Yusuf fell silent, gazing at Widad. He felt a deep stir in his gut after hearing what she had just said. She looked at him and asked:
> "Why are you quiet? Is something wrong?"
He shook his head and replied:
> "No, nothing at all."
Widad responded:
> "Alright then. There's food over there, eat it and take your medicine before lying down."
Yusuf remained still, not moving a muscle or doing any of what she had said. She looked at him again and asked:
> "Or... is it your health?"
He shook his head again and said:
> "No, I’m better now."
Widad continued:
> "Well, I just noticed how quiet you've become, that’s why I thought maybe you weren't feeling well. Please get up, I want to sleep."
Yusuf got up and gave her space to fix her bed and lie down, while he sat aside, deep in thought as if he had just heard tragic news.
Conflicted Thoughts
To avoid raising suspicion from Widad, Yusuf stood and fetched the food intending to eat. But he couldn't bring himself to touch it. His mind was swirling — between the story Saleh told him and what Widad had just said.
What if she eventually found out he was a secret agent?
What kind of judgment would she pass on him?
And now, his heart had already fallen for her. He truly loved her deeply. But still, fear crept in — he wasn't sure Widad would want to remain married to him once they returned home.
Although he was still trying to test whether she had any feelings for him, even if she accepted the marriage and wanted to stay together — who knew they were even married? Only Saleh.
How would they explain this complicated situation to people?
A cold sweat broke over him. Indeed, challenges lay ahead. He couldn’t eat, and besides, his mouth had lost all taste due to his fever. He placed the food aside and tried to sleep — but sleep eluded him. Thoughts crowded his mind.
What was the solution?
How would he explain to Widad who he really was?
Wasn’t it better for him to tell her himself than let her hear it from someone else?
He sat quietly, lost in reflection.
Widad Notices His Worry
Then Widad’s voice broke the silence:
> "What’s making you think so deeply like this?"
He quickly snapped out of his thoughts and replied:
> "Nothing, don’t worry about it."
> "Are you thinking about home… about your mom?"
He forced a smile and said:
> "No."
> "I know you must be thinking about home. I know you're not happy in this town. Even if you haven’t said anything, life here is hard. But for me, it’s a blessing. I don’t feel fear or anxiety because of my enemies. The kindness from the people here, and your support, gives me strength."
> "Every move I make, I think of Daddy. I wonder what state he's in, what he’s doing. I know he’s alive. I keep praying until Allah brings this matter to an end so I can return home."
> "Please forgive me — I know I’m the reason you're in this situation."
She ended the statement with a tone of regret.
Yusuf replied:
> "I don’t regret being here with you. Your father’s kindness and trust in me would make it wrong for me to abandon his only daughter in her time of need. But yes, I do miss my mother. She has no one else — my father died, and she’s a widow. I’m her only child. Allah alone knows the pain she must be going through. I’ve never been apart from her this long. I know she’s worried."
Painful Truths
Widad responded compassionately:
> "Oh, how sad. Surely, those close to us will worry. But you — maybe apart from your mother, others will worry about your disappearance.
> "For me, it’s only Daddy and Bulama who I know would care. Everyone else around me is only here because of my wealth. Without it, they wouldn’t show any love. In fact, I know they backbite me. That’s why I view people differently."
> "I used to think all people were evil. That poor people would do anything for money — that they had no decency. But I’ve since learned that evil doesn’t come from wealth or poverty — it’s just part of some people."
> "You’ve proven that, as have the villagers. They don’t even know who I am, but they treat me well."
Yusuf smiled and said:
> "That’s true. I’ve seen you warm up to them in a way that surprised me. It’s like you’re no longer the same girl who used to dislike people and see them as all bad."
Widad replied:
> "Hmm, I have my reasons. Now, go to bed. Night has fallen, and you’re still sick — you need rest."
Yusuf agreed:
> "You too — good night, my queen."
Widad frowned:
> "Won’t you stop calling me that?"
> "Do you not like it?"
> "I told you before — I don’t."
Yusuf smiled and replied:
> "Well, I love the name. My Queen, My Life. I love you so much, My Dearest Queen."
She scoffed, changed her sleeping position, and blocked her ears to avoid hearing anything further.
Yusuf smiled as he lay down — but still, sleep wouldn't come. His mind was consumed with whether or not to tell Widad the truth about his identity.
