The Crown And Her Shadows

chapter 15

Two weeks had passed since Hally gave birth, and Iman had yet to return to Aminu’s house. She remained in Kano, isolated while her siblings had left for Abuja. Hally’s husband was occupied with her care, and policemen were stationed throughout the city. Every phone call was risky; Iman could not know who might be tracking her.

She was currently staying at Tahir Guest Place on Tukur Road, having arrived during the naming ceremony for the triplets—Minal, Nadal, and Manal.

“I have to go back home sooner or later,” she murmured, deciding to leave that Friday, during the police break from their search. To remain cautious, she donned a niqab she had purchased a few days earlier.

At 2:30 p.m., she drove out. Upon reaching the gate, she honked, and the gate man opened it. Outside, Uncle Aminu, Imran, and Mami were chatting. Mami rushed toward the car, but Iman remained hidden, refusing to reveal herself. After a few minutes, she removed the niqab and stepped down.

“Oh God, you scared me! Iman, where did you go? We’ve been looking for you!” Mami exclaimed.

“Good morning, Mami,” Iman replied sweetly.

“When will you start speaking Hausa? I’m tired of this English; I cannot understand,” Imran said with a huff.

“Well, hello to you too,” Iman said sarcastically. She had been getting along with everyone except Hanan.

Inside the house, they sat down together.

“Where did you go, Iman?” Uncle Aminu asked sternly.

She narrated everything—her recent events, her struggles, the stress, and the underlying threats she had faced.

“Aww, she gave birth to what?” Mami exclaimed.

“Triplets,” Iman replied.

“Ahhh!” Mami shouted.

“Why are you shouting?” Aminu asked.

“Nothing,” she muttered.

“What are their names?” Baba asked.

“Manal, Minal, and Nadal—named after me, Maams, and Baba,” Iman replied.

“Wow, finally you’ll become mature,” Imran remarked, rolling his eyes.

“Leave him. That’s wonderful,” Aminu said.

“Yeah, I know,” Iman said coldly.

Mami noticed her mood shift. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… I’m just… never mind. When do I start school?”

“School resumed three weeks ago,” Imran said absent-mindedly.

“You can start tomorrow,” Aminu replied.

“Okay, then… good night.”

“It’s not even 4:00 p.m. yet,” Mami protested.

“I know, Imran. I am not coming out till tomorrow,” Iman replied firmly.

The next morning, Iman woke at 9 a.m. for her 10:30 a.m. class. She called Billy in Qatar.

“Why are you in Kano now? I miss you, wallahi,” he said.

“Yeah, I know,” she replied.

“Mtcheww… don’t flatter yourself,” he teased.

“What am I going to wear?” she asked.

“I don’t know, but since it’s Kano, wear Atampa,” Billy suggested.