Part 1: The Storm and the Debt

One Sunday, the day began with a massive storm, the kind that terrifies even monkeys. However, early that morning, there had been no signs of a storm. The sky was wide open and completely clear of clouds. This gave the sun free rein to continue heating up the roofs of houses and human bodies from ten o'clock in the morning until one o'clock in the afternoon. This did not catch people by surprise, especially those who had experienced many rainy seasons, for they had long believed that whenever the heat intensifies during the rainy season, a heavy storm is brewing.
And so it happened. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the storm clouds began to gather layer upon layer, gradually dimming the sunlight. Before long, the wind rose, accompanied by a light spray of rain. Immediately, people began scurrying along the streets to find shelter. Among them was me, who had been away from my office since nine o'clock in the morning when a man came to collect a debt, causing me to flee.
This was not the first time I was running away from creditors. It had been about nine months since the film industry turned its back on me. Ever since the release of my movie DAREN MUTUWA (The Night of Death), people had inexplicably turned against me, picking a bone with me for no reason.
As the storm's wind intensified, I decided to say goodbye to the tailor in whose shop I had been hiding since morning.
"Isyaku, I am going back to my office," I said to him.
Isyaku the tailor looked at me with concern; he already knew the desperate situation I was in.
"You'd better just go home, Hilal, because returning to your office right now is reckless..."
I looked at him with a forced smile.
"Don't worry, Isyaku. Look outside and see—the storm is pitch black and the wind is fierce. I know that unless someone is crazy, they are bound to leave the office right now... Furthermore, I must go back to the office to dismiss my secretary, Lauriyya, because I know she doesn't even have transport money... I don't even know what she'll do for lunch."
Isyaku looked at me in surprise. "You mean Lauriyya is still with you?"
I nodded to him. "Yes, indeed. She is like a faithful dove. She is the only one left among my subordinates; everyone else has abandoned me except her."
Isyaku smiled slightly, looking at me. "She has her reasons..."
I looked at him with surprise. "Reasons? What do you mean? I don't understand you."
Isyaku sneezed and then said, "Oh Hilal, how many times do you want me to repeat that Lauriyya loves you?"
I quickly shook my head. "No, no, stop it, Isyaku. Don't misunderstand things. I admit I am an actor, but it will surprise you if I tell you that in all my life, I have never dated an actress or anyone in the industry."
The powerful wind of the storm, which seemed intent on ripping off the roofs of the less fortunate, slammed the door of the tailor's shop with great force. Isyaku used his foot to prop it shut.
"You don't understand me, Hilal, or should I say you know the truth but are running away from it? Even a blind man, by merely feeling around, would know that Lauriyya is head over heels in love with you."
When I left the tailors' shop, I crossed the street and headed toward my office in a hurry. I could barely see in front of me because of the fierce, howling wind that kept blowing dust into my eyes. Dust enveloped everywhere, and the sky turned completely dark, as if it were 6:30 in the evening, even though it was only one o'clock in the afternoon.
I rushed toward the office, constantly looking around because my instincts told me that some of my creditors might still be waiting for me inside. Before even reaching the office, I began peering from a distance and hiding behind obstacles. Slowly, I reached the office door, which was closed and faced the main street.
I stood at the door for about a minute, frozen like a thief, listening to see if I could hear any voices or commotion. It was dead silent. I moved a bit closer, pressed my ear against the large door, sighed deeply, and then, taking a leap of faith, raised my hand to push the door open. Just then, it opened from the inside.
"Welcome, Hilal! Hurry up and come inside. Just now, Emeka left. He had been waiting for you since eleven o'clock. I told him you went to Kaduna... but he refused to believe it."
My heart hammered wildly as I quickly slipped into the office. Lauriyya closed the office door swiftly and locked it. Then she leaned her back against the door, staring at me without blinking.
I walked slowly into the office, hands in my pockets, my heart burning with distress. I tried to survey the room, but due to the darkness of the storm, I couldn't see anything. Lauriyya noticed this and quickly walked to the light switch and turned it on; immediately, the room flooded with light.
Lauriyya stood by the switch, staring at me, and I at her. There was a clear look of pity on her face, and beneath that, I could see tears welling up in her eyes. I quickly averted my gaze and began examining the office. Once upon a time, no film director's office could match even half of its luxury. But looking at it now, I felt like bursting into tears. Truly, the mighty had fallen (the water had beaten the great rooster).
"Have patience, Hilal. This is how the world is; it is like a young girl's dance," Lauriyya said behind me in a weak voice. I heard what she said, but I could neither turn around to look at her nor reply. My heart and thoughts drifted back in time, to a bygone era when...

