MEENAT (AISHA / LOVELY)

Author: Meenat (Meenat Skto)
Dedication: Specially dedicated to the Queens Group (Rukayya, Ubaida, Fatima, Nabila, Sa'adat, Mallam Ruke, and Ameena)—friends forever, by Allah's grace.

CHAPTER ONE

All praise and gratitude belong to our Holy Prophet, the Prophet of Mercy (peace be upon him). O Allah, increase our love for him and let us die among the righteous. Ameen.
The moment their car came to a halt, she hopped out and ran straight into the house, calling out loudly for Mummy.
Mummy, who was comfortably seated in the living room, welcomed her with a warm smile. "Who bothered my Lovely today?" she asked fondly.
Aisha threw herself into her mother's arms, pouting playfully. "Mummy, I want to have some ice cream. I want to be taken to the zoo or the park. And Mummy, I also want some chocolate!"
Mummy shook her head, her smile widening. "Oh, my utterly spoiled baby. Who is going to buy all these things you’ve just listed? Don't forget that just before you left, you finished your ice cream, and you took chocolate with you to school."
"Mummy, please! I want Big Brother to take me. You already know how he is." She pouted her lips even more. "But Mummy, if you speak to him yourself, he will definitely go."
"I am not going anywhere!" a voice suddenly barked. "What kind of girl are you anyway, Lovely?"
Startled by her brother's voice, Aisha scrambled to her feet. She dashed toward her bedroom door, but right before slipping inside, she turned back with a mischievous grin and shouted defiantly, "I swear, Mummy, he must take me, and he must buy them for me! So, Brother, you might as well just accept it right now!"
Seeing him step toward her, she quickly ducked into her room, giggling. Manir shook his head, a soft smile breaking across his face as he made his way to his own bedroom.
Once inside, Aisha went straight to the bathroom to wash up before performing her ablution and observing her prayers. After praying, she opened her wardrobe to pick an outfit, but changed her mind and closed it. Instead, she grabbed her phone, flopped onto the bed, and started playing a game. Before she knew it, exhaustion caught up with her, and she drifted off into a deep sleep.
She was startled awake sometime later by her phone ringing. Still groggy, she answered.
Mummy’s voice came through the line. "My Lovely, haven't you come out yet? You know it's time to cook."
"Oh, Mummy, I swear Brother is going to discipline me! You know how disrespectful I was to him earlier."
"Don't worry, just come out. He isn't here; he’s in his room."
"Okay, Mum." Aisha glanced at the wall clock and gasped, "Oh my God!"
She leaped out of bed, rushed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and performed her ablution. After praying calmly, she opened her closet and picked out a pink mini-skirt paired with an armless crop top that stopped right at her navel. She lightly dusted on some powder, applied a slick of lip gloss, and slid her feet into a pair of matching pink shoes. She pulled open her door to leave but quickly turned back to spritz on some perfume.
As she stepped into the hallway, she ran into Mummy.
"Masha Allah, my Lovely! You look absolutely beautiful," Mummy praised, hugging her tightly.
"Thanks, my lovely Mum," Aisha replied happily as they walked hand-in-hand toward the kitchen.
"So, what does my princess want to eat today?" Mummy asked.
"Hmm, my beautiful Mummy, today you are going to sit back and rest in your room. I am going to handle the cooking all by myself."
"Lallai, no, Lovely! Let us just do it together."
Aisha insisted with a playful whine, "I swear, Mum, from today onward, let me do the cooking."
"Alright then," Mummy conceded. But just as she reached the door, she turned back. "Lovely, be very careful in here, okay?"
"Insha Allah, my Mama."
Aisha opened the freezer and pulled out two whole chickens, some meat, and offal, placing them in a small basket. She switched on the gas cooker and set the pot to make coconut rice. Next, she prepared peppered chicken and a spicy pepper soup with the offal, before using the remaining meat to fry up a rich stew. Once everything was perfectly cooked, she neatly transferred the food into food warmers and arranged them beautifully on the dining table.
She was just finishing up clearing the kitchen when the Maghrib call to prayer began to echo. She hurriedly completed her chores and retreated to her room to shower and change into a stylish Western outfit—a top and a skirt. After performing her Maghrib prayer, she pulled out her Qur'an and recited until it was time for Isha. After observing her night prayer, she finally headed straight to Mummy’s room, knocking and entering with a polite greeting.

