Too Little, Too Late

12

December, 2020.

While Ayra and Ibtihaj wrote their first semester examinations, their families and the Fahads got things in order. Ayra and Ibrahim's things were moved to their apartment in Downtown Aomi and arranged under Ibrahim's supervision. When he was too busy at work, his mother stood in his stead while Salama and Falilat stood in Ayra's.

Bookings were confirmed over and over to avoid funny stories and contracted vendors knew better than to try and act shady with the responsibilities they were given. Attendances were confirmed and those who would be unable to make it apologised, promising to visit the newly wedded as soon as they could. Party favours for those who would be in attendance were ordered and packaged too. The Fahads, more than once, flaunted their wealth and the Abdulazizs were too focused on getting things together for their daughter to even let it get to them.

On the day they finished their last paper, Ayra and Ibtihaj met up with Bella, Anneth, and Jalal at Cake Heaven, the contracted confectioner for the event, for cake tasting. Ibrahim was in a meeting with Tobi so Jalal was standing in for him which Ayra appreciated.

She smiled as she and Ibtihaj got to where the trio stood. "Hey, guys. I hope we didn't keep you waiting long."

"Oh please," Bella said with a light flick of her wrist. She was stunning in a black halter neck jumpsuit. "As if we'd ever mind. I hope your paper went well."

Ayra nodded alongside Ibtihaj. "It did. I'm glad we're done. I can finally focus on getting married."

Jalal laughed. "Oh Ayra." He then smiled at the woman beside her. "Hi, Ibty."

"Hey, Jalal." Ibtihaj's smile was just as pretty as his. "I hope you're considering my proposal."

Anneth, Bella, and Ayra looked curiously between the two which made Jalal laugh before he explained what she meant. "She doesn't want to be paired with Tobi for the reception entrance. You know it's just us on the couple team and Ibrahim still hasn't made it clear who is going to be the best man between Tobi and I so..."

Anneth easily linked her arm with Ibtihaj's. "That's how he'll pick Nathaniel."

Bella scoffed, linking her own arm with Ayra's. "As if you'd let him. You and Nate are too obsessed with each other."

Anneth smiled proudly. "Sorry you can't relate."

"Don't allow me hit you."

Ayra laughed and cut in. "Let's go inside. We have an appointment."

Jalal nodded. "Yes, let's do that."

The founder of the confectionery business, Fadel, was present and she ensured each person had a plate of every flavour she offered. Ayra found it hard to choose and so did the others so Fadel recommended having different flavours on every tier since it was to be a six-tiered cake. Ayra gladly took her suggestion and then they picked out the flavours they loved, chocolate being a constant flavour in every tier. Fadel then went through the cake's decoration with them so be sure she had it right; white fondant with little accents and then flowers running the length of both sides of the cake.

Ayra nodded yet again, her smile wide. "Exactly."

Fadel smiled back, relieved. "I look forward to working on it. I promise to not disappoint."

As usual, Ibtihaj made her threats and they all ended up laughing. They went through the dessert list with Fadel before they said goodbyes, the ladies promising to meet up the next day for Ayra's final fitting; something she was excitedly looking forward to. Just like she and Ibtihaj agreed, she was the one to drive them home so Ayra unlocked the car doors and they got in.