AUREN CHOCHI (Church Wedding)

Book One
By Sayyada Tahir (Matar Faisal Zakhari)
Pages 1 & 2
"Aren't you a Muslim?" IB asked, looking at her in utter amazement.
She continued chewing her gum, gave him a playful wink, and said, "A hundred percent original Muslim, from my mother to my father. But the point is, we are only getting married because I love you and you love me. However, you should know that the wedding must be held in a church, just like I told you. Understood?"
The sheer absurdity of it made IB burst into a fit of laughter until tears came to his eyes. Finally, he said, "Are you in your right mind, Radiya? How is that even possible? You and I are both Muslims. In fact, my father and your father share the exact same mother and father. Yet, you are telling me we should go to a CHURCH to get married? Seriously, I’m starting to think you've lost your..."
"Wait, Radiya!" she interrupted angrily. "Look here, Yaya IB, don't insult me. No one is forcing you into this. You can either choose to marry me or leave it. By Allah, I swear to you as a Muslim, I will get married, but a Pastor will definitely be my waliyyi (guardian). Meaning, three vows will be tied for me in a church. You know my reasons better than anyone. I see no reason why I should be turned into a young divorcee just like they did to Umaima Aliya Bushira. Wallahi, never! Please, Yaya IB, we are living in Jalingo, right in the middle of non-Muslims. This should be easy. Pastor Okafor, my friend Joy's father, can just officiate the wedding for us. Period."
Her words brought deep frustration to IB, but he suppressed his anger. Holding his head, he asked, "Oh Radiya, do you honestly think a church wedding cannot end in divorce?"
"Yes, it’s practically like that," Radiya replied. "Even if it happens, it's not like our Muslim way, which is driven by selfishness and injustice. A church wedding is a wedding of rings—until death do us part. And that is my condition for marriage. No turning back, no retreat."
IB exhaled deeply, looking straight into Radiya's eyes before saying, "Go home before I lose my temper with you, you foolish girl." Radiya hissed, rolled her eyes at him, and walked home without another word.
IB watched her until she entered the house. Shaking his head in frustration over her words, he turned back into his shop, which was next to her family house.
"The groom is smelling nice! Radiya, just surrender yourself so we can go home!" Yahya, his friend, teased him aloud.
IB let out a small hiss, looking at Yahya, who was staring in surprise. Yahya was shocked that IB let Radiya tease him today without saying a word, only offering a hiss.
IB said, "Leave me alone with Radiya’s nonsense, Yahya. I see this behavior of hers is getting out of hand."
Yahya asked, "What happened, IB? Today you are the one talking like this about your little cousin, who is also your bride-to-page?"
IB hissed again before replying, "Aside from foolishness, look at how this girl is insisting that we must go and have a CHURCH wedding!"
"Hahaha!" Yahya burst into laughter. IB glared at him angrily and said, "What is so funny here, huh?"
Yahya replied, "Nothing, except it's actually something to cry about. Anyway, just agree to it. She's yours. In this entire village, there is no one as beautiful as Radiya. Plus, she is the first woman to finish secondary school in this village. If that’s the case, doing what she wants to court her isn't a crime..."
"Mtcheew," IB hissed loudly, saying angrily, "Get out of my shop before I lose my temper. I see you and Radiya are cut from the same cloth."
Yahya said, "Why so heated, IB, over the truth? I think it's normal."
"Normal your foot!" IB snapped, swinging his hand to slap Yahya. Yahya ducked, laughing, and said, "Look, let me leave your shop before you take out Radiya's anger on me. Before I go, hand over that 30-naira bread, hunger is killing me."
"I’m not selling. Get out of here," IB said. Yahya replied, "Alright, my friend, you're the one losing a sale. But as for the wedding, we must go to the CHURCH if you really want Radiya!" He quickly ran out of the shop laughing, knowing IB could easily smack him.
Since it was her mother’s (Ammi) turn to cook, Radiya finished her Isha prayer and immediately went into the kitchen. She arranged the food nicely on a large tray. She picked up a large jug, filled it with water, and placed it on the tray alongside some small cups. Calmly, she brought it out to the large veranda of their house. She spread out a large mat before heading to the room to inform Ammi that everything was ready.
Ammi blessed her and asked, "Is your father back?"
Radiya replied, "Yes, he just came in. I heard him answering a call."
"Alright then, I’m coming. Go and call Falmata and Mardiya," Ammi said. Radiya agreed and left the room to fulfill her mother's instruction.
They all sat in a line eating. The two wives ate from one bowl, their father sat to the side eating from his plate, Radiya and Mardiya shared a plate, and their two younger brothers, Nazibu and Abbati, shared another. The only sound was the chewing of their tuwo with Kalkashi soup, interspersed with occasional chatter between Ammi, Umma, and their father. In the middle of this, IB walked in with a greeting.
"Wassalam," they all responded. IB respectfully greeted his parents, while his younger siblings greeted him.
Baba said, "Come closer, Ibrahim. Come join us in this bowl."
IB replied, "Thank you, Baba, wallahi I am full."
"Ah, no, that won't do. Radiya, serve your brother some food."
Radiya pulled her hand out of their food bowl and respectfully said, "Okay, Baba." She washed her hands, got a plate, served IB, and placed it before him, glaring at the back of his head as she remembered the insults he hurled at her earlier.
After setting down his food, she went back into the room, grabbed her hijab and Islamic school bag, and came out. "Ammi, Baba, Umma, I’m leaving for Islamiya."
Baba said, "Safe journey."
Ammi looked at her, gave a playful gesture of disapproval, and asked, "Are your other siblings ready?"
Radiya pouted, saying, "Ammi, they know the way, they will catch up with me."
"Go ahead, blessed child. You are hardworking and don't play with your studies. Why on earth should she wait for those who are always late, sister?" Umma chimed in. "So go on, they will follow you."
Radiya smiled and said, "Thank you, my Umma." She quickly left the house, feeling happy with Umma’s words.

