Introduction to the Main Characters & Academic Life

"Peace be upon you," Amatallah said as she approached the quiet young lady.
With a slight smile, the lady answered her and extended her hand to shake. Amatallah stretched out her hand as well, and they both exchanged warm smiles. 😊🤝🏻😊
After greeting each other, Amatallah asked her if they were in the same department.
"Yes," she answered kindly.
"Great, sister! Please, is there a lecture right now?"
"Yes, sister, in about 15 minutes, by God's grace (Insha Allah)."
"Okay, thank you so much." The young lady nodded at her, still smiling.
As Amatallah turned around to leave, the young lady asked, "But are you a newcomer?"
Amatallah turned back and nodded. The young lady then said, "Does that mean I've found a friend? My name is Fa'iza Abdul-hakeem Gwarzo."
"Nice name, dear. And I am Khadija Isma'il Uba (Amatallah)."
"Wow, nice name! That is my mother's name."
Amatallah simply smiled at her. Fa'iza gestured to a spot next to her, and Amatallah sat down. They began chatting bit by bit, though Fa'iza carried most of the conversation. Before they knew it, the 15 minutes were up, and they stood up to head into the lecture hall. The happiness Amatallah felt in her heart at that moment was beyond words.

Deepening Friendships & Group Dynamics

From that day forward, a strong bond developed between Amatallah and Fa'iza. As it turned out, Fa'iza was also a married woman, almost a year into her marriage, and she was even expecting a baby, with her pregnancy starting to show slightly. They both focused heavily on their studies, with absolutely no room for slacking off.
By now, their group had grown to four: Amatallah, Fa'iza, Rita, and Goodness. Seeing them together was truly beautiful, and they were all roughly the same age. Rita was from Taraba State, while Goodness was from Kaduna, but they all understood Hausa. Goodness spoke it perfectly, whereas Rita only understood it bit by bit and couldn't comprehend every Hausa word easily.
They did everything together, and you would never think they came from different tribes. There was no arrogance or discrimination among them. Whenever it was time for prayer, Amatallah and Fa'iza would go to pray, while Rita and Goodness would join them, finding a place to sit near the mosque until they finished and came out.

Life at Uncle's House

Life at Uncle’s house was excellent, thank God (Alhamdulillah). She didn't face any problems because Nazeefa was always there looking out for her. Amatallah, on her part, didn't neglect her responsibilities and took great care of everything concerning the household. A deep bond had formed between her and the children. Whenever the children spoke to their father on the phone, they would give him updates about their "Anty" and tell him about the sweets she bought for them every day. He was incredibly pleased to hear this, as he loved anyone who took good care of his children.

Section 2: Transitions and Co-Wife Interactions

Time passed smoothly by the grace of the Lord of the Throne. Today marked Aneesa’s fourth month in Dubai. She had blossomed and looked incredibly beautiful; you couldn't look at her without being filled with admiration. 😜
Today, after Alhaji Muhammad returned home exhausted, she helped him bathe. Afterward, he sat down to break his fast, as it was a Thursday. Even though he didn't eat much, that didn't stop her from preparing a few dishes for him, ensuring nothing went to waste.
As he sipped his tea, they chatted casually. In the middle of their conversation, he said, "My Nessa, you should start getting ready."
She looked at him affectionately. "Dear! Getting ready for what?"
He smiled slightly, knowing that he was about to trigger her dramatic side. He took a sip of his tea and picked up the remote to lower the TV volume. "My Nessa, getting ready to return to Nigeria, of course."
"Dear, back to Nigeria? But why? Have I offended you?"
The way she bombarded him with questions made him want to laugh, but he suppressed it. He set his mug down, pulled her close to his chest, and began to soothe her with a gentle tenderness that made her melt into his embrace.
"My Nessa, you know you aren't the only one I have. I have other wives, and they have rights over me. It is mandatory that I fulfill those duties as well. Please understand, you will return, and then Fateema's turn will come to visit."
A heavy lump of jealousy and frustration kept Aneesa from speaking, and she forced back the tears that threatened to fall. Sensing her silence, he looked down at her face. "My Neesa!"
She raised her eyes to look at him.
He asked, "What's wrong?"
She pulled away from his embrace and, visibly upset, said, "But Fateema isn't fully recovered yet, and as for the other one, didn't you say she is busy with school?"
A brief smile crossed his face as he shook his head. The "other one" she was referring to was Amatallah, spoken of as if she didn't even deserve to be called by her name. He took her hands, holding them tightly in his, and rubbed them gently.
"That is true, My Neesa. However, you and I both know that is not a valid excuse before God. The reason Amatallah didn't come on this trip is because she hasn't fully adjusted to me yet, given how our marriage came about. She needs time for me to guide her into getting used to me as her husband before we intimacy. As for Fateema's health, it won't stop her from coming to be with me, do you understand?"
She simply pulled her hand away from his, stood up, and left the room. He watched her until she disappeared into their bedroom. Exhaling deeply, he shook his head and went back to breaking his fast.

