Zaman Kanta Take Book Compeleted

Description

With deeply subdued spirits, everyone followed Iya behind. Those who had set up the cooking pots quickly stepped down, because they knew very well that only Allah could save them from Iya, who had zero tolerance for nonsense.

Iya sat in Kawu Sulaiman’s main parlor. We all walked in with greetings, finding a spot to sit on the mat that covered the floor. Iya spoke up: "You, Gadanga, go get Safiya's and Mariya's husbands so they can come too. Hypocrites, today you will witness my wrath."

Calmly, Aliyu stood up and stepped out. Iya turned her gaze to Hasiya and said: "As for you, your punishment will be heavy—for both you and the person who harbored you, including your father. Do you think you have grown enough roots to step on Sadiya in this house, thanks to Asabe’s spoiled upbringing? Well, tonight you will sleep in your father's house and go back to hawking roasted peanuts (kalwa)."

Goggo Safiya's greeting interrupted Iya. They nervously found a place and sat down. "Did Iya just arrive?" Without even looking at Goggo Safiya who asked, Iya went straight to the point: "I called this gathering to fight for Aliyu's rights, which Asabe is trying to trample upon by forcing him to divorce his wife and threatening him with curses if he comes near her. Before I say anything else, I want Asabe to state her reasons, so I don't treat her unjustly—for the sake of her labor and upbringing. But let it be known, you did not create Aliyu."

In a soft voice, Goggo Asabe replied: "Iya, right before your eyes, Aisha ruled over Adamu’s life. That woman is a worldly person and an expert in hidden charms. To make matters worse, this girl Sadiya is older than Aliyu in maturity; she will manipulate him endlessly. She is an educated woman working for the government in the health sector. Most of these educated girls don't know how to maintain a marriage—their eyes are wide open, and they are used to mixing with men. Iya, if not that Sadiya couldn't secure a husband elsewhere, Aisha would never have allowed her daughter to marry into Adamu’s family. Honestly, harm will come to us if they continue living together. The hatred I held for Aisha has now extended to Sadiya. I am afraid it might even affect the pillar of our house. This is the first time this boy has done astonishing things twice: first, he disobeyed my direct orders; second, he got into a fight with Dauda..."

"Shut up, you with your decayed mindset! What are these baseless, rootless stories? Listen to me, Asabe: never dare to become a dark mother to your children—one who causes them to shed tears. Try to be a white mother, a source of joy for your kids. Being a mother doesn't give you a license to act wildly however you please! Asabe, if you do not withdraw this talk of divorce, I will curse you too, by your father's name!"

"And you, what kind of rebellion haven't you shown us, even back when you brought Aliyu's father to us? Just because I tolerated you like a plucked chicken because of our in-laws here. You are talking utter nonsense because of a minor quarrel with Dauda—if need be, he deserves to be beaten up! Aliyu said he will not tolerate Dauda slapping his wife, and I am standing by him, so I will take up the fight myself. And you, Sulaimanu, I thank you. That is the most fitting name for you—sitting among women and stirring up strife, aren't you? Because of your sheer ignorance!"

Iya burst into tears and cried: "God curse you, Sulaimanu! Let me hear or see anyone who dares to stress Aliyu and Sadiya again. Warn your son Dauda about Sadiya and his wife, the peanut seller's daughter. As for his upcoming marriage, I have ordered it to be put on hold; Sadiya will not share her husband with a co-wife! As for the in-laws of this house, I am warning you all regarding Sadiya, because she is not your mate. She is educated, sophisticated, and understands life far better than you do. So respect her! And you, I swear I will beat you before I leave this place, and I’ll make sure you sleep in your own family house tonight before I leave Raquma!"

She stood up and marched straight to Hasiya, slapping her repeatedly (kakakaf kakakaf). After beating her to her heart's content, she returned and sat down. No one dared utter a word; Dauda just chuckled under his breath at Hasiya, while she wept bitterly from the severe beating.

