48 hours earlier...

"How have you never considered marrying Layla? She is beautiful, caring and witty but in a charming way," Adil spoke, as if in a trance.

"Because she's the nanny, a maid. Why would I think of her at all," I replied, taking a sip of from my water bottle.

"I tell you this as a friend and a brother, you are a self-absorbed. That is how you end up being lonely for the rest of your life," Adil said.

"I am self-absorbed because I don't think my nephew's nanny is my type?"

"You have a type? Hah you actually think a fantasy, dream girl is going to come knocking on your door. Even with your looks, no girl will stay. I am actually surprised how Layla managed to tolerate you for three years."

"What's any of this got do with Layla. Why did you call me here? And whats with you and the life preachings?" I asked, curious to know why he is acting odd.

"I want to settle down," he said in a low tone. "My mother keeps on sending me pictures of girls, and setting up meetings. I declined all of them, so my mum gave me three months to find a wife."

"Let me guess. You think Layla is the one," I asked, leaning forward.

"Well I am yet to know. I want to talk her and I thought maybe you would give her a heads up." He is surely gone mad.

"Are you serious Adil? I will not talk to her, she works for me. I can't just walk up to her and say my cousin is interested in you and wants to get to know you. Be realistic," I told him.

"What's wrong with that?" He asked.

"I won't do it," I said firmly.

"I knew you wouldn't. So obviously I had a plan B, and that is to get her number from you."

"From all the women in the world, you choose Imad's nanny. What do you see in her? She's rude," I tried to explain, that she isn't the most advisable.

"That's only because you don't like her, and probably she doesn't like you either. I don't blame her," he spoke and chuckled.

"I'll give you her number. But I want nothing to do with this," I told him.

"Sure," he replied, and grinned.

Now*

Unknown number: Hey

Me: Who is this?

Unknown number: It's Adil.

Me: Oh hi...

How did you get my number?

Adil: I wanted to discuss something with you.

I think it's best we talk in person.

Me: Is it about Imad.

What's wrong with him? Do I need to come to the Mansion? Is Mr Ahmed with him?

Adil: Everything is okay. It's about something else.

Me: Okay

What could Adil possibly want to talk about...

Adil: Meet me at the cafe, Joule. At 4:00 o'clock.

Me: I can't help but wonder. Is there something wrong?

Adil: Curios cat?

Me: Something like that.

Adil: It's good to wonder.

Bye Layl

Me: Layl?

Adil: You'll get used to it. 😁

Me: Let's hope so.

I'll see you there in a while.

Today is Sunday, I leave the mansion early. Sunday is somehow my off, I usually go to the supermarket and buy some groceries. Spend the day with Hudaa or my mother... I can't get myself to go back to my apartment, I have been sleeping at the mansion or Hudaa's place. I can't go back there, at least not yet.

I was on my way to the mall, where I'll be meeting Hudaa. She insisted I go with her shopping, for baby stuff. That's when I got the text message from Adil. I wonder why he wants to meet me. It's almost four, so I'll just head to the cafe straight away. Hudaa will get so angry, that I'll be late for the shopping trip.

I got to the cafe, exactly at four o'clock. I stood outside the cafe, looking like a complete loner. "Hi there." I turn around and see Adil. Looking rather nervous, he tousled his dark-brown hair and smiled.

"Hey," I replied casually.

"How are you?" He asked.

"I am okay," I replied. "So what did you want to talk about?" I asked curiously.

"Well um..."

"Adil?" I said his name and looked at him, trying to figure out why he wanted to talk to me in person.

"Na'am [yes]," he said. "Ahmed's birthday is in two days." He breathed out as if in relief.

"Hahah, you wanted to meet with me because of Mr Ahmed's birthday. He never celebrates his birthday," I said.

"I know, that's why I wanted to plan a surprise party for him. And I thought maybe you could help me."

"Why would I help you plan Mr Ahmed's birthday? To be honest I don't like him, and planning his birthday party isn't on my to do list," I explained.

"Oh come on. Don't do it for him, do it for me. As a favor," he tried to convince me.

"So where will you do it?"

"I was thinking at his favorite restaurant," he suggested.

"Okay, but I don't get what you want me to do," I said.

"I want you to help me... uhh choose the cake and decorating. I don't really know how party planning works," he said.

"Okay," I replied.

"How about I pick you up tomorrow at the mansion, at ten o'clock."

"That's okay," I replied. My phone started ringing, I took it out from my bag. Hudaa is calling me. She's probably waiting for me at the mall. "I am sorry, I have to go now. My friend is waiting for me somewhere. I'll see you tomorrow insha allah [If God wills]."

"I didn't even get you coffee," he spoke, sounding somehow disappointed.

"Maybe next time."

"Bye Layla," he said, as I walked away.

"Bye," I replied, in a hurry to catch the next bus.

🎉✨.

❤️