52~To A Lifetime Together X Epilogue
FINAL CHAPTER X CHARACTER AESTHETIC.
The entire family arrived at the Lagos International Airport just in time for Najib and Hanan's flight to Paris.
After weighing and checking in their luggage, they waited together until the final boarding announcement echoed through the departure hall.
"Passengers travelling to Paris are kindly requested to proceed to the Gate..."
The announcement made everyone's heart tighten.
It was time.
Abdul stepped forward, handing two passports to Najib before passing Hanan hers.
"Your passports and visas."
"Thank you." Hanan smiled gratefully.
Nanny Ann immediately pulled Hanan closer.
"I packed enough sweaters and jackets for you. Please wear them properly. It's already the ember season, and Paris will be freezing."
She gently adjusted Hanan's scarf.
"Take good care of yourself... and your husband."
Hanan smiled warmly before wrapping her in a hug.
"I will, In Sha Allah. Thank you for everything, Nanny Ann. You should also take care of yourself... and Abdul while I'm away."
After hugging her tightly, she turned toward Abdul.
Without saying anything, she simply looked at him for a second.
Then she smiled. "Thank you."
He frowned dramatically. "For?"
She laughed softly. "For being the sibling I never had, you've been a blessing Allah sent to me and no amount of gratitude can be compared to your kindness..."
His playful smile slowly faded.
"You've protected me, supported me, loved me... You've always been there."
Her eyes became teary. "From the day we met till today... you've been one of my greatest blessings. May Allah reward you abundantly."
Abdul laughed awkwardly before pinching both her cheeks. "Enough before you make everyone cry."
He smiled. "I love you, little sis."
"I love you too."
He pointed a warning finger at her.
"Have a safe flight... and don't cry too much because you'll miss me."
Hanan rolled her eyes. "Please... I won't even miss you."
Everyone laughed.
Then She walked over to Amina next. "Sis in law."
"Yes, dear?"
Hanan smiled before gently rubbing Amina's growing baby bump.
"Take good care of yourself... and my baby."
Amina laughed. "In Sha Allah." Before she leaned closer and whispered mischievously. "Pamper each other... and don't forget to send me pictures of everywhere you visit."
She paused dramatically. "And save all the honeymoon gist for me."
Hanan burst into laughter.
"Especially the steamy ones." She added.
Hanan covered her face. "Amina!"
Everyone around them laughed.
"You haven't changed at all." Hanan smiled.
Next was Amira.
The moment Hanan looked at her, she noticed the tears already gathering in her eyes.
"Why are you crying?" Hanan asked softly.
Amira shook her head. "I can't believe you're now a wife."
She sniffled. "And I won't see you until next year."
Before Hanan could respond, Amira threw herself into her arms. "I'm going to miss you so much."
Hanan hugged her tightly. "We'll video call every day."
Amira nodded. "Promise?"
"Promise." She wiped Amira's tears away.
Amira's eyes suddenly brightened. "Then don't come back empty handed."
Hanan laughed. "Meaning?"
"Perfumes, chocolates, cookies, handbags..." She counted on her fingers. "And plenty of Paris souvenirs."
Everyone chuckled.
"I'll bring you everything." Hanan laughed.
They moved over to Uncle.
"Najib. Habiba." Uncle called.
"Yes, Uncle." They both replied.
"Take care of each other and make sure to keep in touch."
Najib nodded respectfully. "We will, sir."
Finally... They stood before Grandma.
She smiled so brightly that tears shone in her eyes.
Without saying a word, she opened both arms.
"Come here."
Najib and Hanan immediately embraced her together.
Grandma held them tightly.
For a few seconds... She simply smiled.
Then she whispered,
"Call me the moment you arrive in Paris."
"We will, Grandma." Najib replied.
He gently kissed the top of her head.
"And please take your medications on time."
He looked toward Amina.
"I've already arranged for Grandma to stay with you until we return."
"Don't worry." Amina smiled. "I'll make sure she's well taken care of."
"But why?" Grandma frowned.
"Because I don't want you staying alone in that mansion." Najib replied gently.
"But Emma and the rest of the staff are there."
Najib smiled, taking both of her frail hands into his.
"Even so, I would feel more at ease knowing you're with Amina. Please, Grandma."
Grandma sighed dramatically before smiling.
"Alright, alright. I'll stay with her." She tilted her head. "That means you'll be back in January, right?"
"In Sha Allah." Najib nodded.
"May Allah protect you a safe journey, bless your marriage, fill your home with peace and happiness and grant me the joy of carrying your children before I return to my Creator." Grandma said.
