FATAUCIN BAYI Book Complete by Mansur Usman Sufi Complete Hausa Novel Document by FATAUCIN BAYI Book Complete by Mansur Usman Sufi

I slowly said "Alhamdulillah" because of that. "You can go now except these six with morning duty and the night ones. Hurry and finish yours. Afternoon workers, you'll start getting paid one thousand twenty naira each month." When she finished, she looked at those without food brought for us. We jumped with Amira because it was monthly pay—we would run, and the large amount of money she mentioned—even half of it, truly, was unforgettable. I hurried without looking back into that dirty compound, that path, because we were a bit far from the king's palace. I couldn't afford transport due to lack of fare money. With my speed, I reached home and started announcing the good news to her. As soon as I entered the compound, I felt her joy and heard her coughing, a sign her illness had flared up. I removed my shoes and slippers and ran inside, confused, saying, "Where did you keep the inhaler?"

She was struggling to breathe. I stopped asking when I realized it was finished. "Oh, run out of the house like a mad person." I ran out screaming like a madwoman on Thursday. I rushed to Dayyabu's shop, panting, and said, "Dayyabu, look at God's greatness—lend me an inhaler. Truly, I've got a job at the king's palace. They'll pay us, and I'll bring your money. I won't delay, God willing." "Are you sure?" he said, warning me with his hand. I knelt. "Truly, Dayyabu, I'll bring it—believe me." As he handed me the medicine, I said thank you and ran. When I reached her, she was face down, spread out. I entered and sprayed it into her mouth. In three to four minutes, everything calmed. I sighed in relief. "God is capable—now with afternoon duty?" I raised my hands. "God, I thank You. Lord, continue to cover us."

Slowly, I heard her say "Ameen." I looked at her and said, "Greetings, mother." She said, "Hello. How did you return so early?" I told her how it was arranged, and I saw her smiling while I stood in the middle of the compound thinking what strategy I'd use for our lunch.

****

I'm amazed at people. In front of you, they're all smiles, but behind your back, they insult and gossip about you. Now if the princess sends them, will they think that since I heard I can serve her? I continued listening to them. "You know all this—truly seeing her as the youngest and the king listens to her most, and everyone in the house fears her and pampers her." "Exactly, because whatever the noble one wants to do, if she objects, truly he won't do it without her opinion." "Tsk! I think even with the lack of many children for the king—look, all their faces are tense in the house. She's the only one relaxed at the queen mother's place during prayers. Everyone has two each except the new wife with one boy. That's why they all hate her—as if God didn't give her." "You're sure she gave birth to the heir." They all burst into laughter and clapping. "What about the princess's wedding talk?" "Yes! It's a political marriage—you come today, you know when power meets power, they must expand the kingdom. But I heard he's coming soon. The house will be busy for two bow in thanks and quickly leave. She looked at us and said, "Sit down." We immediately obeyed the command. "Before I assign you duties, I'll leave you here to help the others so you can see how things are done over the next three days, from morning until 6 p.m." "Jidda!" She called sharply. She came running and bowed about four times without looking at her. She said, "Take them and put them where training is needed for three days before assigning duties." She nodded and said, "It's done, Princess. Stand up and follow me." We quickly stood and followed her...

"People are difficult in this world, and people enjoy comfort. I saw power, Humaira. If someone insults you or disrespects you and you keep quiet, that's power! Truly, in two days, you won't feel the pain in my body anymore."

She smiled and said, "Yes, you'll get used to it slowly. Only tomorrow is left before they assign your duties. It's not a big deal since there are morning shifts, afternoon shifts, and night shifts. If it's morning, God willing, you'll leave at 7 a.m. and return by 2 p.m. If it's afternoon, you'll leave at 2 p.m. and return at 6 p.m. If it's night, you'll leave at 7 p.m. and return in the morning. Isn't that it? Put the fear of God wherever you are and remember He sees you in every situation. This job isn't hard physically because it's not heavy lifting or cleaning that tires servants in the palace—no, it's facing insults and oppression that troubles everyone. So endure until you get it. Remember, if you don't endure and give up, where will we get food to eat? Drinking water—we even beg for it in calabashes. As for your siblings' education, since you have the opportunity, won't parents and relatives help if they can? You know how it is with our family and your father's side. So be patient—one day things will change."

I just smiled because it seemed I knew these things better than her. As usual, we arrived home on time, me and Amira, who had been walking with me for two days because her house was not far behind ours. I would greet her in the morning, and when we returned, she would escort me to our door before going home. We were bathing the princess around noon when I wondered why she wasn't shy giving us her underwear and breast clothes for washing. I felt like some things were her secret that she should handle herself. Indeed, only in the palace.

Humaira, I quickly turned. "Yes, leave their washing and come. The princess wants to see you." I felt happy and tied my hands as I hurried because I noticed she liked things done quickly and urgently. I found them lined up like the first day. I too joined the line. She pointed at us one by one with her finger, looking at us like someone examining an old wound on a big person. "You three go home," she said sadly. In a few minutes, no more than two, we separated like strangers. The annoying part was that Amira wasn't near me, so her group was different. She pointed at Amira with her mouth. "From today, you'll join the afternoon workers." In front of me, she fell. I quickly prayed inwardly, "God, don't let me get night duty" because I didn't think I could leave her alone at night with Sumayya due to her asthma attacks. "These with red mouths are morning workers, and these join