Zarrah Part 1 Complete Hausa Novel

A Bitter Encounter and Inna’s Awakening
 
He gave her a hateful, disgusted look before turning away. Her words had pierced his heart — never in his life had he met such an audacious girl who dared to look him in the eyes and speak to him in that manner. He wondered what kind of ill-mannered, filthy beggar girl she was — one who had surely brought upon herself the curse that would torment her life. Even a man of high status would find her unbearable, let alone a poor, homeless girl who wasn’t even worth a servant in a rich man’s house.
As he turned to leave, Inna opened her eyes and saw Asma’u. She stretched out her hand, and Asma’u quickly knelt beside her, asking with concern, “Sorry, Inna. Where do you still feel pain?” Inna shook her head weakly. “I’m feeling better, Asma’ul Husna. Why were you crying?” Asma’u lowered her head, wiping her tears quickly. “Don’t worry, Inna. Can you walk? Let’s go find a taxi to another hospital.” Inna stood up slowly and said, “I can, Asma’u. It was just a breathing difficulty, but I’m fine now. I hope no one tried to disrespect you again?” Forcing a smile filled with pity, Asma’u replied, “No, Inna. But today I met a rude man who didn’t even know the value of his own mother. The insults he threw at me—he even pushed me, just because I asked him to help take you to the hospital. When I reminded him of his cruelty, he responded with abuse and walked away. Luckily, someone else helped us here. Would you believe that when that same man later came and saw me, he turned back to leave? I told him to his face, ‘If you don’t attend to my mother and she dies, I’ll make sure you face the law.’”
 
Inna’s Gentle Wisdom vs. Asma’u’s Fiery Temper
 
Inna laughed softly, pulled her close, and hugged her. “Oh, Ma’u, please learn to let things go. You’re a woman; you’ll one day have a home of your own. You must learn patience, my child.”
Asma’u pouted stubbornly. “Inna, you always say people should be patient. But in this world, no one respects patience. If someone wrongs me, I’ll repay it. And mark my words — when I become a doctor, if that man’s old mother ever ends up in my care, I’ll give her a deadly injection.”
Inna burst into laughter. “My playful Ma’u, come on, let’s go before he returns and insults us again.” They left the hospital, found a taxi after some argument over the fare, and returned to their neighborhood. When they arrived home, they met Dije, the daughter of Inna’s co-wife, fetching water. As soon as she saw Inna enter the room, she deliberately poured water on Lamunde, who was tending the fire. Within moments, a fight broke out.
It took Malam Husaini, who just came home, to separate them — and instead of scolding Dije, he beat Asma’u harshly. Furious, Asma’u ran outside, crying, and sat by the doorstep.
 
Soon, her lover Sadiqu arrived, carrying a parcel of fish. He sat beside her, comforting her until she finally stopped crying — only after he jokingly threatened to die if she didn’t. She wiped her face and said, “Can you imagine, Dije poured water on me on purpose, and when I defended myself, Baba beat me! Just because they give him food. You were even the one who took me to Chemist Sallau, but today when I stood up for myself, he beat me again. I swear, when I succeed and become something, I’ll pay them back!”
Sadiqu smiled. “Oh Ma’u, you can’t fight your parents, no matter what they do. Leave everything to God.”
Asma’u glared at him. “So you mean I should forgive them for scalding me with hot water and starving us while feeding others? They even steal Inna’s money, that’s why I stopped keeping cash at home — I give it to you instead. But guess what? Today Alhaji Qasim gave us fifteen thousand naira. Now I can pay my school fees and buy food for Inna.”
 
Home Lessons and Silent Struggles
 
Sadiqu exhaled deeply. “Alhamdulillah. I was also worried about your school fees. Today I worked at a construction site — I made ₦4,080 from the job and from selling palm wine. I plan to save it toward your fees.”
She nodded, smiling. “You’re a good man, Sadiqu. Keep buying cement and building your house — that’s where we’ll live after we marry. But promise me we’ll build a small room for Inna too. I won’t leave her behind.”
He smiled again, handed her the fish, and she thanked him joyfully. When she entered the house, Inna had just finished her prayers and told her, “Ma’u, go and perform ablution and pray.”
After reluctantly obeying, Asma’u resumed cooking with some vegetables brought by Sadiqu. The aroma filled the house. When she served the food, Inna asked, “Did you give some to Dije and the others?”
Asma’u frowned. “Inna, why should we? They never share with us. If they starve, let them. I have school tomorrow; we can reheat this for breakfast.”
Inna smiled sadly. “My daughter, don’t repay evil with evil. Life doesn’t work that way. Those who always seek revenge never find peace. Go and give them some food — what you share is what you truly own.”
Reluctantly, she divided the food and delivered it to the other wives’ quarters. When she returned, her brother Mudan came in and demanded his meal. Knowing his temper, she quickly served him and hid the remaining food under the bed.
As they ate together, she sat silently, bitter at how her brother contributed nothing yet acted superior. When she muttered something under her breath, he threatened to hit her until Inna stopped him. He hissed, saying, “If I see you with Sadiqu again, I’ll break your bones!”
Inna only shook her head, whispering, “You can’t stop fate, Mudan. Asma’u and Sadiqu love each other, and if I live long enough, I’ll make sure she becomes his wife.”