Aisha Humaira

"Hey, where on earth are you, girl? I've been calling you and you can hear me, yet you keep quiet. Do I have to come into the room myself? Are you coming out or do I have to come in?" Da'ada's mouth looked as if it was glued to the wall from shouting because of her fiery temper.
"Oh, Da'ada, you trouble a person too much, wallahi tallahi!" She threw the spoon from her hand toward her.
Da'ada dodged it while bursting into laughter. Aisha Humaira picked up a bucket and headed toward Baffa Idi's wing, humming and singing little songs.
Baffa was performing his ablutions in the courtyard when he shouted at her, "Hey, you, Aisha Humaira! When will you ever settle down? You enter the house without a proper greeting, just singing songs!"
"I'm sorry, Baffa, I beg for forgiveness."
"You are always like this. Of course you beg for forgiveness, as usual."
Submissively, she slinked further into the house. Inono was on her prayer mat reciting litanies. She held her waist in sheer amazement, thinking to herself that this girl was truly full of mischief.
"Inono, good afternoon."
Inono just nodded her head because she was in the middle of reciting her litanies.
"Inono, where is Fatima Bintu?"
Inono pointed toward the room. Aisha Humaira dropped her bucket in the middle of the parlor and ran into the room. Fatima Bintu was fast asleep when she felt someone crash heavily on top of her.
She let out a piercing scream from sheer fright. As she jumped up, Aisha Humaira burst into laughter, even crouching on the floor laughing.
Fatima Bintu crouched down and bit Aisha hard on her ear. Aisha leaped up, screaming in pain.
Inono rushed into the room holding her prayer beads, shouting, "Wallahi, you two must get out of this house! Wallahi, right this second, I swear by the greatness of God!"
The two girls ran outside in a flash.
Naturally, they ran right into Hamma Yusuf. He stood there watching them in absolute frustration. "Is your entire life just running and jumping like monkeys? Both of you, get inside right now and raise your hands in the air!"
Fatima's eyes welled up with tears and she froze on the spot, unable to move. Aisha Humaira, however, just hissed, pouted, and turned her back. Shocked, he didn't even know what to say to them. He barked at them, "Are you just standing there staring at me, or do I have to beat you? You ill-mannered, disrespectful children!"
"But I was going to fetch water for Da'ada!" Aisha protested.
He called out to Mariya. She came out quickly, seeing Hamma.
"Go fetch Da'ada's bucket from Inono's room, fetch the water for her, and take it to her. Tell her that Aisha Humaira was the one tasked with the chore."
"Alright, Hamma Yusuf."
He then herded them into Inono's room and made them raise their hands in the air. He sat on a chair watching them, ready to rap anyone on the head if they dared lower their arms. It wasn't until the time of the Asr prayer that Inono managed to plead with him to let them go.

