CONNECTED HEARTS

24: A spark Of Forever

Adyan's pov

Finally, today was the big day — graduation. After years of sweat, late nights, and stress, I was finally walking out of university with a degree in my hand. Alhamdulilah, I made it.

Last night, though? Afdal cornered me. What started as a chill conversation ended with him convincing — okay, blackmailing — me into proposing to Kaltoom. According to him, this was the "perfect timing." He swore he'd handle the setup like some wannabe James Bond, insisting all I had to do was rehearse a few "mind-capturing" lines. His words, not mine.

The morning was a blur of getting ready and nerves. Kaltoom looked stunning — her makeup soft, almost identical to the day we first went out. She and Laila had gone for matching English-style skirts and blouses, Kaltoom's a pink high-waisted piece paired with a delicate blouse and perfectly styled hijab, while Laila's mint green skirt made her look fresh and bright. I kept finding myself staring at Kaltoom, struggling to look away.

Halfway through the day, I knew I'd have my chance to make her mine.

Mom surprised the girls with small jewelry boxes. Their squeals when they opened them nearly broke my eardrums — inside were silver necklaces and bracelets, delicate and sparkling. They wasted no time putting them on. By the time Dad got behind the wheel and drove off with Mom and the girls, I was left driving myself. Figures.

At the hall, the energy was electric. Students, families, professors — people from all over the world had gathered. Congratulations, hugs, photos, snacks everywhere. Sara and her mom blended right in, smiling warmly as they chatted with everyone. When I finally held that certificate, Dad's pride radiated from him, while Mom's eyes brimmed with tears. "Adyy, my boy, you did it!" she cried, pulling me into a hug that felt like home.

By nightfall, exhaustion weighed on me, but there was no time to rest. Afdal had already mapped out the next step — prom, dinner by the pool, then the big question. To make things more chaotic, Mom dropped the bomb: we'd be leaving for Niger the next day. I couldn't even process it. I just showered, lay down for a quick rest, and then remembered — Kaltoom didn't even know about prom.

I called instead of texting. She answered after a long pause. "Hey, what's up?" Her voice was calm, tired, soothing.

"I was gonna ask if you'd come to prom with me... but you sound exhausted," I said.

She blinked. I could feel her disbelief through the phone. "Prom? Today? Wait, are you asking me to be your date?"

I swallowed hard. "Yeah. You caught me. Will you?"

Her laugh was soft, teasing. "Since you're asking like a gentleman — yeah. What time?"

Easier than expected. Relief surged through me as I gave her the details. Just when I was about to hang up, Laila's voice popped into the background, demanding why she wasn't invited. Of course. No way to shake her off, so I caved. She could come. Whether she ruined the night or not... that was a risk I had to take.

⸻

By 7:45 p.m., we were in the car. Laila was in the back, leaving Kaltoom and me in front — which, honestly, looked like a wedding setup. She shimmered in gold, no heavy makeup except for a gloss that made her lips shine. I couldn't stop staring.

"You look beautiful," I blurted. She didn't reply, just gave me a shy smile. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Laila smirking. Typical.

At the party, Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop the Feeling boomed from the speakers. Afdal waved from across the hall, Afeeyah by his side. But behind him, I froze — Malika. The Arabian snob herself.

"Dude, she's not your date, is she?" I asked.

He laughed. "No, just catching up."

I shook my head, but didn't press. Instead, I pulled him aside. "So, what's the plan?"

"You're hyped, right? Proposal's all set," he smirked. I gave him a glare, but he just patted my back and disappeared toward Laila, who was already shoving her phone in his face.

⸻

Later, I led Kaltoom toward the poolside dinner. Her cheeks flushed, her smile constant. She loved it — I could tell from the way her eyes sparkled.

The table was laid out: Chinese fried rice with chicken sauce, wine glasses, red velvet cake. I took a deep breath and tried to break the ice. "Remember the first day we met?"

She laughed instantly. "Yeah. You were a brat."

I chuckled. "No, you were the brat."

"You know... I actually found you handsome. But the brat behavior? Total turn-off."

"Same. I almost killed Laila for setting us up," I admitted.

We both laughed. It was surreal — to think we once hated being in the same room. "I even saved your number as Mr. Ego," she confessed.

I raised a brow. "Seriously?"

She just smirked.

Trying to shift the mood, I asked, "What do you like most about China?"

"The food. And the fireworks," she said instantly, her voice bubbling with excitement.

I nodded slowly. My heart was pounding. "Kaltoom... if our parents decided we should marry right now, would you be able to spend the rest of your life with me?"

Her smile faltered. Nervous.

"Do you even like me... at all?" I pressed.

She fidgeted, stuttering. "Well, I don't hate you. I mean..."

I leaned forward. "Could you live with Mr. Ego? Because I want to live my life with you. I know it sounds crazy, but I've fallen in love with you, Kaltoom. I love you."

Her eyes widened, lips trembling. She covered her mouth, gasping — and that was when the fireworks erupted in the sky.

Dropping to one knee, I pulled out the ring I'd bought the day before. My voice shook, but I forced the words out.

"Kaltoom... will you marry me?"

The night froze in that moment. My heart hammered so loudly, I was sure she could hear it.

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