MINE (EDITED)

Chapter 41

Sabrina is driving me absolutely crazy in this house. She's such a diva—she gets what she wants, does whatever she wants, and gets away with it. But honestly, I'm not going to put up with it. She's only a few months away from turning two, and I swear it feels like she already thinks she's the boss of everyone.

"Layloş, your house smells amazing! It's got this unique scent, like coffee mixed with bakhoor," Norah said as she settled on the couch beside me.

"Really? I don't even know what it smells like here anymore," I replied, laughing a little.

Norah had just returned from school for the summer break and was staying with me to help take care of Sabrina, since her nanny decided not to return from her vacation back home.

Today is Sunday, and I've got absolutely nothing planned. Muhammad is away on a business trip in South Africa and won't be back until Friday, inshallah. I miss him so much.

"Norah, ne yapmalıyız? Sıkıldım, What should we do? I'm bored," I asked my sister.

"Bilmem ki, how about we go for a walk around the neighborhood?" she suggested, and I immediately agreed.

"Let's go visit Aidah's house, Aidah Deribe," I said. "I'll call her and see if she's home."

Norah's face lit up, her eyes widening. "Wait, the Aidah who married Sayyid Remawa last month? You know her?"

I sighed dramatically, feigning exasperation. "Evet, onu biliyorum. Yes, I know her."

I grabbed a long navy blue scarf to go with my light blue bubu, and I quickly dialed Aidah's number. I changed Sabrina into a cute yellow summer dress with her pink crocs. She looked absolutely adorable—mashallah!

As we stepped outside, I took Sabrina's hand, but it didn't take long before she started fussing, wanting to be carried. So, we decided to strap her into her pushchair.

"So, how do you know Aidah?" Norah asked as she pushed Sabrina along.

"We met when I was still at El-Amin minna, before I transferred to LBIS. And her husband is Muhammad's friend," I explained.

"Oh wow, that's nice!" Norah replied, smiling as we made our way down the street, nearing Aidah's place.

"What are you planning for your birthday?" Norah asked, her voice casual, though I could tell she was curious.

"Hiçbir şey planlamıyorum, I'm not planning anything at all!" I said, shrugging.

Muhammad won't be around for my birthday, which is a bit sad.

Norah scoffed playfully. "We're not letting you get away with that. We've got to do something big for you!"

I rolled my eyes but smiled as I rang the doorbell. A few moments later, Aidah answered, her face lighting up. "Layla Hussein!!" She squealed and pulled me into a big hug.

"Aidah Deribe, you're married now!" I grinned, wrapping my arms around her.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh please, that doesn't change anything!" she said, ushering us into her living room.

As we settled on the couch, Aidah immediately called for her maid to bring refreshments.

"So, how's everything?" Aidah asked, her hands reaching out for Sabrina. To both Norah's and my surprise, Sabrina willingly went to her, snuggling into her arms.

Norah and Aidah exchanged pleasantries, while the maid brought in some snacks. Aidah settled next to me, holding Sabrina carefully in her lap.

"It's been so long since we last met! You missed my wedding!" Aidah said, her face twisting in mock frustration.