Under the Sun

It was a beautiful morning in Gidan-kowa, the land of the people, the land of deceit, the land surrounded with rich plants and healthy animals. The household of Alhaji Basir was snared with enmity and malice. Alhaji Basir was one of the wealthiest and respected business magnates in Gidan-kowa, a complete gentle man whom the youth of the community looked up to. He was known with his largess both in and off Ramadan period.

On the 2nd of March 1995, Alhaji Basir married his 4th wife, Nafisa. Nafisa was the only daughter of mallam Balarabe, an honourable person that edified his people with his wisdom, even the Mai-angwa(head of the community) and the wakilai(chiefs) looked up to him. Nafisa was known with her sincere attitude, simplicity, and humility. She was a typical African beauty and a hardworking woman. She won her husband's heart with the integrity and loyalty she possessed. "You are an angel sent to me from Allah". That was what her husband always mentioned whenever they were together. However, the other wives were so sad and desperate because Nafisa won the heart of their husband.

On the 25th April 1996, Nafisa gave birth to a bouncing baby boy who would inherit most of his father's properties. The other wives were unhappy because none of them had a male child. Moreover, on the naming ceremony, high notable, rich and famous entities were present along with the mai-angwa (head of the community).

Vividly, the sheik performed the necessary prayers, and the infant was named "Al-Warith" meaning "The heir". There were excess of food to eat, sufficient drinks to drink, and reasonable number of people of the community were present to witness the memorable day.

On the 14th Nov 1996, a storm stroke in the household of Alhaji Basir. During that night, Alhaji Basir and Nafisa were asleep when an unknown person bashed into their room. It was so dark. Nafisa heard footsteps and suddenly woke up from her sleep. She was so scared that she quickly woke her husband. "Who are you?" Nafisa asked as she shivered and almost fell from her bed. "What do want from us? I have money, you can take all, please don't kill us", Alhaji Basir pleaded as he cuddled his wife. The masked man moved closer to them, sat on the bed and held Alhaji Basir's hand. He said: "I want your son, give me your son." At that moment, Nafisa and her husband were uncomfortable. Nafisa swiftly looked beside her and couldn't find her baby. She screamed and cried like a baby. She tangled and uttered, "Where is my baby?" as she held her husband's hands. Alhaji Basir couldn't hold back his tears, he pleaded with the masked man to return their baby if he took him.

"Are you stupid? Bring your baby or I will kill both of you", the masked man threatened, pointing a finger at them. He pulled out a gun and dragged Alhaji Basir. Nafisa hurriedly knelt before the masked man and pleaded to leave her husband alone. The masked man rebutted and pulled the trigger. Alhaji Basir and Nafisa were both shot with one bullet each straight to their loving heart.

The death of the couple extended rapidly within and outside the community. Everyone was shocked about the news. "It's pathetic", one of the wakilai (elders) exclaimed.

Ali, the younger brother to Alhaji Basir, an England based engineer arrived as soon as he heard the news of his brother's death. The burial ceremony was done islamically, and almost all the men in the community were present to witness the burial of a magnate and his wife.

Some weeks after their burial, the wakilai (elders) gathered before the mai-angwa (head of the community) to discuss the sudden and bizarre death of Alhaji Basir and his wife. They summoned the household of Alhaji Basir. The Wakilai asked questions but none of them was able to give a reasonable response.

However, throughout that period, Al-warith had been with Mallam Balarabe. His grandfather took care of him together with his maid who left after Al-warith celebrated his second birthday. Mallam Balarabe didn't disclose Al-Warith's whereabouts except to the elders.

Al-warith grew older and stronger; he emulated the attributes of his late mother, but had his father's eyes. Moreover, Al-warith, grew bigger and was in jss2. He was a smart and intelligent boy, well-loved by his teachers.

On one Monday morning at school, the students were elated when they saw their English teacher in class. Al-warith was totally at bliss because that was his best subject until the teacher instructed them to write an essay about their parents. Al-Warith knew nothing about his parents, all he knew was they were late. He was in tears, his fingers were as strong as iron steel, his legs were feeble as he struggled to gain his balance.

" I don't know why grandpa didn't tell me about my late parents?" he wondered as he tried all means to avoid any conversation with his class mates. Sadly, he went home depressed and didn't talk to his grandfather.