Chapter 2

The moment they were released, they entered the wing of Adda Mardiya (their elder brother's wife). She was stirring wheat tuwo because Hamma Idris loved wheat tuwo.
They sat down. "Ah, the children of my household, only just showing up now?"
"Don't even mention it, Adda! We went through a terrible ordeal today."
"With whom?"
"With Hamma Yusuf, of course!"
"Oh, well you brought it upon yourselves. You are used to it, so keep it up. You refuse to grow up. I will even tell him to put your hands in henna to keep you restrained."
Their eyes widened in surprise.
Henna? They burst into laughter together, even clapping their hands and cheering, "Ahayee yerhh!!"
Mardiya held her mouth in amusement. "You good-for-nothing kids, you're celebrating? Indeed, your Hamma knows how to discipline."
They dashed outside again. They entered Da'ada's room, but the moment they sat down, Da'ada grabbed Aisha Humaira and started spanking her—dal-dal-dal!
Seeing this, Fatima immediately ran back outside, laughing. Aisha Humaira barely managed to break free and fled at top speed.
She ran into Adda Rabi's room, crying. Adda, who was pounding grain, turned around quickly. "What happened?"
"It's Da'ada! She beat me!"
"Oh, Aisha Humaira, you are simply too stubborn, wallahi! You are too mischievous, pushing things until you get beaten before you feel satisfied."
Aisha scowled and turned around angrily, looking furious as if she wanted to hit the Adda.
Adda said, "Hey, are you giving me that look? Wallahi, I will add to your beating!"
"Why don't you beat me then, let me see!"
"Goodness gracious!" Adda lunged toward her quickly, but Aisha ran off. "Wallahi, I will hand you over to Isuhu so he can deal with you and whip your body thoroughly; only then will I be satisfied!"
Aisha went to Amira's house and found her dressed in her Islamic school uniform, about to leave for school. She was already late, and her mother was scolding her. She saw Aisha Humaira arrive as if she had been dropped from the sky.
Mama held her head. "That's it, Allah has brought you to me. Go on and misbehave together. But wallahi, you must go to school right now. If not, I will have Yusuf called to whip you both. Wallahi, you torment everyone. It's better for this boy to just finish up and return so I can get some peace in this house!"
Amira said, "But Mama, I am already dressed."
"Then hurry up and grab your things and head to school!"
Submissively, they got ready and left.
On the way, Aisha asked, "Hey Amira, when is Hamma returning?"
"Are you actually wishing for him to return?"
"Yes, of course! You know I love him very much."
"Wow, that cruel man?"
"Hey, be careful! Don't you dare call him cruel again."
"Hmm, whatever you say, that's your business. But Hamma is cruel."
Aisha pinched her, making her yelp, and they both laughed. Once they finished their lessons, they headed home while chatting. At the entrance of the house, they saw Hamma Yusuf. Amira bowed her head and greeted him. He replied with a slight smile. Aisha Humaira burst into laughter, giggling out loud. Yusuf glared at her, and she ran inside the house. Amira stayed behind briefly to exchange pleasantries with him before heading home.

Chapter 3

Aisha sat in the middle of Da'ada's room, watching her sort through things. "So, my friend, please have patience and forgive Da'ada, okay?"
Aisha pouted at her.
"Come on, my favorite spoiled child, please let it go so others won't mock us."
Then she turned around, and they both burst into laughter again and chatted while Da'ada gave her food to eat.
"Hey, girl, earlier today, someone from your man's house called me on the phone, and I spoke with that boy."
"With whom?"
"With Masdook, of course!"
She jumped up instantly. "What?! Hamma called and I wasn't given the phone?!"
"Well, weren't you at school?"
"Oh, I'm so upset! Mama shouldn't have done that. Did he ask about me?"
"Why would he? He just called to greet us. Why on earth would he ask about you?"
She pouted at her. "Oh, Da'ada, he knows what he's doing!"
Da'ada scoffed. "Just keep quiet. I heard them discussing earlier that they are about to take his marriage money."
She jumped up quickly. "Who?!"
"Masdook, of course!"
"I'm ruined! Da'ada, is this for real or are you joking?"
Da'ada snapped at her, "To hell with you! Are you saying you're ruined just because he's getting married?"
"Da'ada, how can this happen? I won't accept this at all, wallahi tallahi! It must be undone!"
"Hey, I've had enough today! You, Bintu's daughter, are you going to stop a marriage from happening?"
She sat flat on the floor, crying. "Da'ada, you yourself know that I've loved Hamma for a very long time, so how could you let him marry someone else?"
Da'ada held her mouth. "I'm overwhelmed! Don't let anyone hear you say such things in this house. Are you trying to stop a marriage? When did you two ever agree that he loves you and wants to marry you?"
"Before he went back, when we met at Hajojo's house during Hamma Isyaku's wedding."
"When did you ever talk to him enough to start a romance without anyone knowing?"
"Da'ada, ask Amira! She knows everything. How could he betray me and say he's marrying someone else?"
Da'ada said, "Indeed, he cannot do that. Since he made you a promise, he must fulfill that promise. He will marry no one else but you."
Joy overwhelmed Aisha Humaira, and she had a peaceful night's sleep knowing that Hamma Masdook would be given to her since Da'ada had intervened. She grabbed her veil and went over to Amira's house. Spotting her, she said, "Hey, come here and listen."
"What are you coming to bother me with this night?"
"Hey, I've made a big mess, and though I'm not scared, I am anxious about Hamma Masdook. I just need you to stand as my witness."
"What did you do?"
Aisha told her. Amira jumped and stomped her foot. "With whom?! Me, Amira? Wallahi, you won't get away with this! Don't you dare involve me in your madness. Are you trying to make Hamma Masdook humiliate me? I know nothing about this!"
"Fine then! Don't help me. And I won't help you either. Hamma Yusuf said he likes you, and I was going to pave the way for you, but now I won't."
Amira held her back. "Wait, my friend! I'll do it for you."
"That's more like it." Aisha flashed a captivating, mischievous smile, adjusted her posture, and they high-fived.

