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WHEN ALLAH EXALTS...
THE GIFT OF DESTINY
If Allah exalts and blesses you, He will grant you your desires when He wills. Neither a scholar nor a witch doctor can stop you from rising above your enemies, even if they hate it. Knowledge and virtue place a human being in the front rank. Whether old or young, justice ensures your permanence. Stop speaking in haste, for eloquence is a valuable asset whose style I have adopted—Aha! 😉 The world is like the dance of young maidens: what moves forward eventually swings backward, where the passage of time never hides my innate gift. 🥴
CHAPTER 36
Right from the moment she entered the outskirts of the town, Dije began spotting familiar faces. Filled with pure excitement, she waved at them enthusiastically. Before you could say "Jack Robinson," a crowd of children, Dije’s childhood friends, and students from their local Quranic school began trailing the car, chanting at the top of their lungs:
"Here is Dije! Here is Dije! Baffah's Dije has returned to Kiriu!"
The driver barely managed to find a spot to pull over and park due to the overwhelming mass of children, young girls, and even some young men who had swarmed the area. Everyone was eager to catch a firsthand glimpse of Dije, following the widespread rumors that she had married into an incredibly wealthy family.
Dije herself was deeply anxious to step out; she swung the car door open, a massive, unreserved grin plastered across her face as she exclaimed:
"Oh, what joy! I have finally returned to our hometown!"
She took off at a full sprint toward their compound. Right at the entrance, she collided heavily with her mother, Inna, who was frantically trying to wrap her wrapper around her waist, dropping it repeatedly out of sheer panic and haste to see her beloved daughter after hearing the chaotic cheers outside announcing her arrival.
Upon their sudden collision, Inna’s eyes widened in absolute shock and disbelief at the sight of her daughter. Her mouth hung open with profound happiness, completely lost for words. Dije leaped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around her mother in a crushing embrace.
"Oh my goodness, let this joy just overwhelm me! Here I am with my very own Inna! Huhu, where is my Baffah? I pray to Allah he is at home!"
She let go of Inna and bolted further into the house, only to hit a sudden, screeching halt upon finding Baffah's room firmly locked. Annoyed, her expression soured as she turned back to face Inna, who was just walking back into the courtyard.
"Let me quickly go and look for my Baffah, Inna. When the visitors come in, please serve them some water before I get back."
Inna quickly interjected:
"Oh! Do you mean you didn't arrive together with your husband? Well, wait a minute, then. He is currently at the Maigari’s (Village Head's) palace; someone will be sent to fetch him right away since..."
Her words trailed off into a stunned silence as she watched local children begin streaming into the courtyard carrying heavy sacks of rice along with various cardboard boxes. Inna stared at the children, her hand clutched over her mouth in sheer amazement, her heart brimming with unfiltered joy. Just then, Hajiya Mama and Surry walked in, offering their Islamic greetings.
Inna snapped out of her daze, a wide smile breaking across her face. Moving with frantic hospitality, she rushed into her room, fetched a brand-new woven mat, and spread it out for them right in front of her quarters—a space that was swept spotlessly clean. She warmly asked about their journey, showering them with welcomes. She hurried over to her clay pot, fetching incredibly cold water, and served it to them in a pristine, brand-new drinking bowl. She then swiftly prepared a fresh, frothy batch of fura da nono (millet and yogurt mash) and presented it to them, before turning around to assist the children who were still filtering in with an endless supply of homecoming gifts.
Meanwhile, Dije seized the opportunity to slip out of the house, heading straight for the Maigari's palace. Her close friends—Lanti, Hansai, and Mune—trailed closely behind her, each jostling to hold her hand. Dije kept chattering excitedly, her face lit up with a grin.
"Hansai! Lanti! You are all still here? So you haven't gotten married yet? What about Jummala, has she been married off?"
Mune quickly chimed in, seizing the moment:
"It hasn’t even been two weeks since her wedding! But honestly, even yesterday when I went to visit her, she was crying her eyes out. You don't even know the half of it—the very night she was taken to his house, she escaped in the dead of night and ran back home! She insists she will absolutely not sleep in the same room as Garbati, claiming he is a degenerate womanizer."
