As the call for the Asr prayer was made, Malam Bala and his companions arrived home. Salma quickly dropped her bag in the middle of Kande’s room and rushed to her, laughing with the joy of seeing her. However, seeing her guardian's frail condition dampened her spirits. She sank to her knees, placing her hands over Kande’s, and said:
“Gwaggo, did you really miss me so much that you fell ill? We haven't been apart for long, Gwaggo. Please stop worrying; I’m back with you now, and I will never be far from you again.”
The tears Salma saw Kande wiping away confused her further. She buried her head in Kande's lap and began to cry, though she didn't know why. Kande stroked her back gently, sniffing and closing her eyes, which were weary from weeping. She felt a searing pain in her soul. With a trembling voice, she spoke:
“I am not crying because I missed you, Salma. I am crying because I have no way to send a message to Abdulwahab to take you far away from Kura forever. I am crying because of how we—me and you, an orphan of God—have been overpowered. Today, I have realized that some relatives are only relatives by name. My own family conspired against me and showed me my place. Your uncles told me I am nothing to them but their father’s younger sister, and therefore I have no right to make decisions regarding your life. Your father’s relatives knew nothing of what was happening until it was already done. Salma, I seek your forgiveness. Forgive me for failing to protect the trust left to me, failing to see you grow up and marry the kind of husband you desire.”
Gwaggo Kande’s words completely overwhelmed Salma’s young mind. Confused, Salma said:
“Please, Gwaggo, explain it to me clearly so I can understand what you are trying to tell me.”
Gwaggo Kande adjusted her seat, sat Salma beside her, and began to recount everything that had happened. Finally, she said:
“Just a moment ago, your paternal uncles left here in a rage. They initially thought the marriage to Rabi'u was done with my consent. It wasn't until I explained everything and told them that Malam Bala claimed it was done with your maternal uncles' approval that they calmed down. They said they would return once Malam comes back with you; they will not accept this cursed marriage.”
Salma let out a heavy sigh amidst the sobbing that had consumed her since Gwaggo revealed the truth. Unable to say anything, she stood up, dragged her bag to the corner of the room, and sat on her mattress, continuing to weep. Seeing this, Gwaggo Kande tried to comfort her, insisting the marriage must be dissolved and telling her not to worry lest she fall ill. Feeling weak, Salma went out to the courtyard, wiping her tears. She took a plastic kettle (buta) and headed to the bathroom. Once inside, she burst into a fresh, silent fit of crying. She struggled to suppress the extreme distress brought on by the news Gwaggo had given her—the worst story of her life. Overwhelmed by self-pity, she huddled against the wall, trembling. Realizing she would miss the Asr prayer, she washed her face, performed ablution, and walked past Hasiye, who was ululating and shouting:
“Look at the bride of Malam Rabi'u Mai Shinkafa! The great farmer of both dry and rainy seasons, an elder who looks like a youth, wealthy and stylish! Why are you crying? Girl, relax and go enjoy wealth where it resides. If not for a spirit (jinn) marrying him, he wouldn't even be your match—you’d be a match for his second or third granddaughter!”
Salma looked at Hasiye, and for the first time in her life, felt she couldn't keep quiet. She replied:
“Alhamdulillah, we thank God in every situation. I am certain it is my gratitude to God that has led me to this stage of marrying a man I didn't choose. By God’s grace, I will not be humiliated, even if you pushed for me to marry an old man out of malice.”
Hasiye let out a cry of "Salati," clapping her hands and holding her chin in shock.
“Inyeeee! Oh, this girl’s neck is truly ripe for the knife. Kande, look at her! The girl you were crying for, saying she's too young for an old man, is standing here spitting out words that even an elder wouldn't use. You’ll regret calling me malicious, girl. You haven't seen anything yet in this life.”
Salma lifted the curtain and poked her head out:
“I shall only see good, by God’s grace.”
In a rage, Hasiye picked up a metal plate near her and threw it at Salma, cursing her. Salma returned to the room, listening to Gwaggo Kande scolding her for responding to Hasiye before she could plot further mischief. Salma put on her hijab and prayed. As soon as she finished, she tossed the hijab aside and lay down, turning her back to Gwaggo Kande, worrying about her future. Gwaggo Kande stared at the girl’s back as if trying to read her thoughts.