Chapter 4

"But you know there will be a problem if Hamma Masdook finds out about this story, right?"
"Hey, you are too fearful! Wallahi, when it comes to him, there is nothing I won't do. No matter what he does to me, I must marry him. Wallahi, I must marry him."
Amira just stared at her, marveling at the sheer boldness of Aisha Humaira.
As soon as Aisha returned home, she entered their room but didn't find Da'ada, so she sat on the carpet waiting for her return. She didn't have to wait long before Da'ada came back, sat down on the floor as well, and said cheerfully, "Hey, set your mind at ease regarding Masdook. You won't cry, InshaAllah. You have secured him; it's a done deal. I am just coming from your Baffa's place. I had him call your Baffa and Masdook's father, and I explained my terms to them. None of them opposed me, just as I expected. Muhammad is truly a well-bred, honorable son. He treats me like his own mother; he has never refused any of my wishes, treating me as if I were the one who brought him into this world."
Aisha said nothing, but her heart was blooming with joy at the wonderful news that Hamma Masdook would finally be hers.
"Da'ada, what about that other woman he was supposed to marry?"
"Set your mind at ease. You are the only one; he dare not bring in another."
Aisha laughed with pure joy at those words, and she had a wonderful sleep that night.
He was sitting on a chair, sorting through some documents on his table before he could start seeing patients. But he was in a foul mood and didn't even know why; he was just desperately wishing to get a break so he could go home.
He picked up his phone when he noticed it ringing and saw his father's name displayed as "Abbu." He answered quickly, saying, "Salamu alaikum."
"Wa'alaikum salam."
"Good morning, Abbu. How is everything? Hope you woke up well."
"Very well. I want to see you, Masdook."
"Abbu, when should I come?"
"Come tomorrow if possible."
"Alright, Abbu. InshaAllah, I will drop everything and come."
"Alright, I'll be expecting you."
He set the phone down, but his heart began to race. Abbu had never summoned him with such urgency before. He picked up his phone and called Yusuf.
"Hello, Masdook."
"Yusuf, tell me, is there something happening back home?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"I just have a gut feeling that something is going on at home."
"No, feel free, I haven't heard anything yet. Maybe when you arrive, we'll see."
"Alright, I hope so."
"Amen."
"But wait, haven't you returned yet?"
"Wallahi, yes. We might head back together. I want to transfer these children to a boarding school. I'm trying to persuade Baffa. Once I'm done, I'll take them to Minjibir so we can get some peace, and maybe they will learn to settle down too."
"That's a good idea, but which of the children?"
"Aisha, Amira, Fatima, Mariya, and Kulthum."
"Honestly, you would be doing a great thing."
"Anyway, see you later. I'll be coming in tomorrow, InshaAllah."
"May Allah grant you the ability. Amen."