"As for you, Sadiya, make sure you take care of your husband—starting today, not tomorrow. Become a true husband and wife before I leave and change my tune. Asabe has a stone heart; I am closing this chapter. Now, regarding the annual family get-together that was stopped: it is reinstated! Send word to everyone so that during the Sallah celebration, everyone gathers to strengthen our ties. Or perhaps we can discuss it when we gather for Dauda's wedding. Right now, Ramatu is with me, burdened with ten children because her husband abandoned them. Due to a lack of family unity, we can't find anyone to help us, despite our large numbers. That poor girl has to go out just to sweep floors. Sulaimanu, are you even alive?"

Iya wept heavily again, leaving the parlor in dead silence for a few seconds. Afterward, Kawu and all the Goggo figures profusely begged Iya for forgiveness. The in-laws joined in pleading as well. With great difficulty, Kawu Sulaiman managed to calm Iya down regarding her threat to divorce the household wives, especially Hasiya.

Iya said: "I am not angry anymore. Asabe, I hope you have withdrawn your threats of curses and divorce?"

With burning bitterness and deep-seated malice that she could not hide on her face, Goggo replied: "I have withdrawn it, Iya, but honestly, the matter of his marriage to Khadija stands—there is no going back. Because, Iya, that girl has spent years as Aliyu's intended. Our family dignity will be ruined if it is called off from our end. Please understand, Iya."

Iya countered: "The girl's father said he will not give his daughter in marriage to Aliyu unless he divorces the educated wife. As for the educated wife, they are inseparable—like a chicken's claw (mutu ka raba). I don't know why you are so obsessed with this other girl."

Kawu intervened: "Iya, let us be patient and consult her parents. If they agree, fine; if they don't, then it is settled." "And you, Aliyu, do you still love this Dijangala, or won't you just live peacefully with your magnificent wife?"

Aliyu lowered his head. He felt shy answering the question in my presence. From what I observed, Aliyu was a man who deeply respected people. Unable to say anything, Kamilu spoke on his behalf: "Iya, he loves her. Although an inquiry has come up from our side that we want to finish looking into first."

Goggo Asabe snapped angrily: "We have no time to wait for anything! This wedding is tied with Dauda's; it will not be postponed. All of this is just a new trick you are cooking up to cancel the wedding!"

"Is that your final word?" Iya asked, adding: "Inquiries are lawful in seeking marriage. Go and do your inquiries. Now clear out of here—I want to spend time with my children."

Bilkisu and the others quickly shuffled out (sum sum sum), while Hasiya bit her fingers in frustration. Bikisu tapped her and said: "That old woman really disgraced you, Hasiya. You saw how she calmly made you pay for the slap your husband gave her, and you got beaten on top of it! Look at how she gathered a massive crowd and brainwashed Aliyu so much that he even wants to call off Khadija's wedding."

Hasiya flashed an evil smile and said: "Bilkisu, Sadiya will regret crossing my path. I am a true Hausa-Fulani woman; wickedness is practically a lifestyle we are raised with. Stubbornness and resilience—we master it from birth. I will make sure both of us end up in a fix where neither can escape. But my heart will find peace, as long as she is one of them. Just watch and wait, no matter how long it takes."

Bilkisu shuddered at Hasiya's words, knowing crossing her was no joke. But fueled by her own hatred for Sadiya, she sided with Hasiya to ensure her evil plot succeeded.

Iya looked at Aliyu and me, and said: "You two, be on your way. Kamilu, before I leave, I will come and see the bride."

We walked out. I didn't stop; I went straight to my quarters, while I left Aliyu standing with Kamilu. At my doorstep, I found the basket of food I had cooked in the morning. When I opened the food flask, the couscous was still steaming hot. I wiped the containers clean with a nice rag in my kitchen, opened the stew, and added extra pieces of meat to it. I took some over to Iya in Kawu's parlor, and she showered me with endless prayers.

When I returned to the kitchen, I set up my camp stove. I tied up some guinea corn flour in a nylon wrapper to steam-cook tuwon alkama (wheat swallow), placing it in a large food flask before stepping out. I went into my room, pulled out some money from my bag—part of the cash Mama had given me—and walked over to Bilkisu's quarters with a greeting.

She was in her courtyard preparing to make swallow food. She greeted me back, though there was zero warmth on her face—which I fully expected. "Bilkisu, where can I get raw soup ingredients?" I asked. With a flick of her mouth, she pointed: "When you go straight past this house, that's the vegetable store."

