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"Mama, just give me money so I can take a Napep (tricycle)."
"Okay, but don’t be long. Look, Maghrib (sunset prayer) is near. Make sure your father doesn't return and find you gone."
"Okay Mama, I’m off."
"Alright Bilkisu, watch the road and greet Khairat’s mother for me."
"Okay Mama, she will hear it."
As soon as Billy went out, she hailed a Napep and went to Khairat’s house. When she arrived, she greeted the security guard and walked inside. She found Khairat's mother (Umma) in the parlor watching TV. Billy knelt all the way down to greet her. Umma answered cheerfully and asked, "How is your mother, Billy?" Billy replied, "She is doing very well, Umma. She sends her regards." Umma said, "I accept them. Go inside, Khairat is in the room."
Khairat had just stepped out of the shower when Billy entered. "Welcome, sis! I knew you'd come, though I thought you had changed your mind! Gosh, hurry up so we can leave, let's not be late!" Khairat quickly got dressed. They said goodbye to Umma, pretending they were going to check on a friend, and went out to hail a Napep to the 3-Star Hotel...
ANOOR by Khadynbash
As they entered the hotel, they saw that the birthday party had already started. Khairat said to Asma, the birthday girl, "Please forgive us for being late. I swear it wasn't my fault, Billy didn't arrive early." Asma replied, "Honestly, you guys upset me. If the cake had been cut before you arrived, you would have regretted it!" They laughed, clapped hands, and went to join the party. They hadn't even finished when the call to Maghrib prayer began.
Billy alerted Khairat, "It's Maghrib already." They quickly stood up, said goodbye to their friends, and took a Napep back home. Khairat was dropped off first, and then the Napep proceeded to drop Billy at home.
When Billy entered the house, she found the parlor empty. She rushed into her room, performed ablution, and prayed first before coming out. When she emerged, she found Mama, Abba, Brother Ahmad, and Brother Marwan. She greeted Abba, and he replied, "My daughter, where did you go? I didn't see you when I came in." She lied, "Abba, I went to get my book from Khairat's house." He said, "Okay, your exams are close, right?" She said, "Yes, Abba." He said, "Then work hard, may Allah help you." She replied, "Ameen." Mama then said, "Bilkisu, go call Salma to come out so we can eat." Billy stood up to go. Entering the room, she found her lying down chatting on her phone. "Sister Salma, Mama said you should come out so we can eat." She replied, "Okay, I'm coming." Billy turned and left, and Salma followed shortly after. They all headed to the dining table and ate their food peacefully and happily.
The plane had just landed at the big airport in the city of Gombe. As the plane came to a halt, passengers began to disembark. He was dressed in black trousers and a blue t-shirt, wearing black sunglasses that suited him perfectly. He was very fair-skinned—seeing him, you would immediately recognize him as a pure Fulani man. He was tall, but not overly so, nor was he short. He had a slight beard on his face. Holding a small trolley bag, he looked around briefly and started walking. Three luxury cars soon parked near him. Five palace guards approached him, welcoming him warmly, and took his bag to place it in the boot. They entered the cars, he opened the door to one and entered, and they set off straight for the grand palace of Gombe.
Upon arrival, the door was opened for him, and he stepped out. He pulled his ringing phone from his pocket, answered with a greeting, and said, "I just arrived in town today, but let's meet later," before hanging up. He headed towards his mother’s section. Servants and slaves bowed in greeting, and he merely waved his hand as he passed. Entering her beautifully decorated parlor, he found it quiet, which confirmed she was in her bedroom. He went in and found her sitting and making a phone call. She put her phone down, widened her smile, and said, "Ibraheem, you've arrived?" Anoor replied, "Yes, Mami, I just walked in." She said, "Oh, how was the journey?" He replied, "Alhamdulillah, my Mami." She asked, "Are you going to the palace court?" He said, "No, Mami, let me rest, take a shower, and then I'll go." She said, "Alright then, should food be brought to you?" He replied, "No, Mami, let me go shower, I'll eat when I return." She agreed, "Alright, no problem."