Mallam Balarabe was disturbed about Al-warith's mood. He had never seen him that way before, and to clear his curiosity, he asked: "what is the problem the apple of my eyes?" Al-warith uttered no word as he groaned and turned his face to the other side. His grandfather who looked so innocent like a dove pleaded, he wiped away the tears in his eyes that were dropping like tap water.

"Please talk to me my son", he pleaded again. Al-Warith got up from where he sat and rushed to the bathroom. He locked himself up and didn't open the door for his grandfather.

"Why are you doing this to me son, you know you are my heart beat, and I cannot help it when you are sad. Please open the door my sunshine. If you don't tell me your problem, how will I dry away your tears?" Mallam Balarabe said as he sat on the floor beside the door of the bathroom, crying as he placed his soft palm to his chest, feeling every heart beat that sounded like a jakabola.

"Please go away grandfather, I just want to be alone, leave me please", Al-warith responded.

"My dear son, don't push away your best friend, remember I'm your shelter from the rain. If you don't tell me your problem, who will you tell? Remember my son, a single bracelet does not jingle", Mallam Balarabe uttered as he cried loudly.

Al-warith couldn't hold himself when he heard his grandfather crying, he opened the door and zoomed outside.

"I'm sorry friend for making you cry, please stop crying, please", Al-Warith said as he wiped away the tears from his grandpas' cheek.

"its okay my friend, at least share your worries with me", Mallam Balarabe said.

"Why didn't you tell me about my parents, why?...I want to know." He knelt before his grandfather and beseeched. Mallam Balarabe was so emotional. He wiped the tears from his grandson's cheek and deferred the story till night. "Night when everywhere is silent, night when the breeze will bring past memories", he said serenely.

About 9pm, everyone was already asleep. The trees rested, the birds were exhausted, the moon brightened everywhere, and the breeze blew, and spread coolness to the whole place. Mallam Balarabe was seated on a long bench with Al-warith, they were at the compound that was as big as a football stadium.

"32yrs ago", mallam Balarabe began. "Your mother saw the first light of the world, I was very happy for having a child; I danced, rocked like a reggae artist. I thanked Almighty Allah for giving me the precious gift. Unfortunately, an hour later, your grandmother gave up a ghost, my joy turned to sorrow, I lost the woman of my life, but I had no choice, only Allah knows best. It took me months to get over her death. I was optimistic because I had my daughter.

I worked so hard just to satisfy my daughter's needs. Sometimes I carried her on my back to work. People do laugh at me, but I never care. Hmm! I could remember the day I lost my job, at that time, your mother was very sick, she was 5yrs old then, she had a heart disease. I cried a lot, I howled and tangled, it was a very sad period. Tirelessly, I ran from household to household and office appliances to seek for help, but no one helped. I was so helpless; I didn't even know what to do next. I went to the hospital to check on my daughter but her condition got worst. The doctor told me to bring the sum of 2.5 million naira in 72 hours if I still cherish my daughter's life.

This prompted me to go out there to hustle. People who say 'loneliness is a disease' were right. I was so lonely and helpless, anxiety was all over me. I went from place to place, I helped people to carry their bags and doing odd jobs, I worked day and night.

It was just a day left, and all the money with me was not up to the quarter of the money needed. I was in tears; I rushed out to see if I would get some help. As I was running from street to street, a beautiful woman called for my assistance and I helped carry her luggage. We got to her house, and she told me to wait outside; she went in and never came out. I was carried away by the beauty of the house. I checked the time in my old leather wrist watch, it was then I realized that I had spent 30 minutes outside. I was so worried; I dropped the luggage and went inside. It amazed me that as big as the house was, no one answered my knock. I rushed outside to check on the luggage, I was confused. Suspiciously, something in me whispered and pushed me to open the luggage which I did. As I opened the first luggage, I saw pieces of papers, I opened the second luggage, I saw wears and a letter, but when I opened the last luggage, I couldn't believe what I saw, I saw huge amount of money that I had never seen all my life. Moreover, I decided to open the letter to see if I would find some vital information. The letter read:

My dear husband

The money in the big luggage is yours; it's only 10 million naira. Pay the hospital bill of our daughter and use the rest for your welfare. The papers you saw in the smallest bag are not mere papers, they are envelopes that contains gold and diamonds, sell them and start a business. Don't be scared and please use the money wisely. I'll always be with you.

