Asad

"Asad!" I heard Usman's as I was walking out of the office building. "Man, what's up?" My best friend asked he jogged to meet me at the exit.

"Heading home."

"You should have stayed home. No, we should have all stayed home." He started. "It is the weekend."

"I didn't ask you to come, you decided to come and work." It's the weekend and I decided to work from the office instead of home as usual, Usman decided to join me along with some staff from his team and my PA.

"People would point fingers at us for making our boss work alone on a weekend."

"I am sure it doesn't work that way, you are just being dramatic as always." I pointed my eyes at him before looking away.

"I am not." He dramatically said. "The work could have waited until Monday, but your workaholic self won't sit back and wait till then."

"No, I won't," I said curtly.

Nyako Corp. acquired a majority stake in one of the top three largest insurance companies in the country through a well-planned negotiation process which we're at the last stage of. I had to cancel the last meeting last week that could have finalized the deal to escort Layla home.

"You should though." He said completely turning his body towards me. "You are almost engaged. This is the time to get to know each other, you know."

My dating manual speaking.

"We talk a lot recently." I decided to offer him the piece of information, silently hoping he'd commend me and offer more advice as usual.

"Your definition of a lot is text messages and a few phone calls? Seriously?"

"Manu, we are taking it slow."

"Which you shouldn't. That's if you ask me though." He paused. "Which you are asking right now so I will tell you."

I sighed.

"It goes in this order; you text, you call, you visit and sometimes, you go out together. But obviously, scratch the last part for you." He finished and I looked at him confused.

"Why?"

"Culture, religion, family values; I could go on. Most important right now is to get her comfortable with you." Usman went on and on before we drifted back to the acquisition.

The move allowed Nyako Corp. to expand its reach into the insurance sector, showcasing my business acumen and vision for growth within the company's portfolio.

Layla: My day was tiring. I just finished my assignments.

A big smile graced my face when her reply came in after I had asked how her day went.

Asad: Can I call you?

I hit send as I got into my bed. I went to the football field after I got back from the office, hit the shower, had dinner, and went through a few work files while waiting for Layla's reply. These past few days have been going well when I thought about it.

I got Layla's contact from her brother and texted her over the week. The messages were very casual but after dropping her at home from the insurance company, they got better for both of us. I have called her a few times since then and she seemed shy which I didn't expect. The number of texts we shared has skyrocketed as well and we both are more talkative over texts. i surprised myself, if I had to admit it.

"As'SalaamuAlaikum." I greeted when she picked up the phone.

"Wa'alaikum'Salaam. Hi." A bubbly voice replied.

We exchanged pleasantries.

"What was your assignment about today?" I asked to start the conversation.

"You want me to tell you the short answer or the long answer?" She asked with a chuckle.

"The long one?" I asked unsure if that was the right answer because it felt like a test.

"Say please." I could feel the smile in her voice. I burst into laughter unknowingly.

"Please," I said with the laughter still in my voice.

"Uhm, let's see," Layla said as if she was thinking. "I worked on the Criminal Law assignment today. I had to analyze the famous case of R v. Ibru. It involves financial crimes and embezzlement. Don't get me wrong, I love researching cases, but it becomes annoying when there aren't enough resources in my reach." She went off. I had known she was a law student from her brother since the beginning and her chatter made me intrigued.

"That's interesting. Did you enjoy it?"

"Yeah, not bad, to be honest."

"That's good. What else did you do?"

"I was with Ummi in the kitchen. She was working on a recipe for her restaurant." She replied. I've always known that Hajiya Fatima owned restaurants. Usman and I are regulars at one, with Malik too. "What about you? What did you do today?"

"I went to the office and played football," I answered.

"Office? On the weekend?" Confusion was evident in her voice.

"Yes. I had a few things to work on." I didn't tell her it was what I was supposed to work on before I cut the day short and took her home.

"I didn't know you were a workaholic."

"Am I?" I asked. "I also didn't know you were this shy," I added before she replied. The Layla I met at Malik's office and at Sabiha's graduation seemed to talk a lot compared to the Layla I spoke on text and call with. I spoke more than she did.

"Honestly, I also didn't know you talked this much. You seemed shy and quiet in person." Which was true.

"I guess it is only reserved for you, then." I blurted out. I'd hear the muffled chuckle from the other side of the phone.

"So, what else did you do today?" She asked while trying to drift away.

"I ate and now, I'm talking to you."

A muffled laughter escaped her lips sounding like a melody to my ears.

"I have questions I would like to ask you; would you mind?" Layla asked after a while.

