The Unwanted Daughter Yar Da Aka Hana Ƙauna By | Full Hausa Story

The Unwanted Daughter Yar Da Aka Hana Ƙauna By | Full Hausa Story

Hauwa Jibrin Sulaiman

The Intrigue:

What happens when a child grows up in a home where her presence is tolerated but her happiness is never celebrated? What does it mean to have a family, yet spend every day longing for the affection, protection, and acceptance that should come naturally from the people who brought you into the world? And how does a young girl preserve her innocence when the very people who should protect her become the source of her deepest emotional wounds?

For Du’a, home is supposed to be a place of love, comfort, and belonging. Instead, it becomes a place where she must constantly prove that she deserves to exist. Every morning brings another reminder that she is different, unwanted, and somehow less deserving than the other children in her family. She learns to measure her words, suppress her tears, and endure humiliations that no child should ever have to experience. Yet beneath her quiet personality lies a remarkable determination, a gentle heart, and a faith that refuses to disappear, even when life gives her every reason to lose hope. This is the heartbreaking world of DU’A (The Unwanted Daughter), an emotionally compelling Hausa novel by Hauwa Jibrin Sulaiman, popularly known as Jiddatulkhayr Writes.

The story introduces readers to a young girl whose daily existence is defined by an extraordinary imbalance of affection. Although she lives under the same roof as her father, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, and her stepmother, Zahra, she receives little of the parental warmth that should make a child feel secure. Her younger sister, Amrah, enjoys the privileges of being cherished, protected, and celebrated, while Du’a is treated almost like an unwanted responsibility. The difference is not subtle. It is visible in the way the family speaks to them, the attention they receive, the opportunities they are given, and even the ordinary moments that should bring everyone together.

At approximately 4:30 in the morning, when most children would still be enjoying the final hours of sleep, Du’a's day begins with an unpleasant shock. Her stepmother storms into the bedroom and throws cold water over her, waking her with a mixture of anger and accusations. There is no opportunity to explain herself or ask for a little understanding. Instead, she is immediately reminded of the household chores waiting for her and given an unforgiving deadline. While Amrah remains comfortably asleep, Du’a must hurry downstairs and begin working.

The incident reveals more than a strict household routine. It exposes a family environment in which one child is expected to carry responsibilities that should never fall entirely upon her shoulders. Even though the family employs a housemaid, Fatima, Du’a is still expected to perform an unreasonable amount of domestic work. Her stepmother's treatment leaves little room for childhood freedom, and the constant pressure forces her to become accustomed to swallowing her disappointment.

Yet Du’a does not respond with hatred. She apologises, lowers her head, and continues with the work. When she eventually finishes, she even prepares the breakfast table with care, ensuring that everything is properly arranged before informing her stepmother that the household tasks have been completed. Her quiet cooperation is not a sign that she is unaffected by the treatment she receives. It is simply the survival strategy she has learned in a home where speaking up can invite even greater punishment.

One of the most painful aspects of Du’a's circumstances is the way affection is distributed within the family. Amrah can wake up, dress beautifully, and walk into the dining room knowing that her parents will welcome her with smiles and loving words. Du’a, on the other hand, receives little more than a cold greeting from her father. Even when he acknowledges her presence, his response carries none of the tenderness he freely offers Amrah. The same man who can proudly call one daughter his princess struggles to show the other even the smallest gesture of paternal affection.

For Du’a, these ordinary family moments become painful reminders of everything she lacks. She watches her parents smile at Amrah, ask about her sleep, and show interest in her happiness. She sees the warmth in their faces and wonders why she cannot receive the same treatment. The question follows her beyond the dining room and into the school journey, where she sits quietly in the back seat while Amrah enjoys the privileges of the front passenger seat.

It is difficult for her to understand how two children can belong to the same household and experience such different versions of family life. Sometimes, she even wonders whether she truly belongs to the people she calls her parents.

