Tame Gari Complete Hausa Novel Document by Tame Gari

In just a few days, everything about the Arabic and Western school was settled. Since Alhaji Khamis is not a resident, the people in the house, especially Nasir, found it difficult to adjust to Dije's presence. However, they didn’t see it as a major problem—just a minor inconvenience. On the other hand, the working members of the household were more accommodating, so she managed to find some relief despite the cold treatment.  

When she returned from school, she took a quick bath, not wanting to appear unkempt. No matter how much Vaseline she applied, her dark skin remained rough, a stark contrast between village and city life. The air conditioning from school to home was a luxury she wasn’t used to, given that she had only attended primary school in the village. Her mother had insisted she wouldn’t be able to continue her education among non-Muslims, which was why she endured staying here. She was placed in JSS 3, and soon, she would take the Junior WAEC. Alhamdulillah, she was doing well academically. Even now, after applying oil, she felt a bit more polished, but she still feared being mocked if she dressed too plainly—she couldn’t keep up with city girls. Even her best clothes were from home.  

Her appearance was similar to Habeeb’s, who, to this day, had rubber teeth where he once had a gap that was barely noticeable. He walked while talking on the phone, his tone suggesting a romantic conversation as he blinked and softened his voice.  

She went to the kitchen to warm her food, wearing an Atampa fabric skirt and blouse as she moved around. In the village setting, she didn’t notice much until she stepped closer, and the strong scent of his perfume hit her nose. She quickly grabbed her food and left. The meal was a mix of agushi soup and rice, all in one bowl, causing the rice to fall while the soup spilled onto her white T-shirt, staining it as it dripped down. The soup was a bit spicy—those large coolers really retained heat.  

She flinched slightly in fear but didn’t need anyone’s help. If those wicked ones wanted to trouble her, they could go ahead. She’d just act like she was possessed or something to scare them off. But now, before she could even finish her thoughts, she felt a sharp slap on her back, making her crash into the fridge nearby. Just then, Mummy arrived with Naira and a girl she didn’t know—Nasir and a trolley. When they entered and saw what was happening, Mummy started yelling while Nasir made things worse by shouting, "Habeeb, come handle this girl!" He only cared about stuffing his face while the girl suffered.  

The standing girl frowned and asked, *"Mummy, please, where did you get this foolish bastard girl?"*  

"Yusra, she’s from Alhaji’s village!" But honestly, Mummy, look at the food she’s about to eat. Daddy keeps increasing the household food budget, but these village people don’t know moderation—all they care about is filling their stomachs, especially with pounded yam.  

Habeeb stepped forward and said, *"I swear, today she won’t eat in this house."*  

Nasir added, *"Yeah, today, I swear, she’ll only eat after a beating."*  

*"I swear, even if she stays three days, her father should suffer before she goes back to the village. Look at this water-spirit-looking girl!"* Everyone laughed except Habeeb, who kept insulting her before walking away. They finished mocking her before leaving her there. Mummy Basira poured out one portion of the rice and made sure Dije didn’t get dinner.  

Left alone, she burst into tears, remembering her mother and father back home. She spoke aloud, *"Why should I stay where I’m being mistreated? I can’t take this anymore. I’d rather go back to Dije’s suffering—Dije’s disaster, Dije’s hellfire!"*  

Meanwhile, someone said, *"Today, you won’t eat. I swear, you won’t eat until tomorrow!"* Another added, *"You won’t eat until after a beating!"* And yet another mocked, *"Oh, so in three days, you’ll eat? Keep laughing!"*  

Dije wiped her tears, touched the spot where she’d been hit, winced, then stood up and went to her room.  

The money Daddy gave her last week—he told her to buy something without asking—she hid it and didn’t buy anything. She took it out and went to the front yard, heading toward Bala the driver’s spot.  

She relaxed her face and smiled as she approached him. He greeted her warmly.  

*"Driver, how are you?"* she asked.  

*"Oh, Hajiya said I should buy her constipation medicine."*  

*"What kind of constipation medicine?"

"Well, the fair-skinned girl who came with them today hasn’t passed stool in ten days. They said I should get her something to make her go. Also, there’s another medicine for when a child is weaned—to help them sleep. They said I should buy that too."

"Okay, here’s the money. But where’s Alhaji Karami? They usually bring medicine to the house when needed."

"They forgot, which is why she said I should buy twelve sachets—two for storage."

''Alright,"* he said, taking the money and leaving. There was a pharmacy just behind the line.  

She sat and waited for him to return.