Excerpt:

Summary:

Haya was sitting in Halima Aunty’s room with Bahar Gul, who looked different from her usual self. Halima Aunty sadly mentioned everyone leaving her. Haya questioned Bahar about burning her passport, and Bahar revealed she did it hoping someone would come back to give her a new one. Haya was puzzled by Bahar’s actions and learned that Sufeer had told Bahar this would bring someone back. Halima Aunty, unaware of the full situation, went to the kitchen, leaving Haya and Bahar to talk.

Bahar expressed her frustration about her situation, and Haya gave her some syrup, which Bahar disliked. Haya offered her candy to cheer her up. Bahar recalled a conversation about wearing a hijab being like the Battle of Ahzab and mentioned talking to seagulls about it. Haya laughed at the idea, but Bahar believed seagulls and pigeons could hear her heart, similar to the story of Mah Sun, a girl who turned into a pigeon and ultimately died after eating poisoned grains.

Haya decided they needed to go to Cappadocia. Bahar was excited but Haya worried about Bahar’s inability to keep secrets. Halima Aunty called them for lunch, during which Haya contemplated taking Bahar to protect her from Sufeer, who might be using Bahar to blackmail Jehan. Haya asked Halima Aunty for permission to take Bahar to Izmir, and Halima Aunty agreed if Ayesha or Bahar’s grandmother had no objections.

Bahar was thrilled, and Haya planned to buy things for their trip to Cappadocia. Haya wondered if she would find Jehan there and felt overwhelmed by unanswered questions and the uncertainty of her journey, hoping for a miracle to guide her.