Surprised, I looked at her, then glanced at her son, who I heard had just returned from schooling (almajirci). He was sitting around doing absolutely nothing productive, yet she didn't bother sending him to buy anything. The boy didn't even have basic manners to greet people. I thanked her and walked out.

I entered the vegetable shop with a greeting. An old woman sitting by her hearth stirring soup welcomed me: "Welcome! What can I get you?" Using polite language fit for elders, I said: "Mama, I want fresh soup ingredients worth three hundred naira, everything included."

She dropped the whisk she was using to beat her soup and scooped a mix of vegetables into a large patterned polythene bag. I paid her and left.

I rushed back to prepare my dry okra soup, which I heavily enriched with dried fish and an assortment of aromatic spices: ginger, cloves, nutmeg, garlic, turmeric, curry, thyme, and more. Before you knew it, the whole house was filled with the rich aroma of my soup, and I instantly felt a sense of calm wash over me.

By past Isha, I had finished everything, taken a refreshing bath, and dressed in a gorgeous boutique maxi-gown that fit me exceptionally well. I burned some incense sticks and scented wood (hulut), picked up the food basket, and stepped out.

I took some food to Kawu first, then headed to Goggo Asabe's quarters with my heart pounding. I stepped inside with a greeting. Iya answered me, but Goggo Asabe turned her face away and treated me like absolute nothingness. "Iya, I brought you some tuwo to eat." Iya beamed with a wide smile: "May Allah bless you, Sadiya! Truly, Aliyu is much luckier than the other boys in this house to have a kind-hearted wife. Sadiya, continue to be patient and try not to mind the insolent ones. Very soon, you will find true happiness in your marital home."

I just smiled with my head bowed down until she finished her words of wisdom. After bidding them goodbye, I headed back to my quarters.

Outside my door, I saw Aliyu's shoes, a sign that he was inside. I walked in with a greeting. He was sitting on the floor, and I sat right next to him. "Welcome," I said. He flashed a smile and said: "I am so hungry; I haven't eaten a thing today except for the kwado snack we had in Zamfara. How can I even find peace of mind?"

Instantly, a wave of pity washed over me. I remembered that, apart from the bitter leaf salad (zogale) I ate at Iya's place, I hadn't eaten anything all day either. At least I could see I would find comfort with Aliyu, because throughout the day we spent together, I realized he possessed a very gentle disposition.

I brought the food flask of tuwo and soup before him, along with a bowl of water for hand-washing and drinking water. I sat down and served him the plate of tuwo. "Bismillah, eat." He stared at me, and with a soft voice, he asked: "Have you eaten anything yourself?" The intense way his eyes locked onto me made me feel a powerful aura around him. Slowly, I opened my mouth and said: "No, I haven't."

He pushed the food back toward me and said: "Bismillah, let's eat together, Anty. It is my duty to make sure you eat too. Let's eat, or should I feed you by hand so you don't aggravate your ulcer?"

My eyes went wide in shock. I quickly said: "No, I will eat later." With a peculiar, mesmerizing tone, he called my name: "Sadiya, I don't like stubbornness. Put your hands in, let's eat. Don't let this ongoing chaos come between us. Sadiya, I know you were treated unfairly by being matched in marriage with me, and things won't be easy for you. But if you give me the chance, I will take care of you just like any husband would take care of his wife. I know I am younger, but I can give you everything you want and bring you peace. Do you accept my words?"

My body went completely limp upon hearing Aliyu's words. His speech made me gauge his level of intellect; Aliyu spoke with the composure, maturity, and dignity of an older man. Whenever he spoke, I completely forgot that I was older than him. With deep empathy, I replied: "But how do you expect me to find peace of mind when Goggo is furious with us? Aliyu, I am afraid of what the wrath of a mother like Goggo could bring upon our marriage. A mother's displeasure can ruin your entire world. All I want is for you to go and beg Goggo to forgive you, so we can see some light in our marital journey. I have already accepted my fate with both hands since this situation found me. No matter what, I am with you, I will obey you, and I will treat you like a baby among men..."