The Departures and Return to Nigeria

From that day on, he didn't bring up the topic of leaving to Aneesa again, but he quietly continued making preparations and buying gifts for her trip. Fateema was also busy preparing in Nigeria; she wasn't going to travel with any of the children, and Ummita was already being enrolled in school.
The very day Aneesa was set to arrive in Nigeria was the same day Fateema would depart for Dubai. When Amatallah heard about the travel arrangements, she didn't feel any negativity. Instead, she just wondered how she and Aneesa would get along, praying that God would make Aneesa as accommodating as Fateema. Fortunately, Nazeefa was also in the house to ease the dynamic.
Everything for the travels was finalized. On the eve of her departure, Alhaji Muhammad had to endure Aneesa’s emotional tantrums, but he overlooked it and kept comforting her.
The next day, Amatallah and the family accompanied Fateema to the airport, staying until they watched the plane take off. The children weren't too upset since they had both Anty Nazeefa and Amatallah. Only Ummita cried a little when she saw her mother board the plane without her, but she quieted down after Shehu told her that her mother had only gone to get a medical injection.
Over in Dubai, Alhaji Muhammad saw Aneesa off at the airport, staying until the flight departed. She wept as she left, making him feel a deep sense of pity for her, to the point that he prayed to God to soften her intense jealousy.

