Better Late Than Never

31

Work resumed for Ayra, Ayman, Aneesa, and Mahmoud on Monday, April 4th.

By then, Ramadan had newly begun and Ayra and Mahmoud had barely seen Ayman and Aneesa since they'd all returned from Lagos. They'd all been resting as they all needed it. Ayman had been recovering too.

That Monday morning, Ayra pulled herself out of bed, wanting nothing more than to crawl back in and continue her post-Fajr and post-Sahur sleep but hating the fact that she couldn't do so. The warm shower woke her up better but she still went about getting ready a little sluggishly. She told her parents goodbye at 8:30 and then remembered to grab the gift hamper in the kitchen before making her way to her father's car and then driving out of the house.

Aomi was warmer and flowers were in bloom all around which made the capital city even more beautiful than it was on a normal day. She drove through Monwict and spared a moment long glance towards Palm Drive where the Fahads lived before she continued to Cherry Blossom Lane which slowly began bustling for the day.

It wasn't surprising to see that Ayman was already in and she parked her car beside his with a small smile on her face. She got her bag and the gift hamper before locking the doors and proceeding to the extension block. She felt really good walking in and seeing faces of those who'd grown on her.

Greetings were exchanged and so were Ramadan wishes, each one praying for good from the blessed month. By the time she got to Ayman's office, she was a ball of warmth and happiness, and there was no more trace of sleep.

Through his pulled up blinds, she caught a glimpse of him seated behind his computer, making a few clicks with his mouse. He looked a little sleepy and knowing he'd be nursing a cup of coffee if it wasn't Ramadan had her nearly giggling. His hair had a middle parting and was sleekly brushed back, packed in a low ponytail. He was in a cream coloured thobe and there was no coat in sight, courtesy of the weather.

Catching herself staring for longer than was necessary, Ayra snapped out of it, took in a deep breath, blew it out, and then knocked on his door before letting herself in. Ayman slowly turned from his computer screen where new design sketches were displayed. The sight of her had his heart leaping to his throat and a smile gracing his face.

He'd missed her, a lot, and there was no use denying it even though she'd occupied his thoughts since the last time they'd seen each other after returning from Lagos. He had also spoken about her a lot for his Lord to listen and then spoken to Ricky who offered professional – and friendly – advice.

Ayra smiled back, the fluttery feeling she hadn't felt since Lagos returning in all its glory. "Assalam Alaykum."

Ayman turned his chair so he was directly facing her, the sketches immediately forgotten. "Waalaykum Salam."

"You're here early."

"I'm always here early, apart from days when I have to attend to something before coming over."

"I know that, but it's Ramadan. You can't be one of those who aren't affected by the post-sahur sleep, right?"

A small groan slipped past his lips. "I should be the most affected. You have no idea how hard it was for me to force myself out of the sofa in the family lounge and come to work." His sigh was dramatically heavy. "It's a sacrifice we have to make though."

Ayra smiled had stretched so much. "And there's no coffee to help you for the next twenty-something days."

He brought a hand to his chest, feigning hurt. "Leilani, please don't rub salt on my wounds. It's too early for that."

She laughed, as though the way he called her name in that dialect of his didn't do things to her already affected heart. She then put the hamper on the top of the table and pushed it towards him. "Ramadan Kareem by the way." The soft expression of hers he loved so much appeared on her face then. "May this month bring nothing but goodness and blessings for us."