As they sat in silence, Malam Bala entered the house carrying a greasy bag. He went straight to Kande’s room, sat on the edge of the bed with a wide grin, and said:
“Oh, Kande! It turns out that boy Abdulwahab has really prospered in Kano. I saw true wealth today, Kande. The boy had food brought to us with plenty of meat in it. When I was leaving, he stuffed his pocket and gave me a gift. I used some for the fare home and bought you this *kilishi* (dried meat) to taste.”
Kande looked at her husband with utter contempt and said:
“If you're finished eating, move along. Whether it's in your room or with that greedy woman who put you on this path, go there. I want nothing from you.”
Deeply offended, Malam Bala stood up and said:
“I've noticed you haven't been acting right lately, but that doesn't bother me. I won't stop the good deed I've started—I will continue to save this servant of God who has never been married in his life.”
He took the bag and walked to where Salma was lying. She watched him, tears streaming down her face. He grinned and said:
“Baba’s little girl, take this and eat, okay? I noticed these past few days you've gotten used to eating well at your brother's house.”
Salma just stared at him, motionless and silent. Seeing this, Malam Bala set the bag down to leave. As he reached the curtain, he stopped and looked at Gwaggo Kande:
“Have her ready by tonight. Rabi'u is coming to see his bride and discuss if there are any celebrations she wants. By God’s grace, tomorrow she will be taken to her husband's house, just like her sister Samira. He even said we shouldn't worry about buying a bed; he has already provided everything today. All he needs is his wife, nothing else.”
A bitter smile escaped Kande’s lips.
“So that’s it. I'm sure buying Salma furniture was the only thing worrying you in this entire world, Malam. Traditionally, if someone raises a girl, they provide her wedding furniture. But you can't bring yourself to spend a dime on Salma. If you knew this, Malam, you wouldn't have put her life at risk just to save on furniture. Or have you forgotten her brother is still managing her inheritance? Have you forgotten he is wealthy enough to ensure you wouldn't struggle when Salma’s wedding came? Malam...”
Ashamed and defensive, Malam Bala raised his hand to silence Kande:
“Stop it, Kande! Are you implying that I, Malam Bala, the 'Prosperous Farmer' of Kura, cannot afford furniture for Salma? Well, for your information, I even offered money for the bed, but when Rabi'u heard I was going to buy chairs, he came himself and said not to bother because he had already done it. Tomorrow, I will go collect my 'inheritance money' to use for other festivities. Who do you think I am, Kande?”
“A man who betrays trust and has no pity for an orphan. Malam, I am certain if you had actually taken that furniture money as you said, you would have spent it by now, because you aren't a man who plays with his wealth—especially when it falls into his lap for free.”
Defensive and loud, Malam Bala began to rant, shouting nonsensically. Kande’s temper flared, and they began exchanging harsh words until Salma let out a scream, crying and begging them to stop. She knelt before Kande, who was also in tears, and said:
“Please, Gwaggo, stop arguing with Baba. It’s not like you. In all my time in this house, I’ve never heard you talk back to him. If you're fighting because of me, I promise to obey Baba regarding whomever he marries me to. Please stop fighting, my heart is burning, I can't take it.”
Salma cried so hard she began to gasp for air, like an asthma sufferer. Despite his hard heart, Malam Bala felt a chill. He quickly pulled the curtain and left the room. In the courtyard, he found Hasiye pretending to wash dishes; it was obvious she had been eavesdropping. As soon as he appeared, she scurried away. Once he was gone, Kande hugged Salma and said:
“In Sha Allah, you will not marry a man old enough to be your grandfather. You will grow up and marry a handsome young man, just as I have always wished for you. Your uncle Akilu is going to Kano tomorrow to find your brother and tell him everything that is happening.”
Salma shook her head. Her gut told her this marriage was a done deal—she would be going to Malam Rabi'u's house whether she liked it or not. Kande told her to stop talking and go lie down, noting that her body felt hot, a sign of a looming fever.