At school, the differences in personality and upbringing become equally apparent. Amrah moves within a privileged social circle alongside Firdausi and Rumaisa, girls whose expensive phones, designer bags, fashionable shoes, and wealthy backgrounds have become central to their identities. Their understanding of social importance is heavily influenced by material possessions, and anyone who does not share their lifestyle is easily dismissed. Du’a does not seek their approval. Her concerns are already much heavier than the social competition surrounding them.

Fortunately, she has someone who makes her feel less alone. Ayesha is not simply another school friend. She is one of the few people who can recognise when Du’a is pretending to be happy. Their friendship offers a rare moment of emotional safety in a life otherwise filled with uncertainty. When Ayesha notices that something is troubling her, Du’a initially tries to conceal her feelings. But the pain she has carried for so long eventually finds its way into words.

She asks the questions that have been haunting her: When will her family ever love her? What has she done to deserve such treatment? Why does everyone make her feel as though she does not belong? Most painfully, she begins to question whether she is truly her parents' daughter.

These questions form the emotional foundation of DU’A (The Unwanted Daughter). Beyond the visible conflict between two girls growing up in the same household, the novel explores the psychological consequences of parental rejection and the lasting damage caused when affection becomes something a child must compete for.

To understand how Du’a arrives at this painful point in her life, the narrative takes readers back to the beginning, introducing the people and circumstances that shaped her family's history.

Her father, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, is originally from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Raised in a family with only one sibling, his sister Hibbah, he develops an early passion for education. After completing his initial studies in Nigeria, he travels to Australia, where he continues his academic journey, specialising in Marketing at TAFEs University.

It is during his graduation celebration that he encounters Zahra, a young woman who has travelled to attend the ceremony in support of her uncle. Their first meeting is seemingly ordinary, but it becomes the beginning of a relationship that develops into love. Zahra comes from a wealthy family in Rimi, Kaduna State. As the only daughter of her parents, she has enjoyed considerable comfort, privilege, and educational opportunities. Her studies at Stanford University in the United States, where she specialises in English Literature, further shape her personality and outlook on life.

Muhammad and Zahra eventually marry and establish their home in Abuja, where his business interests begin to flourish. Their marriage appears promising, and the arrival of their first child, Aryan, brings immense happiness to the family. He is welcomed with affection, surrounded by loving parents and relatives who celebrate his existence. His aunt, Hibbah, even travels from London to participate in the festivities.

For a time, Muhammad's family enjoys the kind of happiness many people dream of. His international trading business continues to expand, and his growing financial success allows him to live comfortably. Alongside his close business associate, Alhaji Abubakar Tukur, he becomes increasingly involved in charitable activities, including visits to an orphanage where they hope to support children who have been deprived of family care.

It is during one of these visits that Muhammad encounters Aneesa.

Aneesa is a young woman whose beauty is not necessarily the first thing people notice about her. What distinguishes her is her character. Her intelligence, composure, responsibility, and respectful attitude have earned her admiration from the people who care for the children at the orphanage. There is something about her quiet dignity that captures Muhammad's attention. His interest goes beyond a passing impression, and before long, he becomes convinced that she is the woman he wants to marry.

Aneesa initially hesitates. Having spent much of her life in the orphanage, she is not entirely prepared for the responsibilities of marriage. The caregivers encourage her to consider the opportunity, explaining that it could offer her a different future and the independence she has always needed. After considerable thought, she eventually agrees.

However, what appears to Muhammad to be the beginning of another marriage becomes the beginning of a complicated emotional struggle within his household.

When he informs Zahra of his intention to marry again, she is devastated. Her resistance is immediate, and the announcement introduces a new source of tension into their previously established family life. Nevertheless, her feelings begin to shift when she discovers that the woman her husband intends to marry comes from an orphanage.

Zahra assumes that Aneesa cannot possibly compete with her. In her estimation, Aneesa lacks the educational background, social standing, beauty, and sophistication that she considers essential qualities. She believes that her own wealth, upbringing, and position in Muhammad's life place her far above the woman entering their marriage.

