When Mimi came in, I didn’t pay her much attention; I was standing by the door of our mother’s room, talking to her. Quietly, Simi slipped into our room hiding something in her veil. My heart immediately felt uneasy. She came out and stood beside me, saying,
“So, you left me on the road and came ahead?”
Umma replied, “I just asked her the same thing. She said you left her on the road. But you’ve been gone a while. Honestly, your makeup was worth the soap money—it looks beautiful.”
Mimi said, “It’s true, Umma. We found her doing something for someone else, that’s why.” She added, “Your food is in the kitchen.”
I passed by the kitchen without looking at Mimi, took the food in a container, and went to Umma’s hut. I sat down and began to dish it out. Mimi approached slowly, clearly troubled that I was ignoring her. Umma got up and went outside to greet visitors.
Mimi looked at me, her lips trembling, and said, “Do you know something, Asma’u?”
I replied, “Not until you tell me.”
She said, “That guy… he gave me a special phone. Haven’t you seen it? He said he’ll be calling me with it…”
My heart dropped! Suddenly, I lost my appetite. I looked at her with composure and said, “You’re lucky, Mimi. May Allah increase the love between you.”
Without shame, Mimi replied, “Ameen. I didn’t know he was so approachable.”
I just hummed. She kept talking about him, unable to eat. I asked, “Mimi, is love stopping you from eating? Just take it slow.” She laughed happily—anyone who knew Mimi then could see her joy had doubled.
Amjadu’s New Company and the Press Interview
He went straight to the company site where workers of all kinds were busy. Insha Allah, everything would be completed today except for electrical connections and painting. Everything else was done, and the workers stood ready. He was overjoyed to see his new company looking like something imported straight from America—well-structured and grand.
He sat with his senior staff to discuss tightening security measures and hiring new employees. He entrusted Bashir, the manager, with responsibilities, knowing he’d be traveling tomorrow to check on progress elsewhere.
As he walked around the compound with his hands behind his back, he looked every bit the leader. A TV station worker approached and said, “Sir, we’ve been waiting for you. We’ve been sitting in that hut for a while.”
He looked at the spot the man pointed to and saw four of them seated. Surprised, he asked, “What do you want from me?” The man replied, “Just a few quick questions.”
They went to a large lounge with silver chairs arranged neatly. Only painting was left. He sat down, and they prepared their recorders.
One journalist asked:
> “Sir, last week we heard rumors that apart from this company you’re building, you’re opening two more abroad. Is it true?”
He smiled, shaking his head—realizing his every move was watched. Then he answered:
> “Yes, it’s true. I’m opening two more companies, one in America and one in England. Next week, we’ll hold the opening ceremonies there, just like here. I want traders to know that anyone who wishes to place orders abroad can go to my company, A’A Abul Abbas Mai Nasara. We’ll have every kind of clothing—traditional Hausa outfits, casual wear, suits, women’s fashion, shoes for men and women—all at affordable prices. Anything foreign companies bring, we’ll also provide here.”
The journalist then asked:
> “Sir, are you married? Many people think you are.”
He smiled shyly, scratched his head, and replied:
> “No, I’m not married, and I’m not planning it now. I don’t even have a girlfriend I intend to marry. But marriage is about timing—when the time comes, Allah will bring the right woman. I hope you all will pray for me to find a righteous wife.”
The journalist responded with a prayer for him to find a good wife and blessed children. Amjadu warmly thanked them. They left satisfied, having gotten their interview without difficulty.
That evening, after Maghrib prayer, he left the company relaxed, knowing everything was complete. His phone kept ringing, but he ignored it—probably just more people wanting his statement. His speech was already on every news outlet in Kano, even on NTA’s 6 o’clock bulletin. Still, he felt something big was about to happen.
He drove straight to Granny’s house to greet her.
Governor’s Plot Against Amjadu
Meanwhile, the governor and five top businessmen—ruthless men who cared only for themselves—were in a meeting at the government house. They despised any trader who lowered prices, believing the poor didn’t deserve pity.
Hearing that Amjadu was opening two foreign branches, their anger burned. One of them, Alhaji Sunusi Mai Leshi, said:
> “I think we should bribe his workers heavily so they’ll sabotage the goods—make them low quality. That way, customers will leave him.”
Mai Citta, another man, smiled wickedly and said:
> “Good idea. We just need to connect with his workers. Once we pay them enough, they’ll do anything.”
They all agreed, ending the meeting pleased with their plan.
Granny’s Sharp Tongue
As usual, she was sitting in the parlor with her housemaid, Iyami, chatting about her hometown when he entered and greeted them. Iyami welcomed him warmly and teased him before going to bring food.
Granny looked at him and said flatly:
> “Big man, always traveling here and there without a wife—aren’t you ashamed? You’ve achieved so much, yet you’re wasting time.”
He frowned.
> “So as soon as I come, you start talking about marriage again?”
She replied,
> “If it was about me, you’d have killed me by now. Look at you—like a giant but without energy. Your wife will regret it!”
She teased him about being weak, offering to find him traditional medicine. Then she asked bluntly:
> “Do you even desire women at all?”
Feigning seriousness, he said,
> “Not at all. But I’ll still marry, just like you want.”
She gasped,
> “Innalillahi! You want to ruin some poor girl’s life… Iyami! Come here!”
He laughed, but she scolded him for wanting to marry without being able to meet a wife’s needs. Iyami entered, and Granny told her, “This big man has no strength.” Iyami prayed for his healing, but Granny shooed her away so they could continue their private talk.
