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: The Royal Convoy and Family Feuds
We left the school premises around 4:00 PM. We were six in our group now, unlike earlier when only four of us arrived. After we finished, Safara’u and Halimatu joined us. Even though we completed our lectures before them, we waited for them so we could all head home together. Unable to find the school bus, we trekked down to the main gate and stood by the roadside alongside a few other students.
From a distance, we spotted a convoy of vehicles approaching at a terrifying speed. You would think they were the only ones on the road, given how they sped as though they were about to fly into the sky. We all stepped back, because if those cars hit anyone, they would undoubtedly crush them and drive away without a care. Like a sudden gust of wind, they zipped past us—*shuuuu! shuuuu! shuuuu!*
A flashy young man, leaning against his car while waiting to pick up two girls standing near us, watched the convoy. These girls were incredibly arrogant; they barely spoke to anyone at school. Although we shared the same department, I never gave them a second look, and we had never even exchanged basic Islamic greetings.
The young man followed the cars with his eyes and remarked, “Wow, so *GALADIMA* has arrived in town?”
"Are you serious, Brother Usman?" one of the girls asked with immense excitement.
He replied, “Of course, baby. Didn’t you just see his vehicles pass by?”
Instantly, the girls erupted in joy, as though they had just been promised a place in paradise. I sneered, rolling my eyes and drawing a sharp breath in irritation.
Fiddausi asked, “So, who exactly is this Galadima?”
"Who knows about them," Munubiya replied dismissively.
Another girl standing on our other side with her boyfriend while waiting for transport chimed in, “He is the King's son, *Prince Sameer!*”
"Hmph, you people talk as if they are gods," I muttered bitterly. “That’s why they drive like that; even if they crush an ordinary citizen, nothing will happen to them.”
Siyama and the others laughed, saying, “What is your business with that? The country belongs to them, so they can rule it however they please. The closest we ordinary folks can get to them is catching a glimpse of them inside a car or during the Eid Durbar festival.”
I hissed loudly again, turning my face away from them to focus on hailing an approaching taxi.
Even inside the taxi, Halimatu and the others wouldn't stop talking about this Galadima or whatever his name was—I had already forgotten. I didn't utter a single syllable; in fact, their conversation began to annoy me deeply, especially when the taxi driver joined in, praising Galadima and exaggerating his achievements. I pulled my earphones out of my handbag and plugged them into my ears to block out their voices entirely.
It wasn't until we arrived home that Fauziyya, sitting next to me, nudged me. I looked up and realized everyone had already alighted, so I stepped out without saying a word.
We found that our mother (*Innarmu*) was not home. Only Aryaan and his siblings were sitting in the living room watching television. The moment we walked in, they ran to us, shouting "Welcome!" We embraced them happily.
Munubiya asked, “Aryaan, why haven’t you changed out of your school uniforms and taken a bath?”
“Oh, Aunty, we came back and found that Innarmu wasn't home.”
I asked, “Innarmu isn't home? Where did she go?”
“We don't know, Aunty. We checked the kitchen and didn't find any food, and we are really hungry.”
Munubiya sighed, “Ya Salam! Wait here, I'll be right back.”
She went out and returned shortly after, looking visibly upset. While helping Aryaan undress, I looked at her and asked, “What is happening, Munu? Where is the food?”
Wiping a tear from her eye, she sat on a chair and said, “I went to Mama's section, and she told me that Innarmu took all the food to the hospital, so there's nothing left for us.”
Furious, I stood up to storm out, but Munubiya quickly grabbed my hand. “Please, Munaya, just let it go. We should call Innarmu first to find out who is in the hospital. I believe that is far more important right now than reacting to what Mama did to us.”
“For Allah's sake, Munubiya, what kind of wickedness is this? What do the women of this house take themselves for? If they take pride in their fathers, this house belongs to our father too! How can children like Aryaan return from school since 3:00 PM and be denied food? What kind of tyranny is this? Let go of me so I can go piece that woman's mind together! By Allah, today Abba will have to tell me to leave his house!”
“No, Munaya, none of that is necessary. When madness meets madness, chaos ensues. We shouldn't bring ourselves down to their level. Let me just go to the kitchen and whip up something quick for us to eat. Please, for Allah's sake, calm down. You know Innarmu will be heartbroken if she finds out an argument broke out because of this.”
Reluctantly, I backed down, though my chest heaved with suppressed anger. Only I knew the fury burning within me.