Rather than viewing Aneesa as someone who deserves compassion or an opportunity to build a better life, Zahra sees her as someone she can easily control.

But marriage brings unexpected changes. Muhammad treats Aneesa with considerable kindness and gives her opportunities she never imagined having. He supports her education, enrolling her in a nursing programme so she can pursue her ambitions. For a woman who has spent much of her life without the security of a conventional family, his support represents more than financial assistance. It gives her a chance to discover her abilities, develop independence, and establish a meaningful future.

Unfortunately, the happiness Aneesa finds in her new circumstances becomes another source of resentment for Zahra. She begins to feel increasingly threatened by the affection her husband shows his second wife. What initially appears to be confidence in her superior position gradually gives way to jealousy, insecurity, and bitterness.

As time passes, the family welcomes two more daughters. Zahra gives birth to Amrah, while Aneesa later gives birth to Du’a. Their arrival should create opportunities for the children to grow together as sisters, but the circumstances surrounding their mothers' relationship make that possibility increasingly complicated.

From the moment Du’a is born, she attracts affection from those around her. Her cheerful nature and innocent presence make her a particularly lovable child. Even extended family members travel to celebrate her arrival, including Aunt Hibbah, who returns from London with her daughter, Patrisha.

Instead of bringing everyone closer, the attention Du’a receives intensifies Zahra's jealousy. She begins to feel that Aneesa and her daughter are receiving the admiration she believes should belong to her and Amrah.

Meanwhile, Muhammad's feelings towards his two wives are not entirely equal. Although he attempts to maintain fairness in his household, his emotional attachment to Aneesa becomes increasingly apparent. Her patience, respectful nature, and ability to maintain peace distinguish her from the growing tension surrounding the family.

This emotional imbalance creates an environment in which resentment can develop quietly, eventually influencing the way the adults treat one another and, more importantly, the children.

However, the most devastating change does not come from the rivalry between the two women alone. It begins when Muhammad's business encounters serious financial difficulties.

At first, the decline in profits appears manageable. But as the years pass, his business struggles become more severe. Zahra takes advantage of his growing frustration and begins suggesting that Aneesa is responsible for his misfortunes. She repeatedly reminds him that the decline started after his second marriage, encouraging him to associate his financial problems with his relationship with Aneesa.

Gradually, an irrational suspicion takes root in his mind. He begins interpreting unfortunate business developments as evidence that Aneesa has brought bad luck into his life. Even ordinary coincidences become reasons to question her presence in the family.

The situation is particularly painful because Aneesa has done nothing to deserve such treatment. She remains committed to her marriage, continues pursuing her education, and eventually secures employment at a private healthcare facility. Her ambition is simple: to become capable of supporting herself and giving Du’a a proper upbringing and education.

Yet her efforts do little to change the growing hostility directed towards her.

Zahra's resentment is further encouraged by her close friend, Humairah, who repeatedly reinforces her negative feelings towards Aneesa. Rather than discouraging the hostility, Humairah becomes part of the influence that gradually pushes Zahra towards increasingly harmful intentions.

The marriage that once offered Aneesa hope begins to feel like a place where she must constantly defend her dignity.

As if the emotional suffering were not enough, another devastating challenge enters her life when she is diagnosed with breast cancer.

The diagnosis changes everything. Aneesa must now face a serious illness while dealing with the emotional abandonment of the people who should be supporting her. Muhammad, whose affection has already begun to disappear, becomes even more distant. Instead of showing compassion, he increasingly views her illness as another financial burden.

The woman he once chose because of her character and quiet strength is now treated as though she is responsible for the difficulties surrounding his life.

During her hospitalisation, he does not visit her, not even once.

For Aneesa, this absence represents a particularly painful form of abandonment. Physical suffering is difficult enough, but the knowledge that her husband cannot find the willingness to come and see her makes her circumstances even more heartbreaking.

