THE CHASE OF STARDUST

ted straight from a wedding catalog: fresh flowers in every corner, the finest china making its annual appearance, and trays of snacks so perfectly arranged the

Saniya, trailing behind him, was the picture of sisterly stress - bangles jingling as she fidgeted and prayed silently that her brother wouldn't ruin their social credit in the next ho

embled slightly as she offered chai, though whether from nervousness or anything else, only Allah knew. Aanya perched on the sofa, pretending to be uninterested while secretly watching everyone like

ile, was still

rand escape to the "manly corner" for their ritualistic conve

oking his beard like a wise judge in a hist

king at a reputable firm, but I plan to start my own business soon. I

b nodded, eyes narrowing approvi

thick fog: We're watching you,

room, Saniya and Aanya had cozied up l

her friend with theatrical

ance, but her smirk betrayed

About your brother and my sister! Think they

orgeous and sharp-tongued. That might just be what Zaryab n

ybe a scholarship or a UN petition. Zaryab's ego better b

ce between Rukhsana and Fazeela. Rukhsana Khala was performing an entire

asked, sipping her chai like it was imported from Pari

othing like that, Rukhsana. Just househo

they leave their poor mother to do all the chores. My daughters would never let me lift a finger. MashAllah, I'm fresh, relaxed, and sexy," she

spun - abaya flaring like a satin tornado. "Evil eyes beware! Bad na

napped, "Rukhsana, please sit down before your catwalk turns into a h

k-witted response. Even Rukhsana cracked up, d

from their giggling session, both loo

unties," Saniya said, still chuckli

ing as if heading into war. "Yes.

like a queen adjusting her crown and whispered under her breath, "

one l