FreeFreeDescription
RAINON SOJA BOOK COMPELET
“Who is that singer?” She looked at him with doubt and surprise. Seeing that he was about to look at her, she quickly averted her eyes and answered him with feigned ignorance. A slight smile played on his lips because he had already caught her. “He sings really well, and with calmness and meaning.” She smiled for the first time, looking back at him. “That's why I love his songs so much too. He isn't loud, and everything he says aligns with the language of hearts.” He stared at her intently, causing her to look away again. “What kind of language aligns with the meaning of hearts?” The way he asked, almost like a whisper, made her turn to look at him again, before dropping her gaze, a smile still lingering on her lips. “Yaya, it doesn't mean my thoughts and everyone else's have to be identical; it's possible I'm the only one interpreting or understanding it that way when I listen to his songs.” “Uhhm, is that so? Look, you should send them to me too, maybe I'll understand your kind of understanding! Send all his songs to me on WhatsApp.” “Well, I don't have your number.” He was looking straight into her eyes, so she lowered hers because she couldn't bear it. He then withdrew his gaze, turning it back to the two birds drinking water from a small basin Aunty Amarya usually filled for them. “You didn't want it that way, which is why you don't have it.” She just smiled, saying nothing, and continued watching the birds as his eyes remained on them too. After about three minutes of silence, the birds flew away, prompting him to break the silence. “I'm traveling to China, and I'll be away for a while because I'll be there for at least a hundred days, or fewer, insha ALLAH.” Her surprise made her look up at him. Seeing his eyes fixed on her, he blinked slightly in confirmation... She had no choice but to nod in agreement. “May ALLAH protect your journey and bless what you are going for. May He protect you from the forbidden and unite you with the halal.” He let out a deep sigh, making her look up at him again. He flashed her a smile—one she could swear she had never seen on him before. She stiffened as she looked at him, feeling like everything about him today was like a fairy tale. When he playfully tapped her nose, she quickly looked away, feeling self-conscious. He smiled slightly, adjusting his posture. “You and Aysha will move into my house and stay there until I return.” “What! Me?!” The way she exclaimed made him fix his gaze firmly on her. “So you're not going?” She pouted and pushed her lower lip out. “Well, you know very well that your wife and I don't get along.” “If you go stay there now, you'll start getting along before I'm back for good.” She didn't fully understand him because he spoke in Hausa, but she shook her head. “No, we will never get along with that wife of yours. In fact, I'm about to start punching her if she keeps giving me dirty looks. She shouldn't think her height and big frame will intimidate me.” The fierce and sassy way she spoke made him burst into laughter. He turned his head away, smiling, before turning back with a stern expression. “You're going to punch my wife?” She said nothing, only pouting further. He was about to speak when his phone ring interrupted him. It was Mommy, so he answered respectfully with a greeting. “Where on earth are you, Shareff? Your wife is vomiting here, she's completely exhausted, come take her to the hospital.” “Ya ALLAH!” He said softly, closing his eyes. “Okay Mommy, I'm coming. But let me call Jamal first, you know today is the weekend, we might not get the service we want at the hospital.” “Well, hurry up for ALLAH's sake.” “Okay, let me call him.” As soon as he hung up, Anam couldn't hold back, not knowing who was said to be sick. “Yaya, who is being taken to the hospital?” As he tried calling Dr. Jamal, he answered her directly. “It's Fadwa, she's been vomiting and she's totally worn out.” Showing her compassionate nature, she expressed deep pity. “Aww, may ALLAH grant her healing. Was she already sick and you allowed her to go out, Yaya? You should have left her at home since everyone knows how illness is.” He blew out a breath, and when Dr. Jamal didn't pick up, he answered her. “She wasn't bedridden; I guess she just caught a whiff of something she dislikes and the vomiting started.” She looked at him in surprise at his answer, but before she could say anything, Mommy's call interrupted her. He answered and stood up. “Mommy's call didn't go through, maybe she's not close... Oh, look, he's calling back, I'm coming.” Mommy hung up on her end, and he managed to take Dr. Jamal's call. He stepped away from Anam while talking. She watched him walk away, then shrugged, rolled her eyes, and twisted her lips in dismissal. She untied the heavy hijab wrapped around her body, put it on properly, and stood up to return to Aunty Amarya's wing to rest or chat with her Malaysian friends. After finishing his call with Dr. Jamal, Shareff turned around and just caught sight of her reaching the back door of Aunty Amarya's kitchen. He stared at her until she vanished from sight, let out a breath, and left the spot as well.