At home, Du’a is still too young to understand the full complexity of the adults' conflict, but she understands the absence of her mother's warmth. She sees her mother's illness, witnesses the hostility directed towards them, and begins experiencing the consequences of a household in which love is becoming increasingly conditional.

Fatima, the family's housemaid, emerges as a valuable source of support. Her compassion for Aneesa and Du’a gives them a measure of comfort when other members of the household appear unwilling to offer it. Aneesa's colleagues, particularly Maria and Farida, also demonstrate that genuine kindness can come from people outside one's immediate family. They remember her, visit her, and provide encouragement during a period when she needs emotional support more than ever.

Eventually, Aneesa receives enough treatment to be discharged from the hospital. However, the relief is temporary, and the underlying challenges remain.

Five years later, Du’a and Amrah are both ten years old, while Aryan has turned fifteen. The passage of time has not erased the divisions within the household. Instead, the differences in how the children are treated have become more deeply established.

Du’a continues to distinguish herself academically. She is intelligent, hardworking, and consistently performs exceptionally well in school. Her academic achievements are a source of genuine happiness for Aneesa, who sees her daughter's success as a blessing worth celebrating.

One afternoon, Du’a returns home with exciting news. She has achieved first position in her class once again. Filled with happiness, she rushes to her mother's room, eager to share the result. Aneesa welcomes her with the warmth and affection that every child deserves. She praises her daughter, celebrates her achievement, and reminds her that she is a precious gift in her life.

Their relationship is one of the most touching elements of the story. Despite the difficulties surrounding her own life, Aneesa makes a conscious effort to ensure that Du’a never doubts her worth. She celebrates her intelligence, encourages her ambitions, and constantly reassures her that she is loved.

However, Du’a's happiness is accompanied by a familiar sadness. She knows that her father is unlikely to show the same enthusiasm. She even wonders whether he will care enough to look at her result slip.

Aneesa tries to comfort her, encouraging her not to lose hope and reminding her that her father's current attitude does not determine her value. She believes that one day Muhammad may recognise the remarkable daughter he has neglected. Her reassurance is accompanied by a powerful message about faith and the importance of sincere prayer.

Du’a holds on to those words because her mother is the person who gives her the emotional security she cannot find elsewhere.

Aryan also plays an important role in Du’a's childhood. Unlike the increasingly hostile atmosphere created by his mother and Amrah, he demonstrates genuine affection towards his younger sister. When he sees her academic result, he congratulates her enthusiastically and expresses how proud he is of her.

For Du’a, these moments are precious. Aryan's approval gives her a sense of belonging, even if only temporarily. He is someone she can look towards as a source of encouragement in a household where she is often made to feel insignificant.

However, his affection is complicated by the pressure exerted by Zahra.

When Aryan attempts to show his sister more affection, Zahra's disapproving presence is enough to make him withdraw. Her silent warnings carry an authority he has learned not to challenge. On one occasion, he is forced to abandon his attempt to comfort Du’a, leaving her confused about why his behaviour suddenly changes.

His internal struggle reveals another dimension of the family's dysfunction. He understands that his sister deserves protection, but he is also afraid of the consequences of opposing his mother. His inability to stand up for Du’a becomes a source of guilt, especially when he realises how much she needs him.

Zahra's resentment towards Du’a becomes even more obvious when she discovers that the girl has once again secured first position. Rather than celebrating her academic achievement, she interprets it as an embarrassment to Amrah. Her reaction is immediate and cruel, and Du’a receives a slap despite having done nothing wrong.

The situation escalates when Amrah deliberately trips her as she runs away. Du’a falls heavily, injuring her mouth and causing it to bleed. Her desperate cries attract the attention of the household, including Aneesa, Fatima, and Aryan.

Aryan instinctively wants to help, but Zahra threatens him and prevents him from approaching his injured sister. He is left watching helplessly as Du’a looks towards him for protection.

The moment becomes particularly painful because he knows that his silence is failing someone he genuinely loves. He eventually retreats to his room, where his emotions overcome him. For the first time, he fully confronts the shame of being unable to protect his little sister.

