Who was waiting for an update?

HIS HEAD HUNG low, the corner of his lips tilting upwards into a small smile. "Baba sends his regards" He said, after exchanging pleasantries with the old man. Truth be told, he was nervous about being there, but the man has been nothing but kind to him so he was now more comfortable around him, even though he's only been there for a couple of minutes.

"Ina amsawa" Abba offered him a wide grin, nodding his head slightly. "When he told him his eldest son was coming, ai I thought he meant Yazid" He then chuckled lightly. "I guess it's true he has another son"

Aslam smile widened slightly. "A lot of people think that way" He is honestly used to it so it doesn't bother him anymore. It's been like that ever since he was young, and since they didn't exactly have a big family, it's not like there are people that would go around correcting the misconception.

"That's why I was confused when he gave me a hint on why you're here" Abba let out another chuckle. Honestly, he was finding it hard to contain the happiness he felt at that moment. But of course, he had his doubts and worries tucked away too. "Toh, I heard you're going back to Egypt, koh?"

Aslam nodded, "Eh gobe zan koma in shaa Allah"

"Allah kaimu. Allah ku ma ya kiyaye hanya"

"Ameen ameen"

"If you don't mind me asking. When do you plan on returning?" That's one of the things that had been worrying him since he was informed by General Abd Al-Rasheed. The two had always gotten along well, considering they've met countless times before. The issue of Humaira and Yazid's wedding only strengthened their bond, and now there's Aslam and possibly, Aisha?

General Abd Al-Rasheed, though had informed Alhaji Nasir that Aslam's visit isn't formal, did inform him of the young man's interest in his daughter. He also didn't fail to mention that his family would love to have her as a part of them. The man had only spoken good of her since he met her.

But he also did mention that Aslam plans on leaving HGH and moving to Egypt again.

Aslam looked up for a brief second, before he looked down again. He thought of the right answer to give, but to be honest, he knew the old man wouldn't like the answer. "I don't know yet, sir" Sure, the man has been nice to him but he couldn't bring himself to even spare the refreshments brought to him another glance.

He was a nervous wreck inside.

This is such an important moment for him. He didn't want to screw it up.

Abba's brows drew in, his smile slanting into a small frown. "You don't know when you plan on returning?"

Aslam nodded, though he hated he had to make this decision but it was necessary. "Yes, I have a family problem I need to sort out back there" His initial plan was to meet Aisha's father and ask for his permission to her suitor officially. Sure, she doesn't know. But he planned on telling her afterwards.

The thing is, he didn't want to start anything formally without letting their parents know first. His parents know, but her parents were yet to know so he wanted them to know how serious he is first. At least before he and her reach the agreement of getting married and then everything will be finalized.

Which is why he set up the meeting the exact day his father was discharged from HGH. He wanted to meet her father first, and then tell her of his intention formally.

But, his grandfather's situation came up and he was left with no choice but to tell her then. He couldn't cancel the meeting with her father though, so he went to see him at the Nasir Al-Sayed Residence after his father was discharged.

Abba thought about Aslam's answer, before he nodded slowly. "Okay, I understand you have a family issue, and your family should always come first. So, I hope it all gets sorted out soon"

"I hope so too"

"And, about Aisha" Abba started, not missing how Aslam's head tilted up slightly at the mention of her. The action had him wanting to smile, but he held himself back for he knew there's something more important in hand. "What is your intention towards her?" He asked, despite knowing it already.

Aslam's lips unintentionally tilted upwards into a smile that didn't go unnoticed by her father. "I plan on marrying her" He answered, without an ounce of hesitation. "If you agree, of course"

Abba stared at the young man for a while, undoubtedly amazed by the man's confidence ad honesty. He doubts there are a lot of men in this generation that can do something he did. Most will just settle everything with the woman before letting their parents know. Aslam being there, shows that he is truly serious about his daughter. "Aslam, I admire your honesty, I truly do"

Aslam felt there's a 'but' coming up.

And he was right. "But" There it was, "If you don't know how long you'll be gone for, and it's obvious you two still need to know each other more so there's no point of rushing the wedding or anything; then I don't think it's right to make her wait for you"

Aslam's smile fell, and he couldn't help but look up questioningly. He has an inkling what the old man is insinuating, but he's hoping that won't be it.

"Aslam, you're a good man—that much I can tell and I would truly love to have you as a son. But, what's the point of me allowing you to be with my daughter, when you have no idea when you'll return to her? Kagane me nake nufi?"

Although, he hated to do, Aslam couldn't help but nod as he looked down yet again. "Yes, sir. I understand"

Abba hated to do this, but he has never believed in long term relationships—he believes it only tempts those involve to get involved in haram relationships. Sure, he trusts his daughter, and he trusts that General Abd Al-Rasheed's son is a good man too, but there's no certainty when it comes to this. Satan can tempt even the holiest people in this generation. "Aslam, I want you to stay away from my daughter"

The young man swallowed thickly, as he flickered his eyes close—already not liking the answer.