Aliyu let out a deep sigh and said: "Sadiya, you are a woman of sharp intellect and deep reflection. I am glad you are focusing on Baba's anger towards me. Let her take some time to cool off, and then I will go and beg her, Insha Allah. For now, let's eat, and then you can tell me what field you studied as a health worker."

I just smiled at him, and we began eating. Aliyu showered praises on how delicious the food was, while I simply smiled. When we finished, I cleared away the plates and tidied up the space before returning to sit down. "Alright, I'm listening—what did you study?" "I studied midwifery—I am a certified midwife. I worked at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and earned a decent salary."

He shook his head thoughtfully and said: "Hmm. But what inspired you to choose midwifery?" I looked at him, smiled, and said: "Because of my passion for women, my fellow sisters. I love seeing women get proper care and comfort in every aspect. It breaks my heart to see a woman go to the hospital with a health issue, only to be attended to by a male doctor—especially regarding childbirth. That is why I chose this field, and I genuinely love my job."

He sat in silence, pondering and weighing my words, then said: "I have nothing but praise for Kawu Bala and Kawu Sulaiman for choosing an educated woman to be my primary wife and, Insha Allah, the mother of my children. I will give you happiness so profound you will forget every hardship in your past. You have proven to the world that you are a daughter who obeys her parents. I am sure you will be obedient to Aliyu too, right?"

"Sadiya, I will give you full space and ample time for us to understand each other. I hope you will loosen up around your younger husband?" I gave him a playful side-eye glare. Apparently, that glare struck Aliyu deeply. Instantly, I saw him shift; his eyes changed color. Softly, he said: "As for me, my formal education stopped at secondary school. Even the bit I achieved—at the time, I was an almajiri migrant in Gombe, living in a village called Bara, a town rich in watermelons. Begging brought me there. But I developed a thirst for formal education. I went to the market to carry bags of watermelon with my friends, and with the little money I earned, I enrolled myself in the government secondary school in Bara. I completed my formal education alongside my Islamic Qur'anic studies. When I returned home, I didn't waste time; I enrolled in an advanced Arabic institute starting from SS1. I graduated with top honors, ranking among the smartest students. Whenever there was a regional Islamic competition, they sent me, and I never lost. The government sponsored our trip to Medina to earn a degree in Arabic—ten of us in total. Alhamdulillah. My dream is to bring enlightenment and transformation to this village, just like we discussed with Iya earlier. I want to open an Islamic school combined with a modern school—children in the morning, adult women in the afternoon, and men at night. I hope you will lend your support to this mission. Perhaps Allah brought you into this village so together we can pull these people out of the darkness of ignorance. They are living like people of the past."

He closed his eyes, trailing his gaze over my chest with such an intoxicating look that every muscle in my body went weak. He looked at me as though he wanted to devour me whole. I was rendered completely speechless. When I looked up, our eyes locked. Truly, I was no longer a child; I understood the state of desire Aliyu was in. Yet, alas, I could not give him what he wanted. Up until that moment, my heart was still nursing the lingering grief of my love for Ahmad.

I stood up and said: "Goodnight." I quickly headed toward my door. "Sadiya," he called my name softly. I froze in my tracks, unable to move an inch. Aliyu was feasting his eyes on my silhouette, which only fueled his burning desire to be with me. Without realizing it, my body trembled violently. Seeing this, Aliyu lost his restraint.

Slowly, he stepped right in front of me and inhaled the fragrance radiating from my skin, which completely unhinged him. He couldn't speak; he just drew slow, heavy sighs. His body was trembling, yet he refrained from touching me. With a quick dodge, I slipped past his side and dashed into my room, locking the door firmly with the bolt.

Things went on like that. I grew more comfortable around Aliyu, and we had pleasant conversations, building a deep bond. However, Goggo wouldn't even return my greetings anymore, nor would she accept my food. Yet I never gave up; I took food to her every single day.

As for the other wives in the house, it was pure malice—dirty side-eyes and veiled insults. But I didn't let it get to me, because I didn't live for them. I found happiness only in Aliyu. Unfortunately, he was extremely busy now, overseeing the construction of my quarters and Khadija's quarters, since they finally managed to persuade her reluctant father to agree to the marriage. Today, he had traveled to the city.

