Diyam Book 1 Hausa Novel Complete 

He wakes up in the morning as usual. The first thing he does is check his phone, hoping to see a text message—anything, even from his brother. But, as always, there's nothing. He lowers his eyes, feeling a wave of anger rising within him. Do they really mean to erase him from their lives? Can they truly forget about him as if he never existed? Do they think they can move on without him, no problems at all?

He checks his account balance again, realizing he doesn't even have enough money to buy a ticket home. Oddly, the thought makes him happy. He pays for his hotel room in advance, anticipating they might block him from the family account soon. After some contemplation, he scrolls through his contacts, finds his brother’s number, and drafts a message. Checking his wallet, he notices how little cash he has left. Sighing, he lies back on the bed and mutters to himself, “I won’t even bother going to school.”

After a while, he gets up, heads to the toilet, and starts deciding what to do next. If they won’t send him money, he’ll have to find it himself.

Once ready, he walks to a new mall that recently opened near his hotel. Knowing new places often look for staff, he applies for a job as a salesman. They accept him without much trouble; they assume he’s gay, and for some reason, that seems to work in his favor. The job pays daily, and though the pay isn’t much, it’s enough for food while he figures out his next steps.

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Meanwhile, Diyam, like every Saturday, spends her morning cleaning and sanitizing the house. After tidying up, she takes a shower and stands in front of the mirror, observing her reflection. She smiles to herself, thinking how far she’s come. Just last year, she wouldn’t have believed she’d be where she is now. Her life has been a whirlwind of challenges, but she’s conquered them all. As she applies oil to her skin, she admires how soft and smooth it has become—perhaps thanks to the London weather.

Suddenly, she feels homesick. After getting ready, she heads to the parlor to wait for her housemates to finish so they can go shopping as planned. She picks up her phone, notices the time, and calls Inna. Her mother answers warmly, asking about her well-being before mentioning Murjanatu. Diyam asks, “Wait, why do I hear silence? Where’s the controversial one?” Inna chuckles. “Her father came and took her this morning. He said he’d buy her a bike. A bike, for a girl! Can you imagine?” Diyam raises an eyebrow. “He’s in town?” she asks. Inna confirms. “Yes, and he mentioned visiting you in a week.” Diyam shrugs it off. “He and his daughter can do as they like,” she mutters. Inna adds, “She didn’t seem happy about going with him, though.” Diyam sighs, feeling a hint of the tension she left behind in Nigeria. “Greet her when she’s back. Say hi to Asma’u for me,” she says softly before ending the call.

When Judith and Murjanatu finally join her, they all head out shopping. Diyam drives, Judith sits beside her, and Murjanatu takes the back seat. They sing and dance to their favorite songs, enjoying the ride. Murjanatu suggests visiting a new mall her friend recently opened, so they key in the address and let the GPS guide them there.

At the mall, they admire the modern design as they enter. A voice greets them cheerfully, “Welcome! What can I help you with today?” They turn to see a young man smiling at them. Diyam freezes as her eyes land on Bassam. For the first time, she notices he’s without a cigarette, though his signature headphones rest around his neck. He’s dressed in three-quarter pants and a white shirt with the mall’s logo, his neat hair framing his matured, handsome face.

Bassam’s smile fades when he recognizes her. “Bassam?” Diyam says, stunned. He rubs the back of his head, turning away as he mutters, “Damn it.”

Diyam bursts into laughter, circling him. “Wow, Bassam. This is... unexpected. Look at you!” she teases, her smile widening.