AISHA SIDDIQA 3 COMPLETE HAUSA NOVEL BY TAKORI

Aishah-Siddiqah was overjoyed today, as it marked the end of her final high school exam. Her success in school proved her worthiness to Abdulrasheed's parents, who had invested so much in her education at a prestigious school, where she excelled by Allah's will.
The time for Nenne’s Hajj pilgrimage that year was approaching, and she had started preparations. This time, she would be traveling with her mother, Hajiya Oummana from Gombe, who would come to Lagos, and they would take off with the Lagos State Pilgrims.
During a phone call with Hajiya Zainab, she mentioned her trip, and Aishah’s mother shared that she too, with Allah's grace, would be joining the pilgrimage this year thanks to another slot she received through Malam Yunus's office. Nenne was delighted to reconnect in Saudi Arabia for a second time and jokingly said to Aishah's mother, "Maybe one year, we’ll meet in Ilorin to celebrate the birth of Petel's child!"
Laughing, Hajiya Zainab replied, feeling shy, that Petel should prepare some rice and beans with salad and pepper for their farewell visit. Petel herself would come to bid them goodbye as she would be reuniting with her husband soon after finishing her studies.
After bidding Hajiya Zainab farewell, she relayed the news of Petel's visit to Malam Yunus. The news made him so happy that he instructed Sunusi, an apprentice living with Aishah's mother since Siddiqah’s marriage, to prepare Petel's room and tidy it up.
As Nenne prepared to head to Gombe to fetch Hajiya Oummana, she told Siddiqah to get ready to accompany them. She would introduce her to her maternal family, where she could stay for a few days to say her goodbyes, especially since she would soon join her husband (Hamma) permanently, meaning the time had come for her to settle in her marital home.
Despite the purpose of the visit, Siddiqah was more excited to see her family than apprehensive about her impending move. She eagerly prepared, thrilled at the thought of reuniting with her parents. It felt like forever since she had last seen her mother and father.
Nenne didn't directly explain how her marital life would unfold, leaving that to Hajiya Zainab, who she knew could comfort Siddiqah gently and convincingly, ensuring she felt at ease about her upcoming responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Zainab had long desired to give Siddiqah a traditional bridal preparation before her move to Lagos, but time constraints previously prevented it. Now, Nenne felt it was the perfect moment to allow Hajiya Zainab to impart all the necessary guidance.
Seun and Firdausi prepared generous gifts for Siddiqah to take home: high-quality fabrics for her mother and her father's sisters in Kumo, as well as perfumes and other valuable items for her father and uncles. Together, Nenne, Firdausi, and Siddiqah set off for Gombe on Saturday.
Upon arriving in Gombe, they first took Siddiqah to her family home in Jeka da Fari before heading to the Emir's palace. Hajiya Zainab had prepared a warm welcome for them, honoring them as she always did with esteemed guests. They enjoyed a well-prepared meal and drinks before saying their prayers and engaging in conversation, eventually readying themselves for the journey to the Emir’s palace.
Umman Siddiqah teased Princess Firdausi, saying, "Here’s the princess of the twins and the lastborn, the beloved of Nenne." Princess smiled shyly and replied, “Umma, it seems Siddiqah has taken my place here!”
Aishah, known fondly as Petel, who had blossomed with the nurturing food of the Yoruba, as well as oils and skincare treatments, stayed close to her mother, emitting a delicate fragrance that filled the air. She remained close to Umma, basking in her warmth, while Umma, blushing, expressed her feelings.
During the few days they spent in Gombe, Aishah learned of many family stories and events. One significant one was that Ishaq, a young man who had always cherished her, was heartbroken when he returned from national service only to find out about her marriage. Abba explained that Ishaq had sobbed and confided in him that he had tried to tell his father about his feelings for Aishah, but he hadn’t been able to convince him. From then on, Ishaq left Gombe out of sorrow and moved to Kano to assist his uncle in his business.
In her heart, Aishah felt sympathy for Ishaq, yet she chose to keep silent, hoping to continue hearing about him without interruption from Abba. Her parents, compassionate and understanding, assured her that she didn’t have to move in with her husband immediately if she wasn’t ready. Their reassurance filled her with gratitude and determination to fulfill her duties. She resolved to be obedient to their wishes, wherever they might lead her, even if it meant adjusting to a new life with a man she hardly knew and adapting to his Yoruba background.
