HER CRUSH

Chapter31

Abdullah...
Aunty Farida's voice boomed across the room, her hands planted on her hips as if she owned the place.

"Hey, mister, if you're bringing money, bring it out! Five million won't even cover betrothal gifts for one person, talk more of two! You know how it is....the bride's family expects a decent box. Not some empty carton with cheap lace and a bottle of perfume from Wuse Market."

Ummi, my sister, and Sufyan's mother nodded along in perfect agreement, their faces solemn. It was like a mini court, and I was clearly the accused.

Sufyan, lounging lazily in the dining area like it was a cinema, chimed in, "Wallahi, Aunty Farida, I told him it wouldn't be enough. He's been pinching pennies for months now. Five million? Ha..ba! You don't marry two women with pepper and salt money."

I turned, shooting Sufyan a sharp look. "Hey, bro, please...

But he cut me off, grinning wickedly. "Don't you remember I warned you? I said it won't be enough. But you, Mr. Accountant, wanted to gamble."

"Ummi, wallahi, he's lying. I didn't refuse to bring out money," I defended myself, feeling irritation bubbling.

Sufyan continued, feigning innocence. "He told me he doesn't want to 'break the bank.'" He even made air quotes, the idiot.

I scratched the back of my head, sheepish but unwilling to give him the last laugh. "I'm saving for something important. It's not about being stingy. It's about being responsible."

My sister adjusted her veil and sighed, her voice full of practicality. "Enough drama. You'll transfer the money, right? Or should I just use what Abba transferred to you? We need to finalize the arrangements soon. These things don't wait."

I hesitated, then relented. "Fine. Use that money. Transfer the rest to my account later. But make sure everything is properly accounted for."

I stood to leave, I tossed my car keys into the air. "Sufyan, let's go."

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

I shook my head firmly.

They all erupted in laughter. "Lil, this is a first! Someone offers you food and you refuse?" Aunty Farida teased, her shoulders shaking.

I ignored her jest, pushing the door open. Sufyan jogged after me, still laughing.

Outside, Sufyan shoved his hands into his pockets, tilting his head. "Where to? Don't tell me straight to that place. You're too tense."

"Let's go somewhere. I heard Hakeem's back. Should we head there?" I asked.

"That sounds great," Sufyan agreed, his grin widening.

Later...

"Dude!" I exclaimed, pulling Hakeem into a bro hug. His cologne and familiar laugh made the years melt away. "Longest time, man!"

"Wallahi, I was just about to reach out to you guys. The whole crew's meeting today. Harun, Kamal, Haidar, Hamza, Abbas....they're all coming."

Sufyan's eyes lit up. "Let's make it at Café Flour. The vibes are good there."

Perfect. My old crew back together. I couldn't help grinning.