Support timeout configuration

**Problem**
When working with api, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

No files, tests, or entry points are named. Start by locating the API error-handling path and clarify whether the intended change is timeout configuration, more descriptive errors, or both. Done means the agreed behavior is implemented and verified with the relevant existing checks.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.