Part 2: The Fall from Grace

...My heart and thoughts drifted back to a bygone era—the time when I was the star of stars in Hausa cinema.
I covered my face with my palms and began to reminisce about the time I entered the film industry on the right foot. Within the first three months of my entry, I starred in over twenty films, playing the lead role in all of them. Gradually, my name became a household brand. Wherever you went, the only name on people's lips was HILAL.
Wherever I went, children and adults wouldn’t give me a moment's peace. They would follow me in large crowds like a flock following its shepherd. If I went shopping at the market, vendors refused to take my money. The moment they caught sight of me, there would be a mad rush to see me, with everyone inviting me to shop at their stalls, even though they wouldn’t accept my money.
I acquired many things in my first year in the film industry—things I had never dreamed of owning before. In a short time, I owned three luxury cars, over 318 high-end outfits, twenty chain watches, ten leather watches, sixty pairs of shoes, and as for socks and singlets, any pair I wore three times would never be used again; I would replace it with a brand new one. Gradually, young men began copying my style of dress. Everything I did, even if it was silly, impressed them, and they became my imitators.
It was in that same year that I opened my massive office, which was beautifully decorated with ornaments and huge, plush, comfortable sofas. In the past, if we hosted guests and they sat for up to ten minutes, someone would inevitably fall fast asleep because of how comfortable they were.
The world was brand new to me. I had over twenty subordinates working under me, and they listened to me more than they did their own parents. Some followed my every footstep just because they wanted me to cast them or help them get into a movie, while others obeyed me purely out of genuine affection. I became like a king surrounded by courtiers. Whatever I wanted was done without delay. If my subordinates at that time had control over my bladder and breath, they would have done those things for me too.
We lived like this until two years passed.
Then suddenly, one day, the world that had lifted me high into the sky began to drag me down, gradually crushing me to the ground. It all started on a Sunday afternoon when I went to collect the earnings from my newly released film, RAGAS.
At the first shop I went to, they told me the movie wasn't selling. I was shocked because since my company started making films, we had never had one that wasn’t a hit.
"What happened to the movie?" I asked a wholesale film distributor.
"Well, you know how people are, you can't please them. I think they are tired of you... and they are complaining that your recent movies lack a good storyline."
From that day on, things went downhill for me. It felt as if a curse had been placed on me—everything I touched fell apart. I had spent a fortune producing Ragas. I had borrowed money from people and poured it all into it, thinking it would be an explosive success. But by the will of God, it didn't even recoup one-tenth of its budget.
My life became miserable, my head spun with a mountain of problems, and debts piled heavily upon me. Furthermore, the producers who used to hire me as their lead actor all avoided me. Before long, all my subordinates scattered and abandoned me. It was just me and my loyal confidante, LAURIYYA.
When I looked up while reminiscing, I remembered her words when times got tough for us. I will never forget that day. It was a Wednesday afternoon, right after more than ten people had come to demand their debts.
"Hilal... I have a suggestion, if you would agree," Lauriyya had said to me. I raised my head to look at her.
"State your advice, Lauriyya... if it is viable, I will accept it. After all, you are the only one left with me. By God, Lauriyya, right now you are more than a secretary to me; you are like a sister."
Lauriyya moved closer to me. Even though we were both depressed, I noticed a clear look of happiness on her face because of what I said. I knew then, and even now, that Lauriyya loved me, but she just didn't know how to come out and say it.
"Hilal... My advice is that instead of having people constantly hounding you for money and humilitating you like a thief, it would be better, if you don't mind, to put the few properties you own on the market to pay off their debts. At least, I believe preserving one's dignity is better than holding onto wealth."
When she said that, I realized she was speaking the absolute truth. Not up to a week after she gave that advice, I sold my three cars, my house, and every single asset I believed could bring in a lump sum of money. Within weeks, I paid off many people's debts, and I moved back to my elder brother's house, which was where I lived originally before I made my fortune.
The vulture had returned to its old baobab tree.
However, the sad part was that even after selling all my properties, it wasn't enough to clear the total debt I owed. Furthermore, there was still no word from the filmmakers who used to follow me around, begging me to star in their movies. Now, the moment they saw me from afar, they would hide, because news had spread like wildfire across the industry that I was no longer marketable. This was all in the past.

