HER CRUSH

Chapter31

Abdullah...
Aunty Farida's voice boomed across the room, "Hey, mister, if you're bringing money, bring it out!" Five million won't cover betrothal gifts for two people. You know how it is the bride's family expects a decent things in the box to show your commitment.

Ummi, my sister, and Sufyan's mother nodded in agreement, their faces serious. Sufyan, lounging in the dining area, chimed in, "Wallah, Aunty Farida, I told him it wouldn't be enough. He's been pinching pennies for months now.

I shot Sufyan a look, trying to interject, "Hey, bro, please—" but he cut me off. "Don't you remember I warned you it wouldn't be enough?" he asked.

"Ummi, Wallahi, he didn't want to bring out the money," Sufyan continued, his voice rising. "I suggested five million each, but he refused. I told him it's better to be safe than sorry.

I tossed the remote at Sufyan, interrupting him. "Did I ever say that? I'm not that stingy; you know me better." I defended myself, feeling a bit annoyed.

Sufyan countered, a smile on his face, "You mentioned not wanting to spend much on the wedding. You said something about not wanting to 'break the bank'."

I scratched the back of my head, feeling a bit sheepish. "I'm saving for something important. It's not about being stingy, it's about being responsible."

My sister chimed in, her voice practical, "You'll transfer the money, right? Or should I used the one Abba's transfer to you? We need to finalize the arrangements soon."

I nodded, resigned. "Yeah, I'll take care of it. Let's just finalize the amount and move forward."

I hesitated, then relented. "Use that money.Transfer the rest to my account later," I instructed.

"I'm heading out, let's go," I exclaim , nodding at Sufyan.

"In takul alkeaka?" (Aren't you eating the cake?) they asked in unison, surprised.

I shake   my head, and they erupted into laughter.

"Lil, this is a first! Someone offers you food, and you refuse," Aunty Farida teased, still chuckling.

I ignored her jest and walked out, Sufyan following closely.

"Let's go somewhere, please," Sufyan suggested.

"Hakeem's back, I heard. Should we head there?" I asked, turning to Sufyan.

"That sounds great," he agreed.

Shall we?

********

"Dude!" I exclaimed, embracing Hakeem in a bro hug.

Longest time, man! I was about to reach out to you guys. We're meeting up with the others today."
Harun and the crew will be here any minute,"

Sufyan chimed in, "Why not meet at Cafe Flour? Sounds like a plan."

I nodded. "Perfect. My old crew's back together."
We shared a laugh, reminiscing about old times.

"These guys  Hakeem, Harun, Kamal, Haidar, Hamza, and Abbas  we've been thick as thieves since secondary school,"they are My secondary school buddies.
***************

As we settled into the cozy cafe, exchanging warm bro hugs and catching up on each other's lives, the conversation flowed effortlessly. We chatted about everything from work to hobbies, until Haidar teased Hamza, "Hey, stop eyeing those girls! They might be taken!" I chuckled, glancing over at the girls before looking away, trying not to draw attention to myself.

Hamza and Sufyan continued to flirt shamelessly, earning a reputation among our friends for being notorious players. Kamal intervened, "You two should stop. You're giving us a bad name." Hakeem and Kamal burst out laughing, clearly entertained by the banter.

When Hamza and Sufyan returned from their flirtatious escapades, I asked, "So, who's the lucky guy?"

Sufyan grinned, sitting beside me, and said, "he got her number!"

I chuckled, sipping my drink, and said, "Good for you, man.

Hamza's eyes landed on another girl, and he exclaimed, "Omo, I'm going for that girl!"

Sufyan spat out his drink, choking on his laughter.

Bro, you okay?" I asked, as I patted him on the back.

Hamza stood up,"I'll go talk to her."

My gaze locked onto the girl, and I felt a ... something. jealousy? Interest?

"Hey fuck , back off!" I shouted, startling the group.

Sufyan laughed. "She's his girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" they echoed in surprise.

"Yeah," I confirmed.

"Where's Asma?" they asked, confused.

I stuttered, "Ta...na...nan, I'm coming."

****************
Hello, beautiful," I exclaim approaching her

"Oh, great, here we go again," you, she mumbled , laughing.

Yes me, What are you doing here alone?" I asked, my gaze roaming over her face.

"Aunty Ramla sent me here to buy something," she explained

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, who brought you?"

"A cab," she replied

I nodded, feeling relief that she isn't with anyone else. in that case, I'll be your personal bodyguard," I mumbled , flexing my arms.

She giggled, Let's go in," I mumbled , gesturing towards the store. We walked in together, she shopped for what she needed. I paid the money, and then excused myself from my friends to drop her back home..

Boring chapter right🥴
Ummeetarh05