★★★
In Mommy's section, Fadwa was acting extra dramatic, seeing how panicked Mommy and Mamah were. Mamah (Gwaggo Haliman) had also come around for Maheer's wedding date fixing. Shareff walked in to find them surrounding her. She immediately burst into tears, extending her hand to him, crying that he needed to come because she was going to die. He stiffened, acting as if he didn't see the hand she was offering—after all, he had to cut some slack for the sake of their parents. He greeted her gently and sat down to greet Mamah. Mamah responded warmly. “Was she already sick like this, my son?” He briefly looked at Fadwa and withdrew his gaze. “No, Mamah, she wasn't bedridden. It's just that whenever she smells something she dislikes, she vomits, though it has never been as severe as today.” Mamah and Mommy exchanged glances, both of their hearts filled with a desire for more details, though they knew they wouldn't get much from Shareff, so they just waited for Jamal to arrive. Shortly after, Jamal arrived, and Shareff went out to bring him in. After greeting them, Jamal asked Fadwa a few questions, which she answered with difficulty. Finally, he handed her a testing stick. “I think you should use this stick or whatever I'm suspecting might be it. If it's not that, then I'll draw your blood.” Mommy took it from him, and they went into the toilet inside the parlor. After a few minutes, they brought the stick back to him as requested. He broke into a smile, looked Shareff straight in the eye, and then shifted his gaze back to Mommy. “Well, I don't think we even need a blood test right now, because it is indeed what I suspected. She can come to the hospital on Monday to see me. May ALLAH perfect her health and increase her well-being. Let me give her this medicine so she can get some relief from the exhaustion caused by the vomiting.” Mommy's face broke into a wide smile, while Hassan and the others filled the parlor with shouts of joy, hugging Fadwa. As for the main man, he and Dr. Jamal had already stepped out, though he felt genuinely happy inside, even though he had suspected it for a while. Dr. Jamal congratulated him, teasingly saying, “My friend, you've really become a man of the world, scoring right on target with the goalkeeper at home. May ALLAH bless it for us.” “You bastard, listen to you. Where are you heading now?” “I should go home, but since you brought me here, let me go water my own flower too.” He finished searching for Anam's number. Shareff knew exactly what he meant, so he said nothing and brushed it off as if he heard nothing. Jamal tried calling about three times with no response, shrugged, and looked at Shareff. “Musty, I think that girl isn't close to her phone. Let me just leave and come back for the evening chat. When is your trip again? Day after tomorrow?” “I'll leave in the morning because I need to go through Abuja first, and from there I proceed.” “Okay, then I'll drop by the house in the evening, insha ALLAH.” They said their goodbyes, and Jamal left, while Shareff returned to Mommy and the others, who had begun pampering Fadwa anew.
The return of the people who brought gifts and fixed the wedding date brought the news of Fadwa's pregnancy to the forefront of the household. Everyone offered congratulations and prayers for her safe delivery, and Gwaggo even did a little dance. Shareff had long since left the house for them, only returning in the evening to go to the mosque with Daddy. After returning, he ate dinner with them. He discussed his trip further with them, and finally, they brought up his wife: where would she stay? Would she come back home or go to her parents', since she wasn't feeling well, especially now that the news of the pregnancy had reached them? He let out a slight sigh. With his head bowed, he said, “She should just stay there. I spoke with Khaleel, he's going to start sleeping over there, and Aysha and Anam can go stay with her since they don't have much going on here.” Abba, smiling, said, “That works too. May ALLAH grant you success in what you are going for, and bring you back to us safely.” He and Daddy answered with an “Amin.” From there, they continued discussing other matters concerning them and his journey.
