Yar Sadaka Book 1 Hausa Novel Complete
"Grandma, I’m leaving now. Stay safe and return soon. I’ll wait for you, but don’t take too long,” Nijlah said, her voice soft but firm.
Yakumbo held her tightly, watching as Nijlah walked away with steady strides. “You’re an amazing young lady,” Yakumbo murmured to herself, pride shining in her eyes.
Without looking back, Nijlah made her way to Mita. Though the five-year-old hadn’t even kissed her goodbye, she smiled, her large eyes reflecting a quiet understanding. “I know he’s waiting for me at the platform,” she thought.
As she approached the platform, the faint sound of gunfire reached her ears. Her thoughts turned to Danladi. “What could he have seen at home?” she wondered.
From a distance, she saw familiar faces—Abu and others—greeting her as she arrived. “Nijlah, do you want some water?” someone offered.
“I didn’t eat, so there’s no need for water,” she replied casually. “Grandma told me not to sit.”
Just then, a voice called her name. Startled, she turned to see who it was. Her eyes met a face she would never forget—Dan, the first person who had ever struck her.
With a frown, she asked, “Why are you calling my name?”
Dan apologized, “I didn’t mean to hurt you back then. You’re a strong girl.”
Nijlah stared at him, her expression softening as a small smile crept onto her face. Nasir, standing nearby, chuckled. “Hey, Nijlah, are you okay? You’re a remarkable girl,” he said, teasingly.
She rolled her eyes but replied, “Don’t worry, Nasir. God knows what I did to deserve this.”
Nasir laughed and added, “You’re funny, Nijlah. But don’t forget—no driving my car again!”
“I didn’t ask for your car,” she retorted, smiling.
Later, Nijlah bent closer, meeting his gaze. “I’m sorry, city boy,” she said with a playful tone. Nasir smiled warmly and touched her shoulder gently. “It’s okay, my sister. Just be careful,” he replied.
Nijlah then ran off to join her friends. She heard someone calling her name again and turned around, but this time it was Mashkur. “Are you sure you came from the city?” she asked, laughing nervously.
Mashkur handed her fifty naira and said, “This is for you, but don’t forget to eat and drink something.”
“Thank you, Grandma,” Nijlah whispered to herself, recalling her grandmother’s advice about accepting money.
“Who’s Iro?” Mashkur asked curiously.
“Iro is a 21-year-old boy who’s been asking to marry Nijlah,” Bello explained, chuckling.
Mashkur was taken aback. “So, this girl has a boyfriend?” he asked incredulously.
Nijlah covered her face in embarrassment but couldn’t hide her laughter. Nasir looked at her and asked, “Do you even know what love is, Nijlah?”
“Stop teasing me,” she replied, glaring at him.
Eventually, she sat on the ground, counting the money Mashkur had given her. “I’ll save this,” she said to herself.
As she returned home, she called out, “Grandma! Grandma!”
Her grandmother, who had just started dozing off, woke up. “You’re back already? What is it now?”
“Grandma, a man from the city gave me money,” Nijlah said, handing the change to her grandmother.
Yakumbo looked at her and said, “From today, don’t accept money from strangers again. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, Grandma,” Nijlah replied. “I’ll go now. Tomorrow, the teacher will ask us something, and I want to be ready.”
