Luu Luu Book 1 Completely

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Zahra rested her chin in her palms. Softly, she said, “What kind of person is this? At least couldn't he even greet Ya Umar?”

She stood up, intending to head upstairs to her room. She didn’t feel like running into him. They bumped into each other in the corridor. He gave her a strange look and asked, “Why are you bringing loafing guys into my house?”

She replied, “Perhaps you can’t see properly—was that Ya Umar a loafer?”

He retorted, “If he isn't a loafer, is he a woman?”

She said, “Don't forget that Ya Umar was the very first person who started accepting you. Moreover, he was the first to support me regarding our marriage. Even if you want to change your attitude toward me, you shouldn't show it to him. That will make him suspicious, as if we are having problems.”

He let out a laugh and said, “This should be the first and last time I see that man in this house.”

She was utterly shocked. She stepped back quickly and said, “What? My older brother?”

“Well, if his sister is in this house as a wife, he has to visit.”

He added, “Fine, let him keep coming and you'll be amazed.”

With that, he walked past her and went downstairs.

“Ya Allah...” she whispered loudly.

She walked to her room. If not for the unusual drowsiness overtaking her these days without warning, she felt her blood pressure would have risen from sheer thought and anxiety.

Late in the afternoon, she went outside to the compound to look at the flowers, but inwardly her mind was far away. Her phone started ringing. Seeing it was Firdausi, she answered and put it to her ear.

Firdausi said, “I'm right inside your compound, come and open the door for me.”

“Alright,” she replied, then hung up and walked back toward the main entrance.

As she reached the spot, she saw Firdausi. She hugged her and asked, “Are lectures over already at school?”

She replied, “Yes.”

They went inside the parlor. Firdausi said, “I didn't like that you didn't come to school today.”

She said, “Sorry, I just didn't feel up to it.”

Firdausi asked, “Did you go to their house?”

She replied, “Yes, and Maman was pleased.”

Firdausi said, “Good. You have to win her over first before you can figure him out.”

Zahra let out a long sigh, looked at Firdausi, and said, “Firdausi, let it be that you are the only one I tell things to so I can find some peace. Please keep this secret safe. Even as a joke, don't tell anyone, though I know your character.”

Firdausi said, “Come on, Zahra, telling your secret is just like telling my own.”

She said, “Thank you.”

She fell silent, looking at her, then continued.

“Firdausi, I think Ibrahim is looking for other women.”

The statement hit her hard.

Firdausi said, “What do you mean? What kind of talk is this, Zahra? No, don't start bringing this kind of suspicion into your marriage because that will become the key to its destruction.”

Zahra just laughed and said, “You know, this morning he got a call, and when I picked it up, I heard a woman speaking.”

She then told Firdausi how it happened. Firdausi was visibly shaken upon hearing the story.

She asked, “And did you talk to her about it?”

Zahra replied, “What was I supposed to say to him after I told you his reaction? I told you he didn't even flinch just because I picked up the phone, and he didn't care at all, even saying that's the cure for people who pick up their husbands' calls. Can you imagine?”

Firdausi said, “Zahra, you have a lot of work ahead of you. You really need to stand firm. Sleeping shouldn't be your priority right now. Devote yourself to midnight prayers and lay your grievances before the Almighty, because He is the only one who can wipe away your tears. I will also help you with prayers.”

Zahra said, “In Shaa Allah. You don't know how I feel. Firdausi, more than anyone, you know I am a jealous person, but now that I'm facing this kind of attitude, I'm afraid I might commit a sin I will regret.”

Firdausi said, “Calm down please, don't do anything rash. But Zahra, since things have reached this point, don't you think you need to make some adjustments? Forgive me for what I'm about to say, but could it be that he isn't getting what he needs from you?”

Zahra asked, “How would I know, Firdausi? Look, if it's about making adjustments, please connect me with someone who can groom/coach me. You saw that earlier today he came and even ran into Ya Umar, but he didn't even stay for forty minutes before leaving again. I won't see him again until dawn.”

