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HAUWAKULU BOOK 3 BY SUMAYA ABDUKADIR
Inna could not comprehend why, lately, whenever he visited, he would never stay longer than ten minutes. He would briefly greet her, discuss whatever business he had with her and Malam, and then instantly excuse himself, saying he was heading over to the Sorondinki quarters to see Waheedah’s people. She had failed, even once before the wedding day, to tell him that he ought to sit Hauwa down, converse with her, and court her affection. Even though he was no stranger to the family, marriage was a completely different ballgame. It was only proper that he personally and directly explain the situation regarding their marriage to her. Inna herself simply could not bring herself to tell Hauwa that her wedding to Dr. Sarham was taking place tomorrow, because she knew deep down that Hauwa did not want it. Not in the slightest; despite all their efforts to guide her, her heart was not set on Sarham. In fact, she vastly preferred it to be Jamilu.
This was a classic case of the "power of persuasion." Jamilu knew exactly how to sit down and charm Hauwa, weaving heavy promises and deep romantic words. Because of this, her mind and her favorable assumptions were always anchored on him. Her intuition kept telling her that only with him would she never face marital strife, because he loved her with a sincere, burning passion—if one could overlook the glaring problem of his father.
Right now, Sarham was spending all his time at Waheedah's maternal home. A heavy sense of guilt had wrapped itself tightly around his neck, preventing him from distancing himself from Madinah. Yet, he was completely at a loss as to how to break the news to her that he was taking a second wife the very next day. Whenever he summoned the courage to tell her, he would see how enthusiastically she welcomed him, showering him with care and cooking the exact meals she knew he loved. Even though she was currently observing her postpartum confinement (jego) at her parents' home, she never failed to prepare his meals personally and specially for him. It made him feel entirely incapable of uttering what was truly happening. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said that the heart naturally loves those who are kind to it. Fortunately for him, tomorrow marked the completion of her forty-day postpartum period, and they had already finalized all arrangements for her return to Jeddah. He began to think it might be better to just let her travel back first, and then break the news to her over the phone. But he quickly checked himself: No! That is a coward's way out. It was far better for her to face whatever distress she would go through right in his presence.
It was a profound anxiety laced with deep hesitation—not necessarily cowardice, but the exact kind of apprehension that a man, no matter how traditionally brave, almost always confronts when he has to tell his first wife that he is taking a co-wife. This exact hesitation was currently tormenting Dr. Sarham. He found himself deeply dreading Madinah's reaction and fearing her heartbreak.
Madinah emerged from the room of Hajia Laila (her grandmother) and found him in the main living room of the house. She said, "My Doctor, Waheedah’s father, what is the matter? How is your health and the day? Why such a stern, frowning face? Look, I've already had Yaya Usman book my flight to return to Jeddah tomorrow, because it seems to me that you have absolutely no intention of leaving Kano anytime soon; you're just enjoying your stay. You are enjoying Kano all the way. Meanwhile, I have my own affairs to go back and attend to. There is a 'marriage coach program' that I am supposed to anchor as soon as I return. Besides, I don't know the exact duration of your leave, but it seems to have dragged on for too long."
Sarham, being a typical worldly man who possessed that slight, universal male trait of playing down serious situations, replied, "Come on, my Madindin, what is the rush that you can't just wait for us to return together?"
She replied, "I told you I have an important program, and Daddy will be celebrating his 70th birthday. I want Waheedah and me to be there for it. If you like, when you are fully done here, you can join us later. It’s no problem, I will manage to miss you for a while."
No matter how much Sarham wanted to tell her that his wedding to another woman was taking place tomorrow, he simply froze. This was especially so after she leaned in close, sealing their lips together in a soft, audible kiss that completely disarmed him—a true farewell kiss indeed! Since she was still in her confinement period, the sheer depth of how much she would miss him was visibly written right in her eyes. Thus, until they finished their romantic exchange and he left the house, he still hadn't said a word. He got into his car and turned it on, but then turned it off again and walked back toward the house. However, he didn't go back inside; instead, he instructed the security guard to call her out for him.
In the large entrance hall (soro) of the residence of the Grand Khadi, Justice Habibu Sorondinki, Madinah met Sarham once again. She was slightly panicked by his sudden call and his refusal to step inside, acting like a complete stranger. She found him with his hands folded behind his back like a young suitor who had come to court a brand-new girlfriend, but the sheer gravity of distress written across his handsome face this time caused Madinah's heart to drop.