By the time Kande and Salma finished their Isha prayer, they had made no preparations to receive Malam Rabi'u. On Hasiye's side, she had already prepared a snack in a brand-new bowl and brought out a new mat, waiting for their guest. She even entered Kande’s room with a greeting, grinning like an idiot. Surprised, Kande and Salma looked at the woman who usually never checked on Kande even when she was ill. Whenever Hasiye lifted Kande’s curtain, it was usually for a fight, not a friendly visit.
She sat down, laughing, and said:
“Ah, my daughter Salma, are you still lying there? Haven't you gotten ready after your father told you that you'd have a visitor soon?”
Salma didn't move or acknowledge her. Kande, tired of Hasiye’s pestering, said:
“Look, you troublemaker, please leave and go receive the guest yourself since you’re the one who hatched this plot. I don't know what you gain from this wickedness, but Allah is greater than you. Tomorrow, her brother is coming with security agents to arrest anyone involved in this forced marriage you've plotted.”
Hasiye’s stomach did a flip, so loud that even Kande heard it. Terrified at the mention of the authorities, she began swearing and insisting she had no hand in the match between Salma and Rabi'u. Kande just shrugged.
“The security agents will confirm that when they arrive.”
Trembling, Hasiye left the room and began pacing in her own. She waited anxiously for Malam Bala to return so they could decide what to do. When he arrived and she told him what Kande said, he just hissed.
“Does she think the police are fools who don't investigate? This marriage is already legal, Hasiye, so stop being afraid of anyone.”
Before Hasiye could respond, a child’s greeting echoed in the courtyard. Mairo answered and asked:
“Tsalha, why are you bothering people with so many greetings?”
The boy made a face at her and said:
“Malam Rabi'u told me to greet your father for him.”
Malam Bala hurried out, adjusting his turban.
“Tell him to come into the parlor; I’m coming out now.”
He went to Kande’s room, lifted the curtain, and said:
“Salma, where are you? Come out, your groom is here.”
Kande quickly said, “Malam, I told you Salma is going nowhere.”
Seeing an argument starting, Salma stepped out behind Malam, wearing her hijab. Hasiye, who had planned to lay out a new mat and serve snacks, hid in her room out of fear of the police. In the parlor, Salma found Malam Rabi'u wearing a crisp, white, shiny *shadda* suit. She knelt to the floor and greeted him with respect. Malam Rabi'u gave her a smile that highlighted his handsome features. Indeed, Malam Rabi'u was a good-looking man; in his youth, he was one of the most handsome men in Kura. That was why his delay in marrying had sparked rumors that he was married to a spirit during his frequent hunting and swimming trips in the forest.
Malam Rabi'u accepted her greeting and looked at the girl before him with genuine affection. He cleared his throat and said:
“I hope your guardians have told you everything you need to know about this marriage? Please, I want you to be at peace. As you see me, I am not a man who chases women; it was the talk and accusations of people that persuaded me to marry. However, I had bad luck on my wedding day; the woman’s family called off the marriage at the last minute. That’s why your father took pity on me and married you to me. I hope you will be an obedient girl.”
Salma simply nodded, fidgeting with the edge of her hijab. He smiled again—smiling was his habit.
“So, what kind of party or preparations are you and your friends making?”
Salma remained silent. Suddenly, Mairo appeared, standing boldly before Malam Rabi'u. Grinning, she said:
“Salma won't tell you anything, but we, her friends, are having a party the afternoon she is taken to your house.”
Hearing this, Malam Rabi'u reached into his pocket, pulled out some money, and handed it to Mairo.
“Here, have a good party. I’ll be going now. See you in the morning, bride?”
Salma nodded and turned to leave. He called her back, but Mairo pulled her to a stop. He frowned and said to Mairo:
“Go on, I’ve dismissed you, haven't I?”
Mairo grinned, scratched her head, and went inside. She went straight to their room and handed the money to Hasiye. Hasiye grabbed the money so fast she forgot about the police. She counted it and let out a cheer.
“We’ll make some fried cakes (fanke) and that’ll be that—everyone will be satisfied!”
They burst out laughing and continued planning for the next day.
As for Salma, no matter how much Malam Rabi'u tried to get her to take the money he offered, she refused. Finally, she thanked him without taking anything and went inside. This act made Malam Rabi'u respect her; he realized she was not like her parents, who showed nothing but greed for his wealth.