"I can only assume you understand where I'm coming from. Even if you don't, you will one day when you become a father" Abba paused, releasing a small sigh. "I don't want any interactions between you and her until you return—no matter how long it'll be. If Allah wills, and you return eventually, and you still want to marry her, then come and ask me again. Of course, I'll have to ask her then too, but do come back to me, and then we'll figure out what to do then, okay?"

Aslam did try to understand where he's coming from, and although he doesn't understand it fully-and will probably not do so in quite a long time too, but he understands the intention; which is why he planned to adhere to the man's words—even if he knew the girl will hate him in the long run.

He believes it will all be worth it eventually. Besides, he prays to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala for it every night.

She, is his prayer. She's always been.

~*~

"I would like to thank you all for coming here today. This has long been overdue, which is why I appreciate your patience" The Director of HGH, Adam Abd-Rasheed, Hisham and Taslim's father said to the board members present for the meeting he had called.

It's been nearly two weeks since his father's demise, and he has been planning for this day since he returned to Nigeria a week ago. He believes it's what they all want too.

"It's understandable where your family is coming from considering the loss of the Chairman" One of the board members there said, offering him a small smile. The man then turned to the others, "But of course, this is important too considering the hospital can only last for long without a Chairman"

The others nodded, as another picked up from where the man stopped. "Exactly. We've all worked hard to get HGH in the first place but with NMC catching up, we need to continue being stable in order to keep the position. It's important for us all"

The Director nodded, "Yes, yes, we know that" His gaze flickered to his son who sat beside him, his hands parting in front of him, as he moved his gaze around the room. "Which is why we called for the meeting today. We suppose it's a good time to pick—or should I say—vote for a new Chairman, right?"

Chatters filled up the meeting up, as they all agreed to the suggestion.

The Director's lips stretched into a smirk, "I believe the person who could do the job well, is..."

"Me" Hisham cut his father off, earning an instant glare from the old man. He paid no heed to him though, already aware of the upcoming argument that will sprout up once they are alone. This isn't what they agreed on. It's obvious the old man is supposed to be the new Chairman. It's obviously supposed to be that way—he's the Director anyway. If anything, it's supposed to be based on hierarchy.

Not bothering to spare his father a glance, or even allowing his to speak, he continued his words directed towards the stunned board members. "—It's obviously from the way I've been running things here that I deserve to be the new Chairman. I mean, even my father here hasn't done half the things I've done"

His father stared at his side profile, not knowing if he should scream in frustration, or to handle this calmly. But the second option wasn't much of an option considering the old man's anger isn't something he can just hold back.

"—In fact, I have a doctor's report that will show my father isn't mentally fit to run the business" Hisham added, earning gasps from the board members' as they whipped their heads around to stare between the duo.

What's going on? They wondered, unable to hold themselves back from wondering how the meeting took a turn from a simple one to watching the son attack his father with no apparent remorse. Because it's obvious from the glare Hisham is getting from his father that this wasn't their plan.

Hisham turned his head to stare at his assistant, before he gave the man a nod—a silent order for him to spread the papers he had brought along with him. The man did just that, placing one in front of each member—including his father—who snatched the paper to see what the hell the young man is plotting against him.

Once the papers were all in their hands, Hisham leaned back and crossed his legs before he continued, "As you can all clearly see, my dear father is suffering from Alzheimer's disease which he was diagnosed with a month ago"

Taslim, who was there on behalf of her grandmother stared at the paper with wide eyes. She couldn't believe her eyes. Could this truly be happening to her father? How come she isn't aware of it?

The Director's eyes darted across the report that seemed like a photocopy of his original one, flaring his anger more. He shot up his chair, slamming his hand on the table as his eyes narrowed even more if possible at his son. "THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!" He yelled, only for him to be ignored yet again by the man.

If anything, Hisham crossed his fingers resting them on his thigh as he continued. "My father was diagnosed with the disease a month ago but he kept it under the wraps because, as I believe, he didn't want us to worry" Hisham paused, releasing a feigned sigh, "Which is why, as his son who cares about his, I needed to do this for him" For the first time since he started the whole thing, he turned to look at the old man who was at the verge of strangling him. "He's unfit to take the Chairman position. I mean, do we want him as the Chairman? Besides, it's not good for him too. At this point, I believe my father needs rest, which is why I'm offering this because I deeply care about him"

"HOW DARE YOU--" The furious old man, charged towards Hisham blinded by anger. He managed to land a punch on Hisham's face, since they were all taken aback by the action before people were quick to come in and get it off, holding him back. He was still relentless though, as he tried to free himself from them to break a couple of bones in his son's body.

