"As I walked downstairs, I spotted Grandpa sitting on the sofa beside the stairs—it was easy for an eye-to-eye talk. I raised my right eyebrow, silently questioning him about whether the plan was a success.
He turned to Aunt and said, "So I'm taking her home for vacation. Let her be with me for a few days so she can look around." Then he turned to me, a smile spreading across his face. "Do you like to come with me?"
Mind voice (M.V.): Why not... take me now!
"Haaniyah, I'm talking to you?" Grandpa repeated, and I gasped.
"Umm, yeah, but only if Dad says okay," I replied, dragging my words out.
"Oh, that's simple. Your dad will be fine with it. I'll get you the permission. So, Uncle, when are you planning to leave?" Aunt asked. Her tone was a bit rude, but neither Grandpa nor I reacted because we knew how she was.
"Inshallah, by the morning train." He turned to me. "Haaniyah, why don't you start packing your things? It's already late."
"But Grandpa... Dad didn't—" I started, unsure of what to do.
"Oh wait, I'll get you the answer," Aunt said, striding toward Dad. Moments later, she returned with the approval. Everything was set, and I rushed to pack my stuff.
My suitcase was bursting at the seams; it felt like my entire cupboard was crammed into that little space. Still, I managed to iron my favorite black maxi with red florals and a matching red shawl, laying everything out so that by morning, all I had to do was jump into my dress.
If Haaniyah had known this trip would change her life, she would have hurried through her preparations.
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Umair's POV
I prayed Fajr and freshened up, throwing on a white sweater. After grabbing my travel bag, phone, and camera, I put on my cap and headed out. Farhan's voice rang out, "Man, you lazy thing! Walk faster; we aren't looking for a bride!"
We hopped onto the train and found our seats. Aunty and Uncle settled in with Tiny, while Farhan and I chose the door. We snapped photos and made some TikTok videos—I was really into that. Then I spotted that girl from school, and I groaned. Ugh, I don't want to remember that embarrassing moment.
"Man, isn't that the same girl we saw last night?"
"Who?"
"Shaima's friend."
"Ah...yeah. Is she following us, or are we following her? Man, she's everywhere! 😂 Maybe she's a ghost who died loving you and is now safeguarding you."
"Are you nuts? Talking like a girl... Argh! A girl who died for me? Buhahaha! Girls wouldn't die loving; they'd kill us for loving!" I burst out laughing.
But seriously, she was pretty—staring out of the window, her eyes sparkling. Astaghfirullah, I'm admiring a girl. Lower your gaze, Umair; someone might be staring at your future wife.
"Man, what if she sees us? What if she remembers last night? Ewwww!" Farhan brought up that shameful moment again.
"Dude, I'll push you out of this train if you mention that again!" I punched Farhan in the stomach playfully.
Almost two hours passed, and I noticed her sleeping occasionally, then staring out at the scenery. I took photos of the long train and, without meaning to, captured her in a shot. I couldn't bring myself to delete it, promising to keep it safe.
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Haaniyah's POV
Once on the train, Grandpa fell asleep, and I began to admire everything around me—from the rising sun to the fields, hills, and farmers rushing to work. I felt sleepy at times but kept my eyes wide open because I didn't want to miss a moment, even if I dozed off here and there.
Finally, we arrived at our destination. I pulled my suitcase out while Grandpa grabbed his bag. He pointed to a man waiting for us by a car.
"That's Mr. Wazeer—my housekeeper, driver, and more. He's been with me for almost twenty years."
"As-salamu alaykum, sir. How are you?" Mr. Wazeer said, excitement evident in his voice as he greeted Grandpa.
They started chatting while Mr. Wazeer loaded my suitcase into the car. Just then, I saw...
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HABIBI AND HABIBATI
Romantiek"But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more." ― Hans Christian Andersen. You see? she laid her burdens down, And he just picked them up, Threw them over his shoulders, Reached for her hand, And boldly walked out, Into t...
