Garkuwaa Book 2 Completed

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GARKUWA BOOK 2 COMPELET 

"What are you doing? Tell me, you silly brat, what are you doing?" Jalal answered the conversation by saying: "I will cut out your tongue if you ever insult our mother again." With extreme hatred, she glared at Jalal and said: "You will do it! No doubt! What is a drunkard incapable of doing, what is a rogue, a thug incapable of doing, a useless machete wielder? Try cutting out my tongue and see if anyone in your family tree will be left with a tongue." Jabeer slightly bit his lower lip, wagged his finger at her, and said: "Watch it, keep yourself away from insulting a dignified woman." With pride and arrogance, she let out a strange laugh, stood up, moved closer in front of them, and said with arrogance: "Oh, dignity right? Hmm, indeed, well, only a dignified woman." Then she stepped back a little and said: "A dignified woman or a sinful one, you have already started seeing God's retribution right here in this world. Who knows what she did to the Lord, it..." Juwairiyya let out a sharp scream that made everyone go silent. She fell unconscious to the ground, indicating that her fainting spells had returned. Seeing this, their nanny (Jakadiya) rushed towards her. As for Princess Saudatu, she smiled with satisfaction and said: "That's right. You will all end up like this. As for authority, you can only dream of watching it. And that shield (Garkuwa) that was given to you, you will see what happens to you because of it." Saying this, she turned and walked away towards the exit, with her attendants following behind. As for Sheykh Jabeer, he raised his voice slightly so she could hear him clearly and said: "Nothing will happen to me except what Allah has destined to happen, because you do not have the power to harm me." In the Fulfulde language, she said: "A laran ai, you will see." He did not pay attention to her. And she walked out.

Jalal and Jamil sat down beside him, watching the exit door with their eyes. As for Haroon, in a state of confusion and bewilderment, he thought to himself: What kind of turbulent and complicated royal family is this? And Jabeer actually lives in this kind of environment with his younger siblings, older siblings, and parents. So why don't they just leave the royal estate for them, since Jabeer does not even care for this kind of rule? The cool, sweet voice of Sheykh Jabeer cut through his thoughts as he began reciting the Holy Quran with tranquility, reciting Al-Fatiha. Upon reaching its end, he said Bismillah and started Surat Al-Baqarah in a slightly louder voice, facing the direction where Juwairiyya was lying. His recitation style was full of piety and beautiful tajweed, such that whenever he pronounced certain letters like Khah, you could hear the echo resounding from the depths of the room. Slowly, Juwairiyya began to open her eyes, following the recitation she was hearing. With a sigh of relief, their nanny said: "Alhamdulillah, Jabeer, she has regained consciousness." She said this because she knew that whenever Juwairiyya had an episode, Jabeer would close his eyes and perform Ruqyah for her. Hearing the nanny say she had regained consciousness, he praised Allah (Hamdalah) and told the nanny to take Juwairiyya back to her side. Then he looked at Jalal and said: "Jalaluddin, go and look after Ya Jafar, give him food, and help him get ready for Friday prayers. You too, go and get ready." "Alright," they said, and all of them went out. Just as they reached the door, he called out: "Jalaluddin, wear decent clothes." Softly, he replied: "Alright." Then they went out. He turned his head slightly to look at Jamil and said: "Clean our bedroom for us." Hearing this, Jamil stood up and headed towards the bedroom. As for Haroon, his eyes were fixed on Jabeer because his entire demeanor confirmed to them that he was in a state of extreme anger. Haroon watched as Jabeer reached up and pulled at the turban wrapped around his head, biting his lower lip, closing his eyes, and forcefully pulling at the end of the turban cloth as if he was going to tear it. Haroon stood quietly without making any move to stop him, knowing beforehand that this would happen, because for Jabeer, this was the ultimate sign of intense anger. Whenever his anger escalated, he would forcefully tear things apart. True to form, Haroon heard the sound of the new turban tearing. Jabeer closed his eyes even tighter, continuing to ruthlessly rip the fabric apart. Haroon smiled faintly and started recording him on video just to tease him.

Over at Hajia Mama's quarters, noticing that Jabeer had not come in as he usually did whenever he returned from a journey, Batul could neither sit nor stand still, having adorned herself with makeup like someone going to a beauty pageant. For the umpteenth time, she looked at Hajia Mama and eagerly said: "Yakura, let's go to his side and check if he is well, since he hasn't come in yet." Hajia Mama let out a sigh, stood up, and said: "Let's go, Batul. Even I didn't expect it would take him this long without coming in; there must be something holding him back." With that, they came out and headed towards Jabeer's quarters.

Because of her status as a mother, she did not wear a hijab within that section. The gate guards bowed and chanted praise names for her as she passed.