Part 3: A Desperate Offer

"Hilal," my name was called from behind. I turned around with a start. It was Lauriyya, still standing by the light switch, staring at me with her eyes welled up as if she was about to burst into tears.
"What are you thinking about, Hilal?" she asked, her lips trembling. I turned around slowly, her hands folded behind her back.
"You said Emeka came looking for me?"
Lauriyya nodded without opening her mouth. I suspected that if she spoke at that moment, she would burst into tears.
"He came to collect the remaining balance for the cassette jackets he printed for us," I said, unable to look her in the eye.
"Aside from him, Shafi'u and his group also came demanding payment for the costumes... Haladu and Sabo also came regarding their outstanding balances..."
For a long time, neither of us said a word. After a few seconds, Lauriyya stepped closer to where I was standing, staring blankly like someone reading a useless letter. She placed her hand on my shoulder and said:
"Turn around and look at me, Hilal... I have a suggestion that I think might be a way out for you."
At that exact moment, a massive thunderclap shook the office, followed by a flash of blinding lightning that pierced through the room, despite the electric light being on.
I stared intently at Lauriyya, feeling helpless like an idiot because I didn't know what to say to her. Seeing that I remained silent, she kept her hand on my shoulder, leaned in, and said:
"Forgive me, Hilal. The only reason I am still with you to this day is because..."
She couldn't finish. I felt deeply sorry for her. Outside, the wind continued to howl, followed by the sound of light raindrops pelted by the wind against the roofs before the heavy downpour arrived.
"Go on, Lauriyya... I am listening," I said softly. Lauriyya paused for a few seconds and then said in a cracking voice:
"It is my love for you that has kept me by your side until now... Whatever happens to you affects me as well, because when I first came to this town, you welcomed me, respected me, and made me somebody."
I had nothing to say to her declaration, so I kept quiet, waiting to hear what she would say next.
"Hilal... what I want to advise you is, why don't we go to Alhajiji's film production company? Perhaps..." She stopped short because of the stark change of expression she saw on my face.
"Oh Lauriyya, what kind of talk is this? What do I have to do with someone like Alhajiji?"
Lauriyya drew even closer, almost embracing me.
"Hilal, please listen to what I have to say, for God's sake. I know you won't like it because I am asking you to do something you hate." She paused slightly. "Out of all the filmmakers, he is the only one I know who holds no malice against you... That's why since yesterday I’ve been thinking, why don't we go see if he can find a movie to cast you in? Even if it's a supporting role, you can get something to reduce your debts."
She fell silent, looking at me. I stood frozen for a few seconds, mulling over her words.
"Lauriyya, what I want you to realize is that when I was at the peak of my career, this man practically begged me to be the lead actor in his movies, and I refused. You yourself, how many times did he call and I told you to tell him I wasn't around...?"
"Even so, Hilal... you have to endure and let's go. Bowing to a dwarf isn't a sign of weariness. I know he won't humiliate you, since even back then, you never bluntly told him to his face that you wouldn't do his movies."
I shook my head when she stopped speaking.
"Lauriyya, I haven't rejected your advice, but it seems highly improbable. I am showing you the Prophet, yet you are closing your eyes. What I want you to understand is that news has already spread across the entire Kannywood industry that our company has collapsed and we have no market value. That is why everyone has abandoned me; they see me as a financial loss."
"If that is the case, what kind of madness would drive Alhajiji to put me in his movie just to incur a loss?" When I stopped speaking, I noticed that tears were already streaming down Lauriyya's cheeks.
"Stop saying you will cause him a loss, Hilal... What I want you to understand is that it isn’t you who stopped being a star; it is our company that broke down. But as for me, I know the whole world hasn't given up on you, and I believe you are still HILAL, the star of stars."
Her sobbing became fully audible. I quickly held her hands and said softly:
"Stop crying, Lauriyya. Alright, I agree, we will go. But there's a catch."
Lauriyya raised her head, wiping her tears in confusion.
"If we go and things don't work out, you know news will spread across Kannywood that the former star of stars is now begging for roles... What kind of damage do you think that will cause to our already collapsed company?"
Lauriyya frowned and said, "Hilal, you just want to upset me, right? I didn't want to say it, but now you've forced my hand."
I looked at her in surprise. "What are you going to say?"
Lauriyya looked at me askance with a forced smile and said, "Alhajiji is madly in love with me; I am the one who has been rejecting his advances. I know that whether he likes it or not, if I speak to him, he will definitely cast you in his next movie."
As soon as she said that, she grabbed my hand and began pulling me along like a little child...