★★★
Anam had no idea what was happening regarding their move to Yaya Shareff's house until the next day, because she hadn't taken his casual mention from yesterday seriously. Even when she heard about Fadwa's pregnancy, she said nothing, though she prayed for blessings on Maheer's wedding date, which was set for four months away. In the evening when she returned from work, Mom informed her that she had packed her bags and she and Aysha were going to stay with Shareff's wife until he returned. Anam stared at Mom with wide, disbelieving eyes. “Mom, me too? You know how much that woman has grown to hate me, with Gwaggo and Mommy and Mamah right there...”
...Anam truly felt like bursting into tears. However, she couldn't argue. So she followed Mom's instructions: after taking a bath and eating, she packed a bag containing no more than seven outfits, along with essentials. She figured it was unlikely her stay there would last long before she and Fadwa clashed for all to see. Aysha walked in, and upon seeing the small amount of clothes she had packed, declared it wasn't enough. She swapped the small bag for Anam's large suitcase, pulling out clothes from the wardrobe and tossing them in despite Anam's protests—refusing to listen, even packing clothes that had been sewn for Anam which she hadn't even worn yet. Aysha dragged the suitcase, saying, “Yaya has arrived, hurry up and finish, you know how impatient he is.” Anam shot her a glare without answering. Aysha walked out laughing. Left with no choice, she got up to finish packing whatever was left, then went out to bid Mom farewell.
Over in Mommy's section, it was only now that she learned Anam was also going to live in Shareff's house. Her blood boiled, and she flatly stated that she didn't approve—not if she was the one who gave birth to Shareff. Shareff said nothing, but Daddy intervened, saying she had no veto power, and if she pushed her luck, it would make him extremely upset. Seeing them arguing back and forth, Aysha went to inform Gwaggo, though she knew Gwaggo was unpredictable. Instantly, Gwaggo showed up; Aysha had filled her in on the situation, and upon arrival, Gwaggo backed Daddy, saying Shareff should just take Aysha and Anam away since it was getting late, and Anam's stay there wasn't a big deal. Mommy stared at Gwaggo in shock and absolute anger. Gwaggo blinked at her, signaling her to stay calm and just let it happen. Mommy kept quiet, though her insides burned with resentment, and she couldn't wait for them to leave so she could find out why Gwaggo acted that way. “Get up, take them and go, it's getting late.” Daddy said, looking at Yaya Shareff as if he wasn't even in the room. Shareff stood up and bade them farewell. Aysha followed him out. He didn't enter any other section of the house, intending to return in the morning to say goodbye before leaving since he wasn't leaving too early—Khaleel was going to take him to the airport. He wanted Aysha and Anam to move in today so he could warn Fadwa beforehand, knowing full well that friction was guaranteed between Anam and Fadwa. Aysha went in to call her out. Anam was wearing a light long gown with a small veil draped over her head. She held the small bag containing the inner clothes Aysha hadn't transferred due to the rush. She greeted him without looking his way. He averted his gaze, answered her, opened the car door, and got in. Aysha hopped into the back seat instantly. When Anam tried to enter, he glared at them. “Hey you guys, am I your driver?!” Aysha pushed Anam, who was trying to get in. “Blood, you're the one sitting in front, get in.” Anam opened her mouth to speak, but he turned around furiously. “I don't like nonsense, you're wasting my time.” She glared at Aysha, who was mocking her, and without saying anything, she walked around and got into the front passenger seat. He turned the key, pulled out of the driveway after exchanging farewells with the gateman. He drove slowly, as if reluctant. The car was silent, without a single sound of movement. Anam had already started dozing off, as she was someone who fell asleep early, especially in a cold environment. Right now, the air conditioning was making her sleepy, coupled with the day's exhaustion. He turned on a Qur'anic recitation as they drove until they arrived. The house was as quiet as a ghost town, save for the gateman listening to the news on the radio. The gateman greeted his boss respectfully after opening the gate. Shareff personally pulled their luggage out of the trunk. Aysha dragged one bag, pushing the other toward Anam. Anam yawned sleepily, leaning against the car while holding the suitcase. He gave her and the suitcase one brief look, turned away without saying a word, locked the car, grabbed his suitcase, and walked ahead. Anam pouted slightly and followed behind them in her sleepy daze. They found no one in the parlor; even the TV was turned off. Aysha looked at him with excitement, asking, “Yaya, where is Aunty Fadwa?” He walked past as if ignoring the question, only turning back once he reached the door of the room they were assigned. “She probably went to sleep, I left her with a headache.” “Aww, may ALLAH grant her health.” “Amin,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on Anam, who had collapsed onto the arm of a sofa, resting her head because she was desperately sleepy. “Wake her up and go sleep already.” “Okay Yaya, good night.” Since she had already bathed and prayed back home, as soon as they entered the room, she collapsed onto the bed and went straight to sleep. Aysha even had to pinch her jokingly to say her prayers, teasing her about ignoring the AC's chill. Anam swatted her hand away and rolled over to continue sleeping.