They found them sitting in the living room. Haroon sat facing him with his phone, while Jabeer had his eyes closed, his lips moving softly as he repeated the tasbih that had become his lifelong companion. Meanwhile, his hand continued to tear his new turban. Haroon acknowledged Mama's greeting and said: "Welcome out, Hajia Mama." She quickly rushed over to them and sat on the chair nearby. With deep concern, she asked: "Haroon, were you traveling together? How is my sister, and when did you return?" "Haroon, is everything alright? What did they do to Jabeer? Who touched him? Who bothered Umaymah and Sitti's beloved son?" With half-closed eyes, Haroon replied: "Well, Hajia Mama, out of your two questions, I will only answer one—about your sister's son or your troublemaker. When a person is angry, they tear things up. If this one gets the chance when he is angry and manages to grab someone's daughter in his hands, he will definitely tear her up, because even a man would barely be able to free himself." She gave Haroon a warm, caring smile, then looked at Batul who was sitting beside her, staring at Jabeer as if she wanted to swallow him raw. She felt a profound love and affection for him in her body and soul. Her eyes drifted up to his beautiful hair, then slowly moved down to the soft sideburns framing his face, all the way to his thick, pitch-black beard that lay flat and shining. Her gaze finally rested on his moving, reddish lips.

As for Sheykh Jabeer, through the tasbih he was reciting, he felt his heart lighten, and all the anger he felt melted away. Slowly, he felt goosebumps rise on his skin in response to a subtle awareness that he was being watched. He stirred, sat up, and slowly began to open his eyes. He quickly averted his gaze when he saw Batul's eyes locked onto his. Hajia Mama softly said: "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." He closed his eyes again. This kind of experience continually gave him the emotional strength to live within their royal household, because he was blessed with a mother who constantly nurtured him with proper upbringing, swallowing all her own grief just to bring him peace—despite the fact that he was a scholar, she kept guiding him. Gently, he said: "Good morning, Mama." She smiled and said: "Good morning, Muhammad Jabeer. The noble shield (Garkuwa), Today I woke up with absolute joy just hearing your voice at dawn. What upset you upon your return?" Softly, he replied: "Nothing is wrong, Mama. Sheykh Abdulkareem and his family all send their greetings." She smiled and said: "The resilient elder, our grandfather—the servant of Allah, is he well?" "Alhamdulillah," he answered, reaching out to pick up the cap Jamil had left beside him and placing it on his head because of the intense way he noticed Batul staring at his hair. Batul closed her eyes for a moment, seeing how he tightened his face and arrogantly cast a glance away from her side. Slowly, she opened her eyes and rested them back on his sideburns. She drew a short hiss through her teeth and turned her face away. Meanwhile, Batul was talking to herself in her thoughts: "Masha Allah, Ya Jabeer, whatever you do looks good. Oh Allah, make my dream come true; let this handsome servant of Yours become my husband, because he is the right husband for me—a husband worth respecting and showing off. Hmm, keep your pride and arrogance, you've got yours. Before you fall into my hands, In Sha Allah, I will become a queen and you will become my subject." Softly, she said: "Good morning, Ya Jabeer." He remained silent as if he hadn't heard her. God knows he despised being stared at in his worldly life, and he disliked immodest women. Hajia Mama, seeing how withdrawn and tight-faced he looked, glanced at him and said: "Jabeer, Batul is greeting you. She also came yesterday." He lowered his head slightly, stood up, and softly said: "Masha Allah." Then he took two to three steps and said: "Mama, let me go and prepare for Friday prayer." She smiled and said alright, realizing he was slipping away.

With that, he went inside, and the two of them walked out.

As for Haroon, he turned on his data and sent the video of angry Jabeer to Umaymah.

Over at Rugar Bani, early this morning, Shatu and the others left the hospital because young armed fighters from Shikan town were constantly pacing back and forth inside the hospital, holding meetings. By all indications, they had a specific agenda. Seeing this, Muslim doctors advised that the patients be evacuated to the general hospital in Badamaya, as their chief doctor there had forbidden them from treating anyone.

Acting on this advice, all the patients were evacuated into Adamawa with the help of volunteers. Rumors had started spreading that the Fulanis of Rugar Bani were vowing to take revenge, causing the Bachama tribe to panic as well. It reached a point where, at night, young Hausa-Fulani men living inside Numan town would come out and patrol with weapons to protect their neighborhoods, while the Bachama youths also came out armed to protect theirs.

Shatu and her family did not stay long in Badamaya because Ummiy had regained her senses, and Junainah too had recovered through the powerful prayers of Aysha and Bappa. Thus, they returned to their Rugga.

As for Shatu, ever since Junainah told her about the disappearance of Ya Gidi and the killing of Ya Lado, she had not stopped crying.

When Ba'ana came to her place last night and heard the news that they had returned, she did nothing but cry. As for Ba'ana, his deep grief was caused by the survival of Ummiy, Junainah, and Bappa. That is why he had now hatched a special death plot for them.

