Calmly, he wrapped his arms around her waist again while looking at her face. Pouting her lips slightly, she assumed a pleading expression and said in a persuasive voice, “Please, I beg of you, don't do it. I agree that I can testify before any court in the world, but please do not punish me for the crime of *deceiving you*.”
He let go of her waist, detached his body from hers, moved to the edge of the bed, picked up his small handgun, and began hooking it onto his belt. She quickly moved closer to him again, her face contorted as if she were about to cry, and said, “Please, *RK*, for God's sake.”
Once again, he looked at her face and gave her a cynical smile, then turned with the intention of leaving the room without making any sign that he would answer her. She burst into tears, sitting on the bed and holding her head. He stopped dead in his tracks before turning around calmly to look at her. After exhaling sharply, he took a few steps and stood before her. Extending his soft hand, he cupped her chin, causing her to lock her eyes into his. In a strained voice, completely devoid of playfulness, he asked, “What is it? What are you crying for now?”
Sniffling, she replied, “Well, isn't it because you refuse to listen to me? And when I say you are angry with me, you deny it. How do you want me to live my life? I absolutely do not like this silence of yours, RK; it frightens me.”
He released her chin and placed one hand on his hip while gesturing at her with the other, saying, “So you don't trust me? You don't believe me when I tell you that you are not at fault in my eyes? If I were going to punish you, do you think I would have chosen to start building my *family* with you?”
He let out a short click of his tongue, exhaled sharply, and turned his head away. She blinked, looking at him guiltily because she didn't want to provoke his temper. Returning his gaze to her face, he continued, “I have already begun the preparations for this mission. Do not think you can stop me, because I will not be stopped. Just pray for me.”
She stared at him while sniffling. He had given her his final word; if she attempted to stop him again, there would be trouble. Therefore, carefully, calmly, and pleadingly, she asked, “Won't you do it for my sake?”
He stared back at her for a full minute, then finally shook his head and closed his eyes in dissent. She grabbed his hands, placed them against her cheek, and closed her eyes. This caused the tears welling up in her eyes to spill over and drop onto his palm. In a weak voice, she said, “Promise me you will take care of yourself? RK, I cannot live if anything happens to you. Please, take care of yourself for us.”
Even though there was a *hidden secret* embedded in their relationship, and their marriage had come about unexpectedly for him, nine years is not nine days. At the very least, he felt a deep affection for her at the bottom of his heart; she was his family and the mother of his children. Therefore, he gently stroked her cheek and said, “Calm your mind. I'm not executing this mission today or tomorrow. But I promise you I will take care of myself. Is that enough? Are you happy now?”
She nodded her head in assent. He withdrew his hand from hers, smiled faintly, and said, “I'll be back. Don't go to sleep.”
As he turned to leave, she pleaded again, “RK...”
He paused, turned around slowly, and fixed his eyes on her. Lowering her head in fear of the response she might receive today, she asked, “About... about the matter of... the maid I want to hire?”
From the moment he placed his eyes upon her, he did not look away until she finished speaking. This made her feel incredibly self-conscious, to the point where she began nervously tapping her foot on the tiles as she waited to hear what he would say. They spent over twenty seconds like this before she saw him turn away and pass by, answering under his breath, “As you wish.”
With immense surprise, she raised her head and watched him leave. As she wished? Was RK really saying this to her today? Did that mean he had agreed? Surprisingly, today she found him to be very gentle—though she felt a bit different herself today too. Whatever the case, she was very pleased. However, she resolved to ask him again to clarify what exactly "as you wish" meant, so she wouldn't prematurely assume he agreed only for him to say otherwise. She knew who he was better than anyone else in the world.
He quickly turned the doorknob to leave, but as if out of nowhere, her voice stopped him again: “RK.”
He turned around calmly without returning to where she stood and looked at her face. Locking her eyes into his, she offered him a smile and said, “Tell me something... *do you love me*?”