________________★
“Gwaggo, I swear you're keeping me completely in the dark. Did you forget that this is the girl I loathe, along with her parents, more than anything in my life?” Gwaggo smiled that old-school, manipulative smile of hers, tapping Mommy's shoulder. “My problem with you is your impatience. You know very well I wouldn't agree to her staying there if there wasn't a hidden plan. So calm your mind, by morning you'll hear everything...” “Why not now, Gwaggo?” “Because your husband's eyes are still on us.” Mommy just shook her head, though she felt no relief inside. Gwaggo bade her good night and walked out, wearing a smile Mommy couldn't decipher by any standard...
NEXT MORNING
He was the one who knocked on their door when leaving for the mosque for Fajr prayer, ensuring they were awake before stepping out. Upon returning after the prayer, he performed his adhkar right there in the house, after waking Fadwa up again—he had woken her before leaving, but she had gone right back to sleep. Grumbling that her head still ached, she headed to the bathroom to make wudu. He didn't respond to her until she came out and started her prayer. When she finished, she returned to the bed, snuggling against him and kissing his lips. “Good Morning my Soulmate.” “Good morning wife, how are you and the baby?” She smiled, took his hand, and placed it on her belly, speaking in a coy, spoiled voice. “Look, he's already missing his Daddy.” He smiled for the first time, kissing her lips back. Raising one eyebrow, he said, “I'm full of longing for him and his mommy too. But don't worry, I won't be long, I'll return to him insha ALLAH.” She hugged him tightly, beginning to deploy sensual moves that made him give in. After everything subsided, as she lay against him with his eyes closed, he called her name. “Hmm?” she answered, holding him tighter. He continued stroking her hair, his eyes still closed. “Yesterday I brought Aysha and the others to stay with you. I don't want to hear about any drama, not even as a joke. Maintain your dignity and self-respect. If I hear of any fighting, you're the one I will punish first, given your status as the senior wife.” “Insha ALLAH nothing will happen. Is Aysha with Hussaina?” Flatly, he said, “With Anam.” Before he could even finish his sentence, she bolted upright in bed. He opened his eyes and stared at her as she shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes... “I swear she is not staying in my house, let her go, Aysha is enough.” He averted his gaze, sat up, and leaned against the headboard. “Don't upset yourself over nothing. Juwairiyya and Aysha will live here with you, and Khaleel will also be sleeping here...” “It won't work.” “Then stop it from working so we can see, since it's your house.” He said angrily, stepping down from the bed. She quickly grabbed the bedsheet, wrapped it around herself like a wrap, and rushed to block his path. “For ALLAH's sake, stop and let's talk. I swear to God I mean every word: I hate that girl, I cannot live under the same roof with her ever, because I might end up killing her.” He stared straight into her eyes, placing both hands on his hips as he tried to suppress his rising anger. “You might kill her? Well, then you'd just end up killing her, because she is definitely staying here since you didn't contribute money to build my house. Let's part ways amicably, Fadwa!!” He ended in extreme rage, brushed past her forcefully, and walked out. She collapsed onto the floor and burst into tears. She was truly doomed; this cursed girl had become a plague in her life. She grabbed her phone and called Mamah, but it was switched off. She called Mommy, who picked up on the first ring. Without any greetings or pleasantries, she burst into tears, telling Mommy that if Anam was going to stay, she would rather pack up and return to her family's house. After she finished ranting, Mommy spoke... “Fadwa, I'm more upset about this girl staying in that house than you are, because last night I didn't sleep a wink out of bitterness. But I want you to calm down; Gwaggo says she has a plan regarding her stay...” “Mommy, can't that plan be executed while she's away from my house? Does she have to intrude on my home?” “I told you I don't want this either. But let's wait to hear what Gwaggo has to say later today. For now, harden your heart and make peace with your husband; after he leaves later today, I'll come over to the house.” “Mommy...!” “Do as I say.” Mommy cut her off harshly and hung up the phone, as Fadwa was only pushing her patience further.