Corruption at the Top
Meanwhile…
Barrister Hafiz sat with some men. One of them said:
> "Barrister Hafiz, take a good look at this matter and think deeply before passing judgment. There’s a huge gain in this deal if you go along with it. You’ll earn more than you’ve ever made in your career."
Barrister Hafiz adjusted his sitting position and replied:
> "What I want you to understand is that this job is dangerous. If we sign off on selling Daula’s assets, we don’t know who might be watching his affairs. If this thing leaks, our names will be tarnished, we could lose our jobs, and face legal consequences."
Alhaji Musa countered:
> "Barrister, in this country, everyone is looking out for themselves. A small crime gets you jailed — better to commit a big one and secure your future. You’ll make life-changing money."
> "Besides, who even knows where Daula is? If we succeed in this, you could even leave the country entirely. Just draft a document showing he sold some of his properties at a very cheap price."
Barrister Hafiz began to sweat:
> "We’ll need time to discuss this among ourselves first."
> "Fine, but don’t take too long. We’re waiting."
A Mother's Plea
Elsewhere, Hajiya Sarah sat beside Bulama as he sipped tea and read a newspaper. She said:
> "Please, sir, have mercy on Hajiya Halima. Help secure her son's release. She’s completely devastated and restless with worry."
Bulama sighed and responded:
> "It’s not that I don’t care, but you don’t love Halima more than I do. If there was something I could do, I would. But this is a very serious case. If I interfere, it could ruin my reputation."
Hajiya Sarah pressed:
> "Still, you should at least try — even if it’s just to reassure her. Only God knows her pain."
Bulama nodded:
> "I understand, but Halima is too impatient. This kind of matter requires careful steps. And don’t forget — it’s Daula we’re talking about. He’s missing, and the boy was responsible for his security. The authorities are watching. But Insha Allah, he’ll be released."
The Morning After
Yusuf didn’t fall asleep until nearly dawn. As a result, he couldn’t wake up at the regular time for prayer. Widad woke up, made ablution, and returned — but he was still asleep.
She tapped his leg lightly and said:
> "Wake up — you’re late today."
Yusuf stirred and replied:
> "Subhanallah. And so you hit me this hard? Don’t you think it hurt?"
> "You call that a hard tap?"
> "Yes! Look — it’s red already. You really used all your strength."
She laughed and hit him again playfully:
> "What about this? Should I break your bones now?"
Yusuf replied:
> "If I catch you, I’ll make sure I get revenge for all that."
He stretched and went outside for ablution and to perform the dawn prayer.
New Comfort Between Them
As daylight grew, Gwaggo sent them pap and bean cakes.
Widad sat and began picking at her cake, saying she didn’t want any pap.
Yusuf was pleased — she was finally beginning to relax and eat their local food, even though she still wasn’t eating much.
He asked:
> "Why won’t you drink the pap?"
She replied:
> "I just don’t like it. Sometimes I feel like vomiting when I drink it."
Yusuf laughed:
> "I hope Baba Hari didn’t hear you. She’d give you an earful!"
Widad laughed too:
> "That woman is a comedy show. She talks about everything she sees. Sometimes I do things intentionally just to annoy her — but she never understands."
Yusuf said:
> "Hmm. May Allah guide you. I didn’t know you could be this chatty. Back then, you hated even talking to people — only your cat Roux or your Dad could get a smile out of you."
Widad sighed:
> "Ah, you reminded me of my sister Roux. I know she’s missing me. Maybe she’s even dead by now from hunger. No one will care for her. They’re all mad at me — so how would they care for my cat?"
Yusuf consoled:
> "Sorry. Insha Allah, she’s not dead. You’ll return and find her alive."
Widad replied sadly:
> "It’s hard. I miss home, Yoseef. I think of my animals all the time — I know they miss me too."
Why Widad Loves Animals More Than People
Yusuf asked:
> "Why do you love animals more than people?"
Widad sighed and said:
> "It’s a long story. But yes, animals mean more to me than people. If an animal gets close to you, it will never let anyone harm you. But humans — they forget all your good deeds and conspire to hurt you. That’s why I prefer living among animals."
Yusuf responded:
> "That’s true — but not everyone is like that. And humans are social beings. You can’t live without people."
Widad insisted:
> "That’s your opinion. I’ve done it — and it’s more peaceful."
Yusuf said:
> "I was really shocked the day I saw you riding a horse!"
She smiled:
> "I miss that moment. Even in England, I played polo. I love horse racing so much."
