Better Late Than Never

16

They ended up in the same position as the first time he'd visited the Adeolas alongside Adil, Amna, Aabidah, and Aneesa; on the top step of the back stairs, with just the right amount of space between them, and a silence that was nothing short of comfortable.

They sat that way for a little longer before Ayra brought herself to say "Congratulations."

Not expecting it, Ayman turned to her. "For...?"

She shrugged, not looking away from the yard that had been freshly mowed. "A successful engagement, an upcoming wedding, a period of stress and festivities; all of it, I guess."

He nodded once and turned away with the ghost of a smile on his face. "In that case, congratulations too."

That did get a smile out of her. "Thank you...How do you feel?"

"Happy for Adil and Ibty. Stressed out because while today has been good, it's also been quite loud and way out of my comfort zone. But we have to support those we love."

Her chuckle was soft. "True."

"Also, it's stressful because trying to wonder how we'll balance out Ayneese's opening and the wedding is a whole lot."

She had to gasp. "Oh my God, that's true. Do you know I didn't remember that until now?" She gasped again. "It's in the same month."

Ayman nodded. "It is."

"It's going to be crazily stressful."

He nodded again. "It is...In Shaa Allah we'll get through it safely and soundly."

"In Shaa Allah." She turned his way a heartbeat later. "I take it you're the default fashion designer on your side."

He nodded, sighing. "I am; as long as it hasn't been stated whether or not we're going traditional to blend with Ibty's side. If that happens, I'm not going to be the fashion designer because while there are things I can sew, a bahkt is not one of them. I'm not about to be panicking with YouTube sewing tutorials."

Ayra did her best to stop herself from laughing but a bit still trickled out. She nodded. "Oh you're definitely going traditional. Ibty's going to make sure of it. And don't ever call it a bahkt when she's there. She stands by the fact that it's an agbada and should never be called anything else which is funny because it is known as an agbada in just the southern part of Nigeria and by another name I don't pronounce well in the north. I can spell it out for you but I am not pronouncing –"

Ayman's amusement had never been more beautiful. "The babban-riga?"

She whipped her head back in his direction, her eyes wide with so many emotions. He only recognised the surprised awe. "You can pronounce it!"

He nodded slowly. "I can." His smile was boyishly pretty. "I found it fascinating at one point, especially the embroidery work, so..." He shrugged and then nodded again. "Point taken then, I'll never refer to it as a bakht in front of Ibty. I value my life."

Her eyes shrunk to their normal size and her expression softened as she chuckled. "You should. If you're not going to be the fashion designer since there's a high chance we're all going traditional, I'm sure there are brands that will be recommended. Ibty is a die-hard fan of the Deji and Kola brand and while they're a little expensive, their works are good. I'm sure there are many others too. Also, that will reduce your workload so it is a win-win situation. Right?"

Ayman nodded, well aware of the fact that he was wrapped in the bubble that was her. He couldn't focus on anything else. "Right."

"So it works out in the end. Like you said earlier, In Shaa Allah it'll go well. It is going to be stressful though but it'll go well." She turned away and attempted to fold into herself while her smile got even brighter. "I'm actually excited. A little overwhelmed but excited. Also, we're going to Lagos."