The day of her departure arrived, and though her heart was heavy with apprehension, she took her belongings, stepping out with resolve. Engr. Idris Akanni, her father-in-law, personally escorted her to the airport in Lagos, where she would board a plane, marking the beginning of her new journey. Her mother-in-law’s parting words, though mysterious, offered a final piece of advice:
"Be patient with whatever situation you find yourself in; he has never lived with a wife before. If I misjudged in arranging this marriage, forgive me. I only did it with the best intentions, for the love I bear your mother." 
"Always give him the benefit of the doubt, reminding yourself that he is still young in your hands, as he has never tasted the life of marriage before. And not because of us should you forgive him, but rather because he is human, with flaws, and your husband with many imperfections like every other human being.
If he offends you, whether knowingly or unknowingly, I don't advise you to tell me or your mother. No, you should speak to him face-to-face, now that there are no barriers between you. Address the issue directly, regardless of its difficulty. Let your husband become your best friend, your confidant, with no fear or doubt between you, only the understanding that each can make mistakes, intentionally or not. And always pray in every obligatory prayer for Allah to fill your heart with his love.
Say, ‘Oh Allah, here is Abdulrasheed, son of Idris Abdullateef Akanni. Let him have immense love for me.’
Siddiqah felt a surge of embarrassment. Nenne wasn’t bothered; she continued.
‘And also, be patient. This patience I keep emphasizing in marriage is essential, and in my view, it is what sustains half of marriages. Even more so in a marriage like yours, where it wasn’t he who expressed desire, but rather we who saw it as fitting for him.
So, the patience you’ll need for Abdulrasheed is extensive, Siddiqah, and it will be the foundation of your marriage. From my knowledge of him, even if he doesn’t love you, he would never harm or disgrace you because we brought you into his life. However, he might show silent resistance because of his negative perception of all women.
I plead with you, Siddiqah, try to clear this negative perception of women from his heart. If others belittle you because of your age, maturity, or lack of knowledge, I, his mother, do not belittle you. I believe that you, too, are a woman of talent, wisdom, and your own skills. Abdulrasheed has been dismissive of women, but I want you to show him that good ones still exist, women who love for the sake of Allah.
The guidance Haj. Zainab has been giving you for a long time will now shine for you. Show it in your marital home, make him understand that not all women fit the stereotypes he sees. No matter how bad the times, good-natured women still exist.
I know you won’t achieve this success with him all at once, but you will need a vast amount of patience, Siddiqah. Perhaps I am burdening you with the word patience? Don’t be surprised, for patience never wears out, and its rewards are immense.
Discard the tribalism that has settled in your heart if you desire peace. Let me remind you again, Abdulrasheed is a Yoruba man. Adopt his culture as yours, and he will adopt yours as his. Marriage knows no tribe in Islam. I am enough of an example for you. May Allah bless you and Abdulrasheed, Aishatu-Siddiqah, and bless your union with righteous and pure offspring.
Nani Oummana added, ‘Put in the effort, Indo, in caring for your husband. The Aishas are exemplary in their dedication. When it comes to maintaining the home for their husbands, they shine as paragons because of the blessings associated with the name Nana Aisha. They serve as examples for their husbands wherever they go. I pray that, God willing, I see you soon carrying the heir of the Emir of Ilorin, or a namesake of the late Gombe chieftain, Indo Aisha.’
Siddiqah began to cry. Were Nenne and the others tired of her staying with them because of her tribal behavior? Was that why they were sending her to a place they knew she couldn’t live due to her tribalism? Her heart reminded her never to deceive herself, never to think her husband wanted her with him. Hamma Abdulrasheed (Prince), with all those names, had not requested her presence.
Unable to stay in the room any longer, Nenne quickly left, seeing the distress clearly etched on Aisha-Siddiqah’s beautiful face. Princess Firdausi acted as if she didn’t notice Siddiqah’s distress, perhaps out of compassion, and took her hand, leading her to the house’s parking lot, where Dade and Seun sat waiting in the car.