Part 4: Facing Alhajiji

As soon as she said that, she grabbed my hand and began dragging me along like a little child.
"Come on, let's go, please, before the heavy rain starts."
I followed behind her submissively like a sheep, stepping into the stormy rainy-season wind.
The star of stars, I called myself in my mind, and then let out a sweet smile. Lauriyya noticed.
"What are you smiling at?"
I shook my head and said, "Nothing... You just impress me."
When we arrived at Alhajiji’s film company, I dug my heels in and stopped next to a bangle shop. I said to Lauriyya:
"Go ahead and talk to him, I won't go in..."
Lauriyya looked at me, about to argue, but then she changed her mind. Perhaps she also noticed the crowd of aspiring actors looking for roles hanging around the entrance of the company, despite the heavy wind. Lauriyya held my hand and said:
"Alright then, Hilal, wait for me here while I go and return." She noticed my face was still frowned in distress. "Don't worry, Hilal, everything will be fine, by God's grace. Just wait for me."
Finishing her words, she squeezed my hand, shot me a subtle, knowing smile loaded with meaning, turned around, and walked elegantly into the building.
I checked my watch, my back leaning against an electric pole near the shop. I was filled with surprise when I saw that thirteen minutes had already passed since Lauriyya went inside. Just as my anxiety began to peak, I spotted Lauriyya coming out, with Alhajiji following closely behind her, beaming with joy. There was clear happiness on his face, perhaps assuming I was going to do a movie for his company. But when I remembered my current ruined state, I thought that maybe his joy came from the fact that Lauriyya had asked a favor of him.
I stood there until they reached me.
"Boss! Boss!!" Alhajiji greeted me in a booming, explosive voice, shaking my hand so tightly it felt like he would tear it apart. Alhajiji was a large, dark-skinned man with a big belly and a long beard, but no mustache. His face was perfectly round like a football. Whenever he laughed, he looked like a statue, which was why many mischievous Kannywood actors loved to make him laugh just to mock his expression. One year, he had even been cast in a comedy movie as a effeminate man (dan daudu).
"Why are you hiding out here, Hilal? SINAD PRODUCTION is just like your home." He looked at Lauriyya with a smile, and she looked back at me with a deceptive smile, winking at me.
"Let's go inside, Hilal... By God, I am so happy to see you because this is a perfect coincidence. I was just about to call you on the phone when Lauriyya walked in. We have a massive movie of the year starting production tomorrow, and I want you to be the lead actor. The title is..."
MUTUWA DA FARINTA TAKE TAKE! (Death and Its Direct Joy!)
When I looked at him and then at Lauriyya, I felt like bursting into laughter. For without a doubt, I knew he was lying when he claimed he had intended to cast me as the lead from the start. If that were true, I should have been informed a week ago. Lauriyya had undoubtedly played him.

