<p> </p><p>Munib sought his mother’s care, while Sulaiman sought a wife’s care. Those were Hadiza’s words, which Fati remembered.</p><p>But she wasn’t his wife, nor did they live under the same roof. How could she possibly care for him, to prevent him from falling apart without Hadiza? This estranged husband of hers, who harbored inexplicable hatred toward her?</p><p>If Hadiza meant for her to marry her husband, she hadn’t explicitly said so, only giving subtle hints. She had entangled her in an issue that seemed impossible. Fati prayed that she would never have to share with Hadiza in anything she desired. She left not because she wanted to, but due to Allah’s decree, which no one could contest. She had taken on a responsibility she did not know how she would fulfill.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>The following evening, Inna returned again, brought by Dr. Sulaiman. Hamza and Abdulyassar carried into the house a carton of SMA milk, diapers, and an assortment of groceries, biscuits, chocolates, and Indomie for Munib and the others to take to school. Fati organized everything in its rightful place. Inna informed Sulaiman to return later at night to pick her up.</p><p>Later, Malam Ja'afar arrived and joined Inna and Yaya in a private conversation behind closed doors. What they discussed remained unknown. They spent considerable time talking before Sulaiman eventually returned to take Inna home.</p><p>The next day, Inna was to return to Bakori. Sulaiman stopped at Jifatu market to buy plenty of supplies for her, Malam, and his younger siblings, as was his habit. Back home, Inna prepared semovita and vegetable soup for him. She insisted he open his phones, which he had been ignoring. Upon doing so, condolence messages from his colleagues, friends, and associates poured in. Additionally, he was summoned to the Chief Medical Director's office at AKTH on Monday.</p><p>After taking Inna to Bakori and greeting his father briefly, Sulaiman prepared to leave. Inna said,</p><p>“I have something important to discuss with you, but you seem to be in a hurry.”</p><p>He replied, “I’m really pressed for time. Let’s talk when I return.”</p><p>She prayed, “May Allah protect your journey, increase your patience with Yakanah, and ease your affairs with good replacements.”</p><p>Her prayers touched his heart, bringing him a sense of peace and rekindling his love for his mother. She added,</p><p>“When you return, I hope to see a change in you, as you promised me. I want to see the doctor in you, not the shadow of Malam.”</p><p>He smiled, something he hadn’t done in ages.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>On Monday, he reported to the CMD’s office for a discussion about a heart transplant surgery for the Minister of Health, a task in which he was among the lead doctors. Afterward, he returned to his office, refocused, and buried himself in work, which kept him occupied and helped ease the loneliness of his wife’s absence.</p><p>On Thursday, he took time off to shop for his children and visited their school during lunch. Under a tree, he sat, holding them close, listening to their stories as they ate KitKat chocolate he brought for them.</p><p>Munib said, “Daddy, you didn’t attend our prize-giving day. Everyone’s father came except ours.”</p><p>He held his ear apologetically, saying, “I’m very, very sorry…work kept me busy. Who brought you there?”</p><p>They replied, “Aunty Fati dressed us up and brought us.”</p><p>He said, "Aunty Fati did well!" They smiled. He added, “Next year, I won’t miss it.”</p><p>When the bell rang, the children ran back to class, leaving him watching them with a smile full of longing.</p><p>Whenever he found free time, he avoided visiting the house to prevent seeing Fati. She reminded him of many things about Hadiza, and he disliked how their interactions felt. He attributed this to their lack of compatibility.</p><p>Fati, on the other hand, viewed his attitude as disdain and disrespect. He treated her as though she didn’t know what she was doing, while she believed she was the most sensible person in the world. Their differences in lifestyle widened the gap between them.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>The eve of Hadiza’s 40-day memorial, Sulaiman’s family members, including Inna Halima, Malam Surajo, and Alhaji Umar, arrived at his Kano home. That evening, they requested to visit Karkasara. He dropped them off and headed back to the hospital, promising to pick them up later.</p><p>The elders gathered in Malam Ja’afar’s parlor for a private discussion. Yaya expressed doubts, saying,</p><p>“I don’t think Fati and Sulaiman would agree to this. Are you sure he’ll consent to the matter?”</p><p>Malam Sulaiman smiled and replied,</p><p>"You don’t know Sulaiman well enough. He has a habit of initially disliking what he eventually comes to love. His mother used to share stories about his stubbornness. There’s no harmony between him and Fati, but she has kept her distance from him.</p><p>"Our desire is to foster unity and preserve the family bond. Fati is the most suitable person to raise her sister’s children. Such loyalty is rare. And when Fati eventually marries, how will Sulaiman handle the children without her?</p><p>“We are here to seek your consent and approval. By Allah’s will, we want to finalize their marriage tomorrow after Hadiza’s prayer.”</p><p>Malam Ja’afar responded,</p><p>“I had already considered this before you raised it. No woman is better suited for this role than Fati. However, convincing Sulaiman might be a challenge. He is not someone we can marry off without his knowledge.”</p><p>Alhaji Umar assured them,</p><p>“Leave that to us. Sulaiman is obedient. He has never gone against his parents' wishes. I believe he will comply. Here’s the dowry, twenty thousand naira and kolanuts. Let us proceed in good faith.”</p><p>The meeting concluded as Sulaiman entered the parlor. Malam Ja’afar said,</p><p>“Coincidentally, Fati should also be called here.”</p><p>Yaya left to fetch her.</p><p>Fati, busy putting Munib and the others to bed, was startled when Yaya drew back the curtain and asked,</p><p>“Fati, are you already asleep?”</p><p> </p><p> </p>