A spark ignited! He fixed his eyes deeply into hers, suddenly at a loss as to why his heart skipped a beat at this momentous, unexpected question. It wasn't that he lacked an answer, but rather, he was consumed by the desire to know why she was asking this now, after all these years without ever posing it before. Furthermore, her demeanor seemed like someone looking for an argument. Did she want them to argue tonight? What motive did she have that she wanted to fulfill tonight? He could not read her at all. He simply forced a smile and said, “I will tell you when I return.”
Without waiting for her reply, he stepped out and left the room. This caused her to let out a heavy breath, and with a smile, she muttered, “*I love you*, RK. You are my life. You will realize this the day you understand the gravity of the danger I have thrown myself into just so *yours could be preserved*.”
```
The house was as silent as a house of mourning. It was dark, illuminated only by the light of the white moon. *Firdausi* was sitting in the room with her phone in hand. Mama *Hadjara* was sitting by the threshold of the room. Yasna had wanted to tell her to move from there because it wasn't a good spot to sit, especially at night, but Mama kept giving her that gentle, paralyzing smile that left Yasna unable to utter a word. Yasna simply left her alone and continued reading her book by the faint light of the moon mixed with the light of the lamp coming from the room. That lamp had been installed for them by Aunt *Hindatu's* husband when he noticed they had no electricity.
Yasna did not notice anyone entering until she heard a voice, as if from above, saying, “Peace be upon you... *YASNA*, daughter of Abba, bring me water in the kettle.”
She squeezed her eyes shut as her insides churned from the sudden fright. Instantly, she felt that hot rush of blood racing through her body again, and sweat broke out on her forehead right then and there, her heart pounding furiously. Only when she was certain it was her father's voice did she open her eyes and look at the doorway, but he had already gone outside. Slowly, she stood up, placed the book on the mat, picked up her hijab, put it on, poured water into the kettle, and went out.
Mama followed her with a gaze that was difficult to interpret, then let out a smirk without breaking her gaze from the entryway.
When Yasna went outside, she found her father standing and looking down at his feet. He took the water from her, saying, “Thank you, my young lady. By Allah, I got stuck in the mud with the tricycle; I had to get out and push it.”
He said this while washing his feet. Yasna, looking at him calmly, said, “Abba, when I came out earlier, had you already left?”
He smiled at her and said, “Yes, by Allah. Didn't I tell you that something came up, which is why I didn't even go to the city today?”
They paused for a moment before Yasna looked at him again and asked, “Abba, has Mama agreed to let you enroll me in Western school?”
He paused as well, looking at her before finally forcing a smile and saying, “We spoke about it earlier. Insha Allah, I will speak to her again until she agrees.”
She stared into his eyes as if trying to detect whether he was hiding the truth that he hadn't actually spoken to her mother today, before saying, “So even now, she hasn't agreed?”
He simply gave her a strained smile and said, “She will agree.”
She nodded in resignation. Silence ensued for a few seconds before he looked at her and asked, “Is there a problem?”
She shook her head and lowered her gaze, and suddenly tears began streaming down her cheeks! With concern, he asked her again, “Yasna, did someone do something to you?”
Again, she shook her head while wiping away her tears. He nodded, placed his hand on her head, and said, “Be patient, Yasna. Insha Allah, one day this will all just be a story. Just keep praying.”
She nodded in agreement. He took her hand to lead her back inside, but she held back meekly and said, “Abba.”
"Yes," he replied, turning around with concern and looking her in the eyes. She too was looking at him with her large, bright eyes, which were slightly bloodshot from the frequent crying she found herself doing. In a soft, vulnerable voice, she asked, “Abba, why does Mama act *as if she doesn't want me speaking to her*? And I notice that whenever I...”
He quickly placed his finger over her lips and said, “Shiiiii!”
Closing his eyes, he said, “Yasnaaaa... haven't I told you that I do not like these kinds of questions? Do not worry about your mother's disposition, do you understand?”
She gripped his finger that was over her lips tightly with her hand and burst into tears, asking, “Then Abba, tell me, what is the relationship between Mam...?”
He interrupted her sharply, “Hey!!!”
