Baiwata Part 1 Complete Hausa Novel

A Father's Favoritism
 
In the serene household of Alhaji Yusuf Jiji, joy overflowed as the children celebrated their school success. With affection, he praised his daughters Hadeeya, Hameeda, and little Hamdeeya, promising them gifts for their hard work. Their mother, Ardayi, proudly watched, speaking lovingly in French and showing affection toward the girls.
 
However, one daughter stood isolated — Saleema. Timidly, she approached her father to ask for a gift too. Rather than encouragement, she met harsh words and a cold glare. “With that kind of result, you want a gift?” he scoffed. Embarrassed but hopeful, she promised to work harder next term. He barely responded.
 
Saleema handed her results to her mother, Safeeya, who noticed that the girl had performed poorly. While Ardayi enjoyed attention and affection from Alhaji Yusuf, Safeeya stood silently, suppressing her pain, knowing her daughter’s lack of performance was slowly turning the household against them.
 
Harsh Lessons and Hidden Pain
 
One day, their usual tutor didn’t show up, so Alhaji Yusuf took it upon himself to teach the girls. He began quizzing Saleema but lost patience when she struggled with basic arithmetic. He slapped her harshly, then asked her again. When she still faltered, he hit her again.
 
Even Hamdeeya, the youngest, gave the correct answer. Her response triggered more shame and physical abuse toward Saleema. Safeeya rushed in, alarmed by the scene. "How will she learn with fear?" she pleaded. But Alhaji Yusuf snapped, blaming Safeeya for Saleema’s failure. He even insulted her, claiming he had never considered her worthy of being a proper wife.
 
Later, Ardayi entered the scene with snide comments, mocking Saleema’s poor performance and accusing Safeeya of laziness. A verbal exchange ensued. Alhaji Yusuf defended Ardayi, reinforcing the favoritism, and even declared he wished he hadn’t married Safeeya — a painful confession that left her speechless.
 
The Sting of Rejection
 
Days later, the family prepared for a school event. Alhaji Yusuf beamed with pride as his daughters in colorful, stylish clothes walked to the car. Saleema, in a simple shadda and hijab, trailed behind. Her presence reminded him of shame. “She’ll ruin our reputation,” he thought.
 
After school, the girls returned joyfully with awards — all except Saleema, who was taunted by classmates for her low performance. Devastated, she cried under her hijab. In the car, Alhaji Yusuf ignored her sadness and focused on celebrating his favorites.
 
Back home, he distributed gifts: fine dresses, phones, and toys — to everyone except Saleema. When she asked for hers, he mocked her: “You? What have you done to deserve anything?” She explained she had been sewing fabric, but he dismissed her effort. Safeeya, again witnessing the cruelty, defended her daughter. A tense exchange followed. Alhaji Yusuf brushed her off while Ardayi chimed in again with more insults.
 
Unable to take the humiliation, Safeeya left the room with Saleema. For days, she distanced herself from the family, and her presence faded from their daily joy. Alhaji Yusuf barely noticed, consumed by his admiration for Ardayi and her daughters.
 
A Mother’s Strength, A Glimmer of Hope
 
Three days passed. Alhaji Yusuf, finding the house too quiet, returned early one afternoon. In their room, he found Safeeya looking tired and withdrawn. Concerned, he sat beside her. “Are you upset with me?” he asked gently. She hesitated but said nothing. Seeing her discomfort, he softened and apologized.
 
When he asked if she was sick, she struggled to answer. Then a thought hit him — “Could you be pregnant?” Embarrassed, she nodded. Joy lit up his face. “This is wonderful news!” he exclaimed. “I always prayed you'd give me the last child in this home — the one to complete my legacy.”
 
But Safeeya, with sadness in her voice, feared the pregnancy would not last, just like the others she had lost. He reassured her, holding her close, vowing this time would be different. “God willing, this child will live,” he said.
 
In that quiet moment, the hardened shell of their strained relationship cracked open slightly, revealing hope.