Assalamualaikum - Peace Be Upon You
Walaikumassalam - Peace Be Upon You, Too

Greetings that are spoken between fellow Muslims. 🙏 ☪

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• Amir •

Amir became anxious when the clock struck eight-thirty in the evening. It was time to celebrate his younger cousin, Yasmin's, thirteenth birthday. When a member of his family commemorates a birthday, everyone comes together not only to spread joy and laughter but also to catch up on what they've been up to.

Sometimes it was a pleasant gathering with his family, but other times he'd get the same speech about finding a wife and starting a family.

A wife and children had always been on his mind, but he had been focused on work. He had been nervous about how the evening would unfold since discovering his genetic heritage. He didn't want to refuse his family's help in arranging a marriage, but the inevitable discussions that followed heightened his unease.

When Amir arrived at his aunt and uncle's driveway, he parked his Audi and gradually climbed out.

After ringing the doorbell, he heard soft footsteps approaching and was greeted by his cousin, Farooq.

"Amir!" he exclaimed, drawing him into a brotherly hug. "Assalamualaikum. We're happy you came."

"Walaikumusalam," Amir replied. "I didn't think I would. Work has me busy these days," he added, carefully removing his shoes at the doorway.

Even though the others may not always do this in their homes, Amir did, because shoes tracked everything from the outside.

"Well, I'm glad. Faisal said you'd be at the laboratory for another half hour," Farooq remarked. "Since you're here, I should warn you. The ladies are ready to match you and Adnan. Your mother is going softer on your brother since he's younger. But for you, that's what she is apprehensive about."

He groaned. "Being my age, everyone is paired or married. I don't want to disappoint them."

"Amir, I understand. My mother never let up until I chose Surayya Abbasi. We've set a date for summertime next year." Amir nodded a little and sighed. "Agree to meet with one of the ladies the family arranges, and it'll be over. You can fall in love with her later."

Amir tsked loudly.

Seriously?

His cousin made it look as if he didn't care about loving someone for the right reasons. Every couple in their family line had been arranged, but he refused to accept anyone. If he couldn't picture himself in life with his potential bride, he'd have to decline their request, adding to their frustration. That burden would be unsettling for him, knowing he'd let his family down. He couldn't bear their disapproval. Their wishes meant the world to him.

No one has ever left home without first marrying, but he recently moved out after buying a home on top of a hill overlooking Pakistan's capital. That was all he could think about after Faisal revealed their lineage. He couldn't stop wondering where his partner was and who would be paired with him. He wanted a private space where he could talk and hold a conversation without being interrupted by relatives. It was expected of him to choose a wife, but he ended up changing his family's tradition, upsetting his parents' plans for his life.

Amir looked at the photographs on the wall as he walked through the foyer. He took a deep breath and remembered the day he graduated from medical school.

Studying genes and the science of heredity was rewarding to him. Conducting experiments to determine the origins and governing laws of different traits, especially medical conditions, challenged him. He was determined to uncover what handled those traits. Now that he knew he was part of a rare genetic anomaly with special abilities, he was more determined to discover the origin. His laboratory was like a second home; he'd spend most of his time there.

"Assalamualaikum," Amir heard from behind his back. Twisting slowly, he noticed Yasmin, her long cherry-red gown barely touching the floor, smiling up at him.

"Walaikumusalam, Yasmin. Happy Birthday," he said, lowering his waist. "How are you today?"

She gave him a toothy grin. "Much better now that you're here."

"I'm sorry I haven't come by. I've been busy with work," he told her, pinching her cheek.

"Ouch! That hurts!"

"So, how old are you now? Ten? Eleven?" he teased, earning a few smiles and giggles.

"No, silly. I'm thirteen. I'm almost a woman!"

He chuckled and shook his head.

"Amir!" Nasir, Amir's father, spoke loudly from the kitchen. "It's wonderful to see you."

"Good evening, Father," Amir said. "I apologize for not attending more family events. I've been working a lot lately."

But that last part was still no excuse. Work should never tie someone down from spending time with their family.

"You don't have to apologize, son. I know work is important to you. But don't let it take over your life. It isn't everything."

Amir wanted to tell his father what he'd learned, but he figured it would be best to wait. At least until he knew more about their family line.