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Returning from school, Mama sent Billy to her friend's house to pick up a message. The driver took her and brought her back, and then she started preparing for Islamic school (Islamiya). Sister Salma scoffed, "Are you putting on makeup just for Islamiya?" Billy retorted, "Sister, it's just powder and lipstick, is that makeup? I didn't do any major makeup! Let me leave quickly before our brothers return and make me wash my face." Sister Salma said, "May Allah guide you, Billy." Billy replied, "Ameen, Sister." Just as Billy was stepping out, she turned back and said, "By the way, sister, for your wedding, my friends and I will sew matching outfits (Anko), and you must give me the sewing money directly because not every tailor can sew well." Sister Salma said, "Yes, I hear you, go, I will give it to you." Billy smiled broadly and left for Islamiya.
Alhaji Sulaiman was a native of Gombe who grew up privileged and deeply loved by his parents. There were three children: he was the only boy, followed by his younger sisters, Zainab and Hauwa. One Saturday, Zainab, Hauwa, and their father went to the village to visit relatives. On their way back, they had a terrible accident. Zainab and their father died instantly. Only Hauwa survived, but less than 30 minutes after arriving at the hospital, she also passed away. It was an unexpected, massive tragedy. Alhaji Sulaiman and his mother, Hajiya, were deeply shaken by these deaths. After the mourning period, life continued.
Sulaiman grew up, reached marriageable age, and expanded his business. He married his love, a woman from Katsina named Asiya. Allah blessed his endeavors. Asiya gave birth to their first child, a boy named Abubakar (Sadeeq). They didn't have any more children after him. When Abubakar was in Primary 2, Sulaiman’s wife, Asiya, passed away.
Abubakar (Sadeeq) grew up and excelled in his studies. His best friend was the son of the Emir of Gombe, Ibrahim Khalil. The Emir knew about their friendship, which fostered a close bond between both families. This close relationship led to Alhaji Sulaiman being given the traditional title of "Wanban Gombe." When Sadeeq and the prince finished secondary school, the Emir sponsored them to study Accounting at Oxford University. After graduation, they returned and got jobs at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The prince, Abdullahi, married a well-mannered woman from Kebbi state (Mami). Shortly after the wedding, the old Emir passed away, and Abdullahi was crowned the new Emir of Gombe. Mami soon became pregnant. Around the same time, Sadeeq married Hajiya Aisha (Mama) and moved to Abuja, leaving his father Sulaiman and grandmother Inno behind, though he promised to maintain family ties.
When Emir Abdullahi's wife gave birth to a son, they named him Ibrahim Khalil, nicknamed ANOOR. Sadeeq and his wife Aisha visited for the naming ceremony, where Mama and Mami formed a close friendship. Later, Sadeeq’s wife gave birth to twin boys, Ahmad and Marwan. Mami also had a daughter named Saudat, and later her last-born, Ramlat. Sadeeq and Aisha later had Salma and their last-born, Bilkisu (Billy).
Bilkisu was beautiful, fair-skinned, but petite. She was smart but very stubborn and rebellious. She loved attending parties, and if it weren't for her brothers Ahmad and Marwan constantly checking her, she would have gone wild. She was currently in SS3 and had just finished her WAEC/NECO exams. Her sister Salma was set to marry a doctor in Abuja in a week's time, which was why Billy was so excited. Billy’s best friend was Khairat. Salma, unlike Billy, was quiet and reserved.
Prince Anoor finished dressing in his quarters, went to Mami’s section to eat, and chatted with her until the Maghrib prayer call. He left to pray. Just then, Ramlat returned from visiting Fulani (the Queen Mother). Seeing her walking back at sunset, Anoor's face darkened with sternness. Before he could speak, she bowed and said, "Good evening, brother. Welcome back." His face hardened further as he barked, "You! Why on earth are you running around at this hour of Maghrib? Do you want to bring trouble upon yourself?" Ramlat whimpered, "Brother, I'm sorry, I won't do it again." He scoffed and walked away.
She sneaked into the house quietly. "Mami, so he is back?" Mami asked, "Who, Ramlat?" Ramlat whispered, "Yaya Boss, of course!" Mami laughed, "Don't involve me, you two are closer." Ramlat pouted, "I won't even cross his path. Anyway, Fulani told me to tell you that Sister Salma's wedding date has been set." Mami said, "Yes, I spoke with Hajiya Aisha." Ramlat asked, "Mami, we are going, right?" Mami replied, "Of course, and actually, everything will be celebrated here in Gombe too." Ramlat cheered, "Awesome! I know Billy will come here so we can celebrate together!" Mami said, "Even if she doesn't, I will send for her." Ramlat left happily, excited that her partner-in-crime was coming.