Aneesa's Arrival and New Household Dynamics

When Aneesa and her companions landed, Jabeer went to pick her up. From the moment she stepped into the house, she kept rolling her eyes and twisting her mouth, noticing the fresh coat of paint the house had received. When they walked into the main living room, she noticed that the door to the guest section had been remodeled to face inside. She kept scanning the area, eager to catch a glimpse of Amatallah, but she saw no sign of her—only the children and Nazeefa.
After resting, she ate the food that Amatallah had cooked before leaving for school. Afterward, she began cleaning her section of the house. (To be fair, Uncle's wives were exceptionally clean, and truth be told, Aneesa was even cleaner than Fateema. It wasn't that Fateema was untidy, but Aneesa was the type of woman who demanded everything to be absolutely spotless and gleaming).
She didn't ask anyone about Amatallah, not even the children who kept chattering about the nice things their "Anty" did for them—especially Saifuddeen, who was practically glued to Amatallah. Even Siddiqa was moving happily among her siblings, as she had started walking.
Amatallah had afternoon lectures that day, which was why she had cooked early before heading out. They didn't finish until around 6:00 PM. She quickly said goodbye to Rita and the others and entered the tricycle (Napep) they hailed for her, as they lived in the school hostel. Fa'iza hadn't come to school that day, likely because her pregnancy was advanced and she wasn't feeling up to it.
The call for Maghrib prayer was echoing just as Amatallah arrived home. Finding the living room empty, she headed straight to her section, took off her hijab, and went into the bathroom to perform ablution. Even after finishing her prayers, she didn't come out out of anxiety over meeting Aneesa. When it was time for Isha prayer, she performed it and then took a shower. She rubbed on some lotion and put on a simple black jalabiya.
She was incredibly hungry since she hadn't eaten lunch before leaving. She walked up to her living room door to leave but hesitated and turned back. She did this more than three times before finally gathering the courage to step out.
Just as she stepped out, Nazeefa and the children were coming downstairs. The children ran to her excitedly, shouting, "Welcome home!" She embraced them all and picked up Siddiqa, who was eager to join her siblings.
Nazeefa greeted her, saying, "Did you just get back?"
"No, Anty Nazeefa, I returned around Maghrib, but I noticed you were all inside. Have the travelers arrived?"
"They arrived right after you left. I believe right after Jabeer dropped you off, he went straight to pick them up."
"Oh, let me go inside and greet her then."
"Okay, go ahead, she’s inside."
Filled with nervousness, Amatallah walked toward Aneesa's section, holding Siddiqa in her arms and clutching Ummita’s hand with the other.
With a slightly trembling voice, she offered a greeting (Sallama). Aneesa, who was sitting in the living room unpacking Siddiqa's clothes, answered. As Amatallah walked in, Aneesa looked up. Their eyes locked, and both felt a sudden flutter of anxiety in their chests. However, Amatallah managed to offer a polite smile. Aneesa looked away, her expression guarded—neither welcoming nor completely hostile, unlike Amatallah’s open demeanor.
"Please, have a seat," Aneesa said, zipping up Siddiqa's bag.
Amatallah sat tentatively on the edge of the sofa near her, placing Siddiqa on her lap while Ummita leaned against her side. Gathering her courage, she said, "Good afternoon. Welcome back. I hope you had a safe journey?"
"We are fine, thank God. How have you all been?"
"We are doing well, Aunty."
After that, the living room fell completely silent, save for the giggles of Siddiqa and Ummita playing. For nearly three minutes, neither said another word until Aneesa broke the silence, asking, "How are your studies going?"
Amatallah replied, "Allhamdulillah, Anty."
"Masha Allah."
Silence enveloped them once more, each keeping her thoughts about the other to herself. Amatallah stood up and said, "Let me leave you to rest." Without waiting for Aneesa's reply, she walked out.
Aneesa watched her leave, feeling a deep pang of jealousy in her heart. Even though Aneesa was fairer and had a more prominent nose—being exceptionally beautiful—it didn't stop her from feeling resentful and anxious about sharing a husband with her. Amatallah, on the other hand, held no malice, though she noted that Aneesa’s personality was very different from Fateema's. She silently prayed, May God grant me the patience to live peacefully with each of them.
And to that, I say, "Amen, Amatallah."

Meanwhile in Dubai

Over in Dubai, Fateema arrived safely. She and her husband embraced each other warmly, deeply feeling how much they had missed one another. Even in the car, he kept showing her how much he had missed her, caressing her pregnant belly and kissing her neck. She simply smiled, surprised by his intensity, as if another wife hadn't just departed from his side that very day. When they arrived home, he personally helped her bathe and fed her, and from there, romance took over. 🤭
There's no beating these Uncles; their wives can't help but be intensely jealous over them! 🚶🏻‍♀

Section 3: Uncle M.A.'s Pending Return & Physical Transformation

Life moved on with its share of sweet and bitter moments. The coexistence between Aneesa and Amatallah was cautious; there was no deep affection, but there was no outright mistreatment either. Uncle had given Aneesa a very strict warning about maintaining peace in the house, making it clear that if any trouble arose, she would be held responsible as the senior wife. He hadn't spared Amatallah either, giving her a serious warning as well. Thankfully, nothing major happened, as both avoided provoking the other, and Nazeefa was always there to report any household happenings to her brother.
Furthermore, Amatallah’s busy school schedule meant she wasn't around the house too often, which naturally minimized friction. Every Saturday, they would all gather and spend the day at Innani's house. Her father's health was stable, though he suffered from the general ailments of old age.
By the grace of God (Masha Allah), Alhaji Muhammad and Fateema had less than a month left before returning to Nigeria. He had achieved great success in the endeavors that took him abroad, and they were now actively preparing for their homecoming.

