<p> </p><p>She adjusted her hijab, straightened her posture, and followed Yaya into Malam's room.</p><p>She was surprised to see the gathering, which included Munib’s father, sitting quietly with his head bowed at the corner. She greeted them with a soft voice, and everyone responded except Sulaiman, who felt the weight of the meeting as he realized it revolved around him. His body went cold, his chest tightened, and his knees felt like they might give way.</p><p>She sat beside Inna, trembling slightly, as she disliked being the center of attention. The elders observed both of them, noting their unease, but it was clear Sulaiman was the most affected. What was this meeting about? Malam Sulaiman was not known for trivial matters.</p><p>Once everyone had settled, Malam Sulaiman looked at his son and said,</p><p>“My namesake, we have something good in store for you, and I hope you will accept it wholeheartedly.”</p><p>Sulaiman didn’t respond but looked up at his father, who continued,</p><p>"We extend our condolences once again and remind you that everything Allah decrees has wisdom behind it. After much thought and discussion, we have decided that Fati will take Hadiza's place in your life. She will continue raising and nurturing the children as their mother started and her sister has carried on.</p><p>"Allah has already joined us as a family, and it is a bond of blood. Therefore, Sulaiman, I do not want you marrying anyone else unless they are from this family. It will bring us honor if you soften your hearts and agree to this union. By Allah’s will, this will bring peace to Hadiza, even in her grave. She will see that Fati has embraced her family, her children, and her husband, ensuring that her absence does not lead to their suffering.</p><p>“Sulaiman, Hadiza will be happy if you honor her legacy by marrying her sister, who everyone knows is unmatched in her character. We are seeking your agreement, Sulaiman and Fatima—do we have it?”</p><p>Had Malam Sulaiman looked closely, he would have seen the beads of sweat streaming down Sulaiman’s face and Fati's pale expression as her blood seemed to freeze. Her eyes became bloodshot, and her insides twisted painfully. She prayed silently that if this were a dream, Allah would wake her immediately.</p><p>Sulaiman, on the other hand, wished he could speak privately with his parents. If it were up to him, he would outright reject the proposal, even if the heavens were to fall. But how could he stand before them and declare his refusal? Especially before Hadiza’s parents?</p><p>After losing Hadiza, he had never imagined remarrying, let alone so soon—let alone to Fati. He couldn’t fathom seeing her as his wife. Despite her efforts with his children, Fati had never impressed him. Allah had not placed her love in his heart, and the idea of marrying her after Hadiza’s 40-day memorial was inconceivable.</p><p>Malam Ja'afar finally spoke,</p><p>“You’ve all remained silent, and as they say, silence implies consent. So, rise and go with Allah’s blessings. We wanted to inform you so you wouldn't hear tomorrow that the marriage had been solemnized without your knowledge. If anyone has objections, speak now, and we are prepared to address them.”</p><p>Inna smiled and said to Sulaiman,</p><p>“I know my namesake will not reject what we wish for him.”</p><p>Sulaiman felt utterly defeated, searching for a way to voice his objection but finding none. Meanwhile, Fati stood to leave, dizziness overwhelming her. She steadied herself against the wall and left the room.</p><p>She returned to her room, where her baby girl was crying, having been bitten by mosquitoes because Fati forgot to place her under the net.</p><p>As the elders offered prayers and blessings, Sulaiman left them, walking out to his car and driving away in despair.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>At 11 p.m., the quiet of Kano was broken only by the winter breeze. Malam Ja'afar rolled up his mat and entered the house from the front yard. Passing by Fati’s room, he heard her muffled sobs. He paused, lifted the curtain, and saw her seated on the prayer mat, her face buried in her hijab as she cried.</p><p>He entered and said,</p><p>“Fatimatu, why are you crying?”</p><p>Startled, she looked up, her eyes swollen and red. Malam Ja'afar sat on a small chair facing his daughter. Baby Nana stirred, almost waking, but soon settled back into sleep.</p><p>After a long silence, he said,</p><p>“Tell me what’s troubling you, Fatimatu. I am your father.”</p><p>She wiped her tears with a handkerchief and sniffled before replying,</p><p>“There’s nothing, Baba.”</p><p>He observed her for a while, then smiled and said,</p><p>“You are upset because we arranged a marriage you do not want—to your sister’s husband. Please understand, we mean well. You may not see it now, but one day you will realize the favor we’ve done for your future.”</p><p>Fati listened silently, realizing this was her last chance to speak before the marriage was finalized the next day. She lowered her head and cried, saying,</p><p>"Baba, please grant me a favor. I’ve never gone against your wishes, but this time, consider my reasons.</p><p>"Baba, Dr. Sulaiman does not love me. He is far above my level. I lack the education to match him as his wife. Baba, Sulaiman will never love anyone the way he loved Yaya Hadiza. Baba, you may not know, but Sulaiman has always despised me. I don’t know what I did to deserve it.</p><p>“He has never greeted me, nor does he see me as Hadiza’s sister, let alone someone he could care for. If this is about the children, they are also mine, and I will care for them without becoming his wife.”</p><p>Malam Ja'afar replied,</p><p>"But you will marry someone eventually, won’t you? And no one would want to marry you with your sister’s children in tow. Hadiza entrusted you with their care.</p><p>“I’ve heard your reasons and believe you are truthful, but let me ask you: what quality did Hadiza possess that made her worthy of being Sulaiman’s wife? She was a simple girl from a modest background, just like you.”</p><p>Without hesitation, she replied,</p><p>“Education.”</p><p>He asked,</p><p>“And where did she get it?”</p><p>“She sought it out.”</p><p>“In that case, why can’t you do the same?”</p><p>“I can’t be like her.”</p><p>He smiled and said,</p><p>"All knowledge is valuable, but your knowledge is superior—it is the Qur'an, encompassing the world and the Hereafter. You are a treasure, not to be underestimated.</p><p>"You think he doesn’t love you because he doesn’t greet you? What wrong have you done to him? He is a good man; I lived with him for seven years and never saw any wrongdoing.</p><p>“Hadiza lived with him peacefully, never once complaining. Reflect on her qualities and emulate them. You might not gain his love immediately, but over time, you will.”</p><p>Crying, she said,</p><p>“Baba, I feel inadequate. Please marry me to someone else, even if he already has wives or is much older. I cannot live where I won’t be respected or loved.”</p><p>He smiled and said,</p><p>"You will only marry Sulaiman. Even if he doesn’t love you now, he will one day, perhaps even more than he loved your sister. Trust Allah and be patient. You are a gift, Fatimatu.</p><p>“Promise me you will live peacefully with him, obey him, and never bring complaints to us or anyone else. Be forgiving, and Allah will reward you.”</p><p>Through her tears, she replied,</p><p>“I promise, Baba.”</p><p>He placed his hand on her head and prayed,</p><p>“May Allah bless you, grant you patience in raising these children, and make them Qur'an memorizers like you. Perform ablution and continue seeking Allah’s favor and your husband’s.”</p><p> </p><p> </p>
