Saran Boye Hausa Novel Complete
Addah scolded Adawiya harshly as she passed by, saying, “Then go and kill the thoughtless fool.”
Adawiya burst into tears once again. Crawling to where Addah was preparing to pray, she clung to her feet, pleading. Addah, angry, yanked her feet away and pointed at her. “If you don’t come to your senses, Adawiya, I’ll bring disaster upon you! What kind of fool are you? Wake up! I’ll tell you what to do at this party. Get up and leave! Don’t kill Nu’aymah—just set the house on fire if you must, and let it burn with the end of your madness. You’re nothing but a fool!”
Seeing Addah’s anger, Adawiya realized she couldn’t argue further. She rose, tears streaming, and left. Addah, usually playful and cheerful, was known to rarely get angry. When she did, it was intense, and even those around her would feel the weight of her fury. Yet, her warmth and friendliness made her beloved by all the children in the household, who treated her like a close friend. Their parents appreciated how she cared for and bonded with the children, creating a sense of joy and community.
But Addah would not let Nu’aymah Abdallah go so easily.
“Adawiya! Adawiya!” a voice called out. Startled, Adawiya jumped before standing, her body trembling slightly as she composed herself. She stepped out to see who was calling and almost collided with Yah Abdallah. Her chest tightened, her heart pounding as the sight of him rekindled the overwhelming love she struggled to suppress.
He smiled faintly, avoiding her gaze. “Oh, Hassanar, the bride—is this how unprepared you are?” Though his words stung, she forced a smile and moved closer, inhaling the sweet scent of his perfume. “Yah Abdallah, you’re here?”
“Yes,” he replied, his tone teasing. “I assume you’ve been here mourning your separation from Husainar.”
Adawiya opened her mouth to respond but stopped when she noticed Amal standing beside Yah Abdallah, engrossed in her phone. Amal glanced up and said, “Yah Abdallah has been looking for you. That’s why I came.”
Before Adawiya could reply, Yah Abdallah intervened. “Amal, go handle your work. I need to talk to her.” Amal nodded and walked away without sparing Adawiya another glance. Once she was out of sight, Yah Abdallah turned back to Adawiya, smiling softly.
“How’s the bride’s dress looking on you?” he asked.
Adawiya smiled faintly, as though she hadn’t been crying moments ago. “It’s fine, Yah Abdallah.”
He chuckled and said, “Good. Now, what are you up to, my dear?”
Adawiya shook her head silently, unwilling to speak.
“I need you to go to the Walima and bring my bride to me,” he continued. “I want to see her.”
A sharp pain pierced Adawiya’s heart, and her face betrayed her sadness. Yah Abdallah noticed and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing, Abdallah,” she replied, her voice trembling.
“Alright then. Get her for me, let everyone see you, especially Hajjo.”
Adawiya raised her head slightly but didn’t respond, afraid he might discern her feelings if she spoke. Yah Abdallah’s gaze softened, and for a moment, pity filled his expression. Everyone knew of the deep bond between Adawiya and Nu’aymah. They had grown up like twins, inseparable in everything they did. Now, with their paths about to diverge, even he couldn’t help but feel sorry for them.
Adawiya made her way to the Hajj section, where their grandmother was supposed to be, but the wedding area was deserted. The prayer had begun, and most people had returned indoors. From inside the house, the sound of a lecture drifted out. Quietly, Adawiya resolved not to call Nu’aymah, keeping her turmoil buried deep within.