<p><strong>Should I go and tell her not to give Sadisu the marriage? She has already told me that she plans to give him the girl and has made Saddiqa dismiss all her other suitors. He's the only one still visiting her. Besides, they grew up together playing in the same dirt, and his mother is her closest friend.</strong></p><p><strong>And the way he sprawls out whenever he visits here—it’s the same way he behaves at his own house. We always chat for hours. Even this kilishi (spiced dried meat) I brought for you was from what he gifted me. I just took a bit for you. Later today, after Friday prayers, you’ll see him here again. What do I do with him? Who among you isn't mine, after all?</strong></p><p><strong>Mus'ab smiled and replied, “Well, then, it’s settled. We’re all yours.”</strong></p><p><strong>He picked up his car keys, signaling he was about to leave. She quickly interjected, “Wait, aren’t you going to eat your kilishi?”</strong></p><p><strong>He responded, “No, I’ve changed my mind. Now that I know this kilishi is part of the bribes he gives you, you can eat it all by yourself.”</strong></p><p><strong>She laughed, “But our conversation isn’t over yet. Come back!”</strong></p><p><strong>“I’ve done what I came to do, and since you’re refusing to help me, what’s left for me to do in your house? Unless you want me to sit around waiting for him to show up.”</strong></p><p><strong>Abu burst into laughter, saying, “You don’t like the truth, Mus'ab. I already promised to support your suit for Saddiqa and tell them to give her to you instead of Sadisu, but I’m too embarrassed. Imagine how I’d feel—I’d be too ashamed to go out in public.”</strong></p><p><strong>He replied, “Alright then. I’ll see you later. Make sure to prepare dinner for me.”</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>—</strong></p><p><strong>When Mus'ab arrived at his father’s house to prepare for the Friday prayer, he stepped out of his car and knelt respectfully to greet his father.</strong></p><p><strong>“Welcome, welcome,” his father said warmly.</strong></p><p><strong>Mus'ab responded politely, “Should I go inside so Mother knows I’m here, then we can go to the mosque together?”</strong></p><p><strong>His father smiled and said, “Be quick about it. We already heard of your arrival from those kids who came to collect the money for the cattle from Habiba.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus'ab nodded. “Alright, let’s go then. I’ll visit her after we return.”</strong></p><p><strong>After the prayer, Mus'ab spent time in his father’s company, enjoying a pleasant conversation. His father, Mallam Abdullahi, sat on a chair while Mus'ab sat humbly on the floor. Their discussion took a serious turn when his father said, “You’re content with this current state of yours? You’re at the stage in life where you should be making serious decisions. Even your younger sisters came to greet you earlier. Doesn’t that remind you that your youth is slipping away?”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus'ab lowered his gaze respectfully and replied, “With God’s permission, I’ll take action this time. It’s one of the reasons I came home. I’ve already spoken to Abu about it.”</strong></p><p><strong>His father scrutinized him, “And your mother? Has she reconsidered regarding this matter?”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus'ab smiled humbly. “She said she wouldn’t interfere anymore.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mallam Abdullahi said, “If no one interferes between you two, even I wouldn’t stop her from advising you.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus'ab kept his head bowed, “I’ve apologized to her.”</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>—</strong></p><p><strong>Later that evening, Mus'ab and Abu were sitting in her courtyard under the bright light of a full moon. Mus'ab hugged his knees, sitting upright.</strong></p><p><strong>Abu urged him, “Stretch out your legs and relax. Here’s your food.”</strong></p><p><strong>He replied, “I’m not stretching out my legs here—I’m afraid of scorpions.”</strong></p><p><strong>Abu, startled, asked, “Scorpions? Where did you see one?”</strong></p><p><strong>“I haven’t seen any, but Abu, they’re bound to be around. Look at those acacia trees; wherever they are, scorpions follow. So, it’s better we go inside.”</strong></p><p><strong>As they cleared the courtyard, he picked up the mat while she gathered the utensils. “Leave the pot for me, Abu. Don’t let me break it.”</strong></p><p><strong>After dinner, Mus'ab praised the food, “The meal was delicious, though the stew was a bit heavy on daddawa (fermented locust beans).”</strong></p><p><strong>Abu laughed, “Yet it was finished, and the broth was devoured too.”</strong></p><p><strong>Smiling, Mus'ab washed his hands with fragrant soap and resumed their conversation. He said, “Let’s talk seriously, Abu. I’m deeply in love with Aisha. Or do you want me to fall sick from unrequited love?”</strong></p><p><strong>She replied teasingly, “Oh, so now it’s Saddiqa causing your lovesickness?”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus'ab adjusted his position. “Let’s be serious, Abu. Help me with her. I didn’t realize how much I loved her until I saw her chatting with Sadisu at the gate. It hit me like a brick. If I’ve wronged you in the past, don’t deny me this chance. My marriage to Aisha will be a blessing for all of us.”</strong></p><p><strong>Abu sighed. “Even with your sweet words, this is how you’ll leave me in the end. But okay, I’ll do what I can.”</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>—</strong></p><p><strong>The next morning, while Saddiqa was busy with household chores, Mus'ab entered the house.</strong></p><p><strong>“Good morning, Aisha,” he greeted.</strong></p><p><strong>She quickly knelt slightly in respect. “Welcome, Yaya.”</strong></p><p><strong>He walked past her to his mother’s room. Saddiqa, knowing he rarely lingered unless his father was home, followed to greet him properly.</strong></p><p><strong>“Yaya, thank you for the gifts. May Allah bless you.”</strong></p><p><strong>Smiling faintly, he asked, “Where’s Baba?”</strong></p><p><strong>“He’s in town for a condolence visit.”</strong></p><p><strong>Turning to his mother, he asked, “Who passed away, Inna?”</strong></p><p><strong>After hearing the details, he offered a prayer for the deceased. Then he said, “Let me go and pay my respects. I’ll meet Baba afterward.”</strong></p><p><strong>As he left, Saddiqa called after him, “Will you be back later?”</strong></p><p><strong>Unlocking his car, he replied, “Why?”</strong></p><p><strong>“There’s fresh fish. I could prepare a stew for you.”</strong></p><p> </p>
