Eighteen-year-old Hayat Amanullah has it all: a loving family, a carefree life, and a future at the Ivy League school of her dreams. But her perfect life shatters when her oldest brother suddenly dies in a car accident. The tight-knit Amanullah fami...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
~ Green hydrangeas: New beginnings ~
When I arrive home, exhausted from crying but strangely relieved from the moral quandaries that had been burdening me, Ihsaan is waiting for me in the dimly lit living room. He jolts at the sound of my keys and rushes towards me.
"You're still up?" I mumble, rubbing my eyes. "I texted in the family chat that I would be late—"
"She said yes!" Ihsaan says breathlessly, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me back and forth.
For a moment, I stand in the dark foyer and squint at my brother, trying to process his words. He must sense my disorientation because he shakes me again and laughs breathlessly, as if he can't believe what he's saying. "Aneela said yes!"
After the clusterhell I've been through today, I had almost forgotten where Ihsaan and my parents went. His words throw me for a loop before my eyes spark with comprehension, a bout of happiness consuming me.
My response is too delayed, however, because Ihsaan squints his brows and cocks his head to the side. He pulls me into the light and examines me. "Hayat, what the hell happened to you? You look horrible. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." My voice comes out too high, and I plaster on a wide smile. "I'm so, so happy to hear that, Ihsaan. Genuinely. You guys will make the most beautiful couple."
He knits his brows, giving me a worried look. "What's up with you? You're not teasing me or making snarky jokes." He tugs at my hand and leads me to the living room, setting me on the sofa. Folding his arms, he stands in front of me, blocking the possibility of any exit.
"I'm okay, Ihsaan," I say reassuringly, massaging my temples. "Just tired."
A spark of understanding flashes in his eyes. "Does this have something to do with Rameez?"
My chest tightens at his name. "Can we just not talk about it, please?"
Ihsaan's expression turns soft, the lamp light spreading an ethereal glow over his face. For the first time in months, his dark circles have considerably lightened and the tension in his shoulders is almost nonexistent. "Whatever it is, it's for the best, Hayat," he murmurs.
Even though his words are true and I want nothing more than to smile and be happy for him, for the hundredth time today tears prick at my eyes. I try to turn away, but Ihsaan is too quick. He leans down in front of me and ducks to look into my eyes.
"I know it's for the best and I know I did the right thing. I have no regrets. But God, if it's for the best," I whisper, chin wobbling. "Why does it hurt so bad?"
Ihsaan laughs softly. "Sometimes pain is good. It reminds us of what's important." Ihsaan grasps my hands gently, and I'm too upset to be shocked by the uncharacteristic touch. "It helps us grow. It keeps us human. Years down the line you'll look back and be thankful for every experience that led you to where you are. Be brave, Hayat." He rubs a soothing circle on my knuckles. "I know you're brave."