Aneesa, meanwhile, rushes to Du’a and takes her into her arms. Her concern is immediate, and her attention is focused entirely on making sure her daughter is safe. Fatima assists with first aid, helping clean the blood and dress the injury.

Even in the middle of such distress, Aneesa remains a source of reassurance. Her presence provides Du’a with the comfort she desperately needs, demonstrating that a mother's love can become a child's strongest refuge when the rest of the world feels unwelcoming.

Fatima's role is equally significant. Although she cannot openly challenge the authority of the household, her concern for Aneesa and Du’a is evident. She witnesses their suffering and silently hopes that Allah will protect them from further harm.

As the years continue, Du’a and her mother remain trapped in an increasingly difficult situation. Zahra does not abandon her hostility, while Amrah gradually adopts the attitudes and behaviour she observes in her mother. Aryan continues trying to protect Du’a whenever he has the opportunity, but his influence is limited by his fear of Zahra's reactions.

This leaves Du’a particularly vulnerable whenever Aryan is away.

Through all these experiences, Aneesa repeatedly teaches her daughter an important lesson: other people's cruelty must never become an excuse to abandon goodness. She encourages Du’a to preserve her character, remain respectful, and refuse to allow bitterness to destroy the kindness within her.

It is a difficult lesson to follow when the people hurting her are members of her own family. Nevertheless, Du’a continues trying to live by her mother's advice.

The story's emotional weight becomes even greater as Aneesa's breast cancer progresses. The illness that once seemed manageable becomes increasingly aggressive, gradually weakening her body. Her strength diminishes, ordinary movement becomes difficult, and the physical suffering places further pressure on her already fragile circumstances.

For Du’a, watching her mother deteriorate is a source of unbearable sadness. She notices the changes in Aneesa's appearance and struggles with the knowledge that the person who makes her world bearable is becoming weaker.

Whenever she asks whether her mother is in pain, Aneesa tries to reassure her with a gentle response and a reminder that Allah is with her.

These moments reveal the extraordinary emotional bond between mother and daughter. Aneesa is not simply raising a child. She is trying to prepare Du’a for a world that has repeatedly failed to treat her kindly, while fighting an illness that threatens to take away the very person who gives her life meaning.

As Muhammad becomes increasingly absent, the people who genuinely care for Aneesa begin to take on greater importance. Fatima remains close, while her colleagues at the private healthcare facility continue visiting her. Maria and Farida are particularly supportive, demonstrating a level of loyalty and compassion that contrasts sharply with the indifference she experiences from her own husband.

Their presence raises one of the story's most meaningful questions: Is family defined only by blood and marriage, or can genuine family also be found in the people who choose to remain when life becomes difficult?

DU’A (The Unwanted Daughter) explores the painful consequences of jealousy, favouritism, emotional neglect, and the misuse of parental authority. It examines how resentment between adults can become a destructive force in children's lives, particularly when innocent children are made to carry the consequences of conflicts they did not create.

The contrast between Du’a and Amrah is central to this exploration. Although they grow up within the same household, their experiences are shaped by different expectations and levels of affection. One receives constant reassurance and privilege, while the other struggles for recognition. Their relationship illustrates how parental behaviour can influence the way siblings perceive themselves and one another.

Zahra's character also introduces a complex examination of insecurity and jealousy. Her resentment is not presented merely as a disagreement between co-wives. It develops into a destructive attitude that affects her marriage, her relationship with Aneesa, and the emotional environment in which the children grow up. Her influence over Amrah further demonstrates how harmful attitudes can be passed from one generation to another.

Muhammad's role raises equally important questions about responsibility, fairness, and the consequences of allowing suspicion to replace sound judgement. His initial generosity towards Aneesa gradually gives way to emotional distance, revealing how easily affection can be overshadowed by jealousy, financial anxiety, and misplaced beliefs.