I sat alone in my courtyard with no one to talk to, listening to the loud laughter and chatter echoing from the main courtyard. It was Bilkisu and the others gossiping—the kind of talk that never appealed to me. Days rarely passed in peace there; they always ended in arguments, verbal brawls, or backstabbing.

I reminisced about the times Aliyu and I used to sit together in the courtyard chatting happily. I closed my eyes, remembering that in just one week, Aliyu would no longer belong solely to me. A heavy ache gripped my chest, though I couldn't quite explain why I felt that way. After a long chain of thoughts, I stood up and walked into the kitchen.

Aliyu's Return

Aliyu walked into the house with Kamilu, loaded down with luggage bags. They headed straight to Goggo's room with the bags. She was sitting down when she saw them carrying two distinct sets of luggage boxes. "Why are there different sets of boxes, Kamilu?" Goggo demanded sharply.

Kamilu scratched his head and stammered: "Well, Baba... one set is supposed to be for Sadiya. Since she never got her marriage boxes back then, tradition requires..." Goggo went silent, staring intently at Aliyu. With fiery rage, she barked: "Splendid, Aliyu! So you went ahead and matched everything for her as if she is a queen? Because you hold me in zero regard, of course no one bothered to inform me! So this was the cunning plot you and Kamilu cooked up? I swear by Allah, you won't get away with it! Everything goes to Khadija!"

In deep distress and anxiety, Aliyu pleaded: "Baba, please have mercy and let Sadiya have hers. Look at it—I bought everything at the same price, I didn't favor anyone over the other. Baba, Sadiya will feel terrible if I didn't get her boxes while I got them for Khadija."

"Ah, look at the pillar of the war! Sadiya has completely bewitched you; you're even terrified of her!" Tears welled up in one of Aliyu's eyes. Goggo uttered an exclamation of disbelief, stood up, and stormed out of the room.

Kamilu whispered: "Aliyu, to avoid trouble, just leave everything for Khadija. Once the wedding passes, I will go back to Salisu the merchant and we can buy some items for Sadiya, even if we pack them in ordinary nylon bags. Because if you put them in traditional boxes, Baba won't allow it. We'll buy them in secret, and maybe Aliyu's mother (my senior wife) can bring them to her quietly."

With a heavy heart, Aliyu said: "Kamilu, ever since I returned, Baba has denied me peace of mind simply because of Sadiya. She faces hostility from everyone in this house; I am her only companion. And Khadija keeps fueling Baba's hatred toward Sadiya." "Be patient, Aliyu. Once this wedding Baba wants is done, you and Sadiya will finally find peace. Stop torturing yourself with worry—you've grown so thin and pale because of Sadiya." Aliyu replied: "You don't understand the place Sadiya holds in my life. She feels like the backbone holding me up."

Just then, Goggo stormed back in with fury as if she wanted to tear someone apart: "Go ahead and make her your mother then! Aliyu, I wash my hands of you. I leave you to Sadiya—go let her take my place! And don't ever bother coming to see me again; I refuse to host you. But mark my words, you will never see peace or joy from me, as long as you refuse to divorce this educated witch who has eaten your brain!"

Thump! Aliyu's heart skipped a beat. Goggo's words scorched his brain, causing his body to tremble instantly. He broke down in tears and cried: "Baba, have mercy on me! I swear I love Sadiya so much. Separating from Sadiya will destroy me completely."

Iya's greeting cut through their conversation. Aliyu let out a sigh of relief and quickly wiped his tears. "Is everything alright? Why does the groom look so emaciated?" Aliyu looked up at Iya: "Everything is fine, Iya. Did you already arrive for the wedding?"

Iya sat on the floor, and Kawu walked in. Goggo looked completely flustered. That was how Aliyu managed to escape Goggo's wrath. After formal greetings, he and Kamilu slipped away quietly.

Sadiya's Perspective

I was lying on the couch weeping bitterly, because Goggo had just left my house after hurling terrible insults at my parents and swearing she would never forgive me. It was in this distressed state that Aliyu walked in and found me. He was alarmed, desperately asking what happened, but I stubbornly refused to tell him anything. He had no choice but to comfort me patiently. Aliyu was a man who knew how to show genuine care for a woman, and I genuinely cherished having him in my corner.