Description
A Moment of Silence
Yusuf fell silent, gazing at Widad. He felt a deep stir in his gut after hearing what she had just said. She looked at him and asked:
> "Why are you quiet? Is something wrong?"
He shook his head and replied:
> "No, nothing at all."
Widad responded:
> "Alright then. There's food over there, eat it and take your medicine before lying down."
Yusuf remained still, not moving a muscle or doing any of what she had said. She looked at him again and asked:
> "Or... is it your health?"
He shook his head again and said:
> "No, I’m better now."
Widad continued:
> "Well, I just noticed how quiet you've become, that’s why I thought maybe you weren't feeling well. Please get up, I want to sleep."
Yusuf got up and gave her space to fix her bed and lie down, while he sat aside, deep in thought as if he had just heard tragic news.
Conflicted Thoughts
To avoid raising suspicion from Widad, Yusuf stood and fetched the food intending to eat. But he couldn't bring himself to touch it. His mind was swirling — between the story Saleh told him and what Widad had just said.
What if she eventually found out he was a secret agent?
What kind of judgment would she pass on him?
And now, his heart had already fallen for her. He truly loved her deeply. But still, fear crept in — he wasn't sure Widad would want to remain married to him once they returned home.
Although he was still trying to test whether she had any feelings for him, even if she accepted the marriage and wanted to stay together — who knew they were even married? Only Saleh.
How would they explain this complicated situation to people?
A cold sweat broke over him. Indeed, challenges lay ahead. He couldn’t eat, and besides, his mouth had lost all taste due to his fever. He placed the food aside and tried to sleep — but sleep eluded him. Thoughts crowded his mind.
What was the solution?
How would he explain to Widad who he really was?
Wasn’t it better for him to tell her himself than let her hear it from someone else?
He sat quietly, lost in reflection.
Widad Notices His Worry
Then Widad’s voice broke the silence:
> "What’s making you think so deeply like this?"
He quickly snapped out of his thoughts and replied:
> "Nothing, don’t worry about it."
> "Are you thinking about home… about your mom?"
He forced a smile and said:
> "No."
> "I know you must be thinking about home. I know you're not happy in this town. Even if you haven’t said anything, life here is hard. But for me, it’s a blessing. I don’t feel fear or anxiety because of my enemies. The kindness from the people here, and your support, gives me strength."
> "Every move I make, I think of Daddy. I wonder what state he's in, what he’s doing. I know he’s alive. I keep praying until Allah brings this matter to an end so I can return home."
> "Please forgive me — I know I’m the reason you're in this situation."
She ended the statement with a tone of regret.
Yusuf replied:
> "I don’t regret being here with you. Your father’s kindness and trust in me would make it wrong for me to abandon his only daughter in her time of need. But yes, I do miss my mother. She has no one else — my father died, and she’s a widow. I’m her only child. Allah alone knows the pain she must be going through. I’ve never been apart from her this long. I know she’s worried."
Painful Truths
Widad responded compassionately:
> "Oh, how sad. Surely, those close to us will worry. But you — maybe apart from your mother, others will worry about your disappearance.
> "For me, it’s only Daddy and Bulama who I know would care. Everyone else around me is only here because of my wealth. Without it, they wouldn’t show any love. In fact, I know they backbite me. That’s why I view people differently."
> "I used to think all people were evil. That poor people would do anything for money — that they had no decency. But I’ve since learned that evil doesn’t come from wealth or poverty — it’s just part of some people."
> "You’ve proven that, as have the villagers. They don’t even know who I am, but they treat me well."
Yusuf smiled and said:
> "That’s true. I’ve seen you warm up to them in a way that surprised me. It’s like you’re no longer the same girl who used to dislike people and see them as all bad."
Widad replied:
> "Hmm, I have my reasons. Now, go to bed. Night has fallen, and you’re still sick — you need rest."
Yusuf agreed:
> "You too — good night, my queen."
Widad frowned:
> "Won’t you stop calling me that?"
> "Do you not like it?"
> "I told you before — I don’t."
Yusuf smiled and replied:
> "Well, I love the name. My Queen, My Life. I love you so much, My Dearest Queen."
She scoffed, changed her sleeping position, and blocked her ears to avoid hearing anything further.
Yusuf smiled as he lay down — but still, sleep wouldn't come. His mind was consumed with whether or not to tell Widad the truth about his identity.