The Next Day....…
**WICKED WOMAN**
By Hamidah Sanusi Ahmad Haermeeebraerh ✨✍️
**PAGE 18**
The next morning at dawn, as people were heading to the mosques, Salma woke up and hid something under her shirt. She looked at Gwaggo Kande, who hadn't slept and was on her prayer mat. Salma knelt by the door where they kept the water kettles, took one, and headed to the bathroom. Once inside, she pulled out a large hijab of Gwaggo Kande’s she had hidden, put it on, and tucked it up to fit her height. She grabbed the low bathroom wall, climbed over, and without a second thought, dropped to the other side and ran.
In the courtyard, Hasiye was sitting on a metal bucket, yawning while waiting for Salma to finish in the bathroom. Tired of waiting, she stood up crossly and went to the door.
“Salma, are you making gold in there or what?”
She stood there holding her kettle, desperate to use the bathroom. After a long silence with no sound of water or movement, she peeked inside with a flashlight. She saw no one—only the kettle Salma had taken was lying on the floor. She followed Salma’s footprints to the wall and realized what had happened. She let out a scream:
“Help! Everyone come! The bride, Salma, has run away!”
Gwaggo Kande, who was finishing her prayers, felt her heart drop. She rushed out, clutching her prayer beads. She found Hasiye standing there, shouting to the neighbors about Salma’s disappearance. Panic-stricken, Gwaggo Kande asked:
“Hasiye, which Salma is missing?”
“Who else, sister? How many Salmas do we have in this house?”
Kande ran into the bathroom, calling Salma’s name. When she saw the kettle on the floor, she picked it up and came out crying. At that moment, Malam Bala returned from the mosque. Hasiye looked at him and began her fake crying:
“Malam, we are in trouble! Salma has run away! What will we tell Malam Rabi'u?”
Malam Bala tilted his head, watching Kande weep.
“I don't believe she just 'ran away.' Either someone conspired with hypocrites to hide her, or you've hidden her yourself. If you’ve hidden that girl, you better bring her out now while we're still on speaking terms.”
Kande narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean, Malam? Are you going to look for my girl, or should I go? Since you clearly don't care if something happens to her?”
“Kande, watch yourself! I let you do as you please in this house out of respect for your past obedience, but since you've rebelled, we'll see who wins. I'm giving you until noon to find that girl. If not, your marriage to me is hanging by a thread!”
Kande clutched her chest, eyes wide. “Malam, are you threatening my marriage? I am the one being mistreated here! If I knew raising an orphan would end like this, I would never have accepted the trust. Salma, where are you, for God’s sake?”
Kande pushed past Malam Bala, locked her room, and rushed out to search for Salma. Hasiye secretly hoped Salma wouldn't be found so Kande would get divorced. She didn't know why, after all these years, she still felt such intense jealousy and hatred for Kande.
Kande went house to house, but there was no sign of Salma. Soon, the news spread throughout the town. At 9:30 AM, Malam Rabi'u and his brother Malam Jamilu arrived at Malam Bala’s house for an explanation. Malam Bala begged for their patience, promising to find her by noon. As they were talking, Uncle Akilu arrived, leading Salma, who was weeping inside Gwaggo Kande’s oversized hijab. Malam Bala exclaimed:
“So she ran to your place, Alhaji? I was just about to go to a seer to find out where she was hiding so we could bring her back. The marriage is already done; she must live in her husband's house, no excuses!”
Uncle Akilu looked at Salma and said:
“Go inside, quickly.”
She scurried into the house, head bowed, catching a glimpse of Malam Rabi'u, who was staring at her with deep pity. He felt for Salma, even as he felt for himself and his years of loneliness. He began to wonder if the rumors were true—why did women run from him despite his looks and wealth? While lost in thought, he heard the voices of Malam Bala and Uncle Akilu rising in argument. Soon, Gwaggo Kande returned with Uncle Sale. Uncle Sale escorted Kande inside; she was struggling to breathe. She saw Salma huddled by her door, dozing off, while Hasiye was busy mixing a massive amount of batter for fried cakes, surrounded by meat and vegetables, and half a bag of rice…
As the call for the Asr prayer was made, Malam Bala and his companions arrived home. Salma quickly dropped her bag in the middle of Kande’s room and rushed to her, laughing with the joy of seeing her. However, seeing her guardian's frail condition dampened her spirits. She sank to her knees, placing her hands over Kande’s, and said:
“Gwaggo, did you really miss me so much that you fell ill? We haven't been apart for long, Gwaggo. Please stop worrying; I’m back with you now, and I will never be far from you again.”