Auren Chochi is a book filled with lessons, conflicts, love, and selfishness. Follow me gradually, I know you will enjoy it... This is a paid book, 400 Naira only.

Pages 3 & 4
(Standard author warning regarding copyright and payment details...)
"Excuse me," she said, knocking on the door. Without waiting for permission, she forced her way into the room. She didn't expect to see him standing like that at all. Stammering in fear of him, she said, "I'm sorry, Uncle Obi!"
He didn't say a single word to her. He just picked up his small bag and quickly walked past her out of the living room to go to work. She ran after him, calling, "Uncle Obi! Uncle Obi!" Even though he didn't answer, the young girl kept following him until she caught up. Panting, she said, "Momcy is on the phone, here," extending the phone to him.
Still, he said nothing until he got into his car. Glaring at her, he said, "Leave it there and tell her when I’m done being busy, I will call her, okay?" She nodded and said, "Okay, Uncle." She didn't go back inside until she saw his car drive out of the gate, her heart entirely full of love for her uncle.
A 16-minute drive brought him to the hospital. He found a spot, parked calmly, and stepped out of the car in his clean white shoes. He was a tall, well-built, fair-skinned man—a gentle giant. His haircut was a modern style popular among elite academics or professionals, called a "punk" cut. The haircut added to the handsomeness of his fair face. Looking at him, you could tell he was biracial—Igbo and Hausa-Fulani. He walked calmly from the car. Two female nurses quickly approached, respectfully saying, "You're welcome, Doctor," as they took his bag to his office.
After sitting in his office for three minutes, he stood up. One by one, he went through the wards, checking on patients and offering medical help as usual. He moved to the children's ward, followed by three nurses holding equipment. The moment he entered the children's section, his face—which had been stern like a typical boss since he arrived—softened. Smiling, he began examining the children and asking how they felt. The children, delighted to see him, answered happily. The doctor reached into the pocket of his white lab coat and started handing them sweets. "Thanks, thanks!" the children cried, while their parents thanked him for his care. Dr. Obi smiled and said, "No problem, it's my duty."
This was why many people loved his hospital, especially parents of young children. It was impossible to visit his hospital without experiencing his organized system and dedicated patient care. The nurses and other doctors also thoroughly enjoyed working with him. Consequently, many young nurses were infatuated with him due to his good looks, wealth, and the high class of Dr. Obi.
By 12:00 PM sharp, the doctor returned to his office feeling very exhausted. He pressed a buzzer, and a young man in a white lab coat quickly entered. "Good evening, my boss," he said respectfully. Dr. Obi looked at him with half-closed eyes, shrugged slightly, and said, "Evening. Prepare me breakfast."
"Okay, my boss."
Holding a cup of tea, he took sips while two slices of cake sat on a small glass plate in front of him. He swiveled in his office chair, closing his eyes and chewing the cake slowly, almost like a baby—a habit of his to do everything calmly, even eating. He set down the tea cup and picked up one of his phones lying on the table.
The number he called was saved as "Sweetheart." As if she was waiting for his call, she picked up on the first ring. "Hello, my baby!"
"Yes, Ma," the doctor replied in a pampered tone. Hearing his sweet voice immediately wiped away all her anger and frustration over him not calling for three days. With deep motherly affection and love, she said, "I MISS YOU, MY Baby! And where do you hide???"
He smiled out loud so she could hear it over the phone before saying, "I miss you too, my sweet Ma. I’m around, it's just that I’m too busy with work. Double sorry, Ma."
She laughed, delighted by his voice, and said, "It’s alright, my sweetheart, but this work busyness is getting too much; you aren't having time for us—me, Daddy, and the other family members."
"Alright Ma, I will try my best to see how I can adjust my schedules."
"That’s my sweetheart."
"Yep, Ma."
The affectionate conversation between the doctor and his mother continued until a quarter to 1:00 PM, when they said their goodbyes because he heard the call to prayer from the hospital mosque. He took off his formal shoes and socks, pulled a pair of flat shoes from a side drawer, put them on, went to his office restroom to perform ablution, and left for the mosque.
Pages 7 & 8
"Her marriage is over?!" Radiya cried, her eyes wide with shock.
"Exactly. Rahma's marriage is broken," the storyteller said.
Radiya burst into tears, crying, "We are in trouble! Now, after all the love Babangida showed Rahma, today it all goes to waste just because he has the nerve to divorce her? Oh my God, we are doomed. Men are ruining our lives!" Radiya sobbed heavily.
The friend telling the story also burst into tears, thinking about the tragedy of the broken marriage. Amidst her tears, she said, "We have to be patient, Radiya. This is what Allah has decreed for us. Men have completely degenerated; they have no faithfulness."
Radiya wiped her nose, still crying and shaking her head in deep frustration at what Umaima's friend said. Angrily, she snapped, "Umsy, this isn't destiny! This is pure selfishness on the part of Hausa men. I swear by Allah, other tribes—especially Christians—hold onto their marriages until death separates them. Only our Muslim Hausa people practice constant marriage and divorce. That is why I HATE any man who divorces his wife."
Umsy wiped her tears and said, "That's true, Radiya. Your words are absolute truth. Constant marriage and divorce happen mostly among us Muslims. Even if you are lucky and he doesn't divorce you, he will just dump a co-wife (kishiya) on you and mistreat you as if you never married for love."
Radiya hissed loudly upon hearing Umsy mention a co-wife. Furious, she turned on Umsy aggressively. "Who the hell told you to mention a co-wife to me? Shut up, you useless talkative! A co-wife can go to hell. We are talking about divorce and you are bringing up co-wives? Mtcheew, you've ruined my mood," she said, turning to leave.
Umsy quickly held Radiya back, trying to pacify her. "Be patient, my friend. Wallahi, I was just upset. But I won't mention it again, especially since I know you are the queen of jealousy!"
Radiya pouted and said, "Yes, exactly. There's nothing wrong with jealousy; jealousy is permissible!"