Dije swiftly cut her off, snapping:
"Keep quiet, no one asked for your input! Tell me, Mune, are you still consumed by this relentless gossip of yours? When exactly is your own wedding taking place, anyway? For the sake of Allah, I strongly advise you to drop this habit of gossiping everywhere, before you end up drawing a severe, merciless beating upon yourself one of these days."
Mune fell silent, her chest tightening with resentment. She muttered, "Well, I only spoke the absolute truth. Swear to Allah, you can ask Hansai and Lanti yourself if you think I am lying."
Dije countered, "I never said you were lying, but I am telling you to cut down on your excessive, toxic chattering and malicious gossip. Frankly, by Allah, I don't blame Jummala one bit. Why on earth would anyone drag a girl to a man's house and demand they sleep in the same room, all in a bid to ruin her innocence, only for people to turn around later and brand her a degenerate?"
Hansai burst into loud laughter and said, "My goodness! To be honest, I am actually set to marry Usmanu quite soon. But as for me, I swear I can't wait for everything to be finalized and over with because I know for a fact that Usmanu is a decent, moral man. Jummala just has to exercise patience since Garbati is already completely set in his wayward paths; he sorely needs divine redemption."
Lanti, who had remained quiet throughout the entire exchange, let out a soft, heavy sigh and said:
"Honestly, the whole idea of marriage terrifies me now, especially seeing how Jummala cries every single night and runs back to her parents' house, only to be dragged back to him. I am completely clueless as to what Garbati is doing to her that fills her with such intense dread."
Deeply pitying Jummala's plight, Dije asked, "What about Ladiyo? I assume she and her husband are living in perfect peace, right?"
Mune eagerly jumped in again, "Good grief! I swear to Allah, just yesterday I stumbled upon them locked in a fierce, physical brawl! Duduwa was desperately trying to separate them, but they completely refused to let go. Bala was relentlessly insulting Ladiyo, screaming at her to refund the money she had stolen from him."
Dije, who had been walking slowly while caught up in the catching-up session, came to a dead stop. Her face flushed with a fresh wave of boiling anger as she asked:
"Do you all know something??"
"No," they replied in unison.
She placed a firm hand on Mune’s shoulder and said, "I wish you well, Mune, because today your gossiping habit is finally going to serve a grand purpose for me, without me paying a single dime for it. Listen very carefully: it turns out Bala was bought off with money by our schoolteacher, which is exactly why he withdrew his marriage proposal to me, clearing the path for Malam Safwan to marry me instead! So it turns out he never actually loved me for the sake of Allah and His Prophet; it was all an act. Therefore, Mune, I give you full permission to go around town and spread this piece of news as widely as you can. Consider it a free gift from me! Do not hesitate for a second; I want every single soul in this village to find out about the dark secret that Bala and Duduwa kept hidden during my wedding. Expose everything, my friend, you hear me? Since he has proven himself to be nothing but a dark, greedy, and material-obsessed lowlife."
It wasn't just Mune who was processing the shocking revelation Dije was dishing out; even Lanti and Hansai stood frozen, utterly astounded by the gravity of what Bala had done. Just as Dije was about to speak further, she spotted her Baffah hurrying toward them from a distance, a massive grin across his face. There was no doubt that the news of Dije's arrival had finally reached him.
Without a second thought, she broke into a full sprint toward him, yelling:
"Oh, my Baffah! Welcome, welcome! Swear to Allah, I missed you so much!"
Upon reaching him, she threw herself into his arms. Brimming with immense joy at the sight of her, he pulled her close and said:
"Welcome back, citizens of the city! I was just informed a moment ago, and I could hardly believe that my very own Dijengalata had actually come all this way to see me."
He took her by the hand as they headed back to the compound. Dije kept skipping alongside him, chattering away happily, while Lanti trailed behind them. Hansai, however, parted ways and headed straight to her own house, gripped by a sudden wave of shyness regarding her future mother-in-law, Inna Hasiya.
CHAPTER 37
When they entered the courtyard, they found Hajiya Mama and Surry inside Inna’s room, having just concluded their prayers. Inna was busy stoking the kitchen fire, hurriedly dropping freshly mixed lumps of danwake (bean dumplings) into boiling water. She was desperate to find suitable hospitality meals to serve her urban guests, feeling that the dambun gero (steamed millet couscous) she had initially prepared might be too unappealing or coarse for their city palates.
