<p> </p><hr><p>Inside the house, Amani was bent over, drawing water from the well to bathe, when she heard her uncle, Malam Idrisu, speaking loudly from the entrance. He instructed, "Bring the kola nuts and sweets to Talatu's room so she can distribute them to everyone." He then called out to his wife, Baba Talatu, saying, "Talatu, where are you? The marriage of Uwa to this young man (Mukhtar) has just been finalized. Send her to me so I can give her the dowry."</p><p>Talatu stepped out of her room, adjusting her headscarf, and glanced toward Amani, who had paused by the well, listening to what her uncle was saying. Talatu said, "There she is, standing by the well, and she can hear you."</p><p>Uncle Idrisu replied, "Oh, so you’re ignoring me, Uwa? Leave the water you’re drawing and meet me in the room to collect your dowry."</p><p>Amani resumed drawing water, but a lump of anguish formed in her throat, suffocating her and making it hard to breathe. She couldn't understand what her uncle meant by meeting him in the room to collect her dowry. Suddenly, she let the bucket drop into the well with a loud splash, abandoned it, and headed to the room where she had been staying.</p><p>She began packing her belongings, stuffing them into the bag she had brought with her. Meanwhile, Baba Idi was still waiting for her, holding the dowry to hand over to her. However, Amani quietly slipped out of the house without anyone noticing. Talatu had returned to her room to prepare for her outing, intending to inform relatives and friends about the marriage and invite them to the celebration the following day.</p><p>In another room, Daddy and Mukhtar were in discussion following the wedding. Mukhtar kept his head bowed as Hon. Usman, in a weak voice filled with love and compassion for his daughter Amani, said, "I have entrusted my daughter's care to you, Mukhtar, a husband whom I hold in the highest regard."</p><p>At that moment, Amani left the house unnoticed and flagged down a motorcycle (okada) rider, asking him to take her to the bus station. It was her first time riding an okada. As the rider took off abruptly, she nearly fell but managed to grab onto his shirt tightly, muttering prayers. The rider, irritated by her grip, said, "Madam, please let go! Don’t make us crash. If you can’t ride, then walk!" The unpleasant smell of the rider’s sweat almost made her faint, but she endured until they reached the station.</p><p>Back at Baba Idi’s room, Hon. Usman continued speaking to Mukhtar, who was now not just his protégé but his son-in-law.</p><p>"Mukhtar, I ask nothing of you except that you show Amani love and kindness. She knows nothing of hardship, so please don’t let her experience it. I trust you, and that’s why I gave her to you. If I had any doubts about your ability to care for her, I wouldn’t have considered this marriage.</p><p>I’ve given you permission to manage her wealth together, even after I’m gone. However, Baba Idi has requested that we visit your family and formally introduce your wife to them, assuming your parents are alive. He won’t rest until he knows your origins. Though I personally have no issue with this, marriage customs demand that we honor such requests. I hope you’ll be understanding."</p><p>Mukhtar remained silent, his head lowered further. The realization that Amani was now his lawful wife felt surreal. He couldn’t yet comprehend her new position in his life. Though he did not object to the marriage, he knew that Hon. Usman had married her off to him despite her reluctance.</p><p>Hon. Usman noticed Mukhtar deep in thought and said, "Mukhtar, if you’re not ready to visit your family, I won’t pressure you. But remember, there will come a time when your children will want to know their roots. I sense there’s something you’re hiding or struggling with. Please feel free to share it with me now."</p><p>Mukhtar hesitated but eventually responded, "Alhaji, please give me time to fulfill my first promise to Amani—to take her to her mother with your permission. After that, I’ll take you all, including Baba Idrisu and Baba Sahura, to meet my family in Diffa.</p><p>I must apologize for not telling you earlier that my parents are alive. However, I never explicitly said they weren’t; you only assumed that. Please forgive me."</p><p>Hon. Usman smiled, saying, "Masha Allah! Take your time, Mukhtar. I permit you to take Amani to Sierra Leone first to meet her mother. I’ll give you her family’s address. Book your flight tonight and ensure you fulfill her wishes. I had wanted to host a grand celebration before you two moved in together, but I now see it’s better for her to reunite with her mother first."</p><p>Meanwhile, Mukhtar was supposed to summon Amani to the room to inform her of the plans, but when he sent someone to fetch her, she was nowhere to be found. Baba Talatu confirmed that Amani had ignored Uncle Idrisu’s call to collect her dowry, packed her belongings, and left without a word.</p><hr><p> </p>