"For God's sake, Waheedah’s father, are you truly okay today? Since you arrived, I haven't been able to understand your mood. You are neither distressed nor happy. We already said our goodbyes and you left, only for you to send for me again. Please don't make it impossible for me to travel. I swear, you are making my heart race, especially looking at the state of anxiety you are in." She took his hand and placed it flat against her chest, "Feel how hard my heart is pounding, my chest is literally throbbing."
Sarham raised his head, his eyes shot with blood. He looked at Madinah, his eyelashes lowering gently, and in that moment, he felt an even greater surge of love for her. He began to question himself: What on earth am I looking for in another woman after the immense abundance of blessings that Allah has already bestowed upon me through my Madinah? What did I see in Hauwa-Kulu that compares to Madinah? Is it not just that I want to support her life and solve her and her parents' crises? And to bring a lasting solution to her lingering infatuation with Jamilu?
He resolved to just brace himself and tell Madinah the absolute truth, since he couldn't possibly go back to Malam Bilyaminu and claim he was backing out of marrying Hauwa. In reality, his wife was the only one his heart truly loved with a passionate, romantic affection. As for his relationship with Hauwa, even until tomorrow, he hadn't fully defined her exact status in his heart. All he knew was that, whether love was present or not, it had become an absolute necessity for him to marry Hauwa-Kulu, because profound, undeniable reasons and evidence had entirely forced the justification of this marriage upon him.
Madinah noticed that Sarham had drifted deep into thought again, completely forgetting she was right there with him. Becoming even more terrified, she stepped closer and wrapped both arms tightly around him in a firm embrace, asking, "Waheedah’s father, are you unwell?"
Sarham found himself wrapping his arms tightly around Madinah, holding her firmly against his body, and said, "Madinah, I am perfectly healthy. I am sorry... I am taking a second wife."
Madinah replied, "Has something gone wrong with our own marriage that it needs to be solemnized again?"
She was completely confused, just as he was deeply frantic. The linguistic eloquence required to smoothly deliver such news or offer comforting explanations completely deserted him. He blurted out, "Madinah, please understand me with an ear of wisdom. I am marrying another woman. The wedding is tomorrow, by God's grace."
Madinah knew that on many occasions, if she lost control of her temper, she was capable of doing anything, including physically harming herself by slamming her body against walls. Therefore, she slowly pulled her hands away from Sarham's body, stepping backward as though his skin was literally shocking her. Seeing this, he began to step forward, following her, saying, "Listen to me, Madinah, I didn't want to tell you like this, but I swear to you, this is a charity/rescue marriage (auren jihadi); it is not a marriage born of romantic love..."
Madinah closed her eyes tightly, shook her head violently, and blocked both her ears with her index fingers, shouting, "Kudos to you, O HOLY WARRIOR (Mujahid)!"
With that, she abruptly turned around and bolted at full speed back into her grandfather's house.
Sarham stood frozen for a long time in a state of utter helplessness, completely unsure of what to do next. Should he follow her inside the house to make her understand that no other woman could ever hold her unique position in his heart? He realized that no matter what he said right now, she would not listen to him, nor would she make any excuses for him, even if she did understand. Realizing there was no alternative but to yield to God's will, he drove out of the compound and headed home. The security guard had already brought him a message: Madinah had strictly instructed that he must never send the guard to call her out again. He found himself feeling like an absolute stranger today, unable to simply barge into Madinah's family home without being explicitly invited. He felt as though the entire weight of the world's guilt rested squarely on his shoulders.
He deeply regretted that their farewell had ended on such a horrible note. Even after returning home, he tried calling her phone more times than a weaver's shuttle tosses thread; she merely stared at it ringing and refused to answer.
At that exact moment, she was packing her bags. There wasn't a single trace of a tear on her face. Instead, she firmly resolved in her mind that if Sarham was truly serious about taking a second wife, then this marked the absolute end of her marriage to him. From her grandparents' house, she would head straight to her parents' home in the city of Jeddah. If he was merely playing a joke on her, then he would sorely regret playing such a twisted, insane prank—one capable of causing her a sudden heart attack.
At the very first break of dawn, Hajiya Laila’s driver drove Madinah and Waheedah—who was bundled up snugly in white winter clothes—straight to the airport, as her flight was scheduled for seven in the morning. She did not mention a single word of what Sarham told her to anyone. The moment they touched down in Jeddah, she called Usman, her older brother whom she followed in birth order, to come and pick her up from the Jeddah airport terminal.