"Well, let's go into the living room and wait until supper is ready," his father suggested, and Amir ambled with him, stopping beside a maroon chair with Faisal sitting quietly.

"So you finally hung up your microscopes and Petri dishes to join the living?"

"I thought you'd be happy I stopped working and finally come up for air, as you've stated repeatedly," Amir remarked, causing Faisal to snort.

"I am, but how often do you give yourself a break? The only time you do is during prayer. You're dedicated to your work, which is awesome, but our family misses you. I cover for you on most occasions."

He raised an eyebrow, waiting for Amir's response.

"Everyone talks about you and what you're doing at work. And you keep missing the meetups our mothers arrange for you," Faisal added. "You know it will be brought up tonight. Aunt Nasrin has already given me her top choices. The girl's pictures aren't bad."

He shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to focus on picking a wife like she was out of a dating manual. That wasn't how he wanted to pick a mate. "I know, and maybe I'll pick someone one day."

"Amir. You've joined us."

Nasrin's voice came from the other side of the room, and Amir turned to look at her. His aunt walked toward him as he extended his arms and gave her a small hug. Her eyes were bright, and her smile lit up the room. Her dark brown hair was pinned into a thin bun and she wore her usual black silk salwar kameez with minimal jewelry.

"Hello, Aunt Nasrin," Amir murmured, staring into her dark eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't inform anyone I was coming. I wasn't sure if I'd be finished with work."

"That's all right." Her smile covered her face as she squeezed his hand. "But since you are here, I wanted to have a chat with you. You know your mother and I are close."

"Yes, Aunt Nasrin," he replied, sensing where she was going with this.

"Your mother worries about you, dear. We all do, especially now that you have a big house on the other side of town. Wouldn't you want a wife to enjoy it with?"

He stood quietly for a moment, unsure how to respond. He wanted someone with whom he could spend the rest of his life. But he wasn't ready. He had too many goals he wanted to accomplish first.

She sighed. "Look at Maryam. She has been occupying herself with crossword puzzles since she arrived. She often wonders if you'll ever get married and wants what's best for you."

Amir nodded. "I understand, Aunt Nasrin," he said, letting out a shaky breath. "I don't mean to cause any tension for my parents. I'll choose a wife soon."

"Okay. But remember, time is precious and doesn't wait for anyone," Nasrin said, nodding her chin. A timer sounded in the kitchen and she hopped a little. "Why don't you go ahead and have a seat in the dining room and think about what I said? Dinner will be ready soon."

"Shukria," Faisal and Amir thanked her in unison.

Sitting down on the couch, Amir turned to him. "What are you doing?"

"Checking my Facebook and Snapchat. I had a lot of replies to attend to."

"Of course. You're always posting the latest video game you won. And if it isn't gaming, it's food. I'm sure everyone loves to know what you eat every night."

"Hey. I resent that," Faisal exclaimed. "I only take pictures of the meals I make myself. Everyone who has my social media handles loves knowing what I'm eating. They want me to start a cooking vlog and they can learn how to cook something from Pakistan," he added, pinching his lips into a thin line. "I even thought about writing a cookbook."

As much as Amir hated to admit it, Faisal was a great cook.

"I guess I'm a little old school and wouldn't care to show the world what I've eaten or about to eat."

"And that's why you are boring, Amir."

"Excuse me. If you two culinary artists are done discussing who's better in the kitchen, the dining room table is set," Farooq said, arching his head through the doorway. Amir stared at him, and Faisal laughed as he shoved his phone into his jean pocket.

As Farooq took a seat across from Faisal, Amir sat next to him.

From the corner of their eyes, he noticed his brother entering through the side door, an exhausted expression on his face. Amir gave him a slight nod, but Adnan's attention was elsewhere.

Turning toward Faisal, Amir asked in a soft voice, "What's up with Adnan?"

"Your parents bicker about your home and you're not married. So, they're talking about arranging a marriage for him, instead," Faisal explained, causing Amir to narrow his eyes.

"Amir." His mother's voice was soft and tender as it cracked. Pulling her in for a small hug, he caught the aroma of lavender oozing off her skin. "I've missed you."

"Hi, Mother," he greeted her, gazing down at her stylish lime green dress. A few strands of dark hair lingered over her eyelids as she kept her gaze on his. "I'm sorry I haven't come by the house. I will make it up to you."

