Shattered illusions

12: Celebrations

Manchester, England.

It has already been some weeks, Hanan and Hooriya had been studying tirelessly for those weeks, and their convocation day was finally approaching. Despite being in different courses, they had been supporting each other throughout their exams. Their exam schedules didn't align, so Hanan finished hers before Hooriya, and they still had a few days to spare before the convocation.

To celebrate their progress and accomplishments, they decided to treat themselves to a girls' day out. It was just the two of them, and they felt they had earned it after coming so far.

So, they made  plans after hooriya was done with hers....

They dressed in matching outfits - white body-hugging tops and mom jeans - and added a touch of elegance with open abayas, Hanan's in cream and Hooriya's in ash.

Together, they set out to enjoy themselves, indulging in a day of shopping, trying on different outfits, and exploring various stalls. They savored each moment, reveling in each other's company as they ate and laughed together.

Both knowing they deserved this, after coming a long way.....

As they walked into Hanan's apartment, they both looked drained and exhausted from their day out. They collapsed onto the sofa, surrounded by scattered shopping bags, and let out a long, collective sigh. Their exhaustion was palpable.

Just as they were about to catch their breath, Hanan's phone rang, breaking the silence. She checked the caller ID and saw Mubaid's name flashing on the screen. She answered the call...

"Hello ya mubaid,

"What's up sis, how are you doing?".

Mubaid informed Hanan that he was heading to the airport to pick up their parents and Ashraf, their brother. Suddenly, it clicked in Hanan's mind - her parents were arriving today! She had completely forgotten due to her fun-filled day with Hooriya.

"Ohh,yes ya mubaid maamah told me they were arriving today."Hanan said, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "It totally slipped my mind because I was out all day."

Mubaid reassured her that it was okay, he just wanted to keep her informed. Before ending the call, he reminded Hanan that they would meet tomorrow at their parents' hotel. Hanan agreed, and they said their goodbyes before ending the call.

Hanan turned to Hooriya and shared the news, "Maamah and the rest are here." "Oh, that's nice."  Hooriya's response came, In that moment, the excitement and energy of the upcoming convocation became palpable for both of them, knowing that their families were already in town.

They decided to have dinner together, using the takeout they had bought earlier. After their meal, they retreated to Hanan's room, going through their night routine before calling it a day.

                           ———-
The next morning, Hanan and Hooriya woke up, still showing signs of exhaustion from the previous day. They decided to start their day with a refreshing shower and get dressed, as they each had plans ahead.

After getting ready, they headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast together. They sat down to enjoy their meal, savoring the quiet morning moment.

With their final preparations complete, they headed out.

As they left Hanan's apartment, Hooriya said:, "Ya Arif isn't in town; he has work commitments, but he just texted me saying his flight will take off later, and he'll arrive tonight."

Hanan responded with a simple "okay" since she wasn't paying attention, distracted by her phone as they entered the elevator.

After that, they parted ways: Hooriya headed to her parents' manor house, while Hanan went to her parents' hotel, where they were staying. They decided to meet up later.
——
Hanan arrived at her parents' place, beaming with excitement. She was finally reunited with her loved ones - her dad, her mom, and her brother Ashraf. She rushed to hug her dad first,