Part 5: The Flashback Begins

From where I am sitting, I can hear the sound of rainwater pouring heavily onto the zinc roofs of people's houses.
I shifted slightly, stood up, and walked to the window. I parted the glass pane a bit, and the spray of rainwater along with a cool breeze slapped against my face. I quickly shut the window, went back, and sat on the sofa, studying the room.
When exactly will this rain stop? The air in the room is getting stuffy, which is why the ceiling fan spinning above is failing to alleviate the heat tormenting me. On top of that, if I open the window, the rain will drench me.
I stood up again and began pacing back and forth. Honestly, if this rain doesn't stop, I will hardly be able to sleep tonight. Besides, it is already past one o'clock in the morning.
The room I am in is medium-sized, just like the other government quarters in the area. There are only three sofas in the room, along with an old wooden bed carrying a large, brand-new mattress I bought two days ago. On the northern side of the room, there is a color television with a VCR player on top of it. On top of the VCR sits a plastic flower inside a porcelain vase. As the STAR OF STARS OF HAUSA CINEMA, I have to make an effort to decorate my bedroom, if only to accommodate the visitors who constantly troop in to see me day and night. It was because of the sheer volume of visitors that my uncle allocated a separate wing of the house to me, building a wall between us so I could have the privacy to meet my guests, since I am still unmarried.
THIS RAIN WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE CRISIS.
I went back to the edge of the bed and sat down.

Story Summary

"Alaƙakai" (The Dilemma / The Entanglement) follows the dramatic downfall and desperate survival of Hilal, a once-revered megastar of the Hausa film industry (Kannywood).

• The Fall: At the peak of his career, Hilal was rich, arrogant, and idolized by fans. However, after investing all his wealth and borrowed money into a self-produced flop movie titled Ragas, his career tanked. Creditors hounded him, the industry blacklisted him as "financial poison," and all his fair-weather friends and subordinates abandoned him.
• The Loyalty: The only person who stays by his side is his secretary, Lauriyya. Amidst a raging storm while Hilal is actively hiding from creditors, Lauriyya confesses that she stays out of deep, unspoken love for him.
• The Deception: To save Hilal from bankruptcy, Lauriyya convinces him to seek a role from Alhajiji, a wealthy producer Hilal used to snub. Knowing Alhajiji is madly in love with her, Lauriyya uses Alhajiji's infatuation as leverage. Alhajiji enthusiastically offers Hilal a lead role in an upcoming film, pretending it was his idea all along, though Hilal secretly realizes Lauriyya played the producer to save him.

• The Framing: The narrative structure utilizes a framing device. The story transitions into a late-night flashback during a torrential rainstorm, where Hilal is sleeplessly reflecting on how he got into this complicated web of fame, debt, and love.

  Character Descriptions

• Hilal: The protagonist and narrator. He is a former premier actor ("Star of Stars") of Hausa cinema. Once vain, heavily materialistic, and dismissive of others, his sudden bankruptcy has humbled him, leaving him paranoid, deeply indebted, and anxious, yet deeply appreciative of true loyalty.
• Lauriyya: Hilal’s incredibly loyal secretary. She acts as his shield, emotional anchor, and strategic advisor. She is deeply in love with Hilal, a fact she hides under professionalism until his downfall. She is clever and willing to exploit another man's infatuation with her just to rescue Hilal from ruin.
• Isyaku: A local tailor whose shop serves as a temporary hideout for Hilal when he is fleeing from creditors. He acts as a grounded, straight-talking friend who tries to make Hilal see Lauriyya's true feelings.
• Alhajiji: A wealthy, physically imposing, and somewhat eccentric Hausa film producer. He has a distinct look (large belly, round face, long beard without a mustache) and is often the butt of industry jokes. He holds a massive unrequited crush on Lauriyya, making him easily manipulated by her request to revive Hilal's career.