Firdausi said, “Rest assured, Zahra, we will help you make those adjustments.”

She said, “Please help me.”

The door opened, causing both of them to turn toward the entrance...

#Farashin Izzah #Jiddatulkhayr writes #08110615256 FARASHIN IZZAH Jiddatulkhayr writes

Young talented writers association (YOTA)

Book 1 Chapter 7

He walked in as if there was no mercy written on his face. Even the fact that Firdausi was a guest didn't make him soften his expression. He walked in as if his feet wouldn't touch the ground. Firdausi stood up, looked at Zahra, and said, “Zahra, let me just leave.”

Zahra grabbed her hand, pulled her back down to sit, and said, “Now why are you suddenly getting up to leave when we are in the middle of a conversation?”

Khalil shot a nasty look in her direction, walked right up to her, and asked, “Who is this?”

Zahra shot a look right back at him and said, “It's Firdausi. Today you're going to pretend you don't know her?”

Firdausi managed a smile and said, “Welcome, good afternoon Ya Ibrahim.” She finished her sentence while picking up her bag.

He didn't even reply to her greeting. Still staring straight into Zahra's eyes, he said, “I don't like you gathering people in my house. You should know this isn't a public square.”

Zahra stood up to speak, but Firdausi quickly stopped her, turned around, and walked out.

He immediately turned and started climbing the stairs. She began following right behind him, saying,

“Khalil, what kind of attitude have you picked up? Your behavior is getting out of hand. It started with me, then moved to my older brother, and now my friends aren't even spared. Won't you do something so people at least won't curse you? Honestly, I'm tired of your bad attitude.”

He turned around, gave her a vicious look, and said, “Okay, since you're tired, it's fine. You can pack your things and go back to your family's house.”

Zahra froze right where she stood, watching his back as he continued walking up the stairs until he reached the top.

“Innalillahi wa'inna ilaihi raji'un...” was all she could utter.

Even the tears she wanted to shed felt stuck; she couldn't cry. She simply turned around and walked to her room. Slowly, she sat on the edge of the bed, re-narrating what had just happened. It still felt like a dream to her. What had she ever done to Khalil that was so unforgivable? His behavior was simply becoming too much.

She buried her head as hot tears finally spilled over, triggered by a memory she dreaded recalling in her life.

That night, while sitting in the upstairs parlor, she heard the sound of his arrival. She figured that since he had come earlier, he hadn't left except for prayers. Her eyes were fixed on the TV screen, but she didn't take in a single thing being shown.

He walked past her front to go to his room. She raised her eyes and watched him. Soon after, he came back out, walked over, and sat on the armrest of the chair opposite hers.

Directly, he said, “I'm going on a trip tomorrow, In Shaa Allah. I won't be back for a week. A work matter came up, so I have to go to India.”

She asked, “Are you going all by yourself without me? Why didn't you let me prepare since it's only for a week?”

He shot a look at her and said, “If I were taking you with me, wouldn't I know or wouldn't I have told you? Since you see I didn't say we're going together, know that this trip is purely official work.”

She lowered her gaze to the floor, unable to say a word.

He stood up to leave, and she said, “I need money then.”

He spun around in a harsh manner, stared at her, and said, “Can't that brother of yours give it to you?”

Out of pure anger, Zahra blurted out, “So because I married my brother's choice, that's why I must constantly ask him for money?”

He said, “That's your business. I have a trip ahead of me. As for food items, there's plenty of everything in this house, so you can stop this game you're used to playing with money.”

She stood up, looked him in the eye, and said, “That isn't how I was used to living in my family's house.”

He retorted, “You said it yourself—your family's house. You see, this is not your family's house.”

She said, “Ibrahim, have you forgotten when you came to our house begging to be given my hand in marriage? Have you forgotten when you begged me, please, to give you my love? Have you forgotten the promises you made to take care of me and give me complete happiness? Have you forgotten when you said I would never lack a single thing in your house? Now, which one of those promises have you fulfilled? Have some pity on me, fear God. The burden of broken promises might just catch up with you.”