MR & MRS SHANONO (PART TWO)
At exactly ten o'clock on Saturday morning—the very morning Madinah departed for Saudi Arabia—the parents, guardians, neighbors of Malam Bilyaminu, and the ward head of Kofar Na'isa at the time, officially solemnized the marriage between Hauwa'u Bilyaminu and Dr. Sarham Abbas Shanono. The marriage was sealed upon a highly blessed, minimal dowry. The wedding did not attract a massive crowd because they had not announced it to anyone until the previous night.
On that previous night—the eve of the wedding—right after Sarham's father had left, Malam Bilyaminu had walked over to his neighbor Malam Isah's house and explained everything to him. Malam Isah, overflowing with immense joy, immediately went around to inform the rest of their neighbors and the Ward Head. Thus, the unexpected and miraculous wedding was contracted at ten o'clock that morning. It was a wedding that sparked intense gossip and chatter within Hauwa’s neighborhood (Badala) afterward. Everyone desperately wanted to know exactly who had married Hauwa-Kulu, considering she suffered from the severe disability colloquially known as "standing death" (blindness).
Meanwhile, at that exact time, Sarham was at his own house, enduring endless teasing from Sumayyah. She sat right in front of him, refusing to let him rest for even a single minute with her snide, sarcastic remarks. "Well, today, Allah has decreed that the rightful owner has claimed his prize, and everyone can finally rest!"
Covering her mouth and hiding her laughter, she added, "Excellent! From now on, we won't hear any more complaints about Hauwa-Kulu standing in the entrance hall having long romantic chats with her boyfriend Jamilu! As for me, what can I say to this Jamilu character other than to thank him? Since he was the one who inadvertently forced you to make this grand effort to rescue yourself?"
Sarham stiffened his face completely and barked, "Sumayyah, I will put you in your place! Am I your childhood playmate?"
By then, he was fully dressed in a crisp, sharp grey Excellency Shadda outfit that was so heavily starched it crackled with every movement, complemented by an ash-colored Zanna cap tilted perfectly on his head. He was fully prepared to head over to Kofar Na'isa, having already received confirmation from the Sorondinki residence that Madinah had departed for Jeddah early that morning.
He turned to Sumayyah and told her that once she was finished with her endless sarcasm, she should get ready so they could go and greet Inna's household. He said this primarily to shut her up, as her teasing was flowing continuously like an open tap. Delighted, Sumayyah rushed to her room, grabbed her abaya, and followed closely behind him as they made their way to Badala.
Along the way, Sumayyah showered her brother (Bhaiya) with countless congratulations and felicitations. Yet, Sarham couldn't help but remember the malicious, spiteful attitude she had displayed during his marriage to Madinah, even though Madinah had never done anything wrong to her. That was just typical Sumayyah for you.
Right there, he firmly resolved within himself that he would have to stand firm and be absolutely upright in managing the relationships between his two wives and his two sisters, because he absolutely would not tolerate the kind of blatant favoritism that Sumayyah was already displaying before the ink on the marriage contract was even dry. His other sister, Surayyah, had also begun her own silent protest, taking the side of her close friend Madinah out of co-wife jealousy (kishi); he noticed she had completely stopped acknowledging him. Amazingly, even when their eyes locked, she would look right past him as if he were completely invisible. He realized that if he didn't handle things with extreme care, a similar toxic dynamic would manifest on Sumayyah's end—meaning Sumayyah would actively wage a proxy jealousy war against Madinah on Hauwa's behalf. His only real surprise was: When on earth did Sumayyah develop such a profound fondness for Hauwa to this extent? As far as he could recall, he had only ever introduced them once, briefly exchanging pleasantries at Hauwa’s house.
Sumayyah remembered something and began choking back laughter. Sarham glanced at her from the corner of his eye, continuing to drive with a profound sense of inner peace and tranquility that he had never experienced before in his entire life. Today, he felt like the most serene, grounded man alive. Marrying Hauwa-Kulu gave him an immense sense of absolute peace. He couldn't necessarily claim that this peace stemmed from romantic love for her; rather, Hauwa had become an essential "mission" in his life—a duty that he absolutely had to fulfill if he wanted his peace of mind to endure one hundred percent.
