Nusaybat, a young woman, is in distress, sitting with a bucket for bathing, her mind heavy with thoughts. Her aunt, Hajiya Yaya, urges her to stop brooding and drink her kunu, noting her upcoming work at the hospital. Nusaybat, rushing to prepare, finds Hajiya Yaya’s toilet locked and uses the courtyard well instead. Neighborhood children, including Baby and Fa’iza, mock her, referencing her past education abroad and perceived arrogance, reducing her to tears. She brushes off their taunts, grabs her bucket, and heads to work, explaining she’s skipping Islamiyya to sell wares.
At the hospital, Nusaybat, known for her composure and professionalism, is greeted warmly by colleagues like Sadika, who tease her about her single status and rumored suitors, including Doctor Abdurrahman. She delivers files and inquires about test results for Jafar, ensuring efficiency despite the morning’s chaos. Her colleagues, Juwairiyya and Sadika, playfully prod her about rejecting Abdurrahman, prompting Nusaybat to share her story, though she warns it’s filled with painful memories.
Nusaybat Habibullah Fulani, also called Yareema, hails from Zaria, a city renowned for its religious and modern scholarship. She hints at a complex past tied to her dual names, promising to reveal why she’s addressed this way. Her narrative begins in Zaria, a place she describes as surpassing expectations, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of her identity and struggles.
