“Is it because of school expenses you came, Nasreena?” The voice of the elderly man, filled with dignity, cut off Nasreen who was standing rudely before him.
“Yes, will you give me the money or not? 😱 And Abba, it’s a lot of money. Honestly, throughout this semester there’s not a single textbook because of how expensive it is.”
“Toh, toh, no problem. Go to the visitor, he will give you the money. May Allah bless you.”
“Amin, Abba,” she replied, suppressing laughter as she left the sitting room.
“Mtswww, stupid old man. By Allah, if I had inheritance over that old man, nothing would stop me from killing him so everyone can rest. Yes, I will just kill him and we’ll take that filthy wealth of his that has become too much for him. How can such money be in the hands of an illiterate bush man who has no Western education?
But no problem, after all, my mother is with him. Even if she doesn’t have a son, not to mention a grandchild, she will definitely get something if he dies. Foolish man, you came into this world as a waste. No son, no grandchild, and you even married three wives, none of whom Allah gave you a child through.
Honestly, I’m even surprised at his wealth and money. A man who is already close to the grave, yet he still makes long-term plans. Today it’s this business, tomorrow he’s already moving to the next step without hesitation—tirrrr.” She continued grumbling as she left his section and headed toward the quarters of Hajiya Falmata, her mother.
General Saleh Yelwa’s Estate
“By Allah, today I will humble you inside this house. Shameless, foolish girl. You’ve forgotten who I am? You’ve forgotten…?”
“Mami, please forgive her.” Aliyu’s voice cut off Mami who was scolding Jidder.
Daddy was exhaling deeply, seated, not wanting to move. He knew if he spoke, everyone’s temper would worsen because General never tolerated anger at all. He was holding Ma’eesha, dripping with water.
Khalil interrupted Aliyu, saying:
“This girl Jidder is wicked. She has no faith. Her dark heart matches her ugly face, that’s why Allah made you the ugly one among us. From today, if you ever try that again, you will leave this house. The way you left her in water, you too will sit in water. I swear, if water takes her, wherever there’s a well, I will throw you inside for minutes.”
The General shook his head. Truly, he knew his soldiers could do worse than this, and they wouldn’t even see it as a major punishment. “No, no. This matter is not that serious. Leave her for me. I will personally punish her. In fact, I haven’t forgiven her yet.”
Mami’s voice cut across. But Jidder’s boiling heart felt like she could scream like a hyena and strangle Ma’eesha to death, just to face whatever punishment they would give her.
In rage, she banged the table in front of her, burst into tears, and stood up. Staring at Ma’eesha, she shouted:
“So why don’t you just kill me instead of her! Kill me and leave the world for this foundling, this child whose origin is unknown!
Mami, Daddy—they are not your parents. They didn’t give birth to you. Aliyu picked you up as an infant and raised you in this house. Later, Mami took you in and…”
Tas-tas-tssstasssss—four slaps rained down on her face from Khalil, stopping her words instantly.
“Mad girl, Jidder!” His red eyes widened as he trembled, not knowing what else to do to her.
Aliyu quickly grabbed him, holding him back:
“This is not worth it. Calm down, please.”
Mami burst into heartbreaking tears, rushing toward the General with Ma’eesha in her arms. Ma’eesha, still drenched, stared at them, her mind spinning, lips unable to form a word.
“Come, my baby,” Mami whispered, pressing Ma’eesha closer as tears streamed down her own face. Both wept bitterly until Khalil’s loud voice cut them:
“Don’t ever call me your brother again. If you won’t call Ma’eesha your sister, then don’t call me your brother either. This is my final word to you. Don’t claim me anymore if you exclude Ma’eesha from our family.”
“No…” Jidder sobbed, still on the floor from Khalil’s beating. “Today you beat me, something you’ve never done before. I swear, I hate her deeply. She cannot remain in this house as a daughter, only as a servant.”
“You dare not! If you try, your mother will be the one in the hospital!” General Saleh Yelwa’s furious voice roared. Sweat poured from his face, and he didn’t even know how to look at Ma’eesha now that all the family secrets had been exposed.