He turned around and walked away without uttering a single word. She retreated to her room, feeling her heart burn with anguish.

Just as she finished her bedtime routine and was about to sleep, she received an alert for one million naira. Seeing the name, she initially assumed it was from Khalil, but to her surprise, it was from Ya Umar. Tears welled up in her eyes. Truly, your blood relatives will never tire of you. At that moment, she wished she had never entered into this marriage.

Slowly, she dialed Ya Umar's number.

As soon as he picked up, the first thing he said was, “Baby, forgive me for the little amount I sent you. I'm expecting my funds within the week, and you'll hear from me again.”

She said, “Thank you so much, Yaya. No, this isn't little at all. May God reward you.”

He said, “Ameen. Good night.”

With that, he hung up. She wanted to apologize to him, but she feared he might be around people, so she decided to visit home the next day.

She called Firdausi. As soon as she answered, before Firdausi could speak, Zahra said, “Please Firdausi, forgive me. I myself didn't know Khalil was like this.”

Firdausi said, “It's fine, but honestly, his behavior is starting to scare me. As if we weren't the ones who went there that day and joked around, as if we weren't the ones he begged to help him win you over. Ya Khalil, whom I knew taking us out on outings, even to restaurants near school together—is this the same person treating me like this? Truly, today I am even more afraid of men. But please calm down.”

Zahra said, “He's traveling tomorrow. Please come over so we can talk.”

Firdausi replied, “No, it's better we meet at school since you'll be coming in.”

She said, “Alright then. Please forgive me again.”

Firdausi said, “It's nothing, good night.”

As soon as Firdausi ended the call, she looked at Mama and said, “Mama, I honestly feel so sorry for Zahra.” She finished wiping away a tear that had slipped down her cheek.

Mama asked, “Was that her calling just now?”

Firdausi answered, “Yes. Mama, you know Zahra completely doesn't understand someone who truly loves her. You know the kind of life she grew up with; she has never known what hardship is. That's why she makes me feel so pity for her now. My main worry is that she might bring high blood pressure upon herself.”

Mama advised, “If his behavior becomes too much, she should reach out to his parents first before making an issue of it at home. But for now, advise her to approach him when he's in a good mood and ask him what she did wrong. Even if he refuses to say anything, if she apologizes, his heart might soften.”

Firdausi smiled and said, “Mama, didn't you see how he treated me earlier? Is this really how he treats her older brother Umar?”

Mama exclaimed, “Goodness gracious, and the marriage is barely anywhere! Well, who knows, maybe he was always a scoundrel and no one knew.”

Firdausi said, “That's why from the very beginning we didn't want him, but seeing that she loved him and we wouldn't be the ones living with him, we kept our mouths shut.”

They both fell silent.

Firdausi continued, “Mama, haven't you seen how Zahra has changed? A woman who loves fashion and dressing up, but all those vibes are completely gone from her now.”

Mama said, “In Shaa Allah, because of her good nature, God will not leave her in this distress. Since she is someone who loves lifting others out of distress, this is her test. May God guide him as well.”

She replied, “Ameen.”

Honestly, sleep eluded Zahra until 3:00 AM. She sat up and headed to the bathroom. She performed ablution, came out, and prayed two units of voluntary prayers. After concluding, she spent a long time in supplication. Finally, she picked up the Qur'an and started reading. She remained that way until the dawn (Fajr) prayer. After completing it, as soon as she lay down, sleep overcame her.

She woke up around 8:40 AM. When she stood up, a sudden wave of dizziness threatened to knock her off balance. She quickly grabbed the wall and sat back down. She sat there for a long time, and when it subsided, she got up and headed to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, took a bath, came out, dressed, and went to the dining area. She only had some cornflakes because she didn't feel capable of cooking. Besides, she knew she was already running late before heading out.

After finishing, she took her cup to the kitchen, washed it, and went to grab her school bag and car keys. With much difficulty, she started the car considering how weak her body felt. Not wanting to stay at home and let overthinking consume her, she decided to go to school anyway.

