Madina said, "Come in, bride." This statement caught Shatima's attention, making him stop staring at Salma's hair and look in the direction of the girls. Suddenly, he stood up when he locked eyes with Aliya.

Since Shatima was a brave man, he suppressed the fear and surprise that gripped him and broadened his smile slightly. He said, "My love, did you also come here for a hairdo?"

She suppressed the five or so questions that arose in her mind about the girl she saw with him. She looked at him with a hint of irritation and said, "Yes, I came for a hairdo." He said, "I thought you already had yours done?" She replied, "I didn't have time until now."

He looked at the hairdresser and said, "Do her hair well too, for she is also my bride." The hairdresser asked, "Your bride too?" He said, "Yes, there are even two more." 

She laughed and said, "Oh no, you're joking." Aliya wanted to know who this girl was because she felt like she knew her. Was she a relative? She knew his sister Badi'atu was older than this girl because even three years ago, Badi'atu was more mature than this girl. But she decided to hear from him directly. In a cunning way typical of smart women, she said, "I was surprised to see you here." He said, "I saw the surprise on your face, but what are you surprised about?" She said, "I thought you were in Kano for your wedding with my sister?"

He replied, "I couldn't make it because your youngest sister is all set too!" He said this while patting Salma's head, who had just finished her hair.

At that moment, the hairdresser called Aliya to sit and start her hair. But Aliya's attention was on Shatima, wanting to hear more from him to clear her confusion.

She said, "I didn't know Badi'atu had a younger sister?" He smiled because he realized she hadn't recognized Salma. He remembered he hadn't told her about Salma yet. He decided to use this opportunity to explain, so he said, "Come, let's talk." He looked at Salma, "Wait for me here, my little one." He spoke playfully.

They stood by the car. He said, "I forgot to tell you about Salma. I really pity her. I married her to help her..."

Aliya interrupted, "You did what?" He said, "I married her." She remained silent, pondering. He gave her a brief story about Salma and confirmed that their marriage was conducted before heading to Kano.

Aliya suppressed all the jealousy she felt towards Salma. She said, "But why didn't you tell me? Did you think I would challenge Allah's decree?" He softened his voice, "I made a mistake. I know I wouldn't have a problem with you." She forced a smile. "Is she our youngest then? Since I see her marriage was conducted first. They say the one whose marriage is conducted first is the senior wife." She listened carefully for his response. He said, "Is that a Hadith or the Qur'an?" She said, "It's a Hausa custom."

He said, "But in my house, you are my senior wife." Aliya felt happy in her heart but concealed it. She said, "Don't cause discord, you should have followed the proper order." He said, "The order is done. I will set the rules in my house. Go get your hair done because time is running out." He went inside and paid for both of their services, then told Salma to greet her senior.

She knelt and greeted Aliya and her friends before leaving. He looked at Aliya, "Let me take her home, okay?" Aliya said, "See you later." He bid farewell to her friends and left.

Salma wanted to know who Aliya was. He looked at her, "You seem like you want to say something?" She said, "How do you always know?" He smiled, "It's a gift. Go ahead, say what you want." She said, "Who is this person you told me to greet, is she your sister? Is she also getting married today?"