Better Late Than Never

09

January, 2022

Although it was chilly on the morning of January 4th, Ayra went for her routine walk after the Fajr prayer, holding onto the hope that it helped easing out the nerves that came with starting work at Ayneese as a first-timer.

The previous morning, she'd received an email from Ayman which contained the work schedule for all employees; something she found perfect enough to work around. Official hours on Mondays to Fridays were from 9AM to 4:30PM. On Saturday, only a few people such as the sales team were to be in the office and they were to work from 10AM until 3PM. Work outside the official hours was considered overtime and was compensated for.

Each day had lunch break by noon as well as ten minute breaks for both Muslim and non-Muslim employees for each Islamic prayer. According to the brochure Ayman had sent in the mail, while employees were allowed to bring in their meals from home, the lunch/tea rooms were to be always stocked with beverages and snacks that could stay on the shelf; from cookies to chocolate bars, all the way to ice-creams and cakes in the fridge.

Ayra, while reading that, wondered who the sweet tooth was between Ayman and Aneesa as she was quite certain companies didn't have to go so hard on sweet stuff. But then again, according to the research she'd done, fashion design – no matter how little the scale was – was an area that required a lot of energy so she concluded that the sugar was necessary for them to function properly.

Her best part in everything was the fact that there was to be a congregation for each prayer during official hours (mainly Zuhr and Asr) but those who wanted to pray alone were at the liberty to use any of the prayer rooms in the premises. There was no compulsion, the brochure stated, and the brand wanted every single person as comfortable as possible.

She kept walking until she got to the Adeola home and her steps came to a slow stop at the sight of Ibtihaj waiting outside the gate, her hands in the pockets of the hoodie she wore over a black dress. Ayra could only blink, wondering why her best friend was standing outside so early when she never failed to make it known that it was an atrocity to be out and about so early.

"Ibty?"

Ibtihaj turned, grinning immediately. "Thank God o." She hurried over. "Cold wanted to finish me. Were you walking slowly? You usually get here faster than this."

Ayra simply stared. "You were waiting for me?"

"Before nko? Do you think there is anyone else I'll come out for by this time when I have sleep to enjoy? Even Adil won't get this type of treatment. Wó, I waited for you, my dear. I wanted to walk down but I had a feeling you will come this way so I waited."

"Why?"

"Hian! Are you not starting work today? When I spoke to you yesterday, I knew you were faking strength. Nervousness wanted to kill you and I knew it was only going to get worse this morning so I chose to help you get ready and maybe follow you to see your office." She linked their arms, still grinning. "I'm the best of friends shebi?"

Ayra, with gratitude blooming in her chest, let out a small laugh before she nodded. "You are. Thank you, Ibty."

"Abeg forget that one. You'll do the same for me too."

"I will." Ayra had no doubt she'd do it in a heartbeat. "And I'm not nerv–"

Ibtihaj glared. "If you don't want thunder to fire you, better don't complete that sentence. Don't be lying early in the morning. Hah!"

Smiling, Ayra kept her mouth shut and allowed Ibtihaj turn them in the direction she – Ayra – had come from.

"I don't have strength to waka past this place." Ibtihaj told her best friend. "So we are going back to your house. Don't argue with me."