Sumayyah called out, "Bhaiya!"
He turned his head slightly, and their eyes met. She noticed that he looked exceptionally handsome and striking, with a distinct nuptial glow radiant upon his forehead. Looking into his eyes, she caught a glimpse of a deeply buried, serene contentment resting upon his handsome face. Sumayyah burst into laughter and teased, "Now, Bhaiya, wherever you see a dog sniffing around a shoe, you must finally admit it intends to pick it up, right?"
He was thoroughly exhausted by Sumayyah's relentless teasing. He merely glared at her and kept driving, though in the past, she would have certainly received a swift slap across the face for such insolence. Undeterred, Sumayyah spoke up again, "The truth is, Bhaiya, I’ve realized that your love for Hauwa is a very special, hidden kind of love buried deep within your hearts, one designed and orchestrated by Allah alone—especially since Hauwa has never even physically seen your face. But as for me, whether you admit it or not, I long predicted that this is exactly how it would end. Bhaiya, may Allah grant you a peaceful home and a blessed lineage. I am so incredibly happy, my Bhaiya! I am happier than anyone else that this has happened!"
Sarham was genuinely surprised to find himself answering Sumayyah’s prayer with a soft, heartfelt "Ameen." This was despite the fact that he knew there was no conventional romance between him and Hauwa, nor was he forced into marrying her. To him, his marriage to Hauwa was pure destiny, orchestrated by a MATTERS OF GRAVE IMPORTANCE.
Meanwhile, various wedding gifts, including kola nuts, traditional sweets, and fried pastries, were being brought in and neatly arranged in Inna’s living room, right after the small wedding gathering had dispersed along with Sarham’s guardians who traveled down from Shanono. It was Malam Isah whom Hauwa’s father had appointed to act as her legal guardian (Wali) to give her away in marriage.
Hauwa had just emerged from the bathroom, stepping over to her prayer rug in her room. She threw on her prayer hijab and had just commenced her voluntary mid-morning prayer (Walha) when she overheard Malam Isah’s voice informing Inna that the wedding was fully completed. Hauwa-Kulu had officially become the wife of Sarhamu. May Allah avert all trials and grant lasting peace.
Instantly, she pronounced the opening takbeer of her prayer in a state of utter shock, desperately stifling a violent sob with the palm of her hand. Right during her very first prostration (sujud), she heard Sarham's voice calling out a greeting at the main entrance of their courtyard. Her heart instantly detached from her chest and dropped with three violent thuds—thump, thump, thump! Immediately following his voice, she recognized the voice of his sister, Sumayyah, echoing through the house with her own greetings. It was clear they had arrived together.
She forced herself to continue her prayer, but her mind was so shattered that she couldn't recite a single verse correctly until she hastily concluded it. By then, Inna had escorted Sumayyah to her room, saying, "Hauwa, have you finished praying? Sumayyah has arrived alongside the Doctor."
Sumayyah walked in, sat right beside her, and reached out to shake her hand firmly. Inna then mentioned that once they were done greeting each other, Sumayyah should come over to her room so they could talk.
Sarham was waiting in the living room when Inna walked in and told him to step into Hauwa’s room to greet her, as Hauwa had just finished her prayers. Feeling a deep sense of bashfulness and boundary-consciousness, Sarham replied, "Inna, is it that you haven't explained things to her since yesterday? This particular visit isn't really for me; it's for Sumayyah. After all, I am merely her older brother, I didn't come here for a romantic courtship visit. I only brought Sumy along so she could greet you all."
Inna laughed warmly and said, "Oh, I know that very well! I know better than anyone else that you are her older brother. However, this marriage has slightly elevated that brotherly status, raising your rank to that of a life partner. And I am deeply grateful for Sumayyah’s visit. But come on, Doctor, must it be like this? When was the last time you and your friend actually exchanged proper greetings when you visited? Please, brace yourself, go in there, and comfort her for God's sake. Ever since her father sat her down yesterday and broke the news that her wedding to you was taking place today, she completely stopped talking to me, and she cried the entire night. How on earth will Hauwa understand that this wasn't our doing? This marriage is entirely the handiwork of Allah; it was His divine covenant from time immemorial, not the plan of any human being. You know very well that I, of all people, originally wished for her not to be married off just yet."
Inna’s eyes brimmed with tears. She fell silent, already feeling a deep, physical ache of impending separation from Hauwa, even before the topic of physically moving her to her husband’s house had been finalized.