Baffah approached the doorway of the room with a joyful heart and offered his Islamic greetings. Once they responded, he stepped inside, welcoming them warmly and inquiring about the hardships of their long journey.
They exchanged pleasantries with deep mutual respect. As Baffah stepped back out, Dije followed closely behind him, asking:
"Baffah, I haven't seen Brother Usmanu around."
He turned back to her, his heart entirely at peace, and said, "He left early this morning for the city market. You know he has now transitioned into trading fancy cosmetic wares and retail goods ever since we returned from your husband’s house."
Dije grinned widely and remarked, "God bless Brother Usman! It looks like he has finally embraced maturity and financial responsibility."
Inna, who was busy pounding baobab leaves and spices, wiped the beads of sweat pouring down her face and chimed in:
"He is actually just a hair's breadth away from his own wedding. Once that is done, you will both be on equal footing. There will be no room for bragging or future taunts, so don't go thinking you are his superior just because you managed to marry before him."
Baffah threw her a sharp, disciplinary glare and countered, "Even if his wedding holds today, Dije’s wedding still happened first! So let no one come here trying to show off or act proud before us. We have crossed that milestone long ago and moved past it."
Dije’s smile widened further as she gloated, "This is exactly why I dream about you every single night, my Baffah! Because in this entire village, nobody loves me more than you do."
Hajiya Mama, who was sitting inside the room listening to their banter, let out a mature, refined smile. Her heart was thoroughly warmed by the beautiful dynamic of this family, realizing that Dije had inherited almost all of her witty, playful nature from them. More than anything, she was deeply impressed by the genuine, loving bond between the couple and how they constantly sought to make each other happy through lighthearted humor.
Fiddo, on the other hand, sat in the corner pulling sour faces, judging every inch of Inna’s humble room with a critical gaze. Hajiya Mama kept shooting her warning glances, but the moment Hajiya looked away, Fiddo would quickly slip in a quiet, disdainful scoff.
Baffah returned outside to join the driver, for whom a woven mat had been spread out under the shade of a large tree outside the gate. The driver was relaxing in the cool breeze. Baffah sat down beside him, and they engaged in a calm, respectful conversation.
Dije marched over to Inna, took over the heavy wooden pestle, and began pounding the ingredients. Lanti and Mune quickly stepped in to relieve her, taking turns with the pounding as they carried on with their long-awaited catch-up session.
Once Inna finished cooking the danwake, she dished a portion for Hajiya Mama into a brand-new ceramic bowl. Surry received theirs in separate new bowls, as did the driver. Dije, however, went straight for the bowl of steamed millet couscous (dambun gero) and began eating with relish. Surry, intrigued by the rich, aromatic scent of the millet dish wafting into her nostrils, asked to join her and try some, despite having thoroughly enjoyed the delicious bean dumplings herself. The moment Surry took a massive spoonful of the millet couscous, she instantly gasped:
"Uh! Uh! Uhm!"
She swallowed hastily and exclaimed, "Goodness, Khadijah! You are so incredibly sly! You wanted to hoard this entire delicious dish all to yourself, swear to Yasin, it is absolutely heavenly!"
She ate heartily without a single shred of hesitation or snobbery. Dije, Lanti, and Mune joined in, devouring the meal together. Inna and the others watched them, bursting into amused laughter. When they emptied the bowl, Inna gladly refilled it for them. Just then, Baffah walked in carrying a pack of chilled sachet water that was freezing cold, along with various assorted sodas typical of city folks, which he had sent someone to buy from the nearest large town.
Fiddo sat there in a stiff, detached posture, staring blankly at the food bowl, utterly refusing to touch it. Hajiya Mama, who was eating her own food inside the room with total peace of mind, looked over at her and asked:
"Aren't you going to eat your food??"
Fiddo pouted and grumbled, "Honestly, I can't bring myself to eat this stuff. You guys can go ahead. Once we drive out of this village, we can buy something else for me to eat."