Son? He wouldn't even consider the man a son anymore because it's obvious the man did it to get the position. Sure, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease but which kind of child will throw it out like that in front of people in the name of care?

"I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS HISHAM, MARK MY WORDS!" The old man was dragged out by the doctors that were called in to tend to him. It's obvious he wasn't in his right sense.

Taslim who has shot up to her feet stared at the door her father was dragged out of with horror, before shifting her glare to Hisham who stood there with a smirk on his face. Oh how she wanted to wipe the smirk with the back of her heels.

If that wasn't enough, he turned to the mortified board members after cradling the side of his face to get rid of the pain there—he could tell he'll need an ice bag later though. "So," He exercised his jaw slightly, to get rid of the sore there too. "Should we vote for me?"

Silently, they all rose their hands up in agreement, only making his smirk widen. It's obvious he had gotten what he wanted. Finally, at long last, he would become the new Chairman of Horizon General Hospital!

"Well, in that case--"

"They haven't voted though" One of the board members cut him off, gesturing to the two. The first person he pointed at was Taslim who stood in her exact position, still glaring at her brother. And the second person, being the man that sat quietly at the end of the table with his head on it—he has been in that exact position since they came in for the meeting.

They noticed him of course, and they thought of kicking him out since he doesn't look like someone they know, but since both the Director and Deputy Director said nothing despite seeing him, they decided to keep shut too.

Hisham snapped his gaze from his younger sister, to the man on the other end whom despite not seeing his face already knows who it is.

The man beside him tapped the man's shoulder a couple of times, before he looked up, eyes drowsy. A yawn came from him almost instantly as all eyes turned to him, and all he did was close his mouth his hand. When the yawn died down, he stretched his hand slightly before flickering his eyes round the room where everyone now had their gaze focused on him.

"I was right, business is boring" Aslam complained, holding himself back form yawning again as he wiped the sleep from his face. He had genuinely fallen asleep when he heard them start the whole business talk. He had arrived before them, and albeit had his head on the table, was aware when they arrived. The minute business talk started though, he dozed off only to be woken up by the person that tapped his shoulder. His gaze fell on a glaring Hisham at last, earning a slight chuckle from him. "Judging from the look on your face, you're done with your little one-man show"

"Who are you?" One of the board members asked the question on their minds. They do not, and have never seen the young man before. If not for the resemblance between him and the deceased Chairman, they would believe he's some crazy man that had the audacity to show up in their meeting.

"Me?" Aslam asked, pointing a finger at himself. He shrugged, "Well, I am the new owner of the late Chairman's shares so I guess that makes me a board member, and, the one with the most shares here" He then offered them a wide grin that earned a scoff from Hisham.

He ignored his presence earlier knowing he can't do anything to ruin his plans. Now seeing the man's calm expression though, he's starting to think otherwise. "Don't kid yourself, Aslam. You inheriting his shares comes with a price which you haven't fulfilled" He threw a nasty glance at Taslim who couldn't cold her urge to scoff.

She had always known Hisham is a douchebag. But that day, he seemed to show his true colors to everyone.

Aslam chuckled, shaking his head as he crossed his legs, his unwavering gaze on Hisham. "I thought you knew me better than to pull such cheap tricks on me" He stated, his words albeit holding humor, were serious to the core. "I may be a mere doctor, but I guess I know a few business tricks up my sleeve" He stated, picking up his phone to tap whatever on it. He then brought the phone to his ear, his gaze never leaving his cousin's.

"What do you--"

"You can come in now" Aslam spoke to whoever is on the other end, and only a few seconds later, the meeting room door opened again accompanied by the sound of heels. The noise earned the people's attention, including Hisham who wanted to see who Aslam brought.

His brows drew in, not recognizing the woman's face. "And who the hell is this woman?" He asked, throwing her a glare.

She paused in her steps towards the other end of the table, turning around to narrow her eyes on. "I wouldn't speak to me like that" She warned, her voice as cold as her glare. "I'm not the nicest person around"

Hisham scoffed, while Aslam looked down, chuckling lightly. He knew he made the right decision by asking for her help. He waited till she went round the table, taking the chair opposite Hisham on the other end. She sat upright, her unwaveringly glare on the man as she dared him with her eyes to say something that will annoy her. She was already upset from what Aslam told her of the case.

Begrudgingly, she shifted her eyes to Aslam who offered her a nod. She passed the papers she brought along with her to the board members, whom in turn passed it to the ones next to them.

"Written on the papers handed over to you, is a written statement by my late grandfather—Allah jikan shi—showing he had transferred his shares to me..." He paused, turning around to stare at Hisham who looks like he's on the brink of screaming. The thought had Aslam smirking, as he finished his statement. "...two years ago"

Hisham's eyes widened, as he snatched the paper that had just been passed to him. Going over the handwritten paper, he scoffed before he tore the paper. "THIS MEANS NOTHING!"