They wrote their last WAEC paper today, which was Data Processing. Billy was filled with joy. They had finally finished secondary school! They took lots of pictures, and Billy told Khairat to come over early the next day so they could go to the tailor.
When she got home, she found that Abba had bought her a brand-new phone. She jumped with joy, thanking him. Brother Marwan bought her a computer system, and Brother Ahmad said his gift would wait until the results were out. Billy felt like the happiest girl in the world.
After leaving the palace mosque, Prince Anoor went to the Emir's section. They chatted for a long time like father and son. The Emir mentioned Alhaji Sadeeq’s daughter's upcoming wedding and said, "You will represent me." Anoor replied, "Insha Allah, I will go," and then left.
Preparations were underway as they were leaving for Gombe the day after tomorrow. Billy and Khairat picked up their clothes from the tailor. They arrived in Gombe just as the Asar (afternoon) prayer was being called. After eating and resting, they sat in the parlor chatting. Mama’s phone rang; from her smiling expression, Billy knew who she was speaking to. When Mama hung up, she said, "Bilkisu, get ready with Khairat. You are going to the Emir's palace to sleep there tonight, Mami just called." Billy and Khairat happily packed their bags. The driver soon arrived bringing Ramlat, who rushed into the parlor and hugged Billy excitedly. After greeting Mama and Brother Ahmad, Ramlat led the girls to the car, and they drove to the palace.
Upon arrival, they went to Mami’s section, where she welcomed them warmly. The servants took their bags to the room, and the girls went to visit Fulani (the Queen Mother). Fulani was relaxing with her staff and fruits when they walked in. She sat up and said, "Who am I seeing? Is that Bilki?" Billy pouted, "Seriously Fulani, my name isn't Bilki, call me Billy! If you can't, just call me Bilkisu." Fulani laughed, "Listen to her! I will call you Bilki!" Khairat and Ramlat burst into laughter. After a fun chat, they said goodnight and left.
Once outside, Ramlat teased, "Be careful, there are ghosts around this section!" Billy panicked, "Let's run then, since there aren't many people here!" Billy bolted ahead. Seeing Billy outrun them, Ramlat whispered to Khairat to take a shortcut through the back door. As Billy sprinted toward the parlor entrance, a booming voice yelled at her to stop. Billy froze in absolute terror, thinking it was a ghost, but turning around, she saw the "junior ghost" (Prince Anoor).
Looking sternly at her, he barked, "You! I knew only your type would be running around making a mockery of themselves like mad people. You are grown up, yet you behave so foolishly!" Terrified but annoyed, Billy pouted and said, "We are not mad!" He stepped toward her quickly, and she sprinted off at a million miles an hour inside. He bit his lip and muttered, "We will cross paths, disrespectful girl. I will make you cry..."
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Billy didn't stop until she reached their room, where she found Ramlat and Khairat laughing. "How did you guys get here before me?!" Khairat laughed, "We outsmarted you and took a shortcut!" Billy snapped, "You jerks! You almost got me beaten up!" Ramlat laughed, "By Yaya Boss? Allah saved you, because if he caught you, only God could save you!" Billy asked, "Is he still as mean as ever?" Ramlat said, "Worse!" They showered, put on night dresses, and spent the night chatting on their phones.
The next morning at dawn, Ramlat and Khairat prayed while Billy, who was on her monthly cycle, stayed in bed. Later, Mami sent a servant to call them for breakfast. After eating, they visited Mami, Fulani, and the Emir, before the driver took them to Baffa's house to visit Inno (their grandmother).
There they met Brothers Ahmad and Marwan. Inno teased, "Bilki, you are almost ready for marriage too. You are even bigger than Ramlat!" Billy pouted, "You old people love giving people old-fashioned names like Bilki! When Baffa returns, I'll tell him to kick you out so I can be his new bride!" The whole parlor burst into laughter.
Later, Brother Ahmad left to go see Prince Anoor at the palace. Billy laughed and teased Ramlat about how Ahmad kept staring at her. Ramlat blushed and denied it, while the girls continued to tease her.
At the palace, Brother Ahmad met Prince Anoor. They discussed the wedding, and Ahmad teased Anoor about Ramlat, saying she had grown into a beautiful woman. Anoor scoffed, "Don't let her disrespect us. What is there to see in an 18-year-old? You need a mature girl of 23!" Ahmad laughed, "The younger ones are better." They visited Mami and Fulani before hanging out with their friend Anwar.
