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She didn't hesitate to reveal that Alhaji Usaini gave it to her. In reality, what he told her would happen to Taj was entirely different from what they had told Salwa.
"Is this how I'm repaid for my work? Do you know the people I cut ties with because I thought I would get Taj?" Salwa lunged toward Ummi in a fit of rage.
Corporal Danliti quickly restrained her before she could grab Ummi, causing her to fall to the floor. Abba Habibu and Yaya watched in amazement at God's wonders. Ummi then described exactly where Alhaji Usaini could be found. She assured them that their chats and even call recordings were saved on her phone.
“So, you actually prepared for a day like this?”
“No, I just noticed that whenever we finished chatting, he would delete everything he sent. That’s why I started taking screenshots—so that if anything happened in the future, he wouldn't be able to deny it and leave me to face the consequences alone.”
“God has blessed you with wisdom. People like him often use the naive to commit their crimes and then ruin them.”
Ummi thought to herself that if Corporal Danliti ever dared to say he loved her, she would insult him so severely it would hurt for a long time. If not for sheer meddling, even he should know by looking at them that they were not peers; he was barely half her size in width and no taller than her.
Abba Habibu asked Yaya to go home since bringing in Alhaji Usaini would take time. She left without an argument, feeling cold and heavy-hearted. It is a painful thing when the child you birthed becomes the reason for your humiliation, regardless of how hard you tried to raise them well. Some children, despite their parents' best efforts, only find peace when they cause trouble.
Baba Maje also told Iya to leave, but she insisted on staying. She wanted to see the end of this situation where Ummi had become a foolish pawn.
Twenty minutes after Yaya left, Alhaji Usaini was brought in. Even from outside, he was shouting and hurling insults. When he saw Ummi, he sneered.
"Do you have any proof to show I had a hand in this?" He looked at Salwa. “And you, do you even know me?”
"Save that talk; it will be more useful to you in court," the DPO interjected.
"Court??" Salwa and Ummi repeated in shock.
“Exactly. But before then, we need Taj here.”
They remained at the station until nightfall. Taj and Hamdi arrived, and everything was recounted. Taj looked at Alhaji Usaini and told him that he had forgiven him and Salwa's group, then he turned and walked out. Shortly after they left, Alhaji Usaini's father arrived. After insulting and shaming him in front of everyone, he declared that he would not give him leadership over any of his properties. He stated that if inheritance weren't a divine decree, he would have completely disinherited him. Finally, he stormed out. Baba Maje and the others also left. Abba Habibu took Ummi in, out of respect for her parents. Salwa was also released, but once she stepped outside, she realized she had nowhere to go.
When Hamdi entered the room, she found Taj lying down with his back turned to her. She quietly climbed onto the bed and lay behind him. She slipped one arm under him and the other over him, hugging him tight.
“Are you crying?”
"Are you teasing me?" he asked without turning around.
“I actually came to complain. How can I marry you and still be the only one in the kitchen morning, noon, and night? Something has to change.”
He sat up, though he hadn't intended to. “Have you forgotten the condition I'm in, or are you really just teasing me?”
Hamdi replied, “Did you tell me what was bothering you? Didn't I have to find the answer myself?”
“And now that you found it, don't you feel sorry for me?”
"Are you bringing this up just because you don't want to help me with the cooking?" She pouted.
Taj was stunned when he saw tears actually starting to well up in her eyes. “Something terrible happened to me, but because of your strong will, you’re the one acting upset and ready to cry?”
"I am more distressed than you. When we got married, your nose and tongue were working fine. Now that this has happened, I deserve an 'extra dowry' for the stress." She kept a serious face.
Taj couldn't help but burst into laughter. “An extra dowry, you said?”
She wiped a fake tear. “Yes, exactly. Do you feel sorry for me now?”
“Absolutely.”
“I might forgive you if you agree to leave this room and follow me to the kitchen.”
“Hamdi...”
"I'll be your nose," she said, standing on her knees on the bed and rubbing her nose against his, "and your tongue." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I'll be you until you are fully recovered.”
Taj held her tightly. She struggled to keep her heart from wavering, suppressing the urge to cry.
“I love you.”
"Me too," she whispered, her head resting on his shoulder.
That day, she didn't allow him to bring up the subject again. Instead, she complained about what name to call him. She felt "Ya Taj," which she loved saying, was ruined because she heard Salwa calling him that. Laughing, he said:
“Why don't you just call me Malam?”