Description
Mimi’s Secret and the Kitchen Scene
When Mimi came in, I didn’t pay her much attention; I was standing by the door of our mother’s room, talking to her. Quietly, Simi slipped into our room hiding something in her veil. My heart immediately felt uneasy. She came out and stood beside me, saying,
“So, you left me on the road and came ahead?”
Umma replied, “I just asked her the same thing. She said you left her on the road. But you’ve been gone a while. Honestly, your makeup was worth the soap money—it looks beautiful.”
Mimi said, “It’s true, Umma. We found her doing something for someone else, that’s why.” She added, “Your food is in the kitchen.”
I passed by the kitchen without looking at Mimi, took the food in a container, and went to Umma’s hut. I sat down and began to dish it out. Mimi approached slowly, clearly troubled that I was ignoring her. Umma got up and went outside to greet visitors.
Mimi looked at me, her lips trembling, and said, “Do you know something, Asma’u?”
I replied, “Not until you tell me.”
She said, “That guy… he gave me a special phone. Haven’t you seen it? He said he’ll be calling me with it…”
My heart dropped! Suddenly, I lost my appetite. I looked at her with composure and said, “You’re lucky, Mimi. May Allah increase the love between you.”
Without shame, Mimi replied, “Ameen. I didn’t know he was so approachable.”
I just hummed. She kept talking about him, unable to eat. I asked, “Mimi, is love stopping you from eating? Just take it slow.” She laughed happily—anyone who knew Mimi then could see her joy had doubled.
Amjadu’s New Company and the Press Interview
He went straight to the company site where workers of all kinds were busy. Insha Allah, everything would be completed today except for electrical connections and painting. Everything else was done, and the workers stood ready. He was overjoyed to see his new company looking like something imported straight from America—well-structured and grand.
He sat with his senior staff to discuss tightening security measures and hiring new employees. He entrusted Bashir, the manager, with responsibilities, knowing he’d be traveling tomorrow to check on progress elsewhere.
As he walked around the compound with his hands behind his back, he looked every bit the leader. A TV station worker approached and said, “Sir, we’ve been waiting for you. We’ve been sitting in that hut for a while.”
He looked at the spot the man pointed to and saw four of them seated. Surprised, he asked, “What do you want from me?” The man replied, “Just a few quick questions.”
They went to a large lounge with silver chairs arranged neatly. Only painting was left. He sat down, and they prepared their recorders.
One journalist asked:
> “Sir, last week we heard rumors that apart from this company you’re building, you’re opening two more abroad. Is it true?”
He smiled, shaking his head—realizing his every move was watched. Then he answered:
> “Yes, it’s true. I’m opening two more companies, one in America and one in England. Next week, we’ll hold the opening ceremonies there, just like here. I want traders to know that anyone who wishes to place orders abroad can go to my company, A’A Abul Abbas Mai Nasara. We’ll have every kind of clothing—traditional Hausa outfits, casual wear, suits, women’s fashion, shoes for men and women—all at affordable prices. Anything foreign companies bring, we’ll also provide here.”
The journalist then asked:
> “Sir, are you married? Many people think you are.”
He smiled shyly, scratched his head, and replied:
> “No, I’m not married, and I’m not planning it now. I don’t even have a girlfriend I intend to marry. But marriage is about timing—when the time comes, Allah will bring the right woman. I hope you all will pray for me to find a righteous wife.”
The journalist responded with a prayer for him to find a good wife and blessed children. Amjadu warmly thanked them. They left satisfied, having gotten their interview without difficulty.
That evening, after Maghrib prayer, he left the company relaxed, knowing everything was complete. His phone kept ringing, but he ignored it—probably just more people wanting his statement. His speech was already on every news outlet in Kano, even on NTA’s 6 o’clock bulletin. Still, he felt something big was about to happen.
He drove straight to Granny’s house to greet her.
Governor’s Plot Against Amjadu
Meanwhile, the governor and five top businessmen—ruthless men who cared only for themselves—were in a meeting at the government house. They despised any trader who lowered prices, believing the poor didn’t deserve pity.
Hearing that Amjadu was opening two foreign branches, their anger burned. One of them, Alhaji Sunusi Mai Leshi, said:
> “I think we should bribe his workers heavily so they’ll sabotage the goods—make them low quality. That way, customers will leave him.”
Mai Citta, another man, smiled wickedly and said:
> “Good idea. We just need to connect with his workers. Once we pay them enough, they’ll do anything.”
They all agreed, ending the meeting pleased with their plan.
Granny’s Sharp Tongue
As usual, she was sitting in the parlor with her housemaid, Iyami, chatting about her hometown when he entered and greeted them. Iyami welcomed him warmly and teased him before going to bring food.
Granny looked at him and said flatly:
> “Big man, always traveling here and there without a wife—aren’t you ashamed? You’ve achieved so much, yet you’re wasting time.”
He frowned.
> “So as soon as I come, you start talking about marriage again?”
She replied,
> “If it was about me, you’d have killed me by now. Look at you—like a giant but without energy. Your wife will regret it!”
She teased him about being weak, offering to find him traditional medicine. Then she asked bluntly:
> “Do you even desire women at all?”
Feigning seriousness, he said,
> “Not at all. But I’ll still marry, just like you want.”
She gasped,
> “Innalillahi! You want to ruin some poor girl’s life… Iyami! Come here!”
He laughed, but she scolded him for wanting to marry without being able to meet a wife’s needs. Iyami entered, and Granny told her, “This big man has no strength.” Iyami prayed for his healing, but Granny shooed her away so they could continue their private talk.