CHAPTER TWO

Aisha walked into the room with a salam and sat close to Mummy, waiting patiently until her mother finished her post-prayer supplications.
Smiling warmly, Aisha said, "Mum, good evening."
Mummy smiled back, pulling the girl affectionately into her lap. "Welcome, my little princess. Well done with the chores."
"Mum, food is ready."
"Alright, let's go."
When they reached the dining table, Mummy noticed someone was missing. "Did you inform your brother?"
"No, Mummy. I swear, he’ll beat me."
Mummy shook her head. "Lovely, he won't do anything to you. Go and call him."
Aisha reluctantly dragged her feet to Manir's room. She gently pushed the door open and whispered a greeting. She had to repeat it three to four times before Manir startled awake. He scrambled up frantically, quickly hiding a photograph under his pillow—a photograph that he normally kept closely pressed against his chest at all times.
"Wow, Brother, what kind of deep sleep is this?" Aisha teased. "I've been standing here greeting you forever."
He smiled warmly at her. "Oh, sorry, my little sis. What's happening?"
"Well, I noticed you hadn't come out for dinner yet."
"Okay, let's go."
Aisha led the way while Manir followed closely behind. When they reached the dining area, Mummy looked up and teased, "So, the seeds of discord you sowed have grown? The moment she went to call you, you decided to take your time."
Manir smiled and replied, "Mum, you already know no one interferes between us."
"That's true," Mummy conceded.
Aisha served the food. But as they ate, Mummy noticed that Manir hadn't even finished half of his portion. His gaze was entirely fixed on Aisha, watching her every move. Smiling quietly to herself, Mummy stood up from the table.
Manir quickly spoke up. "Uh, Mum, please, Lovely and I want to go out for a bit."
"Alright, but before you leave, I need to see you in my room."
"Okay," Manir replied simply.
Aisha turned to him eagerly. "Big Brother, I hope you're going to buy me that ice cream!"
He chuckled. "Whatever it is, you'll see when we get there."
They stepped outside to find their cars waiting. A guard immediately opened the door for them, and Manir held Aisha's hand as they entered. Two escort vehicles took the lead while two followed closely behind.
Upon arriving at the store, an attendant quickly pulled out a seat for Manir. He sat down and turned to Aisha. "Baby, go around and pick whatever you want."
Overjoyed, Aisha dashed straight to the sweets and chocolate section. She grabbed an assortment of treats, picking out at least twenty different varieties.
Manir watched her in utter amazement. "Haba, Lovely, for God's sake, what kind of obsession is this?"
She stuck her tongue out playfully. "I swear... I... I just want them!"
Smiling, Manir shrugged. "Alright, I hear you. Let's go." His escorts stepped forward to handle the payment.
"Big Brother..." Aisha called out. The tender way she pronounced his name sent a strange, intense thrill straight through his body.
He composed himself with effort and answered, "Yes?"
"Please, please, and please... ice cream!"
"Look at you. You always want to consume nothing but sugar," he lectured gently. He turned to his security detail and gave them a quick order. Within a few moments, they returned with her ice cream.
By the time they arrived back home, it was already 10:45 PM. Exhausted from the outing, they went straight to their respective rooms. As soon as Aisha entered her bedroom, she dumped all her sweet treats into the mini-fridge. Too tired to do anything else, she took a quick shower, collapsed onto her bed, and fell into a deep, unbroken sleep that lasted until dawn.

