Bani and her father sat down to discuss their plans, while her mother and younger brother sat by the bed, quietly watching them as ideas were exchanged. Her mother shared some of her thoughts, while Bani offered her own suggestions.
Bani recommended buying waterfront shops, reasoning that they were more practical and unlikely to remain vacant for long. They all agreed to start exploring options. Her father was thoughtfully searching for possibilities, but Bani seemed to have already made up her mind.
Her father preferred a simple house, while her mother suggested considering a villa. Bani, however, rejected the villa idea, knowing the property values and resale potential. She suggested looking at JBR Residential apartments instead, including penthouses, which she considered the best option.
Bani mentioned that she had $4 million, but she could not spend it all at once, as she needed to keep funds available to set up her business.
Bani leaned back against the headboard, fingers loosely intertwined, her gaze steady and assured. There was a quiet confidence in the way she spoke now—less like a teenager thinking aloud, more like someone already weighing timelines and returns.
"We don't need to rush," she said calmly. "First, we shortlist. Waterfront retail for steady income. One residential asset in JBR—something that appreciates and stays liquid."
Her father looked up from his phone, slightly surprised. "You've already shortlisted?"
Bani gave a small smile. "In my head, yes."
Her mother exchanged a glance with him. "And the business?" she asked gently. "You were clear about that."
"That's why I won't lock all the money into property," Bani replied. "I need flexibility. Licenses, office space, hiring… cash flow matters more than luxury right now."
Her younger brother, who had been silent all this while, finally spoke. "So no big house?"
Bani reached out and ruffled his hair. "Not yet. Big houses come when they don't slow you down."
There was a pause—one of those rare family silences where no one felt the need to argue. Her father nodded slowly. "Alright," he said. "We'll explore JBR apartments and waterfront shops. No villas. Step by step."
The decision settled the room into a quiet certainty. The next morning, they were already on the move.
By late afternoon, the car slowed near the waterfront, glass-fronted buildings reflecting sunlight off the sea. A discreet sign read Marjan Properties. Bani straightened instinctively as they stepped inside—the cool air, polished floors, and scale models laid out under soft lights immediately told her this was a place where numbers mattered more than words.
A representative greeted them and began explaining retail options along the promenade—corner units with high footfall, cafés already leased, smaller shops positioned near pedestrian crossings. Bani listened without interrupting, her eyes tracking the layout, mentally mapping movement patterns, entry points, and visibility.
"These units rarely stay vacant," the representative said confidently. "Tourist traffic, residents, evening crowds—it's consistent."
That confirmed what Bani already believed.
Her father asked about lease durations and maintenance costs. Her mother focused on security and long-term upkeep. Bani, however, leaned closer to the model, pointing at a narrow stretch near the water. "What about this row?" she asked. "Morning footfall might be low, but evenings would be strong. Restaurants would compete for it."
The representative paused, impressed. "You've done your homework."
Bani smiled, but said nothing.
As they walked out toward the glass doors overlooking the sea, she felt it clearly now—this wasn't just the first property visit.
After two rounds of walkthroughs, floor plans, and quiet calculations, the conversation slowed into something more serious.
Bani stood near the window, the scale model still open on the table behind her. She turned back to the representative. "We'll take four," she said evenly.
Her father looked at her—this time not surprised, just attentive. "Four retail units?" he asked, confirming.
"Yes," Bani replied. "Two corner-facing, one mid-promenade, and one closer to the parking access. Different footfall patterns, different tenants. It balances risk."
The representative nodded, already making notes. "All four are in high-demand zones. Leasing interest is strong."
"That's the point," Bani said. "I don't want to wait for tenants. I want them waiting for us."
Her mother exhaled softly, half relief, half awe. This wasn't an impulsive decision—it was precise. The numbers worked, the exposure made sense, and the units complemented each other instead of competing.
As preliminary paperwork was discussed, Bani stepped aside with her father. "This still keeps enough liquidity," she said quietly. "The business setup won't be affected."
The mood shifted once pricing entered the conversation.
Bani sat beside her father, calm and unreadable, as the agent ran the numbers again. "We're prepared to pay 40% upfront," Bani said clearly. "The remaining 60% will be financed."
The agent hesitated for only a moment before excusing himself. This was no longer a routine deal. Within minutes, he returned with his manager.
The manager listened carefully, reviewed the figures, and then smiled. "This is more than a transaction," he said. "It's a long-term relationship—and a significant opportunity for us."
There was genuine gratitude in their tone. Four retail units, structured payments, and future scope—it meant trust, volume, and yes, a very generous bonus. They didn't hide their appreciation.
"We should be transparent," the agent added. "With 60% on loan, approvals and handover will take longer."
Bani nodded without hesitation. "We understand. Time isn't a constraint if the structure is right."
Her father folded his hands, listening to everything—every clause, every timeline. When the discussion paused, all eyes turned to him. Despite the fact that the strategy, negotiation, and structure had come from Bani, the final word rested with him.
He asked one last question about safeguards and exit options.
Satisfied, he gave a single nod. "We proceed."
The room relaxed instantly.
The manager smiled broadly. "We're grateful for your trust."
Before leaving Marjan Properties, the conversation naturally drifted to the next item on their list—the apartment option.
The agent exchanged a quick glance with the manager. The momentum of the deal had shifted; this was no longer a one-off client. The manager, keen to secure more than just the retail transaction, leaned in. "If you're considering residential as well, we do handle a few premium properties under our umbrella."
Bani listened politely, letting him speak.
But when her father mentioned, "We're looking primarily at Jumeirah apartments," the manager's tone changed—not defensive, but collaborative. They were in the same industry, after all. There was no point overselling.
"In that case," the manager said, "we'd rather guide you honestly. Jumeirah has stronger end-user demand and better resale liquidity compared to many new launches."
He pulled out a folder and pointed to a few locations. "These aren't under us, but they're solid options—good views, reputable developers, and realistic appreciation."
The agent added, "Given your structure and timeline, these would align better than anything we push just to close a deal."
Bani appreciated that. No pressure. No theatrics. Just facts.
Her father nodded, absorbing the information. "We'll review and decide independently," he said.
"Of course," the manager replied. "Whenever you're ready."
As they finally stepped out, Bani felt a quiet satisfaction. Even without committing, they had earned something valuable—respect. And in this market, that often opened doors long before money did.