Anarkali

s greeted by the warm smile of her mother, Shazia. "Welcome back, dea

r mother. "It was wonderful, Mother," she said. "We had such a great time toget

the book he was reading. "Oh, really?" h

him about marriage and love," she said. "And he told us that the secret to a happy marriage is love and re

at's so true," she said. "Your father and I have always believe

for over 20 years now," he said. "And I can honestly say that our

t communication is key in a marriage," she said. "He said that you must

our father and I have always made a point to communicate with each other, even when

. "I don't know what I would do without your mother, Anarkali," he sa

eful to have them as role models in her life. "I'm so lucky to have you both as my pa

ther. "We're lucky to have you as our daughter, Anarkali," S

entment wash over her. She knew that she was loved and supported, and that she had a str

i and Junaid. "I think it's time for us to start g

ding up from the couch. "I am!" they c

g at Anarkali and Junaid. "I think I'm going to head t

ach other. "Goodnight, Mother," Anarkali

back. "Goodnight, dear," she sai

he warm night air. She walked over to the grassy area in front o

sound of her father's footsteps behind her. She turned

asked, sitting down bes

at all, Father," she said. "I love sitt

ite things to do too," he said. "There's something about the

n," she said. "Sometimes I feel like the stars are trying to tell us

ound Anarkali's shoulders. "You're

e. As they sat there in comfortable silence, gazing up at the star

ask you somet

"Of course, dear," he sa

e speaking. "I was just wondering...h

thought. "Ah, that's a wonderful story," he said. "You know, your

ith excitement. "Really?"

e said. "The Mughal empire was in war and Lahore was in the midst of it all. There was destru

surprise. "War-torn Lahore?"

," he said. "But even in the midst of all that destruction and cha

yes shining with interest. "Te

caring for wounded soldiers and civilians, and

th curiosity. "What were yo

lunteers who were helping to distribute food and supplies to those in need,

ghtful. "I can imagine," she said. "

r...she was a beacon of hope in the midst of all that chaos. She was so kind and compas

nd romantic. "I can see why you

"I think I fell in love with her the moment I met he

delight. "What was it about her that mad

she smiled at me," he said. "It was like the whole world

py and romantic. "That's so

n. "Your mother is a beautiful person, inside and out,

he things that I love most about your mother is her strength and resilience," he said. "She's been through

ali s

other and I have always tried to teach you the importance of kindness, compass

proud. "Thanks, Father," she said.

ver his head. "I think it's time for me to head to be

her father. "Me too, Fathe

tightly. "I love you too, Anar

rass, gazing up at the stars twinkling above. She felt a sense of peace and

in the midst of war and chaos. She thought about the way they l

ind true love like that one day. She hoped that she would meet someone who would lo