CHAPTER THREE

Aisha didn't wake up until the morning call to prayer. She rushed into the bathroom, performed her ablution, and stood up to pray. Following her usual routine, she sat back to read two sections (Hizb) of the Holy Qur'an, praying to the Almighty to grant her heart's desires.
By 6:00 AM, she took a proper shower, slipped into a simple vest and a mini-skirt, and headed straight into the kitchen. Since time was limited, she quickly fried up some meat pies and spring rolls that she always kept pre-made in the freezer. She then boiled some highly spiced tea, poured it into a flask, and set the dining table, packing her own breakfast into a takeaway container.
Once she was fully dressed for school, she walked into Mummy's room. She pushed the door open gently and offered a warm greeting.
With a bright smile, Mummy opened her arms, and Aisha quickly rushed into her embrace. "My Mama, good morning!"
"Morning, dear. Did you sleep well?"
"Alhamdulillah. Mum, I'm heading off to school now. Yesterday, by the time we got back, you were already asleep."
"Well, whenever you and that brother of yours go out, only God knows when you'll return," Mummy teased. "Where is all the chocolate that was bought for you? Because I know you probably want to eat that for breakfast alongside your ice cream."
"Mum, it's right here in my school bag."
"Did you pack all of it?"
"No, Mum, I only took ten pieces."
"Lallai, Lovely! Ten whole pieces? That is way too much. You must remember that as a young woman, consuming too much sugar can cause serious health issues, especially when it comes to childbearing or your monthly periods. [Author's Note: Seriously, we must be very careful, because consuming too much sugar is an entirely different kind of danger. Please, let's look after our health.]"
"Insha Allah, Mum, I will cut down. Let me leave now so I don't run late."
Mummy planted a tender kiss on her forehead. "May Allah protect you, my little angel."
"Ameen, my lovely Mum. I am so proud of you. You are the best mother in the world!"
As Aisha rushed out, she bumped right into Manir. With a bright, cheerful face, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug. A sudden shockwave of emotion rippled through his body.
Regaining his composure, he smiled down at her. "Morning, my princess. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, my brother! Let me hurry so I don't get a late mark."
"Okay, see you when you get back." He leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
She ran out into the courtyard, waving back at him. "Bye-bye!"
The driver immediately scrambled to attention as she approached. Aisha paused when she noticed two vehicles parked in the driveway. "Usman, why are there two cars today?"
"It is an order from the Boss, miss," the driver explained politely.
Aisha sighed heavily, letting out a sharp hiss of annoyance. Four security guards stood by as the door was opened for her, and she climbed inside. Throughout the entire drive to school, she sat in the back seat, completely irritated and hissing quietly.
When the convoy drove through the school gates, she impatiently reached for the door handle to open it herself. One of the escorts quickly rushed forward and pulled it open for her, looking frantic. "For God's sake, Boss's spoiled favorite, please don't get us into trouble! If the Boss finds out you are opening the door by yourself, our jobs are as good as gone."
Aisha let out another loud hiss. "Oh, please, step aside and move out of my way!" she snapped, stepping out of the vehicle in a huff.
Her school friends, who were standing nearby watching the grand entrance, quickly trailed behind her. "For God's sake, what kind of girl are you?" one of them muttered in awe.
Khadija (Friend for Ever) sighed longingly. "Wow, how I wish I were the one in your shoes! The students in this school would have truly seen the definition of arrogance from me, I swear."
Alisa smiled and countered, "Well, you know everyone has their own unique preferences and personality."
Khadija shrugged. "That's very true, my sister."