Your wife

After Al-warith had listened to the content of the letter, he was so emotional. "So how did you use the money?" he gently asked. Hmm! I quickly rushed to the hospital; I paid the medical bill of my daughter. The operation was successful, I was so elated to see my daughter on her feet again and fortunately, a week later, she was discharged.

I sold off the gold and diamond; I opened a textile industry and employed people in Gidan-lafia, our neighbouring town. I bought a new house also in Gidan-lafia, large hectares of land for farming here in our community and invested in some other businesses. I earned a lot from my textile industry. Your mother attended the best school, hmm! It was then I believed that life is beautiful. Money is vital. With money, you can buy anything you like, visit different places you love, and marry as many wives as you want (Mallam Balarabe and Al-warith laughed loudly). Conversely, money can be evil, It can tempt you to do bad things in life, just know that Gods' time is the best. It was a good feeling to see my daughter happy; it was an unbelievable transition in our lives. Some months later, I didn't believe that gossipers were still alive; they went around spreading propaganda that I did money rituals. It hurt me so much; it even hurt me most when my daughter came home in tears, because they called her names too. "Didn't they know that no condition is permanent, that the only constant thing in life is change", Al-warith expressed. I wondered also son. They failed to believe that with a little seed of imagination you can grow a field full of hope. Anyways, I attempted to sell all my properties.

At night, the words of almighty Allah rolled all over my mind that call upon me and I shall answer you. I made sure my daughter was asleep, I performed my ablution and made a dua (prayer). In the process of supplication, I dozed off. I saw a garden with beautiful trees and ripe fruits. Everywhere was so white and fine. I heard a voice, the voice called my name, my name was mentioned thrice and I was told to fast and prayed for three days and I shall see the miracles of Allah. I hastily woke up with sweat all over me. I gave thanks to almighty Allah and returned to bed.

Three days later, as I left home for work, hmm! Many people began to chant my name "sai Balarabe maikudi, sai Balarabe." Almighty Allah is indeed the greatest, I went to work with joy and my staffs were happy to see me.

Some years later, your mother graduated from the university. She was very happy and I was too. Not quite long she took over my business; she handled the business with passion.

Few months later, a slim, tall man came to ask her hand in marriage. He spoke with civility which made me like him. He was a rich and very hard-working business man though, he had three wives already.

On the 2nd of June 1995, they got married. High notable entities graced the wedding. Your mother was such a good dancer; we all danced and celebrated till sunset. That innocent man who married your mother was your father; you look so much like him.

They lived happily, their business grew steadily, and their love blossomed. But the only problem she encountered was from the other wives. She complained about them to me severally but patience was the only solution.

"But grandpa she should have reported them to my father", Al-warith said.

"Hmmm she did son, but your father told her the same too. You see son, tolerance and patience are the keys to a successful home. When you were born, your father was very happy because you are a male child". "oooh grandpa, does that mean I'm his first child?" Al-warith asked.

"No son, your father had nine children before you, but they were all girls. Your father was very happy because he found an heir and the one who will hold on to his name".

Tears dropped to his cheeks like a tap water, his eyes were as red as a burning fire, his voice drifted and weak as he stammered.

"On the 14th November 1996, mallam Balarabe continued, your parents were shot by an unknown person. You managed to escape, your mother's maid saved your life that night, and she brought you to me." Al-warith was in tears after he heard the death of his parents.

"How could human beings be so wicked grandpa?"

"This is life son, be careful in anything you do, and never trust anyone", Mallam Balarabe said.

"Grandpa, I have strong feelings that one of his wives or even all are responsible for their death" Al-warith uttered.

"Don't be quick in judgment son; I surely know that one day, the truth will reign."

After Mallam Balarabe narrated the whole story to Al-warith, they consoled each other and went to bed.

The next day, it was a bright morning in Gidan-kowa. Al-warith woke up fit and set for school.

"Grandpa, I'm prepared for school."

"Okay son, take care of you and May Almighty Allah protect you."

"Ameen grandpa", Al-warith responded.

Mallam Balarabe was thus anxious about his grandson, he moved in to his bedroom, laid on his bed and was lost in thought.

