Better Late Than Never

61

July 31st, 2023.

Doha, Qatar.

With cheers, smiles, and camera flashes, the decorative ribbon was cut and the doors of Ayneese: Qatar were officially opened.

Located in the heart of the bustling and ever popular Souq Waqif, right where paths intersected, Ayneese's new branch office was a marvel to behold and it had attracted quite the audience; it's success starting out already.

With proud and happy smiles on their faces, Ayman and Aneesa glanced each other's way before they put down the scissors they'd used to cut the ribbon. Then they stepped aside and let people walk in, politely replying to every greeting thrown their way.

Inside, employees in every office of the Ayneese: Qatar hierarchy welcomed each person with open arms, treating them like royalty and ensuring everything ran seamlessly. In a corner, Ayra stood and watch everything unfold. She was happy, she was proud, and she was grateful. They had really come a long way.

Her ears picked up approaching familiar footsteps and her small smile widened when the space beside her was occupied. She turned her head to look at her husband who smiled at her before he turned to the busy display area. "I see our Qatar-Aomi Liaison Officer is slacking on her job already."

She laughed softly. "I needed the moment to take it all it. It's still a little unbelievable that we achieved all of this in the span of a few months."

He turned to her again, his smile softening. "We really did, Alhamdulillah for that." His hand found hers and he squeezed gently, his smile stretching by an inch. "Alhamdulillah for you too."

She blushed. It was easy to do so. "I just supported you and Aneesa in every way possible."

"I told you to stop downplaying everything you did."

"But it's the truth!"

He rolled his eyes. "I'm not even going to try and argue this out with you. You did a lot, Ayra, and you made sure to be present at every step of the way which naturally granted you the position of the liaison officer of this branch to the headquarters."

His lips then thinned into a straight line and his expression soured. "Thank God they got you an assistant who's a resident here in Doha; because Allah knows I was planning to murder Samir when he said you'll have to be in Doha a number of times each year."

Ayra wanted to laugh and it showed on her face. "But I do have to be in Doha like twice a year."

"I know, and I'll be coming along with you." He grinned. "Perks of being my own boss. I don't have to answer to anyone."

"I thought you said we should always be humble, Asķim?"

"Oh please. I'm always humble, but when it comes to you, I don't mind pulling the strings. I don't mind doing so at all."

She laughed and shook her head. "I'm done with you."

"I love you too." He pulled her close and quickly pecked her cheek. When he pulled back, there was concern on his face; concern that came from a good place. "We good?"

Memories of their most recent pregnancy scare assaulted her mental space immediately but it didn't hurt as much as it had done as at the end of the first week of the month when it happened. She nodded, her smile way smaller but still sincere and pretty. "We are. Until the time is right for us, In Shaa Allah."

"In Shaa Allah." He kissed her cheek again and pretended to munch on it, smiling once again when she giggled and tried to push him away. He straightened and tightened – ever so slightly – his hold on her hand. "Come on; let's go say hi to everybody."