She parked her car near her department, stepped out, and walked inside. From the sparse crowd outside, she knew lectures had already begun. She slipped in through the back door.

Three hours later, lectures ended. Suhaima, Asiya, and Firdausi walked over to where she was seated at the back.

Asiya asked, “SubhanAllah, are you not feeling well, Zahra?”

She simply managed a smile.

Suhaima joked, “Or is Baba's little boy already giving you a hard time this early?”

Zahra replied, “Do you guys think I'm pregnant? You're definitely not ready for that.”

The class rep walked over, praising her playfully. She smiled and said, “You class rep, you never run out of teasing.”

He said, “That's not it, Hajjaju. I was wondering if we could go check your practicals? Results have been compiled, and now only Chapter 5 of your project is left. Once I'm done compiling it, I'll send it to you so you can have your supervisor review it, and if there are corrections, we make them.”

She smiled and said, “Class Rep, I'm not feeling well. Whatever you do is fine by me. Thank you so much. Opay or First Bank?”

Smiling, he said, “Opay, Hajiya.”

She nodded, opened her mobile banking app, instantly transferred 50k to him, tossed her phone back into her bag, looked up at her friends, and asked, “What's the plan now?”

Suhaima said, “Today's lectures are over, since it seemed only the Prof was holding classes today.”

Zahra stood up and asked, “Firdausi, shall we drop by off-campus before heading home? Or do you have anything to attend to at home right now?”

She replied, “Nope, let's go.”

They all walked out directly to her car. From there, she drove them to University Villa—an estate where only the children of the elite rented apartments. Zahra had been renting a place there for herself and her friends since their 100 level.

She drove into the estate right up to their apartment and parked. They all stepped out, and Asiya unlocked the door so they could go inside.

Zahra smiled and said, “I've stayed away from here so long I almost forgot.”

They laughed. She walked over and lay down on the bed.

Suhaima asked, “Zahra, what do you want to eat so we can cook?”

She replied, “Anything, please.”

Firdausi kept staring at her, especially at her eyes—one look told you she had either been crying or lacking sleep.

As soon as she lay down, sleep claimed her. Around Zuhr time, she woke up, prompted once more by her phone ringing. She picked it up and saw it was Abbah.

With a smile on her face, she said, “My Abba.”

He replied, “Yes, my Baby, even though Baby has forgotten her Abba.”

She laughed and said, “Abba, it's not like that. You won't understand, Abba, but you are on my mind every single day.”

He asked, “Is it school?”

She replied, “Yes Abba, right now I'm actually at school.”

He said, “May God help you. Rest when you get home, just concentrate.”

She said, “Thank you.”

As soon as he hung up, she got up and went to the bathroom. After performing ablution and getting ready to pray, Asiya asked, “Shall I dish your food now before you finish?”

She replied, “Yes, but please include tea.”

Suhaima chimed in, “You'll have to go buy sugar outside because we finished the last of it earlier.”

Asiya said, “Alright.”

Before she finished praying, Asiya had already brought her food in. Shortly after eating, they didn't stay much longer before leaving.

On the way, Firdausi asked, “How far, did he make the trip?”

Zahra replied, “How would I know? Out of spite, he didn't even say goodbye to me.”

Firdausi said, “Call him now. Ask if he arrived safely, because that is a right upon you.”

She said, “Okay.”

She called him while driving. As soon as it started ringing, he picked up.

She said, “Noory...”

He grunted, “Uhum.”

She said, “Traveling without a goodbye?”

He replied, “I figured your mood was sour yesterday.”

She said, “But at least whatever the case, if you tell me you're traveling, it feels nice.”

He snapped, “Enough! I don't want this unnecessary drama of yours.”

She fell silent, as if she wasn't going to say anything, then said, “Did you arrive safely?”

He replied, “Safely.”

She said, “That's Ma Shaa Allah, I just called to check.”

He said, “Alright.”

With that, she ended the call and looked at Firdausi.

Firdausi said, “Zahra, no matter what, never stop fulfilling your duties toward him. Keep doing it. You see, right now is the right time to make adjustments before he returns.”