Corruption at the Top
Meanwhile…
Barrister Hafiz sat with some men. One of them said:
> "Barrister Hafiz, take a good look at this matter and think deeply before passing judgment. There’s a huge gain in this deal if you go along with it. You’ll earn more than you’ve ever made in your career."
Barrister Hafiz adjusted his sitting position and replied:
> "What I want you to understand is that this job is dangerous. If we sign off on selling Daula’s assets, we don’t know who might be watching his affairs. If this thing leaks, our names will be tarnished, we could lose our jobs, and face legal consequences."
Alhaji Musa countered:
> "Barrister, in this country, everyone is looking out for themselves. A small crime gets you jailed — better to commit a big one and secure your future. You’ll make life-changing money."
> "Besides, who even knows where Daula is? If we succeed in this, you could even leave the country entirely. Just draft a document showing he sold some of his properties at a very cheap price."
Barrister Hafiz began to sweat:
> "We’ll need time to discuss this among ourselves first."
> "Fine, but don’t take too long. We’re waiting."
A Mother's Plea
Elsewhere, Hajiya Sarah sat beside Bulama as he sipped tea and read a newspaper. She said:
> "Please, sir, have mercy on Hajiya Halima. Help secure her son's release. She’s completely devastated and restless with worry."
Bulama sighed and responded:
> "It’s not that I don’t care, but you don’t love Halima more than I do. If there was something I could do, I would. But this is a very serious case. If I interfere, it could ruin my reputation."
Hajiya Sarah pressed:
> "Still, you should at least try — even if it’s just to reassure her. Only God knows her pain."
Bulama nodded:
> "I understand, but Halima is too impatient. This kind of matter requires careful steps. And don’t forget — it’s Daula we’re talking about. He’s missing, and the boy was responsible for his security. The authorities are watching. But Insha Allah, he’ll be released."
The Morning After
Yusuf didn’t fall asleep until nearly dawn. As a result, he couldn’t wake up at the regular time for prayer. Widad woke up, made ablution, and returned — but he was still asleep.
She tapped his leg lightly and said:
> "Wake up — you’re late today."
Yusuf stirred and replied:
> "Subhanallah. And so you hit me this hard? Don’t you think it hurt?"
> "You call that a hard tap?"
> "Yes! Look — it’s red already. You really used all your strength."
She laughed and hit him again playfully:
> "What about this? Should I break your bones now?"
Yusuf replied:
> "If I catch you, I’ll make sure I get revenge for all that."
He stretched and went outside for ablution and to perform the dawn prayer.
New Comfort Between Them
As daylight grew, Gwaggo sent them pap and bean cakes.
Widad sat and began picking at her cake, saying she didn’t want any pap.
Yusuf was pleased — she was finally beginning to relax and eat their local food, even though she still wasn’t eating much.
He asked:
> "Why won’t you drink the pap?"
She replied:
> "I just don’t like it. Sometimes I feel like vomiting when I drink it."
Yusuf laughed:
> "I hope Baba Hari didn’t hear you. She’d give you an earful!"
Widad laughed too:
> "That woman is a comedy show. She talks about everything she sees. Sometimes I do things intentionally just to annoy her — but she never understands."
Yusuf said:
> "Hmm. May Allah guide you. I didn’t know you could be this chatty. Back then, you hated even talking to people — only your cat Roux or your Dad could get a smile out of you."
Widad sighed:
> "Ah, you reminded me of my sister Roux. I know she’s missing me. Maybe she’s even dead by now from hunger. No one will care for her. They’re all mad at me — so how would they care for my cat?"
Yusuf consoled:
> "Sorry. Insha Allah, she’s not dead. You’ll return and find her alive."
Widad replied sadly:
> "It’s hard. I miss home, Yoseef. I think of my animals all the time — I know they miss me too."
Why Widad Loves Animals More Than People
Yusuf asked:
> "Why do you love animals more than people?"
Widad sighed and said:
> "It’s a long story. But yes, animals mean more to me than people. If an animal gets close to you, it will never let anyone harm you. But humans — they forget all your good deeds and conspire to hurt you. That’s why I prefer living among animals."
Yusuf responded:
> "That’s true — but not everyone is like that. And humans are social beings. You can’t live without people."
Widad insisted:
> "That’s your opinion. I’ve done it — and it’s more peaceful."
Yusuf said:
> "I was really shocked the day I saw you riding a horse!"
She smiled:
> "I miss that moment. Even in England, I played polo. I love horse racing so much."