She laughed too and said, “Happiness is enough for me.”
The next day, Taj went home and told Inna's family what happened. If Salwa had known the danger of a loose tongue, she wouldn't have brought such public shame upon herself. Hajiya didn't hesitate to call Alhaji and tell him. He became more distraught than before. After comforting each other, he called his other wives. He spoke with Inna for a long time, calming her down. He urged them to be steadfast in prayer and said he would handle Alhaji Usaini. Whatever they had tangled, they would untangle by God's grace.
“Have you set a date for your return?”
“No. We will talk about that later.”
He hung up, feeling heavy with worry. Taj and Kamal’s cases were different, but at least Taj's mother knew what was happening to her son and her prayers were with him. But what about Hajiya? Where would he start with her? His heart told him she had to know.
As if by coincidence, Yaya Hajiyayye called him that night, asking how many days were left before their return.
“What is it?”
“I want to ask a favor—that you extend your stay. We will be coming in six days, in sha Allah.”
“Didn't I tell Taj to wait until Hamdiyya gets her visa?”
Yaya Hajiyayye laughed. “She got it. We wanted it to be a surprise, but then I thought we shouldn't let a surprise cause a misunderstanding.”
He expressed his joy. After hanging up, he felt a sense of relief. How would he handle his wives? It would be easier since he was close by.
He gathered his courage and called Hajiya. When he asked her to speak privately, her heart sank. He started with a sermon, reminding her of the pillars of faith.
"I accept destiny. Just tell me what I have lost," she said with a trembling voice.
“You haven't lost, but I am losing all hope.”
Her body felt heavy, and she sat down. No matter how much Alhaji tried to soften the blow with comforting words, the reality was stark: Kamal was close to losing his life because of the failure to find a kidney donor.
He expected her to cry, but there was silence. Finally, she took a breath.
“When is the next available flight?”
“I'll check...”
"Find one and pay for us. *Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un* (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return)." Then she cut the call.
Alhaji tried calling back, but she didn't pick up. He contacted Mama and asked her to meet with Inna because he had something to say. The three of them were crying, with no one to comfort the other. They entered Hajiya's room and found her packing.
“You all should hurry and pack too, because if there's a flight tomorrow, we are going together, right?”
Crying, Umma said, "We have to, Hajiya." Inna and Mama were too choked up to speak.
They didn't let the children know. In three days, everything was settled. Their children complained, asking why they couldn't wait to travel together. Mama braced herself and lied that their husband needed them. They turned it into a joke and laughed.
* Two days after they left was the time for Yaya's departure. She met her travel companions at the airport. Hamdi and Taj accompanied her with their spouses. What surprised and troubled Taj was seeing Dr. Mubina coming out of the check-in area. She had lost a lot of weight, looking like someone who had been ill for a long time. Every sign of distress was visible on her. When she first saw him, her heart jumped, and he noticed. She tried to ignore it, and he pretended not to recognize anything. He called Hamdi over, they exchanged greetings, and he joked:
“You two should start being friends, because she looks like 'Mrs. Happiness'.”
Hamdi jokingly teased her, “Are you going for Umrah or following Ya Kamal?”
Dr. Mubina only smiled. Taj introduced her to Yaya, suggesting they travel together since it seemed she was alone.
“I am truly grateful.”
As they were called, Hamdi and Taj watched as Dr. Mubina merged her luggage with Yaya’s. They were pleased to see this. At the boarding gate, Yaya went to bring out her boarding pass along with a small slip of paper that Hamdi and Taj had seen tucked into her passport. It contained her medical information, including her blood group, in case of an emergency. She didn't realize it had fallen as she moved forward. Mubina picked it up. As she was about to return it, she noticed the information on it. Her heart skipped a beat. She handed it back with trembling hands.
## **LIFE AND THE VOID 36**
**By Batul Mamman**
Because their tickets were not bought at the same time, Yaya and her companions were seated apart. Yaya intended to give her boarding pass to the young man in their group to check her seat, as Abba Habibu had instructed. He told her she couldn't just sit anywhere. As she raised her hand to give it to him, Mubina took it first. She led her to her seat, helped her put her hand luggage in the overhead bin, and fastened her seatbelt. It was obvious Yaya was not used to flying.
