FOREVER WITH YOU

Mama's eyes brimmed with tears

At 9 o'clock, Rayyan hunched over his laptop, the screen's glow illuminating his focused expression. The quiet atmosphere shattered when his phone rang, breaking the silence. He glanced at the screen; his suspended secretary's name flashed before him. With a slight shake of his head, he ignored the call, unmoved.

Three minutes had passed, and the phone blinked with incoming messages. Rayyan picked it up, he knew who it was. He read the texts.

And set his phone aside and refocused on his tasks.

Secretary Maryam had been calling and messaging Rayyan nonstop for a week now, seeking for forgiveness and clarification after her suspension for inappropriately holding his hand at the office. However, Rayyan remained unresponsive, ignoring her pleas.

Seconds later, a message popped up.

Rayyan took his phone again and read the new message.

His expression remained stern, but the words stirred a hint of empathy within him.

He replied with those four simple words: 'OKAY.' After sending the message, he placed his phone back on the desk and walked over to his spacious bed. He lay down, and in no time, he drifted off to sleep, the day's weight slowly lifting.
....

The next morning, it was the last day of the week, and Rayyan woke up early. He went to the parking lot of their mansion with earbuds in his ears, making a call. He was wearing ash grey sports loungewear, the type he'd usually wear at home. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he looked relaxed and comfortable, ready to embrace the day ahead.

Amra had been watching Rayyan since he stepped out into the parking lot through the window of their mansion. Suddenly, Rayyan felt someone's gaze on him. He quickly raised his head, his eyes locking onto the window.

Amra swiftly stepped back, out of sight, and settled onto her bed, hugging her pillow as a smile spread across her face.

Badriya, [Hajiya Fatima's niece] walked into Amra's room. She froze, surprised to find Amra smiling to herself. Clearing her throat gently, Badriya announced her presence.

Badriya, was a regular visitor to the Attajiri household. Every Friday, she would arrive to spend the weekend with her aunt, staying until Sunday.

Amra raised her head, her gaze locking onto Badriya. "What are you doing here?" she asked gruffly.

Badriya inquired, "Amra why are you smiling just like that?"

Amra's expression darkened. She stood up, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Do I need a reason to smile? Mind your business and please leave my room."

Badriya hummed softly, "Um..." She paused briefly before continuing, "Mommy asked me to call you." With that, she turned and exited the room.

Amra walked into the kitchen, where Mommy greeted her with a warm smile and a luxury food flask.

"For Rayyan, dear. A welcome-home gesture after his trip," she said.

Amra beamed, hugging her tightly. "Thank you, my Queen. I love you."

"I love you too, my one and only," Mommy replied.

As Amra headed to Rayyan's building, Khalid intercepted her. "Where are you off to this early morning?"

Amra showed him the flask. "Delivering this to Ya Rayyan."

Khalid said. "Only Rayyan gets treats? What about me?"

Amra reassured him, "Next time, Ya Khalid. This one's special for Ya Rayyan."

Khalid watched as Amra continued on her way.