The day began like any other, the hum of activity filling the house as preparations for the evening moved steadily forward. Fariya, unaware of the undercurrent of tension running through the household, busied herself with the usual chores—helping her mother and sister set the table and tidy up. It seemed like just another set of guests were coming over—nothing out of the ordinary. She didn’t question the extra effort that Asmara Khala and Haya were putting in, brushing off the subtle urgency she sensed.
By late morning, Asmara, Haya, and Fariya stood in the living room, sunlight streaming through the windows. Asmara was bustling around with a list in hand, checking off items as she directed her daughters on last-minute details. Fariya noticed her mother was unusually particular today, but