"Ameen." Everyone smiled.
Just then, another announcement echoed through the airport.
"Final boarding call for passengers travelling to Paris..."
Abdul glanced toward the departure gate. "You both should leave now."
Najib nodded before intertwining his fingers with Hanan's.
He looked around at everyone one last time.
"We'll see you all next year." He smiled, waving.
Hanan's eyes brimmed with tears as she waved too.
"Goodbye, everyone."
Almost immediately, everyone's voices overlapped.
"Have a safe flight!"
"Call us once you land!"
"Don't forget my gifts!" Amira shouted loudly, making everyone laugh.
"Take good care of yourselves!"
"We'll miss you!"
Hanan turned around one last time.
She smiled through the tears threatening to fall.
Then, together with Najib, she walked toward the boarding gate.
Hand in hand.
Heart to heart.
Leaving behind the people they loved...
The family remained where they were, watching until the two disappeared from sight.
Their hearts were filled with two emotions at once.
Sadness... Because they would be apart for months.
And overwhelming happiness... Because after everything life had thrown at them, they have finally found their way back to each other.
Forever.
"Good evening. I'll be your flight attendant today. May I see your boarding passes, please?" A friendly looking flight attendant said as she approached Hanan and Najib the moment they stepped onto the aircraft.
"Of course." Najib handed over their boarding passes, and she examined them before returning them with a warm smile.
"Welcome aboard. Please follow me."
She led them through the first class cabin until they arrived at their private suite.
The moment Hanan stepped inside, her eyes widened in amazement.
It looked less like an airplane cabin and more like a luxurious five star hotel room.
"This is your suite. If you need any drinks or refreshments before takeoff, just let me know."
"Not for now." Najib replied politely. "We'll call you if we need anything."
"Certainly, sir. Have a pleasant flight."
After she left, Najib slid the cabin door shut, giving them complete privacy.
Hanan slowly turned in circles, taking in every detail.
"Love..." She grinned. "This doesn't even feel like a plane. It feels like a luxury hotel."
She wandered around the suite in fascination.
A small pantry was stocked with snacks and beverages. A mini TV screen offered countless movies and shows. Noise cancelling headphones, charging ports, plush bedding, reclining seats that converted into beds, and a spacious private bathroom filled with premium toiletries completed the elegant space.
She couldn't stop smiling. "I still can't believe all this fits inside an airplane."
Najib chuckled. "Believe it, baby."
He gently pulled her into his arms. "And can I have my wife's attention?"
She laughed softly, resting comfortably against him. "Yes."
"Good." He smiled before asking."So... what do you think?"
"I think..." She looked around once more. "I'm officially spoiled."
They both laughed.
After a moment, Hanan looked back at him. "How long is the flight?"
"A little over six hours. It's a direct flight, so by morning we'll be in Paris."
Her face lit up. "I'm finally going to see the Eiffel Tower!"
"And that's only the beginning."
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You planned something, didn't you?"
Najib only smiled. "Maybe."
"Tell me."
"No."
"Please?"
"It's a surprise."
She folded her arms with a playful pout. "Fine... but you owe me clues."
He laughed. "Not a single one."
She shook her head dramatically. "I give up."
A few seconds later she smiled. "Before anything else, let's pray first. After that, let's have dinner because I'm starving." She said trying to pull away from his arms, but he held on, cupping her cheeks, he dropped a light kiss on the tip of her nose before letting her leave.
"That was ticklish." She giggled heading towards the restroom, he grabbed her hand.
"Let's get under the shower together." He smirked already knowing what her response would be just by her furrowed look.
"Huh?" She muttered.
"Should we?"
"Here? Right now?" She laughed. "No!"
"I should've known."
She simply smiled walking into the restroom leaving Najib smiling to himself.
In the cabin restroom, Hanan was amazed by how luxurious everything looked despite its size.
It was equipped with everything she needed, a spacious shower, fluffy towels, premium toiletries, scented lotions, and neatly arranged skincare products.
"This is nicer than some hotel bathrooms." She mumbled with a smile.
After freshening up, she slipped into the soft first class pajamas provided by the airline. Feeling comfortable, she hurried out, eager to show Najib how cozy they looked.
The moment she stepped out, however, her attention shifted to the meals before him.
A beautifully arranged meal trolley had been wheeled into their suite, carrying various delicious dishes. The rich aroma instantly filled the cabin.
Hanan inhaled deeply. "Mhmm... everything smells so good."
Najib looked up from where he was seated and smiled knowingly.
"I had a feeling my foodie wife would be hungry."