Better Late Than Never

30

Goodbyes were said at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Ayman, who was doing much better, huffed out a breath when Adil wrapped his arms around him and squeezed. Despite the smile that started out slowly on his face, Ayman said "Get off me, Adil. Please."

Adil hugged Ayman even tighter. "No, I can't do that." His smile was so cute. "I told you to remind me to thank you if we survived the evening of the wedding and you just had to go and collapse, Hakeem."

Ayman nearly grinned. "Stop it, Adil."

Adil laughed and held on for a moment longer before he pulled back, keeping a hand on Ayman's shoulder. His sincerity was as clear as day as he said "Jazakhallah Khair, Ayman. I'm very, very grateful for everything you've done, and for everything you'll do. May Allah bless you for me, Ayman, and reward you in every way possible."

Ayman's heart warmed and his smile stretched. "Ameen, Ameen, Adil. May Allah bless you too and keep you and Ibty happy. May He fill your home with love, with laughter, with happiness, and the best of blessings."

Adil teared up. He sniffled. "Stop it. You know your prayers always hit deep!"

Ayman laughed. "Just say Ameen and get out of my face."

Adil threw his arms around Ayman again. "Ameen. Thank you so much, Ayman."

Ayman hugged him back and savoured everything that came with the embrace. "You're welcome, Adil."

"You better lead Taraweeh this Ramadan."

Ayman pulled back, raising a brow. "Shouldn't you be the one leading Taraweeh this year?"

Adil smiled sheepishly. "I'll be on honeymoon until a near half of Ramadan has gone. I'll lead Taraweeh when I come back and then you'll continue In Shaa Allah."

"I'll think about it."

Adil's smile stretched. "And be expecting my wife and me at your house a lot."

Ayman felt pure horror. He shook his head. "Nope, we are not –"

"Maybe we'll host Iftars and get the others to join us. Ayra too."

Ayman shut his mouth, mental images assaulting him immediately. A few seconds passed before he cleared his throat and gave Adil the sternest look he could muster at the mention of Ayra. "I'll think about the iftars. However, please don't come to my house. You and your wife can stay in your overly colourful home and –"

Ibtihaj and Ayra joined them then, the former saying "Oga, better don't complete that sentence. Instead of you to be grateful that we'll be blessing you with our presence."

Ayman all but glared. "I value my space, please. You two should stick to your territory."

Adil wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders and pulled her close. "Don't mind Ayman, Ibty. He's going to come around sooner or later."

Ayman scoffed. "I'd like to see that happen."

Ayra was too amused to say anything. When Adil thanked her for the thousandth time for all she did during the wedding, her cheeks became rosy and she told him – once again – that she did what she was expected to do as Ibtihaj was her best friend and she couldn't have done any less.

"Besides," She shared a warm smile with Ibtihaj. "She did the same for me. I have no doubt she'd do it again in a heartbeat if I ever decide to re-settle."

Ibtihaj nodded. "I will not hesitate. When I am not mad."

They laughed before Ayra spoke again; her expression and her voice softer than it had been a moment earlier. "I hope you two have loads of fun during your honeymoon. Be sure to make and capture a lot of memories. You'll really love to revisit those memories from time to time so..."