Hajiya Mama flashed her a severe, piercing glare and warned:
"Swear to Allah, if you do not eat that food right now, you will not taste a single scrap of food until we return all the way back home."
Terrified and deeply upset, Fiddo picked up a spoon and reluctantly lifted a piece of danwake, shoving it into her mouth with intense disgust. However, the flavors caught her completely off guard as an explosion of deliciousness hit her taste buds. She swallowed quickly and eagerly reached for another large spoonful. Hajiya Mama watched her from the corner of her eye as Fiddo, within a blink of an eye, almost scraped the entire bowl clean. She even went as far as pulling off her headtie, humming a light tune, and swaying her head in pure satisfaction.
CHAPTER 38
Within a short moments, Fiddo had completely wiped the bowl of danwake clean. She swiftly popped open the bottle of soda that Baffah had bought for them and chugged it down entirely. Tossing the empty bottle aside, she let out a massive, unreserved burp, patted her stomach contentedly, and looked up at Hajiya Mama—who was already staring back at her, struggling to suppress her laughter. Trying to save face, Fiddo quickly defensive-argued:
"Swear to Allah, it turns out I was just incredibly hungry, our Hajiya."
Hajiya curled her lip mockingly and replied, "Oh, I can clearly see that, considering you just demolished the entire bowl of danwake, even though you supposedly didn't find it tasty."
Fiddo burst into a loud, giggling laugh. "It was just intense hunger, I tell you!"
Hajiya Mama laughed along and said, "Well, here is another portion. Feel free to dig in, perhaps Allah will ensure that hunger stays far away from you."
Fiddo quickly declined, "Oh no, I am completely stuffed! But honestly, if only that girl could learn how to cook this exact dish when we return home, she could just be making it for me regularly."
Hajiya Mama’s expression soured instantly as she scolded, "Oh really? Since she is apparently living under your employment, why shouldn't she cater to your whims? Swear to Allah, you better watch your step around me, before you provoke me into leaving you behind in this village alongside Khadijah for the entire two weeks she is staying here. That way, you can gladly assist her in touring the village households."
Fiddo’s eyes popped out in absolute horror. "For the sake of Allah, please forgive me! Swear to Allah, I will never say it again."
While they were caught up in their conversation, Surry, Dije, and Lanti walked into the room. Dije formally introduced her friends to Hajiya Mama. Hajiya warmly accepted their respectful greetings, deeply impressed by how the young girls knelt all the way down to the floor to greet her with profound modesty. Delighted, she gifted them a generous amount of cash, leaving the girls showering her with endless gratitude and joy.
Once the initial excitement settled down, a fresh, formal conversation ensued between Hajiya Mama and Inna Hasiya. Hajiya took the opportunity to inform them that Safwan was currently out of the country to pursue further studies for a duration of three years. However, she reassured them that Dije would remain safely under her direct care until Allah brought him back home in good health. She also briefed them on Dije's ongoing school enrollment.
Deeply relieved and pleased, Baffah and Inna offered earnest prayers for Safwan's safe return. They repeatedly thanked Hajiya Mama for the overwhelming abundance of gifts she had brought to their household, ranging from assorted foodstuffs to essential household provisions. To top it all off, Hajiya presented them with a cash sum of twenty thousand naira for their grocery needs. Baffah and Inna were so overcome with joy that tears of gratitude welled up in their eyes as they poured out endless blessings upon her.
Later, Dije took Surry along to Inna Gambo’s house to pay their respects. While they were there, Hajiya Mama and the rest of the crew joined them. A lively session of pleasantries ensued with Inna Gambo, who playfully teased Dije, accusing her of going to the city to indulge in rich, red stews, which explains her newly filled-out, plump cheeks. Hajiya Mama completely let her guard down, stepping in to playfully defend Dije with great humor. They eventually left the house after Hajiya showered Inna Gambo with a grand financial gift.
Upon returning to Dije’s family compound, they found that the Maigari had sent over a large container packed to the brim with local chicken, prepared in a rich, deeply seasoned broth. The meat was cooked perfectly tender, releasing a rich aroma of local locust beans (daddawa) and native spices. Filled with excitement, Surry dug in immediately, swaying her head in delight as she carved out portions for everyone, including their driver. She then took the remainder to Inna Hasiya, insisting that they eat as well. Inna, feeling a bit self-conscious and modest, politely declined, stating that since they were the hosts at home, the guests should enjoy the meal entirely. But Surry stood her ground firmly, insisting that they must share the meal since they were all one family now.