"Oh, but it means a lot"

"My client is right" The woman that none of them knew—except Aslam stated. "We have the original document, and a printed one that has the late Chairman and his grandson's signature dating back to two years ago when he transferred the shares with no conditions attached" She explained to everyone in the room, as she intertwined her fingers.

"Who are you?" This time it was Taslim who asked, finally finding her voice as she looked up from the photocopied document. Her brows drew in as she tried to comprehend the new information. The old man had already transferred his shares to Aslam two years ago? Then who came up with the condition if he didn't?

"I am Attorney Aria Tayyu Safwan" The woman introduced, her chin held up slightly. Her whole aura screamed confidence, it was obvious in the way she carried herself. She had this poise of dignity, and authority that demands respect and attention—a woman that truly knew her worth and wouldn't let anyone step all over it. "And Dr. Aslam Muhammad Abd Al-Rasheed here is my client"

Some of the board members nodded in understanding, though the whole thing confused them even more. This was supposed to be a simple voting session but it turns out more complicated than they ever imagined.

"—And regarding the condition that never existed to begin with, we will find the person responsible and sue them for tampering with inheritance that had already been processed long ago"

Hisham's shoulder rose, then slumped repeatedly as he blew out ragged breaths. Pointing a finger at Aslam, which he shifted to the woman, he screamed. "YOU CANNOT DO THAT!"

The corner of Aria's lips slanted upwards into a smirk, "Watch me" She stated, not a bit wavered by the man's anger.

"I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THIS YOU PATHETIC LAWYER" AT this point, Hisham was too blinded by anger to think clearly. If it was Aslam alone, he could handle him but the man just had to bring some lawyer who thinks she's all high and mighty into this. "I SWEAR I WOULD" She doesn't know who Hisham Abd Al-Rasheed is.

Aria chuckled, shaking her head lightly in amusement. "It's cute you think such way" She then tsked, "But I could sue you for that. I mean, you just threatened me openly. If anything happens to me, it's on you"

Aslam held back his chuckle of amusement. He knew he made the right choice picking the Princess as his Attorney. From what he heard from others, and her husband, she's good at what she does and he is clearly seeing it. He doesn't know much of what she has been through, but from the little he knows, he doubts someone as small as Hisham can faze her.

No one in their right mind would cross her. The girl has a whole damn Caliphate behind her.

And besides, even if she doesn't, her husband isn't exactly one you would like to cross paths with when she's involved.

"Well, I speak for everyone when I say we've heard enough of screaming for one day" Aslam spoke up, clasping his hands together as he offered them a wide smile. "It's time we choose a new Chairman. Someone with less..." He threw Hisham a glance before he completed his sentence. "...baggage"

"You can't do that, Aslam" Hishamd warned through gritted teeth.

"Oh I sure can" Aslam's smile didn't falter. "Even if you all don't vote, mine alone can suffice"

"You have my vote too" Taslim spoke up, her face set with determination. She honestly couldn't care who has the position, she knew she would support whoever Aslam picks because the person would be better than her brother.

Aslam smile widened. Their votes will be enough, but he knows the others would vote for who he would pick of because it's obvious Hisham is on the losing side. "Do I have your votes too?" He asked, trusting his instincts.

Slowly, they rose their hands up, although not all. But that was more than enough.

He nodded, satisfied. He cleared his throat, before he made the announcement that is as well as set to stone. Though none of them expected the answer, he was sure of his decision. "Well, in that case, we can all agree that we have a new Chairperson for HGH—

--Taslim Abd AL-Rasheed"

~*~

OMO! Only @mss-amee guessed today's cameo appearance.

Hisham, a friendly warning, you cannot go against Aria no matter what. Shey una don't know THE Attorney Aria Tayyu Safwan, Price Aali's wife of Hadewa Caliphate. Ah, wahala.

Anyways, who missed Aria? I know I definitely missed my girl.

I'm sure most if not all of you thought Aslam would be the new Chairman. Nah man, that's too obvi we need a change.

Taslim as Chairwoman of HGH, kai! Hisham would die but she defs deserves it.

And then the reason why Aslam couldn't contact Aisha. Allah sarki baby na. Wlh if she still doesn't want you come, we have ladies here.

Oh and someone should stop me from preparing for the upcoming wedding in this book. It's getting out hand. Har na fara hada playlist as if the pictures and videos aren't enough. Someone would think it's a real wedding.

Sha, should we get a big wedding? Cuz I want to dance o!

Toh, let's wait for that first.

Ditched yall for Kdrama but now that I'm done, I guess I'm back before is start another one.

I don tire. Goodnight.

Love, Jannah.