The tears Salma saw Kande wiping away confused her further. She buried her head in Kande's lap and began to cry, though she didn't know why. Kande stroked her back gently, sniffing and closing her eyes, which were weary from weeping. She felt a searing pain in her soul. With a trembling voice, she spoke:
“I am not crying because I missed you, Salma. I am crying because I have no way to send a message to Abdulwahab to take you far away from Kura forever. I am crying because of how we—me and you, an orphan of God—have been overpowered. Today, I have realized that some relatives are only relatives by name. My own family conspired against me and showed me my place. Your uncles told me I am nothing to them but their father’s younger sister, and therefore I have no right to make decisions regarding your life. Your father’s relatives knew nothing of what was happening until it was already done. Salma, I seek your forgiveness. Forgive me for failing to protect the trust left to me, failing to see you grow up and marry the kind of husband you desire.”
Gwaggo Kande’s words completely overwhelmed Salma’s young mind. Confused, Salma said:
“Please, Gwaggo, explain it to me clearly so I can understand what you are trying to tell me.”
Gwaggo Kande adjusted her seat, sat Salma beside her, and began to recount everything that had happened. Finally, she said:
“Just a moment ago, your paternal uncles left here in a rage. They initially thought the marriage to Rabi'u was done with my consent. It wasn't until I explained everything and told them that Malam Bala claimed it was done with your maternal uncles' approval that they calmed down. They said they would return once Malam comes back with you; they will not accept this cursed marriage.”
Salma let out a heavy sigh amidst the sobbing that had consumed her since Gwaggo revealed the truth. Unable to say anything, she stood up, dragged her bag to the corner of the room, and sat on her mattress, continuing to weep. Seeing this, Gwaggo Kande tried to comfort her, insisting the marriage must be dissolved and telling her not to worry lest she fall ill. Feeling weak, Salma went out to the courtyard, wiping her tears. She took a plastic kettle (buta) and headed to the bathroom. Once inside, she burst into a fresh, silent fit of crying. She struggled to suppress the extreme distress brought on by the news Gwaggo had given her—the worst story of her life. Overwhelmed by self-pity, she huddled against the wall, trembling. Realizing she would miss the Asr prayer, she washed her face, performed ablution, and walked past Hasiye, who was ululating and shouting:
“Look at the bride of Malam Rabi'u Mai Shinkafa! The great farmer of both dry and rainy seasons, an elder who looks like a youth, wealthy and stylish! Why are you crying? Girl, relax and go enjoy wealth where it resides. If not for a spirit (jinn) marrying him, he wouldn't even be your match—you’d be a match for his second or third granddaughter!”
Salma looked at Hasiye, and for the first time in her life, felt she couldn't keep quiet. She replied:
“Alhamdulillah, we thank God in every situation. I am certain it is my gratitude to God that has led me to this stage of marrying a man I didn't choose. By God’s grace, I will not be humiliated, even if you pushed for me to marry an old man out of malice.”
Hasiye let out a cry of "Salati," clapping her hands and holding her chin in shock.
“Inyeeee! Oh, this girl’s neck is truly ripe for the knife. Kande, look at her! The girl you were crying for, saying she's too young for an old man, is standing here spitting out words that even an elder wouldn't use. You’ll regret calling me malicious, girl. You haven't seen anything yet in this life.”
Salma lifted the curtain and poked her head out:
“I shall only see good, by God’s grace.”
In a rage, Hasiye picked up a metal plate near her and threw it at Salma, cursing her. Salma returned to the room, listening to Gwaggo Kande scolding her for responding to Hasiye before she could plot further mischief. Salma put on her hijab and prayed. As soon as she finished, she tossed the hijab aside and lay down, turning her back to Gwaggo Kande, worrying about her future. Gwaggo Kande stared at the girl’s back as if trying to read her thoughts.
