<p> </p><p>—</p><p>The villagers were overjoyed when they heard the news, as there was a strong bond between the chief’s family and the imam’s family. The wedding was held in the village, and Mama and Baba returned home two years after their marriage. Baba had become very wealthy through trading used goods. He built his own house in Sanusi and bought vehicles for personal use and for hire. He also supported his relatives in the village financially.</p><p>Baba was very generous and assisted his family members, bringing their children from the village to enroll them in school. He regretted not having had formal education himself but learned some business English through interactions. However, the only issue between Baba and Mama was their inability to have children, which bothered Mama more than Baba. He remained hopeful, saying, “God does not sleep.”</p><p>Mama, on her part, supported her relatives as well. The village elders, including the chief and the imam, prayed for them to have children. Even when some family members suggested Baba should take another wife, Tsohuwa Amina (my grandmother), a devout and God-fearing woman, discouraged such talk, always submitting to God’s will. She prayed for the couple to have good and blessed children.</p><p>After ten years of marriage, Mama and Baba performed the lesser Hajj. Mama returned with a severe illness, but the surprising test result revealed that she was pregnant. The joy was indescribable. Baba personally ensured that Mama followed all medical advice.</p><p>After nine months and a few days, I was born, much to everyone’s delight. My birth was celebrated, and everyone admired my looks and hair. I was said to resemble Baba’s side of the family. As I grew, everyone could see I inherited the family's beauty.</p><p>When I turned eight, I started attending a nursery school called Salmat International, located in the Santara Market area. It was an elite school where education was taken very seriously. During holidays, Baba would take me to the village, insisting that I learn about my roots. This routine helped me bond with my grandmother and other relatives. I enjoyed village life, especially during the rainy season. The atmosphere and simplicity of rural life fascinated me.</p><p>When the holidays ended, I often cried when leaving the village, but I always returned with lots of gifts from relatives. My elder cousins, Ibrahim and Abubakar, who stayed with us while studying at Gumi College, always accompanied us back to the city. They were like my big brothers, and we shared a close bond.</p><p>At age 11, I completed primary school with several awards and waited for admission into secondary school. During this period, I noticed a change in Mama. She seemed troubled and often cried, claiming her eyes hurt. Eventually, I learned from conversations between Mama and her close friend, Aunty Yagana, that Baba was planning to marry a second wife named Fati.</p><p>Mama was deeply upset, as rumors suggested she lacked good character. Baba reassured her and even increased her business capital. Mama already owned buses and motorcycles for rental services. Following Aunty Yagana’s advice, she ventured into the gold and clothing business, partnering with a reputable trader named Alhaji Mukhtar Maska.</p><p>Eventually, Baba married Fati, and she moved into her new room. Initially, she was humble, but seeing Mama’s wealth and Baba’s affection for me made her envious. She began causing problems, including targeting my cousins Ibrahim and Abubakar. Mama firmly warned her not to interfere with her children, emphasizing their equal rights to the home.</p><p>Over time, Fati grew more hostile, which strained Baba and Mama’s relationship. When my admission to secondary school came through, Baba refused to pay the fees, claiming he was tired of funding education. Mama and Aunty Yagana tried to intervene, but Baba remained adamant.</p><p>One afternoon, I returned home from Quranic school and found Mama looking distraught. She complained of a headache, so I brought her some painkillers and water. She sent me to call my cousin, Abubakar. I found him joking around in their room, and after some playful teasing, he followed me to Mama.</p><p>Mama handed him some money and sent him on an errand. While waiting, I turned on the TV to watch cartoons. Suddenly, Aunty Fati appeared and turned off the TV, claiming I shouldn’t be watching it. I insisted on watching, not understanding her sarcasm. She slapped me hard, causing me to scream.</p><p>Mama and Abubakar rushed to my aid. Abubakar angrily confronted Fati, who insulted him and Mama. In retaliation, Abubakar slapped Fati, leading to a heated exchange. Mama tried to calm the situation, but Fati threatened to escalate the matter to Baba</p><p> </p><p> </p>