Sarham lowered his head, a profound emotion stirring in his chest at the sight of Inna’s tears. He knew the immense, inseparable bond that existed between her and Hauwa. He could genuinely feel for her and the intense void Hauwa's departure would leave. Yet, he knew this was the absolute best course of action to secure the lives of Hauwa-Kulu and her parents. It was also the only way to solidify their long-term relationship. He was exceptionally relieved to note that Sumayyah genuinely loved Hauwa; he was certain she would assist him in taking excellent care of her. Sumayyah was a fiercely loyal person—once she chose to love or dislike someone, she held onto that conviction with everything she had.
He spoke gently, "Insha Allah, Inna, please put your mind at ease. Even when you return to Ghana, Hauwa remains completely in your hands. I am not even counting on my mother, nor am I counting on Sumayyah's family; I know she will fully assist us in taking care of Maijidda. Your maternal blessings will follow Maijidda wherever she goes. For the sake of God and His Prophet, please banish the worry that Hauwa will face neglect or mistreatment at the hands of her husband. This protection is my single greatest reason for marrying Hauwa—to safeguard her dignity, her honor, to look after her, her entire life, and her education. I have absolute confidence in my household. No one among them will ever harm Hauwa. Inna, we will protect Hauwa as a sacred trust, with the guidance and approval of the Almighty, just as if she were still standing right in front of you."
Sumayyah walked back into the room, saying, "Bhaiya, this comforting job is strictly meant for you. Hauwa completely refuses to stop crying, despite all the sweet words I’ve tried to tell her." She then sat down close to Inna.
Inna said, "Go on in, Sarhamu, go and comfort her. A woman desires the comfort of her husband far above anyone else's. Let her do it for my sake, if not for her own stubborn nature."
Dr. Sarham let out a soft, wry laugh. It was as if Inna perfectly knew that ever since the day he caught Hauwa having a romantic conversation with Jamilu, he had harbored an intense irritation toward her. He had completely detached himself from her affairs back then; without any real provocation, he had despised seeing her with Jamilu. Even when she greeted him, he would only reply if he felt like it. But today, all that lingering irritation regarding Jamilu had completely evaporated. He felt a profound, overwhelming wave of empathy for her, knowing full well that separating from Inna was a monumental, heartbreaking reality for Hauwa.
His soft greeting at her doorway made her head snap up instantly, as if jolted by a sudden shock. She directed her large, clear eyes straight toward him—glaring intensely as if she could actually see him through the heavy veil of tears soaking her face.
Dr. Sarham stood completely still at the threshold, both hands slipped casually into his pockets. He looked every bit the dashing, impeccable groom. Even his worst enemy would have to admit that he looked breathtakingly handsome, radiating the fresh energy of a young 27-year-old man on his first wedding day. Looking at him, no one would ever guess that he had a sophisticated, highly accomplished woman like Dr. Madinah Sorondinki waiting at home, let alone the blessing of a child. Hauwa could literally feel Sarham's intense gaze washing over her. Unable to maintain her blind, defiant glare under his scrutiny, she lowered her eyes and closed them tightly all at once.
Sarham walked into the room and sat on the single armchair available—marking his very first time stepping fully inside Hauwa’s bedroom since they moved into the newly renovated house. Previously, he would only peek from the doorway before heading home.
Stifling her tears, Hauwa realized it was only proper to greet Dr. Sarham. Despite the fierce resentment she felt toward him right now for what she perceived as an unprovoked intrusion into her life's trajectory, Dr. Sarham had earned the absolute right to be respected and greeted by her, no matter the circumstances. Pulling the edge of her hijab to wipe her damp face, she buried her countenance slightly within her palms and whispered coldly, like someone being forced at gunpoint to offer a greeting: "Masa'ul Noor" (Good evening).
Sarham did not rush to reply. He felt insulted by her extremely cold, stingy greeting. Noting the intense crying fit she had just displayed, he knew she had forced herself to utter those words, wishing she could instantly swallow them back down. He let out a low scoff, a bitter taste rising in his throat at her blatant dislike for him.