Mami’s tears deepened as Ma’eesha asked softly:
“Mami, is it true you’re not my mother? And Daddy, Uncle Haidar too…”
Quickly, Mami covered her mouth:
“Nooooo…”
But Ma’eesha pressed:
“Mami, just tell me the truth. I am ready for whatever destiny holds. Even if I lose you and Daddy, I will take it as my fate.”
Mami collapsed, crying uncontrollably. Ma’eesha wiped her tears and said:
“Mami, your crying proves Jidder’s words are true. But at least tell me—Khalil, is he my brother?”
“None of us are your family. What Jidder said is the truth.”
“Haidar! What kind of words are these? Do you want to kill her? She’s just a little girl! Do you want her to collapse, thinking she belongs to another family?” Mami sobbed bitterly.
Ma’eesha stared at Aliyu, then quietly walked past them into her bedroom. Silence filled the house, broken only by Mami’s sobs. Jidder stormed upstairs too, weeping her own tears.
“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un,” General Saleh muttered, pacing the sitting room.
Suddenly, Mami rose and ran after Ma’eesha.
“Everyone, go about your business. Don’t let this trouble your hearts,” Aliyu said calmly, picking up his glass and car keys before leaving.
“What does that boy mean?” Khalil thought, puzzled. “He should be the most troubled one, but look at him—he doesn’t care. After all, he was the one who brought Ma’eesha here.”
Shaking his head, Khalil felt Daddy’s hand on his shoulder.
“Khalil.”
“Yes, Daddy?”
“Promise me you will take care of Ma’eesha even after we are gone. Don’t let her cry in loneliness. Be her family, her protection. You are the eldest—that’s why I’m entrusting her to you.”
“Daddy, don’t speak like this. We will all care for her. Don’t let this matter worry you.”
“No, I want you especially to care for her. Ali is still young.”
Khalil exhaled deeply and replied:
“Daddy, I promise, insha’Allah.”
Mami and Ma’eesha
In front of the mirror, Ma’eesha stood in her bathrobe, eyes swollen from crying. When she heard Mami’s footsteps, she quickly wiped her tears and forced a smile.
“Mami,” she called, hiding her sorrow behind cheerfulness.
Mami’s eyes filled with tears again. “Ma’eesha, forgive me, my daughter.”
Ma’eesha grabbed her hand quickly:
“I don’t want to hear anything about it, Mami. I want you to know I’ve already forgotten the words. I will continue living with all of you. Please stop crying.”
Mami nodded, suppressing her sobs. “I wish Allah had made me your real mother. You have such a pure heart.”
“Come, Mami, help me bathe and then I’ll sleep.”
Mami smiled: “Ma’eesha, you’re growing into a young lady. Today, I’ll let you bathe me instead.”
They both laughed, heading to the bathroom together.
But Jidder was watching from the doorway, tears of jealousy streaming down her face, hatred for Ma’eesha consuming her heart.
From that day, Ma’eesha knew the truth of who she was in the house. Yet, she endured Jidder’s insults happily because she received plenty of love and care from others.
But there was one person who disturbed her peace—Haidar. He rarely spoke to her, always forcing her into training, waking her up early, exhausting her like he wanted to turn her into a soldier. Sometimes she even felt happy when he left. Still, she had no idea that every move she made, Ali was watching closely, knowing her more than she knew herself.
Years passed, and by now Ma’eesha was fifteen, in SS1.
Saturday – 5:50am
She was still sleeping deeply, wrapped in her blanket since there was no school until 9am. Suddenly, she felt someone shaking her bed. She turned, stretching lazily, pouting in defiance.
Ali Haidar stood there, staring at her silently, amazed at how grown she looked. His eyes fixed on her chest; he shut them quickly, remembering it had been sixteen months since he left home. Could she have grown this much in that short time?
Unable to resist, he touched her cheek gently, recalling her childhood.
Half-asleep, she muttered:
“Mami, I won’t wake up until 9. Let me sleep…”
But then, that familiar arrogant voice boomed above her:
“Get up—we’re going for morning exercise 🤸ðŸ»â™‚ï¸.”
She shot her eyes open, blinking, thinking maybe she was dreaming.
Looking at him in disbelief, she wh
ispered to herself:
“Oh God, I hope this isn’t real.”
But his piercing eyes and stern brows told her otherwise.
