Hauwa Kulu Book 1 Hausa Novel Complete
Our house was a spacious and charming structure, reminiscent of the 1970s, known as the old Kanawan building. Nestled behind the historic Badala, near Kofar Naisa, it was one of the oldest areas in Kano. At that time, I was Hauwa-Kulu, a girl of about ten years old. This house, though situated in a corner, was a family inheritance from my father, Malam Bilyaminu. It later became a point of contention between him and his brother, Malam Zakari. Their disagreement over ownership escalated to the extent that the matter was brought before the head of Kofar Naisa.
The head of the gate discouraged them from going to court, urging them instead to settle the issue amicably as brothers. Despite knowing that Zakari was being dishonest and wanted to claim shared ownership, the head of the gate proposed that one of them buy out the other's share. Eventually, Zakari agreed to sell the house to Malam Bilyaminu. At the time, Zakari valued the money more than the property, as he was eager to invest elsewhere. Once the transaction was complete, Zakari moved to Kofar Dan Agundi, where he purchased a small house and continued his laundry business.
Malam Bilyaminu cherished the house deeply and renovated it to accommodate the needs of the family. The house, originally built from mud, was later plastered with cement and whitewashed, giving it a clean and radiant appearance. It wasn’t just the house that shone; the warmth and purity of heart of its inhabitants—Malam Bilyaminu and his wife, Inna Safiya (fondly called Innar Hauwa)—filled it with life and love.
The house was surrounded by large, shade-giving trees like the Darbejiya and Umbrella trees, which brought a refreshing breeze, especially in the winter months. The courtyard was often covered with dry leaves from the trees, but Innar Hauwa, with her impeccable sense of cleanliness, would sweep them away promptly. Her dedication to maintaining a spotless home was remarkable. The house was so clean that one could eat food off the floor without hesitation—a testament to the family's commitment to cleanliness and faith.
Inna Safiya was a diligent homemaker and raised various domestic animals, such as goats and sheep, in a fenced-off area of the house. Despite the challenges of managing a household with limited means, she ensured that the house was always neat and welcoming. Even the seeds of the Umbrella tree, which frequently fell in the courtyard, were gathered and enjoyed by neighborhood children. They would often visit in the mornings, eagerly asking if the fruits had fallen. Inna Safiya generously shared these sweet treats, spreading joy among the children of Badala.
Our house was not just a structure; it was a symbol of love, cleanliness, and community. It stood as a testament to the values instilled by Malam Bilyaminu and Innar Hauwa, leaving an enduring legacy of harmony and hospitality in the heart of Badala.