"It's okay. I get to visit with you now. Let's just enjoy the night, okay?" She glanced over at Adnan, who sat quietly in his seat.

The smell of chicken and spices filled their nostrils, and Amir watched as Faisal and Farooq loaded their plates with pulao, shish kebab, and biryani. They each grabbed a roll and placed it on top, completing their meals. A tiny laugh escaped from his lips as he stared at their food.

"What? I've been in the laboratory all day," Faisal said, picking up his roll.

"I wasn't going to say anything. You work long hours as much as I do," Amir said, sympathizing with him. He reached for his glass of grape juice and took a sip, then grabbed his fork and dug into the bowl of biryani.

"So, Amir, how are you coming along with the Salman Qasim case?" Hassan asked him, curious about Amir's criminal case he's been assisting with. "Have you made any progress with determining the killer's DNA?"

Amir nodded. "Yes, sir. I am close to matching the DNA sample to someone close to the victim. I've been on the case for a few days, but nothing is for certain."

"Isn't it a shame?" Nasrin spoke, shoving a shish kebab into her mouth. "Someone you trust could hurt you like that."

"That's true, Mom," Farooq mumbled, chewing his role. "We don't always know the demons people hold inside."

"How are you working on a criminal case, Amir? I thought you were a scientist who stays in a research building all day," Yasmin asked, eyes wide and full of curiosity.

"Yes, I work in a laboratory," he explained, gazing her way and spotting the small presents she had settled around her chair. "While I study genetic disorders that are carried from parent to children, and research potential cures and treatments for patients, I also consult on criminal cases to help government officials identify any suspects they may have. I've consulted on a few cases and enjoy catching the bad guys when I'm successful."

"Wow. I think I want to do what you do. It sounds fascinating." Yasmin beamed at the table. "What? It sounded like Amir gets to help people. I want to do the same."

"We know, darling, but to work as a geneticist, you have to do one thing above all others," her mother said, eyeing her.

"I have to pass my exams first. But I'm terrible at tests," she argued.

"I didn't do well in school either, but look where I am now. I'm a chemist and help on the same projects our cousin does. It's not so bad that Amir is my supervisor," Faisal said joyfully.

Yasmin grinned and wiped her chin with her napkin. Then Faisal cleared his throat after glancing at his phone for a second. "Hey, did everyone see the video I posted on Facebook earlier?"

"You are always posting videos," Amir said, eating the last bit of his biryani.

"I did!" Yasmin exclaimed in an excited tone, food dripping out of her mouth. "Are you talking about the one where Spider-Man was dancing?"

"Yasmin! What did I tell you? Talk with your mouth closed. You're dropping food everywhere," Hassan said, cautioning his daughter.

"How can I talk with my mouth closed?"

"Well, talk after you have swallowed. We wouldn't want you to choke," her father added, giving her a stern look.

"You know, people die by choking," Faisal added.

Amir's fork dropped against his plate. "Faisal! Would you cool it? You're scaring her!"

"Well, don't you scare people all the time, talking about deadly bacteria?"

"Boys! I think no one wants to hear about bacteria while eating. Talk about something worthwhile," Maryam said, her eyes shifting between them. Peering her gaze toward Nasrin, she opened her mouth. "Everything looks so delicious. Thank you for this lovely meal. I can't choose what to eat!"

"Oh, yes, I think I am going to overeat," Amir's father said, holding his knife in one hand and a fork in the other.

"Take it easy, Father. Your sugar is off-the-charts," Amir warned him. He was a trained doctor and could tell his father's wellness wasn't in the best shape. But he couldn't tell him that, not without ruining their dinner.

"Oh, let my brother eat. He can have anything he desires, Amir," Nasrin said, giving his father a soft smile. Gazing around the table, she added, "Please, everyone, help yourself. I don't want any leftovers."

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Adnan said, reaching for a large bowl with spicy red lentils and rice.

"Let's not have anyone choke," Farooq commented, staring hard at Amir. "We have the Fun Police around."

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So, it was early in the day that Luna was eating lunch with her family, then she smelled Pakistani food while leaving the restaurant. Amir was eating dinner, but in different time zones. That's the connection. Their abilities are expanding. ;)

Thank you for reading my story. I appreciate you.