All The Way From Home

chapter 22

Everything just seemed so different .I took my time to scrutinize everything I saw through the window of the car , destination : home

No more cold but i must say , I will miss getting into blankets and wrapping myself into coats

I wonder how it'd feel like to be home again , helwa always says
"When there's a holiday , there's always drama "

And I'm sure this won't be an exception
Who knows what the drama will be this time around
Who knows ?

................................................

"Ammi ammi ammi"
I sang as a speed walked into the parlour and from the voices I hear , it seems like they're all upstairs

I climb up quickly and they all at once turned to look at me

"Firdaus!"
"Habibti "
I rush and hug ammi , I missed her so much
"Habibti Firdaus"
She said as she pecked my forehead

"How was your trip ? "
"How was luton "
" when did you get here "
"You look so excited I'm sure you missed us "

There was just too Many things to answer and to say
I understood the fact that they just Want to know how I'm and they missed me

So I answered thier questions , I told them about Luton but it can't be all because someone always interupted with another topic

Ammi being ammi , she stopped all this and said i should go freshen up and come eat . Then we'll talk later

As i promised halima I'd call , I quickly dialled her number .

We talked for some minutes mostly on how everyone's reaction was, she finally said bye saying I must be exhausted and she was right

But knowing halima wouldn't just say bye and that'll be all , she spoke about me bumping into haneef one day and just laughed when i told her how crazy she was

But now that I think about it , there's possibility that we could meet some day

And maybe some part of me wants that to happen

..............................................

Anonymous pov

October 20th 2014

" sir Mr Mahmoud is here to see you "
My personal secretary spoke as he opens my office door

I dismiss him with a nod , expecting Mr Mahmoud anytime soon

I always knew this day would come

He walks in with a straight face and says salaam and I answer immediately as he proceeds to sit down on the chair facing me across the table

"Wato alhaji , Naga it'll be better If i just paid you a visit "
He said , while putting his hands on the table
I assume things are about to be serious

"You should have just left it , I was also going to come meet you "

Knowing that I was the one with something to give , it was better that I had act like it

"This is 20th October alhaji "
I know exactly what he means by that , I've been worried about this and I don't even know how to settle it

"Mr Mahmoud, Wallahi its business this days , its not running well . And i know I've promised you that this is the due date and I failed "

We are long time best friends . but as it is , time changes everything , family comes first and priorities have changed

I was a successful man but things changed with just some time, I found out some of my investors were not being sincere In the business and a lot of money had been lost

Then the time came when i borrowed so much money to repair my own carelessness of business and it had to be my friend

My business went back to normal , but anytime I thought of the amount of money , I just couldn't give him . It was almost all i had that time

And money was everything to me then
This led to a huge fight between us and he's finally come to reclaim it back after a long time

" I'm your friend and that's why I'm going easy on you "
He said , with anger evident on his face

"Ayi hakuri alhaji ...I'm sorry ..just give me a little time"
I myself wasn't sure of my words

He stood up angrily and left the office and it leaves me wondering when we'll meet again

......................................................

Firdaus's pov

"Firdaus you guys really had fun back there "
Helwa said , when i got through
Telling her and Fatima how me and halima explored Luton together

"Firdaus the gift you bought was amazing ..I just tried it on now"

I bought gifts for everyone...including rukkayah which is on her way right now

"I'm glad you like it "
I'm really proud of myself
I even bought the twins some cookies , knowing its sweet stuffs they'd want
Having them has been sweet but chaotic too
They're always running around the house and messing things up

I still haven't met abbu . Ammi said he's been working really late now and they barely get to see him . I was hoping he'd get better when i come back , only to see that he's become even worse

Ya rabb , see us through this situation of abbu

"This halima seems to be naughty , I hope she didn't get you into trouble again "
Helwa and taking things seriously
I told her how we visited the museum and halima took a picture of an antique vase which isn't allowed

The securities didn't take it funny and we got kicked out immediately
Yes , halima could make that happen

"No...she didn't , she's actually a very nice gIrl, I know you'll like her and her mum "
Oops , I didn't plan to say that now

" her mum firdaus "
Now I'm sure so many thoughts are running through her mind

" You didn't tell us you met her mum , and where's that ?"
She asked adjusting her sitting position

" it's in Manchester "
I say bluntly

"I see, And she doesn't have any other child? "
Where is she heading to now
I'm just glad Fatima exited the room out of excitement of the dress to go show ammi

"She does ,its a boy"
I'm not planning on having boy talks with her honestly
And that's why i didn't mention it to her

"And you've met ?"
Her curiosity just sped up so quickly i didnt see it coming

"Yes we have "

3 words , 9 letters led to a huge boy discussion
Unbeliveable

"Wow , hes a CEO here . But i feel pity about thier dad "
She said ,after the whole story I told her . Including the plane incident

"I also feel pity for them "
I say , remembering how it was like to find out why halima was acting off that day

"So haneef huh ? "
I knew she wouldn't let this slide

It's weird talking about this now but me and helwa were very close before she married , i never hid anything from her .
But now I don't know why , i just feel uncomfortable. Maybe it's because it's been long since we had a conversation like this

"Yes helwa haneef "
Seeing we were having a moment I decided to add a little more

"I'm sure you'll like him too , just like the rest of the family "
Hearing this she smiled and then we laughed a little