In contrast, Aneesa represents patience, dignity, faith, and maternal devotion. Despite facing rejection, betrayal, and a serious illness, she continues to place her daughter's well-being above her own emotional suffering. Her determination to educate Du’a and give her a good upbringing becomes one of the strongest expressions of her love.

Du’a herself represents the resilience of a child whose circumstances are far beyond her control. Her academic excellence, respectful nature, and gentle personality show that she possesses qualities that deserve encouragement rather than punishment. Yet her experiences expose the painful reality that being a good child does not always guarantee receiving good treatment from the adults around you.

The novel also incorporates important themes of faith, prayer, compassion, and the belief that hardship does not have to destroy hope. Aneesa's reminders about Allah's mercy and Du’a's sincere prayers provide a spiritual dimension to the narrative. Their faith becomes an emotional anchor in a household where human affection is unreliable.

The bilingual presentation, blending English and Hausa, adds another dimension to the reading experience. It allows the author to explore the characters' emotions and conversations through a mixture of contemporary expression and familiar Hausa cultural references. Readers who enjoy modern Hausa fiction, English-Hausa storytelling, family-centred drama, and emotionally driven narratives will find this approach particularly engaging.

Although the story is rooted in the familiar world of Hausa family relationships, its central concerns extend far beyond one household or culture. The need for parental acceptance, the pain of rejection, the influence of favouritism, and the importance of emotional security are experiences that readers from different backgrounds can understand.

The title, The Unwanted Daughter, carries a painful significance. It reflects the position Du’a occupies in the household and the emotional burden of growing up without the acceptance she longs for. Yet it also invites readers to look beyond the label imposed upon her. She is not defined by the way others treat her. She is a daughter with intelligence, potential, dignity, and a heart that continues to seek love despite repeated disappointment.

The question is not simply whether Du’a will ever receive the affection she deserves. It is also whether the people around her will recognise the damage their actions are causing, and whether the strength she develops through adversity will be enough to help her face the challenges ahead.

For readers searching for an emotional Hausa novel, a touching family drama, or a compelling story about a daughter's struggle for acceptance, DU’A (The Unwanted Daughter) offers a deeply personal reading experience. It brings together the emotional tension of a troubled marriage, the complications of polygamous family life, sibling relationships, childhood vulnerability, illness, betrayal, and the enduring strength of a mother's love.

This is a story that invites readers to reflect on the responsibilities that come with parenthood and the importance of treating every child with fairness and compassion. It reminds us that children do not always express the full extent of their suffering. Sometimes, the quietest child in a household is the one carrying the heaviest emotional burden.

For those who enjoy reading littattafan Hausa, contemporary Hausa family stories, and bilingual African fiction, this novel provides an opportunity to experience a narrative that combines familiar cultural elements with universally recognisable human struggles. Readers looking for a complete Hausa novel experience, particularly one that explores family relationships and emotional resilience, will find plenty to reflect upon in Du’a's journey.

Ultimately, DU’A (The Unwanted Daughter) is about the difference between being surrounded by people and being genuinely loved. It is about the wounds created by rejection, the courage required to remain kind in the face of cruelty, and the immeasurable value of the person who refuses to let a child feel alone.

It is also a reminder that a child's worth is never determined by the amount of affection other people are willing to give her.

Some children grow up hearing that they are special. Others spend their childhood wondering what they did wrong. Du’a belongs to the latter, but her story is far from an ordinary tale of sadness. Behind her tears is a journey of faith, resilience, family conflict, and the search for a place where she can finally feel that she belongs.

An editorial reflection: A child should never have to earn the love that was meant to be given freely. And sometimes, the greatest strength is found in the heart that refuses to become cruel, even after experiencing cruelty.

Discover the emotional world of DU’A (The Unwanted Daughter) by Hauwa Jibrin Sulaiman (Jiddatulkhayr Writes), a moving bilingual Hausa novel about a daughter's longing for acceptance, a mother's unwavering devotion, and the complicated family relationships that can shape an entire lifetime. Read the complete story and follow Du’a's journey through the challenges that await her.