CHAPTER 1: THE DREAM
Dawn was approaching, yet darkness still covered everything around her. The moon had disappeared from the sky, and a cool breeze gently brushed against the flowers in the beautiful garden before her.
The lawn was filled with countless flowers that seemed to glow under the fading night. Mirha stood there quietly, admiring them.
"Who doesn't love the night?" she thought. "Everything feels so peaceful. Everything looks beautiful."
Suddenly, her gaze fell on a man walking calmly through the garden.
She frowned.
His face wasn't visible.
A strange light covered it, making it impossible for her to see who he was.
"Who are you?" she called out loudly.
The man stopped.
Mirha's heart began to race.
For a moment, she thought she was finally going to see his face.
But before she could—
"Mirha! Mirha! Wake up! It's already late! You have your last exam today!"
"What exam—?"
Mirha jerked awake.
It took her a few seconds to realize where she was.
She had fallen asleep at her study table while revising late into the night.
Books, notes, and pens were scattered everywhere.
Her long, thick, wavy hair had come loose from its ponytail and fell around her shoulders. Dark circles had appeared beneath her almond-shaped eyes after weeks of preparation, yet her soft features still carried a natural beauty.
"Mom! Why didn't you wake me up earlier? It's already eight o'clock! I don't even have time for revision now!" she complained anxiously.
Sawera rolled her eyes.
"Is it my job to wake you up every day? You're old enough to set an alarm. I can't do everything for you."
As usual, the morning lecture had already begun.
"Okay, okay! I'm getting late. I need to get ready."
Without waiting for another response, Mirha grabbed her school uniform and rushed into the bathroom.
Sawera sighed.
"What am I supposed to do with this girl?"
Shaking her head, she headed downstairs to prepare breakfast.
The entire family had gathered around the dining table.
Sawera sat beside her husband, Suhail.
Next to him sat their eldest son, Mohib, eating toast with butter while holding a glass of juice.
Across from them sat Mirha's uncle, Uzair, along with his wife, Fariya, and their daughter, Romaisa.
At the end of the table sat Parveen, Mirha's grandmother.
And at the head of the table was Saqib Ali Khan, the respected head of the family.
Only one seat remained empty.
Mirha's.
"Where is Mirha?" her grandfather asked.
"Where else would she be?" Romaisa replied sarcastically. "Probably running around upstairs because she woke up late again."
Mohib immediately looked at her.
"She was studying all night."
His firm tone was enough to silence her.
A few moments later, hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Mirha rushed into the dining room, grabbed a glass of orange juice, and drank it in one go.
"Come on, Bhai! Let's go! I'm already late!"
"Alright, alright."
Mohib stood up.
"I'll get the car keys."
As soon as he left, Mirha hurried toward the front door.
"Allah Hafiz! Pray for me! I just want these exams to be over already!"
Everyone laughed.
"Do your paper properly and come back safely!" Suhail called after her.
"Yes, Abu!" she replied cheerfully before rushing outside.
