46~Cutie Patootie #3
"Once it's fully morning, go outside. There's something special waiting for you in the compound."
"Really?" Hanan asked curiously.
"What is it?"
"Wait until then. You'll find out."
"Okay." She smiled brightly.
"Let's all get some sleep now. I need to wake up early to prepare all of Hanan's favorite dishes."
"Aww... thank you, Nanny Ann."
"Don't mention it, dear."
With a warm smile, Hanan watched them leave for their rooms.
She picked up her phone, where birthday wishes had already begun pouring in from the people closest to her.
Najib.
Amira.
Amina.
Even Grandma wasn't left out.
The message that made her smile the widest was the first one she opened.
Happy Birthday, Habibti. ???? I can't wait to see you tonight. ??
Hanan had set her alarm for 9 am, and the moment it blared, she rushed out of bed, eager to see the surprise waiting for her outside.
On her way out, she passed Nanny Ann and Samira, who were busy in the kitchen.
"Good morning!" She greeted, waving at them before hurrying toward the front door.
"Good morning, birthday girl." Nanny Ann smiled, watching her leave.
Barely a minute later, Hanan's excited scream echoed through the house.
She came running back inside and rushed straight into Abdul's room, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug and waking him up.
"You got me a freaking car?!" She cried out excitedly.
"I did." He laughed. "I designed it myself just for you. I hope you like it."
"Are you kidding me? I love it!" She exclaimed, hugging him even tighter. "Oh, Abdul... what would I ever do without you?"
"Come on." He smiled. "Let's go see it properly. I want you to take me on its first ride."
The gift was a silver Audi.
It wasn't brand new, it had been fairly used but Abdul had personally rebuilt and remodeled it until it looked almost brand new.
Ever since the day he watched Hanan drive his car without leaving a single scratch on it, he wanted to buy her one of her own. Her birthday had been the perfect opportunity.
The entire family, including Samira, got into the car as Hanan proudly drove them around the compound.
Afterward, they spent a long time taking countless pictures with the car to commemorate the day.
Hanan couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the love surrounding her.
Back inside, Nanny Ann had already filled the dining table with every one of Hanan's favorite dishes.
She sat quietly, staring at the feast before her.
Never had she imagined that a village girl whose dreams had once been crushed and whose hope had nearly vanished would one day be living the very life she had always wished for.
Her heart swelled with gratitude to Allah and to her found family He blessed her with.
After enjoying breakfast together, they moved to the living room and spent the rest of the morning binge watching all of Hanan's favorite movies.
When lunchtime arrived, Abdul ordered food from all her favorite restaurants, mostly the junk food she loved.
Before they knew it, evening had arrived.
"You have less than an hour." Nanny Ann reminded her. "I suggest you start getting ready."
"Yeah." Abdul added with a grin. "I'm sure Najib is already on his way."
"Okay." Hanan smiled as she stood up from the couch and stretched.
She looked at the two of them, her eyes soft with gratitude.
"You both are such a blessing in my life. You've made this birthday so memorable that I don't even know how to repay you."
She smiled warmly.
"Thank you so much. I love you both."
"What are families for?" Nanny Ann smiled. "You deserve every bit of it. Enough with the thank yous, we already know how grateful you are. Now go and get ready."
"Nanny Ann said it all." Abdul agreed with a smile.
"Okay." Hanan laughed softly. "I'm going."
She hurried upstairs to her room, taking her time to shower and get dressed.
She had just finished getting ready when a familiar car horn echoed outside.
Instantly, she knew it was Najib.
She peeked through her bedroom window and smiled as she watched him gracefully step out of his car and make his way toward the house.
Turning back to the mirror, she gave herself one final look.
Everything was perfect.
She had done her best to look extra beautiful for him.
A gentle knock sounded on her bedroom door.
She opened it.
Standing outside was Najib, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, holding a single red rose.
Her eyes slowly traveled over him, and once again she found herself convinced that Allah had truly taken His special time creating him.
He looked breathtaking.
Too handsome for his own good.
"Hi, Miss Habiba."
"Hello, Mr.Najib." she replied with a smile that quickly turned into a laugh as he handed her the rose.
She accepted it carefully and brought it close to inhale its sweet fragrance.
"Thank you." She smiled. "It's beautiful."
"Not nearly as beautiful as you, Habibti."
He extended his hand toward her.
"Shall we?"
"Yeah." She smiled, placing her hand in his.
Hand in hand, they walked out together.
.
.
.
***