Summary
The narrative opens with a quiet, reflective moment between Anam and Shareff in a garden, where they bond over their shared appreciation of a calm Malaysian singer. However, the mood shifts when Shareff abruptly announces an upcoming three-month business trip to China. Anam accepts the news with a blessing, though she is playfully teased by him. Soon after, Mommy calls Shareff to report that his wife, Fadwa, is violently ill and vomiting. Shareff rushes back to the family compound, where Dr. Jamal arrives and confirms that Fadwa is pregnant, sparking joy among the family elders (Mammy, Gwaggo, and Mamah) while Shareff and Jamal share private banter.
Following the pregnancy revelation, family discussions turn to logistics during Shareff's absence. It is decided that Anam and Aysha will move into Shareff's house to keep Fadwa company, alongside Khaleel who will sleep over. When Anam learns of this arrangement, she is naturally resistant due to her mutual hostility with Fadwa, but she obeys her family's directives. Mommy privately confers with Gwaggo, who hints at a mysterious "plan" concerning Anam's stay, though Mommy remains deeply resentful.
Shareff drops Aysha and a sleepy Anam off at his house late at night, giving them brief instructions before retreating. The next morning, before leaving for his trip, Shareff sternly warns Fadwa against starting any trouble with Anam, naming Fadwa accountable as the senior wife. This triggers a furious outburst from Fadwa, who threatens violence against Anam and panics over sharing a roof with her rival. Shareff refuses to back down, boldly asserting ownership of his home and leaving Fadwa in tears. Fadwa immediately calls Mommy, who counsels patience and urges her to trust Gwaggo's undisclosed plan.
Description
- Anam: A vibrant, music-loving, and sharp-witted young woman navigating an emotionally charged environment. Despite her outward sassy resistance and aversion to Shareff's control, she possesses a deeply compassionate core, a fondness for quiet beauty (like birds and soft melodies), and an underlying vulnerability.
- Shareff: A commanding, authoritative businessman whose outward strictness often masks a quiet attentiveness. He maintains absolute control over his domain, unapologetically defending his decisions against familial pushback while balancing professional demands and marital dynamics.
- Fadwa: Shareff’s pregnant wife, characterized by high drama, insecurity, and intense hostility toward Anam. She relies heavily on emotional manipulation, theatrical outbursts, and alliances with maternal figures like Mommy to assert control.
- Gwaggo & Mommy: Senior matriarchs who navigate compound politics through strategic calculation, secret plotting, and traditional authority, often viewing younger residents as pieces in a larger game.
- Dr. Jamal: Shareff’s close friend and medical professional who provides comic relief, expert medical validation, and playful romantic banter.
Analytics
- The Architecture of Domestic Control: The narrative deeply explores how patriarchal and maternal authority intersect within the northern Nigerian domestic sphere. Shareff exercises ultimate spatial control by forcing Anam into his home, while Mommy and Gwaggo operate through shadow networks of plotting and resistance.
- Pregnancy as a Catalyst for Conflict: Fadwa's pregnancy is introduced not merely as a joyous milestone, but as a weaponized status symbol. It heightens her sense of entitlement while intensifying her paranoia over Anam's presence, creating a volatile domestic powder keg.
- Micro-Rebellions and Compliance: Anam’s journey highlights the friction between internal defiance and external submission. She complains, pouts, and dodges authority, yet ultimately complies with familial edicts, reflecting the cultural weight of obedience balanced against personal dignity.
- Symbolism of Space and Movement: Travel and spatial relocation (Shareff's upcoming trip to China, Anam's forced migration into Shareff's house) act as structural catalysts. Moving Anam into Fadwa's territory purposefully destabilizes the domestic equilibrium, setting the stage for inevitable confrontation.
