<p>She called again, and Mimi's mother picked up, still crying. In her view, it wasn’t right to leave Mimi in such a situation. He pleaded with her, saying, “Please, Hajiya, I apologize. There is a reason I had to do this. I will explain later. I beg you, please assist me with this. I know you can convince your children to refrain from visiting Mimi. Eventually, you’ll understand my reasons, and the pain will lessen. Do you understand?”</p><p>She sighed deeply and replied, “Fine, I will do as you wish.”</p><p>He, too, sighed in relief. "Thank you, may God bless you and reward you with paradise. I will come by." She responded, “May God bring you safely.”</p><p>She turned to her daughters and said, “I want you to drop this topic here. Don’t let your elder brothers know about it. I don’t want them involved.”</p><p>Hasana asked, “Why, Hajiya?”</p><p>She replied, “Because that’s what your father requested, and I don’t want you insisting on knowing the reason. We will follow her health updates through her husband.”</p><p>The girls exchanged confused glances before heading to their room. Meanwhile, their mother dialed Ismail’s number. He answered quickly with a greeting.</p><p>She asked softly, “Have you arrived?”</p><p>He replied, “No, I won’t be able to come. If she wakes up, tell her I sent my regards.”</p><p>“Does that mean even you cannot come?”</p><p>She began sobbing, “Her father has forbidden us from visiting her.”</p><p>In shock, he asked, “Why?”</p><p>She responded, “Please forgive her. She’s in a delicate condition and cannot be blamed for her actions. I have forgiven her for everything, whether I’m aware of it or not. I also don’t know why he made this decision, but if he explains to me, I will inform you. For now, Ismail, I entrust Mimi into your care. Remember, she has no one else but you, her husband. I’ll check on her condition occasionally through you.”</p><p>Ismail promised, “I will do my best. Thank you, and may God bless you.”</p><p>After ending the call, Ismail turned to his friend Mahmud and lamented, “What kind of destiny is this? Mimi’s father has barred them from visiting her.”</p><p>Mahmud replied, “This is surprising, but as her husband, her welfare is now your responsibility. Continue to care for her until they eventually reconcile. They might just be upset about her running away again.”</p><p>Ismail sighed deeply, “God knows I lack the strength to handle her care alone.”</p><p>Mahmud reassured him, “Don’t worry, God will help you.”</p><p>Softly, Ismail replied, “May God help us.”</p><p>They both echoed, “Ameen!”</p><p>When it was time for prayers, they headed to the mosque. Afterward, Mahmud left to inform Malam Aminu and promised to stop by at Amina’s house to update her as well.</p><p>Later that day</p><p>Around 3 p.m., Amina visited Ismail, crying over her younger brother's predicament.</p><p>"Don’t worry, Amina," he consoled her. “By God’s grace, she will recover.”</p><p>She asked, “What happened exactly?”</p><p>He explained everything to her, and she responded, “God is capable of all things. But how will you manage her care, knowing she doesn’t even love you?”</p><p>"She’s my wife, so I have no choice but to care for her. Just pray for me," Ismail replied.</p><p>She said, "May God guide you," and he replied, “Ameen.”</p><p>Later in the evening, Malam and some elders visited Ismail to offer condolences and prayers for Mimi’s recovery. Afterward, Amina also left, but not before offering Ismail some money for support, which he refused.</p><p>When Amina left, Ismail went to check on Mimi. Seeing her still and bandaged brought tears to his eyes. However, as he watched, he noticed slight movement. Startled, he quickly informed the nurses, who then called the doctor.</p><p>The doctor arrived promptly and took over. Ismail anxiously waited outside for over 10 minutes until a nurse came to inform him that Mimi had regained consciousness but was calling out Khalil’s name, the person who had passed away in the accident.</p><p>The doctor advised transferring Mimi to a private room for better care and explained the costs involved. Ismail agreed, praying silently for her recovery.</p><p>Even though her condition was improving, Mimi’s health weighed heavily on Ismail’s heart, knowing he had to navigate her recovery while managing family dynamics.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
