MINE (EDITING)

Chapter 17

🌺🌺🌺

Months later

The wedding is getting closer, just a few months away. Sometimes, I can't believe it. Muhammad, of all people. I never expected this. He and I got pretty close when I was in the UK. He said we should at least be friends, but honestly? Being "friends" with him is... ugh. I don't even know when those heart emojis started flying back and forth, but now they're normal. Maybe I'm just getting used to it. Maybe he's being extra sweet. I don't know.

Anyway, Alhamdulillah, I graduated with first-class honors two months ago. It feels like a weight has been lifted, and I'm grateful that we pushed the wedding back three months. I've needed time to catch my breath.

I was deep in thought when Norah burst into my room, banging on the door. "Ya Layla, Baban seni çağırıyor (Daddy's calling you)," she said.

"Geliyorum (I'm coming)," I responded, rolling my eyes. She had that excited tone, as always.

I was still in my sweatpants and sweatshirt, hair tied up in a messy bun, but I grabbed my phone and left the room to see what Daddy wanted. When I walked into the living room, I saw him on a call, Nabeel engrossed in his phone, and Norah... being Norah. I silently walked over and sat on the one-seater next to Nabeel, scrolling through my own phone. Then, Dad cleared his throat, drawing my attention.

"Layla, why are you alone in your room when everyone is sitting here having a good time with the family?" he asked, typing something on his phone.

"Daddy, I had a massive headache," I replied. He raised an eyebrow.

"Subahanallah, how's it now?"

"Better, Alhamdulillah. I took something for it," I said, giving him a smile.

"Good, good," he said, smiling back. Typical Dad, always checking in.

Norah started talking about school and her upcoming graduation day, and I was kind of zoning out when my phone buzzed. It was a message from Muhammad.

Mr Moh: Hey! Are you free today?

Me: Hey there, yeah I am. What's up?

Mr Moh: Okay, coming to see you.

Me: But I wanted to go to Ibty's.

Mr Moh: Okay, I'll take you, what time are you going?

Me: Really? Around 3:30, inshallah.

Mr Moh: Okay, I'll be there, inshallah. Bye❤️

Me: Bye💕

I smiled a little to myself, even though I wasn't sure when these heart emojis became a thing between us. But, okay. They felt nice.

"Abla!!" Norah's voice brought me back to reality.

"Ne?" I asked, a little annoyed.

"Please tell Ağabey to take us out for ice cream." She pouted, and I shot a look at Nabeel.

"Please Ağabey, take her out for ice cream," I said, teasing him.

"Norah, I told you I have somewhere to go," he said, not looking up.

"What do you mean 'her'? What about you?" she asked, looking confused.

"I'm going out," I said, giving her the look.

She nodded, continuing to disturb Nabeel until he finally agreed. I checked the time: 2:30. Time to get ready.

Up in my room, I went straight to the bathroom to perform ablution and pray. Afterward, I stared at my closet. Ugh! I never know what to wear. Finally, I spotted a brown abaya I'd gotten from my friend Hindu's vintage collection. I paired it with a matching veil and my beige YSL shoulder bag.