CHAPTER FOUR

Since they were late, they headed straight to the assembly ground before rushing into their classroom at exactly 8:00 AM.
After the first two periods, the bell rang for break time. Aisha’s mood instantly soured the moment she spotted her driver waiting near the courtyard. She marched over quickly. "Usman, what is going on? Is everything okay?"
"Our spoiled princess," Usman replied respectfully, "the Boss said the operational rules have changed. From now on, we are instructed to wait here until your closing hour."
Aisha let out a long, heavy sigh of pure frustration. Without a word, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Moments later, a messenger arrived to inform her that the Principal was summoning her. As the school's Head Girl, she was to represent the institution in an upcoming debate. The Principal handed her the official topic: "Girl Child Education is More Important Than Boy Child Education."
Aisha looked at the paper, then up at the administrator. "Sir, please, I need your permission so that I can discuss this topic and prepare my points with my brother."
"Oho, you may go ahead," the Principal agreed kindly.
"Thank you, sir," she said, stepping out of the office.
Her frustration over the suffocating security detail her brother had pinned on her remained bottled up all day. The exact moment she arrived back home and crossed the front gates, she burst into a dramatic, tearful whine.
Hearing her crying, Manir rushed out of the house in a panic. "What happened? Is everything alright?"
"Big Brother, I swear, I absolutely hate these escorts!" she sobbed throwingly.
Manir let out a breath of relief, looking at her tenderly. "Haba, Lovely. Are you really crying over this little thing? Fine, put your heart at ease, it's taken care of."
Aisha wiped her nose and nodded. Manir took her hand, and together they walked into the house.
They found Mummy resting in the living room. Seeing Aisha's tear-streaked face, Mummy immediately asked, "What is the matter?"
Manir smiled reassuringly. "Mum, I have already handled the issue."
Aisha immediately threw herself into her mother's lap. "Mum, I missed you."
"My Lovely, I missed you too," Mummy replied, wrapping her arms around her.
Aisha turned to her brother. "Big Brother, please come and help me draft my points. I was assigned a school debate."
"Oh, is that so? What is the topic?"
She explained it to him, and he nodded. "Alright, come over when you're ready."
Aisha went to her room to pray and eat her lunch. Before heading to Manir's room, she made a quick detour to the kitchen and grabbed two tubs of ice cream and some chocolates. She walked into his room with a polite greeting.
Manir looked up, his face lighting up with a warm smile. He shook his head amusedly. "My princess, didn't you just finish having ice cream?"
"Hmm, Big Brother, I swear, I just feel like eating it right now."
"Alright, sit down, let's get started."
Aisha was thrilled. Manir was incredibly brilliant and provided her with highly sophisticated points for her debate. They worked continuously until the Asr call to prayer, which was when they finally wrapped up.
Later that evening, after the Isha prayer, the family was gathered around the dining table having dinner when Aisha's phone began to ring. She glanced at Mummy, then nervously looked toward Manir. Seeing that the phone was about to cut off and Aisha was making no move to answer it, Manir reached across and picked it up himself.
The moment his eyes fell on the caller ID, an absolute wave of blinding, furious jealousy consumed him. In a violent fit of rage, he slammed his hand onto the table so hard that the glassware shattered completely.
He launched into a terrifying tirade, shouting at the top of his lungs. Mummy tried her best to calm him down, pleading with him to stop, but his jealousy was so raw and overpowering that she eventually gave up and went silent, watching him vent.
After raging for over an hour, Manir finally fell silent. He stormed into his room, emerged moments later holding his briefcase, and walked right out of the house, leaving the estate entirely.
Aisha sat frozen in terror, unable to sleep until midnight. Twenty minutes after she finally managed to drift off, Manir returned to the house and walked straight into his bedroom.
The next morning at dawn, the loud roaring of his car engines woke her up. Before she could even run outside to see him, the estate gates had already slammed shut behind his convoy. She walked back into her bedroom, her body feeling weak and entirely drained of energy. She managed to shower, perform her ablution, and observe her prayers, but the moment she finished, she collapsed onto the floor and began to weep bitterly.
Realizing that crying all day would solve nothing, she wiped her tears and walked into Manir's room. The room wasn't excessively dirty, but it bore the typical clutter of a young bachelor's quarters. She decided to clean it.
Starting with his private bathroom, she meticulously hand-washed all his inner garments. She then rearranged the entire bedroom setup, thoroughly mopped the floors, and wiped down every single hidden nook and cranny.
While cleaning, one particular detail struck her with profound amazement: no matter where she turned in his room, she encountered photographs of herself. There were so many pictures of her displayed everywhere, many of which she didn't even remember being taken.
She remained in his room through the afternoon, observing both her Zuhr and Asr prayers right there.
At around 5:00 PM, Manir finally returned home, looking physically exhausted and emotionally drained. He walked into the main living room to find Mummy sitting on the sofa. Mummy shot him a deep, disapproving glare.
Manir offered a sheepish, tired smile. "I know... this is all about your daughter, right? Where is she? Because I swear, even I have suffered terribly from not seeing her all day."
"She has been inside your bedroom since morning," Mummy replied coldly. "She hasn't even had a single bite of breakfast."
"Oh my God!" Manir gasped.
He hurried down the hallway and pushed his bedroom door open. He was instantly greeted by the crisp, cool air of the air conditioner and the rich scent of room fragrance. He let out a long, heavy sigh of relief as his eyes landed on Aisha. She was curled up across his bed, fast asleep, her chest rising and falling with soft, post-crying sighs.
The familiar scent of his cologne slowly stirred her awake. Opening her eyes, she realized he was standing over her. She scrambled up frantically and threw herself into his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
Manir wrapped his arms around her tightly, holding her as if his very life depended on it, letting out a long, shuddering breath. They held each other in deep silence for a long time before Aisha finally choked out, "Big Brother... please, I am so sorry. Forgive me, I swear I will never do it again."
"That's enough, my Lovely," he whispered tenderly, brushing her hair back. "Seeing your tears drop feels exactly like someone is pouring burning hot coals directly onto my heart." He gently lifted her chin. "Come on, smile for me. Smile, smile."
Despite her sadness, a bright laugh slipped past her lips.
Manir smiled warmly. "There she is. My one and only beloved. Come along, let's get you something to eat. Mum told me you haven't had breakfast yet."