She cowered and shut her eyes tightly, as if expecting a physical strike. When nothing happened, his tone softened, and he said, “Come on, Yasna, why can't you leave this obsession with knowing things that do not concern you? Forget about everyone's nonsense and focus your mind on your studies. And let me tell you, tomorrow I will plead with your mother again so she agrees to let me enroll you in Western school too. Or do you not want that?”
Using her hijab to wipe her tears, she replied softly, “I want it.”
He smiled at her and said, “Good, that's my girl. So I don't want to hear this again, okay? Forget about your past, Yasna, and face your current life. If you improve it with education, none of this will matter.”
She nodded while sniffling; she had no choice, but she truly wanted to know what was honestly happening to her.
They stayed there for a while as he consoled her, even explaining the government school he intended to take her to just to cheer her up. She only managed a forced smile, her voice stifled. With that, he bade her goodnight and went to his sleeping quarters, and she went back inside the house.
```
"*Hhhaahhaaaa*." She drew another ragged breath as her life was threatened. She wanted to breathe the oxygen that God had made abundant in the world, even if just for a second, but the villain who was suffocating her nose, mouth, and her entire face denied her that chance. Surely, he truly intended to kill her so she would leave this world. For what reason? Simply because she did not do what he demanded.
Using both her hands, which she had been using to push and hit him, she managed to grab the collar of his shirt. However, out of malice and ruthlessness, the man pressed further onto the bed, suffocating her face with all the remaining strength he could muster. This caused her energy to drain rapidly; her breathing slowed down significantly. Her eyes, which were already covered by the pillow, shut tight. Her legs, which had been thrashing wildly on the bed, began to go limp. Slowly, her hands slipped down his body, signaling that her soul was leaving her physical frame.
Gradually, her entire body went completely limp. Seeing this, he removed the pillow from her face and attempted to get off the bed while staring at her face. Feeling a tug on his shirt, he looked down in alarm at where the pull came from. Uffff! He let out a sigh of relief when he saw that *Marwa's* hand was gripping his shirt sleeve tightly. Using his other hand, he pried her hand away, but then... he noticed that the button from his shirt sleeve was missing, having caught onto her clothing.
He quickly began searching the bed, even going over Marwa's corpse, lifting her up as he looked for the button, knowing it could serve as evidence to incriminate him. The sound of his phone alert indicating an incoming message made him hurriedly reach for the phone. It was a short text that read: *"Leave there immediately, it is time for his return."*
His eyes widened, and he quickly scrambled off the bed. Hurriedly, he adjusted her posture, smoothed her hair, and straightened her displaced nightgown. He also quickly fixed the bedding before rushing out of the room. Without anyone questioning him—since he was a well-known figure in the house—he emerged into the courtyard. Despite the night and the presence of numerous security personnel around the residence, no one questioned where he was coming from or where he was going because he belonged there. Who would even dare to question him in that entire house? No one.
*As* always, he silently slid the glass door open with his right hand. Upon entering, he pulled it closed and turned the small plastic latch to lock it. He headed toward his children's bedroom first. Carefully opening the door from the threshold, he peeked in at them. They were sleeping peacefully, each in their own bed, with the younger one clutching a tablet, indicating she had fallen asleep while watching something.
Closing his eyes, he smiled warmly from the bottom of his heart and muttered, *"May Allah protect you."* He then closed the door and headed to his own room. Two things were on his mind right now: to take a shower and then drink some hot tea. After that, whatever followed could happen. He knew Marwa wouldn't let him sleep until he ate, especially since he had been out of town for three months and had just returned today. Instead of staying with them, he had gone out again to handle a matter that, for now, only he knew the details of.
Pushing the bedroom door open gently since it was noiseless, he saw her lying on the bed, covered up to her body with a blanket. He smirked and thought, “Is she throwing a tantrum?”
He took off his dark blue jacket and threw it onto the bed, as was his habit. Then, reaching behind him, he drew his small handgun nestled in its black leather holster on his waist. He placed it on the dresser, then unbuckled his belt and threw it onto the bed as well. Turning around, he looked at her again while taking off his shirt, revealing his tight-fitting black singlet.
