the moment you lay eyes on Ramadan, you will want him as your husband. Ramadan is complete perfection in every way.

He has a sweet voice, and one glance at him makes you think he is an Arab boy. Ramadan is a complete heartbreaker; you can never quite tell what he is up to. He is very fond of his "Aunty" Sailubah, and he hates upsetting her. Everyone around him knows about this dynamic. Yet, despite that, he gives Sailubah a hard time regarding her suitors.

He is the only male child in their family, and his looks stand out from everyone else's. Ramadan inherited nothing of his physical looks from his parents. People marvel at how Ramadan turned out so exceptionally striking in their family. What caused this? (Surely the brain needs some charging here!)

There are three children born to their parents: Ramadan's older sister Saudat (who is Sailubah's friend), Ramadan himself, and his younger sister Khairat.

Their father, Alhaji Naziru, is very wealthy. He spoils them with money, and they shower Ramadan with immense love. Why is that?

Ramadan loves education deeply; ever since he started school as a child, he has never failed anything. Right now, he is barely 1 year away from finishing his studies, aiming to become a full-fledged medical doctor. This means his aspiration aligns with his Aunty Sailubah.

If I tell you Ramadan is a mischievous tease, don't argue with me!

Similarly, Khamis's parents are very wealthy, and he too is heavily spoiled with money. His parents had only two children; his older sister Rahamat is married and living in Abuja. Seeing that Khamis is an only son at home, his parents pandered to all his desires. Khamis loves education and wants to become a full-fledged lawyer by studying law.

As for Fawas, his parents had only him. They pamper him immensely and spoil him with money.

Well done, dear reader, adjust your seat.

Today is Tuesday, and the morning broke with a soft, romantic drizzle—light, steady, and mesmerizing.

Sailubah is rushing around frantically because they have lectures at nine o'clock. Ramadan walks into the parlor carrying some files and says, "My Aunty, time is starting to fly."

She turns around quickly to speak, but stops to stare at him as if seeing him for the first time. He raises an eyebrow at her, steps close, picks up her earring from her hand, and asks, "Shall I put it on for you?"

She quickly nods and says, "You look very handsome, my younger brother."

He smiles and says, "Thank you, my Aunty."

(By Hajju / Rahamat Mohd Rufa'i Nalele)

Parts 6 to 10

She adjusts herself nicely as he puts on her earring. She picks up her shawl and small handbag, slinging them over her shoulder. Ramadan keeps his gaze fixed on her, observing her. She raises an eyebrow at him.

He smiles, "Aunty, wait, let's take a photo."

"Your phone will just get filled with my pictures!"

He replies, "If you're not in them, I swear they're useless."

She asks, "Did you eat breakfast?"

He scratches the back of his head slightly and says, "I did."

She looks at him closely for a moment. "Hmm, you didn't."

He says, "Well, look, time is running out..."

She takes off her shawl and walks straight into the kitchen. Ramadan lets out a deep breath, looking at his wristwatch while clicking his tongue in annoyance.

Before he knows it, she emerges carrying a large tray bearing steaming tea, fried potatoes, and eggs. She drops it in front of him and says, "I'm giving you three minutes to finish up quickly."

He says, "Aunty, I'm not hungry..."

She cuts him off by shooting him a fierce glare. Without a choice, he starts eating.

Meanwhile, she sits down and answers her phone. "Hello, my Alhaji, I'm on my way to school."

He says, "I actually wanted to come and see you right now. Please cooperate and let me see you."

"I'm yours. Just wait until I return, then you'll see me."

He says, "Okay, may God bring you back safely."

"Amen, thank you." She says this and ends the call.

Ramadan, overhearing her, asks, "My Aunty, who were you on the phone with?"

She glares at him with a scowl and says, "None of your business."

He smiles and says, "Please tell me, I swear nothing will happen."

She says, "Hmm, it has happened, I swear I'll shock you if you're the reason Alhaji Jamilu stops coming to me."

