Two weeks

It was always the alarm! The duty of the alarm to disrupt the peace of Na'eemah's sleep. She was sure the amount of curses she rains on the alarm is enough to last it's generation. Nonetheless these past days it wasn't always it, Raeesa, her new best friend usually wakes her up, either for something good or no reason whatsoever.

Ever since their last meet, Raeesa somehow got ahold of Na'eemah's phone number and the rest they say is history. They vibe in such a beautiful way that nothing in their lives goes unknown to one another. It still baffles Naeemah how humble Raeesa is as she is sure Raeesa's father is a rock in Nigeria.

"Yes Raeesa" Naeemah spoke annoyingly trying to pry her eyes open

"Get up you lazy ass! I'm coming over in half an hour"

Na'eemah raised her head to look at the clock and saw it was 10:24am. It was Saturday and both Maami and Zainab are sleeping.

"Why, what happened? Naeemah asked completely forgetting the day's event.

"Ohh nothing special but special enough to get you out of bed. Now hurry, shoo off to the bathroom"

"Fine fine I'm up" Na'eemah groaned getting off the bed.

Raeesa smiled and cut the call before gazing at it. Na'eemah is someone with a vibrant spirit, she has so much potential locked up that she doesn't even know.

Raeesa knew Ameer would be lucky to have Naeemah as a partner but seeing Na'eemah liked another person, Raeesa had no choice but to leave fate to take it's toll. She was torn between supporting her best cousin or her best friend. Nonetheless, we plan and He plans and He is the best of planners
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"All good Maami Alhamdulillah"

Na'eemah heard Raeesa's voice and smiled before she hurriedly grabbed her veil and went out of the room.

"There she is" Maami said smiling as they all sat down eating the breakfast Maami made.

"Good morning Maami" Na'eemah greeted squatting down. It is a fulani tradition to squat before greeting the elders

"Morning Na'eemah, how are you?

"I'm good Alhamdulillah. Where is Zainab?

"She is still asleep, she didn't sleep early yesterday, stayed up watching animations in my room"

Naeemah nodded as she took a seat next to Raeesa

"Hey babes" Raeesa whispered looking at her

"Why are you whispering? Naeemah asked

"Nothing, felt like it" Raeesa replied stuffing her face with french toast

Na'eemah shook her head as she turned to Maami "Maami, is Humaira coming over?

"Yes she is. She called me hours back"

"Ohh okay then"

Naeemah hold back a choke when her thoughts drifted off to what will happen today. Not only is it a family day but also Mr Yaari is coming over for lunch.

They met two weeks ago, talked and there was a mutual understanding between them. Days back he called and informed her he will like to come over and greet Maami during lunch time. Naeemah was taken aback by his sudden approach but she was happy knowing they're taking a step. She told Humaira who seemed Happy for her and promised to also come over, Maami was all happy and preparing for his arrival. Raeesa was the exaggerater as she insisted Naeemah go get something. Something Na'eemah still isn't sure what it is.

"Madam you're ready? Raeesa asked nudging Naeemah out of her daydream

"Ahm yeah, I am"

"Great! Let's go"

"Goodbye Maami"

"Goodbye ladies, don't stay long"

"Insha Allah we won't"

Na'eemah closed the door just as Raeesa started the ignition

"So where to? Na'eemah asked when she got into the car

"Somewhere common housing something great" Raeesa said with a wink as Na'eemah gave her a perplexed look.
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"Now that's a gift you should give yourself and someone you like. You see babe, perfumes are something you shouldn't joke with especially as a gift" Raeesa said driving them back home

Na'eemah sighed looking at the perfume package they got for Mr Yaari and the smaller one they each got for themselves. Naeemah still couldn't believe Raeesa brought her to a perfume store, she said she love perfumes and dream of having a perfume store because it is also fancy.

"He might not even like it" Naeemah replied

"What? Who said so? Of course he will, everyone likes to smell nice. When you gift someone perfume, they see it as a form of respect and great love"

"Other just see it as you telling them they stink" Naeemah retorted with an eye roll

"Well those who thinks that doesn't have sense and besides Mahmud knows he doesn't stink! Raeesa said.

Raeesa insisted on calling him Mahmud and that Mr Yaari is too formal for her.

"Well we'll see" Naeemah said relaxing into the couch

"You'll see love baby, looooovveeeee when he sees what you've got him.

"Ohh I bet he got you something nice too

"I'm sure it will be great"

"But don't worry, nothing beats a perfume package

"Except a perfume store as a gift of course

"Or boxes and boxes of chocolates

"Ahhhhhhh chocolates!

Naeemah muted Raeesa's blabbers as she slowly closes her eyes. She really hopes the day goes as planned, she really do.
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"He's heeeeerrrrrrrrreeeeee" Zainab shouted on the top of her lungs as Humaira quickly adjusted the turban on Na'eemah's head.

"You look beautiful" Humaira said taking quick pictures of her before helping her to her feet

"This isn't my wedding Maimai" Na'eemah said laughing

"Shut up and let me live in the moment"

"They left the room and head to the parlour. Mr Yaari sat down cross legged on the couch with his eyes to his phone. Humaira looked between Na'eemah and him before clearing her throat. His eyes snapped up to them looking at Naeemah before resting on Humaira

"The CEO" He greeted standing up.

Completely caught off guard, Humaira regained her stand and smiled

"Mr Yaari, it is a pleasure. I brought a beautiful lady with me" Humaira replied trying to emphasize on the fact that he didn't compliment Na'eemah.

Na'eemah watching the complete scenario tried her best not to shout or even leave the parlour as she forced a smile and took a step forward.

"Ohh Naeemah, how are you? He asked giving her a small smile just as Raeesa came in with the maids

"You're welcome" Raeesa said cheerfully placing the refreshments in front of him

"Thank you" He replied turning to examine her, from her earring to the half socks on her feet

Taking a deep breath, Na'eemah tried to push back all negative thoughts. She's trying and willing to make this work, this isn't just a pass time thing it is much more, to better and worse, to life and more.
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