<p><strong>She turned again to look at him, her expression unreadable. He didn’t look away but said, “Well, I also heard it from Abu, who said you both are deeply in love.”</strong></p><p><strong>She looked at him once more and asked, “Abu said that?”</strong></p><p><strong>He replied, “Yes, isn’t that the case?”</strong></p><p><strong>She stayed silent. He continued, “If it’s not true, then tell me.”</strong></p><p><strong>She finally responded, “I no longer say such things because of the promise I made to Grandma.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Oh, so you made a promise. But do you love him or not?”</strong></p><p><strong>She admitted, “I love him.”</strong></p><p><strong>The room fell into silence for a while, as Mus’ab was taken aback.</strong></p><p><strong>Trying to ease the atmosphere, he said, “Even if you love him, continuing your studies isn’t a bad thing.”</strong></p><p><strong>She lowered her head and said, “Since Grandma doesn’t approve of him, I’ve given up.”</strong></p><p><strong>He nodded. “That’s admirable, Aisha. From everything you’ve said, it’s clear that you’re thoughtful and mature.”</strong></p><p><strong>She said, “I should leave now. Grandma told me not to stay out long.”</strong></p><p><strong>He smiled gently. “Alright, Aisha. I appreciate the delicious meal you prepared and the little chat we had, though it wasn’t enough for me. I know if I offered to walk you home, you’d refuse, saying your fiancé might come and I’d ruin your special moment.”</strong></p><p><strong>He teased, “Maybe I’d even interrupt the sweet nothings he’s likely to whisper to you.”</strong></p><p><strong>She smiled and replied, “I don’t talk to him every day, brother. It’s just once a week on Fridays. You happen to catch me after my chat because you visit at the weekend.”</strong></p><p><strong>He nodded. “Well, Aisha, I can believe anything you tell me because I trust you wouldn’t lie to me.”</strong></p><p><strong>He added, “Since you visited me today, tell me—what caught your attention in this house?”</strong></p><p><strong>She smiled again. “I like everything about your house, especially the kitchen. But I don’t need anything, thank you.”</strong></p><p><strong>He went to his room and returned with a phone box, handing it to her. She hesitated, showing she didn’t want to accept it.</strong></p><p><strong>“Honestly, the gifts you keep giving me are overwhelming. Sometimes they even scare me,” she admitted.</strong></p><p><strong>He looked at her seriously and said, “What kind of talk is that, Aisha? Am I the one giving you gifts that frighten you? Are you saying Bilki and the others are closer to me than you are? Back when Mom was alive, didn’t I show you you’re the most important person to me? Do I need to spell out that no one else deserves the good I can offer more than you do? I know you don’t feel the same way I feel about you.”</strong></p><p><strong>She quickly denied it, “It’s not like that, brother.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Then what is it? Now that you’ve made me feel like I’m closer to others than you, just because I gave you a phone, will you at least greet me every morning now?”</strong></p><p><strong>She took the phone with both hands, thanked him, and promised to use it well.</strong></p><p><strong>He grabbed his car keys and said, “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”</strong></p><p><strong>She agreed, and they left.</strong></p><p><strong>As they were leaving the compound, they came across a Honda with an Azare license plate pulling in.</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab looked at the driver and said, “You’ll have to wait because I’m not postponing taking my sister home.”</strong></p><p><strong>The man got out, smiling. “At least stop so we can greet each other and introduce ourselves.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab dismissed him. “No need for introductions. She’s my sister, so don’t get any ideas because you’re smiling too much.”</strong></p><p><strong>The man chuckled. “Well, since you’re Fulani, it’s common for your ‘sisters’ to eventually become your wives.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab started the car and left. After driving some distance, he turned to her and said, “Aisha, do you know who that was?”</strong></p><p><strong>She quickly responded, “Who?”</strong></p><p><strong>“That’s Sham’unu, my friend from Azare.”</strong></p><p><strong>Calmly, she replied, “I remember him. You attended his wedding a few months ago.”</strong></p><p><strong>He nodded. “Exactly. I’m impressed you didn’t forget.”</strong></p><p><strong>They stopped in front of an upscale store. He looked at her seriously and said, “Come, let’s check out some lotions.”</strong></p><p><strong>She hesitated for a moment but got out as he locked the car. He took nearly thirty minutes inside, emerging with two large shopping bags. He also stopped by another shop to buy roasted chicken before they headed home.</strong></p><p><strong>At her doorstep, he dropped her and the items before leaving.