A lokacin Mu Book 1 Complete Hausa Novel
Later that morning, an order came from Malam Habu’s household to buy fifteen hundred Naira worth of Masa. However, Gwago did not have exact change at the moment, so the messengers were given the Masa first with the understanding that the change would be brought over later.
By evening, Gwago handed Bintu the cash to deliver to Malam Habu’s house. Bintu felt reluctant about the task—she genuinely disliked the habit of wandering into other people’s homes. Ever since her arrival in town, she had not visited a single soul, staying indoors with Gwago except for her early morning trip to the grinding mill alongside the young almajiri boys to supervise the batter.
Putting on her hijab and stepping into her simple rubber slippers, Bintu set off, following Gwago’s directions to locate the compound.
She paused at the outer entrance of the large house and offered a quiet greeting. The courtyard was quiet, decorated with planted flowers. Off in the distance, she spotted a handsome young man bending over, tying his football boots. From his athletic gear, it was clear he was preparing to head out for a football match.
“Good afternoon,” Bintu said softly, curtsying politely. Not expecting much of a response, she quickly added, “Please, which way leads inside to the main quarters? I brought change for the Masa.”
With a cold, stern expression, the young man simply pointed his hand toward the inner entrance without saying a single word.
Bintu proceeded in the direction he indicated. However, once inside, she felt completely disoriented. The compound was arranged into four separate apartments, each meant for a different wife.
“Now, where am I supposed to go?” Bintu wondered silently, unsure of which specific apartment had ordered the Masa.
As she stood there calling out greetings in vain, a short, fair-complexioned, and plump woman stepped into view. Bintu immediately turned her attention to her.
“Good evening, Ma’am,” Bintu greeted respectfully.
The woman offered a brief, cold response. “Good evening.”
Bintu explained, “I was asked to bring change from Hajiya Masa’s house,” referring to Gwago Asmau by her popular neighborhood title.
With a contemptuous sneer, the woman snapped, “Walk inside and ask!” Bintu immediately sensed the tense atmosphere of co-wife rivalry in the home.
Standing there uncertainly, Bintu was contemplating turning around to leave when a dark-skinned woman emerged from an apartment slightly set apart from the others. She carried a bucket, a mop, and a broom, looking like she had just finished cleaning.
Bintu politely greeted her as well, and this time, the woman responded with a warm, welcoming smile.
“Welcome, dear. Are you looking for someone?” the woman asked kindly.
Relieved by the warm reception, Bintu smiled back and said, “Yes, Ma’am. Hajiya Masa asked me to bring change for the Masa that was bought.”
“Oh! Are you from Hajiya Masa’s house?” the woman asked brightly.