Karfen Kafa Book 1 Hausa Novel Complete
"Oh, my sister, how can you respond like that? The kingdom has moved," he teased sarcastically. She laughed and replied,
“What a dramatic person! I wasn’t far away before finishing what I was doing. I’m here now, Yaya Hilal.”
He responded cheerfully, “I’ll forgive you, but you’re still a sinner to me. You came to see my baby and didn’t stay long enough. See him properly next time, even tomorrow. Are you free, Ramla?”
She covered her face with one hand, smiling as though he could see her. “I’m not free, but God willing, I’ll make up for it. I’ll come the day after tomorrow.”
He laughed. “Good, Alhamdulillah, that’s what I wanted to hear. Oh, and Hajiya sends her greetings.”
"Good morning," she replied, adding, “I’ll greet her properly when I see her.”
They exchanged lighthearted pleasantries before ending the call. She shook off her thoughts, stood up, and left the room to avoid overthinking.
---
On Sunday, around five in the evening, Ramla was alone in the house. Hajiya had gone to her parents’ house, and A’isha had taken the children to Aunt Zulaihat’s home for a birthday celebration. Ramla, however, had chosen to stay back.
Dressed in a VIP Holland coffee-colored gown with red stripes and milk-colored dots, she looked effortlessly elegant. Her three-quarter-length gown paired with a straight skirt complemented her simple style. She wore a red scarf tied neatly, no makeup except for a colorless lip balm, and flat red-and-black shoes. Picking up her matching bag and car keys, she stepped out.
Her car sparkled, freshly washed. She smiled with satisfaction. "Nasiru has outdone himself again," she remarked, feeling joyful. Her mood had been lifted by her brother Munir’s recent visit and the infectious laughter they shared. It had been a while since she’d felt this light-hearted.
As she drove, she played Hamisu Breaker’s So Dangin Mutum. The lyrics resonated deeply, bringing tears to her eyes. Memories flooded her mind, gripping her emotions as the air-conditioning chilled her skin. By the time she reached the Alheri Store owned by Munir’s brothers, her thoughts had not let go. She entered, greeted the shop attendants, and purchased pink baby clothes.
When she arrived at Lamido Crescent, her destination, she realized the song had ended without her noticing. Parking at Hilal’s house, she observed the changes in the building but still recognized it instantly. How could she forget the place where it all began?
Steadying her emotions, she parked carefully, unaware of the reception she would receive from the lady of the house. Inside, she was greeted by a maid who directed her upstairs. Ramla climbed the stairs, memories swirling in her mind.
The voices she heard upstairs confirmed she wasn’t about to meet just one person. Her greeting caught their attention, and as she entered the room, she was momentarily stunned.
She regretted coming. Why hadn’t she gone straight to Aunt Zulaihat’s house as planned? Why hadn’t she listened to A’isha’s advice? But it was too late; she was here, and the consequences were unfolding.
"Well, a new face!" an older woman seated beside Aunt Bilkisu commented, her tone sharp. “Ramla, the world has been busy.”
Despite her discomfort, Ramla greeted them politely and sat down. Their responses were curt and laced with passive aggression. She turned to Fa’iza, who had barely acknowledged her since her arrival.
“Hello, Fa’iza. Welcome. We’ve gained so much, haven’t we? May God bless Amal.”
It was Aunt Fareeda who broke the silence with a small smile.
"But didn’t Munir know you were coming?" Bilkisu asked, her tone accusatory.
Ramla hesitated, unsure how to respond, but Bilkisu continued, “Wait a moment, Ramla. Have you found your balance yet? I heard everything fell apart for you. May God forgive him.”
This jab came from Aunt Murja. The four women—Fareeda, Murja, Bilkisu, and Fa’iza—sat in judgment, their words cutting deep. Ramla swallowed her discomfort and steadied herself. The battle of wits had only just begun.