Chapter 5

Baffa was sitting in the parlor with Abbu, discussing with their wives the matter that Da'ada had brought to them the previous night.
Mama said, "So what are you waiting to deliberate on? She shouldn't give an order only for us to start deliberating," Inono added.
"It's not that we are looking to deliberate, but I just feel Masdook will give us a hard time. I don't believe Aisha's story at all."
Inono let out a sigh and said, "I felt the same way, but when did Masdook ever romance Aisha, that troublemaker? You know how they never get along."
"But Aisha loves him deeply. And you know Aisha Humaira is Da'ada's favorite, and Da'ada is everything to Humaira. Ever since the death of Adda Aisha (Aisha's mother), Da'ada took her in and raised her as her own."
"I don't think Masdook will bypass our words and refuse. We have already become one family. But honestly, Aisha needs to get an education. If he wants, the marriage can be solemnized now as she requested, since they have passed their entrance exams for secondary school. Since Yusuf brought up the boarding school idea, why don't they go there so she can grow up and mature a bit? Since there is someone else he loves, he won't be cheated; he can marry her too."
"Hmm, Abbu, it seems you didn't hear what Da'ada said. She doesn't want any co-wife for her."
"I will gently speak to her until she relents, but honestly, Aisha Humaira cannot handle the responsibilities of being Masdook's wife right now."
"That's true."
They heard Masdook's greeting at the door. They responded, and he walked in, knelt down, and greeted them all. Both Abbu and Baffa asked about his work, and he replied, "Alhamdulillah."
Abbu said, "Masdook, who am I to you?"
"Abbu, why this question now?"
"Answer me."
"You are my father."
"Alhamdulillah. What about Da'ada?"
"After you parents, she comes next."
"Very well. As your father, I have decided to solemnize your marriage to Aisha Humaira."
He raised his head abruptly, his heart pounding wildly. He stared at Abbu and the others present as sweat began to break out on his face.
"I am giving you an order; I am not asking for your opinion or your consent."
"Abbu, I dare not disobey your command, and I will comply even if it costs me everything. But Abbu, I have already promised Zainab marriage, and now what will happen? Aisha is just a child; she isn't mature enough to cope with me."
Baffa said, "We know, and we have decided that you will still be allowed to marry the one you love. Aisha will go back to school to mature and gain sense before you two move in together, but you will be given the one you love."
Mama added, "This is Da'ada's ruling, not ours, and her word must be obeyed."
"InshaAllah, Mama, I won't refuse. But did Aisha Humaira herself agree to this?"
"Go and speak with Da'ada. By the day after tomorrow, we will know how to proceed."
He answered and walked out, his body feeling entirely drained and heavy. He entered Da'ada's room with a heavy heart and found Aisha, Fatima, and Amira playing a game of jacks in the courtyard. A lump formed in his throat out of sheer frustration. He walked past them into the inner room. They greeted him, but he didn't answer any of them. Aisha was filled with joy; she stood up, went outside to fetch water, took a bath, and applied makeup because Hamma Masdook had arrived.
He found Da'ada sitting and counting her prayer beads. Seeing him, she beamed with immense joy. He sat down, forced a smile, and greeted her in Fulfulde, as that was how he usually communicated with her.