He sat on the edge of the bed to untie his black boots. Only then did he turn around to look at her again, noticing that she showed no sign of movement. Although he didn't know her to be such a heavy sleeper, he assumed she was just asleep. Reaching out, he patted her leg, saying, “*RK's woman*.”
Silence. She did not move. He finished removing his shoes and prepared to stand up. Patting her leg again, he said, “RK's woman, wake up. Don't you see I'm back?”
Seeing that she didn't even flinch, he turned his whole body toward her. The way she was lying made him press his lips together beneath his soft beard. He stood up deliberately and walked around to her side of the bed. Arriving there, he carelessly pulled away the blanket covering her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he lifted her up using the full strength of a young, hot-blooded man... his intention being to carry her to the bathroom and place her in the bathtub.
*Suddenly*, with an abrupt jolt, he placed her back onto the bed, staring wide-eyed and fixing his gaze intensely on her face. The way he lifted her felt as though she lacked the natural weight of a living person. He knew his Marwa; even if she were exhausted when he lifted her, his posture wouldn't falter. But by God's power, lifting her just now felt completely wrong. Her head, which he hadn't supported, slumped deeply as if her neck were broken, and her hands hung completely limp. Furthermore, her body felt incredibly cold—a coldness he was certain did not come from the air conditioner, since she usually turned the AC off because it gave her a cold, especially overnight.
He leaned in close to her face, placing two fingers beneath her nose to feel for the warmth of her breath. Terrified, he looked at her again and grabbed her wrist. Feeling no pulse whatsoever in her veins, he dropped her hand abruptly and stumbled backward, falling flat onto the floor. Staring at her in utter shock and panic, he gasped, “Inna lillahi wa'inna ilaihi raju'un! (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return!)”
He repeated this three times before scrambling back up onto the bed in a frenzy. Pulling her tight against his chest, he called her name, “Marwa, my Marwa, RK's woman, what happened? What happened to you? It's me! Please wake up, okay? I don't like this joke.”
He scanned her face to see if she would open her eyes. Seeing no sign of life, and with his heart pounding violently against his chest, he felt tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He held her tightly against him, closing his eyes firmly and exhaling a scorching breath. He wanted to utter the name of Allah, but the confusion and overwhelming panic flooding his mind denied him the ability. He pressed his forehead against hers, his long, straight nose touching her face.
*Shall we continue? Do you think this story will captivate you?*
*Alhamdulillah.*
**THE FIRE FROM THE RIVER...**
**BY**
**SAMIRA HAROUNA**
*DEDICATED TO*
*MY FAMILY*
**MADUBI WRITERS ASSOCIATION**
. E
Wow! What a dramatic twist! Where are the lovers and readers of Hausa novels? Today, your favorite author has returned with a brand new book titled **THE FIRE FROM THE RIVER...** Just from the title, you know it is bound to be thrilling. A fire from a river... this implies events that will unfold which only *Allah* can solve. The book **THE FIRE FROM THE RIVER...** is a novel full of intricate suspense, wonder, and intense romance. I won't bore you with too much talk; it is from the pen of the daughter of Niger whom you well know, the author of *Badaƙala*, *Baiwata*, *Carbin Ƙwai*, and *Allura*... in short, I mean **SAMIRA HAROUNA**. Just hearing the name, you know it will educate and entertain readers. To get your copy early, hurry and pay to read in peace; don't wait to be told the story, quickly get yours at an affordable price.
For our people in Niger, you can pay via Airtel or Moov card of 100 CFA to the following number: **227-94-98-56-52**
Indeed, there was a specific dynamic to their relationship—a complex coexistence, akin to the dynamic between a purchased servant and the master who bought them. There was a reason for everything happening. Yet, no matter how much he thought he knew *who* Marwa was, and no matter how much he knew the *darker sides of her character*, it did not lessen the profound grief of losing her. They understood each other, and he had been truly happy to have her as *his wife*.
