Better Late Than Never

43

On Thursday and Friday, Ayra didn't show up at work.

Although Ayman had expected it, it still hurt. He forced his way through both days, nearly crying each time he moved out of habit to do something that involved her and then had to remind himself that she wasn't around and that even if she showed up, things might be awkward between them.

Saturday had him sleeping in until noon and then going to the office after Zuhr. In his absence, the interim management team had flawlessly executed all the projects they were given and the collections were as good as finished. Apart from a few minor corrections, Ayman did not have any issues, and when it came to naming, it took him everything to look at Ayra's name on the ombre collection.

She had inspired it after all and from the minute he designed the collection, he'd chosen to name it after her. He just hadn't expected that the situation of the naming would be different from the one he'd pictured.

He approved all other names and details before having the files forwarded to Aneesa so she and her team could get started on promotion and PR. Unlike the opening launch, he wasn't inspired to be part of the glitz and glam, and thankfully no one tried to force him.

After Asr, he closed for the day and headed back home, knowing he'd have to be at Aneesa's family's home after Isha. Mahmoud's family were coming over and before midnight, both of them – Aneesa and Mahmoud – were going to be officially engaged with a tentative wedding date fixed. According to what he'd heard from Aabidah and Amna, Aneesa was considering an August wedding and while Ayman was happy for her and Mahmoud, he took a minute to feel the hurt too.

By Maghrib, he got two messages from Adil. The first stated that there was a board meeting with Lusso's executives and chief stakeholders on Monday at 11:30AM and Ayman had to be there. The second was a voice message that had Ayman sitting up.

In the voice message, Ibtihaj was talking and Ayman suspected that she had no idea Adil had been recording all she said.

"...you can tell Ayman that Ayra's okay. I know that is why you're asking me how she is. I saw her before I left even though I already spent most of the day with her. She's coming around and she's getting better too...Omo, her therapist is a real guru because hah! That woman was just speaking wise things. Ayra should be back to work by next week sha but let's see how it goes. At least she's not crying so much anymore and she's getting hyped up for Mayah and Ibrahim's wedding. Ehen, that reminds me sef. Come and follow me for the wedding. If you say no, I'll kill you. How's Ayman?"

Ayman wasn't surprised that he teared up. He played the message again, focusing on the parts that spoke about Ayra being okay and not crying as much as she was before. He found himself loving that she was getting hyped for the upcoming wedding of Mayah and Ibrahim too. He thanked Adil for the message, promised to be at Lusso on Monday morning, and then he played the voice message one more time.

He made it to the mosque in time for Isha and after the prayer, he walked beside his father to Tariq and Hiba's home. Omar linked their hands. "How are we today, Hakeem?"

Ayman managed a small smile. "Better than yesterday, Alhamdulillah. I'm still a bit down and I'm still sluggish but we're getting there."

Omar smiled nicely. He let go of Ayman's hand and reached up to pat his back. "Khair In Shaa Allah."

"In Shaa Allah. Shukran, Baba."

"You're welcome...Let's get through this evening, okay?"

"Okay."

"And if it gets too much, know that you're free to leave. We'll all understand."

Ayman nodded again, knowing there was a high chance he'd sit through everything. "Alright."