Bugulu, Ma'ans' mother, roasted the guinea fowls that Ba'ana had slaughtered, pounded them with red pepper and dried snake head, sprinkled the mixture over them, and mixed snake venom into the shear butter she used to roast them. He then headed to the edge of their animal pen carrying the platter of roasted guinea fowls. After that, he sent someone to call Shatu. Weeping, Rafi'a told the messenger that a fever was troubling Shatu. When the boy went and told him, Ba'ana said he should call Junainah instead. When the messenger relayed this, Junainah stood up and followed him. Since their animal pen was not far away, she walked a short distance and arrived, sitting at the entrance of his small hut. With a faded, tear-choked voice, she said: "Ya Ba'ana, did you go and check on Ya Junaid's condition?" He turned to face her properly and softly said: "Yes, I went to check on him; his condition is improving. How is your health? And how is Ummiy?" Gently, she used her hand to wipe away her streaming tears and softly said: "Ummiy's condition is improving, though she still cannot speak. Adda Shatu is still crying." He glared at her sideways, feeling a sudden urge to pull her over and thrust a spear into her for an overt killing, but then he changed his mind. He turned his head, pushed the platter of roasted guinea fowls towards her, and said: "Ah, sorry Junnuna. Be patient, stop crying, eat some meat, and then go tell Mata to come so I can tell her where Ya Gidi and the others are." Trembling with hunger, she eagerly said: "Oh, give it to me to eat; I am really hungry. I haven't eaten anything since yesterday when we returned, because we haven't cooked." He quickly pushed the platter closer to her and opened the wrapping. Trembling with the eagerness of someone starving, she reached out her hand to...

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She reached out her hand and pulled the wrapper closer as he told her: "Eat, and then run quickly to call Mata so I can tell her that Ya Gidi and the others are about to return, so she can stop crying; word has been heard about where they are." She covered the platter, stood up quickly, and asked: "Is it true, Ya Ba'ana, that their whereabouts have been found?" With a frowning face, he replied: "Have I ever lied to you?" She quickly shook her head and said: "Let me go and tell her to come, then I will eat the meat at home." He quickly urged: "No, go call her. When she comes, you can take the meat with you; go eat it with Ummiy, Bappa, and Mata's friend, and I will give her own here." Hearing this, she turned and hurried away.

Upon reaching home, she grabbed Shatu's hand and panted: "Adda Shatu, get up, let's go! Ya Ba'ana is going to tell you where Ya Gidi and the others are; he said word has been heard about them." Shatu gave a sudden start, and so did Rafi'a who was standing by their kitchen door. With deep shock, Rafi'a said: "Junainah, don't lie to us." Panting, Junainah said: "Wallahi Tallahi, that's what he told me, come let's go hear it." She quickly grabbed Rafi'a's hand and said: "Adda Rafi'a, you come with us too." Happily, Rafi'a replied: "No, Junainah, you guys go. As for me, before you return, I'll prepare something for us to eat." Quickly, Junainah said: "No, Adda Rafi'a, wait, don't cook. Ya Ba'ana's mother sent us roasted guinea fowls; I'll go pick them up right now so we can eat." Rafi'a smiled and said: "Alright, come back soon." As for Shatu, she had already walked out and headed towards Ba'ana's animal pen.

Meanwhile, Ummiy just stared at them, wanting to call Shatu back and stop her from going, but she couldn't find the strength.

Rafi'a stepped into the kitchen.

