Nuha had been sitting at parking lot, staring at the sleek curves of the car parked outside, her mind buzzing with excitement. She hadn't told Nawal a single word, not about the gift, not about the car, not even that she'd be driving herself today. This was her little secret, and she wanted the moment to be perfect.
She dialed Nawal's number, her fingers trembling slightly. "Where are you?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Almost done with work. You ready for some adventure?" Nawal's voice bubbled with excitement.
Nuha grinned to herself, adjusting her seatbelt. "Just… wait until you see this," she said, her tone teasing, though Nawal had no idea what she meant.
Within minutes, Nuha pulled up in her own car and told Nawal to meet her downstairs. Nawal hopping out with her usual enthusiasm froze immediately when her eyes landed on the vehicle parked next to the curb.
"No way!" Nawal exclaimed, stepping closer, jaw dropping. "Is that… the latest Lexus RX 500h F SPORT?!"
Nuha leaned casually against the door, a proud smile tugging at her lips. "Surprise," she said simply, trying to downplay it, though her own excitement was barely contained.
Nawal's eyes sparkled, and she ran a hand over the polished hood. "Are you serious? This is yours? How… when… who..?" Her voice trailed off, awe evident in every syllable. "Nuha! This is incredible!"
Nuha laughed softly, watching her friend's reaction. "A small gift from my boss," she said, trying to sound casual. "For being… diligent, apparently."
Nawal grinned mischievously. "Diligent? Nuha, this isn't just diligent. This is luxury-level recognition! You're being spoiled, and you didn't even tell me!"
Nuha rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Not spoiled… just… appreciated."
Nawal leaned closer, practically bouncing in excitement. "I can't believe this. And here I thought today was just going to be a casual day after work. This is next-level! We have to take it for a spin right now!"
Nuha climbed in, the engine purring smoothly beneath her. "Absolutely. Since I have a day off tommorow, we might as well make the most of it," she said, a small thrill running through her as she adjusted the mirrors and seat.
As they drove through the city streets, Nawal couldn't stop staring at the interior. "I can't believe you're driving this. You look like a CEO or a celebrity. I feel like I should take a selfie with you and post it online," she said, laughing.
Nuha rolled her eyes. "Please don't. Let's keep some dignity intact."
"Dignity? In a Lexus RX 500h F SPORT? Nuha, priorities. The car comes first!" Nawal teased, nudging her gently.
Nuha shook her head, smiling. "It's just… work recognition. Nothing more."
"Uh-huh," Nawal said knowingly, raising an eyebrow. "Work recognition that comes with a car you didn't even tell me about. Sure, Nuha… nothing more. I see how it is."
Nuha laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, okay, it's… a bit exciting."
Nawal's grin was wide, infectious. "A bit? Girl, you're glowing! Tonight, we're taking this baby everywhere. Shopping, dinner… maybe even a little adventure. Fully unlocked day-off mode."
Nuha felt a rush of happiness, the rare freedom finally sinking in. "Sounds perfect," she said softly, gripping the steering wheel, her pulse quickening at the thrill of it all
Her phone buzzed suddenly, and she saw it was her mother. "Ummi!" she exclaimed. "I just got a day off, and I'm… I'm driving my new car!"
Aisha's voice was warm. "Alhamdulilahi, Nuha! That's wonderful, my daughter. Are you feeling okay?"
"Yes, ummi! Everything's fine. I'm going to enjoy the day. Just… work is done, finally."
Aisha chuckled softly. "I'm glad, Nuha. I'm out of town for a few days, but enjoy yourself. You deserve it."
Nuha smiled, her heart warm from her mother's blessing. "Thank you, ummi! I'll make sure to relax and have fun."
She hung up and looked at Nawal. "Everything's fine with ummi. She's out of town, but she's happy for me."
Nawal's grin was mischievous. "Perfect! Then let's make tonight unforgettable. First, we cruise through the city in style, then maybe a show we've been dying to watch."
The Lexus glided smoothly through the city streets, the hum of the engine perfectly matching Nuha's excitement. Nawal leaned back in the passenger seat, sunglasses perched on her head, grinning from ear to ear.
"I swear," she said, stretching her arms, "this car deserves a photoshoot. You should take me for a spin at sunset, just for aesthetics."
Nuha laughed, glancing at her friend. "Nawal, focus. We have a show to get to. And if you keep talking, I might miss a turn."
"Oh, don't worry, Miss Professional Driver," Nawal teased. "I'll keep my eyes peeled for dramatic street lights and cute street vendors so you can show off your impeccable driving skills."
Nuha shook her head, smiling to herself. "Impeccable driving skills… that's rich coming from someone who's terrified of a speed bump."
Nawal threw her hands up in mock offense. "Excuse me! I may be terrified, but I'm stylish while terrified. Big difference."
Nuha rolled her eyes but couldn't stop laughing. The streets blurred by as they sang along quietly to the music in the car, laughter punctuating the occasional honk from impatient drivers.
When they reached the theater, Nuha parked the Lexus carefully. Nawal practically jumped out, waving her arms dramatically.
"This is it! Finally! A show we've wanted to see forever!" she exclaimed.
Nuha smiled, locking the car and following her friend. "Yeah… and no work emails, no meetings, just… us."
They walked inside, tickets in hand, and found their seats. The lights dimmed, the anticipation in the air palpable. Nuha sank into her chair, finally allowing herself to relax. For once, the constant weight of work wasn't pressing on her shoulders.
Halfway through the first act, Nuha excused herself. As she walked through the dimly lit hallway toward the restroom, she accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," she said quickly, stepping back.
"No, no… my fault entirely," came a smooth, calm voice. Nuha looked up, and her breath caught.
Standing before her was a man with sharp, captivating eyes, his tailored jacket giving him an effortless elegance. There was a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself, and for a moment, Nuha forgot to speak.
"Uh… it's okay," she said finally, cheeks warming slightly.
The man smiled faintly, just a hint, and whispered to himself as she walked away, "God really creates beauty…"
Nuha, oblivious to the comment, moved on, already thinking about getting back to her seat, but her heart was fluttering more than she cared to admit.
Returning to her seat, Nuha's eyes immediately landed on Kaysan, sitting a few rows ahead. She leaned toward Nawal and muttered, rolling her eyes, "Is that why we're here?"
Nawal laughed softly. "He asked where you were, and I just invited him over. Don't roll your eyes, he wanted to see the show too."
Nuha groaned but smiled quietly. "Of course. He's here."
The rest of the show passed with music, laughter, and applause, though Nuha's thoughts drifted back to the mysterious man she had seen in the hallway.
As the show ended, and the audience began filing out, Nuha noticed the same man again. He was standing near Kaysan, casually observing the crowd.
"This is my cousin, Shan," Kaysan said, motioning toward the man. "Just came back to the city a few days ago. Thought I'd show him around."
Nuha blinked in surprise, her pulse quickening. She kept her eyes on her phone, trying to stay composed, but Shan's gaze lingered, quietly following her every move.
Nawal whispered softly, teasing, "I thought your cousin was a girl!"
Kaysan chuckled. "Nope, just a guy. But clearly, you noticed him," he said, smirking.
Nuha didn't answer, keeping her attention on her phone. Yet inside, her heart raced. The quiet, intense way Shan watched her was both unsettling and thrilling.
Shan, meanwhile, subtly adjusted his posture, not taking his eyes off her. Nuha caught the movement out of the corner of her eye but pretended to be absorbed in her messages.