Rumfar Bayi Book 1 Hausa Novel Complete
Du'bu and her sister named the baby girl Juwairiya, and the entire servants' hut erupted in joyous laughter. They brought out dates from the hut and shared them among themselves, their hearts filled with pure happiness, as though they had received a divine blessing.
Thus, life continued its course. Jakadiya, Hansai, Du'bu, and Laure took turns caring for Juwairiya, showering her with love. The entire servants' quarters adored her, and news of her reached Gimbiya Kilishi, the mistress of the noble household.
Gimbiya Kilishi was a woman of power and pride, deeply respected in the kingdom. Her honor bound the entire realm, for she was the wife of King Abdul-Jabbaru and the mother of his two sons—Prince Jalalludeen, the heir to the throne, and his younger brother, Hamza. Among all the king’s wives and concubines, she alone was blessed with sons, a fact that solidified her status in the palace. However, she harbored no daughters, a fact that gnawed at her pride and fueled her disdain for the nobleman's new bride.
The new bride, a Fulani woman from Bauchi, had given the nobleman both a son, Turaki Abdullah, and a daughter, Zainaba. Her grace and kindness endeared her to all, including her servants, who revered her as a benevolent mistress. This stark contrast only deepened Gimbiya Kilishi's resentment, making her view the new bride with hostility.
Years passed, and Juwairiya grew into a shy ten-year-old. Her reserved nature often made her flee from the bustling servants' hut, much to the amusement of the other servants. Hansai and Kamilu, two devoted servants who had been sold into slavery and bound to the kingdom, took a special interest in her. Kamilu, having long prayed for a child of his own, found solace in Juwairiya's presence.
Juwairiya seldom ventured beyond the servants' quarters. Her days were spent in solitude, as the other children accompanied their mothers to their duties each morning. On one such day, Hansai prepared to leave for her mistress, Gimbiya Kilishi. She noticed Juwairiya sitting quietly with bright, expectant eyes.
“Be patient, Juwairiya,” Hansai said, taking the girl's hand. “Your father will bring you halawa later.”
Juwairiya smiled softly. “Let’s go. I’ll walk with you.”
Hansai chuckled and agreed, leading her to the door. Before leaving, she gently patted Juwairiya's head and reminded her to wait in the hut.
Hansai hurried toward the main palace door but found herself glancing around—something she had never done before, given the warnings from her community. She noticed the lively activity, the dazzling sunlight, and a sweet breeze that seemed to carry a strange sense of freedom.
Compelled by an unexplainable urge, she grabbed a veil from her quarters and concealed it within her long dress. She cautiously made her way to the kitchen, where the king’s meals were being prepared, observing the bustling servants as they worked. Finally, with her veil securely in place, she slipped away unnoticed from the servants' quarters.
As she wandered outside, Hansai was captivated by the vast world around her. It was a scene unlike anything she had ever witnessed—men and women bustling about, vibrant sights, and a thrilling sense of discovery.
Then she saw it—a rabbit darting across the path. Enthralled, she chased after it without a second thought. In her excitement, she collided with someone. Startled, she stumbled back.
“Are you not careful? Where are your eyes that you run blindly into my path?”
The voice was commanding, sharp yet deliberate. Hansai froze, looking up to see who had spoken. Their eyes met, locking for a moment that seemed to stretch endlessly.
Before her stood a young man, no older than fifteen. His gaze was intense, his posture exuding confidence and authority. Hansai’s heart raced, for this was her first encounter with such a striking presence in the outside world.
