So close, yet so far

08

ABUJA, NIGERIA

"Mama wata shida fa muka San Juna Kawai; we have only known each other for 6 months." Hauwa whined to her mother through the phone and Aisha who was sitting beside her rolled her eyes and hissed and Hauwa discreetly pinched her making her winch. Though Aisha had stopped trying to persuade Hauwa into leaving Sa'eed because she believes he is a bad person, she still doesn't like talking about Sa'eed.

"Mama, I'm telling you, we've only known each other for six months," Hauwa repeated, exasperated.

"Six months is enough, Kulu," her mother replied firmly. "Tell Sa'eed to send his elders, let's start the marriage preparations."

Hauwa sighed, glancing at Aisha, who raised an eyebrow. "Mama, I don't think that's a good idea. We're still getting to know each other."

"Getting to know each other? You're already living in the same city, what's there to know?" her mother asked, her tone teasing.

Hauwa's face flushed, and Aisha chuckled. "Mama, stop teasing her," Aisha said, trying to stifle her grin.

"Okay, okay, but seriously, Kulu, do you love him?" her mother asked, her tone softening.

Hauwa's expression changed, her eyes sparkling. "Mama, I love him so much, I can't even explain it. I feel like I've known him my whole life. I wish I could marry him tomorrow, but I don't know if he's ready."

Aisha rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Mai-Jidda, you're so shameless," she teased.

Their mother laughed. "Kulu, you're indeed shameless, but I'm glad you're in love. Just tell him to come and see us, we'll take it from there."

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Mama got up to answer it. "That must be Jannah, I'll be right back," she said, exiting the room.

A few minutes later, Mama returned with their younger sister, Jannah, who was grinning from ear to ear. "Yane? Meke fa ruwa?: How Far? What's going on?"

"We're discussing Mai-Jidda's love life," Aisha said, winking at Hauwa.

Jannah's eyes widened. "Ooh, tell me everything!"

Their mother laughed. "Kulu, tell your sister what we were discussing."

Hauwa filled Jannah in on the conversation, and Jannah listened with wide eyes. "Wow, Ya Mai-Jidda, you're so in love!" Jannah exclaimed.

Hauwa blushed, and Aisha teased, "Yeah, she's totally gone."

Their mother chuckled. "Okay, okay, let's not tease her too much. Hauwa, just tell Sa'eed to come and see us, and we'll take it from there."

Hauwa nodded, smiling. "Okay, Mama, I'll talk to him."

As they continued their video call, the conversation turned to Jannah's school and her upcoming exams. Hauwa and Aisha offered words of encouragement, and their mother reminded Jannah to stay focused.

As the call came to an end, Hauwa smiled, feeling grateful for her family's love and support. She knew she still had to convince Sa'eed to take their relationship to the next level, but with her family behind her, she felt more confident than ever.

Hauwa turned to look at Aisha, her expression nervous. Aisha noticed the change and nudged her. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Hauwa hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've noticed Sa'eed acting weird these past two days."

Aisha raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with scepticism. "Weird? That's his normal behaviour, Mai-Jidda. He's just losing interest in you, trust me."