The Festive Atmosphere
Groups of young men gathered in clusters, each carrying posters which they eagerly pasted on the town’s walls, streets, and even in front of their own homes. Their faces were glowing with happiness and excitement. Some hurried to the tailors’ shops to collect their newly sewn clothes and caps.
A handsome young boy, no older than seventeen, entered his house cheerfully, calling out loudly,
“Umma! Umma!! Umma!!!”
His mother came out of their small kitchen — the kind found in modest homes — holding a cooking spoon in her hand and asked,
“What is it, Haris? Why are you shouting my name like that?”
He replied joyfully,
“Everything’s fine, Umma. Guess what — our champion will return tomorrow! So Khamis and I went to buy matching clothes and caps. Look! He even sent me his photo. Tomorrow, Khamis and I will go to the airport to welcome him!”
From the moment he entered shouting “Umma,” she had jumped out of sleep, startled — unsure whether he had come with bad news or good news. But hearing it was about that useless boy’s return made her angry. She hissed loudly,
“Tsssk! You’re such a nuisance! You still don’t know how to act your age. Useless!”
Then she went back to her room, muttering to herself.
“Umma, did you hear her? Please tell her to stay out of my business — I don’t want her interfering with me anymore,” Haris said angrily.
“Oh, calm down, Haris,” his mother replied. “I’ve heard you. Let’s just thank God and pray he returns safely. But both of you need to stop this constant quarreling. If your elder brother hears about it, he’ll deal with both of you — I’m warning you.”
“But Umma, I don’t interfere in her life. She’s always the one meddling in mine. She says she hates football, but I swear, the moment she sees that boy in public, she starts smiling and blushing! I just hope I get to see him before I die.”
“You see, he’s a troublesome boy — always talking,” she said as she walked back into the kitchen.
Haris left the house after bidding his mother goodbye, preparing to meet his friend for their plans tomorrow. His mother chuckled and said, “Your savior has finally returned, we’ll see what happens next.”
Then she called out,
“Ashna, please take the grinding money and go to your father’s shop to collect the cash.”
The Beautiful Ashna
The one called Ashna turned toward her mother. She was dark-skinned but extremely beautiful — a true Black Beauty. She wasn’t tall or short, not too slim or chubby. Her hair was long, her lips small and pretty, and she had a beauty mark that drew attention whenever she spoke or smiled. Ashna was a very attractive young woman, about twenty-two years old.
Malam Garba, the father, had only one wife and four children — two boys and two girls. The twins, Hussain and Hussaina, were the eldest, followed by Ashna and then the youngest, Haris.
Hussain was a strict man who never smiled; his siblings feared him because he often scolded or even beat them. Hussaina was already married with two children, as was Hussain. He still visited the family house occasionally to check on everyone.
The Garba family were simple but respectable people — poor yet content with what they had. Malam Garba wasn’t materialistic or envious, which earned him great respect in the community. He owned a small shop in the market where he sold foodstuff.
How Haris and Khamis Became Friends
The bond between Haris and Khamis began when Khamis accidentally left his bag inside Haris’s tricycle (adaidaita). When he realized it, he was distraught because the bag contained a large sum of money. After a long search, Haris and his father found the bag and returned it to him.
Khamis’s father, known as Daddy, was deeply impressed by their honesty and offered them a reward. But Haris’s father refused to take it, which surprised him even more. From that day onward, Haris and Khamis became very close friends.
Later, when Daddy discovered that Hussain (Haris’s elder brother) had good qualifications in business, he appointed him as a manager in one of his companies. Meanwhile, Haris continued driving his tricycle while also attending school — all thanks to Daddy’s help. Haris’s father expressed deep gratitude and said,
“This kindness is more than enough. Thank you.”
That was how their friendship and bond began.
WHO IS KHAMIS?
Alhaji Jamil was a famous businessman known both locally and internationally — one of the country’s wealthiest and most respected figures. He was honest and trustworthy, which made his business flourish and allowed him to help the poor generously.
He had two wives. His first wife, Hajiya Kubra, had three children: Ashraf (the eldest), Khamis, and Husna (the youngest).
His second wife, Hajiya Salma, had only one daughter — Jidda.
Hajiya Salma was a deeply jealous woman. Ever since Kubra’s three children were born, she had never been at peace. Her biggest rival in the household was Ashraf, the eldest son, because she knew that if Alhaji Jamil died, Ashraf would inherit the majority of the wealth. Out of envy, she constantly plotted against him, wishing for his downfall — but so far, God had not granted her the chance to harm him, even though her bitterness remained.
