When Mimi entered, I didn't pay attention to her. I was standing at the door of our mother's room, talking to her. Mimi sneaked into our room, hiding something in her veil, which made me uneasy. She came out and stood next to me, saying, "So you came and left me on the way, right?" Our mother replied, "I was just asking her the same thing. She said she left you on the way, but you took a long time. Your makeup looks great, though." Mimi said, "Yes, Mom, we found her doing something for others." She added, "Your food is in the kitchen." I went to the kitchen without looking at Mimi, took the food in a bowl, and sat in our mother's hut, opening the food container to serve. Mimi came over, looking worried because I ignored her. Our mother got up and went outside to greet someone. Mimi looked at me with trembling lips and said, "Do you know what, Asma'u?" I replied, "Tell me." She said, "That guy gave me his phone, a fancy one. He said he would call me with it..." My heart skipped a beat! I suddenly lost my appetite and looked at her with determination, saying, "You're lucky, Mimi. May God increase your love." Mimi shamelessly replied, "Amen. Is he really that easygoing?" I said, "Hmm." She kept talking about him and couldn't eat. I said, "Mimi, is love stopping you from eating? Take it easy." She laughed happily. Anyone who knew Mimi at that time would notice her increased cheerfulness and joy.
*******
He went straight to his company, where workers were busy. Hopefully, everything would be completed today except for some finishing touches. He was very pleased to see his new company looking like it was brought from America and set up there. He met with his old employees to discuss tightening security measures and hiring new staff. He entrusted Bashir with the management because he had to travel to China the next day to check on progress there.
He walked around the premises with his hands behind his back, feeling confident. A TV station employee approached him calmly and said, "We've been waiting for you since earlier. We've been sitting in that tent waiting for you." He looked at the indicated spot and saw about four people sitting there. Surprised, he asked, "What do you want from me?" The employee replied, "We have a few questions for you." He shook his head, wondering why they were following him, and said, "Let's go there." They went to a large tent surrounded by elegant silver chairs, a resting area that was almost complete except for some painting. They arranged a chair for him to sit, and everyone set up their devices. One of the journalists began asking questions calmly.
"Sir, we want some clarification about the news we received last week. Is it true that besides this company, you are working on two more in foreign countries? We need more information about these rumors, especially for the business community." He smiled and shook his head, realizing that people were watching his every move. As far as he knew, only Anthony and Granny were aware of his plans to open companies in America and England.
He adjusted his seat and cleared his throat, indicating he was about to speak. Everyone moved closer with their microphones. He said, "Indeed, it's not a rumor. It's true that I'm preparing to open two companies, one in America and one in England. The opening ceremonies will be held next week, just like here. I want to inform the business community that anyone interested in ordering goods from abroad should visit the company named A'A ABUL ABBAS MAI NASARA. They will find all kinds of clothing, including traditional Hausa attire, suits, women's clothing, and shoes for both men and women, all at affordable prices. Everything available in foreign companies will also be available in my company." The journalist asked, "One more question, sir. We hope to get an answer from you, just like the first one." "Are you married? Many people think you are. We want to hear it from you." He smiled, scratched his head as usual, and said, "No, I'm not married yet. I haven't even planned for it. I don't have a girlfriend that I've decided to marry. But marriage is a matter of time. When the time comes, whether I have a bride or not, God will provide. I hope you and the people will pray for me to find a good wife." The journalist replied, "God willing, sir, we will pray for you to find a good wife and have blessed children. Thank you for your time. May God continue to protect and elevate you." Amjadu appreciated the journalist's prayer and replied, "Amen, thank you very much for the prayer." They packed their equipment, happy to have interviewed him without much hassle.
He left the company after the evening prayer, feeling at ease that everything was complete. He received several calls on his phone while driving, but he didn't answer any, knowing they were probably from people wanting to hear from him. Every media outlet in Kano had broadcasted his statement in their evening news, including NTA Kano. He felt that something significant was about to happen.
He headed straight to Granny's house to greet her.
*****
The governor and some top businessmen, known for their ruthlessness and lack of empathy for those below them, were meeting in the government house. They were upset about any businessman who lowered his prices, believing that the poor didn't deserve sympathy. There were five of them in the meeting room, discussing how to deal with Amjadu. They had all heard his statement today and were very disturbed by the news that he was opening two more companies abroad. They felt it was necessary to find a way to bring him down.
