Sakayya 1 Hausa Novel Complete
It felt as if they were heading toward Princess Dadu's cabin. They made their way directly to her bedroom but began cleaning the living room first.
Asia led the group, followed by her younger siblings, and then Khausar. They gathered in Princess Dadu's royal bedchamber. His Excellency Lamido Gembilan sat humbly on the carpet, brewing tea for her. In unison, they bowed respectfully, exchanging greetings:
“Allah saine Abba, noi nbanandu Dadu?”
("May God keep Abba happy and grant good health to Dadu?")
Lamido, with love for his family, acknowledged their respect, saying:
“Yettore Allah nwodi dama.”
("Giving thanks to God is easy.")
They all echoed, "God is the best." But as Lamido walked away, he muttered something under his breath:
“God is fake.”
The group quietly responded with "Amen," while Khausar, donning her red hijab, kept her head bowed. She was uneasy about facing Princess Dadu, who had always cast an intimidating and scrutinizing gaze upon her. Even in sickness, Dadu’s stern demeanor remained unchanged.
When the grandchildren greeted her, Dadu did not respond. Asia, smiling, remarked,
“Dadu, what kind of look is this? We're speaking to you, and you're quiet?”
Khausar timidly raised her head, locking eyes with Dadu. Instinctively, she whispered, "Innalillahi wa innailaihi raji'un" ("To God we belong and to Him we return"), visibly shaken. Her pale expression didn’t escape Dadu’s unrelenting gaze.
Haydar broke the tension, taking Ramadan by the hand. “Dadu, may God ease your burden. We're heading to school. Don't worry about Raudat.”
Dadu, still fixed on Khausar, answered absently. Even Lamido watched his mother in disbelief at her behavior. Asia stood, ruffled her younger brother’s hair, and moved forward. Amina, Asia’s sister, followed.
In that moment, Khausar looked at Dadu again. Her lower lip quivered, her expression unsettling. Sensing the change, Khausar quickly stood as Lamido said, "Mom, get up and go." She was already halfway out the door, murmuring, “Well, Abba.”
Dadu sighed deeply, turning to her son, who handed her tea. Smiling faintly, she said, "No, I don't need something sweet—bring me something spicy instead." Lamido nodded obediently, replying, "Of course." Then he left.
By now, Khausar and her siblings had arrived at school. Amina looked at Ramadan with a teasing expression, saying,
“Look at the time—8:13. Today, I’m sure, will be your day.”
Ramadan responded coldly, “God has kept us in SS2 for now. There are plenty of married women there, so discipline isn’t just on our side. And even if I make mistakes, I know there will be understanding.”
Khausar, with a weary smile, added,
“May God protect me from Moddibo’s wrath. Now that I’m moving to SS1, I know I’ll be the subject of constant ridicule.”
Haydar chuckled and remarked, “On the boys' side, there are no adults during the day. They come at night, which is why no thieves show up then.”
Asia, turning lovingly toward Khausar, advised,
“If you can’t keep calm, don’t expect to succeed in university. As long as Moddibo is your teacher, he’ll surely find ways to discipline you. And don’t forget, even in SS1, married women are there. Your mornings may start with Islamic studies, but from noon until five, it’s all Moddibo.”
Khausar sighed and nodded, whispering, “I’ll find a way to manage.”