He sat there for over an hour holding her close, refusing to accept the reality of what had occurred. He knew this tragedy was now a reality, but what could have killed his Marwa right when he needed her most? He had returned to this house eager to see her, intending to openly disclose what he was planning to do. Even tho
Calmly, he wrapped his arms around her waist again while looking at her face. Pouting her lips slightly, she assumed a pleading expression and said in a persuasive voice, “Please, I beg of you, don't do it. I agree that I can testify before any court in the world, but please do not punish me for the crime of *deceiving you*.”
He let go of her waist, detached his body from hers, moved to the edge of the bed, picked up his small handgun, and began hooking it onto his belt. She quickly moved closer to him again, her face contorted as if she were about to cry, and said, “Please, *RK*, for God's sake.”
Once again, he looked at her face and gave her a cynical smile, then turned with the intention of leaving the room without making any sign that he would answer her. She burst into tears, sitting on the bed and holding her head. He stopped dead in his tracks before turning around calmly to look at her. After exhaling sharply, he took a few steps and stood before her. Extending his soft hand, he cupped her chin, causing her to lock her eyes into his. In a strained voice, completely devoid of playfulness, he asked, “What is it? What are you crying for now?”
Sniffling, she replied, “Well, isn't it because you refuse to listen to me? And when I say you are angry with me, you deny it. How do you want me to live my life? I absolutely do not like this silence of yours, RK; it frightens me.”
He released her chin and placed one hand on his hip while gesturing at her with the other, saying, “So you don't trust me? You don't believe me when I tell you that you are not at fault in my eyes? If I were going to punish you, do you think I would have chosen to start building my *family* with you?”
He let out a short click of his tongue, exhaled sharply, and turned his head away. She blinked, looking at him guiltily because she didn't want to provoke his temper. Returning his gaze to her face, he continued, “I have already begun the preparations for this mission. Do not think you can stop me, because I will not be stopped. Just pray for me.”
She stared at him while sniffling. He had given her his final word; if she attempted to stop him again, there would be trouble. Therefore, carefully, calmly, and pleadingly, she asked, “Won't you do it for my sake?”
He stared back at her for a full minute, then finally shook his head and closed his eyes in dissent. She grabbed his hands, placed them against her cheek, and closed her eyes. This caused the tears welling up in her eyes to spill over and drop onto his palm. In a weak voice, she said, “Promise me you will take care of yourself? RK, I cannot live if anything happens to you. Please, take care of yourself for us.”
Even though there was a *hidden secret* embedded in their relationship, and their marriage had come about unexpectedly for him, nine years is not nine days. At the very least, he felt a deep affection for her at the bottom of his heart; she was his family and the mother of his children. Therefore, he gently stroked her cheek and said, “Calm your mind. I'm not executing this mission today or tomorrow. But I promise you I will take care of myself. Is that enough? Are you happy now?”
She nodded her head in assent. He withdrew his hand from hers, smiled faintly, and said, “I'll be back. Don't go to sleep.”
As he turned to leave, she pleaded again, “RK...”
He paused, turned around slowly, and fixed his eyes on her. Lowering her head in fear of the response she might receive today, she asked, “About... about the matter of... the maid I want to hire?”
From the moment he placed his eyes upon her, he did not look away until she finished speaking. This made her feel incredibly self-conscious, to the point where she began nervously tapping her foot on the tiles as she waited to hear what he would say. They spent over twenty seconds like this before she saw him turn away and pass by, answering under his breath, “As you wish.”
With immense surprise, she raised her head and watched him leave. As she wished? Was RK really saying this to her today? Did that mean he had agreed? Surprisingly, today she found him to be very gentle—though she felt a bit different herself today too. Whatever the case, she was very pleased. However, she resolved to ask him again to clarify what exactly "as you wish" meant, so she wouldn't prematurely assume he agreed only for him to say otherwise. She knew who he was better than anyone else in the world.
He quickly turned the doorknob to leave, but as if out of nowhere, her voice stopped him again: “RK.”
He turned around calmly without returning to where she stood and looked at her face. Locking her eyes into his, she offered him a smile and said, “Tell me something... *do you love me*?”