Zahra said, “I swear, even because of his bad behavior, I feel like breaking things. Now he's even starting to slip out of my heart, wallahi.”

Firdausi couldn't find words to say.

She drove on and dropped Firdausi off at her house gate, then drove to their own family house. After parking and stepping out, she saw Ya Umar walking out with Batoul trailing behind him.

She quickly grabbed his hand and said, “Yaya, just one minute.”

He looked at her as if he wouldn't say anything, then stepped aside, and she followed him.

She said, “Yaya, I'm sorry about what happened. I couldn't say sorry over the phone, but please forgive me.”

He raised one eyebrow and asked, “Did something happen?”

She said, “Come on, Yaya, what happened yesterday—you and Khalil.”

He smiled and said, “Zahra, I don't know when you started hiding things from me. I know you know that I know you're in distress, yet you chose to stay silent. Yes, it's good that you've started being patient, but know this: I will not allow this nonsense person to hurt you. Go and think if you're ready to voice it out. My only worry is that I hate seeing this distress on you, Zahra. I can't take it anymore, watching someone hurt our girl.”

She lowered her gaze and said, “Thank you. Safe journey, I see you and Ya Batoul are heading out.”

With that, she began walking away, calling out, “Ya Batoul, good afternoon?”

Without lifting her head from the phone she was tapping away on, Batoul replied, “Fine.”

#Jiddatulkhayr writes #08110615256 FARASHIN IZZAH Jiddatulkhayr writes

Young talented writers association (YOTA)

Book 1 Chapter 8

Zahra walked inside. Entering the main parlor, she found no one there, so she headed straight upstairs to Mami's room. Greeting her as she entered, she found Mami sitting and ordering items over her phone. Zahra rushed over and hugged her. Mami quickly ended the call, turned to look at Zahra in surprise, and asked, “Zahra, what's with this sudden rush like someone with a terminal illness?”

Zahra forced a laugh and said, “Mummy, terminal illness? What did you see?”

Mami glared at her and said, “Do you even look at yourself? Doesn't this husband of yours tell you how much you've withered?”

She replied, “Mami, it's just this minor sickness making me lose weight, but I'll get better.”

With that, she climbed onto the bed, lay down, and turned her back to Mami. Tears began to stream from her eyes, and exhaustion eventually pulled her into sleep.

Around Maghrib time, Mami was with Abbah and said, “Zahra is actually around; she's just sleeping, but her weight loss is starting to worry me.”

He asked, “Could something be bothering her?”

Mami replied, “How would I know? But didn't their mother mention that she might be pregnant, and all signs point to that? Could she come back home to observe her early pregnancy fatigue until it progresses?”

Abbah put his phone down and looked at her with full attention, saying, “Are you sure nothing else is bothering her? Even when we spoke earlier today, she lacked that 'Baby' vibe I know her for. You are her mother; you are the one who should sit her down and press her to tell you what's troubling her.”

Mami let out a sigh and said, “I left her sleeping awhile ago, let me go wake her up since Maghrib is already here. You'll see how much she has wasted away.”

Standing up, she said, “Go for prayer while I head upstairs and wake her up.”

Abbah answered with a “Toh,” and Mami went upstairs.

Entering the room, Mami found her awake and said, “Ah, you're up? Go perform ablution, Maghrib is here. When your Abba returns from the mosque, come down and see him.”

Zahra nodded at Mami, went to the bathroom, while Mami headed downstairs.

Shortly after, Mami returned to the room carrying a tray of fruits, placed it before her, and said, “Eat this before your Abba comes back.”

She looked at Mami and said, “Thank you.”

She could only manage an apple, placed the bowl aside, and got up to leave the room.

In the parlor, she ran into Mummy sitting with one leg crossed over the other, jiggling her foot, with a phone glued to her ear.

Zahra said, “Mummy, good afternoon.”

Mummy asked, “When did you arrive?”

She replied, “A little while ago.”

Mummy said, “Okay, how is your husband?”

She answered, “Fine. Let me go see Abbah.”

