YAN KUNGIYAR ASIRI Book Complete Document by Mrs Sadauki .txt

<p>Who Could It Be?</p><p>It was his closest friend, someone he had bonded with deeply. However, since his friend was from Katsina and had only lived in Zaria because of his father’s work, they had eventually parted ways when his family moved back home.</p><p>Overjoyed, the friend hurried toward the Emir. The Emir looked at the guards and signaled them to leave the room. They obeyed without hesitation.</p><p>The two men embraced tightly, overwhelmed with happiness. The Emir looked at his friend and said, “Amadu, I can’t believe I’m seeing you again!”</p><p>They were both elated to reunite. After the initial excitement, they settled into conversation, catching up on lost time.</p><p>After a while, the Emir asked, “Is this just a visit, Amadu? It seems like you’re here for another reason.”</p><p>Amadu lowered his gaze, his expression darkening with concern. Seeing this, the Emir asked with concern, “What’s wrong?”</p><p>Tears welled up in Amadu’s eyes as he spoke in a sorrowful voice, “Your Majesty, I am in deep trouble.”</p><p>Shocked, the Emir asked, “What happened?”</p><p>Amadu shut his eyes briefly before replying, “My sister was raped in our hometown. As a result, my family and even my in-laws are distressed. People mock and shun us.”</p><p>The Emir was deeply disturbed. “Your sister? Not Basira?”</p><p>Amadu nodded bitterly. “Yes, it’s her. That’s why I feel she can no longer stay there. She can’t even step outside. So, I came to beg you—can you ask your sister, Aunty Babba, if Basira can stay with her? Even if it’s just for a month. I don’t know anyone else I can turn to here. Worse still, all her suitors have abandoned her.”</p><p>The Emir, feeling sorry, asked, “How did this happen?”</p><p>Amadu explained, “One night, my wife sent her to buy fever medicine for our sick child. I was out of town. On her way back, she was attacked and violated in the darkness. She never saw the assailant and cannot identify him.”</p><p>The Emir fell silent, thinking. Amadu continued, “Your Majesty, if you have a trusted guard or servant, I beg you to arrange a marriage for her. This is a great shame for a woman, and she will never find a husband now—unless Allah wills it. But she is already of age, so I was thinking if there’s anyone at all, please let her be married off quickly. Until then, she can stay with Aunty Babba.”</p><p>At that time, rape was considered a great disgrace, and a woman who lost her virginity outside of marriage had little hope of finding a husband.</p><p>The Emir remained silent, contemplating Basira’s fate. She was an innocent girl, known for her patience and gentle nature.</p><p>After a long pause, he finally said, “Because of the respect your father had for mine—and the friendship between us—I have made a decision. I will marry her myself. But I want you to ensure that no one speaks of the rape. We must bury the truth here. If not, she will continue to face rejection, even in this palace.”</p><p>Amadu was so shocked that he couldn’t speak. Tears streamed down his face as he shook his head and said, “I am grateful for your kindness, but I cannot let you marry a woman who has been violated.”</p><p>The Emir gave a small smile. “Amadu, what is the purpose of friendship if not this? Do you think anyone else will keep your secret as I will? If we marry her off to a servant or guard, what happens when he discovers she isn’t a virgin? He will disgrace her. Even if we tell him beforehand, he may still make her life miserable.”</p><p>Amadu remained silent. The Emir placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. Tomorrow, I will marry her. However, I won’t announce it publicly until after the naming ceremony festivities are over.”</p><p>Amadu fell to the ground in gratitude. The Emir continued, “Return home. Tomorrow morning, I will come in secret, without anyone knowing except a few trusted people.”</p><p>Overwhelmed with relief, Amadu thanked him repeatedly and then said, “I will wait for you so we can travel together for your safety.”</p><p>The Emir chuckled. “If you come with me, who will inform your family about the marriage? Besides, I don’t want anyone to know I am going that far. Let me arrange for a car to take you back—I can tell you arrived here in a rush.”</p><p>At that time, only the wealthy or people of high status owned cars, and even then, they were old-fashioned models with smooth, rounded trunks.</p><p>They spoke for a long time before Amadu stood up, bid farewell, and left. He was filled with gratitude and relief.</p><p>And I thought to myself… this is a whole new twist.</p><p> </p><p> </p>