They carried on with their joyful interactions, treating one another with immense respect until the late afternoon approached. Just as they were packing up their belongings to depart—intending to find a lodging place for the night before embarking on their direct journey to Yola the following morning—Usmanu arrived on his motorcycle. The bike had been purchased for him by Baffah to facilitate his retail business operations within the capital city. Overjoyed to see them, Usmanu greeted the guests with deep respect, and Dije’s face lit up with happiness at the sight of her brother.
With everything neatly packed, they prepared to leave. The family escorted them down to the Maigari's palace to offer their final farewells and express gratitude for his immense hospitality. Hajiya Mama extended generous gifts to the chief and his wives before they finally walked down to the car, surrounded by a crowd chanting prayers for a safe journey.
Dije stood by, waving a cheerful "bye-bye" to them. However, the moment her eyes locked with Fiddo's, Fiddo rolled her eyes dramatically and twisted her mouth in a bitter scowl. Fiddo sneered and turned her face away with deep condescension. Hajiya Mama and the family, however, parted ways in perfect harmony, already missing each other’s company. Hajiya's heart was completely at peace, deeply gratified by the immense honor and warmth shown to them, and especially relieved by the total humility and understanding Baffah had shown regarding Safwan's absence from his daughter's matrimonial home.
After the vehicle departed, Dije and Baffah walked back into the compound, their hearts filled with profound respect for Safwan's family. Baffah kept pondering the wondrous works of the Almighty, deeply grateful to God for aligning his daughter with such noble in-laws—people who understood the true value of human dignity and treated others with utmost respect, completely unbothered by the vast gap in wealth between them.
A safe journey to Hajiya Mama and the crew! 😆
Note: This text is a raw draft.
— D/AUTA CE ✍🏻
DIJE THE THORN
BY HADIZA D/AUTA
STARS WRITERS ASSOCIATION
Love holds absolute power and influence if it is built upon proper upbringing. Before you embark on any journey, align your intentions first. Anyone who harbors hatred for you will be utterly humiliated if they cross your path. The artistry of a master artisan places his status far above his physical dwelling. The nose detects the sweet aroma, the mouth commands the bone to be chewed, and the eye beholds the light. Call me by my name—Aha! 😉
CHAPTER 38 (CONTINUED)
Overcome with pure happiness, Baffah immediately turned to Inna and said:
"If Allah spares our lives until tomorrow morning, I want you to measure out a portion of millet and prepare waina (pantcakes) for charity. We must distribute it to the needy, if only to show our immense gratitude to Allah for the incredible blessings He has bestowed upon us. Swear to Allah, it is only now that I truly feel the heavy weight of my past actions when I foolishly tried to prevent Dije from marrying their schoolteacher—the very young man who, from the onset, loved Dije with a pure, sincere heart. To think that her ultimate fortune lay with them, while I was busy trying to block her path! Dije, I charge you to remain completely obedient to these people for the sake of Allah, because they possess an extraordinary sense of nobility. Even among the wealthy, their kind of humility is rare. Just look at how freely they mingled with us, as though we had been close friends for decades. Swear to Allah, my tongue will never tire of showering them with earnest prayers for blessings and a successful life."
Dije played idly with the edge of her veil, a wide smile on her face as she basked in the glowing praise Baffah was showering on her in-laws. Suddenly, the thought of SAFWAN flashed through her mind, and her expression turned instantly sour as she grumbled:
"Well, Baffah, it’s only Hajiya and Surry who actually have manners and respect. As for that schoolteacher of a husband himself, he doesn't possess a single shred of good character! And that includes his younger sister. Swear to Allah, if it weren't for me constantly remembering your warning never to stoop to her level, I would have dealt with her severely long ago. She practically picks a fight with me every single day."