CategoryComprehensive Breakdown & Analysis Summary• The Garden Dialogue & Departure Announcement: Anam and Shareff share a rare, peaceful moment bonding over Malaysian music in the garden. The calm is abruptly broken when Shareff announces an impending three-month business trip to China, which Anam meets with a quiet, respectful prayer. • Fadwa's Pregnancy Revelation: Mommy calls Shareff back to the main compound because Fadwa is violently ill. Dr. Jamal arrives, runs a test, and confirms Fadwa is pregnant. The news brings immense joy to the elders (Mammy, Gwaggo, and Mommy), while Shareff and Jamal share private, teasing banter. • The Forced Relocation: To ensure Fadwa is looked after during his absence, Shareff arranges for Aysha and Anam to move into his house, with Khaleel sleeping over. Despite Anam's quiet internal dread and Fadwa's furious protests, the family elders enforce the decision—though Gwaggo cryptically assures a fuming Mommy that she has a "plan" regarding Anam's stay. • The Morning Conflict: Before leaving for the airport, Shareff sternly warns Fadwa to keep the peace and treat Anam with respect as the senior wife. Fadwa flies into a jealous rage, threatening physical violence against Anam and declaring she cannot live under the same roof. Shareff firmly stands his ground, asserting his ownership of the home before walking out in anger, leaving Fadwa to lean on Mommy and Gwaggo's covert machinations. Description• Anam: Introspective, musically inclined, and quietly resilient. While she maintains a sassy, defensive facade and deeply resents being forced into close proximity with Fadwa, she also possesses a gentle, compassionate side and a habit of retreating into her own peaceful mental spaces. • Shareff: Uncompromising, dominant, and fiercely protective of his autonomy. He balances corporate stress with firm domestic governance, refusing to bow to external manipulation from either his wife or his mother. • Fadwa: Insecure, highly dramatic, and consumed by territorial jealousy. Her pregnancy inflates her sense of entitlement, turning her into an explosive force prone to emotional blackmail and vehement hostility toward perceived rivals. • Gwaggo & Mommy: The masterminds of compound politics. Mommy acts out of raw, bitter resentment, while Gwaggo operates with a calculating, patient cunning, relying on hidden agendas and manipulative alliances. • Dr. Jamal: The pragmatic confidant who bridges professional duty and personal life, serving as both a medical anchor and a source of comic relief. Analytics• Spatial Domination and Forced Proximity: The narrative weaponizes physical space. By moving Anam directly into Fadwa's territory, Shareff deliberately forces a collision of incompatible forces, using architecture as a tool of behavioral regulation. • Pregnancy as Political Capital: Fadwa's pregnancy is framed not just as a domestic milestone, but as a socio-political currency within the household. It elevates her status in the eyes of the matriarchs while intensifying her paranoia, weaponizing her physical condition to demand absolute compliance. • The Subversion of Autonomy: The chapter highlights the heavy friction between personal agency and cultural obligation. Both Anam and Fadwa are subjected to decisions made by patriarchal and maternal authorities, forcing them into a volatile co-existence despite mutual loathing. • Foreshadowing via Secret Machinations: Gwaggo's cryptic "plan" and Mommy's simmering malice inject an undercurrent of suspense, signaling that Anam's integration into Shareff's household will serve as a catalyst for a much larger, coordinated scheme. Description (Extended Character & Thematic Breakdown)• The Dual Nature of Intimacy: The garden scene reveals a softer, almost vulnerable undercurrent between Anam and Shareff, contrasting sharply with the authoritarian dynamic that usually defines them. It suggests that mutual understanding exists beneath their layers of antagonism. • The Patriarchal Stand: Shareff's absolute refusal to yield to Fadwa's ultimatums marks a critical shift in power dynamics. He dismantles the traditional leverage wives often hold over household decisions, signaling a departure from Mommy's style of control. • The Motif of Evasion vs. Confrontation: Anam's primary coping mechanism has always been flight (evading Shareff, hiding in mosques, taking tricycles). Relocating to his house strips away her escape routes, forcing her from passive avoidance into direct, daily confrontation. • Matriarchal Complicity: The interactions between Mommy and Gwaggo expose the dark side of compound solidarity—where older women weaponize tradition, whispered secrets, and quiet conspiracies to manipulate the younger generation's lives for their own gratification.
