CONNECTED HEARTS

26: The Spark That Ignited

The stay in Maradi felt like a breath of fresh air for the Salman family, especially for Mrs. Salman, whose face lit up with a smile that hardly left. You could tell she was overjoyed to be back with her people, her laughter echoing through the house like she had been waiting for this reunion forever.

The very next day, Kaltoom, Laila, and two of Adyan's cousins Nidhal and Raudah (who turned out to be little Yasmeen's big sister)planned a fun outing. Thankfully, the girls spoke fluent English in addition to Arabic, so the vibe flowed effortlessly. They matched Kaltoom and Laila's energy instantly. Amani might've been missing, but honestly, the four of them together? Still pure chaos and electric fun.

Raudah was on the shy side, soft-spoken and graceful, while Nidhal was a full-on fashionista. Her outfit for the outing said it all. "No matter what, always dress well!" she declared dramatically, flipping her scarf. Kaltoom laughed because she couldn't agree more. Fashion was one of her love languages, and she instantly admired Nidhal's confidence.

Despite Raudah's quiet nature, Kaltoom clicked with her too. She had this calm, refined elegance that made her easy to be around like sipping tea in a glass cup with a gold rim.

Just as they were about to set off, a deep voice boomed from behind.
"Woah, woah, woah... Where do you all think you're going?"

Nidhal and Raudah froze mid-step, their faces giving away recognition and just a hint of fear.

"Um... I... we..." Nidhal stuttered, lowering her gaze. "We're just going out for ice cream with the girls."

Kaltoom and Laila looked at each other like statues, unsure how to even breathe in front of the intimidating man.

"Raudah, come with me," he ordered sternly before storming off.

Without a second of hesitation, Raudah followed, her peach-colored outfit flowing behind her like she was a model on a runway even though she looked more like a goddess under command.

"What just happened?" Laila whispered, wide-eyed.

"Well, let's wait over there, I'll explain before she comes back," Nidhal said, dragging them a few steps away.

"Wait, will she even come back?" Kaltoom muttered, glancing in the direction Raudah had disappeared.

Nidhal just giggled. "Relax. That was our eldest cousin, Fawwaz. He's thirty-five. An army man."

Immediately, Kaltoom and Laila shared a look..ah, the discipline, the presence, the tone. Yep, it screamed "military."

Nidhal went on, "He's been the same forever. Strict. Serious. Even after marriage, he hasn't changed one bit. And his wife, Hairana? She's literally obsessed with him. Like, head-over-heels."

She rolled her eyes playfully before adding with a mischievous grin, "But honestly, who wouldn't be? He's a hunk!"

Laila snorted, and Kaltoom blinked in shock. Nidhal winked, clearly enjoying the drama.

The story got messier. Nidhal explained that Hairana and Fawwaz's marriage had been more of a compromise than a love story, but Hairana's love for him was undeniably real. And now two years later, she was heavily pregnant.

"But here's the thing..." Nidhal lowered her voice, dragging out the suspense.

Kaltoom and Laila leaned closer, curiosity buzzing.

"Fawwaz has a soft spot for one person in this family..."

"Who??" both girls shouted at the same time.

Nidhal dropped the bomb: "He's getting married to Raudah."

"What??" Kaltoom and Laila screamed together.