CHAPTER FIVE

Today was the highly anticipated day of the school debate championship. Aisha had been up and ready since 6:00 AM.
Manir attended the event as one of the chief VIP guests of honor. The competition was incredibly fierce, as the opponent matched Aisha's intelligence point-for-point, forcing Aisha to utilize every ounce of her academic wit. In the end, Aisha emerged victorious, clinching the ultimate grand prize.
The venue erupted into a frenzy of cheers and loud applause as the prizes were announced:

• The Executive Governor presented Aisha with her first prize: an all-expenses-paid spiritual trip to Mecca.
• The School Principal presented the second prize: a luxurious, complete set of pure gold jewelry.

• Manir stepped forward to present the third grand prize: a brand-new, sleek BMW car.
  Her worthy opponent was awarded a spiritual trip for Umrah. By 5:00 PM, the event wrapped up, and they returned home.
  Bursting with uncontained joy, Aisha threw herself into Mummy's arms. "Mum, thank you so much for your endless prayers! I love you!"
  "Wow, Masha Allah! I always knew you could do it, my daughter. What would you like me to buy for you as a reward?"
  "Mum, all I want from you is your continued love and blessings."
  "May Allah bless your knowledge, your life in this world, and your hereafter," Mummy prayed emotionally.
  "Ameen, my Mummy."
  "Now go along and take a shower, I know you must be exhausted."
  "Mum, did you see the gorgeous car Big Brother gifted me?"
  "A whole car, my Lovely?" Mummy asked in amazement.
  "Yes, I swear, Mum! The Governor gave me a trip to Mecca, the Principal gave me pure gold, and Brother gave me a BMW!"
  "May Allah cause this education to be highly beneficial to you, my dear angel."
  "Ameen, my Mummy."
  Time waits for no one, and a week flew by rapidly. Aisha was now just one day away from completing her final National Examination Council (NECO) papers. Coincidentally, this fell on the exact same date as Manir's grand graduation ceremony, where he was to be officially inducted as a medical doctor.
  Manir walked into Mummy's bedroom and found her sitting quietly on the bed. He sat down near her feet, nervously scratching his head like a young man who had a guilty conscience.
  Mummy looked at him knowingly. "Aha, my son. Have you suddenly lost your tongue?"
  "Well... no, Mum. It's just that... I..." He trailed off into a tense silence.
  "Hmm, I am listening. It's just what?"
  "It's about that girl, Mum," he confessed in a low, earnest voice. "To be completely honest with you, I am incredibly impatient to make her officially mine. She herself once told me that delaying things only allows someone else to sweep in and take what belongs to you."
  Mummy let out a long, heavy sigh. "My son, for the sake of the Almighty, please stop this overwhelming anxiety. I feel it deeply in my soul that she will eventually be yours. Put your heart at ease; there is only one week left anyway."
  "Okay, Mum. I am heading out now."
  "May Allah bring you back safely."
  "Ameen, my Mama."
  The hands of time kept ticking. The following day, Aisha would finish her final NECO examinations, and the final preparations for Dr. Manir's grand graduation gala were in full swing.
  After the Maghrib prayer, Aisha was relaxing in the living room, holding a tub of ice cream, when Manir walked through the front door carrying several shopping bags. She jumped up eagerly to welcome him. "Welcome back, Big Brother!"
  "Thank you, my choice. Please bring these shopping bags into my room."