"Of course not. Go ahead."

"Are you good at opening jars?" Every laughter that came out of me on the phone call was unintended but the laugh that came after the question surprised me the most.

"A jar?" I asked while still laughing. "I can definitely open a jar. Can't you open jars?"

"Nope, I can't, and I don't. They are too hard for no reason."

"It's okay, you have me now."

She chuckled. "Next, tell me about yourself. Anything."

"I am Muhammad Asad, I am sure you already know that. I am the second child of my family after my older sister, Sahla. I work at Nyako Corp." I paused. It was an underestimated phrasing of my work contribution at Nyako Corp. like that, but she didn't need to know. I continued, "I go to the gym and play football whenever I am not working. I work most of the time. Ask me anything else you'd like to know."

She hummed. "Nice. That day you came to my house with your friend, you seemed very reserved but, on the phone, you are very free. I think." It's very true even I surprised myself with how flowy the conversations have been going.

"I hear that a lot. But is this you indirectly asking to see me talk more in real life?" I teased.

"No, no, of course, no." I defended herself making me smile. "I was just saying, you know."

"I see," I said trying to sound serious but there was a hint of a smile in my voice. "Can I see you soon?" I asked and then remembered her playful request earlier, so I added, "Please."

"When?" She asked.

"Whenever you would let me."

"Okay, you can." She answered after a moment, and I smiled. I was going to rectify that awkward meeting at her house. I reckoned I could make things right by intentionally meeting her again.

"Thank you, Layla."

She chuckled. "You are welcome." She paused. "Thank you again for helping with the car, it surprisingly got delivered fast."

Managing a diverse set of companies under Nyako Corp.'s umbrella, I had to navigate the complexities of overseeing entities in construction, technology, and our newest focus point, the motors sectors. Each sector played a significant role in the conglomerate's success: construction built the foundation, technology drove innovation, and the motors sector propelled the company forward, which had been very successful. After I dropped Layla off on Friday, I wasted no time and dialed up the CEO of the motors' insurance company to make sure her car got fixed real quick no matter the damage, and sent it over to her address. I found out she was renewing her insurance application as well, so I had the process prioritized.

"It's no problem at all."

I knew all too well the impact accidents could have on one's life, a single incident altering everything forever. An air of secrecy had surrounded my feelings towards accidents a long time ago which will be hidden in depths, never to be explored, I felt. I knew that but I didn't know why it felt heavy in my heart all the time. There was something for sure, but deep down, my heart tugged for my curiosity never to be satisfied. And for the longest time, I had decided my heart was going to have its way, I knew it was for the best somehow.

"Maybe not now. I don't really want to talk about it." She said as sadness overtook her voice. I silently closed my eyes and whispered a prayer. And another for Layla and me.

We bade goodnight shortly after. I have always been a disciplined person in all aspects of life until I couldn't fall asleep after having a conversation with Layla. Our conversation went better than the last all thanks to Usman's tips. I turned over from one side to another trying to catch sleep, but the thoughts of Layla kept invading my mind. I've had an overwhelming foreign feeling in my heart over the past few days. Every thought of her only brought a smile to my face and a heart-flipping moment no matter where I found myself. It was very new but felt right.

Her face, her smile, and her laughter always found a way to somehow invade my thoughts and I welcomed them willingly. There was no denying I was attracted to Layla. Such a very foreign invader.

*****

There was no escaping my aunt's sadness towards the news of my rejection of her daughter. Even if not for Usman, I probably would have still rejected Huda. I've always regarded her as one of my sisters especially since she spent a lot of her childhood and most of her teenage years in my house along with my sisters, which further asserted that for me. Ammi shared Aunty Fa'i's reaction upon learning the news, and I anticipated it was only about time until she contacted me. She did contact me promptly after the news was dropped but due to my busy schedule, something she understood very well, I have not had the chance to speak to her.

Compared to other members of Abu's family, I was closer to Aunty Fa'I, but our closeness was more in the realm of standard family interactions. I had her call scheduled for my break time on Monday, but Ammi told me that she traveled to Abuja from Yola, and I didn't need to be told why, even though she often visited.

Aunty Fa'I, Abu's youngest sibling, became a widow years ago with two children. Everyone was aware of the fact that Abu granted my aunt every one of her heart desires, took care of her and her kids' every need, and pulled her close at all times. The fact that Abu didn't press or try to convince me about getting married to Huda meant that he didn't want to interfere in my choice. His lack of pressure showed his respect for my decision. He often emphasized the importance of marriage and acknowledged how different the generation he grew up in compared to ours was. Abu had the privilege of marrying the woman he loved even though there was a cultural barrier and a lot of challenges, but he did it.

