Nakasa Ba Kasawa Bace Book 2 Complete Hausa Novel
Ahmad's smile was still evident, but his tears were flowing freely. He felt a deep sense of shame seeing Zaleeha crawling like a helpless child, slowly making her way to Baba Malam. She joined her hands in a gesture of seeking forgiveness, her voice trembling, her body shaking, and her breath coming in short gasps. In a broken voice, she said:
“I agree, Baba Malam, I consent to marry Saifuddeen. I have agreed. Please forgive me, my father, pardon me, and keep my secret so that I may not be destroyed by your anger. I have agreed to the marriage, I consent.”
Quickly, Maryam and Ziyada helped her up. Ahmad and Habu also embraced each other. Mamy, on the other hand, took Baba Malam's hand and tried to lead him aside, but he did not turn to them. Ahmad and Habu followed behind. Aunty Lubna took Zaleeha's hand and led her to the side where Mamy, Ziyada, and Maryam were following.
Zahira quickly followed behind her mother.
At Saifuddeen's house, Ummi was seated in her parlor with Bappa Ali and Malam Ashiru. In a calm tone, she explained the reason for their visit and added:
“My mind has been unsettled since their arrival. The girl has shown that she does not want this marriage with Saifuddeen. She hurriedly spoke harsh words that shocked them and stirred their emotions. Here, Ahmad has returned, crying bitterly with tears of humiliation over the disgrace she and her aunt have brought upon them. They have not hidden anything from me, except that Saifuddeen did not come to inform me because of his intense love for the girl. But she does not love him, and I fear she may come to harm him.”
She concluded her words in a state of extreme distress and fear. Bappa Ali adjusted his seat and, facing her directly, said:
“Now, what do you want us to do?”
Her hidden feelings surfaced as she replied:
“As for me, the marriage is no longer in my heart. Call Saifuddeen and soothe his heart so that he may let go of the girl and withdraw from the marriage proposal. Then, inform her parents that the marriage has been called off since the girl does not consent. Let us just leave it at that and not escalate the matter.”
Baba Ashiru interjected, saying:
“No, we cannot simply withdraw from the marriage proposal without a valid reason. Given our status and dignity, we have spoken face to face, and the matter has been settled. Moreover, you yourself told us that Saifuddeen loves the girl deeply.”
In a cold tone, she shook her head and said:
“This is not just about the past. Even last year, Hayatuddeen went to their grandmother's house to visit his friend and found her there crying, saying she did not want to marry a lame, mute man. She vowed that if she were forced to marry him, she would kill herself. And just yesterday, Saifuddeen and his friends went there and found her in a state of despair. They returned here speaking as if they did not know what to do.”
Slowly, Bappa Ali said:
“It is nothing! Insha Allah, nothing will happen except what is good! You should continue to pray, for a mother's prayer is answered. Since you know that Saifuddeen loves her, let us support him with prayers. If she does not want him, her parents will inform us, and if she does not love him, they will not give him permission to marry her.”
She sighed, feeling weak, and with concern, Malam Ashiru said:
“Only five days remain until the wedding. How will we resolve this issue on our part? Let us be patient if she does not want it, so that we do not create a problem.”
She nodded and said:
“Since you say so, there is no problem. But I want Saifuddeen to seek a wife among the women who admire him and love him. But it is nothing; Allah will make what is best happen.”
"Amin, Amin," they all said in unison, and then they prepared to leave. They bid each other farewell and departed.
At their home, Zaleeha's house had become as quiet as a house of mourning. Everyone was lost in their thoughts. Ahmad, Mamy, and Maryam were whispering about Baba Malam's lack of patience. They even noticed signs that his anger had subsided.
After the Isha prayer, Malam Adam and Ya Aminu entered the house together. They went straight to Baba Malam's parlor. After greeting him, he explained what had happened. Ya Aminu was somewhat certain that Zaleeha had already been broken. Malam Adam, on the other hand, was filled with deep sorrow and fear for the younger generation. He said:
“Aminu, go and call Zaleeha for me.”
He agreed and quickly went to the part of the house where Mama was.