A spark ignited! He fixed his eyes deeply into hers, suddenly at a loss as to why his heart skipped a beat at this momentous, unexpected question. It wasn't that he lacked an answer, but rather, he was consumed by the desire to know why she was asking this now, after all these years without ever posing it before. Furthermore, her demeanor seemed like someone looking for an argument. Did she want them to argue tonight? What motive did she have that she wanted to fulfill tonight? He could not read her at all. He simply forced a smile and said, “I will tell you when I return.”
Without waiting for her reply, he stepped out and left the room. This caused her to let out a heavy breath, and with a smile, she muttered, “*I love you*, RK. You are my life. You will realize this the day you understand the gravity of the danger I have thrown myself into just so *yours could be preserved*.”
```
The house was as silent as a house of mourning. It was dark, illuminated only by the light of the white moon. *Firdausi* was sitting in the room with her phone in hand. Mama *Hadjara* was sitting by the threshold of the room. Yasna had wanted to tell her to move from there because it wasn't a good spot to sit, especially at night, but Mama kept giving her that gentle, paralyzing smile that left Yasna unable to utter a word. Yasna simply left her alone and continued reading her book by the faint light of the moon mixed with the light of the lamp coming from the room. That lamp had been installed for them by Aunt *Hindatu's* husband when he noticed they had no electricity.
Yasna did not notice anyone entering until she heard a voice, as if from above, saying, “Peace be upon you... *YASNA*, daughter of Abba, bring me water in the kettle.”
She squeezed her eyes shut as her insides churned from the sudden fright. Instantly, she felt that hot rush of blood racing through her body again, and sweat broke out on her forehead right then and there, her heart pounding furiously. Only when she was certain it was her father's voice did she open her eyes and look at the doorway, but he had already gone outside. Slowly, she stood up, placed the book on the mat, picked up her hijab, put it on, poured water into the kettle, and went out.
Mama followed her with a gaze that was difficult to interpret, then let out a smirk without breaking her gaze from the entryway.
When Yasna went outside, she found her father standing and looking down at his feet. He took the water from her, saying, “Thank you, my young lady. By Allah, I got stuck in the mud with the tricycle; I had to get out and push it.”
He said this while washing his feet. Yasna, looking at him calmly, said, “Abba, when I came out earlier, had you already left?”
He smiled at her and said, “Yes, by Allah. Didn't I tell you that something came up, which is why I didn't even go to the city today?”
They paused for a moment before Yasna looked at him again and asked, “Abba, has Mama agreed to let you enroll me in Western school?”
He paused as well, looking at her before finally forcing a smile and saying, “We spoke about it earlier. Insha Allah, I will speak to her again until she agrees.”
She stared into his eyes as if trying to detect whether he was hiding the truth that he hadn't actually spoken to her mother today, before saying, “So even now, she hasn't agreed?”
He simply gave her a strained smile and said, “She will agree.”
She nodded in resignation. Silence ensued for a few seconds before he looked at her and asked, “Is there a problem?”
She shook her head and lowered her gaze, and suddenly tears began streaming down her cheeks! With concern, he asked her again, “Yasna, did someone do something to you?”
Again, she shook her head while wiping away her tears. He nodded, placed his hand on her head, and said, “Be patient, Yasna. Insha Allah, one day this will all just be a story. Just keep praying.”
She nodded in agreement. He took her hand to lead her back inside, but she held back meekly and said, “Abba.”
"Yes," he replied, turning around with concern and looking her in the eyes. She too was looking at him with her large, bright eyes, which were slightly bloodshot from the frequent crying she found herself doing. In a soft, vulnerable voice, she asked, “Abba, why does Mama act *as if she doesn't want me speaking to her*? And I notice that whenever I...”
He quickly placed his finger over her lips and said, “Shiiiii!”
Closing his eyes, he said, “Yasnaaaa... haven't I told you that I do not like these kinds of questions? Do not worry about your mother's disposition, do you understand?”
She gripped his finger that was over her lips tightly with her hand and burst into tears, asking, “Then Abba, tell me, what is the relationship between Mam...?”
He interrupted her sharply, “Hey!!!”