Yaya thanked her profusely and blessed her. Only God knew Mubina’s hidden intentions. Before the plane took off, after everyone was seated, Mubina went to the person sitting next to Yaya and claimed Yaya was her mother, asking to swap seats. This made Yaya very happy. She relaxed and chatted with Mubina. When the plane took off, Mubina comforted her through her fears. When Yaya felt nauseous, Mubina gave her a bag, rubbed her back, and told her how to breathe. Eventually, they settled into the flight.
“May God bless you and your descendants. May He have mercy on your parents.”
“Amin, Mama.”
“My children call me Yaya. You can call me that too if you don't mind.”
With a smile, Mubina said, “Okay, Yaya.”
When food was served, Yaya was asleep. Mubina woke her to eat and then skillfully brought up the topic she had been waiting for.
“I saw on that paper in your passport that your blood type is O-negative, right?”
“I don't really keep track, but back home, the children always say it’s O. Is something wrong?”
Mubina quickly shook her head, trying to hide her pure joy, but Yaya was too perceptive.
“There's no problem. Your blood type is very good because if there’s ever a need for an organ donation, you would be able to help.”
“God is great. You’re telling me when I get back, I should ask for an 'extra dowry' from Hamdi's father.”
Mubina just laughed and then asked how many children she had.
“Four.”
“Have you ever had a miscarriage?”
“Oh, many. I had two before my eldest. And between the other children, I lost three more. Sometimes I’d get my hopes up, only for the pregnancy to fail.”
Mubina gave Yaya a thorough explanation about the Rhesus factor and the role it plays when there is a mismatch between a husband and wife during childbirth.
"Knowledge is an ocean. They say travel is the key to knowledge. We haven't even been together a day, yet I've learned so much." Being a deep thinker, Yaya then asked Mubina what had caught her interest so much that she seemed so happy about the blood type.
Mubina felt shy. "By God, I am a doctor. It fascinates us to see people who have what others desperately need." She laughed. “Don't think you've met a witch today.”
Yaya laughed too. But from that moment on, she began to study Mubina. She felt the girl was hiding something—something she wanted to say but was afraid to. In her heart, she prayed, “May God make it something good.”
Today, Kamal was not feeling well at all. Despite the injections and IV fluids, the pain would not subside. Umma and the others were crying while Hajiya comforted them. Since their arrival, Hajiya hadn't shed a single tear. Seeing Kamal's condition daily, she felt he might not last much longer. She only visited the hospital at night. Every day, she traveled from Jeddah, where the hospital was, to Mecca to spend the day at the Haram in worship. She had lost a lot of weight. Those trying to comfort her were actually the ones showing more weakness. They felt sorry for both Kamal and her.
"Alhaji, how can Kamal be in this state and Taj doesn't know? Have you been fair to them? Have you been fair to his other siblings? If they were praying for him today, he might find some relief," Mama said, shedding tears.
“You know better than anyone that they would all want to come. I fear that if they come now, their crying will only break his spirit.”
“I'm sorry, but that's no excuse. A boy raised in a large family compound like ours—to be sick with fewer people around than even half the household—he will feel miserable.”
“Didn't Hajiyayye tell you they are coming?”
"She did. I'm sorry. I just don't know what the right thing to do is." She continued crying. “Should his blood be tested again just to be sure? Or maybe...”
“Mama, please...”
It was Kamal who spoke, closing his eyes. Every part of his body was in pain. Even speaking was a struggle.
Hearing his voice made them all move closer to his bed, offering words of sympathy. Just then, Bishir entered with a phone in his hand, looking at Alhaji.
“It’s Taj. He’s been desperately looking for Kamal. He’s upset because they haven't spoken since yesterday. What should I...”
“Call him for me.”
Inna tried to stop him. “Kamal, now is not the time for you to be chatting.”
“He doesn't know, Inna. And who knows if we'll ever have the chance to...”
Umma didn't let him finish. “That's enough. Bishir, call him.”
Bishir made the call, but Kamal couldn't hold the phone, so Bishir held it to his ear.
"If you start looking for a person like an old widow looking for a husband..." Kamal said, struggling to smile.
Taj laughed. “I won't get offended, as long as my request isn't denied.”
“What do you want?”
“I have a question for you. Please move away from where Alhaji and the others are.”
“I've moved. What is it?”
“What is Alhaji hiding from us, Happiness? Ever since you left, I haven't been able to settle my mind. I can't even enjoy my honeymoon properly.”
"If I believe you, I'll be a fool. Is there any worry that would stop you from enjoying your honeymoon?" Kamal spoke with his eyes closed because he didn't want to make eye contact with his parents.
