<p>Mus'ab parked his brand-new Peugeot 504, a car that gleamed under the sun, drawing attention effortlessly. Its black paint seemed to perfectly suit the vehicle.</p><p>He stepped out, adjusting his flowing white robe made of fine voile fabric, tailored with intricate "Ado Bayer" embroidery. Mus'ab was tall, fair-skinned, and of an athletic build, his physique complementing his striking appearance and exuding a commanding presence.</p><p>As he approached the house, surrounded by a zanna mat fence supported by duruku tree posts, he headed directly inside. Before even greeting, he spotted her sitting on her mat under a thatched roof near her room.</p><p>"Enjoying the morning air, are we?" he asked with a smile.</p><p>Surprised, she looked up at him. “How come I didn’t hear your greeting? You just walked into my home!”</p><p>He chuckled. “I didn’t greet because this is my house. Do you expect a homeowner to seek permission to enter his home?”</p><p>“That doesn’t matter. Go back and greet me properly before you come in!”</p><p>Smiling again, he replied, “Fine. Assalamu Alaikum.”</p><p>"Wa Alaikumus Salam," she responded with a smirk. “Welcome. Did you sleep in Bauchi?”</p><p>“No, I spent the night at my place but left early. I performed Fajr prayers in Malewa before heading here.”</p><p>She raised her hand in amazement. “That’s quite early. Well, let’s go inside.”</p><p>"No, let’s sit here and enjoy the fresh air," he suggested.</p><p>"Alright, let me get you another mat," she said, pulling one closer.</p><p>"You’re sitting so casually, yet you make others fetch mats for you?" he teased.</p><p>"This is a communal house. People come and go. Especially today, Jummah—you’d think there’s a wedding happening from the crowd after prayers," she replied with a laugh.</p><p>Mus’ab smiled. “True, these gatherings can be quite lively, even in old age. It’s one of the blessings of our culture.”</p><p>She nodded. “Indeed. Old age has its grace, especially for those who lived a righteous youth. May Allah guide us to continue doing good.”</p><p>"Ameen," he said.</p><p>As they continued their conversation, a pair of young men entered, carrying market goods. They greeted her warmly and respected Mus’ab, recognizing his seniority. She introduced them as grandsons of her relatives, and they discussed their family connections briefly.</p><p>Before leaving, the men asked if she had any items to send to the local market. She playfully deflected, saying, “Ask your uncle here. He’s just arrived and can handle it.”</p><p>Mus’ab pulled out his wallet, handing them some money. "Split this between yourselves and use the rest to buy her chickens and yams," he instructed.</p><p>Grateful, they thanked him and left with a promise to return in the evening.</p><p>As soon as they left, she turned to him. “What brings you here this time? We agreed you’d visit next month, didn’t we? Or is this work-related?”</p><p>He shifted uncomfortably. “It’s personal. I need your help with something serious.”</p><p>“Is that so? What kind of help?”</p><p>He took a deep breath. “It’s about marriage. I’ve decided to settle down, and I want you to lead the way.”</p><p>"Me?" she exclaimed, clutching her chest in mock shock. “After all these years, you want me involved again? Haven’t I done enough?”</p><p>He smiled. “Abu, please don’t turn me away this time. I’ve already made my choice.”</p><p>“And who might that be?”</p><p>"Aisha," he said firmly.</p><p>"Aisha who? There are many Aishas!" she quipped.</p><p>"The one from our household—Saddiqa," he clarified.</p><p>She looked at him with disbelief. “You mean Saddiqa? The one your uncle intends for Sadisu? You’re asking for trouble!”</p><p>He remained resolute. “She’s the one I love. I’ve loved her for a long time. Please, Abu, speak to my parents. I only want the opportunity to express my intentions. Let her choose if she’ll have me.”</p><p>Abu sighed heavily. “You’re so stubborn, Mus’ab. Do you know the uproar this might cause? Your uncle’s already promised her to someone else. Besides, she’s practically your sister. What do you think your parents will say?”</p><p>Mus’ab’s face softened. “She’s my choice, Abu. Please, help me. Convince them to let me compete fairly. That’s all I’m asking.”</p><p>Abu fell silent, weighing his request. “You know this won’t be easy, but I’ll see what I can do. May Allah guide us.”</p><p>"Ameen," he said, relieved.</p><p>Later that evening, under the moonlight, Mus’ab sat with Abu, discussing his plans. Though hesitant, she agreed to approach his parents on his behalf. Mus’ab felt hopeful, but he knew the road ahead would be challenging.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
