HEELS ✅

HEELS--34

I lied!

It wasn't interesting. Everything was a bore immediately the scholar stopped the teaching and announced it was over.

The bride started taking pictures and the girls next to me were busy talking with Na'eemah. They tried engaging me but I trailed off after a few topics from them. I kept my take away and coke aside and instead took the water. I was tasty and planned on eating the food at home.

I love party jollof!

A text from Hafeez made me smile as I decided to go back into the bubble I was in when the scholar was teaching. My bubble that shuts everyone out.

H--Hey, how are you doing?

Me-- Alhamdulillah. I'm at a wedding

H-- Masha Allah. So bonding with cousins or feeling left out?

Me-- You have no idea, feeling like screaming out"

H-- You need to bond with them Aira. I'm very sure they engaged you

Me-- Yes they did, I trailed off ..

H-- I knew it.

Me-- So how are you? How's work?

H--- Work alhamdulillah. How's our business?

I was about to reply back when Maami's "Humaira" made me snap my head up. Instead I grabbed my bag, excused myself and headed towards them.

She was standing with Daadi, the bride's grandmother and bride's mother Aunt Safiyya

"My darling come let's take a picture" Aunt Safiyya said as we moved to where the bride is and stood. The photographer then clicked a few pictures.

Okay not a few. He clicked tons

We took with the bride, bride's grandmother, bride's mother, as a group. Maami took with Aunt Safiyya, I took with the bride, Daadi with the grandmother and the list goes on.

When we were done, I motioned Na'eemah join in when I realised she didn't take any pictures.

"I don't even know what to do at this point. The carbonated drinks are not v healthy and the groom's family prefer home made natural drinks. Where can I get them and in such a big number" Aunt Safiyya sighed while complaining to Maami as I stood next to them wanting to excuse myself but they were in the middle of a discussion

"I know who can help you. Her drinks are home made, natural and tastes amazing too" Maami said as Aunt Safiyya's eyes lit up

"You do?

"Yes, Humaira recently started a business of home made natural juices" She replied turning to smile at me

"She did?

"I did?

Both I and aunt Safiyya asked at the same time. Mine sounding like a dumb question.

"Yes you do. In fact we have a sample which I might or might not have taken from the fridge and it's in the car" Daadi said coming into view

"You did? I asked again and Daadi sent me a glare that says "Stop asking dumb questions"

I can almost swear she really said that in her head.

"Yes" She turned around then called "Zainab"

"Yes Daadi" Zainab who was talking with her age mate answered then walked over

"Go to the car and bring the juice I took from home. Adderh's juice" She said smiling and Zainab nodded heading out

"You see Safiyya, my granddaughter here started a natural drink business but the issue is, it is not getting the hype it deserves. Big shops said they couldn't purchase it simply because the carbonated drinks are popular and no one buys home made so it will be a lost. And the small shops, well let's just say they don't value good things" Daadi said shaking her head just as Zainab came in with the bottle

"Here, try this" She said handing it over to her.

Aunty Safiyya took a sip before her eyes grew big and she took another, then another then almost gulped down everything before she looked at me wide eyed.

"Woah! This is.........oh my God. You mean to tell me people didn't buy this! Goodness, this is the most refreshing drink I've ever had"

"You haven't even had it chilled" Maami said with a laugh

"Humaira you made this? Aunt Safiyya asked looking at me

"Yes" I answered nervously

"I love this. This is so amazing, please make it for our kamu"

Time stilled as I gaze into her eyes trying to find an ounce of joke but there wasn't. She really mean it and I don't even know how I feel about that.

"That will be fantastic" Daadi said clapping her hands

"How much do you need? Maami asked as Aunt Safiyya turned back to her

"Two hundred" She replied

"Two hundred? I asked shocked at the number and money it will generate

"Yes, can you do it?

They all turned their eyes to me. And when I saw Maami's hopeful ones and Daadi's determined ones, I felt a rush of confidence.

"Yes I can"

"Yessss" Daadi said and they all broke into a smile.

"Perfect. Now after you do this, I'm very sure the groom's family will love it. But know it must be ready in two days. Tomorrow is mother's day so the groom's family won't be here"

"Okay" I replied already feeling very good about it

"Thank you Saf. This way you are not only patronising her but helping her market. We are really grateful" Maami said taking a hold of her hands

"Oh please. We are family, she's my daughter and even if I don't know her, the drink would have sold itself trust me. It is that good. You guys should have even informed me earlier"

She turned to me "But all that doesn't matter, what matters is that we need to get 200 amazing natural drinks" She said smiling ear to ear

"And you will get that right small daadi? Daadi look over to me her lips twitching to an accomplished smile

"Yes Daadi. You will get that Aunt"

"Good. I'll see you around" She squeezed Maami's hand and left.

Mami turned and gave me an "I'm proud of you and we will talk later" Smile. Daadi gave me a pat on the back and then they left to join the others.

I looked dup with a light heart "Ya Rabb, let this be a new start! I silently prayed, then quickly remembered I haven't answered hafeez's text. I brought out my phone and replied him with.

"I think the business is starting to rise. Time to make that money!

Sometimes, a golden opportunity is really all you need.

_______________________________________