He spoke up, "What on earth is this crying all about, Maijidda? Be honest with God, it’s because I am the groom that you are so deeply miserable, isn't it? I am absolutely certain that if Inna had married you off to that polo-playing boy today, you would be busy vigorously applying face powder right now, excitedly anticipating his arrival as your groom. But because it's me, look at you, for God's sake! Look at how a whole bride prepares to go to her husband’s house—drowned in a massive, overwhelming hijab like someone heading straight to the palace of the Chief Imam of Kano State."
Hauwa simply pouted her lips defiantly and said absolutely nothing.
He continued, "Alright, that’s quite enough crying, my lady. Stand up, perform your ablution, and pray two rak'ahs. Pray for every single blessing of this world and the hereafter, pray for lasting peace, and pray for numerous, blessed grandchildren for Inna and Malam."
Hearing this, Hauwa completely lost control and burst into a fresh, even more violent wave of tears. It was a crushing, absolute confirmation: she had truly become the wife of this doctor today. It was no longer a nightmare, nor was she being married off to her beloved Jamilu. Her husband was Dr. Sarham.
Hauwa cried until she was completely exhausted, finally wiping her eyes. Sarham, noticing that her tears had run dry, extended his crisp white handkerchief, placing it gently into her open palm as he spoke:
"Go ahead and cry, I won't stop you. It is an absolute necessity for anyone blessed with a mother as wonderful as Inna to weep when the day of separation arrives. But print this firmly into your mind: you are not being handed over to your enemies, nor are you being sent to a place where people wish to see you humiliated and broken—like the household of Zakari, which you oddly seem to prefer. I know all these tears are simply because I am not the man you envisioned. But regardless of your dislike for me, Allah has given HAUWA to me, and I would love to see who dares snatch her away from me. So, take my handkerchief. Cry until it is completely soaked through. When you are fully done, start mentally preparing to nurse my children. You are going to bear me many children—a whole dozen if possible—to become the younger siblings of your namesake, Waheedah. Do you hear me, Maijidda?"
From there, his tone softened completely. He began to comfort her with exceptionally tender words, swearing a solemn vow that he did not marry her to humiliate her, nor to strip her of her happiness, nor to sever her bond with her parents. It was the masterclass comfort of an incredibly intelligent, highly educated, sophisticated man who knew exactly how to use psychological tact to command a woman's attention. He spoke until Hauwa’s crying ceased entirely. Though she stubbornly refused to physically accept the handkerchief he offered, she quietly nodded her head in agreement to perform the voluntary prayers he commanded.
He then offered his farewell greetings, informing her that he was heading back home to ensure her bridal chamber was perfectly arranged and prepared, while they finalized the processing of her travel visa so she could relocate alongside him and Sumayyah to Jeddah.
2. Summary
This chapter covers the dramatic, tension-filled execution of the marriage between Dr. Sarham and Hauwa-Kulu, focusing heavily on the emotional wreckage and hard choices made by the characters.
The narrative begins with Inna Safiya's internal distress over her inability to tell Hauwa about the impending wedding due to Hauwa’s fierce devotion to her charming boyfriend, Jamilu. Meanwhile, Dr. Sarham is paralyzed by intense guilt and fear regarding his first wife, Madinah, who is concluding her postpartum confinement at her parents' house. Unable to drop the bombshell during a romantic farewell kiss as Madinah prepares to return to Jeddah, Sarham chickens out, drives away, but immediately returns. He calls her out to the courtyard and breaks the news: he is taking a second wife tomorrow. Madinah, feeling profoundly betrayed, rejects his excuse that it is a "charity/rescue marriage" (auren jihadi), mockingly brands him a "Holy Warrior" (Mujahid), and flees inside. She leaves for Jeddah at dawn, completely cutting off communication and resolving to end the marriage if the wedding is real.
The next morning (Saturday) at 10:00 AM, the marriage between Hauwa and Dr. Sarham is officially solemnized in a small, unannounced neighborhood ceremony with a minimal dowry. While Sarham's sister Sumayyah ecstatically teases him about "claiming his prize" and saving himself from Jamilu, his other sister Surayyah gives him the silent treatment out of loyalty to Madinah. Sarham experiences an unprecedented sense of absolute internal peace, viewing his marriage to Hauwa not as a romance, but as a vital life "mission" he is divinely mandated to fulfill.
The chapter reaches its emotional peak when Sarham and Sumayyah visit the bridal home. Hauwa discovers the marriage has occurred mid-prayer and breaks down in devastating tears of grief and resentment. Inna passes the torch of comfort to Sarham, who delivers a masterful, fiercely protective, yet highly assertive monologue. He addresses her resentment head-on, teases her about Jamilu, promises to guard her dignity with his life, and commands her to prepare for a lifetime partnership and motherhood as they plan her visa relocation to Jeddah.