Even Alhaji couldn't help but laugh. Kamal assured Taj that everything was perfectly fine. Taj had no choice but to believe him.
“We ran into Mubina at the airport when we dropped Yaya off. Are you sure you all went there for worship?”
Kamal laughed again. He and Alhaji knew she was coming. Hajiya and the others had been told too. She said she was coming to check on him, but everyone knew it was a final goodbye. They just couldn't bring themselves to say what was in their hearts. They had lost hope.
“Happiness, a trust...”
"What?" Kamal snapped back from his thoughts. He hadn't heard what Taj said.
Taj repeated that he wanted to entrust him with something. He told him about the ailment he had and what Salwa's group had done. He had wanted to tell him sooner but couldn't reach him. Kamal became very unsettled.
“Pray for me before I arrive. If I don't get well, be prepared—I'm going to have 12 children, and the burden of feeding them will fall on you.”
“Are you really joking about something this serious?”
“I have you, Happiness, so what should worry me? But I thought you would have heard about it from Alhaji and the others. Then I saw you and Bishir were silent. And I was too shy to ask Ya Ahmad.”
“You're right. But I know he won't hold it against you. He's at the mosque.”
As soon as they finished the call, Taj turned to Hamdi, who was sitting next to him packing her suitcase.
“You know, there is something big going on with Alhaji. How many days has it been, and no one told Happiness what happened?”
"Maybe so they wouldn't worry since they went for worship," she said to calm him.
“May God bring us to tomorrow. If there's anything, I'll see it.”
"Why can't you just think everything is fine?" Hamdi said again.
“Because my gut tells me there's a problem. Remember what happened with that headache I had at the dinner? Out of worry, Alhaji sent me home. It’s only now that I told them my nose and tongue have become useless that they aren't showing the level of concern I expected.”
Hamdi nudged him with a smile. “This is just you being troublesome and spoiled. Come here and let me comfort you. I don't call anything about you useless.”
Taj smiled. “Really, Mrs. Happy?”
"Are you doubting me?" She winked at him.
He tried to distract her from her work, but she kept laughing. The cloud of worry lifted. They returned to their usual playful banter.
“You've packed and repacked this suitcase ten times.”
"I don't care if you tease me about this trip. And you haven't seen anything yet. I’ll be so excited I might wear my Ihram early." She stood up with a grin. “May God get us there safely.”
“Amin.”
At the airport, they had to part ways with Mubina. Yaya and her group were going to Medina first, while Mubina was heading into Jeddah to the hospital where Kamal was—King Abdulaziz Medical City. The way Mubina had looked after Yaya, helping her with everything even though her other companions were trying to help, made Yaya suspicious. She felt there was more to it. Before she could ask, Mubina said she needed to go to the restroom. Yaya asked the group to wait so they could say goodbye.
With her heart full of thoughts and fear, Mubina entered the restroom. she went into a stall, locked it, and burst into tears. As much as she loved Kamal, she knew that if Yaya were her mother, she wouldn't just agree to let her give her kidney. A mother is a mother. Where was the justice in pushing a stranger to do something just for her own selfish desires?
"God, forgive me," she whispered, wiping her tears.
As she opened the door, she came face to face with Yaya.
“Is everything okay, Mubina? You were in there a long time.”
Mubina forced a smile. “Something just got in my eye. See how red it is? Let's go get my things so I don't make you late.”
"Okay," Yaya said, though she didn't believe her.
When they came out, Mubina got into a taxi. As Yaya watched the car, she felt a sharp intuition. Carrying only her handbag, she told her travel group she would be right back.
“Sajida's mother, where are you going?”
“Go on to Medina, please. I will find you by God's grace.”
They tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen. With her characteristic speed, she jumped into a taxi and pointed to the one Mubina was in, which was just leaving the airport premises.
"That car," she pointed. The driver understood and nodded. "Hurry, hurry! Money, uhmmm, Riyals in the bag," she shook her purse at him.
The driver saw her distress and understood. He sped off after Mubina's car.
The journey felt endless. After about thirty minutes, the car stopped at the hospital entrance. Yaya waited until Mubina entered through a glass door where a young man who looked like Taj was waiting for her. Then she followed them. She felt her heart racing. She followed t
She slowly slid to the floor, letting out a long, heavy sigh. Even the ability to cry seemed to have left her. Taj couldn't even bring himself to touch her; her words sounded like a surreal myth to him. In a daze, he pressed himself against the glass again to look at the woman lying inside. He turned back and gripped Inna’s hands, his entire body trembling.