The Pre-Return Preparations

With ten days left before Uncle M.A.'s return, Anty Maijidda visited the house. She brought Amatallah high-quality skin and hair care products, instructing her on how to use them every night before bed. She also brought incredibly fragrant perfumes, body washes, and scented oils.
Anty Maijidda strictly warned her not to be lazy with these products. She told her to eat fresh fruits every morning and evening, and to keep fresh cow's milk and camel's milk in the fridge to drink twice a day. Additionally, she gave her a traditional herbal mixture of honey, aromatic spices, and local brown sugar (mazarkwaila), instructing her to take three spoonfuls of it every evening.
Amatallah thanked her profusely, even though she didn't fully understand why Anty Maijidda was giving her all these things. She simply assumed they were meant for general skincare and body enhancement. Following the detailed instructions precisely, Amatallah stuck to the routine diligently.
Before long, Amatallah's appearance began to transform beautifully. Her skin took on a radiant glow, highlighting her naturally striking dark complexion. She smelled incredibly good; even from a distance, her fragrance was undeniable. Her friends, Goodness and the others, constantly asked her what was changing her so beautifully. She would just laugh and say nothing, as they still didn't know she was married; they assumed the "Uncle" she often mentioned was simply her guardian. Fa'iza suspected something but dropped it, saying it didn't matter, as they would find out the truth eventually if she was indeed married.
Since Aneesa rarely saw Amatallah, she didn't notice the physical transformation immediately. However, the mesmerizing fragrance Amatallah carried lately caught her attention, leaving her wondering where on earth Amatallah had gotten such a beautiful scent. Lacking anyone to ask, she kept her mouth shut. 🤐

Section 4: The Day of Arrival & The Flashback

THE DAY TRUTH PREVAILS
Today was the day Uncle and his family were set to return to their homeland. Right from the dawn prayer, Aneesa was up, cleaning his section until everything was sparkling and spotless. She did the same for the main living room and her own section. Nazeefa just watched her in amazement.
Amatallah, unaware of the heavy preparations, had gone back to sleep after prayers. She woke up around 7:30 AM, took a bath, and dressed up exactly as Anty Maijidda had called and instructed her to do. Shortly after she finished, Jabeer called to tell her he was outside to pick her up.
She was surprised, knowing there was no school since it was a Saturday. As she wondered about it, Nazeefa walked in, also fully dressed up. Amatallah looked at her and asked, "Anty Nazeefa, are we going out together?"
"Yes," Nazeefa replied.
"Where are we going? To Innani’s house?"
"No. Just hurry up and get ready. Ya Muhammad and his family are landing at 5:00 PM, and we want to be back before 3:00 PM."
Amatallah said nothing more, finished getting ready, and stepped out. Noticing how quiet the house was, she asked, "Where are the children?"
As they reached the car, Nazeefa explained that the children were at Innani's house and that Aneesa had also gone out. Amatallah entered the car, wondering why everyone was leaving the house empty like this. But regardless, she was happy, as she hadn't wanted Uncle to meet her at the house just yet... ✍🏻
And to that, I say, "Hmm, Amatallah, you will soon have to explain everything clearly with your own mouth!" 😂😜

