Too Little, Too Late

49

On Friday October 22nd, Ibrahim Fahad officially pulled away from The Hexad. His position became vacant, his office got cleared, and his authority over the affairs of the companies ceased to exist.

A few stakeholders pulled out with him, choosing to invest in other companies until Ibrahim decided what he was going to do. It caused more damage to The Hexad and the squad had their hands full.

That same day, Ayra returned to Atlantica alone. She'd convinced Ibtihaj into going spending a day longer at Cape Town before going to Costa Casa to enjoy the reservation they'd made in the lovely resort. Ayra didn't want to go there and Ibtihaj didn't force it. At Raven Isle, she – Ayra – kept her face covered with a disposable mask and ensured her head stayed lowered. All through the ride to Aomi, she stared out of the window, her chest heavy and her tear ducts dry.

Instead of heading to Downtown Aomi, Ayra headed to the place she'd always called home. Muhsin was the one to open the door and although Ayra felt the urge to cry when he teared up at the sight of her, the tears didn't come.

He pulled her into the house and into his arms, holding her tightly against him and kissing her head repeatedly. Salama joined him there, both of them holding Ayra between them. Her head resting against her father's chest, Ayra listened to his heart beating and found solace in it.

She was only going to stay in Plum Boulevard for a few days and then she'll head back to Ibrahim. Their finish line had now been clearly drawn and she wasn't going back on her decision. They were never going to work; not when all had been said and done.

♣

The masjid now had more plants and with the plants' flowers in bloom despite the coldness of the weather, the masjid was more beautiful than Ayra remembered.

Breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly, she adjusted the strap of her sling bag and headed to the back where she knew she'd find Maya and, if they were around, the other members of the sisters' circle the masjid had.

Maya was the only being in sight and her face lit up when she saw who it was. She put down the blanket she'd been crocheting and rose to her feet, her smile wide enough to split her face in two. "Ayra!"

Ayra laughed and it was sincere. The space between them disappeared and they hugged each other. Ayra soaked in the warmth offered. "Assalam Alaykum, Maya."

"Waalaykum Salam!" Maya pulled back. "It's so good to see you!"

"It's so good to see you too. I see there are new additions outside. They're so beautiful."

Maya blushed. "Well...Yunus had them planted. Being present when they planted it helped with my mood swings. It's been a lot since you left."

Ayra blinked, unsure she was following. "Mood swings?"

Maya's nod was small, her smile bashful. "In Shaa Allah, in the coming months, we'll be having an addition to our family."

Ayra gasped softly when it made sense in her head. "Oh my God." She hugged Maya again. "Congratulations. May Allah keep you both in good health and bring him or her safely."

"Ameen, Ameen. Jazakillah Khair, Ayra."

"Wa anti."

Maya pulled back and led Ayra to the sofas. They sat facing each other and made themselves comfortable before Maya asked "So how did your trip go? How's your best friend? Ibty, right?"

Ayra nodded, crossing one leg over the other. "Right. She's fine, Alhamdulillah. I actually came back to Aomi before she did but I had to stay with my parents so I could rest a bit and tell them the steps I would take from here on."