“Inna, is it really Yaya?”
Inna took both his and Hamdi’s hands and headed toward the lift. Both of them immediately resisted, showing they didn't want to leave.
“Your staying here won't change anything for them. What they need is prayers. Come, let’s find a place where I can explain everything to you.”
Just as she finished speaking, Mal. Salisu, the cleaner, arrived. His eyes fixed on Hamdi. Inna noticed this and said:
“She is her daughter.”
Mal. Salisu nodded. “And is this her husband, Kamal’s brother?”
Inna nodded.
“Then come with me. Alhaji has spoken with Dr. Hadifi, and he has secured a private place for you to talk.”
They followed Mal. Salisu to the door of a small meeting room. There, they found Alhaji, Hajiya, Yaya Hajiyayye, Yaya Kubra, and Dr. Mubina. Hamdi didn't even realize how she made it inside; she simply found herself seated near Alhaji. He spoke to her with a humbled voice, devoid of any of his usual authority or pride.
“A kidney transplant was performed for Kamal. His illness had become critical...”
Forgetting all traditional protocols of being a daughter-in-law, Hamdi interrupted him, looking at him with wide, startled eyes.
“How was it transplanted? Who gave it?”
"Please, have patience, Hamdi," Mama said through her tears.
The distress that clouded Hamdi’s face now was even worse than before. She wanted to scream, to cry, or to protest, but she could do none of it. Her heart was simply pounding beyond its limit. Taj lowered his head, not even knowing what to feel at that moment.
Silence dominated the room for several seconds before Hamdi managed to speak in a strained, hoarse voice.
“Was it taken with her permission?”
Umma was quick to answer.
“Entirely. We didn't even know she was the donor until it was already done.”
Slowly, Hamdi raised her head and looked at Alhaji. He was a man who commanded great respect, but she had to ask the question burning in her soul.
“Alhaji, for God’s sake, was she not coerced?”
The fragility in Hamdi’s voice, as she pleaded for an answer that would soothe her aching heart, touched everyone deeply. Taj’s heart sank. If the answer wasn't a good one, what would he say to Hamdi?
“Servant of God, I am the most qualified person for you to ask that question.”
Everyone looked at Mal. Salisu. In gentle words, he narrated how everything had happened leading up to the surgery. Finally, he played the audio recording of Yaya’s voice. Tears flowed even from Inna and the others who had already heard it. As for Hamdi, it felt as though her heart had almost stopped. The tears refused to come, denying her any sense of relief.
"If you want further proof, I can take you to see the CCTV footage. I watched it yesterday with Dr. Hadifi, who led the surgery." He concluded by saying, “Malama Khadija brought herself to this hospital by the will of Allah.”
"Oh Allah. Oh Allah, grant them health. May Allah make the surgery a success," Hamdi began to whisper.
Amazement washed over Alhaji and the others. They saw a profound sense of divine contentment (*tawakkal*) in this young girl. To give her some relief, he informed her of Abba Habibu’s arrival, of which she was unaware. Even when he had told Zee and the others, he had forbidden them from telling her. He knew her nature. He knew that shielding her from the truth would be harder on him than on her siblings.
All she said was, “May Allah bring him safely. We thank Him.”
From that point on, she didn't say another word, nor did she look anyone in the eye. She didn't want her true inner turmoil to show. She was filled with dread about what would happen to Yaya. Why hadn't she regained consciousness? What would happen if the kidney failed?
She asked Yaya Kubra for the direction to the restroom. Taj quickly stood up to follow her, but Ahmad blocked his path until she was some distance away.
"She’s going there to cry," Taj said, trying to sidestep Ahmad, who blocked him at every turn.
Ahmad felt pity for Taj, but he believed Hamdi needed a moment alone given the circumstances, especially since none of her immediate family from home were nearby. He spoke to him gently.
“Allow her, Taj. Let her cry.”
Taj shook his head. “She needs me. For God’s sake, let me go to her.”
“Taj, your brother was given her mother's kidney. Kamal has regained consciousness, but since she came out of surgery, she hasn't opened her eyes. Do you want her to keep smiling because your brother is awake, or to cry for her mother in front of you? Give her that space, even for ten minutes, to sort her feelings, please.”
