Better Late Than Never

34

Salama and Muhsin gave Ayra the go ahead to travel with the Bellos to Spain.

They had no reason to say no although they – especially Salama – worried about how it'd go for the relationship between Ayra and Ayman which kept morphing with each day that passed. Like Muhsin advised, they chose to trust her and trust in Allah that all was going to be okay.

With everyone on board for the trip, plans were drawn up, passports were submitted alongside visa applications, and reservations and tickets were booked to get accommodation and flights out of the way. In between everything, Ramadan continued and so did work and they all did their best to make the most of it.

Iftars were hosted with each family taking turns; Omar, Naila, and Aabidah hosting one on the 17th of Ramadan; Malik, Bisan, and Amna hosting another on the 20th; Tariq, Hiba, and Aneesa hosting theirs on the 22nd; Hayder and Hammad hosting every person at Hammad's place on the 25th; Mahmoud getting them to come over to his parents' place on the 27th; Adil and Ibtihaj hosting on the 28th; and then Ayra hosting Iftar with her family on the 29th.

Just like Ayman had done when he planned his, Ayra took charge in planning everything, occasionally allowing her parents chip in. Salama handled the décor, keeping it simple just as Ayra wanted. It turned out well and everyone loved it; Ayra focusing on Ayman who did not fail to let her know just how much he loved everything from the décor down to the food and the desserts she personally made. She made sure to pack some extras for him too and his gratefully warm smile had her feeling fuzzy and had her cheeks way too hot.

Just like she'd prayed for, Ayman ended up being the one who led Isha and Taraweeh, and Salama's stunned "Allahumma baarik. Wow!" had them all laughing while Ayman blushed, bashfully lowering his head before proceeding to lead Witr. Falilat could always be trusted to dramatically back Salama up, making Ayman blush even more. It wasn't long before goodbyes were said and Ayra walked him all the way to his car.

Ayman unlocked the doors, his heart and stomach full. He put the basket of cutely packaged dishes in the backseat and then picked the custom Ayneese box he'd kept there before leaving Omar Bello Drive. Blowing out a nervous breath and holding the box in both hands, Ayman turned around to face her.

Ayra, looking beautiful in a floral dress, took one look at the box in his hands and her smile dropped. Her heart was torn between sinking and leaping while her emotions swirled just as they'd been doing all evening.

She brought her gaze to his face. "Ayman –"

"I got you an Eid gift." He held the box out, a small smile gracing his lips. "We couldn't get around the Eid collection for this particular Eid but I made outfits for my family and I wanted to make for yours too. So, in here are two abayas and a kaftan set. The labels will tell you who owns what abaya and here's me hoping the kaftan set fits your father perfectly."

His cheeks warmed. "I couldn't outrightly ask to measure him so I guessed his measurements. If there are any adjustments, please let me know right away and I'll come down to get it to fix it and have it sent back."

Ayra didn't know what to think or how to feel. All of it was a lot, and all she could make out was gratitude; loads and loads of it. "Ayman..." She felt the tears coming. "Ayman, this is..."

"Please take it."

She did, her hands a bit shaky. The box was heavier than every other one he'd given her and it felt like her heart; heavy yet filled with so much stuff that she couldn't even unravel. Her eyes glassy with unshed tears, she raised her head once again to look at him. Her sniffle was small and soft, just like the smile that graced her lips a moment later. "Thank you, Ayman. Really, thank you."