<p><strong>Mus’ab parked his brand-new Peugeot 504 with a striking shine that turned heads in the sunlight, its glossy black paint perfectly suiting the car.</strong></p><p><strong>He stepped out, adjusting his flowing white voil robe stitched in a traditional "Ado Bayer" style. He was tall, light-skinned, and had a fit build that highlighted his graceful and commanding presence.</strong></p><p><strong>Approaching the house, which was surrounded by mats made of "Zanna" grass and supported by pillars of "Aduruku" trees, Mus’ab moved straight to the entrance. Before he could greet, he spotted her sitting on her mat under a canopy near her room.</strong></p><p><strong>“Enjoying the morning breeze, are you?”</strong></p><p><strong>She looked up at him in surprise.</strong></p><p><strong>“How come I didn’t hear your greeting before you entered my house?”</strong></p><p><strong>With a smile, he replied, “I didn’t bother with greetings, Abu. Where have you seen the master of a house seeking permission to enter his own home?”</strong></p><p><strong>“Well, I don’t agree. Kindly greet me before coming into my house.”</strong></p><p><strong>Still smiling, he said, “Alright, if you insist. Assalamu Alaikum!”</strong></p><p><strong>"Wa Alaikumus Salam," she responded with a grin. “Welcome. Did you stay in Bauchi last night?”</strong></p><p><strong>"No," he replied. “I stayed in my own house. I left before dawn and prayed Fajr in Malewa village on my way here.”</strong></p><p><strong>She held her face in amazement.</strong></p><p><strong>“Alright, let’s go inside.”</strong></p><p><strong>"No," he said, “let’s sit here and enjoy the fresh air.”</strong></p><p><strong>"Let me spread another mat for you," she offered, pulling out a mat from behind her and laying it out for him.</strong></p><p><strong>"So you were sitting on my mat all along?" he teased.</strong></p><p><strong>She laughed, saying, “This is a communal house. People come and go. Especially today—Friday—you'll think it’s a wedding when people start arriving after Jumu’ah prayer.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab chuckled. “Indeed, the joy of old age lies in visiting and catching up. It’s heartwarming to see familiar faces.”</strong></p><p><strong>She nodded. “It’s a blessing to age gracefully, seeking forgiveness and doing good deeds to outweigh past errors. Old age brings unique advantages, especially if one led a virtuous life in their youth. See how we’re all still connected?”</strong></p><p><strong>"Ameen to that," Mus’ab agreed.</strong></p><p><strong>They began exchanging pleasantries, and she asked what brought him back so soon after his last visit.</strong></p><p><strong>"You once said I neglect you and might have girlfriends elsewhere," he began. “So I decided to return frequently to prove that you’re my only one.”</strong></p><p><strong>She laughed and said, “Get out of here!”</strong></p><p><strong>Just then, two young men arrived, carrying items from the nearby market. After greeting Abu and Mus’ab, they joked about being her grandsons and asked her if she had any errands for the market.</strong></p><p><strong>"Not today," she said. “The real master is here; I’ll rest my purse this time.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab pulled out his wallet, handed them ₦5,000, and instructed them to split it, ensuring they bought chickens and vegetables for Abu.</strong></p><p><strong>After thanking him profusely, they left, promising to return with the items by evening.</strong></p><p><strong>Abu turned to Mus’ab and asked seriously, “What brings you here this time? I recall you saying we wouldn’t see you until next month or the one after. Did your work bring you?”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab adjusted himself, gazing at her with calm intensity. “I came to see you, Abu. I didn’t even visit my parents’ house. This is my first stop.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Is everything okay?”</strong></p><p><strong>"Everything is fine. You’ve been pestering me about getting married," he began.</strong></p><p><strong>“Ah! Pestering you, am I? Look at those young men who just left. Weren’t they born after you? Yet they’re married with children. What’s stopping you?”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab chuckled. “Abu, you always hit me with that. Let’s skip it this time. I admit they’re ahead of me. Can we now have peace?”</strong></p><p><strong>“Fine, I’m listening.”</strong></p><p><strong>"I want to get married, and I need you to guide me," he said.</strong></p><p><strong>Startled, she placed a hand on her chest. “Me? Never! I’ve had enough embarrassment from matchmaking in the past. I won’t get involved again.”</strong></p><p><strong>He smiled. “Abu, I mean it this time.”</strong></p><p><strong>She crossed her arms. “Every time, you bring up a girl, only to reject her. You said the daughter of Na’ibi wasn’t suitable, then the one from Malam Nomau because she wasn’t ladylike enough. What’s your plan?”</strong></p><p><strong>Still smiling, he replied, “Forgive me for those times. This time, it’s Aisha.”</strong></p><p><strong>"Aisha who? There are so many of them," she asked curiously.</strong></p><p><strong>"The one from our family," he clarified.</strong></p><p><strong>She looked puzzled. “Which Aisha? Or do you mean Saddiqa?”</strong></p><p><strong>"Yes, her," he affirmed.</strong></p><p><strong>Abu frowned. “Are you serious? You’re ignoring all the eligible girls in our clan for Saddiqa? Do you even think her guardians will allow it?”</strong></p><p><strong>"I’ve thought about it," he said. “That’s why I’m here, asking you to speak with my parents. I want their blessing to approach her family. I don’t expect them to hand her over immediately; I just want permission to be one of her suitors and for her to make her own choice.”</strong></p><p><strong>Abu shook her head. “Your mother won’t agree. She already promised her to Sadisu. He’s practically family, always visiting and bringing me gifts. You know how close our families are.”</strong></p><p><strong>"Please, Abu," Mus’ab pleaded.</strong></p><p><strong>After a long pause, she sighed. “You’re stubborn, Mus’ab. Fine, I’ll deliver your message. But don’t blame me if it doesn’t work out.”</strong></p>