"But..." he started to say, distressed.
Alhaji placed a hand on his shoulder, and Taj fell silent, turning to look at him.
“Follow your brother's instruction.”
He reluctantly conceded.
Inside the restroom, Hamdi locked herself in and burst into a heart-wrenching sob. Her entire body shook. If Yaya didn't wake up, where would she turn? What good had she ever done for her parents that she could rely on to find peace in their absence? What were the last words they had spoken? What state would their Abba be in? Questions swirled in her head. She cried until it felt like her tears had run dry, then she opened the door.
Behind her were eight toilet stalls. In front of her was a long sink with mirrors. In front of the mirror, she saw a woman who appeared to be Arab, though nothing was visible except her eyes. She wore an abaya, a niqab, and gloves. Hamdi hesitated to walk to the sink out of embarrassment, knowing the woman must have heard her crying. To her surprise, the woman lifted her niqab. She wasn't young; Hamdi estimated she was at least fifty. The woman simply opened her arms and stepped forward to hug Hamdi. As if she had been waiting for this, Hamdi clung to this complete stranger and began crying all over again. The woman patted her back until she had cried her fill and looked up, embarrassed.
“I'm sorry.”
In Arabic-accented English, the woman asked, “You lost someone?”
“No, my mother is in the ICU.”
The woman told her to look into the *Husnul Muslim* (Fortress of the Muslim) for the authentic supplication from the Prophet (SAW) for those in distress or hardship:
> (*La ilaha illallahul Azimul Halim / La ilaha illallahu Rabbul arshil Azim / La ilaha illallahu Rabbus samawati wa Rabbul ardi wa Rabbul Arshil Karim.*)
>
With a smile, the woman added, “I lack the words to show you the goodness and blessings in praising Allah with this prayer. Say it with conviction, peace, and faith. Insha Allah, you will tell someone else about this in the future. May Allah relieve your burden.”
They parted without exchanging names or information. Hamdi felt a sudden surge of strength, as if Yaya had already woken up and recovered. She praised Allah, thanking Him for connecting her with that woman, then she opened the *Husnul Muslim* on her phone and began reciting the prayer. Because she had anchored her heart with absolute faith, she immediately felt a sense of peace. Aside from her red and swollen eyes, one could say she was the most composed when she returned to Yaya Hajiyayye and the others.
Before she could even sit down, Ahmad said they should prepare to leave for Umrah. Some of his younger siblings tried to resist, saying they would only leave once Kamal regained consciousness.
Angered, Umma snapped at them, seeing them hesitate like small children.
“Enough! Get up. I thought you had the sense to know that one increases worship when they have a need from Allah SWT.”
Without further argument, they began to stand. She glared at them. “If you prefer staying here, you can be useful, but not in this room. They’ve already done us a favor by giving us this space.”
Alhaji watched them until they left without saying a word. His heart was heavy, thinking of how he would look Abba Habibu in the eye when he arrived. He had hidden from his family what the doctors said about why Yaya hadn't woken up yet. The answer was simple: she had lost a lot of blood during the surgery. Even though she had received a transfusion, her body had not yet stabilized.
"Oh Allah, Oh Allah, cover my flaws and grant this servant of Yours health," he whispered under his breath.
“I swear to God, Yaya Zahra, I’m going home today. I’m tired! I can't do this anymore.”
Zahra looked at her younger sister, Ilham, who was standing with her hands on her hips, huffing and shaking her head in anger.
"Give my regards to Mama," Zahra said softly, finding a spot to sit in the living room. Signs of exhaustion were visible on her face. It was clear she was troubled.
Ilham felt ashamed of her outburst. Feeling guilty, she sat next to her sister and touched her shoulder.
“I'm sorry. I just see you suffering for a woman who has no respect for you.”
Zahra quickly looked toward Salwa’s room, where Mami was currently lying. Ilham realized she was afraid Mami would hear. But Ilham didn't care. Everyone in their house was fed up with Mami because of the disrespect she had shown Zahra over the years, even when they weren't in the same town.
"I don't know why Mama told you to keep looking after this woman when even her own daughter has run away. And Hayat’s Daddy has gone on his trip and left you." She pouted. “Don't be angry with me, but what kind of Umrah is he going for while leaving his mother in this state?”
Zahra shook her head. “Ilham, if you're tired, just go.”
Ilham sat closer. She sensed there was a major underlying problem that forced Ahmad to stay away from home during such a time.