"As'SalamuAlaikum," I greeted upon entering her room. I found her sitting on the edge of the bed, so I sat by the foot.

"Wa'Alaikum'Salaam, Baba am." She answered using the name she always called me. Named after Abu's father, Abu and all his siblings shy away from calling my name and often referred to me with terms that refer to 'my father'.

"Jam bandu na, Aunty Fa'i." We exchanged pleasantries in Fulfulde as always. Abu and his family never spoke any language apart from their native language which we all knew.

"Baba, tell me your reasons for rejecting your own sister. You are the most mature child I have ever known. I have been thinking long and hard about it, but I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that you are choosing someone else apart from your family. Why?" She said frustrated. It was very understandable the attitude she displayed since I walked into the room.

"It is not like that, Aunty Fa'i. Huda will always be my sister and that will never change. I didn't make this decision to make you sad or go against your judgment."

"But you did!" Her voice went up a pitch. "You did this to me and your sister. I thought we were family."

"We are family. I'm very grateful that you gave me the chance, but it is not meant to be." I spoke.

"You know what I thought?" She asked looking down at me from where she was sitting. "I thought after everything I did for you in this life, you would always honor me but no, you just had to throw sand in my eyes. I did everything for you. I stopped my life to take care of your family because of you for years. But this..." She paused, "Is how you repay me after everything I did because of you? What does Huda lack? Do you know how depressed you have made your cousin? She has been crying non-stop and inconsolable. She refused to even come home from the dorms,"

I silently closed my eyes to calm myself down, Aunty Fa'I didn't have to go there. She had done so much for my family because of me but that still didn't warrant her words.

"I will always be thankful to you for that, but Huda is not an object, so I don't understand why you are speaking like that. She will marry when she gets the man she wants to marry. I got the woman I want to marry and spend the rest of my life with." I said curtly.

"See the problem, you prefer an outsider to your own. Why would you want an outsider at all? Even though she isn't kad'o but she is still not family. Family is always better. Back at home, your cousin is your best choice." She said with her voice breaking.

"But it is not here, Aunty. I don't wish to marry Huda and that's it. I'm sorry that my decision hurts you, that wasn't my intention but let's move past this, please." I spoke. I picked my head up to look at her face after a few moments and saw tears falling down her face with her eyes closed.

"I am already angry at you. I didn't expect one bit that you would reject my offer. I wouldn't have believed it if anyone told me you would, but here we are." She opened her eyes. "Best believe you would marry Huda if the other girl wasn't in the picture. I would make sure of that. No, I will still make sure of that. We will see how an outsider is better than your own. Just give it time." She stood up angrily and walked towards the bathroom.

I closed my eyes and thought about how all these would be worth it when Huda married Usman. Every parent wanted the best partner for their child and my friend was the best for my cousin, I wholeheartedly believed.

*****

"I'm assuming you have conversed with your aunt already." He said as he leaned on one of his right hands.

"Yes, I am coming here from her room," I replied and paused. "She is quite upset with me."

Abu hummed and nodded knowingly.

"I'm glad, Abu. I appreciate your understanding." I said with my head bowed down.

"No need, Malam. Fa'i is a rational woman, she will calm down with time. She has good intentions and means well. I only require your certainty in your decision for mine and your mother's assurance. Alhaji Umar was a man of honor and carried himself with integrity, and his son followed in his footsteps. Men like him raise responsible children." He leaned back on the cushion at the back to support his back. "From the information I have acquired, the daughter is a virtuous young lady and has a clean record."

I should have anticipated that Abu would conduct his inquiry. He consistently stayed ahead of the game. I always admired Abu's knack for uncovering information and staying ahead of the curve in every aspect of life, be it business or personal matters, even though retired.

"I see you have done your investigation," I said amused.

"Of course, I must." He nodded. "There is no reason to extend the courting period as you, youngsters, do nowadays. Since she and her family affirmed it, we elders must intervene as necessary. Consult with Malik soon and liaise when to go for the introduction." Abba said with a serious face.

"Yes, Abu, Insha'Allah," I replied.

"You know, I married your mom just 3 weeks after talking to her for the first time." He said with a triumphant smile.

"I have heard the story, maybe a thousand times, Abu." I chuckled as the door opened, revealing Ammi and a maid following with a tray.

