Fulani Book 1 Complete Hausa Novel

She was carrying the water with so much effort that she could hardly lift the container. She had nothing with her except intense hunger, fatigue, and a terrible headache that weighed her down. Determined, she finished loading the water onto the container and poured it into the trough beside the stove. Once she was done, she combined it with the other water she had carried. Standing up, she held the container and headed toward the pot where their water was kept.

“Why didn’t I tell you that when you fetch your water, you should go to the trough to fill it? How many times must I tell you, Fulani girl?”

Falmata looked at Tumba, who was scolding her, and replied meekly, feeling as if she had fallen flat in broad daylight, her head heavy with shame.

“Inna, after I finish, I’ll go and fetch more to fill it.”

“I won’t allow that. Go and start fetching properly. What you’re getting now is for work, not to fill random containers for fun.”

She didn’t respond further and went to the base of a tall tree, where she placed the container down. Then she went back to pick up a large bucket, holding it firmly in her hand as she made her way toward the exit. Her body was exhausted, and she walked slowly, keeping her head down, not looking at anyone except the path ahead. The only sound that came from her mouth was a respectful greeting whenever she passed by her elders.

When she reached the trough, she found a spot and stood, observing how the trough was already crowded with people—both children and adults. She moved a little aside and lifted the lid, like someone gently pouring water onto the ground.

At first glance, one would hardly notice the patience and discipline she carried with her. In front of the trough, the others were scooping water while she simply stood to the side, watching as if she hadn’t come to fetch water at all.

“Falmata, bring me a black bucket,” her friend Khadija called.

Without hesitation, she quickly moved her foot to where Khadija was standing, holding the bucket by the trough, and handed it to her.

“Thank you, my friend,” Falmata said.

“Don’t worry. If we’re here, you won’t lack anything, my friend,” Khadija said, raising her chin slightly. A smile spread across Falmata’s face, showing her white teeth that contrasted beautifully with her dark skin.

“Aren’t you going to the chief’s house today? You know you’re supposed to tidy up the rooms of the three children and take care of them,” Khadija asked, her voice raised so that others nearby could hear that her friend was working at the chief’s house. A wave of embarrassment swept over Falmata, making her shrink and feel awkward in front of everyone.

“You, Madam, aren’t you going?”

“I’ll go. After I return, then maybe tomorrow,” she replied softly, as if reluctantly, completely covered by shyness.

Before the bucket was filled, she had already stretched it out. When the bucket was full, Khadija took it and placed it on her head, while Falmata did the same with her own. Together, they headed on their way.

“Mtswwwww! Honestly, Falmata, you don’t cooperate! I want this done properly, but you go and ignore it,” Khadija said.

For Falmata, this had become a habit—she smiled in response, her expression brightening, and spoke in a soft, pleasant voice:

“Khadija, I feel shy.”

Khadija gave her a teasing glance.

“Shy about what? The work at the chief’s house? May Allah protect you, Khadija. Honestly, I almost changed my mind about coming.”

This time, Falmata let out a silent laugh, nodding to her friend. The truth was, if it were up to anyone else, she would not have managed it—but with Khadija by her side, she could handle it.