CONNECTED HEARTS

21: The Grand Arrival!

Adyan's POV

I got a call from Mom saying they'd be boarding the first flight to China the following day. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest. It had been four long months that felt like hell..well, exaggerating, but truly unbearable. I missed them so much. Everyone was coming except Khairiya, who had started her final exams and wouldn't be able to make it. I'd miss her dearly, but I knew we'd have plenty of time to make up for it once I flew back home.

Khairiya was the most sensible of us all. Quiet, yes, but full of warmth, fun, and wisdom. She was technically my human diary. I could tell her everything, and she'd always give me the best advice. In many ways, she was just like Mom.

Everything felt surreal. It was just like yesterday when Dad told me about studying in China. I was grateful for the opportunity, knowing how hard he had worked to secure it for me. That was why I vowed to make him proud. Since the day I arrived, I had been pushing myself, and alhamdulilah, I was doing well. Dad's support meant the world to me.

He had always envisioned me taking over the family business one day being his first and only son. But even as a child, I was drawn to construction, to designs, to numbers. My heart beat for engineering. To my relief, Dad hadn't forced me into business. Instead, he let me pursue engineering with the agreement that, eventually, I would still inherit the family legacy. I carried both promises in my heart: my passion, and my duty. I loved Dad too much to disappoint him.

Afdal's family was also arriving, including his adopted sister, Afeeyah. Truth be told, I had never been a fan of hers. She was Egyptian-Arab, adopted by Afdal's mom after a tragic accident left her unable to have more children. Her spoiled nature always grated on me. In fact, she had been the reason I initially misjudged Kaltoom both shared a streak of stubbornness, and at times, the same air of pride. If not for the difference in blood, one could almost mistake them for sisters.

Sara's mom was coming as well, along with a friend she had mentioned. Altogether, it was going to be a full house three families gathering like one. Bliss. Pure bliss. Sara herself was glowing with excitement, a far cry from her mood yesterday. We were helping her shop for her mini family get-together, which she had warmly invited us to. I was tired already, but not Afdal. That guy was unstoppable; whoever he married would be one lucky woman. At the moment, he was in the kitchen with Sara, attempting some Ethiopian dish, while I was more than ready to nap until the feast was ready.

Sara's mom was landing in six hours, and the girl's happiness was contagious. I couldn't even blame her.

Before dozing off, I decided to call Kaltoom for a little chit-chat. I hadn't heard from her since yesterday. We'd texted briefly, but when I called, her voicemail picked up. A few minutes later, she sent me a text: "Hey, sorry, I'll get back to you later." I typed back, "Okay, take your time," and drifted into sleep.

⸻

Afdal's family arrived an hour ago. They were exhausted, so after warm pleasantries, they were left to rest in their hotel. Almost midnight had settled when Adyan, working quietly on his system, received a call from his father. His heart raced the moment he heard: they were on their way to his suite. Unlike the Hamids, his parents had chosen not to stay in a hotel.

Adyan leapt up, tidied his study, though the house was already spotless. With Afdal gone to be with his family, the house was silent,too silent. He pulled on a thick hoodie from the hanger and stepped outside. The night sky stretched wide, its stars glimmering as though they too awaited his family's arrival.

Then came the sound the automatic gate swung open, and two sleek cars glided in, the first a blue Mercedes Benz. Adyan's grin spread wide, his chest swelling with joy. If he were a girl, he would have squealed. Instead, his smile said it all.

The cars stilled, doors opened, and out stepped his father, Alhaji Salman, and his queenly mother. In a blink, Adyan was before them. "Mom! Dad!! Welcome!" His voice trembled with joy. His mother pulled him into the embrace he had craved for months. He clung to her, tears pricking his eyes. His father's hug followed, firm and proud, though shorter.

"Ehem!" A voice cut through their reunion, dramatic and teasing. Laila.

"Laila, oh Allah! I've missed you!" Adyan exclaimed, sweeping his sister into a hug.

"I thought you forgot I even existed," she teased, tugging at his arm.

"Daddy, kaganshi koh? I just arrived, and he wants to ruin my beautiful face," she whined.

A voice floated from behind her, and Adyan froze.

"You?"

Kaltoom stepped out of the car, her presence pulling the air from his lungs.

"No one told me you were coming..." His words carried disbelief and delight.

"Well, should I go back then?" she joked, and his grin deepened.

"It was meant to be a surprise," Laila added, rolling her eyes. "And stop smiling like that, your cheeks are gonna crack." She dashed inside with their parents, leaving Adyan and Kaltoom behind.

She stood there, graceful in a blue high-waisted skirt and black bodysuit, her blue hijab wrapped stylishly, as if she had walked out of an Instagram feed. He couldn't see her feet clearly, but he knew...heels. Of course. He knew her that well.

"So... how was your trip?" he asked, voice soft, trying to break the magnetic silence.

"Exhausting, alhamdulilah." Her smile was gentle, but it hit him like a storm.

Without realizing, he whispered, "I wish I could give you a hug right now."

Her answering smile told him he had spoken his thought aloud. And oh, that smile it unraveled him. Something stirred deep within, something he had never felt before.

In that moment, he knew. She was the one. His other half. He wanted to spend forever with her.

The sound of engines starting dragged him back, and when he blinked, she was gone. How long had he been frozen there? Five minutes? Ten? He didn't know. But he did know one thing he was already hers, whether she knew it or not.

He jogged into the house, where his parents sat waiting in the living room. His mother's eyes studied him in a way that unsettled him, though he knew it was harmless. He busied himself, preparing their favorite hot coffee, asking what they'd like to eat.

"We know better than to come to a bachelor's house hungry," his father chuckled. They had eaten at a restaurant on their way. Adyan laughed nervously, scratching his nape, his ears burning. Soon after, his parents retired to their room.

Then it hit him.

Where are the girls?

The realization dawned, sharp and unsettling.

"Dafuq! These girls..." he muttered under his breath, as the thought of Laila and Kaltoom's whereabouts hijacked his mind.

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