</strong></p><p><strong>That night, as she lay in her room, Mus’ab called her.</strong></p><p><strong>“I’ve been meaning to ask you something, but I hesitated earlier, afraid I might catch you chatting with someone.”</strong></p><p><strong>She was surprised. “Chatting? Brother, didn’t you say you trust me and know I wouldn’t lie to you?”</strong></p><p><strong>“Of course, Aisha. I trust you completely. I just hope you’ll trust me too, so we can both rely on each other.”</strong></p><p><strong>She smiled. “I told you I only chat once a week, and earlier today, you said you’d tell me off when I visited, but you didn’t.”</strong></p><p><strong>He chuckled. “I wanted to talk about your studies, but I realized it’s not you who doesn’t want to continue—it’s Grandma who insists it’s time for marriage. I won’t stop you from studying, Aisha. I know it’s beneficial. As for me, I’m still single because my mother passed away; otherwise, I wouldn’t be like this now.”</strong></p><p><strong>She shifted the topic by asking, “What did you want to ask me?”</strong></p><p><strong>“When I was a kid, I remember Mom praying late at night, even waking me up to join her and pray for guidance. Did she do that with you too?”</strong></p><p><strong>“Yes, but now I’ve gotten used to it. I wake up on my own for prayers.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Then please, pray for me, Aisha.”</strong></p><p><strong>She quickly agreed, “I will.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Pray for me often, okay?”</strong></p><p><strong>She replied, “I will. Goodnight.”</strong></p><p><strong>Aisha put down the phone, reflecting on her relationship with Mus’ab. Since she was young, he had been one of the most important people in her life because of his constant care and affection. He was someone who loved her, cared for her, and often showed her generosity. She was overjoyed when he returned home.</strong></p><p><strong>However, the lavish gifts he showered on her unsettled her. She wondered why he didn’t treat his other siblings the same way.</strong></p><p><strong>The next morning, after her dawn prayers, her phone rang. She answered it.</strong></p><p><strong>“Good morning, Aisha.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Good morning, brother. How’s the house?”</strong></p><p><strong>“All is well, though I didn’t sleep last night.”</strong></p><p><strong>Surprised, she said, “Neither did I.”</strong></p><p><strong>“What kept you awake, Aisha?”</strong></p><p><strong>She remained silent as he explained, “For me, it was thoughts of marriage. Aisha, I look at you and see a young girl. I was nearly seventeen when you were born. Now, your parents are eager to see you married while I sit idly. I realize I need to take life seriously.”</strong></p><p><strong>She quietly said, “You’re right.”</strong></p><p><strong>“And you, Aisha? What kept you awake?”</strong></p><p><strong>Slowly, she replied, “Aunty Kuluwa came over late last night, arguing with her husband. You know he’s planning to marry again?”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab said, “No one would tell me except you. Grandma doesn’t talk to me, and Dad only says I’m not married myself, so I’m not informed about these issues. But if he’s remarrying, why would she argue with him?”</strong></p><p><strong>“She feels betrayed. He promised to renovate her room but later said he couldn’t afford it because of wedding expenses. It upset me, thinking this is how things are when a new wife is involved.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab chuckled. “Well, how would I know? I’ve never been married. That’s why I’ve resolved to marry only one woman—the one I love—and she’ll be enough for me.”</strong></p><p><strong>She replied, “I wonder how I’ll feel when my husband takes a new wife.”</strong></p><p><strong>Mus’ab laughed. “You’ll probably feel the same as other women—jealous, perhaps?”</strong></p><p><strong>She said, “I don’t know yet. Maybe in the future.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Well, I was planning to visit after my Kano trip, but I think I’ll come over now.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Alright, see you soon,” she said, ending the call.</strong></p><p><strong>Later, Mus’ab sat in his father’s living room, waiting for Saddiqa.</strong></p><p><strong>“Good morning,” she greeted, entering the room.</strong></p><p><strong>“Morning. Come sit.”</strong></p><p><strong>He handed her a written check. “Take this to Kuluwa so she can use the money for her expenses. Tell her to stop arguing with her husband and live in peace.”</strong></p><p><strong>Saddiqa was delighted when she saw the amount on the check.</strong></p><p><strong>“May God increase your wealth, brother,” she said sincerely.</strong></p><p><strong>He handed her three envelopes. “Give one to Bilkisu, one to Hamida, and one for yourself. I know you’ll accompany them for their wedding shopping.”</strong></p><p><strong>“Thank you. May God grant you more blessings,” she said gratefully.</strong></p>
