<p>Both opportunities came to Yareema at once: NTNU (Nigerian Turkish Nile University) in Abuja offered him a lecturing position in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, as per his choice. Simultaneously, OAU (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) also urgently employed him. Before returning, he decided to pursue academia, a profession that royal descendants rarely venture into. True to his unique nature, Yareema's perspective on life was different from others. He distanced himself entirely from royal privileges, contrary to his father's wishes, viewing them as restrictive and oppressive. Yareema cherished a life free of constraints and deeply valued independence.</p><p>He was a man of great focus, discipline, and ambition, achieving success in every endeavor he pursued. However, his love for women, a trait often associated with royal blood, was his one flaw. Yet, since marrying Aisha-Sultana, Yareema Sageer Askira had become more reserved; no woman appealed to him except his wife. He even deleted all the numbers of various women in his phone, determined to leave his past behind, just as he had left Amsterdam and everything associated with it.</p><p>His automobile business was relocated to Nigeria, with Awaisu handling operations. Upon returning, Yareema involved two of his younger brothers—Suhail, who was close to completing his business degree, and Ahmad—while guiding them in the trade.</p><p>Initially, His Majesty was reluctant to allow Yareema to move to Abuja with his family, hoping Yareema had returned to Askira permanently. Preparations for bestowing the Chiroma title upon him had already begun. However, when Yareema requested to accept the NTNU position, Fulani Bilkisu intervened, securing His Majesty's approval. He agreed, provided that Yareema and his family would visit every three months during university breaks.</p><p>On a Sunday, Yareema Sagir and Aisha-Sultana moved to Abuja. Humaira, Naja’atu, and his other siblings helped them settle into the university-provided accommodation, located within NTNU's staff housing. The Turkish-owned NTNU, a private international university, compensated its lecturers handsomely, far surpassing most northern Nigerian universities in this regard. The staff quarters were well-designed flats inspired by Istanbul architecture, featuring four bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, a spacious living room, a dining area, a garden at the back, and a balcony at the front.</p><p>Humaira and her siblings were impressed with the house, vowing to visit frequently. They admired Aisha-Sultana’s kindness, although Ya Gumsu (one of the royal wives) disapproved of her and openly expressed disdain. Despite this, Aisha-Sultana remained composed, focusing on adjusting to her new environment.</p><p>Aisha-Sultana soon secured a job with an insurance company, complementing Yareema’s evening lectures. Their busy schedules left little time for home life. Yareema formed a friendship with Dr. Ziyad, a Turkish colleague known for his carefree lifestyle. Over time, Yareema adopted some of Ziyad's habits, including socializing and indulging in fleeting pleasures.</p><p>Meanwhile, Aisha-Sultana secretly resumed old habits from her pre-Islamic past, indulging in excessive drinking and other vices. Unbeknownst to Yareema, she frequently visited bars and returned home intoxicated, often falling asleep before performing her prayers. Despite their mutual love, the absence of moral and spiritual alignment marred their marriage.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>TWO YEARS LATER</p><p>Students of El-Kanemi College of Islamic Theology had just completed their final SSCE exams. Sa'adatu Hashim was especially jubilant, having high hopes for excellent results. Her uncle had promised to sponsor her at the Nigerian Turkish Nile University if she earned 9 credits.</p><p>Humaira had graduated two years earlier and was now at the University of Maiduguri. Sa'adatu, filled with excitement, rushed home, breaking her usual composure, and embraced Fulani Bilkisu, exclaiming her joy. Despite Fulani’s initial surprise, she eventually shared in Sa'adatu’s happiness, reflecting on their bond and the years that had brought them to this moment.</p><p>The household celebrated Sa'adatu's success, with Fulani Bilkisu silently appreciating how much she had grown to love her daughter, even more than she loved Fatima-Zarah. While lost in thought, memories from nineteen years ago began to flood her mind, replaying the events that led to her giving birth to Sa'adatu.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
