<p>He brought a large sum of money and gave it to me. Abdulhakim delivered the potatoes and yams he had purchased for them. We headed home, my heart filled with love for my father, who cared for me and my happiness.</p><p>The next day, Abdulhakim prepared to return to Lagos, but he told me he would stop in Kaduna to visit Abdallah. The house was left with just me and Sabuwa, though Hajiya would check in occasionally to see if we needed anything.</p><p>At Abdallah Ribadu's office, within the DSTV satellite company, he and Abdulhakim shared a cup of coffee.</p><p>Abdallah asked, “What is so urgent that you couldn't wait a week to visit me?”</p><p>Abdulhakim replied, “What can I say, Abdallah? I want to take another wife.”</p><p>Abdallah stared at him. “Another wife? What kind of marriage are you talking about, my brother?”</p><p>He sighed and said, “With Farida.”</p><p>Abdallah fell silent as though struck by shock before finally asking, “And what about Sakinah? Do you no longer love her?”</p><p>Quickly, Abdulhakim shook his head. “She’s the one I truly love.”</p><p>“Then why divide your attention? You already have a virtuous wife whom God has blessed you with. Stop seeing her as a little girl. In three years, you’ll be amazed at her growth. Has Farida not married yet?”</p><p>“No, she hasn’t.”</p><p>“Why not?”</p><p>“Because of the love in her heart.”</p><p>Abdallah said, “If you want my advice, let go of Farida and focus on Sakinah. She is everything one seeks in a virtuous woman. Polygamy isn’t suitable for someone like you, especially since you're not always home.”</p><p>Abdulhakim sighed. “Abdallah, the issue is that Sakinah is still very young. I truly need a wife now. I didn’t want to tell you, but we’re not fully married yet. I can’t place my burdens on her right now.”</p><p>Abdallah looked at him in surprise. “Are you saying that even now, you two haven’t consummated the marriage?”</p><p>“Almost. She is too young, Abdallah. I pity her. She hasn’t even started her menstrual cycle yet. I’m afraid she might face complications during childbirth.”</p><p>Abdallah paused, then said, “Since she hasn’t started menstruating, she can’t conceive, right?”</p><p>“It’s not just that, Abdallah. Her pelvic bones haven’t fully developed. I fear what complications might arise.”</p><p>Abdallah thought deeply before responding, “Even so, this is better than falling into sin. I support you. But, fear Allah and take care of Sakinah. She’s still a person, despite her young age.”</p><p>“I trust myself and the love I have for her. My concern now is how to approach Daddy and Hajiya with this matter.”</p><p>Abdallah nodded. “That’s also important, but let’s start with prayer before addressing them. Let’s both dedicate a week to praying and seeking guidance. Afterward, if your heart is at ease, there’s good in it. If not, you’ll feel hesitant. Let’s meet at home next week.”</p><p>With that, Abdulhakim returned to Lagos, switching off his phone to avoid Farida’s calls while he focused on his prayers. He prayed earnestly, day and night, eventually feeling at peace about marrying Farida. Though his love for her wasn’t as deep as what he felt for Sakinah, it was genuine.</p><p>On Friday evening, Abdulhakim returned to Abuja. After Maghrib prayer, Daddy led them in congregation at the mosque. Returning home, they ate together in the sitting room’s dining area.</p><p>After the meal, Abdallah smiled at Daddy, who asked, “What is it, Abdallah? I see your lips moving. Has Safina agreed to your proposal?”</p><p>Abdallah responded, “She has, Daddy. But we’d like to combine the ceremonies.”</p><p>“Combine? What do you mean?”</p><p>Both Abdallah and Abdulhakim lowered their heads.</p><p>Daddy asked again, “I’m asking you—what do you mean by combine, and you’re both silent?”</p><p>Abdallah finally spoke up. “It’s about Farida, Daddy. The girl Abdulhakim once loved. Her family has realized their mistake, and Farida has reconciled with Abdulhakim…”</p><p>Before he could finish, Hajiya Laila interrupted angrily. “Abdallah, leave my sight! I don’t want to hear nonsense. After humiliating him, now she’s available because no one else wanted her? And how old is Sakinah for her to have a co-wife? Even his father didn’t take a second wife—why should he?”</p><p>Daddy smiled and said, "I wanted to stop you, but you interrupted me. I trust that Sakinah wouldn’t oppose her husband reviving the Sunnah of the Prophet. You refused to let me, but I’m confident Sakinah won’t do the same. If he’ll maintain fairness between them, that’s what matters.</p><p>“I was initially against it, but I’ve changed my mind. Marriage is a matter of divine decree. Prepare for the weddings; I give my blessing. May it bring good. But I repeat—Sakinah is a trust. Do not oppress her because of her youth.”</p><p>Hajiya wanted to speak, but Daddy raised his hand. “If you won’t give your blessing, remain silent. You don’t know what blessings this union might bring. You might even die before seeing the outcome, so don’t oppose it.”</p><p>Though upset, Hajiya swallowed her anger, subdued by Daddy’s authority.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>I spread my schoolbooks across the living room floor, engrossed in my assignments, while Sabuwa watched TV.</p><p>I wore a simple long dress, with my hair tied up neatly. When my husband entered, I greeted him with a wide smile.</p><p>"Close your mouth, or a mosquito will fly in," he teased.</p><p>I laughed. “Really? Do mosquitoes actually fly into people’s mouths?”</p><p>"Even flies do, not just mosquitoes, if you gape like that," he replied.</p><p>He headed to the dining table, the aroma of mushroom stew greeting him. Smiling, he said, “Hmm, all this deliciousness just for me?”</p><p>"You could call Abdallah to join you," I suggested.</p><p>Shortly after, Abdallah arrived. Upon seeing my books scattered, he laughed. “Our Abdulhakim’s wife and my sister-in-law—Safina sends her regards.”</p><p>Surprised, I asked, “How do you know Safina?”</p><p>He explained, and we all shared a warm laugh over dinner before the men left for the mosque.</p><p>Inspired by my sister’s advice to always freshen up for my husband, I tidied up, took a warm bath, and dressed neatly, ready to continue my evening.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