As they sat in silence, Malam Bala entered the house carrying a greasy bag. He went straight to Kande’s room, sat on the edge of the bed with a wide grin, and said:
“Oh, Kande! It turns out that boy Abdulwahab has really prospered in Kano. I saw true wealth today, Kande. The boy had food brought to us with plenty of meat in it. When I was leaving, he stuffed his pocket and gave me a gift. I used some for the fare home and bought you this *kilishi* (dried meat) to taste.”
Kande looked at her husband with utter contempt and said:
“If you're finished eating, move along. Whether it's in your room or with that greedy woman who put you on this path, go there. I want nothing from you.”
Deeply offended, Malam Bala stood up and said:
“I've noticed you haven't been acting right lately, but that doesn't bother me. I won't stop the good deed I've started—I will continue to save this servant of God who has never been married in his life.”
He took the bag and walked to where Salma was lying. She watched him, tears streaming down her face. He grinned and said:
“Baba’s little girl, take this and eat, okay? I noticed these past few days you've gotten used to eating well at your brother's house.”
Salma just stared at him, motionless and silent. Seeing this, Malam Bala set the bag down to leave. As he reached the curtain, he stopped and looked at Gwaggo Kande:
“Have her ready by tonight. Rabi'u is coming to see his bride and discuss if there are any celebrations she wants. By God’s grace, tomorrow she will be taken to her husband's house, just like her sister Samira. He even said we shouldn't worry about buying a bed; he has already provided everything today. All he needs is his wife, nothing else.”
A bitter smile escaped Kande’s lips.
“So that’s it. I'm sure buying Salma furniture was the only thing worrying you in this entire world, Malam. Traditionally, if someone raises a girl, they provide her wedding furniture. But you can't bring yourself to spend a dime on Salma. If you knew this, Malam, you wouldn't have put her life at risk just to save on furniture. Or have you forgotten her brother is still managing her inheritance? Have you forgotten he is wealthy enough to ensure you wouldn't struggle when Salma’s wedding came? Malam...”
Ashamed and defensive, Malam Bala raised his hand to silence Kande:
“Stop it, Kande! Are you implying that I, Malam Bala, the 'Prosperous Farmer' of Kura, cannot afford furniture for Salma? Well, for your information, I even offered money for the bed, but when Rabi'u heard I was going to buy chairs, he came himself and said not to bother because he had already done it. Tomorrow, I will go collect my 'inheritance money' to use for other festivities. Who do you think I am, Kande?”
“A man who betrays trust and has no pity for an orphan. Malam, I am certain if you had actually taken that furniture money as you said, you would have spent it by now, because you aren't a man who plays with his wealth—especially when it falls into his lap for free.”
Defensive and loud, Malam Bala began to rant, shouting nonsensically. Kande’s temper flared, and they began exchanging harsh words until Salma let out a scream, crying and begging them to stop. She knelt before Kande, who was also in tears, and said:
“Please, Gwaggo, stop arguing with Baba. It’s not like you. In all my time in this house, I’ve never heard you talk back to him. If you're fighting because of me, I promise to obey Baba regarding whomever he marries me to. Please stop fighting, my heart is burning, I can't take it.”
Salma cried so hard she began to gasp for air, like an asthma sufferer. Despite his hard heart, Malam Bala felt a chill. He quickly pulled the curtain and left the room. In the courtyard, he found Hasiye pretending to wash dishes; it was obvious she had been eavesdropping. As soon as he appeared, she scurried away. Once he was gone, Kande hugged Salma and said:
“In Sha Allah, you will not marry a man old enough to be your grandfather. You will grow up and marry a handsome young man, just as I have always wished for you. Your uncle Akilu is going to Kano tomorrow to find your brother and tell him everything that is happening.”
Salma shook her head. Her gut told her this marriage was a done deal—she would be going to Malam Rabi'u's house whether she liked it or not. Kande told her to stop talking and go lie down, noting that her body felt hot, a sign of a looming fever.