While Munubiya went to the kitchen to find us something to eat, I picked up my phone to call Innarmu to find out what happened at the hospital. The first call rang out. I dialed a second time, and she finally answered. I greeted her and asked why she was at the hospital.
She informed me that Nafisa (Mama Rabi'a’s daughter, who has sickle cell anemia) had suffered a crisis. They urgently needed a blood transfusion, but the hospital was out of blood. To make matters worse, Brother Marwan, who usually donated blood for her, had traveled out of town with their father.
Panicking, I said, “Innarmu, I am on my way right now, insha Allah. Are you at the General Hospital?”
“Yes, we are here.”
“Okay, insha Allah, I will be there soon.”
I rushed into our room, took a very quick shower to refresh myself, and without bothering to apply any lotion or makeup, I threw on a long jalabiya gown and hurried out. Near the living room exit, I ran into Munubiya carrying a large platter of steaming spaghetti.
I quickly stepped back, apologizing. “I'm sorry, Munubiya, but I have to rush to the hospital to join Innarmu. Feena is having a severe crisis and needs blood, and Brother Marwan is away with Abba.”
Munubiya suggested, “Should I pack the food in a flask so we can all go together?”
I replied, “No, Munu. Stay back with Aryaan and the rest. Let me go alone; we shouldn't leave the kids by themselves.”
“Alright then. Call me to keep me updated. If it gets late, we will join you. What about your food?”
“Hmph, forget the food, Munu. I don't have the peace of mind to eat right now. I'll eat when I return.”
Without waiting for her reply, I dashed out. Fortunately, I immediately found a tricycle (Napep) outside. Within a few minutes, we arrived at the hospital. I paid the driver and rushed inside while trying to call Innarmu.
She picked up quickly and directed me to the sickle cell patients' ward. I found Innarmu and Mama Rabi'a in a state of utter distress because Feena's crisis was exceptionally severe this time.
I asked, “Mama, what is the situation now?”
“The lack of blood is our main crisis right now, Munaya. They said we must find it urgently. Fadeel’s blood type doesn't match hers, so they didn't even bother screening him. And Marwan, who usually donates, traveled with their father.”
“Mama, give me a moment. Hand me the request slip.”
She handed it over, and I hurried out. I ran around frantically trying to secure the blood, but even as the Maghrib prayer approached, we found nothing because Feena's blood type was extremely rare. During the Isha prayer call, Ayusher arrived at the hospital too; she couldn't sit still at home alone, so she followed us. Together, we continued searching. After the Isha prayers, Allah blessed our efforts, and we managed to secure one pint of blood, but we still needed one more. While they were setting up the first pint, Munubiya arrived alongside Aryaan, carrying food flasks.
Once the first transfusion started, we resumed our search for the second pint, with Munubiya joining us this time.
While we were at the laboratory, debating whether any of us could donate if our blood types matched, the sound of approaching footsteps cut the doctor off just as he was about to answer us. We all turned around. Before the owner of the footsteps even reached us, a heavenly, luxurious fragrance filled the air. I looked away and turned my attention back to the laboratory technician.
I noticed the doctor quickly adjusting a chair, saying, “Oh, so His Excellency (*Yallaɓai*) is in town today? I completely forgot today is his scheduled day for blood donation.”
None of us answered him before the entourage of the man he referred to as "Yallaɓai" walked into the lab.
Munubiya and Ayusher quickly stepped aside because one of the bodyguards following him barked a loud order at us to clear the way. I, however, refused to budge or show that I cared about their presence. Instead, I simply sneered and looked away.
One of the men dressed in a red uniform raised a whip, intending to strike me for my defiance.
The man they called "Yallaɓai," who was now seated in the chair the doctor had prepared for him, quickly raised his hand, signaling the guard not to hit me.
The guard bowed respectfully and said, “Understood, Your Ex...”
The man raised his hand again, signaling that he did not care for the flattering titles.
I sneered again, brushed past them, and walked out. I didn't catch a glimpse of this "Yallaɓai's" face because his back was turned to me. Moreover, since he walked into the lab, he hadn't looked at a single person. He was completely absorbed in typing on his phone, not uttering a word. When the doctor and nurses greeted him, he merely raised his hand in acknowledgment without looking up, as though he were typing his way into paradise.
