HUSNA

Chapter10

Two months later...
Two months passed, yet life remained the same ...quiet struggles, slow days, and moments of small gratitude. Sometimes, the little money Husna made from selling zobo (hibiscus drink) kept the family going.

That afternoon, the sun burned hot over the rooftops in their compound. A raffia mat was spread beneath the mango tree where the whole family sat...her father had just returned from work, his face tired but gentle. Her younger siblings chatted aimlessly, laughing over nothing in particular, while her parents discussed gwamnati matters....salary delays, fuel price, and how things kept getting harder. The aroma of jollof rice filled the air.

"Husna, go and check the food, I think it's done," her mother called from under the tree.

Husna gently placed her book aside and stood, dusting off her wrapper before walking to the kitchen.

"Husnatu, be banin ayidi mi bangine be ko'a wata do na Husnatu," her mother teased from outside. "Do you expect me to marry you off like that? You're doing everything slowly, like a snake."

"Adda Moivima mi bangan mi wanyi kalmawol mai ma Adda," Husna shot back in Hausa, frowning. "Who even told you I'm getting married? I hate that word."

Her father chuckled. "Husna, do you mean to say you'll never get married at all?"

Before she could answer, her sister Fatima butted in. "Abba, you know Mallam Habib from the islamiya likes her. But she doesn't even look at him. She just acts like nobody exists!"

Her mother clicked her tongue. "Mi anda ko damata bingel do a hore maka be yidi mo o vagi anma o sali hukku be yeso be volina mo ma (I don't even know what's wrong with this girl's head. So many suitors, yet she ignores them all! Husna, are you sure you're okay? Maybe we should take you for ruqiya."

"Adda, stop it!" She snapped, her voice shaking slightly. "I just hate the word marriage. I hate love! Men are betrayals, all of them. Cheaters!"

Her eyes welled up, but she quickly wiped the tears away.

"I don't think I can ever marry anyone else," she muttered softly. "I'll just stay like this. I don't need anybody."

Her father sighed, his tone light. "Don't talk like that, Husna. Wipe those tears and bring our food, ni ji yunwa sosai."

Husna dished out the hot jollof rice into plates, the aroma stronger now, and handed them around. Just as she sat to eat, her phone began to ring. Faiza. She sighed before picking up.

"Are you coming?" Faiza's cheerful voice came through immediately. "You promised me, Husna! I've been waiting since morning. Wallahi I couldn't even sleep, I was so excited."

"I'm sorry, Fa...

"Nope! Don't even start!" Faiza interrupted. "You're coming, no excuses. Get up, shower, and dress one step at a time, Hussy."

Husna rolled her eyes. "Who told you I haven't showered?"

Faiza giggled. "Please, jare. My mom went for a naming ceremony, nobody's home. Just come, we'll gist, order pizza, and catch up. I won't take no for an answer."

She tried to find an excuse... she could say she needed to help Adda with cooking, or maybe she had laundry... but before she could finish her thought, Faiza added with mock threat, "And don't think I won't call your mom. I still have her number o!"

"Faiza, please...

Click. Faiza had already ended the call.

Minutes later, her mom shouted from the veranda, "Husna! You can go, but don't stay too long!"

Husna groaned under her breath. "This girl will be the end of me."

She went to her small room, changed into a simple material gown, and wrapped her-pink hijab neatly around her head.

"Husna, at least wear small powder now," her mother teased.

"No, Mama. I'm fine."

Her father handed her ₦300 before she left. "Don't stay out too late, kin ji ko?"

The sun was harsh as she stepped out. "Kai, the heat today is too much," she murmured, shading her eyes. The street buzzed with children, hawkers, and a few passing cars. She stopped a keke and asked for the fare.

"₦150," the driver replied.

She nodded and hopped in, fanning herself all the way until they reached Faiza's estate.

The security man recognized her and smiled. "Madam Husna, Faiza dey upstairs."

She thanked him and climbed the stairs, knocking softly before opening the door.

"Assalamu alaikum," she said, stepping in.

Faiza jumped from her bed, squealing. "Oh my God, sweetheart! You really came!" She ran and hugged her tightly.

"Abeg, stop squeezing me jare. What do you want me to do now?"

"Sit down, let me get drinks. We'll gist properly."

She dropped onto the edge of the bed, scanning the room. The décor was pretty — a red-and-white bedspread, pink lamp, computer desk, and matching curtains. It smelled faintly of vanilla and strawberry lotion.

"So," Faiza began dramatically, "you know my friend that was getting married?"

"Yes, what about her?" Husna asked lazily.

"Cancelled!" Faiza said, eyes wide. "The guy betrayed her. Men, I swear, they're useless."

"Typical," Husna said quietly. "All the same story."

"Come jare, let's go out...Habil Café. I'm bored here, and I'll take you back home before Maghrib, promise."

Husna hesitated, then nodded slowly.

"Yayyy!" Faiza clapped like a child. "But first, makeup time!"

Before she could protest, Faiza was already dabbing foundation on her face.

"Look, just small touch," Faiza said. "Do you like it?"

Husna looked into the mirror and blinked. "It's... perfect. You're a makeup goddess."

Faiza laughed proudly. "I know! Wallahi you look like one Arab princess."

They took pictures ...Faiza posing dramatically while Husna smiled shyly. Soon after, they changed
clothes and headed to the café, the evening breeze soft and warm.

At Habil Café, Faiza did most of the talking...gossip, weddings, new songs....while Husna listened absentmindedly, lost in thought.

By 5 p.m., they returned home. Faiza hugged her tightly at the gate. "Next time, we'll go out again, okay?"

Husna just smiled faintly. "Insha Allah."

As she rode the keke back home, the sun had already started to set. The city lights flickered on, and Husna rested her chin on her palm, whispering to herself
"Maybe one day... I'll stop feeling this way...