“Listen Aliyu, don’t let me see you touch those things again. They are not going anywhere. They will remain here until the day after tomorrow. Then you can inform your relatives so that someone can come and take them together with the rest.”
Just as she was about to leave the room, with one leg already outside, she turned back sharply when she heard what Baffa was saying.
“Teacher, what did I hear you say?”
“Exactly what your ears heard. Now leave my sight immediately.”
She left angrily and stood at the door shouting insults by herself. Meanwhile Baffa told Baffa Usman and the others to stay where they were because he wanted to go inside and bathe, leaving her outside still complaining and cursing.
All through that day she remained near the room door, shouting and causing trouble. She kept looking for someone who would answer her arguments, but no one paid attention to her. Even Baffa Ali who usually supported her kept quiet and went to the mosque for the Friday prayer.
After they returned, Nuraddeen went to the section of the house that was being renovated for him. Despite the worries in his heart, he felt happy when he saw the progress.
He was especially pleased that his kitchen and toilet were inside the apartment, not outside like in the rest of the house. Everything had already been completed except the painting and electricity installation. He praised his father for the effort and prayed that Allah would give him long life and good health.
---
Hawwa’s Anger
However, Yaya Hawwa tried everything possible to get the wedding gifts (lefe) back into her own possession but failed because Baffa guarded them strictly. He even warned that nobody should come asking to see the gifts because they would be delivered the next day.
She had already gone around the neighborhood telling people to come see the gifts prepared for her son’s bride. When they came and found the room closed, people began gossiping that maybe there was nothing impressive in the gifts.
Those words reached her ears and angered her greatly.
She said to herself:
> “Teacher, you have really done well. But wait until that troublesome girl comes into this house. When I finish dealing with her, I will come back to deal with you. Then you will know the mistake you made.”
---
Conversation with Her Son
Later Nuraddeen greeted his mother.
He pleaded with her:
> “Mother please stop being angry with me. Tell me whatever you want and I will do it for you as long as it doesn’t go against Allah.”
She asked:
> “Anything I want?”
He replied nervously:
> “Yes… as long as it doesn’t contradict Allah.”
She then said:
> “Go and bring those wedding gifts back here. I’m tired of the embarrassment from neighbors.”
But he explained that the gifts were already scheduled to be delivered the next day since the bride’s family had already been informed.
She started crying and accusing him of disgracing her in front of people.
Finally he said:
> “Okay mother, I will call the girl and postpone bringing the gifts until Monday.”
She insisted he call the bride immediately in front of her.
He called Rashida, his fiancée.
---
Phone Conversation
Rashida answered:
> “Hello my teacher.”
He asked about her well-being and she teased him saying maybe he missed her.
He replied happily:
> “Yes Habibty, I really missed you.”
Then he told her the wedding gifts would not be brought the next day but on Monday due to some reason.
She agreed easily because she had not yet informed her parents.
---
More Gifts Arrive
Later Inna Bilkisu arrived with a bag.
She said Nuraddeen’s relatives Saleema and Kareema sent additional items for the wedding gifts.
Inside were:
Two pieces of fabric
Five necklaces
Twelve ribbons
Five beautiful caps
She also personally added two dyed shadda fabrics.
Nuraddeen was very grateful and prayed for Allah to reward them.
But Yaya Hawwa became extremely angry because she felt they were showing her up in front of others.
She even swore that if the gifts returned to her hands she would pour kerosene on them and burn them rather than let the bride enjoy them.
---
The Gifts Are Delivered Anyway
The next morning around 10 AM, Baffa secretly arranged for Baffa Usman and Baffa Ali to take the gifts to the bride’s house by car. He prevented Baffa Ali from informing Hawwa so she wouldn’t cause trouble.
They delivered the gifts successfully.
When Hawwa eventually discovered they were gone, she became furious and started insulting everyone in the house, including her husband and son.
Nuraddeen tried to explain that he didn’t know about the plan, but she refused to believe him.
---
At Rashida’s Family House
Meanwhile at Rashida’s village, her father Baba and uncle Malan Balarabe welcomed the visitors warmly.
They prepared:
Chicken
Fura and milk
Food and drinks
They thanked them greatly for bringing the wedding gifts.
Although the gifts were not extremely many, everyone praised them considering Nuraddeen was a teacher of moderate means.
---
Wedding Preparation
In the days leading up to the wedding many things happened, especially tension from Nuraddeen’s mother who refused to participate in the preparations.
Eventually relatives and friends convinced her to calm down.
A walima (wedding feast) was organized by Rashida’s family. Many Islamic scholars attended and gave advice about marriage and obedience to Allah.
Rashida looked very beautiful in her white clothing, jewelry, and henna.
When Nuraddeen unexpectedly arrived at the ceremony wearing a white shadda, she felt very happy.
During the advice session she became emotional and started crying, which is common for brides.
After everything ended peacefully, Nuraddeen called her on the phone later to comfort her until she stopped crying.
He said:
> “See you tomorrow, Habibty, when we perform our marriage ceremony.”
She laughed and ended the call shyly.
Nuraddeen also smiled, feeling immense happiness in his heart.
VIEW ALL