By the time Kande and Salma finished their Isha prayer, they had made no preparations to receive Malam Rabi'u. On Hasiye's side, she had already prepared a snack in a brand-new bowl and brought out a new mat, waiting for their guest. She even entered Kande’s room with a greeting, grinning like an idiot. Surprised, Kande and Salma looked at the woman who usually never checked on Kande even when she was ill. Whenever Hasiye lifted Kande’s curtain, it was usually for a fight, not a friendly visit.
She sat down, laughing, and said:
“Ah, my daughter Salma, are you still lying there? Haven't you gotten ready after your father told you that you'd have a visitor soon?”
Salma didn't move or acknowledge her. Kande, tired of Hasiye’s pestering, said:
“Look, you troublemaker, please leave and go receive the guest yourself since you’re the one who hatched this plot. I don't know what you gain from this wickedness, but Allah is greater than you. Tomorrow, her brother is coming with security agents to arrest anyone involved in this forced marriage you've plotted.”
Hasiye’s stomach did a flip, so loud that even Kande heard it. Terrified at the mention of the authorities, she began swearing and insisting she had no hand in the match between Salma and Rabi'u. Kande just shrugged.
“The security agents will confirm that when they arrive.”
Trembling, Hasiye left the room and began pacing in her own. She waited anxiously for Malam Bala to return so they could decide what to do. When he arrived and she told him what Kande said, he just hissed.
“Does she think the police are fools who don't investigate? This marriage is already legal, Hasiye, so stop being afraid of anyone.”
Before Hasiye could respond, a child’s greeting echoed in the courtyard. Mairo answered and asked:
“Tsalha, why are you bothering people with so many greetings?”
The boy made a face at her and said:
“Malam Rabi'u told me to greet your father for him.”
Malam Bala hurried out, adjusting his turban.
“Tell him to come into the parlor; I’m coming out now.”
He went to Kande’s room, lifted the curtain, and said:
“Salma, where are you? Come out, your groom is here.”
Kande quickly said, “Malam, I told you Salma is going nowhere.”
Seeing an argument starting, Salma stepped out behind Malam, wearing her hijab. Hasiye, who had planned to lay out a new mat and serve snacks, hid in her room out of fear of the police. In the parlor, Salma found Malam Rabi'u wearing a crisp, white, shiny *shadda* suit. She knelt to the floor and greeted him with respect. Malam Rabi'u gave her a smile that highlighted his handsome features. Indeed, Malam Rabi'u was a good-looking man; in his youth, he was one of the most handsome men in Kura. That was why his delay in marrying had sparked rumors that he was married to a spirit during his frequent hunting and swimming trips in the forest.
Malam Rabi'u accepted her greeting and looked at the girl before him with genuine affection. He cleared his throat and said:
“I hope your guardians have told you everything you need to know about this marriage? Please, I want you to be at peace. As you see me, I am not a man who chases women; it was the talk and accusations of people that persuaded me to marry. However, I had bad luck on my wedding day; the woman’s family called off the marriage at the last minute. That’s why your father took pity on me and married you to me. I hope you will be an obedient girl.”
Salma simply nodded, fidgeting with the edge of her hijab. He smiled again—smiling was his habit.
“So, what kind of party or preparations are you and your friends making?”
Salma remained silent. Suddenly, Mairo appeared, standing boldly before Malam Rabi'u. Grinning, she said:
“Salma won't tell you anything, but we, her friends, are having a party the afternoon she is taken to your house.”
Hearing this, Malam Rabi'u reached into his pocket, pulled out some money, and handed it to Mairo.
“Here, have a good party. I’ll be going now. See you in the morning, bride?”
Salma nodded and turned to leave. He called her back, but Mairo pulled her to a stop. He frowned and said to Mairo:
“Go on, I’ve dismissed you, haven't I?”
Mairo grinned, scratched her head, and went inside. She went straight to their room and handed the money to Hasiye. Hasiye grabbed the money so fast she forgot about the police. She counted it and let out a cheer.
“We’ll make some fried cakes (fanke) and that’ll be that—everyone will be satisfied!”
They burst out laughing and continued planning for the next day.
As for Salma, no matter how much Malam Rabi'u tried to get her to take the money he offered, she refused. Finally, she thanked him without taking anything and went inside. This act made Malam Rabi'u respect her; he realized she was not like her parents, who showed nothing but greed for his wealth.
