<p>A sharp glance mixed with scorn was what Inna Azumi directed at Tasalla before turning to Malam with a bright smile and saying:</p><p>“Honestly, just a moment ago, I called Halima’s mother’s number to check on how they were doing. She was sobbing over the phone, saying, ‘Inna, if possible, please come over. We’re at the hospital; Sa’adiyya is in labor. If you can, seek permission from Malam to stay for the postpartum care. You know she has no other grandmother to do this for her except you.’” Inna Azumi said, wiping away fake tears that had gathered in her eyes.</p><p>“So, she hasn’t delivered yet?”</p><p>“Come on, Malam, why are you going backward in time? I told you she’s in labor, but you refuse to believe it, instead bombarding me with questions as if I’m being interrogated. Or is it because the child isn’t biologically yours? I see! You’ve become the type to forget past kindness. Remember how her late father always showed you respect despite not being your son. Yet here you are, hesitating to let me go for postpartum care for his daughter, all in front of a co-wife who might later use it to mock me.” She then burst into tears, complete with sniffles and a dramatic display of wiping away tears as if overwhelmed by grief for her late son.</p><p>Malam was left speechless, staring at her as she carried on. Finally, seeing her persistence, he sighed and said:</p><p>“If it’s to the city, then fine. May Allah make the journey safe, and may she deliver safely.”</p><p>“Oh no, Malam, I wouldn’t want to leave while you’re upset with me.” She added in a tone filled with fake remorse and manipulation.</p><p>“There’s no problem at all, wallahi,” he replied. “Sometimes we men are at fault for preventing women from doing things we shouldn’t stop them from. This is one of those times. I shouldn’t have stopped you. May Allah grant safety on the journey.” He pulled out ₦2,000 from his pocket and handed it to her.</p><p>Taking it with both hands, she exclaimed, “Thank you! Thank you so much, Malam!”</p><p>“When will you return?”</p><p>“What do you mean by ‘when will I return?’ Isn’t this a postpartum care visit? I thought 40 days is the standard, or has that changed?”</p><p>“No, it hasn’t, but since this is her first childbirth, it’s okay to extend it. In fact, sometimes, if the husband is friendly and welcoming, it can go up to 42 days—or even more!” She laughed.</p><p>“What! So, it becomes more than postpartum care—it’s now overstaying. You mean to tell me a grandmother will live in her in-law’s house for more than three months just because of postpartum care?”</p><p>“I didn’t say I would stay 90 days; I’m only staying 50 days.” Then, licking her lips, she added, “And they’ll treat me with rich pepper soup and chicken every day.”</p><p>“Oh, I see. May Allah grant safety,” Malam said.</p><p>“Amin, Malam!” She responded, casting a triumphant look at Tasalla, whose face was filled with rage.</p><p>“Anyway, Tasallele, I’ll be heading to the city. Until we meet again, keep handling the oil frying business I do, so people won’t think I’ve stopped entirely. And if anyone asks, just say I’m in Kano with my granddaughter for postpartum care!” she teased, laughing.</p><p>Tasalla was boiling with rage, her face flushed. Seeing this, Malam interjected:</p><p>“But you know the market vehicle has left already, right? You’ll need to take a bike to Garki and catch a vehicle to Kano from there.”</p><p>“Yes, I’m aware the vehicle has left; the sun is already high, and it’s almost time for Zuhr. Don’t worry, I’ll manage.”</p><p>“Alright, send our regards.”</p><p>“They’ll hear them,” she replied, rising from her seat and heading to her room to grab her bags.</p><p>She packed her luggage into a big bag, tied it shut, and called on Lawwali, Malam’s student, to find her a bike. As the bike arrived and her luggage was loaded, Malam stepped out of his room, shocked at the size of her bag.</p><p>“Azumi, is everything okay?”</p><p>“What do you mean, Malam?” she asked innocently.</p><p>“This bag—are you moving there permanently?”</p><p>“It’s not just clothes, Malam; even my blanket is inside. I wouldn’t want to be asking for one at my age, would I?” She replied with a smile.</p><p>“Well, alright then.”</p><p>She climbed onto the bike, and as the students waved her off, she raised her hand in return. The villagers assumed she was visiting her relatives in the city, as she had once been married there.</p><p>As they left the village and approached the main road, she heaved a sigh of relief, feeling proud of herself. Her thoughts, however, drifted to her soon-to-be in-laws, wondering how the days ahead would play out.</p><p>“Well, well, well! Stay tuned for this exciting story filled with comedy and drama. How will things unfold between the hosts and the Postpartum Guest? Let’s find out!”</p><p> </p><p> </p>