Chapter 6

"Masdook, my dear, you have fulfilled everything for me, since you agreed to love the thing I cherish most in this entire world. I thank Allah for showing me this day. Masdook, how can I ever repay you? Baffa told me that Aisha told the truth about you two being in a relationship. If not for that, you might have forgotten about her and married someone else entirely."
He raised his head, looking at her in shock, and repeated the word, "Relationship? Me and Aisha Humaira? Since when? Da'ada, who told you that I am in a relationship with her?"
"She told me herself! That you promised her marriage since Isyaku's wedding, or have you forgotten because of the one you love now?"
He went quiet out of sheer frustration. How could Da'ada match him with a little girl many years his junior, someone with whom he shared nothing beyond basic greetings, and claim they were getting married? Surely, if it weren't for the immense respect he had for Da'ada, he would have ruined this arrangement instantly. But Humaira would learn her lesson. She thought she was going to marry him by plotting against him? Goodness gracious!
"Da'ada, may Allah increase you in stature and bless this arrangement. I will go see Yusuf and the others."
"Alright, may Allah bless you. Amen."
Aisha had put on a yellow Ankara outfit with pink stripes, tying her wrapper and a short blouse. She had caked her face in powder and applied lipstick, standing around waiting for him to come out. The moment he saw her, a wave of resentment rose in his throat. He glared at her and went into their room. She followed him, even though she was terrified of him.
He cast a terrifying glance at her that made her stomach churn, and she began to tremble.
"So you went and slandered me, claiming that you and I are in a relationship, right? Who on earth do you think you're playing with? You dare lie against me?! So you really want to marry me? Fine, you will marry me, but you will deeply regret marrying me! You will learn that I am not your mate. I will show you what I am made of; I will shock you, and you will regret ever knowing Masdook Muhammad Dikko!"
She remained silent as he pointed a finger at her. She pouted and said, "Whatever you say! I love you anyway, and I must marry you. You can kill me if you want; I don't care. If I die, they will say I died as Masdook's wife rather than just Aisha Humaira. And you will be forced to love me just as I love you!"
He was amazed by her audacity. "So that's what you say, right? Fine, let's wait and see, you and I." He stormed outside, marveled by Aisha Humaira's boldness.
She glared at the path he took as he left.
Outside, he found Nas and Yusuf. His mood was completely ruined as he sat down heavily, feeling utterly miserable.
"Ah, the city doctor! Where are you coming from, and who offended you?"
"Nas, just leave me alone. My head is about to explode."
"Wow, the doctor himself? Then you should take some Panadol."
"Gosh, that's what I hate about you—you are always joking around."
Ni'imatullahi interrupted them. "Brother, what's happening?"
"Can you believe that little girl is plotting against me?"
"Which girl?"
"Aisha Humaira, of course!"
"What did she do?" Yusuf asked eagerly, which made him add, "That's why I said I want to take them to boarding school."
"Gosh, if it's just that, it's a minor issue."
"She went and told Da'ada that she and I are in a relationship and that I promised her marriage!"
"Aisha Humaira did that?!"
"Yes, her! That was why Abbu summoned me. They have decided to marry her to me because Da'ada's word must be followed."
"Goodness, Humaira really turned up the heat! What about Zainab?"
"They said they will look into it and deliberate later."
"Wow, you've been thoroughly cornered! What does an Aisha Humaira bring to the table besides insolence, disrespect, stubbornness, and trouble?" Yusuf remarked.
"Well, you are taking them to school so she can grow up and gain some sense."
"May Allah make this the best path."
"Amen," they all answered, except for the groom himself.
"Wallahi, Hamma Masdook must marry me! Even if I just get to look at him every day, or even if he chops up my flesh to eat it, he must marry me!" She even shed tears. (Unrequited love). She wiped her tears, unable to comprehend why she loved him so intensely despite knowing the huge gap between them.