“Yaya Zahra, what is really happening? Am I not worthy of knowing your troubles?”
Ilham burst into tears just as Zahra did after receiving the answer. Through her sobs, Zahra told her what was happening at her in-laws' house.
She explained the difficult position Ahmad was in; if she didn't have sympathy for him, she shouldn't add to his burdens. His mother was in this state, and he had heard Salwa was released but she hadn't returned home. On the other side, Kamal was hospitalized; they had barely managed to get him a transplant yesterday, but they couldn't be sure of anything yet.
“But Yaya Zahra, there are many of them. The fact that he’s the only one who stayed back because of his mother shouldn't be seen as a fault.”
"Alhaji doesn't even want to hear Mami’s name. And look at the trouble Salwa caused them. I know he feels responsible, which is why I’m sure he feels the weight of it. Plus, as the eldest son, he’s in charge of everything in their house. That might be contributing too," Zahra said quietly.
Ilham nodded slowly, then suddenly laughed. "Truly, marriage is an act of worship. Despite the pressure you're under, you are weighing everything based on how it affects your husband." She smiled. “I’ve learned a great lesson. I know he must be proud of you.”
Zahra smiled. “Will you stay and help me?”
Ilham pouted and lay back on the sofa, indicating she had changed her mind about leaving. Zahra reached out and gave her a playful smack on the leg, making her yelp.
"What did I do now?" she asked, rubbing her leg.
“You stressed me out! Threatening to go home, you little brat.”
Ilham burst out laughing. "Look at Yaya Zahra, acting all humble and pleading now." Zahra went to hit her again, but Ilham scrambled away.
In the room, Mami was crying silently to herself. She had siblings and children, but no one was near her!
Alh. Usaini looked at Salwa with disdain. She was kneeling before her, looking nothing like her usual self due to her sheer persistence. He didn't even want to see her because of how much he resented her. Her blind obsession had led to his secrets being exposed, the ruin of their work, and his father disowning him. He was furious, and on the day they were released onto the street, he saw her walking, limping along. He stopped to give her a ride with one intention... to insult and humiliate her for the loss she caused him. Unfortunately, he had picked up a "shackle" for his feet. He took her to a hotel, imagining the torment he would inflict on her. As it turned out, she was the one tormenting him.
Salwa insisted he must take her to his spiritualist (*Malam*). She was certain she could get Taj back since she had seen with her own eyes how that charm had confused his mind. If the parents hadn't intervened, she believed Taj would be hers by now.
"I will be loyal to you, Alh. Usaini. I will give you anything you want except my dignity." She flashed a charming smile and added, “I am saving myself for Taj.”
He gave her a look of pure disgust, wrinkling his nose.
“Are you a complete fool? Do you think love can be forced? Aside from your madness, who even talks about love nowadays? Life is all about money, money, and more money.”
“You won't understand. I swear, Taj is my life. If I don't marry him, I might lose my life.”
"What a lie. Why haven't you died yet then?" He lowered his voice slightly. “Look, just go home, for God's sake. This hotel won't let me leave because of you. I went to check out, and they said we have to leave together so I don't leave them with a liability.”
“Help me get us together. I promise you won't even hear my name again.”
A wave of frustration choked him. He stood up as if to hit her but stopped. He didn't want to start any new trouble.
“Oh my God. Salwa, go away before I hurt you.”
“I will endure. I swear, whatever you do to me, I will endure. Just help me.”
Fuming, he sat back down. Talking to a mad person is a waste of time. If it wasn't for the fact that women were the least of his worries right now, Salwa would be in trouble. But she felt no fear, staying in the same hotel room with him. Morning, noon, and night, the conversation was the same. The only time she was quiet was when he was on the phone. But he was at his wit's end. Everyone he asked to beg his father for forgiveness had washed their hands of him. Currently, he had no support. This was also why he lacked the energy to do anything to her. His own worries had surpassed Salwa’s minor problem of unrequited love.
What he didn't know was that a great-aunt of his, on his mother's side, had intervened. Despite her old age and leg problems, she had made them take her to his father’s house to apologize on his behalf. Out of respect for her, his father had forgiven him. After she left, he had people track down where his son was. He was told that since entering the hotel, he hadn't left. A father is still a father. He decided to go himself and told Usaini’s younger brother to take him there.