I walked outside, sat down on a bench, and started playing a game on my phone. Munubiya and the others remained inside; I had no idea what business kept them there.
About forty minutes later, they emerged. I heard the click of their shoes but didn't bother looking up. The entire hallway filled with his rich perfume, and people began bowing and throwing greetings at him left and right. Not once did I hear him respond.
I hissed loudly in irritation, completely annoyed by his attitude. Who did he think he was to treat people with such staggering arrogance? What a ridiculous show of self-importance.
He definitely heard my loud hiss. This prompted him to lift his striking, handsome eyes, scanning the area until his gaze landed directly on *Munaya* sitting on the bench. However, he couldn't see my face clearly because my head was bowed over my phone, and the veil of my jalabiya covered half of my face. I was the only person close enough to them to make a sound like that.
He simply withdrew his gaze and raised his hand to stop one of his attendants who was angrily marching toward me. In a smooth, aristocratic, and deeply authoritative voice, he said, “Leave her be (*Bayta kawai*).”
The attendant bowed and protested, “But Your Highness, she just hissed at you.”
The Prince remained silent for a moment, then asked, “Do you know who she is talking to?”
The attendant shook his head, signaling no.
Without another word, the Prince walked away, and his entourage followed closely behind.
I raised my eyes and watched their retreating figures as they headed toward the maternity ward. I muttered to myself, “Keep it to yourself, Mister. Nursing pride as if you were a King? It's even funny how he pronounces his words; what on earth is *Bayta* (instead of *barta* - leave her)?”
Just then, Ayusher and Munubiya approached me, beaming with joy, holding a pint of blood in their hands.
Annoyed, I asked, “What on earth kept you guys gossiping inside the lab?”
"Our mothers thank you," Ayusher fired back sarcastically.
Munubiya added, “Our waiting was incredibly useful, because look, we managed to get the remaining pint of blood!”
I looked at them in surprise. “Where on earth did you get it?”
“Galadima gave it to us.”
Sneering, I asked, “Who is Galadima? Where did you see any Galadima?”
“The man who walked into the lab while we were inside! That was Galadima—*Prince Sameer, the King's son!*”
My eyes widened in shock. “Are you telling me that incredibly arrogant man is the Galadima? The same one whose convoy zoomed past us after school today?”
“Exactly, sweetheart, that's him! And by Allah, he isn't arrogant at all, right, Sis Ayusher?”
"Wallahi, that's the truth, Munu!" Ayusher chimed in. “It turns out that at the end of every month, he comes to this hospital to donate blood to patients in need. Coincidentally, his blood type is the same rare type as Feena's! Wow, that man is amazing. Royalty is truly beautiful. Today, I witnessed pure royalty, power, and prestige in Galadima. Right now, he is going around the wards to visit other patients.”
I glared at Ayusher, who was chattering away like a parrot. I snatched the blood bag from Munubiya's hand and said, “When you're done with your foolish daydreaming, you can join me inside.”
They watched me walk away. Ayusher asked, “Does this girl have a stubborn spirit or what? Is she never moved by anyone? With all of Galadima's striking looks and charm, Munaya isn't impressed?”
Munubiya laughed. “Sis Ayusher, I've noticed you still don't fully understand Munaya. You'll see worse than this from her. Right now, because of her attitude, she didn't even look at him once, let alone know what he looks like. Come on, let's go.”
"Hmph! Well, by Allah, if she didn't look at him, that's her loss! At least I can brag to people that I've seen him eye-to-eye," Ayusher replied. Munubiya simply laughed and pulled her along.
By the time they reached the ward, the medical staff was already preparing to administer the blood to Feena, as the first pint was finished.
We all sat on the benches outside the ward. Aryaan and Aiyaan had fallen asleep in Mama Rabi'a’s arms. Fadeel sat next to me, eating the food Munubiya brought. I reached out, took his spoon, and said, “Bro, I am starving. The last time I ate was around 1:00 PM at the school cafeteria.”
He looked at me and teased, “Well done, Sis. That's why you and Munu are as thin as matching sticks.”
I raised the spoon playfully to hit him, but he dodged it, laughing. I laughed too, opened the flask, and served more food for us. We ate until we were full, then tidied up the area. Mama and Innarmu ate as well, and a sense of calm finally settled over us.