The wedding festivities kicked into high gear with nonstop celebrations. Relatives flooded the house from different towns. As for me, Goggo made sure I was assigned heavy chores without a shred of pity.

On the day of applying the traditional henna (lalle), I moved into my brand-new quarters, which Kamilu's wives had helped me clean and furnish. Mashallah, Aliyu built us a gorgeous, spacious home with a lovely bedroom, an indoor bathroom, and a clean kitchen. Both my quarters and the bride's quarters were beautifully painted in white.

The next morning, early at dawn, women were busy frying millet fritters (wainar gero), grinding spiced cereal (fura), and beating calabash drums while performing traditional dances (gad'a). Women of all ages—young maidens, mothers, and grandmothers—gathered round singing a traditional folk song called Shaudi:

Shaudi shaudi Shaudi shaudi Shaudi inside trousers, sparing neither child nor adult, nor even her pitiable grandchild! Shaudi shaudi... Rather than give me water from the clay pot, give me the waters of Shaudi! The clay pot runs dry, but Shaudi never runs dry! Shaudi shaudi... The one with golden bangles whom I will marry... Shaudi shaudi...

Amidst loud cheers and ululations from the women in the courtyard, the celebration continued.

Since morning, I hadn't caught a single glimpse of Aliyu. A profound longing to see him gripped me—to hear that gentle voice of his filled with respect and care.

Around two o'clock in the afternoon, the wedding prayers of Aliyu and his bride Khadija were solemnized, alongside Dauda and his bride. At that exact moment, an overwhelming wave of emotion swept over me, forcing me to flee into my room to let my tears flow freely. I cried so hard I shocked myself. Something deep inside was stirring my heart. Even as I tried to swallow the tears and step outside, another burst of sobbing forced me to stay seated.

I spent over an hour sitting aimlessly in a daze, my heart pounding erratically. I clutched at every protective prayer and verse that came to my mind, even reciting prayers for entering the restroom. Loud cheers echoed from the courtyard: "Grooms, you are looking sharp!"

Aliyu's Return & Sadiya's Solitary Night

Ever since Aliyu entered, his eyes darted around, hoping against hope that he would spot Sadiya. Yet, dreading the possibility of locking eyes with her, he kept his distance. Relatives showered him with blessings. Soon, the wedding procession (jere) arrived.

Aliyu quickly slipped toward Goggo's quarters, knowing she would hear the women's ululations welcoming him. He knelt by the doorway with his head bowed, greeting his mother's friends who filled the parlor. Goggo glared daggers at him; she clearly noticed how gaunt and worn out Aliyu had become over the past couple of days. She resolved not to spare him until he divorced Sadiya, even if she had to walk around naked to rescue her son from the clutches of that wicked educated witch.

From there, he moved to Kawu's quarters, followed by Kamilu and his friends. There he met his father's relatives and Goggo's family. Banter filled the air among the elders. Iya joked, "Won't you groom's friends play the garaya lute?" Kamilu laughed, "Oh, Iya! He ruined our wedding vibes. In Raquma village, a young man's wedding is never complete without the garaya music, but look at him!" Iya burst into joyful ululations: "Education has truly brought daylight, Mashallah! Dancing is for women, and singing is for court jesters!"

Amidst the lighthearted teasing, Aliyu still didn't get a chance to see Sadiya, as his friends quickly dragged him off to Zamfara to run errands and buy gifts for welcoming guests.

Meanwhile, back in the courtyard, I was assigned a towering pile of wedding dishes to wash. Even the people bringing in the bride passed right by me. I watched the bride pass, her head completely veiled and covered in a heavy black cloth. I set the dish sponge down, watching them disappear into Goggo's room.

Unbidden tears slipped down my cheeks. They stayed in Goggo's room for a very long time before finally emerging and walking past me again without a single person sparing me a glance.

With a heavy, lifeless body, I finished my chores, swept the area, and retreated into my apartment. I took a refreshing bath and slipped into a pair of white, extremely flattering silk pajama shorts and top. The shorts didn't even reach my knees, and the sleeveless top was tiny with bra-straps. I dabbed on layers of exquisite perfume, sprayed my clothes, and swallowed an anti-fatigue pill, because I was utterly exhausted.