"Ammi," I greeted as I stood and guided her onto the carpet. She sat beside Abu while the maid laid down the tray gently and left. Ammi dragged the tray towards her, picked up the jug of tea, and served it into the cups.

"What is so important that you are excluding me?" She asked feigning annoyance.

"We..." I started but she cut me off with a finger flick.

"I know it is not business." She spoke.

"We were just talking about how amazing you are, my love," Abu answered her in Arabic. "We couldn't help it." He said looking at her lovingly before he took a sip of his tea.

Ammi chuckled. "You better be."

"We were actually. Abu was about to start telling me, for the thousandth time, his favorite story in the world." I gestured.

"I never tire of hearing it, so I want to listen as well."

"Oh, no." I took a sip trying to look uninterested.

"One day, I woke up from a dream about Rawdah ul-Jannah. In my dream, I found myself walking through the peaceful Rawdah ul-Jannah. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers, and the gentle breeze whispered through the trees. As I wandered through this serene garden, I stumbled upon a beautiful scene - my future spouse standing there, eyes filled with warmth and love. When I woke up, Ahmad, my very dear friend, your uncle..." He gestured at me, "... was studying on my desk and coincidentally, I accidentally found out his sister's name a few days prior, Rawdah. So, with so much bravery, I asked for his sister's hand in marriage, without thinking twice. He punched me very hard, three times and left my dorm room at Jami'a al-Malik Sa'ud in Riyadh. But he eventually came around and sat down to talk with me after he narrated what happened to his father, may Allah have mercy on his soul. I was very lucky your grandfather already had a liking for me and my character." He paused at the sound of a knock coming through the door.

A head popped through the door and in stepped Nadir, my younger brother walked in. He greeted Abu enthusiastically, as always, and sat down beside me. "What are you guys talking about?" he asked as he took a bit out of the sweet on the tray.

"Abu is telling his favorite story," I answered.

He chuckled. "I have uncountable questions."

"You always do, habibi." Ammi said with a smile.

"I do because Abu, I still fail to understand how one could be that lucky with Uncle Ahmad," Nadir said referring to Ammi's elder brother.

"Allah loves me." He said in his very distinctive Fus-ha Arabic dialect before he turned to Fulfulde and spoke. "That is why I am called Mu'allayidi." The one Allah loves. Abu took so much pride in the name.

"What would you have done if he never agreed though, Abu?" Nadir asked.

"If I am being honest, I didn't think of that. If he had, I was almost certain it wouldn't end our friendship. It would have been awkward maybe." He said laughing. "But Alhamdulillah, I always thank Allah for how things turned out."

"Personally, I wouldn't take that risk. What if Ammi wasn't beautiful?" Nadir side-eyed Ammi and blew her a kiss. "You are the most beautiful. Just what if." He wiggled his eyebrow at her. Ammi kissed her teeth and smiled.

Nadir stood as the complete contrast to my introverted self. He exuded a vibrant yet composed aura, blending bubbliness with a surprising calmness. His intelligence shone through, but so did his mischievous side, earning him a reputation for being both smart and a bit notorious. Always the life of the party, he was talkative, brimming with energy, and a favorite among all. His playful banter with Ammi was so warm and familiar that at times, we question if she was more of a grandmother figure to him than just a mother.

"I wasn't worried at all about that. I took the dream as a sign from Allah (SWA) showing me the prayers I have endlessly made before then. Taking immediate decisions is very unlike me, but for my Rawdah, I am grateful I did." Abu said as he picked up Ammi's right hand that was sitting right beside him and kissed it.

I have never been one to daydream or fantasize about love but every time I witnessed my parent's love, which is every day I spent with them, I yearned for that connection for myself. Each day spent witnessing their bond stirred a longing within me to experience such a connection. Layla's presence in my thoughts ignited a quiet contemplation of a shared life together. In the stillness of my mind, I painted mental pictures of my potential marriage, hoping it would echo the profound beauty and intentionality of my parents' relationship.

Lost in those musings, I contrasted the spontaneity of my father's and my decision with the unwavering certainty I felt. The juxtaposition prompted me to seek solace in silent prayers to Allah, seeking guidance and blessings for the journey ahead. As I navigated the uncharted waters of my emotions for Layla, I found myself drawn to the idea of a future entwined with hers, hoping for a love that mirrored the depth and sincerity of my parents', silently.

———————————-

Hello readers,

How did you find the chapter? Do we like Asad and his relationship with his family?

Any Nadir enthusiasts yet?

Drop your comments here and reviews on IG, I always love them!

Let's connect on IG: @husna_thewriter