  She followed him closely into his bedroom. He turned around and smiled. "Here you go, my special one. Open it up and take out your gifts."
  With trembling hands full of excitement, Aisha pulled open the bags. Inside was an exquisite, high-quality black material adorned with shimmering white stones. Overjoyed, she gasped, "Big Brother, is this really mine?"
  "Yes, my choice. That is the outfit you will wear tomorrow night for the graduation party. And during the daytime ceremony, you will wear this matching Shadda fabric."
  Before he could even finish his sentence, Aisha threw her arms around his neck in a sudden, ecstatic hug. A powerful, electric thrill ran straight through Manir's entire body.
  Releasing him quickly, she grabbed her gorgeous new outfits and ran straight to Mummy's room. "Mummy! Mummy! Mummy!"
  "Yes, Lovely? What is with all this loud shouting?"
  "Mum, look! Look at what Big Brother just got tailored for me!"
  Mummy’s countenance instantly grew heavy, a wave of profound sadness settling over her face because she knew the painful truth of what was looming on the horizon.
  Aisha noticed the sudden shift. "Mum, why did your face suddenly turn so red?"
  Forcing a brave smile, Mummy lied, "Oh, it's just a slight headache, my dear. That's why."
  "Oh, Mummy, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
  "I've already taken some medication, so don't worry. May Allah grant me relief."
  "Ameen, my Mummy."
  "Now go back to your room and study. Remember you have an important core paper tomorrow morning."
  "Okay, Mum."

  CHAPTER SIX

  Early the next morning, Khadija and Alisa arrived at the house to pick Aisha up for her final paper. Today, Manir had assigned a massive security detail consisting of six male guards and one female officer to escort her. Not a single male student dared to even approach or speak to her.
  By 10:45 AM, the final bell rang, signifying the end of their high school career. The students spilled out into the courtyard, celebrating wildly by tearing their uniforms according to tradition. Aisha's escorts formed a tight wall around her, preventing anyone from touching her, though her hijab was slightly torn in the commotion. By 2:30 PM, the crowd finally dispersed. Khadija and Alisa waved goodbye, promising to see her later at the graduation party.
  When Aisha arrived home, she was utterly exhausted. She took a quick shower, observed her prayers, and fell into a deep sleep, waking up at around 4:20 PM. After taking another refreshing shower and praying, she finally put on the stunning daytime outfit Manir had gifted her.
  She applied a flawless, light touch of makeup and sprayed on her favorite perfume, One and Only.
  She walked into the main living room to find Mummy hosting some of her close friends. Aisha greeted them with utmost respect.
  One of the guests, Hajiya Rahila, looked at her in admiration. "Wow, is this really our Lovely? She has grown into such a stunning young woman! I swear, I am officially reserving her for my son."
  Another guest, Auntie Mariya, chuckled. "Oh, look at you! I already beat you to it and claimed her long ago."
  Aisha stayed quiet, blushing deeply with a shy smile.
  Mummy turned to her. "My Lovely, have you eaten anything yet?"
  "No, Mum, I was sleeping."
  "Alright, go and have something to eat."
  Right after finishing her Isha prayers, Aisha heard Mummy downstairs welcoming several female guests. She quickly rushed into the bathroom to freshen up. When she emerged, she noticed a short, handwritten note resting on her bed:

