Mardiya quickly adjusted her voice, and the young man averted his gaze from her. With a pleasant tone, she said, 

"Welcome, I hope you arrived safely."

"Thank you, young lady. Yes, I arrived safely. My name is Nuraddeen Kasim."

"Mashaallah, please have some water. Mom is in the kitchen; she will be out soon."

"Okay, no problem. But I didn't catch your name."

"Mardiya," she said briefly, then walked away. Instantly, Nuraddeen felt impressed by her. Slowly, he repeated her name to himself. Nabil interrupted his thoughts by saying,

"Welcome, our guest. Unfortunately, Dad is out for a bit, but he will be back soon. My name is Nabil."

Nuraddeen, being a calm person who disliked noise, smiled and said,

"Thank you, Nabil. I hope you can see me as a big brother and a friend and that we get along well."

"Of course, don't worry, my brother," Nabil replied.

Mom's appearance made Nuraddeen fall silent. He gently rose from the chair and greeted her. She responded warmly, instantly liking the young man. Turning to Nabil, she said,

"Nabil, take your brother to the room so he can freshen up and rest, then come back to get his meal."

"Right away, Mom. Brother, let's go," Nabil said.

Nuraddeen stood up gracefully, thanked Mom, and left. Mom returned to the kitchen, where she found Mardiya and Yasmeen finishing up the chores. Looking at Yasmeen, she said,

"Yasmeen, didn't you notice our guest's arrival? You forgot your father's instructions, and that's not good. Be more attentive."

Pouting, Yasmeen replied,

"Mom, I didn't know he had arrived."

Mom clicked her tongue in disapproval and took over the chores. Mardiya silently watched Yasmeen, puzzled by her sister's behavior. Alhaji Habib returned home around 2:30 PM. He went straight to his room, changed from traditional attire to a white jalabiya, and then joined his family in the living room, except for Nabil, who was with Nuraddeen. He sat down, and they all greeted him warmly. Smiling, he replied and turned to his wife,

"Maijidda, has my son arrived?"

"Yes, he has. He's in the room we prepared for him. Your other son hasn't returned since he took the food to them."

"That's Nabil. He will enjoy Nura's company the most. Yasmeen, go and call them for me."

"Okay, Dad," she replied.

Yasmeen went to the room where Nabil and Nuraddeen were. She knocked gently on the door, and someone from inside responded,

"Who's there?"

"It's Yasmeen. Nabil, open the door quickly, please."

Nuraddeen calmly opened the door. Just as she was about to be rude, she noticed it wasn't Nabil and softly said,

"Hello, are you the guest Dad mentioned?"

"Yes, I am. Nabil is in the shower. I'll let him know you came."

"Not just him. Dad wants both of you. My name is Yasmeen."

"Okay."

As soon as she finished speaking, she returned inside. Nuraddeen reentered the room, meeting Nabil as he came out of the shower. He said,

"Nabil, hurry up. Dad is back and wants to see us."

"Okay, Brother," Nabil responded.

Nuraddeen smiled and waited for him to get ready before they headed to the living room. Nabil walked in first, followed by Nuraddeen, both greeting everyone as they entered. Nabil sat close to his dad, while Nuraddeen sat a bit farther. Alhaji Habib quickly said,

"Come closer, son. Don't be shy; this is your home too."

Nuraddeen approached respectfully and greeted him. Alhaji shook his hand and said,

"Nuraddeen, how was your journey? I hope it was safe. How is your father and everyone else?"

"They're all fine, Dad. They send their regards," Nuraddeen replied.