The Next Day....…
**WICKED WOMAN**
By Hamidah Sanusi Ahmad Haermeeebraerh ✨✍️
**PAGE 18**
The next morning at dawn, as people were heading to the mosques, Salma woke up and hid something under her shirt. She looked at Gwaggo Kande, who hadn't slept and was on her prayer mat. Salma knelt by the door where they kept the water kettles, took one, and headed to the bathroom. Once inside, she pulled out a large hijab of Gwaggo Kande’s she had hidden, put it on, and tucked it up to fit her height. She grabbed the low bathroom wall, climbed over, and without a second thought, dropped to the other side and ran.
In the courtyard, Hasiye was sitting on a metal bucket, yawning while waiting for Salma to finish in the bathroom. Tired of waiting, she stood up crossly and went to the door.
“Salma, are you making gold in there or what?”
She stood there holding her kettle, desperate to use the bathroom. After a long silence with no sound of water or movement, she peeked inside with a flashlight. She saw no one—only the kettle Salma had taken was lying on the floor. She followed Salma’s footprints to the wall and realized what had happened. She let out a scream:
“Help! Everyone come! The bride, Salma, has run away!”
Gwaggo Kande, who was finishing her prayers, felt her heart drop. She rushed out, clutching her prayer beads. She found Hasiye standing there, shouting to the neighbors about Salma’s disappearance. Panic-stricken, Gwaggo Kande asked:
“Hasiye, which Salma is missing?”
“Who else, sister? How many Salmas do we have in this house?”
Kande ran into the bathroom, calling Salma’s name. When she saw the kettle on the floor, she picked it up and came out crying. At that moment, Malam Bala returned from the mosque. Hasiye looked at him and began her fake crying:
“Malam, we are in trouble! Salma has run away! What will we tell Malam Rabi'u?”
Malam Bala tilted his head, watching Kande weep.
“I don't believe she just 'ran away.' Either someone conspired with hypocrites to hide her, or you've hidden her yourself. If you’ve hidden that girl, you better bring her out now while we're still on speaking terms.”
Kande narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean, Malam? Are you going to look for my girl, or should I go? Since you clearly don't care if something happens to her?”
“Kande, watch yourself! I let you do as you please in this house out of respect for your past obedience, but since you've rebelled, we'll see who wins. I'm giving you until noon to find that girl. If not, your marriage to me is hanging by a thread!”
Kande clutched her chest, eyes wide. “Malam, are you threatening my marriage? I am the one being mistreated here! If I knew raising an orphan would end like this, I would never have accepted the trust. Salma, where are you, for God’s sake?”
Kande pushed past Malam Bala, locked her room, and rushed out to search for Salma. Hasiye secretly hoped Salma wouldn't be found so Kande would get divorced. She didn't know why, after all these years, she still felt such intense jealousy and hatred for Kande.
Kande went house to house, but there was no sign of Salma. Soon, the news spread throughout the town. At 9:30 AM, Malam Rabi'u and his brother Malam Jamilu arrived at Malam Bala’s house for an explanation. Malam Bala begged for their patience, promising to find her by noon. As they were talking, Uncle Akilu arrived, leading Salma, who was weeping inside Gwaggo Kande’s oversized hijab. Malam Bala exclaimed:
“So she ran to your place, Alhaji? I was just about to go to a seer to find out where she was hiding so we could bring her back. The marriage is already done; she must live in her husband's house, no excuses!”
Uncle Akilu looked at Salma and said:
“Go inside, quickly.”
She scurried into the house, head bowed, catching a glimpse of Malam Rabi'u, who was staring at her with deep pity. He felt for Salma, even as he felt for himself and his years of loneliness. He began to wonder if the rumors were true—why did women run from him despite his looks and wealth? While lost in thought, he heard the voices of Malam Bala and Uncle Akilu rising in argument. Soon, Gwaggo Kande returned with Uncle Sale. Uncle Sale escorted Kande inside; she was struggling to breathe. She saw Salma huddled by her door, dozing off, while Hasiye was busy mixing a massive amount of batter for fried cakes, surrounded by meat and vegetables, and half a bag of rice…