Firdausi opened the back door for Siddiqah, who climbed in slowly. Firdausi closed the door, saying to Dade in Yoruba, ‘Safe travels, Dade.’ Dade only raised a hand in response. Firdausi raised her hand in farewell as they drove out of the gate.
Seun sped out of Banana Island, with Siddiqah Yunus and her father-in-law lying in the back of the car.
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As they traveled, Siddiqah recalled her initial arrival in Lagos, intending to see an asthma doctor, only for everything to take an unexpected turn that led to marriage.
A marriage into a Yoruba royal family, Yorubas whom she had disliked before even knowing the meaning of the word ‘Yoruba.’
Her life had turned upside down, throwing her into the world of the Yorubas in an instant. She realized that, from now on, her stay in Lagos was over, and she was about to embark on real life with a Yoruba husband, the very thing that had brought her among them and separated her from her family. What new fate awaited her? What new experiences were calling her now? Only Allah knew.
After she had adapted to the Yoruba world she had fallen into overnight, she realized that a new life awaited her—married life. Previously, she carried the title of a married woman without experiencing it, but now she had been pushed entirely into the life of Prince Abdulrasheed Kehinde Idris Akanni, by force and without his invitation.
What kind of welcome would she receive from Prince Abdulrasheed? Would he be willing to share his life with her? Would he be happy with her presence in his life? On her part, would she be able to live with another man after Ishaq?
These were the questions Aishatu-Siddiqah asked herself on the way to the airport, with no answers in sight and no one to provide them.
‘Nothing in the world occupies him more than his horses. The only thing that rivals his devotion after worship is horse riding. Abdulrasheed loves his horses deeply; his time belongs to them. He enjoys riding horses more than anything in his life.’
Siddiqah recalled some of his mother's words about him, from when she often told her who her son, Prince Abdulrasheed Kehinde, was and his ways, even though he was a man with little time for women, let alone for Siddiqah Yunus herself.
At that time, when Nenne often told her these stories about him, she used to get bored listening, wondering what those stories had to do with her.
Now she understood that Nenne was telling her those stories so she would know that whether sooner or later, alive or dead, since a marriage had already been set between her and Prince, a day like this would come when her life would intertwine with his, catching her unawares. She was sure it would be sudden for him too, as she was not expecting it, nor was he.
Lost in these thoughts, she remained silent until they arrived at Murtala Mohammed Airport.
Seun made sure her luggage was securely checked in for the flight. Soon, it was time for her to board, and Dade handed her the ticket and passport.
He said, ‘In 22 hours, you’ll arrive in Argentina.
Don’t worry, I’ve already informed him of your departure time and arrival. He will come to pick you up at their airport himself.
I trust you’ll recognize your husband? And even if you don’t, I’ve sent him your passport photo, so he will recognize you.’
Siddiqah nodded, trying to avoid looking at Dade as she fought back tears that had begun streaming down her cheeks, brushing them away with the edge of her scarf. Dade noticed she was quietly crying, and his heart sank. He felt guilty for not being the one to hold her hand and personally deliver her to Abdulrasheed, give him her care, and entrust her to him, but the Emir had asked him to do otherwise—to send her alone and only inform him when she was on her way so he could receive her. Only the Emir knew the wisdom behind this decision.
But shouldn’t they insist on Prince coming to fetch her himself?
They had no other option but this one, as they knew he wouldn’t come, especially if it concerned a woman. He wouldn’t say no directly, but he would politely avoid the issue until they grew tired.
Dade placed a comforting hand on Siddiqah’s shoulder, saying gently, ‘Be strong, my daughter. Allah is with you, from your departure to your arrival. Inshallah.
Face your husband with courage, don’t falter no matter what you may find in him. Always remember that this journey is a significant struggle, to transform Abdulrasheed and lead him into family life.
Only you can help him remove the stain he has placed on women in his heart. If you succeed, you’ll give him hope in married life and family. You, Siddiqah, are the only one who can help Abdulrasheed see that he is missing something precious—more valuable than riding his horses. Go now, and may Allah bless you both.’
Siddiqah walked backward slowly, watching Dade, a man of immense kindness and care for her, her eyes full of tears as she entered the boarding area, her heart heavy. Dade remained at the spot, smiling reassuringly at her as if he knew everything would turn out well for her.