Flashback: Uncle M.A.'s Departure and the Phone Call

Uncle M.A. did not leave Alhaji Sabi'u's house until they had planned numerous strategies, including identifying the key people they needed to contact to secure political cooperation for their journey. After finalizing their plans, Alhaji Muhammad said his goodbyes and left some money for the children to buy chocolates.
From Alhaji Sabi'u's house, he went to his family home to greet his parents, staying there for a while with the intention of returning later that evening.
After starting his car, he turned off the engine, picked up his phone, and began searching for Amatallah's number with a smile. Ever since he left for Jos, he hadn't spoken to her; every time he called, her phone was switched off, and whenever he spoke to her uncle, he felt too shy to ask to be put through to her. Fortunately, today the call went through.
Amatallah was sitting in the courtyard with Anty Sadiya and a neighbor’s girl, Asiya, who was braiding her hair. Anty Furera was moving back and forth across the courtyard, preparing lunch. Amatallah was playing a game on her phone, completely relaxed, occasionally chiming into the conversation between Asiya and Anty Sadiya.
When the phone rang, it was the first time she had received a call on it. She had practically forgotten about the phone; ever since Uncle gave it to her and they finished looking at it, she had kept it turned off. She had only turned it on just now when she saw games on Asiya's phone and used it to transfer games and movies.
The incoming number was unsaved, so she had no idea it was Uncle. She answered and placed the phone to her ear. "Hello?"
Closing his eyes gently, he adjusted his seat and leaned his head back against the car seat. Amatallah spoke again, calmly, "Hello, who is this?"
He smiled softly and offered his greetings in his smooth, gentle voice—a voice she loved deeply. She didn't need any further explanation to know who it was, and she suddenly found herself nervous to respond.
He repeated his greeting and added, "My Best! Can you not hear me?"
"I can hear you, Uncle. Good afternoon."
"I am not answering your greeting, because you have committed a major offense against me, My Best, one that deserves a severe punishment."
Amatallah pleaded in a whining voice, sounding as if she were about to cry, "Oh my goodness, what did I do, Uncle?"
Hearing this, both Anty Sadiya and Asiya burst into laughter, staring at her in amusement. They assumed she was acting cute on purpose because they knew the caller was her Kano-based Uncle, who was now her husband. But in reality, Amatallah had no hidden motives. She was simply acting pampered the same way she used to with her late father. She viewed Uncle as a father figure now, entirely forgetting the reality of the marriage bond between them.
Her pampered tone deeply affected him, causing him to soften and speak to her with matching tenderness, completely forgetting for a moment that she was the daughter of his late brother Isma'il—the very girl who had been raised under his watch and whom he had named himself.
"Uncle please, tell me what I did wrong, for God's sake?"
He let out a sigh, lowered his voice further, and said, "Why did you keep your phone turned off? Ever since I left, you haven't checked on me even once, My Best."
"I'm sorry, Uncle. I swear I completely forgot about the phone. I only remembered it today when I wanted to transfer some games onto it."
"Oh, so you forgot about Uncle, but you didn't forget to transfer games and movies, right? I will definitely get my revenge."
"Oh Uncle, I won't do it again, I promise, by God's grace. Please forgive me."
"Alright, but if you do it again, I will punish you. Do you agree?"
She nodded as if he were standing right in front of her. "Yes, Uncle." She then asked, "Uncle, have you left yet?"
"No, I haven't left yet, but by God's grace, I will be leaving tomorrow at 3:00 PM."
"Oh, may God take you there safely, Uncle, and grant you success."
"Amen, my best daughter. May God bless you. I hope you've forgiven me for teasing you. May God forgive your father and his brother."
In an emotional voice, she replied, "Amen."
They said their goodbyes, and he promised to call her back later because he noticed her voice changing and he couldn't bear to hear her cry.
As soon as she put the phone down, Asiya burst into a fit of laughter, holding her stomach. Amatallah stared at her in surprise, trying to wipe away the tears that had gathered in her eyes. "Asiya, are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm perfectly fine! Amatallah, what kind of romance was that?"
"Romance? Asiya, that's my Uncle!"
"Uh-huh, I know he's your 'Uncle'. May God take us to Kano so we can watch this unfold. I swear I told my dad I didn't want to study in Kano, but now, even if it's just because of you, I want to go there."
Amatallah dismissed her with a wave of her hand. "Whatever you say." Anty Sadiya said nothing, only sharing a quiet laugh with Anty Furera. Amatallah didn't understand the real meaning behind their reactions and went back to her game, though deep down, she wondered about the soft, low tone Uncle had used with her today, acknowledging that he truly possessed a golden voice.
Uncle M.A. sat in silence, staring at his phone as if Amatallah might pop out of it. Stroking his beard, he muttered to himself, "Muhammad, what is wrong with you? She is Isma'il's daughter—the one who was raised right in front of you." He ended his thought by saying, "Ya Salam!" and exhaling deeply. He sat there contemplating for a long time before finally starting the car and heading home.

The Next Day

Around 2:00 PM, his wives and siblings accompanied him to the airport. The children wept bitterly until he managed to soothe them. Before his flight took off, he tried calling Amatallah, but her phone was switched off. He called her uncle, who apologized and explained he wasn't at home. Disappointed that he couldn't reach her, he boarded the plane, and they took off.
Jabeer drove Fateema and the children back home. Anty Maijidda, Shehu, and Nazeefa took a tricycle (Napep) back to their respective destinations.

The New Normal

Ever since Uncle M.A. left the country, life in his house took on a completely different rhythm. Everyone minded their own business, and...