<p>Completely, she piled up the contents of her wardrobe onto the bed, packing them into a large black bag, as though preparing for a major journey. After packing as much as she wanted, she left the rest behind. She fetched a metallic trunk, the type used by the older generation, and began loading it with her fine clothes, especially her new Ankara fabrics. She smiled to herself, feeling an inexplicable joy.</p><p>"Tonight, I'll be in the city," Inna Azumi muttered as she struggled to zip up her bag. Spotting her prayer mat, she paused, retrieved it, and said,</p><p>“I better take this with me so I won’t have to beg for a prayer mat when I get there. I hate praying on other people's mats, especially those of children. They embarrass me by pointing out it’s not mine. It's better to have my own.”</p><p>She shoved the mat into the already stuffed bag, pressing it down until it fit.</p><p>She hurriedly took a bath and emerged, glancing at her co-wife's room with disdain. Thinking to herself, she said,</p><p>"Hmph! I won’t even tell you my granddaughter is in labor. I’ll just let you see me dressed and heading to the city. Your jealousy can kill you since you have no family there." She even made a smug gesture like a child before heading to her room.</p><p>After rubbing lotion all over her body and applying kohl to her eyes, she admired herself in a small mirror, adjusting her face like a young girl. Once satisfied, she fetched her batik Ankara fabric, carefully laid out on the bed for this purpose, and put it on.</p><p>She wrapped her shiny, silky scarf in the traditional elder women's style, letting a part fall stylishly over her forehead. Then she bent under the bed and brought out her "special occasion" shoes from Medina, usually reserved for weddings. After setting them by the door, she took off her worn slippers, which had seen better days, and shoved them under the bed.</p><p>Next, she dabbed perfume on herself, muttering,</p><p>"This one is for the naming ceremony. I won’t stink like someone fresh from the village. I won’t let anyone insult me." She stuffed the perfume bottle into her bag with a satisfied expression.</p><p>She grabbed a leftover piece of kola nut, munching it with relish, and put the rest into a small handbag her granddaughter Sadiya had gifted her.</p><p>"Perfect! Let me ask Malam for permission before he starts whining. But this trip is non-negotiable," she said confidently, stepping out and heading toward Malam's quarters at the main entrance of the house.</p><p>Without hesitation, she barged in, announcing,</p><p>“Excuse me!”</p><p>"May Allah forgive us," Malam responded, surprised to see her all dressed up, as she only wore her fine clothes for close relatives' events. He immediately suspected she was headed for a big event.</p><p>Inna Azumi noticed Tasalla, her co-wife, sitting in the room and remembered it was her turn to cook. She gave her a dismissive look before saying sarcastically,</p><p>"Oh, our toothache patient," and seated herself.</p><p>Malam, still watching her with a puzzled expression, asked, “So, where are you off to? I assume your outfit speaks volumes.”</p><p>Feigning innocence, she smiled, revealing traces of the kola nut she had been chewing, and said,</p><p>“Well, Malam, I wanted to discuss something with you.”</p><p>"Go ahead," Malam replied sternly, still waiting for her explanation.</p><p>With a forced smile, she said, “I want to visit Halima, that granddaughter of mine. She’s about to deliver, and I need to be there for her confinement.”</p><p>"Confinement? When did Halima give birth? And why are you telling me this only after you’ve prepared to leave? What exactly do you intend to do there at your age?" Malam asked, visibly irritated.</p><p>Tasalla, initially annoyed by the thought of her co-wife going to the city, felt pleased at Malam's reaction. Taking advantage of his distraction, she secretly stuck her tongue out at Inna Azumi.</p><p>The sight of her co-wife mocking her filled Inna Azumi with anger, but she held it in, thinking, “I’ll make sure I get his permission. That will shut her up. Jealous woman with no relatives in the city to even hope for help someday!”</p><p>“She hasn’t delivered yet, but—”</p><p>"Wait, she hasn’t delivered? Then what kind of confinement are you talking about? You mean to tell me you’re planning to go before the baby arrives?" Malam interrupted in disbelief.</p><p>“She’s due today!”</p><p>"Subhanallah! So now humans know the exact day someone will give birth? Even doctors using scans can’t guarantee delivery dates. Women either give birth earlier or later than expected. But you, Azumi, seem to know better. Get out of my sight. I don’t want any trouble!" Malam snapped, pointing at her.</p><p>Tasalla stifled her laughter, giving Inna Azumi sly glances that only deepened her frustration. She felt tears welling up but held them back.</p><p>"Haba, Malam, must you bury me before I die?" she asked indignantly.</p><p>"Oh, forgive me, my dear wife. You are the mistress of this house. You might as well hit me or scold me as you please. After all, you came here seeking permission but are behaving as though you own the place." Malam retorted sarcastically, adjusting his position to sit more comfortably.</p><p>Realizing her mistake, Azumi quickly softened her tone and lowered her head.</p><p>“Haba, Malamin malamai (the teacher of teachers), the pride of this village and its surroundings. Who am I to challenge the great scholar respected far and wide for his knowledge and honor?”</p><p>Her flattery worked like magic, as Malam’s stern face broke into a wide grin.</p><p>"Well, Azumi, you should have just explained yourself from the start," he said, clearly appeased.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