He looks at her briefly with a mocking smile and says, "I won't do anything, my Aunty, but please tell me when did you guys meet that I didn't know?"

She says, "Yesterday we met at Jifatu when he went shopping."

"And you didn't even play hard to get with him? You just accepted him from the very first sight?"

She glares at him and says, "I didn't play hard to get."

"Why?"

In a fury, she says, "Because he has money! He won me over from the very first look I gave him."

He says, "But..."

She cuts him off quickly. "I swear to God, Ramadan, if you say anything to make me drop this man because he has a lot of money... His very first gift to me yesterday was three hundred thousand naira!"

He says, "Come on, my Aunty..."

"I swear by Almighty God, if you overwhelm me with talk, you're going to get slapped!"

Ramadan falls silent and continues eating his food.

When he finishes, he says, "Alright, let's go." He picks up some of her files. They walk out, he opens the passenger door of his car for her, she gets in, he gets in too, and they drive off from the house.

They drive directly to Xee's house. As they park, Xee steps out looking stunning in a ready-made top and skirt. She gets into the car, sitting down and grumbling that they didn't arrive early.

Ramadan says, "It's my Aunty's fault."

She replies, "I figured. She probably made you stop to eat breakfast." Ramadan says, "No doubt about it."

Sailubah says, "Hmm, you know yourself that if I hadn't forced him, he wouldn't have eaten."

And so they drive off to B.U.K. [Bayero University Kano] University.

As they park, a beautiful young girl hurries over to them. Sailubah and Xee carelessly step out to head to their department.

Ramadan steps out with a smile on his face, saying, "Ah, look at this beautiful girl, a star that outshines other stars! Tell me, what made you stop at a time like this when you should be in class taking lectures?"

With happiness and a smile, Amina says, "I can't understand anything as long as I don't see you. Ever since I arrived, my eyes have been aching from not seeing you."

He says, "Well, here they are—they've seen me, so now your mind can rest."

She smiles. "I'd love for us to go out for some fresh air later."

He locks his car, saying, "I'll be happier than anyone about that. Go on now, take your lectures before they leave you too far behind."

Without hesitation, Amina leaves the spot, overjoyed at seeing her lover.

Right before Ramadan enters their department building, another girl intercepts him quickly.

He holds his head with a smile and says, "How are you, Asma'u?"

"My heart beats fast when it doesn't see you! But I've noticed your heart doesn't care about me at all."

"Oh, my peace of mind, my source of comfort! I swear you are always on my mind."

"Then why do you fail to look for me?"

"You know me and my studies; I hate missing anything. Please, my peace of mind, consent to let me go in, and I promise to give you special time today so you can possess my words."

She says, "Okay, God willing. I wish you the best."

He walks in, saying, "Same to you..."

Classes proceed with deep concentration, and afterwards, as they leave, Sailubah looks at Ramadan and says, "Honestly, there are many things I just can't understand."

Xee laughs and says, "You're always like that."

Sailubah smiles, saying, "I don't have any problems as long as I have my younger brother."

Ramadan says, "True, but Aunty, you should watch out because one of these days..."

She pouts her lips and says, "Okay, I've heard. Let's go home, I'm starting to get hungry, and we don't have to wait for Khamis..."

Khamis interrupts them, saying, "Are you guys just going to leave and abandon me, knowing fully well I didn't bring my car out today?"

Xee stares at him and says, "He's telling us!" But then adds, "You look very handsome though," as she slides into the car, seeing that Sailubah and Ramadan are already inside.

He smiles and says, "Oh, Aunty Xee, what handsome?" He says this as he climbs into the car too.

Ramadan drives the car smoothly.

Khamis says, "Do you know something?"

"You'd better tell us."

"I swear, when I came out earlier, I met a breathtaking babe... She is extremely gorgeous, possessing every single thing a man desires in a woman. When I took my car to be washed, I stopped with the intention of finishing the wash and leaving with it. At the time, I hadn't even taken a bath. Suddenly, she parked her car right beside mine, stepped out swaying and swinging her hips, and said, 'Please sir, I want my car washed within 10 minutes.' Before I knew it, she tossed her car keys at me!"

