<p>At Saifuddeen’s house, Ummi was seated in her parlor along with Bappa Ali and Malam Ashiru. With composure, she explained the reason for calling them and added,</p><p>“My mind has been unsettled since their first visit. The girl made it clear that she doesn’t want to marry Saifuddeen. She uttered harsh and shocking words that distressed and embarrassed them. Ahmad came back in tears, narrating the humiliation she and her friends subjected them to. They didn’t hide anything from me, but Saifuddeen didn’t want them to tell me because of how deeply he loves her. She, on the other hand, does not love him. I am afraid she might harm him.”</p><p>She concluded her statement with a tone of worry and fear.</p><p>Bappa Ali adjusted his seating, faced her directly, and asked,</p><p>“So, what do you want us to do now?”</p><p>She sighed deeply before responding,</p><p>“I no longer feel comfortable with this marriage. Please talk to Saifuddeen and convince him to let go of this girl and call off the engagement. Then you can inform her parents that the wedding is canceled. Since she doesn’t want it, it’s better to end things before they start.”</p><p>Baba Ashiru interjected,</p><p>“No, we can’t do that. We don’t have a valid reason to cancel this marriage. With our stature and integrity, we can’t go back on our word after discussing it with her family. Besides, you were the one who told us how much Saifuddeen loves this girl.”</p><p>With a calm demeanor, she shook her head and said,</p><p>"It’s not just about the past. Just two days ago, Hayatuddeen went to her grandparents' house to see his friend, who is her uncle. He found her crying, saying she doesn’t want to marry a disabled and deaf person. She vowed that if she were forced into the marriage, she would end her life.</p><p>“Even yesterday, when Saifuddeen and his friends visited, she humiliated them again. They came back discussing it, not knowing I overheard them.”</p><p>Bappa Ali calmly replied,</p><p>"It’s okay. Insha’Allah, nothing bad will happen—only good. Just keep praying. A mother’s prayer is always accepted because it has no barrier.</p><p>“Since you’ve confirmed Saifuddeen’s love for her, let’s leave it in Allah’s hands. If she truly doesn’t want him, she will let her parents know. And if her family doesn’t consent, they won’t allow us to proceed.”</p><p>She remained quiet, listening to their reassurances. Malam Ashiru added,</p><p>“Look, only five days remain until the wedding. How can we create an issue from our side at this point? Let’s be patient. If she doesn’t want it, her family will speak up.”</p><p>She nodded her head and said,</p><p>“Alright. If you insist, there’s no problem. But I hoped Saifuddeen would find a wife from among the many women showing him love and interest. But it’s okay. May Allah make this the best for him.”</p><p>They all said "Ameen" and reassured her before taking their leave.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>At Zaleeha’s house, the atmosphere was as quiet as a house of mourning. Everyone was consumed with their thoughts. Ahmad, Mamy, and Maryam had spent the entire evening pleading with Baba Malam and apologizing to him until they noticed that his mood had calmed.</p><p>After the Isha prayers, Malam Adam and Ya Aminu arrived together. They headed straight to Baba Malam’s parlor.</p><p>After exchanging greetings, Baba Malam narrated what had happened.</p><p>Ya Aminu clenched his fists in anger, imagining what he would have done if he had been present. Malam Adam, shocked and worried about the behavior of modern children, shook his head and said,</p><p>“Aminu, go and call Zaleeha for me.”</p><p>"Okay," he replied, standing up and heading toward Mama’s section of the house.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