"Hmm! he is really growing fast and smarter. Now that he knows the whole story, I think we need a change of environment. Or, why do we have to leave? I think I have to seek the opinion of the wakilai (elders) regarding this matter, I shall send for them by noon, today is Wednesday, Al-warith do stay for extra lessons."

At exactly 1pm, the wakilai (elders) were already present. Mallam Balarabe offered them some drinks and kolanut.

"Why the urgent call?" Saidu, one of the elders asked.

"Hmm! Nagaisheku (I greet you all) my noble elders, thanks for responding to my call, may Almighty Allah bless you abundantly."

"Ameen", the elders responded.

"I told my grandson everything about his birth and parents last night, and I'm not comfortable", Mallam Balarabe stated.

"Not comfortable, maikake nifi? (What do you mean?) He is your grandchild or is he hearing some stories out there?" Yusuf, one of the elders asked.

"Not at all, I'm only scared, I'm scared that he might harm himself or someone."

At that time, the elders were confused; they looked at each other concurrently and began to laugh. .

"Hmm! Remember our people do say, a young man who has learn how to climb a tree, will always have a strong heart that can never be broken by any circumstances. Al-warith is a smart and intelligent boy, he can't do such thing." Musa, one of the elders said.

"Yes he's smart and intelligent, but also bear in mind that a child will always behave like a child. Any time I look into his eyes, I see vengeance", Mallam Balarabe stated as he adjusted himself on the seat while the elders were all silent for a while.

"This is serious, so what is your plan?" Shehu, One of the elders asked.

"I need a change of environment; maybe he will forget the past and move on."

"Hmm! okay we've heard you, but our people still say that if you consider a matter properly, you see its solution." Hakane (exactly) as the elders supported the statement.

"We understand how you feel but exercise a little patience", Yahaya, one of the elders uttered.

"That's what I want to do my noble elders, please allow me." Mallam Balarabe revealed.

"Alright, but you have to tell us where you are relocating to", Musa said.

"Honestly, I don't know yet, but you will all be the first to know", Mallam Balarabe assured them. They all had fun till they left for their various homes.

There was a huge crowd at stream Bank in Gidan-kowa, it was as if they were in the market square. Stream bank was a two-year-old bank built at the centre of the community. The fussy atmosphere of the Bank made the customers yelped.

"I'm tired of this bank ooh", One of the customers exclaimed.

"Ooh my sister, I thought I'm the only one ooh. They need to close this bank, take their time, solve their problems, and re-open", a young woman on a well styled kampala dress uttered.

"I think the problem is from the board authority, can't you see that the staffs are few, their internet facilities and systems are old?"

"Yes my sister, my eyes are clear enough, they need to change their facilities and recruit more staffs because these ones here are too lazy", the ladies laughed out loud beating their laps dramatically.

It wasn't too long that they heard a loud voice from behind nagging noticeably and struggling to move closer to the centre.

"What the hell is going on here? I think I need to see the manager. Imagine, I've spent 2 hours on this queue, oh my God! It's not even moving, I need to see the manager, I really need to see him", a short, fat man with a husky voice exclaimed, pointing a finger at one of the staff; and attracted the attention of the customers and the staffs.

"It is true the manager should come out, we demand some explanation, come out", the customers clamoured. As they were demanding the attention of the manager, a tall, dark, slim, and handsome man in a shinning black suit appeared.

"I'm so sorry for the inconveniences, it is due to the poor internet service network but our engineers are fixing it", the manager proclaimed.

"Fixing what? For over 2hours they are still fixing?" One of the customers exclaimed.

"Why is it that this bank usually have internet wahala ehn?", a lady mentioned.

"I'm sorry for all these inconveniences; I'm assuring you that it will be fixed soonest." The soft tone of the manager's statement was enough to calm the nerves of the customers.

"Ya Allah na (ooh my God) and my daughter wan use the money hurry ooh, abeg help me do am for your computer ooh", an old woman pleaded with the manager.

"This is pathetic; please help mama, as you can see she is old", a young man on a three-quarter jeans affirmed.

"Let me see what I can do. I will process it when I leave here, she should receive her money in the next 20minutes." The manager stated as he also assisted mallam balarabe to withdraw some money. The customers murmured and clamoured until they heard from one of the staff that the fault had been fixed. Everyone quickly assembled themselves and the queue moved in a jiffy.