Ramadan says, "What?!"

"I swear I just stared at her for almost 2 minutes! She stopped me in my tracks and said, 'Are you staring at me because you're one of the washers?' She snapped me out of my thoughts by saying that. Before I could speak, the boy washing my car said, 'Ah, Hajjiya, he's even the owner dropping his car off. Didn't you notice the luxury ride he came with?' Knowing she was a bold, cheeky girl, she turned around, looked at me, and said, 'Ayyah, I'm sorry!' I threw a glance at her and said, 'Don't worry, I'll wash yours myself, your work goes beyond ordinary.' She smiled and said, 'No lie, you're handsome, and your voice sounds so good to me. If only you were with me, I would have kept you talking just to hear your words...' Before I could answer her, the boy finished washing mine, so I handed her keys back and said she should go carry out her errand, and I would bring her car right to their house. She laughed happily, 'Oh, thank you so much, may God reward you. Let me give you directions to our house...' I cut her off by saying I didn't need it because I wanted to surprise her by bringing her car to her house without her telling me. She said, 'You don't even know me!' I told her not to worry. And so she left with my car and left me with hers! Right now, my worry is that I don't know where her house is, and my heart seems to have caught feelings for her because, I swear, today I couldn't focus on any studies—my heart just craves to see her again."

Ramadan glances briefly at Sailubah and says, "Auntys, they're at it again. So be warned."

Khamis had completely forgotten they were with them. In a soft tone, he looks at them and says, "I'm sorry, my Auntys."

Sailubah glares at him and says, "You little kids, all you care about is women! Right now, if they are handed over to you, what will you do with them? How would you even begin to handle them? I am warning you, stay out of women's business because they are way out of your league. Wait another ten years, and then you can seek them out."

Khamis and Ramadan look at each other. As usual, they are used to taking reprimands from their Aunty.

With a tight expression, Ramadan says, "Alright, we've heard."

Khamis says, "We're 20 years old, Aunty!"

Xee says, "Yeah, you're not at the age of romance. I beg you, stop chasing women..."

Right at that moment, Ramadan parks in front of Xee's house.

She steps out, saying, "My friend, we'll see later this evening."

Sailubah asks, "What clothes are we wearing for it?" "Oh, let's wear that lace material!" "The red one?" "Yes, that one." Then Xee looks at Khamis and says, "Alright, rest up, young men." He says, "Alright, Aunty Xee." They walk ahead.

Sailubah goes to her house, thinking about Khamis; she actually likes him—the boy impresses her, and he dresses as sharply as Ramadan. Even her nose hasn't forgotten his scent.

Her mother looks at her and says, "Why do I see you smiling?" She says, "I swear, it's Khamis. He impresses me." Her mother says, "Ayyah, Khamis is well-behaved." She steps into the toilet saying, "He's not bad at all."

Similarly, they drop Khamis off at his house. Ramadan says, "Don't worry, my friend, there's a way out." Khamis says, "I know we won't lack one. I'll look for Fawas too."

When Ramadan parks in the courtyard of Sailubah's house, he says, "My Aunty, hand over your phone." She hands it to him, steps out of the car, and walks into their parlor.

Inside, she finds her father eating food, with Umma (her father's wife, as they call her) sitting beside him.

She says, "Welcome home, Abba." He says, "Welcome, did you return safely?" She says, "Safe and sound." He says, "Alright then. When you finish eating your food, come and see me."

Her heart skips a beat. She says, "Okay."

She takes a bath. Without even eating, she goes to him.

He says, "I actually wanted to remind you once again about the issue of settling down with a husband. I swear, if you push my patience, I will marry you off to whoever I choose!"

She says, "Please have mercy, Abba, give me a bit more time."

He says, "You're the one talking. I have given you extra time, but once it elapses and you haven't brought me the man you want... I swear, you will just hear me say 'Get up and follow your husband!'"