She cowered and shut her eyes tightly, as if expecting a physical strike. When nothing happened, his tone softened, and he said, “Come on, Yasna, why can't you leave this obsession with knowing things that do not concern you? Forget about everyone's nonsense and focus your mind on your studies. And let me tell you, tomorrow I will plead with your mother again so she agrees to let me enroll you in Western school too. Or do you not want that?”
Using her hijab to wipe her tears, she replied softly, “I want it.”
He smiled at her and said, “Good, that's my girl. So I don't want to hear this again, okay? Forget about your past, Yasna, and face your current life. If you improve it with education, none of this will matter.”
She nodded while sniffling; she had no choice, but she truly wanted to know what was honestly happening to her.
They stayed there for a while as he consoled her, even explaining the government school he intended to take her to just to cheer her up. She only managed a forced smile, her voice stifled. With that, he bade her goodnight and went to his sleeping quarters, and she went back inside the house.
```
"*Hhhaahhaaaa*." She drew another ragged breath as her life was threatened. She wanted to breathe the oxygen that God had made abundant in the world, even if just for a second, but the villain who was suffocating her nose, mouth, and her entire face denied her that chance. Surely, he truly intended to kill her so she would leave this world. For what reason? Simply because she did not do what he demanded.
Using both her hands, which she had been using to push and hit him, she managed to grab the collar of his shirt. However, out of malice and ruthlessness, the man pressed further onto the bed, suffocating her face with all the remaining strength he could muster. This caused her energy to drain rapidly; her breathing slowed down significantly. Her eyes, which were already covered by the pillow, shut tight. Her legs, which had been thrashing wildly on the bed, began to go limp. Slowly, her hands slipped down his body, signaling that her soul was leaving her physical frame.
Gradually, her entire body went completely limp. Seeing this, he removed the pillow from her face and attempted to get off the bed while staring at her face. Feeling a tug on his shirt, he looked down in alarm at where the pull came from. Uffff! He let out a sigh of relief when he saw that *Marwa's* hand was gripping his shirt sleeve tightly. Using his other hand, he pried her hand away, but then... he noticed that the button from his shirt sleeve was missing, having caught onto her clothing.
He quickly began searching the bed, even going over Marwa's corpse, lifting her up as he looked for the button, knowing it could serve as evidence to incriminate him. The sound of his phone alert indicating an incoming message made him hurriedly reach for the phone. It was a short text that read: *"Leave there immediately, it is time for his return."*
His eyes widened, and he quickly scrambled off the bed. Hurriedly, he adjusted her posture, smoothed her hair, and straightened her displaced nightgown. He also quickly fixed the bedding before rushing out of the room. Without anyone questioning him—since he was a well-known figure in the house—he emerged into the courtyard. Despite the night and the presence of numerous security personnel around the residence, no one questioned where he was coming from or where he was going because he belonged there. Who would even dare to question him in that entire house? No one.
*As* always, he silently slid the glass door open with his right hand. Upon entering, he pulled it closed and turned the small plastic latch to lock it. He headed toward his children's bedroom first. Carefully opening the door from the threshold, he peeked in at them. They were sleeping peacefully, each in their own bed, with the younger one clutching a tablet, indicating she had fallen asleep while watching something.
Closing his eyes, he smiled warmly from the bottom of his heart and muttered, *"May Allah protect you."* He then closed the door and headed to his own room. Two things were on his mind right now: to take a shower and then drink some hot tea. After that, whatever followed could happen. He knew Marwa wouldn't let him sleep until he ate, especially since he had been out of town for three months and had just returned today. Instead of staying with them, he had gone out again to handle a matter that, for now, only he knew the details of.
Pushing the bedroom door open gently since it was noiseless, he saw her lying on the bed, covered up to her body with a blanket. He smirked and thought, “Is she throwing a tantrum?”
He took off his dark blue jacket and threw it onto the bed, as was his habit. Then, reaching behind him, he drew his small handgun nestled in its black leather holster on his waist. He placed it on the dresser, then unbuckled his belt and threw it onto the bed as well. Turning around, he looked at her again while taking off his shirt, revealing his tight-fitting black singlet.
