Until Heaven Unites Us

Chapter One

     It's a lovely afternoon. Spring. Faisal Uthman's favorite season. He and his best friend, Malik Daud were on their way to the airport to pick, Haya, Malik's sister. She was finally done with schooling and was returning back to California to her family. Her aunt, Nafisa had been taking care of her since she got a scholarship at an art school when she began high school.

     She had always been interested in painting and sketching so she was able to get a few deals and an exhibition at only 16 years old. Faisal was excited to see her again. He, Malik and Haya along with his own siblings were childhood friends and they grew up together as neighbors before his parents moved a few blocks away and Haya left for high school. Whenever she came back for holidays, they mostly missed one another as, Faisal was away too spending the holidays abroad. He did see her through FaceTime with Malik and they talked a little bit.

     Haya who had always been shy made time to talk to him too. He had fallen head over heels for her last summer when she had come for holidays. He admired how she made time for the mosque and the orphanage home. She was shy yet she mingled with those children in a manner that seemed angelic. Her aura felt peaceful and calm and gentle. Her dark grey eyes were a beauty to behold. He remembered her hair color though she had begun to wear the hijab at 12 when she got her period. He always loved her hair. Chestnut brown, wavy and extremely soft to touch. Last time her saw her, she was in hijab as usual, whenever he came by. He didn't mind, instead admired her sense of modesty.

     That was a year ago and now that she was done with school and he had a stable job at his own tech company startup, he planned to ask for her hand in marriage when the time was right.

     Malik was talking to him, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Haya's landed already. She just texted" he said typing on his phone. Faisal pressed on the accelerator making Malik jerk in shock.

"Bro chill!"

"We have to get there on time. It isn't nice to keep someone waiting" Faisal said, trying to hide his excitement.

Malik rolled his eyes and said,

"You're rubbing it in my face that I was supposed to get there earlier. Mom wouldn't let me hear of it"

"She has every right. You were supposed to be there but you just had to take your car to the mechanic's"

"Valeria had a weird sound coming from her engine. Of course I had to know what was wrong. And you're around so, I knew I didn't have to worry too much"

"Again, who the hell names their car? And Valeria? You're so lucky I was free"

     Malik chuckled and asked how his job was going. Faisal replied in affirmative and said he needed more time to get more investors into his company.

"Dude, your company is already blown. I'm not trying to be a hater but if I was the one who had gotten to where you were, I wouldn't be complaining"

"I feel like I could be doing so much more though"

"And you are. Just don't worry too much about things" Malik said and they arrive at the airport.

"I won't. It's just that there's something I wanna do soon that I want to make sure I'm fully prepared"

"Whatever it is, I can guarantee it's something you're overthinking. Now, if you'd excuse me, I've gotta find a bathroom. I could wet myself right now" Malik said and hurried off.

"Wait what about Haya!" Faisal yelled after him.

"You find her!" he yelled back running and disappearing into the crowd.