With that, she stepped out toward Abbah's parlor. She entered with greetings; he was sitting watching the news. Hearing her voice, he raised his head and opened his arms wide for her to approach and lean on him.

She walked over and slipped into his embrace. Immediately, tears welled up inside her as memories of the past flooded back.

He asked, “Baby, are you in the house?”

She replied, “Yes Abbah, after our phone call earlier, I felt like coming home to see you so you'd know I haven't forgotten you.”

He smiled, stroked her hair, and said, “I know you haven't forgotten me, I was just teasing my Baby.”

She shifted from his embrace and sat near his feet.

He asked, “How about your project?”

She replied, “Abbah, the guy has gone far with it; he even finished compiling the practical results.”

He said, “Ma Shaa Allah. When he finishes everything completely, send me his number along with his account details.”

She said, “Alright, Abba.”

From there, they engaged in a deep conversation right up until the Isha'i call to prayer while they were together. Mami and Ya Umar walked in.

Mami asked, “Are you two still here?”

Zahra laughed and said, “I'm here with my Abbah chatting.”

Ya Umar sat on a chair, looked at her, and said, “Welcome, Abba's darling.”

She laughed and said, “And Mami's darling, Mummy's, and her Ya Umar's too.”

Abbah stood up and said, [Text cuts off here]

Summary

This excerpt from the Hausa novel Farashin Izzah centers on the marital struggles of the protagonist, Zahra. Married to Ibrahim (Khalil), Zahra faces an increasingly cold, controlling, and emotionally distant husband who resents her family and friends—even objecting to visits from her brother, Ya Umar, and close friend Firdausi. Despite Zahra's attempts to appease him and fulfill her marital duties, Khalil shows her no affection, dismisses her emotional needs, and denies her financial support while mocking her reliance on her family.

Zahra's physical and mental health deteriorates due to stress, weight loss, and anxiety, though she tries to keep up appearances when interacting with her loving parents (Abbah and Mami). While her husband neglects her, her family and friends—especially her brother Ya Umar, who sends her financial aid, and her steadfast friend Firdausi—remain her primary support systems, urging her to stay patient and prayerful while acknowledging the toxic nature of her marriage.

Description

• Genre: Contemporary Hausa Fiction / Domestic Drama
• Setting: Northern Nigeria (University campus and domestic home settings)
• Tone: Emotional, tense, sympathetic, and reflective
• Key Themes: The complexities of young marriage, emotional abuse/neglect vs. familial support, the contrast between pre-marital promises and post-marital reality, and the strength of sisterhood and sibling bonds.

Analytics

Character Dynamics & Arcs

• Zahra: The central protagonist caught between the idealized romance she expected and the harsh, isolating reality of her marriage. Her character highlights vulnerability, internal conflict, and quiet endurance. Her physical decline (fatigue, weight loss, dizziness) mirrors her emotional exhaustion.
• Khalil (Ibrahim): Representing a dramatic shift from a romantic suitor to a cold, controlling, and dismissive husband, Khalil serves as the primary source of conflict. His hostility toward Zahra's support network highlights isolation tactics often seen in toxic relationships.
• Ya Umar & Firdausi: Functioning as moral compasses and emotional pillars for Zahra. Ya Umar provides financial and protective backing, while Firdausi offers a safe space for Zahra to vent and receive grounding advice.
• Abbah & Mami: Representing a warm, secure, and affluent parental anchor. Their unconditional love contrasts sharply with the cold environment Zahra experiences in her marital home.

Narrative Structure & Pacing

• Pacing: Slow and atmospheric, utilizing dialogue-heavy scenes to build psychological tension and emotional resonance.
• Conflict Progression: Moves from minor friction (Khalil's reaction to Ya Umar) to systemic isolation (banning friends, financial restriction, verbal coldness), escalating Zahra's internal crisis.
• Motifs: Phone calls and monetary alerts act as recurring plot devices that either trigger anxiety (Khalil's calls/lack of funds) or provide comfort (Ya Umar's financial support and Abbah's care).