---

It was late at night when Saudah learned that Lantana was in the hospital, in labor. Lawisa was the one who informed her about what had happened earlier that evening.

After they calmed down, Saudah said, "Areef's mother should be called to inform her."

"I wanted to give him the good news earlier, but I checked your phone, and it had no credit. I was preoccupied with this beautiful baby. Saudah, you have never given birth to such a beautiful baby before. Even now, her beauty is evident; imagine how she will look when she grows up."

She smiled, adjusting the baby's position and said, "Yes, indeed, Anni. Every child I have will follow in Areef's footsteps in every way. You know that if it's about my child, it will always be Areef; he is the one for whom prayers are made."

"I understand that because of him, I said that. Among all the children you've given birth to... Innalillahi Lawisa! Please, be quiet. Why are you making such comments? If Areef hears this, there will be trouble. You know how intelligent he is; he will hold on to this and keep questioning me about it."

"I'm sorry, my friend. I won't mention it again; I promise."

Saudah sighed and said, "My friend, the love I have for Areef is unmatched. Even though I gave birth to Shahid and Shahida, I don't feel the same for them as I do for Areef. He is the reason my husband's family started to respect me. He pulled me out of the despair of childlessness. That's why, even if I have other children, Areef will always come first. And by Allah's will, none of my children will know this secret. I trust you to help me keep it hidden."

"Insha'Allah, my friend, no one will hear this secret from me."

---

The next day, the family and friends were informed about the birth. Alhaji Farouk felt as if he had been given the glad tidings of paradise. Upon receiving the news, a business associate informed him that his long-cherished goal had been achieved. He immediately performed a prostration of gratitude, deeply thankful to Allah. Saudah was truly a blessing for him, and this baby girl came with fortune. He informed his close friend, Lawisa's husband, to name the girl *Ummul-Khairi*.

Lantana had been in labor for four days, completely exhausted. On the fifth day, the doctor said she needed a C-section. Alhaji Farouk, despite Lantana's earlier harshness, felt pity for her. He signed the consent forms, and she was taken to the theater room, with her family and parents crying.

Saudah also felt sorry for her, and even Areef was saddened. Lantana was in surgery for five hours, and they successfully delivered the baby girl who looked just like her father, Alhaji Farouk. There was great joy, but soon their concern shifted to Lantana's condition. Despite all efforts, there were no signs of life after two hours. Finally, the doctor came out and said, "We did all we could, but Allah has taken His own."

Everyone was in shock and disbelief. Saudah kept repeating, "Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel, may Allah have mercy on Lantana and forgive her. May she rest in peace."

Areef, seeing his mother's distress, also cried. Ummul Khairi stayed with him, and when she cried, he took her to Saudah for feeding.

They held the three-day mourning period, and Saudah decided to breastfeed both babies, praying for Allah's reward. Her husband named the baby Ummu Salma.

Life went on, though Saudah felt the house was now too big with just her and her five children. She marveled at how Allah had blessed her with five children in less than seven years, after years of infertility.

There was no grand celebration for the naming; Alhaji Farouk simply sacrificed some rams. Life moved on, and Areef was now in primary 5, preparing for common entrance exams, while Shahid and Shahida were in primary 2, and the twins were just months old. They were well-cared for and healthy.

Saudah noticed that Areef favored Ummu Salma, claiming Ummul Khairi cried too much. When he came back from school, he would play with Ummu Salma, sing, and dance with her. He would pick up Ummul Khairi as well, but if she started crying, he would say, "Maah, Khairi doesn't like me to hold her. She cries when I do."

Saudah would respond, "Big brother, patience is required. All of them are your siblings and need your attention."

From then on, he treated both equally, and Ummul Khairi eventually stopped crying around him.

Alhaji Farouk's business flourished, and he opened a new textile manufacturing company, investing significantly and involving his friend Jafar, Lawisa's husband. This strengthened their families' ties, and it wasn't uncommon for Shahida and others to stay at their friends' houses.

Farouk started building a new house while renovating his mother's old one. 

Years flew by, and Saudah's children grew up. Now they were 12 years old.

---

This translation captures the essence and emotions of the original Hausa text, focusing on the dynamics of the family's life and the tragic event surrounding Lantana's labor and death.