Malika Bashir had a darkened view of the world. Ibrahim Ahmad refused to see anything but the light.
Soon, a friend from the past appears at Ibrahim's doorstep and a mysterious set of letters are left in his bedroom. Old conflicts are raised and ne...
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... Life can truly suck sometimes, you know that? What is that you said the other day? There's goodness in everything.
I discreetly rolled my eyes at you then, but I would kill for a dose of that optimism now. ...
Malika quickly sat up, phone tightly clutched in hand, heart beating with excitement. She scrambled to swipe to receive the call.
"Salman!" she cried out with joy.
"Hey, kid," he said from the other end.
"How are you? Where have you been?" Malika widened her eyes at a realization. "How are you calling me from your local number?"
"Surprise, kid," he responded. "I'm in town. Alive and kicking."
"What?!" she screeched. "How? When?" She bombarded him with questions.
"Slow down." He chuckled. "I'll tell you everything when we see each other." There was a pause on his end, she heard some scrapings in his background. "Actually, I can see you now. Could you come to that riverside cafe by the airport?"
"Yes, of course," she responded without letting a beat pass.
"Alright. See you soon, kid."
Malika hung up and sprung to her feet, excitement budding in her chest. She had a million questions, but the happiness of seeing her brother overshadowed them all. She was padding to her bedroom to change into decent clothes when it dawned on her she actually had no idea how she was going to get to the destination. Their family car was with her mom and it wasn't safe for her to travel by public transport at this hour.
However, Malika wasn't going to let that hinder her. The adrenaline pumping through her veins refused to let her hopes down. She tried to rack her brain as she put on a pair of strappy sandals. The first person she thought of to call for help was Farrah - only to realize the next moment that was no longer an option.
Another name popped up in her head. Before she had second thoughts, Malika pulled out her phone and sent a text to Dahlia Ahmad.
Is there any way you could pick me up from my home and then take me to the restaurant close to the airport? Like, right now? I know it's a lot to ask but it's kind of an emergency.
Her reply came almost immediately.
Wait while I see if I can make arrangements?
Malika tapped her feet in anticipation.
I can be there in about thirty minutes. Is that alright?
Her heart soared.
Of course. Thank you so much.
Malika finished getting dressed as she waited for Dahlia to arrive. Her heart was pounding with giddiness, all her pain and worries momentarily swept under the rug. She knew, she just knew that talking to Salman would make everything alright. He always knew what to do.