I lay face-down on the bed, tortured by a nameless anxiety and a chest-tightening dread whose meaning I couldn't decipher. I hadn't seen Aliyu all day, and the absence was agonizing. Aliyu had spoiled me with his presence—our long chats, our laughter, his help with cooking, his tender care, and the deep sense of dignity he afforded me. I could always see the hidden adoration and desire for me in his eyes whenever he spoke.

Yet, ever since the night I panicked and fled from him in the parlor, he hadn't made another move to show he desired me. We had never shared a bed. I had grown so accustomed to him, so used to his scent.

Lying there lost in thought, a deep ache settled in. I was a woman of intense passion—which was why I frequently fasted to keep my desires in check. But now I was married, yet I couldn't surrender myself fully to my husband. My heart still needed to heal completely from the ghost of Ahmad.

Summary

This chapter captures the escalating tensions within the extended family household as Iya fiercely defends Aliyu and Sadiya against Goggo Asabe's bitter opposition. Iya forces the household to respect Sadiya, reinstates family traditions, and puts a temporary halt to the hostility, though Goggo remains stubbornly fixated on Aliyu's simultaneous wedding to Khadija.

Despite the toxic family politics, Sadiya and Aliyu grow closer, sharing intimate moments, meals, and deep conversations about Aliyu's background and his idealistic dreams of establishing a dual Islamic and modern school in his village. Aliyu confesses his deep love for Sadiya, while Sadiya struggles internally, her heart still scarred by her past love for Ahmad, causing her to flee from Aliyu's physical advances.

As wedding preparations peak, Aliyu is coerced into marrying Khadija alongside Dauda's wedding. Sadiya endures harsh treatment and isolation from the household women while facing a flood of complex emotions as her husband takes a second wife. The chapter concludes with Sadiya alone in her new quarters, dressed alluringly yet battling emotional exhaustion, unhealed heartbreak, and an intense, unfulfilled longing for Aliyu.

Description

This narrative excerpt is a rich, emotionally charged installment of contemporary Hausa romance fiction (Littattafan Soyayya). It explores themes of familial duty, matriarchal authority (embodied by Iya and Goggo), marital jealousy, patriarchal pressures, and personal healing. The setting shifts fluidly between communal domestic chaos—courtyard gossip, traditional wedding rituals (Shaudi songs, lalle, drumming)—and quiet, intimate emotional spaces between the newlywed protagonists.

Analytics

• Conflict Escalation & Generational Clashes: The dynamic between Iya (the matriarch of reason and fairness) and Goggo Asabe (the bitter traditionalist) drives the narrative tension, highlighting how family politics weaponize marriage and social standing.
• Character Growth (Aliyu): Aliyu evolves from a passive young man into a deeply devoted, mature husband who stands up for his wife while balancing filial piety and his ambitious educational vision for his community.
• Internal Conflict (Sadiya): Sadiya represents the complex psychological state of an educated, independent woman navigating a traditional polygamous arrangement while grappling with unresolved trauma and grief from a past relationship (Ahmad).

Comments

• Cultural Authenticity: The inclusion of traditional Hausa customs—such as communal chores, teasing songs like Shaudi, the garaya music, and local delicacies (tuwo, zogale, kalwa)—deepens the cultural immersion.
• Emotional Depth: Sadiya's internal struggle with her physical desires versus her unhealed heart adds a layer of raw realism to her character, making her reluctance feel earned rather than cliché.

Conclusions

Aliyu and Sadiya's relationship stands at a fragile crossroads. While they share profound emotional and intellectual compatibility, external family malice and Sadiya's internal emotional baggage create an invisible barrier between them. With Aliyu now married to Khadija, the emotional stakes have heightened, leaving Sadiya vulnerable to her own pent-up desires and unresolved past.

Keywords

• Sadiya & Aliyu
• Iya & Goggo Asabe
• Hausa Romance Fiction (Littattafan Soyayya)
• Polygamy & Family Politics
• Traditional Wedding Customs (Shaudi)
• Midwifery & Education
• Emotional Healing & Desire

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