Better Late Than Never

32

On the morning of the tenth day of Ramadan, Adil and Ibtihaj returned to Aomi and basically kept the entire Omar Bello drive bustling as everyone was happy to have them back. Ayman didn't say it but the reason he really liked that they were back was because Ayra would be visiting from time to time. She – Ayra – had mentioned it in the passing during the week and he'd committed it to memory, knowing he'd do anything to be around at least eight out of ten times she came to visit.

Once the excitement of having Adil and Ibtihaj back wore off, everyone returned to their houses to rest and prepare for what the day had in store for them. Ayman, who'd taken the day off from work to prepare for the Iftar he was hosting that evening, barred access into his compound, knowing that there was a high possibility of having members of his family stop by to try to get a glimpse of what he had planned. After all, it had been a while since he hosted Iftar and the fact that he was hosting one still early in the month had them raising curious brows and exchanging looks; something he didn't like at all.

The only exception to his "do not come in until it's time for Iftar" rule was the décor crew who he'd called when the plans he drew up became bigger than he could handle, and then Amna and Aabidah who were helping him with the meals. Everyone else was to stay out.

He recited Qur'an, went over the tafsir of selected verses from selected Surahs, and then caught some sleep before Zuhr. He woke up to a text from Ayra that had him smiling sleepily yet adorably.

Ayra: So, work's slow today and since there isn't much to do, do you want to me to come over to help with anything? I already told Ibty I'll see her during the iftar but if you need help, I can show up hours earlier. I won't mind.

His reply was crafted and sent in record speed.

Ayman: Like I've said nearly a dozen times since the day we resumed work, I have this covered so there's no need for you to come over until much later. I told you to take the day off as well because today was going to be kind of slow but you just didn't want to listen to me so...

Ayra: Go ahead, Hakeem. Rub it in my face.

He laughed.

Ayman: I can't do that, Leilani.

Ayman: But seriously, though, try to take the rest of the day off. Catch some sleep before iftar comes along. Recite Qur'an. Catch up on today's episode of the Ramadan series you're following.

Ayra: Done most of that but I'll think of taking your advice.

Ayra: On second thought, Aneesa and Mahmoud are coming for the iftar from here and I didn't drive today so probably I'll just stay here until then so I'll come along.

Ayman's eyes had narrowed.

Ayman: I still haven't agreed to Mahmoud coming along.

Her reply had him picturing her knowingly laughing.

Ayra: Ayman, you and I know you can't stop him from coming. Not when Aneesa can help it. Stop sulking. Besides, the more the merrier.

Ayman: I'll consider it.

Ayra: Oh Ayman....

His prayer alarm going off again reminded him why he was awake. Just as it stopped ringing, a text came in from the head of décor team, stating that they were on their way. Knowing that the conversation he and Ayra were having had come to a temporary end, he told her he had to go and they promised to see each other later in the day.

Although praying at home was really tempting, Ayman ended up heading to the mosque and he met up with the already on-going prayer. Adil clinging to him like a koala once the prayer ended had him rolling his eyes despite the warmth in his heart and his small smile. Adil grinned like a spoilt brat and held on tighter.