Chapter 7

Ummi Hambali, I extend my greetings to you, hoping you are in good health.
She sat dejectedly. Today, all of Aisha Humaira's usual noisy chatter was completely absent. Even Da'ada and her friends noticed her unusual quietness from outside.
Da'ada entered the room where Aisha was and patted her. "My child, why are you so quiet today? Everyone in the house is looking for you."
"Hmm, it's nothing, Da'ada. I'm just tired today."
"Are you sure you're well?" Da'ada felt her forehead, but her body temperature was normal. It was just a general feeling of sadness. Da'ada left her in the room.
Amira and Fatima, her close friends, walked in and sat beside her. She let out a deep sigh as tears rolled down her face one after the other.
Fatima Bintu pulled her close to her chest. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Fatima, he doesn't love me. He hates me."
"Who doesn't love you?"
With a cracking, sobbing voice, she said, "Hamma Masdook, of course!"
Amira said, "Oh come on, Aisha, he loves you!"
"No!" she screamed, shaking her head amidst tears. "I love him, wallahi, and he must love me back!"
"We get it, but you also need to focus on your studies. We are starting school soon. Don't you want to become enlightened? How do you expect a city man who knows the world and has seen sophisticated women to love you as you are now, still playing childish games?"
"Hmm," she scowled. "If it's just about being sophisticated, even if he doesn't love me now, I will go to school and become sophisticated too, and then I will show him my worth!"
Fatima adjusted her posture and looked away. "So, does that mean the marriage is off for now?"
Aisha glared at her and rapped her on the head. "You wicked girl! Your mouth is always full of bad omens! The marriage will hold even if it kills you!"
"Ow! Why the anger? Have patience, my friend. Am I important enough to interfere between you two?"
"You think you are?"
They all burst into laughter.
"Earlier, Hamma Yusuf said he would visit the school tomorrow to see what we will need there."
"Hmm, are we really going to that boarding school?"
"Yes, the same one Baba Kabiru's daughters, Husna and the rest, attend in Minjibir."
"Wow! That means we'll meet them there, right? I still owe her ten beatings from that game we played in front of Mudi's house!" They let out a cheer. "Damn right, that's what I'm talking about!" (Can you imagine? Just a moment ago she was talking about becoming sophisticated, and now she's talking about revenge!)
"Yusuf, wallahi tallahi, I am deeply grieved by this situation. How can I cope with Aisha Humaira? She is too troublesome and confrontational. Just earlier, I caught them playing jacks like toddlers! And me, Masdook, marrying a little girl?!"
"What can you do, Masdook? This is what Allah has decreed, and Allah tests everyone in their own way. Have patience. At least you are still allowed to marry the one you love."

Chapter 8

"Gosh, guy, leave me alone, please! Your situation is fine, but this Aisha requires extreme patience. I am dreading my life with her, and I know her character all too well."
"Hmm, that's just life, Masdook. You just have to be patient. You found someone who loves you, so thank Allah. What about those who aren't loved at all? Just draw her close and teach her how to..."
"Hmm, Yusuf, is that really what you're telling me? Who am I going to live my life with? Wallahi, I am telling you from the bottom of my heart, I do not love that girl."
Yusuf fell silent. What else could he say to him? Nothing, according to Khairat.
Slowly but surely, four days passed in Dikko, and Masdook returned to his workplace because Baffa and Abbu had decreed that the marriage would be solemnized in four months, and by next week, the girls would start their secondary school in Minjibir, Kano.
Zainab was sitting on a chair, staring at Masdook. Her entire focus was on him, and her mind was completely shattered by the news he had brought her. She was deeply frustrated, yet tears refused to flow due to the heavy bitterness in her heart.
She looked at him as he remained dead silent after delivering the message, which was shocking to her: that he was going to marry someone else—a little girl—before marrying her, and even her own marriage would require family deliberations because she lacked a prominent family background or connections. She wasn't the one who needed time to think; they were the ones claiming they needed to deliberate.
"Masdook, you've gone quiet again."
"Zainab, what else can I say to you? The decision rests with you now."
"Is that really what you have to say? After everything we've built, you come to me with this bitter, heartbreaking news? I cannot share a husband with anyone else! My mother was a sole wife, and I am her only child. Is co-worship supposed to start with me?"
"But Zainab, what do you expect me to do with my life? I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. You know how deeply I love you..."
"That's enough!" She raised her hand to stop him. "That's enough. You love me, right?"
"Without a doubt."
"Then rebel against your parents! Marry only me—"