Baffah let out a wise, mature chuckle and said, "That is exactly why I keep pouring my blessings upon you, because of your steadfast obedience to my counsel even when I am far away from you. But listen to me carefully: I never want to hear you claim that your husband lacks character ever again. The fact that he stood before the entire world, elevated your status, and took you as his wedded wife means he has done everything a man could possibly do for you, Dije."
Dije pouted deeply and argued:
"Swear to Allah, Baffah, he doesn't love me at all! He actually paid off Bala, Duduwa's son, with a huge sum of money just to seal his lips so he would step down from marrying me, leaving the path clear for him. Now, would a man who genuinely loves you resort to such underhanded manipulation?"
Baffah let out a hearty laugh and countered, "Oh, you foolish child! Don't you see that his intense love for you was the exact reason he paid that money, just to secure the chance to marry you? If he truly didn't care about you, why on earth would he trouble himself over who you end up marrying? But as you can see, his love forced him to utilize the means Allah provided to successfully win your hand. Therefore, even if you hear anyone else spreading that rumor, do not hesitate for a second to tell them that your Baffah, Ummaru Sanda, declares it a blatant lie. And even if you hear it from your husband’s own mouth, I forbid you from believing it. For he loves you with a love that deserves to be called true love, whether he openly admits it or not."
Dije wiped a stray tear from her eye and complained, "But Baffah, why does he subject me to such harsh treatment every day? Swear to Allah, Hajiya looks like she is ready to physically assault him sometimes whenever she catches him bullying me."
Filled with overwhelming joy, Baffah’s face lit up as he said, "Give praise to Allah, Dijengalata, because He has favored you with a unique blessing that is rarely granted to ordinary souls. Just say Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), and He will elevate your status even further."
Dije’s smile returned as she gushed, "Alhamdulillah, I praise Allah, my Baffah! Swear to Allah, I am incredibly grateful for the western education Hajiya enrolled me in. It has allowed me to cross paths with deeply respectable people, Baffah. Swear to Allah, you need to see how much they love me over there. One of them is even helping me with extra lessons, even though their system of education is vastly different from what we have here in the village. But I am catching on fast; I have already memorized thirty sections (Hizb) of the Quran under her guidance, Baffah! Even though she insisted I start all over from the very beginning, I have made massive progress, swear to Allah."
Baffah’s face beamed with boundless pride as he replied, "Wherever you go, the parental blessings we shower upon you will always shield you. Just continue to exercise patience, and very soon, you will become the golden standard of success in this entire village. Now, run along and perform your prayers. Once I return from the mosque, we shall resume our conversation."
As he finished speaking, he rose to his feet, took the plastic kettle Inna was handing over to him, and stepped out of the compound, his heart completely light and brimming with joy.
The moment he stepped out, Inna swiftly grabbed Dije by the hand and dragged her into the room. She flashed her a fierce, threatening glare and hissed:
"If I ever catch you exposing the private affairs of your marriage or your matrimonial home to anyone ever again, I will deal with you mercilessly! Even if it is Baffah himself, if I hear you spilling any unflattering secrets to him, only I know the kind of punishment I will mete out to you. It is glaringly obvious to me that you still lack any form of tact or maturity. If you want him to bar you from returning to the city and stop you from attending that school to become the doctor you dream of being, then keep talking! Go ahead and keep complaining until he catches wind of it, gets thoroughly offended, and terminates your education!"
Inna delivered the warning with deep frustration and turned to storm out. Dije quickly trailed behind her, pleading:
"I will stop, Inna! From now on, even if anyone asks me, I will simply tell them that I am living in absolute bliss with him and his younger sister, Fiddausi. Will that be perfect, Inna?"
Inna turned back and snapped, "It would save your own skin! Because the moment you utter another negative word concerning your marriage, he will simply declare that you are never returning to the city. And that will be the end of it; you will be stuck right back here permanently, since that seems to be what you are hunting for."
Dije covered her mouth in realization and whispered, "Oh my goodness! It’s only now that I remember, Inna, that Hajiya herself explicitly warned me never to tell you guys that he treats me harshly."
Inna replied dryly, "There you have it. She obviously saw right through your toxic habit of loose chattering..."
I hope this captures the humor and drama of the story perfectly for you! If you have any specific formatting preferences for future chapters, let me know. What part of the translation would you like to review next?