Over at Ba'ana's pen, catching sight of Shatu, he let out a deep sigh of relief and fixed his eyes on her. She had grown completely thin and frail, her face was bright red from excessive crying, and her eyes were swollen. She walked swiftly, though taking slow steps. She wore a long Ankara gown and a hijab that reached her knees. She pulled the hood of her hijab forward to shield her swollen eyes. He felt a burning pain in his heart; God knows he hated seeing Shatu in distress, no matter how ruthless he was, he never directed his cruelty at Shatu. He admitted to himself that he was a scoundrel, a tyrant, and a villain, but he also firmly believed that true love exists, that it happens only once, and the whole world knew he loved Shatu. He wanted to bring happiness into her life; he wanted them to live together. That was why he wanted to separate her from everyone around her who tried to prevent them from being husband and wife. He had laid out a clean white animal mat (buzu) at the entrance of his hut even before she arrived. As she approached, she said in a low voice: "Assalamu alaikum." He fixed his gaze on her face and said with sympathy: "Mata, sit down." With a faint voice, she said: "Ya Ba'ana, answer my greeting first." He smiled slightly and said: "Mata, I answered, didn't you hear me?" Slowly, she sat down on the mat, softly closing her eyes as hot tears welled up. With a trembling voice, she asked: "Ya Ba'ana, has news really been heard about Gaini and the others?" He moved closer to the opening of the hut, fixing his gaze on her face. Because her eyes were closed, she didn't realize he was watching her tears fall, which prompted him to speak gently: "Mata, be patient, calm your mind. If your brothers are alive, I will search for them, if only for your happiness. Stop crying, Mata; I hate seeing your tears, it burns my heart." He finished the sentence in a low murmur. With a trembling voice, she said: "Ya Ba'ana, what should I do? Where can I put my soul to find peace? My heart is burning. All four of my brothers were lost at once; I have no one in this vast land I can point to and say this is my family. There is no Ya Gidi—who was like a friend, companion, and confidant, my sparring partner and laughter partner. There is no Ya Seyo—a brother like a mother because of his immense compassion and love for me, just like a mother's love for her child. There is no Ya Gaini—who was like a father. There is no sign of them, no bodies, no news. They killed my Ya Lado who was a SHIELD (Garkuwa) to me. Ya Ba'ana, what should I do if I don't cry? Where do I begin to look for them? I am a weak woman, how can I find them? They killed our mother..." She finished speaking, bowed her head onto her knees, and let out a heart-wrenching cry. Weeping, she continued: "Inna was killed, and because of that, Ummiy has become like a deranged person. In all of Rugar Bani, there isn't a single household where at least five people weren't killed in the raid. Who are they, Ya Ba'ana? What did we do to them? What do they want from us? What wrong did we commit just by being Fulani pastoralists?" For the first time in his life, he felt pain so deep it brought him to tears—though...

Summary

In this dramatic excerpt, the narrative shifts between two tense settings: the royal household and the rural settlement of Rugar Bani.

At the royal palace, Princess Saudatu confronts Sheykh Jabeer, Jalal, and Jabeer's companions, taunting them over palace politics and threatening spiritual or physical downfall. Juwairiyya suddenly collapses into an unconscious state, prompting the nanny to tend to her while Jabeer calmly performs spiritual healing (Ruqyah). Meanwhile, Hajia Mama and Batul visit Jabeer's quarters. Batul harbors intense romantic infatuation for Jabeer, who visibly struggles with inner discipline and aversion to immodesty, ultimately dismissing them by heading off to prepare for Friday prayers. Haroon humorously records Jabeer's stress-induced habit of tearing his turban and shares it with Umaymah.

Concurrently in Rugar Bani, escalating regional tensions and threats from armed youth force patients from the local hospital to evacuate to Badamaya. Shatu remains consumed by grief over the tragic loss of her mother and brothers (Ya Gidi, Ya Seyo, Ya Gaini, and Ya Lado). Exploiting her vulnerability, the manipulative and obsessed Ba'ana lures Shatu and Junainah to his hut under false pretenses of having news about her missing brothers, while secretly preparing a poisoned meal laced with snake venom. Unaware of the lethal trap, Shatu arrives in deep emotional agony, confronting Ba'ana with her overwhelming grief over the destruction of her family.

Description

This text highlights themes of royalty, complex family dynamics, obsession, and tragic conflict. It contrasts the rigid, restrained spiritual life of Sheykh Jabeer against the scheming royal pressures of Princess Saudatu and the infatuation of Batul. Simultaneously, it portrays the harsh realities, grief, and vulnerability faced by pastoralist communities in rural northern Nigeria, where personal malice (embodied by Ba'ana) preys upon collective trauma and displacement.

Comments

• Character Contrast: The dynamic between Sheykh Jabeer and Batul highlights a classic trope of unrequited romantic obsession meeting strict ascetic discipline. Jabeer’s physical coping mechanisms (tearing turbans, constant tasbih) effectively convey his intense internal pressure.
• Suspense & Danger: Ba'ana's storyline injects a chilling sense of dread. Using false hope regarding Shatu's missing brothers to lure her into consuming poisoned food creates high-stakes dramatic irony for the reader.
• Cultural Context: The incorporation of traditional Hausa-Fulani elements—such as Ruqyah healing, royal guards (sarkin ƙofa), praise-singing, nomadic pastoralist life (Ruga), and regional communal tensions—anchors the narrative in a vivid cultural landscape.

Conclusions

The excerpt masterfully weaves together two distinct subplots: palace politics intertwined with spiritual resilience, and rural survival overshadowed by betrayal and grief. As Jabeer maintains his steadfast composure amidst royal intrigues, Shatu walks unknowingly into a lethal trap set by someone she trusts least to protect her. The chapter leaves off on a harrowing cliffhanger, emphasizing themes of manipulation, profound loss, and the resilience of characters caught in turbulent circumstances.

Keywords

• Sheykh Jabeer
• Shatu
• Ba'ana
• Rugar Bani
• Royal Palace
• Ruqyah
• Grief and Betrayal
• Fulani Literature
• Hausa Novel (Garkuwa)

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