Story Summary

The story revolves around Radiya, a beautiful, sharp-tongued, and stubborn Muslim girl living in a diverse village within the Mambilla Local Government Area of Jalingo, Taraba State.

• The Conflict: Radiya is betrothed to her first cousin, Ibrahim (IB), a local shop owner who loves her deeply. However, Radiya drops a bombshell: she insists that their wedding must take place in a Christian Church, officiated by a Pastor (the father of her Christian friend, Joy), and sealed with three vows ("until death do us part").
• Radiya's Motivation: She is deeply traumatized by the high rate of divorce and polygamy among Hausa Muslims in her community (citing a broken marriage of a woman named Rahma/Umaima). She believes Christian marriages are secure and permanent, whereas Muslim men treat women disposably.
• The Family Dynamics: Radiya lives in a large, harmonious household. Her father (Alhaji Auwal) married her mother (Amina) after Radiya's biological father (Alhaji Jamil) and his Christian family tragically died in a house fire years ago. Because of this tragedy, Alhaji Auwal heavily spoils Radiya, which feeds into her stubbornness. When IB complains to Baba about Radiya's outrageous church-wedding demand, Baba surprisingly remains unbothered, much to IB's frustration.

• The Parallel Story (Dr. Obi): The narrative introduces a wealthy, handsome, and highly professional biracial doctor named Dr. Obi (Hausa-Fulani and Igbo heritage) who runs a highly respected hospital. He is deeply loved by his patients and sought after by female nurses but remains deeply attached to his mother ("Momcy"). His path is poised to intertwine with the unfolding drama in Jukum village.

  Character & Setting Description

  The Setting

• Jukum Village, Jalingo (Taraba State): A unique, rural setting located under the Mambilla local government. The village is an integrated blend of Muslims and Christians. The dominant tribe is the Jukun people, who through intermarriage with Hausa-Fulanis, have produced a community of fair-skinned and dark-skinned individuals living in religious harmony.

  Main Characters

• Radiya: The protagonist. Beautiful, pampered, and the first girl in her village to complete secondary school. She is fiercely independent, highly stubborn, and intensely afraid of divorce and polygamy, leading her to demand a church wedding despite being an orthodox Muslim.
• Ibrahim (Yaya IB): Radiya's cousin and fiancé. He is an industrious, down-to-earth young man who runs a provision and fruit shop at the front of the family house. He is traditional, easily annoyed by Radiya's antics, but deeply in love with her.
• Alhaji Auwal (Baba): Radiya’s stepfather and IB's biological father. A fair, wealthy, and well-respected man. He completely dotes on Radiya due to a promise to keep his late brother's trust, often turning a blind eye to her radical behavior.
• Dr. Obi: A highly successful, structured, and aristocratic doctor. He is a "gentle giant," fair-skinned, and biracial (Igbo/Hausa-Fulani). He is incredibly gentle with pediatric patients but maintains a stern, professional "boss" attitude with his staff. He is a devout Muslim and deeply attached to his family.
• Yahya: IB’s playful and teasing best friend who acts as a comedic foil, mocking IB's romantic predicament.
• Umsy: Radiya's close friend and confidante with whom she gossips about village marriages and relationships.