WHISPERS OF ENCHANTÉ

23: beneath the surface

Kaduna State, Nigeria.

After closing that foreign deal, business seemed to flourish from every direction. It felt like this was the milestone Abdullah and Anas needed to elevate their company to greater heights. And this, alhamdulillah, was just the beginning.

Abdullah leaned back in his chair at the restaurant, watching his friends chatter away about everything and nothing, their conversations often drifting toward women.

Ever since Anas mentioned he had someone special lined up for Abdullah, the teasing had eased, at least a little. Even Abdullah doesn't know who this person is. He said her name is Faiza or was it Fatima? It was definitely an f.

But they still couldn't help themselves. The curiosity about who this mystery woman was, and how she would possibly handle someone like him, kept the banter alive. It is a shock.

The group sat in the plush leather seats of the upscale restaurant, the remnants of their lunch —plates of grilled lamb, saffron rice, and fresh salad— still scattered across the table. The atmosphere was casual but filled with the energy of success.

The soft hum of classical music played in the background, mixing with the quiet chatter of other diners, but the laughter from their corner table often broke through. Masculine, classy and rich.

Anas had seen a few girls peeping and parading around the corner so they would notice them. He is taken though. Abdulrashid on the other hand will definitely use his opportunity as usual.

The guy can never say no to a girl's attention.

Abdullah stretched back in his chair, arms crossed, a slight smirk on his face as the teasing from his friends continued. He got used to it along the way so this feels like something in the past.

Across from him sat Anas, who was still picking at his plate, occasionally glancing over with a mischievous grin. He is already missing his wife like he had said four times since they met in the morning.

Abdulrashid, who had joined them straight from his father's office, was scrolling through his phone, looking sharp in his tailored suit. His tie loosened a bit, he finally set his phone down, shaking his head at the conversation.

"Let's call Aminu," Anas suddenly said, his grin widening. "He'll want in on this."

Abdulrashid chuckled and dialed Aminu on FaceTime, who was in California and several hours behind, likely just starting his day. A few rings later, Aminu's face popped up on the screen, looking a little groggy but smiling when he saw his friends.

"Ah, California's finest!" Anas greeted with a laugh. "Just in time for some important business."

Aminu raised an eyebrow. "This important business wouldn't happen to be Abdullah's love life, would it?"

The group erupted in laughter, Abdullah included, though he waved his hand dismissively. He cannot help allowing his happiness to show because whenever the four of them are together, it's refreshing.

"Of course it is," Abdulrashid chimed in, leaning in so his face was closer to the camera. "You know us, we had to keep you in the loop."

"Don't worry, Aminu," Abdullah drawled, sipping his mint tea. "They just miss you."

Aminu grinned through the screen. "If she's anything like they're making her out to be, I might have to come back just to see it myself."

The laughter at their table had subsided a little, the mood shifting as the teasing gave way to something more serious. Abdulrashid leaned back in his chair, grinning as he threw a playful jab Abdullah's way.