???? FUREN JUJI ????

(A Love Story of Fate, Betrayal & Redemption)

STORY BY: ZAINAB IDRIS MAKAWA

THE BEGINNING OF DESTINY

In the heart of Kwantagora, a grand church event gathers followers from all over Nigeria. The atmosphere is lively, filled with music, dancing, and prayers. Among the attendees is Joseph Emmanuel, a tall, fair-skinned young man of Fulani descent, dressed elegantly in white shadda. Despite his Christian background, his facial features and mannerisms resemble those of the Hausa people, raising curiosity among many.

As the service concludes, an elderly Igbo man attempts to stop Joseph on his way out, but Joseph is in no mood to linger. His phone rings—his father is calling. "Joseph, where are you?" his father, Mr. Emmanuel, asks in a stern tone. Joseph sighs, already anticipating another religious debate.

A DIFFERENT PATH

Joseph, unlike his deeply religious father, has always felt a connection to the Hausa culture and way of life. Despite being raised in a strict Christian home, he finds himself drawn to the values and simplicity of the Hausa people.

As a child, he was often scolded for associating with Hausa boys, but his stubborn nature kept him close to them. Even now, despite his wealth and position in Lagos, he returns to Kwantagora whenever he can, longing for the bonds he made in his youth.

LOVE AND CONFLICT

One day, while walking through a busy market, Joseph witnesses a heartbreaking scene—a poor widow, Hajjo, being harassed by a man claiming ownership of her land. The man, Malam Bawa, insists he bought the land from her late husband’s brother, leaving Hajjo and her children homeless.

Feeling a deep sense of injustice, Joseph steps in. "How much did you pay for this land?" he asks. Malam Bawa smugly replies, "₦25,000." Without hesitation, Joseph offers ₦50,000 to buy the land back for Hajjo. The crowd erupts in murmurs, amazed at his generosity.

Hajjo, overwhelmed with gratitude, prays for him, calling him “Furen Juji”—a flower that blooms despite the thorns around it.

AN UNEXPECTED MEETING

At the local Islamic school, Maryam Abdullahi, a beautiful yet feisty young woman, struggles to control her mischievous younger brothers, Assalam and Issalam. As she rushes to class, she accidentally bumps into Joseph.

Their eyes meet for a brief moment before she quickly apologizes and walks away, leaving Joseph stunned. "Who is she?" he wonders.

Maryam, on the other hand, is annoyed by the encounter, brushing off any thoughts of the strange but handsome stranger.

A FAMILY DIVIDED

Joseph’s return home is met with disappointment. His father, Mr. Emmanuel, has gathered church elders for an intense prayer session, urging Joseph to embrace their religious mission. Joseph, frustrated, argues, "Dad, faith should be a choice, not an obligation."

His words fall on deaf ears. His father sees his growing connection to the Hausa community as a betrayal, fueling tension in their household.

LOVE BLOSSOMS IN SECRET

Joseph and Maryam’s paths cross again at a market, where he helps her carry groceries. Their interactions grow more frequent, and despite their religious differences, an undeniable bond forms between them.

One evening, Joseph boldly tells Maryam, "I admire your strength. You’re different from anyone I’ve met." Maryam, blushing, quickly changes the topic, refusing to acknowledge the feelings blooming within her.

BETRAYAL AND HEARTBREAK

News of Joseph’s involvement with a Hausa girl spreads like wildfire. His father is enraged, accusing him of dishonoring their family. "You will never marry a Muslim!" he declares.

Meanwhile, Maryam’s family learns of the rumors. Her brother, Malam Abdullahi, confronts her, demanding she stay away from Joseph. "Our worlds are different. This can never work," he warns.

Torn between love and family expectations, Joseph and Maryam are forced apart.

A KINGDOM DIVIDED

Joseph, heartbroken yet determined, decides to leave Nigeria for business expansion in Malaysia. Before departing, he entrusts his best friend, KB, with overseeing the construction of a home for Hajjo and her children.

Meanwhile, Maryam buries herself in her studies, convincing herself that forgetting Joseph is the best choice.

A NEW BEGINNING?

Months later, Joseph returns, wealthier and wiser. He has built an empire, but something is missing—Maryam.

Determined to see her one last time, he visits her home. To his shock, he finds her preparing for marriage—to another man.

Their eyes meet, filled with unspoken emotions. "Is this truly what you want?" Joseph asks. Maryam hesitates but ultimately nods, choosing her family over forbidden love.

DESTINED OR DOOMED?

As Joseph walks away, he silently accepts his fate. Some love stories are meant to remain unfinished, but deep down, he knows—the furen Juji will always bloom, no matter the season.