  Lovely, once you are ready, the professional makeup artists are waiting for you in the family living room.

  She hurriedly put on her hijab and walked out. Two professional stylists were waiting. She greeted them politely, and one of them instructed, "Please sit down, miss."
  One stylist began expertly styling her hair while the other applied a glamorous evening makeup look. Within twenty minutes, the transformation was complete. "You can go ahead and put on your party dress now," they instructed.
  Aisha quickly changed into the black gown adorned with brilliant white stones. The stylists added the final touches to her look.
  She walked into Mummy's room to show her. "Mum, do I look beautiful?"
  Mummy gasped, her eyes wide with pride. "Masha Allah, Lovely! Just look at you. I swear, not a single young lady in this entire city can compete with your beauty tonight. Hurry along now, the driver is waiting outside."
  As she stepped out of the villa, she found a convoy of five luxury vehicles waiting in the driveway—four sleek black cars acting as escorts, and a brilliant white luxury car positioned right in the center. The door to the white car was pulled open for her, and she climbed inside.
  While they were en route to the venue, her phone buzzed with an incoming text message. Seeing it was from her brother, she opened it quickly:

  "Pls lil sis, I want you to pretend as my girlfriend tonight. You know I don't have a date. Pls, pls, and pls. Love you."

  The moment she finished reading the text, the convoy pulled up to the grand venue. Manir was already waiting at the entrance. He stepped forward, personally opened her car door, and extended his hand to help her out.
  He pulled her arm through his, locking their hands together, while his security detail formed a protective perimeter behind them. As they walked into the beautifully decorated hall, Aisha's eyes immediately fell upon a massive, tier-designed cake that perfectly matched the colors of their outfits.
  They took their places at the elevated VIP high table. Written in elegant icing across the cake were the words: MANIR & AISHA — TOGETHER WILL BE, INSHA ALLAH.
  Abdurrahman, Manir's best friend, took the microphone to welcome the distinguished guests before handing it over to the man of the hour, Dr. Manir.
  After welcoming everyone, Manir cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the hall. "First and foremost, I would love to officially introduce the source of my joy, my absolute pride, my soul, and the woman who has become an inseparable part of my very being—the future mother of my children, Insha Allah: Mrs. Manir!"
  The entire hall erupted into a frenzy of deafening cheers, whistles, and applause. Together, they stepped forward and cut the cake. Afterward, Aisha presented Manir with a beautifully wrapped graduation gift she had prepared for him, triggering another round of thunderous applause.
  The glamorous party finally came to an end at around 11:30 PM. Khadija and Alisa waved goodbye as they left.
  On the drive back home, Manir turned to her, his eyes full of gratitude. "Little sis, thank you so much for cooperating with me tonight. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
  "Haba, Big Brother, if I don't support you, who else will I support?" she replied affectionately. "You are all I have. You are the only one I look up to for comfort."
  "That is very true," he murmured softly. "Please, if it isn't too much trouble, prepare yourself tomorrow after the Asr prayer. I need you to accompany me somewhere important."
  "May Allah take us there safely," she replied.
  "Ameen," he answered as the cars pulled into the estate.
  Exhausted, Aisha walked into the house and slumped against Mummy. "Oh, sweet Allah, Mum! I am completely shattered."
  "Of course you are. He took you to a crowded environment you aren't used to," Mummy said gently. "Go along to your room and wash up."
  "I swear, Mum, I am too sleepy to even move. Goodnight."