As for prayers, there was no kind that Alh. Hayatu's children didn't offer for Yaya’s recovery during their worship. Hamdi sat and praised Allah SWT, stating her needs. She could hardly bring herself to leave the mosque because of the joy of being in the holiest place where she was certain her prayers would be answered. It was only after Isha that they returned to Jeddah. They were offered a place to rest, but everyone said they wouldn't leave until Abba Habibu arrived. Ahmad, who was tracking their journey, received word of a delay; they were held up in transit in Egypt due to fog covering the city. They remained there, restless, reciting praises of God in their hearts and on their lips.
Back in Bauchi, Salwa’s father didn't know what was happening until Ahmad called him. Ahmad had stepped away from his relatives to find a private place to call. Her Abba didn't hide his displeasure.
“Honestly, Ahmad. You, whose maturity I always praise—how could you let these many days pass before informing me?”
Ahmad wasn't surprised. Anyone would feel bad. That was why he sat down and explained everything happening with their family. Salwa’s father sympathized with him and accepted his excuse, especially when Ahmad said he had waited, hoping she would return, to avoid causing him unnecessary worry.
“It’s no problem. I will try her phone. If I can't reach her, I have a nephew who can trace her line for me.”
“I hope it works out. I will also keep calling her.”
Just as they were saying goodbye, Salwa’s father stopped Ahmad and gave him heart-touching advice.
“One can change a partner, but look at parents. Especially a mother—you just have to be patient. I know you are trying and being patient, but increase it for the sake of seeking blessings, not for the sake of your Mami herself.”
The bitterness of the things Mami had done that brought them to this point returned to him, but he didn't let it stop him from accepting the advice.
“Insha Allah. Thank you.”
With that, they said their goodbyes. Ahmad returned to his siblings where they gathered, waiting for Abba Habibu’s arrival.
From the moment Abba Habibu got off the plane until now, as he walked out with his small bag in hand, his heart had skipped a beat countless times. He had thought over everything but couldn't find one thing that could tell him how Yaya was. He walked out quickly, reciting various prayers. Stepping outside, he looked around frantically. Ahmad’s friend had told him that Alh. Hayatu would send someone to pick him up. That was why he was scanning the crowd for one of the sons. To his surprise, instead of the sons, he saw Alh. Hayatu himself approaching him.
A sharp, hot sensation shot from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. His legs chose that exact moment to stop moving entirely. He saw Alh. Hayatu continue toward him, but he couldn't lift a finger until the man stood before him.
With a trembling voice, Abba Habibu said, “On the phone, I told Ahmad to tell me the truth, and he said she was alive.”
Alh. Hayatu nodded quickly. “She is alive, Habibu. Your wife is still alive.”
"Then what happened to her? I know only a massive problem would make you come to receive me here yourself," Abba Habibu said helplessly.
Alh. Hayatu found himself unable to speak, overcome by a deep sense of shame. Abba Habibu wasn't lying. Why else would he be there to receive him? The man he once looked down upon, he now regarded with the highest level of respect because of his wife.
He placed a hand on Abba Habibu’s shoulder and pointed to the car waiting for them.
“Let’s go, Habibu.”
“Please, just tell me what I am going to find so I can have some peace.”
He looked at Alh. Hayatu in a way that made the latter feel even more pity for him.
“Seeing you here and your gentle words to me are more terrifying than the call Ahmad gave me yesterday. For God’s sake, where are we going? Is it true she was caught among the disabled people coming to beg?”
Alh. Hayatu hadn't wanted to tell him here. In this state of intense panic, it didn't seem right to frighten him further. His reason for coming was to avoid the news being broken clumsily by the children. But deep down, he knew there was no good time to break bad news. It is told when the opportunity arises, accompanied by prayers for patience and faith. Without dragging it out or sugarcoating it, he told him the truth.
“She gave a kidney to Kamal. She is in the hospital right now; we are waiting for her to wake up.”
It didn't take Abba Habibu even a full second to process Alh. Hayatu’s words. They hit him like a powerful thunderbolt. A barrage of questions lined up in his mind, clashing as they tried to come out. Yet, he couldn't utter a single one as he remembered the call Yaya had made to him, seeking permission.
“How is Kamal’s health?”
Alh. Hayatu was surprised by this question before he could answer softly.
“He is recovering.”
"Then let's go," Abba Habibu said, lifting his feet, suppressing the intense fear rising within him.
Once they were in the car, Alh. Hayatu couldn't help but say:
"You didn'