"Da'na nagode( thank you my son)." Mallam Balarabe thanked the manager as he collected his money.

"What is your name my son?" mallam Balarabe asked.

"I'm Lawal Audu, Baba", the manager responded with a broad smile.

"Allah ye shimaka Albarka da'na( May Almighty God bless you my son)."

"Ameen Baba." The manager responded and returned to his duty.

Mallam Balarabe arrived home tired and weak. Al-warith gave him a cup of water to drink, gazing at his old man.

"Grandpa, are you okay, you look so weak and tired, or should I take you to the hospital?" Al-warith stated.

"Don't worry son, it's nothing, I'll be fine."

It took mallam Balarabe about 5minutes to regain his lost strength while Al-warith was beside him.

"ooh Da'na (son), are you still here?"

"Yes grandpa, I'm glad you are fine now."

"Hmm! Glory be to Allah. Before I forget son, we'll be travelling tomorrow immediately after the Morning Prayer so as to meet the first bus because I can't drive the car to a long distance."

"Travel! Where are we going?" Al-warith curiously asked.

"You will know when we get there." Mallam Balarabe responded.

With the expression on Al-warith's face, it was obvious that he didn't want to leave Gidan-kowa.

"Ya Allah na( ooh my God) if what I'm about to do is wrong, please lead me to the right path. All I'm trying to do is to protect my grandson from harming and to be harmed. I could see vengeance in his eyes. I also have this strong feeling that the killers of his parents are after him. Ya Allah na, you are the all knower, the protector. Guide and protect me and my grandson", Mallam Balarabe prayed and eventually retired to bed.

According to mallam Balarabe's plan, they left home immediately after the Morning Prayer. Everywhere was a bit dark, the breeze blew aggressively. The only people they saw were those coming from the mosque and travellers like them.

'This old man, only God knows where he's taking me to, well, my eyes are clear, I shall see."Al-warith said. On getting to the motor park, they saw people rushing towards a green-yellow bus with their bags. "I think that's the first bus, let's hurry son." Mallam Balarabe said. When they got to the bus, the seats were already occupied except one single seat closer to the door. According to the rule of the motor park, no one is allowed to lap.

"Grandpa, let's wait for the second bus, the driver won't allow lapping; besides, you are too feeble to lap me", Al-warith dramatically said.

"Ooh my lap is weak now ko? You forgot that it's this weak lap that brings food for you to eat."

"Haba Baba, I was only joking."

"kai, kabani mamaki ( you amaze me) daga yau, se ka ne mo abinci da ka'nka ( from today, you'll look for food yourself).

"Haba Baba, yi hakuri( I'm sorry) Al-warith apologized.

"Okay, I've heard you, wa'sa nakayi (I'm only joking)." Mallam Balarabe uttered as he smiled and tickled his grandson.

Due to no passenger, the driver allowed mallam Balarabe to lap his grandson. Everyone was set for the journey, and they drove off.

The weather was a cool one and some of the passengers were already asleep. It was barely 30 minutes after the bus took off that problems started emanating. One of the passengers pushed mallam Balarabe because he mistakenly steps on his toes.

"Haba waye wana ne (who is this?), you step on my toes and you can't even say sorry", the passenger exclaimed.

"Yi hakuri da'na( I'm sorry my son)." Mallam Balarabe apologized.

"What did you just did grandpa? You can't say sorry to this insolent man."

"You are very stupid for saying that", the passenger exclaimed.

"Stupid! If I can remember very well, the stupid ones are those who don't have regards for their elders, so who is stupid here?" Al-warith replied.

"Haba da'na, keep quite." Mallam Balarabe cautioned Al-warith.

"Haba grandpa, just leave me alone, this man is rude, you are old enough to be his father, maybe even grandfather", Al-warith stated.

After a while, other passengers in the bus began to raise insult on the man for been insolent to an old and respected person in their community.

"Hmm! God did give us the emotional capacity of anger, but is not responsible for our anger outburst. I know you are angry because we are leaving Gidan-kowa. Da'na (my child), you'll understand everything when the time comes. Hmm! In the moment of crises, the wise build bridges and foolish build dams." Mallam Balarabe expressed. At last there was silence in the bus and they drove off safely.