  As she headed to her bedroom, Manir walked into the main living room. Aisha used a tissue to quickly wipe off her heavy makeup, took a hasty shower with effort, and collapsed onto the bed, wrapped only in her towel, falling into an instant, deep sleep.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The morning call to prayer woke her up. After observing her prayers, she immediately fell back asleep, not waking up again until 12:59 PM, driven out of bed by intense hunger pangs. She threw on a simple jalabiya and stepped out of her room.
  Manir, who had been unable to go out all morning because he was anxiously waiting for her, was seated on a chair directly facing her bedroom door. The moment he saw her step out, he hurried over.
  "Haba, my brother's favorite! Just because you went to bed a bit late last night, you decided to sleep until noon?"
  "Hmm, Big Brother, I swear I was just so exhausted, that's why. Even now, it was only hunger that woke me up."
  "Don't tell me you haven't had breakfast yet?"
  She simply shook her head.
  Manir took her hand and led her straight to the dining table. He personally served her food, and noticing she had very little appetite, he began to gently spoon-feed her himself until she was completely full. Afterward, they retired to the living room to relax.
  At exactly 3:30 PM, Manir looked at his watch. "Go and take a shower and get dressed so we can leave."
  Despite his calm exterior, his heart was pounding furiously at a frantic rhythm. As soon as Aisha went to her room to prepare, Manir headed straight to Mummy's bedroom. He found her sitting on the edge of her bed, looking deeply lost in thought with her chin resting in her hand.
  "Mum, good afternoon."
  "Good afternoon. Have you two not left yet?"
  "No, Mum. We will leave right after the Asr prayer."
  "Alright," Mummy sighed. She looked up at him, her expression dead serious. "For God's sake, Manir, I do not want you to use your position of authority or seniority over that girl. I want you to act like a real man and court her properly, just like every other young suitor courts a woman. If you involve my name or authority to force her into anything, I swear to you, I will never forgive you."
  "Insha Allah, Mum. I will do exactly as you say," Manir promised nervously. "My only hope is that you keep supporting me with your prayers."
  "May Allah bless you."
  "Ameen, my Mummy."
  Once Aisha finished getting dressed, she noticed the house was unusually quiet. Realizing her brother hadn't come out yet, she walked straight to his bedroom to check on him.
  She pushed the door open and stepped inside—at the exact millisecond Manir stepped out of his bathroom, wearing absolutely nothing but a small towel wrapped around his waist.
  Aisha let out a bloodcurdling, terrified scream, turned around on her heel, and bolted out of the room at lightning speed.
  A smirk played on Manir's lips as he watched her run. "Oh, you'll understand soon enough, little girl," he chuckled to himself. "This is only the beginning."
  Aisha ran straight into Mummy's room, panting heavily.
  "What is wrong, Lovely?" Mummy asked, startled.
  Before Aisha could offer an explanation, Manir walked into the room, fully dressed. He looked at them, feigning innocence. "Hey, what's going on here?"
  Aisha snapped, "Mtcheww! For God's sake, Mum, don't even listen to him! Just because he came out in a towel, he intentionally tried to startle me as if he were a ghost!"
  Mummy laughed. "Oh, Lovely! Is that really why you're this shaken up?"
  Manir cleared his throat. "Little sis, let's go. It's time to leave."
  With her energy completely drained and her heart feeling strangely heavy, Aisha quietly followed him out of the house.
  As they walked toward the driveway, she turned to him. "Big Brother, are you the one driving today too?"
  "Yes, little sis."
  As the car pulled out of the estate and onto the main road, Aisha looked out the window, a sudden wave of anxiety washing over her. "I swear, Big Brother... my heart is pounding so violently right now. I feel a terrible sense of dread."
  Manir tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He knew exactly why her heart was pounding; it was because of the monumental confession he was about to make. He remained completely silent, offering no response as the car sped toward their destination.