Around 10:00 PM, Abba arrived alongside our paternal uncle (*Baba K'arami*). We greeted them, and they inquired about Feena's health. Innarmu and Mama Rabi'a replied that she was getting better. They went into the room to check on Feena, who was fast asleep, and then told us it was time to go home, leaving Innarmu and Mama Rabi'a to spend the night at the hospital.
We wished them a safe night. Fadeel carried Aryaan, while Baba K'arami carried Aiyaan. We dropped off Ayusher and Fadeel at their house first before heading to ours.
We found the house dead silent, indicating everyone was asleep, except for those making late-night phone calls, girls like Aunty Ramla chatting with suitors, or those browsing social media. Abba and Baba K'arami carried the sleeping children to their rooms and left.
We got ready for bed, deeply missing Innarmu. Before sleeping, we called the hospital one last time to check on Feena, and then we drifted off to sleep. Neither Munubiya nor I had any boyfriends to waste our night chatting with…
Section 6: The Mysterious Uncooked Food
We woke up the next morning to a strange buzz of hushed gossip among the family members. Apparently, the dinner cooked the previous night by Brother Hameed's mother (one of our stepmothers) had completely spoiled; the food remained raw and refused to cook despite being left on the gas cooker for hours. The gas cylinder was full and working perfectly, so no one could blame a lack of fire or bad firewood.
While helping Aryaan and the other kids prepare for school, we heard a loud commotion in the courtyard. When we stepped out, we found the family gathered in a circle, with Brother Hameed's mother throwing a massive tantrum. She was aggressively complaining to Abba, claiming that *we* (the twins, Munaya and Munubiya) had cast a malicious spell or hex (*kwari*) on her kitchen. She insisted that was why her dinner remained raw last night as karma for denying us food, and that even the yams she was trying to fry this morning refused to cook.
I had to suppress a laugh. A hex? What on earth was she talking about? I didn't even know what that meant.
Abba’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “My twins, come over here.”
Munubiya, the kids, and I walked over to him. He looked at us gently and asked, “My blessed children, what is going on here?”
Confused, I replied, “Abba, about what?”
“My dear twins, didn't you hear what your stepmother is saying? She claims her food refused to cook last night and this morning because of you.”
“But Abba, just because her food refused to cook, how does that become our fault? Look, yesterday we were at the hospital all evening and didn't even eat dinner at home. In the afternoon, Mama denied us food, claiming Innarmu took our portion to the hospital. We came home to find Aryaan and the kids crying from hunger, so Munubiya had to cook for us and bring some to the hospital. By Allah, Abba, I don't even know what 'hex' they are talking about. This is nothing but old, backward superstition!”
"Superstition your head!" the stepmother screamed. “Listen to this hypocritical girl! If you aren't the ones behind this malice, who else is? By Allah, I don't care if you are twins or triplets, your father will beat you out of this house today!...”
Furious, Abba interrupted her. “That's enough! Do you want to come and beat them yourself? The girl speaks the absolute truth; this is nothing but ridiculous superstition. Just because food stays raw, you construct a malicious narrative around it? For Allah's sake, are you not an educated Muslim woman? I never want to hear this nonsense in this house again! If anyone brings this up, I will make sure they regret it!”
As soon as he finished speaking, he stormed out. Seeing this, we gathered Aiyaan and the kids and headed back to our section. Even though I couldn't explain why her food remained raw, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. If nothing else, Allah had vindicated us and avenged the innocent little children she had cruelly denied food the previous day.
Munubiya quickly prepared some instant noodles for us and packed some in the kids' school lunchboxes. Once they left, we got dressed for university.
We didn't wait for our other siblings because we wanted to stop by the hospital first, and we knew none of them would want to walk with us anyway. Just as we reached the gate, Fauziyya ran to catch up with us; she wanted to visit Feena too.
Alhamdulillah, when we arrived at the hospital, we found that Feena had been discharged and they were preparing to go home. We extended our well wishes to her, and she smiled warmly, asking about our studies. We told her we were on our way to school. Within thirty minutes, we left. Fadeel took them home, while we boarded transport to campus.
In the car, Munubiya narrated our encounter with Galadima to Fauziyya. I didn't join in their conversation even once until we arrived at school.
This bizarre cooking phenomenon continued for two consecutive days. Every time Brother Hameed's mother tried to cook, the food remained completely raw and useless. This prompted her and her close ally, Momy Hadiza, to drop bitter, passive-aggressive insults around the house.
Fauziyya’s mother filled Innarmu in on everything the day she visited F