Description
Nasreena and Her Father
“Is it because of school expenses you came, Nasreena?” The voice of the elderly man, filled with dignity, cut off Nasreen who was standing rudely before him.
“Yes, will you give me the money or not? 😱 And Abba, it’s a lot of money. Honestly, throughout this semester there’s not a single textbook because of how expensive it is.”
“Toh, toh, no problem. Go to the visitor, he will give you the money. May Allah bless you.”
“Amin, Abba,” she replied, suppressing laughter as she left the sitting room.
“Mtswww, stupid old man. By Allah, if I had inheritance over that old man, nothing would stop me from killing him so everyone can rest. Yes, I will just kill him and we’ll take that filthy wealth of his that has become too much for him. How can such money be in the hands of an illiterate bush man who has no Western education?
But no problem, after all, my mother is with him. Even if she doesn’t have a son, not to mention a grandchild, she will definitely get something if he dies. Foolish man, you came into this world as a waste. No son, no grandchild, and you even married three wives, none of whom Allah gave you a child through.
Honestly, I’m even surprised at his wealth and money. A man who is already close to the grave, yet he still makes long-term plans. Today it’s this business, tomorrow he’s already moving to the next step without hesitation—tirrrr.” She continued grumbling as she left his section and headed toward the quarters of Hajiya Falmata, her mother.
General Saleh Yelwa’s Estate
“By Allah, today I will humble you inside this house. Shameless, foolish girl. You’ve forgotten who I am? You’ve forgotten…?”
“Mami, please forgive her.” Aliyu’s voice cut off Mami who was scolding Jidder.
Daddy was exhaling deeply, seated, not wanting to move. He knew if he spoke, everyone’s temper would worsen because General never tolerated anger at all. He was holding Ma’eesha, dripping with water.
Khalil interrupted Aliyu, saying:
“This girl Jidder is wicked. She has no faith. Her dark heart matches her ugly face, that’s why Allah made you the ugly one among us. From today, if you ever try that again, you will leave this house. The way you left her in water, you too will sit in water. I swear, if water takes her, wherever there’s a well, I will throw you inside for minutes.”
The General shook his head. Truly, he knew his soldiers could do worse than this, and they wouldn’t even see it as a major punishment. “No, no. This matter is not that serious. Leave her for me. I will personally punish her. In fact, I haven’t forgiven her yet.”
Mami’s voice cut across. But Jidder’s boiling heart felt like she could scream like a hyena and strangle Ma’eesha to death, just to face whatever punishment they would give her.
In rage, she banged the table in front of her, burst into tears, and stood up. Staring at Ma’eesha, she shouted:
“So why don’t you just kill me instead of her! Kill me and leave the world for this foundling, this child whose origin is unknown!
Mami, Daddy—they are not your parents. They didn’t give birth to you. Aliyu picked you up as an infant and raised you in this house. Later, Mami took you in and…”
Tas-tas-tssstasssss—four slaps rained down on her face from Khalil, stopping her words instantly.
“Mad girl, Jidder!” His red eyes widened as he trembled, not knowing what else to do to her.
Aliyu quickly grabbed him, holding him back:
“This is not worth it. Calm down, please.”
Mami burst into heartbreaking tears, rushing toward the General with Ma’eesha in her arms. Ma’eesha, still drenched, stared at them, her mind spinning, lips unable to form a word.
“Come, my baby,” Mami whispered, pressing Ma’eesha closer as tears streamed down her own face. Both wept bitterly until Khalil’s loud voice cut them:
“Don’t ever call me your brother again. If you won’t call Ma’eesha your sister, then don’t call me your brother either. This is my final word to you. Don’t claim me anymore if you exclude Ma’eesha from our family.”
“No…” Jidder sobbed, still on the floor from Khalil’s beating. “Today you beat me, something you’ve never done before. I swear, I hate her deeply. She cannot remain in this house as a daughter, only as a servant.”
“You dare not! If you try, your mother will be the one in the hospital!” General Saleh Yelwa’s furious voice roared. Sweat poured from his face, and he didn’t even know how to look at Ma’eesha now that all the family secrets had been exposed.
Mami’s tears deepened as Ma’eesha asked softly:
“Mami, is it true you’re not my mother? And Daddy, Uncle Haidar too…”
Quickly, Mami covered her mouth:
“Nooooo…”
But Ma’eesha pressed:
“Mami, just tell me the truth. I am ready for whatever destiny holds. Even if I lose you and Daddy, I will take it as my fate.”
