When the sun and moon collide

You got the best of me!

July 20th

Maha's POV

It's graduation day.

The sun was beating down upon the crowded campus, its scorching heat leaving little room for comfort. The air was thick and heavy with humidity, making it almost unbearable to be outside. Despite the uncomfortable conditions, the campus was bustling with people and their families, all gathered to witness the graduation ceremony. We had finally completed our studies and I couldn't be happier. Although, I never would have guessed that the ceremony would be so long and tedious. It felt more like a coronation than a graduation, as if we were being inducted into some royal society. Walking up on stage to receive my diploma was an awkward experience, filled with nerves and a sense of immense accomplishment. And to make it even more surreal, both Aarish and Zafirah from different halls were graduating alongside me on this same day. As my family explored the campus, I waited anxiously for them to arrive. At least the weather wasn't worsening the situation. If it had been raining, it would have added to the already gloomy atmosphere of everyone dressed in solemn black robes. It could easily resemble a funeral, which is certainly not how I want to remember such a significant moment in my life. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even notice when Zafirah suddenly appeared by my side, jolting me out of my reverie.
"Congratulations!" Zafirah yelled as she attack behind me. They both came with their families for this joyous occasion. Zafirah came with her four younger siblings and her parents, whilst Aarish came with her parents and her three eldest and two youngest. "Haven't you taken the pictures yet Maha?" Aarish asked. "No, I was waiting for you guys so we can take group ones."
"Oh. Ok. Well then we should hurry cause it's going to be packed."

After an hour of anticipation and capturing moments with the photographer, we decided to take some candid shots on our phones with our families. Farhad excused himself suddenly, causing a fleeting suspicion to cross my mind before quickly dissipating. I didn't need to know what my brother was up to.

As we stood under the blazing sun, Aarish exclaimed, "Gosh, I think I'm going to drown in my own sweat." Zafirah playfully chimed back, "Well who told you to wear that?" Aarish defended herself, "What's wrong with what I'm wearing? Huh? You don't like my jumpsuit? I thought it would be a refreshing change." Her words were accompanied by comical gestures and exaggerated expressions. Zafirah couldn't help but join in on the banter, "It's not like I always wear the same coloured abaya. This shade is lighter than the other one, so it matches the vibe." The heat must have been getting to them both - from wearing heavy robes and headscarves in this scorching weather, it wouldn't be surprising if they suffered from heatstroke or if the heat was messing with their heads.

Our families had gone off to explore the campus and capture photos of the historic buildings there. It was just the three of us now, basking in the warmth of each other's company. That is until Farhad returned, carrying two bags that looked like gift bags.

"Here. This one is for you Zafirah, and this one is yours." Farhad gave one bag to me. Inside it was a box of chocolates and some flowers. No card or anything.

"What's in yours Zafirah?" I asked. But another question, why didn't Aarish get anything. "It's some flowers, I think it's lilies and tulips mixed, and a box of chocolates. But no card. Strange. How come you didn't get one." Aarish shrugged at Zafirah's question.
"So who gave them to you?" I asked.

"I don't know. But I went to meet a friend of mine since his brother was graduating and then some one came and asked if I knew who the two of you were. It was a lady. I think she works in that flower shop from across the café. But she didn't tell me who they were from." Weird. Aarish was smiling, even though she didn't get a gift, she was grinning. Farhad left to go back to where my family was. I took out the flowers. They were daylilies. Orange, pink and yellow. It looks like the colours of the summer. Zafirah did the same for hers. "Look there. In the flowers. There's a white card." Aarish pointed out. This was giving the same vibe when Hyun-Ki gave Zafirah the flowers.
"Well what does yours say Zafirah?" Wow Aarish was curious. "Mine says I just wanted to tell you that, to me, you are perfect, just the way you are. But there was no signature or name." I opened mine. "To the world you may be one person, but to me you are the whole world." Huh. "Wow. I wonder who wrote that. Well at least you know someone likes you. Now I am glad that I didn't get flowers." Aarish added. Just then Aarish's phone alerted her for a message. She typed back quickly. Again it raised no suspicion towards me.