Kasaita Book 2 Hausa Novel Complete
Even observing the way the Prince is treated, it’s clear he is deeply loved. Yet, it’s easy to miss that he doesn’t share a room with his younger siblings. I only realized this myself after spending some time in their household.
Mama once explained to me that the Prince isn’t actually the first son of King Jafar. The King has two older children: his eldest daughter, Hajiya Asabe, and her younger brother, Abdul Rahman. However, before the King ascended to the throne and married their mother, Hajiya Hadiza, he and his older children had been separated for years.
Mama admitted she didn’t fully understand what caused the rift, but she knew the King refused to allow their names or their mother’s name to be mentioned. This secrecy led many people to believe the Prince was King Jafar’s first child.
Their mother, Hajiya Hadiza, raised Abdul Rahman and Hajiya Asabe on her own. They only visited the King occasionally, and even then, there were long gaps between visits. Asabe eventually married a wealthy man, Alhaji Alabi, in Ibadan, while Abdul Rahman moved to Scotland with his wife, Vivian.
Mama told me that the King forgave them for their perceived wrongs, which is why he left them in their mother’s care. Despite the estrangement, he sent money for their schooling and upkeep when they were children. Now, however, he avoids talking about them altogether.
Mama’s own parents are from Ladi Barracks in Plateau State. She attended a village school in Jos before moving on to formal primary education. Her family later relocated to Aboko, where they still live today. Mama married the King when he was in Jos, and she became the mother of his firstborn, the Prince, followed by Salimat and Idris.
Hajiya Kilishi, the Prince’s mother, is the daughter of the district head of Bukuro in Plateau Local Government Area. When we visited the Prince’s family, I didn’t initially realize they lived in Dogon Agogo, a neighborhood in the city. Their compound was vast, with the King’s guest house resembling a palace. It served as a resting place for the King or a space for hosting special guests.
The Prince’s family homes, including Mama’s and the Prince’s, were beautifully designed but distinct in color and layout. The Prince himself was treated with such prestige that even for daily prayers, he was driven in a car.
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We stood before the King—me and the Prince—in his grand living room. Our heads were bowed, a sign of respect for the elders.
"Today," the King began, his tone firm, "your wife will return to her home after spending forty-two days in our care. She was bitten by a snake, and during that time, I’ve learned about your neglect of her. This neglect led to her living a restricted life.
“You surprise me. I trusted you, believing you were an obedient son. I went to her parents to seek her hand in marriage for you. They agreed and gave her to you, even though she didn’t know you. She obeyed her parents, despite already having someone she loved. Yet, you have failed her.”
The Prince tried to speak, his voice cold. “Father...”
"Don’t interrupt me!" the King snapped. "You assured me you trusted my judgment when I chose her for you. Do you remember? I even asked if there was someone else you preferred, and you told me there was no one.
“Now, I have made my decision. You will divorce her. I am giving you five days to provide me with a written divorce certificate.”
"Father..." the Prince tried again.
"I don’t want to hear anything else!" the King thundered. “You’ve angered me and ruined my plans for you.”
Turning to the young woman, the King softened. “My daughter, I love you and my son dearly, but I ask for your forgiveness. It was my selfishness that separated you from the one you loved. Be patient. I will send for you.”
With that, he stood and left the room, leaving behind silence and heavy hearts.