Mami collapsed, crying uncontrollably. Ma’eesha wiped her tears and said:
“Mami, your crying proves Jidder’s words are true. But at least tell me—Khalil, is he my brother?”
“No, he’s not.”
Aliyu’s voice cut sharply. Everyone turned toward him.
“None of us are your family. What Jidder said is the truth.”
“Haidar! What kind of words are these? Do you want to kill her? She’s just a little girl! Do you want her to collapse, thinking she belongs to another family?” Mami sobbed bitterly.
Ma’eesha stared at Aliyu, then quietly walked past them into her bedroom. Silence filled the house, broken only by Mami’s sobs. Jidder stormed upstairs too, weeping her own tears.
“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un,” General Saleh muttered, pacing the sitting room.
Suddenly, Mami rose and ran after Ma’eesha.
“Everyone, go about your business. Don’t let this trouble your hearts,” Aliyu said calmly, picking up his glass and car keys before leaving.
“What does that boy mean?” Khalil thought, puzzled. “He should be the most troubled one, but look at him—he doesn’t care. After all, he was the one who brought Ma’eesha here.”
Shaking his head, Khalil felt Daddy’s hand on his shoulder.
“Khalil.”
“Yes, Daddy?”
“Promise me you will take care of Ma’eesha even after we are gone. Don’t let her cry in loneliness. Be her family, her protection. You are the eldest—that’s why I’m entrusting her to you.”
“Daddy, don’t speak like this. We will all care for her. Don’t let this matter worry you.”
“No, I want you especially to care for her. Ali is still young.”
Khalil exhaled deeply and replied:
“Daddy, I promise, insha’Allah.”
Mami and Ma’eesha
In front of the mirror, Ma’eesha stood in her bathrobe, eyes swollen from crying. When she heard Mami’s footsteps, she quickly wiped her tears and forced a smile.
“Mami,” she called, hiding her sorrow behind cheerfulness.
Mami’s eyes filled with tears again. “Ma’eesha, forgive me, my daughter.”
Ma’eesha grabbed her hand quickly:
“I don’t want to hear anything about it, Mami. I want you to know I’ve already forgotten the words. I will continue living with all of you. Please stop crying.”
Mami nodded, suppressing her sobs. “I wish Allah had made me your real mother. You have such a pure heart.”
“Come, Mami, help me bathe and then I’ll sleep.”
Mami smiled: “Ma’eesha, you’re growing into a young lady. Today, I’ll let you bathe me instead.”
They both laughed, heading to the bathroom together.
But Jidder was watching from the doorway, tears of jealousy streaming down her face, hatred for Ma’eesha consuming her heart.
From that day, Ma’eesha knew the truth of who she was in the house. Yet, she endured Jidder’s insults happily because she received plenty of love and care from others.
But there was one person who disturbed her peace—Haidar. He rarely spoke to her, always forcing her into training, waking her up early, exhausting her like he wanted to turn her into a soldier. Sometimes she even felt happy when he left. Still, she had no idea that every move she made, Ali was watching closely, knowing her more than she knew herself.
Years passed, and by now Ma’eesha was fifteen, in SS1.
Saturday – 5:50am
She was still sleeping deeply, wrapped in her blanket since there was no school until 9am. Suddenly, she felt someone shaking her bed. She turned, stretching lazily, pouting in defiance.
Ali Haidar stood there, staring at her silently, amazed at how grown she looked. His eyes fixed on her chest; he shut them quickly, remembering it had been sixteen months since he left home. Could she have grown this much in that short time?
Unable to resist, he touched her cheek gently, recalling her childhood.
Half-asleep, she muttered:
“Mami, I won’t wake up until 9. Let me sleep…”
But then, that familiar arrogant voice boomed above her:
“Get up—we’re going for morning exercise 🤸ðŸ»â™‚ï¸.”
She shot her eyes open, blinking, thinking maybe she was dreaming.
Looking at him in disbelief, she wh
ispered to herself:
“Oh God, I hope this isn’t real.”
But his piercing eyes and stern brows told her otherwise.
“Will you get up, or should I…?”