<p> </p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>On the way to the Gombe palace, Malam Buhari was silently reflecting on Prince’s affairs. He thought to himself, “Truly, for a man, delaying marriage isn’t easy. Once he finds a woman, no matter her age or background, it’s all left to Allah. Women hold the power, like the grip of a skilled hunter on his prey. Just look at how that young girl has completely captured Prince Abdulrasheed. He’s so engrossed in her charm that he missed his flight!”</p><p>For a man of his age, royal stature (his inherited authority and legacy), and fame as an African Polo Legend, it’s astonishing how this young girl has turned him into a mere boy in her presence.</p><p>Malam Buhari recalled how tirelessly Nenne worked to arrange Prince’s marriage to Aisha. From Lagos to Gombe, she left no stone unturned until the union was formalized and Aisha was brought from Ilorin.</p><p>Even Nani Oummana, who had given her final goodbye thinking Prince would head straight to the airport, was surprised when he returned. She asked, “What happened, Hammansu? Did you forget something?”</p><p>He sat down, smiling sheepishly, and said, “Well, the plane left without me, Oummana.”</p><p>Oummana, amused, said, “What do you mean? Were you busy with love?” Prince bowed his head, chuckling lightly. “Something like that. You’re always right, Oummana.” She smiled knowingly. She had anticipated this day.</p><p>It was clear: AISHA INDO SIDDIQAH had entered the Prince’s life with full force. She would rule his heart completely. Prince Abdulrasheed was utterly captivated. Aisha’s qualities reminded Oummana of the great love story of Nenne and Dade. History seemed to be repeating itself in Abdulrasheed’s life. She prayed this love would endure, making Prince and Siddiqah a replica of Sappa and Idrisu.</p><p>As Oummana said nothing but kept smiling, Prince, trying to compose himself, said, “Tomorrow, insha’Allah, I won’t play games. I’ll be on the 6 AM flight. I won’t even say goodbye to her!”</p><p>Oummana laughed, saying, “Did I scold you? No, I didn’t. But here’s what I want: bring her back to me yourself. I’d rather see you two together before my eyes.”</p><p>Prince promised, “Insha’Allah, Oummana. Even Baba Yunus said I should bring her to you. After Isha prayers, I’ll go pick her up and bring her here.”</p><p>He went to his quarters to freshen up, knowing that after his encounter with Aisha that day, a bath was necessary before prayers.</p><p>Later, when Siddiqah sat beside her mother, Haj. Zainab, she shyly informed her, “Hamma said he’ll take me to Oummana tonight. She wants to see me.”</p><p>Haj. Zainab pondered what to send with Aisha and eventually decided on some exquisite Oud and Sandalwood perfumes from her trip to Saudi Arabia. She packed them carefully and handed them to Aisha as a gift for Oummana.</p><p>Before leaving, Siddiqah dressed in an elegant orange lace gown adorned with delicate white floral patterns, a gift from her mother’s Hajj trip. She applied her Fahrenheit perfume, its gentle fragrance wafting throughout the house. As Prince arrived, Baba Yunus reminded her, “Remember, Indo, to carry yourself with dignity and grace. This visit requires composure and restraint.”</p><p>When she joined Prince in the car, Malam Buhari, their driver, couldn’t help but notice the Prince’s gentle demeanor as he opened the door for her. On their way to Oummana’s residence, Prince cleverly intertwined his fingers with Aisha’s, the softness of their touch creating a quiet intimacy. Aisha, remembering her mother’s advice to remain composed, held back her natural ease with him.</p><p>At Oummana’s, they found her deep in prayer. She welcomed them warmly, addressing Siddiqah with endearment. Aisha knelt to greet her, but Oummana lifted her and seated her beside her on a traditional leather mat. Oummana’s affection for Siddiqah was evident as she offered her snacks and began a heartfelt conversation. When Prince tried to stay, Oummana asked him to leave so she could counsel Aisha privately.</p><p>In her advice, Oummana emphasized the sanctity of marriage and the importance of handling issues with wisdom and discretion. She warned Aisha not to involve her parents in minor marital disputes, as such matters are better resolved between spouses. “Your husband deeply loves you, Aisha. Don’t let anyone, not even Taiwo, come between you. May Allah bless your union and grant you children who will cherish this legacy.”</p><p>When Prince returned, he found Siddiqah had charmed Oummana with her grace. On their way back, he teasingly suggested, “Aisha, you must visit my home one day. It’s your house too.” She shyly declined, saying, “Next time, insha’Allah.”</p><p>At her home, as she prepared to leave the car, Prince held her hand and whispered, “Baby, I’ll miss you, you know that, right?”</p><p>She looked at him, her voice trembling with emotion, and replied in Yoruba, “I’ll miss you more, Hamma.”</p><p>Before she could pull her hand away, he kissed it, leaving her flustered as she rushed into the house, her heart racing from his boldness.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p> </p><p> </p>