The day of the Kamu (traditional pre-wedding event) arrived, held in a grand hall in Gombe. The bride and groom looked stunning. Billy and her friends wore matching maroon and golden outfits and looked exceptionally beautiful.
Since Prince Anoor and Anwar didn't attend, the girls felt free to dance and enjoy themselves. A highly handsome, elite young man sitting nearby couldn't take his eyes off Billy. When the event ended, he approached her. Billy was instantly attracted to him but kept her composure. He introduced himself as Shaheed, a relative of the groom. They chatted, and he offered to drive them home. Though she initially declined, he insisted, and the girls agreed. He dropped them off after exchanging phone numbers with Billy.
Back at the house, they met Mama and guests in the parlor, then went upstairs where Aunt Ummi was preparing the bride. Later, Brother Marwan informed them that Mami’s driver had arrived to take them back to the palace.
Back at the palace, they related the event's events to Mami, showered, and went to bed. Suddenly, Shaheed called. Billy smiled and answered, "Hello..." He replied, "Hello, my angel, how is the fatigue?" Billy said, "Alhamdulillah, how is yours?" He said, "My tiredness vanishes the moment I hear your voice." Khairat and Ramlat burst into laughter, prompting Billy to glare at them as they all continued talking to their sweethearts.
2. Story Summary
The story follows Bilkisu (Billy), a lively, playful, and somewhat rebellious young girl who has just completed her secondary school exams. Her older sister, Salma, is getting married to a doctor. Because of the deep historical ties between Billy's family and the royal family of Gombe, the wedding festivities are hosted in Gombe.
While staying at the royal palace, Billy repeatedly crosses paths with Prince Anoor (Ibraheem), a strict, no-nonsense crown prince who finds her playful antics highly immature and disrespectful, leading to an immediate antagonistic dynamic between them. Concurrently, romance blooms during the wedding events as Billy meets a charming young man named Shaheed, while subtle romantic tension is hinted at between Billy’s older brother, Ahmad, and the prince's sister, Ramlat.
3. Character & Setting Descriptions
Settings
- Abuja: The modern, metropolitan city where Billy’s immediate family resides.
- Gombe Emirate Palace: A traditional, grand royal setting characterized by strict protocols, distinct family wings (Mami's section, Fulani's section), guards, and traditional hierarchy.
3-Star Hotel / Event Hall: Contemporary urban settings used for youth gatherings (Asma's birthday party, the Kamu wedding event).
Key Characters
- Bilkisu (Billy): The protagonist. Fair-skinned, petite, intelligent, but highly playful, stubborn, and party-loving.
- Yarima Anoor (Prince Ibraheem): The male lead. A pure Fulani prince, exceptionally handsome, tall, fair, and wears a stern expression. He is highly disciplined, strictly traditional, and easily irritated by Billy's chaotic behavior.
- Ramlat: Anoor’s younger sister and Billy’s "partner-in-crime." Lively and mischievous.
- Ahmad & Marwan: Billy's older brothers; protective, disciplined lawyers. Ahmad has a quiet interest in Ramlat.
Shaheed: A handsome, wealthy relative of the groom who becomes instantly infatuated with Billy during the wedding.
4. Literary Analytics
Genre and Style
The text is written in Contemporary Hausa Prose (often referred to as Littattafan Na'ada or digital Hausa web-novels). It blends traditional northern Nigerian cultural values with modern youth lifestyle elements (e.g., smartphones, texting, Oxford University education, hotels, and birthday parties). The author uses conversational Hausa spiced with common English loanwords (e.g., late, birthday girl, cake, shortcut, nyt dress, system).
Themes
- The Clash of Temperaments (Enemies-to-Lovers Tropes): The core narrative engine is the stark contrast between Prince Anoor’s rigid, disciplined royal demeanor and Billy's loud, carefree, adolescent energy.
- Tradition vs. Modernity: Characters smoothly transition from traditional palace courtesies (kneeling to greet elders, arranged family visits) to modern social habits (WhatsApp/social media chatting, hotel parties, and high-tech graduation gifts).
Kinship and Communal Ties (Zumunci): The backstory details how a profound friendship between a commoner merchant family and the royal family spans generations, influencing the living arrangements and social circles of the children.
Tone
The tone is lighthearted, dramatic, and romantic. The author inserts periodic metanarrative jokes and emojis (e.g., breaking the fourth wall to remind readers about prayer times or teasing characters), keeping the pacing swift and engaging for a digital audience.