3. Analytics
Theme Analysis
- The Anatomy of Auren Jihadi (Rescue Marriage) vs. Romance: The chapter highlights a stark contrast in marital motivations. Sarham explicitly states his marriage to Hauwa is an act of religious/moral duty (jihadi) to protect a vulnerable, blind girl and her parents, completely independent of romantic love. Conversely, his marriage to Madinah is rooted in intense, disarming romantic passion.
- The Burden of Polygamy Announcement: The text vividly captures the universal psychological dread experienced by Northern Nigerian men when announcing a co-wife to a beloved first partner. Sarham’s physical symptoms (bloodshot eyes, freezing up, loss of eloquence) underscore the terror of breaking the domestic status quo.
Emotional Resilience and Agency in Disability: Hauwa’s intense weeping highlights her feeling of a total loss of agency. She feels trapped by a divine decree and a parental arrangement, forced to abandon her romantic dreams with Jamilu for a protective savior she currently resents.
Narrative & Structural Techniques
- The Mirroring of Contrasts: The author brilliant mirrors the two female households. In Madinah's home, there is sophisticated romance, traveling to Jeddah, and high-status independence. In Hauwa’s home, there is raw emotion, traditional modesty (the "massive hijab"), and a transition from trauma to security.
- Juxtaposition of Dialogues: The sharp, biting sarcasm of Sumayyah ("Sannu Mujahid" from Madinah and the "dog sniffing shoes" comment from Sumayyah) injects a heavy dose of realism and wit into an otherwise emotionally heavy chapter.
Somatic Descriptions of Emotion: The author heavily relies on bodily reactions to convey internal states—Madinah pulling away because Sarham's skin felt like a physical "shock," Hauwa's heart dropping with three distinct "thuds," and Sarham's starched Shadda crackling to match his rigid, resolute groom persona.
4. Character Description
Dr. Sarham Abbas Shanono
- Role: The Groom / Torn Patriarch
- Attire: Wears a crisp, heavily starched grey Excellency Shadda that crackles with movement, paired with a perfectly matching ash-colored Zanna cap. He radiates the youthful brilliance of a 27-year-old groom.
Psychological Profile: Highly sophisticated, fiercely protective, and deeply conflicted. He is utterly disarmed by his love for his first wife, Madinah, and racked with immense guilt over hurting her. Yet, he possesses an unshakeable sense of duty; he views Hauwa as a sacred mission thrust upon him by destiny. He can switch instantly from a anxious, tongue-tied husband to a fiercely commanding, psychologically dominant partner when handling Hauwa’s defiance.
Madinah Sorondinki
- Role: The First Wife / Betrayed Professional
Profile: Highly educated, modern, independent, and elitist (daughter/granddaughter of high-ranking judges). She anchors "marriage coach programs" in Jeddah. She is deeply affectionate and attentive to Sarham, but possesses an explosive, volatile temper when pushed past her limits, to the point of self-harm. She values her dignity above all else—when betrayed, she does not weep; she immediately packs her bags, cuts contact, and boards a flight to Saudi Arabia, completely prepared to walk away from her marriage.
Hauwa-Kulu
- Role: The Reluctant Bride
Profile: Physically blind, fiercely independent in spirit, but emotionally devastated. Her heart is entirely captured by Jamilu's heavy romantic promises. She views her sudden marriage to Dr. Sarham as an unprovoked ambush on her life. She expresses her grief through violent crying fits and silent, burning glares of resentment directed toward Sarham. Despite her anger, she possesses a deeply ingrained sense of traditional respect (edeb), forcing herself to offer Islamic greetings to her new husband even while drowning in resentment.
Sumayyah
- Role: Sarham's Younger Sister / Hauwa's Ally
- Profile: Unapologetic, highly vocal, fiercely loyal, and incredibly witty. She acts as the ultimate chaotic realist in the family. She openly mocks Sarham’s anxiety, teases him relentlessly about his hidden feelings for Hauwa, and aggressively champions Hauwa’s cause. She is highly opinionated, holding long-standing grudges against anyone she dislikes (like Madinah) while showing overwhelming, joyous favoritism to those she chooses to love (like Hauwa).