He sat on the edge of the bed to untie his black boots. Only then did he turn around to look at her again, noticing that she showed no sign of movement. Although he didn't know her to be such a heavy sleeper, he assumed she was just asleep. Reaching out, he patted her leg, saying, “*RK's woman*.”
Silence. She did not move. He finished removing his shoes and prepared to stand up. Patting her leg again, he said, “RK's woman, wake up. Don't you see I'm back?”
Seeing that she didn't even flinch, he turned his whole body toward her. The way she was lying made him press his lips together beneath his soft beard. He stood up deliberately and walked around to her side of the bed. Arriving there, he carelessly pulled away the blanket covering her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he lifted her up using the full strength of a young, hot-blooded man... his intention being to carry her to the bathroom and place her in the bathtub.
*Suddenly*, with an abrupt jolt, he placed her back onto the bed, staring wide-eyed and fixing his gaze intensely on her face. The way he lifted her felt as though she lacked the natural weight of a living person. He knew his Marwa; even if she were exhausted when he lifted her, his posture wouldn't falter. But by God's power, lifting her just now felt completely wrong. Her head, which he hadn't supported, slumped deeply as if her neck were broken, and her hands hung completely limp. Furthermore, her body felt incredibly cold—a coldness he was certain did not come from the air conditioner, since she usually turned the AC off because it gave her a cold, especially overnight.
He leaned in close to her face, placing two fingers beneath her nose to feel for the warmth of her breath. Terrified, he looked at her again and grabbed her wrist. Feeling no pulse whatsoever in her veins, he dropped her hand abruptly and stumbled backward, falling flat onto the floor. Staring at her in utter shock and panic, he gasped, “Inna lillahi wa'inna ilaihi raju'un! (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return!)”
He repeated this three times before scrambling back up onto the bed in a frenzy. Pulling her tight against his chest, he called her name, “Marwa, my Marwa, RK's woman, what happened? What happened to you? It's me! Please wake up, okay? I don't like this joke.”
He scanned her face to see if she would open her eyes. Seeing no sign of life, and with his heart pounding violently against his chest, he felt tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He held her tightly against him, closing his eyes firmly and exhaling a scorching breath. He wanted to utter the name of Allah, but the confusion and overwhelming panic flooding his mind denied him the ability. He pressed his forehead against hers, his long, straight nose touching her face.
*Shall we continue? Do you think this story will captivate you?*
*Alhamdulillah.*
**THE FIRE FROM THE RIVER...**
**BY**
**SAMIRA HAROUNA**
*DEDICATED TO*
*MY FAMILY*
**MADUBI WRITERS ASSOCIATION**
. E
Wow! What a dramatic twist! Where are the lovers and readers of Hausa novels? Today, your favorite author has returned with a brand new book titled **THE FIRE FROM THE RIVER...** Just from the title, you know it is bound to be thrilling. A fire from a river... this implies events that will unfold which only *Allah* can solve. The book **THE FIRE FROM THE RIVER...** is a novel full of intricate suspense, wonder, and intense romance. I won't bore you with too much talk; it is from the pen of the daughter of Niger whom you well know, the author of *Badaƙala*, *Baiwata*, *Carbin Ƙwai*, and *Allura*... in short, I mean **SAMIRA HAROUNA**. Just hearing the name, you know it will educate and entertain readers. To get your copy early, hurry and pay to read in peace; don't wait to be told the story, quickly get yours at an affordable price.
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Indeed, there was a specific dynamic to their relationship—a complex coexistence, akin to the dynamic between a purchased servant and the master who bought them. There was a reason for everything happening. Yet, no matter how much he thought he knew *who* Marwa was, and no matter how much he knew the *darker sides of her character*, it did not lessen the profound grief of losing her. They understood each other, and he had been truly happy to have her as *his wife*.
He sat there for over an hour holding her close, refusing to accept the reality of what had occurred. He knew this tragedy was now a reality, but what could have killed his Marwa right when he needed her most? He had returned to this house eager to see her, intending to openly disclose what he was planning to do. Even tho