Better Late Than Never

22

The aftermath of the successful launch of Ayneese's new headquarters brought about a more relaxed work schedule for the brand's employees. Orders that couldn't be settled on the day of the opening were completed in the days that followed and dispatched.

Some of those who were promised restocks were fortunate to have the outfits they wanted still available in the other branches. Aneesa and Ayman were kind enough to offer free deliveries to the first twenty orders from the UK to Atlantica and a lot of people made sure to make the most of the opportunity.

Being more relaxed with official matters meant that Ayman, Aneesa, and Ayra got more immersed in all that revolved around the wedding of Adil and Ibtihaj. For Ayman and Ayra, they got more chances to get closer too. If the planning had been considered chaotic before Ayneese's opening, it was nothing compared to what came after.

Plans were double and triple checked. There were also a lot of last minute changes because some vendors came up with funny excuses that drove Ibtihaj mad. Then the members of the Adeola family based in Lagos brought up one long standing feud or the other or went around everyone's backs to make one move or the other that threatened the success of the marriage.

When it became clear that being in a different country wouldn't help matters, Ibtihaj left for Lagos on the morning of Friday March 18th along with her mother, Salama (as she was the planner who'd been working with another planner based in Lagos), her sisters, and most of her cousins. Al-Amin joined them later that evening. The very next morning, Adil left for Lagos as well because she'd called him at night, on the very verge of tears.

The others – Ayman and Ayra included – wrapped things up and pushed their travel plans forward, knowing Ibtihaj – due to how she sounded each time she called – needed all the help she could get. Also, there were things they still needed to do such as their outfits' fittings and final shopping.

On the morning of Monday March 21st, a luxurious coaster bus picked up the remaining members of the Adeola family and the Abdulazizs from Plum Boulevard before making its way to the Business and Institution District to pick up the Bellos who were to leave Atlantica with them.

Amna, Aabidah, and Aneesa were the usual balls of sunshine while Ayman stayed quiet and calm. Immediately he boarded the bus, he sought Ayra out and sent a quick prayer of gratitude when he noticed the seat beside hers was empty. He walked past his sister and cousins and kept his greetings brief. When he got to where Ayra was seated on the second to last row at the very back, she turned her head to look at him.

She was unsettled, that much was clear, and it made his chest squeeze. He knew there wasn't much he could do until they got to Lagos and she saw Ibtihaj in person. Through their texts that had become more frequent, Ayra let him know she was worried and that if it weren't for the fact that Ibtihaj said she didn't want her in Lagos until the others were coming, she would have long joined them.

Returning the small smile she gave him, Ayman put his backpack in the overhead compartment and slid into the seat beside her. "Hey."

"Hi." She looked away from him briefly to smile at Amna and Aabidah who excitedly said good morning before shooting Ayman a dirty look and heading to the row behind them. Still smiling, Ayra turned back to Ayman. "Good morning."

"Are you okay?"

She nodded. "I'm still worried but I spoke with her earlier and she said they're working on moving a lot of the family members in the house to the other family house on the island. In Shaa Allah by the time we arrive, she'll be in much brighter spirits."

It wasn't the first time Ayman wanted to hug her, just so he could offer comfort and whisper in her ear that it was going to be okay. He kept his hands and his thoughts to himself, smiling a little wider instead. "In Shaa Allah. Don't let it weigh down on you."