Sailubah lowers her head submissively and says, "God willing, that won't happen. I will bring the one I want."

He says, "May God make it so. Go."

She gets up with her heart full of various thoughts.

As for Ramadan, he goes straight to his own wing of the house. Their house is packed with people for the wedding events—today is his older sister Saudat's walimah (reception), and tomorrow is her wedding tying.

He stretches out on the bed, searching through Sailubah's phone. He finally finds what he was looking for: the number of Alhaji Jamilu, the man Sailubah was talking to earlier on the phone.

He calls him. On the second ring, the man picks up hurriedly, saying, "May God prolong your existence, my star!"

Ramadan closes his eyes and says in a refined voice, "It's not her. I called you to tell you something."

Alhaji Jamilu says, "Alright, I'm listening."

He says, "Do you know that your relationship with her is unlawful? It is not proper to propose while another proposal is active. Her bride price has already been paid by someone else; her wedding is in just a few months."

In a voice filled with panic, Alhaji Jamilu says, "I swear, I didn't know her bride price had been brought!"

Ramadan says, "Well, I'm telling you now because I am her brother."

Alhaji Jamilu says, "Thank you very much, young man, may God bless you."

Ramadan says, "Amen," and ends the call. Then he blocks the number and deletes it.

That is Ramadan for you: he hates seeing anyone else with his Aunty. That is why he chases her suitors away behind her back. She would yell, she would throw tantrums, but he wouldn't budge. The only thing he does to appease her is apologize afterwards.

As for Sailubah, she barely manages to eat her food, her main desire being to finish quickly and go to her younger brother so they can consult.

And so she does. When she finishes everything, she goes to find her grandmother and says, "Grandma, let me go over to Ramadan's house."

Her grandmother asks, "Has the time for the walimah arrived?" Sailubah says, "Walimah? Saudat's walimah?" "Yes, of course! She came looking for you earlier, you and Xee, to apply lalle (henna) or whatever she said—I've forgotten."

Sailubah shakes her head and says, "The walimah is only at four o'clock, there's still time." Saying this, she steps out of their parlor.

As she passes by a narrow alley near their house, she starts hearing what sounds like a young girl crying. With a brave heart, she walks into the alley.

"Innalillahi wa'inna ilaihirraji'un!" she blurts out loudly, upon seeing a massive, hulking guard—at least forty (40) years old—pinning down a little girl from their neighborhood, a tiny child not even ten years old!

What else could Sailubah do except scream at the top of her lungs, shouting, "People, come! Look at a wicked man trying to ruin a young girl's life...!"

Before you could say jack, the place filled up with people shouting "God forbid!" and expressing shock.

The man pulls up his trousers. Sailubah grabs him by the shirt and says, "As for you, God has created you a cursed old man! A debauched, wicked criminal with an evil, perverted mind! Look at a little child and you want to ruin her life? If you're overwhelmed by perversion, why don't you go to a brothel and deal with someone suitable for you, since your heart is dead and filled with what God detests?!"

Ramadan, who had stepped out because of a report brought by his younger sister, finds his heart filling with frustration at his Aunty's reckless bravery...

Story Analytics & Description

Detailed Description

This excerpt introduces a vibrant, contemporary urban setting in Kano, Nigeria, blending themes of romance, class differences, youth culture, and family expectations. The narrative centers on Sailubah, a confident, stylish medical student who is unapologetic about her desire for wealth and luxury (preferring an affluent older Abuja "Alhaji"), yet possesses a deeply generous heart and fierce protective instincts against injustice.

Juxtaposed against her is Ramadan, a strikingly handsome, mature 20-year-old university student who acts as her confidant, protector, and covert saboteur—systematically driving away her suitors out of an intense, obsessive emotional attachment. The chapter highlights university life, casual flirting, the carefree lifestyles of wealthy youth (Khamis, Fawas, Xee), and the stark contrast of hardship experienced by characters like Hameeda, culminating in a tense, heroic cliffhanger where Sailubah confronts a child predator in an alley.

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